Nerd Tutorial Podcast

Ep 53: Zombie Tutorial

Topic: Zombies Tutorial

This week, recorded on April 1st 2020, I decided to have a topic that felt a little too close to home.  We're talking about Zombies, mostly because it's probably as close to a virus outbreak as we are now.  This episode is less to scare us about the COVID-19 concerns, but more or less a metaphor and possible future we can expect ourselves in.  Movies and media have always painted the future to come, so maybe there's something we can learn from Zombies as a whole.

 

Tutorial

What is a Zombie

Zombies are Dead humans who have been reanimated.  Depending on the origin, the reanimation process originally was due to magic: a Sorcerer would reanimate the dead and the death of the Sorcerer would end the reanimation.  More modern telling have the reanimation process involving some kind of science fiction, including carriers, plague, parasite, radiation, pathogens, disease, etc.  Some modern telling never actually go in to the logic or origin, leaving it vaguely defined or undefined.

 

Zombies are typically dead humans that have been reanimated.  Typically, these are only humans with some level of muscle mass, as skeleton Zombies are not common.  Depending on the media, though increasingly, Zombies are described as being pale in color, increasing amounts of decomposition, and inability to form rudimentary logic or communication, often hissing, growling, groaning, or moaning instead.  In the times that they are able to communicate, it often the sole term of “brains…”.

 

Though common, but not consistent, Zombies have a lumbering walk, with an inability to move beyond a slow walking pace, often without moving their knees, and limited motor skills with their arms and hands.  Some telling of zombies have them fully capable of a full sprint, chasing after victims, and full use of their hands and arms, though not the dexterity or skill to be able to items as anything but as a club or blunt object.  Depending on the media, some undead are fully capable complex thoughts and language, basically just a dead human continuing to live as if they weren’t dead.

 

Zombies are typically described by their desire to seek out the living, whether to continue to pass on the disease or to eat humans.  When their origin was magical, the Zombie was a lumbering tool intended to replace farm hands and manual labor.  Zombies can be found roaming in packs due to their mutual desire for humans, or lingering about in locations, shuffling by until a human is sensed.   Zombies are often acting upon instincts or singular desires, in most cases, to get humans and eat them.  Zombies, typically, do not go after animals, though Zombie Animals do exist.

 

A human bitten or scratched by the Zombie will die shortly after the attack and will in turn become a zombie.  In some cases, this process can take a longer period of time, or is instant.  Zombies will pass up dead humans and only focus on live ones, ie if a human just died due to gun shot, most Zombies will continue after the live humans rather than the recently deceased. Known ways to kill Zombies is to either shoot them in the head(Brain), shoot them in the heart, or burn them.  Different media though have expanded on this way to end them.

 

It is important to note that while some depictions of Zombies are noted as Ghouls, they are not exactly the same.  The major difference, in most cases, are that while Ghouls are Dead, they have some semblance of life still, IE, they can still think and interact with others.  Ghouls still desire Flesh like Zombies, but Zombies are mindless creatures acting on instinct, while Ghouls act on self preservation.  The line is blurred dramatically, as there is no common agreement as what differentiates a Zombies from a Ghoul, though it’s expected that Ghouls are a higher status than a Zombie, whether in function or existences.

 

History of Zombies

Zombies themselves, originated from Haitian Culture, as a part of the Voodoo religion and mythology.  The Sorcerer, a “Bokor” would raise the dead via Necromancy, and it was up to a Haitian priest (Houngan) to end the Necromancy.  The belief is based off Haitian slaves, carried over with some Shamanistic beliefs, as the religion of Voodoo evolved over the centuries of enslavement in Haiti.  In some cases, the slave drivers, often slaves themselves, and occasionally priests, would use the threat of becoming a Zombie to avoid suicide of the Slaves.  Only bad people became Zombies, ie, if you were a good worker and died, you returned to Africa, but if not, you were doomed to become a Zombie.

 

Zombies themselves spread to the west during the American occupation of Haiti from 1915-1934.  During this time, American writers were pulling from the Voodoo religion and using it in their books and stories.  The first known mention of Zombies is in William Seabrook's The Magic Island (1929), in which he described the Haitian Zombie and used the term for the first time.  Movies in the 1930s would being using the Haitian Zombies as elements in their film, with the first being White Zombie (1932).  Early uses of Zombies in movies were typically of the magical/voodoo variety, with someone claiming or using magical powers to bring back the dead.  Most of these movies were limited to horror, but were pulled out to action films in some cases, see James Bond in Live and Let Die that uses a Caribbean variation on Voodoo.

 

 

Modern Zombies

Zombies were changed entirely as we know them thanks to George A. Romero’s Night of the Living Dead (1968).  Romero’s Zombies were not magical in origin, but vaguely defined scientific reason.  The film was also unique in that it used zombies less as a theme, but more a social commentary on our society.  This was the first Zombie movie as we know it today, and in which all Zombie media is typically based off.  Later films in the 70s would popularize the hunt for Brains and try to rationalize the origin of the Zombie out break. 

 

By the 80s and 90s, few zombie movies saw commercial success, with only a hand full with Zombies, but not necessarily Zombie films.  Early revival of the genre would start in Japan in 1996, where horror video games Resident Evil (BioHazard) and House of the Dead would spark an interest in Japanese culture and movies, with a number of movies coming out by late 90s.  Subsequent sequels to Resident Evil and House of the Dead would reach the west and spark a revival of the genre.  New titles like 28 Days Later(2002) and Shawn of the Dead (2004) would revive an interest in Zombie movies and show a growing interest during the early 2000s.  These newer entries in to Zombie popularized the ‘Running’ or ‘Smart’ Zombie, Zombies that were more aggressive and capable.

 

By 2010s, Zombies had become main stream, with the AMC premier of The Walking Dead in October of 2010 going on to become the most successful Zombie TV show ever, spawning over 11 seasons to date.  World War Z (2013) was one the highest grossing film in 2013, but also the highest grossing Zombie Film of all time.  Zombie movies were also branching out, offering that Zombies were more than just mindless creatures, but were human like.  These Zombies were still dead and craving flesh, but were still logical, rational, and otherwise normal, save for their new dead status and the desire for flesh.  This new take mirrored other supernatural mainstays like Vampires, where instead of being purely villains, they were also becoming more Human and sympathetic.

 

 

Zombies in Pop Culture

Zombies, themselves in media, represent the inherent vulnerability of society to the unexpected.  IE, we were never really prepared for Zombies and their growth is a lack of forethought in that it could happen, OR the ineptitude of our society, or government, to prevent/stop it.  As a subtext, they represent the slow march of Death coming for us, and our inability to stop it; Zombies are avoidable, even able to stave them off, but eventually, Zombies will be the death of us.  Zombies are also a symbolism for what we, or society, will become; themes of how the world changes are common in Zombie Media. 

