Revisiting the Classics -- Super Dimensional Fortress Macross: Do you Remember Love?

Today I'm here to tell you about an anime that never got a proper American release. It is (deep breath) Super Dimensional Fortress Macross: Do you Remember Love? Based on the Macross anime (which got turned into the first part of Robotech), the 1984 movie is an alternate retelling of that series.

We begin the story five months after the alien battleship-turned-UN Spacy battleship Macross was warped via space fold to the far reaches of the solar system during a battle with the invading Zentradi forces. As Do you Remember Love? starts, expert UN Spacy pilot (and occasional idiot) Hikaru and his wing men are fighting off a Zentradi attack inside the Macross (which doubles as a human city). Hikaru disobeys orders from his commander (and reluctant love interest) Misa Hayase, separating from his comrades to rescue imperiled pop star Lynn Minmay. This leads to a love triangle between Hikaru, Minmay and Misa. Said love triangle might also be the key to defeating the Zentradi who are confused as hell by human culture (AKA Protoculture).

Do you Remember Love? is worth watching because of the differences between it and the TV series. Hikaru doesn't meet Minmay until after she becomes a celebrity; Roy Fokker no longer has the stupidest death in recorded history; the Zentradi men and women are at war with each other instead of simply segregated; Earth is even less fortunate this time around, if you can believe that. There is also considerably more nudity and violence than I remember being in the series.

While this movie was never officially brought to America, you can pick up the region-free DVD with English subtitles on Amazon for cheap. If you enjoyed Macross or Robotech, you should definitely check it out.

http://www.amazon.com/Macross-Super-Dimension-Fortress-Remember/dp/B0056KOCDA/ref=pd_rhf_ee_p_t_1_Q5PG

Kindle Spotlight -- The Dark Victorian: Risen

Today we have a Victorian adventure by Elizabeth Watasin, The Dark Victorian: Risen. This is the first book in the Dark Victorian series.

Jim Dastard is not your usual detective. In fact, he's a talking disembodied skull who works for the Secret Commission, a government bureau that resurrects people from the dead and sends them to fight other eldritch threats to England. His latest partner is Artifice, a tall, statuesque woman recently brought back from the dead. The resurrected agents of the Commission have their memories erased at the beginning of their second life, so Art (as she comes to be called) has no idea who or what she was prior to her death. However, her new form does have certain advantages, like the ability to fly and become incorporeal, as well as superhuman strength and endurance. She'll need these advantages if she and Jim Dastard are to stop the villain who's been reanimating the dead and using them to commit murder throughout London.

The Dark Victorian: Risen provides a refreshing change to the steampunk formula. Art and Jim Dastard make a colorful duo and play off each other's quirks very well, and I even found the villain to be (somewhat) sympathetic. There isn't a whole lot of character development since, as I said, the agents of the Commission have amnesia and don't even know who they are--or were. Tantalizing hints regarding Art's past are provided via women who obviously know who she was, but Watasin has obviously chosen to save big revelations for later volumes.

There is one significant caveat which may turn off readers. The female characters are not shy about showing their attraction to one another, and lesbians abound in this story. If that doesn't bother you (or if you're a hotblooded male), by all means pick up The Dark Victorian: Risen. You'll find an engaging story within.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Dark-Victorian-Risen-Volume/dp/1936622017/ref=sr_1_sc_1?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1371420759&sr=1-1-spell&keywords=Elisabeth+Watasin

Kindle Spotlight -- The Real Thing

Today we have a cyberpunk novel by Jacob Prytherch: The Real Thing.

Roman Rasnic, AKA the Black Cat, is a chemist turned black market peddler of a drug he invented called "Cupid." It allows people to experience the sensation of intense love towards whomever they want. This has proven quite profitable to him in future Japan. Unfortunately, it also causes him plenty of problems. Cupid caused one of Roman's marks to go insane and become dangerously obsessed with him. If that wasn't bad enough, his former business partner wants revenge on him, and his wife steals his supply of Cupid and proceeds to flood the streets with an even more dangerous version of the drug. Roman must track down the elusive Medea, rid Techosaka of the inferior concoction before any more people die from overdosing on it, and salvage what remains of his reputation. But no one is what they appear to be, and few can be trusted. Can Roman find redemption and true love for himself?

