So, the nominations are over, and it’s time for the real voting. I’d like to thank everyone who nominated me in te preliminaries, I never thought that this many people consider this blog among the best of the episodic ones.
Apparently, the reader’s choice and blogger’s choice don’t start at the same time. I guess that the polls for the reader’s choice will be set up in a few days or so.
And now for something completely different. It’s taken me nearly two and a half year, but Star Crossed has finally received one million pageviews! To be precise, as of 10:00, GMT, there have been 1884531 pageviews, 1000047 unique visitors, of which 631120 are first-time visitors and 368927 are returning visitors.
Okay, enough self-whoring. I’d like to use this post to thank all my visitors and especially the ones who stuck around, because I wouldn’t have been able to reach this milestone. Heck, I dout that when I started, I ever imagined to get this far.
This is sort-of a compilation-post of all the movies I’ve watched up till now. They’re basically my opinions on the best movies that I’ve checked out. The format is the same as my end-of-the-year summary. I’ve tried to include screenshots, but for a few entries this didn’t work out (tip: never go with an image-host you don’t know) I’ve also updated the review index, so that the movies and OVAs are now separated from the regular series. Also, feel free to share your own top-10 of movies and OVAs. ;)
Biggest Disappointment:
Aachi wa Ssipak
One failed comedy, in my opinion. I went in, expecting to see some brilliant jokes, but it went way too far in being absurd, and in the end the most worthwhile aspect of this movie were a couple of very impressive action-scenes.
Most Pleasant Surprise
Blue Submarine No.6
Metropolis too was a gem that I didn’t see coming, but what surprised me even more was that Gonzo’s first real production actually turned out pretty decent. Sure, it may have had its flaws, but I saw no traces at all of the questionable reputation that the studio would build up in the years afterwards.
Funniest Movie
Eternal Family
One thing that surprised me was that there were very few good comedy-movies. Okay, I may not have looked carefully enough, but still. In any case, the biggest sources of laughs for me were Satoshi Kon and Studio 4C, and one particular part of Robot Carnival. Still, I don’t think anything can beat a sadistic baby with a pair of scissors, so Eternal Family wins for this award.
Best Graphics
Ghost in the Shell II: Innocence
Well, I don’t think there’s hardly any contest here. Everything about this movie looks absolutely stunning. An honourable mention goes to Metropolis, though. Yet another visual feast.
Best Action
Adolescence of Utena
Of course, it’s a given that you need to have seen the original series to fully enjoy the movie, but if it’s action you want, then you should give this one a shot. Good action in my eyes isn’t flashy, but creative, and that perfectly describes the scenes you’ll see here.
Best Mystery
Twillight Q
Unfortunately, there aren’t that many mystery-movies and OVAs, though the three movies/OVAs with the best mystery in my eyes are Twillight Q, the xxxHolic-movie and They Were 11. All movies have a great mystery-oriented plot and a definite recommendation for any mystery-fan.
Best Science-Fiction
Jin Roh - The Wolf Brigade
Science Fiction doesn’t need to take place in the future, it can also play in an alternate universe. In addition to Jin Roh, Metropolis, Alien Nine and Hyper Future Vision Gunm also feature some very interesting ideas and settings.
Best Short Movie
Comedy
For those who want to waste ten minutes, Comedy by Studio 4C is my top-recommendation. She and Her Cat was great too.
Best Romance
Millennium Actress
Millennium Actress took romance to a whole new level, with terrific results. Other gems include Jin Roh, Porco Rosso and Mahou Tsukai Tai.
Most Thought-provoking Movie
Patlabor II
Unsurprisingly, a production by Mamoru Oshii. The plot is so complex and the storytelling is so captivating that it’ll definitely keep your mind busy as it goes on. Other and OVAs with interesting themes are Hitsuji no Uta, the second Kino no Tabi-movie, Eternal Family and Tokyo Godfathers.
Best Story
Arete Hime
Arete Hime was very slow, but it also had a memorable story. This was quite hard award to decide, as the stories of Tokyo Godfathers, Millennium Actress and They Were 11 all sparkle with creativity as well.
Best Character-Development
The Dog of Flanders
The characters for the Dog of Flanders were just amazing, and it’s an award well-deserved. I do want to hand out a honorable mention for Oseam and Hitsuji no Uta, though. I’m still impressed at the huge depth of its characters.
Top 10 Movies and OVAs
#10: Hitsuji no Uta
I know that I’ve given it a relatively low rating, when compared to the others on this list. But looking back, I can see what an amazing character-study it has been.
#9: Jin Roh
Mamoru Oshii’s best work. Everything seems to fit in this movie, nothing feels rushed at all.
#8: Arete Hime
It’s a bit strange for a movie about boredom to appear on a top-10 list, but I really enjoyed this little Studio 4C-production. This is everything a fantasy-movie should be.
#7: Rurouni Kenshin - Tsuiokuhen
Of course, this one can’t be omitted in a list like this one. The original series may be to large of a commitment with its 90 episodes, but its four-episode OVA is a must-watch.
#6: Millennium Actress
The movie about movies. Satoshi Kon shows the viewer here an imaginative story with an absolutely lovable cast.
#5: Eternal Family
Eternal Family has a bunch of terrific themes, it’s hilarious and it also has a great cast. With thirty minutes, it also has the perfect length so that its jokes won’t be milked out, and it’s among the best movies that Studio 4C has created.
#4: Metropolis
Osamu Tezuka’s own productions may have been flawed, but when it’s another director who was tasked to bring his old creations back to live, then the results become amazing. Metropolis has really been a terrific movie, despite its standard storyline and concept.
#3: Tokyo Godfathers
In my opinion, Satoshi Kon’s best work. It has managed to mix a great sense of humour with a terrific storyline and quite an original setting.
#2: Tales of Phantasia
What can I say? Tales of Phantasia was one of the reasons why I started blogging in the first place, and although I feel I’m a bit biased, it’s been my most favourite OVA ever since.
#1: The Dog of Flanders
I’m so glad that I gave the Dog of Flanders a chance, as it’s without a doubt the best movie I’ve seen. The story is just so gut-wrenchingly sad, and another example of why Nippon Animation is one of my favourite animation-studios, along with Studio 4C and Production IG.
