Five Towers / Four Pillars

Ichigo reaches Inoue and Ulquiorra. Ulquiorra recognizes his strength and draws his sword. This is a major step for Ichigo, since Ulquiorra always looked down on him, didn’t draw his sword, talked arrogantly and never worried to finish him up.

But will Ichigo really be able to win? When he fought Grimjow the first times, he at least looked to be winning when in Vaizard mode. This meant that if Grimjow releases, they would get leveled with each other more or less.

But, with Ulquiorra, he didn’t even draw his sword against Vaizard Ichigo. So, even if Ichigo has gotten stronger, it still seems to me like Ulquiorra has the advantage.

In the human world. One of the unknown arrancars takes the lead. He seems smart and figures out how Soul Society arranged for Karakura Town to be protected. He sends him men to destroy the supporting pillars. The arrancar seem pretty confident but, the "elites" were stationed to protect them. They are truly the most powerful shinigami below Captain level. I think that with this and the fact that the Vaizard are coming, will really put Aizen’s plans down. I’m not even worried with the outcome. Victory seems certain. Of course something will happen to level things up. Also, Aizen was really confident, and he’s not dumb to be so without a good reason.

Really, this final arc will be really long. At least if Kubo is planning on using all the characters in fights. And I hope he does, it’s about time for everyone to get wild, he have already waited enough to uncover the shikai’s and bankai’s of many characters. And you never know.. the "elites" may all have a bankai by now.

Also, I think that more to the end, we will see the so called Royal Family (I’m not sure if this was their name anymore). I’m guessing Aizen will be able to get a least a little into it, so that we at least meet this new characters.

I’m guessing the main focus will still be Hueco Mundo on the next chapter. But, I’m not really sure.

Seems like Hollywood has been on a remake-old-stuff state for quite some time.

Horror movies, specially the really old ones and the Japanese, were one of the most remade category a few years back. In the meantime, some sci-fi have also been done. Most of this movies have been crap and more oriented into making money. At least the sci-fi genre is more understandable since today’s special effects can really expand what you can do in terms of storytelling.

It seems the new trend will be anime. I personally think this is great. It will bring anime to the spotlight and hopefully develop this business outside of Japan. I just hope they don’t screw them up. I’m not even expecting them to be faithful but, at least take make good movies.

So, as for the movies. Everyone knows of Dragon Ball. I’ll now list some others:

20th Century Boys

This is one of the best manga’s I’ve ever read. And it’s one of those that really happens in our “reality” so to speak. I always though this would be an ideal story to bring to the big screen. This one is being made by the Japanese but, I wouldn’t doubt the possibility of an american re-make if the movie is popular enough. For example, I think a Death Note re-make won’t be far.. It looks really faithful to the original manga, I just hope the scenes featured in the trailer are not final, because it seems a little unfinished on the cinematographic department. Still, I have high expectations for this one.

Akira

“Warner Bros. are ploughing ahead with their adaptation of the Akira graphic novels, with two live-action feature films now in production. According to Variety, each movie will be based on three of the books in legendary artist Katsuhiro Otomo’s six-volume series that revolves around bikers and psychics in post-apocalyptic, dystopian Tokyo. As IGN reported last year, Irish helmer Ruairi Robinson is set to make his feature debut with the first film, which WB execs have pencilled in for a summer 2009 release. Gary Whitta is writing the script. Paul Bettany regretted watching himself in The Da Vinci Code. Interestingly, Leonardo Di Caprio’s production company Appian Way is also onboard – although as far as we know the star won’t be involved as an actor. The 1988 animated version of the story, directed by Otomo, became a cult classic thanks to its cutting edge animation and complex, adult plot, and a slew of writers, producers and directors have been trying to make a live-action version ever since. Let’s hope DiCaprio and Co. succeed this time around.”

Taken from IGN

Cowboy Bebop

“Bebop is a show that could work beautifully in live action if done correctly and rumors of a live action version have circulated for years. When Watanabe was here in Toronto for the Worldwide Short Film Festival earlier this summer I put the question of a future live action version to him directly, to which he just smiled and commented that “That would be up to Hollywood.” And apparently Hollywood says yes. With further questioning Watanabe also spilled that he is currently preparing new animated and live action projects though he would not comment at all on what the new projects were, which at least opens up the possibility that he may have a hand in the Hollywood Bebop.”

Taken from Twitch

Having Watanabe participating in this movie would really improve my confidence on the movie.

Ghost In The Shell

“After 19 years since its debut in 1989, DreamWorks has finally secured the rights to adapt the Japanese manga and anime series Ghost in the Shell into a 3D live-action feature film. Both Universal and Sony were also chasing the rights, but Steven Spielberg himself took a personal interest in it and made sure it ended up in the hands of his company - DreamWorks. Spielberg says that Ghost in the Shell is one of his favorite stories and is “a genre that has arrived and we enthusiastically welcome it to DreamWorks.”

