Do you have an anime wallpaper collection?

The image you see above is my current wallpaper. I went on a hunt for Redline wallpapers after watching the film last night. I'll have my review of Redline a bit later, but right now I'd like to discuss the wide world of anime wallpapers.

Over the years, I've had tons and tons of anime wallpapers. It's very hard for me to watch an anime and not find something to love, be it story or artwork. That usually leads me to grabbing an anime for it and keeping it up on my computer for a month or two.

Even if I didn't love an anime, I can usually appreciate the artwork for it. I really think it's easier to appreciate anime because there's so many elements to latch onto. Story and visuals can be separated or looked at as the whole picture, which makes up some pretty unique memories.

Unfortunately, over teh years I haven't been holding onto the wallpapers I used to use. They've found themselves left on old computers or deleted in favor of cleaning up my PC. Now I long for a collection of my anime wallpapers from all these years.

Do you archive your anime wallpapers? How often do you switch between them? Do you have an absolute favorite?

That one time my Dad talked to me about anime

My mother and sister are both into anime. They don't hunt out shows or films to watch on their own, but they're more than willing to check out whatever content I bring their way. I actually just got my sister to wrap up Angel Beats, which she absolutely loved. I really love sharing anime with my family members, but my Dad has always been the odd man out.

He just doesn't seem to have any interest in anime, or most animation for that matter. He likes old cartoons, but hasn't watched a new cartoon in a very long time. I don't know what it is that keeps him from checking out animated features, and I don't think he knows either. That's why I was so surprised to hear from him this weekend concerning anime.

I don't know what channel he was watching, but he happened to see a commercial for the Disney release of The Secret World of Arrietty, which is a Studio Ghibli. He caught the commercial and it really happened to catch his eye. He liked it so much that he actually called to ask me all about it. Looks like he's finally found an animated film he actually wants to see, and it's anime at that!

When was the last time you had a parent show interest in anime? Are your parents into anime or do they have really misguided ideas as to what it is?

The Question 12/30: What anime did you check out this weekend?

I've got a bit of weird story for my weekend anime interactions. I actually didn't watch any anime due to being so busy, but still anime managed to sneak its way into my life. Oddly enough, the connection to anime came from my Dad! I'll be sharing that story a bit later today.

For now, I'd love to hear what anime you checked out over the weekend! Did you take a few hours to catch up on something in your backlog? Are you keeping up-to-date with the latest localized releases or shows airing in Japan? Leave a comment and let us know!

Cowboy Bebop director, composer reunite for 'Sakamichi no Apollon'

Reuniting Cowboy Bebop staff is automatically a way to get me interested in an anime. Count me in for this one!

Berserk: Golden Age I - Egg of the Supreme King -- 6 minute trailer

Tokitowa could be the closest thing to playing an anime yet

You seriously have to check out this trailer for Tokitowa, an upcoming PS3 RPG. The team behind the project has been very vocal about their graphics engine, noting just how close it is to true anime. Don't be fooled by the profile scenes. The real amazing stuff comes in from the short gameplay blips.



Yes, the scenes of characters running around and fighting is actually gameplay and not just a video. That looks seriously impressive to me. I'm not much of an RPG fan, but now I'm dying for this to get localized.

The pressure of unauthorized anime broadcasts

There is an absolutely huge world of anime out there for us to take in. I can't even keep up with the shows I'm watching now, but every week I learn about more shows that I want to check out in the future. It's a never-ending list of content that I feel interested in, and that I cannot complain about.

The problems come up when you actually want to sit down and watch that anime. Here in the states, viewing anime isn't nearly as easy as it is in Japan. I completely understand why that's the case, but it doesn't make it any easier being a fan here. You have to take what becomes available.

There are sites that stream anime legally, and there are also a bunch of officially localized DVDs and Blu-ray options out there. While that's all well and good, that doesn't mean you're always going to find that show that you want to see. Sometimes what you want just doesn't get localized.

