Okay, now it's REALLY been awhile...

Yeah it's been nearly a year since I posted something here but honestly, I've just have not had much interest updating it. I usually post a lot of twitter (@MrBlack49) if you want to follow me there, but really, I doubt I'll ever post here much. I did find an app for blogger so maybe I'll post some quick blurbs once in awhile. Otherwise don't expect much. I'm still active in Toku and Anime and all that jazz. But real life takes over sometimes, especially now that I'm in college. So I'll post once in awhile. Until then, see ya!

It's been a while...

It's been about nine months since i last posted here and although i'm still active in the tokusatsu community, i've just found it a chore to keep updating this blog.

However, since it has been two years since i've created this blog, i have decided to write here again. I plan on writing my thoughts on the weeky Super Hero Time lineups, maybe some reviews of some toku shows or even video games, and maybe some things going on in my life.

I won't say this is permanent but i do want to start writing on this blog for as long as i can. Until then, i'll see you next year!

Super Hero Time - Japan Relief Effort

As many of you may have heard, there was a tragic 8.9 magnitude earthquake in Japan which created a 23 foot tsunami and left destruction in its path. The death toll it seems is in the thousands and personally, my heart goes out to the people of Japan.

However, a joint effort between Riders, Rangers and Rambles (RRR), CSToys, HJU, YouTube Toy reviewers, and Renz Media Network have teamed up to form Super Hero Time, which is basically collecting donations to help Japan. All donations will go to Mr. S of CSToys, who will hand deliver the proceeds to charity foundations in Japan, so your money is going to be in the right hands. I would encourage you to take part in this and donate as much as you can to help Japan in this time of crisis. If we all chip in, we can make a difference.

Here is the site to where you can donate: http://superherotime.chipin.com/super-hero-time


*Image not made by me.

I Have Returned!

Yeah, I know it's been a few months since my last post, and I want to give my apologies. I have not forgotten about this blog, but I have been either extremely bust or just kinda lazy. But either way, I do plan to write on this blog again. I swear I really do want to, but I am currently in the process of a research paper for my English Class, so real life has taken my time a lot. However, I will find ways to post on this blog. I really want to, but even if I do, posts will take longer to complete. But, I'll work something out and continue to post here.

There's a little update for you.

First look at Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger

The first official look at the 35th anniversary Sentai series, Kaizoku Sentai Goukaiger is out...and it looks great! I love the uniforms! The pirate theme works really well. Also, I like their helmets. They look very retro looking. The emblem on the top of the helmet looks cool, but also describes the gimmick of the series, keys, which'll be used to transform into past Sentai warriors. The Key gimmick reminds me Ryukendo, but I digress.

The series is set to premiere on February 13, 2011. Judging by the rumors we've heard, I am really excited for this! Seems February is the month for premieres. Both this and Power Rangers Samurai, which premieres on February 5, start in February.

Samurai, Goukaiger, and OOO. Here's hoping that 2011 will be an awesome year for Toku!

Toku Music Showcase 6

Here's another Showcase for ya!



As many of you know, or should know, Kamen Rider OOO is the current KR series. So far, OOO is a very good series so far, having some good drama, awesome action, and a great premise. And what goes with an awesome show? An awesome theme song!





The theme song for Kamen Rider OOO is titled Anything Goes!, performed by Japanese recording artist Maki Ohguro. Although the full version of the song was only released a few weeks ago, the thing is I instantly fell in love with the song when I saw the first episode of OOO. This opening was so awesome that I listened to the TV Sized version constantly. I just absolutely loved it. Love at first listen, I say, just like with Double's theme, "W-B-X ~W-Boiled Extreme~". Even since I heard this, I had been anticipating the full version. The waiting was worth it, because this song is awesome!



As I said on my thoughts on OOO's first episode, this song is just full of energy, which is bolstered by Maki Ohguro's wonderful voice. I mean it, she just has an awesome singing voice. Plus the rapping on the song, performed by Rah-D, makes the song even more awesome. Plus the beat of the song is just wonderful. I can say that this is one of the only songs that I can listen to an instrumental of and have it not seem awkward to me. I mean it, it's that good. I absolutely love this song. I always find myself listening to it on repeat mode on my computer or my mp3 player, which oddly enough I'm listening to it right now. Overall, OOO is cool, this song is cool, and the PV is cool (Check it out, it's awesome).

