(L) Shangri-La

[BrokenWingz]

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

I thought she lived in the Marshall Islands, but I guess if she can just go for a stroll to Akiba...

I noticed that the art seemed a little off too, and I haven't found that since episode 3, but this was much more minor.

Well rich people have their own private helicopter or a cruise ship there's nothing money can't solve. agoraphobia is another issue but hilarity insure Kuniko is darn cute torturing Karin like that.

Originally Posted by klare

i did not notice the fall of art quality in eps 12

it is nice to know a bit more about Karin, although i still cannot figure what is her role...

There certainly was a drop but its negligible. Karin so far hasn't been major in any of the arc besides the creation of Medusa but her connection with Digma 0 might prove to be something later on. For now let’s enjoy our little kuma.

[wandering-dreamer]

Originally Posted by KiryuuKazumanosuke

Ishida Finance, or one of its shell companies, was established in the Marshall Islands as a tax dodge. Its actual staff, all 3 of them, seem to live all around the world.

Is that from the book or are you messing with us again? And I always thought Karin was in Japan, why didn't anyone else think so?

[KiryuuKazumanosuke]

Is that from the book or are you messing with us again? And I always thought Karin was in Japan, why didn't anyone else think so?

That would be the most retarded troll ever. "I made them all think that a fictional company in a cartoon was established in a notorious tax haven... BUT IT REALLY WASN'T!"

I'm not that lame; wasn't it discussed in the episode where they sent the Stealth Carrier after Medusa?

[jaziek]

Spoiler for big picture:

nyoro~n

[drobertbaker]

Action, action, action!

We finally see Talshin and he turns out to be the Chairman of the Board of Atlas. That trumps Ryouko's President! And he comes to Japan at the same time as "Karin's parents" said they were coming to Japan. Hmm!!!

Confirmation that MEDUSA sank the stealth carrier.

The White Queen, more "off with their heads, off with their heads".

Great air action in the big assault on Atlas! An old B-2 bomber (but turboprop driven!), F16s, and really cool flying whatsits!

We finally see some real boomerang action, Kuniko taking out missiles and whatsits! And she and her friends have these great flying suits, with little wings. The B-2 goes down in a great aerial explosion.

Momoko has a new look again. That's very unusual in anime, as often the characters can only be told apart by their distinctive hair styles and outfits. The last time I saw so many changes in character looks was way back in Kiddy Grade.

Quote of the episode : "She really is wedged up her own ass." What does that mean?

And finally, Atlas heals itself.

About every second episode, they play a different ED theme, and I say "too bad", because I liked the old one, but then they keep going back to the old one. This episode they changed the ED pictures, and I liked them. I liked the old ones too.

[iczelion74]

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

I thought she lived in the Marshall Islands, but I guess if she can just go for a stroll to Akiba...

She lives in Atlas. Thats where she asked to have her packages shipped.

[wandering-dreamer]

Awesomely action filled episode, I just want to see who sent out the missles (I seriously thought they were flying umbrellas at first, and kudos to all the different military designs in this show, I am just now realizing how many there are and they all seem realistically feasible). I suspect it's Talshin since he ranks Ryoko and his agenda hasn't been explained yet (and just to make sure I'm talking about the right person, he is the man who has been talking to Karin AND the guy who appeared in this episode, correct?).

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

Quote of the episode : "She really is wedged up her own ass." What does that mean?

I thought it was a variant off of having something stuck up your butt, some strange Japanese version of it?

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

The White Queen, more "off with their heads, off with their heads".

If you're making an Alice in Wonderland reference I believe it's the red queen or queen of hearts who says that.

[drobertbaker]

Originally Posted by wandering-dreamer

Awesomely action filled episode, I just want to see who sent out the missles (I seriously thought they were flying umbrellas at first, and kudos to all the different military designs in this show, I am just now realizing how many there are and they all seem realistically feasible). I suspect it's Talshin since he ranks Ryoko and his agenda hasn't been explained yet (and just to make sure I'm talking about the right person, he is the man who has been talking to Karin AND the guy who appeared in this episode, correct?).

Ryouko says "..all capital defense systems are to be transferred to Zeus" and then the whatsits come out. So I thought Zeus sent them automatically. But Talshin did intervene with Zeus before through MEDUSA to take out Ryouko's stealth carrier. I still can't get over who's gonna pay for that. Those things don't come cheap!

The hardware was truly great! I thought of flying umbrellas too, but it didn't seem quite right. Rarely am I at a loss for words.
I was wrong about the fighters. They are actually F35s, the new Joint Strike Fighter that first flew in 2006. Pretty cool!
Was Kuniko all like PAA! and then DAA! on their asses or what?

If you're making an Alice in Wonderland reference I believe it's the red queen or queen of hearts who says that.

You're right, but she's sooooo pale, it didn't seem appropriate. Interestingly, Talshin, talking about the wine she serves, says "Ryouko, red suits you better. A deep crimson, like blood."