There are other issues as well. Online options are never a sure thing. You could be watching a series on Netflix one week, and then the next it disappears from the lineup. The same can be said with Hulu or other streaming services. That leaves you hanging in the middle of a series with hardly any options. Even DVD and Blu-ray releases can be limited, making them quite hard to find. That pushes up prices, and paying $200 for a single DVD just doesn't make sense.

How do you combat the constant push to try alternative methods to support your anime habit? Are you against the illegal side of things or do you fully support it? How do you feel about fan translations in general? Is torrenting your main method of anime intake?

I really need to watch Bakemonogatari

Caution: This footage shows some major spoilers for Bakemonogatari. I didn't even realize that until watching it, but with that said, I want to see this series even more now!



The style and level of animation are absolutely gorgeous, in my opinion. If you're a guy or gal that has checked out this series, please let me know if it's worth the time! Unfortunately, it looks like an official localization just isn't going to happen.

The Question 1/23: What anime did you check out this weekend?

You want to know how busy I've been lately? I have been meaning to sit down and watch Redline, but I was waiting for it to actually come out. The problem is, the movie came out without me even noticing that the launch date has come and gone! I had been thinking that it was 'coming soon' for so long that the real release passed me up.

I've made good on my mistake though, as I just ordered the film off of Amazon. It should be here later in the week, and it'll definitely be a weekend viewing for me. That'll make up for my lack of anime fun this weekend. That, and the fact that I was feeling pretty damn sick.

I hope you are feeling healthy and managed to have some anime time over the weekend! What did you check out on your days off?

The SMOSH gang puts together a Death Note spoof

Believe it or not, one of the members of SMOSH is a fan of my other blog, GoNintendo. I got to talking to one of the members, and we've become quite good email friends! Our emails lead to a discussion of Death Note, which they checked out on my recommendation. Luckily, they loved the show! Now I see they loved it so much that they made a spoof!

Just incase you're unfamiliar, SMOSH is the #3 most subscribed to YouTube channel out there!

Slam Dunk fans recreate anime intro with shot-for-shot live action adaption

Anime fans...stop SOPA/PIPA!

PROTECT IP / SOPA Breaks The Internet from Fight for the Future on Vimeo.

Infographic: A look at the Japanese Spring 2012 anime lineup

Link

The sights of Anime Los Angeles

I have a resolution for 2012. I need to make sure I get to at least one anime convention this year. I haven't been to an anime convention in a very, very long time. I'd love to get in on one, so I need to figure out what's the best option for me!

Anime Los Angeles is already out of the running, seeing as how it's happened already! If you're interested in seeing some of the sights of the event, check out the gallery of photos below. Certainly looks like all that attended had a great time!

Check out the full gallery here

The Question 1/16: What anime did you check out this weekend?

I had a very busy weekend, which you might have been able to tell from the lack of updates on the anime blog. Things always sneak up on me and steal my time! I have grand plans of playing games and watching anime, but those quickly fall apart as the weekend sets itself into motion.

Hopefully you guys and gals had a better chance than I did. Did you check out any anime this weekend? What shows have you been pouring your time into? Did you have anime plans that fell through as well? Leave a comment on the blog or send over a Tweet and let us know!

A look at the Blade anime adaptation

Yet another comic book/movie series turned into an anime! Here's a quick look at what you can expect from the anime adaptation.

Get More: Movie Trailers, Movies Blog

Direct link here

Sentai Filmworks & Maiden Japan Announce April Anime Release Slate

Distributor Section 23 Films has let loose with the release slate we’ll see from both Sentai Filmworks and Maiden Japan come April 2012, some of which we already knew since they were new licensing announcements we just got yesterday. Those new ones included Motto to Love Ru and Polyphonica Crimson S, which were definitely nice pickups for those that enjoyed the previous incarnations and wanted more of it. But there’s more to be had beyond that. The Geneon license rescue of Someday’s Dreamers gets formalized here and we finally get a release for Infinite Stratos, which after a good bit of time in the digital realm is getting a DVD and Blu-ray release, which means an English language dub as well. Of particular interest to me and several others though is the inclusion of the third installment of Golgo 13 which will arrive, bilingual, in April as well, giving hope to finishing out the series in 2012. Check below for the full details:

Coming April 2012

Title: MOTTO TO LOVERU COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 4/3/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: The insanity that began when a very naked (and very female) alien teleported into Rito Yuki’s bathtub (while he was in it) continues. And even though Princess Lala has finally started to admit her true feelings for the young man she’s inexplicably engaged to marry (as a result of what happened in said bathtub and Develuke customs,) her sometimes erratic technology and the snags and snarls of intergalactic politics and intrigue are still causing major problems. That transporter? Yeah, it still has the nasty habit of leaving the clothes behind. Alien bounty hunters? Yep, even more of them and they’re even more devious. Add body switches, alien skunks, a bathroom that changes size and shape, the inevitable sleepover that you just know it’s going to go horribly, horribly wrong (spoiler: it does.) Worst of all, there’s Valentine’s Day, and even in space you’ll be able to hear Rito scream! Love takes a quantum shift into the wrong gear and the star brakes are broken in the extra-special, extra-crazy extraterrestrial romance to end them all, MOTTO TO LOVE RU – The Complete Collection!!!

Title: POLYPHONICA CRIMSON S COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Maiden Japan
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 4/3/2012
Format: DVD
Language: Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: To bring law and order you need police, to make music you need musicians, and to make the former using the latter, you need a Dantist! Ever since he was visited by a mysterious spirit as a boy, Phoron’s wanted to become one of the elite battle bards who watch over the continent of Polyphonica. Yet even though he’s mastered the basic skills for singing the Commandia spells and operating a One-Man Orchestra, he’s been unable to summon the required spirit companion because of a promise he made to that first spirit: to sing only for her. But that silence is shattered and Phoron’s musical meanderings are over when his supernatural partner suddenly returns, intent on finalizing the ‘contract’ they made twelve years ago! Which would be great except for one thing: she’s not just any spirit, but the dreaded Corticarte, the Crimson Annihilator! But what the heck, sometimes you just you just have to grit your teeth and duet! Get ready for a musical partnership with more than its share of discord and a distinctly martial beat in Polyphonica Crimson S!

Title: INFINITE STRATOS COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 4/10/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98

SYNOPSIS: Ten years ago, the development of the revolutionary Infinite Stratos powered exoskeleton changed the world’s balance of power overnight. Unfortunately, while the distribution of IS systems to every nation on Earth HAS ushered in a new era of peace, the fact that only women have thus far been able to pilot the Stratos systems has sent the relationship between the XX and XY-chromosomed halves of the human race into a spiraling tailspin! So when fifteen-year-old Ichika Orimura is suddenly discovered to be the first male with the ability to control an IS, whatever plans he might have had for his own future are tossed out the window even as he’s thrown to the wolves and enrolled at the otherwise entirely female Infinite Stratos Academy by order of the Japanese government! It’s One Boy Vs. All the Girls as Ichika get taken for a ride on some serious heavy metal in INFINITE STRATOS – The Complete Collection!

Title: INFINITE STRATOS COMPLETE COLLECTION BLU-RAY
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 325 min.
Street Date: 4/10/2012
Format: BD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $69.98

SYNOPSIS: Ten years ago, the development of the revolutionary Infinite Stratos powered exoskeleton changed the world’s balance of power overnight. Unfortunately, while the distribution of IS systems to every nation on Earth HAS ushered in a new era of peace, the fact that only women have thus far been able to pilot the Stratos systems has sent the relationship between the XX and XY-chromosomed halves of the human race into a spiraling tailspin! So when fifteen-year-old Ichika Orimura is suddenly discovered to be the first male with the ability to control an IS, whatever plans he might have had for his own future are tossed out the window even as he’s thrown to the wolves and enrolled at the otherwise entirely female Infinite Stratos Academy by order of the Japanese government! It’s One Boy Vs. All the Girls as Ichika get taken for a ride on some serious heavy metal in INFINITE STRATOS – The Complete Collection!

