Recap: Boss Rabbit's Magic Touch

Dedicated to the Memory of David Bowie

1947-2016

Hello again, and welcome to Dragons in my Chinese Zodiac theme. Given how much I’ve been bending the rules at this point; I think it would be a good way to unwind from how eventful this month has been with an early episode of the original Dragon Ball. Trust me when I say there will be a time to go after some of my bigger targets later this year. So, let’s open up “Boss Rabbit’s Magic Touch” to help keep this train rolling! 

We open on Goku, Bulma, and Oolong driving along on the search for the next Dragon Ball; with Yamcha and Puar not far behind. It’s clear that even though Yamcha is after the Dragon Balls as well; he is unable to clear Bulma as an obstacle. Isn’t that always it? If it’s not other thieves, it’s a dame! 

Yet, Yamcha accidentally lets slip that he likes her! You see, James Wong? THIS is how you do unrequited love; especially if his beloved later has a thing for Saiyan Princes! 

They happen upon a small village; and everyone is surprised at Bulma’s rabbit costume when they pull into the gas station. As for this supposed cosplay ban in the TPP- I know a few people dressed like stormtroopers that might have some objections to that.

Bulma decides to go stock up on supplies; and wonders if they sell Dino Caps in the city. That’s odd. If she’s heir to the company that makes them; couldn’t she theoretically have access to all that she needed?

As she continues along her way; she’s surprised that everyone is so afraid of her for her rabbit costume. This is going to be a lot of fun to talk about.

Furthering this is when their gas is filled; and they’re given the whole tank free of charge by the attendant. 

Burma is also given a supply of Dino Caps by the shopkeeper; still puzzled at why he’s afraid of her costume.

When she dons a desert outfit; the salesman is outraged at the trick she played, much to her confusion.

Then, everyone gets a clearer picture when we are greeted by two members of the Rabbits; who put on an aura of fear, but are still very bumbling early villains that fit the whimsical tone of the early episodes quite nicely. 

When the thugs try to engage Goku; predictably, things don’t go well for them. 

Impetuous boy! Oh well, who wants to live forever?!

After the gangsters realize they’re outmatched; they call for the titular Boss Rabbit for help.

Just then, everything goes quiet as Boss Rabbit is about to make his entrance.

Upon hearing Boss Rabbit has the ability to turn people into carrots; Goku then claims he doesn’t like carrots. Ironic, seeing as how his birth name was a way of reading them, Kakorot! Long story, won’t get into it right now.

Now, Boss Rabbit rolls into town in a specially-made car; and approaches our heroes.

Bulma slaps Boss Rabbit’s hand; which is what he wanted all along! He turns her into a carrot; and threatens to eat her if Goku takes him on! Goku doesn’t even flinch at this, and uses his Power Pole as a way to avoid directly touching him!

Yamcha then decides to help as well; with Puar taking the carrot from Boss Rabbit, and a chase on the rooftops of the city ensues! 

Puar then turns into Boss Rabbit himself; turning his own mystical powers against him as Goku snatches the carrot! 

With the aid of his Power Pole; Goku royally clobbers Boss Rabbit and demands he change Bulma back! 

After Boss Rabbit complies; we end on Boss Rabbit and his henchmen being sent to the moon; making rabbit treats for all the children on earth before they can come down. It’s an old legend in their culture; one that my mother was told when she lived in Japan as a little girl. 

“Boss Rabbit’s Magic Touch” is a delightful tale that can easily exemplify the joy and fun of early Dragon Ball; full of nice animation for its time and a gleeful story to suit the tone. As I pointed out before; each season gets progressively darker, and Z plunges full force into it.

Only a couple more recaps before I get to monkeys in the cycle! Next up are snakes in the cycle; so next time is my look at “The Dunsparce Deception!” See you, space cowboy! 

Having Trouble Selling Merchandise? Yo-Kai is Why!

I know that I'm still working on dragons in the cycle of my Chinese Zodiac theme (I still want to be finished by the actual Chinese New Year on February 8); but I thought I might make a post anyway.

I've been quite adamant about my dislike of the Yo-Kai Watch franchise; and I do plan to do more recaps of the anime to illustrate this.

However, there is still one more piece of the puzzle now that the anime and games have performed below expectations. While the toys were initially planned to launch on New Year's day; certain retailers leaking shipments in key markets convinced Hasbro and Level-5 to move the release to December 28; 2015.

