I've been possessed by Crisis Core and lately I've just been itching to draw Aerith x Zack-related artwork so I tried and tried and tried, but I'm just no good at it. Drawing takes me forever now and I really don't have the mental stamina for it =_=; *sigh* But I just am so in love with this couple... What to do to =_=;;;
I've also been hovering over DeviantArt this past week since Code Geass is over so a lot of artists have done drawings concerning the ending ^^. Just wanted to snag all the good ones and put them in my faves folder before I have to flip through a billion pages to find them. I'm quite picky about what I like so I'd best start early before I end up staying up late flipping through pages in DA just to find good artwork.
Lastly... I can't believe it's October already @_@. Time is short and thinning out for me in terms of staying here with my family. I'm starting to get pretty nervewracked so I'm unleashing all my stress on anything that distracts me... which is probably a terrible idea, but oh well.
Showing posts with label Code Geass. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Code Geass. Show all posts
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Monday, September 29, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 25 Final
The ending was surprisingly good. Rather than the trainwreck I was expecting, it really delivered a pretty good solid ending that exceeded my expectations and made me cry. Some elements didn't make much sense, but I'm not about to complain. The bigger picture made up for the lack of explanation of the smaller details.
So... rather than a good 20 minutes of fighting -- which was what I was actually expecting -- we only get half the episode of confrontations and battling. Kallen and Suzaku have one final confrontation and she proves to be quite a match for him, as even his "live on" geass is having trouble keeping him alive. At the end of their skirmish, Kallen's Guren shuts down but she manages to pierce Suzaku's sakuradite core, which causes his Lancelot frame to explode with him inside of it. Since Kallen's knightmare frame no longer has any power, she falls off the edge of Damocles and is caught by Gino's Tristan despite how beat-up it already is.
Meanwhile, Anya and Jeremiah are locked in a pretty heated battle, which ends with Jeremiah tearing off the cockpit covering and about to stab Anya when she says that she has no memories. He realizes that she's been geassed before and uses his geass cancellor on her.
At the same time, Lelouch did not disappoint me at all in any way with the way his character development has gone. When confronted with the choice of geassing Nunnally or not, he actually chose to geass her and take the key to Damocles. If this had been some other story, the main character usually becomes weakened in front of their loved one and fails to carry out their plan so then everything fails and they die. However, the nice thing about Code Geass is that the writers made sure Lelouch stayed true to his character and he actually geassed Nunnally to get the key. He did so after learning of her intentions being the same as his, and due to his promise to Suzaku of carrying out their "Zero Requiem" plan, he had to have the key by all means so he geassed her. Right before she breaks free of the trance, he tells her that he loves her, which she doesn't hear. When she snaps back and sees the key in his hand, she tries to chase after him in the floating chair, but cannot move any further at the stairs and falls down. Lelouch only keeps moving away and then declares to the world that he is now the ruler of the world, meaning that he's won the war.
Two months later, Lelouch controls everything in the world and is known as a dictator. He parades through Japan with Schneizel and Nunnally chained to his float (almost reminds me of Princess Leia from Return of the Jedi). The world news has no choice but to report everything he does as justified since he will kill anyone who defies him. All of the people who have rebelled against Lelouch are now also paraded out to be humiliated and killed, except for a few who managed to go into hiding (like Villetta whom stayed behind in Peng Lai and Cornelia plus Guilford). When Villetta sees Ougi tied up in a prisoners trap, she wants to rush out and save him, but Cornelia stops her.
Just then everyone notices a familiar figure in the distance and sees that it's Zero. The Black Knights and everyone else are shocked, and even Lelouch looks astonished. Jeremiah orders for the Knightmares to fire at Zero, which he successfully dodges with quick speed and agility -- in that very familiar zig-zag that we all remember quite well of some other athletic being than the former. Jeremiah then decides to take on Zero, but he successfully jumps on him, lands on Nunnally's platform before launching himself up to where Lelouch is. Zero takes out his sword and takes the stabbing pose after swiping Lelouch's gun out of his hands. Milly, Rivalz, and Kallen all look shocked to see this, but Kallen then understands Lelouch's true aim as she sees Zero ready to kill Lelouch.
In a flashback, we see that this has all been a part of Lelouch's plan. Suzaku survived his Knightmare explosion despite the fact that the public views him as deceased -- there is even a gravestone set out for him -- and in the flashback, he asks Lelouch if it's really ok with him to die. Lelouch says that the world now directs all their hatred toward him and so all it needs is for a hero to kill him. He hands Suzaku the Zero mask and tells him to give the Black Knights the legend of their hero. He also promises to die at Suzaku's hands (as a way to atone for Euphemia's death). He also tells Suzaku that he believes geass to be a wish-bringer. Because one cannot do some things, the geass asks of others to do it for them. So he believes the geass brings about wishes and the wishes of the people are for tomorrow.
Back in the present, Suzaku as Zero stabs Lelouch and the emperor collapses against the masked hero. Suzaku is crying inside the Zero costume, while Lelouch looks content as he leans against him. Lelouch tells Suzaku that this is a punishment for Suzaku as well (Lelouch dying and Suzaku living are their ways to atone), that Suzaku has to live forever behind a mask and be the hero of the people. He can never go back to being Kururugi Suzaku and will sacrifice his happiness forever for the people. And upon hearing this, Suzaku tells Lelouch that he definitely accepted this geass (meaning the wish of bringing justice to the people). Suzaku then removes the sword from Lelouch's chest and Lelouch staggers to the edge where he tumbles and slides down the slope to where Nunnally is chained to. Eyes wide and shocked, she notices his satisfied and dying expression and takes his hand. After-images of Lelouch's plan with Suzaku and C.C. are revealed and Nunnally understands her brother's true aim. She tells him that she loves him and begs for him to open his eyes. Meanwhile, C.C. is praying in a church and she cries for Lelouch's death as well. Back on the parade float, Lelouch's last words are "I destroy words and create them..." When he finally dies, Nunnally sobs while the rest of the crowd breaks into joy and chaos as they release all the prisoners and chant, "Zero." Toudou is shocked and in disbelief, but Kallen says that Zero (Suzaku) is Zero (their hero), to keep Lelouch's plan going. The scene is incredibly heart-breaking as we listen to Nunnally's sobbing throughout the chanting.
Much later, Kallen narrates all that has happened since Lelouch's death. She is now attending Ashford Academy once more and her mother has moved back in with her. The world has become a much better place and uses words over violence to solve matters. Nunnally is now a major politician with Zero as her advisor and Schneizel (under geass) serving them. Villetta and Ougi have married and now own a bar. Tamaki and the rest of the Black Knight members help out at the bar (or frequent it as well). Meanwhile, Jeremiah and Anya work at an orange plantation (what irony) and Damocles is destroyed. Elsewhere, C.C. is dressed in countryside garments and resting on top of a hay wagon and she talks to a dead Lelouch about how the power of the geass should make one alone, but he has proven that that is not the case. The screen pans to a small origami crane and thus concludes Code Geass.
Impression:
Very well done and I'm very satisfied with the ending. If they ever do anything else with this series, it will most likely be C.C.-centered and an OAV, but for now the series is definitely over. C.C. didn't get to die like she wanted to, but perhaps this leaves some room for Sunrise to make an OAV to end her story as well. For now, we have ended Lelouch's part. After all, it's technically Lelouch of the Rebellion that we've just watched. In any case, even if they don't make any more of anything for this series, that's ok 'cause I like it the way it is.
As for Suzaku living as Zero for the rest of his life, I really think it's a good way for him to live in a way 'cause he's wanted to die all this time to atone for killing his father, so what other good way is there to die than to live as someone else for the rest of your life? It's sad, but I felt that it was very fitting. Someone has to look after Nunnally after all, and Lelouch needed to die to atone for his own sins so it was perfect. I guess in the end, all I want to say is that I'm so happy that Suzaku didn't die T__T. He really is my favorite character regardless of any of his flaws.
Listening to all the other people rant and rave about Lelouch dying despite being the title character while Suzaku, Ougi, Nina, and Villetta lives is kind of stupid. I mean really... I personally don't find much fault in any of the other characters other than Nina, but since she's been redeemed, I can't really hate her all that much. With all that Villetta and Ougi went through, it's no wonder that they'd betray Lelouch, so hearing people badmouth them is kind of dumb. I personally like the couple and am glad that they survived.
I'm always such an oddball, I like all the characters that others hate... But yeah... I loved the ending ^_^
So... rather than a good 20 minutes of fighting -- which was what I was actually expecting -- we only get half the episode of confrontations and battling. Kallen and Suzaku have one final confrontation and she proves to be quite a match for him, as even his "live on" geass is having trouble keeping him alive. At the end of their skirmish, Kallen's Guren shuts down but she manages to pierce Suzaku's sakuradite core, which causes his Lancelot frame to explode with him inside of it. Since Kallen's knightmare frame no longer has any power, she falls off the edge of Damocles and is caught by Gino's Tristan despite how beat-up it already is.
Meanwhile, Anya and Jeremiah are locked in a pretty heated battle, which ends with Jeremiah tearing off the cockpit covering and about to stab Anya when she says that she has no memories. He realizes that she's been geassed before and uses his geass cancellor on her.
