Magus

[size=1][color=darkred]I'm so glad I decided to skip that episode. Having read the latest chapter, I don't think it was bad, but it wasn't exciting either. I just thought it was decent. Shunsui was the highlight of the chapter for me this time. I think it's messed up that it takes so many captains/vice captains to take down one traitor. And what the heck is that old geezer doing? Him and Gin.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=darkred][b]Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex/ 2nd GIG[/b] General Opinion: Best anime I've seen so far [u]Positives[/u] Animation - Most of the time when people say something along the lines of "________ has great animation", I usually get my hopes up and compare it to this (even though it may not be fair). Anyway, for the most part the animation remains consistent throughout the series. Fights/gun fights were smooth and crisp. Characters - I like the cast. I found none of the characters to be annoying at all, although I do feel like some could've been exploited a little more. Plot - It's an extremely detailed series, and I've never been a fan of politics, but this series made it / kept it interesting enough for me to follow. Cast - The dub is great. I don't know how the sub sounds but I don't think I'd care to hear it now after hearing the dub. [u]Negatives[/u] Extremely chatty - It can be a turn off for some. Personally, I have no issues with it as long as it can keep me intrigued. Characters - Like I said, I found no one to be annoying at all, but none of them outside of Batou and Motoko (and possibly Togusa) comes off as exciting either. I can understand if people found majority of the cast to be on the boring side. Think I'll tackle some shonen next since I have a lot to say about those. [/size][/color]

[size=1][color=darkred]Man, where's the action at? Like rotlung said, all or most of these shows are geared towards fanservice, and that's just not my thing. It's like that's been the case throughout the entire year of 09. I really hope there will be a little more variety in genres come this spring, and continue onward for the rest of the year. In any case, I'm gonna catch up on more shows I've yet to see. Baccano, Gundam 00 (2nd season), Code Geass (finish up on it anyway) and Tales of the Abyss.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=darkred]So I just finished watching episodes 1-10 and I'm getting ready to watch ep 11. (I did end up skipping episode 6 since I saw that on adult swim, and I really can't stand episodes like that) I have to say that I'm definately pleased with what I'm seeing. Even though Lelouch is a lot like Light Yagami, I tend to favor him moreso than Light. (Light spouted the same "becoming the new God" just got on my nerves) I'm a little tipsy with Suzaku right now. One moment I like him, and the next I can't stand him. When he's around the other students he's tolerable, but when he goes on talking about people should join this or that trying to be a goodie-goodie, he really gets on my nerves. My favorite character so far, though is Cornelia. Strong women that can actually hold their own (and use their heads) are great to see. She seems to come off as a very ruthless person, but that's fine, ruthless = great.... "coughs" (Only in fiction alright) :animeswea I'm assuming there is no clear cut hero or villain in this series outside of the Black Knights (except for Lelouch) right? Everyone seems so devious and whatnot and it's kind of hard to tell whose who. I'm not a fan of Clamp because of the lankiness to the characters, but this is some impressive designs. A character I'm on the lookout for, I don't know his name but he has a sword, and looks like he follows the code of a samurai or something. He look like he'll be my favorite character overall.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=darkred]I thought the chapter was decent. Yep, haxxed. to the fullest. Sasuke reminded me of Vegeta or one of them powering up in anger. Danzou, for me just became the most interesting character in this series.[/size][/color]

[color=darkred][size=1]Not an exciting chapter this week, but at the same time I still thought it was pretty good. Aizen stole the chapter. Kind of hard to believe that even with the mask Ichigo hasn't closed the gap between him and Aizen, not even a little bit.[/size][/color]

