Year: 2023

Bitch Should Have her Picture Next to the Term ‘Hate Sink.’

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , , , , , ,

The Rising of the Shield Hero S3 Ep 4 Review

Hate sink is a trope in which a character’s deliberately designed to elicit a negative reaction from the people reading or viewing the story. More importantly, seeing them suffer invokes a feeling of joy from most people. Anime has a lot of hate sink characters in it, but few are as vile and disgusting as Bitch fromย Shield Hero, formerly known as Malty Melromarc. She ruined Naofumi’s reputation on day one for the heck of it, and remained a repeated headache in his life since. Then she got her just desserts with her Mom stripping her of her royalty status. She even got her named changed to ‘Bitch’ at Naofumi’s suggestion, and her alias to ‘Whore.’ Alas, this was not enough to bring the menace of Bitch to heel, as this episode sees her back to her manipulative ways. And it makes Naofumi’s job of uniting the Cardinal Heroes a lot harder.

Who is S’yne? I Should Apologize for That

First, I would like to apologize for a mistake I made in my review of episode two. The “Killer Clown” that Naofumi’s party fought was not, in fact, Fohl, but an entirely different character. This is S’yne, a completely different character, and one I had to actually look up. S’yne is powerful in her own right, but also mysterious and enigmatic. Thus, when she shows up and asks to join Naofumi’s village, he refuses to let her. Thus, she winds up going off on her own, but will likely return in the future.

https://x.com/kiyoe_sans/status/1717978220723589185?s=20

The strangest thing of all about S’yne, though, is how she talks. I had to double-check my earbuds, because her voice kept getting cutting off by static. This wasn’t a glitch, though. This was a deliberate act on the show’s part. I don’t entirely understand what it means, but it looks like it’s going to be something important. 

Again, my bad!

Motoyasu Has Hit Rock Bottom, and it’s Pathetic.

Mysterious characters aside, Naofumi’s next task is to find the missing Cardinal Heroes, and the Queen of Melromarc has already located Motoyasu. He and Naofumi have been at odds from the getgo due to Motoyasu’s lazy, womanizing ways and for falling for Bitch’s lies. However, after failing to kill the Spirit Tortoise on his own, his party/harem abandoned him, and he’s left destitute. When Naofumi’s party finds him, he’s begging one of his former party members to come back, only for her to coldly tell him to “get lost.”

Motoyasu has never been a good person or someone worthy of being called a hero. However, seeing how far he’s fallen makes even Naofumi feel a little bad for him. And it’s only going to get worse. 

In the meantime, Naofumi manages to run into Ren, who’s even worse off than Motoyasu. Whereas Motoyasu’s party abandoned him, Ren’s died at the hands of the Spirit Tortoise. Despite being traumatized, Ren refuses to blame himself for his failures, something that disgusts Naofumi. Still, he manages to make some progress with him…until Bitch shows up.

Bitch Turns into a Witch

Having fled from the Spear Hero’s party, Bitch is now effectively a fugitive, and she has refused to learn her lesson. Instead, in the latest act of petty evil, she pulls the exact same stunt she did with Naofumi on Motoyasu. She lies to Ren and says that Motoyasu forced himself on her and Naofumi freed the Spirit Tortoise, and somehow, her slave crest doesn’t call her out for her. And then Ren loses it and starts swinging his sword at Naofumi before bailing with Bitch in tow. And, to rub salt in the wound, when Motoyasu begs Bitch to come back, she uses the same akanbe taunt she used on Naofumi, and it breaks him altogether.

It’s at this point that the anime glosses over something important from the light novels. In the light novels, as Naofumi’s watching these events unfold, his hatred for Bitch reaches a new high. He even stops calling her a Bitch; in his eyes, she’s a full-blown Witch. The worst possible kind of Witch. She’s the most evil and disgusting person that Naofumi’s ever met, and will likely remain his greatest enemy until one of them dies.

Motoyasu Gets Cursed

The episode ends with Motoyasu undergoing a complete 180 in personality. Instead of being a womanizing skirt-chaser who hates Naofumi, he now treats Naofumi with the utmost respect and is ready to listen to whatever he says. That’s the good news. The rest, however, is all bad news.

Firstly, Motoyasu’s trauma with women has led him to unlock his own Cursed Series for his Legendary Spear, the Lust Spear. The anime doesn’t make it too clear, but it’s revealed in the Light Novel that he now hates almost women. Worse, his mental state’s so bad, he now regards all women as pigs; literal, talking pigs.ย 

It gets worse, though. Out of sheer kindness, Filo tries to cheer Motoyasu up by being nice to him. As a result, she becomes the sole exception to his curse, causing him to becomeย obsessedย with Filo in the worst way possible. He even starts calling Naofumi “Father” and begs him to let him have Filo. In no universe is this okay!

Overall, the episode does a good job of demonstrating how bad things have gotten for the other Cardinal Heroes. However, it fails to go the extra mile by diving into the psychological aspects of their suffering thanks to Bitch/Witch. In addition, Motoyasu’s left in a mental state that would get the FBI called on him back home. Yet, at least Naofumi now has one of the Cardinal Heroes willing to work with him, so it evens out. Plus, Filo can always kick him if he tries anything.

I Give “The Operation to Capture the Spear Hero” a 4/5

And remember: BITCH SUCKS!

Unlock the Potential of Your Anime Convention Experience With This Guide

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Photo via Pexels

Anime conventions captivate audiences far and wide, offering a unique blend of culture, community, and creativity. The challenge, however, lies in navigating these complex, multifaceted events to extract maximum enjoyment. From the minute details of cosplay to the practical aspects of getting around, a well-thought-out approach can transform your convention experience from ordinary to extraordinary. This comprehensive guide, presented by D&A Anime Blog, aims to provide you with the roadmap you need.

