#is an effective way of making haruka believe she has free will and is doing what she honestly wants to do

[yurimother]

Top Yuri Anime Poll Results

Whether it is subtext or explicit, cute or sexy, school love or gay action thrillers I love yuri anime. These series either focus on or contain elements of female same-sex relationships. Pride month is the perfect time to look back and reflect on the best of this genre. I teamed up with OG Man of The Yuri Nation (yurination[dot] wordpress[dot] com/) and together we put out a poll asking what you thought the top yuri anime series were and over 1000 of you responded submitting almost 5000 different entries. We spent hours combing through the data, analyzing and commenting on the results and we would like to share our thoughts with all of you. Enjoy the reflections of me the yuri critic and OG the dedicated yuri fan!

These are the Top 20 Yuri Anime as voted by you

1. Bloom Into You - 692 Votes

OG: Be it East or West the YagaKimi took the world by storm. Citrus and BiY once again taking the top two spots remains unsurprising.There is something undeniably fascinating about our leading ladies consisting of an asexual slowly coming to love her senpai back but restraining herself for various reasons. The biggest one being said senpai having a deep case of self-loathing and a fear of romantic reciprocation, also for various reasons. She is like “I love you but please do not love me back”. Then there is one of the most popular “cursed” lesbians of all time in Sayaka, the fantastic adult side-couple (The world needs an anime starring lesbian adults/mothers) and the various other characters who have their own interesting tales to tell. The series absolutely deserves a spot in the Top 10 though it would not be in my personal Top 3. Oh and as Yurimother said the presentation was fantastic.Visually stunning from start to finish in my opinion. Special mention goes to the criminally underused first-person “camera”. So cool.

YuriMother: I agree with this series deserving a spot in the top ten even if not the number one slot. For me, it was good but not great. Moments such as the aforementioned adult couple as well as stellar art and a phenomenal score made this series enjoyable but they were not enough to overshine the problems of the narrative. For the love of the Yuri Goddess, this series is crying out for asexual representation but insists on carrying on with its confused romance. Enough complaining though, many people love Bloom Into You despite its faults and I agree. The characters are interesting and lovable and it manages to tell a yuri story more real and complex than the typical fluffy girl meets girl narratives.

2. Citrus - 452 Votes

YuriMother: The presence of Citrus and Bloom Into You prove two things to me, the importance of recency, as both anime aired only last year, and the sheer popularity of these series. Both had established and extremely successful manga runs which were adapted into English by the publishing masters of yuri, Seven Seas. Citrus is a contentious series, to say the least, as it includes elements of (non-blood related) incest and non-consensual actions as part of Mei and Yuzu’s “relationship.” However, if you possess the magical power to turn off the part of your brain screaming at you that those aspects are deeply problematic or if you seek a different interpretation then Citrus can be downright WONDERFUL. I actually loved this anime series for its characters, amazing animation, and salaciousness. As OG said, it is an operatic concussion of emotion (seriously everyone in the series needs therapy) but my is it fun to watch. The Citrus anime also holds a special place in my heart, as the first serious piece I ever wrote was a review for it over on Okazu (nice plug)! Citrus is certainly not for everyone but those that stuck with it and overlooked some of the problems ended up loving it.

OG: Here we are again with Citrus at #2. My thoughts on the series remains the same as in the previous two lists I discussed (the Akiba Research and goo Ranking Japan lists), overrated. Good soap opera/telenovela-esque series but my feelings on the cast are mixed (which I imagine was the writer’s intent). My main issue has always been the obstacles repeatedly challenging Yuzu and Mei’s feelings for each other instead of it focusing on “Hey. We like each other but our parents got married. What do we do? Can we keep our desires for each other in check?”. Instead it is one newcomer after another who want to eat either Yuzu or Mei and Yuzu repeatedly asking herself if she really wants robo-stepsister patties? I will give the anime adaptation credit. The story was easier to enjoy animated than drawn. It also helped that I grew up in a telenovela loving family. The characters’ actions, reactions and emotions were depicted better in the anime. I still consider the show’s greatest accomplishment being the humanization of Mei-Tron. In the manga it took a post-epilogue continuation to show readers “Hey everyone. Mei-Tron was human all along.” whereas in the anime I sensed the small bit of humanity quicker than in the manga where I continued seeing her as a block of wood with a brain up to the point where I dropped it. Harumin though is the greatest regardless of anime or manga adaptation. Bless her. Regardless of how I feel about the series I get its massive popularity. After all, were the rest of the story to get an animated continuation I would gladly pick it up...Not the manga though.

3. Sakura Trick - 342 Votes

OG: There are fans who understandably would disagree with Sakura Trick’s praise but I will always defend it and the anime as one of the very best in the genre. First off it aired at a time where animated on-screen close up kisses (specifically consensual ones) between ladies were rare. Haruka X Yuu’s relationship was believable for the most part. Even their season finale resolution, them not getting what being “in love” meant at the time, made sense though I get why it left some scratching their heads. Probably not the best “manga lure/bait” end I suppose. On the bright side Kotone X Shizuku’s story definitely did not have the two doubting their true feelings for each other. I do hope Kaede X Yuzu eventually hooked up in the manga as they too had potential to be a lovely couple.

YuriMother: Sakura Trick has no real narrative, no great insight, and offers little intellectually. As a teacher, it makes me furious, as a fan of yuri, elated. The anime is beloved for its plentiful soft service, presenting a plethora of kisses, cuddles, and awkward thigh shots (ew). However, it was one of the first anime to include this much explicit yuri service without being pornographic. All the characters were cute and fun, even if there was little in the way of development or complexity, it worked for the series. If you want something to make you think or to learn about yuri, pass over this one. But, if you want a cute and meaningless anime definitely watch it.

4. Yuru Yuri - 337 Votes

YuriMother: OG may not be a fan of Yuru Yuri but I certainly am, which is fairly obvious to anyone who observes that a solid 20% of my communications occur in the form of gifs from this series. It is hilarious, cute, and playful. Just like Sakura Trick, this anime is an easy watch with ultimately little substance. However, the part of me that is not rolling of the floor laughing every time I watch Yuru Yuri lives in a state of pained existence with the knowledge that this work of all things ended up being so popular when people are telling interesting stories about queer women and people in actual relationship that manage to still be funny and adorable while having something to say.

OG: The undisputed most mainstream friendly yuri series there is. It is also one of the funniest. My one gripe is that excluding a select few the main draw of the show besides the comedy and yuri is the ship wars, meaning (almost any girl can be shipped with each other). Not a fan of that but hey, it brought Namori the big bucks so who am I to judge? In any case not much else to add. It deserves all the adulation it gets but the free for all shipping irks me. Reminds me of how they botched Chika X Riko in the Love Live! Sunshine!! Anime. If you were going down the Riko X Yohane route from the start then why give us Chika X Riko in the first half? Ship wars yo. Tch. Hopefully I properly explained myself..

5. Kase-san and Morning Glories (Asagao to Kase-san) - 289 Votes

OG: Still wish this got a 12-13 episode anime. The glorious movie showed how much it deserves one. Whether it will happen or not remains to be seen. In any case the beauty of Kase-san X Yamada is how simple their romance is. No strings attached whatsoever. It is as straightforward as a self-proclaimed “ordinary” cutie, Yamada, having a crush on the super cool school beauty Kase-san. Said beauty is revealed to be just as “adorkable” as Yamada. The other highlight is their story not ending once they officially started dating (as is the case with many romance stories) but that being only the beginning, like real life. From then on, side-stories aside, the two biggest challenges for the two is Yamada accepting that it is okay for someone as “ordinary” as her to be the “cool babe”s girlfriend and Kase-san finding different ways to express her love/hunger for the cutie. As for the OVA, cramming the second part of the first series in an hour definitely had the downside of excluding some important moments, yes, but it at least covered some of the best moments in the manga. The first half of the story was summarized in a five-minute music video. One last thing. The animation, though a bit too brought for some, was glorious. It also had some long pauses which were effective (The bus stop scene being the most infamous) but while I did not mind them at all even I will admit some pauses went a bit too long. A small nitpick all things considered. Fingers crossed one day we either get that 12-13 episode anime for the first series, the sequel or both. That is one of my dreams.

YuriMother: At last, an anime that I do not have to react cynically to! Kase-san is one of the single greatest works of yuri animation to ever to be created and its glory is rivaled only by the manga from which it originated. Despite being only a one hour long OVA this adaption told such an engaging and realistic (finally) story of romance and personal growth. We get to skip the meatless girl meets girls arcs and get into the depth and complexity as Yamada and Kase work to further their relationship. They struggle with the fact that they are two different people who want different things out of life and love and have to actually work on their partnership. Kase-san also includes signs of physical affection and love that are never lewd, immature, or gross, I do not even think I could refer to them as “service”. However, for me, Kase-san’s greatest victory (both the anime and manga) is in its escape from school romance, which in this genre is often a shelter from reality, allowing for women to be in relationships without actually being queer. Kase and Yamada instead make an effort to continue their romance and build a life that includes their relationship once they graduate in a triumphant final act. This anime is a slap in the face to the class S stories and sloppily sexualized works which proliferate the yuri genre. Asagao to Kase-san shines as a holy beacon for the greatness that this genre can achieve.

6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica - 286 Votes

YuriMother: Hurray!! For two entries in a row, I get to talk about series that I wholeheartedly adore without having to constantly attach caveats. Puella Magi Madoka Magica is not considered by all to be yuri, and that is certainly not what it is best known for. PMMM is however famous for twisting the tropes of the magical girl genre and creating one of the most cohesive and thoughtful narratives ever put to screen. This series summoned a new era for the magical girl genre (what OG humorously referred to as the “Moepocalypse”) but no other title managed to top Madoka Magica’s runaway success. Every aspect of this work is highly polished including character designs, a phenomenal soundtrack, and superb writing. This is not only the definitive work of its genre but of all postmodern anime. Whether or not one is a fan of yuri every anime fan should give Madoka Magica a watch.

OG: Meduka Meguca. Its impact in the “Moepocalypse” (Shows where cute and sexy girls consistently suffering physically and emotionally. These are usually dark magical girl shows.) genre and legacy are undeniable. It deserves all the praise it gets. It scarred many unfortunate souls, Homura is a legend in yuridom, Kyouko X Sayaka are glorious (Especially in Rebellion), Meduka’s Mom Junko is a Top Tier Sexy Mama, Charlotte the Witch is a very strange girlfriend and of course Hitomi is a walking anti-fun meme. The animation, especially the creepy doodle like monsters known as Witches are memorable. However, it is not my favorite Moepocalypse show. That honor goes to Yuki Yuna is a Hero.

7. Strawberry Panic - 224 Votes

OG: Like it or not Strawberry Panic is a yuri classic. I have a strong feeling that like many readers around my age (31 during this writing) this was their first 100% yuri anime. The cheese is real but it is the yummy kind of cheese and I loved almost every minute of it, except Amane X Hikari. That was the weakest of the love stories going on. Poor Yaya trying too hard (Not saying this in condescending way. She literally tried too hard). It is like a young adult lesbian novel but more fun. I mean Nagisa X Shizuma might as well be “Lesbian Twilight but not crappy”. Let us be honest, Shizuma is a vampire. Chikaru is an undisputed goddess and Kagome is the cutest.

Oh and I will repeat this statement till my last breath…

#TamaoWasRobbed.

YuriMother: I may be almost a decade younger than OG but even for me Strawberry Panic was my first yuri and it more than earns its nickname as the “gateway yuri,” although last year’s Citrus and Bloom Into You may be presenting serious contenders for this title. If for no other reason than nostalgia, Strawberry Panic remains my favorite yuri works but this ridiculous soap-opera of an anime does deserve a fair amount of recognition. I see Strawberry Panic as the culmination of the S subgenre revived by Maria Watches Over Us. However, this work succeeds at both parodying many of the tropes of S and yuri while breaking a few. However, its greatest accomplishment is introducing many of the young western fans of yuri to the genre. Strawberry Panic, you are an overly dramatic mess but thank you for all you have done.

8. Revolutionary Girl Utena - 176 Votes

YuriMother: Another gem of the yuri genre, actually scratch that, if works like Kase-san are gems then Utena is the minerals from which gems form. I think that is how it works, I am not a geologist. My poor analogies and subtle nods to Steven Universe aside, Revolutionary Girl Utena is one of the single most important works of yuri anime, possibly even more so than Sailor Moon. These two works were the dawn of the current age of yuri, an era spurn on by social progress and the internet into a place where more yuri works featuring honest depictions of homosexuality are flourishing. Utena laid the groundwork for queer representation in anime and for that I remain forever grateful to this masterpiece.

OG: I must confess. While I saw the movie long ago and thought it was cool I have yet to sit down and finish watching the main series. I cannot say much about this show other than it is another yuri classic. Possibly one of the biggest. I think I will leave this to Her Holiness because even if I had seen it I do not consider myself someone who possesses the sufficient intellect to properly explain why this is a legendary show.

9. Flip Flappers - 132 Votes

OG: I would need an essay to explain why this show is legendary. Let me see. It is a story of a girl who discovered her gayness thanks to her growing attraction to a lovable idiot/genki. There are references to Western media, dimension hopping (including Class S Hell), self-discovery, a sexual orientation journey, a tree, armored wedding gowns, crazy third wheels, Ku Klux Klan stand-ins…You know what? Just watch Flip Flappers. It is a hot mess of random, crazy, creative and thought provoking awesomeness with a wonderful dose of gayness. Glory be to PapiCoco. However, as Her Holiness mentioned this is essentially Ikuhara-san levels of weirdness (though not as complicated I feel) but as the plot thickens it all (sort of) starts making sense...eventually. That tree yo.

YuriMother: Flip Flappers was almost too strange and abstract even for me, and that is saying something. However, upon further examination, one of the most interesting works of yuri is revealed. This heavily stylized anime delves deep into the sexual maturation of its protagonist while examining the yuri genre and representation in media. Flip Flappers is the perfect marriage of heavy visual style and intellectual substance. Definitely give them one a.. err better make that three watches, as you will want to be sure to get everything out of this beautiful series as possible.

10. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid - 131 Votes

YuriMother: This series is the closest anime fans have to a lesbian couple having a family that we have, and that is a shame. I LOVE family narratives, outside of the yuri genre Usagi Drop is my favorite anime. To me, seeing women balance life, a relationship, and children is some of the best queer representation there is. However, for every point in Kobayashi’s favor, there is also a glaring fault. Kobayashi is a modern woman in the workforce providing for herself and her “family,” but is borderline abusive to Tohru. Kanna is an inquisitive child being raising by two women, but there are weirdly sexual scenes featuring her. As previously mentioned on this list, if one can silence the reasonable part of the brain this work becomes enjoyable, hilarious, and adorable. Unfortunately, its faults prevent it from being more than an amusement and I seriously doubt that they will fade in the second season. But hey, it sells a ton of figures so… YAY!

OG: This series is one of the closest yuri fans have to a series starring a lesbian couple with a daughter and it is wonderful. Is the tale of an eternally grateful dragon who wanted to repay the human who saved her life, albeit drunk, by becoming her live-in maid. Tohru being a dragon girl had incredible power and could easily crush everyone in sight but preferred to try and understand humanity so she could live in peace with the woman she loved. It of course was hard at times but thanks to Miss Kobayashi slowly growing to accept her back (romantically she had a ways to go) and the two raising the adorable bundle of mighty puff known as Kanna they became a happy family. How long this relationship will last and whether Miss Kobayashi would come to fully love Tohru back romantically remains to be seen. I have high hopes it can and will happen. Kanna X Riko is precious (Yes. Even that scene). We even have a potential BL couple, which is nice. Not a fan of Lucoa X Shouta the shota. Not because of the age gap but it not being my kind of romantic comedy. It is the same reason I have a hard time buying Tsubame X Misha from UzaMaid. Mya-Nee X Hana from Wataten...maybe. At least Mya-Nee showed she is patient. Back to Dragon Maid. Great series. Naughty of course but great.

