Mooneyverse

Comic book piracy

2009-10-08T13:59:56Z

Where will comic books be in 2019?

This is a question that I've been pondering for some time now.

Digital motion comics are becoming much more popular, but are nowhere near replacing their printed counterparts. Watchmen, Batman: Black and White and a few other comics have made the jump to digital and sold rather well.

However there is a rising popularity in comic book piracy. A quick search on Google for a torrent or a dcp/minute-men download will probably bring up a host of sites still containing your books.

Now is it legal? No. Is it ethical? Well...was it ethical for DC to kill off one of their largest franchises in the form of Batman?

No wait, Dick Grayson's him and Bruce Wayne is still alive in the past...yeah, I know the arguments. Basically he's inactive.

It's a different argument altogether, but

Potentially awesome Dark Knight Halloween Batman costume... just add cape and cowl

2009-10-02T09:38:27Z

Universal Designs recently got the rights to produce a replica Batman motor cycle suit and the boys certainly didn't disappoint.

If you'd like it for Halloween though you're unfortunately out-of-luck as first deliveries aren't until 2010.

It's almost one thousand dollars for the outfit and has no cape/cowl....not that you need those on a motorbike anyway.

Head on over to Universal Designs to have a look yourself.

Now all we need is Harley Davidson to re-produce the Batpod and we're good to go. Imagine the cost for a spare tyre on one of those though....

Red Robin #4 Review

2009-09-22T15:17:40Z

DC synopsis:

"The Grail" part 4 of 4! In this explosive conclusion to the debut arc, Red Robin's search leads him to the deserts of the Middle East with the League of Assassins by his side. How many lines will he cross to prove that Bruce Wayne is alive? One journey ends, but a far deadlier one begins as Red Robin learns the truth - although he may not survive to tell anyone, because back in Gotham City, Red Robin faces off with the one man who could stop his quest: Batman!"

Story by Christopher Yost Art by Ramon Bachs Cover by Francis Manapul

The first arc of Tim Wayne's (Drake) new solo adventure comes to a close in Red Robin #4 and I'm sad to say it's a mixed bag of brilliance and bad scripting.

Being a fan and collector of the original Robin series - before DC brought it to a swift end earlier this year - I have massive hopes, and as such, great expectations for this book but so far it's been frustrating.

The core concept of the series is Tim's search for Bruce Wayne and his staunch belief that the former Batman is still alive somewhere out there. It's the only batbook dealing with this right now and when it does deal with the Bruce Wayne search, it does so brilliantly, as you'll see by reading Red Robin #4, which ties in with the shots of Bruce at the end of Final Crisis.

There's also a flashback sequence also between Drake and Grayson. This works well and reveals a bit more about why Tim left Gotham. It is an interesting read.

It's at this point the debut arc should have ended. Next we're faced with a mysterious villain from the council who easily disperses of the Red Robin and the league of assassins setting up the next arc, the Council of Spiders..

All in all, a horrid ending to what should have been a quality comic. This could have been so much better.

Let's just hope DC get their fingers out in the next arc. - R

First reviews of Batman/Superman: Public Enemies suggest latest DC animated effort is a disappointment

2009-09-22T14:04:13Z

Due out next Monday the first reviews of Warner Premier's latest effort at a DCAU original movie have already started hitting the net.

And it's a general feeling of good, but could have been better.

Swank-mo-tron at Big Shiny Robot commented that the the "action, adventure, and animation, were all" done right whereas the 67 minute running time was "paltry" in comparison to some other DCAU movies.

A reviewer over at Comic Book Movie movie said "the story is simple,if not obvious, and a little bit all over the place. In parts you don't really feel like bats and supes are public enemies. It just seems like it's all villains wanting to whoop their butts--which I think is boring to be honest." But also wrote that go betweens Bats and Supes was "classic."

Adam Tyner at DVD Talk believes the movie to be rent worthy and a cut above the Superman: Doomsday and the "unwatchable" Gotham Knight. He does note though "that even the size and scope of the superpowered slugfests never really manage to get my pulse racing. It's okay, but considering how phenomenal so many of these animated DC flicks have been, "okay" just doesn't seem good enough."

Most of the reviews also seemed to suggest that it was worth buying the Blu-Ray version over the normal DVD, as it seems this was animated for HD sets.

