Bleach Review: God Of Thunder 4

"Finally time for my Vollstandig"

In her new form Yoruichi starts to over power Askin and his Deathdealing power however the tables are turned once again when Askin unleashes his Vollstanding.

I forgot to mention in my last review but Yoruichi's new form looks pretty damn cool and I'm glad we get to see it in action straight away. It's name is Shunko: Raiju Senkei: Shunryu Kokubyo Senkei, which means Flash war Cry: Thunder Beast Battle Form: Flash Black Cat Warrior Princess. A really cool name (and quite the mouthful) and I like that most of it looks like it's made out of lightning plus there is the reveal that not only does Yoruichi look like a cat she acts like one too. This might explain why she didn't want to go into this form in the first place but it also might reinforce the fact that this form was somehow made by Urahara. It seems like Yoruichi only like Urahara in this form when we see some really funny shots of her licking him a and cuddling up against him at the end. Back to the fight we get some awesome shots of Yoruichi overpowering Askin and this is explained with Urahara saying that because Yoruichi's mood is constantly changing so is her Reiatsu and Askin's immunity cannot keep up. Honestly I just don't like this explanation because just like with the other Elite Sternritter the perfect way to counter there abilities is not through actual fighting or the Soul Reaper's talents but by secret abilities that have never even made been mentioned until now. Just look at the Pernida and Lille fights; they where defeated by the perfect counter measure to their powers by something that we never saw in Bleach before. I just wish that Kubo ended these fights through the hard work of the Soul Reapers and not by a new ability he just thought of on the spot.

It would be great to have her as my pet cat :)

However what I love about this chapter is that we get the reveal of Askin's Vollstandig: Hassein, which means God's Poison Taster (I very appropriate name). I like this form because first off it's not some massive change of form like Lille's was, instead it's like some of the earlier ones where it's is mostly just the wings and some minor form changes. But Askin's does look different because it has more of a futuristic look like the DNA helixes wings or the visor he wears. So far the only power we see is a massive Gift Ball that affects Urahara straight away but like Lille's I'm expecting a lot more from it. I also hope that we finally get to see Urahara go Bankai because that is one the fans have been wanting for ages now. However my biggest gripe with this chapter is that it is following the typical Bleach formula because I think we all expected Askin to survive and reveal a new form because we have seen it before in fights.

WTF!

Overall I am still looking forward to the rest of this fight and I hope Urahara gets more involved in the rest of it now.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Yoruichi's new form
                   Funny Urahara and Yoruichi moments
                   Askin's Vollstandig     

Let - Downs: The counter to Askin's immunity is so convenient
                       The flow of the chapter is following the predicable Bleach formula

Bleach Review: God Of Thunder 3

Now who wouldn't like a pet like Yoruichi

Yoruichi continues to struggle against Askin and his Deathdealing power however Urahara arrives to help.

You know I didn't expect it to go back to one of the fights outside of the palace, I thought we'd get a few panels of Ichigo or Uryu but I'm not complaining since Askin is back in the spotlight. It starts off with Askin contemplating his ability with a defeated Yoruichi and two interesting points are brought up. Firstly from the way he is talking about it, it almost seems that Askin doesn't even like his ability because of how close it brings him to death; this was even talked about before. Next is how Askin is supposed to be fighting the Soul Reapers but keeps showing no desire to finish off his opponents something even Yoruichi points out. I just thought I'd point these two snippets out because Askin's the one of the most interesting and well developed Sternritter in this entire arc and these things really add more to his character than being a simple throwaway Sternritter several have been. He also continues to show how powerful he really is because I don't think much time has passed when we last saw these two but Yoruichi was taken out by one of Askin's "Gift Balls" which seems that no one can fight against e.g. Ichigo and Grimmjow. However we finally get to see the return of Urahara who disappeared when the Soul Reapers we getting sniped by Lille earlier.

"Best seat in the house"

Because of their shared past I have always liked seeing Yoruichi and Urahara team up because they are so fun and comedic together and that still continues with a lot of sexual innuendos thrown in. I mean Urahara arrives staring at Yoruichi's ass and seems to cure her of the Gift Ball by injecting something in it lol. Then the most interesting thing of the chapter happens and that is the mention of the special war potentials that haven't been touched on in ages. We learn that Ichigo, Kenpachi, Ichibee, Aizen and Urahara where all chosen because they each have a unique skill to watch out for and they all fit each character. I just want to mention that I really hope this mention of Aizen means  he will be back soon because I just really, really want to see him fight again. As for Urahara it seems he was chosen for his vast intelligence and thinking out a way out of any situation which of course it is true because it was him who made the Kido to stop Aizen, the sword to restore Ichigo's powers and did several things to help the Soul Reapers in this arc. Obviously Urahara is going to think of some crazy plan to stop Askin and his over powered ability and I hope we get back to the special war powers soon because maybe, like Aizen hopefully, Kenpachi and Ichibee still play an important role in this arc. Finally the chapter ends with some more funny banter between Yoruichi and Urahara and then a really hilarious shot of Urahara forcing Yoruichi into a Cat - Girl form made of lightning which I am sure has some special power to combat Askin.

"It's a shame your not a special war potential"

Overall I liked this chapter way better than the previous one but I have to fault it for being really dialogue heavy when it would have been cool to see some team up of Yoruichi and Urahara but then again Kubo never does that and just sticks to 1 vs. 1. Also while I also hop Yoruichi kicks some ass now I kind of hope she gets defeated so Urahara will have to step in a use Bankai.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Askin getting the spotlight again
                   The funny moments between Urahara and Yoruichi
                   The special war potentials brought up again

Let - Downs: Was a tad too dialogue heavy     

The Strain Season Two: Identity

Eph begins to make contacts in Washington to get his bio - weapon ready meanwhile back in NY Gus helps out Angel when they encounter a vampire and Zach and Nora are confronted by Kelly.

