http://search.deviantart.com/?q=by:zato-2two&section=today deviantART RSS for by:zato-2two en-us Copyright 2009, deviantART.com Mon, 07 Dec 2009 01:16:51 PST deviantART.com http://blogs.law.harvard.edu/tech/rss http://s.deviantart.com/minish/widgets/apple-touch-icon-precomposed.png http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/21487617/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/21487617/ Fri, 14 Nov 2008 15:56:58 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

[Gamer-rant mode ON]

For a few weeks this quarter, I would go down to our school lounge where an Xbox 360 is hooked up to a widescreen HD TV. Every day when I came in for class, either before or after, I would just go down to the lounge, pick up a controller, throw down a few rounds of Soul Calibur IV with friends or friends-in-progress and generally have a good time, enjoying the game with other people who enjoy the game.

Around the lounge, however, are smaller clusters of "more mature" American gamers, giggling to themselves and jeering at how silly the game is; how the characters are so wildly designed, how the combat and damage scaling is 'unrealistic', among other things.

These are the same gamers who play and idolize "realistic games" like Gears of War, Call of Duty, Rainbow Six, Resistance 2, Fallout 3, Farcry 2, just to name a few. There seems to be something in common... aren't they all either real-world war games or dusty gunmetal space-marine first person shooters? Okay, I'm generalizing, I know; GoW is a third-person shooter and Fallout 3 wants me to believe that it's an RPG, okay fine. But really, what's so wrong about Soul Calibur IV that makes it such a laughing stock to the casual observer?

Few things about what I hear are inches close to me letting loose this very rant through vocal medium. Mostly, the bit about the game being 'unrealistic'. Isn't that why we play video games? To experience something beyond reality? You've probably heard it as much as I've heard it; people who berate Soul Calibur for its gaudy character design and its needlessly over the top action. But what would you rather have? Soul Calibur is a pseudo-fantasy martial arts fighting game, it has to be flashy and exciting. Would you rather see Soul Calibur done with plain looking characters in plain looking armor, running into each others' shields and longswords swinging and poking at the other in a tactless attempt to not die?

And I'm not just vouching for Soul Calibur IV, I'm vouching for games that even REMOTELY try to touch the word 'fantasy' that get the same ridicule from gamers who have "grown up" from the idea of throwing fire with your hands or heaving around 20-ton swords. Why are modern gamers so obsessed with 'realism' in games? Call me ignorant (I very well may be), but it just seems like all the latest high-tech super-hyped games that are coming out are all starting to look the same; pseudo-modern post-apocalyptic setting, everything colored in ambiguous dirty rusted gunmetal colors, gritty buff main protagonist with a buzz cut and a big space marine suit (helmet optional). Somehow these games are being heralded as being the 'greatest games ever', even though they all just seem to be loyally following a formula that doesn't seem to be changing.

I can't really say any more than that, though. I've never played the games, for one, and I also don't spend my hours analyzing what makes each game different, what gameplay mechanics are in play that makes the game deep, and how those mechanics make competitive play a real sense of tactical multiplayer action. I'm more of a fighting game connoisseur, and with only an hour of a controller in my hands I can make a general assessment of everything I just stated above in a fighting game. Said that, I can't very well do this rant properly unless I play devil's advocate; if FPS games really all just look the same from a distance from the perspective of someone who doesn't play them, don't all fighting games look the same from someone who doesn't play them also? Wacky characters fighting on a 2D camera view, pressing buttons and thwacking each other until the other falls over, all the while screaming silly things at the top of their lungs. And though I ask the same question from that angle, the answer is also the same; it's a formula, and it works. What I don't understand is when the 'hardcore gamers' try to denounce the fighting game formula as not even being a formula at all.

The concern comes from gamers who don't understand a fighting game's "unrealistic damage scale" as a mechanic of gameplay. Siegfried leaps into the air with a six-foot long, hundred-pound Zweihander in two hands and swings it down on little Talim with a force that shatters pavement, and with just a small yelp to show for it, little Talim rolls off the floor and stands up, shrugging it off like it was nothing. Zasalamel grabs dainty little Xianghua by the hair and kicks her onto the pointy end of his scythe, impaling her quite deeply before swinging his scythe and sending her sprawling, only so she can stand up a... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/20807258/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/20807258/ Fri, 03 Oct 2008 11:16:39 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

Bluh, last quarter was so boring. I have no idea why, maybe it had to do with Compositing class... I guess I really had no idea what I was getting into, but I bet I'dve been more engaged if I had a better teacher. Sheesh.

Anyway, break is just a week long (so it's almost over by now), and at least it's long enough to let me unwind, and short enough not to sedate my art-brain. I gotta pick up the pace, I can't have another quarter like last quarter.

Hopefully next quarter will give me a fresh start. I hand-picked my teachers carefully, so I should be attentive and awake this time.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

Well, nothing random this time. A friend recommended Soul Eater to me, and so far I think it's awesome. Very stylish and cool.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: My animation totally bombed. On the other hand, I just got a good bit of inspiration to work off of. Maybe this isn't as hopeless as I keep thinking it is.
MISC.: This, too. I gotta keep working on those character portfolios. I think having that much will definitely make my desk at the portfolio show stand out that much more.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--

Soul Calibur IV: :kura-x: and I got this game on the day of release, but I didn't bother writing a journal on it. Probably because we were too damn busy playing it so damn much. The first two days were spent unlocking stuff, then the next week was spent making character edits, then the next week was spent making a new account so we could get 50 more slots =O. Then, as you may have seen, we dared to enter the wild world of Xbox LIVE, as noted by my documentaries. This game has just provided no end of fun, even if I only have one household opponent, there's always something new and awesome that happens in "that ONE match where you ______". Easily one of the best fighting games ever IMO, due to ease-of-use and character flexibility.

SPORE: I bootlegged it, so I can't go online with it, but it's still been incredibly fun. I'm honestly shocked at just how much stuff I can DO in this game. I made a little rock-crab dude and called them Krubbs and made them an industrious, diplomatic people. I was amused with the prospect of a little crab person who built machines and greeded for money.

Oh, and for reasons both financial and recreational, I'm putting all MMOs I currently play on hold. I don't have the money to pay for them, and they just don't seem to hold my interest much anymore. I'm not even sure I'm going to be there for the release of WotLK, since there's nothing for me to look forward to except 3 more months of Rogue nerfs =\.

I decided to start a D&D 4e game at Roleplayer's Guild. It's a high-seas swashbuckling adventure called Dead Crowns, inspired in many ways by Sid Meier's Pirates! and Pirates of the Caribbean (yeah, I sat down and watched JUST the first one. It wasn't bad). So far it's doing far better than any other game I've ran. I'm still helping ~kura-x co-run Archer's Story, and we're trying to bring it to a close. Aside from our two games, Saturdays just don't quite seem as exciting as they used to be. Hmm.

_____________________




]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/19573209/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/19573209/ Thu, 24 Jul 2008 13:03:21 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

I knew it. 4-week break just killed most of my motivation. I picked a hard course this quarter (Advanced 2D Animation) because I THOUGHT I'd be ready for it after last quarter, but having a too-long break means I have a LOOOT of slack-lag to beat out before I can start DOING stuff again. Oi.

I'm not sure why, but I'm feeling abysmally bored. MMO's don't seem to do the trick any more, and there's no new games in the house. First week of school took me by surprise, and now I'm just looking for reasons to shove all my work aside until the last possible moment =\.

Hope the rest of the quarter isn't this dull. I wish Soul Calibur IV would just come out already =O.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

So bored, I don't even have any absolutely random thoughts to share!

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: I'm gonna do an animated scene that I've written out for 2D animation, relating to Steam Junket. It's even going to be voiced! The actual comic is still on indefinite hiatus...which is business-lingo for 'going nowhere' =\.
MISC.: I've got several ideas in mind for character design portfolios I wanna compile for mock-up games I have ideas for. I sort of get the feeling that this is why my friends keep telling me to switch to Game Art instead of Animation as a major =\.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--

P3FES: Beaten, and I'm not entirely motivated to play The Answer since ~kura-x has a game there, and there's no personalizing of the main character there like in The Journey, so it feels kinda linear.

I decided for whatever reason to attempt playing Touhou Koumakyou: Embodiment of Scarlet Devil [link] again. With enough tries, I FINALLY managed to defeat Remilia , marking the first actual danmaku game I've beaten (IamP and SWR don't count ). But I can't unlock the Extra stage until I can beat the game WITHOUT continues, which I end up using all of =\. More work to be done, for sure.

Over the break I, out of sheer and utter boredom and curiosity, got into Guild Wars. I actually have to say, it's a rather solid game. Simple, fast-paced and FUN, not to mention that graphics are quite pretty. Sometimes I wonder why WoW has to look so......crappy =\.

Speaking of which, I'm still playing WoW. Most of my guild has gone into hiatus over the summer, so raids have been at an all-time low. Still, there's always badge runs...and the occasional arena if I can ever get a hold of my friends. Sometimes it just feels like there's nothing else to do in the game at all =\. And as an official retirement from WoW, ~kura-x gave me his warlock, so I at least have an alt.

And the break WAS long and uneventful enough that I got invited to play Lineage II with ~kura-x. If anyone plays on the SoR private server, I have my contact information below.

For whatever reason it seems the Roleplayer's Guild is having a slowdown of activity. ~kura-x and I are still co-running his whimsical fantasy game, Archer's Story, and that's been going well, but other games don't seem as engaging as what we used to play. I'm thinking of starting a game on our off-days to get peop... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/18890583/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/18890583/ Tue, 17 Jun 2008 10:52:50 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

Another quarter comes to a close, with a WHOPPING 4-WEEK BREAK!?

I was not prepared for this, to be honest. I was looking to sleep in a whole week, then spring right back up to get to work, but now I've got a LOOOT of time before I get to do that. Maybe I'm just overreacting, or maybe I'm actually becoming diligent! Yes? No...? No.

So what does this mean for me? Probably that I'll be glued to my desk, gaming or likely even drawing! I'd sure like to paint again...

Good news! I spent the entire day yesterday fixing my buggy computer. It used to be that my CPU would outright freeze up on hot days, but yesterday it was freezing on a COLD day, and that drew the line. I cracked open that sucker, pulled out the fan and gave it a good vacuum, and now she's running like she's out to win the Olympics. *pat pat* Good computer, I never doubted you for a second, except when you bailed on me during CRUCIAL moments (froze Zbrush during finals week!)

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

I made a reckless decision and posted in ~jinguj's journal, so I now assault you with this!

COMMENT AND I WILL:
a) tell you how I know you and a thing or two about whatever you have in your gallery (I changed this..)
b) associate you with something - fandom, a song, a colour, a photo, etc.,
c) tell you something I like about you,
d) tell you a memory I have of you,
e) ask something I've always wanted to know about you,
f) tell you my favorite pic of yours,
g) in return, you must post this in your journal.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: I was challenged this quarter by my Physiology teacher to draw five pages of this comic (don't ask about why my physiology teacher had to ask, it's a long story =O). Is anyone surprised that I didn't manage to make it? =O I DO have the mind to make a screenplay though, because the dialogue is absolutely killing me. I've been really thinking about how the dialogue could inspire my scenes, so I want to do that first. BUT EXCUSES ARE EXCUSES, RIGHT?
JUNKLODE MMO: Hm, I really do wanna complete this, if only to have material for a portfolio piece later. Too bad I don't have any classes where I can flesh this out, but that's no excuse either =O.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--

So I've been hooked onto Persona 3 FES for nearly the entire second-half of the quarter. What's more to say? It's an excellent, excellent game that I've been looking forward to for a long time. SMT has a humorous way of punishing its players for getting stupid or reckless, and it's kind of embarassing after having played through the punishing experience that was Nocturne, to have had my ass handed to me the SAME WAY in P3. But yeah, P3 was just what I needed to dust off my PS2 again.

And if there wasn't that already, ~kura-x got his hands on Arcana Heart [link] The character roster alone was enough to convince him that we needed to own this game, and hey I'm not complaining. My current favorite combinations are Mei Fang/Moriomoto, Kamui/Tempestas and Lieselotte/Anutpada.

I decided to put off WoW for the entirety of the quarter, since my classes intersected with important raid dates, and since I couldn't make them, I was really just wasting my $15 a month (bes... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/17324894/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/17324894/ Fri, 14 Mar 2008 00:56:40 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

It was inevitable. It's just too phenomenal a game to not come back and write a journal about, especially since everyone else seems to be doing it. While I can't say I'm "hardcore" about Smash, I am a big fan of it, and man does this game deliver on the goods.

The short version: Zero Suit Samus just might be my new main.

The long version: I used to have something of a slim roster, but I've been playing around and trying new things, and there's a few I certainly plan on playing consistently:

-Zero Suit Samus: You all probably think I just picked up ZSS because she looks hot in that skin-hugging suit of hers. Well she freaking is, c'mon! Testicular-thinking aside, ZSS has an interesting mid-range game that I wanna learn, as well as probably second or third top running speed in the game! It's peculiar though, because her moves comprise mostly of either slow, heavy-damage long-range moves, or quick low-range attacks. There's something of a curve when it comes to ZSS not having a dual-side-hitting Down A smash attack, and having to rely on her quick tilt attacks when up close instead of her easily punishable whip attacks. I do wish she had a much better Final Smash, though I'm not too noobtacular with Power Suit Samus either, so I guess the first Smash Ball is just a sign that Zero Laser is coming up next.

-Link: Link's been my main since Smash Bros for the 64. According to most of my opposition, no one has seen a Link played the way I usually play; by throwing everything and anything he's got at the enemies until they get fed up and run right into my Spin Slash. I've taken to calling this tactic "Kitchen Sink Link", and hell, I still do it. He's something of an all-around character; I can play him one-on-one, and I can play him in four-man brawls. Nothing much more to say, he's always been reliable. The new stages definitely give me some new tactical options to play around with using Link.

-Peach: Funny story about how I picked up Peach, actually. I once picked Peach in Melee as a joke and of sheer curiosity, just to see what she was like. Little did I know that I could also achieve Kitchen Sink Peach! I suppose it'd be more like Turnip Farmer Peach, but you understand what a barrage of turnips coming your way looks like, right? Aside from that, she floats. She floats for a REALLY long time, and sometimes that's enough to survive the skirmish and come back when I'm ready. I love the changes they made to Peach for Brawl, particularly her new tilt-up A and the increased range on her side-B special. Not to mention her Final Smash has made for numerous comical moments in 4-player matches. I wasn't at all surprised to see Peach come up under 'Second Most Used' when we checked the records.

-Snake: I honestly didn't know if I was going to enjoy Snake being in this game. Now that I"ve played him, I had no idea how much fun he was! As if bomb spamming with Link wasn't enough, now I get to play with landmines and C4 to mess with the opposition! He didn't strike me as a very combat-friendly character at first, but that's when I started laying traps and realizing that Snake, as he should be, is a very tactical character. He requires impeccable timing to be effective though, and like ZSS, I have to learn how to use his tilt attacks and NOT his Smash attacks when up close.

-Other characters: I used some other characters in Melee every now and then that I still use in Brawl; namely, Marth and Ice Climbers. I only really picked up Marth because he had a counterattack that I was particularly keen to catching people with, but he pretty much gave me the option of quick swordplay whenever Link was just too slow. Ice Climbers I also picked up out of curiosity, but there being TWO of them per smash attack makes them hit like TWO trucks (though I suppose King Dedede just replaced them for King of Hammers). I've also been trying out Meta Knight, but I really can't make him useful; he's got a lot of quick-slashing moves that rack up damage like crazy, but very few moves that actually launch the opponent off stage. Not to mention his Final Smash is really hard to connect =\.

