Fanart Corner - Cyborg Facepalm

Mayuyu

Continuing my series of random AKB48 girls that I like, here's Mayu Watanabe, the C.G. cyborg-girl idol. Out of all these anime-style drawings of the AKB48 girls, I think I was able to capture Mayuyu's blank robotic expression the best. But I still have plenty more to share, so you guys can be the judge.

Maa-san

Maasa Sudou Caricature. The facepalm pose is because she used to seem like one of the main members that was always irritated with Momo (along with Chinami.) But now almost everyone seems irritated with Momo (even some of the newer, younger H!P members.) Now her character seems too helpful and gentle for the caricature to work.

Fanart Corner - Buono!mon Green Version

Buono!mon Green Version - Airin

The next in the Buono!/Pokemon crossover series! Airi as Venusaur from Pokemon Green. They fit in color only, though. Venusaur isn't even 1% as cute as Airi, and also is less popular than Charizard and Pikachu, wheras in Buono!, Airi is by far the most popular (though Momo is still very poplar in her own right, and Miya's standing in H!P is nothing to be upset over. In over words, all the Buono! girls are too good for Venusaur. Poor Venusaur.)

Captain

Caricature of "Captain" Saki Shimizu. I think I got her eyes right, but not her vase-shaped face (her chubby cheeks are super cute!) I consider her one of the more boring members of Hello!Project, so the sea captain theme was the best I could come up with for satirizing her "character."

Retro Corner - Sheena and the Rokkets' "You May Dream"

Part punk, part The Ronette's "Be My Baby", Sheena & the Rokkets' "You May Dream" (1979) immediately hooked me. It's one of those songs I wish would never end (well, except when I need to stop listening to music.) All the parts are memorable, magical, and catchy.

It actually took me a while to realize the dialogue in the middle was in English. I also found a live performance of this song on YouTube, but I couldn't even tell she was singing in any language! So it doesn't seem to matter what language the song is sung or spoken in, and I'm totally fine with that.

Retro Corner - Momoe's "Rock 'n' Roll Widow"

I've been to Tupelo briefly, during a road trip. The waitress at the diner really did kind of sound like Elvis. Elvis impersonations are fun(ny), by the way, which could be why I like Momoe Yamaguchi's "Rock 'n' Roll Widow" (1980) so much. Indeed it is very rock 'n' rolling, something that would be fun to play on a jukebox.

When searching for this song, YouTube informed me that Tina Turner sang a song by the same name. I listened to it and it's not really rocking. So at least Yamaguchi's song does not mislead with the title!

Retro Corner - Yuuyu's "Tenshi no Bodyguard"

I don't know much about individual Onyanko Club members aside from a few names of the girls that went solo and that one of the girls married their producer, Akimoto. But if I had to pick a favorite, it would be Yukiko Iwai, Yuuyu (#19). I first noticed her in her solo songs and work in Ushiroyubi Sasaregumi. Her voice is super cute! And then when I looked up information about her, I found out she was short! Pretty superficial reasons to like someone, I know. But I like the songs she sings in, especially this one, "Tenshi no Bodyguard." (1987) It's catchy and cute, a combo that is hard to disappoint me! I really like the gentle parts of the melody. It's just adorable.

I always go into writing this "Retro Corner" column meaning to say some deep reason why I enjoy these songs and why others should give them a listen. But every time it's the same story- it's cute, catchy, beautiful, etc. The lesson learned here: don't come to me for deep, meaningful media recommndations. All you'll get is a bunch of cartooons and cheese.

Fanart Corner - Buono!mon Red Version

Buono!mon (Red Version) - Miya

A while back, I noticed that Buono's Renai Rider colors matched the first generation Pokemon games (except Blue, which was a limited release anyway. I'm going by the Japanese releases.) So Miya, as Red, I drew in Charizard's pose from the box art. It would really rock if there was an actual tie-in like this, with a song and Pokemon inspired outfits. (Two of my biggest loves, H!P and Pokemon!)

Momo

Caricature of Momoko Tsugunaga. Hee, her pinky shtick connects her to Dr. Evil, thus the pose. Even though I've followed her as a favorite for about four years, I still don't think I've mastered drawing her unique elfin features.