Well, it's Day 2 of this event, and nothing was much different than yesterday's. I still had to manage my stand, and I still cosplayed. As I knew this was going to be the case, I simply reused the costume I wore yesterday, third-generation Ash, since it was still fresh. Typically for multi-day events I try to wear different costumes on both days, but if I can't for reasons of practicality, convenience, or anything else, and the costume still happens to be fresh, then I will wear the same costume again instead of breaking out another set.
As I suspected, most of the cosplayers came today, making it a good day for cosplay. Today also happened to be the day when the cosplay walk or parade competition for this event was held, so that helped. Unfortunately I failed to participate in the competition since the registration was online on social media and I missed the part where I was supposed to register. But that's OK - there will be others soon enough. I'm sufficiently pleased to just be able to cosplay.
After having evaluated all the stands, I finally acquired a few Pokémon-related things to add to my collection, but they're neither much nor big. Some were even given to me as courtesy, which was honorable. Regardless, those things will be discussed rightfully in their own post to keep this one uncluttered and relevant.
As for the rest of the event, today it didn't rain, so it felt drier. However, the event, like yesterday, also ended earlier than I thought it would, which was also how a few of my cosplayer friends felt. That's also OK, since it is convenient to not have to cosplay for nearly half a day. Even so, the event was a far cry from last year's edition, which was fraught with problems from the venue and the weather, which wasn't at the same place and was even more open-air than this year's. I'd say I'm ready for a future edition if the event keeps improving like this.
Sunday, April 30, 2017
Saturday, April 29, 2017
Cosplay: ComiCamp 2, Day 1
It seems that quite a few of the events that happen this year are events that are happening for the second time, and this one happens to be one of those. This event can be said to be a local version of Comic Market-style events, of course with all the frills of typical Japanese events. That means cosplay is included, and this time I chose to go back to my roots and cosplay third-generation Ash. The choice was made because it was one of the few costumes that I hadn't used in the venue of the event, and there have been quite a few events in the venue in the past.
Speaking of venues, the problem with this one is that while there is a roof over it, the sides are exposed to the air outside, so if it rains, then it will be somewhat moist - and it did, and it was. It's something that has happened for the past few events that were held in the same venue, and it has happened again for this one. Fortunately the rain overall was not disruptive to the course of the event as well as to the community and merchant stands.
As for cosplay, it has been a slow day; come to think of it, it has been a slow day for everything. Today is after all a Saturday, and local Saturday events (with the exception of one in particular) are generally slow and lacking in attendance. I didn't see many cosplayers on the floor, so I was one of the few that actually did cosplay. The day also ended earlier than I thought it would; today's events actually ran until about 6:30 PM, while most stands already closed up 15 minutes earlier, and by 6:45 PM few people were left. That is why I was able to go home early and write up this review.
One other thing: I did not see many Pokémon collectibles by the independent merchants, or at least not one that I've found captivating and/or unique enough to bring back, but that's also because I could only browse through the merchant stands quickly as I was managing a community stand with the help of friends. I'm going back to them tomorrow to rethink if I should get their offerings. Tomorrow is Day 2, and the event goes on; I expect more of the same, but with a greater crowd for everything. That should hopefully mean a lot more fun.
Speaking of venues, the problem with this one is that while there is a roof over it, the sides are exposed to the air outside, so if it rains, then it will be somewhat moist - and it did, and it was. It's something that has happened for the past few events that were held in the same venue, and it has happened again for this one. Fortunately the rain overall was not disruptive to the course of the event as well as to the community and merchant stands.
As for cosplay, it has been a slow day; come to think of it, it has been a slow day for everything. Today is after all a Saturday, and local Saturday events (with the exception of one in particular) are generally slow and lacking in attendance. I didn't see many cosplayers on the floor, so I was one of the few that actually did cosplay. The day also ended earlier than I thought it would; today's events actually ran until about 6:30 PM, while most stands already closed up 15 minutes earlier, and by 6:45 PM few people were left. That is why I was able to go home early and write up this review.