Check out this preview clip below

And for those of you who haven't seen it yet, here's the trailer

batman, superman, super hero movies, kevin conroy, tim daly,

So there you go, but remember more reviews will follow including one on here next week! - R

It's just some random blog

2009-07-30T15:18:51Z

For those of you who truly appreciate the greatness of Marvel and DC, and are able to laugh at the company's shortcomings (ie Killing of Bruce Wayne and Captain America), then you'll love this web series.

YouTube film maker Itsjustsomerandguy has been producing these satrical and comedic videos for nearly two and a half years now.

Check him out if you can. And by the way, his Green Goblin character is by far the best rendition I've ever seen of the character....even better than Dafoe.

Dragonball Awesome

2009-04-08T20:53:17Z

Dragonball Evolution is the best thing to happen to Akira Toriyama's franchise since it was made into a cartoon.

Sure it has some flaws, but about 75 percent of the film was absolutely spot on.

Let's get the flaws straightened out here right away- and there maybe some spoilers here. First off, Oozaru is supposed to be gigantic, film should have been a half hour longer- with way more on Goku's origin, final battle should have been way more epic and no flying during a Kamehameha (Goku should be stationary during it). And that's my fanboy qualms aside.

What can I say? I grew up watching this anime and it holds a special place in my heart.

Justin Chatwin is Goku in this film. No doubt in my mind. I was so certain his performance as the lead would flop it, but it didn't and he just simply as the Saiyan.

Chow Yun Fat was also on form as Master Roshi, he wasn't to much of a sex pest on Bulma, but bear in mind this was a PG and they pulled off what they could get away with.

James Marsters, of Spike fame, was really under used I felt and character of Piccolo could have used some expansion. His voice an make-up was expertly done.

Thumbs up to wardrobe aswell- everything was spot on and Goku's costume was just ace.

The special effects were great and James Wong pulled off a great first attempt with this Dragonball movie.

I'm hoping that's there's going to be more.

And yes, the Kamehameha is very cool.

Watchmen: Proof that staying true to the source material can be a bad thing

2009-03-10T12:11:06Z

WATCHMEN, by far, is the most accurate depiction of source material in modern times.

Zack Snyder, a fan boy at heart, set out to create the movie version as a companion to the original graphic novel and while his intentions are true and pure, has his purist attempts to create the ultimate book movie left the mainstream audience in the dark?

Sitting down and watching the movie for the first time last Friday I was amazed at the sheer accuracy Snyder had potrayed in getting this Watchmen unto the silver screen. It really is like watching the graphic novel, page-for-page.

While I thought the film was immense, I realised how hard this maybe for a non fan to take in. And some film goers could be left feeling very alienated by the complex plot- something a movie shouldn't do.

David Hayter aka Solid Snake wrote the script and managed to convey the story as best he could, however as Metacritic, Rotten Tomatoes and 411 mania point out, the film still manages to alienate audiences.

While Snyder may avoid condemnation from hypercritical Watchmen purists, many cinema goers will not enjoy this movie due to its dedication to the source material.

It's a massive achievement that he managed to the story in the way that he did, however I'm left with the feeling that maybe staying true to the source material isn't always a great idea.

No matter what the fanboys say.

Apologies plus Watchmen, Final Crisis, Battle for the Cowl, Nolan for Batman 3?

2009-03-06T10:30:12Z

Okay, okay. So it's been a while since I actually wrote anything with some proper analysis in here.

So to answer your emails, yes I have been busy, no I haven't read Kevin Smith's Cacophony yet (still waiting on my signed order from Jay an Silent Bob's Secret Stash), I didn't get to a Watchmen preview screening, Batman's fate in Final Crisis did suck and Nolan HAS to direct the third Batman.

I have to apologise for my lack of blogs, things have been extremely busy at work and home. So sorry and thanks for the emails.

Now let's look at Batman in Final Crisis- Grant Morrisons's RIP was, in restrospect, a decent fate for The Dark Knight, it should have ended there and for me it will.

First off the Scots scribe completely places Batman in one of Darksied's uber scifi dungeons, gives him an gun, makes him fire it and attempt murder. The fanboys are saying "Wow! Complete full circle for the The Dark Knight, created with a gun and a bullet, ended with a gun and a bullet. Awesome!"

