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Doukyuusei: A Letter To Kusakabe and Sajou

Wednesday, September 28, 2016 / No Comments

Dear Kusakabe and Sajou,

Ogenki desu ka? I still remember that bashful summer where fate had brought both of you closer than anybody else would have had imagined. Those underlying feelings for each other had so intensely surfaced in between the loose sheets of music. Oh, and the soda pop just before the first albeit awkward kiss. Could that be any more beautiful? Apparently it could. I don't know if anybody else had felt strongly about something which had so much poetry from sheer simplicity. Of course, the love between both of you was unapologetically romantic. Come to think of it, a relationship like yours had actually stood out because of what was written in those chapters.

Somebody once said that unlikeliness would usually bring out the most surprises, be them pleasant, dramatic or funny. I relished the comic relief that came as Hara-sen, even though he had a difficult time nursing the effects of an unrequited love. Well, Hara-sen did cross paths with somebody eventually, but that was for another story which I had enjoyed just as much. The ups and downs of a relationship had long been used and abused, but strangely the reaction that I had towards your first conflict with each other was refreshingly raw. I had rooted for both of you to be together and forever. Yeah, a little cliche here.

I would think that living in the moment is actually not so bad. Sure, having a future is important, especially when the backdrop is a typical high school and such. I suppose that the equilibrium was what fuelled this relationship forward and beyond. The unconditional love made the ultimate forgiveness and deeper understanding. Those bits and pieces of emotions floating in the air were just stepping stones that bridged both of you a lot closer than before. Intimacy had truly reinvented itself so brilliantly that nothing else really mattered anymore. The hearts were just beating in sync with each other.

Did I mention that I fell in love with the theme song? Like I said before, there was just so much poetry throughout your love story. Who could ever get tired of reminiscing about the good old days? If only those chapters could keep on writing and writing. Both of you had walked together so finely. Naturally, there is the whole set of manga in greater detail. Nonetheless, just for a little longer...I would like those feelings to linger about silently as I close this letter to both of you. Thank you for your story. Thank you. Ogenki de.

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪

Figure Unboxing and Review: Nendoroid #258: Saber Zero Ver. (Good Smile Company)

Tuesday, September 27, 2016 / 2 Comments

After unboxing and reviewing the cute and cuddly Saber Lion Nendoroid previously, perhaps its fitting that this post features the most masculine version of Saber yet, complete with her black suit, sleek motorbike and a set of stern expressions to boot. This version of Saber made her first appearance in Ufotable's Fate/Zero anime and the Nendoroid also includes the iconic reinforced Yamaha motorcycle she uses in an epic chase scene that occurs towards the end of the second season.

I was re-introduced to the Fate/Stay Night franchise via Fate/Zero, after having watched the Unlimited Blade Works anime some time ago. Bastardised viewing order aside, the prequel ignited my interest in the franchise, with the ending leaving me with enough questions to warrant a complete playthough of the visual novel. Fate/Zero's Saber is completely different from the one that most people know, lacking her usual humorous qualities, which is understandable given the circumstances of the anime.

The packaging sports the usual pre-No. 300 design and there's even a pose suggestion for collectors who own the Saber Super Movable Edition Nendoroid along with the the Fate/Zero one. Other than that, there's nothing outstanding about the box's design, showcasing the usual host of poses and information.

But what caught my eye when I was unboxing the Nendoroid would be the addition of an extra base, as part of the Nendoroid line's 300th figure anniversary at that time. An extra base is included with every Nendoroid purchased between December 2012 and January 2013.

The catch here is that the Nendoroid purchased has to be from a specified list. Fortunately, Saber Zero Ver. happens to be on that list and as luck would have it, the base sporting a road graphic is included with mine. The other two bases feature a classroom floor and a dirt track, far from ideal in this Nendoroid's case.

Other than the extra base included at the back, what immediately caught my eye in the blister pack would be Saber's armoured motorcycle and windswept hairpiece. Naturally, her Noble Phantasm, Excalibur is thrown in along with the usual host of arms, hands and legs.

