MARIAH's THOUGHTS on One Piece Film: RED (2022)

Genre:

Animation/Action/Adventure

Rating:

PG-13

Release Date:

November 4, 2022

Run Time:

1 hour 55 minutes

Directed by:

Gorô Taniguchi

Screenplay by:

Tsutomu Kuroiwa

Original Story by:

Eiichiro Oda

Produced by:

Eiichiro Oda

Production Co.:

Toei Animation

Distribution Co.:

Crunchyroll

Social Media:

 

Cast:

Mayumi Tanaka, Kazuya Nakai, Akemi Okamura, Kappei Yamaguchi, Hiroaki Hirata, Ikue Ôtani, Yuriko Yamaguchi, Kazuki Yao

See Full Cast & Crew on IMDB

Plot Summary:

Uta —the most beloved singer in the world. Renowned for concealing her own identity when performing, her voice has come to be described as “otherworldly.” Now, for the first time ever, Uta will reveal herself to the world at a live concert. As the venue fills with all kinds of Uta fans—excited pirates, the Navy watching closely, and the Straw Hats led by Luffy who simply came to enjoy her sonorous performance—the voice that the whole world has been waiting for is about to resound. The story begins with the shocking fact that she is Shanks' daughter.

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*My Thoughts*

Opposed to One Piece: Stampede, where the main antagonist felt empty and one dimensional, One Piece Film: RED gives Uta the entire spotlight. It is set after the Wano arc, nearly one thousand episodes and chapters into the main story of One Piece. The Straw Hat Pirates travel to Elegia to see a live concert from the world-famous singer, Uta. Although Uta is an antagonist for only one film, she’s fully developed with motivation and backstory that makes her compelling to watch. She is the adopted daughter of Red-Haired Shanks, the pirate that inspired Monkey D. Luffy to become a pirate in the first place, but she was left behind as a child on the island of Elegia after a devastating attack that left the island barren and desecrated with only its former ruler left alive to raise Uta and help her develop her singing skills. After several years, Uta is a talented singer who invites people to Elegia and over den den mushi or transponder snails to watch her first ever live concert. Although she wants to create an era of peace and joy through her music, the cost is over seventy percent of the lives of the world’s population as the effects of Uta’s singing sends her listeners’ souls into a dream of which they will never awaken from even if she dies. One Piece Film: RED is both entertaining and terrifying thanks to Uta and Ado’s performance.

Gorgeous. Beautiful. We love Ado’s music in this house. It is easily a five-star film simply for Uta’s character and Ado’s voice but I’m knocking One Piece Film: RED down a star simply because it felt like the Straw Hats didn’t matter. Luffy is the only one that mattered though because he is Uta’s childhood friend and subsequently understood how she feels. The rest of the crew are there because they happen to be the protagonists of the main One Piece series and are just tools to stop Uta from destroying everything, which is fine for the moment. The final fight is intense and the cameos from fan favorites like Katakuri are fun, but I didn’t feel a sense of unity or relationship between the Straw Hats or majority of the characters. Similar to One Piece: Stampede, from an outsider’s perspective, the Straw Hats are a pirate crew who know a lot of the other characters and we just accept it with no explanation or build up. “These characters seem to cooperate very well in combat. I have no idea how they know each other, but this film seems really cool,” is what I would say if I had no knowledge of the Straw Hats. I know these characters and I’m willing to see this movie in theaters, but it’s not something I would, for example, bring my cousin to, who is becoming interested in anime.

My biggest chagrin to this film with music and a singing antagonist is that it failed to cameo my favorite crew, the Kid Pirates who are a music themed crew inspired by punk and metal specifically.

My rating:

NERD BLAST: Kyle's Little Sister by BonHyung Jeong

 Today, we are kicking off this kicking off this 5-day Nerd Blast for BonHyong Jeong's debut Middle Grade graphic novel, Kyle's Little Sister! To celebrate this debut, we have a cool giveaway to share! So... Be sure to check it out and grab your copy now!

Genre:

Middle Grade

Realistic Fiction

Publish Date:

June 22, 2021

Publisher:

JY

Synopsis:

My name is Grace, not "Kyle's little sister!"

