Japanese Anime – Trigun

Plot

Known for its Space Western theme, Trigun is about a man named “Vash the Stampede” and the two Bernardelli Insurance Society employees who follow him around in order to minimize the damages inevitably caused by his appearance. Most of the damage attributed to Vash is actually caused by bounty hunters in pursuit of the “60,000,000,000$$” (sixty billion “double dollars”) bounty on Vash’s head for the destruction of the city of July. However, he cannot remember the incident clearly due to his amnesia. Throughout his travels, Vash tries to save lives using non-lethal force. He is occasionally joined by a priest, Nicholas D. Wolfwood, who, like Vash, is a superb gunfighter.

As the series progresses, more is gradually learned about Vash’s mysterious history and the history of human civilization on the planet Gunsmoke. The series often employs comic relief and is mostly light-hearted in tone, although the tone shifts toward darker and more dramatic situations as it draws to a conclusion. It also involves moral conflict pertaining

Characters

Vash the Stampede, also known as The Humanoid Typhoon, is a wandering gunman with a 60 billion double dollar bounty on his head. Every town he passes through either labels him “an act of God” or “a human disaster”.

Meryl Stryfe and Milly Thompson are two Bernardelli Insurance agents sent to evaluate claims regarding the Humanoid Typhoon. Initially, they dismiss the idea that Vash is the legendary Humanoid Typhoon, but the two eventually learn that this is the person they are assigned to track

source:http:/www./wikipedia.org

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Japanese Anime – Shaman king

Plot(manga)

Manta Oyamada, a studious yet shrimpy middle-school student from Tokyo, attempted a shortcut one night through the graveyard to get home after a late night of cram school. While traveling through it, he encounters Yoh Asakura and his “companions”: a graveyard filled with ghosts. Yoh reveals himself to be a shaman, a medium between the worlds of the living and the dead. As a shaman, Yoh also demonstrates his ability to possess himself with ghosts to assist him where needed, particularly becoming fond of a former samurai known as Amidamaru. Over the first few chapters, Yoh and Manta become best friends while Yoh uses his shamanic abilities to help them out through various normal tasks.

Yoh soon encounters Tao Ren, a Chinese shaman who uses his own ghost on a quest to destroy humanity as well as prepare for an upcoming Shaman Tournament to be held in Tokyo. Anna Kyoyama, Yoh’s fiancée, soon enters the picture and prescribes a brutal training regimen, in order to prepare Yoh for the tournament. The tournament is held once every 500 years and is a battle between competing shaman to choose a winner, who will be known as the Shaman King. This winner will gain the ability to reshape the world as he or she chooses, to make his or her dream come true. Thus begins the plot that will lead Yoh on a journey that will lead him to many friends and adventures.

Through a series of events and also through participation in the Shaman Tournament, Yoh meets and befriends numerous characters and changes their lives through friendship and authentic concern, which seems to be a pervasive theme throughout the series. He also must face his ultimate destiny, connected to one of the most powerful participants in the Shaman Fight who desires to win the tournament and use his prize to annihilate all of humanity for destroying the world, leaving only a world of shamans such as himself.

Ending

The story of Shaman King originally ends in a controversial, incomplete manner: in the midst of a gauntlet fighting against the guardians of Shaman Fight winner Hao Asakura, Yoh and his squad are forced to stop what they were doing and instead “take a break”, allowing them to sleep to prepare for the final battle with Hao. The original final page is viewed as Manta’s dream, which features Hao as a princess with Yoh and his friends on their way to rescue “her”. The reason for that is because Anna was speaking to Manta as if Hao was the person in need of rescue. The page contains the words “Owari” (“The End”) and next to that, in front of Horohoro’s sword, is a mandarin orange, also called “mikan” which can also mean “incomplete” in Japanese. This is followed up by another chapter which advances the plot slightly, but still does not complete the story.

Anime episode list

Ep#	Official English Title/Original Title Translated to English Original Japanese Title	Original Airdate	US Airdate
1	“Yoh, Morty!” / “The Boy Who Dances With Ghosts” “Yūrei to Odoru Shōnen” (幽霊と踊る少年)	2001–07-04	2003–08-30
2	“Guardian Ghost” / “Waiting Samurai” “Matsu Samurai” (待つサムライ)	2001–07-11	2003–09-13
3	“Lenny” / “Another Shaman” “Mou Ichinin no Shāman” (もう一人のシャーマン)	2001–07-18	2003–09-20
4	“Perfect Unity” / “Hyoi 100%” “Hyōi Hyaku” (憑依100)	2001–07-25	2003–09-27
5	“A New Order” / “A Shaman Who is Mature for Her Age” “Oshama na Shāman” (おシャマなシャーマン)	2001–08-01	2003–10-04
6	“The Kung-Fu Master” / “Kung Fu Master” “Kan Fū masutā” (カンフーマスター)	2001–08-08	2003–10-11
7	“Pai Long Attacks!” / “Pailong, Fists of Fury” “Pairon Ikari no Ippatsu” (パイロン怒りの一発)	2001–08-15	2003–10-18
8	“The Rio Deal” / ” Shaman Life” “Shāman Raifu” (シャーマンライフ)	2001–08-22	2003–10-25
9	“Northern Boarder” / “The Boy from the North” “Kita no Kuni kara kita Shōnen” (北の国からきた少年)	2001–08-29	2003–11-01
10	“The Infamous Tokageroh” / “Fate of 600 Years” “Innen Rokupyaku Nen” (因縁600年)	2002–09-05	2003–11-08
11	“Vendetta” / “Rain That Falls In Spring” “Haru ni Furu Ame” (春にふる雨)	2002–09-12	2003–11-15
12	“A New Shaman” / “The Star that Signals the Beginning” “Hajimari o Tsugeru Hoshi” (始まりを告げる星)	2002–09-19	2003–11-22
13	“The Destiny Star” / “Over Soul” “Ōbā Sōru” (オーバーソウル)	2002–09-26	2003–11-29
14	“The Shaman Fight” / “Shaman Fight” “Shāman Faito” (シャーマンファイト)	2002–10-03	2003–12-06
15	“Faust VIII” / “Bone Killers” “Bōn Kirāzu” (ボーン・キラーズ)	2002–10-10	2004–02-14
16	“The Rain of Bones” / “Faust Love” “Fausuto Ravu” (ファウスト・ラヴ)	2002–10-17	2004–02-21
17	“Road Trip” / “Two People’s Journey to the Best Place” “Besuto Pureisu Futari Tabi” (ベストプレイス二人旅)	2002–10-24	2004–02-28
18	“The Tunnel of Tartarus” / “Yoh” “Yō” (よう)	2002–10-31	2004–03-06
19	“Yoh vs. Lenny” / “Big Souls of the Two” “Futari no Biggu Sōru” (2人のビッグソウル)	2002–11-07	2004–03-13
20	“One, Two, Three, Draw” / “Soul Mata Cemetery” “Sōru Mata Reien” (ソウル摩多霊園)	2002–11-14	2004–03-20
21	“A Call to Adventure” / “Believe” “Birību” (ビリーブ)	2002–11-21	2004–03-27
22	“The Dynasty Challenged” / “Our Deadly Blows” “Oretachi no Hissatsu Waza” (オレたちの必殺技)	2002–11-28	2004–04-03
23	“The Dynasty Fight” / “Awakened Nyan Nyan Doushi” “Yomigaeru Musumejō Dōshi[Romaji verification needed]” (蘇る娘娘道士)	2002–12-05	2004–04-10
24	“A New Dynasty” / “Circular Path of Invulnerability” “Fujimi no Dōen[Romaji verification needed]” (不死身の道円)	2002–12-12	2004–04-17
25	“Shaman Journey” / “A Shaman’s Journey” “Shāman e no Tabi” (シャーマンへの旅)	2002–12-19	2004–04-24
26	“The Second Round Begins” / “Big America” “Biggu Amerika” (ビッグ・アメリカ)	2002–12-26	2004–09-18
27	“The Dowser” / “Dowsing Revolution” “Daujingu Reboryūshon” (ダウジング・レボリューション)	2003–01-09	2004–09-25
28	“Lost Boy Found” / “Lyserg’s Revenge” “Rizerugu Ribenjā” (リゼルグリベンジャー)	2003–01-16	2004–10-02
29	“The Nature of Nature” / “Super Guts” “Mera Konjō” (メラ根性)	2003–01-23	2004–10-09
30	“Oracle Bell Down” / “The Stolen Oracle Bell” “Ubawareta Orakuru Beru” (うばわれたオラクルベル)	2003–01-30	2004–10-16
31	“Ghost Town” / “Forest of Holy Spirits” “Seirei no Mori” (精霊の森)	2003–02-06	2004–10-23
32	“A Very Trey Day” / “Horohoro’s Taste of a Bitter Friendship” “Horohoro Nigai Tomo no Aji” (ホロホロ苦い友の味)	2003–02-13	2004–10-30
33	“Zeke Attack” / “Mysterious Asakura” “Himitsu na Asakura” (ひみつな麻倉)	2003–02-20	2004–11-06
34	“The Great Western Spa” / “American Hot Springs” “Amerika Onsen” (アメリカ温泉)	2003–02-27	2004–11-13
35	“Vampire Ambush” / “The Vampire Legend” “Kyūketsuki Densetsu” (吸血鬼伝説)	2003–03-06	2004–11-20
36	“Winged Destroyers” / “Angel’s Pistol” “Tenshi no Pisutoru” (天使のピストル)	2003–03-13	2004–11-27
37	“Punch Line” / “King Of Jokes” “Jōdan Kingu” (ジョーダンキング)	2003–03-20	2004–12-04
38	“Five Great Chiefs” / “The Legend of Seminoa” “Seminoa no denshōka” (セミノアの伝承歌)	2003–03-27	2004–12-11
39	“Goth Assault” / “Hanagumi (Flower Team)” “Hanagumi” (花組)	2003–04-03	2004–12-18
40	“A Touch of Evil” / “Chou Senji Ryakettsu” “Chō Senjiryakettsu” (超・占事略決)	2003–04-10	2005–01-22
41	“Goth Rematch” / “Explosive Over Souls” “Baretsu Ōbā Sōru” (爆れつオーバーソウル)	2003–04-17	2005–01-29
42	“The Double Medium” / “Spirit of the Sword” “Supiritto Obu Sōdo” (スピリット　オブ　ソード)	2003–04-24	2005–02-05
43	“Lost Lyserg” / “Battle of Gods” “Kamigami no Tatakai” (神々の闘い)	2003–05-01	2005–02-12
44	“The Ice Team Cometh” / “One More Push” “Mou Hito Funbari” (もうひとふんばり)	2003–05-08	2005–02-19
45	“Dobi Village or Bust” / “Great Spirits” “Gurēto Supirittsu” (グレートスピリッツ)	2003–05-15	2005–02-26
46	“Family Feud” / “The Dead Spirit of Tao” “Tao no Bōrei” (道(タオ)の亡霊)	2003–05-22	2005–03-05
47	“Sand Storm” / “Really Naive” “Mera Junjō” (メラ純情)	2003–05-29	2005–03-12
48	“The Prophecy” / “Missionary of Dragon” “Doragon no Dendōshi” (ドラゴンの伝道師)	2003–06-05	2005–03-19
49	“Gladiators” / “Doctor Doctor” “Dokutā Dokutā” (ドクタードクター)	2003–06-12	2005–03-26
50	“Heart of Darkness” / “I Have A Darkness In My Heart” “Ore no Kokoro nya Yami ga Aru” (オレの心にゃ闇がある)	2003–06-19	2005–04-02
51	“Spirit Busters” / “Shaman Hunt” “Shāman Hanto” (シャーマンハント)	2003–06-26	2005–04-09
52	“The Way of the Rice” / “It’s Training! Everyone Gather!” “Tokkun Da yo!? Zen’in Shūgō” (特訓だよ!?全員集合)	2003–07-03	2005–04-16
53	“Double Jeopardy” / “Bye Bye” “Baibai” (バイバイ)	2003–07-10	2005–04-23
54	“X-Caliber” / “The Eighth Angel” “Hachibanme no Tenshi[Romaji verification needed]” (８番目の天使)	2003–07-17	2005–04-30
55	“Bait and Switch” / “Gate of Babylon” “Gēto Obu Babiron” (ゲート　オブ　バビロン)	2003–07-24	2005–07-02
56	“The Door to Babylon” / “Door of Babylon” “Babiron no Tobira” (バビロンの扉)	2003–07-31	2005–07-09
57	“Secret Path” / “The Shaman Fight Ends?” “Shāman Faito Shūryō?” (シャーマンファイト終了?)	2003–08-07	2005–07-16
58	“The Forbidden Forest” / “Flaming Angel” “Enjō Enjeru” (炎上エンジェル)	2003–08-14	2005–07-23
59	“A New Dimension” / “Holy Ground of the Stars” “Hoshi no Seichi” (星の聖地)	2003–08-21	2005–07-30
60	“Unity” / “Friend” “Tomodachi” (友達)	2003–08-28	2005–08-06
61	“Yoh and Goodbye” / “Eternal Farewell” “Eien ni Sayonara” (永遠にサヨナラ)	2003–09-04	2005–08-13
62	“Rage and Furyoku” / “Die! Collision!” “Dai! Gekitotsu!” (ＤＩＥ・激突！)	2003–09-11	2005–08-20
63	“The King is Dead” / “A Place Where I Belong” “Aru beki Basho” (在るべき場所)	2003–09-18	2005–08-27
64	“Long Live the King” / “Epilogue” “Epirōgu” (エピローグ)	2003–09-25	2005–09-03