The Strain continues with anther strong episode and I'll talk first about Eph's mission in Washington. Like I said about last episode I am liking this plot because it gives s something different in a new location and it also gave us two new characters; John and Lee. It was nice actually seeing that Eph's plan was being taken seriously by those two and that it looks like he would succeed and I admit I thought one of them was going to betray him, so it was a shock when they both ended up dead. I give Strain props because this was done really well; these two characters where built up really good (John being an old friend and Eph was getting close to Lee) that I felt really sorry when those two, who where just introduced, where mercilessly gunned down so the show did a good job of making me care for them. We also see how much influence Stoneheart has even outside of NY and I think that if Eph doesn't stay in Washington he will go back to NY in a revenge rage to get back at Palmer. Speaking of the bad guys the Master switches to a new body and while it isn't as imposing as his old one I'm glad Bolivar is getting a larger role than I thought (wish he kept the wig though). It was a cool scene; seeing Eichorst bowing down ready to accept being a host only for it to be Bolivar, I guess this will humble him a bit after all of his gloating.

As for everything else it is good to still see Gus hang out with the family at the restaurant and since he saved them from a vampire maybe they will trust him a bit more. I like the interaction between them with Gus being a bit of a fanboy over Angel's old films yet Angel himself just wants to forget them, I hope they continue to team up more in future fights. Another great moment was that Kelly finally tracked down her son with the Feelers which lead to a really intense chase through a church and I got to say it is good seeing Nora take more of an active role in the action this week. I am also liking the Feelers because it gives the good guys something new and different to fight because they have become used to normal vampires now, makes me hope we will get new types soon. However a real let down from this plot was the death of Fitzwilliams because he barely got a chance to do anything; unlike John and Lee who had there moment wrapped up in one episode I felt Fitzwilliams was built up for something more, something to last for the rest of the season at least and I really thought he would confront Palmer. Finally it is good to see more of that mysterious vampire Quinlan from last episode and I was right that he works for the Ancients but obviously has no trouble speaking his mind to them. Since he wants human allies I guess he might work with Abraham soon but I am curious about that woman who already works for him, hopefully we'll know more about her soon.

Overall another really strong episode but a major let down was the death of Fitzwilliams because we had no pay off from his character arc in Season Two.

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: Eph's time in Washington and brutal deaths of his friends
                   Gus and Angel team up
                   Nora and Zach confronted by Kelly
                   Interesting developments from both vampire teams

Let - Downs: Fitzwilliam's seemingly pointless death after so much build up     

Top 10 Arrow Season Three Episodes

And now before the new season here is top ten of Arrow Season Three. SPOILERS

10. The Secret Origin of Felicity Smoak

Felicity may have been a real let down in the latter half of Season Three but I am glad that in the first half we got the origin episode for her that we needed. This episode gave us a great look into her past and it was interesting seeing how different she is now. I liked all of the Flashbacks and her mom was just so funny, the only gripe about it is that the villain (Felicity's old boy friend) wasn't that great of one and his plan was unimaginative. Also I am glad they introduced us to Brother Eye because in the comics it is a dangerous and sentient AI so maybe we'll see it again.

9. Draw Back Your Bow




Introduced us to another new villain and one of the craziest so far; Cupid. She did a good job of being really obsessed with Arrow (like her creepy shrine) and quite the match for him in a fight. Plus this is the episode where we catch a glimpse of Ray working on his super cool ATOM suit. Shame that Cupid had to join the Suicide Squad after this because my complaint about them on Arrow is that they go on plain and boring missions when they should go at least fight Meta Humans, its the reason why there are no Suicide Squad episode on my top ten lists.

8. The Calm




A real strong start to the new season and what I liked the most was how it started off with more hope for Starling than season two did. It also was the debut of Roy as Arsenal for real, Ray Palmer and a new Count Vertigo; while I liked the old one I really like this one too because of his new drug and the fact that he can hold his own in a fight with his darts. This also gave us a really big WTF moment where Sara was killed off and that influenced the whole rest of the season.

7. Guilty




Glad we got an episode that focused on a side character more than the main ones; Ted Grant AKA Wildcat. Grant was really great in this season and I liked the fact that there was a vigilante before Arrow in Starling so it is a shame his actor is busy with other stuff that he can't play a larger role. I just didn't like that Roy was revealed not to have killed Sara so quickly because I think it would have been more dramatic if it was him or anyone else than Malcolm in the end. Also BOXING GLOVE ARROW!

6. The Climb




This episode had one of the best fights in Arrow and that was Oliver vs. Ra's Al Ghul on top of a mountain, it was so epic and Oliver actually died (kind of) at the end; Matt Nable was a perfect choice for Ra's and did not disappoint. However what I didn't like was the reveal that Malcolm was the one who tricked Thea into killing Sara because I just think it would have been better if it was someone else and the fact that the reason Oliver had to fight was because Nyssa just keeps going on and on about Sara.

5. Broken Arrow

The first Meta Human villain on Arrow and I think it did so good that there should definitely be more in Season Four. Deathbolt was so awesome and I liked that this episode was also more of a focus on Ray in his ATOM suit because he is one of my favourite characters. I also liked the stuff Roy had to deal with in prison however like episode before this one Quentin continues to act like a complete prick e.g. when he was in the Verdant.

4. Midnight City




You know I really hope that Vinnie Jones returns as Brick in the future because he was so damn awesome in Arrow and the main reason the three episode arc without Oliver is one of my favourite moments in the Arrow series. Not only Brick but Laurel was also great as well and this episode turned her into a great character and Black Canary; her costume was cool and I liked how they showed she wasn't perfect yet as a vigilante, like how she lost against Brick. Great episode but I hate the way how Oliver came back, it should have been by the Lazarus Pit!

3. Canaries




This episode was a perfect one for Laurel in the aftermath of the Brick arc and she decides to continue as the Black Canary. I am also glad that Count Vertigo returned because he is a great villain and was a quite the match for Laurel with his drug which gave us an awesome Canary vs. Canary fight. The best Laurel focused episode on the Arrow series but let down slightly by Oliver who keeps saying she should quit (hate it when he does that to other vigilantes like Ray) and with the Thea subplot which I didn't care for.

2. Uprising




The great conclusion to the Brick arc with the return of Oliver and ending in a massive fight which also saw the return on Sin and Wildcat. The rest of the action in the Glades was epic as well but a real highlight of this episode was the Flashbacks showing the origins of Malcolm losing his wife and how it tied to Brick, made me wish there where more and more Flashbacks. However a bit of a let down was Felicity who ruined Oliver's homecoming which is why Left Behind isn't on this list because she ruined that quite a bit by storming out on the rest of Team Arrow, breaking down because Oliver is gone when I thought she was stronger than that.

1. The Brave and the Bold




I just had to put this episode in first place because of it's perfect portrayal of Captain Boomerang, my favourite member of the Suicide Squad in the comics. He was just so epic in this and a real threat to both Arrow and the Flash and like Brick I hope he is in future episodes. Plus Team Arrow and Team Flash working together made for some real comedic moments because of how different they operate. The best episode of the season because I enjoyed every second of and I actually liked this crossover episode better than the one on Flash before it.

Worst episode

Corto Maltese

I don't like this episode because all the characters did was spend all of it trying to convince Thea to come home, failing, but then Thea decided to do come back all on her own. I didn't care much for Diggle's ARGUS mission either and there should have been way more Flashbacks with Malcolm training Thea. However Thea was a major disappointment because her leaving at the end of Season Two was this major thing but she comes back just too soon so there was no point to it. Plus while she did all this training she doesn't do anything with it all season, instead she goes back to managing a bar like she was last season.

The great screenshots of these episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/

Top 10 Revolution Season Two Episodes

Here is my top 10 for Revolution Season Two, you know I really wish there was a Season Three because I recently read the description for it again and it just sounded so good! SPOILERS

10. Memorial Day

I liked this episode because the reveal of the Patriots using Mustard Gas was something I didn't expect and while it wasn't used in this episode I liked the implications it caused for the group. The had some great action moments where the group hijack the train and where they held each other at gunpoint. What I didn't like however was Priscilla taken over by the Nanites because I think it was a stupid subplot and I didn't like the acting Priscilla did when took over.

9. Born in the USA

A really good start to Season Two because it establishes what all of the characters are up to and it introduces the Patriots as the antagonists straight away. We also had some great action moments with the attack from the Andover Clan and a surprise when Aaron was killed and brought back to life. What I didn't like was Charlie's subplot because I think I mentioned this before but her relevance in Revolution drops in Season Two and I just don't find much point in her storyline except to bring back Monroe but they could have done that another way.

8. Why We Fight

This episode shows that Monroe is just a born leader because of how Duncan's men rallied towards him and he lead a successful assault on a Patriot camp. It was also a bit funny how Monroe's actions ruined Miles and Gene's plan and I also liked Neville's subplot with Jason and his brutal killing of Doyle.

7. Austin City Limits

A really sad episode with the death of Jason because he was taken over by his programming and left Charlie no choice. It was done really well and I always liked these episodes involving Patriots sleeper agents because its always unpredictable. I also liked Miles and Monroe visiting Blanchard, it made for a funny scene and again involved a cool moment with a sleeper agent. A let down however again Priscilla taken over by the Nanites because I just don't like it.

6. Declaration of Independence

A great finale which unfortunately left the story on a cliff hanger that was only resolved by rushing it in a digital comic but overall still satisfying. There was plenty of action and I liked how all of the characters just kept turning on each other and the ending where Neville, Truman and the President saw visions of their loved ones was done well.

5. Love Story

I admit the scenes with Andover and his wife a pretty damn creepy, the way Miles's blood his slowly drained from him. What I really like about this episode was the attack on the town by the Andover Clan because it was a really massive action scene and it was cool when the Patriots showed up at the end, I was annoyed though that Rachael survived her arrow wound because the show just keep thinking up of stupid ways to let her live while other characters die.

4. Exposition Boulevard

Truman is actually one of my favourite characters in Revolution and I like that in this episode we got Flashbacks dedicated to him and it was different because it showed how the military and government dealt with the Blackout. I also like the plot with the re - education camps to programme children (already said I like this subplot) and the scene where the child killer her own father was really brutal and cold. Plus we got some great action scenes where Truman and Neville attack the group.

3. Dreamcatcher

I have got to give this episode praise because it was unlike any other episode in Revolution before and after. It was great to see Aaron's life before the Blackout and what the characters would be doing if it never happened and it was cool seeing so much weird and out of place stuff happening because it was just in Aaron's mind like Charlie helping in the beginning. It also gave some great character development for Aaron because the Nanites made that fake life really damn tempting for him and then they tricked him in the end.

2. Everyone Say I Love You

Another great episode for Aaron and shows that nothing goes his way with the death of Cynthia who was shot by Horn. We also got some cool scenes with the Nanites where the talk to Aaron and kill everyone which did a great job of showing just how powerful they where becoming. Shame that Horn had to die because he was a great character and you kind of sympathise with him because of his desperation. Also liked the group's rescuing attempt of Aaron but I didn't like the reveal of Neville's wife still being alive because I think she just ruined Neville's subplot.

1. $#!& Happens

My favourite episode of Season Two because of two really strong subplots with the first one being Miles stuck under the rubble. You can really see how much he just wanted to give up after failing a lot to escape and being injured (and with the reveal of Nano - Ben talking to him in a Flashback) but no he found his reason to keep fighting in the end. Then there was Charlie telling Neville how Jason is dead which made for one really emotional moment where Neville, the hard ass of Revolution, broke down because his son is dead and he wasn't even there for it or made up with him.


The worst episode

Dead Man Walking: Rachael really ruined this episode for me because as Charlie puts it she always does what she thinks is right and cares for no one else's opinions. I know she dug up a drugged Monroe but I don't care she didn't tell anyone and told on the break out plan before. Since it is revealed Monroe was alive (I'm glad for that) it felt like this whole hour episode was just a waste of a build up for a false conclusion. Plus the reveal that Miles actually knew about Monroe's son and hid him away just bothered me because Monroe never knew but wait Miles knew all along, I just didn't buy it.

