Author: Roderick J "Jay" Friz

Shonen Villains that are the Stuff of Nightmares

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

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 the Dragon Ball 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 in Dragon Ball 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 in One Piece 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 into magma, there’s little anyone can do to stop him. 

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 for the 9th episode of the Chainsaw Man 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 a 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

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

The Rising of the Shield Hero S3 Ep 2 Review

Following a lackluster second outing, The Rising of the Shield Hero 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 Naofumi’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 she’s grown. The relief on Sadeena’s face at Raphtalia’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 Naofumi’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 Naofumi’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

Aside Roderick J "Jay" Friz Uncategorized

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 of Dragon Ball GT. 

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 behind Dragon Ball Daima 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, Dragon Ball GT.

Remember GT?

Debuting in 1996 on Fuji TV in Japan, Dragon Ball GT 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 that GT wasn’t based on the manga, but was an anime-exclusive, original story. Fans aren’t even sure if its canon or not, and Super hasn’t helped to clear up the matter. 

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

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

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 of Among Us. 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.

Return of the Shield Hero is Upon Us!

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

The Rising of the Shield Hero S3 Ep. 1 Review

When it first came out, I thought that The Rising of the Shield Hero was one of the best Isekai I’d ever seen. A story about a man summoned to another world as one of its four heroes, only to a.) get the one weapon that can’t attack, and b.) get framed for a crime he didn’t commit? A premise like that is why I would consider Shield Hero one of the Seven Holy Summits of Isekai. However, then came the second season and I was so…disappointed in it. It was too short, the Spirit Tortoise was nowhere near as scary as it should’ve been, and it skipped over a lot of details.

Yet, despite myself, I couldn’t help but step my toes back into the anime when the new season came out. Thus, here we are, back on that Shield Hero fix as Naofumi faces problems new and old.

Please let this be better than last time.

What’s Happened With Naofumi

At the end of the last season, Naofumi, Raphtalia, Filo, and Rishia returned from defeating Kyo in Glass’ world. They recovered the energy from the Spirit Tortoise and using it to protect Raphtalia’s world. Thus, they have a few months before the next Wave of Catastrophe. In addition, Naofumi’s efforts at rebuilding Lurolona Village (Raphtalia’s Hometown) are bearing fruit.

That’s the good news. There’s a lot of bad news, though, that the series spends plenty of time catching us up on.

Firstly, in the battle against Kyo, most of Naofumi’s party took a curse to them that lowered their stats for some time. That’s the least problematic issue, though. The second problem is that the other Cardinal heroes are missing. In the anime, it was stated at the end of the last season that they held off another Wave of Catastrophe, but that was an anime-only development and doesn’t line up with their character well. In the light novels and manga, they ran away after Naofumi left for Glass’ world. In addition, the Bitch formerly known as Princess Malty Melromarc (AKA the worst girl in anime history) is also missing. Considering the pain and chaos Bitch can cause, that’s not good.

In the more immediate future, though, there’s one concern of Naofumi’s that trumps all others. He made it his mission to find all the survivors from Raphtalia’s village and bring them home. The bad news is that every slave owner in Melromarc bought them all and took them abroad to be sold. Not wanting to let Raphtalia’s people to suffer any further, Naofumi and his party all set out abroad. Their destination: the merchant kingdom of Zeltrobe. 

The Shield Hero is Good Again!

I will be upfront: I didn’t watch much of Season Two of Shield Hero, if at all. My disappointment in how bad the pacing and story-telling was too great. I had read ahead on the trip to Glass’ world and it was something that I’d been looking forward to seeing. What little I did see, though, disappointed me. There wasn’t nearly enough time to cover the world in the shortened season. In addition, the Spirit Tortoise in the anime felt like a massive disappointment. Allen Blaster’s writings had made it seem like it was terrifying. The one in the anime felt like a joke. All this was why I was so reluctant to get back into the anime. 

I’m glad that I did, though. This first episode of this new season feels like a return to form for Shield Hero. The pacing alone is already better than what we got in the second season, and the fact that it’s putting more focus on the established cast is a massive blessing. I already knew from reading the manga that it would happen, but it was still a letdown seeing the lack of focus on the supporting cast in the first half of that season. It wasn’t fun to watch, and I’m glad that season three emphasizes how this is going to change. 