At the same time, Lelouch did not disappoint me at all in any way with the way his character development has gone. When confronted with the choice of geassing Nunnally or not, he actually chose to geass her and take the key to Damocles. If this had been some other story, the main character usually becomes weakened in front of their loved one and fails to carry out their plan so then everything fails and they die. However, the nice thing about Code Geass is that the writers made sure Lelouch stayed true to his character and he actually geassed Nunnally to get the key. He did so after learning of her intentions being the same as his, and due to his promise to Suzaku of carrying out their "Zero Requiem" plan, he had to have the key by all means so he geassed her. Right before she breaks free of the trance, he tells her that he loves her, which she doesn't hear. When she snaps back and sees the key in his hand, she tries to chase after him in the floating chair, but cannot move any further at the stairs and falls down. Lelouch only keeps moving away and then declares to the world that he is now the ruler of the world, meaning that he's won the war.
Two months later, Lelouch controls everything in the world and is known as a dictator. He parades through Japan with Schneizel and Nunnally chained to his float (almost reminds me of Princess Leia from Return of the Jedi). The world news has no choice but to report everything he does as justified since he will kill anyone who defies him. All of the people who have rebelled against Lelouch are now also paraded out to be humiliated and killed, except for a few who managed to go into hiding (like Villetta whom stayed behind in Peng Lai and Cornelia plus Guilford). When Villetta sees Ougi tied up in a prisoners trap, she wants to rush out and save him, but Cornelia stops her.
Just then everyone notices a familiar figure in the distance and sees that it's Zero. The Black Knights and everyone else are shocked, and even Lelouch looks astonished. Jeremiah orders for the Knightmares to fire at Zero, which he successfully dodges with quick speed and agility -- in that very familiar zig-zag that we all remember quite well of some other athletic being than the former. Jeremiah then decides to take on Zero, but he successfully jumps on him, lands on Nunnally's platform before launching himself up to where Lelouch is. Zero takes out his sword and takes the stabbing pose after swiping Lelouch's gun out of his hands. Milly, Rivalz, and Kallen all look shocked to see this, but Kallen then understands Lelouch's true aim as she sees Zero ready to kill Lelouch.
In a flashback, we see that this has all been a part of Lelouch's plan. Suzaku survived his Knightmare explosion despite the fact that the public views him as deceased -- there is even a gravestone set out for him -- and in the flashback, he asks Lelouch if it's really ok with him to die. Lelouch says that the world now directs all their hatred toward him and so all it needs is for a hero to kill him. He hands Suzaku the Zero mask and tells him to give the Black Knights the legend of their hero. He also promises to die at Suzaku's hands (as a way to atone for Euphemia's death). He also tells Suzaku that he believes geass to be a wish-bringer. Because one cannot do some things, the geass asks of others to do it for them. So he believes the geass brings about wishes and the wishes of the people are for tomorrow.
Back in the present, Suzaku as Zero stabs Lelouch and the emperor collapses against the masked hero. Suzaku is crying inside the Zero costume, while Lelouch looks content as he leans against him. Lelouch tells Suzaku that this is a punishment for Suzaku as well (Lelouch dying and Suzaku living are their ways to atone), that Suzaku has to live forever behind a mask and be the hero of the people. He can never go back to being Kururugi Suzaku and will sacrifice his happiness forever for the people. And upon hearing this, Suzaku tells Lelouch that he definitely accepted this geass (meaning the wish of bringing justice to the people). Suzaku then removes the sword from Lelouch's chest and Lelouch staggers to the edge where he tumbles and slides down the slope to where Nunnally is chained to. Eyes wide and shocked, she notices his satisfied and dying expression and takes his hand. After-images of Lelouch's plan with Suzaku and C.C. are revealed and Nunnally understands her brother's true aim. She tells him that she loves him and begs for him to open his eyes. Meanwhile, C.C. is praying in a church and she cries for Lelouch's death as well. Back on the parade float, Lelouch's last words are "I destroy words and create them..." When he finally dies, Nunnally sobs while the rest of the crowd breaks into joy and chaos as they release all the prisoners and chant, "Zero." Toudou is shocked and in disbelief, but Kallen says that Zero (Suzaku) is Zero (their hero), to keep Lelouch's plan going. The scene is incredibly heart-breaking as we listen to Nunnally's sobbing throughout the chanting.
Much later, Kallen narrates all that has happened since Lelouch's death. She is now attending Ashford Academy once more and her mother has moved back in with her. The world has become a much better place and uses words over violence to solve matters. Nunnally is now a major politician with Zero as her advisor and Schneizel (under geass) serving them. Villetta and Ougi have married and now own a bar. Tamaki and the rest of the Black Knight members help out at the bar (or frequent it as well). Meanwhile, Jeremiah and Anya work at an orange plantation (what irony) and Damocles is destroyed. Elsewhere, C.C. is dressed in countryside garments and resting on top of a hay wagon and she talks to a dead Lelouch about how the power of the geass should make one alone, but he has proven that that is not the case. The screen pans to a small origami crane and thus concludes Code Geass.
Impression:
Very well done and I'm very satisfied with the ending. If they ever do anything else with this series, it will most likely be C.C.-centered and an OAV, but for now the series is definitely over. C.C. didn't get to die like she wanted to, but perhaps this leaves some room for Sunrise to make an OAV to end her story as well. For now, we have ended Lelouch's part. After all, it's technically Lelouch of the Rebellion that we've just watched. In any case, even if they don't make any more of anything for this series, that's ok 'cause I like it the way it is.
As for Suzaku living as Zero for the rest of his life, I really think it's a good way for him to live in a way 'cause he's wanted to die all this time to atone for killing his father, so what other good way is there to die than to live as someone else for the rest of your life? It's sad, but I felt that it was very fitting. Someone has to look after Nunnally after all, and Lelouch needed to die to atone for his own sins so it was perfect. I guess in the end, all I want to say is that I'm so happy that Suzaku didn't die T__T. He really is my favorite character regardless of any of his flaws.
Listening to all the other people rant and rave about Lelouch dying despite being the title character while Suzaku, Ougi, Nina, and Villetta lives is kind of stupid. I mean really... I personally don't find much fault in any of the other characters other than Nina, but since she's been redeemed, I can't really hate her all that much. With all that Villetta and Ougi went through, it's no wonder that they'd betray Lelouch, so hearing people badmouth them is kind of dumb. I personally like the couple and am glad that they survived.
I'm always such an oddball, I like all the characters that others hate... But yeah... I loved the ending ^_^
Sunday, September 28, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 24
Prepped and ready to go onto the final episode, one can't help but wonder how all of this is going to resolve =_=;;; Basically, after episode 23, this episode seemed kind of blah, but Sunrise may surprise us... who knows.
Some highlights:
- Poor Nunnally fires plenty of F.R.E.I.J.A. warheads while thinking that it will stop Lelouch from winning this war, and Schneizel omits tons of important info, making her think that she isn't firing on innocent civilians
- Nina has grown up and not the same psychotic, table-humping girl as she was for the last 45-something episodes
- Nina, Lloyd, Cecille, and Sayoko leave Lelouch as according to plan and saves all the hostages
- Cornelia isn't dead!!! Yay ^,^!!! And Guilford is also alive!! (But that... hobo look really doesn't suit him ^_^;;;;)
- Lelouch uses the same tactic on Schneizel as he does on Mao
- Schneizel falls under the control of Lelouch's geass to work for Zero (This came a bit unexpected and weird, but ok)
- Diethard dies ^_^ (He really deserves it after proving that he's really an ass)
- Kanon looks as though he's being raped when a guard holds him
- Nunnally opens her EYES (Yes, it was kind of scary actually)
The whole episode was kind of low-key compared to episode 23, which was battle-epic, but it wasn't horrible. I've only been left with this feeling of "this really can't end well." No one really knows what to expect anymore after all these directionally-challenged episodes, but we'll just have to wait and see.
Going to watch the final episode after blogging this so I can just finish the series. I'm kind of ready for this trainwreck to end. I hope it doesn't turn out like Neon Genesis or X-type ending. Need something a little different. Otherwise, I'm going to be really bored and wonder why I tried.
As for predictions, I still think Suzaku is going to live and Lelouch is going to die. I wish Lelouch wouldn't die, but I think that's the only way this series is going to resolve... peacefully... maybe... Then again... maybe everyone dies?
Some highlights:
- Poor Nunnally fires plenty of F.R.E.I.J.A. warheads while thinking that it will stop Lelouch from winning this war, and Schneizel omits tons of important info, making her think that she isn't firing on innocent civilians
- Nina has grown up and not the same psychotic, table-humping girl as she was for the last 45-something episodes
- Nina, Lloyd, Cecille, and Sayoko leave Lelouch as according to plan and saves all the hostages
- Cornelia isn't dead!!! Yay ^,^!!! And Guilford is also alive!! (But that... hobo look really doesn't suit him ^_^;;;;)
- Lelouch uses the same tactic on Schneizel as he does on Mao
- Schneizel falls under the control of Lelouch's geass to work for Zero (This came a bit unexpected and weird, but ok)
- Diethard dies ^_^ (He really deserves it after proving that he's really an ass)
- Kanon looks as though he's being raped when a guard holds him
- Nunnally opens her EYES (Yes, it was kind of scary actually)
The whole episode was kind of low-key compared to episode 23, which was battle-epic, but it wasn't horrible. I've only been left with this feeling of "this really can't end well." No one really knows what to expect anymore after all these directionally-challenged episodes, but we'll just have to wait and see.
