June 28, 2007
Currently Watching: Sonic the Hedgehog: The Complete Series
Wouldn't you know it? Stuck in the middle of a mini-heat wave, and
my A/C picks now, of all times, to decide to quit working. Sigh...
so I'm in my second day of living in a house with no A/C and fans
cracked up the max, making it just bearable but nowhere near
comfortable. There's a repairman coming in tomorrow, but the damage
has already been done... I've lost a good deal of sleep and I'm
running behind this week.
For example, I was supposed to watch all of Season 2 of "Sonic the
Hedgehog" over the last week. I've only gotten to see three
episodes. That's because I've been doing a ton of fanfic work and
almost forgot to do an update for the website! The fanfic stuff is
still in progress - "Big Time" Chapter 14 is up now on FF.net, as is
"The Year of Rocket's Revenge: Halftime Recap Special, Part 1."
"Part 2" will be up sometime overnight tonight... I hope.
Here at Freedom Fighter's Library, I still have to keep THE
SUMMER OF CONCEPTIVE UPDATES AND JUNK: THE SEQUEL rolling, so
here's an update that I've been meaning to do for awhile now.
It's... a brand new editorial! That's right, and it's in regards to
the upcoming new dub of "One Piece," which is now in FUNimation's
hands. But as enthusiastic as I am about it, I wonder why many of
you also don't share my cautious optimism as well. What do I mean?
Well, given the past...
You should know you actually have to go read the darn thing to find
out! Hey, I'm worried about heat exhaustion and overworking on my
writing, and you want me to spell it out right here and now? Give
me a break... and go to the Editorials section to read my thoughts
on the issue!
And with that exasperated thought, I'm signing out for June! Good
night, everybody!
Reviews and Editorials
- New Editorial - Another Dub... Piece
June 21, 2007
Currently Watching: Sonic the Hedgehog: The Complete Series;
Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 2
So, in the midst of doing some writing for "The Year of Rocket's
Revenge," which is resuming in a few weeks as part of THE SUMMER
OF DISTURBING CONCEPTIVE UPDATES AND JUNK: THE SEQUEL, I'm
reliving a part of my childhood as I'm in the process of watching
the 4-DVD set of "Sonic the Hedgehog: The Complete Series." I don't
want to give away too much yet, as you'll see the set reviewed here
in a couple of weeks. Still, having completed Season 1 tonight
(the first 13 episodes) and about to start the more focused Season 2,
I'm noticing things I liked and things I thought I liked but don't
seem so nice all these years later. This is probably the most
important review so far this summer (yes, even more than the final
volume of "My-HiME"), if only because my namesake is Freedom Fighter,
and was named after this very show! Yet, at the same time, I can't
let my fanboyism get the best of me and I have to make sure the
review is objective. We'll see how I feel after I watch Season 2 and
write the review.
Not to worry... there IS a new review up this week - a surprise
to you guys since nothing else was on the schedule other than
"Sonic." If you remember, more than a year ago, I reviewed the first
volume of "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny." As I stated here two
weeks ago, I'm in the process of catching up after falling behind.
In the first volume, I loved the pacing, but the new cast left a lot
to be desired. Has that changed here as I'm reviewing Volume 6,
which brings the series to halfway? Read my newest review to find
out!
As I sign out this week, a quick reminder that "The Year of Rocket's
Revenge" will have its big recap next week! Part 1 is already here;
Part 2 will premiere first on Fanfiction.net a week from tonight
along with the posting of Part 1 there also! So don't miss it!
Also, I have to jeer Tokyopop this week for a less-than-professional
presentation for the "My-HiME" manga. Love the fact that it's a
different story with a lot of the characters having different roles...
and heaps more of fanservice doesn't hurt either (thus why I haven't
reviewed that here, as there's a good deal of nudity)... but spelling
and grammar mistakes and possibly a case of an unflipped page or two
is really downing it for me. Great way to screw up a pretty awesome
manga, Tokyopop.
