Haro Genki

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 25 (Finale)

2009-03-30T08:17:00.000-07:00

I was so excited yesterday that I forgot to post this!!!

Spoilers, per usual.

- Ribbons vs. Setsuna.
- Lasse returns to the bridge.
- SoMarie is in a healing pod.
- Looks like Allelujah and Hallelujah keep switching. He defeats Hilling.
- Lyle manages to defeat Revive.
- Tieria contacts Ribbons through Veda and like "YOU ARE WRONG!"
- Ribbons manages to steal Setsuna's solar furnace, though. He decides to switch mobile suits, and finds the 0 Gundam... the one that looks like the RX-78-2. "This is destiny!" Of course it is, Amuro.
- And Setsuna hops back into Exia, his one true love.
~Aftermath~
- Marina writes Setsuna a letter. Of course. She is princess once more. Looks like she adopted the children.
- The credits start. Marina gives a speech, and you can see some Innovators in the audience.
- Saji and Louise are together, aww.
- Looks like Klaus and Shirin have become senators.
- Andrei's still in the military.
- Patrick x Kati wedding!! WOOT.
- Graham's hanging out with Billy.
- Lyle visits his family and Anew's graves. *sniff*
- SoMarie and Allelijah go backpacking.
- Tieria watches over everyone in Veda.
-"Daybreak's Bell" plays as we see Celestial Being again.
- That's the end. ONLY NOT. Movie in 2010, starring... Jupiter!

I did really like the ending. It was very hopeful. I loved the wedding scene, and I liked that Marina wrote Setsuna a letter. It helps tie the two seasons together. It was nice to have a Gundam series without the "Kill 'em Tomino" ending. I have nothing against Tomino, of course, but I do love the happier endings. :D

I still prefer not to have movie, though, because the ending was so good...

I WANT MY GUNDAM SEED MOVIE, though.

Until the movie(s), this is Kristen signing off.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 24

2009-03-22T20:37:00.000-07:00

Spoilers, as always

- Second to the last episode!
- Apparently Tieria isn't an Innovator, but an Innovade.
- Meanwhile, showdown with Billy and Sumeragi.
- Elsewhere, Lyle fights Ali, Allelujah says "Marie" a lot, and Lasse coughs up blood.
- Setsuna tells Saji to go take Louise to a safe place.
- Tieria gets shot by Ribbons, multiple times. Nooooooooo...
- Saji gets Louise to wake up, and then she chokes him. Then she sees the ring on his necklace and flips. They wrestle a bit, and her glove comes off, and he sees that she's wearing her ring. Setsuna talks to them through their minds~~. Then she faints.
- Setsuna then hears Sumeragi, and we switch over to them. And the rest of the crew. I'm reminded of the end of Mobile Suit Gundam, when Amuro is calling out to everyone.
- And now time for Trans-Am Burst! And GN particles and voices in their heads for everyone!
- Sumeragi manages to talk to Billy and they hug. I'm not a huge fan of that pairing, but hey, at least he didn't kill her.
- SoMarie talks to Andrei (through their minds) and tells him that while she cannot forgive him, she will not kill him because Sergei wouldn't have wanted her to.
- Awww, Saji and Louise.
- Regene has taken over Veda and won't like Ribbons link.
- And Tieria has apparently melded into Veda too.
- Ali and Lyle jump out of their Gundams, and Lyle shoots Ali dead. Woot!
- Setsuna finds Tieria's body, but Tieria's like, "I'm in the computer!"
- Now Setsuna must fight Ribbons in the finale!

This was good episode. Now let's hope that everyone manages to survive the finale. I'm a little sad about Tieria basically dying, but he's in the computer, which is better than nothing.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 23

2009-03-16T12:49:00.000-07:00

SPOILERS

- Ribbons like "Fooled you!" In other words, his mind is connected to Veda and can jump into the body of his clones.
- Mmmm, watcha say. Regene's been shot. By Ali.
- Kati and Sumeragi finally talk, well for a sec, anyway.
- DAMN. That is one giant beam.
- CELESTIAL BEING MOTHERSHIP!? WTF?
- The Ptomely is going to retake Veda. Uh oh, Billy! And the debut of his new mobile suits.
- Kati and Kataron show up to help. And.... Patrick pulls a Mwu. OMG. *sniffs* Well, hopefully he can pull a Mwu and come back ~~and I don't care what all you haters say~~. And... he told Kati he loved her.
- The Ptomely lands on the mothership (Why am I reminded of A Boa Qu?)
- Lasse decides to pilot the 0 Gundam.
- Oh shit, Automatons! Louise joins in too.
- And Lyle suddenly cares about killing Ali to avenge Neil.
- And... Sumeragi's got one helluva gun, there. And runs into Billy. He points a gun at her.
- Different version of "trust you."
- Saji tries to get through to Louise.
- Epilogue: Tieria and Ribbons showdown!
- I liked this episode better than the last few (despite the supposed Patrick death...) because it reminded me more of classic Gundam.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 22

2009-03-09T13:09:00.000-07:00

Spoilers:

- Some Graham flashback - apparently he asked Billy's uncle for training.
- He tells Setsuna to finish him off, but he doesn't. Saji thanks Setsuna for Louise. Regene watches on.
- Veda's on the dark side of the moon.
- Linda stops on by and brings them the ~~RX-78-2~~ 0 Gundam.
- Every states their reasons for fighting and epic music plays. And then Lasse's like, I'm back guys!
- Marina and the children are in spaaace. And Kati!
- HOLY SHIT INNOVATOR CLONES.
- Graham is like Bushido.
- Fullmetal Alchemist CM!
- Feldt gives Setsuna a flower that Linda grew in the lab. She says that she's afraid that she will anger Marina, but Setsuna says that he doesn't have any kind of relationship with her. He goes off, and Feldt tells him not to die. Not quite a shippy scene, but if taken that way, that's kind of random.
- Everyone launches and battle times. Celestial Being gets reinforcements from Kataron. Kati and Patrick too. Setsuna takes out Goodman!
- Epilogue: Ribbons is like, "Hahaha, Regene, I'm better than you!" And then mmmmm, watcha say! Regene shoots Ribbons in the head!

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 21

2009-03-02T13:25:00.000-08:00

Spoilers:

- Saji asks Setsuna if he had to kill Anew. Setsuna says yes, and also mentions that something is confusing Louise. Saji says that Setsuna is somehow different. Yeah, his eyes are glowing! Of course, Setsuna's becoming an Innovator. I had a feeling this might happen...
- The crew decides to go to Lagrange 5.
- Wang is still alive for the time being.
- Soma and Allelujah get in a fight because he wants her to pilot the ship.
- Lyle apologizes to Setsuna, but then draw a gun on him. He wants to crush the Innovators.
- Setsuna and Saji go to where the message was sent from.
- Shirin finds Klaus, but he's injured. DO NOT DIE, KLAUS. He says they should go to space, and that everyone loves Marina's song. So they go and pick up Marina and the kids.
- Wang yells at Hong Long for being stupid. Clears some stuff up, though.
- Nena comes and shoots at Wang, but Hong Long takes the bullet. Mmmm, watcha say. Ooo, Regene is with her.
- Setsuna finds Wang and gets Veda's coordinates from her. She doesn't want to go back with him, though.
- Waiting for Setsuna is... Graham! Without a mask! Finally!
- Nena kills Wang (this time I'm sure).
- Ribbons talks through Nena's Haro.
- But then Louise comes and kills her! In the end... Louise reminded me of Four or Stellar...
- Epilogue: Setsuna and Graham fight and use Trans-Am... so they have naked sparkle time.
- Preview: Marina and the children go to spaaaace!

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 20

2009-02-22T22:21:00.001-08:00

SPOILERS.

- Sumeragi and the meisters question Revive about Veda.
- Feldt calls Sumeragi from the bridge to tell them that Anew has shot Lasse (poor Lasse) and has taken Millenia hostage, and said she's an Innovator. So they let Revive go, and Sumeragi holds Lyle back.
- Soma finds Anew and Millenia and orders her not to take a step forward. Nice. Lyle and Setsuna make it over there, and Lyle agrees to go with Anew. Setsuna takes Soma's gun and shoots Lyle in the shoulder. Lyle snags Millenia it turns out that it was part of their plan.
- Now Gundam battle time! Lyle has some flashbacks to his relationship with Anew. Would have been nice to you, know, actually have those scenes in the series!
- Anew says that she really loves Lyle.
- Ribbons tells Louise that he will have to get her new medicine.
- Oh, new Fullmetal Alchemist trailer! Looks good!
- Everyone is angsty.
- Setsuna tells Lyle that he'll kill Anew so that he doesn't have to. Thanks, Setsuna. I'm sure Lyle feels all better now!
- Sumeragi is bad at piloting the ship.
- Of course, Lyle and Anew meet on the battlefield. He tells her that he's going to "make her his woman again." Er, nice choice of words there, Lyle.
- Ribbons, of course, pings her and controls her. So Setsuna kills her.
- And Lyle and Anew have a naked Newtype sequence.
- Yeesh, that was depressing. Yuna Ito added to it. "I love you, I trust you." Even though I don't think their relationship was handled well, it's still sad.
- Epilogue: Screaming by Lyle as he beats up Setsuna.
- Preview: Damn, Wang and Hong Long are still alive.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 19

2009-02-15T18:51:00.000-08:00

Spoilers.

- Last week's cliffhanger's resolution was kind of crappy. Klaus had a machine gun, guys. Our heroes are safe, for the moment, anyway.
- And look, a secret passageway. I'm reminded of Gundam SEED Destiny... episode 8, I think.
- Marina will not take the gun.
- Allelujah will not stop calling Soma "Marie."
- GN Particle party! Which means that Hallelujah comes for a visit!
- The peeps on the ship can hear Setsuna's voice.
- Saji and Louise have a Newtype like meeting.
- Andrei interrupts them, and then Soma finds him.
- Shirin and Marina find the end of the tunnel, and Shirin tells Marina she's a hindrance because she won't carry a gun. Um, what about the children, Shirin? You want them to carry guns too?
- Sumeragi and meisters question their captive, Revive.
- Lyle notices that he looks like Anew.
- Meanwhile, Anew pulls a gun on Lasse on the bridge. Seems that Ribbons made her do it.
- And Nena kills Wang and Hong Long by destroying their ship.
- I wonder how the Anew thing is handled. We shall see.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 18

2009-02-08T16:36:00.000-08:00

Spoilers, as always.

This episode sparked my interest in this series again, which is strange because I hate time skips. I still have a problem with this time skip, but it helped in other respects.

