The Otaku Box - November 2020 Items

The November 2020 Otaku Box is here!!!

Hey there friends. I finally got my December Otaku Box! It took a little while longer to get it, you know... with the holiday shipping season upon us. I was looking forward to receiving my box, more so than usual, as soon as possible because of the holiday themed Rias that came in this month's box! It's one of the best figures to date! Let's not waste any more time. Let's dig into The Otaku Box - November 2020 Edition and get a closer look at what's inside.

The Otaku Box - September 2020 Items

The September 2020 Otaku Box is here!

Hey there! Another month and another Otaku Box! I sure do love me some anime stuff and I'm so glad that I get this monthly anime goodie box! This month's goodies include items from these awesome anime: High School DxD, My Hero Academia, Sword Art Online, Fate/Grand Order, and more. So let's dig into The Otaku Box - September 2020 Edition and get a closer look at what's inside.

The Otaku Box - August 2020 Items

The August 2020 Otaku Box is here!

Hey there. Another month and another Otaku Box! I sure do love me anime stuff! I've always been a fan and I'm just so glad that I'm able to get a box of otaku goodies each month. This month's goodies include items from awesome anime: Fate/Apocrypha, Re:Zero, High School DxD, and Monster Musume. So let's dig into The Otaku Box - August 2020 Edition and get a closer look at what's inside.

The Otaku Box - July 2020 Items

The July 2020 Otaku Box is here!

Hey there. I received the July Otaku Box a few weeks ago but I've been a bit busy so I haven't had a chance to write up this post. Until now, that is! I've finally got the pictures taken and I've pretty excited to let you guys know what I got in this month's edition of The Otaku Box. This month's box has some great items from some of my favorite anime: High School DxD, Overlord, Konosuba, and Darling in the Franxx. Let's dig into The Otaku Box - July 2020 Edition and let's take a look at the items!

The Otaku Box - May 2020 Items

The May 2020 Otaku Box is here!

Hey there. I received my May Otaku Box a little on the late side. We are now in August and I just received it yesterday!  YIKES! It's ok, though. This box was caught in the middle of shipping during a COVID issue so it's understandable that some shipments will be getting here a bit late. Good thing that our good friends at The Otaku Box have jumped on the shipping issues and have done their best to fix it. So much so that I should be getting my July box either today or tomorrow. A mere 2 weeks after shipping. YES! So without any more delay, let's dig in The Otaku Box - May 2020 Edition and let's see what we got!

Resurrecting the Thoughts On... Series

Must see anime!

Hey there. I do quite a bit of TV watching and reading. Err... I mean, I watch a lot of anime and read a lot of manga. lol There is just so much good stuff in the anime world right now that it has been pretty hard to keep up with it all. But there are a few series that I just cannot miss. Shows like Re:Zero, Rent-A-Girlfriend, and Sword Art Online: War of the Underworld are must watch for me. And let's not forget the manga that I'm currently following as well. We're talking Tower of God, Kaguya-Sama: Love is War, My Hero Academia to name a few. Because I'm always checking something out, I figure that this is the perfect opportunity to bring back my Thoughts On... series. 

The Otaku Box - June 2020

The June Otaku Box is here!

Hey there. I love me some anime! I've been keeping up with most of the latest shows (yes, they are shows to me) and have been a big fan of anime since my high school years. Some of my favorite stuff from recent years is Overlord (Albedo... my favorite), Re: Zero, and Tower of God, to name only a few. So when I found out there is a subscription service that would send me anime stuffs every month, I just had to jump on board. Welcome, The Otaku Box. Liz and her team at The Otaku Box have done an amazing job in getting these cool boxes with anime stuffs out to fans.

Now, I've been a subscriber for some time and I've posted a few of my favorite items that I received on Instagram, but now, I feel it's time to let you in on what comes in a box. Items received could be anything from stickers, acrylic figures, PVC figures, T-shirts, banners, buttons, cards, plushies, and all things otaku!!!  The box is customizable so you can choose whether you want to receive a PVC figure and/or a T shirt.  You can even choose whether or not you receive ecchi stuffs.  I got kids in the house so I opted for the non-ecchi box but if that's your thing, The Otaku Box has you covered! Another thing that I really love about The Otaku Box is that they have exclusive items featuring fan artwork. How cool is that? The artwork is generally featured on T shirts, buttons, and banners and I love the fact that this is stuff that you won'r be able to find anywhere else. So let's dig in The Otaku Box - June 2020 Edition and let's see what we got!

Darkiron N8 Headphones Headset Review

The Darkiron N8 Headphones is one super comfy piece of headgear!

Hey there.  Are you ready for another review?  It seems that I am now becoming the resident expert on all things headgear!  I have many headphones lined up for review but today we will be looking at Darkiron's N8 Headphones Headset.  The awesome people at Darkiron provided me with a pair of this awesome red and black (they know what I like!) headphones to try out and review.  So before we get into the review, lets talk specs.