Reviews and Editorials
- New Review - Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Vol. 6
June 14, 2007
Currently Watching: Love Hina Again; Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 1
Okay, so as THE SUMMER OF DISTURBING CONCEPTIVE UPDATES AND JUNK:
THE SEQUEL rolls on, I finally this week saw and read the end of
"Love Hina." Read the last volume of the manga; watched the three
episode OVA that concluded the anime. Well, to be fair, the final
two volumes end up not being covered in animated form at all... the
OVA covers the two or three volumes before that, though. As for
the ending to "Hina"... I'm okay with it, I guess. I mean, the girl
most people would think Keitaro ends up with is the girl he ends up
with. Though it was obvious that Ken Akamatsu was just coming up
with ways at the end to delay the inevitable and pocket a few more
yen in the process.
Oh, and I now realize why a certain person at Toon Zone thinks of
19-year old Shinobu as his dream wife. Wowza indeed... (in case
you're confused, the manga's final two chapters jump forward a few
years, in addition to the two years that have passed since the start
of the manga, when Shinobu was 11)
And wouldn't you know it? As soon as I decide to go back and start
picking up the earlier volumes of "Fullmetal Alchemist" (the first
one I picked up originally was Volume 6 and, now that the series is
over, I'm finally going back to pick up the first five), FUNimation
announces they're finally thinpaking it, with the first 'set' being
the first four volumes. Man, and I could've saved some dough.
Speaking of saving dough, I'm really close to committing to go to
Otakon again this year... though there are a few minor things I still
need to iron out. Will I get to meet anyone I actually know this
year, for one thing?
The fact that I just got a Nintendo Wii is not helping financial
matters. And I'm having fun with "Wii Sports" and "Legend of Zelda:
Twilight Princess." Which is surprising, since I'm not all that into
the 'Zelda' franchise. I may pick up "Mario Party 8" and "Pokémon
Battle Revolution" soon, though the latter has to wait until I pick
up either "Pokémon Diamond" or "Pokémon Pearl" and play it for a month
or so to raise a decent team.
Thankfully, the Wii, at least so far, is not a reason that I'm not
spending as much time writing as I need to be, as I'm still doing
adequately enough to keep on schedule. If you're keeping up with the
Kim Possible fic "Big Time," there's a new chapter up now at FF.net.
Also, "The Year of Rocket's Revenge" is set to resume, but first we
need a recap! Or two! That's where "The Year of Rocket's Revenge,
Halftime Recap Special, Part 1" comes in! It's going to be up in
two weeks at FF.net, which'll get Part 1 and 2 at the same time!
Here first, you're getting Part 1 right now, and Part 2 next month.
So enjoy the bit of exclusivity and start catching up now, while
you honestly still can.
Whew! That's enough chatter for one week! See you in seven!
Adventures Series
- New Fanfic - The Year of Rocket's Revenge, Halftime Recap Special,
Part 1
June 7, 2007
Currently Watching: Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends: The
Complete Season 1 Set; Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Vols. 5-7
Into Week Two we go of THE SUMMER OF DISTURBING CONCEPTIVE UPDATES
AND JUNK: THE SEQUEL! As you see, as promised, there's a new
review up for "Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends - The Complete
Season 1" set! Very fun, possibly the most hilarious cartoon on TV
right now, and it's about time Cartoon Network got around to
releasing season sets! Go read the review to see just how much I
enjoyed it!
I also did some catching up on "Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny,"
which has surprisingly gotten better and worse at the same time as
the series reaches halfway complete. I'm beginning to see what a lot
of people are saying of "Destiny" already... that the new cast really
isn't that great, especially since a good deal of them are now
mimicking the old cast. Plus, the old cast is better at doing those
same things. I'm fearful for what's next, as it's stated that the
series goes seriously downhill from here. But I'll see...
I guess that's it for now... can't think of anything else that needs
mentioning. See you next Thursday with another new update!
