Population GO

Opening Your Day: Groovie Goolies There’s plenty of time...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Sat, 25 May 2013 08:00:06 -0700

Opening Your Day: Groovie Goolies

There’s plenty of time to get groovy during the 3-day weekend.

Closing Your Day: A Message From Eiichiro Oda

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:30:03 -0700

Recap of Pop GO posts published on May 24, 2013.

Opening

Hero Tales

News

Reviews

Segments

Weekend Remix: Finish Him Daniel-san!

FanimeCon 2013

Day One

FanimeCon 2013: Day One

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:02:10 -0700

What better way to start Fanime 2013 with a bang! The beat of taiko drums rang in the official start of this West Coast con.

This is my third year attending, and it still holds up as one of my favorite conventions of the year. And I shall endeavor to do my best to bring you the details of this weekend. Check out my first recap after the break!

––––

After driving all night, I finally arrived in San Jose to find…

…a sparsely populated convention hall (with robot Lincoln).

Turns out we got here a bit too early. But things were bound to heat up, if the line was any indication. Take a look at the at-convention registration line:

Fanime officially kicked off with the Opening Ceremonies. Not the best produced function I’ve ever attended, but definitely still fun. Fanime has an amazing line-up of Guests of Honors, from the Takahiro Omori, resident Animation Director at Brain’s Base to 7!! (Seven Oops), a J-Rock band hailing from Okinawa. Unfortunately, Chris Patton could not attend due to a family emergency, so that was a bit of a bummer, but we at Pop GO wish him nothing but the best.

Today we spent most of the day bouncing from hall to hall, checking out what Fanime 2013 had to offer. Like everything else in life, change is inevitable, though not all change is bad. This year saw the conversion of one of the exhibit halls into a modest food court, moving the Artist Alley to a completely different building. Then there’s also the general construction happening, causing last minute fixes for sudden problems. But even with all of the moving around, Fanime promises to be super fun again. Just hope I don’t collapse before the end of it…

Four New Character Posters For DreamWorks’...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 21:11:34 -0700

Four New Character Posters For DreamWorks’ “Turbo”

Dream Works Animations has dropped four new character posters for their summer animated flick, Turbo.

From the film’s Facebook page, the posters feature the characters of Whiplash, Smoove Move, Burn and Skidmark voiced by Samuel L. Jackson, Snoop Dog, Maya Rudolph and Ben Schwartz, respectively.

DreamWorks Animations also features the voices of Ryan Reynolds, Michael Pena, Paul Giamatti, Luis Guzman, Bill Hader, Richard Jenkins, Ken Jeong and Michelle Rodriguez, with a release date for July 17th.

[Facebook]

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Anime Review: RDG Red Data Girl - 8

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 19:00:00 -0700

And on this episode of RDG Red Data Girl, things get… weird.

——

I am having a hard time writing anything about this episode of RDG Red Data Girl. This is not because it was bad, no, I actually enjoyed this episode in some points; it just got really weird. Izumiko is attempting to go to the “inbetween” in order to retrieve Manatsu, who has decided to go there and live with his brother because he believes he is going to die of a heart defect that also killed Masumi. On her journey, she dances, sings, and accidentally sets free a huge dragon that almost kills them. Luckily they are saved by the “goddess”, who is there because Izumiko’s mother came to save them… And then they all leave? Eh. Just really weird.

Like I said, this episode wasn’t particularly bad, but it wasn’t particularly good either. I found that the characters were basically just fumbling around for this episode and it really wasn’t pushing the plot forward. I mean, I am glad that Manatsu is saved and everything, but having his character decide to go to the “inbetween” because he didn’t want to die by his family seems sooooo contrived. I know that he doesn’t want to cause them pain by having them see him die, but does running away cause any less pain? Eh, no, not really. This episode just made me feel like the series was stalling the plot for some reason. It was an interesting diversion, but I am not 100% sure why it occurred.

The best part, and probably the part of the episode with the most significance, is when Izumiko meets and questions the goddess and her mother. Although there aren’t a lot of answers given, it is clear that there ARE answers. I am glad that the mother is around and may be willing to give Izumiko some answers considering her fate as a vessel for the goddess. Also, seeing Izumiko pining for a normal life breaks my heart a little bit. While she may have the distinct “honour” of being the goddess’ vessel, all she really wants is to have a normal life.

