Legacy #32 - Invaders of the Rokujyōma!?

Imagine you, a guy who decided to live on his own so as to not worry about the finances of their parents, moves into a small (but manageable) room where, for the most part, it seems perfectly fitting for one person. However, the catch is that that room just so happens to be surrounded with supernatural and otherwordly phenomenon. Now, picture an intergalactic alien princess, ghost, magical girl, and an descendant of the Earth people showing up out of blue fighting for that very room you just happen to find both affordable and comfortable. Well, that pretty much sums up the Anime. If you haven't guessed, this is 100% a Harem-comedy based Anime. The main character, not wanting to give up his room so easily, is constantly at ends with these women, but it wouldn't be long before a compromise is set and they, every night, play games so as to determine how much space one gets in ownership/possession of the room. Let me tell you, this guy has some serious balls to go against beings that could just as easily end him, but the truth it ~ that's not what we want to see. The whole idea of the Anime was to showcase that one room can be split amongst 6 people (this also includes the alien princess' underling). If space is available, why not? This guy also is living with 6 beautiful women, he has so much restraint in not getting aroused. I personally am a fan of this Anime, but it isn't up there with Date A Live (will be next week's Legacy post). This Anime, though a Harem, didn't resonate within me like Date A Live or Tenchi Muyo. It was a standard Harem and I do have some gripes with it. First off, it's based off a light novel series and, as such, it's going to leave out A LOT of stuff I was looking for in an Harem. I kind of feel like the Harem elements are underplayed so as to leave room for the importance of the very room the 6 are fighting for. Secondly, if there's no Season 2 or Movie announced for its continuation, then how in the world am I supposed to feel invested if I feel left out at the end of the series? I'd like to watch a series without feeling the need to spoil myself. Maybe they'll a later season or movie, who knows. Overall, those are my gripes with the show. For a Harem, it was just "okay." The deciding factor for me on the show was their friendship, that was, to me, the strongest part of the show.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Legacy post. Look forward to Legacy posts on Thursdays. Until then, you all stay classy now.

Affinity #87 - Old friends (Yoruichi & Kukaku)

One Affinity that is overlooked and still bewilders me is the friendship between Yoruichi Shihoin & Kukaku Shiba. Apart from both being nobles, not much is explicated on how they met, where they met, and how long they've known each other. In Yoruichi's cat form, Kukaku immediately recognized her and extended her helping hand to her (however, the same thing couldn't be said at first with Ichigo). I know I've talked about them before, but it needs to be addressed ~ is their friendship based on being nobles of the Shihoin & Shiba Clans or is it from somewhere else. Of course not all relationships/friendships aren't going to be addressed accurately by Tite Kubo, but as an avid bleach fan ~ at least express how the characters met in the first place. It's said how they're friends and they've known each other, but once again ~ did they meet at the time of Yoruichi becoming Captain or beforehand? Well, this affinity isn't going anywhere, but I just wanted to explicate that despite very little explanation on how they ~ it seems they do share some sort of history together and that they have a level of trust. Friendship can be a mysterious thing ~ sometimes friendships take time to form and others sporadically. Friendships can transcend time and who knows, maybe everyone out there has that one friend that you can say can test time.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity. Look forward to Affinities every Tuesday. Until the, you all stay classy now.

SGABR #8 (Bleach vs. Fairy Tail) - Juvia Lockser vs. Tier Harribel

VS.

Welcome back to another installment of SGABR (Sexy Girls of Anime Battle Royale) where MIKandIK3 and myself, Stillmattic, pit the girls of Bleach & Fairy Tail together and give our thoughts on which of these lovely ladies has a more intriguing storyline, interesting personality, and overall attraction/appeal as a woman. If the SGABR posts are delayed, it'll be posted during the weekend. So far in the last 7 weeks, Fairy Tail leads 5-2 against Bleach w/MIKandIK3 & I interchanging in giving verdicts. We are on Week 7 (04/24) of SGABR (Bleach vs. Fairy Tail Edition). Can Bleach make a possible comeback against the many women of Fairy Tail or will Fairy Tail keep the lead? Who knows? Only MIKandIK3 & I know. For today's post, we are pitting Fairy Tail's Juvia Lockser and Bleach's Tier Harribel. The verdict will be decided by yours truly. And here's MIKandIK3 with a few starting words.

Hello and welcome all to the weekend and another SGABR! This week is a very interesting matchup. From Fairy Tail is the water mage Juvia Lockser and from Bleach is the de facto ruler of Hueco Mundo, Tier Harribel. With Bleach’s win last week, the tally is now 5-2 with Fairy Tail still in front. Who do you think is going to win? The lovely girl who likes to be wet? Or the fine lady that is absolutely shocking? I can’t wait to find out so let’s get this show on the road!

