Ani-Culture.net » Anime

Gundam Unicorn Episode 5 Singapore Premiere

makotosato — Mon, 21 May 2012 15:08:59 +0000

It’s been two years since the start of the theatrical rendition of the Gundam Unicorn series, and it has been certainly a memorable experience following the series.

While I do enjoy the recent incarnations of the Gundam franchise, I always find myself looking for that depth of story and character that the Universal Century series provided, and Gundam Unicorn is a throwback to that era.

Our dear friends from Sheng Tai Toys were kind enough to invite Ani-culture along for the screening of Episode 5: “The Black Unicorn” at Lido Theaters last Saturday, and it was definitely a fine way to enjoy the latest installment.

Registration for "The Black Unicorn" Screening

Goodie Bags for all the fans!

The Japanese Special Booklet

Although it certainly could not match the prestige of the Japanese premiere [Link], I appreciated the efforts the organizers took in terms of posters and providing the Japanese release booklets for the attendees- a lovely memento of the event. And if the turnout is any indication, there is no shortage of Gundam Unicorn fans in Singapore.

The gathering crowd

What happens next?

While I will not spoil the episode for those who have not watched it, I will give my thoughts about it in general. The previous episode “At the Bottom of the Gravity Well” was very much an exploration of the motivations of not just Mineva/Audrey and Banagher Links, but of Riddle Marcenas, Suberoa Zinnerman and Marida Cruz as well. Everyone is chained by either the past or their lineage. “Friend” and “Enemies” are matters of perspective. Playing on this, “The Black Unicorn” sets in motion the struggle for everyone to find their own path towards the future.

We all marvel at the fantastic mobile suit battles in Gundam Unicorn, but I enjoyed the fact it has always played out as a character driven story. Audrey and Bhagahar reunite once again, and one can sense their time apart has only strengthened their resolve, and perhaps even given them the direction they needed. With the “Unicorn” by her side, can the “Lady” carve a path through an uncertain future?

The relationship between Zinnerman and Marida finally reaches its climax, and it becomes clear their bond was borne out of mutual loss- a painful reminder that when someone dies as result of war, the sorrow is many fold.

People may see Riddle as becoming the antagonist (or the jerk) of the series, but I see him becoming the embodiment of the fears of the people who fear changing the status quo. All he wants is to protect what he has and what he hopes to have- something each and everyone of us can identify with. With their backs to the wall, the most unlikely of allies come together- everyone’s destiny is now inexplicably tied to the quest for the Laplace box.

On a lighter note, it was heartening to see Captain Otto and the crew of the Nahel Argama once again, after their absence in the previous installment. The appearance by characters from previous series, especially Captain Bright Noah, even if it was for a fleeting moment, was a nice touch as well. If you are a real hardcore fan, you might even notice another tribute to the original Gundam series, akin to “Char’s Kick”, between the Tri-Stars and the Unicorn.

Episode Five certainly brings the story full circle, and one can sense everything is building up to a climatic resolution for the final two installments. No one can really say how the OVA will differ from the Novel from here on out, I am sure it will be a fitting conclusion.

Eager Gundam Hobbyists

Missed out on the previous limited edition Gunpla? Here's your chance at redemption.

The "Lion" and the "Unicorn"

While the screening was certainly the highlight of the occasion, I did enjoy the experience of being surrounded by fellow Gundam enthusiasts, especially at the model merchandise exhibit in Isetan’s toy department. It was nostalgic to see eager fans snap up model kit after model kit, and I certainly felt the urge to add to my already overflowing collection.

As a closing note, Ani-Culture.net would like to once again thank Sheng Tai Toys for inviting us for a memorable occasion and kudos for a well-executed event.

SHARP SH-06D NERV Edition(Video)

tueac — Thu, 17 May 2012 08:46:32 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ouf4LfIxuo8

This is getting super tempting… … NTT Docomo have already announce that the phone will be part of the 2012 Summer lineup in a showcase yesterday. It will be made available for pre-order on the 16th of June and collection near end of June.

They even had a live stream for the announcement. If this is not your cup of tea, you might wanna head down to their site for more choices.

Website: NTT DOCOMO | NERV KETAI | Evangelion 3.0 × NTT docomo facebook page

SG: Gundam Unicorn Ep5 Screening Premier Invites

tueac — Thu, 17 May 2012 03:50:11 +0000

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OgovM71S2mY

Update: just 3 more days~

Sheng Tai Toys, along with Bandai Singapore will be inviting Fans to the Singapore Premier screening of Gundam Unicorn Episode 5 with a special redeem system.

