So Hana to Yume 12/5 Edition came out and so did Skip Beat c149. After the cliffhanger from chapter 148, one can say that 149 was satisfying enough for fans who know of the delicate nature of Ren & Kyoko's relationship. Yes, after 149 chapters, the two have not exactly hit it off yet. We only see Ren suffering in silence -- not really, but he kinda is -- from his feelings towards Kyoko and his mad jealousy towards any of the men who approach her, and Kyoko trying to write off all the fluttering towards Ren as her reacting to his godlike acting abilities. Then at the end of chapter 148, Ren reaches in for a kiss and of course it just ends there.
During c148, Kyoko was plagued by the haunting memories of Sho robbing her of her first kiss back in chapter 146-147 or so. She made a special wine jelly for Ren and did not give him any chocolates for Valentine's Day since he did not really like sweets. When he saw how much consideration and care she went through to make the jelly for him, he was touched and then hover over her in a pretty comprising position. Then in the opening of chapter 149, we see Kyoko relive the bitter memories of past up to the point where Ren is leaning in for a kiss. Of course, knowing how Nakamura-sensei is a tease, he only kisses her cheek (yeah, he comes in on her right side and kisses her left cheek so she is VERY aware of what's going on). All the thoughts of Sho she had from before are completely banished as they are replaced by Ren instead. She freezes up and has a hard time concentrating on acting that day since her mind is full of Ren and her downright confusion. Then of course, the chapter ends and we have to wait until 12/18 for a new chapter =_= *sigh*
Waiting for Skip Beat is such a pain at times T__T, but I just love this series to pieces. I'm all for Ren x Kyoko. I want to see it go somewhere T__T but their "romance" just moves so slow =_=; Oh well...
Showing posts with label Skip Beat. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Skip Beat. Show all posts
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Sunday, April 5, 2009
Skip Beat Anime Ending
I feel a bit robbed during the last 10 episodes of the series, but they cut out some of the stuff that I skimmed through in the manga anyway so I guess I was ok with that, but to end the series right before Ren's acting test is just cruel =_=. The whole monologue thing they had Kyoko say right before the ending was painfully corny and I can see why fans want to destroy somebody =_=; You know... most series make tons of filler in order to stretch out material that's not there, but Skip Beat still has plenty of material to work with =_=, why end it so abruptly!? Ok, I don't want there to be filler fluff like some painfully overdone shounen series, nor do I want it to drag like Tsubasa Chronicles, but I wish they would have included Ren's acting test to show the breakthrough and then have it end a couple episodes later =_= 30 would have been a better cut off, or even 26 =_= The producers need to be shot. Oh well =_=.......
I hope they make a season two, but there's been no news nor rumors about it so we're all left hanging in the balances, hoping and wishing. Oh well... they've basically murdered the story anyway, so maybe it's for the best that they don't... ... ... ... though... I really would love to see an animated movie on Dark Moon, kind of like what they did for Fuyu no Semi in Haru wo Daiteita. I think it'd be fun.
Well, it's just a thought.
I hope they make a season two, but there's been no news nor rumors about it so we're all left hanging in the balances, hoping and wishing. Oh well... they've basically murdered the story anyway, so maybe it's for the best that they don't... ... ... ... though... I really would love to see an animated movie on Dark Moon, kind of like what they did for Fuyu no Semi in Haru wo Daiteita. I think it'd be fun.
Well, it's just a thought.
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Skip Beat Chapter 130
Kyoko is just amazing *__*!!! I just finished reading the raws and I love this chapter! I think chapters 128 & 129 have been pretty good, but chapter 130 really shows how great of an actress Kyoko is becoming. Just by the way she treats Makino, she manages to convince the director into taking her suggestion of having all the girls in her Natsu-group wear their uniforms without a necktie so they look more fashionable and more fitting of their roles. However, when Chiorin takes off her tie, her role "Yumika," just does not seem to fit into the group at all. The director compares Chiorin with the Natsu-group as a group of triangles and quadrilaterals with one circle (Chiorin being the circle) so she seems really out of sync with them. He then calls her out of the group and asks for her to change her character's image (he says "雰囲気" which means to change the way she's portraying her character, and the way she looks so she will match better with the Natsu-group). At hearing this, Chiorin is shocked and angry. Even though she has set the stage for Kyoko to fail, she has to change herself instead.
Meanwhile, Makino confronts Kyoko, saying that she knows that Kyoko knows that she (Makino) did it (took the necktie), so why didn't she (Kyoko) say something about it? Kyoko says that it's because the director was only going to get angry, and since things have worked out pretty well now (in which Kyoko was able to show off her Natsu in a way), it's better this way, plus they're "friends." After a brief conversation, Kyoko manages to get the respect of her co-stars in a way.
Back with Chiorin, she is pissed that the director has decided to go along with Kyoko rather than punish her. Plus she is angry that she has been outdone by a newbie in a way (as she has 4 years of entertainment experience compared to Kyoko). With revenge on her mind, the stage is set for chapter 131 ^_^.
And with all that said, I can't wait for chapter 131! I wonder how Chiorin is going to battle it out with Kyoko and if things are going work out for our heroine or not. Chiorin is pretty evil looking in this chapter, so I have a bit of a bad feeling about this. I hope that Kyoko manages to get over this ok ^_^;;; Chiorin looks pretty dangerous. Alrighty, next chapter comes out 11/15. Can't wait!
