Fashioning Japanese Subcultures

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Since I usually blog about Japanese subculture fashion, I couldn't wait to share this bit of news! One lovely day messing around on twitter, I started following author, Yuniya Kawamura. As she tweeted most subculture fashion interests leading to the release of her book, one day I was brave enough to say something inquiring about her magazine releases in New York. Eventually we started touching base and keeping in contact. In fact, recently we were able to meet and I really hope that won't be the last/ only time

So! I am so happy to share that Yumiya's fourth published book, Fashioning Japanese Subcultures. Today is a great day for this authors work since it has officially released in the UK. Don't worry! The states gets a copy too so we aren't left out. You either hold out until the release date (Aug. 7) or pre-order it at Amazon.com. 
If you are into ANY Japanese subculture fashion, this book is a DEFINITE must! I won't give any spoilers, but if you would like to read more about this work and the author, please visit Berg Publishers. 
Be sure to follow Yuniya's twitter for the latest. I'm pretty sure her future published works are just as colorful, great, ad insightful. I ca almost promise you that!

Util next time!
~je t'adore
"paint your day bright"

Four More Annoying Anime Cliches

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Last year I wrote an article about Anime cliches that annoy me. After watching some more recent Anime and old school Anime. I found four more cliches that really annoy me. Keep in mind that no idea is original, and plots, themes, settings will get reused, but for the love of Otakus do it a little differently. This list is not in any particular order. If you want to see my first five annoying Anime cliches click here  /www.otakusandgeeks.com/akusandgeeks.com/2011/08/five-annoying-anime-cliches.html

1. I Can't Say "I Love You" Till The Very End - Many Otakus will probably disagree with me on this one, but this is really overused and annoying in Anime. How many times will I watch an Anime, where the guy or the girl doesn't confess they love till the end? When your whole series is based on this confession, and the character is too shy to admit it, it gets very stale quickly. What makes this cliche worst is that usually the series is over once  the characters get together. You already showed us 13 to 26 episodes of them trying to get together, show me the relationship, the up's and downs of them as a couple. Mainly in romantic Anime this is the main plot line, how about an Anime where the relationship is establish already and showing how hard it is to keep a stable relationship, show me something else besides I'm too shy to talk to him or her. 26 episodes for this one key moment is not really going to keep interest, this plot line needs to be a six part OVA, nice short, sweet and to the point. 


2. The Pure Character - Depending on what genre of Anime you watch, you will most likely see this same character. This cliche is really annoying, the pure character or the character that can't do no wrong. This is usually seen in Mech, Fighting, Action and even Romantic Animes. The problem with this overused cliche is that it's not even realistic. A pure character that is not even tempted by evil, or some type of darkness is boring. We want heroes to have struggles, that is why some Anime characters are loved more than others. For example I love Vegeta more than Goku (see here /www.otakusandgeeks.com/akusandgeeks.com/2010/07/why-i-think-vegeta-is-better-than-goku.html). Vegeta has inner conflict, Goku is pure and when it comes down to it who will you relate too more? The guy who is pure or the guy who is more human? The pure characters are annoying because it takes away any type of realism. I know it's Anime and realism is out the window, but last time I check these characters are human and humans have inner conflict. 


3. I Have No Place To Go - I never realized this but there are a lot of homeless Anime characters *laughs*. This is seen a lot usually in the boy meets alien Anime's, or the Anime's with a little more drama. Sometimes you will find a Anime character that has no place to go back too, they have no home, or just don't want to go back home. This isn't a huge annoyance for me, but it's a cliche that is used to get the characters to interact in more awkward situations. For example the girl might be changing, and the boy opens the door by accident and he is viewed as a pervert. How many times have you seen that set up? Anime characters are the most generous people, they'll let anybody in their homes.



4. Cliffhanger Endings - This really annoys me! I hate cliffhanger endings in Anime, especially when the series is over. Depending on the series I would let it slide, but some of these endings needed an ending, to have an open ending, just frustrates the watcher, it does provide great debate and provocative thought but it is kind of lazy not to give a proper ending. See how many times Neon Genesis is fixing the ending. 