[quote name='Heaven's Cloud']I picked up [B]Bayonetta[/b] yesterday. So far I enjoy it, but the load times are a little bit of a pain (I read that this is only a problem on the PS3 version, so if you buy it for the 360 you should be kosher). The main character is really fun though, like a hot chick version of Dante from the DMC series. It is taking me a little while to learn to cope with the speed of the game though.[/QUOTE] [size=1][color=darkred]I like what I've hearing about Bayonetta. I'm not a fan of all the sexual poses and whatnot, but from what I've seen with the trailers and stuff, I can definately look past that. I read something from someone else that made it sound like it was a cross between Ninja Gaiden and Devil May Cry. That definately made my ears perk up. I can't get the game now, but I'm definately looking forward to playing it some day. I did beat [b]Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater[/b] on Friday. I did end up getting a couple of game overs a couple of times because I either forgot how to do something or I was doing something stupid. The next time I play it, I will try my hands with the normal difficulty. "Deep breath" (I'm scared of what The Boss is going to put me through) I know I once stated that I was done with the RPG genre for a little bit, but that's not going to last long at all because I beat these games that I own entirely too fast, and I'd end up getting bored with them fairly quickly. So for the time being while I continue playing [b]Devil May Cry 3[/b], I'll be trying to get my hands on some money so I can get [i]Persona 3 and Persona 4[/i]. My brother-in-law will be sending me [i]Dragon Quest 8[/i] so I'll get a chance to attempt to finish up my favorite rpg. While I'm on the subject of RPG's, has anyone ever played the Ar Tonelico, Disgaea (I'm not a fan of S/TRPGs, but I wanna try something different), and Atelier Iris games? I'm also curious about Mana Khemia. I was checking out some clips and each of them looked pretty interesting. I just wanna know if they're worth checking out.[/size][/color]

[quote name='Rachmaninoff'][FONT="Trebuchet MS"]What kind of onions did you try? I've found that red onions tend to be a little sweeter and more agreeable on a hamburger. I don't like white or yellow but red onions are actually fairly good on a hamburger, especially if thinly sliced. [/FONT][/QUOTE] [size=1][color=darkred]White... I think I'll try dicing (I think that's the term... I want them very small, like how White Castle cut the onions) the onions next time.[/size][/color]

[quote name='taperson'][SIZE="1"][COLOR="RoyalBlue"]Onions & tomatoes are nasty. I used to dislike celery, but now it's really grown on me.[/COLOR][/SIZE][/QUOTE] [size=1][color=darkred]What you do, keep forcing yourself until it grew on you? That's what I'm pretty much doing now, but I gotta find some better ways to go about it because raw onions is too much. Maybe I should try to grill or broil them.. I can handle raw carrots though :).[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=darkred]Hey, I got a nomination. :) [b]1) Member of the Year:[/b] chibi-master (I almost forgot your name "coughs") [b]2) Male Member of the Year:[/b] Ace, Gavin [b]3) Female Member of the Year:[/b] Sangome, chibi-master, taperson [b]4) Staff Member of the Year:[/b] OB Staff [b]5) Otaku of the Year:[/b] I don't recall anyone nerding out last year [b]6) Funniest Member:[/b] Ace. Look at the Naruto manga thread [b]7) Storyteller of the Year:[/b] [b]8) RPG of the Year:[/b] [b]9) Thread of the Year:[/b] Padded Room I know I'm forgetting something/one I can't think of at the moment.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=darkred]So I just tried eating raw onions on my burgers for the first time.... That was horrible, but I made it through it. :sick: I'm not much of a vegetable person, but I decided to eat more of it this year. Onions down, tomato and celery is next... [strike]$@$%@[/strike] Hate them things.[/size][/color]

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE=1]And finally we're back to getting a chapter next week, although we may get it even earlier than usual again apparently. Also, the latest episode of the anime (252 I think) had the best combat scenes I've seen in a long time in Bleach.[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [size=1][color=darkred]I also watched the latest episode of Bleach despite my hatred over what Orihime did, and I have to say that was the best episode I've seen. Now if only the canon episodes can be animated like that I'd place Bleach as a favorite in terms of action. (It has so much potential, but like Naruto, the action/animation is far too inconsistent) Man, while I haven't been all that bored yet, I just haven't really felt like reading anything else besides the big 3 shonen series right now. (Even though I talk trash about Bleach and Naruto so much, I have to admit that they still draw me in somehow.)[/size][/color]

[quote name='chibi-master']It's really starting to get on my nerves that in every book I've tried to read in my free time so far has bedn about a teenager saving the word with magical powers and such that are MEANT FOR THE CHOSEN ONE OWAIT YOU ARE THE CHOSEN ONE. It's a pretty interesting topic, but it's just overused so very much... I can handle a large bulk of it only if it's in manga and/or anime, but wordy novels are a no-go.[/QUOTE] [size=1][color=grey]Thought about switching genres?[/color][/size]

