Anime Review: Heroman

Title: Heroman

Genre: Sci-fi/Mecha

Creator/Studio: Stan Lee/Bones

No. of episodes: 26

Recommended Age: 7+

Rating: 10/10

Distributor: None, streaming online at http://www.crunchyroll.com

Summary: Joey Jones is an ordinary American boy living in an ordinary American town. That is, until the local mad scientist successfully contacts alien life. Just one problem: it's the Skrugg, an evil, insect-like race. As fate would have it, lightning strikes Joey and his toy robot, turning it into a sentient (albeit silent) giant robot that Joey can control with a remote and voice commands.

Review: When I learned Stan Lee was involved, I had to check this show out. I'm a huge fan of his work. It's easy to see the parallels between this and some of Stan Lee's comics. For example:

1. It takes place in America. Stan Lee is a firm believer in "write what you know". It's why all his stories take place in New York City. He spent most of his life there.
2. Joey is a teen hero. Most of Stan Lee's heroes started out as teenagers.The hero has an alliterative name.
3. Joey has an alliterative name. Stan Lee gave many of his heroes alliterative names in order to make them easy for him to remember. (Okay, maybe that's not all that relevant)

I really enjoy most, if not all, of the cast. Here are my five favorite characters.

Joey is an admirable boy who wishes to be as heroic as his father, who sacrificed himself to save his fellow miners. He has a courageous heart like any true hero.

Next is Simon (aka Psy), Joey's best friend. What makes him so cool is even though the kid's on crutches, that doesn't stop him from helping out Joey and fighting alongside him. He's the kind of friend everyone wants.

Then there's Lina, a blonde cheerleader that fits another type found in many superhero stories: the plucky girlfriend. Lina is essentially the Mary-Jane Watson of the show. She has a cheerful personality and even though she gets kidnapped once or twice, she's courageous enough to prevent her from being annoying. There's only one thing preventing the two of them from hooking up: Will, her older brother. He's like Flash Thompson from Spider-man: a jock with a bad attitude (to be fair, Flash and Peter's relationship did eventually mellow out).

The last character I like is Holly, Joey's big sister. At first, I thought she was obnoxious because of her crass personality and her penchant for beer. (definitely not ladylike) However, as her character developed, I saw her as a foil for Joey in that their opinions on their father differ. While Joey admires their father, she feels as though he abandoned them. In fact, when she discovers Joey is controlling Heroman, she's understandably angry about it.

The Skrugg are definitely a scary race. They kind of remind me of the aliens in the Alien movies, and with the exception of their leader Kogurr, all have a hive mentality.

This is an excellent series, even if you're not a Stan Lee fan, although it's easier to appreciate if you like his stuff.

As for the plot and pacing, I think the show did it well. It moved at a quick pace, but it still took enough time to show us how the characters were reacting to being invaded. Some actually tried to negotiate with the aliens, while others saw them as a threat and joined Joey in the fight against them. And for once, Washington DC was brought into the story and we didn't get a George W. Bush clone, since it was being done during his tenure! This time, although the president does seem to vaguely resemble him, we aren't made to see him as a stupid person, just someone who makes rash decisions because he's concerned about the citizens. The plot didn't come to a complete halt when it was time to develop characters, which I enjoy.

Music/Score: The music was not what I expected. I'm used to a more stirring score in superhero stories, like in the Superman or Batman movies. This was a little too cheerful.

Sub/Dub: Because there's no dub yet, I can't give a comparison. I thought the voices were okay, but I felt Joey's voice was a little high for someone who's on the cusp of puberty.

Violence: 4/10: For the most part, the show's pretty mild, except for the fact that Kogurr eats those who fail him.

Sexuality: none

Religion: none

Nudity: none

Related Media: There's a Heroman manga that inspired this anime, but I don't know if it's translated into English yet.

Anime Review: Gintama

Hello, I'm Rocklobster! I sat through this somewhat entertaining shonen anime so you wouldn't have to. But seriously, I've decided to turn this site into a review site beginning with this post. Since I recently finished Gintama, I decided, why not start with this one?

Genre: Comedy/Sci-fi
Creator/Studio: Hideaki Sorachi/Sunrise
No. of Episodes: 201
Rating: 7/10
Distributor: Streaming online from http://www.crunchyroll.com. Also available on DVD from Sentai Filmworks, a subsidiary of ADV.
Summary: In an alternate history version of Tokyo called Edo, aliens established relationship with Japan centuries ago. As a result, today aliens can be seen as commonplace and the policemen are shinsengumi. The story focuses on Gintoki, a war vet who now helps anyone who can pay him for room, board, and the next issue of Shonen Jump. Helping him out are his two friends, Shinpachi (heir to a dojo and all-around nerd) and Kagura (alien girl with impressive strength and speed)
Review: When I first found out about the show’s premise, I thought I was going to get a straight-up action series. While there is action, this series is focused more on comedy. The only problem I have with the show is that it lacks cohesion. In between arcs is filler that ranges from tolerable to terrible. To sum it up, this is a guilty pleasure. If you like this kind of nuttiness, it make work for you.