All in all, this was a very uneven episode of RDG Red Data Girl. While I appreciated the conversations with the goddess and Izumiko’s mother, I found the rest of the episode weird for the sake of being weird and ultimately unrelated to the plot. Also, did Izumiko leave Mayura and Manatsu for good? Or am I just imagining things? Wait, why did Miyuki have wings? Gahhhhhhh!!! Answers next week? Maybe?

GO Rating: 3/5

Film Review: Epic

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 17:00:04 -0700

“Moist is what we do.”

Blue Sky Animation Studios is a solid anomaly in the animation world. Like the number five pitcher in your rotation, they never seek to surprise or keep anyone on their toes, they just want to deliver something that goes right down the middle of the plate. They rely more on stunt casting & crowded, busy composition than they do on creative voice casting or innovative storytelling (the hallmarks of the better animation studios in the industry).

Therefore, it’s hard to be too critical of their latest animated feature, Epic, as it has no real ambition beyond getting kids to sit down and shut up for ninety odd minutes. Don’t get me wrong: there’s lots of things to nitpick and pull apart in this film, but because it took no real risks, it’s virtually impossible for me to look down my nose at the film.

Maybe I’m just getting soft, but judged solely on its ambitions, Epic achieves more or less exactly what it set out to achieve.

——

M.K. (Amanda Seyfried) has just moved in with her estranged father Bomba (Jason Sudeikis) following the death of her mother. Bomba searches the forest surrounding his home incessantly for evidence of little leaf men, coming off like a cross between Doc Brown & Wayne Szalinski — so basically, not fit to parent. Meanwhile, we discover that those little leaf men he’s in search of really do exist, and there are two factions at war with one another. One faction, The Leaf Warriors, serves Queen Tara (Beyonce Knowles) in service of keeping the vegetation and plant life of the world healthy. The other, The Boggins, serve under the guidance of the maniacal Mandrake (Christoph Waltz), and seek to destroy all plant life and thrive in its rot.

When M.K. has had her fill of her crazy dad (after what only seems like a few hours) she decides to run away, but she finds herself thrust into the middle of this battle. She is presented with a magical bud that, when it blooms, will become the savior of The Leaf Warriors. She is shrunk down to their size, and joins a faction of warriors, led by Ronin (Colin Farrell) & Nod (Josh Hutcherson), who must get the bud to Nim Galuu (Steven Tyler), a caterpillar (I think), who will know how to make it bloom and save their world.

My first, and most immediate, gripe with Epic is that it doesn’t feel like its own movie. It borrows so liberally from other works of fantasy & animation that it can’t help but feel derivative. Among the many stories it borrows from are Ferngully, Honey I Shrunk the Kids, The Lion King, Disney’s Fairies films, and Avatar (a shocking statement as that film was borrowed almost wholesale from other works). It never truly feels like its own film, and that’s a shame because there are some interesting ideas at play here. It feels like a kindred spirit to Zack Snyder’s 2010 film The Legend of the Guardians, a film that tries to cram three films’ worth of story and adventure into ninety minutes, and ends up feeling rushed and ultimately unsatisfying.

There are two things that I will give this film a ton of credit for, however. First, it has the courage of its convictions to kill off a major character at the end of the first act, and then leave that character dead. Not many animated films do that anymore, and even those that do almost always end up bringing that character back from the dead (I’m looking at you Rise of the Guardians). Second, the film has a handful of very creative visual sequences. The first major action set piece (in which said character dies) is fantastically well done, and the film’s running gimmick of having the little people’s world run at a faster speed than the human world is very clever. Whenever the two worlds collide, the animators do an interesting job of conveying this, and it works better than virtually anything else in the film.

But like all Blue Sky films, this one is only as good as the mixed bag of a voice cast assembled to bring these characters to life, and here we have some good highs and some disastrous lows. First, there’s solid work in smaller roles from good comedic actors like Sudeikis, Chris O’Dowd, Aziz Ansari, Judah Friedlander & Kyle Kinane. Then you have decent, if phoned in, work from respectable actors like Waltz & Farrell, and work that’s serviceable, but nothing to write home about from Seyfried & Hutcherson.

Then there’s the ridiculous stunt casting. I know she’s a mom, but Beyonce’s voice is anything but matronly, and she sounds about twenty years too young for the role of the queen. And have none of these animators seen Steven Tyler’s atrocious voice work in The Polar Express? What were they thinking giving him a character with more than two or three lines? Then you have Pitbull, most famous for thinking that the words brilliant and billions rhyme. Again, he’s got a small part, but the measure of how good a complete film is is in how well even the smallest roles are cast. I hate to use this analogy twice, but they just appear to be aiming right down the center of the plate, trying to appeal to as many people as possible. Can we please stop casting musicians to do major voice work in high profile films? It almost never works out well.

