Welcome to Ginga board

[Ginga Guardian]

Year 2 : Issue 7 : July 2010

Welcome to the seventeenth issue of The Ginga Guardian!

Be sure to check out this month's exciting contest, "Real Dogs Become Ginga Characters!" We also have lots of comics this issue, and some really spectacular contest entries from the "Create a GDW Manga Cover" contest!

Please be warned that this newspaper is image-heavy, so please be patient for the images to load fully. There should be plenty of text for you to read in the meantime!

The Ginga Guardian depends on the support and submissions of our members, so if you enjoy this issue, please consider contributing to the Ginga Guardian in whatever way you can, to keep the newspaper alive!

Thank you so much everyone! Enjoy!

Sincerely,
The Ginga Guardian Editor



Staff
Flann - Ginga Guardian creator, manager, and editor
Arano - Graphic and banner designer; Horoscopes, Ask Arano Anything
Yougurt - GingaBoard owner, Scan provider
Crystal - GG Assistant, Featured Ebay Listings, Featured Ginga Artwork
Kasi - Scanlation page cleaner
QianHou - Ginga Translations

This Month's Contributors
Anarance - Article
Yamikage - Dog Dedication
Raven - Editorial
Urufuma - Editorial
Kyoushirothesilver - Review, Featured Ginga Merchandise, Ginga Comic
Sakujo - Ginga Comic
GingaFlash - Ginga Comic, Prize Donations
Thorin - Ginga Comic
Hiro-sama - Ginga Comic
Victor - Advertisement
Dametora - Advertisement



Main Page
Ginga Features
Fan Section
At Your Service
Contests
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[Ginga Guardian]

See what GingaBoard members have to say! Here, members share their knowledge and express their opinions on a variety of topics. If you would like to add your knowledge or opinion to the paper, or if you would like to respond to or present another side to an issue raised here, please feel free to submit something! You can discuss the paper and its contents in the Ginga Guardian Discussion Topic.



Universal Banner Tutorial
by Anarance

Hello! Welcome to my universal banner tutorial, meaning it works for both Photoshop and the free alternative GIMP. I've tried to make this as simple as possible, but if you are confused, ask! There are many people who would be willing to help you. I'm going to be using Photoshop.

So, start out with a blank, transparent document that is 200x500 pixels; that's GingaBoard's size limit. You don't want to go any bigger than that!

Image

Now, you need pictures! I'm making a non-Ginga banner, but I'd recommend getting your pictures from GingaBoard's Free Image Gallery. Once you've chosen your picture, save it to your computer and add it to your document. Now you'll want to remove the background!

If you're using GIMP, right click the layer and hit "add alpha channel". If the button isn't there, you don't have to do anything. Now, use the Polygonal Lasso Tool (Photoshop) or the Free Select Tool (GIMP) and select the background. SilverAkitaInu was kind enough to make a tutorial on rendering with GIMP if you're not sure how to do it. Once the background is removed, re-size and move the picture until it looks about right.

Image

Then, create a new layer, and using the Rectangular Marquee Tool (Photoshop) or the Rectangular Select Tool (GIMP) select the area that you actually want the "banner" part of the image to be. Then, go to Edit -> Stroke (Photoshop) or Edit -> Stroke Selection (GIMP) and just do a single-pixel stroke in the inside of the selection.

Image

Now, time to find a background! I'm using a stock image from deviantART, but you can use a screenshot, photograph, or even draw it yourself. Re-size the background image as you see fit. Now, this is where the previous step comes in. Go to the layer you stroked earlier and use the Magic Wand Tool (Photoshop) or the Fuzzy Select Tool (GIMP) and select the area outside the stroke.

Image

Go back to the background image layer and just hit delete! You can stop here if you want. But, your banner is a bit boring! I usually add background images to my banners. Find a good background image, re-size it, and move it to your liking.

Image

Now, repeat step two on the background image. Feel free to mess with the layer mode and the opacity until you like it.

Image

Now, the fun part! Effects. Feel free to mess with patters, filters, etc. Develop your own style! Download brushes, fonts, and even filters to customize your graphics. Don't be afraid to be different!