Taken from FIRSTSHOWING

Does the live-action-3d mean this will be like Bewolf?

Robotech

“After a lengthy negotiation, Warner Bros. Pictures has picked up feature rights to “Robotech,” a 1980s Japanese cartoon series with giant robots known as mechas. Maguire is eying the lead role, and will serve as a producer. Maguire is producing through his Maguire Entertainment banner. Drew Crevello also is producing through his Supercool Hollywood BigTime Prods. Craig Zahler (”The Brigands of Rattleborge”) has been tapped to write the screenplay. “We are very excited to bring ‘Robotech’ to the big screen,” Maguire said. “There is a rich mythology that will be a great foundation for a sophisticated, smart and entertaining film.” A sprawling sci-fi epic, “Robotech” takes place at a time when Earth has developed giant robots from the technology on an alien spacecraft that crashed on a South Pacific isle. Mankind is forced to use the technology to fend off three successive waves of alien invasions. The first invasion concerns a battle with a race of giant warriors who seek to retrieve their flagship’s energy source known as “protoculture,” and the planet’s survival ends up in the hands of two young pilots.”

Taken from Twitch

Evangelion

“Development of a live-action movie version of Neon Genesis Evangelion was announced in May 2003 by the Houston-based anime distributor ADV Films, who holds worldwide rights to the series outside of Asia and Australia, and Universal Studios would be the American distributor. The film will be made by ADV, Gainax, and Weta Workshop Ltd.. Its release is currently projected to occur at any time ranging from as early as 2009 to as late as 2015. In December 2005, Fortune Magazine reported in an article about ADV Films that it had raised “about half of the $100 million to $120 million” needed to produce the film. It’s not completely clear if this money was raised by ADV alone or if part of that amount was contributed by Gainax.At Anime Expo 2008, ADV founders Matt Greenfield and John Ledford, in response to a question over the progress of the live action movie, revealed they had hired the producer for Appleseed Ex Machina and pitched the idea to other producers such as Jerry Bruckheimer and Steven Spielberg. They went on to say that interest in the project had been boosted by the success of the 2007 film Transformers.”

Taken from Wikipedia

The Ancient Lore Of Myouboku Mountain

Naruto leaves with Fukasaku to Myouboku Mountain. It’s a really well hidden place, also hard to reach. The toads use a reverse summoning to get Naruto there.

In the Hidden Rain, Pein and Konan prepare to leave. Their orders are to get Naruto no matter what. I also doubt this mission will go smothly like the others. Does Pein have a way of locating Naruto? If not, he’s just going to Konoha and they will probably start a war. I don’t think Konoha will let them go but, the problem is if they can take him..

If Pein knows where Naruto is. Then we will head straight to the toad’s place. It will take him more time since it’s so hard to reach and well protected. In this case, Konoha would probably send back-up while Naruto and toad’s hold them back.

But, what if Madara decides to use this to attack Konoha? He has strong shinobi and Konoha forces would be divided if they still had to save Naruto.

Naruto continues starts his training. We learn about a new type of jutsu. The senjutsu, this is done by gathering chakra from the Nature and adding it to your own. With this, Naruto can get his taijutsu and ninjutsu really powerful.. if we add the Kyuubi’s chakra to the mix.. Still, Naruto lacks experience, also, he will be fighting the Rinnegan and a shinobi that no one really knows anything about, also possibly the strongest shinobi alive.. (at least without figuring out his "secret")

What’s this about Naruto having to die in order to be able to sense and use senjutsu? Of course dying is probably an exaggeration but, I really have no idea of what it truly means.

In the meantime, the author isn’t losing much time with Sasuke’s arc. They already found the 8-tails jinchuriki (who, by the way, probably represents an octopus bijuu rather than the snake everyone was expecting). The jinchuriki acts arrogantly. I don’t know if he’s underestimating them or if he can feel their power and still be confident. Still, he probably doesn’t expect to be facing a living Uchiha with the mangekyo. Juugo will definitively also be a surprise.

Can’t wait for the next chapter. I was afraid Kishimoto would cut this fight out like the clone and cat-bijuu fight.

True Colors

This was a shocking chapter. Huge revelation, although many people were already predicting this.

There’s a flashback where we see Allen and Mana and how they first met.

So, Allen and Cross finally meet. Cross bluntly tells Allen that he’s been implanted with the 14th’s memories and that he will awaken inside Allen. The 14th was the Noah that betrayed the Earl and was killed. He probably chose Allen due to his connection with Mana, and knowing Mana and the 14th were brothers, it makes sense.

Now, what does this really mean? The 14th awakening means Allen will have all his knowledge and memories? Will it mean that the 14th personality is really going to awaken and take over Allen’s body? Will they share their body? Will Malcolm take Allen way from his friends to Central in order to learn more about the Noahs and the Earl?

Thing’s don’t seem to be very good for Allen right now but, at least with the 14th awakening, Allen will probably become much stronger. This way, Allen would be able to finish the 14th’s job and kill the Earl.

