Private Entry
September 11th, 2015
Tetsuwan Birdy Decode: 02 Analysis/Summary (SPOILING EVERYTHING) INCOMPLETE
I felt that I didn't do justice when reviewing about Birdy the Mighty: Decode 02, especially when I kept it at a spoiler-free review on a superficial level. There's a bit more to what meets the eye more than expected that I took for granted and was hardly ever discussed. I'll expound why it's easily one of my favorites.
Having said that, Birdy the Mighty Decode as a whole went under the radar for me. As Netflix advertised, (when it was there) it seemed to be about a space hooker named Birdy catching bad guys with her " skimpy armor" but was also an undercover pin up girl for the otakus to drool on. I thought it was the one of the stupidest shows I've heard. Definitely leading onto some perverted moments that I would also expect from a blend of Ikkitousen and Kampfer. It's because Birdy the Mighty was bent on a gender bending premise that normally would give a guy an easy reason to grope on a pair of breasts.
Looking retrospectively, if it was advertised better instead of highlight a fighting half naked chick, maybe it can garner a larger audience.
It was also a bit obscure because it was a also reboot, and its manga fans were slim to raise awareness and hype of a new adaptation. In addition, there was a massive dissonance between the two seasons. Therefore, some hated the second, but like the first and others that would like the second part (in that case, me), would have to slog past the first season. Also its direct storytelling didn't leave the audience with some 2deep4me themes and found it shallow. Some more casual viewers didn't see some of the grey areas it touched to or was uninterested about its story and as they expected solely fighting with no plot or strings attached. Because of this, it wasn't gimmicky or original and fails to encapsulate a solid fanbase despite its broad genres.
Now back on track. With an abysmally low expectation, I was thankfully wrong. It was sort of surprising that her boobs don't pop out. Sure, her outfit is more revealing than Bayonetta and her persona is used for that sort of thing, but the anime had a plot going on - not a "plot" - that was way easier to overlook. But the first season was pretty straight-forward and nothing too special (besides the animation.) It should have been only half the episodes or at least marry both seasons better. I'll cut to the chase and talk about Decode 02 where I have more ammunition.
BIRDY THE MIGHTY DECODE 02 REVIEW SPOILERS
A criminal group comprised of military leaders, terrorists, and governmental officials, that had lead to the development of the WMD, called the Ryunka, escaped the law only to hide on Earth. However Birdy in her pursuit to apprehend these escapees unexpectedly meets her childhood friend, Nataru. The events of the destruction of Tokyo and the connections of the terrorist group called the Isadalta recall to the childhood of both Birdy and Nataru. Tsutomu, who despite sharing Birdy's body, realized how little he knew about her.
It's foreshadowing is fairly straightforward (coming from the prior season), considering that the audience knows the repercussions of Central Tower Incident as they already witness its aftermath. But even prior to that event, it introduces the background of Christella Revi, who despite being an Altan - a race that one of the lowest ranks in the Federation - climbs onto the higher tier of citizenship. In opposition to the Federation's functions such as its discriminatory policies towards Altans, Revi establishes an extremist group called the Union. However, the government failed to fulfill her demands granting proper liberty and treatment of the Altan and she initiated the destruction of Acrabal. In consequence, it further galvanized the citizen's distrust of Altans in which Birdy and Nartaru were in the crossfires of animosity of their kind.
As shown in their childhood flashback, it was 2 years after Acrabal when the Federation's capital, Oriotera, held a ceremony to commemorate the event. However, Revi established an alliance with the Isadalta and launched an attack directly on the capital in order to coerce the Federation in granting an independent planet and equal treatment for Altans. The backlash bred the cyclical hatred towards the Altan race that forced some; such as Nataru and his father became refugees and stay on Earth's established Altan Network. It's the same Network established 1000 years ago with Irma, as one of the current info broker. However that cataclysmic event split Birdy and Nataru, leading different lives as Nataru blended with the humans while Birdy- being born an Ixorian- was force to be a police officer due to an Ixorian's superhuman strength.
It was until the destruction of Tokyo caused by the Ryunka that Nataru re-witness the events in front of his eyes and now seeks revenge against those responsible in affecting the lives of millions and destruction of property, jobs and loved ones.
