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Europe, Piracy, A Cardboard Wife, and Shorty Power - Fun Links To Read
Manga Grows In The Heart of Europe - CNN Geekout reports on the popularity of manga in Europe. I do admit that France seems to REALLY love manga more than any of the other European countries. Though I have heard stories from commenters on my blog that not every European country is up-to-date with manga and some are stuck with old-school material. Can anyone clarify?
Why Piracy Is Not Responsible For ‘Ruining’ Comics - David Brothers of the Comics Alliance talks about how piracy hasn’t really caused fits for the comics industry. If you ask me, the ’90s totally destroyed American comics because of publishers’ focus on so many damn incentive covers. Love the use of One Piece pictures in this article.
Man Takes Cardboard Anime Character on Honeymoon Around Asia - I really have no idea what to say about this. My reactions are “Should I laugh?” and “Awwww, Horo is so cute!” I do want to do something anime-related at the Great Wall of China the next time I decide to go back there.
Power Makes People Feel Taller - I wonder if we know any anime/manga characters like this, maybe our favorite runt, Edward Elric, perhaps?
Also, as a special treat, more Gintama trolling:
I’m sure you all recognize these characters. :]
Now, if you must excuse me, I am getting excited for Berserk, ZETMAN, and other seinen-related material. BLOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOD.
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Do Girls Really Like Vegeta?
Yes, this is a man who oozes sexiness every time he walks into the room.
Like a fine wine that continues to age well, Dragon Ball is still continuing to be relevant in every anime/manga fan’s lives. Just recently, the ever-rageful Prince of the Saiyans, Vegeta, became a target both positively and negatively. Our anti-hero was voted #2 on a list of top 9 anime/manga boys that women wish were real. Gintama also made fun of his entire character in Episode 242 (Volume 42, Chapter 364 in the manga), where the girls of Gintama discuss Vegeta and question his appeal to women in front of a female Vegeta fan. As Gintama’s episode title proclaims, “Girls Like Vegeta”. Is the bad boy appeal of Vegeta extremely powerful for women to resist?
Here’s one girl’s thought about Vegeta:
“He’s always strong, but his loving tsundere-ness towards his family really gets me.” (A quote about Vegeta from the list conducted by Girl Sugoren)
After hearing that quote, it makes me wonder about Vegeta’s popularity after the Freeza arc. Most of us know that he cried during the arc and begged Goku to beat Freeza. Was that the moment made girls go “Awwww”? Vegeta’s character slowly changed afterwards, as he started to settle down a little with a family while still being the prideful Prince of Saiyans that he is. The guy was literally a complete a-hole who didn’t care about anything, except defeating Goku in battle. Vegeta did show some signs of love to his family, as he went berserk when his son, Trunks (whose future version was also VERY POPULAR among girls) was killed by Cell and risked his life to save everyone from Majin Buu. Of course, there’s that confident smirk, evil laugh, and arm fold he does that seems to draw a lot of attention.
With those characteristics that Vegeta has, why are girls drawn to them? Do we blame Hollywood? Do we blame the media? Or do we blame human nature? It could be girls’ inherent preference of “good genes”. “Good genes” in men tend to be a high level of masculinity and symmetry. Women at a younger age seem to enjoy seeing acts of bravery and risk-taking (which bad boys tend to do). There’s also the belief that girls secretly harbor the fantasy of turning the bad boy into a loving man who is committed to them.
Do Vegeta fangirls see hope that it’s possible for a bad boy to become a nice guy and still remain tough? Or do they appreciate the fact that Vegeta is a “bad boy” character that lives up to whatever perceived fantasies they have of him? It was interesting to see Bulma being attracted to Vegeta, but it somehow makes sense for her. Vegeta’s confidence in wanting to be stronger than Goku probably attracted her in the first place, since he was very determined to reach his goal at all costs. Also, as Trunks once stated, both his parents were lonely and that’s why they got together. A combination of strength and love can create interesting opportunities, don’t you think?
I do like to point out that the group of women who voted Vegeta on the Sugoren list were women in their 20s’. What happens when they get older? Will their opinions about “bad boys” change? Will they like Vegeta less? As women get older, their appreciation of certain types of men evolve.
