Black Rock Shooter. Yup, she’s attacked and blasted the anime world like a tornado-twisting thunderstorm. While I’ve ducked and dodged through the barrage of irresistible PVC figures, even I couldn’t avoid the hype surrounding the “Black Rock Shooter” (OVA, 2010) anime, released last month, haha. So why not shoot out my own speed review, right? While my text might be short and sweet, rest assured that my gigantic volley of images will pummel and pump you up! Well, enough said, let’s get ready to rock and go!

Part 1 of 3 > Black Rock Shooter > Origin

While you and every other anime or figure fanatic might already know the origin and development of the “Black Rock Shooter” phenomenon, for those who haven’t caught up yet, here’s a brief summary from Wikipedia.

Black Rock Shooter (ブラック★ロックシューター Burakku Rokku Shūtā?), stylized as “Black★Rock Shooter”, is a 2010 Japanese original video animation (OVA) produced by Yutaka Yamamoto’s studio Ordet and directed by Shinobu Yoshioka. The 50-minute OVA is based on the song of the same name by Supercell and its accompanying music video with illustrations by Huke. Musical composer Ryo and Huke, both members of Supercell, collaborated on the project. A “Pilot Edition” of the anime was released on DVD and Blu-ray Disc (BD) in September 2009, and the full version was released on DVDs bundled with select magazines from July 24, 2010 and is subtitled in seven languages.

The origins of Black Rock Shooter date back to an original character illustration titled “Black Rock Shooter” by the artist Huke, who posted it on his blog and the online artist community Pixiv on December 26, 2007. Ryo of Supercell was inspired by the illustration and created the song “Black Rock Shooter” based on that character. Huke joined Supercell and provided the illustrations used in the music video of the song, which was later posed online on the Nico Nico Dougavideo sharing website on July 13, 2008, which as of August 2009 had over 2.2 million views. “Black Rock Shooter” features vocals from the Vocaloid singing synthesizer Hatsune Miku.

Produced by Yutaka Yamamoto’s studio Ordet and directed by Shinobu Yoshioka, an original video animation (OVA) project based on “Black Rock Shooter” and its music video was announced on August 22, 2009. The screenplay was written by Nagaru Tanigawa and Shinobu Yoshioka, and character design was done by Yuusuke Matsuo. The music was composed by Ryo and the ending theme song is “Braveheart” performed by The Gomband.

If I’m not mistaken, here’s the original illustration by Huke once more. Mesmerizing. Enlarge it.

Meanwhile, here’s an impressive high-res rendition by Joeian @ DeviantArt.

Wow. Now that you’ve refreshed your memory, or taken your first taste of “Black Rock Shooter”, get ready to rock!

Part 2 of 3 > Black Rock Shooter > Anime

Black Rock Shooter (OVA, 2010) [23]. Last weekend, on Saturday, 21 August, I finally watched and completed my 23rd anime title of the year. And the first thing I have to say is, “It rocked!” While the real-world high-school plot was rather simple, it was nonetheless presented and portrayed gently and genuinely. Contrasted with the bleak battles of a punk-gothic and apocalyptic parallel other-world, both extremes enhanced and played off each other well. Mesmerizingly. Stylishly. Beautifully. In a nutshell, my speed-review is: “Wow, a black-rockin’ and jealousy-battlin’ ride, 4 of 5 stars!”

To celebrate, here are 113 cool screen captures from the first half of “Black Rock Shooter” (OVA, 2010). Enjoy, and feel free to enlarge!

Once again, wow. Yup, 113 screen captures blasted by so fast! Haha, and that’s only from the first half of the OVA! Still want more?

Part 3 of 3 > Black Rock Shooter > Figures

Ah, the figures! Can’t forget the stylish “Black Rock Shooter” figures, can we? In fact, we’re gonna rock to a total of 7 irresistible figures.

• [01] Black Rock Shooter | Pre-Painted Kit – e2046
• [02] Black Rock Shooter – Original Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search
• [03] Black Rock Shooter – Black Blade Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search
• [04] Black Rock Shooter – figma Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search
• [05] Black Rock Shooter – Animation Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search
• [06] Dead Master – Original Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search
• [07] Dead Master – figma Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search

[01] Black Rock Shooter | Pre-Painted Kit – e2046. First, let’s start off with the garage kit based upon the original illustration by Huke. Wow, originally almost $200 USD, she’s now in the $140-150 USD range.

[02] Black Rock Shooter – Original Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search. Next, here’s the 1/8-scale PVC yet slightly more-affordable version of the garage kit above. Scheduled for December 2010 re-release, she’s currently in the $90-100 USD range.

[03] Black Rock Shooter – Black Blade Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search. Third, here’s another 1/8-scale PVC, but even more affordable than the figures above. More skin too, haha. Released in June 2010, she’s currently in the $60-70 USD range.

[04] Black Rock Shooter – figma Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search. Fourth, we have the smaller figma-scale PVC, but even more affordable. Not only that, she’s highly poseable and playable, with her interchangeable “blue fire” eye, “Rock Cannon” and “Black Blade” weapons. Nice. Released in August 2010, she’s currently in the $20-30 USD range.

[05] Black Rock Shooter – Animation Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search. Fifth, here’s another 1/8-scale PVC, portraying an entirely new action pose based on the anime. She too includes an interchangeable “blue fire” eye. Scheduled for October 2010 release, she’s currently in the $90-100 USD range.

[06] Dead Master – Original Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search. Now, let’s take a peek at Black Rock Shooter’s just-as-striking rival and deadly opponent, Dead Master. She’s a 1/8-scale PVC with removable weapons. Scheduled for November 2010 release, she’s currently in the $80-90 USD range.

[07] Dead Master – figma Version | PVC Figure – Hobby Search. Lastly, but not least, we have the figma-scale PVC, even more affordable than her 1/8-scale PVC above. Like her “Black Rock Shooter” rival, she’s highly poseable and playable with her removable “Dead Scythe” weapon and accompanying giant flying skulls, haha. Scheduled for October 2010 release, she’s currently in the $20-30 USD range.

Wow. Double wow. Gotta love that final figma battle scene! Well, did you survive the multiple-wave mega-broadcasted “Black Rock Shooter” attack? Nevertheless, multiple thanks to Huke, Ryo, Supercell, Hatsune Miku-chan, Black Rock Shooter, Dead Master, e2046, Hobby Search, and of course, my Tempted and Toyed Toyboxers. Thanks for surviving!

P.S. Satoshi Kon-sensei. May you rest and dream in peace.

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

Final Flashback

Hmm, of the four battle girls who appear in the “Black Rock Shooter” anime, isn’t this yet-unnamed girl the hottest? Not that I’ll order one, but I wonder if they’ll ever make a PVC figure of her too, hehe. What do you think?

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1400px

Heyyy, what’s up? Have you A, B, or C? Maybe D, E, or F? Did you G, H, and I? Or perhaps J, K, and L? Ahh, the last one? I thought so. L it is! Well, my Triaxial Toyboxers, for this weekly mega-cast, we’ll lick and lisp along liquid lines of logic, we’ll limp and lag atop layers of digital celluloid, and we’ll flail and falter upon luscious flows of flesh and lust, lol. Will you last long against the luminous lashes of lightning? Or will you languish and linger into elliptical listlessness? Behold! Lift yourself from your lazy slumber and behold! Another mega-cast shall be unleashed!

Part 1 of 5 > Death Note 3 – The Last Film

Ah, “Death Note”! Where should I begin? Well, it all began when I first watched the 37-episode anime “Death Note” (2006) back in August 2007. I was blown away! Afterwards, I must’ve seen the live-action films “Death Note” (2006) and “Death Note 2 – The Last Name” (2006) between then and this past January. So, most likely, somewhere in 2008. Yeah, sounds about right. Well, I finally found the time to watch the spin-off sequel “L – Change the World” (Death Note 3, 2008) over the weekend! Sadly, this latest chapter of the “Death Note” saga earns a pathetically sub-standard 2 of 5 stars. Speed-review over. Oh well. Sorry, L.

Nevertheless, here are a few cool “L – Change the World” posters and promo images to lick your lack. Why does Korea always seem to have the best posters? Hehe, this is my favorite one.

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1400px

Here’s another cool Korean poster.

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1000px

Of course, there’s always the slightly-moronic over-cluttered and over-hyped version.

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1600px

Ah, elegantly understated. Feel free to enlarge it!

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1300px

The Good Guys? Eh, the poster isn’t bad. But L isn’t in any of his classic poses!

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1300px

The Bad Guys? Hmm, does “spoiling” a film count if the film is a lame mediocrity?

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1200px

The textless version of the poster above.

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1200px

Another simple textless image of the man in white.

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 800px

Let the fake captions begin! “Doctor, I’m telling you! L took our Death Porn!”

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “Death Porn? I have no need for Death Porn.”

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “Why steal Death Porn when I have my own Death Loli?”

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “Ahh, Death Tea works quite well with a Death Loli.”

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1280px

Doctor: “L, are you sure she’s a Death Loli? I’ve never seen one up-close before!”

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “Remember this. You can’t change the world without a Death Loli.”

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1280px

Haha, enough about “L – Change the World” or “Death Note 3″. It’s time to roll back the clock to “Death Note 2″. Wait a second. Doesn’t that sound a bit like shifting our “Defense Readiness Condition” from DEFCON 3 to DEFCON 2?

Part 2 of 5 > Death Note 2 – The Last Name

The Last Name! Obviously, before there was the live-action “Death Note 3″ (2008) above, there was a live-action “Death Note 2 – The Last Name” (2006). And like I mentioned, I probably watched it in 2008. Since I didn’t necessarily give ratings to live-action shows back then, I don’t remember if I rated it at all. But if I had to give one now, I’d probably give 3-of-5 or 4-of-5 stars. Not bad at all! To celebrate, here are even more posters and promo images!

Here we go again, lol. Why does Korea always seem to have the best posters?

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1300px

Really? Here seems to be a Japanese wallpaper, lol.

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Ahh, a cool version with “L” alone.

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Yet another cool version.

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

A blue-tinged “Light” version with other members of the cast.

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

A gold-tinged “L” version with members of the cast.

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Lastly, an elegant shot of the “Death Note”. Indeed, the pen is mightier than the apple?

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Let the fake captions continue! Light: “Misa-chan, will you be my Death Loli?”

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Misa-chan: “Definitely! Here’s my Death Porn!”

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Light: “I now have all of the Death Porn. Do you Death Gods object?”

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Misa-chan: “Sorry L, but I’m Light’s Death Loli, not yours.”

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Misa-chan: “Dammit L, I said I’m Light’s Death Loli! Not yours!”

