Kris' Ramblings

So, while it's not one of the series I talk about - or have tried fanworks for - the 1980's "Transformers" is definitely a strong memory from my childhood. So, it's been a lot of fun to see all the stuff recently released as part of its 40th anniversary.

Like Studio Trigger's amazing music video that manages to reference something from almost everything Transformers released in the US or Japan. I'm not sure about the comics, but the live action movies are included. And, for those like me who never kept up with much of it, here's a meticulously made guide to who's who and from what in each shot.

Plus, the entire first season of the 80's cartoon has been made available as one mega-file officially posted to YouTube.

Oh, and there's also this collection of music from the original 1980's score.

And, while not official or necessarily for the anniversary, YouTuber 87render has done some fantastic and well-made fan animations (also laden with anime references) as well as things like this older short that makes me laugh.

Wow, the spring anime season was good. I watched three series, one I'd been anticipating and two that weren't even on my radar.

First, "Kaiju No. 8". I've been following the manga since it started, and it's a great, fun series with a likeable cast. The anime adds to it some truly awesome action animation and great music. Plus, watching the story's beginning has reminded me how I was hooked in at the start. It's a fantastic show, and I'm happy a second season has already been announced.

Then, there's the shows that I picked up by chance, "Tonari no Yokai-san" and "Wind Breaker".

I thought "Tonari no Yokai-san" was going to be my relaxing show. Just a gentle, Miyazaki-esque drama about a little village where humans and youkai or other supernatural beings live in relative harmony. Plus the bonus of getting to explore such a charming world through the eyes of Buchio, a former housecat who, as he was dying of old age, wanted to stay with his loving family so badly he transformed into a nekomata, a two-tailed youkai cat with shape-changing powers. The show was so much more than I expected. Yes, Buchio was adorable and my favorite character. But, beyond that... Firstly, it's not just the one village - it's an entire world where humans and the supernatural co-exist. We get to see beyond Japan with a brief trip to England, and there's even a (real world style, not sci-fi) space station crewed by humans and other beings. Secondly, well, I won't spoil it. But, the show went places I didn't expect, brought me to tears, and resolved just as it should. (And, no, I don't expect more of this one. It's apparently adapted from a manga that only has four volumes.)

Then, there's the season's surprise favorite, "Wind Breaker". I don't-- How did this happen?! I was promised some great fight animation, so I went in for what I thought would be one episode of an otherwise uninteresting delinquent show. I mean, there weren't even any superpowers! Yet, somehow, I watched and loved the entire season. The animation is stunning with full-bodied fights executed in-camera and each character given a unique fighting style. But, it's so much more than that. The cast is great, each introduced character instantly standing out and almost all of the Bofurin crew having some charm. The lead, Sakura, is especially endearing. Granted, it helps that he reminded me heavily of early Rin from "Blue Exorcist" ;) ...Though he's definitely more of a classic tsundere with that instant blush of his whenever anyone is kind to him. It was a joy to watch his character grow across just thirteen episodes, and I can't wait for the already announced season two!

I recently got my hands on the fantastic "Art of Godzilla: King of the Monsters" book. I had wanted it primarily for all the concept art. It does not disappoint in terms of gorgeous full page spreads of surreally beautiful kaiju art as well as close-up shots of a few gorgeously detailed clay models. I was a little disappointed to see very few rough sketches, and at least one two page spread is laid out rather poorly with Godzilla himself almost lost in the gutter/fold of the book. Still, the art is wonderful and the interviews and discussions were fascinating. I don't think I've read anything on the movie-making process in years, and the amount of digital storyboarding that goes into a modern special effects extravaganza is impressive.

And, while I'm talking Godzilla, let's throw in my (nonspoiler) commentary on "Godzilla x Kong: The New Empire". (Does anyone know how you're supposed to say "Godzilla x Kong"? Do you pronounce the X? Is it a stand-in for "plus"? "With"? "Multiplied by"? "Cross" like so many anime use it?)

Anyway, it was a very fun movie. The plot was much more coherent than "Godzilla vs. Kong", the returning human characters were used well, and the monster fights were good fun. The last movie felt like I'd missed an installment where technology suddenly took a leap forward, and I had the sense the villains' background was left on the cutting room floor. (Though I have some hope the Monarch series might fill the latter in. Yes, it's on my watchlist.) This one felt like a much more natural continuation of previous movies, and I enjoyed the new character, Trapper. "Kaiju vet" is a cool job title. There should be a slice of life manga or something about adventures in kaiju veterinary practice. Like the world discovered that most of them are only rampaging because of a sore tooth or something.

Also, Godzilla curling up in the Colosseum in Rome like a cat was oddly adorable, and I love that it's inspired a flood of even more adorable art. Like this and this.

A few weeks ago, I managed to catch an IMAX showing of "Godzilla Minus One". It immediately took the spot as the best Godzilla movie I've seen and the best movie I saw all year. It's magnificent.

I've always felt that the human storylines in kaiju movies are necessary and not just filler because, without people to care about, there's no story. But, "Minus One" is the first time the human story became the best part of the movie to me. I was never waiting for the movie to get back to the good stuff with Godzilla. Not that Godzilla's scenes are in any way lacking. In fact, for the first time, I found him genuinely frightening. Mainly because Toho finally abandoned their oneupsmanship game with Legendary and, rather than making an ever larger Godzilla, made him smaller again. At a size that's terrifyingly huge but not so huge he's a walking mountain, unaware of the tiny lives skittering away from him. He is very, very aware, and that's what makes him terrifying.

It wasn't the most fun-for-my-inner-child Godzilla entry and certainly not an easy watch for me. It was by turns tense and gut-wrenching and heartbreaking, but, by the end, I was ready to stand and cheer. Ultimately, it was a triumphant, uplifting story, and I can't wait to see it again.

And, now there's a trailer for the upcoming Gamera series that really shows off the kaiju! So far, I'm liking what I see with the updates to so many of the classic monsters from the Showa series. Nice to see someone besides Gyaos finally make a second appearance, and the update to Viras really takes advantage of the non-suit medium to make him properly squid-like. Of course, the question remains: will Gamera once again treat him like a jet-ski?

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.

So, here's a bit more SWAT Katty-ness:

First, I decided to color a little doodle I did of Felina. It's not much, but I'm slowly trying to get back into my art groove.

Then, one of the YouTube channels I follow recently covered SWAT Kats!

So, I'd been wanting to decorate the main room in the house with a few fannish touches. Recently, I remembered an absolutely gorgeous little journal with FMA's flamel symbol that jordannamorgan gave me. I also had a replica State Alchemist's pocket watch that was a present from my brother. So, I ordered a watch display jar and voila! They look fantastic together.

Well, I've gotten a few little things done lately. Namely, updating the SWAT Kats Fan Art Page with five new pieces from returning artist Cody.

I've also updated my main SK site, but it's not really anything of note. Just taking down the Christmas decorations (yes, I know I'm late) and doing some backend clean-up.

In fannish news, I'm excited to see that "The Devil is a Part-Timer" series is finally getting a new animated season! I loved the first season and have been slowly reading my way through the translated light novels the show is based on.

Otherwise, I'm currently watching the short "Pacific Rim: The Black" animated series on Netflix. The first episode had some great and some meh. I want to like it because "Pacific Rim", but we'll see how it goes.

I kept forgetting to take a good photo of this, but finally here it is: the incredibly nifty (and shiny) Enforcer pin courtesy SWATKats.info and the MoDaD. Many, many thanks for this!

I'm going to need a new stand and possibly a bigger corner for my little SWAT Kat collection. Not that I'm complaining ;)