The FandomVerse Expo Sept. 4 - 6, 2015 in Lancaster, CA

Hey there.  It's been awhile since I last attended an expo.  I think the last one I went to was the AM2 Expo in Anaheim a few years back.  Well... I went to LA Fitness Expo as well but I don't think I covered that.  Anyways, when I read online that there was an anime/gaming/cosplay/just about everything else Expo going on in Lancaster, CA, I just had to get inside scoop!  Welcome the FandomVerse Expo! It's a relatively new expo that is still feeling its way and this is their second year holding an event.  Last year, they had a one day expo while this year, they are making it a 3 day affair!  And guess what?!  I have a press badge!  After reaching out to the awesome people behind FandomVerse Expo, I was able to secure a press badge for some primo seating and interview time with some of the guests of honor!  How awesome is that?!

A Letter to Momo Blu Ray Giveaway

Hey there.  I am a huge anime fan.  Especially of Japanese Anime Films.  While most are a but on the outrageous side, there are more than a few gems that are must watch films.  Because they are animated, they may get overlooked, but trust me when I say that A Letter to Momo is one that you do not want to miss.  And guess what?  I've teamed up with Film Book and 4 lucky readers will win the A Letter to Momo Blu Ray Disc set!  That's right, 4 winners!!!  Before I get into the details, here is the synopsis of the film.

Jessica Nigri - The Queen of Cosplay

The best of Jessica Nigri!
Photo taken from Jessica Nigri Fan Page

Hey there.  Cosplay is a tricky thing.  With so many fans wanting to display their love of their favorite characters, it's no surprise that sometimes you come across a cosplay outfit that simply doesn't work.  Either because the costume was quickly or poorly made.  I'm not saying not to do it, though.  If it's what you love to do, by all means do it.  Display your love however you see fit!  But when cosplay is done right, man can it be breath taking.  That's why I believe that Jessica Nigri is the queen of cosplay!  Just take a look at collage of characters that she has displayed.  The only thing that's missing is my all time favorite female character, Harley Quinn!

ESRB Game Ratings Explained

Couldn't have explained it better myself

The Secret World of Arrietty (Two-Disc Blu-ray/DVD Combo) Giveaway

Hey there.  Who here loves all things Miyazaki?  I have always been a fan and I got the kids into Miyazaki films with Spirited Away and Ponyo.  Even though there are other great films before that (Howl's Moving Castle, Princess Mononoke, etc.) Spirited Away will always have a special place in my heart because the kids just loved it.  While thinking in that vein, I decided that I will give away the latest masterpiece of Studio Ghibli away!  Enter to win a 2 disc Blu Ray/DVD Combo of The Secret World of Arrietty! Here's a recap of the film from Amazon:

Thoughts on... High School of the Dead

Hey there.  Recently, it's been tough getting my horror film fix on.  Young eyes are everywhere recently and I don't want to expose the kids to anything that they shouldn't see.  I mentioned to kids the other day how I used to watch "scary movies" with my dad when I was a young boy.  Great films such as The Fly and cult classics such as Phantasm.  lol  I remember being 6 or 7 and lying in bed late at night watching those kind of films with him.  I understand the sentiment behind his actions.  He very well just wanted to share a hobby of his with his young son.  However, being a father myself, I'm not so sure that was the best idea you had, Dad!  lol  Nevertheless, my love for horror started right then and there and though I would love for my kids to catch that bug, I wouldn't make them sit through some of the stuff I see.  Especially something like High School of the Dead.  Here are my thoughts on...  High School of the Dead.

AM2 Convention: My Day with the Ani.me Guys

Hey there.  So I was fortunate enough to spend last Saturday at the AM2 Convention in Anaheim and got a chance to hang out with the guys running Ani.me!  How freakin' awesome is that?  I got to stand behind the booth and set up their photo booth and helped out with their much inquired scavenger hunt.  Mike, Chris, and Evan are an awesome group of guys and I definitely wouldn't mind working with them again.

AM2Con is This Weekend, July 1st - July 3rd

Hey there.  The Anime, Music, and Manga Convention is being hosted at the Anaheim Convention Center this weekend!  3 full days of nothing but put pre awesomeness.  If you guys are in the Los Angeles area this weekend, you should consider making the trip to Anaheim to check this out.  The convention is free to everyone but there are certain activities and shows that you will have to pay for.  Many of the exhibits, workshops, and events are free so there really isn't a reason why you wouldn't want to stop by.

Dragon Ball

Guest post written by Jeramy Sparks
 
One of the best animated cartoon series that I have ever seen is Dragon Ball. It's really cool. I caught it on satellite TV from DirectTV and have seen every episode ever. The fight scenes are the best. They build it up slowly with lots of drama to the point that you are all tensed up for the actual fight. The actual fighting action is totally sweet too. It's a coming of age tale about an orphan boy named Goku. He meets a girl named Bulma who is tracking the dragon balls, 7 mystical balls that when all gathered together grant a single wish to the gatherer. Goku happens to own one of these balls, which was given to him by his grandfather as a keepsake after his death. Bulma, witnessing Goku's incredible strength, convinces him to join her in her quest for the magic balls and her wish to get a boyfriend. Meanwhile, other evil forces are also interested in the Dragon Balls. This includes the evil emperor, Pilaf, the Red Ribbon Army and both the evil alien Piccolo Daimao and his offspring Piccolo Junior. Goku and Bulma meet many new friends along the way. Goku meets many martial arts masters and undergoes rigorous training to master his special moves. He gets stronger and stronger and eventually he fights in he World Martial Arts Tournament to compete to be the best martial artist in the world.