Those looking forward to seeing the other Cardinal heroes, though, will have to wait a while. For now, the story’s focused on Naofumi finding Raphtalia’s people. Which brings us to the best part of the episode: the Coliseum. Naofumi, Filo, and Raphtalia all join in disguise to earn enough money to free everyone in one fell swoop. Getting to see the original trio fight in top form is a visual feast for the eyes. Not to mention that Naofumi rigs the fight to make them the underdogs and earn more money is classic Naofumi. That guy has the makings of a capitalist. 

Welcome Back, Naofumi.

Besides marking a return to form, the episode also introduces us to two new characters that will become important in Naofumi’s story in the near future. Who they are I will not say, though. 

If this is what we have to look forward to in the new season, then I think it’s safe to say that Shield Hero is back in full force. With Mushoku Tensei on vacation until the spring, I’ll need a good isekai to watch in the cold months to come. Welcome back, Shield Hero.

I Give “The Dark Coliseum” a 4/5

By the way, Allen Blaster has started up his Shield Hero fanfiction again after an extended hiatus! If you love Shield Hero, then you’re going to love Allen Blaster’s fanfic, Diligence of the Shield Hero. It’s extremely faithful to the characters and story while also adding a ton of new and interesting things. Go check out my interview with him if you have the time!

Luffy Jumps Into the Macy’s Thanksgiving Parade

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

One Piece Joins 2023 Lineup for Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade

For almost a century, millions of Americans have spent Thanksgiving watching the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade. Every year, the biggest names in pop culture get their floats or balloons and march through Manhattan for everyone to see. From longtime staples like Snoopy and the Peanuts gang to modern-day legends like Spongebob, everybody who’s anybody in pop culture takes part in the Macy’s Parade. In recent years, thanks to anime becoming a steady part of American culture, Japanese icons like Goku from the Dragon Ball franchise have gotten to join the parade roster. However, the 97th Macy’s Thanksgiving Day Parade will see another anime legend join the lineup. A hero that, truth be told, stands a good chance of being spoken about centuries after his series ends. This year, Monkey D. Luffy sails into the Macy’s Parade.

No, we’re not joking. On October 4th, 2023, Toei Animation announced on social media that “Straw Hat” Luffy will be joining the Macy’s Parade for the first time. He’ll be the fourth character (fifth if you count Hello Kitty) from an anime series to join the iconic Parade, following in the footsteps of Pikachu and Eevee from Pokémon and fellow Shonen Jump protagonist, Goku. That latter fact is even more significant when one considers how Goku was a source of inspiration for One Piece creator Eichiro Oda when creating Luffy. The fact that these two legendary protagonists from Japan are taking part in an American tradition drives home how popular anime has become. What was once a niche interest is openly enjoyed by millions in the West.

It gets better, though: the fact that Luffy’s joined the Macy’s Parade shows just how popular One Piece has become in recent years. 

For those who don’t know, One Piece is a shonen series set in a world filled with pirates, fantastical creatures, and people with extraordinary powers. The series itself follows Monkey D. Luffy, a young pirate captain who can stretch his body like rubber, as he and his crew seek the One Piece, a legendary treasure hidden by the late Pirate King, Gol D. Roger. With an ongoing story that’s lasted several decades and some of the best world-building in all of fiction, One Piece is the best-selling manga of all time. A century from now, it could be counted as one of the greatest works of literature in human history; it’s that good!

While One Piece has always been incredibly popular, both in its native Japan and abroad, the last two years have seen it grow bigger than ever. It’s latest film was a global hit. Official clips for new episodes end up trending on YouTube. And most recently, its live-action adaptation on Netflix managed to defy the curse of LAA’s (Live-Action Adaptions) being terrible. Now more than ever, people are getting into One Piece, making the time to read the manga or watch the anime. 

In other words, this is a big win for Luffy. Is it any wonder why he’s one of the most fantastic characters in anime history?

Rudeus+Sylphie Forever!!!

