CloudMountainJuror

Reflecting on the pairing and on how Naruto's final couples turned out a bit. I really, truly could have lived with NaruHina if there had been any effort at all in the last stretch of the manga to solidify it. In a way, I feel like that pairing may have been done even dirtier than NaruSaku. That ship was realized, only for it to have been realized in such an underwhelming way. It just feels hollow, empty. A shell of a shell.

 

For NaruSaku's case, I remember people here defending this scene to death, but...that false confession scene, in retrospect, really was the overture to NaruSaku's downfall. Not because it made the ship impossible, or even because it was a bad idea or strategy (Sakura's motivation behind it makes perfect sense, as does Naruto's reaction), but because Kishimoto just did not handle it with tact. And the fact that he didn't communicates something in its own, I think. In execution it came off much more as emotional manipulation than it did a desperate (and maybe even a little honest?) play, the latter of which being the more compelling and sympathetic way to write it. And the follow-up on Sakura's end from that point onward left a lot to be desired.

 

Sakura was done so dirty. This subject has been beaten to death, but god, it's true. I think the biggest reason I would say I'd ship NaruSaku now would be that the further Sakura is from Sasuke, the better. I could have lived with NaruHina, but SasuSaku? No. That's the ship that stung the most. And while I've grown numb to it now, with Boruto becoming as much of a meme presence as it has, that ship and the way it was forcibly made canon, barging on through every toxic wall it could on its way there... it'll always astound me.

 

I don't know if NaruSaku's positive elements as a ship were accidental. If Kishimoto accidentally wrote a healthier partnership than the obvious side ones he'd been bluntly, one-sidedly teasing. Part of me thinks it might have been. Considering how Kishimoto wrote many female characters, and how the writing of the romance in all aspects turned out... maybe NaruHina and SasuSaku had been the intention all along, and he'd written them the only way he knew how. One-sided crushes. Re-emphasized, over long periods of time. Maybe we were looking for a nuanced romantic relationship in a series that was determined to have superficial ones. Maybe we were hoping for too much, and the series had been more honest than we wanted it to be.

 

I'll always long for what NaruSaku could have been - scratch that, what Sakura could have been. We'll never get it. But what a nice dream it was. What a nice dream it will be for us, forever, somewhere buried deep in us.

 

The real NaruSaku was unironically the friends we made along the way.

Every year I make my way back to this site for various reasons.

 

I grew up here. 

 

Made so many friends and each day was so amazing.

 

Drifting apart is always tough but deep down I still think about the people I met here.

 

Hard to believe I was 15 when I came here, now im 25.

 

You'll always be my 2nd family though <3

 

Hey Leo! It's zacra. I just logged onto this site for the same reason lol, I keep checking in every now and then even if I just lurk. It's good to hear from you. What've you been up to?

It's been about a year and a half since I posted here. I suppose I should correct that.

 

This weekend I went to my first full anime convention, ACEN, and it was really fun. I see why people do it so often. There's just always something going on, something fun to do. I went to a few panels (including two hosted by Crispin Freeman), walked around a lot looking at the vendors, made use of the manga library they had on site (which was a really cool feature), and spent a good two and a half hours at least in the AMV screening room. Because I love me some AMVs, and I honestly could have stayed in that room all day if there wasn't other stuff going on. I really want to make more AMVs myself as soon as possible, but I'm having a problem finding software that will work on my computer currently...but, that's a different topic.

 

I was able to be frugal with my spending throughout the three days - the only thing I bought from the vendors was the DVD set of Kino's Journey, a show I haven't yet seen but deemed worth buying and owning from all I hear about it. I plan to watch it sometime relatively soon. Though, it doesn't help that I have a few shows to catch up on as it is... I've been pretty bad with my anime watching lately. Currently I have more than half of Jojo's Bizarre Adventure season 4 to watch, 20 episodes left of Yugioh Arc V, and I am now slightly behind on the airing Attack on Titan season 2 and Eccentric Family season 2. Long story short, I'm not the best at keeping up with airing anime. Maybe I'll improve eventually.

The only saving grace to this whole situation is that Iruka got the credit he rightfully deserved.

 

Let's be serious for a minute. The creators never stated that Lelouch was dead in such a manner that his revival was impossible. 

