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Bleach [c.219], OP [c.404] and gaming blah
Sunday, March 19, 2006 @ 05:06 p.m.
I was pretty tired yesterday. I guess I’m really out of shape that a few days fulltime work has tired me out. ^^; I just played PS2 last night rather than blogging/surfing the net. I guess sleeping late that night has contributed to it. I was suppose to be just testing Shadow Hearts 4: New World and I ended up playing it. The intro movie was defective but mom said if I had it changed, it might be more defective for the first one won’t play at all. The characters here seemed to have been ‘recast’ from the earlier Shadow Hearts. I can actually tell how they suppose to be in the previous game, maybe except for Nathan. The story is about Johnny who has an amnesia and runs a detective agency. He was hired by this guy who looked like the penguin [batman] to find a certain guy. Johnny did find the guy then a monster came in and two Indians came. The Indian princess is the one who has fusion here. Then, they went to an adventure to try to find out about the guy who hired Johnny who seemed to know his past, the Indians who are monster bounty hunters, and a weirdo ninja who thinks the guy is up to know good.
The other casts are a huge talking cat who seemed to be a mafia boss and a Mexican? guitarist. There are some scenes of an alien looking girl and this red haired guy. I think they would be the enemies later on as the girl could be related to Johnny because of their strange red beam power. The characters are as quirky as before but I don’t quite like the character designs. The setting this time is in America around after the civil war – Al Capone’s time. I’m not well verse with American history nor where different states are located, except for a few. ^^;; The gameplay is like before but with a bit difference. Anyway, I read that the story is okay so I got this even though it isn’t as good as the previous ones.
I have watched a lq opening of Final Fantasy 12. Even if it is low quality, it is really great. It reminded me of Star Wars, with all the different races and grandeur scenes. It is like one is teleported to another world. I have read the plot and this time it is a full blown war, somewhat like in Winderia. A country caught between two warring nations and then, it was conquered by the other country. I’m guessing that the story would be how certain people would try to free it. I got a bit excited to play it especially when it was said to have high ratings in Famitsu. I would just have to wait patiently when the English version is out. Kingdom hearts 2 would be out this April. Anyway, there are many anime also coming out in April so I be pretty occupied until then.
In Bleach [c. 219], Ichigo is fighting with his other self, anti-Ichigo [I’ll go along with others in naming it ^^;] as his body just got a hole on the chest just like a hollow. Ichigo asked it when it learned bankai. It answered that it is at the same time he did. Then, Ichigo used a technique – moon something but the hollow managed to nullify it and attacked Ichigo with the same technique. Outside, the school girl exchanged with this guy in fighting against anti-Ichigo. Shinji tells Ichigo to hurry it up or else, everything would be finished, as in Ichigo end up dead. Back inside, Ichigo was all bloodied by the attack as anti-Ichigo said that the technique was his. Then, anti-Ichigo holds Ichigo’s zanpaku. It becomes white then disappears. Anti-Ichigo then says that he can’t use ban kai anymore. Well, Ichigo is really in big trouble now. Mm..I just noticed that trainings in Bleach can be quite dangerous as in can kill like what happened when Ichigo tries to regain his shinigami powers, fighting with Zangetsu, and now this. Well, Ishida is also fighting for his life as he was trained by his father who mentioned about be careful not to die. Well, I don’t think Ichigo would die or else, the story would be the end. ^^;;
While in One Piece [c. 219], Luffy is still chasing after Spandam and went back to his original size while running. I’m guessing that gear 3 compresses his body to become powerful. Lucci informs Spandam that they were being followed. I’m guessing that Lucci didn’t tell Spandam that a girl and a rabbit saw them for he wants to have a fight, too, and not just guarding Spandam. Big mouth Cp9 is still fighting with Franky and they are at a tie. Finally, Franky managed to bring the fight to the kitchen, as he wanted to have cola. There was a huge frige in it. Chopper came crashing in as he was beaten up by octopus hair cp9. Chopper manages to seal him inside the fridge. Franky yells for him to get a cola for him.
Chopper doesn’t want to forgive Franky yet for making Usopp leave their group as Franky tries to tell him that Usopp is still in their group. He then tells Chopper to give him a cola so that he can get their keys and save Robin. Chopper manages to get it while octopus hair is still inside. First, it was a veggie juice then it is a tea. It is very funny how Franky’s hair become what he drinks. Veggie = onion hair while tea is zigzags like it is hot. Franky threatens Chopper to quit it and just give him cola. Franky powered up and punches big mouth away. That was sure fun. If Franky becomes their nakama, I wonder if Chopper would get him to drink other kind of drinks to see what his hair would become. I’m guessing that it will be Nami’s fight next chapter. Then, it would be Zoro-Usopp and finally, Luffy, unless the author has something else in mind. ^_^
Word of the day:
Spend your time counting your blessings—not airing your complaints. ~ Our Daily Bread.
Spring Waltz [episode 1]
Thursday, March 16, 2006 @ 06:51 p.m.
I had finished downloading Spring Waltz [ep. 1] yesterday so I watched it with my mom. Goong is at the moment at stand still since around episode 10, the download has become slow. Back to Spring Waltz, it is the last installment of the seasonal Korean dramas aka Endless Love. The previous ones are Autumn Fairy Tale, Winter Sonata and Summer Scent. I have only watched Autumn but my mom watched all of it.
The episode started with a scene of a Korean girl, Eun-young, some European country who joined in the countdown for the new year. Then, she is on board a plane and talked with this other Korean girl, Lee-na about first love. Lee-na is meeting a childhood friend whom she playfully asked before that they get married and he agreed. They met at some piano concert/contest. Upon landing, Philip came to Jae Ha, thinking that she is Lee-na. Lee-na has told Philip that she will be wearing a blue scarf and he thought it was Jae Ha. Philip then realized his mistake. He then brought her to Jae Ha/Cris who turned out to be a celebrated pianist based on Austria. He is practicing for his coming concert. Jae Ha was a bit snobbish and a bit of a loner it seems as he asked Lee-na to leave for apparently he doesn’t recognize her. It was only when she mentioned her name when he remembered. Philip is Jae Ha’s manager and he used to be a pianist before.
While driving the two, Philip saw Eun-young looking for directions. He left the two with the excuse that he doesn’t want to disturb the two as he went to Eun-young. He helped Eun-young go sight seeing and learned that she entered a contest about making accessories and won a trip to Austria. Then, when they are about to part, Philip gave her a ticket to Jae-ha’s concert. On the day or before the day of the concert, Philip picked up Lee-na as Philip told her that Jae Ha likes to be alone before his concert. He then drove her to the venue. Eun-young rides the train to the venue and became seatmates with Jae Ha who turned out to be also riding the train to the venue. He is reading piano pieces while on the trip. When they were alone in the coach, Eun-young tries to befriend him by asking if he is Korean but he doesn’t respond. It was only when some ketchup/red juice from Eun-young’s bag fell on Jae ha that she leanrned that he is Korean for he spoke. Eun-young tries to make up for it by giving him a red sweater with a teddy bear on it. ^^; Then, a concert ticket for Philip gave her two tickets. Jae-ha told her that his name is Cris while Eun-young told her that her name is Alice as in Alice in Wonderland. Then, Eun-young drew a smiley on the window and it reminded Jae Ha of his childhood friend before. When they arrived at their stop, he then left her behind even though she wanted to go with him to the concert.
That night, Philip helped Eun-young to her seat. When the concert started, Eun-young felt that Jae Ha tricked her for he was the pianist of the concert. She was going out after the concert. Inside, Jae Ha then told the audience that he would play a piece [encore] for something happened that made him remember of his childhood friend. Lee-na thought that it was for her. While playing, Eun-young stopped on the stairs as she also remembered her childhood friend. That’s the end of episode 1. It is obvious that Jae Ha has two childhood friends though Eun-young are more memorable for he kept that seashell accessory she made before. I do wonder at what episode would they know who each other really is for they gave each other their ‘fake’/English names.
Based on the first episode, Spring Waltz seems to be good. I actually got interested how did Jae Ha became as what he was at present from what he was as a child. He doesn’t seem to be the loner and snobbish type then. I read that the lead actor was chosen for he can speak in different languages and can waltz. He does speak German fluently though his playing of the piano doesn’t seem that realistic. The other characters are just okay though not that interesting yet. Philip is the the typical nice guy who was smitten by Eun-Young and he is quite cheerful the opposite of Jae Ha. Eun-young seem to be the typical nice girl while the other girl, Lee-na, thankfully, isn’t bitchy type and is actually nice girl though a bit more aggressive and well, pretty much in love. The setting/scenes are really beautiful as what in the previous installments. Austria is really nice in winter though the spring scenes, from the flashbacks, I think would be in Korea. I like this so I’m going to watch some more.
Thought of the day:
To fear is one thing. To let fear grab you by the tail and swing you around is another. ~Katherine Paterson.
Anime/Manga I watched today
Sunday, March 12, 2006 @ 09:08 p.m.
Noein [around 14-16] has gotten interesting as things are focused on what is shangrila who was after Haruka. I find the phone call episode really interesting. I wonder if it is the other Haruka calling in that last scene. Then, there is a bit on the golden masked guy who does seem to have the save va as Karasu. I read from another blog that he could also be Karasu in the future. Anyway, I get to be interested to see how this anime ends even though I really don’t like the art. I’m beginning to like the bgm though.
Episode 17 of Mushishi is interesting. It shows how people can get in contact with a mushishi. It is with the use of this egg/cocoon that is threaded by two pupas. By separating the thread to become two eggs, the mushi that lives in it can transfer a note from one egg to another. Pretty original. Ginko tries to convince this girl who has become the new ‘postman’ after being taught by this old man, former ‘postman’, to quit looking for her twin sister who was taken away by a mushi. There are certain rules when dealing with that mushi like don’t close the doors or if you did close it, don’t open it anymore else the mushi will take you with it. Her twin was covered by a bedsheet while she was sleeping in the veranda and the girl removed it, not knowing that there was a mushi in with her twin. But in the end, her perseverance gain fruit as her twin did manage to find herself out when some cocoon silk weavers found the egg with her inside and together with a lost and note from her sister. ^_^ Strange though, her sister didn’t grew old and I’m guessing she lost her memories as Ginko said that if they stayed too long in that ‘cave’ where the mushi travels back and forth, one loses one’s memories. Oh ya, episode 16 are a bit sad which is about a mushi that eats memories. I did feel sorry for that woman and her son. She kept on waiting for her husband as she tries to keep those memories from being eaten but in the end, her husband turned out to have left her for another woman so because of her depression, she slept for days and the mushi ate her painful memories. But somehow, deep inside her, she still couldn’t forget as she still prepares another meal for her absentee husband.
