tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-47623513780087736362024-02-18T19:28:50.072-08:00Anime WastelandAnime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.comBlogger107125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-50055974651779130462016-10-06T14:16:00.004-07:002016-10-06T14:16:57.658-07:00Danger Zone One (Webcomic Trailer)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/P2lTNGZRsXQ/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/P2lTNGZRsXQ?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
Check it out at <a href="http://www.dangerzoneone.com/">www.DangerZoneOne.com</a>Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-17518829770908460892016-08-05T20:32:00.000-07:002016-08-05T20:32:00.903-07:00AMV Videos! I've always been an AMV fan but, despite having more than a passing interest in video editing, never got around to making my own...until 2014.<br />
<br />
I ended up putting together two videos, the first, titled "Mighty Wings of Macross" is below.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/Ij-BrhKBuNk/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/Ij-BrhKBuNk?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />
And then I did another, with an equally strong '80s vibe, featuring classic anime like Bubblegum Crisis, the original Dirty Pair, Mezzo Forte, Kite, Armitage III, Gunsmith Cats, Cowboy Bebop, and Iria: The Animation. Check 'em out!<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<iframe width="320" height="266" class="YOUTUBE-iframe-video" data-thumbnail-src="https://i.ytimg.com/vi/WXZUQvwjvsU/0.jpg" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/WXZUQvwjvsU?feature=player_embedded" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></div>
<br />Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-80333702108503892882016-08-03T15:30:00.000-07:002016-08-03T15:30:00.314-07:00Wasteland Wednesday: Dragon Ball Z Arrival<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1p_UKPRMhfHpk0gOBkuVBLqa3HjtxiCbU6vOXHdTsL9JiVqUmfIHhjhAPOtBLEAUdd0P_GuwdID8NzrOy3Xq-DCe7xfe3gFk9CHtMAuvAfchBvq2dOBcwobg7I-CeRpLeHPqGNAJw6E/s1600/DBZ.1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhW1p_UKPRMhfHpk0gOBkuVBLqa3HjtxiCbU6vOXHdTsL9JiVqUmfIHhjhAPOtBLEAUdd0P_GuwdID8NzrOy3Xq-DCe7xfe3gFk9CHtMAuvAfchBvq2dOBcwobg7I-CeRpLeHPqGNAJw6E/s640/DBZ.1.jpg" width="390" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This was the first <i>Dragon Ball Z</i> VHS to be released in the North America via FUNimation and Pioneer. The first several episodes were compiled into an 80 minute feature. This release is really the bridge between the prior <i>Dragon Ball</i> series and what would come later in <i>Z</i>. </div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="p2">
The VHS itself came in an over-sized plastic clamshell case. Though these particular cases took up more room, they were far more pleasing to the eye. However, this release suffers from the greatest sin a VHS cover could ever have: the description on the back is way too informative! It kills any surprise the viewer might have had while watching the video. Talk about needing a spoiler tag!</div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoat_dr0WhY9JLJ76gT9fnNYSTFrhB5P8k7jmRd61fQg_lZZM7sLgFeM6hj_PNeA6VS_s4Pxi2AO01t763UNIRUi_luD_cwr2rVV9Wr2r8tpvNh28J17tyNdSA7T6Essz8diD4pfAAids/s1600/DBZ.2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjoat_dr0WhY9JLJ76gT9fnNYSTFrhB5P8k7jmRd61fQg_lZZM7sLgFeM6hj_PNeA6VS_s4Pxi2AO01t763UNIRUi_luD_cwr2rVV9Wr2r8tpvNh28J17tyNdSA7T6Essz8diD4pfAAids/s640/DBZ.2.jpg" width="386" /></a></div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-28620205337538622082016-07-27T15:30:00.000-07:002016-07-27T15:30:09.555-07:00Wasteland Wednesday: Speed Racer VHS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfG64EsJUbt-JpEan4zJj2tJBWPSdRlfI4LomxqeW4mGlauVQ0rC9ib9Joq7dNvnTKj_gs63IS0KgB6bxGjQCB5UWGTIwAH_gzrOiAvNbU-E53-sGO0heBCtZ_How4CXgNMvvb9CgKc4/s1600/SpeedRacer1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhTfG64EsJUbt-JpEan4zJj2tJBWPSdRlfI4LomxqeW4mGlauVQ0rC9ib9Joq7dNvnTKj_gs63IS0KgB6bxGjQCB5UWGTIwAH_gzrOiAvNbU-E53-sGO0heBCtZ_How4CXgNMvvb9CgKc4/s640/SpeedRacer1.jpeg" width="343" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1990 VidAmerica, Inc. started to release episodes of <i>Speed Racer</i> onto VHS. These were back in the days of one-episode-per-tape.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The VHS I own contains the episode, "The Desperate Racer," which happens to be one of my favorite <i>Speed Racer </i>adventures. It's a genuinely fun outing, where Speed participates in the Pineapple Grand Prix. I never purchased any of the other volumes, mostly because I detested the 'single episode, single VHS,' product model. It wouldn't be until 2003 when Artisan/Lionsgate began releasing each season on DVD.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCE_bbhE2OtxePXglSLBMTCimuyiJImojIFxL0zx5TE8yaPreiM43n0HJql8Gi9zEaclE3y3-OMouJ01HuCDyIdb3cPPIF1ReRkU7yagv-qgHQRf3nEby0qujEIc9sVPZOz4VunQMJUng/s1600/SpeedRacer2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiCE_bbhE2OtxePXglSLBMTCimuyiJImojIFxL0zx5TE8yaPreiM43n0HJql8Gi9zEaclE3y3-OMouJ01HuCDyIdb3cPPIF1ReRkU7yagv-qgHQRf3nEby0qujEIc9sVPZOz4VunQMJUng/s640/SpeedRacer2.jpeg" width="344" /></a></div>
<br />Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-83406476442001333332016-07-22T16:37:00.005-07:002016-07-22T16:44:57.861-07:00Shameless self-promotion time!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.themachinelives.com/"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZOkguFyiXr2UWrXLWxRviYDyUEB5qsw4iF0tTj5WYpe4qjYEHupEwydiZhQknzxtlNLQy1r0ugiYk6jIl4BxHzsRNF6Vu0EQ13QivCqAiA-SUCqOxuVgC52E0gVymSN304evLgsBrUB0/s640/Wttm-Cover.jpg" width="452" /></a></div>
<br />
I haven't published a new blog post in around a week as I've been a bit busy working on a few other projects. What are these projects, you ask? Webcomics! So get ready for some shameless self-promotion as I tell you about these wonderful projects that you'll <i>surely</i> want to read (<span style="font-size: xx-small;">I hope</span>).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The first is <a href="http://themachinelives.com/"><span style="color: orange;">Welcome to the Machine</span></a>, a mystery/thriller about a girl incarcerated in a high-tech prison facility after she's accused of committing a series of heinous murders. She pleads innocence, but those running the prison, better known as <i>the Machine</i>, don't seem to care.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3_6lBxUb5l0W1G3QAE9ZQ4IaFIzpRlewOeHoUnJNWlNH7owCX8Nui6dGPdFMF_YjBSzu58VuUgQkUnW7hp7PR3tQfa8AdgGvYW6EKXCjal60y6bGfzJjsWxo9Z5QzeJGI4NBqqe3ZX-U/s640/10.jpg" width="452" /></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
