Recap: Day of the Dragoon

Hello again. There have been many merchandise-driven anime covered on this blog; and today’s topic is one of yet another such piece, to illustrate how certain works can wear their origins on their sleeve over time. Such is the fate of a work that becomes an unintentional period piece.

With that on the table, let’s talk about the original Beyblade. This was a series that was about this strange toy that was essentially a top that you built and launched to do battle with others like it. The anime, however; was one that fits the following criteria in my book: stupid, but cool. The concept made absolutely no sense on paper; but douse that paper in the culture of the time, and you have a series that has a level of entertainment value that few of the subsequent incarnations and practically none of the spiritual successors could match. Looking at you, Bakugan! 

While the pilot was decent, I could not find enough material to delve into for a recap; especially since ABC Family didn’t show the early episodes very often (the show was typically aired after Power Rangers but before various Spider-Man shows; notably predating Disney’s buyout of Marvel). However, I have found an episode which can work every bit as well coming right after it! So, let’s open up “Day of the Dragoon” and see what it took to entertain my 10-year-old self in a time when I needed it most! 

The theme song is going to be the first way to tell when this was made. Orson Scott Card once said that every work inevitably becomes a product of its time because of the conventions of when it was made. As such, it’s a huge case of pop punk that doesn’t so much scream 2002 as much as double-team you with a Needler in one hand and a Magnum in the other. Have a listen for yourself.

Our title text is also laid out over the eponymous Dragoon; leaving little doubt about the episode itself.

We begin where the last episode left off, on one of these manmade aqueducts they often have in Japan; and as such, are common settings, especially for confrontations. 

As such, our lead; Tyson, is ever eager to get things started. 

The bandages on my face show I'm an abrasive battler!

Kai, leader of a gang known as the Street Sharks (no relation to that cult TMNT knockoff); challenges Tyson to a match of Beyblade. They’re not quite old enough to be snatching purses or robbing convenience stores; so they have to climb the ladder with toy-based gang activity.

Despite Tyson’s best efforts; Kai wins the match, to the point where Tyson’s Beyblade is destroyed!

Humiliated, Tyson vows to double his efforts and defeat him!

The next day; his friends, Kenny and Andrew come to see him at his family’s dojo; and are greeted by his grandfather’s less-than-stellar attempts to grasp early-2000s street lingo.

Sir, do us all a favor and talk like the proud senior citizen that you are.

Tyson is doing kendo training inside; in an effort to better himself as a battler. All that’s missing is an ‘80s power ballad to set the mood. 

Soon, the Dragoon on the family sword begins to glow in a strange aura. This is going to be important later, in case you’re wondering.

Tyson is surprised at the whole thing unfolding before him; as if he were in an old PSA.

Must be a side effect of the amoxicillin.

He takes everyone into his room; and shows them his plans to rebuild the Beyblade better than before. We can do it, we have the technology! 

It also turns out that Kenny’s bit beast is synced with his computer. Her name is Dizzora, or Dizzy for short. Voice of Scarlett Johansson and introspective Joaquin Phoenix performance not included.

So, with some prying, Kenny and Andrew agree to help Tyson perfect his new blade.

Meanwhile, Kai punishes one of his acolytes for his failures. The way he does it rivals Ronan the Accuser for all-out hamminess. 

While Tyson works on his blade; Kenny decides to go home and analyze the data he has at his disposal.

Even though Tyson is headstrong about the whole thing, he does realize he needs to keep working in order to beat the Street Sharks.

Just then, Kenny is mugged by some of the Street Sharks, who kidnap him and steal his computer! 

Two bystanders then decide to just get out of there; which is a key reason why I decided to recap this episode! Yes, let’s not try and help him or call the police; let’s just get out of there!

Even as Tyson is glad to be making progress on his blade; he’s outraged when he finds out Kenny has been kidnapped! 

Tyson wants to help his friend, but everyone else is unsure if his blade can stand up to the Street Sharks again! 

As he looks at the blade in his hand; he goes inside the dojo and wonders what to do in the midst of his family’s sword. 

In the lair of the Street Sharks; the gang members have Kenny held hostage for information on the Beyblades, which only he can access! 

After we have the information about the Beyblades, maybe you can do something about my pant leg!

After Tyson’s consultation with Dragoon (bear with me, I took most of these screen caps before we got our own internet connection); he decides to confront the Street Sharks in battle! 