Storyline (Juvia)

Juvia spent her childhood shunned by the other children for constantly making it rain around her. During those year she traveled to the western region of Fiore where her path crossed with a young Gray Fullbuster (from Fairy Tail Ice Trail side story). As she grew older, she would overhear other people commenting on the gloominess of the rain around her, making her feel increasingly depressed. At one point in her life she was in a relationship with Bora, but he broke up with her because he couldn't stand the rain. Eventually, she was accepted into the Phantom Lord Guild, noting that it was the first time anyone had accepted her, and formed a quarter of the guild's elite Mage team: Element 4. Druring Fairy Tail’s attack on Phantom Juvia and her team mate, at the time, were sent to kidnap Lucy. Later, during Phantom Lord's attack on Fairy Tail, Juvia faces off with Gray. Upon laying eyes on him, Juvia becomes attracted to him and is reluctant to fight him, instead asking him to bring Lucy to her to spare herself from having to hurt him. However, Gray refuses, saying he would give up his life to protect her. Juvia being Juvia misinterprets and believes that he and Lucy are a couple, which prompts her to declare Lucy as her unforgivable rival in love. Gray manages to freeze Juvia's body, but accidentally gropes her breast and unfreezes her in embarrassment. Moved by his apparent kindness, she tries to confess her fondness of him, but instead causes it to rain even harder; Gray thoughtlessly remarks on the gloomy weather. Now thinking Gray to be as uncaring to her as everyone else who has teased her throughout her life, Juvia attacks him in a vengeful fury, but Gray, determined to win, manages to once again freeze her boiling body with his Ice Geyser. The shock of her defeat snaps her out of her anger and depression, causing it to stop raining. For the first time in her life, Juvia is able to see the clear, blue sky, the beauty of which moves her to tears. She then spontaneously falls in love with Gray all over again and, overwhelmed, passes out (and the Guvia ship set sail). Since then Juvia has been involved in ever arc, minus Edolas unless you count Edo-Juvia, there after always supporting Fairy Tail with her fullest. Though her best words are said during the Tenrou Island arc of the S-class exam. Before their fight, Meredy, a member of the seven sins, reveals her guild's plan to awaken Zeref and create a world where non-Magic users cannot survive. Juvia is further shocked when Meredy's Maguilty Sodom attack is able to harm her water body, and is completely overwhelmed by her until she is knocked down. Throughout the battle, Meredy ranks her opponents in the order she plans to kill them, with Juvia being the "low-ranked" thirteenth place, and Erza being ranked fourth. Despite her injuries, Juvia snaps to attention upon hearing the name of the one member of Fairy Tail Meredy has at the top of her list to kill: Gray Fullbuster. Meredy's declaration that she will never forgive Gray for causing pain to her beloved guild mate Ultear brings Juvia to her feet in an eerie, dissonant rage that unnerves both Meredy and Erza (that scene was scary 0.0). Meredy decides to create a Sensory Link between Juvia and Gray to synchronize their senses, thus making Gray feel the pain of the attacks Meredy unleashes on Juvia. Juvia is overcome with pleasure over the thought of "being one" with Gray, but knowing that Meredy plans to kill him only increases her strength and will to fight. Noticing this, Meredy casts a Sensory Link on herself so that both Juvia and Gray will feel the pain of Juvia's attacks, and to ensure that Gray will die no matter which one of them dies.   Meredy decides to kill herself to end Gray's life, but Juvia stops her by breaking her own leg. Unwilling to take anyone's life, not even that of an enemy, Juvia declares that all three of them can live. Meredy still tries to kill herself anyway, but Juvia rushes forward and hugs her; as she does, Meredy's memories of her happiness with Ultear flood her mind. Juvia tearfully begs Meredy to live for the ones she loves, as she does. Her emotions reach Meredy through her Sensory Link, causing the Grimoire Heart girl to cry as well. The two reach an understanding and collapse, discontinuing their fight as Meredy lifts her Sensory Link off of the three. Ultear arrives with an unconscious Zeref and decides to leave the island together with Meredy. Before they leave, Ultear notices the unconscious Juvia beside Meredy and tries to kill her despite Meredy's protests. Fortunately, Gray appears and rescues her; and though unconscious, she manages to hear Gray state his will to live with his friends, causing her to smile. She immediately reawakens when she hears Gray speak to her, and eagerly follows his orders to chase after Meredy as she tries to escape with Zeref (and that was really creepy how see chased after them). Juvia is involved in so much I can’t write it all, needless to say she plays a very important role in Fairy Tail.

