Looking Back Classics Ranma 1/2

Ranma 1/2 created by  Rumiko Takahashi in 1987 which still produces films oavs and series to this day . In its hay day of the early 90s when Anime started off in popularity it was huge . Nowadays its barely known to its sister younger series  InuYashaha and the fandom has died something that is bound to happen with all fandoms today. But what is the show about and does it hold after 25 years after the first years of its print début in Shonnen Jump comics.

  Ranma Saotome is a expert martial artist who during a accident while training with his bumbling no good father in china fall into the cursed springs a mystical area where if one falls in transforms them into the last thing that drowned in it . The result if cold water is splashed on him transforms him into a woman . The father falls into the cursed panda spring which results him transforming into a giant panda . Ranma then learns to inherit his dojo and school of martial arts he has been arranged to marry one of his father and other pupil to his martial arts style of Anything goes martial arts daughters becuase of his fathers debt problem .
Problems get more complicated back in Japan where Ranma father's friend has set him up with his youngest daughter Akane Tendou . She is cute extremely athletic what can possibly be wrong with her . She hates men. The series deals as they cope with each other while Ranma deals with all the suitors going for Akane and his rivals.

Well does it hold up ? Well the animation has aged incredibly and some of the numerous jokes about the Chinese such accent can be considered insulting but remember people its a comedy. This anime has created some of the biggest tropes in anime today changing into a female , the perverted sage along with over the top martial arts fights.
While I will admit its dated it sure holds up as a comedy gold . Even its Dub is incredibly well down having some of the best talent that is still around today such as Tabitha St Germain who played yuki in the series . 4/5 Anything goes martial arts

Fandoms Fight

Fandoms we see them every where online and at conventions . From Twilight to Bronies .
 It encompasses everything in geekdom . But at times it can just feel overwhelming and scary .

The good and bad thing about fandoms is its personal it allows us to express our creative side and passion .

 But sometimes it can go too far everything . As far as main stream media, members of the geek community and the professionals that make the media that we love can see us as a little scary.Like a force of nature . We kinda deserve some of the shit we get .

Our passion can make things a little creepy . Take a look on line to sites such as deviantart to see that we as people have a darker side, 

  But we have created art animation music all inspired by the things we love . The dark side is often the most loudest and verbally active in any community . But this article is 3 of the biggest and strangest fandoms to date Juggalos and Bronies and Hetalia Axis Powers

Bronies 

We all know them by now . Guys ans girls over the age of 8 that love my little pony friendship is magic . While most people at conventions enjoy them or at least tolerate them . I think most people wouldnt have a problem with them if wasn't for the blind worship of the show . It seems like alot of these people are discovering their geek for the first time. I enjoy the show, music and art created by alot of these talented people . But why wont I really don't like being called a Brony . One I hate labels most of us at one time or another is called names to be different so labelling yourself is you might as well beat the crap out of yourself . I was bullied for 3 years in my original secondary school in Clane so I deserved this much of not being labelled again . Two I've been enjoying animation for years why call myself something over a franchise . Cartoons with adult jokes with references to other stuff I enjoy .Well its been while but to name a few that did this Animaniacs Freakazoid and Sam and Max . I love these shows but there is no tags with them . And finally the whole welcome to the herd mentality. It shows off the dark side of fandom I'm really have no time or interest in . Drink the coolaid and shut up should be there tagline at times instead of Tolerate and Acceptance not everyone likes or wants to try to like the show.So let be shoving a show down someone throat isn't going to get them to like any more in fact it's part of reason why I trolled them . Are they bad noo Just a little over overenthusiastic at times with normal tropes they are just getting used too. Famous Celebrities Andrew W. K

                                                                             Juggalos 

On the opposite side of the spectrum is Juggalos . What is a juggalo ? A juggalo is a fan is of psychopathic records and Insane Clown Posse  . These people are famous and infamous even more than any fandom out there . Many cities have labelled this fandom as gangland activity . But it preaches acceptance just like the Bronies so why is so different Juggalos listen to horror music so rap about gore and violence sets a dark background straight  off the bat . Compared to other sub cultures that is geek based . Juggalos are more outcast than most .