Reviews and Editorials
- New Review - Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends - The Complete
Season 1
May 31, 2007
Currently Watching: Noir - Series Thinpak; Foster's Home for
Imaginary Friends: The Complete Season 1 Set
Ready for more already? Well, THE SUMMER OF DISTURBING
CONCEPTIVE UPDATES AND JUNK continues! But first, a little
'currently watching' update...
Finished "Noir," on the dub side at least. Eh, was alright. Mirielle
was nice eye candy; Kirika cracked me up (unintentionally) whenever
she went for those calm, collected, odd-angled without looking in the
direction she's firing kill shots. The series accomplished what it
wanted to do in the end, but "Noir" was truly noir in fashion. I
mean, everyone talks calmingly slow, the music is mostly too soothing
for its own good, and the pace of the show is way too relaxed. Worst
still, though it seems the gunshots feel and sound realistic, there's
barely any bloodshed! No, I kid you not! Mirielle and Kirika are
assassins, who kill several people every episode, almost always with
one shot apiece. But do we see ever one person bleed? No, save for
two minor exceptions, both related to Mirielle. I'm not asking for
blood splattering all over the place, but I do want a decent amount of
realism!
Meh... "Gunslinger Girl" and "Noir" end up getting the same 'watch it
once to see it through and then probably never again' viewpoint from
me. Two different shows about girls with guns, and they each get a
whole bunch of stuff that dampens their enjoyment factor. If I had
to compare "Noir" to something, it would be "Gunsmith Cats." Without
a lot of blood and suggestive sexuality. And, most importantly but
sadly, fun.
As for "Foster's," I'm not going to talk at length at it right now
since a review of that first season set is next week's scheduled
update. Yes, the cat's out of the bag now, so start anticipating!
The "Heroes" vs. "24" debate. "24" had a better season-ender, but
"Heroes" was the best overall for the season. This sixth season of
"24" was horrible at times, though it definitely showed flashes of
brilliance as well. "Heroes" started off okay, got really good, then
got really dull and unflattering at the end. Needless to say, for
this fan of both hit dramas, the first 'round' did not produce a
clear winner. Looks like it'll be a toss up when they're head-to-head
again in January!
But that's enough rambling about TV and DVDs for now. Let's get to
tonight's update. Catching up again with the releases of "Big Time"
(a new chapter is uploaded every other week at Fanfiction.net - in
fact, Chapter 12 was put up tonight... go read it, now!), the most
recent chapters (9, 10, and 11) have been added to the site. The
Frequently Asked Questions page has gotten an update, with a new
question tying the recently-completed "May's Awesomely Youthful and
Stupendously Unique Expedition" to the "Pokémon Girls" series. So
it's pretty much a simple update this time. Why not? I mean, I did
give you guys two series finale reviews earlier this week!
Speaking of reviews... "Foster's" Season 1 next week! See ya!
General Fanfics (Non-Anime)
- New Fanfics - Big Time Chapters 9, 10, and 11
Frequently Asked Questions
- Version 1.4 now up - New additions with Section VI, Notes 6 & 7.
May 28, 2007
Currently Watching: My-HiME, Vol. 7; Negima!: Magister Negi Magi,
Vols. 5 & 6; Noir - Series Thinpak; Tenchi Muyo! Ryo-Ohki OAV 3,
Vol. 2
Wow, what a month it's been. Didn't mean to go that long between
updates, but that means I get to kick off the summer season with a
reasonably-sized update.
Wait... did I just say it was summer?
THE SUMMER OF DISTURBING CONCEPTIVE UPDATES AND JUNK has
arrived. Or rather, it's haunting sequel has! But, more on that
shortly...
This last month has had me watching a lot of anime on DVD. And, by
the looks of it, plenty with oodles and oodles of female leads.
Though I strangely can't say much despite all of the ogling I could
have and couldn't have done. Sad to say, I may not care how "Tenchi
Muyo" ends, because this third OAV series has very little of what
made the first two so enjoyable and it has nothing else to make up
for it. I'm wrapping up "Noir" with the final three episodes (of 26)
tonight, and I'll comment on the series fully with the next update to
tell you what I thought... though it too lacks anything really
stellar.