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Light: “L, are you sure we can’t share a Death Loli?”

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “I’m positive, Light. Why bother with Death Porn when I can have my own Death Loli?”

Death Note – The Last Name (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Hehe, enough about “Death Note 2″. Next, let’s roll back the clock to “Death Note 1″. Uh-oh, can you feel it? Can you feel ourselves getting a little bit closer from DEFCON 2 to DEFCON 1?

Part 3 of 5 > Death Note 1 – The First Film

The First Film! More obviously, before there was the live-action “Death Note 2″ (2006) above, there was a live-action “Death Note 1” (2006). And like I already mentioned, I probably watched it in 2008. Again, I don’t remember if I rated this film, but if I had to now, I’d probably give 3-of-5 or 4-of-5 stars. Again, not bad at all! Once more, here are even more posters and promo images!

Hahaha, once more, Korea seems to have the best posters! Dammit, lol. Why can’t I find these cool Korean posters in Japanese?

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1400px

Here’s an awesome blue-tinged “L” version! Feel free to enlarge it!

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1400px

Ahh, nice wallpaper version! Doesn’t “Light” (Tatsuya Fujiwara) look like “Frodo” (Elijah Wood)? Somehow, I don’t think a master tactician should look like a Hobbit, lol.

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

More fake captions! Light the Hobbit: “Whoa, I never thought Death Porn was like this!”

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Light the Hobbit: “Ryuk, don’t worry! I can handle this Death Porn. No problem!”

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Ryuk: “Are you sure? Death Pornography can be quite… fatal.”

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Light the Hobbit: “Wait! What?!? Death Porn will accelerate my age?!?”

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

L via Internet: “As you can see, only 50 minutes of Death Porn has aged my patient 50 years!”

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “Yes, my name is L. Short for Little Loli Lover.”

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “Yes, men. We must find the Death Porn to find the Death Loli. At all costs.”

Death Note (Live Action, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

That’s it, my Trembling Toyboxers! Time to target “Death Note 0″. Time to fall from DEFCON 1 to DEFCON 0! To an infinite “Defense Readiness Condition”! Yeah, right, whatever, lol.

Part 4 of 5 > Death Note 0 – The Manga & Anime

Ah yes, the manga-based anime! Like I mentioned at the top in “Part 1″, it all began when I first watched the 37-episode anime “Death Note” (2006) back in August 2007. I was totally blown away! In fact, here’s my speed-review from “Blog 103 > From Melancholy Until Death” (13 August 2007).

Death Note (1-37) – Started 08/01/07. Finished 08/12/07. Double-wow! Mesmerizing crime games and aspiring death gods! Mind-blowing and heart-stopping 5 of 5 stars!

To celebrate, here are 38 of the best “Death Note” wallpapers I’ve collected both recently and over the years. Let’s start with “Kira” (Killer).

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Followed by the iconic “L”.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Ah, “L” in manga-anime form. Can you detect the faintest hint of the background “L”?

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

“L” and “Light” against the musical “notes”!

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Another cool white wallpaper!

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Another shot of the “Death Note” and the apple.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

“L” against the blackness.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Another black-and-white wallpaper.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1200px

Black-and-white with a sprinkle of blood!

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

“Light” in white, caught in the “death” tape.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

The bright “Light” versus the dark “L”.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

The black “L” faces the white “Light”.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Ahh, a nice manga-based piece of art.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Another version of the above.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Misa-chan, Light, and the Gods behind them!

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

On the last hour of the last day, the Death God said, “Let there be Light!”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1024px

Another background interpretation with the same pose.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

As the “Light” shone before them, the Death Gods smiled in amusement.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Light: “Give me your Death Porn and you shall be free!”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “If I give you my Death Porn, will you give me your Death Loli?”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1400px

Another bright “L” beside another “Light” of darkness.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

The green-tinged “Light” of greed.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1400px

The red-tinged “Light” of blood.

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1920px

Light: “Thank you for the Death Porn. You shall now be set free!”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1600px

Light: “Ha, you shall now be set free of porn!”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1600px

Light: “Hahaha, you shall now be set free of horny doves too!”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1600px

Light: “Mirror, Mirror, on the wall. Who’s the horniest bastard of them all?”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1900px

Misa-chan: “Umm, am I the horniest bastard?”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Misa-chan: “Butterflies on stones aren’t as lovely as pornography on bones.”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1600px

Misa-chan: “Don’t you love Death Porn on dead bones?”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Misa-chan: “Death Porn, Death Porn. Don’t you love pornography on bones?”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 3000px

The main characters: “All for one. And one for porn!”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

Light: “Black Paint, Black Paint, on the wall. Who’s the sexiest bastard of them all?”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1600px

Light: “I’m too sexy. I’m too sexy for your crappy manga characters.”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1280px

L: “Ahh, like I said, Death Tea works quite well with a Death Loli.”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1600px

L: “Especially, a Death Loli in red.”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 1600px

Light: “Fear me! Fear me and my very long Death Scythe!”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 2000px

Death Note: “Fucking morons! Why do they keep calling me Death Porn?”

Death Note (Anime, 2006) | Enlarge 2000px

Hahaha, Death Porn, Death Porn, on the shelf! Who’s even hornier than thyself? LOL! You know, it’s so funny reading all of your “Light-versus-L” comments on my recent Blog 208 mega-cast! I’m starting to think that the guys (like A20-man and even myself) tend to cheer “Light”, while the gals (like Kris-chan and Jenn-chan) tend to cheer “L”. Yup, a gender thing? Why is that? Is it the simple difference between those who “coldly” pursue absolute power (like Lelouch in “Code Geass”) and those who “warmly” save the world from them? Hmm, I wonder.

Part 5 of 5 > Death Girls in Sepia – Revisited

Death Note! Death Porn! Death Loli! Speaking of Death Lolis, I couldn’t help being reminded of my ancient anime photoshoot back in November 2007. Yup, my old Blog 119 post, more than 90 posts ago! Here’s what I wrote back then.

Blog 119 > Sepia Death Girls!
November 28th, 2007

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Finally! Full photoshoot is finally ready! As I teased in my previous Blog 118 > The Joy of Sepia, this month we welcome my latest “Death Girls” — 1/6-scale “Morte from Noir et Blanc” (Toranoana, June-July 2007) obtained in August 2007, and 1/6-scale “Misa from Death Note” (Jun Planning, June 2007) obtained in September 2007.

For this Canon photoshoot, I ended up with 65 shots, taken with the backdrop of a Japanese cemetery. And for the first time, I experimented with sepia! May not sound like much, but as my brother observed, anime and sepia aren’t usually associated with each other, right? In any case, I really like the Gothic atmosphere created with a simple change in color and contrast. I hope you do too. Enjoy the rest!

Warning > I recommend Firefox or Safari since IE 6/7 tends to break under the photo pressure, argh.

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Click for Full Photoshoot (65) >>

So yeah, why not bring back a 10-shot sample of the 65-shot photoshoot? Aww, Misa-chan.

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

A close-up of the bright-eyed blond-tailed Misa-chan and her Death Porn, lol.

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

Ahhh, the lovely Morte-chan and her trusty Death Scythe, lol. Feel free to enlarge her!

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

Umm, another revealing angle of Morte-chan.

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

An almost-mystical form of lip-pointing, lol.

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

Whoa, Misa-chan, nice lacy stockings!

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

Umm, Morte-chan, are you trying to tell me something?

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

Whoa, Misa-chan, let’s not forget those nice lacy forearm gloves, lol.

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

“All hope abandon ye who enter here!”

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

Hmm, the winged darkness has never seemed so bright.

Sepia Death Girls | Enlarge

Ahh, hope you enjoyed that 10-shot sample! The full 65-shot photoshoot can be found here. With a simple anime login, of course. But it’s such a coincidence how the sepia randomly reappears immediately after my last mega-cast, lol. Nope, I didn’t plan it this way!

Damn! That was fast! All three “Death Note” live-action films, the “Death Note” anime, as well as a “Death Note” anime figure! Plus an extra “Death Girl”, lol. Gone by in a flash! So, my Tentacled Toyboxers, did our mighty mega-cast flash by like the speed of lucid lightning? Did we lick and lisp along liquid lines of logic? Did we limp and lag atop layers of digital celluloid? Did we flail and falter upon luscious flows of flesh and lust? Haha, okay, maybe not-so-much of that last bit. Thankfully, if you survived this far, you managed to lift yourself from your lazy slumber and last long enough to behold the luminous lashes of unleashed lightning! Thank you. Moreover, let’s thank the glimmering guest-starring gals who graced our mega-cast! Thank you, Misa-chan, Morte-chan and any other Death Lolis I might’ve missed along the way, lol. Who’s the horniest Death Loli of them all?

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

Final Flashback

Doctor: “L, are you sure she’s a Death Loli? I’ve never seen one up-close before!”

L – Change the World (Live Action, 2008) | Enlarge 1280px

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

What’s up, my Traveling Toyboxers? Nothing? Bored? Excited? In any case, here’s another week-swept mega-cast to fuel your anime and otaku flames! We’ll blast through internationally bursting bubbles, dig into personally detonated distractions, escape under exploding red-cliffed enemies, battle between buxom red-headed babes, and scale over red-raging blog-shifting transitions! Lots of red indeed! No, not red Mother’s Day roses, haha. But pretty much everything else! Now enough of this procrastinating prattle. Get ready. Get set. Go! Now let’s start this scarlet-tinged show…

Part 1 of 5 > International Downfall of Anime

Starting off, if you’ve been following the anime news over the past week, you’ll know that the state of the anime industry has been called into question. Beginning with the Anime News Network article “Anime is a Bubble that Burst” (04 May 2009), and followed by the Sankaku Complex post “Anime Bubble is Burst” (05 May 2009) and the Danny Choo post “Anime Decline” (08 May 2009), the ongoing issues of fan-subbing, file-sharing, and quality versus quantity resurfaced with a finger-pointing intensity once more.

Here’s the Anime News Network article.

04 May | Anime News Network > Anime Bubble Burst | Enlarge

Here’s the Sankaku Complex post the next day.

05 May | Sankaku Complex > Anime Bubble Burst | Enlarge

And here’s the Danny Choo post several days after that.

08 May | Danny Choo > Anime Decline | Enlarge

But is everyone missing the bigger picture? The bigger point?

While everyone seems to be focussing their attention on the flashy mediocre quality or flooding over-repetition of “moe” and “mecha” titles within anime, there may be a larger concern. It may not simply be a matter of two or three over-saturated genres within the anime spectrum, but in fact, it may be a matter of the over-saturation of the entire “anime” genre within the full-ranged live-to-recorded-to-animated television spectrum! Fortunately, all is not lost, lol. Just as music genres ebb and flow with an over-abundance of “hard rock” then “metal” then “grunge”, television genres fall and rise in the same way with viewers flowing from “sit-coms” to “sci-fi” to “dramas” to “reality” to whatever else might be the fresh flavor of the day.