Laying the Groundwork for a Successful Event

Preparation is a cornerstone of any successful endeavor, and anime conventions are no exception. Securing your tickets well in advance eliminates the stress of last-minute arrangements. Accommodation planning is equally important, providing not just a place to rest, but a strategic base for your activities. Budgeting should also not be an afterthought; a well-planned budget will guide your spending decisions and ensure a stress-free experience. Finally, remember that traveling will require you to make arrangements with work; if youโ€™re an entrepreneur and will be doing business on the trip, you can write off some of your expenses, but keep in mind that these write-offs can typically only be made if youโ€™ll be gone longer than a day.

Crafting an Unforgettable Cosplay

Cosplay serves as a vibrant form of expression, allowing you to inhabit the universe of your favorite characters. Selecting a character that deeply resonates with you is the first essential step. Sourcing quality materials not only enhances your appearance but also boosts your confidence. An equally important aspect is the maintenance of your costume; small repairs and proper storage can prolong its life. Also, keep in mind that conventions often host themed events, and aligning your costume with these can elevate your entire experience.

Navigating the Terrain Skillfully

Amid the whirlwind of activity, effective time management is critical. Arriving early provides benefits such as shorter queues and a general lay of the land. Mastery of crowd navigation frees you to focus on what truly matters: the convention experience itself. Keep in mind that your choice of footwear, quick snacks, and a portable power source can spell the difference between fatigue and sustained enthusiasm, so pack smart. Navigational aids like event maps or dedicated apps streamline your movement, giving you more time to enjoy what you love.

Engaging with a Diverse Crowd

These events are welcoming hubs that attract a variety of people. The rich tapestry of attendees includes not only fans but also professionals who may find potential business advantages. For instance, small business owners can explore synergies between their venture and the convention, perhaps scouting for merchandise or meeting potential partners.

Elevate the Experience

While attractions are aplenty, strategic choices must be made to get the most out of your time. Prioritize panels or workshops that genuinely interest you for a fulfilling experience. Networking can yield unexpected rewards, from expert advice to new friendships. Merchandise shopping should be approached with care; a predetermined budget and a little negotiation prowess can go a long way. Lastly, participative events like cosplay competitions offer not just a platform for showcasing your talents but also for enjoying others’.

Keeping the Momentum Going

The end of the convention doesn’t spell the end of your experience. Documenting your adventure, whether through photographs or journaling, serves to prolong the joy. Social media platforms and blogs offer an avenue for sharing your experiences and tips, thereby enriching the community. Similarly, active participation in online forums and local clubs keeps the excitement alive, even when the convention halls have emptied.

Planning for the Road Ahead

Your post-convention activities should include research on upcoming events, keeping your enthusiasm perpetually stoked. Secure your attendance at future conventions by watching out for ticket releases and making early reservations, ensuring that you remain in the loop and ahead of the game. Additionally, subscribing to newsletters or following key social media accounts can provide you with timely updates, further aiding in your planning for future events.

Anime conventions offer a sensory feast for those willing to immerse themselves fully. With meticulous preparation, targeted involvement, and a proactive approach to community engagement, your convention experience can transcend the ordinary. Remember, the ultimate goal is not just to attend but to unlock the full spectrum of what these incredible events have to offer.Need to get in touch with the team at D&A Anime Blog? Reach out today via the contact form!

Hey guys! We wanna welcome our newest contributor to D&A Anime Blog, Virginia Cooper, as she contributed this amazing post!

Anime Monsters are the Scariest There Are

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 RJ Writing Ink’s Picks for Terrifying Monsters in Anime

Halloween is the time of year where people embrace the macabre and monstrous, and anime is filled with some of the biggest monsters in all of fiction. From demons pulled straight from myths and legends worldwide to conventional monsters like vampires and zombies, anime has them all. In the spirit of Halloween, it seems appropriate to talk about the monsters of anime that will give everyday people nightmares. 

I’m RJ Writing Ink with D&A Anime, and here are my picks for some of the most terrifying monsters to be found in anime.

Titans, Attack on Titan Franchise

Woe to those who see one of the Titans approaching them, for they are almost always harbingers of death. Created when a certain group of people are injected with their spinal fluids, Titans are hulking, near-mindless monsters. Their only goal in existence is to find one of the nine people with the power to shift in and out of Titan form and devour them so they can regain human form. Thus, they chase down any human they see in the hopes of eating them. In the Attack on Titan universe, the number of deaths they’ve caused is enough to kill the world’s population three times over.

What makes the Titans so horrifying is that, unlike many fictional monsters, they usually appear distinctly human. Seeing a group of giant, naked, grotesque caricatures of human beings running towards is the stuff of nightmares. Is it any wonder people inย Attack on Titanย are so afraid of them?

Demons,ย Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

While Demons are not a new thing in works of anime, the Demons in Demon Slayer are unlike anything fans have seen before. Craving human blood, vulnerable to the sun, and capable of turning more humans into them, they have more in common with vampires than that of classical Demons. However, that doesn’t really matter, though, considering that they’re still horrifying.

What makes the Demons in Demon Slayer even more dangerous is the many and varied powers they can possess, ranging from super-strength to being able to rewrite the world around them on a whim. Worst of all, their progenitor, Muzan, is so monstrous that he’s compared to a force of nature. Is it any wonder why the Demon Slayer Corps is constantly struggling to wipe them out? 

The one positive trait about them is that they’re not entirely devoid of humanity, as proven by Nezuko. 

Devils,ย Chainsaw Man

Imagine a world where the thing that you’re afraid of, the very concept of it, could take physical form and threaten you. That’s the kind of world that serves as the setting for Chainsaw Man. In this alternate version of Earth, Devils are real, and they are the phsyical manifestations of the things that mankind fears. And the more humans fear them, the stronger they become. No matter how silly or absurd it may be, if someone is afraid of it, there’s likely a Devil for it.