You can read it online, for free(!) at <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.themachinelives.com/"><span style="color: orange;">www.TheMachineLives.com</span></a> </span>and, if you like what you see, be sure to follow the comic on Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/Welcome-to-the-Machine-1742806966004703"><b><i><span style="color: orange;">here!</span></i></b></a><br />
<br />
While you're at it, check out my other webcomic, <a href="http://www.dangerzoneone.com/"><span style="color: orange;">Danger Zone One</span></a> over at <a href="http://www.dangerzoneone.com/"><span style="color: orange;">www.DangerZoneOne.com</span></a>, which follows the adventures of two police officers in the crime-infested futuristic megatropolis of Pallad City.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.dangerzoneone.com/" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="343" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9526m2NGwIAWX07OhEBr8Iq3oWn7IdWAcbYJgNsZwhDxG5g3S1l8dkgLka_21vznSRPgn01EzxGmKTVTqeM45VsH-YLlAFTq-RWj-83vZvUTXxFXFZJHf7anwQw3Q9JieHV_jEbI6Apo/s400/BestPromo.tiff" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And follow it on Facebook via this link <span style="color: orange;"><a href="https://www.facebook.com/DangerZoneOne/"><b><i>here!</i></b></a></span><br />
<b><br /></b><span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.themachinelives.com/">Welcome to the Machine</a> </span>updates every Wednesday and <span style="color: orange;"><a href="http://www.dangerzoneone.com/">Danger Zone One</a></span> updates on Sundays. Feel free to support one (or both!!) on Patreon. Every little bit helps to keep the comics running.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHxiW1RbueaOPo59ZI4SzSc1LzSvewhyphenhyphenfmbCIAwgdhSd0DZIRu3EB2UxcFy8lkfNqoo-h49PVv5qKF0j_jlekBA6JxJJb91rWLdRZDFJam3geBntaif_UJFlsavvphH2gxeAQc_sR9tg/s1600/Page21.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiwHxiW1RbueaOPo59ZI4SzSc1LzSvewhyphenhyphenfmbCIAwgdhSd0DZIRu3EB2UxcFy8lkfNqoo-h49PVv5qKF0j_jlekBA6JxJJb91rWLdRZDFJam3geBntaif_UJFlsavvphH2gxeAQc_sR9tg/s640/Page21.jpg" width="454" /></a></div>
<br />
I'll have some new Anime Wasteland posts soon. Though, it's always hard to tell if anyone's <i>actually</i> reading this blog (there's certainly a dearth of comments). So, if you <i>are</i> interested in future blogs here, write a comment on this post just so I know people are out there. As much as I'm a Billy Idol fan, dancing with yourself isn't always fun...Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-89907308908689329902016-07-14T12:24:00.000-07:002016-07-14T12:24:03.024-07:00Throwback Ad Thursday: Manga Video DVDs<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideNykB7GTLt0iUyCX-5IOW_Ns9FLRj-HKU2SIApo27ZcjXp_FS3wvMJeMMBY8OrEJHqbDMouC0YnB88X4I4B-F7KeDuQ7ErvJ-6iDwI7O_7ua0VMnLajZYGIg4vfjYoRS0U3v3QG-v5s/s1600/MangaDVD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEideNykB7GTLt0iUyCX-5IOW_Ns9FLRj-HKU2SIApo27ZcjXp_FS3wvMJeMMBY8OrEJHqbDMouC0YnB88X4I4B-F7KeDuQ7ErvJ-6iDwI7O_7ua0VMnLajZYGIg4vfjYoRS0U3v3QG-v5s/s640/MangaDVD.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
With ADV Films, Funimation, Bandai, and all the other anime distributors of the early '00s, it's sometimes easy to forget what a great anime catalog Manga Video had. Despite many of these titles being re-released in recent years, I've still kept a number of the original Manga Video DVD releases, including <i>Castle of Cagliostro</i>, <i>Ghost in the Shell</i>, <i>Ninja Scroll </i>(the 10th anniversary edition), <i>Perfect Blue</i>,<i> Blood: The Last Vampire</i>, and both of the <i>Evangelion</i> films.Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-85094659579669631112016-07-13T15:30:00.000-07:002016-07-13T15:30:01.957-07:00Wasteland Wednesday: Lensman Laserdisc<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzQ5LGWwGOtlmXUMY97r9xSGYCO5hdDSFlGFP4Nlphpz5agLJE3LsBvVcl3TmcNNOqIzOJq49zJ-b3306wsgnnJXnI7RCQKFyc05qhBa3awQS3b6hU09MMpJy8fFCXFkTIw3XKgNhpP4/s1600/Lensman1_zpsaae55d17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="315" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqzQ5LGWwGOtlmXUMY97r9xSGYCO5hdDSFlGFP4Nlphpz5agLJE3LsBvVcl3TmcNNOqIzOJq49zJ-b3306wsgnnJXnI7RCQKFyc05qhBa3awQS3b6hU09MMpJy8fFCXFkTIw3XKgNhpP4/s400/Lensman1_zpsaae55d17.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Something of a forgotten anime release, here is the <i>Lensman</i> laserdisc from Streamline Pictures. </div>
<div class="p2">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="p1">
I originally remember reading about <i>Lensman</i> in an old issue of <i>Comics Scene</i> magazine (I posted about that particular issue last month) and the article promoted the so-called 'Anime Invasion,' though the only two films primarily discussed were <i>Akira</i> and <i>Lensman</i>. And, speaking of <i>Akira</i>, I'll post some images of my <i>Akira</i> Criterion Collection laserdisc in the near future. Akira is one of my favorite U.S. LD releases, Criterion did an amazing job on that edition -- especially considering it was released at a time when anime received little fanfare in North America. That thing came <i>loaded</i> with special features in a pre-DVD age. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97oUXiKSXjugGH8vWz-m1jKWTRbfawy9OUI7BgSTR8vZRukNnxzMHoaCFab3_yu-xwmrZZVCIjWXjAjnkH948YN2W00QOqL7O14bGnsmc6-WR5p3ixKgYlXazSaYfUrEqqnVJVwoarjo/s1600/Lensman2_zps379b70bc.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj97oUXiKSXjugGH8vWz-m1jKWTRbfawy9OUI7BgSTR8vZRukNnxzMHoaCFab3_yu-xwmrZZVCIjWXjAjnkH948YN2W00QOqL7O14bGnsmc6-WR5p3ixKgYlXazSaYfUrEqqnVJVwoarjo/s400/Lensman2_zps379b70bc.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Anyway, back to <i>Lensman</i>...the laserdisc includes both the English dub and Japanese language tracks. Surprisingly, <i>Lensman</i> still hasn't received an official U.S. DVD release. But, in an odd twist, the film was released on VHS <i>twice </i>with two different dubs. The first dub was produced by Harmony Gold in 1988 and featured voice actors from <i>Robotech</i>, and a soundtrack culled from <i>Robotech II: The Sentinels</i> and <i>Robotech the Movie: The Untold Story</i>. The 1990 re-dubbed Streamline Pictures version (featured on this laserdisc) uses the original Japanese score. </div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-7531081519977022482016-07-12T15:30:00.000-07:002016-07-12T15:30:05.477-07:00Throwback Ad Tuesday: Robotech Comic Mini-Series (WildStorm)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEequ5A5iQRWw2NmOd7kbKrjBsvVCu5Aa1hjUfwTUq3GykxsLl9v1sO174_6CD5RiV7RI8lJH4PrsPLDYlghIMb_p4vgunpt89QUiqbCYwd7gQqIe8jC8N2g4n7hhR9UZ33mqcp9tX2M/s1600/Ad3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEequ5A5iQRWw2NmOd7kbKrjBsvVCu5Aa1hjUfwTUq3GykxsLl9v1sO174_6CD5RiV7RI8lJH4PrsPLDYlghIMb_p4vgunpt89QUiqbCYwd7gQqIe8jC8N2g4n7hhR9UZ33mqcp9tX2M/s640/Ad3.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<br />