11. Sweet Blue Flowers (Aoi Hana) - 119 Votes

OG: Megane girl falls for a cutie but has a hard time confessing to her to the point she gives a relationship with another girl a try. Said other girl has troubles of her own courtesy of her own views on what love. Do not get me started on the OTHER girl who likes megane’s girlfriend. I did not even mention megane girl’s first love interest who she herself eventually begins questioning her feelings for the glasses wearing maiden. While this is well known throughout the history of yuri anime Aoi Hana made it clearer than ever that Yuri + Classical Music go hand in hand. Plus the show is quite pretty. Ultimately enjoyment of this series depends heavily on viewers’ patience.

YuriMother: Aoi Hana was ahead of its time in many regards. Most yuri during the early twenty-first century was unrealistic and melodramatic, especially with the revival of S stories. Aoi Hana instead presents a calm and realistic story that we still rarely see in yuri anime today. Instead of relying on tricks like service or comedy Aoi Hana presents a serene and character-driven story which is matched by equally calming scenery. It is certainly not the most thrilling watch, but a slow and beautiful slice of real life that remains one of the all-time strongest yuri works.

12. Yurikuma Arashi - 99 Votes

YuriMother: Yurikuma Arashi is strange, to say the least, but this is not out of the ordinary for legendary director Ikuhara, who also directed Utena. Parallels are easily drawn between this work and Flip Flappers, as they are both complex and encoded with enough symbolism to drown a bear. Yurikuma is one of my favorite works in the yuri genre and I have had more than a few heated discussions about interpretations of the work, including one memorable occasion when I was visiting a college professor and we ended up in a shouting match in the middle of the hall. However, while Flip Flappers holds a high degree of polish the same can, unfortunately, not be said here. Yurikuma Arashi has more than a few scenes of fanservice many of which overly fetishize the characters and relationship and some of the symbols, particularly lily flowers and the word “yuri” are practically beaten to death with an object I refuse to come up with because I am starting to have my fill of symbolism. However, despite some of its sloppiness, Yurikuma is one of the single most interesting and well-formed anime out there and analyzing it is practically a right of passage for seasoned yuri fans.

OG: Yurikuma Arashi is my favorite of Ikuhara-san’s series. To me it was the least complicated of his works but even so I needed help to understand the show. Luckily I had plenty of assistance. The meat of the story is more complicated but put simply it is about a war between a group of bear girls (and some human girls) who want to freely express their love and/or desire/hunger for each other and another group that amounts to Right to Censor from WWF. Like I said it is far more complex than that but that is the gist. The anime is quite ecchi and it has good reason for it. Again the gay bears are the more liberated of the groups and them getting more sexy scenes is meant to showcase that. Our heroine has good reason to be grumpy and a divine entity was introduced alongside a certain someone from a certain dark anime we already discussed.

In the end it is a show starring lesbian bear girls. I love love stories between women and i love bears. It was obvious I would end up enjoying this one. Like other complex stories it is not for everyone. Shows like Flip Flappers, Utena and Yurikuma have something of a learning people will have to get accustomed to in order to enjoy them.

13. Whispered Words (Sasameki Koto) - 88 Votes

OG: To me Aoi Hana and Sasameki Koto were always connected despite the former being a drama and the latter a comedy. Both star a female protagonist struggling with how to best tell the girl she likes her true feelings whereas their love interest for one reason or another makes it all the more challenging to get their feelings across. Both shows aired during a time yuri was not as popular of a genre as it would become over time. Perhaps if they had come out a little later when yuri was becoming more popular in the mainstream they would have fared better…Then again they may have helped set the groundwork for future yuri shows so it’s just as well they came out when they did. In any case both good shows worthy of “best of yuri” lists. SK has the dynamic of the megane in love and her somewhat airheaded love interest who specifically likes “cute girls”. Poor megane has a hard time figuring out what the airhead defines as “cute”. The show also features an amusing side-couple of an ojou-sama and her tsundere girlfriend. Not to mention the somewhat controversial side-girl who plays a more prominent role in the 2nd half of the anime. Heck, even Mr Crossdresser himself is cool. Let us not forget Miss “Ha Ha Ha!” Another really good show that I would love to see the rest of the manga get animated someday but considering most anime are essentially manga commercials and the SK manga ended the odds of a 2nd season are close to 0.

YuriMother: 2009 was a great year for yuri anime, with both Sasameki Koto and Aoi Hana, among other works, airing. But while Aoi Hana sought to resist many of the common tropes of the genre and tell a simple grounded story Sasameki Koto appears to have looked a the list of every convention possible and say “yeah I can do that.” It has melodrama, comedy, one-sided love, friend love stories, I worship this genre but even I think there is a limit. However, Sasameki Koto is one of the most competent yuri anime works of the current era. While all the tropes are present most of the problematic aspects of the genre are not. The story is well written, characters enjoyable, and art that is really well done for the time. I enjoy every watch and if I ever want to quickly download the genre’s tropes into another person's head I need only duct tape them to a chair and throw on Sasameki Koto.

14. Riddle Story of Devil (Akuma no Riddle) - 77 Votes

YuriMother: Akuma no Riddle was highly anticipated back in 2014, sporting a premise of student assassins that, while certainly not unique, was outside the norms for the yuri genre. It promised a dark and thrilling take on the yuri genre that would not become popular until the yuri horror trend a few years later. At first, it looked like this would be successful with an excellent setup and some pretty compelling characters but ultimately Akuma no Riddle fell flat and became more derailed as it continued. The monster of the week style of episodes left little room for complex plots and plans or proper character development, which is a shame because of how engaging so many of the assassins were upon original presentation. However, this show still has some of the best action in the yuri genre, placing it alongside series like Cannan and Utena despite its flawed storytelling. If nothing else, the anime may compel one to read the manga, which expands the story and characters more than the show was given time to.

OG: Professional assassins secretly gathered at an academy in an attempt to take the life of a seemingly innocent cutie to win the ultimate prize, one of whom wishes to protect the adorable redhead. Yes the manga, which is pretty much a Director’s Cut, is better and the anime would have benefited from having 20+ episodes instead of 12 and a delightful beach OVA but the show did a good job of showing viewers what each assassin was like, their motivations (though many of their origin stories were summarized in written biographies during commercial breaks viewers needed to pause to read) were clear enough and the duels, as brief as some of them were, had enough spicy goodness in them to be memorable, especially the ones in the latter half of the show. Oh, and although the manga wrapped up after the anime it had a very similar ending.

15. Revue Starlight - 72 Votes

OG: Gay theater girls who strive to become the top star, meaning the best actress or lead actor of the cast. How do they do it? By working hard and overcoming their personal hardships? Yes. That. What makes this show so wonderful despite being almost a year old as of this writing is not only do the ladies all have interesting stories to tell but so does the stage. Every song, prop, movement, dance, gesture etc. It is like the performers and performances are united. It is like in Spongebob where not only does the person in the boots tell a story but the boots as well.

Oh yes. I almost forgot to mention the mysterious underground theater and talking giraffe. Never forget the talking giraffe from Hell. #Wakarimasu.

Super cool and super gay.

YuriMother: Bushiroad continuously gets better at what they do, creating media franchises of cute girls filled with music and making mountains of cash from smartphone games. Inspired by the likes of Love Live, they created BanG Dream and last year Revue Starlight. However, where these franchises fell short Revue Starlight success. It never twists its characters to tell a story but rather creates compelling arcs around them. I thoroughly enjoyed and agree with its place on this list.

16. Konohana Kitan - 68 Votes

YuriMother: I know of Konohana Kitan for its constant presence at yuri events more so than the anime or even the manga. It is adorable, relaxing, simple, and fun. While it does not add anything super substantial to the genre it does not take anything either or present any objectionable material. The “plot” is nonexistent but that does not matter, as it is not trying to tell a story or make commentary, just be fluffy and simple.

OG: Konohana Kitan to me is a Girls Club (Cute girls doing cute things) and iyashikei hybrid anime. It is visually stunning as it is relaxing with Yuzu pretty much one of the cutest demigoddesses in existence. She of course is a chick magnet but her heart will forever belong to Satsuki.

17. Destiny of the Shrine Maiden (Kannazuki no Miko) - 65 Votes

OG: The other stuff on the show is still not that great but ChiMeko will forever stand the test of time as far as I’m concerned. Top 10 for their love story alone. Yes. I know THAT ONE SCENE continues being controversial and talked about every time curious new yuri fans witness greatness…but I will forever defend Chikane because I get where she was coming from. Would I have done something different? Yes. The thing is you need to put yourself in her shoes and understand what she wanted to accomplish and how far she would go to get it done. Kotoha is best side-character and Souma Ogami is real man’s man who does not deserve the hate. He was an honorable warrior to the end. He fought well and accepted defeat like a man. Plus his yell is inspirational.

YuriMother: My feelings on Kannazuki no Miko are incredibly mixed. It has many of the worst facets of early current era yuri anime, tropes include S, rape and… am I reading this correctly, demon mechs? Worst of all it presents a cycle, a never-ending loop that haunts the characters in the overarching plot and it does not resolve it. If a work ever presents such an element, like Puella Magi did, it must be overcome or confronted at least. Its presence makes the already cringy story feels cheap and lazy. However, I love the two female leads and their difficult relationship. I love the music, especially the hauntingly beautiful ending theme, and the final moments of episode 11 are some of the greatest seconds I have ever seen in an anime. I cannot wrap my mind around my view of this series but at the end of the day, I understand it. I do not believe that work like it would ever be warmly accepted today but for its time it does stand as a breakout piece of yuri anime.

18. Princess Principal - 61 Votes

YuriMother: Princess Principal is one of the best anime of the past few years. It had everything, an interesting premise, great characters, an incredible soundtrack. Alongside all this is the sharp writing and thrilling story. Princess Principal did everything Akuma no Riddle wanted to with an intriguing and action-packed story featuring strong characters. On top of all this, the animation is top notch. A six-part movie sequel is planned which has me somewhat concerned, but I am glad to see that it is being continued as the ending to the series was one of its weakest aspects. Now if you will excuse me, I need to listen to some jazz.

OG: Cute and sexy gay spies in a dramatic British Steampunk setting. What more do readers need? Allow Her Holiness to elaborate a bit further. Currently waiting for the multi-part cinematic continuation.

19. Izetta: The Last Witch - 60 Votes

OG: I am known for loving shows people do not think as highly of. Izetta: The Last Witch is no different. I love this show so much. Besides how certain events transpired some complained about the depiction of WW2. Basically think about people ranting about storylines and content featured in certain Call of Duty and Battlefield games. Here however, it is clearly a fictional great war inspired by WW2. I was invested in the following:

-The cute and sexy ladies.

-Seeing two badass lesbians lead an army against an evil empire.

-FiZetta’s romance. This of course being the major highlight. I love FiZetta so much. My sexy lesbian babies and Anne X Grea’s mentors. They taught them everything they know after all.

It is similar to how I felt watching Kannazuki no Miko where my focus was primarily on the leading ladies’ developing romance. The difference is that unlike Kannazuki I was also somewhat entertained by our heroines’ enemies along with their allies. Basically viewers’ enjoyment of the show depends on how seriously they take their history and are willing to overlook the liberties this story takes with its depictions of the weapons, military and the familiar evil empire. FiZetta are one of my favorite lesbian couples of all time.

By the way, in that famous scene, yes they did. Viewers just have to squint their eyes to see “it”.

YuriMother: Another show that I consider to have squandered its potential. I know that lots of people enjoyed this one, including OG but I could not bring myself to finish this constantly mediocre series. Perhaps I am tired of alternative light-fantasy European-war inspired plots. Trying to stand out in this bloated genre is difficult and Izetta fails. Izetta started strong and hooked many viewers with its amazing visual and auditory polish but this was quickly lost in the plot which, while set up well, struggle to gain any ground of pay off what had been established. On the yuri side, it did not really do anything interesting or satisfying, with plenty of scenes feature the character’s standing next to each other looking cute and one or two moments of actual yuri. I am glad that some of you were able to enjoy this one more than me at least.

20. Maria Watches Over Us (Maria-sama ga Miteru) - 57 Votes

OG: Like Strawberry Panic this is a “Like it or not” classic. Despite being a Class S show it did its own thing and became a pioneer for . It’s also responsible for the many yuri jokes related to all-girl schools in anime.Shimako X Noriko best Grande and Petite Souer! Yumiko X Sachiko were great too as the two grew to better understand each other. Most memorable scene for me was the panda costume. Even Sei is a sleeper icon in all yuridom. Yoshino X Rei had a very interesting dynamic. I actually think they are the real pioneers of relationships between cousins. Thank you YoshiRei. HaruKana, Kaede X Sara and several others owe you two much appreciation.

YuriMother: Another great and significant series, Maria Watches Over Us, took the tropes of early yuri works, Catholic schools, a lack of men, piano scenes, and emotional relationship rather than physical ones and turned the dial up to 11. For better or worse, it single-handedly revived the Class S genre and was copied (and parodied) endlessly for over a decade. However much I complain about S I actually do not think that we would have the current age of yuri without its popularity and proliferation at the beginning of the century so I owe a big thank you to Maria Watches Over Us for that. Ignoring its historical importance and literary significance the anime still presents an engaging plot with wonderful characters and more butchered French than my last trip to Europe. It is certainly worth a watch and worthy of a place on this list.

What do you think should be on this list?:

YuriMother: As I previously said, this is a pretty perfect list. As far as missing titles I can think of the following.

Simoun - not the greatest in terms of plot or animation but it had cute service and a fun action-packed plot.

Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl - This series may be strange and present the dreaded love triangle but it did its best to tell a transgender narrative in 2006, naturally this involved aliens, and I applaud it for its attempts.

Cannan - This series is light on the yuri but heavy on the suspense, action, and amazing character designs. The terrorist plot is exciting and the final train fight featured in the series is one of the greatest action spectacles in anime that somehow manages to remain grounded.

OG:

-Harukana Receive: Best all-female sports anime ever made. Plus the gayness is not subtle at all.

-Mikagura Gakuen Kumikyoku: Eruna Ichinomiya is an underrated yuri icon. While not the first of her kind (That honor, I think, goes to Galaxy Fraulein Yuna) she set the standard of cool and inspirational badass lesbian protagonists who are proud of who they are and...also happen to be super perverts. Eruna made it cool to be such a protagonist. It is nice seeing a lesbian lead who does not care what anyone else thinks. She is hungry for cute girl booties. While she often loses her control in the presence of pure beauty she, as an inspiration for others like her, has enough self-control to not go overboard (most of the time).

-Symphogear: Symphogear is love, Symphogear is life. Hopefully Season 5 will keep up the good work.

-Rinne no Lagrange: My favorite mecha anime and the reason I embrace OT3s when the signs are there. Not the greatest but man was it fun. Plus Madoka Kyouno is still sexy.

-Yuki Yuna wa Yuusha de Aru: My favorite Moepocalypse anime of all time. Yuna X Togo taught me to love and trust some people outside my closest family again.

-Mouretsu Pirates: If someone were to ask me “Hey OG. What to you is the perfect anime?”. I would tell them Mouretsu/Bodacious Space Pirates.

