Cooledtured Blog

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A Festival of Chaos

There are many ways to describe what Avataro Sentai Donbrothers is. However the best way to describe it is probably with one phrase: it’s a festival. Donbrothers is an oddity whether you view it in the eyes of a Power Rangers fan or a Super Sentai fan. This show follows the typical monster of the week story structure that you are used to seeing in these two series. However, unlike them, the monster isn’t usually the main focus of the episode. What makes Donbrothers unique is that it relies more on its characters than it does on its action.

The story of Donbrothers is almost non-existent. The main plot is that four random people are chosen to help a guy who is basically every overpowered main character trope rolled into one. He is in anything and everything and stronger than just about anyone. So much so that it's less about defeating their enemy and more about how they do it. Even though they’re a “team”, it’s more like the other four are supporting actors whose roles are to support the main character. On paper, this sounds like an incredibly boring show with there being no stakes. However, what keeps you watching is the characters that this show follows.

As I mentioned earlier, this is a show that relies entirely on its characters. Because of this, it feels less like a Super Sentai show and more like a show that just so happens to have elements of shows like it. For example, what’s one of the first things you think about when you hear the word ‘Power Rangers’? Most people would say the Megazord or giant monster fights. However, with Donbrothers, they will completely forget about them for multiple episodes in order to focus more on developing their characters. That’s because, for Donbrothers, the most important aspect is how they can use whatever is happening at the time to help better showcase its characters.

The characters are some of the craziest ones you will ever find in fiction. Each one has their own reasons for wanting to fight and do some of the weirdest stuff you will ever see. At times, you’ll find yourself questioning what it is that you’re watching. There’s still plenty more I could say about Donbrothers, but to do so would be robbing you of the fever dream that it is. So if you’re ever in the mode for some turn off your brain fun, then check out Donbrothers for yourself.

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From Dance Battles to War

Dancing fruit samurai. That’s one of the best ways to describe what Kamen Rider Gaim is all about for at least the first chunk of the show. Kamen Rider as a whole is broken up into four different eras: Showa, Heisei, Neo Heisei and the current era Reiwa. Gaim falls in the Neo Heisei era where it is regarded as not only the best of that era, but also one of the best shows in the franchise as a whole. What makes Gaim so interesting is the complete tonal shift it takes at a certain point.

Kamen Rider Gaim follows Kazuraba Kouta, a former dancer who goes around doing various odd jobs. He occasionally hangs out with his former dance group and even helps them on occasion to help them in turf wars against rival dance groups through games called Inves battle, something similar to Pokemon battles played with devices called lockseeds. One day, these Inves manage to find a way into reality and attack Kouta and his friend. Not wanting to die he uses a belt he managed to find with a lockseed in order to transform into the titular hero Kamen Rider Gaim. He then uses this new power to fight in Inves battles for his friends and stop any rampaging ones from causing harm. As more and more Kamen Riders appear however, the battles become less of a game between kids and more of a war for control like the Sengoku era.

One of the reasons that Gaim is loved so much is because of its surprisingly compelling story which I unfortunately can’t get into due to spoilers. The tonal shift is something that the show's main writer is known for doing with many of his works that came before it. He does a great job of building up the characters and the world as he shows how they react to the changing status quo. We see what characters are willing to do in order to obtain power.

Another thing that is amazing about Gaim is its suit design. The concept of fruit samurai sounds stupid on paper. However as you can see, Gaim does a great job of blending fruit with the samurai aesthetic to create amazing suits that are reminiscent of the ones you’d see in the Sengoku era. These suits help to further the Sengoku era style that the world has.

Kamen Rider Gaim is a great show to start off with if you want to get into Kamen Rider or just want to have fun watching. While some might be off put by its initial start, I can guarantee that if you stick with it you will find a show that you can’t put down. So find your fruit of choice and prepare to fight for your ideals.

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The Ultimate Grand Prix

Fortnite. Pubg. The Hunger Games. What do all of them have in common? That’s right, they’re all battle royals. The concept of a battle royal is something that we’ve all seen plenty of times in entertainment. And while it can be fun when done right, it can also be a drag when done poorly. So allow me to introduce you to one that knocks it out of the park.

Kamen Rider Geats is the second latest season of the series Kamen Rider. The best way I can describe Kamen Rider as a whole would be ‘Power Rangers’ if it centered on just one ranger and was Japanese. Each season stands alone, so you don’t have to worry about watching previous ones to understand everything. In my opinion Geats is one of the best seasons to watch if you are interested in getting into the series.

