areaseven

Guess that was a hard one. TERRA is an acronym for "Tereno Empireo Rapidmova Reakcii Armeo," which is Esperanto for "Earth Empire Rapid Response Army." Next question: Which Rumiko Takahashi title is about an amateur boxer falling in love with a young nun?

Leonard Nimoy makes better music videos than those two clowns.

Hah! I got three for $9 at the Wizard World Convention last month.

Gekijouban Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost ( 劇場版仮面ライダー555<ファイズ> 『パラダイス・ロスト』 ) Ishimori Productions/Asatsu DK/TV Asahi/Bandai Visual/Toei Co. Ltd., 2003 Not available in the U.S. Directed by Ryuta Tasaki (Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon, Kamen Rider Ryuki) Based on Kamen Rider by the late Shotaro Ishinomori (1938-1998) (Cyborg 009, Android Kikaider)Running Time: 81 minutes Not Rated (Suggested TV-14). Contains graphic violence. Cast Kento Handa as Takumi Inui/Kamen Rider 555 Faiz/Wolf Orphenoch Masayuki Izumi (1980-2015) as Yuji Kiba/Horse Orphenoch/Kamen Rider 000 Orga Yuria Haga as Mari Sonoda Peter Ho as Leo/Kamen Rider 315 Psyga Ken Mizorogi as Keitaro Kikuchi Yoshika Kato as Yuka Osada/Crane Orphenoch Mitsuru Karahashi as Naoya Kaido/Snake Orphenoch Kohei Murakami as Masato Kusaka/Kamen Rider 913 Kaixa Katsuyuki Murai as Kyouji Murakami Hitomi Kurihara as SMART Lady Mei Kurokawa as Mina Mokomichi Hayami as Mizuhara Synopsis In the near future, the world is ruled by the Smart Brain Corporation and its genetic creations known as Orphenochs, and the once prominent human race is nearing extinction. Takumi Inui (a.k.a. Kamen Rider Faiz), was once regarded as the savior of mankind until he was captured by Smart Brain's Riotroopers and presumed dead. Since then, human rebel groups have staged attacks on Smart Brain's complex in an attempt to steal the top-secret "King Belt," but with no success. Kiba, Kaido and Osada - three Orphenochs who sympathize the human race, attempt to ease the tension between both races, but their peace meeting is interrupted by Smart Brain's troops and their newest warrior Kamen Rider Psyga. Takumi, who had lived in secrecy over the past few years, regains his memory and once again becomes Kamen Rider Faiz to settle a score with Smart Brain once and for all. Lowdown If you're expecting a continuation of the Kamen Rider 555 series, you will be disappointed, as it has nothing to do with that continuity. Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost is an alternate retelling in the same way we compare the Escaflowne movie to the TV series. Paradise Lost has a much darker atmosphere than its TV counterpart. It's also more action-packed and more dramatic. All the major characters of the TV series are here; most of them with the same characteristics - Mari still cuts hair, Takumi still can't stand hot drinks, and SMART Lady is as kawaii as ever. Other regular characters have undergone changes that are rather disturbing - Murakami, the evil Smart Brain executive, has been reduced to a head in a glass jar. Unfortunately, many of the series' characters have been reduced to rather minor roles. Kusaka/Kamen Rider Kaixa only has five minutes of air time before he gets killed by Leo/Kamen Rider Psyga (played by American-born Hong Kong actor/singer Peter Ho, who speaks English throughout the entire film). Kamen Rider Delta is nowhere to be seen in the movie at all. The CG special effects are several steps above those seen in the TV series, but many elements still look fake and cheesy, especially when Faiz and his transforming bike Autovajin battle the massive Elasmotherium Orphenoch in the Smart Brain Super Arena. On the other hand, the new Rider designs are nothing short of awesome - especially Orga and Faiz Blaster Form. In short, Kamen Rider 555: Paradise Lost is loads of fun for fans of tokusatsu. Even the Ishinomori purists who refuse to watch the current generation Kamen Rider titles should check this film out. Rating: B+ Reference Anime News Network

Okay, that was another hard one. "What is Sword for Truth?" is the answer. Next question: In RahXephon, what does TERRA mean? Give the English translation if possible.