Harmony Gold partnered with comic publisher WildStorm in 2002 to release a six-issue <i>Robotech</i> mini-series (not counting a special issue #0), titled <i>From the Stars</i>. The series served as a prequel to the anime, but not only contradicted parts of the show, it also retconned elements of the fan-favorite Jack McKinney <i>Robotech</i> novels. WildStorm followed the series up with several other <i>Robotech</i> comics, the most worthwhile being the 2003<i> Robotech Sourcebook</i>, covering all the main characters and mecha.Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-10372318072800296322016-07-07T13:22:00.000-07:002016-07-07T13:22:01.127-07:00Throwback Ad Thursday: GunBuster & Dangaio VHS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw888iTgovHhxgDGvrtixjNYWuagX-WrcMN2Z0bD0C3IPlY8GifgdWOgR1i6VjqW13FXhQlKbOCaidobWyoTUQefdcRlny6oNMAOBI7RhBaJLbPrqcsq8mof2GNcg8UIeSOJbxMqRQFE/s1600/AD8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGw888iTgovHhxgDGvrtixjNYWuagX-WrcMN2Z0bD0C3IPlY8GifgdWOgR1i6VjqW13FXhQlKbOCaidobWyoTUQefdcRlny6oNMAOBI7RhBaJLbPrqcsq8mof2GNcg8UIeSOJbxMqRQFE/s640/AD8.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
They say everything comes with a price, and anime fans were well aware of the price back in the '90s. </div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="p1">
Until recently, collecting Japanese animation has been a costly affair. Fortunately DVD and Blu-Ray prices are dropping. If you're not convinced, take a look at the featured advertisement: <i>GunBuster</i> for $34.95 (keep in mind that there were only two episodes on a single tape and that six episodes were available)! <i>Dangaio</i> ran at the same price, but you only get one episode here out of three released). In order to have all six episodes of <i>GunBuster</i>, you would be shelling out $104.85 for three tapes! The same goes for <i>Dangaio</i>.</div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
By the late-90s Japanese animation had become somewhat cheaper, but not by much. Many VHS tapes were still priced around $24.99 (some of which only came with an hour worth of content).</div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-81401413324886696582016-06-29T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-29T15:30:09.576-07:00Wasteland Wednesday: Tenchi Muyo! Book of Earth Laserdisc Set<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCpy2v6sWnozfIVLrCVV5e4g1TS5eUWviyAROPqtVeJE_qwEH6CnqM8RRMKk1bXIrbA60IVulGquvTJC-ltrgLtAly771w_Fblsbp9yl2Bl4ypq3kIq94E9VKcwfrvKdvAypaC4fAqyI/s1600/TE1_zps2652a991.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="330" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpCpy2v6sWnozfIVLrCVV5e4g1TS5eUWviyAROPqtVeJE_qwEH6CnqM8RRMKk1bXIrbA60IVulGquvTJC-ltrgLtAly771w_Fblsbp9yl2Bl4ypq3kIq94E9VKcwfrvKdvAypaC4fAqyI/s400/TE1_zps2652a991.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
And here is the <i><span class="s1">Tenchi</span> Muyo! </i>"Book of Earth" LD set, which contains episode 8-13 of the original OVA, along with the Mihoshi Special. Also, included are two pretty neat special features, a video picture book titled, "Here Comes Jurai 2" and an interview with the voice talent.<br />
<div class="p1">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="p1">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYi73_I25sV44zhCk7J7nRnN4ke0t_TJ06d_vVTofPewnSFGM8EFctddLGQ0hQHoVsE01K-CavCechs-eQAcrageYD8RKFZeRGA5yM-gHAfrcem8xXFgroV11WiysGsWYexLERZ3EN_8/s1600/TE2_zps52c3fc05.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="347" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiIYi73_I25sV44zhCk7J7nRnN4ke0t_TJ06d_vVTofPewnSFGM8EFctddLGQ0hQHoVsE01K-CavCechs-eQAcrageYD8RKFZeRGA5yM-gHAfrcem8xXFgroV11WiysGsWYexLERZ3EN_8/s400/TE2_zps52c3fc05.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
Back in the '90s Pioneer was a huge fixture in the anime distribution market, noted for their high-quality releases here in the U.S. The effort they put into their laserdiscs were second-to-none, and often on-par with the excellent Japanese laserdisc editions. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrqY7asuZ-sPHKMuhAqZqFiV0y04m8nP-teqMlca5UjVUHmIyQ3f-mOSqvRB8spA3nM7oyCCpGRMzMU6qzCIBvjwHeKTpUhqmD8HDaKm0xmK5garL0tPqqNOYNTRlIAz1ATOel0JyfaQ/s1600/TE6_zpsf8fa21c8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="232" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjmrqY7asuZ-sPHKMuhAqZqFiV0y04m8nP-teqMlca5UjVUHmIyQ3f-mOSqvRB8spA3nM7oyCCpGRMzMU6qzCIBvjwHeKTpUhqmD8HDaKm0xmK5garL0tPqqNOYNTRlIAz1ATOel0JyfaQ/s400/TE6_zpsf8fa21c8.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-67788533087401703322016-06-28T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-28T15:30:12.791-07:00Throwback Ad Tuesday! Mahoromatic: Automatic Maiden<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_ucvlt4ZrlALZw9PtwUcMNMIuvdL42InX03QtUPpElOC65uRBLI9EBtJMUW8_c1tGm-GXw23DXGG3QUJYRGDmydPWsphyphenhyphenn2655Hy-PnToXBcgGj95-RB70MIE4Fv84jIwQv1_GprlPo/s1600/AD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_ucvlt4ZrlALZw9PtwUcMNMIuvdL42InX03QtUPpElOC65uRBLI9EBtJMUW8_c1tGm-GXw23DXGG3QUJYRGDmydPWsphyphenhyphenn2655Hy-PnToXBcgGj95-RB70MIE4Fv84jIwQv1_GprlPo/s640/AD2.jpg" width="468" /></a></div>
<br />
