It is but a shadow and a thought that you love

[xi0]

I completely understand what nostalgia can do to someone's tastes. I'm satisfied with Nuno's opinion on the series :nod

Though, he still has a ways to go before he's caught up so...yeah :derp


Wow, this really is an awesome topic and discussion btw. Who knew Gary's thread could hold such a high level of discussion.

...uncool :-_-


That sentence is partly why I love TTGL so much. It's somewhat of a childish illustration of the theme, but it's so beautifully told. The core of the story is the right to exist, to be free and to take hold of your own destiny. In the end that's what the story is about, not the mecha.

I understand that. Often I'll hear someone say they hate Mecha series. There are two types of series when it comes to a specific genre - those that are the genre, and those that merely use the genre as a setting, or a tool to tell a story. The latter type could exist in almost any setting. It's like the comparison between Star Trek and Star Wars. Star Trek is science fiction, it exists within the confines of a genre. Star Wars is the latter type. It is much more about literary archetypes than the genre. This makes the story much more accessible to the masses, but it also makes it potentially deeper and more complex because of that. This isn't really about putting down either though, they both have their own merit obviously.

That's why when I hear someone doesn't bother with a series like Neon Genesis Evangelion because they don't like Mecha I want to grab a hold of them and shake them. The subject material in TTGL is probably less adult, but it's sort of like the latter-type of a genre story, a Star Wars. While Gundam is more like a Star Trek. The comparison isn't perfect, but I think it makes sense?


Which is a bit contradictory, because my favourite manga is Blame!...but the world that is created there, the manner in which that world was presented was absolutely stunning

Nihei is the master of minimalism. His series are usually anti-story. We all know the stories that are all art and no story...or the story is inconsequential. This is the case in Blame! but in some bizarre way it isn't a put-down. It can even be considered a strength. That's why I say you don't read Nihei, you look at his works and drink them in. It's a much different way of presenting a plot, or using manga as a plot-vehicle or art form.

[kdowns]

I hate you all....

*Goes back to reading berserk*

[Kaiten]

I have always thought of Gurren Lagann as part tribute, part parody of old school mecha anime and shounen manga. Gainax unleashes those ridiculous power ups, out of control machismo, big bold bright colors, explosive friendship, and fanservice with love and with a wink.


Nihei is the master of minimalism. His series are usually anti-story. We all know the stories that are all art and no story...or the story is inconsequential. This is the case in Blame! but in some bizarre way it isn't a put-down. It can even be considered a strength. That's why I say you don't read Nihei, you look at his works and drink them in. It's a much different way of presenting a plot, or using manga as a plot-vehicle or art form.

I don't think that story is inconsequential in Nihei manga, I just think he presents plot in a different, post-modern way. He partially tells the story with art, this is definitely true. But in a visual medium like comics, art can express as much as words. But it seems that substantial plot points are deliberately vague, not because they are inconsequential but to force the audience to draw their own conclusions. Nihei manga require active participation from the audience, in contrast to most entertainment, which is largely passive. The reader is an active part of the story telling process in all of his manga, from Blame! to Knights of Sidonia. Meaning begins to crumble as Nihei leads the reader where he wants them to go but does not tell them what conclusions to draw. Two different readers can have two different opinions as to why Toa Heavy Industry appears in Blame! and Biomega. And what about the Gauna appearing in Abara and Sidonia? There is no canon answer, it is up to the individual reader to decide.

[xi0]

I don't think that story is inconsequential in Nihei manga, I just think he presents plot in a different, post-modern way. He partially tells the story with art, this is definitely true. But in a visual medium like comics, art can express as much as words. But it seems that substantial plot points are deliberately vague, not because they are inconsequential but to force the audience to draw their own conclusions. Nihei manga require active participation from the audience, in contrast to most entertainment, which is largely passive. The reader is an active part of the story telling process in all of his manga, from Blame! to Knights of Sidonia. Meaning begins to crumble as Nihei leads the reader where he wants them to go but does not tell them what conclusions to draw. Two different readers can have two different opinions as to why Toa Heavy Industry appears in Blame! and Biomega. And what about the Gauna appearing in Abara and Sidonia? There is no canon answer, it is up to the individual reader to decide.

I think you're complicating it where it doesn't need complication :sweat. Toha Heavy Industries appears in both Blame! and BioMega because they take place in the same universe. Only BioMega takes place thousands of years before Blame!, before the Megastructure swallowed the Earth and a large chunk of the Solar System up.

Gauna appear in other stories of his too. It may be a stylistic choice...

Though I do agree that his intentions are to keep the story much more open-ended. It may be by accident, but more or just as much narrative is conveyed through his art and what it expresses, than in his words. That's why I say the story or details of the story end up being secondary. You could just look at the panels in Blame! and not read anything and have some semblance of a narrative in your head. It's sort of similar to story-boarding in that way.

[Kaiten]

Art certainly does tell most of the story in his manga. Where most story tellers use words to move the story, he uses art. The art conveys more than words can, anyway. A sense of scale, space, emptiness, and solitude is conveyed in addition to narrative.

I don't think that's over complicating it. He added Toa Heavy Industry to Biomega to connect the two manga. How they are connected is up to the audience. He never actually says Blame and Biomega are connected, he hints that they are and let's the reader do the rest. The implication is that Biomega takes place in the same world as Blame, only earlier or later. Earlier makes the most sense given the state of the world in Blame, but he never directly establishes that as fact. He does that to much for it to be coincidence: he hints at what Killy could be but gives no definitive answer. Nor does he say who sent him, why he was sent, were others sent, or really any other biographical data. He never actually says why humans fled and how they came to live on giant spaceships in Sidonia. All we know is that the Gauna have been pursuing them for time immeasurable. Maybe the Gauna of Abara over ran the Earth, forcing the survivors into space, evolving and pursuing them across the universe. Based on the most recent translated chapters we know humans can be turned into Gauna, just like in Abara. Is that a fact? Not at all, and he probably will never establish any facts regarding the origin of Sidonia's Gauna. More than being open ended, his writing style disrupts traditional literary narrative by allowing readers to flesh out his framing story.

[xi0]

Hmm, I seem to remember it being stated that Blame! and BioMega take place in the same universe. I mean, it's logical to come to that conclusion, given the reasons you stated. I think it might have been in his artbook?...well regardless of that, I feel that this wasn't a conclusion I came to, but it was something established as fact somewhere. Might not be the case, but yeah. I guess this is what Nihei wanted anyways :XD

For arguments sake, I think it's probably safe to assume that all of his series take place in the same universe...at least in a loose sense. There's too many similarities, and if this isn't the case, then he's just a sloppy/lazy writer :rofl ...either way, it doesn't really affect the quality of his work, and that's what makes him unique.

[benelori]

A tragic flaw is always a personality trait, rather than a series of events. For example: Othello's tragic flaw was jealousy, rising from insecurity about his race. The moor Othello is convinced that his Italian wife Desdemona has had an affair with his Italian born lieutenant. His feelings of inferiority led to violent jealousy, leading him to kill his wife and ultimately himself.

Griffiths tragic flaw is ambition, also fueled by an inferiority complex: as a commoner his station in life could never match his ambition. He overcompensates by turning himself into the strongest soldier and greatest leader. When Guts seeks to leave the Band of the Hawk Griffith arrogantly challenges him to another duel, thinking it would be like the first, when he forced Guts to join. When Guts won it shattered Griffiths pride and ambition. If his ambition can only be served by being the strongest, what does it mean that someone else is stronger? This fuels Griffiths downward spiral, despoiling the princess and ultimately being imprisoned and tortured beyond recognition. His ambition still not broken, only his pride, he makes a "deal with the devil", gaining power as a godhand. But his new powers are no longer his own. In his previous life his strength came from within, from hard work, and he used that to become the greatest soldier of his age. His new power is fueled by supernatural powers, given to him by others, and not earned. It is a forgone conclusion that he will be defeated by Guts, even if it costs Guts his life. Griffiths ambition has already cost him his humanity, it will eventually cost him his life.

I'd compare Griffith to a mix of Othello and Macbeth.

Yeah...well my lack of knowledge of literary terms in English comes in here:sweat

---------- Post added at 10:25 AM ---------- Previous post was at 10:18 AM ----------



Nihei is the master of minimalism. His series are usually anti-story. We all know the stories that are all art and no story...or the story is inconsequential. This is the case in Blame! but in some bizarre way it isn't a put-down. It can even be considered a strength. That's why I say you don't read Nihei, you look at his works and drink them in. It's a much different way of presenting a plot, or using manga as a plot-vehicle or art form.