I think Black Cat is ending as there are many fights in episode 18. Would this end at the 20th episode unless there is an epilogue? As expected, Eve fought with the wind kid. Mm..why did her hair changed into green? ^^; The art is really getting crappy. Things are still slow with Fate-stay Night as it reached its 10th episode. Shirou is doing some fighting lessons from Saber while some magic lessons from Rin. Ilya does seem to be up to something as she ask to talk a bit with Shirou and he agreed since well, he is nice. Next episode would be another fighting episode, I do wonder if anything would happen/develop after that though.
I have watched Xxxholic the movie and it was okay. The story is about this boy, Watanuki who is being ‘haunted’ by black spirits but when he was with his classmate, Domeki, they disappear. He is head over heels in love with this other girl. He is currently working a parttime job at this small store owned by Yuuko. Yuuko can grant any wish but in exchange for something. She was given an invitation to this house and this woman asks for help regarding her house that she couldn’t open. Then, in the house, they met people who are collectors. The rest of the episode is pretty much exploring the house and weird things happen like this is some horror show in the end, they found the root cause of it all – this guy who collects, collectors. ^^; Then, after realizing why he is into collecting and finding the girl whom he has been waiting to return all this time. I’m guessing he is the spirit of the house or something. Then, all ends well as Yuuko and others spends the summer together while ordering Watanuki around to do house chores and this time, cooking.
First of all, I was actually bothered by the character’s art. They seemed like matchsticks – small head and the body is pretty elongated especially if it is whole body shots. The backgrounds are really nice though especially in that haunted house and all those collections had a tinge of spookiness in it. The story is so-so. It would have been more fun if this is really a horror and who was the small girl ghost who pushed Watanuki down. For a while there, I thought that girl was a ghost. The voice actors sound familiar and interesting that Domeki’s va is the same as Zoro’s, Kazuya Nakai. Anyway, somewhat made me interested in the anime series that will be shown soon – basically the background art is nice and well, Domeki does seem interesting though he might be just boring as it seemed his attitude of no-emotion irritates Watanuki. I have only read one chapter of Xxxholic and it does seem to be a bit like Petshop of Horrors and seem to crossover into other Clamp universe, like Card Captor Sakura. But since the manga has reached its 100th chapter, there must be something about it, I guess.
Not much happened in Fullmetal Alchemist [c.57]. Armstrong has decided to team up with Roy after learning the true nature of Bradley. Lan Fan told Al that she wanted an automail and had a little fight with Mei. The two only stopped when the doctor threatened them. Hehehe Scar has found Marcoh who is a bit suicidal in order to stop himself from being used. Scar wanted him to reveal more things about the war before killing him. Lastly, Ed wanted to return Hawkeye’s gun and after getting her address, he went to visit her. Hawkeye has just taken a bath and from her back, a huge tattoo of some alchemy – those wordings on stones and a bit of scar. So, that means there is more to Hawkeye than what it seems. I have no idea what the tattoo meant though as I don’t pay much attention to those symbols and stuff. ^^;
Ichigo faces with his hollow-self in Bleach [c.218]. It told him that he is Zangetsu. The two fought while outside, his body is going wild as the vizards are trying to pacify it without killing it. Hollow-Ichigo told him that since he became stronger, he is now in control in that world so Ichigo thought that he should just beat hollow-ichigo so that Zangetsu would be the one controlling that world. Hollow-ichigo dares him to do so as both of them goes bankai. It is interesting how everything about hollow-Ichigo is reverse like the black in the zapanku is opposite, well, except for the teeth, for obvious reasons. ^^; I guess more fighting next chapter but in ban kai mode. I wonder if the vizards could successfully keep Ichigo’s body from thrashing about and well, from being discovered.
In One Piece [c. 403], Nami was saved by Chopper before she got stabbed/strangled by Mr. octopus hair. [Gomen, I’m lazy to check the name]. Nami managed to pickpocket his key but unfortunately, it is no. 3. Then from the ceiling fell, Sanji who was like a puppet/deformed and all shiny. He apologizes for losing for he can’t kick a lady even if she is the enemy for it is his policy. Nami then decides to fight with Califa as Chopper takes on Mr. octopus hair. Meanwhile, Luffy almost drowned as he tries to cross the sea to get to the gate. The little girl and the wabbit told him that they know the way in for they heard Spandam laughing and followed him. The gate couldn’t be opened so Luffy went into gear 3 and opened it. But to the girl and wabbit’s surprise, Luffy became a chibi. Kawaii! I wonder if gear 3 makes him into a chibi though and maybe his power has condensed that is why he is small.
Word of the day:
Our love for God is seen in our love for others. ~ Our Daily Bread.
A Love to Kill [ep. 1] and other blahs
Friday, March 10, 2006 @ 07:01 p.m.
I had been working at our store for two days straight since my father went out of town for around three weeks so I don’t have as much as free time as before. But then, I guess it is a good break since at times, I fear that I’m ruining my eyes for looking at the computer too much and my wrist is aching from handling the mouse too much lately ^^; I should also finish some stuff I wanted to do that are not computer-related. Some good games for PS2 are coming out soon so I better finish up Wild Arms4. Speaking of Wild Arms 4, it is an okay game though I don’t particularly like any characters here. There is a lot of preachy –weapon [good or bad]- and predictable scenes [people who want to rule the world] but I guess it is pretty much the same as its predecessors’s type of plot. The gameplay is okay so far, I can solve the puzzles and such. I think I am at half of the game already.
I have watched one episode of Love to Kill [Korean drama]. It stars Bi/Rain. I’m not really fond of him but then, in this drama, he wears more descent clothes as compared to Full House and I guess being ragged somewhat suits him. From the net, the story is about this guy whose brother has fallen in love with an actress. They got separated and she was engaged to another man so the brother committed suicide. The guy wanted revenge as he acts as the actress’ bodyguard. When I watched the first episode, it was not exactly like that ^^;;
It started with scenes of the guy then the actress as if they are trying to reach for each other. Then, some people called the guy to tell him that his ex-lover tries to commit suicide. This jerk of a guy even told the ex-lover to go ahead and she did. ^^; Then, he has to go off to save her and warns her not to try again or else, he wouldn’t save her. That was a bit corny and the girl should at least scream why did he save her. While this was happening, the actress is also going a bit suicidal during her shooting near the beach since she broke up with her boyfriend. For a while there, I thought all the girls here are suicidal. ^^;; Then, there are some scenes of the two meeting while their two vans are running in the highway and as if they try to reach to each other. They should put a note there not to try this at the highway. ^^; Then a scene of him stalking the actress. It is all weird that I thought his brother is already dead.
Later on, it was revealed that the lead guy is a boxer. Argh, I don’t like boxing. He is looking for his brother who went missing. He is also some sort of bodyguard for this other girl who saved his life from fires but she became scarred. They try to get ‘protection’? money from store owners. Meanwhile the actress is a mess as she tries to find her lover and one day, while drunk, a rich guy tries to help her up but the poor guy ended up being filmed by this bystander. It was shown as if the rich guy was harassing her and it was put up in the net. I read from the net that they are forced to have a marriage so that their reputations won’t be messed up. This got to be one really stupid excuse to marry. Couldn’t they just wait for the gossip to let up and explain their side what really happened? Okay, maybe people wouldn’t believe and the rich guy plans to be a politician but still, wouldn’t it be more hassle if they would divorce later on or marry someone they didn’t like. I guess they went for the quickest solution to it but then, the video had the actress screaming. I was thinking, wouldn’t it look more like he really did something to her if they get married immediately? ^^; So, where’s the brother? The boxer has found him. They even had a bit of brotherly bond. Then, in some tv on top of building, the brother is looking at the actress who was on tv. He is reaching to her as the boxer thought his brother is being stupid/teasing as his brother kept on walking until he drops down the building. The shock on his face was really something. That doesn’t look like suicide to me though.
So, after watching this, I somewhat thought that maybe the director or whatever is the same as Sorry, I love you for they are both a bit quirky at the start and as if the two leads are fated for each other. Rain’s character is really a jerk and a bit soft-hearted that what he seems just like Sorry, I love you lead guy. I am a bit curious how he would do the revenge and then, the falling in love for the actress. The lead in Sorry, I love you, So Ji Sup, was quite convincing. The actress turns out to be the younger sister of the lead in Beautiful Days. She has turned out to be really pretty and I’m amazed that I recognized her. Hehehe I’m bad at faces. I find her family a bit intriguing as the mother stayed with the father just so that she can benefit from her actress daughter. The son and daughter? could even say it to their mother’s face that she is a gold digger. It was also noted that the actress wasn’t really into acting..so why bother with the cover-up of the scandal? The other girl, the scarred girl, doesn’t make much of an impression to me though but she seems to be the type who makes the boxer guilty and not want to leave her. What got me want to watch a few more episodes is the actor of the rich guy. Aside from those glasses and a bit curly, poopy hair, he is good looking. I already feel sorry for the rich guy for getting himself into this mess. What made me not quite up to getting more episodes of this is that someone has spoiled in the forum what happened in the ending. It is pretty much like Sorry, I love you. Well, maybe after I finished downloading Goong as in catch up, and check if Spring Waltz is good then, I might get more of this.
