TokiDoki How I LOVE Thee!

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So, it's no secret that I'm a ginormous fan of Tokidoki. Recently, I got a sneak peek to their Spring 2011 bag collection. *le siiihgh* Usually, I'm excited to see Legno's characters overlap to but this bag was way less than what I've ever expected of the brand. The design wasn't "whack", in my opinion. I just think the punchline wasn't their ... like they put out an idea that they're going to build on.

Hmmm ... now that I think of it, I hope that's what they're planning on doing. If so, oh boy that's be a brilliant way to bait people in. "Why?", you ask. Well, because I know I'm not the only one in this world who'll still continue looking at Tokidoki and following the brand, even after this (in our eyes) miss.



Well, I'll remain hopeful. For now, I was able to discuss the artistic perspective of this with two of my artist friends, Terry Biddle and Darryl Bennett. Here's what they think of the brand and how they felt about sneak preview.

IKB: When you think TokiDoki, what comes to mind?
DB: Superflat style, bubble gum pop
TB: Japanese influence without "mimicry"

IKB: What's your favorite tokidoki piece (that you own or admire) and what about it do you like?
DB: I like there bags and purses where they are covered with Tokidoki characters, I love that collage of their characters.
TB: I just own one hat, but I love his t-shirts (Simone Legno). I find his artwork to be really inspirational. I'm really into creating characters (I have been since I was a kid), and I have a real interest in producing apparel, toys and other merchandising featuring my characters.
I work as a designer full time, and an illustrator/artist in my free time...so I'm really inspired by people that seem to straddle the line between those worlds. That's the happy medium I'd hope to someday achieve.


IKB: What do you think of the sneak peek in comparison to products you've seen? What would get you to buy it?
DB: I just seen this cheap looking purse with these sparrows on it, it kinda looks like he is trying to re-invent Ed Hardy stuff, which i have no issue with cause he is taking a idea thats been done and making it his own, but the build of the purse just looks like some mall kiosk embroidery stuff.
TB: This looks more tattoo inspired than his other work. As a dude, I'd probably only buy it if my wife wants it. ;)



until next time!
~je t'adore



Anime Plushies Pt.2

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Well I'am back with more cool Anime Plushies that I found at Amazon.com. I' am starting to become a plush collector. While I was browsing these plushies caught my eye. These are really adorable! Which one do you think I should get? Cloud is so cute with his eyes, holding Aerith. I'am a huge Soul Eater fan and I have Maka, maybe I should finish that first. I know our friend Jamila would love L Eating Plush. Anyway like Pokemon I want to collect them all. Anime Rules!!!











Incest In Anime A Recurring Theme?

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You know I have watch tons of Anime and I have notice something. Anime has a lot of incest. Whether it's cousin on cousin relationship, brother and sister etc. Believe or not the theme of incest has been around a long time in Anime. My question is what is with the trend? Why are so many Anime characters staying inside the family? Let's take a deep look at Anime incest that's not Hentai.

Kouta & Yuka

Kouta and Yuka are from the Anime "Elfen Lied." These two are very close and I mean very close. Childhood friends sometimes when they get older hook up. These two are childhood cousins. Who has the stronger feelings? Yuka is the one who loves Kouta. She constantly gets jealous when she is not getting his attention. Even when Kouta is taking care of the orphan girl Myu, she is jealous. However Kouta finally gives in and confesses his love for Yuka as well.

Kyle & Minmei

There is some real debate with Robotech fans, whether Minmei loved Kyle back. I don't think she did. However it is clear that Kyle loved Minmei. He even forced a kiss on Minmei. He was constantly jealous of Rick's and Minmei's relationship. It wasn't just the fact the Rick was in the military that Kyle hated. Did Minmei have any type of feelings for Kyle? I think she did, but never really fully acted on it like she did with Rick. Either way Kyle's love for Minmei makes a worthy mention.

Takeru & Mari

Takeru & Mari are cousins. Only this time around Mari is in love with Takeru. She is similar to Yuka and gets jealous when Takeru is taking care of other girls. Like Yuka, Mari is annoying and immature. Only difference is that Takeru doesn't feel the same way and just says thanks.

Setsuna & Sara

Setsuna & Sara are from the Anime OVA "Angel Sanctuary." This is a brother and sister type of love. It's very complex since they both reincarnations of Angels. Even in there reincarnations there is an incest thing going on.

There are tons and tons of more incest love in the world of Anime. I've seen so much incest in Anime that it's becoming the norm now. Usually it's kissing cousins but rarely it's brother and sister, or mother and son etc. However why do you think there are so many incest couples in Anime? Why does it keep recurring? Let us know your thoughts on this subject. Does it annoy you? Are you used to it? I know some parents who won't let their child watch certain Anime with incest theme. Even though I think that's going extreme I can see why. Anyway let us know what you think in the commment section.

International Superheroes (Indonesia)

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It's time to travel again our dear Otakus and Geeks. This time we are taking a trip to Indonesia, to see what type of Superheroes they have.

Blacan

Blacan witnessed his parents getting killed. He later trains under Martial Arts to avenge his parents, and take out the evil Badgar Bedugal.

Gundala

Gundala is a scientist who invented the Anti Shock serum for lightning. After his breaking up with his girlfriend. He is struck by lightning and transported to the land of lightning. Here he mets the ruler of the land is adopted and trained. Gundala has the powers of speed and shooting lightning.

