Cartoon Sunday: Tokyo Ghoul JACK

How's it going lurkers? We now have only 2 more days until Halloween. Have you been enjoying your Halloween Weekend? Mine hasn't been the most exciting, I will say that much.

Because Adult Swim's Toonami chose to repeat the same Samurai Jack Marathon last night that already aired for Memorial Day Weekend, I dismissed it. The people, who run the network and the block, schedule the most idiotic programming.

Considering that last night was supposed to have been part of our Halloween Weekend, it would've been so much more logical to have a Stardust Crusaders or a Tokyo Ghoul Marathon than to re-air the Samurai Jack Marathon for a more infantile crowd.

On October 19th, which was 2 Thursdays ago, I watched Tokyo Ghoul: JACK.

Tokyo Ghoul: JACK Trailer (2015)

Like I mentioned in a previous Cartoon Sunday blog about the Tokyo Ghoul franchise, it has 2 OVA's. There is Tokyo Ghoul: JACK and Tokyo Ghoul: PINTO. Both OVA's are prequels except JACK is a prequel about Kisho Arima and Taishi Fura.

12 years ago in OVA 1 (JACK), both were high school classmates. Arima was an undercover ghoul hunter, who worked for The Doves. Meanwhile, Fura was a juvenile delinquent in high school.

Taishi Fura quit the baseball team to play hooky with his mischievous friends. That was until a ghoul wearing a Jack-O' Lantern as a mask, murdered 1 of Fura's friends and took his other friend's right eye. She became partially blind after being attacked.

To avenge his friends, Taishi worked with Kisho to hunt down the ghoul, Lantern. You may be wondering why the ghoul is called "Lantern."

To state the obvious, this ghoul wears a Jack-O Lantern as a disguise, even though her eyes glow red like the typical ghoul. This OVA definitely has some twists at the end. 

All those bratty and obnoxious Toonami zealots, who love nitpicking the Tokyo Ghoul franchise should really take time to read the character summaries.

Reading the summaries for Tokyo Ghoul's characters gives a much better clarification than the actual Anime. When reading and listening to the summaries, they give you a better understanding of Tokyo Ghoul's premise.

What does Tokyo Ghoul: JACK have anything to do with the protagonist, Ken Kaneki?

While reading and listening to the character summaries about Kisho Arima, I learned that he was a hailed genius character within the CCG at 16 years old. In Tokyo Ghoul: JACK, you will have the chance to watch the mysterious character known as ARIMA work as a ghoul hunter with the CCG from his youth, then rising to the top.

Kisho Arima is more significant in Tokyo Ghoul than we EVER realized.

Throughout Seasons 1 and 2, the name, ARIMA was thrown around loosely. With Tokyo Ghoul having such a large cast of characters, it was difficult to ascertain who the real terrorists were in the series.

In the Tokyo Ghoul Manga, Kisho Arima takes the protagonist, Ken Kaneki (recently renamed "Haise Sasaki"), and becomes his mentor. Even though Arima mentors and trains with him, Arima is given orders to kill "Sasaki," if he loses his self-control as a ghoul.

Hopefully, Season 3 of Tokyo Ghoul will explain more about Kisho Arima next year, since he was last shown with Ken Kaneki in Season 2's finale. So much was left unfinished.

Then again, I was recently told by someone on AnimeNation, that Tokyo Ghoul's 2nd season was NOT canon. In other words, this last season we just finished watching was nothing more than a filler arc.

Because Season 2 was a filler arc, it is much better to read the Tokyo Ghoul Manga. Otherwise, you can always read the character summaries, which summarizes what REALLY  happened with every character in the story.

Hunting for the English Dub of Tokyo Ghoul: JACK was like pulling teeth. Since I could not find the OVA in English Dub, you will have to watch it in English Subtitles. 

Anyway, here's Tokyo Ghoul: JACK for today's Cartoon Sunday.

Tokyo Ghoul: JACK [English Subtitles] (2015)

Song Saturday: Siouxsie And The Banshees Halloween Block

How's it going lurkers? Do you feel like you learned something from yesterday's blog in regards to trick-or-treating? 

