Kotobukiya Sora Final Form

I have received my Kotobukiya Sora final form figure from HLJ this morning. It was shipped on 12th Sept., the delivery took about 17 days (~3 weeks). After the slow shipping, I was hoping that the figure would compensate with it worthiness, but much disappointment in fact. I had high expectation of it since it's special edition, but looking at the figure, I'd have opt for normal version which could have better painting quality.

Drivers of disappointment:
1. The neck was shorter than the depicted illustration
2. There wasn't so much articulations as they have claimed, I counted 16 so far.
3. A curve/dent in front on Sora's cap
4. The colouring was not impressive, with a number of places roughly painted and the metallic painting wasnt smooth
5. The left hand couldnt fit the keyblade nicely because of a insert, I had to switch the keybaldes around.

Sora Final Form Figure Gallery

After playing around with it, displaying different poses and take photos of it, it doesnt look so bad. I still can't figure out all the 20 articulation points, I found 16 so far. However, there's quite a number of poses that I could articulate. Though a bit sad that the knee couldn't bend, primarily due to Sora's shorts. The figure looks nice from photo or far away, but not close.

ARIA Updates

Alicia Florence BEAT Figure

Ara..ara.... Been waiting for Alicia figure for a long time. Alicia Florence figure scheduled for December release. Chances of acquiring it are high. Though I'm bit concern with its 1/6 size (~28cm) compared to my other 1/8 figures. Well, see how it goes. It should be available for pre-order at HLJ soon. The price should be 6980円 but early price at HLJ would cost 6631円. Ara..ara...

ARIA The NATURAL PS2

ARIA PS2 game realesed on 28th September 2006. Official site: Alchemist. The game is more of a walkthrough game on ARIA experience. Excellent graphics and scenic backgrounds. Available at Yesasia.

ARIA The Natural PS2 Theme Blue Blue wave.

The single comprising the OP and ED theme for the PS2 game which will be released on 6th October. There are 2 themes, Blue Blue wave and この小さな小さな微笑みで with both in vocal and off-vocal version. I find it less appealing compared to the anime themes. Available at Yesasia.

Suzuka 123 Question

凉风 #123 質問 しつもん

From last week, Honoka asked Yamato how he though of her. Yamato asked her why the sudden question. She said that she just want to listen to his opinion. Yamato replied that he could talk and being at ease with her and share his worries with her. He added that she was someone important to him. Honoka, with a smile, asked if they could be together again. Yamato thought she was joking. Honoka showed sadness and turned around. Yamato told her that he didnt mean it but Honoka interrupted and said that she was joking. She added that Yamato had easily believed in her and she was just teasing him. They walked back and on the way Honoka asked if Yamato was shocked. Yamato said of course and commented that she was bit serious with it too just now. Honoka replied "is that so..." Back with the gang, Yasonobu told Yamato that Miho had went home with Tsuyoshi. Ayano san called and Miho was looking for Yamato just now. Yamato asked if Miho left any message. Yasonobu said that she probably just want to go home together with Yamato. They then went for dinner.

On the way home at night, Yamato thought of what Honoka had said about being together again. He shunned the thought and went to his room. Upon reaching his room, Miho came out fomr "her room" and said that he came back very late. Yamato asked if Miho had settled her matters. Miho replied no and asked him to help. Yamato said he was very tired and he would help tomorrow. Yamato collapsed onto his bed. He received an email from Honoka on his phone. She apologized for saying weird things and hope they would go out again next time. Yamato replied her email and then dozed off.

The next morning, Yamato was awaken by noise from "Miho room". Half-asleep, he crawled through the hole linking the rooms and asked Miho to stop making noises. Yamato looked up and saw Suzuka with a box of her belongings. Suzuka greeted "I'm home" while Yamato was stunned with "eh?..." (Suzuka brought her froggie back)

P/S: I've my own blog so I can say this SUZUKA's BACK!!!. That's why I put " " between the room, now it's Suzuka's room again. Also, sometime I wonder why Kouji would gave Suzuka as froggie as her treasured soft toy from the start???? Well, we should be near the end of the series, hope Kouji would wrap the series nicely.

ARIA Natural Finale

ARIA The Natural
Episode 26: 「その 白いやさしい街から… 」
It's winter and snow covered the whole Neo-Venezia. Akari, Aika and Alice had their usual practice session. During the break, Akari asked Aika and Alice about their childhood ambitions. Aika replied that she wanted to be a lady like Alicia. Alice asked Akari and Akari also said she wanted to be like Alicia. Aika told her not to copy her and remarked that to be like Alicia required determination. She added that Akari did not have the trait.

