Anime Expo 2008
You always hear about how a location can be the deal breaker for any assembly. Here's how AX went down in Downtown LA. (More...)
Location: Los Angeles Convention Center - Los Angeles, CA
Date: July 3 ~ 6, 2008
Back to "The City by the Bay" here is a quick look at what NIS America has planned (More...)
My team was assigned overtime last weekend, and because it was customary for someone to bring in snacks, I brought in doughnuts. I've started growing custom to eating jelly filled doughnuts... (More...)
Quick Review
Positive: ... (Sigh)
Negative: ... (Sigh)
Final Word: If you're a fan you already have this in your posession. Otherwise...
Memorable Quote: Lucky Channel!
The manga series Mamotte Shugogetten by Minene Sakurano has had an interesting journey. It started back in 1997 and ran for three years producing eleven volumes. It was then put on... (More...)
Quick Review
Positive: A moderate pace for the fans of this genre.
Negative: Some themes may feel cliché for others
Final Word: It's two big volumes with almost half the discount. What more could you want?
Memorable Quote: Okay, door, are you ready?! This should shut your trap!
The video game "Kanon" has been around since 1999, and has had its share of the spotlight in Japan. In over eight years it has been ported into several platforms, adapted into a manga, a... (More...)
Quick Review
Positive: Probably the best adaptation of the video game yet.
Negative: The "Dream" sequence can be redundant.
Final Word: Fans and newcomers are welcome.
Memorable Quote: (Too many catchphrases to even mention).
Another whole year has gone by and I'm bringing back all the articles for one last look. Here's a look back at the articles from 2007.
After two years, Dramacon has gone through a few changes in its direction and cast. The first volume was a romance that took place in a bigger than a bread box anime convention, while the second volume... (More...)
Quick Review
Positive: She sets a level for storytelling and artwork for American Manga-ka.
Negative: There are a few times where it does feel predictable.
Final Word: The book gives a solid ending for the entire series.
Memorable Quote: your village called, their COSPLAYER is missing
Getting back on track with my adventures at Pacific Media Expo, here a quick look at three titles I got courtesy of MBC America (More...)
Wrapping up my last trip this year is a convention that I haven't visited to in a while. Here is a look at Pacific Media Expo. (More...)
Location: L. A. Airport Hilton - Los Angeles, CA
Date: November 9 ~ 11, 2007
When I first heard about the animated series "Code Monkeys" on G4, I knew that it was going to consist of colorful humor, extreme geek stereotypes, and anachronisms that only a stoner wouldn't (More...)
Quick Review
Positive: From the jokes to the platform, this is pretty solid.
Negative: G4 DOGs are 7h3 3v1l.
Final Word: I am torn between hunting the show down and putting up with the DOGs and just waiting for DVD to come out (should it ever).
Memorable Quote: I guess I would have to pick- PAUSE.
For those of you who have been wondering what the heck has been going on with my regular updates, I've been using all my free time to create a new sub domain called OmoshiroiBlog.net. As you would expect from the name, it primarily focuses news in the J-Pop industry, but I will also be posting interesting tidbits found around the net. I even hope to post some of my own brand of humor.
Despite being up and ready, there are a few bells and whistles yet to be added - inclding the articles. While my review schedule has been taking a beating (sorry), I hope to have an article from one of my writers ready by next week (July 10th). Yup, someone's toast. Hang on a sec...
Thanks for sticking with us, and here's to my next big step!
-Pedro Rodriguez
P.S. Gothic Sports finally has a gallery!
"Pirates" in the land of Ninjas? (What? Someone had to say it...) (More)
Commentary on the recent shakeup in Arts Vision Scandal. (More)
Anya is pretty excited to be the new girl at Lucrece High. She has been trying to apply for sometime because of the solid athletic department. However, when she joins the basketball team, she (More...)
Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: It avoids being complicated with overused stereotypes.
Negative: A few issues with toning at the begining of the story.
Final Word: This looks to be better structured than your average comming of age story. Fans of the genre are sure to be entertained.
Memorable Quote: Name (Loo). Age (17). Likes (The Sun).
If anime has been your thing since at least 2002, then chances are you've come across one .hack series or another; after all Project .hack has given us at least three different major story arcs (SIGN (More...)
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Quick Review
Positive: Character designs are original.
Negative: New song, same dance.
Final Word: The themes will still feel comfortable for most fans to enjoy.
Memorable Quote: There are so many things you'd actually understand about "The World" if you'd read the manual...
Sorry no review this week. Here's some screenshots taken from the newest volume of "Pani Poni Dash" instead.
Images Available
Lesson Learned I: Kurumi's twin brother makes less air time than she does.
Lesson Learned II: There's another set of twins?
The camera fades in on a bundle of soaked school supplies; we hear the sound of rain as a kindergartener sobs. Then we see the source of the crying; a young girl with pink hair no (More...)
Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: One of the better shows of its time
Negative: Look ma, he acts just like Kyon!
Final Word: Its a yesteryear title that is a good buy.
Memorable Quote: You're wrong! My name is Sendou Kazuki, that's Sendou Kazuki!
If you have been around manga long enough, then you may notice that Brandon Graham's "King City" did not come from Japan; you might even say that the cover art looks more American, but if (More...)
Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: The art is excellent, the writing is excellent
Negative: It's not really manga. It takes an aquired taste to enjoy it.
Final Word: It's an idea reading for those in their late teens and twenties.
Memorable Quote: Oh I recognize her from Joe's protrait.
On Kurau Amani's 12th Birthday, her father takes her to work while he does research on an energy source called Rynax. During the routine experiment, Kurau is struck by a streak of energy (More...)
Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: A solid piece of work for several staff members that are breaking into the industry.
Negative: With all that shopping you'd think one of the characters would have a bigger wardrobe.
Final Word: It's a sleeper kids.
Memorable Quote: Out of the ordinary? Let me think- Oh, there was a man in the house earlier...
Two months ago I was given a chance to review Air Gear Volume 1, and while I was entertained by the first DVD, I had a few issues that kept me from giving it a higher score. The first of which was (More...)
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Quick Review
Positive: It just keeps getting better and better.
Negative: Not to sound froogle, but comparing the extra content with the asking price...
Final Word: This is a great piece of work that could use some support.
Lesson Learned: When Ikki does his evil laugh (in any language), he sounds like The Penguin.
As we reach the climax of "My Hime", the show begins to tie everything up. Beginning where the last volume left off, Mai Tokiha has gone off to confront Yukariko Sanada. However the nun (More...)
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Quick Review
Positive: First two episodes come out strong.
Negative: Final solution may be a little too convinent for some people.
Final Word: It was a solid title that delievered. Just wish more could've been added.
Lesson Learned: 4 out of 5 doctors agree, make sure your friend is dead before mouring them.
Adding onto our previous collection of screenshots these were taken from volume 2 "Girls and Roses"
Images Available
Lesson Learned: When the world thinks that you're plain, hold your favorite bunny.
Rinne Ito is a fourteen year old Medium. Having the gift to see ghosts, she carries a harisen to exorcise spirits and send them to Heaven. While hunting one down at school, she literally runs into (More...)
Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: It's a romance comedy that doesn't hold back.
Negative: Um... not recommended for those who can't stand the sight of blood or talking pink monkeys.
Final Word: Recommended for those who are looking for shojo with a kick.
Memorable Quote: "Hey! Do something about--!" "............?"
The movie Densha Otoko is based on a series of entries made on the Japanese forum called 2-channel (pronounced Ni-channel, or 2ch for short). Because all of the entries are anonymous, there has been some question as to whether or not the story was real. However this did not stop the story (More...)
Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: It's a solid movie that is easy to get into.
Negative: The climax may be over the top.
Final Word: It's a great way to introduce yourself to the world of J-Drama.
Memorable Quote: That's b-------
One morning in the year 1742, a coffin was found floating along the river Seine. The people... (More)
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Quick Review
Positive: The quality of the animation won't let you down.
Negative: The action can be a little dry at times.
Final Word: If you're looking for something that's not so loud, then this title is definitely worth a peek.
Memorable Quote: Too bad it's broken; I mean the time's not right. It's pretty though.
Welcome to the friendliest little convention in town... (More)
Location: Airtel Plaza Hotel - Van Nuys, CA
Date: January 26 ~ 28, 2007
Svetlana Chmakova Interview | Meet GOH Panel | Lessons Learned
General Gallery | Cosplay Gallery | Masquerade Gallery
For some time now, a craze called Air Treck (AT) has hitting the youth of Japan. By placing an extremely small motor in roller blades, the rider is given the ability to travel at high speeds, and perform stunts that were once considered unimaginable. Calling themselves Storm Riders, teens... (More)
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Quick Review
Positive: Unique cast, excellent soundtrack, and Buccha "River Dancing"
Negative: Almost as good as the manga... almost.
Final Word: While it won't change the way we watch anime, it is definitely entertaining.
Memorable Quote: 
Welcome to the friendliest little convention in town... (More)
Location: Airtel Plaza Hotel - Van Nuys, CA
Date: January 26 ~ 28, 2007
Svetlana Chmakova Interview | Meet GOH Panel | Lessons Learned
General Gallery | Cosplay Gallery | Masquerade Gallery
Before Ms. Chmakova arrived at Van Nuys, she was nice enough to answer a few questions I wanted to ask her. Here's what she had to say... (More)
We recived another Ar tonelico preview over the weekend. This trailer features the landscape of Ar tonelico, and is courtesy of NIS America.
Gallery Click Here
Trailer 1 Click Here
Trailer 2 Click Here
Trailer 3 Click Here
Tales on Phantasia is based off of the Super Famicon and Game Boy Advance RPG of the same name. It's the first installment that has mostly been remembered by the RPG community to have... (More)
Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: It does a modest job in as an adaptation in all categories.