What makes the Devils of Chainsaw Man truly horrifying is that there are things that almost every living thing is genetically programmed to be afraid of. Falling from great heights, darkness, and even death itself are things that all life instinctively fears. Imagine how powerful their Devils are. No wonder why the only people who choose to become Devil Hunters have a few screws loose.

Shinigami,ย Death Note

Death is already a scary concept by itself, but what if there were extra-dimensional beings capable of killing you with a pen and a notebook. If that sounds terrifying, then the Shinigami of Death Note are the stuff of nightmares. Grotesque in appearance and residing in an alternate plane of reality, the Shinigami have only one purpose in life: to end the lives of others. To that end, they use the power of their Death Notes to end the lives of humans living on Earth and use them to extend their own lifespans.

The scariest part about the Shinigami, besides their appearance, is their almost universal apathy regarding humanity. At worst, they view humans as sources of food for themselves; at best, they’re sources of entertainment. Even Ryuk, the one who gave Light Yagami the Death Note that let him become Kira, abandons Light when he finally gets cornered. They don’t care about mankind, and they never will. 

Cursed Spirits,ย Jujutsu Kaisen

In the world of Jujutsu Kaisen, feeling too many negative emotions isn’t just bad for your mental health; it can lead to the creation of supernatural monsters. Cursed Spirits are beings that manifest from the collective cursed energy that leaks out of humans whenever they’re feeling negative emotions. Much like the Devils in Chainsaw Man, they’re the embodiments of mankind’s fears and anxities, and thus can take many forms that range from the simple to the truly demonic. 

While they can be scary-looking, most Cursed Spirits are capable of being dealt with by the Jujutsu Sorceror’s that protect society from the shadows. That is, however, except for Sukuna, the King of Curses. The amount of black air force energy he has in him is so powerful that he managed to persist a thousand years after he died. The only hope the Jujutsu Sorceror’s had of finally being rid of him was by gathering all his cursed energy into his host, Yuji Itadori, and then finally killing him. As of now, that still has yet to work out. 

So, does everyone agree with my picks. I am well aware that there are plenty of monsters in anime that are just as terrifying as the examples I came up with. However, if I tried to mention them all, we’d be here all night. Feel free to let us know any other scary monsters in anime that you think should be on this list.ย 

Horror Anime for Halloween!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Anime that Make for Perfect Binge Sessions for Halloween

Every year for Halloween, it’s a tradition of mine to watch at least one Halloween special or scary movie every night in the month of October. While I haven’t always met this self-mandated quota, the process has led me to broaden my horizons into the horror genre, which is something that I normally want nothing to do with. As it turns out, the world of anime is filled to the brim with plenty of scary shows, movies, and OVA’s meant to have people sleeping with one eye open. In addition to serving as inspiration for amazing costumes, horror anime can also serve as ideal binging material to get one into the spirit of the holiday.

I’m RJ Writing Ink with D&A Anime blog, and in honor of Halloween, I’m sharing some of my top picks for anime to binge for All Hallow’s Eve. Some of these I’ve even managed to cover on the blog, so if they interest you, then go check out my reviews for shows like Chainsaw Man and Demon Slayer. 

Hellsing Ultimateย &ย Hellsing Ultimate : Abridged

You can rarely talk about the horror genre without mentioning vampires, and anime has them for days. While some of them depict vampires as waifu’s and husbandos, there are those that play them straight, with the Hellsing franchise standing near the very top. The series follows the exploits of Alucard, the strongest vampire in the world, as he serves the Hellsing Organization in their mission to protect Britain from supernatural threats. On its own, Hellsing Ultimate is a violent, bloody, and dark story where main characters can drop like flies.

Then, we haveย Hellsing Ultimate: Abridgedย by TeamFourStar, which is even better than the official series. The once stoic and perfectionist Alucard is now a goofy, bloodthirsty, over-the-top wearer of black air forces voiced by the talented Takahata101. TeamFourStar balances the genuine horror of facing an army ofย Nazi vampiresย with their own brand of humor, and the result is a masterpiece. Compare the moment when Alucard returns to London in the official release with what TeamFourStar does and tell me which doesn’t get you more hyped up.

Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan is among the most famous anime in the world, and for good reason; it gave us some of the most terrifying monsters the world has ever seen. When it first came out, Attack on Titan looked to be a post-apocalyptic horror anime telling the story of mankind’s desperate fight for survival against an anime that didn’t just want them dead but to eat them. However, as time went on, the series expanded its ideas of what can be considered horror. From the realization that the enemy they had fought for so long had an unsettling connection to them to looking at the psychological toll war can have on everyone, Attack on Titan painted a bleak picture of mankind. And fans have eaten it up.

At the time that this is being published, fans are eagerly awaiting for the series finale to air on Crunchyroll on November 5th, 2023. Given the hype surrounding the ending to the manga, fans are going to be discussing what happens in Attack on Titan for years to come. Fear the Titans.

Chainsaw Man

It may be a newcomer in the world of Shonen anime, butย Chainsaw Manย has already garnered a massive following. Set in an alternate 1990s Japan,ย Chainsaw Manย follows the story of Denji, a teenage boy who hunts down Devils for a living. After his Yakuza handlers betray and kill him, Denji’s reborn as the titular Chainsaw Man, capable of cutting up anyone dumb enough to fight him into bloody,ย bloodyย chunks. Instead of being motivated to help others or do good, Denji wants to live a good life. That, and to get a girlfriend. The man has his priorities straight.

The first season of the anime might not have fully capitalized on the over-the-top violence fans were expecting. However, there’s no denying thatย Chainsaw Manย is a good Shonen-Horror anime. The main antagonists of the series are the physical manifestations of everything that mankind fears. And once the violence gets started in earnest, no one will be safe from dying horrifically. This is one of the darkest of the new wave of Shonen hits, and it’s likely to be one that people will talk about for years.