One other thing: I did not see many Pokémon collectibles by the independent merchants, or at least not one that I've found captivating and/or unique enough to bring back, but that's also because I could only browse through the merchant stands quickly as I was managing a community stand with the help of friends. I'm going back to them tomorrow to rethink if I should get their offerings. Tomorrow is Day 2, and the event goes on; I expect more of the same, but with a greater crowd for everything. That should hopefully mean a lot more fun.
Friday, April 28, 2017
Pokémon Floor Mat
So here's one of the items that I purchased the other day to add to my collection and to enliven the place where I live. It's a Pokémon floor mat, and it's a pretty big one. My plan is to be able to place it somewhere in my room as I reorganize and rearrange it, but looking at the size of the mat, this may or may not happen. I've measured it, and the mat is approximately 1.6 meters by 1.2 meters (almost a 4:3 ratio), which means I'll really have to find space for it in my room. Alternatively, I can use it somewhere else where floor seating may be desirable, though that's less likely since it's now part of my collection and not leaving the vicinity of my living space.
As for the design of the mat, I like that it doesn't have the Go emblem, a telltale sign of most current custom merchandise. However, the images are eclectic (there's something visible from the first, fourth, and fifth generations, and the mat includes the now-familiar Pokémon logo) as well as eccentric (note the creature in the middle). It's still a custom merchandise by any means, but I'm not too concerned about that. At the end of the day, it's still a Pokémon mat that looks neat and fulfills some desirable functions.
Speaking of functions, I've already mentioned one of them - making it possible to sit on the floor - but it is possible that I can use it as just a mat under my desk to make the space under it look neat. After all, the design is very colorful and lends itself to that. Also, the mat is in relatively good condition, despite having a few fold marks. But when I unrolled the mat for the first time, I detected an unsavory smell, which might be because it's been wrapped in plastic for quite some time. Today I left the mat to air out, and the smell seems to have disappeared, making it more favorable for use. I might just not use the plastic again in storing this mat temporarily.
I don't know about you, but I just like this floor mat so much. The design is appreciable and an honest effort to incorporate Pokémon, which is not a bad thing. It makes the floor space look nice, whether for direct seating or otherwise. Despite its size, I'd say it's a keeper in my collection, even if I have to plan out where and how I would use it. The important thing is that it's still got Pokémon on it, which makes me a happy camper.
As for the design of the mat, I like that it doesn't have the Go emblem, a telltale sign of most current custom merchandise. However, the images are eclectic (there's something visible from the first, fourth, and fifth generations, and the mat includes the now-familiar Pokémon logo) as well as eccentric (note the creature in the middle). It's still a custom merchandise by any means, but I'm not too concerned about that. At the end of the day, it's still a Pokémon mat that looks neat and fulfills some desirable functions.
Speaking of functions, I've already mentioned one of them - making it possible to sit on the floor - but it is possible that I can use it as just a mat under my desk to make the space under it look neat. After all, the design is very colorful and lends itself to that. Also, the mat is in relatively good condition, despite having a few fold marks. But when I unrolled the mat for the first time, I detected an unsavory smell, which might be because it's been wrapped in plastic for quite some time. Today I left the mat to air out, and the smell seems to have disappeared, making it more favorable for use. I might just not use the plastic again in storing this mat temporarily.
I don't know about you, but I just like this floor mat so much. The design is appreciable and an honest effort to incorporate Pokémon, which is not a bad thing. It makes the floor space look nice, whether for direct seating or otherwise. Despite its size, I'd say it's a keeper in my collection, even if I have to plan out where and how I would use it. The important thing is that it's still got Pokémon on it, which makes me a happy camper.
Thursday, April 27, 2017
Out of This World: Episode 690 - "A UFO for Elgyem!"
I like episodes where there are quirky events and zealous characters all woven into a plot that is seemingly normal. This episode from the Unova saga of the Pokémon anime is just that. The episode is effectively a "Pokémon showcase" where one Pokémon is featured as part of the plot, but the plot itself involves some elements that are quite surreal, or rather supernatural, as they pertain to this episode.
