Romeo x Juliet: the Romeo Collection

Romeo and Juliet is a tale recognized by virtually everyone around the world as the definitive love story. As with most classics, it has had its fair share of adaptations, some worthy and some not so much, each adding its own signature flavor to the mix. Romeo x Juliet is one such adaptation, reworking the classic play into an anime to fit a more fantasy based setting while still retaining the characteristics that brought it so much acclaim.

Right off the bat, the show seeks to differentiate itself, beginning with the slaughter of the majority of the Capulet family, leaving only Juliet alive as the sole heir and leader to the house of Capulet. Whereas the original had no real antagonist, Lord Montague is clearly defined as such, taking control of the floating city of Neo-Verona and installing himself as prince; all the while hunting down and slaying those loyal to the Capulets much to the chagrin of his son Romeo.

Perhaps the most notable discrepancy between this and the source material is the retooling of Juliet’s character. Gone is the doting girl whose sole desire was that of Romeo, instead replaced by a strong courageous warrior who fights to bring justice and peace back to the country. Half the time she is on screen, she is masquerading as a boy to hide her identity. The show does an exceptional job of displaying her inner turmoil. An obvious sadness fills her core as she struggles with what is right and what she desires.

Every character is updated or revisioned from their classic counterparts to fit the overall setting; everyone that is, oddly enough, except Romeo who remains the aloof teen who can’t help but lose himself in his dreams.

On the technical side of things, animation is handled admirably by Studio Gonzo. Backgrounds are wonderfully exquisite and costumes impressively detailed. The first episode features fluid movements in both clothes and hair, if slightly exaggerated. Sadly, the quality diminishes soon after, falling just short of the standard for which Gonzo is known.

Music is composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto, who is best known for his work on the popular Final Fantasy franchise. His handling of the orchestral pieces is masterful, ably setting the tone with serene and melancholy melodies that occasionally explode when the action picks up.

As is usual for a show distributed by Funimation, liberties are taken with the script; the most apparent of which is the use of Shakespearian dialogue, with is never constant, being thrown around inexplicably for no apparent reason than to reference the original work.

In terms of voice work, Brina Palencia steals the show with her rendition of Juliet. When masquerading as a boy, she convincingly manages to shift her vocal performance in a more masculine direction without losing any of the emotional weight of the script.

Regardless of your feelings towards Shakespeare’s original work, this series should be evaluated as its own entity. It captures the essence of Romeo and Juliet’s drama while reinterpreting it for a more modern audience making it a welcome addition to the classic’s mythos.

Romeo x Juliet: the Romeo Collection - B

News: Viz Announces New DVD Releases For December

VIZ MEDIA ANNOUNCES
NEW DVD RELEASES FOR DECEMBER 2009

San Francisco, CA, October 23, 2009 – VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), one of the entertainment industry’s most innovative and comprehensive publishing, animation and licensing companies, has announced their list of DVD titles scheduled for release in December 2009. This includes the first box set of NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER, the next box set installments of HUNTER X HUNTER and HONEY AND CLOVER, as well as the latest episodic releases of the popular BLEACH and NARUTO Shippuden series. Also releasing is the live action feature film – 20th CENTURY BOYS: BEGINNING OF THE END from VIZ Pictures. VIZ Media DVD titles are distributed (in English) in the U.S and Mexico by Warner Home Video and in Canada by Allegro.

NAOKI URASAWA’S MONSTER Box Set 1 • Rated 'M' for Mature • MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN • Available December 8
What would you do if a child you saved grew up to be a monster? An ice-cold killer is on the loose, and Dr. Kenzo Tenma is the only one who can stop him! Tenma, a brilliant neurosurgeon with a promising future, risks his career to save the life of a critically wounded young boy named Johan. When the boy, now a coldhearted and charismatic young man, reappears nine years later in the midst of a string of unusual serial murders, Tenma must go on the run to uncover the story of Johan and stop the monster he set loose upon the world. Conspiracies, serial murders, and secret government experiments set against the grim backdrop of the former East Germany are masterfully woven together in this compelling psychological thriller. (Episodes 1-15)

