areaseven

With 2003 coming to a close, let's voice out our opinions on what the best anime titles were this year. Here are some categories to consider. Feel free to add your own categories. Anime Theatrical Release of the Year (U.S.): Anime Theatrical Release of the Year (Japan): Anime OAV of the Year (U.S.): Anime OAV of the Year (Japan): Anime TV Series of the Year (U.S.): Anime TV Series of the Year (Japan): Best Anime Theatrical Director (U.S.): Best Anime Theatrical Director (Japan): Best Anime OAV Director (U.S.): Best Anime OAV Director (Japan): Best Anime TV Director (U.S.): Best Anime TV Director (Japan): Anime Studio of the Year (U.S.): Anime Studio of the Year (Japan): Best Anime Distributor (U.S.): Best Anime Distributor (Japan): Anime Magazine of the Year (U.S.): Anime Magazine of the Year (Japan): Best Anime Lead Male Character (U.S.): Best Anime Lead Male Character (Japan): Best Anime Lead Female Character (U.S.): Best Anime Lead Female Character (Japan): Best Anime Supporting Male Character (U.S.): Best Anime Supporting Male Character (Japan): Best Anime Supporting Female Character (U.S.): Best Anime Supporting Female Character (Japan): Best Villain (U.S.): Best Villain (Japan): Best English Dub: Best Male Seiyuu (U.S.): Best Male Seiyuu (Japan): Best Voice Actor in an English Dub: Best Female Seiyuu (U.S.): Best Female Seiyuu (Japan): Best Voice Actress in an English Dub: Best Theatrical Soundtrack (U.S.): Best Theatrical Soundtrack (Japan): Best OAV Soundtrack (U.S.): Best OAV Soundtrack (Japan): Best TV Soundtrack (U.S.): Best TV Soundtrack (Japan): Theme Song of the Year (U.S.): Theme Song of the Year (Japan): Manga of the Year (U.S.): Manga of the Year (Japan): Best Manga Artist (U.S.): Best Manga Artist (Japan):

That's what I've been reading over the past 10 years. I saw the trailer and was not impressed by the bland animation. Funny thing is that one time, I had this dream that somebody did a story that had both A-Ko universes clashing with each other. Then when I went to a comic store, lo and behold, CPM and Tim Eldred released a Project A-Ko Universe comic book series.

Well I'll be damned. Now that's truly outrageous.

So far, I've seen Project A-Ko 1-4 (just gave my co-worker the Love & Robots DVD for Christmas last night), but I've yet to see the A-Ko the Versus OAV. Is it worth watching or just a waste of time?

