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*****JHAJR*****
Archive for March, 2009
27
Mar
09
Earth Hour 2009
The story of the boy cursed to transform into a girl and the tomboy who has to put up with him as her fiancee may come as one of the best comedy in anime. But while there is no denying that Ranma ½ is more than 100 episodes filled with slapstick humor, one may come across moments that breaks the laughter if not pinches the heart through.
TV5 has started a re-airing of this wonderful series from famous mangaka Rumiko Takahashi for new and younger audiences. As the series hasn’t gone far into into the story, one could expect to see more to the other side of Ranma ½ – a serious, heartbreaking one.
animeHOLIC dishes out some of the most touching moments in this one-of-a-kind gender-bending series.
An unexpected haircut for Akane
(Episode 9: True Confessions! A Girl’s Hair is Her Life)
By the end of episode 8, Akane and Ranma were in an argument when Ryoga, who’s been trying to get Ranma, threw an attack. The weapon hurled in the air like a blade and as Akane bursts her heart on Ranma, the unexpected happened. Everyone was in shock and Akane who had been growing her hair to become less like a boy and get Dr. Tofu’s attention had to let go of her dreams.
Akane misses boy-type Ranma
(Episode 49: Am I…Pretty? Ranma’s Declaration of Womanhood)
After accidentally hitting his head on a rock, Ranma began to act like a real girl. Being in his boy-type didn’t help at all, with him declaring his womanhood. As Ranma slept in Akane’s room, Happosai barged in to harass them but to no avail. Akane then confronts Ranma about being a girl. Akane was worried about Ranma not turning back into a boy. Who would be my fiancee? Though she didn’t say that, it was probably what she would’ve wanted to tell him.
Akane’s frog curse
(Episode 100: The Frogman’s Curse)
In the last part of the fight between Ranma and Akane, and a man who was accidentally turned into a frog (by Ranma back in China), the “frog-man” splashed the last of his Jusenkyo water on Ranma to turn him into a frog as well. Akane didn’t allow it though and covered Ranma to receive the curse.
Ranma’s effort to apologize
(Episode 127: Akane Goes to the Hospital)
When Akane was brought to the hospital after a gym accident, Ranma didn’t know how to ask for apology. Finally, he took a blanket and wrote a very sincere apology on it and waited as Akane walk out of the hospital in the morning. He even gave Akane a copy of her picture taken by Gosunkugi which caused the accident in the first place.
Ranma meets his mother
(Episode 161: Boy Meets Mom, part 2)
After failing to meet his mother because of his own father’s efforts to prevent him, Ranma gave up on the idea and let his longing mother go back home. But as Nodoka Saotome accidentally gets caught in a burst of hot spring water, Ranma didn’t hesitate to go save his mother. The hot water prevented him from turning into a girl. In the end he had made his mother proud.
Nodoka dreams of her son
(Episode 161: Boy Meets Mom, part 2)
Shortly after Ranma saved his mother, a sudden rain poured on them and washed his dream of seeing his mother eye to eye as a man. Nodoka woke up and thought everything that happened was just a dream. Nevertheless, she is proud of her son. Ranma stopped Akane from telling Nodoka the truth and let his mother think of him the way she just did.
*****JHAJR*****
It’s fearful and destructive, yet beautiful and attractive.
Fire is one of the most powerful element and the one that people are mostly drawn into despite it being a very destructive force.
There is always something about fire that brings people closer to it. Perhaps the power that it ignites. Perhaps its power to destroy. Or its power to bring life.
How ironic that the very thing that is necessary for one’s survival can also wipe out existence. Fire can destroy everything in its path. Yet it’s also as important as the air we breathe.
This power drawn out by fire has attracted artists for centuries and in today’s media has become an integral part of many wonderful stories.
In the not-so-anime-ish TV show Avatar: Legend of Aang, the element of fire is viewed as a driving force to keep ahead of civilization and a power that can conquer the world. Fire-benders are special people who can wield the element and are set to be the world’s great power.
In Marvel’s comic books, a number of characters also have special power to control fire. Making fireballs and shooting it from the hand is one of the most common way of displaying the ability. Then there are others who can burst into human torches and fly like comets.
Pyrokinesis, coined by Stephen King in his novel “Firestarter,” was derived from two Greek words, “pyro” and “kinesis”. Since then, the method of controlling the element using the mind had been known and popularized in a number of media not excluding anime.
Having Eastern Asian influences (meaning Chinese), anime has been known to bring the elements in Chinese Astrology into its various titles, especially in stories depicting battles and adventures.