HONEY AND CLOVER Box Set 2 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $59.90 US / $85.99 CAN • Available December 15
Can life's answers be found where the road ends? Shinobu has disappeared to America, leaving both Yuta and Hagumi with very mixed feelings. But talk about mixed up! If Takumi's feelings are so tied up with Rika, why is he tied up in knots over his coworker Nomiya's romantic pursuit of Ayumi? Plus, senior projects are getting everyone down, but none more than Yuta, who in a sudden burst of reckless abandon takes off on his bicycle on an epic journey of self-discovery...Ah, the enthusiasm of youth! (Episodes 13-24 – includes Bonus Episode F)

SHONEN JUMP releases include:

NARUTO Shippuden Volume 4 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available December 8
Two powerful jonin of the Leaf, Kakashi and Guy, have taken on their Akatsuki rivals Itachi and Kisame. While Guy battles to save his team from a water prison, Kakashi exhibits his genius ninja prowess by seeing through Itachi's most subtle tactics. Turns out the battle wasn't quite what it seemed, and Kakashi and Granny Chiyo are fearful of the implications. Naruto and the team are forced to face the bitter truth--they might already be too late! (Episodes 14-17)

BLEACH Volume 23 • Rated ‘T’ for Teens • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available December 15
Kariya and the Bounts arrive in the Soul Society and find themselves battling two Soul Reaper lieutenants, but the abundance of reishi in the Soul Society gives the Bounts a ready source of power, rendering them formidable opponents. Ichigo and friends arrive in the Soul Society, and when Rukia is injured in a fight, Ichigo follows her to the Kuchiki house, where he asks Byakuya to fight alongside him against the Bounts. Byakuya refuses and insists they leave it up to the 13 Court Guard Squads, but soon enough Byakuya finds himself in a one-on-one battle with Kariya. (Episodes 92-95)

HUNTER X HUNTER Box Set 4 • Rated 'T+' for Older Teens • MSRP: $49.95 US / $71.99 CAN • Available December 1
Mito gives Gon an iron box that Gon's father, Ging, left to him. But instead of providing clues to his father's whereabouts, what's inside only leads to more mysteries. While Gon and Killua head to Yorknew City, Kurapika gets a job with the mafia that soon brings him into conflict with the powerful Phantom Troupe at the underground auction. When Gon and Killua witness the members' overwhelming strength, they decide to shadow them to find out more, but the Phantom Troupe is one step ahead. (Episodes 47-62)

From VIZ Pictures: (Live Action Feature Films)

20TH CENTURY BOYS 1: BEGINNING OF THE END • MSRP: $24.92 US / $35.99 CAN • Available December 15
It all begins in 1969 when a young boy named Kenji and his friends write "The Book of Prophecy" in which they write about a future where they fight against an evil organization trying to takeover the world and bring about doomsday. Years later in 1997, a mysterious cult being lead by a man only known as "Friend" emerges and begins to gain strong influence over society. A series of catastrophic events begin to occur mirroring the prophecies made up by the young Kenji and the greatest fear is the climax of "The Book" becoming a reality; December 31st, 2000, a terrifying giant virus-spreading robot will attack the entire city of Tokyo leading to the end of mankind. The only people who know about "The Book" are Kenji and his childhood friends. Who is "Friend"? Will Kenji and his friends be able to save mankind and live to see the 21st Century?