That's my bread and butter you're fucking with.

Kenny is surprised at this, given what happened last time.

I have no idea what's going on, and I've seen Yo-Kai Watch!

Kai faces Tyson, still doubtful of what he can do.

You are a disgrace to the sport of Beyblade, and you should be glad you can play at all!

Tyson, however; says it won’t be the same as his Beyblade is now infused with the power of the Dragoon! 

By the power of Grayskull, I HAVE THE POWER!

So, the battle is on as Tyson once again engages Kai in battle!

Though neither one is conceding an inch; the battle is on the line for Kenny and Tyson alike!

Kai still talks down to Tyson as if he were dissatisfied with the Kree peace treaty with Xandar. 

Having won the battle, and by proxy; Kenny’s freedom, Tyson then reflects on the many adventures he will have with his new Beyblade.

This could be the start of a beautiful friendship.

“Day of the Dragoon” is a delightfully silly romp that sums up my feelings of Beyblade in one episode. I would definitely like to thank YouTube user MegaForceXD for the high quality copy of the episode I wrote this with. While the idea is ludicrous, that’s what makes it so fun for me. While that feeling is less apparent in the later series; it’s really apparent here. The animation and voice acting may not have been as good as its contemporaries in Pokémon, Digimon, or Yu-Gi-Oh; but it has an ideal refuge in its cheesiness. Perfect for first airing in a block alongside the likes of Power Rangers and Spider-Man.

Due to circumstances beyond my control; I have decided to do something in September to deal with certain events of the past few weeks. Join me then as I look as the fantastic Pokémon Origins special for Origins Month! See you space cowboy! 

Yo-Kai Watch coming November 6. Good luck Nintendo: You'll need it.

Once again, I am dismayed that I have not been able to do as much work on my next recaps as I'd like to; with me officially citing the August heat wave affecting my judgment.

With that in mind, it seems Yo-Kai Watch is on track to launch by November 6; with the anime being aired on Disney XD to promote the video game by Level-5, published by Nintendo in the US.

I intend to do one more recap of the series prior to this in October, as per my tradition of doing Halloween-related material that month. Barring that, you'll probably see more after the series officially launches in the US; since there'll clearly be a lot to talk about.

It also seems the game will be pitted against Call of Duty: Black Ops III, a setup which has not fared well in the past for other family-friendly game counter-programming to M-rated entries with devoted fanbases. In particular, Rayman Origins sales suffered against the launch of Grand Theft Auto V.

On top of that, I must once again point out the IP is going up against a murderer's row of anticipated entries from established series such as Mario Maker, Guitar Hero Live; Rock Band 4, Star Fox Zero; and Star Wars Battlefront, among others. That's to say nothing of the anime being broadcast on Disney XD. It's not like referring to the doriyaki in Doraemon as "yummy buns;" the US pitch and theme song smell of extensive edits for content.

Although 26 episodes have been ordered; the concept is so intertwined with Japanese folklore that it probably won't appeal to US children the same way stuff like Gravity Falls and Star Wars Rebels have; to say nothing of the surprise hit Star VS The Forces of Evil (essentially a Western-made magical girl series, mind you). When the anime attempts to use a meta-reference to the show's production via a fictionalized account of toy marketing, are kids in the US going to understand if they should laugh? Call me crazy, but Komasan isn't exactly Tom Hanks in Big; even if I do still find his stories somewhat more entertaining than the ones centered on Keita. That's not even getting into if certain elements or segments are totally removed (my associate Kohdok pointed out the Jinmenken segments in his look at the series; even if I do find them more interesting the the main stories).

Even so, I don't think the series will be the Pokémon killer everyone else says it's going to be. Going up against a franchise with a sizable established fanbase is rarely an easy task; but launching against an FPS franchise with a reputation for many things, including a lucrative teenage and adult market is essentially retail suicide. Unless Nintendo can help distinguish the game from other ones that have come and gone, Black Ops III could do more than kill Yo-Kai Watch here. It could very well ram a stake through its heart, cut off its head, and shove a bunch of garlic down its throat.

With all this on the table, I will get back to work on a couple recaps I have in mind to further illustrate this point. Bang.

Recap: The Strongest Mega Evolution Act III

The Strongest Mega Evolution Act III. First, let me make clear this is probably the best of the three acts that have aired so far before we continue.

