Thisfunktional
Volume 02 Issue 03 OCT. 2015 ISSN 2334-346X
Scarlet Checkers As flexible as life needs her to be
From the editor: This was supposed to be for Halloween and in time for the creepy creatures of the night to come out. Along with the creepiest of the creepy comes Scarlet Checkers who is on the cover of Thisfunktional Magazine this month because while reading through her answers to my interview questions I was reminded of why I wanted to do this, to showcase the talented people of the world who strive to do what makes them the happiest. The cover photo is credited to Nick Montemarano PhotographyNickMontemarano.com This issue was a good awakening as to many aspects of what I do, with it comes the excitement of admiring a talented performer like Le Butcherettes’ lead singer Teri Gender Bender and after a few questions being knocked back and finding out that the brilliant singer-songwriter has a depth to her that is both admirable and charismatic. The issue is more than a Halloween inspired issue, it also contains Hispanic heritage month dedicated stories to help bring show some Hispanic culture. This issue is a big encouragement as I have been able to get to meet and interview so many incredible, talented people. There’s more to people than just fame or what they do to entertain, finding that and getting to know a person is one of the most exciting things that I get to do. Getting to write and share these stories is incredible and gets to feel rewarding when people comment or talk to me and give me feed back. I am grateful to everyone who has allowed me to opportunity to write about them and get to know the.
THE STRANGE AND THE BIZARRE-
Anima É Cuore Studios Artist Laura Dickenson’s 2012 Challenge work sketch drawn with drawing pencils. The strange creature is a fantastic example of the manner in which Dickenson depicts both the devilish and the beauty by contrasting the female bosy with an animal’s skull. (Drawing courtesy of Anima É Cuore)
Jesus Figueroa
Editor-in-Chief of
Thisfunktional
Table of Contents
Page 3 - Staying in is the new going out: Horror Written by Eli Kay
Page 5 - Thisfunktional Music: Boyfriend “Love your Boyfriend” Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 8 - VIP Latino Latin Beat: Los Cenzontles Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 9 - Artist Appreciation: Teri Gender Bender - Le Butcherettes
Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 11 - Scarlet Checkers the contortionist clown Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 17 - Thisfunktional Review: ‘Spotlight’ Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 19 - Mike’s Movie Mayhem ‘Secret in their Eyes’ review Written by Mike Pierce
Page 21 - Thisfunktional Interview: “Live Evil” Q&A Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 23 - Thisfunktional Podcast: Thisfunktional Podcast Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 25 - Thisfunktional Anime: ‘Blood Lad’ Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 26 - Thisfunktional Manga; ‘Maid-Sama’ Written by Jesus Figueroa
Page 27 - Thisfunktional’s Month: Bass Player Live 2015 Written by Jesus Figueroa
Staff Editor in Chief Jesus Figueroa
Writers
Eli Kay Mike ‘The Movie Guy’ Pierce
Copy Editor, Design Consultant Jade Inglada
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Staying in is the new Going out
Horror films Written by Eli Kay Staff Writer It’s that time of the year again, where all the cool people are debating what costume to buy, which party to go to and where is the best place to get a pumpkin spice latte and all the stores insist on pushing their Christmas stuff as early as possible, ruining the importance of a good Halloween tradition and making us mad. I know exactly what my costume will be this year. I will put the wedding dress that I never had the chance to wear, sit on the couch with a tub of ice cream on one side and a pack of tissues on the other, and watch my favourite Halloween movies, until I have the courage to decide whether sleeping pills, or razor blades will do a better job. Happy Halloween.
“Crimson Peak:” Who’s in for a classic haunted house movie? This is the aftermath of a family tragedy, when an aspiring author is torn between love for her childhood friend and the temptation of a mysterious outsider. Trying to escape the ghosts of her past, she is taken to a house that she thinks will keep her safe, but that house is no ordinary place. It is a living thing that sees everything and knows everything.