 

Most narratives about Zombies follow a group attempting to survive the Zombies.  Most stories take place either during the initial wave of Zombie Out Breaks, IE, when the first cases start appearing, and hysteria sets in, or in a fictional Zombie Apocalypse.

• Initial Zombie Out Breaks depict a rapid devolving of society and all out chaos as Zombies over take our surroundings. Protagonists are often fleeing from one location to another, trying to avoid the Zombies by fortifying themselves, or being on move constantly.  These stories rarely end with the Zombies either dying out or a successful plan to halt their growth, but so much that the Protagonist got out and are safe, for now.
• Zombie Apocalypse depicts a world that is already over run by Zombies and survivors are merely the last waves of humans trying to survive. Their stories can revolve around society trying to survive can carry on, with the constant threat of Zombies just within arm’s reach.

 

Most Zombies media revolve around fear and self-preservation, which is manifested in survivors who are trying to grasp or rationalize the events around them.  Often, Zombie media is a character study of how people cope with stress and the situation around them: do they break down under the stress, create delusions about what’s happening, do they step up and become heroes they always knew they were, or do they survive until the next day?  Zombie media is also a breakdown of the world as much as it is their protagonists.  What does the world become once Zombies exist and how do we as society evolve or devolve as a result? 

 

Sometimes, Zombies aren’t called Zombies, but go by other names:

• Infected
• Walkers
• Undead
• Dead
• Lurkers
• Zoms
• Biters
• White Walkers
• Living Dead
• Ghouls
• Walking Dead

 

While most Zombie related media is horror driven, more recent affairs have given Zombies a humanistic side.  Warm Bodies (2013) depicted Zombies as a potential love interest and romantic.  Zombieland (2009) and Shawn of the Dead (2004) gave comedy to Zombies, playing off the tropes of Zombie movies for humor. 

 

Various Japanese media properties have given their own take on the Zombie: 

• Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress re-imagines a steampunk 18^th century Japan with Kabane (Japanese for Corpse) as a stand in for Zombie
• High School of the Dead is a bog standard Zombie Break Out series, with plenty of fan service
• Zombie Land Saga imagines if Zombies became a Japanese Idol Group
• School-Live! Depicts a Zombie Apocalypse with cute, moe characters

Other Japanese properties use Zombies interchangeable as heroes.

 

 

Homework:

Shawn of the Death (2004)

ZombieLand (2009)

World War Z (2013)

Pride, Prejudice, and Zombies (2016)

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress  (2016)

 

Ep 52: Kamen Rider & Super Sentai(Power Rangers) Review

Topic: Kamen Rider & Super Sentai(Power Rangers) Review

I gathered up my little brother, secluded ourselves in a bunker, and we watched some Super Sentai and Kamen Rider.  I think we have differing views on the material, which is a good thing, never a bad thing, but you'll have to listen to find out.

 

 

Episodes 1-4 of Kamen Rider Ex Aid

 

Episodes 1-4 Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger

 

I also wanted to throw in some additional information on Bittorrent, as a primer if you're interested.

 

Ep 51: Kamen Rider & Super Sentai(Power Rangers)

Topic: Kamen Rider & Super Sentai(Power Rangers)

 

This week, we move on from Drama to entirely different type of drama.  Granted this one is far more interesting to me because of Explosions, Cool Poses, and Brightly Colored Uniforms.  We welcome back my little brother to discuss Toei’s most popular Tokusatsu series: Kamen Rider and Super Sentai, better known in the west as Power Rangers.

 

History:

 

Shotaro Ishinomori

Father of Super Sentai, Kamen Rider, and Cyborg 009

1. Started as an Assistant to Osamu Tezuka (Astroboy, grandfather of Manga/anime)
2. Developed his own popular manga, Cyborg 009 in 1963 – 1984.
3. Late developed Skullman in 1970, a one off manga volume that told story of a vigilantly hero of Skullman trying to find the murder of his parents, and stop an evil organization.
4. Developed Kamen Rider initially as a live action version of Skullman, but later adapted look of a Grasshopper to make new series
5. Fathered the Henshin style super hero in Tokusatsu series
6. Created Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, first Super Sentai Series
7. Went on to make many Tokusatsu series
8. Died of heart failure at age 60

 

Tokusatsu

Japanese Live Action Film/TV series with heavy use of Special Effects.

 

 

Kamen Rider

Started as adaptation of Skullman, but due to the violent tones of Skullman, the series was reworked to have a Grasshopper motif for the lead hero.

 

Original Series

• Takeshi Hongo is kidnapped and experimented on by the villainous terrorist group Shocker, turning their soldiers into mutant cyborgs and brainwashing them. Hongo escapes before the brainwashing and fights Shocker as the grasshopper, masked man: Kamen Rider.
• Due to a filming accident in episode 10, the actor playing Kamen Rider had his legs broken, and is replaced by a second Kamen Rider, Hayato Ichimonji, who also escaped Shocker. To differentiate the two, Hongo is Kamen Rider 1 and Ichimonji is Kamen Rider 2
• After the actor playing Hongo is healed, both Kamen Riders continued the series until it’s conclusion at 98 episodes.
• This would start the Showa Era of Kamen Rider.

 

Showa Era (1971 – 1989)

Showa Era due to Emperor Hirohito, who died in 1989.  Upon their death, Japanese Emperors are posthumously renamed as the Era they presided over.  Thus, Emperor Hirohito became Emperor Showa.  Showa roughly meaning ‘Enlightened Peace’ or some interpret as ‘Radiant Japan’.

• Several other shows were produced until 1976, with other individuals as Kamen Riders, but dubbed Riders. There was V3, X, Amazon, and Stronger. 
• The show took a hiatus for a few years to develop Himitsu Sentai Gorenger, first Canonical Super Sentai Series.
• Returned in 1979 with Kamen Rider Skyrider, Super 1 and ZX. The series would go back in to Hiatus, until 1987, with Kamen Rider Black, the first series to not be tied in to the early series.
• Also a direct Sequel in Kamen Rider Black RX, which was the based for Saban’s Masked Rider, ala Power Ranger style.
• The series would not have any major TV series for the next decade, but kept alive through live action performance, movies, and CD Dramas.

 

 

Heisei Era, Phase 1 (1999 – 2009)

Heisei meaning “Peace Everywhere” which started after previous Emperor’s Death and lasted until 2019 when then Emperor Akihito abdicated the throne to his Son.  When the former Emperor dies, he will be then known as ‘Emperor Heisei’. 

