#hirohiko naegi

[despair-to-future-arcs]

So we're almost wrapped up here?

Location: Bandai Farms

Time: 6:25 PM

*Inside the family farm, Makoto sat down*

TOSHIKAZU: Well, looks like we are done now? At least is now shut down for good and maybe the food shortage will finally stop.

Yeah, no kidding Grandpa... I thought for sure it would end badly instead it work out pretty peacefully...

HIROHIKO: Yeah and we were able to remove the animals as well, but you do seem tired Makoto...

Yeah, a bit uncle Hirohiko; I guess I was expecting it to be more trouble given how my luck is but it work out somehow.

Anyway, thank you everyone; at least with this taken care of, the food situation can finally be put to a rest.

Exactly, honestly I was surprise how easy it was, go us!

SHIHO: Well well, seems you all have work hard for today, hm? How about you both and Future Foundation stay for dinner then, I feel we haven't talk in a while, Makoto and Komaru.

Oh Grandma, hey!

And really? But I feel we do need to go back, sorry...

And your denying an invitation, isn't that rather rude?

I mean... maybe we can, I mean it's been a while since we got to sit down with the family.

Then why don't you do that, I have a feeling you both seem quite tired so maybe you should.

Yeah, maybe we can stay a while; besides I do need to get somethings done and talk with them so i wouldn't mind if we stick around for a bit.

Indeed, I think we could use a break after everything has calmed down, right? So let's take a chance to do so, hm?

Yeah guys, I know that your grandma's cooking is really impressive, we should at least enjoy our time here so why don't we do that?

Hmm, I suppose we could do that; alright, I'll make some calls and tell the others I'll be late.

Ye-Yeah, I probably should do the same - Toko is gonna freak out.

SHIHO: Ah... right, your friends with that Toko Fukawa girl, is...is she okay?

Huh? Uh, yeah she is Grandma, I mean we are helping the kids that wore those helmets but it's fine - why are you curious...?

SHIHO: ...I just want to make sure, anyway you all should get to call your friends and get ready for dinner.

Right, just hold on a moment...

*As then Makoto and Komaru went off to make some phone calls*

EMILIA: So I take it you 2 are staying too?

Well Makoto and them are our ride so I feel we must, correct Tomohiko?

I suppose if we must, we will but I think I'll be taking the animals with me so excuse me so hold on dinner for a moment...

Right, maybe we should bring some the animals that were guarding the farm with us so let's go.

*Tomohiko and Poppy walk out*

EMILIA: Not a very social guy, well I suppose we can get dinner ready for them as well.

Yeah, but as say - will start dinner soon, I just need to speak with some people if you don't mind.

EMILIA: Oh don't worry, dinner starts around 7 PM so if you have anything you need finish, you can get it done.

Thank you, so if you excuse us...

*As then Daisaku, Kazuo and Masa left the house...*

[recentanimenews]

Is That Another JoJo Reference?! JoJo's Bizarre Adventure References in Non-Anime Media!

In our previous article, we took a look at the many ways that various anime have paid homage to JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, from small sight-gags to extended visual parodies, the amount of creators who felt some love for the series was easy to find! But what about in non-anime media? It isn’t always easy to make a JoJo pose seem tonally correct in your video game, music video, live action  TV show, comic, or other media after all, but these creators we found had more creative and interesting ways of paying homage back to Hirohiko Araki and his amazing series. Much like our first article, we’ll be keeping these reference sightings up to Part 5 only to avoid spoiling any of the future fun, and do be warned that some of these references might be spoilers for past JoJo seasons. Overall, the range of these references varies from minor cameos and callbacks to characters and situations being developed with JoJo characters in mind, so let’s get right into it and take a look at the various non-anime JoJo references we’ve found!