I have three favorite characters: First is Kagura. She is very cute, but should not be underestimated, because she is impressively strong and fast. She has a very helpful personality, but has difficulty fitting in with her friends because she isn't human. Underneath is a girl who misses her father, who we meet later in the show. To make matters worse, she also has a psycho brother. (And I do mean psycho!)

Second is Shinpachi. Shinpachi is the "straight man" of the cast. Whenever there is something that is just plain illogical, you can expect him to object to it, and like everyone else on the show, he knows he's a fictional character, so he'll often complain about the plotholes and such. (It's very funny, trust me)

Third is probably the strangest character on the show: Toshiro Hijikata. What's so strange, you ask? How about the fact that the dude is obsessed with mayonnaise. You'll see him dump almost the entire bottle on everything! (it's a wonder he actually has any in the bottle when he's done)

The stories themselves vary. At times, you get some really good action, but when the story goes into filler mode, it can make you wonder why you got into the show in the first place. I think the funniest story of all was the one that was a parody of Dragonquest. The most awesome one was when one of the Shinsengumi got a possessed sword.
Language: (6/10) There is a LOT of bad language and suggestive humor. Although most of it’s censored, it’s pretty obvious what’s being censored, and the sexual humor goes uncensored.
Violence: (5/10) The show basically has two modes: filler and arc. In filler mode, the show is quite humorous and uses slapstick. In arc mode, the violence can range from fistfights to some mildly bloody moments.
Nudity: (2/10) I saw a couple full-frontal male nudity scenes. Both were censored with pixel mosaics, but still unwelcome.
Sexuality: (3/10) While there is no sex per se, I’m giving this rating for the humor. It’s also hinted that Shinpachi’s sister has an intimate relationship with a woman who wears an eyepatch. She even almost gets married to her.
Religion: (1/10) Early in the series, Gintoki discovers a neighbor who’s actually a demon. Later, we meet a family that can summon Shinigami.
Music: The music ranges from great to okay. Let me put it this way, you’d better like j-pop. It's mostly very upbeat, and really fits the show. I really liked the third opening song.

Voice acting: To be honest, I'm not that great at differentiating Japanese voices. However, I think the voices were appropriate for all the characters.
Related Media: This is based on the Gintama manga from Shonen Jump and is distributed in America by Viz. There is also a feature-length movie based on the Benizakura arc.

Kayla's Wish Chapter IV: Kayla Meets Mutia

Torla gave Kayla a hand. "I know someone who makes good clothes. She also happens to be my sister. It'll only take a few minutes to get there."Kayla just stood there sheepishly. She didn't like being naked among strangers."Look, don't worry about being naked. A lot of us fairies don't wear much anyway."
As they walked Kayla looked around timidly. That was when she noticed what Torla meant. Many of them were wearing what looked like nightclothes, and some of them were almost transparent.
Moments later, they were at Torla's house, where she lived with her sister. A green-haired fairy greeted them.
"Mutia, this is our new houseguest."
Mutia waved hello.
"She also needs new clothes. She used to be human, but Titania took pity on her." Torla explained.
Mutia nodded and made gestures.
"What's all that about?" Kayla asked.
"She can't talk. And do you know why? Because your guardian, Selenia, took out her vocal cords when she caught Mutia spying. Now she only uses her hands to talk instead. SHe just said she'll start making your clothes." Torla said cruelly.
Mutia made more gestures." She doesn't deserve kindness, Mutia." said Torla. "For all we know, she maybe working for Selenia."
Kayla had had enough. "Stop that! Do you realize how she treats me? It's a wonder I'm still alive. She doesn't feed me. My clothes are rags. Frankly, I don't even know why she even took me in. Whatever plans she has for me, I want nothing to do with them."
Mutia began taking measurements.
"Sorry, but you're not going to get any sympathy out of me. As far as I'm concerned, you're the enemy."
"What can I do to make you change your mind?"
"For starters, you can get rid of that necklace."
"But that's my mother's soul. It's all I have of her."
"Exactly. You're not letting her rest. She deserves that, at least."
Kayla took off her necklace crossly. "Here. Happy now?"
Torla gave it back to her. "If you're really going to do this, We're going to have to do this publically. Your mother is too important. We'll do that later, maybe after Mutia gets your clothes ready."
Mutia nodded and left them alone. She went straight to work.