Going to watch the final episode after blogging this so I can just finish the series. I'm kind of ready for this trainwreck to end. I hope it doesn't turn out like Neon Genesis or X-type ending. Need something a little different. Otherwise, I'm going to be really bored and wonder why I tried.
As for predictions, I still think Suzaku is going to live and Lelouch is going to die. I wish Lelouch wouldn't die, but I think that's the only way this series is going to resolve... peacefully... maybe... Then again... maybe everyone dies?
Sunday, September 14, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 23
This episode was much better than the last 2-3 ... Actually to be honest, I don't think any of the episodes were really all too great after episode 18, but this one changed my mind. There was a nice little montage in the middle, there was a little more development & closure on things, though there was one spot that kinda hit hit me and left me a bit unhinged.
We have come to the official conclusion that EVERYONE is crazy ^_^. That or naive and caught up in the pace of things ^_^
First we have POWER crazy. On one side, we have Lelouch & Suzaku carrying out their so-called "Zero Requiem" plan to basically destroy the world so people will remember Lelouch as the most evilest person ever. In doing so, then people will realize that war sucks and we should just all get along and be happy =_= Great ideal, faulty plan, bad execution.
Then we have side number two, Schneizel the Manipulator, who plays a very good and cruel game of human chess. He is so good at manipulating things that it's kind of scary ^_^; By playing to the current of things, he manages to get the Black Knights and everyone in the UFN to come to his side. Because Lelouch is holding the UFN leaders hostage, and because those nations do not want to lose their leaders, everyone places their lives in Schneizel's hands. All of this is done so he can also destroy the world, but of course, no one really knows that. People only thinks that he's a "good guy" while he kills his own countrymen without batting an eyelash, and desires to destroy every country affiliated with the UFN using nuclear warheads. He has a great plan, a very bad ideal, and his execution is scarily good @_@. He's scary =_=
I would have to say that the only people sane left are... none? Especially if Cornelia's dead. She was one of my favorite characters too T__T. Her death was kind of an unexpected element in the episode, it was like they just wrote her off the show in a pretty pathetic way. Though I understand that it was to show how cold Schneizel was, it was still a pathetic way to die =_= *sigh*
Ok, now for PATHETIC crazy, meant for all those who are naive and have fallen prey to those much smarter than them. For instance, Ougi and Xing-ke have basically fallen victims to hidden truths and over-the-top lies. Everyone has their own interpretation of situations and by thinking them over and over again, they all believe it to be true and so now we have a wonderful mess ^_^. We have the Black Knights betray Lelouch just because they don't know the whole story, which I guess you can't blame them, but now they're siding with someone even worser than Lelouch =_=; I feel sorry for them. Xing-ke, in order to protect his empress (lover XD), basically played into Schneizel's hands and is now a pawn used on the battlefield =_=
Cornelia was sane, but the one part of her that I considered crazy was the fact that she tried to charge at her brother and kill hem =_= I guess no one could have expected that back-handed way of gunning her down, but still... if it were me, I would have chosen to keep my cool and let Nunnally know =_= Then again, Cornelia is not exactly level-headed when she feels a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong. *sigh* I loved her T__T Why did she have to die!? Then again... maybe she's not dead knowing how twisty this series is. No one really stays dead =_=
It can't be helped in Nunnally's case 'cause she's blind and can't walk. Without being able to see anything, she can't detect when people are lying to her. The poor thing has been an ideal for protection and also a tool for battle. She thinks that by firing F.R.E.I.J.A. she can botch her brother's evilness, but she doesn't even realize what she's doing. I feel sorry for her. *sigh*
I think Nina has become a lot better in these last two episodes. She has started reflecting on her own selfish way of thinking and become a lot more mature. She's a lot more likeable than she has been for the last 40 something episodes. In contrast, I've started to like Suzaku less =_=; I know he's snapped, but it's kind of painful watching my fave character be so mean =_= *sigh* He's really hardened after all that's happened.
Also, I wonder how this is all going to play out with only two more episodes left. I'm guessing that Ougi will survive 'cause he and Villetta have a family to start together. Kallen probably ends up with Gino, Nina continues working with Lloyd and Cecille (and maybe Laksharta). Suzaku will probably live, but I'm not sure about Lelouch. C.C. will probably finally die... maybe. Who knows ^_^;
We have come to the official conclusion that EVERYONE is crazy ^_^. That or naive and caught up in the pace of things ^_^
First we have POWER crazy. On one side, we have Lelouch & Suzaku carrying out their so-called "Zero Requiem" plan to basically destroy the world so people will remember Lelouch as the most evilest person ever. In doing so, then people will realize that war sucks and we should just all get along and be happy =_= Great ideal, faulty plan, bad execution.
Then we have side number two, Schneizel the Manipulator, who plays a very good and cruel game of human chess. He is so good at manipulating things that it's kind of scary ^_^; By playing to the current of things, he manages to get the Black Knights and everyone in the UFN to come to his side. Because Lelouch is holding the UFN leaders hostage, and because those nations do not want to lose their leaders, everyone places their lives in Schneizel's hands. All of this is done so he can also destroy the world, but of course, no one really knows that. People only thinks that he's a "good guy" while he kills his own countrymen without batting an eyelash, and desires to destroy every country affiliated with the UFN using nuclear warheads. He has a great plan, a very bad ideal, and his execution is scarily good @_@. He's scary =_=
I would have to say that the only people sane left are... none? Especially if Cornelia's dead. She was one of my favorite characters too T__T. Her death was kind of an unexpected element in the episode, it was like they just wrote her off the show in a pretty pathetic way. Though I understand that it was to show how cold Schneizel was, it was still a pathetic way to die =_= *sigh*
Ok, now for PATHETIC crazy, meant for all those who are naive and have fallen prey to those much smarter than them. For instance, Ougi and Xing-ke have basically fallen victims to hidden truths and over-the-top lies. Everyone has their own interpretation of situations and by thinking them over and over again, they all believe it to be true and so now we have a wonderful mess ^_^. We have the Black Knights betray Lelouch just because they don't know the whole story, which I guess you can't blame them, but now they're siding with someone even worser than Lelouch =_=; I feel sorry for them. Xing-ke, in order to protect his empress (lover XD), basically played into Schneizel's hands and is now a pawn used on the battlefield =_=
Cornelia was sane, but the one part of her that I considered crazy was the fact that she tried to charge at her brother and kill hem =_= I guess no one could have expected that back-handed way of gunning her down, but still... if it were me, I would have chosen to keep my cool and let Nunnally know =_= Then again, Cornelia is not exactly level-headed when she feels a strong sense of what is right and what is wrong. *sigh* I loved her T__T Why did she have to die!? Then again... maybe she's not dead knowing how twisty this series is. No one really stays dead =_=
It can't be helped in Nunnally's case 'cause she's blind and can't walk. Without being able to see anything, she can't detect when people are lying to her. The poor thing has been an ideal for protection and also a tool for battle. She thinks that by firing F.R.E.I.J.A. she can botch her brother's evilness, but she doesn't even realize what she's doing. I feel sorry for her. *sigh*
I think Nina has become a lot better in these last two episodes. She has started reflecting on her own selfish way of thinking and become a lot more mature. She's a lot more likeable than she has been for the last 40 something episodes. In contrast, I've started to like Suzaku less =_=; I know he's snapped, but it's kind of painful watching my fave character be so mean =_= *sigh* He's really hardened after all that's happened.
Also, I wonder how this is all going to play out with only two more episodes left. I'm guessing that Ougi will survive 'cause he and Villetta have a family to start together. Kallen probably ends up with Gino, Nina continues working with Lloyd and Cecille (and maybe Laksharta). Suzaku will probably live, but I'm not sure about Lelouch. C.C. will probably finally die... maybe. Who knows ^_^;
Monday, September 8, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 22
This episode was interesting and mellow compared to the train wreck last week and the speeding rollercoaster from before that. It's what I call a "clean-up" episode.
My definition for a "clean-up" episode is basically the creators, writers and staff decide to "clean-up" some plot details, wrap some things up, and kill off all miscellaneous characters while somewhat adding value to the story so it sets the stage for the remaining details. For instance...
In episode 22, most of the Knights of Rounds are killed off by Suzaku in order to prove that Suzaku is crazy strong, and also to just get them out of the picture so we don't have to worry about them anymore. No more supporters of the former emperor, Charles, and no potential uprising by his knights.
Meanwhile, Lelouch's geass has made every member of the royal family his slaves and in doing so, means we don't have to worry about any constructive conversations or details among any siblings -- so that takes them out of the picture as well.
Suzaku and Lelouch are finally together and aiming to make the world a better place by becoming bad guys. Their logic is pretty twisted and emo, but hey it's Code Geass. We're all about being emo on Code Geass. Lelouch wants to be an emperor that destroys everything so that people will remember him as a demon and forget the incident of Euphemia, the Massacre Princess. He thinks this will be the best way to atone for what happened to her, and also for Nunnally as well.
Anyway, we have three sides right now, basically a battle triangle. We have Schneizel's side, Lelouch & Suzaku's side, and the UNF + Black Knights side. Lelouch & Suzaku has taken over the UNF by force (cutting them from the Black Knights), but Schneizel has all the F.L.E.I.J.A. warheads =_= He even decided to try it out on the capital of Britannia.
