HardDoor@15

Fifteen years.

It is hard to believe anything Internet-related to be fifteen years-old. AOL discs and Infoseek still feel like just a few months ago! So it feels equally-unbelievable that it has been 15 years to the day that I decided to start this blog centered around anime, boxing, and a little bit of randomness. And here we are, 466 posts of anime and boxing previews, reviews, features, guides, and more later.

Unfortunately, I haven't been anywhere close to as active as I would've liked to have been in the last five years, and I truly thought, this time, I was back on-track a year ago, but life matters, other matters, and time flying by said otherwise (one of those matters being the existential dread of having to talk about an anime I really did not want to relive again, which I'll attempt to discuss in the future. "Attempt…").

I've been keeping tabs on HardDoor: Screenshot Haven (tumblr) and trying to get back into Twitter (HardDoor~Live, still something of a tentative title…Facebook's HardDoor+ even moreso…), but I yearn to accomplish more than what I've done. I am unsure of what I exactly want to do, but will hopefully have a better idea in the future…

Happy 15th Anniversary, HardDoor!!

(Man, that really does sound weird to say…)

--HD

HardDoor--The Fourteenth Anniversary: Ani-Journal Edition!!

I would add a screenshot from the actual movie of A Silent Voice (Koe no Katachi), but Netflix, like the Blu-ray Disc Association, hates that sort of thing. So we'll just settle for this one from the ED MV special from…elsewhere…

It's the fourteenth anniversary of HD, so I thought, why not switch things up a bit and do a return of Ani-Journal in commemoration, instead!! Being that it's been six years since the last one, and the first substantive post in four, this'll likely be the first installment of a few. So, without further(more) waste, let's go!!

—While I have yet to see your name. (Kimi no Na wa.), it was not very hard to see why In This Corner of the World (Kono Sekai no Katasumi ni) won as many accolades as it did, eventually usurping the megahit in award season (not that coming out later and being a folksy movie didn't hurt…). It did a great job conveying the everyday life of rural Japan and the concerning undercurrents around WWII, and the inevitable perils that came. It did this by focusing almost solely on Japanese life, and not revisionism or nationalism (perhaps one latter scene has a whiff, but it is understandable in context). It also (thankfully) did not fall into the trap of emotional manipulation, even though it would be quite easy to with the material (though some may disagree, which is understandable). The style and mastery of the storytelling meant events felt more natural, making them feel more effectual in the end. Common, everyday life in wartime isn't usually covered in films, unfortunately, but ITCotW really did it and its story justice.

HardDoor--The Thirteenth Anniversary

While the main blog side of HardDoor hasn't seen much action in something-something years, Screenshot Haven and ~Live have, and I did not want to go any longer without formally wishing HD a happy anniversary—its thirteenth!!! So: Happy Anniversary, HardDoor!!

But, "~Live"? And "HardDoor+"? That's another discussion for another day, among a number of other things…

…I hope…

…Stay tuned… 🤞

But, let us just enjoy the good of today… 😊

'Til next time…

—HD

HardDoor--The **Tenth** Anniversary!!

 

457 posts. 3 social networking pages. 1 screenshot haven. 1 free anime directory. Thousands of pageviews. A number of specials. 3.5 designs. 3 logos (or 4, if you count the title banner). And 10 years later…

Nine times have I come and commemorated this day, giving a little tidbit about the blog, maybe a state of affairs, and giving you, the reader, my genuine thanks. I have had many things to talk about, many anime to spotlight, many matches to analyze, and a slew of items to preview and review on two of my favorite interests, coupled here in what I have come to internally call "the chicken & waffle house of the internet". I've had more than a few pictures to share, fun nights live blogging, things that I've written that I've been happy about and others I've self-critiqued to no end (more than a few times, it was very same piece!). I've done things I never thought I'd do, like have a Twitter account or even a tumblr, even moonlight a time or two. I have wrestled about whether to write about this first or post "that other one" later; scrutinizing and proofreading a lengthy post or just a simple message multiple times over; have a free flow of thought one time and long, pondering sessions leading to just a few sentences others; and sometimes, maybe not a whole lot of time or resources to write and do what I've truly wanted to do or go with something.

:anime: Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick of the Month:: Manager's Special Mk. II!!: Anime Only This Manager Seems to Love…

Saying a little prayer that other people may like these anime. Amen.

(Disclosure: Posted July 14th, intended for June 30. Aside from that date turning extra busy, I wound up writing beyond what I intended to, which turned out for the best in the end…)

Thousands of anime titles have been made over the course of many decades. Naturally, some titles become wildly popular, some not quite as much, and others simply fade away into obscurity, with nary an impression. This is all said on the "collective" level, as in reality, what might tickle one or many a persons may not another, regardless of a work's popularity. Yes, even one's lack thereof hasn't dampen a few people's liking of it, nor should it ever. In short, one should like what they like, and I certain have a track record of liking more than a few shows that others have really not.