Newsflash. That isn't Batman of 70 years past. That's a common thug with a gun, just like Joe Chill. Say what you want, but the fundamental elements are the same. You know what really hacks me off though, the fact it didn't even murder Darksied. It wounded him in the shoulder!

So not only does does Batman break his fundamental oath he swore on his murdered parents grave, get fried alive, sent out of DC continuity.............he's a bad shot aswell.

What's next Batman and Fred Flintstone team up/cross over?

I enjoyed Mr Morrisons run on Batman and I thought it was some of the best stuff in recent memory- three ghosts of Batman, club of heroes, the black glove, issue 666-
and maybe this will turn out good in the end. But the whole RIP/Final Crisis feels as if it's been a huge PR stunt of the back of the success of The Dark Knight.

Now onto the Dark Knight sequel. There shouldn't be one unless Chris Nolan or Zack Snyder's involved. Chris Nolan could finish of his planned trilogy or if push comes to shove and he backs down, the third batman would be a great excuse to make The Dark Knight Returns, hence Snyder.

Set it 20 years after the events of TDK and cast an aged Christian Bale. Have a flash back montage to sum up the past two decades- death of the joker, justice league years, the robins-and bam, you have a platform for The Dark Knight Returns.

Having read the Battle for the Cowl preview over at IGN, I have to say I am really excited about Tony Daniel's upcoming mini-series. It's got a lot of hype to live up to, but if his writing is any good as his art, well, it's gonna rock.

Whose the next Batman gonna be check this out....http://i.livescience.com/images/BATMAN676-01.jp

Probably Nightwing, Tim Drake or Alfred Pennnyworth. No one else. Alfred is the obvious choice :P

And to answer other questions,, yes I am looking forward to Watchmen and no I don't consider it thee defnitive graphic novel of all time :)

New Torchwood Comic strip penned by John Barrowman

2009-02-17T12:02:19Z

Torchwood star John Barrowman has penned an exclusive comic book strip along with his sister, Carole Barrowman, for the February issue of Torchwood magazine.

Below is pictures of the script an the transcript of an interview between John and his sister.

CB: Ready to chat about our Torchwood Magazine comic?

JB: Wait. Shouldn't we have some sound effects if we're making this read like a scene from '24'?

CB: Do you even know how to write sound effects? You're the worst speller.

JB: I blame the doctor for that because when I was a kid I'd stay up late on Sunday nights when the classic DOCTOR WHO was on WTTW in Chicago so I'd never study for my Monday morning spelling tests. Add the sound effects later.

CB: Do you remember when we first got the idea to collaborate on a Captain Jack story?

JB: The summer when we were working together on Anything Goes. We were on location for Torchwood in a warehouse in Cardiff. I was filming the "Meat" episode.

CB: Wasn't that the same shoot where the pigeon pooped on Jack's shoulder? Now that was hilarious.

JB: That was good luck . . . the shoot was taking forever. Lots of green screen shots. I think I started making up ways that Jack could end the scene and we could all get home. Now that I think about it, we came up with some funny stuff . . . I still think we should do something someday with the idea of Jack and the-

CB: Shush!! . . . Can we tease shamelessly like that?

JB [laughing] I think we just did. Anyway, I remember the endings we made up got more ridiculous the longer we all sat in that cold damp warehouse . . . you and I kept playing on the way home in the car.

CB: I'd forgotten about that . . . do you remember what we called the game?

JB: "What Would Jack Do?" . . . but the actual comic didn't really take shape until Comic Con last summer in San Diego when we met Tommy Lee Edwards and Trevor Goring.

CB: It was the 'Face of Boe' poster that did it.

JB: The poster they created of Jack superimposed on the 'Face of Boe' still amazes me when I look at it. I framed it as soon as I got back to London. It's on the wall in my office and I think it's the best illustrated characterization of Jack that I've come across . . . until our comic is released that is.

CB: And you see a lot of images of Jack.

JB: Oh, yeah . . . so after Tommy, Trevor and I signed a batch of the posters, I asked them if they'd ever be interested in working with us on a graphic novel about Captain Jack.

CB: We had a graphic novel in our head because we had both recently read Neil Gaiman's MARVEL 1602. You'd bought it to send home with me for Turner [my son], but we each ended up reading it first.

JB: Was that the one where the X-Men face the Spanish Inquisition?