Meanwhile, Makino confronts Kyoko, saying that she knows that Kyoko knows that she (Makino) did it (took the necktie), so why didn't she (Kyoko) say something about it? Kyoko says that it's because the director was only going to get angry, and since things have worked out pretty well now (in which Kyoko was able to show off her Natsu in a way), it's better this way, plus they're "friends." After a brief conversation, Kyoko manages to get the respect of her co-stars in a way.
Back with Chiorin, she is pissed that the director has decided to go along with Kyoko rather than punish her. Plus she is angry that she has been outdone by a newbie in a way (as she has 4 years of entertainment experience compared to Kyoko). With revenge on her mind, the stage is set for chapter 131 ^_^.
And with all that said, I can't wait for chapter 131! I wonder how Chiorin is going to battle it out with Kyoko and if things are going work out for our heroine or not. Chiorin is pretty evil looking in this chapter, so I have a bit of a bad feeling about this. I hope that Kyoko manages to get over this ok ^_^;;; Chiorin looks pretty dangerous. Alrighty, next chapter comes out 11/15. Can't wait!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Skip Beat Episode 03
So first to start off, currently there are two English subbed versions of Skip Beat out right now. One is by Chihiro and the other is Ureshii joint with Yoroshiku. I started downloading Chihiro first, but I really wish they'd just choose one format and stick with it. If they like .mkv then please do .mkv, if they're going to do .avi, then please do .avi. If they want to do both, then please do both =_=; I'm a bit of an organization freak so I like it when all my episodes are in one similar format or by one fansub group -- unless they had to discontinue and another group picks up after them, etc.
Anyway, as for the subbed versions, Chihiro's version does not translate the theme songs so if you were planning to learn the lyrics or something, you'll just have to learn by ear ^_^ (j/k, but the no translation part is true). I like their translation to an extent, but like all fansubs out there, it's not 100% perfect. I've watched a lot of Yoroshiku's translations and I generally like them, though I don't watch much of Ureshii's so I'm not sure about them, but if they're paired with Yoroshiku, it should be fine... right? Well, I tried watching the first episode Ureshii-Yoroshiku put out and the translation is fairly accurate, but I think Chihiro's wording really nailed it for me a lot of times. The fine line between literal and colloquial can be blurred a lot of times and I think that's a problem that a lot of groups have, frankly speaking. I wasn't fond of the way the Ureshii-Yoroshiku version worded some things, but it's not all inaccurate, it just sounds funny sometimes. Chihiro definitely did a better job at wording some parts, but I might end up sticking with Ureshii-Yoroshiku.
Well, enough about subbed versions. Who knows, maybe another group will pick up Skip Beat and begin subbing it or something in the next few weeks. I really wish that a better raw provider would release the raws though =_=; Low quality raws kind of burn my eyes =_=; (I really shouldn't complain 'cause there aren't many raw groups providing Skip Beat raws, but still... I wish they could be better versions *sigh*)
And now onto the real subject (episode summary) of this post...
The third episode basically concludes the first volume of the manga, which means episode four will start volume two. In this episode, we see the conclusion to the LME newbie selection audition and Kyoko failing it at the very end after a reaction test. Kyoko accepts the result after conversing with Sawara-san and cries over what's become of her life because of her past (always wanting others to love her, following Sho, etc.) once she gets home (Darumaya). Meanwhile, Lory Takarada is troubled over Kyoko's application and the decision to drop her. He wonders whether she's worth keeping, or if he should just drop her off completely.
The next morning, Kyoko tells the Taisho and Okami that she's going to search for another part-time job and give up looking for a job in entertainment, but Taisho gets angry at her words, because her willingness to give up so easily disappoints him. Back at LME, Lory Takarada has summoned Sawara and apparently has something in store for Kyoko. Sawara looks pretty happy about the news and believes that Kyoko will be back at LME very soon. Thus end episode.
I have a feeling that the next episode will cover chapters 6 & part of 7 if not all of 7. The preview makes it look like it covers mostly chapter 6, but doesn't show a whole lot of chapter 7. If things move two chapters at a time, it'll probably show one of my fave scenes in 2-3 more episodes ^_^. I really can't wait to see Kyoko in a kimono~~!
Also, chapter 130 should be out in Hana to Yume today, I believe ^_^ Hopefully the raws will be out soon~~! *grin*
Anyway, as for the subbed versions, Chihiro's version does not translate the theme songs so if you were planning to learn the lyrics or something, you'll just have to learn by ear ^_^ (j/k, but the no translation part is true). I like their translation to an extent, but like all fansubs out there, it's not 100% perfect. I've watched a lot of Yoroshiku's translations and I generally like them, though I don't watch much of Ureshii's so I'm not sure about them, but if they're paired with Yoroshiku, it should be fine... right? Well, I tried watching the first episode Ureshii-Yoroshiku put out and the translation is fairly accurate, but I think Chihiro's wording really nailed it for me a lot of times. The fine line between literal and colloquial can be blurred a lot of times and I think that's a problem that a lot of groups have, frankly speaking. I wasn't fond of the way the Ureshii-Yoroshiku version worded some things, but it's not all inaccurate, it just sounds funny sometimes. Chihiro definitely did a better job at wording some parts, but I might end up sticking with Ureshii-Yoroshiku.