What not to watch:
“The Woman in Black 2:” Fourty years after the first haunting at Eel Marsh House, a group of children arrive in the house. Their presence will wake up the haunting that had been sleeping so far. A film so similar to the first one, but at the same What to watch: time so different. I found it boring, repetitive and not “The Boy:” This film is sending chills down my scary at all. Loud noises are startling but not scary. spine just by watching the trailer. Remember that Hollywood. It’s the creepy story of an American nanny who WHAT TO EAT AND WHERE TO SURF: finds out that the boy of the English family that she is I am putting these two things together for one reason supposed to take care of, is actually a life-sized doll. only. Pinterest. This app has been my bible for this After violating a list of strict rules, disturbing events past week, where I needed to organise my Halloween make her believe that the doll has come to life and is party. coming after her. Whatever your type of food preference, or your An incredibly interesting haunt story with idea of a Halloween celebration, you can always find everything you would expect from a horror fit for a exciting stuff there. Halloween night.
www.iwatchmike.com or audioboom.com/channel/ iwatchmike
Shows include: Pierce’s Playground, Movie Talk, Daddy talk, Arrow recap, Flash recap, Fear the Walkind Dead recap, The Walking Dead recap, The Strain recap,
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Music Something different to be heard in ‘Love your Boyfriend,’ part 3 Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer Cabaret rapper Boyfriend delights with her unique style and powerful lyrics make “Love your Boyfriend,” part 3 magnificent. With a different approach to her performance, Boyfriend thrills audiences by putting on a full on show, making each performance a cabaret show to remember. “I prefer to use (the word) show versus instead of concert,” Boyfriend said. “A concert is where you go to hear music, a show is something you go to see and experience. That’s why I call my show rap cabaret.” The tracks off her latest album “Love your Boyfriend,” Part 3 are spectacular
to listen to on headphones, so being able to more than just feel the music, but experience it as well seems to be just what is needed to further appreciate the album. The album is empowering and focuses on true representations of relationships and love as put forth through Boyfriend, but the feminist part comes naturally from sitting down and writing a song which tells her truth. “It’s not like I set out and think ‘I’m going to write a feminst song,’ its more of like I’m writing what my truth is and as a woman having observed certain things, experienced things and lived certain things,” Boyfriend said. “My truth ends up being in line with the feminist agenda, because that’s just my version of reality.” With some spectacular beats and vocals to match, it’s difficult to chose one song off the new album to represent just how good it is. “Triangle (pymp) remix” shows off the rap talents of Boyfriend with catchy beats to further accentuate and drive the vocals. “Lean (quick mart mix) mastered” further shows not only the rap element, but listening to the lyrics fully makes one under standing of beauty of putting the right word with the right beat in the right tempo. “As far as that album goes, it was niched to not sound like what you are use to hearing,” Boyfriend said. “Love your Boyfriend,” part 3 is available now. For more from Boyfriend, check out iamyourboyfriend.com. Listen to a full interview with Boyfriend on audioboo.com/thisfunktional.
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Latin Beat
Los Cenzontles tap into their roots to bring traditional Latin folk to a new generation Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer Classic Latin folk music is brought to the 21st century through the album “Alma Campirana” (Country Soul) performed by Los Cenzontles ( The Mockingbirds). The great selection of vintage Mexican song, from rancheras to corridos, are fantastic for the new generation listening to the album and to the older generation who may know the originals. “La Rielera” shows the great combination of the two vocalist Fabiola Trujillo and Luciana Rodriguez. The spectacular duets on every song have a melodic style which many of the vintage corridos are known for. Luciana Rodriguez plays Mexican guitars vihuela and guitarra de golpe as well as zapateado, percussion dance. “Pelo de Oror” showcases more of the great instrumentals by Eugene Rodriguez on a 12-string guitar and Emiliano on bass. The instruments are well played and give the feel of an older music which fans of the classic music will enjoy. Much of the music has the same tone and give the impression of listening to a classic Mexican folk album. “El Polvorete” is a great song which brings the fantastic duet of the two vocalist with a great accompaniment by the instruments behind them. The track list includes some fantastic songs which represent the vintage folk of Mexico well and include
some amazing vocals and instrumentals. “Paloma Querida” is one of the slower tracks which give Eugene Rodriguez a chance to really show the beauty of the 12-string guitar. Los Cenzotles are based in San Pablo, California, in the San Francisco east bay area. The classic sound of Los Cenzontles brings vintage music out of the past and to the ears of the present generation which has no music like it. “Alma Campirana” is available now. For more on Los Cenzontles visit LosCenzontles. com, “Like” on facebook.com/Cenzontles, follow on twitter @Loscenzontles and instagram.com/ LosCenzontles. Watch some videos at youtube.com/LosCenzontles.