Last of all, we have the so-called "surprise" of the episode -- which was kind of predictable almost in a way since Code Geass loves twists so much that it overdoes it and we then kind of see it all coming. Well, apparently Nunnally's survived the first F.L.E.I.J.A. bombing and is now with Schneizel. She is Lelouch & Suzaku's real opponent =_=; (Oh great, just what we needed)
I was hoping that she would stay dead =_=; Oh well, I guess we'll have to make-do. It looks like she may fire one of the warheads next episode =_= *sigh* Oh dear...
Maybe the lesson from all these anti-hero stories is "revenge is bad, 'cause you always end up hurting yourself more and you always end up being proven wrong over something." For instance... Sweeney Todd accidentally kills his wife when he fails to recognize her 'cause he's too focused on his revenge. In Maou, Naruse manipulates people into killing those around Naoto, and then he begins to learn and realize that his way of thinking has been wrong all along, but he cannot be stopped anymore.
Anyway... Code Geass is still interesting, but the mess is no longer as intriguing as it used to be. The first season is way better than the second season, but I still recommend people watching and finishing this. Only have 3 more episodes left. Hope it ends... well?
My definition for a "clean-up" episode is basically the creators, writers and staff decide to "clean-up" some plot details, wrap some things up, and kill off all miscellaneous characters while somewhat adding value to the story so it sets the stage for the remaining details. For instance...
In episode 22, most of the Knights of Rounds are killed off by Suzaku in order to prove that Suzaku is crazy strong, and also to just get them out of the picture so we don't have to worry about them anymore. No more supporters of the former emperor, Charles, and no potential uprising by his knights.
Meanwhile, Lelouch's geass has made every member of the royal family his slaves and in doing so, means we don't have to worry about any constructive conversations or details among any siblings -- so that takes them out of the picture as well.
Suzaku and Lelouch are finally together and aiming to make the world a better place by becoming bad guys. Their logic is pretty twisted and emo, but hey it's Code Geass. We're all about being emo on Code Geass. Lelouch wants to be an emperor that destroys everything so that people will remember him as a demon and forget the incident of Euphemia, the Massacre Princess. He thinks this will be the best way to atone for what happened to her, and also for Nunnally as well.
Anyway, we have three sides right now, basically a battle triangle. We have Schneizel's side, Lelouch & Suzaku's side, and the UNF + Black Knights side. Lelouch & Suzaku has taken over the UNF by force (cutting them from the Black Knights), but Schneizel has all the F.L.E.I.J.A. warheads =_= He even decided to try it out on the capital of Britannia.
Last of all, we have the so-called "surprise" of the episode -- which was kind of predictable almost in a way since Code Geass loves twists so much that it overdoes it and we then kind of see it all coming. Well, apparently Nunnally's survived the first F.L.E.I.J.A. bombing and is now with Schneizel. She is Lelouch & Suzaku's real opponent =_=; (Oh great, just what we needed)
I was hoping that she would stay dead =_=; Oh well, I guess we'll have to make-do. It looks like she may fire one of the warheads next episode =_= *sigh* Oh dear...
Maybe the lesson from all these anti-hero stories is "revenge is bad, 'cause you always end up hurting yourself more and you always end up being proven wrong over something." For instance... Sweeney Todd accidentally kills his wife when he fails to recognize her 'cause he's too focused on his revenge. In Maou, Naruse manipulates people into killing those around Naoto, and then he begins to learn and realize that his way of thinking has been wrong all along, but he cannot be stopped anymore.
Anyway... Code Geass is still interesting, but the mess is no longer as intriguing as it used to be. The first season is way better than the second season, but I still recommend people watching and finishing this. Only have 3 more episodes left. Hope it ends... well?
Monday, September 1, 2008
Code Geass Episode 19-21
Best episode in the entire season is episode 18. Everything kept me hanging on my seat and wanting more. Episode 19 was bittersweet and really nice to watch 'cause Lelouch ended up with absolutely nothing in the end so things we kind of working out in a way. The scene of Rolo over-exerting himself was very sweet and heartbreaking. The episode pales to episode 18, but it's good nonetheless. And then we get episode 20, which kinda of started to spin out of control and turn into a train wreck. We hit an all-time crash & burn in episode 21, which I'm still pretty unsure about. To be honest... I'm confused @_@ I'm slowly still trying to make sense of what I just watched, but in a way, I kind of get what's going on too =_= For some reason, I feel a bit disappointed. The story ended up twisting in a way that I found to be predictable so now I feel a bit down about what's happened. Oh well, it's still good. Just not as good as it used to be. I rather enjoyed all the heartbreak the series has caused me up to episode 19 in this season. Right now, I'm just riding out the waves =_=;
Episode 21 wrapped things up in a way, but also started a whole new problem as well. For those who have played Final Fantasy VIII, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's like you fight against this boss for a majority of the time and then you realize that it's not the real ultimate boss =_=; Now, you're kind of like ... uh...?
I mean really... ... I love Schneizel... and I rather like Lelouch and Suzaku, but to have these three face off in the end will be kind of... not what I was expecting. Oh well.
With the way the story was structuring itself up to this point, it was not hard to decipher that Marianne and Charles were peas in a pod. V.V. was basically jealous of Marianne (the way Rolo was jealous of Nunnally) and killed her, then arranged for Nunnally to be a fake witness by messing with her memories so she thinks that she saw her mother get murdered by terrorists. Lelouch arrives later (?) and finds the lovely sight =_= (?). I always thought that Lelouch also saw his mother get killed ... ... Maybe I missed something back a while ago.
Anyway... the reason why Anya keeps reacting to the geass mark is finally answered. I was hoping for something more dramatic, but I'll live with what happened.
Hmm... now on a more morbid note... I really like the deaths in this series for some reason. They make me upset, make me cry and love this series more. For instance, Euphemia and Shirley's deaths made me just about bawl my head off. Nunnally's death (though there are speculations that she's not dead yet) came at a good time 'cause she never had to find out that her brother was Zero. Rolo's death redeemed him for all the things he did in a sense, but I still find Euphemia's and Shirley's deaths to be the ones that affect me the most.
Ah, I loved the first season. Everything was really well-done in the first season from opening theme sequences to plot detail and fan service. It's unfortunate that Taniguchi had to make the changes he did. The end product's still good, but I'm sure his original vision would have matched the geniusness of his first season.
Episode 21 wrapped things up in a way, but also started a whole new problem as well. For those who have played Final Fantasy VIII, you'll know what I'm talking about. It's like you fight against this boss for a majority of the time and then you realize that it's not the real ultimate boss =_=; Now, you're kind of like ... uh...?
I mean really... ... I love Schneizel... and I rather like Lelouch and Suzaku, but to have these three face off in the end will be kind of... not what I was expecting. Oh well.
With the way the story was structuring itself up to this point, it was not hard to decipher that Marianne and Charles were peas in a pod. V.V. was basically jealous of Marianne (the way Rolo was jealous of Nunnally) and killed her, then arranged for Nunnally to be a fake witness by messing with her memories so she thinks that she saw her mother get murdered by terrorists. Lelouch arrives later (?) and finds the lovely sight =_= (?). I always thought that Lelouch also saw his mother get killed ... ... Maybe I missed something back a while ago.
Anyway... the reason why Anya keeps reacting to the geass mark is finally answered. I was hoping for something more dramatic, but I'll live with what happened.
Hmm... now on a more morbid note... I really like the deaths in this series for some reason. They make me upset, make me cry and love this series more. For instance, Euphemia and Shirley's deaths made me just about bawl my head off. Nunnally's death (though there are speculations that she's not dead yet) came at a good time 'cause she never had to find out that her brother was Zero. Rolo's death redeemed him for all the things he did in a sense, but I still find Euphemia's and Shirley's deaths to be the ones that affect me the most.
Ah, I loved the first season. Everything was really well-done in the first season from opening theme sequences to plot detail and fan service. It's unfortunate that Taniguchi had to make the changes he did. The end product's still good, but I'm sure his original vision would have matched the geniusness of his first season.
Sunday, August 31, 2008
Code Geass R2 Soundtrack
Perhaps it's just me... but the Code Geass R2 Soundtrack sounds much better than the first season's in my opinion ^_^ I'm sitting here listening to the music and for some reason I like it so much better than the first season's music. Now here's the funny thing, I liked the storyline in the first season better than the second season 'cause it seemed to have worked out better in my opinion. Also, the director, Taniguchi, had this vision of Code Geass that he was carrying out for the first season, but when the air time slot changed, he and his crew also had to change the entire storyline for the second season. So... if you're wondering about the out-of-the-ballpark-likeness of this season, that would be the reason.
Still, I don't hate the second season, I just love the first season more. The music in the second season is very nice though, it's more my style I guess ^_^. When lots more people die in the series, there's always really pretty music in there ^_^;;;
Still, I don't hate the second season, I just love the first season more. The music in the second season is very nice though, it's more my style I guess ^_^. When lots more people die in the series, there's always really pretty music in there ^_^;;;
Monday, August 18, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 11-18
This series has been such a rollercoaster ride, but one that really keeps me at the edge of my seat and never fails to impress. The Chinese Federation arc was solved after episode 11 and then we had one fun episode where Lelouch and Shirley bonded. However, things did not turn out so well when episode 13 came and Lelouch lost yet another loved one. I was near bawling my head off watching episode 13, it just made me so sad. Following episode 13 in the next few episodes we also have a massacre of Geass users, Charles proving that he's a psychopath, C.C. finally addressing the details of her contract with Lelouch, lots of defecting over to opposite sides and tons of betrayal issues, homoerotic jealousy issues, reckless bombing issues, Suzaku nearly becoming a total ass issue, and lots of pretty messed-up, emo-rific stuff. Just when I thought things were starting to become a bit boring and annoying, episode 18 really changed my mind. It was the most epic episode I've seen in the season to date. I was so impressed that I remembered why I loved this series so much. It really is a good story and I really can't wait to learn more about everything.