Chapter III: Kayla's Request

Queen Titania was alerted to Kayla's injury and came to help.
"So this is the child who was attacked by the zagool." She place a hand on the bite and wove a spell, counteracting the poison.
When she awakened, Kayla looked into Queen Titania's purple eves."What is your name, child?" asked the red-haired queen.
"Kayla." said Kayla weakly.
"May I see your necklace?"Kayla handed her the necklace.
As Titania held it, she felt a familiar aura.
"So you are my neice." Titania said. "This necklace holds the soul of my sister Varla. Varla fell in love with a human and that love must have created you. Did she give this to you before she died?"
"No. I got it from Selenia. I was wondering something. Golda told me you could make me a fairy. Would you?" she clapped her hands pleadingly.
"Kayla, are you truly sure you want to give up your humanity? Why do you wish to join us?"
"Because I am unloved. If I am one of your kind, perhaps you will love me."
"Child, I cannot give you your wish just because you want it. However, you did come all this way. I believe I can do something." She placed a hand on Kayla's forehead and recited a spell.
Kayla felt as though she was falling. Everything around her grew bigger. Then she felt as though her entire body had turned to ice. Sharp pains assaulted her back."What have you done?" she exclaimed. "It hurts!"
"Nothing is gained without suffering. It is time you learned that."
Moments later, the change was complete. Kayla walked over to a mirror and looked at her new wings in awe. They were a deep turquoise. She tried to see if she could move them. After a few seconds, she got one to twitch. She laughed, marvelling at the new gift.
Titania called for one of her guards, a female fairy named Tolka. A brown-haired fairy entered the room moments later.
"Tolka, I want you to take care of this child. She was once under Selenia's thumb and wishes to be one of us."
"Your highness, if that is true, then I must refuse. May I speak freely?"Titania nodded. Unlike Selenia, she welcomed differences of opinion, provided they were reasonably presented.
"Do we know anything about this child?" asked Tolka. "She lived with Selenia. You naively think she is to be trusted? Your highness, for all we know, she could be working for Selenia!"
Kayla started to object, but Titania shushed her.
"I understand." said the queen. "But we cannot know for certain where her loyalty lies unless we test it. Besides, she is not a full-fledged fairy yet."
"What do you mean?" Kayla asked crossly. "I have wings! I'm pretty sure I can even work them and fly!" She tried to do so but was unable to fully control her pattern. She eventually landed and realized it would be best to remain as calm and silent as possible.
"I purposely left the spell unfinished." Titania explained. "You look like us, true. But you possess no magic. I am testing you and if you pass, you will gain magic."
"And how can I pass?" Kayla asked.
"My people are brave, unselfish, and resilient. You must show that you possess all these qualities. But I will not be so heartless as to give you no one to protect you. That is why I chose you, Tolka."
Tolka shook her head. "I feel you are making a mistake, my queen. But I suppose I can fulfill your request. We won't know what Selenia is planning otherwise." She turned to Kayla."What is your name?" Tolka asked."Kayla."
"Well Kayla, I think you need some clothes, so that's what we'll do first. Your human ones are now obviously too big."

Kayla's Wish Chapter II: Kayla Finds the Green

Kayla only got one thing for her journey, other than the clothes on her back: a jeweled necklace. Inside it was all that remained of her mother--her mother's own soul. She crossed the lake that surrounded the castle where she lived. She brushed her red hair from her face and smiled. She knew the fairies would accept her. Or at least she hoped.
She soon found herself in a forest. The treees were several feet taller than Kayla, making it difficult for her to see the sun. Not that she was looking for it. Instead, she was looking for a landmark Rela had told her of. She was to look for a circle of rainbow-petaled flowers and mushrooms.
"There they are!" she exclaimed. Then she closed her eyes and recited an incantation Rela had taught her. The air became mist.
"Human, how do you know of those words?" said a voice. A golden orb circled her.
"A fairy named Rela taught it to me." Kayla explained."Rela? You know Rela?" the fairy asked. "Oh, wait, my manners have come back. My name is Golda. And what is your name?"
"Kayla." she answered.
"Tell me, Kayla, what is your business here."
"For as long as I can remember, I have lived under Selenia's thumb. I ran away."
"Selenia? The witch? We fairies know her all to well. She was once among our kind." The fairy moved in for a closer look. "Wait a moment! Your eyes--they're purple! I must report you to the queen at once!" the fairy motioned for her to follow.
"Why are my eyes so important?"
"Only fairies have purple eyes. There is only one way you can have those. You must have fairy blood somewhere.""I was never told anything about that."
"Apparently, Selenia has told you little of your heritage."
"She doesn't even love me. That's the reason I've escaped. Rela told me you could make me one of you."
"Well, I don't have that ability, but I guess our queen could."Unbeknowst to Kayla and Golda, they were being watched by Selenia, using a magical pool.
"She is foolish enough to think she will not be watched." Selenia thought. "She doesn't realize that her departure was actually a part of my plan." She clapped her hands and a giant, doglike monster called a zagool appeared.
"What do you wish, my mistress?" it asked.
"Our plan is ready." said Selenia.
Moments later, a giant, dog-like monster spotted Kayla.
"What does that thing want with you?" asked Golda as he unsheathed his sword and began fighting the monster. The monster turned to face Golda and was momentarily distracted.
"I don't know. I know it works with Selenia, but it's never bothered me before."
The monster leapt onto her and bit her neck. She screamed as the world blurred around her and she fell unconscious.
Golda composed himself and readied an arrow on a spring-loaded crossbow he had on his arm. He fired at the zagool and knocked it out.
A guard came to help.
"About time you showed up." said Golda crossly.
"She could still be alive. I think the Queen could help her. She knows how to handle zagool bites."
The guard nodded and brought her to a guest room in the castle.