Epic is anything but, and while that’s disappointing, it’s anything but unexpected from an animation house like Blue Sky. Even their best work is mediocre, and they don’t appear to be aiming for anything more. I’d take a film that shot for the moon and fell way short over a film that aims for Poughkeepsie and lands right in the middle of the town square. Your kids (under 10) will likely enjoy it much more than you will, but as C.S. Lewis said, “a children’s story that can only be enjoyed by children is not a good children’s story in the slightest.”

GO Rating: 2.5/5

[Photos via Box Office Mojo]

New Poster For “World War Z” Paramount Pictures has...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:30:03 -0700

New Poster For “World War Z”

Paramount Pictures has released a new poster for Brad Pitt’s upcoming adaptation of the novel World War Z.

The poster features its lead star Pitt, overlooking a city being overrun by zombie pandemic and with helicopters flying above it.

World War Z stars Brad Pitt, James Badge Dale, Mireille Enos, Matthew Fox, David Morse and David Andrews, with a release date set for June 21st.

[IMPAwards]

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Featured: Favorite Cross-Dressers/Gender-Benders in Anime
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Latest Banner For “Pacific Rim” Warner Bros....

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:00:04 -0700

Latest Banner For “Pacific Rim”

Warner Bros. Pictures and Legendary Pictures have dropped a new banner for Guillermo Del Toro’s upcoming summer flick, Pacific Rim.

The banner features the American Jaeger, Gyspy Danger, with a giant knife protruding from its left arm in the midst of combat against one of the various Kaijus.

Pacific Rim stars Charlie Hunnam, Rinko Kikuchi, Idris Elba, Charlie Day & Ron Perlman.

[IMPAwards]

——

Featured: Favorite Cross-Dressers/Gender-Benders in Anime
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"Grand Theft Auto V" Pre-Order And Special/Collector's Editions

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 15:30:29 -0700

Pre-orders have finally opened for Rockstar’s highly anticipated Grand Theft Auto V. All pre-orders are going to come with a special in-game vehicle in the form of the Atomic Blimp (above). Also announced were the Special Edition and Collector’s Edition of the game which come chock full of goodies to supplement your escapades in Los Santos. September can’t come any sooner

Hit the break for details on either collection.

——

Priced at $79.99, the Special Edition will contain:

Full retail copy of Grand Theft Auto V
Collectible SteelBook with Exclusive Artwork
This special SteelBook features double-sided, never-before-seen artwork of Michael, Trevor and Franklin. Custom color and metallic treatments bring out the detail of the artwork created exclusively for this SteelBook.
Blueprint Map
This exclusive, additional 21.5” x 26.75” map displays a blueprint view of Los Santos and Blaine County. Cryptic markings indicate locations for fast cash and other points of interest for the up-and-coming entrepreneur.
Special Ability Boost
Michael, Franklin and Trevor each have a unique special ability. With this boost, the special ability bar will generate 25% faster.
Stunt Plane Trials
Single player Stunt Plane Trials let you take on additional aerial challenges spread throughout Los Santos and Blaine County.
Bonus Outfits, Tattoos and More
Michael, Franklin and Trevor get bonus outfits in their wardrobes, character specific tattoos at tattoo parlors, and special deals from shopkeepers across Los Santos and Blaine County.
Additional Weapons
When visiting Ammunation stores in single player, merchants will have special weapons in their inventory available for free: the Pistol .50, Bullpup Shotgun and melee Hammer.

At $149.99, the Collector’s Edition will have all contents of the Special Edition with the following additions:

Grand Theft Auto V Security Deposit Bag with Logo Key
Inspired by the heists in Grand Theft Auto V, this custom 10.75” x 8.5” money bag features a pop-up style lock and laser cut logo key to secure important items. The reverse side features a pressed Rockstar Games logo on the security mount with a framed ID window.
Grand Theft Auto V New Era 9FIFTY™ Snapback Cap
This exclusive New Era 9FIFTY™ cap features an embroidered Los Santos logo on the front, a stitched, black Rockstar Games logo on the wearer’s left side, a Grand Theft Auto ‘V’ logo applique on the opposite side, and snapback closure for an adjustable fit.
Custom Characters for Grand Theft Auto Online
Get classic Grand Theft Auto characters to use within the Grand Theft Auto Online Character Creation System.
Unique Vehicles and Garage Property
Players will instantly receive a garage to store custom vehicles. In single player, the garage will be stocked with the 1930’s style Hotknife hotrod and the CarbonRS sports bike. In Grand Theft Auto Online, players will get the high-end Khamelion electric car.

