Happy October guys n’ gals! We are officially in the final quarter of the 2018 year, and we just want to say thank you to all of our fans and anibloggers who have supported us throughout the year. Now with that out of the way, it’s time for another awesome filler post! Since the inception of Pokemon and other classic anime titles of the 90’s, trading card games have made their way into the world of the nerd and have become another great staple in the community. One trading card game in particular has gone through various incarnations over the years, and its latest format has taken the TCG community by storm! We’re talking about the one and only Dragon Ball Super Card Game (DBSCG)!

One of the reasons why this version of the classic action-packed card game is so popular, might be the way that the game is played. The rules are simple and aren’t too complicated, and you can probably finish a game (or battle) in 30 minutes or less. You get to play as characters from every series in the Dragon Ball universe (including Super), and every character does something different and unique depending on the type of deck that you decide to run. If you’re trying to find out which character/deck you want to run for your first time playing this awesome card game, here are our Top 7 Leader Cards that you gotta check out to figure out what style/tempo you feel like playing at.

7. The Masked Saiyan (Leader Card) / 10000 Power / Critical / Awaken

Coming in at Number 7 on our list is the Leader card The Masked Saiyan. With this card you’d have to place the top 3 cards of your deck into the Drop Area. If two of the cards that you place in the Drop Area are black and any other color, not only do you gain the Critical boost, but you also get a +5000 power boost as well. This Leader card is a great card to practice with if you aren’t too familiar with the game just yet, however there are others just like this one out there with the same or similar abilities.

6. Broly (Leader Card) / 10000 Power / Permanent / Awaken

From what we’ve heard about this card, you’ll need to make sure you have Broly’s Ring handy in order to see its full benefits. Other than that running a Broly deck isn’t too bad as long as you have the right ingredients, so if you’re thinking about running this deck be sure to check out Broly’s Deck Profile on youtube for some pointers.

5. Hit (Leader Card) / 10000 Power / Awaken

Getting a +5000 power boost every turn from this Leader card isn’t too bad. The Hit Deck is also a nice starter deck to begin with, and with the right cards it can become a lethal one as well.

4. Ginyu (Leader Card) / 10000 Power / Awaken

This Leader card would be good to practice with once you’ve gotten a little used to the game. If you’re gonna run this deck, you might wanna make sure you’ve got the rest of the Ginyu Force along with Frieza, Zarbon, and Dodoria on your side. You can also get some good ideas on Reddit if you’re having trouble.

3. Vegito (Leader Card) / 10000 Power / Permanent / Awaken

This Leader card’s ability will change any Goku or Vegeta cards that you have in your deck to red, blue, and green cards for the rest of the battle. You also get a +5000 power boost every time this card attacks. Having a lot of Goku, Vegeta, and Vegito cards can really help if you somehow get yourself in a jam. Also don’t forget to combo as much as you can!

2. Son Goku (Leader Card) / 10000 Power / Awaken

This card and the Vegeta Leader card are great decks to start off with if this is your first time playing. First off for this card; you’ll gain a +1000 power boost for each energy you have on the field, so the more energy you have on the field, the more power you gain. Even when this card awakens you still get the power boost ability, plus other neat perks depending on the type of deck you build around this card.

1. Cell (Leader Card) / 10000 Power / Awaken

This Leader card is a card killer as well as a nightmare for some players. As long as you have the androids and a few Cell cards in your deck, you can punish your opponents and gain quick victories with the right strategy of course. This deck plays rather aggressively due to the fact that if you’ve got some fusion/union Cell cards along with 17 and 18’s, you’ll be able to bring out your 30000 power Perfect Cell in no time! for tips and tricks just search youtube or Reddit.

