ARIA Desktop Calendar

Shipped: 13/11/2006
Arrived: 01/12/2006

Received my ARIA desktop calendar this morning. I actually dreamt about it last night and had feelings that I would receive it today and it did, crazy. Adun, if you're reading this, dont laugh, I just got mine (Perth lost by 1 week!!!). :P

The 12.5*18cm booklet size calendar is a worthy collection for ARIA fans. It features ARIA characters in chibi and SD forms. The calendar is rare now, discontinued/out-of-stock at both AJ and HLJ. The only other person I know who have it is Adun from Moemoerabu. There are much more new artworks compared to the wall calendar, though wall calendar does feature more elegant and colourful illustrations.

Similar to July, but this is the artwork for whole year calendar
January, official page has samples of it in different colours
February. My favourite. Alicia Florence!!! Ara..ara..
March. Alicia with SD Akari
April. Akira with SD Aika
May. Atena with SD Alice
July. SD Characters in gondola
August. ARIA SD characters
September. Aika and Alice in chibi form. Kawaii!!
October. Wish this wasn't part of the calendar
November. Wish this also wasn't part of the calendar

The artworks for June and December are the cover and back cover.Also submitted high quality ones to animepaper.net.

P/S: HLJ has shipped my Megahouse Lacus Cylne figure. Confirmed that it's EMS shipped. The EMS shipping cost me 2220 Yen (SAL only 1080 Yen), total of 62220 Yen. Ouch! !!
Status: 30/11 @ Gunmda Prefecture
Status: 01/12 @ Tokyo Metropolis

FFXII and Manga

My Yesasia order arrived this morning, beat HLJ shipping again. The order was shipped 15th Nov. and arrived on the 30th Nov. Order comprises Suzuka CH V12, Pastel CH V14, Cross Game CH V5 and FFXII PS US Regular edition. I think Ollin and Zanza would probably finish FFXII by now, and I'm just starting. :P

P/S: Suzuka CH V13 has just been released yesterday but still no news for ARIA CH 9.

Suzuka 130 Reason

凉风 #130 理由 りゆう

Ayano san organized a farewell party Saki. Satome and Megumi were also there. Yamato questioned why there's two person without any reason joined them. Saki said it's fine as the more the merrier. Ayano san went to get some soy sauce and reliazed that there's no soy sauce left. found out that there's little soy sauce left. Yamato offered to go and buy it since he wanted to buy something as well. Satome, Saki and Miho took the opportunity and requested Yamato to buy snacks for them. Yamato argued that he's not their delivery man. Suzuka asked if she can tag along as he wouldnt be able to carry all the purchases.

Suzuka and Yamato bought the stuffs, with Yamato carrying two large bags and Suzuka carried a small bag of items. On the way home, Suzuka asked if Yamato had decided on Touto. Yamato replied that he hasn't decided. He added that Arima's also at Touto and it annoyed him. However, the seniors there were friendly and the facilities were great. Suzuka then told him that he should choose Touto then. A little while later, Suzuka commented that she was surprised that Yamato was made captain and got third for IH since she thought he would certainly give up half-way. Yamato told Suzuka that he had thought of giving up many times because of the exhausting and meaningless training. He then added that he didnt give up maybe because of her. He wanted to chase her achievement and to be on the same par as her, thus he told himself to persevere. He continued to persevere for two years but Suzuka then went to America. Yamato asked for a break as the stuffs were heavy and he sat down for a rest. Suzuka mentioned that they went shopping together at night in the past. It was the day Suzuka first met Yasonobu. Yamato commented that back then Suzuka felt happy when he complimented her high-jump. Suzuka suddenly become silent and Yamato asked her why. Suzuka replied that she was happy and that's why she thought of studying abroad. Yamato was shocked and asked her if it was because of his compliment. Suzuka replied yes.

The next day, Yamato sent Saki off at the train station. After short conversation and patting on his head, Saki told Yamato to work hard for Seijou. She told him that Suzuka is the girl that he always has in his mind. Yamato felt sorry for breaking his Touto promise with Saki before but Saki asked her not to be bother with it. Inside the train, Saki whispered that Yamato would peserve to the end once he has set his target.

P/S: Good chapter for me as Kouji put in effort in repairing Suzuka and Yamato relationship.

Aside:
Ollin have samples of Suzuka 2007 Calendar at ollin.us, He's also a vivid fan of Suzuka manga.

First Anniversary

Anime & Manga Horizon's celebrating its First Anniversary!!!

Let the undines serve the drinks!

Anime & manga horizon celebrates its first anniversary today, 28th November. Thanks to all visitors and those who has commented in this blog. I really appreciate it. It has been an enjoyable journey blogging about anime and manga, in particular Suzuka, AMG and ARIA.

