In-Depth with the Soul Eater Manga

A sound soul dwells within a sound mind and a sound body. – Maka Albarn

Soul Eater is a blast to watch in its anime form. From the driving guitar riff of its opening; to the fluid, over the top animation; to the tender moments between characters; there’s a lot to love in this series. After watching many episodes of the anime and coming to name it one of my favorite shows, I decided to dive into the manga a couple years ago.

Recently, I have finished what I started. This journey into madness to find what makes a soul special was a bit different from the anime. Though the path diverges at various points, the adventure is well worth exploring. Both the manga and the animated adaptation hit similar notes overall: madness, the human spirit and humor.

Artist and writer Okubo sketching the main character, Maka Albarn.
Artist and writer Okubo sketching the main character, Maka Albarn.

The Soul Eater manga has been in development for about ten years or so. First published in 2004 by none other than Square Enix, Atsushi Okubo penned a unique world in which Meisters and Weapons hunt down monsters to get stronger, culminating in the final hunt of a witch. Doing so, allows the weapon a massive power boost and the title of a Death Weapon, to be used by Death himself. In short, most of the main characters seek to better themselves and their weapon partners in this fashion. Twenty-five volumes hold Soul Eater’s story.

Dynamic lines show off mastery of motion by Okubo. Maka knows how to use her Scythe!
Dynamic lines show off mastery of motion by Okubo. Maka knows how to use her Scythe!

The characters do have simple designs, but this simplicity allows for more room in the plot, which doesn’t break any molds, but remains one of the most enjoyable rides in manga, having layers of meaning in each scene. The precise line-work and use of perspective also gives the artist room to depict action, creating fluid fight scenes.

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Dr. Franken Stein has trouble with madness as he just wants to take things apart to study what makes them tick.

Madness permeates Soul Eater’s story as it does the world in the pages. The artwork compliments this perfectly with jagged lines and blurred splotches. Scenes with the monstrous Kishin are terrifying, even though there’s little threat to the main cast. Madness becomes the main antagonist, making it the big bad instead of a central character, although a character comes to embody that madness. Early plot lines focus on characters gaining power, while battling their own inner demons to avoid going mad.

Maka breaks during a battle with her friend Crona, making for a disturbing battle between the crazed.
Maka breaks during a battle with her friend Crona, making for a disturbing battle between the crazed.

What’s interesting is that the story focuses on exploring what it means to go mad. It details the process of this in many of its characters, each having unique reactions and coping strategies to madness. Black Star, a ninja wanting to be the strongest entity in the world, goes mad with power lust. He becomes godlike in his physical power, trumping all foes with brute force and rashness. Compare this to Soul Evans’ madness of inner collapse and fear of being accepted by others. Even the stoic and reasonable Maka goes crazy while trying to keep things together and breaking for a moment.

Crona walks away from Maka, the only friend in the darkness.
Crona walks away from Maka, the only friend in the darkness.


The story also shows the triumph of the human spirit in its portrayal of the characters and the framework of the Academy. Meisters must master their weapons by perfecting their souls through battle against dark, wicked forces. The whole concept is a trial by fire, becoming especially interesting with the cast of villains. Crona, child of the witch Medusa, is one of the most peculiar characters of this theme. Lacking a clear gender and a solid mind due to Medusa’s abuse and experiments, Crona slowly develops into a demon, but does have instances of redemption.

Death the Kid has a hard time dealing with a random obsession with boobs after the final battle with madness.
Death the Kid has a hard time dealing with a random obsession with boobs after the final battle with madness.

Humor provides the contrast for the dark plot and themes. Some of the funniest lines are juxtaposed immediately after insane, and often gory, battles. Even at the end of the manga’s story, Okubo lightens the mood by showing how the characters suddenly have an obsession with breasts immediately after madness threatened to cover the world. As this goes on after seeing the height of Soul Eater’s plot, it feels absurd, causing laughs and anger all at once.