So why not anime too? Cyclically rising and then falling?

Think of it this way. Even if every new anime production shines with spectacularly high-quality animation, vocal performance and fan-subbing at the same high-volume rate of distribution and downloads for the next ten years, does that mean viewers will never be over-saturated with too many titles? Will they never turn to live-action television? Or reality shows? Or sports?

Haha, George Lucas (Blog 195) might have the right idea with his current 3D-animated “Clone Wars” series (Blog 194) and upcoming live-action “Clone Wars” series too! Yup, he’s a genius after all, lol.

Part 2 of 5 > Personal Downfall of Anime [Part 2]

Now from “international downfalls”, let’s zoom in on “personal downfalls”, so to speak, lol. To begin painting the consuming context, let’s refresh ourselves with a stream of loosely connected quotes. First, on her infamous post “K-On! Sucks (Rant Rant Rant)” (15 April 2009), one of Angry Mimi-chan’s various comments included the following characteristic quote, haha.

“Geez this is my blog… and it’s the internet. I can say whatever the hell I want.”

~ Angry Mimi (20 April 2009)

Next, from his introspective post “The Disappearance of the Mysterious Youth” (04 May 2009), Aprilius20 made an unexpected reference to an impromptu quote I made on one of his previous posts, lol.

04 May | Frightful Pangs > Disappearance | Enlarge

Here’s my impromptu quote.

“A true rebel tends to be a loner. While a true loner tends to, well, disappear.”

~ xJAYMANx (01 May 2009)

With these posts and quotes in mind, I stumbled upon one of Danny’s latest “inspirational” posts “7pm in Tokyo – Lalaport” (04 May 2009), listing his current goals over the next several years. Buying a new house. Opening a new restaurant. Opening a new zakka store. Impressive goals indeed.

04 May | Danny Choo > Goals | Enlarge

Naturally, Danny’s post reminded me of my own humble path. From Architecture student to Civil Engineering student to Technical Writer to Online-Help Web Developer, and if we skip the dot-com-crashing detours into Mortgage Agent and Real Estate Agent, finally returning to Technical Writer by day and Otaku Blogger by night, lol. In turn, these thoughts reminded me of my previous “goals and destinations” post “Blog 128 > Downfall of Anime” (02 March 2008) over a year ago!

02 March 2008 | Blog 128 > Downfall of Anime | Jump

Here’s one excerpt from Blog 128.

Nahhh, I don’t think anime itself is falling or failing, but perhaps my ongoing time and energy (and thus need) for anime is fading into my own personal “downfall of anime”. Let me explain… While I still love anime and admire the artistry it symbolizes (and will continue to symbolize) in my life, I no longer feel an overwhelming need to “escape” into it for hours, days, or months at a time. Funny how I didn’t really see anime as a “psychological escape” or “social crutch” until I somehow found myself standing outside it.

And another excerpt.

Danny Choo and his blog still represent a significant part of that artistic admiration. But I also admire him enough to respectfully disagree with his views, as they apply (and don’t apply) to me. I guess that’s the mark of becoming less of a follower and more of a traveller setting out on my own path… Perhaps not everyone can find his “true destination” in life. Some may be “lucky” to find one. But others may be just as “lucky” not to find one. For myself, the journey itself holds more meaning than any destination. Which naturally entails many destinations, whether they’re willfully sought or unintentionally found. Here’s a quote below which still strikes a chord in me.

“If you knew where you came from and where you’re going, it wouldn’t be a real journey. On a real journey, you’ve already forgotten where you came from, and you have no idea where you’re going. That’s what I think it’s like. Yeah, everything is just coincidence on a journey. It’s nothing but a string of coincidences.”

~ Yukito Kunisaki, traveling puppeteer from the anime film “Air” (2005), directed by Osamu Dezaki and written by Makoto Nakamura, based on the visual novel of the same name by Key. See Wikipedia article.

While I don’t think “everything” is comprised of “coincidences”, the idea that a “real journey” holds no “true destination” carries a ring of truth. I admit this could be interpreted as an excuse for sloth or indifference… Not everyone can find their purpose or goal in life, or even be assured of happiness if they do find it. Some are destined to find purpose or happiness through hard work. Some are lucky to find it by chance. But for those who don’t, maybe they can find their meaning simply through the search itself. Not a careless or heartless search, but perhaps a more mindful and heartfelt one.

On rare occasions, I wonder what my life might’ve looked like had I found that one unshakable purpose. And other times, I’m happy where I am, whom I’ve met, and what I’ve accomplished just because I wanted to… But don’t worry, I haven’t given up on my anime figure photoshoots yet, lol.

~ xJAYMANx (02 March 2008)

Hehe, to be fair, a reader on my Blog 128 pointed out that Danny pretty much said the same thing in his New Year’s post “Destination” (01 January 2006) more than two years ago! Which I vaguely remember reading, lol. Here are some excerpts from that post.

One doesn’t have to decide on just one destination and have that as the be all and end all. Destinations may change from time to time but we need a destination, a direction that we should be headed in. If you are interested in getting what you want from life then I recommend that you always have an idea of where you are going and how you are going to get there…

So just an example, one of my “destinations” is to eventually start my own company and be wealthy from the company’s earnings – and at the same time enjoy the path I take…

So how about those who haven’t discovered their destination? Well there are some who don’t particularly care but if you do care then you could start to take a look at what you like and what you do best. You will always end up excelling when you are doing something that you enjoy and are passionate about – passion is like an orb of energy within you that enables you to be engaged and focused on your destination.

~ Danny Choo (01 January 2006)

While the pursuit of material wealth or fame has never been my highest priority as much as nurturing an ongoing relationship or marriage, whether or not it ultimately ended in separation or divorce, I’d be lying if I said I never thought about being rich, lol. Who hasn’t? After all, wouldn’t it be nice to take a few intercontinental cruises every year? Drive a few different luxury cars every week? Especially with a girl I can share them with? Nevertheless, as I write this, I’ve been content to live within my means, create within my imagination, blog within my interests, and love within my passions… Now there’s a decent quote right there, haha.

Having said all that, from “blogs and hells” to “rebels and loners” to “goals and destinations”, here’s one final quote to tickle your fancy and quench your reality.

“Goals and plans are simply organized distractions. After all, everything in life is a distraction, planned or not.”

~ xJAYMANx (09 May 2009)

Part 3 of 5 > The Battle of Red Cliff [Part 2]

Speaking of distractions, on 04 May 2009, I finally finished watching the 2009 Chinese film Red Cliff – Part II (2009), the spectacular two-hour conclusion to the first two-hour chapter Red Cliff – Part I (2008). In other words, epic distraction! If you want to see an Asian-flavored “Lord of the Rings” without all of the crazy elves, ugly dwarves and weirdo wizards, then by all means, catch these films now! Indomitable 5 of 5 stars!

To celebrate, here are several glorious high-resolution posters for “Part II”.

2009 Film | Red Cliff – Part II | Enlarge 1800px

2009 Film | Red Cliff – Part II | Enlarge 1800px

2009 Film | Red Cliff – Part II | Enlarge 1800px

2009 Film | Red Cliff – Part II | Enlarge 1800px

2009 Film | Red Cliff – Part II | Enlarge 1280px

That was “Part II”. Now here’s “Part I” once more. To refresh your flickering memories, here’s my dazzling review “Blog 163 > Battle of Red Cliff” (21 September 2008) from last year, lol.

Spectacular! Absolutely spectacular!… If you love foreign dramas set in ancient history, weathered with military struggles, and endowed with an epic grandeur reminiscent of “The Lord of the Rings”, you’ll love the 2008 Chinese film Red Cliff (2008).

Centering around two of my all-time favorite Asian actors, Tony Leung Chiu-Wai (Chungking Express, 2046, Infernal Affairs, In the Mood for Love) as military commander Zhou Yu, and Takeshi Kaneshiro (Chungking Express, House of Flying Daggers) as military strategist Zhuge Liang, the two must work together to defeat a common imperial threat. Not to spoil it too much, but my favorite scene is when the commander and strategist take a rare moment from inevitable military decisions to indulge in their musical expertise on the Chinese guqin zither. Quite a duet (or duel) to behold! Not afraid of the occasional light-hearted relief or breathless touch of romance to cast the violence into perspective, this film delivers an unyielding 5 of 5 stars!

Here’s the musical duel from “Part I”. Master versus master!

And here’s the riveting trailer for “Part I”!

A couple of pretty posters!

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1100px

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1100px

Plus a half-dozen wicked wallpapers!

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1024px

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1024px

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1024px

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1024px

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1024px

2008 Film | Red Cliff – Part I | Enlarge 1280px

Need I say more?

Part 4 of 5 > The Battle of Redheads

Ah yes! From burning red cliffs to blazing redheads! Before Yoko Littner from “Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann” (2007), there was Ignis from “Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo” (2005 eroge).

June 2009 Release | Bounty Hunter Yoko Littner from Gurren Lagann | Enlarge

Who’s Ignis? What? You’ve never heard of her? You’ve never heard of one of the most-popular figures of 2006? Haha, have you been living in a cave? In a red cliff? LOL, well, I first blogged about her in my pre-Toybox post “Post 427” (30 November 2006) over two years ago. Then two months later, in my Toybox post “Blog 036” (10 January 2007). The pose. The dress. The detail. The hair. The blazing red hair!

So to continue the periodic “unlocking” of my ancient figure photoshoots, here’s my fifth “unlocked” photoshoot. Here she is! Here is Ignis (Max Factory, 1/7th-scale) from the “Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo” eroge!

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

07-08 Jan 2007 | Ignis from Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

Damn! Not bad for a two-year-old photoshoot, eh? Even now, I still think she’s one of the finest figures in any respectable collection. Don’t you agree? I mean, Ignis and her scarlet katana could slice down Yoko and her oversized rifle, any day and any night, lol. Not only that, Ignis’ black-and-white outfit blows Yoko’s wardrobe malfunctions out of the water! Although I wouldn’t mind seeing Yoko in that black-and-white dress either, hehe. Redheaded catfight anyone?

For more eye candy, here are my previous unlocked photoshoots! Enjoy!

Previously Unlocked Photoshoots

• Blog 187 > “Kiddy Grade” Photoshoot
• Blog 189 > “To Heart” Photoshoot
• Blog 190 > “Shuffle!” Photoshoot
• Blog 193 > “Masamune Shirow” Photoshoot

I’ll ask again. Redheaded catfight anyone?