In 2002 Pioneer released six DVD volumes of <i>Mahoromatic: Automatic Maid</i>. In 2007 a complete edition was released by Section23/Sentai, titled <i>Mahoromatic: Full Metal Maid</i>, and another box set arrived in 2012, titled <i>Mahoromatic Ultimate Collection</i>.Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-74816019928861054232016-06-23T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-23T15:30:13.053-07:00Throwback Ad Thursday! Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVCG70vDslIZS3ipjzCDUYblzHtvIhhhfdJ81oS2X4BxtsP4hguIsswNY74rrk5HK_IPOQA8k0g0Xi0FUB8g-26oB68Q3beJIyFuDtxXgchc-oTuBjvaTEyMlHKGqqpAaAp8bo50CR0c/s1600/Ad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLVCG70vDslIZS3ipjzCDUYblzHtvIhhhfdJ81oS2X4BxtsP4hguIsswNY74rrk5HK_IPOQA8k0g0Xi0FUB8g-26oB68Q3beJIyFuDtxXgchc-oTuBjvaTEyMlHKGqqpAaAp8bo50CR0c/s640/Ad1.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Lupin the 3rd: Treasure of the Sorcerer King</i> for the PlayStation 2 holds the distinction of being the only <i>Lupin</i> game ever released in North America. This third-person stealth game allowed the player to don various disguises and continually elude Inspector Zenigata, along with (albeit briefly) playing as Jigen and Goemon. Although suffering from a bit of clunky gameplay, fans of <i>Lupin the 3rd</i> will still find enough to enjoy about this one (a used copy in decent condition will run under $20, and is well worth it).Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-1228738761250881792016-06-21T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-21T15:30:13.513-07:00Throwback Ad Tuesday: Anime Statues<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPtYNHMJLdSx7vZgEKOScXc19zY_qe5gyvui7-YR1rtJwce-Jyu7STG2oud8Un_GurMGaY4CyhzEsBplZh3ThESpy-l4kuhMfqUrQfQGnp6nH3fi2gyCINckPKAyUMfuCQOjcru46_Vs/s1600/AD3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="263" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhBPtYNHMJLdSx7vZgEKOScXc19zY_qe5gyvui7-YR1rtJwce-Jyu7STG2oud8Un_GurMGaY4CyhzEsBplZh3ThESpy-l4kuhMfqUrQfQGnp6nH3fi2gyCINckPKAyUMfuCQOjcru46_Vs/s400/AD3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
A 2007 magazine ad for Entertainment Earth's then-current selection of anime statues, which included Masane Amaha from <i>Witchblade</i>, <i>Persona 3's </i>Mitsuru Kirijyo, and original characters, Shoko-San (from Shunya Yamashita), and Lucia (from Mitsumi Misato).Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-82562234686804579402016-06-20T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-20T15:30:03.937-07:00Manga Monday: Gundam The Origin<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk53UsFOo_LMFy_8DSM74ItZvI7nUHyY50BTdkoRBnGJ1gsKjGtrMjcy5rZErsXwwKfcj7-H9pd-sz-rKewgdQdpZgKnVKDs7qZ_GPKlwh78KT77KQV7qYfmCrQ2ktxSAsFHYrVC2nms/s1600/GundamOrigin1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAk53UsFOo_LMFy_8DSM74ItZvI7nUHyY50BTdkoRBnGJ1gsKjGtrMjcy5rZErsXwwKfcj7-H9pd-sz-rKewgdQdpZgKnVKDs7qZ_GPKlwh78KT77KQV7qYfmCrQ2ktxSAsFHYrVC2nms/s640/GundamOrigin1.jpeg" width="474" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Gundam The Origin</i> is a retelling of the original 1979 anime with a new spin. While the overall manga adheres follows <i>Mobile Suit Gundam</i>, there are noticeable changes, mostly altering when and where certain battles occurred, along with exploring several character's backstory with more depth, particularly Char Aznable's childhood.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdo5LOHSe2bAPGdhG6ybArnUi2v5jHHNKTED-DzFZ-_y-Z1dKc_DNHgzw-v8dGsEoRyC74C__-aZIM-opQe541Di34UOWhf4NwbMPCwQHZ_zwcpbX16-6BEO2mt2qekKteIhPBloYJNs/s1600/Gundam3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwdo5LOHSe2bAPGdhG6ybArnUi2v5jHHNKTED-DzFZ-_y-Z1dKc_DNHgzw-v8dGsEoRyC74C__-aZIM-opQe541Di34UOWhf4NwbMPCwQHZ_zwcpbX16-6BEO2mt2qekKteIhPBloYJNs/s400/Gundam3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Originally serialized in Japan in 2002, <i>Gundam the Origin</i> was first released to the US by Viz Media. However, despite the manga being hugely popular in Japan, sales were poor in North America and, coupled with Viz's questionable release decisions, was cancelled.<br />
<br />
However, thanks to Vertical's new hardcover releases, English-speaking fans can finally experience <i>Gundam the Origin</i> to the very end. Vertical's first release arrived in 2013 while the twelfth, and final, volume was made available late December 2015.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzuNOE7HeGomwTvh0U6kBiCYa1vQD0zeCnGhbKJKK524ibKYd9NK4bZkWu_pH-pU1pjRkaJcifo6fEBzbuIEhozxrHSF02jRkg9YV2lps-55J3L4NY6mBrRDwCkrWiuEhi-t27yf79x0/s1600/Gundam6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiAzuNOE7HeGomwTvh0U6kBiCYa1vQD0zeCnGhbKJKK524ibKYd9NK4bZkWu_pH-pU1pjRkaJcifo6fEBzbuIEhozxrHSF02jRkg9YV2lps-55J3L4NY6mBrRDwCkrWiuEhi-t27yf79x0/s400/Gundam6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw34GD4bJD4wFKQYzKE6-0g9tAlz4etdseHAJSROjqSQjQKta2c0-PRkuSi9M76qOq66F8jmRBCUQBbAG3dYmDnay_heB7HGxVLVHtgc33mm46npcdiwl6CQsWrFFjQlw-LEsOSgchWWk/s1600/Gundam4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw34GD4bJD4wFKQYzKE6-0g9tAlz4etdseHAJSROjqSQjQKta2c0-PRkuSi9M76qOq66F8jmRBCUQBbAG3dYmDnay_heB7HGxVLVHtgc33mm46npcdiwl6CQsWrFFjQlw-LEsOSgchWWk/s400/Gundam4.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Vertical really pulled out all the stops for this release and gave <i>Gundam the Origin</i> the respect it rightfully deserves. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NhxAI-YG3OUoNItWjbhXiTRtb3q_6WDlikWradWtD7hjjDnClG5PHQ91VhsmbWL-MSrESa_Zs_JA1Fa1SdJrCNwhtB0MDBrPi_M7NMq_-Jmzh2t3HOdlGz2dYq1065dAqTWDpCIuGT4/s1600/Gundam5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-NhxAI-YG3OUoNItWjbhXiTRtb3q_6WDlikWradWtD7hjjDnClG5PHQ91VhsmbWL-MSrESa_Zs_JA1Fa1SdJrCNwhtB0MDBrPi_M7NMq_-Jmzh2t3HOdlGz2dYq1065dAqTWDpCIuGT4/s640/Gundam5.jpg" width="480" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXC-XxOzrNQFwUC2AdadWzsG_SSlhAYItaMb4zTfWgD7U8Vb1hLEpoI8RP3I9kdSZq0c3ECaMKbEKgPmF4J4eEQ_597M1yfamf2LG8-NuVORbIJrL6tQNCL5qI9GaudwOsdoIEQ-v8r4U/s1600/GundamOrigin2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXC-XxOzrNQFwUC2AdadWzsG_SSlhAYItaMb4zTfWgD7U8Vb1hLEpoI8RP3I9kdSZq0c3ECaMKbEKgPmF4J4eEQ_597M1yfamf2LG8-NuVORbIJrL6tQNCL5qI9GaudwOsdoIEQ-v8r4U/s640/GundamOrigin2.jpg" width="481" /></a></div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-25387660142799681302016-06-17T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-17T15:30:10.962-07:00Friday Review: The Great Adventure of the Dirty Pair (Novel)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimu6xamuO04rDHTQg6a_7o4bR9uy30Bk1kO2mPcOOr0ACODl-suVUXiO_ZSvzICgQzZ0dEClCTKUgoZXv3Y1oWFy3uaeOYFatim0rJXzkMEpTTXfBVO_K24sMLgIJBbvz-l2i5El1OIlI/s1600/DirtyPair.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimu6xamuO04rDHTQg6a_7o4bR9uy30Bk1kO2mPcOOr0ACODl-suVUXiO_ZSvzICgQzZ0dEClCTKUgoZXv3Y1oWFy3uaeOYFatim0rJXzkMEpTTXfBVO_K24sMLgIJBbvz-l2i5El1OIlI/s640/DirtyPair.jpeg" width="444" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Dirty Pair</i> is best remembered today for its numerous anime incarnations but, prior to appearing on the screen, Kei and Yuri were first brought to life in the pages of Haruka Takachiho's light novel series.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Published in 1979, <i>The Great Adventure of the Dirty Pair</i> features both the title story and another tale, "The Case of the Backwoods Murder." Takachihio would go on to pen seven more <i>Dirty Pair </i>novels between 1985 and 2007.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP_eerU0TY03PqKi5fOdWgl3W-gik91qByW-qbmzoJ9NZyLOyxz-FBpa_3RKzCFMicdTbFjdFj8SH49FzyE_iQCyOqE09NKbl7R3PDoUCde9yg-teZXQmJ56VEraYtH9XrITwHuH5sGE/s1600/DirtyPair4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjrP_eerU0TY03PqKi5fOdWgl3W-gik91qByW-qbmzoJ9NZyLOyxz-FBpa_3RKzCFMicdTbFjdFj8SH49FzyE_iQCyOqE09NKbl7R3PDoUCde9yg-teZXQmJ56VEraYtH9XrITwHuH5sGE/s400/DirtyPair4.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div>
