Recap: Biyomon Gets Firepower

Hello again, and welcome to the next phase of my Chinese Zodiac theme for this year. We have reached roosters in the cycle; and while this may be a departure from my usual style once again, I have been very busy with wrapping up my school term. Also; while I concede that my subject may be fudging the conditions of a rooster, I’ve been taking liberties as it is. I might as well stay the course. So, let’s open up “Biyomon Gets Firepower” and take a trip back in time!

As I pointed out my recap of the pilot; the Digimon series was typically more serialized than Pokémon; and they often had these “previously on” recaps for those who may have missed an episode. I was on the road a lot with a brother that wanted to watch Dragon Tales when he was little; so that was very much the case. Anyway; it concerned Garurumon and his power being celebrated by brothers Matt and TK!

We once again get that piece of electro that essentially signaled the end of the 1990s and the beginning of the 2000s in a single tune. I’m posting a link of it for you to hear. 

Picking up where we left off; we see that the Digidestined are still lost amid a forest of road signs and funny trees. Despite the obvious illogic at their feet; they decide to keep moving right along. 

If it seems like I’m filing dead air at an early stage; that’s essentially what’s happening in the anime as well. I mentioned before how the kids; much like kids would; try to lighten the mood of their predicament by making playful banter. 

As they continue along; Mimi notices her compass isn’t working right!

Izzy then determines that there are traces of metal in the sand; and they’re throwing off the magnetism of the compass!

These are heavier metals than an online discussion of Man of Steel!

So, they keep walking; and this is one of a few scenes that turns a scene with little to no dialogue in the Japanese version into a string of gags about the drudgery of their hike. 

Tai then spots a settlement ; where there should hopefully be food and water!

The village is full of Yokomon; who are quite pleased with the fact that that Biyomon has Digivolved. Yet, Sora merely remarks at how bizarre everything is.

Biyomon then goes onto say much close she and Sora are; saying it’s their bond that did the job. Oh, to be 8 again. 

There is indeed a supply of food and water for both Digimon and Digidestined alike; yet Izzy noticed something strange headed toward Mount Miharashi. 

This is highly illogical, much like how A Night in Sickbay is still canon!

Then, the well starts spewing flames! 

The water supply not only has dried up; but the rope holding the bucket is burnt up too!

A young man holding a burnt, flaccid object. That's not suspect at all!

The Yokomon are incredibly upset at the fact that their water supply has gone dry!

It's almost as bad as the idea that Beyblade is getting a live-action movie before we do!

Izzy then deduces that there may be something more behind this!

If Lions Gate is rebooting the Power Rangers, I imagine they could do something similar with our movies! Hope they're better than the one from 2000!

At the peak of Mount Miharashi; Tai discovers that a Digimon is behind all this! 

It turns out that Meramon is the cause of all the trouble! Even worse; the normally friendly Digimon is on a rampage due to a black gear!

Biyomon declares this will not stand. This aggression will not stand. She opts to stop Meramon because of what’s going on with him. 

Sure enough; Sora’s will reaches Biyomon; and she digivolves to Birdramon! 

A battle ensues with some fairly decent animation for its time; and the black gear is expunged from Meramon as a result! He apologizes for what he did; and everyone has a celebratory banquet as a result! 

So, we close on Biyomon and Sora embracing and celebrating their friendship!

“Biyomon Gets Firepower” is another solid entry in the Digimon Adventure canon. With some nice animation and amusing dubbing; it’s definitely worth your time. Sorry for this recap being so short; but I’m working on finishing class so I can have the slate clean for June.

Dogs are also next in the cycle after roosters; and I’m mulling over several options. I may do a Johto filler episode on a canid Pokémon, or look into something Inuyasha-related. For now; I’m going to be celebrating my mother’s 53rd birthday with my family on Sunday. I have much planned for June and the second half of the year. You’ll just have to wait and see what it is. See you space cowboy!

Recap: Guilmon Comes Alive

Hello again. It’s been a bit since I did my look at “Princess VS Princess”. As opposed to my usual turnaround; I ended up writing, screen capping; and posting that piece in just 24 hours, yet it still managed to pull the views my usual stuff did. I feel like Roger Corman.

