My Complicated Relationship With Digimon Adventure 02.

(Sighs) I knew it would only be a matter of time. I have long had issues with this anime, and I think the release of the finale movie (after being delayed for a year) is the right time. Many people are coming to reevaluate the second season of Digimon Adventure in recent times. Here is why I am not among them. Let's explore my complicated relationship with Digimon Adventure 02.

Courtesy: Toei/Bandai/Akiyoshi Hongo

I won't be structuring this the same way as other things I've written; because this subject has a myriad of issues to address. So, I think the best way to approach this is to go arc by arc. Let's start with the premise- this could have easily been a direct sequel that immediately followed the end of the first. Instead, the "02" in the title represents it taking place in the year 2002. Ironically, when the actual 2002 rolled around; it was more dated than a K-Pro in a town where everyone else had Windows XP.

Now, let's get started with the first arc, charitably speaking: with most of the original cast having gotten older; save for TK and Kari, a new cast is brought into the fold... which is my first issue. I'm not against adding new characters when it makes sense; but this is one of many issues that metastasized to future incarnations that started here. While the idea isn't the worst, it's the execution that bothered me at the time and still does.

Case in point- how this season introduces our new heroes and the first villain.  On paper, a new threat emerging to fill the vacuum left by Myotismon should be all right; as with a new generation of heroes. From the perspective of an 8-year-old and watching this again to write this (and yes, I did factor in the subs as well); though, lots of elements never sat right in execution. We'll get into this more later, but the Digimon Emperor never fit that bill to me.

On the side of the heroes, the idea of new leads was never the problem I had- it was the execution. Both from the perspective of a younger viewer watching at the time and since, I never really had the same attachment to these characters as I did those before or after. Especially Daisuke "Davis" Motomiya- at the time, his constant lusting over Kari and immediately jumping into the position of new lead didn't really sit well with me; and still doesn't. One of the easiest fixes for this issue I and others have proposed is to have TK and Kari lead the new team instead. That way, you can still have both the new characters and legacy ones in solid balance.

Now, let's address the storytelling. Though there are a lot of interesting concepts (the head writer of my favorite season, Tamers; Chiaki Konaka started his run with the series here), none of them really lasted long enough to stick or be properly utilized. It's not just the darker material (such as death in the family or what's functionally child trafficking in the episodes with Oikawa near the end); I never really had a clear idea of what attitude to adopt even when I was younger. This was not an issue I had with other shows on Fox Kids at the time, including Beast Machines and Power Rangers (which it shared a block with on affiliates near where I lived in those days).

As for the "World Tour" arc- some people might like it; but I consider it synonymous with arc fatigue. Even how other countries celebrate the season feels underutilized. I know this anime came out well before Rise of the Guardians, but this storyline comes off like a Rise of the Guardians wannabe in hindsight.

That's not to say none of it works. Far from it- the Black WarGreymon storyline is one of the most effective aspects of the season and one of the few new aspects that genuinely left an impact on me. Same with Oikawa's death at the end of the storyline I mentioned before. The animation is also quite solid; even with the Armor sequences having CGI that looks considerably dated nowadays.

Still, there are lot of ideas that just feel uneven and don't come together as a unified whole. One storyline features Ken still struggling with his brother's death; another features Russian singers that come off like you ordered the Nutcracker Suite from TEMU. When the viewer has no clear idea of what attitude to adopt, the story just doesn't work. 

So no, I am not among those that considers this better than 01; not with Tamers, Data Squad/Savers and now Ghost Game in mind. It's at least better than Frontier; but that's not saying much. I do not consider this the T2 of the franchise; I would argue it's more like its Terminator Salvation- where it feels like a rehash of ideas we've done before; and the new ones we see break willing suspension of disbelief.

That is something that becomes readily clear with the now-infamous epilogue. I understand why people who paired Tai and Sora in particular weren't happy; but that's only the tip of the iceberg of story problems here. Even when head writer Hiroyuki Kadadou attempted to explain details about this ending, it just made things more confusing; once again invoking the Hermes Conrad meme.

