News Archives: September 2003

September 30, 2003

SEED 2 No More? by Chris 11:00 P.M. EST
Some new information regarding the supposed Gundam SEED 2 was posted to the GML the other day by Neo-Era. Here is the original post:

In another Nikkei article about the Chief Gundam Officer, it's now mentioned that the next Gundam tv series after SD Gundam Force won't be for another 2-3 years. Looks like all bets for exactly what the next tv series will be (including SEED 2) are off. I'm sure new Gundam OVA's and movies aren't ruled out though.

Given this new information, I've decided that it's best to take down the SEED 2 information page for the moment. If its existence is indeed confirmed, it will return.

September 29, 2003

We Interrupt Your Regularly Scheduled MAHQ by Chris 9:45 P.M. EST
Yeah, I'm back again today. This time it's for some clarifications and additional announcements. It's no secret that the 'video game website' I mentioned was GameFaqs. Now, my editorial makes it perfectly clear, but it seems I have to spell things out in plain English: I have no problem with GameFaqs or its administrators. The editorial was directed solely at the users on the "Anime and Manga: Gundam" forum. As expected, there's already been several threads posted there based on my editorial. Also, there's the expected childish remarks with insults such as 'Burke Rukes is better" and "MAHQ is popular only because of Burke." It's quite obvious those remarks were tailor-made for my eyes.

That's funny, because the last word I heard from Burke was that he was happy with the work Dale and I were doing in continuing the Mecha Domain. It's what I've been doing for the last two years...continuing the Mecha Domain, not exploiting it. I put as much effort into MAHQ as some would put into a full time job, so these shallow insults about how horrible my work is really have no effect whatsoever. If my reviews are also vile and repulsive, why do people read them? If your hand gets burned on the stove, don't place it there again. The solution here is simple. No one is compelled to visit MAHQ and read the reviews. MAHQ is not an official resource, and I am not some god of Gundam spouting out dogma about what is and what is not. I'm just a guy who loves Gundam and wants to present as much information as I can to the world about it. If some people believe I'm a heinous villain, they're entitled to that, but they also don't have to keep coming back to the site and complaining over and over about what a heinous villain I am. If MAHQ doesn't float your boat, then stay on the dock and cast off elsewhere. But please, don't waste anyone's time complaining about how much you miss the Mecha Domain or Gundam Project.

I heard from a certain troll on #mahq that some users plan to boycott MAHQ and post spam on the Forums. This is a waste of your time and mine. Sitting in front of your PC registering an account and dealing with all of EZboard's spam simply to get at me is pointless. If people wish to put an end to my villainy, they should make their own Gundam website. I'd like to see if anyone can put in the time, sweat and dedication that's required to keep a website like MAHQ running. That would be an acheivement. However, I don't expect that. All I expect to see is more complaining. I think this puts to words everything I need to say on this subject, and there's no need to go any further. If people wish to provide some constructive criticism instead of just random complaints, I can be contacted anytime.

The End of SEED by Chris 5:40 P.M. EST
Well, it's been a long year following Gundam SEED, but that time is now over with my review (with screenshots) for episode 50. Since the show has now ended, I've updated the review averages page to reflect the new total score for the series. I've also updated Gundam For Dummies, which was a bit out of date.

I'm going to use this space here for some editorializing. Over the course of the last year, I've received loads of hate mail about SEED, and I've also seen many insults and other trash talk on the forum of a certain video game website. Well, now it's my turn to make a public response and take these people to task for what they've said. The comments I've received on my reviews have been wide-ranging, so I'll address some of the most common complaints:

-Your opinions are biased against SEED.
This is the complaint I receive the most, and it's also the most ridiculous. For, you see, ALL opinions by their very nature intrinsically have bias in them. The idea of an 'objective opinion' is something we'd like to believe, but such a thing is an artificial construct that can't really exist because we're all human and we have some kind of bias on every single thing in our lives. Calling me 'biased' against SEED is only identifying a trait present in every single person.

-You hate AU's and are a UC elitist.
This is another great one. If you look at my handy review averages for the Gundam TV series, Turn A and X are both in the top 5 for that category. Well, how can I be a UC elitist if two AU series are in my top 5 of Gundam TV series? Also, I've leveled the harshest criticism of all against UC, not AU. I'd point to my rating for G-Saviour, which was 1.5. I'd also reference my ratings for episodes 14-15 of ZZ, which at 0.5 is the lowest rating period on the ENTIRE site. I'll also quote a line from the review of episode 14: "Without a doubt, this episode and the next is the worst Gundam ever put to film, even more so than G-Saviour." Now, unless my memory deceives me, there's no such equivalent comment in ANY review for SEED.