Well much has been already said, but I will copy-paste it and rearrange the words, kay?:hip

I don't necessarily agree with the quoted...the story is really important in Blame!...Nihei presents the struggle of humanity, and the irony of humanity's chance to rest in the hands of a non-human...however the art takes all the burden of presenting the story, not words...the strength of the machines is portrayed by epic and baffling sceneries and grotesque designs, while the weak humans are usually frail and mostly dumped and used to present the gore...basically a slaughter-fest...

The facial expressions are a bit bland though, but that can be accepted as lack of emotion in the characters given their "robotic" nature

That is why it requires the active participation from the audience as Kaiten put it...art and especially Nihei's art is a bit more difficult to understand...but I only found that in Blame! and the stories that are more or less connected to it...forgot the titles though(they are short stories)

Biomega sort of retained the balance of words and art in conveyin the message/presenting the story

[xi0]

Well much has been already said, but I will copy-paste it and rearrange the words, kay?:hip

I don't necessarily agree with the quoted...the story is really important in Blame!...Nihei presents the struggle of humanity, and the irony of humanity's chance to rest in the hands of a non-human...however the art takes all the burden of presenting the story, not words...the strength of the machines is portrayed by epic and baffling sceneries and grotesque designs, while the weak humans are usually frail and mostly dumped and used to present the gore...basically a slaughter-fest...

The facial expressions are a bit bland though, but that can be accepted as lack of emotion in the characters given their "robotic" nature

That is why it requires the active participation from the audience as Kaiten put it...art and especially Nihei's art is a bit more difficult to understand...but I only found that in Blame! and the stories that are more or less connected to it...forgot the titles though(they are short stories)

Biomega sort of retained the balance of words and art in conveyin the message/presenting the story

I guess I misspoke. While I will say the story is secondary, it isn't inconsequential. What I really mean is the written narrative is inconsequential...I suppose that's more accurate to my feelings. The story falls in line with his pseudo-minimalist style.

BioMega is more of a coherent story. When I read Blame! It sort of reminds me of being a dream state (non-lucid). You're along for the ride.

[3c]

I approve of this discussion even though I haven't read Nihei, Blame! etc. :super


I completely understand what nostalgia can do to someone's tastes. I'm satisfied with Nuno's opinion on the series :nod

Though, he still has a ways to go before he's caught up so...yeah :derp

Glad to hear that! I'm sure my opinion of it will only increase for the better as I get deeper into it.


I understand that. Often I'll hear someone say they hate Mecha series. There are two types of series when it comes to a specific genre - those that are the genre, and those that merely use the genre as a setting, or a tool to tell a story. The latter type could exist in almost any setting. It's like the comparison between Star Trek and Star Wars. Star Trek is science fiction, it exists within the confines of a genre. Star Wars is the latter type. It is much more about literary archetypes than the genre. This makes the story much more accessible to the masses, but it also makes it potentially deeper and more complex because of that. This isn't really about putting down either though, they both have their own merit obviously.

That's why when I hear someone doesn't bother with a series like Neon Genesis Evangelion because they don't like Mecha I want to grab a hold of them and shake them. The subject material in TTGL is probably less adult, but it's sort of like the latter-type of a genre story, a Star Wars. While Gundam is more like a Star Trek. The comparison isn't perfect, but I think it makes sense?

Yeah, it makes sense. The themes are the core and real meaning of the story. They are conveyed in absolutely ridiculous, flashy and overkill illustrations, but that's the whole point too. The Mecha is just a storytelling tool. Like I said before, TTGL has a kind of childish way of illustrating the themes and telling the story, but that's also because it's a Shounen. Like Kaiten said before, a theme is a theme, and it gets through to you even if it's a Shounen. Honestly though I find it absolutely badass and superb either way, so I couldn't care less about its genre. I was four years younger the first time I watched it, so that might have something to do with it (now it's all about my nostalgia for the series), I love all the flashy Mecha fights and overkill action and ways of showing emotion.

[benelori]

I guess I misspoke. While I will say the story is secondary, it isn't inconsequential. What I really mean is the written narrative is inconsequential...I suppose that's more accurate to my feelings. The story falls in line with his pseudo-minimalist style.

BioMega is more of a coherent story. When I read Blame! It sort of reminds me of being a dream state (non-lucid). You're along for the ride.

Yup...written narrative is hardly existent in it...at least when in comparison with the scope of the art, or the written narrative in Biomega...
Speaking of other Nihei titles....whatever happened to netsphere engineer?:(...I was so hyped, then I learned that it was cancelled or sth:scry

---------- Post added at 04:01 PM ---------- Previous post was at 03:54 PM ----------


I approve of this discussion even though I haven't read Nihei, Blame! etc. :super



Glad to hear that! I'm sure my opinion of it will only increase for the better as I get deeper into it.



Yeah, it makes sense. The themes are the core and real meaning of the story. They are conveyed in absolutely ridiculous, flashy and overkill illustrations, but that's the whole point too. The Mecha is just a storytelling tool. Like I said before, TTGL has a kind of childish way of illustrating the themes and telling the story, but that's also because it's a Shounen. Like Kaiten said before, a theme is a theme, and it gets through to you even if it's a Shounen. Honestly though I find it absolutely badass and superb either way, so I couldn't care less about its genre. I was four years younger the first time I watched it, so that might have something to do with it (now it's all about my nostalgia for the series), I love all the flashy Mecha fights and overkill action and ways of showing emotion.

But presentation does count...a theme comes out better if there is an appropriate context and delivery...while the shounen and some story telling cliches were well disguised in TTGL and the themes and twists were superbly done, for me the flashiness kinda ruined the experience....the series was okay to me until they went to space...from there it declined....though I agree nostalgia is hard to fight:tem...I'm still feel warm and fuzzy when I hear the Sailor Moon opening for example:D

[godofthesunn]

hey xi0 remember when I introduced you to beserk...

I think its time that the truth is revealed on a major topic here. I am the person who has introduced xi0 to all the magna he loves now. Granted its not saying much because most of what he reads is the mainstream stuff. But nevertheless if you can name a manga he into... then I was the one who introduced him to it.

[xi0]

hey xi0 remember when I introduced you to beserk...

I think its time that the truth is revealed on a major topic here. I am the person who has introduced xi0 to all the magna he loves now. Granted its not saying much because most of what he reads is the mainstream stuff. But nevertheless if you can name a manga he into... then I was the one who introduced him to it.

Now that's trolling. It's a mediocre effort, but even I know him well enough to tell he's just dicking around :derp

[Kaiten]

hey xi0 remember when I introduced you to beserk...

I think its time that the truth is revealed on a major topic here. I am the person who has introduced xi0 to all the magna he loves now. Granted its not saying much because most of what he reads is the mainstream stuff. But nevertheless if you can name a manga he into... then I was the one who introduced him to it.

What's a magna?

[riki]

Well, in Latin, "magna" means great.

[Kaiten]

That makes sense. Maybe gots was implying he introduced Gary to all that is great :amuse

[xi0]

He might have intentionally misspelled it...he does it often enough :fail

[Kaiten]

I blame the drugs.

[xi0]

What drugs?

[thornofcarrion]

hey xi0 remember when I introduced you to beserk...

I think its time that the truth is revealed on a major topic here. I am the person who has introduced xi0 to all the magna he loves now. Granted its not saying much because most of what he reads is the mainstream stuff. But nevertheless if you can name a manga he into... then I was the one who introduced him to it.

:coolstory

[xi0]

:derp

[3c]

:dancin

[thornofcarrion]

:dancin

:nowei

[phio_chan]

What, smiley-spam fiesta? In Gar's thread?



:cuddle





:gar

[3c]

Since we had like the best convo yet in Gary's threads on the previous page, we're trying to ruin the impression as fast as possible to get the thread back on track.

[phio_chan]

I like it. :nod

Everyone should go back to the normal mode! :yelling

This place is better that way. :hee

:3c

[3c]

Yeah, keep it up phio. The more you post the faster it will degrade.

:derp

[naruto-niichan]

http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_VoTMOdI9adk/SLgJ_Tbp2YI/AAAAAAAAClg/JZVSAAFU_4E/s400/hairy+dog.jpg

hairy gary :teehee

[Kaiten]

What drugs?

Whatever drugs GoTS is taking. Don't tell me he's high on life when it's obviously nitrous.


Since we had like the best convo yet in Gary's threads on the previous page, we're trying to ruin the impression as fast as possible to get the thread back on track.

This thread is not for intelligent discussion or deep insights into life, love, and literature. That would go against it's god given nature as a trolls haven.