I might be able to buy some of the trajectories, such as Davis making noodles and Sora arranging flowers; but the lion's share make no sense me. Even worse, is not only how TK detailed all these in a tell-all book (honestly found Jennette McCurdy's memoir more interesting); but how he took his children to the digital world; as did everyone. It didn't make sense to me as aa kid; and it still doesn't make sense to me now.

With all this in mind, I can submit that this anime functionally died on the following dates of its respective Japanese and US airings- March 25, 2001 and May 19, 2001. Were it not for Tamers later that same year, my interest in the entire franchise might have gone down with it.

I know this is not the piece I envisioned writing; but I am once again glad to have it done so I can move onto something else. That's more or less how complicated my relationship is with Digimon Adventure 02. It's a series that has some interesting concepts and potential for its stories; but that potential was never fully realized. Its approach as a sequel felt more to me like Digimon Adventure 1.5, and it still does. I don't hate it; but it remains one of the most uneven viewing experiences I've had in any language (not even the subs changed my perspective).

As for the movie out this year, that's another story. I have made quite clear that I was not a fan of Last Evolution Kizuna, and I am going into the sequel with significantly lower expectations. I will have to watch the movie to be entirely sure, but I don't have high hopes. That will be all for now, take care.

Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Indigo Disk (Switch) Final Trailer Thoughts and More.

Hey everyone- I know what just got uploaded earlier today and other subjects that have come up this month; so let’s get to it.

Let’s start with today’s reveal- the final trailer for The Indigo Disk chapter of Pokémon Scarlet and Violet: The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. We have a full array of characters and features shown off; with both new and returning Pokémon and trainers alike. I am especially eager to see how this expansion builds on what has been established in the main game and The Teal Mask. The Blueberry Academy is a setting I’m eager to explore, and I will be training over this week to take on their own Elite Four. Their names are Lacey, Crispin, Drayton and Amarys. I haven’t had as much issue with the progression and difficulty scaling as others; but early previews have been pleasantly surprised by the challenge offered.

The trailer also came with information on three Mystery Gifts. They are as follows and shown- a Darkrai that can be claimed until 12/21 with the code NEWM00N1SC0M1NG, a shiny Lucario that can be claimed with the code SH1NYBUDDY and a Master Ball gift that goes live on launch day; both of which can be claimed until January 3 of next year.

I have also been occupied with my full look at To Be a Master (completed the first two episodes and working on the third as you see this); but I might as well address this. After its initial reveal late last year, Pokémon Horizons will finally see release in the US via Netflix on February 23, 2024. As someone who has had mixed feelings towards the new series since it began (though I do admit the second storyline, “The Shine of Terapagos” is better than the first one so far); I can now officially say I have no formal plans to review the anime before the official release. If I had to say, I would likely do so after or around the one-year mark of Horizons on April 14 next year. I’m thoroughly occupied as it is this month; and covering what I already have queued instead first. 

That will be all for now, and I will continue with my work on other projects. See you next week with my first impressions after this chapter goes live. Take care.

New Yo-Kai Watch Project Teased for 2024+ Level-5 Game Delays.

As they say, the more things change; the more they stay the same. Yesterday, a Level-5 Vision presentation which had a number of announcements streamed online. While one is going to have more announced come this April; the rest have all been delayed out of this year. Let’s get to them all.

Let’s address what’s arguably the most notable one first- the next Yo-Kai Watch game. While it’s still not clear whether or not this game is a spinoff or a fifth main title, a new yokai variant is shown off with more news coming at the next presentation in 2024… which should make a good transition to the next point of this post.

While I was open to the company returning to Western markets; it hasn’t exactly gone as planned. As I type this, every single title they announced has been delayed to 2024 and beyond. Let’s rundown the list, going by new release date to keep things as objective as I can. I also cannot say if any of these delays correspond to new console hardware; so let’s begin.

Starting with the newest IP, let’s talk about DECA Police. After a brief period of confusion, this detective game will now see release in 2024. As this game has a lot of potential; I am actually glad they’re taking more time with it; which is my feelings toward all but one game discussed here.