Upon closer inspection, I realised that Good Smile Company probably took inspiration from the Saber Motored Cuirassier scale figure they created in the same year. The Saber Zero Ver. Nendoroid is a scaled down, chibi version of the figure but loses none of the intricacy and attention to detail. The motorcycle looks just as sleek and menacing and her windswept hair accessory even has a spot on the top for you to attach her signature ahoge.

Including the motorcycle for the final pose was a no-brainer and I immediately replicated the scale figure's pose. This is perhaps the Nendoroid with the most dynamic pose in my collection. Saber's windswept hair, blazer and stern expression are able to replicate the memorable chase scene in the anime. Fortunately, the photos turned out great no matter the angle, even with my mediocre skills in photography.

A final plus point would be how easy it is to pose the Nendoroid. Attaching the bent leg parts and arms allowed Saber to sit comfortably on the motorcycle and since her right arm is inserted into the handle, she won't be falling off anytime soon.

I'm approaching the halfway point for my list of Saber Nendoroid unboxings and I hope to complete the collection during my trip to Japan in two months' time.

Written by ET

Nanoblock: Naruto SasuNaru

Sunday, September 25, 2016 / 2 Comments

Welcome back fellow nerds!

On another episode of nanoblocks, I present to you my OTP of all time: Sasunaru!!

The whole Naruto series consists of a Kakashi and another Gaara, but I shall save those for another day. As usual, I bought the entire series, and while I can't say much for the individual pieces, I was a little peeved about the fact the one of them were missing a base piece. That is. the single large base for which the nanoblock to stand on.

I'm not sure if Sasuke was meant to have a base, but I had to separately purchase other bases. If I remember correctly, my Sailormoon series also had missing bases, but it wasn't as bad as my Miku that was short of shoulder pieces LOL.

Here's all of the characters in the Naruto series, but right now I'll only show you the Sasuke and Naruto ones. I haven't gotten around to building the other two yet ;;

So without further ado.. TADAH! My lovely cuties~

I built Sasuke first, because I'm biased towards the Uchiha. I was actually pretty impressed with the details he had. At first it seemed quite mediocre, until I turned him over and saw his back. And there it was! The Uchiha fan!! Sasuke also came with pieces for a sword, which is really cool, all things considering.

I also thought that it might have been tough with all his blues, but they managed different shades, and I felt the designers did manage to capture the essence of Sasuke. Instead of black eyes they went with red, which was a nice touch.

His signature duck-butt hairstyle was slightly hard to replicate, but somehow it was quite well done too. Overall, 10/10.

Then on to Naruto. He obviously had less details, and unless I self paint his Uzumaki whirl on, it's impossible to have it. I did, however, like his bandage on one knee, and also his butt weapons pouch! So cute!

His headband also had the two long strings flopping down, points up! Naruto's orange is really vibrant in real life, and that goes for his hair as well.

Overall these two are adorable as heck and also relatively cheap compared to the Japanese ones. I don't think there is any Japanese version, but compared to any of their nanoblocks, Loz is definitely cheaper.

I actually bought a lot of other designs from Loz, but time eludes me.

Well, that concludes my Sasunaru for today, nerd out!

Written by: ninetylives

March comes in like a Lion

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I can't believe just how some things have passed me by for a pretty long time, yet there has long been an awareness of such lingering around the back of my head. Recently, while browsing in Books Kinokuniya I came across a series of manga that will have an anime adaptation in October (essentially the Fall season). Its drawing style is honestly not something that I would be remotely intrigued by, but like what I have said about the lingering stuff it had actually triggered something in my head. So I made a mental note to sample some. Anybody here reads 3-gatsu no Lion (March comes in like a Lion)?

The series has a rather interesting line-up, with the main character being a professional shogi player since a very young age, and how his life entwines with those of the people around him, in particular a trio of sisters living nearby. The theme of shogi seems to serve as just a backdrop and not overwhelm with its technicalities which is good, because I don't have plans to learn the game anytime soon. The story is also fairly slow-paced and not desperate to go anywhere. Anyway, I should say that my curiosity had suddenly multiplied, and I found myself reading until...Chapter 32 or somewhere around there.