Be that as it may; man cannot live by Pokémon alone, so I say it’s time to take a look at another Digimon series for another installment of From Humble Beginnings! This time, it’s on my favorite season; Digimon Tamers! I definitely share the fans’ enthusiasm for this series with its dark tone and unique approach to how the Digimon are dealt with as opposed to the Adventure series. So, let’s open up “Guilmon Comes Alive” and get plugged in! 

Furthering my belief that the franchise is like the kids’ version of The Matrix; the theme song got an industrial metal remix for this season! I’m posting a link of it for you to hear. 

We open on Calumon being chased by a rogue Digimon. I used to have a figure of him; i wonder what happened to it?

As he enters the real world; we cut to our lead, Takato Matsuda; playing the Digimon card game with his friend Kazu.

He then discovers a mysterious blue card in with his collection. He scans the card; and his scanner starts going crazy.

As he is late; the penalty is something that’s more common in Japan than here: standing in the hallway.

You can choose to be at your desk on time, or you can choose to find yourself another school.

With the extra time on his hands; he starts designing his own Digimon. We all did this when we were younger, be honest.

Later that day; we see his friend Jeri pick up her flute from her desk. As for the dog puppet on her hand: I can’t really joke about this, knowing what lies ahead. I shall simply state she has issues. Major issues.

As if the day wasn’t any more bizarre already; it starts to rain on Takato’s way home.

He stops back at the playground; and it turns out his card scanner is a Digivice. He expresses incredulity at the fact he’s holding it inside a dinosaur.

What next? The Power Rangers fight some dude that can pull swords out of his bones?

It also turns out his parents run a bakery. If this all seems a bit slow; I’m sorry: I actually like the way they’re building up how Digimon appear in our world. After a pair of seasons with a bunch of colorful creatures abound; I found this to be quite refreshing when I was younger. 

His Digivice starts scanning his notebook while he’s at dinner; including the notes about Guilmon. Yes, the studio with a proud legacy including Dragon Ball and Fist of the North Star now presents a toy commercial starring a red dinosaur! Yet, unlike Yo-Kai Watch; this has a sense of atmosphere and mood to it that remain entertaining after all this time.

He goes to bed with the Digivice in his hand. It’s 2001: The year where the line between cool toy and sleek gadget became closer than ever.

We then get one of the more notable parts of the episode: Takato’s prophetic dream. While the writers of this series would later go on to make Serial Experiments Lain; I’m just going on record to say I’m not interested in that one. I do intend to keep enjoying this series; as it effectively does for Digimon what Evangelion did for mecha pilots.

His dream, of course, involves another entry on my Top 13 anime women: Rika Nonaka. After a myriad of happy-go-lucky Digidestined; she was a notable departure from that, being snarky and having a more serious approach to what she does. She’s so driven she wears three belts: one to keep her pants up, and two to show she doesn’t care what others think.

We then get a very good fight scene with her Digimon; Renamon. There’s a lot more fan art of her than you might think, and filthier too.

As he wakes up the next morning; he wonders if it was really just a dream. I really enjoy whenever a work messes with my perception of what’s real and what isn’t. Takato’s reaction is my own.

When he tries to tell Kazu and his friend (I forget his name; I’ve been working on wrapping up my school term; he not only scoffs at the idea, but insinuates that Takato is a bedwetter. Good grief, it’s a running gag. The fact that Takato is at the age that he’s going through puberty does not help matters. Well, here you go.

When my Digi-Egg hatched I JIZZED IN MY PANTS.

After they run off, Takato of course is eager to find the Digimon he created before it wrecks up Akihabara. Wait till those guys turn their Hanes into a honey pot, then they’ll change their tune!

At the control center; we see a man who wonders what will happen if the Digimon are allowed to roam free in the world. Interesting how Saban cut all the scenes with him smoking; but left in the ones with him twiddling his lighter.

So, Takato dashes off into the city to find his Digimon; with his Digivice around his neck.

To his dismay; he follows the compass through the sewers to its location.