It probably comes as no surprise, but musicians and JoJo go together pretty well. Many of the original names and influences for the series come from Araki’s love of various types of musical genres and artists, and it seems that they love him right back! Numerous singers and even idol groups in Japan have given the nod to their favorite JoJo poses and characters, with some even going as far as reaching out to meet Araki as superfans themselves. Hello! Project’s ANGERME and Iikubo Haruna have done various JoJo inspired poses in their blogs and choreography, even recreating the infamous “Go Go Go” SFX with their arms! The iconic Kyary Pamyu Pamyu is a huge fan of the JoJo series, often making JoJo poses in her own videos, such as in "PONPONPON," and even wearing JoJo themed merchandise, going so far as to even name one of her pet dogs JoJo.

Perhaps one of the most famous idols, Shoko Nakagawa (AKA Shokotan) is a notoriously huge fan of the JoJo series, busting out JoJo poses so often that she even injured herself doing Narancia’s pose on stage, breaking her tailbone! Her devotion has paid off, however, as Shokotan got to meet Araki to interview him! Shoko’s interview even lead to Araki making a special stand, Love Note, with an interesting origin involving... Shokotan and Jotaro’s child?! Outside of Japan, the group Starbomb included Giorno’s “I have a dream” pose in their video for “SMASH!,” with Luigi of all characters striking the iconic pose!

  Some of the most interesting homages to JoJo pop up in various video games, with some being blatantly obvious, and others needing developers to pull back the curtain and reveal their true intentions! Given the nature of JoJo’s storyline of vampires and supernatural powers, it might not be surprising at all to learn that the Castlevania series has featured numerous nods to the JoJo series throughout its legendary run. Castlevania Symphony of the Night features a Stone Mask, and it makes another appearance in Curse of Darkness. There are a few “Ora ora ora” references laced throughout various Castlevania equipments and attacks, and Dawn of Sorrow features a fight at a clock tower against an enemy named Zephyr who can stop time and throws knives… Now, where have we heard of someone like that before?

    Speaking of stopped time, the DOTA 2 hero Faceless Void seems to have some JoJo influenced nods to everyone’s favorite vampire. His ultimate ability, Chronosphere, stops time for anyone caught in it but himself for a few seconds, sure seems coincidental, but his model also adopts a similar pose to DIO’s classic WRYYYYYY! pose while casting it. In a recent update to the game, Phantom Assassin got a new splash image featuring her in Jonathan’s pose for her unique cosmetic set, the Bloodroot Guard. In Persona 5, the main character is given a choice to answer the question “What is the name of the phenomenon where the second hand looks like it stops moving?,” with one of the choices being “The World.” And in the fighting game Skullgirls, DIO is referenced numerous times between characters Valentine, Peacock, and Eliza. Valentine can stop time, Peacock drops a steamroller on her foes, and Eliza features an obvious color palette reference to DIO’s classic Part 3 outfit! The game also features Big Band, a character who has a move where he shouts “Tuba Tuba Tuba,” similar to “ora ora ora” or “muda muda muda,” depending on how you hear that in your head. Night Warriors: Darkstalker’s Revenge has a few nods to DIO as well, with a design sketch of Donovan by Takenori Kimoto posing like DIO in one of the art books; more interesting, Donovan, known for his ability to summon various spirits to aid him in battle, also has a sketch where he summons Abbachio’s Moody Jazz!

    In a series already filled with lots of crazy references and homages to other anime and video games, it probably comes as no surprise that the Danganronpa series has numerous JoJo references throughout its titles. Some of these appear in both the games and anime, such as Junko posing as DIO and her penchant for quoting “Muda muda muda,” while others are specific to the games, such as Super Danganronpa 2’s Hanamura saying he can taste if people are lying, Monokuma using a Heaven’s Door like ability, and there’s even a reference to the Bow & Arrow, called the Meteorite Arrowhead. Some other fun references include Mondo, whose hairstyle (and attitude regarding it) seem like they might be related to Josuke, a reference cemented in place when players learn that his biker gang is called Crazy Diamond! These JoJo references likely don’t come as much surprise, considering Naegi’s initial introductory comments about not having a Stand, but the dedication to weaving them into the various games, and in somewhat natural ways, is pretty impressive!

