#romance novel movies and anime are boring as hell to me

[autisticempathydaemon]

For the Redacted match-up! ^_^

A song I’m currently fixated on: “the lakes” by Taylor Swift. The whole song is just so beautiful and wistful. 😭 And something about the melody of these lyrics just hits so right.

Specific lyrics: “I want auroras and sad prose/I want to watch wisteria grow right over my bare feet/Cause I haven’t moved in years/And I want you right here”

Enneagram type: 6w7. (And just for fun, I’m an ISFP as well)

YouTube essays: I don’t think I can focus my attention on a video for that long, tbh. It’s the same reason I can rarely get through movies in one siting. 😂

Imaginary childhood friend: I think her name was Amy? Don’t remember much else, though.

Falling asleep: I always sleep with my fan on, no matter the weather. I have to have the white noise, otherwise it’s just too damn quiet in my room. Usually I’m propped up by two pillows, cuddling one of my stuffed animals or something. If find that I can’t sleep, or just want something to fall asleep to, I’ll put on one of Redacted’s sleep-aids.

Name change: Cheesy as it sounds, if I didn’t have my current name, I’d love to be named Juliet. It just has such Main Character Energy™️ (and I mean that in a good way) and is freakin’ romantic as hell to me. (And yes, I’m aware that the play is a tragedy, not a romance. 😂)

Favorite Redacted audio: If I had to pick one, I think “Serenity Daemon Helps You Relax and Sleep”. That video is just so freaking comforting and sweet, and it’s knocked me out more times than I can count.

Redacted boi with no appeal: Regulus. Yanderes just aren’t my thing, and he legit scares me. 😅

Book/Movie/TV show you could quote entirely: I’ve watched The Breakfast Club so many times, I could quote it forwards, backwards, and sideways.

Redacted BFF: Elliott. Take away the “Lovers” aspect of his relationship with Sunshine, but keep all the playfulness, teasing, and banter that they have together, and I’d be perfectly happy. 😊

(It’s also a really perfect coincidence that Eli’s said he’s the “Protector” type, and I just so happen to like being protected. XD)

Go-to tired ramble: Most of the time when my any of my friends and I would have a sleepover and it was late at night, we’d just get really deep and start talking about life.

Go-to gas station combo: I try to avoid gas stations when I can, just because I hate the smell of gasoline. But I’d probably get a plain Hershey bar and a bottle of water. (I know, I’m boring. 😂)

Favorite playlist: Do you mean Redacted, or just in general? Because the answer depends.

For a general answer, Jacksepticeye’s play through of Night In The Woods. That game is honestly such a comfort one for me, and I can watch that playlist a million times over and never get tired of it.

In terms of Redacted, Ollie’s. If there’s angst abound on the channel, or I’ve just had a bad day at work or something, I can run to his playlist and feel like I’m getting a big, warm, metaphorical hug. 🥰

Guilty Pleasure: I still read, and love, young adult novels. I don’t care that they’re “predictable”, and that I’m “too old to be reading them”. You can pry those fluffy, romantic, cheesy-ass books from my cold dead hands. 😆

Anything else about me:

I seriously think I’m the biggest Swiftie I know. When I say I’m obsessed with her music, I am not kidding. 😂

I’m a huge musical nerd. And coupled with that, I love, love, love to sing. (Provided I know that no one’s listening, anyway.)

I’m a total introvert, and am pretty shy/quiet in general, unless I’m around my friends.

My love languages are quality time and physical touch.

I maaaaay or may not have a slight candle obsession. (Bath and Body Works ones, specifically.) Seriously, I have like, four unburned 3-wick candles sitting on my dresser, and I’m convinced I just like to collect/look at them as opposed to actually lighting the things. 😂

I’m a cat person through and through

This one’s random, but I felt like adding it anyway. I basically live in one beat up pair of combat boots. There are not a lot of shoes in my closet.

I have this thing where I either tear through a TV series in like, a few days, or I don’t touch it for months. The same with books. I don’t know why I do that. 😂

My favorite colors are blue and purple 💙💜

Well, if you’re a cat kind of guy (gn), you know that’s gonna make things easy for me! Though it might not be the boy you think, because I’ve got a case to make for you and Milo Greer.

What I really like about y’all is how the things y’all like (other than cats) contrast and how cute that contrast is. Like, I don’t think Milo’s a Swiftie but man shows up and shows out to take you to her Eras tour. The Breakfast Club isn’t his favorite movie, but he’s seen it with Marie; he’ll say the iconic lines with you when y’all watch it for the hundredth time. He doesn’t really love musicals but he can hum along to Alexander Hamilton with the best of them because that’s an ensemble piece and you need a backup singer.

