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Topics - Foggle

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1
Announcements / Back In Business
« on: August 14, 2020, 02:18:46 AM »
In December 2012, the excelsagaforum.com domain was, without warning, not renewed, and immediately snatched up by squatters. After several weeks of the few people aware of the situation attempting to scare up a couple hundred bucks to get it back, some bloodsucking corporation bought it from its previous "owners," jerked the webmaster around for a month, and started charging $2000 for it. And just like that, the first online community I'd ever truly felt like I belonged to, one which helped me through some very difficult times in my life, disintegrated. Ever since, about twice a year, out of curiosity more than anything, I've been checking on the status of the domain. Last week, I discovered that said corporation had finally abandoned it after 7 years, and it was available to purchase for $18. With urging from Micki!, one of only three people I've managed to keep up with from this forum over the past few years, I bought the domain and a hosting package. It was time for the Excel Saga Forum to rise from the ashes.

In 2013, we bought the excelsagaforum.org domain and tried to merge the forum with another board I run, a hangout for some other old online friends. This was a huge mistake, but back then I didn't have enough money to afford two hosting packages (or even one without help), and with everyone else also being low on money and the community being woefully inactive, it was really our only option. But now excelsagaforum.com is back, and it's not going anywhere as long as I'm capable of breathing oxygen.

I do not expect the old community to return. It would be nice, and I would be overjoyed if any of the old members even just stopped by to say "hi" once, but 7 years (closer to 8, really) is a long time. I'm sure the ship has sailed for most if not all of them. After all, who really cares about Excel Saga in 2020? I have de-adminned/modded everyone except myself and Micki!, but if anyone else with a previous staff position returns, I will be happy to reinstate them if they want.

So why did I resurrect this relic from the old days of the internet? Even if it will likely never be active again, this community is still important to me, and I think it would be wrong to not have it online in some form. I tried my best to keep everything the same way it was back in the day. The old theme doesn't work on SMF 2.0, so I looked for one that resembled it more closely than our previous substitute. Aside from that, everything else should be the same. Your old usernames and passwords should still work. Your old posts and PMs are still there (and oh god, is the stuff I posted when I was 14 embarrassing). The only things that appear to be lost are the avatars, image attachments, and contents of the original Gallery. I wouldn't have gotten the backups without the ill-fated forum merger, so I guess something good did come out of it after all!

We've got a new Gallery up and running (with video functionality!) and a Discord server to replace the old chatroom. Looking to the future, Micki! and I are planning on turning this into an Excel Saga museum of sorts. I've made threads in the new Resources section to help people find copies of both the manga and anime, we've started a project to make the Oubliette more easily digestible, and we're planning to begin commissioning translations of things like Excel Saga SP, the original final chapter from Young King OURS, and Holy Brownie very soon.

As far as the manga goes, Excel Saga's sociopolitical satire is still relevant today; meanwhile, the anime's "xD so randumb!!1" antics now function as an appealing time capsule of the early 00's. I hope that, together, we can keep this wonderful series from being forgotten, and spread the love for it into 2020 and beyond. Now, then, and forever, Hail Il Palazzo! :ehail: :g_hail: :elhail:

2
Resources / Where To Read (Excel Saga Manga)
« on: August 12, 2020, 04:00:51 AM »
One of the biggest barriers to entry for reading the Excel Saga manga is that many of the volumes are out of print and thus expensive or hard to find. The cheapest copy of Volume 26 on Amazon right now is $800! Though much cheaper now, Volume 8 was also ridiculously overpriced for many years. Worse still, the very first volume is out of print, and while definitely on the lower end in terms of secondhand pricing, it means few if any will be willing to make the investment necessary for getting into the series. This problem was solved for a few years, when Viz first launched their digital distribution platform (then called VizManga), until the entire series was subsequently yanked from the site with no warning a week or two after Volume 27 came out. My theory is that they held onto the license just long enough to get the final book out (for which they have my eternal gratitude) and then immediately dropped it. Regardless, my hypothesizing doesn't actually help anyone get a hold of the damn things, so below I will detail several methods for obtaining these books.

Option 1: Buying Physical Copies
This is a list of the ones that are still in print, using merchant links taken directly from Viz's website. These are all around $10 for new copies, and buying them will support the official release in the most convenient way possible at this point in time.

