You're A Manga, Charlie Brown

Don't panic! No, Tokyopop isn't buying manga rights to Peanuts. Neither is Del-Rey, Viz, or whoever else you can think of. These are simply fan drawings. They are at least a few years old, have been posted in several other blogs, and I know I'm late, but I thought I'd do this anyway.

I admit I've always been curious to see what Charlie Brown and the gang would look like in Japanese drawing style. For those who've dared to wonder the same, someone has answered the call.



Here we have Lucy, Linus, and Charlie Brown, as if you couldn't guess. Lucy seems to have transferred the best, Linus is good, but frankly, "Chuck" freaks me out a little. I mean, it doesn't match his character. I would've pictured him less Dragonball Z and more awkward. Somebody who looks like they feel they don't belong and has low self-esteem.



And here's Violet, Peppermint Patty, Marcie, and Patty. PP is just how I'd picture her, doned in sports clothes and baggy pants.



Sally transferred pretty good, too. But not even a change of style will win over your "Sweet Baboo," it seems.



Franklin, Schroeder, and Pig Pen. Whoa, Shroeder, talk about a change! A guy who plays music by and adores Beethoven doesn't strike me as grungy ;)

Ranma 1/2 the Movie 2: Nihao My Concubine

The Ranma 1/2 gang is marooned on a mysterious island when, one by one, the women of the group go missing - a small peach is always left behind where the stolen person was last seen. Prince Toma, as young as he is arrogant, is kidnapping women from miles around in search for potential brides who must battle it out in absurd ways to win his favor. It seems that the island, here called the Kingdom of Togenkyo, has a severe lack of females. Because of a cursed spring around the area, only male babies are born, so this is what they have to do in order to reach the next generation. When Ranma and the other "cursed" men find out about it, they simply have to get their hands on it. Our lucky lead must then both disguise himself as a bridal candidate to save the girls and get a drop of that infamous water at the same time. Wackiness ensues.

I wanted to like this movie, but I think it's one big Sports Illustrated Swimsuit issue. Seriously, it was all boob jiggles and skimpy outfits through the whole thing, to the point where I just wanted to hit stop and discontinue watching it altogether. You might make fun of me or think I'm crazy, but this is the most disappointing (and a little infuriating) Ranma media I've ever watched. Girls, where is your pride? Were you really going to get yourself snatched away and fight for the "honor" of being some jerk's little wife while dressed in something that's so small you might as well be naked? Yes, I realize that the women of the show (and anime in general), Akane in particular, need to be rescued a lot, but this was ridiculous. There were a few cute Akane/Ranma moments (particularly at the end), but that wasn't enough to save it for me.



If you're new to Ranma 1/2, I wouldn't recommend watching this first. Watch the first one, or the TV series. This is probably most appealing to teenage boys, who I suspect won't have much of anything to object to XP And if you're a big fan and simply have to see EVERYTHING Rumiko Takahashi has to offer for this series, by all means, have a sit down. It'll probably make for some interesting summer entertainment!

Heidi of the Alps, episode 4

(アルプスの少女ハイジ) 1974

While on their daily routine of taking the goats of the village up the mountain, Heidi and Peter come across a strong thunder storm. It's the first time little Heidi has experienced such an act of nature, so she's understandably frightened. After it's all done (they took shelter under a ledge, but it certainly didn't get rid of the noise) Heidi hears a baby bird, which fell down from a tree. Feeling sorry for it, she decides to raise it herself. Peter finds it amusing, and so they get into a fight.

Well, Heidi quickly learns that caring for another living thing, even as small as a bird (whom she's named Pichi), can be a big responsibilty. Peter is noticably jealous that Heidi skips out from going with him to the mountain to care for the baby bird. The townspeople become even more concerned about the orphan's wellbeing when Peter doesn't want to talk about her (since, you know, they aren't talking), so you have to wonder if something will happen about that soon.

Big Wing ( ビッグウイング)

Kumiko is new at Haneda Airport, and has a lot of enthusiasm for her job (working for the Big Wing company inside it). She goes out of her way to help customers and make them happy, but as a result gets into trouble (on the first day she both delays a flight and has her work station robbed). However, her General Manager, Shoko, is moved by her dedication.