[DangerMouse]

Originally Posted by wandering-dreamer

Awesomely action filled episode, I just want to see who sent out the missles (I seriously thought they were flying umbrellas at first, and kudos to all the different military designs in this show, I am just now realizing how many there are and they all seem realistically feasible). I suspect it's Talshin since he ranks Ryoko and his agenda hasn't been explained yet (and just to make sure I'm talking about the right person, he is the man who has been talking to Karin AND the guy who appeared in this episode, correct?).

I thought it was a variant off of having something stuck up your butt, some strange Japanese version of it?

If you're making an Alice in Wonderland reference I believe it's the red queen or queen of hearts who says that.

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

Ryouko says "..all capital defense systems are to be transferred to Zeus" and then the whatsits come out. So I thought Zeus sent them automatically. But Talshin did intervene with Zeus before through MEDUSA to take out Ryouko's stealth carrier. I still can't get over who's gonna pay for that. Those things don't come cheap!

The hardware was truly great! I thought of flying umbrellas too, but it didn't seem quite right. Rarely am I at a loss for words.
I was wrong about the fighters. They are actually F35s, the new Joint Strike Fighter that first flew in 2006. Pretty cool!
Was Kuniko all like PAA! and then DAA! on their asses or what?You're right, but she's sooooo pale, it didn't seem appropriate. Interestingly, Talshin, talking about the wine she serves, says "Ryouko, red suits you better. A deep crimson, like blood."

Yeah I'm with you guys, that was an awesome episode with great hardware, action and the music was so wonderfully used. The different military designs are great aren't they; as wandering-dreamer said. Something I loved out of Last Exile, the AI fighter integrated holo-system was a cool (they hinted it was about to be integrated into Atlas military tech so it's nice to see the follow through their that we were all speculating about what they were going to use them on) and could become more of a prevalent weapon later in the show.

Holy crap at Talshin, that's a nice connection with how he pulled off what he managed to do earlier. Good call on pointing out the quote, I watched out for that when I watched the ep

And if Talshin is one of Karin's parents then that instant message back in either episode 2 or 3 where he said her parent's would/must be proud of her is extra special.

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

We finally see some real boomerang action, Kuniko taking out missiles and whatsits! And she and her friends have these great flying suits, with little wings. The B-2 goes down in a great aerial explosion.

Momoko has a new look again. That's very unusual in anime, as often the characters can only be told apart by their distinctive hair styles and outfits. The last time I saw so many changes in character looks was way back in Kiddy Grade.

God that was good wasn't it, made for some really cool Kuniko action The plane shots were really cool as well, I loved the inventive ship design with the bad-ass blade-weapon (wouldn't be out of place as a Guild weapon). I also really enjoyed the sky colors for the time of day they set the sky action in. Takehiko had a few good lines in there, I'm guessing he'll have more to do next week now that their in.

You know, that's a good point about Momoko's appearance changes, this is pretty rare.

Aww, at Mikuni's reaction to Miko's talk about what the regular citizens are fighting for and how Mikuni would feel if Miko were gone. We discussed the possibility someone might eventually have that effect on her if she was ever going to lose her darker edge, but back at the very beginning of the show I doubt most would have picked it being Miko until after they had met way back when.

K.D. kinda reminded me a bit of cool old Doohan (I think that was his name) from Bebop, Spike's old mechanic from that one ep.

Spoiler:

Glad he survived I'd like to see him show up again when they need to fly again.

[drobertbaker]

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

it's nice to see the follow through their that we were all speculating about what they were going to use them on

They did use it on the stealth carrier as well, disguising it as an oil tanker.

if Talshin is one of Karin's parents

Or both. Mama didn't actually say anything, did she?

We discussed the possibility someone might eventually have that effect on her if she was ever going to lose her darker edge

It's starting to look like they're all going to be converted. Canary is turning Karin, Miko is turning Mikuni, and Kuniko will turn Kunihito (Romance is in the air. She's already beaten him up!). Then they can all join the power of the Digma together to bring down the Evil Empire.

[DangerMouse]

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

They did use it on the stealth carrier as well, disguising it as an oil tanker.Or both. Mama didn't actually say anything, did she?It's starting to look like they're all going to be converted. Canary is turning Karin, Miko is turning Mikuni, and Kuniko will turn Kunihito (Romance is in the air. She's already beaten him up!). Then they can all join the power of the Digma together to bring down the Evil Empire.

Ah yes, quite right, should have listed both times they've used it

And LOL.

[wandering-dreamer]

What made me think that Talshin was behind the flying umbrellas was that their appearance took Ryoko by surprise and she had control of all the weapon systems by then.
And I just thought of something; it appeared at the end that Atlas was made out of some super smart material that can heal itself. If that's the case (and judging my Momoko's reaction this is either very new or very rare, at least very unexpected) I wonder why Atlas hasn't been building itself. I wonder if construction has been deliberately slowed down to keep more people out, I can't wait until we finally see the inside of Atlas.

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

Or both. Mama didn't actually say anything, did she?

O.o The science of the future is great if only one parent is needed to make a kid, or did you mean that possibly Karin's mommy is dead?

[drobertbaker]

Originally Posted by wandering-dreamer

What made me think that Talshin was behind the flying umbrellas was that their appearance took Ryoko by surprise and she had control of all the weapon systems by then.

