DeathscytheX

I must have started watching Fairy Tail like 4 or 5 years ago. I always got held up by the dub progress. I finally finished the 265 or so eps that are out. Overall I really loved this series despite its tons of flaws. The story was very child friendly as no one really ever dies in a fight. If someone dies, its none of the important characters and they're already dead when they're found. Hell they even brought one back that was supposedly dead the first 3-4 seasons. However where it isn't child friendly is the fan service that progressively gets more abundant each season. Rather than a joke here and there it's bewb flaunting and gratuitous bent over shots. FT does have the most luscious cast of females you could ask for in an anime, and they exploit it the later into the series you get to the point its laughable. I feel like the series peaked at the Grand Magic Games and they ran out of inspiration after that. The whole former enemies turning good got old after it kept happening. I mean Minerva had resting bitch face, and Flare had psycho face to indicate they were indeed villains, so it was odd later to see them get the normal face when they weren't evil anymore. What made me love the series is the running gags and the fact that most all the characters had their own fights and stayed on equal footing with Natsu, rather than taking the DBZ approach and having the main character surpass everyone to where only he could do anything of value. Even though Laxus and Guildarts were super mega ultra OP, they were never around when it really mattered. Anyways, I'll be looking forward to the final season later this year. This was by far my favorite opening sequence.
 

After four days of playing I finally beat Detroit: Become Human or should I say finished my first play through and boy was it a pleasure. It's been a very long time since I've played a game with such an amazing story behind it and it's been even longer since I've felt such emotion while playing. This is my game of the year and nothing will come close to over taking it. A little early to be saying this? Probably but the chances another game as rich in story, character development, and emotional attachment coming out this year is slim to none. Games like these are what influenced my decision to get my degree (even if I'm not using it or working in the industry) and it's games like this that I've always wanted to create.
True, the story has problems (and an extremely slow start after the first mission (the demo mission if you haven't played it)) and borrows heavily from real life events (civil rights movement is the big parallel with Markus coming off as the android MLK (depending on what choices you make)) and covers some pretty heavy subjects (domestic abuse, drug use, what does it mean to really be alive, etc) but they are few and far between and do little to detract from the narrative being told (in fact I think it gives the story more character). This game also does an extremely good job of making you feel the consequences of the choices you make and drives those points home later on down the line (every choice you make effects how the story ends, even the most mundane).
All three main characters are interesting in their own ways and it was a joy seeing them all evolve throughout the course of the story and while I admit some of them were bland (Connor coming to mind, his character arch is the most interesting but his character is rather bland until about half way through the game) that hardly detracts from the story. If I had to choose I'd say Kara's story was my favorite for pure emotional reasons and Connor's being the most enjoyable (mostly due to the Detective he works with). Don't get me wrong Markus's story is good and the beginning of it really makes you feel for him but overall it doesn't outshine the other two. Plus the actor's they got to play these characters did an extremely amazing job bringing these characters to life so much so that I became emotionally attached to each one of them (this goes for secondary characters as well, I had to make some real hard choices at the end of the game and it was heartbreaking to do so).
While I'm not one to gush about graphics I must say this game is beyond beautiful and the motion capture and animation are top notch (not to mention the starting screen is probably the most unique one to date). It's obvious this is a game and everything is CG but sometimes you forget given how well they nailed the likeness of the actors/actresses they used (almost all the main characters and certain side characters share their likeness with the actor/actress that portrayed them). I also have to say the soundtrack is rather amazing (now to rip it off my PS4 for my listening pleasure).
All in all this game was an emotional ride and probably the best $70 I've spent on a game in years. I can't recommend it enough but I warn you this game is not for everyone. There is very little action (and what little there is completely consists of quick time events) and it's completely character driven, think of it as a CYOA movie that takes some input from the audience. Plus if you've never played a Quantic Dream game (Indigo Prophecy, Heavy Rain, Beyond: Two Souls) then you probably won't really enjoy it. However if this sounds like something you'd like I highly recommend it. As I said it's been a really long time since I've enjoyed a game this much and I can't wait to play it again this weekend to try out the paths I didn't take (and to get all the trophies, this will probably be the only game I 100%) and see the other endings (I got what could be considered the best ending).