Incidentally, this is my 1600th post, so I thought that it would a good time for the upcoming spring-season preview, and the line-up is looking quite interesting. There are a lot of science-fiction series, and no hentai-game adaptations at all. That’s probably the first since years now. Apart from that, Gonzo and Production IG both have three series to come out, and there are relatively few garbage-looking series. I can’t wait till April starts. :)
+ Not Really Looking Forward To +
Kanokon
Summary: Kanokon`s story revolves around Kouta Oyamada, a young first-year high school student who moves from the country to the city and thus transfers to Kunpo High School. On his first day at his new school, a beautiful second-year female student named Chizuru Minamoto asks him to meet her alone in the music room. When he arrives, she reveals her that she is in fact a fox deity and from that day on the two hang out together. Nozomu is a first year female student at Kouta`s school, she is in fact a wolf deity and in love with Kouta, and a rival of Chizuru for Kouta`s affections. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: The promo-art features the main guy who has his head stuck in the well-endowed bosom of the lead girl. That can’t be a good sign, can it? A fox deity in love with the main character? Come on, please.
To Love-Ru
Summary: The story is about Yuuki Rito, a high-school boy who cannot confess to the girl of his dreams, Sairenji Haruna. One day when coming home and sulking in the bath-tub a mysterious, nude girl, appears out of nowhere. Her name is Lala and she comes from the planet Deviluke, where she is the heir to the throne. Her father wants her to return to her home planet so she can marry one of the husband candidates, but she decides that she wants to marry Rito in order to stay on Earth. Commander Zastin has been ordered to bring Lala back and has already battled Rito. He reports to the emperor that Rito would be suited to marry Lala, after hearing Rito say that marriage is impossible unless it is with the person you love (Rito was actually defending himself but Zastin and Lala thought he was defending Lala). With this speech, Lala truly falls in love with Rito and decides that she wants to marry Rito. Her father decides that, if Rito is able to protect Lala from her fiances, then he can be her fiance, but if Rito cannot protect Lala from her other fiances, Lala`s father will kill Rito and destroy Earth. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Well, this is going to be interesting. [/sarcasm] How many series where the main guy gets to be the boyfriend of a princess of a princess of a country do we have anyway? The director also probably won’t be of any help, seeing as he’s behind the numerous Rockman-series and Busou Renkin, although he did direct Overdrive as well.
Zettai Karen Children - (new)
Summary: It’s the 21st century, and the number of ESPers continues to increase. They are active in the military, diplomacy, politics, and in other places. They hold the key for global competition. A country that controls ESP can control the world! However individuals who posses higher that Level 4 are less than 3% of the population. There are only three Level 7 people who have government contracts. These three are Kaoru, Aoi, and Shiho, ten-year old girls, who work for B.A.B.E.L. With the guidance of Kouichi, a twenty-year old genius, they catch criminals and evil ESPers.
- (Taken from Manga-updates)
Thoughts: At first look, this may hold potential, but upon further inspection it quickly becomes clear that this is a rather pointless series, which yet again gives a bunch of kids superpowers to bust up bad guys. The director will be the guy from Moetan and Getsumen to Heiki Mina, so I don’t see this one having any chance of success.
Monochrome Factor
Summary: Akira Nikaido is a typical slacker high school student who thinks he has a normal life–until a mysterious man called Shirogane appears and tells him to meet him at the school that night. He is sceptical but goes anyway…and gets attacked by a shadow monster! Shirogane convinces him that the balance between the human world and the shadow world has been distorted, and that Akira must become a shin–a creature of the shadow world–in order to help restore the balance. - (Taken from Baka-updates)
Thoughts: Well, nothing special here, just your ordinary shounen-premise from the creators of Loveless and Robby to Kerobby. The only interesting series in their repertoire seems to be Chrono Crusade, but I’ve never seen that one.
Nabari no Ou
Summary: Rokujou Miharu was a seemly reluctant junior high student living in his own world. However, within him, lurked the ultimate power of Nabari, “Omnipotent”. To possess such supreme weapon, the Wolf Pack of Iga swore to bring Miharu back to Iga village. On the other hand, Miharu’s English teacher, Kumohira sensei, and classmate, Kouichi, were the Banten ninjas whose mission was to protect Miharu. A war waged over the ownership of “Omnipotent” thus started. To survive, Miharu must enter the hidden world Nabari, to become the king. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Well, the title is a bit less subtle than Shion no Ou. In this case, the main girl just wants to become the ‘king’ of Nabari. It also doesn’t help that she’s voiced by the ever-squeaky Rie Kugimiya and directed by none other than the director of Yugioh. Seriously, setting all of the other cast-members aside, can something good really come from him?
Neo Angelique Abyss
Summary: See below
Thoughts: Oh god… not another one. XD For those who don’t know, there have been two Angelique tv-series before, in 2006 and 2007. Their premise was basically take a girl, and let her meet a bishie for every different episode. I can’t believe that the premise has been so popular that a third season had to be made. I mean, the personality of the girl was fine, but the guys were stereotyped as hell, and now the creators are planning to add nine more of them (totalling up to 27 bishies in three seasons… oh god…).
Kyouran Kazoku Nikki
Summary: ???
Thoughts: No real story synopsis is known yet, but I’ve got a strange feeling that it’ll be about a certain family called Kyouran (kazoku = family, nikki = diary), with in the lead part the blue-haired girl. I’m not yet convinced, though. Comedies like this one often stay just funny for a bunch of episodes, without really standing out. The director did Chokkoto Sister and Myself; Yourself before, which neither were that funny.
+ Shows With Small Potential +
Code Geass - Lelouch of the Rebellion II
Summary: Well, the second season of the currently infamous Lelouch. It seems that he’s going to be taking on the world this time, against Suzaku after a previously unmentioned plot-twist probably saves both of them after the cliff-hanger ending of the first season.
Thoughts: One thing that’s interesting is Code Geass’s time-slot. It’s not going to be taking over that of Gundam 00, and instead it’s reallocated to five O’clock, where mostly kid’s shows take place. I hope that this’ll stimulate the creators to go for an actual plot that makes sense, instead creating an as big sensation as possible.