And considering the number of characters in anime with the power to wield fire, it’s a testament to the popularity of fire among its counterpart elements. Unfortunately, there could only be 10 to this Top List of Popular Anime Fiery Characters:
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10. Jiraiya (Naruto)
He’s damn proud of being a lecher. But wait until Naruto says it to him. This former student of the Third Hokage has enough talent to make up for his lecherous ways. Being trained by toads making him a “Toad Sage” Jiraiya still has a talent that puts him on this list: fire breathing and spitting oil from his mouth. His animal familiar, Gamabunta, can also breathe fire.
09. Robin Sena (Witch Hunter Robin)
Robin is soft-spoken, although her looks won’t give that away. She is also 15 years old but her looks would probably betray that fact. And just before you think nothing is more mysterious about Robin than the way her unique hair is done, well she’s also has pyrokinetic abilities. Yes, this goth-looking lead character of Witch Hunter Robin uses her pyrokinesis to chase witches like her.
Using her abilities though impales her vision, but not until she realized how to really use her power as “Designer Witch.”
08. Sasuke Uchiha (Naruto)
In the earlier seasons, Sasuke – being a natural genius – has shown excellence in the use of his clan’s Fire Release Technique and made a few alterations (such as placing weapons in his fire ball attacks). He has even made his own technique called Great Dragonfire which he used to prepare for his strongest technique, the Kirin. But even without the fire techniques he has mastered, it had been Sasuke’s Sharingan that easily made him a prodigy.
07. Keroberos (Card Captor Sakura)
The guardian of the Clow Book is also guardian of the sun and so it should only follow that his power is that of fire. As a small, cuddly, yellow creature, Keroberos couldn’t trigger his power until the Firey Card was captured. In his original form of a winged lion though (triggered by the capture of Firey and Earthy), he could breathe fire.
06. Roy Mustang (Fullmetal Alchemist)
This military commander is in the forefront of battle using his fingers and special a glove with a transmutation circle in it. The friction in his “snaps” (the sound of hydrogen popping and not his fingers touching the palm) creates a spark or a flame by adjusting the oxygen density in the atmosphere. But wait until it becomes a rainy day when the commander loses his ability once his gloves get wet.
05. Tasuki (Fushigi Yuugi)
The former leader of the Mount Reikaku bandits uses a flame throwing Tessen – an iron fan he calls Rekka Shin’en. By wielding the iron fan, Tasuki can create strong flame attacks. Later on, Taitsukun upgraded his weapon into a diamond fan that only he can use. Being a Celestial Warrior for Suzaku, Tasuki uses this weapon as well as his other abilities to help his Suzaku priestess from defeating their Seiryuu counterpart.
04. Hikaru Shidou (Magic Knight Rayearth)
When Hikaru was sent to Cephiro, she was destined to possess the magical gift of fire. Her determination to help those in need makes her fire technique strong. In some circumstances, it is her fire magic that seems to be the strongest out of the three Magic Knights magical gifts. As her last mission before saving the world in chaos, she comes into contact with Rayearth, a mashin that dwells inside a volcano.
03. Recca Hanabishi (Flame of Recca)
This ninja-obsessed teen have all the reasons to dream of becoming one. As a child, Recca was sent in a different time by his own mother to save him. They met again in the present day and it was revealed to him that he has the power to control 8 Flame Dragons against a man named Kurei who also happens to wield a flame entity and, just like him, came from the past only to pursue and destroy him.
02. Hiei (Yu Yu Hakusho)
Born from the Land of Ice, Hiei was born a hybrid fire and ice demon and was sent away, carrying only a necklace with his mother’s pearl tear. He is known to use a sword as well as a third eye during his fights. But when he summons the Great Black Dragon, everyone learns how Hiei is one powerful demon despite his status lowered to D-Class after getting his third eye surgery.
01. Rei Hino / SailorMars (SailorMoon)
The elegant miko Rei Hino is also one of the Sailorsoldiers out to protect the world and her princess. As SailorMars, she can summon various fire techniques that aid her in battle. As her princess grows stronger, her power also increases. Her most powerful technique involves an arrow and a bow of flame associated with her skill as an archer.
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Undeniably powerful, these fire-wielders of anime strike a flame in every battle and ignites a burning sensation to those who see them wield their element.
*****JHAJR*****
Anime: Vision of Escaflowne
Birthday: December 9
Age: 15
Alias: Girl from the Mystic Moon
Hair: Brown
Height: 5’ 3”
Weight: 97 lbs
Sports: Track and Field (100m dash and Long Jump)
Seiyuu: Maaya Sakamoto
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As a young granddaughter, Hitomi’s grandmother gave her a necklace with a red-pink peculiar pendant that surprisingly swings at exactly a second. Growing up, she had developed a talent in tarot reading. Her visions have become more and more accurate.
