George J. Horvath
@landofobscusion.bsky.social
Writes about obscure & forgotten anime/manga/games/media at The Land of Obscusion over on Blogspot. Hopeless fan of all things Masami Kurumada. Published (once) on ANN. Living contradiction. He/him... Who again?
https://landofobscusion.blogspot.com/
https://landofobscusion.blogspot.com/
Decided to spend my Black Friday visiting some (not really all that) local retro game stores, and I came out of it with some neat finds.
The Vectrex slipcover was especially cool, & after seeing @seanseanson.bsky.social's video on it from a bit back I couldn't say no to grabbing The Snowman for PS1
The Vectrex slipcover was especially cool, & after seeing @seanseanson.bsky.social's video on it from a bit back I couldn't say no to grabbing The Snowman for PS1
November 28, 2025 at 8:24 PM
Decided to spend my Black Friday visiting some (not really all that) local retro game stores, and I came out of it with some neat finds.
The Vectrex slipcover was especially cool, & after seeing @seanseanson.bsky.social's video on it from a bit back I couldn't say no to grabbing The Snowman for PS1
The Vectrex slipcover was especially cool, & after seeing @seanseanson.bsky.social's video on it from a bit back I couldn't say no to grabbing The Snowman for PS1
if you see this, post an anime you love
(Of course there are no gifs for Hareluya II BØY, so here's a VHS cover)
(Of course there are no gifs for Hareluya II BØY, so here's a VHS cover)
November 27, 2025 at 2:55 AM
if you see this, post an anime you love
(Of course there are no gifs for Hareluya II BØY, so here's a VHS cover)
(Of course there are no gifs for Hareluya II BØY, so here's a VHS cover)
The Hareluya II BØY Super (Secret) Video was a random VHS tape I came across long ago on Rakuten's website (back when it was solely a place to order stuff from Japan), & I've literally never seen it anywhere else. The only other "Super (Secret) Video" that I know of is for Ninku.
Also, Hareruya...
Also, Hareruya...
November 27, 2025 at 2:48 AM
The Hareluya II BØY Super (Secret) Video was a random VHS tape I came across long ago on Rakuten's website (back when it was solely a place to order stuff from Japan), & I've literally never seen it anywhere else. The only other "Super (Secret) Video" that I know of is for Ninku.
Also, Hareruya...
Also, Hareruya...
Working on the Hareluya II BØY panel I'm planning on doing for @thecasacon.bsky.social in two weeks, and I figured I'd share this bit here, since it won't be in the panel itself.
It's a BØY-themed 30-second commercial for Weekly Shonen Jump from the Super (Secret) Video that pre-dates(?) the anime.
It's a BØY-themed 30-second commercial for Weekly Shonen Jump from the Super (Secret) Video that pre-dates(?) the anime.
November 27, 2025 at 2:45 AM
Working on the Hareluya II BØY panel I'm planning on doing for @thecasacon.bsky.social in two weeks, and I figured I'd share this bit here, since it won't be in the panel itself.
It's a BØY-themed 30-second commercial for Weekly Shonen Jump from the Super (Secret) Video that pre-dates(?) the anime.
It's a BØY-themed 30-second commercial for Weekly Shonen Jump from the Super (Secret) Video that pre-dates(?) the anime.
I'm sure this was Chris' actual response to John asking him "Do they really care about seeing that stuff in such clarity?"
November 24, 2025 at 6:59 PM
I'm sure this was Chris' actual response to John asking him "Do they really care about seeing that stuff in such clarity?"
I noticed that Marvel & Scholastic put out an original Spider-Man manga recently, Shadow Warrior, so I gave it a go.
I highly doubt that this is canon to the current comics, but it's a neat Bakumatsu-styled take, with a new symbiote hero via Orochi & some cool new versions of Scorpion & Hobgoblin.
I highly doubt that this is canon to the current comics, but it's a neat Bakumatsu-styled take, with a new symbiote hero via Orochi & some cool new versions of Scorpion & Hobgoblin.
November 24, 2025 at 6:34 PM
I noticed that Marvel & Scholastic put out an original Spider-Man manga recently, Shadow Warrior, so I gave it a go.
I highly doubt that this is canon to the current comics, but it's a neat Bakumatsu-styled take, with a new symbiote hero via Orochi & some cool new versions of Scorpion & Hobgoblin.
I highly doubt that this is canon to the current comics, but it's a neat Bakumatsu-styled take, with a new symbiote hero via Orochi & some cool new versions of Scorpion & Hobgoblin.
Unfortunately, while the building itself is still there, it hasn't been a White Castle for a LOOOOOOOOONG time.
