WBCR - The Persistent Wrestler (Grade C-)

This chapter once again spares no expense as it continues on with the ongoing fight between Mask de Masculine & the newly arrived Renji Abarai. I've been giving the last few Bleach chapter grades C's and D's because I could care less about the wrestler and I just want Renji to kick this guy's ass. I swear, this wrestler doesn't take NO for an answer and thinks he can stand toe-to-toe against Renji. And James, WTF is with this puny little fan? He got sliced up, but all it takes is Mask De Masculine calling out his name for him to come back alive. This week's chapter can be summed up in one word: Persistent. What do I mean by that is even though James supposedly died and Mask De Masculine seemed to be losing, he refuses to give up and James, for some reason, can now duplicate himself. I mean all these futile attempts are kinda pointless and I just want Renji to finish him off Mortal Kombat style. I'm sorry for those of you who enjoy Mask De Masculine, but it's not my cup of tea at all. That pretty sums up the chapter - persistence persistence persistence and Renji is still alive and well with a few tricks up his sleeve - that is the only thing that gives hope for this chapter, Renji's badass pose at the end of the chapter. His new power will definitely kick Mask De Masculine's ass. This week's chapter is a low C-. I hope you enjoyed this week's WBCR and until then, you all stay classy now (GO WATCH ANCHORMAN 2) and Happy Holidays. P.S. - There'll be no Bleach Monday/Tuesday/Sunday posts next week.

MERRY CHRISTMAS & HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

I just wanted to give a big shout to everyone Merry Christmas & Happy Holidays. I do apologize I haven't posted Tuesday or today. I read the chapter, but I haven't gotten all my thoughts together. So tomorrow's WBCR will be posted tomorrow. Enjoy your time together with your family & friends.

- Stillmattic

Throwback #28 - LOL (The Love Kick!)

It's been awhile since I posted any Throwbacks. It's been over a month and honestly, I've been lazy in posting on Sundays + schoolwork. Now it's December and it's around the Christmas time, I thought it'd be appropriate to write another Throwback since I have free time now + I feel bad for neglecting Sunday posts despite prior engagements. So this week's long awaited Throwback is dating back to the very first comic relief in Bleach where Ichigo's father, Isshin, pretty much roundhouse kicks Ichigo across the face as seen in the picture. I mean WOW is too short of a word to describe this moment. Call it stupid, moronic, or any form of mindless slapstick, but the fact the matter is - it's our hero facing the everyday challenges of his family's unordinary behavior. A motherly little sister, a serious tomboyish sister, and a idiotic father - now that's some family you don't usually see everyday. It's rare that such comic relief, stupid or forced, is shown and when this scene showed up, I was laughing a lot. Ichigo, our badass hero, got his ass handed to him by a roundhouse kick and from his dad of all people. I mean in the early seasons of Bleach, this occasionally showed up - Ichigo vs. Isshin, but Ichigo grew accustomed to this and perceived that the old man would attack and countered. Now that's a true father + son moment - being able to laugh, smile, and physically, but comically punch each other in the face as a greeting for GOOD MORNING. Moments like this, though limited, showcase that comedy has its forms and shapes in just about any genre of Anime. Regardless if it's action, drama, or even a mystery - some funny sh!t will happen and trust me, it puts a smile on anyone's face to see comedy in any form regardless if it's jokes, slapstick, or even physical humor. Though Bleach is a action/adventure Anime, it still has it's moments of goofing off, showcasing that there can be both good and bad days, but it's about making memories and treasuring the ones closest to you and shutting off the negativity that may/may not conflict you. In all due respect, Isshin, though moronic, is teaching Ichigo a lesson of becoming a better person - physically and mentally. I think this Throwback + picture symbolize relationships - in any shape or form, there's always a smile somewhere to be found....you just have to find the right ones and treasure them forever.

So I hoped you enjoyed this week's long awaited return of the Throwback Sundays. Until then, Happy Holidays and I'll see you all next year!

Note: The last post will be tomorrow and, if there's a chapter on Wednesday, a WCBR. Until then, the next posts will be after Christmas week.

