Level-5 Vision Delayed To Summer 2024.

I am still working on stuff I've been meaning to finish for a long time; but this just came up and needs addressing. During their presentation last year, Level-5 announced their next Level-5 Vision presentation would take place in April 2024.

Now that this month is well underway; it turns out that we'll have to wait longer than expected. The presentation has been delayed to this coming summer; with no exact date as of this writing. The presentation was to contain more details on DECA Police, Fantasy Life: The Girl Who Steals Time, Professor Layton and the New World of Steam; and a new game under the working title "Ghost Craft."

The official announcement also stated that the presentation will now include information on Inazuma Eleven: Victory Road. Still, the announcement of the delay hasn't exactly gone over well; and I continue to wonder what's happening behind the scenes at Level-5. Either way, I will detail future updates as they become available. That will be all for now, and I will see you all again soon.

Pokémon Horizons: One Year Later

Well, that certainly was something, wasn’t it? Hello everyone, and welcome to my checkin with Pokémon Horizons- one year later. This anime has been able to last a full twelve months; and it’s headed for a new phase in its story, so let’s open it up.

When we last left this anime, we were nearing the end of “The Departure of Liko and Roy” storyline; and about to start the “Terapagos’ Shine” storyline. Now that both have concluded, I can say the latter is better than the former; but both still have their fair share of issues surrounding the anime as a whole.

Fortunately, it seems the people in charge are not just hearing my concerns and others, they’re listening. In fact, the events leading up to the current storyline, “Terastal Debut” have provided the means for a soft reset. With both the Brave Olivine and shiny Rayquaza getting wrecked at the end of the previous storyline; the new hub for the story is the Naranja Academy in Mezagoza, Paldea. Both the key art and preview materials have shown that more characters and elements from the games will be adapted; with yet more characters from Scarlet and Violet (potentially previous anime as well) hinted at.

At the same time, I sincerely hope that they can keep improving other areas. While I was never against the idea of a serialized storyline with greater focus on characterization; it’s the execution that’s the main problem I and others have. Even when I get answers about how a character operates, I’m left with more questions. Usually, I just get information drip fed about how the leads operate, and there’s lots of details I still don’t have. I’m also not confident in constantly dragging out the story for long stretches or locking key details about the lore in a “mystery box.” 

Though some have said the appearance of Shiny Zygarde intrigues them, I get more of a vibe that the Legends Z-A reveal caught the creatives off guard as much as us. I reiterate that we’re not at the stage of a hard reset yet; but the shift in setting and premise definitely signals a soft reset. I have continually pushed back against comparisons to previous entries and similar anime unless absolutely necessary; since it’s clear we’re in uncharted waters in this specific case.

With the “Terastal Debut” storyline now in motion, I will say that the anime is undergoing a strange; yet necessary experiment. That being said, I still prefer Pokémon Concierge, Paldean Winds and Path to the Peak of the adaptations that released in the last year. I also consider the Origins miniseries and live-action Detective Pikachu better adaptations that don’t feature “you-know-who.” As someone who enjoyed “To Be a Master,” I am actually glad they’re playing a potential return close to the chest (gives us time to miss him, you know). 

Much like before, I am holding off on full reviews of the Horizons’ storylines until I have an English dub for all the episodes. That is all for now, and I will see you for my full review of The Hidden Treasure of Area Zero. Take care, everyone.

Review- Dragon Ball X One Piece X Toriko- "History's Strongest Collaboration VS The Glutton of the Sea"

 Dedicated to the memory of Akira Toriyama

1955-2024

Hey everyone- Happy Easter to those observing. As this is a time of renewal and bounty for many people, I thought I would do something that has both. In honor of the memory of the legendary Akira Toriyama; here is a review of a grand crossover as a parting gift. Let’s open up Dragon Ball X One Piece X Toriko: History’s Strongest Collaboration VS The Glutton of the Sea.

The special opens on a brief recap of the first half (which I was regrettably unable to find), with the International  Gourmet Organization on a grand gourmet race that brings in the casts of all three groups in this crossover. Despite a valiant effort from Goku, Luffy and Toriko, it’s Hercule Satan that wins the race. I say just let him have it, as I sometimes do. Hardly the first time a bloviating man took center stage- Hulk Hogan exists after all.

As all three casts partake in their celebratory meal of “carat sizzled cattle”, trouble is brewing below the water’s surface; in the form of the eponymous Glutton of the Sea. Its name is Big Chu. 

Though Toriko’s portion hasn’t seen official EN release due to rights issues, the cast were able to reprise their roles; with some roles overlapping with all three anime. We’ll talk more about that soon, but I just love how the casts interact. It’s little details like Buu “supersizing” Franky’s colas, or Chopper offering a taste of his cotton candy to Tina I appreciate. As Toriko himself says, “the greatest spice is friendship, the finest meal tastes even better when you’re eating it together.”

Mansam comes clean about the IGO’s true purpose- it was to draw out an “Akemee”- a fish with a voracious appetite for the life energy of others. In order to make the antidote for its poison, Setsuno explains the fish must be caught and cooked within 30 minutes. How convenient- just enough time for this crossover!