Project A-Ko: Love & Robots A.P.P.P./Soeishinsha/Pony Canyon/Media Factory, 1987-89, 2003 U.S. Manga Corps, 1994, 2002 Directed by Yuji Moriyama (Asagiri no Miko, Jungle de Ikou!) Rated 13-Up for violence, nudity, mature situations and strong language. Project A-Ko 2: Plot of the Daitokuji Financial Group ( プロジェクトA子2 大徳寺財閥の陰謀 ). Three weeks after the incident that left Captain Napolipolita's ship balancing on top of Graviton City, A-Ko and the gang go on summer vacation. While A-Ko ponders losing some weight and B-Ko devises another plan to defeat her redheaded rival to win C-Ko, Napolipolita and Spy-D experience severe homesickness - begging for a way to return to their home planet. Meanwhile, Hikari Daitokuji - B-Ko's father and the CEO of the Daitokuji Financial Group - arms the local military with new mecha to attack Napolipolita's ship and obtain its advanced technology. Project A-Ko 3: Cinderella Rhapsody ( プロジェクトA子3 シンデレララプソディ ). In the middle of another break from school, A-Ko dreams of finding the perfect boyfriend. Because of this, she and C-Ko get into an argument that leads to C-Ko running away and nearly getting hit by a motorcyclist named Kei. While working part-time at a fast-food restaurant to raise money for a party dress, A-Ko meets Kei and immediately falls in love with him. B-Ko happens to like him as well; however, both A-Ko and B-Ko are unaware that C-Ko is the apple of Kei's eyes. Project A-Ko Final ( プロジェクトA子 完結篇 ). In Iraq, a group of archaeologists discover ancient relics that prophecize the coming of a superior race and the end of all civilization. Meanwhile, back in Graviton City, as A-Ko and B-Ko's rivalry over Kei intensifies, Mr. Daitokuji sets up an arranged marriage between Miss Ayumi and Kei. Furious over the engagement, both A-Ko and B-Ko do whatever it takes to prevent the wedding from going through. Little do they know that another alien fleet is on its way towards Earth. Story (Average): B- Some sequels deliver and some don't. A-Ko 2 has some of its moments, A-Ko 3 is a bit boring, and A-Ko 4 is almost as hilarious as the first movie. Animation (Average): B A-Ko 2 still had the same art style as the first, but the animation dropped by a few framerates. A-Ko 3 has a nice rotoscope opening sequence, but that's about it. As it's the last of the series, A-Ko Final has the superior artwork and animation quality that's almost as good as the movie. Soundtrack (Average): B While not as good as the movie's soundtrack, the BGM of the OAV sequels is okay. The ending theme for A-Ko 2 sounds pretty good. Sub vs. Dub Joining the cast is Yoshitada Ohtsuka (Chibodee in Mobile Fighter G-Gundam, Beck in The Big O) as Hikari Daitokuji. Additional voices by Tamio Ohki (Tashiro in Gunbuster, Nutuk in Macross Zero), Fumihiko Tachiki (Gendo in Neon Genesis Evangelion, Choro-sama in A Little Snow Fairy Sugar), Tomohiro Nishimura (Yang in Macross Plus, Amano Jyaku in Urotsukidoji), and Tomomichi Nishimura (Mardukas in Full Metal Panic!, Dr. Walski in Steel Angel Kurumi). Central Park Media hired The Ocean Group to dub the A-Ko sequels. As a result, you have the Ranma 1/2 cast doing A-Ko with disastrous results. Featured voices include Teryl Rothery (Kodachi in Ranma 1/2, Dr. Frasier in Stargate SG-1) as A-Ko, Venus Terzo (Ranma 1/2, Jean Grey in X-Men: Evolution) as B-Ko, Cathy Weseluck (Shampoo in Ranma 1/2, Mirai in Mobile Suit Gundam) as C-Ko, Ian Corlett (MegaMan, Dr. Tofu in Ranma 1/2) as Hikari Daitokuji, Scott McNeil (Duo in Gundam Wing, Wolverine in X-Men: Evolution) as Captain Napolipolita and Kei, Linda Boyd (Liza in Project A-Ko Versus, Monlon in Ranma 1/2: Big Trouble in Nekonron, China) as Miss Ayumi, Robert O. Smith (Genma in Ranma 1/2) as D, and Janyse Jaud (Hinako in Ranma 1/2, Felicia in Night Warriors: Darkstalkers' Revenge) as C-Ko's mother. DVD Extras: B- The Project A-Ko: Love & Robots DVD includes character bios, original trailers and two music videos for A-Ko 2 and A-Ko 3. Video quality is disappointing, as the screen shakes a lot on some scenes. The Bottom Line More or less for A-Ko fans only. Anime fans should not watch this DVD without first checking out the Project A-Ko movie. Links Graviton City Reference Anime News Network

Project A-Ko (プロジェクトA子) A.P.P.P./Soeishinsha/Pony Canyon/Media Factory, 1986, 2003 U.S. Manga Corps, 1991, 2002; Discotek Media, 2011 Directed by Katsuhiko Nishijima (Aika, Najica Blitz Tactics)Running Time: 80 minutes Rated TV-14 for violence, nudity, mature situations and strong language. Cast (Japanese) Miki Ito (Battle Angel, Android No. 18 in Dragon Ball Z/GT) as A-Ko Magami Emi Shinohara (Makoto/Sailor Jupiter in Sailor Moon, Angel in The Big O) as B-Ko Daitokuji Michie Tomizawa (Rei/Sailor Mars in Sailor Moon, Jeanne in Southern Cross) as C-Ko Kotobuki Shuichi Ikeda (Char in Mobile Suit Gundam, Mason in Bubblegum Crisis) as Captain Napolipolita Tessho Genda (Sanders in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Convoy/Optimus Prime in Transformers) as D Asami Mukaidono as Miss Ayumi Sayuri Ikemoto as Mari (female voice) Daisuke Gouri (Dozle Zabi in Mobile Suit Gundam, Edmond Honda in Street Fighter II: The Movie) as Mari (angry voice) Yoko Ogai (Captain Tsubasa) as Asa Yoshino Takamori (Nadia of the Mysterious Seas, Sayaka in Yawara! A Fashionable Judo Girl) as Ine Megumi Hayashibara (Come on! Don't tell me you don't know her voice.) as Ume Synopsis Sixteen years have passed since a mysterious alien ship crashed on Earth. On Graviton City, superhuman high school student A-Ko Magami dukes it out with the diabolical genius B-Ko Daitokuji, who will stop at nothing to win the friendship of A-Ko's buddy C-Ko Kotobuki. Meanwhile, in outer space, another alien ship is on course towrds Earth to find its planet's lost princess. Story: A- Many anime parodies have come and gone, but few can compare to Project A-Ko with its non-stop humor and wonderful set of characters. Whether it's the excessively energetic A-Ko, the ever-annoying C-Ko or the muscular freak Mari (a parody of Fist of the North Star's Kenshiro), you can't help but laugh at every minute of gags that poke fun at nearly every major anime title conceived during its time. Animation: A+ Next to Macross: Do You Remember Love?, Project A-Ko was the major highlight of Japanese animation in the mid-'80s. The film features some of Yuji Moriyama's (Maison Ikkoku, 801 T.T.S. Airbats) best character designs and a handful of groundbreaking mecha action by Shoichi Masuo (Vandread, Dirty Pair). B-Ko's Akagiyama-23 bio-suit paved the way for other sexy female gear like the Hard Suits of Bubblegum Crisis. Soundtrack: B+ Even though it's aged considerably, Richie Zito and Joey Carbone's musical score is pretty decent. The theme songs "Dance Away (A-Ko's Theme)," "In Your Eyes (B-Ko's Theme)" and "Follow Your Dream (C-Ko's Theme)" are typical '80s bubblegum pop, but still catchy. Sub vs. Dub The English dub by Manga Video is typical of the company: utter crap. DVD Extras I don't have the DVD yet, but from the information on the cover, Central Park Media's new Collector's Series edition has the film digitally remastered and in full-screen (revealing the fact that the original's letterbox format is merely black bars pasted on the film). Also included is the original soundtrack CD. The Bottom Line New anime fans who want more old-school should pick up Project A-Ko, whether it's for the laughs or the cool animation. A classic that should be part of your collection. Reference Anime News Network

