August 25, 2003

The Return by Chris 11:18 A.M. EST
Well, as you can see, the regular MAHQ is back. I'd like to take the opportunity to thank everyone who's sent in any comments and shown their support. Thank you. It means a lot to me. It'll be awhile before I get back into the usual scheme of normal updating because right now I don't really feel like doing anything. However, in the meantime, I have two requests for two different things. They are:

-First, if you were a friend of Sam's or knew him, I'm putting together a permanent tribute page. If you have any thoughts or last messages you'd like to get out, please send them to me.
-Second, if you have any chat logs from #mahq or instant messenger with Sam, I'm collecting them together for his girlfriend Jessica. This to me is very important, and if you can help me, I'd really appreciate it.

Again, to everyone out there, thanks for your support.

August 23, 2003

In Memory of a Friend by Chris 2:29 A.M. EST
This is without a doubt the most difficult update I've ever had to write, and one that I never would desire to. I learned awhile ago via Minovsky-Ionesco on the GML that Sam 'exZERO' Baker died on August 16th in an accident while on vacation. Many of you may recognize his name from various forums, the GML, #mahq, or as a frequent contributor of lineart to this site. To me, Sam was more than just another Gundam fan or a guy who laboriously scanned issues of Hobby Japan to bring me lineart scans. Most importantly, Sam was my friend, and I'm going to really miss him. We had a lot in common and sometimes talked for hours at a time via instant messenger. I never had a chance to meet Sam, though I had always planned on it.

Unfortunately, I won't have the chance to do that now. However, I will cherish the friendship we had during the time that he was here. It seems such a waste that someone who's only 21 is already gone, but I'm pretty sure that Sam lived his life to the fullest and had no regrets about anything he did. Whether we were talking Gundam, cosplay, Haro, or his latest conspiracy theory on The Matrix, there was never any lack of things to discuss with Sam. If you're reading this and didn't know Sam, this link has some information on him and a guestbook if you wish to post a message. My thanks go out to Neo-Era for finding that story and helping shed some light on this tragic event.

To Sam's family, his girlfriend Jessica, and all his friends, all I can say is that I'm truly and deeply sorry about all this. I don't know if words can be of any comfort, but it's all I have to give.

The normal MAHQ will return soon. Right now I can't even look at it without having bring up a lot of memories. MAHQ will go on without Sam, though it will never be the same without his friendship and his contributions.

And now, one last message for Sam:

I'm so sorry it all had to end like this. Next time I go to a con, I'll be Domon Kasshu for you and I'll even try and bring a Haro with me. And if you're in that big Matrix now, know this: you ARE Neo. Goodbye, my friend.

August 21, 2003

Post-war Conflict by Chris 6:08 P.M. EST
For today's update, I've got re-written reviews (with new screenshots) for episodes 29-32 of Macross. I should be wrapping this series up soon.

August 17, 2003

Clearing the Confusion by Chris 12:03 A.M. EST
There's been some confusion lately as to the episode count for Gundam SEED. However, it is now confirmed to be 50 episodes. The 52 episode count previously came from an old Yahoo story which mentioned 52 weeks. After episode 26, there was a one week break, and now after episode 45 there is another week break, which accounts for 52 weeks. Also, on October 4, SEED's timeslot will be taken over by the new series Full Metal Alchemist, which by the way is not related to Full Metal Panic. Therefore, episode 50 of SEED, the series finale, will air on September 27.

August 15, 2003

When Editorials Attack by Chris 11:58 P.M. EST
Though I don't write them too often, I occassionally crank out an editorial when I feel the need. This time, it's a little piece called 'Letting Go of Fansubs'.

August 13, 2003

Second Serving by Chris 1:23 P.M. EST
Today I've got a few items for the update. First, there's reviews (with screenshots) for episodes 42-44 of Gundam SEED, which means that for the first time in a very long time I'm completely caught up with the Japanese broadcast. There's been some speculation over the last few days as to whether the series will run 50 or 52 episodes. It was reported here almost a year ago that it would run 52 episodes based on an article from Yahoo! Singapore. However, a Japanese TV schedule site lists it as being 50 now. Until I find out more, I will presume that it's still 52. Also, in the Features section there's a handy new page of Review Averages. I've been wanting to do this for years, because now you can see how a series rates as a whole based on averages of all the individual episode ratings.

August 12, 2003

A Serving of SEED by Chris 5:24 P.M. EST
For today's update, I've got reviews (with screenshots) for episodes 39-41 of Gundam SEED. Also, I have to note a minor correction to the news posted Saturday regarding Gundam SEED and fansubbing. While the show is indeed licensed, the item about Gundam SEED 2 and fansubbing was mistated by the person reporting it. As has been confirmed by other sources, Jerry Chu warned against fansubs in general and asked for fansubbers to stop distributing Gundam SEED and other shows like Wolf's Rain. As for SEED 2, he is reported to have said 'no comment'. I apologize for any misperceptions that might have arisen as a result of this incorrect information.

August 9, 2003

Gundam SEED Licensed by Chris 1:15 P.M. EST
According to sources who are currently at Bandai's panel at Otakon, Jerry Chu has announced that Gundam SEED has been licensed for release in the United States. This isn't exactly a surprise, with rumors of dubbing and TM Revolution also appearing at Otakon. Also, Jerry is apparently warning fansubbers to stay away from Gundam SEED 2, since it is considered to be one big license along with the current series. I'll report more as it becomes available. Thanks go out to the guys at #mahq who got this news to me.

August 8, 2003

Another Load of SEED by Chris 1:20 P.M. EST
There's more SEED on the platter today, so check out reviews (with screenshots) for episodes 35-38.

August 7, 2003

A Load of SEED by Chris 1:15 P.M. EST
For today's update, I have a whopping 6 new reviews (with screenshots) for episodes 29-34 of Gundam SEED. Expect more soon. I've also created a preliminary information page for Gundam SEED 2. As I did last year with SEED, all news and updates relating to that series will be posted there.

August 5, 2003

More Stuff by Chris 2:07 P.M. EST
I've got a few things for today's update. First, I have a review (with screenshots) for episode 28 of Gundam SEED. Also, in the SEED mecha section, the profiles for the Strike and Buster Gundams have been slightly updated. The Strike Dagger also has some new weapons lineart courtesy of Jita and Mikedude. There's also new lineart for the rest of Gundam W and Endless Waltz courtesy of Mark064. Finally, there's also new lineart for the BuCUE Tactical Recon Type from SEED-MSV that was scanned by exZERO and cleaned up by Psycho_Al.

August 1, 2003

SEED and More by Chris 9:51 P.M. EST
For today's update, there's a few items. First, there's a review (with screenshots) for episode 27 of Gundam SEED. Also, there's new lineart for many mobile suits from Gundam F91.

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