Well guys, that will do it for this filler post. Whatever leader/deck you decide to go with, just know that you’re gonna have a great time playing this game. There’s more posts to come as well as a special announcement regarding what we’ll be doing in 2019. Until next post, stay golden! 😉

When its hot outside we look for any and every way we can possibly cool down; such as jumping into a swimming pool, or downing cup after cup of ice cold drinks. Even though Summer may be over and the weather may be cooling down, there seems to be one particular drink that both Japanese guys and girls along with anime fans can’t seem to get enough of. In the anime known as Dagashi Kashi, Hotaru was seen near the end of the opening drinking this well-known soft drink. What is it you ask? It is the Summertime drink straight outta Japan known as…Ramune.

What is it about this carbonated drink that has made it so famous? Could it have something to do with the person who introduced it to Japan back in Meiji Period? (Alexander Cameron Sim, by the way.) There are several theories about the origin of how Ramune came to be such a popular item, but 140+ years later it’s still popular both in and outside of Japan. For those who are just seeing it for the very first time, Ramune can be picked out from the design of its bottle; called a codd-neck bottle. (Thanks, Hiram Codd!) Because Ramune has been given the nickname “marble soda” due to the fact that there’s a small marble sealed within the bottle, you have to open it a little differently than your average soda. There’s a small device that allows you to push the marble inward using a little force (or course), and BAM! You’re ready to enjoy the sweet flavor of Ramune.

There are about 37 different flavors of Ramune; such as Blue Raspberry, Cherry, Orange, Melon, Grape, Coconut, Pineapple, Strawberry, and so much more. Nowadays you rarely see the codd-neck bottle design for soda (other than it being used for Ramune), but if you ever find yourself on the hunt for a Summer drink or a drink for any season, give Ramune a try! You’ll find this drink in just about any supermarket in Japan, as well as a select few in North America; by way of Wegmans and other family-owned stores. If you live in the UK you also might find it over there as well.

Ramune can be categorized as the Japanese version of Sprite due to its sweet lemon-lime flavor found in the original. It’s one of those kind of drinks that you can enjoy anytime; especially if you’re watching anime or reading manga, then it just might enhance the otaku experience. So if you were given the chance to try Ramune for the first time, would you? Let us know in the comments down below!

That will wrap up this filler post for the time being, but we’ll be returning with some new and exciting ones in October of next week! Until then my friends, if life gives you lemons, drink Ramune! 😉

In America anime has become more than just another trend, it has become a new way of life for those who felt left out from society via the Social Hierarchy. Since the late 90’s anime conventions have become a staple in the anime community as well as play a major part in otaku culture. Seeing voice actors from your favorite shows and getting merch signed from them is nothing short of awesome, and getting cosplay pics is just as cool. However as the day turns to night and most of the family-friendly panels have ended, it’ll soon be time to turn up and rave it up at the conventions late-night dance.

Although a lot of us like to dance and show off our mad skills to our friends and other con-goers, there’s some of us that want to party at anime-alternative events held at gaming bars and underground nightclubs. There are a good amount of places that have these alternative cosplay events and parties, but you haven’t been to an anime afterparty, until you’ve been to one in the NYC! So for all of you otaku party animals out there, here are five places in New York City where otaku go to party after the con.

FYI: You must be 21+ to attend these parties. Viewer Discresion is Advised. O.O

Number 5: Sexy Nerds: Retro Game & Various Cosplay After Parties

Many alternative cosplay parties and afterparties are held by entertainment companies that provide anime/gaming-themed late night events. Sexy Nerds is one of them; as these guys through some of the best gaming/cosplay parties in the Big Apple! They travel between New York and Canada from time to time, and they also show up at other cons in both the east and west coast. Wanna really turn up? Check these guys out when they have events!

Number 4: SonicBoomBox: NYCC Afterparties & Events

New York Comic Con is the largest and most popular convention in the NYC, and you have a big con, you gotta throw a big party! If you’re looking for a place to let your hair down after the con, SonicBoomBox provides some turn’t up afterparties and events that you could head to. Grab a drink and dance with friends, and drop it like its hot nerd-style! 😉

Number 3: The Cosplay Booze Cruise in NYC

Partying in a club in cosplay is fun, but partying on a yacht in cosplay is even more lit! If there’s one thing you should know about con attendees at the NYCC, its that they know how to turn up no matter how late it is!