-Kashimashi: Girl Meets Girl. Thanks to the first fan commenting and reminding me of it. Definitely worthy of a spot. #HazumuWasAlwaysFemale

Final Thoughts:

OG: Pretty good list and close to what mine would look like were I to make one. Reason I have yet to do so is because I do not feel confident enough to pick a favorite yuri anime of all time. Favorite yuri manga and couples? That I can do, but anime always seems to give me a hard time choosing my absolute favorites. Like I said though, a potential yuri list of mine would look something like this. I also found it interesting how similar the Top 10 are among both our respective fanbases and visitors to the poll conducted by the Akiba Research Institute.

YuriMother: I may have done most the complaining and left the praise to OG but I actually and really happy with this list. I think that every title presented is a worthy addition and while I would certainly move some higher or lower than their current placing I do not believe that these are too far off from my own opinions, which is surprising for a popularity poll. More than anything I am thrilled to see that works I dislike that I thought to be popular did not make this list. Perhaps I should have more faith in people and their opinions. Everyone did such a wonderful job voting and I am so grateful!

Thank you so much everyone for reading and for voting in the top yuri anime poll. To see the full results of the poll and to support yuri news, reviews, and content, check out the YuriMother Patreon. Happy Pride Month

#yuri #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtq+ #pride #pride month #queer #gay #anime #cartoon #tv #lesbian #lesbians #girls love #wlw #gl #poll #manga

[cocorodiamond]

My respond to certain criticism about Star Twinkle PreCure, both from Azenzone and from his followers and other fans:

Hikaru has no character: Hikaru is a very unique and imaginative person. She is fascinated and obsessed with many unusual things like astronomy, astrology, UFOs, cryptids, occult, etc. She cares more about her interests instead of human interaction, which makes her friendless. She is very free minded and doesn't care about following social norms, outside of her interactions with her grandfather and her school life. When making choices, she depends on her own intuition and imagination instead of established norms. Despite of her energetic personality she is pretty smart and good at school, but tends to be not studious and lazy when she is not interested in subject. In my opinion, she is the most non-conformist PreCure ever.

There is nothing that makes her different from other pink cures: She is actually pretty smart and intuitive and informed about stars and many other things and decent at academics, which is a rare thing for pink cures. And despite of that, she is also the "weirdest" and the most energetic pink cure ever. She is also, despite of how energic and extrovertic she seems, actually an introvert with no friends and cares more about her hobbies instead of human interaction. This is very different from how usually friendly was past pink cures.

Hikaru had no character development: First problem with this is that you see character development as only a change in personality. That implies that there is something wrong with her and she needs to change herself, which actually contradicts one of this show's messages. Sometimes character development is about sticking to your beliefs and staying the "same person" despite of challenges thrown at you. Haruka didn't give up on her dreams despite of how unrealistic it sounds, Hana didn't give up on her hope of future and person she wants to be, Miyuki didn't give up on be ultra happy, etc. After being bullied by those kids for reading her mother's comic, she's advised by her mother to be true to yourself and not giving up into conforming with what others think. Ever since that she's trying to be herself, despite of all those challenges: being pressured into being "normal" by her grandfather, being away from her father, facing problems arising from not being good at interacting with other people, blaming herself for her team's first and biggest failure, her insecurities about not being good enough, her fears of being alone again, losing Fuwa, being away from Lala...she challenged all that and stay true to herself till the very end.

Second problem with this is that you ignored a very important part of her character arc. Hikaru at the beginning, as a side effect of her non-conformist personality, was a very self-absorbed character, doesn't care much about what other persons think (of her, and of other things) and wouldn't care about interacting with them. She was basically a happy loner, living in her own little world without any care. As the villains often said, "she couldn't imagine" how others feel, she can't imagine what others being through, can't understand others. This changed after she became a PreCure: She met new people, new lives, new ways of thinking. She began to understand that universe is bigger than she could ever imagine and she needs to care and know more about others to actually understand them. She also found friends, people she can interact and share her thoughts, for the first time in her life. Before, she has nothing to lose (or so she thought), now she had everything to lose. She was cursed with caring about other people and what they think of her. For the first time in her life, Hikaru faced the fear of being alone, losing the precious friends she gained. First time in her life she began to doubt herself. First time in her life she faced the feeling of losing somebody. In fact this was the true final challenge that Hikaru needs to face, and it ended in a bittersweet tone at best, with her still losing some of her friends. If anything, this was the true tragedy of Star Twinkle.

You also say that "she is the same fool who jumped off into space" to save Fuwa. There is two problems with that: 1. You seemingly forgot that she already flew with Fuwa in space before, and she hoped and trusted Fuwa that same thing could happen again and she even said that "I know I'll be fine with you." 2. She's not fool as she already knew how dangerous it was and Prunce already warned her about the danger. She still do it to save Fuwa, and this selfless act was what turned her into a PreCure. And you want her to change what makes her a PreCure in the first place?

Hikaru didn't deserve to be called a leader: PreCure teams rarely had leaders in a traditional sense. Most "pink leaders" usually "lead" their team-members by giving them moral support: Miyuki as the pep talker, Mana as the role model, Hana as the cheerleader, Hikaru as the star that inspiring hope, Nodoka as the peacemaker, etc. In fact, she's not seeing herself as a leader as well, as they're all equal. Still, as Madoka said, shd would be a good leader if she decide give her all.

Lala was more of a leader: She has more knowledge about the space, which makes her a better choice maker in matters related to space travel. In Earth though Madoka is more likely to lead them.

Lala was better/focused more: It's not that unusual for pink leads to be less interesting or less focused compared to other characters: Ichika, Mirai, Megumi, etc. Not that there is that big of difference between them as you claimed.

Elena and Madoka didn't get enough focus: Even though I agree that they should get more focus, it's important to note that they're fourth and fifth in imortance scala, which basically makes them the Nao and Reika of this series. And, in my opinion, they get better character development in episodes focused on them, despite of gettlng less focus. My expectations and impressions of them as follows:

Elena, despite of her foreign origins, was the most "normal" girl in the group. In many ways she's similar to several previous pink leads: athletic, gives importance to smiles and being positive, being the peacemaker, responsible, etc. She has already solved her problems with being different from others and was in peace with herself, which is why they gave that episode to her brother instead. This was the case for most of the show's run. This changed with the last quarter of the show: Not only we learned of her past problems with fitting in, we also learned that her smiles were not genuine as we believed. Which is actually ended with a much better lesson compared to Miyuki's similar storyline about faking smiles. In my opinion those few episodes makes up for her lack of focus.

Madoka was a different matter: She, her father and their relationship was one of the most interesting storylines of the show, but they suddenly put it on hold after Yuni entered the screen. Much more could be done with them, I agree, but still, I would rate it above Reika's similar storyline about following her own path.

Imagination theme is not used: Imagination is not just about drawing and such, it's "the ability of the mind to be creative or resourceful," as in it's linked to our capacity of thinking. If we think this way, imagination is used as theme in many ways:

Series is based on fantasy and sci-fi elements, higly based on imagination.

Hikaru is a very imaginative person.

Both regular and Hikaru's constellations are created by random stars and imagination.

PreCure's outfits, items and powers are created from their imagination.

Monsters and Kappard's weapons are created by victims' imagination.

People can't understand other/different people because they can't imagine what it's being like to be them and living their lives.

Blotting of imagination means lack of thinking and lack of free will.

Twisted imagination is basically despairing and imagining about a bad future.

Main villain's plan stemmed from creative differences between her and Princesses.

#pretty cure #precure #star twinkle precure #star twinkle #hoshinahikaru #hikaru hoshina

[datheetjoella]

Fantober 2020, Day 12: Enchanted Forest

Author: DatHeetJoella Fandom: Free! Pairing: MakoHaru Rating: T Part: 12/31 (read the full collection here) Word count: 1,799 Tags: Alternate Universe - Fantasy, Human!Makoto, Elf!Haru, First Meeting, Magic, Fluff Read at: AO3, FFn, or right here!

                                             ----------------------------------

Tired and worn-out from his travels, Makoto weaved through the dark woods in search of a place to camp out for the night. Preferably at a river or a creek, somewhere he could refill his flasks and wash his face. His horse was starting to lose speed, so hopefully, he would find a good spot before she had to give in to exhaustion.

Then, the sound of running water drowned out the symphony of owls and crickets. He followed it and to his delight, he stumbled upon a glade at the bottom of a cliff. A pristine waterfall cascaded down the rocks, flowing down into a moderately-sized lake.

Relief engulfed Makoto from within and he leapt off his horse, guiding her over to the edge of the lake so she could drink from it. He kneeled and peered into the water. Moonlight shimmered on the surface, illuminating every droplet. Never before had Makoto seen such clean water; there were no fish or algae in the lake, not as much as a leaf or a branch floating down the stream or caught on the sides. It seemed almost divine and the mere sight of it made his scratchy throat even drier.

He cupped his hands and let the water flood his palms, gratefully drinking as much as he could get. The water tasted even better than it looked, fresh and crisp like it rejuvenated him from the inside.

Once he'd quenched his thirst, Makoto checked the trees to see if anyone was around. When he was sure the coast was clear, he disrobed himself and dove into the water headfirst.

When he broke through the surface, he felt reborn. The fatigue and strain of his travels slipped off him, leaving nothing but contentment and serenity in his heart. Although he was miles removed from home, Makoto had never felt quite as comfortable as he did within this lake.

Alas, this feeling did not last.

A shadow moved behind the waterfall and Makoto let out a strangled screech, hastily covering his nude chest. Through the stream emerged a man, someone whose presence he hadn't noticed before.

Fear spread through Makoto's body like he'd been hit with a poison-tipped arrow; he was alone in the dark forest in a rather compromising position. Even if he hadn't been, he was not exactly the type suited for combat anyway and he saw no opportunity to make a quick escape.

But when the man stepped forward and the moonlight showered over his face, Makoto's fear evaporated.

Long, dark robes that reached down to the ground were wrapped around his slender body. Pointed ears poked through a curtain of dark hair, framing his small face. His features were soft and elegant and his pale skin contrasted the darkness of the night. But the most mesmerising parts of him were his eyes, blue and piercing. Like he could peer straight into the past, present and future.

Elves were rumoured to be gorgeous and although Makoto had never seen one in person, he was certain this man was among the most beautiful in their entire species. His appearance made him forget about the world around him, enchanted by a single glance.

But then, the elf's expression shifted, from neutral to confused. Or rather, shocked.

"Who are you?" he said, and despite the vibrant distress in his tone, his voice had a calming effect on Makoto. "How did you find this place?"

"Oh, um I," Makoto stuttered, unsure which question to answer first. "I was looking for a place to rest for the night. I heard the waterfall, so I followed the sound and it brought me here."

"Impossible."

"Sorry, am I not supposed to be here?" Perhaps he was trespassing on elven territory without his awareness. "If that's the case, I'll leave immediately. I don't mean to cause any trouble."

The elf seemed to be at a loss for words and the uncomfortable, misplaced feeling in Makoto's stomach grew.

"The water…" the elf said after a brief pause, "did you drink from it?"

"Yeah," Makoto said, cowering into himself like he was being scolded by his mother. "My horse did, too. Is that bad?"

A loud groan left the elf's lips and before Makoto could blink, his robes were flying through the air and water splashed upwards, sending ripples of waves throughout the lake. He emerged right in front of Makoto's nose, shaking the beads from his hair.

It startled Makoto and heat warmed his cheeks when he realised how clear the water was and how he was still very much naked. The look inside the elf's eyes was fierce and sharp and Makoto wasn't quite sure whether he should be embarrassed or scared.

"Listen, if I did something that I shouldn't have, then I sincerely apologise," Makoto said, frantically waving his hands as if to prove his innocence. "Please believe me when I say that I had no ill intentions. I just wanted to wash up and fill my flasks, I meant no harm."

After another second of staring in scrutiny, the elf relented. "I believe you. What's your name?"

"Makoto. And yours?"

"I'm Haruka. Haru," the elf said. "Say, Makoto, you have no idea where you are, do you?"

"Not a clue." Makoto sheepishly rubbed at the back of his neck.

"This is the Sacred Moon Spring. Every droplet of this spring has been infused with ancient magic and every full moon, its magical properties are replenished and the water is at its most powerful." Haruka looked up at the sky and Makoto followed his line of vision; the moon was large and round, standing out brightly between the trees.

This was not good. No wonder he felt so refreshed. "We drank from the sacred, magic water…" Makoto stated the obvious. "So, what happens now?"

"I don't know. My clan has been guarding this spring for centuries, but no human has ever come near here, let alone drank from the water," Haruka said, "To be honest, I'm not sure how you even found this place. There's a protective spell around this area, a barrier that's supposed to keep all non-elven creatures out. Not even birds or deer can pass through."

"Oh," Makoto said, drawing circles on the surface with his fingers, "Well, there's this story in my family that my mother's great-great-grandmother was a Woodland Elf, but I always thought that was just a tale. Do you think it could be true?"

Haruka shrugged. "I guess it is. I don't have any other explanation why you would be allowed to pass through. The barrier must've detected elven blood in you."

"But there's so much more human blood in me, and I don't look like an elf at all."

"You don't," Haruka said as he took a step closer. "But your eyes do."

Makoto frowned. "My eyes?"

"Hm. They're… vibrant." When Haruka noticed how close he'd gotten and how breathy his voice had been, he blushed all the way up to his ears and increased the distance between their bodies. The pink hue looked immensely cute against his pearly skin. He coughed and tried to regain his aloof demeanour. "So, I suppose you are a descendent of a Woodland Elf."

"But what about my horse? I don't think she had a great-great-grandmother who was an elf."

"Were you riding her when you arrived here?" When Makoto nodded, Haruka said, "Then that's why. You lead her here, and your authority granted her permission to pass through, too."

That did make sense, as much as any of this magical spring situation could. Maybe there was an off chance he had bumped his head against a low hanging branch and was hallucinating, or maybe he fell asleep beneath a willow and this was all a dream. But was his simple mind truly capable of conjuring up something so fantastical, or someone as beautiful as Haruka?

Ashamed of his thoughts, Makoto said, "If I'm not supposed to be here, then I shall leave. I wouldn't want to disturb the balance of this place."

"You can stay, if you'd like," Haruka said, brushing his fringe back to appear nonchalant, "if the barrier let you through, then I see no reason to reject your presence."

"Are you sure? I wouldn't want to impose on this sacred place. If there's a barrier to keep humans out, then I can't imagine it's okay for a human to bathe himself in this water."

"As the guardian of this sacred place, I'm sure," Haruka said, "To be honest with you, no one is allowed to touch this water with their bare hands, not even I. It's used in important rituals in my clan."

"Then I should get out! I'm so sorry," Makoto said in a combination of disbelief and panic; Haruka didn't seem to care, but the last thing he wanted was to be struck with an elven curse if anyone else found out.

A hand on his shoulder held him back. It was small and felt cold, yet it also emitted a strange sort of heat.

"You already touched it and drank from it, so I don't see why I would send you away now. The water is already contaminated, and truthfully, it was long before you even got here."

"What do you mean?"

"How could I guard such a beautiful spring without going for a swim every night? There truly is no water like it." For a second, a hint of an adorable smile was visible on Haruka's face before he let himself fall backwards underwater and Makoto couldn't help but laugh. Haruka was the first elf he'd ever met and a rather odd one at that, but Makoto had an inkling they were going to get along very well.

