Posts Tagged ‘jun fukuyama’

For today’s trailer roundup, VAP has posted a new one minute trailer for their upcoming OVA, ‘Saint Seiya: The Lost Canvas’. With animation produced by TMS Entertainment, the first volume of the new series will drop on store shelves later this month (June 24^th) and tells a story that starts 250 years before the original series takes place. The newest trailer shows quite a bit of character footage but not much else making this one purely something to get fans excited. Though that was likely already happening due to this being the first new Saint Seiya since last year’s six episode OVA. Well that and the cast list include names like Aya Hirano, Nana Mizuki and Jun Fukuyama.

I haven’t seen this series yet but with this one serving as a prequel of sorts, perhaps it would be a good time to start?

‘Princess Princess’ closes out with four satisfying episodes!

The Story

In the final four episodes to the cross dress comedy from Studio Deen, two story arcs will begin and end. In episodes nine and ten, it’s time for the annual school festival which causes new problems for the trio. On the first day, all of the princesses are participating in a game involving students having to collect kisses for their stamp cards to win a prize. Yujirou’s day becomes a little more complicated when his family decides to visit unexpectedly. On the second day of the festival, it’s time for Mikoto to have problems as his girlfriend and older sister are going to be visiting. Mikoto naturally wants to keep his princess status a secret but it’s going to be hard with two other princesses who are more than happy to spill.

In the final two episodes, Tohru will be forced to face his past as a mysterious stalker appears to be bothering Yujirou. When the stalker is revealed to be someone that Tohru knows, he’ll reveal why he entered the school in the first place before being forced into a major decision regarding his future.

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So, as promised here are my picks for this year’s SPJA awards. Though as usual, just a couple of notes about my picks. I’ve already deleted every category that I don’t feel I can give a good enough opinion on (such as all of the manga categories). If I even tried to make a pick there I’d just be taking a stab in the dark. So here we go… here are where my votes and predictions are going to lie this year.

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The nominees for this year’s SPJA awards have been announced via the official site and it looks like it’s going to be a big year for ‘Gurren Lagann’ and ‘Death Note’. ‘Gurren Lagann’ leads the nominations this year with nominations in eight different categories (including ‘Best Television Series’) with Death Note a close second with nominations in six categories.

Familiar names are also spotting this year’s list with Jun Fukuyama picking up his second Best Actor nomination for his role as Lelouch in ‘Code Geass‘ (Fukuyama was nominated last year in the same category) while Michelle Ruff managed to escape with two separate Best Actress nominations for her roles as both Yoko (Gurren Lagann) and Rukia (Bleach: Memories of Nobody). The full list of nominations is below the cut and later tonight I’ll be posting my winner predictions. If you want to get a head start on your own picks though, voting has already begun here.

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And now I understand why we spent two episodes with Mao.

The Story 

In the final eight episodes, Lelouch will be forced into new corners and the story will take completely unexpected turns. With Suzaku being knighted, Zero attempts again to get him to cross sides. For his trouble he’ll find himself in another dangerous situation that reunites him with his Euphy and the road he never thought he’d come to. Faced with countless new distractions and battles, Lelouch will finally be forced to use his Geass in ways he never expected. Distractions aside however, these last eight episodes are building to one explosive climax. In a selfless action, Euphy will launch a new act that completely destroys Zero’s plans and primary support. Backed into a corner, Lelouch will make the biggest mistake of his life staining his hands forever and creating one of the most amazing cliffhangers in recent anime history.

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Right Stuf have announced that they have licensed the series ‘Rental Magica’ for release in the US. Originally released in 2007, the ZEXCS animated series follows a boy named Itsuki Iba (voiced by Jun Fukuyama) who is forced to take on the family ‘rent a magician’ business. As a very timid, shy boy who lacks any sort of magical power this is a difficult task as he must now manage a fleet of magical employees and learn to be tough with them at the same time.

Right Stuf plans to release the series in two box sets starting this fall which will include the option to watch the series in either broadcast order or chroniclogical order (based on the original light novels) and special booklets that contain 100+ pages of background information about the series and characters. The official English website and pre-orders for set 1 have already been opened complete with trailer.

So thanks to real life being there waiting for me right when I got home from the con, it’s taken me a little longer than usual to get back into the swing of things. Consequently, this is going to be a huge trailer roundup as I plan to cover the last few days instead of the last twenty four hours. Good news for you since that means lots of new pretty animation to squee over.

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‘‘Code Geass’’ continues its amazing trend forward as it turns the story towards more serious notes.