Completed Banner



The Karelian Bear Dog
by Yamikage

The Karelian Bear Dog is a medium-sized member of the Spitz family of dogs. He is an extremely resourceful, intelligent and courageous hunter, and a true working dog that requires outdoor exercise and is happiest with a hunter or outdoorsman. The breed is primarily a hunting dog but, in his native Finland, he is also seen participating in obedience trials, search and rescue, as well as sled dog competitions.

His temperament is stable but reserved and he is very devoted to his master. Karelians trail their prey silently and usually work alone as they are known to be aggressive toward other dogs, especially in their own territory. The Karelian's fearlessness and strong hunting instinct mean that he will attack a bear or other large game without hesitation. It was the breed's ability to hunt and offer protection against a bear that earned the breed its name.

The Karelian has a straight, stiff and thick outer coat and a soft, dense undercoat that provides insulation. He is black with distinct white markings on the head, neck, chest, abdomen, and legs.

These dogs are extremely loyal to their masters and love their people. For this reason, they must be around them. They love to play but are not recommended for a family with children. It is very unusual for a Karelian to bite a human but they will kill another animal if they feel threatened. If two or more live together, there is a hierarchy in the pack much like with wolves. One will be the alpha dog or leader and the others will usually defer to him/her.



What if Sniper Became the Leader of Ohu?
by Raven

Sniper is, as you already know, a villain in Ginga Nagareboshi Gin. He first appears as a commander in Riki's pack and is, from the very beginning, rude and evil. Sniper tries several times to overcome his enemies - Ben and Gin - during their adventures in order to take over after Riki and become the new leader.

What if Sniper did become the leader of Ohu, how would the war end against Akakabuto? Would Sniper make up a good tactic like Riki did in order to attack Akakabuto's fortress, or would be maybe send all his soldiers in a one-army suicide mission? Sniper is a very selfish type and would surely sacrifice his own soldiers for his own deeds, very similar to how Hougen thinks.

Even if Sniper is very strong and a good fighter, would he be part of the war against Akakabuto or just stand aside watching? In my opinion, Sniper would probably be a very bad leader, one that doesn't care about his soldiers. It could even get so bad that he would be opposed by his own men, challenged by others trying to overtake the "throne." And if he became the leader, what would happen to Hyena? Hyena seemed very loyal to Sniper but I don't think Sniper could care less for Hyena, and would probably dispose of him just like everyone else he dislikes.

So to cut things short, if Sniper would have became the leader of Ohu, I think he would be challenged several times by his own soldiers and lose his leadership. He doesn't have what it takes to keep the leadership and the loyalty of the soldiers.

Japanese versus English Dubs
by Urufuma

Lots of people like anime, and I can see why. Most of them are animated beautifully and have a great story to them, combined with the wonderful soundtracks and voices. However, when a dub comes out in English, I immediately see comments all over the web about how "The Japanese one is BETTAH!"

I, however, don't think that's true and it's just a bias. Take Wolf's Rain for example. It's a good anime about wolves with a great plot and beautiful artwork, but it ruins it for me when people say their Japanese voices are better. I watched the English dub first, and I would say I think this dub is better than the original Japanese. Why? Tsume's Japanese voice actor sounds flat, as if the voice actor didn't really care about putting emotion into it. His English voice (Crispin Freeman, who also played Alucard in English from Hellsing) has more emotion put into it and goes well with his character. The English voice actors put more emotion into their lines and are more believable and interesting to hear than the Japanese.

I agree that sometimes the original Japanese voices are better, but it shouldn't be treated like a fact. And this bias doesn't just occur on dubs either. Many times Japanese songs are dubbed, but the English version gets a biased opinion no matter who sings it. Just because it is in Japanese doesn't automatically make it the best or the better out of all the dubs that have been done.

Here's another example, The Alice Human Sacrifice (English). I think Rockleetist did a very good job dubbing it, as it sounds very similar to this Japanese version with very few differences in pitch and lyrics. I think the English singer deserves more credit because it sounds a lot like the one I linked to. There are lots of versions of this song in Japanese, but they don't sound as smooth as these two. Often they are high pitched and not very pleasing to the ear. Or they are flat and don't have as much depth.