Part 5 of 5 > The Melancholy of Mimi’s Rage

Haha, nahhh, no melancholy here. Just transitions and congratulations. Yup, congratulations, Angry Mimi-chan, on your move from AngryLoli@Blogger to AngryMimi.com! You finally graduated to WordPress.org, lol. May your blog live long and prosper! Angrily ever after!

10 May | Angry Mimi > Site Construction | Enlarge

So feel free to check out AngryMimi.com. “All hope abandon, ye who enter here.” Hahaha.

Yes-yes, my Tiger-Toothed Toyboxers! How did we do? Did we fuel your anime and otaku flames? Yes? Did we blast through internationally bursting bubbles? Dig into personally detonated distractions? Escape under exploding red-cliffed enemies? Battle between buxom red-headed babes? And scale over red-raging blog-shifting transitions? Yeah, I know, I know. Like I said, lots of red! Of course, let’s not forget to thank our guest Toyboxers! Thank you, Sankaku, Danny, Aprilius, the cast of “Red Cliff”, redheaded Yoko-chan, redheaded Ignis-chan, and as always, Angry Mimi-chan! Did we forget to thank our Moms? Did we forget to wish them a Happy Mother’s Day? Nahhh, I’m safe, lol. For now. Are we done?

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

“Hi Raquele, lol.”

Final Flashback

“Got wings?”

07-08 Jan 2007 | Chaos Gate Jingai Makyo | Enlarge

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Heyyy, my Timeless Toyboxers, what’s up? Is it time for another weekly mega-broadcast yet? Well, duh, I guess so! For this first week of April, we time-travel through shiny slave-driven “Pop Anime” trends, wide-eyed “Art Deco” lolitas, retro-armored “Star Wars” steampunk, sentimental “Firefly” fanart, and a random chrome-plated cart of orangy antics, lol. Did I mention time-travel? Haha, yeah, I did. Well, without further ado, fine-tune the station, grab your favorite bag of popcorn, sit back, and enjoy the five-ringed circus show…

Part 1 of 5 > Trends, Slaves & Shiny New Things

Hahaha, wow! In the last few days, the brand-new high-school comedy anime K-On!, produced by Kyoto Animation (KyoAni), has stormed and flooded the otaku scene! Not only on Danny Choo’s website, but also on Sankaku Complex (NSFW)! While the premiere episode pinched all of the cute, clever and captivating points of a memorable “pop anime” series (not unlike KyoAni’s “The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya” and “Lucky Star”), is “K-On!” really anything new or different from what we’ve all seen before? Hehe, probably not. But who really cares, right? As long as it’s cute, clever and captivating, lol.

As the cunning character Lelouch Lamperouge (of the epic sci-fi anime “Code Geass“) once observed, the Japanese masses were notably susceptible to societal trends of the moment. In other words, “slaves to trends” or “addicts of fads”. In fact, this could probably apply to countless otaku throughout the world, especially those who can’t get enough of the newest broadcasts and the latest releases, hehe. While I may not closely stick to the “cutting edge” of anime, I’m probably not too many steps behind either. So I can understand the meaning behind Lelouch’s words. Separate from the more-general and less-fad-based “escapism from reality” (into the old or new), there’s a negative implication that the “addicted” otaku masses are “weak-willed” or even “fear the old, outdated and obsolete” in their pursuit of shiny new things. Which may be true for many. But why the intense fascination with the shiny and new?

Here’s my take as a fellow otaku, lol. While aspects that are characteristic of an addiction can be argued, the need to “fill a new loss or emptiness” is not merely solitary or secluded. On the contrary, the condition is shared among other fans or followers. In pursuing the shiny and new, there exists a “common bond” to participate in a social collective or phenomenon that is larger than oneself, not unlike the bonds of traditional sports fans or musical concert-goers. Admittedly, the biggest distinction with anime phenomena is their “not too short yet not too long” life-spans. While an anime-series broadcast may not be as brief as a single-sitting two-hour film, the week-to-week familiarity of the more-adored series ultimately reveals an almost-painful brevity (mirroring withdrawal-like symptoms). Moreover, since such broadcasts may only span a few months or half a year, these periods pale in comparison to the several years or decades typical of a longer-lasting musical band or sports team. Hence, the deceptive appearance of a wild addiction leaping from fad to fad to fad.

But here’s the thing. In a nation where the turbulent tug-of-war between timeless traditions and updated technologies seems more tumultuous than ever, is Japan even more susceptible to both the “escapist” yet “unifying” attraction of sparkling new things?

P.S. Yeah, I know, I liked “K-On!” too, lol.

Part 2 of 5 > Range Murata Lolis & Art Deco

Speaking of traditions and technologies, my Timeless Toyboxers, remember my question last month? “Which should be my next anime-figure photoshoot?” Well, based on the picks by Jenn-chan (she chose B), Coco-chan (she chose D), and Kris-chan (she chose D too), the winner was Choice D, the “Range Murata Lolis”! Yup, the Couch Girl and the Ribbon Girl, lol. As a sidenote, while Meimi-chan and Mimi-chan both loved the gorgeous Sana from “Pia Carrot”, neither of them explicitly stated Choice B, the “Batwing Babes”, lol. Thus, I present my “Range Murata Lolis” photoshoot!

Here’s a mesmerizing angle of Ribbon Girl (Beagle, 1/8th-scale) kneeling in her maid-like dress and boots, my 80th figure (of 92) in July 2008.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Ribbon Girl was beautifully designed by Renji “Range” Murata, a Japanese artist “known for his unique style of combining Art Deco and Japanese anime elements”.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

According to Wikipedia, Art Deco was a popular international art design movement from 1925 until 1939.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Like I said, mesmerizing. Feel free to enlarge the shot, hehe.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Even from the side, her details are simple yet gorgeous. The colors of her hair and ribbons offer a stunning contrast to her black, gray and white outfit.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Now let’s take a closer look at her friend on the so-called couch, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

A little closer, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

That’s better, lol. Here’s a tantalizing shot of Couch Girl (Beagle, 1/10th-scale) lying in her scantily-black outfit, my 81st figure (of 92) in August 2008.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Oops, something is caught between Ribbon Girl’s knees, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

A quiet moment within the sky.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

I gotta admit. That’s quite a unique orange couch!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

And quite revealing too, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Another quiet moment beneath the flying battleships.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Yup, flying battleships, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

In fact, if you’ve ever seen Murata-san’s conceptual design work on the retro-futuristic anime “Last Exile“, then flying battleships shouldn’t be new to you!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Another gorgeous angle of Ribbon Girl.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Another pretty shot of Couch Girl.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

But it would’ve been better had Murata-san given them names!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Luckily, the girls of “Last Exile” had names, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

In this shots, I wonder what kinds of thoughts these girls are thinking?

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Couch Girl: “How long are you going to stare?”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Ribbon Girl: “Where’s our battleship heading?”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Ahh, without a doubt, I love the epic atmosphere created by this background wallpaper!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

The retro-futuristic battleships fit the retro Art-Deco style perfectly!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Couch Girl: “Are we there yet?”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Couch Girl: “Ahh, the sky breeze feels good!”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Ribbon Girl: “What’s going on along the horizon?”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Couch Girl: “Probably another battle. Another war.”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Couch Girl: “Can you stay with me a little longer before I go?”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Despite their small scales, the detail is impressive!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Especially, the curves, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

You know what what I mean, lol.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Yup, stunning, hehe.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Haha, an amazing photo mixing Ribbon Girl with Couch Girl’s couch. You gotta enlarge this one!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Wow, the mega-post’s opening image! You gotta love this one too!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

And then a closer view.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Wow again! I mean, it’s incredible shots like these which makes me wonder if I ever should’ve become a real photographer. The subject, the background, the composition all just fit so beautifully!

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Another epic shot.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Ribbon Girl gazes nervously yet hopefully toward the future as the battleships sail ahead.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Nervously yet hopefully.

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Ribbon Girl: “Will the girl-in-black ever come back?”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Wow, those 40+ photos just flew by! From “shiny new things” and “retro-futuristic lolitas”, let’s sail on to even more retro-futuristic “steampunk”!

Part 3 of 5 > Retro-Future & Steampunk

So what’s “steampunk”? If you’ve never heard of this science-fiction term, it parallels the term “cyberpunk”, but deals with steam-age technologies instead of cyberspace technologies. In fact, chronologically speaking, Art Deco evolved towards the end of the Victorian Era. So they aren’t as far apart as I’d once thought. According to Wikipedia:

Steampunk is a sub-genre of fantasy and speculative fiction that … denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used — usually the 19th century, and often Victorian-era England — but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions … or real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date.

Cool, huh? But why “steampunk”? Well, it’s easy. During my Art Deco and Last Exile image searches to find an epic background for my “Range Murata Lolis” photoshoot, I finally realized that I was stumbling across tons of “steampunk” imagery. So I shifted my searches to “steampunk”. And guess what? Along the way, I think I got addicted to the style (again), lol.

Here’s another classic example of Range Murata‘s Art-Deco-anime style.

Random | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

Here’s a random but stunning steampunk outfit.

Random | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

If I could sum up the “steampunk” fashion in a few words, it’s basically “lots of goggles, gears and chrome”, hahaha.

Random | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

LOL, what did I tell ya? Here’s an impressive band of “steampunk” cosplayers from DragonCon 2008. Amazing!

Random | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

Gotta love the details! Feel free to enlarge the shot!

Random | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

Haha, “lots of goggles, gears and chrome”!

Random | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

But I gotta say, the chrome colors and mechanical details look amazing!

Random | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

But that’s not all! During my steam-powered exploration, I tripped over some “Star Wars steampunk” art! Here’s the retro-futuristic rendition of Darth Vader!

Star Wars | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

Here’s a retro-mechanical Storm Trooper!

Star Wars | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

A slightly different retro-armored Storm Trooper.

Star Wars | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

Last but definitely not least, a retro-fashioned Princess Leia! Whoa!

Star Wars | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

“A long time ago in a galaxy far, far away… Game developers began working on a secret project that combines two popular genres into what they call a recipe for success… Star Wars Steampunk!”

Star Wars | Retro-Future & Steampunk | Enlarge

Holy George Lucas! I mean, holy frak! From “Art Deco lolitas” to “Star Wars steampunk”, is it any wonder I’m getting addicted (again) to the retro-futuristic genre?

Part 4 of 5 > Firefly Fanart Flashback

Yup, again, lol. When I say I’m getting addicted *again*, it’s because I was once obsessed with retro-futuristic science-fiction once before! Namely, the 2002-2003 sci-fi TV series Firefly. Here’s one of the most perfect “Firefly” wallpapers ever, hehe. Glorious!