Ancient Magus Bride is simply outstanding. I wish I would have gotten to it sooner. Its like a darker Spirited Away with some XXXholic and Mushi Shi mixed in. From all the promotion Funi did on facebook, it was nothing like what I thought it was going to be. They really need to work on conveying themes better. Its partially why it took me so long to get around too it, because it didn't interest me at first. If you're ever in the mood for a mystical anime, this is the one. The world building is fantastic.

3 episodes into Stiens:Gate 0, and it's a feels trip. I liked the first one, but I wouldn't consider myself a fan. But this one is just tugging at my feelings with Okabe interacting with Amadeus. On a funny note, its wierd how everyone's tits got huge. Wtf?

I'm going to preface this by saying I'm normally not a fan of Super Robot mech shows (more of a Real Robot guy myself (Gundam/Macross)) and never really have been (there are exceptions but they are few) so that will tell you just how much I adored this show.
It took me 11 years to finally sit down and watch it (and it's spent many years on my Netflix to watch list (I watched in on CR though) but I finished Gurren Lagann tonight and I have to say I absolutely fucking adored it. I don't understand why it took me so long to finally watch it but god am I glad I finally did. I haven't been this pumped after watching a show since I finished Kill la Kill (funny considering Trigger is also responsible making that gem). I'll admit it was a little rough in the beginning and if it wasn't for Kamina I would of dropped it but man am I glad I stuck through it, it only kept getting better. I'll admit, my taste for shows like this has dwindled over the years and I'm not really into the over the top, ridiculous shit anymore but god this just scratched an itch I didn't even know I had. Sure, I have my issues with the show (some pretty poor character development in some of the secondary characters, story is a little hard to follow after a certain point, some of the mech based science bugs me, and the whole Spiral Energy thing is ridiculous) but god damn do they seem insignificant when put up against an awesome soundtrack, awesome visuals (a little jenky considering how old it is), and a downright stellar main cast.
If it wasn't for my absolute love for Zeta Gundam this might have taken the place as my all time favorite mech anime (you all know me well enough to know how high of praise this is). I can't wait to watch the movies this weekend (yea they're recaps but apparently the second movie makes the final fight even more epic then it already was) and I'm sad to think there is no more of this wonderful show to watch (manly tears were shed at this realization).

Smoked some ribs last night and they turned out amazing.

Just got a severance from my old job, and I immediately paid off a credit card. Feels good because that's a monthly payment gone that will act as a buffer for the small pay cut I took at my new job. Plus it was the card with the highest APR. I gotta hold out another year hopefully. My PC is showing signs of its old age, and I'll probably have to upgrade completely in the future. At 10 years old, its mother board is probably severely outdated to rebuild on, 6 of the USB ports don't work anymore, and more are dying. My wireless connection is kinda shit because I think the USB ports cut off for a second and kick me off at random times. I say this because the USB port I had the adapter plugged into died when it was giving me problems, and I put it into a new one and after a few days the same issue started happening again. I had to swap my mouse to a new port because that one died. Even though I haven't been playing GW2, I can imagine getting kicked off while doing something important. My PC case is too small at that. The video card I just bought a few months ago barely fits in it, otherwise I'd strip the old ass wireless card my dead PC had and put it in... although I think I lost the antenna for it. I also have plans to buy a new firearm. I sold my 1911 to the FFL I frequent so I could secure a larger down payment for my car. I never carried that behemoth, but I want a revolver since I don't have one. That will only cost me around $600... so that empty credit card balance is already begging to be used.