CB: Uh, huh . . . they're in Elizabethan England. Very clever stuff.

JB: Trevor and Tommy thought a collaboration sounded like a great idea and on the way home from Comic Con I knew that if we didn't pursue the idea of the four of us working together right away, we'd all get busy with our individual work and it would never happen.

CB: Torchwood Magazine didn't necessarily have a comic in mind did they?

JB: I don't think so . . . but given that we'd just hooked up with two of the best artists in the comic world, as far as I was concerned, it made sense to pitch a comic . . . and then later when you and I were brainstorming on a story, I remembered you'd written something before about the myth of the selkie, and I thought it'd be a perfect plot to adapt for what, in my head, I was already calling a "Captain Jack Tale."

CB: Except that my story had nothing to do with Torchwood or Captain Jack.

JB: Not then it didn't but we worked that out between us . . . I'd always wanted to do something that put Jack in Scotland and your original story was set on an island off the Orkneys. Plus we'd already agreed to tell a story that showed a side of Jack and a part of his history that hadn't been explored too much in other media . . . I wanted to give fans something original about Jack.

CB: What side of Jack do you think our comic foregrounds?

JB: I think we see Jack's compassion . . . maybe his guilt. Plus his wicked skills with a harpoon!

CB: You've always been a comic fan, haven't you?

JB: Oh, yeah. Love Spiderman, Batman, and definitely Captain America. . . I think it has something to do with when we immigrated to the States in the late 70s and I was trying hard to be an American kid. Couldn't get enough of comics and Captain America . . . but I also love Superman-all the Justice League heroes for that matter.

CB: Do you remember the first mint condition comic you ever bought me when you could afford one?

SOUNDS OF SILENCE

CB: You haven't got a clue, have you?

JB: A TIN TIN comic . . . plus a bunch of first edition 'Noddy' books.

CB: Nice save . . . so what do you think of 'Captain Jack and The Selkie' now that you've seen the finished product?
JB: I'm astonished. It's brilliant work. The panels with the selkie are completely breathtaking . . . and Jack looks so damn good.

CB: When Tommy and Trevor sent the first colored panels, I just stared at them in stunned admiration.

JB: Tommy Lee, Trevor, John Workman on the lettering, Martin Eden at Torchwood Magazine, everyone worked really hard, but Tommy Lee especially, given the tight deadlines and budget constraints.

CB: Are you game for another one?
JB: !bOng! !bOng! !bOng!

Torchwood Magazine Issue #14
On sale in the UK and Ireland 19th February
http://titanmagazines.co.uk/torchwood

On sale in the US 17th March
http://titanmagazines.com/torchwood

Torchwood Magazine Facebook Page
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Torchwood-Magazine/18692307341

A newcomer's thoughts on Long Halloween

2009-01-29T15:50:07Z

Hi guys, I'm stepping into the Mooneyverse while Richard is away. My name is Katy and I'm a relative comic newbie. I grew up watching the X-Men cartoons and Batman: The Animated Series, and have seen a lot of comic book related movies, but only recently did I decide to make the leap into reading comics.

To be totally honest, I was a bit daunted by the sheer volume of comics out there; the various arcs, authors and incarnations of our favourite superheroes made it impossible for me to know where to start.

However, thanks to the recommendations of some friends, I jumped in the deep end and came out with a graphic novel that I found riveting, exciting and well drawn. I submit to you, my thoughts on The Long Halloween....

It is a very noir book, which I enjoyed tremendously. It follows on from Frank Miller's Batman: Year One offering, and to be honest, although it was Heroes' Tim Sale who did the artwork, it did seem Miller-esque. It was beautifully drawn, a lot of dark and light contrast, with the colour mainly being provided by the villains.

The plot of The Long Halloween involves the killing of a number of mobsters. At first, the gang think it's a rival faction behind the hits, but soon the other side find their numbers dwindling. Batman, with Gordon and the newly appointed DA Harvey Dent are on the hunt for the killer, who strikes on public holidays.

One element I particularly enjoyed was that a number of Batman villains were utilised. From the Joker to Scarecrow to the Mad Hatter, it seemed as though the writers enjoyed bringing these great villains out and giving them a part of the story. It also helped a newbie like me, seeing characters I recognised.