Jujutsu Kaisen

Yet another example of the recent trend of dark Shonen anime, Jujutsu Kaisen operates on a similar premise to Chainsaw Man. In a Japan where sorceror’s secretly battle against monsters called Cursed Spirits, Yuji Itadori’s a seemingly ordinary kid. Until, that is, the day he becomes the unwitting host for the most dangerous Cursed Spirit in history. Thus, he’s forced to become a Jujutsu Sorceror and gather the other fragments of said Cursed Spirit in the hopes that when he dies, he can take this threat with him to his grave.

JuJutsu Kaisen is part of the next generation of Shonen anime, and it has already garnered a massive following. The premise of people fighting against the supernatural embodiment of negative feelings is an interesting take on the usual Shonen formula, but it doesn’t make it any less awesome. In addition to the horror factor, the show’s also gotten a lot of praise for its sense of humor. From Yuji’s Dub VA creating that iconic shout-out to Mega Thee Stallion to Gojo being a full-on rizz god, Jujustu Kaisen is super entertaining to watch. Don’t let the humor fool you, though. It knows when to get dark and serious.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

When Demon Slayer cooks, the whole world eats well. Set in Meji-era Japan, Demon Slayer follows the story of Tanjiro Kamado, a young boy who’s entire family is slaughtered by the Demon, Muzan, and his sister, Nezuko, turned into a Demon herself. Against almost everyone’s objections, Tanjiro refuses to let Nezuko die, vowing to kill Muzan and return his sister to human form. Thus, he embarks on the life of a Demon Slayer.

Demon Slayer has become legendary for how amazing the animation is, but it also stands up well in the horror genre. The members of the Demon Slayer Corps are constantly forced to fight against Demons that range from normal in appearance to outright abominations, and are usually considered the underdogs doing it. What really makes Demon Slayer great, though, is what the story represents on a thematic level. If Demons represent the worst of humanity, then the Demon Slayer Corps indomitable will against overwhelming odds represents its best. That alone is worth giving it a shot. 

High School of the Dead

Zombie Apocalypse’s can be as commonplace in anime as they are in western media, but few are as notorious as the unfinished High School of the Dead. When a zombie pandemic strikes without warning around the world and society collapses, a group of largely high school students bands together to do their best to survive. At the same time, though, they’re dealing with a threat just as dangerous: their own hormones and how that can affect their relationships.

I will be blunt about this: if you’re looking for something that’s thought-provoking and deep, then Hight School of the Dead is not for you. It’s an anime that focuses almost as much time on the fanservice from the beautiful girls as it does on the sheer blood and gore and trying to be edgy. However, it also knows what it is and makes no attempts to hide that from the viewers. If you’re looking for a show filled Evil Dead levels of ridiculous violence, then this might be worth your time. 

Or…you can watch this instead.

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead

A show that came out this year, Zom 100 is essentially the anti-High School of the Dead. Like HOTD, the world falls victim to a zombie apocalypse that leaves everyone struggling to survive. Whereas HOTD seems cynical and jaded about the whole thing, the main characters of Zom 100 treat it like the best thing that’s ever happened to them. Considering how miserable they were in their lives before it happened, though, they all agree that this is much better. 

I’ve already talked about this show extensively in my reviews of each episode, so I won’t explain much of why I think it’s binge-worthy for Halloween here. However, I must warn you that the first season is currently on hiatus due to production issues. If anything, you should still watch it and show the studios that we want it to continue!

Soul Eater

Lastly, we have the supernatural dark fantasy, Soul Eater. Set in a world filled with witches and other supernatural entities, Soul Eater follows the exploits of three teams from the Death Weapon Meister Academy, a school headed by Death himself to protect the world from evil. To do this, some groups of people can transform themselves into living weapons capable of being wielded by their partners called Meisters. If they grow strong enough, they can become a weapon capable of being wielded by Death.

Soul Eaterย is, for all intents and purposes, what would happen if Tim Burton were to create his own anime. In fact, Tim Burton is often cited as a major source of inspiration for the gothic style and tone ofย Soul Eater, with critics and fans making positive comparisons to his works likeย The Nightmare Before Christmas. Given that film’s status as a classic Halloween/Christmas film, it’s only fitting that this anime be watched around Halloween. Not to mention there is aย Soul Eaterย AMV that runs to a cover of “This is Halloween” on YouTube.

A Founder’s Review with D.J. Lewis: PuchiCon 2023!

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Its hard to believe that January 2020 was the last time I’ve been to an anime convention. A lot has changed in the convention scene since I was first introduced to it back in July 2008. Before Aaron and I formed D&A Anime Blog / D&A Studios Entertainment, one of the biggest local Baltimore, MD anime conventions we’ve gone to, was Otakon. We didn’t really know much about small/mid-sized conventions until 2016; when AniMore made its debut in Baltimore just as Otakon announced that it was moving to Washington, D.C. that same year.

From 2017-2020, Aaron and I have had the chance to check out other conventions besides Otakon; like Zenkaikon, Anime USA, Thy Geekdom Con, and Katsucon. Now, after a three-year drought (thanks to covid), we find ourselves attending an anime convention in Pennsylvania that was new to us. Located at the Camelback Ski Resort in Tannersville, PA in the Pocono Mountains, we had the honor of going to PuchiCon for its 2023 event.

PuchiCon 2023: The Convention

After a three-hour drive from Baltimore to Tannersville, we arrived at the convention held at the Camelback Resort. If you’re familiar with the Kalahari Resort, Camelback is pretty much like that…but a bit smaller. One of the coolest things I like about smaller conventions is that the registration line is a lot shorter than average conventions. After checking in to the hotel we made our way to the fourth floor where the convention was held. Hosting the convention here at Camelback does give the con goers a lot to do besides just going to panels and playing video games; you can also swim in the wave pool, slide down the waterslides, and hit up the arcade on the first floor.