Last night on RAW: - Chris Jericho lost to Christian after someone ran in and did a mafia kick on Y2J. Christian told Trish that the new guy was their "problem-solver: introduced him as Tyson Tomko. - Kane had a vignette about making a sacrifice later on the show. No idea what that is all about. - Edge issued a challenge to Randy Orton, but was later on attacked by the rest of Evolution. Benoit ran in to make the save, but was trampled by HHH. Bischoff then announced that the main event of the night was Benoit/Edge vs. Flair/Batista for the Tag Team Championship. - There was supposed to be a mixed tag match between Lita/Val Venis and Gail Kim/Matt Hardy, but Kane made his appearance and chokeslammed Venis. He then stalked Lita. Matt then ran in to save Lita, but got a chokeslam for his troubles. If this was Kane's "sacrifice," then it was a really lame one. - Last week on SmackDown!, viewers were treated to a small vignette featuring an upcoming wrestler named "Mordecai" (just what we need - another Gangrel wannabe challenging the Undertaker). On RAW (or at least that's what we're led to believe), there was a vignette on the rise and fall of the Imperial Japanese Empire during World War II. Then the name "Hirohito" flashed. FYI, Hirohito was the Japanese emperor from 1928 to his death in 1989. The vignette mentioned that a new leader named Hirohito would rise from the ashes of the lost Imperial rule. It's probably good that the WWE will bring in a Japanese wrestler to feud with Tajiri, but to base his gimmick on World War II is a completely bad idea. - Benoit and Edge are the new World Tag Team Champions.

Better than RahXephon and Gunbuster? This, I've got to see. Especially since GaoGaiGar FINAL's ending was rather flat.

You forgot about Shinkon Gattai Godannar, which is borderline Hentai compared to Gravion.

How about Tajiri vs. Coach, since Coach doesn't know how to sell?

Robonimal Panda-Z: The Robonimation ( パンダーゼット ) Bee Media/Dynamic Planning/MegaHouse/Kids Station/Bandai Visual, 2004 Bandai Entertainment, 2005 Directed by Mamoru Kanbe (Elfen Lied) Created by Shuichi Oshida Running Time: 5 minutes per episode. Rated 14-Up for some violence and mature situations. Let's Try to Find Our Future. A parody of the Mazinger Z series, Panda-Z chronicles the misadventures of young panda Pan Taron and his giant robot Panda-Z, as they battle Skull Panda and his evil Warunimal forces. We start running on the field. Check ignition! And power on! Story: N/A Well, there is no story. Panda-Z, which runs at five minutes per episode, just has robots throwing hammers and missiles at each other, which is pretty hilarious if you follow giant robot anime. Animation: B+ It's normal not to expect quality from a parody title. Panda-Z, on the other hand, is very well-animated with some outstanding 3D effects on the opening sequence. Sure as hell beats SD Gundam Force. Soundtrack: A- Hironobu Kageyama and JAM Project supply a headbanging opening theme and just one hard rock BGM track per episode. Cast NONE. This is a silent anime. DVD Extras: A- (Robonimal Edition) For $15.99 at Best Buy, you get five episodes on one disc plus a collectible Panda-Z Posing Mini Figure. Included in the DVD are the clean opening sequence and a full 3D animated short not seen on TV. The Bottom Line Mazinger fans will love this short parody. Other anime fans should check this out as well. Links Official Panda-Z Homepage (Japanese) Go!! Panda-Z! Defender of Peace and Justice! Reference Anime News Network

Wow...I thought I was the only one around here who likes the B-Wing.

Time's up. Tomo Takino's first hairstyle was inspired by Fujiko Mine of Lupin III. Halfway in the series, she has her hair shortened to look like Ayumi Hamasaki. Next question - Jeopardy!-style: This one-shot anime featured a lone swordsman sporting two crossed scythes on the back of his outfit.

Macross 7 has Guvava. RahXephon has the cat Buchi. Steel Angel Kurumi 2 has the dog Kyanwan (Can-1). Azumanga Daioh just has too many mascots.

Next question: In Azumanga Daioh, Tomo Takino sports two different hairstyles throughout the series. One is inspired by an anime character and the other is patterned after a J-Pop artist. 1. Name the anime character. 2. Name the J-Pop artist.