All throughout the night, Makoto stayed inside the spring and talked with Haruka while floating beside him. They discussed their everyday lives, Makoto's family and his apprenticeship at a blacksmith a couple of towns away from his home, Haruka's clan and their traditions - and Haruka's disinterest in adhering to them -, how Haruka became the guardian of the spring and what effects the water could possibly have on Makoto and his horse.

The hours flew by and Makoto completely lost himself in their conversations and in Haruka. He didn't sleep a wink, but the water energised him like no amount of rest could and there was nothing that could whisk him away from this place. That wasn't because of elven magic, though, but because of Haruka. Makoto's suspicions were confirmed; Haruka turned out to be just as beautiful on the inside as he was on the outside.

Many things about his future were uncertain now, but there was one thing Makoto knew for sure: this would not be the last night Haruka and he spent together.

#i'm sorry i'm stupid #makoharu #makoharu fic #my fic #fantober2020 #colourful days with you #this is an idea i've had for so long now #i'm glad i finally got the chance to write something in this universe

[keyofjetwolf]

GIFTENING Bonus Rounds

For each category, I included a “bonus round” question. YOU GUYS KILLED IT. I loved all the answers, but listed below are some of my particular favourites.

Haruka Tenoh is trapped in the wrong anime! Which would you have her visit next?

I want her to earth shake Kyubey out of existence, please and thank you

My bride is a mermaid. She can relate. :P

i think she would THRIVE in bodacious space pirates. gay teenage space pirates whose job is to dress up, be Dramatic, and rob the wealthy??? that shit is RIGHT up her alley

Hamtaro

Princess Tutu - where the world is finally as dramatic as her

PGSM (and Michiru is trapped with her, for REASONS)

Pokemon because everyone deserves to be happy

Any moe-style series so hijinks can ensue at her being baffled by everyone's ages

1960's Speed Racer

is is this a captcha or something i missed oh god

Free! so she can be indifferent to all the hot men and slightly uncomfortable because she still can't swim. 

Stick Haruka in a Gundam!

Dump her in Pretear or one of the Precures! It would be hilarious! She's never in the genre she wants to be!

Revolutionary Girl Utena, so she can be offended by misuse of roses.

Initial D, she will out-drive and out-drift all those guys and steal all their girls.

Evangelion. I would feel bad to watch her suffer, but it would be so, so funny for her to be the comparatively most normal person around.

Yakitake Japan! SO SHE CAN HAVE A SNACK OF DELICIOUS RIDICULOUS BREAD BEFORE THE NEXT INTERDIMENSIONAL ANIME STORM WHISKS HER AWAY.

The Holograms or the Misfits? DISCUSS

Holograms

both? both. BOTH IS GOOD

misfits bc Evil Ladies Hot

Steven and the stevens

Misfits.  How dare you make us try to think about anything in our lives.

Both, you mad fool. Those combined songs were the best.

The Misfits, their songs are better

The Misgrams: A group of girls who form a singing telegram start up company, but constantly deliver the telegrams to the wrong people.

kimber & stormer

Neither. Limp Lizards all the way. BROKEN GLASS.

I do not know what these things are

Misfits because guitar motorcycle

The Isle of Misfit Holograms

Holograms is just arguably better

I mean, I’m told the Misfits’ songs are better, but my true answer is the band Kimber and Stormer made in that big gay episode you liveblogged (checks) almost four years ago.

I've no idea what these words mean and I hope this does not make me TOO uncool.

this is about jem, right? right?? im hip i swear

Misfits, because Jasper is a member apparently

I don't know from Jem, but I mean...I certainly prefer holographic material to Glenn Danzig? So I guess there's your answer ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

The Stingers

LIMP LIZARDS FOREVER

Senshi Band

You can make me liveblog a full series of any show you want! You also hate me. What do you have me watch?

Pick a GoT rip-off, any GoT rip-off

The Bachelor?

The Bachelor :(

depends on how much i hate you, but....probably the bachelor. quantity AND lack of quality

Critical role, it would take forever

If I were a horrible person who sought only malice?  Big Bang Theory.  Entire series.

Toddlers and Tiaras

The Mandalorian - Disney would come after you and kill keyofjetwolf just as dead as keyofnik.  We would all be very sad, you would have to go through a second round of restoring things to a new tumblr account, and your organizational heart would weep over adding yet another hosting site out of chronological order.

You are liveblogging Eva, and must discuss in full detail Shinji's emotional state at all times.

Hannity & Colmes

The Kardashians. And all of their spin offs. *kisses*

The price is right

the bachelor

Probably something with lots of romance and no friendships. Soap operas are like that, right? My college roommate used to watch General Young Light Restless Hospital of Our Lives (which one had Like and Laura?) And it was torture.

One Piece, because it's over 900 episodes so you could maybe do 10% before you die, also you will hate how the women are treated most of the time.

Fushigi Yuugi. Not only do you hate it but it also comes with you squirming when you admit to watching the whole thing. ;) 

Plus belle la vie. It's an ongoing French soap opera that has been airing five days a week since 2004, they're nearing their 4000th episode and there's no end in sight. Imagine all those hours upon hours submerged in French drama, mwahahaha!!

The Bachelor.  Or the Bachelorette, maybe - more straight dudes in that.

The Young and the Restless - IT IS THE LIVEBLOG THAT NEVER ENDS. IT WOULD OUTLAST THE INTERNET.

The entirety of the Bachelor franchise.

You can only play one game for the rest of your life. Which game would it be and why?

Kingdom Hearts Complete Collection. A) I love them. B) I beat the system and get like 10 games instead of one.

Gemcraft. This game actually takes a lifetime to finish.

Hatoful Boyfriend. It is the best game ever created. Feel it in your heart.

that's a mean question and you can't make me answer it

Pathfinder, which you could play for the rest of your life and still never finish.

Civ VI , so I can rule the world without leaving my house.

I am legitimately perturbed by this question and refuse to answer it.

Pokemon Go. I would have nothing else, but I would catch them all.

The Elder Scrolls Skyrim: I'll never run out of side-quests.

Mass Effect--it's the only way I'll get full completion. 

The dinosaur game on Chrome when the internet doesn't connect because my life is monotonous and it's a welcome relief. 

Stardew Valley. Peaceful farmer life and turning my children into doves when I'm bored with them.

Crabs Adjust Humidity

Oh my! A number of things come to mind, not one of them fit for print. Just, you know...*gestures vaguely* sex shit. 

I can't even stick to the ones I play now.

This is the worst of all possible things and I refuse to answer. 

Monopoly, I hate myself :(

Probably Minecraft! I haven't gotten into it because I know if I start I will NEVER STOP. Who would do things like build a hundred foot tall statue of Mako-chan? A-THAT'D BE ME.

the game. Of LIFE! *shrug emoji*

I don't believe I'll tell you, because I AM a salty little fish and it was HARD to cut that 11th choice off my vote.

Holligay and I are going to be the leads in a new buddy film. What's the premise? How does it end?

Be gay do crimes. Thelma and Louise. Duh. :P

I have no idea but only just surviving disaster is how it ends.

You break down in a small town during a roadtrip- your stay is full of hijinks and ends with you teaching the townsfolk the true meaning of friendship.

Doctor Holligay, Esquire, PhD, renowned Jewish femme of many talents, is assigned one Operative Jet Wolf as her bodyguard on a foreign diplomatic mission/vacation/culinary tour of the world ("same difference, shut up, narrator"). One problem: Operative Wolf needs a bodyguard herself, as the good doctor discovers when in one night her toilet is destroyed ("IT WAS A SECURITY THREAT") and Operative Wolf nearly breaks a leg falling down a small set of stairs ("THEY PUT A CLIFF OUTSIDE THE DOOR"). Worldwide shenanigans ensue as Holligay and Operative Wolf learn the true meaning of friendship, and also how to take care of themselves... by taking care of each other.

I’m not sure about the premise, but DEFINITELY it ends in murder.

Someone posted a major spoiler during one of your liveblogs. The two of you track them down seeking revenge. It turns out it was the original creator of the series trying to stop you. For some reason Holligay is a CGI badger.

It's clearly a buddy cop movie, and like all good buddy cop movies, it ends with Doc almost dying, and you saving her, and slapping her wound in the hospital as the credits roll.

It ends as it began: with Holligay roasting you.

A straight detective and her lesbian partner have to solve the case of the missing cinnamon buns.  It ends with nobody getting the guy OR the girl and you drive off into the sunset together, perps behind bars sans cinnamon buns.

I don't know what it's about but I know it will be the only movie that ever existed. 

Holligay is the lesbian chief of staff to you somehow being elected President and she's basically running the country while you're the charming face of the administration

Nerd and cowgirl meet at a bar, justifyingly murder some gross dude, go on the run from the law and have a life-changing road trip, on the way Nazis are punched

carrying a delicate object through a forest after your helicopter goes down

Thelma and Louise, but instead of dying, your deaths are clearly faked and you live on a ranch in Montana with your respective spouses and animals. One time a cop comes by the restaurant/bar you joint own with Doc and says, "You look familiar." Doc, in perfect lesbian, answers, "Jet's just got that criminal look, on account of how much she'd love to steal my cheesecake recipe. More pie?"

Queer Eye with a Straight Goy. The two of you do the show but in your own special ways.

Doc Holligay is the wild-west no-nonsense sheriff. Jet Wolf is the all-fun cyberpunk cop from the future. They punch nazis and argue about food. It ends as a tv series ala B99.

Your lives are already a buddy film, don’t get greedy.

Hands and socks.  You know how it ends.

See Grumpy Old Men for details.  How does it end?  Badly.

I can't imagine the premise, but I'm pretty sure the planet explodes.

A Coen Bros film. It ends poorly.

Wait? You're not already living this now? 

REI HINO

REI HINO

Sure. Why not?

HINO REI

<3<3<3<3

REI HINO!

Rei who? ;)

REI HINOOOOOOOOO

Plush Is being hugged by Zoisite in your banner.

MINAKO AINO

MAKOTO KINO

The best

SOCKS

MICHIRU KAIOH

It's time tooo.... REI! THAT! HINO!

sponsored by Here! curry

LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES USAGI LOVES REI [THIS REPEATS A LOT A LOT AND IS GLORIOUS] [...] LOVES USAGI LOVES REI LOVES JETWOLF

(THE REAL ONE)

Isn't how you spell Makoto Kino!

THE REAL ONE™

obviously

IS NOT A RHINO

In conclusion: Rei Hino

Rei Hino is giving this Giftening finger guns

BEAUTIFUL, STUNNING, SHOW-STOPPING, TALENTED, AMAZING, WONDERFUL

Hot stuff, lights my fire, blazes it regularly. I am out of fire jokes.

PASSION FLAME, SAILOR MARS

These hot feelings are C'EEEEEST LAAAAA VIIIIIIE c'mon rei-chan why aren't you singing along

IS THE BEST (I know who I'm talking to)

Ara!

DID DOCTOR HOLLIGAY PHD NOMINATE THE OPTION OF TALKING ABOUT MICHIRU KAIOH FOR 6 HOURS!!

If Hot Pocket were to plan One Last Heist, what do you think would be his objective? What would be Mina's role in his master plan?

Master Hot Pocket seeks BREAD. His friend and loyal companion, Mina-pup, acts as a distraction, as he has learned the humans are easily distracted by cute. While she does her sworn duty as Best Friend and Cutest Goodest Girl, probably with lolling tongue and glee at all the pets she receives, he picks the locks on the newly childproofed pantry, and Master Howard H. Pocket FEASTS AS NO CAT HAS BEFORE.

Every bag of flour in Montana; Mina runs distraction with her adorable puppy eyes

Open every container, leave none unmarked. Mina is the lookout who greets whoever comes and is completely ineffective at her job.

TAKE ALL THE FLOUR. Do it straight from the source: FlourCo Inc. What does a 10-pound cat do with eighty thousand tons of flour? If you can't figure that out, there's a reason he's the brains of this outfit. Mina would obviously be the bumbling lovable distraction to security or other people.

Bread.  Mina is The Face who provides distraction to the Keepers of the Bread by walking up to them and being herself.  Mina has absolutely no idea that Hot Pocket is using her in this manner because Hot Pocket is that Machiavellian, but Mina is a pocket full of sunshine in canine form and probably would just be happy to help out.

Hot Pocket knows that no mammal of the floor believes in flour anymore. It went away a long time ago. It doesn't exist. But what he also knows is that they're wrong. A lack of opposable thumbs won't hide the truth from him. He'll find the stash, and when he does, he'll stick his paw in it. Mina, with her limited climbing skills, will lick its remains from his claw and prove his discovery. As well as provide a warm place to curl up on for the aftermath of their adventure.

His goal is to sample every edible thing he can get his teeth on. Mina pulls triple duty as step stool, distraction, and scape goat

The Silver Crystal. Mina would play the role of Sailor V.

He is getting ALL THE FLOUR. Mina is a lovable distraction.

Looting all the carbs in the pantry. mina is distraction.

mina's role would be the "dopey" but talented best friend who it looks like HP is going to betray for the sake of the plan but then it all comes together when HP mounts a dramatic rescue. i dunno i'm still in film mode from that last one.

The Holy Bread Locked Within the Cupboard.  Mina would be the distraction, but she'd forget what she was supposed to be distracting from and end up leading you to him.

I am the Void. I am the Night. I am the Darkness with no hope of dawn. The Flour trembles before me in it's bleached fluffiness. It shall not escape my chaos, which will descend upon it like the Terrors of the Deep, claws and teeth and gnashing. It will howl at my claws. It will scream for my teeth, sharp and white, stars in the night of my fur. I shall tend and tear and -- Dammit, Dog-thing! How am I supposed to be terrible and terrifying with you wagging your tail and panting at me!? Oh, you found a good warm sunbeam? I guess I can stalk stuff later. I am the Void. I shall absorb the Sun's light and warmth and bring it into my Darkness where it cannot escape...

I'm new here and don't know all the complex lore of Jetwolf(fairly sure Mina is dog), so I'm going to assume that Hot Pocket is an actual hot pocket and his heist is robbing Fort Knox using Mina as his loyal stead/get away car. Then he explodes a microwave or something.

i lik the bred

Mina as the distraction while he takes one last tastes of EVERYTHING 

objective--stealing more chips; Mina--surprise betrayal 

The scene: Mama Jet's pantry The Objective: the bag of cake flour Aunt Doc made Mama Jet buy but she's never used Mina: confused but excited escape vehicle and/or scapegoat

RAIDING THE KING ARTHUR FLOUR FACTORY. Mina is of course adorable and keeps everyone's attention while Hot Pocket swan dives into the flour like Uncle Scrooge

Hot Pocket would definitely try to steal a monument, Carmen SanDiego style. Mina, of course, is the multi-talented and super cute face of the operation.

I have no idea who Hot Pocket is

HP would try to scale the tallest building in the world. Not to steal anything, just to be up there. Mina would be the adorable diversion.

It would be to get whatever food you've left on the counter. Preferably bread. He would tell Mina that he'll give her some of she acts as a distraction. She's a good dog so she does. He's a cat so she gets no food.

Truly, truly, THE GIFTENING winner is us all.

#THE GIFTENING 2019 #THE GIFTENING 2019 admin stuff #long post for ts

[awashsquid]

The long-awaited (for @sittingoverheredreaming, at least) Part 4 of this commissioned series! Group post here, if you need to catch up. If you like it, drop Sam a thanks for commissioning me, or give a comment or reblog - we authors thrive on feedback! Hope y’all enjoy.

