Oky Posted May 24, 2012 Posted May 24, 2012 I think I find myself enjoy Legend of Korra less and less. It just seems to lack the originality that A:TLA had. The world the characters live in feels more like a slightly different version of our world rather than its own fantastical world as it did in ATLA, being made out of things from the 20th century (automobiles, phonographs, radios, etc.). The stories aren't all that original either. The plot of the episode The Spirit of Competition was downright cliche, with your typical love triangle. Oh well, I'll try to stay hopeful that the series will surprise me at some point. At the moment I prefer season 1, though I can't place why. Me too, and it's because of two things: 1. The awesome intro. I miss the days when it wasn't ruined by that lame narrator! 2. The epic battles. The current season focuses more on the Avengers being taken down from the inside as opposed to them getting incredibly powerful foes thrown at them. Heck, there was hardly any physical fighting going on in the last episode. Not to say that this is bad, just that it is always more fun to see superheroes fight bad guys rather than argue amongst themselves. In my opinion, they still haven't been able to top that Graviton episode which was pure awesome. That's something I don't like about the show. Hulk talks like a normal human. It would be better if he spoke in 3rd person without pronouns IMO. I don't think it's that bad. It was much worse in Planet Hulk. There he talked completely normal and seemed almost calm at times, and he even slept without turning into Banner. Found a new cartoon Motorcity on Disney XD. Hehe, thought you might like that show. While it's nothing to write home about, it's definitely a fun show. Quote
Tanma Posted May 24, 2012 Posted May 24, 2012 I think I find myself enjoy Legend of Korra less and less. It just seems to lack the originality that A:TLA had. The world the characters live in feels more like a slightly different version of our world rather than its own fantastical world as it did in ATLA, being made out of things from the 20th century (automobiles, phonographs, radios, etc.). The stories aren't all that original either. The plot of the episode The Spirit of Competition was downright cliche, with your typical love triangle. Oh well, I'll try to stay hopeful that the series will surprise me at some point. Me too, and it's because of two things: 1. The awesome intro. I miss the days when it wasn't ruined by that lame narrator! 2. The epic battles. The current season focuses more on the Avengers being taken down from the inside as opposed to them getting incredibly powerful foes thrown at them. Heck, there was hardly any physical fighting going on in the last episode. Not to say that this is bad, just that it is always more fun to see superheroes fight bad guys rather than argue amongst themselves. In my opinion, they still haven't been able to top that Graviton episode which was pure awesome. I don't think it's that bad. It was much worse in Planet Hulk. There he talked completely normal and seemed almost calm at times, and he even slept without turning into Banner. Hehe, thought you might like that show. While it's nothing to write home about, it's definitely a fun show. Yeah I am glad I have yet to watch LoK, as I get the feeling it would turn me against the whole franchise. Originally I just couldn't find the time to watch it, but after my hard core fan of a sister got depressed over the writing, I began to actively avoid it. According to her the only interesting characters are the three young Airbenders, and Bolin to a degree. She claims the main issue that in Avatar: the Last Airbender the writers had a team od editors, while in LoK they do not. I am not sure how accurate that it though. Agreed, every episode I start off by yelling at Fury. I just want to rip out his voice box with Loki's funky helmet so help me. The recaps have started to get on my nerves a little too, I am okay with recaps on occasion like for multiple part episodes or finales, but so much of an episodes plot gets ruined by constant recaps. Yes television we know he is a Skrull, we remember the finale of Season 1. I agree action should be the primary focus, but I do appreciate the character interactions as well. So I agree on that point, but not completely. Quote
Aanchir Posted May 24, 2012 Posted May 24, 2012 I think I find myself enjoy Legend of Korra less and less. It just seems to lack the originality that A:TLA had. The world the characters live in feels more like a slightly different version of our world rather than its own fantastical world as it did in ATLA, being made out of things from the 20th century (automobiles, phonographs, radios, etc.). The stories aren't all that original either. The plot of the episode The Spirit of Competition was downright cliche, with your typical love triangle. Oh well, I'll try to stay hopeful that the series will surprise me at some point. How was "The Spirit of Competition" a typical love triangle? For one thing, there were at least four points, if you count Bolin. Not a huge divergence from a bog-standard love triangle, but overall I felt the episode was at least as original as the more romance-oriented episodes of A:TLA like "The Fortuneteller" or "The Cave of Two Lovers" (both of which, I have to say, were somewhat sappy and would have bored me immensely if they