Star Drive vs. Nemesis: name of the G1 'con ship

[Gomess]

You get an Ego Puff Point for calling me a "sod". Very British.

For those not in the know, O6 just linked me to .rar of AHM. Shall read it when I get home, let y'all know my thoughts soon thereafter.

[Onslaught Six]

Because my discreet telling-you-to-check-your-PMs was so it wouldn't be blatantly obvious! But whatever. This is how I read the individual issues, anyway, so I guess I don't feel too horrible. (What? My comic shop didn't carry them, and I bought all the trades. I'm even thinking of getting the hardcover.)

[Gomess]

Piracy is as piracy does. I used to share torrents of tokusatsu shows (among other things, eh up!) on reputable otaku forums, and made no attempt to hide it. If IDW come down on us for this we can hide out in Tijuana.

[BWprowl]

Because my discreet telling-you-to-check-your-PMs was so it wouldn't be blatantly obvious! But whatever. This is how I read the individual issues, anyway, so I guess I don't feel too horrible. (What? My comic shop didn't carry them, and I bought all the trades. I'm even thinking of getting the hardcover.)

Since I only ever wound up getting the first AHM trade (besides all the individual issues), and I really really like AHM, I'm likely to get that hardcover too. Is it really 'Complete'? Like, does it have the Codas and even those Spotlights that they retroactively claimed tied into AHM? Even IDW's site can't provide me with decent information on the thing!

Piracy is as piracy does. I used to share torrents of tokusatsu shows (among other things, eh up!) on reputable otaku forums, and made no attempt to hide it. If IDW come down on us for this we can hide out in Tijuana.

Y'know, given my (admittedly well-known) download history, I probably owe a large chunk of the stuff on my hard drive to at least some torrenting from you (I have been downloading the *shit* out of Kamen Rider lately). Weird to think that one of those many seeds coulda been someone I thought I knew so well... I'll pay you back someday. I dunno, want a mostly-complete set of old Dave Cheung art? (Assuming you don't have an even larger set of that already)

[Gomess]

Y'know, given my (admittedly well-known) download history, I probably owe a large chunk of the stuff on my hard drive to at least some torrenting from you (I have been downloading the *shit* out of Kamen Rider lately). Weird to think that one of those many seeds coulda been someone I thought I knew so well...

The weird thing about having been an h-artist is that you might have known me even longer! =p ...But the idea that I was turning kids into porn-fiends was one of the things that stopped me drawing, 'cos that's not cool. If you've ever passed by some of greenmask's artwork, I apologise for feeding your habit. I don't apologise if you've ever downloaded any of my toku uploads, though, because Kamen Rider NEEDS to be seen in the west! I've started to think it's generally better than Super Sentai, which I used to prefer by far.

I'll pay you back someday. I dunno, want a mostly-complete set of old Dave Cheung art? (Assuming you don't have an even larger set of that already)

Have you seen his recent stuff? His quality's improved exponentially, but the subject matter... "not my thing," shall we say? *notices there's no puking emoticon*

You can pay me back by being the guy I talk toku / anime and play 2D fighters with when we all hang out in the far-flung and impossible future. =p I like to think I have something other than TF in common with y'all, even if it's a different thing for each of you.

[Onslaught Six]

Since I only ever wound up getting the first AHM trade (besides all the individual issues), and I really really like AHM, I'm likely to get that hardcover too. Is it really 'Complete'? Like, does it have the Codas and even those Spotlights that they retroactively claimed tied into AHM? Even IDW's site can't provide me with decent information on the thing!

You know, I've been assuming it would, but now I'm not so sure...The Amazon page for the hardcover says it's 492 pages. I added up the individual pages for each volume (152, 152, 132, 104) and got 540. Maybe if you cut out the cover galleries and stuff like that, you can get it down to 492 or so--or maybe it's just that the spotlights that weren't directly relevant (Metroplex, for example) were cut out? I dunno.

[BWprowl]

The weird thing about having been an h-artist is that you might have known me even longer! =p ...But the idea that I was turning kids into porn-fiends was one of the things that stopped me drawing, 'cos that's not cool. If you've ever passed by some of greenmask's artwork, I apologise for feeding your habit. I don't apologise if you've ever downloaded any of my toku uploads, though, because Kamen Rider NEEDS to be seen in the west! I've started to think it's generally better than Super Sentai, which I used to prefer by far.

Okay, now this is going to drive me crazy, as I'm almost certain I've come across the handle greenmask before, but I can't remember where and what the subject matter was (admittedly I might just be remembering it from some other time you implemented the name). This will call for *research*!

Have you seen his recent stuff? His quality's improved exponentially, but the subject matter... "not my thing," shall we say? *notices there's no puking emoticon*

Oh believe me, I know exactly what you mean. It's really frustrating too, seeing him bring back classic characters like Mia and Cacie (!) only for...well, you know. At least *some* of the new art is nice.

