Throwback #88 - Fated Meeting of the Demon & Innocent

I've talked about it before a lot on my Blog, but I will address it once more ~ Kenpachi Zaraki & Yachiru Kusajishi's meeting is one of the most dynamic backstories in Bleach. When you think about it, Yachiru's meeting with Kenpachi should be traumatizing. However, the author decided to play it off and develop Yachiru as Kenpachi's "daughter." I put daughter in parenthesis because not much is really known about the two other than showing that Kenpachi began caring for Yachiru and treating her as if she was his own daughter. Yachiru grew up surrounded by bloodshed and rather than fear it, she embraced it because she knew there was no blood to be feared so long as Kenpachi Zaraki was around. Kenpachi wouldn't be the man he is today without Yachiru ~ you see him genuinely worry over Yachiru's wellbeing and it's unfortunate that we're left in the dark on whether or not she's okay. Point of the matter is, Kenpachi & Yachiru's history and their time together is the personified and reflected in the 11th division ~ craving the fighting, fearing nothing, and enjoying every second it. I'm surprised that Yachiru grew up this way, but at the same time I like this approach better than the cliche of her beinh horrified of Kenpachi. You could go further and say that the two can relate since they were both nameless and both were given names of things/objects that were already given that name (Ex: Kenpachi named himself "Kenpachi Zaraki" after the person he aims to be titled "Kenpachi" and "Zaraki" is where he's from). Yachiru isn't to be underestimated as she is the lieutenant of the 11th division. Despite the looks, she is more than capable of doing her fair share of getting her hands dirty. Both Kenpachi & Yachiru are just awesome in their own right and it's because of their history together that they're always regarded highly by Bleach fans.

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

The Final SGABR post will be delayed til tomorrow (latest is Sunday). 

Legacy #34 - Ben-To

Food makes anyone just about crazy. The smell of food alone is so alluring whereas the taste of it is indescribable. However, what happens when people fight over such food ~ would they considered barbarians for fighting for an unjust cause or stupidly heroic for fighting for something that's more important to them? Well, if you haven't guessed already, the name of the Anime is titled Ben-To. Who knew fighting over Ben-To could be so outrageously funny and surprisingly entertaining. With their fists, they will fight for a meal that not only is discounted off, but will be fighting for a meal that brings people together ~ symbolizes hope that if you truly want something, you'll do everything in your power to fight for it. As idiotic as it wounds, this Anime, produced by David Production and licensed by Funimation w/12 episodes in 2011 is, I will admit, a "guilty pleasure" Anime. Guilty Pleasure Anime(s) are Anime(s) that know that they have a weird/unique premise, but you can't help but want to see the direction of where it'll go. Sure, the premise is beyond stupid, but when the characters in it try to justify just how not stupid it is ~ it piques your interest because you, the audience, are asking yourselves "Who, What, and Why?" Well, don't mind those 3 Ws because at the end of the day, Animation is an art form that many people underestimate because they are too quick to judge the content of what it has to offer. There are Good, Bad, & Guilty Pleasure Anime(s) in my book ~ Ben-To definitely falls underneath the Guilty Pleasure category. Although Ben-To may not appeal to all, it certainly caught my attention. The fighting in the series was pretty action-packed (despite the premise being overly absurd) and the characters were all fun to watch. It was entertaining and If you're a fan of guilty pleasure Anime(s), then I highly recommend it. I didn't go much into detail about it, but trust me, it's worth watching to see how f*cked up your body will get from buying discounted Bento boxes.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Legacy post. Look forward to Legacy posts on Thursdays. Until then, you all stay classy now. WBCR and Zealot Update are posted below. 

WBCR - SLOW buildup (Grade: C)

So....this week's chapter came out. Was it worthwhile for the wait? No, not really. Was it a short read? Oh, definitely. Did I have have any expectations considering I loved last week's chapter? Well, yes and no ~ I was expecting that they'd show Yhwach completely be in GOD mode, but was letdown that the chapter ended abruptly as soon as it detailed just how strong he's gotten after absorbing the Soul King. Yeah, we saw Grimmjow & Riruka....briefly. Grimmjow is fighting against the Quincy because he wants Hueco Mundo to preserved just so he can kick Ichigo's @SS. Riruka and Orihime had a funny moment where we see Orihime being scolded by Riruka for being a let-down. Other than that, not much else. The Wandenreich are terrified of just how monstrous Yhwach has become, all except Jugram who is in complete awe at the moment. Other than that, not much else to say. Very short chapter seeing Team Ichigo & Allies trying to launch a surprise attach on Yhwach and Yhwach completely absorbing the Soul King to become even more powerful. Was expecting more, but was letdown instead. This week's chapter is a grade: C ~ slow buildup, but still set up.

