My Hero Academia: Season 2!

My Hero Academia: Season 2!

Wednesday, November 8, 2017 / No Comments

This anime was the third (and last?!) on my to-watch list! Fun fact: the western fandom likes abbreviating it to 'BNHA' (Boku no Hero Academia) while its short form in the Japanese fandom is 'MHA'. I found this kind of hilarious. XD

If my memory serves me well, the series started gaining popularity sometime last year, and the number of fans hasn't stopped increasing ever since then. It's like haikyuu where it got super popular amongst many people around me, and of course to find out what the fuss is all about, I had to watch it. Which was something I wasn't planning to do until a friend recommended I watch it, so I relented!

There are posts on here already that mentioned MHA being so popular season 2 was underway when season 1 just finished airing/was still airing :o

Like with Tiger and Bunny, I initially got a little bored in the beginning. Because I watched it after the aforementioned series, it felt like a step back to me since we are back to typical shounen manga settings: the main character is a high school student, and everyone is Japanese (in Tiger and Bunny, people from many different races come together to live in Sternbuild City) etc.

However, there is the more riveting premise of the main character starting out with no special powers, called a quirk in this case (個性 kosei) while 80% of the population already has some sort of quirk. And to be a hero, you must have a suitable quirk to help the people in need. But not Midoriya Izuku - whose dreams have been shattered since he was about 5 years of age when it is found out that he will possess no special ability while almost everyone his age has at least one by that time.

At the age of 15 and about to graduate Middle School, he still hasn't yet given up on that dream, and yearns to enter UA High School which is the recognised elite training school for heroes. Everyone aspiring to be a hero wants to enter the school, and Izuku, though quirkless, also has the same target, even if no one else thinks he can do it. Things look bleak for Izuku, especially when he was very nearly kidnapped while on the way back home.

Then he meets the number 1 hero - All Might. A chain of event follows, and Izuku lucks out - acquiring a special power and entering UA.

And that is just the beginning! Izuku then encounters a new set of problems, and the first ones would be in the form of his childhood friend turned bully (Bakugo Katsuki) being in the same class as he is. On top of that, Izuku must also be able to keep his quirk in control, having only just acquiring it, and to aim for the top.

That would be the gist of season 1. Season 2 is where things start to get really exciting!! UA holds a sports festival every year, and it is always met with great attention from outsiders, since even the happenings of the festival are filmed and aired live on TV. Many different events would be held, but the most anticipated section of the festival would be the showdown between all aspiring heroes in the academy. Potential employers would spectate so it's also a great chance to show each individual's potential!

Along the way, Izuku would meet a new set of problems! The story will go on to focus more on people in class 1-A with the introduction of new characters from other parts of the school. Of course, trouble continue to stir outside UA; the end of season 1 sees the UA training facility being under attack, but the villains show no sign of backing down as they resume planning to tear apart the current state of things.

More notable scenes from the earlier parts of season 2:

And this sports festival is just the tip of the iceberg! The heroes-in-training will then go on their internships while trouble continues to stir in various parts of the country. The challenges the characters face, their interactions with others, and fight scenes are just some of the things you can watch out for. With more problems and discoveries surfacing, Midoriya Izuku's quest to become the best hero does not come easy at all. But then, to quote Isashiki Jun from Ace of Diamond, "No one will intentionally set something easily achievable as their goal."

I am hoping to read the MHA manga soon to find out what happens after the events of season 2! Season 3 is on its way and will be out next year, I can't wait to see more exciting events come to life.

Izuku in a pinch...!

Ritsu

Tiger & Bunny

Tiger & Bunny

Tuesday, November 7, 2017 / No Comments

A previous post of mine mentioned that I have been recommended at least 3 anime to watch to keep myself occupied for the 2 weeks before school starts, and the first one I watched was this! I was hooked and gave it a 9.1/10 rating, and the show gained a new fan.

I was skeptical at first - it was probably the first time for me watching a series where the world centers around heroes and makes use of them to help society, and at the same time profit the ones that are eager to cash in. I could already tell that they are doing the latter from the many sponsor logos shown during the opening credits. Despite that, it's still part of the show's appeal after all - there are fictional and non-fictional sponsors shown, and in the story they are the ones that enable people to become recognised heroes by the city.