<br />
The <i>Great Adventure of the Dirty Pair </i>finally received an English translation and release from Dark Horse Books in 2007. The translation is well done and all of Yoshikazu Yasuhiko's illustrations are intact (there are twenty in total).<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDlkw1bSi6ILqEEzbVrciBhkAGrd9sl-3lguc5kztrciSS-kh7K9zb2DrVaTbmTQEI9KwBUZuVBThaxiTjQeecitIUgpi-i7u2kw61n7tJwlxc6wx00op4wdwD_dV9lP7ctYR5Kvsv_Q/s1600/DirtyPair8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgbDlkw1bSi6ILqEEzbVrciBhkAGrd9sl-3lguc5kztrciSS-kh7K9zb2DrVaTbmTQEI9KwBUZuVBThaxiTjQeecitIUgpi-i7u2kw61n7tJwlxc6wx00op4wdwD_dV9lP7ctYR5Kvsv_Q/s400/DirtyPair8.jpg" width="258" /></a></div>
<br />
The "Great Adventure of the Dirty Pair" follows the WWWA trouble consultants, Kei and Yuri, as they investigate the destruction of the Gravas Heavy Industries facility where all is not as it seems. The second story, "The Case of the Backwoods Murder" takes place on the vacation planet of Lamier, where a murder occurred. Both are told in first-person narrative from Kei's perspective and, despite being the inaugural <i>Dirty Pair </i>outing, each story feels like it could easily be an episode of the anime.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzHjcIPHOb6UnKZgeirwVl41iADWmPVAAJpvcM05kc2ffqSrXkHjMVMxNsnr95oI7QEwPSCppke_vRvCzDKByOevmB8cOITmvglZ33NG-XP3X1FttNPahEmZEbLX7PRdjtsn75Nt-Y3U/s1600/Dirty7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEigzHjcIPHOb6UnKZgeirwVl41iADWmPVAAJpvcM05kc2ffqSrXkHjMVMxNsnr95oI7QEwPSCppke_vRvCzDKByOevmB8cOITmvglZ33NG-XP3X1FttNPahEmZEbLX7PRdjtsn75Nt-Y3U/s400/Dirty7.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
There are a few bits of information not touched upon in the anime, such as the special material of the girls' revealing outfits, as Kei explains:<br />
<br />
<i>"It may look bare to you, but we're completely protected, not only where there's fabric but where it looks like our skin's exposed, too. We're encased in a transparent sheathing of ultra-thin reinforced polymer. The polymer was developed by WWWA's own research labs, and even gives us some protection against heat and bullets."</i><br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrRIOX0kvxFb9HJBB2aTy0Lifr2QblCfIg3sZko5FDiN3zHo6JezWS5SAYTlpGsNMpgsCSBslszq8MeYnuDmKs-81d-rTLrUkKovc9JFe5yOcAn3RPmekWi_GyItZd42e9a47kTU9zQA/s1600/Dirty6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyrRIOX0kvxFb9HJBB2aTy0Lifr2QblCfIg3sZko5FDiN3zHo6JezWS5SAYTlpGsNMpgsCSBslszq8MeYnuDmKs-81d-rTLrUkKovc9JFe5yOcAn3RPmekWi_GyItZd42e9a47kTU9zQA/s400/Dirty6.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Dark Horse Books released the second<i> Dirty Pair</i> novel, <i>The Dirty Pair Strike Again</i>, in 2008. Unlike the first release, which were two novellas in one, the follow-up was a full-length novel. Unfortunately, Dark Horse never released any of the subsequent volumes. It's too bad, since the novels were both fun and worthwhile reading for <i>Dirty Pair </i>fans. The first novel can still be found fairly cheap on eBay, but the sequel is harder to find and fetches far higher prices.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDELsdrZcbng-d3_zD-nfZIHF4MEDOVPRcRnz9SugvxsAPLfqfIhFUvTkkfN3eQ4KqT7lVtPSneIjDBSGYHqTWxIupG01qI1e8UBMiOwfvfgUgICZMxVHIxJTbIlgZ5pSnuXDisJCMUiA/s1600/DirtyPair2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDELsdrZcbng-d3_zD-nfZIHF4MEDOVPRcRnz9SugvxsAPLfqfIhFUvTkkfN3eQ4KqT7lVtPSneIjDBSGYHqTWxIupG01qI1e8UBMiOwfvfgUgICZMxVHIxJTbIlgZ5pSnuXDisJCMUiA/s640/DirtyPair2.jpg" width="444" /></a></div>
</div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-29151280498218650542016-06-16T11:26:00.000-07:002016-06-16T11:26:03.264-07:00Throwback Ad Thursday: Gantz Perfect Score Collection<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkyBFSQD9f-0gPdcEptaNhLSziwuzUIVWTAHKgecjBP4rBMi2slQj22Qx5imbI5fP9XQYLPeVKpLZm11ISRxhfeDCGeMUdZKyONk2L_G1cUyiHHdiUab101ZNbPzVEV74ZwE9GgtG3J4/s1600/AD5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVkyBFSQD9f-0gPdcEptaNhLSziwuzUIVWTAHKgecjBP4rBMi2slQj22Qx5imbI5fP9XQYLPeVKpLZm11ISRxhfeDCGeMUdZKyONk2L_G1cUyiHHdiUab101ZNbPzVEV74ZwE9GgtG3J4/s640/AD5.jpg" width="458" /></a></div>
<br />
Okay, I'm a sucker for unique DVD packaging and in 2007 ADV Films released the complete series of <i>Gantz</i> in an orb-shaped box set, dubbed the "Perfect Score Collection." I never picked up this particular edition myself, due to a number of reviews complaining about the cheap quality of the packaging...which is a shame, because this is surely one of the more interesting anime-related DVD sets out there. Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-88505318277169990652016-06-15T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-15T15:30:08.856-07:00Wasteland Wednesday: Variable Geo VHS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IVCDIS0n16_DpdMQ73wb3UQ94RdH0i1Bq0YPVw9IHDhgSDQXBtykBhO3kyL6Ses0w0eF6wsrpGX9O3L5AYJVdLDIq-NVYiFVhq0MHTaqU4kaSuUL_0qXWtd1afqB6Lt6UJ2aVvqwpAw/s1600/VariableGeo1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi8IVCDIS0n16_DpdMQ73wb3UQ94RdH0i1Bq0YPVw9IHDhgSDQXBtykBhO3kyL6Ses0w0eF6wsrpGX9O3L5AYJVdLDIq-NVYiFVhq0MHTaqU4kaSuUL_0qXWtd1afqB6Lt6UJ2aVvqwpAw/s640/VariableGeo1.jpeg" width="350" /></a></div>
<br />
<i>Variable Geo </i>started out as a fighting game in 1993, spawning various sequels on various home computers, along with iterations on the Super Famicom, Sega Saturn, and PlayStation. In 1996 <i>Variable Geo</i> was adapted into a three-episode OVA, which ADV Films released on VHS in 1999.<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>The central plot focuses on several female fighters (all working as waitresses when <i>not</i> engaging in combat) participating in the Variable Geo fighting tournament. Though the prizes may be fame and riches, the losers are humiliated and have their clothing stripped off (the show earns its 17+ rating, but nothing extremely sexual is shown...it's certainly no hentai). Of course, as with any fighting tournament in the world of video games and anime, the shadowy organization running the show has sinister ulterior motives.<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEOQo2lzDsGdCxSK9yt-wngNTwVByDNAECrvP5ErF6EqkVhW8gm1xi8IpB5nadero2BPpZOxeCw2bK4tmpyOsBR0LVtjjg2pbWNZzRWewrO6-RBuF9gRFLriwvqkhH-XFy1iHW4tXWtc/s1600/VariableGeo3.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPEOQo2lzDsGdCxSK9yt-wngNTwVByDNAECrvP5ErF6EqkVhW8gm1xi8IpB5nadero2BPpZOxeCw2bK4tmpyOsBR0LVtjjg2pbWNZzRWewrO6-RBuF9gRFLriwvqkhH-XFy1iHW4tXWtc/s640/VariableGeo3.jpeg" width="346" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