My third example is from the Hellsing anime. This is when Rip Van Winkle sings one of her songs. The video has English, German, and Japanese. Most people say the German is the best. Why? The German voice actor cannot keep time or put some good effort into the singing. The English and the Japanese voice actors sound like they are actually enjoying it, and the English voice is richer. I've read the comments and most people dislike the English and Japanese because they don't pronounce the German words correctly. Um, what? Maybe it's because I haven't heard a nonfictional German speak, but English Rip sounds richer than the German Rip. Japanese is a good second, but it sounds too soft and young for Rip. And people say the German and Japanese beat the English, when the English voice actor put more effort into it, fits her character, and made you believe she was actually enjoying the singing?

I can't honestly think of a good reason to have such a bias. I say that before you decide which dub you favor, take time to actually listen to the music or the voices. Don't choose Japanese just because it's the original language it was made in, or because Japanese is "cooler" than English. Take a look at how much effort was put into it, and how much emotion there is.



The Grudge 2
by Kyoushirothesilver

The Grudge 2 is my favorite Grudge movie. To me, it is the creepiest and most thrilling. Aubrey, Karen's sister, comes to Japan to visit her sister, Karen, who is in the hospital. But Kayako kills Karen by pushing her off the edge of the hospital roof. Audrey meets a Japanese man, and together they try to find out more about the curse. Meanwhile, three teenage girls enter the house in Japan. Two of them lock the other one in the attic, where she sees Kayako and Toshio. Luckily, she escapes. But is she really free? This film is rated PG-13 for mature thematic material, disturbing images, terror, violence, and some sensuality.

[Ginga Guardian]

From the latest and greatest to the old and vintage, come read about what's out there in the world of Ginga! If you would like to submit a review or a bit of news for this section, please see our Submissions Topic. You can discuss the paper and its contents in the Ginga Guardian Discussion Topic.



Byakuren no Fang set of four manga ($36.30)
Ginga Denetsu Weed Orion volume 4 ($9.00)
Ginga Nagareboshi Gin set of 18 Manga ($79.00)
Ginga Densetsu Weed combat data book ($19.99)
Ginga Nagareboshi Gin art book ($13.10)
Ginga Densetsu Weed picture book ($46.00)



The team is taking a break from the scanlations this issue.



Ginga Densetsu Riki
by Kyoushirothesilver

This is the Ginga Densetsu Riki manga book. It's in Japanese, and would be shipped directly from Japan. It can be found on eBay, and the price is $21.00. I think it would be pretty neat to have something in Japanese, especially when it's something awesome like a manga from the Ginga series.

[Ginga Guardian]

Fans of the Ginga series express their appreciation in many creative ways. Here you can find a few different types of fan expression! Some of the Ginga Guardian's comics are ongoing so the next installment will appear in the next issue. To send us links to your favorite artwork or to submit your original comics, please see our Submissions Topic. You can discuss the paper and its contents in the Ginga Guardian Discussion Topic.



Since we usually feature artists that have done at least six pieces of Ginga fanart, this issue we are featuring six artists that have only done one or two pieces of Ginga fanart. This issue's featured Ginga artwork is done by the artists Kahvie, Repay, Rocketgal, ShadowUmbre, SterlingRuinsFall337, and WheresMyTea on DeviantART. Click on the thumbnails to see the full-size pictures.







by Sakujo_______________________________________________________________________



by GingaFlash____________________________________________________________________



by Thorin_______________________________________________________________________



by Hiro-sama_____________________________________________________________________








by Kyoushirothesilver_______________________________________________________________

[Ginga Guardian]

If you need some advice or some general guidance, look no further! The "Ask Akame" advice column is for any member who needs advice, especially if they want it anonymously. If you want to ask Akame a question, see the Ask Akame Topic for more details. The horoscopes are bits of general advice from the Ginga character that best represents your horoscope sign. You can discuss the paper and its contents in the Ginga Guardian Discussion Topic.