For HardDoor's anniversary each year, I like to do a special Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick. This time, we have a sequel to June 2011's "Manager's Special", which was done in commemoration of HD's fifth anniversary. In it, I spotlighted two of my top most favorite shows, Gundam Wing and RahXephon. This time, for its ninth anniversary, I will be showcasing nine particular anime, some under-loved, some not-so-well-loved—all of them not quite that popular in their own ways. However, I liked them quite a bit, and on a personal level, that really is all that matters in the end (and in case you are wary, don't worry, these are all free to watch!).

HardDoor--The Ninth Anniversary

Here we are. At HardDoor's Ten…err, oops, I mean ninth anniversary!!! Given the last two months, I was a little nervous that I had not been able to do anything special to commemorate what I wasn't sure was the tenth anniversary or not. Thankfully, it wasn't, but still, I am very thankful to see HD reach its 9 years of age.

That almost doesn't sound right, but yes, it really is that old (not to make it sound like that, mind you…). Ironically, as HD approaches its tenth year of existence, it appears that a number of others have been celebrating their own milestones around this time as well, such as Gundam and noitaminA, which is commemorating its own tenth anniversary this year (and HD, as you may know, is currently in the midst of celebrating it, too). And another one celebrating its anniversary is HardDoor's very own Twitter page, which turned five a month ago today (again, really?!), as did "Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick of the Month" last October!! Celebrate good times, indeed! <:d br="">

As always, my great, hearty thank you to everyone who has read HardDoor and its various other sites across these nine years. I don't know what the proper way to start a milestone commemoration is (leading up to it or after it hits?) but that will be sorted out in the near future. But for now, let us just enjoy this ninth year (?!?!?!)…

Once more, thank you so much for reading!

…And now, on the road to the big 1-0!!!!!

—HD

:anime: Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick of the Month's Fifth Anniversary!!

HD's "Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick of the Month": Sinking its teeth into legally-free and -low-cost anime since 2009!

A little over five years to the day, "Free/Low-Cost Anime Pick of the Month" first began on October 28, 2009 with manglobe's dark comedy short, TRIP TREK. Since then, somewhere between 70 to 100+ titles have been spotlighted (depending on how you count the batch entries), with the most recent being this month's selections of PSYCHO-PASS 2 and Your lie in April (which is a really fine show, thus far), part of HardDoor's commemoration of noitaminA's 10th anniversary.

Since choosing a title like TRIP TREK, I normally like to pick a work that is befitting of the Halloween season for each anniversary. Since neither noitaminA series falls under that category, I would like to point you towards one that not only works quite well with the holiday, but also ties in to both noted anniversaries.

HardDoor--The Eighth Anniversary

Eight, eight, years ago today, a little unique blog about anime, boxing, and sometimes a drop of randomness, was started, and its name was "HardDoor"--for equally odd reasons. That was 2006, and in 2014, HardDoor itself is spread across social networks Twitter, Facebook, and more recently, Google+ (launched in March) and even through a sister site in HardDoor: Screenshot Haven, on tumblr (there is also the parody blog, Black Pearl Cove, but that has been on hiatus--before it has yet to even really start--with all of the delays and HD taking top priority).

These last two to three years have been quite busy ones with work and other personal matters, so I have had less time (and energy at the end of the day) to work on HardDoor. Lately, there have been many major changes going on in my life--but good ones. Even so, I hope to be able to contribute more to HD going forward.

HardDoor--The Seventh Anniversary

Well, it's that time of the year again, where I like to take some time out and commemorate the anniversary of this little blog, HardDoor, which has gone on seven (really?!) years! As you, the reader, could probably tell from the last few months and much of last year, I have been kind of busy with work. However, that doesn't mean I have been bereft of items or things I'd like to write about. Currently, there are about 4-5 new post series I have in the pipeline (two of them pretty "major"…), and there are those outstanding episode reviews that I'd like to polish off, too, among other things. There is also certain *something* I've been updating and the boxing side of the blog could sure use more lovin', too. Of course, it all boils down to time, but I am also sure that everything will work out in the end…

Even so, there were some good nuggets to be had this last year. The most notable was the start of HD's own tumblr site, HardDoor: Screenshot Haven, which has gone better than expected (check out the nice screenie commemorating today's anniversary!). There, I post various screenshots (primarily from--but not totally limited to--anime) and the occasional illustration or work of art that I have come across on the web. I've also started to post personal rankings of simulcasted shows that I've watched on HD's Facebook Page, as well as photos of new/interesting anime disc releases I've purchased, chronicled in "Nice Box…". I've also made "Ani-Journal" a full new feature (though it practically was one from the start…), and we also saw the return of "Boxing Bits" and "Anime Kibble 'n' Bits".