weren't loaded with comic relief). I've been loving Legend of Korra. It's got great music, a deep cultural component (even in A:TLA the technological level was far from the only thing making the four nations unique, and the same is true here), and that continues to be true of Republic City's culture what with pro-bending, the anti-bending movement, and of course its very Asian visual and architectural styles. It truly feels like what the 1920s-1930s might have been like if A:TLA's history rather than our own had provided the cultural background. Obviously the complexity of the storyline is a matter of opinion, but Korra's storylines are at least complex enough to move me emotionally in the same way that Airbender's storylines did. I also find myself investing in the characters in just the same way, and wondering about what's still to come. Yeah I am glad I have yet to watch LoK, as I get the feeling it would turn me against the whole franchise. Originally I just couldn't find the time to watch it, but after my hard core fan of a sister got depressed over the writing, I began to actively avoid it. According to her the only interesting characters are the three young Airbenders, and Bolin to a degree. She claims the main issue that in Avatar: the Last Airbender the writers had a team od editors, while in LoK they do not. I am not sure how accurate that it though. There's absolutely no conceivable reason why a cartoon like Legend of Korra wouldn't have any editors at all. Script editing happens for pretty much anything that goes on TV (at least, everything that has a script ). Chances are the production for Legend of Korra takes pretty much the same form as the production of Avatar: The Last Airbender except perhaps for the creators applying experience they got through working on A:TLA. Quote
Tanma Posted May 24, 2012 Posted May 24, 2012 Again I have not watched it, but my sister is pretty "bummed out" by LoK. And her mild depression is serious as her defaut reaction to disappointment is anger and snarking, never moping around. Now when I asked her five minutes ago for her thoughts on Korra, she entered a quick hard to remember depressed rant. (she must never read this post) The main point she attempted to get across was that she felt like the show did more telling than showing. I take it to mean that people use exposition too much rather than acting things out. She also moped about the love triangle, but she admits that is a result of her inability to understand how anyone could love Mako. Quote
Walter Posted May 26, 2012 Posted May 26, 2012 While I'm having mixed reactions to LoK, it's still probably my favorite show that is currently airing. The whole visual style is impressive, and while I liked the less technological world of the original series far more, I find this new series refreshing and different. This is perfect ground for a sequel series. Although the story is progressing rapidly, I think the creators are doing a pretty decent job. I just hope we get a more character driven episode next time. I feel like the show still needs to dig deeper into these characters. There’s still a good deal of untapped potential. Oh, and Pabu is a very cute critter. I love him. Quote
just2good Posted May 27, 2012 Posted May 27, 2012 I think I find myself enjoy Legend of Korra less and less. It just seems to lack the originality that A:TLA had. The world the characters live in feels more like a slightly different version of our world rather than its own fantastical world as it did in ATLA, being made out of things from the 20th century (automobiles, phonographs, radios, etc.). The stories aren't all that original either. The plot of the episode The Spirit of Competition was downright cliche, with your typical love triangle. Oh well, I'll try to stay hopeful that the series will surprise me at some point. Same here, and I might stop watching it. It's becoming to be a bit boring and repetitive. Quote
sok117 Posted May 27, 2012 Posted May 27, 2012 Is anyone else enjoying the new Green Lantern Cartoon? I think it's pretty good granted that Green Lantern is one of my least favourite DC superheroes. Young Justice is continuing the trend of revealing major plot details at the end of every episode, so many jaw-dropping moments that it's getting a bit ridiculous. I did enjoy the recent "girls night" episode though cause it was great to see Batgirl in action. Can't wait for next weeks episode! Quote
Zarkan Posted May 27, 2012 Posted May 27, 2012 (edited) Is anyone else enjoying the new Green Lantern Cartoon? I think it's pretty good granted that Green Lantern is one of my least favourite DC superheroes. You bet I am! It's by far the best CGI cartoon I have ever watched - the staging and fight scenes are miles better than the sluggish and lifeless ones featured in, say, Star Wars: The Clone Wars. The characterization and voice acting are also outstanding, and the dialogue and background music are quite good too. But of course, with Bruce Timm producing, it's no surprise at all that the show excels in pretty much every area. Hopefully Cartoon Network gives this show a good long run - It'd be a shame if it heads in the same direction I fear Young Justice is heading, by which I mean a smaller second season and likely an abrupt cancelation. Edited May 27, 2012 by Zarkan Quote
