Monday, 31 December 2012

Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger Cast Revealed


The official cast announcement flier for Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger has just surfaced online! Based on the flier, the cast will make their first press conference appearance on January 26/27, 2013.

The full cast are:

Daigo Kiryu aka KyoryuRed - Ryo Ryusei
Ian Yorkland aka KyoryuBlack - Shusuke Saito
Nobuharu Udou aka KyoryuBlue - Kinjo Yamato
Souji Rippukan aka KyoryuGreen - Akihisa Shiono
Amy Yuzuki aka KyoryuPink - Ayuri Konno

Long ago, in the time of the dinosaurs, the earth was invaded by forces from outer space. The only people capable of the stopping them was a team known as the Kyouki Ryu no Sha, the People of the Strong Dragons, or, Kyoryuger for short. Now, in the modern world, they return using the powers of the Beast Batteries to fight off this revived threat.

Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger premieres February 17th, 2013.

2012 Year End SP: Top 5 2012 Japanese Movies

What I expected to see this year. It's worth the wait.

2012 is also a great year for Japanese movies and here are my top 5 list of my favorite Japanese movies. Because I don't live in Japan, this list also includes movies that have their home video release this year.


5. K-ON! the Movie
I admit, I didn't watch the second season but it didn't hinder my enjoyment of watching this movie since this movie is basically an episode of K-ON! that lasted for more than an hour with a plot that has something to do with the main four members of the Light Music Club graduating from high school and decided to have a trip in London before they graduate. Its fun, it's cute and lastly, it's also an emotional roller coaster ride as the movie deals with issues related to graduation and leaving an underclassman behind. [MOVIE REVIEW SOON]


4. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger vs. Space Sheriff Gavan the Movie
Though at first I am having a hard time accepting the fact that this Super Sentai Versus movie will feature a crossover with Space Sheriff Gavan since it doesn't make much sense, I ended up actually enjoying the movie. Aside from having three Kenji Ohbas in one scene and references to past Space Sheriff programs, it also gave us another side of Marvelous' past that the series didn't explore. It's entertaining and gave me interest in watching some shows in the Metal Hero franchise. Too bad, not all of them are fully subbed. [MOVIE REVIEW SOON]


3. Ace Attorney
Before watching the movie, I decided to play the Nintendo DS port of the original GBA game since hey; it's the only version available in English! After finishing four chapters of the game, I got more hyped in watching the movie and boy, I am not disappointed. To sum up the movie, this is the closest thing we have for a good video game live-action movie adaptation. [MOVIE REVIEW SOON]


2. Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Fourze & OOO: Movie Wars MEGAMAX
After two Movie Wars movies, this movie finally got the perfect formula for a Kamen Rider crossover movie without it becoming a Super Sentai Versus movie. The way how they tied up the events of the OOO and Fourze segments to the main plot of the movie is superbly done. The fights are really amazing especially the movie's climax scene. [DIRECTOR'S CUT MOVIE REVIEW SOON]


1. Rurouni Kenshin
After much anticipation, I was able to watch Rurouni Kenshin twice when it hit Philippine cinemas earlier this month. All I can say is the wait and the Facebook campaign in bringing this movie to Philippine shores is worth it. This is one of those Japanese comic book movie adaptations that really worked thanks to how it faithfully recreated the setting of the original manga into film. To put it simply, it's hard to describe this movie in one paragraph, so here, just read my review of this movie. [READ MOVIE REVIEW HERE]

Special Mentions
Here are some movies that I anticipated this year, only to end up getting disappointed.


Sadako 3D
The movie's concept is interesting but as for the rest of it, it was... horrible. Seriously, I need to forget the fact that this movie features bad CGI Sadako zombies and a lame male protagonist, who happens to be the same guy who played Kamen Rider Kiva! Until now, I regret watching this movie when it hit Philippine cinemas earlier this year. [READ MOVIE REVIEW HERE]


Kamen Rider x Super Sentai: Super Hero Taisen
It has an interesting concept yet failed in terms of execution. Seriously, the plot is so bad that I want this movie to end as soon as possible. Also, a lot of characters seem to be out of character and that's a bad thing. The viewer loses their money while Toei is swimming on a heap pile of cash. Oh well, at least the final scene of the movie is really amazing. [MOVIE REVIEW SOON]

Sunday, 30 December 2012

New Go-Busters vs. Gokaiger Cast Images


The official Tokumei Sentai Go-Buster Toei production page has just posted new images for the upcoming Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie! The images are the pictures of the villains and the returning past Super Sentai characters in this movie.