About VIZ Media, LLC
Headquartered in San Francisco, CA, VIZ Media, LLC (VIZ Media), is one of the most comprehensive and innovative companies in the field of manga (graphic novel) publishing, animation and entertainment licensing of Japanese content. Owned by three of Japan’s largest creators and licensors of manga and animation, Shueisha Inc., Shogakukan Inc., and Shogakukan-Shueisha Productions, Co., Ltd., VIZ Media is a leader in the publishing and distribution of Japanese manga for English speaking audiences in North America, the United Kingdom, Ireland, and South Africa and is a global ex-Asia licensor of Japanese manga and animation. The company offers an integrated product line including the popular monthly manga anthology SHONEN JUMP magazine, graphic novels, and DVDs, and develops, markets, licenses, and distributes animated entertainment for audiences and consumers of all ages. Contact VIZ Media at 295 Bay Street, San Francisco, CA 94133; Phone (415) 546-7073; Fax (415) 546-7086; and web site at www.VIZ.com.
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Superhero Spotlight – Superman

For this first article in a series that I plan on writing, I thought I would tackle the first superhero himself, Superman. Superman has been around since the thirties and even those who don’t read comics know who the character is. We all know his origin, his powers, and the ridiculous way he manages to somehow hide his identity by wearing glasses, so why is it that the character gets so much hate?

Maybe hate is too strong a word. It just seems like everyone I talk to dislikes him. When I ask why, they usually have no answer other than, I prefer Batman. Well that’s all well and good but it really isn’t an answer.

Others have told me he is just a silly concept which is just beyond absurd when talking in the context of comics. Let’s step back and examine just what Superman really is.

Superman came to earth after the destruction of his world and was raised by an ordinary couple on a farm, being taught the basic principles of right and wrong. After discovering he has godlike powers, he sets out to fight the injustices of the world. This is of course the simplified version but how is that really different than any other origin. People often complain that he has no tragedy in his life, thus no reason to fight crime. Well I think having your planet blown up on you is pretty horrific. Let’s not forget that in some stories, Superman’s adopted father died before he even donned the cape. This guy lost two fathers in his lifetime. Not to mention, he isn’t even an earthling. He is the ultimate outsider. That in itself is intriguing. Here is a character that could conquer the planet if he chose to and instead, he proves to be even more human than some of the threats he combats.

Speaking of his enemies, Superman has one of the best rogues gallery in comics; chief among them being Lex Luthor. Everyone knows who he is which is a testament to his character, considering that aside from being bald, he looks just like a normal person in a business suit. Lex is the Burger King to Superman’s McDonalds. They’re always at war with each other despite Superman’s attempts at trying to find Lex’s angelic side. Lex is considered his ultimate enemy and one of the few who really manage to get under his skin. Not everyone can claim to have made Superman’s life a living hell but Lex can and does so with pride. A normal human with no superpowers besides a genius level intellect, which few can match, manages to always find a way to piss off a demigod.

Other noteworthy enemies like Metallo, Parasite, and Brainiac have had varying degrees of success rubbing Superman the wrong way, but if there is one being that brings out the man of steel's ugly side, it’s Darkseid. While not really strictly a Superman foe, Darkseid is considered the God of evil, so it only makes sense that the living beacon of hope that is Superman would combat his otherworldly tyranny. Darkseid has conquered the earth, killed his friends, and enslaved his cousin, each on different occasions and just seems to relish putting Supes through the wringer. Never mind the fact that he is on par with Superman in terms of strength and his omega beams can reduce almost anything to ash, he has a whole planet full of slaves ready to fight on his behalf.

Enough about his enemies, let’s talk about his powers. One of the main complaints is that Superman is overpowered. True, I cant argue with that, but he has more than enough weaknesses to make up for it. Kryptonite proves to be his ultimate poison; radiated pieces of his home world that for whatever reason proves life threatening to him, reducing him to a shell of his former self. Get a chunk of it, though a sliver would suffice, and you have him at your mercy. Of course, that’s only the green kind. There’s several other colors, one for each color of the spectrum, and each with their own side effect. Also, while this really isn’t considered a weakness, it can be used against him: Superman refuses to kill. No matter what the threat, no matter if someone has a gun to a hostage’s head and all it would take is heat vision through the skull to save that person, Superman refuses to take a life. I find this interesting because every enemy Superman has had takes advantage of this and Superman still refuses to give them a dirt nap. Even when throwing a punch, he makes sure to hold back just enough so that the impact doesn’t knock someone’s skull off.

