Set in a futuristic Japan after the end of a brutal world war, science has advanced by leaps and bounds giving humanity the choice to prolong life and reduce suffering with the use of sophisticated cybernetics.
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Takeru and his Leadership Committee comrades are the last line of defense when it comes to ridding Tenbei Academy of mischievous Maken users. But saving all these succulent student bodies from a hoard of hocus pocus hornballs is no easy trick. Not when there's a pervy creeper pinning bras to the bulletin boars, a magical feline turning coed cuties into irresistible sex kittens, and a must see manga fest where the costumes get mysteriously shrunken down to scandalous sizes! Through it all, Takeru keeps his mind on the mammaries and the mammaries on his mind as the luscious ladies of the Leadership Committee prove that their magic is breast in class!
If I was to describe Maken-Ki! in word that word will be hilarious. I didn't get a chance to see season 1 of the show. In fact I was skeptical about entering a season and show with a blind eye. Usually when I watch anything I like to start from the first season, this way I have a full understanding of the characters, plot, setting and tone of the show. Thankfully Maken-Ki! is a show that you can start from the season 2 and still understand everything that has happen previously. Maken-Ki! succeeds because of the way the story is presented, writing, voice acting and animation. This show doesn't take itself seriously and knows what to do or say to deliver the comedic laughs. As a comedy show it does something some anime shows do, that necessarily don't work but here it does. The show constantly breaks the forth wall and say things that the audience might be thinking. As I was watching the show there was a harem scene and I was saying to myself okay this is cliche. Long and behold one of the characters points out the scene as a typical anime cliche and proceeded to end the cliche. It moments like this that really deliver and worked for me. The show is aware that it's not something we haven't seen before, and it points that out when they do something that has been done tons of times.
In addition I must stress that this show is NOT FOR YOUR KIDS! Part of what makes Maken-Ki a funny show is the an adult/immature humor. The jokes, situations are not for everyone. There is tons of boob jokes, sexual situations and fan service. If you're not a fan of fan service this show might not be for you. Maken-Ki! is uncut and does show everything expect for the genitalia. The characters are teenagers and what usually is on the mind of a perverted teenage male? The answer to that is sex of course. The fan service and sex jokes work in this anime because it's part of the story and it's not doing fans ervice or being perverted, misogynistic just for the sake of it. The story has perverted characters and the show is just showcasing what perverts do. However beyond the jokes, perverted antics and what some might consider misogynistic behavior. Maken-Ki has a lot of heart and a few messages along the way. A few messages hidden in the show is women empowerment. For every perverted joke, misogynistic act by our male protagonist there was an action from the girls correcting them. The female characters make it known of their independence, strength and definitely that their not objects. One episode that stuck with me was episode 5. Here our protagonist Takeru is stuck on an island with the school nurse. While he thinks this could be a chance to capitalize on the situation he instead learns about this woman's life, her insecurity and we as audience see that Takeru can be serious when he needs to be. It's one of the highlights of the show with a great production, pacing and stellar voice casting.
Overall if you want a good laugh, not easily offended and know that a show might is not taken seriously this one is for you. The voice acting is enjoyable both English and Japanese dub. The animation is good with a lot of shots of fan service. There is some hidden messages and themes to pay attention once you look beyond the jokes. The show is enjoyable, smart and delivers a good time.
Blu- Ray Features Note - The Blu-Ray features commentary from the people who worked on the show. They describe characters and what's it like filming. Very funny as well.
Final Score 4 out of 5 Stars.
Teman and his best friend Jasim are thieves for hire in the 11th century; living a life of relative freedom. When they're caught after a job goes wrong, they are given a choice: dungeons or place pleasure slave. Iron collar or gold. Vowing to escape, the pair chooses pleasure slave and end up serving the royal court and their guests.
Bathasar is a reluctant prince uninterested in the throne. When Teman saves Bathasar's life and in return is publically abused by Bathasar's brother, Mukesh, Bathasar becomes infatuated with Teman. When Mukesh's sadism threatens war with another nation, Bathasar must step up to save his country. However, rising to rule would give him the power to release Teman from slavery and Bathasar must decide if he can let Teman go.
