DS2

Episode 28 of the 30-day challenge.One of the things I enjoy doing with my 'creative' time is collaborating with other artists to produce images that they can then use to help realize their own artistic vision.I have no idea what this activity should be called...(If you have a good name for it, please let me know.)Special thanks to the multi-talented Mr. Tim Collier for the use of one of his fine images. (click for iPod version) ==============DS2 is all about the interesting (and sometimes edgy) things that people do for fun in the real world. From urban climbing to unconventional exploration to trying to create a show a day to the creativity that is inspired by all these things.

Episode 26 of the 30-day challenge.Tonight, a little interlude as we turn into the home stretch. A look at the past; recent and otherwise.(click for iPod version) ==============DS2 is all about the interesting (and sometimes edgy) things that people do for fun in the real world. From urban climbing to unconventional exploration to trying to create a show a day to the creativity that is inspired by all these things.

From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.This is a very physical, very dynamic fight between Kenshiro (character from Fist of the North Star) and Akuma (character from Street Fighter).You can tell these cats have a lot of training in their backgrounds and they use it to excellent effect in this fight.(click for QT version) ==============DS2 is all about the interesting (and sometimes edgy) things that people do for fun in the real world. From urban climbing to unconventional exploration to trying to create a show a day to the creativity that is inspired by all these things.

Episode 30 (of 30) in the DS2 Crossover 30-day Video Challenge.Phew. What's next? Oh yes, where's my pen and writing paper... ;-)Thank you.More soon.JadePS. Autumn Country is here.(click for iPod version) ==============DS2 is all about the interesting (and sometimes edgy) things that people do for fun in the real world. From urban climbing to unconventional exploration to trying to create a show a day to the creativity that is inspired by all these things.

Click to Play [Cross-posted from Dramatic STEEL to DS2, since these folks embody what DS2 is all about.]From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.An unforgettable battle between Alexander Anderson (character from Hellsing) and Envy (character from Full Metal Alchemist).This exceptional fight spotlights the gymnastic ability of Envy (as well as his/her other, more arcane, attributes) alongside the swordsmanship and hardcore piety of Anderson. Be prepared for twice the superlative fight design in this one.Note: This was the Chess Match's halftime fight and, as such, was a bit longer than most of the others. We had to compress it a little more than usual to meet the size limits of most of the web's video hosts. We'll be posting a shorter, "just the action" version at the normal quality a little later.View the full-quality source file here: Alexander Anderson vs Envy (requires Quicktime)

Click to Play [Cross-posted from Dramatic STEEL to DS2, since these folks embody what DS2 is all about.]From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.The first of several moves (chess moves) that pit characters from Full Metal Alchemist against a couple of the more sociopathic members of the Metal Gear Solid crew. This first one is a fast and flashy knife fight between Maes Hughes (character from Full Metal Alchemist) and Liquid Snake (character from Metal Gear Solid).This fight is a good example of just how bad some of these bad guys can be.View the full-quality source file here: Maes Hughes vs Liquid Snake (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play [Cross-posted from Dramatic STEEL to DS2, since these folks embody what DS2 is all about.]From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.The second of several moves (chess moves) that pit characters from Full Metal Alchemist against a couple of the more sociopathic members of the Metal Gear Solid crew. This second one features a gun battle / knife fight / H-T-H smack down between Riza Hawkeye (character from Full Metal Alchemist) and Sniper Wolf (character from Metal Gear Solid).I'll tell you, these folks just kept pulling out all the stops with these fights; I was completely surprised when the rounds stated flying.View the full-quality source file here: Riza Hawkeye vs Sniper Wolf (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.Just when you think the Chess Match has used just about every weapon possible...they pull out the whip! This fight puts Grecian sisters Cassandra and Sophitia (characters from Soulcalibur) on the board against Pirotess (character from Record of Lodoss War).These ladies show an exceptional skill (and chutzpah) on both sides of the whip. Exceptional work.View the full-quality source file here: Cassandra & Sophitia vs Pirotess (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.This fight puts Allen Schezar (character from The Vision of Escaflowne) back on the board, this time he is up against that psycho Vicious (character from Cowboy Bebop).This is a excellent fight; great characterization, really good timing, technique, and rhythm, a cool ending - even sparks flying off their blades (can't beat that!).View the full-quality source file here: Allen vs Vicious (requires Quicktime).[crosspost from Dramatic STEEL]

