Otaku World - July 2005 - 1.12 by Rin Sanada

Otaku World -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------Volume 1 Issue 12 July 2005

CONTENTS Introduction Upcoming Events Library News Club News Contests: Fan Art & Fan Fiction Kitty Komics Manga Spotlight “Liling Po” Anime Spotlight “Howl’s Moving Castle” Cat Girl Advice Column Anime Review Calendar of Releases & Events Games

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Hello, readers. Maggie here. Yes, I'm doing the little intro this time for the newsletter. Yay! Well, this time there will be more games for you all to play and a few reviews on some new additions to the club's library. We’re also very happy that you’re all taking more interest in the newsletter! Keep it up!

I'd like to take this opportunity to let everyone know that in the August edition of the newsletter, I will start a 6 regularly released comic! Before then, I hope to Credits have, maybe, a little Editor: Kim Johnson preview or something, but Journalists: Maggie Ruiz, for now there is a fan art piece of "Fafner" which Katie Ruiz, Anne Marsh, the anime library will be Charles Mitchell & Judy receiving soon. I just Moua happen to have watched this anime series already and no one will be disappointed! I drew that "Fafner" fanart a year ago, but it's just a little something for you all to check out! Enjoy! 4 4 5

I would also like to quickly remind you all to please go to th the Merced County Fair this summer! It starts the 19 I believe so don’t miss out! And for a little shameless selfpromotion, my artwork will be displayed at the fair, too, so

please go see them! Remember they’ll be by “Maggie Ruiz”! Also, one of club members will be leaving us for college in another state. G’bye Bonnie! ~tear~ We’ll miss you. So in honor of her leaving we will turn the picnic into a farewell party and then return to Kim’s house for a DDR party!!! Have a good one everyone! Laterz!

UPCOMING EVENTS In the next month or two will be treating the members of the club to the movies and to bowling. We will be going to see “Howls Moving Castle”. We aren’t sure of when this will happen but it will be happening in a few weeks. Thanks for your support as club members. We will also be having a picnic on Friday, July 22, 2005. Everyone will be meeting at Kim’s House and then moving onto the park for our picnic and pictures. A list of items that we will need will be posted on the bulletin board.

LIBRARY NEWS The limitations for the library will change from two (2) manga, four (4) dvds, two (2) cds to just six (6) items total from the library. Fees will also change from $4.00 per dvd per day to $1.00 per dvd per day, $3.00 per manga per day to $1.00 per manga per day and $2.00 per cd per day to $1.00 per cd per day with a maximum of 100 points deducted for late items. However, all charges regarding damaged merchandise will remain the same.

CLUB NEWS Hello club members ^_^ Here are the fundraisers and what about you need to sell to get the 50 points per month. • Scented Candles: 13 half pint candles • Dutch Mill Flower Bulbs: 20 items • Sweets & Treats: 25 items So there you have it! Try your best. The next issue with club policies, etc: We must decide on a permanent day of the week for the anime club meetings unless we have two meetings a week. Example: Monday & Friday meetings. I really don’t feel comfortable having two meetings a week just yet. So I would like for the meetings to be on Saturdays if the majority of the club can attend on a Saturday. It would have to be early in the day and end before 8:00pm.

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FAN ART CONTEST

ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A FEW RANDOM KEYCHAINS & POSTERS. Theme: Angels in the Mist • Grand Prize: Cardcaptors Wallscroll (Image to the right) • Second Prize: Check out card for max of 3 items from library. • Runner ups: Free keychain or button. Details: Can you create an angelic masterpiece of your favorite anime or manga chracter. Let’s see those angel wings. Sakura-chan is counting on you! =) Rules: No yaoi, yuri or hentai allowed. Other restrictions are applied, please ask for more details. Please submit art work no bigger than 8x10 inches with a 3x5 card with the following information – Name, phone number, title of work, volume/issue/page of contest. Winner will only receive prize if two more people enter contest. Deadline: August 24, 2005