[quote name='Allamorph'][FONT=Calibri]Couple of names come to mind for me. First up is [URL="http://i152.photobucket.com/albums/s182/Artysci_FW/Nikana/devil_may_cry_vergil.jpg"][COLOR="Blue"]Vergil[/COLOR][/URL], the [I]other[/I] son of Sparda. Vergil is essentially the exact opposite of Dante: he does not speak or move more than is necessary; his dress is refined and carefully chosen; he is smooth and patient and the epitome of power through precision. And even though fighting him is an absolute *****, you just can't help but look forward to every time he shows up. Personally I like his coat. . . . and vest shirt and tie. > >[/FONT][/QUOTE] [size=1][color=grey]Can't believe I forgot about him, and I'm getting ready to start playing that game again. And I really can't give a better explanation than what was already posted. The guy is cutthroat and straight to the point. Those are always the best type of villains (need more heroes like that too) I also like his coat, too.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=darkred][b]Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger[/b] First off, I like it (at the same time I just thought it was okay), but that's where it stops. I don't think it was nearly as good as when it first started out. During New Challenger, it was like the focus completely changed directions or something. For one they could've gave Ippo some better challengers for him to defend his belt against or something. I mean where is Vorg, Saeki and I think there were a couple more. All of them could've came back for a rematch. I hate that it ended during a training session, and I hate that Ippo and Miyata didn't get to fight again. Ippo could've, should've moved onto trying to challenge Ricardo for the world title. There's a lot of things they could've done with Ippo, but it seem like they kept him at a standstill sucking up to other characters and become more of a teacher. Takamura did end up saving this series for me though. The guy is too goofy for his own good, but at the same time he still remains to be one of the best characters in it. (I still favor Miyata and Sendo though) The fights were great to see. Can feel the impact of each blows (some of it tend to be a little over the top at times) Overall it's a great series (combining both together), but it turned out to be a disappointment in the end. I do hope they make another series or something because I'd definately like to see Miyata and Ippo fight again, or at the very least see Ippo go after the world title. Edit: What the heck is with this green.. I said grey.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=gray]Man, no chapters of anything for 2 weeks really sucks. I really do want to see more of what Danzou is capable of, not to mention this whole Itachi thing.[/color][/size]

[quote name='Ace'][FONT="Comic Sans MS"]On the subject of subs, Gratuitous Japanese. I can hear it just fine myself, thanks. Now tell me what the hell it means. Honestly, what is the point of translating something if you're only going to do it halfway and leave your audience even more bewildered than before?[/FONT][/QUOTE] [size=1]I was just on the receiving end of something similar to that. I was watching Hajime no Ippo: New Challenger and the translation sucked in an episode. One moment, subtitles were being displayed, and next moment they weren't yet the characters were talking. Honestly, if I have to put up with crappy translation, I'd rather stick with dubs that sound off or horrible. I prefer that my anime be dubbed as it is, and seeing crap like that only pushes me even further to drop subtitles.[/size]

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE=1]I may try the series again in a few days (after The Lost Symbol anything will seem good) as I did like the majority of the characters with the exception of Luffy himself who has moments of such dire stupidity I want to tie an anchor to his legs and toss him into the sea. [/SIZE][/QUOTE] [color=navy]Completely understandable seeing how I didn't start liking Luffy until the Enes Lobby and Thriller Bark arcs. His stupidity was really annoying, but his loyalty to his crew was what won me over, especially during the Enes Lobby arc.[/color]

[quote name='Gavin'][SIZE=1] Having lost the will to continue a hundred and twenty something chapters in after the same formula of plot regurgitation of gather crew-member beat villain seemed in full effect I must respectfully disagree my friend.[/SIZE][/QUOTE] [color=navy]I agree with Ace. Oda handles a lot of things way better than Kishi. Characterization is handled a lot better in One Piece than Naruto. (I actually enjoy main characters for once) The "friendship" theme is handled better. The only thing I'd actually give Naruto over One Piece is the artwork. One Piece is an ugly series. And unlike Naruto, each arc in One Piece gets better and better. Everything tends to pick up during when the crew ends up in Logue town. (pick up a tad bit anyway) But at least you tried :) And all fails when compared to Rurouni Kenshin... MWAHAHAHA "coughs" sorry.[/color]