Funimation started the dubcast of the Legend of the Galactic Heroes: Die Neue These. Apparently it's a reboot of the 1988 series Legend of the Galactic Heroes. Never saw the original, but the first two episodes has me pretty impressed. If this series is full of huge 5000-10k ship battles using old school formations and tactics I'll def be hooked. Since the original was over 100 eps, I hope I don't get The Legend of Legendary Hero'ed here after season 1.

The dub of first ep of My Hero Academia Season 3 finally came out so I caught up on the first four. Holy crap, they aren't wasting any time this season. Shit is already going down! Finished Garo Vanishing Line. It was really good, I want a second season of this era, and they left it open for one. I'm pretty pumped about the movie that takes place in the first era though. Overlord Season 2 was kind of a let down for me. The action was still good but it felt like the season had no real beginning or end... it was like the middle of a season, and there was no apparent turning point or climax. The lizard people happened, and then this whole thing with six arms... but nothing was resolved. Hopefully season 3 is more structured.

So far Netflix is 1 for 3 on their new series. Sword Gai was ok, but it was more like a GARO/Guyver type clone. B: The Beginning could have been better written. Maybe its the story structure that is throwing me off as they are definitely more western in flow. I'll probably watch both for another season. Children of the Whales was pretty enjoyable and my favorite of the three. I definitely look forward for its most definite second season. It was pretty charming in a Studio Ghibli way. 

Ugh, I forget how spoiled I am watching Netflix series where all the episodes are loaded in at once. Catching up on all these Simuldubs on Funi is like hitting a dead end when I reach a point to where I have to wait weekly. I started some more series. I was hesitant to start GARO -Vanishing Line- but I'm glad I did. I loved GARO: The Animation, but GARO -Crimson Moon- was kinda lack luster and I didn't finish it. Each series takes place in a different timeline with different characters that dawn the Makai Knight armors. The original was Medieval like, Crimson Moon was more feudal Japan themed, and VL is modern times. At first I thought it was gonna be some macho bullshit, because the main character is so western with big ass muscles. I was pretty surprised. But so far its excellent, and the Armor suits are actually drawn instead of CGIed like the first two series which is a pleasant surprise. First brawl I saw was so Michael Bay-like with a shaky cam and I was like "oh boy, not this" But ever sense they haven't really done it.

Finally got around to seeing Thor: Ragnarok (just finished in fact). Gotta say it was a really good movie, really enjoyed where they went with it and thought it was a downright blast.
Good amount of comedy (I thought it was a nice direction considering what we'll be getting in a little over a month), nice action sequences, and seeing Thor get the snot kicked out of him by Hulk was pretty damn funny. Was also nice to see Thor actually use his damn powers for once (the bridge fight was pretty fucking epic). If I didn't love the first Guardians as much as I do I'd say this would probably be my favorite Marvel movie (considering how much I hated the first two Thor movies that's pretty high praise from me).

Got caught up on a few of the Simuldub's Funimation is running. Basilisk: the Ouka Ninja Scrolls caught my eye since I did enjoy the original. So far the action is pretty good. It takes place 10 years after the first one ended... or so it says until there is a time jump after the 4th episode. Its very different from the first as its more of your standard ninja anime rather than some tragic love story. I'm glad it did the time jump though because I was feeling like it was gonna be another "kids beat adult fodder" type thing. I also started Darling in the Franxx since it's getting so much hype. Its basically Gurren Lagann style animation with a ton of sexual innuendo. Its catering to my craving for a mecha series so far.

I've watched so much anime since getting Funimation, I can't remember half of what I watched. I'll see something I remember watching and enjoying but i can barely remember any of the story. I guess I can tell what I felt was truly great when I can remember what happened. It doesn't really take much for me to enjoy a series without it being a favorite. Here is what actually stood out to me in the last year whether it came out in 2017 or not... none of these are more than 2 years old.