I was pulled to this Jdrama (Japanese drama) because of it's unique idea (yes, there have been a scant few American airport sitcoms in the past [two at most, but I could be wrong], but I've never really watched them). Kumiko has an "abnormal" love for the place she works for, much to everyone's befuddlement. She doesn't think anything of dropping everything for somebody in distress (which lands her in trouble 9 times out of 10), much to the annoyance of her coworkers who don't understand her behavior and shun her for seemingly getting special treatment from the higher-ups. Takeshi Kuriyama, her supervisor, gains more than his share of headaches from the messes Kumiko causes and wears his voice out scolding her all the time - whenever she does something positive for the airport, he ignores it and pretends there is no connection (despite his grouchy bear behavior, however, you know he's kind deep down). Over the course of the series, Kumiko's bright smile starts to affect others at the airport, and you learn why she strives so hard to be happy and loves Big Wing so very much.



Sure, it's incredibly cheesy at times (especially when it comes to the music), but hey, it's a soap opera, what do you expect? The group the creaters were no doubt trying to reach were housewives - they put a lot of emphasis on motherhood - mothers are great, children should respect their mothers, people need their mothers to be strong, etc. Still, it's pretty good and actually had me crying a little towards the end. If you're looking for some cute yet a little heartbreaking/warming entertainment, check it out.

The series has the average amount for a Japanese drama, 10 episodes, and aired in 2001.

TBS Official Site (It's still up!)
DramaWiki entry
D-addicts torrent

Team Rocket Sims 2 photoshoot

After recently discovering some really cool Pokemon downloads, meet my self-created Team Rocket members.



Enjoy Pikachu Pieces as part of a balanced breakfast. Why do I think "Pika-Chews" would be a cool cereal name?





Tommy, Tony, and Toby Rocket.





Crazy faces.



Tina Rocket



And the youngest, Terry Rocket.

I will probably add these to Pix-Sim later.

Heidi of the Alps music

Right click and then select "Save Target As":

Oshiete (Opening)
Mattete Goran (Closing)

Summer Time Machine Blues

It's the summer, and a group of sci-fi geeks (who never actually READ sci-fi) still convene in their clubroom even though college classes don't start for another month. One particular day, objects go missing and strange conversations take place. When one of the members named Takuma returns from buying tickets to a B-Movie (hoping a girl from the photography club will come with him), his friends ask him to explain something very confusing, which causes a chain reaction of people falling over and coke getting spilled on their beloved air-conditioner remote. This is very bad, considering it's been very hot out, and will only get hotter.

To make things even weirder, a boy who appears even geekier than the whole group combined (whom the club members later dub "Mushroom") shows up and freaks out after discovering he's in the sci-fi room, leaving a strange looking machine behind. What is it? Why, a time machine! But who made it, and why is it there? Does it actually work, or is it an elaborate joke? After accidentally trying it out and finding it's very much real, the boys learn they can travel up to 99 years forward or backward. With almost limitless possibilties on what could be done with this foreign technology, they practically decide to go to yesterday and steal the air-conditioner remote so it will never be broken in the first place. Simple as pie, right?



You know when a character obsesses over a missing bottle of Vidal Sassoon, and another brings a giant penguin to the clubroom to be a mascot, you're in for quite a ride! The people involved in the story quickly learn that trying to alter even the smallest things about the past (like a remote) will have large consequences. As the chosen travelers try to avoid meeting up with themselves and make things worse, the others befriend the oddly dressed boy from a time yet to come. While the mess they created from this one innocent task can be confusing, it actually comes together quite smartly (and you won't have to try to figure it all out for hours or days afterward, so no worries). There are also shoutouts to other time travel movies such as Back to the Future (pay attention to when Takuma goes to the movie theater). And take heart, Hollywood cliche weary, for though the cast is mostly youthful there aren't any fart jokes or other too-crude humorisms.

I've been wanting to see this since I saw an ad for it at the back of a magazine in 2005 - and now I got my chance! I don't really have any nitpicks with this film, so if you're looking for a really fun, intelligent comedy to cool off with on a hot summer day, check it out. Be sure to keep any liquids out of the room.

Trailer
Buy Movie [has English subtitles!]

Kirarin Revolution, episodes 61 and 62

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).



Episode 61:

After a long day, Kirari comes to her dad's cafe to relax. While telling him and her grandma about a new drama she and SHIPS will be in, a young boy collapses at the door, tired and desperate to see Kirari. After coming to, he explains that his sister, Yuka, is very ill, and he thinks Kirari may help if she visits. How could she say no? But Yuka still doesn't believe that surgery (which is pretty much the only option they have at this point) will help anything, and certainly won't enable her to play the trumpet again. If an idol can't even cheer up one girl who feels all is lost, Kirari believes she will be a failure.