As for Goong, episode 7 and 8 turned out to be okay. I guess it was because there are more scenes of Shin and Chae-kyung already. I think I sunk into my mind not to compare this to the manhwa anymore [the non-inclusion of the enuch? [small troll] from the manhwa is good though] and treat it as a different series though some of the outfits still bother me. Yul’s outfits has started to become weird too as in argh, what is that thing you are wearing, you look like a ...^^;; Well, that is in episode 15. The earlier episodes are a bit slow so I’m getting the new episodes as they dl faster. They changed his hair color to black now. And, I really came to like the interiors of Shin-Chae-kyung’s house. I somewhat think that they hired interior designers for the flowers and stuff here. I won’t be surprised if they made it a tourist attraction later on. Koreans are pretty wise to use Korean drama’s sets as tourist attractions. I find it amusing that they send Shin to Thailand instead of England. No enough budget I guess. Hehehe Watching this, at times, I thought that Shin ought to be with Hyorin. Mm..Korean dramas tend to be a four-love polygon type. Oh ya, came to like the duet theme song of Goong, Perhaps Love.
Thought of the day:
Choose a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life. ~ Confucius.
End of Love Monster and Penguin Revolution [chapter 16]
Wednesday, March 8, 2006 @ 05:46 p.m.
So, Love Monster has ended at chapter 82. It is a bit corny and melodramatic though. ^^; Oh ya, I might miss something for some scans from Billwang are blocked. The chapter started with Yuki and Gin confronted Kurou for making the others disappear. Kurou then admitted that he is the ‘demon king’ and that he wanted everyone to disappear, leaving him and Hiyo alone in the world so that there will be no one who would try to harm Hiyo anymore for Hiyo was the one who gave him hope after being mistreated when he was still a kid. He also told them that it was Maria who gave him more power and was the one who suggested that it would be better if he and Hiyo were all alone in the world. Then, Gin and Yuri started to disappear. Hiyo then told him that she likes him and that she would want to live with everyone in this world. Kurou then cried and realized this mistake but alas, everyone has pretty much disappeared. Gin and Yuki told him that they never thought he would cry for them and that next time they meet, they would still be friends. Yuki then told Hiyo that she could depend on ‘the power of love’.
Kurou then asked a white feather from Hiyo. Somehow, it changed to a sword as Kurou tries to kill himself with it so that Hiyo can get back everyone and the world would be normal again. Finally, Hiyo got a spine and shouted that he shut up and that she has no intention of doing that, rather she would help Kurou, the demon king rather than kill him. Kurou insist that they are different as day and night. Hiyo then answered back that what would the world be without him and that she can do it – save everyone and bring all things back to normal. Finally, Kurou agrees with her and with Hiyo’s feather, Kurou and Hiyo hope for a new world together and kiss each other.
Then, Hiyo woke up to find her mother calling her. Her parents are not divorced. She goes to school with Komugi and everyone else from St. Monster, the China world and the parents. Of course, Kurou is there. It was revealed that Shou is half-black crow and half-white crow. Everyone thought that this world where monsters and humans co-exist is pretty good. I don’t quite get what he said about but he did say that Hiyo is really something.
Above the skies, Kurou is carrying Hiyo just like old times as they agree that this world is indeed good for they can live together for they are ‘really strong demon lovers’. And that ends, the story. It does seem rush and a bit cliché though it could have been worse. I was actually expecting more on Haine as to why his wings are grey. Oh well. I’m pretty amused that I just started on this series then it has already ended. ^^; Overall, the story started not so good and became interesting in the middle but then, back to hum-hum in the end.
There is still no Skip beat Chinese scans from Billwang. I like theirs since it is clear and is in traditional Chinese but Penguin Revolution [c. 16] is up with a nice colorspread of Yukari and Ryou. Too bad, I don’t quite like Ryou. ^^; It is another hum-hum chapter if it hasn’t been for another stolen kiss. Yukari and Ryou were given another chance and it is at this program. The president then threw a knife at Ryou but was immediately caught by Yukari. [Geez, isn’t that dangerous?] The president then said something about Yukari being good for she can protect her talent [Ryou] from harm and told them to work harder. Yukari then heard the other girls talking about Ryou and Yukari was happy that Ryou’s work at Animalder got notice. Then, she went frantic and blushes as she remembered their accidental kiss.
Elsewhere at the student council office, the other students are admiring Ryou [as girl] sleeping and then suddenly he went screaming and goes blushing. Apparently, he is also really affected by that accidental kissing. Ayaori noticed it and told Ryou if he is happy about something. It got Ryou freaking out and blushing more but Ayaori asked if it is because Yukari has returned. Funny part here was Ayaori pointing out to Ryou that he is a guy. ^^; I don’t quite understand why though maybe because he was being too flustered and blushing too much. When pressed if there is something else about Yukari, Ryou denies it. The new job that Ryou got was the reprisal of his role in Animalder. They were reading the script together then noticed that they got too close and both freak out blushing. Narazaki [cat eyes katana guy], thanks Alya for the name, saw the scene and tries to calm himself by meditating. ^^; He is reflecting on what the president said about what could he be feeling for Yukari and to listen to his heart. Somehow, I feel like laughing there – typical martial artist, I guess, so naïve.
Ryou went outside so as not to keep on blushing when Yukari is around. This man then showed him a dog and it attacked him. He injured his hand and so Ryou quickly left as I think he realized that he shouldn’t be injured. The man then smiles evilly so it was a set-up. I think the new script was about Animalder black younger brother [Ryou] was possessed and so Black [Narazaki] has to fight his younger brother. The director looking at the scenes felt that the feeling between Ryou and Narazaki is pretty ‘ordinary’ Hehehe not for long.
Ryou came home and told Yukari to take a bath first. At the bath, Yukari was thinking about Ryou showing his magnificent wings before and hopes that he can do it again though they would work hard and maybe little by little it would. When it was Ryou’s turn to take a bath, Yukari does her school homework and has fallen asleep. When Ryou went out, he finds her sleeping. He tries to wake her up but she doesn’t and was about to touch her but hesitated and blushed. He then called her name and something about not prepared yet. When Ayaori came home, he was all weird-out by Ryou when Ryou is wearing his wig for school. Ayaori asked him what it with him and his manager but Ryou denies anything is wrong. Ayaori then took the wig and told Ryou to go to sleep as he is going to sleep, too.
The next day, Yukari was surprise to find herself on bed and asked Ryou if he was the one who brought her there. When Ryou admitted, Yukari thanked him. Ayaori then goes to pat Yukari’s head as they exchange good mornings then he told her that she and Ryou really shake things up and this could be a good thing. Yukari blushes as she said something about he is exaggerating. The crew then went on location shooting at some cliff. Since it is Narazaki’s typical setting, he took the time to do his usual meditating as he wonders about his feelings for Yukari when Yukari came and apologized for interrupting. Then, Narazaki realized his feelings for Yukari as he confessed that he likes her. Yukari blushes as she exclaims that she is a guy but Narazaki said that he doesn’t care, for he has fallen for her. Yukari realized that Narazaki is serious that she backs up and fell on a bush. She tries to get up and Narazaki lost his senses/can’t control himself that he takes this chance to steal a kiss.
Ryou then came and he doesn’t look too happy as Narazaki quickly backs away. Yukari then sees Ryou’s beautiful wings again. And that ends, the chapter. Ryou’s wings come out when he is injured and has to perform and now, when threatened. ^^; A new revelation, Narazaki is gay or well, maybe bi-sexual. Now, I can only hope that Ayaori doesn’t fall for Yukari, too. Yukari having a male harem is the last thing I want to happen for this series. Not that I don’t like her but I’m expecting something special from Ayaori. I do wonder how much Ayaori knows regarding the two. And, maybe someone should tell her that she should learn some martial arts on how to protect her lips from stolen kisses. ^^;;
Thought of the day:
Kisses are like tears, the only real ones are the ones you can't hold back. ~Author Unknown.
One Piece [chp. 402] and Other Manga/anime Ramblings
Tuesday, March 7, 2006 @ 02:53 p.m.
First, it was Kaku and Jabura are fighting in One Piece [c.402] but when Kaku transformed to half-giraffe, half-human, it was all laughs for everyone since his square-ness is emphasize – square face and body. Unfortunately, it caused trouble for Zoro and Sogeking for Sogeking had mistakenly got himself handcuffed with Zoro when it was supposed to be for Kaku/Jabura. They learned that each CP9 has different numbered keys for the different numbered handcuffs. Zoro and Sogeking has to make a run for it as the two chases them. They saw Chopper and asked him to help find the no. 2 key. Chopper assumes that Sanji might have it so he went to find Sanji. Elsewhere, Luffy manages to see the gate of justice and would have to find a way across the sea. I would really be amused if Luffy got there ahead of Spadam. Hehehe Nami is having a hard time with her opponent. Franky is even with his while Sanji is really overwhelmed by Califa who used her charms to delay him and he can’t resist her. This is a pretty funny chapter and it is indeed unpredictable especially regarding Zoro and Sogeking getting handcuffed to each other.
I was suppose to blog and watch some anime yesterday but ended up catching up on Death Note 2nd part. It isn’t as fun as the first one but then, the interest is still there that it got me kept on reading until the present available chapter. So, Light/Raito is now trying to outwit two youngsters who were supposedly L’s heir. Interesting that Light became the next ‘L’ – base on the first letter of his name. The two would have been a more of a challenge if they had worked together. The first half is against Mello as Light tries to get back the stolen deathnote but he lost something instead. The second half is against Near who managed to speculate to what the former L had and with basis, he plans to defeat L when they face off. I was actually expecting more from Mikami but he ended up being careless or could it be all planned. It is really getting hard to be empathetic with Light as he kills off people whom he doesn’t need or a threat but then, I still felt like rooting for him as I don’t quite careless for the other characters. In recent events, Mello short appearance turned out to be just to kill him off. ^^; I do hope there is some sense or purpose for it though. Anyway, the face-off is near perhaps in the next chapter and I have a feeling that this series is going to end soon with only Near and SPK against Light and his dream world. The police near Light are not a threat since Light is too intelligent for them.
I was checking on Billwang and learned that Love Monster has ended. That was fast but then, I did somewhat except it with the cast disappearing one by one. The ending is a bit cliché but then, it is a happy ending. I did hope that the author would explore more on some characters but then, I guess the author wanted to end the story already. I’ll do a proper summary when I read it properly for I just browsed it. Fruit Basket seems to be ending soon, too. I do wonder if Tohru would survive the series after that accident but then, I guess it does made Kyo admit his feelings for her especially with that kiss.