• 1997 began production on Kamen Rider Kuuga, a rebirth of the series after a decade of television hiatus. Series father Shotaro Ishinomori, began production with the intent of having a 30^th anniversary of the series, but died before Kuuga could air.  On January 30^th, 2000, Kuuga ushered in the rebirth of Kamen Rider.
• Heisei Era would feature a new Kamen Rider series every year, with and established various motifs and ideas over the decade.
• During this time, movie series called Kamen Rider: The First, re-imagined the original Showa Era Kamen Rider tv show and manga, and created series of movies with a darker tone to the original.
• With popularity of Kamen Rider Den-O, a tradition of having a Movie come out toward, or directly after, the end of the series. Movies often add new element to show or expand upon the ending, but usually always have a cameo from the next Kamen Rider in the movie.
• Phase 1 ended with Kamen Rider Decade, a series that followed a Kamen Rider going to alternate version of the last nine Kamen Rider series and gaining their abilities and powers.
• Decade finished early, marking the first time in 10 years where instead of starting in January or February, Kamen Rider shows would start in late August, early September.

 

Heisei Era, Phase 2 (2009 – 2019)

Phase 2 continued the trend of Kamen rider shows, with some notable motifs.

• Double was first rider to be two people
• Wizard was first entirely magical, not based on technology, Rider. Wizard was also first gay Rider

Phrase 2 concluded with Kamen Rider Zi-o, a similar series to Kamen Rider Decade where the hero revisited other Kamen Riders to gain their powers.

 

 

Reiwa Era (2019 – Current)

Reiwa meaning “Beautiful Harmony”.  With Abdication by Emperor Akihito, his son, Naruhito, became Emperor on May 1^st, 2019.  When Emperor Naruhito dies, he will be renamed as Emperor Reiwa. 

• First series to be fully produced in Reiwa era is Kamen Rider Zero-One. It reuses a similar Grasshopper motif.

 

Staples of Kamen Rider:

• Rider Belt (Henshin Device)
• Announcing “Henshin” to change
• Alternate and/or Super Forms
• Motor Cycles
• Every episode takes place over two episodes, IE, two episodes make up one whole story
• Pervious series have no bearing/repercussions on future series. IE, each series is self-contained.  Exceptions are Decade, Zi-o, and Majority of Showa Era series.

 

Rider Motifs/Themes

Each Rider has a motif or theme their rider is based on.  These are often over arching themes or motifs for both Riders and bad guys. 

Some include:

 

Showa Era

• Kamen Rider - Grasshopper
• Kamen Rider V3 - Grasshopper
• Kamen Rider X - Grasshopper
• Kamen Rider Amazon - Incan/Mayan Origin
• Kamen Rider Stronger - Kabuto (Rhino Horn beetle)
• Kamen Rider Skyrider - Remake of First Kamen rider
• Kamen Rider Super-1 - Gloves give special Powers
• Kamen Rider Black - Darker Tone, Seperation from original series
• Kamen Rider Black RX - Direct Sequel to Black, Form Change

 

Heisei Era Phase 1

• Kamen Rider Kuuga - 30th Anniversary
• Kamen Rider Agito - First series with multiple Riders
• Kamen Rider Ryuki - Battle Royal
• Kamen Rider 555 - Greek letters
• Kamen Rider Blade - Playing Cards, Zodiac
• Kamen Rider Hibiki - Japanese Oni(Demons)
• Kamen Rider Kabuto - Various Insects
• Kamen Rider Den-O - Time Travel, Japanese Poems
• Kamen Rider Kiva - Hollywood Monsters, Stained glass, Vampires
• Kamen Rider Decade - 10 Anniversary of Heisei Era, Photography

 

Heisei Era Phase 2

• Kamen Rider W - Two riders as one, mix/match Forms 2x, USB Sticks
• Kamen Rider OOO - Animals, Coins(Metals), Vending Machines, mix/match 3x
• Kamen Rider Fourze - 40th Kamen Rider Anniversary, Space, Mix/Match 4x
• Kamen Rider Wizard - Fantasy magic, Rings
• Kamen Rider Gaim - Japanese Feudal Warfare, Fruit, Dance gangs
• Kamen Rider Drive - Cars, Detective/police
• Kamen Rider Ghost - Historical Figures as Power Ups, Ghosts
• Kamen Rider Ex-Aid - Video Games & Mechanics, Hospital/Doctors
• Kamen Rider Build - Mix/Match x2, Bottles/mixology, science
• Kamen Rider Zi-O - Time Travel, Clocks/Watches

 

Reiwa Era

• Kamen Rider Zero-One - Grasshopper/Animals, Androids

Super Sentai

Early Super Sentai started as mixing Kamen Rider and Cyborg 009, to create a Team of Kamen Rider.  It was also then only known as Sentai.

First canonical series: Himitsu Sentai Gorenger

• Original based off Masks, but later to color.
• Debuting in 1975, longest running Sentai Series.
• Weapons came from Mask
• Very popular, and filled time slot of Kamen Rider.

 

Japanese Spiderman

• Debuting in 1978, Toei licensed Marvel properties for a few years, their first was Spiderman
• Radically different origin/take on Spiderman
• Similar powers, but via a bracelet.
• Introduced Leopardo, a spaceship that transformed in to a Giant Robot (Giant Robo, popular type of Anime/manga in the 70s and early 80s)
• Due to the License agreement with Marvel, next Super Sentai series was partially based Captain America, Battle Fever J
• Marvel initially considered bring over various Super Sentai Series and have American Actors take part of the Japanese actors, something that would be done a decade later. They didn’t due to being unable to secure TV rights. 

 

Due to introduction of giant robots, series was redubbed Super Sentai.  Earlier series Goranger and J.A.K.Q. Dengekitai were later added to the Super Sentai series in 1995.

 

First Super Sentai Series to air in America was Kagaku Sentai Dynaman in 1988, simply as Dynaman.  The series however, as broadcast on Nickelodeon and USA cable networks, was a parody, with voice over.

 

