"The Virtual Reality of Code Lyoko"

"We all live everyday in virtual environments, defined by our ideas." - Michael Crichton



"Scanner, Transfer, Virtualization!" Bonjour! And welcome to the wonderful world of French animations! =] Now my last three posts have been on cartoons, I know, but they are just so darn interesting! >.<; I want to take the time to escape from reality and into the alternate universe of vivid characters and exhilarating action sequences. Now, France (particularly Paris) is known for it's trendy fashion an internationally known culinary cuisine. But, what really goes unnoticed is the face that, like most major countries, the French do make cartoons.

Now, when Code Lyoko first came on Miguzi (a line-up of popular cartoons that showed for a couple of hours during the afternoons on weekdays)on Cartoon Network, I wasn't really interested in watching it. It was actually one of my brothers that got me into the show. I actually took the time to watch one of the earlier episodes, and i've been hooked ever since.

Code Lyoko (originally called "Garage Kids") in France, focuses on the lives of 4 adolescents/teens (Jeremy Belpois, Odd Della Robbia, Yumi Ishiyama, and Ulrich Stern) at Kadic Academy, which is a French boarding school. Jeremy, the smartest of the group and a total computer whiz, finds a hidden underground cellar that houses a computer that is linked to virtual world called Lyoko. While trying to unlock the computer's components, he stumbles across a virtualized girl that is given the name Aelita, that is stuck in Lyoko and can't get out because that is basically her home. But, home isn't always so peaceful. A supercomputer virus that goes by the acronym, X.A.N.A. activates "towers" in Lyoko that affect the real world in which the kids live in, leaving them in a situation. In order to resolve the situation and fight against X.A.N.A., all 4 kids must travel into the virtual world of Lyoko as the people they wish to be, but can't be in reality (i.e., Odd is a cat, Yumi is a geisha, and Ulrich is a samurai warrior). There, they must not only protect themselves, but most importantly Aelita, from the evil minions that X.A.N.A. has released in the different environments of Lyoko. They must guide Aelita to safety each time so that she can "deactivate" the towers and save the real world from eminent doom.

I think that pretty much sums up the show, hahaha! *sweatdrop* ^__^'

What I like most about this show is that it combines traditional two-dimensional animation along with CGI (which is basically three-dimensional computer graphics animation). It's a very good twist of reality and virtual reality. It's almost like the Lyoko gang is sent into a video game to save the world from evil or something like that, which is really cool and different. I also like the whole "return to the past" thing at the end of each and every show.

Now, Code Lyoko bashers are quick to point that the foreheads on the characters are too large and the plot just sucks. But i'm sure if people would look past that, and really learn to appreciate the artwork, they would most certainly enjoy the show. I think it's a very wonderful and inventive show coming from the French, and it is also one of my personal favorite shows. Not many cartoons nowadays combine a perfect blend of two and three-dimensional animation like so. The people on the show do a very good job =]


You would expect something like this from Japan, but many like to call it "French Anime". I wouldn't consider it anime (even though "anime" is French for animation), but it is a very good cartoon created by the unexpected. And that is certainly a reality.




-Monique

"Everyday is an Adventure!"

"Life is either a great adventure or nothing."- Hellen Keller




It seems as though we keep venturing back to America, right? Haha! Don't worry, this will be the last visit for a while. I would just like to take the time to place another of my favorite cartoons in spotlight. Adventure Time! :D

Again, for those of you who don't really watch cartoons like that, Adventure Time was originally a short that aired on Nickelodeon for minute a while back in time, but recently, Cartoon Network took over it and turned it into a full 30-minute television show. (For once, since Chowder and Flapjack, good move Cartoon Network. Though I am still highly pissed off about the cancellation of Chowder after the third season >.<). Surprisingly enough, it is created and produced by some of the people who work on Spongebob Squarepants (Such as Fred Siebert and Derek Drymon).
Adventure Time is a show about a human boy named Finn and his dog Jake, who just so happens to be the coolest dog ever, and their adventures in the made-up Land of Oooo. While in the Land of Oooo, they encounter and interact with many memorable characters including, the sweet Princess Bubblegum, the pathetic, yet rather treacherous Ice King, Marceline the creepy vampire girl, Tree Trunks the yellow elephant, LSP (Lumpy Space Princess), and a host of others.