The next hour passed in such a daze of quick events that Michiru scarcely recalled them even as they occurred, one moment bleeding into the next like inexpertly applied watercolors, mingling until the entire canvas was muddied beyond recognition of what it once was, what it should have been.  There were doctors in and out of the room, she recalled, and she knew that she had signed several documents with a shaking hand, her signature remaining as delicate and ornamental as it had ever been, still a perfect piece of artistry even as the canvas of her world rended itself into scraps of confetti.  

Haruka never left her vision again, staring at her intensely with those green eyes that she knew couldn’t be real but somehow had never felt more alive, the lips that she knew could not be there, and yet she could feel when they brushed against her head, her hand, her cheek.  The pain as her wounds knitted back into place was nothing compared to the searing agony in her chest, each beat of her traitorously living heart a reminder that she had ruined everything to save Haruka, to save the woman that she loved, and she had not even succeeded in that effort.

Once she was settled at home the others left her room, Rei doing so only after instructing her gently to get some sleep.  Hotaru offered to stay and provide healing, but Michiru asked to have some time alone - except she wasn’t really alone, Haruka was sitting on the bottom of the bed - and Hotaru did not push further.  The heavy wooden door shut and Michiru turned to the phantom of her lover, not wanting to say the words aloud but knowing that she needed to in order for them to become true.

“You are not really here.  My Haruka is dead.”  The sentence came out in a whisper that turned into a strangled, choking sob, her weakness on full display as tears ran openly down her face, dotting the hospital gown she still wore with markers of her own incompetence.

Haruka - not Haruka, she corrected internally, some manifestation of my own subconscious - shrugged in that same casual way she had a thousand times, her shoulders lifting slightly before relaxing again.  “I’m as here as you want me to be, Michi.”  She flipped herself onto her knees and crawled closer, and Michiru could swear that she felt weight and heat from where Haruka’s body covered her own.  “I’m as real as you need me to be.”  She kissed her again, less gently this time, a hand winding through Michiru’s hair in a familiar caress. 

“This isn’t real,” Michiru whispered between kisses, shaking her head.

Haruka smirked devilishly, her free hand wandering downwards, Michiru gasping softly.  “I’ll make it feel real.”  Michiru bit her lip, knowing that the touches weren’t really happening but unable to deny their effect on her regardless.  “Does this feel real to you?”  She let out a soft whimper under the familiar caresses, Haruka’s practiced hands knowing exactly what she wanted.

Haruka drew back suddenly, ceasing her touches, and Michiru nearly groaned with frustration.  “Do you want me to go away, Michi?  Just tell me to leave, and I’m not real any more.”  The sparkle in her eyes and the growing, almost predatory smile on her face indicated that she already knew the response, and as Michiru leaned forward to press her lips against her lover’s, she tasted of apples.

--

At the Shrine across town, Mercury pored over her handheld computer and studied the flashing symbols on the screen with ferocity.  The knowledge of how to unlock the hidden data from the days of the Silver Millenium had been gifted to her when she remembered the ancient, long-dead language that had been used then, its characters foreign to all living eyes but hers now.  She smiled at the thought that she was the last person with such knowledge, her lips pressed together in a thin line.

“How are we progressing, Mercury?”

Mercury jumped internally as the cool voice washed over her like a wave, whipping around and falling to a knee as instinctively as she breathed, the motion just as effortless and necessary.  “My Queen,” she responded, the air in front of her lips fogging just slightly, her element showing itself more in the presence of its mistress.  Her eyes stared at the hem of the white gown in front of her, everything else in the room dim and dull by comparison of its pearlescent shine.

“‘Princess’; I am not Queen as of yet,” she corrected, and Mercury felt a trickle of sweat freeze to the skin on her back, icing over.  “Stand, Mercury, and give me a report.”  A pause - then, as an afterthought: “Please.”  The last word sounded out of place with the others, a switch from her natural cadence to an attempt to pronounce a concept from a newly-learned foreign language.  Mercury stood and raised her eyes to the face of her ruler, though never high enough to make eye contact, her gaze resting on the flawless porcelain cheekbones.

“Princess,” Mercury forced out with mild effort, which she endured because she could not fathom the thought of disobedience, “As you are aware, Jupiter expended her energies greatly during the battle.  She was left in a comatose state.  You chose to revive me -” revive seemed the wrong word somehow; she had never been dead, just slumbering beneath the surface of a weak-willed teenage girl, one whose favor of kindness over science disgusted her - “two days ago, and have been resting your energies since then.”  

Her gaze drifted past Serenity to the bed behind her where Jupiter lay, Sleeping Beauty tucked between Rei’s anime-themed sheets, still and unresponsive as a fairytale illustration.  “There has been no change in Jupiter’s status.  I remain unable to wake her, and it is only through your daily energy sharing that she continues to exist in this state.”  The knowledge of her failure hung greatly over her head, and she resisted the urge to drop to her knees and beg forgiveness, if only because her Princess would not stand groveling from her soldiers.

“Scan me.  I would know the probability of a successful revival at my current energy levels.”  Mercury nodded and took a step backwards, raising the computer and tapping a few buttons to bring up the proper display.  Data scrolled across her visor and screen simultaneously as she allowed the computer to work, a few moments of silence passing as the calculations were completed.

“The probability of success at this time would be approximately 86.83%, Princess.  There is a 8.49% chance that she would improve slightly but not wake; a 3.14% chance that no change would occur, and a 1.54% chance that you would extend your own energies too greatly and damage yourself.  Given these values, I believe that you could safely awaken her at this time.”

The Princess-Queen glanced over at Jupiter in the bed, still and fragile and somehow looking so small, despite being taller than either of the other women.  Serenity nodded sharply.  “Very well, Mercury.  Your diligence is noted and appreciated.”  She frowned even as Mercury bent at the waist slightly, a thanks for the compliment that her body performed naturally.  “Will I need to recharge so long before waking Uranus?  And what of Pluto?”

Mercury shook her head lightly, ice-blue hair sweeping out of her eyes.  “No, my Q- Princess,” she corrected hastily, “your powers were much more significantly depleted from your own transformation, eliminating the opposing army, and purifying myself.  Awakening Jupiter will use a large amount of your energy, but it should recharge significantly faster.  I estimate that you will be able to revive Uranus within 24 hours.”

Serenity’s rose-petal lips curled into a tiny smile, so minute and controlled that a less observant party could have assumed it was a trick of the lighting; but Mercury was nothing if not an efficient tool for data intake, and so she catalogued the discrepancy as she continued to speak.  “Pluto’s body has yet to be discovered.  As the area has been thoroughly canvassed, my current theory is that she dematerialized and was instantly reincarnated at the Time Gate, as is typical of her position.  We do not currently possess a means of reaching the Time Gate to confirm this hypothesis.  My recommendation is to classify Pluto as a lost asset.”

The rose of Serenity’s lips wilted, and the thorns of her perfectly white teeth poked out from underneath the small curl of disgust.  “That is...disappointing, indeed.”  Pluto had been one of the stronger defensive Senshi, and Mercury knew that from a tactical standpoint the loss of her power was not insignificant.  “Still,” Serenity continued, taking small, gliding steps towards the bed where Jupiter lay.  “We will have the rest back soon.  Beginning with her.”

She stopped at the bedside, pale hand reaching out somewhat tenderly to brush back the bangs from Jupiter’s forehead.  Serenity’s eyes, as blue and as cold as the most rare of sapphires, closed as she touched a single finger to the center of the prone woman’s forehead.  The golden moon on her face began to glow, its aura traveling downwards over her unearthly pale skin from her neck, to her arm, to that extended finger, and finally onto Jupiter before disappearing into her forehead.  Serenity’s brow creased slightly as the light increased in strength, crescendoing until there was a single bright flash of white light that forced Mercury’s eyes to squint shut, unable to withstand the intensity.

When she reopened her eyes, Serenity looked slightly less radiant than she had a few moments prior - her sapphire eyes were fogged over as though in need of a polish, and the subtle sparkle that her skin always seemed to hold now was emphasized by the light layer of sweat that crossed her chest.  The woman in the bed looked much the same, except that her hair had lightened a few shades, a more medium-brown at the roots fading into a tan shade towards the bottom.  Her eyes opened to reveal the other change in Jupiter’s appearance, the bright yellow irises seeming to crackle with electricity.  

She sat up quickly, a near-predatory smile on her face as she cracked her neck, then her knuckles, the second causing small sparks to fly from her hands as she did so.  Jupiter rose from the bed, steady as though she hadn’t just been in a coma moments ago, and knelt at Serenity’s feet.  Mercury knew chastising her for such strain would get nowhere - Jupiter had never been one to listen to reason - and so chose to put her energy into performing a basic vitals scan, just to ensure that all had gone as it should have.

“My Queen,” came Jupiter’s voice, rumbling and sure.

This time, Serenity did not correct the title.  “Rise, Jupiter.  There is much work to be done if we are to enact Crystal Tokyo.”

Jupiter did as she was commanded, a broad smirk spreading across her face as tiny crackles of electricity danced across her knuckles.  “I can’t wait to begin.”

#my writing #commissioned work #sittingoverheredreaming #fanfiction #sailor moon #michiru kaioh #sailor neptune #haruka tenoh #sailor uranus #usagi tsukino #neo-queen serenity #ami mizuno #sailor mercury #makoto kino #sailor jupiter #this is kind of a stop-gap before the next chap where things pick back up a bit #sorry if it is at all anti-climactic aha

[koshofthevorlons]

The Bad, the annoying, and just plain wrong Sailor Moon Fanon

Given Sailor Moon was released back during the early 90s and the ...issues the American dubbing had, a whole lot of fanon has sprung up about the series. Some of it is good and some of it is incredibly bad -- though this most often shows up in crossovers. Years ago, I made up a list of some of the most common misconceptions which I stumbled over and figured it might worth posting here.

--

Crystal Tokyo

The Senshi going out of their way to make sure Crystal Tokyo will come about.

People in the 30th century are obeying Usagi because the alternatives are freezing to death or being exiled into the far reaches of space. The only people “exiled” where criminals, such as the mass murderer who eventually became Wiseman/Death Phantom.

Usagi using mind control to set herself up as Queen of the World. Both sides in the future state she was elected to her position in the future of Crystal Tokyo by the population of the world. Which yes, is unrealistic but it is shojou manga and it is worth considering what Usagi brings to the position: she’s a neigh immortal God-queen who freely gave people millennia long lifespans, access to ancient lunarian supertech, and the knowledge that when the local eldritch abomination appeared, she would be there to kick its butt. Her extremely positive reputation with various galactic powers was merely the cherry on top of all that.

Utopian and dystopia Crystal Tokyo. There is still crime in Crystal Tokyo and people are still capable of being petty and selfish creatures. It's a better world but it isn't perfect. Some of the few examples shown people outside the future versions of the cast in Crystal Tokyo are kids who bullied Chibi-Usa and snobby politicians.

Usagi/Neo-Queen Serenity

Power hungry Usagi. Her stated dream at the start of the series is being a bride and house-wife. She constantly goes on about people’s right to make their own decisions and at the end of the Dark Kingdom arc in the manga, turns down the chance to crown herself.

Usagi being an force of stasis. At the end of the series, Usagi flat-out states the need for there to be change and growth in the universe, no matter how painful that it might be at times. That at times fighting was necessary for a better future. Of how the end of a war would lead to hope for the future and how it was all part of a balance.

Usagi as some type of valley-girl or crybaby post-series. Please, give the girl some credit. She beat back several demonic invasions, saved the world several times and managed to redeem an enemy that had supposedly wiped out all life in the galaxy/universe depending on whether you're using the manga or anime. Not to mention several times going to what was certain death for her, but doing so anyway. Hell in the manga, Usagi is shown through the series growing into a highly charismatic leader and skilled fighter. And even in the anime, she is shown growing at least some.

Usagi as some insensitive clod who's incapable of being charismatic. One of Usagi's strongest traits in both the manga and anime is her incredibly sensitive to people's feeling and ability to sway people’s hearts. This is the same girl who would eventually be elected by the world's population to lead them into a new future and had such a force of presence that she managed to redeem an enemy that had supposedly wiped out all life in the galaxy/universe.

The spamming of the Ginzuishou in a anime inspired story. Manga's understandable since it had no consequences. But in the anime she only used it at full power against Death Phantom and Metallia and once in the R movie. The anime emphasized the Ginzuishou would kill her if she used it. She had three one-time saves saving her life every-time. She had plot armor for the sake of the first arc because they thought the series would end with that episode and she wished to go back to being a normal girl as she lay dying. In R she and Chibi-Usa's wish to protect each other canceled out the effects. The third time, Fiore gave up his life to save her. Each time the senshi warned her she would die from the crystal if she used it. Yet she accepted it anyway.

Senshi

Guns can hurt the senshi. Anime shows the Senshi being bulletproof while the manga!senshi are blatantly superhuman.

The girls lives entire lives being wrapped up in their role as Senshi or the idea of Crystal Tokyo. ALL of girls are shown to have actual lives and dreams completely outside of their duties of being a Senshi.

The senshi all showing up to fight some no-name canon fodder. The senshi have only been together once during a whole fight and that was with Nehellenia. During S, Pluto died before Saturn appeared. The inners and outers are constantly separated and the outers tend to have their own lives to live. 

Minako, Rei or Makoto giving up Usagi for some guy who happens to come by. In the manga, the inners all pledged to each other that no matter what happens Usagi would always come first and that boys would come later because she was so precious to them.

The Senshi betraying Usagi out of their own free will. The girls have repeatedly proven willingness to die for Usagi when the chips are down. Even more importantly in the Dark Kingdom arc, when they all believed that Sailor Venus was actually Princess Serenity, their loyalty was still first and foremost to Usagi.

Haruka being super masculine. In the manga she was androgynous and enjoys both male and female outfits. Following her gender being revealed, she generally wore feminine clothing and has been show to enjoy wearing short skirts. Also, she is is canonically stated to be bisexual.

The Senshi being unwilling to kill human opponents. In the manga, the Senshi usually ended up brutally murdering their enemies. In comparison, the anime has the majority of the enemies being either mind controlled or manipulated by an outside force, but even in the anime, they were willing to kill if necessary.

Mamoru being a pedophile. In the manga, there is only a three years difference, with Mamoru seventeen years old vs Usagi's fourteen years old. In Japan, fourteen years was very much legal as the age of consent was thirteen in the Tokyo region at the time the series was being written. With marriageable age thirteen for girls and sixteen for boys with parental consent.

Mamoru being willing to betray Usagi. They are engaged by the end of the series and happily married by the end of the manga. They are quite content with each other and even in the anime where Mamoru has often acted like an ass too her he's almost always had the reason that his generally being mind control during this time of the week.

Chibiusa's hair color came from nowhere. Ikuko, Usagi's mother and Chibiusa's grandmother in the manga has pink hair.

The Senshi simply being magic users who happen to be able to draw upon a planets mana. They are literal avatar of that planet's spirit made flesh. A Senshi is born when a Sailor Crystal nest inside a newly formed planet. And are the ones affected when something happens to their planet. As long as a Senshi exists in some form their planet, star, moon, asteroid etc has a chance to be reborn at a future date. The only senshi for whom this is not true is Usagi. Instead, her starseed is implied to have been a piece of the starseed represents the universe...

Pluto/Setsuna

Setsuna as some figure of of absolute order and/or stasis. Sailor Pluto is the 'Solider of Change AND Revolution.

Pluto using Space-Time Door as the "TV of Time.” She does not possess the ability to watch events through it. The Space-Time Door’s  purpose is time travel, nothing more.