Power Rangers

• Haim Saban major work including making opening themes for various animation series, most notably DIC shows and 80s Tv shows. He would do it for free, but retain the rights to the music.
• In 1984, while in Japan, he discovered Super Sentai series and fell in love with it.
• Attempted to bring series Choudenshi Bioman to the state, but couldn’t get it picked up on Television
• Saban eventually found success in bring over Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger (16^th Series) to America as Power Rangers.
  • Zyuranger Set a lot of milestones for Super Sentai
    • 1^st 7 mecha combiner
    • 6^th ranger that was evil before turning good
    • More light hearted than other series
    • Purely fantastical premise, no military or organization
    • First series To be based on Dinosaurs
  • Saban got Power Rangers approved by Fox Kids, finally getting the series added.
  • Mighty Morphin Power Rangers debuted in 1993.
    • Gosei Sentai Dairanger & Ninja Sentai Kakuranger were used for the 2^nd and 3^rd Season, with part of Kakuranger used for Mighty Morphin Alien Ranger.
    • Only the mechs and badguy suits were kept, despite being a new series with new good guy suits, they kept the previous season’s suits. Saban bought the suits and mecha from Toei. 
    • For Kakuranger, the mecha used is in reverse, with the Ninja MegaZord coming in the second half of Kakuranger, as in Power Rangers it came before the Shogun MegaZord.
    • Saban Entertainment asked Toei to shoot new Footage of Kyuranger fighting Dairanger badguys. They later bought the suits outright and had their cast do all the fight scenes in costume
  • With Shouriki Sentai Ohranger, the team from previous season would get new outfits and robots, signaling the change with every new subsequent series. Later seasons would be redubbed based on that years season’s Sentai Series, IE, Power Ranger Zeo
  • With Power Rangers Turbo, adapted from Gekisou Sentai Carranger, it started with previous seasons cast, but mid-way through, it got a brand new cast to replace older cast.
  • With Power Rangers in Space, adapted from Denji Sentai Megaranger, it brought back the old cast, gave new colors, and put an end to the Zordon Era of Power Rangers.
  • Subsequent Seasons of Power Rangers would more closely follow the style of Super Sentai, with a new team every season to correspond with the Super Sentai Season. IE, no more reusing Rangers.  They also rarely brought up other series or events in other Power Ranger seasons.
    • Exception for Power Rangers Dino Thunder, adapted from Bakuryu Sentai Abaranger, where long stay character Tommy comes back.
    • Tommy is actor with most Suits: Green Ranger, White Ranger, 2 Red Rangers, and a Black Ranger.
  • Originally airing on Fox from 1993 to 2002, Walt Disney purchased the Fox Kids brand and Power Rangers from Saban Entertainment in 2001. The show then aired on Disney affiliated channels until 2009.
  • Power Rangers RPM was to be the last canonical Power Ranger series, adapted from Engine Sentai Go-onger. RPM is considered very dark for a Power Ranger series, but is also adapted from Go-onger, which was a very silly and light hearted show, striking a tonal difference.
  • In 2010, Saban bought back Power Rangers License and produced Power Rangers Samurai in 2011, ending a two year Hiatus for the series.
  • Power Rangers Samurai, adapted from Samurai Sentai Shinkenger, is a more literal adaptation, carry a majority of themes, story, and character names from the Japanese version. Also first series on Nickelodeon; due to format of Nickelodeon, the series was produced as two seasons, as was Nickelodeon’s format at the time.
  • Per Nickelodeon’s style of formatting seasons, rather than typical 32-35 episode season, spanning a year’s worth of episodes, each Sentai Series takes place over two 22 episodes seasons, causing each Super Sentai Series to be told over the course of two years time.
    • They are thus bypassing Ressha Sentai ToQger, Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger, Uchu Sentai Kyuranger, and Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger.

 

Staples of Super Sentai:

• 5 Ranger Teams
  • Occasionally Teams of 3
  • Usually will add a 6^th member, usually more powerful than rest
  • Sometimes a 6^th Man is added who isn’t a Ranger
• Teams are made up of bright colors, rarely reusing colors
  • Always a Red and Blue Ranger on a team, Yellow is second most common to be on a team, followed by Pink, then Green, then Black.
  • Most common 6^th Ranger is Silver, followed by White, Green, Black, Marron/violet.
  • 36% of all shows have a Red, Blue, Yellow, Pink, and Green Combination of main team
  • 5% of all shows have a Red, blue, Yellow, Pink, and Black Combination of main team
  • https://www.deviantart.com/taiko554/art/Super-Sentai-Power-Rangers-Color-Infographic-644432254
  • When outside of their Ranger Suits, actors tend to wear similar colors to their Ranger Suits, IE: Red Ranger is typically wearing red clothing
• Always have a Robot that combines
  • In Power Rangers, they’re called Zords, with the combined form being MegaZord, and the ultimate version being Ultra MegaZord
  • In Sentai, each robot has their own unique term, with no consistency in the naming scheme
• Monster of the week format
  • A new bad guy to beat each episode, with some development in story or character development, with the bad guy working for the main nemesis.
• Bad guy turns into a giant form upon defeat
  • In some seasons, they end up piloting a new robot of their own.
• Always some kind of disposable henchmen type character that aids the main character
• Suit actors, people in the suits, typically play the same type of character for years at a time.
  • IE: Red Ranger is typical the same suit actor, trading with other male rangers
• Super Sentai typically have a movie midway through.
  • Power Rangers has had two movies thus far
    • Power Rangers, the Movie (1995)
    • Power Rangers (2017)

 

 

Notable Themes

Much like Kamen Rider, each season has its own theme, with some themes repeating themselves.  These are some of the unique themes and first time seen:

Kyōryū Sentai Zyuranger - Dinosaur Theme

Ninja Sentai Kakuranger - Ninja Theme

Gekisou Sentai Carranger - Car Themed

Denji Sentai Megaranger - Space themed

Mirai Sentai Timeranger - Time Travel

Mahou Sentai Magiranger - Wizards/magic

Engine Sentai Go-onger - Talking Cars/animal vehicles

Samurai Sentai Shinkenger - Samurai

Tensou Sentai Goseiger - Angel Themed

Kaizoku Sentai Gokaiger - 35 Anniversary, Pirate Themed

Tokumei Sentai Go-Busters - American FBI

Ressha Sentai ToQger - Train themed

Doubutsu Sentai Zyuohger - Cube Animals

Uchu Sentai Kyuranger - Zodiac, 12 rangers

Kaitou Sentai Lupinranger VS Keisatsu Sentai Patranger - First series to follow two Ranger Teams

 

 

Other companies attempted to follow suit with popularity of Tokusatsu series.

• DIC brought in Denkou Choujin Gridman as Superhuman Samurai Syber Squad
• Saban also brought in Space Sheriff Shaider, Jikuu Senshi Spielban, and Choujinki Metalder as VR Troopers
• Saban also brought Juukou B-fighter and B-Fighter Kabuto as Big Bad Beetleborgs

 

 

Homework

http://tracker.tvnihon.com/index.php?category=123

Episodes 1-4 of Kamen Rider Ex Aid

Episodes 1-4 of Uchuu Sentai KyuuRanger

 

Ep 50: Bachelor Review

Topic: Bachelor Review

While I typically write up about 4-5 pages on a topic, that's not the case this time.  Mom had a lot of great information, and our discussion, felt like we were just having a typical conversation about the Bachelor.  It was great that she chimed in on stuff, but this week is light on background information.  I will share some of the things, but you'll have to listen to the Podcast this week to truly understand our Love/Hate for Bachelor this season.

 

OMG, Peter's Mom!  Best Villain!

 

Ep 49: Bachelor Tutorial

Topic: Bachelor Series Tutorial

 

 

This week, the roles are reversed, and rather than our typical host being in the driver's seat, Mom is instead.  That's right, Mom is leading this week's Tutorial, along with next weeks Review of the Bachelor series.  A show that frankly I was watching but didn't have a huge amount of knowledge or background on.  I'm watching it for the Train Wreck that it is, Mom's watching it though... for the Train Wreck that it is, but she knows so much more about than me for once.  Come watch as I learn something this time around.