Look forward to another Toku Music Showcase.

New Power Rangers Samurai Trailer

A new trailer for Power Rangers Samurai was televised last night, and it looks so awesome!



This trailer is just awesome. The music in it is awesome, the original footage in it looks great, and it just feels great. It just makes me more excited for Power Rangers Samurai and I am looking forward to it everyday!

An apology and an update

Okay, I am really sorry that I haven't posted anything in a month. I have just been really busy with school, but I try to find time to post more here. I have some ideas for some new posts, so look forward to that. Unfortunately, I will not do the Double review. It just seems like it would take a long time and time is something I don't have much of right now. All I can say right now is that I loved it. It had a perfect balance of action, drama, and comedy and just really stood out as one of the best Kamen Rider series and it is on my list of favorites. That is pretty much all I can say right now about it.

Again, I am sorry for the lack of posts, I will try to find more time to post here. I haven't abandoned it and I never will. I will most likely have more to talk about with Power Rangers Samurai and the 35th anniversary Sentai Series, Gokaiger, on the way. But right now, just please bear with me, okay? Thanks for your patience and understanding.

Thoughts on Kamen Rider OOO Episode 1

Well, the first episode of the new Kamen Rider series, Kamen Rider OOO premiered a few days ago, and I was really impressed to be honest. It was better than I expected. Well, for starters, the opening. I loved the opening! I loved the song, I love the actual sequence, and I just love the overall feel of it. It's just like Double's opening. There's so much energy put into it and it is just awesome!



Now, let's talk about the characters. The only characters that I can talk a lot about are Eiji and Ankh. I don't really have much to say about the others.

Eiji seems cool. For one, he wears awesome underwear. I also like his "as long as I got money and clean underwear" attitude. Plus, he does want to protect people. I also like Ankh. Besides the fact that he's only an arm, he does make a good impression on me. He has his own agenda from the other Greeed, and I like how he can merge with a human.

Speaking of Greeed, I do like the concept of them, as well as their designs. I don't understand why they have colored curtains with them, but I don't really care.

Finally, let's talk about the Rider. I do like his design. A little too much black, but still, he's a good looking Rider. The transformation wasn't what I was expecting, but it was still cool. Plus the Henshin Sound sounded awesome, probably because the belt is voiced by Akira Kushida, who sang the opening to Taiyou Sentai Sun Vulcan and sang the openings for many Metal Hero Series. Plus, the fight scene really clinched it for me. It was a very good scene, setting up what OOO can do very well. The form changing worked out really well. Although I will admit the process to transform does look kind of long in my opinion. But it still works out well.



Overall, I enjoyed the first episode and I look forward to watching the newest series. After all, OOO has some big shoes to fill from Double being one of the best series ever (BTW, the review is coming soon). Let's hope for the best!

Fight on, Kamen Rider OOO!

Oh and BTW, if you want to see OOO subbed quicker than TV-Nihon, then take a look at a subbing group called Over-Time (Formerly W-Time). They get up subbed episodes a day or two after the episode aired. They subbed Double from beginning to end and have done them faster than TV-Nihon. They're good subs. I'd recommending watching their subs. To go to their website, go here.

Happy 17th Birthday, Power Rangers!!!

Yep, it's been 17 years since the first episode of Mighty Morphin Power Rangers, Day of the Dumpster, debuted and started not only one of the most successful kids franchises ever, but started a new era of kids TV. This pretty much started the series we all know and love: Power Rangers.

Wow. It's kinda hard to believe that it's been 17 years, but it has. You know, I have to admit, Power Rangers is one of the things that made my childhood great. Why? Just the action, the characters, everything. I just love this show. All of the memories I've had watching this show can never be forgotten, nor replaced.

With the 17th birthday here, I have a feeling that Power Rangers will go on for many more years to come. With Season 18 on the way, I sense a good future for the series.

Happy birthday, Power Rangers!! May the Power live on forever!