Medusa shows motherly love to Crona for the first time.
Medusa shows motherly love to Crona for the first time.

Yet, Death the Kid makes a comment that pulls this absurdity into the realm of reason. Crona was one of the driving forces of the final battle. Maybe his emotions affected the world as well?  Death then concludes that it was due to Crona’s lack of a true mother, touching on Freudian concepts. This comedy contrasted with tragedy is what gives Soul Eater a unique tone; it’s built in layers.

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Blair is a witch that is also a cat and she has no shame. Also one of the stronger witches in the series.

Soul Eater, on the surface, is an action comic of ridiculous proportions. Characters transform into powerful weapons. The sun and moon both have faces. Death the Kid is obsessed with symmetry. Blair the Witch is fan service in human (or cat?) form.

The complete manga set.
The complete manga set. Photo from Ebay.

However, as the story develops, even the absurdity starts to take on a different shape, explaining the complex notes of the story with imagery and character development. Even the books themselves, when put on a shelf, shows the progression of darkness as the spines get darker, eventually becoming pitch black. The final volume is bright white, showing the resolution of the story. Noticing this for the first time is a powerful feeling, making the connection between the artistic design and the writer’s words stronger.

Okubo has penned a masterpiece in writing and in art.

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Cosplay Spotlight: The Jokumi

Name/alias                                    

The Jokumi

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Location                                          

Singapore

When was your first cosplay?    

2001/2

What was it?                                    

Noriyasu Seta from Love Hina with a shovel

Cosplay achievements               

WCS Team Singapore – 2013

WCS Team Singapore – 2014

Cosplay pet peeve 

 That girl cosplayers will always have the prettier selection of costumes that I won’t have the opportunity to do.

 What inspired you to get into cosplay?

I was so infatuated with Belldandy since she’s so pretty and gentle and stuff, and so I thought, what if I could be someone in there, like Keiichi, but I didn’t have a motorcycle when I was 18, to which I chose the next best character I felt I could pull off.

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Macross Frontier (Kindan no Elixir): Sheryl Nome Photographer: Fumina Kamiya

What is the piece you are most proud of?

Sheryl Nome – Kindan no Elixir / Prince. I’ve always wanted to cosplay my waifu.

Who is your dream team to work on a cosplay with?

Skilled people to make an unforgettable performance, who can follow schedules and be on time.

What is a typical day in the life of you when working on a cosplay?

Measuring shit, drawing shit down, cutting shit up, cutting myself, making a mess, joining shit together, poking/burning myself, ow, add finishing to shit… done…

How long does it take to do an average cosplay?

Typically 2 weeks, if I’m not lazy.

What is the process how do you start from picking out the cosplay to finally wearing it?

  1. Do I like it?
    1. Yes, proceed to 2.
    2. No, don’t do it.
  2. Do I think I can make it?
    1. Yes, proceed to 3.
    2. No, don’t do it.
  3. Do I have money to eat?
    1. Yes, proceed to 4.
    2. No, don’t do it.
  4. Plan all steps required to make the costume.
    1. Sketch and itemize sections.
    2. Digitally superimpose general image onto self in actual scale.
    3. Get general actual dimensions for all items required.
  5. Do the steps required to make the costume.
    1. From 4c, draw templates on paper by hand or ideally CAD it out.
    2. Transfer templates to materials (foam, cloth, etc.)
    3. Cut materials and join them together (glue, sew, etc.)
      1. Do intermediate test fittings to make sure you don’t need to redo everything if something messed up.
    4. Apply finishers (vinyl, paint, glittery shit, bling, etc.)
  6. Check if what you did was right.
    1. Put on everything and do final test fit.
    2. Alter any parts that don’t fit properly.
  7. Costume is complete and ready to be shown to the world.

Who are your inspirations?

Tom Hanks and Sean Connery, just to name a few. Cosplay wise, really good costume makers who have really detailed fabric knowledge and skills.