Oky Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Don't get me wrong, I still like LoK, and it's definitely still one of the best cartoons out there right now. It's just having a hard time living up to A:TLA in my opinion. And no, of course the technology is not the only thing that defines the culture of this world, but it's one of the big factors that play into its definition. Yes, it still has its own culture, but it's not as distinct as in ATLA where it was unique from nation to nation. In LoK, all nations are mixed together in one city, strengthening the feeling of a slightly more Asian-influenced version of America of the 1930s and making it a bit less original. I have also yet to see a truly creative use of bending in this show. One of the best things in A:TLA was not the fact that people had these powers, but what they did with them. We haven't even seen Korra in the Avatar State yet, and it's not like she hasn't been in a situation that could have triggered it. I gotta admit, though, those BioShock-esque mech suits in the latest episode were pretty cool. Again, I think they're doing a pretty good job with this series. Perhaps it's just my personal taste that puts LoK a level below ATLA for me. As for Green Lanter, yes, it's pretty good too and has potential. While I'd take the DCAU-style traditional animation over the CGI any day, the CGI style is reminiscent of The Incredibles and works surprisingly well. It's kinda sad to say that the animation, characters, plot, and action are all much better than those of The Clone Wars. I too hope that it will run for a while. Young Justice somewhat dug its own grave, I'm afraid, with that large time jump. It feels like we missed a whole season of the show. The one show I really like, though, is ThunderCats! I love it! It has retained it's top-notch animation, voice-acting, epic storytelling, and kid-friendly humor since the beginning and is getting better with nearly every episode! I look forward to the season finale and hope that it will go on strong after that! Quote
Tanma Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 As for Green Lanter, yes, it's pretty good too and has potential. While I'd take the DCAU-style traditional animation over the CGI any day, the CGI style is reminiscent of The Incredibles and works surprisingly well. It's kinda sad to say that the animation, characters, plot, and action are all much better than those of The Clone Wars. I too hope that it will run for a while. Young Justice somewhat dug its own grave, I'm afraid, with that large time jump. It feels like we missed a whole season of the show. The one show I really like, though, is ThunderCats! I love it! It has retained it's top-notch animation, voice-acting, epic storytelling, and kid-friendly humor since the beginning and is getting better with nearly every episode! I look forward to the season finale and hope that it will go on strong after that! Green Lantern Animated Series has caught my eye as well, though I am not sure how to feel about it yet. The major issue I have with it is that pretty much everyone is humanoid and everyone speaks English, but the latter could be explained by translating technology and the former is probably caused by the source material. Aside from my personal issues with alien physiology I have been enjoying it. I have mixed thoughts on the time skip. I am a little lost, but I figure it will all be explained in due time. I would have preferred that the show be split among two timelinesthough, with flashbacks among the episodes to help bridge the gap. So for instance in the recent episode with Roy, half of it would contain scenes of Roy in the five year gap searching for the original, and his interactions with other searchers. Maybe showing him interacting with Jade in the past, stuff like that. Yeah I have watched Thundercats a few times. Odd that there are so many remakes of old shows are coming out recently. Quote
Oky Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 Green Lantern Animated Series has caught my eye as well, though I am not sure how to feel about it yet. The major issue I have with it is that pretty much everyone is humanoid and everyone speaks English, but the latter could be explained by translating technology and the former is probably caused by the source material. How is a living planet humanoid? I haven't read the comics, but from all the other stuff I've seen of GL, there are Lanterns of all shapes and sizes, but yeah, the majority seem to be humanoid. That doesn't bother me too much, but the fact that the entire DC Universe seems to be speaking English has always bugged me too, even back in the DCAU. But like you said, maybe the rings translate what they hear and say for them (and us). Quote
Tanma Posted May 28, 2012 Posted May 28, 2012 How is a living planet humanoid? I haven't read the comics, but from all the other stuff I've seen of GL, there are Lanterns of all shapes and sizes, but yeah, the majority seem to be humanoid. That doesn't bother me too much, but the fact that the entire DC Universe seems to be speaking English has always bugged me too, even back in the DCAU. But like you said, maybe the rings translate what they hear and say for them (and us). I did say pretty much everyone. I am not sure if I count "Dc MODOK" as humanoid either, as he is a giant head, but aside from that he fits. I am okay with some humanoid races, but at least make them slightly more alien than "human+bird wings" or "humans with slightly different facial features and a palette change." Of course like Doctor Who before it, translation devices don't explain why their mouth movements match the English translations. I am not sure if this is the topic to mention it, as TF has had it's own page in the past, but has anyone here seen Transformers Prime? Quote