Dear Akame,

I need your wise advice. One of my best friends seems to be a lesbian, and seems to be showing hints she is interested in me. But I don't think I am a lesbian. I am totally fine with bisexual people - I think it's cute! But I don't think I am a lesbian. I like girls but I prefer boys. My friend really seems to think I love her back. We are both still keeping quiet, but I am just trying to be her friend, nothing more. I have never had a boyfriend or a girlfriend, and I have no idea what to do! I like her but I don't know if it's love.

Yours truly,
The One With An Akita Tail

Dear One With An Akita Tail,

It is always tricky when a friend has feelings for you that you don’t return. You should talk to your friend and explain to her that you do not have a problem with her sexuality, but that you don’t return her feelings. If she really is your friend, she should respect that you don’t show interest in her that way, or that you’re not a lesbian. So my advice would simply be to sit down, and have a nice talk with your friend regarding this. I wish you the best of luck resolving this issue, and I’m sure that your friend will understand and accept your choice.

Wishing you the best of luck,
Akame

Ask Arano Anything

Arano, the Alaskan Malamute, is the main character of the fanfiction Arctic Legend: Arano of Kotzebue, written by GingaBoard admin Arano. Arano's thirst for knowledge is never quenched, and now he is turning to the members of GingaBoard for his next intellectual adventure. All you have to do is ask him a question (could be why, how, what) and he will answer your question, however difficult, in the next edition of the Ginga Guardian. See this topic to find out how to Ask Arano Anything!

This Month's Questions and Answers

Anarance: Why don't UPS trucks have doors?
Aha, they in fact do have doors! You just can't see them when they're "open". Generally when vans have sliding doors, the hinge means that the door pops out and slides along the outside of the vehicle. But with UPS vans, the sliding door is simply within the van wall. This is because UPS drivers have a schedule to keep and need to make their rounds quickly. So in weather where they can have their doors open all the time, it means they can hop in and out quickly to collect packages from clients. The door was designed so that it wasn't a driving hazard when open.

Doberman545 What is the difference between AM and FM radio stations?
AM and FM are the two different carrier waves for the information that is being broadcast. They stand for Frequency Modulation and Amplitude Modulation. Frequency (FM) is the horizontal length of the radio wave; information is added to this frequency of the carrier signal only for you to tune in to. Amplitude (AM) is the vertical size of the radio wave; information is added to the amplitude carrier signal to tune in to. There is no cross over between the two as each specific tuning cancels all others out. You will find that AM stations have the most interference as electrical noise is amplitude modulation.

DeathWolf: If dogs understand commands, do they understand human talk?
Scientifically speaking, dogs can understand some parts of the human language if specifically trained to do so. This includes things like knowing the name of an item when you ask for them to fetch it. But more commonly in household dogs, they learn to put a word (a sound if we put language aside) to an action with standard dog training. Even in that scenario, it will differ from dog to dog depending on how much time their owner spends talking with it and training. Border Collies have been proved to have an understanding of a very wide vocabulary due to what they have been bred and used for. There is a famous Border Collie named Rico who was studied and appeared to have a vocabulary of 200 words, and the research is still ongoing. You can read more about Riko here.

The Black Pearl: What tools are needed to forge a credit card?
Well, it's not as easy as making pirate DVDs and CDs, that's for sure! The process is incredibly expensive and difficult. Firstly you need to acquire the cut plastic and the exact same images that appear on the credit cards. In order to print directly onto the card, a special printer is needed as well as blacklight security ink. A separate machine is then needed that embosses the card details and adds the silver foil on top, and stamps the authentic hologram. As I've already said, the machines are horrendously expensive, but the most difficult part is stealing the card information and thinking you can get away with it!

Aoidog147: How do they put the jelly into doughnuts?
With a syringe - that's why it isn't always in the middle!

I think this will be a well-needed eye-opener - summer is a time for new beginnings and enjoying every moment. Your emotions are heightened, and a revelation may occur that might just surprise you. Even things that involve hard work will be stimulating! But on top of it all will be the new relations you'll gain.

Romantic feelings and playful impulses are themes for you, my friend. Perhaps it's all the blue sky and pollen in the air... providing you aren't prone to allergies. It's a good time to take a small vacation, too, to fall back and assemble your own little army for when the season is over. Careful though, pick something familiar; anything too exotic and new might stress you out more than relax you.