So what happens is that on their journey, Ash, Iris, and Cilan become sidetracked when they were woken up by flashing lights in the sky and decide to investigate the matter. They come upon a science professor (named Icarus in the English dub) and his accompanying Elgyem. An encounter with Team Rocket then predictably leads to chaos as well as a sky-high adventure for all, even involving a flying saucer, whilst Elgyem demonstrates its psychic capabilities all throughout the episode.
This episode also puts Cilan in the spotlight as he takes on the role of a "science connoisseur". In order to investigate the mysteries posed by the events in the episode, Cilan takes on the assumption that there are sensible reasons for why things are the way they are. And in fact, there are - though the root of the matter remains otherworldly. In doing so, Cilan attempts to demonstrate that he is a "renaissance man" of sorts in regard to knowledge. He's already a fine Trainer and a fine cook, so there's no reason he can't be fine in knowledge either.
By the end of the episode, things turn out to be seemingly not that weird after all. The same applies even in our world; we likewise hear many claims and see many pictures of supernatural happenings, though we cannot be conclusive that they are as such. As Cilan says, we can only depend on "rational explanations" that clear them up sensibly... at least until conclusive evidence proves that they are otherwise out of this world.
 |
| Bright lights in the sky!! |
So what happens is that on their journey, Ash, Iris, and Cilan become sidetracked when they were woken up by flashing lights in the sky and decide to investigate the matter. They come upon a science professor (named Icarus in the English dub) and his accompanying Elgyem. An encounter with Team Rocket then predictably leads to chaos as well as a sky-high adventure for all, even involving a flying saucer, whilst Elgyem demonstrates its psychic capabilities all throughout the episode.
 |
| "All supernatural events have a rational explanation." |
This episode also puts Cilan in the spotlight as he takes on the role of a "science connoisseur". In order to investigate the mysteries posed by the events in the episode, Cilan takes on the assumption that there are sensible reasons for why things are the way they are. And in fact, there are - though the root of the matter remains otherworldly. In doing so, Cilan attempts to demonstrate that he is a "renaissance man" of sorts in regard to knowledge. He's already a fine Trainer and a fine cook, so there's no reason he can't be fine in knowledge either.
 |
| Ash, Iris, and Cilan watch the professor work on the saucer. |
By the end of the episode, things turn out to be seemingly not that weird after all. The same applies even in our world; we likewise hear many claims and see many pictures of supernatural happenings, though we cannot be conclusive that they are as such. As Cilan says, we can only depend on "rational explanations" that clear them up sensibly... at least until conclusive evidence proves that they are otherwise out of this world.
 |
| No saucer, no problem. |
Wednesday, April 26, 2017
In Pursuit of Collections
Today I bought two Pokémon-related items that I think are quite wonderful to add to my collection and to use where I live. One of them I will divulge sometime soon, as it really deserves a review and can be really, really useful. The other one I'll keep to myself since... well, I'd rather not divulge it right now - just trust me on this. So this reminds me that I also need to keep in mind what I have and how my collection items work and play well with others (as well as by itself), certainly in addition to keeping them Pokémon.
In some sense, the principles that I outlined when I discussed the mechanical fan a while back applies to my other collections as well, only a little differently. Some of the things I collect in one understanding are purely visual, so that's pretty much their only function. However, visuals can be manipulated, so at the least from time to time I can change up how my collections are displayed to give a different effect. For other items that I do have, I like if they can do something neat, but it's not a prerequisite to the visual aspect. While those principles need to be loosely re-interpreted in regard to my collections, at the least they are still satisfied.
But the most prime concern has to be space. Collections are of no use if I don't have space to show them off. That indirectly affects the amount of collections I can have; I don't have to own everything and anything related to Pokémon, but to have some things is better than to have none. I won't judge my own collections, or anyone else's for that matter, solely by their sheer amounts; size shouldn't be the only thing that determines the penchant of a collector. Everyone has different concerns regarding collections, of which a couple of mine have been outlined above. In the end, I'm (primarily) a collector of Pokémon things, and as long as I stick to that, I'm just fine.