Aquanus

Aquanus is an alien who crashed on earth. Living in the ocean changes his metabolism giving the ability to breathe underwater. His powers are able to live underwater and shooting energy blasts from his belt.

Kalong

Kalong is a kid who was hunting in the woods with his father. Just like any kid he gets lost in the woods. He is rescue by group of bat like creatures, they give him powers to use. He can talk to animals and summon them to help fight in battles.

Godam

Godam has the ability of flight and super strength. He is the son of the Commander who was accused of treason. His father unable to escape sends him into the river. Here Godam is found and raised by a chief name Gedibalbanda. After Gedibalbanda dies, Godam goes onto a journey to get an magical amour.

Robotech: Love & War (Comic Review)

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Title: Robotech: Love & War
Author: Jay Faerber, Tommy Yune & Ken Siu-Chong
Illustrator: Long Vo & Jo Chen
Number Of Volumes: 6
Pages: 135


Story - Robotech: Love & War follows the relationship, of Max & Miriya from a more backstory angle, including Max's early friendship with Ben on Macross Island before the launch of the SDF-1. Includes the companion story "Little White Dragon," about Minmei's first movie.

This comic really follows closely with the show. If you seen the show, then you already know the events that will take place. However what makes this a fun read is we get to see it unfold from Max's eyes. We see get to see how close Max and Ben were before the SDF-1. We get a to see how protective Ben's parents were and how they trusted Max to protect him. The story is told through Dana just like the show, however we get a more in depth look at Max. Max is one of the key figures of the Robotech Saga and to see how he became a pilot was nice. Another great edition is we find out what it was like for Minmei filming her first movie. In the "Little White Dragon" section we see how rocky Rick and Minmei relationship really was. It was constant miss communications and selfishness on Minmei's part. The story is well written and it's cool that they included dialog from the show. If you are fan of Robotech it's a nice quick read to see Max's backstory. My enjoyment really came from reading Max and Ben's relationship. The bond these two had was really deep, they were best friends, until Ben's meets his fate. That is the highlight of the whole series is Max's reaction to Ben's death. Overall this is a cool read, but if you seen the show it's nothing new.

Art


The artwork is beautiful. This really captures the world of Robotech in full detail. Each page will have you saying "Wow this is like watching the show." I really love the close up shots on the characters. The illustrators made sure that each page was in detail for the fans. Even the action sequences screams Robotech, the artwork is something to see.

Final Grade A-/9.0 - Robotech: Love & War is a fun read for a little more look at Max and Ben. It's nice to see what it was like for Minmei's first movie experience. If you love Robotech then give this a look. It's nothing new to you, but some dots are connected. The artwork is beautiful and you'll the action sequences.

Time Of Eve US Premiere Coming To NYICFF In March

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The Anime film "Time Of Eve" is getting it's USA premiere at the NYICFF. Read the details below.

US PREMIERE - Covering territory explored by Blade Runner and I, Robot, Time of Eve is an exquisitely drawn, sci-fi allegory that probes questions of artificial intelligence and emotions, while flirting with the moral and personal implications of human-robot romance.

It is the future and household androids are becoming common. Completely lifelike and indistinguishable from humans, androids are programmed to serve with devotion – so it is no wonder that highschooler Rikuo begins to have unsettling feelings towards his android Sammy, feelings heightened when he discovers a curious phrase recorded in her activity log, “Are you enjoying the Time of Eve?” Investigating with his buddy Masaki, they discover an enigmatic underground café, a robot safe-zone, where androids and humans interact as equals – in apparent violation of guidelines set by the all-powerful Robot Ethics Committee. Inside the café distinctions between human and android are blurred and both seem to reveal layers of emotional complexity not apparent in the outside world.

Buy Tickets
Sat Mar 12 SYMPHONY SPACE 4:00

Sat Mar 19 ASIA SOCIETY 6:00


Trailer

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Tank Hero (Mobile Review)

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I finally upgraded my phone (YAY!) so I decided to start downloading some games. This one game in the Android Market got a great rating. It's called "Tank Hero." Is it worth the download?

Story - There is no story for this game.

Gameplay - The game consists of two modes Campaign Mode and Survival Mode. Campaign Mode is you taking your tank on over 40 levels. Each level more enemies appear and the design of the map becomes complex. Survival Mode is a when you take your tank into a wave of battles. There are different maps to unlock for Survival Mode by completing Campaign Mode. The controls work smoothly. The game operates on touch screen with an integrated d-pad. You fire the missiles by tapping the touchscreen. Basic controls but really effective. When you are hit three times you are dead. Overall the gameplay is simple but very fun to play.

Graphics - The graphics are really nice 3D. It looks great on the phone, no lagging issues. The design levels are great and some will make you think on how to attack your enemies.

Sound - The sound is great. This game has a great music and the menu composition sounds wonderful. In a way it gets you pump to play the game. The sound effects are loud and clear and makes playing the game more enjoyable.

Replay Value - The Survival Mode adds plenty of replay value, with edition to upgrades.

Final Grade B+ - Tank Hero is free and is worth checking out. It has two modes, but it feel repetitive. However it's fun to play and you should at least check it out.