Before you point and say the government is evil or the terrorists are evil, the Federation's discriminatory policies are similar to the US Jim Crow laws that was established for nearly a century. It dwell a lot of "cultural" aspects that's bound in tradition that societal belief were part of the norm. While I found it morally wrong, I found it difficult to label every Southern states and it Southerner that were raised to upheld the law to be entirely accountable, just as the citizens of the Federation and their detestation of the underbelly of their society. Also Revi's consequential actions weren't based on civil disobedience, akin to the black riots in the 60's (albeit on a different level, but similar motives.) Because of this, I found some justifications for their actions on both sides.
An action anime fails to raise proper context to their action and rely on over dramatization with shock factors that makes it too white and black, enabling the audience to point easier who is the bad guy. But Decode does dwell into certain ambiguity. Nataru's killing spree was hell-bent for revenge as he brutally tears off the limbs and/or decapitates the escapees, with the justifications that they were the ones responsible for deploying the weapon that destroyed much of Roppongi. Again rather than finding being a scapegoat to channel anger especially,
As I said, the Central Tower Incident to be a mix of 9/11 (for the demand for independence from the Federation) and Pearl Harbor (as Altans who weren't affiliated with Revi or Isadalta were also persecuted.) What interests me is because that was mostly the background that gave the proper context for the revenge story.
Most of those facts I just said were glossed over (and unfortunately ignored) as it centered mostly on Birdy and her past.
What Tetsuwan Birdy Decode 02 does right in an action anime is by making it not really entirely about the action, but rather a drama centered with themes of love and compassion (despite how incredibly cheesy it sounds.) Often times, these themes become unappreciated to the matters that they aren't entirely relatable or that they been cliched to lose its value. However it can be applicable on many levels for this anime and played its cards right that it strays from mediocrity.
Unlike the first season, it immediately centers towards the aftermath of Roppongi. Despite it's sci-fi fare, most of it content were based on down-to-earth scenarios which reciprocated to the events of 9/11 (which I made this post on its anniversary. )
MOAR IDK when, editing whenever. Adding stuff and fixing incomplete sentences, phrasing, and ideas. My head hurts trying to wrap around this thing.
Having said that, Birdy the Mighty Decode as a whole went under the radar for me. As Netflix advertised, (when it was there) it seemed to be about a space hooker named Birdy catching bad guys with her " skimpy armor" but was also an undercover pin up girl for the otakus to drool on. I thought it was the one of the stupidest shows I've heard. Definitely leading onto some perverted moments that I would also expect from a blend of Ikkitousen and Kampfer. It's because Birdy the Mighty was bent on a gender bending premise that normally would give a guy an easy reason to grope on a pair of breasts.
Looking retrospectively, if it was advertised better instead of highlight a fighting half naked chick, maybe it can garner a larger audience.
It was also a bit obscure because it was a also reboot, and its manga fans were slim to raise awareness and hype of a new adaptation. In addition, there was a massive dissonance between the two seasons. Therefore, some hated the second, but like the first and others that would like the second part (in that case, me), would have to slog past the first season. Also its direct storytelling didn't leave the audience with some 2deep4me themes and found it shallow. Some more casual viewers didn't see some of the grey areas it touched to or was uninterested about its story and as they expected solely fighting with no plot or strings attached. Because of this, it wasn't gimmicky or original and fails to encapsulate a solid fanbase despite its broad genres.
Now back on track. With an abysmally low expectation, I was thankfully wrong. It was sort of surprising that her boobs don't pop out. Sure, her outfit is more revealing than Bayonetta and her persona is used for that sort of thing, but the anime had a plot going on - not a "plot" - that was way easier to overlook. But the first season was pretty straight-forward and nothing too special (besides the animation.) It should have been only half the episodes or at least marry both seasons better. I'll cut to the chase and talk about Decode 02 where I have more ammunition.
BIRDY THE MIGHTY DECODE 02 REVIEW SPOILERS
A criminal group comprised of military leaders, terrorists, and governmental officials, that had lead to the development of the WMD, called the Ryunka, escaped the law only to hide on Earth. However Birdy in her pursuit to apprehend these escapees unexpectedly meets her childhood friend, Nataru. The events of the destruction of Tokyo and the connections of the terrorist group called the Isadalta recall to the childhood of both Birdy and Nataru. Tsutomu, who despite sharing Birdy's body, realized how little he knew about her.