Setsuna as a some ice princess. In canon, she is a lonely woman who loves her Princess, her closest friend is Chibi-Usa, and she considers the Outers to be her family. She has dreams (to be a fashion designer) and fears (Cockroaches). She is not some manipulative shrew but instead a person who has a job that leaves her distant and with trouble relating to other people.

Pluto manipulating events to create Crystal Tokyo or purposely killing thousands. Her job is to stop time travelers from abusing the time stream. She remained guarding the doors through the fall of the Silver Millennium, the canonical restart of evolution on Earth, and all the way into the 30th century. Pluto only left after she died trying to reach Chibi-Usa while she was Black Lady. The only reason that she was able to have a life outside of her duty is due to Neo-Queen Serenity reincarnating her backwards in time so that there are two versions that currently her existing. Her older self-guarding the Space-Time Door and the younger one living with the Outers.

Chaos, its spawn and various servants

Beryl as a super-important person during the Silver Millennium.  She was a maid and small-time witch/sorceress who made a deal with the local eldritch abomination sealed way in the sun.

Wiseman being anywhere close to that of a good guy or even neutral entity. Death Phantom is a Cosmic Horror born from the root of all evil in SM-Verse.

The Black Moon family being freedom fighters against the tyranny of Crystal Tokyo. Their ancestors are flat-out stated to be religious nuts who thought that the infinite power of the Ginzuishou and its ability to give people eternal youth went against God's will. They  willingly fled to Nemesis after being told by Wiseman they could gain they could power and are implied to be responsible for transforming the planet into the living hell it became. The very first actions that people of Nemesis took when they returned to Earth was to kill countless innocent people without mercy by bombing planet and using poison gases on civilians simply because they believed long life went against god. Both sides also state the Black Moon's goals were only about their hostility toward people’s lifespan and later, to try to take over earth.

Chaos representing “just a little chaos" or serving as a “force of change/growth.”  Chaos in Sailor Moon canon hearkens back to Chaoskampf of older myths. It is a primordial force of nothingness and destruction, which predates the Big Bang and is still salty about the universe existing. Every terrible thing, every planet destroyed, every life lost in the SM-verse all lead back to it. Chaos was behind the corruption of Galaxia, and Metallia, Death Phantom, Tau Ceti were all incarnations of it.

The Dark Kingdom only targeted Tokyo. They mind controlled everyone in China during Sailor V and it was her efforts to stop them got Venus so famous famous as Sailor V.

Misc

Calling the 'Space-Time Door' the Gates of Time.

There is no Juuban ward. Azubu Juuban is a neighborhood in the Azabu district of the Minato ward. It even says they live in Minato is volume one of the manga.  

Anime "purification" is mind control. It is repeatedly shown as the process of outside forces leaving the victim’s body. Whatever that purification is it ISN'T about enslaving people to one monochrome will, something that the Senshi's enemies often did and what they fought against tooth and nail against. It is the realization you can be yourself AND stand strong with others. And if you don't like it you are free to leave or return but not find strength and purpose in hurting others.

#Bishoujo Sailor Moon #fandom salt #bad fanon #the internet exists #not that hard to do the research now #my thoughts #source: koshofthevorlons

[zukadiary]

Company/BADDY ~ Moon Troupe 2018

Welp I'm in Japan again, for a bizarre trip considering none of my so-called faves are doing anything I'd normally clamor to see live... There are multiple reasons for that, but a big one is I let the idea of this show seduce me completely. I pegged it my most highly anticipated Grand Theater of the year pretty much as soon as the blurbs came out, anticipated it even more after I read and loved the novel, and pretty much lost my mind as soon as the first BADDY tweets surfaced back in February. So I braved Golden Week crowds in Hibiya to squeeze two viewings out of the last week of the run, and I'm quite pleased with my choices.

COMPANY

I summarized Company and its characters a bit before so I won't do it again; they stuck to the premise well enough.

I'd call Company cute and very pleasant; I thought everyone did a wonderful job and any qualms I have are with Ishida-sensei. My love of the book definitely enhanced my appreciation of the show because I went in already attached to the characters, but it also set me up for disappointment in a few places where Ishida fell flat. It's a bit of a long book though, and overall I think he cut exactly what needed to be cut to fit it into one act.

What I LOVE about the play as a whole is the modernness of it; Takarazuka almost never does shows set in present-day Japan, and its shows set in present-day elsewhere often come awkwardly tinged with an uncool dad vibe (LET'S TAKE A SELFIE FOR FACENOTE a la Vampire Succession, for example). Company felt totally natural and it was really refreshing. That said, something bugged me about the line delivery in pretty much the entire show; it was kind of stiff and hammy. I'm inclined to believe it was the direction, but I do wonder if it was just Patented Takarazuka Acting™ and it happened to stand in greater contrast against a modern play (and I also wonder if that's why they shy away from such stories).

Tamakichi was so beautiful it hurt to look at her. Her character Aoyagi's backstory was changed by absolute necessity; the book opens with his wife leaving him, but in the opening song of the show he tells us she's died from cancer two years back. Book Aoyagi is a nobody at work and pretty much a total loser in general at the beginning, and goes on a real journey of self love and improvement. I am a little sad we didn't get this angle because I think Tamakichi could have done an absolutely heartbreaking job portraying that particular transformation, but I also completely understand that including all that simply wasn't possible. Instead we have Cool Good-Looking Senpai Aoyagi, reliable leader from start to finish, whose journey is injecting some joy back into his life and beginning to heal from his wife's death. Tamakichi is so good at the wholesome everyday hero I don't think I'll ever get tired of it. My biggest takeaway from her performance, other than that she slays in a basic clean-cut suit, is that she has blossomed and is such a top star. NO SHADE to Tamakichi up till now; she's done nothing but impress me since assuming office. But while what stood out to me in Grand Hotel and All for One was the balance of the troupe and how perfectly they allowed their other wonderful players support her, SHE stood out to me in Company all on her own; her presence and confidence were incredible. They kept Chapi the exact right amount of time.

This could be Chapi's most typical top musumeyaku role since Tamakichi took over, but it's still unique in that she's the pursuer in their romance and I love that. Minami, while less confident in her ballet/work life than Stage Aoyagi seems to be in his work life, is slightly more confident in their personal interactions—always trying to joke, lighten the mood for him, drop hints—and it's a lovely dynamic. Her portrayal was probably the most faithful to the book. Chapi is bright and cheery and the smoothest actress, and every bit of real ballet we get to see her do is a blessing.

I had the greatest attachment to Haruka (MiyaRuri) and Yui (Umi-chan) going in. My absolute favorite aspect of the book was the slow burn surrounding everything Haruka: his relationship with Yui especially, but also with Aoyagi and the others. Of course I totally understand there is no room for slow burn in one act. Aside from that, Miya was exactly the Haruka I imagined and that was a joy to watch (her costume and countenance in the Dark Gay Swan Lake scene in particular is a VISION). Yui is another refreshing atypical musumeyaku character and Umi did a great job. It's a pretty good show for musumeyaku roles in general; Sara (Wakaba) and Noa (Touka Yurino) are also pretty big parts. I loved Kumichou in particular, she had some amazing one-liners.

My biggest disappointment was in Ishida's handling of Nayuta (Reiko). Reiko did just fine, but I felt that Ishida sucked all the life out of the character. Book Nayuta is a hot-headed asshole who underneath all the strutting and crude commentary cares a lot about his performing. A lot of that comes from him being a trainee idol and trying to prove that he has a place among his equally hot-headed senpai whereas Stage Nayuta is the star of the group, but it's NOT AT ALL HARD TO IMAGINE that a star idol might be kind of a hot-headed asshole. Stage Nayuta was just kind of pretty and there, and as a result the drama surrounding him joining Dark Gay Swan Lake in the Prince role felt flat to me. This is one change I really think could have been made in the given timeframe. (Trivia bit: in the understandably zuka-fied Final Drama where Nayuta injures Sara on stage with a lift gone wrong, Nayuta locks himself in the bathroom at intermission and won't stop crying from guilt. In the book, he feels his finger slip between her ribs during the lift, and dwelling on the sensation makes him so ill he can't stop throwing up).

Toshi is a VERY cool idol group leader; Ari is, as I predicted, herself; and Ruu, Shimon, and Mayupon are a pretty funny group (boss and salarymen), with Mayupon in particular also absolutely WEARING the normal suit look. Everyone else was pretty light on the stage time.

BADDY

BADDY is a triumph. If you still have the opportunity to watch it sans spoilers, I recommend it, I'm jealous, and I would love to know what that's like. However I can also say that I read almost everything about it before seeing it and I felt no less impact from its brilliance.

It's completely ridiculous, but the balance it strikes in its ridiculousness is absolutely sublime. Simplicity combined with absurdist randomness; both using and upending traditional Takarazuka elements JUST enough; it strikes the perfect note.

There's so much to unpack.

For one thing, it's SO META. We open in Takarazuka City on the Peaceful Planet that has seen no disturbance in 103 years, and down comes the Baddies' spaceship with a thunk. Following the thunk, Tamakichi declares "Looks like you've been waiting quite a while for this," RIGHT BEFORE going into the standard opening announcement—"written and directed by Ueda Kumiko," etc—and I am sure that's her sticking in her own jab about Takarazuka waiting 103 years before letting one of their female directors do a revue. Really, I wouldn't be surprised if the ENTIRE THING was a reference to this; I mean we're in TAKARAZUKA CITY where COOL BADDIES infiltrate a BORING LAME SOCIETY THAT HASN'T CHANGED IN 103 YEARS and then they BLOW EVERYTHING UP and EVERYONE GOES TO HEAVEN. That's bold, UeKumi.

There are smaller amusing references too... Reiko commenting that Amashi Juri's character looks new (she just switched to musumeyaku), Tamakichi kidnapping Reiko and giving her to Miya saying "here you're in charge of improving this person's general everything" which I'm pretty sure is Miya and Reiko's IRL relationship.

(Amashi Juri is so cute I can't stand it, help).

Another thing, it flows so beautifully for a revue with a plot (not a theme, a plot... the only other example of which I can recall at the moment is Nova Bossa Nova, which does not flow like this). Despite the scenes connecting perfectly into one cohesive story, they are still individual scenes that feel like standard revue scenes, with variety and costume changes and great music and really fun choreography.

Chapi is given the queenly treatment she deserves; she's as much the star of the revue as anyone else. The rockette with her in the center might be my personal highlight, and it's the perfect example of what I mean by both using and upending Takarazuka traditions. We've got typical rockette-style costumes, synchronized kicking, the works—but we've traded the high-pitched KYAA for YELLING ABOUT HOW ANGRY THEY ARE in unison with some really badass choreo. It's the perfect balance of respect and rebellion; it works because the rockette is such a standard part of our fan lexicon, and the small differences make us open our eyes wide. Crushed velvet kuroenbi. Ray Bans during the parade...

The duet dance also—passionate and angry and LITERALLY fiery, as Tama and Chapi dance and eventually descend through the floor with one long hard kiss surrounded the entire time by swirling flames. I mention that in case the flame effect (like the starlight during Maa's Chopin in HOT EYES) does not show up on the DVD, which would be tragic.

As beautifully and wholesomely as Tamakichi carried herself in Company she pulled out all the stops and slayed in BADDY. Dynamic (and dangerous) radiantly glowing top star. Miya is downright erotic.

Mayupon is just an alien, in the background, through costume changes, the entire time.

There was a fun amount of gender fluidity presented in sort of a nonchalant? way?? Like not the gratuitous otokoyaku-in-drag situation we usually get; paired with the free-flowing top 4 love quadrangle, it felt, dare I say, progressive.

I had an extra fun experience at my first viewing... TSUKI MATSURI! Tsukigumi has a tradition where one day per run (though I imagine not every single run) they all wear afro wigs in one scene and adlib it to hell and back. Since it was my first time and this did not seem at all out of place against the backdrop of BADDY I didn't even realize until after, but what lucky timing.

I can't wait for UeKumi's next show, and I went into QR and came out only with Tsukigumi bromides, I don’t know myself. 

#takarazuka #reviews #company #baddy #might as well just tell people i live here

[themattress]

Sailor Moon Story Arcs - Opinion Ranking

My opinions on the story arcs of Sailor Moon from the manga, original anime, and Crystal - and I am discounting the live-action show and musicals because of how different they are.

15. Nehelania (Anime) - Wow. This arc was bad. It has no excuse even existing and has little to do with the rest of the Stars series it’s in - all it does is wrap up all the loose ends the anime team found themselves left with because they couldn’t follow the manga. Chibi-Usa was still around at the end of Super S but she leaves by that point in the manga - best get her out of here in this arc, then! Oh, Sailor Saturn plays a role again in the manga? But we baby-fied her at the end of S and kept Professor Tomoe alive to raise her again! Quick, take her away from him and re-age her! But the absolute worst part of this arc would be everything about Nehelania herself, which not only pisses on her excellently dark characterization and fate from Super S, but tries so hard to make her a sympathetic villain that it crosses into downright patronizing. We are expected to believe that Haruka and Michiru, who were so coldly pragmatic that they were willing to kill a child in order to save the universe, would break down in tears over how oh-so-saaaaaad poor Nehelania’s lonely childhood was!? And that after all the horrible, heinous things she did, Nehelania gets a free pass to Heaven!? Seriously!? Ugh, I really fucking hate this arc. There are no redeeming qualities to it, at all.

14. Stars (Anime) - As the final arc of the anime, you’d expect something big and new and epic, something truly fitting as a conclusion. But nope! It’s just more of the same formula and elements we’ve already seen done before and done better in other arcs, plus stuff that wasn’t done well the first time (more forced angst regarding Usagi and Mamoru’s relationship!), and the largest butchery of the source material to date - Shadow Galactica is the weakest villain group of all when it should be the most formidable, Sailor Galaxia’s entire backstory and motivations are changed for the worse, Chibi Chibi is drastically changed as well to weaker effect, many characters and elements are absent altogether, and the Sailor Starlights go from peripheral characters to main characters, a huge mistake given how horrifically unlikable they all are. And do I even need to bring up the Usagi/Seiya “romance”? Most notably, after a drawn-out and boring finale, it just ends on a mundane kiss between Mamoru and Usagi. That’s fine for a season finale, but for the whole series? Weak, just like the whole damn arc.

13. Dark Kingdom (Crystal) - What a disappointment this was. A new Sailor Moon anime that is more faithful to the original manga, and it looks like shit! But even putting the animation aside, this arc’s big problem is that it didn’t know whether it did want to be truly faithful to the manga, or if it wanted to veer off into its own direction. And as a result, they try to play it both ways, to have their cake and eat it too, and it just doesn’t work. Maybe it could have worked if they had spread the arc across the 26 episode order they had, allowing them time to flesh things out. But instead, they kept things the same length as the manga, splitting the 26 episodes between the Dark Kingdom and Black Moon arcs...to the detriment of the former.

12. Black Moon (Crystal) - The second arc of Crystal was better than the first, if only by a margin instead of a mile. This would mainly be because this time around the staff decided to just stick to the manga exactly rather than try to have their cake and eat it too like before. There might be minor alterations here and there, such as giving the originally evil-to-the-end Prince Demande a more “redemptive” death (more in line with how he became known in the anime and musicals), but for the most part it’s scene-for-scene accurate. It would rate higher if not for the continued problem with the animation, which looks incredibly stiff and restrictive. 

11. Dreams (Anime) - A 39-episode arc, and how many episodes are truly relevant to the plot? 15. So yeah, that’s a big problem right there. Other problems include the overtly light and childish tone, overfocus on Chibi-Usa at the expense of everyone else, and the demeaning power upgrade for Sailor Moon that means she has to rely on Pegasus in order to get anything done. It’s not all bad - the villains are great, and the 6-part finale is excellent. But on the whole, it was clear at this point that Ikuhara needed to just go make Utena already.