Chapter 14 of Vampire Knight isn’t finished being uploaded yet. In Chapter 15 from jap scans, things are getting interesting. Zero getting ‘close’ with Yuuki [wow, hugging already? Or bidding goodbye] and was that Zero attacking? Maria? [He seems to be walking towards her then grabs her from behind her neck]. Poor Zero, he’s now having nightmares of the woman who bit him. Oh well, just have to be patient as I wait for the Chinese scans. And then, there are some scans on Goong, I think around chapter 75-77. Poor Shin, it seems that everyone is out to get him. It does look like Yul just got promoted again and Shin’s father is openly supporting Yul. Yul is also getting close with Chae-kyung. Hyorin is moving on to Shin while Shin seems to be having ulcers from stress – he has a tendency to feel like vomiting. ^^; There also seems to be a new girl [seem to be an airheard] in the palace – she is wearing the empress clothes, does that mean that Shin has given up the throne? So, that would mean why Yul is now in favor in the palace and the new girl is his fiancé? Geez, is that sumo-wrestling scene really needed...oh well, I guess it goes to show that Shin is still stronger than Yul though it seemed that Shin is going to strangle Yul. ^^;; Anyway, just when things are going apart with these two, they seem to be a couple. Chae-Kyung hugging Shin when she saw him in the school’s clinic taking pills for his ulcer/whatever he is sick of. The scene was Shin tries to shrug it off being sick and it is none of her concern but Chae-Kyung then holds him as she asked if he is planning to make her a widow. Well, I just hope it just an ulcer/stress and not any terminal illness.
Mushishi is still fun to watch. Episode 14 is about being ‘trapped in a cage’ and choosing freedom over loved one though it is more like doesn’t know the consequences of one’s wish. The guy wanted to see his village but then, he doesn’t know that to be free, his family would be sacrificed for his wife would have to kill the parent/bamboo who keeps them there. It is really like be careful of what you wish for. The guy then got to the village where he wants to visit but then, he was not accepted because his wife and child are of a different being. The episode is saved from being sad when it is a certain time again, the white bamboo grew again and somehow, so did his deceased wife and child. I like the art of the bamboo forest here. Really nice. I like episode 15 – Fabricated Spring. Ginko helps out a kid who has recently just being able to see mushi and somehow he got too attached to him and his sister. Later on, he did help out the kid who was quite fond of a mushi that can fabricate spring during winter. It does feel a bit sad that he can’t really stay there.
I have also catch up with anime Blood+ and the Russia turned out to be interesting as more about Saya’s past and being is known. The art is getting really good, too. I think Mao getting the photographer to help her to find Kai is a bit funny. She somewhat reminds me of Rin from Fate/Stay Night. Fate/Stay Night is still a bit slow but still okay to watch as more servant/masters are revealed. Shirou would be in for a training as he kept on insisting on fighting Saber’s fight. As for Black Cat, the art is getting really crappy and well, it is also ending as they are going for the showdown against Creed, who is really looking loonier every episode.
Thought of the day:
Thrift comes too late when you find it at the bottom of your purse. ~Seneca.
Bleach chapter 217
Saturday, March 4, 2006 @ 03:38 p.m.
In Bleach [c.217], Yuzu missing her brother Ichigo. Poor Yuzu, she is the only one who doesn’t know of Ichigo’s side job of being a shinigami that she is the only one who is worried about him for not coming home. Karin told her that Ichigo will come back after 2-3 days. Isshin is at his stupid antics again as he try to cheer Yuzu up and as usual, Karin stops him. Yuzu then asked Rukia if she has seen Ichigo and apparently, Rukia doesn’t know where Ichigo is. That night, Yuzu cries herself to sleep as she is with Kon, all dressed up. I guess Yuzu caught/found Kon again or Kon is trying to comfort her. Kon says that Ichigo isn’t a good brother for making Yuzu cry. So, where is Ichigo. Well, he is doing some exercise in an exercise machine...I think I saw that in some exercise machine tv ad. ^^;
The vizards are just talking and stuff when Ichigo lost his cool that he threw the machine to Hiyori who used Shinji as her shield. ^^; Ichigo and Hiyori had a word fight = name-calling and it ended when Shinji told Ichigo that they want to see if he would last three days on the machine. Ichigo blew his top that he doesn’t have the time for it and he is pretty sure he would last for he already knows how the thing works – to check his stamina/endurance. Shinji shouted back that someone who doesn’t know about the hougyoku shouldn’t be so noisy. Ichigo was surprised that they knew about it. Shinji then told him that he knew about it many years ago and that they would now move forward with Ichigo’s training since Ichigo can train at a short period of time. He made Ichigo ‘go to sleep’ as he told Ichigo that he would tell everything about it if he wakes up/survives. The vizards then raised a kekkai and went underground carrying an unconscious Ichigo. While in Ichigo’s inner world, Ichigo goes off to face off with his hollow self.
So, it is pretty much what Ichigo did to Zangetsu I guess, make the other submit to him [Ichigo] so that Ichigo can control it and this time, it is his hollow. Ichigo in that exercise machine is pretty funny. It would be fun to watch Ichigo and Hiyori word fight in anime. ^_^ Speaking of anime, I came to like the filler of Bleach though I tend not to like fillers just like in One Piece. I really like the new ending song, My Pace. Hehehe I have only watched the games the girl plays since Lunar is a bit behind. I almost downloaded other subbers when I thought Lunar has quit. I did find myself laughing at some of the scenes so it's good. ^_^
Word of the day:
Prayer is an open line to heaven. ~ Our Daily Bread.
Random manga and anime + Goong blah-blahs
Friday, March 3, 2006 @ 07:13 p.m.
There is a partial Vampire Knight [c.14] in Billwang but then it is just in 5 pages. ^^; Maybe this weekend, the girl would upload more. This time it is translated into traditional Chinese and used the Japanese cleaned scans as basis. I’m happy for I can understand more words in traditional Chinese. Nothing much happened in that 5 pages though except Yuuki and Zero doing their ‘guard’ duties. Zero’s technique reminded me of how Yashiro of Skip Beat! manages to drive those fans away from Ren. Yashiro stares them down while Zero threatens them. Lol. Of course, poor Yuuki, have to just settle with asking the girls to back off from nearing the night class students. I’ll do a proper summary when it is uploaded.
I read chapter one of Oujisama no Kanojo from the author of Hot Gimmick. At first I thought that it is a rip-off of Goong. ^^; The story is about a girl who is into princes then one day, her school would host a student exchange programs from Arabia and it is special because the exchange students are princes. She was the organizer so she managed to meet two of them. A guy classmate, who likes her and one who has a tendency to be bullied by other classmates, was a bit sad for the princes got her attention. Then, she and the guy classmate got themselves invite to a party. As usual [since I kind of expected it already based on Hot Gimmick], one of the princes tried to hit on the girl and she was managed to be ‘saved’ by her classmate when he interrupted them. Then, her crush prince proclaimed that the guy classmate is their brother and he wants to bring him back to their country.
For a while there, I thought that the prince whom he had a crush was likes the guy classmate when he is more interested more on the classmate though I somewhat had guessed that the classmate could be a prince in disguise – being poor and working student. Mm..four princes and one girl seems to be the story. I didn’t bother to memorize/note down the names because the story is so-so though I like her art. I don’t think the Chinese sites have picked this up yet though it is a bit doubtly for Hot Gimmick isn’t that popular. I’m somewhat predicting that she might end up with her classmate. Base on this chapter, I don’t have any characters that I like. Anyway, I might still check it out – read on line when more chapters are made.
I checked out Shinigami no Ballad [e.1] last night. The story is about these two kids who are taking care of this kitten that they found at the park. After some time, the boy decided to take a day off from taking care of the kitten as he went out with his friends just when the girl had an asthma attack when she went out in the rain to feed the kitten. They got the kitten underneath the temple and I’m guessing that it is because she has asthma that she can’t keep it at her house. The boy felt that it was the kitten’s fault why his friend died just then Momo, the shinigami came and said that she can kill the cat if he wants. At the last moment, he saved the kitten for it is like a memory of his friend. He then briefly saw his friend who said goodbyes. That’s it. The story is pretty predictable though and based on the ending, I can pretty much guess, which characters would live and which characters would be rip for I’m guessing that this is pretty much like Jigoku Shoujo and Mushishi, being episodic. Momo is cute though.
Ginko is back to his travels in Mushishi [e. 13] and this time, it is about a certain bridge that appears once every 20 years. A girl was arranged to be married for the village to survive and the boy tries to get her to run away with him but in the last minute, she chickened out and fell down the bridge. She should have died but somehow, she still lives. Ginko told them that she is actually alive thanks to some mushi that went into her body and if they left, she would die. Unfortunately, it is about time for the mushis to migrate so the boy lost her. Ginko tried to get the boy to cross with him to leave the village but in the end, he also backed out as he felt he couldn’t live without her. He fell down the bridge, too and suffered the same fate as the girl though he has to wait 20 years before the mushi would leave his body. It is a sad story. The boy can’t move on and somehow, ended up like being a ‘living’ dead as with people who can’t move on with their past.
I have already watched episodes 4-6 of Goong and still can’t quite ‘like’ the characters. I still have a problem with the actor playing Shin for the way he acts really destroys how I thought of how he should be played. As I wrote before, he doesn’t seem to be that arrogant or have a princely air to him. He seemed to be more feminie especially the way he walks and carrying that teddy bear. ^^;; Haha, maybe it is an ‘in’ thing in Korea. The actor here kept on wearing clothes in pastel or pink colors. Oh well, I remember the other guy in Oh! Phil Seung also wearing those colors and even has a ribbon on his neck. It could be worse. ^^;; I’m somewhat regretting read the manga that I’m getting more picky with the drama. For my mom, who is watching it with me and also kept asking if I had finished downloading an episode, everything seemed natural. She likes the actor for Yul and amused with Chae-kyung’s antics on how she make up/alibi for the things she lack.