Vegeta seems like the perfect guy to many girls. He is still a “bad boy” at heart, but he also fights with some sense of altruism. I think this is the secret to his popularity among women. The fact he’s an somewhat altruistic, tough guy. Both younger and older women can find him to be a character that satisfies their criteria for a great male character. Vegeta has been able to activate so many emotions in people’s (especially women’s) hearts, that you can’t help but react (and women tend to focus on emotions). Look at all the things he has said and done over his history in Dragon Ball.
Even though I’m not a girl, I love Vegeta. He’s played a big part in how my personality is shaped. I don’t know about this perceived notion that guys don’t like him, but like Piccolo (as Gintama hints). All I can say is that guys might feel a bit inspired to develop some sense of pride to keep themselves strong. To the female Vegeta fans out there, is his pride a strong factor in why you love the beloved Saiyan Prince and do you perhaps enjoy that quality in a man?
Power, brash confidence, and a good heart - when it comes to the ideal man, isn’t fiction just grand?
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This Is What’s Going To Happen To SOPA/PIPA
I think I said what I needed to say.
For more information about the Stop Online Piracy Act and Protect IP Act, visit here. There will also be a Internet blackout on January 18, 2012. If you want to join, visit http://www.sopastrike.com.
Let’s exercise our right to Falcon Punch anyone who thinks we shouldn’t be heard.
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Happy Holidays Y’All With A Side of Balmung Fezalion And Isaac Schneider
This is actually how I spend my Christmas every year. I sit outside with a weird creature and dote about when I’ll get my spotlight.
I want to wish all my readers a wonderful Christmas and a prosperous New Year. If you read many manga (especially Shonen Jump manga), you will learn that friendship and bonds are important. Spend some time with the ones you love and never take anything for granted. Reflect on the year and think about what you can do to make next year better for you. Just be sure to make reasonable goals that you know you can achieve. While there are a lot of external factors beyond anyone’s control that can cause chaos, you have the power to control how you react.
2011 was quite a mixed bag this year for me. I can’t really say that it was either good or bad. All I can tell you is that I’m still learning about many things and realizing that I have to keep evolving in terms of gaining a greater sense of self-confidence.
A few days ago, I met with my boss at my daily job and she mentioned recommending me to be a social media consultant for one of her colleagues. I told her that I don’t know if I can do it since I don’t think I’m that good at social media. She said that I really shouldn’t think like that, because if I don’t take on that challenge, how can I grow mentally and get ahead in my career.
There are times when I don’t know what to write on my blog and I get frightened about what to say. I then tell myself, “You know what? Just write it out and get your brain flowing.” The worst thing you can do to yourself is stagnate.
Regarding manga, I’m starting to enjoy more seinen manga than shonen manga. I love series like GANTZ, Vagabond, ZETMAN, Liar Game, 20th Century Boys, Arakawa Under The Bridge, Chi’s Sweet Home, Twin Spica, I Am A Hero, Moonlight Mile, Eden: It’s An Endless World!, Billy Bat, Jormungand, House of Five Leaves, Blade of the Immortal, and Sprite. While I still enjoy reading shonen series (like Gintama and Blue Exorcist), the complexity of seinen just lures me in or it could just be the graphic violence/sex (*COUGHGANTZCOUGH*). Do I have high hopes for more seinen manga published here in North America? Of course.
So yeah, enjoy the holidays and have a good time! Go under the mistletoe, drink some eggnog, give gifts, and share embarrassing stories about your friends and family to everyone have civilized conversation with everyone.
Finally, for the Gintama fans, since the title of this entry mentions two of the most frightening characters in the series, here’s an Android game that just came out in Japan recently featuring those two.
Apparently, there’s now a mobile game version of Kagura’s story from episode 222 of the anime, “Record of Light and Dark: Fakinaway”. Don’t you just love how they spelled the title in Final Fantasy lettering?
If anyone pisses you off this holiday season, shout out ‘Hell’s Fakinaway!’ and orchestrate the Catastrophe of Sephiroth on them.