Finished Revolution, shame there is no Season Three for me to do a top ten for.

The great screenshots of these episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;

 

 





http://screencapped.net/

Arrow Season Four Trailer Breakdown

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2q3l4fMVCO8&index=4&list=LLrIDOCXCflOJ9o7AEsIsXpg

I know I am late with this but better late than never lol. Here are just a few things in the trailer that really stood out for me.

Oliver and Felicity living happily ever after: You know I didn't actually expect them to be so "settled down" I guess is the phrase; having a proper home in a nice neighbourhood. It also showed them as really happy so something really BIG must convince Oliver to fight crime again.

Star City: We see a billboard welcoming people to Star City so we now get the proper name for the place out of the comics however it says it was for the memory of Ray Palmer. Everyone knows he is in Legends of Tomorrow so I am guessing he either faked his death so he can focus on being a vigilante or he is stuck as really small and it's up to Felicity to help him.

Diggle's new costume: I have heard a lot of bad comments about Diggle's new look (like how he is a Black Magneto) and I a sick of it! I for one think it is a cool costume that really suits Diggle; something simple and practical that can be used to fight.

The invasion of HIVE: We see Team Arrow (Diggle, Laurel and Thea) seem to struggle against some heavily armed commando looking troops which I guess must be HIVE and the reason they decide to bring back Oliver. We also see a whole bunch of cool looking action scenes with Team Arrow fighting against the HIVE forces.

John Constantine: Ever since the announcement of Constantine being in Arrow I have been looking forward to Season Four so much more. I haven't watched the Constantine show but from what I heard from fans and from Stephen Amell, Matt Ryan was a really awesome Constantine. He is going to bring a new level of powers to the Arrow and Flash universe!

Quentin still being a jerk: I liked Quentin in Season Two and first half of Season Three but when he started to hate the Arrow again I just really started to hate him. Even when he is not a cop the way treats other characters you just want to punch him in the face and it seems I will feel that way again by the shots of him knocking out Diggle and talking to Oliver. He is going to have an anti - vigilante taskforce again from what I read and as long as he doesn't go overboard like in Season Three I can get behind it but if he is just angry all the time again then I hope he gets killed off.

Malcolm and Nyssa back again: We see them have a stare down and a few shots of some fighting which makes me think they still want to kill each other. Looking forward to seeing Malcolm again but I hope Nyssa doesn't hate on Malcolm all throughout another season; I like her but it is always Sara, Sara, Sara, hating Malcolm, Sara, Sara all the time with her. They need to give her a new storyline for once and I really hope they don't have her kill Malcolm and become to new Ra's because I'll just really hate that. Besides I always think of Malcolm as the best fighter and archer in the whole series so I don't want him to lose to Nyssa.

Curtis Holt/Mr Terrific: Another character who I am looking forward to because he is a tech based vigilante who uses devices called T spheres to help him and it looks like we'll see them. Looks like a good character from what I have seen in the trailer and has some awesome and funny scenes with Felicity but I hope they don't wait too long to turn him into Mr Terrific.

Damien Darhk: Really liked the casting for this character and from what I've seen he will be an awesome villain! Unlike Malcolm, Deathstroke and Ra's, Damien looks like he isn't going to just be hiding in the shadows. For example we see him straight up announce to the cops he is the bad guy and we also see his forces attack the police station with Quentin looking to be in trouble.

Lonnie Machin/Anarky: We see a few shots of Anarky who is going to be a major villain this season and while we don't see much we see Damien talking to him which makes me think Anarky will work for him or Damien inspired him to be a villain.

Oliver was a vigilante before present day: We see some Flashbacks of Oliver and it looks like he was The Hood in Coast City before he was in Starling. I like this because it means he practised before being The Hood for real however can't say I like Amanda Waller being there because I never liked her casting.

Thea going crazy: Never saw an bad side affects of the Lazarus Pit affect Thea last season but it seems it will now with Oliver shouting and hitting at her. I wonder how long these effects will last but I guess we'll just have to wait and see.

Sara Lance is back: Like with Ray it was obvious because we see her in the Legends of Tomorrow trailer and while I did say once her staying dead was important (so not all characters can just come back when they want) I admit I am looking forward to seeing her. This is how Constantine gets involved because the Lazarus Pit really isn't supposed to work on someone who has been dead as long as Sara. I just hope her coming back will change Quentin for the better (unless the they keep it a secret from him) and gives Nyssa something better to do.

Felicity and Curtis fighting Double Down: Besides from being a really funny scene in the trailer what I like most is that Double Down is confirmed to be a Meta Human! I know a bit about him from the comics but in Arrow I read he can use his playing card tattoos as deadly weapons. As I said before I want more Meta Humans in Arrow because I would really like to see Oliver going up against one.

There you have it, this trailer is really making me looks forward to Season Four and I don't think I missed anything in this breakdown. 

Marvel's Agent Carter: Time and Tide

"I wanted it to be gold"

Carter begins to close in on Stark's missing stash of weapons however things hit a snag when the SSR question Jarvis.

Been wanting an episode where we get some more background on Jarvis and of course this show delivered well. I didn't expect Jarvis to have a charge of treason in his record but of course it was for the right reason of helping his wife which helps to reinforce Jarvis as a damn likable guy on this show and sheds light on his loyalty to Stark. Then there was his interrogation scene with Thompson and I am glad that Jarvis didn't crack and that he was saved by Carter before it could get worse. It is nice watching these two help each other (because they compliment each other well as a duo), Jarvis risked being deported by keeping silent and Carter risked her career. It is a shame about the latter because the rest of the SSR are real jerks when they want to be and the stunt by Carter will make her look even more incompetent in their eyes. Of course there is another adventure with Jarvis and Carter on the boat which was awesome because we got a great fight scene (where they both helped each other out) and the effect of that Stark weapon was really cool. I have said this in my previous episode reviews of this show and I will say it again; they have done a damn find job with the partnership with Carter and Jarvis, it is a highlight watching these two work together in every episode.

