Hey guys and gals! Mr.O here back from my trip to New York, ready to get back into the art game!
As far as art goes, I was only able to finish this piece of mine right at the airport while waiting to catch my flight home. Still, there were dark areas that didn't look right so once I got back home, I did some editing with Photoshop aaaaand....voila! My take on Starfire vs Blaze!
Don't wanna get spoiled? Then watch this video before scrolling down to my review!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lQT3jazYrMA&t=1975s
Now....I usually did reviews for DEATH BATTLE episodes that either have happened long ago or I just couldn't make a prediction for in time....but then I saw this animated fight posted by Josh Scorcher and boy did it have all the things you expect from a DEATH BATTLE episodes, from the rules to the analysis to a fiery hot fight itself! Sure they may have taken cues from DB, but they managed to create their own identity with the Triple F logo, the family dynamic between the two hosts with personality and the very background, which looks more like a gamer's room or house than a lab. REALLY makes them charming and inviting.
Still gotta work on that legally distinct battle phrase Josh....how about "Time to find out whose FIRE BURNS BRIGHTER! LET'S LIGHT UP THIS FIERY FAN FIIIIIIIIIGHT!"? Just my suggestion.
The analysis was pretty entertaining to listen to, with both hosts talking about both characters like they were casual comic geeks, giving us info while still passing down their own comments and funny puns here and there. As for the fight...it was PEAK! It was a spectacle of everything that both Starfire and Blaze can do while staying in character, as shown with Starfire's kawaii moment at the beginning which didn't sit too well with the very anti-social Blaze(to be fair, I wouldn't take too kindly to a stranger bear hugging me to death) and the emphasis on how they fight, with Blaze unleashing ferocious attacks that the more formally trained Starfire could avoid for a while.
That said, I sure didn't expect to actually see Starfire use the Blue Lantern Ring of Hope! It usually isn't part of her standard kit, but damn it its fun to see Blue Lantern Kori duke it out with Burning Blaze as they fight at their peak and then....there was a connection....relatability of sorts as Blaze absorbs the Solar energy from Starfire. After that....there was a beautiful and poetic moment as Starfire wishes for their friendship in another lifetime before burning to ashes....damn it stroke a cord within the heart....but there's more.
There was a little aftermath after the fight breakdown where Blaze has got:
A) To find the missing Sol Emeralds all over again.
B) A chance to be friends with Starfire....oh if only she know who Blaze's opponent was...
It's moments like those that made the whole episode PEAK to watch, whether the verdict was accurate or not, and it's even better thanks to the whole team that brought this fight to life, including kickstarters, the animators AND the VAs 'cause they nailed it!
Overall, I give it a 10/10