One Piece Miracle Battle Carddass: Part 18 - Box Opening Video!

Hi Everyone, I thought I would try something new, a box opening video!  Hopefully this is as interesting as my normal photo posts.  I had a blast doing this, and yes I need to work on my camera skills.  Enjoy!

Edit: Here is  a second box opening video as well!

Pokemon Cards: DayBreak Deck

I should explain something, pokemon cards are my cigarettes; I say I've quit cold turkey, but every once in a while I pick up a pack for old times sake.  Well, actually though, I still really love them, I like to seeing the new visual interpretations of pokemon and their new card stats.  Yes, I am that much of a nerd.  I used to play/trade for my cards when I was younger, but now I just buy whatever pack or deck appeals to me at the moment.

I picked up the HGSS Undaunted DayBreak Deck for 10 bucks.  Mostly I was sold on the price and the Espeon Holo card that came with it.  Everything Else was just icing for me.  Here is a rundown of what is in this 60 card deck for anyone interested, but just know it is a psychic/grass themed deck:

- 1 Metallic coin
- 1 Rulebook/Cardlist
- 1 Player Play mat
- Damage Counters
- 1 Bonus Pokemon Undaunted Booster Pack

Complete Pokemon Card List of cards included in this deck:
    Espeon X2 (1 special holo, 1 non holo)
    Eevee X4
    Bellossom X1
    Gloom X2
    Oddish X2
    Dodrio X1
    Doduo X2
    Muk X2
    Grimer X2
    Togekiss X1
    Togetic X2
    Togepi X2
    Raticate X2
    Rattata X2
    Scyther X2
    Energy Exchanger X2
    Interviewer's Questions X2
    Life Herb X2
    Poke Ball X2
    Ruins of Alph X1
    Sage's Training X2
    Team Rocket's Trickery X2
    Grass Energy X10
    Psychic Energy X8

Here is everything as you open up the deck.  Everything is actually held in place with a plastic tray so nothing is bent or shaken.  So it's all very nice and new, I love the pokemon coin I got with this one.

 It's nice to get the theme decks that come with a free booster pack  It's a nice way to round out the chances of new cards.  I love the artwork of the box and the booster pack.  They are dynamic and eye catching. Th holographic card is a real stunner, although I think I would prefer the deck box art as a holographic card.  I'm pleased to have both.

When I get a chance, I'll brush up on the rules, since I got a nice rule book with this one, also the new deck come with damage counters, which I would've loved as a kid. 

Onto the cards!  I pulled my favorites out of the deck.  I'm very pleased with the selection in this deck.  Although the draw back is duplicates, I'm too distracted by the adorable togekiss card.

I enjoy the trainer cards as well, so I'm always pleased to add new ones into my collection.I would love to hear the story on those rocket dudes in that top supporter card.

 With the bonus booster card pack I got a really good haul! 9 new cards including a reverse holo! awesome

The last thing is the plat mat... which is fine I guess.  It's not the best looking mat I've seen, but then again I played without one ten years ago, so they really aren't my thing.  Mostly I just wanted to show people what they are getting along with the deck.

That is it for this one! If I pick up anymore packs/decks, I'll try to post them up as well, otherwise it's back to books and figures. 

Nostalgia for the New Year

Happy New Year and well wishes for everyone!  For tonight I'm posting something not figurine for once.  (Don't worry I have many more figure related posts in the future)  A gift from my family, I finally got my hands on something dear to my childhood. 

I'm sure everyone who enjoys anime as an adult can recall their first anime.  Mine was the rather random/campy/parody-ish action comedy of Samurai Pizza Cats.  I can't explain it honestly.  As a child it had bright colors, silly faces, robots, fights, pizza, princesses, a fake Tokyo and explosions.  How could it not be good?  Even as a adult I go back and re-watch episodes from time to time.  The added perk being the rather 'adult' innuendo/political humor it had that I missed as a child.  So when I actually got hand painted cels and background from the show, I was deeply touched.

Speedy and Guido were my favorite cats... er Samurai Pizza Cats.  They had great relationship that went from loving to loathing and back again.  They had each others backs in battle and otherwise competed for the attention of the female citizens of the 'doomed to be attacked' Neo Tokyo.  This set is a background, and 2 cels (one signed off on).  Obviously kept in excellent condition which I intend to continue. It may seem meaningless to some people, but the feeling of holding something from your childhood is just wonderful.

Here is a shot of the background, which is skillfully rendered.  The holes in the sheet are for the placement for photography during the actual animation process.  It's a pleasure to see the order number (of when a backround is used in a show) and all of the background intact.  It's like holding a little piece of history.

Here is a little bit of detail to show off the hand painted quality and to show how easily a background like this works with a little bit of zoom. Sadly I only barely recall the episodes, and through the years my brain misplaced where this location exists in the context of the show. (I recall it being a airport runway/hanger tarmac for some reason.)

Here is the cel of Speedy Cerviche alone. Front and Back.  The holes in the top were for setting the cels over the backgrounds. By the by, painting cels is a laborious task. (I've painted a few before.)

Guido Anchovy gets a turn next.  Front and Back.  Guido is the top cel in this set so it has the signature(or possibly a note) in the corner.  Usually these were either signoffs on completion by the artist after cels were used or after cels were sold/released.  They actually don't retain more value because of it, but that doesn't matter since it's endearing to have with the set.

An odd item most would say, but one of the gems of my collection. As for display, I actually leave them in an air tight box in my closet (out of sunlight or any potential spills/folds). I only handle them when I want to enjoy them or photograph them (as in this case). I hope this was a little different and interesting for an entry, and more will come in the new year.