 Juggalos come from very different backgrounds but the majority of them are from lower class . Now don't get wrong I know a few very intelligent mates that are or were juggalos at some point . They mostly show low creativity and little sign of interaction of other people outside the culture . from what I see of interviews of the fandoms they show similar tendacies with other fandoms such as Bronies as the whole acceptance motto . But with  .Famous Juggalos - Charlie Sheen

                                                                        Hetalia 

Hetalia Axis Powers is a anime about the  re enactment of history . The countries are represented by cute girlish men and there is no dark brooding death over tones with the war segments as its a light hearted comedy .Try imagine WW2 with pillow fight instead a of mindless bloodshed of millions . But the fandom is something completely different . While over here in Ireland the fandom  has died down over the years . But over in America the fandom has increased and with the numbers comes its craziness such as anything. Homo Erotic Art , stories and cosplays all centred around this show . It seems to annoying to so  many people . But why from numerous interviews of people of the american convention community its becuase the sheer amount of fanatical worship of the show. Maybe for a mini episode cutesy show it doesn't really have the appeal of any fandom could relate to . It doesn't have references to other franchises such as mlp or have great plot such as other shows. It's light cutesy fluff.It's amazing why this pick up so much steam . For me the real pain was the sheer amount of young fans in less than normal scantily clad cosplays . Girls from ages of 13-17 wearing nothing much but a flag to cover there goods. It's slightly offensive wearing a flag and making underage women well a walking target for sexual deviants. 

   
While again this isn't going to be a easy issue  to tackle to say the least everyone is going to have a fandom to hate due the actions of loud and creepy members . The main issue is going to be when these things clash Famous people -non mostly young anime fans

The trouble of the geeks fans vs fandom

This is a topic that has plagued geeks for generations . Can one simply being a fan without being in a fandom. I decided to write this article because a friend of mine is contemplating quitting being a fan of something that he loves because of the actions of other people .
Some people will say you cant love something unless your in the fandom of it . but for me and many others it can't be true. so this is some tips for people who just want to love their interest in their own way

1. Watch the show ,read your book and enjoy it - this is simple as it seems enjoy what you like as some people think its strange geeky or childish just go on with your own life . why care about other people's opinions . just like football or sports you can express interest in a show or movie or franchise you can like something being in a fandom can be crazy lots of in house bickering over theories and concepts and weird and disturbing topics over characters . But they arent you dont just run with the pack be yourself 
2. Being of fan of something isn't just your life live it . This again is simple but in practice its harder than it seems . Being a anime fan such as myself can be hard especially when your 24 . the majority of fans will enjoy shows like naruto , fairy tail and what ever the shonnen jump throws up. but we never grew into that we had dragonball which was good but we enjoy it more now as a nostalgia feeling of being 10 again . Not the same thing as naruto being endless . So there is no chance of people expanding tastes and developing interest in other shows. but i digress . these are shows properties . We all live lives outside our interests whether it be college , work , sports friends and family . just live it try developing other interests outside the geek sphere you may learn to appreciate things differently . As for example I work in social media and go to college on part time basis and have friends that don't like anime but can appreciate and respect my own interest.

     3.Sometimes fandom can hurt a franchise - When a show or property gains a huge following it can hurt       the property . It is like too many cooks spoil the broth . For example Star Wars and Harry potter and Star Trek . These things can be enjoyed individually but the fans can hurt it being making extend the stay like any good story .There needs to be a beginning , a middle and a end  . Star Wars and Star Trek now have prequels, books , games ,fanfics that rip apart the continuum of the story . I don't want to now about jar jar binks political duties or how dumbledore gay relationship with harry potter went beyond that one section in the books . Its just wrong . How would you like it if i were make naruto or goku inbred because of a line they could of said out of context.      