I am very hopeful that there will be plenty more to come in HardDoor's 8th year. Thank you so much to the readers who have visited the blog and its other branch sites over these years, even in its more "quiet" period (ironically, some of the highest-ever views have been these times! ^^;; ). Thank you for your patience as everything comes together and thanks once again for visiting HardDoor!! :)

Goin' on eight & upwards…

--HD

HardDoor--The Sixth Anniversary

It's been six years since HardDoor was first started--six already? In just a year since commemorating its fifth anniversary, the blog has hit a number of milestones, such as crossing the 20,000 pageview mark (…though that only counts for the last two years, when stats were first being kept), 100+ pageviews in a day (…ditto), and crossing 3,000 views (and nearing 4000) for one post (I won't doubt that one…kids must love their zombies and big boobs). Readership, as a whole, has more than doubled since this time last year, which is both remarkable and funny when you consider that it has been the least active year for HardDoor since it began in 2006!

Suffice to say, there is no dearth in hyperbole when I say that I have been very busy over the last year with work. My nights have often consisted with me falling asleep at my laptop try to type something up (and trying to type while 3/4 asleep is not fun), though without that work, I would not have had that laptop or the ability to post pictures of latest Madoka Magica box set's arrival. Still, especially lately and over the last month, I haven't had much awake time to watch much anime or boxing, so I have not been able to accomplish a lot of the big things I wanted to roll out for HD's 5th anniversary, but hopefully I can get all of that and my time situated for HD's 6th…

Thank you to all you readers who have propelled all those stats and for reading (and sticking around for) HardDoor. I really don't like delaying so many things, so here's to a more hefty and busy year for HD, too!

To six & s'more…


--HD

HardDoor--The Fifth Anniversary!!

HardDoor's original look, prior to its Oct. 2010 revamp. Now here in spirit…

HardDoor...Not exactly the most common of blog names......


So what is "HardDoor" and why is this named so? Perhaps at a later date I'll explain the history of the name (if you really want to call it that), but for now, I'll say this much: this blog is pretty "random" when it comes to topics. Anime, Boxing, a little bit of politics, maybe (or not :D ).


Today is a pretty good day to start HardDoor (I mean, it's the 26th of June!). Soon, I'll be populating it with thoughts on the various said topics, all while figuring out the strange little trinkets laid out on this blogging station. So until then...toodles <>:O

Anniversary Month Comes to HardDoor!!

In just a scant few weeks (on June 26, to be exact), HardDoor will be celebrating its five year anniversary! Across this month and the others to come, I'll be doing a few retrospects, some anniversary-related special features, introduce a new segment, and maybe pull off a surprise or two. ;)

While work has kept me pretty busy from really carrying out the extent of what I had originally planned for June, I won't let it stop me from carrying out as much of it as possible. Of course, there are also other features to handle, too, such as "Decade's Best" and the continuation of reviews for a **certain** show (-_-) , so keep out for those, as well.

So, hopefully without delay, here's to some happy future reading!

--HD

HardDoor--The Fourth Anniversary

Four years. Hard to believe it has only been four years since starting HardDoor, a little blog about anime and boxing (and bits of randomness). Since June 26, 2006, it's been quite the time and new additions have come along the way, such as Decade's Best and the Free/Low-Cost Anime Directory & Guide (or just "The Directory" for short, and don't forget about the monthly picks!), and special pieces like the current "Blacks and Head Shots in Anime". Every anniversary, I like to reveal a little bit behind HardDoor's background or introduce a new feature, but this year's a little different, since I already revealed it a month early!

HD's Twitter page has been a great complement to the site, celebrating its own one-month anniversary today. It has really filled that void of keeping things up-to-date and providing commentary on things as they happen, even trivial ones, without having to post a bunch of entries each time. It's a simple, yet very neat service that fits the site well, but that's not the only thing going on on HD. The aforementioned special piece "Blacks and Head Shots in Anime" is entering its final stretch with the last part coming up, with the first installment of this year's Decade's Best edition following soon after (I was originally aiming to have it start today, but the former has taken more time than expected). There is also the Directory's much-needed revamping, and then...well, I'll keep that one under wraps... ;)

Here's to four and more!!!! :D

--HD

HardDoor--The Third Anniversary:: How I Got Into Anime

Wow, it's only been three years since HardDoor's inception?! It's been a fun, enjoyable ride all this time (in spite of the recent bouts with dwindling computer access time), with the introduction of the seasonal anime and boxing previews coming within the last year. Yet, throughout the time I have been writing this blog on anime and boxing, I have never delved into how I got into my two favorite subjects.