:nowant

---------- Post added at 12:52 PM ---------- Previous post was at 12:51 PM ----------

Niichan posted the cover of Odelay!!!!!!!

[Josef K.]

Is the dog doing a "haters gonna hate" thing? Also, Jim Carrey is awesome.

[naruto-niichan]

Niichan posted the cover of Odelay!!!!!!!

Didn't know it's from Odelay :o


Now I found the perfect pic resembling Gary :hurr

http://i.imgur.com/rCaHL.jpg

[3c]

This thread is not for intelligent discussion or deep insights into life, love, and literature. That would go against it's god given nature as a trolls haven.

:nowant

WTF, that's a smiley!? :arf

I know that, I got to admit I felt kind of guilty when I began the Berserk conversation. Although I'm not sure this thread beats Mej's thread in terms of being a troll haven.

[thornofcarrion]

Another of JC's smiley http://freeemoticonsandsmileys.com/animated%20emoticons/Funny%20Animated%20Emoticons/jim%20funny%20face.gif

[Josef K.]

We need more Jim Carrey smileys! :arf

[3c]

We need more Jim Carrey smileys! :arf

You think? The only good one I've seen is

:nowant

[Kaiten]

There has to be a good ace ventura gif somewhere.

---------- Post added at 11:29 PM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 PM ----------

http://i42.tinypic.com/2uh8nlx.gif

[kdowns]

And he has found it!

[Kaiten]

Believe in the me that believes in me!

[3c]

Believe in the me that believes in me!

http://i214.photobucket.com/albums/cc154/3cm_2003/Exactly.gif

[Josef K.]

Believe in the me that believes in me!

Strong individualism. :XD

[Kaiten]

Strong individualism. :XD

*Overwhelming egomania. Fixed that for you :super

[xi0]

I'm not a dog...and if I was, I definitely wouldn't be a Komondor :hip

And I'm hurt by the characterization my thread receives. I'm goofy by choice, it's much less taxing on the brain...and all that comes with it. Except when Milly posts one of his non sequiturs...or GoTS posts one of his deep, supposedly contemplative questions :derp

[Kaiten]

I'm not a dog...and if I was, I definitely wouldn't be a Komondor :hip

And I'm hurt by the characterization my thread receives. I'm goofy by choice, it's much less taxing on the brain...and all that comes with it. Except when Milly posts one of his non sequiturs...

FEAR HIS GIRTH!


or GoTS posts one of his deep, supposedly contemplative questions :derp

Ponders...

Ponders...

Ponders...





LULZ

[thornofcarrion]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU

[xi0]

Whatever happened to them? :blink

[thornofcarrion]

Don't know, they just vanished.

[xi0]

They're aliens....unlike that phony David Bowie :hips

[thornofcarrion]

Why would you write :hips rather than :hip? Plural?

I remember they taking MTV by storm and vanished after few videos. The one I linked was my favorite. Yours?

[Kaiten]

Whatever happened to them? :blink

Coke happened. Dude claimed to have spend £150,000 on coke in three years. He broke up the band in 2006.

[xi0]

Just a typo....

I don't recall them having any other video than that one Thorn...One-Hit Wonder.

Well that seems like money well spent :nowei

[thornofcarrion]

I remember another one that played on MTV:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p-MtY1nRcpU&feature=related

---------- Post added at 11:50 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:48 PM ----------

have you listened to Firehouse?

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kRJ-nzuxrXo

[Kaiten]

Just a typo....

I don't recall them having any other video than that one Thorn...One-Hit Wonder.

Well that seems like money well spent :nowei

That is cause we are ignorant Yanks. They were much more famous in the UK then they were here. Not a long run there either, they only ever released two albums and I believe the second one bombed.

[thornofcarrion]

Some old stuff for you guys:


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QefP5XN2U88

[phio_chan]

I'm not a dog...and if I was, I definitely wouldn't be a Komondor :hip

On first glance I thought you wrote komodo there. And I thought you wrote "I'm not a dog... I definitely am a Komodo."

:rofl

:oh

[xi0]

Firehouse.........no thanks

If you put out one album that was any good, and really only one song was a hit...........yeaaaah :hip

[Kaiten]

On first glance I thought you wrote komodo there. And I thought you wrote "I'm not a dog... I definitely am a Komodo."

:rofl

:oh

He definitely reminds me of a giant, predatory lizard with poisonous drool :rofl

[thornofcarrion]

If you put out one album that was any good, and really only one song was a hit...........yeaaaah :hip

Firehouse?

[xi0]

No, the other band.

Firehouse isn't my thing

[Farfalla]

Summer is right at my door D: And I don't recall inviting it.

[xi0]

Summer is right at my door D: And I don't recall inviting it.

It's just about Winter here in the Northern Hemisphere........where things matter :hip

Nice set...I wonder who it is :teehee

[Farfalla]

Oh, it's me O: Can't you see??

And, well, now your "together like butt cheek" sentence makes more sense then. There, where things matter, you guys gotta literally stick together, right? ^-^ Good season for you!

[godofthesunn]

It's just about Winter here in the Northern Hemisphere........where things matter :hip


Typical American...Finland is the new china

[Kaiten]

Typical American...Finland is the new china

:modsmack

Don't scare away the women.

[godofthesunn]

:modsmack

Don't scare away the women.

Believe it or not, I am a gentle giant. I leave the fighting to the uncivilized brutes who modsmack women and children.

[Kaiten]

I didn't modsmack women and children. I modsmacked you :modsmack

[riki]

Maybe gots is a woman or a child?

[Kaiten]

Excellent theory. We can not discount the possibility that gots is a woman and a child.

[godofthesunn]

Excellent theory. We can not discount the possibility that gots is a woman and a child.

I'm not a woman but I am certainly old enough to be your child.
Anyways, regardless of what I am, my point didn't seem to resonate.

Now lets get back to the real pressing matters. xi0 how could you tell them that I'm not your manga source? I've introduced you to tons of magna manga.

[xi0]

Oh, it's me O: Can't you see??

And, well, now your "together like butt cheek" sentence makes more sense then. There, where things matter, you guys gotta literally stick together, right? ^-^ Good season for you!

...yeah, I was being sarcastic

No, that's not what it means, but that's some nice creative thinking from you :XD


Typical American...Finland is the new china

What does that even mean?

You can't even spell Helsinki right :fail

[Kaiten]

Helsenki isn't a real place :gwah

[godofthesunn]

Its sure is a made up place...I made it up (http://lmgtfy.com/?q=helsinki)...just like the Black order and Maryland.

'Finland is the new China' is a play on words, since I'm a child right kaiten? Its the new place to be xi0. The new place to be...

[xi0]

...

[Kaiten]

:coolstory

[Farfalla]

I hate when people tell me he/she was being sarcastic ;-; I know ;-; I rly do ;-;

[thornofcarrion]

I hate when people tell me he/she was being sarcastic ;-; I know ;-; I rly do ;-;

:coolstory

[xi0]

I hate when people tell me he/she was being sarcastic ;-; I know ;-; I rly do ;-;

Do you?...do you? :cheez

[Kaiten]

Yes, she does. She just said she does :oh

[xi0]

Did she?......did she? :3c

[Kaiten]

She did but I think she was being sarcastic.

[benelori]

I hate when people tell me he/she was being sarcastic ;-; I know ;-; I rly do ;-;

http://images2.fanpop.com/images/photos/8100000/Sarcasm-the-big-bang-theory-8135257-500-281.jpg

:derp

[xi0]

She did but I think she was being sarcastic.

Well you know what happens when you assume :dancin

[thornofcarrion]

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/dancing/flamenco.gif

[xi0]

That's a very nice broken link you have there :hurr

[thornofcarrion]

What broken link?

[Kaiten]

Well you know what happens when you assume :dancin

I think so: it makes thorny post a Ms. Pacman smiley?


http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/dancing/flamenco.gif

[thornofcarrion]

What are we talking about :confused?

---------- Post added at 10:37 PM ---------- Previous post was at 10:35 PM ----------

So reds can post dancing smiley but we can't? That's racist...

[xi0]

...no it's called hotlinking :-_-

[Farfalla]

It's amazing how you guys can make trivial topics last XD

[xi0]

It's amazing how you guys can make trivial topics last XD

Any topic that is trivial in my thread isn't my own doing.....unless it is :hip

[Kaiten]

It's amazing how you guys can make trivial topics last XD

Just goes to show how amazing my trolling skills are :carlton

Only GoTS is a better troll than me.

http://i.imgur.com/S09HK.jpg

[igotthegoods]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sRYNYb30nxU


Whatever happened to them? :blink

Apparently they're back on tour. Got this (http://www.theactualdarkness.com/?utm_source=Chicago+-+Jam+Mail+List&utm_campaign=c310d0984b-Jam_Mail_12_7_11&utm_medium=email) in my email today. Wanna go? :derp

[Kaiten]

Pale, skinny Englishman should never have tattoo's like that. Is he trying to draw attention to his lack of definition? Gross.