Oky Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 I did say pretty much everyone. I am not sure if I count "Dc MODOK" as humanoid either, as he is a giant head, but aside from that he fits. I am okay with some humanoid races, but at least make them slightly more alien than "human+bird wings" or "humans with slightly different facial features and a palette change." If that's how you feel, I guess the source material is to blame. But keep in mind that this is intentional in order to make the characters relatable. It's always easier to relate to a humanoid being than, say, a gelatinous blob. I am not sure if this is the topic to mention it, as TF has had it's own page in the past, but has anyone here seen Transformers Prime? Yes, and it's also up there with my current favorite shows, although the latest episodes about recovering mystical relic weapons have gotten a bit cliche in my opinion. Quote
LEGOman273 Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 (edited) Of course like Doctor Who before it, translation devices don't explain why their mouth movements match the English translations. It does. The TARDIS translated the graffiti in Pompeii not only to make it readable, but also made it look like English (Confusing Donna). Perhaps mouth movements are the same way. Edited May 29, 2012 by LEGOman273 Quote
Tanma Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 Really, I was unaware of the graffiti thing. They did something like that in a Good Man goes to War as well. Yes, and it's also up there with my current favorite shows, although the latest episodes about recovering mystical relic weapons have gotten a bit cliche in my opinion. Yeah I have been enjoying it mostly thus far, though I am sad that we never got to see the Wrecker vesion of Seaspray. Nane drops are fine, but It kind of ruins a death if you never get o see him. He is the only Transformers figure I own, and it would have been useful to have a semi aquatic Autobot in general. If the team goes to a swamp or a body of water right now they are pretty much sunk. Right now I am hoping naively that he survived and will end up crashing half destroyed on an aquatic planet in a possible dual reference to the God Gambit and Sea Change. Agreed, the relic hunting is not the best plot. It kind of reminds me a little of the original Transformers cartoon, or at least what I know based on reruns. From what I know of the G1 Cartoon almost every episode centered around a MacGuffin, from giant purple gryphons to rubies to Wheeljack's immobilizer. And although each episode seemed to center around a new "greatest power in the galaxy," there was a continuity between them, though not as much as in Prime. The only sought after technologies I remember being focused on multiple times was the Space Bridge, and the Dinobots if you want to stretch it. I am not sure if that is intensional, but the fact that one old weapon in season one was called the Immobilizer could be evidence. Quote
Darth Lurtz Posted May 29, 2012 Posted May 29, 2012 (edited) I am not sure if this is the topic to mention it, as TF has had it's own page in the past, but has anyone here seen Transformers Prime? I think its appropriate to talk about the show here. As for Prime, I watch it and like it but mostly for the characters, The plot leaves a little to be desired. The best transformers show in my opinion was Beast Wars, the graphics are a little dated and the first few episodes are basic but the show improves greatly by the season Finale. By the way this is a little off topic but is their a place to discuss live action shows like Breaking Bad. Edited May 29, 2012 by Darth Lurtz Quote
Tanma Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 I think its appropriate to talk about the show here. As for Prime, I watch it and like it but mostly for the characters, The plot leaves a little to be desired. The best transformers show in my opinion was Beast Wars, the graphics are a little dated and the first few episodes are basic but the show improves greatly by the season Finale. By the way this is a little off topic but is their a place to discuss live action shows like Breaking Bad. I have to see Beast Wars sometime, I have heard a lot of good things about it. I have heard tales that it saved the brand, though I am not positive on the accuracy of that. Plus it would be interested what happened in G1's future past Pasture. Quote
Darth Lurtz Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 I have to see Beast Wars sometime, I have heard a lot of good things about it. I have heard tales that it saved the brand, though I am not positive on the accuracy of that. Plus it would be interested what happened in G1's future past Pasture. It did save the brand,before Beast Wars Hasbro had the brilliance to release Transformers that didn't transform called Action Masters and surprise surprise it failed. After that, they switched from cars to animals and became successful. As good as Beast Wars is though, I would recommend that you don't watch Beast Machines, it does to Beast Wars what Alien 3 did to Aliens. Quote