Thinking about Superman’s powers, what is there not to like? He has every power someone could want; super strength, speed, flight, eye lasers, frosty breath, and extended youth. Why is having so many powers an issue when he takes care never to abuse them? Half the time he cant even use them to their full potential because his foes are one step ahead of him. The fact that he is going to outlive just about everyone of his friends and family adds a whole new layer of depth to the character that most people tend to ignore.

Most writers claim that its too difficult to write the character, prompting them to look for ways to weaken him. Others simply try to ignore his current group of foes and come up with someone new and physically imposing to challenge him. Then there is the group that decide to drown him in emotional instability, turning him from a mythic hero to a teary eyed idiot.

Why? Why is it so hard to write a good Superman story? Look at what Geoff Johns has done in the last year. Don’t look for ways around what you perceive to be the character’s short comings; embrace them. Johns has taken everything about him and simply gone back to find what worked in the first place.

Superman is the ultimate hero, the ideal that all others aspire to be. He may be too heroic and honest for his own good, and it may be a bit much considering how dark the real world, is but if you’re like me, you may come to appreciate that never fading beacon of light that the character represents. There is a reason he is the yard stick that all other comic heroes are measured against. With war and economic struggle taking place in our world, is there really a need for a darker character even if it is more realistic? With most comics beginning to reflect the current situation of the world, Superman is a welcome relief, representing what a true Superhero and the world he inhabits should be.

Recommended Reading:

Action Comics 855-857 & 858-873

Superman: Birthright

Superman For all Seasons

Superman/ Batman: Public Enemies

Superman: Secret Origins

Superman: Whatever Happened to the Man of Tomorrow

The Death of Superman

Allstar Superman 1-12

Superman: Panic in the Sky

Superman/ Batman: Supergirl

Mirror Mask

Mirror Mask
By Neil Gaiman and Dave McKean

When it comes to Neil Gaiman, I must admit I am biased. I love his work. When I think of excellent, mind numbingly beautiful fantasy, I think of him. The man knows the genre possibly better than any other author to have dabbled with it. He breathes it onto every page with an unparalleled amount of creativity.

Mirror Mask chronicles the adventure of Helena Campbell as she travels into a dream-like reality where bizarre creatures lurk and darkness threatens to consume her existence. In order to return home, she must embark on a quest that takes her across the world, bringing her face to face with the Queen of Darkness, forever altering her view of life.

It sounds pretty standard for fantasy, but it’s Gaiman’s mastery of the craft and his ability to mesh realism with the fantastical that truly sets his work apart.

Helena is written convincingly, with enough angst to make her believable as a character. She hates the life she has been forced into, never truly appreciating what she really has until tragedy strikes. After entering the nameless world of her dreams, she displays maturity while still allowing her curiosity to take hold when something amazing crosses her path. Even with the world crumbling around her, she keeps her composure, unwilling to accept her fate.

The presentation of the book reflects the mad genius of its author with words clustered together in make shift paragraphs and sprawled across the page while being framed by illustrations by Dave McKean, whose outlandish style perfectly compliments Gaiman.

While this is a children’s book, it carries the emotional weight of a more adult oriented title. Very few writers can cultivate the amount of stories that display the elegance that fantasy has to offer. With gothic scenery oozing off the page, Gaiman effortlessly creates worlds that are impossible to forget. For those who have never picked up a Gaiman title, prepare yourself for a journey unlike any other.