It's foreshadowing is fairly straightforward (coming from the prior season), considering that the audience knows the repercussions of Central Tower Incident as they already witness its aftermath. But even prior to that event, it introduces the background of Christella Revi, who despite being an Altan - a race that one of the lowest ranks in the Federation - climbs onto the higher tier of citizenship. In opposition to the Federation's functions such as its discriminatory policies towards Altans, Revi establishes an extremist group called the Union. However, the government failed to fulfill her demands granting proper liberty and treatment of the Altan and she initiated the destruction of Acrabal. In consequence, it further galvanized the citizen's distrust of Altans in which Birdy and Nartaru were in the crossfires of animosity of their kind.
As shown in their childhood flashback, it was 2 years after Acrabal when the Federation's capital, Oriotera, held a ceremony to commemorate the event. However, Revi established an alliance with the Isadalta and launched an attack directly on the capital in order to coerce the Federation in granting an independent planet and equal treatment for Altans. The backlash bred the cyclical hatred towards the Altan race that forced some; such as Nataru and his father became refugees and stay on Earth's established Altan Network. It's the same Network established 1000 years ago with Irma, as one of the current info broker. However that cataclysmic event split Birdy and Nataru, leading different lives as Nataru blended with the humans while Birdy- being born an Ixorian- was force to be a police officer due to an Ixorian's superhuman strength.
It was until the destruction of Tokyo caused by the Ryunka that Nataru re-witness the events in front of his eyes and now seeks revenge against those responsible in affecting the lives of millions and destruction of property, jobs and loved ones.
Before you point and say the government is evil or the terrorists are evil, the Federation's discriminatory policies are similar to the US Jim Crow laws that was established for nearly a century. It dwell a lot of "cultural" aspects that's bound in tradition that societal belief were part of the norm. While I found it morally wrong, I found it difficult to label every Southern states and it Southerner that were raised to upheld the law to be entirely accountable, just as the citizens of the Federation and their detestation of the underbelly of their society. Also Revi's consequential actions weren't based on civil disobedience, akin to the black riots in the 60's (albeit on a different level, but similar motives.) Because of this, I found some justifications for their actions on both sides.
An action anime fails to raise proper context to their action and rely on over dramatization with shock factors that makes it too white and black, enabling the audience to point easier who is the bad guy. But Decode does dwell into certain ambiguity. Nataru's killing spree was hell-bent for revenge as he brutally tears off the limbs and/or decapitates the escapees, with the justifications that they were the ones responsible for deploying the weapon that destroyed much of Roppongi. Again rather than finding being a scapegoat to channel anger especially,
I realized the actions were the consequences rather than a massive karmic comeuppance, making it less on its simple gratuitous end. His warped perception to satisfy his revenge exacerbate as he progressively entrenches himself into the ideas of being a killing machine. This ultimately lead to the death of his father, a flight from the law, and the loss of his lover. Often fueled his self-loathing, being born a genetically engineer defective test subject and a low tier species, he gradually believes it's his bound destiny with the one purpose to fight. Unfortunately what I didn't like was the massive 180 degree shift from the deep seated psychopathic personality to regaining his sanity just because Tsutomu (a person who hardly knew him said so.) I sort of wished he'd mention the other people as Nataru protected others like Birdy. I mean he is a nurse who took also care of Shouko.
As I said, the Central Tower Incident to be a mix of 9/11 (for the demand for independence from the Federation) and Pearl Harbor (as Altans who weren't affiliated with Revi or Isadalta were also persecuted.) What interests me is because that was mostly the background that gave the proper context for the revenge story.
Most of those facts I just said were glossed over (and unfortunately ignored) as it centered mostly on Birdy and her past.
What Tetsuwan Birdy Decode 02 does right in an action anime is by making it not really entirely about the action, but rather a drama centered with themes of love and compassion (despite how incredibly cheesy it sounds.) Often times, these themes become unappreciated to the matters that they aren't entirely relatable or that they been cliched to lose its value. However it can be applicable on many levels for this anime and played its cards right that it strays from mediocrity.