The story is set in a fictional city based on real-life New York City. 45 years before, individuals with superpowers start to emerge, termed the NEXT (Noted Entities with Extraordinary Talents). Though not all are able to do so depending on their abilities, there are certain NEXTs who can abuse their powers and deal extensive damage to the city and put the lives of people in danger, which is where the need for heroes come from.

Initially I had been bored during the first episode - until the main character, Wild Tiger changed into civilian clothing and walked around the streets and I decided to stick around at least for him ><! So it seems that Wild Tiger has been a hero for at least a decade, up to this point in time where something major happened in his hero career; arrangements have been made for him to pair with another hero, Barnaby Brooks Jr.

The dynamics between Wild Tiger and Barnaby was rather interesting to watch. Neither of them liked each other, so they don't get along well at all, at least at first. But neither can contest against this arrangement since it is fixed by the company both of them are working for, so we see many problems between them in the early stages of their working relationship. Which means many blunders were made, even when Barnaby has been shown to be a perfectionist. Somehow or the other, they gradually begin to be able to work together and their relationship improves a lot towards the end of the series.

Other than our two main characters, the story develops to show the various personalities of the other heroes and villains, and the struggles they are facing. One thing I like about the series is the kind of struggles presented, and how the characters deal with it. It mostly centres around the family; for example, Wild Tiger himself had to leave his family living in another town, and has difficulties keeping promises to see his family members regularly especially when he wanted to keep his actual job a secret from his daughter.

The show had a rather nail-biting ending, and I heard a second season was supposed to be on the way... but it has been 6 years so I sometimes wonder if plans have not been changed u_u Despite the lack of new content, the show is apparently super popular in Japan still, with new merchandises still being made occasionally as well as a few Tiger and Bunny themed events here and there. I find Tiger and Bunny one of the more promising animated series I've watched in terms of story development, character designs, even the fight scenes - the whole package. You bet I'm still hoping for a sequel after all this time.

Ritsu

Binge A Happy Halloween

Binge A Happy Halloween

Friday, October 27, 2017 / No Comments

The Japanese people never fail to amaze and tempt me with their ever awesomely innovative means of living out their daily lives, and they really take occasions very seriously! Doesn't anybody wish that they could be in Japan this instance? Halloween is a great reason to splurge those dollars and cents on Japanese ideas. What is otherwise a mundane thing gets turned into something so tantalising that one forgets for a moment.

This should effectively ward off the vampires loitering around the neighbourhood. Doritos in Garlic and Pepper! I am not fond of garlic, but the idea sits relatively well for a Halloween party. See how cute the packaging is? There is a flock of bats hovering the skies! Come to think of it, the Doritos do resemble bat wings...

Would you care for some fries drenched in pumpkin and chocolate sauce? Dining at fast food restaurants in Japan must be a blissful feeling, particularly on holidays and such. Seriously, our fries pale too much in comparison! Sure, some people may say that it is just pumpkin and chocolate, but at least it isn't boring. I could easily forgo my diet for this!

Okay, this is killing me. Would anybody eat a squid ink burger? See what I mean? How about a Camembert Chicken burger? Camembert is a type of cow's milk cheese. Just take my money...okay, there isn't a way is there? And the poster alone is enough to kill me over and over...

Shall I go on? While I have no idea if the chicken pieces are any different from the usual, the creative effort is vital in encouraging consumers to take a bucket home. I am no advertising expert, but I like to believe that something like this shouldn't cost an arm or a leg. Besides, this is real eye candy! 

For desserts, I certainly wouldn't mind an entire packet of mini KitKat...Pumpkin Pudding! And the individual wrappers are all different! Okay, please excuse me...I have to wipe the drool off my face. I haven't had a KitKat since...never mind! We need something like this, and more of this!

If anybody is in Japan right now, and happens to drink this...nah, I shall not let out sighs of envy. Nope, I will not.

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪

Death Parade: A Review

Death Parade: A Review

/ No Comments

Towards the end of my summer internship, I had around 2 weeks worth of holidays left before school started and I was keen on occupying myself, so I asked for anime recommendations. The first 3 I was to watch was: Tiger and Bunny, Death Parade, My Hero Academia.

