Month: June 2012

Fate/Zero S2 TV #010: What Dreams May Come

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Anyone who has experienced Fate/Stay Night will know that certain people just have to die. Their destiny is written in stone. As I mentioned in a previous article this makes fights for people who played the original story a way of finding out what was only hinted at in the past. But for people who never saw any of that this might seem more like a race anyone could win. That said I felt like the battle in this episode had a certain gravity that could not be escaped. I also felt that conclusion was equally set in stone.

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A Season of Friendship

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I don’t know if I can pin down other season of anime as having a theme. And it probably isn’t intentional, but nevertheless this season has a lot of shows that seems to fit together in a special way. This season celebrates friendship in so many different ways that it heightened my awareness to it in each show. From new friendship (Tsuritama) to teammates (Kuroko’s Basketball), from unexpected connections (Kids on the Slope) to brothers (Space Brothers).

The Internet keeps telling me that friendship is magic and so it seems that this season of anime is here to reenforce that notion. It is not as if anime is unfamiliar with the power of friendship. Most of  modern Japanese society is almost obsessed with the harmony of the group and working together so shows emphasizing solidarity among peers is not unheard of. But I think Narutaki was inspired by this season because even the common place can seem extraordinary if done correctly. This seasons shows have been very good and the bonds of comradery have been shown superbly as well. This article will look at relationships beyond the standard shonen “I beat you up so now we are blood brothers” but at people who form real bonds.

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All Points Bulletin: Hisui is Not Here to Give This a Silly Name

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If you have any suggestions for what to highlight on an APB drop us a line via email or Twitter.

Narutaki’s picks:

  • JManga Removes Subscription Requirement
    This big and wonderful news, so many were afraid JManga wouldn’t change and never get off the ground. I can’t tell you how many people I saw on Twitter say “Now I will use JManga.” I expect the site to see a major jump in traffic in the next couple of weeks.
  • Teen Titans, GO!
    The Teen Titans cartoon is returning with new episodes on Cartoon Network in 2013. I’m a huge fan of the series for its stylization, humor, and balanced plotting. It is great to hear most of the original voices will be back as well.
  • The Unfinished Swan
    Seems to be my kind of video game: mostly exploritory and simple with an interesting mechanic and stylized visuals. Looks quite unique.
  • Movie News Agogo!

    • U.S. Theatrical Release of From Up On Poppy Hill Confirmed
      I’ve been curious about this even though I really didn’t care for Tales from Earthsea.
    • Wreck-It-Ralph Trailer Hits
      A movie about a videogame villain really doesn’t sound like Disney, but you’ll be a believer after this trailer. All the cameos are great, only Disney could afford to put them all in there. This year looks to be another double hit for Disney with Brave out this summer and Ralph out in the later fall! I just can’t wait!
    • Batman Marathon at AMC
      Similar, but obviously shorter, to the Marvel movie marathon, you can see the first two Christopher Nolan Batman movies as a lead up to the midnight premiere to the final act.
    • Wonder Woman and Justice League Movie Plans Move Ahead
      This news is cool but doesn’t inspire much confidence yet, it is still a wait and see game.
    • Upcoming Details on Pixar Films Revealed
      Plots for both The Good Dinosaur and the as yet untitled movie that takes place inside the human mind have me very excited. Obviously, dinos are freakin’ awesome and Pixar taking on the prehistoric creatures sounds like a dream come true, now the plot sounds good, too. But I must admit that the human mind one actually sounds even better. Very Pixar but also a little more conceptual. Of course, these movies have to wait until the Monsters Inc. sequel is finished.
    • Guy Richie Plans New Treasure Island Movie
      I love Treasure Island, come one you all did from reading it as a kid, right?! Looking forward to more details on this.

Hisui’s picks:

I’m so happy this team will be back!