Started the blog after I came across ollin's page and decide to have one myself. I didnt come up with an interesting name, rather just append "anime & manga" to my usual "horizon". Initially started with anime and manga news and small collection of mine. Took up Suzuka manga blogging in February after realizing that Suzuka wasn't translated in English and decide to write it so more could know about Suzuka, started from chapter 96. Later also took up I"s pure, Ah My Goddess Sorezore no Tsubasa and ARIA The Natural anime blogging. It was demanding.


Suzuka, main passion & motivation of the blog

Since blogging, both my knowledge and desire in anime & manga have increased significantly, and yeah, my wallet decreased significantly too. I initially only purchase few anime OST, manga and scans. Now I have several collections of manga, anime OST CDS, anime DVDs, anime figures and Gundam models. Probably should blame people like Ollin for tempting me with all the figurine news. :P

Made acquaintance with real nice people online, although I never seen them before. People like ollin, R8, Zanza and Omni have been very friendly and responsive. Recently, got to know Adun. Also got to know some nice people in the animesuki Suzuka forum in particular Twilighthack and nite0. Furthermore, I appreciate the Suzuka fans who have commented in this blog, of which they are more rational and courteous compared to some in the forum.

Thanks for visiting and hope you like the blog.

A toast to all visitors and cheers to anime & manga fans.

Fisherman Horizon
The blog passed 50,000 pageloads mark but it's not a good indication. However, the accumulated unique visitors count is 34641.

AMG OST Collection

Top: AMG S1 OST Box, AMG S1 OST I and AMG S1 OST II
Mid: AMG S1 OP , AMG S2 OP & ED and AMG S2 OST
End: AMG Movie OST, AMG OVA OST I and AMG S2 ED II

Collected my AMG Season 1 soundtracks, OST I and OST II. Pleased with the purchase and shipping. Above is my current AMG OST collection. My favourite album would be the AMG Movie OST. I didnt collect the variety albums and the drama CDs.

Suzuka 129 Together

凉风 #129 一緒 いっしょ

During dinner, Yamato mentioned that Seijou required him to sit for a test eventhough he had a recommendation to it. Saki remarked that it didnt count as recommendatio at all. Miki commented that Yamato could go to Touto if he didnt get into Seijou. Yamato replied that his teacher said it would be rude to do so. The teacher said that if Yamato chose Seijou, it's as he rejected the Touto offer. Ayano san suggested that Yamato attend Touto since he definitely will be accepted. Miki added that if Yamato reject Touto and failed Seijou, he wouldnt not be able to enter university. Yamato then told them that Saki and him will visit Touto tomorrow. Suzuka asked Yamato to send her regards to Miyamoto since he's in Touto's track team.

The next day, Yamato and Saki arrived at Touto. Yamato had asked Miyamoto to show them around. Saki greeted Miyamoto and Yamato introduced her to Miyamoto. While walking, Saki realized that Yamato was into track as she thought Yamato had gotten the third place in baseball competition. She added that she thought Yamato dislike track event. Yamato reluctantly replied that it was okay and his senior forced him to. Miyamoto spilled out saying that there was a gril Yamato liked in the track team. Reaching a junction, Saki left them and went to the design faculty. We see Saki is concerned with what Miyamoto said "The girl he liked is in the track team".
Inside the gym, Yamato was amazed by the facilities and equipments. Miyamoto sempai came and asked him about Yamato. The seniors gave him warm reception and told him that they have reserved a place for him eventhough he had not decided yet. One of the senior called Arima and asked him to greet Yamato. Arima sarcastically remarked that he thought Yamato would attend Seijou. Yamato asked him why Arima thought of him going to Seijou. Arima eyed at Yamato and left.

On the way back, Saki asked Yamato about the track team. Yamato replied that the seniors were friendl and the facilities were adequate. Saki then asked if he has decided. She commented that Touto was better than Seijou and Yamato has definite offer from Touto. Saki said that she would study hard when she got home so that she could make it to Touto. Yamato asked her why she desired to attend Touto and Saki replied that it was because she could be with Yamato. Yamato reminded himself that he wont be fooled like in the past. Yamato thought of the word "together" and Suzuka's comment on the other day came onto his mind. He was surprised with his feelings that he was still concerned with Suzuka.

P/S: Touto=Saki, Miyamoto and Arima. Seijou=Suzuka and Kinugasa. Yamato still undecided for Touto or Seijou. Yamato clearly still care for Suzuka while he thinks Saki's still teasing him (stupid).

Aside: This shows the two choices clearly! Touto dai and Seijou dai.