[thornofcarrion]

More importantly, why he tries to be naked inmost of his songs :-_-?

Goodsy, you subscribed to their newsletter----> -10 rep

[igotthegoods]

@Kaiten - agreed :s

@thorn - Don't worry, I didn't subscribe to their newsletter. :hip I get mail about when tickets for upcoming area shows go on sale. Tickets for their show go on sale Saturday, apparently. :p I found it to be an incredible coincidence that you *just* posted their song since I hadn't heard the first thing about them in years. xD

Maybe we should be questioning your rep? :gwah

[thornofcarrion]

@thorn - Don't worry, I didn't subscribe to their newsletter. :hip I get mail about when tickets for upcoming area shows go on sale. Tickets for their show go on sale Saturday, apparently. :p I found it to be an incredible coincidence that you *just* posted their song since I hadn't heard the first thing about them in years. xD

:coolstory

Haha I wanted to do that to your post for soooooooooooooo looooooooooooooong


Maybe we should be questioning your rep? :gwah

...

[godofthesunn]

Just goes to show how amazing my trolling skills are :carlton

Only GoTS is a better troll than me.

http://i.imgur.com/S09HK.jpg

I would really appreciate if you referred to me as 'gots' lowercase or the full name. Also I don't regard myself as a troll, please substitute troll with ' the legendary', 'legend', 'the legend of' since I've got mh seniority- (Join Date). For example your previous comment would go something like this:

"Only gots is a better 'legend' than me"

[Kaiten]

only gots is a more legendary troll than I.

Am I doing it right?

[thornofcarrion]

:fail

[Farfalla]

Am I the only one that loves that vid? XD
It was so fun to watch when I was a teen! Today it was again since I haven't seen this in years o.o
There was a silly band here too:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TcBYBukjkBY&feature=fvwrel

[Josef K.]

http://www.sherv.net/cm/emo/dancing/flamenco.gif

It's strange but I think of this as the female :maracas.

[xi0]

Apparently they're back on tour. Got this (http://www.theactualdarkness.com/?utm_source=Chicago+-+Jam+Mail+List&utm_campaign=c310d0984b-Jam_Mail_12_7_11&utm_medium=email) in my email today. Wanna go? :derp

Meh...no. I won't pay for a ticket to hear one song. I'd rather go watch Karaoke :derp


only gots is a more legendary troll than I.

Am I doing it right?

No...you're paying attention to his ramblings :fail


Am I the only one that loves that vid? XD
It was so fun to watch when I was a teen! Today it was again since I haven't seen this in years o.o
There was a silly band here too:

I prefer Spinal Tap :noworry

[thornofcarrion]

Oh haven't heard that name for yearssssss. They are alive, no?

[xi0]

Who? Spinal Tap? :blink

[naruto-niichan]

YOU DAMN CHEATER :arf

[xi0]

YOU DAMN CHEATER :arf

I let the h8ers be my motivators :hip

[3c]

Next time I'm super slow, as in years slower than I should be with reading a series that has to be read. Please annoy the shit out off me until I read it.

[xi0]

Next time I'm super slow, as in years slower than I should be with reading a series that has to be read. Please annoy the shit out off me until I read it.

Sure thing.

You're much less of a stick in the mud than Kaiten. I've been bugging him to read Ai-Ren for what seems like years, and he still just ignores it. Do you read anything by Nihei? Blame! or Biomega? I'd recommend them. What about Vinland Saga? Gantz?

[3c]

I read Gantz in the past. I dropped it a while before the whole invasion saga and read it in batches, but I got bored with it. That manga moves way too slow for me, and too many chapters are no spech and just gigantic doublespreads of monsters. It's a cool visual experience, but like I said I just got bored with it.

Blame! is supposedly benelori's top ranked manga, so maybe I should check it out. I haven't read anything by Nihei, neither have I read Vinland Saga even though I'm a viking. The last seinen I read before Berserk was Wolf Guy, and before that I guess it was Homunculus.

[xi0]

I read Gantz in the past. I dropped it a while before the whole invasion saga and read it in batches, but I got bored with it. That manga moves way too slow for me, and too many chapters are no spech and just gigantic doublespreads of monsters. It's a cool visual experience, but like I said I just got bored with it.

Blame! is supposedly benelori's top ranked manga, so maybe I should check it out. I haven't read anything by Nihei, neither have I read Vinland Saga even though I'm a viking. The last seinen I read before Berserk was Wolf Guy, and before that I guess it was Homunculus.

Gantz isn't on the same level as Nihei's stuff and Vinland Saga, but it's still fun IMO. If you dropped it, there are probably a ton of chapters to read, which will help with the slowness

I would recommend Blame! for sure, I think it's around 10 volumes...really different and cool series. Berserk and Vinland Saga get compared a lot, it's definitely worth the read.

Read Ai-Ren if you're interested in a tragic SciFi/Post-apocalyptic romance type of series.

[3c]

A lot of my boredom with Gantz has to do with the characters. I don't really like any of them so it's hard to build up some real care for them.

Yeah, Blame! is only 10 volumes. I will definitely read it, it's a quick read. Ai-Ren's art didn't really sit with me.. That one will be hard to get through if I'm perfectly honest. We will see what happens. I've been wanting to read Vinland Saga for years now, so it might be next on my list.

[xi0]

A lot of my boredom with Gantz has to do with the characters. I don't really like any of them so it's hard to build up some real care for them.

Yeah, Blame! is only 10 volumes. I will definitely read it, it's a quick read. Ai-Ren's art didn't really sit with me.. That one will be hard to get through if I'm perfectly honest. We will see what happens. I've been wanting to read Vinland Saga for years now, so it might be next on my list.

Yeah I get that, the characters in the manga aren't terribly deep...and when they are deep, they seem almost robotic. It's probably the art style. Still love that manga though

So then it's Blame-Vinland Saga-AiRen ...sounds good to me :nod

At least give AiRen a shot...but maybe you're not the slice-of-life type? Though you do like Durarara!!...hmmm

[Josef K.]

Getting into epic seinen manga are we Nuno? :3c

[3c]

It's at least Blame! -> Vinland Saga.

DRRR is fucking epic and has an awesome atmosphere thanks to the artwork and OST, which a manga doesn't. I don't like it nearly as much in manga/light novel version.

Damn... The Berserk movie can't come out sooner. The song that starts here... So beautiful http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=22lRpLAwY04#t=45s

[godofthesunn]

No...you're paying attention to his ramblings :fail




The first step is admittance... right xi0?

xi0 do you use ubuntu?

[xi0]

I like both songs in the trailer, the first one is Susumu Hirasawa, the guy who did the original anime's OST...which was one of best OSTs I've ever heard.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aCyPapIW6Vc

I actually like the snippet of the song that was done for the four teaser trailers earlier this year too, supposedly by some group/artist called "Tomo the Tomo"...wonder if it will be used in the movie.


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lihPs4BoDvo

---------- Post added at 06:53 PM ---------- Previous post was at 06:51 PM ----------


The first step is admittance... right xi0?

xi0 do you use ubuntu?

We've had this discussion before. I used ubuntu once as a boot disk since WLM gave me a nasty trojan and I couldn't get to the files if I booted windows. Other than that, no.

[3c]

I didn't know he made the OST too, I already heard Guts' theme. It's the only OST song I've heard but it's so damn awesome. Fits perfectly for the story. Beautiful. Mysterious, kind of dark, but at the same time with hope and happiness in it.

I can't find the second song in the trailer on YT. I suspect the CD hasn't come out yet or something, darn shame.

[xi0]

I didn't know he made the OST too, I already heard Guts' theme. It's the only OST song I've heard but it's so damn awesome. Fits perfectly for the story. Beautiful. Mysterious, kind of dark, but at the same time with hope and happiness in it.

I can't find the second song in the trailer on YT. I suspect the CD hasn't come out yet or something, darn shame.

"The full trailer runs for about 1 min and 51 seconds. It features the songs "Aria" by Susumu Hirasawa and "Utsukushikumono" by Ai."

:nod

Check out Forces and Behelit from the original OST too.

[3c]

I challenge you to find the song on YT regardless. I already found japanese and english versions of that song, and I somehow fail at finding them.

