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Zeitgeist Appendix: Serial Experiments Lain

SystemError51 — Fri, 30 Jul 2010 12:44:48 +0000

Society today: a modern world that more and more gets sucked into the fold of the internet, or to be more precise, social networking. The distance barrier between people is long gone, we can communicate at the speed of light with any place in the world that has an internet connection. In a way, this connects us into a somewhat larger collective – a collective in which we retain our identities, are seperate – and yet part of something bigger, together, as one. You can call that anything you want, this is merely my observation.

A artwork of Lain, the main hero of the show.

And this is kind of where Serial Experiments Lain takes off. It seems that we are at a time like this, where computers can handle a lot of stuff. Lain Iwakura is the primary protagonist of the show. She is a young schoolgirl, innocent, appears to have a normal life. Her dad is somewhat obsessed with computers, seems to have many machines connected in a local network in his room. However things do change significantly when her dad tries to share the passion by giving Lain a top-of-the-line “NAVI” – which is basically a computer. Lain develops a strong affection for everything involving computers, and it isn’t so long before she writes programs, modifies her machines… that kind of stuff.

We come to learn that the internet, or some more technologically advanced version of it, is called “The Wired”. It appears to be possible for people to enter it entirely including their soul, and being transferred back again into the original body, using the NAVI as a medium for these kind of connections. The Wired is one of the center stages of this story, and has quite a significant meaning. It should also be noted that more advanced versions of the NAVI are capable of voice recognition, much similar in the fashion Macs can today.

Lain’s Navi – bearing a striking resemblence to the iMac Millennium Limited Edition

Lain and her friends sometimes hang in a nightclub named “Cyberia”, which is… somewhat unique. Can’t tell you more without spoiling the show, I hope you understand.

As the show is only 13 episodes, I can’t write too much without giving it all away. Let’s just say that this is most definitely one of the top-ten Animes ever made for sure, and that it could be a predecessor to the Zeitgeist documentaries. It shakes hand with Ghost In The Shell: Stand Alone Complex, and The Matrix. It also touches on certain subjects such as the collective unconsciousness of mankind, or in other words, how we are indeed all connected. And not seperated from time and space, as it is currently assumed.

What’s left to say, is, that although a bit older, this is most definitely one of the shows you should get your hands on, preferably now. It might change some of your perceptions of the reality you live in – even.

Serial Experiments Lain
Director: Ryutaro Nakamura
Genre: Cyberpunk, Psychological thriller
Studio: Triangle Staff
Original run: July 6, 1998 – September 28, 1998
Episodes: 13

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The sky’s the limit: Last Exile

SystemError51 — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 11:34:50 +0000

We’re on a world named Prester. There, the inhabitants primarily use something called a Vanship as the primary means of transportation from A to B. Prester is, as the name says, not a representation of Earth, but seems fairly similar in composition. Prester is torn in two parts, by an endless war that is going on. There only seem to be two large landmasses, and each is a country that wage the war – Anatoray and Disith.

From left to right: Alvis (AI), Lavie Head, Claus Valca

It all begins when Claus, a fairly skilled Vanship pilot, and Lavie, a mechanic and navigator, our two main heroes, are asked to deliver a girl that, apparently, holds the key to unite the two factions and to end the endless war that is going on. You see Vanships always require two people to fly and operate the machinery. The mission to deliver the girl is rated 7 out of 10 stars. Little did they know on what ride they just embarked upon.

Their mission to deliver Alvis leads them to land on the Vanship Silvana – a ship somewhat reminiscent of the largest warships ever build here by the air force – almost the size of an aircraft carrier. And airborne. Since the Silvana is equipped with all kinds of weapons, it is widely known as the Kill-Em-All-Silvana and has been deemed “unsinkable”.

Side elevations of the vanship, a type of aerial vehicle, were based on Germany’s Junkers A 35 monoplane produced in the 1920s

Things get more interesting when Claus and Lavie get to know the captain of the Silvana, a man named Alex Row. He appears to be a fairly quiet man and keeps to himself, however for some reason he believes Claus, Lavie, and Alvis will eventually lead him to complete some personal task he set out for. His first officer, Sophia Forrester, seems to be a more friendly personality and quickly makes friends with Claus.

