(L) Witchblade (2006)

[josongiloki]

I'm really confused right now...how in the world are you guys getting all this info? coz...the latest subs r only at ep 4.
r u all watching raw anime?
If so...where? u dl them from jap site? or r u IN japan?

[Guido]

I can't much wait for the soundtrack to come out longer. The music was a refreshment for episode 12 and some tunes heightened the mood.

Spoiler:

Wado is officially a major player in the story, attempting to hinder Takeyama's reputation and is now involved with the WitchBlade project. I believe he's contracted or has an insider within NSWF who he is making deals and reporting activities regarding Takeyama's department.
He will become from a pain in the neck to potential threat, since Wado is coveting to take Takeyama's as Director of the I-Weapons department.

Maria

Spoiler:

Prime example of highly, spunk brat who was very much spoiled in her childhood. But neglect, isolation, and taught to be fiercely competitive has made her to develop sociopathic tendencies.
She's volatile in respect with her feeling jealousy or failing to obtain what she wants, for example, attention.

For being still not upgraded to CloneBlade she's crazy strong, yet Nora is even more; check out her callous, cold eyes when confronting Maria.

Better Masane to start using up the WitchBlade without holding back.

The episodes also focuses more on Furimizu's involving with the WitchBlade project, and the role he plays regarding the creation of the Neo-Gene.

Spoiler:

I could not grasp clearly what were doing to Masane, but what I understood was that they would be extracting a sample from the WitchBlade and Masane possess something that makes her special in her DNA configuration.

Furimizu keeps a photo from his father, and he looks like the spitting image of the late Furimizu and for some reason he hates his father.

Escape from NSWF.

Spoiler:

It was a showy entrance from Douji deploying its armada of I-Weapons right in the front entrance of NSWF HQ's. I laughed out with Segawa on the speaker, politely asking that better surrender and allow Masane to walk scot-free.

But it was quite effective to intimidate Furimizu since Takeyama phoned him to prevent from taking drastic action or else the tragic scenario from six years would repeat again. Furimizu gave in and conceded the win to Takeyama.

Since I was doubting Masane's maternity in respect towards Riko, therefore, it was not surprising what the DNA tests revealed.

Spoiler:

Rena received a message with results from a DNA test sample, so it was obvious that Riko wasn't Masane's biological daughter but Rena's.

However, Riko has assimilated Masane as her mother in her thoughts, because she took care of her and provided love to her.

This episode ranges from standard to good. Looking forward what happens next.

[wrex_japan]

Originally Posted by josongiloki

I'm really confused right now...how in the world are you guys getting all this info? coz...the latest subs r only at ep 4.
r u all watching raw anime?
If so...where? u dl them from jap site? or r u IN japan?

Yup, we're all watching raws because this show is licensed. And it's a good idea not to ask any more because it'll just get deleted by the mods. ^_~

[wrex_japan]

Originally Posted by Guido

I can't much wait for the soundtrack to come out longer. The music was a refreshment for episode 12 and some tunes heightened the mood.

Maria

Spoiler:

Prime example of highly, spunk brat who was very much spoiled in her childhood. But neglect, isolation, and taught to be fiercely competitive has made her to develop sociopathic tendencies.
She's volatile in respect with her feeling jealousy or failing to obtain what she wants, for example, attention.

For being still not upgraded to CloneBlade she's crazy strong, yet Nora is even more; check out her callous, cold eyes when confronting Maria.

Better Masane to start using up the WitchBlade without holding back.

The episodes also focuses more on Furimizu's involving with the WitchBlade project, and the role he plays regarding the creation of the Neo-Gene.

Spoiler:

I could not grasp clearly what were doing to Masane, but what I understood was that they would be extracting a sample from the WitchBlade and Masane possess something that makes her special in her DNA configuration.

Furimizu keeps a photo from his father, and he looks like the spitting image of the late Furimizu and for some reason he hates his father.

This episode ranges from standard to good. Looking forward what happens next.

I like how Nora was able to deal with Maria. Don't wanna spoil the child too much.

Spoiler for what they were doing to Masane:

They were extracting samples from her too and checking her compatibility with the Witchblade (though how you can do that I can't imagine)

Is it just me, or does Furumizu's dad look like KFC's Colonel Sanders? ^_^

My summary of episode 12. I'm looking forward to the next episode too... I just hate NSWF for their constant attempts to split up Masane and Riko.