It may be a little odd that I'm talking about the second anime I'm watching first, but a few reasons: it's sandwiched between two hero-based animes, so the themes are quite different - after all Death Parade can get a little gory and depressing - so that's my warning if you are intending to watch it!

Interestingly, the original concept was from Madhouse's short film contribution to the Young Animator Training Project, an annual project which supports training animators. The short film was called Death Billiards, and it was then made into an anime series, Death Parade, consisting of 12 episodes in total. There's even a post on the blog already which gives more details about Death Billiard's debut at Anime Mirai.

I notice that the opening song is more cheerful and uplifting compared to the actual anime itself!

The episode often starts with people being brought to the scene, but they do not remember what happened that led them to their current premise. In order to get out of where they were, they have to stake their lives on a game.

Throughout the series the games are shown to be on either extremes - either ones that are peaceful or provoke violence. One thing in common with all the games are that people's memories will gradually be returned as they progress with the game.

We are first shown Quindecim - a bar run by Decim, a seemingly stoic arbiter of souls who have passed on. His superior, Nona, then introduces a girl - who would be his assistant in judgments.

This series is particularly intriguing in its concept of the afterlife, and also how they portray the reactions and emotions of various people from various backgrounds. Imagine being told that you are unable to leave this dark, rather gloomy and suspicious place until you have played a game, which will be "randomly" selected by a roulette. This struck fear in the hearts of many people, with some attempting to find their way out of the place, but always to no avail.

It may start off dark, but there are also amusing and light-hearted moments in store. The arbiters, as compared to the humans, are having a relatively more relaxed time even if their jobs may seem to be tedious at times. For one, they do not function the same way as humans, but do take interest in human items and take on forms of various kinds of humans. Other things that stand out to me would be how Decim and the girl worked, their relationship, and how the series ended.

The ending contains elements of despair and frustration that struck close to home, which resulted in me shedding tears over it. However you interpret it, I think that, and the series as a whole, sends a message - life in itself is a precious and wonderful thing to have despite what one may think.

Of course, the ending is not meant to counsel one how to lead their lives, since to each their own - but it does make one reflect on certain things. Exactly what, I will leave to your interpretation, but I see them as quite important issues. In short, I'm glad to have been introduced to a beautiful and thought-provoking series (though perhaps I should have watched it when I was in a better state of mind. :T)

Rating: 8.5/10

Ritsu

A Peculiar Halloween

A Peculiar Halloween

Monday, October 23, 2017 / No Comments

Trick or Treat! Halloween is coming, though I don't celebrate the occasion at all. I suppose the closest that I have ever been to Halloween-related was getting free candy as a kid from some event promoter in a shopping mall. Anyway, Halloween parties aren't uncommon here. Almost every party would have a little competition to discover the Best Dressed or Best Halloween Costume, whichever it is called. While I am very certain there is no lack of ideas floating around for people who are into that sort of thing, I thought I would throw in a few suggestions myself since I am feeling a little bored.

For starters, if anybody absolutely hates the idea of all that fancy, gooey make-up and such on the face, it is always possible to go clean. For example, if you have naturally powerful assets like huge goldfish eyes or something, all that is required is just a creepy staring down at people while flashing a thoughtful grin. I wouldn't mind going for that one! ★

Another convenient way of putting together a Halloween get-up is to simply wear a mask, and cover the rest of the body in some dark-coloured fabric. Honestly, you don't even need to resemble anything. Just go around the room solemnly with your cocktail glass or something. ★

But if you are in for some make-up without feeling overwhelmed, how about the strange-looking kid look? It works better if you have longer, messy hair! You just need to work on one side of the face, and wear something long and bulky like your blanket. Drag yourself across the room reluctantly, preferably with one hand sticking out somewhere. ★★

Personally, I wouldn't endorse this act unless I have a secret death wish or something, but it is definitely a creative way to get anybody's attention. Sadako has come a very, very long way, and her legacy continues whether people like it or not. The classic television scene has become a regular fixture of gags and such, though if anybody were to think about it, the stint isn't exactly the smoothest thing. I mean, first of all you need to have really flexible joints. Some experience in yoga or gymnastics is necessary to effectively play the part. ★★★★★

Well, I think I would probably find a couple of horror movies to watch or something on Halloween. Hmm, I should get myself some Halloween candy as well...

Eccentrically Yours.

Written by J.Fluffysheep ♪