Luckily for the hitman the whole street was empty 

As for everything else we got the brutal and cold killing of one of the SSR agents which does increase the threat by Leviathan in my opinion and I hope they continue to step up their game. The agent's death looks like it will have a lasting effect on everyone else and spells more trouble for Stark. I was surprised how much it affected Carter but I liked how she admitted she thought he was a jerk but is still saddened by his death, it made for a good emotional scene at the end. Then there is the typewriter in the SSR hands and I think this will probably play a big role; that they are going to use it to find out who is receiving the messages. We also got more scenes focusing on Carter's personal life with her friend and seeing what it is like at her new digs and we need these scenes because she can't be all guns blazing all the time lol.

That landlady is a real tyrant!

Overall I really don't have any complaints at all; it was a solid episode from start to finish. Quickly thought I'd point out is that while the agents still act like jerks this episode also fleshed out their characters more because a lot of focus was on them as well.

SCORE: 10/10

Highlights: More focus on Jarvis
                   Carter and Jarvis team up
                   The agent's death by Leviathan
                   Seeing more of Carter's personal life


The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;





http://screencapped.net/  

Bleach Review: Friend 2

 

"Why aren't you bowing before me kid?"

The Flashback continues with Bazz - B and Haschwalth who try to join the Sternritter when Yhwach sends recruiters to various towns.

Glad we are getting more and more Flashbacks however I will get it out of the way now that it is a damn shame we didn't see more of the Bazz - B vs. Haschwalth fight in the present because it has been awesome so far. All in all this chapter wasn't as exciting as the previous two but it was still a gripping read with the reveal that Haschwalth is Yhwach's "Other Half". Not sure what this really means yet but it must have something to do with the fact that they can switch powers in the present and that Haschwalth couldn't form a bow while training. Now that I think of it he has only used a sword in the present and hasn't used any Quincy powers so maybe that is the trade off for being the "Other Half", plus Haschwalth was also the only Quincy not affected by Yhwach's spiritual pressure. We also got some lore on the Quincy's that a type like Haschwalth with no powers is rare but what I would like to know is where exactly in the world is this set because it seems the town was full of Quinces? Other than this it was great seeing Bazz - B get more development because he is really loyal to his friend during all their training and it was sad to see him truly believing he was going to be chosen by Yhwach because of how powerful he was even young. You know Kubo really portrayed Bazz - B as a manic when first introduced but he has been given a lot more depth; I'm guessing despite Bazz - B wanting to kill Yhwach he still hated Soul Reapers which is why he fought so many during the invasion. Lastly it was good to see more Quinces that Yamamoto had killed which makes me really excited to see a big battle soon.

I wonder when these two will be burnt to a crisp lol

Overall not that much happened but it was still a great chapter and I really, really want to see some younger versions of Sternritter soon.

SCORE: 7/10

Highlights: Bazz - B has been developed into a really great character
                   Haschwalth as Yhwach's "Other Half"

Let - Downs: Not that exciting this week    

Bleach Review: Friend

"That was supposed to be my rabbit!"

While Bazz - B and Haschwalth continue their fight we get Flashbacks to when they first met and the early days of Yhwach's conquest.

Now this is the chapter we have all been waiting for, a Flashback arc focused on the Wandenreich set a thousand years ago just before Yhwach was sealed by Yamamoto. Now I think it is set back then because of the evidence; the scenery with castles, the dead Quincy Zeiditz and a younger Yhwach who is said to be over 200 years old even though in the present he is way older than that because it is after his sealing. I also want to point out that the only other Sternritters to get a Flashback where Lloyd, Royd and As Nodt and those where only a few pages long. First off I am really liking the friendship that has been developed between Bazz - B and Haschwalth because it adds a lot more depth to their characters and defiantly makes Bazz - B justified for turning against the Wandenreich. We got some funny dialogue between them as kids (With Bazz - B dressed as a Roman solider) and it is interesting that Bazz - B was superior to Haschwalth back then. It was nice that though Haschwalth was quite throughout he seemed to enjoy Bazz -B's company after the latter tossed him the rabbit however that didn't last with the arrival of his uncle who I think we may see because soon because he was kept in shadow.

When are you going to show us Burner Finger 5?

These good times didn't last with Yhwach burning down the castle and forest, seems like he ruled with an iron fist back then too, and Haschwalth and Bazz - B swearing vengeance. However I'm guessing something changed with Haschwalth because he is so loyal to Yhwach now and he is also given his power at night; maybe he betrayed Bazz - B at some point? Still this revenge plot kind of reminds me of Gin's however this one is defiantly more developed than that one lol. The chapter then ends with Yhwach telling Zeiditz that he will create a new vanguard called the Sternritter to conquer the Soul Society which makes me so excited for next chapter because we can see the origins of the group. Since this most likely is a 1000 years ago the Sternritter in the present won't be the same as the past because firstly Yamamoto does decimate the Quincy and Yhwach recruits ones born in modern day (like the Y brothers and As Nodt) this make me think that surviving Sternritter, like Bazz - B and Haschwalth, go in some kind of suspended animation while Yhwach is sealed until being awoken in the present where Yhwach fills in the rest of the letters. I cannot wait to see which Sternritter where alive in the past and I hope we get some massive battle between the first Sternritter and the Soul Reapers. Finally the first between Bazz - B and Haschwalth in the present is still so damn good!             

Overall I hope this turns into another Turn Back The Pendulum arc because I want more and more Flashbacks. Again this chapter was just perfect and I may have to keep giving out 10/10 if the rest of the Flashbacks are all this good lol.

SCORE: 10/10

Highlights: Flashbacks
                   Origin of the Sternritter hinted at next chapter
                   Bazz - B vs. Haschwalth continues to be awesome  

Revolution Digital Comic Issue Three Review

A bloody confrontation ensures between Tom and the Nanite followers and Mile's group however Monroe gets a surprise and Rachael makes a sacrifice.