Well, enough about subbed versions. Who knows, maybe another group will pick up Skip Beat and begin subbing it or something in the next few weeks. I really wish that a better raw provider would release the raws though =_=; Low quality raws kind of burn my eyes =_=; (I really shouldn't complain 'cause there aren't many raw groups providing Skip Beat raws, but still... I wish they could be better versions *sigh*)
And now onto the real subject (episode summary) of this post...
The third episode basically concludes the first volume of the manga, which means episode four will start volume two. In this episode, we see the conclusion to the LME newbie selection audition and Kyoko failing it at the very end after a reaction test. Kyoko accepts the result after conversing with Sawara-san and cries over what's become of her life because of her past (always wanting others to love her, following Sho, etc.) once she gets home (Darumaya). Meanwhile, Lory Takarada is troubled over Kyoko's application and the decision to drop her. He wonders whether she's worth keeping, or if he should just drop her off completely.
The next morning, Kyoko tells the Taisho and Okami that she's going to search for another part-time job and give up looking for a job in entertainment, but Taisho gets angry at her words, because her willingness to give up so easily disappoints him. Back at LME, Lory Takarada has summoned Sawara and apparently has something in store for Kyoko. Sawara looks pretty happy about the news and believes that Kyoko will be back at LME very soon. Thus end episode.
I have a feeling that the next episode will cover chapters 6 & part of 7 if not all of 7. The preview makes it look like it covers mostly chapter 6, but doesn't show a whole lot of chapter 7. If things move two chapters at a time, it'll probably show one of my fave scenes in 2-3 more episodes ^_^. I really can't wait to see Kyoko in a kimono~~!
Also, chapter 130 should be out in Hana to Yume today, I believe ^_^ Hopefully the raws will be out soon~~! *grin*
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Skip Beat Episode 02
This episode was not too bad and is moving the story at a good pace. Lory Takarada's appearance was so funny and about the best part of the entire episode. I think my wanting to watch events that are closer to date kind of make these beginning episodes feel like a drag at times. I wish I didn't have to wait every week for a new episode T__T.
Anyway, in this episode we basically see Kyoko looking around for talent scouts to scout her, and then going to LME to find the head honcho so she can become a celebrity. She also torments Sawara-san for many days and nights before he gives her an audition form so she can enter for the newbie selection process. For some reason the "Sawara torture" scene seems so much funnier in the manga than actually watching it. Not quite sure why, but that's how I feel.
The episode covers every detail in chapter two and three and ends with Kyoko ready to perform Katsura-maki. Though the next episode should be entertaining, I think I won't be as entertained until episode 05 or 06 when she enters the Love-Me section. I want to watch the acting test with her wearing a kimono and such. I guess this means another 3-4 weeks, huh ^_^;
I'm pretty interested in the manga right now though and can't wait till chapter 130 comes out. I really want to know how Kyoko puts Makino in her place and if Chiorin becomes friends with Kyoko, or reveals her true colors and is also put in her place. I can see how Chiorin is annoyed and angry with Kyoko since it's out of jealousy, but since jealousy is such an ugly thing, I really find it hard to like her at the moment. On the other hand, I really like the dimwitted Ma-Rumi, 'cause she's honest, straightforward and cute. (And that's saying something, usually the dim ones grate my nerves)
I also want to know more concrete details about Ren's violent past. Not sure exactly what to think about it 'cause Nakamura's storytelling seems kind of off-the-wall a lot of times. From my understanding of the story up to now, my theory is that Ren probably has a similar past to Ogata (the director of Dark Moon) in which people always compared him (Kuon) to his father, Hizuri Kuu, back in America. That or he only got jobs because he is the son of Hizuri Kuu, or no matter what he does, his father always overshadows his work so then people don't think of him as talented. Another reason is that Kuon might get a big head for being the son of Hizuri Kuu and think he is a great actor when he is not... though I don't think that is the case 'cause in the Kuon-Kyoko scenes, we learn that no matter what Kuon does, his father is always above him so he cannot be better.
Also, Kuu has mentioned to Kyoko that Kuon used to be a quiet and sweet child, so I'm assuming that people always told Kuon that he's second-rate compared to his father, which then made him into a dark, twisty and angsty teenager who got fired from work often so to unleash his rage, he went on a violent rampage and beat up just about anyone who annoyed him.
We know that Kuu and his wife, Julie, really love their son so they probably would want the best for Kuon so they wouldn't intentionally do anything to hurt their child, but their presence must be so big that Kuon feels as though he can never surpass his golden parents. And thus since Kuon probably rejected help from Kuu and Julie, Kuu has no choice but to seek help from his first boss, Lory Takarada. Since no know really knows Kuon in Japan -- but know him in America -- it makes Japan the perfect place for Kuon to get a fresh start and to regain his confidence (plus dissolve his rage). And so Kuon trained himself to become a gentleman, to learn and study as much as he can about Japan, acting, etc., plus control his rage so he can then bring his new image, Tsuruga Ren, to life. Ever since going to Japan, Kuon has not once stepped out of his Tsuruga Ren image, and has made a promise to Takarada that he will never become Kuon again until he has mastered his acting. (Whenever that will be is the question though =_=)
In any case, I think the stage is set for an explosion or breakdown eventually. If this story goes in typical shojo direction, Tsuruga Ren's real identity will be exposed, things will go really crazy and it'll be all chaos. Of course, I don't know if that's what's going to happen or not, but I do feel as though there's a dormant time bomb in the story. I'm really curious as to when and how this story will end ^_^;
But above all things, I'm a Kyoko x Ren fan so I really hope the two will be together in the end. She won't fall in love again, but it seems that she's falling for Ren without really realizing it ^_^
Anyway, in this episode we basically see Kyoko looking around for talent scouts to scout her, and then going to LME to find the head honcho so she can become a celebrity. She also torments Sawara-san for many days and nights before he gives her an audition form so she can enter for the newbie selection process. For some reason the "Sawara torture" scene seems so much funnier in the manga than actually watching it. Not quite sure why, but that's how I feel.
