All Hallow's Eve 2011

It's that time of year again. When the rest of the world cosplay along with us. Presenting my 2011 pumpkin! Not sure what I was going for this year, but this zombie-inspired pumpkin was another one I had fun making.

Be sure to check out my past pumpkins from 2007, 2008, 2009, and 2010. I think last year's Kratos-inspired pumpkin is still one of my personal favorites.


What about you? Doing any pumpkin carving? Dressing up for Halloween? Marathoning anime? Cuddling up to a good video game?

Let us all "take the black" as "Winter is nigh" and it seems that some of us will be dealing with white walkers on this halloween.

Happy Halloween from all of us at Third Impact...stay safe!

Third Impact Spotlight: Newest Guest Contributor

Great things are brewing here at Third Impact. Recently, we announced the addition of our newest contributor, Sam. She has transitioned here quite nicely, and I'm enjoying every post to date. We'll also be announcing more goodies in the near future, but shhhhh......it's a secret. In the meantime, you may have noticed another voice in Third Impact as of late. And it makes me very ecstatic and proud to announce our latest acquisition in the form of a brand spanking new guest contributor.

Please join me in welcoming Ayu (Anthy incarnate!), another avid Third Impact fan, fellow otaku, and bestie! You'll see Ayu pop in and out of Third Impact and offer her thoughts on the latest in all things Japanese. Wrapping up her Asian studies both in U.S. and our mecca, Japan, you'll no doubt be seeing her short stories and novella published in the future. We at Third Impact feel privileged to snag her first!

When asked to briefly describe herself, here's what she had to say:

"Some say her blood type is coffee. Some say her fingerprints are a ●,■,▲, X and R1 button. Some say she really did graduate from Ohtori Academy. Some say she is majored in Asian Studies in college just so she could get a discount, 4-month trip to Japan to attend a D concert. When she talks about old-school anime, old-school shows become popular new shows.

Her love for Devil May Cry is so great, the devil actually cried. She once wanted to work for Newtype Magazine, but decided contributing to Dead Sea Scrolls 606: Third Impact was a far better place to express her undying love of Japanese pop culture. She isn’t famous at all, but other people want her autograph. She may just be an abnormal twenty-something, but she is… one of the most interesting otaku in the National Capital area.

My fandom may not always get what it wants, but I hope to provide your fandom with a little of what it wants. Third Impact… stay informed my friends."

Check out Ayu's informative posts to date...and more to come!
- L'Arc~en~Ciel's X X X Single
- The Return of Sailor Moon

Video Games Shopping List: Nov. 2011 Edition

To fellow gamers out there, Q4 of any year means one thing -- the sweet release of long-time awaited titles finally come to fruition, ready to be conquered by gaming systems all over. And if you are like me, you've placed your pre-orders months ago and have checked your lists twice or thrice. If so, then you'll no doubt have realized that November will be one hell of a month for gamers!!! Wallets will weep and villains destroyed all in the name sake of satiating gamers' appetites.

While this is by no means a list of all November release titles, here's a taste of what the month will bring, specifically, the titles that will envelope me next month.

Uncharted 3: Drake's Deception (Nov 1st)

Fortune hunter Nathan Drake is catapulted headlong into an adventure that takes him on a daring trek into the heart of the Arabian Desert in a search for the fabled "Atlantis of the Sands." This journey pits him and his mentor Victor Sullivan against the occult treachery of a shadowy clandestine organization and its ruthless leader. When the terrible secrets of this lost city are unearthed, Drake's quest descends into a desperate bid for survival that strains the limits of his endurance and forces him to confront his deepest fears.

What you can always expect from any Uncharted game is an extremely fun, action-packed experience with a great backstory and solid character development. I expect that Drake's Deception will not disappoint.

Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 3 (Nov 8th)
What to say about Call of Duty that won't already have my friends rolling their eyes at me. The third chapter of what has to be my favorite CoD title, Modern Warfare is back. The blockbuster first-person action series is set in near-future combat scenarios.