Also, I never noticed that Steve Blum voiced the man in the shadows here. Consider my childhood enhanced for my 9-year-old self.

As Takato reaches the location; we get our first glimpse of Guilmon in the flesh. Even though things will get progressively darker as they go with this season; the early episodes still possess a sense of childlike wonder of how one would reacting to finding a real Digimon.

So, we close on Takato in awe of how he spawned something to call his own in his favorite merchandise-driven series.

“Guilmon Comes Alive” is the ideal first outing for Digimon Tamers. While the Adventure series were entertaining in their own right; this is what the franchise is truly capable of in terms of storytelling. It also helps the animation style is given a more distinct look to further distinguish it from those seasons. It works quite well in and of itself for animation as well. It also manages to establish the tone of the series from the outset; making quite clear that this is not the same Digimon we got started with. Overall; it’s well worth your time. It also happens I’ve found something for my rooster phase of my Chinese Zodiac theme! Next up: “Biyomon Gets Firepower!” See you space cowboy!

Recap: Princess VS Princess

I couldn’t help notice my blog hasn’t been nostalgic in a while. I thought I might fix that. Since doing things I enjoy is my standard way of detoxing from things I don’t; I think I’ll take a look at more early Pokémon.

This idea was inspired by a comment on my look at “The Bicker The Better;” saying that I like this episode better despite having the same basic plot elements. I did address that person; but I’m going to elaborate further before I get started. Different people often find different things funny. Apart from me not liking the humor in that episode (barring imagining Veronica Taylor doing dozens of takes of arguing with herself in a recording studio); I didn’t really like the way Oscar and Andi never fell to the same wavelength that the principal characters did. Said characters were also not firing on the usual cylinders either; acting like dicks to each other for no real reason. Also; I still stand by my statement of it being filler; since Oscar and Andi are indeed never seen again; and the “first double battle” took place earlier and better in “All in a Day’s Wurmple;” but that’s not important right now.

What is, however; is the fact that this episode managed to be entertaining for all the reasons that one was not. It helps that I actually like the jokes made here; the situation fits the characters, and the colorful side characters are in the role of mere commentators rather than being references to an event that makes me wish they didn’t survive. Best of all; it’s the first episode of the series’ second season; proving at an early age it had staying power. While the exact placement is debatable (I’ll explain more in a bit); what isn’t is the quality. Let’s open up “Princess VS Princess” and party like

it’s 1999!

I really don’t think I need to say anything else about the Pokémon theme right now; just the fact the opening lyrics should help set the stage. 

I wanna be the very best, like no one ever was!

We open on a city that everyone happens to be passing through; right when it’s a holiday known as “Princess Day;” no doubt based on the real-life Japanese holiday of Girl’s Day. Despite the best efforts of a certain infamous party to shield me from their culture; I only ended up being more interested about what was going on because of the country of origin. This attitude is also what made their actors free agents and their executives collect unemployment checks. Naturally, Misty is ecstatic.

Jessie is similarly pleased; and even amid the numerous edits my associate Dogasu pointed out (go check out his recap and website if you haven’t already); they left a very visible PMS billboard behind her. Oh my!

Of course, we, the men; are doing the heavy lifting. I don’t think Ash and Brock here are that far off from making chocolate pudding at 4 in the morning.

I've lost control of my life.

We get our title card, and it’s one of several where the editor may have left the caps lock on.

The ladies also get specials on lunch; while Ash and Brock just decide to have a drink instead. They’re watching their figures.

One of the more conspicuous edits is of a billboard advertising Fiorello Cappuccino and his new movie Gigantic. From the director of Xenomorphs and The Annihilator! 

Next to it is advertising one of the many sales that the city is having. Yes; I note the video edits are much brighter in this episode. It practically looks like the set of Batman Forever; and I thought Best Wishes and XY had a thing for neon!

Jessie revels in the fact there are so many discounts of clothing! Oh, the ‘90s, a simpler time where we could flaunt our consumerism without guilt! 

Amid all the shopping, the PMS and MS buildings strike back!

Jessie has also procured a selection of gifts for Giovanni; including some fine foods.

Then, who should show up but Lickitung! So, my love for Lickitung began.