 

Inception:

Debuted March 25, 2002

 

Seasons:

Bachelor  24

Bachelorette  16

First 4 years Bachelor filmed two seasons per year

 

Bachelor films mid-September to mid-November

Bachelorette films mid-March to mid-May

Each airs approximately 10 episodes + After the Final Rose, sometimes 11

25-30 Contestants; takes 6 episodes to get down the “Final 4”

                Homes Town Dates

                Fantasy Suites

                Men/Women Tell All

                Meet the Parents/Last Chance Date/Rose Ceremony

                After The Final Rose

 

First Night begins around 7pm with arrivals; goes into the following morning so that the Bachelor can have at least 5 minutes with each girls.  A Group Photos is taken around 5-6am, then the first eliminations, usually 5 – 7 contestants, takes place.

 

First two weeks are filmed in “The Mansion”, Villa de la Vina, a 7,590sf, six bedroom, nine bath home in Agoura Hills, Ca

 

The next three episodes feature 2 “group dates” and one One-on-One, filmed on consecutive days; not all contestants get dates each week.  What the show refers to as a week is actually 4 days filming.

 

After the “3^rd week” (usually 10 days into filming), the cast will travel domestically for four days (2 groups dates, a 1-on-1 and Rose Ceremony), then the next episode (down to 8-10) will travel internationally for the next two episodes to get to Home Towns. 

 

Home Town dates take place in the contestant’s hometown and take 9-10 days to film: travel – date – travel – date – travel – date – travel – date – travel – Rose Ceremony. Each features a day time activity and then diner at the parent’s “Home”.  Homes are frequently Air BNBs or borrowed homes of friends.  The Bachelor can usually identify at least three of the four he thinks will be getting home towns a week or two in advance so that a Logistics Team can scope out possible filming locations or create ideas for dates, arrange performers, ect.

 

Fantasy Suite Dates:  The Final Three are given “Fantasy Suite” dates.  A full day activity and then a Night Time very private date in a romantic setting at a hotel.  At some point during the “Dinner” the couple “finds” a card from Chris Harrison that reads “ X and X, here is a key.  If you decide to forego your separate rooms, please enjoy a night in this fantasy suite.”

 

There have been Bachelor/Bachelorettes who have told their “Date” that they wanted just to spend the time talking and not use the suite, or have broken off the date during the day time portion (Desiree and Andi).

 

There have been contestants who have declined going into the Suite.  Helena (Aaron), Becca (Chris S.) Luke P., Madison. Constantine declined Ashley.

 

Dates are filmed: travel – overnight – day off – overnight – day off – overnight – Rose Ceremony.  Contestants (with the exception of the current season) are kept separated so that they can’t talk between themselves.  They are together during Rose Ceremonies but not allowed to converse.

 

Meet the Parents/Last Chance Date/Rose Ceremony

One or two night event.  Takes a week to film:  Travel – #1 meets the parents - #2 meets the parents - #1 Last Chance Date - #2 Last Chance Date – Ring Selection – Rose Ceremony

 

After The Final Rose

Filming ends 10 weeks (Bachelor), 6 weeks (Bachelorette) before airing.  During this time, there are “Safe House” visits for the couples, often in Palm Springs.  At AFTR, the “runner-up” talks with Chris Harrison and then the Lead to get closure.  The Lead and the Winner reunite and talks about their plans.  Some seasons the next Lead is introduced and meets 4-6 of their Contestants.

 

Recurring themes:

The “Interupt”

The “Comeback”

The “Unexpected New Contestant”

The “Departure”/Self Elimination

 

Spinoffs:

Bachelor Pad

Bachelor in Paradise

Bachelor Winter Games

Bachelor Presents: Listen to Your Heart

This summer, Bachelor Summer Games

 

International: Canada, Australia, United Kingdom, New Zealand, Romania, Brazil, Japan

 

Live Shows:

Bachelor Live

 

Leads:

Twice a Lead wasn’t chosen until mid-way through the first episode:

                Byron Velivk and Jay Overbye

                Kaitlyn Bristow and Britt Nilsson

 

Unusual Endings:

                10 – Brad Womack didn’t propose to either woman and left single (only time ever happened)

                13 - Jason Mesnick was pressured to choose Melissa because Molly Malaney told producers that she wouldn’t accept a proposal.  He broke up on ATFR and later married Molly

                18 – Juan Pablo famously wouldn’t propose to Nikki, or tell her he loved her, only that he liked her very much.

                22 - ArieLuyendyk Jr choose Becca but later had a change of heart and broke-off in a filmed “Safe House” visit to pursue Lauren who he proposed to on ATFR.  They married 1 year later.

                23 – Colton Underwood “jumped the fence” during Fantasy Suite Week and tried to leave the show when he realized that producers had brought in Cassie’s father to talk her out of going further.  He later cut loose both of the other remaining contestants to pursue Cassie.  They did not get engaged.

 

Marriages:

Bachelor

                13 – Jason Mesnick& Molly Malaney

                17 – Sean Lowe and Catherine Giudici

                22 – ArieLuyendyk and Lauren Burnham

Bachelorette

                1 – Trista Rehn & Ryan Sutter

                7 – Ashley Hebert & JP Rosenbaum

                9 – Desiree Hartsock& Chris Sigfried

                13 – Rachel Lindsay & Bryan Abasolo

 

Controversies:

• Environment – Contestants are not allowed TV, books, movies, but encouraged to drink and forced to have “Chats”
• ITM – In the Moments. ITMs are supposed filmed during events, but contestants are frequently called back during editing, weeks later, to refilm segments.  Fans point to differing earrings, length of beards or hair as proof.
• Frankenbiting – Frankenbiting refers to the editing of dialog out of context, out of order within a conversation, or altogether parsing words by showing the side or back of someone speaking and inserting parts of dialog from other days of filming.
• Manipulation by Producers. Villains are created by encouraging contestants to disrupt other’s time w/Leads, encourage contestants to be aggressive, make private visits, encourage tattle telling.
• Good Edits/Bad Edits. Contestants can get a bad edit simply be refusing to play along.  Kelley this season is an example.

 

For the Wrong Reasons:

• Personal Trainers and Body Builders. There are not very many male contestants with “real Jobs”.  Many women are in Pharmaceutics Sales.  The amount of time the show takes to film (anyway from 1 week to 8 weeks) prohibits many gainfully employed from participating.
• Advent of Influencers – many contestants entering the show over the last 5-7 years have been Instagram or twitter “Influencers” who already were advertising products.
• Beauty Queens – the last three season have seen Miss America Contestants – at least three per season, all hoping to push their careers.
• Introduction of Musicians and Models – many thought Luke Pell didn’t get the bachelor gig because he was too openly pushing his music. Jed (winner of Hannah B’s season) openly admitted to Hannah that he went on the show to help his music career.

 

UNREAL – TV Spoof and SNL Satires

 

Blogs and Podcasts!!!

 

The number one way to monetize your Bachelor experience is to Blog or Podcast!

 

Contestant Blogs/Podcasts:

Sharleen Joynt (Juan Pablo) – Flare Magazine: Insightful and honest.  Not “Bachelor Nation” fed.

