WBCR - This'll take awhile (Grade: C)

Welcome back to another installment of WBCR posts where I review the recent Bleach chapter and give my thoughts/impressions on what happened as well as give a brief description as to occurred, whether relevant or irrelevant, in the chapter. The grading scale has notably been based on a A-F scale w/A exceeding all expectations as a chapter and F failing completely as it did not deliver. For the most recent chapters, most of them have been getting either Bs or Cs because, despite the build-up and pacing being inconsistent, it still is build-up nonetheless. This week's chapter is a C for the following reasons:

1) The build-up ends with yet another cliffhanger. We are already aware that Yhwach has pretty much reshaped the battlefield into his own liking and war is likely to begin between the Quincy & Shinigami, but isn't it kind of obvious that the royal palace, with Yhwach's capabilities, was likely to be remodeled into his own liking? I find it difficult to understand the magnitude of Yhwach's power and how no one is aware that, yeah, Yhwach was the one who killed Captain Yamamoto ~ his very power is on a whole other level compared to everyone else.

2) Yoruichi's reunion w/her little brother and the comic relief surrounding Team Ichigo's perceptions on what he'd look like felt like filler to fill in time for the main event to happen (war).

The chapter was relatively short as usual so, what did you think of the chapter yourself? I summed up the chapters in 2 bullet points and those alone were what you'd call the highlights. Did the chapter live up to your expectations, lie somewhere in the middle, or was it a complete let-down. Do comment below and let me know. WBCRs will be posted whenever chapter is available. Stay classy as always ladies & gentlemen.

Watchlist #35 (previously titled Legacy) - Testament of a Sister New Devil

What happens when two hot demons chicks and a hero come together under one roof? Well, shenanigans ensue and the amount of uncensored fan-service is on the same level as To-Love-Ru. That's what I got out of Testament of a Sister New Devil. Based off a Light Novel series that started in 2012 (still ongoing w/7 volumes) and a 12 episode Anime series that aired in January-March 2015 (Season 2 will premiere in October 2015), Testament of a Sister New Devil is another welcoming addition to the Action/Adventure/Harem genre. The main character must be pretty ballsy in order to be living with two demon girls and the only way to calm down the nerves of the main chick is to.....rub her titties. The master-servant contracts bounds them to have each other's backs, but when one is agitated by any means, the master (the hero in this case) has to rub the sensitive spots of the servant (the demon girl in this case). Yup, like I said previously, the fan-service in this show is over-the-top. There's an uncensored version (only 4 at the moment), but when watching the censored version ~ you know how annoying it is when they block off all the good stuff? I mean c'mon ~ either you show it or not. Don't push chibi versions of the characters to block off all the naughty, that ain't right. I will admit that the main hero regarding the two demon chicks as his sisters is pretty impressive considering the chicks want to bang him. Personally, I was invested in the show for 2 reasons:

1) Fan-service. Not gonna lie, that sh*t was sexy af. However, the censored version sucks and I wish they'd just release the uncensored version already.

2) The aspect of Family is of utmost importance in this show. Despite the characters being different species, the protagonist deeply cares for the wellbeing of the women and, although they're not related by blood, he still treats them as his family because the two demon chicks had a bad upbringing and no man can let mischief come to these women....even if they are demons.

Overall, I liked the show and I'm glad there's a season 2. However, I will admit the action sequences were whatever for me. The Family theme & the Fan-service are what stood out to me for this Anime.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Watchlist post (previously called Legacy). Look forward to Watchlist posts on Thursdays. Until then, you stay classy now. WBCR will be up tomorrow. 

Zealot Update (05/27/15) ~ First Impressions Segment canceled + New segment announcement.

