<![CDATA[Anime/Manga - Anime Forums & Manga Forums]]> http://www.mania.com/aodvb This is a discussion forum powered by vBulletin. To find out about vBulletin, go to http://www.vbulletin.com/ . en Sat, 21 Nov 2009 05:17:51 GMT vBulletin 60 http://www.mania.com/aodvb/images/misc/rss.jpg <![CDATA[Anime/Manga - Anime Forums & Manga Forums]]> http://www.mania.com/aodvb Case Closed: Season 5 Collection (Viridian) http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96872&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:30:41 GMT Image: http://blog.funimation.com/wp-content/uploads/2009/11/Case-Closed-3d-Viridian-S5-Large.png Case Closed: Season 5 Collection (Viridian) due...

Case Closed: Season 5 Collection (Viridian) due out sometime in 2010? (Season 3 VC is tentative scheduled on 3/31/10). ]]> Region 1 DVD/BD Cover Art Discussions WTK http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96872 Ikki Tousen Dragon Destiny audio tracks. http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96871&goto=newpost Sat, 21 Nov 2009 04:13:00 GMT Amazon says these two DVDs are sub only. Right Stuf says it has an English track. Can anyone tell me which one it actually is? If it's sub only after they said it would be one of the few titles released by Media Blasters to get a dub, I'm going to be pretty annoyed. ]]> J-Syxx http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96871 Adult Source Media Announces December 8th Release Of Bound To Please http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96869&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:22:28 GMT ADULT SOURCE MEDIA ANNOUNCES DECEMBER 8TH RELEASE OF
BOUND TO PLEASE

SYNOPSIS:

Get ready for some Hardcore Bondage & Hot Hentai Action at our special Bondage Training Academy! These girls are bound for your pleasure, so let your imagination run wild and have your way with them.

FEATURING 17 SEX SCENES! ! !

BOUND TO PLEASE
Street Date: 12/08/09
Runtime: 60 Minutes
English Dialogue
Uncensored, No Mosaic
Full Motion Menus
Photo Gallery
Catalog Sku: BTP-001
UPC: 7-05105-27336-5
SRP: $24.95

For more information on BOUND TO PLEASE as well as all
Adult Source Media titles, please visit us at: www.adultsourcemedia.com ]]> News, Articles, Press Releases and More ASM Hentai http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96869 Adult Source Media Announces December 8th Release Of Bound To Please http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96868&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 23:21:25 GMT ADULT SOURCE MEDIA ANNOUNCES DECEMBER 8TH RELEASE OF
BOUND TO PLEASE

SYNOPSIS:

Get ready for some Hardcore Bondage & Hot Hentai Action at our special Bondage Training Academy! These girls are bound for your pleasure, so let your imagination run wild and have your way with them.

FEATURING 17 SEX SCENES! ! !

BOUND TO PLEASE
Street Date: 12/08/09
Runtime: 60 Minutes
English Dialogue
Uncensored, No Mosaic
Full Motion Menus
Photo Gallery
Catalog Sku: BTP-001
UPC: 7-05105-27336-5
SRP: $24.95

For more information on BOUND TO PLEASE as well as all
Adult Source Media titles, please visit us at: www.adultsourcemedia.com ]]> ASM Hentai http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96868 <![CDATA[[US DVD] Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny Vol. #1 Review]]> http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96866&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:31:32 GMT http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000005/01/52/9f8125bbe102c02f_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge... left align imageReview by Chris Beveridge

Content Grade: B

Quote:
In Summary:

Story wise, Ikki Tousen: Dragon Destiny is fairly confusing as it has a growing cast, a lack of even a real minor recap of events that have come before and it starts off with a different set of primary characters than the Battle Vixen’s series did. But you know what? It doesn’t really matter because as much fun as the goofy big epic dragon story may be, the appeal of it is that it features an array of characters that are well designed running around kicking the snot out of each other, actually having sex with each other and providing a good deal of skin and fanservice. And they’re in no way shy about animating it here as there are a nipples galore, especially in the OVAs. The appeal of Ikki Tousen for me the first time around and this time is that it’s unabashed in its display of violence and sexuality, which is a turn off for me. For me, it’s something that stands out from the rest and the way it’s presented here is spot on.
]]> Official Site Reviews Discussions Chris Beveridge http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96866 <![CDATA[[Manga] Zone-00 Vol. #1]]> http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96865&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 19:19:19 GMT http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000005/69/54/20763235f8dc5752_thumb.jpgReview by Matthew Warner... left align imageReview by Matthew Warner