Four months later...
- Look, it's 00bama.
- Hmm, seems that Kati has gone missing. I'm kind of glad, because I didn't want Murrue vs. Natarle Part Two (or three, since Murrue vs. Talia could have been Murrue vs. Natarle Part Two, I guess).
- Marina plays mom with the children in a cottage in the forest.
- Klaus and Shirin are looking spiffy. And a couple. I CALLED IT. LIKE IN THE FIRST EPISODE OF SEASON TWO.
- Marina's song is on the radio. Oh oh oh, on the radio! [/Donna Summer]
- Meanwhile, SoMarie is back to being Soma, and Allelujah is sad. He blames himself for letting her fight again. He chills with Saji in the emo lounge.
- Setsuna is not going to die like poor Lasse is.
- Ribbons warns Wang that she is not an Innovator.
- Louise congrats Andrei on his promotion. Revive and Hilling make fun of him, though. I think that the only reason I don't hate him is because he has Sai Argyle's (Gundam SEED) voice. And I always felt sorry for Sai. Louise finds out that Andrei killed his father and is upset. Then Andrei hugs her. Kind of awkward there, buddy. She wonders if she will have a fight Saji.
- Lyle and Anew cuddle in bed (they are wearing clothes...) Okay, now I said that I wanted more romance in this show, but this was not the way to do it. I wanted to see the development of a romance. The time skip killed it for me. :(
- Apparently Lyle went to boarding school so that he didn't have to compete with Neil.
- He asks Anew about her family, but she doesn't want to answer. They kiss, and her eyes go all Veda. Soma gets a flash, and so does Setsuna. I think she's beaming this to her family, Lyle, so don't get too kinky.
- Setsuna helps Saji with some of his Louise problems.
- Lyle tells Anew that he loves her over the comm, so everyone of the bridge hears it and is surprise. Sumeragi's like, "what, when?!" In those stinkin' four months that they didn't show us. Grr. I haven't nothing against the pairing, but I would have liked to had seen more development.
- The thing with having everyone say the name of someone (or thing) the care for was awkward and cheesy. Because Tieria loves Veda, and Setsuna loves his Gundam.
- Epilogue: They killed Kenny! Mmm... watcha say. I hope that they didn't kill Marina (I think I'm one of the few people that don't hate her) or Klaus (Shirin needs him). Eek.
- Preview: Looks like Saji and Louise met up, not in mobile suits.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 17

2009-02-01T21:24:00.000-08:00

Spoilers like whoa.

- We find out what Sergei did that got Holly killed.
- Apparently Ribbons's secret hide out is in the Antarctic, and he created Regene. Saji gets to pilot the 0O Raiser again.
- The orbital tower is starting to fall apart!
- Everyone works together to destroy the pieces before they hit the people on Earth.
- SoMarie (I saw someone use this on LJ, and I'm going to use it as well. Too many Marie's in my fandoms) gets to pilot the GN Archer, which looks kind of like a GM.
- Sergei shows up too, and SoMarie says hi.
- But after the debris is destroyed, Andrei kills Hercules and then, his father. In front of SoMarie. He might have wanted revenge for his mother, but I think that she'll want revenge for her almost adopted father.
- Based off of the preview, it looks like there will be a short time jump of four months.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 16

2009-01-26T16:51:00.001-08:00

Spoilers:

- Hercules takes over the Africa Tower.
- Sergei's back in that sweater and flashback to a time when he was hot, and we get to see his wife.
- LOL, the little robots!
- Louise and Andrei talk about Hercules, and then he has a flashback of his own.
- Sergei's been sent to tell Hercules to surrender.
- Hercules let's the civilians go, but the Federation edits the video to lie to the public.
- Meanwhile, Setsuna starts his fight with ~~Graham~~ Bushido.
- Then the Ptomely shows up and Bushido's like, "Bye!"
- Then, Gundam hug.
- A lot of people said that we got trolled with this episode, but honestly, I prefer more plot development instead of fighting.
- Epilogue: Like the Death Star, they built a new Momento Mori!
- Preview: is that Johann I see at the end? [/Monster reference]

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 15

2009-01-19T14:13:00.000-08:00

Spoilers~!

- Setsuna arrives at the Kataron base, and Marina knows that means that she gets to play nurse.
- Sergei talks to Hercules about the coup.
- Andrei talks to Louise about Saji. Or at least tries to. LOL at Patrick.
- Billy talks to Kati and tells her that he wants "to personally witness the destruction of Celestial Being." And by that, he means witness Sumeragi's death.
- Setsuna has a dream about stopping himself from killing his parents. Neil also makes a guest start appearance.
- Tieria plays mommy and puts a blanket on the sleeping Millenia.
- The A-LAWS fight with the Ptomely before it can make repairs.
- Marie is all ready to go out in the GN Archer, when Kati receives a message from HQ and withdraws. The coup has started.
- Setsuna fights Mr. Bushido.
- The new ending sequence features busted up mobile suits. Eeeeh. At least theres a few "continued" versions of scenes from the old sequence , like Louise and Saji's hands, and Tieria turning from the mirror. Anew is apparently the girl behind the curtain with Lyle. Allelujah and Marie's clothes are in the water, and Lyle and Anew's jackets lay in the flowers. The song has more a beat to it than I was expecting, but I love Yuna Ito.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 14

2009-01-11T16:17:00.000-08:00

Spoilers, as always.

- There was a new opening this week! While I liked Stereo Pony's Bleach ending, their music is more fitting for that series rather than Gundam, I'm afraid. The song's not as good as "Hitohira no Hanabira" either. Naked girls in the beginning of the sequence. Gundam SEED Destiny like, but everyone was naked. Sumeragi's missing and that worries me. There was no "bridge crew" shot either.
- Nena tells Setsuna that the Ptomely's descended to Earth.
- Meanwhile, Ian wakes up from the healing pod and finds that not only have they descended on to Earth, but in a really pretty forest by the mountains. But then he realizes that he noticed this through a giant hole in the side of the ship. ROFL!
- Sumeragi apologizes to Allelujah for having Marie help on the bridge. Allelujah wants to keep that girl in the kitchen!
-Lyle does secret spy things behind a rock. Anew finds him though. She asks him to call her by her first name, and he asks her to call him "Lyle" rather than "Lockon." Saji watches them from afar. The panning out in this episode is loltastic.
- Klaus and friends are having a meeting, when they hear children singing. Marina apparently wrote a song based off what that children told her. Well, she's no Lacus Clyne, that's for sure.
- Setsuna meets up with Ali, who introduces him to Ribbons. Ribbons tells him that he was the pilot of the 0 Gundam. And mmm, watcha say- Setsuna shoots at Ali, and Ali hits Setsuna.
- Tieria transforms and reveals Seraphim Gundam!
- Setsuna battles with Ali, and then he hears Marina and the children's song. The song serves at the ending. The credits list the name of the artist for it as "Marina Ismail and Children." It's kind of haunting, actually.
- The actual second ending's going to be by Yuna Ito, so I can't wait for that (she's awesome).
- In the epilogue, a new mobile armor and a new suit are revealed.
- Billy tears up a photo of Leesa (Sumeragi). Doesn't bode well for her. Eek.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 13

2008-12-29T15:44:00.000-08:00

Some spoilers of key points

.

I'm not feeling very well, so no summary. Although I'll list some things:

- Marie tells Saji she knows Louise and confirms that she's a pilot.
- Seems like Sumeragi relied on Marie's psychic abilities.
- Tieria called Lyle "Lockon" and Lyle says that he will try and live up to that name.
- They destroyed Momento Mori, and Lindt died.
- Nena helped out Setsuna. Wonder if she'll switch sides at some point.
- This new dude Hercule knows Sergei.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 12

2008-12-21T16:57:00.000-08:00

Spoilers, as always.

- I'm not good at summarizing battles, so I won't.
- Ribbons backhands Wang!
- That was nice of Allelujah to call the bridge to let Milenia know that Linda was okay.
- Great, so now Louise thinks that Saji joined CB waaaay back and has been with them for these last four or five years.
- Looks like Ian will be fine.
- And now Saji's punching Setsuna.
- Andrei confronts Louise about the battle, and tells her that he knows that she knows someone with CB.
-Saji almost steals the 00 Raiser to run away and find Louise. She, meanwhile, deletes all her photos of them together. I like the piano version of "Prototype." This episode was kind of boring, though. :(

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 11

2008-12-15T20:11:00.000-08:00

Oops, I forgot to post this!

Spoilers:

Marina plays Santa Claus with the children. Sergei's alive! :) Tieria's hair is magically short again, just as it was magically long. Thanks, GN particles. Sumeragi questions Lasse about his health, because apparently he ain't doing so well. News to us too, Sumeragi. Tieria starts to tell everyone that he's an Innovator too, but Sumeragi grabs him by the shoulder to cut him off. She tells him that he's there comrade. Marina plays the piano with the children. Next week, she'll sing "Fields of Hope." Louise sees Barack-not-Obama's picture of his wife. She apparently died. And the death flags were raised for him too. Lyle flirts with Anew, who will be joining them on the ship. I don't really want Anew x Lyle, kthanx. Marie senses a Newtype flash, not it was not meant for her, it was meant for Anew. There are other people in Celestial Being? WTF? The base is populated with them! Okay, Linda is not joining the ship. I got that wrong again. I thought that she would be the one in the family to die, but then Ian ends up getting injured. Saji, along with his new buddy magenta Haro, goes to find him, and Ian's like, "You, 00 Raiser!" So Saji obliges and everyone's thinks WTF? He meets up with Setsuna, and then Setsuna kills Barack-not-Obama. Epilogue: I CAN SEE TIME, SETSUNA. Actually, Setsuna somehow got mixed up in Saji and Louise's nekkid psychedelic Newtype dream sequence. Now Saji knows that Louise is with the A-LAWS and she knows with with CB.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 10

2008-12-07T17:00:00.000-08:00

SPOILERS, as always

So Sumeragi to become a tactical strategist in order to stop wars. And like Murrue and Natarle, Kati hopes that they won't become enemies. Oopsies. What is Seel? Marina angsts for Setsuna, and Kati worries about Sumeragi. EMILIO!! :( Loved the part with Patrick, though. Marie has Newtype flash! Tieria's randomly on the bridge since he's Gundam wasn't ready. And LOLz, the video I'm watching left in the Fullmetal Alchemist trailer. And Roy is drawn more in the manga style (i.e. the non hot style). WHY DO THEY DO THIS TO YOU ROY. Meanwhile, the Ptolemy goes to the secret base and the crew meets Linda. So she wasn't in the background of episode 1. Allelujah says that it's a crime that Ian's wife is so young. They also meet Anew, who was sent to them by Wang. In other words, I don't trust her. (I'm assuming that even though Anew looks like an Innovator, she identifies with being female, like Tieria identifies with being male). And apparently she is super good at a lot of stuff. Marie and Saji have a talk, and then it cuts to Louise freaking out. LOL at Patrick and the popping up behind Kati. :) Ali and Nena have a confrontation! And then Ali goes to speak with Ribbons. Epilogue: Eek, hope that Sergei's okay, although I doubt it. SPARKLIES. The Sparklies bother Tieria in the shower. And cause Hallelujah to return!

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 9

2008-11-30T16:15:00.000-08:00

Spoilers.