-You're a Tomino elitist.
This is similar to the last one. Again, I point to my review averages. X ends up in my top 5, but ZZ ends up rating very low by comparison. If I were a Tomino elitist, shouldn't I be loving ZZ and F91? Also, Tomino served as a consultant for SEED. In a December 2002 interview with Animerica, he said: "I'm not directly involved in it [Gundam SEED], but I'm going over everything...this time I'm involved, so the young people doing Gundam this time can have my input." If I were a Tomino elitist, I should love SEED simply because he had a connection to it. The fact that I don't proves that it's not all about him.

-It's not fair to compare SEED to MSG.
Why not? It's my job as a reviewer to do such. It's what ANY reviewer would do. When a new Star Wars film comes out, it's always compared to the classic trilogy. Whenever ANY sequel to anything comes out, it's always compared to what came before. That's the simple fact of how it is. Live with it.

-You're always complaining about something.
This is true. I am always complaining about something. But it's not pointless whining; it's a little something called constructive criticism. If I say I don't like something, I have reasons to back it up. If I hated SEED so much I'd just say it sucks, or better yet I wouldn't even review it at all. Also, my motto is 'give credit where credit is due'. I waited for SEED to show signs of improvement, and it did at the halfway mark. Therefore, my reviews reflect that improvement.

That's a taste of what I've been getting this last year. A lot of that came via email, but it also comes from the aforementioned video game forum. I have some comments about these some of these people, and they all know who they are. On this forum, people constantly discuss how 'biased' I am and how horrible my reviews are. Complain, complain, complain. These comments come from people who are unable to do anything other than complain about something and try to bring someone else down. Worse yet, they're all craven cowards because they can't even confront me directly with their complaints. They all just post away on their little forum thinking that I'm not aware of what happens. In essence, these people are the Gundam equivalent of the scum that is the AICN Talkbacker. I doubt even a direct confrontation like this on my part would get any response from them. They'll just start yet another anti-MAHQ thread and bash me some more. All they'll demonstrate is their inability to form an educated opinion or use proper grammar. I'll make this very clear to those who have a problem with my comments: If you can't form an a properly expressed opinion and don't have the courage to confront me with that opinion, then your comments mean nothing to me. There's consequences for what people say, and this long post is the consequence for those who choose to insult me from the shadows. You know who you are, and I hope right now you all feel like small little insects and learn something from this.

Well, that's enough editorializing for now. Since SEED is now over, updates will naturally be slower for awhile. Perhaps now we'll be able to get back to the long-planned MAHQ 2.0.

September 28, 2003

Chat Log by Chris 12:58 A.M. EST
For those of you who might have missed the chat from Friday or want another look, I've completed editing the chat log for easy reading. It can be found here.

September 27, 2003

SEED Mecha by Chris 11:28 A.M. EST
Now that Gundam SEED is over, it's time to wrap up most of the profiles. The following profiles are now available in Burke's Mobile Weapons format:

GAT-01 Strike Dagger
GAT-X105 Strike Rouge
GAT-X370 Raider Gundam
ZGMF-X09A Justice Gundam
ZGMF-X10A Freedom Gundam

The following profiles have also been updated:

GAT-X102 Duel Gundam
GAT-X103 Buster Gundam
TS-MA2 Mobius

There's also new lineart for the Providence Gundam, which has been re-designated as ZGMF-X13A. Thanks go out to tomduo for finding it and Mark064 for cleaning it.

On one final note, because of the recent server move my mail has not been functioning. If you have sent me any email since September 23, I have not received it. It is still not working properly, so please do not send me anything until I say so.

Chat Wrap-up by Chris 1:25 A.M. EST
I'm writing this fresh out of the chat with Deborah Sale Butler. This was the first chat we've had with a special guest, and though it was a little rough at first, it went very well. I'd like to thanks Deborah for taking the time to come out and join us (on her very first chat, no less). I'd also like to thank all the MAHQ staff that took in questions, and of course all the fans who came out for the chat. For those who missed it, a complete log will be posted next week.

