Tuesday, December 31, 2013

KAC Review : Steins;Gate Movie

Steins;Gate :負荷領域のデジャヴ 

Steins;Gate: Fuka Ryōiki no Déjà vu

Production House : White Fox
Directed by : Kanji Wakabayashi
Based on : Visual Novel by Nitroplus and 5pb



'No one knows what the future holds. That's why its potential is infinite.' - Rintarou Okabe (from Steins;Gate)


SYNOPSIS

The movie is set one year after the events in the anime series. After going through what had seemed like, a never ending journey, Okabe Rintarou had landed in the Steins;Gate world line where neither Mayuri Nor Makise Kurisu are dead. A world where SERN is not in power. Makise Kurisu Returns to Japan for her seminar and comes to attend a reunion with the others. During the party on the roof, Rintarou starts to feel the side effects of his endless time travel, more pronounced than ever before. And that marks the true beginning of this  thrilling, romantic and beautifully heart-warming epilogue. 

Youtube Link 


MAL Rank : 27

KAC rating : 3/5

Thoughts : In my personal opinion, the movie is not as brilliant as the series itself, but it does justice to the story non the less. 

Worth watching? : Yes. However, I will suggest people who are going to watch this, not to expect a lot out of it. 




Saturday, December 28, 2013

KAC ANIME REVIEW: DARKER THAN BLACK

DARKER THAN BLACK
黒の契約者

Season 1

Production studio: BONES
Directed by: Tensai Okamura
Written by: Tensai Okamura
Original run: April 5, 2007 to September 28, 2007
Episodes: 25




Synopsis:
Ten years ago, a region of anomaly called ‘Hell’s Gate’ appeared in Tokyo (along with a corresponding ‘Heaven’s Gate’ in South America). The stars in the sky disappeared and were replaced with fake stars. People with special abilities known as ‘Contractors’, and passive mediums called ‘Dolls’ began to emerge. Their abilities came at the expense of their humanity- they lack human emotions and are cold, emotionless, rational beings with no conscience or overriding sense of loyalty. The governments of the world use Contractors and Dolls extensively as spies, often resulting in deadly confrontations, all the while keeping their existence a secret from the public. They are called Contractors because each has a remuneration (also called “price”) they are compelled to perform after they use their powers, and because they have no loyalty or obligations beyond their current employment.
The story follows a young Contractor named Hei who, while working for the Syndicate in Tokyo, is trying to uncover what happened to his sister Pai. Pai had disappeared five years before the start of the series during a war fought over Heaven's Gate.

Youtube link



Thoughts:

The story started out slow in my opinion, but eventually picked up pace. The animation is very beautiful and fluid and I enjoyed the heavy atmosphere of the show! The ending,  although disappointing in some people's opinion, was perfect to me.
Rating: 4/5

Worth watching? : Definitely.

Post by : Shuvo Das


[N.B : Darker than black has since, released a sequel 'Darker than Black: Ryūsei no Gemini' 2009.] 

Friday, December 27, 2013

ASURA : Anime feature film Review.

BORN A BEAST, TO BE HUMAN...

Title : Asura
Production House : TOEI Animation
Directed by : Keiichi Sato
Manga by : George Akiyama



SYNOPSIS

Plot:


Staged during the mid 15th century Japan, Asura is the survival story of a boy born in  extreme harsh conditions and left to fend for himself. In an age when flood, draught and famine had left Kyoto barren, Asura is forced to learn the means of survival in the wild. Asura's savage soul is saved by a young girl named 'Wakasa' and a monk who teaches him the first words of salvation and  later encourages him to fight the beast within.

Animation :

Another non-main stream animation, it is an interesting take on the story. Excellent cinematography and staging.

Youtube trailer :

KAC Rating : 4/5
Is it worth the watch? : Hell Yes.
[Note : This movie contains heavy gore and traces of cannibalism. Definitely not recommended for Children bellow 13.] 





Thursday, December 26, 2013

KAC MEET, December 2013

LESSONS FROM AN UNLIKELY TEACHER!

