Fullmetal Alchemist Manga/Brotherhood Anime

I figure that since not all of us read the manga and I'll admit I haven't read it through in ages but have recently marathoned Brotherhood, we can start talking about it and just see where we go. Given that most of this group, as far as I know, really likes FMA in some incarnation at least, we should get a lot out of it. I have no objection to compare/contrast with the original series either. This might also be a bit of fun while we wait for Star of Milos to come out. I'll start with a few questions we can work off.

Maenos and I were discussing this one at some point, and he may be able to elaborate more, but how do you guys interpret that we saw multiple versions of the Gate of Truth, depending on who did the transmutation? The ones I remember for sure are that Ed and Al's gates looked similar, but I'm not sure if they were exactly the same, and Mustang's, which was different from theirs.

What are your thoughts on the different means of making a homunculus in the two series? I know we probably pounded this out in the message boards years ago, but I don't remember and haven't been there in ages, so it's worth bringing up again, with the manga ending this month in the States.

This will probably bring on some argument because of preference, but what about the two different endings? We can bring up Conqueror of Shamballa if you wish, though I don't care for it very much and haven't seen it in ages.

For now we can start here, feel free to bring up any other points that stick in your mind and see where this goes. I miss this kind of discussion, so let's bring it on!

Working!!

Sometimes all I need is a breath of fresh air when it comes to anime. As much as I love great dramatic stories with gorgeous animation, excellent voice acting, and flawless soundtracks, a zany comedy can break up the monotony (so to speak) and remind me why I enjoy anime in the first place.

Working!! is a comedy about a group of quirky people who work at a family restaurant together. There are only a few "normal" characters in this story, and they get next to zero screen time. This story is all about the eccentricities of this unlikely group of coworkers. The manager is only there for the food, which her chief-of-staff dotingly prepares for her each day all the while carrying around a katana. A waitress has severe androphobia and attacks any man that comes within range of her fist. An easygoing chef blackmails his coworkers so that they will do his work for him. And this is just the beginning.

Both seasons of Working!! (the second season is differentiated as Working'!!), comprised of 13 episodes each, are available on crunchyroll. If you need something to make you laugh, this is an anime for you.

manga

A little over a year ago, I was able to get some friends to participate in a group discussion reading Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya. The format of reading a graphic novel was new to several in the group - especially a Japanese graphic novel reading right to left - not to mention the daunting length of the series (23 volumes). One friend committed to reading the first 5 volumes. She said she couldn't make any promises to read further, and by the tone of her voice, I thought that might be all she would read. I was surprised (but not too surprised) when she not only kept on reading to the end of the series, but read far ahead of the reading schedule.

That everyone enjoyed the story made the experiment a success. We also had some interesting discussion about the medium of storytelling - graphic novels versus prose. The consensus was that Fruits Basket would not be the same story in prose, that indeed, a lot of the storytelling conveyed in the art would be lost. I think this case could be made for most, if not all, of the manga that I've read over the past several years.

Since I know a few of us follow a variety of manga, I thought I would open the discussion up to why you like manga. Do you prefer manga over anime (when comparing the same story told in the two different mediums)? Does it vary with different series? Or, if you don't like manga at all, why not?

If there's any interest, in the coming weeks, I'd like to open this up to discuss certain series specifically, either in depth or by posting reviews. I hope you'll join me!

What's Your Favorite OP?

*Blows off dust*

So...seems we all kinda grew quiet again, heh. Well, if you're checking this out, I was thinking of doing a few blog posts on OPs, EDs, and random music from anime. I'm sure you guys have a list, heh.

Before I list mine, do be aware that spoilers can be contained in the OPs so, be careful. I'll list a warning for those that do, but still be careful.

because it's cool

I think someone else is going to make the post for Summer Wars (I hope?) and while this isn't really anime or manga related, the following is culture related, so read on.

I'm sure that most of us here have seen/heard of vocaloid, and I find the concept behind vocaloid fascinating. I'm curious about what your thoughts are on this new kind of music, where the voice is completely synthesized and for the purpose of the concert, the "singers" are animated. Would you go to a concert where the actual singer is a computer? Would you wave a leek light stick if you went (personally, I think they're cool)?

Below are some of my favorite vocaloid songs. I've been able to find a couple of them on iTunes, still searching for a few other favorites.

Double Lariat - Megurine Luka


Just Be Friends - Megurine Luka (a very upbeat tempo break-up song)


The World is Mine - Hatsune Miku (about a girl who wants all the attention, but she's really just insecure)


Magnet - Hatsune Miku and Megurine Luka (forbidden love...I think? not sure, but it sounds cool)

Summer Wars

Seems we're losing enthusiasm for Wolf's Rain, and it is admittedly a rather slow series. I suggested in the comments of the last post that we take a break from it for a week or two and watch a movie, and I'd suggest the movie Summer Wars. It was recently put out by FUNimation, and though I haven't seen it yet, I'm quite curious. Unless anyone objects, I suggest we watch it in the next two weeks, comment on it here, and then get back on track with Wolf's Rain. Please feel free to post your thoughts on the matter.