Practicing with the track team one afternoon, Hitomi experienced a prelude to a great adventure. Later on, she met a young man that came out of seemingly nowhere, together with a dragon that chases her and her friends high up on a temple. After the young man finishes off the dragon, she was taken with him to a land that was like and unlike the Earth.
In Gaea, her visions are accurate and scary. But it helps her and Van Fanel survive the various attempts of the Zaibach Empire to dispose them off – especially her who is seen as threat to the well-being of the entire planet.
In their journey, they bring with them a mechanical robot called a guymelef. This guymelef is Fanelia’s treasure sought by the Zaibach Empire: the Escaflowne.
Looking for a way to go back to her own world, Hitomi learns more about the existence of the legendary city of Atlantis and how Gaea came to be as well as how her own grandmother got hold of the pendant in her necklace.
More importantly, Hitomi realized that being true to herself and a steadfast belief in the goodness of things can be very powerful – and is in fact the very source of power in the strange place with the Earth and the Moon in the sky called Gaea.
*****JHAJR*****
Anime: Slam Dunk
Birthday: April 1
Year: 1st Year
Height: 189 cm
Weight: 83 kg
Jersey Number: #10
Position: Power Forward
Seiyuu: Takeshi Kusao
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Make way for the Sakuragi Legion! Unless you’re willing to face them and die. The one with the redhead is their leader. His name is Hanamichi Sakuragi!
Feared in the beginning because of his uncontrollable temper and violent tendencies, Sakuragi has since then changed from his old slacker ways. The self-proclaimed genius of Shohoku High has dedicated himself to playing and winning for the school’s basketball team. Trained by a number of people including his newfound crush Haruko Akagi, Sakuragi is more than ready to face the best players in the prefecture – or even in the country. Hah! Sakuragi fears no one!
If life is like a basketball (round or a win-or-lose game), then the game hasn’t been set for Sakuragi in terms of love. He has experienced exactly 50 foul strikes from the girls he had tried to ask out. But as stupid as it may seem, this flaming redhead ain’t going to stop.
He met Haruko and immediately fell in love with the lovely freshman. But a number of things seem to pull her away from him. Will she be his 51st failure?
Immature and a tall-standing fool, Sakuragi makes fun of other basketball players including his own team captain whom he calls “gorilla.”
Determined to win both basketball game and the rivalry (between Rukawa) over Haruko’s attention, Sakuragi marches to the court, ready to play.
Unberibaburya! (Unbelievable!)
*****JHAJR*****
As another academic year comes to a close, it is only necessary for animeHOLIC Academy to recognize the contributions of its beloved studentry. A proof of excellence or otherwise, animeHOLIC Academy dishes out its awards to the bests and the worsts. Either way, this anime institution is proud to have them and is determined to lay the future of the anime world in their able hands.
Salutations to all of them!
With Honors : animeHOLIC Academy’s Brightest
Calling forth the Academy’s Honor Roll. These students have given much honor to the academy, contributing to such fields as Robotics, Medicine, and the Militia; they have uncovered proof of existence of places known only in literature today; they have shown prodigy at such a young age; and a steadfast determination to make a change.
We award the animeHOLIC Blue Ribbon to the following individuals:
:Hitomi Kanzaki
For centuries, the mystery of Atlantis had been nothing but a piece of myth…until Ms. Kanzaki opened a way to travel to the enchanted place called Gaea.
Ms. Kanzaki’s first-hand experience led to the discovery of a solid proof of the existence of Atlantis. No other information about the legendary city were as detailed as Ms. Kanzaki’s. Her grandmother who had been to Gaea herself and had given Ms. Kanzaki a necklace with a peculiar pendant used to travel to Gaea deserves a recognition as well.
:Chiyo Mihama
This child prodigy has a bright future ahead. This award is for her continued effort to be a good student despite the shortcomings of a few people whom she had started to call friends as well as of her homeroom teacher.
(We would like to ask the attention of Yukari-sensei. Please come to the Principal’s Office after the ceremony)
We also award Ms. Mihama for the success of hearing the story about “the birds and the bees” from another teacher of hers.
(We would also like to ask the attention of Kurosawa-sensei. Please come to the Office of the Principal after the ceremony)
:Hanamichi Sakuragi
From being looked down as the lowest embodiment of a student to getting the utmost respect from his faculty and fellow students, we award Mr. Sakuragi for the hardwork and determination to show everyone that anybody can bring about a wanted change in themselves. His natural athletic prowess and the energy he puts out in every basketball tournament can never be ignored. We salute him for the pride he has given to his team and the inspiration he had shared with those who have seen him play on the court and throughout everyday life.