For each selected HG gunpla purchased will earn you a cupon that can be mailed to Sheng Tai Toys for 1 tickets and a MG earns you a pair.

The Screening will be on the same day as the Japanese premier in Japan, on the 19th of May 2012, Saturday.

Location and time of the event will be made known on the confirmation email regarding the screening.

Please refer to the below graphics for more information.

In other news, there is this campaign currently going on. A “Gunpla x Gundam.info promotion campaign” card with a series of number is given with every purchase of any selected Gunpla model kit.

Entering this serial number into a the gundam.info site’s campaign page will allow you to take part in a lucky draw with a chance to win HK$15,000 worth of prizes.

This campaign is open to Singapore, Malaysia, Indonesia, Philippines, Australia, USA, Canada, Italy, and Thailand.

Thank you Sheng Tai Toys Singapore and Bandai Singapore for sharing with us these promotions.

Tails of CaT² Episode 2: Uniform Change!

tueac — Wed, 16 May 2012 14:23:16 +0000

Welcome to the week 2 of Tails of CaT², this week Chiya and Tama explore the act of changing their uniforms~

It’s to cheer Chiya up from the last episode… but…

Tails of CaT², Episode 2, Uniform Change~

Developed by Daiyaku in collaboration with Ani-Culture.net

Cardfight!! Vanguard VGE-BT06 Review

Xenoedge — Sat, 12 May 2012 12:41:58 +0000

Now we all know that 12 May marks the day that VGE-BT06, better known as the English version of BT-06 Cardfight!! Vanguard booster box, release in Singapore. This set will also be released internationally on 19 May, 1 week after its initial release in Singapore. Without any further time wasting, let us look into some of the cards presented in this set.

For this set, it is a major boost for the 2 new clans, Gold Paladin and Narukami. This set also presents some refreshing upgrades to minor clans such as Granblue and Nova Grappler. Most of the core cards for the new clan, Angel Feather, can be found in this set too.

First I shall go through both Gold Paladin and Narukami. For these 2 clans, you should look out for the new and powerful grade 3 for each clan.

For Gold Paladin, there is the Incandescant Lion, Blond Ezel. The effect of this card are that it gains a boost for each of the rear guard you have on the field. For its limit break, after counter blasting 2, you reveal the top of your deck. If it is a Gold Paladin clan unit, you can call it to an empty rear guard circle and adds the power of the unit to the card. If you are lucky and reveal a unit with a 10 000 power, this unit can easily overkill its opponents.

For Narukami, you have the Dragonic Kaiser, Vermillion. The most interesting thing about this unit is its limit break. After counter blasting 2, the card can then attack all of the frontal units of your opponent field. This means that as long as this unit’s power is higher than the lowest power of the opponent units, the attack will be successful. An example would be that if your vanguard is 11 000 and the two rear guards are 10 000 power, assuming that Dragonic Kaiser has attacking power of 10 000, the attack will be successful on the two rear guards but not the vanguard. There are a few things to take note. Since this unit is targeting all the frontal units at once, the opponent is unable to use those units as intercept. This is a good limit break as it force your opponent to guard his vanguard and rearguard indiviually which result in draining of your opponent’s hand size.

Now for the upgrades available for Nova Grappler and Granblue.

Granblue currently has a lot of different cards available in this set but I will be only going through the 2 major units that I am particularly interested in.

First up is the grade 3 unit called Necromancer of the Ice Prison, Cocytus. This card has a limit break which increases 5 000 power when you have 4 damage, which makes it very valuable as a vanguard. The other ability takes place when you ride this unit, after counter blasting 1, you can call a unit from the drop zone to an empty rear guard circle. Given the normal Granblue playing style which forces the player to discard cards from the deck to the drop zone, this card allows a great variety of units to be called back up to the field.

The other card is another grade 3 called Death Seeker, Thanatos. It has a rearguard ability that after hitting the vanguard, counter blast 1 and retire itself. Then, call another Granblue unit other than itself from the drop zone to any rearguard circle. What makes it interesting is that this can allow you to attack more than 3 times during your turn.

For Nova Grappler, you can create a main play style of using the Divine Beast style from this set. The grade 0 unit allows you to stand a unit with Divine Beast in its name when you boost with it and hit. While the grade 1 and 2 allows you to look for the grade 3 Divine Beast from the top 5 of your deck which helps you save a card in your hand. As for the grade 3 Divine Beast, Azure Dragon, it is the first Nova Grappler to have what we called persona blast in the Japanese series. The cost to play the effect is to drop the same card from your hand into the drop zone. For this unit’s ability, it allows you to stand 2 rearguards, which is a good combo to use and hit in as the second attack during your turn.

