areaseven

I just received my set of FP stickers from VALKYRIE-EXCHANGE.COM. As usual, I'm impressed by the quality of Takatoys' stickers compared to the stock versions. Unfortunately, that doesn't mean I didn't touch the Yamato sticker sheet. Certain stickers such as the colored panels on the forearm units and the little yellow squares on the missile holder are not available on this new sticker sheet. You'll need to go back to Takatoys' first sheet to add the "No Step" and "Beware of Blast" labels. And for some reason, the Budweiser can label isn't as clear as the Yamato version. Despite the imperfections, I'm glad I ordered Takatoys' sticker sheets for my Valks.

From what I know: 1. Original Version (from OST, Macross Song Collection, Macross the Complete and Macross Song Collection 2002. Also available in the CDs Mari Iijima Gold and Emotion 20th Anniversary Theme Collection: OVA and Theatrical Films) 2. Mylene Jenius version (from Mylene Jenius Sings Lynn Minmay) 3. Yoko Ueno version (from Macross the Tribute) 4. Mari Iijima cover version (from Mari Iijima Sings Lynn Minmay)

Not really. I tried the survey a few more times, and picking Milla Jovovich got me Lara Croft, while picking Ahnuld got me Sonic.

The Martial Artist answers should've given you Chun-Li, but since the Super Elite Soldier and Protect Humankind answers came in first, you got Master Chief.

I guess I miscalculated on that one. What other choices did you make?

It seems that your answer for question #1 predetermines your character while most of the other questions will do nothing. Here's how I see it: Sword = Link Fists and Feet = Chun Li Turtle Shells = Mario (Duh!) Assault Rifle = Master Chief Hand Gun = Solid Snake, Tommy Vercetti, Jill Valentine or Lara Croft Bigass Shot Gun = Tommy Vercetti, Jill Valentine or Lara Croft Futuristic Laser Gun = Samus Aran The Spikes on Your Back = Sonic (Duh!) Questions #3 and #6 may also determine your character: #3: Zombies = Jill Valentine #3: Terrorists = Solid Snake #3: Army General = Solid Snake #3: Cops, Politicians, Prostitutes, Anyone = Tommy Vercetti #6: Archaeologist = Lara Croft

Second try, just for the hell of it.

This is too easy.

Kamui no Ken ( カムイの剣 ) Madhouse Studios/Kadokawa Shoten/Toei, 1985 AnimEigo, 1993, 2003 Directed by Rintaro (Galaxy Express 999, Metropolis) Rated 13+ for violence and gore, nudity, mature situations and strong language. A young boy named Jiro finds his mother and sister murdered in his home. Falsely accused of the crime, he flees from his village and meets a priest named Tenkai, who has him kill a rogue shinobi named Tarouza. After fulfilling that task, Jiro undergoes training to become a master assassin. Many years later, Jiro finds out that he was an orphan and his real father was Tarouza, who had worked for Tenkai until he aborted his mission when he fell in love with an Ainu woman. The young ninja discovers that the Shogunate was to retrieve the lost treasure of Captain Kidd and use it to once again isolate Japan from the rest of the world. Using the clues that Tarouza had kept secret, Jiro - along with the female ninja Oyuki and a slave named Sam - travels to Russia and America to search for the treasure in hopes of using it to extract revenge from Tenkai. Story: A- If the late, great Akira Kurosawa were to do an animated film, it would look and feel much like this. The Dagger of Kamui has the feel of a good samurai epic and a spaghetti western with its unique storytelling and use of historical backgrounds. Animation: A+ Before Yoshiaki Kawajiri directed his masterpiece Ninja Scroll, he worked as one of the main animators of this film. And it shows, as the fight scenes have excellent choreography and the artwork is nothing short of outstanding. Soundtrack: A- I don't know with you guys, but I'm diggin' the '80s rock soundtrack composed by Ryudo Uzaki (Kamen Rider BLACK) and Eitetsu Hayashi (Samurai 7). It mixes perfectly with all the film's action scenes. Cast The Dagger of Kamui features Hiroyuki Sanada as Jiro, Gentaro Ishida as Tenkai, Mami Koyama (adult Chiyoko in Millennium Actress, Karen in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team) as Oyuki, Yuriko Yamamoto (Fight! Iczer-One, La Meeme in Arcadia of My Youth) as Chico, Kazuyuki Sogabe (Kyoshiro in Tosho Daimos, Kunzite in Sailor Moon) as Sam, Mikio Terashima (Zanzibal in Voltes V, Berg Katse in Kagaku Ninjatai Gatchaman) as Genjuro, Takeshi Aono (Dakuan in Ninja Scroll, Professor Tarsan in Dangaio) as Sanpei, Takashi Ebata as Captain Drasnic, Takashi Sotoyama as Hanzo, Ichiro Nagai (Happosai in Ranma 1/2, Left Hand in Vampire Hunter D) as Shouzan, the late Kaneto Shiozawa (Vampire Hunter D OAV, Rei in Fist of the North Star) as Shingo, Michio Hasama as Tarouza, Masako Ikeda (Maetel in Galaxy Express 999, Lynn in Yukikaze) as Oyaruru, Mitsuko Horie (Bijinder in Android Kikaider: The Animation) as Chiomapp, and Iemasa Oyumi as Mark Twain. DVD Extras: B- There really isn't much in AnimEigo's DVD release other than the original theatrical trailer, character bios and maps of the places where Jiro traveled during his quest for Captain Kidd's lost treasure. The Bottom Line Even after two decades, The Dagger of Kamui still stands out as one of the best ninja anime titles ever produced. Reference Anime News Network

