Discussion: Best Ongoing Manga Right Now

Konbanwa!

They rule the manga world in terms of popularity, but are they truly best?

So my friends, today is my 100th post on Life in Fiction! So I thought I would open another discussion topic, seeing as it been awhile since the last one. :) This one will go out to our anime/manga fans out there! The question is: What is the best Ongoing Manga Series at the moment in your opinion? This basically means which series that has not ended yet. So, for example, Bleach, Naruto, Kenichi, and One Piece would all be allowed. Dragon Ball, Full Metal Alchemist, and Cardcaptor Sakura would not be however. Now, there are some limitations on which series you can choose from:

1. The series cannot have less then 200 chapters
2. The series must be a manga, not just an anime
3. If the anime and manga have completely different storylines, then you are basing your vote off the manga.

Now, there are also a few recommendations but not requirements. One, you have read the manga before that you are choosing, and are up to date on it. Secondly, when you choose the manga you think is best, that you go based off of the entire series, not just one arc. Third, attempt to keep spoilers to a minimum. Lastly, I ask that you back up your thoughts with evidence for your reasoning. It makes your statement more credible.

Now then, as far as my own opinion, it was an increasingly difficult choice. When I started the draft for thism I was almost locked on my decision of it being Naruto. But as I began to give every manga a fair chance, I was increasingly hard-pressed to stay that way. I managed to narrow down my selection to four manga: Fairy Tail, One Piece, Naruto, and Katekyo Hitman Reborn. Out of these four, I had to ask which arcs had the most feel and passion to them, and how much of it felt as if it flowed well? After these questions, I was able to eliminate Fairy Tail (though it is my favorite manga) and Reborn , with only Naruto and One Piece left. This was easily the toughest decision I have made in a while, and those who know me would understand the weight that carries. But in the end I had to go with....

ONE PIECE!!!!!!!!

© Momosei

I chose this for multiple reasons. I'll start with my biggest criteria, characters. And not just the main ones, but the side ones as well. One Piece, better then any series I have ever seen, makes you care in someway about every character. Not only does One Piece have more characters then any story I have ever seen, but they also have more vital and fan loved characters then any series out there either. Not to mention each main character has an incredibly and emotionally enticing backstory. Also, one of the most enjoyed parts of One Piece is trying to figure out who the next member of the main character's, Monkey D. Luffy, crew will be. Not to mention that have a whole assortment of extremely memorable villians, and hasn't true relied on any singular villain for an extended section of the manga.  The story also brought a strong argument. The was simple enough on the surface, but the thing it had going for it was the amazing amount of detail put into it. Any up to date reader would say that there's no way Eiichiro Oda could have made the plot for One Piece as he went, there are far to many minor details that eventually piled up to not only open a new series of questions, but answer plenty of old ones while still leaving you with a main plotline to follow. Plus, all of these extra pieces flow effortlessly, without seeming forced to make the story move. However, for the most part, Naruto matched each of those things in my eyes. The one thing that put One Piece over the top was the fact that it still has so far to go despite being the longest of the top three mangas out there right now. Naruto is seemingly hading towards the end of the series, Bleach is just starting it's final arc, and the remaining didn't outdo One Piece in any of the previously mentioned categories. With all this said, One Piece came out on top for me, but what about you? Leave your comments below and give me your thoughts!

~APLIW~

Discussion: Line-Up for Teen Titans Movie

Konnichiwa!

Alrighty guys, so Ania won't be posting today, so in her stead, I shall be opening a new discussion!

Now for those of you who don't know, I am a huge comic book fan. I love comics, especially DC Comics Robin, Batman, and the Teen Titans. So when I found out that Mark Verheiden were making a Teen Titans live action movie, I literally ran around my dorm in excitement. The Teen Titans house some of the all-time greats on their teams with a load of potential characters to use. Which brings me to the topic for today: What line-up should they use for the movie?

Would this be the ideal line-up for Mark's new Movie?

For those of you who don't know who the Teen Titans are, they are a team of superheroes from the DC Universe, formed mostly of teenage or younger then 21 members. Most of it's members are sidekicks to more famous superheroes( Robin, Aqualad), others are stand alone heroes of their own right(Starfire, Cyborg), or were even members of other teams(Beast Boy was a member of the Doom Patrol prior to the Teen Titans). Many people don't realize that the Teen Titans from the TV Show weren't the original members. In fact, the TV show does what I think is a horrible representation of the comic itself. With that said, it has brought Teen Titans to life and given a them a huge following. But if you ask me, I don't feel that the show's line-up would be the best. Mostly because I don't think that that version of Robin would be the best to use.

