Than shwe chokes on planters peanut!
Omar al-bashir found dead in washing machine!
Posts made by Kareem Said
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RE: Random News Article Discussion
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RE: The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword (Wii)
Hmm. I'm thinking of getting back into video games, so this might be a really good way to do that, since while I didn't play many of the "Real Games" Zelda did seem like one of the better/best ones. I think I'll look into it.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
No I'm sorry I was just making an extremely hopeful prediction, which should make sense since 8 gates is supposed to be stronger than any kage and ninjustus won't work on the bad guy
I wasn't trolling just being an extremely optimistic rock lee fan
Naruto is the series that crushes all the fans hopes and dreams I'm sorry to say. :sad: Unless they're a Sasuke fangirl, in which case it's pretty much the best series ever.
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RE: Random News Article Discussion
@Cyan:
http://www.cnn.com/2011/10/22/world/meast/saudi-arabia-prince-dead/index.html?hpt=hp_t1 Crown Prince of Saudi Arabia dead.
I've always been amazed at how many kids Abdul-Aziz had and how long they've lasted.
Seems like more and more of the leaders who are causing problems in the Middle East are dying, Gadaffi, bin Laden, a few of bin Laden's top men, and now the Saudi secretary of defense. Can't really tell if that's a good thing or a bad thing. The one thing I do know is going to happen from all this, is change.
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RE: Toriko
yeah, what the heck? I saw this little blurb, too.
I was all super-excited for this arc, and I kind of still am, but it seems like it's already almost over! Take your time, Shima, please! You've got three characters capable of fights with you, and a decent opportunity to create conflict between them and human opponents, but are we seriously gonna just barrel past everything like this? Eh, maybe the editors meant "climax" as in "gets exciting" which isn't exactly the proper usage, but…
I think it's most likely the editors are making stupid cliffhanger notes. I doubt the arc will end next chapter. Just don't see it happening.
Btw was I the only one who was reminded of Saw by the end of this chapter?
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
@The:
I dunno if this has been said, but everyone in Bleach this week had the same fucking facial expression. If you removed the hair, they all looked like either Ichigo or Aizen. Fuck.
I noticed the same thing actually. With the opening color page I thought Byakuya looked almost exactly like Tsukishima and Rukia looked like basically any other black haired female in the series. Renji, Ikkaku and Zaraki only really stand out because they're given somewhat unique designs.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
It's the crappiest doujutsu in the manga.
Ironic, given that there was a time where it was considered equal or better than the Sharingan. Those were the days.
Do you remember when magical eyes didn't have every single superpower ever concieved? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Do you remember when secondary characters actually mattered somewhat? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Do you remember when the series had a touching and inspiring theme of friendship and hardwork? Pepperidge Farm remembers.
Pepperidge Farm, remembering when Naruto was an awesome and entertaining series so you can too! -
RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
@MDL:
for fuck's sake… sasuke is pretty much confirmed for accquiring rinnengan.
Ugh. You said it so that means it's probably gonna end up being true. Great.
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RE: Fairy Taint Discussion II
Thank you for clarifying the mod status indicators for me. That was something I had been wondering for quite a while. Like I've mentioned in a few of my previous posts even I who tends to try to find the good in anything am really having trouble justifying where Fairy Tail has gone lately. I can definitely understand the negativity and the disappointment of a manga that had gone from somewhat promising to downright abrupt and poorly written. Still I continue to enjoy the characters that I liked from the start such as Erza, Grey , Juvia etc. I happen to like them and while the writing isn't sharp as other series have its still something I continue to read because it takes me like five minutes a week. Hardly a hefty time investment. Do I think Natsu is a terrible protagonist? Oh yea for sure but there's something in me that still enjoys a lighthearted manga. With all of the series mangas that are depressing yet very epic such as Berserk and Sengeki no Kyojin (think thats the name) sometimes a little relaxed manga can be a bit of a filler. In addition, I never drop a series I figure I have spent this much time reading a manga I might as well finish it to its conclusion.
Oh and there's nothing I could ever say that could justify Mashima's overuse or Gerard or this awful time skip.
Well Mr. CP9 agent I'm very glad that you wish to express your opinion and you're free to it. It's also good to see that you acknowledge the prominent flaws of the series and also very glad to see you like some very, very good series (Shingeki no Kyojin ftw!) I'm with the rest, some of the hate in this thread could definitely get toned down. Everyone has the right to express their opinions and so this being a mostly negative thread is a just result but I wish certain posters (cough Bucephalus cough Thousand Lion-chan cough) could be just a little more respectful of other opinions.
Still I would like to make some kind of constructive criticism. Your reason for liking FT is one that I've seen multiple times which is that "I just want some light-hearted fun. I read so many dark series, something that doesn't take itself seriously is good." I can understand that reasoning, I can respect it. However, there are much, much better "Light hearted dumb fun series" out there. Just from the stuff I've read, Beelzebub is a current weekly series that's in a similar vain to Fairy Tail but much, much better as far as I'm concerned. There's also GinTama (which is fucking awesome) and doesn't take itself seriously in the slightest! However I tend to recommend the anime for that one, and I don't know whether you like to watch anime or not. I have also heard very good things about Sket Dance but I myself have not read it so I can't really comment.
I'm not trying to change your opinion or anything I'm just trying to inform you that even with the "I just want to have fun" argument, I'd say there are better series for that. Just keep that in mind is all. As I said before, if you find a certain charm in Fairy Tail that the rest of us don't see, then I can respect that and I hope others can too. M'kay.
