ladybug_archive: (duke_fallen)
I'm working on my first of the [livejournal.com profile] 31_days pieces. I'm hoping to keep them all short, a page or two, so that they won't be all I'll write for the month. I think they'll be told in first-person POV, as though Snakes is telling it all to someone, maybe Chita herself. Maybe the last prompt will show that he's been writing a letter all this time, not with the intention to actually send it to her, but just so he can get the whole story written down as part of his own closure. We'll see.

I was thinking that another writing project I've often longed to do is an adaptation of the Sonic 3 & Knuckles combined games. I love them so much, and oddly enough, I think I've only ever read one adaptation of Sonic 3 by a fan. That took place in the Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog verse. It wasn't a bad read, but I'd like to put my own spin on it and have it take place more in the game verse. Problem is, for me a story like that relies heavily on the descriptions of the amazing surroundings and a fic could get pretty bogged down by excess descriptions. But it always bugged me that the Archie Comics never really took advantage of the awesome zones to write their game adaptations. They mainly just did silly stuff like Sonic sees this box and realizes it leads to several zones Eggman has set up for him to complete, so he goes through it and there's maybe one page of that before he comes out the other end. It's so lame. They ought to have whole chapters devoted to the amazing scenery and adventures in each zone! Plus, I never pictured the zones to be in a box. I figured they were actual areas of the part of the world Sonic happened to be in that Eggman had just booby-trapped during his takeover.

I don't know when I'd ever get around to writing something like that, though. I'm really bad at writing Sonic fics, as I have repeatedly discovered. I used to write lots of Fang/Nack ones, but they were mostly shameless hurt/comfort or occasionally, utter crack. Actually writing big long multi-chapters with plot and purpose keeps seriously failing. Maybe a Sonic 3 & Knuckles one would work better for me since it was during that era that I fell in love with the franchise. I should at least give it a try and see what would happen. The encounters with Knuckles would be the best parts to write, but he only pops up every now and then to play tricks on Sonic and Tails since he believes they're the ones trying to steal the Master Emerald and ruining the Floating Island. I don't want the rest of the fic to basically be, "Oh hey, look at this cool Loop-de-Loop." "Here's a platform with more rings!" "Here's ... yikes, a break-away platform! We're falling!" I guess that's probably why Archie decided not to really explore the zones, but I'm sure there's a way to do it without it looking seriously lame or like script directions.

It's always interesting to see how Knuckles is portrayed in different things. The first time I ever encountered him was in his first Archie Comics appearance and they basically gave him a tough New York accent. I always pictured him like that until probably when I saw the English dubbed version of that bizarre thing called Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie. He doesn't seem to have any accent at all in that, but he also sounds rather bland. (I love his hat, though.) Then came Sonic X, and while I loved hearing Yami Yugi's voice coming out of Knuckles' mouth, that really did make him sound pretty old. Sonic Underground gave him a voice more fitting for his age, but he sounded a lot gentler than I really pictured him to act, at least at the beginning. (Of course, contrast that with his creepiest behavior ever, intending to feed intruders to his pet dinosaur. WTH.) I think I've heard some of his non-Sonic X-era video game voices too, and I've also heard Sonic X in Japanese, but offhand I don't recall what I think of those voices. And Sonic Boom ... no, I am not going to go there. It just trivializes everybody and makes Knuckles a brawny idiot with no brains. No thank you. Part of the appeal of the character is that he's a little guy but he's tough. And he does have intelligence, even if he is kind of naive sometimes. He's been alone most of his life, with no interactions with much of anyone. It would be strange if he could get along with people immediately after that.

(Sonic X and also the more recent games seem to have made him more gullible than he used to be, I think. Sonic Boom took it many notches beyond that. I remember in season 3 of Sonic X, when Cosmo encountered Knuckles believing one of Eggman's tales and everyone else is yawning like it's business as usual, Cosmo says that Knuckles likes to believe in the good of people. That sounds cute and all until you really stop to think about the context of the situation. Um.... So he likes to believe that Eggman has some good in him and isn't lying, but at the same time he hates Sonic so much that he jumps at the chance to believe something bad about him. Um yeah. Really logical deduction, Cosmo. And really cringe-worthy behavior, Knuckles. Sonic and Knuckles are rivals, sure, but I think in the earlier games and media Knuckles only believed Eggman twice: in the Sonic 3/Sonic and Knuckles saga (which is really one whole storyline and not two separate things) and Triple Trouble, which sometimes isn't even seen as part of the main storyline since it was for a portable system and not the Sega Genesis. I think when they argued at other times in the comics, it was because of their differing points-of-view and not because Knuckles kept believing Sonic was actually the bad guy. That's one thing the comics did right, if so; I have many grievances with them on other matters. Game-wise, I think maybe there were one or two later games where Knuckles thinks Sonic is a bad guy again, but that was probably more for the nostalgic factor of his first appearance and not meant to be taken that seriously. I don't think those games, the Sonic Advance ones, are considered part of the main timeline either.)

If I ever were to write my Sonic 3 & Knuckles fic, I think I might return to my roots by giving Knuckles a Brooklyn accent. I always insist on the games taking place on Earth anyway, instead of some other planet called Mobius or whatever. (And none of that comic nonsense about Mobius being a post-apocalyptic Earth millennia in the future. No thank you!) Later games do seem to make it clear that it's Earth anyway, especially Sonic Adventure 2.
ladybug_archive: (nancy_peter)
So of course, off and on I've heard the complaints of Trixie Belden fans regarding Nancy Drew. It seems like most Trixie fans can't like Nancy too and I hear the complaints so much I find them a bit tiring. They say Trixie is more realistic and relatable in personality because she's not good at so many things and she has self-esteem issues, etc.

Now, I'm not denying that's all true. But what I am saying is that while Trixie may be more realistic, so are her mysteries. And hence, they're a little bit dull for someone who wants lots of action, adventure, excitement, and very dangerous criminals.

Trixie is around 13. Naturally she and her friends are not going to get into mysteries on the same level as Nancy Drew (and the Hardy Boys). It would be rather concerning if they did. Not that there aren't problems, but I think usually they're accidents and not the result of crooks trying to kill young kids. Which is probably a good thing. But honestly, the best thing about Trixie books, as I see it, is the slice-of-life portrayal of a town and a group of friends when things were more innocent. I think the slice-of-life stuff plays a larger part in the stories than the mysteries, or at least, that's been the case whenever I've looked in a Trixie book (or read one).

Nancy Drew is older and while it's true that she was depicted at being good at so many things it seems laughable, I don't think the writers set out to have that happen. The mystery would involve a particular thing and they would decide to make Nancy good at that thing in order to advance the mystery in the best way. To be honest, I barely even notice when it's done; I'm more interested in the mystery than in whether or not Nancy is partially a canon Mary Sue. And I think she is a good role model in spite of that; she's stubborn, determined, won't give up, and is a good and thoughtful daughter and friend (much moreso than the TV series sometimes depicts her as being). And anyway, I think the idea of her knowing so many skills was toned way down by the time they started issuing books #57 and up into the #170s.