    Speaking of Polnareff, video game designers must have loved him, because aside from poses and thematic references, Polnareff’s mere existence may have had the most influence on game design of the entire JoJo series! Katsuhiro Harada, the director of the Tekken series, directly cites Polnareff as inspiration for series mainstay Paul Phoenix’s iconic hairstyle and first name. Tekken features a few other nods to JoJo, with Jin and Kazuya having gloves similar to Star Platinum’s, and Tekken 7’s newcomer Claudio not only poses like DIO, but can even equip an “Ancient Mask.” In the King of Fighters series, Benimaru Nikaido is another clear homage to Polnareff, again sporting a unique and reminscient hair style and style of dress, and in fact, Benimaru looks so much like Polnareff that developers of the game referred to him internally as “Polnareff!”

    A few other references pop up in King of Fighters, with Leona Heidern’s Earring Bomb 2: Heart Attack special move is an homage to Yoshikage Kira’s Heart Attack. Leona can either wait for the bomb to explode, or detonate it on her own, much like Kira’s Deadly Queen, and Leona’s voice line upon detonation, “You’ve lost in the end,” is similar Kira’s “You’ve lost in death” line. Another King of Fighter character, Mian, has an attack called Rangurenbu that has her shouting “Ariariariariari,” just like Bucciarati! Finally, Street Fighter’s Guile owes his creation to Polnareff, who started as the base model for the character, according to producer Noritaka Funamizu. Ironically, a dev decided to play with Guile’s sprite, and his hair spread to look a bit more like Stroeheim’s, which stuck! The name “Guile” is even a reference to “J. Geil,” Polnareff’s archenemy! Street Fighter has quite a few obvious nods, most notably Rose, who wears a nearly identical outfit to Lisa Lisa, who also hails from Venice.

    There are many more one-off references to be found in various games. Persona Q has a quick segment where the Persona 4 cast pose as various JoJo characters. The original Ninja Gaiden game decorates a stage with Stone Masks and Pillar Men, while Senran Kagura 2 has a few clothing options for Mirai that directly reference Star Platinum and The World. Shin Megami Tensei: Strange Journey has a reference to the Sword of Anubis with the equipment Cursed Sarai, stating that it is the “Sword of Anubis that drives victims mad,” and an attack ability called Bites the Dust, which inflicts Bomb status on a target who then explodes during their next activation!

  The Touhou Project games have numerous soft references to JoJo sprinkled throughout, with characters such as Remilia and Yuugi making a few references to the series, but the most obvious is Sakuya Izayoi. Sakuya has the ability to stop time, and throw knives! Other references might be quick and hard to miss, such as Yakuza 0’s quick and cheeky nod to the JoJo series: During a fight with a secret boss whose first name is simply “Jo,” Goro Majima (the best boy in Yakuza, by the way), thinks to himself afterwards what that “Jo” guy’s deal was and what a “bizarre adventure” it was to fight him.

  When you move away from video games and music, it’s interesting to see where JoJo references might pop up; after all, many of these mentioned were still developed by Japanese teams and artists, meaning that JoJo likely played a big part in entertaining them growing up or while they worked. But if you were to look towards American comics, you might find some odd homages! Now, one of the most infamous is a comic known as Diesel, which isn’t so much an homage as it was an adaptation (for lack of a better term; it really just takes the entire plot and renames and Americanized people and locations) of the Fool and Iggy storylines of Part 3. The comic was pretty obscure, but got attention in 2016 when the Stardust Crusaders anime hit, and became a source of some odd laughs and memes.

  For an actual homage, X-Man Annual has a page where the Hulk gains some very unique yellow armor, making him look like The World! In the Archie Comics’ Sonic the Hedgehog comics, quite a few little references found their way into the Off Panel section in the back of the book. In issue 270, Sonic and Knuckles face off (with Sonic as Kenshiro and Knuckles dressed as Jotaro) in “manliest anime” challenge, and in the first issue of Sonic Boom’s spin off comic, another Off Panel segment features Knuckles posing like Joseph, complete with a green scarf!