Having a good-looking, friendly, outgoing older brother sucks—especially when you're the total opposite, someone who likes staying home and playing video games. Your parents like him better (even if they deny it!), and everyone calls you "Kyle's little sister" while looking disappointed that you're not more like him. I was really hoping I'd get to go to a different middle school, but no such luck. At least I have my friends...until he finds a way to ruin that, too...! Argh! What do I have to do to get out of his shadow?!

          

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Praise for Kyle's Little Sister

"The manga-style illustrations successfully magnify the range of feelings expressed in the story while the text and image placement effectively enhance the drama and conflicts. The color palette, with light purples, peaches, and blues, lifts Grace’s brooding storyline with a playful feeling... A story of friendship and sibling rivalry that will resonate with many readers." —Kirkus

"With a soft color palette and stylized faces, bouncy illustrations interplay seamlessly with denser speech bubbles, making this ideal for intermediate graphic novel readers. Jeong delivers an endearing portrayal of friendship and sibling bonds (“Why? ‘Cos you’re my sister. Duh”) in this accessible, appealing debut." —Publishers Weekly

"BonHyung Jeong, a Korea-born, internationally raised and U.S.-educated artist, astutely channels the universal experience of growing up--and sometimes growing away--in her delightfully boisterous middle-grade graphic novel debut... Her whimsically stylized art adds an ongoing invitation for interactive engagement... Beyond the lively visuals, Jeong is a multi-layered storyteller who relies on much more than dialogue bubbles to reveal her characters' thoughts. Asides directed at readers appear in boxes with italicized text; whispers are seen in lowercase type encased in dotted borders; mobile texts presented in a computer font are strewn throughout--communication can happen in many ways, she reminds readers. She's also deft at inserting humor, especially in creating exaggerated reactions and highlighting overwhelming emotions." —ShelfAwareness

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**About the Author**

Photo Content from BonHyung Jeong

BonHyung Jeong (Bon) studied Cartooning at the School of Visual Arts in New York, and Kyle's Little Sister is her debut graphic novel, made possible with the help of numerous people. She hopes to make connections with others through relatable stories. Currently living in Korea, she's always busy playing console games - exactly like someone in the book!

Stay connected with BonHyung Jeong

 

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***The Giveaway***

Giveaway Open Internationally | Must be 13+ to Enter

- ends July 26, 2021

Note: Not Responsible for Lost & Damaged Prizes in Your Mail Box

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Nerd Blast Organized by

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Devilman: Crybaby Season 1 (2018)

Genre:

Animation/Action/Fantasy

Horror Anime

Rating:

TV-MA

Release Date:

January 15, 2018

Season/Episodes

1/10

Run Time:

25-28 minutes

Based on the horror manga by:

Gô Nagai

Production Co.:

Aniplex

Netflix

Science SARU

Distribution Co.:

Netflix

Social Media:

      

Voice Cast:

Koki Uchiyama, Ayumu Murase, Megumi Han, Ami Koshimizu, Atsuko Tanaka, Rikiya Koyama, Avu-chan, Kenjiro Tsuda, KEN THE 390, Subaru Kimura, Young Dais, Hannya, AFRA

(For full cast and crew on IMDB)

Plot Summary:

With demons reawakened and humanity in turmoil, a sensitive demon-boy is led into a brutal, degenerate war against evil by his mysterious friend, Ryo.

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泣き虫の高校生・不動明は、幼なじみの飛鳥了と再会し、

危険なパーティに誘われた。

そこで明は見る。悪魔に変わっていく人々を。

そしてまた明自身も……。

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*My Thoughts*

Short, ten episodes, yet captivating, that is what Devilman: Crybaby is. It is a Netflix series that follows Akira Fudo, a track student, and a boy with a heart of gold, but one day his childhood friend Ryo Asuka appears. Ryo brings him to a Sabbath, more like a rave, where everything turns sour when Akira is possessed by the demon Amon and turned into what he calls a Devilman. The conflict is easy to follow and although characters are quickly introduced and tossed aside rather quickly, Devilman: Crybaby will get its audience somewhat attached to them. Although there are minor details to different characters sprinkled into each episode, they eventually tie up into the final episodes. What do we learn by the end? Humans are the demons and vice versa.