The animation is really top notch here, and ADV's English dub isn't half bad. There was also a subtitled VHS released. In 2003 ADV re-released <i>Variable Geo</i> on DVD. A sequel, <i>Variable Geo Neo</i>, was made available by Critical Mass Video in 2012. Overall, the original is more enjoyable, features a better story and slicker animation, while the sequel feels lacking in those categories, perhaps due to its goal of reaching into hentai territory with a number of scenes. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHPYYNgyAoTnJ7slsVgKw4HsoSnH8EY8QWgrf6kiJAD2-mVJGqcIDf6zzXf2OwGazimXr47D8OlUVzHCaOF62tMJJlHpRiibkGj2gIMXApaJwdDO4hnrr4wM9kXmIbytj6JvSdcXlYQo/s1600/VariableGeo2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlHPYYNgyAoTnJ7slsVgKw4HsoSnH8EY8QWgrf6kiJAD2-mVJGqcIDf6zzXf2OwGazimXr47D8OlUVzHCaOF62tMJJlHpRiibkGj2gIMXApaJwdDO4hnrr4wM9kXmIbytj6JvSdcXlYQo/s400/VariableGeo2.jpeg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Also interesting, ADV Film's released this VHS tape in white plastic! Not sure if the subbed version was the same...?</div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-41856926447258726312016-06-14T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-14T15:30:10.772-07:00Throwback Ad Tuesday: FHE Anime Tapes
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6GZh5WOxS9d_UcpkLZ3EYzdobvBEgoAgtdt1Q2jM0_PhNJIfm9CmoKGF8o4RO4exGIfw_Rr-MpUPYTXrNtTKstAbTLuU7VilL5bLKr-nSD62K6XcG7Gf1gGBQzCSecYu2mNIpPo5HJg/s1600/OldAnimeAdvert2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjR6GZh5WOxS9d_UcpkLZ3EYzdobvBEgoAgtdt1Q2jM0_PhNJIfm9CmoKGF8o4RO4exGIfw_Rr-MpUPYTXrNtTKstAbTLuU7VilL5bLKr-nSD62K6XcG7Gf1gGBQzCSecYu2mNIpPo5HJg/s400/OldAnimeAdvert2.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-ophc5_l3cmP3GwMzh2ObHu2uyJ72pf-7H8Zh228XCar1vyCsaFR4okA7Gys7rmo8j1Vy9dtqjVYAwKp-t624TpuVV_q3qmlpHJgZwA37cZ1lIfQZLjGkqSDLeKTBUAtTxCvbx7e8ck/s1600/OldAnimeAdvert2+copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="276" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2-ophc5_l3cmP3GwMzh2ObHu2uyJ72pf-7H8Zh228XCar1vyCsaFR4okA7Gys7rmo8j1Vy9dtqjVYAwKp-t624TpuVV_q3qmlpHJgZwA37cZ1lIfQZLjGkqSDLeKTBUAtTxCvbx7e8ck/s400/OldAnimeAdvert2+copy.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YcO0xVBicsirKOB__H4JhcI5QTIkJCb1wIugr-7-CQDj3BUQwflnjA24l4U2eCumL-_2cH7hSV5gb7V6NM1wYpkG7J_Z3b_Xr0MZe81z77cCXCGuM5FxrZKIlzziXvjhryswoJH9-eA/s1600/OldAnimeAdvert2+copy+1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YcO0xVBicsirKOB__H4JhcI5QTIkJCb1wIugr-7-CQDj3BUQwflnjA24l4U2eCumL-_2cH7hSV5gb7V6NM1wYpkG7J_Z3b_Xr0MZe81z77cCXCGuM5FxrZKIlzziXvjhryswoJH9-eA/s400/OldAnimeAdvert2+copy+1.jpg" width="265" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
This vintage 1989 advertisement is an eye-opening reminder of just how much anime used to cost. Released under FHE's (Family Home Entertainment) "Just For Kids" Home Video banner, these tapes were going for $29.95 a pop. Fortunately, the advertisement offered a buy-two-get-one-free deal. Just For Kids released some fairly atrocious English-dubs, but even the dialogue was nothing compared to how much they butchered the films via editing and undue censorship. </div>
<div class="p2">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Available at the time were:<i> Battle for Moon Station Dallos</i>, <i>Clash of the Bionoids</i> (the original <i>Macross</i> movie), <i>Defenders of the Vortex</i>, <i>Locke the Superpower</i>, <i>Space Firebird</i>,<i> Techno Police</i>, <i>Space Warriors - Battle for Earth Station S-1</i>.</div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-32944730787860487742016-06-09T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-09T15:30:05.114-07:00Throwback Ad Thursday: Gunsmith Cats Manga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCQ3aTwfWqjmrwlxJL-Noo-KmuA-omemD6Zuk0DsmJ5yXZ6jX5cWxHtOkuqu2251Wo7APonjHhfRoOCKbscZvqT_mKMIiUHGQZc0hf9hs5ONp1gWM9KrvjVAdZadBNiGK4l2SwRVlY2A/s1600/AD2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyCQ3aTwfWqjmrwlxJL-Noo-KmuA-omemD6Zuk0DsmJ5yXZ6jX5cWxHtOkuqu2251Wo7APonjHhfRoOCKbscZvqT_mKMIiUHGQZc0hf9hs5ONp1gWM9KrvjVAdZadBNiGK4l2SwRVlY2A/s640/AD2.jpg" width="464" /></a></div>
<br />
Dark Horse published the <i>Gunsmith Cats</i> manga in single issue format between 1995 and 2001, then later collected in a series on nine trade paperbacks. In 2007 these were re-released in four "Revised Edition" omnibus volumes with extra artwork. A sequel, <i>Gunsmith Cats Burst</i>, was also handled by Dark Horse, hitting shelves back in 2007.Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-50143755000958358142016-06-07T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-07T15:30:00.945-07:00Throwback Ad Tuesday: R.O.D. The TV<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIhO_6boiApdFaRYEcpHRAen1aQCyEKYAQUX92RZ5HKegE4VQjcdE71eP4B4A9TdSLZ6sFJkuATa5O5lwlR8rMq_LqgPbNugO8GRucuJjjeKURSOKss1PnCrbiV3D8FitvWPtLQytB38/s1600/Ad1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjcIhO_6boiApdFaRYEcpHRAen1aQCyEKYAQUX92RZ5HKegE4VQjcdE71eP4B4A9TdSLZ6sFJkuATa5O5lwlR8rMq_LqgPbNugO8GRucuJjjeKURSOKss1PnCrbiV3D8FitvWPtLQytB38/s640/Ad1.jpg" width="465" /></a></div>
<br />
A spin-off of the 2001 anime OVA, <i>Read or Die</i>, this 26-episode series was originally released in the USA on DVD by Geneon between 2004 and 2005. Aniplex later picked up distribution rights and re-released the series on blu-ray in 2010. As seen in this magazine advertisement, Geneon offered the first volume in a limited edition format, available in a book-style faux-leather cover.Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-28990370619476441592016-06-06T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-06T15:30:03.006-07:00Magazine Monday: Comics Scene #12 (April 1990)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtqi_v4-kSROsON6qSXgxAy2RgP6ipo12fWW_NvG9JicW4bNPHillKZM43XYJxOq7YNEODDTlXPrere5vRuo_kbz6cboldkhD0DEwRPZWNHFYocNvKn5wEV7vb70NVtiOtDxuA8oLZn4/s1600/Scan+211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRtqi_v4-kSROsON6qSXgxAy2RgP6ipo12fWW_NvG9JicW4bNPHillKZM43XYJxOq7YNEODDTlXPrere5vRuo_kbz6cboldkhD0DEwRPZWNHFYocNvKn5wEV7vb70NVtiOtDxuA8oLZn4/s640/Scan+211.jpg" width="460" /></a></div>