Cowboy Bebop Movie

Written by my friend Teodoro Martin

My favorite animated movie is Cowboy Bebop: Knocking on Heaven's Door. I love watching this movie on satellite TV from http://www.directstartv.com/compare_directv/directv_cut_cable.html, as the quality is amazing and seems to just draw me into the flick even more! Though the movie is only about two hours long, the movie is an outstanding piece of work.

Cowboy Bebop, first of all, is set in the year 2071. The series follows the bounty hunters of Spike, Jet, Faye, and Edward as they try to make a living hunting bounties in outer space. The movie is set around Halloween in the year 2071, and crew is after a 300 million bounty (largest ever) who has released a deadly virus into a city on Mars. The bounty, Vincent, is not as simple as many would like to believe. As Spike hunts down this mastermind, he has to face others who are willing to kill anyone to destroy Vincent.

Like the series, the movie is fast-paced and with plenty of action scenes. The music is legendary among anime fans, and at times shines brighter than the film itself! I'd recommend anyone to check this movie out if they see on satellite TV, this film will not disappoint!

RIP Satoshi Kon

Hey there.  Satoshi Kon has moved on.  The great director of Perfect Blue and Paprika fame has passed away at the tender age of 47.  I've been a movie fan all my life but I've recently turned to foreign and anime films to get my fix.  While I've watched some awesome horror films (recently watched Audition, Tale of Two Sisters), I've always had a soft spot for the foreign anime films (Akira, Grave of the Fireflies, Spirited Away).  Now, Miyazaki has always been a favorite of mine, but Satoshi is right up there with him.  Perfect Blue and Paprika are right up my alley as psychological thrillers of the animated kind and Satoshi directed animated classics. 

I did a review of Perfect Blue a year or so ago.  You can check that out here, but be warned since I pretty much kill the whole movie.  If you don't plan on watching it (which you should!) then read it afterwards.  If not, check it out.  I don't think I did one of Paprika, but if you've seen the recently released film Inception, then you'll enjoy Paprika.  From what I'm told of Inception, it has to do with the idea of entering your dreams, something that the Paprika (the novel) did well over a decade ago.  Either way, Paprika and Perfect Blue are must see movies for anime and thriller fans.

Rest in peace, my friend.  Later!

Samuel L. Jackson is... Afro Samurai

Hey there. I love me some Samuel L. Jackson. I think he's one of the best mother f*ing actors out there. Think about it for a second. The man has done it all. He's is a comic book villain (unbreakable), racist cop (Lakeview Terrace), cracked up junkie (Jungle Fever), jedi master (Star Wars flicks), Jules (if you don't know who Jules is, you're not a fan) I mean... the man has been in dozens of movies and he plays the characters well. AND HE'S NOT FULL OF HIMSELF. He's more than willing to take a role where he's a role player in the movie. I think that's what draws me to his movies. He knows he's a star but he doesn't act like a diva. He takes his fame in stride and isn't afraid to try out new roles. He's not an action man, or comedic actor, or a drama king, he is purely a jack of all trades and has shown that he can play any part that he wants to try out. The man is a chameleon. It's only fitting that the next step in his career is animation.

The man has skills as an actor, he's known for his voice (I go back to Jules) but his facial and body expression aid his performances. Voice acting is one dimensional. The animators will provide you with the facial expressions and body language but you need to bring that artwork to life. The voice needs to breathe life into the character or you just don't believe the story and the man does a fine job in Afro Samurai.

He's credited for the voice of Afro and Ninja Ninja, thought Ninja Ninja is the one that does most of the talking. Afro, a more stoic and stone cold persona, doesn't have much to say during the series but kicks some serious ass. Afro Samurai has been around since 2007 but this year marks the release of Afro Samurai: Resurrection. The first season was simply bad ass. I'm a sucker for a good story and Afro Samurai provided a great story in a much too short 5 episode season. Afro Samurai: Resurrection is a film that carries on Afro's story.

In a nutshell, the greatest samurai battle each other for numbered headbands. The #1 head band being the top dog. Afro's dad held the #1 head band until he was defeated by Justice. A young Afro witnesses this and lives a life fueled by revenge. After he obtains the #2 band as an adolescent, he earns the right to go after #1, all the while, others attack Afro for the #2 band. Enter Afro Samurai: Resurrection here. I haven't looked into it yet since I don't want to spoil it for myself. lol I missed the first airing of the movie on Spike. They are now showing the movie in a four 30 minute episodes. I caught the first one last Friday, episode 2 is going to show this Friday. You guys gotta catch this show!!! Later!