Eep, there's going to be big changes afoot, both good and bad. But change itself is never bad, even though it can be quite scary getting used to new things, but it's all about moving forward one paw at a time. You'll get a good sense of what needs to be done and what you need to do to advance yourself, clear a new path and find a new and bigger goal.

There'll be a gentle nudge in getting prepared for something big coming. But you don't exactly take kindly to being told what to do at the best of times, so this will take gusto if it is to be followed through. But don't ignore your better judgment. Refuse to let others put words in your mouth. If you think something is wrong, don't keep your trap shut - bark until something is done!

A flurry of activity can leave your head spinning at times... There are errands to run, friends and family to keep tabs on... Just do your best to tend to these matters as best you can without putting yourself under too much strain. You're laid back enough to take things in your stride, so make use of your spare time too if there's nothing active for you to do.

GB: Why are they following you around, Sasuke?
Sasuke: Ah! GB, you have to help me - Weed gave me the job of leading the hunting party, but I can't lead!
GB: Sure you can! You've never tried it before, so how do you know?
Sasuke: A-... Hm, well, n-no, I guess. But they keep asking me what to do!
GB: Then answer them already! You were picked for a reason, so stop doubting yourself for this one little task. Take advantage of this excitement!
Sasuke: I guess it is exciting...
GB: You'll feel better about yourself afterwards, and you know you'll whine if you chicken out, so grab this opportunity while it's still around.

Oh how wonderful! I can see greatness in you my dear, so it's time to take charge and give your life a good spruce up. Don't be making too many changes though, we don't need a full-on overhaul! Little things like improving relationships with those closest to you, and if there is a special someone in your life it's time to lay things on the line. If drama kicks off, it can all be soothed out with a brand new headstrong attitude. I know you can do it!

Oddly enough you're going to be the life and soul of the party this summer. More friendly, more sociable, and all due to circumstance. There's going to be some guilt floating around about under-performance - not quite doing your best and reaching your potential. It might take strong words to call out that inner triumph, but you've got a good long vacation during which to break in this new spirit. Your life wherewithal will be strongest now, so grab it!

Finding a better position for yourself professionally speaking will be easier than usual; others will be quick to recognize your determination to get to the top, and if anyone is deserving, it is you. You've shown nothing but loyalty, so it's about time for some recognition, even if top-dog isn't what you're asking for! Let's face it, some of us are at our peak when we are serving under someone else. Keep in mind that doesn't mean any less respect, but let's see it this way - the top dog bares the brunt of all the problems so you don't have to. It's more fun being the right-hand dog, anyway.

Smith: Were you ever bored?
Ben: ... Bored? Bored of what?
Smith: Bored of being the first platoon leader. Must have been hard work, right? Being the number one guy?
Ben: No harder than you being third platoon leader. Did you ever get bored?
Smith: Well, no... But it's just...
Ben: Ah come now, we can't be wishing we were things that are more or less equal than ourselves. You were there for a reason, and so was I, even though we're both very different.
Smith: Hm, it seems better when you put it like that.

Rrrr, we need to do something! This restlessness is so constricting. Freedom, adventure, adrenalin rush - that is what we Shepherds live and breathe! A great adventure-injection needs to happen soon to keep you occupied, I'm sure. But I have confidence you will make things happen and stir up the waters; find ways to get out!

Hmph, as annoying and time-consuming as it is, love is on the cards for this month. Be it love for a friend or a partner, it's going to take you a while to focus and adjust yourself to suit them as well as better yourself in tolerating things you'd usually snap at. Compromising is the lesson to be learned, and although a difficult one to master, it'll help you a great deal. Rolling belly-up for someone isn't usually in the daily routine.

[Ginga Guardian]

Real Dogs Become Ginga Characters

Introduction
Receive a random photo of a real dog that another GingaBoard member took, and turn that dog into a Ginga character!

Your Task
This contest has two parts - you may participate in just one part, or both parts! The first part of the contest is for you to photographs dogs you see (around town, at a dog show, your pets, your friends' pets, etc). The photos must have been taken by you (not something you found on the Internet), and you are allowed to use photos that you have taken in the past. Then submit as many of those photos as you wish to the Ginga Guardian. The deadline for submitting photos is July 15th.