Volume 2 - Amazon
Volume 3 - Amazon
Volume 11 - Amazon
Volume 12 - Amazon
Volume 13 - Amazon
Volume 16 - Amazon

Option 2: Buying Digital Copies
"But wait," I hear you say, "I thought you couldn't buy the digital copies from Viz's distribution service anymore!" Turns out, even though they've been removed from the public storefront, you can still purchase them by "tricking" the website using Inspect Element on the page of a book that is still officially available for sale, provided you know the product code. Luckily, I was able to purchase all 27 volumes for myself before they were delisted, so I have a list of all their product codes available. I have tested this personally and can confirm that it works. Below, I will show you how to do it with a brief tutorial including screenshots. Each one will run you around $7.

Step 1 - Sign Up for or Log In to a Viz.com account. I don't believe doing this is illegal or that they'd ban you for it, as you're still paying Viz for one of their products and receiving it in return, but you might want to create a separate account specifically for Excel Saga just in case.
Step 2 - Find a manga that's available for digital sale. Here's Naruto Volume 1 as an example.
Step 3 - Make sure you're on the Digital tab, not the Paperback tab. It should look like this:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Step 4 - Open Inspect Element in your web browser. You can do this by pressing F12 in Firefox, Chrome, or Edge. I haven't tested opening it with any other browser and have only tested an actual purchase with Firefox, so if it doesn't work, either respond to this post or PM me and I'll try to help you out. Once open, you should see something like this:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Step 5 - In the Search HTML bar, type ".cart_add_manga", select the first option from the drop down menu, and go to the first result. It should lead to something like this:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Step 6 - Change all instances of the original manga's purchase code to the one for the Excel Saga volume you wish to buy. In the case of Naruto Volume 1, the code is 16, and in the case of Excel Saga Volume 1, the code is 820. See the following picture for assistance:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Notice how there are 3 "16"s in the HTML. You will need to double-click to open the text strings, then replace them with "820"s. Press Enter/Return when you have finished. Once done, it should look like this:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Step 7 - Click "Buy from Viz" as if you're adding Naruto Volume 1 to your cart. Do not close Inspect Element yet.
Step 8 - Go to your Shopping Cart. You can now close Inspect Element. You should see Excel Saga in your cart, like so:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)
Step 9 - Click "Check out" to buy your book(s)!
Step 10 - You should now be able to read Excel Saga from "My Library." Proof it works:
Spoiler (click to show/hide)

Product Codes:
Volume 1 - 820
Volume 2 - 824
Volume 3 - 842
Volume 4 - 1354
Volume 5 - 1355
Volume 6 - 1367
Volume 7 - 1368
Volume 8 - 1380
Volume 9 - 1381
Volume 10 - 1404
Volume 11 - 1405
Volume 12 - 1445
Volume 13 - 1446
Volume 14 - 1470
Volume 15 - 1471
Volume 16 - 1480
Volume 17 - 1481
Volume 18 - 1496
Volume 19 - 1497
Volume 20 - 1509
Volume 21 - 1510
Volume 22 - 1532
Volume 23 - 1552
Volume 24 - 1573
Volume 25 - 1580
Volume 26 - 2005
Volume 27 - 2530

While the above no doubt sounds like some ridiculous hackerman nonsense, it's actually rather easy. That said, I understand any trepidation one might have about using this method. Also, I realize that the above links probably only apply to people in the US. If you would like to add information on buying the manga in other territories (or in other languages), please reply to this post or PM me!

Filling In The Gaps
If you're looking for a certain volume of the manga (or something else, like one of Rikdo's doujins), feel free to post in this thread requesting help locating it, and we'll do our best to assist you. Though probably not feasible until after this coronavirus business has subsided, I would like to eventually start prowling the local used book stores/thrift shops looking for Excel Saga volumes to give away on here. Until then, there's really only one way to be able to read some of these books, and I'm not about to deprive you of it.

I have no intention of distributing copyrighted material illegally, but Rikdo, Viz, and Shonen Gahosha will never see a dime from used book sales either, so I see no harm in providing off-site links to download them. All credit for these copies goes to the original uploader, Wisperer.

English Volumes

----------

Non-English Translations
There have been various scanlations of Excel Saga into other languages, as well as a few incomplete official attempts. I will do my best to compile them here, with the help of our esteemed forum/discord members!

Spanish
Created by the Excel Saga Forum's very own SWamP and originally distributed at his website, this herculean project translated all 27 volumes into Spanish! While the download links no longer work, the entire thing was miraculously archived by kelzt, and now it can once again see distribution:

Spanish Volumes

If you were involved in the creation of any scanlations and would like me to remove the download links, please do not hesitate to contact me. It is not my intention to step on anyone's toes here.