I felt it is a bit unnatural for the two lead to somewhat get attracted to each other but then, I’m guessing it could be because the writer of the series decided to delay the going to Chae-kyung house and has also changed what happened in the party [suppose to be Yul’s birthday, here they made it into Shin’s] where Shin asked Chae-kyung what he thinks is his answer to if he still likes Hyo Rin. It does seem weird for Shin to like Chae-kyung here when he even lets Hyo Rin spoonfeed him. ^^; Is it pity when his friends are bad-mouthing/looking down on Chae-Kyung or prompted by jealous? when Yul is paying more attention to her. Yul does seem out of place in this story. He sticks out like a sore thumb when he is with Chae-Kyung and friends.
Anyway, episode 6 is okay. I actually laughed when Chae-kyung thought she was called by the grandmother when the grandmother was actually calling Yul’s mother using her title before. The director seems to be focusing now on how the two leads get to like each other. There was even a dance scene and this ala Cinderella when her shoe has fallen and Shin put it on her feet. I do felt the chills at some scenes, which I felt are really corny. Hopefully, the next episode is fun for just when I thought they totally removed the scene where Shin is going to live at Chae-kyung’s house and later episodes when Yul’s mother proceed with her schemes to destroy Shin’s reputation.
Thought of the day:
The best way to succeed in life is to act on the advice we give to others. ~Author Unknown.
V.B.Rose [volume two]
Thursday, March 2, 2006 @ 06:53 p.m.
There are three new characters introduced in volume 2 of V.B.Rose. I have to find the kanji word meaning in Chinese and c&p into online translators then into romanji. It would have been easier if I can type in Chinese. ^^; Anyway, I’m not sure with the names if they are correct though. ^^;; hehehe
On to the story, Ageha almost trip but Yukari caught her. Ageha is about to run ahead but Yukari told her to stop and that he would bring the three things [Stuffed toy, bag, and Ageha] to Hibari but it turned out that Yukari just wanted to be the one who runs ahead. ^^; He then grabbed Ageha as they ran off together. At the wedding venue, Hibari got a call from Mitsuya telling her that Ageha and Yukari had already ran ahead to her. Hibari went out and ran when she saw Ageha. Hibari almost tripped but she was saved by Makoto. Ageha then shouted that Makoto is great [finally accepting him] and then gave Hibari the stuffed rabbit toys plus a baby rabbit to represent her coming baby.
Ageha then apologized for the harsh words she said to Hibari and congratulated her. Hibari hugged her and thanked her for everything – making her really happy on her wedding day. Hibari then wished that her baby would also be a girl and just like Ageha. The make-up artist then grabs Ageha as Ageha thanks Yukari for delivering the three things. Yukari was a bit surprised about it as just in time, Mitsuya also arrived. The wedding went smoothly as Ageha was really happy that she has helped in the process. She told herself that she won’t forget this feeling. Later on, she rushes off to talk to the guys to ask if they are leaving. Mitsuya tease if she is lonely and plays ‘dancing’ with her when Yukari told her that she can continue working for them. Yukari was thrilled as she said that she wants to.
It is already May and exams are finally finished. Ageha begged off to go out with her classmates as she went straight to the VBR, only to find that no one is there. Ageha then wonders if they are at Rosa’s so she had off there to find the two guys very busy with the sales. Ririko saw her and asked about her when Yukari threw a book at her, saying why she isn’t studying. Only to be told by Mitsuya that the exams are over. At VBR, Ageha is still angry at Yukari for throwing the book as Yukari told her that he has already apologized. Ageha is not happy with how he apologized that Mitsuya has to stop her from attacking Yukari. Then, Ageha remembers that Mitsuya is flirty that she has to punch him down. Yukari then told her that things had become livelier at the store ever since she came. They told him that June [for June brides] is coming so they will be a bit busy. Ageha felt a bit sad for she hasn’t reached or she doesn’t seem to belong yet to ‘their world’.
After work, Ageha went straight to Mamoru’s house to tell of her feelings in work. Ageha managed to slip that she likes Yukari. Mamoru managed to cheer Ageha up and secretly thinks that she has to investigate about this Yukari guy. Mamoru then asked Ageha to go with her to meet her two classmates in school. Mamoru and Ageha study in different schools, Ageha’s is an exclusive girl school. As Ageha is going to leave, she met with Ryuu, Mamoru’s younger brother. Ageha, now 2nd year, cheerfully greeted him and congratulated him for getting into high school. Apparently, Ryuu likes Ageha as he personally gave her his cellphone number and email. After Ageha left, Ryuu comments that Ageha is cute as Mamoru says that she won’t give Ageha to him. Mamoru isn’t too thrilled that Ageha has fallen in love but if Ageha really likes the guy, she will help her. While walking, Ageha realized that she doesn’t know Yukari’s email.
At school, Ageha’s classmates played fortune telling and guessed that there is someone whom Ageha likes at her work. They chit-chat a bit then Ageha thought of something. At VBR, Yukari looked a bit spacy out as Mitsuya said that he might be sleepy. Mitsuya pushes him to the chair then leaves. Mitsuya then gets a message from his cellphone. To his amusement, it is a picture of Ageha and her classmates goofing around. Yukari laughs and was shocked when Ageha suddenly calls out.
Yukari scolds her for surprising him for he was thinking that she was still at school. Ageha teases him about the beautiful girls in her school and Yukari asked about the monkey – Ageha posed like a monkey. Ageha told him to forget about that. Yukari then pats her head saying that she is really a high schooler. Ageha told him to give her lots of work so that she can learn and show him better works. Yukari remembers the smiling face of Ageha from the pictures she sent him as he thought that her smile is really bright. Some other day, they are all goofing around as Mitsuya and Yukari are checking out Ageha’s arm and even Ririko is checking her out. Then, Ageha learned that Mitsuya doesn’t live in his house anymore for they don’t appreciate the work he likes to do. Ageha said that she thinks what he is doing is great. Mitsuya then glomps her as he told her she is cute.
As usual, Ageha punches him. Yukari then showed Ageha the dresses that that have. Ageha was very happy about it as she told Yukari that it is because wedding dresses makes one feels like a princess so she likes them. Ageha asked if Yukari made all the dresses. Yukari said that his father made the half of the dresses there. Ageha felt that it is a topic she should talked about for Yukari’s father had died two years ago. They told her that it is no bother and informed her that Yukari looked like his father. Then, Yukari had a bit of flashback about his father being a bit of a workaholic and finishes a dress before Yukari can help make it. Ageha felt that Yukari must have really love his father.
At home, Ageha finds that Hibari came to visit and muses that to ‘like a family member’ is happiness. At VBR, Ageha showed a headband accessory she had finished as they are all busy making dresses for the clients. Ageha then asked for a day off next Saturday to meet with Mamoru’s friends whom Mamoru described as cute. Ageha then told Mitsuya that he has met Mamoru at the bookstore before. When Ageha told him where Mamoru studies, Mitsuya says that it is his alma mater. He asked her if they are cute, she should invite them to the store. Ageha then decks him. On Saturday, Ageha was shock that Mamoru’s friends are guys. She thought that they are girls for Mamoru said that they are cute. The two boys shouted that Ageha is cute and they turned out to have a bet whether Ageha is really cute or not. The two boys then introduced themselves. The lightcolored [red?] hair boy is Shizuya? Kuromine while the darkcolored hair boy is Zero. Then, Ageha realized that Shizuya is Mitsuya’s younger brother.
Shizuya was shocked at the actions of his brother being with a high schooler [Ageha] and asking around about the Ageha bag [Mamoru], trying to ‘hit’ on her. When Ageha told Shizuya about the VBR, Shizuya’s mood changed as he told her that Mitsuya used to be great and everything but ever since he went to the store, his personality changed. Ageha then learned that Mitsuya also dropped schooling two years ago. Ageha then realized that it was around the time when Yukari’s father died. Shizuya continues that the last time he met his brother was Mitsuya telling him that he is going to quit school and would work at this wedding store for Yukari needs him, so he won’t be coming back home and tells Shizuya to take care of himself. Shizuya blames everything to Yukari that made Ageha really mad for Shizuya doesn’t know everything. Ageha is a bit teary eyed and decided to leave. Mamoru then warned Shizuya not to do that again or else, he will be in big trouble. Shizuya is pretty scared as Zero told him not to make girls cry.
Ageha runs to VBR as she realizes that Shizuya’s attitude was the same as hers when Hibari is getting married so Yukari is angry at that time. Ageha then opens the door as she cries out for Mitsuya only to be surprised that there is a fitting session. She breaks the ice by saying that the client looks like a princess. Yukari drags her inside as he told her not to interrupt a fitting as Ageha apologizes. Later on, Ageha told them about meeting Shizuya. Mitsuya is happy that Shizuya is with such a pretty girl, Mamoru. Mitsuya said that it is okay and that if he is lonely, Ageha would be there. Ageha punched him before he could glomp him. Her relexes are getting good. ^^; Yukari then said that he doesn’t care what Shizuya says for they are not doing anything wrong nor does he care what they think. Ageha is angry at her reaction so Mitsuya tries to apologize for what his brother. It made Ageha explode as she asks why he is apologizing for his brother. Yukari asked why she is angry as she said that it is because he was called ‘a bad word’ I tried looking for each word but it seemed to be being ‘an bad intruder’ something like that. Ageha then left as she wondered why they are not angry then realized that she is also an intruder. She quickly went to her sister to ask if her sister hates her. Hibari said that she doesn’t and Ageha is on cloud 9 again. Then, she thought more about it and called Mamoru. She apologized to Mamoru about what happened earlier and to Zero. Mamoru said that she already gave Shizuya a word about it. Ageha then told Mamoru that she has a plan. On Monday, the plan turned out to drag Shizuya to visit his brother. Zero helped out by luring Shizuya to go out the back gate as Ageha pounced on him and Zero told Shizuya something to make him go.
