Eyeshield 21

Eyeshield 21 is a manga about American football written by Riichiro Inagaki and illustrated by Yusuke Murata. It has been adapted into an anime movie in 2004 (shown at Jump Festa), an anime television series in 2005. The twenty five volumes have collectively sold over 16 million copies in Japan, and the number of children playing American football has almost doubled in the four years since it began. The manga is published in English by VIZ Media. The anime version, produced by NAS and animated by Artland, premiered across Japan on TV Tokyo from 6 April 2005, and is currently airing across Japan on the satellite television network Animax.

The plot of Eyeshield 21 revolves around a physically unassuming and non-assertive boy named Sena Kobayakawa, a freshman in highschool of Deimon Private Senior High School. His only remarkable physical abilities are his running speed and dodging techniques, the result of a school life spent complying with the demands of bullies, quickly catch the eye of the high school's American football team captain Yoichi Hiruma, the most feared person in his school. Sena life changes when Hiruma forces him to join the Football Team as the running back. To protect his identity (on the premise that other school sports teams will try to recruit Sena upon discovering his athletic skill) Sena is forced to publicly assume the role of team secretary, and enter the field wearing a helmet equipped with a green-tinted eyeshield in order to hide his features under the pseudonym of "Eyeshield 21".

Actually the Deimon Devil Bats have a two good player before Sena comes along these two are Ryokan, and Yoichi. Ryokan is a friendly guy who's big, strong and has an infectious enthusiasm for American football. Then there's Yoichi, the devious, scheming quarterback whose skills on the gridiron and knowledge of football strategy is sometimes overshadowed by his fondness for shooting off powerful weapons to convince others to see things his way. Although both Ryokan and Yoichi are talented players, the Deimon Devil Bats are a woefully understaffed team, with only two full-timers and a ragtag bunch of miscellaneous athletes that Yoichi manages to blackmail to convince to play on their team on game day. Other teams write them off as disorganized losers who'll never get their act together enough to win. Now that they have Sena on their side, the Devil Bats finally have a chance to win (if they can ever teach him how to play the game).

The team initially takes part in the Spring football tournament (at the beginning of the Japanese school year) hoping to win with through the strength of their new "secret weapon". But the elimination is quit tough that the weak team early eliminated on by the Ojo White Knights, a powerhouse football team. It is in this game that Sena meets the man he will acknowledge as his ultimate rival, Seijuro Shin, a talented linebacker.

After Deimon's defeat, the Spring tournament is revealed as a secondary in importance to the Fall tournament, where the teams compete for the chance to play in the "Christmas Bowl", the high school football league championship. Hiruma, Kurita and Sena regroup and slowly build a real team from other misfits and students looking to define themselves, with the goal of reaching the championship. The series follows the building and growth of the Deimon Devil Bats and its members, as well as various rival teams encountered through their games and tournaments, as they all strive to achieve their goal of playing in the Christmas Bowl. Can Sena's golden legs overcome his lack of knowledge of the game of football, and can this mismatched team turn their dreams into championship reality?

Kyo Kara Maoh!!! - God (?) Save Our King!!!

Kyo Kara Maoh!!! [God (?) Save Our King!!!] is a novel written by Tomo Takabayashi which have been adapted into an anime series released domestically by Geneon USA, a manga and a series of audio dramas. The story follows the adventures of 15-year old Yuuri Shibuya as he discovers his future in a world where demons and humans are fighting against one another.

Yuuri Shibuya is an average high school student whose passion in life belong to a baseball game. His life change when an unexpected incident happened, some guys bully him and used to flush him in the toilet. His head get dunked in the toilet but surprisingly he sucked into it and ends up in another world. When he reach mysterious land, he sees some people dressed in medieval costume and speaking in some weird vernacular. There he meets Adalbert von Grantz who uses some form of magic so Yuuri understands the local language. He also meets Conrad Weller and Günter von Kleist who rescue him and take him to Blood Pledge Castle, the residence of the Maoh, where he soon finds out he is the new Maoh or Demon King will rule over “Shin Makoku” (True Demonic Kingdom). He is declared the 27th Maoh of the Mazoku (Demon Race) because of the strange power that suddenly transforms him into the Maou, deliverer of justice, this form can be recognized mainly by the longer hair and demon eyes.