Next, we have a delay that was already confirmed before the presentation: Fantasy Life- The Girl Who Steals Time. Originally slated for this holiday season, the game is now slated for mid-2024. Given the banner season this year has had; I don’t blame them.

In a more clear release date, Megaton Musashi (under the Wired subtitle) will finally see release outside Japan on April 25 of next year. I have been keeping an eye on this one, as I think there’s a market for it after the success and acclaim of Armored Core VI.

Next, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam has been pushed to 2025; which suggests that they need the extra year (and that it happens to mark the 20th anniversary of the franchise even).

Lastly, is the game I’m most concerned about: Inazuma Eleven- Victory Road. This game was first announced in 2016 for release in 2018; meaning that its new 2024 release date will mean eight years of development hell. Let’s hope the lengthy development is the only thing it ends up sharing with Duke Nukem Forever. Honestly not a huge fan of the franchise (or sports anime as a whole), but at this point; I half expect a placeholder date of “when it’s done.” That will be all for now, and I will see you in December. Take care.

Peter Spellos dies at age 69.

It is with great sadness I report the death of voice actor Peter Spellos, who succumbed to pancreatic cancer earlier this month at age 69. He had been in hospice for some time prior; but this nonetheless comes as a somber note. The news was announced online by his friend Fred Olen.

Spellos had a variety of anime roles in his life; including fan favorites such as Whamon on Digimon Adventure, Gilliam on Outlaw Star and Sky Byte on the 2001 version of Transformers: Robots in Disguise.

As his family plans a memorial for him, I wish the best for his colleagues and loved ones at this difficult time. May he rest in peace.

Scott Pilgrim Takes Off (2023) First Viewing Thoughts- A Netflix Anime That Gets It Together.

Hey everyone- I know it’s been a bit since I last posted anything big; but Thanksgiving hit me harder than expected. Rest assured, even if I have to bump stuff further; I will post stuff I have queued up when it’s done. In the meantime, I might as well talk about an anime that I have seen and been fascinated by this month. Here are my first viewing thoughts on Scott Pilgrim Takes Off.

Courtesy: Netflix/Science Saru

As a longtime fan of the graphic novels and their previous adaptations (chiefly the 2010 film by Edgar Wright and the video game from the same year); I can say that this is an excellent adaptation of the material that also serves as a sort of remix. Not only did the cast and creatives behind the previous material return; but given how much influence anime and manga had in said material; this was a natural move. Science Saru captured the energy of the source perfectly; and although those in charge have denied rumors of a second season, I am open to the idea.

I did find amusement in many of the jokes and smaller pragmatic changes. Notably, rather than delivering for Amazon.ca like in the comic and movie; Ramona delivers DVD rentals for Netflix (amusing as the two are rivals, and a bit wistful as they shipped out their last DVDs earlier this year). The little odd quirks of this anime and the source never feel that way after all this time. Rather, they’re intrinsic to the plot.

If you aren’t familiar with Scott Pilgrim, now is a good time to start. If you are like I am, then this will be a wild ride. Just thought I would get you all something to let you all know I’m not just watching One Piece and playing the new Super Mario RPG (which is also true). That’s all for now, take care.

#PokémonScarletViolet #TheIndigoDisk Coming December 14 and More.

I would have liked to post this sooner, but there have been intermittent connection problems on my end. Rest assured, here is a small update in between bigger projects I’m working on.

Let’s start with the most notable piece of information I’m addressing. After much speculation, the second chapter of the Hidden Treasure of Area Zero expansion to Pokémon Scarlet and Violet will go live on December 14: The Indigo Disk. The DLC will focus on Terapagos and the neighboring Blueberry Academy in Unova. I intend to complete the Teal Mask chapter before it goes live. A full review will follow once both chapters are cleared.

I have also picked up Detective Pikachu Returns, which I have been playing and enjoying since its release on October 6 of this year. The game builds on what was established in the first title on 3DS and the hit 2019 film adaptation. On top of focusing more on humor and puzzle-solving than the battles of the main series; there’s also new gameplay features such as stealth sections and getting help from other Pokémon to solve cases. Need to track a scent? Have Growlithe sniff it out. Need to see through a wall? Have Luxray use its sonar.

Lastly, let’s address things on the anime front. Though a US airdate remains elusive for Pokémon Horizons (understandable, given the circumstances); the series will begin its run in the UK via the CBBC feed of the BBC iPlayer on December 1. I still have no formal plans to address the anime before an official release stateside.

I will say that I have enjoyed two relatively recent pieces of web animation. These include a CGI short based on Detective Pikachu: “Mystery of the Missing Flan,” which is from Polygon Pictures (“Sonic Prime,” “Transformers Prime,” “Star Wars: The Clone Wars”) and the second part of the OVA “Paldean Winds.” Entitled “Breathe In,” the short focuses on Aliquis facing a crisis of confidence in his battles with Nemona; and whether or not he should keep his Meowscarada as a partner. I honestly consider it to be more interesting than Horizons; and I am looking forward to the third and final segment later this year. That will be all for now, and I will see you all again soon, take care.

How The Promised Neverland Season 2 Went Wrong (And How It Could Be Fixed).

All right: let's get to it. You may recall that I had an interest in The Promised Neverland, and was looking forward to its second season among many others. Then the season actually aired, and with it came less of a sophomore slump and more careening down an abandoned quarry. There are few promising anime that cratered this fast; with most reception pointing out how the second season created a litany of its own issues while also exacerbating ones from the manga. As someone who has read said manga in preparation for this; I think it's finally time for me to do a deep dive into this; and maybe see how it can be fixed. That is going to be your only spoiler warning to click away. This is how The Promised Neverland Season 2 went wrong.

Episode 1

The season opens roughly where the first left off; with the escaped children running from a beast in the forest and Emma forging the path. While not a bad idea in theory, we're admittedly already not off to a good start. This is only further compounded by Emma's exchanges with Ray during a quieter scene; in which they decide to find someone named "William Minerva." We will come back to this later; as it relates to another issue faced by this season: the changes from the source material. 

Episode 2

Case in point- this episode jumps ahead not just a handful of chapters, but volumes as well. I can understand if a scene sometimes has to be cut for pacing; but this leaves out numerous characters and story arcs; a problem that's only going to get worse from here. I know the big one people will be asking about; and we will cross that bridge when we come to it.

Episode 3

Three episodes in, and it's already becoming quite clear that this approach to the material was a mistake. The presence of the demons Sonju and Mujika alone in this episode and the last is going to be part of my final reasons on why this second season got it so wrong. Let's keep this journey going.

Episode 4

Emma and the others make contact with Minerva, and the pacing continues its accelerated rate. I am not against making changes in adaptation; but they really need to be changes that make sense. In a way, it's like attempting to condense an entire volume of A Song of Ice and Fire into a half-hour; and it only gets worse from here.

Episode 5

Here is where the idea of adhering so closely to the structure of the first season truly becomes a mistake; even before the more egregious cuts are revealed. While the manga had enough breathing room to build the atmosphere; this borders on the 2017 Death Note in terms of cramming too much material into a single space. That's not a comparison you want made, count on that. (Side note: Certainly hope the Duffer brothers do a better job with the next attempt, big fan of Stranger Things.) Bottom line- the only real events of consequence are trying to stay out of sight from the demons and eluding capture with help from. unlikely allies.

Episode 6

Here is where it all goes officially pear-shaped: while the creator of the manga reportedly wanted a different ending for the anime; the result was viewed as an overcorrection even among those who had issues with the manga's conclusion. Norman's escape in particular raises a lot more issues; as does the fact that Minerva is dead. The focus on the Grace Field group at the expense of the Goldy Pond arc and the removal of Yugo are particular sticking points. I'm not even saying an anime of this sort can't do a satisfying action sequence- both on and off this blog; I am known to appreciate a good bit of gunplay as much as anyone (I was contemplating at least two other works; but ultimately decided to delay them for now). The Lambda 7214 plot also has much greater weight in the source material, as does the character of Smee (no relation to the Peter Pan character, I'm afraid). Bottom line- there is a cure for the condition plaguing the world and its enemies; and this point carries into the next episode.