Some people insist that they did, but they didn't. If you find me a quote from Goro Taniguchi himself saying that Lelouch is dead or any clear answer to a directly stated question about Lelouch's fate, I'll buy that person a random game on Steam. 

People always refer to sources which are either not authoritative or do not actually respond to a question about Lelouch's status. Okouchi's quotes are answering other questions and would still be valid if Lelouch woke up the next day and realized he was still alive. The Animesuki quotes are not firm statements of his status. 

It hasn't happened, so treating this like some sort of slap against a purely imaginary "100% certain confirmation" is not justified. 

Not to mention that there are in fact Sunrise statements saying that Lelouch's fate was left open to interpretation as well as other hints (the cart driver smiles in the light novel version after C.C.'s lines).

Besides, the title is "Resurrection" so even if Lelouch died it's clear they can literally resort to Geass-related means in order to bring him back to life.

That aside, I didn't ask for a sequel. But I'll be reasonable and watch before judging. There's no need to get too bothered or emotional about this, either way. 

 

 

I think you're misinterpreting what it is about this situation that we're actually upset about. It doesn't matter what the creators have said. It doesn't matter if they've never officially debunked Lelouch's potential survival/revival - that's not the issue at hand here. Heck, if anything, their refusal to definitively say whether he's alive or not was commendable, and totally in line with R2's ending. It's a question that never should have been answered.

 

No, the issue at hand is this: explicitly confirming, in canon, that Lelouch continued to live beyond the Zero Requiem drains R2's ending of nearly all of its emotional resonance. That's the problem. Even if season 3 ends up being good, barring some unfathomable miracle, R2's ending will still be tarnished by the mere confirmation that Lelouch is alive (for reasons why, I refer you back to my previous post). We're still going to lose one of the best endings in anime. I think that's very much worth being bothered and emotional about.

Alright, I'm finally back with a concrete top 5 completed manga/anime list! First though, I have two honorable mentions:
 
 
Psycho-Pass (season 1)
 

 
This series would very likely be in my top 5, if only its second season didn't exist. As it unfortunately does, due to the "completeness" nature of this thread, I don't think I can confidently include Psycho-Pass in my list. Even so, this series' first season is excellent all on its own, and absolutely worth watching individually. It's intelligently written with excellent pacing and interesting, engaging characters (especially its villain). If you haven't given this show a look yet, it's certainly worth one. Just disregard that pesky second season unless you're really curious. (The movie's good, though.)
 
 
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) & Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
 

 
I don't think I need to say much here. FMA didn't quite make my top 5 completed manga/anime list (though it certainly makes my top 5 anime list), but the franchise remains all-around gold, somehow having been blessed enough to receive not just one, but two fantastic anime adaptations. Each version has something truly special and unique to offer, and if you somehow haven't seen them yet...you should really get to that.
 
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Now, without further ado, onto my main list:
 
 
#5: Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo (anime)
 

 
If it weren't immediately clear, this series is an adaptation of the classic novel of (mostly) the same name by Alexandre Dumas. And while I can't confidently speak on its quality as an adaptation (as I haven't read the book), I can certainly testify to its quality as a standalone product. Gankutsuou's aesthetic is one of the most unique, entrancing, and frankly addictive ones out there, and I only mention that before anything else because it's the first thing you immediately notice upon watching it. I loved nearly everything about this show. Its atmosphere sucked me in (alongside its superb pilot episode, which I rank as one of my all-time favorites) and didn't let go, constantly luring me to the next episode, and the next, and the next. The story's direction isn't immediately clear, but that's not to the show's detriment; on the contrary, it uses the time it has amazingly well. The show's pacing is very deliberate, and I think it only ever benefits from it. The characters are all well-realized, and the score is very, very good; one track in particular has stuck with me since I first heard it, and firmly established two of the show's scenes as some of my favorites in anime. Excellent show all around, and one I'm very proud to own.
 
 
#4: Monster (a.k.a. Naoki Urasawa's Monster) (manga / anime)
 

 
Monster is one of the most thought-provoking series I've ever had the pleasure of watching/reading. It's a slow-burn mystery/thriller which focuses on the journey of Dr. Kenzo Tenma, a brilliant upcoming surgeon whose life is thrown into turmoil the day he decides to save the life of a young boy instead of the town's mayor. His actions have unforeseen consequences the likes of which he never could have imagined, and the series follows his journey as he searches for answers, diving further and further into the dark depths of the human mind to do so.
 