The Story

Over the next eight episodes of ‘‘Code Geass’’, the story will take many different twists both literally and emotionally. Lelouch is gaining even more support from the various resistance forces around Japan. Every episode he and the Black Knights continue to launch more and more daring plans to get to his own ends. He’ll do many things that he never expected such as attempt to kidnap Cornelia but is always thwarted by the white Knightmare. Members of the Britannia Empire are getting wise to him however and in an odd twist, will cause the relationship between Shirley and Lelouch to change forever.

In the second half of these episodes, the story will take even more drastic turn towards the serious. With the relationships that he shares with his friends changing, Lelouch will be forced to deal with some very harsh realities that he has created for himself. He has killed many people in the battles he’s fought and for the first time he will truly live with the consequences. Meanwhile, a new villain will enter the scene as someone from C.C.’s past will come back to haunt her and Lelouch.

Good and the Bad

The characters in ‘Code Geass’ are continuing to take shape in ways that no one could have seen coming. Lelouch continues to be developed and carefully sculpted into such an amazing case study of obsession. What is even more amazing about this however is how easily the audience can buy into this character and see him as nothing short of believable. All throughout this volume there are so many examples of writing that absolutely borders on cheesy and overdone. As much as some fans would like to believe otherwise, not every single word out of Lelouch is golden especially during his pep speeches. Because the character is so charismatic though, it’s easy to let that slide and just enjoy the character’s growth.

It’s not just the characters but the relationships that get to see so much growth as well. Since the start, the series has very steadily pushed the relationships between the main characters. In this set, Lelouch and C.C. and Suzaku and Euphy are going to get some amazing time to become closer. The first relationship has always been a little bit harder to push with the audience. The two have always been nothing more than partners in crime so far. In these episodes, the two are really forced to band together in various ways. It’s really interesting watching how coldly these two act around each other and yet know that there is something more waiting to be brought out.

The relationship between Suzaku and Euphy is the much easier of the two to get behind as an audience member. Pairing the two idealistic characters together, ‘Code Geass’ has done another good job progressing this relationship at a gentle pace. It’s never felt like there has been a huge rush to pair these two just to give the audience something to attach to. Instead the two characters have been kept separate for most of the series except for little instances. The inner cynic in me wants to think that these two are in for a tragic ending but there’s still a little hope in me that both couples will get to see a good ending.

The last relationship that gets pushed to its limit in these episodes is the one between Lelouch and Shirley. For the last few episodes, ‘Code Geass’ has hinted towards this relationship and it was a fun twist to see them use it as a plot device instead of leaving it as a source of background comedy. The relationship works so well here though because Shirley is still very fresh for the audience. While she’s always been a part of the series, she’s never really been a part of the story. By bringing her to the forefront, ‘Code Geass’ instantly has a new heroine for the audience to attach to for a little while.

The time that these two will spend together really brings the maturity level of the series up a few notches (though a certain night time scene with a female character earlier in the volume does a pretty good job of that itself). ‘Code Geass’ has always dealt with themes that were a little more mature, but it’s nice to see the staff attempt to deal with some of Lelouch’s problems through a new relationship rather than another battle.

Music

The music in these episodes do not disappoint. All throughout these episodes are wonderful examples of music composed by Hitomi Kuroishi and Kotaro Nakagawa. While not every single piece of music will play well out of context, the music almost always does its job for the scene. A great example of this is in episode ten when C.C. and Lelouch are having an argument. To listen to the dialogue, it’d be easy to take these words seriously. The music in this scene really plays the words down. It acts as a very subtle way to keep the audience in a light hearted frame of mind and remember that they are just having a spat.

Insert songs play a big part in these episodes as well which. Episodes thirteen and fourteen both have very strong sounds to them that really capture the emotion of the scene. At the end of episode fourteen, the scene between Lelouch and Shirley is made so much more powerful because of the incredibly soft ballad playing the background. It is hard not to watch this scene play out and not be touched by the genuine feeling that is radiating from these characters helped along by the perfect mood music.

Dub vs. Sub

Stepping forward from the background, Amy Kincaid really shines as Shirley late in these episodes. Having to go through many emotions, Kincaid really delivers a moving performance that stands out from the rest. Kate Higgins continues to be an incredibly entertaining as C.C. Always charming but appropriately distant and mysterious.

Extras

The first set of extras included on these two discs is three more picture dramas telling three additional side stories. On disc three, the first picture drama features Lelouch and Nunnally having dinner together as Nunnally shares what she believes to be the relationship C.C. and her brother. The second picture drama takes a more serious turn though as Jeremiah and Villetta share a private moment before Suzaku’s execution. Before finally on disc four, the picture dramas return to their comedic routes with the students and royalty all attending the opening of a new public pool in appropriate swimwear.

