AnimeJackpot Blog

There are many reoccurring scenes that take place in anime series like: eating food, school activities, fashion, festivals, etc. So we decided we will continue exploring and explaining these fascinating scenes.

This idea originally began with Traditional Japanese Homes in Anime Series (check it out). And then we followed it with a more in depth look at the Japanese garden with: A Look at the Japanese Gardens in Anime Series.

The additional knowledge you gain from understanding the background of particular scenes and themes makes watching your favorite series that much better! You’ll enjoy and understand the series on a whole different level (like why the characters eat certain foods during dinner, or why they attend certain festivals in the summer, or why they wear school uniforms).

Get to know your favorite characters and series a little bit better by learning & understanding the numerous & reoccurring scenes in anime.

Read latest entry in the Exploring Anime Themes – A Look at Japanese Festivals in Anime Series

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Whoosh! I can finally see a small break in the sea of paperwork. I’ve been running around here like a race horse over the last few months. I did take a vacation of 1 lousy day but I guess its better then no day off at all.

So what’s been happening? As I stated above, I and the other team members have been working hard behind the scenes to make your shopping experience easier and more enjoyable.

If you haven’t been in the store in a while go check it out. We got new Death Note & Bleach figures and other great products. I know some of you may not be all that into Death Note or Bleach (I won’t hold that against you) so we are working to get more series and manga available (we also love to hear what series you would like to see more of). The problem/delay lies in the fact that we all are so passionate about a particular series or genre that all are meetings get bogged down with everyone championing their must have character good. So that by the end of the meeting, we still haven’t decided what to offer you guys. And for that, I apologize. What else can I say? When you’re “obsessed” with a particular anime or character it’s very difficult for others to change your mind about it (you know how it is).

So, as I continue to catch up on my work why not check out the bottom of this page where you can find out what’s new in the store. Also remember, when you sign-up to be a VIP you get 5% off your purchase for the whole month and you will also receive special discounts only available to VIP members.

Until next time (hopefully soon),
T.A.G.

Coming Soon:
Death Note playing cards, Light nendoroid, Ryuk nendoroid, Bleach figures series 2 and more!

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The Good Smile Company recently posted a warning about illegal, imitation figures being sold on the Internet and by other means. They will not offer any assistance on these types of counterfeit merchandise and who can blame them (It’s frustrating to put all the time and money into developing and producing something authentic just to have someone create an inferior knock-off with your name on it).

We, at AnimeJackpot dislike knock-offs and fake products. Not only is it illegal but it’s disrespectful to the artist who spent so much of their time and skill to perfect the figures to the correct likeness of the character.

Please do not fatten the wallets of such individuals or corrupt organizations by settling for fake anime figures. Give the credit where it is rightful due, to the artist and licensed manufacturer.

We at AnimeJackpot offer 100% genuine, authentic, licensed products. We purchase our products from the original manufacturer or an authorized distributor. You work hard for your money and it should be spent on authentic character goods and that is what you will find here.

Support the anime & manga original authors, artists, and manufactures by purchasing 100% genuine, authentic, licensed merchandise. Take a look at Good Smile Company’s website for information on how to identify the “authentic” figures from the “fake” figures. Some of their differences are obvious while some are subtle but as long as you purchase your items from honest places like us (yes, it’s a plug) then you will have nothing to worry about.

-AnimeJackpot

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So, I recently just finished watching the complete DVD’s of Witchblade and I have say that I’m a little disappointed with the ending. We spend all this intense time watching the series to have it fall flat at the end. It became less about the Witchblade and more about Masane. I wanted to know more about the Witchblade. Who or what was she, what are her true powers and who was her stylist? (just kidding) She came off as a half dress (more than half dressed) character who had this appetite to fight (and that was great!). The series was at its best when she was fighting and kicking a**. But then somewhere along the line it got all personal which equals boring (to me). I’m like “bring on the fights, skip this boring stuff”

I thought the story may take a different turn when the Witchblade powers began to increase and she took on a different appearance but no. It followed the plot line I was afraid it would (predictable, boring, and sad). It seemed as if they just threw in all these emotional scenes to get you to cry and stopped providing us with info about the Witchblade. Good grief, less tears and more scantily dress fighters (I mean come on!) They tease us with fight scenes, Witchblade & Cloneblade wearers and a tiny bit of additional information about the Witchblade and then in the end they leave us just as confused and demanding more information (I dislike series that do that). Were all 6 discs building up to a “Mother’s Love?”