Vampire Knight Fanfiction Ch. 4

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It's been awhile since I posted a fanfic so this is the fourth chapter to the Vampire Knight fanfic. I hope you guys like it and don't be afraid to comment. Anime Rules ^_^

As we last left off, Zero and Yukki was left alone to talk to the chairman while Angel is resting from her adventure last night.

Chairman: Have you two been watching Angel lately?

Yukki: What do you mean?

Zero: Don't tell me she is a pure blood.

Chairman: No, no. She is not. Howcver she has been given powers equivlant to a pure blood.

Zero: Impossible. Either your a pure blood with powers or human with none.

Chairman: That is why I asked to talk to you. Angel-kun can tell you better than I could about her life and powers. This is why you three are excused from class. I want the three of you to get to know each other especially since all of you are partners.

Zero: .... My past is mine alone to know. Besides I don't trust her just yet.

Yukki: (in her mind) Zero.....

Yuuki: (nervous laughing) Heheheheheh. Don't worry Chairman (grabs Zero's arm). We are on the case! (then runs out with Zero)

Yuuki: Now Zero. I don't want Angel to think that there is something wrong with us when we start asking her personal questions. I know discussing your past is painful. I mean I'm a part of it.

(Zero looks at here with annoyed but sad eyes)

Yuuki: I just want this to be as painless as possible, okay?

Zero: ....Whatever.

(He then walks off leaving Yukki in the hallway worried).

Yukki: Zero....

Meanwhile in Angel's room, Angel is reading a book on her white sofa. Then a knock from the door.


Yukki: Angel its me and Zero. Can we come in?

Angel: Sure the door is unlocked. Come on in.

Yukki and Zero enter the room and Angel gestures them to sit.

Angel: So what is it that you need?

Yukki: Well we have a question to ask and we don't want to offend you or make you uncomfortable in any way but....

Angel: Zero, what is she trying to tell me as she tries to go around the world to ask it?

Yukki: (gives a embaressed and shy look)

Zero: We want to know about your past including your powers.

Yukki: Zero. Etsnae on the powers-eh. She wasn't supposed to know that we knew.

Angel: (gives a little chuckle) It's okay Yukki. The truth was bound to come out sooner or later. Well lets say that my story begins with 'Once upon a time'.

To Be Continued.....

BRYAN SINGER WEB SERIES “H+ THE DIGITAL SERIES” TO PREMIERE AUGUST 8

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Bryan Singer is set to release his latest project into the webseries realm. This one I'm really excited for because I'm loving the social commentary this webseries is showing already in the trailers. Check out the official press release below. Tell us what do you think of the trailer in the comment section.

A futuristic online series, where the human race is hardwired to the Internet, is coming this summer.  From producer Bryan Singer ("The Usual Suspects” / "X-Men: First Class"), the highly anticipated live-action web series “H+ The Digital Series” will make its debut August 8 on YouTube.  Directed by Stewart Hendler (“Sorority Row”), and starring an acclaimed international cast that includes Alexis Denisof (“Buffy the Vampire Slayer”), Amir Arison (“Law & Order: SVU) and David Clayton Rogers (“Jane By Design”), “H+ The Digital Series” takes viewers on an episodic, apocalyptic journey where technology has gone horrifically wrong.

Starting today, fans can subscribe to the “H+ The Digital Series” channel on YouTube (http://www.youtube.com/HPlusDigitalSeries).  In the coming days and weeks leading to launch, viewers will have access to exclusive new content which will provide insight into the origins of "HPlus" and details about this ambitious and innovative digital series.

“Our first venture into the digital space gives us the freedom to engage fans with new content that is immersive, interactive and is tailored to be enjoyed online,” said Bryan Singer. “‘H+ The Digital Series’ on YouTube provides us with a strong two-way dialogue with our fans, creating a deeper and ongoing connection.”

Trailer



Also announced today, “H+ The Digital Series” will be shown at a special YouTube Comic-Con event in San Diego, Calif. on Friday, July 13.  Starting at 7:30 pm, a screening of “H+ The Digital Series” will be held, followed by a Q&A session hosted by Matt Atchity, Editor-In-Chief of Rotten Tomatoes.  Panelists will include Alexis Denisof ("Buffy," "Angel"), David Clayton Rogers (“Jane by Design"), Sean Gunn (“Gilmore Girls”), John Cabrera (Co-Writer), Stewart Hendler (Director) and Jason Taylor (Producer). 