What did you think of this week's chapter? Good? Bad? Somewhere in the middle? Comment below and let me know. Look forward to WBCRs whenever chapter's available. Until then, you all stay classy now. Legacy post will be up soon and Zealot update is posted below. 

Zealot Update ~ 05/14/15

Hey everyone, I do apologize that I was unable to post the update yesterday. Just wanted to inform you on a couple of upcoming dates for the blog

May 15th, 2015 ~ Final SGABR post (verdict by MIKandIK3) 

May 20th ~ Introduction to a new segment titled First Impressions. A sample of First Impressions will be posted Wednesday. 

May 22nd ~ There'll be TWO Back-to-Back Throwback posts. One post will detail Bleach's beginning and the other will detail it's overall quality over time.

Both the Affinity & Throwback posts are coming to a close. Approximately 11 more weeks until the last Affinity post and 13 more weeks until the last Throwback post. I don't know whether or not it'll be replaced with a new segment or just left blank. I also have future collaborations with MechG on Bleach Fantasy 2, YEAH (another rendition of SGABR), and maybe another with MIKandIK3.

Despite some segments ending, I'll continue to deliver content based around Bleach & other Anime. As always, you all stay classy now.

WBCR & Legacy post will be up soon.

Affinity #89 - My Inspiration (Uryu & Soken)

A central figure that has played a pivotal role in Uryu's upbringing as a Quincy is his Grandfather, Soken Ishida. Kind and reluctant to pass on the philosophy of the Quincy to his grandson, Soken did a lot in not only building up Uryu's character, but would also change Uryu's outlook on Shinigami. Since we first met Uryu, he has harbored an animosity towards Shinigami for having killed his Grandfather and thus, his peaceful and youthful days came to a close. Even Uryu's Father, Ryuken, was unwilling to teach Uryu about the ways of the Quincy. When we find out that 12th division Captain Mayuri Kurotsuchi was the one responsible for experimenting on the corpse of Soken Ishida, Uryu snapped and vowed to exterminate Mayuri's very existence. That evidence alone stems from the childhood attachment Uryu had alongside his mentor, teacher, friend, & grandfather ~ Soken Ishida. We see Uryu, in his youth, smile, willing to learn, and not having any grudge against Shinigami. Much like Masaki is with Ichigo, Uryu's life forever changed the moment that "one person" was taken from them. They become stronger from their passing because they know sulking over death won't change a thing. They relentlessly train day in and day out in order to fulfill the gap that was missing once their loved one was taken from them. However, both Ichigo & Uryu diverted into different groups this time around ~ Shinigami (Coalition alongside the Arrancar & Xcution) vs. the Quincy. With this, their past lives have forever changed the way they view each other and how they'll foresee this war coming. Soken is what made Uryu Uryu and with him gone, a void has been missing. Sure, Uryu managed to find some sort of sliver of hope that not all Shinigami are bad, but it doesn't change the fact that what happened happened. Though their loved ones were taken (Ichigo's Mother and Uryu's Grandfather), it will reshape their future as they step forth not as enemies, but as men who've lost something important.

I hope you enjoyed this week's Affinity post. Look forward to Affinity posts on Tuesdays. Until then, you all stay classy now. Will be announcing a Zealot Update sometime tomorrow. 

SGABR #10 (Bleach vs. Fairy Tail) - Erza Scarlet vs. Rangiku Matsumoto

VS.

Welcome back to penultimate 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. Word of note, next week is the LAST SGABR post and will between Lucy Heartfilia & Orihime Inoue. If the SGABR posts are delayed, it'll be posted during the weekend. So far in the last 9 weeks, Fairy Tail leads 7-2 against Bleach w/MIKandIK3 & I interchanging in giving verdicts. We are on Week 10 (05/08) of SGABR (Bleach vs. Fairy Tail Edition). For today's post, we are pitting Fairy Tail's Erza Scarlet and Bleach's Rangiku Matsumoto. The verdict will be decided by yours truly. And here's MIKandIK3 with a few starting words.

Welcome all to SGABR's second to last round. I cant wait for this match up! From Fairy Tail we have the radiant knight of justice, Erza Scarlet going up against Rangiku Matsumoto from Bleach. All I know is that these ladies don't exactly need brawn to deliver a stunning knockout. With only one more matchup, its going to be interesting to see how the final pairs will do. so as to not keep you from the action lets get this show on the road!