Golgo 13 - (new)
Summary: Duke Togo, or as he is more widely known, “Golgo 13″, is a M16 bearing assassin who will take on any job for the right price. Anyone can hire him, including private citizens and world governments. If he’s not bedding women he’s infiltrating a hostile country, waiting hours for the perfect shot in the most extreme conditions. Golgo 13 is just as adept in the urban jungle. Those who deal with him must make sure not to cross the Duke or they might find themselves the target of his rifle. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: I’m not really sure what to think of this one… apparently, it’s the attempt to recreate a classic manga named Golgo 13, which sounds more like a cheesy mecha-show than a show about an assassin. In any case, there will probably be lots of explosions in this series, but will there be any other substance?
Blassreiter - (updated)
Summary: Set in the near-future, in a town in Germany. There have been incidents of dead people coming back to life, transforming into “grotesque shadows”, and attacking people. Living people show up who can transform themselves into demons whenever they want. They used to be regular humans, but when they gained this power to transform, people rejected them and called them demons. But they still use their powers, each for his own reason. However, they cannot deny their fate: to fight in a deadly battle royal with others who have turned into demons. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: This one seems to be more like bad Gonzo, instead of the good one. So far, I didn’t see any sign to point to the opposite, and this again seems to prioritize flashy action above a nice plot and characters. Especially considering that it’s directed by the notorious director of Gantz. Ah well, at least it’ll look pretty.
Kamen no Maid Guy
Summary: Fujiwara Naeka is a typical 17 year-old high school student. Or so we thought. She`s really one of two surviving heirs of a tycoon who has the right to inherit his mass fortune when she turns 18 in half a year. Fubuki, a young and beautiful maid, and Kogarashi, a big burly maid guy with a mask, have been assigned to keep Naeka and her brother Kousuke safe from those who would plot their demise, and to steal the fortune she would inherit. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: The premise sounds crazy enough to actually work, provided that the creators don’t delve into fanservice whenever they get the chance. Unfortunately, the director doesn’t look too good, as he directed Princess Resurrection, Strawberry Panic and Saint Beast before this one. Pleaaase… don’t screw this one up.
Hoshi no Umi no Amuri - (new)
Summary: Solar wind causes an increase in skin cancer in the future, but a new race of “adapters” is born — all of whom appear to be exotically-dressed young girls, for some reason. - (Summary by Hashihime)
Thoughts: So, this is a three-episode OVA, done completely in 3D CG. It seems to be a project, mainly by the director of two shows I’ve never seen: GaoGaiGar and Brigadoon. The graphics so far look pretty interesting, but there’s also a very big chance that this will turn out to be one of those lazy moe-shows.
Wagaya no Oinarisama - (updated)
Summary: Tenko Kuugen, the thousand year old demon/yokai fox that served as their guardian god for hundred of years, able to use all sort of spells, but has a extremely mischievious personality, playing all sort of pranks, until finally the Mitsuji family sealed it up, until present day, when a situation forced them to free it, after the crisis, it quit it’s job and became the guardian god of the Takamichi family, extremely smart and curious, it was able to figure out modern world technology, and learn to blend in, but has a personalty of doing as it pleases, it’s too old to remember it’s original gender, so it has both male and female form. but doesn’t hate the Mitsuiji for sealing it up. likes the Takamichi brother and will protect them at all cost.
Thoughts: What? Another Spice and Wolf? Apparently, Wagaya no Oinarisama is translated to Our Home’s fox Deity. It’s based on a series of seven light novels, but looking at the synopsis, I can’t really say I’m eager to see this. The director isn’t really anything special. His works vary from Sky Girls and Bottle Fairy to Love Hina and Zero no Tsukaima. The series composition is done by Reiko Yoshida, who thankfully does have a lot of experience. My prediction is that this will be a nice series, but it’ll never stand out.
+ Interesting-Looking Series +
Soul Eater
Summary: Based on a shounen manga by Ookubo Atsushi serialised in Shounen Gangan. Set in the Shinigami technical school for weapon technicians, the series revolves around 3 groups of each a weapon technician and a human weapon. Trying to make the latter a “Death Scythe” and thus fit for use by the Shinigami, they must collect the souls of 99 evil humans and 1 witch. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: While the premise doesn’t really sound that exciting, do note that this is going to be animated by Bones, and the director of Ouran High School Host Club and Ashita no Nadja. Let’s hope the guy won’t make the same mistakes as he did with Ouran. Thankfully, he’s backed up by the guy behind the series composition, who worked on Gintama, Ooedo Rocket, Simoun and Full Metal Alchemist, and the art-director of Zombie Loan. Yeah… this can go both ways.
Macross Frontier
Summary: Macross F is set in around 2070A.D.. F denotes “Frontier”; “Frontier” stands for the migration fleet which is the setting of the story. The story is about the fleet`s encounters with space monsters (or things to that effect) while on its course. It is planned to be a TV series with Kanno Youko handling music, Kikuchi Kouji as director and Kawamori Shouji as general director. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Well, the first episode aired a bunch of months ago. The graphics looked really pretty, but I remember being a little disappointed by the story so far. Let’s hope that the rest of this series will fix this.
Amatsuki
Summary: Based on the shoujo manga by Takayama Shinobu, serialised in Comic Zero-Sum. History isn`t Tokidoki`s strong subject. He`s even forced to do make-up work at a high-tech history museum to bring up his failing grades. After losing an eye to a virtual reality monster in an Edo-period simulation, he finds himself unable to leave the game. Could it be real? - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: After all the serious samurai-dramas of 2007, it’s time for a more light-hearted one. Still, the director of Chevalier will be animating it, which makes two series for him in one season. It also turns out that Studio Deen will be the animation-company, so perhaps they can find something interesting with such a rather weak premise.
Nijuu-Mensou no Musume
Summary: The story revolves around a female thief named Chico, who is the spiritual successor to the Kaijin Niju-Menso (The Fiend with 20 Faces) thief character created by famed suspense and detective novelist Ranpo Edogawa. (Edogawa is a pen name for Taro Hirai; when written in Japanese family-name-first order, it spells out a Japanese pun for the name of the American suspense and detective author “Edgar Allen Poe”). - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: This is one of these series where I have no idea what to expect. The director directed two shows before: Futakoi and Muteki Kanbanmusume. The promo-art looks very nice, but on the other hand I’ve never really been into phantom-thief-anime. On yet another hand, Natsuko Takahashi and Reiko Yoshida are working on the screenplay, and both are two very talented and experienced writers.