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RE: Fairy Taint Discussion II
I'm with Jay and Hiroy, for largely the same reasons.
Narutard and Blech definitely reached that "whatever" event horizon - that point at which people downright gave up on talking about the series anymore and just did whatevs.
I am not sure Fairly Fail is there yet - but it definitely hasn't achieved that sort of effortless equilibrium those threads did either. It's really negative in here, not clever or silly like those threads were. Fairy Tail gets a lot of (deserved) disdain but not much else.
I don't personally think that losing it to a merge would be a great loss in the long run, since the thread has definitely been toxic lately and it has an effect in more places than just here (i.e. people dogging on Naruto, Bleach, and Fairy Tail in any thread where other manga are discussed, just a general attitude that gets carried outside these walls)… but it's the number of people that don't really want a merge that makes me think it should get to stay as is, if only for a while longer.
That, and, the few folks that respectfully like the series and aren't Hinschers about it.
Yeah I'd say the three of you got it down. I'd say it's good then that the poll is leaning much more to the "No" side.
Still. I do think that FT is coming closer and closer to the Naruto and Bleach level of "No One Gives A Crap Anymore" and I think it's worth trying someday. But not today. I'd say at least wait until the second thread is done before we even begin the process of deciding whether to experiment.
If we ever do merge the three though, it shall be known as NaruBlegh Tails. And it will sell over 200 Million copies and be easily on par with OP and DB in terms of sales.
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RE: Hunter x Hunter
The Zoldycks have no daughters. Only sons.
Kalluto is a boy.
Tied with Prince Canute from Vinland Saga as the most effeminate male character I've ever seen in a manga. And nowadays Canute has become much more masculine so I'd say Kalluto takes the cake now. Unless Crona from Soul Eater is a boy but anyway best not to start that discussion again.
I actually have to wonder why there are so many effeminate characters in Japanese comics and cartoons. Are female traits just seen as inherently beautiful regardless of gender? I would imagine that there is a long history behind it. Not really intending to start a discussion just pontificating.
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RE: Fairy Taint Discussion II
@Sonic:
Found le this.
! http://fc01.deviantart.net/fs71/f/2011/288/e/e/mashima_out_trolls_kubo_tite_by_serumx-d4cw6xj.png
I. Love. It. :wub: Oh yeah. And Vongola Boss. You're allowed your opinion, but I'll never understand it and I find that you are rather uninformed. The fact that you put Naruto above Beelzebub (minor rage) makes me very unsympathetic to any bashing you experience. Unless you haven't read Beelzebub in which case you don't have any real right to say Naruto is the 6th best current Jump series now do you? But anyway.
Naruto is mediocre at best and very bad at worst. I think this calls for a change of profile.
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RE: Fairy Taint Discussion II
Sorry I missed the party but I just want to say this chapter was terrible. And you guys have all already summed up everything wrong with it so I don't really have anything new to say. And I agree the series has earned a thread title change by now. I really have to wonder what Mashima is hoping to gain from all this. Now admittedly it's possible things could change down the line, but this is Mashima we're talking about so it's quite possible that nothing will change and this will all have been completely pointless. Back to the status quo. For it is God!
Can't wait to see what future adventures our favorite mage guild has in store for us!
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RE: Attack on Titan: Why Genocide Is Sometimes Kind of Okay
Wow. Beelzebub, Vinland Saga, HSD Kenichi and Neuro are all longer than this series and yet they haven't gotten translated yet but Kyojin is getting an English release when it's only 6 volumes long? Don't get me wrong I'm not complaining or anything I'm happy the series is getting an English release and it makes sense considering how well the series is doing in Japan right now. There will be a long stretch between volumes but thems the breaks. I'd say it's good news regardless.
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RE: Western Animation section! Now with stuff!
I think a sub-forum for comics and live-action TV would be good too. Maybe one for film as well but we'll see. We'll see is the key word at the end of the day. For now let's just celebrate another excellent sub-forum! ^_^
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
I thought about saying something about the latest Naruto chapter, but everything has pretty much already been said by you guys. Great work.
This is my only real reaction to the chapter:
So as you can tell, I didn't like it.And as for Bleach. I only skimmed it. All I know is that Tsukishima's power was rather confusing and nonsensical. Just like the rest of Bleach. I'm starting to think that these days I only want to skim the Naruto and Bleach chapters because I've really gotten tired of them (haven't we all).
Edit: Oh yeah. The Obito is Tobi thing. Before I came to this forum I mainly browsed Naruto Forums (those were dark days to say the least shudders) and the TObito thing has been around for a while now. And even as a 13 year old I never really thought it made sense. And so of course it's become increasingly obvious that that's what Kishimoto has decided to do. Of course. He decides to validate the completely stupid fan theories. :getlost:
At least Pain didn't turn out to be Naruto's father like many suspected.
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RE: Family Guy: Isn't abuse funny?
My opinion on Family Guy is a complicated one. On one hand when it works well I actually really like the show, I think it's actually very funny. But it also has a tendency of being way too tasteless as far as I'm concerned and I don't particularly care for McFarlane's political views or the way he expresses them. So on the whole I would say I do enjoy Family Guy although I definitely think there are better shows out there. Honestly I think American Dad has become the better show at this point, it's a fair bit more consistent.