  Western television and web shows have also made a few nods to the series. Adult Swim’s anime inspired Ballmasterz:9009 character Chimpendale strikes Jonathan’s pose at one point. One of the most overt and direct references to the series happens in NBC’s Heroes, with Hiro Nakamura writing in his blog that he wants to “Be like JoJo and go on adventures,” with Part 3 being his favorite. Beyond a few mentions to other JoJo characters in his blog throughout the series run, Hiro’s superpower shares quite a few similarities to that of DIO and Jotaro, as Hiro is able to stop time! Even the grim, dark future of the 41st Millenium of Warhammer 40,000 isn’t safe from JoJo references, as the popular parody series If the Emperor Had a Text to Speech Device by Bruva Alfabusa on Youtube features three characters called the “The Fabulous Custodes,” who look suspiciously like a few half-naked superhumans!

    It seems that JoJo fever is worldwide, with creators from all over the world, in various media and genres, have all worked in ways to pay respect to Hirohiko Araki’s unique and wonderful series. As JoJo's Bizarre Adventure continue through Part 5 and gain more and more followers, we can only assume that these fun nods to Araki’s world will continue; we even left a few off because they’d spoil some of the fun of Part 5, so consider this just a small taste of the influence Araki has had. So while you’re enjoying the new season of JoJo, keep your eyes peeled for other references in shows you’re watching, games you’re playing, and even music you’re listening to; you never know where a JoJo reference might pop-up!

Know any other JoJo references you flipped for? Let us know in the comments!

----

Nicole is a features and a social video script writer for Crunchyroll. Known to profess her love of otome games over at her blog, Figuratively Speaking. When she has the time, she also streams some games. Follow her on Twitter: @ellyberries 

By: news+feed@crunchyroll.com

[despair-to-future-arcs]

The Farm Plan

...

...

...

*As a group was together, Daisaku spoke...*

-and that's what's happening, it seems that we discover the farm's location and where Pig Boy is getting it's supply so I was wondering if you can help us out.

Geez... that sure a whole lot, I'm still confused on all this; so there's this farm that's close by here that is causing this whole mess?

MAX: Yeah like... are you sure this is where the food is coming from?

TOSHIKAZU: Of course but Makoto, is that why you came here?

Yes grandpa, grandma...I know that I shouldn't get family involved but I feel I need your help here and I'm sorry to ask this of you all.

But I think given what's going on, I feel we need to do something about this so I was hoping you all can help us out.

TOSHIKAZU: Hmm, well it's a shame you did only come to see us for work but since you did ask us... what do you think everyone?

BEN: You kidding? We're joining like it or not, after all given this farm is hurting others - we should at least lead a hand.

HIROHIKO: Agree there son, besides I know that whatever your doing Makoto is the right thing.

Wait so like... you guys gonna help us out?!

MAX: You kidding Komaru, no duh we are! We want to help and I know that we can't sit this one out.

LINA: Yeah yeah, let us help out coz! I wanna help!

LEONIE: No sweetie, you gotta stay with grandma and Miss. Fukada - it might be dangerous...

LINA: Aww... no fair mom, I wanna join kick bear butt like cousin Komaru who save a whole city!

Ye-Yeah, maybe keep Lina away. Still thanks for helping guys.

Yeah exactly, it would be great if you all help us out.

We better start calling people that we are ready, but we should get everything ready, right?

TOSHIKAZU: Indeed, as there might be a bunch of animals on the property; it's better to remove them so let's go, you get calling; let's go everyone.

Ya bet, let's go guys!

*As then, everyone walk off except for Poppy, Tomohiko, Masa and Kazuo*

Goodness, everyone is so quickly to agree - the Naegi's are quite the kind family...

Indeed... I'm rather surprise that they are willing to help despite all that...

And I suppose that's what you want to talk with us about?

Indeed, sorry but me and Masa here need more details about the farm before the others arrive.