Number 2: The Senpai Project Cosplay After Parties

Ain’t no party like a Senpai Party! If you haven’t been to one of their after party events, you have no idea what you’re missing! The Senpai Project holds all kinds of cosplay-themed events that are mainly Marvel/DC/Anime-themed. They actually reached out to us several months ago for a collab project, and even though we’re not quite in a position where we can say ‘yes’ just yet, there might be a near future collab through DJ/Producer Enzo Blackjack. One day Senpai, one day…

Number 1: CEG and Geeks on Fleek After Parties

CEG is another entertainment company that hosts cosplay-themed parties in the club, and on the water (on a yacht). Geeks on Fleek have after parties after their fashion shows in the NYC, so if you get the chance to get out to any of these two after parties, definitely check them out and turn up!

There are various other places all around New York City to party at around convention season, so be sure to do some hunting around for various events besides these five for more action, more fun, and more after parties! Drink responsibly and don’t be a hentai pervert, because if you’ve seen enough anime in your life, you know what happens when you cross that line. (It’s not pretty, darling. T.T)

That will do it for us on this filler post, until next time party on! 😉

Every once in awhile an anime title comes along that has us on the edge of our seats in terms of action, romance, drama, and intense battles. There are various titles that pop onto one’s head when it comes to those things, but one title in particular that’s got four has to be the anime about assassins known as Akame ga Kill! There’s a good amount of characters that have become favorites among Akame ga Kill fans, but the most talked about character on the show has to be the series main female villain, Esdeath.

Her personality is about as cold as the icebergs she’s able to summon at a moments notice, and gets a thrill out of dominating people – especially young men. Although there’s a lot to be said about her, there are a few things that some fans (new fans might we add) may not know about this cold-shouldered mistress. Here are seven things you probably may not know about Esdeath.

#7 – She’s The Most Popular Character in a 2014 Popularity Poll

Akame may have won on the battlefield, but Esdeath won the popular vote in a 2014 popularity poll. This revelation surprised many fans as they though the titicular character Akame had the number one spot locked down. On the bright side however she’s got a 1-0 victory against the icy general, so it’s not all bad Akame. 😉

#6 – She’s The Incarnation of War

Even though this is true, Esdeath treats her subordinates rather well – better than any other villain does with theirs. She is also very respected in terms of ranking, and even shows respect to powerful opponents and warriors.

#5 – Esdeath May Be Young, But She’s Got A Cougar Complex

When it comes to love Esdeath likes younger men. She may not be a cougar in terms of age (because she’s only in her 20’s), but she’s got a bit of a cougar-like complex due to the fact that she likes younger guys, especially Tatsumi.

#4 – She Has The Highest Kill Count in the Whole Show

When Esdeath was younger she was taught to kill or be killed, which may be the reason why she has one of the highest kill counts in the series. As a result of her upbringing she doesn’t care about the people she kills and that war to her is fun, which might strike a chord in the hearts and minds of various protagonists who face villains with that kind of thinking.

#3 – Esdeath’s Name Was Really Esdesu

Esdesu was supposed to be Esdeath’s real name, but it was changed to Esdeath for English translation. To many fans ‘Esdeath’ sounded a little more badass for the name of a female villain for an anime.

#2 – She Carries a Journal With Her

Not just any journal however, a journal where Esdeath draws pictures of Tatsumi and writes down various ways on how she can get him to fall in love with her. We’re not going to lie, because of her pursuit of him Esdeath fans have shipped her and Tatsumi in more ways that one – especially in fan fiction.

#1 – Esdeath and Liones Never Met in the Anime

These two never crossed paths in the anime, but there was that one time where Liones spied on Esdeath – who was scared of her aura.