Characters

Humans

Note: “Humans” here is used for both characters that are average humans (not able to see ghosts) and those that are shamans (able to see ghosts). The series sometimes makes a distinction between the two..

• Yoh Asakura (麻倉 葉 Asakura Yō)
  • Seiyū: Yuko Sato, Voice Actor: Sebastian Arcelus

The main character of the story. He is easy-going, laid back, and carefree, which causes him to have an open mind and makes him relax in extreme situations. “No one knows what will happen in the future. There is no sense in worrying in something you do not and cannot control, so why bother?” This famous line of his is his philosophy in life, which always shines through in his personality. Yoh’s only goal is to live an easy life, and he believes that when he becomes Shaman King, he will achieve that goal. According to Anna, his fiancée, his free-thinking and laid-back nature makes him think “outside the box” which makes him a perfect candidate for Shaman King. His guardian ghost is a powerful samurai by the name of Amidamaru. Yoh came into existence when the soul of Hao Asakura split into two in his second reincarnation. Yoh is part of the Team Funbari Onsen, together with Ryo and Faust. (Team Asakura in the English anime). Yoh was an immensely powerful shaman in his past life, Asakura Hao. Part of Hao’s soul was reincarnated as Yoh, while the other half as the present-day Hao.

• Hao Asakura (麻倉葉王 Asakura Hao, ハオ Zeke)
  • Seiyū: Minami Takayama, Voice Actor: Sebastian Arcelus

Both Yoh’s ancestor and twin, Hao closely resembles Yoh but desires to destroy humanity. In his first life, he was the greatest shaman of the Asakura clan. But after mastering the five elements to become the ultimate shaman, he came to believe that every single non-shaman must be killed, since ‘ordinary humans’ were “out of touch” with nature and were destroying it. He intended to eliminate humans from the earth, but he was assassinated by his clansmen. However, because he mastered the five elements, Hao defied death and was reincarnated as a member of Silva’s tribe five centuries later. Hao stole the Patch Tribe’s Spirit of Fire and attempted to become Shaman King, only to be killed again by his descendant and former spirit, Asakura Yohken (麻倉葉賢 Asakura Yōken) and Matamune (マタムネ Matamune). Now, 500 years later, Hao is in his second reincarnation. However, when he was reincarnated this time, his soul somehow split, forming twins, and one part became Yoh, therefore, making both of them the reincarnations of the original Asakura Hao. Hao controls a host of shamans who either are loyal to him because they share his views on humanity or out of personal gain. His followers call him ‘Hao-sama’. His group of three, Hao, Opacho, and Luchist, in the Fight is called the ‘Hoshigumi’.

• Anna Kyōyama (恐山アンナ Kyōyama Anna) / Anna)
  • Seiyū: Megumi Hayashibara, Voice Actor: Tara Sands

Friend and fiancée of Yoh Asakura and an itako, a traditional shaman from Aomori, Japan (she is called a “spirit medium” in the English anime). Anna is Yoh’s personal trainer (in Yoh’s opinion, his slavedriver, due to the intense training) and will stop at nothing to become a part of the glory when Yoh becomes Shaman King of the Shaman World, although she does indeed hold great affection for Yoh. She later obtains the necklace of 1,080 beads and mastery over Hao’s Shikigami, Zenki and Kouki. Anna also appears in two of Takei’s other works, Butsu Zone and the one-shot Itako no Anna. Anna is also said to be the reincarnation of the original Asakura Hao’s mother from 1,000 years ago. At a certain time, Asakura Hao held some interest on her, but it did not last long.

• Manta Oyamada (小山田まん太 Oyamada Manta / Morty)
  • Seiyū: Inuko Inuyama, Voice Actor: Pete Zarustica

An intelligent but worrisome teen who always carries a “dictionary/encyclopedia/compendium of all human knowledge”, and has a sixth sense, meaning he can see supernatural beings, even though he is not a Shaman. He is very expressive and a bit panicky. His rather abnormal height has gotten him into trouble numerous times, once having been mistaken for one of the shy nature spirits, and being cut open and used as a hostage of sorts during Yoh Asakura‘s match with Faust VIII. In the anime, during the exorcism of Amidamaru, he actually becomes a Shaman and is able to merge with a spirit. His weapon is a hammer and his unofficial guardian ghost is Mosuke, the best friend of Amidamaru who forged his sword, the Harusame. After that episode in the anime, Manta is able to junction spirits to his laptop. He narrates the story in the manga and anime, allowing readers and watchers to understand the plot more efficiently. He is referred to as “Morty” (short for Mortimer) in the English anime. (Hiroyuki Takei mentioned Manta’s character was modelled after Japanese pop singer T.M.Revolution in an interview published in the March 2004 English language issue of Shonen Jump.).