Now for the new clan, Angel Feather. This clan has a very interesting play style to it. Firstly, you have the combo of using Miracle Feather Nurse style until grade 2. Then, for grade 3, you ride Cosmo Healer, Egodiel as your vanguard. This card’s persona blast can be quite tough to pull off as it allows you to heal 1 damage off your drop zone so I doubt most opponent will let it go through.

Another interesting thing is that there are grade 1 and 2 units that allow you to guard and also at the same time change a card from your hand with your damage zone. We have all encountered at some point where the cards you need are in the damage zone so these 2 units can be a lifesaver.

For another grade 3, we have the option of a limit break style which allows you to take 1 card from your damage zone into your empty rear guard circle and then taking 1 card from top of the deck into your damage zone.

For these 3 new clans, the perfect guards are also included inside this set as well.

This is all I have for this current volume. Look forward to the next one which will be the extra booster expected to be released soon.

AFAMY : Cosplayer Miyuko (Spiral Cats)

tama-tan — Sat, 12 May 2012 11:15:41 +0000

The Anime Festival Asia Malaysia just announced that celebrity cosplayer, Miyuko is coming to the coming AFAMY! ((( ;°Д°))))

Miyuko is a member of the cosplayer group, Spiral Cats is based in Korea, consisting of five now, who are Tasha, Miyuko, Hyura, Ren and Tomia, where you can find their official website through here *The website is mostly in Korean, you may need google translate to help you read their updates!

Miyuko’s real name is Yun Jin Kang, a 20 years old cosplayer from South Korea, she has a smile and facial expression that allows her to bring out the essence of the characters.
Here’re some of her cosplay character.

Besides, she did participate in promoting the new X-box KINECT launch.

She still looks gorgeous in her non-cosplay event too.*indeed, a real Hanja!(Korean means beautiful girl)

*maybe you can challenge her to a Starcraft 2 game L(・o・)」 *

Yurusenai Chara Top 43! -BIGLOBE-

tueac — Fri, 11 May 2012 06:39:27 +0000

pic source: http://keikakudoori.wordpress.com/

Popular Japanese social site recently did a poll to find the most unforgivable anime character. The poll went live on the 3rd of May and closed on the 9th. A total of 3126 members voted on the poll.

Result?Kyube(488 votes) from Madoka Magica topped the chart, followed by the unintended Girlfriend Killer, Makoto(school days, 473) and surprisingly, the Aunt(243) from the classic, Grave of the Fireflies…

But from the charts… you can’t forgive Mikono from Evol? really?

01. Kyubey (Madoka Magica)
02. Makoto Ito (School Days)
03. Aunt (Grave of The Fireflies)
04. Albert Maverick (Tiger & Bunny)
05. Nadja (Ashita no Nadja)
06. Muska (Laputa: Castle in the Sky)
07. Sekai Saionji (School Days)
08. Mikono (Aquarion EVOL)
09. Tomohiko Kazami (Another)
10. Takano Hifumi (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
11. Athrun Zala (Gundam SEED)
12. Muruta Azrael (Gundam SEED)
13. Kurisu Makise’s Father (Steins;Gate)
14. Rose Marie (Ashita no Nadja)
15. Takako Sugiura (Another)
16. Android 17 (Dragon Ball Z)
17. Kaz Kobayashi (Z Gundam)
18. Kotonoha Katsura (School Days)
19. Nina Purpleton (Gundam 0083)
20. Rin Kokonoe (Kodomo no Jikan)
21. Akito Sohma (Fruits Basket)
22. Alexander Tagosaku Oyajide (Magical DoReMi)
23. Queen Lacets (Science Fiction Saiyuki Starzinger)
24. Rossi (Romeo’s Blue Sky)
25. – tie – Dinogeist (Brave Exkaiser)
25. – tie – Apollonius (Genesis of Aquarion)
25. – tie – Kirei Kotomine (Fate/zero)
28. Kazuya Aoi (Freezing)
29. Katejina Loos (V Gundam)
30. Ali Al-Saachez (Gundam 00)
31. Oryo Sonozaki (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
32. Hibiki Hojo (Suite PreCure)
33. Job Trunicht (Legend of the Galactic Heroes)
34. Magneton (Pokémon)
35. Furude Hanyu (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)
36. Frit Asuno (Gundam AGE)
37. Haruhi Suzumiya (Haruhi Suzumiya)
38. – tie – Chizuru Honda (Bokurano: Ours)
38. – tie – Nico Robin (One Piece)
40. Nausicaä (Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind)
41. Miss Minchin (Princess Sarah)
42. – tie – Riddhe Marcenas (Gundam UC)
42. – tie – Suzaku Kururugi (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

Source: Crunchyroll via Jefusion

Tails of CaTs~ episode 1: O.O

tueac — Wed, 09 May 2012 12:30:29 +0000

Tails of CaTs is an experimental project with 0filia of Daiyaku, a Dojin group in Singapore. In the first episode, our dear Chiya is introduced to Tama-tan and things kinda happened.