SPOILER ALERT!!! Do not read further unless you're up to episode 16. To paraphrase The Rock: "Finally...The Paper HAS COME BACK to R.O.D!" On a final note, click here to download a hilarious R.O.D -The TV- AMV using YKZ's hit single "No Frontin'."

Santa With Muscles

http://www.macrossworld.com/mwf/index.php?...425&hl=daiguard

Actually, if you hate EVA, you will like RahXephon, as it has better character control and an ending that gives justice to the series. Plus, it doesn't throw any religious crap on you like EVA does.

Zone of the Enders: Dolores,i KCE Japan/Sunrise/AT-X/VAP, 2001 ADV Films, 2002-2003 Directed by Tetsuya Watanabe Rated 15+ for graphic violence, slight nudity, mature situations and strong language. James Links is a 49-year-old space trucker anxious to return to Earth and reunite with his estranged children Leon and Noel. While transporting some goods to Earth, he stumbles upon "Dolores," a highly-advanced Orbital Frame with an A.I. of unknown origin. The situation gets more complicated when inspectors aboard his ship are murdered and James is wanted for the crime. Making matters worse is that Leon and Noel are also wanted by the authorities simply because they are James' children. Now as fugitives running from the law, James, Leon and Noel must go by any means necessary to make sure Dolores does not fall into the wrong hands, as she holds the key to the whereabouts of James' wife, Dr. Rachel Links. Story: A- Here's something you don't see in anime - a middle-aged drunk in a lead role. And here's something you didn't expect in the Z.O.E series - comedy. The Z.O.E Idolo OAV had a lot of potential to be a great anime, but was limited by its short running time, meager production and shallow character development. Z.O.E. Dolores,i outperforms its predecessor with a more interesting storyline and cast of characters. Dolores practically steals the show with her "school girl" personality. Animation: D+ I really hate to say this, but despite a cool opening sequence, the overall animation sucks. It's so bad, it makes Armored Trooper VOTOMS look like Gasaraki. And I'm not really fond of transsexual mecha. Soundtrack: B+ Legendary anime vocalist Hironobu Kageyama (Mazinkaiser, Heat Guy J) and his old band Lazy deliver the hard-edged opening theme "Zone of the Enders." Hikaru Nanase's (Gravion, Super GALS!) BGM is pretty average. Sub vs. Dub Z.O.E Dolores,i features Tessho Genda (D in Project A-Ko, Sanders in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team) as James, Mitsuru Miyamoto (Roger in The Big O, Itsuki in RahXephon) as Leon, Narumi Hidaka (Allenby in Mobile Fighter G-Gundam, Kei in Getter Robo Armageddon) as Noel, Houko Kuwashima (Quon in RahXephon, Kirika in NOIR) as Dolores (somewhat reprising her role from the OAV), and Yoshiko Sakakibara (Sylia in Bubblegum Crisis, Integra in Hellsing) reprising her role as Rachel. Surprisingly, ADV's English dub doesn't sound bad. Featured voices include Travis Dean as James, David Stokey (Go in Getter Robo Armageddon) as Leon, and Katie Gillette (Mary in Final Fantasy: Unlimited) as Noel. Reprising their roles are Boni Hester (Ri Kohran in Sakura Wars) as Dolores, and Lana Lesley (Ibuki in Dai-Guard) as Rachel. DVD Extras: A- Disc 1 features a behind-the-scenes look at the original audio recording of the series, as well as interviews with Mitsuru Miyamoto and Narumi Hidaka. The Bottom Line Despite shoddy animation, Z.O.E Dolores beats the Idolo OAV in terms of story and replay value. Reference Anime News Network

(Never mind. Thanks, mods.)