Milo’s just a really great boyfriend who shows love with a combination of Quality Time and Acts of Service with little sprinkles of Gifts. It’s not just time spent with you, it’s time spent engaging in the things that interest you and make you happy. It’s the time thinking of you when you’re apart and bringing home fun, new candles he saw at the store. Although he is definitely not opposed to physical touch- y’all have a lot of cuddle nights, just you and him and Aggro.

Song:

However big, however small/ Let me be part of it all/ Share your dreams with me/ You may be right, you may be wrong/ But say that you'll bring me along/ To the world you see/ To the world I close my eyes to see

Now, I said Milo’s not really a musical man. You know what he is? A bisexual king with good taste, which means he loves you and a good Hugh Jackman flick especially since Zac Efron is involved. So I think he’s a big fan of The Greatest Showman and of singing the addictive, earworm-y songs with you. A Million Dreams is the sentimental choice, but y’all go fuckin hard to This is Me.

Runner-Ups:

Guy is absolutely a Swiftie and a musical theater kid, okay? Erik hasn’t confirmed it, but I know it in my spleen to be true, so he’s a fantastic runner-up for that reason. Vincent is a runner-up because he adores but despises that you stick to one pair of torn-up shoes and constantly showers you in luxury footwear. I think that’s cute.

note: I understand you completely candles are not just scent pieces they are decor

Read this post and send me an ask if you’d like a match-up of your own! 💌

#redactedasmr #redactedverse #redacted asmr #redactedaudio #redacted audio #busybee matches

[hyunsuks-beanie]

Hi! Can I be shipped with someone in Skz, enhypen and txt! Thanks.

Im a short female for my age, no kidding there. I’m 4’11. Im a rather messy person I must admit, however I have perfect grades. (Benefit of having strict parents) I have dark brown hair and brown eyes. May i add im definitely not wife material. I suck at cooking. My favorite color is light blue. I like anime, skating, dancing and Im a band kid. I’m a affectionate person. Cuddles, kisses and dates is my love language. Yes I may be old, but I still watch kid shows.

My type: definitely someone who can cook, someone funny who we’ll never keep me bored. I like clingy people, sassy people. Dimples, freckles, puffy cheeks, I love them!

Dates I’d like: I’m a real sucker for romance, probably because I read to many romance novels. I’d love to have move dates, picnic dates, going to the arcade, skating rank and just having dinner out. Preferably dates out in the nature.

Thank you for your time! Hopefully you can get around to doing this, but if you can’t that’s fine! Hope your doing good this days!

Hello darling!!

Kept you waiting for this too long, didn't I? I'm so sorry-

But I'm here now!!

First of all lmao, you really are like me😂😂

But if I were to ship you with someone in SKZ, I just can't think of anyone else other than Felix!! At first I thought Chan would do well, but I think he doesn't fit your ideal type like Felix does🥺 You want someone who can cook? Well, Felix can bake all kinds of treats, and I'm sure he can at least learn to cook decently. Maybe you could learn with him too, if you want?? And about being clingy and affectionate, Felix is totally the type to give you your daily fix of cuddles and also be up for accepting your love language whenever you need it. And freckles and dimples? Felix is your man my love, go marry him 😭💖

Now for Enhypen, I'd rather say Jake would be the perfect fit for you. He might not be the biggest fan of romantic stuff (sorry to your romance novels babe), but he definitely can be the most romantic guy around. I mean, have you seen how gentle he is? And he totally does love hugs and kisses so you're gonna have no problem there. My man can cook too, and he most totally will pamper the hell out of you, and love you like he means it. Because he does. Movie dates and picnic dates will definitely be there, and he's also decent as ice skating so you can count that in too. I dunno I just get Jake vibes from the way you describe yourself and I. Ship. It😭😭😭

Finally, we have TXT. This was so confusing lmao bc Taehyun is the only one who can cook decently and Kai is the one who'd love the cuddles and affection the most. But now that I think about it, Yeonjun might as well be the best of both worlds, because there's at least a couple of things he can whip up in the kitchen, and he's also a naturally romantic and affectionate person. So you won't have any lack of your daily fix of love and cuddles, and he's also a pretty outdoor person so you'll definitely enjoy dates with (oml picnic and arcade dates with Jjun I'm-)😭😭He's not much of a reader, but hey, you can always read to him, right?

Hope you liked this love, and I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting😭

#mellow's inbox #ship game #yeonjun #jake #felix

[minkufu]

Curious to know what your favorite romance tropes are? And some that your not a fan of (for example, I dont like one-sided pining/crush trope)

Hmmm might be a little hard for me to give a brief answer because I don't actually know very many trope names when it comes to romance stuff, or honestly what all qualifies as a trope. I tend to not search by tropes, I only search for content involving characters I like, and if the results are not great then I just don't bother with them.