Alright, checking them out right now!

[xi0]

I challenge you to find the song on YT regardless. I already found japanese and english versions of that song, and I somehow fail at finding them.

Alright, checking them out right now!

How can you fail at finding something when you've found two versions of it? :blink

[3c]

:fail

"I already found japanese and english versions of that song's NAME". Horribly left out on my part :XD

Btw, is this the Behelit OST?


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GQdkiRYB6XA

Honestly it's cool and mysterious, but sounds kind of... Not evil enough. I loved Forces though.

[xi0]

Yeah that's it....it's the ocarina dude, defo the ocarina :hip

The whole OST is great, especially the incredibly out of place Ending "Tell Me Why" :XD That's why it was really important to me that he's doing the movies too :nod

[3c]

*Has Guts' theme on repeat*

"Tell Me Why"? Mind explaining that one?

[xi0]

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=etjED7J1B-E

Apparently it was the opening, got it mixed up with "Waiting So Long" (the ending, sort of fits in). It's just so out of place with the other music, too upbeat, it's just nostalgia kicking in :XD

[3c]

Lol, that OP is totally weird when you relate it to a story like Berserk. Sounds like some happy-go-lucky school life shounen :XD

[xi0]

Lol, that OP is totally weird when you relate it to a story like Berserk. Sounds like some happy-go-lucky school life shounen :XD

I know right? They were even doing the promo thing with OPs and EDs back then. They didn't do that good of a job with the choice there though, but it makes it more poignant for me :XD

[Kaiten]

Next time I'm super slow, as in years slower than I should be with reading a series that has to be read. Please annoy the shit out off me until I read it.

Gary's advice about Nihei is sound. Start with Blame! and read everything by him. You will be a better person for it. I also recommend my favorite manga Blade of the Immortal (http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=1628). It's like Berserk only more violent and Manji is even more GAR than Guts.

---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------

http://i.imgur.com/7akju.jpg

[thornofcarrion]

Gary can you please cosplay as a wet nurse and post the pictures on the webz :hurr?

---------- Post added at 08:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 AM ----------

I forgot to say please XD

[Kaiten]

That sounds.... kinky?

[3c]

Gary's advice about Nihei is sound. Start with Blame! and read everything by him. You will be a better person for it. I also recommend my favorite manga Blade of the Immortal (http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=1628). It's like Berserk only more violent and Manji is even more GAR than Guts.

Looks like another hiatus heavy manga. Honestly it's too long for me at the moment. Two long manga in such a short time is a tough challenge. I'll start with Blame! and see what happens after that.


Gary can you please cosplay as a wet nurse and post the pictures on the webz :hurr?

I forgot to say please XD

Why would you even ask for that....

[thornofcarrion]

Wut...you don't like wet nurse :notrust?

[Kaiten]

Male wet nurses? No, not very much.

[xi0]

Gary can you please cosplay as a wet nurse and post the pictures on the webz :hurr?

---------- Post added at 08:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 AM ----------

I forgot to say please XD

...why?

[naruto-niichan]

Gary can you please cosplay as a wet nurse and post the pictures on the webz :hurr?

---------- Post added at 08:22 AM ---------- Previous post was at 08:21 AM ----------

I forgot to say please XD

Now I understand why Asca's so obesessed with toc x gary :cookiehand

[xi0]

No you don't...

[Kaiten]

Sure he does. He just asked you to dress up like a wet nurse and post pictures. Small wonder that the yaoi mod fangirls over you two :super

[xi0]

To understand is to relate :om


niichan :teehee


And there was some ulterior motive to what Thorn posted...he's not that shallow/predictable :hip

[3c]

Look at that, you're defending him. It's kind of cute :teehee

[scav]

admit defeat
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3198/blame.png

[xi0]

Look at that, you're defending him. It's kind of cute :teehee

That's not defending, that's saying he's more nefarious then just being a fairy/goof :XD


admit defeat
http://img32.imageshack.us/img32/3198/blame.png

You're hilarious :arf

[scav]

:arf
anyway i gotta ask, did u read noblesse? :pwnge

[xi0]

No...I never started with webtoons

[scav]

oh, give it a shoot dude. u'll quickly change ur mind if you start noblesse
and its fast to read

[xi0]

oh, give it a shoot dude. u'll quickly change ur mind if you start noblesse
and its fast to read

There are a ton of things on my to-read list before Noblesse, or any other manhwa for that matter.

I'm aware of it :oh

[scav]

There are a ton of things on my to-read list before Noblesse, or any other manhwa for that matter.

I'm aware of it :oh
hum. what's on ur reading list atm?

[xi0]

hum. what's on ur reading list atm?

That I'm reading currently? The only series I'm up to date on are OP, Naruto, Bleach, Gantz, Berserk, Vinland Saga, and DGM...from what I can remember. I read a handful of other WSJ series and then a ton of other stuff...

My to-read list is absolutely ridiculous :fail

[Kaiten]

Are you really behind on Hunter x Hunter?

[scav]

lol. i dropped Vinland Saga when the farm arc started, ill prolly catch up with it later.
OP is epic :zomg
bleach : dropped loooooong time a ago for me
naruto: dropped and picked many time, not really into it but i read it every 4 months :XD
berserk: i read it 5 years ago, but with the long wait between each chapter, i lost interest in following that manga
DGM : :arf :fail :fail
gantz: epic except the latest arc
add Noblesse seriously, it's as good as One piece :arf beside it's really different from ur average shounen, it's really original :thumbs

watching some anime?

[Farfalla]

Create a Win Thread ;-;

[scav]

Create a Win Thread ;-;
hahaha love ur sig

---------- Post added at 02:01 AM ---------- Previous post was at 02:00 AM ----------

this is the new win thread :hee

[xi0]

Are you really behind on Hunter x Hunter?

Really behind as in I don't read it :nod


lol. i dropped Vinland Saga when the farm arc started, ill prolly catch up with it later.
OP is epic :zomg
bleach : dropped loooooong time a ago for me
naruto: dropped and picked many time, not really into it but i read it every 4 months :XD
berserk: i read it 5 years ago, but with the long wait between each chapter, i lost interest in following that manga
DGM : :arf :fail :fail
gantz: epic except the latest arc
add Noblesse seriously, it's as good as One piece :arf beside it's really different from ur average shounen, it's really original :thumbs

watching some anime?

Uhhh....k

Not watching any anime currently, no.


Create a Win Thread ;-;

Huh?...do I look like a General mod to you!!!! :arf

:teehee

[Farfalla]

If you can't create a simple thread then you don't even look like a member ò.ó

[Kaiten]

Really behind as in I don't read it :nod

I am disappoint.

I am having so much trouble grappling with this information that I don't even have anything witty to say.

[scav]

I am disappoint.
what do you expect from someone who read DGM :lmao

[Kaiten]

I still read DGM -_-;

I've been reading DGM for something like five years though. I am assuming he has read it as long, if not longer. I'm just trying to comprehend how someone who could not possibly be scared away by long breaks and reads a lot of Jump manga could possibly skip HxH.

[scav]

you also read DGM :gwah
anyway what's scary with HxH is the art. Some motivation is needed to start it. Actually i didn't want to continue HxH too, i wanted to re-read HxH only after i watched the new anime

[xi0]

If you can't create a simple thread then you don't even look like a member ò.ó

That's mean...


I am disappoint.

I am having so much trouble grappling with this information that I don't even have anything witty to say.

I thought I was pretty vocal about this in the past?


what do you expect from someone who read DGM :lmao

I don't drop much of anything I read, only stuff that gets cancelled


I still read DGM -_-;

I've been reading DGM for something like five years though. I am assuming he has read it as long, if not longer. I'm just trying to comprehend how someone who could not possibly be scared away by long breaks and reads a lot of Jump manga could possibly skip HxH.

Around that long yeah. I even helped scanlate it at some point.

It's not the hiatuses. When I started reading series whether it's a spotty manga or not never figures into my decision. I don't like Togashi's worth methods, I didn't care for YYH that much and it's the length. I've been pestered enough times to read Ippo, and there's a reason why I don't. That comparison is unbalanced obviously, but that coupled with everything else is why. Plus, when HxH is on hiatus, it's sort of out of sight, out of mind...especially for someone who doesn't read it.

I will read it at some point, I'm just not in any hurry to.