It's funny, you know; I hear Trixie fans complaining so much about Nancy, but I don't think I've ever heard a Nancy Drew fan make a rebuttal. The bottom line is, I think Trixie books were really written for a slightly younger audience. The characters are younger and the mysteries aren't as dangerous and there's more of an emphasis on slice-of-life than the mysteries. And I don't entirely think it's fair to compare them to Nancy Drew books since in Nancy books, the mysteries are more important than slice-of-life goings-on, Nancy is older, and the danger is more pronounced. They're really different book series for what different-minded people want.

I've rarely met anyone who likes both book series. My mom does. And I'll admit I find the innocence and slice-of-life stuff in Trixie books rather enchanting. I'd read Trixie books more for that. If I want really intense, dangerous mysteries, I'll choose Nancy.

Also, I made the odd realization that I think I pattern Snakes' speech on my version of Nack/Fang from Sonic the Hedgehog, especially the redo I did of the character for Sonic X. Originally I portrayed Fang as more of a good guy to begin with; when I did the Sonic X fic I decided I'd make him more mercenary, but a diamond in the rough. That's pretty much how I write Snakes, especially in the Maverick fic where it's the 19th century and he's a crime boss for Lucrece Posey.

And I know I was going to say something else, but now I can't think what it was. I'm sure I'll remember the instant I post this.

... Oh! I got The Hunting Party recorded and watched Simon's scenes. I'm not sure I can bear to give the thing up; Simon is absolutely precious, the bright spot in a very dark and depressing film. **hugs him!** I knew I felt for years that I just had to see his scenes in that film, even though the film overall sounded repugnant. I don't regret it for one moment. I only watched Simon's scenes; I ignored everything else. And Simon was so adorable I can imagine wanting to watch his scenes over and over. Help, I don't think I can let this thing go....
ladybug_archive: (kolchak)
I find it ironic and melancholy, that the above is the title of the last Perry Mason episode. I wonder if that was done on purpose? The storyline involves a film set, but the title could easily be a reference to the show's end as well as the plot.

It was a very good ending episode. I liked it a lot better than the color episode overall. But one thing I was surprised by was Mr. Burger's reason for wanting to apologize. Hearkening back to the days of season 1, Mr. Burger had an especially severe outburst during one of the two hearings in the episode, believing Perry was up to his antics of skirting the law and this time, setting things up to make Mr. Burger look ridiculous. (Something Perry would never deliberately do, as he has a great deal of respect for Mr. Burger.) Such outbursts concerning Perry skirting the law happened a lot in season 1 and became tiresome (although at the same time I couldn't fault Mr. Burger that much, because the things he thought Perry did were usually things Perry did do to some extent). But after season 1, that level of outburst began to recede. (So did Perry's eyebrow-raising methods of protecting his clients.) Even when Burger became upset in later seasons, I'm not sure it ever went back to season 1 proportions, until that final episode.

The books' author, Erle Stanley Gardner, appeared in that episode, playing one of the two judges. I have to kind of wonder if he wanted the last episode/the episode he would be in to be more like the books and therefore requested Burger to grow that incensed once more. It was really quite a jolt after season 6.

But in any case, Burger's awkwardness and guilt at the end was adorable. That's one thing that I'm pretty sure the book version never had. That Mr. Burger would probably never dream of apologizing. I almost wonder if his outburst in the episode was more because he was humiliated at being led into a trap (which was set by the witness alone and not engineered by Perry in any way) and not that he really believed Perry had any involvement. Hence, that would explain why he calmed down without it being expressly said that he learned the truth. (I'm not sure if he did.)

Or maybe it was just the formulaic writing rearing its head again. Mr. Burger and Perry made excellent sparring partners without needing to throw in the extra element of Mr. Burger suspecting Perry of illegal activities (although he was often justified in the early episodes), but the writers always seemed to like to go back to that now and then (despite rarely letting it grow to season 1 levels). Maybe it's kind of like how the Sonic the Hedgehog writers like to keep making Knuckles gullible over and over so that it's really a headache. Knuckles is still my favorite character, and I just try to ignore the awful rehash writing because it doesn't make sense anymore. No one as smart as Knuckles could really be that gullible again and again. But they keep writing it, I assume because they think that makes the Sonic and Knuckles conflict better. It actually just makes Knuckles look stupid.

... And I got a silent giggle when Lieutenant Drumm exclaimed to Perry that Perry must have really turned Mr. Burger on. Of course, Drumm was referring to Mr. Burger's anger and not anything else, but I could imagine how slashers might take it.

In other Perry-related news, I had a very disastrous burst of insomnia yesterday due to my nervousness over a bunch of things that needed to be done later that day. When I finally fell asleep after all was accomplished I had some very interesting dreams, especially one where some creepy witness in court had it in for Mr. Burger and suddenly pulled a gun and tried to shoot him. He failed, but two or three bullets sailed around the courtroom, much to everyone's shock and horror.
ladybug_archive: (Default)
Kim had an excellent idea of taking a 30-Day fandom meme, splitting it in half, and doing a bunch of the questions all at once. I was particularly interested in this meme, so I've taken the first half of it. I'll probably take the second half when she posts it.


01 – Your favorite all-time fandom(s)

Gosh, I’m not sure. I met a lot of my dear friends through my YGO writing, but I try to stay away from the fandom in general. There’s a lot of awesome people, yet there’s also a lot of scary, immature people, and sometimes they’re more prominent.

Princess Tutu has a really good fandom. The fans are mature, agree to disagree, and engage in deep and fun discussions.

When it comes to specific shows, Tutu and YGO both top the list. And I love classic TV shows, but it isn’t always easy to find good fanbases for them. The Perry Mason fanbase is very active, however, which I’m thrilled about.

02 – Your current fandom

Perry Mason. The characters are old friends to me, after spending more than a decade observing their adventures, and I finally realized how fiercely loyal I am to them.

03 – First fandom, the one that made you the fangirl you are today

Gosh, I don’t know. I’ve always been incredibly loyal to shows and characters I love. I suppose my first fandom was probably Fox’s Peter Pan and the Pirates, when I was four. (And it seriously hurts that most people don’t even know what I’m talking about and are only familiar with the Disney version! Fox’s characters were so much better and more three-dimensional.)

Where in the World is Carmen Sandiego? would probably fall under that first fandom category too. I’ve been feeling a bit nostalgic for it again lately, probably because we’re nearing the 20-year anniversary of its debut. (Gosh, I feel old.) Detective shows rule. It was the detective element that made me determined to see the show when it first came out. I thrilled at the picture of the cool guys in fedoras in the TV Guide.

04 –First, current, or favorite fandom crush

First would be … oh, Heavens, I don’t know. It depends on which show came first. But my early crushes were Mr. Rogers (there we go with that older men thing), Chuck, Captain Hook (from the Fox version), and Sean Altman.

Current would be Simon Oakland and William Talman. My favorite of Simon’s characters is presently the controversial Lieutenant Schrank. For William, it’s always been Hamilton Burger.

Overall favorite…. I can’t be expected to pick just one.

05 – Your fandom secret

I … don’t think I have one that I haven’t already revealed.

06 –Favorite song that brings fangirl tears to your eyes

I can’t think of one, honestly. I have lots of favorite songs, and sometimes I do cry over some, but I don’t think I’ve fangirled said songs or their artists. Oh, except maybe some of the Full Moon wo Sagashite songs. They are absolutely phenomenal. And when I remember key scenes in the anime when they were played, I do sometimes tear up.

07 – Your OTP(s)

As most people know, I am not a romantic kind of person. Give me a good friendship any day and that’s what I’ll squee over.

Nevertheless, romantically I do love Seto/Téa (from YGO) and Fakir/Ahiru (from Princess Tutu). Their interactions are highly intriguing. I just wish there had been more canonical interaction for Seto and Téa.

08 – A fandom that you thought you wouldn’t get sucked into, but ended up getting sucked into anyway

Probably Perry Mason. I did my homework when it was on back in the day. But secretly, instead of reading, I was watching it more and more as I became deeply interested in the characters. I looked forward each night to pretending to read while watching it instead. (I was very prideful and unwilling to admit I was nuts over a show my parents were watching. It’s only been the last few weeks that I’ve wound down and let my interest really show.)

09 – One of your favorite characters

It seems it should be someone I haven’t talked about much before. I get tired of rehashing and I’m sure people get tired of reading me rehashing.

So let’s see … let’s go for someone completely unexpected. Knuckles, from Sonic the Hedgehog! Sonic was my first favorite until Knuckles came along. I was there right from the beginning, with the introduction of Sonic 3. I didn’t get to play the game unless I was at Toys R Us or a friend’s house, but I loved it and the character all the same. I had the Archie comic where Knuckles made his debut and was thrilled. To this day it’s sometimes hard to imagine Knuckles having a different speech pattern than he had in that comic (which was that of a streetwise tough guy), although I love Dan Green’s interpretation for Sonic X and some of the games.

And exactly why was it that Knuckles appealed to me over Sonic? I’m not fully sure, but I think his mysteriousness had a lot to do with it. And I was intrigued by his and Sonic’s interaction. And I loved that he was an antagonist who turned to Sonic’s side when he realized he had been tricked. Knuckles is also more serious than the happy-go-lucky Sonic, and of course, everyone knows how much I love serious characters.

Also, let's say Hamilton Burger. I've talked a lot about why I love him at the Perry blog, so I don't want to rehash too much here. But I really admire him for his strong sense of justice, as previously mentioned here. He and Perry may sometimes have different ideas on how to achieve justice, but in the end, since they both want the same thing, they cooperate. Plus, I love his hilarious expressions and comments. And the way his character clearly develops through the seasons, starting with being closer to the frustrated antagonist of the books and expanding right away to be so much more than that. Even when he and Perry clash in season 1, it's obvious from a lot of episodes that they are growing close. And it becomes more that way season by season.

10 – Your favorite scene or moment from one of your favorite fandoms

Gosh, just one scene or moment?

Well, I discovered a new favorite Perry Mason scene last night. I was watching The Golden Oranges and Perry is trying to prove that a dog didn’t bite someone. Mr. Burger overhears the court case and comes in to see what’s going on. His expressions are priceless. At the end he goes over to Perry and asks, “Is business really that bad?” LOL. And I have determined that season 6 just may be my favorite season. Mr. Burger is so different from season 1, so relaxed and openly friendly with Perry in, it seems, most of the episodes.

11 – The fan art, fan fiction, cover song, cosplay, etc. that you’ve made that you’re most proud of

I still say Lead Me Through the Fire is some of my best work, and certainly my favorite long fic.

I am also really proud of all of my non-fiction work lately. I co-run the Simon tribute blog and I have my own Perry blog, and I try to make each post on both very mature and intelligent and professional (while still keeping a casual air at times). And I know this doesn't belong on this meme, but I love the articles I’ve been writing for money (which I don’t have the option to share, as I’m ghostwriting for the time being). I was given the highest rating possible for an amateur writer when I submitted my writing sample to the site.

12 – Your favorite fanartist or fanfiction writer

I don’t have one. All of my friends, let’s say.

13 – The best cosplayers of your fandom that you’ve seen; the ones you consider to be real-life versions of your favorite characters, OTP, etc.

There are cosplayers I can think of who are favorites, but I don’t have their links (and usually not their names) handy. I love Puchiko’s Autor, pictured on Cosplaylab.com. And there are some incredible Sailor Moon cosplayers out there.

14 – A group of characters from one of your fandoms you’d love to hang out with for a day

The Sailor Senshi, on a day when they’d just be hanging out at the mall and not fighting demons.

15 –Your favorite collectible/merchandise from your fandom that you most cherish, or one that you wished you owned

Just one favorite piece of merchandise? I can’t quite think of one piece I cherish above all else; my favorite material object isn’t from a fandom at all. (Well, I guess technically it could be; it’s a Holly Hawk Hobby quilt. Yeah, when I was little I couldn't say Hobby and Hawk stuck instead.)

Hmm.

Sep. 25th, 2010 08:39 pm
ladybug_archive: (Default)
I posted this at [livejournal.com profile] sonicstuff, but I'll ask here too, in case someone here knows the answer.

I'm not 100% sure, but it seems like a while back (at least a year ago, but I think possibly longer) I found an AMV on YouTube of Sonic X clips with the song One Sweet Day by Mariah Carey and Boyz II Men. It focused on Tails and Cosmo, and while this morning I went searching and did indeed find one, the similarities to what I'm remembering end there. The one I saw today didn't seem to be timed very well, except at the beginning and near the end. The one I'm remembering I'm pretty sure flowed near-perfectly, and the most important identifying feature was that during the choruses at "I know you're shining down on me from Heaven/Like so many friends we've lost along the way" it showed clips from some of the other character deaths/supposed deaths on the show. The only character I'm certain was featured in those clips is Shadow; possibly Maria and Molly also were.

Does anyone know if something like this existed?

Also, regarding the G.U.N. Commander. During his intense pursuit of Shadow in his game, did the Commander ever address the fact that Shadow had nearly given up his life to save the world during the events of SA2? I'm wondering whether he didn't know or whether he knew but it made no difference to him. This second question is directed towards [livejournal.com profile] northeastwind, but anyone who knows the answer, feel free to jump in.

Hmm.

Sep. 19th, 2010 01:39 am
ladybug_archive: (Default)
I want an icon of Shadow with his machine gun that says Indestructible. **first needs to find where you can download decent screengrabs from the games/anime.**

Looking for pro-Chris art involving Shadow seems to get more frightening every time I attempt it. It's very rare to find any at all, and ... it's even more rare to find some that isn't slash. Shadow/Chris. **headdesk.** I really, really don't get the attraction of human + animal pairings. It's rather disturbing.

I attempted drawing a picture yesterday, of Chris holding a lifeless Shadow. Shadow actually came out really well, for being drawn from memory. I only had trouble with the quills on his head and had to look up a reference for them.

I ... kind of wonder if I dare cross-post the picture to dA when I'm done with it, though. I can imagine getting a flood of scary anti-Chris comments. My Sonic fics have been well-received on FF.net, however, so I might chance it.

I've also been working on my Sonic X "season 4" project lately, trying to alternate it with Tutu fics. I got chapter 2 done and now have started chapter 3. Shadow encounters Black Doom. And now Station Square is under attack.

The picture I was tinkering with is from the fic's climax. (I outlined the entire fic in my "episode guide" last year.) I'm also a little nervous I'll get people mad for pulling a "Shadow is dead" scenario, since Sonic X gave us two of those (and since there isn't one in Shadow's game). However, I have two reasons: 1, Both times in Sonic X, they didn't have the body; they just believed him dead because of the circumstances. Morbidly, I wondered how the scenario would change if they had the body. 2, I really love the squee part in Sonic the Hedgehog 2006 where Sonic is revived after being killed by Mephiles. And ... I couldn't help it, I wanted to try it out with Shadow as the victim.

Also ... while I really love my little Shadow plush, I can't help wanting one that's a better cuddling size. XD; I still regret I was never able to get the now-coveted SA2 Shadow plush before Sega.com stopped selling them. After much research, I've determined that the next best thing would be the 15" Shadow from the Sega Prize Europe line (seen at the top of this page http://www.sonicgear.org/UKPages/UKSonicPlush2.html ). They look wonderfully accurate, furry, and sturdy. I've contacted someone who may still have one for sell.

On a related subject, it really annoys me that a lot of plushies these days seem to be made with a feltlike material. Whyyy? Animal plush should always feel furry! (Well, you know, unless it's a reptile or something. LOL. Though I do have some furry reptile plush that are soft and awesome. Including a crocodile (or is it an alligator?) named Malik.)

EEEE!

Sep. 13th, 2010 08:48 am
ladybug_archive: (Default)
Remember that Sonic merchandise list I posted last year? I think it's time to add to it and post it again.

- Archie Comics #0-3 of the original mini-series; #10-#15, #20, #115, #124, #149, #161, #171, #203-#207 of the regular series; Knuckles' Chaotix Special; Princess Sally three-issue mini-series; #1-#4 and #10 of Sonic Universe; #40 of Sonic X
- Tiger Electronic handheld games of Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 (really showing my age here.... I've been a Sonic fan since 1994, when these were out and popular)
- 12-inch plushies of Sonic and Tails from '94-'95 (Sonic was a Christmas present in '94; Tails an Easter present from '95)
- 15-inch Knuckles plushie from ... well, I got him in 2001, but I think they started manufacturing him a year or two earlier. He has the Sonic Adventure design. (Why doesn't Sega.com sell plushies anymore?! ;___; They had the highest quality ones! The ones that turn up on eBay are usually just blech!)
- 4-inch plushie keychain of Fang the Sniper (made in Japan!)
- Once I bought some gum with Knuckles on the wrapper. I wanted to keep that, but I don't think I still have it. ;__;
- Knuckles figure from the Sonic X line
- Sonic & Knuckles Collection PC games: Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 3 & Knuckles
- Sonic 3-D PC game (the jerky camera movements make me sick....)
- Sonic R PC game
- Sonic Adventure 2 American release soundtrack (yes, I know half the tracks are missing. Someday I'll get the original Japanese release....)
- One pack of six Sonic X trading cards from season 1 (including a Knuckles card!)
- Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog video cassette with Grounder the Genius and Blank-Headed Eagle (two really bad episodes, from what I remember. But most of the show was really pretty bad. I could hardly stomach it when I tried watching some of it last year.)
- Sonic Underground DVD with four Knuckles episodes
- Sonic X DVD set with the Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 adaptions (awesome dub-work, too. I don't care what the dub-haters say. And yes, I have seen quite a bit of Sonic X in Japanese....)
- Sonic T-shirt with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in their Sonic Adventure designs
- 7-8 inch Shadow plushie
- Sonic Heroes PC game
- Sonic X DVD set of the first 13 episodes
- Sonic X messenger bag with Sonic, Knuckles, and Shadow
- Accompanying pins of Sonic, Knuckles, and Shadow
- Knuckles and Shadow PVC keychains
- Sonic Select #1 graphic novel and Sonix X DVD set of the latter half of season 3
- Red shirt with Shadow

EDIT 10/10/10:

- 3.5 inch Jazwares figures of Sonic, Tails, and Shadow (with his motorcycle)
- 20 inch Great Eastern Shadow plushie (ordered; should be here this Thursday)

I also have various Sonic X episodes recorded from TV.

Even though I prefer the SatAM TV show over The Adventures of ..., I think Archie Comics has handled the SatAM universe much better. I never did quite like the SatAM TV show, and while it was because it was too dark for me when I was a kid, now it just doesn't quite click with me on several levels. Part of it is likely because of my preference to Archie Comics' version (which is also pretty dark, actually), but it's also because I really dislike Sonic's characterization in just about everything pre-Sonic Adventure now. XD; Everyone got such better personalities when Sonic Adventure came along that I feel a bit pampered and spoiled. I don't always like Sonic in the early Archie Comics, either, for that matter, but he has developed so much over the years that I just love him in it now. Archie Comics and character development are close friends.

And I am very likely going to do something strange, just as soon as I have more gift card money to spend buying stuff online. I am going to buy Shadow the Hedgehog for the GameCube. That will then force me to stop dilly-dallying and buy a refurbished GameCube from GameStop. (It's $29.99, seriously. If it really works, as they "guarantee" it does, then I can't find a better deal.) I was bemoaning the fact that the two Sonic games I want most, that one and SA2, have never been released for the PC. But they are both on GameCube. And there's some other games I'm interested in for that system, including Sonic Gems. The PS2 version of Shadow's game is half the cost, but the PS2 is much harder to get hold of, plus, there's not many games I'd be buying for it. The GameCube version would be a much more logical choice. And I feel the need to buy it quickly before it stops being sold new at a reasonable price.

It was actually a choice between the game and the DVD set when I picked the DVD set. The reason being, those are already out of print and the price on them is just going up and up. This could be my last chance to get any of them at decent prices, and I don't have many of the episodes from the latter half of season 3. (Just three Aubrie recorded for me because they were on when we were moving and maybe a couple of others.) I realize the dub was worse in season 3, but I still love the voices and want the episodes to own, not just to stream online, so I think it's a worthwhile purchase.

And EEEE! I found this site on Saturday: http://www.sonicgear.org It's a Sonic collector's dream! XD; I spent literally hours on there and still didn't get through nearly all that there is to see! And after researching all the different figures, I've concluded that the recent small line is the best line to start getting. Gosh, I'm so giddy about them. I haven't been this excited about figures in ages! I kind of burned out on my excitement for them because of my long and frustrating experience trying to get Zack, and then after all that, ending up with one whose legs aren't even the same length, so I'm pretty thrilled to have my figure excitement back.

And! They're making Espio and Vector figures! *___* The prototype pictures have been released and they just look amazing! Charmy is sure to follow soon! **claps!** Chaotix figures! This is so exciting! **squees!** The only thing that could make me sail over the moon even more would be if they'd get the rights to release a Fang figure.

I have also determined that the Sonic X Chris figure would probably be correctly in scale with these smaller figures, since the animal characters (excepting Vector and Vanilla) are supposed to be shorter than him. The problem is actually finding one. Albeit Chris figures are cheaper than others in the Sonic X line. Maybe I'll find someone who hates him but has a figure of him for some reason and would sell it to me.

Squee! ^O^

Oct. 4th, 2009 07:28 am
ladybug_archive: (lifeislikeaboat)
W00t! X3 Picture up! http://www.setsunakou.com/ufo/elliottkermanufo.jpg

It was an awesome day. ^O^ And the celebrations will be extended; the shopping part will be on Monday.

Crystal and I are doing an RP of the Duke undercover thing, which is definitely giving me more ideas for the possible fic version. X3 We did a lot of that in the morning and some in the evening. I've also been RPing with Kaze and chatting with her and Lisa.

I got two Clair Poulson novels (my favorite author, a local one who writes suspense), the Sonic X DVD set with the first 13 episodes, and new, soft sleepwear. X3 I also got some awesome cards from family and friends. And a pizza. XD

My aunt sent a gorgeous multi-tiered necklace that reminds me of falltime. *___* And a computer dictionary and thesaurus program! **squees!** So useful! She also sent a check, which I plan to put to use this coming week. X3

I got some wonderful digital gifts, too! Crystal wrote me a mystery fic! *___* So awesome. It was just like a Nancy Drew or Hardy Boys story in the Carmen verse!

Lisa made me an amazing Dissidia Cloud and Seph colorbar (which is on my profile; go look)! ^O^ I haven't played in that verse too much, but it's still so intriguing. "Legendary Love" is a perfect tag for it!

And Kaze sent this squee-worthy Sonic X bag! Ohmygosh, it's got my three favorite characters on it: Knuckles, Sonic, and Shadow! And matching pins! ^O^ She also sent an awesome frame thing with the saying "No road is long with a good friend" and our picture in it. X3 Plus a CD of all the pics she took over our three days together in August when she drove up for the concert. ^O^ Which I still need to do a write-up about!

My camera was doing weird things during that time, and her parents just got digital cameras after that and were getting rid of their manual ones. Kaze had asked to have them, and since there were two, she wondered if I'd like to have one since my camera had been acting up. X3 So that came too! **anxious to try it out.**

In addition, my birthday present to myself arrived on time (LOL): four Sonic comics. I've been buying Shadow issues like crazy. In the past few weeks I've accumulated Sonic Universe #1-#4, Sonic X #40, and the regular Sonic series #124, #149, #161, and #171. I have plans to get more. X3 Plus I still want that Sonic Select compilation with the early Knuckles stories! The four that arrived yesterday were Sonic Universe #1, #3, #4, and Sonic #161. Also, a survey check came. X3

I also started drawing a pic of Duke breaking down after killing the assassin. o.o His pose is actually coming out really well; the hard part is getting the right intensity in his expression. And drawing the assassin face-down on the floor. I have to do that, or the picture won't have the full impact.

And Dad borrowed a VCR! **squees!** I've been watching YGO episodes. #85 (the one where Shadi saves Tristan and Duke), some Noa's Arc stuff (and totally loved Duke even more after watching the three-way duel against Nesbitt), and some Doom stuff (I'd intended to watch Yami Y vs. Raphael, but I ended up watching Joey vs. Mai instead. XD;). LOL, some of those dub lines are hilarious! Like Duke's comment after Shadi pulls them up: "That was *not* fun." **snarks.** And 4Kids recycled that line for Sonic X; Cream says it after one of Bokkun's bombs goes off.

Also, I totally forgot about Valon's hilarious snarking during the duel against Mai. Like when Joey merges Helmos and Time Wizard: "Run! It's a croquet hammer with wings!" LOL! And when the numbers appear above Mai's monsters: "Thanks for the counting lesson, mate! Next time maybe you can teach me the alphabet!"

I just love Duke in the three-way Noa's Arc duel, as I mentioned. He was so logical and practical while trying to save everyone. I doubt Tristan would have lost if he'd trusted in Duke's plan. But he seemed to think Duke was only looking out for himself, and since Nesbitt had forbidden them to discuss their strategies, Duke couldn't explain. ;___;

I'd forgotten that Duke was the first to be turned to stone by Noa. o.o I'd also forgotten that Tristan is the only one shown reacting. (In the dub, at least, not even Serenity is shown or heard reacting, whereas she does audibly react when it's Tristan.) I need to see that scene in the Japanese, just for curiosity's sake. Tristan and Duke really are intriguing. I haven't done a lot with them solo, but in the mystery fics they were often in scenes together. And of course, the conflict between them in Life After the Tears, when Duke seemingly goes rogue....

Why didn't Duke ever go rogue in canon, BTW? It was always Tristan being mind-controlled. I would have liked to have seen it be Duke, even once....

And ... guess what? The dub made Duke sound a lot worse in #85 than he was really supposed to. XD; Dub version has him telling Tristan girls like men of action and Tristan isn't one, he's just a pathetic cheerleader. Original version has him say that since Tristan isn't related to Serenity and isn't her lover, he's got no right to question Duke's motives in connection with her. And he thinks Tristan should just tell Serenity he likes her, though he's sure he knows what her answer will be. (And of course, the physical fight itself was cut too. XD; Even though all that happened was that Tristan threw a couple of punches that Duke dodged, and Duke elbowed Tristan in the stomach.)

But in spite of all its flaws, dub YGO is still the real deal for me. XD; I can't think of one voice I prefer in Japanese over English, unlike with Sailor Moon (where I also started with the dub and then saw the Japanese version). And I love the instrumental scores. *___* The only character I still refuse to call by the dub name is Rishid. XD; And that's mainly because for the longest time I never knew his name had been changed, so when he suddenly was called Odion it was an immense shock to me. Oh yeah, and I always use Miruko instead of Mikey. But other than that, it's dub names for me! And the silly in-joke of Duke's undercover name....

Random.

Sep. 27th, 2009 07:09 am
ladybug_archive: (sephiroth_KH2_wings)
Okay, here is a screengrab Aubrie found of Duke with his store manager: http://yuugiou.fran-web.net/Image/Otogi/01/Otogi-ep46-rolldiceglareatflunkys.jpg

Anyone have name suggestions? Even if he has a name in the Japanese, he doesn't in the dub. I had been thinking of Travis, but I dunno if I wanna do that because I knew a Travis and it would just feel weird.

And it's come to my attention that some people believed (hopefully they don't still believe) that Shadow committed suicide at the end of Sonic Adventure 2. .____. This is an immense shock to me. That isn't what happened at all! He used all of his energy to put the ARK back into orbit and then he fell. He saved the world, but he couldn't save himself. Extremely poignant and powerful. I wonder if the reason some believed it was suicide was because they thought Shadow's power couldn't be drained that much? Especially if Sonic survived. Well, I think Sonic X came up with the perfect explanation---the removal of the inhibitor rings gives Shadow greater power, but it seriously drains him. The games even officially adopted that after Sonic X used it.

And as I told JP a couple weeks ago, I'm totally writing a oneshot for Halloween about the game Sonic Unleashed, where G.U.N. agent Shadow is given the assignment to find out what this mysterious were-creature is that's going about at night. LOL. At least, I'm writing it if I can work out some important plot details. But oh the crack! That whole game is on crack.

Stuff.

Sep. 24th, 2009 03:17 am
ladybug_archive: (Default)
Further pondering on Espio's one horn led me to these possible explanations:

- Just having one is some kind of birth defect (like Tails with his two tails)
- He's from a mixed marriage, one parent being a Jackson's chameleon while the other was something else (Veiled chameleon or maybe the Asian variety), and the resulting genes gave him only one horn
- The character designer wasn't paying attention

And I had a crack idea of Charmy discovering that he can't very easily sneak attack Espio since he can see both in front of him and behind him at the same time, LOL.

Another crack idea involved Charmy flying in Scott's face and scaring him half to death. XD And the following dialogue would take place:

Sean: You have bees the size of housecats?! How big are your cockroaches?!
Charmy: **grins.** Depends on the kind of cockroach! Some of 'em are bigger than me! **gestures.**
Scott: **cringes in horror.**

Also, the Chaotix's team attack in Sonic Heroes? HILARIOUS. LOL. That is one crazy band!

Sonic Heroes in general is just plain fun. **bought it a couple weeks ago and it came last week.** And I find it amusing that Team Dark is the hardest, yet in some ways I find them easier to work with than Team Sonic. XD; Maybe it just had to do with how I was coincidentally using the controls, but it seemed easier to break robots with them, as well to get through the part in level 2 with the turtles and their platforms. Right now they're at level 4. I got the game in the first place because I wanted one where Shadow is playable, and I am not disappointed. X3 The other teams are fun, too, and playing the Chaotix makes me able to spot differences between them and their Sonic X counterparts. Game Vector seems smarter, LOL. And Espio with a New York accent = does not compute. I prefer the Sonic X voices for him (both Japanese and English). Though I like his Sonic Heroes VA when he's just speaking low and you can't really hear the accent. Charmy is just cute.

I think and hope I'm about done with chapter 1 of the Black Arms Project. The last scene is still giving me some trouble, however.... **keeps thinking it needs to be longer.** And I keep thinking the opening scene should have more details.

... And I've actually seen a couple of people who claim to ship Shadow/Maria. **BLINK.** How does that even make the least bit of sense? Oyyyy. I never once get the feeling that Shadow feels anything romantic for Maria or vice versa. It would just be disturbing---a hedgehog and a human? But what's more, they're more of a family unit. Gerald Robotnik even calls Shadow "son", both in Shadow's game and in Archie Sonic #171, which is just squee. X3
ladybug_archive: (cheerforthebroken)
The scene I mentioned I'd be writing. These guys are really dysfunctional, which I tried to portray here. It's just Charmy and Espio, because I couldn't fit Vector in I wanted to explore their interaction a bit.


The trouble with angels )
ladybug_archive: (faye)
I'm going to try to catch up on everyone's stuff tonight and tomorrow (very busy week!), and meanwhile here's a short blurb that I worked on off and on over the last couple of days. The end of episode 25. Yeah, yeah, I know. Darn thing wouldn't leave me alone.


Goodbye, Shadow )


I had a very, *very* weird and disturbing dream in which I was RPing Espio's death and the aftermath with someone and then this person took it upon themselves to decide that we would do a "Search for Spock" revival of Espio; i.e., he would start out as a baby and grow up again. Which I immediately protested (rightfully so, especially since I was Espio....). **headdesk.** I didn't like it for Spock and I didn't like it for Sailor Saturn (even though I think it was done better with her), and I sure as freakin' heck don't like it for Espio! Anyway ... that means I'll probably have to write a blurb of Espio's resurrection to get that crap out of my head. Of course, I've been wanting to write that blurb anyway. XD; But right now I was trying to start the multi-chapter fic that will contain most of my season 4. (Minus the already-posted episode 1/prologue.)

And does anyone know if any good fics exist about the friendship between the Chaotix members? Preferably game/Sonic X verses, but I'd take Archie or Fleetway too, if the story was good.

Yay!

Sep. 14th, 2009 06:40 am
ladybug_archive: (dreamscape)
W00t! I've still got it! X3 I can still draw animals!

I was frustrated a couple weeks ago because a picture didn't come out as I'd wanted. But there were a couple ideas I wanted to draw, so I tried to do them this past night. Both of them came out! One of them is that silliness with Shadow and the clogged sink. (And I discovered I'm pretty good at drawing Eggman.) The other was a crack idea I got while talking to JP. I was telling him about being able to use all kinds of random stuff for weapons in Shadow's game. Then I wanted to draw Shadow wielding the Stop Sign of DOOOM. XD; So ... I did. LOL. Originally I was just going to have a random human opponent get bopped, but I decided to try something different ... and had it be Fang. (Sorry, Fang.) I can still draw him, too! I didn't have to look at any reference. And I think I drew him similar to how I drew him when I was first starting out years ago and I was doing a more Sonic style. Fang apparently tried to steal Shadow's Emerald and Shadow retaliated. I didn't show the actual hit, but the aftermath. The stars around Fang's head made me wince, LOL. Owww.

I remember years ago, when I was first into the comics, and there was an ad for Triple Trouble on the back of a couple of them. And there was this random purple critter I'd never seen before and didn't know anything about. But he looked cool, and I had Mom draw a paper doll of him based on what we could see from the picture. It wasn't a full-body pic, though, so I don't think the tail got in. XD; I think I made up a design for the tail as if he was a fox or a wolf, which I thought he was.

There was also a piece of fanart someone submitted in the Chaotix special that had Fang. I was like, "There he is again! GAH! Who is that???!!"

I didn't find out until around 2001, I think. XD; I saw the Triple Trouble ad again, though it was cool all over again, and drew a pic of the critter spying on Knuckles. Then I used the wonderful invention of the Internet to finally answer the mystery. And I got obsessed with Fang the Sniper, probably the most beloved of the more obscure Sonic characters. He has quite the devoted fan base. And it's a lot easier to find fanart of him now than it was then.

Playing him in Sonic the Fighters makes me remember all over again how cool he is and how much I like him. So ... a revision of my favorite characters list. (And maybe I'll flesh it out to be the whole top 10 this time.)

1. Knuckles the Echidna
2. Sonic the Hedgehog
3. Shadow the Hedgehog
4. Espio the Chameleon
5. Fang the Sniper
6. Tails Prower
(Facing the same dilemma as I did before, I really wanna put Chris next. Originally this was supposed to be a list of the game characters only. But eh, what the heck.)
7. Christopher Thorndyke (And the Sonic fanbase implodes.)
8. Sally Acorn
9. Rouge the Bat
10. Dr. Eggman (come on! What would Sonic be without Eggman? He's classic!)

**List has been edited.** I like Sally more than Rouge. XD; **headdesk.** Dunno what I was thinking there....
ladybug_archive: (zack_sephiroth)
This is a random "episode guide" for my possible unofficial season 4 of Sonic X: Commentary on if things are IC would be greatly appreciated! Some things happen out of sequence compared to how they happened in Shadow's game. Mostly that's on purpose. This is based on the game Shadow the Hedgehog, but is not a strict adaption.

EDIT: I'm altering this to have the original ending I'd planned. Plus, I'm removing most of the references to Mighty, just in case I decide he is alive after all. XD;


The Black Arms Project )

Fic stuff

Sep. 11th, 2009 10:02 am
ladybug_archive: (sephiroth_dissidia)
Finally, that Sonic X fic is done! Now if I could finish the Fang one.... I'm having issues with it now because I wonder how I can bear to keep Mighty dead. XD; But bringing him back would disrupt the entire point of the story, explaining why he has vanished altogether and isn't spoken of! **headdesk.**

I have various ideas for this unofficial season 4 bouncing around in my head. I doubt any of them will get written, except maybe as blurbs, but they include the following:

- Shadow encounters a group that insists he can't have a real soul because he was artificially created. He then tries to figure out what it would really mean to have a soul and whether they're right.

- Shadow meets Chris's friend Helen and begins to bond with her.

- Somewhere along the way, as Shadow grows more and more accustomed to Earth life, he begins regaining more of his memories.

- Shadow also meets with the President, who is grateful to him for his past help and offers him a job with the government. He probably takes it.

- Chris works on figuring out how to safely merge their world and Sonic's world, while Shadow at first refuses to help him but then reluctantly offers some assistance on the project.

- A new evil begins to rise on their world (possibly the Black Arms, but maybe not, since the Metarex resemble them. XD;)

- The worlds become connected and Sonic and the others cross back to Earth, able to pass back and forth whenever they want. Eggman is fascinated, having been trying to discover the secrets of their worlds as well.

- Fang probably returns at some point. (But only if I can finish this other fic first!)

- As the evil grows stronger, everyone must band together to try to defeat it. But some give their lives in the process. After the final battle, Chris finds Shadow among the dead. Though he and even his grandfather Chuck try to revive him, they cannot. It seems that the Ultimate Lifeform can die after all. And I can't help it, I keep envisioning them finally bringing him back by using the power of the Chaos Emeralds and their---and his---own wills, like with Sonic in Sonic 2006.... **headdesk.**
ladybug_archive: (yamiM_artichoke)
I'm *positive* that there is a scene where Chris first meets Shadow in season 3 and they're talking outside, and Shadow tells him something like "I'm sorry, I don't remember any of what you're saying." BUT I CAN'T FIND IT. Shadow returns in episode 60, and I remembered the events of it fairly well. Chris and Shadow only glimpse each other and do not converse. Nor does this scene happen in 61, and I don't think it does in 62. But by 63, Chris already knows Shadow doesn't remember, and their first interaction is when Chris gives Shadow the energy rings. GAH. Where is this scene of them talking?! Or does it not exist at all? Or are the dub versions I've been watching recently *not* the versions that aired on my 4Kids affiliate and they've been cut up even more?! Aurghaurghaurgh.

And 68.... Isn't it the one that opens with Shadow monologuing about a previous conversation with Chris and Sonic and the others on what looks like the Blue Typhoon, and they're asking him why he's working for Eggman? There's nothing intense going on; it seems to be the aftermath of whatever happened. But ... where is this conversation he's remembering?! It's not in the previous episodes, unless Shadow appears in 65 or 66, and I didn't think he did! **headdesk.**
ladybug_archive: (cloud_seph)
Been watching Sonic X season 3 the last few days. And while I really think I prefer seasons 1-2 in English, especially since they didn't really seem to cut/change much (and since I love the English voices), I prefer season 3 in Japanese. X3 It really was the most mangled of the seasons. The finale in 77 and 78 = AMAZING. And of course, heartbreaking. So much more so in Japanese. And 68 ... heartbreaking too. ;___; Oh wow.

I just got done watching 67, the one with Dark Sonic. And I still feel gypped that he only appeared for a short few minutes near the end of the episode! I really thought they'd do more with the idea. I feel a need to rectify this. There so should have been an episode where Sonic goes dark again, either from the Metarex experimenting or from something else to do with more of the same fake emeralds, only this time he would not be able to break free so easily. And Shadow would probably have to be the one to go head-to-head with him and stop him. Shadow's always the one who provokes their battles, so it would be intriguing to see what would happen if their roles switched.

He's always such an intriguing enigma. I love in the last episode, where Sonic is going to use Chaos Control on the thing about to explode with all of the planet eggs' powers and Shadow suddenly punches him in the stomach, sending him careening through space and back to the ship. Now I can't remember what he says in the English, but in the Japanese I saw, he said something like, "Don't be angry; there was no other choice. I couldn't risk you controlling the chaos." Then he uses Chaos Control himself to stop time in that spot and contain the explosion. The implication seems to be that he knew Sonic wouldn't survive using such a strong burst of power, so he sent Sonic away where he would be safe. I *think* in the dub, that's made a bit more apparent from what he says.

And speaking of Shadow, does anyone else not like the fact that in his game, you have the power to have him either be good or bad? I mean, one possible bad ending you can get has him deciding to blow up the planet. Um, no. Post-SA2 Shadow would not do that, because no matter how much he detests humans in general, he will give his all to save and protect them, as Maria hoped he would do. The only possible ways I can see him being driven to such a point as blowing up the planet would be if he either does not regain his memories and goes back to trying to carry out Gerald Robotnik's crazed wishes (which would be a tragedy) or if something happens that pushes him right over the edge and he ends up deciding Maria was wrong and humans just aren't worth protecting (another tragedy). Either scenario is possible, I suppose, but gah! So depressing and discouraging, not to mention setting at naught one of the most beautiful things about his character.

And he's immortal, which resulted in a plunnie of him wandering through a cemetery and thinking about how someday everyone he knows will be dead and he'll keep right on living. And that if there really is any kind of afterlife, he will never be able to go there or see Maria again. He "lives an endless life forever." Plus, I've heard he has concerns that with his destructive powers, he will never be able to be anything more than a creature of destruction. ;___;

I've never had the opportunity to play Sonic Adventure 2 in full (whyyyy won't they release a PC version?! They have a PC version of the first one!), but I can't help thinking I'll probably always prefer the Sonic X version of the SA2 story best. I do actually like Chris, but what's more, I think it's far more powerful for him, a *human* child, to be able to convince Shadow to remember Maria's true wish, rather than it being the fellow hedgehog Amy Rose. And I do *not* like the Shadow/Amy pairing, either. Unless she's a great deal different in the games, she's just not mature enough for him. **likes Shadow/Rouge much better.**

Sometime I wanna write a fic about Chris and Shadow. It would probably be post-season 3, as Chris's fate was ambiguous and unsatisfying for those who did like him. That's partially why I'm watching season 3, as I'm trying to see all of the interaction they had that season. Most of it was saaad, though, so I'm not looking forward to that.... **remembers the one where they finally got to talk and Shadow admitted that he couldn't remember any of what Chris was talking about.** And the one where Chris says Shadow should help them and he just doesn't want to work with them.... Though he does do his part fighting the Metarex in his own way. And of course, he does end up teaming with them at the final climax.

And, switching gears ... it has to be said ... YAY SEPTEMBER FIRST! It doesn't really feel like fall, even though for me it is (hooray meteorological seasons!), but in other ways it does indeed. I noticed the sun coming in with a very autumn flair in the late afternoon.

... In a couple of weeks, it will be a year since I got back into the Carmen fandom. X3 Yesssss.
ladybug_archive: (sephiroth_KH2_wings)
Well, I found that Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog episode (Tails' New Home) and watched it; plus, I watched a SatAM episode, one of the few I remember distinctly, even down to the title: Sonic and Sally. When I was a kid, I wasn't mature enough to appreciate the darker show as much as I should have, so I preferred Adventures. I was cringing at some of it now, even though I still like the basic plot of that episode. Gah, Robotnik! He was so ... cliché and cartoony! And the Warner Brothers-type violence.... **shudders.** I was much more partial to the SatAM episode now ... but there is still no contest for me. Sonic X all the way! It sticks closer to the games, Knuckles is there, Shadow is there.... And I actually like Chris.

I watched a few Shadow AMVs and looked up the end scene of Sonic Adventure 2. I felt much more comfortable and at home with the darker world of Sonic X and the Sonic Adventure games.

And I got an extremely cracky yet amusing idea while I was trying to fix the clogged sink---Eggman ordering Shadow to unclog a sink! **snerk.** Of course, Eggman would never want to do something so mundane (and potentially messy) himself. And he'd probably figure that Shadow would use some of his powers to force the sink into submission. Which would probably happen.

I have half a mind to write this crack.

And of course ... I must take a moment to squee. DISSIDIA IS OUT! ^O^! AND STEVE BURTON AND GEORGE NEWBERN RETURN AS CLOUD AND SEPH! Yessssss.
ladybug_archive: (Default)
Because I decided to waste time, I am making a list of all my current Sonic merchandise. XD; This has been accumulated over a 15-year period.

- Archie Comics #0-3 of the original mini-series; #10-#15, #20, and #115 of the regular series; Knuckles' Chaotix Special; Princess Sally three-issue mini-series
- Tiger Electronic handheld games of Sonic 2 and Sonic 3 (really showing my age here.... I've been a Sonic fan since 1994, when these were out and popular)
- 12-inch plushies of Sonic and Tails from '94-'95 (Sonic was a Christmas present in '94; Tails an Easter present from '95)
- 15-inch Knuckles plushie from ... well, I got him in 2001, but I think they started manufacturing him a year or two earlier. He has the Sonic Adventure design. (Why doesn't Sega.com sell plushies anymore?! ;___; They had the highest quality ones! The ones that turn up on eBay are usually just blech!)
- 4-inch plushie keychain of Fang the Sniper (made in Japan!)
- Once I bought some gum with Knuckles on the wrapper. I wanted to keep that, but I don't think I still have it. ;__;
- Knuckles figure from the Sonic X line
- Sonic & Knuckles Collection PC games: Sonic 3, Sonic & Knuckles, Sonic 3 & Knuckles
- Sonic 3-D PC game (the jerky camera movements make me sick....)
- Sonic R PC game
- Sonic Adventure 2 American release soundtrack (yes, I know half the tracks are missing. Someday I'll get the original Japanese release....)
- One pack of six Sonic X trading cards from season 1 (including a Knuckles card!)
- Adventures of Sonic the Hedgehog video cassette with Grounder the Genius and Blank-Headed Eagle (two really bad episodes, from what I remember. Or maybe the whole show really is garbage. I hope not, though; I grew up loving it, and seeing the theme song on YouTube the other day made me really happy and nostalgic. I should try to find the episode where Sonic worries that things are too dangerous for Tails and he tries to find Tails' parents. That was a good one, if I remember right.)
- Sonic Underground DVD with four Knuckles episodes
- Sonic X DVD set with the Sonic Adventure and Sonic Adventure 2 adaptions (awesome dub-work, too. I don't care what the dub-haters say. And yes, I have seen some of Sonic X in Japanese....)
- Sonic T-shirt with Sonic, Tails, and Knuckles in their Sonic Adventure designs

I also have various Sonic X episodes recorded from TV.

I'm getting a Shadow plush soon, I hope.... I saw a small one at Toys R Us that I really liked. Looks better than anything that turned up on eBay. XD; And he's so soft!

I also want the Sonic Select Volume 1 collection of early Archie comics. It has much Knuckles content! **saw it at B&N recently.** And the cover art = the closest official thing we'll probably get to seeing Fang in a Sonic Adventure design! Gorgeous. Not sure what I think of the choice of red eyes, though.... And they still really gyp Fang in the Triple Trouble adaption. But ... so much Knuckles! *__* It has the Sonic & Knuckles game adaption!

Continuing to waste time, I list my favorite characters:

1. Knuckles
2. Sonic
3. Shadow
4. Espio
5. Tails
6. Fang
ladybug_archive: (cloud)
Crystal compiled a list of intriguing, fandom-related questions from a comm. I started thinking about one and decided to answer it. If anyone else wants to do it, knock yourselves out.

What are your five favorite cases of amnesia in fandom?


Cut for Sonic X spoilers )


Also, a week ago I saw some of Sonic Underground. I've always been mad at them for taking Tails away (sacrilege!), but the fact that Knuckles is in four episodes has always been enough to entice me to try those episodes. Honestly, Knuckles is about the only thing that could have gotten me to watch that version. LOL. I found a DVD at Toys R Us with those four episodes, so I bought it.

It's actually not a bad show; I *love* the poignant theme song and was amazed by it. But I don't think I'd be interested in watching it without Knuckles. XD; Especially since it ended without resolving the main storyline.

Sonia's voice is *awful*, but of course, that's because she's played by a guy. LOL. Jaleel White plays Sonic and both of his siblings. **snarks.** Sonia, in personality, reminds me of Amy Rose somewhat. But thankfully, she doesn't hit people with a hammer. And as for the brother, I like his personality ... but Manic?! What kind of a name is that?!

Sleet and Dingo are strange. I love Sleet's voice, though---a clear tribute to Peter Lorre. Dingo has a typical Aussie accent, like I picture Fang having in my Sonic X fic. But ... Sleet can turn Dingo into anything he wants---from a motorcycle to a boat to a safe?! WTH!? That is just BIZARRE. DO NOT WANT.

Knuckles is ... very interesting. After he determines Sonic and the other Hedgehogs are friendly, he makes friends. There seems to be no rivalry with Sonic. Also, his voice establishes him as one of Sonic's contemporaries, instead of making him sound years older. And as much as I love Dan Green playing him in Sonic X, that's exactly what he does. XD;

This Knuckles also has a pet dinosaur (?!). And in some ways, he actually seems more sadistic than any other Knuckles incarnation. I mean, he was pretty much roasting Sleet and Dingo and going to feed them to the dinosaur. .____. Um, no. Just no.

I didn't much like that first episode with Knuckles, but it does get better. The other three episodes are connected, and they involve him and the Hedgehogs trying to save Mobius after a Chaos Emerald shatters and starts bringing chaos upon the whole planet. o.o At one point, he feels forced to make a deal with Robotnik to save Mobius, by turning over the Hedgehogs in exchange for help in finding the Emerald. And it's treated in an extremely powerful and poignant way, with Knuckles not wanting to betray his friends, yet feeling trapped because of the greater good. As soon as he realizes Robotnik's tricked him, however, he saves the Hedgehogs. They forgive him and they set about trying to save Mobius together. X3

And LOL-worthy dialogue: Sleet and Dingo discuss the warning "Beware the Echidna." Dingo actually asks "... What's an echidna?" **snerk.** Just the way he said it was so amusing! And if Dingo is a dingo, it gets more amusing, since dingoes and echidnas are both native to Australia.

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