Mob Psycho 100
I adore this anime, and its a close second to My Hero Academia. It's unique blend of purposely plain character designs, mixed with its batshit psychedelic fight sequences, along with the comical still expression scenes sets it apart from the norm we've been getting over the past few years. Its wacky and fun.
Drifters
As a history nerd I really enjoyed this series. The animation and character designs are top notch, and the fight scenes are really good. The Hellsing people did this one and it has the same gore level. Its also one of the better Dubs out there.
My Hero Academia
Easily my favorite series I've seen in a while. Unique characters, great fights that never drag, excellent background music that properly sets the tone, and superb animation. This is #1 on my recommendation list for anyone looking for a new series to watch. Christopher Sabat brings his Major Armstrong type persona to Allmight, and its great.  
Kuromukuro
This one is on netflix. Its a fun watch. Good action, comedy, mecha design, and fights. Its not on the level of Aldnoah.Zero or Gun X Sword, but its definitely more entertaining to watch than Knights of Sidonia.
Lupin III part 4
Not much to say other than its classic Lupin. Although this season was a bit more connected with an overall story arc rather than several single standing episodes. The animation keeps it's classic designs with modern shading and a much more fluid motion. The new recurring characters were also well done.

Holy cow there seems to be a subscription crate for everything now. AC Filters, Clothes, Bras, Candy, etc. I actually just signed up for Umai Crate. It seems to be the most unique and best value. Its just a box full of different Japanese instant ramens. I'll report if its any better than the cheap shitty ramen you can get at the grocery store. For $25 a month, the box seems to be full of 7-9 bags/boxes/cups of various types. If I'm not impressed with the first box, I'll cancel it and feel like it was worth trying something interesting. I watched a few youtube unboxings and taste tests and it seems to be pretty well received, even in the comments on their facebook posts. I recently had authentic ramen at a local hole in the wall and it was amazing. I always thought ramen was just that shitty Nissin stuff. Some of the videos I watched, its def a little more complex than just pouring hot water into noodles and a tiny spice packet. Some of them have multiple packets to enter in before and after water is added. And apparently there are suggested fresh add ons you can buy separately at the grocery store. Things you obviously can't dehydrate like hard boiled eggs.

I've owned 3 cars now. My first car was a 1993 Nissan Maxima. It had 110k miles on it and it served me well until 215k miles. An alternator and a break hose were the only major repairs I've ever had to have done on it. Then I got a 2004 Mazda3 which also served me well from 11k miles to 80k miles, a fuel purge sensor was the only major repair I ever had to do on it. I'd still have it if some kid didn't pull out in front of my and total it. With the insurance check I should have just put a nice down payment on a brand new car... but at the time I didn't want a car note so I got the only thing I could find... a 2004 Ford Mustang. It had less miles than my Mazda so I figured it was like I just had this car all along since it was the same year. Wrong, its been the biggest POS I've ever owned. I've had to have the power steering pump replaced twice, major exhaust work twice, serpentine belt, entire ABS system, read axle, front calipers, CV joint, motor fan, and the transmission that was put in to replace the already busted on they tried to sell the car with, is about to go out again... to top it all off the paint just started crumbling off the car and now its rusting. I bought it with 65k miles and now it has 116k miles. Now that my college loan is almost finally paid off, I'm looking to get a brand new Honda Civic or VW Golf. The Civic is a car I've always wanted since wanting a car, but the Golf is very nice and has more horsepower. I'll never buy another ford car again. I remember when my exhaust system basically fell off the car because the manifold cracked... the muffler shop I went to basically said "Yeah this is pretty common at 90k miles for this car" which I was pretty much at... wtf. Screw Ford. I've never had so many catastrophic failures with a vehicle.

BoTW took Game of the Year award and its well deserved, but I'm also glad NieR: Automata got best musical score, because its very well deserved.

Bestbuy and Amazon had some good deals on movies yesterday. Got 9 recent releases on blu ray for about $50. And I got a 4tb western digital external hard drive from bestbuy for $79.

IFC had a Three Stooges marathon on Thanksgiving. After we ate, we watched that the rest of the day. I haven't laughed that hard for that long in a long time. Good stuff.