When I first started watching Witchblade I was really into it and hoped against hoped that it would have a complete and satisfying ending. Nope, didn’t happen! The good thing about all of this is that now since the series is over and I can move on to another new series (you gotta find that silver lining). And as always, I’ll hope against hope that it will end with a complete and satisfying ending (nothing wrong with hoping, right?)

T.A.G.

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I caught the Wednesday showing of the Bleach movie. I (with my friends) arrived about an hour before the presentation and there was already a line of fans waiting to get in (geesh!) But it was all good. It wasn’t that many, yet. By 6:48pm we were able to go inside the theater. I thought the show would not sell out like the Death Note movie but by the time 7:00 pm came around there was a rush of Bleach fans entering the room (boy, was I glad we arrived early.) The seat selections got really slim, really fast.

Sorry to say, but it kind of made me chuckle a bit. I was like that at the Death Note movie. Came in late and had to sit in the very front row (I hope to never have to do that again).

Now, on to the movie. It was super cool and super awesome. I liked the fact that we saw more of the captains and lieutenants of the soul society. At the present moment, on Adult Swim, Ichigo and the gang have left the Soul Society and everything is happening in the human world. So, it was really nice to see the captains and lieutenants again and this time instead of fighting against Ichigo they were fighting with him (that was so cool).

We got an excellent chance to see the true form of many of their Zanpakutō. I really enjoyed the movie. There wasn’t as many screaming girls at my showing of Bleach which was great. I mean the sound system wasn’t all that great in the theater so when girls did scream you kind of missed what the characters were saying on the screen (this also happened in the Death Note movie but multiply it by 1000).

I was also thrilled that I could finally watch Bleach without being interrupted by commercials or by the to be continued . . . A whole Bleach story without interruptions (sweet!)

I mentioned that we saw most of the usual Bleach characters (except Yoruichi. Don’t know where the black cat was for this one) but we were also introduced to a new character Senna. This chick had some issues (she couldn’t remember things, was carefree, and didn’t take things too serious, and she wasn’t real) but the story was pretty much centered around her and Ichigo trying to protect her (as always . . . protecting those around him. He’s such a great guy).

In the end everyone chips in to help Ichigo save this girl from the “bad people” and all is good again. Well, not exactly. I mean, after all that work they put in getting her back she had to return were she came from in order to prevent the human world and the Seireitei from colliding (yeah, she’s more than just your ordinary school girl). And then since apparently she never really existed anyway everyone who came in contact with her forgot about her (yeah, it sounds kind of complicated but it isn’t when you’re watching it).

Overall I really liked Bleach: Memories of Nobody (It Rocked!) I’m looking forward to checking in out on DVD (minus the screaming girls).

Later,
T.A.G.

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Sorry, I didn’t post these images until now (even though I had promised to post them last week). First I miss placed my camera. It somehow managed to fall under my car seat and I probably wouldn’t have even looked there had I not cleaned it this weekend. Then once I found my camera I lost the USB cable which enabled me to move the pics from my camera to my PC (yeah, I know I lose or rather misplace a lot of stuff). So, here are just a few images from my A-KON visit which was only week ago.

Oh, I forgot to mention that they also had a dealers room where you can by also sorts of interesting and cool anime & manga gear. It was a large room featuring many different vendors but the prices for these items were ridiculous! Honestly, $7.50 for an Ichigo chibi key chain and an Abel key chain. No way! You can save $3.00 buy shopping here at AnimeJackpot and that doesn’t take in the 10% discount you can also apply to any purchase when you sign up for our VIP newsletter. So, needless to say I did not purchase any character goods. Things were a little overpriced for my blood and it appeared it wasn’t only my blood that thought the prices where over the top. I ended up leaving with a few free posters and small promotional items.

But anyway, here are a few pictures and you’ll hear from me soon,
T.A.G.

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At the suggestion and prodding of other team members I attended my first anime convention here in Dallas, Texas – A-KON. It was held May 30 – June 1, 2008 at the Sheraton Conference Center.

I wasn’t able to attend all three dates but I did manage to attend the last day events. I really didn’t have a clue as to what to expect or what I would see or do. My fellow team members here gave me a few ideas of what to expect but you really can’t grasp it all until you attend and see & hear it all for yourself.