I'll need a BP8 and a Gunpod for my Hikaru VF-1A.

Here's an official promo card for Power Rangers SPD.

The first time I saw DYRL was in 1993, when I borrowed a friend's worn-out Beta copy of the uncut English version (not COTB). Three years later, I ordered a VHS copy of the Japanese version; only to find out that I got a Cantonese version instead, which has "Tenshi no Enogu" replaced with a Cantonese version of "Ai, Oboete Imasu ka?" in the ending credits. I bought the Best Video version of DYRL, but was disappointed by the poor video transfer and flat audio. Today, I have the Anime Cartoon bootleg DVD version, which I'm happy with. And yes - after 20 years, DYRL still holds its own as a masterpiece.

Well folks, Tokusou Sentai Dekaranger has been officially given a U.S. title for next year...

Nope, that's exactly what Shawn said.

Yesterday, at the MW Con, Shawn showed us yet another rare video artifact: a live-action Macross TV special that Seiichi-san kept on tape back in 1984. It was more of a talk show with a rather annoying male host that knew absolutely nothing about the series. Some of the audience cosplayed as the major characters, which resulted in the host asking stupid questions like, "Aren't you guys a little too old to dress up like cartoon characters?", etc. The set itself was nothing short of hilarious, as it contained colored styrofoam balls hanging on strings. After some more idiotic comments by the host, we're introduced to the series' main voices: Mari Iijima (Minmay), Mika Doi (Misa) and the late Arihiro Hase (Hikaru). They talked a little about reprising their roles for DYRL. After commercial break, Mari-chan performed "Tenshi no Enogu" and "Ai, Oboete imasu ka?" with some guys on the background pretending to play musical instruments. Following that, there was a small segment on Tatsunoko studios. Before the end of the show, there was an interview with the almighty "Hory Froating Head" Shoji Kawamori. Overall, it's nice to see what Macross fandom was like in Japan before DYRL. It's also a hoot to watch these old commercials for Chicken McNuggets, sentai toys, and some beverage endorsed by William Katt of The Greatest American Hero fame. Shawn said that he's gonna transfer this video to a special edition MW DVD, which should be available later this year.

Well, Chris Benoit proved to everyone that he won't step down to the boss' son-in-law...yet... WWE Vengeance Results Tajiri's Revenge Tajiri and Rhyno def. Jonathan Coachman and Garrison Cade after the Japanese Buzzsaw sprayed green mist on Cade. Batista Still Can't Wrestle Batista powerbombed and pinned Chris Jericho, even though Y2J had his foot on the rope. World Tag Team Championship La Resistance def. Ric Flair and Eugene by DQ. No DQ, No Count-Out Matt Hardy ver. 1 def. Kane with a chairshot that floored the Big Red Machine and had the steel steps landing on him. WWE Intercontinental Championship Edge speared Randy Orton to win the I-C title. #1 Contender for the Women's Championship Victoria floored Molly Holly with a loud superkick to the face. Ouch! World Heavyweight Championship Chris Benoit rolled Triple-H for the pin after Eugene accidentally hit The Game with a steel chair.

According to Geneon Entertainment, vol. 1 should hit the U.S. next January.

Like every Kurosawa film, The Seven Samurai is a masterpiece. The Criterion DVD should be available at Best Buy, Suncoast or any major video store.

Second attempt. Now that's more like it.

Old news. Saw this two years ago on Bandai's website.