Mania Grade: c-

Quote:
In Summary:
Although the biggest flaw with this book is the convoluted and chaotic art, there are several other issues of note. First off, as confusing and mixed up as the events that compose it may be, the plot is fairly simple and rarely actually goes anywhere in the book or thus far bothers to tie together into anything interesting in this volume. This certainly isn’t aided by the rather cliché and uninteresting characters. Kujo is a fun loving carefree schoolboy, Shima is the tough guy who doesn’t really trust anyone and is way too serious, the two witches’ characters seem to exist solely of large breasts and panty shots (made all the more disturbing by the fact that they’re supposed to be in middle school), and everyone else seems to be described by the words “mysterious” or “tough guy.” With the amount of effort put into the characters’ designs (the character bios are quite detailed and actually a little interesting), you would think the author could’ve spent a little more time on their personalities. All in all, a rather confusing and dissatisfying read.
]]> Official Site Reviews Discussions Mank http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96865 <![CDATA[[Manga] Bride of the Water God Vol. #04]]> http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96863&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 18:39:48 GMT Image: http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000005/32/53/2196ad692ed41a45_thumb.jpg Bride of the Water God Vol. #04...

Bride of the Water God Vol. #04
Review by Sakura Eries
Release Date: October 07, 2009
  • Age Rating: 13 and Up
  • Released By: Dark Horse
  • MSRP: 9.95
  • Pages: 176
  • ISBN: 978-1595823786
  • Size: A5
  • Orientation: Left to Right
Quote:
We get tantalizing glimpses into the past that shaped our moody Water God, but instead of clarifying matters, they create a more convoluted picture of intrigue and betrayal. Invested as I am in the characters, I'm quite willing to continue on the journey to unravel the mysteries surrounding Habaek. However, I am growing impatient. It is already Volume 4, and I'd expected Soah to have discovered the connection between Mui and Habaek or for the details of Habaek's curse to be revealed by now.
]]> Official Site Reviews Discussions Sakura Eries http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96863 Record of Lodoss War http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96862&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 16:27:20 GMT Has any company picked up Record of Lodoss War TV and OAV series? I've been searching for the DVD sets and they are hard to find...and highly overpriced when I do find them! =/ ]]> Xiara http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96862 QC Anime-zing! announces Johnny Yong Bosch and Eyeshine http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96861&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 15:20:22 GMT QC Anime-zing! (http://www.animecons.com/events/info.shtml/2038), located in the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities, has announced Johnny Yong Bosch... QC Anime-zing!, located in the Iowa/Illinois Quad Cities, has announced Johnny Yong Bosch and Eyeshine will be featured as guests when the first year convention takes place in June 2010.

More... ]]> AnimeCons.com http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96861 <![CDATA[[US DVD] Naruto: Shippuden Vol. #1]]> http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96860&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 13:31:27 GMT http://cdn-www.mania.com/content_pics/000005/19/51/63e650c0a2fb5b8c_thumb.jpgReview by Chris Beveridge... left align imageReview by Chris Beveridge

Content Grade: B

Quote:

In Summary:
As of this writing, there are about a hundred and thirty plus episodes of this show so there’s a lot of material to come. Having enjoyed what I saw of Naruto before the filler material, I’m actually quite looking forward to Shippuden to see where it will go. The changes introduced here are quite good and they show some real progress for the characters with their potential. Something as simple as moving ahead two years can radically change characters of this age. I don’t expect changes from Tsunade or Kakashi, but Naruto and Sakura and the rest? Most definitely. Hopefully the show will carry through with that promise as more episodes roll out here.
]]> Official Site Reviews Discussions Chris Beveridge http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96860 Anime Usa Funimation panel and others! http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96859&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 12:29:48 GMT Another week end, another con.This time: Anime Usa. Panels FUNimation Industry panel: Saturday 4pm, Panel Room 3 FUNimation Sneak Peek panel: Sunday... Another week end, another con.This time: Anime Usa.
Panels
FUNimation Industry panel: Saturday 4pm, Panel Room 3
FUNimation Sneak Peek panel: Sunday 11:30am, Workshop

Anyone know if there will be any streams for it? ]]> dragonpiece http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96859 Win Ghost in the Shell Blu-ray or X DVD http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96858&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:20:25 GMT Manga Entertainment in the UK wants to showcase a popular series they have as they've got a few setsto spread out to fans...

