Miko-oneechama… evil beyond all words and reasoning

Episode 22: “The Most Evil of Them All, Kare” Parts I & II

Last week, when I said I would have plenty of material to share with you all, I meant it. Just scroll down and see for yourself…


Nakao Ryusei’s best performance yet

That’s right. If you hadn’t noticed from last weekend’s episode preview, Nakao Ryusei, best known as Baikin-man — “Soreike! Anpanman,” and Freeza — “Dragonball Z,” was selected for the voice role of Him/Kare. I was beyond shock and awe as I found out the news, considering he is one of my favorite Japanese voice talents and all. Though its unfortunate that his Kare character only had a few lines in today’s episode. But as we all know from watching it, he will be back, and what a treat it will be for those who have been admiring his work for so long.

Onward on, Professor Utonium is heard narrating the first half — reminding us of the Chemical Z incident that occurred in the very first episode, involving an iceberg, a bunch of runaway black and white streaming lights, and the monster villains that were born from it. After flashing a few shots of the Princess, Sedusa, and Mojo, we’re introduced to an awakened demon who apparently is trapped in a coffin-shaped tomb with a scorpion crest due to the ofuda seals that were placed by some humans a long time ago. This did not stop the demon from setting himself free however. The monster began to release a strange black powder into the air that would awaken a mummy in an upstairs room. Unfortunately for him the plan failed as the mummy couldn’t break through the seal. The only possible solution was to use the energy of the white light.

Meanwhile at the lab, the Mayor pages the Professor and the girls about a mummy who last night had been vandalizing small nearby businesses; and who this morning is still on the loose. Afterwards Momoko, who’s late as always, comes into the room with a box of takoyaki and treats everyone. Seeing how delicious they were, Kaoru and Miyako transform — I have no idea why — and fly out to buy more. There they meet Mojo who is in line like everybody else waiting for the opportunity to buy some takoyaki. But darn his luck, the two girls buy the last of it and Mojo is left empty-handed. Of course being a monster villain and all, he decides to steal one of their boxes.


Today’s most awkward yet hilarious scene


Buttercup about to unleash her “Swing Sonic” attack on Mojo


Ms. Bellum in her original red dress. Seems everyone went shopping for new outfits


See what I mean

Another stress call came in from the Mayor in the second half. This time someone was stealing takoyaki of all things from every shop in the city. Who could this “takoyaki thief” be? All fingers would point to the one most likely to be a suspect — Mojo naturally. The girls transform, find Mojo, accuse him of being the thief, and later find out that he wasn’t as Mojo showed proof he bought it fairly. But nearby the girls spot the real “takoyaki thief” who turned out to be that one mummy everyone kept talking about earlier. A fight ensues, the PPGZ learn they’re no match for this new monster villian as their “white light” source is being sucked dry by the mummy’s bandages. With this newfound power, the monster grows huge and begins to unleash his most deadliest attack yet. But, as with most mahou shoujo anime, the mascot, this being Peach, hails a tremendous shout where a burst of energy is released, replenishing the girls’ health. With this new, more powerful source of pure energy the girls take on the mummy together and finishes it with a “Triple Science Attack.”


Yeah I’d more than love to wrestle with three cute girls myself ;P


Look at Kaoru’s expression of dismay <3


Wow, to be able to stretch your legs like that… my word


The call that led to triumph

Victory has once again fallen on their side, but what came next, no one saw coming. The “white light” absorbed bandages began to miraculously lift itself into the air and was headed in the direction where Kare was being kept away from the outside world. The seal was finally broken and out came who will very much be the strongest, most twisted dark villain yet in the series.


External Link


Start using whatever’s left in that budget yes?


Bubbles and her game face


Okay that time it came awfully close


Yeah like Buttercup is ever shy to show us the goods


Hahah! So what do Kaoru and Him have in common you ask?

Overall this one had to rank up high on my list. The fighting animation sequence this time around took my breath away as I totally was not expecting anything fluid nor highly detailed as what we were given by Toei — although it was quite easy to spot the recycled animation scenes used in episode 16. The final verdict:

By the way, with both the Rowdyruff Boys and Him announcing a comeback in the future, it’s almost certain that a second season is on the way. However I’m still very curious as to what the staff at Toei plans to do to end season one just right.


DVD Limited Edition Volume II:

A release date for volume II of the “Collector’s Edition” has been announced for January 24th, 2007. This time it’s the Miyako/Rolling Bubbles theme version! My god if there’s ever a Himeko version… Anyway special goods included in this set are:

  • Collector’s Box
  • Special Clear DVD Cover
  • Rolling Bubbles Pinup Card
  • 8-page Foldout Booklet

The Collector’s Edition will of course include the following episodes:

  • Episode 5: “Mojo’s Revenge, Mojo!” / “The Observation Tower Crash!”
  • Episode 6: “Fuzzy Lumpkins!” / “Princess Himeko” a.k.a. “My First Love” <3
  • Episode 7: “Kanae! Momoko’s Love” / “Heinous Trio? The Amoeba Boys!”
  • Episode 8: “Charming Maiden! Sedusa” Parts 1&2

Reminder that Volume I goes on sale December 20th. Anyway, getting back to Miyako for a bit…

Miyahara Nami:

During this week’s episode preview, when Miyako is describing the upcoming Kabuki monster, you can distinctly hear her say the word “monster” without a trace of a Japanese accent. And then it hit me. Miyahara Nami — voice of Miyako/Bubbles — can speak English almost fluently. I completely forgot! For those who don’t know, Miyahara Nami is both a voice actress and singer. In fact, some of her music even contains lyrics in English. One song in particular was written entirely like that. Here listen to a sample:

[audio:Miyahara_Nami.mp3]

Referrals:

Might as well also take this opportunity to thank all the Japanese blogs out there who have referred to our PPGZ coverage over the past few months. I’m proud to say we’ve had quite a few — like Up! Up! Production Record for example. I thank you all kindly :D Just know that I completely support the show and such — hey I am ordering the DVDs aren’t I? Anyway I’m bringing this up because of a recent entry I read off mechanic concept designer Sato Gen’s blog. Wish I knew which site he was talking about… heheh.

Momoko Dance:

You-san of Chousen!! created this really awesome Pictap of Momoko. In case you’re not aware, Pictaps is a web application that lets you draw a figure of your choice and afterwards it will automatically make your sketch come to life as it dances before you. Here are two other animated drawings You-san created, one of which is Kaoru: [1], [2].

HALCALI PV:




  • Artist: HALCALI
  • Track: LOOK
  • Single: #9
  • Album: n/a
  • Release Date: December 13th, 2006
  • Preview: YouTube link
  • Video: Available here
  • Comments: The ending credits to PPGZ cite Tanaka Yusuke as the composer of the single, with HALCALI on lyrics. I for one love the new HALCALI sound. However long-time fans would argue otherwise — placing immediate blame on Mr. Tanaka for the generic jpop sound heard everywhere on the radio these days. So I can understand where they are coming from. On the other hand, the video is superb — having the group spin around in a rubix cube is pure genius, hahah! CLAP YOUR HANDS TO THE BEATS.

As an added bonus, I’ve decided to rip the song from the PV. This will keep you company until the official single is released:

Screencaps:



































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