Olivia Caridi (Chris Soules) – Mouthing Off – Honest, a little snark but well done

Ben Higgins (Kaitlyn Bristow, Lead) and Ashley I (Chris Soules) – Almost Famous - Bachelor Nation driven, darlings of production, aren’t going to bite the hand that feeds

Nick Viall (Andi, Kaitlyn, Lead) – The Viall Files – Another Bachelor Nation driven podcast

Rachel Lindsay (Nick Viall, Lead) and Becca Kufrin (Arie, lead) – Bachleor Happy Hour – the “Official” Bachelor Nation podcast – no spoiler and nothing that would upset Production.

Kaitlyn Bristow – Off the Vine – Lots of wine and messy conversation but fun.

 

Non-Contestant Blogs/Podcasts:

Reality Steve – most quoted Spoiler, disliked by Bachelor Nation, has been sued by production 3 times

Here to Make Friends (Huffington Post) – Gets lots of “big name” contestants

AfterBuzzTv – rotating cast of hosts.

Bachelor Party w/Juliet Litman (Ringer) – one of the first, good connections and some members of production

 

“Bro-Shows”

Rosecast  w/ Tim Kennedy – unique Sports like style

The E & G Podcast w/Geoff Kieth and Ian Gulbransen.  One is a comedian and the other is a tech nerd.

 

Homework

Reality Steve Podcast – Interview with Luke Parker

Bachelor Happy Hour - Fantasy Suite Week with Chris Harrison

Flare – Peter is Giving Victoria F Way Too Much Credit

Ep 48: Batman Review

Topic: Batman Media Review

 

We’re back to discuss the films that I got mom to watch for homework.  What struck me more about the conversation wasn’t the story, but the psychology of Bruce Wayne and the ego mom found fascinating in the character.  Certain one of the most interesting conversations I think we have ever had, so you should definitely check it out.

 

 

Dark Knight

2008, Sequel to Batman Begins

Christian Bale – Batman

Heath Ledger – Joker

Michael Caine – Alfred

Aaron Eckhart – Harvey Dent / Two Face

Gary Oldman – Detective Gordon

• Many of the Joker’s actions were unscripted and improvised by Health Ledger, including when Hospital Explodes, Clapping in Jail, and licking his lips.
• First comic book movie to break a Million
• Health Ledger won Oscar posthumously, second person to do so, First comic book movie to win award
• Character of Reese was an allusion to the Riddler

 

 

Batman Under Red Hood

Tells story of mysterious Red Hood arriving in Gotham to clean up crime through violence and murder. 

Bruce Greenwood – Batman

Jensen Ackles – Redhood

John Dimaggio – Joker

Neil Patrick Harris – Dick Grayson (Nightwing)

Wade Williams – Black Mask

 

• Always minor difference in batsuit during flashbacks, like yellow chest symbol, or utility belt
• Animated film was original meant to be R rated, but was changed after low sales of other animated movies
• First time Jason Todd had been featured on TV/movie form, though illusions to him had been made in the past.
• Based off Batman – Death in the Family

 

 

Batman Year One

Tells story of Batman and Jim Gordon’s first year in Gotham and them beginning their crusade to clean up the city.

Bryan Cranston – Jim Gordon

Ben McKenzie – Bruce Wayne

Jon Polito – Commissioner Loeb

• Adapted from Batman Year One graphic novel
• Ben McKenzie plays Jim Gordon on Gotham, and is only man to play role of both Gordon and Batman
• Batman Year One was almost a movie, with Darren Aronofsky set to direct. It was beat out by Batman Begins instead

 

 

Batman Bad Blood

Batman has gone missing and Nightwing takes up the Mantle of Batman in order to show Gotham that there is still hope.

Jason O’mara – Batman

Yvonne Strahovski – Batwoman

Staurt Allan – Damian Wayne (Robin)

Sean Maher – Dick Grayson (Nightwing)

Morena baccarin – Talia al Ghul

Gaius Charles – Batwing

• First Appearance of Batwing outside of Comic books
• When Dick Grayson is on the phone, he’s talking to a Kori, AKA Starfire from Teen Titans
• Includes elements of Batman Battle for the Cowl and Batman Incorporated
• Batgirl makes appearance, sporting outfit from New 52 series of comics.

Ep 47: Batman Tutorial

Topic: Batman Tutorial

 

We’re moving on from Gundam, and in to… The Batman!  This is the first of what will be coming in the next year of Focused Topics, as where previously, we had been broad in discussion about Anime, Manga, Star Trek, and such, we’ll be diving in to more focused parts of geek culture, namely the heroes, villains, and key elements of certain media.  Batman being one of the most ubiquitous comic book heroes in almost all media from Comics, to TV, to movies, and even anime and music, I figured this was a good place to start.

 

Tutorial

 

DC vs Marvel Continuity

Marvel’s continuity is never explicitly mentioned or referenced, since Marvel deliberately doesn’t mention when events occur.  In most cases, Events in Marvel happened a few years ago usually.

 

DC continuity is often the Story.  Namely that it has changed, reshaped, and modified the continuity endlessly over time.  There’s been numerous major events that reshape the world and universe of DC to the point that it’s hard to talk about some characters, events, or even stories properly without rationalizing if they happened before certain events or not.  This doesn’t make DC hard to follow, but rather makes it more difficult to be invested in long running stories, as the universe could up-end everything a few years later in a big event. 

Check out this video on DC Continuity 

https://www.youtube.com/embed/wunNa04W0sE

 

Batman

More about characters than individual plot/stories.

First appeared in Detective Comics #27, 1939.

 

Bruce Wayne (Batman)

• Classic well known character.
  • Caped Crusader
  • Dark Knight
  • World’s Greatest Detective
• Watched his parents get killed after coming out of a theatre(Sometimes movie theatre). Devoted his life to stopping crime after the event.
• Decided on Bat-theme as he discovered the now Batcave as a child and was afraid of the bats in the cave(Depending on Story)
• Doesn’t kill.
• No Super-Human Powers
• Depending on story, studied or well educated in:
  • Criminology
  • Software Engineering and/or Computer Engineering
  • Chemistry
  • Biology
  • Physics
  • Psychology
  • Master of Various martial arts
  • Acrobat
• Considered the world’s greatest detective
• Consider to be in Peak physical form for man in his age.
  • Some stories he’s in his mid to late 20s, or as old as his early 40s.
• Fights for what’s right for the city, outside of the law.
• Will not take a life
• Equipment:
  • Batsuit
    • Built using Kevlar and various cloth based armors
    • Symbol on chest is often hardest part of the suit, (Intentional)
    • Mask includes radio for ease of communication
    • Bracers/gloves have unique Fins/Blade catching spikes
    • Utility belt (Numerous gadgets)
    • Grapple Hook
    • Cape can be used for stealth and gliding in the air.
  • Batmobile
    • Various incarnations of cars
    • Later version have gadgets and tools
    • Some don’t look like cars
    • Various Planes, Boats, Submarines, or motorcycles have been used in the past.
  • Doesn’t use Guns
• Thought to be a Psychopath by some people.
• Alfred is his trusted butler, right hand man when it comes to managing and assisting batman.
• Lucius Fox: trusted advisor, inventor, business manager, and associate to Bruce Wayne/Batman
• Previously Played by Adam West, Michael Keaton, Val Kilmer, George Clooney, Christian Bale, Ben Affleck, Kevin Conroy

 

Alternative Versions

Terry McGinnis : Batman Beyond(Batman of the Future)

• Gotham 40 years after Batman, Bruce Wayne has retired
• Terry (17 Years Old) takes up Bruce Wayne's old, but very high tech, Batsuit
  • Cloak
  • Integrated wings
  • Integrated bat tool
  • Enhance Strength & Durability
• Some returning villains, some new ones.