Since I expunged about the history behind HardDoor's moniker for its first anniversary, it seemed only fitting to do something similar for its third anniversary year (and 200th post!). It might be a little harder to peg down the origins of my boxing interests, but I can go into what got me involved in the strange, near "other-worldly"--at the time (and sometimes, still is)--realm of Japanese animation--or "Japanimation", as it used to be called back-in-the-day. What was once a "passing impression" and curiosity more than a decade and a half ago has now turned into something that I hold with considerable admiration--that little thing called "anime".

HardDoor--The Third Anniversary:: The Overture

So, three years since the beginning of HD, huh? (thought it was four :D )

I have something nice planned to commemorate this year's milestone, but as you have it, and given how things have been lately, I only have a small window of time to write it out. So, for the time being, consider this as something of a "placeholder", unless something unforeseen happens. So for now, be on the look out for it!

To a great(er) fourth year and more...

--HD

**Now Available Here ;) **

HardDoor--The Second Anniversary

Alt. Title: Possibly Fully Metallic HardDoor--The Second Anniversary...

Just a year ago for HardDoor's very first anniversary, I commented on my happiness over the accomplishments made over the year, but I also stated my desire to do more with the blog. Now on the second year, I'm glad to see that that feeling is being fulfilled on some level in the form of "HardDoor’s Directory & Guide of Free, Low Cost, and Legal Anime on the Internet", a premiere feature that I launched on this very date last year. It's been sort of my second "pride & joy", as it's been something that I've always been high on and wanted to make available for a while (and it was pretty good timing, too, considering the sudden rise in digital distribution). Another highlight has been the "Decade's Best" lists, which has been my sort of answer to the various yearly top ten features that often make the rounds (and they have been surprisingly enjoyable to make) (the anime edition first brought in the new year). Speaking of which, today marked the beginning of the long-delayed boxing edition (HD's very first P4P listing!), which was introduced at the beginning of the day. The second year also yielded an unfortunate follow-up to the first "official" article on HardDoor, a three-part series on the aspects of "big busts" & fanservice in anime (ever so true...), a bevy of "Kibbles 'n' Bits", and the first ever pairing of "anime" & "boxing" in a post, not to mention a couple of comments from passer-bys (for which I'm very grateful for :D ). While it is great to see HD progress so much, so much more can (and will...) be done, so look forward to more articles, features, and maybe a few random things along the way ( ;-) ).

To a grand third year and beyond...

--HD

HardDoor--The First Anniversary

At this time one year ago, I first launched HardDoor, my premiere foray into the world of blogging. Focusing on my two favorite subjects, anime and boxing, HD was to be my own personal gateway of conveying my thoughts on them and as a venue for trying out new aspects of writing and the such. I wish I could have accomplished more of what I had in mind, yet, I am also very glad to have at least posted this much, and more. I do hope to do even a greater amount of what I have in mind in this second round, so that's another thing to be happy about. :)

Hmm...but what of this "HardDoor" name? Where did it come from and why exactly is this blog called as such?

Well, a while before, there was a certain fighter on a certain show promoting his upcoming match, where he said that the fight would be "Rated H for 'Hardcore!'" However, instead of "Hardcore," I thought to have heard him jumble his speech and say "hard door." I rolled at this, but wanted to check a few sites covering it to see if he actually said that or it was just me.

Apparently, it was the latter.

The misnomer stuck around my head for a while. I still found it pretty amusing and wondered what, if anything, would fit for "Hard Door." Down the line, thoughts of making a blog were ever present in my mind, and with it, a name had to be given to it. One of the first to pop up was, of course, that, and the moment I put two and two together, it stuck. And thus, upon combining both words (and eschewing the once-proposed hyphen), "HardDoor" was concieved...

And HardDoor's still going strong!

Another year and onward...

--HD

HardDoor--The First Post

HardDoor...Not exactly the most common of blog names......

So what is "HardDoor" and why is this named so? Perhaps at a later date I'll explain the history of the name (if you really want to call it that), but for now, I'll say this much: this blog is pretty "random" when it comes to topics. Anime, Boxing, a little bit of politics, maybe (or not :D ).

Today is a pretty good day to start HardDoor (I mean, it's the 26th of June!). Soon, I'll be populating it with thoughts on the various said topics, all while figuring out the strange little trinkets laid out on this blogging station. So until then...toodles <>:O