[scav]

took me a whole year to read Hajime no ippo :lmao
but i was reading only 1,2 tomes per week

[Kaiten]

I have not read YuYu but from what I understand it does not have much in common with Hunter x Hunter. He seems to have used Level E, which I have read and really enjoyed, to transition away from tournament manga. The storytelling and quality have more in common with One Piece than with Bleach or Naruto. At the moment I am actually enjoying it more than One Piece though. Worth a try, it's an addictive series that reads a lot faster than 300 chapter manga typically do. Assuming your ever in the mood for something long to read.

---------- Post added at 09:41 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:39 PM ----------


you also read DGM :gwah
anyway what's scary with HxH is the art. Some motivation is needed to start it. Actually i didn't want to continue HxH too, i wanted to re-read HxH only after i watched the new anime

Yeah, I don't like or dislike DGM at this point. I'm not happy with the SQ chapters, so far, but for some reason have no plans to drop.

I'm an alternative manga fan and used to more unusual art. I prefer the art style of One Piece, Hunter x Hunter, and Shingeki no Kyojin to more conventional fare such as Bleach or Air Gear.

[xi0]

Like I said, I'll read it at some point.

The last DGM chapter was actually quite good IMO

[Kaiten]

I'm not 100% sure what DGM is about anymore. Otherwise the last chapter was solid. The only monthlies I really care about anymore are AnE and Shingeki.

[xi0]

I'm not 100% sure what DGM is about anymore. Otherwise the last chapter was solid. The only monthlies I really care about anymore are AnE and Shingeki.

I don't either...something about Allen becoming the 14th maybe?...whatever that is :sweat

[Kaiten]

That I understand: he's the reincarnation of the 14th Noah, the Earl's brother and betrayer. Normally one would not have memories of a past life but I assume the Noah memories are so strong that they subsume the consciousness of the current life. When she started talking about "Noah memory" after the move to SQ I think she just assumed Japanese readers would understand that the "Noah memory" would be a memory of past lives in the Buddhist sense and gave little explanation otherwise.

What confused me is the 2nd and 3rd exorcist. I can understand what they are but have no clue how any of it was relevant to the story. And then it randomly jumped t Allan fighting an innocence that gained consciousness as the protector of the heart, for no apparent reason Noah showed up and Allan ran away. I'm trying to get a handle on what direction the plot is going, why, and how each arc relates to the greater story. And I do not have the foggiest notion.

[kdowns]

... DGM talk... Sounds intersting... :3

[xi0]

I think the 2nd and 3rd exorcist thing was just used as a vehicle to vilify the Black Order, increase Allen's ambiguity towards Akuma, give Kanda some back-story, and facilitate the 14th awakening as well as have Allen become a man on the run.

Now that breakdown is 10x more coherent then whatever the hell was written/drawn in the chapters :XD

The stupid thing is Third exorcists were introduced before Second exorcists were...right? That just made the whole thing incredibly disjointed. I'm still not even sure if there are more Seconds besides Kanda and Alma Karma...

Actually I had to look up what exactly Alma was...apparently Second Exorcists are created by taking the brain of a dead Exorcist and transplanting it into a new, artificial body. Kanda was in love with the woman who's brain was transplanted into Alma. I just always assumed Kanda was different because of his Innocence, but since it was Equipment-type, that doesn't really make sense :sweat

DGM is just too confusing :fail

---------- Post added at 11:31 PM ---------- Previous post was at 11:30 PM ----------


... DGM talk... Sounds intersting... :3

yeah...shuuure :neutral

[Kaiten]

I'm pretty sure that Hoshino took for granted that her audience would assume Buddhist/Hindu resurrection when she wrote. And a Japanese reader really might. Maybe it was the translation but I did not make the connection to Buddhism for a while.

The third exorcists came first, during the orphange arc, when the kid with the jewel in his forhead was introduced. They came towards the end of the arc, right before it moved magazines. The second exorcists were not mentioned until after the move. It never felt like she directly addressed who the second and third exorcists were, the explanation felt like an aside given as an afterthought. I think your right about the second exorcists, the mixture of apathy and incomprehension I feel when reading DGM prevented me from paying full attention. What I don't get is what Alma had to do with the third exorcists. What I pieced together was that an egg fragment from the akuma making facility was transplanted into his body, generating akuma cells, which were than grafted onto the third exorcists giving them powers. I could be way off though.

Completely agree that the whole point of the second and third exorcists was a plot device to discredit the order and give Kanda a dramatic back story. Kind of a fail on both accounts, the last two years of DGM have felt forced and confusing.

[riki]

Kanda and Alma were the only 2nd Exorcists who were successful. The others didn't wake up so yeah.

And that is what I got as well, Kai.

[xi0]

I'm pretty sure that Hoshino took for granted that her audience would assume Buddhist/Hindu resurrection when she wrote. And a Japanese reader really might. Maybe it was the translation but I did not make the connection to Buddhism for a while.

The third exorcists came first, during the orphange arc, when the kid with the jewel in his forhead was introduced. They came towards the end of the arc, right before it moved magazines. The second exorcists were not mentioned until after the move. It never felt like she directly addressed who the second and third exorcists were, the explanation felt like an aside given as an afterthought. I think your right about the second exorcists, the mixture of apathy and incomprehension I feel when reading DGM prevented me from paying full attention. What I don't get is what Alma had to do with the third exorcists. What I pieced together was that an egg fragment from the akuma making facility was transplanted into his body, generating akuma cells, which were than grafted onto the third exorcists giving them powers. I could be way off though.

Completely agree that the whole point of the second and third exorcists was a plot device to discredit the order and give Kanda a dramatic back story. Kind of a fail on both accounts, the last two years of DGM have felt forced and confusing.

Yeah, the egg fragment sounds right......for a minute there I was thinking about how Alma turned into an Akuma-like thing and forgot how or why, considering he was Second and not a Third.

I think it comes down to pacing really. DGM was quite a good manga all the way up to through the Tokyo arc, but then I have no clue what happened. The change from weekly to monthly certainly didn't go well (i think it's just now getting where it needs to be), but I don't know if I can really blame it entirely on that. It's weird, when a manga goes downhill, usually you can point to a specific event which turned the tide against it, but I can't really do that with DGM...it just became a mess.

[Josef K.]

Gary's advice about Nihei is sound. Start with Blame! and read everything by him. You will be a better person for it. I also recommend my favorite manga Blade of the Immortal (http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=1628). It's like Berserk only more violent and Manji is even more GAR than Guts.

---------- Post added at 09:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 09:33 PM ----------

http://i.imgur.com/7akju.jpg

I really have to put this as my winter break special read, I have been preparing to read it for ages after I saw some of the action scenes. :O

[Kaiten]

Whatever issues DGM had, I did not really notice them until after the move to SQ. Other than that semi-comic zombie arc I enjoyed it as much as Bleach or Naruto when it was in WSJ.


Kanda and Alma were the only 2nd Exorcists who were successful. The others didn't wake up so yeah.

And that is what I got as well, Kai.

That's what I thought. Alma was the only one awake when Kanda woke up, Alma was excited to have someone to speak to,

[3c]

Really behind as in I don't read it :nod

:nod


I have not read YuYu but from what I understand it does not have much in common with Hunter x Hunter. He seems to have used Level E, which I have read and really enjoyed, to transition away from tournament manga. The storytelling and quality have more in common with One Piece than with Bleach or Naruto. At the moment I am actually enjoying it more than One Piece though. Worth a try, it's an addictive series that reads a lot faster than 300 chapter manga typically do. Assuming your ever in the mood for something long to read.

Considering how weak One Piece has been in this arc (in my opinion), that's really not a surprise.

As for why people would ignore HxH. The art comes to mind. Some of the doublespreads are amazing, but all the sketchy panels (and half finished crap) along the way is just plain bad, again in my opinion. Not to mention the author's slacker attitude. At least Miura delivers epic and perfect drawings when Berserk returns. Togashi delivers half-finished panels..


The last DGM chapter was actually quite good IMO

Indeed. I even posted in the DGM section. I haven't done that since... the first chapter after its move I suppose.


Whatever issues DGM had, I did not really notice them until after the move to SQ. Other than that semi-comic zombie arc I enjoyed it as much as Bleach or Naruto when it was in WSJ.

DGM used to be my second favorite manga in Jump. I read it all in one go until mid-Noah's Arc arc, it was an amazing read. The anime was also pretty good actually. The arc where the single Level 4 Akuma invaded the HQ was incredibly epic too, the series was amazing at that point. Like you said the monthly switch totally messed it up. I remember the first chapter, so much happened, and it was really confusing as it came out of nowhere. That trend pretty much continued for a few chapters and I was majorly confused. Like you I was confused at the direction of the story. But it's finally getting back into shape now. I'm finally really excited for the next chapter. That hasn't been the case in forever.