Oh yeah. And Seth MacFarlane working on a Flintstones show kind of rubs me the wrong way even though I'm way too young to really appreciate the Flintstones. I feel like the Flinstones is definitely one of those things where you had to be there to enjoy it. Which might be one of the major reasons why MacFarlane working on it is a bad thing.
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RE: Chapter 642: Losing Face
I thought the latest chapter was pretty decent. There was one thing that bothered me at first though but as I thought about it I decided I was pretty okay with it. Zoro isn't struggling too much with Hyozo and that's the case for most of the Straw-hats. This might bother some and should bother me as well given that a good action story (or drama stories in general) have a struggle to them. But considering that since Alabasta (probably before then) the Straw-hats have had to fight tooth in nail in every arc and barely come out of their fights alive I think I can allow Oda to give them a breather arc. Besides this is the arc where they show off their new abilities and are finally on top of the world for once. Of course if it's a walk in the park that will be disappointing but I think I can allow Oda to give them an easier time fighting for once. Those guys definitely need a break I'd say. I do hope that next arc will have more of a struggle though.
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RE: Hunter x Hunter
and it worked.
At the expense of severely injuring all Hunters involved and the life of the current Chairman. Novu/Knov was pretty much scarred for life if I remember correctly.
Not to mention they poisoned the landscape and killed a few hundred innocent bystanders. But besides that yeah it worked pretty well! :)
But anyway. I'm glad they at least provided some kind of explanation but I do think it could've been quite a bit better.
As for the latest chapter, it's good to see Hisoka and Irumi again and to at least see the names Kurapica and Kuroro in a chapter. (And Shalnark! Nice to see that Togashi remembered he was actually a Hunter too!) I also found it funny and cute that Ging is kind of like a grown up version of Gon. Though a lot more mature admittedly.
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RE: Marvel Movies Thread - Holy Shitballs
TRAILERRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR
Well that was pretty great! I am definitely looking forward to this!
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RE: Western Comics thread
@RobbyBevard:
For years and years the description I'd gotten for KLH was basically this. "Kraven reaches the limits of his skill, in a story full of Russian honor and philosophy. In his final days, inspired and frustrated by Spiderman always winning, he decides to prove he is his better, and so takes Spiderman's place, and battles Spiderman's villains until he dies. "
And that is how EVERYONE describes it. Even how the back cover of the book and the author describes it.
So in my head I'd concocted something where there's a man bound by honor and respect, who can no longer accept that he's an inferior, and finds out that he's dying… and so a normal ordinary mortal man at the peak of humanity and respect replicates the things Spidey does, and fights the likes of Doc Ock and Lizard and Green Goblin and goes out in a blaze of glory, content at the end that he was in fact better than Spiderman and earning respect.
Instead its this dark gritty thing where he kidnaps and buries Spiderman, messes with a D-lister mutant rat guy for a while, and then blows his brains out. I read it once and I absolutely hated it. its partly my own fault because I had imagined something completely different... but I also don't get why people have such love for the story, there's nothing there.
Again, I assume its cause it has the one memorable scene that affected continuity at the end, where he blew his brains out in the end, and thats what made it memorable, like Batgirl being crippled, more than the story itself as a whole.
I think when it came out at the time it didn't matter that he tried to one-up Spider-Man by fighting a minor villain, it's only with the clout the story got that would make people think he would try and take down one of the top guns (although even then it would make a lot more sense if that's what he tried to do. Who cares about fraking Vermin when you could go for Doc Ock or Hobgoblin?) Regardless it was still a pretty good story I thought, but I think you're right that it could've been waaay better and is no where near the masterpiece many claim it to be.
I'd just like to ask and I hope you don't mind, but what Spider-Man stories DO you like? I've always had a soft spot for that character. More than any other superhero. I've just always really liked his sense of humor, his heartfelt nature and how he never gives up no matter how bad his problems are. Or at least that's how it is when the stories are good. And when he's not making deals with the devil. Ugh. :getlost
But anyway I'd just like to know because maybe you could give me some recommendations. Sorry to bother you.
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RE: Western Comics thread
@RobbyBevard:
But NOTHING is more overrated than Kraven's Last Hunt. God that story is terrible. Not at all what I expected it to be.
What was wrong with it? I remember enjoying it when I first read it a few years back. But I would like to hear your opinion on the subject.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
@RobbyBevard:
Or watch this instead. I already bumped the Dragonball thread with it, but what the hell. Its good enough for here.
…........................
..................
.............
........ What?
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
@metteminne:
http://i802.photobucket.com/albums/yy306/gamalgamala/myfavorite_7636bad972f818ac1eb915b90c0de620.png
Good times
If I had been drinking something while I read that I probably would have died.
Very, very funny.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
There was a penis in my Bleach chapter.
And if the mask-Madara is Obito, Kishi reads forums.
Then why doesn't he ever give screen time to the Konoha 12?
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RE: Attack on Titan: Why Genocide Is Sometimes Kind of Okay
Personally I'm a bit worried that there aren't enough enemies besides the Titans. If the Titans are the only enemies in the series might get a bit boring. I had a similar problem with Claymore at first but it didn't take long for the mangaka to introduce a change of place with other kinds of Yoma and antagonistic Claymores. Still, I imagine it won't take too long for other kinds of enemies to be introduced. We're kind of getting another one with this female Titan who functions very differently from the other Titans. We'll certainly learn more later on so I'll trust in the mangaka.It does seem like Levy/Rivalle (does anyone know what his name actually is?) and his superiors will be villains, although Levy may end up being an anti-hero.