Once we got to the fourth floor, Aaron and I got the same feeling we got when we went to AniMore for the first time – and it was great! It was also convenient because we were on the same floor as the con itself. With everything being on one floor, it actually makes everything convenient for the con goer while reducing travel from one side of the venue, to the other. This year (as this is our first time attending this convention), the con split its panels and events into two buildings; with a shuttle that you can take to get to the other building, and bring you back to the main building. I like that, because they took into account where the venue was located, and made accommodations based on the fact. At first I was a bit worried, because it would be a bad idea if they made convention goers have to walk from the hotel venue, to the second building.

Mainly because we’re in the mountains, and when it gets dark…its not safe for anyone.

PuchiCon 2023: The Panels, Artist Alley & Dealer’s Room

Once Aaron and I made it to the Dealer’s Room/Artist Alley, we were blown away! There were so many vendors that were both local and out of state (mainly from New Jersey, Philadelphia, and Baltimore). This is like the main attraction for anime conventions, because this is the area where con goers can find great deals on figures, keychains, art, limited addition items, and so much more. This is also the area where you can buy prints and even get them signed by your favorite voice actors, in fact we even got a print signed by Paul St. Peter; who did the voice of Leomon from the OG Digimon. We even had the chance to check out some of the snack vendors that were there as well.

Now for the panels. This ties into how convenient PuchiCon has made it for con goers to see all of their favorite panels, while exploring some new ones. One of the biggest pet peeves I have with conventions (next to ‘B.O. issues’) is when panels overlap, but with this convention they were well spaced out. I like that about this convention, because it gives con goers some breathing room to get to the next panel after the previous one is finished, and not feel rushed because it starts immediately after the one they’ve just left.

The variety of the panels is also nice because you get some that are game shows, some that are interactive, and some that are informative. In the other building they had Frontier Pro Wrestling along with a panel about the wrestling industry, and sadly we didn’t get the chance to go, but I thought it was pretty cool that the convention added that in their program. There aren’t too many conventions that I know of that also incorporate professional wrestling content in their program. Once sundown hit, we made our way to the 18+ panels as well as the PuchiCon Pool Party featuring DJ Kyon. I’d say the highlight of the night was the Cards Against Humanity panel, and the pool party. (Maybe Avidd Minddset might make a DJ guest appearance one day.)

PuchiCon 2023: The Conclusion

To top everything off, PuchiCon is a great convention to check out if you want to go to a con that doesn’t feel overwhelming. For every large mainstream convention, there’s a bunch of smaller more laid back ones that don’t feel to stressful. After being out of the con circuit for three years, we were excited about going to this convention. Even though it was only two days long, there was a lot to do and see, and hopefully if (and when) they do become a three-day convention, that PuchiCon keeps that ‘community sense’ about itself.

Once anime/gaming conventions reach a point where they’re along the levels of Anime Expo or San Diego Comic-Con, they lose that ‘community sense’ that was once a core part of their identity; and it becomes about profit rather than people. Along with community sense is public safety; which should be a #1 priority for every convention regardless of how big, or small your convention is. Finally, convention management is one of the things that can make, or break a convention. I can’t tell you how many stories I’ve heard around the anime convention community, about the way certain conventions treat their guests and staff, but I’m not gonna get into that.

We’ve had the opportunity to meet and chat with the founder and CEO of PuchiCon, Jennifer Perez. She’s one of the coolest and nicest people that we’ve ever met, and we can proudly say, she knows how to throw a great con! PuchiCon is one of the coolest small conventions that we’ve gone to, that has left a big impression on us. I’d say without a doubt, this is a convention that you don’t wanna miss!

Until next post, stay nerdy my friends!

The White Tiger Siblings of Fate!

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Anime, Anime Reviews , , , , , , , , , , ,

The Rising of the Shield Hero S3 Ep 3 Review

Are some things fated to happen, or does everything in life happen because of coincidence? The idea of fate crops up a lot in fiction, with many people offering different takes on it. Some believe fate to be immovable. Others think that things happen by chance. In many stories though, things happen with such perfect timing that it can only be described as the work of fate. In this case, Naofumi’s party met a little white tiger and his sister. Not only do they become powerful allies, but have a surprising connection the man formerly known as King Aultcray Melromarc.ย 

Atla and Fohl, the White Tiger Siblings

After the battle with the white tiger boy in the arena, Naofumi and the others finally have enough money to free all the people from Raphtalia’s village. It’s unfortunate that the anime was unable to spend more time focusing on this moment beyond them returning to the village. However, the episode more than makes up for it by formally introducing us to the boy that Naofumi and his party fought. His name is Fohl, and he might be the strongest kid in the world.

As Naofumi discovers for himself, Fohl’s not a normal Demi-Human. He and his sister, Atla, are White Tiger, or Hakuko, Demi-Humans. They can level up faster than even other Demi-Humans can, and despite being a kid, Fohl’s stats are ridiculously high. Naofumi doesn’t hesitate to buy them both.

Those who know Naofumi know that he’s capable of great kindness, despite his demeanor saying otherwise. In this case, he earns the sibling’s eternal loyalty by giving the blind and sickly Atla a rare medicine that cures her debilitating illness. After that’s done, they both vow to help Naofumi no matter what.

It’s not until the end of the episode where the idea of fate comes into play. As the closing moments of the episode reveal, Atla and Fohl have a surprising connection to the ex-King of Melromarc, Trash. Naofumi’s one-time enemy is pratically in hysterics when he sees Fohl, and more importantly, Atla. As the Queen of Melromarc reveals, there’s a good reason.

For the sake of viewer’s suspense, it will not be revealed here. However, what the Queen tells Naofumi starts to put into perspective the reason why he hated Naofumi so much when he hadn’t done anything wrong. It doesn’t excuse his actions, but makes him feel a little more sympathetic.ย 

Lulorona Village is Growing Stronger

The other big highlight of the episode is getting to see how Lulorona Village is now coming together under Naofumi. All the remaining Demi-Human’s from the village are home, with Naofumi and his party keeping them safe. Much to Naofumi (and Raphtalia’s) dismay, though, Sadeena’s decided she’s fallen for Naofumi.

