The World of Nausicaa Look-alikes Pt. 1

By now it's blatantly obvious of my inordinate adoration for Nausicaa. I haven't completely worn the idea into the ground just yet, so there's plenty of time to still do that. But you could read something like that elsewhere, for I'm sure the hordes of Miyazaki zealots are plentiful. If anything, the damned tattoo is going to say it better than words, so I won't clutter this blog up with something that easily exists in droves. I like to keep it fresh. Like my vegetable bin or some fresh laundry. Or seldom talked about anime. Something like that.

Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind was, and is, obviously influential in the otaku world, both in its original manga format and the film adaptation of the same name. Most immensely popular media goes on to to inspire and influence other works, be it in theme, character design and motivation, setting or flagrant imitation. Throughout the years I've noticed some female characters through various forms of entertainment that looked an awful lot like the red-haired Gaian beauty. Some are subtle, having few similarities but a small shoulder clinging companion; others, not so much, with more than a few "coincidental" features. I'm here only to discuss fun little bits of discernment, so don't expect much critiquing or adverse reactions towards such creations. Hell, I'm sure if I were to ever make a damned story it'd probably pay more than a slight homage. Ah, such is the draw of Nausicaa.

• Yellow Iris, Battle Circuit

 Diana Martines, or Yellow Iris, is from the excellent Capcom Beat'em up Battle Circuit for the CPSII arcade hardware. Tons of great games on the CPSII, including Street Fighter II, Progear, Darkstalkers, Dungeons and Dragons, and loads more. Capcom easily made some of the best arcade games along with the Neo Geo in the mid-90s. That's an entirely different blog post, though, so I digress per usual and all that nonsense.

At first glance Yellow Iris doesn't have a whole lot in common with our subject lady except for her red hair, which is obviously much longer than Nausicaa's. Closer inspection, however, shows a small, furry creature nestled on her shoulder amid her hair. Teto? Pretty damn close, save for a different pattern of brown stripes on its forehead. Also, Yellow Iris herself is almost like an anthropomorphic fox-squirrel, or at least some sort of human hybrid. Just look at those ears. Anyhow, it's obvious that her companion 'Fin' was obviously inspired by Teto, but that's about all she really has in common. It's a marvelous game from Capcom's prime, and kind of a hidden gem of sorts. You should probably play it.

• Marin, Windaria

Having recently watched Windaria and admiring Marin throughout the film prompted me to make this list in the first place. She's a fairly conspicuous nod, if not just downright blatant, really. Mutsumi Inomata at least still gives both Marin and her companion a fresh look with her unique style, regardless of the obvious similarities. I'm a sucker for those big eyes that she draws so well. Red hair and a squirrel-like shoulder mount may look a bit uninspired, but I'd be lying if she wasn't one of the cutest damned characters I've seen in quite some time. But you'll just be too depressed by the end of the film anyway to appreciate such beauty with tears in your eyes and all that.

•  Lady Clarisse d'Cagliostro, Lupin the Third: The Castle of the Cagliostro

Hold it! Before anyone jumps down my throat: yes, I'm aware this film was made before anything Nausicaa. If anything, Lady Clarisse is a sort of proto-Nausicaa, for it's pretty obvious the route Miyazaki took when creating her, especially when looking back at his more raw, primitive concept art. Another interesting similarity between Clarisse and Nausicaa is the fact that they were both actually voiced by the same actress, Sumi Shimamoto, who would later go on to play Kyoko Otonashi of Maison Ikkoku. Nausicaa has brown eyes and a more mature look about her, but the similarities are quite obvious.