[masadate]

Hi there. Let me just say that I find this forum and its contributors very informative. Second, I wanted to know if anybody can find any info on the artbook and the DVD first press; couldn't find any place to get it since I bearly found out about this show. Thanks Very Much

[wrex_japan]

Originally Posted by masadate

Hi there. Let me just say that I find this forum and its contributors very informative. Second, I wanted to know if anybody can find any info on the artbook and the DVD first press; couldn't find any place to get it since I bearly found out about this show. Thanks Very Much

The DVD doesn't come out till the 27 of July: from CD Japan. Can't find info on the artbook, but I think it was posted somewhere in these threads.

[masadate]

To: wrex japan

Thanks for the info; went to the site and they were sold out of the 1st press, leaving only the original copies. I request that if anyone that you know has bought a first press edition, that they make HQ scans. I would really be appriciate it.
Thank You.

[masadate]

Yeah those HQ scans that I am requesting are those from the sketchbook. Thanks

[MrProphet]

Episode 14 is soap opera galore. 8)

Can't get cornier than that, in my opinion.

The new op sucks. The video is just a cut up of previous scenes and the lyrics feature a barrage of "Hey, mama!" or something like that...

[JShaggy]

No action this week, but there was plenty of drama in Episode 14 like you said.

Spoiler for Episode 14:

Reina takes Rihoko to her place, which is now Rihoko's new home. Having spared no expense, Reina shows Riko her new room, which is decorated with gifts, toys, and new clothes (talk about spoiling your child ). Meanwhile, back at Mariko's pub, the mood is quite dismal, as the tenants, particularly Cho-san and Mariko are concerned about Masane now that she's alone again, and in a state of doubt after having to give up Rihoko to her biological mother. She doesn't even answer her phone when Takayama tries to reach her. Losing Rihoko has been quite painful to her, emotionally.

Back at Reina's place, Riko is adjusting to her mother; however, she still had thoughts about the times she had with Masane, but knows she cannot go back to her. The next morning, as Reina was talking to her father, she feels a sharp pain in her wrist. Apparently the aftereffects of her quarrel with the now-late CloneBlade Nora, she notices small hairline cracks forming on her CloneBlade artifact.

Also that morning, Takayama decides to pay Masane a visit at her apartment. Rather than hear Masane's own drama, Takayama takes her off somewhere. Back at Douji Industries, Segawa reports to Takayama that Wado has proceeded into presenting the WitchBlade project public within the company, using the research that they had kept closed. Rather than report back to Douji, Takayama decides to take Masane to an abandoned orphanage on the other side of Tokyo. Once there, Takayama tells Masane about the events of six years ago that led to many children getting killed or displaced, ultimately resulting in the closure of the orphanage itself. Masane has faint memories about the place, and walks around, coming across an old locker with a familiar name on it, as well as an old picture with what appeared to be a younger version of Masane in it.



Takayama then tells Masane about how he was an orphan at one time before being adopted into a rich family as a child. Masane has some memories about the place, and in the end, seeks comfort from Takayama, evidently saying how much she misses Rihoko.

Back at NSWF, Maria is fitted with a new advanced version of the CloneBlade, one on each hand of course.



During the installation of the DualBlades on Maria, we get a glimpse of what may be her CloneBlade form.



Afterwards, Maria grabs a picture of her "mother", and rushes back to her room. Elsewhere, Tozawa seeks help from Cho-san in deciphering some information about the CloneBlades, in which they come across information on Reina Soho. Curiously enough, Maria had hold to the same info. In the final scene of the episode, Reina gets emotional as Rihoko comforts her.

For those curious, the name of the song in the new OP is "Dear Bob" by AKIO. I'm sorry, but I like XTC better than this. Still haven't figured out the name of the new ED theme, though.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by JShaggy

Finally watched Episode 13 today, and based on what happened at the end of episode 12 (all interpretation I mind you) ...

Spoiler for end of episode 12/beginning of episode 13 (MAJOR SPOILER AHEAD!!):

Sayoko from the NSWF Child Welfare Agency presents Masane with DNA evidence in regards to Rihoko's maternity. In the report, it states that Reina Soho is Riko's biological mother. As such, the NSWF orders Masane to turn over Riko's custody immediately. Masane at first refuses, but then becomes uncertain about what to do.