Snow Drop Volumes 1-9

The story of love between to high school students knows no boundaries. When they find out the truth of their past, will their love endure until the end of time? This series will only be

available in the library for a few more weeks, so read it soon. For Sale: $65.00

Kill Me, Kiss Me Volumes 1, 2, 4

The story of twins switching places. Only these twins are actually identical cousins. Identical male and Page 2

FAN FICTION CONTEST ALL PARTICIPANTS WILL RECEIVE A FEW RANDOM KEYCHAINS & POSTERS. Theme : Anything Prizes: • Grand Prize: $5.00 gift card for Barnes & Noble • Second Prize: Check out card for max of 3 items from library. • Runner ups: Free keychain or button. Details: All entries should be 700 words or more and submitted by 3.5 floppy disk. You may use any anime series that is cleared by the CEO. Please be creative. Entries will be based upon creativity and genre. You may use any genre listed: fantasy, sci fi, humor, drama or action. Rules: No yaoi, yuri or hentai situations allowed. Other restrictions are applied, please ask for more details. Please submit art work no bigger than 8x10 inches with a 3x5 card with the following information – Name, address, phone number, title of work, volume/issu/page of contest and genre of fanfiction.. Winner will only receive prize if two more people enter contest. Deadline: August 24, 2005

Volume 1 Issue 12

July 2005

ANIME SPOTLIGHT “Howl’s Moving Castle” Review by: Marguerite Ruiz Movie Review courtesy of Harvey S. Karten of the "Arizona Reporter's Online News Portal" "The ninety-year-old Sophie (voice of Jean Simmons), who changes places hither and yon with the approximately 18-year-old Sophie (voice of Emily Mortimer), is plunged like Dorothy of the Wizard of Oz) into the ride of a lifetime. Instead of a yellow-brick road, the earthbound part of the film is cast in a quaint European city, while Alpine-like vistas make their presence felt when Sophie is airborne. Sophie is a workaholic passing up an invitation to have some fun in favor of working away in a hat store. When she meets a playboy wizard, the Howl of the title (voice of 'Batman Begins' Christian Bale), she is literally swept off her feet into a ramshackle castle that moves on huge chicken-like legs across the landscape. Envious that Howl is paying attention to Sophie, the Wicked Witch of Waste, who is in love with the wizard, curses the teen, turning her into a 90-year-old woman who takes up work as Howl's cleaning lady. While she dusts and sweeps and gets Howl's cluttered rooms into shape, she is forced to listen to a fire, Calucifer (voice of Billy Crystal), who ketches that he is Howl's slave; preparing his bath and cooking his meals. Howl, who is so handsome and smooth-talking that he could probably pass any interview and win the heart of any woman, is fearful of being drafted into an insane war which only the king's wizard, Madame Suliman (Blythe Danner's voice), could end." As many critics have said, "Howl" sounds like an entertaining and beautifully animated masterpiece yet again from the mind of Hayao Miyazaki (Oscar Award winner for his other animated feature, "Spirited Away" which received "Best Animated Film"). Keep in mind that the film is rated PG for frightening images and brief mild language. I, myself would really love to see this film and I'm sure any anime fan (and even non-fans) would immensely enjoy this movie.■

MANGA SPOTLIGHT “LiLing-Po” Review by: Katie Ruiz Like they say, it takes a thief to catch a thief. But who would actually hire a crook to get the job done? The Chinese government did that’s who. Liling-Po a handsome, master thief, that is ordered by the government to get back a stolen national treasure. But to make matters worst he’s partnered up with a scholar named Mei-Toku and a warrior named Bu-Cho. But like with any plot they’re not happy with the arrangements, and there’s no trust within the team. The three of them start their quest anyway, which will bring plenty of angst, comedy, and whole lotta wild adventures along the way. I find the characters very interesting. However, I’m anxious to learn though how the Chinese government captured Po. Is he really a hardened criminal? Though the big question here would probably be; how did he get that eye injury? These questions are just begging for answers. This manga is a must read. I mean along with this great story there’s hot guys in it and the artwork is beautiful as well. I think people will like this story just by reading the summary. I really like Liling-Po, and you will to.