Title: SOMEDAY’S DREAMERS COMPLETE COLLECTION
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 4/17/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $49.98

SYNOPSIS: When can flunking a spelling test cause major problems? When you’re learning how to use magic, of course! And that’s exactly the situation fifteen-year-old Yume Kikuchi finds herself in when she travels to Tokyo to begin her apprenticeship as a licensed magic user. Unfortunately, Yume’s a country girl in the big city for the first time and there are a lot of new-fangled ideas to get used to. Like her new mentor, Oyamada, turning out to be a man instead of the expected woman! Add to that the fact that Yume’s not really very confident about her abilities to achieve her goal of a magic license and she might just jinx herself into failing! It will take a lot of helping hands from her equally challenged fellow students and even more aid from her teachers if she’s going to succeed, but in the end, the most important lesson she’ll learn may not even be about spellcasting. The process of growing up and discovering what lies inside your own heart is the most wonderful magic of all in SOMEDAY’S DREAMERS – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

Title: GOLGO 13 COLLECTION 3
Published by: Sentai Filmworks
Distributed by: Section23 Films
Run Time: 300 min.
Street Date: 4/24/2012
Format: DVD
Language: English & Japanese with English Subtitles
SRP: $59.98

SYNOPSIS: He never misses his target. No one has ever seen him kill and lived to speak of it. Any witnesses-beautiful woman or stray cat-become just collateral damage, part of the job. And now Golgo 13 is back with some of his most heartless cases ever. The targets this time? Accident survivors turned mindless terrorists. A disgraced politician’s mistress. A Trump-like CEO. Ocean pirates with a sniper of their own. And in the strangest assignment of all time, Golgo is hired to take out an 1800 Romanée-Monts Luisants. (Yes, he’s going to kill a bottle of wine.) Solve the puzzles-if you can-in the most mysterious, action-packed shoot-’em-up ever!

FUNimation email - 45% Off on Hetalia: World Series on Amazon

Another series I've heard much about but haven't actually seen. With all these price drops and limited-time sales, I think I might need to blindly jump in on some content!

Kimi ni todoke Vol. 1 Premium Edition is now shipping to North American retailers

We are happy to announce that kimi ni todoke -From Me to You- Volume 1 Premium Edition is now shipping across North America to select online retailers: Right Stuf, The Anime Corner Store, Anime Pavilion, Anime Castle, and The NIS America Online Store.

NIS America has been sending over anime-related press releases to me. I have to admit, I am not familiar with the anime above. Anyone care to fill me in on the finer details?

Sometimes it takes a second...third...fourth...fifth viewing

I am not someone to admit defeat right away. I don't hit a wall and automatically give up on the task at hand. Without any pushback, life would be pretty boring! Working hard and persevering can be a wonderful thing for your mindset. Just keep at it and you'll get through your struggles!

I like to take this same approach with some anime. I personally don't need a lot to be impressed or entertain when it comes to TV/anime/video games. It's hard for me to not get some enjoyment out of a series or movie, so I really don't have to apply this rule to myself.

I do like to push that idea on others when it comes to certain anime. There are features out there that I know people will love, but they automatically shoot it down in the early stages. Making up your mind about a series after one episode just doesn't make any sense to me. You have to give time to let things grow, and you never know where the series will take you.

I just voiced this opinion with my sister and FLCL. She gave it a shot and just couldn't take its approach. I know that FLCL isn't for everyone, but with that said, I know that my sister will love it. She just has to get through the first episode and into the story itself. She's going to give it another shot based on our discussion, and I really hope this time she sticks with it.

What anime have you watched that just didn't click until multiple viewings had passed?

Fragile Dreams - The ultimate anime game

It just dawned on me over the weekend. I've been running an anime blog for half a year now, and somehow I haven't managed to talk about Fragile Dreams. I completely screwed up on this one. Fragile Dreams is the perfect blend of both video games and anime, and it certainly deserves to have some features on the site.

Before I actually write out those features, I want to ask a few questions. Are you interested in anime-style video games? Do you own a Wii? Would you like to learn more about this Wii title and how it plays out perfectly for an anime fan? I don't want to put together features on the title if you're not interested in checking it out or learning more.