Storyline (Erza)

Erza's story (like most of Fairy Tail's members) is one filled with tragedy. She was enslaved as child labor for a dark cult that worshiped the black wizard Zerif. she had friends she trusted, one being Jellal the leader of the group. upon making several attempts to escape Erza is made an example of, tortured to the pint she loses her right eye. riots break out as the prisoners fight back, Erza picks up a sword to join the fight as they race to rescue a captured Jellal. during the fight a old man known as Rob dies protecting Erza, he also had the Fairy tail guild mark this enrages Erza awakening her new magic powers as she leads the way to to towers peak. as she reaches Jellal she finds hi in a different mind set scared she tries to run for her life abandoning her friends to his will, threatened if she return Jellal will kill them. Erza eventually found Fairy tail and thanks to some treatment regained her right eye. she went on to become a role modle in the guild though her sense of doing things in the guild my be to much as most come to fear going against the young S ranked knight. even Natsu and Gray put on a show when she is around to avoid scolding or worse treatment from her.Erza is the staple character that is shown in ever arc and major battle. in fact during the war against Phantom, Erza uses a special suit of armor to shiled the entier guild from Phantoms jupiter cannon attack, withher bodly being heavily wounded from the previous encounter. when erza has to face her adversary/childhood friend Jella. Erza is afraid to be shaken to her core to be back at the place she hated the most. when it came down to the wire she was ready to face Jella and sacrifice her self to ensure he did not hurt her friends old or new. Erza has always had a badass side to her and i cant think of any fight she's ever been in where she fights to her last breath and throws in her pride and honor to boot. there are only two times i can recall Erza being in a submissive or show a weak side. once was after the Grand magic games when there was a bet to do what ever the winner wanted, as she is to be Mira's tortured servant. Erza however returns the embarrassment she felt to her ten fold after. second was early in the series on geluna island as she accidentally falls in a pit trap made by Lucy she lets out a shriek that was very girly, which did not go unnoticed be ether Natsu or Gray,both even commenting that it was kind of cute. I wish I could include all the awesome, outrageous, showoffy and star-stunning things Erza has done, but that would by far extend the limit I'm allowed to write. 

Storyline (Rangiku)

There is not much detail gone into Rangiku's backstory other than coming from Rukongai (much like everybody else). As a child, she was homeless, starving to death as people nonchalantly went about their lived without taking into consideration of the struggles Rangiku was facing. Her knight in shining armor, Gin Ichimaru, was the first to become acquainted with her and is the closest thing Rangiku has to call a "friend." Gin & Rangiku lived together as all they had were each other (much like Renji & Rukia's childhood), but one day ~ Gin went off and vanished without saying a word. The last thing Gin told Rangiku before departing was that they'd meet the day of her Birthday and soon enough, the two reunited and both became decided to enroll in Shin'o Academy to become Shinigami underneath the Gotei 13. Rangiku would become acquainted with Isshin Shiba (later revealed to be Ichigo's father) and Hitsugaya Toshiro (was 3rd seat at the time and Rangiku was the one who inspired him to enroll in Shin'o Academy to become a Shinigami). It is never specified whether or not Rangiku or Hitsugaya knew of Isshin's involvement in Ryuken & Masaki's business. Way later, we see Rangiku underneath Hitsugaya's command (going from 3rd seat to Captain). It was during the Invasion of the Ryoka that both Rangiku & Hitsugaya suspected Gin was suspicious of Aizen's supposed "death" as well as the murder of Central 46. A ploy acted out by Aizen, Gin, & Kaname, the two would eventually find out and, with everyone else onboard, now had a bigger problem to face than the Ryoka. As the 3 (Aizen, Gin, & Kaname) departed, Gin said farewell to Rangiku and she remarked that Gin has a proclivity to leave without explanation. Her involvement in the later arcs is minimal, but still noted. She partook in protecting Karakura Town from Grimmjow's Fraccion, in the Fake Karakura Town Arc where she partook in a war between the Gotri 13 & Aizen's Forces, and later aided against Yhwach & his Sternritters. Their were plenty of times where Rangiku was gravely wounded, but ended up coming back later to defeated again. She may be a Lieutenant, but I'll be the first to admit that her skills & attributes aren't all that impressive. She was last seen being used a Zombie, but her status as to date is unknown. 

Personality (Erza)

Erza is a very strict person, often criticizing the bad behavior and habits of the other guild members, causing most of them to apologize, fearing that they might invoke her wrath. She is also very impatient, disliking people who don't answer her questions quickly enough. This, coupled with her own tragic childhood, caused many of her guild-mates to avoid her due to her social awkwardness. However, she has a great sense of justice and pride in being a member of Fairy Tail. Erza is strong, cool and a little scary but relied on by everyone, even so she can be really girly and liked sweet things and cute clothes. Jellal, when he had lost his memories, remembering nothing but the name "Erza", said her name was "full of kindness, brightness and warmth"(Happy says"he liiiiiikkkes her"). Erza describes herself as someone who was always crying, since she wasn't able to protect those dear to her. Also, Erza has stated that she feels uncomfortable and insecure when she's not wearing armor. Erza has been shown to have very little modesty and an unusual view on the concept in general. Many of her armors are skimpy, revealing and feminine, and when out of armor she has an affinity for sexy and revealing clothing.