This could have been an excellent novel. Story-wise, The Real Thing is a gripping adventure, and Roman is a likable protagonist. Unfortunately, a complete lack of editing brings it down. I honestly don't think Jacob Prytherch put even the smallest effort into polishing this story. Typos and grammatical and formatting errors are all over the place. Because of the strength of the story I was able to keep reading to the end, but this kind of thing shouldn't have happened. 

Bottom line: If you can get past the shoddy editing, you'll find an engaging story. But at 99 cents, you get what you pay for.

http://www.amazon.com/The-Real-Thing-ebook/dp/B00D2PKOU6/ref=sr_1_4?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370816280&sr=1-4&keywords=The+Real+Thing

Free Book Promotion -- The Game Called Revolution

From now until midnight tomorrow, download The Game Called Revolution for free on Kindle.

http://www.amazon.com/Game-Called-Revolution-1/dp/145387934X/ref=sr_1_2?s=books&ie=UTF8&qid=1366083252&sr=1-2

Revisiting the Classics -- Mobile Suit Gundam

Here it is, the one that started it all: the 1979 anime Mobile Suit Gundam.

The story takes place in the year 0079 of the Universal Century. Mankind has spread out across the solar system, taking up residence inside floating cities called Sides. One of them, Side Three, decides they've had enough of the Earth people calling the shots, and proceeds to wage a war of independence against the Earth Federation, even going so far as to drop one of the colonies on the planet. Side Three--now calling themselves the Principality of Zeon--gains an early advantage because of their mobile suits, giant robots with a pilot inside each one.

The first episode introduces us to Amuro Ray, a 14-year-old engineering prodigy who lives happily with his family on Side Seven. His world is changed forever, however, when Zeon attacks the colony and he discovers the Federation has been developing their own mobile suits there in order to turn the tide of war. In order to protect his friends and family, Amuro hops into the most advanced mobile suit ever created: The Gundam. Despite having never piloted anything like this before, Amuro learns quickly and soon becomes a member of the prototype Federation spaceship White Base, fighting alongside a crew of colorful characters. Does he have what it takes to defeat Zeon's greatest pilot, mysterious masked-man Char Aznable, AKA the Red Comet? Is Amuro truly a Newtype? Will he ever see his family again? Just who is Char? To find out the answers to these questions, you'll have to watch.

I've enjoyed the various Mobile Suit Gundam anime since I first started watching this one in high school, and it remains my favorite. Before 1979, giant robot anime were all about unique machines fighting evil. But with Mobile Suit Gundam, things changed. Giant robots were now merely another tool of war, and the distinction between good and evil wasn't so clear (a fact many Gundam characters found out the hard way). The soldiers in this war had to figure out just what they were fighting for, and whether or not they were on the right side. Furthermore, the series challenged us to decide if it's acceptable to force children to fight our battles. We may survive, but their innocence won't.

You can pick up the first part of this show online. Unfortunately, Bandai--the distributor--went out of business and so the second half of Gundam is rare and hard to find. You can get it on Amazon but you'll have to pay an arm and a leg for it. If you can find it for a good price, though, I heartily recommend you get it. It has a strong story, memorable characters, and a powerful message.

http://www.amazon.com/Mobile-Gundam-Complete-Collection-Legends/dp/B005F96UNW/ref=pd_cp_mov_0

Kindle Spotlight -- Daymare

Today I have a novella by Gordon Bentley-Mix entitled Daymare.

The story takes place on a mining vessel in our asteroid belt. There are four crew members total: Marcus, his "partner" Bex, mentally unstable Janet and disgusting pig Jonno. Perhaps it would be more accurate to say there are only three crew members since Janet recently lost her mind in a very mysterious incident, leaving the other three to mine asteroids for The Company (yes, "The" is capitalized). Unfortunately, whatever broke Janet seems to be affecting the others as well, since they keep experiencing waking nightmares. Perhaps the mysterious crystal they find embedded in the asteroid they're mining can give them the answers they seek, but can they get to the bottom of this before the daymares drive them insane?

I found Daymare to be an engaging mystery. Since it's a novella and there are only four characters, there isn't a lot of character development. They spend more time trying to solve the conundrum of the daymares and don't talk about themselves that much. Sadly, the most developed character is the purposely unlikable Jonno. Also, as with Mortimus Walker and the Secret of the White City last week, there isn't a whole lot of conflict in this story. The characters are generally on the same page since they make it a point to keep Jonno out of the loop as they know how unhelpful he would be. Plus, their problem turns out to be easily solved in the end. Nevertheless, the compelling mystery kept me invested in the story until the finale.

http://www.amazon.com/Daymare-ebook/dp/B00CWM4HV2/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1370038574&sr=1-1&keywords=Daymare

Kindle Spotlight -- Mortimus Walker and the Secret of the White City

Today we have a novella by Zach Turner: Mortimus Walker and the Secret of the White City.