Another great aspect of The Long Halloween was that it actually gave me an idea of the origins of the whole "I Believe In Harvey Dent" campaign that was alluded to in the viral marketing of The Dark Knight. (And that was some amazing viral marketing.)

The twist at the end was amazing and totally unexpected (at least by me) and I'm going off to buy Dark Victory, which I've been told is the sequel to The Long Halloween.

If anyone has any more recommendations for me, I'd love to hear them!

BATMAN RIP 681- Good, but overly hyped, read

2008-12-02T16:13:53Z

GRANT Morrison shouldn't have promised bat fans the most shocking revelation in the character's 70 year history at the end RIP.

That's my biggest qualm with 681, the Scots writer promised an ending on which he did not deliver.

There's hints to what the revelation maybe but at the end of the day we're left with as many questions as we had answers.

Many readers could be forgiven for expecting a dark grizzly end for the caped crusaders in 681, but it was the entire opposite, infact it's a plot device we've seen again and again throughout the hero's history.

Batman as we know him appeared to be finally subdued. The Batcave over ran, the betrayal of Jezebel, the possibility of Batman's origin being based entirely on a lie, and Batman himself, out his mind on heroine and crystal meth. This was a BRILLIANT set up for a tragic demise or spiritual death for the Dark Knight.

This was our chance to see Bruce Wayne pushed beyond his limits, this was our chance to his famous resolve break, to see his iron will shatter. But no, Morrison opted for the almost standard Batman ending, which we've seen time and time again.

Just when you think he's down the count, the Dark Knight explodes out of a coffin, takes back Arkham, mauls the Black Glove lackies and reveals that everything that had happened to him, was planned for, by him because as Morrison put "that's the thing about Batman, he thinks about everything."

To me this was a ridiculous ending and nothing like what we were promised from DC or Grant.

But maybe I'm getting ahead of myself. We've still got Batman: Last Rites and also Final Crisis where we'll learn the final fate of Bruce Wayne, post RIP.

But what do you think of Batman's RIP in 681?

Batman RIP revealed....well kinda...Spoiler warning

2008-11-18T15:28:13Z

So one week today we'll know the ultimate fate of Bruce Wayne.

One week today DC sells out there star hero for comic book sales, one wee today it all ends for The Dark Knight.

One week from today, Grant Morrisson kills Batman.

Nightwing, Robin and Birds of Prey all end this month in a shock announcement by DC.

No reason was given as to why.

Bruce Wayne won't die, but he'll suffer more of a 'spiritual death'.

So whose gonna take his place?

Nightwing aka Dick Grayson.......probably.

How do we know this? Those damn comic blurb teasers for February

Check these out from ign comics.

NIGHTWING #153

Written by Peter J. Tomasi

Art and cover by Don Kramer & Jay Leisten

It's the fateful, final "Batman" Last Rites" issue featuring an "Origins and Omens" backup! As Robin, Dick Grayson fought alongside Batman as part of the dynamic duo, the greatest crime-fighting team in history. As Nightwing, he teamed up with his peers to combat injustice in the Titans and the Outsiders. Now, Dick Grayson faces the most important battle of his life. Batman is dead. The Mantle of the Bat must be passed, but it will require all of Dick's training and skills to carry out the last wishes of Bruce Wayne and protect Gotham City. Will it be enough to protect himself from the dangers that await
him? Or is this the last the world will see of Nightwing?

FINAL ISSUE • On sale February 4 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

ROBIN #183 FINAL ISSUE • On sale February 18 • 32 pg, FC, $2.99 US

Written by Fabian Nicieza

Art and cover by Freddie E. Williams II

A "Batman: Last Rites" tie-in and featuring an "Origins and Omens" backup story! Gotham City has found a new hero and his name is Robin - but with a battle for Batman's cowl looming, is Tim Drake ready to become something more? Guest-starring Jason Todd and Lady Shiva. And don't worry, this final issue doesn't mark the end of Robin - it's just the start of an all-new beginning!

Battle for the Cowl will involve Hush, Nightwing, Catwoman, Tim Drake and Jason Todd.

But there really is only one possible replacement for Bruce Wayne as the Bat, isn't there?

Alfred. Yes Alfred. Okay maybe not the butler but it would be hilarious to see Alfred throw down with Gotham's ugliest.