He not only eats all the food; but the “original copies of genuine designer fakes” that Jessie bought. On that note; I sometimes pick up packs of Pokémon cards at the flea market. When the series was new; the fakes were pretty easy to spot: washed-out colors, cheap cardstock, full of misspellings and inaccuracies. Now; there’s quite a few that are pretty close to the original.

Jessie catches Lickitung, and it’s back to bargain hunting! Ash laments that he never knew shopping could be so much work. Clearly, you’ve never gone through black Friday.

James also claims he doesn’t think he’s tough enough to be a woman. While, Jessie was always the more take charge of you two.

It is here the highlight of the episode begins to take hold; where Fiorello and a fellow commentator   are emceeing a contest of all the female trainers in the city. Yes, in hindsight, his Italian accent is pretty laughable.

Yo momma del fatto!

The commentator claims the winner must be; and I am including these screen caps to show you:

Poised as a Jynx…

Serene as a Jigglypuff…

…and graceful as an Oddish. By the way, while this is the mildest example of this statement; yes, the Japanese can generally come up with this stuff stone-cold sober. Frankly, I’m not sure they need the help of this type. 

You haven't ingested anything too potent, thankfully.

As the curtain rises; everyone is dressed in kimonos and has their hair done in slick fashions. They are waiting to compete to be crowned Queen of this festival.

What awaits such an honor to the winner? The chance to go out with Fiorello; and a set of one of a kind handcrafted Pokémon princess dolls; with a little snark saying “batteries not included.”

Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back!

As Pikachu looks on at this bounty; I say it’s time once again for an installment of “Shit CEOs say!”

"If we can't merchandise it, it doesn't hold a lot of interest for us." -Alfred R. Kahn

Even Ash is impressed saying he wants a set! He can just call them “action figures” so his buddies don’t get their shorts in a knot.

I’m going to show the set again; just to give an example of how much it’s at stake. It’s every bit as much a linchpin to the plot of this story as a set of Infinity Stones.

Even so, this is not merely a beauty contest: this is a contest of skill and power in Pokémon battle! With this, both Jessie and Misty vow to fight for the glorious honor of being Queen for a day!

You go girls!

Ash and Brock grudgingly agree to lend Misty some of their Pokémon for the tournament, and Pikachu is all too happy to oblige. Yet, Ash scoffs at the idea of associating with a man like Fiorello.

I don't get ornament stars like him. Give me a man's man like Harrison Ford any day!

Misty, however; has a greater desire for the dolls; and not for the reasons you think. As a little girl, she was the youngest of her sisters. In fact; her character arc over the course of the original series was essentially about gaining their respect as a trainer, with this being a key example of that. Even in such a big family; she never felt so alone. This is a key reason why I included her in my top 13 anime women.

When the boys express incredulity at this; Misty clocks Ash for his slight.

Make fun of me again, and I'll knock you into a crappy battle of the sexes story!

So, Ash officially gives her Pikachu and his support. Now if he can just get the feeling in his legs back after that.

Ash and Brock encourage Pikachu, Bulbasaur, and Vulpix to do their best; and Misty has Starmie to rely on her water Pokémon. She is very eager to win!

Y'all ready for this?!

Misty wastes no time in the preliminaries, easily having Bulbasaur defeat a Kingler in a suggestive manner; among other opponents. 

Get your mind out of the gutter!

Jessie then eyes Meowth for help in the tournament in a rather competitive way.

Also, Meowth does indeed only have three fingers on each hand. Which does he use to point? That’s right! The middle finger! Same to you, buddy! (With apologies to James Rolfe for using that joke.) That’s also the fans’ reaction to Viz omitting the Jynx episodes from their new DVDs.

I hope you can see this, because I'm doing it as hard as I can.

With this, the tournament thunders along with some fast pacing and slick animation for its time; until only Misty and Jessie remain! 

As each division’s champion; they face off against each other in the finals.

You ready, kinky boots? "Whenever you are, kiddy sneakers!"

Also, this part often slipped by me whenever I watched it as a kid; but apparently Meowth takes his Chicagoland gangster impressions very seriously. Reminds me of the Weasels in Roger Rabbit.