Wolf's Rain, episodes 9-12

First, sorry for this taking a while. Life intervened for several of us it seems, but better late than never, eh?

So, in this case, four episodes instead of hte usual two (since it took two weeks to put this up). Bit more to discuss, I imagine.

In these four episodes, we've seen our little pack grow, both in the appearance of Blue, as well as the sort of friendships growing. What do you think of this, particularly how some of the pack (Tsume, chiefly) felt about Blue's appearance and how she is half-wolf? Further, of interest, at least to me, is how, in the Forest of Death, Kiba made note of how their pack wasn't like a normal one, with no real leader. But is this the case? A part of me thinks there is a leader in Kiba, maybe in Tsume as well, as they continue to butt heads, though perhaps not as often as they once did.

And then, there is Cheza. I personally have a hard time believing she's blind, but maybe she is blind in the way we humans see. She is, after all, created from that flower, so she isn't really human. Could it be that she "sees" in a way we cannot? Fodder for thought.

Darcia also clashed with the pack to take Cheza away. It was obvious that he could kill the foursome easily, yet it seemed that his lasers constantly hit just near the wolves, blasting them away, injuring them greatly, yet...not killing. Strange, no?

And finally, we have the introduction of another noble, Jaguara, whose troops invaded Darcia's sanctum, killed his love. What precisely are they after? Cheza? Weird...

Well, discuss away!

Maenos' Otakon Journal - Part 2: FMA: Brotherhood: Sacred Star of Milos

Well...my original idea was to do a post every day I was at the con, but honestly, I was exhausted. Utterly wiped out. Friday night I could barely make it back to my hotel room to pass out. So that got scrapped. So here, instead, is one of two posts about thoughts I had.

On Saturday afternoon, I decided to head for the big ballroom that would be the location of the (legit) premiere of the FMA: Brotherhood movie, the Sacred Star of Milos. Thankfully I got there pretty early, was probably in the first hundred people in but good lord was it unpleasant. At first it wasn't too bad, waiting, as we could sit down on the floor, but after a while the Otakon staff had us mash together to try and make room because the line got HUGE (see pictures). And though the convention center had AC, it wasn't working very well where we were, and the sheer mass of people was making it hard. I nearly passed out myself. I pitied the poor cosplayer next to me, he was wearing a full Al armor set made out of foam rubber. At one point five of us, myself included, were fanning him to keep him from passing out.

Somehow, I didn't keel over and made it inside, where I promptly chose a chair (thank god, a CHAIR!) near the back (more for the water cooler that was right next to me, I needed a lot of water to rehydrate myself). I promptly sat back and prepared for...whatever would come.

Now, don't worry guys, I won't include any spoilers here. If you want it, ask me for it and I'll get in contact in some way if you want, but this is spoiler free.

First and foremost, it was emphasized that the movie takes place around episode 20 of Brotherhood, specifically shortly after Ed returned home to Risembool and dug up what he thought was his mother's remains. This also means that Hughes is no more so there's no hope for him being in the movie (pity, that *sigh*).

Ok, so, movie. I don't know what your opinion is of the first series' movie. I was very underwhelmed by it. I mean, more FMA is always welcome in my book (so long as its good) but that...eh. Not a fan of it, really.

Sacred Star of Milos, in my own opinion, is extremely better than that one. The animation is extremely good (But hey, what were we expecting?), the storytelling is also quite good, the characters (new ones) interesting. All in all, I think they did a pretty good job of working the location (Table City) into the world of Amestris (and Creta, as well, which is involved).

I can also say that the crowds (packed hall) loved it too, lots of cheering, cat calls at certain points, and all, just a great atmosphere. I stuck around a bit for the Q&A afterward as well. Nothing major to report there, though the director did hint that they may make more movies in the future. Nothing concrete, but they are all huge fans of the show too and would love to make more. The director (whose name escapes me) was also extremely overwhelmed by everyone's reactions at the hall. Just very happy about it.

I saw it subbed, as FUNi had to crank it out really fast, but it was a bang up job, and I would highly recommend getting it when they do release it.

Also, in a bit (maybe today, maybe tomorrow) I'll have a post up about the rest of Otakon, including pictures, heh. Enjoy it :)

Maenos' Otakon Journal - Part 1: Preparations

Figured since I'm going to Otakon, I'd run a bit of a journal of sorts for you guys, heh. Nothing too major, like most announcements you'd find on ANN and other such sites, but little tidbits, gossip, what-have-you that happens there.