There was some speculation earlier that the female titan is Annie. I think it's quite possible that that's the case, Isayama was definitely planning something with her character. Only thing that bothers me is that she called out for Armin, and I don't think she and Armin shared any scenes together. Either way we might find out next chapter so just wait a month. I saw a few pages back that people saw no point in speculation and I can understand their arguments but I just personally wanted to share my thoughts.
My favorite character is probably Armin. I've just always really liked that human type character, who's just a normal person who happens to have some kind of talent and that's all they really have going for them but in spite of that they try their best to succeed and it just makes that kind of character very endearing. Very similar to Usopp in that regard, and Usopp was always one of my favorites. I do fear that if not pulled off well he could come across as rather emo with his whole "HOW CAN I MEASURE UP TO EREN AND MIKASA!!! :(" thing. But I'm going to trust in Isayama. He seems to know what he's doing.
And lastly… movie. Um, y'know what I'll settle for a good manga (and hopefully a good anime down the line) I don't really need a movie. But who knows. On that note for some reason I feel like this is the kind of series that Madhouse would adapt into an anime. I would really like to see that actually. Make it happen.
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RE: Western Comics thread
@Kareem:
Jason Aaron's Wolverine
I've only read Get Mystique when it comes to Aaron. It was pretty damn good so I think I would say Aaron had a good handle on the character. I'd also read 7 issues of Invincible Iron-Man but I didn't think that was quite enough to pass judgement.
The best 80's and 90's stuff is Miller's Daredevil, Mark Waid's Flash, Peter David's Hulk, and a significant portion of Claremont's Uncanny X-Men.
Edit: For some reason I accidentally quoted myself from the past. Wow.
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RE: Western Comics thread
@Badass:
…...................
....well, it had great art, that's for sure.
EDIT: Ohwait are you talking about his ORIGINAL run with the Flash, Vol 2?
Yes the original one in which he made Captain Cold into one of the best villains in the DC universe. That was some pretty damn good four color fantasy.
I didn't read that much of the next run (the art was glorious!!! mouth waters) so I can't say for myself whether it was good or not. I will say that the Captain Boomerang and Professor Zoom flashbacks weren't as well done as some of John's past "retconning flashbacks" which some don't like but I've always thought it was a good idea to add new layers to previously somewhat two-dimensional villains and they usually make sense given the character.
I personally found it really lame that the Flash book got renumbered for like… 13 issues? Before it got renumbered back to #1 again with the reboot. Kind of bugged me.
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RE: Western Comics thread
Too bad Cyclops is now the biggest dick in the Marvel U, leaving even Reed Richards and Tony Stark trailing behind.
If anyone wants to get into X-Men comics, just give me a ring and I'll post a wall of text about which comics to read and which not. I read all the X-Men comics in the span of a year and am now getting most of the great books. Let's just say I've become a complete fanboy of the merry mutants.
PM me with this list, because even I have a lot of trouble navigating through the foggy labrynth that is X-Men Continuity! (Lightning strikes are heard in the background) I mean I want to like the X-Men and I have liked a fair few stories, but they're possibly the hardest franchise of mainstream superhero comics to get into as far as getting an enjoyable experience is concerned. So I would indeed appreciate a little bit of inside info.
Edit: Also Scott Pilgrim kicks soooo much ass.
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RE: Western Comics thread
@No:
I haven't read any Miller since his Sin City comics (and even those just get too depresive and boring with that whole "oh everyone in the city is evil, just for the hell of being evil" thing), but I have seen a review of one of his ASB&R comics.
And, call me old fashioned if you will, but somehow Batman abducting traumatised orphans and forcing them to eat rats is not my idea of Batm__an.
I didn't care for Dark Knight Returns at first but over the years its grown on me a lot. Batman: Year One and his Daredevil stories are great too as far as I'm concerned. Haven't read too much of Sin City but what little I have read I found enjoyable. Too each his own. As for his recent stuff… yeah I'm not gonna defend it.
I've read a few of the first issues of the latest relaunch. I read the first Batman, Aquaman, Flash, Grant Morrison, Superman, and JLA. None of it was terrible but I'd say the only one that started out with a "OMG I've gotta read more of this!!" was the Batman issue. Everything else I just went "Oh this seems cool, I think I'll probably buy the next issue." I also heard good things about the Animal Man, Swamp Thing and Wonder Woman books so I think I'll try and check those out if I can. I heard that Green Arrow and Hawk and Dove were terrible though. And quite a few others actually those are just the ones that come to mind immediately.
Anyway, the reboot seems not to really have affected DC too much other than bringing in a few titles from the Vertigo and Wildstorm lines, giving a few second string characters their own book (Static, Blue Beetle) and putting new writers on the main heroes (and even then not that many, Azzarello and Morrison are the only notable examples). Quality seems to be about the same as ever, only thing is there's a bit of an awkwardness now that some continuity still exists, and some has been erased. So, this reboot has been per-eee-ty hit or miss. And it could easily slide more into miss territory but I'll try to be optimistic.
Now for the part where I go a bit overboard. Sorry. Ignore this part of the post No Maam. Unless you want to read it. It's sokay. You're beautiful.