<br />
Instead of posting the usual anime-themed magazine, this week I decided on Comics Scene #12, which boasted such lively cover text as "Japanimation!" and "Lensman and Akira Invade!" Back in 1990 anime hadn't yet achieved the status in North America that it holds now, so it was an interesting time capsule to go back to this issue, some twenty-six years ago.<br />
<a name='more'></a><br />
To Comics Scene's credit, their article on the then-current crop of anime was really well done. In Bob Miller's four page article, "Animated Invasions," he delves into the releases of <i>Akira</i> and <i>Lensman</i>, while touching on everything from <i>Akira's</i> impressive production budget, the original manga, to Harmony Gold, Carl Macek, and Streamline's desire to release more anime theatrically.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3oJhLCNVysTov6AxeETuJtz3_jgUY9z28xB6EnPkn_RBPvPSZHa1XQT0kbumwgMT6CKS_X_IChYXckStIzklKnbDq-HqcmasGzlHwapieqMU0R6CTIF-yQ-vxXoxQNHL9BGFbwyeKXQ/s1600/Scan+212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjQ3oJhLCNVysTov6AxeETuJtz3_jgUY9z28xB6EnPkn_RBPvPSZHa1XQT0kbumwgMT6CKS_X_IChYXckStIzklKnbDq-HqcmasGzlHwapieqMU0R6CTIF-yQ-vxXoxQNHL9BGFbwyeKXQ/s640/Scan+212.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
There's also a one-page article, "Approaching Akira," written by Patrick Daniel O' Neill, that looks at the original manga and compares some of the stylistic differences between Japanese and American comics. And <i>Akira's</i> English interpreter, Jo Duffy, speaks about the process of translating the story for Western readers. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Drew Bittner's "Living with Lensman," is another one-page piece, exploring Eternity Comics' adaptation of the <i>Lensman</i> anime. </div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA73ubMP_JS5fJ_Actrz7kGxF6ooOSmTRcS57AScZz6ppbOUThgnqSHBjBNt959neCsMsl3naAW15U0JdSBK0z8RnvifQ_DWqCq_jTJuNNeGn8f8qolhHGDCap85BKrZo36CEkG1BQe9s/s1600/Scan+213.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA73ubMP_JS5fJ_Actrz7kGxF6ooOSmTRcS57AScZz6ppbOUThgnqSHBjBNt959neCsMsl3naAW15U0JdSBK0z8RnvifQ_DWqCq_jTJuNNeGn8f8qolhHGDCap85BKrZo36CEkG1BQe9s/s640/Scan+213.jpg" width="446" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-30109663718487575952016-06-03T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-03T15:30:17.427-07:00Friday Review! "It's Over 9,000!" When Worldviews Collide<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORf6c-Y-2eD_LKfB7hQB5PKu_95b231YNkwT2kJoO0MkDbKuQiIqbMn8Jx1pKNfkhmXRxKUqzvSGjLKd0iD7tKI5uIOKSsjBEED8MOuW2cPlZ97wpzP9jlMIFVtamLxonZas8Pk5IWqw/s1600/bookquote.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiORf6c-Y-2eD_LKfB7hQB5PKu_95b231YNkwT2kJoO0MkDbKuQiIqbMn8Jx1pKNfkhmXRxKUqzvSGjLKd0iD7tKI5uIOKSsjBEED8MOuW2cPlZ97wpzP9jlMIFVtamLxonZas8Pk5IWqw/s640/bookquote.jpg" width="425" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
It’s a safe bet that anyone remotely acquainted with Japanese manga or anime is familiar with the name <i>Dragon Ball Z</i>. For over two decades the franchise has been an undeniable phenomenon and marketing juggernaut, one that still draws in fans the world over. Its unequaled staying power continues to spawn countless DVD and Blu-ray releases, video games, apparel, toys, and – most recently – a brand-new anime in Japan, <i>Dragon Ball Super</i>.</div>
<div class="p1">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="p1">
Created by manga artist/writer Akira Toriyama, <i>Dragon Ball Z</i> not only managed to define a generation of anime fans, it reshaped the medium itself, paving the way for popular franchises like <i>One Piece</i>, <i>Naruto</i>, and <i>Bleach</i>.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekFxTdV8_uegthS1ACW5Y2EG3vypc0F3I4TtHacZEMfPBT_rn5dKHKf_lUspAH7HzNPggbzm7V19PO_KGw469KvaaGXT6pqf65R8sUJq7fNtYIBZzx3t8pst_dCfPwCQnLN4rJfp8O3k/s1600/dragon+ball+z+fight+2.0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiekFxTdV8_uegthS1ACW5Y2EG3vypc0F3I4TtHacZEMfPBT_rn5dKHKf_lUspAH7HzNPggbzm7V19PO_KGw469KvaaGXT6pqf65R8sUJq7fNtYIBZzx3t8pst_dCfPwCQnLN4rJfp8O3k/s400/dragon+ball+z+fight+2.0.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
Derek Padula, author of <i>It’s Over 9,000</i>, realizes what fuels the enduring popularity of <i>Dragon Ball Z</i> – it’s not the otherworldly settings, epic fight scenes, or world-shaking explosions, but rather the series’ deep-rooted themes and multi-faceted characters that have transcended cultural barriers. The franchise’s main players, Goku and Vegeta, are at the forefront of Padula’s analysis, exploring the moral lessons, individual growth, and inspiring trials that they undergo through a bitter rivalry and ultimate friendship. Looking at the relationship between Goku and Vegeta with an analytical eye really uncovers one of the most interesting – and powerful – character arcs in any anime series, past or present.</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>The title of Padula’s book also holds special meaning, of which he goes into remarkable detail to dissect. “It’s over 9,000!” was a mis-translated line said by Vegeta early in the Americanized dub of the anime, and went on to become something of an internet phenomenon and pop-culture meme. As Padula explains, this one line has an overarching, profound significance to the entire franchise concerning differing worldviews, class-structure, and a rich underlying mythology. Much like how Joseph Campbell related the allegories, myths, and archetypes explored in his masterful <i>Hero of a Thousand Faces</i> to George Lucas’ <i>Star Wars</i> saga, Padula provides an equally fascinating exploration of the themes in<i> Dragon Ball Z</i>, imparting insight into just how philosophical and sophisticated the source material truly is. </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8xz_CkImWuhu1dl4nZYLRI7yPaI1YqnD6Oj7LUFig6S1U92dpFaPp01F02ifU4umO4ZVLzsVfNUcdi-FYiWi4RtTarDjEtDL1jO0ExsxzvTMvCXYrhyphenhyphenHuoUhwXQmHsxHVfP4_xikpvU/s1600/dragon-ball-z-cast-wallpaper-3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjk8xz_CkImWuhu1dl4nZYLRI7yPaI1YqnD6Oj7LUFig6S1U92dpFaPp01F02ifU4umO4ZVLzsVfNUcdi-FYiWi4RtTarDjEtDL1jO0ExsxzvTMvCXYrhyphenhyphenHuoUhwXQmHsxHVfP4_xikpvU/s400/dragon-ball-z-cast-wallpaper-3.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>For the <i>Dragon Ball Z </i>fan, <i>It’s Over 9,000 </i>is a must read; even those jaded by the series, or no longer feel the attachment to it that they once had, are highly recommended to give Padula’s book a look over – a newfound respect for the franchise is guaranteed. It’s a worthy read for non-fans as well who may take interest in the series simply by learning how insightful and layered <i>Dragon Ball Z</i> is. As a longtime fan of the series, it’s an eye-opener to read Padula’s captivating breakdown of the franchise’s mythology and his study on themes that carries over in everyday life. In reality, <i>Dragon Ball Z </i>is far more than a simple ‘action’ show, but something that relates to everyone who strives to better themselves and a discourse on the boundaries of human potential. </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>Padula’s <i>It’s Over 9,000</i> can be purchased online at <a href="http://www.amazon.com/Dragon-Ball-Over-Worldviews-Collide/dp/0983120536/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1453881229&sr=8-2&keywords=it%27s+over+9000">Amazon.com </a>or at <a href="http://thedaoofdragonball.com/">TheDaoOfDragonBall.com</a> in both physical print and e-book formats. This is one not to miss!</div>
<br />Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-45430579521186093582016-06-02T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-02T15:30:09.479-07:00Throwback Ad Thursday: Dirty Pair Flash<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElaSWv18vAjuShkMUzsNw0GH5AAfWc0DswlLbkuOE_CQKItdW_W7EmtRKV9LshLJkOGquw7lR8Po0MvuEUEVZqSqgyp-PnN83QvfC6lGqKmpUCqhDu9S_uOGqzaQ0ME8pJ6P3V5yeLA4/s1600/dirty-pair-flash-vhs-adv.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhElaSWv18vAjuShkMUzsNw0GH5AAfWc0DswlLbkuOE_CQKItdW_W7EmtRKV9LshLJkOGquw7lR8Po0MvuEUEVZqSqgyp-PnN83QvfC6lGqKmpUCqhDu9S_uOGqzaQ0ME8pJ6P3V5yeLA4/s640/dirty-pair-flash-vhs-adv.jpg" width="496" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
We're taking a trip <i>waaay</i> back with this ad, before the DVD era and when dubbed VHS (which included only 2 or 3 episodes per tape) sold for $19.98, while subbed copies went for $29.95. I believe I still have a few <i>Dirty Pair Flash</i> tapes in the basement that I'll have to dig out and scan. I've included a few more of ADV Film's <i>Dirty Pair</i> ads below the jump.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<a name='more'></a><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz2VxtqPQj0YoCk4Xzu_ODul9Uwm-_s7QTQap5R92_iMsel8yP2V5pXUnAAgfltiA6dRdE1ikslZCsYP-ycYdQnqnJLBFGNDbuoDb0c64dIsKO8Sv-3JEeT575lkH7dbFJ76UGXYXZgI/s1600/ADV-Dirty-Pair-Flash.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjPz2VxtqPQj0YoCk4Xzu_ODul9Uwm-_s7QTQap5R92_iMsel8yP2V5pXUnAAgfltiA6dRdE1ikslZCsYP-ycYdQnqnJLBFGNDbuoDb0c64dIsKO8Sv-3JEeT575lkH7dbFJ76UGXYXZgI/s640/ADV-Dirty-Pair-Flash.jpg" width="494" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYdm0zpq86tNpZYOaeCzMktAh9pqX3fHwnguzcfLsAQdMD0RgwN5kwdBGsZ_vmgOPTb-bYbxZXlP7NppL8rSETccAe8aYbzIZhBTOf-9_hRxGEL_Y4th2u7hO82TvLhumJxcS16SWaAI/s1600/ADV-films-dirty-pair-rail-of-the-star-slayers-the-motion-picture-VHS.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivYdm0zpq86tNpZYOaeCzMktAh9pqX3fHwnguzcfLsAQdMD0RgwN5kwdBGsZ_vmgOPTb-bYbxZXlP7NppL8rSETccAe8aYbzIZhBTOf-9_hRxGEL_Y4th2u7hO82TvLhumJxcS16SWaAI/s640/ADV-films-dirty-pair-rail-of-the-star-slayers-the-motion-picture-VHS.jpg" width="492" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8yrAo5w0Cc0zmuLhSUp7CgN-Y-p8pLwsGS42-3aPzkmdy4CBjNJ16GjNCFMXDPgMG77XybbKvVO1RJm2vpOj1DvRJF60Vck2G4_8AtRxUAvD2s6aBu7LYmOWWNh3SFM565dyIe8d21A/s1600/Dirty-pair-flash-samurai-shodown.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEie8yrAo5w0Cc0zmuLhSUp7CgN-Y-p8pLwsGS42-3aPzkmdy4CBjNJ16GjNCFMXDPgMG77XybbKvVO1RJm2vpOj1DvRJF60Vck2G4_8AtRxUAvD2s6aBu7LYmOWWNh3SFM565dyIe8d21A/s640/Dirty-pair-flash-samurai-shodown.jpg" width="490" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-9535158904835085582016-06-01T15:30:00.000-07:002016-06-01T15:30:04.538-07:00Wasteland Wednesday: Astro Boy Vol. 1 VHS<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDjUgwjOot1MDCqXNUV-ttSGnbEwQlZcxtUM-NQ1Zzg0SsoaKRKyVrlAKieDcKMUy0x1tftbsln_AoUwtRcxZQEQYXsxmd8BhHPqJ1VjXs0YjvHpsMpn54fpc5T11FVFX07pQTkhx9nY/s1600/Astro1.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEitDjUgwjOot1MDCqXNUV-ttSGnbEwQlZcxtUM-NQ1Zzg0SsoaKRKyVrlAKieDcKMUy0x1tftbsln_AoUwtRcxZQEQYXsxmd8BhHPqJ1VjXs0YjvHpsMpn54fpc5T11FVFX07pQTkhx9nY/s640/Astro1.jpeg" width="352" /></a></div>
<br />
In 1993 Right Stuf released a series of video tapes to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the original 1960s <i>Astro Boy </i>series. The initial volume contained two episodes, "Vampire Vale" (episode 55) and "Phoenix Bird" (episode 99).<br />
<br />
<a name='more'></a>Of the two, "Vampire Vale" is the better episode, but "Phoenix Bird" has its moments. I'm uncertain why Right Stuf chose these two particular episodes but, regardless of the seemingly random selection, I really like the VHS cover art, as well as the artwork on the back of the tape.<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhp-csDPnf_NJs4vHO0ZrtQEkcxwKFwp-zVRa_d6F68jJA14CnCLWMbtq5YGPsRTN70Hhu7tvCe3TVcmCxjjZnKtNsEOoJkibougx0Nvl_IDkLAhrqiG5-pTLaQhQ7O2ZsCGRzJ0k_q8/s1600/Astro2.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOhp-csDPnf_NJs4vHO0ZrtQEkcxwKFwp-zVRa_d6F68jJA14CnCLWMbtq5YGPsRTN70Hhu7tvCe3TVcmCxjjZnKtNsEOoJkibougx0Nvl_IDkLAhrqiG5-pTLaQhQ7O2ZsCGRzJ0k_q8/s640/Astro2.jpeg" width="353" /></a></div>
<br />Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-4762351378008773636.post-46932540531656144782016-05-31T15:30:00.000-07:002016-05-31T15:30:03.736-07:00Throwback Ad Tuesday! Robotech: The Macross Saga<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5bQvMX-yL4goH-cdMKarPHy8XUqGQfTEPkJVWbCymiQTZQe0pBb_A7JXGfxzOjKj_db59e53mNCO1kLTCmkgXBcXC4NWwE3n0x4dnMtCytLh6Xig_zH1wrfO66BMa7D91wZAci_Lnyw/s1600/Scan+59.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgS5bQvMX-yL4goH-cdMKarPHy8XUqGQfTEPkJVWbCymiQTZQe0pBb_A7JXGfxzOjKj_db59e53mNCO1kLTCmkgXBcXC4NWwE3n0x4dnMtCytLh6Xig_zH1wrfO66BMa7D91wZAci_Lnyw/s640/Scan+59.jpg" width="466" /></a></div>
<br />
ADV Films released no shortage of <i>Robotech</i> DVDs. First there were the single DVD volumes, then the Legacy Collection, followed by the Remastered editions, and later on the complete Protoculture Collection. The version advertised here is the complete thirty-six episode Macross Saga in one six-disc package, released in 2002. ADV gets bonus points for using the 1985 Ben Cooper Halloween costume in the ad. Talk about real <i>vintage</i> cosplay!Anime Wastelandhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/13488864255848434304noreply@blogger.com0