Kamen Rider Kuuga- Now Fully Subbed!!!

That's right. The "Kuuga Curse" has been broken! For those who don't know what the Kuuga Curse is, it's pretty much any subbing group that has tried to sub Kuuga, but has not completed it. TV-Nihon subbed only four episodes, Order of Zeronos tried subbing some episodes (I don't know how many, but it's less than 10 I believe) and SCS-Works have only subbed the first 12 episodes, though they say that they are trying to get more episodes out.

Yeah, it seemed that Kuuga would never be fully subbed... until a new subbing group called Midnight Crew Subs (MCS for short) started where SCS left off (Episode 13 and up) and have completed the entire series. Here's their blogspot page.

They moved at a really fast pace and in about a month, finished the entire series. The final episode was released on August 19. That's why I declared that day as the day the Kuuga Curse was finally broken! Whoo!

This also means that every Heisei Rider Series has been fully subbed! That's even better!

I would like to thank MCS for their hard work in continuing where SCS-Works left off, though they do plan to do the first 12 episodes, as well as the Hyper Battle Video and the Special.

So, for all you people who have always wanted to see Kuuga subbed, go watch it! I've already linked to their blogspot, plus they're on HJU.

Cho Henshin! Kamen Rider Kuuga!!!

Kamen Rider OOO trailer

Check out the newest trailer for Kamen Rider OOO.



The music in this is alright, and it's looking really cool so far. Just a little over a week until it premieres.

Speaking of it, Double ends at the end of the month (Sadly). But, I plan to make a review of the series when the series ends. I also plan to make a review of the first episode of Kamen Rider OOO. Look forward to both of them!

Kamen Rider Double Forever Theme Song- "W"

The theme song for the upcoming Double movie movie, A to Z/The Gaia Memories of Fate, has a PV. The song is called W and is sung by Mitsuru Matsuoka, who is also in the movie, as Kamen Rider Eternal. Well anyway, here's the PV.



The PV was pretty good. It reminded me of Decade's songs. As for the vocals, I loved it. This guy is a really good singer. Then again, he is from a band. To wrap it up, I love it, and I will get the mp3 to it when it comes out. As for the movie, it will take awhile for it to come out to the internet, but maybe they'll be Cho Den-O to hold us over. Either way, I can't wait.!

But *sighs* Double's ending by the end of the month (August 29) with 49 episodes. Judging by the recent episodes, I'm sure we'll get an awesome finale.

My expectations for Power Rangers 2011

If you're like me, then you're excited for the new Power Rangers season coming in Spring 2011. Ever since Saban bought back the franchise, everyone has been in glee. As of right now, casting is in progress and I believe they are in the final stages of casting. Don't quote me on that, though.

Anyway, as the new season dawns, the more we come to expect from the one who created awesome series like Space, Lost Galaxy, and Time Force to name a few. So, here's what I expect, or at least hope, they integrate into the show.

I hope to see some unique stories for one. I want something that makes sense and adds to the plot, even for just a little bit. If there must be filler, then I at least want to think while I'm watching that it isn't. Even just one bit of development in the show is good for me. I don't know how you feel, but that's my perspective.

I also want to see some good writing. I don't want to see things be too serious, but not too over the top either. I mean, I know Power Rangers can be cheesy, but don't add more cheese to it. Also, I don't want a clone of Shinkenger, i.e. doing the same kind of concept Sentai did. I want originality. I also want the dialogue to reflect the characters' personalities, not something random. I'm hoping that they have a good writing staff.

I want the characters to be different in their own way. Because of something like this, the actors need to be at least decent. One of the problems that I've had with past Disney seasons is the acting. It seems just boring, uninteresting, and annoying i.e. Operation Overdrive. Even I can act better. I've been in many musicals at my school and even the actors I worked with, who were also my friends, can act better. I want the actors to show as much emotion in what they do as possible.

I also want equal character development. Again, harboring back to the Disney seasons, one of the problems is unbalanced development. In Mystic Force, it seems that Nick got too much development compared to the other characters. It also seemed that Mack from Operation Overdrive may have too much development, but not on the same level as Nick. I mean, granted the Red Ranger is one of the most popular Ranger colors, but I want to see the same attention towards the others. If the Red Rangers gets a lot of development, then I at least want to see the others with a lot of development.