Unlike the first season, it immediately centers towards the aftermath of Roppongi. Despite it's sci-fi fare, most of it content were based on down-to-earth scenarios which reciprocated to the events of 9/11 (which I made this post on its anniversary. )
MOAR IDK when, editing whenever. Adding stuff and fixing incomplete sentences, phrasing, and ideas. My head hurts trying to wrap around this thing.
Posted by Cespar | Sep 11, 2015 10:00 PM | 0 comments
Common sense logic
Ten stuff that we tend to forget about the community.
I couldn't save most of prior statements. Got lazy :D
A lot of it is basically common sense stuff which is vague and contradictory, but applicable to other forms of mediums like sports, games and politics. However, in the fictional world of anime it’s easy to lose our grasp of reality and our rationality. It’s just some food for thought that might make you a better person.
- Respect other’s opinions.
- Even if you disagree, have that mutual respect as there may be merit in their beliefs which you might get something from them.
- It’s impossible to agree/disagree on every single aspect of every single anime.
- There really isn’t a boundary to what are elites and casuals. There can be elites who obsessively enjoy general anime and casuals that enjoy critically acclaimed anime. They are just people with cross-cutting cleavages of lifestyles, ideals, and beliefs. We are just regular people who are in a niche community filled with diverse animu japanes cartoons anime.
- Beware of the inevitable factions (fandom) – George Washington (loosely
coining) It's especially when these groups are categorized on superficial or archetypal cafeterias.
- Explore on the subject matter to truly value it rather than superficially become hyped or board the hate train. In other words don't be a sheeple or become cynical just because the popular opinion or elite minority said so.
- Admit to the flaws of your beliefs. It will make you less of an ass.
- Experiment with other genres and other fields of anime and be more open-minded. Because of this, your overall taste may change. It's usually time and experience that changes your ideas.
- Recommend something that someone may enjoy or introduce them to your ideals that they may enjoy in the most courteous manner.
- Even if we are inevitably bound to break those rules, uphold them to the best way possible.
Posted by Cespar | Sep 11, 2015 9:05 PM | 0 comments
August 29th, 2015
DanMachi review (Finished)
Anime Relations: Dungeon ni Deai wo Motomeru no wa Machigatteiru Darou ka
I refuse to upload it due to MAL's current review system. Also you can even comment on this section.
I made mistakes......
**Spoiler-free. 5 is the mean. Add two or even three points to the category if your average is at 7. I haven't seen the light novel, so I'm basing solely from its adaptation (and possibly SAO.)**
Story, Characters, Concept- It's hard to explain what this anime is about without spelling SAO.
As a light novel that bases on an MMORPG concept - not much deviate from the standard fantasy world fare. The goal of slaying monsters within a rinse-and-repeat cycle: either for entertainment or for level progression purposes (like dungeon clearing) are nothing too special. Its fictional economic currency, called valis, is used for simple means for obtaining bigger and better weapons, armor, potions, magic, ect. Also magic is never explained in a systematic depth and professions such as crafting, support classes, and banking are depicted in a vague manner. At most, the distinct quirk would be DanMachi's familia system (kind of like a guild), having adventures form an alliance with a god/goddess that overlooks the player's training. Even then, it's doesn't have the lore to be immersive or unique. In the case for what DanMachi is going for, it doesn't need to.
It's obvious from the get-go that DanMachi is a harem and a wish-fulfillment to its setting and quality for its cast of characters, more akin to Sword Art Online. Our main protagonist Bell Cranel is almost indistinguishable from SAO's Kirito down to his attire, his seiyuu (voice actor), his knack to reel in ladies, his idealistic and noble chivalry, and his absurd growth in strength off-screen. All similarities aside, what DanMachi offers uniquely is its presentation for cliches (if you don't mind the oxymoron.) A simple twist in making an overpowered beta male and it's own shameless self awareness for its own silliness are the key factors that kept it going, which can make it a fun watch or can make it a painful one because it's a different wrapping of something unoriginal.