Monday, June 16, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 10
This was a pretty action-packed episode with Xing-Ke versus Lelouch *,* At the beginning of the episode, Lelouch successfully abducts the empress and takes her aboard the Ikaruga where Kaguya keeps her company. Kaguya tells the empress that they've finally gotten her outside the Forbidden City and Tian Zi is surprised that her friend remembers her wish. Meanwhile, the Eunuch Generals have imprisoned all those who raised the coup d'etat. You know... something about Eunuch Generals and girl empress reminds me of Romance of the Three Kingdoms like the whole prophecy/saying about the woman ruling a house equals despair, chaos, and destruction thing so that's why when the eunuchs and the mother of a prince controlled this one kingdom it was just utter chaos.
Anyway... the Eunuch Generals are unable to defeat Lelouch and retrieve their empress when Zero successfully ambushes the Chinese Fed army and demolishes most of the operating troops. Because of this, they go to the imprisoned bunch and tell Xing-Ke that if he goes and fights for them, they will forgive his crime (lies of course). Well, Xing-Ke goes in this monstrous Knightmare frame called Shen-Hu (神虎) to get the empress back and it fights on par with Kallen's Guren Nishiki. Lakshata makes a note that the Indian government must have helped the Chinese Fed out with the model and that she had participated in building Shen-Hu. After the skirmish, Kallen's Guren loses all energy and she is captured by Xing-Ke. Lelouch, actually fearing for Kallen's life, tells her that he will do all he can to rescue her and to not lose hope. Diethard tells Zero that they need to give up on Kallen, because she's just one soldier and to meet up with the Indian government, but Lelouch thinks differently and says that the Indian government has probably betrayed them by now. He gives the command to the Black Knights that they would rescue Kallen, and the Black Knight members plus C.C. looks pretty happy and relieved to hear this from him.
Later, Lelouch and Xing-Ke engage in a pretty chess-like battle of strategy & tactic. Both seem to be able to read and counterattack each other's moves until Xing-Ke manages to sink most of the Black Knight's Knightmare frames in the irrigation canals. Lelouch has Toudou rescue all surviving members while unleashing a powerful attack to take down many of their foes before retreating. The Order escapes to the tomb of kings where everyone would think twice before attack. They all notice; however, that the Chinese Fed has brought in reinforcements from Brittania for the upcoming battle.
Back at Ashford Academy, the students are still watching and waiting for news of the events in China and then a phone call comes in and Lelouch is the one answering the phone. Rolo, Shirley, and Rivalz are all at the table and look relieved when they hear that Milly is fine. Meanwhile, the news is going on about the abduction of the empress and how Zero is now awaiting this doom in China...
My Thoughts: I think some time lapse has occurred, otherwise there really can't be any other way for Lelouch to find himself a double to act as him. He could have put someone else as Zero back in China and found a way to escape back to the academy in order to make it seem as though he is still there. This would most likely solve the case of the "mysterious OMG Lelouch's back at school!? HOW!?" question.
I think Tian Zi may be in love with Xing-Ke, though a lot of people are calling him a lolicon since he seems to have some feelings for her... (I wonder about that though)... She also looks like one of those really short people who are actually older than they look. To me, I keep thinking that Tian Zi is 15 or 16, but lots of people seem to say that she's 12 or something =,=;
Also, Kaguya's hairstyle in this episode was pretty cute ^_^ I really liked it compared to how she usually has it. I'm sure it's how she would put it for formal occasions, but it was nice.
Preview: 中華連邦の象徴である天子奪ったゼロと黒の騎士団であったが、予想を遥かに凌駕する戦闘能力を持った星刻、そしてブリタニア参戦により天帝八十八陵への篭城を余儀なくされていた。孤立無援の戦は徐々に、だが確実に騎士団を追い詰めていく。さらに大宦官は天子諸共、クーデターを起こした星刻抹殺も目論んでいた。果たしてゼロはこの窮地に如何なる秘策で挑むのか！！ (Taken From Official Website)
Anyway... the Eunuch Generals are unable to defeat Lelouch and retrieve their empress when Zero successfully ambushes the Chinese Fed army and demolishes most of the operating troops. Because of this, they go to the imprisoned bunch and tell Xing-Ke that if he goes and fights for them, they will forgive his crime (lies of course). Well, Xing-Ke goes in this monstrous Knightmare frame called Shen-Hu (神虎) to get the empress back and it fights on par with Kallen's Guren Nishiki. Lakshata makes a note that the Indian government must have helped the Chinese Fed out with the model and that she had participated in building Shen-Hu. After the skirmish, Kallen's Guren loses all energy and she is captured by Xing-Ke. Lelouch, actually fearing for Kallen's life, tells her that he will do all he can to rescue her and to not lose hope. Diethard tells Zero that they need to give up on Kallen, because she's just one soldier and to meet up with the Indian government, but Lelouch thinks differently and says that the Indian government has probably betrayed them by now. He gives the command to the Black Knights that they would rescue Kallen, and the Black Knight members plus C.C. looks pretty happy and relieved to hear this from him.
Later, Lelouch and Xing-Ke engage in a pretty chess-like battle of strategy & tactic. Both seem to be able to read and counterattack each other's moves until Xing-Ke manages to sink most of the Black Knight's Knightmare frames in the irrigation canals. Lelouch has Toudou rescue all surviving members while unleashing a powerful attack to take down many of their foes before retreating. The Order escapes to the tomb of kings where everyone would think twice before attack. They all notice; however, that the Chinese Fed has brought in reinforcements from Brittania for the upcoming battle.
Back at Ashford Academy, the students are still watching and waiting for news of the events in China and then a phone call comes in and Lelouch is the one answering the phone. Rolo, Shirley, and Rivalz are all at the table and look relieved when they hear that Milly is fine. Meanwhile, the news is going on about the abduction of the empress and how Zero is now awaiting this doom in China...
My Thoughts: I think some time lapse has occurred, otherwise there really can't be any other way for Lelouch to find himself a double to act as him. He could have put someone else as Zero back in China and found a way to escape back to the academy in order to make it seem as though he is still there. This would most likely solve the case of the "mysterious OMG Lelouch's back at school!? HOW!?" question.
I think Tian Zi may be in love with Xing-Ke, though a lot of people are calling him a lolicon since he seems to have some feelings for her... (I wonder about that though)... She also looks like one of those really short people who are actually older than they look. To me, I keep thinking that Tian Zi is 15 or 16, but lots of people seem to say that she's 12 or something =,=;
Also, Kaguya's hairstyle in this episode was pretty cute ^_^ I really liked it compared to how she usually has it. I'm sure it's how she would put it for formal occasions, but it was nice.
Preview: 中華連邦の象徴である天子奪ったゼロと黒の騎士団であったが、予想を遥かに凌駕する戦闘能力を持った星刻、そしてブリタニア参戦により天帝八十八陵への篭城を余儀なくされていた。孤立無援の戦は徐々に、だが確実に騎士団を追い詰めていく。さらに大宦官は天子諸共、クーデターを起こした星刻抹殺も目論んでいた。果たしてゼロはこの窮地に如何なる秘策で挑むのか！！ (Taken From Official Website)
Tuesday, June 10, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 09
Something about this series just never ceases to surprise me. I'm always left hanging for more after every episode and always thoroughly impressed with plot progression. After waiting two weeks for a new episode, I'm so happy that patience has paid off ^_^
I'm pretty surprised with how the end of the episode worked out. I kind of want Tian Zi and Xing Ke to be together =_= (kind of lolicon-ish, but whatever), but I think Xing Ke might die from his disease. I wonder if he has tuberculosis, really bad ulcer, leukemia, or some form of sickness that causes a person to throw up blood... *sigh* He's so good-looking too T_T. I hope the next episode doesn't make me cry or something.
Also... now that Lelouch is in China, how is he going to protect his cover back at Ashford Academy? I guess Rolo is there and since Suzaku is with Schneizel, no one will really notice that Lelouch is Zero. If Suzaku goes back to Japan while Lelouch isn't there then he'll know that Lelouch has regained his memories, but right now it's working out conveniently =_=; I just wonder how long he can keep up the jig.
And... does he really intend to marry Tian Zi? Or just keep her hostage!? @_@ I'm so bewildered and blown away by what happened at the end that I can't even thing straight =_= I think I liked Lelouch up to him kidnapping Tian Zi =.=; So I hope he doesn't do something that'll make me sad. I wonder how old Tian Zi is...?
I think it's kind of cute and funny that Milly and Lloyd are still engaged. Though they seem to be kind of opposites, I think they have some of the same traits and characteristics. The two can get along pretty well, in my opinion, but I wonder if Milly can really make herself marry Lloyd. The earl is pretty self-absorbed and in love with mechanical engineering so I don't think he'll be able to make Milly happy, but then she'll have a lot of freedom to do as she wishes since he's so preoccupied with his own work. I don't think I really mind the pairing as much anymore and find it kind of amusing.