It’s not explained in the anime, but in the light novels, Sadeena or Raphtalia reveal that the former would only marry someone who can out-drink her. Since Naofumi shares anotherย shield hero’sย inability to get drunk, she thinks he’s perfect for her. Since Raphtalia already has her own feelings for Naofumi, it’s amusing seeing her get irritated with her big sister figure as she does.ย 

Naofumi is the Master of Karmic Clapbacks!

More importantly, though, the parts in Lulorona village show yet another example of fate in action. While Naofumi and the others are away, the village gets attacked by slavers. Thankfully, due to Fohl’s quick thinking, the heroes return and wipe the floor with all of them. It’s then that Raphtalia reveals that these are the very same soldiers that had abducted her and her friends the first time around. It seems they were foolish enough to try a second time.

Once again showing his ability to exercise the ultimate form of karma, Naofumi decides not to kill them. Instead, he sells them into slavery in Siltvelt, AKA the country that considers the Shield Hero a God. Pure. Karma. Never mess with the Shield Hero.

This episode wasn’t anywhere near as filled with action as the previous one. However, it makes up for it with the introduction of Atla and Fohl and the impact they have on the story. Both of them are going to become powerful allies to Naofumi as time goes on. In addition, knowing that Raphtalia was able to bring the ones who enslaved her to justice is a nice sense of closure. However, the next episode will raise the stakes with the attempts to capture the wayward Spear Hero, Motoyasu. Naofumi’s going to need all the luck he can get.

I Give “The White Tiger Siblings” a 4/5

Shonen Villains that are the Stuff of Nightmares

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Anime Villains that Can Induce Nightmare Fuel in Fans

There can be no good without evil, and that means that a great hero needs a great villain. Batman has the Joker, Cloud has Sephiroth, Spider-Man has the Green Goblin. The best heroes have the best villains, and the best villains can be as popular as the heroes. However, no matter how much people may like them (or like to hate them), that doesn’t change the fact that they’re evil. If people were to somehow encounter them in real life, they’ll generally have three choices.

  1. Run for your life and pray that they don’t come after you.
  2. Bow down to them and pray that they spare.
  3. Make peace with your impending death.

Since Halloween is about scaring ourselves, here are some of the villains in Shonen anime that are the stuff of nightmares. Villain’s that, if encountered by someone unprepared, should be run away from as fast as you can.

DIO, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure

There’s hatred, and then there’s the concentrated malice that is known as DIO. As the overarching antagonist of most of Araki’s JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, DIO is one of the most vile beings to ever walk upon God’s green earth. Which is ironic because his name means “God” in Italian!

Despite starting out as nothing more than an extremely cruel bully to Jonathan Joestar, Dio graduated from that and humanity when he used an ancient mask to become an immortal vampire. After that, Dio slaughtered his way through Victorian England before the OG JoJo took him down, sacrificing his own life in the process. Unfortunately for the world, it didn’t stick.

DIO (now all caps) returned a hundred years with JoJo’s body and a Stand power that let him stop time, and even then, he wasn’t satisfied. Had JoJo’s descendant, Jotaro Kujo, not slain him, he would’ve eventually evolved his Stand into one that could rewrite reality itself. The worst part, though, is that even in death, DIO remained a threat thanks to his followers, one of whom would find a way to end and restart the universe.

DIO is like Dracula on steroids. He’s brilliant, has almost no regard for humanity, and worst of all, incredibly charismatic. Even if someone manages to resist his charisma, it won’t matter since he can implant a parasite in their brains and force them to serve him. Anyone unlucky enough to cross his path should run, lest he devours you mind, body, and soul.

Frieza, Dragon Ball Franchise

There are a lot of villains in theย Dragon Ballย franchise that would terrify even the bravest people. However, even when stacked against beings like Cell, Majin Buu, and Goku Black, Frieza stands as the biggest villain inย Dragon Ballย for good reason. Series mangaka Akira Toriyama based him off his own worst nightmares fused with real estate speculators that, at the time of his creation, were raking in dough at countless other’s expense. As a result, unlike most villains in the franchise, Frieza has an unthreatening appearance and eloquent way of speaking one might expect from Hannibal Lecter, which only makes him all the more terrifying.

While he was eventually surpassed by stronger villains like Cell and Majin Buu, Frieza remained the most popular villain in the franchise. That popularity would eventually see him not only come back from the dead (twice), but gave him a power-up that put him back on top. At the time of this writing, Frieza’s gotten to the point where he’s stronger than Goku and Vegeta. The only reason they’re still alive is because he let them live just to prove a point. Unless you’re a Super Saiyan or a god of destruction, then Frieza is the last person that you want to anger. He will not kill you but your entire species in the process.

Also, he’s got his own heavy-metal theme song.

Akainu, One Piece

There are plenty of villains and monsters inย One Pieceย that make ordinary people tremble in fear, but few of them can get away with their actions by being one of the “good guys.” That’s different for Navy Fleet Admiral Sakazuki, AKA Akainu (“Red Dog.”) Akainu is everything wrong with the Marines personified. If you step out of line with his extreme views on justice, he will not hesitate to kill you. And with his Magma Magma Fruit powers letting him turn his body intoย magma, there’s little anyone can do to stop him.ย 

Many of the actions that Akainu has committed over the course of the series would, in a fairer world, likely constitute as war crimes. From blowing up a refugee ship on the off-chance a single fugitive would be on board to killing his own men for getting in his way or losing their nerve, this is someone that shouldn’t be put in charge of anything. For fans of One Piece, though, his biggest crime was murdering Luffy’s brother, Ace, right before him. This monster needs to be stopped, and many fans would love to see Luffy beat him into the ground before the series ends.