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

Mushoku Tensei: Jobless Reincarnation S2, Ep 12 Review

It has been a long and winding road for poor Rudeus to get where he is now. His first girlfriend left him without explaining things first and made him impotent. He had no luck finding a cure for his problem at Ranoa University, which only made things worse. However, all that changed when he realized two things: one, that “Fitz” was a girl, and that she was his childhood friend, Sylphiette. These two have been through hell and back, but it was worth it. As the first half of season two to Mushoku Tensei comes to a close, Rudeus finally sees an end to his suffering. In other words, he gets his rizz back.

Rudeus Still Can’t Get it Going!

The good news is that now that knows that Fitz is Sylphie and that she loves him, Rudeus doesn’t hesitate; he tells him he loves her back. Which isn’t a lie. On the one hand, he does feel a little guilty that he tried to “mold” her into his ideal woman when they were kids. On the other hand, though, he has fallen in love with her over the last year. So, they finally kiss, and it looks like they’re about to take that next step. 

Then, the bad news comes. 

DANG IT, ERIS!!!!

Rudeus’ thoughts aren’t shown directly in the anime, but in the manga and light novels, it’s at this point that he starts thinking how he can’t screw things up again. Then, his thoughts drift back to Eris, and, like a curse, he can’t go through with it. He’s so worried he’ll mess things up that he can’t get it up. 

To his credit, though, Rudy learns from his disaster with Sara and is upfront with Sylphie. While it’s not shown in the anime due to time constraints, he tells her everything that happened with Eris. And to her credit, Sylphie understands and is sympathetic to him. She knows how much he must have suffered in silence, and wants to do everything in her power to help her.

Ariel, on the other hand, isn’t as understanding at first, not getting why this is a problem. While it does make her seem a little less likable, she does realize how rude she was being to her best friend and quickly apologizes. 

The biggest surprise, though, is that it’s not Ariel who comes up with a solution, but the guy in their group that’s had little involvement thus far: Luke. He not only defends his cousin’s problem, but he’s the one who comes up with their ultimate plan for Sylphie to get her man. 

If anyone asked whether or not the Bro Code transcends the Multiverse, then this moment supports that idea.

Breaking Out the Nuclear Missile

Luke’s plan is the romantic equivalent of a nuclear missile: an aphrodisiac. Eagle-eyed fans might remember it as being the same one that Rudy bought for himself when he was tutoring Eris in Roa. Since Fittoa’s destruction, though, it’s become incredibly rare and valuable. He did plan on selling it for funds, but he decides Sylphie needs it more than they do. 

Luke hasn’t been that involved in the plot of the series thus far. However, it’s his moments in this episode that show why he’s so trusted by Ariel and Sylphie. Fingers crossed, he and Rudeus don’t ever come to blows over anything.

At any rate, Sylphie wastes no time securing her man for good. She makes a beeline for Rudeus’ bedroom with some food, drinks, and her pocket nuke. Like earlier, the episode has to cut down on the moment due to time constraints, but it makes up for it in the end. Once they both take the love potion, it’s not long before they feel this…release. Something turns on in their minds, and they can’t keep their hands off each other. Then Sylphy takes a note from Ariel’s book and seals the deal with a smooth line: “Take me as you wish.”

Viewers who hoped to see at least the start of what happens next but didn’t shouldn’t feel too bad. The light novels and the manga both left their night up to people’s imaginations.

RUDEUS GOT HIS W RIZZ BACK!!

An interesting change to the story unfolds once Rudeus wakes up. In the original source, he finds Sylphy sleeping next to him. However, in the anime, he wakes up and finds himself alone. It’s a fake-out meant to make viewers worry if history repeated itself to increase the tension, and while it works, it seems a little cruel. In its defense, though, it only makes Sylphie coming back after going to thank Ariel and Luke, only for Rudy to embrace her, feel all the more heartwarming. The man is cured at last, thanks to his Goddess of Love!

The biggest shocker comes in the episode’s final moments, though. People who read the manga and light novels know this was coming, but it was a surprise that the anime chose to include it at the tail end. Rudy goes to meet Ariel at last, and he shows how he’s truly gotten his rizz back. He straight up asks Ariel to let him MARRY SYLPHIE!!!! 