Despite how trippy it is for me to read an audiobook, narrated in my edition by Joel Leslie, this book is long, decadent, and very heavy on the sex scenes. You're pretty deep into the book (around chapter 10) before the story between Bathasar and Teman kicks off. This is not the book for you if you don't like a slow build to your romance or massive amounts of man on man sex (since you get several full chapters on the 'training'). But if you like a well developed, smutty, and beautifully written (and spoken, in this case) romance in a historically based setting, 'Choices' is an amazing book. I'd give it a 4.5 out of 5 for being nearly perfect; as I tended to zone out during some of the sex scenes waiting for the plot to keep going.
For more reivews: check me out at Haunting Hypatia at literaryloon.com
The Justice League battle the Legion of Doom which consists of Lex Luthor, Solomon Grundy, Cheetah, Weather Wizard, and Toymaster.
Read MoreAdventures of the Tomb Raider continue as this epic video game is brought to life in the Dark Horse published comic book.
Read MoreThe Official Movie Game for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice. Mankind faces a new threat as darkness falls on Gotham and Metropolis. A personal vendetta has been made, side between Batman or Superman to set the record straight. Race against time and go the distance. Dodge obstacles, collect power-ups and battle against your opponent. Who Will Win is an endless runner and the Official Movie Game for Batman v Superman: Dawn of Justice.
Set in Los Angeles, California, the series follows a dysfunctional family composed of high school guidance counselor Madison Clark, her English teacher boyfriend Travis Manawa, her daughter Alicia, her drug-addicted son Nick, and Travis' son from a previous marriage, Chris, at the onset of the zombie apocalypse. They must either revamp themselves or cling to their deep flaws as they come to terms with the impending collapse of civilization.
Fear The Walking Dead is the prequel to hit series on AMC “The Walking Dead.” The Blu-Ray/DVD will be released tomorrow March 22nd on 2016 and if you’re a fan of the franchise this is a must buy. One thing I really like about the show it’s more focus on the characters more than the actual event. This is the birth of the zombie apocalypse and what is happening to the people around it. The pacing of the show is much slower than The Walking Dead. However the build up to the actual event is intense, engaging and scary at times. Characters like Madison Clark played greatly by Kim Dickens and Travis Manawa by Cliff Curtis. The show focuses mostly on how the citizens and family are dealing with this epicdeimic. It’s more of a personal story surrounding these characters. While the zombie apocalypse is on the horizon you still get real human drama to the story. Such as Alicia the daughter of Madison who is going through her teenage girl phase. Nick who has a drug addiction and the relationship between Travis, his son and his ex-wife all comes together. The focus more on the human dynamic of the people around the beginning of this epidemic is a big focal point. In these six episodes questions are raised but not all are explain. Overall the first six episodes are great.
The Blu-Ray Special Edition is pack with special features that give fans a more in depth look at the show. Which I really enjoyed.
Pilot Episode: The Widescreen Version - For those who likes more of the Widescreen format for the television show. The special feature has the entire pilot in widescreen. I actually like the pilot in this format. It felt more like a movie.
Inside Fear The Walking Dead: This feature has the actors and executive producers breaking down the overall plot, characterization of each episode. Each section is about 4 to 6 minutes long. If you like more of information on how actors see the characters from each episode or just want a more in depth overview. This is a great section.
Fear The Beginning: This another more in depth look at actors and executive producers perspective on characters and story line.
Five Things You Need To Survive: This was a very fun special feature where the cast gives a list of 5 things they will need to survive. Spoiler alert Cliff Curtis needs positive music with him. I can agree with that. You will need something uplifting during the zombie apocalypse.
Locations LA & Vancouver : The cast and executive producers talk about shooting in locations LA & Vancouver. This was one of my favorite features. Not only does the feature gives us a behind the scenes look at the filming. We get a better understanding of why LA was chosen for the show and how certain interior scenes were film for the show. As someone who thinks that the setting is a character in itself. It was great to here an explanation of how LA was the choice location and why.
Other special features such as Quarantined, The Faces of Fear and The Infected offer more looks into the show. There is also some delete scenes which I did enjoyed I just wish there was an indication on what episodes it was deleted from. My favorite special feature is Stunts and Anarchy. This gives a behind the scenes look at how certain stunts were done like Nick car hit from the pilot. Overall the special edition is nicely put together. You get an in depth look at the show, great audio commentary with some great behind scenes stories and the show is great.