No, really. Luffy needs to beat him to a pulp and avenge his brother’s death. 

Muzan Kibutsuji, Demon Slayer : Kimetsu no Yaiba

He may look like Michael Jackson, but Muzan is a complete and utter monster. The centuries old progenitor of all Demons, Muzan is less of a person and more of a plague upon the world. Born a sickly human a thousand years ago, he took an incomplete medicine to survive, only to have it turn him into the first Demon. Since then, he has plagued Japan from the shadows, spawning countless Demons. His ultimate goal is to attain true immortality and conquer the light of the sun.

Even with his weakness to sunlight, Muzan is a terrifying, nigh-immortal foe. With a healing factor that rivals the likes of Cell or Majin Buu and an insatiable will to live, Muzan is the stuff of nightmares. Not even his fellow Demons are safe from him, as he’ll kill them for no reason. Any unlucky soul who finds themselves facing him shouldn’t even bother running. Just pray to God to let you into Heaven when you die.

WARNING: This Final Entry Provides MAJOR SPOILERS for Chainsaw Man. Anime-only fans and those who haven’t read the manga, stop reading!

Makima, Chainsaw Man

This blog’s review forย the 9th episodeย of theย Chainsaw Manย anime called Makima a dangerous and, indeed, scary person. That had been written with little knowledge about what happens in the manga. That assessment turned out to be accurate to the extreme. Makima isn’t just a dangerous woman. She’s aย menace!

While the anime has dropped hints that Makima isn’t a normal person, the manga eventually reveals that she’s actually the Control Devil. AKA, the embodiment of humanity’s fear of control, oppression, and the loss of free will. As such, her ability to control those she sees beneath her is so broken it puts Lelouch Vi Britannia’s Geass to shame. She’s a manipulative, cruel, and sociopathic villain whose idea of a perfect world is one without Devils and everyone under her heels. In other words, she’s the stuff of nightmares.

The worst part is the fact that she’s almost impossible to kill. Any damage done to her gets sent to some random person instead. With nigh-immortality and the ability to manipulate almost anyone she meets, she’s an enemy to everyone who loves free will. It doesn’t matter if she’s called a waifu; she’s a monster.  

Sadeena, the Killer Whale Waifu, Joins the Battle

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The Rising of the Shield Hero S3 Ep 2 Review

Following a lackluster second outing,ย The Rising of the Shield Heroย managed to regain some of it with last week’s start to its third season. From the getgo, it seemed apparent that the people making the anime listened to the fans complaints and got their act together. The animation’s returned to it’s former glory, and more importantly, the pacing of the story’s improved. Naofumi’s mission to free the rest of Raphtalia’s people has led his party to an underground fighting ring, and let the animation truly shine. More than that, though, it’s led us to another contender for the best waifu list of 2023. Sadeena enters the story in full, and she’s a killer!

Sadeena, the Whale Waifu!

After playing the underground fighting ring’s rules against it to win a ton of money, Naofumi’s party is sitting pretty. Either groups refuse to fight them and forfeit, or they win and increase their reputation. Either way, they’re well on their way to earning enough money to free Raphtalia’s people. That’s when they run into the woman they spoke to at the colosseum.

She goes by the alias of Nadia, but her true name is Sadeena, a killer whale Demi-human. Powerful and playful, she bonds with Naofumi over drinks, and when she sees how well he holds his liquor, throws some signs that she’s into him. Despite this episode marking her second appearance though, she’s got a bit of depth to her. 

It’s soon revealed that Sadeena hails from Lulorona Village like Raphtalia and her friends. Raphtalia even looked up to Sadeena as a cool big sister. However, she had been away from the village when the Wave of Catastrophe destroyed it and its people enslaved. Thus, she feels a great deal of remorse over being unable to stop the destruction that she hides behind her confident exterior. That is, until she learns Naofumiโ€™s true identity in the ring.

The Animation Kicked Up a Notch

The fight between the Shield Hero party and Sadeena is a visually spectacular battle. The animation has not only returned to what it was in the first season, but surpassed it, with all parties showing what they can do. More than that, it’s an emotional fight, with Raphtalia getting to show her beloved big sister how strong sheโ€™s grown. The relief on Sadeenaโ€™s face at Raphtaliaโ€™s, and their villages, survival is made apparent by her decision to forfeit. The Shield Hero looks set to free all the villagers!

That’s when the fates decide to throw another curveball.

Not wanting to lose all that money, the people running the arena demand Naofumiโ€™s group fight a surprise challenger. Despite being young and hidden behind a mask, their power is evident. They battle all four people (Rishia and Raph-Chan don’t fight) to a standstill. That’s in spite of the fact that Naofumiโ€™s a Cardinal Hero and Raphtalia a Vassal Hero. Thankfully, Naofumi still manages to get the money, despite the slavers trying to cheat him out of it.

Fohl is the one of the bottom left

That child they fought, though, isn’t a one-off character. As the end of the episode reveals, his name is Fohl and the reason he’s fighting is to pay for medicine for his sick sister. Much like Sadeena, both of them are going to become important to the story going forward. 

This episode was another banger. From the happy reunion of Raphtalia and Sadeena to the exciting fights, it looks like Shield Hero is back in business. Sadeena might be a contender for one of the top waifu’s for 2023, much like Raphtalia before her in 2020. And, two more important characters have joined the cast. If all goes well, then Shield Hero is on track to regaining its top spot in the Isekai world.

That’s assuming it manages to overcome the pacing problems from last season. Given how the third season will only have twelve episodes, though, it will be a test. Fingers crossed!