What should we do with the wallflower?

Yet, Jessie feels the need to play fair for once.

You see, Jessie has her own past about Princess Day; as she never had the things that made it so wonderful for those around her. This is another example of how her background drove her to villainy because of the circumstances (being shuttled around in foster care due to her mother going missing, presumed dead on her missions). 

The commentators are hammy as ever; reminding me of the emcee on Smash TV.

I'd buy that for a dollar!

So, the battle between the two starts off as it usually does; with a Pikachu sweep.

Yet, when Lickitung enters the space; the battle becomes a comedic goldmine. His tongue manages to stop Pikachu in its tracks; and the music!

Also, apparently; Fiorello parodied then-popular celebrity Fabio, who hawked I Can’t Believe it’s Not Butter as well as appeared on one of my NES guilty pleasures; Ironsword: Wizards and Warriors II. Personally, I got more of a vibe of a Fight Club-era Brad Pitt in hindsight.

Nobody knows they saw it, but they all did.

Ash tells Misty to use your Bulbasaur. Pronoun trouble, sorry.

The Bulbasaur that I am letting you use!

Lickitung also makes short work of Bulbasaur and Vulpix; but Misty is determined to win! 

Then, she slips up and tries to send out Staryu. Consistency? What’s that?

Even more, Psyduck is sent out; in a variation on the gag where he pops out at inopportune moments. Jessie wonders if this is supposed to be a joke. No, this is! That’s right, Psyduck is immune to the effects of the tongue! The comedic potential from this fight is boundless as a result!

Yet; I’m starting to agree with Dogasu’s statement about Fiorello’s bad Italian accent in hindsight. Good gravy; Mario was a less cartoonish Italian than this wop! (Apologies to any Italian readers I may have.)

Psyduck’s headache gets so bad that he’s able to use Confusion to bowl Lickitung and Team Rocket out! 

With Misty as the victor; she has the dolls; and they’re wonderful.

So, she decides to send them back to home to Cerulean; pleased she has some to call her own; I have to send my 3DS to get fixed again; this helps.

I'm going to have every last stitch to myself!

Jessie is distraught that she lost; lying on the ground before Lickitung. I know there’s a joke here; but I’m above it.

So, we close on Team Rocket taking part in their own display of “living dolls.” Like OC cosplays of Quicksilver and Scarlet Witch.

Yet, that’s not all! This is also the first appearance of the Pikachu’s Jukebox segments in lieu of the Pokérap as before. Basically, they included songs from the 2BA Master album; which I never had when I was younger, but these tunes were catchy all the same. They’re essentially like early versions of AMVs. The track for this segment? “My Best Friends;” which easily symbolizes everything the series stands for in one song. 

As for where to put this episode: I’m not entirely sure. While Japan generally is pretty good about having consistent 52-episode seasons; with the releases here: it’s complicated, and not just because of Viz now declaring some episodes apocryphal. Generally, I’ve tried my best to get the 81 episodes of the Indigo League in chronological order; but the snafu of Electric Soldier Porygon screwed up their plans. On top of that, just imagine watching “So Near, Yet So Farfetch’d” as a kid without any knowledge of this episode. As a best guess, however; I’m placing this episode after “Bulbasaur’s Mysterious Garden;” but before “Case of the K9 Caper;” as with its companion piece; “The Purr-Fect Hero”; which I’ll probably look at in the near future, but not right away.

For now, though; “Princess VS Princess” is a great episode from back in the day. With flashy animation and a plot that actually suits the characters rather than trying to transplant them into a situation that doesn’t have them act like themselves; it’s the ideal episode to have a woman’s touch. I usually don’t do tournaments; but the one here was energetic and fluid for such a short buildup. Above all; it also shows how the dub’s attempts to protect me from other cultures failed; since it got me more interested instead, and it is wonderful.

As for what I want to do next; I’m not sure. I think I’ll go see Ultron a second time; and then celebrate Mother’s day with mine; who was once a little girl in Japan like Misty and Jessie. I encourage everyone else to do the same if they can. Bang.