Total Clubs: 2 Aria - FanClub, Mizuki Nana
Total Friends: 14 Solais, blue_heavens, Mez, Uiharu_, Utsune, TheWanderingEye, Merielle, starshinesMonet, Shinigamiangel, Fox, Don_Don_Kun, ghostlightning, neutralizer, Asuka-Eva-02
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| Last Online |
4 hours ago |
| Gender |
Male |
| Website |
veniceorigination.blo... |
| MSN |
mdd_md11@hotmail.com |
| Join Date |
September 2, 2008 |
| Access Rank |
Member |
| Anime List Views |
1,674 |
| Manga List Views |
1,309 |
| Comments |
97 |
| Forum Posts |
52 (Find All) |
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Anime Stats
| Time (Days) |
51.5 |
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| Watching |
4 |
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| Completed |
166 |
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| On Hold |
1 |
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| Dropped |
24 |
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| Plan to Watch |
1 |
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| Total Entries |
196 |
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Anime compatibility with X10A_Freedom is:
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Manga Stats
| Time (Days) |
10.6 |
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| Reading |
3 |
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| Completed |
7 |
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| On Hold |
3 |
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| Dropped |
1 |
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| Plan to Read |
0 |
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| Total Entries |
14 |
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Manga compatibility with X10A_Freedom is:
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hohe~~?
Male, English speaking and some Japanese...enough to understand RAWs anyway, oh and the first English speaking ARIA-pilgrim that I know of.
Lived, grew up in Japan for 5 years, watched Doraemon, DBZ and other shows weekly on TV back then.
Decided to "grow up" and quit anime in around 2000, only to be successfully pulled back by a cousin watching Gundam SEED. I signed up to a whole load of DDL sites under "X10A_Freedom" afterwards and it's stuck for commonality reasons. I started watching more anime recommended by old high school friends as it brought back nostalgia of my childhood days.
I was never a slice-of-life fan (aside from mainstream e.g. Chibi Maruko-chan) so it's rather exceptional that ARIA ended up on top of my all-time fav list along with SEED. ARIA is a love it or hate it, and I've completely been suckered in by its magic - Hazukashii Serifu Kinshi!
If you're an ARIA fan, please do visit my site - it's probably the biggest "ARIA vs real life" reference archive at the moment!
http://veniceorigination.blogspot.com/
I also translate for Amano Centric Scans (ACS) on an ad-hoc basis.
I'm only in one club so might as well have a member card...
Displaying 15 of 87 Comments
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Don_Don_Kun | Yesterday, 2:51 PM
I really need to get around to watching Yamato at some point. I’m sure Pirates makes a lot of references to other well-known space titles.
Strange, I actually felt The Natural was animated better than The Animation. Natural had more of an emphasis on shading and lighting than its predecessor which in turn went hand in hand with detailing the narrow waterways of Neo-Venezia. Sure both seasons had their fair share of “quality” moments, but their technical aspects were fine overall. Well, if Kyo Ani did animate Aria, they would definitely be milking the moe aspect. Despite Aria’s characters having moe qualities, I don’t feel they could be classified as being moe in the same sense as say, K-ON’s characters. The girls did have their catchphrases and quirks, but it wasn’t like they were dressing each other up in maid costumes and rolling around on the ground like retarded 2-year olds. So yeah, do you feel that Aria could be considered a moe series?
Well, there was that one scene in ep.4(?) of Symphogear where Hibiki got attacked by a tentacle monster, so I wouldn’t call it all soft-core stuff, lol. I also cringed at the start of that one episode when they were speaking in ENGRISH. The only ENGRISH I’ve heard that’s worse than that is in the first five seconds of Guilty Crown’s OP song. I haven’t read the source material so I can’t say how good/bad Zero no Tsukaima is, but JC definitely butchered the last few seasons. If you ever get around to watching season 4, you better be prepared for tons of plot holes, clichés and rushed events in general. It’s actually worse in some ways than season 3 if you can believe it. And lol at Boku no Pico. I chickened out of that since I saw the infamous reaction video on youtube and felt it would probably scar me for the rest of my life.
Just watch Hidan no Aria already! I want to discuss the DEEP and PROFOUND symbolism with someone. Hmm, as for a good comedy I suppose you can’t go wrong with Gintama or Danshi Kokousei no Nichijou (both have the same director as School Rumble). And since you like Bakemonogatari, I’d recommend Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei as well. Now that one is wacky, while still having a purpose. And some Shaft head-tilts might just brighten up your mood. As for me, I started watching Seto no Hanayome since a lot of people I know have given it a good score (7+). It’s actually extremely entertaining and is done pretty well for a rom-com, plus it’s the perfect thing for me to watch after a long and tiring day of lab work.
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Don_Don_Kun | 05-22-12, 3:27 PM
Hyouka is quite interesting so far just from the artistic direction alone, but Houtarou's thought process is rather intriguing as well. I don't doubt that he might have hidden feelings for Chitanda but I'm banking on the romance not really being the main focus of the show (which is probably for the best since I wouldn't want Clannad 2.0).