WBCR - Renji's back & Kicking @$$ (Grade C)

It is said that villains, regardless of who they are, all always going to be weak. They may put up a fight, but a hero arises and will do away with villainy. Renji finally arrives and kicks the crap out of Mask De Masculine's Ass. To be perfectly honest, I was not a big fan of the last two chapters because, as I said, it emphasized his character to which I could care less about. His assistant James is sliced-n-diced by Renji and, from the training with the Zero Division, Renji was able to defeat the Lucha Libre with ease and finesse. I mean this chapter was short and it shows that Mask De Masculine is just as foolish as any villain who tries to go against the Gotei 13. This WBCR should be relatively short because it covers Mask De Masculine's defeat by Renji....or is it? IF this fight is carried onto the next, I'm going to be a bit disappointed because then, what was the point of Renji's special training he can't even defeat this bumbling buffoon of a villain. I want to see the other fights and I especially want to see what happens to Bambietta Basterbine - she alive or she gonna get recuperated? That's all I got to say - simple short chapter, but it could use more. It's not a D rating because Renji shows up and kicks ass, but it's just one swipe of his Zabimaru and BOOM - end of chapter. Sorry for posting WBCR a day late and until then, you all stay classy.

Affinity #23 - I care for you, so buck up! (Ichigo & Ikumi)

It's been awhile since I posted an Affinity and I do apologize for not posting any recent Throwbacks or Fight Nights. Since it's the holiday season and my finals have ended, I've been lazy and away from my blog. I do admit I forget sometimes, but who doesn't. I'd like to extend my apologies once again to anyone reading my blog posts and I sincerely hope to get back into starting next week. There will be no posts, however, on 12/24-12/25. With that said, let's touch upon an Affinity that isn't really looked up in Bleach. After Aizen's defeat, Ichigo went on to live out his ordinary days without being spiritually anything. He mustered up his strength in defeating Aizen and as a result, lost his Shinigami powers...for now. After the time-skip, Ichigo is seen as a worker under the mantle of the big-beewbed boss herself, Ikumi. Not only is she Ichigo's boss, but she went out of her way to kidnap Ichigo during a fight with a bunch of thugs. That's what you call a hardcore boss, but if it's her kidnapping me to going back to work, I wouldn't mind. I mean Ikumi's character is cute, strong, kind, and funny. Especially when she talks to Ichigo, it's like that of a older sister or a really close adult friend and when Ikumi is talking to her son (from Mean Boss to Loving Mother), she changes *snap* like that. Ikumi has grown attached to Ichigo, much like what I said above. I think the picture exemplifies that she cares for Ichigo's wellbeing as well wanting what's best for him. You don't really see that in real life, but then again, it's possible to give two sh*ts about your bosses and employees well-beings. That's why I love Ichigo and Ikumi's affinity - they have trust in another and care for each other that they can't see themselves not smiling or caring. Ikumi is a mother and I think she could be a replacement for Ichigo.....a projection of Masaki in Ikumi. 

I hope you enjoyed this Affinity. I am well aware that the Bleach chapter came out early. I'll give you my thoughts on it tomorrow. Until then, you all stay classy now. 

(The weekly WBCR will be posted tomorrow just for this week. Sorry for the delays)

WBCR - He arrives...a little too late (Grade D)

So this week's chapter, for me personally, was a letdown just like last week's on the basis that the emphasis once again is on Mask De Masculine. The 3rd and 9th division captains pretty much got their asses beat and even when Rose went Bankai - having the the ability to, in my opinion, have performers inflict damage with water and fire, it didn't do much and he pretty much looks dead or is gravely wounded. Kensei didn't much either and got his ass handed to him. Mask de Masculine is just that good, but the question is - even after his assistant was cut in half, why is it that we had to wait until the two captains were defeated for the big reveal of Renji's arrival? I mean what if he had helped out with the captains, no more lives would've been wasted and they could've handled him 3-on-1 (unfair, but if it's against a strong opponent, it's excusable). I mean Rose and Kensei, though captains, were weak against the Quincy so another question that pops in my mind is - why didn't they go Visored? Why did they hold back? A hollow's power can nullify Quincy so why not use that to your advantage rather than get your ass handed by the enemy? Kensei and Rose had potential, but even in their Bankai(s), they stand no chance against the wrestler. And then Renji arrives....about time, but still, the injury/deaths of Kensei and Rose was all meant to unveil Renji's arrival so I thought it was pointless when he could've just assisted them during the fight. The same can be said when all the captains lost to Aizen and Ichigo, told to stay back, just watched and waited to attack after everyone got their assed handed to them. So overall, the only good thing about this chapter is Renji's arrival, but Kensei and Rose getting their asses handed to them was painful to look at. Same as last week's grade, we're going to stick with a Grade D. C'mon, I want to see the other fights! I hope you enjoyed this week's WBCR review/rant and until then, you all stay classy now