The episode covers every detail in chapter two and three and ends with Kyoko ready to perform Katsura-maki. Though the next episode should be entertaining, I think I won't be as entertained until episode 05 or 06 when she enters the Love-Me section. I want to watch the acting test with her wearing a kimono and such. I guess this means another 3-4 weeks, huh ^_^;
I'm pretty interested in the manga right now though and can't wait till chapter 130 comes out. I really want to know how Kyoko puts Makino in her place and if Chiorin becomes friends with Kyoko, or reveals her true colors and is also put in her place. I can see how Chiorin is annoyed and angry with Kyoko since it's out of jealousy, but since jealousy is such an ugly thing, I really find it hard to like her at the moment. On the other hand, I really like the dimwitted Ma-Rumi, 'cause she's honest, straightforward and cute. (And that's saying something, usually the dim ones grate my nerves)
I also want to know more concrete details about Ren's violent past. Not sure exactly what to think about it 'cause Nakamura's storytelling seems kind of off-the-wall a lot of times. From my understanding of the story up to now, my theory is that Ren probably has a similar past to Ogata (the director of Dark Moon) in which people always compared him (Kuon) to his father, Hizuri Kuu, back in America. That or he only got jobs because he is the son of Hizuri Kuu, or no matter what he does, his father always overshadows his work so then people don't think of him as talented. Another reason is that Kuon might get a big head for being the son of Hizuri Kuu and think he is a great actor when he is not... though I don't think that is the case 'cause in the Kuon-Kyoko scenes, we learn that no matter what Kuon does, his father is always above him so he cannot be better.
Also, Kuu has mentioned to Kyoko that Kuon used to be a quiet and sweet child, so I'm assuming that people always told Kuon that he's second-rate compared to his father, which then made him into a dark, twisty and angsty teenager who got fired from work often so to unleash his rage, he went on a violent rampage and beat up just about anyone who annoyed him.
We know that Kuu and his wife, Julie, really love their son so they probably would want the best for Kuon so they wouldn't intentionally do anything to hurt their child, but their presence must be so big that Kuon feels as though he can never surpass his golden parents. And thus since Kuon probably rejected help from Kuu and Julie, Kuu has no choice but to seek help from his first boss, Lory Takarada. Since no know really knows Kuon in Japan -- but know him in America -- it makes Japan the perfect place for Kuon to get a fresh start and to regain his confidence (plus dissolve his rage). And so Kuon trained himself to become a gentleman, to learn and study as much as he can about Japan, acting, etc., plus control his rage so he can then bring his new image, Tsuruga Ren, to life. Ever since going to Japan, Kuon has not once stepped out of his Tsuruga Ren image, and has made a promise to Takarada that he will never become Kuon again until he has mastered his acting. (Whenever that will be is the question though =_=)
In any case, I think the stage is set for an explosion or breakdown eventually. If this story goes in typical shojo direction, Tsuruga Ren's real identity will be exposed, things will go really crazy and it'll be all chaos. Of course, I don't know if that's what's going to happen or not, but I do feel as though there's a dormant time bomb in the story. I'm really curious as to when and how this story will end ^_^;
But above all things, I'm a Kyoko x Ren fan so I really hope the two will be together in the end. She won't fall in love again, but it seems that she's falling for Ren without really realizing it ^_^
Monday, October 6, 2008
Skip Beat Episode 01
Though the coloring was funky -- well, it might have been the version I downloaded -- the character design and storyline actually stayed pretty true to the manga. I was very impressed. At first I thought that the design looked close to Yamato Nadeshiko Shichi Henge, but it actually looked a lot like Nakamura-sensei's artwork.
And then there's the voice acting *__*!!! It was perfect! Inoue Marina was just awesome, she had like 8 different versions of Kyoko in just the first episode and she was just superb. They could not have picked a better seiyuu for her ^_^. I really liked Miyano Mamoru too as Sho. At first, I was thinking... "Miyano... playing an ass??" I don't believe I've ever heard him portray a real bratty character before so I was really wondering if it'd work out, but I kind of like him as Sho. Konishi Katsuyuki only had like a few lines in the first episode, but I actually like his Ren too. He sounds more like Komui from D.Gray-man minus the silliness, but it's probably appropriate for Ren since he's only twenty. There are times when main guy characters who are only twenty have these really deep, 30~40-year-old-like sounding voices and I actually feel that Ren is 20 years-old in the anime. Of course, Konishi-san is well over thirty, but I like his voice ^__^
I really can't wait for the next few episodes to come out. One of my favorite scenes is Kyoko vs Matsunai Ruriko in the acting battle so I'm looking forward to watching that. I also like the Curara commerical audition, and when Kyoko becomes Ren's manager for a short while during the time that Yashiro-san is out sick, and Sho's PV session too ^_^. I wonder how many episodes this series is going to have. I haven't seen a long running shoujo serial for a while now, only shounen (adventure) epics. Most shoujo series only have 24-26 episodes and if it's extended, then they do season by season. The only somewhat long-running shoujo that's out recently is Nana at 47-ish episodes, but this is only one season until Yazawa-sensei finishes the manga. I wonder if Skip Beat will be doomed to 24-26 episodes or go for 40+ episodes in one season.