But I'll talk about my preferences sure c:

I can name some things I don't like first that parts easy. One-sided stuff I don't care for either, I wouldn't even call it romance if its not reciprocated. That and pining can be cute if there's actual payoff, but if its just angst then no.

Getting the obvious ones out of the way I don't touch any romance stuff involving themes of Incest, adult/minor, rape, stalking, shit like that all out the window. That A/B/O stuff? Nah, HATE that. And while not romance exclusive I also don't touch genderbend content of any kind because it makes me super uncomfortable.

I don't mind age-gaps as long as both characters are adults and the gap is reasonable. My preferences barely go above maybe 5 years difference anyway.

Uh....tropes that involve cheating, Possessive behavior, or jealously, like that "gets mad when their s/o talks to literally anyone" kind. That is the most annoying shit.

I've never been a romantic person. I'm very aro and get second-hand embarrassment easily when it comes to overly mushy stuff. Like, outright will close out a fic and never look back if it makes me cringe too hard. (this isn't a jab at peoples writing this is me having a very irrational response to something harmless and I really can’t help it.) The impact of a dramatic phrase like "I love you" after a long build up in fics is lost on me. Especially since I cant imagine most of the characters I like actually saying that. I prefer action over words, more casual or subtle affection.

And I guess if it's written stuff it's not really a trope thing but I don't do first or second person pov writing. Again not a romance person myself, haaaaaate being put in the position of one of the characters, super uncomfortable.

When it comes to things I like....

Enemies to lovers is the top of my list as far as tropes go, tho typically it isn't like Protaganist/Antagonist its Bastard #1/Bastard #2.

I usually only like villain characters so most of the relationship dynamics I like tend to have some rough edges. Ships that I have been into have been ones like Sasori/Deidara, Dabi/Shigaraki, and Belphegor/Fran. So I guess the vibe is kinda...mutual bickering? Rude and unpleasant characters that always have a (mostly harmless) back and forth with each other when they interact is very entertaining to me. The keyword is MUTUAL tho, both characters have to be actively annoying each other and on even grounds. That's why a ship like Bel/Fran is appealing to me yet I cant vibe with one like Bakugo/Deku. I don't like one-sided hostility, it just loses the fun.

I’m not big on angst for the sake of angst but I do love hurt/comfort stuff. It’s very cathartic for a character you like to suffer terribly but still be able to make it to a point of healing. Most of my favs are unhinged and broken beyond repair so I want to put emphasis on ‘healing’ not ‘fixing’. I don’t like romance being used as a cheap way to ‘fix’ mentally ill characters.

Overall I don't really have a set in stone preference in tropes as long as it doesn't involve the ones I dislike. Most content I consume and make is pre-established relationship stuff anyway. I just go into content with a mindset of "Does it include my favs?" and "By my standards is it good?" if both are checked then that's all I need.

Spoiler tho: I don’t really dive into fanfics very often anyway because my pool of interests is too small and the things I like usually attract either the absolute worst shit or nothing at all. I've had to live off my own content for quite awhile now lol

I don’t know if this actually answered your question or not. If you want to know my thoughts about SPECIFIC tropes I could answer those easier. I get a little too wordy when questions are a bit vague. I don’t mind them I just feel bad when every response I give is a word dump ; ;

#thanks for asking #i dont interact with the romance genre outside of fics and fanart so that might be something to keep in mind #romance novel movies and anime are boring as hell to me #I need characters that are familiar that I actually like to care about romance in media #some of my preferences also heavily rely on hc so some stuff im into might not make sense to others #if theyre not people i actively share my ideas and wips with #not art

[masqueradeball]

How about number 3? Like, tell us all about it if you want :)

Oh my gosh 🥺 thank you so much for giving me my first ask! 💖 I'm eternally grateful I get to spill all my pheels out.

3. What is my favorite Phantom tv/film adaptation?

My absolute favorite Phantom is the 1925 Lon Chaney silent film. He just embodies everything that I like about Gaston Leroux's Erik for me and he is both horrifying and pitiable. I dislike the ending but I can live with it given it's what test audiences wanted at the time. I truly love his Red Death costume. You can find it on Youtube and the Tubi app for free.

My first runner up would be Claude Raines in the 1943 because his Erique so soft and tragic in that film I cannot help but love him. This was one was my grandma's favorite 'classic monster' movies that she loved, so I have a special place in my heart for this one. I love his hair and appreciate that he was one fine silver fox before the revenge and jealousy issues set in. The opera parts are a little boring, but the costumes and the sassy diva rival to Christine are worth the watch. We get 2 handsome Raouls who end up going to dinner together at the end of the movie and a Christine who gets to bask in the limelight of her career while not choosing any suitor, which is the best possible outcome for her. Double play for the win in my book! You can watch it for free on the Peacock app.