I personally think that the line-up they should use is: Tim Drake Robin, Superboy, Impulse(Kid Flash), Wonder Girl, Static, and Ravager. Now while this team was never all together at the same time, it's pretty close to an canon group. (Robin was the only member who wasn't currently there, and there were actually many other members.) Many think the best course of action may very well be to go with thee Teen Titans that those outside the comic book world would recognize. I say this group would work best for the following reasons:

Tim Drake may very well go down in history as the greatest Robin of All time

If you ask the comic world, many would argue that Tim Drake was the best Robin ever(Yes there are multiple Robins). I would be one of those people. While I loved watching Dick Grayson grew from the little boy acrobat learning the ropes, to the man who took over the mantle of Batman in Bruce Wayne's leave, Tim Drake was a deeper character and instilled the same emotion his mentor did. Sides, he's Robin and every knows one of these variations anyway.

Connor Kent, also known as Superboy, is a clone of the Almighty Superman and Lex Luthor, who was first introduced into the world of Young Justice. Harboring an unparallel story of having to deal with a world when you are just the shadow of the greatest hero in history, the same hero who barely acknowledges your existence. Superboy hasn't had much screen time until the recent Young Justice TV Show aired on Cartoon Network, but would be an great addition regardless.

Impulse would be a great balancing point for the more serious nature of both Tim and Connor, as he would provide the much needed Comic-relief to the series. Think of him as Human Torch of the team in terms of personality, except way more challenging. However, Impulse greatest drama is the fact that he repeatedly is fighting for the respect of his mentor Wally West, or the third Flash, who has publicly stated that he doesn't believe his student has what it takes to amount to anything. Impulse may very well be the most powerful and brilliant Flash ever as well, so the story of how he chooses to use his skills could play in very well into the story.

Wonder Girl is a character I actually know very little about, mainly because I rarely read Wonder Woman comics. What I can tell you is that she brings her own issues and provides the powerful woman's touch that is never bad to have. Not to mention she would make great eye-candy to counter the Black Widow if nothing else. (She would be in her twenties if this was canon so stop freaking out).

Next would be my favorite superhero ever, Static Shock. Now I will admit this would fulfill be more to feed the fanboy in me, but it would make sense as well. It would add diveristy to the group, give someone from the poor projects of dakota, and add a Superhero who is super smart in his own right. Add the fact that he is extremely popular amongst the public, and many of the comic book world have been calling for him to get more attention, it would be a fantastic idea that would be a smart decision for Mark.

Lastly is a comic exclusive character Ravager. Ravager, or Rose Wilson, is the daughter of Deathstroke(Slade for tv show viewers) who is a deadly assassasin with limited precognitive powers, that is probably twice as strong as Robin. Honestly, she could probably fight on equal ground with Batman himself. Viewed as a killer amongst her peers, despite wanting nothing but to protect them from any harm.

Well this is my position on this issue, but what do you think? Do you think they should go safe with the more known line-up? Or should they mix it up? Give us your thoughts! This discussion will be open on facebook as well so don't be afraid to jump in!

~APLIW~

Discussion: Movie of Year? (Halfway Mark)

Hola!

How was the Fourth of July to all those who celebrate? Mine was a quiet day of relaxing, grilling hamburgers, and capping it all off with a movie and fireworks. :) I saw Transformers Dark of the Moon in 3D. Not only was it the best out of all three transformers movies, it I felt it might win movie of the year.

Dark of the Moon was just about everything you could ever want in a movie: good plot, awesome characters who bring the picture to life, plenty of good laughs, and a sense of suspense throughout the whole movie. I was always on my toes, wondering "how they would get out of this spot?" or "They are totally screwed!". In respect to those who haven't seen it, I will withhold revealing my favorite scenes, but I must say every scene with Ken Jeong (Both Hangover Movies) in it had me falling out of my seat. Shia LaBeouf also hands out another stunning performance, showing extreme growth from the Sam we knew in movie one. Look for him to nominated for many awards. The only problem I had with this movie was Sam's new girl Carly. While I feel she still needed some work, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley gave decent performance, but didn't quite compare to Megan Fox in the past two movies. She played little if not no impact to the main storyline, it felt as if the Bay and Steven were afraid to have her actually carry a role. Despite this saddening turn of events, the fantastic action, great plot, and hilarious comedy all perfectly tied together in one box.

But what is your opinion? Do you agreed that Transformers Dark of the Moon was the best movie so far in 2011? Or was it one of the other blockbuster movies like Hangover Part II, X-Men: First Class, or Green Lantern? Comment on this post give your opinions!

~APLIW~

Is Depression a Gift?

Konnichiwa!

Happy News Years... Eve! I hope everyone is having an amazing holiday break!

