IKARICAST WEEK, Day 5: MECHA MADNESS!!!!

We're over the hump of Ikaricast Week. Now, we get to see our own Jeremias de Leon (Xaos) talk Giant Robots & Super Robot Wars. Going back to Season 2 of the Ikaricast.

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Click to play

With Xaos being by himself this week, and since the guys really had no agenda anyway, Xaos decided to make this episode about GIANT ROBOTS. Specifically about asking YOU GUYS about GIANT ROBOTS. We want to know what you think, so all xaos did was give some explanations and we leave it to you to talk about it. So go ahead and e-mail us your opinions about giant robots and what giant robot anime you guys liked/disliked. So e-mail us at: ikaricast@thegeekfighters.com Of course Xaos doesn't do that before giving you guys the news, so you'll still want to listen in even if you don't care about giant robots. ; The music used for the beginning is called "Dark Knight" (a slowed down version) and is part of the Super Robot Wars Original Generations soundtrack The song for the first break is called "Cadillac" by Prepschool and the song for the second break is called "Yacht Race" by Prepschool. The last song is called TROMBE! and is from the Super Robot Wars Original Generations soundtrack (and also slowed down...)
Download Prepschool's album "Cadillac" for free at http://prepschool.bandcamp.com/
Check out the Screwattack Magazine worked on by Hybrid Rain and other G1s including The Incredible Jeff aka 16 Bit Jeff http://screwattack.com/blogs/ScrewAttack-Magazine/ScrewAttack-Magazine-Issue-01-September
8 Bit Deathmatch trailer with Shades' livestream footage: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=S4JTSnplStM
Cut Man Mike's site http://cutstuff.net/blog/
Download the episode here

Robot God Akamatsu webcomic review

It's Jeremias back with another review! This time I'm taking a look at the webcomic Robot God Akamatsu. Written by James Biggie with art by Frankie B. Washington, Robot God Akamatsu is a webcomic that is a throwback to classic super robot anime series complete with retro manga-like art style.

Review by Jeremias de Leon

Story

The story of Robot God Akamatsu is, like, the classic series it's inspired by it's about a robot saving humanity from evil giant monsters. Of course there's more plot to it than that. An inter-dimensional gate opens which lets a monster loose and destroys Boston. During this the main character Jin, is put into a coma for a year and during that year scientists are hard at work in making sure Jin and two other people named Adele Angavi and Connor Aleju. On top of the story on Earth with these people there's also a plot about where the robot comes from and the evil people invading earth from there. It seems there's more to the "Robot God" than people think. There's a lot building up here, so there's more content here than just robots smashing evil monsters. Though to be honest I would be just fine with that.

Art

The art by Frankie B. Washington is quite something. It's definitely inspired by classic giant robot anime but it doesn't feel at all like it's trying to rip them off, it still looks like it's a unique style that belongs to him and not "Go Nagai clone #301", The black and white pages are quite nice with this style of comic in a way it lets the details stand out more. Your eyes get drawn to peoples features and the designs of the machines. Robot God Akamatsu itself looks like a giant robot from the 70s and since that seems to the point the design has done it's job.

All in all it's a really cool, stylish art style that leaves an impression

Characters

The characters in this comic are pretty quirky, and that's a good thing. None of them seem like they're bland or 2 dimensional which is can be uncommon in these types of stories. The main character Jin has plenty going on for him, he seems to be a bit aloof but also has a sense of humor. The other pilots are something as well, Adele is a strong no non-sense woman and Connor is a laid back guy but he also seems to have a work ethic as well, he isn't so laid back to the point of being incompetent.

Jin's father is a scientist but unlike most scientists shown in media isn't just some stuffy lab-coat, although he does always wear one. He shows to care for his son a lot and even shows that he, too has a sense of humor. The other characters although not shown too much do clearly show they're unique characters Frankie the other scientist who is close to his Jin and his father's friend is shown to be a kindhearted man and Jackie one of the mechanics/engineers is pretty distinct with his New Yorker/Bostonian/Irish(???) accent.

Verdict

Robot God Akamatsu is an on-going webcomic that is a really fun read. It's building up to something great, the art style is great to look at, and the action is fantastic. If you're a fan of mecha like I am there really is no reason to not read this. I had a blast going through the chapters. It's a rocket punch to boredom go and read this right now you will not be disappointed.