Spirits

• Amidamaru (阿弥陀丸)
  • Seiyū: Katsuyuki Konishi, Mitsuki Saiga (young), Voice Actor: Sean Schemmel

Samurai that died during the Muromachi period 600 years ago – now is Yoh’s ghost companion. He is very powerful and wise but quite taciturn and extremely devoted to “Lord Yoh” (“Yō-dono” in Japanese). He was greatly known around the town of Funbari, where he had died 600 years prior after killing several hundred other samurai soldiers during a battle. He is the original handler of the legendary sword named “Harusame”, meaning “Spring Rain”, a sword forged by his best friend, Mosuke, who also appeared in the anime/manga as a spirit. This very same sword was reproduced as a “spirit sword” and used by Asakura Yoh during the Shaman Fight. The original was kept in a museum. His name is based on the Buddha Amitabha, the principal figure in the Pure Land Buddhist sect.

• Spirit of Fire (スピリット・オブ・ファイア)

Hao’s spirit guardian, formerly was the sacred symbol of the Patch Tribe until Patch Hao took it for his own 500 years ago. The spirit’s flames served as Hao’s way of killing off shamans who failed him or those who refused to rally for his cause. The Spirit of Fire can increase its own power by eating spiritually-enhanced humans and other spirits. As seen in the anime, it can change its form to any one element according to the 5 elements found in the unity star.

source: http://www.wikipedia.org

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Japanese Anime – Samurai 7

Japanese Anime

Samurai 7 (サムライセブン, Samurai Sebun?) is a 2004 Japanese anime series, produced by Gonzo and based on Akira Kurosawa’s popular 1954 movie Seven Samurai. The series was directed by Toshifumi Takizawa and its music was composed by Kaoru Wada and Eitetsu Hayashi. There are 26 episodes, each costing around ¥32,500,000 ($300,000USD) to produce.[citation needed]

The series premiered across Japan on the anime satellite television network, Animax, as an exclusive high definition CS-PPV broadcast, and was also later aired by the network across its other respective networks worldwide, including Southeast Asia, South Asia, Latin America and other regions. FUNimation has acquired the dubbing rights for the North American release. It is airing in America through the Independent Film Channel (using FUNimation’s dub) since April 2006 and in high definition on Dish Networks Animania HD channel (also using FUNimation’s dub). It has also been broadcast across Canada by specialty channel Razer and across Hong Kong by TVB Jade.

Plot

Samurai 7 tells the story of a rice village, Kanna. Every year during the harvest a group of bandits come and steal away almost all of the rice that had been harvested that year. Not only that, the bandits are becoming more demanding, now taking women and children in addition to rice.

The elder of Kanna Village has decided that to protect the village they must hire samurai to fight against the bandits. However, the village has no money and thus must find samurai willing to protect the village for a payment of rice. Three members of the village leave to attempt to recruit samurai. They travel to the city and search for samurai willing to work, and after finding several samurai and having a few encounters with the local government they return to Kanna village to prepare defenses against the bandits.

The samurai train the villagers in the use of bows, building walls, and construct a giant ballista to defend the village against the bandits. After successfully defeating the bandits, the samurai then launch an attack upon the capital to defeat a power hungry ruler who has recently risen to power as Emperor. After heavy casualties for the samurai, and the near-destruction of Kanna village, the capital is finally defeated.

Characters

• Shimada Kambei (カンベエ, Shimada Kambei^?) is a wise samurai who has survived many battles, though he feels no joy from them. Many of his friends have died in those battles. He constantly lives in the shadow of his painful and violent past, rejecting Kirara after stating that his heart is dried up. He leads the group during their battles and usually plans strategy. Voiced by: Masaki Terasoma (Japanese), R. Bruce Elliott (English)

• Katsushiro Okamoto (カツシロウ, Katsushiro Okamoto^?) is a young and inexperienced samurai who wishes to be Kambei’s student, calling him sensei almost from their first meeting. He idolizes the principles of bushido. He promises to protect Kirara no matter what, and seems to be attracted to her. He grows stronger and more skillful throughout the series, eventually becoming a worthy student of Kambei; and he also comes to terms with killing enemies, after reacting in shock the first time. Voiced by: Romi Paku (Japanese), Sean Michael Teague (English)

• Gorobei Katayama (ゴロベエ, Gorobei Katayama^?) is a skilled samurai who has made his living since the wars’ end by entertaining people on the city streets. He is very skilled at dodging blows and can pluck arrows and darts from the air. He often makes light of rather serious or dangerous situations.Voiced by: Tetsu Inada (Japanese), Bob Carter (English)

• Shichiroji (シチロージ, Shichiroji^?) initially fight side by side in the Great War, and is often referred to as “Kambei’s Old wife.” He temporarily leaves behind his successful post-war business at the Firefly Inn, and with it, his beautiful girlfriend, to join Kambei in battle once again. He has a prosthetic left hand which has a grappling hook capability with his index finger. His girlfriend, Yukino, has nicknamed him Momotaro, from the traditional Japanese tale, because she found him, badly injured after a battle, floating down a river inside a capsule reminiscent of a peach. Voiced by: Tohru Kusano (Japanese), Duncan Brannan (English)

• Kikuchiyo (キクチヨ, Kikuchiyo^?) is a cyborg with a mechanized exoskeleton. He is originally a peasant until becoming a samurai to help others. He is often looked upon as a clown or a bother, as he gets angry easily and often causes trouble with his loud noise and clumsy ways. He carries the largest of the swords, which also acts as a chainsaw. He is well liked by the villagers, especially by little Komachi, who asks him to become her husband when she grows up, a request that he accepts in return for her keeping his fake family tree. Voiced by: Kong Kuwata (Japanese), Christopher Sabat (English)

• Hayashida Heihachi (ヘイハチ, Hayashida Heihachi^?) is a genial samurai who wishes to avoid fighting as much as possible and prefers to eat rice instead. During the Great War, he took a position as a combat engineer, which kept him off the front lines but also used his mechanical skills. He is discovered chopping wood in exchange for food or devices that interest him. He is most helpful within the group as their mechanic, and orchestrates the construction of medieval-type weapons. Voiced by: Junji Inukai (Japanese), Greg Ayres (English)

• Kyuzo (キュウゾウ, Kyuzo^?) is originally a nearly silent, mysterious bodyguard for Ayamaro. In that role, he fights with Kambei, and he later joins the group with the stated intent of saving Kambei’s life so that he can later fight Kambei to the death. Kyuzo is an incredibly skilled fighter, wielding double blades that fit into one sheath on his back. Voiced by: Shinichiro Miki (Japanese), Sonny Strait (English)

• Kirara (キララ, Kirara^?) is a Mikumari (water maiden, a village priestess) of Kanna. She decides to go to help find the samurai to bring back to her village, and she admits that she also wanted to see something of the outside world. She possesses a dousing crystal on a necklace which allows her to detect the flow of groundwater and to read others’ hearts. She falls in love with Kambei, though he rejects her. Voiced by: Fumiko Orikasa (Japanese), Colleen Clinkenbeard (English)

• Komachi (コマチ, Komachi^?) is Kirara’s little sister, who follows along with her and Rikichi to see the city as well as help locate the samurai. She likes the boisterous Kikuchiyo and asks him to marry her when she grows up. Voiced by: Chiwa Saito (Japanese), Luci Christian (English)

• Rikichi (リキチ, Rikichi^?) is a peasant of Kanna, who travels with Kirara to locate the samurai. He can be often rash because of his hatred for the Nobuseri. He blames himself for the loss of his wife, Sanae, who has given herself up to the bandits to save the village. Kambei promises to rescue Sanae, and Rikichi is eventually reunited with her. Voiced by: Tadahisa Saizen (Japanese), J. Michael Tatum (English)

• Ukyo (ウキョウ, Ukyo^?) is the adopted heir to Ayamaro. His shielded and pampered lifestyle leaves him with a self-centered yet playful attitude on life, which is really a cover for a rather calculating, manipulative and cruel personality. He is later revealed to be a clone of Amanushi (アマヌシ, Amanushi^?), the emperor who creates various clones in an attempt to have a successor. After surviving a three-day ordeal of constant questioning, Ukyo is proclaimed heir to the throne. He then murders the emperor to succeed him and launches a plan to pit the villagers, samurai, and Nobuseri bandits against one another to consolidate his control. Voiced by: Takehito Koyasu (Japanese), Anthony Bowling (English)

• The Nobuseri (野伏せり, Nobuseri^?) are former samurai who have converted their bodies into large fighting machines during the previous war. They act as bandits who rob farming villages of their rice, and occasionally women and children for the capital. Ukyo later orders the court physician to remove the Nobuseri’s souls, so they will be nothing more than mindless machines, accepting orders only from the emperor

source:www.wikipedia.org

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Japanese Anime – YuGiOh!