2002-2003 | Firefly TV Series | Enlarge Wallpaper

In fact, from July to November 2004, I directed and participated with several other writers in a team “role-writing fanfic” called “Firefly-Class Rose“. On top of that, I also drew fanfic character designs based on our fanfic. Kinda cool! No, not just cool. “Shiny!” Sorry, just a bit of “Firefly” slang, lol. Here’s the ship’s doctor played by one writer.

August 2004 | Firefly Fanart Flashback | Enlarge

Here’s the mechanic played by another writer.

August 2004 | Firefly Fanart Flashback | Enlarge

Based on various real-life women, here’s Miriam, played by me, lol.

August 2004 | Firefly Fanart Flashback | Enlarge

Based on various real-and-fantasy women, here’s the Anglo-Asian genius pilot, Akiko “Lucky” Yoshikawa, played by me too. Almost two years before I discovered downloadable anime in 2006, lol. Then more than four years after creating Lucky’s character, I told Mimi-chan that her personality coincidentally and amazingly reminds me of her!

August 2004 | Firefly Fanart Flashback | Enlarge

And of course, here’s the half-drunk half-badass Aussie-Asian Captain Jacob “Jayman” Mandara of the Firefly-Class “Rose”. Played by me, duh. Check out his (my) green bio-mechanical left eye!

August 2004 | Firefly Fanart Flashback | Enlarge

Miriam and her late dad’s best buddy, “Uncle Jake”. Yup, me.

August 2004 | Firefly Fanart Flashback | Enlarge

The motley crew of the “Rose”. Oh yeah! Feel free to enlarge the epic poses!

August 2004 | Firefly Fanart Flashback | Enlarge

Whoa, hehe. What a wild-west ride! For more of the fanfic, check out the “Firefly-Class Rose“. From “Art Deco lolitas” to “Star Wars steampunk” to “Firefly fanart”, has the steam-powered retro-futuristic odyssey finally reached the end of the train-tracks?

Part 5 of 5 > Lisa’s Orange Room

A-ha! The fifth and final leg of our anachronistic journey! Recalling my Frumpy Orange Photoshoot and Orange Christmas posts from over a year ago, here’s the next “Orange” installment, lol. After all, “oranges are orange”, aren’t they? (Inside joke, hehe.)

Hahaha, check out Guiness!

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Huh? What?

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Where?

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Ah, dorks!

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Come on, Guiness! Look at the damn camera!

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

What? Who?

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Finally! Umm, vacant stares.

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Epic Guiness! Not-so-epic Lisa.

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Oooooh!

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Dammit, Guiness!

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

What? Haha, what is Guiness doing?

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Ah, artsy shot.

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Screwed-up shot.

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Awww.

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Go-Go, Guiness Punch!

Friday, 27 Mar | Lisa’s Orange Room | Enlarge

Haha, and that’s it, my Traveling Toyboxers! In five blinks of a gear-goggled eye, our mega-broadcast time-travelled through shiny slave-driven “Pop Anime” trends, wide-eyed “Art Deco” lolitas, retro-armored “Star Wars” steampunk, sentimental “Firefly” fanart, and a random chrome-plated cart of orangy antics! Let’s not forget to thank Ribbon Girl, Couch Girl, Steampunk Leia, Lucky Yoshikawa, Orange Lisa and of course, Guiness the Menace! Did I forget anything? How was the popcorn?

Till next broadcast. Peace. Out.

Final Flashback

Ribbon Girl: “Will the girl-in-black ever come back?”

Saturday, 04 Apr | Range Murata Lolis | Enlarge

Angry Momo | Mascot of Angry Mimi | Enlarge 1680px Wallpaper

Holy damn! Halfway through March already? My birthday just days away? Wow. Probably the most concentrated, contested and colorful week so far this year! But first, before I forget, don’t forget to vote for my “Angry Momo” fanart entry at Angry Mimi’s Peachy Blog — First Round and Final Round, lol. Vote! Do it! Do it now! Secondly, my Trendy Toyboxers, welcome to another five-course meal of humming-and-sizzling images and dozens of ruminating-and-illuminating leaps on art, anime and life. What else? This week, we dart around angry young mascots, peek backwards at scantily-clad police-girls and hot-wired cyberpunks, rewind across motorized birthday gifts, and hopscotch through a haphazard maze of random sandwiches, felines, smog tests, supermarkets, dentists, girl scouts, spanked maids, double laptops, and MP3 players! So what are you waiting for? Let’s pump up the volume and begin the show…

Part 1 of 5. March 2009. Momo Mascot Madness! To jumpstart this March-packed broadcast, remember my first fanart of “Angsty Momo” back in November 2008? Here she is.

Angsty Momo | Mascot of Angry Mimi | Jump to Blog 175

Well, when Mimi-chan announced her fanart contest on Feb 20th, I initially had no plans for a new piece by March 7th. But as reader interest somehow began to snowball, I found myself becoming more and more swept by the idea! Despite my overwhelming Tiger Team duties, and with the help of Mimi-chan’s one-week deadline extension, I finally began tweaking my original “Momo” on Saturday, March 7th. Four nights later, I actually completed my new “Angry Momo” fanart! Here’s my message to Mimi-chan on Thursday, March 12th.

Hey Mimi,
Well, I actually finished my contest entry! Who’d've thunk? It’s my glorious “Part 2″ companion to “Part 1″. The only thing I wasn’t satisfied with in “Part 1″ was that Momo-chan wasn’t “angsty” or “angry” or emotional enough, lol. So this time, I infused as much emotion as I could. Hope it comes across!

Then on Saturday, March 14th, the fanart contest voting began! Spanning three days, this “First Round” voting continues through March 16th. So don’t forget to vote! For *me*, preferably, lol. I’ll be your best friend?

Part 2 of 5. Massive Masamune Attack. Ah, Masamune Shirow’s glorious cybergirl art! Continuing my retrieval and re-exposure of my ancient figure photoshoots like “To Heart” (Nov 2006) and “Shuffle” (Nov 2006), I decided to bring back my “Sexy Cybergirls” photoshoot from March 2007. Hehe, yup, March, of course! Almost exactly two birthdays ago, lol.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound | Enlarge

But before we flash back to 2007, here are some revealing scenes from Masamune Shirow’s 2002 poster series Galgrease featuring the silver-haired Galhound herself! Here’s the cover of Series 1, Collection 6. (Sorry, Mimi-chan, if this is too ecchi!)

Galhound | Created by Masamune Shirow | Enlarge 1200px

Inside, we enjoy our first glimpse of the black-capped Galhound!

Galhound | Created by Masamune Shirow | Enlarge 1200px

Whoa, someone’s being inspected for naughtiness, lol.

Galhound | Created by Masamune Shirow | Enlarge 1200px

But being naughty can sometimes be nice, lol.

Galhound | Created by Masamune Shirow | Enlarge 1200px

At last, the sizzling poster featuring Galhound’s definitive akimbo pose!

Galhound | Created by Masamune Shirow | Enlarge 2000px

Whattaya think? Nice? Hehe, feel free to enlarge these eye-popping posters to their fully greased glory! Now that you’ve seen Galhound’s 2002 origins, let’s flash forward to my March 2007 figure photoshoot, just five years later.

Part 3 of 5. March 2007. Sexy Masamune Cyberpunks. Yup, here they are! Like I hinted above, here’s my pic-for-pic “Sexy Cybergirls” photoshoot from two birthdays ago. Featuring the hot-wired cyborg Motoko Kusanagai from “Ghost in the Shell”, my 48th figure (of 92) in March 2007. Plus the silver-haired police-girl Galhound from “Galgrease”, my 2nd figure (of 92) in May 2006. Here was my amusing description back then (edited for accuracy), lol.

March 22nd, 2007

Okay, enough with the high-school childishness, lol. Bring on the full-figured women of cyberpunk sci-fi! For this post, I introduce one of my newest and rarest pieces, the raven-haired 1/6-scale “Motoko Kusanagi Hard Disk” (in resin) based on the original 1991 sci-fi manga Ghost in the Shell by Masamune Shirow. Sculpted by Yoshimasa Nakao and released by ALPHA, Motoko stretches to a towering 13-inches tall.

In addition, I welcome the return of one of my earliest pieces in May 2006, the lavender-haired 1/8-scale “Galhound” (in PVC) from the 2002 poster series Galgrease, also by Masamune Shirow. Released by Yamato, Galhound stands about 7 inches tall. One background note: While Galhound wasn’t the first figure I acquired, she was the first figure that caught my eye before I ever thought of starting a collection. You could even say she planted the idea in my head!

As of this post, both figures are pretty rare on eBay or otherwise. Furthermore, it’s interesting to note Masamune’s fascination with black, silver, and purple color schemes. Not that I mind. LOL!… In this Canon photoshoot, I saved 45 shots, then narrowed it down to 35 shots.

Finally, here’s the 35-shot photoshoot! Recognize Galhound’s akimbo pose?

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Motoko comes into focus.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

I love the use of wires and cables in her overall design. But a bitch to clean!

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Despite their similar color schemes, their huge gap in scale was a major photographic obstacle.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

But I did the best I could back then.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

A closer view of Motoko’s hard disk connections.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Another view of her (umm) intriguing (cyber) surf wear, lol.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Galhound surveys her surroundings.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

While Motoko arches her lovely back.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

And reveals her rear ports, lol.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Another back-arching stretch.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Another hard-disk connection.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

If this is the future of an all-female police force, where’s my time machine?

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Ahh, one of my favorite Motoko shots!

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Yet another!

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Unfortunately, her gaze is rather dazed and distant. Intentional?

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

While Galhound’s stare is dead-on deadly.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Even more hard-disk connections!

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Galhound: “This is the police! Have you been naughty?”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

“Have you been nasty?”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

“Or have you been nice?”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

“Well?”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Motoko: “Unknown cyberbrain detected.”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

“Prepare a Triple-A viral barrier.”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

“Correction. Make that a Triple-X viral barrier.”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

“Viral penetration neutralized.”

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

If you haven’t seen or read any “Ghost in the Shell” titles, the above probably made no sense, lol.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

But that’s okay. I’m sure Motoko will forgive you.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

If anything, check out the “Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex” Season 1.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

That anime series is probably the smoothest and easiest dive into this cyberpunk universe.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

The more-political manga and more-philosophical films might be a little tougher to digest.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Then again, the array of enhanced female forms are rather easy on the eyes.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

If you know what I mean, lol.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Yeah, you know what I mean!

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

Too bad Galhound doesn’t appear in any “Ghost in the Shell” title.