More... ]]> News, Articles, Press Releases and More Chris Beveridge http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96858 Mania Exclusive: Interview with Greg Ayres http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96857&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:20:25 GMT At Neko-con 2009, talented and well-known voice actor, Greg Ayers sat down with us for a relaxed interview where he talked with us about his career... At Neko-con 2009, talented and well-known voice actor, Greg Ayers sat down with us for a relaxed interview where he talked with us about his career as an actor. Greg is known for his roles in animes such as Chrono Crusade, Beck, DNAngel, Evangelion, Samurai 7, Saiyuki, and many more. Unfortunately, I’m not able to verbatim quote Greg, because I’ll let it be known, he&rsquo...

More... ]]> News, Articles, Press Releases and More Chris Beveridge http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96857 Fairy Tail vol. 8 Discussion Thread (Spoilers) http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96856&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 09:17:53 GMT Haven't done a review in a long while. Time to shake off the rust....

This volume continues the guild war incited by the Phantom Guild. It opens with Grey continuing fight against Juvia. I am not sure why I only now noticed Juvia's resemblance to Maetal in this volume. Anyway, on to the fight...

Chapter 57: Fair-Weather Charm
Grey has no idea why Juvia is so upset, though we as the readers are privy to her rather skewed thinking. Grey finds that Juvia's water powers, heated to boiling by her jealousy, are more than a match for his ice-maker powers. One of his last-ditch efforts results in unintentional fondling and a pause in combat. A casual comment from Grey re-ignites (literally) Juvia's emotions. Grey digs deep into himself and stops her cold (sorry about the pun, couldn't help it). He shows Juvia the beauty of a clear blue sky and this combat ends with her falling for him again. I'm hoping that Juvia becomes recurring character. Having a stalker might make Grey remember to keep his clothes on...

Chapter 58: There Is Always Somebody Better
With the fall of Juvia, the Phantom Guild giant mech slows in its completion of the Abyss Break, a very large and destructive spell.

We rejoin Natsu's combat with Aria, the last of Phantom's Element 4 Wizards. To say it is not going well for Natsu would be a gross understatement. It is only with the intervention of Erza that the odds even. And then Aria shows he is getting serious by removing his blindfold. He was not blind, but merely handicapping himself to make fights more challenging. Being able to see is not enough. Erza, still enraged at Aria's assault on Makarov, slices through the very air itself to take Aria down.

Chapter 59: Inspire
With the fall of Aria, the power needed to complete the Abyss Break is no longer there. Jose, the Phantom Guild master is of course upset, though he still does not reveal why (defeat is understandable, but his hatred seems to have deeper roots).

Gajeel reappears after having recaptured Lucy. His casual way of inflicting pain (on Lucy and his guild mates) just reinforces the sadistic culture of his guild. Gajeel would be the "bad lieutenant" in terms of archetypes/stereotypes.

With Lucy back in Phantom hands, Jose announces that Fairy Tail must die. The faceless minions that had been keeping the majority of Fairy Tail from the fight rise once more, stronger than ever. And he himself heads out.

We cut to Erza and Natsu. Erza convinces Natsu to go on, she will rest. (Literally) fired up, he runs out.

The chapter ends with Makarov waking up. Does he have his powers?

Chapter 60: Wings of Fire
Jose comes across Erza, Grey, and a couple of other Fairy Tail members and the battle is once again engaged, though as a master/wizard-saint Jose is more than a match for all of them, even if they were at full strength, which they are not.

Meanwhile, Gajeel toys with Lucy--she's bound up against a wall already studded with daggers he has thrown. Lucy shows that she is not some damsel in distress and in response Gajeel decides that he'll no longer bother to miss and throws another dagger. Natsu bursts though a wall and the battle between the dragonslayers begins.

Chapter 61: The Two Dragon Slayers
As Happy frees Lucy, Natsu and Gajeel go at it. And yeah, that's pretty much the chapter right there, lots and lotsa fighting.

Chapter 62: When the Fairy Fell
As Natsu and Gajeel fight (and level the Phantom Guild house in the process) it becomes apparent that Gajeel has an advantage--he can eat the scrap metal lying around in the debris and recharge his power. There is no fire for Natsu to eat and replenish his power from.

Lucy scrambles for her keys to help out. There is a flashback to her first abduction and the keys being left behind. She has only one key, one not attuned to her--it is Sagittarius. Desperate, she summons him--a man in a horse costume--and asks if he has any fire attacks; he has none. I had been hoping for a centaur (though this is explain in the notes), a guy in a horse costume just killed any tension though.