On the one hand, it’s sad to know that this is the last time we’ll see Rudeus until the second half of the season in Spring, 2024. On the other hand, though, HE WENT STRAIGHT FOR THE KILL! RUDY’S GETTING MARRIED!!! 

This first cour was a mixed bag in some aspects, lacking much of the action of the first season. However, it’s moments like this that made the journey worth it in the end. Rudy’s not only overcome the pain of Eris leaving, he’s getting married! W RIZZ, RUDY!!!

Also, spoiler alert: Sylphie’s going on the list of best waifu’s for 2023. 

I Give “Convey to You” a 5/5

Akira Remembers to Appreciate Family

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

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 9 Review

Zom 100 is unlike most zombie apocalypse stories that came before, and that has to do with its main themes. The whole story’s an argument that people are spending too much of their lives working and doing what society expects of them instead of doing what they want. As a result, many people never get to do the things they want in life until it’s too late. That’s nothing new to this story, but this week’s episode adds another layer to this concept. It’s hard enough when people need more time to do what they want. Now add that they may not have the time they want to spend with their loved ones before they’re gone. 

This review will get pretty deep, so put tissues on standby.

The Magic of a Treehouse

As Akira and his group nears the end of their trek to his hometown, they run into a literal roadblock. The only tunnel leading to Gunma is sealed off on both sides and infested with zombies. Nothing can get out or get in. Thus, the trip to “Kanto’s best-kept secret” continues on foot, leading the group to run into a carpenter being chased by a zombie boar. After saving his life, the carpenter, Masaru Kumano, explains why he’s out in the woods. He’s building a treehouse to keep himself safe from the zombies, something that Akira and Kencho eagerly join in on. Both because it’s on Akira’s Bucket List, and the simple fact that most kids dream of having a cool treehouse.

Tragically, Kumano reveals that the treehouse is not just for safety, but a tribute to his dead son. He always promised that they’d build a treehouse one day, but he lost his wife and son when the zombie plague broke out. This leaves him filled with melancholy over the fact that he didn’t spend as much time with his kid as he wanted.

This moment defines the tone of the rest of the episode, as it makes Akira reflect on his own relationship with his parents, who he hasn’t seen since he left to work in Tokyo. Many young adults leaving home for the first time (and even the ones who remain at home) can feel guilt over not showing enough gratitude to their parents, or getting to do everything they want with them. That was even before the zombie outbreak; with the chance of survival far lower now, Akira’s more determined than ever to make things up to his parents.

I won’t lie: this episode made me think about my own relationship with my parents, and what I can do to help them as we all get older. Anyone acutely aware of the passage of time and how their parents might not always be around may end up feeling the same. 

Gunma is the Perfect Anti-Zombie Stronghold…Until Now

Regardless, Akira leads his group to his hometown of Gunma, and he isn’t joking when he calls it Kanto’s “best-kept secret.” It’s the perfect stronghold to ride out a zombie apocalypse: limited routes to get in, self-sustaining food supply, and plenty of people around make it a veritable redoubt. Akira and his friends could take refuge there forever if they wanted to. Alas, trouble’s already brewing in the form of a group that serves as evil twins to Akira and his friends.

Many refugees from the cities wound up making their way to Gunma following the zombie outbreak, which isn’t a problem at first glance. However, four of those people have come with the intent of destroying the village by unleashing the zombies on everyone. The reason why? Simply for the sake of it.

Meet Kanta Higurashi, a nihilistic NEET and Akira’s evil counterpart. The anime doesn’t reveal his full backstory yet, but it spends the final moments of the episode establishing why he and his group are dark reflections of Akira’s group. Like the protagonists, they were people who either wanted more out of life or were dissatisfied with society and their place in it (or lack thereof.) Whereas Akira and his friends are using zombie virus to better themselves and live their best lives, though, Kanta’s group doing the opposite. They’re indulging in their worst vices and acts of petty vengeance against those they think wronged them. There will likely be those who use the end of the world to embrace their worst aspects, and Kanta’s group is a frightening example of what can happen. 