The episode itself is a real tearjerker as well:

Spoiler for episode 13:

Over at Douji Heavy Industries, it appears that Wado has now caught wind about Takayama's WitchBlade project, and may very well use that against him in the episodes to come, but enough about that.

The very next day, Masane and Riko hide out at the docks, where the boat captain from the first few episodes had docked, in order to escape from the NSWF. Back at Mariko's place, the other tenants pull a story on Sayoko, denying about their whereabouts until Tozawa comes in and ruins everything.

Back at the docks, Masane steps out for a minute, donning a hat and shades on her way out. Moments later, Riko uses the boat owner's dog as a messenger and sends it over to Mariko's pub. Unknowingly to them, Nora is right outside the pub, and follows the dog to the docks. When she arrives, Nora releases a smoke bomb that puts everyone on the boat to sleep. Masane senses this, and rushes back to the dock. What look like Nora was primed into kidnapping Riko, Reina intervenes, and a battle between the two CloneBlades spark. CReina manages to get an upper hand against CNora, in the end impaling Nora to death, turning her into dust instantly. Masane arrives afterwards wondering what happened to Riko, in which Reina confirms is okay. Masane ends up breaking the news to Riko that she can no longer take care of her, and that it would be best if she lived with her real mother, Reina, instead. Masane holds firm saying that there was nothing else she could do for her since she's not her real mother, and holds firm to her position. After Reina leaves, having been reunited with her daughter and all, Masane sits alone pondering. She then becomes very emotional when she finds a picture Rihoko drew of them inside of Rihoko's bag, and goes into tears.

A very sad episode indeed at that, but it also serves as a turning point in the story as the plot starts to darken.

It was indeed a beautiful and tearjerker episode. GONZO pushed up the budget to give the best animation and soundtrack quality for this episode.

The character's facial gestureS highly detailed and neat allow to display wide ranges of emotions about their personalities and the mood that quickly turned gloomy.

The second surprise was again the soundtrack. A new BGM song debuted at the scene when Takayama and Segawa talked about finding out Lady's maternity to Riko.
That song made me thought of the 'Noir' movies with its exotic tune and mysterious aura; something that may foretell a bad omen to come.

The next tune was Father's theme, and they played it all the way. That is one of my favorites which tells a whole deal about Father's identity.

The final one played when Reina confronted Nora. For a moment, I compared that song to those composed by Yuki Kajiura, particularly if you listened to the female solo voice that hums it.

Well JShaggy almost grasped what became of Masane and Riko in this episode, which places the stone for things to start getting depressing and likely apocalyptic-quese.

Spoiler:

There are two things that forgot to mention.

First, Maria's relunctance to study certain field that I imagined NSWF instructs for CloneBlade candidates to become acknowledged about.

Father intervened politely for Maria to study, but she did so on condition that Father will give her a mother that she can love, reminding the incident in the previous episode at the toy store.

Father's face pulls out a sorrow and disappointing smile but concedes to Maria's request. I'm certain that Father has some established moral convictions regarding to raising CloneBlades and lying is out of question for him.
However, it was a need for him to get Maria working around the clock, yet I have this sensation that Father dislikes to make promises he's awared that he cannot keep or are out of his reach.

Now the interesting aspect of Marias' studies was the field of the Nervous System in reference to decision making.
I actually think is not of surprise since Father's goal is to conceive a new race, a perfect humanity. A new humanity not bound the old morals and status quo of the current one, but capable of making their own morals and what they believe is right.

Finally, the second thing that sheds another more mystery is Riko's comunion to Masane's WitchBlade. The moment that Riko was put to sleep she whispered Masane's name. Far away, Masane reacts to Riko in danger and instantly the WitchBlade does so.

However, I pondered if the WitchBlade reacted for Nora's nearby pressence? or reacted due to Masane's love for Riko?
If it serves the proper plot device for Riko's bond with Masane for the latter to make use of the Witchblade at its full potential.

I have a draft theory regarding Riko with that event, but I'm keeping for the moment in the closet until the storyline progresses to the climax.