HAPPY HOLIDAYS, Y’ALL!
Special thanks to Bobbie for the Fakinaway screenshot.
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Gintama’s “San Baka”
If you’re a Gintama fan & you haven’t watched/read this storyline, you should DEFINITELY experience the Renho arc (Episodes 232-236 in the anime, Volume 41 in the manga). There is so much blatant copyright infringement, it’s not even funny.
Though most importantly, the story features the return of Tatsuma Sakamoto, a merchant who was formerly a Joi patriot alongside Gintoki Sakata & Katsura Kotaro. Together, the three of them make up the “San Baka” (Three Stooges/Idiots).
Outside of the somewhat silly feel (i.e. everyone’s wearing duck costumes) of the arc, I wonder if the arc was made to represent a second chance for all three characters to protect what they cherish as a unit. In the past, our three idiots were warriors chosen to prevent an alien invasion by the Amanto. They failed in the end and went their separate paths. With the Renho situation escalating, Gin, Zura, & Sakamoto were reunited by fate. They couldn’t save their country from aliens, but the least they could do was save their planet from aliens.
What makes the three idiots even more interesting is their ability to draw crowds. They manage to shift the tense focus of battle to something more light-hearted (a game of UNO). While this makes them considered to be idiots, the Renho troops they managed to influence became drawn to them. Gin, Zura, & Sakamoto are all charismatic and you get to see their charisma to great effect. What makes them charismatic is their ability to make others feel important.
It makes me wonder what actually happened during the Amanto War. Was there little rapport among the Japanese? Was the lack of it the reason they lost? Were the Joi lacking in effective communication skills? Interesting stuff to think about until Hideaki Sorachi decides to cover the past to a huge degree. I also wonder if the whole “Amanto taking over Japan” theme represents Japanese society in general & how they need to stand up against inequality.
Lesson learned from the Gintama Joi trio: take a genuine interest in people if you want to be loved & appreciated. Yes, you might end up a fool, but a lovable one.
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WHAT IF…Shinpachi Shimura Became Yukio Okumura?
You know you made it big if Gintama starts poking fun at your series. Look at how many moles Shinpachi has compared to Yukio!
This is from Gintama Chapter 372 or as Sorachi-sensei calls it: Kintama Lesson 1. You know what, let’s follow Gin’s suggestion and call it KIN NO EXORCIST/GOLD EXORCIST.
I seriously think Sorachi-sensei throws caution to the wind when it comes to blatantly parodying his fellow JUMP mangakas’ works. Yes/No/Maybe/Can’t respond, laughing too hard right now?
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Sweet Anime/Manga Characters That Love Sweets
If you’re a sugar lover, you might find this interesting. A study published in the Journal of Personality & Social Psychology states that people who love sweets tend to be nice people overall. They are more likely to help others & are more sociable than those who don’t like sweets. With that said, this study makes me wonder about anime/manga characters who love sweets and are sweet-natured. Let’s look at a few notable characters that fit the mode of loving sugar and giving some sugar.
Mitsukuni “Honey” Haninozuka (Ouran High School Host Club)
He LOVES cake. Honey is generally a happy, go-lucky character who would be nice to you if you don’t piss him off. If you like cute things, he will be your best friend for life.
Gintoki Sakata (Gintama)
The only hero in Shonen Jump that needs sugar before a big fight with bad guys. He’s often seen eating parfaits and sweet red bean rice bowls. Also, the word “sugar” is put as a banner in his office. Despite his lackadaisical & goofy nature, Gin is an honorable man who deeply cares about the people in his life.
Tony Tony Chopper (One Piece)
His wanted poster has him listed as “Cotton Candy Lover” Chopper. What more can I say about his cute & courageous behavior? Chopper can be a coward at times, but his goal to become the best doctor drives him to help sick parents.
Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon)
She eats a lot of food, which includes sweets. Usagi is a very caring friend to those who are fortunate to associate themselves with her.
Xerxes Break (Pandora Hearts)
Probably one of the biggest sugar fiends in all of anime & manga. He is very protective around Sharon Rainsworth and her family.
Yui Hirasawa (K-ON!)