From the look of things, there don't seem to be drastic changes to elevate MW3 to a new level, but if it's not broken, why mess with it. That isn't to say that nothing's changed. Survival mode should bring awesome quick-paced fun. All multi-player maps will be available in Survival mode, with each map requiring different tactics. RELOAD with these gun-tastic first-person shooter!

Metal Gear Solid HD Collection (Nov 8th)
Ahhhh, Metaru Giru Sorido. November is truly a month of the return of my personal favorites. And MGS is no acception, and this HD Collection is a special treat for old MGS fans, and those poor sorry souls who have never played MGS (ahem...)

The Collection includes 3 awesome chapters in the Metal Gear franchise -- Metal Gear Solid 2: Sons of Liberty, Metal Gear Solid 3: Snake Eater and Metal Gear Solid: Peace Walker. The Metal Gear Universe is a story that has always been a favorite of mine, and any excuse to dive into the world of Snake and uncover the layers of mysteries is a good enough excuse for me.

I've got to give out a general kudos on the recent releases of "HD Collections." The "God of War" HD Collection and "ICO/Shadow of Collossus" HD Collection releases are truly gems, and I look foward to the "Silent Hill" HD Collection as well. It is great to be able to stroll through memory lane and play favorite games again. So if the quality of these releases remain spectacular, I decree, "keep them coming!!"

Elder Scrolls V: Skyrim (Nov 11th)
The Empire of Tamriel is on the edge. The High King of Skyrim has been murdered. Alliances form as claims to the throne are made. In the midst of this conflict, a far more dangerous, ancient evil is awakened. Dragons, long lost to the passages of the Elder Scrolls, have returned to Tamriel. The future of Skyrim, even the Empire itself, hangs in the balance as they wait for the prophesized Dragonborn to come; a hero born with the power of The Voice, and the only one who can stand amongst the dragons.

It feels like its been ages since The Elder Scrolls IV: Oblivion first came out, six years to be exact!! Just the RPG I need now...

Assassin's Creed Revelations (Nov 15th)
Ezio, Ezio, Ezio....EZIO MI AMORE!! Ezio's final adventure is almost here. Revelations presents the most immersive experience available in the series to date and the culmination of Ezio's adventure. In Assassin’s Creed Revelations, master assassin Ezio Auditore walks in the footsteps of his legendary mentor, Altaïr, on a journey of discovery and revelation. It is a perilous path – one that will take Ezio to Constantinople, the heart of the Ottoman Empire, where a growing army of Templars threatens to destabilize the region.

In addition to Ezio’s award-winning story, the acclaimed online multiplayer experience from Assassin's Creed Brotherhood returns, refined and expanded, with more modes, more maps and more characters that allow players to test their assassin skills against others from around the world. The latest chapter in the Assassin’s Creed saga also includes revolutionary gameplay, allowing players to manipulate the construct of Desmond’s memories and the Animus to decipher the mysteries of his past and gain insight into the future.

Ultimate Marvel vs. Capcom 3 (Nov 15th)
Ultimate MvC3 is an updated stand-alone version of Marvel vs. Capcom 3: Fate of Two Worlds. Gameplay is similar to its predecessor, with a few changes here and there. These include adjustments on the aerial exchange feature, hyper combo gauge, x-factor duration, button mashing addition, and attack and speed boost alterations. Core mechanics remain the same as well, but carry a few aesthetic changes such as a new character and stage select screen and a few other tweaks.

The update also brings forth 12 new characters bringing the total of characters up to 42. Joining the Marvel ranks are: Doctor Strange, Ghost Rider, Hawkeye, Iron Fist, Nova, and Rocket Raccoon. On the Capcom side, Firebrand, Frank West, Nemesis T-Type, Phoenix Wright, Strider Hiryu, and Vergil join the crew.