Good Evening Ladies & Gentlemen. After having build-up the supposed hype surrounding the new segment titled First Impressions, it seems that it is very reminiscent of another familiar segment ~ Legacy. As you are well aware, Legacy posts are posted on Thursdays and cover Anime past & present that have had some sort of profound influence on the genre. However, there's been a recurring theme that most of the Anime I've posted on Thursdays might not be considered a Legacy because it may/may not have had a profound influence on the Anime Culture. Hence, there'll be a couple changes that need to be addressed:

1) Despite having build-up the First Impressions segment that was supposed to start today, I decided, after thinking it over again, that it wouldn't make sense to even have this segment if Legacy posts are posted the next day. So, I decided to cancel the First Impressions segment and replace it with a new one titled: 21 Questions. 21 Questions will cover 3 Bleach Questions (3 per post) that I'll choose and I'll thoroughly go over them in detail. An example couple be: Whose your favorite all-time Captain? There, I'll give you my input on that in elaborate detail. Since it is 21 questions, this segment will go for 7 weeks. IF I decide to continue it, then of course the title "21 Questions," would have to be changed. 

2) I will rename the Legacy posts. Since not all Anime(s) are categorized by the Anime Community as "classics," I will hereby rename Thursday's post titled Watchlist. 

I sincerely apologize for those looking forward to the First Impressions post, but after thinking it over, it is very similar to the Watchlist segments (was previously called Legacy). Next week will be the first post of the 21 Questions segment. 

Stay classy as always Bleach fans. 

- Stillmattic 

Affinity #91 - A Promise (Chad & Oscar)

Much like Uryu's relationship with his deceased grandfather, Soken, Chad was very much close to his grandfather, Oscar Joaquin De La Rosa. The characters of Uryu & Chad are similar when it comes to father-like figures. Uryu & Chad were close to their actual grandfathers than there parents, but the main difference is that Uryu & Ryuken had some level of respect for one another whereas Chad never met his birth parents. Chad, growing up, often got into fights and his size as an advantage to plow through his enemies. However, there'd be one day where Oscar defends his grandson from a bunch of thugs and rather than fight back, Oscar took the hits until the thugs gave up. A fist isn't necessarily a tool meant to hurt others, but it can be used to protect others. Oscar explicates this because Chad was unaware that his fists were more than just punching and beating up others ~ his fists can learn to protect, to preserve peace, and to avoid confrontation as much as possible. Oscar gave Chad a coin to symbolize their vow of not using Chad's fists (or get involved in a fight) as a means of violence, but for means of peace. Chad would keep true to his word even when he stumbled across Ichigo. Chad would become a valuable asset to Team Ichigo all because of his closeness and promise to his strong grandfather.

I hope you enjoyed this weeks Affinity. Look forward to Affinity posts for 9 more weeks. Until then, you stay classy. First Impressions Post will be up tomorrow. 

WBCR - Setting the Stage (Grade: B)

Welcome back to another installment of WBCR posts where I review the recent Bleach chapter and give my thoughts/impressions on what happened as well as give a brief description as to occurred, whether relevant or irrelevant, in the chapter. The grading scale has notably been based on a A-F scale w/A exceeding all expectations as a chapter and F failing completely as it did not deliver. For the most recent chapters, most of them have been getting either Bs or Cs because, despite the build-up and pacing being inconsistent, it still is build-up nonetheless. This week's chapter is a B for the following reasons:

1) We see Riruka blush when Ichigo thanked her. This shows a level of attraction Riruka has for our protagonist and, though not as popular as fan-couples Ichihime (Ichigo & Orihime) or Ichiruki (Ichigo & Rukia), it is noted that Riruka is the SECOND chick to ever have blushed when talking with Ichigo (Orihime is the first). Riruka's involvement in this arc is sporadic and it is explicated on her re-introduction, but it is still nice to see familiar faces from Xcution (including the uninterested and cowardly Yukio). I am also curious to know how much stronger Grimmjow & Nelliel have become.