Too bad we don’t know when the next episode will air.

Support the People in the Anime Industry

Zom 100 has been continually plagued by numerous delays since it’s premiere. As a result, what should’ve been a surefire hit for the summer season has likely not live up to its full potential. Now, it’s suffering its most considerable delay yet as the final three episodes of the first season are delayed indefinitely. 

There’s a dark sense of irony to this. For an anime about bashing abusive working conditions, the anime industry is one of the worst places for people to work. The last few years have seen a growing awareness of how bad it is working in the anime industry, with people even being hospitalized from sheer exhaustion. Now, that kind of work environment could cost Zom 100 a spot as one of the best anime of 2023.

The anime opening was actually incomplete when the series premiered. This latest episode is the one that includes the full opening.

There’s no telling when this popular anime might return, but for now, the best fans can do to support is to spread awareness about how great it is. Anyone who’s hated their jobs can emphasize and identify with Akira and his friends, and maybe it can encourage more people to prioritize their own wellness in this chaotic world. That, and it can help spread awareness of how the anime industry needs serious reforms.

I Give “Treehouse of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Guten Tag, Fraulein Beatrix!

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

Zom 100: Bucket List of the Dead Ep 8 Review

There comes a time in the lives of many otaku’s, weebs, and Japanophile’s where loving Japan from afar isn’t enough. They have to take the time and save the money to see the land of the Rising Sun for themselves. Unfortunately, life has a way of throwing people curve balls, like a zombie apocalypse. However, as Zom 100’s philosophy has repeatedly espoused, it’s better to follow your dreams than live without them. As Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka continue their trek across Japan, the young woman they run into loves Japan so much, not even zombies will stop her from enjoying it. Guten tag, fraulein Beatrix! 

Shizuka may have competition on the “Best Waifu’s” list for 2023. 

As a side note, the show updated the opening to include footage of their adventures in Tokyo, and a zombie dance number that would make Michael Jackson proud. 

Beatrix Amerhauser, Japanophile Extreme!

After he managed to tell off his worthless former boss and leave him crying on the road, Akira, Kencho, and Shizuka continue their trek across Japan to Akira’s hometown. Shizuka’s finally more open with the others, joining them in scratching off items on their bucket list. Their road trip winds up taking a detour, though, when they see a truck being attacked by zombies. Before Akira can do his hero thing, though, the driver comes out clad in samurai armor and uses a naginata to skewer all the zombies! 

Meet Beatrix Amerhauser, a 21-year-old German student and die-hard Japanophile. She’s dreamed of coming to Japan since she was a child, but by the time she arrived, the Zombie apocalypse was underway. Like the rest of the group, though, she refuses to despair, wanting to experience as much of Japan as possible. Given her attitude, it’s inevitable that she chooses to join the group.

Beatrix is a very worthy new addition to the show’s roster. Much like Akira, she has this fearless attitude that drives her to do things others would call crazy. She’s just as athletic, too, using her samurai armor and naginata to mow down zombies like it’s nobody’s business. At the same time, she’s also knowledgable like Shizuka. She knows more about Japanese culture than some Japanese do!

Also, like Kencho, there’s a few moments where she’s not afraid of stripping naked, albeit because there’s hot springs involved. In other words, she fits right in with the group.

Hot Springs and Sushi Galore

Introductions to Beatrix aside, this episode is noteworthy for adapting stories into one episode. The first half that introduces Beatrix also sees the group fight a horde of zombies for the chance to try authentic sushi. The second sees the group indulge in a common fanservice staple: hot springs and open-air baths. 

Anyone who’s watched a comedy-based anime will know what a hot spring or open-air bath entails. And like many examples, Akira winds up getting in one at the exact same time that Shizuka does. What makes it funny, though, is the fact that Akira’s more interested in enjoying himself than seeing Shizuka, much to her disbelief. It’s a good way of subverting the classic hot-spring scenario by having the man not be a pervert about it. 

Humor aside, their unexpected time together does lead to a tender moment where Shizuka opens up to Akira more. Despite writing him off as an impulsive idiot at first, she’s come to admire how uninhibited he is. She even admits that she’d hope to date someone like him one day.