Personality (Rangiku)

Growing up in starvation and abandonment can be pretty touch, but when a helping hands gets you going, things can definitely change for the better. Enlisting in the Gotei 13 as a member of the 10th Division, Rangiku is often seen slacking her responsibilities, being a heavy drinker, and displaying a easy-going & free-spirited attitude. She at times could be self-centered, but when it comes to helping out others ~ she'll go out of her way to carry her responsibilities as a Lieutenant-level Shinigami. In a nutshell, she's got your back in combat, is easy to talk to about feelings, and loves drinking. An example of Rangiku's willingness to open up with others is when she was conversing with Orihime on her feelings towards Ichigo, she embraced Orihime and, much like sister figure, told Orihime to keep her head up and push onwards. 

Appeal (Erza)

Aside from her overly justified personality, Erza definitely has a thing for sexy and naughty. Her nurse outfit on Tenrou Island was definitely enough to prove that as all the guys wanted to line up for her, as did I XD. Not only does she have confidence in her self, but her body definitely blows you away one way or another. She has great curves from her large bust to her ass that would rival that of Mirajane. But the one thing Erza has is her outfits to put her apart from the rest. I mean must be nice all you have to do is think to change in to any seemingly endless amount of clothing or armor. and most aren't the best when it comes to "protection of certain areas" shall we say. Even the ones that do cover up, she still can bring out the sexy in them. Bottom line is be carful because all her outfits are dangerous just from its looks and her blades. Combine that with a girl who loves cute and soft things and you've got one hell of a women there. Just try not to get on her bad side or the honorable knight will show you swift justice! 

Appeal (Rangiku)

Upon seeing Rangiku for the first time, it was love at first sight. She not only is one of the Bleach mascots for women, but she serves under one of my all-time favorite Bleach characters, Toshiro Hitsugaya. Apart from her drinking habits, I found Rangiku to be extremely hot, appealing to the eye (blue eyes, big BEEWBZ, & a scarf around her neck), and uses Ash to fight off her opponents. Whenever I see Rangiku, I begin to question whether or not the Bleach characters are actually looking at her or staring at her knockers. Wouldn't you want to have a drink with her? Wouldn't you want to use her BEEWBZ as pillows? Rangiku, you are one fine dynamite gal! 

Verdict (By Stillmattic)

And the winner is...

This victory was clear the very moment the matchup was announced. I praise Rangiku's involvement in the series, but Erza's relevance in FT has more gravitas than that of Rangiku. Rangiku, much like Hitsugaya, Ikkaku, Yumichika, & Renji, are also part of Team Ichigo. They have fought together and a lot of the battles surrounded them. However, there is no denying the fact that Erza, from the get-go, has always been a vital part in Team Natsu alongside Lucy, Gray, & Happy (and by extension Juvia, Gajeel Wendy, & Carla who often are seen alongside them). Erza also, I will openly admit, has more appeal than Rangiku. As much as I love Rangiku and her assets, Erza's abilities, armor, and determination in battle are just more attractive to the eye ~ that angelic knight can save me any day. Their is so much fanservice surrounding FT that so many people dismiss FT right away. However, I don't think that way (all the time) because despite the excessive fanservice, FT has bright & colorful characters, badass fight sequences, and just overall never fails to deliver its fair share of comedy & action. Bleach centrally focuses on specific members of Team Ichigo and that's where the drawback is for Rangiku ~ Hitsugaya, Ikkaku, & Yumichika have more relevance and gravitas to their characters than that of Rangiku herself. It's also belittling that Rangiku's backstory is nowhere as stretched out as the rest of the Bleach characters. Erza is my favorite character in FT and she continuously gets stronger & stronger in every arc. She also seems to getting more and more sexier the more she appears. Rangiku is hot to look at, but when you pairing her up with Erza, it's apples & oranges people ~ apples & oranges. This victory definitely goes to Erza Scarlet, the winner of the 10th battle. 

So who do you think won? Erza from Fairy Tail or Rangiku from Bleach? Comment below and let us know. Look forward to the SGABR post next  Friday, May 15th (Verdict by MIKandIK3). Until then, you all stay classy now. Fairy Tail still leads 8-2 against Bleach. Also be sure to check out the other 9 battles:

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 

Throwback post is posted below. 