The rest of the game has been an utter blast. Subspace Emissary was unfathomably epic, ~kura-x and I have been making comically awesome runs in Co-op Target Break, and I've been having a ball with the Stage Creator. If anyone's up for Brawling, let's trade Friend Codes via Notes and we can set something up. Maybe I can even send you some of my specialty stages http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/16386199/ Sun, 13 Jan 2008 10:56:15 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
So yeah, it's a little late to be posting a new journal about the new year, but hey.

Anyways, last quarter at AI was something of an experience for me. Got to dip my hands in a class called Visual Development and Concept Art, and it got me seriously thinking about a career in Concept and Character design. Especially the 'Character' bit of that. I know I know, it's something of a tired song to say "I wanna be a character designer!", and I know that being a character designer isn't as prestigious a thing in America as it is in Asia. But when I think about it, a good number of my inspirations have always come from 'characters' in general. I love characters. When I was young and we popped open a fresh new video game, the first thing I would do is grab that crispy new 'off-the-print'-scented instruction booklet and flip to the character page, to see who I'd meet when I turned the console on. I can't explain it. Something about the prospect of taking ink, colors, words and sometimes voice and making it into someone was always magic to me.

I'm aware that 80% of the rest of the school and the industry wants to be 'the character guy'. It's a hard position to fill, and is by NO means an entry level job. But hey, I can say more than those other guys that it means a lot more to me than to anyone else who doesn't appreciate characters the way I do.

And comics? Yeah, I wanna get back into that too, but I'm currently in 'get out of college, get a career' mode. Let's face it, there's no money in indy comics, but there is plenty of love. Oh yes.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

I haven't had a haircut in maybe four months. I really should too, it's getting rather shaggy. They said so late October that I should get a haircut because the weather's gonna get stuffy, but I saw through the lies! I wasn't about to suffer a cold cold winter with short short hair, oh no! I have my hibernal warming pot on my head for as long as the weather continues to battle me! Chalk that up to Me: 1, Weather: ZEEERO.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: I actually did a neat little portfolio and presentation for Steam Junket in my Visual Development and Concept Art class. They had me working in paints for the first time in forever, and I didn't realize how fun and quick it would be! If I can get full scans of my paintings, I'll go ahead and post them. My scanner is just too small. =\

I'm also starting a little character design pet-project (because I don't have any drawing classes this quarter, and I NEED to grind my pencil on SOMETHING). I'm gonna crank out some designs for a fictitious MMORPG with a Steampunk theme, so I'll be taking classic fantasy classes like Knight, Mage, Thief, whatnot and giving it my own steampunk twist, just to crank the creativity out some. I don't have a name for it yet, but I'll be posting my progress. It's turning out to be quite a fun project, and it would definitely look nice in a portfolio.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--

Since November games have just starting rolling in. ~kura-x's birthday came and he got an Xbox 360. That was fine, because he always kept it in his room and his room is so inconvenient to get to. Then my parents get me a Wii for my birthday. A WII in LATE NOVEMBER! 45 minutes in line, I heard, but somehow they beat the Christmas rush! So for that we got Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Resident Evil 4: Wii Edition (always a good choice, and one of our favorite games), Wii Play + Wii Sports, Mario and Sonic at the Olympic Games (actually quite a fun game!), Metroid Prime 3: Corruption (controls are SO much better with a Wii!) and Super Mario Galaxy (I'm not Mr. Gay, thank you)... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/14714283/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/14714283/ Thu, 20 Sep 2007 12:24:36 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

This last quarter has been murderous, but somehow I managed to squeeze through. Now that I finally have some time for myself, I'll likely have some drawings done. I've been doodling every here and there (nothing worth showing though), but I may be able to crank out some finished pieces during break. In fact, I took 'Visual Development and Concept Art' for next quarter, so maybe you'll see some work out of that; can't very well be a character designer without at least taking a class entitled 'concept art'.

In other news, ~kura-x has got me hooked on Negima. I don't normally read stuff like this, but Negima seems to have this appeal that I can't quite put a finger on. For one thing, the artwork is ASTOUNDING. Some of the background work and crowd scenes (sometimes both at once!) are mind-blowing. Second, the way he tells the story is well-paced and balances the cast very well (with a cast of 30+ characters!!). Well, at least, it certainly does a better job than Naruto did (and don't get me started, I've read it, so I have every excuse to hate it, but this isn't a rant about how I hate Naruto). What's funny is that Negima writes combat scenes better than most shounen/action manga!

Naturally after seeing the manga I tried out the anime. There were two releases of the anime (entitled Negima! and Negima!?, so you can imagine how hard it is to make the distinction between the two in normal conversation =\). Frankly, I think Negima! blew. It was closer to the manga's story, but there was so much that they took away from the characters that it left a bad taste in my mouth; Negi was no longer surprisingly-wise, Nodoka was even weaker-willed than she's supposed to be, and they omitted all of Kaede's fight scenes! Not to mention the art quality wasn't really all that, and after episode 22 they break away from the manga's storyline and write their own filler-conclusion, which BLEW HARD VOMIT CHUNKS. On the other hand, Negima!? has proven to be a MUCH better improvement over the first series. Animation quality and artwork are at an all-time high, and the characters seem to be better written (with the exception of a select few). The main difference is that Negima!?'s story doesn't quite follow the manga's at all, although it starts the story from the beginning. It's always defined as a 'retelling' of the story, and for the most part I think it works. Also, Negima!? introduces a whole new kind of random humor that neither Negima! nor the manga had, which has kept me quite amused.

I can say though that Negima isn't your run-of-the-mill harem series. It's got a little bit of everything for everyone.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

San Francisco weather is a devious bitch. She'll be all like "8:00 AM! Look at all the dreary fog clouds! Better bring your jacket since you're gonna be outside all day!", then she'll turn around and be like "1:00PM! SUN BLAST! OH-HOHOHOHO!". The past week has been violent like that.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: Fuck it all, I'll get at LEAST a chapter done this year. I swear to god if I let this thing slip away from me I'll never forgive myself.
VOID
I've actually got a neat story that I'd like to do for Pulpo this year. Let's hope this quarter is more forgiving than last quarter.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER-- ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/13673577/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/13673577/ Mon, 09 Jul 2007 16:17:04 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

So I didn't announce it, but I was at Anime Expo 2007 in Long Beach last week and had a total geekout. I'll update with a 'Spoils of War' photo like I usually do when I get home, but for now you'll get the list of events!

I went with my dad, , and a friend of hers from school. We were to believe that some shadow of bad luck had been following us for the entirety of the trip; whenever we were to be scheduled for something, we were always delayed by some significant amount.

We checked into the Marriot, but we weren't given our room until two hours after we checked in. Supposedly they were still 'cleaning' the room. Immediately afterwards, the Marriot gave us a voucher for a free dinner in any of their in-house restaurants. Naturally, we decided to pick the fanciest and most expensive place in the hotel. Surprisingly we were seated rather quickly, and right off the bat my dad decides to flash the voucher just to make sure it was a legitimate free dinner. The manager of the restaurant comes out and tell us that the voucher is only worth $50 at the place...when the average entree costs $30. A two-hour delay and a $50 voucher for a party of five to feed themselves! Naturally my dad takes the voucher back to the front desk to make sure what they said was right, and NATURALLY we deduced that the manager was full of bullshit. We got the voucher reverified by the front desk for a Free Dinner to Anywhere in the Hotel, and my dad asks the front desk to call the restaurant themselves. When we get back to the restaurant, we come to the manager again with the voucher and he tells us that the free dinner is only good for the other, cheaper restaurant. That's, of course, when the call came in from the front desk and we finally got seated with menus in our hands to have our free dinner. In the end, the dinner came to be around $300, none of which was paid (this is the second dinner in two weeks which came late, and was paid for by the restaurant). The food was excellent, by the way.

Most of our time in the convention was spent in the exhibitor's hall, but walking around the convention something was made very very clear: this year was Haruhi year. Haruhi cosplayers and merchandise everywhere you go, every store stocked Haruhi items, and the Bandai booth had setup a large screen and had the Hare Hare Yukai dance going at full blast looping over and over again, with a space in front so people can do the dance.

I spent a little over $200 on stuff, but it was INCREDIBLY hard to find figures of characters I like. Apparently either the characters I like are very rare, or when the DO have figures, they're freakishly expensive! I SO wanted to bring home that Fate/Stay Night Rider swimsuit figure, but it was always around $70!!! Here's what I ended up bringing home:
-Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Summoner - Raidou Kuzunoha vs the Soulless Army for PS2. $20!!
-Robot vol.1, $20!!
-Spent some money splitting gashapon sets with ~kura-x, including a Haruhi set (I got Haruhi and Mikuru in the waitress costume), a Fate/Stay Night chibi set (I got Rider and Sakura) and the Disgaea mini figure set (I got Flonne, Plenair, F.Brawler and Mage Knight).
-A small Soul Calibur III Seong Mi-na capsule figure. $5
-A King of Fighters Maximum Impact 2 edition B.Jenet figure in her 1st player costume for $28. They had her 2nd player costume also for another $30 and I shoulda got that one too =O
-A Guilty Gear Isuka figure of Millia Rage for only $15!!
-A Macross figure set of Lynn Minmay and Mylene Jenius.

Picture to come later!

Also, on Saturday we decided to check out what was called the 'SOS Brigade Invasion Tour', curious to know what it was all about (the guidebooks didn't say anything about what it was, but it was listed under 'Concerts'http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/12066449/ Mon, 05 Mar 2007 11:36:02 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

Now before you get all excited and prepared to yell in my face about why you didn't see me (or not...because this is my first journal in what, three months?), I didn't have a table at Wondercon this year. But if you were lucky enough to be in the ballroom panel any time on Saturday between 12:30PM and 3:30 PM I WAS doing volunteer work handing out stuff at the door!

So! A quick rundown of the main events for the impatient!
Worked at ballroom programming panels from 12-3. Stuff I saw while I was there:
--Brad Bird and Patton Oswald talk about the next Pixar project, "Ratatouelle", I think it was spelled...
--A bunch of movie trailers, including the next Fantastic Four movie, "Rise of the Silver Surfer".
--Hilary Swank, talking about her new movie, "The Reaping"
--Some preview footage of the new TMNT movie, as well as a panel with the director.
--Some preview footage of 300, as well as a panel with the director and some actors (Frank Miller couldn't make it, sadly).
Had an impromptu portfolio reviewed by Cartoon Network and Nickelodeon. Both thought my sense of design was impressive, and recommended internships! (Both did mention, however, for the kind of work they produce that my designs were a bit TOO complex for mainstream animation and cartoons, and more precisely that my characters seemed to fit an 'action cartoon' genre that they weren't really looking for).
"Bumped" into Mike Mignola's table in the Artists' Alley.
Bought two gashapon busts of Claus and Lavie from Last Exile. They're really neat. I've always wanted Last Exile collectables for a while now.
Went around and collected a few commission sketches, including one from himself! Thanks bud!

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

I've heard this asked by a number of friends in school from out of state:
"So uh....when does Spring actually start?"

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: Fuck it all, I'll get at LEAST a chapter done this year. I swear to god if I let this thing slip away from me I'll never forgive myself.
VOID
Now that VOID's back I should start doing some VOID battles. I'm kinda pumped for it, actually.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Man oh man, I haven't at all been swarmed in games, but I have been getting some great new ones.

Puyo Puyo Fever 2 is the most sugar-hyper, candy-colored, squeezibly cute, extreme intense puzzle game action you will ever find. I wish my copy worked smoothly, but hot damn if this is not the most intense puzzle game I've ever played, I'll not believe it. =O

~kura-x traded in his PSP for a DS and we've both been on a huge Phoenix Wright kick. What can be said? It's an AWESOME game! Except now every time I lie to his face he cross-examines me. =O

At the sam... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/11488992/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/11488992/ Fri, 19 Jan 2007 01:03:02 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--

I think I'm gonna have to pull one'o those reverse psychology schticks in order to get my act together. I opted to make some resolutions this year on New Year's, but I told myself "Wait, if I just set goals, then they'll feel more like work and less like goals". So, I'll instead compile a tentative list of "things that'd be really neat to happen in 2007"

-I finish a an entry for Void PULPO this year!
-I do more VOID fights!
-I participate in VOID's Battle Royale!
-I strike a deal with a publisher!
-I don't struggle with my classes this quarter!

*cough cough* Yeah those'd be really neat.

Oh yeah, entervoid is back. Sweet! Hopefully once the site is 100% up and running again I can get back into doing comic battles. That'd sure as hell help my slump.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

It's when the winter season kicks in that you tend to realize that some of your pants are too friggin' thin. =\

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: Fuck it all, I'll get at LEAST a chapter done this year. I swear to god if I let this thing slip away from me I'll never forgive myself.
VOID
Now that VOID's back I should start doing some VOID battles. I'm kinda pumped for it, actually.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Not much going on in the gaming front, because I'm always spending more time on the computer than the PS2. I picked up Rise of Legends with my Christmas money and...my god, it is a beautiful game. That's a good fat fraction of what's getting me pumped to doing Steam Junket again, the steampunk designs in that game are simply marvelous. Also, it's an awesome RTS; I was honestly let down by Warcraft III when I discovered in a regular map that they made you have to take your hero through a little 'quest', but Rise of Legends blends everything that was great about Starcraft (fast-paced, tactical unit/squad based combat) and Warcraft III (Summonable hero units in open games) and added a whole bunch more awesome!

Also, my PSU character data is far outdated. I am a Protranser now and loving it! Now if only I could get my hands on some grenade launchers and laser cannons...my Protranser experience will be complete! (until I get Axes, of course )

PSU CONTACT INFO
Character: Meylen Arkheld (main) - LVL 45 Caseal Protranser
Usually hanging around Universe 15, if not in Uni 1-2
Meylen also has a shop! If you're looking for bargain prices on 2-4* weapons, be sure to drop by!

--ARTS!--
COMMISSIONS
I uh...don't do a lot of commissions. But if you feel you must give me money in order to get me to draw, throw me a note and we'll talk.

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

ART TRADES
Feel free to hit me up for art trades! Granted, I probably won't accept any and every offer, I'll gladly do my best to keep my part of the bargain.

REQUESTS?
Errrrm...no.

http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/10989461/ Thu, 07 Dec 2006 22:38:27 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
ATTENTION! entervoid.com needs your support!

I doubt I can reach out to many people with what little influence I have, but I am joining with 's deviantart community to raise funds to keep VOID running!

Thus! I too will be taking $10 sketch commissions!
My sketches can look anywhere from here:
[link]
To here:
[link]

And if you wish, I will also do Brush Ink sketches for $10 as well! Because they are easy to do! It could look like these!
[link]
[link]

All funds will be going towards the "Holy shit! Void is down and needs money!" fund! SO THE PLAN IS CLEAR:

GIVE ZATO MONEY = SKETCH + SAVE VOID

Now do what must be done and feed me your tens!

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- It's really freaking cold here in SF at the moment, and before I started typing this up I had the strangest thought. I was planning out the rest of my night between doing homework, reading my D&D books, or watching porn, and when the latter suggestion came to mind, I concluded "Nah, it's too cold for porn."

..."Too cold for porn."...