I will still collect Pokémon things, but these are the concerns that I often abide to and often dictate whether or not I will pursue something to be added to my collection. If something just doesn't work for me because of these concerns or the consequences thereof, then I won't make the efforts to integrate it into my collection, but if it does, then by all means. Whatever the case, I'm happy to collect Pokémon things and even happier to be proud with what I have.
In some sense, the principles that I outlined when I discussed the mechanical fan a while back applies to my other collections as well, only a little differently. Some of the things I collect in one understanding are purely visual, so that's pretty much their only function. However, visuals can be manipulated, so at the least from time to time I can change up how my collections are displayed to give a different effect. For other items that I do have, I like if they can do something neat, but it's not a prerequisite to the visual aspect. While those principles need to be loosely re-interpreted in regard to my collections, at the least they are still satisfied.
But the most prime concern has to be space. Collections are of no use if I don't have space to show them off. That indirectly affects the amount of collections I can have; I don't have to own everything and anything related to Pokémon, but to have some things is better than to have none. I won't judge my own collections, or anyone else's for that matter, solely by their sheer amounts; size shouldn't be the only thing that determines the penchant of a collector. Everyone has different concerns regarding collections, of which a couple of mine have been outlined above. In the end, I'm (primarily) a collector of Pokémon things, and as long as I stick to that, I'm just fine.
I will still collect Pokémon things, but these are the concerns that I often abide to and often dictate whether or not I will pursue something to be added to my collection. If something just doesn't work for me because of these concerns or the consequences thereof, then I won't make the efforts to integrate it into my collection, but if it does, then by all means. Whatever the case, I'm happy to collect Pokémon things and even happier to be proud with what I have.
Tuesday, April 25, 2017
Shuffling in Alola
Pokémon Shuffle on the 3DS just updated, and it's a good and big one, because now the Pokémon of the seventh generation from the region of Alola are available for play. Actually, the seeds of this update had been sown a few weeks earlier as the game itself had a major update (that required downloading from the eShop) to display the starters of Alola on its preview image and splash screen, in addition to a few fixes. However, the Pokémon denizens of Alola were nowhere to be seen in the game itself... until today, when the check-in extra data brought forth new stages with the seventh-generation Pokémon.
And there are lots of those new stages. In addition to 30 new main stages, half of which are repeat Pokémon for boosters, plus one new expert stage, all the special stages are for Alolan denizens, including new Daily Pokémon and a new Pokémon Safari. The good thing is that you have the course of two weeks for most of these special stages, so you can take time for some of them, but I still suggest that you use up as many of your Hearts as possible since they're all new stages for all players. That's what I am doing right now even as I write this.
Now that the Pokémon of the seventh generation are in, I'm intrigued if the game will later on update to allow Z-Crystals to be used, as they have some semblances (and are analogous, as a major new game mechanic) to Mega Evolution, which is already in the game from the very start. Mega Evolution is already implemented in a unique way - using a gauge - so Z-Crystals might have either something similar or completely different. Regardless, the expectation is that should they make it in, Z-Crystals could be obtained in the same way as Mega Stones: through specific stages or by competitions. Also, it's not too far of a stretch for this to happen, since Pokémon Enhancements had been added in an early form between major updates and refined since. So this remains to be seen.
This is the first time that I've seen a Pokémon game with a direct generational update; most games tend to stick to Pokémon up to the generation when it was introduced and are never updated, though in the past that was because the system didn't allow games to be updated. With the 3DS, updates are possible for games, so anything could happen, even generational updates like this. It's hard to foresee if Shuffle will survive into a future eighth generation, but it's at least a fancy thought. For now I'm just glad that Shuffle has taken things into the seventh generation, and it really makes me feel I'm "Shuffling" in Alola. ☺
And there are lots of those new stages. In addition to 30 new main stages, half of which are repeat Pokémon for boosters, plus one new expert stage, all the special stages are for Alolan denizens, including new Daily Pokémon and a new Pokémon Safari. The good thing is that you have the course of two weeks for most of these special stages, so you can take time for some of them, but I still suggest that you use up as many of your Hearts as possible since they're all new stages for all players. That's what I am doing right now even as I write this.