“H+ The Digital Series” takes viewers on an episodic, apocalyptic journey into the future where consumers are rapidly installing a chip called "HPlus" into their nervous systems that allows them to access the Internet 24 hours a day - by just thinking it. One day, a virus is released – causing a third of the world’s population to die instantly.  The series deals with the massive political and human changes that take place, the fight for survival and the mystery to discover who is behind this atrocity.  For more information, visit the show's Facebook page at: http://www.facebook.com/HPlusTheDigitalSeries.

Production Stills


American Pie Reunion: Dance Like Oz Contest

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In honor of this release, the American Pie Facebook page just launched a special "Dance Like Oz" competition with Tout that your readers might enjoy.

The grand prize winner will receive an American Reunion prize pack and tweet from Chris Klein!

To enter, simply visit the Dance Like Oz tab on the American Pie Facebook page. Reply with your own 15-second video of your dance moves https://www.facebook.com/AmericanPie/app_156218351098324 to win!

Loups Garous Review

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A deadly virus that has spread worldwide, has drastically reduced the world's population. Now, people have to eat synthetic food and must avoid any physical contact whatsoever. Only community centers (once called schools) exist and people can only communicate online. However a group of girls have pursued real contact outside of the society. When a series of brutal murders occur, it is up to them to see the dark secrets hidden in the closed off world they live in.

Power Searching With Google Free Classes

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Do you normally have problems trying to get Google search to find what you want it to find?

Are there times when the search just cant find the right image that you need for a a project or just cant find the video that you wanted to show to your friends?

The people at Google know this and want to give everyone the ability to use their search engine better. Google is going to have special summer classes to show you have to used all the features of their search engine and a few other things for people that never tried them or never heard of them and it's called Power Searching with Google

The classes Start on the July 10th and go on to July 16th. You can register for them now up till the 16th to get in but best to do it before the first day of class. The classes are going to be free and online, community-based course showing search techniques and how to use them to solve real, everyday problems.

The classes will be 50 minutes each and will also show you features inside Google+, hangouts and Google's groups. I already signed up for it mainly because I know it will learn something and during this boring and dull summer it would be great to pick up some new skills and who knows it might be useful.

LINK:

Sad Anime Theme Songs (Part 1)

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It's Music Monday and it's time to journey into the emotion of sadness. Today we explore some sad Anime songs. These songs are moving, inspirational or just down right depressing. Check out some of these sad Anime theme songs.


Last Kiss By Bonnie Pink from the Anime "Gantz." - The "Last Kiss" is a heartbreaking song, describing a final kiss, a final touch and longing for someone. It fit perfectly for "Gantz." 


Mirai no Futari ni (Piano Version) By Chihiro Yonekura from the Anime "Gundam 08th MS Team." -  A wonderful love song from "Gundam 08th MS Team", the lyrics and Chihiro Yonekura vocals just moves you.



Hikari By Jyukai from the Anime "Fate/Stay Night." - Nothing like people taking different paths, and longing for each other to make you go :(. Great production on this song.



Girls Dead Monster My Song By Miyuki Sawashiro from the Anime "Angel Beats." - A very song that really hits the emotion if you understand the lyrics, and  this woman can sing.


Kimi toTaiyou ga Shinda hi By Kurosaki Maon from the Anime "High School Of The Dead." - A very sad end of the world type of song, despair, but inspirational at the same time. My favorite song from "High School Of The Dead."






































The Walking Dead': First look at the prison and prison zombies! EXCLUSIVE PHOTOS

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Ask most readers of The Walking Dead comic book what their favorite setting is and they’ll say two words: the prison. Seen briefly in the distance in the final shot of season 2, the prison will become the new fortress/home for Rick Grimes (Andrew Lincoln) and company when the AMC drama returns in October… if they can clear it out of undead walkers, that is. And now we have our exclusive first sneak peek of the jail, as well as the current zombie inhabitants that call it home. In the first photo, our survivors assume a defensive, Avengers-like position to handle any incoming ghouls, while in the second, a machete wielding Maggie (Lauren Cohan) prepares to deliver a kill shot to a zombie inmate. Check out the photos below as well as intel from executive producers Glen Mazzara and Robert Kirkman on the highly anticipated new setting for season 3.