Yes, it was a powerful scene that delivered me quite few tears, watching Masane disowning Riko for the little child's sake. Having to literally slapped on her the words that she's not her mother and should be tended by her real mom, speaking indifferent and callous to the little girl.

BTW, I think to have a liking for the ending. It shows the current characters, those who are already deceased (they even included the late Ex-cons), and future characters on upcoming episodes.

[rpgman1]

Isn't Witchblade going to end at 24 episodes? I saw a poster of Witchblade Masane sticking her tounge out with her finger in a seductive pose. Then I saw in a corner it says "22 minutes and 24 episodes". I guess it means 22 minutes on each episode and only 24 episodes in the series. I can only think of Fate: Stay Night which has only 24 episodes.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by JShaggy

For those curious, the name of the song in the new OP is "Dear Bob" by AKIO. I'm sorry, but I like XTC better than this. Still haven't figured out the name of the new ED theme, though.

wrex_japan has it. The title for the ED theme is Kutsu Himo (Shoe Strings) by Yamamoto Asami.

You can ask him at his blog to check for veracity.

[Guido]

Originally Posted by JShaggy

No action this week, but there was plenty of drama in Episode 14 like you said.

Spoiler for Episode 14:

Reina takes Rihoko to her place, which is now Rihoko's new home. Having spared no expense, Reina shows Riko her new room, which is decorated with gifts, toys, and new clothes (talk about spoiling your child ). Meanwhile, back at Mariko's pub, the mood is quite dismal, as the tenants, particularly Cho-san and Mariko are concerned about Masane now that she's alone again, and in a state of doubt after having to give up Rihoko to her biological mother. She doesn't even answer her phone when Takayama tries to reach her. Losing Rihoko has been quite painful to her, emotionally.

Back at Reina's place, Riko is adjusting to her mother; however, she still had thoughts about the times she had with Masane, but knows she cannot go back to her. The next morning, as Reina was talking to her father, she feels a sharp pain in her wrist. Apparently the aftereffects of her quarrel with the now-late CloneBlade Nora, she notices small hairline cracks forming on her CloneBlade artifact.

Also that morning, Takayama decides to pay Masane a visit at her apartment. Rather than hear Masane's own drama, Takayama takes her off somewhere. Back at Douji Industries, Segawa reports to Takayama that Wado has proceeded into presenting the WitchBlade project public within the company, using the research that they had kept closed. Rather than report back to Douji, Takayama decides to take Masane to an abandoned orphanage on the other side of Tokyo. Once there, Takayama tells Masane about the events of six years ago that led to many children getting killed or displaced, ultimately resulting in the closure of the orphanage itself. Masane has faint memories about the place, and walks around, coming across an old locker with a familiar name on it, as well as an old picture with what appeared to be a younger version of Masane in it.



Takayama then tells Masane about how he was an orphan at one time before being adopted into a rich family as a child. Masane has some memories about the place, and in the end, seeks comfort from Takayama, evidently saying how much she misses Rihoko.

Back at NSWF, Maria is fitted with a new advanced version of the CloneBlade, one on each hand of course.



During the installation of the DualBlades on Maria, we get a glimpse of what may be her CloneBlade form.



Afterwards, Maria grabs a picture of her "mother", and rushes back to her room. Elsewhere, Tozawa seeks help from Cho-san in deciphering some information about the CloneBlades, in which they come across information on Reina Soho. Curiously enough, Maria had hold to the same info. In the final scene of the episode, Reina gets emotional as Rihoko comforts her.

For those curious, the name of the song in the new OP is "Dear Bob" by AKIO. I'm sorry, but I like XTC better than this. Still haven't figured out the name of the new ED theme, though.

Animation returned to its good-to-average quality. Riko at some close-up shots has her cheeks swollen and features no nose.

Agreed. Soap opera totally owned for this episode and is fitting, since Masane suffered an emotional blow in the previous one. Had this episode feature tense angst or exploded violent action, it would seem out of place and scrambled in plot holes.

JShaggy, you explained clear as crystal what went on, therefore, I won't comment on the events but rather describing Riko's current relationship with Reina and Masane's hardship to coping on her own depression for Riko's loss; those issues explored were the highlights to me.

