Screenshots Roasting on an Open Fire

Matt Brown (Editor in Chief) — December 24th, 2006
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It's that time of year again! The time where you ask your special someone, "What's a humbug?" Well, I have some good news for you: I have no idea.

That said, we have pretty Christmas-themed pictures for you to look at! Way back in 2003, we did a holiday screenshots spotlight to show off a number of good Christmas episodes. This year, we decided to expand that list with a few more.

So, without further adue, feast thine eyes on screenshots for Ai yori Aoshi, DiGi Charat, R.O.D the TV, and the Satoshi Kon film Tokyo Godfathers, plus a couple Christmas wallpapers from Nukunuku!

Ai yori Aoshi ~ Enishi OVA: Beautiful Snow

Mike Ferreira (Editor) — December 24th, 2006
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Ai Yori Aoshi's Christmas episode is an oddity, since it isn't a part of the series' canon. The episode takes a slightly different route by setting the characters into a time point before the original Ai Yori Aoshi. After a long night of work, Kaoru encounters a strange twist of fate when he is assaulted by a flying necklace. It isn't long before Kaoru finds the necklace's owner, since she appears in Kaoru's apartment shortly after Kaoru collapses on his futon. The mystery girl introduces herself as Santa Claus... well, a Santa Claus. The necklace is the key to Santa's home world, and she cannot return without it.

As a way of thanking Kaoru, Santa grants Kaoru one wish. Kaoru obviously wishes to spend Christmas with the sexy Santa. Of course, sharing Christmas with a Santa that would make most supermodels blush is awkward enough. Kaoru asks the lass for another name. Santa obviously has none, since Santa is Santa. Kaoru quickly decides a new name for her: Aoi. The rest of the episode focuses on Aoi and Kaoru's special Christmas encounter, in true AiAo fashion. There are plenty of goofy moments, accompanied by points that are best described as "bittersweet." All of the major characters, from Mayu to Miyabi make an appearance. On top of all of that, Aoi appears in a skimpy Santa suit! What more could an AiAo fan ask for on Christmas morn?

Ai yori Aoshi ~ Enishi screenshot Ai yori Aoshi ~ Enishi screenshot Ai yori Aoshi ~ Enishi screenshot

DiGi Charat, Episode #16: Usada Explodes!

Mike Ferreira (Editor) — December 24th, 2006
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The twisted folks at Broccoli seem to understand that Christmas is a holiday that is perfect for revenge, and possibly murder, as well as those warm and fuzzy moments. This episode is actually the finale for the original series, so it was important to send the cast off with a (literal) bang.

The episode opens with a somewhat lonely Rabi~en~Rose (Hikaru Usada) wandering through the city as the world around her prepares for the coming of Annual Gift Man from the Moon. Dejiko, on the other hand, is working on a wicked surprise. Dejiko's prepared a cake... bomb. The episode is surprisingly low on the "unique" humor that oozes from the rest of the series. Because of this, the final product proves to be more enjoyable to those that aren't exactly fans of the rest of the show, and still retains the charm of the characters themselves.

Digi Charat screenshot Digi Charat screenshot Digi Charat screenshot
Digi Charat screenshot Digi Charat screenshot

R.O.D the TV, Episode #10: Christmas Carol

Matt Brown (Editor in Chief) — December 24th, 2006
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The tenth episode of R.O.D the TV is heartwarming, at least until the show tries to destroy it with a group identity crisis at the end. Nenene gets invited to a holiday banquet honoring a teenaged writer who just won an award. She's not wild about the idea, but Michelle and Maggie practically beg her to go, and bring them along of course.

After the party, Michelle invites Nenene to a private "birthday" party, where she explains how the three of them came to be a family. What I like about this episode is its emphasis on giving oneself as well as presents.

R.O.D the TV screenshot R.O.D the TV screenshot R.O.D the TV screenshot
R.O.D the TV screenshot R.O.D the TV screenshot R.O.D the TV screenshot

Tokyo Godfathers Screenshots

Matt Brown (Editor in Chief) — December 24th, 2006
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Tokyo Godfathers is Satoshi Kon's third film, and takes after the old western film, "Three Godfathers." Three homeless people find a baby girl in a garbage heap, and struggle with what to do with her. The transvestite Hana names her Kiyoko, and has delusions of raising her. The ex-family-man Gin wants nothing to do with this idea, insisting they go to the police.

Through their struggles with Kiyoko, each is brought face to face with the past they fled from. Hana meets "her" transvestite "mother," Gin has a chance meeting with his daughter (also named Kiyoko), and the teenager Miyuki keeps running into her father. The baby becomes their redemption, and the movie leaves the feeling that they won't spend another day on the street.

Tokyo Godfathers screenshot Tokyo Godfathers screenshot Tokyo Godfathers screenshot
Tokyo Godfathers screenshot Tokyo Godfathers screenshot Tokyo Godfathers screenshot
Tokyo Godfathers screenshot Tokyo Godfathers screenshot Tokyo Godfathers screenshot

Christmas 2006 Wallpapers

Nukunuku (Former Staff) — December 24th, 2006
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Wallpaper

Christmas wallpaper, by Nukunuku

(1024x768)

wallpaper

Christmas wallpaper, by Nukunuku

(1024x768)

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