From left to right: Bacchus Gill (voiced by Takaya Hashi), a heavy drinker and Ackdos Gill's nephew. Action Commander Waredonaiyer (voiced by Yuichi Nakamura), who has a striking resemblance between him and Deretsueiger who the Gokaiger had already defeated. Basco ta Jolokia (played by Kei Hosogai), who came back from the death somehow by Enter's power.


Left (top to bottom): Former Action Commander Jerashitto (voiced by Takahiro Sakurai), who is stuck in the Edo Era for some reason. Navi (voiced by Yukari Tamura), who is currently held captive in EMC's Special Ops branch. Kaoru Shiba/Princess ShinkenRed (played by Runa Natsui), who appears before the Special Ops branch and presents them with a scroll and its writings.

Right: Yatsudenwani (voiced by Kyousei Tsukui), the current Dino Curry CEO and he appears in the movie during a scene wherein Hiromu and Marvelous had a curry eating contest!

Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie premieres this January 19, 2013.

Doraemon TV Anime to Use Perfume's Latest Single as Ending Theme


Perfume's latest single, "Mirai no Museum" will be used as the ending theme of the Doraemon anime starting with its January 11th broadcast.

The song is also the theme song of the upcoming Doraemon movie entitled, "Doraemon the Movie: Nobita's Secret Gadget Museum". It's described as a pop tune that expresses the magical worldview of the movie.

The song will be released as the girls' first single of 2013 in spring.

Source: tokyohive

Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger OP & ED Theme Revealed


Nippon Columbia has just revealed the opening and ending theme titles of Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger! The CD single that includes these themes will be released on March 13, 2013.

The opening theme of the series is entitled, "VAMOLA! Kyoryuger!" (Trans. Let's Go! Kyoryuger!). It will be performed by Shogo Kamata, making this his first single.

The ending theme of the series is entitled, "Minna Atsumare! Kyoryuger!" (Trans. Everyone come together! Kyoryuger!). It will be performed by Hideaki Takatori, best known for performing the Ninpuu Sentai Hurricanger opening theme and the Samurai Sentai Shinkenger ending theme.

Source: Rising Sun Tokusatsu

Kyoryuger Cameo in Go-Busters vs. Gokaiger


Even though Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters didn't air yesterday, a new ad for the upcoming Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie aired in Japan featuring the Kyoryuger cameo in the movie!


In Go-Busters vs. Gokaiger, they are set to fight Bacchus Gil's right-hand man, Action Commander Waredonaiyer and his group of Sugormin.

Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie will premiere this January 19th.

Source: Henshin Justice, Rising Sun Tokusatsu

Kyoryuger Gashapon Listings Reveals New Gear


The latest Gashapon toy listings for Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger revealed additional gear for our heroes!

First is KyoryuRed holding a special triangle weapon that also serves as his arm guard. Second is KyoryuJin's new weapon thanks to the Stegochi. After forming the KyoryuJin formation, Stegochi's tail will serve as the mecha's sword.

In addition, Bandai has plans to release 22 Beast Batteries for the Kyoryuger toyline.

Source: Alpha Hero Shock

KyoryuRed in Latest Super Sentai Dice-Oh Ad


With Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger premiering next year, it is expected that they will be added in the Super Sentai Dice-Oh arcade game!


In this ad for Dice-Oh Gaburinchou, the latest version of the Dice-Oh arcade game, we see shots of the past three Super Sentai Reds before KyoryuRed. At the end of the ad, we see KyoryuRed combine the GabriRevolver and the GabriCalibur to perform one epic finisher!