No we're talking Dick Grayson. That's right Dick Grayson.

He has to be the next Batman. He's got the history, the skills, the respect, the tragedy and is almost Bruce's equal in every respect.

He did it once in Prodigal Son, but can he truly be Batman?

Yeah probably, until the next crisis when Bruce returns as good ol' batty!

Exciting times ahead for Bat fans!

The Graysons TV show Pilot....script ideas

2008-10-03T15:49:08Z

You know that bit in the Simpsons just before they're sitting down to watch the TV, when they have a different skit every time?

Yeah well I could imagine that as the intro this new TV show, John Grayson somersaulting in from a trapeze, his mum....what is Dick's mum's name anyway? Mrs Grayson cart wheeling in from the side. Dick's trumpy, goofy sidekick, Trunkard, the baby Elephant sauntering in and falling, comically in the middle of the scene. And then enters Chris O' Donnell as Dick "DJ" Grayson, on a unicycle wearing that damned stupid Robin-tribute-leotard from Batman Forever, juggling batarangs and gas bombs just for show and cue the title screen in a classy handwriting style on banner being carried by a baby Robin....just for the extra cheese factor.

Seriously, I mean seriously. The CW Network can't be serious about this. Dick Grayson pre-Robin days as a full blown TV show to replace Smallville...it's ridiculous, it'll never work and who ever thought it up should receive a canister of laughing gas from the Joker.

Here's my case. Smallville followed Clark Kent, an Alien from outerspace, in his pre-Superman days discovering his super powers and how he was actually best mates with Lex Luthor before the baldy bam stole his bird. Not the best of shows, but it has the substance, universe and characters for a good TV show. Even though it's not been the best of shows, it was a decent idea to begin with.

This isn't. Dick Grayson, pre-robin, isn't an interesting character, nor are his parents, friends, or girlfriends, or friends of girlfriends!

Now I'm not knocking the character of Dick Grayson here. I'm a big fan of Grayson as Nightwing. But lets face it an entire TV show based on the origin Batman's campy sidekick is inane and will not work.

So for funnies let's have a look at how the pilot episode may go

Cast

Dick Grayson: Chris O Donnell

Ma' Grayson: Jenny McCarthy

Pa' Grayson: John Goodman

Grampa Grayson: Burtward

Trumpy the Elephant: James Earl Jones

Opening Scene: Mrs Grayson is hanging up the grayson leotards outside the family circus tent. She stops and notices what looks like blood stains on Dick's. Dick, 16, emerges from the Tent and approaches his anxious looking mum

Dick: Hey Ma'

She turns and looks at her son, holding his bloody leotard

Ma' Grayson: Dick have you been out fighting with the baboons again?

Dick puts on an innocent face, obviously lying. Cue: Audience Laughter.

Dick: No Ma', I love em darn monkeys [Laughter]. That's just Ketchup.

Ma' looks angry. She knows her son is lying.

Ma' Grayson: Richard, are you lying to me?

Dick: No Ma' why would I do that?

Ma' Grayson (now looking extremely annoyed): Diiickk!

Just as she's about to smack him with a bag of grip powder, in walks Trumpy the Elephant (cue awwwws and laughter from the audience).

Dick: Hey boy, hows things?

Trumpy (voiced by James Earl Jones): Great Dick, my hay was just great this morning.

Dick: Awesome.

Ma' Grayson puts the leotard back up on the line and the scene fades to black.

The next scene opens with Pa' Grayson practicing some new moves in an empty circus tent. Dick walks in, texting his current girlfriend, and getting ready for practice.

Cue a montage of sweaty sporty moves

So here's what we're doing, why don't you guys write the next part? How does this disaster pilot go? You write, I'll put together a blog of the best.

You can write it in the comments below.

Do you know what an "Onsen" is?

2008-08-27T12:04:15Z

No neither did I up until a few days ago....

It`s basically a public bath and is a huge part of Japanese culture. Every man/woman from every walk of life in Tokyo comes to one of these a few times a week.

If you were under the assumption that bathing is a private time, well then an onsen is not for you. Some local Yakuza (Japanese Mafia) run these bath houses and watch every Gaijin (outsider, foreigner) like a hawk to make sure they clean every single part of themselves before letting them enter the hot tubs!