I Give “Nadia” a 4/5

‘Dragon Ball Daima’ Revealed a NYCC 2023

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Toei Reveals a New Dragon Ball Anime Celebrating for 40th Birthday

In 1984, a mangaka named Akira Toriyama, fresh off the success of his hit, Dr. Slump, debuted his new manga, Dragon Ball, in Shonen Jump Weekly. Not only would it become his magnum opus, but it would change the world of entertainment forever. Fast forward almost four decades later, and Dragon Ball is one of the most influential works of fiction in modern history. It’s got multiple anime series, twenty-one films and counting, dozens of video games, a global fanbase, and inspiring two generations of mangakas. There’s not a single person in the world who hasn’t seen the inspiration of Goku and the Dragon Ball cast; they’re that famous. Thus, with the franchise celebrating its 40th birthday next year, it should return with a new anime. At New York Comic Con 2023, Toei Animation revealed the next chapter in the Dragon Ball franchise, Dragon Ball Daima. 

Which may or may not be rehashing the story ofย Dragon Ball GT.ย 

Dragon Ball Daima, Coming in 2024

The plot behind Dragon Ball Daima is currently unknown, but the NYCC 2023 trailer did reveal a few key things. Following a recap of the various Dragon Ball anime released over the decades, the trailer starts to drop clips of Daima. That’s when fans were caught off-guard by the reveal that something has turned protagonist’s Goku and Vegeta into children. The shock only grows when it’s subsequently revealed that most, if not all, of the series cast has been de-aged down to kid form. While it’s not revealed why this has happened, it’s likely the work of the Dragon Balls. Thus, the series will likely revolve around everyone’s attempts to restore themselves to their proper age. 

Thus far, fan reaction to the premise behindย Dragon Ball Daimaย remains mixed. On the one hand, some fans can’t help but gush over how adorable the cast is in chibi form. On the other hand, the sight of Goku becoming a kid again seems like a repeat of the black sheep of the franchise,ย Dragon Ball GT.

Remember GT?

Debuting in 1996 on Fuji TV in Japan,ย Dragon Ball GTย saw Goku wished back into a kid by one of his enemies, and he would subsequently remain that way for the rest of the series. While the series did introduce the concept of Super Saiyan 4, fan reception wasn’t as high compared to its predecessors. Not helping things is thatย GTย wasn’t based on the manga, but was an anime-exclusive, original story. Fans aren’t even sure if its canon or not, andย Superย hasn’t helped to clear up the matter.ย 

Toriyama’s Got This

While it may seem like a bold decision to follow in the footsteps of Dragon Ball GT, Daima does have a few advantages over it. Firstly, it seems that Toriyama will be heavily involved in the show’s production. GT only had him design a few of the characters. Secondly, Daima seems more like an attempt to bring the franchise back to its roots. Before the reveal that Goku was an alien drew comparisons to Superman, Dragon Ball was heavily inspired by Journey to the West. Goku’s own is actually the Japanese version of Sun Wukong, AKA the Monkey King from Journey to the West. 

While fan reception thus far remains mixed, they can at least rest easy knowing that Toriyama will be doing a lot of work on Dragon Ball Daima. In addition, returning Dragon Ball to its more comedic routes feels like a fitting way to celebrate the franchise hitting the forty-year milestone. The best case scenario will see another chapter added to the storied history of Goku and his many friends. The worst case scenario? At least fans will have something to poke fun at in videos and fanart. 

Housing Complex C, or: How I Learned to Stop Worrying and Love the Kimi

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Housing Complex C: A Year in Retrospect Review

I’m normally the kind of person who shies away from the horror genre for the sake of my sanity. I prefer going to sleep every night without worrying about nightmares. However, around Halloween, I’m willing to throw caution to the wind and delve into the depths of things that go bump in the night. Last year, a horror-based miniseries aired on Toonami that caught my eye, and I enjoyed reviewing it on my own blog. With Halloween upon us, bow would be the perfect time to look back reflect on this Lovecraftian-inspired anime, Housing Complex C.

Once upon a time, in the seaside town of Kurosaki, in a low-cost housing unit called Housing Complex C, there lived a little girl named Kimi and a bunch of elderly people. Kimi was well-loved by the residents of the Housing Complex, and doted on her as they lived happy and peaceful lives. Then one day, a family moved from Tokyo along with a bunch of interns from the Middle East.

After that, everything goes downhill. The corpses of mutilated animals are found lying around in the open. People start disappearing, and getting angry at each other. And piles of moss in the eerie shape of humans start popping up. Something foul and evil is at work at Housing Complex C, and at the center of it all is Kimi, who just wants everyone to be happy and get along.

That’s the basic premise of Housing Complex C. At first glance, it sounds like something similar to a game ofย Among Us.ย Someone or something is killing people and inciting chaos. That alone is scary enough. However, it soon becomes apparent that this isn’t a slasher/murder-mystery story. It’s a Lovecraftian horror story. Or a subversion of one.

HP Lovecraft Was Totally Wrong

Exhibit A, we have the foreign interns. H.P. Lovecraft’s stories were filled with allegories about other races and the “threat” they posed. The man was notoriously paranoid of anything perceived as different from his norm, and this was reflected in his writings. In this case, the interns and the residents reactions to them are meant to reflect that fear of the unknown. And from the outset, it looks like the interns are meant to be stand-ins for the fishpeople from Lovecraft’s stories. 

However, as the story progresses, the story subverts expectations and essentially proves that Lovecraft’s fears are wrong. By worrying so much about the ones who look and act different from them, people forget the fact that those who look the same might be the bigger threat. It’s like an optical illusion. Something might look innocent and normal at first glance. Instead, though, it can be a trick meant to lull people into a false sense of security.

In other words, Lovecraft failed to understand that you don’t have to look different to be monstrous. Some of the biggest monsters are the ones that look just like you and me. 

Once you understand that notion, it’s pretty easy to understand Housing Complex C. It’s a subversion of the usual Lovecraft story, while still retaining elements of it. It’s not the scariest of horror stories, but I like it. It’s a good watch around this time of year.