At first encounter with Wolfram von Bielefeld at the Demon Kingdom, he ends up engaged to him due to a mishap. It is because Wolfram get angry that Yuuri has been chosen as the Maou so he makes the mistake of insulting Yuuri's mother which earns him a slap. Unfortunately there is a noble rule of a Mazoku propose a marriage, it is by slapping another noble on his/her left cheek. Actually the slap was considered as unmanly but it is explained that Yuuri slapped Wolfram because he has a beautiful face, otherwise he would have punched him. Incensed by this insult, Wolfram challenges Yuuri to a duel, which is also mistakenly accepted because of Yuuri's unfamiliarity with Mazoku custom (he picked up the knife that fell off the table). During the duel Yuuri transforms into the true Demon King for the first time, proving that he has a right to the throne. Throughout the story, Yuuri gets dragged between the two worlds at inconvenient times. He also constantly confronted with the results of even the smallest choices he makes.

The series is predominantly made up of good-looking young men which lead to an assumption of being a shōjo (anime and manga written for a female audience). The series is often mistaken for such boys love because of its calm acceptance of homosexuality in the setting such as an early plot point that ends with two male characters becoming engaged, accurately the series can be called a “male harem”. Romance is not a main theme of the series, though it has a flourishing fan-community dedicated to various romantic pairings. As the series goes it reveals that it is more about justice and friendship.

Inuyasha: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass

InuYasha: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass is the second movie of the InuYasha movie series. In this film, the character designs are virtually identical to the Rumiko Takahashi versions, from the original manga (rather than using the Yoshihito Hishinuma designs, from the TV anime).

The film begins with the battle between Inuyasha and Naraku, Inuyasha's biggest enemy. Together with his colleague, they finally defeat Naraku. There is a doubt whether Naraku is truly dead, however the disappearance of Miroku's Wind Tunnel and the return of Kohaku's memories are the proof that Naraku has finally been laid to rest, also Kagura's heart is in her body again. So the gang turns their efforts to their individual concerns and try to go back to normal lives. Kagome briefly returns to her time period to catch up in school and happens to be learning about the legend of Princess Kaguya. She was a maiden from the moon, found by a bamboo cutter in the forest. As suitors proposed to her, Kaguya presented to them impossible tasks before returning to the moon.

The legend was true, Kaguya is a so-called fallen angel (it is never specified if she is truly an angel, or a mere demon who thinks she is) who desires the Celestial Robe, which can make her immortal and rule the world. However, long ago Kaguya was sealed away in a mirror that seems similar to Kanna. Meanwhile, Kagura and Kanna, the two surviving incarnations of Naraku, are somewhat restless now that Naraku is dead. They come across a mirror in a hidden shrine and awaken a Celestial Maiden Kaguya, Princess of the Heavens. In exchange for freeing her, Kaguya promises to give Kagura her true heart's desire, freedom. To set the maiden free they must gather five items and drop them into the five lakes of Fuji. So Kagura and Kanna set out to recover five items that will free Kaguya from her mirror completely. The five items are the Jeweled Sprig, Crystal from the Dragon's neck, the Cloth of the Fire Rat which a half-demon wear (Inuyasha’s robe), Swallows Cowrie Shell and Stone Bowl of Buddha.

Sango returned to her village to search for his brother. Kohaku has returned to Sango's village without any memory as to who he is. He was found by her sister Sango and taken to their old house. While Miroku returned to his master, Mushin, and it's presents him a task that is to be given to the surviving descendant who defeats Naraku. This is to destroy a yōkai who threatens to cast the world into eternal night, at which the first sign of the yōkai's appearance for the first time in 50 years is a full moon shining for many nights.

In this movie new character were introduced his name is Akitoki Hojo and he is the ancestor of Hojo, the boy who has a huge crush on Kagome. He is a clumsy, naive but very sweet young man. He was first seen wandering through the woods as he stumbles upon Kagome, Sango, and Shippo at a hot spring. When Shippo finds out later, however, this information is used against him. He is the keeper of a celestial robe which his family has commanded him to cast into Mount Fuji, lest it fall into a demon's hands. He joins Inuyasha's group, partly because he has a bit of a crush on Kagome and partly because he is being blackmailed by Shippo for an earlier incident.

Kagura and Kanna find already find the Jeweled Sprig and Crystal from the Dragon's neck and drop it in the lake. One of the remaining item is the Cloth of the Fire Rat which was the rob of Inuyasha. When Kagome returns to InuYasha's time and the two of them, along with Shippō, go to find the remaining shards of the jewel. They get along and fight with Kagura because this evil woman wants the robe and she successfully got it. The Swallows Cowrie Shell was in the hand of Kohaku, so Kagura takes fight to him and also to Sango to get the item. Last the Stone Bowl of Buddha was in Kikyo's hand but she surrender it to Kagura without any fight and her intension was undetermined.