September 25, 2003

Back to Normal by Dale 6:18 P.M. EST
All of you probably noticed that the site mysteriously reverted back to a pervious date. This was caused by a server move which has now been completed. Expect an update from Chris soon about our much publicized chat with Deborah Sale Butler (Shute from SD Gundam Force) along with a few other goodies.

September 23, 2003

Death's Door by Chris 11:05 A.M. EST
For today's update, I've got a review (with screenshots) for episode 49 of Gundam SEED. Only one episode remains now until this series ends. Also, in the Astray section there's new pictures for upgrades to Astray units one and three, which were found by RGZ-91 and cleaned up by Mark.

September 22, 2003

Corrections by Chris 11:30 P.M. EST
I have a few minor items in addition to the earlier update. First, Mark Simmons has sent in some corrections for the profiles for the Forbidden and Calamity Gundams in regards to their Trans-Phase armor. Second, I'll take this opportunity to post the rules that will be in effect for Friday's chat. They are as follows:

1. The chat will be moderated, so the average user will be unable to speak in the main channel.
2. To ask a question, send a private message to one of the ops. Ops are people with the @ symbol in front of their names. The ops will filter out the questions for repeats and post them in the channel for Deborah to answer. Do not send your questions to more than one op. If you don't see your question appear, it was either inappropriate or already asked.
3. Do not send private messages to Deborah during the chat. Doing so will result in an instant ban.

These rules are designed to keep things moving smoothly, so please take note of them before attending.

A Few Items by Chris 1:02 P.M. EST
I've got a few mecha profile updates today, but first a message. Many of you have probably by now seen the new Models category that has replaced the Gallery. You're probably wondering, 'what is it?'. Well, while it's not ready quite yet, I will explain its purpose. Basically, our models section will contain reviews of models and toys done in the tradition of the former Newtype Asylum. Several reviewers from that site have come aboard here and will be reviewing a wide variety of kits and toys. Our first slate of reviews will be in-house, but we are setting up guidelines for review submissions. Watch this space for more info.

Now, as Gundam SEED is only one episode away from completion, it's time to finish off some mecha profiles. The following units are now in Burke's Mobile Weapons format:

GAT-X131 Calamity Gundam
GAT-X252 Forbidden Gundam
MBF-M1 M1 Astray

Also, the following profile has been updated with new information:
GAT-X105 Strike Gundam

And on one final note, with the announcement of AEUG vs Titans for the PS2 in Japan, I've moved the listing for it from Arcade to Multiple Platform.

September 21, 2003

Gallery of Darkness by Dale 1:31 A.M. EST
Many of you may be surprised to see the Gallery gone from the site. The reason for this was to make way for a new section that we have been wanting to include for quite a while now, Models. Fortunately, GundamW.net hosts a backup of the Gallery for those who need their pics fix.

September 16, 2003

The Light of Death by Chris 4:45 P.M. EST
There's some SEED items on today's update. First, I've got new reviews (with screenshots) for episodes 45-48. Second, there's new custom lineart for the Aile Strike Rouge, courtesy of Dave Skinner.

September 14, 2003

Special Chat by Chris 11:04 P.M EST
Today I have a special announcement. On Friday, September 26 at 10:00 PM EST (7:00 PM PST), we'll be holding a special chat with Deborah Sale Butler, who plays the voice of Shute in SD Gundam Force. If you're a fan of this new show and have questions, #mahq will be the place to ask them. Since this is our first chat with a special guest, there will be several extra rules in place during the chat. They will be posted here soon.

September 13, 2003

Mecha Stuff by Chris 1:55 P.M. EST
For today's update I've got a few minor new items. First, there's a new section for the PS1 game Gundam Battle Assault 2. Second, the Gihren's Greed section has been updated with the help of RGZ-91. Third, there's new lineart for SEED-MSV's Sword Calamity Gundam, which was scanned by Jita and cleaned up by Mark064. On the MSV front, there's new lineart for the GM Cannon and Dom Tropical Test Type, which were both scanned and cleaned up by RancorClaw. Rancor has also sent in new custom lineart for Gato's Rick Dom (from Encounters in Space) and the GM Cannon Test Type (from MSV). Finally, there's a new profile in the SEED section for the Providence Gundam, which should be the last new Gundam for that series.