Also, I noticed some posters that I like (RPGJay and CityLights31) were asking the common question "I kind of want to get into American comics, where do I start?" All right, time to glance over at my comics shelf, I assume you mean Marvel and DC superhero stuff right? Since there's also the great non-superhero books from Vertigo and Image and other companies like Y: The Last Man, Transmetropolitan, The Walking Dead and Fables and that shit is terrific, and very, very easy to get into. But for mainstream superhero books it's a bit tougher.
Two that come to mind right off the bat are Ultimate Spider-Man and Runaways. They were both teen superhero books, they were both books where you didn't need to know any continuity to understand them. They both had a lot of energy to them, they were really funny and they made you care about the characters. They both (particularly Runaways) drew from the rich history of the Marvel Universe without alienating new readers in any way. I love both of them. Also All-Star Superman is probably the best Grant Morrison story ever written. Take that for whatever it's worth.
The Ultimate Universe wasn't really that memorable except for Spidey. The Ultimates is probably the second best book, and while I enjoy that story on the whole (mostly for the action and the concepts) I can't deny it's a bit too 90's comics EXTREME!!! for a good many people. It's much, much better written then those comics but it's still got a bit too much of that mold for me to really recommend it to people.
But back to the stuff that I DO recommend. Most of the "out-of-continuity one offs" that people talk about are really good. Specifically Batman: The Long Halloween, The Killing Joke, Superman: Red Son (probably the best Mark Millar book ever written. Again take it for what it's worth.) Kingdom Come (definitely), DC: The New Frontier, and to a lesser extent but I'd still count it: Marvels. That shit is epic and very easy to access I'd say.
Joss Whedon's Astonishing X-Men is another book that (with a few exceptions) is very accessible and a ton of fun. It actually makes you like Scott Summers/Cyclops, which some thought impossible, but if anyone could do it, it's Whedon.
That's the stuff that I'd say is most easy. There are other books that I like a lot, like 52, Brubaker's Captain America, John's run on The Flash and Green Lantern, and Bendis' Daredevil run that is probably easier to get into than most other books on the market (and also much better written obviously) but still have to deal with a fair amount of continuity that might be a bit much for the "uninformed".
Another book that is very easy to get into though isn't Marvel and DC but does perfectly capture the essence of superheroes and so would at least show "Yeah there's really something to this superhero thing." is Astro City by Kurt Busiek. It's a bit like Hunter x Hunter where the writer kind of goes a bit far with the exposition and narration at times, but it's still a very creative book with a fully formed universe and wide cast of characters that Busiek puts to great use. It takes aspects from all of the comic book eras but done very sensibly and it's actually more realistic than most Marvel/DC books in terms of how normal people would act in a world of superheroes. You can buy pretty much any of the graphic novels and easily follow them. Just a really, really great book.
So yeah. That's the fairly recent stuff I suggest comics newbs check out. I feel very confident that you'll enjoy at least One of them. Sorry for being slightly OT.
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RE: Attack on Titan: Why Genocide Is Sometimes Kind of Okay
So what's the release schedule like for this manga(Similar to Berserk or Vagabond)? I finally caught up so I don't have to worry about being spoiled.
So far it has a consistent monthly schedule so don't worry, it'll come out way more frequently than Berserk, Vagabond, HxH etc.
What were your thoughts on it? Personally I think it's really interesting and has the potential to be one of the best Shonen of recent memory. And yes it is a Shonen. Just a really, really dark one like Death Note and Claymore.
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RE: Rock the Casbah: Arab-World Revolutions
You forgot about the poor Africans, the most shat on and mocked of all races by the white supremacists. Quick question, were the Ancient Egyptians black? Because if nothing else I know that the white nationalists consider them and India to be the only "Great Civilizations that weren't White." (Who forgot China?) I do know that there were plenty of African civilizations if nothing else, although the only one that I can think of that was particularly notable as far as development and accomplishments go was the Mali civilization with Mansa Musa and Timbuktu.
And white supremacists also tend to look at how many of America's most violent cities are the ones with high black populations and the large amount of black men in jail and blame the high population of African and Latino Americans as the main reason for the U.S. having the highest crime rates of any developed nations. I would imagine that has to do with the fact that African Americans weren't given good jobs or schools so they became poor as hell and crime became rampant in their areas.
Fun Fact: The supremacists often talk about how blacks need to be taken out of the U.S. because "Theyre a danger to good hardworkin whites! Why doya think so many of em are locked up!" Yet statistically most crimes committed by African Americans are committed towards other African Americans and the same is true of most other racial and ethnic groups in the U.S.
Sorry for rambling and kind of derailing this thread, I should probably stop soon, I just wanted to hear your word on the "issue". The point is racial supremacists (of any kind) hate logic. It is their archnemesis.
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RE: Rock the Casbah: Arab-World Revolutions
@Monkey:
Eastern Europe has an unfair rep really. It's mostly pumped up and made fun of for sucking so much because it's an easy target in the US because we don't have to feel sorta racist in doing it. But of course it's still cruel and prejudice.
Western/Eastern Europe is really just plain fine. The Czech Republic and Slovenia are virtually identical to a hop across the border to Italy and Germany. Yeah, Slovenia the former Yugoslav republic.
Poland, Hungary, Croatia, and Slovakia are pretty good. No problems really (alright Croatia has some huge skeletons in it's closet but..).
Romania, Bulgaria, the Baltics, Montenegro, Macedonia….varying degrees of slighty less good. Poverty still has a place in some of them, namely their huge gypsy populations.