Negative: The extras are a little shallow.
Final Word: The main issue here is how you feel about the straight forward storyline. Beyond that, it's a well rounded package.
Memorable Quote: Come Dhaos! Grant me power!
Dhaos: You poor, foolish human... VOIP!
Stop me if you have heard this one: This story is a comical look at highschool life through the eyes of several Japanese girls- already? Let me start over: a group of Japanese highschool girls that... (More)
>> Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: It's a modest comedy that is not a carbon copy of its predecessors.
Negative: Not much, only the occasional overused pun.
Final Word: While it faces stiff competition from other comedy titles, it's still ideal for fans of the genre.
Memorable Quote: Namaste.
Monster Kingdom: Jewel Summoner is a monster capture RPG created by Kouji Okada, the... (More)
>> Images Available | >> Trailer Available
Quick Review
Positive: It's not a port!
Negative: The cities could've been a lot more animated.
Final Word: It's a solid portable game that proves you're never too old to catch 'em all.
In a distant solar system, there is an artificial planet called Deloca. Considered the crowning... (More)
>> Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: The pace is moderate, and the story is about fair.
Negative: There isn't anything too special happening at this point.
Final Word: Most sci-fi readers should get a kick out of the story. It's too early to count it out.
Memorable Quote: Did you know that when two people enter the Special Train, they will be together forever? (smooch) Reiichi, when we grow-up, let's go to the Special Train together.
In a Japanese classroom a teenage girl sits and ponders while by her desk. Classes are done for the day, so she is the only one in the room. Then out of the corner of her eye, she spots her classmate by the door. "Yasuna-chan", she calls out to her. Yasuna slowly marches towards the girl, both... (More)
>> Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: The story doesn't use the shojo-ai angle as its only playing card.
Negative: Occasionally it's one ace short of a straight.
Final Word: Its cleaning house.
Memorable Quote: S-sorry! But you have to... um...
For those who are looking for an Ar tonelico fix, we have a collection of pics and trailers to tide you over for a while.
Gallery Click Here
Trailer 1 Click Here
Trailer 2 Click Here
When TV series Lunar Legend Tsukihime first came out here in the US, it was not welcomed by every critic. This is mainly because it followed an extremely different storyline from the original. This of course was only known to those who had access to that secluded knowledge, so those who had... (More)
>> Images Available
Quick Review
Positive: The art and story are awsome.
Negative: It's a bit pricy and extras are low.
Final Word: It's a good show if you don't mind the price.
Memorable Quote: Sounds like there's a lot of enemies.
For a lark, I decided to post all the old pics that I used for the front page for this past year. Here's a look back at this very short year.
Before Nerima Daikon Brothers was released here in the US, ADV Marketing sat down with Chris Ayres about his first gig as an ADR Director, and his feelings about the series. Here's what he had to say... (More)
After picking his brother Hideki from prison, Ichiro Daikon takes him to see "The Panda", a nun which raised them in a Nerima orphanage. When they get there she tells them that the Church owes the government thousands in taxes, and they have threatened to turn the place over to the Board of Education if they do not pay in the next few days... (More)
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What works: Nabeshin 'nuff said.
What doesn't: There are some issues with pacing.
Memorable Quote: One unused prophylactic. One soiled...
"No Dom Pérignon for Mako huh?"
"Not even Kool-Aid for us."
Pani Poni Dash! can be described in one word, and that word is random. The show revolves around Rebecca Miyamoto, a smart but somewhat arrogant 11 year old MIT grad, who returns to Japan to teach 10th grade. Her snobbish attitude can quickly vanish as she's quite sensitive to almost anything. Her students meanwhile are equally unique; from the hyperactive Himeko to the nerdy... (More)
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What works: It's more than a comedy, it's a rite of passage.
What doesn't: It's light on plot, but you won't care.
Memorable Quote: Maho!
In 1985, Yoshiki Takaya created a manga series called "Bio-Boosted Armor Guyver". Shortly thereafter it was adapted as an animated movie, an OVA series, a live American movie - starring Mark Hammil of all people - then the OVA series was concluded, and finally a sequel to the live movie. Looking... (More)
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What works: It has a very nostalgic feel that really holds onto you.
What doesn't: The sound and animation quality is okay; just not some thing to write home about.
Memorable Quote: It can't be a mecha right?
Since Los Angeles is the land of a million voices, there was a wide array of opinions on the Griffith Observatory reopening earlier this month. Some believed stated that everyone in the City of Angels was looking forward to looking up towards the stars again; other voices said that... (More)
>> Images Available >> Video Available
Hello there, and welcome to DGH Studios. For those of you who have stumbled in here, this site has been created to post and publicly archive various projects that I've worked on during my free time. At this time it mainly consists of writing articles with some photography, but I hope... (More)