Vorvodoss

Syk3> I completely agree with the point you make. [spoiler]Shinji masturbating over Asuka's body is more what I was referring to. It is so crucial to the story and I was pleased and amazed to see it in the story.[/spoiler] I think Evangelion is a great example of when adult situations/nudity is needed. When I say kids, I am really referring to anyone who can't understand the subject matter. Heck, if there's an eleven year old out there who can understand the subject matter, then great. I think a good age for most anime nudity is 16 but in America the age is eighteen. Who's to say that isn't a little closer to an appropriate age?

Um...wasn't trying to get anyone mad. Also, I'm not sure what you mean by "spam" Psyco. The post I made about no one posting was mostly a joke...so sorry if it offended you. Tsukasa/Squall> .hack//INFECTION is actually a very good game to get. It quite accurately simulates the idea of a MMORPG (for those who don't know: Massively Multiplayer Online Roleplaying Game) and is fun in that respect. My only warning to you is that the battle system gets a little confusing and so much happens on the screen that it gives me headaches from time to time. But, then again, most games do that to me. What I will say, to everyone, is that if you are interested in .hack at all then I suggest going all the way. There's no harm in just watching the anime or only reading the manga but I think the story is a little incomplete (not to mention confusing) if you don't see it from all angles. .hack//SIGN takes place before the events in the game but you miss some things (bet you didn't make much of the mention of "Lord Orca" in the series ;)). Let me know if you get the game and if you enjoy it.

Thanks! :)

Two examples come to mind, neither of which are Hentai (though they skate close): Ninja Scroll and Death of Evangelion. Ninja Scroll: the famous tongue bath scene is so very necassary because it enhances the story (poison anyone?) and also develops character. It's supposed to make you feel uncomfortable and does it well. When the "mayor" of the town is having sex while having a conversation we get the feeling this man is seriously depraved. Death of Evangelion: there is a scene in the beginning (I won't spoil) in which something fairly graphic is touched (pun intended). In this scene, again the nudity is supposed to make us feel uncomfortable and it succeeds. Also, if you listen to the commentary in the American release the filmmakers relate a story in which they were critisized in Japan for the main character using the "F" word. Japanese audiences thought it was excessive use of profanity. However, they didn't bat an eye at the nudity. Finally (but perhaps foremost) certain animes (both of the ones I've mentioned) shouldn't be viewed by children (of any age)! Evangelion -- the whole series -- is way too complex for kids to deal with and Ninja Scroll would probably bore most kids. I'm trying not to make an overgeneratlization here and can't narrow it down to just one age group but perhaps parents take an active role in what their kids are watching and try to regulate it a little bit more. Those parents who don't do this are often the same type of people who think that ALL anime is Hentai. *steps off the soapbox so someone else can get on*

I wasn't aware that there was a Japanese version available in the states. Is it worth buying? That is...I have the American release so should I bother? Also, what's a good price for that? As far as Anno's state of mind. Yeah, he had daddy issues. But, the series is what it is [i]because[/i] of those issues. I know no one is saying any different it's just that it's important to say! :)

Not sure if these were mentioned but: *Devilman (and the more recent DevliLady) - surprisingly good and not too many have actually seen it *Vampire Hunter D (the original) - oldy but goody *Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust - new and better :) *Trigun - pretty well known but hasn't made it to TV yet...What? Cartoon Network is going to add it to their lineup? Hmmmm... ;)

I stumbled upon a relatively new magazine at one of my local otaku stores called [i]NewType[/i]. Great magazine and probably the best anime news source I've seen to date. The only issue with it is that some of the stuff was a little behind the times due to delayed print schedules and they were a little misleading on the cover saying they had exclusive news about [i]The Renewal of Evangelion[/i] (basically, there isn't going to be one). However, despite these two shortcomings, the magazine made up for it by introducing me to my new favorite anime -- Saiyuki! The magazine came with a demo of the first episode. The first five will be released with a limited artbox (great art too) on April 29th. The concept is simple: four adventuring friends, three of whom are half-demons who stay in human form with the use of voluntary power inhibitors, must travel to Shangrilah(sp?) to stop the rise of an evil demon lord. The setting is psuedo-modern, though, which makes the show that much more interesting. One of the heroes has a little dragon familar who can transform into a jeep for a fast getaway. The animation and art is pretty good and, in some places, downright beautiful. Unfortunately, there are moments when (possible for comedic effect?) characters appear like Pokemon characters. I'm a little new to studying the whys behind animation and character design choices so anyone who wants to explain this to me would be great. You see it in some of the more beautiful animes (Trigun is a perfect example). The animation will be clean and sharp one moment and then switch to big teardrops on the head, rivers of tears from the eyes, and heads exploding to gigantic proportions! Then it all switches back???? Why? :) I'm gonna recommend Saiyuki based on this one episode. I hardly ever do this but I've watched the first episode three times in as many days and for that one alone I think it's worth the risk. So far, the only real criticism in the first episode is that we don't actually get to see the fights. If this improves in the rest of the series, I'll have nothing real bad to say. As soon as I see more I'll start posting more thoughts and comments. I'll leave this post with this scene from the first episode (minor spoiler follows). One of the characters is attacked from behind by a demon snarling and clawing its way to our hero. The hero (Gojo(sp?)) reaches out one hand and grasps the demon's head. In a white burst of banishing light. The hero makes a smart comment (I won't run the chance of ruining that as this show's dialogue is the best I've heard in a while) and we cut to another fight. Believe me....pure AWESOME! *walks away shaking his head muttering: "I'm such a fanboy."*