Otakon this year runs from Friday, July 29th through the 31st. I'm attending all three days, got a hotel closer by so I don't have as far a drive as I would otherwise. I'm taking my camera with me, plan to attend as many panels as I can (well, as many, plus autograph sessions, plus shopping there...my poor wallet). We'll see what I get, eh? Expect pictures, at least :)

Now I do have a question. I did attend Otakon last year but the way I did it was rather unorganized (didn't think until the day before to try and reason out the schedule). I'm determined to be more prepared this year, trying ot set up a schedule and whatnot. I'm bringing some snacks in a backpack, some water too (going to be near 100 again, joy. Though at least I'm not cosplaying), a few things to have autographed, poster tube (for any posters I may get, don't want to fold it up). Anyone with any experience, or even non-experience but good advice, can you think of stuff?

I'll let you guys know how it goes :)

Wolf's Rain, eps 7 & 8

Anyone else weirded out by Cheza yet (gotta love the talking in third person)? We learn a little bit more about her in these next two episodes, including a little bit more about her origin. So, Darcia was just taking back what was rightfully his as Cheza was born/created/what-have-you by the Darcia family. It seems that Cheza is a pretty popular individual, desired by wolves (even Tsume is starting to be won over by her), Darcia, and whoever Cher works for. The question we all have is why?

Something that I didn't realize (or at least, that I don't remember from watching Wolf's Rain before) is that Cheza is blind. She corrects herself just as she's about to go over a steep edge. What other unique characteristics or qualities have you observed about her thus far? I suppose that the wolves have what they need as far as the scent of lunar flowers goes because won't having her accompany them drown out the scent from anywhere else? Or am I not giving wolf noses enough credit?

Additional thoughts, comments, or insight?

Usagi Drop

In addition to our continuing discussions on anime we are following together, I know that many of us are watching other series on our own. Since the intent behind the creation of this blog was to discuss all things anime (and I might even add manga to that, since for me anime and manga are so interconnected), we should also discuss our recommendations, recent discoveries, etc.


A new anime that I started watching last week is Usagi Drop. It is available on crunchyroll, with a new episode out each Thursday. The manga that the anime is based on is being released under the name Bunny Drop and has had positive reviews (here and here among others). The story is about a 30-year-old bachelor, Daikichi, who finds himself taking in his grandfather's illegitimate daughter when the rest of the family avoids taking responsibility at his grandfather's funeral. The art for the story is so unique - soft and sometimes incomplete watercolors and a simple approach to design - that sets a such a calm relaxing tone in contrast to the oftentimes over-saturated stories that abound these days.

Only one episode in, I find myself completely drawn into the story. If the anime continues to hold my interest on such a level, I might just have to check out the manga next!

Wolf's Rain, episodes 5+6

My turn this week, heh.

The group of wolves continues on their journey, following the faint smell of Lunar Flowers. Following it, they arrive at the ocean and, thanks to a well placed train track, arrive at a run down city. Here we meet a surprisingly large pack of wolves, all masquerading as human. The wolves live a rather meager life, doing a dog's work to get food. Yet while some of them call it a dog's work, they seem very testy about being called one, don't they? Why do you think that is?

This new pack also shows us the first sight of new wolves after our meeting Kiba, Hige, Tsume, and Toboe. Aside from the differences in pack size, what other differences do you note among the other group? Not just in mentality, but in their membership. What would you say that shows about the surviving wolves in this world?

Prior to arriving at the city, our boys could hardly be called a Pack, and yet, as they leave, its obvious something has changed. They look out for one another. They're a true pack now. Would you say this is a good thing for them?

And finally, there's the mystery about that book. Destruction of the moon, seemingly eternal winter, at least from what we've seen. Any thoughts on any of that?

Wolf's Rain, Episodes 3-4

Slowly, the story is starting to unfold: the myth of the wolves and their journey to paradise, the Nobles, Cheza and the smell of moon flowers, Hubb, Cher, and the laboratory where Cheza was...created? And Quent and Blue, who hunt wolves for revenge. The artwork continues to be beautiful, I remember thinking what intense eyes Kiba has, and the wolves have all met up and seem to be adopting much more of a pack mentality. Thoughts on that? Thoughts on paradise and it's relation to Cheza? Apparently the machines in that abandoned military base saw the wolves as wolves, no fooling them. That leads me to think that the human/wolf forms all have to do with the human mind and how it perceives things, at least to some extent, since things like machines and even dogs like Blue can't be fooled. Feel free to post on any or all of these things, and if anyone is interested in posting the discussion next Friday, go for it.