Speaking of doomed anime series... I wonder if this is all there is to D.Gray-man @_@; The very last frame of the episode says "Fin" and they even had Krory wake up at the very end rather than have him stay in a coma. I really wanted to see the hilarious looking chapters of "moving-out-of-headquarters" with the ghost taking over Krory's body and then infecting everyone with the zombie vitamin. *sigh* Oh well, I guess overall it's a good ending.
Anyway, back to Skip Beat...
After watching the first episode, I have ALL my Skip Beat manga out now. I'm going through and reading all the volumes I have and then online to read the most recent chapters. I just read chapter 129 today in Japanese and I have to wait until the end of the month for chapter 130 =_=; Kyoko is so good *__* She has gotten so much better and the story now is actually a lot more interesting than the last few volumes. (There was a time in the manga when things seemed to have moved slowly or off course, but it feels a lot more interesting now after Hizuri Kuu came to visit Japan with Kyoko as his caretaker and she is playing the role of model-like bully, Natsu).
I really can't wait to watch more of the series ^_^
And then there's the voice acting *__*!!! It was perfect! Inoue Marina was just awesome, she had like 8 different versions of Kyoko in just the first episode and she was just superb. They could not have picked a better seiyuu for her ^_^. I really liked Miyano Mamoru too as Sho. At first, I was thinking... "Miyano... playing an ass??" I don't believe I've ever heard him portray a real bratty character before so I was really wondering if it'd work out, but I kind of like him as Sho. Konishi Katsuyuki only had like a few lines in the first episode, but I actually like his Ren too. He sounds more like Komui from D.Gray-man minus the silliness, but it's probably appropriate for Ren since he's only twenty. There are times when main guy characters who are only twenty have these really deep, 30~40-year-old-like sounding voices and I actually feel that Ren is 20 years-old in the anime. Of course, Konishi-san is well over thirty, but I like his voice ^__^
I really can't wait for the next few episodes to come out. One of my favorite scenes is Kyoko vs Matsunai Ruriko in the acting battle so I'm looking forward to watching that. I also like the Curara commerical audition, and when Kyoko becomes Ren's manager for a short while during the time that Yashiro-san is out sick, and Sho's PV session too ^_^. I wonder how many episodes this series is going to have. I haven't seen a long running shoujo serial for a while now, only shounen (adventure) epics. Most shoujo series only have 24-26 episodes and if it's extended, then they do season by season. The only somewhat long-running shoujo that's out recently is Nana at 47-ish episodes, but this is only one season until Yazawa-sensei finishes the manga. I wonder if Skip Beat will be doomed to 24-26 episodes or go for 40+ episodes in one season.
Speaking of doomed anime series... I wonder if this is all there is to D.Gray-man @_@; The very last frame of the episode says "Fin" and they even had Krory wake up at the very end rather than have him stay in a coma. I really wanted to see the hilarious looking chapters of "moving-out-of-headquarters" with the ghost taking over Krory's body and then infecting everyone with the zombie vitamin. *sigh* Oh well, I guess overall it's a good ending.
Anyway, back to Skip Beat...
After watching the first episode, I have ALL my Skip Beat manga out now. I'm going through and reading all the volumes I have and then online to read the most recent chapters. I just read chapter 129 today in Japanese and I have to wait until the end of the month for chapter 130 =_=; Kyoko is so good *__* She has gotten so much better and the story now is actually a lot more interesting than the last few volumes. (There was a time in the manga when things seemed to have moved slowly or off course, but it feels a lot more interesting now after Hizuri Kuu came to visit Japan with Kyoko as his caretaker and she is playing the role of model-like bully, Natsu).
I really can't wait to watch more of the series ^_^
Tuesday, September 30, 2008
An End to A Few Select Favorites
The anime did an excellent job staying true to the manga and it was a very, very impressive adaptation. Just finished watching it while cleaning my room today -- well, I guess it was more like me cleaning during the opening & ending, while watching it during the actual 20 minutes of story. Out of the several anime I've been watching this season, I've got to say that Antique Bakery was one of the few that got my interest hooked on. The animation style was kind of poor, but the direction was really good. Now I really want to go and dig through my closet for my manga ^_^ This is one of my most favorite stories ever written on the face of the planet, and also the first Yoshinaga Fumi work that got me hooked on all her stuff. I worship the ground she walks on and look forward to more stories by her ^_^
My other favorite story, D.Gray-man, is stopping at 103 episodes today -- well, I guess it's technically yesterday in Japan. I'm a bit sad that there's no more D.Gray-man to watch after this one, but it can't be helped. There really isn't a lot of storyline material to work with after the "Attack on Headquarters" arc since Hoshino-sensei took a couple hiatuses. If they went on with the production, they'd only have enough material for maybe 5-10 episodes at most. It'll probably be a year or two before they can start a second season for the series. I think if that is the case, it is a wise choice on their part. I only hope that it doesn't end up like Fruits Basket where it will NEVER EVER finish ^_^.