The two war-waging countries are divided by a fairly big atmospheric phenomenon, named the Grand Stream. It appears to be a blizzard of sorts… No Vanship was ever able to cross it to get to the other side – and thus to the opposite country… or so the legend says. Claus learns from Alex that his father attempted to do so, which also explains why Claus’ father never returned home after taking on one mission. One of the utmost importance to everyone, so it is said.

Sophia Forrester, first officer aboard the Silvana – and Alex Row, captain of the Silvana

What starts as just another delivery mission for Claus and Lavie, turns out to be a journey that will change their lives forever. Not only theirs, also the ones they come accross aboard the Silvana. The mission becomes THE ultimate mission for the both of them, and they must complete it – at any cost. It is a journey that will take you to the skies at high-speed, fast-paced maneuvers, EPIC air battles, and once you land it will leave you nothing less than inspired, in awe about the way the show was performed. It is a story you will remember for sure. Get this one right now.

Last Exile
Genre: Adventure, Fantasy, Steampunk
Directed by: Koichi Chigira
Studio: Gonzo
Original Run: April 7, 2003 – September 29, 2003
Episodes: 26

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On the way to Wonderland: Rozen Maiden – Träumend

SystemError51 — Mon, 05 Jul 2010 09:48:46 +0000

It is about 5 years after the first events that Jun, Nori, and the Rozen Maidens went through. The full of life dolls now live in Jun’s and Nori’s house and have become a part of their lives, their family even. Shinku is as calm as ever, Hinaichigo full of squeee, Suiseiseki, well she’s herself also. The events of some years ago have faded into a distant past, distant memories. They are happy in the place they are.

However, those memories are being recalled quite quickly, when Shinku is forced to enter the “M-field” once again. She’s in for quite a surprise when Barasuishou appears, and she claims to be the seventh of the Rozen Maidens. Barasuishou informs her about her intentions to revive the Alice-Game, and to win it – no matter what. This is quite some information for Shinku, as she always thought there were only six Rozen Maidens – but now only five, as she defeated Suigintou in battle over five years ago.

Shinku gazing into the distance. Taken from the opening of the show

Uncertain what to do, she consults Jun. Shinku is troubled and believes this somewhat important piece of information should not be revealed to the others, as it might upset the delicate balance of peace too much. Jun however advises her, that, since they are a family and sisters, they deserve to know. It would not be fair to not to tell them… Shinku hesitates, but then one morning when Jun is out to school, she reveals her meeting to the others. Who take it surprisingly well, or so she says, and she has the support from every of her sisters.

Meanwhile though, Shinku and the others are unaware of the fact that Suigintou has in fact been brought back to life, and is joining the Alice-Game once more. The Alice-Game is a battle to the death, the Maidens have to fight each other, and when one Maiden is defeated, the winner has to take the Rozen-Mystika – the soul, the spirit, the energy that gives them life. Suigintou was turned to junk five years ago, and as you can imagine, she doesn’t want that to happen again. However, her medium this time around is a hospitalized girl, who has a death wish. The doctors don’t know what’s wrong with her, she was assumed to already have been dead 3 times because of her condition (that is not really specified, but seems to be some form of cancer).

Souseiseki and Suiseiseki in an artwork

And so it begins… once more. For Jun though, things take a different turn when Tomoe, Jun’s high-school friend, shows him a doll store and repair shop near his house. This store has either not been there before, or Jun did not notice it. Either way, when invited inside, Jun is witness to some very delicate doll-making. He has not seen someone making dolls before, but this does strike him as extremely odd.

The game is on once more for the Rozen Maidens, the fight to become the absolute and perfect doll – “Alice”. It’s a fight to the death. Most of “Jun’s” Maidens are hesitant to partake in a cruel fight like this, but have no choice. And so the M-Field becomes the center stage once more for a battle that decides who’s junk and who’ll go on. However Jun discovers an intriguing truth about the owner of doll-store… but what that is, you better find out for yourself.

From left to right, top row then bottom row:
Suigintou, Shinku, Suiseiseki, Souseiseki, Kanaria, Hinaichigo, Barasuishou, Kirakishou

It once again is a very emotional ride – much so like the first time around. It will make laugh out loud with the jokes and humour – it will touch the very soul of your heart in some moments, it will make you cry. It is a ride for the whole family to enjoy. The score is fantastic, the voice acting is better than the first time around. The visuals are just as impressive and is most certainly something you won’t forget soon. In my opinion the sequel to Rozen Maiden gained on momentum and is equally as good, if not even better, than the first one. In other words… you ain’t getting the show yet already?! Order it on Amazon, BitTorrent it, whatever you are fancy. I don’t care how you get it – but really, pay for it. It is that good.