I'd say that Harold & Kumar would disapprove... but that place didn't have what they were looking for, so they're probably glad it's since shut down.
I'd say that Harold & Kumar would disapprove... but that place didn't have what they were looking for, so they're probably glad it's since shut down.
November 24, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Unfortunately, while the building itself is still there, it hasn't been a White Castle for a LOOOOOOOOONG time.
I'd say that Harold & Kumar would disapprove... but that place didn't have what they were looking for, so they're probably glad it's since shut down.
I'd say that Harold & Kumar would disapprove... but that place didn't have what they were looking for, so they're probably glad it's since shut down.
a movie that takes place where you're from
I literally lived just a few blocks from the location of the very White Castle that Harold & Kumar first tried going to when I was a baby.
I literally lived just a few blocks from the location of the very White Castle that Harold & Kumar first tried going to when I was a baby.
November 24, 2025 at 3:33 PM
a movie that takes place where you're from
I literally lived just a few blocks from the location of the very White Castle that Harold & Kumar first tried going to when I was a baby.
I literally lived just a few blocks from the location of the very White Castle that Harold & Kumar first tried going to when I was a baby.
Naw, there was one.
X for the PS1 is literally just a Psychic Force game, right down to Taito developing it for Bandai.
X for the PS1 is literally just a Psychic Force game, right down to Taito developing it for Bandai.
November 22, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Naw, there was one.
X for the PS1 is literally just a Psychic Force game, right down to Taito developing it for Bandai.
X for the PS1 is literally just a Psychic Force game, right down to Taito developing it for Bandai.
Finally, after Kokoro Library, the OG modern-day late-night anime time slot would end by entering 2002 with Aquarian Age: Sign for Evolution, which was based on Broccoli's trading card game Aquarian Age
OK, maybe this beats out Hyper Police in how forgotten it is, despite getting an English release
OK, maybe this beats out Hyper Police in how forgotten it is, despite getting an English release
November 21, 2025 at 8:56 PM
Finally, after Kokoro Library, the OG modern-day late-night anime time slot would end by entering 2002 with Aquarian Age: Sign for Evolution, which was based on Broccoli's trading card game Aquarian Age
OK, maybe this beats out Hyper Police in how forgotten it is, despite getting an English release
OK, maybe this beats out Hyper Police in how forgotten it is, despite getting an English release
After Noir came what remains the sole anime from the OG modern-day late-night time slot to still never receive an official English release, Kokoro Library.
Based on the manga by Nobuyuki Takagi & Yosuke Kuroda, this is an early example of a "moe anime", as well as an iyashikei/healing anime.
Based on the manga by Nobuyuki Takagi & Yosuke Kuroda, this is an early example of a "moe anime", as well as an iyashikei/healing anime.
November 21, 2025 at 8:55 PM
After Noir came what remains the sole anime from the OG modern-day late-night time slot to still never receive an official English release, Kokoro Library.
Based on the manga by Nobuyuki Takagi & Yosuke Kuroda, this is an early example of a "moe anime", as well as an iyashikei/healing anime.
Based on the manga by Nobuyuki Takagi & Yosuke Kuroda, this is an early example of a "moe anime", as well as an iyashikei/healing anime.
Once Argento Soma ended the time slot got Noir, the first entry in what would later be called Kocihi Mashimo's "Girls with Guns Trilogy", following Madlax & El Cazador be la Bruja.
This one is arguably up there with Outlaw Star & Excel Saga in notoriety, but probably more of a cult classic nowadays
This one is arguably up there with Outlaw Star & Excel Saga in notoriety, but probably more of a cult classic nowadays
November 21, 2025 at 8:53 PM
Once Argento Soma ended the time slot got Noir, the first entry in what would later be called Kocihi Mashimo's "Girls with Guns Trilogy", following Madlax & El Cazador be la Bruja.
This one is arguably up there with Outlaw Star & Excel Saga in notoriety, but probably more of a cult classic nowadays
This one is arguably up there with Outlaw Star & Excel Saga in notoriety, but probably more of a cult classic nowadays
After Excel Saga the time slot was once again used for a non-anime show, Sports Beat, before returning to anime in late 2000 with Argento Soma, which ran into early 2001.
From what I've seen, this is best described as "The Count of Monte Cristo By Way of Frankenstein... Plus It's a Mech Anime".
From what I've seen, this is best described as "The Count of Monte Cristo By Way of Frankenstein... Plus It's a Mech Anime".