Quick question Am I the only one that doesn't like Ali? Now he's busting up my Tieria! Luckily, Sumeragi sends Allelujah and Lyle to help out. Tieria's pissed he didn't get to kill Ali. INNOVATORS. Andrei does some research on Louise. Sumeragi says, "Based on my estimation, it's about time we headed back to space, like practically every other Gundam series." Setsuna tells Saji that he saw Louise. Tieria tells Lyle that Ali killed Neil, and Lyle asks for the details. I'm hoping that he plans Ali's death out a little more carefully than Neil did. Revive agrees with Kati's plan, and Lindt is pissed. Hmm, seems while Lyle respects Neil's decision to take revenge, he doesn't plan on avenging their family's death. Setsuna reveals that he used to belong to the same terrorist organization, and could have stopped the suicide bomber from blowing up the mall that the Dylandys were at. Seems Lyle is more worried about stopping the terrorists from killing more people than avenging the past. This makes Tieria upset. LOL, Billy almost called Mister Bushido Graham. Then he tells him to destroy Celestial Being for him, BECAUSE THEY TOOK AWAY HIS SUMERAGI. Meanwhile, Tieria stares at the window, waiting for Neil, the Ghost of Christmas Past, to return. Marie joins the bridge bunnies for battle, along with Saji. And then, they have a battle while going to space. Kati is so impressed, she sends Sumeragi a text message. Feldt reads it out loud, and Sumeragi (or should I say Leesa Kujo) now knows that Kati's with A-LAWS. We get a few flashbacks to young!Leesa, young!Billy, and young!Kati. Epilogue: Seems Ian's wife Linda is also a scientist. Preview: Linda joins the crew (I swore I saw her in the background of episode 1, but oh well), and there's also someone with lavender hair. Speaking of hair, Tieria gets a shower scene - with long hair.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 8

2008-11-23T14:07:00.000-08:00

MWUAHAHAHAHA.

Spoilers!

Oh crap, Regene is inside Tieria head. Neeeeewtypes! Ribbons is not happy. Saji misses Louise. Lasse asks if it's okay that Marie stays on the ship, and Sumeragi's like, I did a background check, fool! And she's Allelujah's "reason for fighting." Millenia just kind of pops in there, LOLZ. This girl is wack. Lyle worries about Kataron. Marina hangs out with the children. HOLY CRAP BALLS, Tieria see Neil in the reflection in the glass, and vision speaks! Tieria's like WTF? LOLZ. It's the ghost of Christmas Past! Feldt kind flies off the handle and is upset that Marie is staying with them. Kati seems suspicious of Soma's "death." PATRICK!!! TAISAAAAAAAA~~~ Gotta love him. Revive is also joining A-LAWS. Oh yeah, those space elevators. They were important, weren't they? Allelujah tells Feldt WE ARE FAMILY! Kati is pissed that Patrick joined A-LAWS. She's worried about him, aww. He joined to protect her, and he has fought the Gundams SEVEN TIMES and survived. He's all like, "I'm the Immortal Colasaur" and I'm like DON'T MAKE PROMISES YOU CAN'T KEEP, PATRICK. Meanwhile, Wang sends a message to the Ptlomey telling them about this awesome A-LAWS party. Tieria says"PICK ME PICK ME." Setsuna says he'll be back up. Good thing that he's only back up, because he's really back about going undercover. Sumeragi's hee hee, going to turn Tieria into a woman! Turns out that Rengene had Wang call them. Feldt apologizes to Marie. Wang gets to the party and thinks LOLz, Sumeragi made Tieria dress like a woman. Lousie chats up Ribbons, who is dressed up like Thomas Jefferson. Andrei is Louise's escort and looking fine. OMG, TIERIA'S FEMALE VOICE. I'm 99% that's Sumeragi's seiyuu. Ribbons asks for a dance, and Tieria switches to his normal male voice, and says, "Everyone knows that the meisters are male. I'm just following my tactical forecasters instructors." I love you, Sumeragi. Meanwhile, Louise has a Newtype flash and meets up with Setsuna in the parking lot. And magically, they remember each other. He tells her that Saji still thinks of her. Then she flips out. Billy comes out and sees Setsuna trying to comfort, and then we get ANGRY BILLY, still mad at him for stealing Sumeragi away and RUINING HIS LIFE. Meanwhile, Ribbons is trying to get Tieria to join THE DARK SIDE. It totally sounds like "Duel of the Fates" from Star Wars is playing. Tieria goes to shoot Ribbons (love where he was keeping the gun), but hits the mirror. Hilling Care shows up, and Tieria jumps out the window. Billy calls the security on Setsuna, who runs away. Andrei tries to comfort Louise, who tries to take her druggie pills. Regene's wearing a suit. LOLz. Epilogue: While in Gundams, returning to the ship, Tieria and Setsuna run into Ali!

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 7

2008-11-17T11:31:00.000-08:00

This is a day late, due to late subs. I could attempt to watch it raw, but my Japanese is worse than the subbers, I hope.

OKAY ALL SYSTEMS GREEN!

There are MAJOR MAJOR spoilers.

Mister Bushido's first name is Mister. Yay, Sumeragi's awake. Kati's afraid of explaining to Sergei that she lost his daughter. Meanwhile on the island (are they on an island? I'm going to say yes), Soma and Allelujah roll around on the ground (reenacting a certain scene from a certain other Gundam series - only with less crabs). I wish that people would stop calling each other by their full names every time they see each other. Yay, random tent and sleeping bags! I sense telenovela music. Allelujah and Soma (or should I say Marie?) discuss things in their pasts. And get touchy feely. Okay, Allelujah and Hallelujah merged into one, but did Soma and Marie? Because I think that the personality issues should be rectified. I was really liking Soma this season, but it seems as if Marie has taken over completely. Uh oh, Daddy's come to save you! Meanwhile, Klaus and Shirin meet up with a bearded dude that I swear looks like a celebrity in real life. Back on the island, Sergei wants to kill Allelujah, but Marie pulls a Pocahontas. Sergei decides to tell the higher ups that Soma died, and lets Marie stay with Allelujah. And now a musical montage of Soma and Sergei, with song by Tommy heavenly6. Sergei signals Lyle, who finds Allelujah and Marie kissing. Epilogue: Setsuna smiled. Saji noticed and had to point it out. The bridge crew is surprised that Allelujah is coming back with a girlfriend. Meanwhile, Tieria meets Regene and is like HOLY SHIT, YOU LOOK LIKE ME. Preview: Libonze gets ready to party, Allejulah and Marie blush, Tieria traps it up in drag (Laura Rolla?)!!

Some non-summary thoughts: Now, I totally am a romance fan, and I do like romance in my Gundam, but Allelujah and Marie's relationship is waaaaay too rushed. I assumed that they would become canon (and I do like them together), but not that fast. The last time that they actually spent time together was when they were kids, right? Knowing Sunrise, this speed is unfortunately raising death flags.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 6

2008-11-09T13:56:00.000-08:00

S
P
O
I
L
E
R
S

Poor Kataron. The kids are still alive, though. Saji's all your fault ~~Ryu died~~. At least he isn't still wandering the desert. Meanwhile, Sumeragi's tripping and we get a flashback (where, strangely, she has her current hairstyle) of what happened to her boyfriend, Emilio. *sniff* Then she faints. Tieria Bright slaps Saji. Setsuna comes in and is like, why is this dude crying on the floor. Kati is going to choke a bitch and that bitch is Swiss Candyman. Seems that she was involved in the Emilio incident. Meanwhile, Shirin and Marina get there lesbian selves on in a dark warehouse. Is Wang suggesting that Nena's a Newtype? Hong Rong is Wang's brother? WTF? MOAR Sumeragi flashblacks (this time her hair's in a bun): seems that plan ended up causing friendly fire and therefore Emilio's death. Turns out that she was working with Kati back then... and Kati now realizing that Sumeragi's working with Celestial Being. Now some Soma and Sergei time. Flashback~~ Soma stole Tieria's sweater! Sergei's tie in this scene, wow. Back to present day: DUDE, Lindt slapped Sergei. Dude. Once again, however, I draw parallels to Zeta Gundam and the Titans. Hi, Barack, not Obama. I like that Allelujah's worried about Sumeragi. Soma's like, Louise I used my Newtype powers to read your mind and you still like Saji! Andrei's like, I love you, Louise. Graham is like, "I'M AN ARMY OF ONE." YUU HABU KONTORORU DESU. Kati noticed that this battle's plan is very un-Sumeragi. I've said this before, but Sumeragi and Kati remind me of Murrue and Natarle from Gundam SEED. Saji decides that he wants to help out, but he can't. If he did fire, he would have killed Louise, ironically. Preview: Looks like Allelujah and Soma crash land somewhere. Where have I seen this before? Oh right: with Cagalli and Athrun in Gundam SEED. And heck, Shinn and Stellar in Gundam SEED Destiny (although there was no crashing there, just jumping off a cliff into the ocean).

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 5

2008-11-02T14:09:00.000-08:00

SPOILERS:

Revive Rivival's debut! And speaking of revival... Ali's alive. Grrr. I never liked him, and I don't understand why he's allowed to come back from the dead while characters are not allowed to (let's not argue about this, though). I see that some subbers are translating "Kataron" as Catalan, but Catalan is a real group of people... so I'll continue to use "Kataron". Saji's being handed over to Kataron. And now, random children! Every Gundam series needs random children! Meanwhile, Graham, er, MISTAA BUSHIDO explains to Kati that he can do what ever he wants. Sergei checks in on Soma and asks about Andrei, and Soma tells him that he can be her daddy. Aww. :) Marina plays with the children, and helps out that shy one (it says "disliked" on the wall above his head!). Setsuna watches and remembers his mother. Tieria tells a joke! Saji drives in the desert. Hmmm... reminds me of Mobile Suit Gundam, LOL. Then he gets picked up by the Feddies and punched. Sergei steps in. I think that the A-LAWS = Titans. There are many parallels. Meanwhile, Andrei is bitter and Wang looks better than she was so far this season. The A-LAWS massacre the Kataron base, and Lyle loses his cool while fighting Soma. Epilogue: Setsuna flies Marina back home, and sees the country in ruins. And it's Ali's fault. Preview: Everyone's hearts are broken. I want to know whose hands those are, with the blue sleeves.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 4

2008-10-26T19:31:00.000-07:00

SPOILERS.

Some is the one that gave Allelujah his name, so she's the one to blame for it's strangness. Ian's daughter (Millenia?) asks if Setsuna and Marina are lovers, and they're both like "no." In denial, I see, LOL. Feldt's spying on Lyle. Haro like "Feldt likes Lockon!" Lyle decides, hey I'll take you and kisses her, but Feldt slaps him. He's being cruel to her, but he tells Haro it's to make her realize he's not Neil. Lyle's tired of being compared to Neil, and I think that it also makes him a little sad. Meanwhile, Allelujah's like "Let's get drunk, Sumeragi!" If he didn't already have Soma, I'd think he liked her. MISTAA BUSHIDO. For realz. Other masked man had, you know, actual aliases, but Graham is MISTAA BUSHIDO. Also, I realized that Andrei is voiced by Sai from Gundam SEED. Shirin wants to join the troops to look for Marina, and Marina wants Setsuna to come back with her. Ian put Saji to work. Allelujah confides in Sumeragi that he wants to find Soma/Marie, but she reminds him that she is the enemy. Sumeragi tells Allelujah that she doesn't know what she's fighting for. Grr, I still want them to reveal what horrible thing she did in her past. So Hallelujah is gone, it seems. Sumeragi angsts with her CB photo again, and mentions an Emilio, who was according to some official source out there, was a former boyfriend of hers. I sense a rivalry forming between Sumeragi and Kati (Murrue and Natarle, anyone?) Although Sumeragi made it to the bridge and kicked ass. IT'S A GUNDAM! Dude, I think we all know that Mister Bushido is Graham. Marina and Shirin reunion! After the ED: Billy gets his revenge on Sumeragi by joining A-LAWS. Meanwhile, her uniform doesn't fit her, LOL (I will be cosplaying the uniform that does fit her, as seen in the OP, sorry guys). Billy's like REVENGE. Preview: Things get blown up.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 3

2008-10-19T20:38:00.000-07:00

AHOY. THAR BE SPOILERS.