DanMachi doesn't provide a very ambitious and promising story, rather it conforms to a minimal story of an ostracized hero who wants to get stronger. The characters here of the aforementioned harem are as deep as an NPC from Final Fantasy or any RPG. Their visible quirks alone are more than enough to get their character and provide a spectrum of different types and personalities for certain fetishes: there's a furry, an airhead, a maid, a loli, an intelligent one, a flat chested one, a tan flat chested one, and a tan large chested one. And it often teases a service and a pander, providing a bath scene, a battle scene, several women bickering over that self-insert male to fulfill that male gaze, or generic characters casting compliments to the main protagonist. And that's mostly to it. If becoming a bit more critical, its linchpin would be the cheerful and sometimes empowering synergy between Bell and the goddess Hestia.... and Bell and the sword princess Aiz Wallenstein... and Bell and.... you get the idea - making the self-insert character the backbone of the cast as he gains stronger within each passing milestone hand-fed to him.
The villains are simply painted as the evil one because they are the corrupted one. You can obviously see it in the looks of their sinister and unlikable faces as the painfully obvious villain from episode 2. And because of this, there is no massive plot twist and no need for care for tension. It fails to carry something dramatic due to its mostly starkly peppy atmosphere and superficial depiction of its universe. It needs to have proper world-building for those issues to be of value either through extensive explanations or less dispensable topics.
That is where it go awry. When it becomes the least bit serious, it's apparent that the situation would resolve back into its own silly ways and has that dissonance in tones, making the problems seem superficial to begin with. Fortunately it strays away from that attitude and doesn't put a straight face... knowing its ambitions for an easier watch.
Art/Animation and Sound-
Done by studio J.C. Staff, most of the animation were for Hestia's absurd jiggle physics and some of Bell's fights. However one particular fight was well choreographed and decently done in short bursts, but the animation in the down time was mostly stilted. Some episodes were down right choppy, but most of the time, they are fairly solid in its color pallet and uses its color schemes such as in the dungeon levels. Unfortunately there were hiccups towards is use of CGI that was blatantly out of place such as the adventures walking out in the open. What is worse is towards the end, much of the animation starts tightening up, using a lot of still frames and CGI as it loses its quality. It's especially noteworthy because it's only a short 13 episode series (that's open for another) to see such a noticeable decline.
Sound was on the weaker end, lacking in some of memorability on its opening. I found the ending to be much more enjoyable and catchy, less prone to skip (maybe also because there were minor events at the end of some episodes.) The OST is not too memorable, but fulfill its requirements.
Enjoyment-
6/10 First 8 episodes
5/10 last 5 episodes
Overall
a low- borderline 4/10 (not surprising, in a somewhat good way)
I actually found this anime to be enjoyable. However, it places iconic features that while it was fun, I can't put in high regard. It calls back to the grassroots of anime stereotypes and cliches - right down to a hot springs - that I felt accustomed to. Its presentation was obvious from the start that allowed me to have incredibly low expectations and I was delighted to watch for its corny parts. It doesn't overstay its welcome and if left lingering for another baker's dozen episodes, much of its merit would fade. Regardless, its story and characters were sub-par. Visually it wasn't groundbreaking nor was the audio. Now whether having a cheerful fantasy empowerment is up your alley, or the fan-service with Hestia's boob ribbons and weak script deters your enjoyment, it is your call.
I made mistakes......
**Spoiler-free. 5 is the mean. Add two or even three points to the category if your average is at 7. I haven't seen the light novel, so I'm basing solely from its adaptation (and possibly SAO.)**
Story, Characters, Concept- It's hard to explain what this anime is about without spelling SAO.
As a light novel that bases on an MMORPG concept - not much deviate from the standard fantasy world fare. The goal of slaying monsters within a rinse-and-repeat cycle: either for entertainment or for level progression purposes (like dungeon clearing) are nothing too special. Its fictional economic currency, called valis, is used for simple means for obtaining bigger and better weapons, armor, potions, magic, ect. Also magic is never explained in a systematic depth and professions such as crafting, support classes, and banking are depicted in a vague manner. At most, the distinct quirk would be DanMachi's familia system (kind of like a guild), having adventures form an alliance with a god/goddess that overlooks the player's training. Even then, it's doesn't have the lore to be immersive or unique. In the case for what DanMachi is going for, it doesn't need to.