Unfortunately; this may have backfired even more than the intended release date might have. In addition to the bulk of the toys being sold to older folk who were already fans rather than any new converts in young children. Basically, the sales have been the polar opposite they have been in Japan.

In fact, the closest Gamestop and Walmart locations in my area are not only just NOW getting shipments in, the bulk of the toys on offer have been major shelfwarmers despite Hasbro's best efforts.

Having just come back from the area to preorder the Pokémon 20th anniversary New 3DS (which will have Red and Blue preloaded onto it) and a download code for Yellow; I even witnessed a young child (who looked to be about 4) glancing at a Jinbanyan toy before ultimately deciding on old reliable favorites like Mario and Star Wars. I also managed to procure a couple DVDs, some Amiibo and Splatoon for my new Wii U; but that's beside the point. My point is; if you can't even entice a 4-year-old, who is full of wonder and a child's fantasies; what chance do you have for anyone else?

What saddens me the most is that despite me having a stated preference for Pokémon; is the fact that this concept genuinely could have worked if it came out at any other time. I am once again pointing out that I am not making this particular post to be mean; I'm doing it to be observant. While it may be an annoyance that this franchise was shotgunned into being a "Pokémon killer" when it could have benefited more from being marketed as a unique IP with its own identity. Instead; the game has sold just 110,000 copies as of its writing, and could struggle to get much higher with many key releases being part of this year; lots of which are on Nintendo consoles. Even if I were to remove the 20th anniversary of Pokémon from the equation; this year also sees the 30th anniversaries of Zelda and Mega Man and the 25th anniversary of Sonic the Hedgehog, with many things planned for each respective franchise. Tomorrow also sees the release of Mario and Luigi Paper Jam; a crossover between the Mario and Luigi and Paper Mario series (with elements of Super Mario RPG to celebrate the 20th anniversary of that game). Star Fox Zero, Mighty No.9; Yooka-Laylee; Cuphead- the list goes on and on.

This is definitely going to be one of the biggest years in gaming ever. Even though Hino has expressed interest in localizing the sequels; will these plans still be viable even if the series so far has been a bigger flop in the US than Jupiter Ascending? Speaking from my experience today; the aforementioned Gamestop and Walmart locations still have not sold all that many copies of Yo-Kai Watch or the 2DS bundles. I'm still mulling over getting a used copy of the game based on my associate Kohdok's videos on the matter; but I still feel Ni No Kuni from the same developer is a better game with how it took a lot more risks with similar subject matter, essentially being a Studio Ghibli movie in playable form (thanks in no small part to them codeveloping the game alongside Level-5). In fact; it will be getting a sequel that will most likely be a deciding factor in me getting a PS4 (along with The Last Guardian, once Team Ico announces a release date).

For now, though; I'm going to work more on my next recap. You probably won't see my next one on Yo-Kai Watch for a while. See you space cowboy.

Recap: Setting the World on its Buneary

“Critics who treat adult as a term of approval, cannot truly be adults themselves. When I was 10, I used to read fairy tales in secret. Now that I am 50, I read them openly. Part of being an adult is the need to put away childish things such as the desire to be grown up.”- CS Lewis

Hello everyone. With my 24th birthday having come and gone; I shall now officially set in motion the first of several pieces I want to do for the 20th anniversary of Pokémon; as well as help wrap up my Chinese Zodiac theme for when the Year of the Monkey begins officially on February 8. After that, my plan for Pokémon-related material is still the same: fewer episodes (but more specific ones) and more movies. So, let’s get the ball rolling with rabbits in the cycle and open up “Setting the World on its Buneary!”

We open on the heroes’ campsite on their way to Jubilife City for Dawn’s first contest; when Dawn is dismayed that her hair is a mess. Her reaction would be great for one of those “I don’t do mornings” shirts.

When Brock explains to his new Croagunk the whole thing is just another day for their “crazy family”, Croagunk’s expression is a pretty good replication of the “SRSLY?” emoticon.

After Dawn uses Piplup’s Bubble Beam to fix her bedhead; she offers to do the same for Ash, who dryly replies he’ll just wear his hat. At that moment; as if on cue, Aipom snatches it again! Oh, the irony!

Through a mishap on the trail, the hat lands on Pikachu as the titular Buneary saves him from getting run over! Yet, she’s a bit shy in front of her new friend. Aw! 

Dawn is a bit confused at there being more than one Officer Jenny; at which point Brock corrects her. What, you think they all come out Jango Fett style?