We open on a massive storm in the seas; caused by Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre. After two specials with great battles and animation; but not much else, NOW we’re getting the special I was expecting when I pressed play on the first two acts. It’s often called the “Revenge of the Sith” effect.

Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre rise out of the sea like the massive kaiju and whale that they are; and now we’re off to the races.

Rustboro City. Always brings a smile to my face. Even Maren’s mugging cannot drag this down for me; as we’ve returned to the Devon corporation for the first time in years.

Even the special is getting in on addressing Alan’s lack of emotion with Maren calling him out! Let’s face it, Lou Dobbs is a better actor than this guy!

The dub changes this to “a sense of wonder,” which still fits given how dour Alan is all the time! The rebooted Fantastic Four are making fun of you!

We are then informed of the situation with Groudon and Kyogre; and Alan and Steven are off to investigate it; without Maren. It’s all, “so long, kiddo, we’ve got work to do!”

Yet, Maren stows away anyway. Great. We have Jar Jar Binks in a situation where we need Obi-wan Kenobi. 

Even so, I do like how they approach the mythology of Mega Evolution; and they’re once again integrating it more compared to previous specials.

Of course, they just have to remind us of what happened with Alan in the last special. I already addressed that in my recap of said special; so let’s move on.

Alan even brushes off Maren as a burden, rightfully so. I even like how the dub even more appropriately dismisses her as a nuisance. Sorry, MarissonShippers: your idols have less chemistry than Bella Swan and Edward Cullen. 

It is here we get the highlight of the special; the battle between Primal Groudon and Primal Kyogre; with Mega Rayquaza keeping the balance. I’m serious; the animation of this battle is what these specials have been truly capable of; with this being the first of these specials that deserves to stand alongside Origins, Best Wishes; and the mainline XY series as some of my favorites.

Even so, Alan’s failings as a character are definitely realized here. In the first special; he lost to Siebold, and was given advice that he ignored and the dub removed. In the second special; he got injured and couldn’t beat Mega Rayquaza. This time; both he and Mega Charizard X are disabled to the point where their actions don’t even affect the outcome of the special. I mean come on, you’re not making Now and Then Here and There; you’re making a special about giant monsters duking it out on the seas of Hoenn!

Yet, something amazing happens: Maren is actually able to rescue them! I assure you the fact that Alan and his Charizard survived this was not merely luck, it was divine intervention. It’s as if Arceus Himself swooped down and saved them! This was a miracle, and I want you as fans to acknowledge it!

Also, it helps Steven Stone is on hand. Quite a few people also agree with me the specials should have been about him.

As for the scene everyone is going to ask me about: I don’t really care about their relationship. Far as I’m concerned; it’s Alan telling this waste of animation “So long kiddo, I’ve got work to do.”

Professor Sycamore is informed about what happened; and Alan’s apparent brush with death has made him see that this is not the path he should be following. He leaves Lysander to forge his own path; battling every day to claim his rightful place. He’ll be like Caine in Kung Fu; traveling from place to place and meeting all kinds of people.

One thing that soured my rewatches of the first two acts was people repeatedly claiming they were amazing. I tell you, nothing can ruin a decent special like saying it’s amazing again and again. That didn’t really happen this time. This time; I can say that like the Battle of the Five Armies; it actually managed to deliver what they advertised. Given how Act IV is going to be the last one, I only have one suggestion: scale down. You’re not going to be able to top all three major Hoenn Legendaries going at it; so give the foreground to the characters, not the battles. Ask the hard questions about Alan. What motivates him? What makes him tick? Why is he doing all this? Why does he act the way he does? Even after three specials; I still barely know anything about him as a character, hence why I think the fans’ faith in him is misplaced.

A better lead would have been someone like Wes from Pokémon Colosseum. An adventurous spirit and a daring rogue. He’s one of many reasons I want a Wii U HD rerelease of that game. Heck, Bill and Ted would have been better than Alan and Maren as leads. Even when stuff was indeed “bogus”, they saw the best in every situation they were in. Even so, with spectacular animation; I hope Act IV and any future specials can learn from these. Right now, however; I’m just going to enjoy what I have already.

Whatever happens next is in your hands. So long for now. Be excellent to each other.

The Strongest Mega Evolution Act III to air on Cartoon Network tomorrow. Act IV coming this fall.

Hello again. Despite the fact that I'm working on my next recap; I must once again change my plans.