November 21, 2025 at 8:49 PM
After Excel Saga the time slot was once again used for a non-anime show, Sports Beat, before returning to anime in late 2000 with Argento Soma, which ran into early 2001.
From what I've seen, this is best described as "The Count of Monte Cristo By Way of Frankenstein... Plus It's a Mech Anime".
From what I've seen, this is best described as "The Count of Monte Cristo By Way of Frankenstein... Plus It's a Mech Anime".
After Betterman came what's probably the other true "classic" from the time slot, which was Excel Saga, based on the insane manga by Koshi Rikudo.
This show would run into the early part of 2000 & proclaimed itself an "Incompetent Experimental Animation", truly befitting the sheer insanity it was.
This show would run into the early part of 2000 & proclaimed itself an "Incompetent Experimental Animation", truly befitting the sheer insanity it was.
November 21, 2025 at 8:47 PM
After Betterman came what's probably the other true "classic" from the time slot, which was Excel Saga, based on the insane manga by Koshi Rikudo.
This show would run into the early part of 2000 & proclaimed itself an "Incompetent Experimental Animation", truly befitting the sheer insanity it was.
This show would run into the early part of 2000 & proclaimed itself an "Incompetent Experimental Animation", truly befitting the sheer insanity it was.
After Shadow Skill the time slot would start 1999 by being temporarily replaing anime with a show called Face4/4, but after that show came Betterman. This was a spin-off of beloved Brave Series mech anime GaoGaiGar, only this was much moodier, darker, & horror-themed.
Sorry, no Pearl Jam reference.
Sorry, no Pearl Jam reference.
November 21, 2025 at 8:44 PM
After Shadow Skill the time slot would start 1999 by being temporarily replaing anime with a show called Face4/4, but after that show came Betterman. This was a spin-off of beloved Brave Series mech anime GaoGaiGar, only this was much moodier, darker, & horror-themed.
Sorry, no Pearl Jam reference.
Sorry, no Pearl Jam reference.
Replacing Outlaw Star for the 2nd half of 1998 was Shadow Skill, based on the action manga by Megumu Okada (that was technically coming a temporary end by this point) that had previously seen 4 OVAs made
Anyone who calls it Shadow Skill -Eigi- is being redundant, as "影技" is literally "Shadow Skill"
Anyone who calls it Shadow Skill -Eigi- is being redundant, as "影技" is literally "Shadow Skill"
November 21, 2025 at 8:40 PM
Replacing Outlaw Star for the 2nd half of 1998 was Shadow Skill, based on the action manga by Megumu Okada (that was technically coming a temporary end by this point) that had previously seen 4 OVAs made
Anyone who calls it Shadow Skill -Eigi- is being redundant, as "影技" is literally "Shadow Skill"
Anyone who calls it Shadow Skill -Eigi- is being redundant, as "影技" is literally "Shadow Skill"
The time slot's 1998 would start with the first "true" classic, Outlaw Star. Taking place in the same world as Takehiko Ito's SF manga Future-Retro Hero Story, & technically based on a manga Ito debuted in 1996, the anime has vastly overshadowed its fellow "Towards Star Worlds" titles.
November 21, 2025 at 8:37 PM
The time slot's 1998 would start with the first "true" classic, Outlaw Star. Taking place in the same world as Takehiko Ito's SF manga Future-Retro Hero Story, & technically based on a manga Ito debuted in 1996, the anime has vastly overshadowed its fellow "Towards Star Worlds" titles.
Following Hyper Police (the first 2-cour series to air in the slot) came Virus Buster Serge, the first TV anime directed by the legendary Masami Obari. It's technically based on an adventure game for the Sega Saturn but is really more an Obari-original
Did you even know this was a power suit anime?
Did you even know this was a power suit anime?
November 21, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Following Hyper Police (the first 2-cour series to air in the slot) came Virus Buster Serge, the first TV anime directed by the legendary Masami Obari. It's technically based on an adventure game for the Sega Saturn but is really more an Obari-original
Did you even know this was a power suit anime?
Did you even know this was a power suit anime?
Replacing Eat-Man would then be Hyper Police, based on the manga by Minoru Tachikawa humanoid animals who work as part of a private police company.
It's probably the most forgotten anime in the entire block today, despite it being given a complete English release on DVD by Image Entertainment.
It's probably the most forgotten anime in the entire block today, despite it being given a complete English release on DVD by Image Entertainment.
November 21, 2025 at 8:32 PM
Replacing Eat-Man would then be Hyper Police, based on the manga by Minoru Tachikawa humanoid animals who work as part of a private police company.
It's probably the most forgotten anime in the entire block today, despite it being given a complete English release on DVD by Image Entertainment.
