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Hisui’s picks:
- Christmas has Come Early!
Sai-zen-sen delivered a Christmas gift I did not even know I wanted. But man it is nice. Gen Urobuchi, Kinoko Nasu, Izuki Kougyoku, Simadoriru, and Ryohgo Narita played a table top RPG for 6 nights under Makoto Sanda as the Game Master. Now they are compiling transcripts of the role-playing sessions in January. I can’t say how hyped I am for that. That is a pretty amazing writing team and as someone who can still converse and table top RPGs I have played years ago I would love to see these transcripts turned into and anime. I will probably talk more about this during the week as a little post. There is just too much to say in a little APB. - Everything You Were Afraid to Ask about Macross Video Games and More!
The invaluable interfering Andrew and Renato look at almost every Macross video game ever made with its merits, flaws, and how fits into Macross history. I am sure they missed some obscure WonderSwan release that some uber-nerd will complain about but it is the most complete guide you will get. - Why Can’t Narutaki Have More Brave Police J-Decker Toys?
Also Andrew and Arshad look at the Brave series and its curious lack of toys. While there are a good deal of merchandise for GaoGaiGar it seems the rest of the Brave series goes without. - I’m Only Buying These to Help Japan. Really.
The Good Smile Company is making cheerleader versions of Saber and Rin with part of the sales of each figure going to disaster relief in Japan. There is also a cute Waver figure in the fan made figure world and they plan to make a Rider figure as well. - Archer is Bringing Sexy Back
They also unveiled the character costumes for Fate/Extra CCC. I am ever exited to see what they do with this game. I am pleased with the … pleasantness of Caster’s new outfit. Hopefully the game itself will be just as good. - Pandora’s Box Has Been Opened
Shout! Factory is releasing the three series in the Transformers franchise that were only broadcast in Japan. These are “slightly” controversial in the English-speaking Transformers fandom but I would like you to point me to the series that is not. I am curious to see how The Headmasters, Super-God Masterforce, and Victory are received now that they are in an easy to purchase from.
Narutaki’s picks:
- Manga Awards in France
As you probably know, the French consume a hefty portion of the international manga market. They also get some wildly different titles from us in the U.S. These nominees for the Festival International de la Bande Dessinee will give you a good idea. And of course it once again shoves in our faces how they get Saint Young Men and we never will.
- Interview with Brave’s Brenda Chapman
Brenda is the original creator of Brave and helmed the project as director but was replaced because of “creative differences.” You don’t get any better answers on that question but you do get backstory for the film. There is also a Part 1 of the interview where she talks about her time at Disney and other projects. - Gunpla Builders World Cup in Japan
I’m sure it will come as no surprise that the representatives for Japan in the World Cup are freakin’ ridiculous. The sets they build for the mecha are an added bonus of amazing.
- Twin Earth Found!
Well, kinda, it the planet discovered that is most like our own (so far). It is 600 light years away! There are still many unknowns about the planet like whether it is mostly rock, gas, or liquid but it is still one of those cool finds that gets you giddy with science-fiction possibilities.
- The X-Men is the Next Logical Step
Brain Michael Bendis has announced he is exiting as writer for Avengers/New Avengers in the summer. I can’t imagine anyone else writing New Avengers, which he formed, probably because no one else has. This Op-Ed is about speculating that he will move over to writing X-Men which he has yet to do. I am really excited about this possibility thanks to the article and it softens the blow about New Avengers a bit. Now let’s just hope this article was predicting the future!
- Behind the Scenes of Arthur Christmas
This in-depth talk with the creators went a long way in making me want to see this film. From visual technique to the life of the story, everything is touched upon. This might be my next favorite holiday film!
Let us not forget that Japan is still rebuilding and readjusting after earthquake:
Narutaki’s picks:
Hisui’s picks:
Why who is this being drawn live?:
I recently started watching the giant robot series 
