Blog, Blog, Bloq

 The time has finally come for another Mononoke Movie. A series that I can't get enough of. There's nothing out right now that matches the creativity and chaos that makes Mononoke so unique. Even when looking at contemporaries like In/Spectre or Mushishi, Mononoke manages to take everything a step further. Where In/Spectre feels like a more violent and less complex version of Mushishi when it comes to the investigations of Spirits. Mononoke takes a more fantastical approach. A key aspect that has made the TV Series and Movies pop that much more. But this isn't a catch-all for Mononoke, this piece is about my thoughts on the second film, The Ashes of Rage.  A surprise sequel that expands on the Ooku (The Harem of Palace of Lord Tenshi) after the events from Phantom in the Rain. With the first film focusing on the Lower Rank Maid Activities and the stress that comes with the service, the second film delves into the Upper Rank Concubines. And what better way than to put the fo...

 This past Spring, the world was treated to Apocalypse Hotel. An Original Anime from CygamesPictures that was directed by Kana Shundo, with a script penned by Shigeru Murakoshi and Sotaro Wada. And to be frank, I was enthralled. The series did a remarkable job at showcasing this hotel at the end of the world. Ultimately, I think it left a mark worth noting.  I came across Apocalypse Hotel when I was looking at the Spring Season of Anime as the Winter Season was ending. And what drew me in was the name. An "Apocalypse Hotel? I wanna know what that's about?" I didn't really need a description or trailers for viewing purposes. I wanted to just jump in and see what all the fuss was about. A method that I trust with television shows more than movies. But even then, I will just dive into any movie that mildly interests me. It builds character and insight. You can tell when something is going to careen off the edge, and when something is going to hit. And Apocalypse Hotel wa...

 This time around I had a few ideas of what to write about. And the one I landed on involves "Side Characters". Not to be confused with Supporting Characters, who are more involved with the main cast and overall story. So, why have I decided on something like this? Well, I thought it would be fun to talk about specific cases from varying genres. This also gives me a reason to talk about an unlikely candidate.  But to ease into the topic, I am going to use One Piece as a springboard. And the perfect character for this, is none other than Curly Dadan. The mountain bandit turned surrogate parent, is without a doubt one of the most slept on characters in the whole series. There's an argument for a more in-depth look at the character, but for now, I am going to focus on what makes her so great. ( Disclaimer : If it wasn't already apparent, spoilers for everything in this post.)  Prior to Dadan's physical debut in the Anime and Manga proper, she is casually mentioned by...

 I want to start this off by saying, RIP to David Lynch. A Master of Horror, who's influence is seen at so many levels of media. Without people like him, we don't get many of the movies, shows, or games that we do. But the reason I am here, is for Perfect Blue.  An incredible and uncomfortable film that was made by Satoshi Kon and the talented team at Madhouse. Prior to my first watch, I really didn't know much about the movie. And I think that is important. Because my only frame of reference was that the main character, Mima, was an idol and being stalked. But what I experienced was much more harrowing.  Perfect Blue goes on the shelf as one of those movies that makes even the most steeled individuals uncomfortable. I say this because I am one of those individuals. I can watch and play most Horror media without being phased. I grew up on stuff like Friday the 13th. Gore is not going to deter me from anything. But there comes a time when even I get tripped up. While there...

 There are many things that I enjoy in this world. And one of those things is when art breaks the boundaries of their conventions. Something middling can drown out these faults because of how the presentation is handled. It's that creativity and willingness to try that makes me love something. An example of this for me is the game, Killer is Dead. An action game from Grasshopper Manufacture that outperforms because of how beautiful the art style is, along with the over-the-top nature of the gameplay and storytelling. It makes this impression that lasts amongst a sea of other titles.  While this example is more about my love for silly, and sometimes creepy action titles. The reason for the season is Mononoke The Movie: Phantom in the Rain. A movie that I have been waiting for since it was announced years ago. The original anime captured my love for Japanese Folklore stories along with an art style that I had not seen used much in animation. Mononoke was not only able to convey ...

 I'm not gonna lie, I was kinda stumped on what to write about this time around. A lot of bullshit is really hampering the processes. So, I was thinking about doing something with TV and Movies again. Initially, I was going to go in a much different direction focusing on media literacy, but I have decided to talk about the Sonic OVA instead, or Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie for US people and others who had this cut. One of the big reasons I have decided to go in this direction is the appreciation for this early take on the Blue Blur. There is so much personality and characterization that I feel many adaptations of Sonic seem to lack.  It's a version of Sonic that is absolutely indicative of the time and culture. So, I find it funny that the OVA was produced at Studio Pierrot, known for Naruto and Bleach, and not Toei Animation, known for Dragon Ball and One Piece. Given the obvious relation to Dragon Ball in general and how the OVA is reminiscent of the Sonic CD animations tha...