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Le Butcherettes lead sing Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer
The album “A Raw Youth” is reminiscent of old punk style that was more than just rough sounds, it has a great lyricist and vocalist in Teri Gender Bender. There’s messages in the songs which deal with real issues that should be addressed, it’s one of the things that most attracting about Le Butcherettes from their first album on. The title of this album is charged with meaning. “It is inspired by the state in which our world is motored by,” Bender said. “A perfect example would be the story of Ayn Rand’s ‘Atlas Shrugged.’ Read the book and you’ll understand.” Even more depth to the title of the album comes when Bender continues to explain that it is more than just politically charged. The album has many themes – animalistic anger, sadness, pity, passion and love – like the mysterious
notion that drives humans and all living things to do what they do and why they do it. “In short, the raw/ness of the YING/YANG. ‘Evil’ and ‘Good.’ This all comes back to Kabbalah, to the Hebrews. I’m a bit obsessed with that, with the OD and OB,” Bender said. “Also, man, reading about rebellious and courageous spirits that take a stand in life, that work hard to achieve something for themselves, that also has to be respected. Which gives me the perspective that sometimes evil is a necessary good and vice versa.” Then by an unexpected coincidence a Russian philosopher also had a similar title for one of his books. “Ironically enough after naming the album this way, I was at a friend’s house and I an old copy of a Fyodor Dostoevksi’s book called ‘The Raw Youth’ was laying on her coffee table. It was such a strange coincidence,” Bender said. One of the best song from the album is “Lonely & Drunk.”
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ger adds to album The song showcases the strong vocals from Bender. The music grabs hold the listener like very few musicians can. “I live for moments like these when I feel there has been a connection established between someone and music,” Bender said. “Even when it’s not my own, I love watching people enjoy music they haven’t heard of and feeling it. It helps the ambiance anywhere – home, cafe, bar or (anywhere). It’s all about the connection. We are all little pieces of roots yearning to connect to a vital tree.” Because of the connection with her music she has her favorite song which she was able to connect with on another level of her own. Each song holds something unique, something listeners can appreciate, but “Lonely & Drunk” has something Bender appreciates about it. “My favorite song is ‘Lonely & Drunk.’ This one was recorded with me singing on the floor, on my knees. In an almost related John Lennon-fashion. Chris and Omar told me that he recored ‘I’m Only
Sleeping’ laying down on the floor,” Bender said. Music legend Iggy Pop appears on “La Uva” to add a small signature touch which only Iggy Pop can. The song is another stand out song which listeners will notice because it comes on so abruptly. “(It was) Amazing. He is a grounded guru. (A) Genius,” Bender said. “He knows the value of the craft and of being prepared. A true gentleman.” The list of people Bender wishes to collaborate with is a long one. The collaborative nature of music makes for great opportunities. “Gloria Trevi, St. Vincent, Grimez, Best Coast, Eureka The Butcher, Natalia Lafourcade, Yokozuna, FKA Twigs, Disidente, Screaming Females, Sister Crayon, Cedric Bixler Zavala, Sui Zhen, would love to work with Shirley Manson again, the ghost of Violeta Parra, Francisca Valenzuela, Sotomayor, Fred Sablan, Cher... Oh my lord the list is endless,” Bender said. “At the same time I know they are all very busy people so I don’t expect anything, but to keep on dreaming.”