Final Score 4/5
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How the future will turn out is anybody's guess, but in the world of Saber Rider, a galactic peace-keeping force called Star Sheriffs help the local law of different planets to keep the peace.
Read MoreJapan's most popular rhythm action game is now available in English! Manage the school idol group "μ's" (Muse) from the "Love Live!" series and help them perform great performances! Tap the screen in time to the music in this fast-paced and fun music game.
A sexually-transmitted disease aggressively spreads across the world. But this is one disease people actually want to catch: a disease that makes those infected physically beautiful. Two years after the Beauty burst onto the scene, over half of America is infected.
Read MoreIn a world, where on that fateful day in New York, the Ghostbusters did NOT cross streams, and were thus unable to destroy Gozer or close his portal. Now, 31 days later, NYC has descended into chaos and ruin, ruled with the deliciously soft fist of… THE STAY-PUFT MARSHMALLOW MAN!
Read MoreWhen evil threatens the world, the world calls on Broforce - an under-funded, over-powered paramilitary organization dealing exclusively in excessive force. Brace your loins with up to four players to run ‘n’ gun as dozens of different bros and eliminate the opposing terrorist forces that threaten our way of life.
**Warning: This review may contain spoilers for book one; "Darkhaven" reviewed here.**
In this sequel to "Darkhaven," Ayla Nightshade is adjusting to being the new overlord of Mirrorvale, and being able to freely transform into her changer self; a fire-winged alicorn. She also has settled into her relationship with Tomas Caraway; the infamous Breakblade who is now a hero for saving Ayla's life in the first book. The conflict here is an assassin has been sent to kill Ayla and the secret that pistols can harm changers has managed to leak from the walls of Mirrorvale. Since Tomas is currently accepting new recruits into the Helm, the assassin could be among them.
Like the first book, this story revolves around the hunt for the true identity of a killer. Despite the repeated theme, the tension, character development, and pacing are well worth the read. In this second installment, we learn more about the cities surrounding Mirrorvale, the nature of changers, and the impact of guns being introduced into a fantastical, steampunkish (because there's airships and airships = steampunk, apparently). In addition, many books in a series get sappy and annoying when the romantic interests finally pair off but not here. The relationship between Ayla and Tomas is there but it doesn't take over or drag down the plot. It was refreshing to see the couple still retain their individuality, face conflict in their relationship, yet still remain a united force.
When the assassin is revealed and everything is wrapped up, it feels satisfying for the journey is took to get there. Each character's weaknesses and strengths are faced with grace in a well-built fantasy world and the concepts brought forth - such as the use of alchemy - leave the potential for interesting story avenues in the future. If there is a third novel in this series; I look forward to reading it.
If you like detailed world-building, fantasy creatures, and intriguing assassination plots, you will enjoy this book.
“Check out Lenni’s site at atthequillsmercy.com”
On March 14th 2016 at New York City Irving Plaza the WagakkiBand had their first concert ever in New York City.
Read MoreFour years (2116AD) after the death of Shogo Makishima and the disappearance of Shinya Kōgami, the Japanese government has begun to export the Sibyl System technology to other countries, with plans to ultimately spread it throughout the world.
Psycho Pass: The Movie proves that there is a reason this franchise has been so popular these past five years. It's has great cases, storytelling and cyberpunk atmosphere can be compared to the legendary Ghost in The Shell. As stated in the synopsis above the Sibyl System has begun to reach other countries. This system is charged with keeping the peace. It uses extensive surveillance and biological monitoring to gauge the likelihood that individuals will commit a crime. The police use weapons called "Dominators" that is able to eliminate potential criminals before they act. However when Japan begins to spread the Sibyl System a group of terrorist called Seaun attack. This brings Inspector Akane Tsunemori on the job. Akane travels to Shambhala Float where the terrorists are seem to be hiding. Here she encounters an old ally Shinya Kogami but who side is he on.