Itazura na Kiss wrapped up earlier this month and the anime adaptation was pretty good too. Though it omitted quite a lot of elements found in the manga, it still stayed pretty true to the original. It's a shame that the mangaka died before the work could be completed, but the anime still ended pretty nicely. I also finished watching the Taiwanese version of the drama, and though it was quite painful on many occassions, I sat through and finished it. (Yes... I still wonder why I did it) Well, I actually skimmed through most of it and only watched the parts that somewhat interested me. I can't tell if Taiwanese actors are truly awful at their profession or the directors need to be hacked or the dialogue in Mandarin just sounds so corny and wrong to begin with @_@ (Wrong as in very mawkish and disturbingly sweet in a sickening way). Maybe I'm just not supposed to watch Chinese/Taiwanese dramas, listening to their sappiness kind of drives me off the wall.
Well, anyway... rather than think about how disturbing Taiwanese drama is to me, I'd like to focus on some more fun things ready to come our way ^_^. Nodame Cantablie season two is starting in a few weeks. Vampire Knight is continuing off where it left off in season one -- though I've yet to watch season one as well -- a very cutesy-looking anime called Hakushaku to Yousei (The Earl and the Fairy) seems to attract my attention, Junjou Romantica 2 will continue from where it left off, and SKIP BEAT has finally been made into an anime. I really do not agree with the animation design, but I can live since Miyano Mamoru, Konishi Katsuyuki and Inoue Marina are the leads ^_^ I love all three~ I think Inoue Marina will do a great Kyoko and I am trying my best to envision what Miyano-san will sound like doing Fuwa Sho, but it's not really working so I'll just have to wait & see. Konishi Katsuyuki will probably do his deep, Soubi-like (from Loveless) sounding voice ^_^ for Tsuruga Ren.
Anyway... probably should stop watching so much stuff and get around to doing the important things... but I still have Dragonauts & Natsume Yuujincho to finish and Katekyo Hitman Reborn to make a dent in =_= otherwise my computer's going to explode. (I have way too many episodes on this hard drive right now)
My other favorite story, D.Gray-man, is stopping at 103 episodes today -- well, I guess it's technically yesterday in Japan. I'm a bit sad that there's no more D.Gray-man to watch after this one, but it can't be helped. There really isn't a lot of storyline material to work with after the "Attack on Headquarters" arc since Hoshino-sensei took a couple hiatuses. If they went on with the production, they'd only have enough material for maybe 5-10 episodes at most. It'll probably be a year or two before they can start a second season for the series. I think if that is the case, it is a wise choice on their part. I only hope that it doesn't end up like Fruits Basket where it will NEVER EVER finish ^_^.
Itazura na Kiss wrapped up earlier this month and the anime adaptation was pretty good too. Though it omitted quite a lot of elements found in the manga, it still stayed pretty true to the original. It's a shame that the mangaka died before the work could be completed, but the anime still ended pretty nicely. I also finished watching the Taiwanese version of the drama, and though it was quite painful on many occassions, I sat through and finished it. (Yes... I still wonder why I did it) Well, I actually skimmed through most of it and only watched the parts that somewhat interested me. I can't tell if Taiwanese actors are truly awful at their profession or the directors need to be hacked or the dialogue in Mandarin just sounds so corny and wrong to begin with @_@ (Wrong as in very mawkish and disturbingly sweet in a sickening way). Maybe I'm just not supposed to watch Chinese/Taiwanese dramas, listening to their sappiness kind of drives me off the wall.
Well, anyway... rather than think about how disturbing Taiwanese drama is to me, I'd like to focus on some more fun things ready to come our way ^_^. Nodame Cantablie season two is starting in a few weeks. Vampire Knight is continuing off where it left off in season one -- though I've yet to watch season one as well -- a very cutesy-looking anime called Hakushaku to Yousei (The Earl and the Fairy) seems to attract my attention, Junjou Romantica 2 will continue from where it left off, and SKIP BEAT has finally been made into an anime. I really do not agree with the animation design, but I can live since Miyano Mamoru, Konishi Katsuyuki and Inoue Marina are the leads ^_^ I love all three~ I think Inoue Marina will do a great Kyoko and I am trying my best to envision what Miyano-san will sound like doing Fuwa Sho, but it's not really working so I'll just have to wait & see. Konishi Katsuyuki will probably do his deep, Soubi-like (from Loveless) sounding voice ^_^ for Tsuruga Ren.
Anyway... probably should stop watching so much stuff and get around to doing the important things... but I still have Dragonauts & Natsume Yuujincho to finish and Katekyo Hitman Reborn to make a dent in =_= otherwise my computer's going to explode. (I have way too many episodes on this hard drive right now)
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Skip Beat Live Action?