Date: 22.12.2013
Time : 12:00 pm - 6:00pm
Venue : Chingrighata, Kolkata

         Host : Shubharthi Das

I am cursing every time I am having to think what to write!  One of the reason why this post has been delayed was because I have been postponing it due to sheer laziness. I am not going to admit that I am lazy in general, so I shall put the blame on the weather and the celebrations. :P
To make it short, the meet had me giving a small talk on Japanese Language and Culture. It had Quiz and giveaways And it had Manisquare Detour with McD food!! About 40 members had turned out, making it the largest KAC meet thus far, and perhaps more new members than the last one.
The rest, Let the pictures do the talking in my place shall we?
*yawns*
*blinks*
*adds pictures*




Group Pictures.




Some closeups.




The Give aways



With you lot, its another day in paradise every meet! 
*<3 from KAC.* 


Thursday, December 19, 2013

KAC Member Showcase : December 2013

 The Girl With Many Names and Faces

2013 is at an end, and what an awesome year it has been for anime lovers across the country! For the month of December 2013, we showcase KAC’s resident cosplay diva, Akanksha Sachan. A student at NIFT Kolkata, Akanksha’s lovely cosplays have made her a well-known name among the Indian anime and cosplay circles. 


 

 Here is a small interview with Akanksha:

Q. So, tell us about your interest in Anime and Cosplay.
- Well, anime is what I would call the ‘ Religion I follow. It is the most important thing in my world! Cosplay comes second. Hmm, My favourite anime: All mainstreams+ Monster+ Oh well, too many to count! :P and cosplay is what my passion is! It’s the best I can do.’

Q.When did you start Cosplaying? 
‘My second year of college, 2012.’ Says Sachan. ‘It was new! It was like I touched the thing first time that I always used to dream about! That was the first time I made any clothing on my own without even learning it in my academics, it felt amazing!!!
Her first Cosplay was Kagome Higurashi from a popular anime.


Q. From Inuyasha? Is that one of your favourites?
 ‘Yes, favourite.’ She says. ‘Way back from Animax days!’
  
Sachan's first cosplay as Kagome Higurashi.

Q. You have made quite a bit of a name for yourself in the Indian cosplay community since then.
-Well, so many cosplays to do, very little time. Oh, and money too. >.<







News Paper cut outs about Sachan and her work

Q. Haha, so Cosplay is an expensive hobby?
A.Yes J
Q.Which cosplay of yours would you say, is your best/ favourite?
A. Erza Scarlet (Heaven's Wheel Armor).

 




Sachan's Erza Scarlet Cosplay 

Q. Isn't that your Otaku House entry?
A. Yes. It was my qualifier's entry which took me into the finals.

Sachan's Elizabeth from Bioshock


Q. Excellent... you're a finalist, all the best for the Otaku House finals!! J
A. Thank you J


Q. So, are you going to be a full time Cosplayer from now on? What can we expect to see in the near future?
- Not really, it's a hobby. And a hobby remains a hobby. I will be cosplaying Female Commander Shepherd in Delhi Comic Con 2014 and many more projects to come in 2014 J


Q. Are there any Cosplayers that you consider your inspiration?
‘Yes, a lot of them!’ Reveals Sachan. ‘ Reika <3! Well, I followed Allodia for a long time, and now it's time to make my own way.’


Q. You are a well known name in Indian cosplay circle, and an Otaku House finalist, how does it feel to have this sort of fame? And what would you like to say to all the aspiring cosplayers?
- Feels good, man. I feel like I am doing something which is really unconventional in this country! Very unique and different! My words to everyone aspiring to cosplay is  just do it! J


Q. Any general advice you'd like to share?
A. *secrets* :P Well it's all confidence, never lose it.


Q. Last but not the least; tell us about your experience with KAC.
A. KAC is the best thing that had happened to me since I came to Kolkata, it is family J


Q. Great to hear that! Thank you for your time. J
A. You’re welcome J

 A few pictures Sachan generously shared of her work in progress :-




Author’s word: KAC, indeed is a family. We love you too, Akanksha and we hope to see more awesome cosplays from you in the future.



Interview and Content: Shuvo Das
Images: Provided by Akanksha Sachan
Edits by Kuroneko and Sedion