2) Ganju's perspective of Ichigo may/may not have changed. The two initially held animosity comedically against one another, but soon Ganju developed an admiration and respect for our main protagonist due to having come to the realization that not all Shinigami are evil. Ganju himself has matured as well ~ training alongside Ginjo & Tsukishima (whereabouts unknown) for this war. It is assumed Ganju has very well adapted to the circumstances surrounding the enemy he'll have to face.

3) The Destruction and Rebuilding of everything and anything that the enemy & ally have come to known is now being reshapes, reformed, and refitted to the liking of the main antagonist, Yhwach. With his fusing/absorbing of the Soul King, it is highly noted that Yhwach is now in a God-like level to which it is questionable whether or not the main characters pose any threat whatsoever to him OR if Yhwach himself posed a threat to himself as it is unclear on whether or not he 100% grasps the situation of just how much mantle of responsibility and power he possesses.

I decided to have a different take on writing the WBCR. What did you think of the chapter yourself? I summed up the chapters in 3 bullet points and those alone were what you'd call the highlights. Did the chapter live up to your expectations, lie somewhere in the middle, or was it a complete let-down. Do comment below and let me know. WBCRs will be posted whenever chapter is available. There'll be no Legacy post this week due to Fanime weekend. Hope to see you at Fanime in San Jose. Stay classy as always ladies & gentlemen.

First Impressions (sample) - Dog Days

NO!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you value your life, you'll refrain from watching this Anime. I'd rather watch that ugly @SS Tentacle Hentai shit than spend one minute watching Bitches & Pussy fighting in a Ninja Warrior ripoff. I'd rather watch the Anime version of Powerpuff Girls than watch another episode of the atrocity known as Dog Days. Don't judge it on looks, it may look cute, but really ~ it's poison to the eyes.  #truestory

(the real First Impressions post will be up next Wednesday)

Affinity #90 - Like Son, Like Father (Isshin & Ryuken)

It's funny that the Affinity posts will be ending in 10 weeks and I would've written 100 Affinity posts over the course of 2 years. Well, everything must come to an end and don't you worry Bleach fans, I'll be introducing a sample of the First Impressions segment tomorrow. Feels a bit bittersweet, but the show must go on I'll always say. Today's Affinity focuses on the relationship of the fathers of our two protagonists, Ichigo & Uryu Ishida. Isshin Shiba and Ryuken Shida were first introduced when Masaki and Isshin's lives intertwined upon the arrival of a hollow. Ryuken was supposedly was to marry Masaki as both were of Quincy lineage, but Masaki would end up with Isshin since their chemistry together is what attracted them to one another. A Shinigami & Quincy falling in love has never been heard of since the two species are rivals. However, love conquerors all in the end. Since then, Isshin & Ryuken are considered friends/rivals. Their sons are very much like them ~ strong, independent, and, at times, reckless. Although it appears that Isshin and Ryuken aren't on good terms, well you have to think ~ things would've been REAL different if Masaki wedded Ryuken instead of Isshin. What's funny is that the two Dads always talk about their sons and their was even a omake (short) where Ryuken was saying that his son, Uryu, was better than Isshin's son, Ichigo. Ryuken, though he doesn't show it, genuinely cares for his son Uryu despite the harsh training regiment he gave him and the supposed promise never to intervene in Shinigami affairs (which Uryu ignored). Isshin, though he's always the comic relief, genuinely is shown to be a Dad that cares for his family's wellbeing and his secret of being a Shinigami would been discovered eventually. Their sons really do take after them, like Son ~ Like Father.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity post. Look forward to Affinity posts on Tuesdays for the next 10 weeks. Until then, I'll see you tomorrow for a sample of the First Impressions segment. Stay classy always Bleach fans.

SGABR #11 (Bleach vs. Fairy Tail) - Lucy Heartfilia vs. Orihime Inoue

VS.

Welcome back to final 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. We do apologize for the delay, but here we are on a Monday to deliver. Fairy Tail currently leads 8-2 against Bleach w/MIKandIK3 & I interchanging in giving verdicts. We are on the final week of SGABR (Bleach vs. Fairy Tail Edition). For the finale, we are pitting Fairy Tail's Lucy Heartfilia and Bleach's Orihime Inoue. The verdict will be decided by yours truly. And here's MIKandIK3 with a few starting words.