Ageha then tells Shizuya that if he saw Mitsuya, his perspective of his brother would change and when they got to the store, that perspective turned out to be being a flirt as he was flirting with the saleslady at Rosa’s. Mitsuya then noticed Shizuya as he went to greet him as Ageha told him that she was the one who brought him. Just when Shizuya was glad that Mitsuya missed him, Mitsuya went to Mamoru, happy to see her and invites her for tea. Shizuya is freaking out that what his brother has become. Then, Yukari came out of the store. Shizuya calls Yukari’s name as Yukari grabbed him saying that Shizuya haven’t changed though he grew a bit taller. Then, Ageha realized that this is a really awkward moment for Yukari is there whom Shizuya hates. Shizuya then bursts out that it was all because of Yukari who has ruined his brother. Yukari then tossed him out. Shizuya asked who the heck he think he is. Yukari shouted back that that he is the owner of the store and everything in that store, is his. He started calling Shizuya names and that he doesn’t have to listen to a brat like Shizuya. Yukari then told him that he should never show his face to him again. Shizuya was speechless and left. Mamoru told Ageha that she would follow Shizuya.
At the store, Ageha told Yukari being cold and that she just wanted the two brothers’s relationship to be the same as before. Yukari then told Ageha off as he said that it is none of her business/it doesn’t involve her. Ageha then cries as the way Yukari said it hurts her. Yukari is surprised that Ageha is crying as Ageha quickly ran off. Mitsuya said that Yukari went over the top as Yukari tries to defend what he said. Mitsuya made Yukari realize that he just made Ageha felt like an outsider. Ageha then goes to Mamoru’s house. Mamoru told her that she left Shizuya to be alone for a while. Mamoru said that Ageha likes to make other people’s problems her own problems but that is why she [Mamoru] likes her. Ageha then told Mamoru that she feels hurt because she likes Yukari and since he treated her that way – like an outsider – she felt sad. Mamoru then comforts her.
After calming down, with Mamoru’s help, Ageha decided to go back to VBR and apologize. When she arrived, Yukari was sleeping. Ageha looks at him as she describes his characteristics – being cold-hearted, easily angered, bad mouth, workaholic but can be strong and nice – seen at her sis’ wedding day. Yukari then pinched Ageha’s face as he asked her how long is she going to stare at him. Yukari then asked her to get a brush so that he can clean her skirt which had some pieces of thread clinging on it. He asked her why she came back. She tries to apologize when Yukari was the one who apologized first for what he said. Ageha started crying for she is happy. Yukari then asked her why she is crying again when Mitsuya came and saw the scene, telling Yukari that he made Ageha cry again.
Yukari then decided to listen what Ageha wants to say. Mitsuya said that they should have dinner first. Yukari then told Ageha that she will eat dinner there, then they will bring her home. Ageha was happy that they would drive her home then asked which one of them would drive her home – she haven’t seen Yukari drive. Yukari pinches her face as he said that she must be thinking that he can’t drive. Ageha then realized that they are very busy for clients kept on changing their dresses for it turned out not to suit them. Ageha says that she should find another time to talk but Yukari told her it is okay. Ageha then learned that it was Mitsuya who cooks. Ageha then wonders if there is something going between the two of them as Yukari insists that they just live together.
While eating, they asked her why she is doing this, is it because it is the same as what happened with her sister. Ageha said that it is part of the reason but the main reason that she felt it is such a waste that Shizuya doesn’t know the ‘great’ things – working to please the clients, etc - that Yukari and Mitsuya are doing. Yukari thanked her for thinking that as Mitsuya also thanked her for it makes him feel happy. Then, there is a bit of scene about an apple being carved into a rabbit and that seeing how it is done is interesting then she told Mitsuya that he told her before about if a family member/relative doesn’t see what one is doing, it feels a bit lonely and that he said it to her before because he felt the same way. On the way home, Ageha felt that she said too much to Mitsuya. Yukari said that Mitsuya won’t be hurt by such words. Ageha then thanked him for driving her and asked whose car it is. Yukari said that it is his father’s. Ageha said that it is cute and it is her first time riding on that kind of car. Yukari blushed. Yukari then asked if she knows why Mitsuya is so fond of her. Ageha replied that it is because he is a flirt. Yukari said aside from that, Ageha reminds Mitsuya of Shizuya for Shizuya is very fond of his brother. Ageha was surprised that Yukari could say such things for he hates Shizuya. Yukari said that it is about having a cute brother. Then, Ageha learned that Yukari also has a younger brother. Ageha was going to ask details – how old, etc – when Yukari stopped her. Yukari then said that Shizuya must have felt sad that Mitsuya left his side for Yukari and work, and since Ageha is the same age as Shizuya, he felt like she is his little sister and is fond of her. Ageha was surprised as Yukari is already touching her face and he told her that they have already arrived at her house. Then, Ageha realized that she doesn’t hate being touched by Yukari [of course, because you like him ^^;] and asked a favor from Yukari.
![He’s fond of you. [k:So are you.]](http://i2.photobucket.com/albums/y46/dgrayman/vb02-13.jpg)
At Mamoru’s school, Zero asks if Shizuya and Mamoru quarreled for Mamoru has been snubbing him. Zero tries to give him advice – I don’t quite get what he said – as Shizuya also realized that he is in the wrong. Then, Mitsuya came to pick him up. Shizuya said that he won’t apologize for he still doesn’t like what has become of his brother. Mitsuya said that because of him, the two [princess=Ageha and queen=Yukari ^^;] quarreled and that he felt a bit hurt that Shizuya hates what he likes to do/his work. Mitsuya then dropped Shizuya off his house and asked him to greet their parents for him. Shizuya then whispers that he doesn’t hate Mitsuya. At school, Zero tells Shizuya that Mamoru is calling him but he doesn’t want to go. Then, Mamoru came, with Ageha in their school’s uniform. Ageha greeted him as she told him that she came to see him. End of volume 2.
I really like Ageha and Mamoru’s friendship also that part with Ryuu. This part really reminds me of Tohru and her friend, forgot the name in Fruit Basket. Yukari is beginning to fall for Ageha hehehe. Well, this situation is pretty much like Ageha and her sister but now, for the brothers. Instead of marriage, it is about work separating family. It is indeed a predicament whether to help other people and then being told off that it is none of their business or just mind one’s own business. Well, but then, it does show that one cares if one does mind – in a good way that is for if it can help, one does should mind and shows that one cares for the other. ^_^ This series is indeed a feel-good manga. As usual, lots of cute things/moments here. ^_^ I got a bit went over the top with the pictures. ^^; Next volume is fun – Yukari realizes the word ‘jealous’ Hehehe.
Thought of the day:
Nobody can do everything, but everyone can do something. ~Author Unknown.
V.B.Rose [volume one]
Tuesday, February 28, 2006 @ 04:17 p.m.
Hehe, since there are now a couple of English chapters of V.B.Rose, I can do a summary of it since I now know the main characters names. ^_^ Good thing that Manga-curry had a BT of it for I don’t know how to download or rather haven’t tried downloading from IRC. I do look back and forth with the English and Chinese, I don’t know if I’m getting stupid but at times, I don’t understand the English that was used that I felt like, huh, what are they talking about.
In volume 1, Ageha learned that her beloved sister Hibari got pregnant and so, she is going to have a shotgun marriage. Ageha’s illusion of having a ‘perfect’ sister was destroyed and she couldn’t believe that her parents easily accepted it. But basically, it is just a sister complex as she realized that she isn’t the only one who can make Hibari happy. Ageha turned out to be a parttime accessories maker though more on making bags. Her trademark is a butterfly and her products are called Ageha series. She makes bags and other accessories for her sister and now, for her friend, Mamoru.
Ageha told her problems to Mamoru who seemed to be a bit indifferent about it. They went to a bookstore for a bit and separated as Mamoru are looking at magazines while Ageha tries to find some sample music at the record bar to cheer herself up. Mamoru was then asked by this dark-haired guy about her bag being one of the Ageha series but he was snubbed. While Ageha had bumped into this light haired guy who gave her a good impression and somewhat overheard him talking with the dark-haired guy about her products.
Back at home, Hibari tries to get into Ageha’s good side as she tempts Ageha about looking at wedding dresses and going to a shop with her. Ageha saw through it and felt betrayed that they had a little fight. Ageha felt miserable for acting that way that she went out to the bookstore again and she saw the light-haired guy again. She gather up her courage to ask him if she knew about her and her products. He ended up just looking at her bag and left her after praising her for her work. Ageha felt happy about it then realized that it is the same feeling as Hibari when Ageha gives her something. She realized that she only felt lonely since Hibari has been spending more time with her boyfriend. Ageha then told Hibari that she would go with Hibari to the wedding shop.
Hibari brought Ageha to a small wedding store called V.B.R. [Velvet Blue Rose]. To Hibari’s surprise, the light haired guy was one of the staff of the store. Hibari then introduced her to the two guys. The light haired guy is Yukari, the designer and owner while the dark haired guy is Mitsuya, the design patterner. Ageha drools over the whole store’s setup but managed to snap out of it. Ageha wanted to ask somethings to Yukari like how did he know about her when Hibari showed to the guys Ageha’s new work, a cute hand bag. Ageha realized that it was her sister who is telling them about her. The two guys and Hibari started talking about the dress that Ageha got a bit jealous for being left out that she outburst about not approving the marriage. Yukari then threw her out of the store. Upon returning, it seemed that Yukari is a bit bothered [in a good way, I guess] regarding Ageha as Yukari told Hibari that Ageha isn’t the same how Hibari described her. Mitsuya said that it was the same as Hibari described Ageha, being cute. Hibari said that it could be because of her being pregnant.
Ageha then goes to Mamoru to cry her frustrations out but in the end, Mamoru told her that her purpose in going there was to see the wedding design so Ageha decided to go back the next day. There was no one at the store. Ageha then looks at some of the bridal pictures on the table when a lady asked who she was. Ageha tried to say that she isn’t a trespasser but ended up asking if she looks suspicious. The lady laughed out loud at Ageha’s response and on cue, Yukari came down to ask why Ririko [the lady] is being noisy and Mitsuya came into the store. They then realized that Ageha was in the store. Yukari threw her out again. Ageha then put up a fight saying that she wants to see the wedding design but after being commented about her attitude, Ageha then apologized. Yukari still snubbed her as she thought that an apology won’t work. Then Yukari asked her to come with him. Mitsuya then invited her to see it for what Yukari meant that she can see it.