In Geats, normal people are chosen to participate in the Desire Royal as Kamen Riders. The prize for winning is to have whatever wish you want come true. This can range from simply being forever rich to having the world come to an end. To win, they participate in various games centered around defeating the monsters known as the Jyamoto, with the last player left standing at the end being the winner. Our protagonist is Ukiyo Ace, aka Kamen Rider Geats, the reigning champion. He uses a combination of wit, skill and charm to defeat his enemies and come out on top.

When it comes to Geats, people like to talk about three things: the story, the suit design, and the choreography. While I can’t go into detail to avoid spoilers, I can say with confidence that the story of Geats is top-tier. The show makes sure to focus on all of its characters in order to make them compelling. Characters are fleshed out and often given their own story arcs. If you're not careful, you might even find yourself rooting for the villains as they are just that charismatic. The story is also broken into ‘arcs’, making it so if you ever need a break, you’ll immediately be able to jump right in.

Another thing that Geats (and Kamen Rider as a whole) is known for is its incredible suit design. I mean, just look at them. Despite the simplicity, the suits are very well made. Each one follows a sort of motif that goes with that character. And due to the nature of the season, these suits are interchangeable, allowing you to see different styles on different characters. As the show goes on, the level of detail also evolves, creating absolutely beautiful suits.

I’m sure that you are used to seeing the sometimes cheesy fights in Power Rangers. However I can assure you that you’ll find none of that here. The choreography and cinematics are at times movie level. Each fight looks like great care was taken into directing it with camera angles being used to always get the best possible shot. When watching these scenes you might sometimes forget that what you’re watching is supposed to be a “kid’s show”.

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Predictions and Speculations for Season 4 of "The Bear"

Fans around the world are buzzing with excitement as the countdown for the highly anticipated third and fourth seasons of "The Bear," eagerly anticipating the next chapter in this fascinating storytelling. Each new season brings the promise of exciting plot twists, moving character arcs, and the conclusion of long-running mysteries. Today, we will look at various predictions and hypotheses about Season 4 of "The Bear".

Mental Health

Carmy's emotional issues are set to take center stage in the upcoming season of "The Bear." Throughout the season, we've seen Carmy struggle with anxiety and past trauma, which has frequently been expressed in his relationships and actions in the kitchen. As the strain builds and the stakes rise, it is expected that in the upcoming seasons, Carmy will confront these demons head-on.

Carmy may eventually seek professional treatment by attending therapy or Al-Anon meetings. This judgment could provide a dramatic look at mental health difficulties in the high-stress environment of the hospitality business. By shedding light on Carmy's journey to recovery and self-discovery, the show has the potential to spark critical discussions about mental health and resilience.

Michelin Star 

The coveted Michelin star has long been the ultimate aim for Carmy and his crew at The Bear, representing not only culinary excellence but also acknowledgment from the top tiers of the restaurant industry. As the season unfolds, fans share Carmy's passion and determination to win this renowned award, rooting for The Bear to take its proper place among the food elites.

The expectation for The Bear to ultimately obtain that Michelin star grows as the season progresses. With each beautifully created meal and flawless service, Carmy and his staff get closer to realizing their culinary goal and progress. And this time, spectators hope to see Carmy not only reach this milestone but also fully relish this moment, free of the stress of his burdens. As The Bear impresses critics and diners alike with its creative cuisine and outstanding service, Carmy and the team face mounting pressure to offer nothing short of perfection. Despite the stressful setting of the restaurant industry, Carmy's journey of self-discovery and recovery remains central. Will Carmy's pursuit of the Michelin star bring him closer to his goals? Or will we just see another season of his distress?

Stepping Out

In a surprising twist, some fans speculate that Carmy might ultimately choose or should choose to step away from The Bear. While it may seem unthinkable given his relentless dedication to the restaurant, Carmy's recent struggles have raised concerns about his mental and emotional well-being. As he grapples with strained relationships and self-sabotage, it becomes evident that the restaurant may no longer be a source of fulfillment for him. 

Stepping away could provide him with the opportunity to prioritize his personal happiness and regain balance in his life rather than his stressors. Moreover, the success of The Bear in his absence suggests that the restaurant can thrive without him if needed as well. As Carmy contemplates his future, viewers are left wondering whether this decision could lead to a new chapter of growth and self-discovery for him outside the confines of the kitchen.