Tekken Hybrid (Nov 22nd)
Bring on the fighting games! Wish we could throw in some Soul Calibur V into the mix, but I'll take what I can for now. Tekken Hybrid brings a trio of Tekken goodies. Looking forward to seeing Tekken Blood Vengeance 3D again, the full-length feature film on blu-ray. For those who haven't seen it yet, Tekken fans will appreciate seeing favorite characters. The movie follows Xiaoyu Ling who is tasked by the G Corporation to infiltrate an international school in Kyoto and gather intel on the mysterious student, Shin Kamiya. Dive again as the neverending struggle continues with the Mishima Zaibatsu, Jin Kazama, Kazuya Mashina, and the infamour Heihachi Mishima! Cool graphics, the hilarious shower scene, and basically any scene with Lee, LMAO!

Tekken Hybrid rounds up with two games now playable on the PS3 -- Tekken Tag Tournament HD (an HD remake of the classic PS2 game) and Tekken Tag Tournament 2 Prologue (a sampler of the arcade game).

So what say you? Will you be locked up in a gaming hole next month? What other titles will you be picking up? Happy Gaming fellow gamers!!

Granimator x d'Errico

Have an iPad? Love Camilla d'Errico? Well then Camilla has got a great treat for you. Camilla's Art Pack for the Granimator app, developed by ustwo, is now available on iTunes!

Using the Granimator app, users can now create their own original wallpaper design using components from Helmetgirls, which only recently was announced would become a graphic novel with Joshua Dysart called Helmetgirls: Origins in 2012. The Wallpaper Creator app, featuring 40 free download packs, is available to download on the iPad.

To help celebrate the launch of the new Granimator feature, Camilla is hosting another contest!

How To Enter:
1) Download the Granimator app and upload the Camilla d'Errico art pack.
2) Create your own original wallpaper design using the Helmetgirls characters, symbols, and words.
3) Email your original designs to info@camilladerrico.com using the in-app sharing featuring from Granimator, from now until the end of October. Contestants can submit as many entries as they would like.

Grand Prize:
One winner will have their winning wallpaper entry printed onto a special canvas and signed by Camilla d'Errico! Plus, five lucky runner-ups will be featured on the Facebook page and sent a copy of Tanpopo Vol. 1!!

Otsukimi - Moon Viewing

On Saturday, October 8, 2011, the Japan-America Society of Washington DC (JASW) and the Textile Museum held an exclusive nighttime opening of the museum to celebrate the ancient custom of admiring the Harvest Moon -- Otsukimi.

Third Impact was there to enjoy in relaxing frivolities, yummy obento, and sweek sake. The second year since its inception, the Otsukimi Festival is definitely worth checking out. The beautiful setting of the Textile Museum garden provided the perfect grounds for picnicing with Obento available for purchase, sake tasting (provided by Hakutsuru Sake) and with Koto music throughout the night by the Washington Toho Koto Society.

The atmosphere was relaxing to say the least. Japanese children's games including Origami make it a nice event for all ages. Other events included Bon Odori, Yukata dressing, and Mochitsuki (rice pounding). The highlight of the event would definitely have to be the traditional Japanese tea ceremony demonstration, provided by the Chado Urasenke Tankokai Washington DC Association. The experience was very moving.

Tagging with the Japanese tea ceremony demo along with all the other Otsukimi activities, inspired some great haiku writings from my group. It was a night to remember and I highly recommend it if you are able to check it out next year. The crowd size was just right, and if you are looking for a unique experience and a good time, look no further!

DSS 606: Third Impact Welcomes New Contributor!

I created Dead Sea Scrolls 606: Third Impact years ago at the behest of some of my friends suggesting I should write about what I love -- anime, manga, video games, comic books, japanese music, collectibles and figures, and everything else in between . Modest beginnings (with crazy schedules sometimes preventing me to write), with a neverending drive to keep striving for more.