Episode 62:

Worried that Kirari may stop working hard with no large obstacles in her way, her company decides to have her meet with a newcomer named Hikaru Mizuki. The girl is skilled with tons of potential, but she's very bratty and rude, telling Kirari she has very poor skills. Additionally, Hikaru has no interest in becoming an idol or having anything to do with entertaining. Kirari tries to convince her, following her around town, but it doesn't work. And when she attempts to get Hikaru to dance "Balalaika" for a crowd of excited fans, the poor girl freaks out. What's wrong?

Cosmic Baton Girl Comet-san, episode 3

(コメットさん) 2001

12-year-old Princess Comet has no interest in her royal duties. She'd much rather play with little stars in the Haromonica Star-World system than fulfill anyone's expectations. On the evening of a ball meant to introduce Comet to the prince of Tamborine Star-World, he runs away, and the only way to know him is from the "twinkle" in his eyes. Now it's been decided that Comet will go to Earth to find him and set things right - but can she make the time between having so many fun adventures?

In this episode, Comet is off to a less smooth start. She oversleeps and forgets to get the twins to the school bus on time. Then they have to take a train, something she's not quite familiar with (Earth-wise, anyway). After a scolding from their teacher, Comet leaves to report in to the mother's seaside shop, which is nearby. Then she and Rababou spot the father on a boat, and decide to join in on the fishing. This is a life-changing event, as she also meets a boy with an attitude named Keisuke - he doesn't like Comet and tells her so, which annoys her. They even share an awkward moment when Comet loses her balance and falls on top of him, earning blushes on both sides. Life on Earth could potentially become more difficult, especially now that Meteo knows about him and assumes that he's the prince, seeing as he was around Comet when she found the pink-haired princess. But is Keisuke really as bad as his first impression implied? Is he the prince?

Also, Comet learns her lesson and decides to create a star tunnel - this means she leaves a special mark at a place she has visited, and can later make it to that place in record time without needing a car, train, whathaveyou.

Sakura Gumi, Sakura Mankai

Just arrived in the mail today!

1. Sakura Mankai
2. Say Yeah! ~Motto Miracle Night~ (Sakura Gumi Version)
3. Daite HOLD ON ME! (Sakura Gumi Version)
4. Sakura Mankai (Instrumental)

This came out 4 years ago, but I didn't get around to buying it until now for some reason. Between Sakura Gumi and Otome Gumi, Sakura was my favorite. I just love the soft elegance of this song, and the music video is great, too. We get a 6 minute long "Sakura Mankai," plus two bonus "redos" of old Morning Musume songs - they weren't my favorite of what the group has done, but they were enjoyable all the same. At least it wasn't "Love Revolution" - I like that song, but they touch back on it TOO MUCH.

There isn't really anything I'd change or add (save for maybe the music video), because it's just a single and the price is good for four songs. It's a little sad, though - four of the members pictured here have since left, either because of a scandal or it was simply time to go. I miss them :(

If you're a fan of "traditional" Japanese music, I'd give it a try.

Kirarin Revolution, episodes 59 & 60

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).



Episode 59:

So, will Kirari have to quit and stop talking to Hiroto? It looks possible, after she finds that someone has markered up the yukata she must wear in the contest. Only momentarily discouraged, she takes a bunch of children's yukatas, and with the help of expert sewer Hiroto, Kirari manages to make an outfit fresh, stylish, and creative. The audience loves it, but Izumi, who scored one vote less than her, argues that the "yukata" is not traditional and she should be disqualified from winning.



Episode 60:

The chairman meets up with Kumoi-san and Kirari, armed with a helicopter and in an absolute panic. "Professor Pegasus" (yeah, I don't know) says that the fate of the entire planet could be in Kirari's hands. She is humanity's savior. But Erina, who grabbed on to the helicopter as it was leaving and later crawled inside, doesn't want her star power outdone. The chairman crypticly says that it's probably better with two people, and enlists the other idol as well. What have they been asked to do? Ride in a spaceship (called the "Unlimited") and cool the sun down. Their method? Dancing and singing!

Because Izumi scored lower than Kirari, and Fubuki came in at the last minute and beat them both, the bet is off. Not only that, but because the pink-haired spaz couldn't defeat Kirari, she obviously doesn't live up to what she said she would do. Now Higashiyama is very unlikely to consider any employment. Well, it's not just that - Izumi is a boy. Yes, that's right. Izumi tripped and knocked off his wig, also revealing a very-much-a-boy chest. His name is Hyotarou, and he is Hiroto's childhood friend. Not only does he have a crush on the SHIPS member, Hyotarou claims they both made a promise years ago that someday he and Hiroto would work together in the idol business. Oy.