Druaga no Tou - The Aegis of Uruk - (updated)
Summary: It is said that every few years, there is what’s known as the “Summer of Anu.” During that summer, thanks to the divine protection of the sky-god Anu, all of the demons in the tower lose their power. The country of Uruk has begun an invasion of the tower in order to suppress the demons. They’ve built up positions inside the tower, with their sights set on getting to the upper levels. The Uruk army knows that this is the third Summer of Anu-a perfect time to launch a mission to suppress the monster Druaga once and for all. The army soldiers aren’t the only ones in the tower, though. An enitre city called Meskia has formed inside the tower’s first floor. It plays host not just to soldiers, but also to adventurers who have heard rumors about a legendary treasure called the Blue Crystal Rod, which is said to rest at the very top of the tower. With all these different groups in the mix, each with its own agenda, one can only guess how things will play out during this unusual summer. - (Taken from Hikari no Shiawase)
Thoughts: Now this is more like it. It’s been a while since I watched a good fantasy-adventure, and this might very well be it. Looking at the promo art, this doesn’t look uninspired, and the backgrounds look like a lot of attention was spent on it. Interesting fact: the director of Last Exile will be behind it, and even though I’ve yet to see that series, I’ve heard nothing but raves about it. But then again, he also worked on Gatekeepers and Brave Story, so perhaps I’m cheering too soon. Still, now that I’ve seen the premise, I must say that it looks very interesting.
S.A
Summary: Hikari Hanazono, the main character, has always been second to Kei Takishima. While Hikari considers Kei a rival and somewhat of a friend, Kei loves Hikari. Everyone knows this, but she is too dense to notice. Their wrestling loving fathers first introduced them to one another when they were 6 years old. Assuming that she was the best in wrestling, young Hikari challenged Kei to a wrestling match only to be thoroughly defeated by him. Ever since that fateful incident, Hikari swore to beat Kei in school grades, a sporting event - anything. To do this she has enrolled in the same school as Kei since elementary. Now she attends Hakusenkan, an ultra elite school, that costs her carpenter father a lot of money. Hikari and Kei are the top two students in the school, with Kei holding firmly to that number one position. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: I must say, that for a high-school drama, this seems like a solid one. But then again, Gonzo is going to be animating it, which means that the series has a high chance to be rewritten from its original manga. Let’s hope that the director is up to the task, because his only directing-experience was as assistant director of Tenpou Ibun Ayakashi Ayashi. The other people behind the screenplay and series composition are a bunch of random names, who worked on both good and bad series.
Allison to Lillia
Summary: The series will be a compilation of the two manga “Alison” and “Lillia and Treize,” both original works by Shigusawa Keiichi (Kino no Tabi). The series will take place in a country split into two factions in a 1940’s-like world, that have been repeatedly warring with each other for over 100 years. The first half will involved Alison and her male friend Treize who will set out from an orphanage in order to search for a “treasure” to end the war. The second half will take place after Alison and Will find the “treasure,” and the war ends, in an era where a united state is possible. Lilia, a mother of two daughters, as well as Treize’s girlfriend, will play an active roll in the second half. - (Taken from Myanimelist)
Thoughts: Finally another period-anime. I’ve missed them, and this one looks to be quite interesting, combining two manga together that were produced by the mangaka of Kino no Tabi. The only problem is that Madhouse will be animating them, as they’ve been quite notorious lately with their adaptations (in my opinion, much more than Gonzo), but at least the animation will look great. It also helps that the director of Mokke will be behind this series.
Kure-nai
Summary: 16-year-old Shintaro Kurenai is a Mediator - a specialist in settling squabbles between people. Despite his youth and easygoing nature, he is a man of some skills when it comes to protecting both his clients and his client’s interests. And then one day, he is approached by the daughter of a rich and powerful family asking him to be her bodyguard, which somehow ends up with him having a seven-year-old fan, landlord and self-proclaimed fiancé. Shintaro Kurenai finds himself living in run-down tenement with Murasaki Kuhouin (his new 7-year-old apprentice and landlord) and several other eccentric ladies. His childhood friend (Ginko) acts as his Mediator booking agent. Then there is his (adopted) older sister and martial arts teacher, Yuuno, who does not like to see her Kurenai troubled by any of the difficulties of his Mediator assignments. And Yuuno’s younger (7-year-old) sister, Chi-chan (Houdsuki Chidzuru) also seems to take a troubling worry when her ‘onii-chan’ gets beaten up by Yuuno or his assignments. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: My first reaction when I read the premise: “what?!” Still, on further inspection I do have to say that this weird of a premise does have potential. It’s animated by Brains Base (the ones who did Baccano!), and directed by the director of Red Garden, who also did a bunch of random episodes for Ergo Proxy, Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto, Freedom, Master Keaton, sola and Zegapain and he produced Millenium Actress. What the creators need to pay attention to is to not market this series for the paedophiles, but instead just go with regular storytelling. In that case, this could become very interesting.