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Scarlet Checker Behind clown’s Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer
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Being flexible M brings her happiness, can be painful Leaving behind her friends, family and old life of doing makeup and working in a hair salon in Philadelphia, the contortionist clown Scarlett Checkers throws her self fully into her passion to perform. She leaves her old job behind and hopes her dedication will reward her as she undertakes a performers lifestyle. “I was doing makeup and working in a hair salon, but I’ve recently become a full-time performer,” Checkers said. Not realizing her passion for performing, Checkers didn’t think much of her flexibility at a young age. She knew she was flexible, but never thought that it could lead to being what she does for a living. “I’ve always had an obsession with the circus and my natural flexibility and tendency to show it off would typically warrant comments like ‘Wow! You should be a contortionist!’ I didn’t realize when I was young that I would actually end up doing that,” Checkers said. “I had no idea why I was so naturally flexible until I realized that I had Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome, a condition that causes hypermobility in my joints, ligaments, and even my skin. I’m stretchy all over.” It took Checkers 18 years to realize that she should follow her passion for showing off this ability, which would also bring her so much pain as she got older. To be committed to developing her performance skills were yet another challenge which she worked around because she was dedicated to being a performer. “I have been stretchy for my whole life, but I started seriously training at age 18 with my amazing trainer who lives in Canada. He trained me via Skype,” Checkers said. Her condition puts her on a time limit as it makes
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“I’m just letting it happen as it happens. I don’t really have an end goal. I just want to perform for as long as my body will let me and enjoy every second of it.” Scarlet Checkers Contortionist Clown
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Magazine her flexible, but it also brings serious symptoms at an early age. Checkers has begun to feel the effects of her condition, but continues on so she can share her talents for as long as she possibly can. “The condition brings along negative symptoms like joint pain and early arthritis, which I’m dealing with already at age 21,” Checkers said. “But I was gifted with this amazingly unique body and I plan on using it to its fullest.” Still, with obstacles brought on by her condition, she is not deterred by anything. The decision to put herself out there as a performer full time brought her to Southern California. “I’m just letting it happen as it happens. I don’t
14 really have an end goal. I just want to perform for as long as my body will let me and enjoy every second of it,” Checkers said. Thousands of miles away from the world she knew she performs wherever she can get a chance to show off her talents. Checkers puts everything into her performances —blood sweat and tears — more often than not more blood than anything else, but she’s happy do perform. “Once I started focusing on performing, my happiness level skyrocketed, and everything just fell into place,” Checkers said. “I’m having the time of my life, and I want this to last forever.” Being able to watch Checkers live and in person is the best way to see exactly how special her act is. It is not just the regular sexy-bendy look at my flexibility act, it’s an extreme performance which will make the viewers jaw drop. “My act is insane. It depends on the venue, the crowd and the nature of the event, but my favorite acts are usually a harmonious medley of physical comedy, aweinspiring movement and poses and danger defying sideshow stunts,” Checker said. “And sometimes blood. Lots and lots of blood. When I’m allowed.” Her inspiration comes not from being the pretty girl who is quickly forgotten when another pretty faces comes along, but rather from being the intense act which lurks around long after the performance is done. “Well I’m not your classic ‘Cirque du Soleil’ style contortionist. I’m not the pretty, dancey type. I’m more like the demented creature in some horror movie who haunts your dreams, but is somehow still really adorable,” Checkers said. “My actual physical contortion is definitely unique, and I also have a character.” Checkers credits her personality as a performance clown to her background in improv comedy. She prides herself in her unique personality, skills and performance. “The blood fetish hardly scratches the surface of how weird I am,” Checkers said. The crowds reaction can be positive or negative,
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EVERY WHICH WAY- Contotionist
clown Scarlet Checkers literally bends over backwards at TLC Baltimore.