My rating:

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! Season 1 (2020)

Genre:

Comedy, Drama, Romance, Fantasy, School

Air Dates:

Apr 5, 2020 to Jun 21, 2020

Season:

1

Episodes:

12

Original Title:

Otome Game no Hametsu Flag shika Nai Akuyaku Reijou ni Tensei shiteshimatta... 

(乙女ゲームの破滅フラグしかない悪役令嬢に転生してしまった…)

Based on the light novel written and illustrated by:

Satoru Yamaguchi and Nami Hidaka

Produced by:

Mainichi Broadcasting System, Asmik Ace, King Records, Ichijinsha, Nichion

Plot Synopsis:

Most people would prefer being the protagonist of a world full of adventure, be it in a game or in another world. But, unfortunately, a certain girl is not so lucky. Regaining the memories of her past life, she realizes that she was reborn in the world of Fortune Lover—one of the games she used to play.

Unfortunately, the character she was reincarnated into—Katarina Claes—is the game's main antagonist, who faces utter doom in every ending. Using her extensive knowledge of the game, she takes it upon herself to escape from the chains of this accursed destiny.

However, this will not be an easy feat, especially since she needs to be cautious as to not set off death flags that may speed up the impending doom she is trying to avoid. Even so, to make a change that will affect the lives of everyone around her, she strives—not as the heroine—but as the villainess.

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Voice Cast:

Maaya Uchida, Tatsuhisa Suzuki, Shouta Aoi, Yoshitsugu Matsuoka, Tetsuya Kakihara, Saori Hayami, Inori Minase, Miho Okasaki

Find the full cast on MyAnimeList.net

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**My Thoughts**

My Next Life as a Villainess: All Routes Lead to Doom! is an isekai anime with nothing but light-hearted moments and enjoyable content. The main character, Katarina Claes, is a young girl with vivacity, determination, and almost carefree childishness. She aims to change her fate from a bad end to a slightly less bad end. Considering she is reborn as the antagonist of an otome game, Fortune Lover, her actions are understandable. Given this, the anime doesn’t limit Katarina’s choices like a real otome game. She has the freedom to make her own route, make her own choices, and subsequently, make her own ending. But like an otome game, this anime describes the leading male roles by describing their overall personalities in quick succession and their relationship to the main character, such as Gerald Stuart who is Katarina Claes’s fiancée. He is described as secretly terrible on the inside but also a genius at anything. Diving deeper, Katarina detours from the mean girl role she was reincarnated into and essentially turns this new world of hers into a reverse harem. To do so, she chooses to be kind, generous, and inclusive of the game’s characters regardless of their original roles and she eventually wins over their hearts. It is because of her attitude and character that the others break their own molds that the game has set for them. Each character and their deepening relationship to Katarina helps piece this short anime series together into enjoyable content.

My rating:

MARIAH's THOUGHTS on Uzumaki: Spiral Into Horror

Genre:

Horror/Thriller/Fantasy

Manga/Graphic Novel

Japanese Literature

Edition:

3 in 1 Deluxe Edition

Publish Date:

October 15, 2013

(First English Edition, 2002)

Publisher:

Viz Media, LLC

Synopsis:

Spirals... this town is contaminated with spirals...

Kurouzu-cho, a small fogbound town on the coast of Japan, is cursed. According to Shuichi Saito, the withdrawn boyfriend of teenager Kirie Goshima, their town is haunted not by a person or being but by a pattern: uzumaki, the spiral — the hypnotic secret shape of the world. This bizarre masterpiece of horror manga is now available in a single volume. Fall into a whirlpool of terror!

       

  

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**About the Author**

Junji Itō (伊藤潤二) Born in Gifu Prefecture in 1963, he was inspired from a young age by his older sister's drawing and Kazuo Umezu's comics and thus took an interest in drawing horror comics himself. Nevertheless, upon graduation he trained as a dental technician, and until the early 1990s he juggled his dental career with his increasingly successful hobby — even after being selected as the winner of the prestigious Umezu prize for horror manga.