Tomorrow morning, the dub of Pokémon The Strongest Mega Evolution Act III will be airing on Cartoon Network. I will definitely be watching to make sure if my notes still hold up from previous viewings, as does the special. I will also be taking screencaps as well to show key scenes of the special.

Despite it being an improvement over the previous two specials; I still don't share the enthusiasm others my age have towards them.

With that on the table; Act IV is confirmed to air this fall in Japan, with Malva of the Elite Four and a potential new Pokémon playing large parts. Act IV will also be the last of these specials; though talk persists of a crossover with the mainline series that I honestly hope doesn't happen.

You should see my recap not long after the special airs. See you, space cowboy.

Recap: Steamboat Willies

Dedicated to the memory of Satoru Iwata

1959-2015

Hello again. By the time you read this, I will have moved into my new home. I have been wanting to recap this episode for some time; and given certain events, that time is upon me. This episode is among my favorite episodes of the Diamond and Pearl saga for many reasons; not the least of which for capturing what’s fun about Pokémon in a single episode. So, let’s open up “Steamboat Willies” and find out why. 

The episode opens, as they sometimes do in the Diamond and Pearl saga; with a little taste of what you’re in for when you press play: in this case, the Pokémon try to start a band, with Turtwig drumming despite having no fingers.

Pachirisu is also messing up the galley with balloons; reveling in the fact that it helped become a VGC champion. Definitely a contender for my favorite electric Pokémon (though Emolga and Dedenne are also on that list as well).

We then get the theme song, which is a rap theme. I personally find it to be delightfully cheesy; having grown on me after a while. It’s also at least better than the One Piece rap or the Transformers Cybertron rap; admittedly.

We open proper on Ash, Dawn, and Brock looking over a beautiful river; as well as a big riverboat which can take them to Hearthome City for Dawn’s contest and Ash’s battle with Fantina at the gym. Long story; won’t get into it since I’m running late with this recap as it is.

The captain is willing to take them along after his nap; being a proud senior citizen and all; so everyone decides to leave their Pokémon to survey the boat while they go into town for supplies. I imagine hijinks will ensue! 

So, with the boat setting sail at noon; the old man goes back to sleep as everyone decides to stock up at the Poké Mart. Oh yes, you never know how many Full Restores and Ultra Balls you’ll need for your journey.

With everyone gone; the Pokémon all have fun in their own ways; not just when they try their hand at ring toss.

Pikachu and Piplup are in charge; and Happiny just casually stops them from from falling overboard. Powerful little tyke.

Naturally, Team Rocket decides to take advantage of their absence by nipping them all for Giovanni. So, it’s once again time for the boss fantasy, courtesy of Meowth for what he’d do with all their Pokémon.

Frolic freely LIKE A BOSS!

Eat a luncheon LIKE A BOSS!

Go down the slide LIKE A BOSS!

Take a nap LIKE A BOSS!

Thank his subordinates LIKE A BOSS!

With this on the table; everyone revels in the opportunity to pull this job and line their pockets in Poké (the unit of currency in their universe). 

Big money! Big prizes! I love it!

As such; while their trainers are gone; hilarity ensues, much like some of those Pikachu skits they often have. Croagunk observes himself in the mirror.

You are one good looking poison frog.

Now comes the reason why I’ve been wanting to recap this episode for some time. Well, one of them anyway. The Pokémon start a band well before the skit accompanying this year’s movie (which I don’t know about, since its selling points; a cappella and the Little Glee Monster song are both things I’m not a fan of).

On the keyboards: Sudowoodo!

On the bass: Pikachu!

On the saxophone: Buizel!

On the drums: my personal favorite, Turtwig!

I'VE GOT BLISTERS ON MY FINGERS! ... I DON'T HAVE ANY FINGERS!

Everyone else heads to the supply closet; and Pachirisu’s face is even brighter than it was at the VGC Championships.

It finds some balloons, and has a fantasy of soaring with Staravia among the skies!

As Pachirisu ties the balloons on and flies off, Piplup starts practicing magic tricks!

Now if he could just figure out how to make Yo-Kai Watch disappear!

At the Poké Mart, as Ash and Brock look for Poké Chow ingredients; Dawn then pulls a prank on him with a Piplup mask. Now if only there were Turtwig and Chimchar masks as well; so these droogs could have the guise of all three Sinnoh starters.

