Wednesday, 24 April 2024

GRIMMY AND ULQUI. PERFECT ENEMIES



Grimmy and Ulqui: Perfect Enemies
By SandraReviewer

In Bleach there are a few characters who rank as enemies, but not in the way Grimmjow and Ulquiorra are. While Ulquiorra is all about order, Grimmjow as if it's not obvious is chaos itself.

Due to the seniority of Ulquiorra over Grimmjow, the two are always at odds with each other, and who can blame Grimmjow for feeling this way. 

I remember the way Ulquiorra prevented him from continuing a fight with Ichigo he was enjoying, but got his own back when he used a device to push Ulquiorra into another dimension, a device which higher up Espada used as a form of punishment.

What made me want to continue my appreciation of Grimmjow as a character was when I discovered he's going to have a more prominent role in the new TYBW series where Quincies are planning to destroy the Soul Society, human world and Hueco Mundo. Grimmjow is recruited to take on the Quincy threat by Urahara, so I can't wait to see how it goes.

Thursday, 7 April 2022

BLEACH: CAN'T FEAR YOUR OWN WORLD 1 BY TITE KUBO AND RYOHGO NARITA

Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World 1
Author: Tite Kubo
Writer: Ryohgo Narita
Interior Design: Jimmy Presler
Publisher: Viz Media LLC
Pages: 248
ISBN: 978-1-9747-1326-4
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

I had been noticing standalone novels from the Naruto universe with Sasuke's Story being a popular one. Now Bleach has its chance with Can't Fear Your Own World. 

This novel picks up where the Quincie's Thousand Year Blood War left off. Now finally over, there is another antagonist to take over from where Yhwach left off in Tokinada Tsunayashiro. He is secretly plotting to create a new Soul King. 

As volume 1 in a series, the story can flit from one time period to another, yet mainly concentrates on Squad Nine's Lieutenant Shuhei Hisagi and it's Captain Kaname Tosen. Back several centuries ago, before Tosen was a Soul Reaper, he discovers his friend, Kakyo has been murdered and no one seems interested in capturing and sentencing the killer. 

This for us who have read the manga and watched the anime is all we are aware of, now we have the chance to find out the full story. Tosen finds out her killer was from one of the five great noble clans and as such, untouchable by someone like him who isn't a Soul Reaper and can't get an audience with Central 46. Tosen can only think of revenge, but even that could prove almost impossible for a man who has no combat ability or standing. 

This killer is already aware of his standing, having an over inflated sense of his own self importance, thinking nothing of killing his wife,  leaves Tosen's blood boiling which didn't surprise me. 
Bleach: Can't Fear Your Own World 1 is a thick paperback with a well drawn cover of a handsome Shuhei Hisagi, an interior Fold-out Poster of him in full, while on the reverse, there is a more mangaesque version of him at leisure, which fans will love! The interior illustrations of various characters are sketchy and interesting pencil versions of characters we recognise and serve to add to the quality of the writing. 


AIZEN'S BACKSTORY: BLEACH REVEALS

Aizen's BACKSTORY: Bleach Reveals

I remember reading a magazine with a feature and an interview with Bleach creator, Tite Kubo about his creation. Sadly the magazine is no longer in print, but at least I knew what he had planned for fans.
Here he mentions how he's developed the characters and one character in particular, antagonist, Aizen Sosuke will later have his backstory revealed, but to be honest, I don't think this has been revealed yet.
If someone could correct me about this I would be very interested and grateful for the information. Maybe there's a novel I've missed reading, or something I've missed when I've watched an episode. 

Friday, 1 October 2021

CREATE YOUR OWN HAPPY BY PENNY ALEXANDER AND BECKY GODDARD-HILL

Create Your Own Happy
Author: Penny Alexander and Becky Goddard-Hill
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 978-0-00-830121-7
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

There are self-help and wellness books around for adults at the moment, then there is this one. Designed with young children in mind, 7+ to be exact, Create Your Own Happy is part colouring book, part wellness, part inspiring yourself and helping others whose lives may not be as happy as yours. Then there's the chance to have a crack at helping the planet too.

ANIME MERCHANDISE REVIEW: FAIRY TAIL PENDANT


Fairy Tail Logo Necklace (Black)
Size: 3.5cm x 2.2cm
Material: Metal

The reason I went for this colour Fairy Tail logo necklace is that it's the same colour black as the one Gray Fullbuster has as a tattoo on his chest

He's most noticed for wearing no shirt and being generally sexy, so he's my fave character and this is the perfect way to appreciate him as a character!

What I couldn't get over was how shiny it is and how it looked the same as the anime representation of the wizard guild. The pendant is heavy-ish with a black rope cord that fastens. The cord is quite long without being a choker, though it is made for slender necks being from China.

If you hold Fairy Tail fan club meetings, or cosplay I would advise fans to get this as it looks cool, fun and accurate to the series art, plus, you can't help thinking about Gray shirtless!


As a pendant, it looks so cool and sophisticated. The sort of jewellery that is sure to impress fans of the series with its curved design and simplicity.


The silver and black colours tended to remind me of the artwork from the manga novels that have become so popular.

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: KNOW MY PLACE BY EVE AINSWORTH



Know my Place
Author: Eve Ainsworth
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
ISBN: 978-1-78112-980-7
Pages: 117
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

Just one look at the cover should be enough to give you an idea of what to expect from this book, then again maybe not. 