It be worse if affect the property writers run out of ideas and rehash old properties and steal ideas and for animation it can go downhill to cut costs (see naruto shippuden in later arcs). Bleach is a example when they started using psp abilities it got cancelled why because he ran out of ideas without a proper ending


so to end Enjoy your intrests but live aswell you just might enjoy it just as much

2012 Conventions Year in Review

2012 is a year most convention goers would never forget . It was a year of high and lows but plenty of action So I thought a great thing to do is a wrap up of everything

Conventions

2012 saw two conventions go from up and comers to Super Star conventions . Now before the beginning of the year I have never been to these before nor did I have any mates working at these conventions .But the sheer friendly and helpful nature of the staff go beyond anything I have ever seen before . First was akumakon in its second year with their highlights being the Leo and Satan web series creators as special guests along Masoko X voice of Goku in DBZA and creator of the first Naruto Abridged . Now unlike many conventions previously that I attended the staff treated more like friends then a walking money sign. Special Thanks has to go out for James Fitzgerald Sharon Nolan and John Burke who stood out as helpful and welcoming staff that as a panelist for the first time made everyone feel relaxed and were extremely helpful . Then in August Akumakon decided to up their game by announcing at Nomcon 2012 a Hirokatsu Kihara a artist who has worked with Studio Giblhi and has his own manga based on Inishmore and the producer of Inyusha and Detective Conan shows along with allowing me to do a panel outside the traditional standards by showing a Gore Fest Panel . Surely 2013 will make Akumakon a jewel not just in the Irish Con Scene but being a shiny example to other conventions in other countries.

Arcadecon 

Next on the list is Arcadecon 2012 . While Akumakon is the jewel of the anime con scene Arcadecon was the Craziest Convention ever on different levels. unlike most conventions that focus on different areas . this con now on its 3rd run is balanced level on all accounts with activities for everyone . With a small list of highlights being the vita showcase of the ps vita The voice actor of Raiden from Metal Gear Solid Larp group Camerilla Larp Shinjuku Game and Jet Set Radio/Professor Elemental performance on the Saturday of the Convention. At this point the only thing that could stop the convention from becoming the bigger and better Comic Con is the element of Time . Declan and his crew were helpful and friendly and kept everything on time

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Here's hoping 2013 will be a great year of anime Gaming and conventions where people can make friends and plenty of memories

AKB48 the anime review

Based on the AKB48 idol group is one of the strangest and yet brilliant hidden gems of 2012. Set in a universe where the organization has banned music and art as they disturb the heart. As a result of a planetary war. Now they don't explain why they have to do this . But 48 years after the laws have passed and a newly formed AKB0048 a underground miltant pop idol group that performs concerts for millions of people while avoiding or confronting the government's new police force called Des.

The story centres around a group of young girls who attended the early efforts of the band and are inspired to audition to be part of the group. From first glance of the story it seems a bit silly especially if you aren't too pushed on the pop heavy j-pop or sounds a bit too cutesy . But the what makes this show entertaining is the little things that just make this show so bizarre.First of all when they describe fight i mean shoot down police mechs(which are brilliant designed) by all sorts of random ways including a lazer show with high power  lazers ,bows that shoot electricity,and microphones that turn into lightsabers. But to be main stage isnt a straight road to run . These group of girls run away from hoe to train on Alibaster planet to become the new generation 77. They stay pure train dance practice and practically give up their whole lives to become these performers/fighters . but they arent the whole fighting force of the group .The die hard fans fight along side almost like suicide bombers to defend the group of 48 or so girls of different generations.
Yes the plot is over the top bit of fluff . But for what it is its entertaining and thoroughly enjoyable with a couple of mysteries like a member who is actually a robot , a manager that no one sees or how are they actually choosen . directed and created by the Shoji Kawamori who in the past has created Macross and Battle Ship Yamato 3/5 Light shows out of 5.

The State of Horror in film Sinisterly not so paranormal

I truly remember back when horror films even a cheesy one had well plot, direction and development. That was back from 1970 to early 2000. Even the sequels followed a set of rules that was told and explained  in the Scream franchises. Well nowadays horror stopped being about creating tension and a story.
  