Nina Einstein is insane. She is totally off her rocker now and her obsession of Euphemia is pretty extreme. She reminds me of those emo girls who are pretty emotionally volatile and can be exceptionally dangerous. Right now, she tries to dress up like Euphemia and be like her idol, but she is nothing like her. Euphemia was much more elegant and sweet; Nina is such a lovesick weirdo who is pretty maniacal =_=; I never quite liked Nina, even before we found out that she was crazy. Something about her just did not sit right. I wonder why she's so afraid of Eleven/Japanese. She's such a racist. If we learn more about her past history and if it involves anything of the Japanese doing something bad to her or her family then I can totally see where her fear stemmed from, but at the moment she's just really disagreeable, in my opinion =_=; She totally flips out on Milly, a friend who has always been pretty caring over her, and after her insane moment with the Ganymede back during episode 24-25, of course Milly would say something like "If anything bothers you, please talk to me." But then, Nina just flips out =_=; Oh dear... Well, I guess she's always had a bit of an inferior complex =_=; so ok...
I thought Kanon was giving some fanservice during this episode when he joked with Milly about being the aide to Schneizel both publicly and privately ^_~ Some slash humor there?
I wonder if this series will really end this season or stretch it for one more. The plot seems to be moving quicker and might just start unlocking more secrets in the remaining 16 episodes. There are still lots of unanswered questions such as ...
V.V. was telling Jeremiah that if the other world-like place was what Lelouch is after, then it'd be troublesome, but I'm not even sure if Lelouch knows that the other world exists, and if that world crumbles, then what? There's so much left to answer and I wonder if this episode means that there will be some development between Lelouch and Karen?
I'm really warming up to Kaguya now. At first, I thought she would be the kind of character I wouldn't like, but she possesses a very interesting way of thinking and is pretty intelligent. I really think it's pretty entertaining how she says it's totally alright for her "husband" to have many women lol ^_^ She is truly an intriguing woman.
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to episode 10 ^_^ though I'm kind of worried with the turn of events right now. I'll be really sad if Xing Ke dies T__T. I'm kind of disappointed that they didn't do the scrambling of images in the opening again like they did in the last season T__T. I really liked the scrambling, because it kept me in tune to all 24 minutes rather than skip right into the meat of the episode ^_^; The different scramblings happened in episode 1, 9, 13, and 18; two with COLORS and two with Kaidoku Funou. I think it's kind of interesting to see that when the Lancelot's key is tossed up in the air during episode 9, it's night time, but then for 13 and onwards, it's daylight ^_^. Ah... that season had the best of everything. I feel as though they got lazy with something on this season for some reason =_= *sigh* Anyway, can't wait till Sunday~!
I'm pretty surprised with how the end of the episode worked out. I kind of want Tian Zi and Xing Ke to be together =_= (kind of lolicon-ish, but whatever), but I think Xing Ke might die from his disease. I wonder if he has tuberculosis, really bad ulcer, leukemia, or some form of sickness that causes a person to throw up blood... *sigh* He's so good-looking too T_T. I hope the next episode doesn't make me cry or something.
Also... now that Lelouch is in China, how is he going to protect his cover back at Ashford Academy? I guess Rolo is there and since Suzaku is with Schneizel, no one will really notice that Lelouch is Zero. If Suzaku goes back to Japan while Lelouch isn't there then he'll know that Lelouch has regained his memories, but right now it's working out conveniently =_=; I just wonder how long he can keep up the jig.
And... does he really intend to marry Tian Zi? Or just keep her hostage!? @_@ I'm so bewildered and blown away by what happened at the end that I can't even thing straight =_= I think I liked Lelouch up to him kidnapping Tian Zi =.=; So I hope he doesn't do something that'll make me sad. I wonder how old Tian Zi is...?
I think it's kind of cute and funny that Milly and Lloyd are still engaged. Though they seem to be kind of opposites, I think they have some of the same traits and characteristics. The two can get along pretty well, in my opinion, but I wonder if Milly can really make herself marry Lloyd. The earl is pretty self-absorbed and in love with mechanical engineering so I don't think he'll be able to make Milly happy, but then she'll have a lot of freedom to do as she wishes since he's so preoccupied with his own work. I don't think I really mind the pairing as much anymore and find it kind of amusing.
Nina Einstein is insane. She is totally off her rocker now and her obsession of Euphemia is pretty extreme. She reminds me of those emo girls who are pretty emotionally volatile and can be exceptionally dangerous. Right now, she tries to dress up like Euphemia and be like her idol, but she is nothing like her. Euphemia was much more elegant and sweet; Nina is such a lovesick weirdo who is pretty maniacal =_=; I never quite liked Nina, even before we found out that she was crazy. Something about her just did not sit right. I wonder why she's so afraid of Eleven/Japanese. She's such a racist. If we learn more about her past history and if it involves anything of the Japanese doing something bad to her or her family then I can totally see where her fear stemmed from, but at the moment she's just really disagreeable, in my opinion =_=; She totally flips out on Milly, a friend who has always been pretty caring over her, and after her insane moment with the Ganymede back during episode 24-25, of course Milly would say something like "If anything bothers you, please talk to me." But then, Nina just flips out =_=; Oh dear... Well, I guess she's always had a bit of an inferior complex =_=; so ok...
I thought Kanon was giving some fanservice during this episode when he joked with Milly about being the aide to Schneizel both publicly and privately ^_~ Some slash humor there?
I wonder if this series will really end this season or stretch it for one more. The plot seems to be moving quicker and might just start unlocking more secrets in the remaining 16 episodes. There are still lots of unanswered questions such as ...
- V.V. and C.C.'s history
- C.C. and Lelouch's contract
- Why was Marianne assassinated?
- What is up with the other world that V.V. and the emperor seem to be protecting?
- Is there a limit to the emperor's geass?
- Is Cornelia still alive?
- Why does Jeremiah Gottwald keep reviving?
- What will happen between Ougi and Villeta?
- What is Schneizel's true motive?
- What is the relationship between V.V. and the emperor?
- What is C.C.'s relationship with Marianne?
- Why was C.C. imprisoned by the Britannian government during season 1 episode 1?
- From whom did Rolo receive his geass from?
V.V. was telling Jeremiah that if the other world-like place was what Lelouch is after, then it'd be troublesome, but I'm not even sure if Lelouch knows that the other world exists, and if that world crumbles, then what? There's so much left to answer and I wonder if this episode means that there will be some development between Lelouch and Karen?
I'm really warming up to Kaguya now. At first, I thought she would be the kind of character I wouldn't like, but she possesses a very interesting way of thinking and is pretty intelligent. I really think it's pretty entertaining how she says it's totally alright for her "husband" to have many women lol ^_^ She is truly an intriguing woman.
Anyway, I'm really looking forward to episode 10 ^_^ though I'm kind of worried with the turn of events right now. I'll be really sad if Xing Ke dies T__T. I'm kind of disappointed that they didn't do the scrambling of images in the opening again like they did in the last season T__T. I really liked the scrambling, because it kept me in tune to all 24 minutes rather than skip right into the meat of the episode ^_^; The different scramblings happened in episode 1, 9, 13, and 18; two with COLORS and two with Kaidoku Funou. I think it's kind of interesting to see that when the Lancelot's key is tossed up in the air during episode 9, it's night time, but then for 13 and onwards, it's daylight ^_^. Ah... that season had the best of everything. I feel as though they got lazy with something on this season for some reason =_= *sigh* Anyway, can't wait till Sunday~!
Sunday, June 1, 2008
Code Geass Artbook
I am so psyched! My "illustrations Rebels" came in yesterday ^_^ and the artwork is nice~ Most of it looks like anime cell designs, but there are some hand-drawn illustrations by the animators. I wish I had a better scanner and then I can scan it it, but I hate to break or hurt the book. The only times I'm willing to totally damage a book is when I have two copies (or more) of it. Unfortunately, with the amount of money I have right now, I can only afford to buy one copy of each book I own =_= You will only catch me buying doubles when I've thoroughly forgotten which books I've already bought =_= *sigh*
Anyway, the illustration book was exactly what I wanted. It has all the images I wanted and it's so pretty *__* If anyone is looking for cut images in the first season's ending, they'll all be in this book ^_^
Anyway, the illustration book was exactly what I wanted. It has all the images I wanted and it's so pretty *__* If anyone is looking for cut images in the first season's ending, they'll all be in this book ^_^
Monday, May 26, 2008
Code Geass R2 Episode 08
I was pretty impressed with how this episode turned out, though I'm pretty sad that episode nine will not be released until two weeks after due to the earthquake crisis in China and the story is relocating to the Chinese Federation. At least, that is what I've heard...
But yes, I was wondering exactly how the problem was going to resolve after episode seven and the solution was quite brilliant actually. The episode ended pretty nicely and looks like things are going to be interesting afterwards, but we'll have to wait two weeks before we find out how =_=
Kaguya actually turns out to be not as annoying as I thought she would be. Lelouch seems to be able to handle her pretty well too. Plus when everyone doubts Zero, she really believes in him otherwise some of his plans might not get carried out. I guess it's really nice when one is in a seat of power, and the Japanese practically think of her as their princess.
Oh, Suzaku in a hakama was so ..... *nosebleed* I really am a Suzaku fan, I can't help it. He's really good looking. I'm still sad that Euphemia died because I think the two made a good couple, they were so similar and shared a lot of the same ideals.