2012 Year End SP: Top 10 2012 Anime Titles


Here is yet another year end blog post and this time, it is about my favorite anime titles for the past year. Unlike the tokusatsu list, it took me quite some time thinking about what are my favorite anime titles for this year. Take note, this list of mine is just my own personal opinion, if you hated my favorites, it only means that we don't have the same taste.


10. Nyarko-san Another Crawling Chaos
The series is basically what if the characters in the Lovecraft Mythos are now moe anime girls, do anime and tokusatsu references and have the main female protagonist madly in-love with the male protagonist. This is the show in a nutshell and I really enjoyed it and I hope the second season is just as fun as the first one! [SEASON REVIEW COMING SOON]


9. Kuroko's Basketball
It's hard to watch some recent sports anime titles for the following reasons: (a) too much pretty boys, (b) more drama less action and (c) if there is action, it's always over the top. I don't mind the 3rd reason since that's the only reason why recent sports anime is fun to watch but that's not what I am looking for in a sports anime.

Kuroko got what I wanted for a sports anime; there is a balance of sports action, comedy, drama and yes, moments of some of the characters going a bit over the top. With the announcement of a second season, I hope that the introduction of the two remaining members of the Generation of Miracles will be really good! [SEASON REVIEW COMING SOON]


8. Chuunibyou Demo Koi ga Shitai!
At first see the series as Akibaranger the anime with more focus on the split-screen comparison between reality and delusion. It gets more interesting when they started talking about the issue of escaping reality via delusions and if it is time for Rikka to face the harsh reality. [SERIES REVIEW COMING SOON]


7. Bakuman Season 2 and 3
The previous season improved a lot in terms of pacing, making the series more enjoyable to watch. Aside that the series is more focused on Mutou Ashirogi's trials in the world of manga like how can they make Detective TRAP last longer and the trials they went through during its run before moving to Tanto then to PCP. The second season also expanded Mashiro and Azuki's love story, especially during the time Mashiro was hospitalized due to some liver complications.

With the third season getting more interesting every week thanks to the introduction of a new rival, guess next year will be one explosive year to the Bakuman anime as it draws nearer to its series conclusion.


6. Mobile Suit Gundam AGE
The concept of generations of Gundam pilots is the first thing that got me into watching this series. Though the series started a bit slow, it gets more interesting in the last few episodes of the first arc. The Mobile Suit designs are interesting and Flit's growth from an innocent young boy into an old man who only wants genocide is something that rarely happens in a Gundam series. I might rank the series a bit higher if it wasn't for the fourth arc. At least Flit is awesome till the end. [PART III & IV REVIEW COMING SOON]


5. Sword Art Online
One of the most talked about anime show of 2012 for obvious reasons, the setting is really interesting and having a game beta tester as the main protagonist made me more intrigue since he is supposed to be the first person who has the knowledge that the game's creator plans to trap 10,000 players in his own video game. So why this show ranked 5th in my list? Simple, they have forgotten some elements that made the series intriguing in the first place and the second arc. I will reserve my thoughts about it my review of the series.


4. AKB0048
To be honest, I have very low expectations about this series. I mean, how can you write a series based on an idol group without making it too cliché? The result: a space opera featuring idols fighting for the rights of every human to experience free entertainment with a major focus on a group of young idols aspiring to become those famous idols. Since the series ended with a message about the General Elections, I can't wait for the second season! [SEASON REVIEW COMING SOON]


3. Hunter x Hunter (2011)
Though I have problems with the series at first for skipping some fun details about the Hunter Exam arc, they were able to make up for it with the later story arcs. Aside that they fixed the issues I had with the 1999 anime, namely the amount of filler content and some of the animation, the 2011 anime was able to compress 90+ episodes of the 1999 anime into 50+ episodes. The reason why I got bored with the later episodes of the 1999 anime is that felt too slow for me that I tend to ignore the important details. The new series made me want to watch more Hunter x Hunter and it's a good thing. The only problem I have right now in the series is if they have plans to change the opening theme.