These predictions offer a glimpse into the potential directions "The Bear" could take in its upcoming season. With their blend of culinary drama and interpersonal conflicts, we can't wait to see how accurate these speculations turn out to be.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Tokyo Ghoul: Manga vs. Anime - Key Differences and Similarities

Tokyo Ghoul is a manga and anime giant, capturing fans with its dark and gripping story. The plot revolves around Ken Kaneki, a young man who is pushed into a world where humans cohabit with flesh-eating ghouls. Tokyo Ghoul, one of the most adored shows in recent memory, has amassed a global fanbase because of its rich storyline and nuanced characters.

Exploring the different worlds of Tokyo Ghoul provides fans with a one-of-a-kind opportunity to learn about adaptations. By comparing the manga and anime versions, viewers can acquire a better understanding of the artists' creative decisions, as well as the complexities of character development and storytelling. Because both mediums provide diverse interpretations of the same source material, examining the distinctions and similarities between them gives for a deeper understanding of the series as a whole.

Set in a modern-day Tokyo plagued by the presence of ghouls—beings that mimic people but feed on human flesh—Tokyo Ghoul follows Ken Kaneki's adventure. After an accidental encounter with a ghoul leaves him seriously injured, Ken suffers a life-altering change, becoming a half-ghoul hybrid. Caught between two worlds, he must navigate the complexities of his new life while fighting with his humanity and the fundamental desires of his ghoul nature.

Tokyo Ghoul revolves around its captivating characters, each of whom is dealing with their own demons and wants. Ken Kaneki stars as the hesitant protagonist, pushed into a world of darkness and danger. His journey overlaps with that of Touka Kirishima, a fellow ghoul attempting to find her place in society, and Hideyoshi Nagachika, Ken's devoted friend, who becomes caught in the rising chaos. Morality and existentialism are major themes in the story, as characters are forced to confront the darkness within themselves and in the society around them.

Key Differences

The manga and anime adaptations of Tokyo Ghoul differ dramatically on some crucial story issues. One noticeable change is the story's speed. The manga allows for a more gradual and extensive investigation of character backgrounds and motivations, whereas the anime frequently condenses or ignores these sections, resulting in a faster-paced story.

Furthermore, certain story arcs and character developments are changed or omitted in the anime. The anime adaptation of Tokyo Ghoul features new narratives not present in the manga, resulting in a deviation from the original material. These changes can have an impact on the story's overall course as well as the depth of character development.

The anime version of Tokyo Ghoul omits or alters several sequences, story arcs, and characters. For example, certain character backstories are abridged or changed, resulting in a loss of depth and complexity. Furthermore, entire story arcs, such as the "Rushima Landing Operation" arc, are cut from the anime, affecting the overall narrative structure and character relationships.

Similarities Across Adaptations

Despite the variations between the manga and anime adaptations, several things are consistent throughout the two formats. Both the manga and the anime maintain Tokyo Ghoul's overall tone, which is defined by its dark mood and existential themes. Similarly, the visual style, distinguished by its intricate character designs, remains similar across the adaptations.

Tokyo Ghoul's manga and anime versions both explore themes of identity. The fight for self-discovery and acceptance, as well as the blurred distinctions between humans and ghouls, are major topics tackled in both media.

Fan Reception and Community Discussion

The Tokyo Ghoul series, both in manga and anime form, has a devoted and vocal fan base, with reactions ranging from impassioned appreciation to harsh criticism. However, fans have had conflicting feelings about the anime adaptations of Tokyo Ghoul. While some viewers enjoy the visual aesthetics and action sequences, others criticize the adaptations for pacing flaws, uneven animation quality, and departures from the original material. The decision to shorten or change some plot arcs and character developments has also been a source of debate within the fan community.

Ultimately, fans of the Tokyo Ghoul series will find that the manga and anime adaptations provide both unique yet interwoven experiences. While both mediums deal with comparable topics and stories, they differ in execution and presentation. The manga is renowned for its depth and complexity, while the anime adaptations are praised for their visual style and action-packed sequences.

Despite the contrasts between the manga and anime, both adaptations have made a lasting impression on the Tokyo Ghoul fanbase. Whether through the pages of the manga or the screen of the anime, fans continue to engage with the series, arguing its strengths and weaknesses while celebrating its enduring impact in the field of dark fantasy fiction.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