Suzuka 128 Recommendation

凉风 #128 推薦 すいせん

Early in the morning, Yamato was awaken by Ayano san, asking him to take a phone call from his school. During breakfast time, Saki teased Yamato on his messy hair. Yamato asked Suzuka's whereabout and Ayano san told him that she had left for her training. Yamato remarked that she was so serious. Saki said he was the one that's lame. Saki asked Yamato about the phone call. Yamato said that his teacher told him that University of Seijou 西常大 sent a letter of recommendation. He was considering whether to accept University of Seijou 西常大 or University of Touto 東都大 offer. Ayano san complimented him but Yamato said that now he didnt know which one to choose. Saki suggested him to attend Touto. She added that it's nearer to their residence, there're more outlets and also fashion design course. Yamato was surprised by the fashion course remark. Saki then told him that she would enrol in Douto. Yamato commented that he thought Touto was good. Saki then asked Yamato to join her and wanted him to make a pinky-promise. Yamato then took leave to his training.

At the training ground, Yamato saw Suzuka's high-jump and was amazed by the height she jumped. He asked Miho about the track situation. Miho answered that Tsuyoshi has been thinking highly of himself, claiming he's the star-player. Yamato approached Tsuyoshi and used the same arm-grabbing technique of Kinugasa sempai. Unfortunately, he himself was also grabbed by Kinugasa sempai. (It was hilarious to see this scene). Later Yamato went to cool himself at the water tap. He realized that Kinugasa sempai also attend Seishou, the university which he had just received recommendation. He then decided to attend Douto because of Kinugasa. Yamato wanted to dry himself bu he forgot his towel. Suzuka approached him and offer him a towel. She asked Yamato to walk home together later.

On the way home, they talked about Suzuka's experience abroad. She had been in the track team but she was happy that she had run on the tracks there. Yamato was relieved that he could talk to Suzuka normally because he had been uneasy since she got back. Suzuka complimented Yamato for achieving third place in the I.H. He replied that he would preder the championship but he was happy that it did help him to get recommendations. Suzuka asked him which recommendations he had and Yamato replied Seijou and Touto. Suzuka told him that she received recommendation from Seishou as well. She asked if he had decided and Yamato replied that he have not. Suzuka then happily remarked that they could be able to participate in the track team together in university. She added that Kinugasa sempai offered to bring them to visit Seishou. Suzuka asked Yamato to tell her if he decided to go and have a look and went back to her room.

P/S: Yamato made a pinky promise to Saki to attend Touto, after hearing that Suzuka would possibly go to Seijou, he's now undecided.

ARIA and AMG Artbooks

Saw two artbook in interest but yet pre-order since lack of information.

1. Matsubara Hidenori Art Works

Vendor: HLJ and Amazon.JP
Price: 2800 Yen
Release: November
According to preview at AJ, there will be 51 illustration for Ah! My Goddess, 65 for Sakura Taisen and the rest others, total of 172 illustrations. It will be in A4 size but A3 spread.

2. Aria The Natural PS2 Game Material Collection
Vendor: HLJ
Price: 1800 Yen
Release: January
No information whatsoever. But it should be an artbook comprising illustration of the PS2 game.

November Pre-roder

What's in for November??

If ARIA CH V9 is not released by the 14th Nov. , I'll go ahead with the intended order at Yesasia. The order would comprise Suzuka CH V12, Pastel CH V14, Cross Game CH V5 and FFXII PS US Regular edition (I know R8, ollin and zanza had theirs weeks already). Somehow, I wasnt that passionate on FFXII compared to previous installments, I didnt even consider the LE, which R8 has kindly told me. Maybe it was the medieval background setting. Hope my perspective would change after acquiring it, as Famitsu gave 40/40 score for FFXII.


On pre-order are ARIA calendar and Lacus Cylne Megahouse figure. I had both on EMS shipping to escape the December festive delay. Lacus figure will be released end of November. The ARIA desktop calendar is released today and my order at HLJ is now processed for shipping, Huhuu!!! .
Darn!! Just received my receipt and realized that my default HLJ shipping is SAL and the item was shipped as SAL. I remember I set it to EMS already.... must have set it to SAL when I tamper with Alicia pre-order. Hate it. Now it's going to take 3 weeks! :(

Yesasia is having its annual clearance. For those who missed out on Megahouse Meer Campbell and Lunamaria Hakwe Ver.2 last year, they are in stock at Yesasia for and eligible for free-shipping. I wanted to get the Meer figure but someone told me it looks fair only and also bit worry about the single-leg figure(possibly tilting). Anyway, interested? Check out Yesasia, even Tsubasa Chronicle OST III LE is on clearance list???