but Checkers just hopes they react. “Well I hope they react strongly. Whatever it is, I want it to be extreme.,” Checkers said. “If they’re amazed, I want their mouths to drop open. If they’re grossed out, I want them to throw up. If they think I’m funny, I want them to laugh so hard that no sound comes out. I just want to be more than anyone can handle. And I think I’m starting to reach that point.” She continues to do more and more that is unexpected and uncommon to get the reaction she wants from her audience. “Performing in the Squidling Brothers’ Carnivolution was a really special experience for me. Seeing Carnivolution was one of my first ever live sideshows, and it’s crazy to imagine that somehow I made it from being in the audience to being on the stage in such a short time. I also recently had my
first street performing experience,” Checkers said. “I got paid $50 to deep throat a rubber chicken... Somehow, that was more satisfying than the first time I swallowed a sword.“ Checkers is talented and keeps pushing herself, and her mentors help her aong the way. “I have an insane list of people who have mentored and assisted me. My contortion trainer pushed me to push myself physically. My earliest mentor David Darwin taught me a couple of sideshow stunts, and more importantly, BUSINESS, Checkers said. “Other people who have been seriously helpful are Jelly Boy the Clown, Dan Hauss, Frankie Bones, my improv teacher Bill McLaughlin, and my 4 best friends who have been by my side and always continue to support me, and aren’t embarrassed to be seen with a clown in public.”
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Thisfunktional Reviews
ELITE- The cast of
the movie “Spotlight’ – Michael Keaton, who plays
‘Spotlight’ shows great investigative journalism Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer The real life story of the Boston Globe spotlight team that discovered that uncovered the Catholic church molestation scandal gets put on screen in a captivating way. The story gets told as true to events as possible and keeps the film being intriguing without having and gunshots or explosions. The Boston Globe gets new editor Marty Baron, played by Liev Schreiber, which pushes the paper’s spotlight team to take a risk and investigate the molestation and cover-up within the local Catholic Archdiocese. Schreiber comes off as professional and cold. There’s no cartoony character or over-the-top inspirational speaker. His performance seems to be that of a real person. Spotlight editor Walter “Robby” Robinson, pleayed
by Michael Keaton, takes the opportunity and pushes the team to do more than just the minimum to get the bigger story. Keaton delivers a top-notch performance. There is once again a true portrayal of a real person. The acting is believable and inspirational. Mike Rezendes, played by Mark Ruffalo, is one of the more passionate reporters. Ruffalo is more emotional and is able to capture a die -hard spirit. His acting seems true to the the reaction most people had while learning about this event. The progression of the film is a steady pace which doesn’t drag along. It helps detail the story as needed, targets aspects of the story which are crucial and explains just enough for audiences to be enticed and intrigued by the entire story. Truly this film needed to be made and was a fantastic homage to great investigative journalists. “Spotlight” is in limited release now.
Fall Lineup
Mondays
9:00-10:00 P.M. ET/PT
Tuesdays
8:00-8:30 P.M. ET/PT
Wednesdays
8:00-9:00 P.M. ET/PT
Tuesdays
9:00-10:00 P.M. ET/PT
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Mike's Mov ‘Secret in their Eyes’ stands on its own, different from original Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer The language is one of the major differences in “Secret in their Eyes,” but the director and producer knew they would have to stand apart from the original Argentinian film. Director Billy Ray said he knew the original was a great film and he wanted to pay homage to the greatness, but he also needed to make something that would stand apart from it. There’s some changes that were made to better fit an American audience, but it still stays true to the message of the film. The trailer attracts audiences with a magnificent cast who are all talented. Producer Mark Johnson was happy to have actress Julia Roberts join the cast and her character change to a female, unlike the original film’s male character. Roberts performed phenomenally as her intense character. She had to step into a rough character and portray that battered and rough demeanor. Along side Nichole Kidman, who starts off as an assistant District Attorney and later becomes the District Attorney, and Chiwetel Ejiofor, her friend and partner, she at points sinks into the background, but when it comes to taking over the scene she is able to make her presence known. Roberts too her part and made it believable, she said she looked to bring out the truth in her character just like any actor would. The film becomes an intense ride through Los
Angeles as it’s hardly ever shown on the big screen. The film shows LA at its grittiest, Ray said he wanted to show the downtown business are of LA, the area that feels like there’s more going on than what is seen, the LA that really only people who live around LA known. The beauty of the film is not only in the manner it is shot, showing a different side of LA, but in the way each character is played. Ray, played by Ejiofor, has a feel of a man on a mission and contains so much depth to his character that the audience will buy into his purpose. Claire, played by Kidman, has an elegance and grace which being a goal-driven character very rarely has. Jess, played by Roberts, doesn’t just look like she’s gone through something traumatic, she has the presence of it as well. Bumpy, played by Dean Norris, is comical and still has a level of intimidation which an officer can have. DA Martin, played by Alfred Molina, has an unclear feel of just where he is, a good guy or bad guy. The multiple layers that make up this film help keep it enjoyable, keep the audiences glued to their seats and make for an unexpected ending. I give this film 5 out of 5 Popcorns. The intensity of the story, the use of the city and the unexpected twists and turns keeps the well-paced story moving and entertaining. The speed of the film is great because any faster and it may lose the audience or confuse. “Secret in their Eyes” opens in theaters Nov. 20.