When she gets depressed, sweets really cheer her up. Yui is very affectionate towards her friends, especially Azusa.
Misaki Shima (Futaba-kun Change!)
Her love of sweets is a running gag (i.e. anything she cooks becomes sweet) in the series. Misaki loves Futaba and grows to accept his female form. She even joined the wrestling club alongside Futaba to watch over his female form (although this was before she realized that Futaba was also a girl).
That’s about it for now. I know I didn’t list certain characters, like L from Death Note. He’s not really that nice of a person.
Regarding the study, I do think that a decent amount of sugar can do some good for people. Face it, if we don’t satisfy our sweet indulgences from time to time, then we could end up killing ourselves mentally.
If you know any other characters that love sugar and are friendly, list them in the comments below!
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Masayuki Ozaki Wields The Patriot!
FOR GREAT JUSTICE! I think the Patriot makes a great weapon for Kotetsu. XD
Also, more Ozaki win:
Yes, he signed my Patriot with Elizabeth!!!
The final photo:
I never expected Ozaki-san to sign my crappy weapon of destruction. But, now I probably can’t use it anymore for cosplay purposes. :(
More material from New York Comic-Con 2011 coming up soon!
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Gintama vs. the Tokyo Youth Ordinance Bill
For those who’ve seen Gintama Episode 215 (or read Chapters 310-311, Volume 36 of the manga), you may have noticed that there was a little jab at the Tokyo Youth Ordinance Bill that went into full effect on July 1, 2011. What’s interesting was the commentary said by the character Takechi Henpeita.
“We oppose the Greater Edo Youth Ordinance Bill! Before you try to regulate free speech, you should learn to regulate your own heart! Pedophilia predates manga & anime! Is it not our goal to foster a culture of acceptance?!”
Although the character in question saying all this is a pedophile himself (or feminist as Takechi calls himself), it does make you wonder how power drives people to do things that they feel are right. This also is not the first time the mangaka, Hideaki Sorachi, has made a crack at the bill. He makes another reference to the bill being passed earlier this year in Chapter 337, Volume 39 of the manga. An English translation of the dialogue in that specific chapter can be read here.
It comes to show that even if you come into power with good intentions, chances are you can be swayed into doing things that are unpopular. Even though Tokyo governor Shintaro Ishihara made the bill, the Tokyo government could’ve prevented it from happening. But, they didn’t. There’s also the non-assertiveness that the Japanese culture tends to be fond of. As noted by John of the AnimeNation blog, Japanese people traditionally don’t like to say “No”. Another issue to address is how it is supposed to be alright to have real child pornography in Japan, but not animated/drawn depictions of child pornography. (Disgusting, right?)
I also believe that Sorachi’s commentary is not just a reflection of the issue of freedom of expression in manga/anime, but what’s happening around us. We have governments trying to ban Internet usage & ban streaming video on the Internet. People of power seem to fear what they don’t understand. Or are they afraid of regular folks gaining knowledge & possibly be smarter than them? Is it a play to protect their own interests per say?
You can argue the main issue lies with those who have reached a high status and are able to dictate things however they please. However, it’s more of the work environment. If the environment is insanely corrupt, then that person will be corrupted too because they will do what it takes to stay in a high position. This is possibly why people need to “regulate their hearts”. They have to face themselves & ponder what is it they really want.
Gintama is perhaps the only Shonen Jump title that could be targeted heavily by Bill 156 because of its constant dirty humor. However, it represents something that some Japanese people do not have: courage. Think about it. The title is a play off the word “Kintama” (Japanese for “testicles”). Hell, the pronunciation even comes off as that to some people! Sorachi has the balls (no pun intended) to create a title that pokes fun at many things in Japanese culture & promotes a feeling that you don’t need government to dictate how you should live.
Let’s hope the rest of Japan follows up on Sorachi’s words towards the Tokyo government.
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200th Post
It’s evident that the next step I take as a manga blogger involves hanging around more costumed characters and learning from them.
ELIZABETH-SENPAI!!!!!
Seriously though, I never thought I would reach 200 posts. I would like to keep this journey going as it has kept me busy despite troubled times.
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