What I love most about this show is that it's epically hilarious. The humor is very off-beat, but funny. But it is very different from the shows Cartoon Network had originally created. The fact that parental guidance is directed towards small children means that some of the humor is not really for small children...no, let me rephrase that, most of the humor is not meant for small children to understand. Although the show comes off as often "disturbing" and "messed up", is a very good show. I wouldn't put it up there with Family Guy on humor rank because parental guidance is suggested, but it is one of those epic shows that you just have to watch. The first time I saw it, I fell in love with it because it was offbeat and ridiculous. I felt it had a very unique approach and is rather original (Although the Adventure Time wording with the sword going through it reminds me of The Legend of Zelda, haha!)

My friends and I love it so much, we even compare each character's personality to our own, which is always fun. It such a funny show, honestly, if you enjoy the type of random humor that makes you go, "huh?" or "what did he/she just say?"

Adventure Time is certainly a show that is not afraid to go beyond boundaries and really make you laugh. But, this goes to show you that everyday is an adventure and be ready to tackle it and have fun =]



-Monique

"Valiant Cartoonist: Bleedman"

"They didn't portray comic characters, they were comic characters." - Stanley Green





Since, we're on the subject of cartoons, I would like to travel to the Philippines to present to you one of my favorite artists: Vinson Ngo aka "Bleedman".

Now, I happen to stumble across his work while on DeviantArt. I saw that he did the Powerpuff Girls and Dexter in his own style and I simply fell in love. I later found out that he did web comics according to his DA profile. Not only are a few of his comics on there based on licensed Cartoon Network characters, but other artists have put their web comics up there as well (single panel, one page shorts, etc.) Here's the link:



It's a pretty awesome website if I do say so myself. The only negative is that some of the comics on there are already done in such a short amount of time or haven't really been updated like so (which sucks .__.). But, I know Bleedman keeps his up to date, so that's good =] Now, the comics that he's done on the website are "Grimm Tales from Down Below" (The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy), "Sugarbits", and "Powerpuff Girls D" (Powerpuff Girls, Dexter's Laboratory, and other assorted Cartoon Network characters). He does an anime/manga style version of cartoon characters as stated before, and he's obsessed with characters :D



I was in Comic Book Design class today and we were doing a show-and-tell of web comics that we had found on the Internet. While we were discussing Snafu Comics,the professor had mention that Vinson Ngo [Bleedman] was also the subject of many haters. Apparently, there are blogs out there that deem him a "hack" and a "poser" because the majority of his work is not really original. They also make fun of his appearance...which is rather cruel. I will admit, he's the not the type of guy that I would go for, but I really do adore his style. And yes, he is Filipino, Hahahaha! :D

I was surfing the net earlier today and I found a website that pretty much bashed him for being a so-called "pedophile" and some other things. Here's the following website if you would like to check it out (Warning: There is mature content within the advertisements, so if you are a little bit blahhh about the human figure and whatnot, then I would suggest you steer clear, because there's some hentai/ecchi stuff >.<):



I think it's sad because they totally bash him for being unoriginal and a lover of little girls (Well, he does like lolicon, sooo >.>...) But nonetheless, I love his artwork and he is one of my favorite artists because of his style. I don't care what the haters have to say. Yeah, he does work off of licensed cartoon, anime, and video game characters and incorporates them into his own style, but is is very original and cool, because he makes them more teen/adult-like even though they are little kids. That just goes to show you that there are people out there in today's society that are quick to put you down because you are able to do something that they can't, so they have to poke fun at the flaws and rumors....totally tragic...Keep on doing you, Bleedman. I'm a fan! ^_^ *thumbs up*

-Monique

"Marzipan State of Mind"

"What's most important in animation is, it's a team sport, and everything we do is about pure imagination." - Jeffrey Katzenberg

So, we're taking the plane back to American now (The Iceland volcanic eruption delayed travel quite a bit, haha!) and this time we are going exploring in the world of animation/cartooning. Now, one of my favorite cartoons, Chowder, has come to an end because the creator [C.H. Greenblatt] apparently found more beneficial opportunities out there and it opened a lot of doors for him.