Which brings us to "Negima" and, my favorite DVD-only in America
anime this past year, "My-HiME." "Negima" has also had moments...
though the series hit the lowest of lows when the famed Kyoto arc
was sliced to just two episodes. The writers try to make it up with
an original storyline to close out the series. Meanwhile, the sole
survivor is crowned excitingly on "My-HiME," and she's charged with
the task of stopping the HiME star. Or, under normal circumstances
it would be... apparently, the Obsidian Prince has other plans. Like
marriage, and Adam-and-Eve population conception and the like. Kinky
stuff.
43 girls. 2 guys caught in the middle. 7 episodes. 2 huge final
battles. 12 tell-all screenshots. 7 confirmed deaths. 1 unconfirmed
death. 12 confirmed characters brought back from the dead. 2
debatable, cheesy final battles. Did I mention... 43 beautiful
girls?
The SUMMER OF DISTURBING CONCEPTIVE UPDATES AND JUNK: THE SEQUEL
kicks off with reviews of "Negima!: Magister Negi Magi" Volume 6
and "My-HiME" Volume 7. Who ended up with the better ending? The
best overall character development? The most attractive girls? The
best extras? And, most importantly... who has a better sequel series
to look forward to? (Land sakes, there's more?)
Go read the brand new reviews to find out!
I'm doing things slightly different this summer. Instead of kicking
off with five straight days (which turned out to be only four in the
inaugural edition last year) of updates, we'll start with two...
today and Thursday. I'll then continue on with an update every single
Thursday until Labor Day. Let's see if things work out as planned.
Well, since the next update is Thursday... I've got some work to do!
Go read those reviews, and see you in a few days!
SUMMER OF DISTURBING CONCEPTIVE UPDATES AND JUNK: THE SEQUEL
Reviews and Editorials
- Two New Reviews - Negima!: Magister Negi Magi, Vol. 6 AND My-HiME,
Vol. 7
April 28, 2007
Currently Watching: Gunslinger Girl Complete Series Boxset;
Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny, Vol. 4; Negima: Magister Negi Magi,
Vol. 4
I know it's been a week and a half already, but I want to get off my
chest that the tragedy at Virginia Tech was disheartening to me. I
hope the family, friends, teachers, students, and other acquaintances
of all of the unfortunate victims will recover from this. I hope
that all of you continue to keep praying for them.
With that being said, down to business...
"Gunslinger" finished up okay, but it made me feel like the show
overall was a documentary on how little girls can have a normal life
even though they're cyborgs. Which is okay, but not really my cup of
tea. Meanwhile, some very interesting developments on "SEED Destiny"
with Athrun now 'Top Gun,' Shinn being utterly jealous, and Lunamaria
developing an unhealthy fangirl relationship with Athrun. Oh, and
please tell me that Lacus-poser Meer gets killed before the end of
the series. Being attractively sexy does NOT mean letting it hang
all out. As for the latest "Negima"... some interesting funny parts,
but otherwise a disappointing snore-fest.
"Eureka Seven" wrapped up its TV run on Adult Swim... I'm still
trying to process the ending. Which was happy... I think. Why can't
anime series finales thrill me anymore? They either leave me feeling
'eh...' or wondering if the entire show was worth my time. Then
again, "Eureka" was one of the most up-and-down shows I've watched in
recent memory...
The "Pokémon: Diamond and Pearl" dub sneak peek. Wow. Dawn sounds
like a girl, which is good. Paul is a jackass, which rocks - he'll
be a very interesting rival. And the dub theme... sucks hard. Why
can't Pokémon USA make good opening theme songs? As for the games...
haven't bought the new ones yet. I'm, actually, still undecided on
that.
With that, "May's Awesomely Youthful and Stupendously Unique
Expedition" finally arrives at Freedom Fighter's Library! If you
missed it at Fanfiction.net, well, here's your chance to see the
whole series! For those of you who have... well, this is the
'Diamondy Pearl' Edition, which means there's a lot of bonus material
for you to see! Tons! The most I've ever compiled for a fanfic!