• Tia, Balthus: Tia's Radiance

 Oh boy. I'm only putting Tia on the list for her obvious Ghibli inspired art style and the fox-squirrel companions parked on her shoulder, which never even happens outside of the cover art. If anything, Balthus: Tia's Radiance is a condensed, abridged version of Castle in the Sky with some hentai thrown in. I don't really understand why this was made. Well, I obviously know it was to cash in off the success of the film, but the film is quite the enigma, really. It's a 30 minute OVA with a little hentai at the beginning with a nameless character, with another short scene about half into the movie. Otherwise it's a few panty and cleavage shots scattered throughout. The animation, voice acting and music is all quite good, despite the obvious stolen Ghibli art. It's like they almost tried to make a legitimate anime but didn't have enough time or money, and instead resulted with a complete inane mess of insipid storytelling and lackluster sex scenes. It's quite boring, really, and nothing really happens, making it fairly hard to recommend. Damn shame and a misuse of talent.

I know there are more Nausicaa clones out there amid the mass amount of anime, manga and videogames, and I'm almost certain I had at least one more I was going to put on this list. I'll conclude this for now, and am fairly certain there will be a part two. Have YOU seen any Nausicaas lately? Let me know if you strike paydirt; I pay good money. I almost put Rall on here from Cream Lemon, but I didn't think flying on a mehve thingy and having a talking companion that occasionally rode on her shoulder should count. Til next time.

My Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind Tattoo. Finally.

I've been meaning to do this for many months now, as I wrote I would...many months ago. I apologize for the awful Kodak disposalable camera looking image, for if you didn't know, taking a picture of the broad side of one arm with the other arm is damned near impossible. Took me well over thirty minutes just to take this blurry mess. Better than nothing, I do suppose. The shit picture can't display the vibrant blues or her fiery red hair that my artist did a fantastic job on. I mentioned before, but it's taken from one of Miyazaki's watercolor impressions. Maybe someday I'll get a more sufficient picture of her on here, for she obviously deserves better than an awkward mirror shot in my dimly lit bathroom. Who knows, maybe Kei and Yuri will finally join her this year...? Oh, It'll happen. Obviously.

Fun With References: Windaria; The Downfall of Kunihiko Yuyama

Awhile back I mentioned a phenomenal film I'd recently seen, Leda: The Fantastic Adventures of Yohko, and how much I adored it; I also mentioned that I love references and that they make me all giddy inside and whatnot. I recently spotted another little reference that happened to make me smile, which happens to be another film directed by Kunihiko Yuyama, as well as character designs by the great Mutsumi Inomata. Inomata worked as both a character designer and an animation director, with work in such notable series as City Hunter, Urusei Yatsura and Magical Princess Minky Momo. I still can't believe that the original Minky Momo material remains un-translated, both in manga and anime form; but that's another story altogether, so I digress--and get back on topic. Anyhow, the film at hand here is Windaria, or, the butchered and edited localization title, Once Upon a Time. Actually, the original Japanese title isn't just Windaria, but Legend of Fabulous Battle Windaria, although that title is usually shortened. It's a beautiful, eerie, and stunningly animated film in the same vein of Leda. Oh, and speaking of Leda, that's where today's reference comes from!

See that dog with the red bandana riding on that hover bike with Leda? He talks. And floats. And doesn't know what a walkman player is. But that's okay, because he's Leda's sidekick, Lingum in that superb film. Go watch it--after you finish reading my rubbish blog, that is!

Lingum shows up in a few different frames throughout Windaria, most notably at the very beginning. He sadly isn't pseudo-anthropomorphic or has the ability to hover or talk, but instead acts as a normal, lethargic canine. I'm not quite sure if I ever caught Leda herself amongst the crowd in Windaria, but I wouldn't rule it out, especially since a certain Princess in the film shares a good deal of resemblances.

Windaria is an incredible piece of animation. I really can't express my infatuation for both of the aforementioned films, and especially couldn't provide eloquent prose at this damned hour to justify such a claim. I reckon such a thing may happen in the near future, but I certainly even doubt my own listless nature and procrastination. I blame the large list of things I need to watch. Clearly a good excuse. I did want to talk about something else, though: what the hell happened to Kunihiko Yuyama? I don't understand how you can make such fluid, beautifully crafted animation that stands out amongst most theatrical films of the time and just quit, only to make countless Pokemon specials, mediocre hentai and the completely superfluous Kimagure Orange Road: Summer's Beginning. I just hate seeing directors go into film purgatory, especially if it's self made. It's like John Carpenter or George Romero or Martin Scorsese or blah blah blah; you get the point. It's just sad, really. I guess this is the dilemma of the Anachronistic Otaku.