Poor Marina's being interrogated. I love the name of the episode. "Allelujah Rescue Mission." Look, it's Obama! ...and he's talking to ~~Amuro~~ Libbonz (and yes, he will always sound like Amuro to me...) Soma goes to Allelujah's cell, and he's like "Hi, Marie!" She's like, WTF, no! I like Soma better this season... Lyle called Tieria cute, LOL. Feldt is sad, Sumeragi angsts in her room with beer cans, gazing at a photo of the old CB. Soma and Sergei are still in contact, despite her transfer to A-LAWS. Luckily, news that Allelujah's been found gets Sumeragi to come out of her room. Does she had a fridge in her room full of beer? At least she made them a mission plan. Tieria's kind of, "BTW, Setsuna, but your potential love interest Marina is also being held in prison." Lyle is already bonding with Haro. Turns out that Lyle is a pretty good shot, of course. Yay, Allelujah! The new Ptolemais can go under water... where have I seen that before? Allelujah has the panda eyes, but his words make Soma flashback to the days when she was called Marie. Setsuna saves Marina. It seems that Lyle let Kataron in on the mission... perhaps they will be allies with CB? I really like the ending theme, but don't like that they show it before the actual end of the episode. The scene with Allelujah and Tieria with the coffee was really nice. Although when Lyle walked in, Allelujah was all "Lockon, WTF?" Then Marina and Setsuna have a scene. Preview: Lyle puts the moves on Feldt. Wonder what Allelujah and Sumeragi (still not in uniform) are talking about (yes, I have vested interest in Sumeragi, but that's because I'm cosplaying as her and I need her in the uniform!).

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 2

2008-10-12T14:02:00.000-07:00

CAUTION: THERE ARE SPOILERS!

Gundam 00 Season 2, Episode 2

Lyle calls Neil his "nii-san." Lyle didn't know Neil's dead. :( Kati is surprised to see Soma, and that she's joined A-LAWS. There is a "red" Haro now. Sumeragi's pouring herself another one, but Billy takes it from her and complains about having to care for her. Then she saids, "See you, Billy. Thanks for the last two years, good-bye." He tells her to wait, calling her "Kujou," that he didn't mean it that way, and then Setsuna rings the doorbell. Billy is surprised that she told someone about this place. Billy seems to think that Setsuna will cheer her up, and wants to invite him to dinner. Setsuna uses her codename, and spills CB secrets. Good one, Setsuna. He does it so that she has nowhere to hide. Saji learns that it was the Thrones that attacked Louise's family. Sumeragi doesn't want to go back to CB, so Setsuna holds her by the wrist to make sure that she does. They meet with Lyle, and Sumeragi's like WTF? Setsuna starts to introduce him as Lyle, but then Lyle interrupts and calls himself Lockon. At least she knows that he's Neil's brother. Marina gets arrested! Hong Rong! It's been a long time. Nena calls Wang "Ojou-sama." Meanwhile, ~~Loran~~ Regene and ~~Amuro~~ Libonze bring back 1960's and '70's fashion. Saji wears his ring on a necklace. Epic battle timez! We are Gundam! The ending sequence is depressing as all get out, but I love the song! ... but wait, there's more again - They welcome back Sumeragi. And then they all see Lockon (they includes orange Haro!) But Sumeragi tells them it's Neil's younger brother. Angry Billy is angry. And drunk. Preview: Time to rescue Allelujah... who is calling Soma's real name... Marie.

Gundam 00 Season 2: Episode 1

2008-10-05T16:39:00.000-07:00

CAUTION: THERE ARE SPOILERS.

These are my thoughts as I watched it. Some will not make sense, sorry, LOL. I'm crazy like that.

It seems that most people are numbering back at one, so I will too. First people with lines - Shirin and Klaus. Klaus is a new character, and Shirin is now Lara Croft, Tomb Raider. Sergei lives in a pretty posh house. Nice sweater! He's on the phone with Kati, hmm. As for the answer that he's looking for from Soma, my guess is that he's asked her to join the military again. Let's not get any wild ideas. I wonder why Ian's letting his daughter be part of the crew. Yay, Tieria! :D Look, Louise! Yay, Setsuna! Saji gets attacked by a spider bot! Setsuna and Saji remember each other. Louise: MY BRAIN, IT BLEEDS. Tieria comes to save Setsuna! Yay, Feldt! Yay, Lasse! Saji wants to kill Setsuna, for revenge for his sister and Louise's ~~hand~~ family. Louise is a druggie. ~~Amuro~~ Livonze and Regene's outfits remind of a cult. The last four years have not been good to Wang, and why is she working with them? Sumeragi is in Billy's bed. Maked Man is definitely Graham. Andrei is hot. And is here to pick Soma up. It seems that he and Sergei are estranged. Allelujah is Hannibal Lecter, and now OP. The younger versions of the meisters, plus podchildren! Tieria is a clone, I say! Christina and Litchy are in the OP, plus Neil. STOP PLAYING WITH MY MIND. Are Shirin and Klaus going to be a pairing? Sumeragi in a very purple uniform! So she comes back. SARAH PALIN! Er, Kati. La la la, oh look, there's more! Setsuna finds Lyle, a smoker (ew) and totally says - YOU!! COME WITH ME!! Lyle actually says "HOMELAND SECURITY?!" ROFL. Preview: Sestuna comes to Sumeragi and Billy's house to kidnap Sumeragi. Er, ask Sumeragi to be a captain again.

I'm Not Dead

2008-09-01T16:43:00.000-07:00

Yeah, I didn't update when I was in Japan. I was lazy.

And don't ask me about Japan. You don't want to know.

Let us take time to mourn the loss of Gunota. They say that there is other places for Gundam news. What other place? I don't understand.... *sniff*

Anyway, this blog will once again become active when the second season of Gundam 00 starts up again on October 5th. I could blog about the trailers, but I'm a lazy bum with unpopular opinions. And besides, you all seem to like my episode summaries/commentaries best anyway.

Peace out,
Kristen

My name is...

2008-06-19T20:47:00.000-07:00

Okay, this isn't a fandom rant, but rather a personal one.

I am sick of people spelling my name wrong. :(

Now, my last name, I can understand, although it's annoying. But it's my first name.

K-R-I-S-T-E-N. Kristen.

Not Kristin.
Not Christin.
Not Christen.

I also end up getting called "Christine" and "Christina" half the time (if someone accidentally spells it "Cristina", I'm not as picky, as it's my Spanish name).

And when it comes to my last name, remember that copy and paste is your friend.

ETA: My name is not Kirsten either, although I do own the American Girl doll.

Fanime 2008 Pic Spam

2008-05-28T15:35:00.000-07:00

For Fanime 2008, I cosplayed as Murrue Ramius from Gundam SEED. I met a bunch of new friends at the Gundam gathering. As my blog entries have been slow lately, here's a few photos to tide you over until I go to Japan!

Ani and I did a mini shoot outside.

And now I'll be vain and post the photos of me that she took.

After the gathering, some of us did a mini shoot with winterwish (Found these photos on Flickr)

At the Gundam Gathering:

Strange crossover with a Zeon flag...

Tieria and Lockon (Gundam 00)

Tieria and Lockon (Gundam 00)

We played tossing the Haro while we waited.

YouTube is embedded now!

Lockon and Allelujah (Gundam 00); Gato, Kou (Gundam 0083); Setsuna (Gundam 00); Lacus (Gundam SEED)

Lockon, Allelujah (Gundam 00); Gato, Kou (Gundam 0083)

Lockon, Allelujah (Gundam 00); Gato, Kou (Gundam 0083)

Allelujah (Gundam 00); Gato and Kou (Gundam 0083); Lacus (Gundam SEED)

Lockon, Feldt, Allelujah, Lockon, Setsuna, Tieria (Gundam 00)

Lockon, Feldt, Allelujah, Lockon, Setsuna, Tieria (Gundam 00)

Kou (Gundam 0083); Amuro (Mobile Suit Gundam); Maureen (Blue Destiny); Sayla (Mobile Suit Gundam)

Me as Murrue, Lacus (Gundam SEED) and yeah, Chibi actually took this picture. But no my camera.

Me as Murrue, Lacus (Gundam SEED)

Tieria mirror!

Gato (Gundam 0083); Garma (Mobile Suit Gundam)

Garma (Mobile Suit Gundam); Maureen (Blue Destiny); Amuro and Sayla (Mobile Suit Gundam); Kou and Gato (Gundam 0083)

Stupid Sexy Lockon!

Heero (Gundam Wing); Feldt, Lockon, Allelujah, Tieria, Lockon, Setsuna (Gundam 00)

Gilbert, Stellar, Lacus, Cagalli (Gundam SEED Destiny)

Tieria, Lockon, Feldt, Louise (Gundam 00)

Kou takes on Gato with a Yoko's (Gurren Lagann) gun (Gundam 0083)

Cutting Setsuna's hair (Gundam 00)

These are the photos that my friend took of the Gundam group on her camera. I'm too lazy to label everyone in these photos, LOL.

My stupid belt rode up underneath my boobs... oops.

(Last one found on twfeline's account)

And holy crap, it's the 82 dollar Gundam I bought!

Why didn't she come to Fanime? cries

2008-05-28T15:29:00.000-07:00

Kotono Mitsuishi was at Animazement this weekend. I wish that she was at Fanime. She's Murrue's voice actress, and it totally would have been awesome to meet her (especially while cosplaying Murrue). Keiko Han (Lalah's voice actress) and Mitsuo Fukuda (the director of Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny) were there too. Apparently, very few people attended the panel.

I found a transcription of the Gundam panel here, but I'll copy the important parts here:

For Kotono Mitsuishi, she talked about her role as Murrue Ramius and the pink Haro. Mitsuishi talked about how Ramius was a female captain and she wasn’t sure how to perform the role, but she was glad to find out that Ramius was a strong but delicate person. It was challenging and interesting. She also recalled meeting Fukuda in Dendou and how he told her that she may be called in again to do a captain role. Then Mitsuishi recalled her first meeting with Keiko Han being an older sister figure (not quite like mom, but).
....

Q2: Are there any plans to continue the Seed series?

MF: I can’t say there are no plans, but there is nothing official right now about that.
...

I'm thinking that maybe the SEED movie isn't going to happen. Oh well.

Q3: Why did you choose Mitsuishi for the voice over for the previews?
...

MF: I can’t remember how it went but Morosawa (writer) was the person writing the previews. One of the rule for the preview is that they have to have the “gundam” phrase in every one of them. It was tough for her (Morosawa is the wife) to do that.

Q3: So why did you choose Mitsuishi…

MF: Captain Ramius… In Dendou, the character Vega was captain for a short time. I thought she would be good for that role. After that I thought she would be perfect for Ramius. It also just happened the role for the captain does the voiceover.
...

Q5: Can you do the Ramius line where you launch the Archangel?

KM: "All hands to battle stations, Archangel hasshin!"

Q8: I think Seed is the first Gundam series with a female captain of a ship. Was it intentional and are you aware you are laying the groundwork for future female captains?