The protagonist is, of course, the aging Mortimus Walker who has toiled all his life in anticipation of his sixtieth birthday. In this world people are divided into Ones and Twos. Ones work while Twos live the good life up in the White City. However, upon reaching the age of sixty, Ones have their brains transferred into young clones of themselves--thus becoming One-Twos--and then they can enjoy retirement. On the flipside, Twos start off on easy street and later go to work as Two-Ones.

The bulk of the story shows Morty as he and another group of Ones spend two weeks preparing for their brain transplant. They meditate, they exercise, they play videogames, and Morty even finds romance with fellow One Patti (the guy can still get it on even in his twilight years).

I enjoyed Mortimus Walker. It's well-written and well-formatted for Kindle. Some readers may be turned off by the lack of conflict in the story. For the most part, the characters enjoy their journey to the White City and there is almost no action at all. However, the surprising twist at the end makes it all worthwhile. I won't give it away, but I will say that it's worthy of an M. Night Shyamalan movie.

http://www.amazon.com/Mortimus-Walker-Secret-White-ebook/dp/B00CLJQFLG/ref=sr_1_1?s=digital-text&ie=UTF8&qid=1369626117&sr=1-1&keywords=Mortimus+Walker

Revisiting the Classics -- Galaxy Express 999

Today I have dug up another anime gem for you: Galaxy Express 999. It was a TV series followed by several movies based on said TV series in the late 1970's. Since the TV series was recently released in America for the first time, I thought I'd do my part to help bring in new fans.

The protagonist is an adolescent boy named Tetsuro Hoshino who lives on future Earth. He spends his times in the slums living below the more well-off citizens, but dreams of boarding the famous Galaxy Express, an intergalactic train which travels the galaxy. One day he attempts to steal a ticket to board one of the space-faring locomotives but gets caught and subsequently chased by station security. He is saved by a mysterious woman with long blonde hair and a Russian-style fur outfit. She identifies herself as Maetel, and asks Tetsuro why he is so intent on boarding the Galaxy Express. He tells her he wants to travel to the Andromeda galaxy and acquire a machine body so he can kill the robotic Count Mecha who murdered Tetsuro's mother. Maetel offers to get him on board one of the trains, the 999, if he will allow her to accompany him on his journey. Tetsuro readily agrees and together they set out across the Sea of Stars.

I've always loved Galaxy Express 999. It, more than any other science fiction I've experienced, so completely captured the wonder of space travel. This is due in part to the whimsical, exaggerated character designs of creator Leiji Matsumoto. Characters run the gamut from beautiful, sorrowful women (such as Shadow and Claire) to comically deformed men (like Tochiro). The most compelling of 999's cast (namely Maetel, along with space pirates Harlock and Emeraldas) were so popular they got their own prequels and spin-offs. Furthermore, the haunting musical score and somber narrator give emotional and nostalgic weight to one boy's journey to become a man. And along the way, we must ask ourselves if it's truly worth becoming an android to live forever, or if, perhaps, human life has more meaning than we think.

Ultimately, though, words fail to do it justice. You really should check it out for yourself.

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_ss_i_0_8?url=search-alias%3Dmovies-tv&field-keywords=galaxy+express+999&sprefix=Galaxy+E%2Cmovies-tv%2C235&rh=n%3A2625373011%2Ck%3Agalaxy+express+999

Kindle Spotlight -- Proph-et: Journey from Stardust

Today we have a powerful novel by Graeme Woodley: Proph-et: Journey from Stardust (Propheture), a book that will change the way you view...well, everything.

The story begins as protagonist and narrator Jack arrives at his family's cabin in the wilderness. Things are not going well for him; his marriage is falling apart and he is dying from cancer. He desperately seeks answers regarding the meaning of life--in other words, what is the point of it all? Suddenly, he spots a light shining through the window of the cabin, and an angelic figure appears. This entity takes the form of a young man and explains that he is a visitor from another world and he calls himself Turen. According to Turen, mankind is approaching an apocalypse from which we may not survive. He offers to help prevent this, but first he must ascertain whether or not humanity is worthy of salvation. He has decided to use Jack to find out, and together they journey through the history of Earth, religion and philosophy. Through it all, Jack must face some harsh truths concerning his belief in God. Can he accept what Turen has to show him?