Devil Hunter Yohko and Fun References!

While watching Devil Hunter Yohko OVA 2 the other day, I noticed a few subtle, yet accurate things that made me all tingly and giddy inside. Yes, references. References make me so happy; it's kinda hard, yet almost embarrassingly awkward to explain: I like...the things I like, so I like to see them in daily life and other things; thus, it makes me happy! I probably reference Fist of the North Star and something Robert E. Howard related--usually Crom--every day. So, when a hobby of mine references another--BAM! Instant gratification! It's like Megazone 23 referencing Walter Hill and Gradius, or even something as simple as Crusher Joe having a cameo from Dirty Pair, or everything ever in the Parodius! series. Things I love, combined with things I love--what's not to love! Oh, yes. Yes. Neurotic fun. Also, it's like another aforementioned drunken entry about Lupin the 3rd with a Helloween reference! Bahahahahaha. Life.

My Japanese is slowly getting better, but it'd be hard for me to miss the Ranma 1/2 spine anywhere, regardless of a 2 second establishing shot or otherwise. Upon closer inspection, though, it looks like they cleverly made it Ranma 1/3! Not really clever, yeah...but I liked it. Hard for me to read anything else on the spines, really, but it's obvious to note the Godzilla book and some sort of "OVA Film Story" book among the others. Highly doubtful anyone reads this trash, but if ya do, a translation would be highly appreciated! Could ask some overseas buddies but I probably bother them enough as it is through YahooJP auctions and such.

This wonderful shot of Yohko in her room inspired me to do this whole bit. I immediately noticed the PC-Engine--Duo-R, even!--and had to pause the screen. I'm a silly fanboy for all things PC-Engine, and while I know the PC-Engine did quite well in Japan--compared to our Turbografx-16, especially--it was still quite a site to see the Duo-R in all it's animated glory! Closer inspection also shows that it was accurately drawn, containing both a 4-player multi-tap as well as an accurate 2-button controller! Also, importantly noted is the accurate renditions of a Super-Famicom and a Mega-drive, as well as even a Neo-Geo Pocket and Atari-Lynx! How fantastic! I mean, this screenshot pretty much sums up my life: anime babez and retro video games; it doesn't get much better than that. References, people! Ooooooooooh, I'm giddy for such. Might be some interesting things still in this cap that I can't tell, so once again, anyone who can add, please do! Might especially be missing out on the magazine, but I cannot tell. Such detail! Even the AC adapter can be seen plugged into the switch! Yes.

Also, I guess I should note that a new figure of Leda from Leda: The Fantastic Adventures of Yohko is up for pre-order! I almost shat my damn pants when I first saw the news, but sadly, I probably won't be getting it. The price is a bit much for my broke ass, but that probably wouldn't stop me, regardless. I dunno; the figure is pretty small for the price, but man, the pose is all sorts of wrong. I kinda hate it. The sculpt is good, mind you, but the pose--it's awkward! I'm all for bishojo figures and such, but it really seems like they cut size to make an "affordable" figure of her kneeling, which really just doesn't fit the character at all or any of the concept art, even. It just doesn't appeal to me, at least for that price. I can't imagine such a figure would sell well, and if it ever goes halfsies, then maybe I'll pick it up. It really is a nice sculpt, but I just feel they could have done a much better job with the pose; regardless, I'm surprised they even made a damn Leda figure! To my knowledge, the only other figure in existence was an old garage kit that looked vaguely similar to her. So yeah, can't complain--but I did. I'll probably still fuckin' buy it.

Got a new Sega Genesis RGB cable from a buddy on the interwebs. Time to go play some glorious Wings of Wor on a beautiful CRT!