September 12, 2003

More of the Same by Chris 7:06 P.M. EST
There's quite a lot in today's update, despite the unappealing title. First, I've got 6 new reviews for episodes 5-10 of SD Gundam Force. Also, the Encounters in Space section has been updated, and there's a couple of new pieces of custom lineart by RancorClaw. They include: Zaku II (Shin Matsunaga & Johnny Ridden colors), Zaku II Commander (Black Tri-Stars colors), Gelgoog Jager (Shin Matsunaga colors). Also, the Hobby Japan section has some new pics and profiles. The Strike Airmaster and Airmaster Prototype feature new pictures courtesy of Ouroboros, and there's a new profile for the Gelgoog "Cyclone Edge" with a pic given to me a long while back by Sam Baker. Finally, the Kondo Variations section has several new profiles with pics courtesy of Machineman.

September 9, 2003

New Gundam Stuff by Chris 2:10 P.M. EST
There's a few new things in today's update. First, I've created two new sections for the Lost War Chronicles manga and Turn A Gundam manga with the help of RGZ-91. Second, the Advance of Zeta section has been updated. On a little historical side note for gamers, today marks the 4th anniversary of the Sega Dreamcast's original launch in the US. Too bad such a great console is no longer with us.

September 8, 2003

Gundam House Cleaning by Chris 5:05 P.M. EST
As of today, the Gundam mecha section has received a major facelift. All sections have been completely re-categorized, courtesy of RGZ-91 with help from Ryukami and Neo-Era. Also, several sections have been eliminated, profiles have been moved, and new sections created. Here's the breakdown:

-MS Encyclopedia Variations section has been eliminated. The three profiles in there have been moved to CCA-MSV.
-The CCA-related profiles from Model Kit Variations have been moved to CCA-MSV.
-Model Graphix/Gundam Wingars section has been eliminated. The profiles from that section have been split into two new sections: Model Graphix Gundam WingARS: Project Z and Model Graphix Gundam WingARS II: Mission ZZ.
-Gundam Sentinel Variations has been renamed to Model Graphix Gundam WingARS III: Gundam Sentinel.
-A new section has been created for the new PS2 game Mobile Suit Gundam: Encounters in Space. The listings are courtesy of RGZ-91.

Finally, Mark064 was valiant enough to take up the odious task of updating the Big List. However, his work was completed independent of RGZ, so everything is still organized according to the old system. However, it should soon be re-organized to the new system. You'll also notice quite a few new listings for sections that aren't open yet. We're working on getting those sections done, but if you have any information regarding those sections, it would be of great help.

Return of Tomino-sama by Chris 11:55 A.M. EST
For today's first update, I've posted two new comics by Neo-Era from his New Adventures of Tomino-sama comic. Check them out here.

September 4, 2003

Chat Attack by Dale 6:36 P.M. EST
The chat applet has been updated to point to our new server.

Zap Those Zakus by Chris 5:52 P.M. EST
For today's update, I've got reviews for episodes 2-4 of SD Gundam Force. Also, due to heavy attacks on IRCHighway, #mahq has moved once again and can now be found on irc.mircx.com. The Java client doesn't go to mircx yet, but Dale will have it redirected there soon.

September 2, 2003

A Boy and his Gundam by Chris 3:28 P.M. EST
This is my first update in awhile, and I've got quite a bit of stuff for today. First, I've created a section for SD Gundam Force, so you can go there and read my review for episode 1. There's also a new mecha section for the upcoming game Z Gundam: AEUG VS Titans. Also, many of the mecha profiles in the ZZ section now feature credits for the mechanical designer, courtesy of RGZ. Finally, there's all these new pictures and profiles:

-For Gundam SEED, there's new pics/profiles for all the following, courtesy of Sam Baker: Strike Dagger, Bosugolof class, GuAIZ (both types), Aegis class, Heli, and finally various pieces of weapons for the Calamity, Forbidden and Raider Gundams. There's also lineart for the Dominion, courtesy of Nameless, along with lineart for the Eternal, Kusanagi, Meteor, courtesy of Lim Jia Wei. Finally, there's also new lineart for the Strike Rouge. Thanks go out to Psycho_Al for cleaning it all up.
-For SEED-MSV, there's a new picture for the GINN Tactical Air Recon Type, which was scanned by Sam and cleaned up by Psycho_Al. This particular piece is special because it is the last piece of lineart Sam ever scanned for me. You have my eternal thanks.
-Finally, in the Astray section, there's a new pic and profile for the Long Dagger, which was cleaned up by Mark064. He also cleaned up the ATMOS, from Cyber Comix.

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