Japanese Anime

Yu-Gi-Oh! (遊☆戯☆王, Yū☆gi☆ō?, lit. “Game King”) is a Japanese manga created by Kazuki Takahashi, which has spawned a franchise including multiple anime series, a trading card game, and numerous video games. Most of the incarnations of the franchise involve the card game called Duel Monsters (originally known as Magic & Wizards), wherein each player uses cards in order to defeat one another.

Central plots

Yu-Gi-Oh! tells the tale of Yugi Mutou, a shorter-than-normal high school student who was given an ancient Egyptian artifact known as the Millennium Puzzle in pieces by his grandfather. Upon completing the Puzzle, he is possessed by another personality which is later discovered to be the spirit of a 3,000-year-old spirit (5,000-year-old in the English anime) who forgot everything from his time. As the story goes on, the two of them, together with Yugi’s friends, try to find the secret of the Pharaoh’s lost memories and his name by way of the card game Duel Monsters (Magic & Wizards in the original Japanese manga and Yu-Gi-Oh! R), which is mirrored in the Shadow Games (Yami no Game in Japanese).

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX follows the story of Jaden Yuki (Judai Yuki in the Japanese version), a young talented duelist who is given the card “Winged Kuriboh” by Yugi before Jaden’s admission to Duel Academy (Duel Academia in the Japanese version), an elitist boarding school established by Seto Kaiba. Jaden, receiving low marks in his admission tests, is placed in the Slifer Red dormitory (Osiris Red) reserved for students with the lowest grades. The story goes on as Jaden faces challenges from different students in Duel Academy, and later finds himself entangled in a conflict related to the hidden secrets of the academy.

Yu-Gi-Oh! 5D’s is set in a distant future where the residents of poverty-stricken Satellite provide the manpower to sustain a utopia called New Domino City (Neo Domino City in the Japanese version), a futuristic version of the city of Domino where the events of the original Yu-Gi-Oh! took place. The story centers around five characters known as Signers, who have birthmarks bearing one part of a monster called the Crimson Dragon which devastated the world in the past.

Characters

The main character of Yu-Gi-Oh! (all anime, manga and movies except Yu-Gi-Oh! GX) is Yugi Mutou (Yugi Moto in the English anime), a shy, pure-hearted high school student and gaming expert who possesses an ancient Egyptian relic called the Millennium Puzzle, and the Nameless Pharaoh (Namonaki Pharaoh in Japanese) or Dark Yugi (Yami Yugi, also “the other Yugi” or, later on, “Atem”, his real name, revealed only near the end of the series), a darker personality held in the Puzzle. Yugi’s best friends, Katsuya Jounouchi (Joey Wheeler), Anzu Mazaki (Téa Gardner), and Hiroto Honda (Tristan Taylor) are also primary characters, as well as Dark Yugi’s main rival, Seto Kaiba.

The main character of Yu-Gi-Oh! GX is Jaden Yuki (Judai Yuki in the Japanese versions), an energetic boy who possesses great talents in Duel Monsters.

The main character of Yu-Gi-Oh! 5Ds is Satellite resident Yusei Fudo, a genius duelist and Signer on whom the story centers. His rival is another Signer, Jack Atlas who betrayed Yusei and his friends in order to get out of Satellite. Other important characters are Rex Goodwin, who leads an organization seeking to revive the Crimson Dragon, and Akiza, another Signer and psychic duelist who suffers from a split personality.

The Duel Monsters themselves, as the primary battle agents in the series’ card duels, come into play as characters from time to time, especially Kuriboh, Dark Magician, Dark Magician Girl, Jinzo, and the Ojama Trio. Duel Monsters like the Egyptian God Cards, The Legendary Dragons, the Sacred Beast Cards and the Five Dragons of 5D’s are of much greater importance to the storyline.

source:www.wikipedia.org

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Japanese Anime – Ragnarok

Japanese Anime

Story

Ragnarok follows the life and adventures of the warrior Chaos, who is an amnesiac that cannot remember anything from before the last two years in his life. He resides in the city of Fayon, inhabited by a long lineage of warriors. The newest leader in line to claim the head position of the village is a young woman by the name of Iris Irine, who trains with her close friend Chaos to become a suitable leader for her people. Meanwhile, Fenris Fenrir searches for Balder’s reincarnation to bring about Ragnarok.

Characters

Protagonists

• Chaos: A Rune Knight who has lost the memory of his childhood. Chaos came to live in Fayon, a village of great warriors, and became best friends with Iris Irine, the heir to leadership of the village. When Fenris Fenrir arrived in Fayon, Chaos learned that he was the reincarnation of Baldr, the God of Light. With his memories starting to return and his powers growing with every battle, Chaos struggles to unravel his past and find his true destiny. Chaos appears to be a newer name than his original in this lifetime. In a flashback, he wears the name tag of “Vermillion,” from a dragon knight who found him in a bloody area with slain soldiers and a young girl in his arms. Despite his troubled past, he is a relatively good-natured young man who is somewhat clueless about romantic relationships, particularly with Iris Irine. He also is a very loyal friend, including to the very reticent Loki.

• Fenris Fenrir: The reincarnation of the Wolf God, Fenris has become a powerful warlock, and upon returning to life began searching the world for Balder, who had also been reborn as a mortal. Fenris wields many forgotten sorceries, as well as the magical demon-slaying staff Laevatein. Notably, she has the curious ability to copy any spell that strikes her. During her journey, she has come to care deeply for Chaos as well as her memory of Balder, and sees Iris Irine as both a friend and a rival for Chaos’s affections. She is a dignified and intelligent woman, seen as a big sister by Iris Irine and as an enigma by Chaos.

• Iris Irine: The heir to leadership of Fayon, village of warriors. Iris is a cleric in training and knows many healing spells. She uses Rune Cards (papers that are concealed with magic) inscribed with magical runes to debilitate the enemy and help her allies. Iris has been best friends with Chaos for years and cares about him a great deal (She even calls herself as Chaos’ girlfriend sometimes). Though she considers herself dignified and lady-like, she’s prone to throwing tantrums and acting childish when she’s excited. She admires Fenris greatly and has a running rivalry with the thief Lidia. Currently, her greatest enemy is her half-sister the valkyrie Sara Irine. She wields the magic-destroying sword Chonryongdo, one of three legendary dragon blades. It should be noted that in the English version, there are multiple variations of the spelling of “Chonryongdo” (eg, Chernryongdo) though none reflect the actual Korean spelling, Hepburn Romanisation suggesting instead Cheongryongdo.

• Loki: The most powerful member of the Assassins’ Guild, Loki had never even been wounded twice in combat before encountering Chaos. When the Assassins Guild was almost totally destroyed by Skurai (who had framed the act on Chaos), Loki hunted Chaos down and attacked him. Chaos eventually managed to convince Loki that they were not enemies, and Loki has joined forces with Chaos to hunt down the true culprit. Loki is apparently totally devoid of emotions (though there is some debate on this topic) and has a hard time fathoming them in others. He wields “The Might” (“Cosmic Energy” in the English release), the most powerful form of magic in the world, and has been described as “the one who is human and not.”

• Lidia: A thief who travels with a two-tailed cat named Ses. Lidia fancies herself a treasure hunter like her father, and is searching the world over for magical artifacts. Her greatest wish is to find Alfheim, the hidden city of the elves, the one treasure (The treasure of Avariel in the original release) her father could never locate. Lidia started hanging out with Chaos and the gang in order to steal Iris’s dagger, Chonryongdo, and later latches on to Loki. She is known as Lidia in the English release.

• Reina (Name not stated in the original release): An elfish archer that Chaos and his friends have run into during their time in the city of Geffen. She appears to be the last of her kind and wishes to protect the secret of Alfhiem, the ancient city of the elves. She doesn’t like Lidia as she is trying to steal the treasures of Alfhiem but she puts aside her differences with her and Loki during their adventure in Alfhiem while battling a powerful assassin (Juliana Lucille) and wizard (The city Mayor). Since the manhwa has been halted it is unsure what will become of her after her, Lidia, and Loki’s adventure.

Antagonists

• Sara Irine: One of the twelve Valkyries of Freya. She is first seen attempting to hunt down Fenris Fenrir, although the warlock escapes. She then devastates Fayon with an army of Giants. Sara is, in fact, the half-sister of Iris. For some horrible, unknown reason, Sara’s (and Iris’s) father killed Sara’s mother and tried to kill Sara as well. Sara fled the village of Fayon and became consumed with a thirst for vengeance. She met and killed her father during the attack on Fayon, earning Iris’s hatred. Curiously, she saves both Iris and Fenrir from the witch Bijou, though she dispassionately tells her half-sister that she will finish Iris the next time they meet. She wields the legendary Sword of Retribution, Haeryongdo.