Eheh, I think this is one of my favorite filler episodes (at least for this show). The whole thing seemed really fishy throughout - if Earth was really in trouble, why would they enlist an unqualified 14-year-old celebrity with the task? Why would plate-spinning be a part of the training? What the hell good would singing do?! I was so sure they'd pull the "global warming" or "recycling" message out of the bag at some point. Like, "Actually, Kirari, singing won't save the Earth. It's up to all of us" or something. But awww, if the Kirari and Erina friendship moments weren't darn cute (I think Erina still wouldn't call them that, though). Can't believe neither of them caught on.

Ai Kago is "back" - New Interview

OhmyNews has posted part one for a six part series of interviews with now 19-year-old Ai Kago (with new segments released daily until the 12th). It has been a few weeks since the one year anniversary of her termination (and not just suspension) from Up-Front Agency.

English translation (of part one) available here!
Youtube video of part one here!
Part two here!

I must say, she certainly looks different. She appears very mature and cautious, perhaps even matronly with the hair and outfit. I think she's better with long hair, personally. Many fans are hoping that she's looking for a comeback or "rebirth" - after all, they say, why wait until now, when people don't have her in their minds anymore? This scandal is old soup to the average Japanese. I think perhaps she just wasn't up to it before and simply wanted to give it time.

Well, maybe the other segments will reveal something big (for example, was she ever really living in New York?). Doubtful. I did miss her, however. Hello Aibon :)

Wacky sports/jobs I'd like to see done in anime

Well, I don't necessarily desperately want to see these done nor do I have an intense interest, but anime can make serious business of absolutely anything, no matter how silly - even top spinning. Because of the massive amount of animated shows in Japan, some of these could very well already exist.

Highland dancing

Double Dutch jump roping

Ballroom dancing

Bowling

Royal employees (not the princess, prince, etc. but maybe the cooks or maids or whatever, in the palace)

Fashion designer

Fast food workers (would you like drama with those fries?)

Jazz players

Kirarin Revolution, episodes 57 & 58

(きらりん☆レボリューション) 2006

Kirari (voiced by Koharu Kusumi of Morning Musume!) is a middle schooler who LOVES her food. So much so that it's scary! While girls her age swoon over idols, Kirari swoons over her dad's cooking, and couldn't care less about the life of a celebrity. But when she saves the pet turtle of Seiji of pop group SHIPS and falls in love, she decides to become an idol herself so that they can be together (or so she hopes).



Episode 57:

With Kirari's reluctance to react in a negative fashion to Izumi's antics, it only fuels her determined fire. And when Hiroto confronts her, telling her to leave Kirari alone if she must tarnish his own reputation, it gets worse. In a cruel twist of fate, these two girls must work in a sweets shop for a day, and no doubt the words spoken/thought there will not match the atmosphere. With Hiroto secretly spying in the bushes (he tells himself it's not for Kirari, but to keep an eye on Izumi's evil plans) across the street, he eventually runs into a distraught, heartbroken, and covered in wheat Kirari. This action brings about a scandal that seems too deep to get out of.



Episode 58:

Hiroto has "given in" the the rumors, so to speak. In order to protect Kirari's career, he pretends that he is indeed dating Izumi. But it's his turn to be protected when he's saddled into a hot springs hotel gig with her. Kirari wants to return the huge favor and try to ruin Izumi's advances, but when she's mistaken as a member of the filming crew, Hiroto catches on and tells her to go home. She doesn't, though, and ends up stuck in a bet with Izumi - whoever loses a yukata contest has to leave the idol business and stay far away from Hiroto. Can she do it?

Seems I'm mistaken - episode 57 is what I saw when I read some of the manga. The introduction of Izumi's pet cat (in keeping with the tradition) named Yoka-chan was amusing. His lips (if cats can even have lips) and eyes are pursed like fish lips and he can't ever find his glasses.

The interaction between Hiroto and Kirari just keeps getting cuter and cuter. I really hope they don't drag this hopeful romance out (just CONFESS already!) forever. Izumi certainly won't help things. I'm hoping after the yukata contest (where Kirari will likely win) her character will "calm down" and she'll appear periodically (like how it was with Fubuki, Arashi, and such).

MilkyWay, Anataboshi

Consists of Koharu Kusumi (Kirari) and Hello! Project Eggs members Yuu Kikkawa and Sayaka Kitahara. It's coming out April 30th and will be used as the new opening song for Kirarin Revolution.

Personally, it's just not appealing to me yet. It's like Balalaika (Russian dance) in that now they're going for a celtic/highland fling feel. The video is cute and bright and I love all the glittering stars, though. The song itself I may have to listen to a few more times before I come to "love" it. It's going to have to grow on me, but I don't think it will take long.