I tell you I was not expecting that! Four characters from Revolution killed in one bloody fire fight, I guess this comic really is wrapping things up. It is sad to see Tom go because he has always been such an awesome character but I guess I kind of expected this because he has lost everything and gave himself over to the Nanites, he wasn't coming back from this. However it is a damn shame about Aaron; I think his death was a mistake because he really deserved to survive to the end plus he has always been one of my favourite characters. Despite these two character deaths I am not going to mark the score down for this because it is the end of Revolution so deaths were unavoidable and the whole shootout between both groups was really action packed and gory! We also got the reveal that Charlie is indeed the daughter of Miles and Rachael however that the signs have been there for ages and I would have preferred this reveal in live action. Monroe also got more of a spotlight which I am glad for because besides from killing Tom we got to see Connor again which I wasn't expecting and thought he wouldn't be in the comic. Finally I am glad Rachael admitted that everything is all her fault (because it is) but I wonder if she has trick up her sleeve just being taken like that? Too bad she never acted like this in live action or else I would have liked her lol.

Overall this is the best issue of the digital comic so far with some great action and the character deaths where handled really well. With the ending I am really looking forward to the next issue now!  

SCORE: 8/10

Highlights: The character deaths/action
                   Monroe and Connor
                   What is Rachael going to do now?

Let - Downs: Again wish it was longer
                      Charlie being revealed as their daughter wasn't much of an impact


The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;





http://screencapped.net/  

Revolution Digital Comic Issue Two Review

Miles and the gang head to the Nanite city but meet with some resistance from it's residences led by Tom Neville.

Well I thought maybe the rest of the issues where going to be way longer, that the first one was so short because it was just to establish the characters and set up the story however I was wrong. Guess I will get the biggest let down out of the way again and that is the issue is just so damn short! Honestly I don't know how they are going to give a satisfying conclusion to Revolution in only two more issues which again makes me hope they will continue the story after this. This lack of content is also affecting the characters as well because we get barely any time with them like Monroe for example I feel that he is just tagging along with the group when he is such a major character in live action. Again because of this shortness the whole thing felt rushed like the journey to the Nanite city; the major highlight of the first season of Revolution (in my opinion) was the adventure and interactions the group had with others and in new locations across the Monroe Republic. In this comic we get none of that and they even just basically skip an encounter with a group of bandits, I just wish this was more than four issues. What I have to praise about this issue however was Tom Neville who played a major role and was badass on the front cover with his steeped, bloody hands. I like that he seems to be the Nanite's spokesmen in this and I also liked his speech of how the Nanite city works and why he feels content there; it was interesting and gives a bit more sympathy to Tom who was about as down as a guy can get at the end of Season Two and I can understand way he would turn to the salvation the Nanites are offering. Another praise in this goes to Charlie because once again I am liking her as the narrator and I liked how she rallied the group together when Miles refused to go at first. Final thing in this issue and the last one they also do a good job of making Rachael one stubborn, crazy bitch like she was in live action lol.

Overall the shortness of the issues is going to mark the Revolution comic every time but Tom was great in this (like he is in live action) and I am interested in this whole connection thing the Nanites are offering to it's citizens. Still this issue really isn't that better than the first one but the ending of it makes me excited for the next one.

SCORE: 6/10

Highlights: The return of Tom Neville
                    Charlie

Let - Downs: Again too short with a rushed plot
                      All characters should get a fair amount of development

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;





http://screencapped.net/  

Revolution Digital Comic Issue One Review

While Miles, Monroe and Charlie are finishing off The Patriots Rachael and Aaron may have finally found a way to stop the Nanites with a virus developed by Grace but they must activate it within the city that the Nanites have created that has electricity for everyone.

Those who have read my previous reviews know that I am a huge fan of Revolution and I think it is a damn shame that such a great show was cancelled when there are hundreds of pathetic reality shows and generic crime dramas that are still airing. I have had hopes that there may still be a Season Three but the people behind the show say it won't happen because of the lack of money (stupid excuse if you ask me) and decided to end the story with a digital comic. I didn't have high hopes when I heard this (despite being a huge comic book fan) because the TV show was just soooooooo good and while I know we should be grateful that we are getting an end at all I still think we loyal Revolution fans deserve a live action season!!

On to the first issue of the comic and my initial impression was that it is better than I thought it would be.......but not by much. The positives of it is that the art work really is impressive; the characters look like their live action counterpart, I liked the colours and the fight scenes with Miles, Monroe and Charlie. I like that straight away the Nanites are established as the main villain and their plan to create a city for anyone to live and use electricity is interesting and I want to keep reading to know what their plan is. I liked that Charlie was the narrator because this give her character more to than what she got in Season Two lol and she was good at it. As for the what I didn't like the first issue was way too short and because of that the whole thing felt kind of rushed. It has been a year after Season Two so they skipped the war against The Patriots (why did Miles and Monroe re join the fight against them?), the Nanite City, Rachael and Aaron infiltrating it; it is all just told too quickly. Another thing that was rushed was the pages with Grace and that it because the virus that is supposed to destroy the Nanites just came out of nowhere. It was just so convenient that after Season One and Two she just now shows up with a way to stop them; I know they want to give us an ending but this isn't that creative, they didn't even say how she made it.

Overall while the comic is good and I enjoyed the read I feel like the people behind it are rushing it just so they can just end the story and be finished with it. However I do hope that this might lead to a Revolution comic series that continues after these issues are done; I would definitely settle for that now after seeing this if it means the world of Revolution can continue for many more years.

SCORE: 6/10

Highlights: The artwork was great
                   The plot with the Nanites really peaks my interest
                   Charlie is a really good narrator

Let - Downs: The plot was so rushed
                      Only ten pages
                      The way to destroy the Nanites is too convenient and simple

Thought I'd say that may latest Arrow review is late because Screencapped haven't uploaded the screenshots for the recent episode. They usually always do in the end so I will wait until Monday then upload it.