I understand that but why I don't I tell them where it is, it would be simpler if I do so.

Well sadly we can't do that, given the backstory we created for all of you, we need to make sure no one knows you run the place and it would be odd if you, some grocery worker knew about the factory, correct?

Gah! I...I didn't consider that at all...!

I think there right Tomohiko, I feel that if you spoke about the factory with the Kisaragi Foundation and the Next Generation of Hope, they'll find it odd.

But who's going to tell them all this when Tomohiko can't?

*ends the call* So I just call my camera crew to come here along with other organizations as well, anyway I think I will be the one to tell everyone the information on the farm.

Given my job as a journalist, I can tell them that I went to investigate a bit earlier then the others and found the location; it will be the cover story will use for this.

But to do that, I need information from you both to explain about the farm and the area, what dangers there are and give me exact details of what to do expect, sorry but I need to be sure.

Miss. Esumi is correct, if we want to make sure no one finds out; will need a lot of information meaning we need your help here.

Will be sure to not say who you are or where Miss. Esumi got the information from; but she be more trusted with this information then others, I can assure you.

...

[despair-to-future-arcs]

I wouldn’t bet on it being finished then.

Look guys, I know that the previous time it was glitchy and buggy but Miaya is working on, I'm sure things will get iron out.

Yeah guys, I mean at least things are getting work on even if I don't understand it...

Anyway, here are rest of them!

*As then arrive, it seems an older women spotted Makoto*

???: Makoto and Komaru...? Oh hey guys, look look! It's Makoto and Komaru, there here!

Oh hey, Aunt Leonie - seems your out here helping, huh?

LEONIE: Oh don't worry dear, the family is getting ready for the morning but grandma and grandpa should still still be inside - they are getting stuff set for the morning.

Hey Auntie, it's good to see you too - say is Uncle Hirohiko and Ben still working?

LEONIE: Yeah they are working outside, why do you want see them?

Well it's something related to work and I was hoping that maybe you guys can help us out?

LEONIE: Well, I don't mind dear. I'll go and inform them that you all are here.

Thanks aunt, your a great help - I'll go see how grandma and grandpa are doing.

Indeed, as say before - we need to discuss with you all about something, it's urgent.

Yeah sorry Leonie, but as say - we need everyone back inside as this is going to effect us.

LEONIE: Right...I got it, okay - I'll go get the others, you guys get inside...

Thank you ma'am, now let's go - we don't have time to waste.

*As then everyone went inside with Komaru was following behind*

Rather a shame we can't have a normal family reunion, huh?

LEONIE: Eh, don't worry dear - maybe after we get things settle, we can do that but how about you head inside...

Yeah, might as well do that - I'll just head-.

...? *As then Komaru spotted a women leading sheep inside*

Okay you all, time to get inside and get sheer, will be done soon...

*the sheeps baw as the wander inside*

...Hey, who's that?

LEONIE: Oh right, you guys haven't known her - that's Sae Fukada, she's the 2nd in charge of Bandai Farms and helps him quite a lot.

Ah, I see well uh; I suppose I should go greet her, huh? (She looks...familiar, where have I seen her before...)

*Komaru walks over to the women leading the sheep in*

Hm? Yes, may I help you...?

Hello, I don't think I met you before - I'm Komaru Naegi, it's nice to meet you.

Hmm...Komaru Naegi, hm? I see...

Well, nice to meet you as well; I'm Sae Fukada, I one of the helping hands at Bandai Farms, hope your stay is well.

[recentanimenews]

Manga the Week of 9/18/19

SEAN: It’s time to do the list in reverse! Why?

Because I wanted to start with Viz’s ridiculous amount of new titles out next week. We begin with the eagerly anticipated The Way of the Househusband (Gokushufudou), a series about a former yakuza who is trying to stay straight, nut… stuff keeps happening. It runs in Shinchosha’s Kurage Bunch.

ANNA: I am excited for this!

MICHELLE: I love the cover for the first volume.