It’s a 4-Coma manga featuring both our very kawaii mascots, Chiya and Tama-tan. So please enjoy. We will be working at a pace of once a week, so tune in next week too!

Episode 1: Tales of Chiya and Tama-tan

… So how was it?

May’n to release 2 album on iTunes USA, 16 May

tueac — Sat, 05 May 2012 02:56:36 +0000

May’n will be releasing 2 albums and 1 single, namely “HEAT”, “If you…” and the latest “Chase the world” onto iTunes USA, on the 16th of May.

This is in conjunction with the planned “Rock Your Beats” world tour to be held in 2 American cities this coming June.

Press release after the break.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

May’n (Accel World, Macross Frontier) to release new album on USA iTunes

May 4, 2012 – J-Pop superstar May’n will release her recent albums
“HEAT” and “If you…” in the USA iTunes music store on May 16, in
conjunction with the singer’s upcoming American tour.

May’n's latest release “HEAT” (2012) reached Oricon’s Top 10 in its
first week of release, including recent Japanese anime theme songs
“Brain Diver” (Phi Brain) and “Scarlet Ballet” (Aria the Scarlet Ammo
/ Hidan no Aria), plus “Giant Step” from her collaboration song for
Kamen Rider Fourze.

“If you…” (2011) features more songs from the vocalist’s catalog of
popular Japanese anime/game/movie tie-ins, including “Ready! Go!”
(Okami-san and her Seven Companions), “Moshimo kimi ga Negau no Nara”
(Valkyria Chronicles 3: Unrecorded Chronicles), and “Shinjitemiru”
(Incite Mill – 7 Day Death Game).

May’n's most recent anime theme song “Chase the world” (from Accel
World) will also be available for purchase on May 16.

May’n on iTunes USA:
http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/mayn/id301384362

ROCK YOUR BEATS – USA Tour
May’n will return to America in June 2012 for two live performances in
Los Angeles and San Francisco. May’n will perform with a live band and
meet American fans at a special autograph session for VIP ticket
holders.

Thursday, June 21 – Key Club, Los Angeles
Saturday, June 23 – Yoshi’s, San Francisco
Ticket information: http://maynusa.wordpress.com

Video
“HEAT of the moment”
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZYg_BGbuk8

” target=”_blank”>

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iZYg_BGbuk8

May’n USA Twitter
@Mayn_USA

May’n Profile

The artist name “May’n” is derived from her real name, and it
demonstrates her hope to “always sing songs that will be everyone’s
main theme.” May’n was discovered in Horipro’s annual Talent Scout
Caravan competition at the age of 13, and in 2008, she performed as
the singing voice of Diva of the Galaxy, Sheryl Nome, in the TV anime
“Macross Frontier.”

May’n released 2 singles in 2008 which instantly became big hits, each
placing in the Top 3 on the Oricon Weekly Chart in their debut week.
In January 2009, the long-awaited mini-album “May’n ☆ Street” was
released, and it achieved 2nd place on the Oricon Weekly Chart in the
first week. All of May’n’s releases since then have consistently
entered the top music sales charts.

In January 2010, May’n performed her first solo Budokan concert, which
sold out in only 1 day. In March of the same year, she held her first
tour of Asia, followed in July by a 17-city summer tour of Japan. She
works passionately on her live shows in Japan and overseas to deliver
her songs directly, fascinating audiences with her irresistible
singing skills and unique voice.

In Fall 2010, May’n was chosen to record the theme song for the film
“Incite Mill -7 Day Death Game-.” In February 2011, she released her
3D Live Documentary movie “May’n THE MOVIE -Phonic Nation-” and later
that month released her 2nd album “If you…” which reached number 7 on
the Oricon Weekly Chart. In March 2011, she held her 2nd solo Budokan
concert “RHYTHM TANK!!” for a sold-out audience.