[color=navy]I just beat Metal Gear Solid 2 on VE (I know, I'm a wimp lol). I was doing pretty good on the Normal difficulty setting for a while, and eventually I will get back to it, but all the node logins was becoming annoying. I'll probably start playing either Metal Gear Solid 3 or Devil May Cry 3 next. Maybe both. Who knows... I should try to find a place that sell Okami for a cheap price since I never finished the game and was really liking the feel and look of the game. [/color]

[color=navy][strike]More topic thievery.[/strike] A neat little idea I got from another forum. I thought this might be a little fun thing to do for the OB since this year is coming to a close fairly quick, might I add. What you do is list your top 10 favorites in order (I know, it's going to be pretty hard since it's only ten). When it comes to tallying points, #1 gets 10 points, #2 gets 9, and so forth. Two to three weeks should be enough right or should it be 3-4 weeks? Extention if not enough nominations. Friday, January 15 is where I'm thinking about a cut off date at the moment. To keep this from being a "list" thread just give a sentence or 2 explaining what you like about it. Should I have posted this in the convention center?[/color]

[size=1][color=navy]Ace, please don't post anymore abridged series... (Even though I only watch DBZ abridged) because I automatically think of episode 10 of DBZ abridged. [Youtube]ZnfXlVZCFCc[/Youtube] I know it's suppose to be christmas specials but that's my favorite.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=navy]Wow, people are something else... Attempt of terrorism on Christmas, in Detroit.... Of all places... (Really?) Don't people know that we Detroiters are a rowdy bunch? I just heard this on the news. Uhh.. My Christmas was ok considering we took a hit with this financial crisis and whatnot.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=navy]Man, I just recently finished this series for the 2nd time, and it seems even better this time than the first time I read it. Probably because I decided to read the Kyoto arc this time :). I'm glad I did read that arc too because there were some things I didn't expect that was changed in the anime. [spoiler]Kaoru not knowing Aoshi.[/spoiler] I also had no idea that [spoiler]Trust and Betrayal[/spoiler] was in the manga. It's a lot more comedic that's for sure, and I didn't mind it since those moments were actually funny. [spoiler]Yahiko's chapter special.... Was that little girl at the other dojo suppose to be Saitoh's daughter?[/spoiler] It hadn't dawned on me until I saw his name come up. Favorite character(s): Aoshi Shinomori. The guy just has awesome written all over him. I like pretty much everyone except for Kaoru, Sanosuke, Misao and Yahiko [spoiler](until he got older)[/spoiler]. I don't hate Kaoru as much as I used to now. (I don't really hate her at all now. But she's still not a favorite) I've actually been getting a change of heart about her. I couldn't stand her worrying and yelling Kenshin all the time, but her comedic side has grown onto me. I don't hate Sano, I just find him annoying. Like I said before, he talks entirely too much. I found Misao to be straight up annoying. Like Kaoru, I've been having a change of heart about Yahiko, especially during the Jinchuu arc. Another issue that I saw with this series. There were too many "Just one more attack" moments. While it's not a big problem, it was pretty stupid to have characters say that. If characters do connect that attack then what?... It makes them look stupid. And then there were too many instances where people are giving away Kenshins moves. There were a couple of times I found myself saying "SHUT UP". Other than that I had a blast reading this again. Favorite manga series at the moment. Onward to reading the rest of Samurai Deeper Kyo now.[/size][/color]

[size=1][color=navy]It's kind of strange that there's no chapter this week seeing that spoilers were released. Aizen....... Not to mention that there are new Naruto and One Piece chapters this week. (Need more people to post in the One Piece thread)[/size][/color] Edit: [size=1][color=navy]So there was a chapter this week. "Sigh" These people have got to learn to stop explaining their abilities in the middle of a fight. I know it's for us to understand it and all, but it urks me to see babblin off at the mouth about their abilities and know good and well that Aizen is a probably the best strategist in the series. Explain the ability after you critically harmed the opponent.. A cut on the arm is nothing to be gloatin over >_> Aizen's face was indeed priceless, but Shinji's face made up for it.[/size][/color]