10. Infinity (Anime) - The first half of this arc was pretty damn solid. The new trio of Sailor Uranus, Neptune and Pluto was interesting, Chibi-Usa’s return as Sailor Chibi-Moon was late but still welcome, the dark undertones and Holy Grail mythology were done perfectly, and we had two of the best villains the anime has ever had in Professor Tomoe and Eudial. But things go off the rails along with Eudial’s car, with Infinity Academy, Hotaru Tomoe / Sailor Saturn, Mistress Nine and Pharaoh 90, the rest of Witches 5, Sailor Pluto’s belated death, and even a resurrected Kaolinite all thrown in haphazardly, causing the pace to crumble and the quality to decline. It all ends with an almost incomprehensible finale, which is followed by two more episodes even though the main conflict has already wrapped up!  The arc even ends on the exact note that the manga’s Black Moon arc did, which just further hammers home what a mess this all was. Many people think S was the best season, but sorry, I just can’t agree.

9. Dreams (Manga) - While certainly better structured than the Dreams arc of the anime, I can’t help but find the Dreams arc of the manga to be its weakest. Not only is a chapter short of what the two arcs before it and the arc after it were, but aside from further character development for the main characters, there wasn’t much to offer compared to all the other arcs. The Dead Moon Circus was the weakest villain group in the manga, the twist of the Amazon Quartet being pre-destined Sailor Senshi who were brainwashed was weak and took away from their characters, Helios is one of the least memorable characters the series has to offer, and the whole Elysian, mirror, fairy tale mumbo-jumbo was just weird and didn’t quite fit with the usual tone. Again - better than the anime, but it still feels almost as much like filler.

8. Dark Kingdom (Manga) - The first arc of the original manga, and originally all that Naoko Takeuchi planned to make. It’s a pretty solid story, with a tragic Romeo and Juliet-style background to the reincarnation romance that’s at the center of it, and retroactively becomes even stronger with the full Sailor V manga attached to it. The main downside is the lack of strong characterization for the characters who aren’t Usagi and Mamoru . Of the Senshi and Shitennou, only Sailor Venus and Kunzite receive any significant development. The cats, Luna and Artemis, and the main villain, Queen Beryl, are also portrayed fine. But the rest of the Senshi and Shitennou, not to mention the entire supporting cast, are all very thinly drawn and don’t leave much of an impact. If you aren’t invested in the central romance, then you’re probably not going to get much out of this story arc. But I still think it’s fine as a debut outing.

7. Stars (Manga) - The final manga of the arc. Unlike its anime counterpart, it is a fitting, epic conclusion to the series, with Sailor Moon fighting a fierce war against the forces of Shadow Galactica, losing all her loved ones in the process, and being taken all the way to the source of all life in the universe, the Galaxy Cauldron, and her ultimate enemy, Chaos. The main problem with this arc is that, at only 10 chapters, there are so much new characters and ideas packed into it and not enough time for them to breathe and have the full impact that they should. Toward the end, things get downright confusing. But the emotions still come across very clearly, and an emotional send-off to Sailor Moon is really all I could ask for.

6. Makai Tree (Anime) - Now this is how you do a “filler arc”. For starters, it’s not entirely filler since it bridges the gap between the anime’s Dark Kingdom and Black Moon arcs. It’s also the perfect length - 13 episodes - with very clearly defined beginning, middle and end sections. And lastly, the villainous duo of Ail and En are great characters, walking the line between being credible threats and being goofy, and their development in having to learn what love really is and see the error of their selfish ways is very well-done and touching. The only real problem is the Moonlight Knight, who is just plain irritating. Tuxedo Mask he ain’t.

5. Infinity (Manga) - Magic and space have been part of Sailor Moon from the beginning, but science, a natural compliment to them, had been largely absent outside of Sailor Mercury’s skills. Takeuchi changed that with her third arc, where a science academy was the chief antagonists, with their plan mixing magic and a distant galaxy for good measure. Add to this the introductions of all the rest of the Sailor Senshi - Uranus, Neptune and Saturn - and we have one of the manga’s best arcs. In fact, the manga arguably reached its peak right here.

4. Infinity (Crystal) - Why is the Crystal version above the manga’s even though it’s basically the same? Because it has 13 episodes as opposed to 10 chapters, which means that the story and characters get more time and expanded depth. And with the animation finally looking good thanks to Chiaki Kon, this stands as the definitive version of the Infinity arc.

3. Black Moon (Manga) - This arc is the best one in the manga, IMO - it’s when Takeuchi really came into her own when it came to plotting, with a story that’s more interesting and less generic than the previous one. And in a manga where only one or two villains per arc tend to be really fleshed out, this arc has four - Demande, Safir, Rubeus, and Esmeraude - who feel like full characters with real depth, history and motivation behind them. It also uses the concept of time travel well, which is very hard to do. Add to this some good character development for the main characters, a heroic death that isn’t reversed by the end, and a truly intense final battle, and you have the arc that really proved Sailor Moon’s staying power.

2. Black Moon (Anime) - It was a really close call between the Black Moon arc of the manga and the Black Moon arc of the anime. But despite the three big shortcomings of the anime version (a lack of the titular Black Moon, that horrendous Usagi/Mamoru break-up subplot, and the notorious dinosaur filler episode), I feel the three big improvements it made over the manga make up for them. First of all, it actually keeps Sailor Mars, Mercury and Jupiter around for the entirety of the arc and allows the ensemble dynamic that made the series such a hit to stay in place. Second, I prefer the way Chibi-Usa’s development is handled and concluded here, with the big climactic moment not relying on Sailor Pluto and instead putting the focus where it be should be, on her parents Usagi and Mamoru. Finally, while a lack of Nemesis is a shame, the Black Moon Clan and their Malefic Black Crystal actually making it to Tokyo in the present day for the finale actually ups the stakes dramatically - it’s not just the future in danger anymore, but everything and everyone the Sailor Senshi hold dear right now. The manga may have peaked with the Infinity arc, but the anime definitely peaked here.

1. Dark Kingdom (Anime) - To my dying day, I will always maintain that Sailor Moon was never better than it was in its original anime arc. The show’s first season took Naoko Takeuchi’s concept for the manga, which was being serialized co-currently with the anime, and perfected it. The writing, the pacing, the atmosphere, the characters, the music, the animation - just about everything is excellently pulled off. Oh, and the arc’s finale puts the manga’s to shame, being dark, gut-wrenching, heartfelt and powerful in all the right ways.

This moment right here? It can never be topped. 

#Sailor Moon #Opinion #Analysis

[sabraeal]

SELKIE AU PLEASE!! hahaha i can't believe i almost missed the deadline for prompts. congrats on 200 followers!!

“Hurry,” Miss urges, peering down the hall. “I don’t know how long the smoke will keep them busy.”

He frowns around the picks in his mouth, distracted by the way her sleeve keeps brushing his hair. “I told you to light a fire.”

“Fire can get out of control, Obi,” she tells him sternly, as if she’s disappointed in him for even entertaining the idea. “A little bit of smoke should keep them guessing for long enough.”

The lock gives with a small pop. “There we go.” He shoves at the door. “One breaking and entering, as promised.”

The hinges creak, of course, spoiling the effect. Miss peers in, leaning over his head and – honestly, these people, couldn’t they tell that it was sensitive –

“This is where Haruka lives?” she squeaks, toeing the threshold. “It looks…plain.”

It’s not as opulent as he expected either; it seems the Marquis favors high quality but understated decoration in his private quarters. There’s little that gleams or glitters, but the fabrics are sumptuous if dull or color, and the woods are all hard and imported. He swears the bedframe is made out of a single piece of teak, but that can’t be, not with the expense –

“Where do you think he’s keeping it?” Miss asks, creeping into the room. He doesn’t know why he brought her, other than that she asked and he – he –

He didn’t want to do this alone. Not really.

“I don’t know,” he admits, getting to his feet. His hands shake at his side. He’s so close now, he can feel it. It calls to him “It’s probably hidden somewhere. He knows I’ll be coming for it.”

“Right.” She nods, determined. “What is it that we’re looking for, again?”

His gaze slips from hers. “You’ll know it when you see it. I’ll start over here,” he says, gesturing to a large chest, the perfect size for blankets and furs.

“Right.” She peers about the room, a little lost. “Obi, is there…is there anything I can do? I know I can’t pick a lock, but I…I would like to help.”

Right, he should have some sort of distraction for her; the last thing he needs is her seeing what he’s after. He’s getting sloppy, this close to freedom. Already he hears the waves calling him home, the siren song of his sisters reaching him even here where no salt water touches earth.

“Look around,” he tells her, bemused. “If anything looks out of place, tell me.”

He thinks he will make quick work of the lock – he had with the door, and he doubts a clothing chest would be much harder – but a few long moments later see it still firmly shut. His hands shake far too much for finesse work; he needs to calm himself, needs to remember that he has to get to it first before he can be free.

Free. Free. His hair prickles at the thought.

“Obi,” Miss says softly, her voice hardly above a whisper. “Thank you.”

He sits back on his heels, hands fisted in his lap. “For what, Miss?”

“You didn’t have to tell me that – that Haruka had taken your things.” Her eyes, so verdant in the moonlight, almost seem to glow with their own warmth. “Thank you for trusting me.”

His gut churns, bile rising in his throat. If only she knew. “I should thank you, Miss. I think anyone else would have told me to give it up as lost.”

She stares down at the blankets grasped in her hands. “I think most people don’t know what it’s like to leave something behind.”

He laughs weakly, smoothing his hands along his thighs. It isn’t fair that he’s found her now, when he’s so close – “True enough, Miss.”

He lifts his hands back to the chest, feeling with sensitive finger tips the inner workings of the tumbles, and –

“Strange,” Miss hums. He turns to her, seeing the stack of blankets under her hands, the way one of them seems to spill like liquid night across the bedcovers –

He is on his feet, moving toward her, hands outstretched, but he has no words, none at all –

“Lord Haruka doesn’t seem the sort to keep furs –” Her hands sink into the dark sable, the deep black and he –

He drops to his knees with a groan, arching as he feels blunt nails run down his back. His hands barely brace him above the carpet, and he only manages to wring out a hoarse, “Miss.”

“Obi!” she stares at him, and he can still feel the heat of her palms on either side of his spine. It shouldn’t feel like this, it’s never felt like this –

“Obi, are you –?” She stares down at the fur on her lap, and he sees it, the moment it comes together for her. Her mouth shifts from concerned to pensive, and she lifts her hands, just slightly, before raking them down the pelt.

There is no masking just what his moan means. Her eyes go so wide, so dark, and her little tongue peeks out from her lips –

Something clatters in the hall; a guard running from his post to the kitchens, it sounds like, yelling for more water. It looks like that smoke turned fire after all.

“Ah,” she sighs, pushing it off of her lap, so gentle. “This is….yours?”

His only reply, for a long while, is the ragged sound of his breath. This has never happened, not ever. When other have touched it, it’s felt wrong, made his skin crawl, but even now he feels the aftershocks of pleasure. He longs for her to touch him again, to sink her fingers deep into his pelt and never let go.

“We should…” She eyes the fur speculatively, her hands buried in her skirts. “You should take this.”

He’s gotten to his feet now, though it feels like there’s no earth beneath him, no air for him to breathe. They’d warned him about going on land, how humans would steal his skin and cut his hair and make him do their bidding, and oh, how he had wished he’d listened then, but this, this –

Why had his sister never warned him they could take his heart too? It’s not fair for her to be holding both, this girl who smells like earth and growing, the girl whose feet stand firmly on land but whose depths remind him of where he longs to go.

“No,” he says, and it feels like tearing away a piece of himself, it feels like coming home. “Keep it. For now.”

#vfordii #obiyuki #selkie au #100 days of obiyuki (and more) #my fic #ans #this au is pretty much canon #only haruka gets obi's skin from his last master #and keeps it after he botches the assassination #and obi is extremely nervous abut it #esp since he's shirayuki's bodyguard #so he goes to steal it back #but he makes the mistake of telling shirayuki #that haruka has something personally valuable of his #so she insists on coming along

[kaibutsushidousha]

New DanganRonpa V3 full prediction

Having answer to @photoshopronpa​‘s survey made me realize I already have a complete prediction for the entire game. Of course, I know that I’m not really that good at fortune-telling, so my chance of getting everything right pre-release is way below 20%. Still that prediction thing was lot of fun to make and I’m looking forward to hear your thoughts about it. 

Here’s my prediction:

“Wait, 6 killers and 4 victims?” 

“What the fuck, Shirogane mastermind?”

Yeah, I know that seems confusing, but don’t worry, everything will make sense once I lay out the story chapter by chapter. Here we go:

Chapter 1: Saihara kills Amami

Basis for Amami as the first victim: The first victim must always be someone portrayed as important. Amami seems to be presented as important as Maizono and as mysterious as Twogami. He gives us this false sense of security of believing he will not die before he remember his talent. Not to mention he is too suspicious to actually be a killer. I really don’t think I needed to explain this one, as lots of people agree on him as the first victim, but better safe than sorry.

Basis for Saihara as the first killer: We already know he is the first person Akamatsu meets and the one who introduces her to everyone, but this role was replaced by Naegi in the demo. The demo evidences points to Naegi and we know for a fact that the first Debate Scrum discusses whether or not Saihara is the killer. A point of interest in the demo is the lie tutorial: Akamatsu lies to create a fake alibi to Naegi. Considering Saihara is replacing this role, Akamatsu will do her tutorial lie because she blindly trusts Saihara, so having Saihara as the first killer is a necessary step of character development to make Akamatsu face reality.

Important prediction plot point: Unlike every other murderer in the series, Saihara will not reveal his motives after the trial is over.

Chapter 2: Momota kills Iruma

Basis for Momota as a killer:  No strong evidence really. Originally I had Momota as one of my survivors because I thought he would be the new Hagakure. This series’ structures always requires a couple of dumb characters who are necessary to make the Class Trial cover every single point, even the most obvious ones. That’s why Hagakure, Asahina, Souda and Owari were left alive. I assigned Momota as one of my new dumb duo and dismissed him as a survivor. Then came his part on Suzuki’s blog. Suzuki pointed out the fact that Momota was smart enough to pass the Astronaut Exam and said that this smartness will be his main point of interested during the game. With that in mind, my theory of Momota as survivor collapsed and now I see him as a really clever murderer and Gonta and Chabashira as the new surviving idiot duo. Of course, considering his personality, I believe his murder might be a really emotionally intense and maybe even accidental murder, kinda like it was with Oowada. There’s also that one execution in the intro with the meteor showers and all, that’s some nice evidence.

Basis for Iruma as the second victim: I think I said this one before already. Haruka Ishida was chosen as Iruma’s seiyuu because of parallels with Fujisaki and Ishida commented about her script being short. The obvious conclusion her is a character arc similar to Fujisaki: dies early but leaves behind something that will later save the day. This probably the part I’m the most sure about.

Why Momota in the second chapter specifically?: It was the only murderer slot left after I laid out everything. I guess I just forgot Momota was a character, as usual.

Chapter 3: Yumeno tricks Angie into killing Hoshi

Basis for Hoshi as victim: I mean, his backstory involves lots of murders, so its more than obvious he is not murdering anyone here. It’s the Genocider Shou effect. However, I really can’t see him as a survivor either, so victim it is.