And if I've gone too far, I will, of course, remove the downloads upon request from any of the IP's legal owners. :hdead:

3
Resources / Where To Watch (Excel Saga Anime & Puni Puni Poemy OVA)
« on: August 11, 2020, 09:10:46 PM »
All 26 episodes (both subbed and dubbed) are readily available to stream on Funimation's website.

You can also buy the DVD set from Funimation directly, Amazon, or Barnes & Noble.

I don't believe Puni Puni Poemy is available for sale or official streaming anymore at all, nor do I think anyone actually holds the license for it currently. While it's not my intention to illegally distribute copyrighted material, I would like to provide off-site streaming links so that people who missed the boat two decades ago can still watch it today:
Episode 1 (subbed)
Episode 2 (subbed)
Episode 1 (dubbed)
Episode 2 (dubbed)

I realize that the above links probably only apply to people in the US. Frankly, I'm not sure any company even currently holds the license for Excel Saga overseas. If you would like to add information on watching the anime or OVA in other territories (or in other languages), please reply to this post or PM me!

4
Rikdo's Other Works / Echo/Zeon Cancelled!?
« on: March 31, 2012, 12:43:26 PM »
Now, I can't read Japanese too well, but using the little that I do know and some help from good ol' Google Translator, it appears that Echo/Zeon has been cancelled due to Young Ace censoring Rikudou's work!

Can anyone who knows Japanese read these Amazon reviews and tell me if I'm correct?
http://www.amazon.co.jp/gp/product/4041201217/ref=as_li_ss_tl?ie=UTF8&tag=rikudou305-22&linkCode=as2&camp=247&creative=7399&creativeASIN=4041201217

This is terrible if true! There was no chance in hell that I'd ever be able to read it, but it's absolutely devastating to hear that something like this has happened to one of the most underappreciated mangaka in the industry. :(

5
Games / BioShock Infinite
« on: July 08, 2011, 12:08:05 PM »
I really liked BioShock, but after the initial shock-and-awe, it didn't really fill me with as much excitement as I'd hoped pre-release.

BUT AFTER SEEING THE BIOSHOCK INFINITE E3 DEMO I FEEL LIKE I AM GOING TO DIE OF ANTICIPATION! WATCH THIS SHIT RIGHT NOW GO GO GO STOP READING MY POST AND DO IT HOLY FUCK HOLY FUCK HOLY FUCK THE ROLLER COASTER RAILS ARE THE BEST THING IN ANY GAME BOOKER'S VOICE IS AMAZING THE TEARS ARE SO COOL GOOD GOD I WANT IT NOW

6
1-4 available dubbed, first 2 available subbed. I desperately hope this increases interest in the manga so Viz will speed up releases a tad. :im_nabeshin:

7
The Manga / English Excel Saga Volume 23
« on: May 12, 2011, 09:16:28 PM »
It's on regular ol' Amazon and Book Depository now. April 10, 2012. Did anyone really expect any sooner?


And the waiting game beginneth once more.

8
The Manga / Volumes 1-21 Might Be Going Out Of Print
« on: April 16, 2011, 10:28:34 AM »
If you're thinking about starting the manga and haven't yet, do so now.

According to Amazon.com, they are running out of copies of every volume aside from 22, with no plans to get any more in. According to RightStuf.com, the only volumes currently in-stock are 1 and 22. While that one does say there are "more arriving soon," that doesn't always mean they'll ever actually get more in.

9
Anime / Tokyopop's North American Division Shuts Down
« on: April 16, 2011, 09:25:01 AM »
http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2011-04-15/tokyopop-to-close-north-american-publishing-division

Damn, now how am I supposed to get my daily dose of manga where the pages fall out on the first reading and series dropped after the fourth volume? :(

Sarcasm aside, I feel bad for all the people who'll lose their jobs because of this. Company has been terrible as of late, but it wasn't always awful.