Kaguya finally freed from the mirror and she manage to steal the Celestial Robe to Akitoki because this will make her immortal and in order to rule the world. Along the fight in stealing the Celestial Robe, Kagome ends up getting kidnapped with the robe. To save Kagome, Inuyasha need to go to the castle of Kagura. InuYasha meets up with Miroku and Sango again and they prepare to rescue Kagome and stop Kaguya. Kaguya, whose power has increased exponentially now that she has the hagoromo, prepares to freeze time into eternal night. Kaguya tries to turn InuYasha into a full demon but his voice woke Kagome up and she attempts to stop the transformation by hugging him, saying “I love you as a half demon, InuYasha!” and by kissing him. It was the kiss that made Kaguya's mirror cracks and returning InuYasha to his half demon form. As they battle Naraku reappears revealing that he had purposely faked his death in order to absorb Kaguya. Inuyasha manage to kill Kaguya's physical form by using his backlash wave, but it end up in the form of black cloud and attempts to absorb Kagome to gain new body. In the end she is killed by Miroku's Wind Tunnel attack. Akitoki finally throws Kaguya's hagoromo into a volcano to stop any other beings from ever using its power. However Naraku still alive and escape along with Kohaku which again back to Naraku's side because of the curse.

The movie has good twist and I really like the fact that Kagome and Inuyasha get a lot closer than ever before, I also like the bonding of Sango and Miroku too. And Shippō still manage his comedy aura that makes the story more colorful. I find out that the main essence of the movie is no other than the most powerful force in the world, “LOVE”. Although the story has no definite ending it is still very well recommended and I will not regret to watch it over and over again.

Predator

My first Predator rough. I would like to paint this piece some day when I can afford the luxury of time. I based this drawing on a comic book by Chris Warner & the new AVP designs.

The New Frontier

Martian Man Hunter it's always a fun character to work with, specially with that unusual look Darwyn gave him.
Probably one of the best things I have ever worked for. I was fortunate enough to do some character design freelance for it.
I got to work on Hal Jordan and the Martian Man Hunter between many others.
Here is a still related to one of the characters I worked with.
Justice League The New Frontier was released on DVD February 26 2008.
I'm proud of you Darwyn.

Pet Shop of Horrors

Pet Shop of Horrors is a Japanese horror manga created by Matsuri Akino. Madhouse produced a 4-episode OVA adaptation of various chapters of the manga. In an unusual move for an OVA series, the anime first aired as a miniseries on the TBS television network. The series focuses on the eccentric Count D, proprietor of a mysterious pet shop located in the heart of Chinatown, and the numerous patrons who visit his shop. The customer has typically under gone some sort of personnel loss, and Count D attempts to sell them an appropriate pet to fill the void. Each pet purchased from the shop comes with a contract with three major points. These points differ for each animal sold, and breaking this contract usually results in dire (and sometimes disturbing) consequences for the buyer, for which the pet shop claims no liability. Individual chapter usually introducing one or more new characters in each chapter. The detective Leon Orcot is used to tie the chapters together into an ongoing plot, usually in the form of a subplot within each chapter. Initially he suspects Count D of malicious criminal activity and using the pet shop as a front for drug trafficking. As the series progresses, he learns more about the pet shop and Count D himself, entering into a strange friendship of sorts with the Count as he works to uncover the truth.

Episode 1: Daughter

A rich couple has lost their only daughter, Alice. The bereaved couple comes to the shop and Count D offers to sell them a rabbit, a rabbit that looks exactly like their recently deceased daughter Alice. The couple is overjoyed and wants to takes the rabbit home. The Count has them sign a contract, explaining that 1) no one else may see Alice, 2) incense must be burned at all times, and 3) feed Alice only water and vegetables. If these terms are not kept, the shop cannot be held responsible for the consequences. The couple agrees and leave with their new “pet”, unaware the vigilant Leon is watching them. The pet brought so much happiness to the couple and entirely forgot that their daughter died. Once then, Alice begs for sweets, and ignoring their contract, the couple gives in. Their love for Alice makes them breach one of the contract's terms. A bat-winged creature (the Count's pet) informs him of the situation. The Count can only shake his head in sorrow. Meanwhile, Alice writhes in agony and to the couple's horror, her stomach explodes. The couple is overrun by bizarre creatures and the mother will have to face up to the real reasons behind her daughter's death. Their daughter (the real Alice) died because of her drug addiction, pushed over the edge by the last bit of cocaine her mother reluctantly gives her. Again, she dies because of her mother's love. A repeated mistake led to the loss of her daughter, again.