Hello and Welcome to the final week of our SGABR collaboration. We saved the best for last here as we pit Fairy Tail’s star protagonist Lucy Heartfilia vs. Bleach’s sweetheart Orihime Inoue. Lining up two star female characters from two popular anime(s)….. what were me and Stillmattic thinking? Well I’m sure you’re all wondering how this will turn out (so am I) so let’s get the show on the road and the final SGABR match up begin!

Storyline (Lucy)

Lucy is the 2^nd (well 3^rd if you count Happy) main character we see in the very beginning of Fairy Tail. She, Natsu and Happy first encounter each other in the port town of Hargon, where they take down a dark mage Bora. After, as the three are running from the royal army for destroying half the town, Natsu takes Lucy with them to grant her wish of joining the Fairy Tail guild. Since then Lucy has been involved with all the events, battles and mischief the guild and her team have been in. From stopping the lullaby assassination, to the S-class trials on Tenro island. But we learn the most about Lucy’s past during the Phantom war. Lucy isn’t involved in the first fight but is confronted and kidnapped as it come to light that the whole reason behind the conflict is that Lucy’s rich father wants her to be returned since she ran from home. Phantom uses the excuse to wage war on Fairy Tail, and Lucy feels responsible for the suffering that was brought onto the guild. Master Makarov tells her that she is family here and that family looks out for one another, she is not Lucy Heartfilia anymore but Lucy of Fairy Tail. Despite winning the fight against Phantom, Lucy decides that she should return home, but not to submit to her fathers will but to threaten to never make Fairy Tail his enemy again. This was a great example of Lucy’s strong will and attachment to her new found family. Lucy is also caring to her friends and spirits that she has contracts with and even the ones she doesn’t have one with. When Loke aka Leo the lion spirit in exile is going to disappear because of being away from the spirit world for too long. Lucy puts all her effort to trying to return him even though he was banished for breaking the sacred oath that all spirits who make contracts take. Eventually after consulting the spirit king himself Leo is able to return and thus stays in Fairy Tail only now as Lucy’s spirit protector. Lucy shows that to her spirits are not tools or objects to be used, but allies and comrades. She debates this with Angel during battle as Lucy detested the way Angel used her spirits like nothing but puppets to use. This angered Lucy even though she was weaker than Angel she did not give up the fight. A good reminder that though Lucy is not the most rough and tough mage on the team she is just as powerful and determined as the rest of her friends. Flash forward to the present where now though Fairy Tail has been disbanded, Lucy and the new powered up Natsu are trying to find all the former members and bring Fairy Tail back. While it’s super obvious that Natsu has gotten stronger, Lucy has had her own power boost to the point the now she fights alongside her spirits instead of relying on their power alone.