2. Fate/Zero
The first season is exciting but the meat of the story is in the second season. Seriously, we have the Kiritsugu's back story, an epic battle in some river featuring a Lovecraft-inspired monster, the Holy Grail War drawing closer to its conclusion and finally, how they were able to tie up the events that happened in the original Fate/stay night eroge without making any plot holes like what Star Wars did in its prequel movies. Did I mention that ufotable did a good job in adapting the series and the show had one amazing soundtrack? [SERIES REVIEW COMING SOON]


1. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure
After 25 years, the adventures of the Joestar family finally has a proper anime adaptation and boy, it didn't disappoint me! The anime series is so amazing that I decided to read the original source material because I can't wait what will happen next in the next episode! The series is currently on Part 2, my favorite story arc in the manga and hopefully, by the end of the arc, we might have an announcement if they will adapt Part 3 and 4!

Saturday, 29 December 2012

Kyoryuger First Episode Details, KyoryuBlack's Past


Aside from the info about the staff and KyoryuRed, here are the details about Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger's first episode, which wrapped up filming around Christmas.

The staff are hard at work doing their best to portray an invasion plot in global scale, with the first episode having a familiar yet different sort of setting for a Sentai series.


Even though the series is said to incorporate a fantastical style in comparison to Go-Busters, it's said that the backgrounds of each character involves various sorts of drama. KyoryuBlack is said to have a history very reminiscent of GoseiBlue, having supposedly lost friends during the invasion in Europe. KyoryuBlack's full name might be Ian Kirkland.

Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger begins this February 17, 2013.

Source: Rising Sun Tokusatsu

More Official Images of S.H. FiguArts Space Sheriff Gavan


Last October, we have reported the upcoming release of S.H. FiguArts Space Sheriff Gavan. Recently, Bandai Tamashii Nations has just posted more images of the said figure!


S.H. FiguArts Space Sheriff Gavan stands 150mm tall and comes with the following accessories: a head with the Laser Scope effect, Laser Blade with effect specifications and interchangeable hands.

This Tamashii Web Exclusive figure cost 4200 yen and is scheduled for an April 2013 release.

Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger Complete Staff List


The latest issue of Hyper Hobby magazine has just listed the staff of Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger! It was previously confirmed that Riku Sanjou will be the show's head writer and Koichi Sakamoto will be show's director.

Contrary to recent rumor, Hirofumi Fukuzawa is the show's action director. Currently, he is the action director of Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters.

Toshihiko Sahashi will compose the show's music, some of his previous tokusatsu music credits are: Seijuu Sentai Gingaman and Kamen Rider Hibiki. Outside tokusatsu, he composed the music for Mobile Suit Gundam SEED, The Big O and Hunter x Hunter.

Lastly, the show's chief producer is Omori Takahito, making this show as his first job as chief producer. He was the secondary producer in Kamen Rider Kiva, Samurai Sentai Shinkenger and Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger.

Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger begins this February 17, 2013.

Source: Rising Sun Tokusatsu

Kyoryuger's Kiryu Daigo aka KyoryuRed Revealed


We have reported days ago that actor Ryo Ryusei will have a role in Juuden Sentai Kyoryuger. Talent agency KEN-ON has just announced that he will be in the series as KyoryuRed!

Ryo Ryusei previously played the role of Nekozawa-sempai in the live-action Ouran High School Host Club drama series and one of the students in the drama called "HAMMER SESSION!". In the series, he will play the role of Kiryu Daigo, one of the "People of the Strong Dragons" or simply the Kyoryuger.

Using the GabRevolver, he transforms into KyoryuRed and his partner JuudenRyu is Gabutyra that can combine with Stegochi and Dricera to form KyoryuJin.

Source: JEFusion

Infinite Stratos Light Novel Series "Reboot" Promo


Overlap has just posted a video promoting the "reboot" of the Infinite Stratos light novel series. The light novel series will resume this April with the release of the 8th volume of the series on April 25, 2013.

Series creator Izuru Yumizuru continues to write the story with artist CHOCO doing the novel illustrations. The special edition version of the 8th volume will bundle a "secret" cast video.


In addition, new editions of the previous seven volumes will also be released next year. Volumes 1 & 2 will be released on April 25, volumes 3 & 4 will be released on May 25, volumes 5 & 6 will be released on June 25 and volume 7 will be released on July 25.