I promise, even if you don't like video games, you're going to love Fragile Dreams. It plays out more like an anime than any other title I've seen, and it tugs at the heartstrings so hard that you might have to get a few replaced. It's a game that may very well change your line of thinking on a number of topics. It can also really make you appreciate life in new ways.

The Question 1/9 - What did you watch this weekend?

Again, I had another weekend that was just too busy to watch anime, but with my new plan of tackling shows one at a time, I know I'll be able to handle my viewing in a much better manner. It should also open up time during the week (late night) to view those shows I have lined up.

What I did do this weekend was share another anime with my sister. With every anime I show her, she trusts my judgment a little more. I really won her over with Angel Beats, so now I'm bringing her back to something that is a little less fresh on the market.

The show would be Birdy the Mighty, which I've talked about at great length on the site. I really think she's going to love it. My sister likes to watch anime that features love stories or some sort of connection between two characters, and Birdy definitely has that. You just have to keep with the series to see it grow.

Can't wait to hear what she thinks of it! For now, I'd really like to hear what you guys watched over the weekend!

NIS America announces kimi ni todoke -From Me to You- Volume 2 Premium Edition and new Standard Editions

Santa Ana, CA (January 6, 2012) - NIS America announced today that their popular anime titles, PandoraHearts, PERSONA -trinity soul- and Our Home’s Fox Deity, will be available in standard edition packaging. Each standard edition set will come with the same bonus tracks and features as the premium edition, and a story guide leaflet for a quick overview of each episode. The standard editions are being made available to give our fans even more affordable options! Pandorahearts, PERSONA -trinity soul-, and Our Home’s Fox Deity Standard Editions (Volumes 1 and 2) will be available on January 24 at select online retailers, Right Stuf, The Anime Corner Store, Anime Pavilion, Anime Castle, and NIS America Online Store

NIS America proudly announced today that the high school romance kimi ni todoke -From Me to YouVolume 2 Premium Edition will be available in North America in April. In kimi ni todoke -From Me to You-, you will see how Sawako handles the realization that her feelings toward Kazehaya are romantic. Everybody’s first high school crush is always bittersweet. Sawako’s journey of love, friendship, and self-discovery will be packed into 2 Blu-ray discs and 2 DVDs. The premium edition comes in a highly collectible sturdy slipcase with the hardcover art book, Our Memories, a collection of memories from the main characters in kimi ni todoke -From Me to You-. Preorder at select online retailers: Right Stuf, The Anime Corner Store, Anime Pavilion, Anime Castle, and NIS America’s Online Store.

Your weekly WTF - Nimu Nimu Nimu Nimu...

How long can you Nimu?

Happy 71st birthday, Miyazaki!

Okay, technically Miyazaki's birthday was yesterday, but we can still wish the man a happy 71st, can't we?! I promise, if I knew him in person I would have remembered his birthday on the actual date!

I thought I'd put up this post in order to see you guys and gals share some of your favorite Miyazaki moments. The man is an absolute legend when it comes to anime films, with his works being recognized around the world for their quality and heartfelt nature. His body of work is amazing, and I'm guessing you have quite a few favorite moments.

What's your favorite Miyazaki film? What about your favorite character or moment? Leave a comment or send a tweet!

Falling in love with a fictional band

I don't know if I've ever mentioned this on the blog, but I'm very, very picky when it comes to music. I won't put anyone down for listening to what they enjoy, but it's quite hard for me to find music that I really like to listen to. Imagine my surprise when I stumbled upon a band that I loved, but they're a fictional anime group.



The song above is performed by Girls Dead Monster, a fictional band inside the world of Angel Beats. The band plays an important part in the Angel Beats story, but we also get to hear them perform a number of songs. I'll be damned if they aren't a fun, upbeat band!

Yes, the music in the band is performed by two real-life musicians that can perform live, but it's not like the Girls Dead Monster band actually exists. That will only live inside the anime itself, and I doubt we'll ever hear another round of tracks from this band.