Storyline (Orihime)
Where do I begin with this one? Aside from Orihime being one of the main characters and Ichigo's love interest, Orihime has been a central figure since the beginning of Bleach. Orihime would soon develop her own powers and be spiritually aware thanks to the influence of Ichigo (much like how Tatsuki, Keigo, and Mizuiro are now spiritually aware). Orihime, in a nutshell, is a funny gal, but is naive and at times clueless. She is often described as weird, but nurturing and caring. Orihime is a mixed bag of responsibility and childishness. Orihime's upbringing wasn't the best - raised by a drunken father and a prostitute mother, the two parents bickered and constantly abused their children, Sora & Orihime. It wouldn't be long before Sora and Orihime run away together and Sora becomes the paternal figure in Orihime's life. Orihime, however, was far from safe as she was constantly bullied at school for her orange-colored hair. One day, Orihime was given hairpins by her brother, but at first thought they looks childish. However, the same day she got into an argument with her brother about the hairpins, Orihime's brother died. As a result, Orihime wears the hairpins her brother gave her everyday. She wanted to showcase that she'll be happy from now on as she prayed for her brother everyday. However, after meeting Ichigo and making friends at Karakura Town, she suddenly stopped praying to her brother ~ which greatly angered him as Sora was turned into a Hollow and attacked Orihime, nearly killing her in the process. This is where Orihime first was spiritually aware as Ichigo saves her. As a result, she gained her own powers and fended off her first Hollow and managed to save Tatsuki as a result. Since then, Orihime owes Ichigo and remains as one of Ichigo's faithful friends and allies ~ helping him out, tending to his wounds, and being a member of Team Ichigo (alongside Chad & Uryu). Orihime first helps out as a member of Team Ichigo when trying to save Rukia. She practiced and trained with Yoruichi to harness and have control of her powers - Shun Shun Rika. She didn't play much of a role since Ichigo, Chad, & Uryu were doing all the heavy-lifting. Excluding the fillers, Orihime plays a pivotal role in the Arrancar & Hueco Mundo Arc, being praised for her "God-like abilities" as well as being used as bait for the Gotei 13 to abandon Ichigo in his hopes to rescue her. Before Orihime was threatened by the 4th Espada to leaving for Las Noches, she paid one last visit to Ichigo and says if she had 5 lives - all would in love for Ichigo (BEST ICHIHIME MOMENT EVER!) Orihime then is held hostage under Lord Aizen and is constantly at ends with various Arrancar including Nnoitra, Loly & Menoly, Grimmjow, & Ulquiorra especially. After seeing Team Ichigo rescue her, she becomes weary of their safety, especially Ichigo. Ichigo found valiantly against Grimmjow & Ulquiorra, but his hollowfication and close-to-death managed to scare Orihime as she warned him to not fight anymore and to protect himself. Listening to the damsel in distress's words, Ichigo calmed down and it wouldn't be long before all the Espada were taken down in Hueco Mundo & Fake Karakura Town. Orihime constantly worries over Ichigo's safety and she herself has proven to be the glue that holds Team Ichigo together. After Aizen's imprisonment, Orihime reappears in the Fullbringer Arc and, alongside Chad, is tricked by Tsukishima into thinking that they've known him for years now ~ implanting fake memories. Aside from not playing much of a role (since her main role was taken up in the Hueco Mundo Arc), she reappears in the current arc as a support and is doing anything she can to assist in the upcoming war. 

Personality (Lucy)

Lucy is that happy go lucky type of girl that I find really attractive. (yes yes she has a nice figure too we’ll get to that in a bit) But what I really like about her is that, even though she is not considered a powerful mage like the rest of her team she still has confidence in her self and those she relies on. Her magic is established by the bonds one has with their spirits, though her own power might not be strong but her will is. Lucy also fights for her friends and spirits, when someone threatens her friends she takes them on with all she has. When she fought Angel, who used celestial magic too, she despised how Angel would use and see her spirits like tools and objects. Lucy always see’s spirits as friends and allies never wanting to put them through strenuous tasks. Other than her determination Lucy is very friendly with everyone. She especially has a bond with Levy who both girls have a love for books and literature. Lucy is also one of few in the guild that have common sense, but I love how she freaks out at the mischief that the guild puts her in. Aside from her heart of gold and unwavering loyalty to the guild and her friends he also has the sexy confidence that she well know for.

Personality (Orihime)

Orihime is an independent, friendly, humorous (weird), sensitive, caring, & kind individual. However, there are times where she comes off as odd, weird, and naive. Is it shown that Orihime has great perceptive on people's mental & emotional states, always wanting to put them over herself. Her eagerness to help others is the gravitas of her character and she'll do anything to shoulder the burden of others over herself. She cares for the wellbeing of all her friends and isn't afraid to display her powers if it means doing harm to her own body. She's a team-player and her loyalty is unwavering when it comes to Team Kurosaki. 