sok117 Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 Yeah, Beast wars was by far my favourite series, beast machines on the other hand, felt like stepping into a bare trap.... several times. Quote
Tanma Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 It did save the brand, before Beast Wars Hasbro had the brilliance to release Transformers that didn't transform called Action Masters and surprise surprise it failed. After that, they switched from cars to animals and became successful. As good as Beast Wars is though, I would recommend that you don't watch Beast Machines, it does to Beast Wars what Alien 3 did to Aliens. I can not fantom making a toy called a Transformer that does not transform. It is just madness. The printers irk me too, the Deceptixon Pretenders weren't fooling anyone, and I pretty sure a gigantic human whose body vaguely resembles a jet wouldn't blend in too well. I believe the Pretender technology is what was suppose to develop into the Beast Wars ability to takethe forms of wildlife, but I might be wrong. Wasn't it Beast Wars that also invented the concept of Sparks and Protoforms? I have heard a little of Beast Machines, is it true they got Optimus's characterization all wrong? Or is that mostly fan exaggerated outrage? Quote
Darth Lurtz Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 (edited) I can not fantom making a toy called a Transformer that does not transform. It is just madness. The printers irk me too, the Deceptixon Pretenders weren't fooling anyone, and I pretty sure a gigantic human whose body vaguely resembles a jet wouldn't blend in too well. I believe the Pretender technology is what was suppose to develop into the Beast Wars ability to takethe forms of wildlife, but I might be wrong. Wasn't it Beast Wars that also invented the concept of Sparks and Protoforms? I have heard a little of Beast Machines, is it true they got Optimus's characterization all wrong? Or is that mostly fan exaggerated outrage? Beast Wars did come up with that concept which is proof of how influential the show was, for The Movies, Animated, and Prime use Sparks and Protoforms. As for Optimus Primal, they turned him from a pragmatic leader into a "Guerilla" hippy. Edited May 30, 2012 by Darth Lurtz Quote
Tanma Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 Beast Wars did come up with that concept which is proof of how influential the show was, for The Movies, Animated, and Prime use Sparks and Protoforms. As for Optimus Primal, they turned him from a pragmatic leader into a Guerilla hippy. I have no clue if you intended the pun, but I enjoyed that you described Optimus Primal as "Guerilla." That reminds me, I believe in the Prime Continuity one of the Thirteen original Transformers had a beast mode. I wonder if that means beast mode Transformers naturally exist on Cybertron. I know about the Insecticons of course, but I am not sure if they are just modified typical Transformers like the Dinobots in Fall of Cybertron. And one reason I am curious is that we know that Cybertron had a caste system before the war, which I think was based on what your alt mode was. For instance I believe the Seekers were some of the elite. So I am curious if all the times Insecticons are called "bugs" by Autobots, they are being called a racist slur. Anyone know anything about this? Quote
Darth Lurtz Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 I have no clue if you intended the pun, but I enjoyed that you described Optimus Primal as "Guerilla." That reminds me, I believe in the Prime Continuity one of the Thirteen original Transformers had a beast mode. I wonder if that means beast mode Transformers naturally exist on Cybertron. I know about the Insecticons of course, but I am not sure if they are just modified typical Transformers like the Dinobots in Fall of Cybertron. And one reason I am curious is that we know that Cybertron had a caste system before the war, which I think was based on what your alt mode was. For instance I believe the Seekers were some of the elite. So I am curious if all the times Insecticons are called "bugs" by Autobots, they are being called a racist slur. Anyone know anything about this? Shockwave has been confirmed to appear in a future episode of Transformers Prime, so I suspect he is responsible for the existence of the Insecticons. Quote
Tanma Posted May 30, 2012 Posted May 30, 2012 Shockwave has been confirmed to appear in a future episode of Transformers Prime, so I suspect he is responsible for the existence of the Insecticons. Good to know. I wonder how interactions between Shockwave and Soundwave will go. Shockwave I usually associate with a logical unemotional mindset, basically evil Spock. And Soundwave thus far seems mostly detached from the other Decepticons, unless Megatron is involved, and I believe it was said that he deleted his emotions to give himself more processor power. So I look forward to seeing how they interact and play off each other. Quote
just2good Posted June 22, 2012 Posted June 22, 2012 Just watched the first episode of a show called Gravity Falls. It's pretty funny and original. I really like the animation, and I'm still in awe that it's a Disney show. I already see a fanbase for this show growing, and I'm gonna keep watching it. And I really need to catch up on LoK. Quote
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