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: THE CLIMBERS BY KEITH GRAY


The Climbers
Author: Keith Gray
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
ISBN: 978-1-78112-999-9
Pages: 120
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Sully's been used to being the top dog around his friends. The new kid, Nottingham threatens his position as best climber in the village and wonders how well his friends will think of him if he loses against him in the final climb.

ANIME REVIEW: TRANSFORMERS THE MOVIE 4K ULTRA HD BLU-RAY

The Transformers: The Movie 4K (Blu-ray)

The Transformers: The Movie 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray
FUNimation
Rating: PG
Running Time: 84 Mins
Release Date: 25/12021
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

Considered a cult classic from the 80s, The Transformers: The Movie has been updated to 4K for younger viewers who expect a high-quality visual experience. 

ANIME REVIEW: ROBOTECH PART 1 (THE MACROSS SAGA) BLU-RAY



Robotech Part 1 (The Macross Saga) Blu-ray
FUNimation Entertainment
Rating: TV-14
Subtitles: English 
Aspect Ratio: 1:33.1
Release Date: 18/10/2021
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

Wednesday, 4 August 2021

BL ARTICLE: KOHI SKELETONS AND CRAZY MAOHS: KYO KARA MAOH!

Kohi Skeletons and Crazy Maohs: Kyo Kara MAOH! By SandraReviewer

Back in 2008, Temari Matsumoto and Tomo Takabayashi's Kyo Kara MAOH! has its first outing in paperback with the then-popular publisher, Tokyopop. This manga was described as a "gender-bending" high school demon love story," but not seen as steamy or adult enough to be put on their yaoi themed Blu imprint.

WELLBEING BOOK REVIEW: THE SECRET BY RHONDA BYRNE


The Secret
Author: Rhonda Byrne
Publisher: Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 13: 978-1-8473-7029-7
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

What if you could have the life you want? Most people would laugh if someone said you could have everything; the money, career, lifestyle, car and the perfect relationship they wanted you might think they were having a laugh, but what if with the help of this book, it could be true?

FIGURE REVIEW: DRAGONBALL SUPER DRAGONBALL EVOLVE SON GOKU ULTRA INSTINCT

DragonBall Super/DragonBall Evolve Son Goku Ultra Instinct Figure

There are three in this series of poseable action figures from Bandai. With the choice of Golden Frieza, Jiren and Son Goku Ultra Instinct, I found out this was the only one on offer at my local toy store. 

ANIME ARTICLE: BORUTO - KAWAKI, THE KARMA AND THE KARA

Boruto, Kawaki, The Karma and the Kara
Article by Sandra Scholes

The last time I saw a character with a number on their body, it was Ulquiorra in an episode of Bleach, so imagine my surprise when I watch the latest Arc from Boruto and Kawaki has the number 4 sideways on his cheek. 

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: TEA PARTY PARADE BY NICK SHERRATT


Tea Party Parade

Author: Nick Sharratt

Publisher: Barrington Stoke

ISBN: 978-1-80090-001-1

Pages: 61

Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

From the author of Splash Day! comes Tea Party Parade part of the popular Little Gems series by book prize winner Nick Sherratt.

Monday, 2 August 2021

ANIME REVIEW: YU YU HAKUSHO SEASON 1 BLU-RAY


Yu Yu Hakusho Season 1 Blu-ray
FUNimation Entertainment
Rating: TV-PG/12
Subtitles: English
Aspect Ratio: 1.33.1
Release Date: 2/8/2021
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

There is a current trend with 90s anime series being re-released for a new more modern audience, updating the look of the animation without losing the original 90s appeal it had.

Saturday, 24 July 2021

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: THE GREAT FOOD BANK HEIST BY ONJALI Q. RAUF


The Great Food Bank Heist
Author: Onjali Q. Rauf
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
ISBN: 978-1-78112-962-3
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

There are books that get bonus points for being different or original, but author Onjali Rauf's new children's novel highlights the plight of most families struggling with paying the bills and putting food on the table.

Tuesday, 6 July 2021

CHILDREN'S MAGAZINE REVIEW: 100% WOW MAGAZINE ISSUE 9

100% Wow Magazine Issue 9 
Editor: Carly Squires
Publisher: Kennedy Publishing 
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

Like most young adult magazines around at the moment, they have bold, eye-catching covers and 100% Wow is no exception. 

Thursday, 3 June 2021

MANGA REVIEW: LOOK INTO MY EYES BY MIYAKO YOKO



Look Into My Eyes
Author: Miyako Yoko
Publisher: Star Fruit Books
Reviewed By: Sandra Scholes

There is now more choice than ever within the indie manga scene where manga artists can showcase their new work with online publishers who save money by not making print books. A simple click on a PDF etc can unlock a rich world of manga from Star Fruit Books who already have a great amount of manga to choose from. And as there have only been a handful of publishers around who have only made print manga, it is now easier to access new talent with a click.

Monday, 19 April 2021

CHILDREN'S BOOK REVIEW: ANIMAL FARM BY GEORGE ORWELL



Animal Farm
Author: George Orwell
Publisher: Barrington Stoke
ISBN: 978-1-78112-969-2
Pages: 246
Reviewed by: Sandra Scholes

Mr Jones, overlord of the animals at Manor Farm gets drunk at night and neglects to feed them. Major, the prize boar who every animal looks to for guidance holds a meeting he sees as important. It is about their future at the farm.