MF: It’s not a big deal these days. After seeing Captain Janeway from Star Trek Voyager, I thought you can do a female captain just fine. That is how I decided how it would work in Seed.

MF: “I like Star Trek Old Series.”

LOLz.

You can read the rest of the interview at the link I posted above.

But seriously, she should have come to Fanime instead. *cries*

Fanime Photos coming soon!

Oh wow, an update

2008-05-11T19:57:00.001-07:00

Not much going on in the Gundam world at this moment, so I much to blog about at the moment.

Heads up, I'm going to study abroad in Japan for a month this summer, so I'll probably doing some blogging on that.

Gundam 00 Has Been Licensed for North America

2008-04-18T17:33:00.000-07:00

Source: Gunota Headlines, Gundam Official

The title says it all.

Personally, I like that it's been licensed. Because it means that I can own the official DVDs. Say what you will, but that's how I roll.

Meanwhile, there is wank on one of the Gundam 00 LJ comms. You know which one.

Gundam 00: Episode 25 (Season Finale)

2008-03-30T21:51:00.000-07:00

Oops, meant to have this up sooner!

SPOILERS!

In order of the episode:

Allelujah and Hallelujah merge - very interesting. Soma gets her Newtype on and fights H/Allelujah. And damn, she got him good. What is is with having characters have their right eye injured? Soma sure cares about Sergei... a little too much. And I think he agrees. H/Allelujah recognizes Soma as Mari. SEXY BEAAAAM. Okay, it's probably "Marie", not Mari Yaguchi from Morning Musume (famous for her "Sexy Beam" dance move in "Koi no Dance Site"). OH MY GOD, Alejandro's MA has a MS hidden in the center. But Setsuna owned him. And Libonze owned him too. A new challenger has arrived! GRAHAM. With his obsessions and loves, LOL. AND THEN THEY PWNED EACH OTHER. dfhssdf Angst timez now. Setsuna sends Marina a letter. I really wish that they had built up a relationship between the two of them before this. Poor Marina really didn't play as major a role as she should. AND NOW A TIME JUMP. Four years later... I HATE TIME JUMPS. I REALLY DO. Okay, I'm fine with the other time gaps in between other Gundam series (i.e. between Mobile Suit Gundam and Zeta Gundam and Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny) but I'm totally not digging this four year time jump at all. It's what ruined Gurren Lagann for me. Well, that and something I don't mention in order not to spoil that series. I don't like that Louise and Saji haven't spoken in two years. Marina's adviser, Shirin, has longer hair and is leaving. And then creepy ~~Amuro~~ Libonze, which his creepy Libonze clones. And Graham, with the by far, ugliest Gundam Mask I have ever seen. And I have seen them all. I'M AM PISSED. IT SEEMS THAT ALI IS ALIVE. HOW UNFAIR. Talk about ruining sacrifices. THIS BETTER MEAN THAT LOCKON'S ALIVE TOO. And now fembot Tieria, with his new Lockon haircut. And Louise. That snort didn't sound like Romi Paku, like everyone seems to think, and I can tell her voice from her grunts. So I don't think that was the female version of Tieria. But I might be wrong. And if he is being voiced by Romi Paku, well then, hello Laura Rolla. The Supreme Trap. Now Ian and Wong. And the O Gundam. AM I the only one who is reminded of "The O" (Paptimus' mobile suit from Zeta). I mean in terms of name only, not looks, but the name is similar (well, so is The Big O. But that's not a Gundam series). Look, it's Nena. 00 Gundam! Wee. That set up at the very end wasn't too bad. But I still hate time jumps.

Overall opinion on season 1: It had it's ups and downs. I particularly didn't like the beginning, nor the end. The middle was good. I felt that too many characters were introduced and then not properly dealt with. I'm hoping that there will not be an onslaught of new characters in the second season. I also didn't like the time jump (duh) and I don't think that it's necessary, based off of the preview we saw (I'm not counting that as a denouement, but more as a preview). I could be wrong, though. And I obviously think that Lockon should be brought back, but I unfortunately doubt that. I hope that the other meisters are back for sure, at least.

A rumor: Other people have pointed out that maybe it's not that Neil is dead, but that he will never be "Lockon" (i.e. a pilot, probably, or doesn't use his code name) again, and that while they are pounding into our heads that Lockon is dead, he might be alive, as Neil. I like this theory. :)

A quick rant

2008-03-29T22:06:00.000-07:00

My thoughts on Gundam 00: Episode 25 will be posted once I watched it subbed. And yes, I'm watching it subbed. This somewhat pertains to my post here.

First of all, I don't claim to be fluent in Japanese. I've studied it for four, almost five years, but I do not consider myself fluent. That's why I watched subtitled anime. Sure, I can get the gist of what's being said, but I prefer to have subs so I get all the details.

But this rant has to do with translating text. I've always considered myself pretty good at translating text, but when I do translate, I don't put it on the internet unless I'm 100% it's correct. If I do happen to post a guess, it's not normally on a Gundam related text, and I write that it MIGHT NOT BE CORRECT.

While I think that we should be grateful that people do take time to translate for us and what not, but we should also be cautious that it might be translated wrong. Unfortunately, this can lead to a, as my roomie Laura likes to say, WEB OF LIES. I.e., that's how rumors start. People can accidentally make mistakes in translating, but as Lockon said, humans make mistakes, and I'm not saying that we should jump down people's throats because they translated something wrong. I'm just pointing out that translations can be wrong, and that translating can be a tricky thing indeed.

Gundam 00: Episode 24

2008-03-25T10:57:00.000-07:00

SPOILERS.

And well, Gundam 00 tries to become Zeta Gundam with this one. Except that in Zeta everyone got killed off at the END. NOT THE MIDDLE. I wonder if this means that we will have a new cast in the second season. I hope not. Because then they should just make it a different series. Like Zeta. And meanwhile, thousands of miles away: Tieria and Setsuna reenact the "IT'S ALL MY FAULT RYU DIED" scene from Mobile Suit Gundam. The part of Bright will be played by Sumeragi - slap! And now Feldt writes a letter to her parents... and Lockon. And now some flashbacks for Christina and Lichty, BECAUSE THEY ARE GOING TO DIE. Alejandro thinks that he's pimping in that golden mobile armor. Hey dude, even though it's gold, it's a MOBILE ARMOR. You're screwed. Of course, when you are the one shooting the GIANT LASER BEAMS, then it guess you'll last a little longer. This would be a good time for one of the Meisters to have a golden mobile suit. I wonder if Patrick is really dead. Because he got the White Flash of Death (TM). Did Christina just lie to Feldt to get her off the bridge? Why? Yup, she lied... for some reason. Impending doom? At least Lichty tired to protect Christina. We find out that he is part robot, like Will Smith in I, Robot, only more so. And then Christina (and the audience) founds other that he was in love with her. :( At least Sumeragi got a hold of Christina before they died. Christina tells Feldt to live for Lockon, and then, guess what, the ship EXPLODES. Well, next week is the last episode of the season. I wonder how it's going to play out.

Gundam 00: Episode 23

2008-03-16T16:20:00.000-07:00

SPOILERS. SPOILERS. SPOILERS.

Well, I saw the spoiler pics for this episode. I.... can only hope that Lockon can pull a Mwu. That's all that there is to it. Words fail me. I thought that he was safe because of his earlier injuries. But then again, look at Ryu. Suffice it to say, I'm already heartbroken, and I will be watched this episode through my fingers. See, Lockon, they were trying to protect you, you idiot. A bit off topic, but I'd like to point out that I don't like that they introduced almost all the characters (major and minor) within the first few episodes. Trinity and Kati were pretty much the only characters introduced later, and it's kind of a pain. Okay, Lockon's stuck out somehow, and has found Ali now... this does not bode well.... especially because you are purposefully leaving your mobile suit, WTF. At least Haro didn't get blow to smithereens. HE PROMISES HARO THAT HE WILL COME BACK. OH SHIT. And then he lovingly pets Haro. :( :( Okay, then he does something stupid, my hands were in front of my eyes, I didn't really see it. Now he flashbacks to his family... his sister's name was Amy. And his twin doesn't really look like him. It's Christmas dinner. And he's monologuing. sdhglsduhgiusdhyk If his brother's name is Lyle, I'm expecting Mr. Muggles to make an appearance. But seriously, if his brother replaces him, I am going to be more upset than I already am. Lockon does not equal his brother. You just can't replace people. There's more to him that his good looks. SETSUNA, YOU HAVE TO SAVE HIM. NOW. What explodes? WHAT EXPLODES? soghsodhfousdhyfpousdyh Haro returns to the ship. And keeps repeating his name...

In all seriousness, the only reason I like this show was because of Lockon. So all I can hope is that he pulls a Mwu. I know it's impossible - he is NOT Mwu. But I was in denial over Mwu's "death", so I'll try not to give up hope. And I think that majority of the fans hope that he is still alive - he's the only thing keeping this show together for me.

Gundam 00: Episode 22

2008-03-09T22:29:00.000-07:00

SPOILERS.

On Friday spoiler pics for were revealed! Lockon is indeed alive... and not blind. Well, not totally blind. Instead, he's like Roy Mustang in the Fullmetal Alchemist movie - he's got an eyepatch. I'm extremely happy he's alive, and not totally blind, but not another eyepatch. Seriously. Some people really like that, but I really don't. Maybe it's because I have a professor with an eyepatch

Comments from watching the episode: Lockon could be healed if he stayed in the "healing pod" but he doesn't want too, because he wants to fight (with Haro's help) and also doesn't want Tieria to be all mopey. Tieria is crying. :( And staring out the window. I really liked the scene with Tieria and Lockon in the hallway. Lockon mentions that it;s human to make mistakes. Feldt noticed that Lockon is kind to everyone, not just her, ie, her feelings are not returned. Still don't know what's up with Wong. Meanwhile, Saji's emo. Ali killed Michael. YES! And then steals his Gundam and kills Johann with pretty sparkles. Even Ali acknowledges that it's pretty. Alejandro and Amuro find a frozen Aelio, and yes, I know that's spelled wrong (reminds me of Dr. Kasshu from G Gundam, a bit), and Alejandro shoots the hell out him with Treize's gun. However, Aelio has a a hologram that gives all GN drive suits an upgrade. Trans-Am. LOLz. I don't like that Lockon's going to piloting next episode. He needs to go in the healing pod. If there's a time lapse between the seasons, Lockon better have been in that pod for the time lapse, and he better be healed in the next season.

Gundam 00: Episode 21

2008-03-02T15:44:00.000-08:00

SPOILERS AHOY.

First of all, I know that Lockon gets injured in this episode. I'm weak when it comes to spoilers. Okay now. Kinue's really dead, and poor Saji has to identify the body. Patrick's so goofy, it's ridiculous. Sumeragi apparently thinks that if she can work better drunk, than so can Christina and Feldt. Apparently Tieria is a robot, er android. Or something. He has this obsession with being "human," and apparently was about to say that he thought that Lockon figured this out. Hmm. Meanwhile, Setsuna has a dream with Marina in it. So, Livonze and Alejandro manage power down the Gundams using Veda. But Sumeragi was able to change the power over to the the ship's back up system. But the Virtue is still down. Uh huh, I think that this is it... prepare for impact!! Holy damn, it's Patrick who does it, trying to get Tieria. But Lockon goes all noble to protect Tieria. sdkghsgiusgfishdf Haro's apparently alright, because he's reporting that Lockon's injured... eeeeeeeee. gsgdfshdfjh So, I'm going to guess that the rumors about Lockon losing his sight are right. And it better just be his sight, and not his life.