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Sakura Taisen: Oogami Ichirou Photographer: Maria Tachi Cosplay

WCS

WCS stands for World Cosplay Summit.  It’s where more than 2 dozen countries send a team of two to compete in Japan for the title of Best Cosplayers in the world.

What dates were you representing your nation at WCS?

August 2013 and August 2014.

What costumes did you take?

August 2013: Final Fantasy XI – Corsair.

August 2014: Sakura Taisen – Oogami Ichirou / Aoi Satan / Chibi Koubu.

What was the experience like? Tell us about the process from heats in your nation to finals in Japan.

Singapore is a small country so there’s only registration around March and selection that is done in July.

The finals are held in August, where there’ll usually be PR and media stuff for days before the detailed costume judging, which is conducted by an international panel and held before final performances. We’ll then have the red carpet parade in the morning of the finals and then perform and wait for results in the evening.

What was the highlight for you?

Standing on the stage where the (cosplay) world looks at you for 2 and half minutes.

What was your proudest moment?

Being nominated for the Nico Nico awards in 2014 after a disastrous 2013; but it was also the saddest because we lost to cat girls.

Any funny stories or bloopers?

Sebestian and I were trying out a last minute stage effect in our hotel room. The air popper was stuck on the back of his helmet and it didn’t activate when he pressed it twice. He took it off to check what’s wrong with it and it blew up confetti almost in his face.

 What advice do you have for others attempting to enter WCS?

Stamina is very important. 2 weeks of cosplaying will take a toll on your body.

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Rurouni Kenshin – Kyoto Inferno: Shishio Makoto Photographer: Shaun S. Photography

What is the current project you are working on?

Captain Jack Sparrow, Suicide Squad’s Joker.

What is your dream project?

To write and direct a full length theatrical stage piece.

If you could pick anyone to act as your mentor, who would it be?

Steven Spielberg; on how to create captivating performances.

How has the industry changed since you first started?

It’s got a little idol-ly and cosplaying because the series is popular across the world now as compared to when most people were cosplaying because they really like the character and want to bring him/her to life.

How do you feel about the change to mainstream thanks to shows like The Big Bang Theory and the movies now in the cinema like Spiderman and Batman vs Superman?

I don’t really watch TV so I can’t really comment on those. Movies wise, I guess it’s interesting to see what the director’s feels and edits. Some were pretty interesting and some were a huge miss.

Anything extra you would like to share:

Remember cosplay is ultimately to bring your character to life, not just who has the prettier face or who has more bling in your costumes.

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Zone-00: Kurobara Renji Photographer: Orie Yokoyama

Fun time:

Who is your favourite comic book character?

Ah! My Goddess – Hild.

Who is your favourite author (books)?

Tom Clancy.

What is your favourite movie?

Saving Private Ryan.

What is your favourite band/music artist?

Savage Garden.

What is a quirk you have (like dipping fries into chocolate Sunday)?

Giving the “rape face” to people and enjoying their “wtf” reactions.

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Jojo’s Bizzare Adventure: Steel Ball Run Character: Mountain Tim Photographer: Orie Yokoyama

Pick-

Day or night                                               

Night

Star Trek or Star Wars                 

Star Wars

Coffee or Tea  

Coffee

Summer or Winter

Neither… but winter will be the better choice

Cats or Dogs

CATS!

Batman or Superman                  

Batman

Movies or a book

Movies

Pizza or Burgers                           

Burgers

Coke or Pepsi      

Coke                          

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Final Fantasy XI: Corsair Photographer: DaizMiah Official
You can see more of Jokumi’ work on FacebookTwitter or his WorldCosplay Profile

Next project release date of current project: January 2016

 

 

Smite World Championships 2016

Yes, I’ve harped about Smite for years, almost since its inception, but it has become one of the top E-Sports spectator games available. That is a fact, Giga Bytes. Riding off the success of League of Legends treatment of high level play and showmanship, Hi-Rez has created an amazing environment for community members, fans, and players that rivals all other gaming events.