In the last few weeks I went to see what the modern age of horror had to offer in light of Halloween. Sinister and Paranormal Activity . They both follow a very similar theme using old camera effect that the blair witch film made popular.

  Sinister
When Ellison a crime writer (Ethan Hawke) moves into a house with a horrible past of the previous owners being hung in the back garden. He discovers a film camera of previous families getting killed . Then well the plot sort of goes to shit Honestly spooky noises and a pagan god called Bughuul who eats children's souls. Yes, you read right pagan god of child eating . Then typically set spooky sounds and what not .The rest is a given and what happens in the end. Conclusions- O Ethan didn't you do good movies like Training Day, But why this film the director Scott Derrickson last film was 2005 was brilliant . So why did this film fails so badly maybe the film was written by a Amateur script writer and using the pagan god thing seems to scream desperation (Yes it is 1970's culture and pagans are so known for worshiping gods that eat children) Now the demon in appearance looks like Slenderman with a metal look to his face . So this film gets a 2.5/5 dead babies. So make up for this here is real horror

Paranormal Activity. 4
It starts where 2 ending the aunt killing the family and taking the child . Skips 5 years later to 2011  and another family another town where the kid from the second film and aunt are living next door. Now you may think could be a spoiler But think people ( scene kids playing soccer then a creepy child in the distance watches them). The perspective is done from the female teenager going around with a camera . Then After the creepy child hunter aunt or mom gets sick he stays with the house and repeat same things from the rest of the franchise . Conclusions just like saw final destination and tom six films why do these people get money and permission to vomit this -1/5 demons

Testes vs Ovary Battle of the controller

2 weeks ago I was accused of bad behavior and reported to a bunch of people . So to show my good side
I'm doing this hot topic . From Ms. Pac Man days women in gaming have gone from being the damsel in distress to main roles . But has things really changed for the players . I asked gamers from all over Ireland the same series of questions and  mostly it was positive . Before I say the results and I want to talk about my thoughts first . My image of women in gaming is pretty a tame not too fanatical at all . If a girl told me she plays video games whether minecraft or street fighter as a example I'd say I can kick your ass . Then she would destroy me completely . I love it when girls are better at me at stuff whether games, knowledge about topics I know or martial arts to kick my ass in real life (actually that's a turn on for me ). Girls can drink as much as men fight love and work just as much as men can do . Economically it is a proven fact that women are overtaking the men in the work place in recent years. Now females in games. I never thought about I think about moves and roles if a gay character is strong I'll pick him or her same goes with women . Sure sexy costumes on a girl is fun for like 5 minutes then its all about story and bad ass moves or weapons. So I asked some cool people what they think. And here are the results
Declan from the @rcade said this about the roles of women on games "I think the gaming industry is making fantastic progress in the depiction of not only female characters but minorities like the LGBT community. You are always going to have people who will disagree or saying something controversial for the sake of controversy but the main thing is to keep moving forward and to realist that being a guy or girl, straight or gay, black or white doesn't matter when it comes to gaming!.
Sharon of the Akumakon convention and fellow Social media consultant says on unrealistic images of women on gaming are Putting female characters in sexy outfits does happen rather excessively  but if you merely judge the character on their costume - is that not the same as judging a book by it's cover? Harley Quinn was an important part to the Arkham City, sexy clothes or not.
 I haven't played Lollipop Chainsaw but I got the impression it's a very self-aware take on what's expected of a ditzy female character type, so i don't have a problem with it.
I think female being represented in these unrealistic body types do affect peoples expectation - but people are growing more aware to the fact that these ARE unrealistic and therefore don't expect to see them on real women.
So after learning people's views I still feel no different I play the game and put it down really no different I also don't get hard ons from gaming unless the skimpy clothed girl isn't going around without chainsaws beating zombies with limbs of other zombies .
So people learn get on with other it isn't about being feminist or man its its about being a decent person so grab a game pad and a girl and enjoy u two.
So as my mate damo said who cares about the dress can she shoot fireballs and chop off a guys head with piano wire.

Special thanks to Sharon Nolan Declan Doody Fergal Keenan Tariq Christopher and Jason Condren