Image Credit: Gene Page/AM

 
Image Credit: Gene Page/AMC

“I’m incredibly proud of the prison,” says showrunner Glen Mazzara. “I think our crew has done a great job. It’s a huge sense of scale and magnitude I haven’t seen on any other show as far as construction. What’s important to us is the prison itself is now a character in the show. It’s a haunted house, it’s scary, it’s frightening, and there are parts of the prison that are always terrifying, that are always inaccessible to our group. It’s not necessarily the blessing that the prison in the comic book turned out to be.”

Source: ew.com  Article by:

Lenni Reviews: "Flame of Surrender" by Rhiannon Paille

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I don’t intend to start every review with a warning but, this seems to be how life goes. So, my warning here is I have not read a Young Adult book in about 16 years. When I say I started this book and three pages into it, I’m all WTF, it’s my fault, not the book’s fault. It took a great deal of reprogramming to make my brain adjust to simpler words and shorter sentences but it got there. I also may have injured something so you guys owe me.
Flame of Surrender, by Rhiannon Paille is a good fantasy story about two young people in love when destiny conspires to keep them apart. It is also a tale familiar to anyone who has had to grow up and just didn’t want to. It’s not star crossed love that weighs the heaviest on Kaliel and Krishani, it is their coming of age, the weight of their responsibilities smothering their innocence before the bad stuff even starts.
Kaliel is a living weapon called a “flame” and she falls for a boy named Krishani, whose destiny is to follow deal and replace the Ferryman. While their world is rich and well built, the romance isn’t quite there in the beginning, the kids focusing on where their destinies are taking them rather than each other.
The fantasy elements are all here; magic, soothsaying trees, everything to keep my internal geek happy while I was reading. But only while I was reading. If I put the book down, I forgot about the characters. I found myself needing to refresh my memory by going back to the previous sections to remember who was who. The timing is off, too. I was often lost between chapters; not knowing how much time had passed. The romance is also forgettable. I literally forgot the two main characters were in love until the author told me they were. The story jerks forward in some places and drags in others, making the reading experience surreal. It’s a good story, but it needed more to really grip my attention even after I put it down.
If I had a rating system (I’ll come up with something) this book would be firmly in the middle. Not bad but not the best I’ve read. If you're a hardcore fantasy fan, I'd say borrow this one if you're really interested in it.

The Amazing Spider-Man Game Review

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Is he strong listen bud, he's got radioactive blood. Can he swing from a thread, just press the shoulder button overhead. Hey there let's review The Amazing Spider-Man! All joking and my horrible bad lyrics aside. "The Amazing Spider-Man" returns Spider-Man to his playground of New York City, in addition the web head returns to his free roam form. Is this game worth the title of amazing? Or is it time for Peter to return to the lab?


Story - Due to major spoilers this game gives out regarding the movie. I will not say too much on the story. The story takes places after the events of "The Amazing Spider-Man" movie. That is all I will say about that, because it spoils that much of the movie. Let's just say Spider-Man has to find a cure and that is all I will reveal. However I will say the story is pretty decent for the most part, and Spider-Man will have to do battle with some of the more lackluster villains in this one.


Gameplay - The Amazing Spider-Man gameplay is a little different from the other adventures we had with Spider-Man, however at the same time some things haven't change. This is a good and bad thing. First the good. Spider-Man fighting mechanics have been revamp to appeal to a more free flow fighting style. Not to compare to any other game but fans of the Batman Arkham series will feel right at home with this fighting style. Just like the Arkham series, the free flow works well, where ever you tell Spidey to punch and kick he will go to that direction. Spidey sense will highlight above his head for incoming danger, so you can easily dodge or reverse an attack. However not all enemies can be defeated the same way like previous games. Some enemies will have to be taken down with stealth attack. This usually will have Spidey hanging above the ceiling picking his targets quickly from the shadows and taking them out. Others will require to be damage by Spidey's Web Shooters or Web Rush attack. Web Rush can be used for various things. It can be used as a quick attack against enemies, slow down time to pick a place to web zip, it can indicate when to do a stealth take down and finally interact with objects.