Did you get my email? Hmmm... Yeah! I'd love to write for the site. I'm about ten hours into "Infection" and have some thoughts. Are you planning on a Spoiler Section for those so inclined? That's where I'd put some of the analytical stuff I want to write. I could also do a FAQ on the game for you...assuming people want to write in and actually ask the questions! Hehe. The character design is astounding, I agree. In the dubbed version (I've only seen the first episode subbed so far) the voices sometimes get on my nerves. However, certain characters are designed in such a way that they grate on your nerves if they are meant to (Sora(sp?)) and totally endear themselves to you if intended (Subaru...such a cutie). Much like Rei Ayunami in Eva, great care went into the characters and it pays off. Since I have only yet seen the first five eps of "Sign" I can't spoil too much...LOL. As far as what the "Guardian" says: that's a really vague question. Tsukasa has a guardian that protects quite physically. Without spoiling, I just want to clarify that his actual "Guardian" does not speak. As far as the other two characters that might be construed as Guardians, one speaks without sound intentionally (see an earlier post on this thread and/or James's .hack//SIGN site for more detail) and one is admittedly cryptic. If you want to send me a private message then we can figure out what's confusing you without ruining it for everyone else, K? Great question though...has me thinking about a lot of things. OK...I'm going to go watch my demo copy of the first episode of Saiyuki again. What is Saiyuki you may ask? Well, I'm gonna post that in a different thread soon! ;) TTFN

What things do you get confused about? Make a list and I'll help you through them the best I can. :)

BTW, James> Great banner! I'm not sure where you are in the world but the Wind Waker comes out tomorrow in my neck of the woods. Thanks for getting back to me so quick. I am more interested now that I know my DVD isn't busted! LOL. Project .hack is so incredible. I think the people who aren't diggin' it haven't tried to experience the whole thing. Once you've watched the OAV, played the game, and watched at least the first five episodes of the series I'm not sure if it's possible not to be, at the very least, intrigued! :) Now, I wonder -- have any of you caught the influence of Evangelion in this series? This might be a rehashed topic but I'll ask just the same. The character design, if I'm not mistaken, is from the same team that did the Eva characters and I find a number of simlarities between them. What are everyone's thoughts on this?

Hey all. I just started reading the forums here but this anime is the reasons I came to this site in the first place. I'm playing the game, have watched the OAV twice, love the tv show...yeah, I'm hooked. Though Evangelion is still my favorite there is something very powerful and sometimes overwhelming about .hack. I posted a couple questions on another thread but I'll repeat them here: 1. The little cat creature in the tv show sometimes speaks without sound. Is this normal or is my DVD messed up? I'm asking that you do NOT spoil anything for me. If it starts making sound later or never does, that's fine...just tell me my DVD is normal. 2. Mimiru's dubbed voice is the same as Asuka's isn't it? This is less a question than a plea for confirmation. OK...love the site! Oh, and James, if you would like any help on the site let me know. I am a writer and would love the chance to not only write reviews of each episode but possible start a series of analytical articles delving into the importance of .hack.

Hey all. I'm new here and this questions may have already been asked. If not...here you go: In .hack//sign, there are moments when the little cat character (please don't spoil anything...I'm only in the fifth episode) speaks without making sound. Without telling me too much, could y'all let me know if this is normal? I want to make sure that I don't have a defective DVD. Question #2: Correct me if I'm wrong but Mimiru's dubbed voice is the same as Asuka's in Evangelion, isn't it? Just wanted to know if anyone knew for sure and/or what Asuka's actor's name is. Ok...well, great site and all that jazz and thank to anyone who can answer these questions. TTFN