Psycho Pass: The Movie is a fun, action packed ride with great set pieces. It also has a few heart warming scenes to make you feel for the people outside of Japan. One of my favorite scenes in the film is when Akane arrives at Shambhala Float. As she is being taken to where she will stay, she sees poverty, military martial law and collars attach to people who are labeled criminals. The Sibyl System has arrived but not fully yet, so the Shambhala Float government uses their own means to deal with people. This naturally raises suspicion for Akane as she begins her investigation on not just the terrorist group but the government itself. Akane is a great protagonist to watch on screen. She is strong, stubborn but at the same time vulnerable in her moments alone. One thing I wish was explored more was that alone feeling she shows a little bit when her friend announces her marriage. She then goes home and you see taken a shower and then just sitting on the couch thinking about life. She thinks about maybe what could've been if she took another path. It's these quiet but brief moments that made me connect with her character. She also has a great chemistry with her former ally Shinya Kogami.
Fans will enjoy the different ideals that go back and forth between the two characters. One character is about order and doing what needs to be done. The other doesn't agree with the system and with the amount screentime both characters get its great to see that element. Overall the story is great but if you never seen the show you might be confused. The movie doesn't spend time to explain much of the already established world. Side characters that have development on the show don't really get much screentime. If you haven't watched the show be prepared to ask who is that person or what is that weapon.
The voice acting is great in both English and Japanese dub. Kate Oxley is wonderful as Akane and Robert McCollum plays a very driven but complex Shinya Kogami. As far as action goes the best scene are with a group of mercenaries. The scenes with then on screen is brutal and had me saying okay he's dead already stop stabbing him. If you want a good cyberpunk time check out Psycho Pass : The Movie which hits theaters for 2 days only on March 14th and 15th.
Final Grade 8.0/10: B-
BATMAN'S ARSENAL: An Unauthorized Encyclopedic Chronicle, by MATT MACNABB, documents the entire scope and history of Batman's incredible crime-fighting tools from the famous cowl, the awesome Batmobile, the catacomb-like Batcave to the tank-like Tumbler - the unique weapons Batman employs to keep Gotham safe.
Read MoreStory- Rinka is a normal Tokyo high-schooler with big dreams and a small income. She works a part-time job to support her and her single dad, but she yearns for the day she’ll get to loosen the strings on her pocketbook. Her ordinary life takes a turn for the extraordinary when she witnesses a penguin and a school of fish flying through the air. After one of the fish seems to pass through her, she wakes up in her apartment building with no clothes on and no memory of the strange phenomenon save for a mysterious ability to pass through solid objects. With her newfound powers, Rinka is about to learn just how transparent the world can be.
If anime had it's very own X-Men style type of show Tokyo ESP will probably be close to it. Right from the opening sequence Tokyo ESP established a city in chaos. A city where people with unique abilities the Espers are terrorizing the humans. The Espers believe they are evolution and the new race of man and that they should rule over the humans. They are lead by a powerful Esper who simply known as The Professor. He has the power of illusion and he's very driven to see the end of humanity. However not all Espers feel this way. There are a small group of people who believe in peace, balance and harmony. This group is lead by Rinka a student who biggest worry was how she was going to support her family. It's not until Rinka discover she has been chosen as an Esper that her life and perspective changes. Rinka was an enjoyable protagonist to watch. Although I found her less compelling compare to other characters. If you compare her to the other characters Rinka is kind of the one note hero. The hero who is going to do what's right no matter what. She's stubborn and once her mind is made up that's it. While I did enjoy her arc of learning to be a hero I found the supporting cast and the antagonists more enjoyable. The reasons for this feeling is the supporting cast and antagonists have more deeper arcs that I think the audience will connect with more.
Tokyo ESP is a smart action anime. While there are plenty of battles to be seen in the show. The real battles come from within. As stated above the supporting cast and antagonists all have deeper arcs compare to our protagonist. Each character has some inner demon that they need to conquer before the shows conclusion. Characters like Ayumu who has a mother who is a politician that wages war against Espers. She hates Espers and thinks they should be eradicated. The problem with Ayumu situation is that he is an Esper and his mother doesn't know. Our big bad The Professor has a reason for his hatred for humanity. I won't spoil it but I love this overall theme of the importance of family, the effects of broken families and how one moment, one day can change everything. The show doesn't beat you over the head with its message of family and the importance of keeping your humanity. However it does get its point across through various characters and their personal demons. One of the most compelling narrative on the show is between Minami and Kyotaro. Minami is a big focal point because she is conflicted. She wants to support The Professor but she still has love for Kyotaro who has sided with Rinka. It's a conflicted narrative that pays off well in the end. Overall I was surprised by the narrative. I expected a funny, action anime instead I got a smart, compelling narrative with great characters.