This is one of the most powerful narratives I have ever read. Woodley utilizes symbolism and deep insights to bring the reader to profound revelations. Be warned, though: This story asks you tough questions. What do you believe? What should you believe? Is God really what we have always thought Him to be? If, however, you can face these questions, you owe it to yourself to give this book a read. I, too, had the same questions as the narrator, and am now more comfortable with them. As Turen puts it, I have internalized my beliefs. The book does not seek to disprove the existence of God, but rather to question our understanding of any possible Creator.

Proph-et is not for everyone, though. Jack and Turen's lengthy philosophical and metaphysical discussions may be too much for some people. Also, the book occasionally suffers from not enough editing. Nevertheless, students of philosophy--and anyone struggling with their faith--absolutely must read Proph-et: Journey from Stardust. 

http://www.amazon.com/Proph-Journey-Stardust-Propheture-ebook/dp/B00CICMCTA/ref=pd_rhf_se_p_t_1_M26C

Revisiting the Classics -- Haibane-Renmei

Last week I dug up an anime gem called Serial Experiments Lain. Yoshitoshi ABe, who did the character designs for that series, went on to create the anime I'm telling you about today: Haibane-Renmei. It is a tale of love, loss, mystery and redemption.

The story takes place in a mysterious town that is surrounded by a huge wall. Within the town is Old Home, a residence for people with wings and halos. One day, a cocoon is discovered in an unused room of Old Home, and a young girl emerges from it. She awakes in a bedroom to discover she has no memories of her life before popping out of the cocoon. The residents of Old Home, mostly other young women, explain to her that this is commonplace and she, like them, is a mysterious angelic creature called a Haibane. One of the Haibane, the chain-smoking Reki, names her Raka. Soon, wings burst from Raka's back and she is given a halo (which, in a particularly humorous scene, has to be taped to her head because it has trouble attaching itself to her). From there, she becomes a member of the mysterious Haibane-Renmei [Charcoal Feather Federation]. As you can imagine, she has many questions. Just what are the Haibane and what is their purpose? Why do none of the Haibane have any memories of their pre-cocoon life? What lies beyond the walls? Where is this strange town actually located? What's the deal with the masked Haibane-Renmei overseers? And what happens during the Day of Flight? As Raka becomes closer to the various Haibane, she discovers the answers she seeks are few and do not always bring happiness.

There is so much to like about Haibane-Renmei. The story is heartfelt and thought-provoking (though as with Serial Experiments Lain it doesn't explain everything). The characters are compelling. The soundtrack, composed by Kou Ootani, is a beautiful orchestral score which evokes feelings akin to standing in the breeze of a warm summer day. Those looking for plenty of action should keep looking, however; for all the fantasy trappings, this series remains for the most part a drama. Nonetheless, if you have an open mind and are looking for something different--and high-quality--you'd be hard-pressed to find a better anime than this. It's really the cream of the crop.

                                                                 Available on Amazon

Revisiting the Classics -- Serial Experiments Lain

Looking for something that will change the way you view the world around you? Try the epic anime Serial Experiments Lain.

Lain Iwakura was just a normal, albeit somewhat disconnected teenager until the day her classmate committed suicide. That should be the end of it, but Lain starts receiving messages from her. "I have simply abandoned my body," the email says. How can a dead person be sending computer messages? How are Lain and the computer network called the Wired involved in all this? Why are complete strangers seeing religious visions of Lain? Who are the creepy men in black standing watch outside Lain's house? And why, oh why, does Lain's family act like zombies most of the time?

Serial Experiments Lain is one of the greatest and weirdest animes of all time. It piles on layers (pun intended; it calls each episode a "layer") of hard science and surreal imagery to create a compelling story you'll be thinking about for the rest of your life. It's been close to a decade since I first watched this series and I'm still trying to figure it out. Hell, I've seen entire web pages dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of Lain. Suffice to say, Philip K. Dick would appreciate the warnings this series gives us about technological advancement.

At the center of it all, ultimately, is a sympathetic character who seeks both her identity and love from those around her, though her goals cannot be achieved without great sacrifice. If you're looking for something besides the typical moè anime or giant robot series and don't mind working through bizarre and possibly metaphorical imagery, check out Serial Experiments Lain.