All of those places are stable. As peaceful as where you live. Really no issues that aren't economic. Macedonia had an Albanian insurgency less than ten years ago but that's about it.
Those countries don't really deserve the "WHOA CRAZY EASTERN EUROPE MAN" stereotypes.
Serbia...Bosnia...Kosovo...the triumvurate of countries who don't get to sleep at night without 90's nightmares. They're....stableish. Most of Serbia anyway. Bosnia enjoys the fortune of still being divided ethnically, something that only time can heal really.
Kosovo is......not unstable....but not stable. There are border clashes occasionally with you know who.
Serbia is doing a good job right now. They aren't sacrificing their famous pride, but they are catching the monsters from the 90's and doing their part at making up for what some of them and their Bosnian allies did. Two big rats this year.
Their current president seems like a very good man to me. I think that Former Yugoslavia will remain peaceful.Albania is meh.
Russia!!!! Who knows! Their democracy isn't really...real yet. Maybe they'll work it out peacefully. Or maybe something will pop. Who knows.
And the Causcasus mountains....well....it's anyones game there.Ukraine is sllllllloooooowwwwlllllyyyyy catching up with the rest of Europe. Their economy is a whole league below the rest of the continent.
Moldova is just........well you know all the stereotypes you have about Eastern Europe? Well in Moldova it's all actually true.
Again, it is literally better to live in Botswana than Moldova (Unless you enjoy having unprotected sex with untested strangers).And that other place... has no problems, no dictatorship at all, lots of electiosn and a cool economy not based off russian donations at all that is NOT plummiting down the gutter into freefall and any of that bad stuff.
Ah. Well that's all very enlightening then. Good for the people of Eastern Europe that their region isn't nearly as bad as usually stereotyped. I'm happy for them.
Although there is something that I wanted to ask your opinion on since you're very knowledgeable and I hoped you could enlighten me. I don't believe in discrimination. I just don't think it's good policy and I believe that everyone should be treated equally regardless of whatever differences evolution has caused for us. There're plenty of other people who don't feel that way though. The white supremacists like David Duke and Jared Taylor and their ilk are constantly saying "The European race is superior! They've forged mighty stable nations with their superior genetics, while the nations of inferior African, Asian, Arab and Hispanic races are in shambles because of their inferior genetics!"
Obviously I don't agree with them, but it's basically true that nations with European majorities make up most of the stable and well developed countries of the world. While nations with African, Asian, Middle Eastern or Hispanic majorities are more likely to be impoverished and violent. (Although those last two "races" I mentioned aren't really races, especially the last one, but I think you know what I mean. The white supremacists certainly think that Latin America consists entirely of brown skinned, black haired people when really Latin Americans come in many lighter and darker shades.)
What I'm basically asking you is: Why do you think European nations have generally been able to thrive much better than non-European nations? One of the most reasonable theories I've heard is that regions like Africa simply don't lend themselves well to industrialization because of various environmental factors such as all the deserts in Africa (and the Middle East for that matter) and the rivers in Africa are hard to navigate. And of course the long history of European colonization in many of these regions probably wasn't very helpful for development, something White Nationalists tend to ignore whenever they're spouting their racist dogma.
I was just wondering if you could provide me with knowledge on the subject since you're obviously way more educated on the matter. Don't want to bother you I'm just eager to know, since I'm sure there are many other factors at play when it comes to "Race and Developmental Inequality" than simply just genetics. Much appreciated.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
This is all so good ^^. Makes me want Rock Lee's SToY now
Do you mind if I sig the Rock Lee and Kakashi lines?
I would actually rather like to have one of my posts sigged. It's always nice to know you made someone laugh. :)
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
The only thing I'd prefer to sasuke dying, is his whole clan getting revived and right when he's about to go for a hug with his dad mom and brother, they all get slaughtered and torn to pieces in front of him, that would be what we call a masterpiece
I think it would be funnier if Sasuke ran up to them with joy all across his face. And then his father smacks him telling him he was a miserable failure and that Rock Lee was 1000 times the man he'll ever be, and he'd much rather have him for a son. That would be awesome.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
Meh, just toss another emo pretty boy at them and they'll be diverted. Isn't that what Sai was for in the first place? And he already has a weird fascination with Naruto so the fan fics will flow easier.
No one can replace Sasuke in the hearts of the fangirls! He's the bestest Bishonen to ever Bishon-
Oh wait what was that glint of silver? Oh my. It's Hitsugaya! OMG! He's so pwetty! Yeah that Naruto thing is real great but I wanna draw IchigoxToshiro fanart now! NaruSasu is soooo last hour. Everyone knows Bleach is where it's at now!
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
This is how Naruto will end:
Sasuke is suddenly stabbed by Madara. Naruto looks horrified. Then this music plays. (Skip to about 2:50. Sorry that I don't know how to skip to the mark myself. I suck.)
Naruto cradles Sasuke's body as the song continues to play. He weeps "manly" tears of sorrow! :(
Kakashi then feels a pain in his chest.
Rock Lee: What is it Kakashi sensei?
Kakashi: It was as if a million fangirls cried out in agony and were suddenly silenced!
May their love go on forever. Truly the best romance since Edward Cullen and Bella Swan! sniff
THE GLORIOUS TRAGIC END.