Cheeky Angel 1-5

– Megumi was a boy…until he was cursed by a book to become the

womanliest woman instead of the most manliest man. Will Megumi be able to change back to normal or will he…um…I mean she finally realize her femininity and give up? Read it and find out. This series will Page 3

Tramps Like Us 1-3

CAT GIRL ADVICE COLUMN This week, Anneko, resident catgirl journalist, acts as advice columnist to some of our needy anime pals… Dear NukuNukuOtaku Advice Catgirl, WHAT’S A GIRL TO DO!?! Suppose she likes this guy, I mean really likes, I mean really, REALLY likes, like she’d KILL someone for him! WHAT THEN? I mean, what if she loveloveloveloveloves him, and he hardly notices her womanly CHARMS?! What should she do THEN? XD!!!

This is the story of a boy who becomes a pet to a career woman. However, there are complications with this mind as well as the muscle. Perhaps when you become more attuned to your soul, the need to beat this opponent will seem unimportant in the light of greater truths. Or you could just bash him with something blunt and heavy when he’s got his back turned… NukuNukuOtaku Advice Catgirl PS- Yes, we do! =^_^=<<3)

Hopelessly Devoted in F City Dear Hopelessly DevotedNEVER GIVE UP! If you just persevere, then someday he’ll realize that you’ve always been there for him! There’s nothing so attractive to a man as a woman who’s pitifully devoted to carrying out his every fiendish plot. X3!!!

~Well, that’s it for this month’s column! Hope some insight was gained somewhere along the way, and I’ll see you all on the flip side!

=^_^= Anneko

And if that doesn’t work, you could always get a puppy.

^&^&^&^ ANIME REVIEW “Gad Guard”

NukuNukuOtaku Advice Catgirl

Review by: Anne Marsh

Hey, Advice Chick; What’s up. I’ll cut right to the chase—I need to become stronger. Much stronger. Because I have a rival, and I must defeat him to—I don’t know, gain honor. And stuff. I already have a pretty thorough workout regimen, but maybe I’m missing something. Also, I really hate that dumb—But I digress. Any tips on becoming strong enough to totally humiliate one’s opponent? Looking For Advice PS- Cats rule! =^_^=<and rats drool!) Dear LookingHere’s a thought—maybe instead of just working your body, you should look into a more holistic regimen—exercise for the heart and

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If you’re looking for a good anime to watch, why not try ‘Gad Guard’? ‘Gad Guard’ is a product of Geneon, like current Adult Swim series ‘Samurai Champloo’ and ‘Paranoia Agent’, and is distributed by Pioneer here in the states. Of course, that’s not what you care about—you want to know about the series. ‘Gad Guard’ follows the adventures of young Hajiki Sanada. He comes into possession of a Gad—a very valuable and special stone which has the power to transform into something called a Techode. Well, it does, and the Techode (kind of a giant fighting robot) bonds itself to Hajiki, and is controlled only by him. Throughout the series, he encounters other Techodes, controlled by potential

friends or foes. The moment when Hajiki’s Gad ‘hatches’ into a Techode is perfect—just what the audience has been waiting for. The opening and closing themes are kicky jazz instrumentals, both by PE’Z. If you like your anime to come with good music, you can’t do much better than a Geneon series, and ‘Gad Guard’ is no exception. The music is fun, and the credits, beginning and end, are graphically pleasing. The environment is stunning, the backgrounds lushly animated, from backdrops to traffic, from crowds milling about to the moving billboards and graffiti. Now, giant robot fighting is for everyone, but eye candy is another anime standard if ever there was one. For the girls, this series offers Heavy Metal operating bad boy Katana, and Hajiki’s would-be gigolo pal Black. For the boys, there’s a host of female characters—the villainous and scantily-clad Wonda, Catherine—the original client to whom Hajiki should have delivered the Gad, even the police girls, schoolteacher Miss Linda, and the young potential love interests, one a schoolmate, the other a rich girl with a secret. The series intersperses moments of humor into the heavier drama, keeping the feel of the series evenhanded, not going too far either way. We’ve only had the chance to review the first disc, but so far it’s shown plenty to recommend itself by. This reviewer would definitely suggest ‘Gad Guard’ to anyone looking for a good blend of drama, humor, character depth, and of course, giant fighting robots.