Samurai 7 GONZO Digimation/Animax/Sony Pictures Entertainment, 2004-2005 FUNimation, 2005 Directed by Toshifumi Takizawa (Crusher Joe, Dirty Pair: Flight 005 Conspiracy) Rated 13+ for graphic violence, mature situations and strong language. Based on the late Akira Kurosawa's 1954 epic The Seven Samurai. In the distant future, bandits continue to harass villagers into taking their crops within every harvesting season. One village vows to defy the bandits by hiring samurai and repaying them with all the rice they have. Kirara, Komachi and Rikichi travel to the city to find the noble warriors for their cause and bring them back to the village. Story: A- If you've seen The Seven Samurai, you will notice that Samurai 7 has the same story structure. The major twist is that it takes place in an alternate future. The series does a good job in putting in some decent action while keeping the plot intact. So far, three of the seven samurai have been identified on episode 1: Kanbei (the lone warrior with no future), Katsushiro (the young swordsman willing to help) and Kikuchiyo (the somewhat unreliable robot). I'll look forward to seeing the other four in the next few episodes. Animation: A+ Damn...GONZO tries to outdo Macross Zero with some serious mecha action on the opening scene. As with GONZO's other works, the 3D animation is outstanding while the 2D scenes - while not Last Exile material - is remarkably good. Character designs by Takuhito Kusanagi (Blue Submarine No. 6) and Hideki Hashimoto. Mechanical designs by Makoto Kobayashi (Giant Robo, Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam). Soundtrack: A+ Kaoru Wada (Ninja Scroll, Battle Angel) and Eitetsu Hayashi (The Dagger of Kamui) deliver an excellent soundtrack that incorporates traditional Japanese instruments. That and some great opening and ending themes by Nanase Aikawa (Inu-Yasha, Kamen Rider Blade) and Rin. Cast Samurai 7 features Masaki Terasoma as Kanbei, Kong Kuwata as Kikuchiyo, Romi Paku (Edward in Fullmetal Alchemist, Katie in Macross Zero) as Katsushiro, Toru Kusano as Shichirouji, Junji Inukai as Heihachi, Tetsu Inada (Harry in Turn-A Gundam) as Gorobei, Shinichiro Miki (Allen in Escaflowne, Kurz in Full Metal Panic! as Kyuzo, Fumiko Orikasa (Chise in Saikano, Pacifica in Scrapped Princess) as Kirara, Chiwa Saito (Anita in R.O.D -The TV-, Lavie in Last Exile) as Komachi, Tadahisa Saizen as Rikichi, and Takehito Koyasu (Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo, Gamlin in Macross 7) as Ukyo. The Bottom Line GONZO takes a Kurosawa classic and takes it to a new level with Samurai 7. Links Official Samurai 7 Homepage (Japanese) Animax's Official Samurai 7 Homepage (Japanese) Reference Anime News Network

You can review it if you want. Here's my take on it. Samurai Champloo ( サムライチャンプルー ) Manglobe/Fuji TV/Victor Entertainment, 2004 Geneon Entertainment, 2005 Directed by Shinichiro Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop) Rated 16-Up for violence and gore, slight nudity, suggestive sexual situations and strong language. Mugen is a wandering swordsman with an unorthodox fighting style somewhat similar to capoeira. Jin is a ronin (masterless samurai) who prefers the traditional approach. One day, the two cross paths at a tea house and are arrested for murder and arson. With the aid of a ditzy waitress named Fuu, Mugen and Jin escape from the authorities right before they get executed. But before they even up the score with each other, they're conned by Fuu embark on a journey to search for a samurai with the scent of sunflowers. Story: A Think Cowboy Bebop set in Feudal Japan. That's what Samurai Champloo is - a completely fresh and off-beat concept with loads of action and laughs, plus a host of likable characters. Animation: A+ Since it's by the same director of Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo boasts a similar animation style - fast-paced action, outstanding artwork and smooth animation. Character designs by Kazuto Nakazawa (El Hazard, Ashita no Nadja) and weapon designs by Mahiro Maeda (Last Exile, The Animatrix: The Second Renaissance Parts 1-2). Soundtrack: A- While Cowboy Bebop got anime fans hooked on jazz, Samurai Champloo aims to pump hip-hop and funk into an otaku's music collection. Sub vs. Dub Samurai Champloo features Kazuya Nakai (Zoro in One Piece, Iruga in Ragnarok: The Animation) as Mugen, Ginpei Sato as Jin, and Ayako Kawasumi (Mahoromatic, Aoi in Ai Yori Aoshi) as Fuu. English dub review coming in 2005. DVD Extras Under construction. The Bottom Line Looks like the Rurouni Kenshin OAV has some stiff competition in the form of Samurai Champloo. Now let's see how GONZO's Samurai 7 fares. Links Official Samurai Champloo Homepage (Japanese) Fuji TV's Official Samurai Champloo Homepage (Japanese) Geneon Entertainment's Official Samurai Champloo Homepage (Coming Soon) Reference Anime News Network

Wow...GAINAX must be really desperate to get this series off the ground.

LMAO

I actually made the mistake of watching Char's Counterattack first before any other Gundam series. Despite this, I understood what was going on due to the various Gundam literature I read on Protoculture Addicts and Mecha Press. Unlike most Gundam purists, I wasn't too much into the Newtype concept; I was in it for the mecha action. As a result, I'm a bit biased towards 0083 and The 08th MS Team. At least it beats watching another Alternate Universe Gundam title.