• Sakray/Skurai, the Cursed Prosecutor : A mysterious man with a terrifying power. Skurai wields the demon sword Talatsu (known as Tartanos or Talefing in some versions of the series), a weapon that drains the blood of whoever it injures, and receives also the memories of that person. Talatsu also learns the fighting techniques of the person it sucks the blood out, as Skurai stated in volume 10. Guided by the Beholders, Skurai arrived in Fayon while it was under attack by Sara Irine and slew all the non-combatant villagers, including Iris’s mother. He then traveled to the Assassin’s Guild and killed every assassin there, then framed Chaos for the entire event. He seeks the blood of Chaos, as he believes it can fully quench the thirst of Talatsu and free Skurai’s soul from its bondage to the demon. Skurai’s dark past hides a terrible tragedy: he was once an honorable knight and the selling of his soul to Talatsu was to allow him the power to save his lover, the princess Titania, who was killed however by another demon that was disguised as a prince.

• Himmelmez: Another of the twelve Valkyries, Himmelmez is a powerful necromancer and her necromancy has surpassed lich levels. Her undead forces encountered Chaos and his band while searching for the magical crystal known as the Heart of Ymir. She has vast hordes of undead beasts at her disposal, and her cloak of darkness can transform into many different weapons, including axe-blades, drills, and even a giant cannon. Her main weapon is called the “Wand of Hela”, which controls zombies and it also transforms into the “Goth Rapier”, which imparts lethal poison. No antidote in the world can dispel the poison from her Goth Rapier and only the “Ring of Ymir” can purge its poison, which she possesses.

• Bijou the Witch: A powerful witch with a deformed hand. She commonly uses glacial spells against her opponents. She was killed by Sara. Upon her death it appears that she and Himmelmez have been friends for a long time. She may have begun altering her body to better help her friend.

• Zenobia Sadi Freile: One of the twelve valkyries of Freya. She is a powerful sorceress of elven descent. Little is known about her abilities.

Other characters

• The Beholders: Huginn and Muninn, two mysterious individuals who are able to transform into crows. They are the eyes of Odin, Allfather of the Gods, and are acting to influence events in Midgard. They are the ones who directed Skurai to attack first the village of Fayon, and then the Assassins Guild. They also acted to save both Skurai and Sara Irine from the dragon Nidhogg that Chaos summoned during the battle (by accident, but mostly sure, due to his flashbacks). Their true motives are a mystery. However, Muninn seems to have a more sadistic side than the silent Huginn, who displays occasional compassion, such as when he kills a monster about to devour a child.

• The Asgard Rangers: A wild band of strangely-dressed women who consider themselves to be the champions of truth and justice. However, they seem to simply attack targets at random, then declare their victims to be ‘unrighteous,’ justifying their own extreme actions. Their wild poses and wacky antics serve to hide their considerable fighting skills. They seem to be a parody of sentai groups like Sailor Moon and Power Rangers.

• Lord and Lady Irine: The father and mother of Iris. They both die at the hands of Skurai and Sara Irine. Lady Irine seems to be the brains behind the operation but the Lord is not dumb, just easily blinded by love of his daughter. Lord Irine is also father to Sara, by another mother, who he later kills for unrevealed reasons. Lord Irine’s dying request is for Iris not to hate her sister. Lady Irine is implied to have been killed by Skurai in an attempt to protect the children (Nuri and Seri).

• Matthew and the Guards: The accomplished guards of Fayon are led by the massive, if not lovable, Matthew. His hair resembles a rooster’s crest, leading Chaos to call him ‘chicken head’. He has a blatant infatuation with Iris but never lets it get in the way of duty. The main weapon of the guards is a wall of lethal cannons. These valiant souls go down defending their home. Matthew is made into a zombie by Himmelmez in order to make a foe Chaos would not willingly fight.

• Ses (Sessy) the Cat o’ Two Tails: This cat can talk, though Lidia would prefer it couldn’t. He (A ‘She’ in the English release) seems to be more reasonable and rational then her owner. According to the Official Player’s Handbook found at the start of each volume after the first, she provides a 50% bonus on Pickpocketing Saves. While this is relatively illogical both in wording and use, Ses does seem to do all the work in most of Lidia’s criminal escapades.

• The Assassins Guild: This group of Arabic inspired warriors are dedicated to preserving the balance of power within the entire continent. This means favoring good OR evil as the balance shifts. The policy doesn’t exactly make them friends with anyone. Most are slaughtered by Skurai. Taulin and a small band of others survive because they accompany Loki to battle Surt’s minions. The survivors are eventually stationed at the Guild headquarters to rebuild and recover the heavy losses taken.

• General Karl Johann Spiegal: Commander of the forces of Volsug, he is a competent and good natured man. He is forced to imprison Chaos and his companions but assures them that he trusts them and would support them as a witness. When the forces of Himmelmez attack the city, he takes Fenris and Iris to the fragment of the Heart of Ymir. He becomes critically wounded but is stabilized in time.

• The White and Black Mages: These taciturn characters constantly show up in the background of any major crowd. They are mimics of their namesakes from the Final Fantasy RPG series. They appear to be a tribute to that popular series.

• Angelina Kidman: This spunky young woman is the announcer for the Geffen magic tourney and the prime secretary (As said in the original release) of the Witch Guild. She has a lecherous co-host, Frontain Rod, who is more concerned with the breasts of female competitors.

• Frontain Rod Kimacue: He is the co-host announcer of the Geffen magic tourney, by Angelina’s side, and the account manager of the Gravity Research Union (As said in the original release). He is a rather perverted person, who keeps peeking on women’s breasts with his binoculars. Although he seems to be only an old perverted man, he has a lot of knowledge about magic and fighting techniques. He regonizes every single move that Fenris uses and is being curious about who Fenris really is. Just like he stated in the original release; “I have no idea, that how I should be reacting to Fenris’s techniques. She’s a complete mystery, and I’d really like to know who she really is and where does she come from”.

• Gustav Kube the Magician: A novice magician who explains the city of Geffen to our heroes. His character model would later be used as the basis for Mage in Ragnarok Online

source:www.wikipedia.org

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Japanese Anime – Full Metal Panic!!!

Japanese Anime

Full Metal Panic! (フルメタル・パニック!, Furumetaru Panikku!?, often abbreviated to FMP!) is a series of light novels written by Shoji Gatoh and illustrated by Shikidouji. The series follows Sousuke Sagara, a member of the covert anti-terrorist mercenary group Mithril, tasked with protecting Kaname Chidori, a spirited Japanese high school girl.

Individual chapters are published on Monthly Dragon Magazine, followed by a paperback compilation released by Kadokawa Shoten’s Fujimi Fantasia Bunko. The novels are split between stories focusing on Sousuke’s mission as a soldier of Mithril and comedic side stories centered on his life at Jindai High School.

Full Metal Panic! has been adapted to other media a number of times, including an animated television series by Gonzo in 2002.

Characters

Main article: List of Full Metal Panic! characters

This anime is about

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Japanese Anime – Law of Ueki

Japanese Anime

The Law of Ueki (うえきの法則, Ueki no Hōsoku?) is a Japanese manga series by Tsubasa Fukuchi. It was first serialised in the manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Sunday in 2002 and ended in 2004. Sixteen tankōbon volumes was compiled and published by Shogakukan. An anime adaptation was first broadcasted on TV Tokyo on April 4, 2005, ended with 51 episodes on March 27, 2006. It was produced by Studio Deen. A manga sequel, The Law of Ueki Plus (うえきの法則プラス, Ueki no Hōsoku PURASU?), continues the series as of September 2005 by the same author and in the same magazine.

The manga was licensed for distribution in North America by Viz Media, while the anime adaptation was licensed by Geneon. On July 3, 2008, Geneon Entertainment and Funimation Entertainment announced an agreement to distribute select titles in North America. While Geneon Entertainment will still retain the license, Funimation Entertainment will assume exclusive rights to the manufacturing, marketing, sales and distribution of select titles. The Law of Ueki was one of several titles involved in the deal.[1] ImaginAsian TV broadcasted the anime series to the American audience starting early 2007.

Summary

The story starts out with the Battle of the Supernatural Powers, a tournament to decide who will be the next god of Heaven (rendered as Kami (天界人) in the Japanese version).

Each candidate (100 in total) is required to choose a junior high school student (middle school) to act as their fighter. The student is given a unique power and told to eliminate as many enemies as possible. The winning god Candidate will become The New god of Heaven and the winning student will receive the Blank Zai (or talent), a talent that can be anything they choose.

While this leads many students to thoughts of greed and selfishness, Kosuke Ueki decides to take it upon himself to win this tournament to keep that power away from those that would abuse such a gift.

Characters

Main article: List of characters in The Law of Ueki

Kosuke Ueki

Ueki Kōsuke (植木 耕助 ^?) Voiced by: Romi Paku (Japanese), Cole Howard (English)

Kosuke Ueki is the main character in the series. He is in Class 1-C at Hinokuni Junior High School. Ueki’s ability is given to him by Kobayashi (a.k.a. Mr. K), who is also Ueki’s homeroom teacher. He is also seen wearing pinkish-red shoes during his first fight with Robert Haydn.