Robot God Akamatsu gets an emphatic 9 out of 10.

You can read Robot God Akamatsu here http://robotgodakamatsu.blogspot.com/

If you feel like knowing more about my thoughts on comics, games, anime and the like follow me on twitter @ikariradio and listen to my podcast the Ikaricast, which is on iTunes.

Top 10 non Gundam designs in the Universal Century

Hello again people on The Broken Infinite. It's Jeremias de Leon back with another Gundam countdown article. I'm quite surprised I'm back with one so soon, the success of that article has gotten me to write the next in the series immediately instead of in another few weeks. Thank you Gundam fans for taking the time to read.

Anyway without further ado here are the top 10 non-Gundam designs in the Universal Century. When I say non-Gundam I mean non-Gundam so anything that isn't called a Gundam can be in this countdown not just grunt suits. Mobile suits used by aces but aren't Gundams will be found here too. Also, remember this is about designs so I'm not considering firepower and the like, only how cool they look.

Number 10

MS-07B Gouf

this is no Zaku, boy

The Gouf is an interesting design. Taking many cues from the Zaku but adding to it, to make it more threatening. The blue and black make it stand out, almost like it's lightning from the night sky. The whip which sends out a huge electric shock seems to add to this motif. A design that stands out when I think of other mobile suits, among the countless zakus and other Zeon grunt suits.

Number 9 

MS-14A Gelgoog

It's almost like a knight

The Gelgoog has a design to it that gives it a sort of gallant flair. Whether in it's standard colors, Char red, or Gato blue it will have the kind of presence that almost commands respect. Enough said, really.

Number 8 

YMS-15 Gyan

No almost here, this one TOTALLY looks like a knight

The YMS-15 Gyan is quite different from pretty much every other mobile suit on the Federation or the Zeon, Neo-Zeon, Sleeves, whatever is fighting the Federation or AEUG or Londo Bell. For a time period where giant robots are fighting and these giant robots fight with guns and sometimes a type of shield and melee weapon that looks like it would be used in a modern or future war in comes this thing rocking a medieval style broadsword and shield. Now the Gundam did have a medieval looking shield and even a mace/shooting star/hammer but the Gyan takes it to the extreme. Which is why it's one design that stands out and deserves to be on a top list for designs in Gundam.

Number 7

RX-139 Hambrabi

Yazan "violator" Gable loved this one

The Hambrabi is sure one heck of a unique suit. It has design to it that makes it look like an evil machine. With the cogs that provide movement for it's knees visible and the wide design of it's back and lower legs. It almost looks like it's an enchanted piece of metal. Cursed with motion to hunt down those in it's path. Something I certainly wouldn't want to run into, which is probably exactly what the Titans were going for.

Number 6 

RGM-96x Jesta

Dang GM when did you get cool?

Taking the basics of the GM and Nemo before it but adding cool factor with a navy blue, black and grey color scheme the Jesta stands out as a design for the Federation that will probably make people actually want to pilot one, or at the very least, buy a model kit of one. The shoulder pads and lower leg armor make it look like a true soldier mobile suit and one that is very capable of doing whatever mission it's given. 

Number 5 

MSN-04 Sazabi

You could tell this is final boss worthy

Char's Sazabi from Char's Counterattack with it's color scheme of red and gold and it's huge, yet not clumsy looking, stature gives it the exact quality it should have. That of a leader of an entire army. It's the kind of mobile suit you have to respect no matter what side you're on.

Number 4

AMX-004 Qubeley

Love this color schcme

Haman Khan's Qubeley in Zeta and ZZ Gundam. The Qubeley's color scheme of mostly pink and white, give it a sense of feminity. But the design of the huge shoulder pads and protruding parts on the knees and arms, along with the hands looking more like claws than human hands give it a look that it's also dangerous. It fits Haman Khan perfectly. As she is indeed not only an attractive woman but a very dangerous one. When giving her a mech that's for her use they made it reflect who she was and indeed you can get a sense of who she was just by looking at her Qubeley.

Number 3

RX79BD-1 GM Blue Destiny

Just LOOK at it... LOOK

The Blue destiny is a GM... but one heck of a GM! The paint job of the different blues and the way it just shines makes it look like it's definitely not only cut from a different cloth but like it's an agent of something, like destiny. Which I guess why it's called the Blue Destiny. It's not a mobile suit one ever forgets once you've seen it. It's just too unique especially during the one year war.