=O

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: I had an epiphany just a moment ago. I was watching Steamboy on TV and appreciating the designwork of the thing (as I usually do), and then it hit me: I don't know a THING about drawing steampunk! Expect to see a lot of design doodles in the future!
VOID
I am in the process of unretiring my first rusty fighter, Veiden Corsier, who some of you may remember as a sword-wielding cyborg who's watching over a helpless girl. When I am done with revisions, you will see a new Veiden in his entirety, fixed designs, stories and EVERYTHING. As it is, I am currently working on a VERY short Beyond Battle (something maybe like 2-3 pages) to kickstart my way back into VOID.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Torrents are a thing of wonder! Not only was I able to successfully obtain Samurai Spirits: Tenkaichi Kenkakuden, I finally got my hands on Super Robot Wars Alpha 3! HA, no more hopeless Youtube surfing for me!

PSU CONTACT INFO
Character: Meylen Arkheld (main) - LVL 24 Caseal Ranger
Usually hanging around Universe 15, if not in Uni 1-2
Meylen also has a shop! If you're looking for bargain prices on 2-4* weapons, be sure to drop by!

--ARTS!--
COMMISSIONS
Very important! entervoid.com needs money, so I am in emergency commission rush mode!

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head. http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/10874765/ Tue, 28 Nov 2006 01:39:27 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Well, looks like I was weeded out of Armageddon, but I still have hopes for next year! After all, there's still BATTLE ROYALE which I hope to undertake as well.

I've been having and on-and-off Void kick lately, and I'm REALLY eager to get back into the game. Comix! Glorious, glorious comix! Oh how I've missed thee! If I'm gonna have ANY hope of doing a real pitch, I'd better get cracking and learn how to burn out pages like a pro!

...Oh yeah, and it's my birthday today!

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- It's really freaking cold here in SF at the moment, and before I started typing this up I had the strangest thought. I was planning out the rest of my night between doing homework, reading my D&D books, or watching porn, and when the latter suggestion came to mind, I concluded "Nah, it's too cold for porn."

..."Too cold for porn."...

=O

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: I had an epiphany just a moment ago. I was watching Steamboy on TV and appreciating the designwork of the thing (as I usually do), and then it hit me: I don't know a THING about drawing steampunk! Expect to see a lot of design doodles in the future!
VOID
I am in the process of unretiring my first rusty fighter, Veiden Corsier, who some of you may remember as a sword-wielding cyborg who's watching over a helpless girl. When I am done with revisions, you will see a new Veiden in his entirety, fixed designs, stories and EVERYTHING. As it is, I am currently working on a VERY short Beyond Battle (something maybe like 2-3 pages) to kickstart my way back into VOID.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Soul Calibur d20 seems to be going slowly...I have the engine worked out and I'm satisfied with it, all I need is a few systems, campaign details, and charts. As for other things pencil and paper, I just caught wind of the latest D&D 3.5 Environment campaign setting/supplement called Cityscape, and I'm planning on putting together a small urban D&D adventure for my club at school. I hope to get a lot of practice running games out of this experience!

In the digital realm of games, I haven't gotten any new games lately (aside from Kura obtaining Guitar Hero II and Disgaea 2 for his birthday), but I have been playing Phantasy Star Universe for awhile and I do enjoy it. It's an online RPG I can take at my own pace! Bunk on WoW and its ceaseless, mindless grinding! PSU is the ideal game for me!

If anyone's interested in hitting me up in-game, here's my contact info:

Character: Meylen Arkheld (main) - LVL 22 Caseal Ranger
Usually hanging around Universe 15, if not in Uni 1-2
Meylen also has a shop! If you're looking for bargain prices on 2-4* weapons, be sure to drop by!

--ARTS!--
COMMISSIONS
I don't have a healthy track record of delivering commissions, but if you have faith and money I can attempt to make your commission dreams come true! I don't have any set prices, but we can negotiate!

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head. ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/10327473/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/10327473/ Sun, 08 Oct 2006 16:20:59 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I have arisen from the land of the (brain)dead! So for those of you who might actually be SURPRISED to see a Zatojournal in your message box, YES I've been in a big big slump.

But that ends now! Because VOID ARMAGEDDON 2006 IS COMING! What does this mean? That means because I MISSED Pulpo this year that I must reclaim my drawing mojo and do something wild, crazy and awesome! I'm FURIOUSLY unretiring my first first fighter, Veiden Corsier, so that I may participate: prepare to see the new face of Zato!

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- I looked into the fridge yestermorning and found what appeared to be a cupcake. Upon closer inspection, it was INDEED a cupcake-sized PEANUT BUTTER CUP. I had no idea they grew to such a size! =O

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: After taking the Conceptual Storytelling class in college, I have a LOT to think about for this story. But! I cannot delay this any longer! Any more thinking and my head will explode! I just gotta DO SOMETHING and hope I can catch some fish with it! I don't expect my first big story to be my magnum opus, but I'll be damned if I don't do my best to make the most awesome it could ever be!
VOID
I am in the process of unretiring my first rusty fighter, Veiden Corsier, who some of you may remember as a sword-wielding cyborg who's watching over a helpless girl. When I am done with revisions, you will see a new Veiden in his entirety, fixed designs, stories and EVERYTHING.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
The corner's been collecting dust for awhile, but I've been digging deep into several P+P games and I am enjoying myself thoroughly. I myself, am actually constructing a game system from scratch; those of you close to me may know this to have been my Soul Calibur D&D campaign setting, but I have expanded upon this and made a completely independant Soul Calibur d20 GAME. Once I'm finished, I may even want to toss it all together in a neat little PDF and pitch it to Namco to probably get some game company to publish it! That would be the neatest thing ever!

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart (Pens) - $15
Inked Lineart (Inkbrush) - $20
Lineart w/ CG colors - $25

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9470999/ Sun, 23 Jul 2006 18:38:00 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I've been kidnapped for the past few days by San Diego and was forced into imprisonment within its convention center where incidentally a convention of comic-nature took place!

So it being my first year at SDCC I was absolutely lost! Despite a large mass of people announcing their appearances at SDCC I was in all forms unaware of their immediate presence! (with the exception of *cheeks-74 who I saw at the Hellboy Animated panel, and ~reyyyyy who I met around the Oni Press booth).

Oh, and I got picture stuff.
[link] - spoils of war.
[link] - Free sketches (both of Lasil Dargoni [link] ). The one on the left is by a very cool Sanford Green. The one on the right is by a fellow named Clement Suave; with a name like that the man must be swimming in poontang.
[link] - Stan Lee! Oh shit!

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- Not too long ago, I dropped a pencil onto my lap and watched as it vanished into thin air! I didn't hear it hit the floor (and it really wasn't there), and I got up and shaked off my pants, but it was no where to be found! I may or may not have temporarily opened a dimensional rift into which my pencil had fallen into upon the frontside of my pants!

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: So I didn't manage to get anything done before SDCC =\. Although I figure I MAY want to pitch this in to a smaller press before hitting up Tokyopop, it might be safer to start small after all.
VOID
Ichizaku Hanbei vs Reggie I lost. A long time ago, but you knew that.
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside OH MY GOD I CANNOT PUT THIS OFF ANY LONGER.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Through the marvels of technology my diligent father has worked up the proper tools in order to play our PS2 inside the car! We didn't get much in the way of new games, but Kura bought Trapt for my dad's birthday last Monday, and it is a smashing good time.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart (Pens) - $15
Inked Lineart (Inkbrush) - $20
Lineart w/ CG colors - $25

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9398566/ Sun, 16 Jul 2006 20:04:17 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I should have updated this like a few weeks ago but I am lazy!

Needless to say, I lost hardcore to in my SDT round. No hard feelings, he put out an excellent fight, and I did my best.

But now onto actual news pertaining to the journal title! I will be leaving for SAN DIEGO COMIC CON in a few days! What does this mean for me? It means I better get some Steam Junket stuff out like RIGHT NOW because as it stands I don't have enough to make a proper pitch!

College came back (that bastard ), and now I find myself swimming through homework and stuff. But it's all good, because these are actual fun classes this time around. Score! Now if I can only find time to do Steam Junket during the quarter...

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- Not too long ago, I dropped a pencil onto my lap and watched as it vanished into thin air! I didn't hear it hit the floor (and it really wasn't there), and I got up and shaked off my pants, but it was no where to be found! I may or may not have temporarily opened a dimensional rift into which my pencil had fallen into upon the frontside of my pants!

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: At this point it's crunch-time 'til SDCC. I BETTER get seven pages done, and I also wanna do some pinups for poster prints.
VOID
Ichizaku Hanbei vs Reggie Patiently waiting...
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside OH MY GOD I CANNOT PUT THIS OFF ANY LONGER.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Also in relatively old news, my copy of Starcraft came with a 2-week trial version of World of Warcraft. I still have the same opinions about MMOs in general that they're really just all the same, and WoW's been doing it's job as an effective time-waster (when I really feel I need to waste time anyway). Recently Kura put up the money to upgrade into a full account, so we've got another month before we decide to quit, since I TRUST we'll be done and done with the game within a month's worth of playing. I know I will be.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart (Pens) - $15
Inked Lineart (Inkbrush) - $20
Lineart w/ CG colors - $25

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9121592/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9121592/ Tue, 20 Jun 2006 00:30:55 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I have my battle against uploaded on VOID, all that's left is to wait for it to go up *goes into patient-rest mode*

On the other side of things, the Void forums have gone haywire in SDT hype. It's like 4Chan and YTMND suddenly congregated in there...I ain't touchin' that riot bus with a 10 ft. pole.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- So much for my 'will never play Starcraft again' streak. Six years, dammit!

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: At this point it's crunch-time 'til SDCC. I BETTER get seven pages done, and I also wanna do some pinups for poster prints.
VOID
Ichizaku Hanbei vs Reggie Patiently waiting...
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside I WILL DO THIS, GRR.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Well I'm just going into cooldown mode, so that means more gamesplurging for me. Haven't been moving much in games lately, 'cept for Starcraft (which I now have an adversary to play against).

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart (Pens) - $15
Inked Lineart (Inkbrush) - $20
Lineart w/ CG colors - $25

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9060727/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9060727/ Tue, 13 Jun 2006 20:54:25 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
IT'S DEATHMATCH SEASON ON VOID [link]

Yup, the 3rd Annual Speed Deathmatch Tournament has OFFICIALLY started, and I can't waste another minute writing this journal!

FOR MY OPPONENT IS THE ONE AND ONLY:



--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

CAN'T CONTEMPLATE MUST KILL CHAMBA.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: CAN'T DRAW MUST KILL CHAMBA.
VOID
Ichizaku Hanbei vs Reggie MUST KILL CHAMBA.
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside CAN'T DRAW MUST KILL CHAMBA

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
CAN'T GAME MUST KILL CHAMBA

--COMMISSIONS--
CURRENTLY IN "MUST KILL CHAMBA" MODE, BUT ANY AND ALL REQUESTS CAN BE NOTED
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart - $15
Lineart w/ CG colors - $20

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9022791/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/9022791/ Fri, 09 Jun 2006 21:34:43 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
This recent heat wave has effectively rendered me art-prone for a few weeks now. I really should be doing more work, and I honestly want to, but this friggin' HEAT just makes everything HEAVIER.

In other news, SDCC is just around the corner. Yes, by 'around the corner' i mean easily a month away from now, but you'll see how FAST that zips by when you're doing nothing! Nyar har!

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

Conversely, cold weather actually makes me more productive. I tend to work better when I'm all frigid and tensed up from chilly weather than lazy and overweighted in hot weather.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: JESUS CHRIST I haven't been doing anything. I'd at LEAST like to get seven pages MINIMUM done before SDCC, but there's also PULPO to worry about, that and the upcoming SDT at Void.
VOID
SDT SEASON IS IN! My character, Ichizaku Hanbei is submitted and ready for samurai-slicing action!
HEAVEN DEPT.: URGHUGHAURGH
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside Oh my god. I should never take Kiribans ever again.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Namco X Capcom Y'know how you look at an awesome Japanese game and say to yourself "Oh man this is awesome, too bad American publishers will NEVER pick this up". Thus my friends, the swap disc is your Lord and Savior. I pray to thee on high, Swap Magic with Magic Key II, that I am so blessed with bountiful goods in the form of epic SRPG fighter-game-combat. :angel:

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart - $15
Lineart w/ CG colors - $20

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/8349097/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/8349097/ Mon, 03 Apr 2006 00:40:08 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I suddenly came to the conclusion that if I didn't get rid of my last journal entry RIGHT NOW, I would never considering doing so in the next few months ! I can just imagine replying to battalions of comments saying "OKAY I'M NOT REALLY GOING TO BE AN ACCOUNTANT OKAY ? OKAY." Thus, I am compelled to update this NOW when the damage is minimal.

In more sanity-relevant news, I'm going to be attending APE 2006 the upcoming weekend, where I get to splurge all my hard-saved cash on all the comics and junk I've been meaning to catch up on ! SCOREHEAD.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- TO ANYONE ATTENDING APE, I'll be hustling around in a white trenchcoat and a black Hellsing bag (it has Alucard's sigil on the front in white), so if anyone spots me don't hesitate to call me out and give me a public thrashing!

...this isn't a contemplation!

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: Most of the progress I've been doing is in writing out character developments and plot elements. I aim to make Steam Junket character-driven (as opposed to plot-driven), so I'll be putting a lot of time into design and writing. Although I hope I can get at least a chapter done on my spare time...
VOID
Violent Kei VS Latem : Yeeeeah, this ended up being canceled. I struggled to turn in three pages of the (at least) 5 page fight and the council rejected it, saying it wasn't up to steam. I agree with them on that part, and I do aim to finish this in a beyond battle.
HEAVEN DEPT.: I've already started up on my next story for Void Pulpo III called Heaven Dept. (THIS IS NOT AN APRIL FOOL'S JOKE!). The story is an informal narrative journal of Minli, the receptionist at the Pearly Gates Department building.
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside AGHCIOMQPWNAOPMIFPQIOEWJRPOIEWMF

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Narutimate Hero 3 The good news is, I don't have to EVER buy any other Naruto game or product (unless... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/8329269/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/8329269/ Sat, 01 Apr 2006 01:04:12 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I've spent a week or two in repose and I've decided that I'm not going to draw comics anymore. For the time I've been doing it, I realize that I could have aspired to achieve something of a more significant value in our social hiearchy; in truth, I very well could have pursued the grand art of complex mathematics, and aspired to become an accountant, for they are tenfolds more awesome than comic artists.

In my moments of silent recollection I have too come to the understanding that video games and computers have effectively taint(face)ed my life. That said, I am intent on finding more valuable and meaningful applications to the demonic consoles that so adorn my shelves. I have already proceeded to form a texturally-challenging-yet-edible sandwich comprised of my two PS2 Slims, and have made excellent progress transforming my Gamecube, by painting dots on its sides and severing the plastic handle, into a large six-sided die (which aimed to be an ornamental gimmick to my roleplaying games, which ironically I have also chosen to forsaken by means of incineration and consumption). I still have plans to form my PSP into a formidable projectile weapon.

That said, I have emerged from thought a new man. No more shall the brittle shackles of Art and Ambition keep me from the higher divine values that counting other people's money and wondering who's winning this year's American Idol possess in their heraldic majesty. I've set aside my childish and impossible pipe dreams about publishing work (like my already-published abomination PINKHEAD which can be purchased at [link] if thou shalt proceed to fund my past demise) and found true divination in the ways of high GPAs for what you may know as mundane. It is a new era in Zato-life that I am proud to forge, and perhaps you too can discover the exhalted power of getting an A in Geometry.

FOUR-SLASH-ONE-SLASH-OH-SIX

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- I too have forsaken the art of contemplating. There is no more thought than that of counting money for the sole profit of more money.