ASH: Personally, this is one of my most anticipated debuts of the year!

SEAN: No Guns Life is a science fantasy series from Ultra Jump, and is apparently much like many other Ultra Jump titles in that vein.

Speaking of Ultra Jump, we also get Levius, a done-in-one series that actually ran in the late lamented Ikki, but has moved to Ultra Jump after this volume. It looks like Battle Angel Alita for MEN.

ASH: I generally enjoy Ikki titles, so I’ll be giving this one a look.

SEAN: And for those who wanted Taiyou Matsumoto, author of Tekkon Kinkreet and Sunny, to draw cats, here is Cats of the Louvre, a Big Comic Original series that’s also done in one.

MICHELLE: I am here for this.

ASH: Yes! More Taiyou Matsumoto is always a good thing. This is also part of the same series that brought us Hirohiko Araki’s Rohan at the Louvre and Jiro Taniguchi’s Guardians of the Louvre.

MELINDA: Okay, this is necessary in my life.

SEAN: As if that weren’t enough, Dorohedoro is ending with its 23rd and final volume. I’m amazed how obsessed I became with this violent series about a busty sorcerer and her lizard-headed pal, but I love it to bits.

ASH: As do I. I’m so glad this series survived the unfortunate fall of Ikki.

SEAN: And Viz also has Children of the Whales 12, Beastars 2, and 20th Century Boys Perfect Edition 5.

ASH: Wow! It really is a great week for Viz manga! I am really looking forward to seeing where Beastars goes next.

Vertical also ends a series with the final omnibus of May-December romance After the Rain, and they also have the 13th Ajin.

MICHELLE: I’ve been meaning to read After the Rain. One of these days.

SEAN: Seven Seas’ debut looks trashy but I am well-informed is more slice-of-life than anything else: Uzaki-chan Wants to Hang Out (Uzaki-chan wa Asobitai!) runs in Kadokawa’s Dra-Dra-Dragon Age, a spinoff magazine to the already trashy Dragon Age, and is about an aggravated college student and his teasing busty underclassman.

They also have a 3rd volume (digital for now) of Restaurant to Another World’s light novel; Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka 7, Magical Girl Site 10, Made in Abyss 7, The Ideal Sponger Life 3, How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom’s 4th print light novel, and Dragon Quest Monster + 4. Of that pile, Ideal Sponger Life is most interesting.

One Peace has a 2nd volume of I Hear the Sunspot: Limit.

ANNA: I need to read the first volume!

ASH: It’s good! I’m happy to get to read more of the series.

MELINDA: There can never be too much of I Hear the Sunspot!

SEAN: Kodansha’s print debut is If I Could Reach You (Tatoe Todokanu Ito da to Shite mo), a more drama-laced series than usual from Ichijinsha’s Comic Yuri Hime, about a teenage girl in love with her brother’s wife.

In print, Kodansha also has The Seven Deadly Sins 34, Magus of the Library 2, and I’m Standing on a Million Lives 3.

ASH: Oops, I haven’t read the first Magus of the Library yet. Better get on that before I get too far behind.

SEAN: Digitally the debut is the first of FOUR digital-only spinoffs of exiting franchises. Fairy Tail: Happy’s Heroic Adventure is what it sounds like.

There’s also Tokyo Alice 15, The Quintessential Quintuplets 10, Living-Room Matsunaga-san 6, The Great Cleric 2, and Defying Kurosaki-kun 12.

J-Novel Club “debuts” The Combat Baker and Automaton Waitress, a series previously exclusively released through Bookwalker. It’s had another editing pass, and now is available on all platforms.

There’s also The Master of Ragnarok & Blesser of Einherjar 9 and Amagi Brilliant Park 7.

Lastly, Dark Horse has Dangan Ronpa Another Episode: Ultra Despair Girls, an adaptation of the side story game starring Naegi’s little sister. It ran in Famitsu Comic Clear.

I assume you’re getting something from Viz this week. What else?

By: Sean Gaffney