[thornofcarrion]

...why?

...


Now I understand why Asca's so obesessed with toc x gary :cookiehand

She is a demented soul...don't listen to her :cookiehand


To understand is to relate :om

Woooh...deep stuff


And there was some ulterior motive to what Thorn posted...he's not that shallow/predictable :hip

I have :confused...


There are a ton of things on my to-read list before Noblesse, or any other manhwa for that matter.

I have been hearing the same reply for god knows how long.

[xi0]

I have been hearing the same reply for god knows how long.

Yeah, gots has heard it longer......get in line :hip

[thornofcarrion]

:arf

[xi0]

:ginwut

[Kaiten]

Greatest. Smiley. Ever.

[xi0]

Mmmmmm......it's top-tier at least

...and your Redskins broke my heart...now I understand.........but I don't sympathize :teehee

[Kaiten]

You should read Shingeki no Kyojin instead of whatever they want you to read. I might be slightly inclined to read Ai Ren if you read Shingeki first. And you never know, you might like it...

[xi0]

You should read Shingeki no Kyojin instead of whatever they want you to read. I might be slightly inclined to read Ai Ren if you read Shingeki first. And you never know, you might like it...

I've dowloaded some of it...there are intentions.

[Kaiten]

Good intentions only get you so far. Every chapter comes out on the 9th, or there about. May as well try catching up by December 9 or January 9.

[xi0]

Good intentions only get you so far. Every chapter comes out on the 9th, or there about. May as well try catching up by December 9 or January 9.

Don't make my schedule for me :shifty

[Kaiten]

Is February 9 better for you sir?

[xi0]

Hmmm...that's a Thursday?...because Thursdays are in-sane for me :hip

[thornofcarrion]

Shingeki is a really good series, far better than most of what you read :hip

[xi0]

Shingeki is a really good series, far better than most of what you read :hip

Your taste is questionable, so thanks :super

[thornofcarrion]

Not it is not. I have a very good taste. Well, may be its not diversified but still...

[Kaiten]

Shingeki is a really good series, far better than most of what you read :hip

Indeed. It is very similar to the few good series he reads but has all the good qualities the rest lack.

[igotthegoods]

You should read Shingeki no Kyojin instead of whatever they want you to read. I might be slightly inclined to read Ai Ren if you read Shingeki first. And you never know, you might like it...

...................................................

---------- Post added at 01:33 PM ---------- Previous post was at 01:29 PM ----------


:coolstory

Haha I wanted to do that to your post for soooooooooooooo looooooooooooooong
:super

[Gats]

Since I've never read a single page of HxH, here my point of view : I have to admit that it looks very childish whenever my eyesight reaches accidentally a panel. One of my past comrades kept telling me I'm such a moron to enjoy manga while not knowing HxH. But well, he never read Berserk so I think we are more than even. :hip

I gave up DGM a long time ago, the mangaka just messed up with my mind. I barely understood what's going on when the new exorcists appeared. Thanks to some explanations here, maybe I'll try to catch-up soon.

[Kaiten]

Your friend is correct, Hunter x Hunter is far from childish. It's one of the deeper, more involved manga I read. It is like One Piece: the art style is not typical of shounen and a lot of fans seem to have trouble differentiating atypical from bad. Togashi's art work is actually very good, he has a better understand of art, design, layout, focal points, and dynamism than most artists. But he is not a practitioner of classic art; symmetry and beauty are not important aspects of his style. Nor would it be appropriate for the plot.

Between the end of the Greed Island arc and beginning of the Chimera Ant arc the art does get bad. That is the time when he started having health problems, but before he began reducing the number of chapters he wrote a year. Once he began taking breaks his art improved.

[Gats]

Your friend is correct, Hunter x Hunter is far from childish. It's one of the deeper, more involved manga I read. It is like One Piece: the art style is not typical of shounen and a lot of fans seem to have trouble differentiating atypical from bad. Togashi's art work is actually very good, he has a better understand of art, design, layout, focal points, and dynamism than most artists. But he is not a practitioner of classic art; symmetry and beauty are not important aspects of his style. Nor would it be appropriate for the plot.

Between the end of the Greed Island arc and beginning of the Chimera Ant arc the art does get bad. That is the time when he started having health problems, but before he began reducing the number of chapters he wrote a year. Once he began taking breaks his art improved.

Well, with all the hype in MH, I'm quite aware that it's certainly an awesome manga...unfortunately I don't feel like catching up another major manga (328 chapters.... :gwah) for now.
Just to bring my point of view about people who are missing this manga with my example actually. It doesn't bring it justice, I felt a bit the same way when I discovered One Piece. Well I discovered it as an anime with a french version that made them veeeery childish and looking at a few panels at the first manga's book didn't help. Fortunately I continued. :blai

[xi0]

Indeed. It is very similar to the few good series he reads but has all the good qualities the rest lack.

:blink

And I noticed you offended Tiff, good job :super


Since I've never read a single page of HxH, here my point of view : I have to admit that it looks very childish whenever my eyesight reaches accidentally a panel. One of my past comrades kept telling me I'm such a moron to enjoy manga while not knowing HxH. But well, he never read Berserk so I think we are more than even. :hip

I gave up DGM a long time ago, the mangaka just messed up with my mind. I barely understood what's going on when the new exorcists appeared. Thanks to some explanations here, maybe I'll try to catch-up soon.

Not reading HxH has nothing to do with the art, it's his work ethic. An equal part of the reason is just that it isn't very visible in Jump unless it's serialized so it just slipped my mind. Art isn't the main factor when deciding on a new series to read, it's my willingness mostly :faint

[Kaiten]

A Berserk fan just questioned a mangaka's work ethic....

[xi0]

A Berserk fan just questioned a mangaka's work ethic....

You obviously don't understand what I mean. Miura puts work into all his chapters and doesn't turn in chicken scratch. Togashi goes on indefinite breaks and comes back with sub-par art...really sub-par art. There's really no excuse for it, IMO. Obviously, he's earned the right to do what he wants, but take pride in your work for the sake of pete :oh

[Kaiten]

A lot of that is an urban myth though, based on chapters from before he ever started going on hiatus. I'm not sure how it spread around but there never really was any truth to the fact that he does not draw background, has no assistants, and that he is lazy. A lot of fans who are not familiar with series like Berserk or Vagabond that are not serialized in every issue of their respective magazine, misconstrued Togashi's work arrangements for laziness. Since he came back from his long hiatus in the fall of 2007 his art has actually become even more detailed, at least by shounen jump standards:

Fall 2007: http://www.mangafox.com/manga/hunter_x_hunter/v25/c264/7.html
Spring 2008: http://www.mangafox.com/manga/hunter_x_hunter/v26/c273/3.html
Fall 2008: http://www.mangafox.com/manga/hunter_x_hunter/v27/c285/11.html
2009/2010: http://www.mangafox.com/manga/hunter_x_hunter/v28/c298/2.html
2011: http://www.mangafox.com/manga/hunter_x_hunter/v29/c325/3.html

It does not help that his art does not look like Fairy Tail or Naruto, which offends the sensibilities of some manga fans.

HxH is basically like One Piece: fans are kind of obsessive and anyone who doesn't read it does not get why.

[xi0]

Like I said, I'm indifferent to his art-style. The reality is, there were chapters published in WSJ that were drawn with a ball-point pen. The fact that he goes/has gone back and has to polish his work before it is published in book form speaks for itself.

This is kind of pointless exercise though man, the main reason I haven't read it is time and laziness. A series is good if it's good, the hiatuses and the like really don't matter to me in the end.

[thornofcarrion]

What are you plans for Christmas?

[Kaiten]

http://i.imgur.com/zX21n.jpg

[xi0]

What are you plans for Christmas?

Same as Thanksgiving...Mother's family then Father's family...blahblahblah :BlahBlah

[Kaiten]

What are you plans for Christmas?

Same as I do every Christmas: get drunk and violent.

[xi0]

Mmm...I'll probably Nogg it up until I barf :hip

[godofthesunn]

I will be dining the most delictable cusine possible.

Also I've been invited to the Little America to spend time half a day each with my most valued accomplices.

[xi0]

I will be dining the most delictable cusine possible.

Also I've been invited to the Little America to spend time half a day each with my most valued accomplices.

KFC?

Wut?

[godofthesunn]

xi0 your inability to decipher my messages amuses me...Perhaps 'America in Miniature' is easier for you.. The rest is pretty straight forward...

[xi0]

Oh, I thought you typed "Latin" instead of "Little".......forgot that was your old ruse :derp

[Kaiten]

Wow, that is such an obscure reference. Are you going to drive your hand cranked car there?