22 Mar 2007 | Galhound & Motoko Kusanagi | Enlarge

And that’s it! My cyber-indulgent rewind back in time, lol. Need I say more? Next, from one set of shiny black surfaces, we reflect off another set of shiny black surfaces below.

Part 4 of 5. March 2008. Midnight Murano Memory. Leaving 22 March 2007, let’s leap forward to 22 March 2008, lol. Why that day? Because on that day last year, I finally bought my most-affordable “dream car”, the 2005 Nissan Murano! With an approximate worth of 400-500 anime figures, hahaha. Damn, one year already! In fact, here’s what I named her back in my Human Pets & Masters post, lol.

My metal pet “Jemma Chernaya”, haha. “Jemma” came from my friend’s name “Meg” reversed into “Gem” but with a J. Luckily, “Jemma” still means “gem or jewel” in Latin, lol. And “Chernaya” came from my friend Lena in Russia, where her nickname “Chernaya” is the Russian word for “black”. Put it all together, you get the “Black Jewel.” Something Lulu of Code Geass could be proud of, eh?

Yup, here’s my brief photoshoot on 22 March 2008, after bringing “Jemma” home. Just three days after my birthday! Here I am, still stunned by what I did, lol.

22 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

But hey, why not? My 1991 Toyota Camry was falling apart anyway!

22 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

Oh yeah. Finally. A motorized vehicle which finally fits my artistic style.

22 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

Unfortunately, I’ll be paying for it for a while, lol.

22 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

Here’s another brief photoshoot taken the following week. Both of my cars. In fact, I owned both cars for two months until I sold the Camry to my friend Vanessa’s colleague Barbara in May 2008. Yeah, it was nice switching back and forth from compact sedan to cross-over SUV. Nice while it lasted, lol.

29 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

Yup, 1991. I’d driven the old Camry since my parents bought it for me for college in 1991-1992. That’s about 16-17 years straight! And Barbara is still driving it one year later!

29 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

Yup, out with the old…

29 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

And in with the cool, hehe.

29 Mar 2008 | Jemma Chernaya the Murano | Enlarge

So what’s the lesson to be learned? Well, even now, I still love looking at and driving my “Jemma”. Like a visual breath of fresh inspiration to start my day. Maybe someday I can find a new girl who can infuse the same kind of illogical (yet logical) inspiration. Of heart and mind.

Part 5 of 5. March 2009. Random Ran Dumb. Hahaha, that’s funny. Random. Ran dumb. Okay, maybe not, lol. But now, we’ve finally reached the random portion of my mega-post. Yup, the Tiger Team tactical task force continues! Week 2 of 7. Between non-Tiger technical training sessions, here’s a roast-beef sandwich to power a Thursday lunch-time Tiger flowchart brainstorm.

12 Mar 2009 | Tiger Team Lunch | Enlarge

A tasty close-up.

12 Mar 2009 | Tiger Team Lunch | Enlarge

A feline close-up of Sylvester the Cat, lol. Guess what I’m drinking?

12 Mar 2009 | Tiger Team Lunch | Enlarge

A couple of days later, Saturday, finally did the annual smog test for my “Jemma”. Epic pass!

14 Mar 2009 | Jiffy Smog Test | Enlarge

After the smog test, grocery time. Such a beautiful 70-degree Fahrenheit afternoon!

14 Mar 2009 | Vons Parking Lot | Enlarge

Yeah, that’s the Vons supermarket, lol.

14 Mar 2009 | Vons Parking Lot | Enlarge

A view towards the west. Wow.

14 Mar 2009 | Vons Parking Lot | Enlarge

A view towards the east. Spectacular Vegas skies. Feel free to enlarge it, lol.

14 Mar 2009 | Vons Parking Lot | Enlarge

Guess who’s wearing a “Firefly” Browncoat T-shirt?

14 Mar 2009 | Vons Parking Lot | Enlarge

Okay, time to back up. Why is a photo of my dentist Tiffani here? Well, during my Wednesday lunch (the day before my Thursday roast-beef sandwich), I finally drove to her dental office and picked up her daughter’s Girl Scout cookies, haha.

2008 | My Dentist Tiffani

Yup, “Crispy Cinnamon Snacks” on the left. “Peanut Butter Sandwiches” on the right.

14 Mar 2009 | Tiffani’s Daughter’s Girl Scout Cookies | Enlarge

Oh, remember spunky NaTasha from the departmental party a couple week ago? Well, these are her cheesy-but-free MP3 players, lol. I still gotta download and transfer dozens of Rhythm-n-Blues and Hip-Hop tunes onto them. Bahhh, lol.

14 Mar 2009 | NaTasha’s MP3 Players | Enlarge

Also on Wednesday, I finally finished the post-modern magical-realistic “Spanking the Maid” by Robert Coover. It’s barely over 100 pages, but it took over 3 months of sporadic bathroom reading since January 2009! Even scarier is that while I received my “Genshiken” Volume 9 back in December 2007, I forgot that I *never* finished it! So I’m finally going back to it 15 months later. In fact, I realized this fact only because I was looking for “angry face” manga references for my new “Angry Momo” fanart! Gahhh!

14 Mar 2009 | Latest Reading Material | Enlarge

At last, here’s everything thrown together. My “Angsty Momo” home laptop. My “Tiger Team” work laptop. My Girl Scout cookies. And my unconventional books.

14 Mar 2009 | Home Laptop & Work Laptop | Enlarge

Whoops! Don’t forget NaTasha’s MP3 players, hehe.

14 Mar 2009 | Random Everything | Enlarge

Ahh, and finally back to my pissed-off punk-parented “Angry Momo”, lol.

Angry Momo | Mascot of Angry Mimi | Enlarge 1680px Wallpaper

Wow. March 2007, March 2008 and March 2009. What a way to kick-off my March birthday week! Did you stay awake through another five-course meal of art, anime and life? Did you enjoy our angry young mascots, scantily-clad police-girls, hot-wired cyberpunks, motorized birthday gifts, and haphazard maze of random sandwiches, felines, smog tests, supermarkets, dentists, girl scouts, spanked maids, double laptops, and MP3 players? No? Well, you must’ve enjoyed the company of Momo, Motoko, Jemma, Tiffani, and Galhound, right? Not even Sylvester? LOL, no worries, I forgive you. As long as you vote for my fanart entry at Angry Mimi’s Peachy Blog — First Round and Final Round, lol. Vote, my Trusty Toyboxers, vote. Like I mentioned, this “First Round” voting continues through March 16th, while the “Final Round” voting continues through I-don’t-know-when. Wait, let me check — through March 19th! Coincidental day! And if you’re interested, here’s Mimi-chan’s reply to my “Angry Momo” entry (edited for safety), lol.

OMG!!!!!!!!!!!!! Ahahaha I love it!! OMG! Hahaha you are great Jay you leave me speechless like this haha. xDDDD … Ahaha LMFAO you are epic >:D Wooo!

<3 Mimi

Awww, with her enthusiastic reaction, who needs a contest? ^_~

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

What? Wait, is it time already? How’s your day, my Trusty Toyboxers? That bad? LOL, well, as I start to frantically assemble this text, my 57 images are all set up, but I have no clue how to tie these random strings all together! Not yet, lol. Yeah, it’s been a freakishly busy week. A hectic week of head-scratchingly random albums, low-strung departmental coworker parties, scantily-clad figure-photoshoot possibilities, mouth-droppingly shocking otaku-blog battles, and mind-raging otaku-fan clubs! Hehe, yeah, 57 images, a pretty small mega-post, haha. But we’ll manage, won’t we? So enough of the eye-irritating introduction! Let’s grab some well-buttered popcorn, sit back, and enjoy this week’s spellbinding five-act show…

Part 1 of 5. Revisiting Random Album Covers. For our first act, let’s revisit and review all of the random albums I’ve seen since my last mega-post, one last time. So we can wrap it up and get it out of our systems, lol. Here was Lisa’s stylish cover from last week. I’m still jealous!

Feb 21 | Lisa’s Random Album Cover

Like a warm can of Coca-Cola that was left open too long, here’s my quickly-fizzled-out yet oddly-Bon-Jovian cover, also last week. Yup, Bon Jovi, ugh, lol.

Feb 21 | Jay’s Random Album Cover

Now we come to Mimi-chan‘s impressive black-and-white cover, posted on her blog. Too stylish!

Feb 25 | Mimi-chan’s Random Album Cover

Next is Miko-chan‘s slick alcoholic cover, posted on her Facebook. Fits her perfectly!

Feb 25 | Miko-chan’s Random Album Cover

Haha, luckily, mine may *not* be the worst album cover ever. Here’s Blowfish‘s odd-and-confusing cover. Sorry dude, lol.

Feb 25 | Blowfish’s Random Album Cover

Next comes Jenn-chan‘s Heavy-Metal cover, lol. Still surpasses mine!

Feb 27 | Jenn-chan’s Random Album Cover

Finally, here’s Coco-chan‘s romantic almost-dreamy cover. Though I might’ve used a *smaller* font size, hehe.

Feb 27 | Coco-chan’s Random Album Cover

So that’s it! Thanx for playing! And now we can finally kiss this random game goodbye, lol.

Part 2 of 5. Saturday Night Party. Ah yes, the party! What does it have to do with the random album covers? LOL, I have no clue. Although on the way there, I briefly got lost a couple times. Briefly, lol. But just as lost as the meaning behind the covers!

Hehe, in any case, last night, Saturday night, the executives of our Development Department held a party to celebrate the new formation of our department, composed of pieces from the Software Development team, the Customer Support team, and the Training team which included myself. At about 5pm, I picked up NaTasha and her brother. Yeah, lol, the same NaTasha involving her comedic driving-test incident! So after two wrong turns, and a half hour later, we finally reached the incredible house of one of the executives! Here’s Terrance, NaTasha and Cher looking down from the balcony of the guest house.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Wow, the backyard grill. May not be complete but still impressive.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

The backyard pool and lounging area. Do you notice the missing red cushion?

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Umm, do you notice the missing red cushion *now*?

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

A shot of the nearest casino on the Vegas Strip.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

And now, the mind-blowing hors d’oeuvres! Unbelievably tasty!

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Stuffed mushrooms in the foreground. Portobello mushrooms in the right-side aluminum tray. And some sort of meatballs in the back. Absolutely. Mind-blowing.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

My newest favorite drink! Hornsby’s Hard Cider!

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Cher and her friend Mark (I think, lol).

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Co-workers, spouses and engaging conversations.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

More conversations.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

An excessively bright photo taken by Nathan’s wife, Yasuko, lol.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Another Yasuko masterpiece, lol.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

“Haha, come on, Yasuko! Why so shaky?”