Junjo Romantica - (updated)
Summary: Misaki is suddenly having some unexpected and odd problems. What started as a need for some college entrance exam tutoring has somehow led him to being romanced by a suave older man who also happens to be his big brother’s best friend. Confused by all of his brand new emotions, Misaki struggles to deal with his suddenly very odd life. And if that wasn’t enough, his suitor, Usami, has plenty of issues of his own. A man-child who decorates his room in giant teddy bears and toys, Usami is a famous novelist who also writes steamy boys’ love novels on the side. When Misaki cracks open one of these books and reads sentences like “Misaki licks every inch of Usami’s hot body”…well, let’s just say that all hell breaks loose. And if one couple isn’t enough for you, Junjo Romantica focuses on three different sets of lovers, each with their own compelling stories. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: Okay, after hearing the horrible things about the manga, I’m forced to adjust my opinion a bit. This series still looks interesting, but actual YAOI may be a bit too much. Especially considering how the director of Higurashi will be working on this one…
Chi’s Sweet Home
Summary: The story centers around a kitten who gets lost after walking out into the real world for the first time. A boy named Yohei Yamada discovers her, but the Yamada family’s apartment building prohibits pets. After failing to find a new home, the Yamadas decide to defy the rules and raise Chi themselves. Most of Chi’s coming-of-age stories revolve around the Yamadas or the cats, dogs, and the occasional rabbit that live in the neighborhood. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: At first, this may seem like an ordinary kiddie-show, but take a look at the people who’ll be animating it. The director was the episode director of Death Note, Gungrave, Beck and Paradise Kiss, and to make matters even weirder, he was the assistant director on Tokyo Tribe 2 and Shigurui. What the heck is such a manly director doing with a series that revolves around a lost kitten? This is just making me really curious to see whether he’ll combine the gore of Shigurui with the cuteness of this concept. :P
+ Definitely Looking Forward To +
Vampire Knight
Summary: Yuki`s earliest memory is of a stormy night in winter, wherein she was attacked by a vampire… And then rescued by another. Now 10 years later, Yuki Cross, the adapted daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, has grown up and become a guardian of the vampire race, protecting her saviour, Kaname, from discovery as he leads a group of vampires at the elite boarding school. But also at her side is Zero Kiryu, a childhood friend who’s hatred for the creatures that destroyed everything he held dear, is now determined never to trust them. This coexisting arrangement seems all well and good, but have the vampires truly renounced their murderous ways, or is there a darker truth behind their actions. Is Kaname`s infatuation with Yuki the beginning of a forbidden romance, or is it something in her forgotten past that draws him to her. Because in this world of secrets, nothing is as it seems. And the price of misplaced trust may even be worse than death. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Well, the premise sounds less interesting than Zombie Loan, the first series that came to my mind when I saw the promo-art. Still, it does hint at an interesting plot to follow, if handled well. The director of Pretear has been assigned as the director here, and he’s up for an interesting task to bring this manga to live. At least the series composition will be good, as it’s handled by someone who worked did the screenplay for Popolocrois, Red Garden, Aria, the series composition for True Tears, Sasami Mahou Shoujo Clup and the script for a lot of episodes of Simoun.
Kaiba - (new)
Summary: A sci-fi love story set in a world where digitization of memory made physical death obsolete. A world where memories can be stolen and altered, and replaced in a new human body. Kaiba wakes up in a room without knowing who he is. He has a pendant with the photograph of a woman he does not remember. After being attacked all of a sudden, he has to flee to space, meet various people, and rediscover the world. “Even without my memories, I love you…”. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Oh god, I almost mistook this for a children’s show, but this turns out to be quite a capable, if not unconventional science-fiction series, in the same vein as Himitsu - Top Secret and Real Drive. The director will be the one from Mind Game and Kemonozume. Both indeed were flawed, but still very entertaining indeed.
Bus Gamer
Summary: Bus Gamer was a short-lived manga series, created by Kazuya Minekura. It currently only exists as a single volume ‘Pilot Edition’ due to difficulties in serialization. It follows the story of three young men hired by a mysterious company to participate in a business game, a way for companies to gamble against each other for corporate secrets. An illegal dog-fight conducted in strict secrecy, the Bus Game is a battle simulation game where gamers are selected by various corporations to compete three-on-three on a battleground which is usually inside Tokyo. The teams are divided into “HOME” and “AWAY”. The “HOME” team is given a disk containing their corporation’s secret files to protect while the “AWAY” team attempts to steal the disk. The “AWAY” team wins if they are able to steal the disk within the given time limit where the “HOME” team wins if they are able to keep their disk safe. - (Taken from Wikipedia)
Thoughts: Bus Gamer sounds to be like the better version of Gambling Apocalypse Kaiji. While the latter disappointed, I must say that a game like this has quite a bit of potential for entertainment, if the characters who participate in it have been chosen right (and not just a bunch of superhumans). The director is a relative newcomer, and this is the first time he’s taken up the director’s seat. The only thing that I’ve seen about him is the storyboard he did for xxxHolic episode 4, which was the one about the fortune-tellers. I must say that that was quite a thought-provoking instalment, so I’m interested to see what he can do on a full series.
Itazura na Kiss
Summary: It was love at first sight for Aihara Kotoko as top student Irie Naoki delivers a speech on the first day of high school. After 2 years of secret admiration, “I don’t want it” is the rejection she gets when she plucks up enough courage to hand him a love letter. Dejected, Kotoko vows to give him up. By a twist of fate, Kotoko’s house collapses; her dad and her put up at a friend’s place, who happens to be Naoki’s father. And thus, life with Naoki begins and Kotoko’s love for Naoki rekindles again. Much laughter ensues when scatterbrain Kotoko makes her countless advances (supported by Naoki’s wacky mum) on ice-cold Naoki who hates girls and is a genius at practically everything from studies to sports. The story spans >10 years where we see their relationship slowly development despite their many differences and romantic hurdles. This series was such a hit that it was made into a 9-episode Japanese live-action dorama. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: I must say that the shoujo-series are a bit more creative to get a guy and a girl in one house than the shounen-series. A collapsing house, I must admit that I didn’t see that one before. One major plus for this series is that it takes up ten years. That is a REALLY good way for some quality character-development, as demonstrated by Kaze no Shoujo Emily. To make matters even better, the director of Toward the Terra has taken up the director’s seat for this series. I really like how the guy has been animating rather old mangas that never got the series-treatment they deserve. The music will also be done by the guy behind Mononoke, Jigoku Shoujo, Toward the Terra and Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi henge. In other words: quite a solid shoujo-series.
+ Top-5 Looking Forward To +
Himitsu - Top Secret
Summary: The story takes place five decades from now, when brain scanners have been perfected to the point that the government can retrieve up to five years’ worth of memories from people’s minds — even if they are dead. The investigators of the National Research Institute of Police Science’s 9th Forensics Laboratory must weigh the ethical choices in the ultimate invasion of privacy as they delve into people’s minds to solve crimes. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: Now this is an interesting premise! This is going to be a pretty thought-provoking ride if handled well. Unfortunately, the director doesn’t have that much experience, and he’s only done Rocket Girls before, and a few episodes of Master Keaton. Let’s hope he learned from his past experiences, because this is one premise that shouldn’t be wasted.
Library Wars
Summary: Based on a light novel series. In the year 2019, the explosion of information and misinformation became a direct threat to society. In a daring decision, it was decided to create a new government agency dedicated solely to information management. Now some thirty years later, the government still monitors and controls information, suppressing anything they find undesirable, but standing against their abuses of power are the libraries, with their special agents called ‘the book soldiers.’ - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: I must say that this is one interesting and daring premise. It’s another series by production IG, so I’ll definitely be looking forward to this one. The director behind it is also currently working on Wellber no Monogatari, one of my favourite series of the shows that currently air. Here’s one potential underdog.