This week's episode of Pirates was like a complete throwback to the classic 80's OVA Top wo Nerae. I guess you haven't seen it yet but if you do, you'll understand a lot of the similarities between the two. But it looks like the show is setting itself up again for a bit of a dogfight in the next episode. Looking forward to it.
Yup, after those awkward two episodes of flashbacks, this week's got right back on track. I don't really blame Rider for his course of action as his world view and goals have been pretty fleshed out by now. I'm anticipating a showdown between a few parties next week. And though I haven't read the novels I have a sneaking suspicion someone's waifu is going to kick the bucket shortly. As for music, I still like F/Z's first OP the best out of all the songs.
Yeah, shows with incredible production values can really make the difference. Aria the Origination for example gave Neo Venezia a complete overhaul. Now if only the Natural had been animated in the same quality (since that was the season with the most focus on the setting).
Welp, can't say much about Symphogear but I'm glad you enjoyed it (we all have Guilty pleasures I guess - Smile Precure for me). Honestly, if Symphogear had just stuck to being a fast-paced action titles with a bunch of girls beating up monsters then it would have been 10x better. But they had to throw in all the clichés, yuri undertones, melodrama and EVA/Madoka/Akira/whatever from any popular anime into the mix. Coupled with the fact that everyone was either an angst-ridden teenager or friend-seeker, made the show quickly get on my nerves. And my god, I cringed so much at that one random girl who tried to break the fourth wall in EVERY freaking episode. "But it's not like we're in an anime or anything". "If we were in an anime-"
But like you said, Symphogear is more for the D-rate title lulz and Nana Mizuki. Now go watch Hidan no Aria and experience true horror love. But I won't fault you if you become too overwhelmed by its DEEP and PROFOUND symbolism
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Asuka-Eva-02 | 05-22-12, 6:36 AM
I am glad that you enjoyed it :) after first 3 eps it turned into a guilty pleasure for me. "It looks thrash but why I am still watching?" for me the annoying thing was the forced yuri and ecchi. I don't mind ecchi but why make it so unnecessarily too much? The songs and fights made it bearable :) I actually liked the characters (except Miku, so whiny)
I also liked this kind of details during the fighting scenes 
I love these scenes: http://twitpic.com/91p5k3 http://twitpic.com/8xgphp
but why this? LOL http://twitpic.com/8xgby2
hmm... "May'n as Sherly Nome" was great I still listen to the songs. Though you are right, Nana would also be great as Sherly. After this, my curiosity about Nanoha and Testarossa Fate is in dangerous levels :) I must watch it ASAP.
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Don_Don_Kun | 05-14-12, 7:28 PM
Yeah, placement could have been better for F/Z's flashback, but the content at least shed some light on the magi and dead apostles. And Kiritsugu's face in the last scene. Urobuchi just loves to torture his characters.
Pirates seems to jump between being an adventure-packed space title to a low-key slice of life show. The pacing is still good, but I hope the plot eventually progresses towards something grander.
The characters in Hyouka are characterized quite well, as they act like normal high school students. Houtarou is probably the character I most associate with since my last two years of high school were pretty well like the way he goes about with his life. Artistic direction and animation is phenomenal, as expected of Kyo Ani. I'd be lying if I said I wasn't affected a bit by Chitanda's moe. Guess I'm a bit of a sucker for more "natural moe" characters like Alice from Aria. And well, not much comes close to the level of comedy in Fumoffu. The Rugby episode cracks me up every time.
Yes, you definitely should marathon Hidan no Aria, and with only bathroom breaks, lol. It's so much better than a certain other show with Aria in its title. And wait, reliable? Who, me? I just like to bitch about these Chinese cartoons. :P
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Don_Don_Kun | 05-13-12, 9:34 AM
So I'm wondering if the arc about Kiritsugu's past in F/Z had the same placement in the original novels. While it was interesting to find out how he became the cold blooded killer that he is, I felt it was largely unnecessary. Leaving things a bit more open-ended would have sufficed as there was plenty of exposition to his character already. I guess the arc kind of broke the pacing of the series a bit since none of the other characters received such an in-depth flashback. This probably worked better in the novel since more of it was written from Kiritsugu's perspective, but I'm not as sure here. And I'm not sure about in Asia, but it's mother's day here on the 13th of may (bit of a twisted sense of humour with ep.19 of F/Z). Thoughts?
And Pirates was fairly low-key this week so there isn't much to talk about at the moment.
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lifeaspect | 05-11-12, 11:41 AM
cry, well as there are no scanlations of it and I can't read Japanese, it'll have to do :unsure:
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lifeaspect | 05-07-12, 10:39 AM
looking at your fav manga, did yawara ever got translated or did you read it in Japanese? Can't wait to watch that show once it's completely subbed by L-E.