Ueki is an unusually calm individual, and doesn’t care about what happens to him. He can be found snoozing in class, letting children use him as a target for shooting soccer balls (or in one case, a surfboard),and also calling the police without panicking when he faces a gang of rowdy teenagers. However, he cares for people around them, even going as far as saving Robert Haydn from falling debris in the Dogura Mansion. He also seems have a strong battle sense, as he often finds his opponent’s weak points, or unique strategies to defeat them

According to a short profile of the main characters of The Law of Ueki (published in the end of manga vol. 16 by the author), Ueki’s hobbies include cleaning up his town. In the first volume of the manga, Ueki is seen planting trees in the town park.

Ueki is a genuinely kind person who is always trying to help people. Ueki is actually a heavenly being sent to Earth by his father in order to take part in this tournament. Being a heavenly being allows him powers beyond his tree-making skills.

It seems he may have a crush on Ai (especially in the manga), but it is not admitted in the anime series.

Ai Mori

Mori Ai (森 あい ^?) Voiced by: Tomoko Kawakami (Japanese), Lori Barnes-Smith (English)

Ai Mori is one of Ueki’s classmates at Hinokuni Junior High School. When in a casual mood, Ai is usually upbeat and friendly, although she is often shown with a very shallow side, initially believing that all power-users (with the exception of Ueki) are dangerous enemies that can’t be trusted. Still, Ai cares deeply for her friends, especially Ueki. She discovers Ueki’s power early on, coming to a rather unusual conclusion and at first believing him to be an alien. Upon learning of the competition Ueki is in, she decides to back him up, to keep him from losing all his talents and disappearing because of it.

She is strict with Ueki at times, especially when he looks like he is about to do something rash. Ai continuously tries to be his voice of reason, although her shallow antics and outspoken personality often annoys him. Later on in the series, she is given an ability by the King of the Celestial World Candidate, Wanko, during Ueki’s fight with Sano. However, her power’s condition is that her opponent must perform a goody-two-shoes pose (raising the right leg backwards while putting both of the fists close to the mouth region). Once this power is activated, her opponent falls totally in love with Ai’s glasses and will do anything to keep them from harm, even defeat themselves. Also, they will not attack because they may accidentally break the glasses, and will do anything to prevent Ai breaking them.

The food she cooks tends to look rather odd and off-putting (usually with squirming octopus tentacles), but it still tastes good. It seems she may have a crush on Ueki, but it is not admitted in the series.

Kobayashi

小林 Voiced by: Katsuji Mori (Japanese), Ben Jeffrey (English)

Kobayashi, nicknamed as Mr. K (Kobasen in the Japanese versions), is a teacher at Hinokuni Junior High School. Mr. K is also a King of the Celestial World Candidate who gives Ueki his power. He is Ueki’s homeroom teacher and had been carefully studying him in order to judge his worth for the tournament.

Kobayashi is usually a laid-back, forgetful, and friendly man, although he can be quite serious, depending on the situation. He has a very strong sense of justice, actually inspiring Ueki long ago when he saved him from falling off a building, and acts as both his mentor and role model. He is sent to Hell for saving (and thus helping) Ueki in his first fight against Robert Haydn. He then become Mori’s god candidate.

It is mentioned in the show that Kobayashi’s least favourite food is fried crickets in soy.

Seiichiro Sano

Sano Seiichirō (佐野 清一郎 ^?) Voiced by: Soichiro Hoshi (Japanese), Beau Thompson (English)

Sano can change towels into iron by holding his breath, however sharp-eyed fans can see that sometimes it appears to be voice-activated instead. But after he gives the commands, he is sometimes left with a second or two to stop breathing in.

Sano, a 9th grader at Inaho Junior High School, was known as the Genius of Robert’s Ten while he was part of it. But he had joined because the leader of Robert’s Ten (Karlpaccho) had placed a Death Pentagon on Sano’s King of the Celestial World Candidate Inumaru that would kill him by removing all his blood unless he listened to Robert.

Sano can be creative with his power, creating shields, springboards (spring) and even boomerangs which he calls “boomerang cutter”.

He has a burn over his left eye which was caused during an accident with a hot spring. Still, he does love those hot springs and hopes to get the blank talent to obtain the talent of discovery in order to find a hot spring of his own.

His Level 2 makes his steel towels into powerful magnets. Seems to possess a ridiculous amount of his necessary towels, pulling them out of his robe in rapid succession. Sano is seen teaming up with Rinko in various episodes.

Inumaru

犬丸 Voiced by: Akira Ishida (Japanese), Scott Roberts (English)

The King of the Celestial World Candidate who gave Sano his powers. The two officially pair up for the tournament when Sano risks his life to save a child from a burning building, and Inumaru does likewise despite Sano’s threats.

Inumaru’s credo is that he can not ignore people in danger regardless of the reason, which prompts Sano to join, and to think of Inumaru as his friend rather than his Candidate. In Dogura Mansion, after being told that Sano joined Robert’s Ten to save him from the Death Pentagon (a small black bug that Karlpacchio attaches to Wanko’s neck, that would suck all of Wanko’s blood out of him on command, thus killing him), he contrives to destroy himself, so that Sano can be freed from his obligation.

He gives Mori his power, thus breaking the most important rule of the tournament, in order to force himself to go to Hell so that the others would be saved from certain circumstances that threaten the rest of the Ueki Team. He is the one who gave Mori her power.

Rinko Jerrard

Rinko Jerādo (鈴子･ジェラード ^?) Voiced by: Mamiko Noto (Japanese), Angie Beers (English)

She creates special accessories in order to use her beads in more constructive ways such as:

Platform shoes – Made of a special alloy and then filled with beads she can detonate to perform what she calls the Rinko Rocket. She uses this to blast herself up into the air

Beads Cannon – Special metal tubes that are filled with beads and then go over her fingers so that she can detonate one bead and send the rest of them rapidly at her opponents.

Her recent accessory is a special glove with beads hidden inside when used with her power, producing a force impact that claims to be as great as a close-contact weapon.

She comes from a rich family and in the past many people had pretended to be her friend so that she would buy them things. Disillusioned with the seeming coldheartedness of the world, she succumbs to Robert’s hypnotic charisma and joins the Ten. Initially, Rinko has a crush on Robert since he treats her as a real friend, but she eventually sees Robert for what he really is and joins up with Ueki, indeed becoming his guardian and constant caretaker.

Rinko’s Celestial King Candidate is a man named Nikay, one of Margarette’s followers whom she hasn’t seen since the battle began.

She loves all animals, taking an immediate liking to Tenko (whom she calls “Tenki”), but her weakness for cute things makes her vulnerable to Ban’s power.

Note that it is wise not to insult her no matter what, for she has a side to her that makes her incredibly unhealthy for the person who insults her.

She doesn’t seem to realise that she has this “evil” side and fortunately for her that she forgets whatever her “evil” side says or does. This “evil” side seems to be activated whenever someone insults her.

The only example of this is when Ban calls her an ‘insect’ which causes her to become furious and unlock her “evil” side. This “evil” side has no love for animals,as shown when she remorselessly swats away Ban’s cute, living Pick with her special glove, then beats Ban by slapping him with the glove relentlessly. In another instance at the end of the manga series, she confesses her love to Robert, but Robert insults her (although he doesn’t really meant to) by calling her “small fry”. Robert becomes her second victim and has to be hospitalized for a fortnight.

In the epilogue at the last episode of the anime, Ai says that Rinko and Robert only dated once but Rinko dumped Robert because she suddenly felt a strange feeling about Sano.

She is seen teaming up with Sano in various episodes.

Hideyoshi Soya

Sōya Hideyoshi (宗屋 ヒデヨシ ^?) Voiced by: Kappei Yamaguchi (Japanese), Chris Ippolito (English)

His ability to turn voices into portraits can make voices come out of them. The condition is that he needs to bend his fingers or toes.

He is a power user that Ueki and Mori meet. He is prone to deception, using various novelty gags and tricks in a fight such as soy sauce bomber. He looks out for a group of kids at a place called the Sun House.

His first King of the Celestial World Candidate, Nero, was a kind heavenly being that did not want to become the King of the Celestial World; he simply wanted to help out humans which he did at the Sun House. Soya offered to become gifted so that Nero could stay longer on Earth. Unfortunately, he helped Soya during a fight and was sent to Hell.

Then, Soya received a new King of the Celestial World Candidate, Zack, whom he hates for turning out to be a jerk and wanting him to join forces with a nasty bunch of power users. He agrees to help Ueki when he hears that they can save Nero. Although sometimes cowardly and weak when Soya performs his sneak attacks in conjunction with his power he can be a formidable foe.