You just have to see it to believe it. Go check it out now! Yes,
it's a "Pokémon Mystery Dungeon" parody, but I swear, it'll knock
your socks off!
And that'll wrap things up for this update! It's almost 3 am Eastern
according to my computer clock, so... off to bed I go! Next update
probably the first week of May - so, most likely, next week!
General Fanfics (Anime)
- New Fanfic - May's Awesomely Youthful and Stupendously Unique
Expedition: Diamondy Pearl Edition - w/ Extras: Diamondy Side OR
Pearl Side
April 14, 2007
Currently Watching: Gunslinger Girl Complete Series Boxset;
Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 13; This Ugly Yet Beautiful World, Vol. 3.
It's been a busy two weeks since I last checked in here. "Pokémon,"
or more accurately, "Pocket Monsters," celebrated the 10th
Anniversary of the anime series! Meanwhile, we're six days and
counting from the premiere of the dub version of "Pokémon Diamond
and Pearl," which has got me all kinds of excited. I also
recently completed "May's Awesomely Youthful and Stupendously Unique
Expedition" on Fanfiction.net! If you haven't read it, I suggest
you do! It's all kinds of absurd insanity! Or, you could wait
about a week-and-a-half or two for the 'Diamondy and Pearl Edition'
to be released on this site! In addition to the entire fanfic, you
get uncut scenes, a joke-by-joke guide to the fic, an alternate
ending, and more! You won't want to miss it!
In other news... in case you haven't heard, FUNimation has "One
Piece!" It's another thing that I'm all kinds of excited for.
They'll pick up where the 4Kids dub leaves off... once that finishes
running on Toonami through this summer. I'm really looking forward
to seeing "Piece" the way it was meant to be, and not dumbed down
like 4Kids did. Hooray for Pirates!
You've also noticed that, beginning with this update, I'll list at
the start the DVDs I'm currently cycling through. (Naturally,
that means I received my replacement DVD adapter that I told you
about last update.) Plenty of shows I'm finishing up here in the
first installment. From the sexy yet mind-releasing "World" to
seeing how "Alchemist" ended again... particularly Episode 49,
which I just remembered that I missed in the original Adult Swim
run and hadn't seen until now. As for "Gunslinger"... I'll give it
points for being different from most of the stuff I usually watch.
Though it's hard to put my finger on what I really think of the show
as a whole, as I've only watched the dub so far, and will be checking
out the third and final volume today... shortly after I'm finished
here, I guess.
Anyway, I think I've ranted enough for one update. You want what's
new, right? Well... I've got plenty for the first of two scheduled
updates this month.
Continuing the momentum from the last update, I've got a review
for Volume Six of "My-HiME." After the complaints I lodged of the
previous volume, this volume makes up for it and then some! I even
praise the... wait, I can't say it. You're going to have to read it
to see!
Meanwhile, the site is in need of catching up to the Fanfiction.net
releases. So, the most recent three chapters of "Big Time," the
Kim Possible fic that has Kim and Ron trying out for Global Justice
in these installments, are now up here. Check out Chapter 9 this
coming Thursday on Fanfiction.net!
Also, it's taken extremely longer than necessary, but "The Year of
Rocket's Revenge" has finally reached halfway! The full version of
the sixth session, 'December,' is up! Once again, like the last
session, not much uncut material... only one of the chapters is
slightly extended. Also, for some reason, FF.net is not letting me
upload the fourth and final chapter... so that material is debuting
here before there. That's a shame, because this session has an
explosive ending you've got to read to believe. So go! While I
give a piece of my mind to you-know-who.
That should tide you all over 'til the next update in about two
weeks or so.
Adventures Series
- New Fanfic - The Year of Rocket's Revenge, Session: December [Full
Version]
General Fanfics (Non-Anime)
- New Fanfic - Big Time, Chapters 6, 7, and 8
Reviews and Editorials
- New Review - My-HiME, Vol. 6
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