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

“Still shaky? Haha, are you drunk already?”

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

“Heyyy, why am I so tiny here? Yasuko, you’re too far away!” She was hilarious. Despite her pretty thick Japanese accent (Osakan?), we managed to orchestrate the photoshoot so I didn’t look like a fool too much, lol.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

“Heyyy, not bad!” I suppose a dozen random shots were bound to yield at least *one* decent shot, lol.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

My second bottle of Hornsby’s Hard Cider! Oh yeah, another funny story… Since Cher was drinking the same thing and got confused which bottle was hers, she finally decided to get a marker and write her name on her bottle! LOL, yup! Meanwhile, that’s executive Kari in the background.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

A close-up of my cool bottle, lol.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Haha, and here’s NaTasha with her brother Terrance. She’s too funny! Ever since our first fast-food lunches, she’s been strong-willed and opinionated, but also sophisticated and professional when she wants to be, lol. I just met Terrance for the first time, but in only a short while, I found he’s pretty cool too.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Hehe, one more time!

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Hmm, did Yasuko take this pic? Yeah, I think so, lol.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Heyyy, we actually look respectable!

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

“Life is too short… to drink cheap wine.” Hahaha. Ehhh, I’ll stick with the hard cider, lol.

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Ahh, the hotel-styled bathroom! I think this was one of 3 or 4 bathrooms in the property. Most impressive! Oh yeah, here’s an awesome story… Between the previous “Life is too short” photo and this last bathroom photo, there’s a space of about 1.5 hours. You know why there’s a huge gap? Because for more than an hour, maybe even the full 90 minutes, I was talking with Yasuko and her husband Nathan about anime, Japan, otaku culture, and everything in between!

Feb 28 | Saturday Night Party | Enlarge

Hehe, I don’t remember when or how our conversation made a sharp turn onto the anime highway, lol. Maybe discussing her little daughter watching “Ampan Man” or something? But from there, the three of us had this continuous and intense discussion touching “Dango”, “Death Note”, “L”, “Clannad”, “Sailor Moon”, “Bleach”, “Naruto”, “Rurouni Kenshin”, “Kare Kano”, “Nana”, “Hikaru no Go” (which I haven’t seen), and the differences between the anime which end after a season and the respective manga which are still being published, and on and on through “otaku culture” and “maid cafes” and “figures” and “eroge” and getting pushed like sardines into tube trains and how Akihabara in up-close reality is so different from its glorified image in anime. Intense! I knew Yasuko got into it when she and her gestures kept pushing forward, while my chair kept inching backward! For several feet! Thanx guys, I had a great time. Unfortunately, Yasuko avoided the camera intentionally, lol.

Part 3 of 5. Potential Figure Photoshoots. Whew, man, that took a while to write! But now, from being random and randomly lost, to being randomly uncertain! Which should be my next anime-figure photoshoot? Which of the following pairs of figures? Here’s our first photoshoot possibility. Choice A. Chii from “Chobits”. A pair of her, lol.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Another angle of the not-yet-opened boxes.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

A close-up of Chii (Lilics/Art Storm) in her blue maid outfit.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Another close-up of Chii (Lilics/Art Storm) in her pink maid outfit, lol.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Here’s our second possibility. Choice B. The “Batwing Babes”, lol. Sana from “Pia Carrot” and Alice from “Queen’s Gate”.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Another angle of the not-yet-opened boxes.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

A close-up of Sana (Kotobukiya) in her purple maid outfit. Why bat wings?

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

A close-up of Alice (Excellent Model) in her lack of outfit, hahaha. Even more bat wings?

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Here’s our third possibility. Choice C. The “Little Buster Girls”, lol. The blonde Komari and raven-haired Yuiko from “Little Busters”.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Another angle of the not-yet-opened boxes.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

A close-up of Yuiko (Solid Works) in her unfastened shirt and sword, hehe.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

A close-up of Komari (Kotobukiya) in her ribbons and sweater. Awww.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

At last, here’s our fourth and final possibility. Choice D. The “Range Murata Lolis”, lol. The Couch Girl and the Ribbon Girl. LOL, why no names, Murata-sensei?

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Another angle of the not-yet-opened boxes.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

A mesmerizing close-up of Ribbon Girl (Beagle) kneeling in her maid-like dress and boots.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

A tantalizing close-up of Couch Girl (Beagle) lying in her scantily-black outfit.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Oops, not really a choice. But here are a couple of extra photos of my opened Figmas. Lelouch from “Code Geass”, along with red Rin and blue Saber from “Fate Stay Night”. Displayed along my iMac keyboard, hehe.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

Another glorious angle, lol.

Feb 28 | Potential Figure Photoshoots | Enlarge

So what do you think? Which should be my next figure photoshoot? Choice A, B, C or D? Should it be “Chobits Chii”, “Batwing Babes”, “Little Buster Girls” or “Range Murata Lolis”? Let me know what you think. Because I can’t decide. My brain is too fried. Especially with a monster work week starting tomorrow. Yeah, Monday, bloody Monday. With bloody tigers, lol. Argh.

Part 4 of 5. Ongoing Otaku-Blog Battles. A-ha! Wake up, Toyboxers! Here comes the most shocking act of our show! The ongoing otaku-blog battles! In fact, there are three shockingly-new developments since our last set of battles two week ago. First, my “xJAYMANx” and “xJAYMANx_toybox” sites have now exceeded an estimated theoretical value of $11000 USD! Less than $600 away from “How a Girl Figures” a.k.a. Dancing Queen!

Feb 28 | xJAYMANx & xJAYMANx_toybox

Here’s the estimated site value of “How a Girl Figures” a.k.a. Dancing Queen.

Feb 28 | How a Girl Figures a.k.a. Dancing Queen

Secondly, even more shocking, is that “Angry Loli” a.k.a. Mimi has now exceeded the value of “How a Girl Figures” a.k.a. Dancing Queen! So soon? So theoretically, Mimi could be considered the new otaku-blog queen of the moment, lol.

Feb 28 | Angry Loli a.k.a. Mimi

Here’s the estimated site value of “Danny Choo“.

Feb 28 | Danny Choo

But thirdly, and the most shocking news of all, is that “Sankaku Complex” has blown away and blown past the value of “Danny Choo”! By more than $18000 USD! How did that happen? I’ve only rarely visited “Sankaku Complex”, but perhaps I should take a further peek?

Feb 28 | Sankaku Complex

Damn! Incredibly shocking three-piece set of news! But are we really and truly surprised? Or did some of you already notice the signs? I admit I’ve been a little too busy to notice any signs for the “Sankaku” development. But still, does this represent a shift in the otaku perspective? Or not? Again, I don’t know. I haven’t visited “Sankaku” much. But maybe I should.

Part 5 of 5. Mimi’s Rage on Facebook. Wow, our fifth and final act! With the inevitable demise of Mimi’s Rage on Blogger, it has now fallen on my shoulders to oversee the newly-reborn Mimi’s Rage on Facebook, lol. Ahh, like a phoenix rising from its own ashes! But why me? Ehh, I don’t know. No, wait, actually, I do know. Because I was the only club contributor available. Yeah. Yup. Argh. We’ll see, hehe. After all, it’s for a worthy cause, right?

Feb 27 | Mimi’s Rage on Facebook | Jump

Right? ^_^;

Whew! Finally made it to the end! So did I manage to tie all these random strings together? Okay, maybe not, lol. Nevertheless, I hope you enjoyed this frantic five-act week of head-scratchingly random albums, low-strung departmental coworker parties, scantily-clad figure-photoshoot possibilities, mouth-droppingly shocking otaku-blog battles, and mind-raging otaku-fan clubs! Thank you, NaTasha, Terrance, Cher, Nathan and Yasuko. Thank you, Chii, Sana, Alice, Komari, Yuiko, Couch Girl, Ribbon Girl, Lelouch, Rin and Saber. Thank you, Mimi, Sankaku and my Trusty Toyboxers. So did this 57-images mega-post seem shorter than usual? Or not? Haha, no worries. All I can think of right now is food. Damn, I’m hungry… Where’s the whole-grain cinnamon cereal?

Katsuni | French-Vietnamese Adult-Film Actress | Enlarge

Welcome Katsuni! Welcome back, my trusty Toyboxers! Your maniacal master of the mega-post broadcast has returned with yet another five-part foray into the feline realm, lol. But why Katsuni? Hehe, why not? Actually, whether by demon or by design, it’s quite amusing how French-Asian adult-video actresses seem to slink their way onto my posts! Last week, French-Japanese idol Maria Ozawa. Then this week, French-Vietnamese star Katsuni. Yup, this week, our feline odyssey explores terrifying tiger tactics, shuffling little kitties, and of course, internationally captivating catfights! All accompanied by over 90 images! So beware, if you’re still cave-dwelling with Internet Explorer, ditch the buggy IE, and let the browsing fox fire up your soul, haha. On your mark! Get set! Go! Hope you enjoy the show…

Part 1 of 5. Terrifying Tiger Tactics. Yup, let’s begin the show with something terrifying in the real world! Well, not quite terrifying. Just the unknown and unfamiliar, lol. Starting in about one week, on Monday, March 2nd, I will be assisting not one, but *two* “Tiger Teams” in the in-depth analytical reassessment of our corporation’s software application products. Both the “Real Estate” and “Projects” applications. Whew, intimidating!

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

While not a “tiger team” in the true sense of security penetration, the idea of an aggressive task-force-based analysis and reassessment is there.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

In fact, both five-man teams will be operating concurrently over a period of six weeks. Yup, you heard me. Concurrently. For six weeks.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

So while I’m not an SME (subject matter expert) in either application, as Technical Writer-Editor, I will be providing all-area support in the documentation and refinement of materials.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

In other words, I’ll be acting as all-purpose “Floater”, “Utility Player”, “Designated Hitter”, or “Linchpin” in the operation. Kinda scary. Especially with such top-notch personnel I’ve rarely seen.

Feb 21 | Tiger Teams | Enlarge

But maybe not so scary, lol. Once I get familiar with the new flow, I’ll do fine. As I’ve always done. Unfortunately, this may impact the quantity or quality of my weekly mega-posts. Or my comments on your blogs. Hopefully not. But it may. So starting in March, wish me luck! Hopefully, my mid-March birthday doesn’t suffer too much either, lol.