 

 

Robins:

All incarnations of Robin are often depicted being an element of Batman character.

All Robins have worn a Red, Yellow, Green, and Black costume, symbolized by the letter “R” on left breast.

 

Dick Grayson

• First Robin
• Former acrobat, parents died during high-wire event in a circus. Bruce offers for Dick to become his ward, and eventually Robin
• In most cases, people talking about Robin are talking about this incarnation
• Considered the next to inherit the Batman Role
  • He did on the one occasion Batman died
• Became new hero called “Nightwing” when he became disillusioned with Batman’s Ideals
• Represents the peak physical conditions of Batman
  • Is equally smart and morally just.

 

Jason Todd

• Second Robin
• Discovered by Batman as Jason was stealing the Batmobile’s tires.
• Initially a ‘Rebel’ Robin, not wanting to conform to society and often going against orders.
• Batman makes him a Robin, despite lack of physical conditioning, as he feared Jason would turn to a life of crime afterwards.
• Character actually died in Comics due to a fan vote. First death of a robin/side kick.
  • Character was later revived through various means, but comes back resenting Bruce Wayne
• Becomes the anti-hero/villain “Red Hood”
• Represents the psychopathic tendencies of Batman

 

Tim Drake

• Third Robin
• Tim deduced that Batman and Robin was Bruce Wayne and Dick Grayson due to Dick’s acrobatic skills.
• He offers/convinces Batman to allow him to become Robin because Batman has gotten more violent and reckless without a Robin
• Later becomes the Red Robin after Dick Grayson becomes Batman
  • During Batman’s Death, he tried to prove that Batman was still alive.
• Only man behind Batman to have Ra’s al Ghul to be addressed as “Detective”.
• Represents the intelligence and detective skills of Batman

 

Stephanie Brown

• Fourth Robin
• First Female Robin, former Girl Friend of Tim Drake, former vigilante. Took over the role when Time resigned for a period of time.
• She was fired by Batman for not following orders.
• She was apparently killed when she attempted to orchestrate one of Batman’s plans for a gang war
  • Her death was faked by a doctor, trying to protect her, but also trying to prove a point to Batman and other kids so that they wouldn’t become Robin ever again.
• She’s often not thought of as a true Robin as she only had the role for a short time.

 

Damian Wayne

• Fifth Robin, Current
• Damian is the son of Bruce Wayne and Talia al Ghul via. Talia gives Damian to Bruce when she must go in to hiding. 
• Upon Batman’s Death, Dick Grayson becomes Batman and promotes Damian to Robin
  • Typically Batman is brooding and Robin is more innocent/fun, the roles were reversed somewhat during Dick’s run as Batman, with Damian being more hard edge
  • After Bruce Wayne returned, Damian continued as Robin
• Much more bleeding edge and hardcore than even Batman
• Represents the violent and morally blurring aspects of Batman

 

 

Other Allies:

Commissioner James Gordon

• Head of Police in Gotham
• Ally of Batman, often giving direction and insight to Batman
• Often seen as Trusting Batman fully, though in later incarnations, questioning the vigilante nature of Batman.
• Shares same belief/feelings about protecting Gotham and ridding it of Crime element.

 

 

Barbara Gordon (Batgirl)

• Initially Created for the Batman TV show with Adam West, but migrated to the comics upon her popularity.
• Daughter of Police Commissioner James Gordon, she initially worked as the Head Librarian for Gotham Library system, thought to be one of the largest Libraries in the world.
• Became Batgirl by accident after foiling plan, but eventually became an ally of Batman
• In the graphic novel, Killing Joke, Joke shoot Barbara Gordon in the spine, causing her to become paralyzed from the waist down
  • This is carried over in to the mainline comics, where she is no longer Batgirl, but instead becomes a mysterious information broker known as ‘Oracle’.
  • As Oracle, she helps Batman deal with information and computer warfare. She also starts her own organization called “Birds of Prey” as an all female super hero troop to fight off other crimes.
• Due to reality bending incidents, she eventually regains her mobility and becomes Batgirl once again.

 

 

 

Villains

Joker

• #1 Batman Villain
• Clown Prince of Crime
• He is presented as a criminal mastermind with a twisted sense of humor
• No real Origin Story ever established
• Multiple interpretations on the character:
  • Mafia/Criminal Organization Boss
  • Psychopath
  • Chaotic Lunatic
  • Jokester
• Previously played by Jack Nicholson, Heath Ledger, and Mark Hammil

Harley Quinn

• Another character that started in the Animated TV show, translated to Comic
• Former Psychologist at Arkham Asylum, fell in love with Joker
• Often portrayed as just as lunatic as Joker

 

Penguin

• Oswald Cobbelpott
• Former Criminal and super villain, used themed umbrella
• Now operated semi-legitimate organizations for his criminal enterprise
• One of few villains Batman allows, seeing him as useful information

 

Riddler

• Edward Nigma
• Super level genius
• Hell bent on proving that he smarter than everyone else, including Batman

 

Catwoman

• Selina Kyle
• Master theme with cat theme
• One of Batman’s many lovers
• Another person Batman allows as a former love interest and occasional ally.

 

Two-Face

• Harvey Dent
• Former Gotham District Attorney, he had acid splashed in his face and went crazy because of it.
• Crime center around the flip of a coin and two opposing sides/choices

 

Mr. Freeze

• Dr Victor Fries
• Former Scientist who was researching Cryogenics for his wife who was suffering from a terminal illness
• An Accident forced him to have to wear a cold suit.
• His powers/crimes revolve around Ice

 

Bane

• The man that Broke Batman
• A genius level criminal mind who is addicted to a drug known as venom, turns his body in to something similar to the Hulk
• Known previously for breaking Batman’s back and putting him out of commission for a period of time

 

Poison Ivy

• Pamela Isley
• Former Biochemist and Botanist who is an eco-terrorist.
• Her powers revolve around poisons and manipulating plants
• Occasionally teams up with villains Catwoman and Harley Quinn

 

Ra’s al Ghul

• Name translates to “Head of the Ghoul”
• Eco-Terrorist bent on returning the world to a natural balance
• Over 700 years old
  • His life is extended via the Lazarus Pits, wells of restoring water/liquid that can even restore life in to people and turn them young.