On Monday we met our friends Koji, Shimne and Hatamoshi- they all rock. Koji has been practising English for around the best part of a decade now and whilst the other two`s English skills aren`t brilliant, they still acted as if they had known us for years.

We visited a shrine that day also, I`m not so sure where it was but I had written a prayer for the monks to had to their wall of plaques.

Koji took us to this cheap-as-you-like, tradtional Japanese restuarant and Octopus, Horse and monkey nuts were the order of the day. The food just kept coming, as did the beer (and sake) and we were expecting a huge bill for the five of us. But it only came to 14,000 yen- that`s around 70 quid, not bad for a horse and an octopus.

Yesterday we visited Akihabara Electric Town, a heaven for gadget/Otaku fans like myself. The stores numbered in the hundreds and they each had at least 7 floors, and my task was to find a bargain pair of noise cancelling headphones. For a decent pair of Sony ones, you`re looking at naything between 10,000 and 30,000 yen- crazy money for headphones, but the sound quality is magic. I didn`t find any though and I gave up my search once this creepy sales person followed me around for half an hour.

The amount of anime/manga products on offer is unbelivable here. Things you`d pay through the nose for back in Scotland are as cheap as your standard action figures!

And today we made our way to the Ginza from Shinagawa. We attempted to walk it in the midday heat, but to no avail. After about halfway there we hopped on a train and found another Onsen where we cleaned ourselves up.

From the Ginza we made our way to the infamous Sony Building, which I must say I was really dissappointed at. It`s smaller than it seems and there isn`t much of their best technology on show- just some HD cams and no Robo dog!

We also scoped out Roppongi for nightclubs and to our dismay found an average entry price of 4000 yen for each club in Tokyo`s central nightlife area. As if that wasn`t bad enough you were looking at around 1000 yen a bottle of beer, that`s a fiver a beer!

Tokyo is an expensive city, but why do they insist on putting such a high price on what is supposed to be some of the world`s greatest nightlife?

�?�?�り�?��?�ん�?
(I don`t get it!)

Rich

Jetlagged in Japan

2008-08-25T03:16:55Z

Goobergackered I believe is a fitting one word description of my physical state yesterday. The journey to Tokyo was absolutely tiring.

First Jimmy and I checked into Glasgow Airport at 7 30 am for our 9 30 flight to London, Heathrow. That flight flew in suprisingly quick and was topped off by some stunning views of the London Eye, Westminster, the Thames and the new Wembley Stadium.

The flight to Tokyo was at 13 45 pm and was to last just a little under 12 hours. I haven`t flown with British Airways in a long time and I`m glad we chose them for oue flights because you definitely get what you pay for. A choice of movies, tv programmes and a moving map are just some of things on offer at your seats touch screen TV.

The flight to Narita was absolutely draining. We flew from London to the top half of Scandanavia, then across the Northern coast of Russia and then cut across China, Beijing and then straight to Narita, Tokyo.

Even though it was rainy and smoggy, the heat hut me right away. It was clocked at 29 degrees yesterday and it is much similar today.

From Narita we got our Suica rail passes (a card much similar to the Oyster card employed in London) and boarded the N`ex service to Shinagawa station, a 70 minute journey.

We arrived at the hotel finally and our rooms weren`t ready so we had to kick about the massive Shinagawa Prince complex for a few hours before we could get any shut eye.

After getting to our rooms we crashed out and slept for a good 8 hours.

We went out that night at around 10 pm and couldn`t find anywhere to eat..or drink....

Apparently on a Sunday night, everything shuts down at 11 pm apart from McDonalds and a few supermarkets.

So what did we have for our first meals in Japan? A good ol` Mickey D`s and I must say it was great.

So we get a carry out of 6 Asashi super dry and make our way back to the room for a few hours of drunken banter and crazy Japanese Teleshopping, before hitting the hay at 3 am.

Here we are the ethnic minority. People do stare at your western stylings and everything is in Japanese. I can read some basic Kanji, but a lot of what is written here (especially in bars & restaurants) is in Katakanna and that is completely out of my understanding!

But alas, the grub is great and the hotel is smashing. There`s not much to say for the weather though, it has been nothing but smog and rain for the past two days.

For breakfast this morning I had Pork Ramen (seaweed, noodles, pork & broth) a long with pan fried dumplings.

Tasty.

Only in Tokyo...