It was truly amazing. There were so many fans in cosplay. I mean a lot! I tried to get as many photos as I could. Some of the fans were really into their characters. They had it down to the very last detail (that’s an ultimate-mega fan there). I nearly filled up my internal camera memory with the different pictures I took. There were several characters that I knew instantly like Trigun, L, Light, Misa, Ichigo, Haruhi Suzumiya, and Naruto. Then there were others I had no idea what or who they were supposed to be but that didn’t matter. Whoever they were, they embodied that character and totally made me a believer.

I really got caught up in the taking of the pictures and talking to the many fans that I didn’t get much of a chance to stop by and take in the other activities like the gaming contest or the instructional and informative classes held throughout the building. But there is always next year!

Overall, I gotta say that was quite the experience. At first it was an overload of the senses but once I got into a groove and sorted a few things out it was an amazing experience that I look forward to doing again, next year.

I will upload a few of the pictures I captured at A-KON (I have to download them on to the PC first) then I will have them available for you to checkout and enjoy.

If possible, try to go to at least one anime convention in your anime and manga life. It truly is an occasion that you have to go and experience for yourself. Hearing, reading, or watching about it just isn’t the same as going and feeling the energy and excitement yourself. So, if you can and they have a convention near you, go and have fun!

T.A.G.
(pictures going up later this week)

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On this DVD of Fate Stay Night Master & Servant we are introduced to a new servant named Kojiro Sasaki. He is the servant to the person residing on Ryudou Temple. The name of his master was not revealed to us, yet. The story is starting to pick up momentum. Emiya finally starts to take being a Master a bit more seriously during the Temple of Blood episode. He is starting to see the bigger picture and how he can’t continue to avoid fights or race into battles without his Servant Saber (finally).

So the following episodes appeared on this disc of Fate Stay Night:

Episode 9 – Elegance in the Moonlight
Episode 10 – The Calm Interlude
Episode 11 – Temple of Blood
Episode 12 – Splitting the Sky

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If you haven’t done so, get your tickets to Bleach: Memories of Nobody the Movie. It will be playing on the big screen for 2 nights only. June 11 & June 12 at 7.30pm. You can get more information and tickets at NCM Fathom.

I’ve already purchased my tickets. This time I’m leaving the kid sister at home and going with my friends & AnimeJackpot team members. This is going to be fun! I’m so looking forwards to seeing this movie, aren’t you?!

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Ah, ha! Guess who went and saw the live action movie of the Death Note on the big screen? That’s right, I did! The storyline was well constructed. It obviously followed the Death Note manga but it does stray away from the original path a bit but it really doesn’t hurt the overall storyline at all.

It was a nice change in how the characters met and interacted with one another (and Light is in college when he gets the Death Note). Most in important to note, is that the essence of the Death Note remained the same. We still had our favorite characters that we have grown so much to love or hate (just depends on who’s your fav). Ryuk was there. They did an excellent job and reconstructing him for the live action movie. Great job!

The movie lasted for 2 hours and 30 minutes and surprisingly it started right on time. The last 20-30 minutes went into how the director took a weekly manga and turned it into a live action movie. I think all cast & crew did a great job making the transition from manga to movie screen live action.

Now despite it being a great movie, I really didn’t get a chance to enjoy it as much as I wanted. I took my kid sister and a few of her friends to see it and that totally killed it for me. Due to them and their enable to stay on schedule we arrived at the theater about 5 minutes until the show started and the only seats that were available were on the very front row. That is not way to enjoy Death Note or any movie for that matter (my neck and eyes are still sore).

So as a word of advice, either get there early to get that best seats or don’t invite your kid sister and her friends to tag along (I vote for the later part). Also, be sure to order your tickets online if you can. When we arrived the show had already sold out. Luckily, for me I had purchased my tickets way in advance.

If you haven’t seen Death Note on the big screen and it is playing near or in your city go check it out. It will play one last time on May 21, 2008 at 7:30pm.

Oh yea, this is the first part of the live action movie and I am looking forward to seeing the second part to hit the big screen as well.

T.A.G. Out!

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That’s right the popular drama manga Nana is now available to purchase from AnimeJackpot. This a very admired book that you will truly get involved in. Volumes 6, 7, and 8 are $8.99. Why not grab your copy today. You can place Volume 6 in you cart now.

Price: $8.99 Quantity 1 2 3 Add to cart

Don’t wander to far off. More Shonen graphic novels are coming your way.

Until then,

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Usually this is where I would update you on the new characters introduced to us during the episodes and if you take a glance below you’ll find out that there weren’t any (bummer!). It’s all good though.