[Rockstar] [Joystiq]

Weekend Remix: Finish Him Daniel-san! Song: Karate Kid Vs....

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:00:11 -0700

Weekend Remix: Finish Him Daniel-san!

Song: Karate Kid Vs. Mortal Kombat
By: DJ Fade
Based On: Techno Syndrome from Mortal Kombat and sound clips from The Karate Kid
Original Composers: The Immortals

So what if Johnny had literally tried to put Daniel in a body bag? It’s what I’ve been wondering while listening to this week’s remix.

The Karate Kid and Mortal Kombat are two completely different properties, where the only loose link is martial arts. However, thanks to DJ Fade, the two synch up for quite an interesting mash-up.

Fade plays around with The Immortals’ techno classic, manipulating the beat like a DJ whose trying to push the crowd beyond party mode. Sprinkle in some familiar sound bytes and it’s almost as if The Karate Kid actually took place in Outworld.

Although to be a fair, I doubt a swan kick is going to do much against a ninja that freezes everything.

If you’d like to hear more from DJ Fade, click here.

Until next weekend…GO Party!

Oda Asks Readers To "Please Wait For Just A Bit Longer"

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 12:19:00 -0700

One Piece author Eiichiro Oda, who was hospitalized earlier this week, took the time to release a message updating fans on his current condition.

——

I messed up!

I put up with my illness for too long, and my condition got worse. I apologize to all the readers who were looking forward to the next chapters, as well as to all the Straw Hats who were really looking forward to wreaking some havoc. But I’m currently going through some painful treatment. The story was just about to take a new turn, so I really really wanted you all to read the next chapter as soon as possible. I know how long two weeks can feel for all the shonen out there, but please wait for just a bit longer. -Eiichiro Oda

Oda was hospitalized for pertonsillar abscess, a problem that arises from an untreated tonsillitis infection. One Piece has since been put on a two-week hiatus to allow Oda to recover and will return on June 10.

This is not the first time One Piece has been put on a hiatus because of an illness to Oda this year. The series went on a one-week break in March.

[Shonen Jump Viz]

Manga Review: Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun - 41

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 10:00:22 -0700

The mystery of Haru’s disappearance begins.

——

In this chapter, we find out that Haru hasn’t returned to school since his fight with Shizuku. It also seems that Sasayan is down as well. Shizuku worries that it is her fault, but Haru hasn’t contacted her either. While she sulks, she meets up with Yamaken, who once again helps her to realize that she needs to speak to Haru before she does anything. The chapter ends when Shizuku shockingly finds Haru on a street bench eating food.

I liked the development for Shizuku in this chapter. It is nice to see her deliberating on handling her feelings poorly and wanting to communicate with Haru. Hopefully they can repair things before Haru loses control again. If they make their feelings clearer, I think things can work out well.

I also feel pretty bad of Yamaken. The guy has already been rejected and he can’t help but give Shizuku relationship advice. She may belong to Haru, but if this fight continues, Yamaken’s chances are becoming better by the minute. Haru better not let his jealousy get out of control again.

I’m looking forward to finding out Haru’s whereabouts in the next chapter and his talk with Shizuku. I also hope to find out what’s going on with Sasayan. Let’s hope it isn’t serious!

GO Rating: 3/5

[mangahere]

Trailer For “Justice League: The Flashpoint...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:00:20 -0700

Trailer For “Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox”

The trailer for the latest DC Comics animated film, Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox, has been released by IGN.

Based loosely on the 2011 Flashpoint storyline by Geoff Johns and Andy Kubert, the trailer hints towards a larger presence for the Reverse-Flash, meaning fans of the original comic series can probably expect to see a few surprises when the film debuts.

Justice League: The Flashpoint Paradox is set for a July 30 release, and will be available on Blu-ray, DVD, On Demand, and other digital download formats.

[IGN]

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Opening Your Day: Hero Tales Have a heroic weekend!