I really hope so because there is a lot, that most of us didn't already know before I published that blog.

October will be over soon. Can you believe that Halloween is in ONLY 3 more days?

At the beginning of this week, it was difficult trying to decide what to share for today. I could not choose between Siouxsie And The Banshees and Danzig's old Horror-Punk band, The Misfits. Both were Goth Rock bands with songs about the holiday, Halloween.

However, Glenn Danzig and The Misfits were more Horror-Punk. Because Siouxsie And The Banshees captures kooky and spookiness so much better, I decided to share more Siouxsie And The Banshees.

Songs from Siouxsie And The Banshees' 4th album, Juju works perfectly for Halloween. During 1981, the album was commercially successful in the United Kindgom.  

Juju has been viewed as a landmark album of the Post-Punk Rock genre. 

In 2005, Siouxsie And The Banshees' 4th album, Juju was published in Universe Publishing's book, 1001 Albums You Must Hear Before You Die.

Meanwhile, according to The Guardian in 2007, Juju ranked on the "1000 Albums To Hear Before You Die" List. 

The British daily newspaper reported, "Perennial masters of brooding suspense, the Banshees honed their trademark aloof art rock to its hardest and darkest pitch on Juju."

I must say, the songs on Juju can be dark. This can most definitely be said about the song, "Voodoo Dolly." "Voodoo Dolly" should've been a hit single from Juju, if you ask me.

It is surprising that "Voodoo Dolly" was NEVER released on a soundtrack. "Spellbound" and "Halloween" are 2 other songs, that you should add to your Halloween or Horror Music Playlists.

Although, I am highly biased to say that "Voodoo Dolly" should be on your playlist, before any other song from Siouxsie And The Banshees' Juju album.

"Voodoo Dolly" has a haunting, spooky, and ominous tone. This is especially when you listen to Siouxsie Sioux's vocals on that track.

Whenever listening to "Voodoo Dolly," I automatically expect a ghost from the graveyard to suddenly jump out and frighten someone, if not a scornful witch performing a curse on an enemy.

Get ready to be spellbound before Halloween with a Voodoo Dolly for today's Song Saturday Block. There is a triple dose of songs from Siouxsie And The Banshees' 4th album, Juju.

1) Siouxsie And The Banshees "Spellbound" Juju (1981)

2) Siouxsie And The Banshees "Halloween" Juju (1981)

 

3) Siouxsie And The Banshees "Voodoo Dolly" Juju (1981)

A Brief History Of Trick-Or-Treating With A Few Warnings And Suggestions

How's it going lurkers? We have only 4 more days until Halloween. 

Do you have your Halloween costumes and candy ready for the next 3 days? 

Considering that my neighborhood is a ghost town, it serves no purpose to buy bags of Halloween Candy. Wauwatosa is also strict about who can give children Halloween Candy.

Home owners must sign up to give candy to children. It sounds preposterous, but I understand why it must be done. 

Because WI judges allow pedophiles and other criminals to have housing in suburban neighborhoods, parents should REALLY be more cautious of when and where they allow their children to go trick-or-treating.

Meanwhile, there are those brainwashed, Christian zealots and Jehovah's Witnesses, who believe that Halloween is a so-called "Pagan" or "Satanist Holiday."

Even though the tradition of trick-or-treating from door-to-door for Halloween treats began, during the 16th Century in Great Britain and Ireland, did you know that trick-or-treating did not become a tradition in America until the 1930's?

Generally speaking, North America didn't start celebrating Halloween until the 1920's. Nearly a century ago, treats for children consisted of homemade cookies, pieces of cake to fruits, nuts, coins, and TOYS, according to The History Channel.

It was not until the 1950's, that candy manufacturers such as Hershey's, Nestle's, Reese's, and Mars for examples, started promoting their candy for Halloween.

As children trick-or-treating reached popularity, giving candy to trick-or-treators was considered more convenient and affordable.

In addition, stories about candy tampering developed in 1959. A Fremont, CA dentist named William Shyne played a mean-spirited prank on 450 trick-or-treaters by giving them candy-coated laxatives. 30 out of 450 trick-or-treaters became really sick from them.