The great screenshots of the episodes where provided by the great site Screencapped. You can look for yourself from the link below;





http://screencapped.net/                         

Top Fifteen DC Villains

Carry on from the DC heroes I will now list my favourite villains.

15. Black Adam
Not so much of a villain just more of a tragic character who believes more in a different kind of justice that clashes with Shazam. I really like his design and backstory and I am really looking forward to seeing Dwayne Johnson portraying him in live action.

14. Sinestro
The former Green Lantern who created the Yellow Lantern Corps based on the power of fear. As I said in the heroes list I really like the powers of the lanterns with their rings so I had to have another user on this list and who better than Hal Jordon's greatest foe.

13. The Crime Syndicate
I know this is a group but the Forever Evil storyline in the New 52 is one of my favourites ever and it is all thanks to this group which consists of evil counterparts to some of the main heroes.

12. Talia al Ghul
One of the biggest love interests for Batman and the only one to have a child with him, Damien Wayne. She is a really cool assassin and whenever she faces Batman she always tries to mess with his mind not just hurt him.

11. Black Hand
One of the most insane villains I have ever seen; Black Hand was so obsessed with death since his early childhood that the events of the Blackest Night storyline (one of my favourite comics) began because he killed his entire family and then himself and then became the wielder of the Black Lantern ring.

10. Scarecrow
Has a really awesome design and I just really like his fear toxin that he uses to combat Batman and infect Gotham with from time to time. Batman chose a bat because he wants to instil fear into his enemies so it is always fear vs. fear when these two battle.

9. Cyborg Superman
Hank Henshaw is one of the most tragic villains in my opinion because after being exposed to radiation and watching his body decay, he acquires a robot body only for his wife to comics suicide. When he reappears as Cyborg Superman his design was just so freaking badass and he destroyed Coast City which is changed Hal Jordon forever in the pre - 52 comics.

8. Ra's al Ghul
Batman's second arch nemesis (beaten by Joker) Ra's al Ghul is really interesting with the fact that he doesn't want to kill Batman because he finds him to be the only worthy successor as Head of the Demon. While battling him Ra's constantly tries to convince Batman that death is the only way to combat evil in the world.

7. Captain Cold
An awesome Flash villain who deserves to be in this list for being one of the founding members of the famous Rouge group. He has always been a cool villain either with his ice gun or his ice powers in the New 52 and it was great seeing him as hero Citizen Cold in Flashpoint.

8. Deathstroke
DEATHSTROKE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Even though this list is about the comic version his Arrow TV series version does really help show how much of a badass this guy really is.

7. Bane
Has to be on this list as the villain who broke Batman's back. A foe who is a match for Batman in a fight in body and intellect, Bane was even considered a successor for Ra's al Ghul a few times.

6. Lex Luthor
Superman's greatest foe who always proves quite the challenge for him because even without powers his superior intellect makes him a match. He was just so freaking awesome in the Forever Evil storyline which is one of my favourite New 52 comics.

5. Hush
The Hush comic is one of my favourite Batman storylines of all time and it is all thanks to this epic villain. He spends the entire comic manipulating a lot of Batman's villains to combat the caped crusader and wear him down. I also really like that he is the childhood friend of Bruce Wayne and thus has a connection with his past.

4. Captain Boomerang
Started out a bit of a wacky villain for The Flash but became a really serious mercenary and my favourite member of the Suicide Squad. I just really like that boomerangs can be used so effectively in battle and I his zombie design in the Blackest Night storyline was so cool and he played an important part after being resurrecting in Brightest Day. Plus his perfect portrayal in the Arrow and Flash crossover really did help as well.

3. Harley Quinn
The Joker's psychotic girlfriend who his completely crazy and also really funny at the same time. She actually first appeared in the Batman Animated Series but became so popular they just had to put her in the comics and I am glad they did. She has some great designs and she is also a great member of the Suicide Squad.

2. The Joker
The clown prince of crime just has to be in everyone's list of villains because he is the most iconic out of all of them. The Joker is chaos incarnate and the complete opposite of Batman in every respect; everything he does is just for the fun of it no matter how evil the act is. I have also really liked that despite being in the Batman comics since the very early days he always lies about his origins so he is constantly a mystery.

1. Reverse Flash
My absolute favourite villain and I like all of his incarnations but I think Eobard Thawne AKA Professor Zoom is the best because everything he does is to torment Barry Allen. I liked that Thawne's idolization of Barry in the distant future caused him to go insane which lead's him to gain speed powers and be the first Reverse Flash to where the reverse colours of the Flash's costume. Of course my favourite comics he is on has got to be the Flashpoint storylines.   

Top Fifteen DC Heroes

With live action adaptions of comics being so big lately I thought I'd do a top ten of my favourite heroes and villains from the comics. Thought I'd start off with DC and then do Marvel and remember this list is based on the comics and NOT the TV series and films.

15. The Huntress
Those who have read my Arrow TV series reviews know that I think they have ruined The Huntress but I still really like her in the comics because she has a way better backstory, she is a valuable member of the Birds of Prey and even though Batman believes she is violent and unpredictable he still relies on her from time to time.

14. Red Hood (Jason Todd)While not my favourite Robin when Jason Todd became Red Hood he turned into a complete badass! He methods are very similar to Batman but does not mind using lethal force, he started out as an enemy to Batman but eventually became an ally. His most well known storylines; A Death in the Family and Under the Hood are so epic and his recent Red Hood and the Outlaws in New 52 is great as well.

13. Firestorm
Firestorm is one of the most powerful heroes in my opinion and I have always really liked that he is a fusion of multiple people because we get some great banter between them.

12. Catwoman
Some may say that Catwoman is a villain or the very least an anti - hero but I have always though of her as an ally of Batman. My favourite comic she has been in his the Hush one where Batman actually reveals his identity to her and contemplates being in a relationship with her as well.

11. Superman
Superman may be really down on this list but that is because I was never really bothered about him until recently after seeing the new Superman film so I decided to get some of his most well known comics. I realize now that he is a really great hero and I liked his new origins in the New 52 DC comics.