I think Allen felt bad, because he couldn’t think of himself as a servant of his own enemy but, the truth is the 14th betrayed the Earl. So, even if he takes over Allen, he’ll probably still be on the good side.

I just hope they trust Allen and don’t imprison, although that’s what’s probably going to happen.

There’s a secret group overseeing their conversation. They are supposedly the elites of the elites. Does this mean, some of the most powerful Exorcists? I would like to see them in action.

Note: I also read an interesting theory by rhapsody blue on mangahelpers. Allen’s human "white" side and the 14th’s Noah "dark" side would merge when the 14th awakens making Allen of gray color, thus explaining the title.

Captivating Child’s Play

Elmore explains her story of how her husband was called to Psyren. Her husband’s psi had the power to read minds. He decided to confess it to his wife. Of course, doing so instantly turned him to ashes but, he used the few moments before his death to telepathically show Elmore everything.

So, Elmore started training this kids to protect the world.

Meanwhile, Ageha has witnessed the power of this kids. One of the girls has an absolutly destructive fire power, much like his own Melchsee’s Door. But, the girl manages to surpress her rage and control and stop the outburst.

After seeing this and the level of concentration of another girl who can use telekineses with amazing "dexterity". Ageha decides to ask for their help in his training.

For now, the new characters have seen some development and the training continues. I feel like some huge stuff is about to happen. Is good to know that they have some allies now.

Confrontation?!
Amagai vs. Gotei 13

This episode was just about developing the 3rd Squad. Amagai suggests that all the squads should do joint training to better cooperate in certain situations.

Ukitake helps him by stating that Aizen and the others took advantage of this situation. This really makes sense, it’s good to see the fillers dwelling on something meaningful for a change.

Kifune is using some psychology to slowly turn the squad against Kira. Is having success in doing it.

Somo hollows appear and all the squads race to kill them first. They end up getting all stuck in a really stupid way. It servers only for Amagai to interfere and coordinate the squads so that they efficiently deal with the hollows.

The 3rd squad is now respected again. During the fights Kifune can be seen receiving or analyzing soe kind of information. At first I though he was the one behind the hollow invasion but, I’ve no idea now about what it was.

The Commander now approves of Amagai’s idea.

The episode ends with Kira catching Kifune doing some suspicious thing with an Hell Butterfly. Is he receiving secret orders from Komui?

From the upcoming titles of the episodes. I’m guessing the fillers may end at episode 187. I hope it doesn’t take long.

Questioning The Questioner

The girl remembers him of his brother and gives him a new reason to want to live. His resolve to survive is stronger now.

Kaitou picks up one of the more powerful weapons. I don’t think that will really make a difference but, it’s better than nothing.

Suddenly the city starts shaking and falling apart. Nurari went to find Oka. Oka is probably fighting him for his life or running away. If he’s so sharp that he can find a person easelt like that, won’t the snipers be in trouble? I mean, Oka was probably well hidden.

Nurari appears again before Kaitou at the speed of light. He’s holding part of a dead Oka. The strongest man has fallen. I really don’t think Kurono would be of much help in this situation.

Kaitou prays that everyone is already in position and ready to take the shot. Nurari points a finger at his forehead. Does this mean he’s just going to kill him instantly as a mere fly?

Kaitou really feels like he has no time left so, he starts talking. That was really unexpected but, smart. Not only he can manage to save time but also, maybe will know some answers to this Gantz mess.

He asks him why are they forced to hunt him and try to kill him. He says he doesn’t want it, as none of the others do.

Nurari is kind of enigmatic. He talks about God. That they should consider this an act of such. That trying to change it is futile and it probably doesn’t make a difference to know, I think. It seems like he’s going to kill him now but, one of the snipers strike and his arm explodes. Is it going to work if they all attack now and destroy is body completely?

I’m not sure but, what Nurari said kind of reminded me of Alien Vs Predator. How the Predators used the Alien as a sport. I think this situation might be something like that.

Six Hearts Will Beat As One

Ichigo dashes forward for Orihime. Two hollows appear but, he just leaves them be. He’s eventually stoped by the Exequias. Their leader is probably of Privalon Espada level. He won’t be much of a problem but, he’s got soldiers many soldiers with him and Orihime could be killed at any moment.

Renji, Sado and Rukia come to take care of them. They all seem to be healed. Ichigo is now able to move forward.

Meanwhile, Orihime and Ulquiorra are having a deep conversation. Orihime understands the stupidity of coming to Hueco Mundo to protect her friends, because she should have known they would come to help her.

Ulquiorra doesn’t understand what that "heart" means and how humans can talk of such a thing when they relate to others. He actually seems pissed and I think would really kill Orihime now if Ichigo didn’t come.

He seems somewhat shocked with Ichigo’s arrival. Can Ichigo take him down? And what’s gonna happen in the real world.