Thank you, Go Nagai

Shitty picture in my poorly lit room. I didn't realize I had like 60 dollars sitting there until it was too late. Conspicuous consumption or an innocent mistake? YOU DECIDE. Ice Princess Yukiko-Hime from Go Nagai's Dororon Enma-kun. I guess the figure was intentionally sculpted to represent the anime revamp Dororon Enma-kun Meeramera, but whatever; I needed it. She looks a bit younger in the face but--er...not in the body, compared to the original manga. Of course since it's Nagai and Yukiko strips/loses her kimono in every panel the clothes can be taken off in typical Japanese PVC figures of animated hotties fashion. Damn thing essentially came nude in the box and made me feel like a voyeur peeking through her cellophane window packaging. I guess my morality and integrity were reinstated when I put the clothes properly on her after completely opening the packaging. The clothes themselves are probably my only grievance with the figure; putting them correctly on without breaking--I did once--the fragile plastic was about as nerve wrecking as The Wages of Fear, or less dramatically, Nicolas cage putting the green poison ball/sphere clusters inside those missiles in The Rock. Or whatever. It was scary and tense and slightly perverted. Overall I'm extremely happy with it and can't stop oogling at it.

I love you, Go Nagai.

Leda: The Fantastic Adventure of Yohko: A Consummate Example of 80's Animated Bliss

Good god. Talk about combining everything I love about 80's anime into one beautifully animated amalgamation of feminine aesthetics, sword & sorcery, giant robots, and a dash of classical piano complemented with J-pop. Damn shame that Righstuf released a dubbed VHS at one point and probably doesn't own the rights anymore. Thankfully a phenomenal rip exists of what I gather is a now terribly out of print--and sumptuously priced--Region 2 DVD. Big surprise there, of course. I guess one can hope in their most outlandish otaku dreams that such a thing can get localized at some point. I'm sure Righstuf is just waiting for the right moment to surprise the .04% of classic anime and release a fairly obscure OVA to the public, right? Hopefully I can commission an internet buddy to make me a poster of it and further whet my insatiable desire for even more posters and figures and all that materialistic hogwash that I need.

But yeah: teenage girl stuck in an alternate fantasy dimension. Talking dogs. Robots. Magic and shit. It's perfect. Do yourself a favor and download it here: http://bakabt.me/149936-genmu-senki-leda-h264-remastered-a-fanrips.html

MY BRAIN

I need to watch all of Maison Ikkoku. I also need to watch all of Urusei Yatsura. I guess I should give Inuyasha a chance if I love Takahashi so much. That's like 300+ episodes and nigh on a hundred TPB mangas. I need to read some William Gibson and some Robert A. Heinlein. Better throw in Robert E. Howard and H.P. Lovecraft's entire library as well. Not enough time in the goddamn world. Not enough fuckin' time. Trying to catch up on Bradbury as well, then follow up with some Asimov. Never finished The Black Company; fool's move, there. Need to watch all the seasons of Space Battleship Yamato. Too overwhelmed to start Legend of the Galactic Heroes. Why the hell haven't I watched all of Galaxy Express 999? Could be watching/reading/playing shit, but nah, guess I'll update this garbage blog. Everything is out of print. Fuck VIZ. This day has been wasted; only one episode of Victory Gundam down--and a half episode, at that. Waste of a day. I should be reading Harlan Ellison short stories and getting all cynical and hateful at my own lethargic nonsense. Guess I'll just drink coffee and think about all the great things I should be indulging, consuming. Need to go back in time; change some things--oh, hey Regret. Bloody hell. Need to read everything Tezuka wrote. Swallowing the Earth is getting a 2nd printing and I'm ecstatic; Message to Adolf as well. Barbara is also getting translated. Please, please localize Marvelous Melmo or The Amazing Three and everything else as well! Vertical is doing an outstanding job and creating quite the catalog. Drawn & Quarterly is doing alright themselves; I really wish they'd chill out with the indie garbage and focus on classics a bit more, though. Today I will finish Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water. I think about the loss of classic Gainax far too often. What a forlorn company.