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET: Okay no more fucking around, I promise . I haven't made much progress on this end, but I do hope to get something done when I have time aside my other projects.
VOID
Violent Kei VS Latem : Yeeeeah, this ended up being canceled. I struggled to turn in three pages of the (at least) 5 page fight and the council rejected it, saying it wasn't up to steam. I agree with them on that part, an... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/8145046/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/8145046/ Mon, 13 Mar 2006 00:54:51 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
~insane-neko turns 16 ! THIS IS CAUSE FOR CELEBRATION !

If you're reading, again I'm really really on-my-knees sorry about Saturday, but I promise I'll make up for it as many times as I have to.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- I think it deserves two shouts ! HAPPY 16TH CHRISTINE ! !!

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET I'm getting closer to finally putting this together, and I hope to draw a chapter or so and pitch it to a publisher this year.
VOID
Violent Kei VS Latem : I probably should have mentioned this earlier, but I have a REMATCH with Molotov's Latem. I hope to have it finished before the end of this week.
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside AGHCIOMQPWNAOPMIFPQIOEWJRPOIEWMF

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
I'M GETTING NARUTIMATE HERO 3 TOMORROW. EXPECT A CHANGE IN THIS SECTION.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart - $15
Lineart w/ CG colors - $20

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/7788857/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/7788857/ Fri, 03 Feb 2006 09:50:35 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
YES I AM REALLY TIRED.

I did manage to finish up the short-term goals (YAYE). Violent Kei vs Mooo was submitted as a Beyond Battle and can be seen HERE [link] , and I am successful in completing PINKHEAD and it will be printed in the upcoming comic epidemic, PULPO 2 : CITRIC ESP. But now I am ill and require plenty of sleep !

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- I have been sick for the past week ! Usually stuff like this passes over in a matter of days, but this is ridiculous !

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
PINKHEAD DONE !
STEAM JUNKET I'm getting closer to finally putting this together, and I hope to draw a chapter or so and pitch it to a publisher this year.
VOID
Violent Kei VS MOOO : DONE !
COMMISSIONS
Kiriban for Joe Outside WILL BE DONE.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
I haven't had time to play anything ! BWAHA ! I did, however, manage to borrow Naruto : Gekitou Ninja Taisen 2 from a friend and it's been mildly amusing to say the least (I'm more interested in getting Narutimate Hero). The damage scaling seems way out of balance and matches are just too short.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $10
Inked Lineart - $15
Lineart w/ CG colors - $20

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/7520931/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/7520931/ Thu, 05 Jan 2006 20:23:29 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
BWHOA.

I thought I'd have updated this sooner, but I guess the new year's a good time to pop back out of my grave and say "HEY !". I just got through my first quarter at college and I'm liking it far more than high school (with the exception of all that stuff I have to carry around). Finals week was a bitch, it kinda cut into my time for my Void fight. I gotta plot my time better and learn NOT to do every assignment the night before it's due.

SO, what's new for 2006 ? SOME RESOLUTIONS MAYBE.
SHORT TERM GOALS :
I hope to find a good balance between school and comic work this time. For once I weighed school over Void last quarter, and it cost me a fight (and a few extra weeks of work).
FINISH THIS MOOO FIGHT.
FINISH PINKHEAD IN TIME FOR PULPO.
LONG TERM GOALS :
I plan to pitch a comic this year and HOPE to get it published. I don't like to think that I'm rushing myself or jumping into the fray too early, after all it's best to start making money when you know you can.
I think I'm FINALLY starting to break away from a traditional Japanese style. I'm HOPING by the end of the year I'll have found a style I can call my own.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- I visited my old high school today wearing my "Unemployed Musician : Will Work for Food" shirt hoping to get a few laughs off of the people who'd see me (I was a music major, and therefore a musician). Not that I thought too hard about it, but I didn't get any laughs at all, except from the guy working the register at the Starbucks I went to later.

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
PINKHEAD Ech, I haven't had time to work on it for the last few months and it makes me sick to think about how much I'm putting this off. Thankfully the deadline's been extended so I should be able to finish it this month, but right now all I've got are concepts and I wish I could get something more. At least a PAGE would be nice.
STEAM JUNKET I'm getting closer to finally putting this together, and I hope to draw a chapter or so and pitch it to a publisher this year.
VOID
Violent Kei VS MOOO : Well, the deadline passed perhaps a month ago and neither of us had anything to turn in, but I resolve to... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/7179446/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/7179446/ Tue, 29 Nov 2005 18:20:11 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
As of yesterday I am officially 18 .

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- There are a few adjectives, I've discovered, that can only be used in conjunction with a select few words. Examples include voluptuous (seems to only describe breasts), profusely (as in 'bleeding profusely') and diligently (working, although that term stretches to a large degree).

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
THE EXPLODERS ON HOLD. I've come up with an even SHORTER entry for Pulpo called PINKHEAD, but I doubt you'll see any of it here. I DO plan to pitch The Exploders to a larger publisher once I finish it, however.
STEAM JUNKET It's still on hold, but I'm working on refining my style a bit more before I rework this antique.
VOID BATTLE ! COMBAT !! FIGHTING !!!
Violent Kei VS MOOO is in the works. I kid you not. That is his name. Mooo.
COMMISSIONS
Not a 'commission' per ce, but I should add it here to remind me. I still owe Joe Outside his Kiriban of Slack.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
ZATO HAS NO TIME FOR GAMES ??

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Ink Render - $15
Lineart w/ CG colors - $20

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6967799/ Sun, 06 Nov 2005 01:38:45 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I stole this out of 's closet !

(A) First, recommend to me:
1. a movie
2. a book
3. a musical artist, song, or album

(B) I want everyone who reads this to ask me three questions, no more, no less. Ask me anything you want. No kidding, ANYTHING, I'll give you the absolute honest truth, to the best of my ability.

(C) Then I want you to go to your journal, copy and paste this allowing your friends to ask you anything.

And then I was legitimately tagged by , so even though I was already tagged by ....ANOTHER TWENTY ? Maybe....but it's bloody late right now.

--KIRIBAN WATCH !--
Whoa, looks like I caught the 11,111. Oh well....

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- Do you ever feel like forgiving an idiot you've met simply because you met someone stupider ?

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
THE EXPLODERS Well now that I've gotten used to my college schedule I think I can manage at least one page per week. That ain't too bad.
STEAM JUNKET It's still on hold, but I'm working on refining my style a bit more before I rework this antique.
VOID BATTLE ! COMBAT !! FIGHTING !!!
Violent Kei VS MOOO is in the works. I kid you not. That is his name. Mooo.
COMMISSIONS
Not a 'commission' per ce, but I should add it here to remind me. I still owe Joe Outside his Kiriban of Slack.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER-- ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6864650/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6864650/ Thu, 27 Oct 2005 20:47:54 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I sincerely don't quite understand how this 'tag' thing started, nor do I care to cry about it, but out of SHEER curiosity...

Why haven't I been tagged yet ?

I don't particulary ENJOY playing 20 questions over my blog, but where did the darn thing start ? It's seemed to have picked up everyone except for me and I'm just...darn....curious.

I mean, it's not like I WANT to be tagged, but it's odd how this little blog-game plagued everyone and their katana, yet it's slipped by me like....thought. Yeah....

EDITO : I GOT TAGGED ?

#1 : My neck and right shoulder make audible noises when you rotate them. I have no idea where that started from.

#2 : They say you're only supposed to have 30 hairs on the back of your hand, but I have hair growing on my fingers. Does that count towards the limit ?

#3 : I'm a 100% pure Californian, and my initials spell out CAL.

#4 : I have three trenchcoats, differently weighted to suit different climates.

#5 : It takes me a little less or more than an hour to fall asleep; it takes me an hour and a half to wake up.

#6 : Children run away from me.

#7 : Up until maybe the start of this year, I was running on a CPU that only had a 3GB hard drive. I kid you not.

#8 : The CPU I use now has a 14GB harddrive, but my old one played RO faster !

#9 : I own an Ayumi Hamasaki CD. I'd actually be fine with it, but it's BRIGHT PINK AND SPARKLY and looks like something a guy should NEVER own.

#10 : I got a Hellsing OVA poster signed by Kouta Hirano HIMSELF, but I also had my SKETCHBOOK and FORGOT to ask for a sketchbook doodle !! STUPID !!

#11 : Out of the list of things I'd be willing to waste my money on, among the top five is an all-white suit + trenchcoat, custom tailored.

#12 : I have a habit of making things more complicated than they really need to be.

#12.7 : See ?

#13 : As a form of daily exercise, ~kura-x and I pick up sticks and fight each other when the garage is empty. Not really "trying to hit each other" fighting, just clashing swords fighting.

#14 : I wear Wolfwood's Cross Punisher around my neck wherever I go (from Trigun). People get confused and think I'm Catholic. I amuse myself by telling them I'm aetheist, then flashing the big pentagram on my bag at them as I leave.

#15 : I have more than once gotten the urge to kick a pigeon. They're just so....plump.

#16 : Moreso than that, I've had the urge to throw something (whatever I was holding) off of a high platform.

#17 : I try not to hide the fact that I stare at women in skimpy clothing. I feel it's my way of expressing that their attire is working for them.

#18 : I have an electric guitar sitting in my room, but only for model reference. I do wish to learn to play it some day.

#19 : In high school band class, I would make arrangements of video game tunes for trombone and perform them for tests.

#20 : I actually enjoyed the Queen + Paul Rodgers concert. WHAT ?

--KIRIBAN WATCH !--
NEXT Kiriban at 11,111 !! And I AIN'T gonna be lenient about this one ! IF YOU MISS IT, IT FLIES INTO THE OBLIVION.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.
<... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6498772/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6498772/ Tue, 13 Sep 2005 21:45:23 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
DO NOT READ THIS JOURNAL. SCROLL DOWN. NOW. AND DON'T THINK YOU CAN JUST SKIM OVER THIS, BECAUSE I'M GONNA BE IN CAPSLOCK FOR MAYBE ANOTHER PARAGRAPH. AND DON'T EVEN THINK YOU'RE SAFE READING THE CONTEMPLATIONS EITHER, THAT HAS SPOILERS TOO.

HOLY FUCK. ADVENT CHILDREN JUST PUNCHED ME IN THE FACE.

I don't know HOW the outbreak started, but it DID. AND I CAUGHT A PIECE OF IT. JESUS CRAP. FFVII ROCKS AGAIN.

I could not be more satisfied watching this movie (Well, story could have been better -"Kaa-san wa doko ? Kaa-san wa doko ? KAA-SAAN WA DOOOKOOOO ???"-, and it could ALWAYS have been LONGER). It's like, having not seen the cast of Square's opus in action for so long, they REAPPEAR, AND THEY KICK MANY A BUTT. WHOA DAMNS. VINCENT EATS SPAWN'S CAPE AND SHITS IT ON HIS FACE. THE TURKS CAN'T FIGHT FOR SHIT BUT THEY ROCK FOR THAT. RUFUS IS A BONIFIED PIMP. WHAT THE FUCK. ADVENT CHILDREN IS THE GLORY OF MAN.

--KIRIBAN WATCH !--
NEXT Kiriban at 11,111 !! And I AIN'T gonna be lenient about this one ! IF YOU MISS IT, IT FLIES INTO THE OBLIVION.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- The redesign for Veiden's (my Void character) sword actually would have looked something like Cloud's sword in AC. That splitting thing he does is pretty awesome too, and I PROBABLY would have considered it but now that it's already been done I gotta go draw out my own.
-CONTEMPLATION THE SECOND : My sister got a hamster maybe a few weeks ago and named it Rex. Little did we know that it was female, and that it was PREGNANT. WITH TRIPLETS. So yeah, I'm gonna claim one of the offspring once it grows up and have my own little minion. FOR SURE.

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
THE EXPLODERS Guh, as soon as I stomp out this slump I'ma get to work on this. I AIN'T BAILIN' OUT THIS YEAR NO.
STEAM JUNKET It's still on hold, but I'm working on refining my style a bit more before I rework this antique.
VOID I'm still working on that Beyond Battle...
COMMISSIONS
Not a 'commission' per ce, but I should add it here to remind me. I still owe Joe Outside his Kiriban of Slack.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
We picked up X-Men Legends a while ago. Man that game is fun.

I've also been plowing through Front Mission 4. I swear, the pressure the CPU puts on you is INTENSE but when it gets down to it you're like "Whoa, was it really that easy ?"

~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6318269/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6318269/ Wed, 24 Aug 2005 18:18:37 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
*pokes out head and looks around* Looks like the Jark-hype has died down...as if I couldn't tell this would happen. Oh well, no sense in griping about an old topic.

In any case, I'm currently just settling into my "summer" break. I've got the rest of this month and September to work on junk, and as soon as I learn to actually DO something instead of sit on my ass and play games/read Naruto you'll be seeing a LOT more work from me. YES ? YES.

:!:--KIRIBAN WATCH !--:!:
NEXT Kiriban at 11,111 !! And I AIN'T gonna be lenient about this one ! IF YOU MISS IT, IT FLIES INTO THE OBLIVION.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- This isn't much of a 'random comment or statement', but something that's been bugging me for the past few days. Does ANYONE know if PS2 non-hardware swap discs work for the Slim model ? I KNOW there are versions of swap discs where you'd need to install that slide card (which I don't trust my hands to do), and there's a version where you simply replace the PS2's frame with a shell that has a flip-top cover where the slide tray is. I haven't read anything regarding the PS2 Slim's flip top, so I really need to know if the swap discs work for that model as well.

And you may ask "Hey ! Hey ! Why the sudden hype for swap disc Zato-maaaaaan ?", and I might answer "Because I have a sudden urge to import NARUTIMATE HERO 2 for PS2. ADDITIONALLY, this allows me to play Namco X Capcom if I can ever import a copy. YAY". Perhaps I'm being impatient, because I DO trust Bandai and CyberConnect to fork it over here once Naruto STORMS US airwaves, but that won't be until September 9th or so, and God KNOWS what point they'll be banking on the game over here. Ah well, maybe I'll just wait if this swap-disc business turns out to be too much of a hassle...

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
THE EXPLODERS Guh, as soon as I stomp out this slump I'ma get to work on this. I AIN'T BAILIN' OUT THIS YEAR NO.
STEAM JUNKET It's still on hold, but I'm working on refining my style a bit more before I rework this antique.
VOID Turns out Bonnie & Buer lost to Bad Apple, but I'm working on a Beyond Battle to tie up Bonnie's story for good.
COMMISSIONS
Empty plate...

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Aside from storming through Phantom Brave, Stand Alone Complex and repetitive rare-hunting in PSO ? You haven't missed much, seriously.

OH, I'm also stuck in NOCTURNE trying to figure out the Trumpeter's pattern. That bastard is TRICKY.

http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/6083772/ Sun, 31 Jul 2005 00:34:06 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
If you've been browsing around for the past day you'd know by now there's some news buzzing around regarding DA co-founder °jark. I can't say for sure just WHAT happened, but I THINK I can sum it down to °jark being bonked as a victim of corporate takeover, which ain't okay in my book. I notice a popular trend in the newly-formed Jark-supporters is to link long novel-journals of chips of info for all that presume to support the cause, so here I link you `justthorne's journal, copy-pasted onto my journal for the convinience of NO LAG !

(OH and none of the links work because I'm a lazy doof who doesn't know his coding YEAH)

"Okay, I've been simmering and stewing...

(And, incidentally, blowing off a very important affair in my own life...)

I have never encouraged collective discontent or uprising at this site, over any issue, at any time when others were itching for destructive hostility to this site. But the atrocity toward °jark, and the administrative silence in response, is simply too unacceptable to abide.