Episode 2: Delicious

The popular idol singer Evangeline Blue and her manager Jason Green are about to be wed on a luxury ship when Evangeline “accidentally” falls overboard, her body never to be found. The heartbroken Jason travels to Count D's to pick up a pet that Eva had supposedly ordered. His “pet” to purchase also resembles his lost love, but this time the doppelganger is in mermaid form. He was surprised that the pet turns out to be a mermaid who looks exactly like Eva. The contract for this pet instructs that no one may see her, she must be kept in clean salt water, and, most importantly, she must never go hungry. Leon thinks that Jason killed his wife and investigates further, eventually learning the truth of what happened that night. Meanwhile, Jason might just be giving new meaning to the term “sleeping with the fishes”.

Episode 3: Despair

Robin Hendricks is an actor, after the phenomenal success of his debut movie, Robin couldn't get any more acting jobs. His wife had left him and his acting career was going nowhere because he had been typecast. Then, he was found dead in his apartment. The detective Leon immediately suspects the Count in the crime. A sugary treat convinces the Count to be talkative, and he tells Leon that the life of Robin was a lonely one and all he had was his collection of exotic lizards. On a visit to the pet shop to pick up an additional pet to cheer himself up, Count D shows something special to Robin. It is a very rare species of reptile known as Medusa, with the face and upper body of a beautiful woman, but the lower half of a large lizard. The condition is Robin could never look into Medusa's eyes, so Medusa lizard must always wear a blindfold, for her gaze could kill. Inspired by his new creature, Robin gives his all at his next audition so he can once again feel the adoration of the fans. But sometimes that just isn't enough and he realized that the only one can give him true love is his new pet. Too bad for him because the gaze of his pet lover's eyes will turn him to stone. And it happened.

Episode 4: Dual

This strange story is about Kelly, an assistant to a young politician named Roger Stanford. This young politician comes from a long line of success in politics, but is considered the bad apple of the family due to his carefree and being a womanizer. His faithful assistant Kelly Vincent tries Roger's political career was on the right track. Kelly is determined to make Roger the president of the United States that's why they want the legendary animal called the Kirin, who grants the wish of its sovereign through the blood of others. Count D just happens to have one Kirin in stock. Roger tries to convince the Count to sell the Kirin, however the Count refuse and told that the Kirin is the one who will decide to whom it will belong. Kelly has a long talk with Roger's wife Nancy, who is unhappy with politics, she feels Kelly is just being used by her lothario husband. After Kelly and Nancy revisit the shop, The Count informs them he will now sell the Kirin. Roger and Kelly return the following day, whereupon the Kirin, in the guise of a little girl, is given to them. The Count reiterates the Kirin will decide who is its master, and grant its master one wish. On the way back home, a school bus full of children is in peril, but the quick thinking of Roger and Kelly prevent a disaster. However, their car goes over a cliff. Which man will the Kirin call master and allow to live?

Fate / Stay Night

This amazing anime chronicles follows a two-weeks period in the life of Shirō Emiya and the battle for the Holy Grail. Shirō Emiya is a serious helpful, hardworking and honest teenager. He was adopted by Kiritsugu Emiya after his parent died ten years ago in a massive inferno that incinerated them. Shirō made a good bond to his poster father Kiritsugu. When he discover that his poster father is a magi, he dream to be a “Hero of Justice”, a guardian of mankind who could protect the weak and innocent. When Kiritsugu died Shirō became prostrated with his progress in sorcery.

Unknown to Shirō, Fuyuki city is the setting for a second and violent war among competing magi. For the past two centuries, seven sorcerers better known as masters, aided by their spiritual familiars known as servants, assemble and engage in a battle royal. These seven sorcerers gambled their life only to obtain the Holy Grail. A Holy Grail is a legendary chalice capable of granting wishes. Servant are the reincarnations of legendary souls from all across time. These epic spirits possess superhuman characteristics and wield or abilities called Noble Phantasm. A Noble Phantasm hidden abilities may be released by invoking its true name, but casual brandishing of it is best avoided, for symbolic Noble Phantasms usually belie a Servant's identity, diminishing that Servant's competitive advantage. Only one Servant can be summoned in each war from one of seven classes: Saber, Archer, Lancer, Berserker, Rider, Assassin, and Caster.