It's probably the most forgotten anime in the entire block today, despite it being given a complete English release on DVD by Image Entertainment.
1997 began after TWHE ended, & replacing it was the first Eat-Man anime. It's based on the manga by Akihito Yoshitomi, but in reality it's a wholly unique series that simply uses the general concept, i.e. metal-munching mercenary Bolt Crank taking on various jobs.
A very opaque but interesting show
A very opaque but interesting show
November 21, 2025 at 8:27 PM
1997 began after TWHE ended, & replacing it was the first Eat-Man anime. It's based on the manga by Akihito Yoshitomi, but in reality it's a wholly unique series that simply uses the general concept, i.e. metal-munching mercenary Bolt Crank taking on various jobs.
A very opaque but interesting show
A very opaque but interesting show
It all began on "Thursday", October 3, 1996 @ 25:15 (i.e. Friday at 1:15 am) with Those Who Hunt Elves, based on the Yu Yagami manga.
Essentially a parody of isekai where our leads need to strip elf women in order to find magic shards that can send them back home to Earth. Also, they have a tank.
Essentially a parody of isekai where our leads need to strip elf women in order to find magic shards that can send them back home to Earth. Also, they have a tank.
November 21, 2025 at 8:27 PM
It all began on "Thursday", October 3, 1996 @ 25:15 (i.e. Friday at 1:15 am) with Those Who Hunt Elves, based on the Yu Yagami manga.
Essentially a parody of isekai where our leads need to strip elf women in order to find magic shards that can send them back home to Earth. Also, they have a tank.
Essentially a parody of isekai where our leads need to strip elf women in order to find magic shards that can send them back home to Earth. Also, they have a tank.
Since I read Princess Knight earlier this year, & I was able to get it via a B1G1 50% sale via BN.com, I decided to read the next-gen sequel, The Twin Knights.
Not quite as strong as the OG, but overall still a fun time in that old-school Tezuka way. Not essential reading, but a good slice of shojo
Not quite as strong as the OG, but overall still a fun time in that old-school Tezuka way. Not essential reading, but a good slice of shojo
November 21, 2025 at 6:47 PM
Since I read Princess Knight earlier this year, & I was able to get it via a B1G1 50% sale via BN.com, I decided to read the next-gen sequel, The Twin Knights.
Not quite as strong as the OG, but overall still a fun time in that old-school Tezuka way. Not essential reading, but a good slice of shojo
Not quite as strong as the OG, but overall still a fun time in that old-school Tezuka way. Not essential reading, but a good slice of shojo
Three more episodes of Galactic Patrol Lensman down, only two to go. This means I've now watched Episode 23, i.e. the one that @kinekovideo.bsky.social (somehow) managed to get a literal 16mm film reel & do an HD scan of!
It's amazing to see how clean the show can look, compared to other sources
It's amazing to see how clean the show can look, compared to other sources
November 20, 2025 at 1:51 AM
Three more episodes of Galactic Patrol Lensman down, only two to go. This means I've now watched Episode 23, i.e. the one that @kinekovideo.bsky.social (somehow) managed to get a literal 16mm film reel & do an HD scan of!
It's amazing to see how clean the show can look, compared to other sources
It's amazing to see how clean the show can look, compared to other sources
Meanwhile, Kaiji Kawaguchi was absolutely on his best with the artwork, and his face game when it came to Asai was truly on point.
Definitely go into this knowing as little as possible in advance, because this is a great manga.
Definitely go into this knowing as little as possible in advance, because this is a great manga.
November 19, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Meanwhile, Kaiji Kawaguchi was absolutely on his best with the artwork, and his face game when it came to Asai was truly on point.
Definitely go into this knowing as little as possible in advance, because this is a great manga.
Definitely go into this knowing as little as possible in advance, because this is a great manga.
Confession by Nobuyuki Fukumoto & Kaiji Kawaguchi was a manga that I had wanted to read for a loooooong time, more or less once I realized how good Fukumoto was when I first watched the Akagi anime, but always put it off.
Thankfully, Kodansha USA/Vertical finally gave it an official English release
Thankfully, Kodansha USA/Vertical finally gave it an official English release
November 19, 2025 at 7:59 PM
Confession by Nobuyuki Fukumoto & Kaiji Kawaguchi was a manga that I had wanted to read for a loooooong time, more or less once I realized how good Fukumoto was when I first watched the Akagi anime, but always put it off.
Thankfully, Kodansha USA/Vertical finally gave it an official English release
Thankfully, Kodansha USA/Vertical finally gave it an official English release