Rozen Maiden: Träumend
Director: Kō Matsuo
Studio: Nomad
Network: TBS
Original Run: 20 October 2005 – 5 January 2006

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On a star trek: Ulysses 31

SystemError51 — Wed, 30 Jun 2010 20:50:40 +0000

A while ago I came across the name of this show, nothing more. I thought it sounded interesting so I got my hands on it, and started watching it. Little did I know that I have downloaded one of the everlasting anime classics, a truly legendary piece of animation. As the name suggests we are in the 31st century – so 1,000 years from now. Mankind seems to have gotten the hang of space travel and seem to have expanded into space. It is just after the all-new Odyssey is launched, when Ulysses – commander of the Odyssey – dares to defy the Gods in a rescue mission to save his son and a little girl.

Presented in Stereo, where available.

Usually before I start watching an anime, I get a little detail about the overall plot. And it was only at the moment when I saw the actual spaceship the show centers around, when I had a serious flashback. I had seen this show as a small kid, but I never remembered the name, neither do I remember the show having ever aired again. Maybe it will joggle your memory too when you see the Odyssey.

Unfortunately I couldn’t find a higher resolution image. It seems the ship represents some of the bleeding-edge technology of its time.

So like I said, Ulysses defies the Gods in a rescue mission on the maiden voyage of the Odyssey, kinda making the Gods a bit mad. For that, the Gods (Zeus and all those chaps) transport the ship and its crew into an unknown part of space and wipes the ship’s databanks – so that Shirka, the ship’s computer, is unable to plot a course home (utilizing methods like star location, compensate for spatial drift, etc).

Also, the Gods put all of the crew except Ulysses, Talamakus, No-No and Yumi, into some sort stasis. However they also mention that if they find the Kingdom Of Hades and make it through, Odyssey and the crew will be allowed home.

Shirka, the ship’s AI

Needless to say that Ulysses decides to do everything he can to bring his fellow crewmen, his son, Yumi, and the robot No-No back home, back to Earth. Obviously the Gods are not so fond of that ever happening so they plaster the possible routes toward the Kingdom Of Hades with traps that Ulysses should fall for. The journey is filled with emotions, strange new worlds, decisions, fights and eventually they learn to trust each other.

From left to right: No-No, Talamakus, Ulysses, Yumi

While the show is nearly 30 years old, it still holds up pretty nicely in today’s standards. The effects are pretty superb for a TV show at the time, the Odyssey is incredibly detailed and some camera flights are just sheer impressive. The AI seems to have a personality of its own but is always loyal and obediently executes commands given to the ship.

Not only is the show a good ride for kids and adults with lots of things to learn, for us adults it is also a ride of pure nostalgia and of a time that has come to pass. If you have kids and you want to show them something of a time when you as parents were young, this is the show to let them watch. I guarantee you neither you (if you haven’t seen it yet) and your kids won’t be disappointed about the voyages of the Odyssey, into this strange new world of the Gods. In other words, this is a show that even though fairly old, you won’t forget – no matter when you see it. A timeless classic that, I hope, went down in history books of TV animation and storytelling.

Ulysses 31
Created by: Jean Chalopin, Nina Wolmark, inspired by Homer’s ‘Odysseus’
Voices of: Matt Berman, Adrian Knight, Anick Faris, Kelly Ricard, Howard Ryshpan, Vlasta Vrana
Country of origin: France, Japan
Episodes: 26
Original run: October 10, 1981 – April 3, 1982

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Ellis “Wanted!” Shirt

SystemError51 — Sun, 27 Jun 2010 00:14:31 +0000

I am a big fan of El Cazador de la Bruja, and so, similar to Madlax, I had a shirt made. It features the “Wanted!” poster which at some point is given to some bounty offices. I picked it up today and it’s pretty awesome!