She also spies a jar of hair gel; so Piplup doesn’t have to keep fixing her bedhead every morning. … We’ll talk once I look at “Setting the World on its Buneary” for rabbits in my Chinese Zodiac theme. I finally found something for rats; and incidentally, oxen in the cycle as well. That just leaves tigers to fill the gap. I haven’t seen too many Arcanine episodes I can work with; so it might be something on Gabumon. Closest I can think of to a tiger in the original Digimon; since i already cheated with roosters for Biyomon.

Naturally, without Croagunk to hold him back; Brock is free to fulfill the desires of his raging hormones. Yet, even becoming a doctor alongside Nurse Joy hasn’t opened up all that much; if that special with Cilan is any indication (by the way, not covering it; since I liked it and don’t have much to work with).

So, 10 minutes in, and we get an “unplugged” session of sorts with all the Pokémon. Yes, I’m old enough to remember when MTV actually played music videos and not bad TV series of even worse horror movies.

Of course, Staravia doesn’t like it. I too, would grow displeased with the top 40 by 2008. I still believe that record labels don’t throw their garbage out. They put it on Soundcloud. 

As Buneary and Aipom dance in the cargo hold in silky fashions: hold that thought for a few more scenes.

Even Happiny is joining the fun in a getup of her own! Whatever happens now: let’s party!

Piplup continues to work in prestidigitation amid all the magic equipment!

Pachirisu continues the journey through the galley on balloons!

Amid all the commotion, Pachirisu starts the ship! Yet, it’s still smoother than Carnival Cruise Lines!

The old captain is still sleeping. 

Kids these days and their Strongest Mega Evolutions and 3D graphics! In my day, we had limited color palettes and seasons choked with filler, and we liked it!

The boat sails away at full steam, all while the captain is still snoring! 

Somehow, Team Rocket has boarded the ship and is distracting the Pokémon in a stage show! I get the Plusle and Minun costumes on James and Meowth; but what’s with Jessie’s outfit? She looks like an extra in a Lionel Richie video! 

Come on and sing along all night long!

Pikachu enters the scene after the mishap in the galley; subtly indicating this makes no sense even though he can’t talk.

Of course, Team Rocket is all too happy to have their top bounty in the grand hall!

With that on the table; everyone continues to party down as the ship goes on!

Even Team Rocket is astounded at how easy this all was, right as Pachirisu hits the hard to port!

Understandably, the Pokémon are less than pleased at that stunt they pulled.

Outraged, they send Team Rocket blasting off all on their lonesome! 

Now, as the boat is speeding towards a waterfall; everyone has to stop it before they go over! 

As everyone returns from shopping; the captain sends out his Mantine in order to help stop the boat!

When Ash and Dawn grab onto Mantine to stop the boat; I submit the only thing keeping that skirt still is the collective will of all the viewers.

I'm Ash Ketchum, and welcome to Jackass.

Even as the ship is headed over the falls; Pikachu and Piplup assert their leadership and take control of the situation further!

Also, one part that amuses me is that apparently; Croagunk was so mesmerized by his own reflection that he never left the mirror! Pikachu has to physically drag him away!

Pikachu signals Ash and Dawn; and now they must board the ship before it goes over the falls!

With Dawn’s comment that “you girls look so cute;” we now get confirmation of Aipom’s gender, long after the Japanese version of “Aipom and Circumstance” did.

Thanks to some quick thinking by Ash and the Pokémon, the day is once again saved!

As a reward for their courage, everyone is granted passage to Hearthome City!

We close on some words from the narrator that it’s not just gym battles and contests that make one shine; and that anyone can be a hero when they need to in their lives!

“Steamboat Willies” is the perfect way for me to unwind from my move as well as how long it took for my recap of the second movie; not to mention certain events of the past few weeks. The animation and antics of the Pokémon are colorful and bouncy; as per the norm with the franchise. It’s just a fun little piece of the action that I’m dismayed Dogasu did not share my enthusiasm for; nor many others that dug it. 

As for what I want to do next: it might be a bit before I do my pieces for the rat and the ox in my Chinese Zodiac theme. I do; however, have a couple things I’ve wanted to talk about ever since I started this blog, and they should fit with the US release of Yo-Kai Watch looming. You’ll see how they’ll fit in soon; as my third target for Yo-Kai Watch won’t be talked about till Halloween at the earliest. See you, space cowboy.