 Talia al Ghul

• Daughter to Ra’s al Ghul and mother to Damian Wayne
• Frequent love partner to Batman
• Almost always around her father or his activities, rarely acts outside of his interests

 

Scarecrow

• Jonathan Crane
• Former Arkham Asylum Psychologist
• He is known for his scarecrow like look
• Master of Fear through gasses and toxin he releases to cause hysteria

 

 

Homework

Dark Knight

Batman: Under the Red Hood

Batman: Year One

Batman: Bad Blood

 

 

Ep 46: Gunpla Building & WWE Smackdown 2/7

Topic: Gunpla Building & WWE Smackdown 2/7

 

We’re back once again, but we’re multitasking.  Go figure.  We’re still working on building our little RX-78-2 Gundam model, but we also had the chance to see the WWE in town once again!  So we’re doing a little bit of both this week, talking about what we saw, but also working through our Gundam. 

We recorded our Gundam being built, but we lost some of the footage along the way in the beginning.  Check out our video version of the podcast on our Youtube Page. 

 

WWE Smackdown 2/7 

Miz and Morrison were interrupted several times during the return of “The Dirt Sheet” 

The Usos def. Dolph Ziggler & Robert Roode 

Elias def. Cesaro 

Roman Reigns attacked King Corbin after Corbin humiliated a WWE fan 

Goldberg eyed the Universal Title and called out “The Fiend’ Bray Wyatt 

Daniel Bryan def. Heath Slater

Shinsuke Nakamura sent a message to new Intercontinental Champion Braun Strowman

Sheamus def. Apollo Crews 

Carmella def. Dana Brooke, Naomi and Alexa Bliss to earn a future SmackDown Women’s Championship opportunity

Ep 45: Gunpla Tutorial & Building

Topic:  Gunpla Tutorial & Building

 

This week, bolstered by the understanding and knowledge of what Gundam is and its historical significance to the Anime and Japanese media landscape, we dive in to the hobby that still keeps the company in business.  Gunpla itself is the ancient art of folding American firearms, or Guns, into unique shapes and…. Okay this joke didn’t work on my Mom so much, but come ‘Watch’ us build a Gundam!

 

This week, we recorded the Podcast once again.  So we recommend visiting our Youtube Page to see the build process and progress we made.

You can visit this week's Video Version Here.

 

Tutorial:

Gunpla = Gundam + Plastics

Gunpla kits are prepackaged with various part trays or ‘Runners’.  These much be snapped or snipped off in the order of the included instructions to be built properly.  Some kits also include stickers, decals, and water stickers for further decorating. 

While the original kit includes all you need to build a Gunpla model, there are various ways to improve the base model, from repaint and adding panel lines, to added damage or additional panel lines, to adding them to dioramas, and even adding LED lights to your model.  People have done a lot of real cool stuff with these kits.

Most kits sizes range from 1:144 (approx 13 cm tall), 1:100 (approx 16–19 cm tall) and 1:60 (approx 30 cm tall).  There are some exceptions for unusual models or Super Deformed models, but these are among the norms.

 

Like any good hobby, there are levels to the kits:

High Grade (HG)

• These are improve quality over more basic models(Kits with no grade rating), offering good range of mobility and greater possibility.  Often 1:144 or 1:100 scale. 

Real Grade (RG)

• These kits are smaller 1:144 scale kits that take elements from Master Grade and Perfect Grade kits and scales them down.  Elements such as inner frames and high degree of motion.

Master Grade (MG)

• These are more superior model kits of the High Grade, offering greater quality controls and higher level plastics, but generally more expensive.  They can take much longer to build as a result, but reward with straight out of the box presentation quality.  These are always in a 1:100 scale.

Reborn-One Hundred (RE/100)

• These are kits that are too large, obscure, or costly to normally produce.  Often kits for unpopular side mobile suits or more hard to find Gunplay.  They’re similar in quality to the Master Grade, but lack internal frames and some greater articulation as Master Grade.  These are typically 1:100 scale kits. 

Perfect Grade (PG)

• The highest level of quality you can get.  These 1:60 scale kits will have high complexity to them, including full metal pieces and even LEDs that need to be wired together, but offer the greatest level of detail in a Gunpla.  These are often limited runs and very expensive, and can often take days to weeks to properly build.  These are only if you are truly dedicated to the craft.

 

There are lots of tutorials online for building Gunpla, including how to put together, paint, and even full demonstrations of that you will get out of the line, so you can know in advance if it’s worth the purchase and what you will get.

For more information, visit:

https://gundam.fandom.com/wiki/Gunpla

Ep 44: WWE Royal Rumble 2020 Review

Topic: WWE Royal Rumble 2020 Review

 As mom stated before in our round up episode from just a few weeks back, one of the things she found herself willing to revisit was WWE and how infectious it was to be a part of.  I couldn’t agree more, and so this time I wanted to introduce her to one of the more fun and interesting events in WWE’s calendar of events, the Royal Rumble.  She seemed to enjoy herself, come listen to our opinions on the matches.

Review:

Roman Reigns vs King Corbin

• Falls Count Anywhere (No Disqualification, can be pinned anywhere, usually out in the arena/stadium)

 

Women’s Royal Rumble

• Winner gets to challenge for any highest level title on any of the currently running shows at Wrestlemania. 
• IE: Smackdown Women’s Championship, Raw Women’s Championship, or NXT Women’s Championship.

 Rules:

• Two Superstar will Start In the Ring
• Every 90 Seconds(Approximately) another Superstar will enter
• Superstars are Eliminated by going OVER the Top Rope
• Both Feet must Touch the Floor to be Eliminated
• Last remaining person in the ring will win a Championship Match at Wrestlemania

  

WWE Smackdown Women’s Champion Bayley vs Lacey Evans

• WWE Smackdown Women’s Championship Match

  

WWE Universal Champion "The Fiend" Bray Wyatt vs Daniel Bryan

• WWE Universal Championship Match
• Strap Match

 Rules:

• Both Superstars are connected via a 15 foot long leather strap around their left wrists.
• Strap can be used as a weapon or tool.

 

 WWE Raw Women’s Champion Becky Lynch vs Asuka

• WWE Raw Women’s Championship Match

  

Men’s Royal Rumble

• Winner gets to challenge for any highest level title on any of the currently running shows at Wrestlemania. 
• IE: WWE (World Heavyweight) Championship, Universal Championship, or NXT Championship. 

Rules:

• Two Superstar will Start In the Ring
• Every 90 Seconds(Approximately) another Superstar will enter
• Superstars are Eliminated by going OVER the Top Rope
• Both Feet must Touch the Floor to be Eliminated
• Last remaining person in the ring will win a Championship Match at Wrestlemania