Episode 11 – None
Episode 12 – None
Episode 13 – None

Things are wrapping up in the final DVD. Will the fighters be able to go against the sacred bead & fate or succumb to it? Check out the episode reviews to find out.

T.A.G.

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We are so sorry. We know you’ve been looking for Naruto gear and we have not delivered but fear not we are working to get you the gear you want and deserve. So please don’t be too mad at us. We hear your calls loud and clear and we are preparing to answer.

Just hang in there a bit longer. Your time is coming, soon!

AnimeJackpot Team

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We now have the Battle Vixens manga volumes available. Perfect timing. I just finished watching Ikki Tousen on DVD (the review will be up shortly).

I haven’t read the manga, yet, but I’ve been told that it is slightly different from the anime. A friend of mine and a few team members here said the manga is more aggressive or was it that you see more of the beauties skin? Oh, I can’t remember. I’ll get a copy of Volume 1 and find out for myself.

I thought the anime, overall was really good but I do wonder what the others mean when they say more aggressive and/or more scenes of girls bodies? I thought the anime covered those areas pretty good. What more can they show in the manga (um, forget I asked. I’m sure there is plenty more. It is rated M for mature readers. So. . . . that answers that).

So, back to the point. Battle Vixens Vol. 1, Vol. 2, and Vol. 3 are now available for your reading enjoyment with more volumes on the way.

Enjoy,
T.A.G.

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Kaku Benwa – student as Rakuyo Academy. Wants to replace Ryofu in Totaku’s circle of fighters/girls

SouSou – head of Youshu Academy. He mostly sleeps a lot during the fights

Choko Shikou – retired, old man who lives at a temple. He trains fighters and knows a lot about their fate

Ukitsu – the mysterious girl from earlier. She is the one chosen to awaken the dragon within Sonsaku Hakufu. What will be the outcome if she does this?

Chinkyu – she is always by Ryofu’s side (companion or something more?)

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Ok, I love food (in case you didn’t know). So, I have decided (with the help of my fellow AnimeJackpot team members) to put together a list of our favorite anime cooks. It really doesn’t take much to make our list, just a lot of great tasting, delicious food and satisfied full characters and that’s pretty much it.

This will be an on going updated list as we remember great cooks from previously watched episodes and excellent cooks from series we are watching now.

This should be one yummy list. Looking forward to seeing what great cooks we come up with.

T.A.G.

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This time during lunch we decided to watch Death Note in addition to the always fun and exciting Bleach. I was told that this would be a sad episode but I refused to believe it. We had already seen so many characters die that I really wasn’t expecting this! (I try very hard not to read any info on any manga or anime series that I am watching. I want to get really immersed in the story and characters. I hate finding out what’s going to happen before it happens. It totally ruins it for me. I don’t know why. I guess I’m weird like that.)

So, the unthinkable has happened to L (Ryuzaki) and Watari. I won’t say what really has happened but you can probably tell from the title of this entry. Light has achieved his utmost goal of getting rid of those who stand in his way of being “God.”

Now, we just have to watch and see how this all plays out. That Light Yagami is something else, isn’t he? He’s a freakin genius. The way his mind works, whooosh! Watch out, Light is coming and he means business.

T.A.G.

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Sorry it has taken me so long to complete this DVD. Check out my previous post to find out why.

So, I was finally able to break free of doing the other team members work to get back to my own. I finished watching all of disc 2 of Fate Stay Night. Once again a very nice set of episodes on this disc.

This DVD did not introduce a lot of new characters, except for one.

Rider – Shinji Matou’s servant. She has long purple hair.

Alright, on this disc we are graced with 4 episodes. They are as follows:

Episode 5 – Two Magi Part 1
Episode 6 – Two Magi Part 2
Episode 7 – Despicable Act
Episode 8 – Discordant Melody

This disc alludes to the fact that there are more magi and ever so slowly we are introduced to them. Looking forward to seeing and learning more about all the magi.

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Ok, so once again during my lunch break, myself and a few other team members sat down to watch the next episode of Bleach. Boy, were we in for an intense, exciting ride. The battle between Byakuya Kuchiki and Ichigo finally begins and makes excellent progress.

Oh, we all just loved this episode. We were standing and shouting at the screen, jumping for joy and whatever other emotion we had during the show. We really couldn’t contain ourselves. We were all just so excited that the battle between those two was finally getting started. We had seen other characters start and complete their individual battles but when was it going to be Ichigo’s turn? Episode 58 provided the answer and delivered big time.