Update (12/10)

Man, things have been quite busy on my end and with finals approaching, I will have to to do my best. So that is why I haven't written any new posts since last Wednesday. I'm done with finals Wednesday so I'll post up the WBCR and the schedule will resume as always afterwards. I do apologize once again, but remember - school goes first. See you on Wednesday and until then, you all stay classy now!

- Stillmattic

WBCR - Applauds are my power (Grade D)

Superstar Mask De Masculine makes his move upon seeing Rukia and Renji descend from the sky, but before he can even approach it, he is approached by Captains of the 3rd and 9th divisions and visored, Kensei & Rose. However, they soon find themselves in a pickle when we come the realization that Mask De Masculine gets his power from cheers and applauds from his subordinate, James. Even in Bankai form, Kensei couldn't comprehend why Hisagi lost so easily to Masculine. To be fair, the cheers and applauds cliche pretty much says its self, it utilizes that the power of someone else's screams can pretty much boost up your power and confidence. Mask De Masculine not once has interested me and though his attire and mannerisms are similar to that of a wrestler, I never got invested in his power or design - I thought it served more as comic relief. I mean the lieutenants losing so easily to him just because they're careless - that's rushed and feels like it was meant to showcase another fight that, personally, I could care less about. I cared more about the Basterbine vs. Komamura fight than with Mask De Masculine's fights. I know I've been ranting on and on on why I don't like Mask de Masculine that much, but I just find him cheesy, cliche, and his way of becoming stronger is laughable, not at all creative or engaging. I'm going to give this week's chapter a D - it could be better, longer, and, in my opinion, focused someplace else like Rukia and Renji's arrival.  If I'm not invested in the fight or the enemy, then why bother? There are plenty of other fights I'd like to see, but for Mask de Masculine - not my cup of tea. IF you like em', more power to you, but my decision still stands - I'm not invested in his character, history, or fight. Those are my thoughts and until then, ya'll stay classy now.

Affinity #22 - You can never defeat me (Nnoitra & Nelliel)

In the past, Nelliel was the former 3rd Espada and Nnoitra was the 8th. Nnoitra held a deep hatred for Nelliel for being not only soft, but having the rank of 3rd and not utilizing her powers to overpower the other Arrancars. As a result, Nnoitra would challenge Nelliel only to lose embarrassingly to her. Nnoitra vowed to one day surpass and kill Nelliel and so he devised a plan to make her suffer - but rather than it turning out the way he wanted it, Nelliel and her fraccion turned smaller and weaker, especially Nelliel who is pretty much a baby. Nelliel has fragments of her recollection with Nnoitra, but with her out of the way, Nnoitra made his way to being the 5th Espada - leaving Nelliel alone. Though this subject isn't touched upon as much, you can clearly see that Nnoitra uses Nelliel as an example to be a stronger warrior - a better individual who'll do whatever it takes to become the best there is in Aizen's army. Before, Nelliel overcame Nnoitra with ease and to him, it was an insult to both his strength and pride as an aspiring Arrancar. Even in the briefest moments of Nelliel becoming an adult and taking on Nnoitra once more, he was still overcome with shock that Nelliel could still best him. I think that one is a pillar of hope for the other despite the fact that Nnoitra despises Nelliel. I think opposites attract and that is why I think that one builds strength and the one is strength personified.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity and look forward to tomorrow's WBCR. Until then, you all stay classy now!

Roy Mustang vs. Uryu Ishida (Calm, Collected, & in Control)

VS.