Crystal Blaze
Summary: A corner of near-future Asia. A world where through the manipulations of national governments, freedom and eqality have been established as mere pretenses. “The Trash City” Lags Town, an assemblage of all peoples composed of those whose lives have burned out. This tale, playing out in the symbol of false glory, Lags Town, is a near-future detective story shown through gun action and sexy action. The Lags Town Jack-of-all-trades “S&A Detective Agency”. Its members are Shu, who stands against the powers that be through pulse-pounding incidents even though it’s forced him out of society, and Akira, a complicated, beautiful young man. And the young detectives-in-training, high school girls Manami and Ayaka. Unfulfilled, Shu lives day-to-day as a detective, when he meets the amnesiac heroine Sara. Investigating an incident which rocks Lags Town, he takes new steps forward with friends who accept his past. That drama plays out in a hard-boiled and stylish detective story, symbolised by the Smith and Wesson model 29 and the ‘80 Trans Am. - (Summary by Mandoric)
Thoughts: Anime News Network labelled this one as mystery, so how could I ignore it? It’s been a while since a pure mystery-series showed up, and I’m hungry for more of my favourite genre. The director has been around for a long time, and he assisted in the directing of They were 11, and his latest work was Saikano. He also did a bunch of episodes of Mahou Tsukai Tai, which should give enough experience to work with this series. The animation-company did Soukou no Strain before, and while the cast behind it is not stellar, they give me enough reason to look forward to this premise.
Real Drive
Summary: The story takes place in 2061, 50 years after humanity developed the “Net society” that depended on information networks despite their security issues. To improve security, a new network called Meta Real Network — or “Metal” for short — was developed. People`s personal memories are reduced to information and placed within “protected virtual stand-alone organic cyber enclaves called bubble shells” online. The result was a virtual “explosion” of creative freedom as people felt safe enough explore instincts and desires on Metal that they would not otherwise explore in real life. This “friction” between the Metal`s alluring lack of restrictions and rules-bound reality led to trouble and incidents that investigators known as “cyber divers” must handle. Masamichi Haru is one such cyber diver. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Ah, the new potential epic by Production IG. The director of Chevalier is behind it, animating another manga by Masamune Shirou. I’m not saying that nothing can go wrong, but the potential is incredibly high for this one.
xxxHolic: Tsugi
Summary: Yuuko is a witch who grants people’s wishes, but in return the person has to give up something precious. Watanuki Kimihiro, a man who has visions, encounters Yuuko and she promises to get rid of the spirits that torment him. In return Watanuki must work in Yuuko’s shop and help her grant other people’s wishes.
- (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Now this is what I’ve been waiting for! Production IG is on fire for this season, with three major series planned. Of course I’m looking forward to the second instalment of xxxHolic, as the first one was absolutely terrific. I can’t wait to see Watanuki’s antics again.
Great news from Moetron: the third season for Jigoku Shoujo has finally been announced. I originally thought that everything would be over after the second season, but on the other hand, there were more than enough hints given that there was some kind of continuation coming. Now that [spoiler] is [spoiler], we should be seeing some new characters as well, and the [spoiler] will also probably get more development. This should be one to watch out for.
So, yeah. In about a week, my exams will start again. As blogging tends to get distracting at times, I’ll go into a short hiatus, because I’ve got loads of work left to do. I think I’ll be able to respond to comments and stuff, but don’t expect any posts or reviews.
I’ll be back in two weeks.
Yes, I’m proud to announce that Star Crossed is officially two years old now. Last year, I celebrated it with a new lay-out, though I’m not going to do this this year, as I like the current lay-out too much for that. Instead, some statistics, with the help of Google Analytics. I only installed it since March this year, so it might be a bit inaccurate, but it gives a fair overview, I think.
Top-10 Most Accessed Series
10. Bakumatsu Kikansetsu Irohanihoheto
9. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni
8. Bokura no
7. Toward the Terra
6. Death Note
5. Seriei no Moribito
4. Les Miserables - Shoujo Cosette
3. Claymore
2. Dennou Coil
1. Saiunkoku Monogatari
Top-10 Most Accessed Posts (unfortunately, not all of which I’m proud of):
10. Some quick first impressions: Kotetsushin Jeeg, Darker than Black and Koutetsu Sangokushi (Really, I have no idea why this one made it to the top-10. This also is one of those examples of how wrong my first impressions can be at times.)
9. Claymore - 20
8. Death Note - 37
7. Tsubasa Chronicle 52 (This one turned into a mini-bbs over time, about the potential third season ^^;)
6. Dennou Coil - 01
5. Death Note - 36 (Ironic how such a small posts generates that many pageviews)
4. Autumn Season Preview
3. Some quick first impressions: OverDrive, Fuyu no Semi and Saint Beast (That’s one post I’m trying to forget. Even six months after writing it still got comments)
2. Some quick first impressions: Kaze no Stigma, Ookiku Furikabutte and Kaibutsu Oujo (Same here. These two posts taught me how you shouldn’t rant without giving valid arguments)
1. Top-10 Anime
Top-10 Google Keywords (aside from the obvious ones as “psgels” and “star crossed”):
10. Death Note 37
9. Claymore 20
8. Death Note 36
7. Toward the Terra
6. Overdrive Anime
5. Top 10 Anime
4. Seirei no Moribito
3. Dennou Coil
2. Saiunkoku Monogatari
1. Kaze no Stigma (Seriously, I have no friggin’ idea why this one became #1. I only made one single post about it, for goodness’ sake!)
Amusing search-terms
.hack//roots trainwreck - Yes, it is.
coughing site:http://psgels.blogsome.com
cold site:http://psgels.blogsome.com - Why would someone call my site cold and coughing? O_o
ergo proxy all men learned toilet - I know for which episode this guy was searching, but it’s funny when taken out of context.
higurashi keiichi episode dead body - Erm… you need to be a bit more specific than that. ;)
psgels.blogsome.com sex scenes - Good to see that people who come to this site search for sensible things.
psgels is gay - No, I’m not. And if I find out where this came from, I’ll gladly show the one behind it a taste of hell.
what is at the bottom of a tornado - Err… strong winds?
“anime show” +diapers - It disturbs me that people are searching for this…
“best snowball” - Sure.
“beans” anime little girl - Why would someone want to associate beans with little girls?