I just downloaded episode 1 of Initial D: Fourth Stage, and I must warn you about the fansub by "fob2k4". If you thought the "29 Groups" fansub of Pretty Guardian Sailor Moon was bad, this fansub will leave a bad taste to your mouth. Here are some excerpts: Girl: "WTF is Project D?" Guy: "I heard it's that fewl Takahashi 'Roger' Ryousuke!" Girl: "You mean that super hottie ricer guy?" Guy: "It's his special team to develop tite new ricing skillz!" Guy: "I heard they're using irc and bittorent to send out challenges to other ricers! I heard they've got more responses than d/ls of nar00to episode!" Nao: "Alright I get it. Since you're so determined I will spot your sorry ass. Guy: "Really!!! You saved my ass." Nao: "But." Guy: "Huh?" Nao: "Under one condition. If you lose in the next battle, you have to stop being a streetricer. No NFSU either." Guy: "WTF?" (Caption: Isn't it JUST like a ho to start crying? Shiet...) Nao: "I'm serious this time...If you don't keep this promise, hit the road, I'm gonna find me a real man... Guy: "Our team has riced it up for 2 years...We've riced this road more times than narutards ask for a nar00to ep that hasn't aired." Ryousuke: "Let FuJiWaRa get a feel for the added 10 horsepower that sticker gave." Guy: "Gotcha R-Dawg."

Previously on the old boards, I reviewed Manga Video's butchered version. And I don't want to talk about that particular version anymore.

Haja Taisei Dangaioh ( 破邪大星ダンガイオー ) AIC/ARTMIC/Bandai Visual, 1987-1989 U.S. Renditions, 1990-1992 (Out of Print) Directed by Toshihiro Hirano (Hades Project Zeorymer, Fight! Iczer-One) Not Rated (Suggested 13-Up). Contains graphic violence and strong language. (Author's note: This review covers the original subtitled release, not Manga Entertainment's butchered version.) "Cross-Fight! Dangaio!"Cast Mayumi Shou (Yuratei in Hades Project Zeorymer, Chi-Chi in Dragon Ball/DBZ/DBGT) as Mia Alice Akira Kamiya (Roy Focker in Macross/Macross Zero, Ryo in City Hunter) as Roll Kran Maya Okamoto (Emma in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam, Liza in Macross Dynamite 7) as Lamba Nom Naoko Matsui (Katsumi in Silent Möbius, Rally in Riding Bean) as Pai Thunder Takeshi Aono (Dakuan in Ninja Scroll, Katsuhito and Noboyuki in Tenchi Muyo!) as Dr. Tarsan Shigeru Chiba (Shiba in Patlabor, Megane in Urusei Yatsura) as Gil Berg Kenichi Ogata (Genma in Ranma 1/2, Azaka in Tenchi Muyo!) as Galimos Ichiro Mizuki (legendary anime and tokusatsu singer) as Yoldo Mitsuko Horie (legendary anime and tokusatsu singer) as Dira Masako Katsuki (Emeraldas in Harlock Saga, Lucette in Mobile Suit Gundam 0083) as Shazarla Kazuhiko Inoue (Cyborg 009, Jerid in Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam) as Burst. Synopsis Four psychic teenagers - Mia Alice, Roll Kran, Lamba Nom and Pai Thunder - are brainwashed by the scientist Dr. Tarsan as pilots of his greatest experiment - the giant robot Dangaioh. But as their memories slowly return, these pilots use their abilities and Dangaioh to combat the tyranny of Captain Galimos and the Bunker Space Pirates. Story: B- Next to Gunbuster, Dangaio was among the first set of subtitled anime titles in my collection. It's not as good as Gunbuster, but it has a decent plot, great mecha action and okay character development. The U.S. Renditions release is also infamous for mistranslating Psychic as "Side-kick." Aside from that, Dangaio has many elements that giant robot anime enthusiasts love. Unfortunately, the series ended in a cliffhanger that has yet to find a true ending (and no, it's not that poor excuse for a sequel called Great Dangaioh). Animation: A The animation quality of Dangaio is outstanding, even by today's standards. And it's hard to beat Shoji Kawamori's (Macross, The Vision of Escaflowne) design for Dangaio itself. Character designs by Toshihiro Hirano. Supporting mechanical designs by Masami Obari (Bubblegum Crisis, Fatal Fury) and Koichi Ohata (Gunbuster, M.D. Geist). Soundtrack: B- Since the 1970s, Michiaki Watanabe has composed memorable soundtracks for anime titles like Mazinger Z, as well as live-action shows like Jinzou Ningen Kikaider. Unfortunately, he doesn't have much of new material in Dangaio; the soundtrack uses BGM recycled from his other works (the Psychic Wave BGM on episode 1 is taken from Uchuu Keiji Shaider). As a matter of fact, Dangaio's soundtrack would later on be recycled in the 2003 TV series Shinkon Gattai Godannar. At least Dangaio has a catchy opening theme performed by veteran anime vocalists Mitsuko Horie (Choudenji Machine Voltes V, Candy Candy) and Ichiro Mizuki (Mazinger Z, Getter Robo Armageddon). Cross-Fight! Cross-Fight! (Cross-Fight!) Just cross for love Atsuku atsuku atsuku tatakae! Dangaio! The Bottom Line Dangaio is fun for old-school robot anime fans. Too bad you can't get a decent version of this title in the U.S. anymore. Reference Anime News Network

Screw that - how about some Akane Soma pics instead?