It's been awhile since I've posted up a Fight Night Post and a match-up came to me. Two calm, collected, and badass characters that are not to be F'd with. They've had their fair share of wins and losses and have posed a threat to the main protagonist, but in the end, they are our hero's heroes. Call them sidekicks, allies, or whatever - but I think these match-up makes perfect sense. However, you have to consider this - one has control over fire and the other has limitless control of spirit arrows. FMA and Bleach have a place in my heart as being of the 2 greatest action-packed cartoons that have created memorable characters, a well-told story, a mesmerizing setting, and creative powers when it comes to all our heroes. Today, our Fight Night will be between FMA's Roy Mustang and Bleach's Uryu Ishida. Let us begin:

Backstory: Awhile back, Roy was involved in a war and ever since, he's been scarred with having been a part of it as well as taking innocent lives. While he keeps a calm demeanor, it doesn't stop him from looking back and seeing the terrible thing he's done to others while serving his army, but did it further support his position while at the same time creating enemies? He may be a friend of Edward Elric, but he also, to me, wants to prevent Edward from getting into any further trouble or doing something that he could regret. That is why Roy is so supportive of helping out Edward - I think that they see each other as a reflection, but the fact that Edward is still young and can make decisions that Roy couldn't have done when serving under a higher command, Roy wants to ensure that his comrades are all safe, don't regret making mistakes, and are willing to do whatever it takes to have each other's back - to fight for a cause worth dying for and worth protecting your friends. 

In the past, Uryu's grandfather was the one who taught Uryu of the Quincy ways, but unfortunately he was subject to experimentation and Uryu, saddened by this loss, has vowed to bear a hatred towards the people responsible for killing his grandfather and mentor - the Shinigami. Uryu eventually finds the killer, but he can't bring himself to allow his personal vendetta in interfering with the main objective - helping our Ichigo in doing what is right not only for his world, but to find a balance between humans and the very species he despises, the Shinigami. It'll be later on that Uryu finds that not all Shinigami are bad and that his misconceptions got the better of him, but that doesn't exclude the fact that he still has a distrust of them and he will never forgive Mayuri Kurotsuchi, the 12th division captain responsible for having killed Uryu's grandfather. As a Quincy, a species that is hated by Shinigami and are rare to come by nowadays, Uryu finds displeasure in knowing if his own existence contradicts his values and beliefs of the Quincy - is aiding Ichigo his sole purpose or does he have a better calling?

Powers: With alchemy being the central theme in FMA, Roy's speciality is fire. With the snap of a finger or with a ignition like a lighter, Roy can fire em' up. Flames capable of doing great damage and with his Transmutation glove, anything is possible. Conjuring fire has become 2nd nature, but the only weakness is, of course, water. Roy's power was strong enough to take down of the 7 deadly sins and evil homunculus - Lust. Fire burns and with Roy being able to conjure fire with his glove, it's best to say that he's pretty good offensively and defensively, but is super weak when faced with water.

Uryu, having the power of the bow and firing limitless arrows, is good at pretty much pinpointing enemy movement, but the problem with this is one thing and it's a big one - even with the prediction of movements and finding a way to outsmart his opponent - HIS ARROWS DON'T DO MUCH! Now hear me out on this, bows and arrows allows the archer to fire from a long range, but when it's short range, you have limited to react and if your opponent (EX: Mayuri) is capable of doing harm up close, then your arrows can do one of two things - hit or miss. So it's a debate of whether his arrows will do damage in his regular or final form or if his arrows be negated by the enemy as they conjure up a way to subdue Uryu's power.

Verdict: As much I love Uryu's badassery, I found him to be expendable and not as interesting as the other Bleach characters. Sure he's strong, is Ichigo's friend, and has a limitless supply of arrows - but if his opponents are twice as strong and can do considerable damage up close - it's a 50/50 bet that Uryu will get beat up or find a way to subdue his opponent, but at a cost. I think with Roy, his conjuration of power with the snap of a finger can do much more - it can create a shield around him as well fire on whim of Roy's command. So I think Roy is capable of more feats and, no offensive to Uryu, is pretty fast and creative when using his flames to his advantage. So this victory will go to:

I hope you enjoyed this week's Fight Night. Until then, you all stay classy now and Happy Holidays! 

Update (12/1/13)

Hello Everyone, Stillmattic here. Hope you all enjoyed your Thanksgiving. I did, but the unfortunate part is that I got sick. I've been laying in bed pretty much all day and, since my sinuses bad and I've had a headache, I couldn't post anything. I do apologize once again and I hope next week I'll feel better to give another Throwback post. Until then, be patient (sorry for being sick) and you all stay classy now!

- Stillmattic