Before I get to my post for today, I would to take this time for what I'm thankful for. I would like to thank all of my fellow bloggers, who have helped to to make this blog even more sucessful. :) Second, I would like to thank all my friends, who have supported my writing and have my back through all of it from start to finish. Lastly, I would like to thank all our readers, for checking in on the blog, as we have had as many as 9 different countries check into our blog. :) Thank you and let's hope for a sucessful 2011 as well. ;)

Now, my post for today will be the start of the next discussion topic! If the title hasn't already given it away, the topic question asks "Is Depression a Gift?" Or better put, is it a gift to writers? Now I know that seems like a moronic question to some, but hear me out. When someone suffers from a depression, you tend to focus on the negatives of life, and rightfully so. But depression humbles you, allowing you to enjoy the little things, making it easier somewhat to happy. Last I checked, being happy is the one of the ultimate goals in life, if not the ultimate.

I personally also find that it's much easier to write when I'm upset, sad, or angry over something. This makes creating a real environment much easier, especially if I'm attempting to recreate the emotion I am feeling at the moment. My best work has always come when I'm in this state, from Closing the Distance to half of Pieces.

The fact of the matter is the best stories rarely, if ever, is about the happiest guy in the universe where everything has gone right. There is almost always something wrong with him, but it is how he ultimately rises above it(or in some cases, falls) that hooks you to the story. These characters are much easier to write and create if you are feeling their problems.

Now you might think I'm crazy to think that depression is a gift. Heck, maybe only my twisted way of thinking could find any good in it, but maybe someone else out there follows my same way of thinking. So you know my take, what's yours? E-mail me at drquinton@hotmail.com, or check out the facebook page where the topic will be up. Check back after New Years for a special version of Questions with Quinton!

Happy New Years, and remember to "Always put Life into Words."

~Quinton

Discussion Topic: What makes a good story?

Konnichiwa!

How's everyone enjoying their thanksgiving week? So today I will be revealing the first discussion topic, with a guest writer as well. Her name is Ania, one of the two finalist of my latest contest. ;) She will be writing on the topic, What makes a good story. Afterwards, Alex will provide a more abstract view, while I give my take. So without further ado, here's her point of view.

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What makes a good story? Is it the characters? The story? The message? Many factors contribute to a story. The setting, plot, and characters are simply the basics. Vocabulary, the idea of the story, the message (is it a warning or an encouragement?) and many other things impact a story greatly, yet little credit is given to these factors. There are the technical contributions such as grammar and the creative like the plot. Each can drive a reader away if a story has too much or too little. I’ve known people to put down a book for the sake of grammar issues they had with the book and I’ve had personal experience with not reading something because the vocabulary was lacking. However, I’ve stuck through a book’s multitude of problems for the sake of the creativity of it.


So what makes a story great for you? Are you big on grammar? Realism? Creativity? Theories? What is the driving force that makes you pick up or put down a book?


If you ask me, the plot makes or breaks the book.

Without a driving, interesting, forward moving plot, what is a book? Can you even say it has a story? What are you immersing the readers in if all you write is words about some random person’s everyday doings? A plot requires a crucial moment, something that drastically changes something. Whether it’s the person’s life or the world, a plot needs that to be called a plot and a story needs a plot. Nobody wants to read about a mother who takes her kids to school, then cleans the house, has a nice conversation with the mail-man, then picks the kids up and then the next day the same thing happens again. If nothing changes by the end of the book, it might as well not have been written.

Plots are also creative. They show the author’s ability to think, create, and decide. They have to decide what to show and what to say. Is an even important enough, does it move the story along enough, to be shown in full detail and as it happens? Or is only important enough to get a passing mention by a side character? This causes the author to decide. The author creates when they come up with the plot. Good authors (in my opinion) come up with new and adventurous plots. Something out of the ordinary.

Plots really showcase an author’s talent, and that is why it makes or breaks a book. Grammar can be corrected, spelling can be fixed, vocabulary can be updated, and realism can be debated (after all what is real?), but a plot, a good plot, can make a book shine past all those issues.
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Alex's Take: “What makes a good story?” That is probably the most difficult question asked of me all week. A good story is simply…..Indescribable….



A good story has a plot line that exceeds the superficial shallowness of those without imagination. It achieves the depths of the philosophers who give their lives to obtain the type of knowledge that brings life into question. Soon after entering those depths, the story causes the reader to wallow in the complexity of the implicit plot below the plot. If a story is truly good, even the critics have to stop and say “holy shit…we can’t bash this too harshly, can we?” while the universe simply answered back with, “HAHA…you’re fucked…”

What makes a good story?The truth is that a good story is never “made”—and, yes, I mean that quite figuratively. A good story simply “exists” in the mind of the first to conceptualize it, the first person who is able to look behind society’s idiotic norms and search for the truth that society tries desperately to ignore.