Wanted! Dead or alive

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Code Geass tribute: “Metal Gear Zero”

SystemError51 — Sun, 13 Jun 2010 23:25:30 +0000

So today I sat down and decided to make a tribute to the anime I recently finished watching. It occured to me that the best music and intro type that can go with it, is that of the world-famous game “Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons Of Liberty”.

It took about 13 hours to make, but I’m glad with the outcome. Also available in HD, in which it should obviously be enjoyed.

WIN or FAIL – you decide. So here goes.

Metal Gear Zero: Sons Of Liberty

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Z for Zero

SystemError51 — Thu, 10 Jun 2010 09:51:31 +0000

One man’s uncompromizing vision of the future.

Remember Remember The 5th Of November.

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Farewell, Lelouch

SystemError51 — Sun, 06 Jun 2010 14:35:28 +0000

I cried at this, also at the last episode… All hail Lelouch!!

Snow Patrol
Run
Final Straw

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A world divided by Zero: Code Geass R:2

SystemError51 — Wed, 02 Jun 2010 10:27:33 +0000

It’s been a year since the incident of the Rebellion and the Black Knights. The situation seems to have calmed down, the Empire of Britannia no longer has to worry about Area 11, formerly Japan, being taken away from them. Lelouch has returned to his normal life of being a student, and no longer seems to pursue his intentions to liberate former Japan og the Britannia stronghold.

However – things are about to change when Lelouch once again is in a situation that could cost his life. C.C., the mysterious girl that originally bestowed the power of Geass onto him, is yet again present to save his life. In order to further her own agenda, she has no choice as to help him regain his real identity and removes what seems to be some sort of Amnesia.

Code Geass R:2! The core cast of the show

It doesn’t take long from that moment on, in fact, it’s almost instant, for Lelouch to realize that he is in fact Zero. It also doesn’t take long for him to remember that he originally set out on a mission to create a world inside which he and Nunnally, his sister, can live in peacefully without any harm ever coming to them. It goes without saying that this comes with a number of complications, as some others he dealt with, do in fact know Zero’s/Lelouch’s identity who were unaffected of the Amnesia Lelouch seemingly suffered from.

Shirley just remembered something incredibly important

With Lelouch back to his normal self, and Britannia still opposing his every single move, and with the Black Knights more or less shattered, he still yet again transforms cities, countries, and entire landmasses into a chess board, playing the ultimate game. A ruthless game with no remorse for people, their lives and feelings, only so his sister can live in peace. Little did he know that his sister is also involved now – and that has quite an effect on his plan. His Geass seems to be just the only ally he has in this world-wide campaign.

Casting his sight on his realm, the Lord witnessed
The cascade of evil, the torrents of war.
Burning with wrath, He stepped
down from the Heavens
To judge the unworthy,
To redeem the pure.

The FLEIA Super Weapon – a warhead based on constant molecule movements and Chaos Theory. Its detonation Ultimately results in a shockwave that is capable of obliterating anything in its path. Employed by Britannia to end Lelouch and his “games”

Needless to say that once again you’ll be dropping your jaw at moments, you’ll cry, you’ll cheer. It is most definitely a very emotional ride for you and all characters involved, in more ways than one. Brimming with fast-paced strong plot-twists, you’re guranteed to enjoy every minute of it until the very end. It is a stunning sequel to the original show, that will leave you nothing less than mesmerized. The musical score is exactly the same for certain moments and previews. However the show features two opening sequences, when you see the show back to back you’ll understand why it was changed. All in all… I don’t really care how you get your hands on this one – as long as you get it and watch it. Right now would be pretty much recommended.

Code Geass R:2 – Lelouch Of The Rebellion
Director: Goro Taniguchi
Studio: Sunrise
Network: MBS, TBS, Animax
Original run: April 6, 2008 – September 28, 2008
Episodes: 25

BUT! This is not the end… Code Geass R:3 is in fact in the making.

The image also adds that this project represents a “rebirth” and that Geass will take a new step starting today. The message is signed with the name, “ZERO.”

Read full story here.

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Witch Hunter Robin + Ergo Proxy = Awesome

SystemError51 — Tue, 25 May 2010 11:36:13 +0000

Title says it all… I found that “Kiri” of Monoral, the opening track to the Anime “Ergo Proxy”, works quite well with Witch Hunter Robin. So I made this little opening sequence this morning… added a few effects to make it more Ergo-Proxy-ish.

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