Storyline (Tier)

Before Harribel was the 3rd Espada under Aizen's tutelage, Harribel was trying to stay alive in Hueco Mundo as a Vasto Lorde-class Menos. When Apacci (later would be one of Harribel's fraccion) is being attacked by 2 male Adjuchas, Harribel steps in to save her. Afterwards, Apacci introduces Harribel to Mila Rose & Sung-Sun ~ a fated meeting of the 3rd Espada and her underlings. Harribel brought up the idea of working together as a group not only to survive together, but to defend themselves from any threat that may come to them. Harribel's philosophy on power is that she'd rather work in a group than to sacrifice others for her own benefit (this means she's a team-player). It wouldn't be long before Harribel & her new comrades were faced with a new terror - the King of Hueco Mundo, Barragan Louisenbairn. Her refusal to yield to the King only made things worse as Baraggan's underlings, one by one, attacked Harribel & her new comrads. Baraggan personally was tired of Harribel's rebellious attitude and refusal to yield to him. Since then, Harribel & her comrades had to stick close since Baraggan was after them. A henchmen of Baraggan's appeared and tried to do away with Harribel only to have her own life saved....by Aizen Sousuke. Aizen gave Harribel a choice to join his ranks ~ to protect not only herself, but the lives of her own comrades. Hearing Aizen's concept of sacrifice, Harribel & her Fraccion joined him. Harribel isn't formerly introduced as of yet, but is briefly seen at the birth of Wonderweiss Margela and at the debriefing of Ulquiorra & Yammy's visit to Karakura Town. She is rightfully seen and introduced when Aizen summons the Espada about the intruders in Hueco Mundo (Ichigo, Uryu, & Chad). She is seen bickering with 5th Espada, Nnoitra, about the intruders. Just as Nnoitra asks her if she was scared, Harribel was quick to turn angry, but is stopped when Grimmjow decides to leave the meeting in order to pursue the intruders. When Grimmjow & Ichigo finally have their anticipated match, Harribel & her Fraccion are seen watching from a distance, but Harribel notices something? The opponent Grimmjow was fighting, to her, didn't feel human ~ it felt like it was an Espada vs. Espada fight. She is in shock of how Ichigo's strength was on par with Grimmjow's & that it was, as I said before, inhuman. Tier Harribel shows up later on alongside Starrk & Baraggan to fight the resistance in Fake Karakura Town. She, alongside her Fraccion, fight the 10th division. Hitsugaya, Captain of the 10th Division, is surprised that Harribel is strong and is only the 3rd Espada. An expert iswordsman and being highly perceptive & tactical in battle, she was able to discern all of Hitsugaya's attacks. It wouldn't be long before Harribel releases her Resurreccion - Tiburon (Imperial Shark Empress). However, she didn't ascertain the full extent of one of Hitsugaya's abilities and is frozen-in place temporarily by this attack (Hyoten Hyakkaso). However, it seems that Harribel has yet to face defeat as Wonderweiss appears and breaks Harribel from the ice that imprisoned her ~ ready to face Hitsugaya once more. All seemed to be in Harribel's favor up until the Visored showed up to back the Shinigami in their confrontation against the Espada. Lisa, Hiyori, & Hitsugaya triple-teamed her, but Harribel was able to tactically and carefully maneuver her way out of each and every one of their attacks. As Starrk & Barragan fell, Harribel is seen being the only remaining Espada. Seeing that it was futile and that they served their purpose, Aizen betrays and mercilessly cuts down Harribel. Angered by this sudden betrayal from her savior, she retaliates only to be struck down by Aizen & his Kyoka Suigetsu. After Aizen's imprisonment, she becomes the new ruler of Hueco Mundo. However, a new threat shows up known as the Wandenreich and Yhwach quickly dispatched Harribel. Harribel is last seen being held captive.

Personality (Juvia)

Juvia is first introduced portraying an emotionless face, seeming more secluded from everyone, including members of the Phantom Lord Guild. After she joins Fairy Tail, she develops a happier demeanor. She is obsessed with Gray Fullbuster (I find it a bit annoying) to the point of considering anyone who shows affection towards him a rival. And when Meredy of Grimoire Heart threatened him, Juvia loses her calm demeanor and entered a somewhat satanic-appearing state that frightens Meredy and even Erza. Juvia also seems to have a slight masochistic side; upon making a mistake, she asks Gray to spank her as punishment, saying it's her "hobby". She's also very polite towards other, typically addressing others with honorifics, though she addresses Gray as "Gray-sama" only. She cares deeply for Fairy Tail and its members. During the Battle of Fairy Tail arc, Juvia is pitted against Cana Alberona but instead chooses to sacrifice herself by attacking a thunder lacrima, even though she knows that it will cause her harm. Upon entering Fairy Tail, she wasn't feared or hated for her past relationship with Phantom Lord, and she maintains a good relationship with the other members. She is also shy about her body, as she doesn't like to shower with other girls. Juvia tends to refer to herself in third person, and also has a wild imagination in which she tends to fabricate relationships and love rivals.