[xi0]

Still don't know what that is...

[3c]

KFC?

Wut?

:imslow

Wish we had KFC here...

[godofthesunn]

For you, yes

[xi0]

:imslow

Wish we had KFC here...

How do you know you'll like it?

It is good though...and I'm not a huge fan of take-out chicken. Prefer my own recipe.


For you, yes

What?

[3c]

Your own recipe?

I don't, but it would be cool to try it, you know.

[Kaiten]

Still don't know what that is...

It's an antiquated reference to Maryland, a reference to the states varied geography. Or so google tells me. No one has called it that in ages, either he's 80 or obsessed with Maryland. Or obsessed with a certain Maryland resident :teehee

[godofthesunn]

Wow, that is such an obscure reference. Are you going to drive your hand cranked car there?

For you, yes

xi0 what did ask Santa to bring you?

[xi0]

Your own recipe?

I don't, but it would be cool to try it, you know.

Yeah, I've been known to bake a bird here and there :imslow

Ah, this reminds me of that old convo we had about Mountain Dew :XD


It's an antiquated reference to Maryland, a reference to the states varied geography. Or so google tells me. No one has called it that in ages, either he's 80 or obsessed with Maryland. Or obsessed with a certain Maryland resident :teehee

Ah, that does sound familiar.

Notice how he was talking in plurals :derp


For you, yes

xi0 what did ask Santa to bring you?

FIRE AND BLOOD :arf

[3c]

Send me some Mountain Dew already. Got to taste that weirdo soda. It'll be nice and shaken by the time it gets here.

[riki]

You should try Mountain Dew: Code Red though I haven't have MD for a long time.

[xi0]

Send me some Mountain Dew already. Got to taste that weirdo soda. It'll be nice and shaken by the time it gets here.

Just buy some online! :yelling

[3c]

Just buy some online! :yelling

Why can't you be a bro and send me some :scry

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/entries/icons/original/000/003/619/Untitled-1.jpg?1288903617

[xi0]

Why can't you be a bro and send me some :scry

http://s3.amazonaws.com/kym-assets/entries/icons/original/000/003/619/Untitled-1.jpg?1288903617

...because it'd probably be cheaper for you to buy some online. Cheaper for me anyways :hip

But seriously...not even sure if you could ship carbonated stuff, lol

[3c]

Buying soda online. That would go well :lmao

[xi0]

Buying soda online. That would go well :lmao

Hmmm...I'm sure you could do it......I think they have junk-food sites and stuff. I wonder about the handling though :XD

[3c]

Yeah, I probably could, but it would arrive all shaken up and horrible :XD

[xi0]

Yeah, I probably could, but it would arrive all shaken up and horrible :XD

I think there's a way to counter shaken up sodas, but I forget............other than waiting a day or two, depending on how violently it was shaken.

[3c]

Waiting a day or two? That's before they're opened then I take it.

[xi0]

Waiting a day or two? That's before they're opened then I take it.

They do have sode cans/bottles in Norway right? :oh

That's an exaggeration......I think of when you drop a can of fizz and wait a bit if you're patient enough. If something like that was shipped though, not clue how long you would have to wait.

[Kaiten]

Notice how he was talking in plurals :derp

Noticed and chose to ignore.


Send me some Mountain Dew already. Got to taste that weirdo soda. It'll be nice and shaken by the time it gets here.

They don't sell Mountain Dew in Norway?

If you think mountain dew is weird check out some of the varieties Pepsi makes in Japan.

[xi0]

I think he said Mountain Dew sounded similar to some soda they have over there, but I don't remember the name.

[3c]

They do have sode cans/bottles in Norway right? :oh

:fail


That's an exaggeration......I think of when you drop a can of fizz and wait a bit if you're patient enough. If something like that was shipped though, not clue how long you would have to wait.

From my experience the soda is always ruined if you drop it, no matter how long I've waited. I'm not that patient.


They don't sell Mountain Dew in Norway?

If you think mountain dew is weird check out some of the varieties Pepsi makes in Japan.

Nope, no Mountain Dew. It's a shame.

Nah, just a figure of speech. As in anything foreign is weird.


I think he said Mountain Dew sounded similar to some soda they have over there, but I don't remember the name.

Is that right? I wonder which one that was... The only one I can think of that has a similar color (or does it?) is Urge.

[riki]

Is it because of the high sugar or caffeine?

[3c]

Is it because of the high sugar or caffeine?

I doubt that. Is it any worse that Cola? I suppose it has to do with lack of marketing. Mountain Dew doesn't exist in Portugal either unless I've failed to notice it. The wave that hit Europe was Coke, and its sub-brands such as Urge and Sprite, and a dozen others.

[riki]

Mountain Dew has the highest amount of caffeine of all sodas from what I've heard.

[Kaiten]

What about Jolt!

[3c]

Lol, never even heard about Jolt before :tem

Btw, started Vagabond. Love the art, and it's even in the early stages. I can't wait for the goodies later on like the ones that were examples of its artwork in the Manga Awards category thread for Best Artwork.

[Kaiten]

Vagabond is a great series. Unfortunately it has been on hiatus for 13 months now. According to his website he is working with his editor on a plan to restart but has yet to post drafts. http://www.itplanning.co.jp/vagae.html

*former Vagabond mod*

[xi0]

From my experience the soda is always ruined if you drop it, no matter how long I've waited. I'm not that patient.

No, that's not true at all. It's best to open it in a sink to minimize the risk of mess


Is that right? I wonder which one that was... The only one I can think of that has a similar color (or does it?) is Urge.

That's right...it was called Surge here, but it was discontinued. It is indeed similar to that, but Mountain Dew has so many different varieties now it's sort of ridiculous. Vault (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Vault_%28soft_drink%29) has sort of replaced that brand now, another Coke product.


Mountain Dew has the highest amount of caffeine of all sodas from what I've heard.

I'm not sure if that's true anymore. At one time it probably was.

[Kaiten]

http://i.imgur.com/9SJ3R.jpg

[benelori]

Lol, never even heard about Jolt before :tem

Btw, started Vagabond. Love the art, and it's even in the early stages. I can't wait for the goodies later on like the ones that were examples of its artwork in the Manga Awards category thread for Best Artwork.

Nice:clap....you will love the humor...the humor of the old guys...

[Adorien]

Hey, Xio! :amuse

I think it's my first time here, so...

Shitsureishimasu~ :hug

How are things going? Anything new?

[Kaiten]

http://i.imgur.com/OoHWs.gif

[xi0]

Hey, Xio! :amuse

I think it's my first time here, so...

Shitsureishimasu~ :hug

How are things going? Anything new?

Don't know what that means :oh

I drank too much after dinner...did some things I regret :sweat

You? :XD


http://i.imgur.com/OoHWs.gif

You've posted that one before...not that I'm complaining or anything :hee

[Kaiten]

I have never posted that before. Swear to jebus.

[xi0]

I have never posted that before. Swear to jebus.

:blink ...I've seen it before, and it has your fingerprints all over it...

[Kaiten]

You may have seen it before but it was not my doing.

http://i.imgur.com/Z3OXM.jpg

I hope that makes up for posting something you saw before.

[xi0]

Hmmm...no, you posted that before :shifty

[Hamy]

Oh, is someone's Ask Me thread lonely? :hurr

Don't worry xi0 I am here for you! You only needed to ask :hurr

[xi0]

Don't worry xi0 I am here for you! You only needed to ask :hurr

...no :neutral

[Kaiten]

A woman is offering you her company, how could you say no?

[xi0]

A woman is offering you her company, how could you say no?

Because...I'm gay! :shifty

#awesomeexcuse :hip

[Kaiten]

I knew it :D

I'll let Milly, gots, and thorny know. They will be so glad you are finally open about it. Today is a proud day.

http://i.imgur.com/vUIEC.gif

[xi0]

If it keeps her away from me, it'll be worth it :hip

[Kaiten]

:oh

I am concerned that there are a number of false premises contained in the above statement. Are you sure it will keep her away and are you sure it will be worth it when the three stooges see that post? Have you considered the implications of me seeing that post? I'd be really worried about what I would do if I were you.

[xi0]

:oh

I am concerned that there are a number of false premises contained in the above statement. Are you sure it will keep her away and are you sure it will be worth it when the three stooges see that post? Have you considered the implications of me seeing that post? I'd be really worried about what I would do if I were you.

It was a risk worth taking :imslow

You're making a big deal out of this...you've never lied about being gay to get out of a situation before? :oh