If you didn’t know these facts about her before, now you do! Esdeath is a fan favorite to fans of Akame ga Kill, and if you haven’t checked out the show yet, you can find it on Crunchyroll and FunimationNow. By the way, if you’re in the L.A. area and want to see us in person, D&A founding member A. Goldman will be in the downtown area until October 3rd. Be sure to take pictures if you see him!

As always continue to make D&A a part of you, and we’ll make you a part of us. 🙂

Since the 80’s and 90’s video games have become a grand staple in the lives of the people who’ve spent time playing them; kids, enthusiasts, and geeks! Many of the major players that gamers are familiar with are Nintendo, SEGA, Capcom, Midway, Playstation, Xbox, and so many more. Video game consumption in America is at an all-time high (if it isn’t already), and a lot of your favorite brands don’t plan on stopping anytime soon. The gaming industry is always changing in some way, shape or form every day. For Japanese gamers the video game hype is a little bit different. From secret cheat codes to hidden facts about franchise gaming characters these something to be said about this whimsical world filled with joysticks and buttons. Here are five Japanese gaming facts that might (or might not) surprise you!

Game Fact #5: Atari Was Originally Going To Be Called “Syzygy”!

Many of us know Atari from back in the 80’s with arcade games like Frogger, but Atari was not the first choice for the name of this gaming brand. Founders Nolan Bushwell and Ted Dabney were actually going to name their brand (you guessed it) Syzygy, which meant “the straight line configuration of three celestial bodies”. The bad news for this choice however, was the fact that the name was already taken by a roofing company – which was actually the best thing that ever happened to them. Can you imagine playing a game branded by a roofing company? O.O

Game Fact #4: SEGA Was (Originally) Created By Three Americans!

Betcha didn’t know that, did’cha?! Or maybe you did; rendering our reaction to your surprise about this revelation ‘moot’. Before a certain blue hedgehog became the face of the company, SEGA’s original mission was to import game machines to the American servicemen living in Japan – because of their boredom. Those gaming machines are still hugely successful to this very day in Japan, and thanks to two Japanese lads, SEGA (along with the aforementioned blue hedgehog) has become a household name.

Game Fact #3: The First Video Game Death Was in 1981!

Normally we don’t like talking about death a lot on the blog (unless it’s a character that fans think deserve it), but in 1981 a gamer by the name of Jeff Dailey died while playing Berzerk. Games are cool, but if you treat the time you spend playing them the same way you treat alcohol (without moderation), the ending won’t be a happy one. Marathon gaming without stopping for food or water is never a good idea, so to all the gamers out there, take a break at least 1-2 hours after playing. Cool? 😉

Game Fact #2: The Release of the N64 Caused Riots in Japan!

When the era of the SNES had ended, Nintendo decided it was time to enter the 3D world of gaming with what they called the Nintendo 64. There are hundreds of well-known titles fans have played since that era, but during its initial Japan release, it caused riots among Japanese fans trying to get their hands on it. Yes America, Japan has Black Friday too! XP

Game Fact #1: Mario Was Named After Mario Segali, Nintendo America’s Italian Landlord!

How about that? The plumber from Brooklyn is named after someone who is actually from Italy (originally)! Before that Mario didn’t really have a name, in fact the first time we ever saw him was Donkey Kong – which was originally called Jumpman. Since then Mario has appeared in over 100 games and has continued to stand the test of time even to this very day. That’s three facts in one about the well-known plumber. You’re welcome. 😉

There are more amazing and fascinating facts about Japanese gaming that many gamers know, and some don’t. Nevertheless there’s always something new and exciting going on in the world of gaming, as well as in the community. What new facts will be revealed in the next 5-10 years that we don’t already know? What throwback gaming consoles will make a resurgence in the next several years if it hasn’t happened already? (Which we’re pretty sure it has.) Perhaps another post for another time.

Until next filler post, stay gold! 🙂