GearsBlog

After seeing Transformers 2 this week it’s clear that computer graphics special effects have come a long way. The giant robots we see battling on the big screen look very convincing. At this point only the top-flight Hollywood studios can produce effects of this caliber but I think it will only be a few years before many more studios will reach that point. The speculation regarding tomorrow’s movies runs rampant within me. Read more…

SPOILERS ALERT

No science-fiction fan should restrict his hobby to the screen. The best stories in science-fiction remain in novels. Whenever I can find the time I read another science-fiction novel in search of a great story. This time it was Isaac Asimov’s Foundation’s Edge. Written in 1982, this novel continues the epic Foundation trilogy that Asimov wrote in the 50′s. Thirty years later the fans’ desire for a continuation of the epic was successful in coaxing Asimov’s publisher to demand a continuation. Read more…

Last night I made a rare appearance at the movie theater and watched Transformers 2 – Revenge of the Fallen. Overall I’d say I liked the movie more than I disliked it. I can’t give it an enthusiastic “thumbs up” but don’t let me dissuade you from seeing the film. It’s roughly two and a half hours long. That running time is great for viewing at home but at the theater, with the plot as weak as it is, you start wondering when the credits will roll. Read more…

We should all do our part to contribute to the next generation. Donating to libraries, volunteering at schools, raising children with proper manners and values – and perhaps most important of all, introducing anime. Last week I began watching Gatchaman with my two sons, ages six and four. It’s been exciting for all of us. Read more…

Not long ago I was able to watch the first Patlabor OAV series subtitled. It first came out in April 1988. I’m now starting to watch through the Patlabor TV series. I’ve been looking at Patlabor art books ever since I was a teenager so getting a chance to watch the anime was a big deal for me. Read more…

The 2004 edition of the Super Robot Encyclopedia is the 3rd edition and continues improving an excellent product. This is one book every mecha fan should have on his shelf. The book is 296 pages and covers mecha in Japanese anime - television, movies and OAVs – from the beginning to 2004. Although 5 years out of date you can’t afford to pass up this book. Read more…

The mighty Go Lion

It’s been hard to find time for anime or blogging lately but I managed to finish the 52 episodes of Go Lion from 1981. Although it isn’t the best that 80′s anime has to offer I did enjoy it. I would only recommend it to people who I know enjoy super robot shows of the late 70′s and early 80′s. But if that’s your thing then don’t miss Go Lion. Read more…