“crush them now giant robo” - This one made me laugh. ^^;
“his earrings” / “i like rose ” / “smell her feet” - A few examples of which I have no freaking idea how they ended up here.
“your back looks just as graceful as stars” - Not exactly my choice of the ultimate pickup-line, but what do I know about it?
“who invited dynamite - Nice Holystone, perhaps?
Whoa, this is one of the smallest seasons we’ve had in years! To give some numbers, this preview consists out of only thirteen series (I left out the continuations of the series that I haven’t seen like Ah My Goddess, Minami-Ke and Major, and yes, one day I WILL watch Aria). And yet, I’m much more looking forward to this season than I did with the current Fall-season. Basically, the series in new line-up either sound utterly horrible or utterly promising; there’s hardly anything in between! I’m really looking forward some of these series, especially since quite a lot of them have an iron cast working on them. I’ll try to update this list if more shows get announced.
+ Not Really Looking Forward To +
Rosario to Vampire
Summary: Based on a shounen manga by Ikeda Akihisa, serialised in Monthly Shounen Jump. By a bizarre coincidence, Tsukune Aono has accidentally gotten himself admitted to a youkai academy, a school attended by monsters. Just when he thinks he’ll run away from there, he meets the beautiful girl Moka and his mood turns ultra happy. However, she transforms into her true form when the rosary on her chest is taken off, she’s a super vampire! - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Ugh… I don’t even want to imagine what would happen when Bad Gonzo gets combined with Shounen Jump. Dragonaut may have its issues, but at least it tries to come up with an interesting plot, something I can’t say from this… thing. A guy who meets a girl who happens to be a “Super Vampire”? Come on. And I’m not going to even bother ranting about the art on the official site.
Ayakashi
Summary: Adapted from the 2005 adults-only superhuman battle action visual novel game Ayakashi. Ayakashi is a parasite life force that gives superpowers to its host, taking in return the host’s entire life force. Kusaka Yuu is a student that lost his will to live after the death of a dear childhood friend, until the day a mysterious girl, named Yoake Eimu, appears. From that moment on, his life would never be the same again. Hunted by Ayakashi and their hosts, the power within Yuu awakens and a never ending battle begins. - (Taken from shomazta)
Thoughts: Well, first of all this is a hentai-game adaptation, which already works against it. Second of all, am I the only one who’s reading a synopsis that sounds awfully similar to that of Mushiuta? Just replace “Ayakashi” with “Mushi” and change a few names here and there and voila, there’s hardly a difference. Still, it might be interesting to see a different take on the same premise, with a little less angst than Mushiuta… but then we return to the first point in that this is a hentai-game adaptation, and the screen will probably be filled with generic character-designs, pantyshots and other kinds of fanservice.
H2O ~Footprints in the Sand~
Summary: ???
Thoughts: Nothing much can be said about this series, apart from the fact that it’s got cute girls and it’s a hentai-game adaptation. The staff behind it also is unimpressive, with the only one standing out being the guy behind the series composition: Jukki Hanada. He worked on all kinds of series, ranging mostly from bad to mediocre, but also Red Garden, Abenobashi and Ichigo Mashimaro are among them. I doubt that he’ll be able to save this series, though. The characters look generic, and it’ll probably end up being another cheesy love-story.
+ Shows With Small Potential +
They are my noble masters
Summary: Seems to be another hentai-game adaptation
Thoughts: Nothing is really known about this series, but judging by the title and the promo-art, it’ll probably involve some guy who gets to work under that boss-like looking girl. Ah well, at least it gets a few points for putting effort into the character-designs. No staff is known, other than the voice-actors, but I don’t really care for that.
Ookami to Koushinryou
Summary: Wikipedia JP says the series talks about a peddler named Craft Lawrence, a travelling merchant who’s wandering around the country-side selling and buying various things in villages he visits. His life changes one day when he finds a beautiful girl sleeping inside his coach full of the village’s finest sheaves. What’s more, she looks to be a cat girl. More like a wolf girl, to be exact, as she introduces herself as the village’s wolf sage who’s kept it blessed with good harvests for years and years. Her name is Horo and she wishes to return to her hometown in the North. The cocky girl bargains her way out of the village by making a deal with Craft to take her with him. The story is described as a fantasy novel with neither swords nor magic. - (Taken from Toua)
Thoughts: Well, it’s definitely got the shounen-premise, but it does sound more interesting than your usual story, and the travelling premise does hold potential. But then again, this is from the same staff that was behind three notorious series whose only purpose was to deliver as much ecchi as possible: Hit wo Nerae, Cosmopolitan Prayers and Love Love. That can’t be a good sign…
+ Interesting-Looking Series +
Persona -Trinity Soul-
Summary: Aniplex’s A-1 Pictures is adapting the Persona 3 PlayStation 2 role-playing game as a television anime series under the name Persona -trinity soul- for a January 2008 premiere. The anime is set a decade after the game, and will centre around three brothers in a future city where the dead have risen with their skins turned inside out. The Persona games themselves are spin-offs from the long-running Shin Megami Tensei series. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: Ah, another RPG-adaptation, and yet again I have no idea what to expect from this one apart from zombies. The people who worked on it worked on both masterpieces (the guy behind the screenplay did the series composition of The Third and the script of Darker than Black, another one worked on the script of Chevalier), they also worked on a bunch of hentai-series and Innocent Venus. It also has the director behind Blood+, which was a great series but had a terrible finale. Ah well, at least the potential’s there. Let’s hope it doesn’t get screwed up.
Noramimi
Summary: A world where mascots aren’t just marketing tools. Families contact mascot agencies, to find a suitable one for their children. This story focuses on one such agency, which has its very own mascot: Noramimi, the syrup-stirring Kaminari Kozo (Lightning Kid). - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: This series comes from the IKKI magazine, which has seen three other adaptations so far: Tetsuko no Tabi, Bokura no and Narutaru, all of which I loved. That’s basically the biggest reason why I’m looking forward to this one, despite the rather strange style of the manga. I’m not sure about the director, who did a couple of random episodes here and there, including a few from xxxHolic. The guy behind the series composition also doesn’t say much, all the noteworthy things he did before was write the script for the Snow Queen and the screenplay for the movie Air, both of which I’ve seen almost nothing.