I just heard that there is going to be a Taiwanese live-action version of Skip Beat =_= and I can't help but think that it's going to be the catalyst for Japanese version of Skip Beat everything to come out in the future. For instance, Taiwan loves doing adaptations of Japanese stories and then a year or so later, you see Japanese adaptations of those stories too -- live action or anime. I have a slight iffy-ness about Skip Beat becoming a live action though... because the dark spirits and effects popular in the series are not as easily done, I think. I don't think I have seen a Taiwanese drama successfully do what a Japanese drama can do with effects like those so yeah... I just think Taiwanese drama lacks the sparkle one gets from watching Japanese-version of dramas. Even though, I do enjoy watching some Taiwanese drama now and then, Japanese drama special effects still by far are the most impressive.
Then again, if Skip Beat becomes popular enough in Taiwan, Japan may pick it up for anime or live action too. If made into an anime, it can really be awesome, but the fact that the manga is still ongoing worries me about running out of plot material later on. Right now, the story looks like it is far from being finished. We have to still see Kyoko being futher polished into a better actress, then there's the deal with this one really vengeful-looking girl in the same acting session that we were introduced to in chapter 121-ish. Ren's past needs to be revealed in full detal and he needs to be able to get back to his real home on his own. Kyoko needs to learn how to love and maybe resolve the conflicting feelings she has towards her mother. She also needs to defeat Shou and hopefuly realize that Ren is smittened with her. Even though we're nearing 20 volumes, this story has the potential of stretching up past 30 in my opinion =_=
And.... though it might be a good thing for Skip Beat to finally be put into other types of media.... I am a bit worried about casting =_=; I really am not sure if there is an actress out there who is capable of acting out Kyoko properly. Kyoko is a complex, humorous, dark, yet warm, kind, and wonderful character. She has a million sides to her shaped by her past and the people around her, and there are so many sides of her that the actress better be good. Right now I think Ariel Lin is being considered for the part of Kyoko ... ... ... Since I've only see her in Itazura na Kiss, I definitely know she can act out an idiot, but can she act out a really intelligent girl with multiple personalities? If I had to pick, Angela Zhang would be a much better fit for Kyoko. Because Kyoko can speak some English and Angela's been raised in Canada so they are much better. Plus, after watching her performance in Romantic Princess, I think she can act out Kyoko... at least better than Ariel Lin.
The bomb dropped on me especially when there is speculation that Jerry Yan may be Tsuruga Ren =_=; *falls over* Orz. I don't care how cute that guy is, but my image of Ren is of an exceptionally hot, sophisticated, talented, and beautiful man. Jerry Yan may have looks, but I question the talent part =_= Also, Ren is actually only part Japanese and mostly of foreign blood =_= so he's EXTREMELY tall with really LONG legs. If they find a short guy to play him... that would be most unforgivable. I guess Wu Chun kind of fits the looks department, but so does Mike He ... ... but I've only seen Mike He act briefly in two things and I think he is not the best performer out there so yeah... Wu Chun has pretty shaky Chinese still despite having gotten better and so... yeah =_=; Ah, I now fear the Taiwanese version of Skip Beat...
No matter what, I just can't imagine it as a live action T__T. This series can only be done well in animation, which is my opinion. Since this is my number one favorite shoujo series -- next to Tenshi Kinryouku (Angel Sanctuary), if they do a bad job making it work out, I would be severely disappointed and stick to my lovely manga. *sigh* Whenever I think of Taiwanese adaptations of popular manga, I get really sad as though my image of that pretty world is going to be crushed by some really tasteless sitcom-like production =_= *sigh*
Since I'm already on the subject, I wonder what type of cast would be suitable for a Japanese version of Skip Beat... For Tsuruga Ren, I think I can picture Kaname Jun as him because he is tall, he has the masculine frame, he's very good looking, plus he's talented. I really can't think of any actors that are "half" who look the part so we may need to settle for purely Japanese actors... I wonder what Kaname Jun looks like with blond hair =_=; Oguri Shun may work, but Kaname Jun looks better in my opinion.... If not for the fact that Kashiwabara Takashi is in his thirties, he can easily fit the part of Tsuruga Ren. He certainly does have that powerful vibe about him that I find appealing. I guess another choice for Ren is Hayami Mokomichi... but it's only in looks rather than how I really picture him as.
For Fuwa Shou, I think Ikuta Toma could be a good option. He has a wide variety of sides that he's shown through his acting and he is a possible candidate for Shou. Only concern would be singing =_=; I personally do not think of Ikuta Toma as a wonderful singer... so yeah ^_^; I guess I can kind of see Yamapi as rocker, Fuwa Shou, but.... Yamapi can't really sing that well, in my opinion =_=; *sigh* Akanishi Jin can sing, but he does not look one bit like Fuwa Shou. *sigh* I really can't think of who sports that rocker look and can sing =_=
As for Mogami Kyoko... would definitely be a tough choice in finding someone who is versatile in playing a girl who wants revenge and has lots of funny sides to her. I think Inoue Mao can do a very good Kyoko. From watching her act in various drama, she is very pretty and can also look plain. She is very good at acting out a variety of emotions and personalities and is pretty versatile as an actress. If she wanted to, I think she can act out a really mean Hongo Mio from Dark Moon.
I can see Kato Rosa, Toda Erika, Aragaki Yui, or Harada Natsuki as Kotonami Kanae or Itsumi Momose. I think Harada or Aragaki can do a good Kanae, but Toda would be better suited for Itsumi. I can kind of see Hiraoka Yuta or Eita playing Yashiro or Ogata... I think Hiraoka would be a better Yashiro... ... maybe... ...