Anyway, Jenny is looking for a familiar group of thieves from a photo taken by a warehouse surveillance camera.

He couldn't resist showing us his face.

When Brock tries to hit on Jenny; Croagunk gives him a Poison Jab to the chest and drags him away. That had to be one of my favorite variations on that gag. 

Both Ash and Dawn are impressed by Buneary; and they decide to hold a contest to see who can catch her first! It’s like watching people fight over Amiibo!

Aipom and Piplup are both pitted against Buneary; but Buneary bobs and weaves like a true survivor! 

Yet; when Pikachu enters the fray, she doesn’t want to battle because she likes him! Right on cute there, Buneary! 

It also turns out that Buneary knows Ice Beam, as evidenced by this move on the gang!

I WAS FROZEN TODAY!

After tinkering a while with the stolen parts, James says their latest mecha is finally ready! 

I'd buy that for a dollar!

With this; Team Rocket uses Buneary as bait for their latest Pikachu trap!

Once Ash and the others are freed; he engages the mecha as he eludes the massive claws! 

Hold still, you little prick.

As Jenny arrives on the scene, Pikachu frees Buneary and sends Team Rocket blasting off yet again! 

Then, Buneary decides she wants to battle with Dawn; who is all too happy to agree. Ash decides to let her take part.

As she takes her first confident steps; Dawn manages to command Piplup beautifully as she captures Buneary!

With her first capture in her arms, we close on Dawn and Piplup embracing joyfully!

“Setting the World on its Buneary” is a fun little escapade as first capture episodes go. While the animation may not have been the most flashy; what they had at their disposal was a light and bouncy adventure that’s a good example of early Diamond and Pearl. I can easily recommend this for viewing.

Dragons are next in the cycle after rabbits; but I’ll have to rework what I had in mind with all that’s been going on lately. Keep an eye out for my next recap; folks. See you, space cowboy. 

#Pokémon20: We Always Will Follow This Dream!

I know I'm working on my planned recap for Rabbits to help finish my Chinese Zodiac theme; but I felt I could write this since it just came up.

Earlier today; the 20th anniversary celebration of Pokémon has been officially set in motion via an announcement on their YouTube channel. Among other things; the year-long celebration will see the release of a host of projects and associated merchandise to mark the occasion.

Most notably is the New Nintendo 3DS with the Virtual Console rereleases of Pokémon Red and Blue preloaded onto the handheld; which will be launching the same day as the proper eShop releases on February 27, 20 years to the day of the games' initial launch in Japan.

Other notable developments are the plans to rerelease the first three movies on iTunes with digitally remastered picture and sound; as well as a new TCG line called "Generations". Rumors that the original 60-card base set would be rereleased were later debunked; but many fans have not ruled out the possibility of the more popular cards from that set being reissued (myself included).

To top it off; there will be a first in the series as a Super Bowl ad will be playing during the landmark Super Bowl L on February 7. While my plans are still the same for Pokémon-related material (fewer, more specific episodes, more movies and made-for-TV specials); I felt I would address this while the proverbial iron is hot, as it means quite a bit to me as a fan.

Feel free to let me know what you all think about this development; while I get back to work on my next recap. #Pokémon20

Recap: Subzero Ice Punch

(Note: This recap was originally intended to be posted in 2015, but shall instead serve as one to help start 2016.)

Hello, and welcome to the tiger phase of my Chinese Zodiac theme. My initial plan is to reach monkeys in the cycle by the Chinese New Year on February 8. Seeing as I already granted myself some leeway to consider Biyomon similar to a rooster; I guess I can also use Gabumon for tigers in the cycle. So, let’s open up “Subzero Ice Punch” to deal with this cold snap we’ve been having this winter. 

We open on more “Previously-on” highlights; which shows how this whole conflict with Devimon officially begins. Essentially, Devimon set a trap for the Digidestined; then scattered them across the Digital World!

Once again, we get that great electro theme song. No further need to elaborate. Have a listen for yourself. 

Even though the Digidestined are scattered across the digital world; Devimon vows to finish the job with his army of evil Digimon!

Naturally, Tai and Agumon are first to make landfall; but due to the nature of their departure, Tai is wearing nothing but underwear and sneakers in a snowy climate.

Rub your chest, your arms will take care of themselves.

He does find his clothes very quickly; though. While Agumon thaws out his shirt okay; he unwittingly singes Tai’s pants. Whoops! 