So here's what I've got, the only rational plan I can come up with, that might possibly work.

First, what's the problem?

The founder of this site was sacked without notice or respect. (In fact, during a recent face-to-face meeting at the Summit, nothing was even said about it, despite such a golden opportunity for the weasel to act like a MAN.)

Regardless of the wisdom of sacking the founder, the conduct itself reflects a poisonous lack of integrity at the top levels of our administration. (If necessary, read my moral assessment here. And °euphoria's latest journal is telling too.)

There has been no communication to the community regarding this deplorable conduct. Not even spin, let alone honesty.

But here's the real problem:

That the agent feels surely he will get away with this.

That is, he can pretty much assume or count on 99% of deviants to go on their merry way, too addicted to this site to take any meaningful stand over it.

He can pretty much count on "business as usual" in the big picture, both at the moment and over time.

He can believe that, sooner or later, this whole mess will simply blow over, largely because DA is such an irreplacable experience with such inertia of motion that it will barrel forward, as it always has.

Left on its own, that premise is true.

So we've got to attack exactly that premise

But not in a way that will destroy the site or the dream in the long term. Because that's really the last thing that any of us want.

So here's the best strategy I can come up with.

Let's make this site about nothing but integrity, and taking a stand on its behalf.

First and most important, stop submitting art. Unless that art concerns the issue at hand. I would also suggest hiding all your art, but how you handle that is your call. (I personally don't believe in deleting art, but hiding it is non-destructive.)

And if you're burning to post new art, find a way to make it relevant. (Shoot, you'll end up with extra attention for riding the wave, so you could even consider it "enlightened self-interest.")

Second, stop commenting art, unless that art concerns the issue at hand.

Third, stop posting journals, unless they concern the issue at hand. Consider posting a simple journal that says merely "Waiting for Jark to Get the Respect He Deserves," if you've nothing more complex to offer than that.

Fourth, stop any public communication, unless it concerns the issue at hand. We're all addicted to our social lives here, but let's take it into Notes.

Fifth, minimize viewing of art, to slow down the view counts and statistical progress of the site (as well as ad revenues).

Sixth, make sure your current Favorite reflects the issue, by picking a piece that's concerned with it. In fact, fave as many relevant pieces as possible, to push them up into the DTFs.

Seventh, if you are an administrator who doesn't believe in this crap either, I'd suggest minimizing your administrative functions. Am I out of line to suggest that? Quite possibly. But each administrator should strive to express their indignation as best they can, even if only by passivity. ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5970763/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5970763/ Thu, 28 Jul 2005 19:06:29 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Nothing new, READ HERE:

[link]

--KIRIBAN WATCH ON FULL ALERT !--
HOW BOLD DOES TEXT HAVE TO BE IN ORDER TO GET READ ? JESUS CHRIST !

10,000 KIRIBAN SLIPPED THROUGH AND IS HEADING FOR THE SEEECRET LAIR. WHOEVER CATCHES HIM AT 10,001 OR HIGHER YOU WILL RECEIVE A JUICY REWARD (EXPECT JUICE).

UPDATE 7/25 : AYANE-MATRIX HAS RELEASED THE KIRIBAN AND IT IS NOW UP FOR GRABS. FIRST PERSON TO SEND ME A SCREENCAP OF 10K+ WILL GET A KIRIBANNNNN C'MONNNNNNN.

UPDATE 7/28 : KIRIBAN CAUGHT BY *JoeOutside !!!! YOU ARE ALL SLOW !

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- X-acto knives are the irony of all knives. They give you an INTENSELY sharp cutting edge for stuff, but you're only required to use 1% of the blade...

--ZATOLOVE--
NEXT WEEKEND ! THIS TIME FOR SURE !

--PROGRESS--
THE EXPLODERS I'll probably have a concept doodle-scrap up PRETTY soon.
STEAM JUNKET It's still on hold, but I'm working on refining my style a bit more before I rework this antique.
VOID BONNIE & BUER VERSUS BAD APPLE IS UP ! READITNOW. [link]
COMMISSIONS
Empty plate...

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Still haven't had much time to play, although we did get Evil Genius for my dad's birthday and that game is a sumo of fun.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head. ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5938267/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5938267/ Fri, 15 Jul 2005 00:32:00 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Okay, so I haven't been to Gaia Online ([link] AS IF YOU DIDN'T KNOW) in maybe 1 1/2-2 years and my account has since fallen inactive. I was relatively wealthy back in the day, but I've since stopped posting and my account has fallen sterile, with a light pocket, a considerably modest inventory and lots of dust to collect.

Suddenly one day, some time late 2004, I received an instant message from an unknown sender. He claimed descendence from Gaia Online, that forgotten place, and had come to retreive my items that I "wasn't using". Evidently, becoming inactive on Gaia makes you into a 'corpse' that newbies would then do well to track down, close in on, and extract its unused contents. I discovered that it was common knowledge to many newbies of this nature that "inactivity = free items" was an equation that drove their grubby talons to hunt in that manner. This then, was my first encounter with an Account Vulture.

I was confused at first, but I spent a considerable amount of time theorizing and inquiring to explain how such an abbaration could come into existence. It was as simple as the fact that the newbie-demographic of Gaia's youngest generations was falling to dangerous levels.

Satisfied with my theory, I continued to go on about my days. Months pass, and not a day has come that a vulture has come my way until recently, perhaps this week, a vulture perched my screen. This one was a vicious one, for it hungered not simply for my gold or items, but for my entire account. Not only did he seek the bearing of my name, but he wanted to carry the authority that my account was registered in February 2003, a time when Gaia was of a modest proportion, and a solid mentality was established through its members. I stoutly declined, and shooed the vulture away. A day passes when I am struck by yet another vulture of the standard size. I beat it with a stick, confident that I would be bothered no more when yet another stuck the following day. Perhaps I had just been unlucky this week, or perhaps the vultures were planning something...

Today I woke up with low expectations. Suffice to say, I was horribly correct. Upon arriving home, I received an instant message from a friend of mine in school (or at the very least, this new challenger came to me bearing his name). It was unusual at first, because his mannerisms were in no way of how my friend normally acts. He greets me stating "Hello are you gay ?? JK XDXD", when I know for CERTAIN that A.) my friend would NOT have said that (he knows all too well NOT TO MESS), B.) his text wasn't orange (he LOVES his orange), C.) his screen name was Alen (Josh is no where NEAR Alen, and Josh uses 'Josh' for EVERYTHING), and D.) there were TOO many XD's for comfort. I pointed these out, and he was quick to change his text into orange, and claim he was using someone else's account (this still failed to explain the XD crisis). This 'Josh' persintently asked if he could 'try on' my Angelic Headband, my favorite item and most worked-for on the whole site. It was a rather cherished item of mine, and it's more or less a trademark part of my avatar, but he was insistent on 'trying it on' (more evidence that this 'Josh' dared to MESS). I became frustrated at this point and ran this 'Josh' through a gauntlet; now the REAL Josh does well to remember MEMORABLE moments, so I questioned this imposter how we succeeded to complete a sidequest. The question was "How did our D&D group get past the Underdark Tavern ?". He replied "went around XDXD".

As if I didn't know already, this was not Josh. The vultures...were getting SMARTER. Well, not smart, but less stupid. Who knows what assaults I would endure for days to come ? The vultures have made their mark, and their mark...

...is me.

--KIRIBAN ALERT--
10,000 PAGESVIEWS ARE IMINENT. BE ON FULL ALERT AND I SHALL AWARD YOU.

~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5832799/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5832799/ Sat, 09 Jul 2005 18:03:08 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
UPDATE WHAT.

Not that I mentioned it many times here, but ~kura-x and I trucked down to Anaheim for Anime Expo 2005. We attended Saturday only, since we're pretty much satisfied with the turnouts from only one day's worth of spending (although that's not to say I could have spent more... ). SOME HIGHLIGHTS :
I met *Wen-M and commissioned a pic of my Void Deathmatch fighter, Bonnie & Buer [link] . It now sits in the (somewhat) pile of 'pics to be hung on Zato's fanart/commission wall'.
I also met *fevereon ! She's so cool, she gave me a free print . Gotta frame that one too...
On the subject of meetings, I met with Hellsing creator, KOUTA HIRANO. And evidently, there's going to be a new Hellsing OVA coming OHSHIT . I grabbed one of the new posters and had it signed. YAY.
I sung karaoke for the first time. It's pretty fun when you know everyone there doesn't know who you are and won't be seeing you again . I sung "Funny Bunny" by The Pillows...their accent is so fun to imitate.

--KIRIBAN ALERT--
10,000 PAGESVIEWS ARE IMINENT. BE ON FULL ALERT AND I SHALL AWARD YOU.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- It seemed every hotel around a one-block radius to the convention center was booked out. Are otaku REALLY taking over the world ?

--ZATOLOVE--
Sending my love to Virginia~~~

--PROGRESS--http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5559339/ Tue, 07 Jun 2005 23:25:35 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
IT'S BEEN DONE. I AM A FRESHMAN AGAIN.

I can't believe I made it too, after severly cutting close to failing a few times over, I actually pulled through. NO MORE THREE-HOUR BAND CLASSES FOR ME, ZATO IS FREEDOMIZED.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- My school seems to be the only one whose curriculum makes you learn Chemistry before Biology. It makes sense, since you need to know Chem before you can take Bio, so how come other school's haven't caught on yet ?

--ZATOLOVE--


--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET I have like the whole summer to do this now, so there's no stopping the SJ-train ! WOO~
VOID I've been doing a LOT of developing for Bombshell Bonnie, and hopefully she's ready to go for the tournament...once I decide what to do with her.
COMMISSIONS
Empty plate...

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
CHAOS LEGION - OHMAN I BEAT IT. Man the last boss took FOREVER but I got it . I'm running though the game with Arcia now and realizing how much FASTER this woulda gone if Sieg had frigging GUNS, because I'd rather not be forced to bring Malice to every stage.
ETERNAL DARKNESS - I actually haven't played this in a while, but I should be able to get all the endings in the summer.
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI NOCTURNE Okay so I beat the Sisters, cleared the Obelisk and am now back in Yoyogi park where I'm trying to navigate the fairy maze...
RAGNAROK ONLINE
I haven't played in SOOO long...

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5315898/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5315898/ Mon, 09 May 2005 22:01:49 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
GAH. Issues came up in school regarding grades and the possibility of not graduating, so I had to skip out on finishing Steam Junket to bring my grades up . WOE IS THE MONTH OF MAY.

On the other hand, ~~ ->

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- Why is it that when you're from Hawaii or Alaska, you're not really 'American', rather 'Hawaiian' or 'Alaskan' ? They ARE considered states, after all.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET NEVER FEARS. I will continue this project regardless of the passed deadline. Who knows when the next opportunity comes along ? At least I'll have it finished.
VOID A lot of projects will have to be put on hold, but I'm taking my free time to sketch out a character for the upcoming Speed Death Tournament 2005. Her name is Bombshell Bonnie, and you can check her out in my SCRAPS.
COMMISSIONS
Empty plate...

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
CHAOS LEGION - I tore through the Yzarc - Core stage and beat Delacroix. It was hard, I only started with 1/4 health (which he could easily kill me in one hit) and had to fight him without getting hit at ALL, but I pulled it off.
ETERNAL DARKNESS - I totally beat the game under Xel'lotath. WOO. And since my dad took the Ulyaoth path, all that's left is to storm through the Chatur'gha game and see what happens !
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI NOCTURNE WOO~ progress. So after I beat the dungeon at the Assembly of Nihilo, I headed back, saw the cutscenes with Chiaki, Isamu and Gozu-Tennoh (NOSPOILERSHAHA), then was stuck for awhile, in which time I obtained...A SKELETON MATADOR !! AND HE WORKS FOR MEEEEE~ !! So I left the building on the other side and decided to stop when I encountered the Hell Biker.
RAGNAROK ONLINE
Okay, just a quick overview of what's happened since my last update...
Aesthin - 72/41 Sage - Wah, my guild totally disbanded. Right after we claimed Omega Castle too ! So anyways, I'm with a new guild and they're pretty cool. There's only 9 of them, but they're all crazy powerful and pretty reputable too. They're lending me a Hiding Clip...it is bliss.
Minli - 56/41 Swordsman - Hoowah, thanks to the Falcon Feed trick, I have Minli (now using Elia because Aesthin can't use it right http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/5153949/ Thu, 21 Apr 2005 23:32:04 PDT

--A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Apparantly I've received a one-week subscription. Not that I'm complaining or anything, in fact I find it to be pretty nifty. Now if only I weren't so BUSY I could abuse all it's functions !

In more relevant news, I've got PULPO FEVER. So that means I'll be crazy and not be able to draw anything except Steam Junket for the next 3 weeks or so. COUGH COUGH.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

- Why don't we refer to Russians as Asians ?

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET I GOT THE COVER PAGE, I just need to redraw the title font and stuff. As far as pages go, there's been so much sketching and rescripting it'll split your brain cells.
VOID I've been rather inactive lately...but I have a redesign and a few battles planned for Violent Kei's glorious return, and a STORY-TURNING battle with Veiden against ~silverlimit 's Glyph.
COMMISSIONS
Empty plate...

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
I managed to grab a used copy of Chaos Legion pretty cheap a few weeks back. Yey, now I finally have it for meself. I seriously believe this is one of the most underrated games EVER.
CHAOS LEGION - Right now I'm at Yzarc, the sky city. I haven't figured out which legions to bring, but Hatred and Blasphemy seem to work mighty well in this case. (I miss the Arcia level... )
ETERNAL DARKNESS - Man, haven't seen me update this in like forever. Anyhow, I have just finished the Peter Jacob chapter, and now I find myself playing around with spell circles and discovering spells I shouldn't even have yet ! SUMMON GOOOOLEEM.
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI NOCTURNE Okays, so I ran into Hikawa (?) and fought that crazeh lion thing...I think that's where I stopped...
RAGNAROK ONLINE
Okay, just a quick overview of what's happened since my last update...
Aesthin - 71/40 Sage - Successfully defended Meteor Castle last WoE, and is still hopelessly hunting Ridewords to get a book weapon. I'll probably reset his skills since Sage's area support spells seem to crash the server when it's really busy.
Minli - 46/35 Swordsman - I've finally worked out how her skill points will be distrubuted so she gets everything she needs as a Crusader...I don't think I need to go into detail here.
Meylen - 36/25 Merchant - I just figured out with lvl1... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4983601/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4983601/ Sat, 02 Apr 2005 22:11:26 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Oh god, I appear to have contracted a disorder that makes me dead for extended periods of time. BUT AN UPDATE FOR YOU ALL, so you can stop carving my gravestone.

- Needless to say, I lost the Void Tournament against ~shelde5000's Charlie. No tears, it was all in good sport and Shelde totally rocked that game. I enjoyed every minute of it.
- I spent the last Wednesday and Thursday of this week at a friend's house, doing nothing but playing various games for maybe a whole 24 hours. Trust me, Mario Party 6 can be a blast when it's 3 AM and the only thing keeping you up is 6 cans of Dr. Pepper.
- Mitch Hedberg died. Now where am I to derive the wonders of laid back one-liner comedy ?
- I got my portfolio finished and submitted for the portfolio grant contest at Arts Institute of CA. They can't announce the results until May, but the lady at the admissions office was really really impressed. At the same time, I took that same portfolio to Academy of Arts University and received a 100% portfolio grant for one semester. They say they don't hand out many 100%'s to people, but this works out nicely for me since I don't plan to go to AAU and I have a semester there for absolutely free.
- I saw Sin City. IT BLEW MY MIND.