SWC ENEMY

This year’s World Championships saw some awesome match ups and included a whole new platform with the release on the Xbox One. Both tournaments were filled with exciting moments from Thanatos triple kills to Adapting‘s dominating presence with Thor. Every god kill, tower takedown, and objective acquisition was met with the roar of thousands of diehard fans at the event. Even I, at the comfort of my home on Twitch’s livestream, found myself shouting and clapping with each battle.

serqet

On the Xbox One, controls were still a factor, even after being available for almost a year, making dangerous gods like the Egyptian assassin Serquet less mobile. Even with less precise options, the players in the finals make it look easy. In fact, some teams opted most of their members out of the PC bracket to try to take the gold on the newest console.

The final match-up on the Xbox brought EnVyUs against COGnitive, who won last year’s World Championships. One player in particular, dubbed Omega, showed excellent play for EnVyUS with the tanky Xing Tian, forcing COGnitive to keep an eye out for his mobility and dominance.

Epsi-Skin-Top

Unfortunately, COG was dominated by EnVyUS 3-0. The competition was fierce, but a closer margin would always have been better. Despite a fairly split record this year, COG, last year’s champions still impressed by earning second. EnVy, celebrates as the first to claim victory on the Xbox One.

The PC tournament held the most excitement, bringing more than 50,000 people on Twitch, let alone the packed house at the venue in Atlanta, Georgia. While this pales in comparison to League of Legend‘s numbers, it stands as a testament to just how far Smite has come.

The final match up put the North American underdogs Enemy against the European Epsilon who’ve put up consistent victories throughout the year. Would Enemy’s new team prove the perfect formula to combat Epsilon’s solid structure?

Enemy_article

No secrets here, I wanted Enemy to pull through with a victory for North America. Even though, I usually spend my picks on Epsilon, due to their record, remaining almost undefeated with a 27-1 record for the year. Enemy were definitely the underdogs, almost completely reforming their team not long before the Championships. Many were surprised at their positioning, but their skills just weren’t enough for the expert objective coverage of Epsilon.

In each match, Epsilon kept objectives on their minds, rotating in and out of their lanes, baiting in Enemy at every turn. It seemed like every time the Fire Giant was contested, one of the game’s strongest power ups, Epsilon was there to capitalize on it. The third match was the closest, as Enemy lead significantly in overall character levels and stayed ahead a few hundred gold.

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However, smart plays by Epsilon turned their potential Championship victory around, not even giving Enemy a single match victory. The European Epsilon finished out their amazing year as the top Smite team in the world, beating Enemy 3-0. Epsilon takes the one million dollar prize pool, the beautiful champion cup, and each of them earn a championship ring.

smite ring

Now, I eagerly await a character skin to congratulate them, and give them a permanent mark in Smite history.

Not only did the Smite World Championships bring high octane competition, but it also brought a god reveal. A while back, Hi Rez confirmed it would be adding a new pantheon. Japanese gods will prove to add some more variety in the character roster, starting first with Amaterasu, The Shining Light.

Adding Japanese deities is a big step for Smite as a game that will stay in the minds of players for many years to come. Fans have been asking for new pantheons for quite some time, asking for Japanese, Celtic, and the twisted creatures of Lovecraft. Hi Rez have been at the forefront of letting the community help shape Smite, adding a Cthulhu inspired skin and many, many balance changes over the years.

All of this was built on the free to play model, offering much of the game’s content for no cost at all. Combine this with the ability to purchase every character and all future characters for about thirty dollars. Smite has become a dominant force on the PC marketplace.

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E-Sports continues to fascinate, considering most of my peers are into professional football and basketball. What’s interesting is that these people miss some games due to it not being on a TV station or stingy leagues having the rights to live streams. On the other hand, almost every major E-Sports event is streamed on Twitch for free. That alone is a dead giveaway for the popularity of the sport, aside from the support developers have given.