On Halloween 1970, a 5-year-old boy from Michigan DIED from heroin ingestion. Test results showed there was heroin dust on the boy's Halloween Candy. During the '70s, adults giving children packaged candy became the only acceptable treat to give trick-or-treaters for Halloween.

As the decades have gone by, parents have warned their children to CHECK their Halloween Candy. Supposedly, people were sticking needles and other dangerous products into our candy.

Growing up during the 1980's and '90s, my mother always told me to check my candy. Sometimes she would help check the candy with me.

Now that the opiate addictions and overdoses have been back on the rise here in America these last several years (including in my home state), parents should most DEFINITELY be more cautious and check Halloween Candy for their children.

In the Milwaukee County, which is my county, there have been news reports about "Killer Marijuana."

What is "Killer Marijuana"?

It is Marijuana laced with the opiate, Fentanyl. Supposedly, people are dying from "Killer Marijuana" by doing only 1 hit. There are a LOT of new age drugs out there that most average people know nothing about.

On a lighter note, I have Halloween Candy Suggestions. If I were a little girl trick-or-treating again, I would LOVE to have adults throw chocolate candy bars and gummy candy into my bucket or bag.

For a spooky treat, I highly recommend Sour Gummy Spiders. YES, this is coming from an arachnophobic, who kills spiders constantly!

Last year, my oldest aunt bought me some, when she was returning from Chicago. It had taken me literally 2 MONTHS to build up the courage to eat that candy. After putting 1 gummy spider into my mouth, I wanted MORE.

The ONLY time I will ever like a spider is when I'm eating it in candy form. Otherwise, let the spider killing spree continue! 

Well, hopefully you learned something new from today's blog! Get ready for a spooky Song Saturday, tomorrow.

Cartoon Sunday: Manuel Ferreira's "A Deadly Visit"

How's it going lurkers? As a quick reminder, next Saturday night, Adult Swim's Toonami block will be doing ANOTHER Samurai Jack Marathon for the so-called "Halloween Weekend."

[Toonami Promo]: Samurai Jack Halloween Marathon (2017)

If you're like me, you may be asking "What does another Samurai Jack Marathon have anything to do with Halloween?" Believe me, it doesn't. 

It would've been more logical to air a Tokyo Ghoul Marathon. Then, follow it up with OVA 1, which is Tokyo Ghoul: JACK. At least it is a Horror Anime and OVA 1 has a Halloweenish theme to it.

Tokyo Ghoul: JACK OVA 1 Trailer [English Subtitles] (2015)

Tokyo Ghoul: JACK features a ghoul that wears a Jack O' Lantern over her head as a mask, while she's on her killing spree. I will explain more about OVA 1 next week for Cartoon Sunday.

Obviously, Jason DeMarco and The Toonami  Team don't know how to schedule their programming. The fans have been complaining about next Saturday night's schedule, since 2 weeks or so ago.

On another note, I thought I would share something a little different for today. If you have a fondness for Dark Humor like I do, you may enjoy today's animated short.

This animated short was created by a Portuguese teenage filmmaker, who goes by the name of Manusfilm Studios. His real name is Manuel Ferreira. 

Ferreira claims that he loves "combining visual excellence with powerful storytelling."

The animated short, "A Deadly Visit" is a darkly humored animated short, which is in tribute to his late grandfather, Dom Zito. He died in 2015.

"A Deadly Visit" is about The Grim Reaper paying an 89-year-old lady, named Mary Ann a visit to her house. Watching him explain to the old lady, that he is there to "harvest her life" is hilarious. 

Mary Ann is already deaf and wears hearing aids. She then offers The Grim Reaper milk and Chocolate Chip Cookies. Those Chocolate Chip Cookies she baked were highly irresistible to him.

Aside from Mary Ann treating The Grim Reaper like a special guest in her home, she starts justifying to him why she is not ready to die. 

According to Mary Ann, she is supposedly a "good person." This 89-year-old lady claims to be a good person but is she REALLY? And the plot thickens, so to say.