Not bad. Could use more UN Spacy emblems, though.

At least it's not Man-Faye.

Time to beat Keith to the punch. In Star Blazers, Dr. Sane drank spring water. In Uchuu Senkan Yamato, Dr. Sado drank sake.

Actually, the Beverly Hills 90210 parody was in the Cowboy Bebop episode "Speak Like a Child."

Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL ( 勇者王ガオガイガーFINAL ) Sunrise/Victor Entertainment, 2000-2003 U.S. Distributor Pending Directed by Yoshitomo Kometani (Banner of the Stars, Brigadoon) Not Rated (Suggested 16-Up). Contains graphic violence, T&A, HLA and S&M.Additional Cast Yumi Kakazu (Dita in Vandread, Asahina in RahXephon) as Renais Ayako Kawasumi (Mahoromatic, Aoi in Ai Yori Aoshi) as Papillon Synopsis Following Gutsy Galaxy Guard's victory over the Zonder Empire and the 31 Primevals, a new threat make their appearance on Earth. GGG - with Guy Shishio and the newly-constructed GaoFighGar - team up with their French counterpart Chasseur to battle the evil organization BioNet. Among Chasseur's ranks is Renais Cardiff Shishioh - a former BioNet cyborg with the relentless pursuit of destroying those who took away her humanity. But as GGG and Chasseur fight the BioNet, GGG's bases around the world are suddenly attacked, and the recently-discovered "Q-Parts" and the original Gao Machines are stolen by Mamoru Amami, who has been abducted and cloned by an even greater threat known as the "Eleven Kings of Sol." Evicted from Earth by the United Nations, GGG must now travel to the far reaches of the galaxy to battle the Eleven Kings of Sol and save Mamoru before it's too late. Story: B+ (for fans), C- (for non-fans) For those used to the over-the-top atmosphere of the TV series, don't get too comfortable with GaoGaiGar FINAL. This OAV series is much darker and more graphic. The storyline is even more complex to near-Evangelion proportions. One good thing about GaoGaiGar FINAL is the addition of Renais, who is literally hot - not just by looks, but by the fact that she can fry anyone or anything she touches. Keep in mind that unlike the TV series, GaoGaiGar FINAL is NOT for kids, as it has a whole bunch of T&A. At least it's still better than Shinkon Gattai Godannar and Chojuushin Gravion. Animation: B I was really hoping to give GaoGaiGar FINAL an A on animation quality after viewing the first half of the series. Unfortunately, the last half suddenly went all-digital to the point where it looked like a cross between Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (above average) and Z.O.E. Dolores, i (below average). Nevertheless, the series has GaoFighGar - which is sleeker and more streamlined than the original, and Genesic GaoGaiGar - which is downright more menacing. Let's not forget the gratuitous fan service - courtesy of Renais, Mikoto, Swan and Papillon. But still...a one-year gap between the two halves of the OAV series doesn't mean the animation style should change dramatically. Soundtrack: A GA-GA-GA! GA-GA-GA-GAOGAIGAR! GA-GA-GA! Fighting GAOGAIGAR! Kohei Tanaka (Gate Keepers, Mobile Fighter G-Gundam) is back with more orchestral tracks to accompany the existing TV soundtrack. In addition, GaoGaiGar FINAL has a more energetic update of the series' anthem "Yuusha-oh Tanjo!" by Masaaki Endou (Chojuushin Gravion, Mazinkaiser: Shitou! Ankoku Daishogun). The Bottom Line GaoGaiGar FINAL may have its faults in terms of plot execution and animation style, but the series remains the King of Braves. This Gao's for you. Links Victor Entertainment's Official Yuusha-oh GaoGaiGar FINAL Homepage (Japanese) Reference Anime News Network

Sweet. If only I had $$$ for that, though...

Every other anime has to have a mascot, right? Look at Neon Genesis Evangelion and RahXephon.