Source: Anime News Network

Friday, 28 December 2012

2012 Year End SP: Top 5 2012 Tokusatsu Titles

Goodbye, 2012. Hello, 2013!

Due to the holidays last year, I wasn't able to make a special year end blog post that highlights my favorite tokusatsu titles for 2011. Thankfully, I have enough spare time to make one right now so let's get started! Take note, this list of mine is just my own personal opinion, if you hated my favorites, it only means that we don’t have the same taste.


5. Kamen Rider Wizard
Sure, the suit designs looked great, the Wizard Ring gimmick is awesome but the problem with the series is its villains. I mean, for at least 16 episodes now, they weren't able to make a new Phantom! But hey, it's still the first 16 episodes of the series and anything can happen once Kamen Rider Beast is in the picture! Also, there is something with Wiseman that is bothering me for the past few weeks now. Why he let Koyomi have the sapphire magic stone and laugh like a maniac about creating more despair with it? Guess we will have to wait and see how this pans out next year!


4. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger
So why top 4 in the list? Simply because most of the best bits of the series aired in the previous year and all that is left are how the series wrapped up and the VS Gavan movie. The series ended up brilliantly and how I wish that it lasted for another 3 episodes since hey, they weren't able to make a proper tribute episode or arc for 80's Super Sentai teams!

As for the movie, aside they were able to explain why we have a Gavan crossover instead of the more logical Goranger crossover (4 of the original 5 Goranger casts are still alive), it's a really interesting crossover that I would like to talk about someday.


3. Kamen Rider Fourze
Kamen Rider Fourze is one spectacular Rider series, but the 48-episode length, the slow and dragging middle and the Horoscope boss rush are the reasons why the show is at the top 3 of my list. The fights are really great, especially in all episodes directed by Koichi Sakamoto while as for the writing, it ranges from amazing to mediocre as some questions were left unanswered after the series aired its final episode.


2. Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters
The reason why Go-Busters is top 2 on my list is because the show gave me this 80's-early 90's Super Sentai vibe in it... and I seriously love that era of Super Sentai! Giving this show a more realistic feel is something that I really liked about this show. Heck, if there is one thing that I can easily complain about this show aside from Messiah and Escape being not interesting villains is the lack of focus episodes of the guys working behind the scenes aka the maintenance crew and the ones in-charge in operations. Also, we have Enter whose character growth is one of the key factors that I like about this show.


1. Unofficial Sentai Akibaranger
For starters, it's an unofficial Super Sentai series made by the company responsible for making official Super Sentai series. Second, it's a comedy-action series featuring three otakus becoming heroes... in their heads and third, it's like the closest thing we have for a post-Super Sentai 35th anniversary celebration as it also poked fun with the production of a Super Sentai series! Also, Akibaranger season 2, when?!

Special Mentions

  • Choujin Sentai Jetman - Took me over or almost 15 years just to finish this show, which is part of my childhood. The wait of seeing this show properly subbed is worth it.
  • Kyoryuu Sentai Zyuranger - For starters, this is a completely different show from Mighty Morphin' Power Rangers and this show is quite a ride! The best part about this show? It can easily go from light-hearted to serious with ease as the transition between those two feels more natural. Same with Jetman, it's worth waiting to see this show fully subbed at last.

Go-Busters vs. Gokaiger: Super Sentai Mecha Keys


We have reported a couple of days ago that the Go-Busters and Gokaiger mecha will transform into past Super Sentai mecha in Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie! As expected, they will use Sentai Mecha Keys to transform!

Seen in this scan aside from the five Buddyroid Keys are two Sentai Mecha Keys, namely the DaiZyuJin and MagiKing. Aside from these two, the Go-Busters and Gokaiger mecha will transform into the FlashKing, RyuseiOh, GaoKing, DaiBouken and GekiTouja

Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters vs. Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger the Movie will premiere this January 19th.

Toei Hero Next's Love Gear Trailer


Here's the first trailer of the third Toei Hero Next project entitled, "Love Gear". The project stars three male cast members from Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger with Ryota Ozawa leading the cast.