In one occasion, he put his portraits on Sano’s towels, then turned them back to voices in order to launch a sonic attack on Team Marylin. In addition, his ability to use his opponent voices as well work with his tricks making it easier to deceive his foes.

At the end of the series, Ai refers him as the useless member of Team Ueki. In anime, Ai refers to him as the secret savior because he gave ueki one last zai before ueki disappeared when he was hit by Ueki’s Kurogane.

Tenko

テンコ Voiced by: Chiwa Saitō (Japanese), Mariette Sluyter (English) (small) and Voiced by: Takashi Nagasako (Japanese), Jonathan Love (English) (big)

A large tailess yellow fox-like creature with a duiker-like horns on his head, ten blue beady eyes (with the main pair three to six times larger than the other pairs), black bat-like wings, brown stripes on his limbs and with no visible ears that helps Ueki awaken his celestial powers.

He can also change his shape to fit onto Ueki’s wrist like an arm protector used by goaltenders in ice hockey to give him advice, and seems to be able to communicate with Ueki telepathically. He is a Heavenly Beast who is something of a mutation among his kind (he is born as an ancient version of Heavenly Beast, which is a ferocious-looking Godzilla-sized fox-like creature instead of an adorable cat-sized genetically-engineered house pet).

He is treated very poorly by Heavenly Beings and Ueki is the first to actually treat him with some kindness and respect. He is able to detect the power level of Heavenly Beings (his eyes lights up and changes colour to red depending on which level the Heavenly Being is on) and because of his mutations has a bigger version of what is called the “awakening organ” that can awaken the hidden powers within Ueki.

Unfortunately, he can only use it to train Heavenly Beings up to 7 levels without dying for every Heavenly Being. This means that he can still use it to another Heavenly Being. Has an ability to spit out a large, roundish bunny creature that envelops Ueki and heals him within 12 hours (in the early episodes).

Fairly harsh with Ueki at times, he is nevertheless happy to have found someone who actually needs him. He also is very useful at giving advice in a fight (he is not allowed to fight or he will be sent to Hell); in the jump rope fight he tells Ueki when the rope is coming. Again, he warns Ueki about the Marilyn team’s location in the smoke.

Anon

アノン Voiced by: Jun Fukuyama (Japanese), Anon Vanichyanukroh (English)

Hanon in the English dub. He is from a race known as the Hellions, who come from the Protector clan. Anon can swallow and absorb people within himself, thus making their bodies his, as well as gaining whatever abilities they have such as Robert’s power to make the ideal thing and his sacred treasures.

With a surprisingly humble nature, he has a hard time understanding humans and tends to experiment on them with reckless curiosity. Although it appears that Margarette is his father it is actually a Hellion who swallowed Margarette using his appearance.

Later in the series, he swallows King of the Celestial World and changes up the rules of round 4. He first told Ueki that his dream is to destroy everything, but in fact, his real dream is to have someone who can beat him.

Robert Haydn

Roberuto Haidon (ロベルト・ハイドン ^?) Voiced by: Mitsuki Saiga (Japanese), Sean Broadhurst (English)

Robert Haydn is a frightening person with an equally frightening power. He can boost his own natural sacred treasures by modifying them to a perfect ideal like absolute accuracy or ideal protection. The fault in this is that for every time he creates an ideal, he loses a year of his life, but once he creates this ideal he can use it any time he wants to. His abilities can’t be used on living things, however, but his changes change as his ideals change, such as turning his Kurogane rapid-fire and/or unblockable. His level 2 power allows him to change gravity, and he can also make soap bubbles that can reverse gravity too.

That is also why the reason he forms Robert’s Ten. They act as his brawn, doing the fighting for him in order to save those precious years. He is a fairly nasty character, not caring who he harms and how badly they are harmed. Like Ueki, he is a Heavenly Being with more power than the gift given by his King of the Celestial World Candidate.

But unlike Ueki, however, Robert has been training in his power for quite a long time. Robert has an unfortunate past in which he was treated as a monster by the people of his town. After being betrayed by his friends, he starts to hate humanity and destroys the entire village where he lived (1/3 in the manga) and gets eaten by Anon.

At the end of the series, he becomes a nice person like his childhood self, having been touched by Ueki and his friends.[1]

Margarette

Voiced by: Shūichi Ikeda (Japanese), Jonathan Love (English)

He is Robert’s father and the King of the Celestial World Candidate who gives him his power. Margarette sends his own son to Earth as a child so that he could choose him for the tournament. He is not above sneaky tactics to ensure his son’s victory.

Later, his body is possessed by a Hellion with the intention of taking over Heaven. In this new form, he puts Ueki in his awakening organ (It turns out that he also absorbed Heavenly Beasts similar to Tenko), and advances Ueki to his 9 and 10 star treasures.[2]

Sacred treasures

All heavenly beings have the potential to master a total of ten attacks which correspond with different levels of their growth. These attacks are called Jingi, or “sacred treasures”. Higher level sacred treasures have a higher damage capability than lower ones. If a heavenly being is a power-user (having received a power from a God Candidate), their power is merged with their sacred treasures. In the case of Ueki, he manifests these abilities through his talent of tree growth. A heavenly being’s sacred treasures with no special powers will take the form of stone. In the Battle Game, there are only six heavenly beings: Ueki, Robert, Kilnorton, Diegostar, Balo and Ban Dicoot, but only Ueki and Robert are level 2 power users.

[edit] List of sacred treasures

Kurogane

The 1-star sacred treasure, gained through consciousness/realization of the fact that the user is a heavenly being. It is a large cannon grown out from the user’s arm that fires a large ball at the opponent. For Ueki, a large cannon grows out from a tree and fires a large ball of wooden strands at the opponent. It is first seen in the battle between Ueki and Alessio Iuliano

Fuudo

The 2-star sacred treasure, gained through perseverance. It is a giant arm grown out of the ground to protect the user from attacks, but it can also be used offensively by striking at enemies. It is first seen when Ueki was defending himself from Tenko.

Ranma

The 3-star sacred treasure gained through firmness. Ranma is a gigantic knife grown from the arm of the user. Ueki’s Ranma grows out from a tree to strike the opponent. It is first seen in the battle where Ueki uses it to retire Oni. The shape of the blade varies from user to user. It is also called Ranma Sword.

Mashuu

The 4-star sacred treasure, gained through body and strength. Mash is a cube-like big mouth that chomps the opponent. It can jump out of the ground towards the opponent. Ueki’s Masshu is a big mouth with tree legs that comes from the ground to chomp the opponent. It is first seen in the second battle between Ueki and Don. Masshu can be used to defend against attacks as well by chomping on Kurogane, Ranma and Pick. Notably, Robert can make his Masshu travel along the ground, and make it turn red or blue to make the opponent drawn to or pushed away from the ground, which was seen when he was battling Ueki in the Dogura Mansion

Pick

The 5-star sacred treasure gained gained through centralization. Pick is a large column that shoots out very fast from the arm of the user towards the opponent. It can be pointed downwards to propel the user upwards or it can be detached from the arm and used as a ramp. Ueki’s Pick grows from a tree and has yellow and black stripes. Each heavenly beings Pick are made from differing matter and have different markings on them, but Robert Haydn’s pick is the shape of a corkscrew and Balo’s pick is also pointed at the end. Pick is first seen in the battle between Ueki and Yunpao in the Dogura Mansion.

Raika

The 6-star sacred treasure, gained through anticipation. Raika is a pair of rollerblade-like attachments on the user’s feet allowing them rapid movement on the ground. However, the user cannot jump when using these. It is first seen in the battle between Ueki and Carl Pacchio.

Galiper

The 7-star sacred treasure, gained through speed. A grid of light appears on the ground, followed by a boxed wall that is shot up from anywhere on the grid to capture the opponent. Any attempts to attack while inside the box are futile and can be directed back at the captured. The opponent only has half a second to avoid imprisonment. It is first seen in the battle between Ueki and Karlpacchio (Though there is speculation that it was first shown when Robert encased Ueki in a special transparent room that meet Galiper’s effects).

Namihana

The 8-star sacred treasure, gained through capturing. The appearance is that of a massive whip. It is a highly flexible weapon which can be turned in any direction desired by the user. It is first seen in the match between Ueki and Guitar.

Seiku

The 9-star sacred treasure, gained through balance. A pair of wings will appear on the user’s back, granting them flying capabilities. It is first seen in the second opening theme of the series, although it was first used in a fight between Ueki and Anon. The color of the wings varies from user to user.

Maoh

The 10-star sacred treasure, gained through will. Summons a creature that varies from heavenly being to heavenly being. Maoh is a formless weapon. The power of the summon is based on the desires of the fighter, which in Ueki’s case was to protect his friends. Ueki’s Maoh takes the form of Kobayashi and is relatively weak compared to Anon’s Maoh due to his low will power. But due to an increase in Ueki’s wishes to save his friends, his Maoh’s strength increased and he gained control over it.