You can pay me back by being the guy I talk toku / anime and play 2D fighters with when we all hang out in the far-flung and impossible future. =p I like to think I have something other than TF in common with y'all, even if it's a different thing for each of you.

If that's the case, can I ask how Gokaiger is? I've been mainly into Kamen Rider lately, but it's got me curious about other Toku shows, and I gotta say that the idea of a Pirate Sentai appeals. On the other hand, I worry about not being able to keep up with the sheer amount of references and homages in it, since I'd mostly be going "Oh it's that one Power Ranger!".

[Gomess]

This will call for *research*!

Heh, good luck. I was purging my internet presence before Paheal even *had* a Do Not Post list. =p But hey, if I run out of money again anytime soon, feel free to commission me now that you're a MAN. Heck, I'll even do Misha, despite the fact I hate drawing long hair!!

(The subject matter was whatever I was being paid for. I was trying to get through uni without borrowing or taking out a loan, so. I covered a lot of areas, but even I had limits!)

Mia and Cacie (!)

I KNO RITE o_o

...Sometimes I'm tempted to save up and commission a collab between him and Zone. At least then he'd make enough money to stop drawing the shit he draws now, and he's shown he can do Flash stuff. Come to think of it, his art style and sense of humour (such as it is) would be suited to a dating sim.

If that's the case, can I ask how Gokaiger is?

*Sigh* I wish I could tell you. Goseiger put me off Super Sentai big time! Doubtless I'll have seen some of it by the end of summer, but that'd be the earliest. I mean.. Goseiger was just.. so.. not good. =[

Who's your favourite Rider at the mo' then? Or have you only been watching one series? I'm a Kabuto guy. Guess I just love controversy (it didn't go over with the kids OR the hardcore fans in Japan, by all accounts).

[BWprowl]

Mia and Cacie (!)

I KNO RITE o_o

...Sometimes I'm tempted to save up and commission a collab between him and Zone.

That would cost...so much money. It'd be cool to see though, and would probably involve minimal dismemberment, so I'd be for it in this case.

At least then he'd make enough money to stop drawing the shit he draws now, and he's shown he can do Flash stuff. Come to think of it, his art style and sense of humour (such as it is) would be suited to a dating sim.

I kinda wonder why he hasn't attempted such a thing before. He practically had the cg sets for a whole cast ready back in the day, just needed to add some backgrounds and words and he woulda been ready to go (Holy crap, now I wonder how possible it would be for a third party to create a dating sim using the old mini-poll series...).

Didn't you just warn Dom that this sort of discussion could be imminent?

Who's your favourite Rider at the mo' then? Or have you only been watching one series? I'm a Kabuto guy. Guess I just love controversy (it didn't go over with the kids OR the hardcore fans in Japan, by all accounts).

Huh, Kabuto seemed to be pretty popular from what I saw, though that may have only been with the Western fanbase. I haven't gotten around to watching it, though it's always looked pretty cool, and I'd like to see how one of the darker Rider series is (though 555 is the one of those that interests me the most). And the belts in that one make cool noises (right? Are those the ones that go "Stand By"?)

Anyway, my favorite, and the only series I've thus far watched all of, is W, which I thought was just delightful. Favorite combo was likely HeatTrigger or CycloneMetal, though I bought the Figuarts of CycloneJoker because hey, if I'm only getting one W toy, it might as well be the default one. As the star, W's probably my favorite Rider as a character (mainly the Shotaro half of the team, he's a delight. Come to think of it, Kamen Rider Joker might actually be my favorite Rider), though ones I like mainly from a design/ability standpoint include Eternal, Dark Kiva, Decade, plus the The First redesigns for Kamen Rider 1 and 2. Yeah, I've mainly been paying attention to the Heisei stuff, though Amazon looks kinda neat.

Anyway, I started watching Kuuga, but couldn't get too into it (it was just too straight and serious all the time with very little to break it up), then someone recommended I try Den-O, so I did, and it's pretty cool so far, even if I'm not crazy about Den-O's design (though I like it a little more now that I understand how the armor works, which is pretty clever). Momotaros as Den-O Sword Form is a contender for my favorite Rider, and I want the Figuarts of him more than I want Den-O. This series in general has really strong character development (kinda like how W's strong point was its excellent pacing), though I don't really like Ryuutaros all that much so far.

Then my brother decided he wanted to check out OOO, since he loves OOO's design (I'm neutral. I understand why they went with the style they did, but I'm still not crazy about how it looks. His belt makes the most wonderful noises though.), and I needed an excuse to watch more Kamen Rider, so we started watching that. It's pretty cool so far, the villains are mostly cool, and I'm really interested in seeing what they do with Ankh; he's the most interesting part of the show (besides the fashion sense of most of the cast). They could at least do a better job of hiding the fact that Goutou's going to become the Second Rider, even if I kinda like what they're doing with him.