Volume 1 Issue 12

July 2005

CALENDAR OF RELEASES & EVENTS Sunday 3 - July

Monday 4

Tuesday 5

Wednesday 6

Thursday 7

Friday 9

Saturday

Boys over Flowers DVD Vol. 12 Fafner DVD Vol. 1

Gundam Seed Movie 1 DVD

Burst Angel DVD Vol. 2 Elfen Lied DVD Vol. 2 Gunslinger Girl DVD Vol. 2 Fruits Basket GN 10 Immortal Rain GN 6

Fundraiser at Walmart – Preorder Sales

Cheeky Angel GN 7

County Fair Begins

1 - August

Fundraiser at Walmart – Preorder Sales

Hana-Kimi GN 7

Getbackers DVD Vol. 8 Gilgamesh DVD Vol. 2 Overman King Gainer DVD Vol. 4 Basara GN 13 Fruits Basket GN 11 Snow Drop GN 10 Tramps Like Us GN 6

Madlax DVD Vol. 3

30 Fundraiser at Walmart – Preorder Sales

Kodocha DVD Vol. 1 Samurai Champloo DVD Vol. 4

D-N-Angel DVD Vol. 6 Peacemaker DVD Vol. 6

No Meeting

D-N-Angel DVD Vol. 4

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ANIME SCRAMBLE

_____________, __________________ _____________, __________________

“Manga Series”

Shido 1. _____________, __________________

So here is how it works. Below are titles of series that have been scrambled up. All you have to do is unscramble them and write them down. Prizes include: random keychains, posters, buttons, stickers, etc. ikmhiaan __________________________________ 2. amleggtogri __________________________________ 3. gilponil __________________________________ 4. sabraa __________________________________ 5. haveloin __________________________________ 6. pnsroodw __________________________________ 7. perrpohsthorosof __________________________________ 8. mtrnoliimraa __________________________________ 9. ogmikhtimc __________________________________ 10. rdteeomaisfth __________________________________

2. _____________, __________________ _____________, __________________

_____________, __________________ Sagara 1. _____________, __________________ 2. _____________, __________________ _____________, __________________

ANIME SCRAMBLE “Do the Math” How many coincidences have you noticed from one series to another? Although, because it is japans history there really aren’t any coincidences are there? Can you connect the series by name or historic fact? Let’s find out! Prizes include: random keychains, posters, buttons, stickers, etc 1.

ANIME CONNECTIONS: NAMES

Read or Die OVA + Genzo - Sanzo =

“Anime & Manga Series” 2. How many characters do you think have the same name? Guess the last name and the series and find out. We put what we came up with and if you can think of more just add them in the blank spaces. We’ll only do five names for now. The first is already done for you.

Rurouni Kenshin + Sanada Clan = + Muramasa Sword =

Kyo 1. Kyoshiro Mibu, Samurai Deeper Kyo 3.

Samurai X

2. Kyo Souma, Fruits Basket + Shinsengumi 3. Kyo Mizuki, Girl Got Game = _____________, __________________ + Tatsunosuke =

Akito 1. _____________, __________________ 2. _____________, __________________ _____________, __________________ _____________, __________________ Kaoru 1. _____________, __________________

1. 2. 3. 4.

2. _____________, __________________

3. _____________, __________________ Page 6

ANIME SCRAMBLE ANSWERS: Full Metal Panic Trigun Prince of Tennis Get Backers Rurouni Kenshin

6. 7. 8. 9.

10.

Samurai Champloo Shuri No Toki Final Fantasy Fruits Basket Twelve Kingdoms