It's obvious from the get-go that DanMachi is a harem and a wish-fulfillment to its setting and quality for its cast of characters, more akin to Sword Art Online. Our main protagonist Bell Cranel is almost indistinguishable from SAO's Kirito down to his attire, his seiyuu (voice actor), his knack to reel in ladies, his idealistic and noble chivalry, and his absurd growth in strength off-screen. All similarities aside, what DanMachi offers uniquely is its presentation for cliches (if you don't mind the oxymoron.) A simple twist in making an overpowered beta male and it's own shameless self awareness for its own silliness are the key factors that kept it going, which can make it a fun watch or can make it a painful one because it's a different wrapping of something unoriginal.
DanMachi doesn't provide a very ambitious and promising story, rather it conforms to a minimal story of an ostracized hero who wants to get stronger. The characters here of the aforementioned harem are as deep as an NPC from Final Fantasy or any RPG. Their visible quirks alone are more than enough to get their character and provide a spectrum of different types and personalities for certain fetishes: there's a furry, an airhead, a maid, a loli, an intelligent one, a flat chested one, a tan flat chested one, and a tan large chested one. And it often teases a service and a pander, providing a bath scene, a battle scene, several women bickering over that self-insert male to fulfill that male gaze, or generic characters casting compliments to the main protagonist. And that's mostly to it. If becoming a bit more critical, its linchpin would be the cheerful and sometimes empowering synergy between Bell and the goddess Hestia.... and Bell and the sword princess Aiz Wallenstein... and Bell and.... you get the idea - making the self-insert character the backbone of the cast as he gains stronger within each passing milestone hand-fed to him.
The villains are simply painted as the evil one because they are the corrupted one. You can obviously see it in the looks of their sinister and unlikable faces as the painfully obvious villain from episode 2. And because of this, there is no massive plot twist and no need for care for tension. It fails to carry something dramatic due to its mostly starkly peppy atmosphere and superficial depiction of its universe. It needs to have proper world-building for those issues to be of value either through extensive explanations or less dispensable topics.
That is where it go awry. When it becomes the least bit serious, it's apparent that the situation would resolve back into its own silly ways and has that dissonance in tones, making the problems seem superficial to begin with. Fortunately it strays away from that attitude and doesn't put a straight face... knowing its ambitions for an easier watch.
Art/Animation and Sound-
Done by studio J.C. Staff, most of the animation were for Hestia's absurd jiggle physics and some of Bell's fights. However one particular fight was well choreographed and decently done in short bursts, but the animation in the down time was mostly stilted. Some episodes were down right choppy, but most of the time, they are fairly solid in its color pallet and uses its color schemes such as in the dungeon levels. Unfortunately there were hiccups towards is use of CGI that was blatantly out of place such as the adventures walking out in the open. What is worse is towards the end, much of the animation starts tightening up, using a lot of still frames and CGI as it loses its quality. It's especially noteworthy because it's only a short 13 episode series (that's open for another) to see such a noticeable decline.
Sound was on the weaker end, lacking in some of memorability on its opening. I found the ending to be much more enjoyable and catchy, less prone to skip (maybe also because there were minor events at the end of some episodes.) The OST is not too memorable, but fulfill its requirements.
Enjoyment-
6/10 First 8 episodes
5/10 last 5 episodes
Overall
a low- borderline 4/10 (not surprising, in a somewhat good way)
I actually found this anime to be enjoyable. However, it places iconic features that while it was fun, I can't put in high regard. It calls back to the grassroots of anime stereotypes and cliches - right down to a hot springs - that I felt accustomed to. Its presentation was obvious from the start that allowed me to have incredibly low expectations and I was delighted to watch for its corny parts. It doesn't overstay its welcome and if left lingering for another baker's dozen episodes, much of its merit would fade. Regardless, its story and characters were sub-par. Visually it wasn't groundbreaking nor was the audio. Now whether having a cheerful fantasy empowerment is up your alley, or the fan-service with Hestia's boob ribbons and weak script deters your enjoyment, it is your call.
Posted by Cespar | Aug 29, 2015 7:24 PM | 0 comments