End Credits Role: Hedwig and The Angry Itch Plays. The song is honestly too awesome for Naruto but I'd still say it's appropriate.**It's The Sad Story How We Became Lonely Two Legged Creatures! The Origin, The Origin Of Love! That's The Origin Of Love!
One of the greatest Shonen series ever made! A masterpiece unlike any other. Long Live Uchiha Sasuke! A paragon of virtue!**
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RE: What are you reading? (Literature)
Catcher in a Rye was one of my favorite books when I was 13, although maybe I liked it because I was a whiny teen myself back then. :P I should read it again some day….
Catcher in the Rye is pretty great. I read it when I was 17 when I was kind of out of the whiny teen phase but I could still really get behind it if only because it was very easy to remember how I was back then and the author (blanking on his name) just captured so well what it's like to be a concerned teenager. Holden had good intentions he just couldn't express them well and he felt like a real person at the end of the day. So yeah, I've always felt like Catcher in the Rye is one of the best "Great American Classics".
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RE: Random News Article Discussion
so awesome!!!
Anime. And Rap Music. And Music in general. And Comic Books. And Movies. And Video Games. And The Telephone! They are all the corruptors of our nations youths, and were forged by Satan!
Oh yeah, and I was going to quote it but I might as well say it here. Those Westboro's are crazy as hell. Among other things, they believe that Obama is the Antichrist. Yup.
I'm also reminded of the Christian Identity movement who believe that Jews are descended from Satan and that Africans and other non-European people are little more than animals and have no souls. And the reason they have no souls is because they can't blush, which you need a soul to do. Yeah, I think that's enough idiocy for today. Just remember to stay clear of anyone who decides to blame all of the world's problems on the Devil. And all of the Devil's minions who are usually Jews, Africans, Homosexuals, Muslims etc.
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
I'm pretty sure the WBC really doesn't care about its "message" as long as people are looking at them.
A statement like that lends credence to this theory.
Yes I've heard that theory too. It's quite sad when you think about it that people would take the "There's no such thing as bad publicity" belief that far.
And it's also sad that there're other "churches" who hold similar beliefs to WBC and actually **are serious.**
–- Update From New Post Merge ---
@Monkey:
I want to believe.
http://www.foreignpolicy.com/articles/2011/08/15/think_again_war?page=0,0I thought the article was pretty well researched actually. The statements made a lot of sense to me.
Of course maybe I'm just a naturally optimistic soul.
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RE: Rock the Casbah: Arab-World Revolutions
@No:
I'm still baffled how Putin could even be elected president if he was an active officer of the KGB.
It just…..blows my mind.
Hey No Maam. I've actually always wondered what life in the Czech Republic is like. Since Eastern Europe has never exactly been known as the most stable region on Earth, I wondered what it would be like to live in one of the nations. Although I suppose the C.R. is a bit more of a Central European nation (it's pretty close to Germany). From what I've heard it's one of the most developed and peaceful nations in the region, but I'd like to know from someone who actually lives there.
Sorry if a bit OT.
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But of course they're content now. Russia has taken back its position as a major power (at least to some extent), and who cares about poverty and non-existent freedom or rights as long as Russia remains fearsome in the eyes of its neighbors..
Sadly Russia is by no means the only government with that kind of policy. It's a very similar situation with China. And much of the Middle East.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
Whenever I see an anime opening that solely revolves around the NaruSasu dynamic I always ask myself "How did a series I once enjoyed turn into such complete garbage?" Urgh.
@choperman. Dude I'd prefer you didn't use the term "fag". And my problem with Naruto (the character) isn't that he's gay. It's that he's Gay Emo Jesus. An unholy combination that should never have been created or even thought of. Sorry to come across as a PC Nazi but just keep it in mind, kay? I'd say your reaction to the Opening and Ending is the best one though.
Since we're on the subject I actually listen to a weekly manga podcast where the people on the podcast talked about what needs to be done to fix Naruto. One of the things they said needed to happen was that Sasuke needed to die. Not from a fan standpoint where it's like "Oh I hate Sasuke so much, he has to die!" but from a storytelling standpoint Sasuke should die. Because if he doesn't die it'll be the biggest load of BS ever laid eyes on.
Kishimoto has constantly made the character come across as a complete psychopath and it feels like there's no real way to redeem him. And if Sasuke ends up dying it'll have proven how destructive the "CYCLE OF HATRED" is and will have been (somewhat) effective in that regard. But if Sasuke is redeemed through the power of love and friendship and cleansed of all his sins it'll just be terrible writing. Guess which option is more likely?
I just found it interesting that even from a (more or less) neutral, unbiased standpoint, Sasuke needs to die. Not simply because he has such a large and vocal hatedom but also because with the way his character arc has gone it's the only proper course of action. Too bad there's pretty much no way Kishimoto will actually decide to kill him. And even if he does he'll probably be redeemed in spirit where everyone will talk about what a GREAT HUMAN BEING HE WAS!!!
So yeah. Can't wait to see all that!
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RE: Fairy Taint Discussion II
The biggest problem I have with FT was illustrated pretty well in this chapter. Fairy Tail is very, very similar to One Piece right? It does a lot of things very similar to One Piece. That's a good thing right?
Yeah No. The main problem is that the way Mashima handles his "Tear Jerker" scenes compared to the way Oda does them. The way Mashima does it is just so hammy and contrived to the way Oda usually does them. Macao crying "ROMEO HASN'T SMILED EVEN ONCE!!!" It's stuff that actually could be moving if handled well but Mashima just doesn't seem to grasp the intricacies of proper execution with tear jerker scenes.