With that said, I feel privileged and content to officially announce and welcome Third Impact's newest contributor! Sam is a long-time Third Impact reader but is no stranger when it comes to this blog. Reader turned "unofficial" reporter and now turned official contributor has, over the years, played an active role in Third Impact's shenanigans. (If you've seen me at recent conventions, you'll no doubt have noticed an extremely tall (at least through my shortie perspective) gal following my stride).

It gives me great pleasure to introduce my bestie and your newest contributor, Sam J. Our likes and dislikes complement the tone of Third Impact and I'm excited to see what future posts will bring (need I mention that she's a fellow Marvel fan!!!). Of course, she will be covering a slew of topics here and there, and in my efforts to continue to expand, Sam will be bringing news and reviews on the latest in the realm of Japanese rock music, drama, and yaoi (lovely combination, if I do say so myself). But enough of me jabbering, straight from Sam's fingers:

"Blasting DIR EN GREY from the speakers, watching "Evangelion" on the DVD player, hanging "Junjo Romantica" and X Japan on the walls, rearranging "Mirage of Blaze" and "Takumi-kun" on the shelves, weighing down the messenger bag with "The Walking Dead", taking cosplay to the dry cleaners and signing for the FedEx package for the latest ikemen and music magazines...it's just the typical life of Sam.

I'm still waiting for my mutant abilities to awaken so I can save (or rule) the world, but until then I'm honored to use my writing powers as a new blog contributor. If it's Japanese rock music, actors or yaoi titles, it's up my alley and I can't wait to share my knowledge and passion here at Third Impact, where the uniqueness of Japanese entertainment and culture is celebrated.

Glomps, kisses and devil horns to all!"

Let me say once more, "Irrashaimase Sam! Welcome!"

Be sure to check out Sam's blog posts to date:

- Hybrid Child Grows Into Anime Adaptation

- LUNA SEA Reunion Concert DVD

- ANiMiX Finder no Hyoteki DVD News

- Sugizo Announces Tour and Single

- Miyavi 30th Birthday Celebration

Color Ink Book - Camilla d'Errico style

Listen up people! If you thought your coloring book days were over, think again!!

If you know me, at some point you would have heard me sing praises on one of my favorite artists of all time -- Camilla d'Errico. Well, right before San Diego Comic-Con, Camilla announced that she would be a featured artist in the Color Ink Book Volume 12 and cover artist for one of the limited editions.

To celebrate the public launch of this 100+ page collection, Camilla is hosting a special D.I.Y. Coloring Contest, which runs from now until September 30th.

You can enter 1 of 2 different ways.

Option #1:

1) Order a copy of the Color Ink book Vol. 12 from the online store.

2) Choose any Camilla d'Errico image from the book to color. You can scan the image to color digitally, or color with any medium you decide.

3) Scan, or take a photo of, your completed page from the book and send it to info [at] camilladerrico [dot] com.

Grand Prize: Four different 12" x 18" art prints, plus an original page from Color Ink Book Vol.12 that has been colored and signed by Camilla d'Errico.

Option #2:

1) Download Camilla's black and white Color Ink Book cover image - "Wireseat" here.

2) Print your own sheet of the black and white image to color with the medium of your choice, or digitally color the image with computer software.

3) Scan, or take a photo of, your completed page from the book and send it to info [at] camilladerrico [dot] com.

Grand Prize: One randomly selected 12" x 18" art print.

Check out the Camilla's blog for full details and lots of photos of previous volumes.

"Awakening" Creators at Baltimore Comic-Con 2011

"Awakening" -- it was one of those comic book titles I just happened to pick up back in 2009 for its dark, haunting yet subdued cover. And ever since then, I've been hooked. With the concluding volume released back in November 2010, what's next for the dynamic duo of Nick Tapalansky and Alex Eckman-Lawn?

Well if you are heading to Baltimore Comic-Con this weekend, maybe you can get them to drop some hints on their next book. Both Alex and Nick will be there (table A105), along with copies of Awakening Volume 2 (for those who haven't picked it up yet) at just $10 at the con.