I also expect some awesome fight scenes. Not just with the Rangers, but in their civilian form as well. I don't want too much wire-fu, which some Disney seasons suffered from. I sure we'll get something, considering that the in order to audition for the Blue Ranger, you have to have Martial Arts skills. I hope that they others have those kind of skills, or at least interesting ways of fighting. Plus, I hope they take advantage with the location they are in. Since they are filming in New Zealand, I am hoping they show different locations to have the fight scenes. I don't want to see the same place over and over again. New Zealand looks beautiful from what I've seen, so the show needs to take advantage of that. Yes, I know it'll probably be limited due to the Sentai footage, but what I hope for is good editing. If you can somehow blend in Japan with New Zealand landscapes and not make it seem awkward, then that's good editing.

Finally, I hope for a good soundtrack. Since Ron Wasserman won't be returning for the show, I certainly hope they have someone that can provide some good tracks that fit the nature of certain scenes. I also expect some awesome fight music as well. Fight music is something that needs to get one pumped up and needs to be somewhat fast paced and have the perfect mix of instruments.

Well, that's my take on it. I'm just hoping that Saban puts much effort into this in order to make this one of the greatest PR seasons ever. Oh, and for the record, I don't hate all of the Disney seasons. I liked Ninja Storm, Dino Thunder, and RPM to name a few.

So, yeah. Here's hoping that Saban and the work crew put their hearts into this. Here's to Power Rangers 2011!!

So... what do you hope for?

Toku Music Showcase 5

Time for another edition of the Toku Music Showcase!

For this Showcase, the song is the opening of the 1978 Toku series Spider-Man. Yes, the made a Toku out of him. And yes it's subbed. Just go here to see all 41 episodes.



So, anyway, the opening to it is called "Kakero! Spider-Man" or "Run! Spider-Man". It was sung by Yuki Hide, who had sung theme songs for other Toku shows and anime, such as Ultraman Leo and the ending theme to this show. Sadly, he died in 1998. Anyway, here's the song.



The song itself kinda feels like the original theme to the original show. Plus, the lyrics sound awesome. Well, the English lyrics anyway. The opening is subbed with the show in the link. Anyway, I like it. It just sounds cool. Also, did you know that Spider-Man had a Giant Robot? And it was also produced by Toei? Well, now you know.

That does it for this Showcase.

Toku Music Showcase 4

For now on, I'm just going to do these whenever I feel like it.

Anyway, for this Toku Music Showcase, this is a song to a series that I've recently found out about and am currently watching. The series is called Madan Senki Ryukendo (Which translates out to Magic Bullet Chronicles Ryukendo). And yes, it is subbed.



I've only watched three episodes as I'm writing this but let me just say that it's pretty decent. I mean, it's not better than Kamen Rider and Sentai, but at least it's something good. Also, did you know that the series had lower ratings compared to Kamen Rider and Sentai, but survived its full run because of superior toy sales? Well, now you know. And knowing is half the battle.



Now that I got that out of the way, let's get to the song. This show had two opening themes, but I'm referring to the first, which is simply called "Madan Senki Ryukendo".



The song is performed by Hiroshi Kitadani, who is on the anison group, JAM Product, as well as performed two of the ending themes for Kamen Rider Ryuki, "Boundless Life" and "Revolution". This guy lends his vocals for a kick-ass song. I mean, I immediately fell in love with this song the first time I heard. It has an awesome tempo and lyrics, and it always feels like a rush of energy. Plus, Hiroshi is a great singer. This song is what motivated me to watch Ryukendo. That's the power of theme songs. They make you want to check out shows you never heard of. At least that applies to me lol.

So, as for the series, I guess I would suggest it. Like I said, I've only seen three episodes, so you be the judge. As for the song, just awesome.

Look forward to another Toku Music Showcase... when I feel like it.

Man Dies During Twlight

It says here that a man died while watching the recent entry into the Twilight film series, "Eclipse".

Police said they were treating the death as unexplained, but not suspicious, The New Zealand Herald reported.