EDIT: Oh yeah, also watched Kamen Rider THE FIRST. I think I liked it more than I was supposed to. That sort of style works well for Kamen Rider in a smaller, more contained format. Though I will admit that the poorly-inserted Snake and Cobra flashback-backstory wore out its welcome pretty quickly.

[Gomess]

(Holy crap, now I wonder how possible it would be for a third party to create a dating sim using the old mini-poll series...)

You got any basic coding experience? Sounds like we might have a project. =p

Didn't you just warn Dom that this sort of discussion could be imminent?

Ah, Dom sends naked pictures of himself to guys with young children, I think we're allowed the odd hentai discussion.

Kabuto seemed to be pretty popular from what I saw, though that may have only been with the Western fanbase.

For sures, it's one of the most popular series in the States and Europe, probably because it's so down-to-earth. I just love stories that strike a balance between realism and fantasy, and... Kabuto just does it wonderfully, I think. The enemies are the BEST, too. At first I was hugely disappointed at how generic the Worms were, but... by the end of the series, or even just halfway through, goddamn. Such a cool concept for a baddie. I will warn you right now: Tsurugi WILL make you cry. Oh yes.

And the belts in that one make cool noises (right? Are those the ones that go "Stand By"?)

You daaaaamn right. Tsurugi's is the only one that says "Stand By", but they all say, "HENSHIN" and "CAST OFF" (which is also a great piece of design, how the bug-themed suits "shed" their bulky cocoons to reveal a sleek speedy form), not to mention the hissatsuwaza. Kabuto's "1..2..3..RIDER KICK" is joy+1. Especially when he starts mixing it up, altering the speed of the countdown to mess with people.

But to be honest, the BEST thing about Kabuto is the very beginning. If you've watched as much Kamen Rider as you sound like you have, and are thus familiar with the tropes of the opening episode, I think you'll get as much of a kick out of it as I did.

"...It was supposed to be me..." ='[

W's probably my favorite Rider as a character (mainly the Shotaro half of the team, he's a delight. Come to think of it, Kamen Rider Joker might actually be my favorite Rider), though ones I like mainly from a design/ability standpoint include Eternal, Dark Kiva, Decade, plus the The First redesigns for Kamen Rider 1 and 2. Yeah, I've mainly been paying attention to the Heisei stuff, though Amazon looks kinda neat.

Yes, W was really a surprise for me, and rapidly became one of my girlfriend's favourites (along with Decade, but... that's just cheating. I mean, how can you NOT love Decade?). Honestly though, at first I couldn't help comparing it to the live action Death Note. I know, it seems like a really asinine comparison for a guy that's properly into anime and toku, but... I couldn't help it. Also I'm glad to see you noticed the fashion, you're a kindred spirit, dude.

Kuuga was just too straight

*Giggle* Well, yes, you're right though. The early Heisei stuff was prone to the weaknesses of most Heisei fiction for kids and teenagers: Trying Too Hard. It was a bit like early 90s western comic books, upping the "drama" at the cost of the colour and magic. I did like Kuuga's suits, though. That simple kind of design, the "growth tree" he has, really appeals to me, and makes me wish to high heaven that someone like Capcom had gotten the rights to make a Devil May Cry-style game based on the property.

They could at least do a better job of hiding the fact that Goutou's going to become the Second Rider, even if I kinda like what they're doing with him.

SPOILERZ! I haven't watched OOO yet, but I do love pronouncing it "OOOOOH!" in an overly effeminate way, rather than "Oze". I'll get round to it eventually, but I've gone back to the past for now. You're right in thinking that Amazon looks unique. I mean... there is BLOOD. Gushing jets of it. Around the time of Amazon and Stronger, you could tell that the creative team was going a bit nuts, and that's probably what brought on Mr Serious Kuuga. Oh, and V3 is particularly worth checking out if you're looking a tthe Showa stuff. Just a great all-round Rider series, but just a little doofy, as 70s toku should be.

also watched Kamen Rider THE FIRST. I think I liked it more than I was supposed to.

Friend of mine walked in while we were watching The Next, and immediately said, "...Is this Casshern? *raised eyebrow*" Yeah, that series is very much what it is, sure as heck not the best of the Rider universe, but fun in a small dose. Yes, the flashbacks were daft. Honestly I thought, considering the direction they took with the Riders' designs, the monsters would've looked... "cooler"? To coin a phrase? =/

...Oshi-- that reminds me, have you watched any of the Heisei movies?? J and ZO are oddly restrained and generic, but Shin Kamen Rider is crazy. I really think there should've been a whole series to FLESH out (s'cuse the pun) the concept of a Rider who truly *morphs* into his suited form.

And that said, the subs of the original series I'm watching now really annoy me with the liberties they take. Referring to Ichigo and the baddies as "cyborgs"... BLEH. What is this, Dragon Ball Z? They're KAIZOU-NINGEN, not SAIBOUGU! *Modified humans*! Genetic engineering, not leequid metul. -_-