Suzuka 127 Bomb

凉风 #127 爆弾 ばくだん

During dinner, Saki complimented Ayano san cooking skills. Everyone enjoyed the companion of Saki except Yamato. Earlier, Yamato warned Saki not to talk nonsense and she told Yamato not to worry. Yamato wondered if she really understood him since he felt Saki was a ticking bomb. Saki asked Suzuka about her trip to Hiroshima last year. Saki happily remarked that everyone had been spreading the rumour that Yamato brought a wife back from Tokyo. Yamato was stunned and burst out his tea. Saki futher commented that Yamato tried to create atmosphere at the bridge again and he really like the place. Yamato explained that they went there to see the fireflies. Suzuka suddenly noticed the word bridge. She asked if Saki was the girl whom Yamato had confessed on the bridge. Saki replied yes and Yamato was so embarassed. Saki said it was all in the past and he shouldnt worry. Ayano san then knew why Yamato hesistated to pick up Saki. Miho asked Saki about the incident.

Saki reminisced and told them what happened. Back then, Yamato was looking for fireflies. Saki said that there's no fireflies at that time. Yamato replied that he saw one the day before. Saki wondered why Yamato brought her to see fireflies and commented that it's starting to rain. Not giving up, Yamato took the flower and confessed to Saki.

Back to present, Saki was laughing hard about the incident. Suzuka asked if Yamato moved to Tokyo because he couldnt stay in Hiroshima because of the rejection. Yamato quickly denied. Saki then teased that he was rejected again in Tokyo yesterday. Miho asked if Yamato was dumped by Honoka. Yamato denied and said it's just that Honoka told him she had a boyfriend, so it didnt count as being dumped. Saki remarked that the girl was waiting for his confession but he didnt, at the end she ran away with someone. Miho added that it's embarassing and no wonder Suzuka dumped him. Everyone was stunned and silent. Suzuka answered with smile that Yamato even forgot her birthday. Miho remarked that it's unbelievable and Ayano san complained that Yamato kept forgetting the cleaning time. Everyone was talking bad things about Yamato after that.

Yamato went back to his room, feeling frustrated. Saki came to his room and invited him to eat a local snack with her. Yamato asked her to go back as he felt down because of her nonsense. Saki told Yamato that it was because he didnt understand girl's feeling that he was dumped. Yamato defended that there's reason that he forgot Suzuka's birthday. He added that he was angry thinking about it since she should know the reason. Saki interrupted and asked who's he talking about. Yamato replied Suzuka but Saki was referring to Honoka. She commented that he never listened to people but Yamato replied it was just a misunderstanding. Saki then said it also happened 3 years ago. Saki told him that she didnt even have the chance to reply his confession because he ran away after confessing. Yamato replied that it looked like a rejection. Saki said that she didnt even said so. She told him that she tried to talk to him several time after that but he kept running away, thus she couldnt reply. Yamato said that he was embarassed. Saki told him that he better listened to people's answer. Saki then replied his confession, "Sorry, I felt terrible back then". Yamato said that she didnt have to reply since it was so long ago. Saki answered that it bothered her all the time and she felt better after replying. Saki then ran away. Outside, Saki commented that she came to Tokyo, only to find that Yamato had someone he liked.

ARIA 4th Figure

The fourth installment of ARIA figure has been revealed, Alice Caroll figure will be released in February 2007. I hope they will also release Akira and Atena in near future.

October 2006: Akari Mizunashi,
November 2006: Aika S. Granzchesta
December 2006: Alicia Florence
February 2006: Alice Caroll

Autumn Anime Impression

Further impression on the anime I'm following this season.


Kanon: Because of Kyoto animation quality and the ambient backgrounds.
4 weeks impression: First 2 weeks nearly make me sleep. But the story unfolded very well and obviously the colour & background setting are of superb excellence. Consistent animation quality and wonderful music.



Yoake Mae Yori Ruri Iro Na Crescent Love: Because of the Feena, that's all.
4 weeks impression: Enjoy the chibi scnene and the humours in it. Feena is the reason to watch. Animation quality degrade over time. Humour is great but story is average.


Tokimeki memorial: Had good impression of the game and the animation looks decent. Not to mention the girls.
5 weeks impression: Surprise that I enjoyed this animation even most of the scemes are repetitive, running & chasing...food poisoning...chick fight. Not a very strong anime but I do enjoy it.


La Corda D’Oro ~primo passo~: At last an anime dedicated to musical instruments. Decent animation. Funny fairy. Appealing heroine. Plus there's seed of knowledge like Yakitate Japan. The drawback? The boys....
5 weeks impression: I like watching this anime every week. Consistent in quality and feed my interests in the classical music. Love the main heroine.... Still hate the male characters.


CODE GEASS:Not because of CLAMP but the animation looks quite impressive. Hope the story turns out good.
4 weeks impression: Excellent animation and getting even more interesting. Highly recommended. Having an antagonist as the lead character turn out to be very well.