Gundam 00: Episode 20

2008-02-25T22:28:00.000-08:00

SPOILERS.

Apparently in the future they can regrow limbs, but not Louise's. It seems that Louise wants Saji to go to space for their dreams. Aww. So Kati has long hair. Interesting. She was just wearing it up earlier in order to look like Natarle. And I guess that Patrick really likes her. It's cute, but Patrick's kind of a goof ball. Now that Ali's shaved, it's hard to tell him about from Alejandro. Until he starts talking, of course. And then Kinue gets herself into some deep troublewith Ali. Saji waits for her at home, and laments the lost of Louise's hand. Meanwhile Kinie lays in a puddle of her own blood. So I was right about Kinue. Is Wang Liu Min a traitor? I can never kept up with this girl.

Gundam 00: Episode 19

2008-02-18T15:33:00.001-08:00

Spoilers, yo.

Libbons knows something that Alejandro doesn't. Johann reveals that he knows that Lockon's real name is Neil, and apparently it wasn't the IRA that killed his parents (and his little sister too) - it was the terrorist organization that Setsuna was brainwashed into as a kid. He also says that Sorun (Setsuna's real name) was part of that group. Louise wants Saji to go back to Japan and finish his dream (of going to space). Apparently, she doesn't plan on returning to school. And now a flashback of their love complete with a new insert song. It's very interesting to see how this series shows what could actually happen, involving fuels and energy. I love the confrontation scene between Lockon and Setsuna (with Tieria watching). I have a feeling that Kinue's going to bite the big one in the next episode or so.

Gundam 00: Episode 18

2008-02-10T16:47:00.000-08:00

Definitely some spoilers here. Consider yourself warned.

So, I take back all that Saji and Louise hate. I take it all back. I hate Nena now.

I unfortunately already saw the spoiler pics for this episode before I watched they episode, so I knew that the wedding was bombed and Louise lost her left hand. Louise, I am sorry that I hated you. Now I hate Nena. I was trying not to hate Nena when she was first introduced, because a lot of people compared her to Puru, who I like. Kinue paid for some information, so it looks like Saji might be having more problems soon. I have to give Saji made props for going to Spain when he found out that Louise was in the hospital. And oh my God, Saji's running in the hospital. I am sorry for all that smack, guys. :( And he was totally going to propose to her... she she cuts him off because she apparently doesn't remember that she has another hand. Just because you lost the one that most people wear their wedding rings on doesn't mean that you cannot put it on your right hand and marry Saji. Poor poor Saji. :( Luckily, Setsuna has decided that the Trinity siblings are an enemy. But next week Lockon finds something out and decides that Setsuna is an enemy. Hmm.

Gundam 00: Episode 17

2008-02-03T16:52:00.000-08:00

This episode was much better than the last episode.

Nena stealing Setsuna's first kiss was very.... interesting. Evil Haro think's the Orange-kun (like Pink-chan, get it?) is her brother. Apparently Orange-kun is missing memories. Who knows, maybe Lockon had to reset Haro. People have been saying that Nena is like Puru, and I can see it a bit. She's genki, but has a mean streak. Michael pushes some of Allelujah's buttons by calling him an "altered human." At least he didn't switch with Hallelujah. Sumeragi's afraid that they're getting "fired." Tieria is mad that Nena's in his secret computer room thing. I have a feeling that Louise's cousin's wedding is going to be bombed. >_< Well, at least Louise will get some characterization.

Gundam 00: Episode 16

2008-01-27T21:55:00.000-08:00

I forgot to say this last time - I like how Setsuna actually says "Gundam" as opposed to "gandamu." It's cute. Not that I don't like the Japanese way. Also, as much as I like Tommy, the OP is too much Tommy and don't very Gundam. But maybe I'll change my mind. And then Setsuna said "Gundamu". Hee. I guess that he practiced that for that other line and said screw it for the rest. Trinity is introduced. Nena (Al's voice from from Fullmetal Alchemist), Michael (Al from Gundam 0080 and Ulquiorra from Bleach), and Johann (Kamina from Gurren Lagann. Patrick almost died back there. Nena's Haro scares me. It's gotnon-Haro eyes. But this episode was mainly flashback. Just as long it doesn't have as many flashbacks as Gundam SEED Destiny.

Gundam 00: Episode 15

2008-01-21T12:56:00.000-08:00

Being that I haven't got any comments recently, I'm going to skip the spoiler warning and ~~~'s from now on. If you're reading this blog, then be prepared for spoilers. That's all I'm going to say.

Kati, Natarle 2.0 looks more like Kyoya from Ouran High Host Club than Natarle; must be the glasses. I'm still wondering about the purpose of Saji and Louise. The side character voiced by Amuro Ray's seiyuu said, "I hate adults." That's definitely a shoutout to Mobile Suit Gundam. So Lockon's rival is Graham, and Setsuna's Ali. I was expecting Graham to be Setsuna's rival too. What about Patrick? Next episode we get a new trio of pilots. I'm looking forward to them, but I really hope that they are not as bland as the druggies and Extended from both Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. This series needs to learn how to balance between "talking episodes" (like last week's) and fighting episodes (like this one).

Gundam 00: Episode 14

2008-01-14T15:15:00.000-08:00

New opening and ending with this episode.

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New OP by the brilliant green! Yay for Tommy! The PV has Haros in it. I like the song, but it's not as good as "Daybreak's Bell." Okay, episode time. Lockon had a short flashback. <3 THANK GOD, LOUISE'S MOM WENT GOING HOME!!! Oh look, it's Setsuna, trying to bring some meaning to these characters. Patrick got the Zeta Punch from Natarle's evil older sister. Her name's Kati. And now Patrick wants her. Sumeragi and Billy go out for dinner. He doesn't know that Sumeragi's with CB. I don't like them as a paring. Ali shaved, and now he's hard to tell him apart from Patrick. ED time: The songs alright, by Stephanie. But why is Lockon cutting Setsuna's hair... on a beach? It doesn't fit. While Allelujah peels a apple and Tieria (of all people) fires up the BBQ. Or does experiments. Scissors fall in the tide, and then the water is red. And now emo/angst time for Tieria, Allelujah, Lockon, Louise, and Marina. The lyrics apparently say "If life goes on." IF. Then the Meisters are on the beach again, but it's night, and Haro is sitting next to the scissors. IF LOCKON DIES, I WILL CRY BUCKETS OF TEARS.

Gundam 00: Episode 13

2008-01-07T15:23:00.000-08:00

After not having an episode last week, I was excited for this weeks. However, it had some ups and downs for me.

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While it was nice to see Lockon in the tight shirt, I wish that he did more this episode. At least he did some sniping (and not with his Gundam, LOL). Hong Rong turns out to be a kung fu version of Zorro! Here's our masked man! I still don't know the purpose of Saji, but I think that he will eventually get involved. Eventually.

Newtype and Animage magazines have some spoilers for the upcoming episodes, which will introduce some new pilots, including one who is female.

Happy New Year!

2008-01-01T10:20:00.000-08:00

There wasn't a new Gundam 00 episode this past week, but I decided to pop on buy to say hi to everyone and wish them a happy New Year!

Love,

Kristen :)

Gundam 00: Episode 12

2007-12-23T22:05:00.000-08:00

Yay, this was subtitled early this week! :D

Some spoilers~

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Wow, Ryumin is working with Alejandro? Interesting... which side is she on? Which side is he on? I'm still wondering if Saji and Louise will be playing a part in the series... No much to say about this episode... Man, we've got to wait for two weeks for the next episode! Poo. I want to see Lockon in that tight shirt! :D

Gundam 00: Episode 11

2007-12-18T11:56:00.000-08:00

As always, some spoilers.

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Tieria is a jerk. Again. We learn that Sumeragi really does have a drinking problem. Louise and Saji, along with Louise's mother, do not play any important part in the story thus far. Saji's sister on the other hand, is actually doing something. Tieria apparently goes into that "room" and can sync with it (Veda?) and spy on peoples (Sumeragi and Allelujah). Does Allelujah have a "Newtype" connection with other Super Soldiers? Happy birthday to Allelujah! :D

It is a little sad that main character gets such little development in this series. Lockon and Allelujah are much more interesting, and heck, so is Tieria, even though he is a jerk. At least it looks like we get some Setsuna and Marina scenes next episode.

Gundam 00: Episode 10

2007-12-10T17:39:00.000-08:00

Light spoilers~~~~

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I still think that Tieria is a jerk. At least his Gundam got a new form. With "hair". I feel really sorry for Allelujah. As for Sumeragi... we have to keep in mind that she's not Bright nor Murrue - she's not actually a captain, and therefore more than likely doesn't have any military training. This episode needed more Lockon. Next episode's got some back story on Allelujah methinks. Good.

Gundam 00: Episode 9

2007-12-03T16:41:00.000-08:00

As always some spoilers. I do not know how to do the Blogger version of an LJ-cut, so please bear with me.

So, either Lockon has a twin (or simply a brother). Or a clone. Which would be very SEED like (although Puru had a clone too in Gundam ZZ). Speaking of SEED, there are multiple Haro's like in SEED. They are mechanics?

Okay, I know that many people think that Lockon and Felt are going to be a couple. But I think that they will have more of a brother-sister relationship. Felt reveals that her parents were members of the Order of the Phoenix, I mean Celestial Being. Lockon's real name is apparently Neil, which means me think of... Neil Diamond. LOL. Allelujah is switching personalities again! What is his connection to Soma?

Gundam 00: Episode 8

2007-11-27T11:25:00.000-08:00

A few spoilers~~~

We got a tiny Lockon flashback this week. Yup, looks like his parents was killed when he was a kid. :( Allelujah questions Sumeragi's choice of swimsuit. Aww, Felt likes Haro. Setsuna goes and reveals himself, but for what reason? (other than being stupid). Lockon's a in suit next episode.... delicious.

Gundam 00: Episode 7

2007-11-20T12:12:00.000-08:00

Oops, forgot to post this~

Some mild spoilers once again.

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So, did Setsuna kill his parents? Also, how does Veda pick the pilots. Very interesting.

I really liked the interaction between the pilots. Although I still think that Tieria is a jerk.

Lockon seemed really affected by terrorism, and Sumeragi was upset about the loss of life. I hope that we get back stories on them soon.

Next episode, Setsuna meets his "fateful person", ie love interest, ie Marina.

Gundam 00: Episode 6

2007-11-11T21:50:00.000-08:00

Woot, Gundam 00 is really got the ball rolling now!

Some mild spoilers~~~

They didn't really touch upon the Newtype-ish thing this week.... Poor Allelujah has been locked in a padded cell all this time. Notice that the ship has a padded cell... does this happen often? The girls on this show sure have a lot of outfits! And damn, they drink a lot on this show. And not just alcohol. Everything from coffee to mixed drinks. Also, Patrick is pretty funny.