But yes, I was wondering exactly how the problem was going to resolve after episode seven and the solution was quite brilliant actually. The episode ended pretty nicely and looks like things are going to be interesting afterwards, but we'll have to wait two weeks before we find out how =_=
Kaguya actually turns out to be not as annoying as I thought she would be. Lelouch seems to be able to handle her pretty well too. Plus when everyone doubts Zero, she really believes in him otherwise some of his plans might not get carried out. I guess it's really nice when one is in a seat of power, and the Japanese practically think of her as their princess.
Oh, Suzaku in a hakama was so ..... *nosebleed* I really am a Suzaku fan, I can't help it. He's really good looking. I'm still sad that Euphemia died because I think the two made a good couple, they were so similar and shared a lot of the same ideals.
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
Craving Doujinshi
I've been craving Code Geass doujinshi, mostly Suzaku x Euphemia ones. I could almost settle for some fanfiction, except I would like to read some Suzaku x Euphemia doujinshi. For some reason I really like this couple, maybe because I just have a weakness for princesses and their knights in white armor ^_^.
Usually, I am all about yaoi doujinshi, but for some reason Lelouch x Suzaku just doesn't really appeal to me. For me, Lelouch seems almost asexual lol (j/k). Seriously, I can't picture Lelouch in any romantic relationships because he seems so much cooler as a world dominator with no strings attached than if he had relationships, etc. As bad as this sounds, I can only see Lelouch with Nunnally, though technically... this is not a good arrangement (for many reasons). I guess the girl most would pair Lelouch with is C.C. or Kallen (Karen), and without a doubt in my mind, there must be tons of Suzaku x Lelouch doujinshi -- I'm pretty sure Suzaku is seme *laugh*.
Doujinshi that I do enjoy and have loved for a while now includes Irvine x Squall from Final Fantasy VIII, Zack x Cloud from Final Fantasy VII and Tezuka x Fuji from Prince of Tennis though, if we're to discuss yaoi doujinshi ^_^. It really depends on the artist though, I'm pretty picky when it comes to who illustrated the doujinshi. For instance, I love Akizuki Ryou for FFVII doujinshi, Reine Hibiki for FFVIII, and Houjou Akira for Prince of Tennis. I just really love their artwork. I guess Tsurugi Kai's Seifer x Zell doujinshi is good too and this is another couple I'm fond of. Then again, I just love Tsurugi Kai in general, I wonder if much work has been done on Kuro no Kishi lately...
Anyway, I'm on the prowl for good Suzaku x Euphemia doujinshi and fanfics, so if anyone knows of any, let me know~ ^_^
Usually, I am all about yaoi doujinshi, but for some reason Lelouch x Suzaku just doesn't really appeal to me. For me, Lelouch seems almost asexual lol (j/k). Seriously, I can't picture Lelouch in any romantic relationships because he seems so much cooler as a world dominator with no strings attached than if he had relationships, etc. As bad as this sounds, I can only see Lelouch with Nunnally, though technically... this is not a good arrangement (for many reasons). I guess the girl most would pair Lelouch with is C.C. or Kallen (Karen), and without a doubt in my mind, there must be tons of Suzaku x Lelouch doujinshi -- I'm pretty sure Suzaku is seme *laugh*.
Doujinshi that I do enjoy and have loved for a while now includes Irvine x Squall from Final Fantasy VIII, Zack x Cloud from Final Fantasy VII and Tezuka x Fuji from Prince of Tennis though, if we're to discuss yaoi doujinshi ^_^. It really depends on the artist though, I'm pretty picky when it comes to who illustrated the doujinshi. For instance, I love Akizuki Ryou for FFVII doujinshi, Reine Hibiki for FFVIII, and Houjou Akira for Prince of Tennis. I just really love their artwork. I guess Tsurugi Kai's Seifer x Zell doujinshi is good too and this is another couple I'm fond of. Then again, I just love Tsurugi Kai in general, I wonder if much work has been done on Kuro no Kishi lately...
Anyway, I'm on the prowl for good Suzaku x Euphemia doujinshi and fanfics, so if anyone knows of any, let me know~ ^_^
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Three of My (Recent) Favorite Things
I am a fairly picky anime watcher, I usually check ratings and reviews to see if it's worth my time if it is not a new series. If I see that it's in the excellent/masterpiece range under AnimeNewsNetwork, then I'll usually pick it up to see if it really is that good. Recently, I picked up D.Gray-man, Code Geass: Hangyaku no Lelouch, and Fullmetal Alchemist. I must say that I really enjoy all three of them.
D.Gray-man: I am pretty much in love with D.Gray-man since I do find it pretty well done compared to other shounen series that suffer multiple filler arcs. However, unlike Bleach, fillers are usually around 3-5 episodes long and it doesn't really disrupt the direction of the story so that's a really nice thing about D.Gray-man. It's always such a headache to watch anime series that have incomplete manga storylines, but I really do enjoy what they did with D.Gray-man. I also like the additional episodes they make for minor characters like Kevin Yeegar, Daisya Barry, Suman, etc. so they can stretch out the story, but also give more information in a way. Some people may not like it, but I think it's pretty nice since the manga didn't really go into much detail on some characters. I felt a bit more torn watching the Togaochi arc since I knew more about Suman in the anime than I did when reading it in the manga, which makes me feel that the writers did a fairly good job adding things to the series even if it does slow down the progression. Some of the comedic elements that's added in the series is pretty good too, but not always, still it's pretty fun. Last week's episode (83) was not as good as it probably could have been, so I hope this coming week's episode is better. I'm also on the edge of seat wanting to read more of the manga (159 left me hanging T_T).
Fullmetal Alchemist: I just started Fullmetal Alchemist today and it's cute. My favorite female seiyuu, Paku Romi, is the lead and the story is really good. I haven't actually read the manga yet, but I've found that if I read a manga before I watch an anime, I usually can't enjoy the anime too much -- for a manga-based anime that is. It's kind of the same for the reverse. If I read a manga adaptation of an anime after I watch the anime, I usually can't really enjoy it too much compared to the original work (i.e. Romeo x Juliet, Escaflowne, etc). Therefore, I've decided not to read Fullmetal for the time being so I can just enjoy the anime and not bicker about whether or not it follows the original, etc. (I think that's why I enjoy D.Gray-man so much, since I never read it prior to watching the series and then picked up the manga after about 75 episodes).
Code Geass: Now... Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is really a series that's pretty much robbed me of my soul. I can definitely see where it can receive severe criticism, but I cannot deny the genius of storyline. It is definitely a hard-to-come-by piece and I am really impressed by it. I've only started watching the series last week so I wasn't with the craze back in late 2006 (I find it pretty interesting that this series was aired 2 days after first episode of Death Note). For those who enjoy mecha series like Gundam, Escaflowne, Neon Genesis, etc. and have also been exposed to the ingenuity of Death Note then this series is really a combination of both. You may like it, or you may hate it. Since CLAMP did character design for the series, we have really pretty people that look a lot like characters from other CLAMP works. The main character, Lelouch, really looks like another version of Shiro Kamui from X/1999, while his best friend and rival, Kururugi Suzaku looks a lot like Syaoran from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. I like both characters despite whether others hate one or the other.
The storyline is simple, yet complex at the same time which gives it a bit of flavor. We have Lelouch who is kind of like the Yagami Light [Death Note] of the series. He obtains a pretty powerful weapon -- a Geass -- and uses it along with his pretty high intelligence to fight against the empire of Britannia (an allegory to the United States, but I prefer to think of it as imperialism/colonialism) in order to create a peaceful world in which his younger sister, Nunnally, can live in. It's similar to how Light uses the death notebook to kill people, except the purpose between Light and Leouch is different. Whereas Light ultimately did everything for himself, Lelouch was fighting for Nunnally and a part of it for himself. So this is how I categorize the two differently. DN is like watching a horror/thriller that just keeps you on your toes while CG is more like a philosophical/political type of drama like... Star Wars maybe? (I really can't think of a better example ^_^; ...) Though the storyline of CG is kind of like an evolved form of a simple story that we see quite often, the elements in it make it pretty unique.
I am always pretty amused when I see a western audience rant and rave over how much they hate Suzaku after watching the end of the first season & beginning of second calling him a traitor, etc., or having no aim, etc. He is actually pretty popular in Japan ^_^ and it so happens that I'm also actually a Suzaku fan -- something about athletically-able men attracts me (^_^). I love Lelouch too, he's really smart and his strategic abilities are really impressive, but I cannot deny that I love Suzaku too. People tend to antagonize the antagonist (Gee, I would have never thought of that) because well... they're the antagonist (Yes, pardon the awful explanation), but if we flipped the story to Suzaku's point of view, he really actually follows the traditional hero's path in comparison to Lelouch.
Suzaku reminds me of the hero from video games such as like Final Fantasy or something. These types of heroes usually are the ones who do things in accordance to what is right or what they consider is right by following the rules and such. Suzaku is the rule-follower, the outcast because of his identity as an Eleven, has a dark past (like some traditional protagonists i.e. Cloud Strife from FFVII, Tsuzuki Asato from Yami no Matsuei, etc.), and falls in love with a beautiful girl then loses her to tragedy, which makes him more resolute on what he wants and he ends up finding the path he needs to follow. There are times when the hero is unsure of what he wants, which is why there's even a story, because we are watching how the hero develops and comes to find a goal he truly needs to aim towards, or to reaffirm the direction he is going towards. In CG, Suzaku knows what he wants, but never really knew how he was going to do things. After losing the girl he loved, he finally came to a decision to how he would now proceed with things. Doesn't that just seem like a typical type of hero cycle?