Ageha then drools over the wedding design and was surprised that such a rude person can design so well. Yukari isn’t happy to hear that. Mitsuya then briefs her on how the shop works or how the work is divided among them three – including Ririko. Ageha looks at the design again as she hopes that she can see the finished dress soon. Yukari looks at her then asked how could Hibari’s cute sister say such hurtful words earlier. Ageha was too ashamed about her selfishness that she tries to retreat by running away. Yukari tries to stop her but Ageha loses her balance and was about to hit the mannequin near a glass cabinet. Yukari shielded her as Mitsuya holds the broken glass on his hand to prevent the glass from scattering around the place. They then worried how they are going to finish their work since Mitsuya’s hand is injured. Ageha then decided to help them out. Yukari disagree for he doesn’t want outsiders to be involved.
But with Mitsuya’s agreeing about it and Ageha’s insistence, Yukari finally gave in. When Yukari told her that he is glad that she isn’t hurt, Ageha realized that Yukari can be nice so she thanked him for protecting her, apologized for Mitsuya’s hand and left saying that she would come back the next day to help. After she left, Mitsuya teasingly told Yukari that it was indeed as Hibari said, Ageha is such a cute girl. Yukari looked a bit stunned. ^^; At home, Hibari is very happy that Ageha will help out with her dress. Ageha tried to apologize but it turned out that Hibari doesn’t know about the incident and just thought that Ageha is working for V.B.R. and being her fan, Hibari is thrilled over it. The two sisters then bonded as Ageha came to accept the situation and Hibari told her a bit about Yukari. At the store, Ageha is having a hard time as Yukari scold her for being slow and Mitsuya keeps on glomping her. ^^;
Ageha asked a bit about Yukari. I’m not quite sure how their store is related to the Rosa rental wedding store though but I’m guessing that their store is more for special request rather than typical dresses in Rosa. Yukari then told Ageha that their store’s motto is to make the brides be the most beautiful on their wedding day. A customer then came who had a Chinese-inspired wedding dress. The customer is very happy about it as Ageha observes it. She came to wonder if one day, she would also be like them – doing things for the clients to be happy. After a few days abuse of scolding and glomping, Hibari’s basic [no lace/beads yet] wedding dress is finished, ready for fitting.
Then, Ageha realized that they have a little time left before finishing the dress and Hibari wonders if she can do it with schoolwork to do. As if knowing her predicament, Yukari told Ageha that she can stop working for Mitsuya’s hand is okay already and she has school to worry about. Somehow, Ageha’s pride was hurt as she insists that she plans to finish for she said she would. Since Hibari also wanted Ageha to help, Yukari gave in. After a few weeks, Ageha looks ghastly as she tries to finish the dress. Yukari tried to stop her for the happiness in the dress might be driven away but Ageha won’t give it to him. Then, they told her a bit about Hibari’s feeling as Ageha realized that she is at fault and that she still haven’t congratulate Hibari. Ageha then decided to take the dress home to finish it and was given permission with a week to finish it. After three days, Ageha is getting frustrated for she only finished half of the pattern on the dress. She went to the store to ask for help and found Yukari sleeping on Mitsuya. After seeing Yukari being tired and all, Ageha couldn’t bring it to herself to trouble them so she left. Later on, Yukari woke up and realized that Ageha came. He seemed bit embarrassed that she saw his sleeping face.
On the day, the dress is 3/4 finished. The two guys then went to her house. They were told by Hibari that Ageha locked herself up in her room. Yukari then breaks into her room to find the unfinished dress as Ageha thought that she will be so dead. It turned out that it isn’t the deadline yet and that Mitsuya knew that she can’t finish it on time. I think they made a bet on it and Mitsuya won. Yukari then noticed something under the table and it turned out to be a wedding couple stuffed animal [rabbit].
Ageha apologized that she had been secretly doing the toys aside from making the dress. The two guys observed the work and were impress that the bride rabbit’s dress is the same as Hibari’s. Ageha told them that she wanted to do it so that Hibari would really be on her ‘happiness’ on her wedding day. Yukari then told Ageha to rest up for she haven’t been sleeping and leave the rest to him. On the wedding day, Ageha went to the shop to check on the dress and showed them the bag that she made for Hibari.
Then, they went on their way. Hibari is getting ready as she is being make-up then her husband-to-be, Makoto came. He came to inform her that it seemed that Ageha and others are stuck in a huge traffic jam. At the car, Ageha is getting worried for they would be late so she decided to run to the venue with the dress. Yukari went with her. As they ran, Ageha wonders if she is a jinx for things happen when she is around – would Hibari hate her just like Yukari does. Yukari said that he doesn’t hate her and smiles as he remembers all the things that Ageha made for her sister – dress, stuffed toys and bag. Ageha blushes as he told her she is interesting though she wonders what he meant. Then, they runs off hoping to reach Hibari in time. End of volume 1.
One thing I can say about this series is that it is cute. The art is cute. The outfits, accessories to the wedding dresses all are cute. Yukari does look like a girl though. ^^; As I mentioned before, the cast looked like they are of the same age but it turned out that the two guys should be older – they are 22 and I’m guessing that Ageha is around 15/16. Anyway, it is a bit obvious that Yukari and Ageha would be the couple here. The series is just a slice of life type of shoujo manga. I’ll do the other volumes next time.
Thought of the day:
Siblings are the people we practice on, the people who teach us about fairness and cooperation and kindness and caring - quite often the hard way. ~ Pamela Dugdale.
One Piece [c. 401]
Monday, February 27, 2006 @ 04:42 p.m.
Things are getting amusing in One Piece [c. 401]. Luffy found the room that CP9 previously occupied but obviously, it is already empty so he tries to find where the ‘piegon guy’ went. Zoro faces off with Kaku who is a four-sword wielder though the other two ‘swords’ meant that his leg movements can cut. It is a tie when Kaku decided to show off his new powers to Zoro who was surprised.
Meanwhile, Usopp/Sogeking is trying to get the key from the sleeping Jabura when there is a chicken. He tries to keep it silent but he ended up being the one who is noisy when he reacted ‘violently’ at the chicken who went tweeting. ^^; Jabura turned out to have eaten the wolf devil fruit and was about to deliver the final blow at Sogeking since Jabura doesn’t like get things done, they found that the ceiling is collapsing. Falling from the ceiling are Zoro and Kaku who turned into a full form of a giraffe. No wonder Kaku’s devil powers are somewhat amusing for the others. A guy trying to be cool looking ended up as a giraffe. It does seem that he can’t control it yet for he was trying to be a half-human, half-giraffe. Zoro’s reaction is quite fitting as he wonders if the place is a zoo for people are transforming into animals.
Word of the day:
When words are many, sin is not absent, but he who holds his tongue is wise. ~ Proverbs 10:19
Bleach [c. 216] and update on the anime/shows I watched
Friday, February 24, 2006 @ 03:19 p.m.
What can I say about Bleach [c. 216]? Well, Hiyori got it coming. ^^; Hiyori fights with Ichigo in the hope to force Ichigo to get his hollow out or die. While trying defend himself, Ichigo is trying to think of how Hiyori is tapping into her hollow and also what he can learn from it as he tries to suppress his hollow and not use his bankai which can lure the hollow out. Somehow, Ichigo’s hollow came out and tried to strangle Hiyori to death. If it haven’t for the others, Hiyori would have died. Shinji then broke off the mask on Ichigo’s face as he asked if Hiyori is okay. Hiyori is still speechless from the shock/terror. Shinji then told Ichigo that they can’t suppress the hollow in them but rather, they just make that hollow a part of them. I guess they are now willing to teach Ichigo how to do that after seeing Ichigo’s hollow.
Mushishi [e. 11-12] is interesting as it is a look on a life of mushishi. Well, more on the not so nice side of being a mushishi which is they couldn’t stay at one place for they attract mushi. Episode 11 shows that a mushishi managed to do that but at a sacrifice while episode 12 is Ginko’s past. I got somewhat confused though about the ‘darkness’ explanation ^^; Anyway, it is nice yet sad in a way.
Not much happenings in Fate/Stay Night [e.5-7]. Shirou and Rin formed an alliance to find who is responsible for taking mana from the students. Raider has made her appearance as well as her master – the guy in archery and if I recall, the guy whom Rin dumped. As usual, Shirou is too nice that he can come off a bit suicidal for trying to do things by himself even if he has no power. But since he is the main character, I doubt he would die because of it. I’m guessing that there might be no major fights until all the master-servants are introduced. ^^;;
Watching One piece arc of Water7 can be quite addictive that I found myself wanting to watch more even if I already know the story. I came to like the opening and closing songs, too. Black Cat is still okay to watch except for episode 16 which I just ‘browsed’ over. I don’t think it is in the manga though but then, the anime has reached the part that I haven’t read. The flow of the story is indeed better than the manga but the interactions are a bit off for me. In the manga, Sven and Train seemed to be more partners while in the anime, it seemed that Sven is the parent while Train and Eve are his children for he ‘babysits’ them. I guess it is because that Train and Eve joined Sven at almost at the same time.
I do find Saya annoying that I can’t wait in the earlier episode that she be dead already. Then, lately, it is Kyouko. I guess being ‘animated’ made Kyouko really like an airhead high schooler. I do feel sorry for Creed’s group. I think they should just find a different leader for their cause than Creed who is just plain obsessed with Train. I’m even amazed why they made him their leader. The only discrepancy I realized is that Train telling a kid to quit being vengeful at the people who killed his parents while he is trying to avenge Saya’s death. ^^;; The picture of Eve at the second ending in a black then white dress is really nice though. ^_^
Kyou Kara Maou [e. 59-61] is a bit boring though. It is actually the arc where they all went to the human world to find the last box. It is too silly and corny that I’m skipping most parts. After a bit of ‘what’s that’ etc, there is a bit on Bob who forcibly wanted them to go back to their world but they don’t want to. Geez, why didn’t just talk properly and explain rather than resort to force. So much for findind the box. ^^; I’m actually more curious about the next episode wherein Yuri’s brother shielding Bob as to what would be Yuri and others reaction.