The second part of the contest is to turn a photographed dog into a Ginga character. PM the Ginga Guardian at any time during the month (even before the 15th), and you will be sent a random photo of a dog as soon as one becomes available. We will make sure that no one draws the same dog that they photographed. Then, your task is to turn that dog into a Ginga character! You can draw the dog (you must use Ginga style if you draw a picture) or you can recolor an anime screenshot or a manga scan to be that character. Give the character a backstory, and add scars or other features if you wish.

To Enter
To send in photographs of dogs (must be before July 15th) or to enter your picture of a dog as a Ginga character, send your photo or picture to GingaGuardian@GingaSite.net (be sure to include your GB username in the email!) or PM the user "Ginga Guardian." Multiple entries are allowed (there is no limit to how many times you can enter). You can only win one place and prize, but the more times you enter, the more chances you'll have to win!

Judging
There will be two winners to this contest - one for a photographer and one for a Ginga dog creator. The Ginga dog creations will be judged based on creativity of the backstory and design (added scars, how the markings were styled, etc.) and effort (backgrounds are not required but show more effort). The person who photographed the dog that was made into the winning character also wins a prize.

Prizes
All of the entries will be displayed in the next issue of the Ginga Guardian. The winning Ginga dog creator will receive two GDW anime studio sheets, courtesy of GingaFlash, and the winning dog photographer will receive a banner (with a maximum of two characters) made by GingaFlash. However, in order for a winner to be chosen, at least 4 people must enter the second part of the contest (creating the Ginga characters). If less than 4 people entered, those who participated will be featured here, but no winner will be chosen.



Create a GDW Manga Cover - Entries and Winners!

Many, many thanks to the extremely talented members who entered this contest! Even with a panel of three judges, this contest was just too hard to judge. Everyone who entered submitted winning material, and as such, everyone who entered will receive a prize! Because there were only five entries, the first place winner will receive Urufuma's first place prize, a Ginga AMV. All the runners up will get a headshot sketch from Flann.

First Place - Thorin

Entry

We chose Thorin's entry as the grand prize winner because the effort it shows is tremendous. There are many different characters, all of which are interacting with their environment very well, and the scene is strong. Congrats Thorin!

Runners-up (in alphabetical order)

GingaFlash

Entry
Description: This is based on volume 23 when some of the characters jump into/out of the lake/ocean. I took this picture last summer, when the sky was clear and bright!

We chose GingaFlash's entry as a runner-up because the interaction with the environment is wonderful and the drawings and arrangement show a lot of effort. Congrats GingaFlash!

Hiro-sama

Entry (Front Cover)
Entry (Front Slip Image)
Entry (Back Cover)
Description: This cover is the first GDW volume. It shows Weed and GB having fun and running through the woods to find Ou.

We chose Hiro-sama's entry as a runner up because of the amazing amount of effort she put into the entry by creating a front cover, front slip image, and back cover for her entry. Congrats Hiro-sama!

Sakujo

Entry
Description: This is my version of the GDW volume 60 cover. Instead of the extremely boring "flying dogs" including the same repetitive characters and poses that we know from the GDW covers, I tried to make something full of emotion that will attract potential readers to this manga. Because we all know that last cover Ginga Densetsu Weed is fail...

We chose Sakujo's entry as a runner-up because it has a strong scene and beautiful interaction with the environment, especially in the lighting. It definitely shows effort, and we believe she achieved what she was aiming for in her description - to attract potential readers to this series. Congrats Sakujo!

Yukio

Entry
Description: This is my version of the volume 36 cover. It has a scene from that volume, where Weed and Kotetsu are escaping Yuusuke and his group.

We chose Yukio's entry as a runner up because of the strong scene, the effort involved in including many characters, and the interaction with the environment, especially in giving the environment depth. Congrats Yukio!

[Ginga Guardian]

[Ginga Guardian]

We hope you've enjoyed this issue of the Ginga Guardian! You can discuss the issue and comment on its contents in the Ginga Guardian Discussion Topic - we're keeping all discussion of the newspaper in that one topic so that we can keep the forum clean.

Thank you so much for reading!