Yeah, so the professional shogi player is Kiriyama Rei, who was 17 at the start of the manga. Rei comes across as severely socially awkward, but we quickly realise the reasons which have shaped him the way that he is. He leads an independent life after staying and training with his shogi teacher, though at one glance it isn't difficult telling that the so-called independence is actually nondescript and worrying. But fate had Rei meet with the Kawamoto sisters, who took an instant liking to him and informally act as his family of sorts. Oh, did I mention that there are also cats in this? The cats have their own voices throughout the manga!

Spending time over at the Kawamotos gradually opens up Rei's vulnerability and his gentle nature. His life alternates between them, shogi and high school. Apparently, his status as a professional shogi player is larger than imagined, though there are obviously stronger and better players surrounding him. Rei's key opponents in shogi are somewhat a haphazard mix. Sure, they are rivals yet it is just as evident that they also genuinely care for Rei outside of the game. One particular guy stands out: Nikaidou Harunobu. Nikaidou has no sense of shame at all when it comes to Rei. We also realise that Rei has a tough time fighting off Nikaidou's overpowering invasion of personal space and such. Does anybody think that they are friends anyway?

Besides the anime adaptation, there is a two-part live-action film adaptation which will premiere in March and April next year. I'm more interested in the anime though. Oddly, I don't find myself the least inclined to watch live-action adaptations. It is the same for other manga titles. Hmm. Anyway, I shall attempt to follow this series regularly. There is a subtle charm working!

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪

Yuumi - Alien Hunter

Saturday, September 24, 2016 / No Comments

Name : Yuumi (Alien Hunter)

Height : 168cm

Weight : 50kg

Vital Stats : 34C-24-36

Birthday : 25 September 1988

Creator : Max Wong

Yuumi which stands for courage(Yuu) and beauty(Mi) is an Alien Hunter who thrives deep in the Amazon rainforest. Caught in a cross fire between a New-Born Alien and a Predator many years ago, Yuumi’s left eye was scarred and blinded by sulphuric acid sprayed from the alien. Incidentally, this works to her advantage as she shoots even better with a single eye. Armed with a few high-tech weaponry comprising of her Bow-and-Arrows, smart watch and survival knife, she is more determined than ever to protect Earth by wiping out the aliens.

The symbol on Yuumi’s forehead was a result of a scar; a “friendship” forged between a Predator and her. The Predator torched her forehead in what is to become her name “ゆ”. That was a symbolic sign that signified friendship - “The enemy of my enemy is my friend” (The Predator and Alien being sworn enemies).

Yuumi's Dri-fit polyester/lycra suit enables her to move fast and wick perspiration off her body. It bears her second name which is similar to the hiragana word “み”

Inspired by the movie : Predators (left) vs Alien (right)

Years of physical training helped shape Yuumi’s physique to a point where she can do 20 single-hand pushups, bench press a maximum of 45kg and run 2.4km in 10:30min with full gears.

Yuumi uses a few high-tech weaponry such as:

HAWKEYE X-71 SMART WATCH

The Hawkeye smart watch incorporates advanced Octa Core 128-bit Alphapheonix processor for super fast multi-tasking processing. It has a 2 inch touch screen functionality which toggles between different applications. The smart watch is able to track the exact location of Aliens using the radar and infra-red sensor technology. It can also calculates the number of arrows remaining via the movement sensor of the pull-and-release motion. This information comes in handy without Yuumi having to reach out behind to feel the arrows.

STINGRAY SR-1 CROSSBOW

Made of solid reinforced titanium, the Stingray Crossbow packs a deadly punch to a maximum distance of 600m. As accuracy diminishes from 300m onwards due to flight projectory, it uses smart auto laser calibration which illuminates 85 milliwatts (650nm) laser on the target from 301m to 600m. Thus, even when the bow and arrow is pointing up, the arrow “locks on” to the target where the laser diode is pointed at.

RAMBO III SURVIVAL KNIFE

Yuumi uses the finest survival knife as she is dealing with monsters which is out of this world. The Rambo III knife is made of 440C stainless steel and measures 11 inch with 7 sawteeth which cuts through wire mesh. Yuumi uses this knife to clear dense forest trails, cut woods for fire and of course, Aliens’ throats.