One minute we were in awe by Byakuya’s strength and power, thinking could Ichigo really defeat this super powerful soul reaper and then next we were totally knocked out of our socks by the growth, power, and skill of Ichigo. I mean, man oh man did he get stronger in just a few days. When you look at him from where he started to now. Woo, what a transformation!

If you haven’t since this episode you gotta check it out. We had heard it was a great episode but I didn’t think it would beat out my other favorite episode, Episode 54 (I like to call “Ichigo’s Return: Super Cool and Powerful). I thought that episode rocked as well.

It’s all getting so exciting. I can’t wait to see what happens next. I’m practically jumping out of my seat now in anticipation for the next episode.

Bleach Rocks!!
T.A.G.

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Sorry for the long absents. No real reason, I was pulled away to do other task for other AnimeJackpot team members. I did manage to watch Fate/Stay Night episodes 5 and 6. I hope to finish the DVD soon and have the summary uploaded soon after.

On a side note, we have these drawings here at AnimeJackpot for different anime and manga gear for the employees. Guess who won something in this recent drawing? Go on, guess. That’s right, I did! Finally (it’a about freakin time). The prize was the Ergo Proxy Pino Pin Set. I love Pino. She totally made the anime series for me. She added a dash of humor to each episode. Once I had the pins in my possession I immediately placed both pins on my jacket, one on each collar. Now Pino can be with me everyday. If I’m feeling a little stressed, all I have to do is put on my jacket and look in the mirror and there she is. So cute! Just seeing her there always puts a smile on my face.

Bye,
T.A.G.

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I wanted to update you on the next available manga – Bleach. I received word that the Bleach manga will be available soon.  I checked and the category has been created under the graphic novel section. The first few volumes should be up for sale later today or tonight. Be sure to change back often to see which volumes are on hand so you can get a copy of this well-admired book.

Hope you had a great weekend,
T.A.G.

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I just wanted to let you guys know that we finally have the Death Note manga available for sale. We have more manga going up. Unfortunately, I don’t know when because the other team members have locked me out of their offices. I guess they didn’t like me bugging them on when the manga will go up (sorry guys). I was just trying to keep our readers and customers up to date but I can see how my constant nagging could get on any-one’s nerves (I guess).

Any way, Death Note Volumes 1 - 4 are available. You can add Volume 1 to your cart right now!

Later,
T.A.G.

Price: $7.99 Quantity 1 2 3 Add to cart

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Teifu Tokubo – a long time friend of Ryomou and Saji’s. He fought in the last Big Fighters Tournament but was seriously injured. He is now in a wheelchair and is blind. If it hadn’t been for Ryomou’s interfering is his battle he would have died

Kanu Uncho – fighter from Seito Private School. Very powerful fighter who has not lost a battle, yet

Ganryo – top ranked fighter from Youshu Private School

Bunshu – top ranked fighter form Youshu Private School

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So, during my lunch break a group of us decided to watch the latest Bleach episode on Adult Swim (we TiVoed it). Man, episode 54 was so exciting. It was so intense! I loved it. We all did. I was like oh, poor Rukia (I knew she wouldn’t die but still . . . I was into it). Was no one going to save her?

In the previous episode Ichigo hadn’t conquered the most powerful technique yet. It looked hopeless for Rukia. And then there were the others. Would they get to Rukia in time? Oh, so many questions and no answers. But then just as Rukia’s life was coming to an end (drum roll, please) Ichigo appears and he isn’t just our usual powerful Ichigo. No, no he has changed in the most awesomeness way possible. He is strong and there is no fear or doubt in his mind. Yep, that’s our hero, Ichigo.

If you haven’t seen Bleach episode 54 you gotta see it. It is a great episode, particularly since we’ve had that long hiatus from Adult Swim. This was the episode I needed to get back into things. It has the suspense, the action, and the comedy. I was all over the place with this episode and I loved.

See ya,
T.A.G.

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Since we are adding a manga section to the store we thought it would be a great idea to provide information about manga for parents . . . What Should Parents Know about Manga.

I know, I am personally asked often “what is a manga” or “my son also reads those manga but I not sure if he should. I don’t get it.” Once I’ve explained a few points they usually understand it and their concerns/worries are put at ease. So, I’ve put together a nice article for parents and fans of manga to help bridge the gap between your passion and parents concerns. I hope it helps (at least a little bit).

Later,
T.A.G.

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