Number 2

MSN-06S Sinanju

So... much... swag

If Char's Sazabi got your respect then Full Frontal's Sinanju commands it. Keeping with the red and gold color scheme from the Sazabi the Sinanju adds black and streamlines the design to look even more efficient. It's not as bulky but still looks like it has power and the glossy red gives it a look that it's no mere soldier, but the type of mobile suit built for a commander, like the Sazabi was.

Number 1 

AMS-129 Geara Zulu

No, no I'm not trolling you

So here it is my number one pick for a design that isn't a Gundam in the Universal Century. Why this and not the Sinanju? Well, as I've said before these are all military machines and the best looking designs are the ones that look like they'll be used by soldiers. The Geara Zulu looks like it's made to be used for soldiers in war. From the standard army color scheme of green, with some black to the  big should shield and the gun it totes around this is the kind of mobile suit that not only is built for war but totally 100% looks like it's built for war as well. It's not flashy, but it's not completely ugly either. When looking at all the non-Gundam mobile suits and thinking about which one I had to pilot if I wasn't an ace I always gravitate the Geara Zulu. It just looks like it can kick butt and have an easy time of doing it.

Well, those were my top 10 non-Gundam designs in the Universal Century. How about you guys? What are your top designs that aren't a Gundam in the Universal Century? Also, be on the lookout for my next Gundam article sometime next month, the top 10 Gundam designs in alternate universes.

Top 10 Gundam designs in the Universal Century

Hello everyone on the Broken Infinite. This is Jeremias de Leon and I'm bringing you my first countdown. The countdown for this week will be part of a series of countdowns concerning the Gundam Metaseries, they'll be spread out over the next few months, although their might be two on some months.

The first countdown for this little series will be the top Gundam designs in the Universal Century. If the title didn't already let you know. Well, that's enough of the introductions let's start this thing off. Here we go with number 10.

Number 10

RX-78NT-1 Gundam "Alex"

Despite it being low on the list the pilot Christina MacKenzie is still hot so... it has that

In terms of design the Gundam Alex is pretty solid. The classic Gundam color scheme of red, white, blue, and yellow is accounted for here. But this color scheme has more blue and white than any other color. With the mainly blue and white color scheme that has yellow and red accents this Gundam is one of the more slender looking ones. Almost as if it was more about speed than power in combat.

It really is a great design, following the principle of simple and straightforward aesthetics that I myself follow when designing. It's low on the list however for not being too memorable of a design, it's not bad as I said before but it's not one that I feel compelled to look at.

Number 9

RX-79(G) Gundam Ground Type

Couldn't fight in space though

The grunt Gundam in the 08^th MS Team. Like the Alex it's none too fancy but it still has quite a bit going on. The torso is different than most Gundam designs, with the yellow vent only on one side. It has more of a militaristic look than the original Gundam as well. These being mass produced units they have numbers stating which MS team they belong too and have a more uniform look to them. Which is why the design is cool, actually. It looks like it can actually be a real military weapon. Like the Alex though, it's also a bit bland. Simple is good but it feels as though perhaps it's a bit too simple. Then again it's a grunt unit, and not a lead Gundam.

Number 8

RX-178 Gundam Mk-II

Whether in AEUG or Titans colors it'll look cool

The Gundam Mk-II also isn't too complex of a design but this is where the designs start to get memorable. It took the concept of the original RX-78 and made it more militarized like the Ground Gundam, but also gave it a bit of an update and with that update made it stand out on it's own. It has the classic Gundam head and V fin and also has the standard looking torso. However, the skirt armor, backpack and shoulders make it look more intimidating than other Gundams. It looks like something you don't want to tangle with in a fight. Which one would assume is the point and in this point the Gundam Mk-II excels beautifully. A design which will always stick with me.

Number 7

RX-105 Ξ Gundam

One of the more unique Gundams

The lead Gundam Hathaway Noa (Bright's son) pilots in the novel series Hathaway's Flash. Also called the Xi Gundam. It is more complex than the other Gundams in this countdown so far. It does not feel that it has way too much going on though. Your eyes never feel like they're getting tired trying to keep up with all the minute details in the design. One of the more underrated Gundam designs to, possibly because not many outside of Japan have read the novel Hathaway's Flash. I don't see many people bring this Gundam up when talking about designs. Which is sad, because it's such a nice, refreshing and unique take on a Gundam design. We usually don't see many lead Gundams look serpentine like this one. It's one that should be looked at more.