The thought that went into this series is nothing short of incredible; I couldn't cover all of it here if I tried. It delves into what makes a person who they are in a way I haven't really experienced otherwise, and likely never will again. The character building is some of the best I've ever seen, as are the character designs themselves (simple in design, but all clearly distinct from each other, including the very minor characters). The way the series inserts itself seamlessly into its real world setting and time period gives it a very distinct feel, and makes its story and morals all the more resonant. And, last but certainly not least: the story's central antagonist is one of the best and most intriguing antagonists ever created. No exaggeration.
 
If you have not yet seen or read this series, I implore you to give it a look - whether it be via the original manga, or its faithful anime adaptation. Regardless of the medium, this series, this story, is something very, very special, and it deserves all the attention it can get.
 
 
#3: Puella Magi Madoka Magica (anime)
 

 
Madoka Magica is a gem. A smooth, gorgeous, polished-to-perfection gem. When people talk about this show, a lot of the time the focus tends to be on its "surprisingly" dark turn. But really, the series is so much more than that; it's dark, yes, but only as dark as it ever needs to be. There is a subtle ray of hope that shines through, even in some of its bleakest moments. And alongside some excellent world building, smartly written characters, a breathtaking score, and a superbly executed story, it's that ray of light which makes this series truly beautiful. The more I think about it and the more I watch it, the better it gets. The word "masterpiece" comes to mind, and I think it fits the show quite nicely. Undoubtedly one of the best, most carefully crafted anime out there. I feel like I could say even more about it, but really, the show's wide reputation speaks for itself in this case. It's earned it.
 
(Please note that I am taking only the main 12-episode series into consideration here, as on its own it is undeniably a "complete" product. The movie sequel, Rebellion, is just an optional extension as far as I'm concerned. The show itself works remarkably well as its own unit, and it always will.)
 
 
#2: Steins;Gate (anime)
 

 
Simply put, Steins;Gate is the most satisfying anime viewing experience I've ever had, from both an emotional and storytelling standpoint. The series had me hooked from its very first minute, and completely immersed all the way through to its final moments. Each character was developed well enough in some way to get me to care about them, and with those feelings locked in the show took me through a thoroughly enjoyable yet emotionally draining roller coaster ride.
 
Now, I'm usually a "supporting character" guy. One way or another, I almost always find myself the most attached to some member of a series' supporting cast as opposed to its main protagonist. Not this time, though; Okabe Rintarou is by far the most attached I have ever felt to a main character. He's wonderfully fleshed out and terribly endearing. There are many times he'd put the biggest, dumbest smile on my face - making the conflict he inevitably endures even more affecting. That being said, Steins;Gate has two big "stars" in particular, two elements which springboard it to the heights it reaches: its main character Okabe Rintarou, and its brilliantly plotted-out story. And its the latter which makes the series amazing.
 
The most common complaint about Steins;Gate is that its first half is "boring". I highly disagree, but I can see why people might be inclined to say that: the first half of Steins;Gate evenly balances slice-of-life elements with gradual, intricate story setup. Nothing "happens", in the sense that the show isn't very exciting for that first portion. Now, I personally think the first half is very entertaining and well-written; otherwise this show wouldn't be my favorite anime, after all. But whether the first half works for you or not, once the second half rolls around and you see the amazing payoff the series provides, I'd be amazed if you weren't won over by the whole thing regardless. It's a wonderful experience that only becomes better and better in retrospect, and I'm happy to call it my #1 favorite anime series.
 
Which, logically, means that my #1 favorite on this particular list must be a manga. Gee, I wonder what it is...
 
 
#1: Pandora Hearts (manga)
 

 
Yeah, it's Pandora Hearts.
 
Pandora Hearts isn't just my favorite manga/anime series, it's my favorite piece of fiction in general. It's heart-wrenching, extremely well thought-out, and is just an incredible achievement in storytelling. Its cast of characters might be the most strongly developed main cast I've ever seen. You get to know each of them intimately well; layers continue to peel back from them the further the story progresses, and what you find underneath only continues to impress more. The series also has the most insane plot twists I've yet been exposed to, and I mean that in the best of ways. Everything comes together like a jigsaw puzzle, pieces falling into place in ways both expected and incredibly surprising. It's clear that a ton of care went into crafting this story, and the result is a masterpiece the likes of which I never thought possible.
 