Back at ARIA, Akari observed Alicia on her elegance. Alicia asked Akari to join her for a walk. They reached a lane which no one had passed yet and Alicia happily hopped across it. Aria sachou joined in and followed by Akari. Akari then asked Alicia her ambition. Alicia had a thought, smiled to Akari and started rolling a snowball. Akari was surprised but helped Alicia with the rolling. The snow ball got bigger and people gradually came and helped them. All the people who had helped enjoyed the rolling and pushing. They reached the edge of the town and the residents there saw the big snow ball. Everyone was amazed and decided to helped out. They served tea and food to Alicia and Akari. Others helped rolling the second and the third snow balls. They then put the second and third snow balls on top respectively. They also brought out the Christmas ornaments to decorate the snowman. Everyone was pleased with the work and enjoyed it. A boat passed by and they waved to the tourists. Alicia and Akari later took leave. Akari commented that it was fun and many others also enjoyed it. Alicia then told Akari that she used to play with snow and let people joined her. Everyone return with sastifaction and thus she decided to be an adult that will make people happy.

Concluding..... the episode showed places and people whom Akari had encountered. At Himeya, Akira invited Aika for pizza. Aika asked her to pay and Akira agreed, saying that Aika had to repay her double when she became a Prima. At Orange planet, Atena invited Alice to a picnic after winter. Alice asked about the location but Atena said it was a secret. Finally, back at Aria company, Alicia, Akari and Aria sachou were by the fireplace. Alicia asked Akari about her ambition and Akari said that she always wanted to be a fairy, travelling to many places and making people happy. Alicia then told her that she would be able to realize that soon, with focus on Akari's handglove.


P/S: An excellent finale to ARIA The Natural. Although episode 25 would make a happy ending, episode 26 gave use a more concluding ending, depicting the warmth of Neo-Venezia. It also highlighted the promising advancement of Aika and Akari to Prima and Alice to single undine in near future. Excellent season and very enjoyable journey, both in watching and blogging.

More Anime Sentiments

Brief notes on anime series that I watched and have recently concluded.

Air Gear

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Adapted from Oh! Great famous work Air Gear, the animation was a disappointment for me because its character deformation. Several deformations appeared throughout the series, particularly in the middle and towards the end of the series. However, the fanservice and the fandom of Air Gear manga managed to appeal much fans. Overall, it's enjoyable but a rather disappointing anime for me.

Ah! My Goddess Sorezore no Tsubasa

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
I have a post dedicated to AMG season 2. Season 2 wasnt a good as the first season. They could have attract more interests since two highly anticipated arc, Peorth and Hild, were animated. However, it didnt deliver the series with flow and appeals. The music is excellent and the animation quality is consistent. But the series really lack developments and fail to impress the fans.

Aria The Natural

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
I have a post dedicated to ARIA The Natural. I gave many excellent ratings for ARIA because if its dedication and appeal in the animation series. However, there were few episodes where small sections were poorly animated. The music and atmosphere continued to impress me. A higly recommended anime but some might find it rather boring with its genre.

Binbou Shimai Monogatari

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Avex mode, lost faith in them after its poorly animated Ichigo 100%, now further support its incabability with similar animation quality. The only thing I like is the mangaka's drawing prior and post commercial break. Rather uninteresting, surprise how I even finish watching it even with much hesistations.

Muteki Kanban Musume

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Although I didnt give high rating for it, it has been fun watching the series. The drawback was the constant fighting, challeging and gimmicks repeating in the series. I dont really appreciate its background musics. The animation was consistent and I like the dog most, as long as its teeth's not showing. It's fun to watch but could be boring or lack of appeal for some.

Zegapain

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
Zegapain has one of the best animation quality due to its 3D rendering. However, it started with characters development which I found boring at first. Only until the end, I started to appreciate the importance of earlier episodes. But many fans and I, was about to drop Zegapain but decided to press on. It did turn out to be a good anime, except the ending was a bit ambiguous. Recommended but hope you manage to survive in watching all 26 episodes.

Zero no Tsukaima

1. Animation/Graphics:
2. Appeal/Impression:
3. Storyline/Adaptation:
4. Themes/Music:
5. Setting/Atmosphere:
6. Recommendation:
Sentiments:
The series didnt spark any interest initially, it was about the 3rd episode when I started watching. After that, it has been one of my most anticipated series, mainly due to its appeal and humour. I would settle for less fanservice, but I guess that's the appeal of the series. Really love the animation and highly recommended to anime fans.

Max:

P/S: I reserve the right to view my personal sentiments. :p