Throwback #87 - You protected me so in return, I'll return the favor

I've said it before many times that I love Nelliel and when she embraced the sh*t out of Ichigo, it was one of the cutest things I've ever seen. Nelliel's affection to Ichigo of course stems from Ichigo protecting her when she was in child-form. It's the "Knight in Shining Armor saving Damsel in Distress" cliche, but hey ~ wouldn't it be the cutest thing if the Damsel in Distress saves the Knight in Shining Armor? It's a different take on it and I've talked about it briefly many times before on the blog, but it has to be addressed again since Nelliel just made her return in the recent Bleach chapter. Nelliel's involvement, though minimal, has had a huge impact on her character as she suffered a lot because of Nnoitra and has found a hero in Ichigo. Now that she's back in her adult form, who knows how strong she's gotten. Hell, even Grimmjow wanted to duke it out with her since Grimmjow still be all arrogant and sh*t with his bravado. When Nelliel went out of her way to save Ichigo, I thought it was awesome. Seeing Nnoitra getting the sh*t beaten out of him was priceless and despite Nnoitra getting stronger, it didn't the fact that Nelliel was still able to stand toe-to-toe against him. Nelliel is grateful for everything Ichigo's done, but now ~ Nelliel wants to help out. In doing so, she feels that she's obligated in protecting him the way he had done to her. Nelliel knows that Ichigo alone cannot stop the war, but she also knows that she can be an asset that's greatly shift the war in their favor. Nelliel is just so cute! Ichigo, you a lucky sonuvabitch, you know that?

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

WBCR - Dem Familiar Faces (Grade: B)

Remember in the last Bleach chapter where we finally see the return of fan-favorite Grimmjow Jaegerjaquez? What if I told you that we also see the return of Nelliel, Riruka, & Yukio. Yeah, it was nice to see A LOT of familiar faces and also refreshing to see Nelliel pounce on Ichigo with her BEEWBZ. The chapter starts out with what appears Grimmjow wanting to start something, but of course Nelliel, Riruka, & Yukio appear in order to halt any more confrontation. Orihime is also kind of flustered to see Nelliel show so much affection to Ichigo (Kawaii af). Yoruichi, for the most part, informs Ichigo of what's been going on and comedically states that he's the last to know. Their is this area known as the Valley of Screams (made up of ejected souls) that the entire space is known as the Garganta. It's unclear on how the Valley of Screams is able to sustain reishi dimensions, but this is where Riruka & Yukio come into the play. Yukio's ability to manipulate space and Riruka's ability to insert and remove objects play a very pivotal role in stepping into the enemy's territory without having to expel any reiatsu. Meanwhile, Uryu ponders about Yhwach's position to date and we get a glimpse of just how monstrous he's gotten ~ a man who has fused with the Soul King. This concludes the chapter. Overall, I was just in awe when I saw the return of Grimmjow & Nelliel. Riruka & Yukio's involvement makes sense, but I never thought I'd see them again. It's clear now that Riruka, Yukio, Ginjo, Tsukishima, & Giriko will partake in the war, but what of Jackie? Will she or is she too weak because she lost her powers? Will Grimmjow be a team-player or will his bout with Ichigo interfere? Can Yhwach be stopped? Does Uryu regret his defection? All this needs answering. Just in seeing Grimmjow & Nelliel in this chapter, I'm giving it a solid B.

So what did you think of this week's chapter? Good? Bad? Somewhere in the middle? Comment below and let me know. As always, look forward to WBCRs whenever chapter's available and when I have the time to post. Until then, you all stay classy. Legacy is posted below. WBCR & Throwback will be posted tomorrow morning. 

Legacy #33 - OniAi

What happens when you're this one dude dorm-ing with 4 gorgeous women, but all you could argue are "unique" in their own way. One is the Student Council President and is described as a "Predator" amongst her classmates. Another is the Student Council Vice President who likes to ask cold, direct, & blunt questions. There also is a tomboyish childhood friend (also Treasurer) who is easily irritated when they aren't acknowledged/noticed. Lastly, one is your sister that has a HUGE Bro-Complex. Yup, that is pretty much the formula for a Harem-Romantic Comedy Anime. Written by Daisuke Suzuki back in 2010 (still ongoing) and the Anime Studio, Silver Link, picking up a series for 12 episodes in 2012, OniAi (shortened for Oni-Chan Dakedo Ai Sae Areba Kankei Nai Yo Ne!) is a recipe for a disaster for our main male protagonist, Akito Himenokoji. He, like most Harems, is in a blizzard of affection, lust, and tsundere(s). Now I won't say this is the best Harem I've seen (that distinction goes between Tenchi Muyo & Date A Live), but it's still entertaining to see how far the sister (named Akiko) is willing to go to showcase her overly-obsessed Bro-complex and justify it as "Okay." Well, since their blood relatives, its considered taboo, but to Akiko, it lies between the relationship between male & female rather than siblings first. Akito is so innocent and yet doesn't mind that all these women are carnivorous for him. Overall, the Anime/Manga is decent, but my only gripe is that in the Anime, the 3 chicks are introduced right away without any explanation on how they became acquainted with our main character. For a Harem, it surely delivers for it's fan-service moments, but unlike Date A Live, it didn't resonate within me. Maybe I'll give it another go, but for now ~ it's a plain ol' Harem with some twists and turns, but still retaining its formula.