Happy Holidays to Shawn and Graham, and to everyone on the forums.

What was with that scene in MD7 where Mylene was about to get raped by that blonde chick?

What gameplay? The game doesn't let you move at all. You simply choose from the icons at the bottom of the screen. Selecting an icon will simply cut to the next scene. Example: At the beginning of the game, you run to the Gundam and board the cockpit. A Zaku is right in front of you, preparing to waste you with a machine gun. What do you do? Icons: Beam Saber, Vulcan Guns If you select Beam Saber, the Zaku will just blow you to bits. If you select Vulcan Guns, the Gundam will fire its Vulcans at the Zaku. Then, you walk out of the hangar and see another Zaku - this time, with a Heat Hawk. What do you do? Icons: Beam Saber, Vulcan Guns, Shield You get the idea. That's just what happens in the game.

Anime ja nai, indeed. You're gonna have to pay my psychiatrist this weekend, Jolly Rogers.

Which opponent do you usually pick on practice mode? I usually choose Rock because larger characters are easier to lay the smack down on.

At least he'll find some use for his pump.

I haven't played the PS2 version yet, so how hard is it to fight Heihachi, even though he's unarmed?

Anyone here seen the titles released by NuTech Digital? They actually have some high-quality voice actresses for their English dubs: Angels in the Court - featuring Haven and Shayla LeVeaux Black Mail - featuring Misty Rain and Tabitha Stevens Desert Island Story X - featuring Miko Lee and Dayton Rains Desert Island Story XX - featuring Ava Vincent and Jewel De'Nyle DNA Hunter - featuring Misty Rain and Kylie Ireland E'L - featuring Shelbee Myne and Lola Five Card - featuring Inari Vachs and Tabitha Stevens Flash Back - featuring Ava Vincent and Aurora Snow Immoral Sisters - featuring Holly Hollywood and Jenna Haze Inmu - featuring Asia Carrera, Kobe Tai and Alexa Rae Karakuri Ninja Girl - featuring Alexa Rae and Trisha Uptown Kohime - featuring Kobe Tai and Houston Kokudoh - featuring Aria Giovanni and Monica Mayhem Mission of Darkness - featuring Nicole Sheridan My Life As - featuring Britney Andrews and Aurora Snow Shusaku Replay - featuring Asia Carrera and Rayveness Vicious - featuring Allysin Chaynes and Alexis Amore Welcome to Pia Carrot! - featuring Inari Vachs, Gina Ryder, Devon and Charmaine Star Words Worth - featuring Jenna Jameson and Nikki Dial

Yeah, baby. No other game has a kick-ass intro like Soul Edge. TO LOVE! TO SHINE! We all need to shine on to see How far we've come on our journey How far yet to go searchin' for our star Deep in the night I pray in my heart For that special light To shower me with love To shower me with power To shine from above I gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on what I believed In from the very start I gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on deep in my heart TO LOVE! TO SHINE! TO LOVE! TO SHINE! Come strip down and face it, your all 'Bout time you broke down your wall Free your mid, a brand new world Waits for you, you'll find Nobody can just do it for you It's time that you knew It's up to you to love It's up to you to shine The light true'n blue You gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on what you believe In from the very start You gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on deep in your heart You gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on what you believe In from the very start You gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on what you believe In from the very start You gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on what you believe In from the very start You gotta get to the Edge of Soul To carry on deep in your heart TO LOVE! TO SHINE! TO LOVE! TO SHINE!

I've sworn by Kilik since SC1, and I won't use anyone else as a primary character. My secondary characters are either Mitsurugi or Ivy.

Anime News Network has the cast for the English production of Sentou Yousei Yukikaze. The good news is that Bandai will be using Animaze (Cowboy Bebop, Macross Plus) instead of the mediocre Ocean Studios for the ADR production. Without further ado, here's the cast: - Steve Cannon (Daisuke in Heat Guy J, Shiro in Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team) as Rei Fukai. - Dan Woren (Yang in Macross Plus, Roy Fokker in Robotech) as James "Jack" Bukhar. - Carol Stanzione (Cima in Mobile Suit Gundam 0083) as Lydia Cooley. - Kari Wahlgren (Witch Hunter Robin, Haruko in FLCL) as Edith Foss. - Barbara Goodson (Naota in FLCL, Kitsune in Love Hina) as Lynn Jackson.