Kris' Ramblings

I'm late to the party, but I finally discovered another great online animated series - Monkey Wrench. It follows the misadventures of the perpetually broke mercenary outfit Monkey Wrench as they take on various odd jobs across the galaxy. The group consists of the chaotic, trigger-happy Shrike Sanchez, his more level-headed partner, Bulldog "Beebs" Browns, and their much-abused spaceship, the Bucket. The closest thing I can compare it to tone-wise is "Guardians of the Galaxy". It would be rated PG to a low PG-13 and has a similar sense of comedic sociopathy. But, like "Guardians", it knows when to dial down the crazy and have some sincere emotions as well. Shrike and Beebs are good friends who play off one another well, and the latest episode, "Us & Them", had some great moments for them. (And, made me sniffle due to other parts.) Of course, let's face it, I love the Red One, Blue Oni trope. I mean, just look at most of my favorites... T-Bone and Razor. Ed and Al. Rin and Yukio.

Otherwise, the animation is great, the storytelling is excellent, and there's also some sweet worldbuilding going on with little details scattered through the episodes that are slowly painting a picture I can't wait to see fill out.

First Gamera, now everyone else is getting new projects!

First, AnE/Blue Exorcist is finally getting a new anime! Based on the rough drawings and animatics shown on the official website, I'm guessing they're picking up where the Kyoto Arc left off in animating the manga as the images seem to be from the Inari Arc. Hopefully, they'll continue through the end this time as the manga feels only a few chapters away from its finale.

Next, there's Kaiju No. 8 getting an anime. This is a manga I haven't mentioned much but have been following for a couple years and much enjoying. It's not a favorite-favorite, but it's a solidly fun comfort food sort of series. Sometimes, I just want to see quirky characters fight monsters with super-powers, cool tech, and camaraderie. I'm a simple gal at heart.

Lastly, I'm happy to see that the adorable Spy x Family is slated for yet another season plus a movie.

And, it's not new, but while I'm fangirling, I'm also going to mention "Villainous/Villanos", a cartoon centered around the evil Black Hat Organization, which offers gadgets and other services to villains struggling with those pesky superheroes. I haven't watched anything from Cartoon Network in years because I didn't care for their brand of humor. So, of course, when I did, I'd pick the series that's not available in the US. But, a friend and some YouTube clips intrigued me, and, with some help, I've now been able to watch all six full episodes, the shorts, and most of the (subtitle only) specials. It's a very fun show. It's not usually my thing to like a show expressly about the bad guys, but I really have been missing old-school over-the-top, evil-and-loving-it cartoon villains. And, goodness knows eldritch abomination bad boss Black Hat definitely fills that role with his wicked cultured facade... behind which lurks fangs, tentacles, and a guy who will spoil your favorite show as readily as he'll devour souls for payment. Besides, there's always adorable experiment 505 and comically abused chief mad scientist, Flug, to root for.

Random Personal Chatter: Sage and I got to reminiscing last night and took a little trip down memory lane (and the internet), recalling some of our favorite '80's cartoons and movies.

Anyone else remember:

The Mysterious Cities of Gold? I want to see this series again. I want to see the last episode for the first time! It was the most infuriating thing. I saw the series all the way through several times and, every time, something came up on the day they were going to air the ending, and I never saw it! (No, I couldn't tape it. At that age, the vcr was off limits on pain of death.) Sadly, at present, the only DVD offered seems to be in French. Just French. No English subtitle option even. Poo.

Update 10/5/2014: The entire series was released on DVD with the English dub a few years ago. I snapped it up and am glad I did as it's since gone out of print. However, the complete series is available on Amazon Instant Video.

And, Voltron: Defender of the Universe? Wow, I used to obsess on Voltron. I still have my toys. Well, I have the lions, though the green one's head is missing. And, I've managed to find most of the figures again. Oh, and my coloring books! Heh, and I learned something new last night - Voltron was originally an anime called... GoLion????. I think renaming it "Voltron" was a good idea. I think having Sven just leave abruptly after one of the first few episodes so they could cover up that he died in the original anime was a dumb idea. I always used to wonder where on earth he got to.

Watership Down? - Awesome movie, awesome book. Didn't even know the book existed until seventh grade when I found it in the school library... and then discovered shortly after that it was in the library because my English teacher had her students read it every year. The reading and discussion of one of my favorite stories in class was awesome. Except I thought the teacher sucked some of the fun out of it by over-analyzing and the other students, having read the book first, didn't, in my opinion, properly appreciate the movie... but whatcha gonna do?

Danger Mouse? - I used to think this show had the best theme song ever. I also liked Count Duckula.

Saber Rider and the Star Sheriffs? I've never seen this one myself, but this is an old favorite of Sage's.

And, lastly, how about Mom's favorite old cartoon memory (yes, she kinda got into the conversation too) - The Mighty Orbots? I never saw this either. Apparently, it came on just after Mom had packed me and my brother out the door to ride to school with Dad. Mom wants to see it again. So, if you ever see any copies for sale (that aren't $50 like what I found on Ebay last night - Gah! Fifty bucks for one VHS tape still in the packaging that might not even work?! Guess it's because it's so rare...), drop me a line!

Trips down memory lane are fun.

Quote of the Day: "He fell down the stairs and stabbed himself with a leprechaun." (Misheard off some soap opera playing back in my grandmother's room while I ate lunch. The line was repeated and I realized it was a "letter opener" not a "leprechaun"... but a leprechaun would have made it better.)