Now that the Pokémon of the seventh generation are in, I'm intrigued if the game will later on update to allow Z-Crystals to be used, as they have some semblances (and are analogous, as a major new game mechanic) to Mega Evolution, which is already in the game from the very start. Mega Evolution is already implemented in a unique way - using a gauge - so Z-Crystals might have either something similar or completely different. Regardless, the expectation is that should they make it in, Z-Crystals could be obtained in the same way as Mega Stones: through specific stages or by competitions. Also, it's not too far of a stretch for this to happen, since Pokémon Enhancements had been added in an early form between major updates and refined since. So this remains to be seen.
This is the first time that I've seen a Pokémon game with a direct generational update; most games tend to stick to Pokémon up to the generation when it was introduced and are never updated, though in the past that was because the system didn't allow games to be updated. With the 3DS, updates are possible for games, so anything could happen, even generational updates like this. It's hard to foresee if Shuffle will survive into a future eighth generation, but it's at least a fancy thought. For now I'm just glad that Shuffle has taken things into the seventh generation, and it really makes me feel I'm "Shuffling" in Alola. ☺
Monday, April 24, 2017
Crossovers!
If my post yesterday about One Piece and Pokémon is any indication, it's that I love crossovers with Pokémon as much as I love Pokémon itself. It's a great way to have a little Pokémon pleasantry along with other things. What kind of things? Well, that depends on your tastes and my tastes. You may like the same things that I do, but then again, you may not, and it's the same for me. You are entitled to them as much as I am to mine.
Crossovers are something that I have to discuss about sooner or later, especially with the way I post on this blog. It's only natural for any series to cross or be crossed over at some point after their creation; certainly the nearest and dearest one to Pokémon is the Super Smash Bros. games, which is a mega-crossover of Nintendo's most popular franchises (and pals) into a fighting game. I've only rarely played the games, but they're already great for featuring Pokémon. I don't plan on owning any of the games anytime soon, but it would be great to play a friend's copy alongside them.
Crossovers are often made by other people, but that doesn't mean I can't make a few of my own. I tend to think of myself as a "remix artist" since I really like to mix up or re-interpret the works of others, and in fact I actually do earn something from a similar effort to this when it comes to what I know best: languages - though not in the area of serial crossovers. But really, I have made a crossover of sorts with words involving Pokémon and another series, though I'll save that for another post, since it really deserves that.
Pokémon is a lively franchise, but it's even more lively to see it cross over with and into other things, certainly with anything else that I like. Crossovers are somewhat of a test (as well as a testament) of our creativity to pair and/or complement things that are not necessarily compatible and to have fun with the results. I know I'm already delighted and having fun with the ones that involve Pokémon, and I'm inspired and curious to see and make further ones.
Crossovers are something that I have to discuss about sooner or later, especially with the way I post on this blog. It's only natural for any series to cross or be crossed over at some point after their creation; certainly the nearest and dearest one to Pokémon is the Super Smash Bros. games, which is a mega-crossover of Nintendo's most popular franchises (and pals) into a fighting game. I've only rarely played the games, but they're already great for featuring Pokémon. I don't plan on owning any of the games anytime soon, but it would be great to play a friend's copy alongside them.
Crossovers are often made by other people, but that doesn't mean I can't make a few of my own. I tend to think of myself as a "remix artist" since I really like to mix up or re-interpret the works of others, and in fact I actually do earn something from a similar effort to this when it comes to what I know best: languages - though not in the area of serial crossovers. But really, I have made a crossover of sorts with words involving Pokémon and another series, though I'll save that for another post, since it really deserves that.
Pokémon is a lively franchise, but it's even more lively to see it cross over with and into other things, certainly with anything else that I like. Crossovers are somewhat of a test (as well as a testament) of our creativity to pair and/or complement things that are not necessarily compatible and to have fun with the results. I know I'm already delighted and having fun with the ones that involve Pokémon, and I'm inspired and curious to see and make further ones.
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