And that's kinda all you missed. I'll try my best to keep this more updated, OTHERWISE MAY THE FORKS OF MANY A WATCHER PIERCE MY SKULL.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - You ever think about the term "New and Improved" ? If it's new, how can you say it's an improvement if it's totally different ? And if it's improved, how can you call it new when it's simply a remodel of an older work ?

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET I've been doing TONS AND TONS of redrawing and the like. I still haven't settled on a decent cover page, but on this THIRD DRAFT I think I've finally nailed it !!
VOID I've been rather inactive lately...but I have a redesign and a few battles planned for Violent Kei's glorious return, and a STORY-TURNING battle with Veiden against ~silverlimit 's Glyph.
COMMISSIONS
Empty plate...

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4636686/ Mon, 21 Feb 2005 09:34:44 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Despite my lack of updates, the VOID TOURNEY '05 is still under way. I advanced to round three after defeating Latem (whose fight I will post when I get the opportunityyy~~ ) and I now find myself facing shelde5000's Charlie (shelde's site [link] ). I find myself at a HUGE disadvantage here, since clearly shelde is the superior artist and writer, PLUS I'm busy with performances for a school musical these two weeks (BUHHH !!), but I WILL PREVAIL TO COMLETE MY ENTRY, NO MUSICAL DETAINS MEEEEEEE~~~

*cough*

Anyhoos, I was at Wondercon '05 for a few hours (wish I coulda stayed longer) and I walked out with Black Mages II and Hellsing OST 2 -RUINS-, plus a commissioned sketch of Meylen which I love tenderly. It really makes me wanna get a table just once...maybe at APE if the VOID folks show up.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - There was also a table for the big Star Wars fanclub in the back of the dealers' room...you know, those clubs with people walking around in working Stormtrooper armor Yeah that club.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET GOOD NEWS ! The deadline for VOID Pulpo has been PUSHED to MAY, so it gives me a SECOND CHANCE to get Steam Junket into the book ! NO SLACKING THIS TIME ZATO !!!
VOID Veiden VS Monkey Lee is posted (like you haven't seen it yet HA HA), and I'll have Veiden vs Latem posted whenever I can. I'm currently working on my battle against Charlie and I have a Violent Kei Beyond Battle coming up soon following the fall of Sleeman Bragg's mayoral campaign.
COMMISSIONS
None yet, tho now isn't a good time to throw one down.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Inactive for now, tournament season kinda kicked me off the console pit. ON THE OTHER HAND, the tourney and the musical have been collaborating with RAGNAROK ONLINE to eat my life. My mage is like 36/20-something now...BUH !!

--COMMISSIONS--
On hold for now...send me a note if interested, though it won't come for a while
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4398507/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4398507/ Sun, 23 Jan 2005 22:35:37 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
The VOID TOURNAMENT 2005 is under way. Sorry I forgot to post this sooner, I was kind neglecting my journal for a while. Anyhow, the first heat of the tourney just finished, and I emerge victorious against ~MaxximumBob's Monkey Lee. And HOT DAMN that was a close match. The fight was tied 50-50 like NINE TIMES, and even if the tie was broken it was only by like 0.1% !! The other fights were totally awesome, and a few of them were also friggin' close. Go check it out at [link] !!!

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - I believe Monkey Lee versus Veiden currently holds the record for MOST TIMES TIED. I'd be simply BEFUDDLED if anything tied more than NINE TIMES.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET GOOD NEWS ! The deadline for VOID Pulpo has been PUSHED to MAY, so it gives me a SECOND CHANCE to get Steam Junket into the book ! NO SLACKING THIS TIME ZATO !!!
VOID I'll post my tournament battle when I get the opportunity.
COMMISSIONS
*Questofdreams OMG. I WILL POST THIS LIKE TOMORROW I SWEARS. *cough cough* I only have the lineart since I'm having compy problems, so I'd like to negotiate prices and stuff.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
I haven't been playing many PS2 games lately, since ~kura-x keeps playing Star Ocean every time I wanna play . I can't say I'm not having a good time watching though, that game is INTENSE. If it had cooperative play, it could EASILY blow Tales of Symphonia out of the water.
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI : NOCTURNE ARGH I'M STUCK AGAIN. As if the endless chain of HARD BOSSES (Skeleton Matador, Thor, DANTE...), now I'm stuck against the SKELETON DAISOUJOU. But I HAVE found a GOODGOOD strategy for defeating him ! So next chance I get, I will CRUSH HIM AND HIS BELL.
PHANTOM BRAVE I haven't been playing this as much as I need to, but I just started the second Raphael chapter (the one on the desert island). I decided to put my power leveling to a halt since it made the game FAR too easy, and I like employing tactics to win a fight rather than relying on brute strength.
ETERNAL DARKNESS I've made quite some progress. Right now I believe I'm in the middle of the 1983 AD chapter (Dr. Lindsay), but the game keeps giving me error messages, like disc read errors. I'd be confident that it's the game playing with my mind, if my Sanity bar wasn't full when the message came up.
PAPER MARIO ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4189794/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4189794/ Wed, 29 Dec 2004 23:43:17 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Hey hey, I'm back from Vegas with one thing to say...

WE WILL ROCK YOU.

This is the DAMN coolest thing I've seen all year. I have a new love for Queen, PLUS it gives me TONSLOADS of inspiration for this story I've been trying to write. I love how practically NO lyrics were changed and the story STILL made sense, so the songs retain their classic epicness. And the costume designs are AWESOME. So if you like Queen, rock&roll in general, and tons of American Idol-bashing, then YOU MUST SEE WE WILL ROCK YOU.

AAAHHH

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - While we were in Vegas, we saw a McDonald's with a SLOT MACHINE inside. . The next morning we found a GAS STATION with a slot machine.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET As finished as it is, I am still looking for my own webspace to host it on. I don't trust the DA community to respect this work well enough to leave it alone.
VOID I'm working quite nicely to get the pencils for each page done, then I'll start up with some inks. I won't have time to do a full CG job, but I hope I can do some damage with whatever inking skills I can muster.
COMMISSIONS
*Questofdreams My Photoshop is acting up right now so I'll need some time to get it fixed...if I can't get it fixed by the end of Winter break I'll just post the lineart for conformation.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Hasn't been updated since I left for Vegas, but I DID trade in my extra copy of Mario Kart : Double Dash to get Paper Mario : The Thousand-Year Door.

--COMMISSIONS--

Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4147499/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4147499/ Fri, 24 Dec 2004 16:26:18 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Well the 7,500 hit kiriban was TOTALLY missed, and since it went 100 views before ANYONE decided to take a screencap, I'm taking the offer down. SORRY FOLKS.

It also turns out my folks decided that we'll be going to Vegas for three days, so I may have to put a few projects on hold.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - I've noticed in most photos of artists' rooms that they all have one of those wooden posing dummies, but do they ever use them ? I sure don't, probably 'cause I got the Ikea one and that can't get me anything good.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET As finished as it is, I am still looking for my own webspace to host it on. I don't trust the DA community to respect this work well enough to leave it alone.
VOID I'm working quite nicely to get the pencils for each page done, then I'll start up with some inks. I won't have time to do a full CG job, but I hope I can do some damage with whatever inking skills I can muster.
COMMISSIONS
*Questofdreams My Photoshop is acting up right now so I'll need some time to get it fixed...if I can't get it fixed by the end of Winter break I'll just post the lineart for conformation.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
[The gaming corner is sometimes prone to SPOILERS, but I'll try to keep it as low-profile as I can. I hate spoilers as much as the next hardcore gamer, so I know how it is.]
PHANTOM BRAVE After MANY MANY hours of fighting, stealing, and forgetting to save hours' worth of game time, I FINALLY got past the first Raphael fight and have successfully stolen his Heliotrope. I'm also trying to get better-suited weapons for my people, since I feel that having Ash use a CRATE for the remainder of the game won't do very well...
SHIN MEGAMI TENSEI : NOCTURNE OMG. The first Dante fight is INTENSE. I don't think I've had so much trouble with a single boss fight since...the Matador ! But after clearing the events in the Mantra HQ (and deciding to side with them) I'm now stuck on the other skeleton thing whose name escapes me at the moment.
ETERNAL DARKNESS GOD. My last save file is right before I start the Karim chapter, but I can't go further than the first part of it. Every time his sanity drops to critical and I get a permanent screen-tilt (and the music drops), I just get freaked out and turn the game off. I remember at one point I finished a fight with some ghouls and my life was low, but the Sanity bar was like GONE, so when I tried to cast my healing spell, THE TOP HALF OF MY BODY BLEW UP. And then there was a white light and everything was normal, like "JUST KIDDING".

~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4084912/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4084912/ Fri, 17 Dec 2004 00:00:11 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
No, I did not see that movie. Not yet, but my title is simply a play-on-words to what I am about to record.

First order of business, I was able to reach a compromise between myself and my mother regarding senior portraits and my crappy haircut. At this point, my bangs are growing back nicely, but the right side of my head doesn't seem to cooperate with gravity, and I've got that entire side spiked outwards, it seems. I would have to take senior portraits as is, but she would agree to pay for a small insert (our yearbook lets you do that) into the yearbook with my regular webcam pic in it, to remind people that Chris Lee's senior portrait is LYING. I'd have really hoped my parents didn't have to feel cornered that way, but that was the best solution possible.

Second order of business, it appears STEAM JUNKET will not be printed into VOID Pulpo. Evidently my pages were not at the right resolution. We were expected to turn in 300 dpi pages, and I had only scanned (and worked on) 100 dpi pages, since that's my normal size. Maybe I should work with 300 dpi more often...*shrug* But in any case, I don't exactly have time to revise the pages for this issue, but I WILL work out some story chinks in order to get it ready for Pulpo 2 some time next year. WISH ME LUCK.


And it looks as though the #7,500 KIRIBAN was MISSED ! Next screencap gets the kiriban ! FOR SERIOUS !

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - All I'd need to do with my new haircut now is get different color dyes for the left and right side of my hair, so I'd have blue streaks on my bangs and yellow highlights on the spikes...then I'd be pseudo-punk...

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET As finished as it is, I am still looking for my own webspace to host it on. I don't trust the DA community to respect this work well enough to leave it alone.
VOID I have thumbs and pencils for a few pages of Veiden Corsier VS ~ silverlimit's Glyph...but only two weeks to finish ! An extension may be necessary...*nod nod*
COMMISSIONS
*Questofdreams I will get back on this as SOON as possible. DON'T DIE ON ME !!!

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
[The gaming corner is sometimes prone to SPOILERS, but I'll try to keep it as low-profile as I can. I hate spoilers as much as the next hardcore gamer, so I know how it is.]
After some troublesome effort, my dad picked up ETERNAL DARKNESS for the GC.God that game is freaking me out...I hadn't had chills like that since me and my buddies blindly take turns playing Fatal Frame.
PHANTOM BRAVE I'm at the beginning of Chapter 6 and I've recruited a whole bunch more peeps, including practically EVERY Ow... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4013492/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/4013492/ Tue, 07 Dec 2004 18:13:53 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
A word of warning:
It may seem like I'm a whiny little bitch in this next entry, but this means a lot to me. So if you're in no mood to read about me whining about something that very much likely doesn't pertain to any of you at ALL, then I insist that you skip over this journal entry, for your best interest.

---

A terrible thing happened. I got my hair cut. No, not really cut, more like BUTCHERED. Hell, I don't even know what to call it. I've had bad haircuts before, given that I'm kind of a challenge to some barbers, but I wouldn't be bitching about this if the situation didn't BADLY call for me to whine about it.

Senior portraits are THE NEXT DAY.

My dad was INSISTING I get a haircut, logically on his behalf because I hadn't had a trim in 2-3 months. I'd have been fine with just a trim, but this was beyond that. My right side seems to have been cut off beyond recognition...I no longer look like Iori Yagami or Legato Bluesummers, or just plain old ME anymore. Setting facial features aside, I can safely state that I don't even look Asian anymore, not that I took pride in that. Going around from that side is like a BUZZ CUT. There's practically NOTHING there until it rounds into the most important feature; my proud bangs. At the time, my bangs had grown back to about the length it was in my webcam photo, which is in need of an update (not NOW, mind you). My dad told the barber to trim off 2 inches. JUST TWO. The damn thing can't even touch my EYES anymore, as if the barber's perception of TWO INCHES didn't apply anymore, and he just did his own thing (and I fucking HATE it when barbers do that). If you knew what I looked like beforehand, hell you wouldn't be able to recognize me now. That's what pains me the most about it, that I'm gonna have this....violation....for my SENIOR PORTRAIT.

I know I come off as being a rather humble guy to my closest friends, but to be honest, I'm VERY VERY concerned about my image. Why ? Because that's what I am to most people. Nothing more than an image. It's kind of sad too, given the kind of school I go to, that people only recognize me as "Chris Lee, the band guy with the hair who wears trenchcoats" and really nothing more. They can't even call me just "Chris", it's always "Chris-Lee" like they wouldn't be able to tell me apart if they didn't say my last name. I don't mean to disrespect it, in fact if that's the only kind of recognition I can muster than I'm extremely grateful for it. Any other school wouldn't have given me that least bit of respect, and that's why I love the people in my school. But that was me, that was my image. That's what I wanted people to remember from high school, even if I was on the back of their minds, I was there. I had an impact. And I wanted that for my senior portrait as well, so people could look back to their yearbooks and think "Hey, I remember Chris Lee".

And now I've got this. This wasn't me, and I hate it. I don't want this picture grafted into people's memories. It'd most likely come off as "Oh, Chris Lee ? He's Asian, right ? What'd he do ?". My parents have been all strict about yearbook/ID card photos for the entire four years that I've been here; never ONCE has my hair been draped to my preference for a yearbook photo. I'd have liked to have that freedom for my senior portrait. I wanted it to be MY picture. And goddammit, it's just...gone now.

---

Sorry for taking all your time like this. I know I'm probably coming off as an egomaniac like "OMG ZATO LOVES HIMSELF TOO MUCH HE'S BITCHING ABOUT HIS HAIR", but please be considerate. This is my identity in a closed society we're talking about, and it just died.

And if anyone's still reading up 'til this point, the next KIRIBAN is at 7,500 .

(all entries from this point on are from the last entry, because I am NOT this peppy right now.)
--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - DA is being overrun by neighborhoodies.com ! Flee now, lest you face the wrath of their 'kickass clothing' !! IT'S STRAIGHT FROM BROOKLYN !!! AAHHHHH

http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3998822/ Sun, 05 Dec 2004 21:41:35 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
First things first.

I turned 17 last Sunday. It was a blast, really. I didn't really call an UBERTASTIC SUPER SMASH BROS. MELEE day like I did last year (although I gotta say that was the GENUINE shiznatch), I only really just called over my three best friends and chilled for the day, pop in the occasional game or so and just hang out. Ever play Guilty Gear Isuka and have a FOUR PLAYER LEOPALDON BATTLE !?!? You can TASTE THE ECSTACY. I'll cover my game-related collectings from the day in my gaming corner.

Second order of business, I have SURVIVED THE NIGHTMARE and finished my 8 pages of STEAM JUNKET chapter 0 for VOID PULPO. Yeah so chapter 0 only consists of a cover, a prologue and 6 pages worth of comic, I was concerned for the printing costs at the time, that and I didn't know the deadline was pushed. But ANYWAYS, I wanna keep it low cost for the guys at VOID and keep my half minimum. And I can also RETURN TO LIFE HAAAA.