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

Affinity #88 - THE 13th division

Ever since we first were introduced to Rukia, we asked ourselves "What division is she a part of?" What's her Captain like? How is she when she's with her other squad members? What we find out is that Rukia is part of the 13th division underneath Captain Jushiro Ukitake and is friends with co-3rd Seats Sentaro Kotsubaki & Kiyone Kotetsu. I believe out of all the divisions, the 13th is best described as a family. Ukitake served as the father-figure whereas Sentaro & Kiyone are the bickering older brother & sister to Lil Rukia. However, sometime later, it's revealed that Rukia would climb the ranks to be the 13th Lieutenant. Prior to that, I think she just had a seated position below Sentaro & Kiyone. It seems that the 13th division gets along, but what's more impressive is Rukia became Lieutenant whereas Sentaro & Kiyone remain as the co-3rd seats. It's unknown on Ukitake's condition, but I sure hope he recovers. The 13th division, like I said, is best described as a family because, well, Ukitake Jushiro regards friendship highly. He disagrees that everything be settled through violence ~ deep down Ukitake wants to preserve the peace. Rukia has matured so much throughout the series ~ she's grown much stronger, wiser, and has became a valuable member of Team Ichigo. As for Sentaro & Kiyone, they're side characters so I doubt they'll go any further than co-3rd seats.

I hope you enjoyed this week's affinity post. Look forward to Affinity posts on Tuesdays. Until then, you all stay classy.

Throwback #86 - Arabian Nights (Attack of the Covers Part 11)

What better way to end of the Attack of the Covers Throwback posts by showing a Bleach picture that has both allies & enemies in it. We see Shinigami, Visored (Shinji & Hiyori), Espada (Ulquiorra & Grimmjow), & Xcution (Ginjo & Tsukishima) members all dining together. That's some party they got there. This'll be the only time you see 4 species together (Shinigami, Arrancar, Visored, & Humans w/powers). Although not serving much, it is nice to see a lot of familiar faces. We see Kenpachi & Ikkaku having the time of their lives in the back whereas then-Captain Yamamoto is doing karaoke with Ukitake. We see Tsukishima on the screen whereas Grimmjow & Hiyori are kneeling and making faces. Everyone seems to be having a good time in this cover page and it all seems so nostalgic. So much has changed in Bleach that we forget sometimes that Bleach is coming to an end soon. So seeing this picture is like reminiscing of the good ol' days. Overall, I do hope Bleach's progression continues to deliver.

I hope you enjoyed the last installment of the Attack of the Covers. Look forward to Throwbacks on Fridays. Until then, you all stay classy now. SGABR post is posted below. 

SGABR #9 (Bleach vs. Fairy Tail) - Lisanna Strauss vs. Rukia Kuchiki

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 8 weeks, Fairy Tail leads 6-2 against Bleach w/MIKandIK3 & I interchanging in giving verdicts. We are on Week 7 (05/01) 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 Lisanna Strauss and Bleach's Rukia Kuchki The verdict will be decided by MIKandIK3. And here's MIKandIK3 with a few starting words.

It’s here! It’s here! The top three are here!! Welcome all to the 9^th round of SGABR that marks the first of what I believe are the top three match ups. This week we have two fierce contestants both are pivotal characters and are very attractive ladies. Bleach’s black haired beauty Rukia vs. the Tigress soul user Lisanna Strauss. These girls are without a doubt my 2^nd favored female characters from both respected Anime. So let’s get to the good stuff and get this show started!

Storyline (Lisanna)

