RJ Writing Ink

For today’s part of the 30-Day Marvel Challenge, I have to choose my favorite weapon. Since I spent a lot of my time in high school reading encyclopedias about Marvel, I know a lot of great weapons. I even know of one that can erase anything from existence but can also destroy the user.

Of all the weapons in the Marvel Omniverse, though, there’s only one that I could call my favorite.

Captain America’s Shield

This simple, discus shield is one of the most iconic weapons in the history of Marvel, and one of the oldest, to boot. Introduced back in Cap’s second appearance, this shield may not look like much, but it packs quite a wallop. It is, in fact, one of the most durable artifacts in the entire universe.

The reason behind its nigh-indestructible nature lies in the secret of its creation. Something so secret, not even the man who made it knows it. While trying to create Cap’s weapon, a doctor fell ended up falling asleep on the job. While he did, the vibranium metal he was using bonded with an unknown substance. Thus, Cap’s shield was born.

Unbreakable Shield

Thanks to the vibration its made from, the shield can absorb kinetic energy like a sponge. This makes it sturdy enough to withstand blows from weapons like Mjolnir or even a punch from the Hulk. Since vibranium can redirect any energy it absorbs, the shield can make for a powerful weapon. It can rebound off any surface without losing momentum, and it’s a third the weight of steel. The only things that have damaged the item have been altering its molecular structure or reality altering weapons. It’s the ultimate weapon for Marvel’s ultimate soldier.

Why is it my favorite weapon, though? Simple: it looks cool, it is cool, and I think it could take a nuke and survive without a scratch

Sword Art Online: Alicization, Episode 18 Review/Recap

We’ve seen how far the so-called “Pontifex” Quinella is willing to go to maintain her power. She created the Taboo Index to shackle the humans of Underworld to her oppressive rules. It’s only in this episode of SAO: Alicization that we see the depths of her wickedness. At this point, she’s number two on my list of most hated women in anime. Guess who’s number one.

LINK START!

Recap

The episode opens back with Kirito and Alice on the ledge, where Kirito tells Alice the truth. The truth that Quinella lied to the Integrity Knights about summoning them from heaven. That she wiped their memories and stole their identities. Above all, that she doesn’t care about the humans of Underworld; only herself.

Once Alice hears everything, it doesn’t take long for her to realize he’s telling the truth. She already knows from Bercouli that there aren’t enough Integrity Knights to stop the Dark Territory from invading. Yet Quinella won’t do anything, and refuses to arm and train the people. She just lets scumbag nobles get away with whatever they want.

Now convinced of the Axiom Church’s corruption and that her memories are a lie, Alice agrees to help Kirito and Eugeo. When she tries to renounce the Axiom Church, the Taboo Index kicks in and tries to stop her. Through sheer force of will, though, Alice breaks free, even though it costs her her eye.

At the top of the Cathedral, Eugeo awakens in Quinella’s bedroom, with a voice telling him to run. Before he can, Quinella awakens, and its too late. The immortal Pontifex draws Eugeo in with her sweet words and comforting promises. As the episode ends, she uses Eugeo to give her access to his fluctlight,and then she begins her work.

Review

First, I want to give credit where credit is due, and Alice deserves credit. I don’t know why, but I love seeing people rebel against tyrannical regimes. One of my biggest buttons is the notion of a group robbing people of free will; it angers me so much! So I liked seeing Alice say what is, for all intents and purposes, “there are no strings on me”.

I was going to say something else, but then I thought that verse was better.

As for Quinella, my loathing of her has only grown. Seeing her use both her words and beauty to ensare Eugeo in a honeypot of lies made me so mad, not just at her, but at myself. Quinella’s VA did a great job with her lines, knowing how to say them in a way that calms the heart. Even I was almost taken in by what she said.

What I hated, though, was all that “love” nonsense that she was spewing. We know that that’s not love, but she tried to use a memory Eugeo had of Kirito and Alice hanging out together to manipulate him. Even if that actually happened, I doubt that’s the whole story. Plus, using jealousy over the fact that Alice may have liked Kirito seems like a lame tactic. Especially since none of them should remember that yet.

In short, I got super happy to see Alice tell Quinella to stick it, and super mad that Quinella seduced Eugeo so fast. It was a good episode, though, and that’s saying something since a lot of the episodes this season have been hit or miss. Only five left before the first half is over, but I already know what’s gonna happen. Let’s hope its worth watching, though.
Especially since none of them should remember that yet.

In short, I got super happy to see Alice tell Quinella to stick it, and super mad that Quinella seduced Eugeo so fast. It was a good episode, though, and that’s saying something since a lot of the episodes this season have been hit or miss. Only five left before the first half is over, but I already know what’s gonna happen. Let’s hope its worth watching, though.

I Give “Legendary Hero” A 3.5/5

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Edens Zero Chapter 48 Review/Recap

Well, this has to be the shortest tournament arc I have ever seen in a manga. It was also the most one-sided since the team plowed through Xiaomei’s champions. Now, it’s time for them to get their prize: Valkyrie’s location! The new chapter of Edens Zero is out!

Recap

After beating up the Valkyrie replica, it turns into an ordinary training robot. As it turns out, the 4 Starshines of the Demon King are too unique. Xiaomei used her knowledge to program the robot to resemble her. Having been entertained, though, she fulfills her part of the bargain.

Valkyrie’s located on the Planet of Jewels, the Sun Jewel. Having gotten what they needed, the crew of Edens Zero heads out. Before that, though, Xiaomei gives Shiki one last piece of advice: Mother is real. She received her powers from Mother herself, but in exchange, she no longer knows where she is. She is the most powerful sorceress in the universe, able to grant any wish.

On the Edens Zero, Hermit reveals that Sun Jewel’s a planet rich in metals, but has a massive divide between the rich and poor. It also happens to be far away, so they get moving as fast as possible.

Meanwhile, Xiaomei goes back to being the narrator and reveals that something is waiting for Shiki and his friends there.

Review

Man, that whole tournament was a letdown. The Fortuneteller Baba arc back in the early Dragon Ball manga was more exciting than this, and it had the same premise. Still, I guess I can’t complain when we see the results. Or that no one in Mashima’s stories is immune to silly moments.
I know Mother is an all-powerful goddess, but I can’t help but feel like the whole “wish fulfillment” thing seems like One Piece. Think about it: they’re all going after Mother in search of their dreams.

As long as Mashima keeps making this manga funny, though, I don’t think I will have any significant reason to complain. So the next chapter will either show them journey to Sun Jewel, or we see them get there. From the sounds of it, though, they are in for some big trouble. Maybe we’ll finally see Shiki sweat a little bit because his fights have been too easy.

I give “The Star of Forevemore” a 2/5.

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