Jigoku Shoujo is still being episodic though they are not quite as nice as the ones in Mushishi. I’m still sticking to this for the latter episodes, I read from reviews, are better. In episode 8-11, it is still about people of various reasons for revenge pulling the string though in one episode, ‘friends’, she was forced, too. I have pretty much skipped through Noein [e. 12] for it is just fighting between Karasu and his friend though episode 13 is interesting, aftermath of the fight. Shangrila intervened and killed off Karasu’s friend, Atobe? lost his memories and became friendly with their group, and finally Karasu revived. It made me want to check out the continuation as to what happened next.
While in Goong [ep. 2-3], it is nice to see how Korean royalty are wed. I do find the story a bit slow though or I can’t quite get into it yet nor relate with the characters. I do hope that Shin’s char here would be more arrogant but since the actor seemed to be a bit feminine in the way he walks that it somewhat shatters that illusion. It doesn’t help when the crew dresses him up in pastel color clothes, argh. I do notice the cg during the parade though. I mean, it is too silly to put two tv screens on a bldg and the crowd looks generated. About Chae-kyung leaving her jogging pants in front of Yul, well, how unromantic. She could have left something more nicer and it isn’t nice too that Yul picked it up. ^^; Oh ya, they changed Shin’s sport from boxing to fencing. It turned out that the teddy bears poses change every episode depends on what happened in that episode. They are really cute especially in the wedding/traditional Korean clothes. It seemed that Shin in this drama is the one who owns the teddy bear for he carries it. ^^;;
Thought of the day:
A hug is a great gift - one size fits all, and it's easy to exchange. ~Author Unknown
Love monster [c. 80-81]
Thursday, February 23, 2006 @ 02:57 p.m.
Things are getting a bit messy in Love Monster [c. 80-81] that I wonder where the author plans to go with the story. I got the scans from Billwang and some scenes are missing since I don’t have credits but then, I can pretty much guess what had happened in those missing scans so it isn’t a big deal.
Hiyo is crying over Haine who disappeared then to her surprise, everyone has forgotten who is Haine. She tried to call her parents but she couldn’t reach them and so, she tried calling Chiya but she couldn’t reach her either. Her classmates then asked who is Chiya. Hitomi then gave Hiyo the story book of the white crow which the principal had left for Hiyo, in case he also disappeared. With a note, the principal told Hiyo that the ‘demon king’ wanted the world to disappear. He asked Hiyo to find the ‘demon king’ and defeat him. Hiyo thought that the idea is absurb and quickly ran away. Hitomi then asked Kurou if he knows what is happening. Kurou denies he knew and left. Hitomi then started to disappear as she says its because he loved Hiyo, the white crow. Their classmates then find something weird is happening though things are normal – things have gotten quiet.
L and Huang also disappeared in front of Hiyo. Then, some missing scans. I’m guessing that Miyako tries to ‘kill’? Hiyo that Kurou came to protect her. Miyako calls Kurou the ‘devil king’ and tries to kill him but Yasha intervenes and was the one hurt. Yasha told Miyako that she shouldn’t do it for Kurou is their son. He said something about Miyako being a ‘god’ of the world and she doesn’t understand feeling for a husband or for her children. Yasha started to disappear as Hiyo tries to tell Kurou to stop making his father disappear. Kurou doesn’t listen for he is angry that they tried to hurt Hiyo, whoever hurts her = enemies. Then, Miyako started to cry for Yasha saying about staying with her even though she would be his cause of death. Miyako then starts to disappear. Maria then laughs at them from a tree as she said that she was the one who made Kurou the ‘demon king’. Miyako has the last laugh for Maria also started to disappear.
As Miyako disappears she said something about it is okay to disappear and that it doesn’t matter what road she takes, she likes the white crow and told Hiyo that she’ll leave Kurou to Hiyo. When Kurou became normal, he asked Hiyo what is the matter. Hiyo tried to tell him that his parents disappeared but Kurou said that he doesn’t know them. Hiyo was suprirsed that Kurou doesn’t remember as she thinks that Kurou is making everyone disappear that the world is slow disappearing – it is the power of the ‘demon king’.
So, if this manga is ending, would it be a case of love save the world and everything back to normal/they would make a new world. The author is doing a lot of cliché goodbye – sorry for making you sad just when that person is going to/has disappeared. Anyway, I don’t like this arc as it felt rushed...I won’t be surprised when everyone disappeared and only Hiyo and Kurou are left in the end. Haha, maybe Kurou is subconsciously making everyone disappear so that he can have Hiyo all by himself.
Thought of the day:
Adversity is like a strong wind. It tears away from us all but the things that cannot be torn, so that we see ourselves as we really are. ~Arthur Golden, Memoirs of a Geisha
Review: Goong/Palace [Korean Manwha]
Tuesday, February 21, 2006 @ 03:59 p.m.
I finished reading all the English scans of Goong/Palace [Korean manhwa] up to vol. 8 chapter 1. It is about a ‘what if’ the Korean royal family still exists in the present. The prince, Shin, was arranged to be married to a commoner, Chae-Kyung because of a promise between their grandfathers. Unfortunately, the two hated each other. The story then revolves around the two trying to like each other, two other rivals who are after either Shin/Chae-Kyung and royal politics maneuvering. The two other people are Yul who is the cousin of Shin who was suppose to be the crown prince if his father haven’t died. He has fallen for Chae-Kyung and knowing that he should have been her husband makes him even more to want her. Then, there is Hyo-rin whom Shin originally proposed but turned him down.
The story has some similarities with Full House and Hana Yori Dango. I’m actually surprised that the author even mentioned Hana Yari Dango in the manhwa. Compared with Full House, it is the ‘love-hate’ relationship of the couple with each other as they were forced to live together because of a situation. The main male character also originally likes a different girl but was turned down while the main female character is admired/liked by the male character’s friend. In short, their love square situation is similar with Full House especially since the other girl is now regretting for not accepting the main male character.
As for Hana Yori Dango, Shin’s character remindes me of a merge between the characters of Domyouji and Rei because Shin is a rich spoiled jerk who doesn’t have good family relations with his parents that sometimes he has a hard time in showing affection and well, in regards with Rei, it is about being turned down by this girl whom he likes and then going with the girl lead. The difference is that Shin can actually be clever for he isn’t that dumb as to not know the politics going on around him and can actually talk back to the adults and get away with it. Also, Chae-Kyung being poor and her parents being in debt that she is forced into going along with the arrangement.
Regarding the royal politics, it reminds me of Jewel in the Palace. Yul’s mother is trying to get Yul to become the prince and what was due him for it felt like everything was taken from them when Yul’s father died and Shin’s father took his place. I like the interesting twist here about Yul’s mother actually used to be lovers with Shin’s father but she chose Yul’s father and ended up with nothing. I somewhat feel sorry for Shin’s mother though for having a love-less marriage. The more Shin’s father grant Yul’s mother priviledges and even a higher position, the more Shin’s mother looked like she is the mistress. It is also interesting that Shin isn’t really interested in becoming a prince. I guess he wants his freedom. It was shown in the manhwa that he did tried to runaway before. The latest development of his mother’s pregnancy would make him more reluctant to let go. I do wonder though, how could she be pregnant when she isn’t in good terms with her husband. ^^;
My main problem with the art is that the chibis/super deformed for the characters looked like trolls. I suddenly remembered why I didn’t save this before and well, other than Janimes stopped at volume 2. The story is nice though I hope my patience for their ‘love-hate’ relationship would last. In Full house, the drama, before the last episode, I got tired of the fights and the ending was a bit disappointing for it felt abrupt that the girl just accepted the guy even if he doesn’t seem to have reformed then after that, they were okay together. Seems quite unbelievable. I guess the thing that is fun here are the royal politics and how the two leads would fall for each other since they have started to fall for each other. As for the cast in the manga, I really have problems with the use of that old guy, eunuch? as in is he really needed in the story. Okay, maybe for Shin to get a bet out of Yul and have Yul dress up as a girl and also, when the English monarchy to visit them and had that prince go with him. Gayish overtones? I tend to skip the scans when that guy appears. Lastly, I tend to get confused with the titles of the royal family and names of the cast. Hehehe I guess this comes from getting confused with Chinese names that are written in English.
The story can be addictive when I read more of it. I even tried to see if there are Chinese scans on volume 8 and beyond but there were none. There are some Korean scans in Billwang but I can’t read them from the looks of it, they are still having fights and there is still some royal maneuverings. So while waiting for new scans, I’ll continue downloading the drama. Actually, it was only after watching the first episode when I started reading the manga scans that I downloaded earlier. Of course, there are some changes to the manhwa. The arrangement was made because the king is sick unlike in the manhwa, they wanted to train Shin’s wife earlier to get accustomed to the life in the Palace. Also, they gave Chae-Kyung an ambition – to be a designer. I like how they made her not gaga over the prince early on before knowing that she was going to marry him since if one is nuts over the prince, the idea of marrying him would be a dream come true while as the manhwa, Chae-Kyung hesitated because she was ‘forced’ to instead of her own will and she seemed to have a ‘non-serious’ boyfriend?. They didn’t emphasis anymore that she is bad in grades as in the manhwa. And, she seems to be a bit of introvert or something that she wears jogging pants underneath her skirt. Also, Shin doesn’t seem to be the loner, detach person in the drama as compared to the manhwa. Lastly, since they are going to do the king is sick bit, I wonder if the royal family politics would not be that ingrain to the story or well, maybe he isn’t that sick for in the manhwa, it was Shin’s father who did something to get Yul’s mother and Yul have a higher status. Ah, wait, I recall they saying he had stomach cancer, the Chae-Kyung’s grandfather’s sickness in the manhwa. To be noted, the grandfather isn’t in the drama.
The cast is okay though somehow I felt that they are a bit inexperienced in acting but then, I read that they are still new. I hope the chemistry of the two leads would be better in latter episodes. I don’t know if it is just me but the actor reminds me of the lead actor in 1% of anything. ^^; They somewhat look the same or maybe their roles are the same. Now that I think of it, it is the same forced to be married to someone. Anyway, the drama seems fun to watch and somewhat had a feel of Hana Yori Dango to it and the teddybears toys at the end of episode 1 are really cute. Pretty much represent the love square of the series. I hope they would make a satifying ending for the manhwa haven’t ended yet.
Thought of the day:
You learn to like someone when you find out what makes them laugh, but you can never truly love someone until you find out what makes them cry. ~Author Unknown.
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