That's all good and well Mr. Greenblatt, but I really do miss Chowder T__T 2 or 3 more seasons would have been awesome, thanks. But, unfortunately, all good things must eventually come to an end. I figured the cartoon would end, but not soon, my lord...it's suuuch a wonderful show! >.<;

*Ahem* Anyway, enough rambling. For those of you who don't really watch cartoons like that, Chowder is a show that airs on Cartoon Network. It is about a young cat-bear-thingiemahoozit child named Chowder (Ahhh, small world, because that's what the show is called :D), and he is the apprentice to a professional chef named Mung Daal (I have yet to figure out what he is other than a blue-colored troll with large nostrils O_o) who runs his own catering company in the heart of the vibrant, energetic Marzipan City. Other characters include Mung's wife, Truffles, the super strong Schnitzel, Chowder's cute little female stalker, Panini...and a host of other well-drawn, original characters that each have their own relatable personalities.

Now, if you haven't caught on yet, each character in Chowder is named after a specific food. Even the recipes and foods that they create in each episode are based off of real foods (i.e., "Shmeggs"- "Eggs" "Meviled Eggs"- "Deviled Eggs"), which I think is highly original and creative! =D Another thing of love about the show is that each character has a specific pattern on their clothing that sets them apart from each other, which is totally cool! Also, the pattern don't move as they do. They stay in place (I found it odd at first, but then I grew to like it! ^_^)

All in all, within the heart of Marzipan City, Chowder and his friends encounter colorful new characters, go on hilarious adventures, and are put in very humorous situations that many can often relate to. Though sometimes the humor within the show is not meant for smaller children, it can be a hoot for adolescents, teens, and adults alike.




The Show ended it's 3 year run on April 5, 2010. New episodes revolving around season 3 are still being shown, but re-runs will continue to be viewed by the show's dedicated fans, and more DVDs will be available soon =]

I know I will always be a devoted Chowder fan because it is one of the best cartoons on Cartoon Network, since Dexter's Laboratory, Powerpuff Girls, The Grim Adventures of Billy and Mandy, Ed, Edd n Eddy, and Courage the Cowardly Dog...bascially all of the old-school CN shows =]



-Monique

"United Kingdom, United Fashion"

"British fashion is self-confident and fearless. It refuses to bow to commerce, thus generating a constant flow of new ideas, whilst drawing in British heritage."- Alexander McQueen



A few months ago, while I was at Barnes and Noble doing some research on Harajuku for my public speaking final, and I stumbled across a fashion magazine called Nylon. As I was browsing through each individual and unique page, I came across a section strictly devoted to fashion from the United Kingdom...and I really really liked it. Especially the teen fashion. And that magazine taught me how to love London fashion. Especially the punk rock styles.

I can't really describle London fashion in one simple word. Actually I can, it's COOL! :D But, what I really mean is, I can't really sum up London fashion like so. I certainly wouldn't compare it to American fashion really because I feel that UK fashion is a bit more edgy. I am particularly fond of the hip-hop styles with the rope chains and whatnot. Rope chains look awesome, and I have Master Shortie to thank for that! Haha! Here's a couple of pics I snagged from the Internet that I really really liked. This has definitely inspired me to do a couple of things with the outfits I put together eventually:







I'm really really fond of the bow in the third image, I thought it looked really cool and cute =] That's something I would put on a shirt or gloves or something of the sort. I'm picturing so many outfits in my head right now from that one accessory.

Master Shortie also inspires me with his styles as well. I would love to make feminine versions of his outfits and add rope chains as well :D




I could do alot with those colors! =]

There aren't really alot of punk rock photos that I were really fond of, but I did manage to snag one though:



Rather vintage, but I like it.

Next to the Japanese, the British really know how to put it down in the unique style department. I definitely have to take notes =]

-Monique

"Boogie Days and Boogie Nights"

"Photography takes an instant out of time, altering life by holding it still." - Dorothea Lange



I've have recently become hooked on a show that takes place in New York called How To Make It In America. It tells the story of a down and out designer named Ben Epstein, and his best friend/right hand man Cam, who try to create their own fashion line in order to make it big. So, by going through a series of obstacles, meeting new people, and hustling their way through the Big Apple, they try to "make it" in the city that will practically eat you alive if you are not prepared.