ALSO, next KIRIBAN is at 7,500. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOLKENS.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - DA is being overrun by neighborhoodies.com ! Flee now, lest you face the wrath of their 'kickass clothing' !! IT'S STRAIGHT FROM BROOKLYN !!! AAHHHHH

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET FINISHED. I cut off the story at page 6 and labeled it Chapter 0. I'll have maybe 2 or 3 other chapters printed in future Pulpo editions, just so ya'll can get the whole story. Maybe when I have enough money I'll print Steam Junket as a single book.

And I HAVE decided to expand the story into a series called RUSTED JUNCTION, featuring an all-new cast as well as some returning characters from STEAM JUNKET.
VOID Now that I am FREE, I have initiated the first step to a story chain that can only be described as EPIC. VEIDEN CORSIER, my long-missing Void Fighter, is now locked in combat against ~silverlimit's GLYPH. READ UP FOLKS, IT'S GONNA BE GRAND.
COMMISSIONS
*Questofdreams I will get back on this as SOON as possible. DON'T DIE ON ME !!!

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
And the birthdays do rake in good games for me indeed ! On said joyous day, I received Phantom Brave, Shin Megami Tensei : Nocturne and Metroid Prime. HOO WAH. And now for the status reports...
PHANTOM BRAVE I've just cleared the first area of chapter 4, but I need some time to level out the levels between my n00bs and vets. I'm finding it REALLY hard to level up my Blacksmith and Dungeon Monk, and now I've got a Titlist and an Owl Ninja to train as well.
SHIN MEG... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3822140/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3822140/ Sat, 13 Nov 2004 00:12:59 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
MY GOD. The deadline for Pulpo is JUST around the corner, waiting in the shadows with a sharpened piece of cardboard to shank me at any minute. Confidence...wavering...! Vision...fading...! Can't...speak...coherent...sentences...! !

*splat*

But yeah, I've been MAJORLY busy working on Steam Junket for those of you who were wondering where I've been (yep, all three of you XP). So NO more distractions, it's HYPER ZATO FROM HERE ON. HWOO~~~~

I won't let you down guys, I'll do my best to finish on time. GAH.

Again, for those don't know, "Pulpo" is short for VOID PULPO, a pulp book containing stories by artists from enterVOID [link]

ALSO, next KIRIBAN is at 7,500. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOLKENS.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - How can Hello Kitty talk when she has no mouth ??

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET PENCILS PENCILS PENCILS. I might have to chop down the pagesize since this thing is gonna be HUGE. Like, over 20 pages kinda HUGE. I only really have Page 1 COMPLETELY finished, inks for page 2 which I will MOST likely redraw to cut the pagesize down, and pencils for (I think) up until page 16 or so...GOD.

And I HAVE decided to expand the story into a series called RUSTED JUNCTION, featuring an all-new cast as well as some returning characters from STEAM JUNKET.
VOID As SOON as the Pulpo monkey stops jumping on my back, I have things that require IMMEDIATE COMPLETION, WHICH ARE :
Veiden Corsier VS ~silverlimit's Glyph
Violent Kei VS ~ponbiki's Kaisho Ponbiki
Violent Kei VS Fuudasha's Crazy Samurai
BEYOND BATTLE : KILL WU
POSSIBLY the creation of TIER and MEYLEN as VOID FIGHTERS.
COMMISSIONS
ALL COMMISSIONS ARE ON HOLD AT THE MOMENT. *Questofdreams Sorry, but you'll most likely be receiving this mid-December or so.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
And DESPITE my new intuition to finish this comic, ~kura-x manages to get GUILTY GEAR ISUKA yesterday. GOD that game is addictive. He's been going mad customizing his Robo-Ky MKII to make some kind of Jam/Slayer Robo-Ky, and it's working VERY nicely indeed. I feel... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3743671/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3743671/ Wed, 03 Nov 2004 13:51:32 PST --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Birthday season is rolling around (because me and my siblings have birthdays all around this season) and I've formulated a wishlist.

I want God to give me a month.

Just a month to finish this Pulpo and get on with the rest of life. And THEN I could name this month after myself and call it 'Zato-ber' or something stupid.

...

My stomach hurts...

ALSO, next KIRIBAN is at 7,500. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOLKENS.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - Why is the Contemplations section empty ?

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET RETOUCHED page 1 preview uploaded in Scraps as well as the Lasil and Retri pinup. Still working out the pencils for the pages...GOD I wish I could do this faster...
VOID I'll probably be on break from VOID until December...but I STILL haven't been able to upload my pages from before...WTF.
COMMISSIONS
for *Questofdreams This is taking WAY too long...I'm seriously sorry for having you put up with my incompetent speed, but I SWEAR I'll get it done. I'm working on the inks as it stands and I'll probably spend a day or two coloring.
for ANONYMOUS A friend at school hooked me up with a commish but I don't know who it's from. I have the details of the work and I'll get to it as soon as possible.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
I haven't been playing much at all lately, but I DID roll through the bargain bin and pick up a few games I might be putting some time into as soon as Pulpo gets off my back. So I picked up Final Fantasy Chronicles (FFIV and Chrono Trigger), Dynasty Tactics and my uncle got HALO for my bro ([sarcastic]OMFG IT'S THE BEST GAME EVARRR MASTERCHIEF IS SO COOOOL [/sarcastic])

--COMMISSIONS--
I'm not taking commissions until December or so (not that anyone commissions me or anything... ) but the prices will be listed below. You can send me a note if you'd like a commission, but don't expect it to be early.

Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3640827/ Thu, 21 Oct 2004 08:44:48 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
I seriously wish God would just GET me out of school for TWO MONTHS so I can start CRANKING OUT THIS PULPO LIKE A MAD PENGUIN.

...

I also have started playing Maple Story [link] and have been balancing that neatly with drawings (because it takes FOREVER to heal MP in that game). I usually play in Channel 10 with ~kura-x and ~lilkitty under the name Aesthin (mage) so if you're on the game at around 5-7pm PST, then gimme a shout !

ALSO, next KIRIBAN is at 7,500. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOLKENS.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - Why is the Contemplations section empty ?

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET Haven't found time to color the retouched version of page one, but I've been working diligently (with whatever time I have) penciling the rest of the pages. GRAA I wish I had more time to myself though...
VOID I'll probably be on break from VOID until December...but I STILL haven't been able to upload my pages from before...WTF.
COMMISSIONS
for *Questofdreams This is taking WAY too long...I'm seriously sorry for having you put up with my incompetent speed, but I SWEAR I'll get it done. I'm working on the inks as it stands and I'll probably spend a day or two coloring.
for ANONYMOUS A friend at school hooked me up with a commish but I don't know who it's from. I have the details of the work and I'll get to it as soon as possible.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
WILD ARMS 3 So I just managed to beat the dungeon with Melody and Janus, and am currently stopped at the room before Malik in the next dungeon. I LOVE THIS GAME.
MAPLE STORY Hargh, I had to restart my Aesthin game because I stupidly put some attribute points into STR and DEX, to which I was later told to completely deny those two and pump everything into INT and LCK, so I started over. Problem is, I've had a measly 5 STR for up 'til level 8 when I could become a mage, and when I DID, I accidently put my ONE skill point into MP recovery instead of the Energy Bolt spell, so now I'm STILL dealing Beginner damage until I gain one more level ! RARGHIS.

--COMMISSIONS--
I'm not taking commissions until December or so (not that anyone commissions me or anything...<... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3515552/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3515552/ Wed, 06 Oct 2004 23:28:17 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
BLARGENHEIMER.

Been getting slow with my drawings, sorry for being so LAZY. I must've been set back a week or so for Steam Junket...dammit all, I gotta straight out my priorities.

AND I've got two commishes sitting on my belt. ARGH.

ALSO, next KIRIBAN is at 7,500. KEEP AN EYE OUT FOLKENS.

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - Dammit, I hate it when this happens. I decided before that Tier and Meylen and the rest of the Steam Junket crew would only be one-shot characters and that'd be that...but I've become too attached to the gang that I don't wanna end the story as just a short story ! Who knows, maybe I'll open up the ending and make some sort of expansion...

#2 - I also came to realize that Tier and Meylen (Steam Junket) operate almost the EXACT SAME WAY Aesthin and Minli (Disgaea : Night of Dawnings) do, with only SLIGHT personality tweaks. It's probably my Humble-Male/Tomboy-Female pairing interest kicking in like TWICE.

#3 - ~kura-x pushed me into watching Happy Lesson (generally something I'd NOT watch, more of hobby-show than a real interest), and NOW I've got those DANCING CHIBIS STUCK IN MY HEAD. I was listening to a contemporary brass quintet playing music last Sunday and the only thing rolling through my mine was DANCING DANCING CHIBIS.

#4 - Why does the neighborhoodies.com ad try to advertise that "kickass clothing" means T-shirts with text ??

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET (pah, I'll probably keep the name) Preview for Page 1 UPLOADED, but after some heavy feedback, I'ma redraw it.
VOID I'll probably be on break from VOID until December...but I STILL haven't been able to upload my pages from before...WTF.
COMMISSIONS
for *Questofdreams This is taking WAY too long...I'm seriously sorry for having you put up with my incompetent speed, but I SWEAR I'll get it done. I'm working on the inks as it stands and I'll probably spend a day or two coloring.
for ANONYMOUS A friend at school hooked me up with a commish but I don't know who it's from. I have the details of the work and I'll get to it as soon as possible.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
WILD ARMS 3 I FINALLY found Little Twister after roaming that wasteland place forEVERRR and am headed to the next ruin. The only real problem I have is that I blew all my moneys on a World Screen, but I figure I might as well get it while I'm this early in the game.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Render... ]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3402711/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3402711/ Sun, 19 Sep 2004 22:29:06 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Well, the year seems to be holding a festival of equal fortunes this year. I was offered to play with a band of a co-worker of my mom's last Saturday and was paid for it. It was cool, the music was fun, and I had a good time doing it. I also NOW HAVE COMMISSIONS HWA-HAHAHAHA so MORE MONEYS WORD.

I seem to also be in a semi-slump, but I don't have too many things to worry about so I'll be able to get over it quickly.

And GAME PURCHASING. Guilty Gear X2 #Reload came out like a week ago and ~ kura-x picked it up. Robo-Ky is...well, unspeakable o__o;;; and I've been spending some time making pilgrimages down to my bro's room to try to adapt to the clumsy XBox controller which doesn't seem to be built for 2D fighters...but what the hell.

I also picked up Wild ARMs 3. Jolly good fun, and it's been my driving inspiration for Steam Junket as well. The character designs are SO neat, and I LOVE THE HORSEBACK COMBAT YAAAH. Clive is just too damn slick, Gallows has such an attitude (in a good way), Jet...well he's cool, and Virginia's so cute :cute:.

Anyhow, a-toodles to y'all ! BLOO HA

--CONTEMPLATIONS--
Here's where I put contemplations I've had. Kinda like a "Penny for your Thoughts" section for my journal.

#1 - My brother got the GGX Girls' Swimsuit figurine set and gave me the I-no and Millia figures to pay off the $15 I lent him. I can't get I-no to stand up straight so I had to lean her against Millia, and it turned out looking REALLY kinky. Like, lesbian porno-flick kinky o_o; I'll get a photo of this soon...

#2 - I got a haircut this weekend (NO I didn't cut all of it off, I just trimmed it; the Legato-bangs are still there ). While I was drawing (I always draw with my glasses on), I realized that while wearing my specs and combing my hair back, I kinda look like Krieg from Hellsing . I gotta get a photo of this too...

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET (name subject to change) Yeah looking back 'Steam Junket' sounds pretty stupid. I'll hafta change it. Anyhow, I'll be working on pinups such as the one I already did for Tier and Meylen for the rest of the cast (which is only like, Noerk, Vincent, Lasil and Retri).
VOID I still haven't been able to upload them correctly...I may have to ask the helpdesk for that one...
COMMISSIONS
for *Questofdreams Hoo-hooo~~~o I have a commission ! Working out pencils and will probably move onto inks and HOPEFULLY finish by the end of the week. Sorry this is taking so long.
for ANONYMOUS A friend at school hooked me up with a commish but I don't know who it's from. I have the details of the work and I'll get to it as soon as possible.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
WILD ARMS 3 http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3259501/ Wed, 01 Sep 2004 21:56:13 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
School started, nothing too bad so far. I've minimized my classes as much as I can to take this year a bit easier...I hope I can do that much at least.

On a side note, WHAT THE FUCK HAPPENED TO MY PAGES !?!? I just submited ELEVEN pages worth of Void comics and NONE of them are showing up correctly ! I apologize for the error, but I have NO idea what's going on either. There goes an hour or so of sleep missed...

edit : *grumble* I had them taken down so I can put them up when I actually have TIME.

ALSO, I STILL TAKE COMMISSIONS. ZATO NEEDS MORE GAMECUBE GAMES.

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET Started getting to work with storyboards (I think this is the only real project I've ever used storyboards for) for pages 1-8. Going smoothly so far.
VOID Kei vs Dumas FINISHED and SUPPOSEDLY uploaded but some ERROR is displaying my thumbnail image instead. FIIIIIX
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS Still haven't had the time to scan Aesthin's design sheet...I'm gonna be real busy 'til December.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
CLOSED DUE TO INACTIVITY

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3183674/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3183674/ Tue, 24 Aug 2004 16:23:54 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
School starts in like a WEEK or so...damn. Anyhow, I'm gonna be RE~EAL busy working on a short story due at the end of November, so I MAY OR MAY NOT be as active in VOID, but I'll still be kicking myself in the head to get caught up with what I need to do.

FUTURE PLANS FOR VOID, I am going to pick up my balls and challenge Fuudasha's CRAZY SAMURAI. It's going to be part of an EPIC where VIOLENT KEI and CRAZY SAMURAI JOIN FORCES to bring MUCH DESTRUCTION to Void City so LOOK OUT FOR IT.

ALSO PEOPLE, COMMISSION ME. I KNOW I SEEM BUSY BUT A COMMISSION IS NOT OUT OF MY PRIORITIES. I NEED MONEYS . AAAAH

--PROGRESS--
STEAM JUNKET Model sheets for Noerk, Vincent and the Dargoni sisters uploaded in Scraps, along with a doodle of Tier and Meylen taking a ride.
VOID Kei VS Daisuke FINISHED like I've mentioned several times before. All pages for Kei VS Dumas are INKED and in the process of toning.
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS You know I've had Aesthin's design sheet done for the longest time and I haven't had time to go ahead and scan it...hrm...
ANIMATION I've got a couple projects in mind that I'll probably have to put into gear LATER because of time restraints.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
DISGAEA - Not much progress, I've been doing NOTHING but DRAWING day after day. BUSY BUSY.
LA PUCELLE - BUSY BUSY.
PSO ep.1&2 - BUSY BUSY.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3128625/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3128625/ Sun, 15 Aug 2004 00:55:57 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
It's a SURRRRVEYYYYY I stoled from * messa

[ Name ] Chris
[ Nicknames ] Zato-2TWO, "Professor", "Dangerous-Lee" oO;
[ Screen name ] Zato-2TWO
[ Birthday ] Nov. 28, '87
[ Age ] 16
[ Weight ] More than 170 as far as I know...
[ Astrological sign? ] Sagitarrius
[ Chinese zodiac sign? ] Teh bunny
[ Location ] My DESK. And I'd be damned if I were found anywhere else.
[ Marital Status ] CURSED.
[ Eye color ] Dirt brown.
[ Height ] 5'9"-10"...I can't remember the last time I measured.
[ Shoe size ] 10 1/2
[ Parents still together? ] Yep.
[ Siblings? ] Yes.
[ Nieces/Nephews? ] Not that I'm aware of...o.o;
[ Kids of your own? ] WHAT.
[ Grandkids? ] ... ... ......WHAT.
[ Pets? ] ...I own a pit bull And a variety of fish and some crabs...
[ Education? ] High school, 12th grade ('05 BAYBE~~E)
[ Rent, lease, or own your home? ] HA YOU'RE TALKING LIKE I HAVE MONEY.
[ Have any credit cards? ] AND STILL TALKING.
[ What do you drive? ] A wheely chair.