Basis for Angie as a puppet murderer: Ever since we got to know her better, we all knew that this little fanatic would have absolutely no qualms about murdering anyone with she was doing it because her god said so. Angie being one of favs is proof of how I like that idea. However, that alone is boring and insufficient. It would make a much better plot if someone took advantage of that faith used Angie as a murder weapon by pretending to be the voice of God in her head.

How is that even possible?: It’s already have been establish that the every student will have a personal laboratory to upgrade their talents. Assume these laboratories become open areas after its owner dies. That means that after Chapter 2, everyone has free access to Iruma’s inventions (important future plot point because that’s how they will find her “save the day” machine). Iruma already said in the demo that one of her inventions allows to read manga even when you’re sleeping. Speculating about how would that work, I built a theory that it is a computer that scans the manga and provide a full audio description to a speaker in the user’s ears. Of course, Iruma values confort above all else, so she would make this earpiece the size of a speck of dust, unnoticeable by anyone not named Kirumi Toujou (who would only notice after speculation in the Trial). If anyone disassemble the manga reading the device and connect it to a transceiver, they should be able to able to give Angie “God’s orders” without gathering suspicion (Minor detail, but the first trial screenshots establish that a transceiver does exist inside the school). For lots of reasons, that‘s the part of the prediction I’m the least sure about.

Basis for Yumeno as the puppeteer: On the practical side of the story, the first step of plan is planting the communication device in Angie’s ear without her realizing. Considering everyone’s talents, Yumeno is easily the most capable of doing that. She could even disguise it as a “coin in ear” trick and that’s what clues Angie into who her controller was. Now on the character construction side, having someone else commit murder and disguise the crime for her fits the lazy Yumeno. However, the one who made tie me Yumeno to this crime was not Yumeno herself, but actually Chabashira. As we all know, the first demo included the scene where Asahina and Sakura are drinking tea together happen to see the victim grabbing the knife. In the V3 demo, however, those two were replaced Chabashira and Yumeno. And then there’s the other scene during trial where Chabashira looks absurdly glad for having Yumeno spend the whole day educating her on the difference between mere ilusionism tricks and real magic. It’s clear to me that these two will be those two characters who are constantly together and will interact with each other whenever possible. That’s the point makes me link this to Yumeno: Sora Tokui said she thinks Kodaka likes to make the cute ones suffer, probably refering to her own character. As I said before, I don’t think Chabashira will die because she is filling the dumb quota on the Class Trial, so my guess for this promised Tenko Pain Train is that Chabashira will have her best friend turn out to be the most unscrupulous murder of game (and the first female murderer, to top it off).

Class Trial procedure: When asked about accomplices, Monokuma already answered on 1-3 that the accomplices are just treated as regular innocents, with no special privileges for helping out the crime and would be executed in case the culprit wins. Case 2-2 expands this concept saying that an accomplice is still an accomplice even if they are “the murder weapon”. Only the mastermind of the murder is treated as the culprit. That means Angie is treated as innocent by Monokuma and gets to survive. In terms of character development, that would make Angie a little bit less blind about her faith. It would also heavily affect her interaction with other characters because, manipulated or not, she still killed a guy with her own two hands for a reason everyone else considers absurd. I don’t know what her redemption arc for that could be, to be honest. I do like the idea that Chabashira would be the first to forgive her though.

Chapter 4: Shinguuji kills Toujou

Basis for Toujou as victim: Her work policy is “duty before self” and her first name is how a Japanese would pronounce “kill me”. I know it sounds ridiculous, but I can’t get past the idea that Toujou will orchestrate her own murder in order to help someone getting out of the school.

Basis for Shinguuji as a murderer: @atterozen​ already said everything here. However, I believe the spider web in heaven represents Toujou rather than Gonta (as I put Gonta as a survivor for reasons already explained). Toujou has the spider web motif in her dress and thematically fits better the Spider’s Thread tale as Toujou’s murder was a heavenly present given by Toujou herself to help Shinguuji escape from hell. And just like in the original tale, Shinguuji will lose his thread because he doesn’t want anyone else to survive along him.

Chapter 5: Harukawa and Ki-bo kill each other

Basis for these two: As you know, Chapter 5 is supposed be a big moment that pulls the plot towards the finale. As a big moment, it obviously must involve the big players. At this point of the prediction however, the only big players left alive are Harukawa and Ki-bo. At first I thought Harukawa killing was the obvious way to go because I couldn’t see Ki-bo killing anyone, but after Sasaki’s comment on how Ki-bo will have the biggest before-after impression difference, I started to have my doubts about that. I couldn’t decide who kills who and thought “Hey, why not making this the first actual mutual killing of the Mutual Killing Games?”. 

State of the crime scene: The two of them died at the same time, then there would be no one to disguise the crime scene. If anyone found the bodies, they could immediately tell what happened and the Class Trial would be a waste of time. To avoid that from happening, the ringleader (I’m still salty that they replaced the word “mastermind” btw) has to take action to disguise the crime scene. That’s where Shirogane comes in and does her job.

Why Shirogane of all people?: She is the only character left I don’t know what to do with.

The Class Trial results: After half of the Class Trial figuring out the double murder, we get a new a question. “If they both killed each other the same time, then who arranged the crime scene”. The second half of the Class Trial is them figuring out it was Shirogane. Shirogane then outs herself as the ringleader and takes blame for the entire killing game. One of the smarter liars (probably Ouma) will then question her about how does she talk to everyone and control Monokuma at the same time and she won’t know how to answer. With her lie exposed, everyone would realize Shirogane’s situation. The ringleader is controlling Monokuma from elsewhere, but they still wanted an agent inside of the game keep everything under control in case of emergency. That was Shirogane.

Aftermath:The survivors would then proceed to interrogate her regarding the real ringleader’s identity. Shirogane doesn’t say anything because, unlike the previous traitors, she actually believes/agrees with the ringleader’s goals. The ringleader, however, is that “better safe than sorry” kind of guy, so he will execute Shirogane anyway as this chapter’s culprit just in case. Betrayed, she would be dragged to her while desperately yelling the name “Saihara”. After the trial is over, everyone would go together to Saihara’s laboratory to look for clues. There they would find investigation files detailing how Saihara (no given name specified in any point of the files) was being tailed by the Super High School Level Spy, Rantarou Amami. They would them move to Amami’s laboratory and find his report.

Re-chapter 1

Re-chapter? What?: It’s an interlude kinda like DR2′s Chapter Zero but a lot longer. It’s the game up until the first murder, but told from Amami’s POV. He was feigning his amnesia the entire time and doing his spy job to investigate Saihara. Shuuichi’s motive for murder was believing Amami was after his life because of the misleading file in his laboratory.

Basis for Amami’s talent as a spy: Already explained here.

Chapter 6

Trial discussion: Everyone would start by accusing Shuuichi, until Akamatsu remember he saying that he worked as his uncle apprentice. Akamatsu will re-examine Amami’s report taking the uncle into consideration and notice it makes more sense like this. Amami almost screwed everyone up by not writing given names, but that’s how the plot works. Then we get to our usual “mastermind shows up and offer a final sadisctic choice to the survivors” finale.

Basis for uncle Saihara as the ringleader: The first thing noticed at Saihara’s name reveal was that Saihara Shuuichi can be shortened to Saishuu, so we that’s already a hint to his connection to the school. Then we get the news that the school was built specifically for the killing game, so that reduces the chances of the name being a coincidence. Then we got to Shuuichi’s introduction, which establish he has a related character that could be ringleader and the most important part: he doesn’t think he is worth of his title. Shuuichi clearly shows himself to be genuinely confused about why he of all people was chosen as a Super High School Level. Normally, I would interpret this as just lack of self-esteem, but considering the idea someone close to him is behind everything, it’s easy to guess how he was chosen.

Survivor roles: I already explained where I think Angie and Chabashira will get their moments. Ouma will be the main rival character in the trials. He is the self-proclaimed liar in a game about lies after all. He might play a bigger role in Ki-bo’s trial but I don’t know. I can’t think of anything to do with Gonta.

ADDENDUM: Finally found a role for Gonta.

#v3 speculation

[keyofjetwolf]

Jet Wolf Summarizes Act 34

The manga and I kind of hate each other. This is unfortunate, but still, I’m determined to come out of this with something. Rather than spend energy on a liveblog that’s increasingly negative, I’m reading each manga act (mostly) silently, and then writing up summaries at the end. I won’t pull my punches. There’s going to be criticism and snark about the manga, either wholesale or in details. If that isn’t a thing you feel like reading, please skip this post!

To say there were parts of this issue that irritated me seems as unnecessary as declaring “my puppy is cute!” or “cheese is important!” Yet I’ll still post puppy pictures and shove cheese in my face, so necessity isn’t a great deciding factor for me, it would appear.

Ye GODS, I got irritated in this issue. But I also was interested for like two seconds. IT WAS WEIRD. The manga quickly reasserted itself and its hatred for me personally, but oh, those seconds.

First though, we have a mountain of crap to dig through.

We open with Chibs at the hospital. A doctor says she’s gone into cardiac arrest, and is dying, and everyone just stands there and looks at each other, which I do not think is the approved method for treating cardiac arrest. I realize I’m not a doctor, but I used to watch a lot of ER, so I feel pretty confident. Mamoru actually tells the doctor to leave, which seems like exactly what you WOULDN’T want in this situation, BUT MAMORU KNOWS BEST I GUESS.

I’m about to jump ahead a bit here, but jesus wept this aggravated me, so you can guess how much I care. Okay, so this is the panel just after Mamoru’s told the doctor to fuck off:

This one is seven pages later, after they’ve moved Chibs to Mamoru’s apartment:

SEVEN PAGES LATER AND A LOCATION CHANGE AND THIS IS BASICALLY THE SAME FUCKING PANEL AND I’M SO ANNOYED BY IT

DO THE INNERS JUST ALWAYS MOVE IN THIS EXACT ORDER ARE THEY LITTLE SOCCER MEN ON A FOOSBALL STICK

AMI EVEN HAS HER FUCKING HAND TO HER  CHIN IN BOTH SHOTS

AND I MAYBE WOULDN’T EVEN MIND SO MUCH IF EVEN A SINGLE ONE OF THE INNER SENSHI HAD A FUCKING LINE TO THIS POINT BUT THEY DIDN’T

THEY ARE BASICALLY BACKGROUND SCENERY AND THEN MAMORU DISMISSES THEM BECAUSE EVEN THAT IS TOO MUCH FOR THEM AND OH MY GOD I ACTUALLY SCREAMED WHEN I SAW THIS I AM A CREATURE OF PURE IRRITATION

Whew, okay. Glad I got that out. Back to the summary.

So Chibs is dead dying. Cardiac arrest is like pneumonia now, who knew? This is of course the perfect time for the Outers to visit and tell everyone they want nothing to do with them! They drop a glut of reasoning and exposition that they really should have no way of knowing, but someone has to do it, and they drew the short straw this episode. They talk about daimons and possession and it not only doesn’t make sense but is boring in precisely the way the worst info dumps always are. Anyway, they have people to kill, later.

Mamoru makes a keen medical decision.

YES A HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT’S SINGLE BEDROOM APARTMENT IS BY FAR THE BEST CURE FOR BLOOD NOT FLOWING

All the doctors apparently agree with Dr. Chiba’s stellar treatment plan as we’re next at Mamoru’s, where he does that life force sharing thing. In the manga, he can just do that now. In fairness, however, in the anime, THE CATS can just do that now. Incidentally, I am delighted to no end that the anime’s solution for a big manga question mark is “THE CATS I GUESS”. Kitty ex machina.

Mamoru tells the Inners to GTFO, and as Usagi is angsting over what to do, he makes out with her over the comatose body of their dying future daughter. AS YOU DO. Making out gives them both a vision because romantic love is fucking ~*~magical~*~ you guys, and Mamoru blah blah I’m still so pissed the Inners were fucking dismissed from even being four lingering worried faces shoved into the same panel THEY CAN’T EVEN HAVE THAT.

Meanwhile, at Casa de Bad Guys, Mistress Nine is trying to cut her hair, and I cannot for the life of me fathom why. OUT OF CONTROL HAIR IS KIND OF YOUR THING. Tomoe and Kaolinite grovel at her feet, functionally no different from any mini-boss and Big Bad exchange we’ve seen so far, just somehow more boring. Mistress Nine brings Chibs’ ginzuishou to Pharaoh 90 (it’s not so much a planet-sized eldritch abomination here, more like a talkative gust of Febreze), and they shave a decade or so off my life by talking about fucking crystals again. Why the manga didn’t just own that it really wanted to be about Mamoru and crystals, I have no goddamn clue. Kaolinite meanwhile resurrects the Witches 5, as they were so effective in their previous singular appearance.

Usagi wanders out of Mamoru’s apartment who the fuck knows how many hours later, to find the Inners all patiently waiting for her outside, like dogs tied to the bike rack. They pledge to go get Chibs’ soul back (BLOOD NOT FLOWING = SOUL) and go to Mugen. Usagi spends the whole time lamenting that the Outers aren’t with them. You know, Usagi, if you could focus on one fucking problem at a time, that’d be awesome. They enter, see the Witches 5 twins, and then everyone gets separated.

HERE’S WHERE IT WAS INTERESTING FOR A COUPLE SECONDS. THE INNERS ACTUALLY GET SOMETHING TO DO I COULDN’T FUCKING BELIEVE IT. AND SEPARATELY LIKE THEY WERE MAYBE INDIVIDUAL PEOPLE IT WAS AMAZING.

Sort of. They each get a couple of pages/panels where they face off against their Witches 5 counterpart. It’s psychological-focused! It actually deals with each of the girls in a different way! The fact that it’s the most basic possible insight into their characters actually doesn’t even bother me because it’s fucking SOMETHING. After 30+ chapters and I don’t know how many hundreds of pages of story where the best I could hope was that they wouldn’t be shoved aside immediately (AND WAS OFTEN DISAPPOINTED), my god, it’s like getting a thousand page character-based novel.

But this is the manga, and it gives, only to cruelly take. What punishment will it dole out to this poor innocent Jet Wolf, trying only to salvage a morsel of pleasure? Perhaps Mamoru will somehow be shoehorned in? Maybe the situation will exist only to highlight how Usagi is the super besty best? Perhaps the arc will steal one more moment to remind us that Haruka is cool, Pluto’s not dead, and Michiru is also there?

WOULD YOU BELIEVE ALL FUCKING THREE

These scenes, where the Inners face a moment weakness and uncertainty exist only to show Mamoru And Usagi Are Connected By Miracle Romance

AND OH NO HOW HARD IT IS FOR HIM TO NOT BE THERE IN THIS FIGHT POOR MAMO-CHAN :( :( :(

That Usagi alone is strong enough to see through this and break free

And that the Outers have to come save them.

So yeah, that character-based moment the Inners got, their first since their introduction? Solely to build up LITERALLY EVERYBODY ELSE.

Fuuuuuuuuuck yooooouuuuuuu

Then everyone powers up Usagi into Super Sailor Moon, she maybe kills Kaolinite? No one really cares. Mistress Nine does something with Chibs’ ginzuishou, but it’s impossible to tell what.

I’m going with her throwing up from that mad kegger last night. Look, you can’t prove I’m NOT right.

Oh, and Chibi-Usa’s glowing now. I checked WebMD, and it says glowing is a side effect of either blood not flowing, meningitis, or cancer. Thanks as always, WebMD!

#JW reads Sailor Moon #sm manga infinity #sm manga act 34 #jet wolf versus the manga #jet wolf summarizes the manga #a novel by jet wolf