Wait until you see what Mary Ann does to The Grim Reaper. Then, you be the judge for yourself. With that being said, here is "A Deadly Visit" for today's Cartoon Sunday.

Manuel Ferreira "A Deadly Visit" (2015)

Cartoon Sunday: Axeman Cartoons' "Black Sheep"

How's it going lurkers? It is refreshing to see that some of you liked yesterday's blog, which featured Helicopter Girl's "Satan's Seventh Bride." I reiterate, it was something different than the usual. Let's continue this trend for today's Cartoon Sunday blog.

This blog takes a more horrific turn with this animated short being featured for today. 

Remember the English nursery rhyme, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep"?

"Bah, Bah, a black Sheep,

Have you any Wool?

Yes merry I Have,

Three Bags full,

Two for my Master,

One for my Dame,

None for the Little Boy

That cries in the lane."

In the 1744 London anthology, Tommy Thumb's Pretty Song-Book, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" was published. 

Mother Goose's Melody was the next surviving anthology with a similar rhyme to the original.

The last line was revised as "But none for the little boy who cries in the lane," in the 1765 Mother Goose Edition. Over time, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" was modified as saying:

"Baa, baa, black sheep,

Have you any wool?

Yes, sir, yes, sir,

Three bags full;

One for the master,

And one for the dame,

And one for the little boy

Who lives down the lane."

In 1761, some theorists claimed this nursery rhyme was a complaint against Medieval English taxes on wool and that it was about the slave trade. 

By the 20th Century, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" became a controversial topic, which included sparking debates about POLITICAL CORRECTNESS.

There are those, who automatically associate "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" with American Slave Trade from The South. 

Considering how obsessed Americans are today regarding "political correctness" ad nauseam, it goes without saying that the nursery rhyme is viewed as "racially dubious," "racist," etc. (Insert eye roll)

However, Katherine Elwes Thomas (author) suggested that in the 1930 book, The Real Personages of Mother Goose, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep" referred to those, who resented the heavy wool taxation.

This was especially, when it came to the Medieval English "Great" or "Old Custom" Wool Tax of 1275. This heavy wool taxation lasted, until the 15th Century.

Aside from the controversy, Axeman Cartoons gives a sinister yet apocalyptic meaning to the nursery rhyme, "Baa, Baa, Black Sheep."

In this Horror Animated Short, it appears that the black sheep is out for blood, while seeking restitution for something. 

Honestly, I cannot tell you what that guy did to the black sheep to cause all hell to break loose. It's as if the black sheep turned into Damien from The Omen. Yes, the black sheep is THAT  evil! 

Anyway, here is Axeman Cartoons' "Black Sheep" for today's Cartoon Sunday.

Axeman Cartoons "Black Sheep" (2016)

Song Saturday: Helicopter Girl's Satan's Seventh Bride

How's it going lurkers? So, have you ever heard of the Supernatural Horror Dramedy, Hex?

I have "Satan's Seventh Bride" by Helicopter Girl stuck in my head, as I share today's blog with you. Click on the following video and scroll it to 6:48. You will hear the song featured in the scene below.

Hex Season 1: "Azazeal Seduces Cassie As 'Satan's Seventh Bride' Plays" (2004)

 

In 2005, I discovered Hex on BBC America. It originally premiered in 2004 on the British satellite network, Sky One.

 

Surely, you are scratching your heads and wondering, "Anna, what is Hex about?"

[BBC America Promo:] Hex (2012)

If you enjoyed watching shows such as Buffy: The Vampire Slayer, Angel, Charmed, The Vampire Diaries, and other similar shows with occult themes, you may enjoy Hex.

Originally, Cassie Hughes was the protagonist of Hex. During the first 6 episodes, the TV series was about her being a shy school girl struggling to assimilate with her peers, while attending a remote English boarding school called Medenham Hall.

Medenham Hall occupied the former manor house and grounds of the McBain Estate. During the 18th Century, the estate was the sight of a witchcraft scandal. 

Much like The Salem Witch Trials, the scandal consisted of women from the Medenham Witch family line being tried and executed.