The highlight of Web Rush is when you are swinging in Manhattan. Spidey can zip from place to place and it makes the swinging feel really epic. Speaking of swinging "The Amazing Spider-Man" has the best swinging so far. The physics in this makes you really feel like Spider-Man, you would think the developers actually had someone do the physics in the studio. The feeling is smooth, free and most importantly fun. This game is fun to play, however there is some stuff that hold the game back from pure epicness. When announced that this game was going to free foam I jump for joy, and started to question what would the side missions be. If you played "Spider-Man 2" than you already played  "The Amazing Spider-Man." The side missions are repetitive! Stop people from being assaulted, help the police with a car chase, get people to the hospital in time, take pictures for a reporter. Don't get me wrong the side missions are fun, but with a city alive like New York City, you think Spider-Man would have more to do. There are some cool ones though the side missions with Bruce Campbell are the most challenging ones.  You also have to collect 700 comic books scattered around the city. The great thing about that is these are actual comics you can read in the extra section. The only flaw with collecting the comic books is that there is no indication of where to find them, you just randomly stubble upon them. Overall the game is fun to play, minus the repetitiveness but then again all games are repetitive.


Gameplay Video



Graphics - The graphics are pretty good. Spidey looks good, New York looks okay minus some few landmark inaccuracy's, however that is just nitpicking from a native New Yorker. There are sometimes where character designs and locations look bland, and I did have a little trouble with a certain camera angle like a building loading as you were swinging, but that only happen once. Otherwise the graphics are good and the city looks okay.


Sound - The voice acting is solid for the most part. Spidey is witty, and he will make you laugh, but there will be times you'll wish he will shut up. Not because he is talking, but because he is repeating himself. If I have to hear him say stay frosty one more time! The music is not better than his previous installment "Edge Of Time."
The music doesn't gives us that same epic feel and you really don't feel really encourage to save the day, there are some nice tracks but nothing really stands out.


Replay Value - If you have the Stan Lee DLC that is replay value right there, tons of comics to collect and side missions to handle. Spider-Man does offer some replay value but it might not be enough for some gamers. There is comics to read and extras and character concept art to check out as well.


Final Grade C+/7.5 - The Amazing Spider-Man isn't bad game. It just doesn't give you a full course meal. The game is fun to play, but can feel repetitive at times, the voice acting is solid but repeated dialogue can get annoying, overall it is still worth checking out for any web head.









Neon Alley The 24 Hour Anime Channel Coming This Fall To Game Consoles

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Here is some awesome news from our pals at Viz Media. 

Viz Media Launches "Neon Alley"
24-Hour Anime Channel Launches On Game Consoles This Fall

San Francisco, CA, June 27, 2012 – VIZ Media, the largest publisher, distributor and licensor of manga, graphic novels and anime in North America, unveiled plans for Neon Alley, a 24-hour anime channel featuring the world’s best titles set to debut on game consoles this fall. The service will be available in the United States and Canada.

Neon Alley’s schedule will include a mix of action, adventure, science fiction, supernatural, fantasy, and horror anime, all uncut and dubbed in English, and presented in HD (when available). Programming will include blockbuster anime titles like NARUTO SHIPPUDEN, INUYASHA: THE FINAL ACT, and DEATH NOTE, and will allow fans to discover new titles such as TIGER & BUNNY, BERSERK: THE GOLDEN AGE ARC, ZETMAN, and NURA: RISE OF THE YOKAI CLAN, along with original content that provides news and behind-the-scenes access for fans of anime and manga.

“We created Neon Alley for fans to watch the best anime titles in the world right on their TV,” said Ken Sasaki, President and Chief Executive Officer for VIZ Media. “Neon Alley will have weekly exclusive premieres of the hit titles they love, along with a mix of new, cutting-edge titles they didn’t know they were missing.”

Neon Alley will be a subscription-based service, subsidized with limited commercial advertising, to keep the launch price to consumers at a low $6.99 per month. Anime fans can register online at NeonAlley.com for news, updates on the service’s launch, and to find out how to get a sneak preview of the series debuting during the first season. Neon Alley is the first platform designed to be studio agnostic, featuring titles from other anime producers and distributors, and will unveil its programming lineup, special introductory offers, new acquisitions and other partnerships throughout the next several months.