The new firefox update is amazing. It feels a lot faster even if it does look like a Windows 95 program.

My parents visited me over the weekend. Had a great time.  I wish I lived in the same state as the rest of my family so I could see them all more often.

Finally got caught up on my backlog of Marvel movies over the last two weeks (well the backlog of ones I wanted to watch, the only one's I haven't seen are Thor 2, Homecoming (which I will watch eventually), Ant Man (no real interest in seeing it) and I've only seen half of the first Captain America). Will say things make a lot more sense now in the big picture after getting them watched, thoughts below:
Winter Soldier: As much as I hat Cap I really enjoyed this movie and when my friend said shit hit the fan he wasn't kidding. I finally understand why Shield wasn't around in Avengers 2 (I really had no idea what was going on since I never watched the TV show and I really had no interest in watching Winter Soldier until recently) so a lot of my questions about certain things were finally answered. Really like how it played out more like a spy/action flick then a superhero flick, definitely one of my favorites in the the Marvel verse behind GoG 1 & 2 and Civil War.
Civil War: Good god I really enjoyed this movie though I do feel like the whole movie focused more on Cap and Stark's underlying past issues (and personal issues) then it did on the real issues at hand (it really felt more like a Cap obsessing over Bucky and Stark reliving his daddy issues more then a flick about a superhuman civil war). Have to say I'm completely pumped to see the Black Panther flick, after seeing him in Civil War I'm sold on him (great actor choice and the character alone is really interesting). I have a ton of questions and theories now about how Infinity War is going to play out (can anyone say Nomad).
Doctor Strange: I honestly didn't know about this one and based on the reviews I had seen about it I wasn't even sure if I'd like it. Glad to say I'm wrong. Though I really don't like Strange (his attitude rubs me the wrong way) I really enjoyed the movie (fucking trippy as hell). Considering I knew nothing of this character I thought it was a really good origin story for the character (yes I know the actual origin story but for the MCU this is actually a great introduction). I have some issues with the movie (like a lot of people) but I'm interested to see what his role is in the MCU going forward (especially considering the Infinity War movies are going to reset the MCU (or at least kill off quite a few heroes)).
Guardians 2: Watched this last night and I absolutely loved it, tied for favorite Marvel movie with Guardians 1. Brought back all of the charm and humor from the first one and backed it up with a pretty serious story. Was great to see how the interactions between all the characters have evolved from the first one and yes Baby Groot was fucking adorable (the beginning of the movie was freaking cute with him dancing, yes I said cute (get over it)). Overall the movie was a fun ride and the ending, while sad, was a great way to send off such a great character (even if he was an ass).
So yea, gotta say the Marvel movies are really impressing me considering my general distaste for superheroes (I'm sorry my heroes as a kid were the Ninja Turtles, Transformers, and G.I. Joe. Superheroes never realy interested me, men in tight spandex beating up other men in similar costumes just seemed wrong). As I said above I'm really looking forward to the Black Panther movie and after finally watching Civil War I'm really looking forward to seeing how things play out in the Infinity War movies.

RIP Jerry Lewis. I remember watching Dean Martin/Jerry Lewis movies when I was young. He made me laugh as a child.

Settled on a 1060 card... paid $100 more than what it was selling for a few months ago, but I'm left with no choice with how my current card is acting at times. I basically only every play GW2 anyways an its good enough for it.

I bought a used 500gb super slim PS3 today from gamestop. Damn that thing is quiet compared to my old 120 gb slim one. Before my old ps3 died it sounded like a box fan even tho I've cleaned it repeatedly over the years and it had no dust build up in it. With all the free games I've been getting from PS+ over the past couple years, I think I'll install some to check out now that I have the hard drive space to install them. I didn't even realize I owned Beyond good and evil hd remaster. That sequel trailer for ps4 looked good. I might give it an hour and see if it holds my attention... after I play Uncharted 4.