Then again... I think it's best if they don't do a live action 'cause this story can only be animated in my opinion. All of Kyoko's inner demons are only funny because of the way Nakamura-sensei constructed everything.
Then again, if Skip Beat becomes popular enough in Taiwan, Japan may pick it up for anime or live action too. If made into an anime, it can really be awesome, but the fact that the manga is still ongoing worries me about running out of plot material later on. Right now, the story looks like it is far from being finished. We have to still see Kyoko being futher polished into a better actress, then there's the deal with this one really vengeful-looking girl in the same acting session that we were introduced to in chapter 121-ish. Ren's past needs to be revealed in full detal and he needs to be able to get back to his real home on his own. Kyoko needs to learn how to love and maybe resolve the conflicting feelings she has towards her mother. She also needs to defeat Shou and hopefuly realize that Ren is smittened with her. Even though we're nearing 20 volumes, this story has the potential of stretching up past 30 in my opinion =_=
And.... though it might be a good thing for Skip Beat to finally be put into other types of media.... I am a bit worried about casting =_=; I really am not sure if there is an actress out there who is capable of acting out Kyoko properly. Kyoko is a complex, humorous, dark, yet warm, kind, and wonderful character. She has a million sides to her shaped by her past and the people around her, and there are so many sides of her that the actress better be good. Right now I think Ariel Lin is being considered for the part of Kyoko ... ... ... Since I've only see her in Itazura na Kiss, I definitely know she can act out an idiot, but can she act out a really intelligent girl with multiple personalities? If I had to pick, Angela Zhang would be a much better fit for Kyoko. Because Kyoko can speak some English and Angela's been raised in Canada so they are much better. Plus, after watching her performance in Romantic Princess, I think she can act out Kyoko... at least better than Ariel Lin.
The bomb dropped on me especially when there is speculation that Jerry Yan may be Tsuruga Ren =_=; *falls over* Orz. I don't care how cute that guy is, but my image of Ren is of an exceptionally hot, sophisticated, talented, and beautiful man. Jerry Yan may have looks, but I question the talent part =_= Also, Ren is actually only part Japanese and mostly of foreign blood =_= so he's EXTREMELY tall with really LONG legs. If they find a short guy to play him... that would be most unforgivable. I guess Wu Chun kind of fits the looks department, but so does Mike He ... ... but I've only seen Mike He act briefly in two things and I think he is not the best performer out there so yeah... Wu Chun has pretty shaky Chinese still despite having gotten better and so... yeah =_=; Ah, I now fear the Taiwanese version of Skip Beat...
No matter what, I just can't imagine it as a live action T__T. This series can only be done well in animation, which is my opinion. Since this is my number one favorite shoujo series -- next to Tenshi Kinryouku (Angel Sanctuary), if they do a bad job making it work out, I would be severely disappointed and stick to my lovely manga. *sigh* Whenever I think of Taiwanese adaptations of popular manga, I get really sad as though my image of that pretty world is going to be crushed by some really tasteless sitcom-like production =_= *sigh*
Since I'm already on the subject, I wonder what type of cast would be suitable for a Japanese version of Skip Beat... For Tsuruga Ren, I think I can picture Kaname Jun as him because he is tall, he has the masculine frame, he's very good looking, plus he's talented. I really can't think of any actors that are "half" who look the part so we may need to settle for purely Japanese actors... I wonder what Kaname Jun looks like with blond hair =_=; Oguri Shun may work, but Kaname Jun looks better in my opinion.... If not for the fact that Kashiwabara Takashi is in his thirties, he can easily fit the part of Tsuruga Ren. He certainly does have that powerful vibe about him that I find appealing. I guess another choice for Ren is Hayami Mokomichi... but it's only in looks rather than how I really picture him as.
For Fuwa Shou, I think Ikuta Toma could be a good option. He has a wide variety of sides that he's shown through his acting and he is a possible candidate for Shou. Only concern would be singing =_=; I personally do not think of Ikuta Toma as a wonderful singer... so yeah ^_^; I guess I can kind of see Yamapi as rocker, Fuwa Shou, but.... Yamapi can't really sing that well, in my opinion =_=; *sigh* Akanishi Jin can sing, but he does not look one bit like Fuwa Shou. *sigh* I really can't think of who sports that rocker look and can sing =_=
As for Mogami Kyoko... would definitely be a tough choice in finding someone who is versatile in playing a girl who wants revenge and has lots of funny sides to her. I think Inoue Mao can do a very good Kyoko. From watching her act in various drama, she is very pretty and can also look plain. She is very good at acting out a variety of emotions and personalities and is pretty versatile as an actress. If she wanted to, I think she can act out a really mean Hongo Mio from Dark Moon.
I can see Kato Rosa, Toda Erika, Aragaki Yui, or Harada Natsuki as Kotonami Kanae or Itsumi Momose. I think Harada or Aragaki can do a good Kanae, but Toda would be better suited for Itsumi. I can kind of see Hiraoka Yuta or Eita playing Yashiro or Ogata... I think Hiraoka would be a better Yashiro... ... maybe... ...
Then again... I think it's best if they don't do a live action 'cause this story can only be animated in my opinion. All of Kyoko's inner demons are only funny because of the way Nakamura-sensei constructed everything.
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