Now what I love most about this show is that not only is it inspiring, but the opening credits has to be one of the best I have ever seen for a television series. It uses a blend of breathtaking photography and slow-motion filming to capture the heart and soul of New York City. I was always trying to figure out who the photographer was, but I later found out that it was a guy that went by the name of "Boogie". He was born in Serbia, which is pretty sweet! So, I checked out more of his photography, and this guy is amazing. I noticed that he does alot of people and scenery, which is obviously typical of a common photographer. But, in my opinion, his pictures express so much emotion, and they're fresh. This guy has ultimately become one of my favorite photographers in the whole entire world, I just love his stuff =]

Here is the link to the opening sequence of How To Make It In America. All of the photographs were taken in NYC by Boogie himself. The opening credits immediately drew me in to the show and now i'm hooked on it. Haha! Though, the season finale came to quickly though. *ahem* Anyway, here is the video (the song is great too!) :


http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cvfIGPiZL-g

By the way, if you're wondering who the song is by. It's called "I Need A Dollar" by Aloe Blacc! =] The song really captures the show, if I do say so my self because it's all about trying to make it.

Okay, back to Boogie :) Now, he has a website that you can check out here. This shows all of his commercial work and whatnot. He also travels to other countries as well. He did some great Tokyo ones:

http://www.artcoup.com/

Man, his photography is amazing! ^_^;

Here are a couple of photos that he has done that I particularly love, and I like how he does alot of them in black and white:






You can find more on his website, which I posted the URL for in this post.


So, street photographer Boogie takes some pretty awesome photos, and they are very inspiring. He's not like other photographers in my opinion, I just have to say that! >.< Hooray for Serbian photography! :D

-Monique

"Defying Beauty With Bjork"

"What probably confuses people is they know alot about me, but it quite pleases me that there's more they don't know."- Bjork






She is a unique lyrical genius who has the ability to bring her words to life in picturesque, vibrant, and strange visual images. Her words explore the deeper meanings of life and the society around us. Whether it is politics, love, emotions, or everyday life...she has the ability to relate to the inner being inside of us in a rather strange, yet satisfying way.

Valiant Expression Airways has landed in Iceland to take an inside look at one of the most beautiful and unique music artist of our time...Bjork. Born Bjork Guomundsdottir (try saying that three time fast, haha!), she is a musical genius. She is also an actor, producer, and composure. So, she's pretty well rounded. She's one of my top 5 favorite music artists of all time, and she's been out for a very...very...very long time. I'm talking since the late 70's. Lady Bjork has also starred and appeared in host of Icelandic movies.

Here is her discography (the list of albums that she has released)

- Bjork (1977)

-Debut (1993)

-Post (1995)

-Homogenic (1997)(One my personal favorites! ^-^)

-Vespertine (2001)

-Medulla (2004)

-Volta (2007)

Her music videos are also unlike any other music videos i've ever seen. Not only are they incredibly visually appealing, but they are rather disturbing. Back in 2008, her music video for the song, "Wanderlust" (featured on her 2007 album, Volta) had to be one the creepiest music videos I have ever watched, and I rarely enjoy watching music videos like that.

Here's the video to her song, "Wanderlust", just click on the url (I don't know how to put videos on her yet, silly me! >.<)




It is such a visually astounding video and I can't understand why her videos aren't played like anything. It upsets me, because it beats half of the crap the media plays this day in age! >.<

But, all in all, she is a lyrical and visual genius. She is unlike any other music artist I have listened to...she is such an inspiration and she is just amazing. Plain and Simple. I don't really have a favorite song by her because I pretty much love all of them...I cannot say one bad thing about them.

You never really hear much about the country of Iceland. But when you hear Iceland...most think of one person, and that is Bjork. Her blend of ambient, classic, and electronica is truly soothing to the mind, body, and soul. So, get lost in the world that is above and beyond beauty. The world of Bjork.



-Monique