Even better is that not only is Archaia releasing an omnibus of said title (in stores next month, retailed at $24.95), but advance copies will be available at Baltimore this weekend for just $20.

The zombie noir graphic novel is a must-read for any comic book fan. I was able to meet them at last year's Baltimore Comic-Con (check out the pic I took of them - now why wouldn't you want to pick up "Awakening" from these cuties? (^_^)

Be sure to visit Nick's site for more details and check out their Facebook page here.

All Hallow's Eve 2010

Happy Halloween to one and all. This year, I present you awesome folks with my 2010 pumpkin. I had such a blast painting my God of War/Kratos-inspired pumpkin. This particular pumpkin has to be one of my favorite one of my creations.

Hope you all have a blast on the one day when everyone else has an excuse to cosplay, and for us cosplayers -- just another day.

Nolan Announces Plans for an "Inception" Video Game

Lately, it seems that it is almost customary, if not expected for movies to have a self-titled video game inspired by said movie. I've never been a fan of that. I'm all for video games turned movies (if done right); but usually not vice-versa. But here's one idea I hope comes to fruition.

The genius who brought us "The Dark Knight" and "Memento" wants to transform his latest film, a little movie called "Inception," into a video game!! As an uber "Inception" fan who has gone to see the movie at a certain questionable rate (a number that shall remain confidential), it's my (unbiased) opinion that "Inception" is just one of those unique and brilliant worlds that I think would do spectacularly as a game. Nolan tells Variety, all the right things.

"One thing we are looking at doing is developing a video game based on the world of the film, which has all kinds of ideas that you can't fit into a feature film...that's something we've been talking about and are looking at doing long-term, in a couple of years."

As much as I would love the "Inception" video game yesterday, I am happy to wait in the "long-term," if that means an adaption done right. To date, "Inception" has grossed over $750 million worldwide. [Source: Variety via Kotaku]

Director Satoshi Kon Passes Away

There has been speculation through some posts from Twitter that anime director Satoshi Kon passed away today at the age of 47. This news apparently coming from a tweet by Gainax's Yasuhiro Takeda.

Kon has been a true visionary, redefining innovation in anime and it's hard to imagine a world without his genius. I am sure many will agree, but Kon could do no wrong. Many of the titles on my top lists include Kon titles.

Each one of his titles brought something unique and unlike anything anyone had seen before. Perfect Blue; Millennium Actress; Tokyo Godfather; Paprika; Paranoia Agena; Memories!

I am still trying to gather up details, but I am at a loss. I will update as more information is revealed.

UPDATE (8/24/2010): It saddens me to confirm Satoshi Kon's passing. Jim Vowles, a member of the Otakorp Board of Directors for the Otakon convention, announced that director Satoshi Kon has passed away. The staff of Otakon confirmed his passing with MADHOUSE studio founder Masao Maruyama.

Buddha Kuro - SDCC Exclusive

Going to San Diego Comic Con this year? Lucky you. As a huge Camilla d'Errico fan, you bet I'm jealous, as SDCC commemorates the launch of her Giant Buddha Plush!! This "plushzilla" is seriously H-U-G-E. He stands a full 2 feet tall, 60", he's about 1 foot wide and 1 foot deep.

Only 100 Buddha plushes will be available (to be picked-up at the convention, from booth #4920). The price per plush is $125 USD. To pre-order, write to cderricostore@gmail.com to reserve yours! As an added special, if you get yours on PREVIEW NIGHT, Camilla will even be on hand to make an extra special signature/sketch on his giant hang tag! (squeeee)

But for us poor schmucks that won't be going to SDCC, there is a silver lining to this. You can still get on the pre-order list!!

Happy 4th of July!

Minna-san...HAPPY 4th of July!! Hope your day is full of pretty fireworks and good friends.

Things have been hectic on my end, but thanks for all for your patience. Watch this space as I use this time to myself to write...write...write. Updates to include convention coverage, video games reviews, and concert coverage.

