Posted on by Alexander Case

Back Arrow: Anime Review

Of the past two cours’ mecha anime, Back Arrow is probably the oddest of the bunch. Like Real Robot anime, it has warring factions with what are, effectively, mass production mecha, with ace customs for more prominent named characters. Like Super Robot anime, no fucks are given as to the mechanics of how this works, to the point of the mechs effectively running on Gurren Lagann-style Hot-Blooded Gumption (fitting since Kazuki Nakashima, who wrote Gurren Lagann, wrote this) And, like Space Runaway Ideon, there are some mysteries about the source of this technology that lean towards the sinister.

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Posted on by Alexander Case

Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood – Anime Review

Saya, the protagonist of Joran.

Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood is a series that grabbed me by its premise – what appeared to be an alternative universe take on Lady Snowblood with some steampunk and supernatural trappings. While the show went off on its own directions from that elevator pitch, it did build up some goodwill that kept me engaged, even with some missteps at the start of the third act. So, the show wrapping up its run with a spectacular face plant was immensely disappointing. I will be getting into spoilers for that ending below the cut – because it strongly tainted my response to the show to an extent where I can’t really talk about my reaction without it.

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Posted on by Alexander Case

Editorial: Pokemon Card Bubble

Note – This video was originally done as an intended test to see how well my recording and editing software on my computer handled upscaling to 4K, as a lead-in for subsequent video game reviews and capture. After the render times for this video at 4K ended up taking too long, I decided to go forward with the video anyway at a 1080p render.

I give my thoughts on the really stupid Pokemon Card Bubble, and how this garbage is serving as a barrier for younger, casual players who could be serious participants in the hobby.

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