Sometime during her younger years, Lisanna’s parents died. At one point in time, as Mirajane defeated the demon in her village and gained its abilities, Lisanna and her siblings left the village. Together she and her two elder siblings came to Fairy Tail. There they grew up together as they began their new family with the guild. At a young age Lisanna had learned to copy her elder sisters magic, though different in her own use, she can use take over to mimic animal souls and use their specific abilities like flying or breathing under water. She also became best friends with most if not all the guild members her age in the guild. One in particular is Natsu, when he discovers a large egg outside of town and doesn’t know in the slightest how to take care of it she offers to help him out. While taking care of the egg she and Natsu start to have a close relationship. Lisanna admiring Natsu as one who is strong willed and though he breaks a great deal of things does have a soft side that he does not show often. She also loves to teases him making him blush or get worked up over small things. We learn this in the Fairy Tail’s second season how the two were close childhood friends. And after, during the war with Phantom, we learn about how we was said to have died in an incident that occurred on a mission she was on with her siblings. We see in a flash back threw the memories of her elder brother Elfman how the three were heading out on a mission and Natsu begging and complaining that Lisanna got to go on an S-class quest before him and also out of concern for her safety. Elfman at the time assures Natsu that he would be enough to keep his sisters safe, but the Elfman who was forced to relive that dreadful day could only shout out to “take Natsu with you!” only to no avail. The quest was to defeat an demon beast the was threatening an town, but they gravely underestimate the foe. Mirajane was beaten and Lisanna was no match for the beast, the only thing Elfman could do was try to permanently remove the beast and protect his sisters. Elfman not able to even do a complete soul takeover attempts to take over the soul of the beast king with success, but the best takes his mind as a price. Unable to control his movements he begins the cause more destruction when Lisanna unarmed or in a threatening way approaches her brother in his giant form. Convinced that she could talk him out of his trance knowing of his frustration of not being able to use his magic skillfully like herself and her sis, saying that the three of them could all go back to the guild together as a family. While Mirajane, off to the side, could do nothing as the beast the was contolling her brother raised its arm and brought it down on Lisanna, the horror in her eye’s as she say the hit sent her sister flying. She rush to her quickly but could do nothing but hold her and her beloved sisters body glow bright and disintegrated into small balls of light that were whisked away. Elfman never forgave himself, when he was apologizing to Natsu, who had built a stone head for her outside the hut she had built where the two of them raised Happy together, his response was not to be said because she wouldn’t want those she loved to feel bad that she was gone. Two years had passed when the guild is sucked into the world of Edolas where it is a parallel universe with limited magic. There Natsu encounters the Edo version of Fairy Tail and notices one in particular, Lisanna who is alive. Over joyed Happy and Natsu both try to embrace her with a hug but are cut off by Edo-Lucy (odd he was that happy to Lisanna and Not Lucy huh?). After the whole issue with the royal army is done the group are sent home they het one shocking surprise. Lisanna from Edolas was actually their Lisanna from Earthland! While the group is still taking the shock, Lisanna quickly jump hugs Natsu and apologizes for not saying anything earlier. Natsu and Happy quickly wants to return the favor and the hug, but Erza stops them and demands a better explanation. Which turns out that she did not die two years ago rather she was taken away in her weakened state to Edolas. When the news is out the whole guild is shocked and overjoyed especially Mira and Elfman that their sister was alive and with them again. 

Storyline (Rukia)

150 years prior to the storyline, Rukia and her older sister, Hisana, were brought up together in the 78 District of Rukongai, Inuzuri. Unable to take care of her sister, Hisana abandoned her and so a majority of Rukia's life was spent alone up until she met Renji. Rukia's chance meeting Renji & his friends flourished into a dynamic relationship ~ creating a little family, but things went downhill for the two when Rukia was adopted into the Kuchiki clan by Byakuya, later found out to be Rukia's adoptive brother & Hisana's husband. Rukia enrolled in Shin'o Academy in order to become a Shinigami alongide Renji & other Lieutenants and eventually found herself in the 13th division under Captain Jushiro Ukitake (she was admitted into the 13th division without taking an entrance exam). From here on, she developed a little crush on her lieutenant and admirer, Kaien Shiba. When Kaien Shiba became under the control of a Hollow, Kaien asked Rukia to do the unthinkable - Kill him. Following his lieutenant's request, Rukia killed both Kaien & Hollow controlling him and up until the rescue arc, had to live with the idea that she was Kaien Shiba's killer. Her relationship with Kaien is much like her relationship with Ichigo - Dynamic in the sense that both encouraged one another and have gotten stronger in terms of utilizing their Zanpaktou & becoming an incredibly strong Shinigami. During her stay and commission in Karakura Town, she met with Ichigo (who could see spirits and thus kicked Rukia). Her meeting with Ichigo, as said above, is much like Kaien Shiba's. However, her stay in Karakura Town with helping out Ichigo in fighting hollows & her Gigai body, were in jeopardy as the 6th Division Captain & Lieutenant, Renji (childhood friend) & Byakuya (older brother), took her in for her stay in the Human World. It wouldn't be until later where she learned that her Gigai body that Kisuke Urahara gave her was only a shell to hide Aizen's target - The Hogyoku. Rukia was eventually saved by Ichigo & his friends and though she's grateful for life being saved, she was ready to face execution without any regrets. After Ichigo & Byakuya's intense and badass one-on-one battle, Byakuya explained to Rukia the origins of her past - him being Rukia's adoptive older brother & of Hisana's fate. Soon after, Rukia would play a pivotal role in Bleach as Ichigo's right-hand. During the Arrancar Arc, she showcases her Zanpaktou for the first time - Sode no Shirayuki against D-roy (but was no match for 6th Espada, Grimmjow) and beating the 9th Espada, Aaroniero (who utilized Kaien's Zanpaktou and kept appearance from hollow). She helped out in Hueco Mundo by fighting Rudborrn & Yammy, but later would be saved by Ichigo's friends, Byakuya, & Kenpachi. After Ichigo loses his powers, Rukia is last seen disappearing from Ichigo's sight (this indicates that Ichigo can no longer see spirits). However, it wouldn't be long before Rukia reappears once more when she restores Ichigo's power with a sword imbedded with the reiatsu of the Shinigami from the Gotei 13. She plays a more pivotal role during the bloody war between the Shinigami & Sternritter as she finally achieved Bankai (as well as being Lieutenant of the 13th Division) ~ defeating As Nodt in the process as a result of her stay with the 0 Division & training intensely to help out Ichigo & his allies. She currently, alongside other Shinigami, are fending off against various Sternritter in hopes that Ichigo will thwart Yhwach's plans. 