My next scheduled convention is Otakon...less than one month away!! Can't wait to see everyone.

Dewa mata ne! And enjoy your day off (hopefully) tomorrow!

Sasuga Books Inventory Sale (till July 5th)

As you may or may not know, Sasuga Japanese Bookstore will be closing its storefront. According to Sasuga, they have "no plans to reopen. A combination of the current economic climate and changes in the international book-selling market have made it impossible for [them] to continue to compete as a small, privately-owned bookstore."

So you've got till July 5th to take advantage of their inventory clearance sale -- 50% off all in-stock products throughout the store. The sale is limited to in-stock products (and as usual, orders over $40 ship for free).

Sasuga has always been a great source of imported manga, artbooks, magazine, and goodies for me! Definitely check them out and find that missing piece in your collection.

Fender USA + EVANGELION

If you live a life of the dreaded Evangelion Collector like me, then you know the angst and crave in my tone. If you're like me, then this post only re-states what you already know. Get ready, EVA fans, to be hit hard....very hard. Sure, being an avid EVA collector is draining yet we continue to yearn in its dedication (or exploitation) and beauty. So here comes a glorifying addition to the "Dead Sea Scrolls" of EVA brought to us in a whole other level.

Made by Fender and built by the renowned Yuriy Shishkov - Rei Ayanami Stratocaster and Telecaster, done, if I may say so, deliciously splendid. The Lance of Longinus inlays are stunning! And even the case makes a perfect finishing detail. Check of the specifications of these beauties here: http://www.fender.jp/evangelion/spec.html

These guitars will be auctioned off this December 1st (*frantically calculates budget*). I'll add more details as I find them and if anyone has more information regarding the actual auction, please contact me at eva001berserker@aol.com.

1/1 Scale Gundam Photo Op

We all have dreams and for some it may include getting the chance to sit upon a Gundam's shoulder and being immortalized alongside with it via a once-in-a-lifetime photoshoot. Well the planners of the 1/1-scale, "life-size" statue of the Gundam robot are auctioning the opportunity for one person to have a photograph taken at the statue's shoulder!

The Green Tokyo Gundam Project will be adding the Tokyo 2016 Candidate City logo to the statue on August 1, to promote Tokyo's bid to host the 2016 Olympic and Paralympic Games. The winner of the charity auction on Yahoo! Japan will take part in the Tokyo Olympics bid logo ceremony in a high-altitude construction lift. (The statue stands at 18 meters or 59 feet.) [Source: ANN]

Otakon Q&A: Calling all Fans...

With Otakon just about a week away and all the guests having been announced, I have started thinking about what I really want to learn about this year's guests. And as I am brainstorming and wait for the press schedule, I figured why ponder alone? So I call out to my readers...What do you wish you could ask if given the chance? What would you be interested in learning more about? Is there something you've been dying to ask VAMPS, for example, or maybe Mary Elizabeth Glynn? Perhaps you'd be interested in hearing about Yutaka Yamamoto's future projects? Check out the entire guest list here.

I'd be intrigued to know what some of you have to say. And for those with inquiring questions, especially those who won't be able to make it to Otakon, I'd be happy to try and relay your questions..so with that, I'm all ears. Feel free to comment to this post or email me directly at eva001berserker@aol.com.

Happy 4th of July!

As I prepare to enjoy this three-day weekend, I figured I'd bid everyone Happy Independence Day...even if it's one day too early! Whatever your plans may be today and tomorrow (mine will include trying to console my fireworks-fearing doggie), be sure to add this on your list of things to do.

Download the new (and free) LittleBigPlanet costume to commemorate our Independence -- LBP presents The Sacktue of Liberty. Happy 4th everyone!