However, because CG takes the story from Lelouch's point of view, Suzaku becomes the antagonist instead. This really impresses me, because there are times when watching a series that people say "Oh that antagonist is so much more interesting than the main character" and now we have a series where because the perspectives are reversed the once interesting antagonist is now the really interesting protagonist. Just this one element of the story design is really impressive to me. This is why I cannot dislike Suzaku. It's not like he's a bad guy anyway, it's more like he's following the traditional hero cycle in my mind. That's why I kind of find it amusing when people here say how much they dislike Suzaku, etc. I mean... when reading/watching DN, do people hate L? He's out to hunt and catch Light so he's basically the antagonist in the story (since we're in Light's POV), but I highly doubt the percentage of people who dislike L is high at all. So, it really is kind of interesting hearing people rant about Suzaku.
Also, two of my favorite seiyuu are in Code Geass: Sakurai Takahiro and Fukuyama Jun ^_^. Fukuyama plays Lelouch, and I must say it is the most impressive role I've ever heard him in. I like him in a lot of other works, but I think the role of Lelouch really gave Fukuyama much more versatility as a voice actor. It really is the most impressive role he's had to date, in my opinion. This is not the most impressive role for Sakupyon though, more like average -- though I really wasn't able to tell at first that he was the seiyuu since I'm more accustomed to his deeper voice. He has a pretty wide range of character types that he can do and he isn't restricted to any of them, which makes him pretty versatile to start with, but I guess if I were to pick, I would say that his role as Kanda Yuu in D.Gray-man is much more fun than as Suzaku. I think I was more surprised with Orikasa Fumiko. I haven't seen a whole lot of series with her in it, but the voice I'm most accustomed to is her deeper, Kuchiki Rukia-type voice so hearing her as Shirley really surprised me at first.
Anyway, for those who have not seen Code Geass and enjoy DN-like mecha drama, one really should check it out if they have time. I'm pretty glad I picked it up, but pretty sad that I couldn't resist the urge to watch the second season so now I'm stucking waiting for an episode every week =_=. Cliffhangers are emotionally straining for me.
D.Gray-man: I am pretty much in love with D.Gray-man since I do find it pretty well done compared to other shounen series that suffer multiple filler arcs. However, unlike Bleach, fillers are usually around 3-5 episodes long and it doesn't really disrupt the direction of the story so that's a really nice thing about D.Gray-man. It's always such a headache to watch anime series that have incomplete manga storylines, but I really do enjoy what they did with D.Gray-man. I also like the additional episodes they make for minor characters like Kevin Yeegar, Daisya Barry, Suman, etc. so they can stretch out the story, but also give more information in a way. Some people may not like it, but I think it's pretty nice since the manga didn't really go into much detail on some characters. I felt a bit more torn watching the Togaochi arc since I knew more about Suman in the anime than I did when reading it in the manga, which makes me feel that the writers did a fairly good job adding things to the series even if it does slow down the progression. Some of the comedic elements that's added in the series is pretty good too, but not always, still it's pretty fun. Last week's episode (83) was not as good as it probably could have been, so I hope this coming week's episode is better. I'm also on the edge of seat wanting to read more of the manga (159 left me hanging T_T).
Fullmetal Alchemist: I just started Fullmetal Alchemist today and it's cute. My favorite female seiyuu, Paku Romi, is the lead and the story is really good. I haven't actually read the manga yet, but I've found that if I read a manga before I watch an anime, I usually can't enjoy the anime too much -- for a manga-based anime that is. It's kind of the same for the reverse. If I read a manga adaptation of an anime after I watch the anime, I usually can't really enjoy it too much compared to the original work (i.e. Romeo x Juliet, Escaflowne, etc). Therefore, I've decided not to read Fullmetal for the time being so I can just enjoy the anime and not bicker about whether or not it follows the original, etc. (I think that's why I enjoy D.Gray-man so much, since I never read it prior to watching the series and then picked up the manga after about 75 episodes).
Code Geass: Now... Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is really a series that's pretty much robbed me of my soul. I can definitely see where it can receive severe criticism, but I cannot deny the genius of storyline. It is definitely a hard-to-come-by piece and I am really impressed by it. I've only started watching the series last week so I wasn't with the craze back in late 2006 (I find it pretty interesting that this series was aired 2 days after first episode of Death Note). For those who enjoy mecha series like Gundam, Escaflowne, Neon Genesis, etc. and have also been exposed to the ingenuity of Death Note then this series is really a combination of both. You may like it, or you may hate it. Since CLAMP did character design for the series, we have really pretty people that look a lot like characters from other CLAMP works. The main character, Lelouch, really looks like another version of Shiro Kamui from X/1999, while his best friend and rival, Kururugi Suzaku looks a lot like Syaoran from Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles. I like both characters despite whether others hate one or the other.
The storyline is simple, yet complex at the same time which gives it a bit of flavor. We have Lelouch who is kind of like the Yagami Light [Death Note] of the series. He obtains a pretty powerful weapon -- a Geass -- and uses it along with his pretty high intelligence to fight against the empire of Britannia (an allegory to the United States, but I prefer to think of it as imperialism/colonialism) in order to create a peaceful world in which his younger sister, Nunnally, can live in. It's similar to how Light uses the death notebook to kill people, except the purpose between Light and Leouch is different. Whereas Light ultimately did everything for himself, Lelouch was fighting for Nunnally and a part of it for himself. So this is how I categorize the two differently. DN is like watching a horror/thriller that just keeps you on your toes while CG is more like a philosophical/political type of drama like... Star Wars maybe? (I really can't think of a better example ^_^; ...) Though the storyline of CG is kind of like an evolved form of a simple story that we see quite often, the elements in it make it pretty unique.
I am always pretty amused when I see a western audience rant and rave over how much they hate Suzaku after watching the end of the first season & beginning of second calling him a traitor, etc., or having no aim, etc. He is actually pretty popular in Japan ^_^ and it so happens that I'm also actually a Suzaku fan -- something about athletically-able men attracts me (^_^). I love Lelouch too, he's really smart and his strategic abilities are really impressive, but I cannot deny that I love Suzaku too. People tend to antagonize the antagonist (Gee, I would have never thought of that) because well... they're the antagonist (Yes, pardon the awful explanation), but if we flipped the story to Suzaku's point of view, he really actually follows the traditional hero's path in comparison to Lelouch.
Suzaku reminds me of the hero from video games such as like Final Fantasy or something. These types of heroes usually are the ones who do things in accordance to what is right or what they consider is right by following the rules and such. Suzaku is the rule-follower, the outcast because of his identity as an Eleven, has a dark past (like some traditional protagonists i.e. Cloud Strife from FFVII, Tsuzuki Asato from Yami no Matsuei, etc.), and falls in love with a beautiful girl then loses her to tragedy, which makes him more resolute on what he wants and he ends up finding the path he needs to follow. There are times when the hero is unsure of what he wants, which is why there's even a story, because we are watching how the hero develops and comes to find a goal he truly needs to aim towards, or to reaffirm the direction he is going towards. In CG, Suzaku knows what he wants, but never really knew how he was going to do things. After losing the girl he loved, he finally came to a decision to how he would now proceed with things. Doesn't that just seem like a typical type of hero cycle?
However, because CG takes the story from Lelouch's point of view, Suzaku becomes the antagonist instead. This really impresses me, because there are times when watching a series that people say "Oh that antagonist is so much more interesting than the main character" and now we have a series where because the perspectives are reversed the once interesting antagonist is now the really interesting protagonist. Just this one element of the story design is really impressive to me. This is why I cannot dislike Suzaku. It's not like he's a bad guy anyway, it's more like he's following the traditional hero cycle in my mind. That's why I kind of find it amusing when people here say how much they dislike Suzaku, etc. I mean... when reading/watching DN, do people hate L? He's out to hunt and catch Light so he's basically the antagonist in the story (since we're in Light's POV), but I highly doubt the percentage of people who dislike L is high at all. So, it really is kind of interesting hearing people rant about Suzaku.
Also, two of my favorite seiyuu are in Code Geass: Sakurai Takahiro and Fukuyama Jun ^_^. Fukuyama plays Lelouch, and I must say it is the most impressive role I've ever heard him in. I like him in a lot of other works, but I think the role of Lelouch really gave Fukuyama much more versatility as a voice actor. It really is the most impressive role he's had to date, in my opinion. This is not the most impressive role for Sakupyon though, more like average -- though I really wasn't able to tell at first that he was the seiyuu since I'm more accustomed to his deeper voice. He has a pretty wide range of character types that he can do and he isn't restricted to any of them, which makes him pretty versatile to start with, but I guess if I were to pick, I would say that his role as Kanda Yuu in D.Gray-man is much more fun than as Suzaku. I think I was more surprised with Orikasa Fumiko. I haven't seen a whole lot of series with her in it, but the voice I'm most accustomed to is her deeper, Kuchiki Rukia-type voice so hearing her as Shirley really surprised me at first.
Anyway, for those who have not seen Code Geass and enjoy DN-like mecha drama, one really should check it out if they have time. I'm pretty glad I picked it up, but pretty sad that I couldn't resist the urge to watch the second season so now I'm stucking waiting for an episode every week =_=. Cliffhangers are emotionally straining for me.
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)