Personality (Lisanna)

Lisannas is one of those girls does her best to get along well with everyone. She not that strong of fond of fighting but will go all out when it comes to protecting her guild and family. She has a deep caring for all animals and looks up to both of her elder siblings.  She the spitting image of every dream girl. Though that doesn’t mean she’s not a bit mischievous, she does tease Natsu ever since they were kids about how she likes him and about her becoming his wife someday. She also makes similar quotes to Natsu after Happy is born about how their like a family and she’s the mom and he’s the dad. While still very young Lisanna is very mature and says some very grown up stuff. Like if she were ever lost she asks Natsu if he would come find her, or when she talks about that all living things eventually will die but if it’s remembered then it lives forever. 

Personality (Rukia)

Rukia is a determined Shinigami who upholds her duties without fail and was adopted into the Kuchiki clan, adopting a modest & graceful persona. Rukia is one of those people who cares for others and bottles up everything inside so as to avoid the suspicion that something may/may not be wrong with her. Rukia, since teaming up with Team Ichigo, has become a helpful aid in Bleach's many antagonists. Lastly, Rukia is obsessed with cute things as she won't do harm to cuteness. 

Attraction/Appeal (Lisanna)

Over all Lisanna is my 2^nd favorite character in Fairy Tail. Stats wise she might not have the exact measurements as her sister but she’s pretty dam close. Also unlike Mira, she has short instead of long white hair which I like better. Lisanna seems to match her sister’s looks and heart like and angel style, but the slight difference is I get more of a tomboyish vibe from her. She isn’t always in a dress or fancy outfit, and she likes to take care of animals and go exploring with Natsu. When she was a kid she was cute and know that she’s grown she looks as fine as her older sister. But unfortunately, also unlike Mira, this heavenly beauty might be taken fellas. Since the discovery of her childhood best friend being Natsu and the relationship they had growing up. Lisanna and Natsu (if you haven’t guessed it, yes I am a NaLu fan) is one of the major unofficial couples in Fairy Tail. The fact that they raised Happy together and acted like a family I think is really great and adorable. However Natsu, like with Lucy, doesn’t seem to have any interest in anything that’s not fighting, eating, sleeping and fighting.

Attraction/Appeal (Rukia)

Seeing Rukia for the first time, I thought she was cute. I'm a sucker for girls w/short-hair and Rukia is no exception. When she got her hair even shorter, I was even more in love. Something about that hairstyle of her + her personality & demeanor = ideal girl. To me, Rukia is one of the cutest girls in all of Bleach despite not possessing much package in other parts. She makes up for it by being a relevant figure in Ichigo's world as well as being responsible for the events transpiring Bleach's conception. Not much else to say, but Rukia is KAWAII! 

Verdict (By MIKandIK3)

And the winner is...

Dam these things never get any easier I tell you… Honestly I was really on the edge to give this one to Rukia, but after pondering over it a while I came back to give it to Lisanna. While Rukia is the sole reason why Bleach came to be, and without her it wouldn’t be the same. Lisanna wasn’t present till after she came back from Edolas and only then does she start playing a role befitting of her. She’s defiantly a staple character, but doesn’t quite come to Rukia’s standers just yet which Rukia wins the story block. For personality I love Rukia’s tragedy and her role in Bleach but it’s just that she too shallow and timid in the beginning and even after she doesn’t improve much. Don’t get me wrong I love her character and her relationship with Ichigo. However, I like Lisanna’s friendly and heartwarming side better how she always puts a smile on for her friends to cheer them up. And the cute way she teases Natsu is great, even if it’s a one-sided love. (I hope the bastard gets a hint soon). So for personality a think Lisanna had a slight lead so it’s her win there. No on the debate on which girl is sexier…. Sorry Ruikia, Lisanna’s got you out gunned. That don’t mean I find her unappealing (like StillMattic) I have an attraction to girls with short hair and colored eyes which, both girls do have. Both are petite slim girls though Lisanna’s chest is a bit more developed than that of Rukia. While Fairy Tail is known for its great fan service and Lisanna is no exception, with Rukia it’s a bit different. Aside from her robes she doesn’t have much of a fashion sense, and what human clothes she does wear are often taken from Ichiog’s sister. All and all I’m giving it to Lisanna for this round. Her body features, her cute personality, her toughing story and love interest are all what I love some much about her character.

So who do you think won? Lisanna from Fairy Tail or Rukia 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 7-2 against Bleach.