The man's body was found at a theatre in the capital Wellington about 8.30pm (local time) last night at the conclusion of the vampire film, The Twilight Saga: Eclipse.

The man, who was described by police as a "transient" who traveled throughout the country, appeared to have attended the 6pm screening alone.

An autopsy will be carried out tomorrow to determine the cause of death.

Police said the man was found slumped forward in his chair at the conclusion of the film and that a staff member initially thought he was asleep.

A member of security checked on the man and the emergency services were called, but they were unable to revive him.

I didn't know the movie was THAT bad. You know, I really feel sorry for his family and friends. Death by Twilight: one of the cruelest ways to die. I don't know what's worse: Just seeing the movie or that it was the last movie you saw before you died. Really makes you think, doesn't it?

Trailer for Double: A to Z/Gaia Memories of Fate

We have another trailer for the upcoming Double movie... IN 3D!!



Judging by this and the other trailers we've seen, this movie sounds badass! It looks like it's going to be an awesome movie. Plus, it seems that Skull is going to be in the movie, as well as the upcoming Rider, Ozu (Which for the record, I'm calling the series OOO but the Rider himself Ozu.) I so can't wait for this!

More Kamen Rider OOO Info

We have tons of info about the show now. I didn't announce any of the info mentioned, I just found it.



STORY:

"I don't want anything, and I don't attach to much importance to anything"

Such a man obtained the Rider's power. Before long, something will change in him.

Kamen Rider OOO is the 12th Heisei Work, succeeding Kamen Rider Double. The title is arranged with "3 O's", but is read as "Ozu".

Ozu will scramble for the 3 types of Medals which allow him to transform. It is said that when the medals are found, the "Fukusuu no Ou" (The Plural King) will appear.

This time, our hero is a man who has no dreams, no work, and no family. However, he does not attach importance to such things, and so he is not really unhappy.

The enemy are 5 different animal groups, who have existed since an unknown time. Their bodies incomplete, they search for the Medals too to complete their form. These Kaijin feed off of human lust, and now, have begun physically attacking human beings as well.

A mystery man, apparently from one of the 5 groups, is the one who gives our hero his belt. Ozu himself must collect these medals to gain new powers.

More over, a mysterious corporation seems to be backing Ozu in his quest. However, their true intentions are unknown. It is in these mysterious conditions that our hero must fight.

For the first time he will "feel alive" by fighting.

STAFF:

Original Creator: Ishinomori Shotaro

Writer: Kobayashi Yasuko

Directors: Tasaki Ryuta, Shibasaki Takayuki, and others

Action Director: Miyazaki Takeshi (Japan Action Enterprise)

SFX Supervisor: Butsuda Hiroshi (Special Effects Laboratory)

Creature Design: Izubuchi Yutaka, Shinohara Tamotsu

Producers: Motoi Kengo (TV Asahi), Takebe Naomi and Kazuhiro Takahashi (Toei)


On the rumor front, the 2nd rider, named Wozu/Wars, seems to be sea themed.



We also have the cast, along with their character descriptions!





The main character, Eiji Hino, is portrayed by Shu Watanabe.

Eiji Hino/Kamen Rider Ozu:
21 years old
-played by Shu Watanbe

A young man with no devotion or desire, and very little prospects for marriage. He only eats food he needs to survive day by day, just carries change, and the clothes on his back. He isn't settled down with a particular occupation. He has no savings, and of course, no hobbies. He dimly likes to look at scenery. He is often scolded by olders for his lifestyle, but liked by others. He is able to live each and every day as one of amazement.

His dettachement and no possesions seem to suggest something bad having occurred in his past. What is concealed in Eiji's heart? What is his true face that only appears when he is fighting as Ozu?



Ankh -Tori Kanbu Kaijin- (Bird Management Mystery Man):
-played by Ryosuke Miura

Eiji's companion, and his Medal Manager. Leader of the Bird group of Greeds and Yamiis, who gives Eiji his belt and allows him to transform into Ozu. He is having Eiji collect medals for him because he cannot fight on his own. Though he is one of the Greeds, the medals have little effect in helping him, and he can only transform his right arm.