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.The third (and final) of several moves (chess moves) that pit characters from Full Metal Alchemist against a couple of the more sociopathic members of the Metal Gear Solid crew. This one features a...well, you just have to see it - between Riza Hawkeye (character from Full Metal Alchemist) and Liquid Snake (character from Metal Gear Solid).This fight puts a whole new spin on the old adage that you should never bring a knife to a gun fight. It also shows, once again, that this Liquid Snake fellow has some serious impulse control issues.View the full-quality source file here: Riza Hawkeye vs Liquid Snake (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.This fight draws the Black King, Ganondorf (character from The Legend of Zelda onto the board to defend his square (and the match) from Blue Mary (character from Fatal Fury).The contrast, charisma, and over-the-top chutzpah of this fight between two iconic characters - portrayed by two extremely skilled actors - is another great example of the quality and commitment seen throughout this entire show.View the full-quality source file here: Blue Mary vs Ganondorf (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play Note: This is the same fight as the previously posted Blue Mary vs Ganondorf battle.This version, though, is the entire roll of the 'Catwalk' footage. This fight was another example of a fight that looked particularly great from the rafters, so we decided to release this view in its entirety. Hope you enjoy.

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.This fight personifies light versus dark by pitting Rosette Christopher (character from Chrono Crusade) against Lust (character from Full Metal Alchemist).This is one of the shorter fights, but even so the actors do a fantastic job of bringing their chracters to life (for as long as they are alive, that is).View the full-quality source file here: Rosette vs Lust (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.They're both dark, but they're on different sides of the board. This fight matches the sword of Dark Link (character from The Legend of Zelda) against the whipping chain of the Dark Prince (character from Prince of Persia).Once again we are reminded of the creativity and commitment that goes into bringing these characters to a live performance; amazing to see a (long) chain employed against a sword in this type of show. Great stuff.View the full-quality source file here: Dark Link vs Dark Prince of Persia (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.It is with no small sadness that we come to the last of the single combats moves (chess moves, of course). After this the Chess Match's narrative zooms to its shocking conclusion. This fight pits Pride (character from Full Metal Alchemist) against the mysterious cloaked bishop (character from Beats the Heck Out of Me) who has been whispering in Princess Zelda's ear throughout the entire match.Even if I knew who this character was, though, I wouldn't mention it here. There are just too many fantastic surprises in this fight to risk spoiling them for those of you who read the descriptions first. So watch and enjoy; this is a great one.View the full-quality source file here: Pride vs 'The Cloaked Bishop' (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play Well, we weren't able to use it as part of the official Melee edit because the lighting was so very different.Since things were much more visible, though, we thought some of you might like to see a different angle of the Chess Match's Melee.As the title says, this footage is from the Saturday show.For full comments on the Melee, please see the description on the previous submission.

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.This is the final fight of the 2008 Chess Match and it is an excellent end to an exception show. Heroics, violence, camaraderie, and betrayal; it's all here.I guess there's not too much more to say, other than a HUGE "Thank You" to the entire cast and crew for giving us such a wonderful show. Bravo!View the full-quality source file here: The Final Fight (requires Quicktime).

Click to Play I thought it only fitting that we should post the curtain call for such a talented group of actors / stage combatants.Absolutely fabulous work. Full quality file is here: Click

Click to Play From METROCON 2008's Anime Human Chess Match.This is the penultimate fight of the 2008 Chess Match and, as you will no doubt understand, it is referred to as The Melee. Basically, it involves ALL the characters you've met thus far, and quite a few more.Once again we were presented with some extremely dramatic lighting, which no doubt lends the perfect mood to this other-worldly battle royale, unfortunately the lighting plays heck with trying to capture clear images on camera. We've done our best to make it as viewable as possible without killing the mood of the fight.I'm sure it goes without saying, but the planning, training, and skill that goes into doing a fight scene of this magnatude for a live audience is simply staggering. Unbelievable work by the entire cast and crew!View the full-quality source file here: The Melee (requires Quicktime).