Yeah, Talshin is still largely an unknown. He clearly has some kind of control over both MEDUSA and Zeus. He clearly has acted against Ryouko and continues to. Apparently he's the Chairman of Atlas and Ryouko is the President, yet they work at odds, in some kind of power struggle? I'm sure they have many secrets from each other, including motives.

And I just thought of something; it appeared at the end that Atlas was made out of some super smart material that can heal itself. If that's the case (and judging my Momoko's reaction this is either very new or very rare, at least very unexpected) I wonder why Atlas hasn't been building itself. I wonder if construction has been deliberately slowed down to keep more people out, I can't wait until we finally see the inside of Atlas.

Yeah, Atlas seems to not be just a passive structure, but to have something of its own going on. And I felt it was intimated that it was somehow colluding with the Jungle, which also seems to have something going on.

O.o The science of the future is great if only one parent is needed to make a kid, or did you mean that possibly Karin's mommy is dead?

Anything's possible at this point. It seems that Karin had a mommy originally, but she's apparently long gone. Although we do have candidates for what she may have become, i.e. pretty well any appropriately aged (real) female in the cast. Karin certainly believes she has parents, and communicates with "them", but anything could be behind those teddy bear parents, including something of her own creation. Talshin has power over MEDUSA, which is Karin's creation and the property of Ishida Finance.

[drobertbaker]

Well, well, well! Granny, Granny, Granny! - Nagiko Hojo, the First CEO of Atlas Corporation! And Magical Gina to boot! Quite a gal!

And in the picture, standing next to her... husband? brother? Talsian. Talsian says "I merely funded her dream".

Talsian is Ryouko's uncle. "Your true mother lives in Atlas." So that makes Ryouko at least Kuniko's aunt and maybe mother.

[wandering-dreamer]

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

Well, well, well! Granny, Granny, Granny! - Nagiko Hojo, the First CEO of Atlas Corporation! And Magical Gina to boot! Quite a gal!

And in the picture, standing next to her... husband? brother? Talsian. Talsian says "I merely funded her dream".

Talsian is Ryouko's uncle. "Your true mother lives in Atlas." So that makes Ryouko at least Kuniko's aunt and maybe mother.

Spoiler for Family revelations:

When I first saw it I thought that was Kuniko's mother, but after re-watching I think you're right. And are you sure that man next to her is Talsian? I didn't see anything that explictily said so, but I had been wondering if Ryouko was Kuniko's mother. Actually, the man next to Nagiko looked a little like Sayoko (and a little like Huhes but that's a whole 'nother series...) so I bet that if that man is Talsian that Sayoko is a cousin to Ryouko. Hmm, I wonder if Kusanagi's family is also related....

Anyway, good episode. Atlas is not what it seems (both literally and symbolically it appears, it was hinted at that there is a secret reason for Atlas as well, but I think everyone saw that one coming).
Can't wait for the next episode!

[drobertbaker]

That's definitely Granny in the picture. There is no direct proof it is Talsian. Old and young both have glasses and a beard, hardly definitive, but I think it is, from the rest of the context.

Talsian and Granny don't share a last name, as we might expect siblings or spouses to. If they're not related, then Ryouko and Kuniko are not related. Still...

The preview for next week shows Kuniko and Momoko (still in her Atlas assault outfit of the day) having tea with Kunihito's mother.

[DangerMouse]

Awesome episode, information/revelations and fantastic cliffhanger. The holographic environment system was well used. The way the scifi elements continue to be fully integrated into everything in the show and more than superficial is fantastic.

Obviously can't wait for the next Kuniko/Nagiko discussion now, and the details surrounding her leaving Atlas (and how she ended up taking Kuniko with her) and the eventual formation of Metal-Age.

Kuniko was great to watch as usual, I've loved her progression and this has been some great payoff.

The second half is off to one hell of a great start with these two episodes!

[drobertbaker]

Originally Posted by DangerMouse

The holographic environment system was well used.!

You sure called that one! I thought that the holographic stealth stuff was a minor plot point, but it's really become major.

Kuniko was great to watch as usual, I've loved her progression and this is great payoff.

Remember when they used to complain that she was a sterotypical idealistic "Mary Sue"? And then they changed to complaining that she was a dumbass. She's still idealistic and she's still a dumbass (No pran, no idea!), but in a series of this length these facets can be combined with her experiences to develop quite a unique and interesting seasoned character.

[Kaoru Chujo]

I think that those of us who have stuck with this show are beginning to reap our reward.

[DangerMouse]

Originally Posted by drobertbaker

You sure called that one! I thought that the holographic stealth stuff was a minor plot point, but it's really become major.Remember when they used to complain that she was a sterotypical idealistic "Mary Sue"? And then they changed to complaining that she was a dumbass. She's still idealistic and she's still a dumbass (No pran, no idea!), but in a series of this length these facets can be combined with her experiences to develop quite a unique and interesting seasoned character.

The way the tech has been imaginatively progressing and integrated in multiple ways has been a real treat.

Yup, I remember that and as you said how the complaints changed as she addressed them with experience, and it's been great watching her develop with those experiences.