Favorites
[ Color ] Anything monochrome
[ Number ] 21
[ Animal ] Penguin
[ Vehicle ] Vesper 22 oo;
[ Flower ] Candy
[ Scent ] CLEAN.
[ Shape ] B-but...I hate geometry.
[ Drinks ] Peach ju~uice.
[ Soda ] Root Booze. XD
[ Book ] Anything by Poe. BUT I'M NOT GOTHIC.
[ Band ] The Pillows XD
[ Song ] Ride on sho~oting STA~~~~~AR...
[ Food ] Sushi


Do you...
[ Color your hair? ] No
[ Twirl your hair? ] Dear God no...oo;
[ Have tattoos? ] I'm not badass enough...
[ Piercing? ] Not gay enough either...
[ Cheat on tests/homework? ] Only when I know I can get away with it.
[ Drink/Smoke? ] Noooo...
[ Like roller coasters? ] Not particularly...
[ Wish you could live somewhere else] As long as I don't have to do the moving myself. XP
[ Want more piercings? ] ...
[ Like cleaning? ] Sometimes...unless it makes me forget where things are XP
[Write in cursive or print? ] Cursive...? o_o;
[ Carry a donor card? ] WUZZAT
[ Swear a lot? ] Damn straight, beefshitz
[ Own a web cam? ] No.
[ Know how to drive? ] No.
[ Diet? ] I'M FAT.
[ Own a cell phone? ] Pssh, it's not like I USE it or anything...
[ Ever get off the damn computer? ] AND RETURN TO SOCIETY ? YOU FREAK.
[ Habla Espanol? ] What's Spanish for "no" ?? XDXD

Have you ever...
[ Gotten a speeding ticket?] I don't even move...
[ DUI? ] Never
[ Been in a wreck? ] It wasn't a wreck...more like a bump.
[ Been arrested? ] Nooo...
[ Been in a fist fight? ] Actually yeah...that was kinda embarressing.
[ Kicked someone in the nuts? ] Should I be ashamed if I didn't ?
[ Stolen anything? ] ...yesh.
[ Held a gun? ] If I did, the news would tell you. XP
[ Drank? ] I sipped a memosa once...BUT I SWEAR IT WAS ORANGE JUICE IN A FANCY GLASS.
[ Been so drunk you couldn't remember your name?] WHAT.
[Considered a life of crime? ] "OMFG GTA BESHT GAME EVAR OMFGLOLZORZWTFOMG" ...no.
[ Considered being a hooker? ] ... ... ... ... ...... ... ......WHAT.
[ Cried over a girl? ] Yes.
[ Cried over a boy? ] No...?
[ Lied to someone? ] ...you are the sappiest person in the world if you've gotten this far without lying.
[ Been in love? ] ALL THE TIME. T_T
[ Fallen for your best friend? ] I very seldom make female friends...and even so, they already have boyfriends, or I don't see myself with.
[ Made out with JUST a friend? ] I HAVE NEVER MADE OUT.
[Been rejected? ] Nope.
[ Used someone? ] Not that I'm aware of...o_o;
[ Been used? ] Like a rusty tool. http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3078707/ Thu, 12 Aug 2004 23:32:36 PDT )

--A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
SOMEONE PLEASE COMMISSION ME. I'M TOO FAT TO WORK.

--PROGRESS--
VOID Kei VS Daisuke FINISHED...but YOU *poke* don't get to see !! Ha ha ! Page 1 of Kei VS Dumas inked, but not toned. Working on pencils for the rest of it, but I can't figure out how to end it...I've got myself in quite a jam here...
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS Working on design sheet for Aesthin, the Celestial Mystic. I'll probably have it done and thrown into Scraps later.
ANIMATION Still not enough time to scan in my animation...I should probably get to penning in the lines for the Minli animation. THAT'S the one I'm looking forward to animating via Flash.
FLCL FANART It's in my scraps. AH.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
DISGAEA - Aesthin and Elia successfully TMed into Cosmic Heroes and catching up on levels. I ran through Alt. Netherworld and stopped before recklessly charging into Hall of Penance, because it's HARD. Hall of Sins, on the other hand, was quite easy. Who knew dinky little level ONE spells could be so...POWERFUL ??
LA PUCELLE - Cleared the last areas of Angel's Gate. Right now I need to head back and level up some monsters so I can do that chicken-run in Angel's Gate Top.
PSO ep.1&2 - Hard mode scrounging has been paying off. I got myself a Double Saber and a Varista for myself, but nothing new for my bro JUST YET.
PSO ep.3 - ARGGGHHH POLLUX . Having MUCHO trouble fighting the sword-armed bitch with a NASTY tumor. RARGH.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3061796/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/3061796/ Fri, 06 Aug 2004 22:57:13 PDT Listening to : FLCL OST "Addict"
Mood : OMG

--A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Summer is SO short . I've got like THREE more weeks until school starts (I dunno about you NON-San Francisco people, but that's FATALLY EARLY). Not only that, I've been waking up at friggin 10 AM for the past few weeks...not good.

In other news, I'm STILL BROKE. I TAKE COMMISSIONS PEOPLE, IT'S NOT A JEDI MIND TRICK. AND I'M INCREDIBLY CHEAP !

--PROGRESS--
VOID Kei VS Daisuke FINISHED...but YOU *poke* don't get to see !! Ha ha ! I still have a fight with the MICKEY [link] and Kill Wu to work on. WOOO.
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS ARGH, it seems I'm having a MINLI BLOCK. I can't seem to get a pose for her colored illustration...GRRR.
ANIMATION NUUU PLOGRESSH !!
MISC. Started a random FLCL fanart of Haruko and her Vesper. Somehow I'm not too proud of it, but I've been meaning to draw a pic like this for so long...maybe I'll ink it and put the lineart in my scraps...or color it some day. *shrug*

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
DISGAEA - Reading ~novachan's FRIGHTENING Disgaea-reporting journals got me in the mood to get back into the game. Within the timeframe of ONE DAY I managed to transmigrate my Blue Mage (Minli ) to Genius Rank and level her back up to her present level, which was around the hundreds or so. I also TM'd Laharl and Etna to Genius (THANK GOD for that too, they REALLY needed it) and am in the process of getting my Warriors (Aesthin and Elia) to earn enough mana to TM into Galactic Heroes. Right now, Aesthin spent his mana raising a new (and well-needed) Ronin (Akiko), and Elia just doesn't have the mana at all. Once I get everyone TM'd and to about level 100 each, I'll head to the Dark Assembly to open Alt. Netherworld and then some.
LA PUCELLE - Beat Angel's Dreams...GOD that was irritating. Spent some time in the Cave of Trials and -sort of- evened out everyone's levels. Haven't seen what's next though, had to quit early.
PSO ep.1&2 - I had to *sniff* RESTART my Minli game . In order to complete the trade circle between myself, ~kura-x and ~lilkitty, I had to get either Purplenum or Greenill as a Section ID to obtain rare guns (because ~lilkitty gets rare swords and ~kura-x gets rare wands. Kitty plays a Force, Kura plays a Ranger and I play a Hunter, so the circle evens out). I'm still trying to get to Very Hard so I can get some ACTUAL rares...
PSO ep.3 - ~ ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2991065/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2991065/ Wed, 28 Jul 2004 23:12:51 PDT Listening to : Hellsing OST 1 - RAID
Mood : Feeling like getting rid of this ridiculous "Listening to + Mood" header...

--A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Well now the fullviews are working and things are getting along just fine. I seem to be making a lot of progress in these past two days. Usually it'd take me 2 weeks to pump out 2 fully CGd pics, but I completed both in just two whole days o_o;. Am I becoming...efficient ?

--PROGRESS--
VOID Pencils for pages 1-6 (yep, there's SIX now) of Kei vs ~rkarl03's Daisuke Watanabe finished, page 1 inked and counting. At this point I'm just about ready to accept mickey's challenge versus Dumas. (Mickey's site [link] ) Hopefully after that I'll have enough time granted to continue Kill Wu...hopefully before Wu disappears into the mist forever
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS I need to get back to work on this real soon... ...BUT, for those of you who haven't seen, Minli's complete model sheet is sitting in my scraps.
ANIMATION Finished the pencils for my Minli animation, and still haven't scanned my Violent Kei walk cycle...maybe when I have not so much stuff to do I'll do it.
AYANE'S KIRIBAN FINISHED [link]
WoH FANART FINISHED. [link]

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
QUITE INACTIVE, thank you...aside from a few tag-alongs for Tales of Symphonia.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Lineart w/ CG colors - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2988429/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2988429/ Wed, 28 Jul 2004 13:27:19 PDT Listening to : The Black Mages - J.E.N.O.V.A
Mood : DOOFY.


--A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
It seems for some reason the full fiew option isn't working...hrm, I hope it gets fixed soon. MY THUMBNAILS ARE HORSE FECES.

--PROGRESS--
VOID Pencils for pages 1-5 of Kei vs Daisuke NEARLY finished. Once done, I'll have an upcoming fight against -gasp- mickey's Dumas. (Mickey's site [link] )
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS Minli's model sheet COMPLETE and laying around in my Scraps. GOTHERENOW.
ANIMATION Still fiddling around with Flash, but as soon as I have enough time to scan all 20 frames of my Violent Kei walk cycle, I'll try to convert it to Flash.
AYANE'S KIRIBAN FINISHED [link]
WoH FANART FINISHED. [link]

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
QUITE INACTIVE, thank you...aside from a few tag-alongs for Tales of Symphonia.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Full CG'd lineart - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2968743/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2968743/ Wed, 28 Jul 2004 01:11:47 PDT Listening to : FLCL OST. "Ride on shooting STA~~~~~R"
Mood : Trendy...for jumping on the "Listening To + Mood" bandwagon.


--A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Well I managed to get to ~novachan's birthday successfully (and that was a BIG cookie... ). I picked up my FLCL OST *strokes obsessively* and her parents were nice enough to buy me the first DVD of .hack//DUSK (or as it was released in the US, .hack//Legend of the Twilight). Had much fun (and curry) that day.

The following day, I was to meet with a few friends at the AAU Summer Art experience to play some D&D when I ran into ~jigokuen . She was waving around a GGX2 box and I would have LOVED to play if they didn't have to move buildings ;_;. Perhaps we'll play some other time, ne Jigo-san ?

--PROGRESS--
VOID Pencils for pages 1-5 of Kei vs Daisuke NEARLY finished. Once done, I'll have an upcoming fight against -gasp- mickey's Dumas. (Mickey's site [link] )
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS Minli's model sheet COMPLETE and laying around in my Scraps. GOTHERENOW.
ANIMATION Still fiddling around with Flash, but as soon as I have enough time to scan all 20 frames of my Violent Kei walk cycle, I'll try to convert it to Flash.
AYANE'S KIRIBAN Inked and ready for colors.
WoH FANART FINISHED. [link]

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
Haven't been playing much, but my bro picked up Tales of Symphonia from his GF. I've been tagging along every now and then...'tis mighty fun playing .

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Full CG'd lineart - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2918076/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2918076/ Wed, 21 Jul 2004 13:27:41 PDT --A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Mraaa...I've been slacking off so much lately...maybe it's because of that damn summer reading project...yeah that's probably it.

Haven't made much progress in drawings OR schoolwork...muh. Don't worry, I'll be back in the groove soon enough. I've got an upcoming VOID fight against 's Daisuke Watanabe, a sort of drunk lecher-samurai person...*shrug*

--PROGRESS--
VOID Going to start up Kei vs Daisuke pretty soon so I can get back to working on KILL WU (which BTW, pages 1&2 are already finished...because they're just the disclaimer and prologue)
DISGAEA : NIGHT OF DAWNINGS Minli's model sheet COMPLETE and laying around in my Scraps. GOTHERENOW.
ANIMATION Probably one of my biggest concerns, since this project's gonna be big. On the other hand, I've retraced the Violent Kei walk cycle (to exclude guidelines) and I recently received Flash MX from my good friend, so PERHAPS I may be able to run a sprite-test on it...
AYANE'S KIRIBAN Erm...still nothing >.< ... PLEASE FORGIVE ME.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
CLOSED DUE TO INACTIVITY

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Full CG'd lineart - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2887702/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2887702/ Fri, 16 Jul 2004 01:09:14 PDT
--A PEEK INTO MY BRAIN--
Looks like I'm without a job, and I'll be broke pretty soon which means I won't be able to buy all that stuff I said I'd get over the summer. Boooo~~

SO, I will again be taking commissions if anyone so wishes. I'M REALLY CHEAP.

--PROGRESS--
Violent Kei VS Daku UPLOADED
Disgaea : Night of Dawnings model sheets for Minli and Minli's weapons COMPLETE. To be posted in Scraps.
More animation ! I'm slowly making progress torwards a Minli animation that I hope to get here soon. Who knows, maybe I'll pen in the lineart and cel-color it. It'll be great
<_< ..... >_> .....will start Ayane-Matrix's kiriban soon.

--ZATO'S GAMING CORNER--
LA PUCELLE TACTICS - On the last chapter (FATHER SALADE IS COOL) and currently trying to level everyone back up to standard terms, because neglecting Prier and Allouette for a chapter has LOPSIDED my party.
PHANTASY STAR ONLINE ep.1&2 - As if anyone cares about this game any more...BUT I GOTS MY SOUL EATER . Now I gotta get to Ultimate mode to see what my brother has been spazzing about...
.HACK//QUARANTINE - I seriously need help getting past the dungeon after the game. I only have until the 24th to play it and I haven't made any progress at ALL.

--COMMISSIONS--
Sketches - $5 (BECAUSE THEY'RE UGLY)
Rendered Sketches - $8
Inked Lineart - $10
Lineart w/ Screentones - $13
Full CG'd lineart - $15

I accept only money orders as payment...because Paypal hates my head.

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2854854/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2854854/ Sun, 11 Jul 2004 09:23:09 PDT

PROGRESS...
I have the inks finished for Kei vs 's Daku, and I'm on my way to toning it. And no, you can't see it until the fight is up on VOID.
I have a new design sheet for Minli from my Disgaea Doujinshi. I'll post it together with her weapon design sheet once I get that down.
Animation ! I have a finished animation of Violent Kei walking that I would LOVE to scan (finished for a project in my 2D Animation class for the Academy of Art University Summer Art Experience). HOWEVER, as I am without an animation app, would someone kindly point me to one ? Thanks in advanced.

It also looks like the kiriban was missed...hrmm...

]]> ~zato-2two http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2816513/ http://zato-2two.deviantart.com/journal/2816513/ Tue, 06 Jul 2004 10:58:05 PDT
This also means I may have to postpone my upcoming VOID fight (Violent Kei versus 's Daku). What a crap.

--DESPERATE CRY--
Does anyone know what to do about a "NTLDR is missing : Press CTRL+ALT+DEL to restart" error message when starting up a Windows 2K ? I've TRIED clearing the floppy and CD drives, but to no avail. ]]> ~zato-2two