At least I can enjoy 15 tracks from Girls Dead Monster, thanks to a supplemental soundtrack release that accompanied Angel Beats. Girls Dead Monster may not be a real band, but they did get an album release. Those 15 tracks will always have a place in my iTunes library. They'll just make me sad when I hear them!

Best part about all of this? My sister came to me on her own and told me she really loved the band in Angel Beats. That's without any prodding or comment from me. Glad to know others really dig the music as well! I suggest hitting up YouTube to check out some more of their tunes.

NIS America announces BRAVE10

NIS America is happy to announce our newly acquired anime title BRAVE10! It’s the heart-pounding story of a group of ninjas who will change the course of Japanese history forever! The story itself is a modernized interpretation of Sanada Ten Braves, a historically popular novel in Japan.

About BRAVE10:
A young ninja named Saizo Kirigakure is trying to find meaning and direction in his life when he encounters Isanami, who is fleeing from assassins. He manages to save her life, and she then asks him to act as her bodyguard until she reaches her destination. When they arrive in the protected territory of Sanada, Saizo falls into a meeting with Sasuke Sarutobi, leader of the famed ninja group. Sanada has gathered these bold and talented ninjas together in order to bring an end to Japan’s era of war. Meanwhile, Isanami’s mysterious hidden power comes to light... The untold story of these brave ten will come to life in this action-packed battle anime, BRAVE10.

Akira live-action adaptation hits a roadblock yet again

Were you not into the live-action Akira adaptation that we talked about a few weeks back? If you cross your fingers really tightly, the whole plan for the movie might go away. Believe it or not, plans for the film have once again hit a major snag.

The production offices of the film have actually been closed down now at the request of Warner Bros.. All employees were told to go home while some more issues were worked out with the script. What issues have cropped up this time? Turns out it's all related to money.

Warner Bros. feels the movie's budget just isn't in line with what they can pull off, or what the project is worth in general. The budget currently sits at $90 million, which was a steep jump down from the $180 million budget that was originally proposed. Just where does Warner Bros. want the budget to go now?

The project can move ahead if script rewrites and shifts allow for a budget of $60 to $70 million. There will be two weeks' time where this budget can be reworked, but if the goal isn't met by the end of that time, the movie could be shelved indefinitely once again.

Some might say that's not such a bad thing.

Sentai Filmworks Licenses Someday's Dreamers

HOUSTON, January 4, 2012— Sentai Filmworks is pleased to announce the recent acquisition of the anime classic SOMEDAY'S DREAMERS. Based on the hit manga by Kumichi Yoshizuki and Norie Yamada (originally released in North America by Tokyo Pop,) and with script supervision by co-creator Yamada, the twelve episode series was directed by Masami Shimoda (Boys Be..., 11 Eyes, Polyphonica) with character design adaptations by Michinori Chiba and Nobue Yoshinaga.

When can flunking a spelling test cause major problems? When you're learning how to use magic, of course! And that's exactly the situation fifteen-year-old Yume Kikuchi finds herself in when she travels to Tokyo to begin her apprenticeship as a licensed magic user. Unfortunately, Yume's a country girl in the big city for the first time and there are a lot of new-fangled ideas to get used to. Like her new mentor, Oyamada, turning out to be a man instead of the expected woman! Add to that the fact that Yume's not really very confident about her abilities to achieve her goal of a magic license and she might just jinx herself into failing! It will take a lot of helping hands from her equally challenged fellow students and even more aid from her teachers if she's going to succeed, but in the end, the most important lesson she'll learn may not even be about spellcasting. The process of growing up and discovering what lies inside your own heart is the most wonderful magic of all in SOMEDAY'S DREAMERS – THE COMPLETE COLLECTION!

SOMEDAY'S DREAMERS will soon be available digitally through many outlets, with a home video release this spring on DVD.

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Direct, literal and liberal translations

Apparently, it's very hard to translate anime and manga into something that makes sense in English. As we've seen time and time again in multiple features, dialog goes through some major changes as it gets translated and moved around from Japanese to English.