Number 6

RX-0 Unicorn Gundam

The Unicorn just has this quality to it, that you just have your eyes drawn to it

When looking at the Unicorn Gundam, just one word pops into my head, “sleek”. It's the kind of design that when you look at it all you can really say is “that's cool”. When it's flying around as a pure white moble suit in the darkness of space, it just seems to gleam. When it's rampaging with the glowing red and gold in destroy mode it is totally eye catching. The Unicorn Gundam is the kind of design that toy makers love, one that demands your eye's attention and never lets it go.

Number 5

RX-93 ν Gundam

Fin Funnels, you wish you had some, right?

The Nu Gundam in Char's Counterattack is one of the cooler designs in the Universal Century. The color scheme of black, red, and yellow is a nice break from the standard lead Gundam color scheme and works well with this design of what's essentially a more slender looking Gundam with an awesome backpack of beam funnels. Out of the other Gundam's on this list, save for possibly the Unicorn Gundam this one seems to be one of the more fanciful designs with a very non-standard weapon. Although fin-funnels have been seen before with Haman Khan's Qubeley in Zeta and ZZ Gundam. When it's in motion the design really stands out as it gives the Nu Gundam a kind of mystical look to it.

A very cool design.

Number 4

RX-78-2 Gundam

The OG

The classic, original Gundam. The grandaddy of Gundams. The RX-78-2 is an iconic design. It's not overly complicated, the color scheme is great and you can never forget it once you've seen it. It's the kind of design that not only works as a design for a robot but as an icon, that stands for something. Whenever it's seen it's almost as if it's more than just a robot for military use, it's a symbol and that right there is great design.

Number 3

MSZ-006 Zeta Gundam

Remember that weird attack that used the souls of dead people Kamille used? What? Can't be random?

The Zeta Gundam is such a cool design. From the different head type from most other Gundams to the unique shield this Gundam takes a lot of strides away from the usual Gundam design. The color scheme of having more blue than red or yellow helps it looks sleeker, just like the Gundam Alex. The waverider mode it can transform into also helps it stay in your mind. But sticking with mobile suit mode, it's the kind of robot a kid would love to get a toy of, it just looks like something you want to stand on your shelf. Since having people buy toys of these Gundams are the point of these designs that makes this design high on the list.

Number 2

MSZ-010 ΖΖ Gundam

Piloted by Judau and the junkyard kids.

Yes, that's right, I like the Double Zeta and yes, I like it this much to put it this high on the list. Hear me out though, you see there's three things that make for a good Gundam design in the Universal Century, how cool it would be as a toy, how much it looks like a military machine, and how unique it is compared to the other mobile suits. The Double Zeta is a cool toy, especially the recent high grade, it looks like a hulking military machine and compared to the other mobile suits it looks quite different.

Others who don't like the Double Zeta's design usually remark that they don't like big hulking machines and prefer the Zeta because it's a more elegant looking mobile suit. I say I prefer the Double Zeta because of it's behemoth size. It's something I'd expect a robot made to be so powerful by the military to look like. They'd want something that looks big and intimidating. The design works and like I've been saying throughout this countdown it is one to be remembered.

All right... so here it is, number 1 Gundam design in the Universal Century

Number 1

RX-78GP03S Gundam

Swag

The second lead Gundam in Stardust Memory after the GP-01. This Gundam has an almost pure white color scheme, extra powerful thrusters in the back and a sleek look, yet not totally slender. Almost in between the bulky Double Zeta and slim Alex and Zeta Gundams. This Gundam looks like it should. On top of all the other factors I mentioned before, like how it looks like a war machine, and looks like it would make a great toy, it also looks like a robot made for an ace pilot. Which is what the Gundams are, they're not made for the everyday soldier but the hotshots and this looks like a machine for an ace.

With all the white and bits of shiny green when in motion, it's like it's just a blur of lights. Whenever I think of Gundams in the Universal Century, or just Gundam in general the very first thing that comes is the GP03 Dendrobium Stamen. It's got a cool look, it's fast and it's powerful. It really is the total package.

What do you think? What's your favorite Gundams in the Universal Century? Also, keep a heads up for the next Gundam countdown top non-Gundam designs in the Universal Century.