As such, he takes possesion of Izumi Keiji's body, who is in a near-death state. Unlike Eiji, his devotion is strong and is very self-motivated. He is persistent on collecting all the medals, and "checking" them in. His only wish and care is that he gains all the medals and becomes a god who can attain all desires. However, his stubborn ways may be altered by becoming partners with Eiji...



Hina Izumi:
18 years old
-played by Riho Takada

Younger sister of Izumi Keiji, whose body is currently being possesed by Anku. She meets Anku, her "missing elder brother" and ends up helping Eiji in his mission. She admires Eiji because she reminds him of Robin Hood, and her naivety is being exploited by Anku.

Though she is seemingly a "usual girl" she has a lot of hidden, and uncommon, physical strength. She has recieved a "Power System Scout" (unsure about this part).

She misses her brother, and notices something different about him (because he's Anku). Her, Anku and Eiji end up working in a multi-national restaurant, and she begins to project on Eiji...



Shintaro Goto:
22 years old
-played by Asaya Kimijima

Commander of the Motorcycle Corps. in the Kogami Foundation that helps out Ozu. A former policeman, Shintarou is an incredibly loyal subordinate to Kogami. Difficult, unfriendly, and one who is not prone to displaying his emotion.

He is ordered to assist Ozu, but views Eiji as a rival. He has many doubts about the situation after learning of Eiji and Anku's attitude, but strongly believes society can still be saved through Kogami.




Erika Satonaka:
21 years old
-played by Mayuko Arisue

Kogami's able and beautiful secretary. A mature young woman who is never bothered, with a calm disposition. Because she is always made to eat the cakes that Kogami makes, she always has dieting on her mind. She often leaves the chairman's office to assist Shintarou in information gathering.



Chiyoko Shiraishi:
30 years old
-played by Marie Kai

A kind and cheerful character, if a bit troublesome, who gives Eiji a part-time job and living space in her multi-national restaurant. In this restaurant she serves dishes from around the world, and is often seen wearing clothing from around the world as well.

It is a hobby of hers that Eiji, and the others working at his restuaurant, must Cosplay while on the job. The interior of the shop is of her own design, and represents different countries around the world.



Kosei Kogami:
43 years old
-played by Takashi Ukaji

The mysterious chairman of the Kogami foundation. His real intentions are unknown, but for some reason he has a motorcycle, and secret mechanisms to support the Kamen Rider. He had seen the revival of the Greeds a long way off, and had actually hoped for it to happen.

Details are uncertain, but it is clear he wants to collect the medals for some unknown purpose. His hobby is baking cakes, often pulling an apron right over his suit to do so. In fact, he has a very unsuitable oven kept in his office...

Plus the thing about Ozu's bike: It can turn info a Vending Machine.



Okay... weird.

Anyway, this guy has an awesome design, and he'll also get new Medals, which are the gimmick for this season, which can give him new forms. And, by the number of medals we can count with certain medals going into different slots, he can have a total of 27 forms. Damn!



Okay, this post has enough pictures, so I'll just give you the link to the rest of them, as well as any info I missed. You can find them here, here, and here.

Also, a trailer sort of thing.



So, judging by the info we have, this is sounding awesome. I'm more psyched for this then I was for Goseiger, but not as I was for Double. So, this series certainly sounds like it will have a lot of variety. I'm excited for it, either way. Are you? The Ozu is coming. Are you ready?

Oh, and the official website is open.

Kamen Rider Dragon Knight Won the Daytime Emmy

No, your eyes don't deceive you. KRDK WON the Daytime Emmy for Outstanding Stunt Coordination. As stated here, it says that. Steve Wang had posted his response to this.

"Kamen Rider Dragon Knight won the day-time Emmy for Outstanding Stunt Coordination!!! Congratulations to our Stunt Coordinator Dorenda Moore for her 'outstanding' contributions and our Acting Director Yuji Noguchi and our incredibly talented Stunt Performers for a fantastic job well done! GO TEAM DRAGON KNIGHT!!!"

I know. I'm surprised too. I'm also impressed. I'm also kinda glad. But yet, I am a bit frightened. Why? I don't know. It kinda just scares me.

Well anyway, congrats to KRDK!!