I am really interested it knowing what's up between Billy and Sumeragi. I am also interested in the "incident" that happened, and how they were involved in it. Graham seems to think that Sumeragi was a strategic planner at this incident. Ali is an interesting addition to the series, and I'm hoping for more flashbacks soon. This episode was pretty good, but not as good a five. Maybe combine the two for one really good episode.

Gundam 00: Episode 5

2007-11-06T11:38:00.000-08:00

This episode was actually pretty exciting.

There are some spoilers here, so precede with caution.

The part with Saji and Louise in the train thingie was humorous. I kept thinking that Louise wants to join the Mile High Club. She also impersonated Homer Simpson with those potato chips..

Newtype flash! The flash affected Allelujah and caused him to change personalities! And the other one is Hallelujah! So he hasn't been talking to himself all this time! This storyline is going to be very interesting.

Wee, this episode was the best one so far. There was a lack of most of the other characters, but I didn't mind it too much. Allelujah's getting some characterization, and I hope that the rest of the cast gets some soon too, especially the pilots and the crew of the ship.

Gundam 00: Episode 4

2007-10-30T10:47:00.000-07:00

It looks like I've actually got some readership! *waves to the readers*

Soma, Super Soldier Number 1, is awfully tiny for a super soldier. It will be very interesting to see her play out into the storyline. I'm thinking that Marina's adviser is an evil adviser. It seems like this series will focus more on politics rather than battles. Is Allelujah a Newtype? The preview hints at it.

And oh, I really like orange Haro. Not as much as green Haro, but orange Haro is pretty awesome (as is Lockon, hee hee).

Gundam 00: Episode 3

2007-10-22T13:41:00.000-07:00

I've decided that I've got to be more humorous with the reviews. So I shall.

Um, this review has a few spoilers. So if you don't want to be spoiled, don't look!

Dude, Graham got pwned in 35 seconds, by a beam saber. Also, it is a bit lame-o to have a mobile suit called a "Flag". C'mon on people, where are the more creative names, like Zaku, Gouf, and Dom? It looks like coffee is a beverage that will be drunk several times in this series, as it was in Gundam SEED and Gundam SEED Destiny. Although, Lockon ordered milk for Setsuna because he is a growing boy. And Sumeragi obviously prefers alcohol.

The series is still establishing itself, so it will take awhile for me to say that I like it. I do, however, already have a favorite character: Lockon. :)

Gundam 00: Episode 2

2007-10-22T13:17:00.000-07:00

[Sorry this is late.]

This episode was as anti-climatic as the first. However, the pace did pick up, and the Earth's factions were explained.

I've decided that I will do screencaps, and whatnot, but not until I have time. So stay tuned for that!

Gundam 00: Episode 1

2007-10-08T14:09:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I was planning to do this whole awesome blog entry with screencaps and what not. That did not happen. That is because I am very lazy and I also have a ton of schoolwork.

I was also planning a long review. However, all I really have to say is that the premiere was pretty good, but it didn't wow me. I am hoping that the second episode will be a little more compelling for me. My expectations are probably too high. Plus, I really need more that one episode to allow me to pass judgment on the show, obviously. I don't really even have first impressions yet.

TURN A TURN

2007-09-19T19:52:00.000-07:00

Finally, I have seen every Gundam series! Well, until Gundam 00 debuts in October.

Turn A Gundam wasn't as weird as I was expecting. It certainly had it's weird times, though. Tomino, as was every alternate universe Gundam series director, was striving for something different. And he definitely made something different.

This series often lacks the typical Gundam feeling I get from other Gundam series. It's post-apocalyptic is definitely one of the causes. However, this is one of the keys to making it an alternate universe. While a lot of the themes were similar to other Gundam series, the presentation was unique. I think that one has to watch this series with an open mind to fully appreciate it. I know that I didn't, though, which was my own problem.

However, I did like it better than Victory Gundam, because the majority of the cast was happy at the end. And I decided that I like Harry and Kihel. :)

Being bad once again

2007-09-18T11:00:00.000-07:00

So, I forgot to update yesterday. And I am totally blanking on what I want to blog about for this week.

But I promise a real update something this week! I promise!

Kristen's Being a Bad Girl

2007-09-10T21:03:00.000-07:00

Sorry, no real blog post from me today. I having to write a research paper on the Basques, and damn, I still need 600 words. So no blogging today.

See you next week!

Me no likey at all

2007-09-03T21:58:00.000-07:00

According to Gunota (the most awesome Gundam news blog ever - check it out), Gundam 00 is going to be split into two, a la Code Geass. I do not like this idea whatsoever. You do not split Gundam into two. It is one of the Ten Commandments. Thou shall not split Gundam.

Not to mention, and I'm just going to say this - I don't like Code Geass. I watched it for awhile, and then decided that it wasn't my cup of tea. But now there's going to be even more comparisons between it and Gundam 00. And I don't want that.

I actually in a really poopy mood (yes, I know that this deserves to go in my LiveJournal, but whatever). There's the splitting thing, and I've been having to defend my love for Morning Musume and Hello!Project. Yes, I'm a fan, and no, I'm not a perv. And then there is the eternal debate over rather Mwu should have stayed dead in Gundam SEED Destiny. I'm a Murrue x Mwu fan, so I think you already know my answer. But it's an old argument that I don't plan on writing about, at least for now.

The Awesomeness that is Bright Noah

2007-08-27T15:15:00.001-07:00

So, I said that I was going to do this, and since I cannot remember what I was planning for today's entry, I decided it was time to make this post instead.

Let's begin!
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Bright Noah, in Gundam ZZ

Mobile Suit Gundam was the second Gundam series I ever saw. I won't get into the particulars, because that is for it's own entry. Anyway, around the fifth episode, I said, "Man, I really like that Bright guy." And that's when it began.

Most anime fans my age don't really get way I obsessed over this guy. Naturally, he couldn't be hot, because he was first drawn and created in the 1970s. And according to most anime fans these days, nothing good came out of the '70s. But this isn't an essay about that, nor should I be stereotyping.

While I admit that Bright is not bishounen (not to mention he's too old to be one), I think he's a well drawn character, ie, good looking. But I have other reasons for liking him as well.

We first meet Bright Noah in the first episode of Mobile Suit Gundam. He's only (supposed to be) 19 years old, and he's already an ensign in the Earth Federation Space Forces. With Bright starts the Gundam archetype of the captain - thrust into the role after the original captain dies, leaving him to control a motley crew, and keep the angst-ridden Gundam pilot in check.

To many casual viewers, Bright can be considered to violent. He is known for what many fans have nicknamed "the Bright Slap". Sometimes it's used as a verb, such as "I wish that someone would Bright Slap Shinn." Or, "Shinn deserves a Bright Slap". Perhaps Bright is a little to slap happy, but I see it as someone acting their age. Bright supposed to be 19, people. He has to act like an adult the rest of the time, but it makes since that his immunity sneaks out a bit. Bright is also sometimes considered stern and/or stoic, and therefore not as interesting as Amuro or Char.

However, I remain infatuated. Bright, in most elitist Gundam circles, is a fan favorite. And not just because of the slapping. He is considered by many to be the best captain in all of Gundam. Although he might not seem like it at first, up deep down, Bright's really a compassionate guy, trying to do the right thing.

It's impossible for me to mention Bright without mentioning Mirai Yashima. Part of the reason that was so interested in him was because of his relationship with the ship's second-in-command. I admit that I am a romantic at heart, and therefore am often more obsessed with the romance story lines than I am the political part of the plot. I will, however, leave this for another post, as I feel that Bright and Mirai are one of the top Gundam couples of all time.

As Zeta Gundam comes around, Bright has grown. Although he has mellowed some bit, he is still the kick-ass captain he was in the original series. He's nicknamed the Eternal Captain, because he never sustained any major injuries (nor dies) throughout the entire original UC saga. Also, he appears in Gundam ZZ, whereas Amuro and Char do not.

I realize that I am not painting a very clear picture as to why Bright Noah is awesome. That's because it is just too hard to pinpoint his awesomeness. Thus, I suggest that find out for yourself!

The voice says it all.

2007-08-20T17:52:00.000-07:00

The cast for Gundam 00 is out. The guy who played Tamaki in Ouran High Host Club and Light in Death Note is voicing Setsuna, which could be either good or bad. Good, because I love Tamaki, and bad, because I hate Light. And Tiera is a guy, since the dude who played Takemoto in Honey and Clover is playing him. I thought that maybe he was going to end up being a girl, uncover as a boy. But I thought wrong. Lockon's seiyuu is the same guy that voices Urahara on Bleach. It seems like a good fit, based off of how Lockon looks. :)

I'm back.

2007-08-13T14:48:00.000-07:00

Okay, I've been back for awhile, but now I really am going to post things.

I'm still trudging along with Turn A Gundam. It just doesn't seem like a Gundam series to me, sorry. I understand that a lot of people think it's awesome, but perhaps leaving it for last has led to have certain expectations when it comes to Gundam.

That being said, let's take a look at Gundam 00.

First, check out the info on Gunota, and form your own opinion.

Okay, now for mine:

*I already don't like that the captain of the ship isn't really a "captain". Reminds me too much of Bright and Murrue. And while I love them to death, I'd really like the captain to be different. Well, Murrue is very different in character from Bright. But I was kind of wishing for a more Gundam X set up in the way of captain. While it seems that the captain-lady is non-military, she's got this (I'm just going to say it), "I've got to be sexier than Murrue!1" vibe I don't like. But this is bad, since the captain character is often my favorite.

* All the girls seem to be boobalicious. Fanservice much?

*Other character's include a celebrity (Lacus, anyone) and a princess (because you can't have Gundam without one). The fact that there is a celebrity and a princess is waaaaay too SEED for me. The celebrity is Chinese and aged 17. The princess is luckily 24. We've also got some students in there (SEED again?!)

*Haro (yes, Haro) is yellow-orange in this series Mobile Suit Gundam size, and is... wait for it... Lockon's partner! Lockon's the oldest and he gets the Haro! At least the Haro's in every timeline, go to different types of characters. Maybe he will tell Haro his secrets, LOL.

Well, I'm going to try and watch this series with an open mind, but that's going to be hard.

~Mirai

¡Hola desde España!

2007-07-15T08:28:00.000-07:00

Well, I´m in Spain. Actually, I´ve been in Spain for awhile, and I just wanted to update my blog here at least one. I´ve extremely bored at this moment it time, because I don´t need to take siesta, since I´m not a partier. Or is it partyer?

HIATUS

2007-06-28T15:54:00.000-07:00

This blog is currently on hiatus while I'm studying abroad in Spain during the month of July.

I was originally going to post in this blog daily, but that didn't happen. I've going to try weekly after I return from my trip.

~Mirai

Sunglasses At Night

2007-06-28T15:47:00.000-07:00

So, I finished Victory Gundam awhile back. It was alright, but definitely not one of my favorites.

I also finished Gundam X, which actually was really good! It's pity that it was canceled back in the day when it aired in Japan. (In case you were wondering, they obviously got a heads up that it was canceled, so there is an actual ending, unlike when an American TV show gets canceled).

I am currently watching Turn A Gundam, and well, it is very bizarre.

Summer Days, Drifting Away

2007-06-22T21:16:00.000-07:00

Okay, so I fixed my computer's virus issue awhile ago, but I have been busy finishing Victory Gundam, and, well, just plain lazy.