:Kaolla Suu
A young mind has proven itself to be capable of leading the world. Ms. Suu’s unparalleled knowledge in Robotics will be of much help to the further development of man’s lifestyle. Even our most gifted scientists and engineers are proud of Ms. Suu and had become an inspiration for them to do better. Her fellow students (and some faculty members) are especially delighted in her innate ability to tie a cherry twig using her tongue.
:Karin Maaka
The Red Cross joins the academy in awarding Ms. Maaka for her continuous contribution in helping people around the world who are in need of blood transfusion. The Red Cross would like to invite Ms. Maaka to work closely with them in their fight against the world’s diseases.
Last on the list is…
:Suzaku Kururugi
The unyielding determination of this young soldier to make a change in the oppressed Area 11 has caught the academy’s attention as well as the United Nations. World organizations fighting for peace salute Mr. Kururugi with a medal of valor. His inspiring cause to bring peace will soon place Mr. Kururugi in the pedestal of our world’s greatest heroes of peace.
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Now, we call forth the year’s horror roll, or to put it lightly, the students who have made it to our “Concerns List.” As with the first few individuals mentioned, these students have also contributed to the Academy’s pride. However, somewhere along the way, the Academy have observed a few peculiarities over the students’ behaviors and attitudes.
We feel the need to address our concerns to the following students, hoping that at some point, these concerns will be recognized and a possible cause of action can be done.
:Mutsumi Otohime
Ms. Otohime has clearly shown the Academy of her knowledge in studying and the carefree spirit that drives people towards her. However, we feel that this young woman needs to take better care of her health and a companion to guide her – quite literally, such as when going to a particular place or to constantly remind of her of some important things to do (such as remembering to write her name on her exam paper).
:Ayumu Kasuga
Ms. Kasuga has a different way of looking at some things in this life. Her perspective must never be ignored for a small idea nowadays can start an entire revolution. However, we suggest to instill some common (ordinary-people) knowledge in this young lady to make sure she gets in touch with the world she’s moving in. Her innocence (or ignorance) at her age is a symbol of pure thoughts and hence must never be taken away from her. The world can learn so much from Ms. Kasuga.
:Shinnosuke Nohara
This young man’s natural curiosity is strongly believed by the Academy to be a driving force for Mr. Nohara’s success in the future. However, we would like to take this opportunity to call upon his parent’s attention. We believe Shinnosuke’s behavior can sometimes be too much for a small child.
This Academy shall be in constant watch over the development Mr. Nohara’s behavior. As a matter of fact, this young man has been the subject of our Psychology Department’s research on children’s behavior.
:Ranma Saotome
There is no denying that Mr Saotome has proven himself to be a force in martial arts. His success over a number of Martial Arts tournament will forever be a source of pride for the Academy’s Athletics Department. However, Mr. Saotome has time and again shown a tendency to cause fights and welcomes brawls in much the same manner as a common troublemaker. The plight over his Jusenkyo curse is also viewed as a threat to his further development, and we believe could cause some curiosity over Mr. Saotome’s gender preference.
Lastly, the Academy is concerned over Mr. Saotome’s relationship with people and believes that the love polygon he had mustered (not willingly though, yes we understand that) will bring more misfortune unless it’s not solved in the quickest time possible.
:Koushaku Chouno
Mr. Chouno has shown the Academy that he is an exceptionally intelligent man only not as healthy as everybody around him. Yet, his determination to exist that turned him into a creature other than our world’s has paved way for extensive research on Alchemy.
The Academy’s only concern for Mr. Chouno is his propensity to express his emotions too much, as well as the display of an outfit that the Academy deems “indecent and inappropriate.”
May we suggest a change of costume once in a while? It could boost action-figure sales.
Lastly, may we have…
:Usagi Tsukino
Her love for the world and her determination to protect everyone has proven her future Queen status. However, a cause of concern for the Academy is Ms. Tsukino’s immature behavior that we believe must be tamed as soon as possible. Her performance in school was not something to be proud of and for a future Queen, we suggest that Ms. Tsukino be taken to a princess school. We suggest bringing Ms. Tsukino to the prestigious Princess Academy.
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animeHOLIC Academy prides itself with its variety of exceptional students. We believe that all these exceptional graduates will be anime world’s source of pride and joy and we wish to congratulate them for being who they are.
*****JHAJR*****
20 something year-old otaku from the Philippines. I love making up articles around the topic of anime and would love to be a part of a local anime magazine and so I put up this blogzine to try to hone any writing skill I have. Also, the Pinoy anime community is in much need of help right now and so this is but a small contribution from me. Thank you for the support so far!
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