Her second 6-city tour of Asia in May 2011 was a big success. She
participated in the largest-in-Europe Japanese Culture and
Entertainment Festival “Japan Expo 2011″ and received large applause.
She continues to be the must-see “New Generation Female Rock
Vocalist.”

In July, 2010, May’n made her American live performance debut at Anime
Expo in Los Angeles. In addition to her work on “Macross Frontier,”
May’n has contributed songs to several anime and video games,
including: “Love get Chu,” “Shangri-La,” “Ookami-san to Shichinin no
Nakamatachi,” “Aria the Scarlet Ammo,” “Phi Brain,” “Valkyria
Chronicles 3″ (PSP), “Sengoku Basara 2″, and “Accel World.”

JP: Macross 30th Anniversary Updates

nbcwarrior — Wed, 02 May 2012 03:33:35 +0000

Over at our last updates we feature that a 1/1-scale model of the VF-25F Messiah Valkyrie’s consists of the Cockpit and Arms will be debut at the event. As much as we wish to see the full VF-25F Messiah Valkyrie in GERWALK mode due to the height Restriction. Well fans, not to be disappointed cause this is what you will be getting over there.

◇ MECHANIC
Exhibiting the 1/1 scale Valkyrie supervised by the man himself Mr. Hidetaka Tenjin Kawamori the mechanical art director of Macross!

And I believe judging from the sketches you seen below sketch by Mr. Hidetaka Tenjin Kawamori. You can finally have the feel of what’s it like standing on top of Valkyrie Fighter’s hand you seen in the movies.

Updates : On the 1/1 SCALE VF-25F Messiah Valkyrie credits to http://www.crunchyroll.com/anime-news/2012/04/27-1/life-sized-macross-valkyrie-unveiled-in-tokyo

More pictures of the VF-25F Messiah to be seen on the gallery below.

Always wanted to take photos with your favourite charcters in Macross? Well, fear not 1/1 scale ‘Legendary’ Lynn MinMay, ‘Galactic Fairy’ Sheryl Nome and ‘Super-Dimension Cinderella’ Ranka Lee will be anxiously awaiting for you !!

Nakajima Megumi & Ranka Lee

And as we all know on 29th April its Ranka Lee’s birthday!! In celebrating of her birthday
the exhibition Super Dimension Macross, will hold a birthday party to commemorate Ranka Lee. And that’s not all Megumi Nakajima the singer and voice herself as Ranka Lee will celebrating together on that day. Fans are warmly welcomed to celebrate that day of Ranka Lee’s birth, there will also be a cornered where fans can write down their congratulations message too. Let’s boast and show our love for Ranka & Nakajima Megumi on that very day.

Exhibition will also feature a museum tracing back the past 30 years of Macross History. Historical Chronology & Characters Correlation Diagram will be tracing back the past from the 1st Macross series to the current.

Over here we see a walk way leading you to the start of journey tracing back to past of Macross series

A Diagram of Basara Nekki from Macross 7 on their ‘complicated relationships’

A new ‘face for the Super Dimension Fortress in the upcoming Macross series’ (That’s a joke ) xD

After all this walking around hunting back the past history. I am sure your body is pretty much giving up on you. Dying for a seat, a slip of cold refreshing drinks and something to munch to keep you going for the day. Well head down to the Nyan Nyan Cafe.

Well, I have no idea what food are they serving down there. But there are some really cool looking coaster’s for collection on the Macross Characters. Each of this coaster represents a drink of the Character’s personalities. It will be a great item to add on in your Macross Collections.

After you have filled up your tummy what’s next on list to commemorate this perfect day you spent at the convention. The answer is shopping. Now let’s see what great stuff do they have for sale. A must to get something for all Macross fans out there.

Sheryl & Ranka Strap

Iphone Casing

Macross 30th Anniversary VF-25F Valkyrie T-shirt

Lynn Minmay Doll Mug

Sheryl Nome Mug

Macross A4 Clear File

http://www.chojikuutenrankai.com/goods.html

Event Details
Name:	30th Anniversary Macross Exhibition ~ Valkyrie de Sasotte! ~, Tokyo
Date:	28th April to May 6th, 2012
Time:	TBA
Location:	Ikebokuro Sunshine City Exhibition Hall
Ticket Price:	Advance: 1000 Yen, Venue: 1300 Yen
	Bundle: Advance, 2000 Yen
	Venue, 2300 Yen
Ticketing:	http://www.chojikuutenrankai.com/ticket.html


Website:	http://www.macross30.com/news/
	http://www.chojikuutenrankai.com