Episode 7 

The debate about whether or not to break the promise and use the cure (as well as a gateway to a world without demons) is not only more engaging in the manga to me; but the contrast between Emma wanting a peaceful solution and Norman wanting to take action just makes me want to shut this off and rewatch Nausicaa again instead. Yet, I've come this far; so I might as well continue.

Episode 8

Now comes the part where we find out the details of Norman's escape from Grace Field; and his subsequent falling in with the backers of Lambda 7214; including their late primary financier Peter Ratri. All things considered, both the character and this plotline should be enough to carry an engaging story... except most of the circumstances of his escape are condensed into a single episode. Moreover, the impact of the character's face turn is effectively nullified by compressing the adaptation like this. The manga built up the impact of the drugs Norman was given and the decision to not go through with the eradication of the demons properly. Here though, this turn makes no sense. That is a feeling that will continue through the remainder of this season.

Episode 9

Case in point- How easily Norman decides against his plan to retaliate against the demons. I have seen people compare the anime rendition of this turnaround unfavorably to the infamous "save Martha" exchange;  and I can understand why. Let's just say that his rendition of "I want to live" doesn't hold a candle to Nico Robin at all.

Episode 10

Here, upon returning to Grace Field; Emma, having learned the sickening truth; decides to confront Peter. If the story had actually been given the time it needed to flesh out on screen as it did on the page; perhaps this could have been serviceable. Instead, it seems needlessly and carelessly thrown together. That includes Isabella and her role in these last couple episodes; which recalls the "somehow, Palpatine has returned" meme. I that bit find amusing even as someone who likes The Rise of Skywalker. What I do not find amusing is the massive downgrade in animation this episode and the finale have. Condensing the bulk of the action into a bunch of still shots may not be the only side effect of the pandemic (finally got my booster as I type this), but it's one of the more egregious casualties of that season.

Episode 11

Now, the conclusion has come. Peter reveals his role in Minerva's death; and his attempts to justify his actions are among the worst faux philosophy psychobabble I've dealt with since finishing my look at Code Geass R2 five years ago. A significant chunk of the episode is also done as a glorified slideshow. That includes Ratri's backstory; which he divulges before refusing Emma's offer for peace and cutting his throat. On that subject, while I didn't have as much an issue with the children "adopting" Isabella as others in the manga; the shortening of events is once again the fatal flaw in this anime. No joke- the entirety of the final minutes are a slideshow condensing the Grace Field children venturing to the real world and Emma brokering peace with the demons; save the very last scene of Emma reuniting with Phil. It certainly isn't impossible to tell an engaging and coherent story in less than a dozen episodes; but this isn't the way to go about it.

Here is the crown jewel of mismanagement- this season attempted to compress the equivalent of 144 chapters of the manga into a single 11-episode season. For context, the first season only adapted 37 chapters into its 12-episode run. On top of the aforementioned pacing and cuts issues, there was enough material for several seasons of content and a more faithful adaptation. In the pantheon of failed YA stories with wasted potential, the second season ranks among the adaptations of Eragon and Percy Jackson as one of the most mishandled adaptations in any medium. The later volumes of the manga may have been contentious in their own right (with the ending in particular being divisive), but nothing compared to this.

So, with that in mind; if this story were to be adapted again, it's clear a reboot would be the only way to correct the mistakes made by the second season. Instead of cramming multiple volumes into one season, the content can be parceled out over the course of several. Even bigger IPs like Dragon Ball and One Piece still have to make changes, but they're typically changes that make sense. Being produced during the pandemic didn't help matters either; but when other series managed to make more sound changes (totally get why season 5 of MHA quite literally flipped the script on the main arcs it adapted), it's particularly baffling and disheartening.

Bottom line- few series this promising have cratered this fast. The second season of The Promised Neverland is a textbook example of how not to adapt a story into another medium. This may not be a conventional Halloween or milestone celebration (this marks my 700th post); but I am glad to finally have this done. No joke-  I started drafting this in my head the moment the second season concluded two years ago; and it has taken me precisely that long to dissect its failures. Rest assured, there will be other subjects to address that I will enjoy discussing much more. Thank you everyone; and Happy Halloween.