Short Taiga is Quality Taiga

Here we see a quality Aisaka Taiga cosplayer from Tora Dora!


The best feature about this cosplayer is she short!
You can just see the tsundere in her eyes.

Click here to see the rest.

Appingo decides to freak out about a new Haruhi Suzumiya episode in the form of a blog (long title, yes?)

After three years, tons of complaints and plenty of 'maybe it's going to air next season', Haruhi Suzumiya, otherwise known as God (if you're a follower of Haruhiism) has returned. Sneaked into a reairing of the 1st original season in Japan, Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody (the 8th episode chronologically once you combine the first and second season) brings us back into the world of Haruhi in a nice, original way that will make fans of the anime series go 'wait what' and those that are supreme Haruhiists (like myself) will find themselves freaking out (if anyone has read the light novels, please discuss this episode with me >_<) Bamboo Leaf Rhapsody is just the beginning. With a scheduled airing of 28 episodes for Haruhi, we can expect 13 more episodes spread out within the next few months. When those will be (right now it looks like we won't be getting another new episode for about a month), no one can be sure yet--until KyoAni or Kadokawa releases new scheduling information.

All I can say before I start talking into detail about the episode(spoilers ahoy!): It's epic and amazing. I screamed a few times.

This episode, in a nutshell, brings everything back I love about Haruhi Suzumiya and KyoAni. Great animation, wonderfully dubbed voices, complicated plotlines and of course--the characters. Kyon is sarcastic as ever, Haruhi is up to her usual antics, Mikuru is dressed in the maid outfit, Itsuki continues to display awesomeness and Yuki just reads and fixes everything.

It's a quick episode that translated well from the light novels--some will complain that it should have been stretched out over two episodes, but it was easily enough pressed into one. It starts out with Haruhi and her making the SOS団 do something--Kyon thinks she's still mentally insane, Mikuru looks nervous, Itsuki smiles and Yuki follows along. Later on in the episode, when you get to actual time travelling--that's where it gets interesting and exciting.

Fans of the original series may remember Haruhi writing some weird symbols on the field in middle school during the Tantaba Festival. You are brought back to that event (thanks to Mikuru), and are given more insight into the event itself. And an idea why Haruhi goes to North High when she could have gone to a more elite high school (yes, image is related).

Yuki of course, fixes everything. Like she always does.

Overall, I'm not going to explain what happens completely--you have to watch it ;D However, only RAWs are out right now, but I'll be sure to provide the link once the subs come out.

It's going to be interesting to see who subs this by the way, most of the groups are going to be all over it. I know for sure gg and Coalguys will be subbing it (which is going to be difficult for me since I both love their subbing). There's apparently a sub out by a fangroup 'Mazui', but I have heard from others that it is in a bad quality.

Haruhi's back, and she's ready to restart a revival in Haruhiism. (This believer is off to reread the Haruhi bible--volume 4, Disappearance :3)

Shojo Beat Closes, Dozens Saddened

Anime News Network announced Viz Media will conclude publication of manga digest for girls, Shojo Beat.

The following is an official release from Viz:

Yes, the final issue of Shojo Beat magazine will be the July 2009 issue which is on newsstands June 16th.

We are very proud of the past issues of Shojo Beat magazine and the efforts of the entire team. The magazine developed quite a fan base but unfortunately in today's difficult economic climate we felt the need to place our resources elsewhere at this time.

Of course all of our great shojo manga titles previously serialized in Shojo Beat magazine will still be published and available as graphic novels under the Shojo Beat imprint from Viz Media.

Each Shojo Beat Subscriber will be receiving a free copy of the August issue of Shonen Jump magazine with the pertinent information on what their subscription/refund options will be.

Subscribers and fans of shojo manga can get the latest information on all new Shojo Beat titles and news by visiting www.shojobeat.com.

Shojo Beat began its US publication in 2005. The July issue makes #49 for the magazine.

Miyazaki to Visit California and Accept Lifetime Achievement Award

Hayao Miyazaki (Princess Mononoke, Spirited Away) will be making a rare appearance in America this July, to accept the Berkeley Japan Prize for lifetime achievement.

The award will be given at the University of California Berkeley, none other than same the alma mater of our very own Pocky!
UC Berkeley is a very happening place in current affairs, to be sure, and very active spot for Japanese cultural studies in America.

Miyazaki's award makes only the second time the Berkeley Japan Prize will have been given, and marks one of the very few tips Miyazaki has made to the United States.
Sources say Miyazaki's contract with Walt Disney Studios stipulates he must make an appearance.

However, it is yet to be known exactly where Pocky will be during the award ceremony, on July 25, as that is one of the dates right in the middle of the San Diego Comic Con!

Though, you can imagine my disbelief when I read a talk during the ceremony with Miyazaki would be held by a Mr. Roland!

Source: Anime News Network

Cosplay Legends: Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei

I am going to try a little something different.

Knowing how much the A-P community loves Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei, I have compiled a gallery of the top images of cosplayers of characters from the series.


Click here to see the rest.

Beach Flags!

Ever wonder who would win if all the American "Boy Bands" such as Back Street Boys... and... and... I can't think of any more... competed against eachother in Sports, Skill, and Smarts?

Ya... I can't say I ever wondered that myself...

Although, Johnny & Associates Bands, such as Arashi, TOKIO, V6 and Johnny Jrs. have competed multiple times...

Considering the Long "Two Four" Weekend is upon (some of) us... which usually means trips to WASAGA Beach...

Why not take a page out of ジャニーズ筋肉番付 and try some Beach Flag Races!?

*Note: This is from 2001 at Tokyo Dome

I lack the proper Hardware and/or Software to transfer from VHS so please excuse the quality.

If you'd like to know who won, or see other events such as scavenger hunt, pitching, penalty kicks, sponge bridge crossing and others...

You know what to do ^_^