The Power of Ki A lot of people have been disappointed with the new Matrix movie. One main reason is that although Neo became enlightened in the first movie He still resorts to traditional Kung Fu when he can manipulate the matrix enough to fly. This tells us that the Wachawski brothers do not truly understand the Zen and Modern Physics principles they have implied in their films. To state simply, these principles say that at the atomic level nothing is separate or solid. There is not a definitive place were I stop and you begin. If this is true, then if you were able to consciously affect the energy, Ki (Japanese) or Chi (Chinese) that underlines everything in the universe, then you would also be able to manipulate matter, for it is all connected. Similar approaches have been tried concerning this in the past, most notably the Force from the Star Wars films. The problem with this is that the energy has been seen through the filter of western Cartesian (mechanistic separation) conception. For example when the Jedi affect this energy, they use the force only to push, grab, or lift objects. When the truth of the matter is that manipulating matter can be summed up simply with the overused, but still relevant yin/yang symbol. There always has to be a positive and negative interaction to manipulate matter. I am sure these concepts have great potential in popular entertainment, resulting in this storyboarded example. To clarify this concept, I have used a fantasy characterization of the founder of the great martial art Aikido, Osensei Morihei Ueshiba. This great art of peace is the martial art that best summarizes these concepts. Osensei Morihei Ueshiba is one of the great prides of Japan and all of Humanity. If you have not learned about his live, his art, or his writings, I suggest you look into it. Enjoy!

Elektra- Sia Lesson In thinking of Elektra’s weapon the Sia, one should think of a Sia as a brass knuckle for every effective edge of your fore arm and fist. Until the recent Daredevil movie, I had never seen Elektra hold or use her token weapon the Sia correctly in any of her comic appearances. This was incredibly frustrating for me especially with the knowledge that they were just copying the Ninja Turtles, who were originally a parody of the Daredevil comic itself. Here is a short defense storyboarded to illustrate the Sia being used fantastically but correctly.

Samurai Bob After watching the Samurai Jack DVD from cartoon network, I was instantly inspired. It was the first time I’ve heard of animators not using a script. They also said they have never seen animation with enough action to satisfy them. Those are the kind of words that get me salivating. Although I enjoy Samurai Jack, I was not wholly satisfied. It is obvious to me that the action comes from the animators being fans of what they have seen in past action genres, and not an understanding of the Warrior Arts itself. Therefore, I had to interject with an example of action that is more authentic yet still a fantasy, with this storyboarded fight starring my own Samurai. Enjoy!

Terry Tate Office Linebacker If you haven’t heard of Terrible Terry Tate yet, I am sure you will. These are some quick fan renderings for new concepts of the Linebackers exploits in the office, where there is always someone getting out of line which will call in the pain train. Enjoy!

Ain’t Love Grand? This is a short story created by Ashley-Jane Nicholas. About how things can go wrong when you are trying to get noticed. Enjoy!