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lifeaspect | 05-07-12, 10:37 AM
Team Fortress 2?
Ifso, yes :D
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Don_Don_Kun | 04-30-12, 11:35 AM
The current arc in Pirates isn't bad but it could've used a bit more of a build up. I'm predicting there will probably be more negotiations than outright space battles in the next episode as that's generally the path the series has been taking. I don't suppose you've read any of the novels? If so, mind giving me a rough idea where the series heads later on (ie. politics, Marika's grander adventures etc.).
As for F/Z, while this week's episode wasn't bad, it was probably the weakest of this season. I'm not sure how it was in the original novels, but it definitely felt as if ufotable was milking the gore and dark mood. Though I've pretty well come to expect that from a Gen Urobuchi work now. Still, despite me not really being the biggest fan of mythology and battle royale set-ups, F/Z has been an entertaining experience. Now maybe they'll let someone live in the next episode :D
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Don_Don_Kun | 04-23-12, 1:05 PM
Aye, thanks for the spoiler. I'm finally done with exams so I'm off for about a month before I start work!
Fate/Zero was excellent overall this week. The clash of Kuritsugu and Saber's ideologies was the strong point of the episode for me. While their goals are similar, the paths that they've taken are remarkably different, and it's only now that Saber is realizing this fact. Another thing I really like about F/Z is the realism in the combat. Unlike most battle shounens were the opponents stand around talking each other up instead of killing each other, F/Z gets right to the point. But I do feel ufotable and Gen Urobochi are kinda milking the gory, depressing aspect, but oh well.
As for Pirates, I was really impressed with the show's slower pacing and development at first but it isn't really going anywhere now. Like you said, the show has gone from a fun adventure title, to a "cute girls doing cute things" slice of life title. And really, you'd have thought they could at least afford some more...professional costumes for the other girls. Ah well, it's still a fun series to watch. Maybe I've just become spoiled after watching Crest/Banner of the Stars (a really well-constructed space opera).
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Jolon | 04-21-12, 12:37 AM
I really enjoyed your Aria blog! You've done something excellent and unique, and I appreciated the effort you put into it.
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Don_Don_Kun | 04-09-12, 1:50 PM
I pretty well watch 80% of airing shows each season, so feel free to talk to me about anything else. Our conversations don't need to just be Pirate-centric you know :D
But as for this week's episode of Pirates, I was a bit off-put by the change of pace. Personally, I prefer a more serious tone to my space operas such as that seen in the Seikai series, but the slice of life approach isn't bad either. Marika searching for new recruits is kinda Aria-ish in a sense, so we'll have to see how they perform next week. But yes, I would rather see BLASTER RIRIKA in action instead.
Actually I don't think I've asked you but since you seem to like Fate/Zero a lot, which master do you side with/like the most? For me, it would have to be Kariya because I find his humane ideology very refreshing. The fact that he would sacrifice his only life for someone who he doesn't have a close bond with makes him a very respectable human being. Though it can be argued that he's doing this out of his hate for Tosaka/love for Rin's mother, but that flaw in his character makes him a much more complex character in my eyes.
Oh wow, that's neat that you're from Hong Kong! I'd like to visit there one day just because I've heard so much about it from my mother's stories. Though it must be incredibly packed there, and I heard the temperature gets unbearable in the summer. And yes, East Asian food is very tasty, at least a lot more so than American cuisine.
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Don_Don_Kun | 03-29-12, 6:18 PM
Oh, I see. Nobody ever talked about DQ growing up, although DBZ was extremely popular. I guess if you grew up in Japan, DQ would be part of every kid's childhood. It's strange that in the west, FF is more popular than DQ, but in Japan it's the other way round.
Funny that you mention DQ4 is the only game in the series that you've managed to complete. It's the one that I'm going through right now (though on the DS version). I'm quite an RPG buff as I've played my full share of SNES RPGs over the years. I haven't been keeping up much with current gen gaming as I tend to look for older titles to play instead.
So you grew up in Japan, eh? That's pretty neat actually since I've never been there. Like most of the people who probably watch anime, I'd kinda like to visit one day. If you don't mind me asking, how was it growing up there?
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Don_Don_Kun | 03-27-12, 7:17 AM
Cool, I'll look forward to some weekly pirating!
Yeah, I think it might have to do with the fact that things are more spaced out in uni and there's no mandatory homework. I'll probably be watching a lot less anime in the summer when I start work though. And I guess one can apply economics to this situation.
I'm sure there are bigger, more powerful weapons of destruction. But Starlight Breaker is still easily the ultimate befriending tool.
I also couldn't help but notice that you have the dragon quest manga as one of your favourites. Does this mean you're a fan of the games? I haven't read the manga but I've just recently gotten into the games and am enjoying them a lot. I think it has to do with their simplistic nature and the feeling of adventure one gets while playing. But yeah, it would be pretty cool if you've played a few of the DQ games.
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