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Thisfunktional Interview
PHOTO BY Jesus Figueroa
LIVE - Cast and crew of “Live Evil” at the Q&A after the screening at Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo 2015.
‘Live: Evil’ cast talk about filming in North Carolina Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer
Stan Lee’s Comikaze Expo 2015 had the premiere of “Live Evil” along with an insightful Q&A with cast and crew. The cast was excited to talk about the film and share the behind-the-scenes obstacles which made filming fun and hectic. “Live Evil” is a zombie, curse movie which puts a small town sheriff’s department up against the some major evil. Lead actress Charlene Amoia talked about coming into the project after everyone else, as the actress who she replaced fell through. It was probably for the best as Amoia, who played Deputy Hancock, was fantastic. She was able to capture the audience’s attention by adding a beauty
and charm. Amoia had a daunting task as all her co-stars were intimidating tall men. Vladimir Kulich, who plays Sheriff Pete, matched up well with Amoia and created a dynamic between the two which helped make the film enjoyable. The cast and crew talked about the freezing tempature they experiences as they filmed at night in Raleigh, North Carolina. “Live Evil” is exciting as there as some great shoot out scenes which are action packed. The special effects and glow of the evil characters are supernatural-looking which gives a nice mood to the film. The acting is good, but at points the supporting ators’ acting can be uninspired. The film was written and directed by Ari Kirschenbaum “Live Evil” is expected to be released in 2016.
‘Spotlight’
Out in limited relase NOW
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Thisfunktional Podcast
Thisfunktional on audioboom Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer
Thisfunktional Podcast continues on with multiple interviews available now, and more to come soon. Latest podcasts are from recently geting to talk to the creator, writers, cast and director of “Latina Christmas Special.” The play is going on at the Los Angeles Theater Center from now until Dec. 20. Interviews include creator, co-writer and actress Diana Yanez, actress and co-writer Sandra Valls, actress and co-writer Maria Russell and director Geoffry Rivas. A full review will be up on thisfunktional.com soon. Wilmer Valderrama from FOX’s “Minority Report” recently did a follow up interview which is also available now. This interview with Valderrama focuses more on his character Will Blake and how he has evolved and how he will continue on through the season finale. There are no spoilers in the podcast. Valderama also gives some advice to voters and gives his opinion on the state of politics and the presidential primaries. “Minority Report” airs on Monday nights on FOX. A two part podcast for an interview with Alfred Molina for his part in “Secret in their Eyes” is up now. An interview with the unique cabaret rapper Boyfriend is up now. Check them out at audioboom.com/thisfunktional.