While the serious drama is entertaining, the comedy picture dramas are very funny. While ‘Code Geass’ has never been afraid of going for the laugh, these picture dramas continue to be a great way for the staff to go much bluer with their comedy. Sex jokes and fan service aside, these are going to be entertaining for quite a few reviews.

Also included on these volumes are commentaries for episodes 11 and 14. On the first commentary Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch), Yukana (C.C.), Yuriko Chiba (Character Designer), Eiji Nakada (Knightmare designer and Mech Animation Director) and Kazuya Murata (Associate Director) share their thoughts on the episode. It’s cool enough that there are so many different cast and crew members that are in there but some really interesting questions get asked along the way. The same can be said for the episode fourteen commentary track though which has Jun Fukuyama, Goro Taniguchi (Director), Seiichi Nakatani (Animation Director) and Funiko Orikaka (Shirley).

Overall

For the first two thirds of the series, ‘Code Geass’ has always walked a thin line. Ever since episode one I’ve kept trying to guess where the story is going to go next and every time I’ve been dead wrong. Always twisting and pushing the boundaries, ‘Code Geass’ is an action series that anyone can get into. If you haven’t started watching it yet, you’re running out of reasons not to.

‘Code Geass’ is an amazing political drama that earns its reputation within the first three episodes.

The Story

In this political drama, the world is seen through an entirely new vision. In this future, England has taken over the world as the only superpower remaining. With the use of superior military technology and mechs called ‘Knightmares’, Britannia has slowly taken over the world one country at a time. In the case of Japan, Britannia rules over them as ‘Area 11’ and has given them the name ‘elevens’. Ruled by an iron fist, the Britannians treat all as scum and regulate them to ghettos as trash.

The hero of this series is a student named Lelouch who is given an incredible power. While heading home from school one day he accidently finds himself caught up in a battle between terrorists who wish to liberate Japan from the rule of Britannia. After meeting and saving a mysterious girl, Lelouch is given the power of ‘geass’ which allows him to command anyone to do anything with very few restrictions. Using this new power, Lelouch joins in the rebellion and leads them as the mysterious Zero while searching for the answers to his own troubled past.

Leading the double life will not be easy however. Not only does he have to hide the secret from his fellow student council members but also his little sister, Nunnally. Making things more complicated along the way is the reunion with his former best friend who has gone on to become an honorary Brittanian. This will cause two best friends who want to see the same results have to fight each other as they go about their goals in completely different ways.

Good and the Bad

When I first started this series, I knew of its reputation but nothing of the series itself. Having now gotten nine episodes in, it’s hard for me to even see why I waited so long. So many things within ‘Code Geass’ reach the audience in new and innovative ways. Using the British as the primary villains is one of the more unique choices of the series. When first getting into this series, I was stunned by how ruthless and evil the British were being portrayed. I even talked to a couple of British friends and described what was happening; their reply every time was something along the lines of ‘Yeah, sounds about right.’

From the start of this set to the end, this series does absolutely amazing things with its story, characters, storytelling and presentation. What the series does with the British to create villains that you love to hate instantly, ‘Code Geass’ does equally well with its heroes. Lelouch is one of the best heroes within recent anime history. Completely driven by his past and search for answers, Lelouch is another example of the ideal driven anti-hero. While admittedly what he is doing is for the better of his country, the reasons revealed so far as to why he is doing the things he does makes him a perfect anti-hero who uses his team members to achieve his own goals.

Balancing this however is the equally idealistic best friend character, Suzaku. A Japanese character who works for the Britannians, Suzaku is almost the exact opposite of Lelouch and yet still wants the same things. While Lelouch is attempting to free Japan and get the answers to his past through force, Suzaku is interested in seeing the two nations co-exist while still freeing the Japanese from military rule. Both characters are presented in such strong ways that it’s impossible to hate either one of them. Only a third of the way through the series, it’s already obvious that when these two are put against each other the emotional output is going to be tremendous. How can someone not already be looking forward to that?

A series with good characters is always a good thing, however without an equally strong story for those characters to tell a series will stall and go nowhere before it can even get started. Moving in a very linear fashion, it’s easy to see how ‘Code Geass’ might fall into that trap early on. By the end of the first episode however, all of those fears will be tossed aside as the political intrigue of the series grows by leaps and bounds within every scene.