Cassie's telekinetic, pyrokinetic, and clairvoyant abilities were awakened, after she touched an antique vase, which had been used for Voodoo rituals by the Medenham Witches. To Thelma's (Cassie's best friend's) surprise, she learned that Cassie was a descendant of the Medenham Witches.

Meanwhile, a seductive yet ominous creep by the name of Azazeal stalked Cassie around the campus. Azazeal was a fallen angel and the leader of the Biblical, Nephilim.

Previously, the fallen angel seduced not only Cassie's schoolmistress, Jo Watkins, but also Cassie's mother. 

Cassie's mother being seduced by Azazeal, in the past, contributed to her mother's mental disorders. According to Azazeal (fallen angel), he was "in love" with Cassie. 

It was not until the fallen angel seduced her, that she became pregnant with his spawn, Malachi. Cassie tried aborting Malachi and failed at doing so.

In the process of Cassie discovering that she was a witch, being a descendant of the Medenham Witches, being seduced, and impregnated by Azazeal, her boyfriend left the campus.

Troy (Cassie's boyfriend, who was played by The Vampire Diaries' Joseph Morgan) was convinced, that Cassie was pregnant with HIS son. Troy left Medenham Hall, at the end of the original series.

There were many twists and turns, throughout this Supernatural Horror Dramedy. If you never had the opportunity to watch Hex, I recommend it. A number of changes were made by the 2nd season, as far as the writing went.

This week, I spent the last 2 days hunting for the preceding scene showing Azazeal seducing Cassie because it has relevance to today's blog. 

Playing in the background of the scene, Helicopter Girl's song, "Satan's Seventh Bride" could be heard. 

Who is Helicopter Girl? 

Helicopter Girl is the stage name of the Scottish singer, Jackie Joyce. She debuted with her album, How To Steal The World in 2000. On that same album, "Satan's Seventh Bride" was featured.

Speaking of Azazeal seducing Cassie, while Helicopter Girl's song played in the background on Hex, here is "Satan's Seventh Bride" for today's Song Saturday.

Helicopter Girl "Satan's Seventh Bride" How To Steal The World (2000)

Paraskevidekatriaphobia: Fear Of Friday The 13th

How's it going lurkers? Since Grimm no longer exists on TV, we can't say "Thank Grimm it's Friday!" anymore. However, today is THE day that fills many of us with so much terror. Today is Friday The 13th.

Thankfully, I was born on an even number day. I already have bad luck as it is. 

Being born on June 13th would've made my life worse. The last thing I needed was to have my birthday fall on Friday The 13th.

Being Paraskevidekatriaphobic is having the phobia of Friday The 13th. Triskaidekaphobia is the phobia of the number 13.

Believe it or not, there is actually a website dedicated to BOTH phobias. If you would like to learn more about paraskevidekatriaphobia and triskaidekaphobia, make sure to visit Triskaidekaphobia.Info.

I never had any real fear of Friday The 13th. That was until Friday, September 13, 2013.

On our way home from working at a career fair, my oldest aunt and I were stopped at a 4-way intersection. 

Once the light turned green, some asshole RANDOMLY drove past the red light on his side of the intersection and nearly crashed into us. Luckily, my aunt instantly slammed on her brakes. That driver almost caused a DEADLY pile up.

It was bad enough at the time, that I was the front seat passenger to 2 previous car accidents, which were 2 WEEKS APART from each other. Before my 2nd accident, I had a really disturbing premonition in the form of a nightmare. It was about my 2nd car accident literally 2 nights before it happened.

Luckily, I was not in a 3rd car accident 2 weeks after my 2nd accident. I really couldn't withstand anymore pain, in addition to what I was already having.

During my 2nd accident, I got whiplash. Even though I was not in a neck brace or anything, I had Lidoderm Body Patches taped around my back, sides, and neck.

I previously had a phobia of driving. The premonition in the form of a nightmare really shook me up. I started having PTSD from it.

After literally being banged up in 2 going on nearly 3 car accidents, 2 weeks apart from each other, my fear of driving and being in cars became worse.

Nearly being hit in a 3rd car accident on Friday The 13th in September 2013 added to my anxiety.