That’s right; Akira and Shizuka shippers just got a ton of fuel for their cause!

All in all, this episode was a very light-hearted affair. After the heavy stuff that viewers had to endure in the previous two episodes, it’s nice to get a reprieve. Despite being a zombie story, Zom 100 remains, at its core, a comedy series. That, and the episode introduced us to yet another waifu for 2023, Beatrix Amerhauser. Now fans are going to have to debate who’s better: Beatrix or Shizuka?

Let the arguing begin!

I Give “Sushi and Hot Springs of the Dead” a 4.5/5

Netflix ‘One Piece’ Gets an Unprecedented Season Two

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

Why the Live-Action One Piece Getting a Second Season is a Big Deal

Over the years, Netflix has tried to adapt popular anime into a live-action format, only to fall flat on their faces. Their live-action Cowboy Bebop got canceled less than a month after first premiering. And their film adaptation of Death Note was hated so much, the director deleted his Twitter to avoid the death threats. Needless to say, anime fans are adamant about any adaptations being true to the source. Then, Netflix decided to team up with mangaka Eichiro Oda to adapt his legendary series, One Piece. And despite the stigma surrounding live-action adaptations, One Piece succeeded where so many others failed. It was good! It didn’t reach the same levels of comedy as the original story, but it captured the spirit of the series in a way few had.

The show’s success is apparent to Netflix and fans alike. At the time of this writing, it’s consistently remained in the top ten most-watched shows on the platform. In addition, it’s garnered more popularity than the Ahsoka miniseries. Fans waited years for that to come out, and One Piece blew it out of the water. Thus, it comes as no surprise when Eichiro Oda himself announced on social media that the series would be getting a second season.

An Unprecedented Decision

This decision is unprecedented. While live-action adaptations of anime have gotten sequels in movie format, such as Ruronori Kenshin, to the best of my knowledge, it’s never happened to a show itself. In a recent interview with Deadline, executive producers Marty Adelstein and Becky Clements admitted that they already have a roadmap planned out for six seasons of the show. If it does well enough, though, they have plans for twelve seasons. If that’s true, then Netflix could attempt to adapt the entire series over the next ten or so years. 

Those familiar enough with One Piece will know how Herculean a task this is. One Piece is a series with a thousand-plus chapters under its belt, and a near-equal amount of anime episodes. In other words, there’s a lot of material to cover. If the people at Netflix are truly investing in this for the long haul, then they’re going to have make a lot of hard decisions. How much of the material will they choose to adapt per episode? Assuming they choose to give season two the same number of episodes as the first one, they will have to condense a lot of material. At best, they’ll be covering the Loguetown arc all the way up to the end of the Alabasta Saga. That’s a tall order to fill!

Then there’s also the manner of how much this will cost them. As One Piece progresses, the fights become more elaborate and fantastical. Considering how many of the opponents that Luffy and the others will be facing from this point onward will have Devil Fruit powers, they will have to find a way to adapt them to live action. That means a lot of money will go towards special effects and related issues. One of the future Straw Hat’s alone will have to be created entirely by CGI. Adapting most of this will cost a lot of money!

Fortune Favors the Bold…and the Crazy

Regardless of the cost, though, it seems likely that Netflix will be willing to pay whatever they have to ensure that their adaptation of One Piece is a success. Despite some nitpicks, the show has largely been a success, capturing the spirit of the anime and manga in live-action form. Countless people worldwide are getting into One Piece thanks to the live-action series. Before, many would refrain from getting into the franchise, intimidated by its sheer length and size. The live-action series serves as a mean for newcomers to get into One Piece without having to spend days binging the anime or manga, making it an appealing alternative for those lacking free time. 

As for Oda, he’s getting the chance to retell one of the greatest stories in recorded human history: his story. It’s not even complete, and it can already stand toe-to-toe with legendary, centuries-old tales. With the right planning, advertising, and Oda’s steady hand, it could become the big show to watch in the 2020s. Even if it isn’t, though, One Piece has already secured its legacy for generations to come.

That, and there’s no way it could do worse than the end to Game of Thrones.