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Smite has been a game that I continue to come back to. It’s mechanics and competitive nature creates a timeless play environment. Hi-Rez continues to impress with their support of the game and of high level competitions.

Needless to say, Smite has a permanent home on my PC’s hard drive.

Watch the final day of the Smite World Championships in full below. Might have to skip a countdown timer to get to the action, but there are some truly epic moments.

 

Godzilla’s Terrifying New Design Revealed for ‘Resurgence’

A few weeks ago, I wrote an article about the latest news from Toho— the studio that created everyone’s favorite kaiju Godzilla—on its upcoming monster epic, Godzilla: Resurgence. A teaser trailer and a poster were released. A mild controversy erupted among fans over Godzilla’s new design, which they described as “lacking personality.” I offered a brief defense, but it should be noted that the only hint at the new design is a close-up of Godzilla’s face on the poster.

Now Bloody-Disgusting.com has reported on some leaked images from the film:

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Co-director/screenwriter Hideaki Anno (Neon Genesis Evangelion) has promised this will be the “scariest Godzilla yet,” and the design certainly reflects that. Given that the film’s other co-director, Shinji Higuchi, recently helmed the two-part live-action film adaptation of the popular manga/anime Attack on Titan (which I seriously need to watch now), it’s no wonder Godzilla looks like one of the titular giants from that series. What I find most striking is that Godzilla’s appearance looks burned and scarred, his skin like that of Freddy Kruger from A Nightmare on Elm Street. Could this be an indication of the damage done to him by radiation?

Higuchi has said that Big G will be brought to life using what he calls “hybrid” technology, which is used in the Attack on Titan film. This involves using a combination of CGI and shots of live actors on sets. In other words, Toho aims to combine the best of both worlds from its “suitmation” history and Gareth Edwards’ reboot. I, being a fan of both, look forward to seeing what Toho produces. Although, there has yet to be a domestic release date announced for Godzilla: Resurgence.

The film will be released in Japan July 29, 2016.

Big Bad Bosses – A Music Team Up of Gaming Proportions

Being the savy game journalist that I am, I would be failing all of my readers if I ignored what is created by gamers. Sure, the world of gaming is built on the minimalist approach of Shigeru Miyamoto or the world building of Todd Howard, but everyday, in unique ways, gamers themselves build on the foundation laid by the greats.

Sites like Youtube, Twitch and Facebook spawned the likes of Jirard the Completionist, Pewdiepie and more. These talented gamers often take their love of digital worlds into other areas of expertise like video creation, writing (cough cough) and even game design.

Music has also been a popular outlet of creation for gamers: the pounding raps of Arin Hanson and Dan Avidan in Starbomb to the somber tones of Lindsey Stirling. The amount of excellence in these works is astounding, trumping professional audio productions and even outselling some of the most popular acts of our time.

A new collaboration effort seeks to join these phenomenal music works with an A-list of talented gamers and composers behind the helm. Behold the Big Bad Bosses‘ first album, Power Overwhelming, a gaming tribute pop album with raps and rocking melodies. The parody album gives some of our favorite villains a voice, which  features the skills of Jake Kaufman of Shovel Knight and Double Dragon Neon glory, Jirard Kahlil, Alex Faciane, Satchell Drakes and Nate Sharp.

Gaming culture has evolved drastically from the defiant file sharers of early PC gaming. Now, gamers dominate media, just as authors and film producers did. This movement not only helps gamers branch into professional skills, but also shows just how much video games have become a influential medium as a whole. Games used to be the root cause of evil, as Doom was linked to violent crimes and Grand Theft Auto taking the stand after each release, but there is so much more available.

Video games are a medium worth defending. Gamers like the Big Bad Bosses are leading the movement in a dynamic way.

To snag the new album, head over to the official site of That One Video Gamer’s merchandise, Yetee. Or, find them on iTunes and the Google Play store.