Manga Review Oriko Magica The Extra Story Noisy Citrine: You mean she wasn't always crazy?!

When you're done read, comment, spread the links, re-tweet and follow me on Twitter @OnDavidsBrain!, support me on Patreon and watch my Twitch Channel Every Saturday at 12:00 ET

 It's been a while since we've checked in on these two isn't it folks? Now we're back to talking about two of the Madoka Magica spinoff mangas Anti-villains, Oriko Mifune and her rabid pet Kirika Kure. Yes, apparently these two went over so well that the publishers decided to give them more spinoffs. Slight problem, last time we saw them they had a lot of not being alive eating up their schedule, but thankfully this series has a convenient multiverse set up so that we can just go to another version of the pair for more stories. So for this one Volume we have some stories explaining how the two met and explore more of how Little Green's mother is a rancid piece of dead rat meat that not even Chris Brown would want to hit if only so he could avoid making contract with her. 

 Yes, this character is such a piece of filth in my eyes that even Chris Brown would avoid her like the plague. But that fun comes later. For now we open on Kirika remembering a childhood friend of hers named Erika. After the newly contracted Kirika and her thic legs kills her first witch she plans on "coincidentally" running into Oriko at the train station and hopefully confess her love and adoration for her. But she completely wusses out so she decides to just go to school, but not before her old friend Erika catches sight of and recognizes her from the train. In class she starts freaking out about how even after she wished for her personality change she still can't nut up and tell Oriko she loves her. Um kid, you do realize that you only just met her and might not remember you, so your suddenly confessing to her might come off as what we in the lonely hearts club call crazy?!

See even mental Oriko thinks you're off your gourd. Also out of obligation, You're tearing me APART LISA!!!

 Walking home from school she has another little freak out and literally runs into Erika. Erika tries to talk but after some flashbacks Kirika pushes her away and runs off in a panic. Later on she's become more focused on taking out witches as a means to blow off steam about how her plans aren't playing out as she expected. 

"And then she and I would spend long nights looking into each other's eyes, summers on the beach with shaved ice during the day and sandy cuddling by night! I mean I figured once I actually talk to her she'd take me and, OH WAIT I actually have to talk to her don't I? Right...."

See, even when Kyubey of all things thinks you're living in la la land you know you're more than a little bit wacko. Don't give me that face you know it's true. Also what's there to understand? You're a nervous stalker that can't spill the beans and tell her you love her."

 Though it's not like she regrets everything about her wish but the reason why she did it in the first place is what's frustrating, that and the mess with running into Erika after god knows how long didn't help much either. Speaking of which, we end the first half of Noisy Citrine with Kirika picking up a Witch's scent and Erika stumbling into an abandoned factory with her eyes glazed over. The second half of our story opens with how Erika got into this mess in the first place with her having difficulty accepting her new stepdad and going for a walk when a Witch starts planting dark thoughts in her head. Kirika dives into the Labyrinth and finds Erika about to hang herself from a tree. Kirika manages to cut the rope in time but manages to draw the Witch's ire.

"Holy crap I didn't think this through!"

 She tries to take out the Jewel Sundae Witch with one strike but since of course its body is made of super hardened rocks her attacks are about on par with this.

 As she lands flat on her ass Erika tells her to give up and leave her to die since everybody hates her. She even thinks that Kirika is trying to save her since she also hates her for what she did to her when she moved away. What exactly happened was that Kirika found Erika shoplifting and she literally left Kirika holding the bag, Erika moved away and Kirika was left to take the fall for her crime, thus leading Kirika to distance herself from others and vice versa. But Kirika finally realizes what was wrong with her. Even though she says that she wants to change she hasn't changed at all and doesn't just want to stay in one place anymore. 

 So with her resolve hardened Kirika slices the Jewel Witch in half saving Erika's life. Later on in Oriko's rose garden she's reading a letter that Erika sent her telling her how things are improving between her and her stepfather. So we end Noisy Citrine with Oriko poking fun at Kirika and asking her about who this "important person" in the letter she's referring to is. So that wraps up the Noisy Citrine segment and the tone wasn't quite what I was expecting considering who was the main character of the story. This Kirika is far, far more stable than the rabid attack dog that we saw the first time, this one is shy, goofy and much more light hearted. 

 This change in characterization can mostly be attributed due this taking place before she got together with Oriko, got in on her "kill Madoka" plan and started killing Magical Girls so she's clearly more stable. We learn a little more about her and why it was that Oriko's act of kindness had such an effect on her and lead to her making her wish. The artwork has also improved considerably with characters looking much more like people and not like a bunch of CLAMP style noodle demon people and with much more vibrant and consistent facial expressions. But we're not done yet as next time we'll continue with Oriko's focused story Symmetry Diamond and see not only a new villainous Magical Girl but also the living hell that is Yuma's home life. Does that sound fun to you? 

 No? Too bad we're still doing it, believe me this won't be all that much fun for me either. 

Oriko Magica Extra Story is owned by Mura Kuroe, Magica Quartet and Yen Press.
Blazing Saddles is owned by Mel Brooks and Warner Bros.

Manga Review: Madoka Magica Homura's Revenge Volume 2 Part 2: So close but no cigar.

When you're done read, comment, spread the links, re-tweet and follow me on Twitter @OnDavidsBrain!, support me on Patreon and watch my Twitch Channel Every Saturday at 12:00 ET

A girl who started out appearing to be a remorseless killer turns out to  be just someone who was hurt by their family; looking out for themselves but just took it too far.

 Once again, life finds. a way to screw up even the most basic, simple and harmless of plans. But I'm back in the saddle and ready to ride. Now to get everyone caught up on Homura's Revenge with the links down below.

Part 1: https://ondavidsbrain.blogspot.com/2019/04/manga-review-madoka-magica-homuras.html

Part 2: https://ondavidsbrain.blogspot.com/2019/07/manga-review-madoka-magica-homuras.html

Part 3: https://ondavidsbrain.blogspot.com/2019/08/manga-review-madoka-magica-homuras.html

 Caught up? Okay then, moving on. The final chapter opens with Kyoko telling Homura to get Madoka out of the area and take her someplace safe. Madoka says that she can't just sit back and let the people of Mitakihara die and asks if she will help them. After some sentiments are exchanged and memories of the last timeline are remembered Kyoko and Homura head off to face Walpurgisnacht with her telling Madoka that she'll be back soon, thinking back to before she became a magical girl and Madoka said some similar words to her.

 The two begin their assault with Homura telling Kyoko her plan while they use up the last of Homura's time stop magic. She'll pull out all the weapons she has and use them which will create a blind spot for Kyoko to unleash everything she has on it. However even if that doesn't work there's always the final option. The time magic runs out and they execute their plan. As expected it doesn't work so Homura pulls out the magical girl last resort.

Oh fuck that's an anti tank rifle. Oh fuck that's an anti tank rifle! A magically powered anti tank rifle to be exact but still, fuck!

 But before she can fire Kyoko stops her and the two get smashed by a building Walpurgisnacht chucks at them. Madoka rushes over to Kyoko who barely survived but they both see Homura who's in the words of Batman "dead as roast beef" leaving Madoka with only one option. Homura then wakes up to the sight of Madoka, as a magical girl. Yep she wished to bring Homura back to life so this whole exercise was entirely pointless in the end. With nothing else better to do Madoka and Homura combine their powers and take down Walpurgisnacht with one shot of Madoka's arrow. 

 After its destroyed Homura starts to wince in pain due to her Soul Gem about to become a Grief Seed. Kyubey tells Madoka that she only contributed a small amount of her energy, the rest was all Homura in an attempt to make sure she didn't use all of her power. So Homura, knowing what needs to be done asks Kyoko to destroy her Soul Gem before it hatches and becomes a witch. Kyoko however pulls out Sayaka's Grief Seed and purifies her Soul Gem. There's been enough death throughout this whole escapade and Kyoko didn't want another body on the pile.

 So to wrap up Homura offers Kyoko to come back with her but she declines since she says that a month isn't far back enough to fix all of her mistakes. Um you could still go back to try and save Mami and Sayaka, you know, your mentor and apprentice that are the only friends/family you still have? It's not like you have anything to lose by going with her in fact you could help make her case to the others and get the best ending?

 You can travel through time, how is this not wrapping around your sugar coated skull Kyoko?! As Homura prepares to leave Madoka gives her goodbyes as well since if she goes back she'll still be a magical girl and Homura's entire quest is to save her without having to make the wish and becoming the pink destroyer of earth. 

No we do not need another version of this assclown running around, especially after what happened in Zi-O!

 So our story ends with Homura and Madoka sharing another tear filled hug, Homura activates Bites the dust and wakes up in her hospital room swearing that she'll save Madoka no matter what it takes. That was Madoka Magica Homura's Revenge, honestly it's a very mixed bag. Let's get the negatives out of the way first, namely one of my biggest detractors with a story; logic tending to get chucked out the window for the sake of perpetuating the conflict. Some examples include Homura not discussing her plans to save Mami with Madoka away from Kyubey. She knows that for every inch she gives him he'll take a mile so why would she give him a chance to plan how to screw her over?

 Speaking of Mami why didn't Homura just stop time when she opened the door to Charlotte's sanctum? She had to have known that Kyubey wouldn't have set her free without a reason, in fact that one situation gave Kyubey the chance to turn Sayaka and Kyoko against her and it worked. Another gripe I had was the shift in tone. Back in the first two chapters the tone was clearly trying to be more comedic and not so serious but it's like when chapter 3 came the writers' antidepressants wore off and remembered that Madoka is supposed to be a drama and so wrote accordingly making the lack of logic in the first chapters all the more glaring. I mean it's nowhere near as much of a caring tonal shift as the early episodes of Ryusoulger as this book does eventually setting into a consistent tone. 

 To quote the writer, Masugitsune "at first this was supposed to be a fast-paced, comedic story but a lot of things happened, and the result turned out a lot different". I'm of course curious what exactly happened to change the tone of this story so dramatically but for now they remain a mystery so we'll just leave it at that. But there are some good elements of this story particularly the artwork which looks almost exactly like the anime. Even the witches look like stills from the anime from their Labyrinths to their designs themselves they look spot on. The human characters also look on target though something seems off, I'm guessing it's the eyes I don't quite know why but it just throws me off, its not bad quite the opposite; everything looks like a clear adaptation of the anime and it really helps you feel that this is a cannon timeline that Homura traveled through to her final goal.

 Speaking of, the initial concept is a good idea, bringing someone else back in time to help make her case. And since it's Madoka who gets brought back Homura won't have to worry about her making an uninformed contract. Though again the biggest snag was Kyubey hitching a ride on top of not bothering to create lies to placate Sayaka, Mami and Kyoko. Though again since Kyubey has knowledge of the last time line any plans the two would come up with would be undermined and collapse as showcased multiple times. Though in the end Homura did get a better ending than usual, Madoka not becoming a witch and Kyoko is still alive so better then nothing. 

 But again, while I get why Kyoko didn't go back with her, she could have still joined with Homura to save Sayaka and Mami and that just annoys me to no end. Though overall Homura's Revenge is a decent but annoying chain of events that does end on a good note. The duo that created this story also worked on the wholly original story Tart Magica which tells the story of Joanne of arc as she and her Magical Girl team fought during the crusades. But that's another day right now we might as well check back in on the franchise's Anti-Villian Oriko Mikune as we see another timeline in Oriko Magica Extra Story. Hopefully in a much more consistent rate of release, maybe sandwiched between October, eh who knows?

Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Homura's revenge is owned by, Masugitsune/ Kawazukuu, Magica Quartet and Yen Press.
Back to the Future is owned by Robbert Zebecks, Bob Gale, Stephen Spielberg, Ambling Entertainment  and Universal Studios.
Kamen Rider is owned by Ishinomori Productions, Toei Productions, and Bandai.

Manga Review: Madoka Magica Homura's Revenge Volume 2 Part 1: If at first you don't succeed

When you're done read, comment, spread the links, re-tweet and follow me on Twitter @OnDavidsBrain!, support me on Patreon and watch my Twitch Channel Every Saturday at 12:00 ET

The true hero of the story who's on a self-destructive and selfish quest to save the one person on earth she loves.

 Again, sorry for the delay life is crazy and in other words the sky is blue and the grass is green. Once again here's the link from last time so that everyone is caught up.

https://ondavidsbrain.blogspot.com/2019/07/manga-review-madoka-magica-homuras.html

 As if the twist from last volume wasn't crazy enough; Kyoko actually lets Sayaka take on Homura herself. 

 Why you ask? Because with Mami dead this is the only shipping that the fans will accept in this timeline.

 But a flashback does answer the question, Kyubey introduced the two since they have the same goal of killing Homura. It of course doesn't go well but not as bad as it would have been thanks to Kyubey breaking the ice and informing Sayaka that Kyoko used to work with Mami once upon a time. They leave on civil terms with Sayaka stating that she wants to avenge Mami and Kyoko is all for it; if she can get to Homura first. She does in this case and Homura's just toying with her. At least until Kyoko decides to get in on the action.

 Since their teamwork is shoddy at best Homura is able to outmaneuver them and eventually escapes with Madoka. Kyoko knows that Homura could have taken them out if she wanted too; especially since during the fight she was able to get close enough to Kyoko to touch her soul gem. So after the two hash it out they agree to train Sayaka so they can take down Homura and eventually Walpurgisnacht. Homura and Madoka reach the fountain and discuss this new turn of events where Madoka suggests that Kyubey must be responsible for Sayaka and Kyoko's new partnership. But Homura sees this as an advantage and hypothesizes that with Kyoko looking out for and training her Sayaka should be able to last until Walpurgisnacht shows up, and if Homura has to be the reason why she'll stay with Kyoko then so be it.

 Later on, Sayaka and Kyoko are fighting the Shadow Witch and though Sayaka does rely on her regeneration magic with the Berserker tactics it's nowhere near as terrifying as in the normal timeline due to Kyoko's support giving her a better mental and emotional state. Not to mention they've avoided learning the truth about Soul Gems so that giant factor is removed. However after the Labyrinth is destroyed Homura's right there waiting for them. She advises Sayaka about her fighting style but she's had enough of her crap and gives Kyoko a signal.

Oh lord, their training has worked so well they've achieved Jojo meme status!!!

 As if the Jojo meme level up wasn't bad enough the chapter ends with Homura realizing that this new power is draining Sayaka's magic far too fast and her soul gem starts to cloud. Chapter 6 opens with Sayaka and Kyoko having a far more civil discussion about taking out familiars before cutting back to the two attacking Homura. Sure enough thanks to their training and improved teamwork the two are able to overpower Homura to the point where she has to stop time and fire her gun at Sayaka and Kyoko. Nowhere lethal of course but she does manage to shoot Sayaka's leg giving her the chance to point a gun at the back of Kyoko's head. 

You clever bitch!!!

 Even when Homura tries to buy some time the two manage to overpower her leaving Homura caught in Kyoko's spear, unable to stop time and Sayaka ready to deliver the killing blow. To make matters worse Sayaka's Soul Gem has reached her limits and is about to become a witch. Homura tries to pull out a Grief Seed but Kyoko restrains her shield thinking it's a bomb.

Turns out Homura didn't set us up the bomb. Now all your base are belong to her!

 The Mermaid Witch begins her assault but Homura; unable to convince Kyoko of the truth stops time and goes Reb Brown on her ass.

 After the Witch is killed Kyubey appears and speculates as to what happened. Eventually Madoka shows up and after some back and forth between Madoka, Homura and Kyoko about why Homura didn't tell her and Sayaka the truth Kyoko decides that she's had enough and decides to leave Mitakihara for good but not before bringing Sayaka's corpse back home. When she leaves Kyubey declares his victory, Mami and Sayaka are dead, Kyoko delivered her "screw you guys I'm going home" speech and thus only Homura is left to fight Walpurgisnacht, that is unless Madoka's in the mood to make her contract. So in other words they're up shit creek. The chapter ends with an all too familiar news broadcast of an approaching Mega Storm and an evacuation of the city being declared. 

 Chapter 7 opens with Walpurgisnacht approaching the town with Kyoko watching from afar. At her home Homura is lamenting how even with Madoka's help she couldn't save Mami and Sayaka.

Gee, it's almost as if discussing your plan in front of the deceptive Alien who would garner more trust compared to the transfer student who refuses to give a convincing cover story to sway people to her cause didn't turn out well!

 Madoka swings by and Homura apologizes for bringing her along with her and forcing her to repeat seeing her friends being killed. While Madoka reminds her that they at least managed to save Kyoko Homura says that that's irrelevant since she won't even stick around to help and since she herself hasn't had time to prepare for Walpurgisnacht there's no chance of defeating it. She suggests that she and Madoka repeat the month again since that's all she can think of to save her. Actually yeah that's not a bad plan just make sure that Kyubey doesn't hitch a ride again and then the stage will be set perfectly, you can still try to save Mami and Sayaka during the normal events without Kyubey spreading mistrust among the three, it's your best shot so yeah go for it. The next day Madoka and her family are at the evacuation shelter while Kyoko decides to fight against Walpurgisnacht herself with the Grief seeds she and Sayaka saved up. 

 Back at the shelter Madoka asks if she went back with Homura would everyone be killed by Walpurgisnacht. She of course knew the answer but just had to hear it knowing she couldn't forgive herself leaving other people to such a horrible fate. She suggested making the contract but Homura shoots that down immediately reminding her that even if she won she would then basically become a less hungry and sleepy Beerus and destroy the world. Then the hell beast Kyubey appears and informs them that Kyoko is fighting Walpurgisnacht on her own. Madoka immediately runs off but Homura is stoped by Kyubey who says that while they have the same end-goal their objectives are completely different. 

You know, I honestly hate to say this because everyone and their grandma has said this about Kyubey but it honestly has to be said, bunny cat is a dick!

 Kyoko is continuing to put up a fight against Walpurgisnacht but honestly it's like a fly trying to move a mountain. However just when she is about to be killed by the familiars Homura and Madoka show up to give her backup. The chapter ends with Homura telling Kyoko that even if there is a small chance to save Madoka she'll take it no matter the cost. With that we're nearing the end of this timeline, and considering what happens in the main anime we can guess how this turns out, or can we? Check in for the final chapter and my overall thoughts on Homura's Revenge.

Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Homura's revenge is owned by, Masugitsune/ Kawazukuu, Magica Quartet and Yen Press.
Mercenary Fighters (1988) is owned by Bruno Mattei, Riki Shelach Nissimoff and Cannon Films.
Dragon Ball, Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT and Dragonball Super is owned by Funnimation, Toei animation, Fuji TV and Akira Toriyama.
Dragon ball Z Abridged is owned by Team Four Star. 

Manga Review: Madoka Magica Homura's Revenge Volume 1 Part 2: Two ships passing in the night.

When you're done read, comment, spread the links, re-tweet and follow me on Twitter @OnDavidsBrain!, support me on Patreon and watch my Twitch Channel Every Saturday at 12:00 ET

"Let's see here, gains their power because their friend broke their hand thus lost their ability to perform music, check, sword wielder who's presented as the true protagonist of the series with a blue color scheme, check, and slow descent into madness and bloodlust due to misplaced concepts and expectations of heroism, that's three checks for all counts"

 Yes, it's been a while, again but I'm back with more of my Madoka Spinoff Manga reviews. In case you've forgotten what happened last time here's the link to Part 1, with that we're back on track.

https://ondavidsbrain.blogspot.com/2019/04/manga-review-madoka-magica-homuras.html

 In case last time wasn't clear we've switched gears from self aware goofy near parody story to totally serious story so from here on out look for more head slapping and leaps in logic thus more snark. We start the head slapping right away as chapter 4 starts with Sayaka making the contract with Kyubey so she can get revenge for Mami. Ah, the most worthless of causes and because she got fridged too, double points. Madoka goes through the motions and starts to realize the hell that Homura's subjected herself too, getting used to the fact that she can't save her friends. Sucks doesn't it?

 Up on the roof Sayaka blames Homura for Mami's death. Even though Madoka tries to dissuade her Kyubey points out the fact that when Homura showed up she distracted Mami enough for the witch to  chomp her head off like a squishy yellow Gummi Bear. When Madoka tries to tell Sayaka that Homura really was trying to save Mami she remembers that Homura told her not to mention that she's from the future, that nobody would be willing to listen about their futures which causes her to clam up muddying her argument. Getting flashbacks to Futures End here, not wise! Though at least this only lasts two volumes and not 50 or so issues of drawn out, contrived stupidity.

 While I can't disagree with Kyubey's statement (ignoring that he was the one who set her free in the first place to set up the circumstances to discredit her, Sayaka not knowing that detail and Kyubey's not telling her anytime soon) I can however argue with Homura's warning. Though in this case all Sayaka knows is what she saw and what she saw was a magical girl who had an antagonistic relationship with a new friend of hers set up an opportunity that took her out. I can't really blame her and Madoka and Homura know Sayaka will never listen to their argument, hell even Madoka was somewhat skeptical of Homura's claims during the last timeline. But to just say nothing just makes you look like you have no idea what you're talking about and only makes Sayaka less inclined to listen to either of you. The two hear the class bell and Sayaka decides that there's nothing more to talk about and walks off. 

 Later on Homura visits Mami's apartment and reminisces on when Madoka and Mami saved her from a witch and how whenever she tries to save anyone besides Madoka it never turns out well. Kyubey shows up and speculates about Homura's relationship with Mami, what she intends to do about Madoka and if she intends to drag her along with her repeating timelines and if she's strong enough to handle that. Yep, he pressed the Madoka button but before Homura can teach him why he shouldn't'a done that he blinds her with logic and struts off.

"Yeah you didn't want to lose her, you just wanted her to become another witch you miserable sociopathic rat!"

 Madoka runs into Homura at the bottom floor and the two walk back. Homura blames herself for Mami's death in this timeline but Madoka tries to tell her that they can just keep trying again until they get it right. 

 When Madoka brings up Sayaka and Kyoko; Homura remembers that today is the day she's supposed to make her contract when Hitomi gets possessed by the Box Witch. Homura heads to Hitomi while Madoka rushes off to persuade Sayaka not to make the contract. Homura manages to get to Hitomi and the other victims before they finish their Jonestown cocktail and then proceeds to deal with the Box Witch. She has it on the ropes but the Witch drags up her memories of when she first had to kill Madoka. But before she can become worm food Sayaka kills the witch in one attack.

"Well Duh and or Hello! But, you still have to admit Sayaka does have a far better execution of the concept of a Gunblade than either Squall or Lightning."

 Sayaka is about to attack Homura but Madoka protects her. Sayaka falls back for now but swears to Homura that she'll never accept her as a Magical Girl worthy of protecting Mitakihara and walks off. The chapter ends with Kyubey talking with Kyoko who's more then willing to take a crack at killing Homura since she killed Mami before she could. Chapter 5 opens on Sayaka and Madoka on the grassy hill where Sayaka gives her reasons for making the wish. When Madoka tries to tell Sayaka that Homura isn't just in it for the Grief Seeds Sayaka asks how she can trust a transfer student that they know nothing about. 

 So Sayaka heads off to see Kyosuke when Kyubey tells her that there's someone he wants to introduce to her. At the mall Madoka and Homura talk about how they both failed to save Sayaka and Mami, Madoka didn't reach Sayaka in time and Homura rightfully points out that her timing was absolutely horrible when she barged into the Witch's sanctum. Gee it's not as if you could have frozen time as soon as you got in to make sure that everything was secure OH WAIT!!! Homura suggests that Madoka should keep her distance from her lest her relationship with Sayaka deteriorate. But Madoka shoots that down saying how for all the good she's trying to do nobody sees that. 

Sometimes, just a little recognition is all you need.

 Madoka meets back up with Sayaka and the two go on her first solo witch hunt. Along the way Kyubey tells Madoka that he's made preparations to make sure that Sayaka doesn't end up like Mami. The two find the rogue familiar but this time Sayaka kills it without interference from Kyoko, that's because she's too busy pointing her spear at Homura's throat.

"Look, I know that she's got plenty of milk to go with that tea if you know what I mean. But let me tell ya from experience, ya ain't her type. And this creeper shit? Losing some serious points in attractiveness."

 She then begins her assault on Homura and the volume ends with Madoka and Sayaka investigating the noise and see the two fight with a surprising figure entering the fight making it a 2-1 brawl and no it's not John Cena.

Cue Roundabout

 So that was Volume 1 of Homura's Revenge. As I said before after the tonal shift in chapter 3 we have to look at this story with a whole new set of glasses. And with the serious story glasses on we have to sadly point out that Homura does come off as more then a bit of an idiot with her not anticipating Kyubey taking advantage of his new future knowledge to advance his own agenda, which she knows for a fact he would do because he's him! But I'll save the rest of my rants for now. Now unless something else comes along that requires my attention I'll be back next week when I start covering Volume 2.

Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Homura's revenge is owned by, Masugitsune/ Kawazukuu, Magica Quartet and Yen Press.
The Simpsons are owned by Matt Groening, Gracie Films, and 20th Century Fox Television. 
Hellsing Ultimate is owned by Kouta Hirano, Studio Madhouse, Madman Entertainment, Manga Entertainment, Geneon and Funimation.
Hellsing Ultimate Abridged is owned by Team Four Star.

Manga Review: Madoka Magica Homura's Revenge Volume 1 Part 1: Room for one more?

When you're done read, comment, spread the links, re-tweet and follow me on Twitter @OnDavidsBrain!, support me on Patreon and watch my Twitch Channel Every Saturday at 12:00 ET

 Well apparently this is finally happening, with this and this mobile game getting an anime adaptation I think it's time for me to get serious about covering the spin-off mangas again. Especially considering that some of the characters introduced in these books; including Kazumi, Oriko, Yuma etc are involved in this game I figure that I need to get back to work. While this series doesn't feature any new characters it does ask a question that most fans have been asking once they learned about Homura's time travel powers. "What if Homura took Madoka back in time with her before she made the contract?" This story attempts to answer that but honestly kind of stumbles with the response. 

 We open with the familiar scene of Homura getting her ass kicked by Walpurgisnacht when Madoka says that she's going to make her wish. But this time Homura has a revelation, so she grabs Madoka for a hug and takes her with her back through time. 

"The f**k just happened?!"

 Homura wakes up in the usual hospital room and thinks to herself why she did what she did.

So you didn't even know it would work?! DUMBASS!!! It honestly wouldn't surprise me if Madoka accidentally let go, got stranded in the feudal era and had to hitch a ride back with the Dende-damned Ninja Turtles, gold star thinking right here.

 But thankfully Madoka was still in school when Homura came inside the class and best of all her theory worked! 

Insert FF victory Fanfare music here, you can choose which one you want.

 The two bolt for the nurses office and along the way Homura starts to chew Madoka out for nearly making the wish, but Madoka suggests that with her future knowledge she can help Homura save Mami, Kyoko and Sayaka.

"Hey Madoka how many fingers am I holding up? That's the exact amount of craps I give about these two, ya dingus."

 But since Madoka has her future knowledge she can back up Homura's arguments to the three to help keep them alive; she figures that it could work and agrees. Later on Madoka and Sayaka head for the music store and she waits for Kyubey's telepathic plea for help. She does hear him but he catches her off guard by telling her to meet him where they first met. So she heads to the construction area where Kyubey and Homura are waiting for her. He explains that when Homura took Madoka back through time Kyubey managed to grab on and so he retained his memories of the last time line too. 

 Kyubey says that he's all for their plan of changing the future but the two aren't stupid and dispute his crap; but they do still need the proper events to play out before they can be changed so Homura knows exactly what to do next.

"Did you just spin kick him? I know right, I always wanted to do that. Please don't do it again. My body, my rules!"

 Right on cue Sayaka shows up, uses the fire extinguisher on Homura, they end up in Gertrude's Labyrinth and get attacked by the most iconic familiars in the franchise aka the demon mustaches!

 Madoka knows the drill they get attacked, Mami saves them, brings them into the Magical Girl training course blah blah blah. She saves them and the first chapter ends with Kyubey swearing to make Madoka into a magical girl this time. Chapter 2 starts with Mami about to transform but not before Madoka jumps to give her a big big hug. After the familiars are dealt with Homura asks if Mami's all right. But Mami quite blatantly tries to play it cool, essentially "nope nope it's all good here everything's under control here, now; how're you?"

Till next time Batman Woo-hoo-hoo-hoo!

 Afterwords Madoka tells Homura that events played out pretty much like before except that Kyubey covered for Madoka's slip of the tongue as an attempt for the two to trust him, but they're still not buying it. While Madoka gushes over seeing Mami in action again with hindsight Homura brings the mood down by reminding her that when she fights Charlotte at the hospital she's doomed. While Madoka does suggest keeping Mami from fighting it Homura reminds her that unless the witch is dealt with the hospital will become her buffet table. So she plans on beating Mami to the punch to save her from the witch, but there is a tiny, tiny white problem. THEY DISCUSS THIS PLAN WITH THE WHITE DEMON RAT RIGHT BEHIND THEM!!! 

 So of course on the next day when the Grief Seed is ready to hatch Mami shows up almost instantly to follow Sayaka into the Labyrinth. Because a little white rat told her where it would be, and more as showcased when she tries to use her ribbon lock trick on Homura.

What?! How can she move within the frozen time?!

 Mami then engages Homura and manages to overpower her with another trick she stole from another hero. 

"Dai Kaigan, Nobunaga, Omega Drive!"

 She manages to jam Homura's shield with her ribbon bullets and lock her up as usual. 

Laugh it up fuzz ball. Wait a minute if Incubators don't have emotions don't you all think him being so prideful is more than a tad odd?

 Kyubey tells Mami to finish Homura off but of course she won't and brushes it off. But when Homura tries to warn her she just walks off with Madoka. Even when Madoka tries to tell Mami her ego is so inflated by Kyubey and her victory against Homura she refuses to listen.

She's so freaking dead.

 So chapter 2 ends with Mami and Madoka making it to Sayaka, Charlotte appears and Madoka swearing to herself that she'll save Mami no matter what. Chapter 3 opens with Mami fighting Charlotte and going as usual, while that's going on Homura struggles to break free when Kyubey comes around to gloat some more. He says that he's here to free Homura so she can save Mami. Homura of course asks why the hell he would, he responds that with Mami dead her overall goal would be far more difficult. So she drops a hunting knife from her hammer-space shield so he can cut her down.

Gee, it's almost as if Kyubey was an untrustworthy character or something.

 Back to the main fight it looks like Mami's about to have her head bitten off like an animal cracker. Madoka however, dives towards Mami and saves her. She creates a barrier around Sayaka and Madoka and goes after Charlotte again with a clear mind and no distractions. She notices the regeneration trick so she forces Charlottes' mouth open and teaches it a very important lesson. That, no matter what time line, universe or bra size there is always one constant.

 That's when Homura and Kyubey arrive (Homura says a normal knife wouldn't be enough to kill her but he still could have just climbed up and broke your Soul Gem dumbass!) But that gives Charlotte the opportunity it needed to kill Mami. And Homura couldn't have stopped time to get her out of the way because? Oh right this now an idiot plot never mind. So our chapter ends with Homura killing Charlotte, taking her Grief Seed and telling Sayaka that it only belongs to Magical Girls.

Gee, its almost as if this whole situation could have been prevented if if you stopped time to survey the situation instead of barging in and potentially distracting Mami OH WAIT!! And yes I will ride your ass on this, Phrasing!

 So those were the first 3 chapters of Homura's revenge. For those who don't want to have the rest of the story spoiled here's my overall thoughts. The artwork is pretty damn good, there's much more attention to detail in the backgrounds this time with the artist managing to replicate the looks of the witches and Labyrinths pretty well. The humans also look cute and distinctive; looking pretty close to their anime depictions though with a different design for the eyes. I'm not sure what it is maybe they're just more expressive or the faces are slightly different but it is pretty damn close.

 The story however is where it has its faults. For those who've read this; the first two chapters are more leaning towards this being a comedy. But right when chapter 3 comes around the tone changes with a rather distinctive clunk. With that change the characters actions will have to be put under more scrutiny. As such almost everyone is acting like an idiot, specifically Homura, she Madoka and Kyubey know what will happen in a months time yet she openly discusses her plans with Madoka right in front of the creature trying to undermine her plans. Like I said before this has become an idiot plot and it only gets worse from here.

But if you want to see for yourselves here's the Amazon link.

https://www.amazon.com/Puella-Magi-Madoka-Magica-Homuras-ebook/dp/B00VEQMLAG/ref=sr_1_fkmrnull_2?crid=248YPJG3L8SJD&keywords=homura%27s+revenge&qid=1555953890&s=gateway&sprefix=Homura%27s+revenge%2Caps%2C146&sr=8-2-fkmrnull

 But for everyone who's read this follow this link to see how the rest of this train goes off the rails.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Homura's revenge is owned by, Masugitsune/ Kawazukuu, Magica Quartet and Yen Press.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica Side Story: Magia Record is owned by Aniplex, F4samurai and Magica Quartet.
Dragon Ball, Dragonball Z, Dragonball GT and Dragonball Super is owned by Funnimation, Toei animation, Fuji TV and Akira Toriyama.
Dragon ball Z abridged and Hellsing Ultimate Abridged is owned by Team Four Star. 
Gangs of New York is owned by Martian Scorsese, Initial Entertainment Group, Alberto Grimaldi Productions, and Miramax Films.
Nostalgia Critic is owned by Doug Walker and Channel Awesome.
Hellsing Ultimate is owned by Kouta Hirano, Studio Madhouse, Madman Entertainment, Manga Entertainment, Geneon and Funimation.
Hellsing Ultimate Abridged is owned by Team Four Star.

Movie Review: Alita Battle Angel: Finally a good Hollywood manga adaptation! (Spoilers)

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 It took them long enough, we actually have an adaptation of a Manga that captures the spirit of the source material, and is a good movie on it's own! Now let me just say that while I never read the original Manga and only saw Bennet the Sage's Anime Abandon episode of the two episode OVA that covers presumably the broad strokes of the first two volumes just like this movie I had a wonderful time watching. I admit that like everyone else I had trepidatious about this movie, hell I wasn't even interested in seeing it, my little bro was going to see it, I asked to tag along cause I had nothing else going on at the moment and bam! So when I found that the movie was not only a technical marvel but also got me interested in the source material I consider this to be a success in my eyes. But I know that that isn't the case for everyone but hey, different folks have different tastes and I know for a fact that not everything is going to appeal to everyone.

 My feelings for this is just as valid as yours and everyone else's so with that in mind while I can disagree with what a lot of professional critics say about Alita there are some things that I agree with. But let's get a basic premise of what we're in for from what the film is more than generous to give out. The year is 2563, three centuries after "The fall" the destruction of most of the mega cities of Earth after the Great War with their Mars colonies. But instead of Gundams the Mars army used cyborgs called Berserkers as their most powerful weapons; trained in the Cyborg Marital Arts known as Panzer Kunst. The last of these is discovered in a Junkyard by the cyborg scientist Dr Dyson Ido (played by Christoph Waltz), but with no memories or body she's taken in by Ido and is given not only a new body but a new name, Alita (played by Rosa Salazar).

 She's introduced to the trappings of Iron City, a veritable slum that serves the last of the great sky cities; Zalem, which is basically if Rapture swapped places with Columbia. While the people of Zalem live off of the work of those living in Iron City, the citizens below live under the thumb of not only Zalem but also in constant fear of deranged Cyborgs. The only ones willing to kill these demonic tinker toys are the redundantly named Hunter-Warriors, like Ido who after saving him from some marks Alita becomes one as well since she seems to start regaining her memories when she's in a life or death fight, which this and Motorball (the local sport where Cyborgs fight to the death for a chance to go to Zalem if they become grand champion) can give her and then some.

 Time for me to start listing what this flick got right before I address what could have been better implemented. Firstly the action sequences and the CGI is amazing! Though they can be summed up in a clip from Yugioh abridged, OH MELVIN!?

 Now I joke, but yeah this is some true blue insane late 80's; early 90's anime shit right here kids. If it wasn't for the fact that all of the most brutal parts of the movie involved robots with blue cooling fluid instead of blood this would be a hard R for sure. Not to give too much away but there's dismemberments, decapitations and even some guy getting his head pounded into a pile of gears and blueberry jam. It's basically what people would think of if you told them what a PG-13 Mortal Kombat movie would look like if the actual Mortal Kombat movies didn't exist. Also for one scene near the end I have the perfect clip for you to remember.

 But speaking of the Cyborgs they look fantastic with the CGI integration looking wonderful. While there is some small sense of them not really being there I just tend to treat them like how the toons were integrated into the real world in Who framed Rodger Rabbit. But then again just like with Alita and her "big googly anime eyes" it's just something that I got used to. Speaking of Alita the design of her and her various body look great. The first body that she got from Ido is wonderfully designed, especially with her fingers and arms, with intricate etchings that make them look almost like art in and of themselves.

 Alita herself is what makes this movie work in spite of my gripes with it. Rosa Salazar did a fantastic job bringing this girl to life with her delivery, motion capture and her interactions with and equal top tier supporting cast. From Waltz as Ido to Jeniffer Connelly as Ido's ex wife Chiren and even Keean Johnson as the F.R.I (forced romantic interest thanks Erod) Hugo. While yes the romance between Alita and Hugo is one of the weaker parts of the movie for me I couldn't care less about Hugo but I was invested in him because Alita was invested in him. Though you can tell that this was based off the earlier manga volumes because once Kishiro recognized that Hugo didn't work he made sure to fridge him in order to get Alita want to get to Zalem and confront Nova.

 Which brings me to my problems with the film. While I will go up to bat for Alita Battle Angel there are still some flaws. My main one is that the the first quarter is mostly just exposition where Ido and Hugo explain to Alita the ins and out of Iron City, Zalem and basically just the world building. Now while I can understand since Alita as the audience surrogate she would have more then a few questions about her new environment and how it all works I just felt that it was a little too much packed in at the first quarter and wasn't as naturally implemented as it could have. It's nowhere near as bad as the exposition in the Last Airbender but perhaps if they handled they gave just a little less exposition and perhaps was introduced more organically like during one of Alita's flashbacks it might have helped a bit. Second is the villains, while I loved the sadistic personalities and creative designs of the Cyborgs and crooked Hunter-Warriors that Alita went up against the main antagonist Nova (played by Edward Norton) doesn't even show up in person until the very end of the movie to act as obvious sequel bait.

 Now I know that Nova isn't the only threat that Alita has to deal with but four the three main baddies are just lackeys for him so their menace is completely overshadowed. I'm guessing that Nova wasn't introduced at this point of the manga and his presence is just a symptom of compressed adaptation where they added in later parts of the story to the adaptation to try and set up more lore and hooks for sequels. But I can tell that if Nova was left as a background detail and the film just focused on Chiren, Mahershala Ali's Vector and Jackie Earle Haley's Grewishka the film might have worked out better. The last is that while Hugo and Alita's relationship was a key part of both character's story arcs a little less time and less cringy dialogue might have help not only the flow of the film but also the running time. It doesn't over stay its welcome but perhaps if they cut down on the romantic stuff and perhaps worked on Alita interacting with some of the lesser characters like Hugo's other friends, her talking with Ido's assistant and maybe more time confronting Vector could have done wonders.

 But that's mostly just nitpicks after the fact, and let's face it, nobody likes Captain Hindsight. While I do agree with some of what other critics say I don't consider this movie to be a cliche mess as some of them say. Most of them are just tropes of Manga storytelling and as someone whose seen more anime and read more manga then just Dragonball Z I can say that I give Alita Battle Angel a wholesale recommendation. While it's not flawless it is what most Anime fans have been waiting for for far too long, a faithful live action Hollywood adaptation that shows the proper respect for the source material. If I had to guess I'd say that Alita Battle Angel did for Manga Adaptations what the First Mortal Kombat did for Video Game movies, it's far from perfect but it can be entertaining in it's own right and you don't need to be a hardcore fan of the source material to enjoy it.

 It also has me interested in the source material which I consider to be a great mark of a good adaptation, it makes the source look good as well as being a good story all on its own and it shows proper respect. Hopefully this movie can be the first of future good adaptations of Japanese properties without the need to change too much while still showing the proper respect the material deserves, maybe after this we'll get an adaptation of Baccano, Black Lagoon, Black Butler or even Lupin the 3rd, only time will tell.


Special thanks to my Patreon backer Jesse for his support.

Alita Battle Angel is owned by 20th Century Fox, Lightstorm Entertainment, Troublemaker Studios, TSG Entertainment, Robert Rodriguez and James Cameron. Based off the manga Gunnm by Yukito Kishiro.

Yugioh is owned by Konami, Kazuki Takahashi, Toei Animation, Shonen Jump and Viz Media. (#FucKonami)

Yugioh Abridged is owned by Little Kuriboh (Martin Piers Billany)

Cabin Fever (2002) is owned by Eli Roth, Lionsgate Films and Black Sky Entertainment.