Before my car accidents, I never used to worry about any specific dates. Whenever Friday The 13th is approaching, I try my hardest NOT  to schedule anything important on that date like so many other people.

Why take the risk of playing Russian Roulette, when you already have misfortune?

Not that I am intentionally trying to traumatize anyone, but there are many reasons why people including business owners avoid the number 13 and Friday The 13th.

~ $900,000,000 in productivity is lost annually in America because many people are superstitious about Friday The 13th.

Do NOT  forget, that in the Bible, 13 men attended The LAST  Supper. 

The 13th man was believed to have been Judas, who later betrayed Jesus. 

Jesus was crucified on a Friday, also. Dun, dun, DUUUUN!!!

Regardless if you are paraskevidekatriaphobic, triskaidekaphobic, superstitious, or NOT, stay safe on the roads, on the 13th floor of a building, or an elevator, etc.

Song Saturday: Tom Petty Tribute Block

How's it going lurkers? No, your eyes do not deceive you. Those are 2 legendary musicians (Prince and Tom Petty), who are now dead.

You are currently seeing a gif from the 2004 Rock & Roll Hall Of Fame, which was in tribute to George Harrison. Tom Petty, Dhani Harrison, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne, and Prince, performed "While My Guitar Gently Weeps."

At this risk of sounding "melodramatic," it makes my soul weep knowing that we have lost so many legendary vocalists between this year AND last year. It seems as if 2017 has turned out to be just as shitty as 2016, in general.

I know I'm not the only person, who wants this year to be over SOON. This is especially, when we turn on our TV's everyday and are forced to watch domestic terrorists attack innocent people at events. To make matters worse, having the media exploit tragedies and overshadow other news.

There are other catastrophes and tragic events for the media to report than spending an ENTIRE week replaying the same reels of homicidal maniacs.

The media fails to grasp, that THEY themselves keep inciting MORE division and copycat massacres because they constantly harp on the same recycled story, while sitting on other reports.

On Monday, we barely heard any reports about Tom Petty from Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers dying and other news. Reading someone's post on a forum about the legendary Heartland rocker's death was the only reason why I learned about it.

Once I learned that Tom Petty died, I was in shock. Shortly after, a news reporter on my local CBS reported that the LAPD retracted their statement on Twitter.

Supposedly, Tom was NOT  yet dead. He was "clinging for his life," according to the LAPD. Eventually, Tom Petty died of cardiac arrest, after being pronounced brain dead and taken off life support.

Before anyone attempts to comment on today's Song Saturday Tribute Block, refrain from posting, "I was never a fan of Tom Petty's music." Posting THAT  comment is like pissing on someone's grave. 

Now, if you seriously dislike or hate that person, other people will instantly notice that you meant to be snide about his/her death, especially if a cheap shot is made in poor taste.

Regardless if the singer was your favorite or not, it sounds very disrespectful and rude to whoever it was that died. You have no idea how annoying it is to read, watch, and listen to somebody having the audacity to say, "I was never a fan of ___ music."

You may think I am acting bossy but there are people out there, who need to have a little more empathy and COUTH. Love or hate the icon, but that person had family, friends, fans, etc.

Tom Petty's music was a part of at least 4-5 GENERATIONS. With The Heartbreakers, Petty released 13 studio albums, 68 singles, and 9 video albums. He also released 3 solo albums, 5 guest singles, etc.

Tom Petty was a part of my childhood, during the 1980's and '90s. Now, he is another music icon to be added to the list of many other music icons, who are dead. This can especially be said about an icon, whose music videos were heavily played on MTV and VH-1.

I cannot help reiterating how depressed I become sometimes watching MTV Classic. Having to look back at all the dead music icons in music video blocks breaks my heart.

Music was a major part of my life growing up. Therefore, watching a bunch a dead music icons can be depressing. This is definitely a fact about life.

Eventually, all good things must come to an end. Anyway, in memory of the legendary Heartland rocker, here are 8 music videos by Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers for today's Song Saturday Tribute Block.

1) Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers "Refugee" Damn The Torpedoes (1980)

2) Stevie Nicks [Featuring Tom Petty] "Stop Draggin' My Heart Around" Bella Donna (1981)

 

3) Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers "Make It Better" Southern Accents (1985)

4) Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers "Runnin' Down A Dream" Full Moon Fever (1989)

5) Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers "Mary Jane's Last Dance" Greatest Hits (1993)

6) Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers "Room At The Top" Echo (1999)

7) Prince, Tom Petty, Steve Winwood, Jeff Lynne, & Dhani Harrison "While My Guitar Gently Weeps" A Tribute To George Harrison (2004)

{BONUS:}

Tom Petty And The Heartbreakers "The Last DJ" NBC: The Today Show (2002); The Last DJ (2002)

What You Didn't Already Know About Tokyo Ghoul's Characters

How's it going lurkers? If you read the latest Cartoon Sunday blog about 2 days ago, you should recall that I mentioned publishing another blog about other Tokyo Ghoul characters. 

The franchise has so many characters, that it is hard to know who each character is in the series. On the forum, AnimeNation, I was told while posting that Tokyo Ghoul √A was a filler arc yesterday. 

This means the last 12 episodes we just watched were mostly to stall viewers, until there is more of an actual story. As said 2 days ago, I would've loved to have seen more of the other ghouls. 

The ghouls, that helped managed the Anteiku Coffee Shop (Enji Koma and Kaya Irimi), should've been given more of a story. Those 2 would've been more interesting to watch than characters from the CCG.

The CCG (Commission Of Counter Ghoul) is a federal agency task force, that is specialized in handling crimes related to ghouls.

They believe that all ghouls are flesh eating criminals, when there are innocent ghouls trying to assimilate with humans.

As I was saying about the previous ghoul characters, Enji was an experienced waiter, who acted as the manager of Anteiku, when Yoshimura (manager) was away.

Meanwhile, Kaya was a main waitress. Both she and Enji were leaders of their own gangs of ghouls. They later renounced their leaderships after being rehabilitated by Yoshimura. Enji led the Devil Ape Gang and Kaya led the Black Dobers.

Enji Koma and Kaya Irimi are presumed to be dead after battling the CCG. Another ghoul I would've loved to have seen more of was Uta, since he's the mask maker. Uta is a part of  The Clowns, which is a mysterious gang of ghouls. 

Above is a gif of Uta. He looks like a Hot Topic clerk, who designs masks for ghouls to hide from the CCG, as well as Kaneki's mask, and masks for humans.

The Clowns were responsible for Ken Kaneki's (protagonist) accident, when they attempted to murder Rize Kamishiro with a fallen I-beam.

Because of  The Clowns, Kaneki received some of Rize's ghoul organs and is now forced to adapt to being a part human and part ghoul hybrid. 

Those who happen to be part human and ghoul are more powerful than a Pure Blood Ghoul.

Another ghoul that should've had more of a story was Renji Yomo. There is a LOT  more to him than being a ghoul, that collects suicide victims' corpses for ghouls to eat. 

In case other viewers didn't already know, Yomo is secretly Touka and Ayato Kirishima's uncle.

Renji Yomo kept his identity a secret from them after their parents died. However, he always closely watched over them. Speaking of his niece and nephew, Touka is Ayato's older sister.

Because Ayato resented Touka's peaceful living and ability to assimilate with humans, he left to join Aogiri Tree. 

According to Kaneki, he thinks Ayato secretly joined Aogiri Tree to protect Touka from a distance. Aogiri Tree is a ghoul terrorist organization founded by Yoshimura's daughter, Eto. 

Eto also lives under the human alias, Sen Takatsuki, who happens to be a Horror novelist. 

In addition to being Yoshimura's daughter, being a ghoul terrorist leader, and a Horror novelist, she is Kaneki's favorite author. 

What a twist?! It is AMAZING what you learn about Tokyo Ghoul, while reading summaries about it.

Had all this been explained in the Seinen Horror Action Anime, their would've been LESS confusion.

It appears, that I am not the only viewer anticipating a 3rd season for Tokyo Ghoul. We really hope there is after watching that tragic yet confusing cliffhanger. 