For more information on Neon Alley, please visit www.NeonAlley.com.

For more information on VIZ Media, please visit www.VIZ.com.


Legend Of Zelda Symphony Coming To San Diego Comic Con

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Once-In-A-Lifetime Concert Comes to San Diego on July 12, 2012 at Embarcadero Marina Park South and Will Coincide with Comic-Con

(Los Angeles, CA) June 11, 2012 – Based on one of the most popular and beloved games of all time, “The Legend of Zelda™: Symphony of the Goddesses” tour is a spectacular concert that features live orchestral performances of theme music from Nintendo's The Legend of Zelda franchise. The concert is touring North America and is coming to San Diego, CA on July 12, 2012 at 8:00pm at Embarcadero Marina Park South. The concert will coincide with Comic-Con, the largest comic book convention in the world, which is taking place July 12 -15, 2012 at the San Diego Convention Center.

The name "Symphony of the Goddesses" refers not only to the concert program but also to the new four-movement symphony recounting the classic storylines from The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time™, The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker™, The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess™, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past™. The concert also will highlight orchestral renditions of music from other series games, including The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening™ and The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask™. Eímear Noone will conduct the full orchestra with arrangements by music director Chad Seiter.

Since first appearing in 1986, The Legend of Zelda game series has sold more than 65 million units worldwide. The most recent entry in the series is The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword, which launched exclusively for the Wii™ console in November 2011.

“This extraordinary Zelda concert has been enchanting fans across the country,” notes Jason Michael Paul, CEO of Jason Michael Paul Productions, which is producing the concert tour. “Presenting a performance in San Diego during Comic-Con is a wonderful melding of music, gaming, and entertainment worlds. We are honored and thrilled for this upcoming show date.”

Fans can view a complete tour schedule with ticketing information, and also sign up for a regularly updated digital newsletter, at http://zelda-symphony.com. For more information about The Legend of Zelda video game series, visit http://zelda.nintendo.com. 


LEGOs on Google Chrome

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Do you like LEGOs? 

Do you have Google Chrome? 

Well how about mixing those two into some freakish LEGO set? Well that doesn't happen but cause it would be a pretty piss poor set, lacking any real creativity... I think. 

Anyhow, There's a team up between LEGO and Google that created this little game where you can use Chrome to make small LEGO things. I mainly went with an house because their aren't many parts for you to choose from. There are only 12 parts to pick but they come in 10 different colors so a total of 120 parts you can mix and match. 

Hopefully it will be expanded on, but right now if your bored and want to try something that shows how flexible Googles browser is I would check that out.

Be sure to check it out here 

LINK:


The Songs Of Spider-Man

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Spider-Man week continues here at Otakus and Geeks. Today is "Music Monday" so we will be looking at the many songs of Spider-Man. The songs range from themes, covers and even the Broadway play.


Spider-Man 60's Cartoon Theme - This is the most recognizable song in Spider-Man history is the theme song from the 60's cartoon show. If you call yourself a web head you  better know this song!


Spider-Man 60's Cartoon Theme (Asian Lady From Spider-Man 2) - Same theme, just way too funny to ignore this. I love Tobey's face when she tries to hit the high note.


Spider-Man TAS Theme - Another great theme that all web heads will be familar with. Spider-Man TAS theme written and performed by Joe Perry of Aerosmith.



Supaidaman Japanese Theme Song - Here is the theme song from the 1970's Japanese adapation of Spider-Man. It's really catchy and would make a great Anime theme.


Gifts And Curses By Yellowcard (Spiderman 2 OST) - You know a long time ago movie soundtracks had songs that were INSPIRED by the film. Usually the songs had lyrics relating to the movie, or certain character themes. Yellowcard nailed the feel of Spiderman 2 with this amazing song "Gifts And Curses" describing Peter and Mary Jane relationship.


Hero By Nickelback Featuring Josey Scott - Hero is another great song from the Spider-Man OST. If doesn't scream Spider-Man I don't know what does.


Spider-Man Fan Rap - A Spider-Man fan raps about his favorite web head. I like the beat.



Rise Above By Reeve Carney Featuring Bono - Spider-Man Broadway has some really amazing songs and a great theme. Here is one of my favorites that really screams Spider-Man.