Voice Acting: The English dub cast was well put together. Sarah Wiendheft as Rinka was great. She brought this strength to the character that connected with me. When Rinka is angry you feel it, when she's depressed, feeling defeated Sarah definitely let you hear it. Adam Dahlberg plays Kyotaro. Loved his performance in this. Kyotaro is really laid back, optimistic type of guy and I felt Adam really captured this smooth, suave character that also has conflicting values. Mallorie Rodak as Minami was a home run. Mallorie plays confliction very well. Every time she's on screen with Kyotaro you hear this strong stance but just a little crack of vulnerability in her voice which is Minami. My favorite character to watch was definitely The Professor played Jefferey Schmidt. You hear his voice as The Professor and you immediately say okay there's our bad guy. However he plays The Professor so well that I was actually cheering for him. The Professor is very persuasive, cunning and Jeffery voice capture that. It's hard to side with Rinka when you have this guy voice trying to convince you to join him. It's hard to say no to a guy like that. Finally one of my standout performance is Ayumu played by Morgan Berry. It's not easy to play a teenage boy and I thought capture Ayumu well. Deep enough to know it's a guy character and high enough to know he still going through puberty. My favorite scene is with Ayumu and his mother confrontation with the Espers. It's one of the character highlights and a moving scene. Japanese dub purists have no fear the English dub does the show justice and worthy of your watch.
Music & Animation: The soundtrack was good but not memorable. The background themes hit all the proper notes. I just wish there was more sad composition to capture more of the eternal struggle of the characters. Animation was great and enjoy the combination of CG with 2d which is the norm of anime these days. The action sequences were well placed, while other shows gave better action this one has hold his own. Just know that Minami steals the show.
Final Grade 8.5/10/B+: Tokyo ESP is an anime show to check out. Great compelling characters, strong performances. The ending leaves you wanting more and hopefully there will be more. The universe is now created and the team is assembled.
Bonus Note: The Blu-ray/DVD combo pack has some great commentaries on the episode. If you want a more in depth look on the show check that out.
In this book, we meet the intelligent and strong-willed Lucy Pickett and the brooding, enigmatic Lord Blackwell. As this story is set within the classic framework of Beauty and the Beast, our two main characters fulfill their intended roles. Where the creativity lies in this book is the steampunk and fantasy elements Allen has woven into the narrative; introducing classic steampunk tropes as goggles and airships as well as werewolves and vampires.
Lucy and Blackwell meet because Lucy's cousin has fallen ill and Lucy refuses to leave her side until she discovers the truth. As she is a researcher and familiar with plant-based remedies, Lucy stays with her cousin at Blackwell's manor. Meanwhile, Lord Blackwell is hiding a secret from the world and someone is attempting to blackmail him; and rumors surrounding the mysterious deaths of his wife and sister put him in a dangerous position. As the mystery unfolds, the pair predictably fall in love, but as predictable as it is - this is a romance novel, after all - Lucy is an interesting character to read about and Lord Blackwell's reasons for being curt and brash are grounded in reality. He's not angsty for angst's sake and his transformation from 'beast' into a man Lucy can love is believable.
The steampunk and fantasy elements are a good portion of the story, so while the elements of a historical romance are there if you're not into the paranormal or steampunk, those parts of the story may put you off. They do fit seamlessly into the world building and make a generic romance that much more exciting. Of course, it really helps that none of the women are simpering debutantes and the men aren't empty, emo sacks of angst in frock coats. They are all well rounded with solid motivations despite the fantastical setting. If you like your romances sweet, non-smutty, and with some interesting tech, Allen's book is a treat! Alas, you shall have to wait until August 2nd, 2016 to get your little hands on it.
The Walking Dead: Michonne stars the iconic character from the comic book series haunted by her past and coping with unimaginable loss and regret. The story explores her untold journey during the time between issues #126 and #139.
Review of The Beast & The Boy Soundtrack
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