Two Minor Housekeeping Issues

More like a couple of random thoughts. I was thinking about the episodes we've already watched, and the comments that have been made, and it dawned on me that it might be a good idea for people to take turns leading discussion on episodes, if they're willing, because there's always something we didn't see or notice, or a different way of thinking of things. I don't want to set a schedule, so no one feels any pressure, but I do think that it would be nice if people wanted to volunteer to lead eps some weeks other than me. I'd say just volunteer week by week if you want to lead the next set, and we can go from there. I also thought it might be a good idea to consider other anime or anime movies we want to watch as a group, so that people have time to acquire them before we get to them. If people have no objection, I see no reason why we can't every so often in the middle of a series break for a movie, especially if it's a longer series and we need a change of pace. Just my thoughts, post yours below and we can decide from there.

Wolf's Rain, Episodes 1-2

Discussion time for Wolf's Rain episodes 1 and 2! How long has it been since everyone has seen this show, or has anyone not seen it before? Just a few thoughts to get us started, and then whoever wants to can take the discussion in any direction they choose. First, what's everyone's take on how the wolves appear to be people and wolves at the same time? Thoughts on Darcia and Cheza? Impressions of the wolves we've seen so far, as well as any other characters that took your notice? Animation, cast, music, or other technical comments?

Viewing Schedule for Wolf's Rain

Sounds like the consensus is two episodes a week for everyone, and that works fine for me too. Shall we say that we'll discuss the first two episodes of the series next Friday, July 1st, to give everyone a chance to get hold of the anime and watch them? Then we can discuss two eps a week or increase as people wish after that. Out of curiosity, does anyone feel that we should watch the full series specifically subbed or dubbed for the sake of consistency, or that we can watch as we prefer? I know for some series it makes a big difference, but as I've never seen this one anything but dubbed, I have no idea if this is one of them. Personally, I love this dub, especially as it's one of my favorite Crispin Freeman roles, but I can appreciate that some people prefer subs. Also, let me know if a different day of the week than Friday works better as a deadline, and we can change that as needed.

The Revival Has Come!

Hey guys, it's been a long time, but there are a few of us who thought we'd like to bring this blog back to life and see if we can spark some discussion. Kate, Maenos, and myself have decided we'd like to watch a series together and discuss it on here, and from there hopefully branch out, watch new things, and rewatch some old ones. We're thinking we'd like to watch Wolf's Rain to get things started. It aired on Adult Swim some years ago, just one run, and it's been a while since most of us have seen it. The basic idea is probably going to be something like watching a few episodes a week and then talking about them, since schedules make it hard to actually sit down and watch together in real time. Other suggestions for anime to watch in like manner are welcome, and discussion of new shows you all are watching or old ones you love are always welcome as well, of course. Once we get an idea of how many are participating, we will work out a schedule. Please join us!

Evangelion 1.01: You Are (Not) Alone

This was one of the new release movies I just picked up today (along with Star Trek, but well, that's not really anime). I don't think any of the regulars for this blog really got all that into Evangelion, but I was excited for this reboot at least. Haven't watched it yet, but I was planning on doing so this evening. Anyone interested in discussing, or at least commenting?

Yu Yu Hakusho

I know this is a kind of old anime, and the blog has been dead lately, but I wanted to see what people think of this show. I recently started watching it, and I'm through the first season, with the Dark Tournament just starting, and I must say that I'm quite amused by it so far. I like Yusuke, and Kuwabara makes me laugh. Kurama, while he's got some kind of scary 80's hair and a slightly lame-sounding attack, is pretty badass in his way, and Hiei is too much fun with his attitude. I also like hearing FUNi voice actors in new roles, since I'm starting to get better at picking them out. Justin Cook sounds very young to me, but I don't know his voice well enough yet to know whether he is younger or whether it's just a character voice. Even Laura Bailey sounds good, and her voice is so reminiscent of Tohru from Fruits Basket that it makes me smile, though often it has a harder edge to it. I've heard Jerry Jewell playing a lot of various enemies, and it's great fun to hear him play a jerk, he does well with those roles.

FMA: Brotherhood English Cast

About two hours ago, FUNi released the beginning of the cast list for Brotherhood. You can find them here, but if you're lazy or just don't want ot load it, here's the list:

Ed Elric - Vic Mignogna
Al Elric - Maxey Whitehead
Scar - J. Michael Tatum
Isaac McDougal - Bryan Massey
Winry Rockbell - Caitlin Glass
Roy Mustang - Travis Willingham
Riza Hawkeye - Colleen Clinkenbeard
Maes Hughes - Sonny Strait
Jean Havoc - Mike McFarland
Fuhrer King Bradley - Ed Blaylock
Lust - Laura Baily
Gluttony - Chris Cason

Apparently Aaron Dismuke does have a role in store for him. Quote FUNi, "...something more suited for his new manly voice." One does have to wonder....Someone from the east, perhaps?