The comic above really does speak volumes for the state of translations right now. There are a few companies that do a great job of putting together translations that both play out well and seem to have a natural flow to them. Then there's the translations that take things too far in one direction or the other.

If I had to pick which I dislike more, I'd have to say that translations striving to be 'cool' are much worse than those that throw in heaping handfuls of Japanese verbiage. I don't need to hear curse words where there weren't any. I don't need characters to use phrases that are up-to-date with the teens of today. I don't want timely topics inserted into dialog where they needn't be.

Looking at the comic above, do you think it accurately portrays the dub and sub scene going on right now? Can you point out any huge offenders, or perhaps some features that buck the trend?

Set aside your money now for Grave of the Fireflies

We posted up the press release awhile back, but I wanted to make sure I talked about this separately from that post. Grave of the Fireflies is going to see a re-release, thanks to Sentai Filmworks. The title will get a DVD/Blu-ray release, as well as a digital and on-demand option. Trust me, this is a film that any anime fan needs to own.

I've given my review of the film already, and hopefully my passion for it came through. I've seen a ton of anime in my life, and in that mix were some series' and films that were life-changing. Without a doubt, Grave of the Fireflies is at the top of that list. It completely altered my way of thinking.

I can't think of any other film, be it live action or animated, that touched me the way Grave of the Fireflies did. I promise you, it's going to make you take a few steps back from your day to day life. It'll make you quite introspective, and I'm sure you'll come away with a renewed appreciation for the life you live.

It's a very tough film to watch, content-wise. You're not going to like everything you see, but it all boils up into a very important message. Even if you think historical and war films aren't for you (like I did), push those feelings aside. This is a story about love, family, and just how precious life is.

Missing out on Grave of the Fireflies with this fantastic second chance would be a travesty.

My first anime of 2012 starts tonight: Clannad

I'm going to do a much better job of chronicling the anime that I watch this year. I'm also going to make it a point to start and finish a series before I jump into a new one. I screwed myself over by jumping all over the place with anime last year. This year a better focus will help me to understand and appreciate the shows I'm watching.

As I said a few days back, I was lucky enough to get the Blu-ray version of Clannad for Christmas. It's not exactly the cheapest set, which is why I was surprised to actually get it as a gift. I plan to put the series to good use now, and I figure it's perfect to kick off the new year with.

I continue to hear great things about Clannad. The thing is, I've been trying to stay away from big details on the series. I've been basing my interest on impressions that others have posted online. It seems that the series manages to pull an emotional response from even the most hardened viewers out there, which signifies something special to me.

Was Clannad worth your time? Leave a comment and let me know. I'm going to let you know if I find it worth my time later tonight!

The Question 1/2 - What did you watch this weekend?

The New Year is upon us! I can't believe how quickly it snuck up. I had so much that I wanted to get done in 2012 that I simply didn't have time to do. That includes a lot of anime watching. Maybe that will chance in 2012? I plan to try and make that happen!

Did you get to check out any anime over the weekend? I'm sure most of you were busy partying it up with family and friends, but maybe a few anime minutes managed to squeeze their way in. Leave a comment and let us know!

Personally, I didn't get a chance to watch any anime. I did happen to have a few conversations about anime though! That has to count for something...right?!

The first anime you'll check out in 2012

Hey gang, happy new year to all of you! We made it into the next year, and I'm sure it's going to be chock-full of new anime greatness! There will be new Japanese shows and localizations that capture our hearts and minds, and I personally cannot wait to dive into that content!

Just because 2011 is over doesn't mean that we're all through with the shows that landed here last year. There are plenty of series that I need to get into. They've been sitting on my shelves or have been bookmarked for viewing later, and 2012 is my chance to catch up on those.

I want to make sure I set the tone for 2012 in a way that really starts things off with a bang. I have a few choices on which anime to start viewing first, but I haven't made my final decision yet. Something tells me that I should go with Clannad, since I hear so many great things about it!

What's the first anime you're going to watch in 2012? Maybe you've already started some anime viewing! Let us know what you're going to pick...or what you've already seen!