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Fri, 24 May 2013 08:00:18 -0700

Opening Your Day: Hero Tales

Have a heroic weekend!

Closing Your Day: Round 2

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 22:00:14 -0700

[via]

Recap of Pop GO posts published on May 23, 2013.

Opening

Pac-Man World 2 (PS2)

News

Reviews

Segments

Top 5: Favorite Cross-Dressers/Gender-Benders in Anime

Top 5: Favorite Cross-Dressers/Gender-Benders in Anime

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:00:00 -0700

[via]

We’ve all been there, questioning the gender of a particular character, and sometimes it’s not so easy to figure it out. But I love these type of characters, especially when they aren’t forced to be at the butt of everyone’s jokes. I honestly think they make anime storylines more entertaining, and on rare occasions raise some interesting questions about gender roles in society.

So I decided to compile a list of my favorite cross-dressers and gender-benders found in anime. I decided to avoid the more flamboyant characters, such as Nathan from Tiger and Bunny (sorry, darling, I love you, but you aren’t what I’m looking for). Rather, I picked characters who had clear reasons or, on the other hand, misunderstandings for why they dress or act the way they do.

Follow the count down after the break! Although, if you know me, you could probably already guess who is No. 1…

——

(Possible spoilers below.)

5. Hideyoshi Kinoshita (Baka and Test)

Although at No. 5, that doesn’t mean I love Hideyoshi any less. In fact, I think he is the very best… at unintentionally being a girl. Hideyoshi is a twin, thus the perfect excuse for his very feminine appearance. He usually finds himself on the girl’s “team” in almost every activity despite his protests. To everyone in the anime, he is pretty much 100% girl. And even though he says he is male, his gender has never really been confirmed. We can only take his word for it.

I never get tired of the many ways the animators play around with his character, taking fanservice in a whole new direction. This poor, poor boy. But his gender-bending never gets old. In my opinion, he has to be on everyone’s cross-dressing/gender-bending list. And, he has such a sweet personality despite the circumstances.

___

4. Haruhi Fujioka (Ouran High School Host Club)

Everyone knows Haruhi, the very personification of a tortured soul forced into horrible servitude because of a unfair debt. I exaggerate. I know I’m not the only one who would love to be in her shoes. Haruhi accidentally breaks a vase in Host Club’s room and, in order to pay them back, is forced to cross-dress as a male host. Thus, she becomes part of the fun adventures and general mishaps found only within the Ouran High School Host Club.

What I like about Haruhi is that cross-dressing doesn’t bother her and she actually turns out to be a really good host. Plus, I think she is cute. Isn’t that reason enough to put her on this list? To be honest, I think Haruhi might be the face of cross-dressers in anime. When I thought of well-known cross-dressers, she was one of the first to come to mind. Probably because the starting premise of the anime is her cross-dressing. You go, girl! Rock that boy’s uniform!

___

3. Kino (Kino’s Journey: The Beautiful World)

We all know Kino is a girl. I’m not spoiling anything for anyone, right? I see Kino as a gender-bender and one could argue that she is a tomboy. But, let’s not get too caught up in labels. Her gender is kept hidden in the beginning of this series — she refers to herself in the masculine form, she dresses very masculine, and her demeanor is masculine as well. But, through a flashback, it is revealed at Kino is in fact a girl whole encountered a traveler and follows in his footsteps.

Kino is a type of girl not usually seen in popular anime. She doesn’t stand out in any particular way, she is just a simple traveler with impressive gun skills. However, she is very aware of the world and sees the truth when others choose to ignore it. She is a very strong female lead who only relies on herself and her motorcycle, Hermes. While most lone travelers are male, Kino stands alone. She doesn’t purposefully hide her gender, she just doesn’t reveal it.

___

2. Mariya Shidou (Maria Holic)

Okay, so this one surprised me the first time around. I don’t know how many people watch Maria Holic (or have heard of it), but Mariya Shidou is actually a boy cross-dressing in order to attend a prestigious all-girl’s high school. His grandmother was the original chairman of the school and, for exact reasons I won’t reveal here, the only way for him to follow her legacy is by attending the school himself. It takes a lot of guts to attend an all-girl’s school just to become chairman. Props for that. But the craziest part about all this is that Mariya’s disguise is so perfect that he becomes the ideal type for the lesbian protagonist, Kanako Miyamae. Twist!