It'll take a while to get the smoky smell out, but at least I can get dressed now.

Yet; much like the assault on Starkiller base; burnt shorts are the least of their problems.

I was in sanitation. "Sanitation?!"

They run afoul of a Frigimon; who is yet another victim of the Black Gears, which explains his violent demeanor.

Looks like the bear on the Icee cup finally snapped.

Agumon tries to attack, but he’s too hungry to make an effective strike! Agumon suggest tossing him; but he’s too heavy for Tai!

Jeez, dude! What did you eat?

Thanks to some quick thinking from Tai; he kicks Agumon like a soccer ball, and Agumon destroys the black gear with a well-placed Pepper Breath! So, the next task is finding their friends!

First up is Matt, who is dealing with the bitter cold of his environment; not helped by the fact he’s wearing a top that’s more suited for summer than winter! 

Now I know how Leonardo DiCaprio felt filming The Revenant!

Herding him into a cave; Gabumon then encourages Matt to rest while he tries to find the others! 

Back with Tai and Agumon, Frigimon helps them reach the next island with a bridge of ice!

Now comes one of the reasons why I decided to do this episode: Matt almost freezes in the the icy conditions; and Gabumon gives him his pelt to stay warm! Ugh, ugh, and I thought they smelled bad on the outside!

Eventually, just as Tai and Agumon reach the island; Matt starts coming out of his near-death experience.

Mommy, where am I, and why does my blankie smell like fish?

Gabumon, now with a cold himself; is glad that Matt is all right as he puts his pelt back on.

You think my pelt smells bad? Try smelling your dirty socks sometime!

So, not long after; Tai reunites with Matt, and there was much rejoicing. “Yay.”

The next step is to find the others; but unfortunately, Tai and Matt are divided on how to do so. This devolves into a fight between the two; which is a character setup that helps set the series apart from Pokémon in that time. For the record; I have watched the Japanese version of this episode for a frame of reference, and I find it odd that Saban cut the punches but left in Tai and Matt tumbling around. Especially since this aired on Fox Kids the same time that year’s season of Power Rangers had the first time they killed one of the rangers off; and had the main villain turn her minions into suicide bombers later in the season. I am not making that up. Still, one could easily compare this to how some fans are divided on where seasonal rot set in for the show.

I say Frontier sucked more! "I say, Data Squad sucked more!"

Their scuffle draws the ire of a Mojyamon; but thankfully, Frigimon has food for everyone and medicine for Gabumon’s cold. Of course, the medicine isn’t exactly a winner in the flavor department; as Gabumon can attest.

Bleugh! Tastes like licking the backside of a fish that died of dysentery!

With their energy restored; the Digimon Digivolve and snap Mojyamon out of his stupor!

Matt then apologizes to Tai for their fight; and the two vow to find their friends and stop Devimon once and for all! 

“Subzero Ice Punch” is a fun adventure to help kick off the first of many story arcs for the original Digimon. It also shows off the unique character dynamic of the Digidestined; showing how they’re often more conflicted than most given Pokémon trainers, and it also stands out more than the cardboard cutouts that Yo-Kai Watch tries to pass of as characters. The animation is also very good for its time; and a surprising amount of fan art has been made of the early scene with Tai in his skivvies. I personally found Agumon thawing his frozen quasi-90s duds more amusing; but hey, whatever floats your boat.

I did say that I wanted to do more specific Pokémon episode recaps in favor of more movies; so the next few recaps will all be related to my Chinese Zodiac theme in some way. Given Netflix’s habit of changing their rotation of shows every month or so; I want to be ready for any future material in advance. That said, rabbits are next in the cycle; so my next recap will be on something I’ve wanted to do for a long time. See you, space cowboy! 

2016: Year of the Monkey with Endless Possibilities

Hello everyone, and happy new year. Since it is the start of the new year, I thought I would let you know how things are going and my plans for this year.

I have received a copy of Akira for Christmas; and have started watching Samurai Champloo in anticipation of its premiere on the new Toonami.

Regarding my plans for this year: I definitely want to finish what I started with other series; and expand my horizons in others.

As for Pokémon-related recaps: my plan is fewer episodes, more movies. I want to do more specific episodes that are in some way relevant to what's going on at a certain point my life or this year.


With Chinese New Year and my 24th birthday coming; I have some very special things in mind in relation to the above. So, look forward to me finishing my Chinese Zodiac theme with the year of the Monkey on February 8. Bang.