10. Green Arrow
If this was a list of live action heroes he would be near the top but I didn't like how he started off in the comics (just a copy of Batman) and I didn't like that he looks like Robin Hood with a beard. However in recent years he has gotten a lot better such as his Year One comic in 2007 and his team ups with Black Canary.

9. Black Canary
She is quite the badass in the comics and as mentioned above I like her team ups with Green Arrow but also with Birds of Prey. It is such a shame that she doesn't have her sonic scream in the TV show but maybe she might get Meta Human powers.

7. Green Lantern (Hal Jordon)
One of my earliest comics that I read Green Lantern has always been one of my favourite comics and if it wasn't for him there wouldn't be the Blackest Night storyline which is one of my favourites. I have always really liked Green Lantern's powers and my favourite storylines was when Hal Jordon failed to story Cyborg Superman destroying Coast City and he had to deal with the consequences.

6. Booster Gold
The hero I want to see the most in the Arrow/Flash TV series because with time travel it could work. Booster Gold always brings good humour when he appears and I have always liked his origins of how he became a hero.

5. Batgirl/Oracle (Barbara Gordon)
The best of the Batgirls in my opinion because of the amount of character development that was given to her. She was great as Batgirl and had a cool costume and then when she was shot by the Joker she became one of the best computer geniuses in the DC universe as Oracle, helping Batman and the Birds of Prey. Felicity from the Arrow TV series was obviously based on Oracle.

4. Arsenal
Arsenal has always been my favourite archer in the comics more than Green Arrow because I think his transformation from Speedy/Red Arrow to Arsenal was really well done. While I never liked his drug addiction storyline in the old comics I liked how it keep haunting him when he got his new right arm.

3. Nightwing
Dick Grayson started out as Robin but then he became one of my favourite super heroes ever. Like with Arsenal I just liked the transformation Grayson had to becoming Nightwing and I have all his New 52 comics.

2. The Flash (Barry Allen)
By far the best Flash there is because in my opinion Barry becomes the most powerful user of the Speed Force to the point where he becomes to Speed Force. He is such an important character as well because of his time travel ability because if he changes anything it effects everything in the DC universe (Flashpoint). His best storylines are Flash Rebirth and Flashpoint.

1. Batman
Of course number one just had to be one of the most well known and most popular heroes of all time. Batman was also the first comic I ever read so I owe him quite a lot and he has some of the best storylines and villains there are.

2015 film releases I am looking forward to

I have been a bit ill recently so I haven't been able to do much but I thought I would write a quick list of some films I am really looking forward to this year.

The Avengers: Age of Ultron
The first one was such a great success and this one looks like it can top it. It seems to have a more darker tone than the first film (helped by that creepy altered Pinocchio music) and Ultron just looks badass.

Mad Max: Fury Road
I am a massive fan of the previous three Mad Max films staring Mel Gibson and I am glad this is a proper sequel and not a remake. It looks like they have captured the essence of the previous films well enough in the trailer and Tom Hardy was a great choice to play Max; the guy is such an awesome actor which is why I am still upset about him leaving the Suicide Squad film.

Jurassic World
The first Jurassic Park film was such a ground breaking film and I even really liked the second one; it stars Jeff Goldblum and the guy is one of the greatest actors of all time, however we will forget about the third film. Jurassic World looks like it is trying to capture the magic of Jurassic Park while of course trying to add in some new elements such as there being an open park this time.

Ted 2
The first one was just so funny that I laughed at almost every scene and even though comedy sequels have never been as funny as their first ones the trailer for Ted 2 does look promising.

Ant - Man
I admit the trailer wasn't too exciting but this film is going to be apart of the Marvel Universe so I am confident it is going to be a great addition.

Star Wars: The Force Awakens
I remember binge - watching Star Wars throughout my childhood so it is my favourite film series of all time and I like every single Star Wars film. I am confident JJ Abrams will do a good job because I really liked his Star Trek films and Revolution so he is just a great director overall.   

Top Ten Voice Actresses

Thought I'd do another top ten but this time focusing on my top ten voice actresses (voice actors to come later). To qualify in this list they have to be mainly anime voice actresses, I have not put in any that have just focused on video games. This is only a quick list so I will just include a list of at least three of my favourite roles they have been in next to their names.




10. Colleen Clinkbeard: Trinity Blood - Esther Blanchett
                                 Rin - Daughters of Mnemosyne - Rin Asogi
                                 Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle - Yuko Ichihara





9. Leah Clark: Eden of the East - Saki Morimi
                    Soul Eater - Blair
                    Sekirei - Homura/Kagari





8. Michelle Ruff: Bleach - Rukia Kuchiki
                         Chobits - Chi
                         Girl's Bravo - Miharu Sena Kanaka




7. Laura Bailey: Soul Eater - Maka Albarn
                       Final Fantasy XIII/XIII2 - Serah Farron
                       Fruits Basket - Tohru Honda





6. Stephanie Sheh: Girl's Bravo - Kirie Kojima
                            Bleach - Orihime Inoue
                            Naruto - Hinata Hyuga






5. Wendee Lee: The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - Haruhi Suzumiya
                        Bludgeoning Angel Dokuro Chan - Dokuro Chan
                        Bleach - Yoruichi Shihoin






4. Tara Platt: Buso Renkin - Tokiko Tsumura
                   Monster - Eva Heinemann
                   Bleach - Lisa Yadomaru






3. Cherami Leigh: The Sacred Blacksmith - Cecily Campbell
                          Sword Art Online - Asuna
                          Soul Eater - Patty Thompson






2. Monica Rial: Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle - Princess Sakura
                          Speed Grapher - Kagura Tennouzu
                          The Sacred Blacksmith - Lisa/Lisa Oakwood






1. Jessica Calvello: Queen's Blade - Nanael
                      Problem Children Are Coming From Another World; Aren't They? - Black Rabbit
                                Girl's und Panzer - Saori Takabe


There you have it my top ten however I watch a lot of anime so there was a lot, and I mean ALOT, of voice actresses I wanted on this list but I had to narrow it down.