Exodia Unchained

I’m sure you remember this iconic scene. Even if it was years ago, people still remember Yugi pulling Exodia and defeating Kaiba. There were plenty of people who hoped that they themselves could one day pull off their own “Exodia Obliterate!” moment. However, as time went on, we all came to the same conclusion: Exodia is terrible. You wouldn’t think that a card that lets you immediately win the game would be, yet here we are. The only decks that can make it work are ones dedicated to pulling it off, however even those can get stopped with just one card. Konami has tried multiple times in the past to make Exodia work, however each time failed to make it work. All previous support did was give Exodia a different way to use its pieces instead of addressing the underlying issues. Playable Exodia seemed hopeless. Enter February of 2024. Konami has finally made Exodia good by giving it its own archetype known as ‘Millenium’. This archetype centers around bringing Exodia’s newest iteration to the field: ‘Phantom Exodia, the Manifested’. While this card doesn’t have the same instant win ability as the original, it still feels like a card that once you bring it out, your victory is assured. This card has the ability to permanently gain attack points equal to your life points when it battles. So if you summon it while you have 8000 life points, then you’ll have an 8000 attack monster that can continue to get stronger every turn. As a drawback this card makes you lose 1000 life points at the beginning of your turn, however you are likely winning by that point.

The Millenium archetype centers around bringing out this new Exodia at the cost of either 2000 life points or revealing the new card ‘Millenium Cross’. So in situations like this where your life points will be low, the other new card ‘Exodo Blaze’ will come in handy. This card uses the original pieces in a new way by giving Phantom Exodia a grand total of 10k attack points. And when you combine that with its own effect, you’ll be obliterating everything in your path.

These new cards don’t automatically make Exodia an unstoppable power house. There are still plenty of ways to interrupt them and the reliance of needing a certain card to avoid taking damage is not good, even if it’s relatively easy to do. However, if you are a casual player that really likes Exodia, then you will likely enjoy them a lot. So go pick them up and obliterate your opponents!

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

The Disappointing Gundam Reconguista in G

Mobile Suit Gundam is one of the most well known anime series in the world. Even non-anime watchers are familiar with it or at the very least have heard of it. A combination of amazing anime and products has contributed to its iconic nature. It is so iconic in fact that it is the very first thing that people think of when they talk about mecha in general. However, like any long running franchise, Gundam has its fair share of duds.

Gundam Reconguista in G is a season released in 2014 that is considered to be one of the worst. I am inclined to agree, as I could only make it halfway through before I had to stop. To put it simply, this is a show that could possibly be good if it were the usual 50 episode length, but it suffers a lot due to only having 26 episodes. What makes it worse is the fact that other Gundam seasons have managed to make a 24-26 structure work, meaning that the excuse of Gundam needing to be 50 episodes doesn’t work.

For starters, the story of the show is either incredibly confusing or very boring. As I mentioned before, it feels like a show that should be 50 episodes. Reconguista throws a lot of information at you all at once, making it so that if you aren’t paying attention you will be very lost. And what story you are able to follow isn’t very engaging. I can’t say that I remember any incredible action scenes or amazing character interactions as they are nonexistent.

In regards to characters, I can’t really remember them either. A big mistake that Reconguista makes is introducing a lot of characters. Because of this there is hardly any time to flesh them out. This makes it so when a character does die you feel absolutely nothing. And the characters that do get attention aren’t fleshed out that much either. In the 13 episodes that I watched, not a single character received any form of significant growth. They were exactly the same as when you first met them with the only possible difference being their clothes.

Now this isn’t to say that Reconguista is outright horrible. For one thing, the animation and mechs are beautiful. And the music has me coming back to listen to it whenever I can. Sadly, this isn’t enough to make a good show. Gundam Reconguista in G is a series that had great potential but, in the end, couldn't use it to its fullest. If you are a die-hard Gundam fan then you might enjoy it. However, if you are someone who’s just looking for a new mecha anime to watch, then I recommend you look somewhere else.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

From the Screen to the Edge of Your Seat - The Top 5 Moments from 'The Boys'

Since its release, "The Boys" has hooked audiences all over the world with its shamelessly outrageous storyline. The announcement of a new season has fans buzzing with excitement, so now is the time to revisit some of the most heart-stopping moments that have defined the series. Buckle up as we count down the top 5 moments from "The Boys" that kept us thrilled and on the edge of our seats.

The Shocking Plane Crash

 Our list begins with the jaw-dropping scene from Season 1, in which a commercial airplane tragically crashes, showing Homelander's horrific power as he shows his true nature. 

In a display of power, Homelander swoops in to rescue passengers aboard a hijacked plane. However, the shocking twist comes when he intentionally lets go of the plane's controls, causing chaos and destruction. This scene serves as a chilling reminder of Homelander's true nature and unpredictability. The sheer intensity of this sequence, paired with its unexpected twist, set the tone for the series and astounded fans.