The most common obsessions are with beauty, long hair, and beautiful girls, especially in his Tomie and Flesh-Colored Horror comic collections. For example: A girl's hair rebels against being cut off and runs off with her head; Girls deliberately catch a disease that makes them beautiful but then murder each other; a woman treats her skin with lotion so she can take it off and look at her muscles, but the skin dissolves and she tries to steal her sister's skin, etc.

Ito's universe is also very cruel and capricious; his characters often find themselves victims of malevolent unnatural circumstances for no discernible reason or punished out of proportion for minor infractions against an unknown and incomprehensible natural order.

His longest work, the three-volume Uzumaki, is about a town's obsession with spirals: people become variously fascinated with, terrified of, and consumed by the countless occurrences of the spiral in nature. Apart from the ghastly, convincingly-drawn deaths, the book projects an effective atmosphere of creeping fear as the town's inhabitants become less and less human, and more and more bizarre things begin to happen.

Before Uzumaki, Ito was best known for Tomie, a comic series about a beautiful, teasing and eternally youthful high school girl who inspires her stricken admirers to murder each other in fits of jealous rage. Eventually, unable to cope with her coy flirtation and their desire to possess Tomie completely, they are inevitably compelled to kill her — only to discover that, regardless of the method they chose to dispose of her body, her body will always regenerate.

In 1998, during the horror boom that followed the success of Ringu, Tomie was adapted into a movie. Since Tomie, many of his works have been adapted for TV and the cinema.

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Stay connected with Junji Ito

    

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*My Thoughts*

Note: This Review contains SPOILERS

The seinen horror manga Uzumaki written and illustrated by Junji Ito, much like the name implies, entrances its readers into the sick and spiraling town of Kurōzu-cho. This thrilling manga, originally published in 1998, has since gotten a film and an anime adaptation. The story follows high school student Kirie Goshima and the supernatural events that revolve around the plague of the small fictional town. Uzumaki starts on a peaceful, normal day and Kirie goes to the nearest train station to meet with her boyfriend, Shuichi Saito, after school. However, little occurrences foreshadow the cursed events that will engulf Kurōzu-cho. In the first chapter, for example, Kirie finds Shuichi’s father in the middle of an alleyway staring at a snail shell, the grass is drawn into the shape of a spiral, and a dust devil sweeps by Kirie. All of which show greater relevance later. Shuichi is the first to notice how strange Kurōzu-cho is but by the time Kirie or even the reader fully believes him, we’re all sucked into the madness that is the spiral.

During my first read of Uzumaki, I didn’t think much of the strangeness. It is a horror manga after all; I wanted to just absorb and accept it. But the further I read, from chapter 1: The Spiral Obsession, Part 1 to chapter 19: Completion, the events became stranger and more extreme. The first death that occurs in the story is Shuichi’s father, who became so obsessed with the meaning and shape of the spiral that he literally died by contracting his body into a circular tub and becoming a spiral. If that isn’t creepy enough, two of Kirie’s schoolmates eventually turn into human-sized snails and hurricanes engulf Kurōzu-cho changing the air pressure so strongly the slightest breath can cause a tornado. These little details and foreshadowing from chapter one eventually turned into major disasters and occurrences. By the end, the citizens of Kurōzu-cho become one combined monstrosity and are sucked into the depths of the little town’s well in the middle of Dragonfly Pond. I didn’t realize how significant each detail is to Uzumaki, until the last pages when Kirie says, “So the curse was over the moment it began, the endless frozen moment I spent in Shuichi’s arms. And it will be the same moment when it ends again…” It was chillingly brilliant.

Overall, Uzumaki is an amazing read, that left me unable to stop until I read it from cover to cover. And having the deluxe edition made the read even more intriguing. Since, I didn’t have to stop and pick up another volume or find the next chapter elsewhere. I enjoy the little details, the illustrations, and the overall plot. When the story ends and the spiral-based curse stops, it is very much a bitter-sweet moment that it mirrored how I feel about it. The spiral-based curse is never-ending, it would continue to consume future Kurōzu-cho, whereas I didn’t want the story to end so I could continue reading more. Just from this one story and the mangaka’s reputation, Junji Ito proves to me that he certainly is a master of horror and thrills.

My rating: