(L) Innocent Venus

[Dernhelm]

always a pleasure!
and it seems i haven't shared the ripped dramas here yet (just #7), so here they are!

Spoiler for Audio Dramas Only:

Innocent Venus Audio Drama 1 "Jo, the Buddy Killer"
.download .kisssub summary
Jo (Kenji Nojima), Lenny Vikro (Megumi Toyoguchi), Master Sgt. (?)

Innocent Venus Audio Drama 2 "Jin and Jo's First Meeting"
.download .kisssub summary
Jin (Takahiro Sakurai), Jo, Lenny Vikro, Master Sgt. (?)

Innocent Venus Audio Drama 3 "The Poker Game"
.download .kisssub summary
Jin, Jo, Lenny Vikro, Master Sgt., Gondo (?)

Innocent Venus Audio Drama 4 "Silent Hill"
.download .kisssub summary
Jin, Jo, Lenny Vikro, Gondo, Steve (Kenta Miyake), Chinran (Jun Fukuyama), Riki (Riichi Nishimoto), Kyoushirou (Shintarou Ouhata), Phaser (?)

Innocent Venus Audio Drama 5 "Silent Hill 2"
.download .kisssub summary
Jin, Jo, Lenny Vikro, Master Sgt. (?), Gondo, Steve, Chinran, Kyoushirou, Phaser, Riki

Innocent Venus Audio Drama 6 "Jin and Jo meet their Gladiators"
.download .kisssub summary
Jin, Jo, Lenny Vikro, Gondo, Maximas Drake (Tohru Ohkawa)

Innocent Venus Audio Drama 7 "Jin and Jo's First Battle"
.download .kisssub summary
Jin, Jo, Lenny Vikro, Steve, Chinran, Kyoushirou, Phaser, Riki

here's this week's radio broadcast, in case anyone's interested
Innocent Venus Radio 09 (40.9 MB)
FLEET were guests.


re: Dogs---no word yet on the 3rd volume, no? i think the 2nd just got released... last year? so maybe two or three more years..? ._.
LOL, is there a thread for Dogs anywhere? XD i think there's going to be something that will link Naoto and Heine XP


Jin really looks like the charismatic type. he has won Jo's loyalty, Sana's trust, and even Toraji's, Sana's father and the skeptical grandfather's favor (sort of). but you're right about a lot of things, i also thought that Jin was someone Jo thought could match up to him. he might've thought that Jin was a competent rival that he simply could not "chicken down" on, to use the term lightly. but more importantly, is how he feels and appreciates being respected by Jin.

[Ori]

Wow... 5 episodes and I am already totally hooked. It's been a long while since i was able to watch five episodes of an anime without skipping anything (I usually skim most anime). I hope the quality keeps up.

Sana already has a crush on Jin, it's pretty cute, even if I hate pedophilia.

Jo is awsome too, of course. I love all the characters in this show so far, even the crazy Chinese guy.

[Sana chan]

Originally Posted by Dernhelm

anyway, it's become quite a huge mystery why Jo is going out of his way so much for Jin. Zephonith, i liked when you said that there is some uncanny relationship dynamic between the two.

I guess the reason I highlighted it is because it's so strange that Jo, who is either disrepectful to or ignores basically everyone (the guys in ep 5, Drake in the audio drama being good examples) has absolutely no problems with Jin's authority and takes orders from him. In fact, I think the only other person he actually makes an effort to talk to properly is Sana in ep 2 in the truck.

Originally Posted by lommm

i really nead to work on my conversational vocabulary so this kind of misunderstanding doesn't actually happen when trying to talk to someone! lol

I hope this doesn't mean you'll be having conversations in Japanese about killing people!

[kuromitsu]

Dernhelm: wah, thank you~~ *downloads like mad*
(As for Dogs, it's still on its first volume. The series was restarted in Ultra Jump last autumn, and so the first volume was reissued around that time. As far as I know -sadly I've no access to UJ magazines so I have to rely on the official site for info- it's been appearing somewhat irregularly in UJ, so I guess there's not enough chapters yet for a second volume. According to the UJ official site, the story finally reveals something about Giovanni and Heine's backstory... gah, I really want to read it. >_>)

Originally Posted by Ori

Sana already has a crush on Jin, it's pretty cute, even if I hate pedophilia.

Does it really count as pedophilia? ^^;; I don't think Jin feels particularly attracted to Sana or anything...

Originally Posted by Zephonith

I guess the reason I highlighted it is because it's so strange that Jo, who is either disrepectful to or ignores basically everyone

I don't think he's disrespectful per se, it's just that he doesn't really care to make an effort to be polite. Besides, I'm getting the impression from the anime and the drama that he simply doesn't know how to interact properly with people. Like in the drama when Jin scolds him for being disrespectful with Drake, I can see him not quite understanding what he did wrong. (Like, "I didn't insult him or anything..." :D;;) Maybe it's just my shoujo roots showing, but there seems to be some kind of air of innocence about him. But I'm also wondering about his absolute and unconditional trust in Jin. I mean, apparently he doesn't even know what they're doing and why... he just accepts Jin's words without a question.

[Ori]

Originally Posted by kuromitsu

Does it really count as pedophilia? ^^;; I don't think Jin feels particularly attracted to Sana or anything...

Well by supporting the pairing I meant feelings on both side, as in I would approve even if Jin ends up developing feelings for Sana in the future.

But then again... there's only an 8 years difference. It's not all that bad if Sana is older.

[Dernhelm]

*i'ma pm you about something re: Dogs

Originally Posted by kuromitsu

Besides, I'm getting the impression from the anime and the drama that he simply doesn't know how to interact properly with people.

this is what i've been thinking too. it's too apparent how Jo can't seem to handle other people besides himself. he doesn't know how to talk straight to Sana, or at least had a very hard time trying. he was shaking or "handling" Gora like a doll or animal when he interrogated him, sort of. he also didn't seem to know how to help his previous partners properly (which earned jeers and sneers), according to the dramas. and when he held Gora by the "scruff of his neck", it was like a clueless grownup who was suddenly left with a kid and had no idea how to treat that kid decently. this ignorance also brings indifference, which changed when Jin entered the picture. i'm partly accepting what was said before that Jin was the first to accept Jo for who he was thus earning gratitude and respect as a cause for this blind loyalty. but it's not yet enough. :\

as much as i hate to say it, he looks something like a puppet now, or a bodyguard or dog following his master's orders without question or throwing himself into danger so as to protect him, more than as a real friend. Jo, being the type that rarely speaks, it's all up to Jin to show us (his side of) the story of this peculiar trust.

[Dernhelm]

sharing Drama #8

http://www.box.net/public/auhg60k66t

yay, anime's back tomorrow!

[Majek]

it's been 3 weeks already?

[Dernhelm]

i thought i heard them say it's back tomorrow? or at least it felt like it.
some interesting stuff that happened in this drama episode, it was the kidnapping scene on the plane. me and my friends are puzzled whether it was a split second decision for Jin for him and Jo to turn their backs on Phantom, wherein they didn't have time to notify Nobuto.

Spoiler:

and it looks like Phaser is the the Blue Ranger. that's fitting, especially when he threatened that he was after Jin's life.

or did they receive instructions/permission to take down the crew and betray their own? i dunno, i want to wait for Zephonith's take on this before assuming anymore.

[kuromitsu]

Yes, episode 6 is supposed to air today... and apparently in this episode Jou will talk! xD;;; Nojima sounded so enthusiastic. xD (But then, they've been joking about Jou's reticence since the beginning.)

As for the radio drama, I could only listen to it when I was already half-asleep so I probably didn't get everything right, but

Spoiler:

apparently it wasn't Phantom who did Dr Nobuto in. In fact, it seems that Nobuto was about to sell the blueprints of the Gladiators to a foreign country, that's why he wanted to flee from Japan. He died before he could leave, though, but here's where Sana comes in - she's supposed to be possessing something important concerning the Gladiators (I think? can't really remember).

When Drake learned what happened Nobuto was already dead and Sana was being transported on that plance. He quickly sent Jin, Jou and whatshisname to get Sana and here the storyline ties into the anime.

I'm starting to think that Jin was the one who killed Nobuto... he definitely had something to do with it. His whole "let's escape with Sana" plan rests on the fact that Drake sent him (and Jou) after Sana, so he had to know this beforehand...

[Dernhelm]

whoa... Jin... looks like there really is something more to him. something that might not be so pleasant after all. >_<

edit: great, this is making me think/assume/theorize a lot.

Spoiler:

why'd Jin have to kill Nobuto if Nobuto is siding with people who are against the same people that pressured his father to kill himself. and did Jo also had a hand in killing Nobuto? of course this is only assuming Jin is responsible for Nobuto's death. and if this is really such the case.... i'm hoping, i'm really hoping that, Jo isn't as blindly obedient as he seems... that he has an ulterior motive in this, in that he has sensed from the beginning that Jin is up to something and that he has been sticking with him to check up on him. and that if Jin's plans are too terrible, he would make sure that he won't reach it... possibly even be the one to take Jin out... something like that....... argh! episode 6, de te koi! XD

[lommm]

i smell the actual height of drama in the series...

Spoiler:

i am willing to bet that jin and jo will have a split over whatever it is that jin is doing... that seems to be where the drama is pointing... you know, jo follows unquestioningly now... but there will come a moment when he will question the reasons, and maybe split from jin.... but probably only to come back and save jin and sana at the last possible moment kind of thing.... only, this show is so well written, i'm sure they will be less trite than that

Originally Posted by Zephonith

I hope this doesn't mean you'll be having conversations in Japanese about killing people!

you never know... i might at least have conversation about jjamming my finger in a guy's ear during a life and death fight

[Cilia]

Damn, i wish i have the time to post something decent about this episode. University is killing me...

Spoiler for screenshots and few words:

Very briefly : A lot of action this week with Phantom paying a visit.

• It is more or less confirmed that the piano score is related with Sana's secret, whatever it is.
• Phantom guys aren't immune from the Gladiators' sides effects, cf. Riki. Chinran, Kyoushirou and Steve aren't pleased to learn it afterwards, it seems.
• Sana is now an orphan ?!
• Toraji does a "stop'n'go", bringing back with him Jin&Co on the Isshin.
• Military learn that Toraji is alive. Reinforcements are dispatched.

Besides, Jo is still mute and Sana is still cute.

Spoiler for surprise:

Does anyone know when the OST will be released ?

[Sana chan]

Ok, I've done the final audio drama writeup. It sheds light on some things, yet at the same time, it doesn't really answer the questions we want answered. The problem is that the dramas are from Vikro's point of view, and she doesn't know anything! It's all still very ambiguous...

[Dernhelm]

final!??? did they say it's the last audio drama there will be?

edit: i take it back. it makes sense. it's the last time the army gets to document their movements, which Vikro i think is charged with. hopefully there will be a "second leg" which will change POV's this time. oh no, don't tell me it'll be Gora if that's the case. XP

[Sana chan]

Originally Posted by Dernhelm

final!??? did they say it's the last audio drama there will be?

Technically not the last, because there's a bonus one on the Audio Drama CD releasing 21st Sept, but yeah, this one is the last that will be broadcast.

[kuromitsu]

Originally Posted by Dernhelm

final!??? did they say it's the last audio drama there will be?

Well, they did catch up with the anime...

As for ep 6, it was cheesy in many different ways but it was fun, as usual. Except, Jou didn't talk after all, dammit. xD;;; (Or did they promise he'd talk in another ep? I must've been almost asleep at that point...)

Spoiler:

I still don't quite understand how Jou survived the explosion... He was perfectly fine when we saw him later, even though in that situation it was physically impossible to escape without a scratch. Maybe he has the Aura of Cool (TM) to protect him.

As for Cilia's surprise picture, ooh yes. xD;;; I was like, "wtf are you doing, pulling her up like that? ...ooh no, he's not doing it, he's not doing it.... wha... o_____o" and, well, he didn't kiss her, not really, but it was pretty surprising anyway. xD He was just taking her temperature. Of course there would've been other ways to do that which don't require cuddling (though apparently in anime/manga taking one's temperature is seen as a great opportunity to do something romantic).

Anyway, I'm really wondering now if Jin really feels protective about Sana or he's just playing Prince Charming to keep her attached to him... He seems to genuinely care about her, but I wouldn't put it past him to use her feelings to keep her within his reach.

[Guido]

Feels good to return watching this series after it's relative short hiatus.

The title says it all. The theme for this episode that regarding how well organized or put into effective combat strategies, small groups are fodder to the bigger powers that employ powerhouses using a superior technology (i.e. Gladiators, Phantom elite soldiers)

The flip side of the coin is that the blood-hounds and foot soldiers under the ministry of the bigger power can never escape the inevitable fate- being the expendable pawns as a means to attain an end.

Spoiler:

That's what Steve and his comrade team found the hard way on the battlefield when inside the Gladiator it put a serious physiological strain to Riki jeopardizing his life.

Drake just sits cool and callous as if nothing more than another casualty just like the rest of the team. Of course, Steve and the others murderously grudge at Drake's disposition on them but can't helped it for two reasons: 1) orders have to be met regardless and 2) as Kyoushirou learned the hard way, Drake seems to be the apex powerhouse that can pawn anyone currently.

At least, I can view with little difference on Kyoushirou not being the overly blood hound he has been behaving since the start.
I'm not sentimental to say that he might show some concern for Riki's delicate health, but that he does has some concern about his own hide and will not going to let anyone play God with his life. Unfortunately for him, Drake dragged by the tail under his feet.

On the other hand, it causes a devastating trauma of grief and contempt on the other side that cares just to live on an ordinary life with their loved ones.

Spoiler:

I can no longer think of Toraji and his pirates as a potential threat solely bent on getting Sana for the secret she hides.

Through his mourn and scream of sorrow, Toraji's at a loss for Satsuma's death; his sensei. He's taking on word the promise that the late oji-san entrusted him to look for Sana.

Too bad that the village group became feast for the 4 Phantom beasts. The pirates ran with way better luck and unscathed than the former because their leader's a former Phantom.

Moreover, I have read everyones' posts regarding Jin stubborn disposition to continue onwards with his vengeance, and his yet ambiguous intentions towards Sana.

Spoiler:

However, if you pay attention Jins' actions mostly prevailed ambivalent on us the audience. At times he was just absorbed with his research on the piano score (the only lead hinted so far at Sana's hidden treasure), but on the other side he means well both his will and disposition towards Sana.

For me would be an understatement to say that Sana is fully ignorant to cbe oncerned on what the meaning of Jin's vengeance holds to. I would like to say that Sana's is mostly adult enough what Jin's revenge abides to and is willing to hold up to the consequences to help him get with it, making her resolve solid once watching her grandfather dying and everyone at the village slaughtered.

Lastly, Jo. He might not had talked but he feels and remembers. He's a soldier but not an automated machine without soul and neither a blood hound that lusts for carnage.

[Dernhelm]

lol, i refuse to say that it was a kiss. i think it was an affectionate nuzzle more than anything.

and... what else :\


EDIT: Chinran's actually put on some pretty cool and slick martial art moves back there. he might win me over just for that XD

and LMAO, a friend made me notice that quite on the contrary, Jo didn't talk AT ALL. XDDDDD; i think he had the most lines in the next episode preview, lolol. (he's being paid big, just to "gasp" XDDD)

[Skane]

Feels good to watch Innocent Venus again. It is just such a pity that not many people are talking about it. Much like Black Lagoon... or ARIA. Sigh.

Spoiler for Episode 06:

Regarding the temperature taking, it is just forehead to forehead contact. If you have watched enough anime( especially the harem ones), it is pretty common( in anime).

Jin's character continues to grow on me, and if this keeps up, I am going to develop a man-crush on him.

Additionally, my point came true from my previous post, in which I wryly commented that no-name characters generally have a very short lifespan in action-oriented anime. They are just there to build up the body count.

I believe one of the major points of Innocent Venus will be the conflict from Jin between his desire for revenge and his promise to stay with Sana. It is also interesting to note that Jin and Jo were losing to Phantom until they got a lucky break when Riki went bonkers and Lenny aborted the mission.

A sort of Deus ex Machina that I can forgive, since it sets up for a confrontation between the men and their commander. I am willing to wager that more Phantom soldiers will defect to the other side, especially Lenny, in the later part of the series.

Cheers.