Always moving in a very methodical and slow pace, ‘Code Geass’ seems to pride itself on its ability to tell a story that is beyond the simple flash of explosions and mindless battles. From the very beginning, Lelouch establishes himself as a character with a brilliant mind for strategy within the very first battle. While I am not usually one to get into large scale battles (especially early on within a series), the first battle had me applauding (literally). Even with this early set up though, predictable is not a word that anyone would ever use to describe this series.

Getting away from the battle scenes, ‘Code Geass’ does another impressive job with the constantly changing pace and settings of the series. After establishing the intense action early on, ‘Code Geass’ impresses audiences once more by finding a way to smoothly transition back into Lelouch’s regular high school life. Early on it’s easy to admit that these transitions aren’t completely smooth. Moving from intense battles to quiet, everyday high school life never is after all. After a few of these transitions and having a chance to get to know the supporting cast, these transitions become much easier and even enjoyable.

That is the one place where ‘Code Geass’ seems to suffer the most however; the supporting cast. With at least a dozen various supporting characters from both the high school and the upper ranks of the Brittanian royalty, the series does very little to develop them as the episodes continue on. While broad character traits are established throughout (i.e. Milly the perverted student council president), there are so many others who never get the opportunity nor do they ever get a chance to have their finer details talked about. C.C. is easily the best example of this as the source of Lelouch’s ‘geass’ power.

Despite her being introduced into the series very early on, there is still very little known about her by the time this set ends. Who is she really? Where does she come from? Why did she have the power of ‘geass’ to begin with? All of these are perfectly viable questions that will come up repeatedly with audience members with not even a hint of answers to be found. Of course the natural assumption is that late in the series she’s going to get her big reveal that answers all of the questions but with how little screen time she even gets within these first episodes I have to question the lack of any sort of information on someone that seems to be a vital character.

‘Code Geass’ remains a very pretty series to look at however. While the general animation remains steady throughout, it’s hard not to be impressed by some of the brief moments that the staff uses to show off. When Lelouch is given the power of ‘geass’ and whenever he uses it remains a very awesome use of CG. The representation of someone’s brain being rewired is just very well done and even somehow makes the power that much more believable. What did surprise me about this series however the very liberal bloodshed throughout is. While the series being a political drama should have probably tipped me off, the first couple of mass suicides and war scenes within this series completely caught me off guard. Those who can’t handle animated bloodshed or brains being blown out are going to miss out on a lot within this series.

Music

The music and audio in this series always comes across very strong. During the actual episodes, the series has a consistently strong sound in the background keeping the mood intense. While occasionally lightening for a piano theme, the battle themes are where ‘Code Geass’ really makes the music stand out. The opening and ending themes for these episodes (performed by FLOW and Ali Project respectively) are very fitting for the series. The sound of the opening theme isn’t the most unique however leaving a tone that reminded me of other themes from series like ‘Bleach’ or ‘Eureka Seven’ but it’s still a very enjoyable rock tune.

Dub vs. Sub

Both casts were remarkably well done. Jun Fukuyama (LeLouch), Takahiro Sakurai (Suzaku) and Ami Koshimizu (Kallen) always sounded great in the lead roles. The interplay between them was always solid and created a huge amount of drama that could never be recreated. The dub cast does their job but their performances always sounded a bit more flat than their Japanese counterparts. Johnny Yong Bosch sounds good as Lelouch but I never felt as pulled into the role as I did when I watched the original Japanese.

Extras

Each disc of ‘Code Geass’ is going to please fans that enjoy lots of extras with their anime. Included within this first set are audio commentaries for episodes 1, 4, 5 and 8, two picture dramas and clean animations. In the audio commentaries, audience members will get to hear from cast and crew members including Jun Fukuyama (Lelouch), Yukana (C.C.), Director Goro Taniguchi, screenwriter Ichiro Ohkouchi, Ami Koshimizu (Kallen), Ken Narita (Jeremiah) and others. The commentaries are never filled with particularly deep conversation between the cast and crew but are always good for some interesting insights into the creative process.

In the three picture dramas, audiences will be treated to short (as in none of them are over five minutes long) drama pieces that are placed over static images of the characters. The stories are never really part of the overall story canon but always reveal some interesting bits from the characters back stories. A nice touch to these though is that they are also dubbed into English for fans. While all three are interesting to listen to, I have to admit that the fan service filled second drama is the most entertaining.

Overall

Within these first nine episodes, ‘Code Geass’ has already earned its positive reputation. The characters, story and storytelling are all absolutely gripping and make me want to see more almost right away. If you are looking for a great political drama, this is the one to pick up.