Kayla's Wish Chapter 1: Kayla's Decision

Kayla saw a flickering light outside her barred window."You won't believe how troublesome this was!" a voice said.
The light passed between the bars and grew bigger, materializing into a butterfly-winged human about the size of an infant. The room didn't have much else, just four walls, and a bed.
"I'm too hungry to care." said Kayla. "If that witch had her way, I'd probably eat once a month if I was lucky. I'm grateful to you, Rela, believe me."
"I know, little one." The fairy nodded and reached into a pocket. He pulled out a plate the size of a dime and waved at it while reciting a spell. The plate grew to the size of a dinner plate.
"Well, there's your meal." he said.
But Rela had been spotted. Moments after Kayla had finished eating, someone knocked on her door.
Rela disappeared for safety, as fairies often kept their existence a secret in the human world. Kayla was a special case.
Kayla opened the door and a black-haired woman entered."I know that fairy is here." said the woman. "I can sense his presence."
The light re-appeared. Rela materialized himself. "I don't understand. I thought they took away your magic."
"Oh, funny thing about that." said the woman. "I eventually found a way to get rid of those magic-sapping bracelets. I've even managed to get some of my magic back, although not enough to return me to my original state. In fact, I could use some of your magic." She smiled maliciously and recited a spell.
Rela felt weak and fell to the ground."No! Don't kill him!" Kayla pleaded."It's too late. I'm going to enjoy draining his magic from his soul." said the woman."Selenia...you will pay..." Rela gasped.
"I hate you!" Kayla exclaimed. "I'm going to run away and live with the fairies! Rela was going to take me anyway."
"Oh child, do you really think they'll accept you?" Selenia laughed.
"Rela has. He doesn't care that you are my stepmother."
"One mind doesn't matter as much as many." Selenia pointed out. Then she thought for a moment. "Oh, I don't care if you do leave. Go ahead."Kayla was surprised. A smile appeared on her face.
"But you can't take Rela with you. I haven't used his magic yet."
"NO!"
"Child, there is nothing you can do. You humans have no magic. So you see, it's futile. They won't believe you. And Rela will die, so I win either way. So go, I don't care."

Kayla's Wish Prologue

It was an event few would forget. Selenia had murdered many fairies in an attempt to gain their souls and increase her own magical abilities by drawing energy from them. She was not good at covering her own tracks, and eventually was caught.
The accused fairy was brought before Queen Titania. Her violet eyes shone with defiance."Selenia, you have been accused of treason and murder. You have killed three fairies, including my husband and my sister." said the queen.
Selenia spat on the ground. "I should be queen. That is part of the reason I did what I did. Your sister and your husband got in my way. Be glad I at least spared your neice. But you'll have that unfortunate stain of her birth still on your family. She is half-human, after all."
"Your acceptance of your guilt will not make this easier." Titania said.
"I was not expecting it to. Can we just skip to the part where you tell me my punishment?" Selenia blew a tuft of her black hair from her face.
Titania nodded to two guards. "Very well." The guards fitted Selenia's arm with cuffs that had a spell cast on them that resisted magic. She would still be able to move, but unable to cast spells without removing them first. They then forced a foul-smelling liquid down her throat.
"Selenia, when you approached the Age of Turning, you were given a potion that stopped your aging. Did you not think we had an antidote?" Titania said.
Selenia swallowed the potion with no resistance."You now have only forty years to live. Now, for the second part of your punishment, you will be forced to wear those restraints for the remainder of your life. You will not have the pleasure of drawing magic from nature. Finally, you shall be exiled from our domain."Selenia was led away, screaming insults and pleading for mercy.
"You've ruined your chances for that, I am afraid." Titania said sternly.
"You do realize she will be taking the child along." said a fairy named Golda. "I do not know what part that innocent child may be forced to play." said Titania. "We shall have to wait and see."