Personality (Tier)

Unlike most cliche villains where their primary purpose is to act vile, despicable, and repulsive, Tier Harribel is calm, reserved, and focused at the task given to her by then-master Aizen Sousuke. And, unlike most villains who treat their underlings like sh*t, Tier Harribel genuinely cares for her underlings' wellbeing and would rather risk her life than to see them get hurt. Tier Harribel's only outburst was when Aizen, a man he came to respect and look up to, betrayed her. Other than that, Tier Harribel is a motherly Arrancar whose passion for compassion & understanding towards her subordinates is without question anything but antagonistic.

Attraction/Appeal (Juvia)

Juvia here might be self-conscious of how she looks, but the girl has absolutely nothing to worry about. Her slender figure and curves match up to most of the other hot girls in Fairy Tail. Back when she was with Phantom she had a European outfit with what I assume was a Russian Cossack hat that fit her personality at the time. But what I really liked was after she becomes a member of Fairy Tail, her hair is shorter and her outfit brightens up too. Not to mention her swimsuit scene from the Miss Fairy Tail contest (Gray you lucky bastard). I bet she can have some great water fights with her hehe ; ). Juvia is involved in one of the popular Fairy Tail couples, she’s in an odd love triangle with Gary and Lyon. And while Gray often gives her attempts of affection no mind Juvia’s ever persistence might actually be getting through to him. I can’t say I don’t approve, but how does Gray get a bombshell without even trying is beyond me. And when he ignores her half the time too! Guess he’s just too thick headed like Natsu.  

Attraction/Appeal (Tier)

Tier Harribel hands down is my favorite Bleach female character. Aside from her badassery, there was a lot of depth to her character. She's the first antagonist that didn't portray any antagonistic personalities and her overall mannerisms completely are opposite amongst her fellow Espada. In her pre-release form, she displayed a good portion of her body whereas in her released form, her BEEWBZ are given a pretty good view (Censored on TV, Uncensored in Comic). To me, Harribel is sexually appealing in terms of her attire and her charm as an Espada made me attracted to her right away. 

Verdict (By Stillmattic)
And the winner is...

As much as I love Tier Harribel, I will be the first to admit that her relevance in the story dimmed down the moment the Fake Karakura Town Arc ended. During her tenor as the 3rd Espada, we were informed that no one should ever underestimate her. However, seeing her briefly as Empress of Hueco Mundo, she was (off-screen) defeated by Yhwach & the Wandenreich. Since then, we haven't seen Tier Harribel. As for Juvia, she plays a very pivotal role in Fairy Tail next to Team Natsu (Natsu,  Happy Lucy, Erza, & Gray). She first started off as a villain, but gradually made more appearances and is, what I'd like to call, one of the staple characters of Fairy Tail (Staple means important). There's a lot that can be said with Juvia ~ her transformation from villain to hero, her ongoing relationship with Gray, her willingness to put others' lives over her own, and how she would eventually become one of the key characters within Fairy Tail. With Tier Harribel, she was the 3rd Espada turned Empress of Hueco Mundo, but I wished their was more to her. Tier Harribel is a character I wished was given more appearances, given more dialogue, and have more of an interesting backstory. Not going to lie, her backstory is cliche as sh*t ~ she was an outcast and was then saved by Aizen. With Juvia, I think there's a lot more layers to her as a character and since she has more screen-time, Juvia's relevance in the story is more tantamount than Tier Harribel. Tier Harribel is, to me, one of the hottest Bleach girls, but the same thing can be said with Juvia from Fairy Tail. In terms of personality-wise, Juvia was given a lot more to work with whereas Tier Harribel was given so little. To me, Juvia dominated in terms of story & personality and is tied with in terms of Attraction/Appeal in their respective franchises. This victory goes to Juvia.

So who do you think won? Juvia from Fairy Tail or Tier from Bleach? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to SGABR posts on Fridays (11 weeks). Until then, you all stay classy now. Fairy Tail still leads 6-2 against Bleach.