Robert’s Maoh is an extremely hideous black skeletal ram and is the embodiment of his hatred for humanity. It is used by Anon after Anon absorbs Robert. Maoh can only be used only six times in a lifetime. First mentioned in the ending scenes of the battle between Robert Haydn and Ueki. First appearance in the last battle between Ueki and Anon, although it was attempted by Robert in the Dogura Mansion where he was prevented by Kobasen along with the ending of round 1.

This level is attained only by Robert Haydn, Kosuke Ueki, God and Margarette (Robert’s God Candidate).

Demi-weapon – Tenso

The unknown sacred treasure that changes the geography of any place. Only God has this power, but since Anon can absorb powers from whom he devours, he wields it and creates the pathway, where the last battle takes place.

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Japanese Anime – Full metal Alchemist

Japanese anime

Fullmetal Alchemist (鋼の錬金術師, Hagane no Renkinjutsushi?, lit. Alchemist of Steel), commonly abbreviated as FMA or Hagaren, is an ongoing Japanese manga series written and illustrated by Hiromu Arakawa. The world of Fullmetal Alchemist is styled after European Industrial Revolution. Set in a fictional universe in which alchemy is one of the most advanced scientific techniques known to man, the story follows the brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric, who want to recover parts of their bodies lost in an attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy.

The manga is serialized in Square Enix’s Monthly Shōnen Gangan magazine (starting January 2001) and currently has 20 bound volumes. It was adapted into an animated television series of 51 episodes by Bones from October 4, 2003 to October 2, 2004, later followed by a movie sequel that concluded the story of the anime. A multitude of spin-off novels, original video animations (OVAs), drama CDs, soundtracks, and video games have been adapted from the series. A collectible card game, multiple supplementary books, and a variety of action figures and other merchandise based on the characters of the series have also been released.

Plot

See also: List of Fullmetal Alchemist characters

Edward and Alphonse Elric are two alchemists brothers who search for the legendary Philosopher’s Stone, a powerful object which would allow them to recover their bodies (which were lost in an attempt to bring their mother back to life through alchemy). Being born in the village of Resembool from the country of Amestris (アメストリス, Amesutorisu^?), the two brothers lived there with their parents. Their father, Hohenheim, left home for unknown reasons and years later, their mother, Trisha Elric, died of a terminal illness leaving the Elric brothers alone. After their mother’s death, Edward becomes determined to bring her back through the use of alchemy, an advanced science in which objects can be created from raw materials. They researched Human Transmutation, a forbidden art in which one attempts to create or modify a human being. However, this attempt failed, ultimately resulting in the loss of Edward’s left leg and Alphonse’s entire body. In a desperate effort to save his brother, Edward sacrificed his right arm to affix his brother’s soul to a suit of armor. Some days later, an alchemist named Roy Mustang visits the Elric brothers, and he tells Edward to become a member of the State Military of the country to find a way to recover their bodies. After that, Edward’s left leg and right arm are fitted with two sets of automail, a type of advanced prosthetic limb, created for him by his close family friends Winry Rockbell and her grandmother Pinako.

Edward sets out to become a State Alchemist (国家錬金術師, Kokka Renkinjutsushi^?), an alchemist employed by the State Military of Amestris. Becoming a State Alchemist enables Edward to use the extensive resources available, but it also turns him into a dog of the military, which infamously annihilated much of the neighboring country of Ishbal‘s population in the past decade. The brothers learn of the Philosopher’s Stone, and set off in search of it as a means to restore their bodies. Throughout their journey, they meet many antagonists, including those who are willing to do anything to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone, Scar, one of the few surviving Ishbalans, who seeks vengeance on the State Alchemists for the destruction of his race, and the homunculi, a group of human-like creatures who carry pieces of the Philosopher’s Stone inside themselves, and from it derive the ability to survive almost any harm.

As the story progresses, Edward and Alphonse discover the vast expansion of Amestris was the result of the homunculi, who created and secretly control the State Military. The homunculi and much of the high-ranking military officers are commanded from behind the curtains by the creator of the homunculi, a man simply known as Father, who gained immortality by using Hohenheim as his new body centuries before the series’ timeline. He plans to use Amestris as a gigantic transmutation circle and turn the entire country into a Philosopher’s Stone. When Edward and Alphonse discover Father’s plans, they set out to defeat him along with other members of the State Military.

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Japanese Anime – Gundam

japanese anime

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Mobile Suit Gundam SEED (機動戦士ガンダムSEED　[シード], Kidō Senshi Gandamu SEED [Shīdo]^?), often shortened to Gundam SEED, is an anime television series animated by Sunrise and directed by Mitsuo Fukuda. It is a part of the Gundam franchise that started in 1979, but takes place in an alternate universe called the Cosmic Era. The series spans fifty episodes,^[1] which broadcasted in Japan from October 5, 2002 to September 27, 2003 at 6:00 p.m. on the JNN TV stations TBS and MBS. The series won the Animage Anime Grand Prix prize in 2002. It was adapted into a manga published by Kodansha on February 17, 2003. Gundam SEED’s story continues in Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny.

Plot

See also: List of Mobile Suit Gundam SEED episodes

The series is the first set in the Cosmic Era. This series begins with the Bloody Valentine War between Earth and the colonies that is similar to the One Year War of the original Gundam series with certain traditional elements from Mobile Suit Gundam Wing and After War Gundam X such as the presence of five multicolored Gundam mobile suits and the threat of an apocalypse. On one side is the Earth Alliance, and on the opposite is the space colonies that form ZAFT (Zodiac Alliance of Freedom Treaty). Mankind is divided over human genetic engineering, with normal humans known as “Naturals” and the genetically altered humans known as “Coordinators“. Like the original series, while ZAFT has a head start on mobile suit design, the Earth Alliance quickly catches up with its five prototype Gundams. With ZAFT having stolen four of the prototypes, young Coordinator Kira Yamato pilots the GAT-X105 Strike Gundam and is forced to fight his old friend Athrun Zala. Little do they know that there exist sinister forces working to bring about events that go far beyond their worst nightmares.

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Japanese Anime – Death Note

Japanese anime

Death Note (デスノート, Desu Nōto^?) is a Japanese manga series created by writer Tsugumi Ohba and illustrator Takeshi Obata. The series centers on Light Yagami, a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook dropped on Earth by Ryuk, a shinigami (“death god”), that allows Light to kill anyone by writing the victim’s name in the notebook. The user must also know the face of the victim to prevent anyone with the same name from being harmed. The story follows Light’s attempt to create and rule a world cleansed of evil using the notebook, and the complex conflict between him and his opponents.

Death Note was first serialized in 108 chapters by Shueisha in the Japanese manga magazine Weekly Shōnen Jump from December 2003 to May 2006. The series was also published in tankōbon (paperback) format in Japan starting in May 2004 and ending in October 2006, and since then has been translated internationally. The series was adapted into live-action films released in Japan on June 17, 2006, on November 3, 2006, and on February 2, 2008. The anime series aired in Japan from October 3, 2006, to June 26, 2007. A novel based on the series, written by Nisio Isin, was released in Japan on August 1, 2006.

Video games

Death Note Kira’s Game

A Death Note video game developed and published by Konami for the Nintendo DS, entitled Death Note Kira Game (デスノート キラゲーム, Desu Nōto Kira Gēmu^?), was released on February 15, 2007.^[37] Kira Game is a strategy game where the player takes on the role of Kira or L. These are just titles, as any character can be Kira or L. The player will attempt to deduce who their enemy is (Kira will try to uncover L’s identity and vice versa). This will play out in 3 phases: Investigation, where the player will discuss the case and clues with other characters; Voting, where each member of the investigation team casts a vote on who they suspect is L or Kira based on the player’s performance in the previous phase; L/Kira, where the player can either focus their investigation on one member to see if they are Kira (L part) or force a member off of the team (Kira part).^[38] A sequel to the game, Death Note L o Tsugumono (デスノート Lを継ぐ者, Desu Nōto Eru o Tsugu Mono^?, literally “Death Note: Successors to L“), was released in Japan on July 12, 2007. The storyline is based on the second part of the manga, featuring characters such as Mello and Near.^[38]

A third game, L the Prologue to Death Note -Rasen no Trap- (L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE -螺旋の罠-, L the proLogue to DEATH NOTE -Rasen no Torappu-^?, literally “L the Prologue to Death Note: Spiraling Trap“), was released for the Nintendo DS in Japan on February 7, 2008.^[39][40] The player will assume the role of a rookie FBI agent who awakens in a strange hotel and attempts to escape with the help of L, who provides assistance via an in-game PDA.^[39] The story is set before the Kira investigation in the original series.^[39]

Several characters from Death Note appear in Jump Super Stars and Jump Ultimate Stars, a fighting game featuring a plethora of characters from Shōnen Jump titles. Light, Ryuk and L appear in Jump Super Stars as support characters. In Jump Ultimate Stars Misa, Near, and Mello are added as support characters as well.^[41][42]

Soundtracks

Main article: Death Note original soundtracks

There have been several soundtracks released for this series, such as the ones for the movie adaptations and also for the anime adaptation.

From wikipedia

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