The Butcher's Revelation

One of the most surprising scenes in "The Boys" is when Billy Butcher realizes the truth about his wife, Becca. The Butcher's Revelation is a watershed moment in "The Boys" that not only changes the direction of the plot but also goes into the depths of love and treachery. For Billy Butcher, who has been consumed by revenge and grief since his wife, Becca, was assumed dead, the discovery that she is still alive and appears to be involved in raising Homelander's son is nothing short of shocking and heartbreaking. The truth comes as a devastating shock, destroying Butcher's world and leaving viewers astonished.

Stormfront's Identity Revealed

 At number three, we have the reveal of Stormfront's true identity. When her true identity as a former member of a militant group and extremist youth organization was disclosed on the show, it sent shockwaves through the audience. The revelation not only adds a new layer of complexity to the character but also serves as a sobering reminder of the dangers of unchecked power and extremism. This key moment in Season 2 also reveals Vought's cruel and torturous underbelly and lays the groundwork for future battles.

The Compound V Exposé

 Sliding into fourth place is the spectacular reveal of Compound V in Season 1. When the truth about Vought's secretive Compound V studies is revealed, it not only exposes the company's dark secrets but also shatters the superhero industry's illusion of heroism. This discovery has far-reaching consequences, altering the public's conception of superheroes as benevolent defenders while also exposing Vought's morally problematic methods. Compound V's discovery disrupts the superhero world's power dynamic, exposing Vought's manipulation and exploitation of individuals for profit.

The Deep’s Actions

 The Deep's Encounter is arguably one of the most dreadful and affecting scenes in "The Boys," putting light on the widespread abuse of power in the superhero industry. When The Deep, a member of The Seven, uses his position to sexually abuse Starlight during her initiation into the organization, it shocks both the characters and the audience.

This alarming action shows the dark underbelly of the superhero universe, where corruption and exploitation thrive beneath the cloak of heroism. The Deep's abuse of his authority exemplifies the toxic dynamics at work among The Seven and the larger superhero community, where people like Starlight are prone to dishonesty and abuse.

As we eagerly await the new season, these amazing moments serve as a reminder of the thrills and excitement that "The Boys" never ceases to provide. From surprising twists to astonishing confrontations, each moment creates a lasting impression on viewers and generates anticipation for what comes next. So grab your popcorn and prepare for another thrilling adventure with "The Boys"!

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

The Great Don Onitaijin

Power Rangers is a series that has formed the childhoods of many of us. This show was of the things that made up the early 2000s, being on the same level as Pokemon and Yu-Gi-Oh. However, while these two managed to stay on track, Power Rangers would end up going in a different direction. At a certain point the quality of the show started to decline and along with it, the quality of their toys. Any avid toy collector for the franchise will tell you that after RPM the toys took a severe nosedive in quality. It was as if the company behind them stopped caring about giving good toys and instead just wanted to get something out there. And with each low quality toy, us collectors started to lose more and more of our passion.

However, that ends now! Rejoice fellow toy collectors for I have the thing that will reignite your lost passion. Behold, the dream of all Power Rangers fans and collectors: Don Onitaijin!

What you are looking at is the main megazord of Avataro Sentai Donbrothers, one of the latest Sentais to come out of Japan. In case you don’t know, Power Rangers is actually an adaption of the Super Sentai series with most of the toys being American adaptations. So what makes this different then the disappointing American toys? Simple: they actually listened to criticism.

The son of Takuya Tsurumaki, one of the designers of the franchise, got a chance to play with the previous season’s toys and said that they were “boring”. He didn’t like the blocky nature of the toys and wished he was able to pose them more. So they decided to take his comments into account when making Don Onitaijin, resulting in something never previously seen in their toys. One thing that you might notice is how much mobility there is in the joints. Unlike most megazords, Don Onitaijin moves a lot like a gunpla which allows for more dynamic movement. Because of this you can make interesting poses that you wouldn’t see in typical toys like it (it can sit!). And the craziest thing of all is that it sits at an incredible 17 in tall! If you are an avid Power Rangers fan looking for a high quality megazord or just a toy collector in general, then I highly recommend looking to get this one. This is one toy that you can’t miss.

POP-COOLEDTURED SPECIALIST

The Evolving Falcons

Yu-Gi-Oh is a constantly evolving game. If you were to show a player from back when it first came out its current form, then they would probably consider it a completely different game. Today, we are going to be focusing on one of Yu-Gi-Oh's more important changes and an archetype that spawned from it: Xyz summoning. For those who don’t keep up with the game, Xyz summoning is a way to bring out powerful monsters by stacking monsters with the same level onto each other. The archetype we’re talking about however takes it a step further.