RJ Writing Ink

Edens Zero Chapter 65 Review/Recap

While everyone else has been fighting for their lives, Homura’s left in a state of shock over Valkyrie’s death. We know that she can’t afford to sit around and do nothing, though. If she wants to truly honor Valkyrie, then Homura must stand up and fight her wicked mother.

Recap

As the sounds of battle get closer, Homura realizes the rebellion has already begun. Remembering Rebecca and Shiki’s encouragement, Homura realizes that she has to fight for her master’s memory. As soon as she tries to stand, though, it’s revealed that Garret‘s whip filled her body with paralyzing toxins. She’s left at the sadistic man’s mercy.

The man then makes a huge mistake, though, by mocking Valkyrie and then defiling her remains. Her berserk button pressed, Homura unleashes her Ether Gear, only for it to fail. However, in a move out of Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure, it’s revealed that was a distraction so she could get her master’s sword. Launching it high into the air, it then brings judgement on the monster, impaling him to the ground. Rebecca and Weisz arrive soon after, and Homura vows to keep moving forward for the sake of her friends.

Review

While seeing heroes beat their enemies in a straight up battle of brawn is fun, it’s not that realistic. Oftentimes, it will be brains in conjunction with brawn that wins. In other words, being clever can help a hero win.

I was suitably impressed by how Homura used her powers to win despite her disadvantage. After seeing the man defile Valkyrie, watching him get his comeuppance was satisfying. I don’t know if he’s dead yet, but for now, he’s out of the game.

This chapter provided Homura with some much needed character development. Having accepted the loss of her master/mother-figure, Homura has found a new family in the Edens Zero. If they’re to win against Kurenai and Drakken Joe, they’ll all need to work as one. The fight will be tough, but I know that’s going to be worth seeing in the end.

I Give “The Swordswoman Can’t Move” a 4/5

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Jay’s Month of Scares, Day 17- Disney’s Sleepy Hollow

After recalling the tale of the Hopping Hessian from the Rocko Halloween special, I knew what I wanted to watch tonight. I have seen many ghostly stories and ghoulish tales in our culture. Out of all of them, though, I think that my favorite has to be The Legend of Sleepy Hollow.

First published by Washington Irving back in 1820, Sleepy Hollow‘s one of the most enduring stories in American fiction. Over the years, Irving’s famous story has been adapted and reimagined into many different iteration. There’s that Sleepy Hollow show a few years ago, a Johnny Depp movie, and cameos and references in all manner of shows and books. However, of all the adaptations, my personal favorite has to be the Disney cartoon. Coincidentally, the special turned 70 earlier this month.

Disney’s Sleepy Hollow Balances Scares with Silliness

I’m well aware that Disney’s version of Sleepy Hollow is far more light-hearted than the original story. Above all, it is Disney that’s making this. Most of the segment relies on the humor that Disney garnered a reputation for. It’s silly and relies on visual gags and sound effects, but nonetheless, it has that Disney charm.

However, all that largely changes in the final part of the story as a result of Brom Bones’ song. While watching Ichabod freak out was funny, it consequentially leaves viewers on edge as Ichabod makes his way home. By the time the Horseman actually appears, most of the humor is gone. Even the antics of Ichabod during the chase do little to lighten the mood.

American Gothic At Work

I took a college course on American gothic storytelling, and I remember a few things about it. Among the major themes found is the sense of isolation and fear of the other, the unknown. Disney’s Sleepy Hollow did an impressive job of matching this. From the time Ichabod rides into the Hollow, the setting serves to remind us of how utterly alone he is. Even the narrator stops talking, and aside from repeating a line from Brom’s story, there is no dialogue. As a result, everything’s conveyed through sound effects, music, and Ichabod’s screams.

I thought that this is masterful storytelling. As a result of the lack of talking, the tension continues to build as Ichabod begins seeing danger all around him. Therefore, it keeps the viewers constantly on edge, before letting that culminate with the appearance of the Horseman to create sheer terror. The entire sequence is legitimately scary, and I can see how it would scare most kids. Even the more realistic way the Horseman’s and his steed are drawn is unsettling. They had to keep Sleepy Hollow appropriate for the kids. If I saw this as a kid, I’d probably be too scared to watch. That’s awesome!

One of the Best Sleepy Hollow Adaptations

It may not be apparent, but I’m a little obsessed with The Legend of Sleepy Hollow. It’s one of my favorite Halloween stories. Remember how I said I made a text-based game for St. Patrick’s day? The original purpose was what can essentially be called fan fiction. I wanted to do a story involving the Headless Horseman, only instead of horses, we’re riding Harleys.

My point is that while there may be scarier adaptations of Sleepy Hollow out there, my favorite remains the 1949 Disney Cartoon. It brings the humor of Disney with the gothic storytelling of the story. Plus, it’s got a really catchy song.

Happy Halloween!

Click here to see the FANDOM Article I did for Halloween last year.

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