Loose ends must be tied up for those of us, who only watch the Anime. Not everyone reads Manga and light novels.

Hopefully, today's blog gives Tokyo Ghoul readers and viewers a much better understanding of the franchise. This is especially when it comes to the series.

Cartoon Sunday: Tokyo Ghoul A Rare Treat [The Handkerchief Scene]

How's it going lurkers? Last night was the finale for the Seinen Horror Action Anime, Tokyo Ghoul on Adult Swim's Toonami block. 

If you have ever watched this violent series on Toonami or online, you already know the finale was tragic yet felt confusing and unfinished.

Over the last decade or so of watching 100's of Anime, I have never watched an entire series feeling so confused and cheated. That is UNLESS, you want to count Michiko & Hatchin. That was another Seinen Action Anime that extremely cheated its viewers. However, it is MUCH more complicated with Tokyo Ghoul.

Judging by the looks of it, I have the impression that Japan is probably undecided about granting this Seinen Horror Action Anime another season. I say this because Tokyo Ghoul was not given a full season.

In 2007, I watched the online show Anime TV. English dub voice actor, Johnny Yong Bosch hosted it. 

Someone sent a letter to him on Anime TV, asking why some shows have shorter seasons than others. 

Johnny explained that Japanese TV networks must approve of the series getting more episodes, if the networks seem unsure about the its performance. 

Most Anime will be granted the standard 24-26 episodes, which is the equivalent of 1 full season. Anime with only 12-13 episodes, on the other hand, are only 1/2 season shows.

Looking at Tokyo Ghoul's episode list, this Seinen Horror Action Anime is divided into 2 small seasons. There is Tokyo Ghoul, and then there is Tokyo Ghoul √A. Both have 12 episodes each.

I suspect that Japan is trying to decide, if Tokyo Ghoul SHOULD be granted a small 3rd season. I really hope they do because the ending was confusing and left unfinished. 

So far, I have read summaries about Tokyo Ghoul's characters. The franchise seems to be popular in Japan, considering that it has 1 live action movie, 1 video game, 3 light novels, 2 OVA's, an Anime, and a Manga. Therefore, I, as well as OTHERS are really confused by the season finale for Tokyo Ghoul √A.

Too bad Toonami does not believe in airing OVA's for Anime. Some OVA's actually tie up loose ends to a series. I meant to watch the finale and its 2 OVA's last week, but I was preoccupied offline. 

Some of us are still hoping that maybe SOMEDAY  Toonami will premiere the OVA's for Black Lagoon. Chances are highly unlikely but you never know.

I really would've liked to have seen more of the other ghouls. The ghouls that helped run the Anteiku Coffee Shop (Enji Koma and Kaya Irimi) should've been given more of a story. Also, I would've loved to have seen more of Uta, since he is the mask maker and Shuu Tsukiyama.

As far as the OVA's go, Tokyo Ghoul: JACK is OVA 1 and a prequel. This OVA has nothing to do with the protagonist, Ken Kaneki. It mostly focuses on Kishou Arima. Meanwhile...

Tokyo Ghoul: PINTO is another Tokyo Ghoul prequel, which is specifically dedicated to Shuu Tsukiyama. I can ONLY imagine how crazy that OVA is because Tsukiyama is a very loud, pretentious, and flamboyant character.

Don't you just love how those 2 OVA's have nothing to do with the protagonist? Then again, I guess it doesn't really matter that much since both are prequels. I really DO hope the Tokyo Ghoul franchise releases a short 3rd season.

Leaving we, the viewers with such a tragic YET confusing cliffhanger only leaves us feeling angry, cheated, and like we wasted our entire time watching Tokyo Ghoul from the start to ending with an incomplete WTF?! finale. I will have to explain more in detail about Tokyo Ghoul's characters in another blog.

Since I mentioned that loud, pretentious, and flamboyant villain with an extreme obsession for Ken Kaneki, I'll leave you with that disturbing handkerchief scene with Tsukiyama and Kaneki for today's Cartoon Sunday.

Tokyo Ghoul: "A Rare Treat" [Handkerchief Scene] (2014)