As you read the series, whether it's just simply amusing you, making you laugh, or dragging your feelings through the mud, it always has the best intentions in mind. Pandora Hearts is a sincere tale about what makes us human, about the bittersweet nature of reality, and about the art of storytelling itself. Buried beneath its labyrinthine web of Alice in Wonderland-inspired madness, intrigue, and just plain old fun, is a large beating heart. One that honestly cares about every one of its readers with the same passion it cares about its own characters and story.
 
I love this series with all my heart, and I'll never forget the impact it left on me. When I first started reading it I had no idea what lay ahead; after all, it seemed to begin fairly unassumingly (despite the tons of foreshadowing jam-packed into its opening chapters). Now, 104 chapters later, it's left a permanent mark, one I wouldn't be able to erase even if I wanted to. And that is why the Pandora Hearts manga is my #1 completed manga/anime series of all time. I implore you, if you have any potential interest in it at all, please give it a chance! It's a manga/anime classic just waiting to happen, I'm certain of it.
 
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Phew! And with that, my list is done. Not gonna lie, that took way longer than I thought it would. I hope whoever read through all of that (if anyone did) got something out of it. Either way, at the very least I got to talk a lot about series I love.

Finally got around to reading the second chapter.

 

Ex Machina - 9/10

 

Very well thought-out and well-executed movie.

A very well-done analysis on The Force Awakens and its reception:

 

I read the first chapter a bit ago when it first came out. I'll just paste my thoughts from Tumblr here.

 

major spoiler of pandora hearts

Jack vessualius, hero in the public eye, is actually the vilest lunatic. he completely fooled everyone until we reach half of the series

jack

 

I came here to post this character, too. To be honest, I think they're the best character I've ever seen.

 

It should be specified that we're referring to the manga, as the anime sadly did not get that far.

Been a while since I've posted here. Fixing that now.

 

So, since like January, I've been working on this here AMV:

 

 

Fair note: if you haven't seen Madoka Magica it might be a tad bit confusing. At any rate, I'd really appreciate any feedback, especially from anyone familiar with the series! I tried really, really hard to make as good as possible given my current ability. Working on it definitely taught me a lot more about video editing in general, and I'm really pleased with how it turned out.

When he decided to kill Neji.

 

I'm still salty about that.

 

I will forever be salty about that.

i liked storm 2 as well. out of all the storm games it was the best one imo; the boss battles were amazing and the game mechanics was more enjoyable because the subtitution jutsu was all about timing.

 

mashing*

 

The substitution jutsu was all about mashing.

 

If you want to see an example of substitution that is about timing, I refer you to The Broken Bond, where there was no way in hell you could get away with just mashing substitution until it worked. For another outside reference, take a look at DBZ Tenkaichi 3's teleportation system. You couldn't mash the teleportation button for it to work; you actually had to time it.

 

Storm 2's substitution system did need fixing, just not in the way they tried to fix it in the following games. It needed to be harder to do, not easier. They needed to eliminate the ability to mash successfully. It needed to actually depend on real timing, like the two games I mentioned.

I just saw Age of Ultron as well. It was fun. Definitely underwhelming.

 

There were a lot of good ideas, and many of them worked on some level. Base enjoyment was maintained throughout (almost) the entire movie. There were some interesting character ideas... some of which were explored better than others.

 

Ultron in particular was fantastic. He wasn't particularly menacing, no, but he was very interesting in the way he was written and especially in the way he was acted by James Spader. He definitely deserved a better movie to star in.

 

This movie had way too many god d*mn jokes. I wouldn't doubt it at all if someone kept count and told me there were over 100 jokes in the film. There were so many in the final battle in particular that any possibility of tension was repeatedly killed over and over. There was no intensity in that climax, and it was heavily because of the absurd amount of jokes.

 

The romance was also really rushed into. I like the idea of the pairing, and there was potential for it, but they dive-bombed into it so hard and so fast that it was incredibly jarring and strange.

 

A big criticism I hear about this movie is that it's the same as the first Avengers. That's definitely not true; Age of Ultron is inferior in almost every way. The first Avengers was much more balanced and well-executed, and infinitely rewatchable. Age of Ultron is a fun way to kill 2 and a half hours, and not much more. It certainly wasn't bad, but it could have been so much better, one of Marvel's best.

 

I guess I'd give it around 6/10.