Basically he's sappy and he's corny and it's one of the main reasons his series is highly underwhelming.
Something good to say about the chapter…. Don't really have anything. Sorry.
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RE: Bakuman
Now, Hiramaru's antics are starting to wear a bit thin on me. Which is a bit disappointing. Still I laughed when Kosugi mentioned he dislocated his hip later on in the chapter.
But yeah it was pretty good. I'm surprised Nanamine was so utterly trounced, but the reason given really made sense honestly. Wonder what the dude'll do next?
[Insert joke about Mashiro talking to new never-before seen mystery girl here.]
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
@RobbyBevard:
1.Jiraiya isn't dead
2.Even if he was, kabuto made an excuse for why he had no access to that corpse, even though he could get hundreds of other random well guarded shmucks… somehow.1. Personally I don't think Jiraiya is really alive. Yeah, I know there're pretty much no lines Kishi won't cross but I just don't see what he would gain from it or why he would do it. Just me. I'm completely prepared to be wrong though.
2. Sorry forgot about that. That was BS actually. I just thought Jiraiya would be one of the only ninja left who could be brought back to life and who would be a very dramatic and powerful opponent. Either those three I mentioned or some random uber-haxor shinobi who was never mentioned before who turns out to be as strong as the Fourth Hokage. Such is the way with this kind of series. :getlost:
Either that or the most fearsome summoning of all: Giant Brain Coral !!!
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RE: The "Shueisha" Thread
One Piece
Hunter x Hunter
GinTama
Toriko
Beelzebub I'd say this is pretty much my ideal top 5. Sadly I don't think it'll ever see the light of day. OP and Toriko may be top 5 mainstays, and Beel and GinTama have had their time in the sun, but HxH tends to rank low in the polls. HxH is all about the volume sales. It's not hard to see why it ranks low. With how infrequently it comes out it's difficult for people to follow what goes on with the chapters. But regardless, those are the 5 series in current Jump that I think are the best. I have not yet read Sket Dance though. -
RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
Thanks for jacking up my therapy bills JC! >_<
DO NOT WANT! DO NOT WANT!!!
Anyway. On the subject of Kabuto's trump card I think that it's an Edo Tensei of Jiraiya, the White Fang or even Kisame. At least that's what a real trump card/secret weapon would be.
That or a GIANT SEA ANEMONE!!!
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
@Shuhan1288:
Fun little quote I found, this guys 'explaination' for the absurdity…
From Naruto Forums
My God. I don't see how anyone wouldn't automatically begin weeping at such an awesome, thoroughly reasoned post. This good sir/madam is truly one of the most enlightened gentleman on the internet. I tip my hat to him/her. The forum he inhabits must be a delightful den of thoughtful discussion.
:ninja: :ninja: :ninja:
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RE: The "Shueisha" Thread
@Lazy:
Why do people actively want other mangas to fail? I can understand complaining that a manga is too low, but I can't understand why it's a big problem if Bleach is like 3rd.
Because it's an insult to other comics writers (and writers in general) who put in a lot of effort into their craft and make really good series who don't make as much money as an author who's absolutely terrible.
That's my two cents.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
With no hyperbole. Being completely serious. I honestly think that that is the worst opening to an anime that I've ever seen. What. The. Hell. Also I noticed that Team 8 wasn't in there. I think the anime staff wanted to save them the unbearable shame.
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RE: Naruto and Bleach: Let's put this thread to bed I
@Gourmet:
What was the chapter that Hinata confessed her love for Naruto? How did he react?
He flew into a rage and went further into the Demon Fox mode then he had ever gone before and was honestly trying to kill the villain of the arc. It was quite dramatic and well done actually…..
And then her confession is never mentioned again, even though it played a big part in how pissed off Naruto got. Naruto doesn't even seem to remember it. It's one of the top ten worst moments of the series. Not the worst though sadly. Seems like it might finally get addressed next chapter. Maybe. And even then it'll have been such a long time that it'll be difficult to care since most of us hate Naruto (the character and series) by this point.
As for chapter number it was 437 so it's been about 120 chapters now. Ugh.
That's basically it for the latest awful chapter of Naruto. Everyone is completely useless and the treatment of women and secondaries has gotten even worse. Kishi sure knows how to reinvent himself. To think I actually had some hope that Lee and Hinata would kick ass in this war. Back when Naruto was good and I was a fan they were the two characters I really hoped would get stronger and more confident and have these great character arcs. But that was not to be.
I take it you haven't read very far into Naruto. If you're at Chunin Exams or Zabuza then trust me that's as good as the series gets. Stop after chapter 139. There's mildly enjoyable stuff after that but mostly it's just a long dredge between bad writing and badly done Shonen tropes and by the end you'll just feel kind of depressed. It's a pretty bad series honestly.
As for Bleach: I didn't really like this chapter but the fact that one of the few cool characters got to kick the ass of an annoying as Hell character did make it better than most of the chapters that have come out this arc. Low bar there. Really low.
Btw. I just realized that over the past two or three years I don't think I've ever genuinely enjoyed a Bleach chapter. The only Bleach chapter I ever remember enjoying was the Mayuri vs Szayel chapter because it was so over-the-top in its cruelty that it was kind of awesome. And I think that's about it. More than a hundred chapters and I can count the number that I've enjoyed on one hand. Bleach really is an awful series.