Why do I love this character? Because although he has the face of an angel, he is as sinister as the devil and finds enjoyment torturing the poor Kanako in his free time. Kanako just can’t resist his feminine charms, even when she knows his chest is fake. Mariya is a killer beauty, but he has determination! Nothing, not even attending an all-girl’s school, will stop him from becoming chairman!

___

1. Naoto Shirogane (Persona 4 The Animation)

And finally my No.1, Naoto Shirogane. Why? Because of her reason for cross-dressing. Her cross-dressing was a reflection of social pressures and gender role divides. She wanted to become a detective, but felt like she wouldn’t be respected in a usually male-dominated field. She disguised herself as a man not only to gain the respect of the varies police divisions she partners with, but also because the typical portrait of a detective is male. She wanted to become the ideal detective and felt that disguising her feminine side was the best option. Luckily, as the anime develops, Naoto realizes that she can still be an amazing detective regardless of her gender.

Naoto’s situation brings up some of the problems woman face in male dominated fields While most woman won’t go so far as to cross-dress, many feel the need to hide their femininity to fit in. I think Naoto is really brave for following her dreams and I always thought it would be interesting to see her continuing her detective work while being more open about her gender.

___

Well that was my Top 5! Did I miss anyone?

Feel free to share your own list of favorite anime cross-dressers or gender-benders!

[Images via 1 2 3 4 5 6]

Second Chansu! Pre-order Figma Link and Samus For those of you...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 16:00:30 -0700

Second Chansu! Pre-order Figma Link and Samus

For those of you who missed out on the first run of Figma Link and Figma Samus, now’s your second chance to put in your order! These are a re-release, so they don’t come with anything new, but it’s a lot better paying around $35 for them now instead of around $150 or so later on. Pre-orders have started and will be sent out to fans sometime late September. Take this chance to add two amazing Figmas to your collection.

Pre-order them at:

[HobbySearch]

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Manhwa Review: Ability - 31 & 32

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:00:21 -0700

Ye Rin reveals a new power.

——

In Chapter 31, the group tracks the boy with Ye-Rin’s tracking power. They find him falling victim to an Another attack, and Un and Ye-Rin distract the baddies as Yu-Hwa and the boy make an escape. In the next chapter, the boy explains that he has swallowed the item for safekeeping. Yu-Hwa sends him off as an Another attacks. The group catches up and finish off the Another before chasing after the boy. We find out that his name is unknown and he possesses a Hon healing stone. At the end of the chapter, the young boy arrives at a hospital, hoping to cure his ailing grandpa.

I enjoyed the pacing of these two chapters. There was a bit of fighting, but also a lot of explanation. It was nice to see Ye-Rin’s powers, although I am curious about just how many powers these Hon agents have. I also wonder if the young boy is hiding any power of his own.

It was nice to see some characterization for the boy with his grandfather. Hopefully he can be saved as he seems like a kind person. I am curious as to why the boy had to be protected by Hon in the first place if he had a human guardian. I hope to find out the details soon.

The next chapter should be good. Maybe we will see the healing stone in action. It may even have some relationship to Yu-Hwa’s healing powers. Hopefully we get some answers soon.

GO Rating (average): 3/5

[mangahere: link 1, link 2]

LEGO Goes “Star Wars” For Largest Model Earlier in...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:00:19 -0700

LEGO Goes “Star Wars” For Largest Model

Earlier in Times Square, LEGO unveiled this 1:1 scale model of an X-Wing from Star Wars. The model is not only large enough for someone to sit in, but it is also LEGO’s biggest model.

The model was built using 5,335,200 bricks. Just like an actual X-Wing, the model is 11-feet tall and 43-feet long with a 44-foot wingspan. It took 32 builders a total of four months to complete.

You can also view some of the video of the engines actually sounding and glowing.

[I Heart Chaos & Gizmodo]

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Even Spidey Needs A Break Sometimes Looks like Spider-Man wanted...

populationgo@gmail.com (Population GO) — Thu, 23 May 2013 12:00:00 -0700

Even Spidey Needs A Break Sometimes

Looks like Spider-Man wanted to work on his jump shot.

Kidding aside, apparently while taking a break from filming The Amazing Spider-Man 2, star, Andrew Garfield shot some hoops with some children in Manhattan’s Chinatown. Those that uploaded the video claim it really was Garfield, and that co-star and real-life girlfriend Emma Stone was there as well.

Huh, his dribbling isn’t too bad.

[Fashionably Geek]

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