The fight is going badly for Natsu. A blow from Gajeel sends him reeling and half out of a hole in the wall of the Phantom Guild house. There Natsu sees the Fairy Tail Guild house fall.

Chapter 63: Now We're Even
Indispersed between panels of the destruction of the guild house, Natsu remembers his first days at the guild. He is only a child and to my surprise, so are Grey and Erza. It had not occurred to me that others had joined the guild as children, but those panels explain the love and loyalty that they have for Makarov and the guild.

Gajeel presses his attack and Natsu continues to struggle to even remain standing. Phantom Guild members are even begging Natsu to stay down. It is at this low point that Sagittarius draws his bow. He explains that there was a misunderstanding. He has no fire attacks, but his attacks can start fires. He shoots an arrow that makes Gajeel pause in his attack. Natsu takes the opporunity to wolf down the fire started. A second, third, and fourth arrow and resulting fires follow almost immediately. Now at full power, Natsu shows Gajeel that this was not a fight between equals. In Natsu's final attack, he utterly defeats Gajeel and destroys the Phantom Guild house.

Chapter 64: The Best Guild
As the Phantom Guild house crumbles, Natsu, Lucy, and Happy make their escape. On another floor, Erza is still fighting Jose. As much as I would like Erza to feed Jose his moustache I know that isn't going to happen, she's been in too many battles and we already have a hint at just how powerful he is.

Jose toys with her and it is only at this point we are allowed to see what he has had in mind for Fairy Tail. He did not kill Makarov outright because he wanted to destroy the Fairy Tail Guild house first, then the membership. It would only be after Makarov woke up and shown what had happened would Jose kill him. I never realized how much I could loathe a character after only three panels.

In the pages following, we find out that Jose's derangement is rooted in Fairy Tail's ascension. Jose could not tolerate that an upstart guild had become so famous as to be known even in his hometown. The final straw had been Lucy's joining Fairy Tail. Jose had the mistaken belief that the Heartfilia fortune was available through Lucy (remember she's the only child). (I'm pretty sure this is the first time I've seen faulty intelligence gathering as the cause of a war in manga.) As Jose is about to kill Erza, his magic is disrupted. Out of the clouds of debris steps Makarov.

Chapter 65: Fairy Law
Elsewhere, we find Mystogan munching on an apple. It's revealed that he was the one that gathered Makarov's scattered magic and helped with his recovery. Mystogan also has a large collection of Phantom Guild flags--taken from all the Phantom Guild branch offices he destroyed (speed must factor into his magic somehow since the assault on Fairy Tail occurred earlier that day).

And now back to the action... Makarov orders Fairy Tail to evacuate the remains of the Phantom Guild as he begins his duel with Jose. As Fairy Tail scrambles to leave the area, Makarov delivers a brief lecture to Jose. And then he invokes Fairy Law. The last pages are a splash page of the invocation. It looks to be the beginning of an unnatural disaster.

The volume closes out with a two-page Q&A hosted by the bikini-clad pair of Lucy and Mirajane. Guild art and translation notes follow.

I have to admit that the resemblance to One Piece character designs was what made me pick this title in the first place. I believe I mentioned this in prior review. I found it refreshing that the title had a female lead. That she was easy on the eyes was a bonus. I gave this title a few more volumes than I normally would have because of the artwork. It was worth it though.

The Dark Guild arc was a bit rough, but it made me commit to the title. The mangaka had created a nice little group in Lucy, Natsu (and Happy), Grey, and Erza. The dynamics and quirks of the quintet appealed to me, as did their potential for property damage.

The current arc, this guild war, has cemented this title as one of my favorites. The scope of this world keeps unfolding. I like knowing that there is much more to this world and that only a little infomation is withheld. (I don't like it when the manga goes out of its way to be obscure or dense. Some will hide information that is necessary to understand what is going on--those I stop reading.)

The characters continue to grow in power and complexity. And with a guild roster, it is becoming an ensemble cast (along the lines of One Piece or Negima).

If you like epic fantasy, this is a title for you. And if you've made it to the end of this, I thank you. ]]> Del Rey Manga Dicrel Seijin http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96856 Media Blaster Must Buys http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96855&goto=newpost Fri, 20 Nov 2009 06:40:41 GMT What are the "must buy" titles currently available from Media Blasters? And are there any that should be avoided like the plague?

P.S. To the moderators - if you can change the poll to a multi-choice one, please do so. ]]> One Vorlon http://www.mania.com/aodvb/showthread.php?t=96855