Mirror Mask - A

At Random

Faces of Evil
The Many Villains of Power Rangers Part 3

Power Rangers is a series that should be familiar with just about everyone growing up during the nineties. Many kids fell in love with the colorful costumes and the slick karate moves. Each child had a favorite Ranger that they wanted to be for halloween. Well I never quite liked the Rangers. In fact, the only time I was a fan of a ranger, was when he/she was under the villains spell fighting against his comrades. The truth is I always gravitated toward the villains of the show, which Power Rangers had plenty of. There have been a fair amount of silly, demented, and even downright terrifying baddies whose presence only made the series that much more enjoyable. After all, what is a hero without a villain? Considering I have seen a fair share of the Power Ranger seasons (more than a sane person should anyway), I thought I would share my personal thoughts on these wicked menaces. Everything I say here should be taken with a grain of salt as I in no way suggest that you begin taking this show (even its villains) seriously. This is simply me giving my appreciation to a show that bestowed upon me many fond memories.


Power Rangers SPD

Emperor Grumm – For most of the season, this intergalactic tyrant ran the show, supposedly taking down the A-Squad Rangers and unleashing enough criminals to send the Rangers into a panic. He was often seen talking to what the audience assumed to be himself but was later revealed to be the true mastermind behind everything. In fact, Grumm turned out to be nothing more than a puppet. Surprisingly, he also was one of the few Power Ranger villains to keep their life by season’s end.

A-Squad – Are these Rangers or Terminators? Look at those guns! Anyway, this group of Rangers was supposedly captured early on in the season, thus resulting in B-Squad being chosen to defend the Earth in their place. Of course it was all a ruse and these Rangers were revealed to have been in cahoots with Grumm the whole time. Honestly, I don’t know why they were ever promoted to A-Squad considering their fighting skills were lack luster at best. All they did was rely on their guns.


Omni – This was the true master villain behind Grumm; a giant brain. Ill repeat it; a giant brain. Well at least it had a cool Zord that towered over all others. Aside from that, I think sadly even Scorpius could take this thing. What a lousy way to end an otherwise decent season.







Power Rangers Mystic Force

The Ten Terrors – Wait….more demons? I thought the Rangers defeated the demons like five seasons ago. Well turns out these guys are stronger than the previous species. The fact that their normal size is that of a giant should say something; and yes, that was not their only power (like a certain Maligore). These are the ten strongest demons and they only serve under Octomus the master. I guess it begs the question: just what was Banshira queen of of anyway?




Octomus the Master – Only in Power Rangers can a creature with a skull for a head that has octopus tentacles protruding outward be considered frightining. Here is the true lord of the demon race. What separated him from other villains was that it took way more than just the Rangers to defeat him. In fact it was his own powerful magic turned against him that lead to his demise. Master indeed.





Power Rangers Operation Overdrive

Flurius
Moltor
Kamdor – Admittedly, I don’t know much about these guys, having seen only one episode of the season. All I know is that these three were rival villains that were competing with each other to see who could conquer the Earth, which is a unique idea, but look at them; Who can take these guys seriously? Its pretty obvious who is who, judging by names and looks.

Thrax – This was the reason I watched that single episode. This is the son of Rita and Zedd and twice as tough. As you can guess, he inherited all of Zedd’s strength along with his staff. It took several past rangers along with the current crop to put him down, finally putting an end to Rita and Zedd’s legacy of evil.







Power Rangers Jungle Fury

The Overlords – Jungle Fury followed the same pattern as Wildforce. A group of villains acted as place holders until the true villain showed up to take his rightful place; and just like the others these losers were destroyed rather easily. What were they lords of anyway?


Daishi – Also like Wildforce, this master of something or other had a human form that was discarded in favor of a more powerful one. Now to be fair, Daishi was powerful and did have a commanding presence but he lacked any real motivation. It seemed like he just wanted his throne back from the Overlords, which is OK but why persist in sending monsters the Rangers way? He also had a somewhat cool costume.


Power Rangers RPM

Venjix – No, this is not a rebuilt General Venjix; this one is superior in every way. To begin, he started out the series by actually conquering the Earth and even killing a few people. Wow, I guess the writers went all out for the final season of the show. This Venjix is everything the Machine Empire should have been. Every time he is destroyed, he just rebuilds himself stronger than before. At 80%, he nearly destroyed the Rangers for good. A nice way to cap of the series with an above average villain (by Power Ranger standards).