Spoiler:

Reina is a choice that's out of question for raising a child, particularly Riko that needs warm touch to get used to Reina. Though her feelings for Riko are well meant, she lacks tact to get in contact with the little girl. The tone of her voice on how she addresses to Riko is quite callous but not cold.

Everyday chores like eating lunch together with Riko are treated in a business-like fashion by her. Riko's difficulty on getting in touch with Reina is explicitly evidenced for the latter's lack of maternity. For example, Reina doesn't let Riko to comb her hair or exchange humorous comments about the food when the little girl used to spend quality time with Masane as true mother-daughter in those moments.

For Masane I believe that the second arc starts to deal with her in embarking on a path to recover her lost memories. My heart broke watching her cry as could not accept the fact that Riko's gone to another that claims to be her mother. I sincerely applaud Takayama for his thoughtfulness and gentle act of touch with providing emotional support and warmth to Masane, as the latter desperately needed human contact to fill the void of sorrow within her.
Takayama embracing Masane and she replying back, indeed, was a nice and soothing scene.

One last interesting aspect about Reina is at the end of the episode she finally sheds tears since never has done so before, and herself cannot explain what's wrong with her and why she's feeling uneasy and sad.
The tears I interpret as a symbol of Reina's forgotten humanity that is starting or tries to resurface. What's even more interesting is implicitly hinted at Riko triggering an effect on Reina.
The first time Riko touched Reina, the latter's tears were about to shed. The next time that we see Riko gently caressing Reina's face, at the end, Reina starts to cry though keeps her composure.

Kinishida reinforces more on Riko. On her request Father sent Nora to retrieve her in order to make test on the child, and more mysteries surrounds, especially when Masane asks about the identity of Riko's dad which is unknown.

BTW, is it a joke that the writers are playing upon us?

Spoiler:

As promised, Father has Kinishida to deliver Maria the specs about her mom's identity.

According to the file report, Reina is assumed or is falsely documented to be Maria's mother which in case is obviously not.

When Tozawa and Cho-chang broke to the security files they uncovered the list of Neo-Gene members including Reina on it. Her certificate profile reveals Reina's age to be 29-years-old.

I need the official info disclosed about Maria's age, but I presume she must be about 16-17 years-old, therefore, it is a faux settled by Father to make believe Maria that Reina's her mother.

And I agree with you, JShaggy, the new OP sucks in both song and video. The video only displays a montage with clips from random footage of the first 13 episodes.

[Guido]

Fifteen would be a must see episode. It looks to me that WitchBlade is imitating Gantz in which major characters are getting killed in both.

Spoiler:

Summary
Maria cannot wait longer to meet her mother so sneaks out from NSWF HQ. She gets to her mother's place to find out an unpleasant surprise, her mother is already taking care of another child and turns to be Reina with Riko, nonetheless.

Maria goes apeshit and summons her metamorphosis to her DualBlade form, which involves her hair going spiky and Super Saiyan.

They duke out at a forest and is clearly that Maria has the upper advantages, possessing an upgrade CloneBlade coupled with her sociopathic homicidal behavior and heartbroken spirit.

Riko manages to get to Tozawa, and both she and Masane are finally reunited in a tearjerking scene.

It is not known what becomes of Maria, but Reina is seemingly defeated and resting peacefully on a tree. Takayama comforts her in her last moments, and finally Reina dies.

Seriously, the designer either was drunk or suffered some trauma. The design of Maria's DualBlade form looks unsavory to me. It is neither cool nor sexy without leaving anything to imagination.

Resembles more of a devil form to Joker claded in WitchBlade armor.

[MrProphet]

LOL

Her Cloneblade hair is even sillier than her real life hair. And that's a feat. 8)

[dieseltrain]

Who will Masane be with Tozawa or Takayama?

[MrProphet]

They don't seem to be pushing Tozawa X Masane at all, while Takayama X Masane gets a lot of attention for now.

[dieseltrain]

Originally Posted by MrProphet

They don't seem to be pushing Tozawa X Masane at all, while Takayama X Masane gets a lot of attention for now.

Nothing against Takayama, I thing Tozawa is a good match for Musane ;-) well thats why this is 26 episodes.

[rpgman1]

I thought Witchblade was a 24 episode series. Saw it in a video game magazine.