Piccolo, Sanji and Zebra engage Big Chu, and I just get a kick out of imagining the VA sharing these roles having to do multiple takes of these exchanges. Elsewhere, the Akamee takes its second form, prompting Trunks and Goten to fuse into Gotenks! Franky uses his General Franky mech to get close to the fish; avoiding direct contact… until he exits the mech and gets touched anyway; which Gotenks lampshades. Oops.

Undeterred (same problem faced by some D.Va mains in Overwatch), Gotenks summons some of their ghost buddies to lend a hand. Halfway in, and the Big Chu is here! Ten minutes left, and our heroes unite to beatdown this figurative and literal oversized tuna.

With the combined might of Goku’s Super Saiyan form, Luffy’s Devil Fruit techniques and Toriko’s skills, the Akamee is slammed through a canyon! Like how drawing the fish out into a more secluded area is consistent with what Goku has done before to draw fire away from civilians. They all go searching for the fish, and sure enough, it finds them.

Toriko deduces that the Akamee’s final form can regenerate power as well as absorbing it. The solution- to hit it with a simultaneous attack that will flash-fry the beast! Goku has the perfect solution- the spirit bomb; and everyone has just enough power to make it happen! Luffy and Toriko are able to buy just enough time with their techniques for Goku to pull it off.

With the day saved, everyone has a piece of the antidote tuna; and it’s a very succulent fish that tried to consume them all. It’s only fair that they consume in return. Even Komamba, a character I have mixed feelings towards approves. There’s even a little stinger of Vegeta, Zoro and Zebra sparring. If and when another crossover game is made; I would definitely appreciate it being given to Arc System Works, whose credits include Guilty Gear, BlazBlue and the excellent Dragon Ball Fighter Z.

As has been noted before, watching this special a decade after its initial release is an interesting experience. While Toriko has become a relative footnote in the Shonen Jump canon, One Piece has gotten more of the global recognition it deserves; and Dragon Ball remains a pop culture phenomenon.

Though the loss of Akira Toriyama earlier this year at age 68 was indeed tragic, what he left behind will last forever. His work on the Dragon Ball story continues to influence countless others to this day, including the anime in this crossover special. He also contributed to numerous video games including Dragon Quest, Blue Dragon and my personal favorite, Chrono Trigger. With Dragon Ball Daima and the adaption of Sand Land seeing release posthumously; I like to think of him being with Kami now; and leaving a vast legacy as a parting gift. The outpouring of support and kind memories of his stories also does my heart good in this day and age. Thank you, Toriyama for your stories and thank you all for your kind words. Fly free, old friend.

Pokémon Horizons (EN) Volume 1 Thoughts.

So, the time has finally arrived… the English dub of Pokémon Horizons has streamed its first dozen episodes (taking up roughly half of the “Liko and Roy’s Departure” storyline) and I still have mixed feelings. On one hand, it’s not the complete disaster I was worried about it being (despite what some folk online might tell you); but I also don’t see it as this “reinvention” of the franchise others are claiming. It’s not even the best adaptation to see release in the past year.

However, before I get into why, I thought I would share the positive points I have with the anime. The animation is indeed very good, and the voice casting in the dub is solid. Alejandra Reynoso has experience with anime adaptations of video games, having previously appeared in the excellent Netflix Castlevania shows. This is something present in both the dub and JP sub, but I like the gag of casting actors from the previous anime in bit parts (in particular, Zeno Robinson as the voice of the Pokédex and Roy’s Fuecoco). 

Now, back to your regularly scheduled conflict towards this new direction. In theory, this should be something I’m all over. In practice, it’s not really “reinvigoration” so much as “standardization.” Honestly mean no disrespect to the new anime’s fans, but I’m among those who would have preferred a direct adaptation of Scarlet and Violet if I had to part with “you-know-who.” Instead, there’s something that I don’t know the canonicity of (the games, the previous anime or something else) or even the age/section of the fandom they’re trying to target. 

I will get into more detail around the one-year mark of the JP release in April; but a large problem I have is how the pacing simultaneously feels like it’s speed running through the source material while also drip feeding lore and character motivation at a glacial pace. I also don’t think the binge approach makes the story easier to absorb- arguably, it makes it tougher. Maybe it’s because I’ve gone out of my way to not compare it to previous seasons unless absolutely necessary (and encouraged others to do the same), but I don’t feel the need to excessively praise or critique the anime. 

Personally, I will say that the same year’s Paldean Winds OVA and stop-motion Pokémon Concierge did a better job of showing new perspectives of the franchise (with the web series Path to the Peak also being a fun and surprisingly resonant take on aspiring TCG players). Even the idea of having different storylines and character focus isn’t that unprecedented. I personally think that the Origins miniseries and the Detective Pikachu movie did a better job of establishing a darker story and characters beyond the usual archetypes. I also try not to compare Horizons to other animation on the market unless I absolutely have to; which will be expanded further in April.

Overall, while the experiment is commendable; Pokémon Horizons is a clear representation of the uncharted waters the anime is currently in. Here’s hoping that future storylines after “Terapagos’ Shine” (if any) can improve from here. So, I suppose I will see you in April for my thoughts on the anime as a whole; one year later. Take care.

Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba: The Movie- To the Hashira Training (2024) Subbed Thoughts.

Hey everyone- this might not be the post I envisioned, but what the hay- with just about three years passed since the release of the last movie; here are my thoughts on Demon Slayer Kimetsu No Yaiba: The Movie- To the Hashira Training.

Poster for the Japanese release.

Released this past February in Japan (with dubbed and subtitled releases following internationally later that same month), the movie adapts the first part of the Hashira Training arc. Though the movie does open with a reel of "previously on" highlights, I still recommend that you have seen the TV anime and read the manga up to this point before you consider watching it.

That out of the way, I can say that the movie is a worthwhile follow-up to the smash hit theatrical adaptation of the Mugen Train arc; a nice prelude to the upcoming fourth season of the TV series and an entertaining film on its own merit. Many things I said about the previous movie apply here as well, and that includes the note that it really earns its R rating on the violence alone; and that it maintains the canon of the anime and manga rather than disrupting it.

Structurally, the movie does flow fine over 103 minutes in adapting the material. Though it's often been sold as a compilation movie; I'm not sure about that description as the TV version of this arc isn't out yet. All the same, it is quite the experience of sight and sound. Much like the previous film, it was made for a budget equivalent to $15 million USD; and contains some of the best traditional animation I've seen in years. It might not be my favorite franchise; but it definitely made me feel a multitude of emotions. 

I have read the manga in its entirety and seen the TV anime up to the point this film adapts. Though not quite as figuratively and literally gut-wrenching as the last movie, it still has a bittersweet yet hopeful ending to set the stage for the Demon Slayer Corps' final battle against Muzan (that's as much as I will say without getting into too many spoilers).

It might not be as big a hit as the last movie, but it's still doing respectable numbers for its medium and budget (in this landscape, I will celebrate wins wherever I can). It probably won't be on digital or Crunchyroll for a while, as they're already in the black worldwide. I would say that much like its senior, it showed me things I haven’t seen before; and presented things I have in new and unique ways. That being the case, it did a great job at blending action, horror and Taisho-era period drama (among other genres) that it was definitely worth the $10 spot.

I have much more in store over the horizon from this month onward, and I will see you again soon. Take care, and I hope you have a good rest of your evening.

2024- Year of the Dragon with a Host of Possibilities.

Hey everyone- Happy Leap Day. First, I once again apologize for the lack of updates. Second, I will reassure you all that I have big plans coming for the remainder of the year, currently in progress.

On top of projects I've had in mind for ages; I am quite interested in building on work I've done previously and continuing experiments here. Though I have at times addressed video games and live-action adaptations; I still do my best to connect them to the mainn focus of the blog in some way.

Hope you all have a good rest of your evening, and I give you my belated wishes for a happy year of the Dragon this lunar new year. Take care.

Pokémon Presents 2-27-24 Thoughts.

Hey everyone- as today is Pokémon Day; a new Pokémon Presents livestream was shown with what’s next for the franchise over the next twelve months. While not as meaty as past presentations, I still would like to share my thoughts on what’s been revealed with you all. One in particular has me very excited, and we’ll get to that soon enough.

With both Tsunekazu Ishihara and Takato Utsonomiya presiding, we are first given a new Raid Event for Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, consisting of the classic stage 2 starters as follows- a Ground-Tera Type Venusaur, a Steel-Tera Type Blastoise and a Dragon-Tera Type Charizard. They all bear the Mightiest Mark, so be sure you have good counters and partners ready.

Pokémon Go is also doing a collaboration with the 2023 anime; which sees the Charcadet evolutionary line join the game alongside a Captain Pikachu events. Pokémon Sleep, which has been quite helpful to improving my rest; will see the Johto legendary beasts join the game starting with Raikou in the near future. On top of the return of previous monsters, a new event for Pokémon Cafe Remix has seen Gimmighoul join the fun.

Pokémon UNITE, in addition to adding Falinks and Ceruledge in the spring and summer respectively; has Miraidon join the game as part of a new event; currently in progress. Until March 31 of this year, using the code “P0KEDAY24” will grant you the monster’s bonus emblem.

As the Pokémon TCG Online app is set to wind down service; a new one is set to replace it- Pokémon TCG Pocket. The app will allow users to learn the rules of the game while also giving them a new way of interacting with the cards. I will keep an eye on this one. Now that I’ve had all these appetizers, here is the main course.

While many were expecting a game set in Johto or Unova, I think the next main game will be a pleasant surprise. Following the acclaim and success of Pokémon Legends Arceus (my personal favorite game of 2022), the branding will be used for another game set in Kalos- Pokémon Legends Z-A. Though not much is known at this time, the game will release next year in 2025 (presumably alongside a new variant of the Switch); have a plot involving Lumiose City revamped so Pokémon and their partners coexist; and that the fan-favorite Mega Evolution mechanic will return. So, as you can imagine; it will be a day-one pickup for me.

Anyway, I am still working on my other projects; and I thought this would be a nice way of letting you know I’m not totally offline. That’s all for now, take care. Seek out all Pokémon.