A Post-Hiatus Recap

After making it back to the country in one piece -- traveling over 20 hours completely feverish was anything but pleasant -- I wanted to track back and see what I missed over these past 2 weeks. Rather than re-state what's been reported, I thought I'd jot down some initial reactions on select headlines. But before I start, I had to post this photo I took while I was in India out looking for postcards, I was surprised to find a little Naruto homage hidden within the shelves of a gift shop.

Well first of all, I'm excited to hear that 3 titles by Eiji Otsuka will be continuing in a new magazine this summer: MPD-Psycho, The Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service, and Yakumo Hyakkai. The title migration was brought on as a result of Comic Charge ending its 2-year run, ending with its March issue.

Zakka Films has released its first DVD entitled "The Roots of Japanese Anime: Until the End of WWII. This english-subtitled DVD is a compilation of 8 cartoons created by various Japanese animators between 1930 and 1942. Their goal of bringing out early and lesser known Japanese films has definitely caught my attention. I can't wait till the DVD arrives at my doorstep. Currently, the DVD is only available for purchase through FilmBaby.com

Another item I'm itching to see is Quentin Tarantino new 7-minute Kill Bill sequence of Chapter 3: The Origin of O-Ren. Seems like Production I.G. has finished producing the new sequence.

I just saw the promotional video for Ichigo Mashimaro Encore (Strawberry Marshmallow), adapted from Barasui's slice of life manga...totemo kawaii!!!

On the figures realm, Moon Toys has released a very beautiful figure from Tome Kei's Skit Scooter title featured in Range Murata's ROBOT anthology. My eye was immediately transfixed on the scooter.

But the figure that definitely caught my attention was via Medicom's latest figure in the RAH series of Evangelion's Shinji Ikari. This figure merits its own blog post, so look out for more details (and photos) soon.

Then there's the ever awesome vintage design robot Chubu 01 by Kazushi Kobayashi (pictured). This no doubt lands extremely high on my aesthetic meter. You can immediately see some anime influences in the design -- like blending the best anime has to offer.

I was going to jump into the video games, but that may take longer than I expected. Right now I've got my eyes set on F.E.A.R 2 and Resistance: Retribution.

2009 A.D.

A brand new year is among us and it's amazing how one little date can exude so much rejuvenating motivation. Always tagging along with this revived spirit is a genuine look at the major milestones of the past year. Life proves again that in any attempt at defining it, "a rollercoaster ride" full of ups and downs, is always an accurate part of that description.

Quickly glancing at my 2008 posts provides a tiny snapshot of this past year. The economy has been anything but kind to us, but we are hanging in there. The biggest highlights of my year were all thanks to a slew of events, where I made wonderful friends. Early in the year, there was the JAPAN! Culture + Hyperculture event at the Kennedy Center, where I was privledged to be part of the "Genius Party" premiere and where I got to meet the one and only Shinichiro Watanabe (and Maywa Denki). Not to mention my good friend and contributor, Reza's fateful meeting with Hideo Kojima. And I certaintly can't forget seeing Yoshitaka Amano and Hideyuki Kikuchi at the New York Anime Festival, let alone celebrating Kikuchi's b-day with him, Kevin Leahy, and a handful of lucky Vampire Hunter D fans. Also scheduled to be present, Amano unfortunately couldn't make it to the dinner, but sent us all a sketch which I will always treasure. I got to see an incredible performance by Versailles Philharmonic at Anime USA.

Plenty of great anime and video game titles, too many to list, graced 2008. These include Vampire Knight, True Tears, Shigofumi, Kuroshitsuji, and more in the anime realm and Resistance 2, Rock Band 2, Final Fantasy VII Crisis Core, God of War Chains of Olympus, Prince of Persia, Silent Hill Homecoming, LittleBigPlanet, and more in the video games realm. And of course, what I, like many would have to dub the 2008 Game of the Year, Hideo Kojima's Metal Gear Solid 4: Guns of the Patriots.

On that note, it's time for me to end this post as I am off to start a new year the right way, at MAGFest VII, a video games convention. I'd like to thank all my readers and look forward to a new year with you.