Appeal (Lucy)

Now what can be said about Lucy ‘s is that she is not your average poster girl. No, she is the blond goddess of all poster girls whose beauty penetrates the hearts of all viewers! Unfortunately she mostly gets ignored for her sex appeal and seduction tricks, which I would fall for not gona lie, and while it irritates her she still has the confidence to try again. Its amazing that she hasn’t been in a serious relationship yet. I say yet because Lucy, being the star, is involved in one of the skeptical couples in Fairy Tail. Natsu and Lucy or as some call NaLu, is one of the powerhouse couples that most fans believe that will come to be. I mean makes sense right, the main protagonist and the main hero together. Natsu obviously trusts Lucy and relies on her as he did ask her to form a team with him. (even though he only wanted her for her blonde hair and to dress in a maids outfit) But over time as the two got stronger physically and bonds too. But being Natsu totally is an idiot that is oblivious to any thing that’s not food, fighting and the guild.

Appeal (Orihime)

What can be said about Orihime Inoue? Long orange hair, Big-@$$ T!t$, & a smile ~ thumbs up for me. Ichigo is lucky that a woman of Orihime's Caliber has love for him ~ it's literally the damsel in distress falling for the knight in the shining armor. Orihime became one of the reasons why I love Bleach and I wanted to especially see Ichihime (still waiting Tite Kubo....still waiting) because, as you all know, Ichihime is my favorite Bleach couple of all time. Orihime is sweet, lovable, weird (at times), and genuinely is good-spirited. What else can be said ~ Orihime is lovely girl.

Verdict (By MIKandIK3)

And the winner of the final SGABR post is...

A truly good end to a final SGABR, as usual the final decision never gets any easier. Story wise Orihime was great in the beginning though after time she kind of faded into the background which honestly don’t sit right with me. Lucy, being involved since the first episode, has a great story and involved ever since. So naturally Lucy wins story block. Personality was a tough one being that I find both girls to have the same characteristic. Both are caring for their friends, are strong willed and both have great smiles that brighten up anyone’s day. So I called draw here, both are angels. Now on to appeal while I fine Orihime very attractive she totally deserves to be in her right role and not to what she has been in.  But I gave it to Lucy cause not only does she appear more but because of how she is shown, constant outfit changes showing off her curves and body in many different ways. And lets not forget her seductive sense too (the bikini duo! Best arc ever XD). So with that Lucy Heartfiflia is the final winner of the Bleach vs. Fairy Tail SGABR!

Over the 11 weeks the final stands at 9-2 giving Fairy Tail the win. Not that the numbers don’t mean anything, Bleach did put up a good fight and many were close calls. Its that Bleach doesn't have that fan service that Fairy Tail is known for. I thank all the readers for your time, this was defiantly a fun collaboration with StillMattic (even though we were ready to strangle each other at points). I hope you all have enjoyed this as much StillMattic and I. StillMattic will still be writing out posts in storm, me being involved in maybe a future collaboration could happen but we’ll have to see. It’s been a great 11 weeks folks, enjoy the approaching summer and y’all stay classy now. Here's the final standings.

1) Mirajane Strauss vs. Yoruichi Shihoin ~ Mirajane

2) Evergreen vs. Nanao Ise ~ Evergreen 

3) Cana Alberona vs. Lisa Yadomaru ~ Cana

4) Levy McGarden vs. Nozomi Kujo ~ Levy 

5) Bisca Connell vs. Sui-Feng ~ Sui-Feng 

7) Sherry Blendy vs. Nemu Kurotsuchi ~ Sherry

8) Minerva Orlando vs. Nelliel Tu Odelschwanck ~ Nelliel 

9) Lisanna Strauss Rukia Kuchiki ~ Lisanns Strauss 
10) Erza Scarlet vs. Rangiku Matsumoto ~ Erza Scarlet
11) Lucy Heartfilia vs. Orihime Inoue ~ Lucy Heartfilia