Mizuki Ichiro has passed away.

I knew this news was coming eventually, but I was hoping we had more time with him.

I find some comfort in the fact that he got to fulfill his wish - performing until the very end.

Do what you love every day of your life and to will have lived a hundred lifetimes. And will have touched countless more lives.

This is how I will always remember him.

On stage.

Electrifying the audience.

A true showman.

Please indulge me in a quick personal story:

There have been more than a few moments in my life where everything felt hopeless. Like a darkness that you just can't shake.

In my early 20s, circa the early 2000s, I was going through a period like that.

As we tend to do in moments where we are seeking comfort, I decided to do a deep dive into some of my favorite anime songs from when I was younger. Mazinger Z being a huge favorite of mine. It would be a good distraction, and some nostalgia that I could lose myself in.

I hadn't seen it in years, but I figured it should be easy enough to find online.

This just so happened to be around the time songs from the Super Robot Spirits 2000 live show started to appear online.

This led me down the rabbit hole - first to the live version of Mazinger Z from that aforementioned concert - then to the overflowing trove of other songs Mizuki Ichiro performed. Steel Jeeg, Baratack, Kamen Rider Stronger, countless others. Crossovers with other performers I adored. Jazzy opening themes of adventure and bravado; bluesy ballads of loss and perseverance that played over end credits.

I realized that this man was the sound of my childhood.

I'll always find comfort in that Super Robot Spirits 2000 concert.

The energy from those performers was infectious. It was hard not to smile when they took to the stage and ignited the audience. It was joyful and exciting and kinetic and moving. It helped me through a period when I was struggling to find joy. It helped me understand the importance of sharing joy.

And it all started with Mizuki Ichiro

Not just for me.

For millions, all across the world.

He was the spark that lit the fire of the genre. He was the electricity that made it light up. One of the greatest voices to ever perform, and it never mattered that it was "just" music from cartoons.

The world will be a darker place now that Mizuki Ichiro is gone. But we'll always have his music. His love of performing. And the countless other artists he inspired along the way.

Rest in peace, Aniki - thank you for everything. Your music got me through some very hard times. Still gets me through them.

You were an unforgettable talent, and your music will live on.

Kamen Rider Medley (Set Up! Kamen Rider X / Kamen Rider Stronger no Uta / Moero! Kamen Rider / Towa no Tameni Kimi no Tameni) - Mizuki Ichirou Chou Neppa 2020

Stronk-er (and Tackle!)

Mini Sofubi Madness

Four great minifigures cast in soft vinyl. What's not to love? Great sculpting, paint, and a ton of charm all around.

Senpuujin and Kamen Rider Amazon were both picked up recently from a trip to Book Off. Mazinger Z and Anime Devilman were from a variety store out of town, we just happened upon a film set of 5 in a sealed package.

There's not much else to say about these little guys. They're great toys, and some of my favorite recent finds.

[Instagram link for this post]

「アマゾンライダーここにあり！」

Kamen Rider Amazon’s solution for the villain monologue problem

my autism creature

Just wanted to doodle a friend

Felt like doing some Pokemon fanart

“Fighting Storm”

Hey.

You wanna read a free Kamen Rider short comic? Written by me, and illustrated by the excellent @cannonworks​?

Now you can.

Link here: https://sarracenian.itch.io/krfightingstorm

Ai-chan and Doronjo, in various cute chibi poses, from “Yatterman Heroines”.

It’s not the best scan, but I’m not about to tear the book apart!  It’s my only copy!

SO I JUST FOUND OUT SOMETHING INSANE

Joe Odagiri wrote and directed this show called Gosh! Oliver the Police Dog which is about a police dog handler who solves crimes with his dog. Everyone sees the dog as a normal dog except the dog handler himself, who sees him as JOE ODAGIRI IN A DOG COSTUME. AND DO YOU KNWO WHO PLAYS THE DOG HANDLER??????? IT'S SOSUKE IKEMATSU, Y'KNOW, THIS GUY:

AND SHINGO KATSURAYAMA (actor who played Ichijou) IS IN TWO EPISODES WHICH IS WHY THIS PICTURE EXISTS:

I'M LOSING MY FUCKING MIND

HONGO. GODAI. WHAT ARE YOU DOING?

I’m currently looking for more work. I can do animations and renders in either Blender, SFM, or Maya. Prices are negotiable but must be upfront. So I put together this commission video to showcase that. Payments are either paypal or cashapp.

Or you can pay/donate via Ko-Fi: https://ko-fi.com/ultraman_ultimo

I’m in need of emergency food money folks! I really need the help this time!

I’m calling out to anyone who can help me, but right now I can do minor or small animations but mostly renders. These can be used for your emotes, discord reactions, whatever you want!

And if need be, fine, I can do NSFW renders. Just don’t needle me about it later.

big red