恋爱齿轮 PV by Yumengel

Playing Ryota Ozawa's leading lady in the movie is Tomoka Kurokawa (Detective Conan 1st/2nd special, Umechan Sensei). Also staring in the movie are fellow Gokaiger co-stars Junya Ikeda and Kazuki Shimizu.

Directed by Kenji Nakanishi (After the Flowers, The Blue Bird), with screenplay by Junya Ikegami, the movie is set for a February 9, 2013 release.

Kamen Rider Beast's DX Dice Saber Demo


Before Kamen Rider Beast makes his debut next year, here is TheKamoike's demo of the DX Dice Saber, his personal weapon. Seen in this demo is the Dice Saber's dice spinning gimmick when it comes to finishers.


Included in the DX Dice Saber is the Buffa Ring that gives Kamen Rider Beast the Buffa Manteau, an item that grants him enhanced strength. Kamen Rider Beast will debut on the show's 17th episode.

GGO's Sinon Confirmed Playable in Sword Art Online PSP Game, Latest Promo


The latest promo for the upcoming Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment game for the PSP has just confirmed the addition of Sinon, Kirito's partner in the light novel's Gun Gale Online arc!

Sinon is the only character in the game who uses a bow. In addition, you will meet her without any memories aside from her name.


In addition, it is confirmed that Kirito can use ten different weapons in the game; namely: dagger, one handed sword, shamshir, small sword, staff, dual swords, two-handed axe, spear, blade, and two-handed sword.

Sword Art Online: Infinity Moment will be released on March 14th, 2013 in Japan. Pre-orders for the regular (6,280 yen) and the limited editions (9,980 yen) of the game is now available on Play-Asia!

S.H. FiguArts Negataros Revealed [UPDATED]


Bandai Tamashii Nations has just opened pre-orders for the S.H. FiguArts Negataros! He is the primary villain of the Kamen Rider Den-O & Kiva: Climax Deka movie.


Standing 150mm tall, this Tamashii Web Exclusive comes with a set of hand replacements and his own Liner Pass. This figure is set for an April 2013 release for 3675 yen.

Six HEROES' VS Gameplay Videos


Bandai Namco Games has just posted six gameplay videos of HEROES' VS for the PSP. This fighting game features 21 characters from the Gundam, Kamen Rider and Ultraman franchises in one battlefield!








The videos feature Banpresto employee (usually the producer) fighting another employee (usually a beta tester) testing the new game by pitting in various playable characters in the game. HEROES' VS is slated for a February 7, 2013 release.

S.H. FiguArts Kamen Rider Fourze Meteor Nadeshiko Fusion States Revealed


Bandai Tamashii Nations has just revealed the S.H. FiguArts Kamen Rider Fourze Meteor Nadeshiko Fusion States, Kamen Rider Fourze's new form from the Kamen Rider x Kamen Rider Wizard & Fourze: Movie Wars Ultimatum!


This Tamashii Web Exclusive figure stands 160mm tall and comes with additional interchangeable hands. The figure is set for a July 2013 release and will cost 4,200 yen.

Thursday, 27 December 2012

Silver Spoon Anime Coming Soon


The 2013's seventh issue of Weekly Shonen Sunday announced that the anime adaptation of Hiromu Arakawa's slice-of-life comedy manga series, "Silver Spoon" is currently in the works!

The manga is about a boy Hachiken Yugo dreams of life separated from his family, so he takes the initiative by enrolling in an agriculture school. He thinks, with his talent in studying, no problems will arise no matter what kind of school he attends. He is proven wrong very quickly.

Raised as a city boy, he is forced to uncover the inconvenient truth about agricultural life. Enjoy the story of Hachiken, as he tries to keep up with his new friends, farmers' heirs, who are already accustomed to the harsh world of farming. With no clear goals or understanding of farming life, how will Hachiken survive this new, cruel reality? The story of a sweat, tear, and mud-stained youth begins!

The studio responsible for the anime and the release date is still unknown as of this writing.

Source: Moetron, MyAnimeList (for the manga synopsis)