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Thisfunktional Anime
Discover the funniest, strongest anti-hero in ‘Blood Lad’ Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer
As the journey starts to get Fuyumi back to the human world, Staz discovers his true potential while keeping his sense of humor. Vampire Staz is the leader of territory in the demon world with an admiration for the human world, but especially manga. Staz is a great anti-hero with depth to his character. There’s a conscious that Staz has that makes him a character which viewers can connect with. Human Fuyumi unexpectedly comes into his life and turns it around. Fuyumi is human and frail compared to the rest of the characters. She is not always easy to relate to, but is a cute character that keeps things interesting
by being more than just another powerful monster. They journey through the demon world to find a way to get Fuyumi back to her world. Along the way the two meet psychics, zombies, werewolves, dimensional travelers, ghost and the monster Frankenstein. The animation style clean and very much what animes are like as it switches between the normal style and more cartoon style. The story is well structure and keeps a fast pace which is fantastic with action. It mixes a good amount of story with some fights and conflict which progress the story. “Blood Lad” the complete series is 10 episodes on 2 disks and is available now.
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Manga
‘Maid-sama’ shows sweet, silly story
Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer From feminist to maid cafe employee, the head strong president of the student coucil works diligently to keep her secret from the rest of the majorily male school. Fujiwara Hiro illustrates this manga and tells the story of Ayuzawa Misaki, a perfect girl feminist, who has her secret discoverred by the mysterious Usui Takumi, a quiet guy who goes to her school. Misaki builds a reputation, among the male students body, as an uptight boy-hating dictator as she becomes the first female student council president. What stands out about this manga is how unique
the storyline starts off and even more how different the charaters are from other mangas. The female, Misaki, is the perfect girl who has a secret and Takumi discovers it and decides not to take advantage of it, the romance begins later. There is no romance, no master-slave relationship, rather Takumi keeps Misaki’s secret without wanting anything in return. The drawing style is classic anime style with strong defined lines and some definition to the style to make characters pop out. The storyline continues to surprise with different story elements added to each chapter which are unexpected and unconventional. “Maid-Sama” is avaliable now through Viz Media as a combined manga voume 1 and 2.
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Monthly
Bass Player Live! 2015 honors Mö Written by Jesus Figueroa Staff Writer
Mötorhead’s legendary bassist Lemmy Kilmister was honored with a lifetime achievement award on Nov. 7 at Bass Player Live! 2015’s concert. Metallica bassist Robert Trujillo had the honor to present the award to Kilmister before taking the stage and playing bass for the night’s performance of “Ace of Spades,” one of Mötorhead’s most recognizable and legendary songs. With a special presentation of “‘Tallica Parking Lot” Trujillo was able to get the crowd more excited about the presentation. “It’s an adventure into a heavy metal parking lot, in this particular instance it’s Metallica, I really want you to see it because it celebrates Metallica, it celebrates bass, you’ll figure it out, and it celebrates Lemmy,” Trujillo said. “After a couple of years we actually just published it publicly literally last week. So, the timing of this is really perfect.” The crowd errupter with applause as the video began. With every passing pop culture icon, music icon and coming to bassist
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ötorhead bassist Lemmy Kilmister Kilmister the audience was surprised, laughed and cheered. When it was finally time for Trujillo to bring out Kilmister so he can recieve the award Trujillo took some time and said some words about Kilmister. “What’s so incredible about Lemmy is that he’s always been true to the spirit of Rock ’n Roll,” Trujillo said. “He’s a true outlaw. He attacks the instrument.” Trujillo said he played some Kilmister notes while practicing with Metallica. The notes were so noticeably Mötorhead that lead singer and rhythm guitarist James Hetfield was able to point the notes out as Kilmister’s notes. Kilmister came out to a cheering crowd. As Kilmister held his award he came to the microphone and made those in attendance laugh. “I only played bass because I was a rotten guitarist,” Kilmister said. “Thanks very much everybody.” Trujillo stayed on stage to play the bass in the night’s homage to Mötorhead’s “Ace of Spades.” Trujillo played the song well and took the center stage to pay homage to the spectacular bass.
M
ASH VS. EVIL DEAD
featuring Bruce Campbell (Ash), Pablo (Ray Santiago), Kelly (Dana Delorenzo), Amanda Fisher (Jill Marie Jones) and Ruby (Lucy Lawless).
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