10
Characters / The Kabapu Appreciation Thread!
« on: January 01, 2011, 01:28:34 PM »
I'm not sure if many of you will agree with me, but IMO Kabapu is by far one of the funniest characters in the entire series. Alas, it seems he has gone unloved by much of the fanbase despite his awesome hair and mustache. Truly, I feel that -- deep down -- we all strive to have hair as excellent as Kabapu's one day. :kabapu-1:

Also, this was one of the best scenes ever:


11
General / Kick-Ass Kicked Ass
« on: April 17, 2010, 09:39:53 PM »
So I'm wholeheartedly endorsing that new movie Kick-Ass like Maddy did with Zombieland awhile back. I watched it with my friend earlier today and it absolutely blew our minds. It has loads of hilarious dark humor, a fun soundtrack, amazing action scenes, and a surprisingly interesting plot with great characters. Don't be fooled by the trailers, which really aren't all that good, this is perhaps my favorite movie since In Bruges. Needless to say, I want to dive into the original comic version as soon as possible.
But, yeah, go see it. :im_nabeshin:

12
Anime / Loss Of Interest
« on: November 08, 2009, 03:49:21 PM »
I tried to watch some anime earlier today... and I just couldn't do it. It's been like this for months. The only series I could even bring myself to sit down and watch was the shitpile that is Umineko no Naku Koro ni, perhaps in hopes of it providing an experience on par with that of Ryukishi's previous work. It didn't.

I've been meaning to watch Trigun and Desert Punk since June, but I just haven't. And won't. And maybe can't. Every once in a while, I'll start up an episode and just turn it off after five minutes.

It's the same with manga. I used to read Berserk, but I decided that it wasn't worth $12 per volume. And I'm not partial to scans. I'll still read Excel Saga, though, since it's just that good. It transcends its own art-form, in my opinion. But it's one of a kind.

I watched a bunch of old Bud Abbott and Lou Costello pictures recently, and I found them much more substantial than any anime I could think of. These are comedies from the 1940's and 50's we're talking about here.

Of course, I'm still partial to some of my favorites like Cowboy Bebop and whatnot. But once Black Lagoon Season 3 airs and Excel Saga finishes, I'm out.

13
IT'S DONE. YES, DONE AS IN FINISHED AND COMPLETED AND NOT RAW.

Are you ready for this? Of course you're not! Nothing could prepare you for this! NOTHING!

Missions 1-5 and 9 by Foggle!
Missions 6-8 by Micki!!
There's also a Bonus Mission, and I did that one, too!

This is so much better than the original version (which I am embarrassed of) that I can hardly believe it's a remake!

LINKS:
Read it in the Gallery! Uploaded in reverse for your viewing convenience!
Download it from MediaFire!
Download it from MegaUpload!

Table Of Contents!
Mission 1 starts on 003.jpg or Page 5 in the Gallery
Mission 2 starts on 019.jpg or Page 19 in the Gallery
Mission 3 starts on 035.jpg or Page 31 in the Gallery
Mission 4 starts on 051.jpg or Page 46 in the Gallery
Mission 5 starts on 067.jpg or Page 59 in the Gallery
Mission 6 starts on 080a.jpg or Page 73 in the Gallery
Mission 7 starts on 096.jpg or Page 87 in the Gallery
Mission 8 starts on 112.jpg or Page 102 in the Gallery
Mission 9 starts on 128.jpg or Page 118 in the Gallery
Bonus Mission starts on 144.jpg or Page 134 in the Gallery

Stick with it 'cuz it gets a LOT better as it goes along. This was a long time coming, but not a long time in the making. If I remember correctly, Missions 1 and 6 were finished in 2009 and Missions 2, 3, 7, and 8 were finished in 2010. I spent the last two weeks working fairly diligently on Missions 4, 5, and 9, as well as the Bonus one. If you read the first one when I posted it a long time ago, you should read it again, because I changed it to make it funnier and less stupid!

You might want to catch up with the first chapter of the classic Excel-Lency re-write (or the whole thing, if you want!) before reading this. Why? I'm not tellin! Keep in mind that this thing as a whole is far, far wittier than my bit on that ol' one.

The Bonus Mission is... well... remember this? YEAH, BABY!

LET'S ROCK!

14
This game looks so goddamn amazing. It's a four-player online co-op role playing shooter with over 5000 guns, customizable vehicles, and a unique art style. Just watch the trailer and tell me it doesn't look like the greatest thing ever.
I request that all PC gamers buy this, so you can join me 'n my mate in epic four-player loot hunting adventures.  :lordilsmile:

15
Games / Duke Nukem For Never ;_;
« on: May 13, 2009, 09:22:44 PM »
ITT we shed tears for the fallen. He came to kick ass and chew bubblegum, but he was all out of funding. :'(

Good night, sweet prince.

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