Part 2 of 5. Albums, Roommates & Menaces. Argh, enough about work! Here we come to the random menaces of the mega-post! Not much about tigers, lions or kitties. But maybe a Boston Terror~~ oops, I mean, Boston Terrier, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Here’s the story. Yesterday, Saturday afternoon, during the closing credits of Jackie Chan’s “Police Story 2″ (1988), my roommate Lisa walked in and asked me to help her with Microsoft Word for Mac. In fact, this little Word project was one of those random Facebook chain-mail memes, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Specifically, the meme takes a random image, random title and random quote, to create your randomly-generated “Album Cover”, lol. So for the next hour, I instructed her how to take a screen capture and crop the random image, paste it into Word, then insert and format the text boxes over the inserted image, before capturing and cropping the final product. Man, the Mac-based Word is such a pain! But we got it done, lol. Here’s her random “Album Cover”.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Say “Hi!” to the bright-eyed Guiness the Menace.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Say “Are you okay?” to the drug-eyed Lisa. Actually, she’s been taking a variety of meds on-and-off to fight off an intestinal parasite for the last month. Food poisoning. Pretty draining. And scary.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Yet she’s still awake and amused enough to be a dork, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Guiness monitors the situation.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

And manages to ignore it.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

The motley crew. The ex-wife’s sister. The tailed menace. And the four-eyed otaku.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Interestingly enough, Lisa is wearing her boyfriend’s shirt over her ex-boyfriend’s-drawn tattoo, while staring at her ex-husband’s-provided MacBook, lol. Guiness is lounging upon my Mom’s knitted blanket piled on a couch found and bought by me and my ex-wife. While I wear my cool two-year-old Donna Karan frames and poorly-executed but comfy “Mimi’s Rage” long-sleeved T-shirt. A picture is worth a thousand words, lol.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Guiness is being pretty lazy.

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Hmm, whose eyes are more mindlessly vacant?

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Guiness must be thinking, “Whatcha lookin’ at, fool?”

Feb 21 | Lisa, Guiness & Me | Enlarge

Ahh, here’s the direct image of Lisa’s final randomly-generated “Album Cover”. Random yet still somehow stylish!

Feb 21 | Lisa’s Random Album Cover

And here’s mine! The band: Wan Chai Sports Ground. The title: “Those he professes to love” comes from the quote, “A man who thinks he has a higher purpose can do terrible things, even to those he professes to love” by Denise Mina, “Hellblazer: Empathy is the Enemy” (2006).

Feb 21 | Jay’s Random Album Cover

Heyyy, whether or not you have a Facebook account, wanna create your own random “Album Cover”? Here are the steps.

Create Your Own Random Album Cover

[1] Go to “Wikipedia” and hit “Random”. Or click here. The first random wikipedia article you get is the name of your band.

[2] Go to “Random Quotations”. Or click here. The last four or five words of the very last quote of the page is the title of your first album.

[3] Go to “Flickr” and click on “Explore the last seven days”. Or click here. The third picture, no matter what it is, will be your album cover.

[4] Use Photoshop or similar to put it all together.

[5] Post it to Facebook and tag the friends you want to join in.

Good luck! If you’re crazy enough to create one, and brave enough to tell me, feel free to comment with your link, lol. Can’t get any more random than that, now can I?

Part 3 of 5. Magnetic Return of Maggie. Ah, finally time to step away from reality! And time to bask in the magnificence of Maggie, lol. Like I mentioned above, I just-yesterday watched Jackie Chan’s “Police Story 2” (1988), the action-packed sequel to the ground-breaking (and glass-shattering) “Police Story” (1985). Pretty damn decent for a sequel!

Maggie Cheung | International Award-Winning Actress | Enlarge

But guess what? Even though I raved about “Police Story” three weeks ago, and even though I watched the commentary and heard Maggie’s name mentioned several times, I never realized until the “Police Story 2″ extra features, that this Maggie was the same internationally-reknowned Maggie Cheung from the films “The Heroic Trio”, “In the Mood for Love”, “2046″ and “Hero”. No clue whatsoever!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

One main reason is that in the original “Police Story”, Maggie looked noticeably heavier. Then several years later in “Police Story 2″, she clearly lost weight. But even after watching the sequel, I still didn’t realize who she was. Until the DVD extras, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

As we see in her first scene in “Police Story 2″, I think another reason is that her character May is more playful and humorous than other more-dramatic characters I’ve seen later in her career. In fact, May is an even more comedic side-character in the original “Police Story”, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Ah, here she is with actor-director Jackie.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

So now you understand my failure to recognize Maggie, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

It’s still pretty mind-blowing. Such modest beginnings for such acting legends!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Not only did Maggie work with Jackie, but Jackie worked with Bruce Lee.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Seems like almost everything can be traced to Bruce Lee.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

But I’m not so sure about Maggie’s double sweater. Two of them? Pink and white?

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Ahh, these outfits are more agreeable, lol.

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Still, she looks so young here!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Let me check… She was only 24 years old in 1988!

1988 Film | Jackie Chan & Maggie Cheung in Police Story 2 | Enlarge

Awww, that’s all for Maggie. Don’t wanna give away too much of the story, lol. Fortunately, she returns once more in “Police Story 3: Supercop” (1992). I’ll let you know how it turns out! Stay tuned!

Part 4 of 5. Captivating Capture of Katsuni. Hmmm, from one exotically-feline Asian beauty to another, hehe. And why not? It’s my blog, isn’t it? Hehe.

Katsuni | French-Vietnamese Adult-Film Actress | Enlarge

But alas, if you remember my “Pirates XXX” (2005) review two weeks ago, you’ll already know I was looking forward to the sequel “Pirates II: Stagnetti’s Revenge” (2008, Wiki link). Especially Katsuni’s kat-like performance, hehe. Well, here we go! But my captions may or may not be intentionally wrong, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, Katsuni’s character, Pirate Empress Xifeng reveals herself for the first time in the saga!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Just like Darth Maul unhooding himself in “Star Wars: The Phantom Menace”.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But way sexier, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Don’t you agree?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Wait, what’s she going to do?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Will this guy die?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Probably.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Yeah, bloody probably, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, someone finds Empress Xifeng!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But does Xifeng care?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Probably not.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Don’t you love my French accent?”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Because I love my French accent.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Time to twist the plot.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

And look sexy.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Look at me!”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Don’t you think I’m sexy?”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Because I think I’m sexy.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Hmmm, how sexy are you?”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Not as sexy as my French accent.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Gotta admit, pretty decent special effects for an adult film.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

The costumes ain’t bad either!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ah, a sexy weapon.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng readies, aims and fires!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

What? What’s happening?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

More effects!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Even more effects!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, power.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ultimate power.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Everyone else fails.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Ahh, someone else finds Empress Xifeng!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But again, does she care?

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Prepare to die.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Now I’m really sexy.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Deadly sexy.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

The epic catfight ignites!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Sword to sword! Blade to blade!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Yes, I’m way sexier than you.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

“Way sexier.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Haha, just like Morpheus taunting Neo in “The Matrix”.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

But way sexier, lol.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Deliciously sexier, haha.

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

The claw-to-claw catfight continues!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Epic swordplay! Epic sexiness!

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

Xifeng: “Yes, my French accent is way sexier than you.”

2008 Film | Katsuni in Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge | Enlarge

So how does this epic pirate-hunting, monster-slaying and catfighting tale end? Haha, ask me and I’ll tell you! Nevertheless, another 5 of 5 stars for “Pirates II – Stagnetti’s Revenge”. Not only for the sex, but the comedy, drama and cannon-blasting action! For more, check out my previous “Pirates XXX” post (Blog 188). Or take a chance and visit the “Pirates XXX” official website (NSFW link). Let me know what you think, hahaha!

Part 5 of 5. Figures, Shuffles & Catfights. Dammit, already? Already Part Five? Yup-yup! After the appetizers and the main course, here we are with our final dessert. Ah, the cute girls of the “Shuffle!” eroge (erotic game) and subsequent anime series. Once again, bringing back my old locked-away photoshoots, like my “To Heart” shoot last week, here’s my third-oldest figure photoshoot of all time. My 15-shot “Shuffle” photoshoot from 09 November 2006! Featuring the orange-headed Kaede (CharaAni, 1/6th or 1/7th-scale) and the purple-haired kitty-draped Primula (Alter Sei, 1/8th-scale).

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Giggling playfully in her crouched pose, orange-haired Kaede was my 29th figure (of 92) in October 2006.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Oh yeah, before I forget, sparked by my conversation with Meimi132-chan here, she started compiling the rules for an “International Figure League” here, lol. Yup, an international tournament similar to the Saimoe tournament! But for specific anime figures instead of anime characters!

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Cool idea? Or bad? Hehe, I think it’s pretty decent. If “moe” anime characters can engage in catfights, why not figures? Yup-yup, can’t have too many catfights, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

So far, Meimi132-chan is suggesting a nomination period to determine the top-40 eligible figures. Then from there, a six-round tournament!

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Sitting innocently against the window, beneath her adorable pair of kitties, purple-headed Primula was my 25th figure (of 92) in October 2006. Awww.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Unfortunately, I don’t know if Meimi132-chan is still pursuing the idea. Or if she’s temporarily busy for the moment.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

I suppose I could assist. Sadly, like I noted at the top of this post, I’m gonna be doubly-tied up-and-down with work through all of March and the beginning of April.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

But who knows? We’ll see how it goes. Assuming people care about a figure league, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Ahh, here’s a nice kneeling composition.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

And here’s one of my faves. I just love Kaede’s giggling expression, hehe.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

The mysterious Primula gazes through space.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

But I’ve always felt that the incomplete window seems… umm, a little incomplete, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

Same thing with the partial curtains… umm, a bit odd too, lol.

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

At least it’s unique. In fact, both of these “Shuffle” figures are rather unique. Primula’s partial window. And Kaede’s closed eyes, lol. Do you know of any other figure with both eyes shut?

09 Nov 2006 | Shuffle | Enlarge

So check out Meimi132-chan’s links above. We still need to fine-tune the tournament details. But we’re getting there. Hehe, an “International Figure League”. Why not? There are worse things out there, aren’t there? LOL, and besides, who doesn’t love a cute catfight?

Whew! Is that everyone and everything? Thank you, Katsuni, Maggie, Kaede and Primula! As well as Lisa and Guiness, lol. And Jackie, of course. I hope you enjoyed this week’s frantic five-part feline foray into terrifying tiger tactics, shuffling little kitties, and of course, internationally captivating catfights! French accents included, lol. Yup, another five-legged mega-broadcast has come and gone. Don’t forget to create and link your own “Random Album Cover”! Don’t forget to take a peek at “Police Story 2″, “Pirates XXX” or “Pirates II”, if you can. And don’t forget to share your bubbling thoughts on an “International Figure League”, moe or not, lol. Oh man, I think my brain is beginning to hurt. Ouch. Throbbing. Ache. Need. To finish this. Soon…