+ Definitely Looking Forward To +
True Tears
Summary: Dreams, hopes, and aspirations … are things that all people draw their visions of what the “future” may hold for them. Some are pastel-coloured; others are darker in hue; still others shine radiant and unblemished like the hands of the rain. What are my dreams? What are my hopes? What do I aspire to become? These are questions that the characters of this story ask themselves. But must all of them turn at last to weeping? Must they all harbour such darkness under the shadow of the wings of their hearts? Some of them carry the wounds of the past with them still, the burden causing them to lose sight of their dreams. Others see insurmountable walls between them and the things they dream of, causing them to walk away and give up. And still others — worst of all — have forgotten what it is to dream altogether. And so they smile, smile warmly and widely, in order to hide away the darkness and pain in their hearts … in order to shut out the future itself. But the moment a girl should step forth and say “no more” — that is the beginning and the end. - (Taken from Insani.org)
Thoughts: Finally! It may be me, but I believe that this series has been delayed for almost a year now. Still, it looks like it’s finally getting its adaptation in the upcoming winter-season. If I recall correctly, it’s based on a visual novel, though I’m not sure if it was adult or not. In any case, the premise sounds much better than a random hentai-game, so I’m going to assume it isn’t (correct me if I’m wrong), and for some strange reason, I’m quite interested in how this one will turn out. Especially considering that this series has the genius behind Simoun as its director! The series composition is also done by the woman who did the script for epics as Popolocrois, Red Garden, Sasami Mahou Shoujo Club and again Simoun. Okay, I know that Code-E could have been better, but seriously, it’s hard not to get excited when seeing these names.
+ Top-5 Looking Forward To +
Wellber no Monogatari Second Season
Summary: After the adventures of the first season, there’s still the matter of Tina’s back-story. In the meantime, I don’t expect the other countries in the world to sit around idly after what happened to Guernia
Thoughts: Ah, this is what I’ve been waiting for! I’m still not exactly sure why I enjoyed the first season so much, and while it wasn’t in any way epic or awesome, the storytelling was excellent and varied. Not to mention the cute shoujo-ai scenes. ^^;
Shigofumi
Summary: A story about a miracle, involving Fumika, a quiet but hard working girl who wears a uniform of a mail carrier, and her talkative staff and partner Mayama. The Shigofumi is a posthumous letter, the last resort of relaying a deceased person’s last message to his/her loved ones: family, friends, and significant other. - (Taken from AniDB)
Thoughts: Well, this series has been delayed a few times, but that only increased my curiosity in the premise, and it looks like it’s really going to arrive in the Winter-Season now. The guys who will be working on it are also some big names, who worked on many big titles (of which I admittedly only saw half or so): the director directed Cat Soup, Tokyo Tribe, Stellvia, Shingu and Nadesico and planned and produced other gems as Kino’s journey, Figure 17 and Azumanga Daioh and let’s not forget the hilarious script of Tsukikage Ran. The guy behind the series composition worked on famous series as RahXephon, Angelic Layer, Planetes and Eureka7 (seriously, this reminds me of how many good series I’ve still got left to see).
Sayonara Zetsubou-Sensei Second Season
Summary: I think we all know this by now. A teacher with an extremely pessimistic outlook on life unleashes his frustrations on the class he teaches.
Thoughts: Well, with a bit of luck the subs for the first season will be finished right before the start of the second one. The first season really has been an excellent comedy-series that not only managed to crack me up over and over, but also was witty and smart, and tackled a lot of topics considered taboo. While others might hate the typical animation-style of Shinbo, I love it.
Hatenkou Yuugi
Summary: A young girl named Rahzel is booted out of her house one day by her father with the instructions to ’see the world.’ And so her journey begins, However, she won’t be doing it alone, for she befriends a stoic young man named Alzeido seeking revenge for his father’s murder. Alzeido and Rahzel are like oil and water, but even still, they feel strangely drawn to one another. This could be either the result of an underlying attraction — or their shared powers with magic. And so, the two reluctant allies travel from town to town, using their powers to help the helpless, while discovering their own respective places in the world. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: Strangely enough, the premise sounds a lot more interesting than when I first read it. This winter-season is definitely going to be a good season for travelling-series, and it’s going to be interesting to see the people that Rahzel and Alzeido run into. The father’s murder seems to suggest that there’s an underlying plot as well, so this could very well be a title to watch out for. To make things even better, it’s got the director of Sasami Mahou Shoujo-club and the series composition is done by the guy who directed Giant Robo and did the screenplay for Pet Shop of Horrors; these guys can really make something special out of this series.
Porfy’s Long Journey
Summary: Part of the World Masterpiece Theatre. In the original novel, Porphyras (Yuki Kaida) is a Greek boy who was orphaned with his sister Mina (Ayumi Fujimura) by an earthquake. The two siblings decide to embark on a journey across Europe instead of staying in their foster home in an unfamiliar country. - (Taken from Anime News Network)
Thoughts: I think it comes to no surprise that this is my most anticipated series of the season. Les Miserables has been a brilliant series, and I can’t wait what the next instalment of the World Masterpiece Theatre will be. To make things better, it’s going to be directed by Tomomi Mochizuki, who has been a director for decades. While I haven’t seen most of his most famous works (Kimagure Orange Road, Maison Ikkoku, Princess Nine), I have seen what he did with the first season of Ranma 1/2, Seraphim Call, Here is Greenwood and Ocean Waves, and I really can’t wait. This guy is excellent in combining light-hearted quirkiness with serious scenes.
I can still hardly believe it, but it seems that Star Crossed has finally won itself an award. The people from Anime 2 Manga have turned one year old today, and with that they gave out an award for the “Blogging Master of 2007″. I must say, congratulations on turning one year old, and thanks for the award. :)
I also love the banner, by the way, and how it consists out of some of the screenshots I made in the past. Some of them are actually quite old, and I’m surprised that Darren (who I assume photoshopped it) managed to dig it up. I especially like how the teddy-bear from Master of Epic was included. ^_^
As some of you may have noticed: the screenshots stopped showing up. I have no idea what happened, my image-host called putfile has suddenly decided to go offline, and I’m not sure whether it has the intentions of showing up again…
Seriously, finding a good image-host has to be the worst part of blogging for me. Does anyone know a reliable and fast one, perhaps? I’m currently using Imageshack, but the loading-times are just too slow for my tastes.