Also, part of the problem is that I realize that this is public and what not, and therefore, someone, someday is going to read this. I have an issue about not wanting to offend people, so I will try and keep everything here positive. Which means that I will continue with the awesomeness posts, whenever I get around to them.

Computer Issues

2007-06-16T19:42:00.000-07:00

My dear laptop is has a virus at this current time, so therefore I am using another computer. However, I won't do an actual blog post until it's fixed and whatnot. So yeah.

It's the purple hair, I tell you.

2007-06-14T21:30:00.000-07:00

Some information on the characters of the new Gundam series, Gundam 00, have come out. So, I shall discuss. Of course, this is simply based off of pictures, and the little Japanese that I can read.

Setsuna's character design reminds me almost of Cyborg 009. Almost. It's mostly that picture of him in civilian clothing that gave me that vibe. His first name is written in kanji, which is interesting to note. Lockon looks a lot more cool than he did in the trailer. Allelujah looked pretty bad ass in the trailer, but I prefer Lockon now. And Tieria... is a guy. Apparently.

Collections

2007-06-13T22:13:00.000-07:00

Let's face it - I'm a pack rat. It doesn't help that I'm a collector too.

I collect many things. Books, Japanese candy wrappers, pretty much any Gundam merchandise I can give my hands on (other models, actually). The only thing that I don't collect is stamps.

So I'm releasing that I need an entire six foot bookcase to fit my Gundam collection. I've got the Region 1 DVD releases (including the giant Zeta Gundam box set), plus Mobile Suit Gundam and Gundam Wing on video tape. Then I've got all the English translated manga, plus The Origin in Japanese, art books, trading cards, Gundam War cards, a Gundam Wing lunch box, a dozen Haros, chibi figures, a few models (I admit it), and tons random trinkets I've collected over the years.

Oh my.

Oh snap.

2007-06-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

Well, this post was supposed to be for June 12, but I think it's getting posted on the 13th. Oops.

EDIT: Just barely made it!

Anyway, I will be making posts about each Gundam series, as well as other anime series like. Also, stay tuned tuned for a series of posts called "The Awesomeness That is..." which will focus on something awesome. The first episode will be entitled: "The Awesomeness That is Bright Noah."

How to Watch Gundam

2007-06-11T21:35:00.000-07:00

Many people do not want to to take up the daunting task of watching all the Gundam series. Most just watch a recent series, such as Gundam SEED, and then found out, "Holy freakin' crap, there are millions of other not connected series!"

So this is my recommended way of watching Gundam. It's not the order in which I watched the series, but hey.

UNIVERSAL CENTURY

All series that follow the UC timeline:

Mobile Suit Gundam

It's best to start with original, in my opinion. It is also wise to watch the Mobile Suit Gundam movies (I, II, and III) at this point as well. The movies are simply a compression of the series, with some added scenes and a few changes, plus a lot is reanimated. It was made a couple years later after the series, so yes, the animation is better, if you are bothered that much by the 1979 animation.

Zeta Gundam

Also known simply as Z Gundam, it is the sequel to the original series. A year or two ago, a three movie version was released. So yes the animation in the movies are way better. I have yet to see them though, but you can watch them after the TV series. But you eyes will probably hurt when you watch Gundam ZZ.

Gundam ZZ

Pronounced as "Gundam Double Zeta", it is, you guessed it, the sequel to Zeta Gundam. No movie version of these yet.

Char's Counterattack

The movie sequel that closes out the original saga. (MSG through CCA have recurring characters, just so you know).

The next three are what I call the "side stories", since that's what they are. Even though they take place during and between other series, I feel that they should be watched after seeing the "original saga", because they were made later. You could choose to watch them in UC chronological order, through, but that would actually be kind of tricky (meaning you'd have to watch some of MSG, for example, then most of 08th MS Team, and then switch back to MSG, and then watch some Gundam 0080, and then switch, etc. You could watch Gundam 0083 between MSG and Zeta, though, because it actually takes place between them) . But you could watch them after MSG if you like. (They are all OVA series.)

The 08th MS Team

There is also a "movie" version called "Miller's Report". It does not summarize the whole series, though.

Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket

Gundam 0083: Stardust Memory

There is also a movie version called "The Last Blitz of Zeon", which I haven't actually seen.

The stories that take place later on the UC timeline:

Gundam F91 (Movie)

Victory Gundam (V Gundam)

ALTERNATE UNIVERSE

Then we move over to the alternate universe series (AU). Each of these series, plus their sequels, take place on their own timeline. I think that it's best to watch them in the order that they were made (Other than sequels, of course. Watch them in order).

G Gundam

Gundam Wing

Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz

Sequel to Gundam Wing. There is an OVA version and a movie version. They are basically the same, only with a few changes at the very end, and different songs.

Gundam X

Turn A Gundam

The title is also written with an upside A.

Gundam SEED

There are three "special editions" i.e. movie compilations of this series. Similar to the MSG movies, only small changes were made, plus a few extra scenes.

Gundam SEED Destiny

Sequel to Gundam SEED. There are four "special editions" i.e. movie compilations of this series, which I haven't seen yet, so I cannot compare them to the series.

Gundam SEED: Stargazer

A forty-five minute side story. There are three parts, fifteen minutes each.

Gundam 00

Called "Gundam Double-Oh", this series is airing this fall.

There are many miscellaneous things that didn't cover here, such as SD Gundam Force (don't bother watching, in opinion), the SD Gundam series (it's a chibi parody OVA series with the cast from the original saga), G-Savior (the live action movie that I don't consider Gundam), Gundam Evolve (stand alone short episodes based off characters and mecha established in other series), and MS Igloo (which I don't know enough to tell you about).

So yeah, there's the list. Get crackin'!

EDIT 10/12/2007: There is also a new "SD Gundam" series called Gundam SEED Character Theater, which features the SEED characters as chibi.

My obsession

2007-06-10T20:13:00.000-07:00

[A bit of disclaimer: This my view of the Gundam fandom. I'm sure that your opinion is different, but remember, different strokes for different folks. Agree to disagree. Thank you.]

Well, I was going to try and write a blog entry everyday. I'm crazy like that. Seriously. On LiveJournal, I have a entry for everyday. But I forgot to write yesterday.

Anyway, finally, I shall write about Gundam. Gundam is my main fandom. And by Gundam, I mean pretty much every Gundam series.

I'm not going to give you the complete history of how I got into Gundam. But I will describe it briefly. Like most people, I was first introduced to Gundam by Gundam Wing. Then I watched every Gundam series that was aired on Cartoon Network. And then the others through other methods...

Mobile Suit Gundam, the original series that was aired in Japan in 1979, was scorned by many Gundam Wing fans (which aired in 1995 in Japan), because of it's old animation and funky campy style. Others become extreme UC (Universal Century; the timeline used in the original saga) fans, and thought that Wing was simply a cheap remake. Although MSG easily become my favorite anime series, I still love Gundam Wing.

In fact, I came to like most Gundam series. I use most, because I'm currently watching Victory Gundam, and it's not doing that much for me. But oh well. I also still haven't seen Gundam X or Turn A Gundam yet, but I plan on watching soon.

I supposed that I am unique because I love both MSG and Gundam SEED. And yes, I liked Gundam SEED Destiny. (Mainly because a certain someone came back from the dead. Which I know is another unpopular opinion). And yes, Zeta Gundam is good, but not my favorite. Oh my.

Now, the newest Gundam series, Gundam 00 is coming out this fall. And I'm excited. Are you?

Jumping on the bandwagon

2007-06-08T10:40:00.000-07:00

I've never been one to say, "Oh that's overrated." This is mainly because that's based on a matter of a opinion. For example, if everyone seems like it, but you don't, then you will probably say that it's overrated because you don't like it.

I think that it is also very important to actually try it before you claim that it's overrated. Who knows, maybe you will like it.

But sometimes you don't. And that's okay. I understand.

Naruto is an extremely popular anime nowadays, especially in America. Personally, I've tried to watch it several times in high school. Then, at my university's anime club, we watched two episodes a week. I stuck around, watched it, and still didn't like it. It wasn't my type of series.

However, I had written the series Bleach off as being similar. Because of this, I never actually watched any of it. But then we watched it anime club, and it slowly grew on me. Now I'm a fan. :)

There are plenty of people that didn't like the hype surrounding the Harry Potter books. I, for one, was a early fan, so I didn't really understand why people were dissing it before actually reading. I have several friends who at first hated it without even reading it, but finally tried it out, and realized that they loved it.

But sometimes, even when you have tried it, you don't like it. I saw Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End yesterday. Now, I love, love, love the first film, but I didn't like the second one at all. It wasn't the same for me. The third one was better, but I still didn't enjoy it very much. At this current time, I'm really afraid to tell all my friends who loved it that I didn't like it, because my opinion is very unpopular. Because I don't want to hear, "How can you not love it?"

Sometimes we jump on the bandwagon, and sometimes we don't.

I <3 Miaka Yuuki

2007-06-07T10:24:00.000-07:00

Fushigi Yuugi is one of my all-time favorite anime series. (Actually, I'm a really big fan of Yuu Watase's works). And guess what? I have no problem with Miaka. In fact, Miaka is my favorite character.

For most people, it seems, Miaka is too whiny for them to handle, and promptly stop watching the series, because she is too annoying. But it doesn't bother me in most cases. In fact, I am typically the fangirl of that whiny character. Sailor Moon anyone? Usagi's my favorite character in that as well. I'd rather watch a series with a main character like Miaka, rather than one like Haruhi Suzumiya (no offense to all the Haruhi fans out there - I will admit that I didn't see the whole series).

But as I said in my last post, different strokes for different folks. So people out there, don't just go, "I HATE MIAKA!!one." Please have an intelligent debate over her character flaws, and realize that some people actually like her, and that they feel that their opinion is not being respected. But also, we must respect the people that don't like her as well, and don't go around going, "OMG, how can you not like her?!eleven". Remember that it goes both ways.

Growing Out of Anime

2007-06-06T14:19:00.000-07:00

I supposed that for some, liking anime is simply a phase that one goes through. For a period of time, anime is your passion, and then you "grow out of it". One of my friends, for example, is done with anime. She just didn't stop watching it; she pretty much cutting all ties to it. Selling all her manga and anime merchandise, leaving all internet communities related to it, etc.

While I understand why she's doing it, and while I understand that she has no interest in anime anymore, I highly doubt I will ever "grow out" of liking anime.

I think that for some, such as my friend, it really a phase. But for others, such as myself, it's a part of my life, like TVs and movies.

And there is nothing wrong with that. Different strokes for different folks.

First Post, yay!

2007-06-05T15:41:00.001-07:00

Hello, blogging world!

My name is Kristen, but I go by Mirai on the internet. I am a major geek and whatnot, and yeah.

I have used for LiveJournal for, gosh, four years, but I haven't actually had a real blog.

Anyway, my Japanese professor encouraged us to make blogs to stay in touch over the summer. Well, I was already logged into my Gmail account, so I decided to make two separate blogs - one for the fandom side of me, and one for Japanese. So this is the fandom side.

I am still unsure what to put here, because, as I said before, I use LiveJournal, and therefore type most of my Gundam rants and whatnot there. But I will find a use for this one day, I promise.

Bye for now!

~Mirai :)