“What makes a good story?” Okay, seriously, this question has been asked three times in half a page. Wouldn’t a more fitting question be: “Who will be the first to find the truth?”

My Take: I like tthe point you make Ania, and I feel the plot can make or break a story. However, I feel the characters decide whether or the story will keep anyone interested. For example, why is it that Batman is more beloved then Superman? Because readers can connect with Batman. You don't have the overpowered, unbeatable hero, but a dark and completely human man attempting to live through the pain of the world. His enemies are just as memorable as he is, from scarecrow to the ever lovable Joker. A plot decides a stories potential, it's audience, however the characters make it come alive. Characters catch the readers attention, they are what everyone talks about in the end. Every now and then you will speak about the plot, the theme, but the characters are what you remember.
 
So tell me, what do you guys think? The topic will be up all week, so post your answers under comments and on facebook on the official page.

~APLIW~

Quinton

Progress Report

Konnchiwa!!!!

So first of all guys I would like to say based off a vote of 131 to 128, Olly has beaten The Twins for first seed in the Second Round! Congrats to Chris for his close finish. It literally came down to the wire, as I nearly had to flip a coin the votes were matching up so evenly. However, despite how obtuse the facebook voters acted, we still managed to obtain a victor! So, tomorrow I will telling our victors about Stage 3: Connecting The Parts.

In other news, I have been thinking recently that we have been sticking to putting life into fiction, hence the name of the site. But life extends much farer then that, as there is many non-ficitional elements to our life. Taking that into account, I will be starting a sort of open discussion about real life topics, where someone will write a passage upon a given topic and you can then have an open discussion about. Anyone can write the opening passage, as this is to help with our non-fiction writing skills. The first topic will be up very soon so come and give us your thoughts.

~APLIW~

Quinton

Discussion: Most Legendary Book Series of The Current Era

Konnichiwa!!!!!

So the next topic will be which book is the best book series of our decade? Harry Potter, Inheritance(Eragon), or the Twilight Saga? Each book has it's own qualities. Inheritance is a series about a young dragon rider who has to overcome impossible odds to defeat a 100-year old evil. Twilight is a completely original vampire series about the classic Romeo and Juliet love story that rose uo from nowhere, and Harry Potter is maybe the one of the most legendary book series, from it's wonderful world of magic and wonder, to the it's magical cast of characters. But who Do you believe is the the best? Email your answers at drquinton@hotmail.com and I'll put up the best respond.

~APLIW~

Quinton

Discussion 1: Paperback or Hardcover?

Konnichiwa!

This is the first ever discussion for the blog, and which will became a regular among the blog. So to start, lets kick things off with the Paperback versus Hardcover wars. Here are some of the best response:

Calvin from Monroe, Ohio: I think you should sell paperback for a little while. If people like it then you can sell hardcover once you make enough money.

Crysta from RoundRock, Texas: to start out, paperback because more people are inclined to buy paperbacks for books they've never read because they aren't as expensive. as it gets more popular is generally when hardbacks come out.

Erik from Monroe, Ohio: Hardcovers because they are easier to keep neat.

Bailey from Monroe, Ohio: Hardcovers because they will last longer.

Cindi from San Antonio, Texas: Papercovers becasue they are cheaper to sell and make.

Reegan from Monroe, Ohio: Hardcovers because they feel better in my hand.

Nathan Bransford, Literary Agent: There are advantages to both, as hardcovers will earn you alot more money, Feel better and if you bomb out, you could still could sell the book as a paperback. Paperbacks however are cheaper all the way around and many more countries buy paperback over hardcovers. I would say it depends on your goal, money(hardcover), second chance value(hardcover), or getting it out there fast(paperback).

Chris, Author of Bleeding Truth: Paperback is the way to go. Hardcover looks nice and will definitely last longer, but paperback generally has more appeal.

My Take: We had a lot of strong responses on this topic, with a lot of people siding with paperbacks over hardcovers. I am stuck in the middle as a customer and an author. I would have to say in the end however to go with paperback for your first book, that way you can gain a audience and if you get a big one, make most of the rest of your books in hardcovers. Also if you are doing a series of books, then the first book should always be in paperback, and if the series is good, the last in hardcover.

I would like to thank everyone who participated in the discussion, including those who's opinion wasn't voiced. I will be making this a regular post done by me, once a week on Mondays. Stay tuned for the remaining of the week, including tomorrow's secret s-, Ooops! Almost spilled the surprise! you'll just have to wait until tomorrow to find out the surprise. :)

Tuesday- ????

Wednesday - Exclusive Look into Pieces

Thursday - Story that started Lacrime

Friday - Questions with Quinton

Saturday - Contest Revealed!!!

~APLIW~

Quinton