My next runner up is a 3 way tie between Robert Englund, Gerard Butler, and Charles Dance.

I honestly enjoy all their performances because they each bring something unique to the role.

I cannot stress enough how violent the Robert Englund version is if you want to give it a go, but Erik Destler is insane, twisted, and fabulously murdertastic in this. I love the creepy, evil vibes the man gives off. Think of this film as a time travel AU of the original novel. I feel like he nailed Leroux Erik's darker, snarky personality that some people tend to forget he had and the gothic horror parts of the original novel are there. Bonus: they keep the Faust parallels like in the novel!

I'm gonna say it: I love the Charles Dance miniseries. I know it's not the best, but damn, he is so dry and sarcastic I cannot help but enjoy his performance. I want to pinch his cheeks and smother Cherik with the love his father never gave him everytime I see him. Again, this one focuses on the operas a lot, and for me it's a bit boring. But the backgrounds, settings, and props in this thing are fantastic and the costumes are wonderful too.

That leaves Gerard Butler in the 2004 movie. No he is not the world's greatest singing Phantom, but I don't care. I absolutely love his facial expressions and body language. The Phantom is an emotional, expressive dude and the Red Death costume scene is pretty good. I love how kind and sincere Emmy feels in this film and I appreciate she's not overracting and doesn't feel fake compared to some other Christines *coughSierracough* Being the film version of the ALW musical, this Phantom story focuses on the romance and Gerard excels at that. When he and Christine are singing Past the Point of no Return, I FEEL THEIR PASSION! And that's what counts more so than hitting the same notes we've all heard a million times before.

Now for the versions in the 'I will eternally like this' category 😊 :

The Phantom of the Paradise from 1974. This is also a very violent and dark film so fair warning if you haven't seen it. It's a bizarre rock musical, but if you're weird like me and enjoy Rock & Rule or the Rocky Horror Picture Show, this might be a film you'd like too. I don't want to spoil it too much but the Faust/devil parallels are here too, as is various pop culture references. His teeth and mask are terrifyingly cool, and so is the electronic voice box he uses. It makes sense Daft Punk was inspired by this film. Maybe G1 Soundwave was inspired by this film too, but that's a debate for another day 😉

Next is the animated 1988 film. This one features animation on par with other 80s tv cartoons of the time. I love that they kept the Persian and the torture chamber from the novel. The Phantom's death scene is pretty damn epic. Christine is kind of a flake, but animated Leroux Erik is hilariously insane and terribly charming, especially when he calls himself a Don Juan. It's worth watching just for his antics and his dialouge.

You might not expect a Goosebumps episode to do a Phantom story any justice, but here we are: 1995, The Phantom of the Auditorium is a spooky fun take on the story and honestly, I'd like to see the full play the kids at that school are putting on cause it looks better than some of the live Phantom stage scenes I've seen. Both young boys playing the Phantom are fantastic actors and the plot twist at the end is great.

I absolutely have to give a shout out to Wishbone's Pantin at the Opera. He is the best, cutest, most adorable Raoul de Chagney ever and I will fight you if you dare talk smack about this version. I'm not even a Raoul stan by any means but like, this dog is precious and I enjoy this episode so much.

Also in the animated category and cute dog category is Scooby Doo Stage Fright made back in 2013. This movie is one of my fave Scooby Doo films (yes I own almost all of them on dvd) and there are multiple Phantoms, a reality tv show contest, and Fred and Daphne finally kiss each other! Lots and lots of hidden Phantom references in the background and lots of voice acting talent for those of us who appreciate that.

Now for the versions I intensely dislike 😏

The 1962 Herbert Lom version. UGH where to start. The sets are so small and everything looks dirty and of the wrong time period. The color in the film looks washed out. The clothes look too modern somehow (maybe it's their hairstyles?) and it bothers me. It feels low budget in a bad way and it shows. This phantom is not likeable or pitiable even though his backstory is similar to the Claude Raines version. He has no romantic interest in Christine, so it feels off. This guy is such an old a$$ piece of sh*t, he literally slaps Christine as she's singing for him for no damn reason. His paper mache mask looks like a Kindergartener's botched art class project. His personality is like somebody locked up cranky grandpa in the basement and he's PMS-ing because y'all forgot to give him his daily prune juice. This squatter's lair lacks creepiness, and his bizarre sidekick is annoying and yet somehow more interesting than the Phantom. The pervert manager trying to bang Christine aggravated me and simultaneously made me want to vomit. Raoul is the only likeable character in the whole damn movie. The Joan of Arc opera scene makes up for some of the film, but it's still terrible.

Next on my meh list is the 1983 made for tv movie starring Micheal York and Jane Seymour. Now, this one has some likeable and applaudable scenes: the various murders and general creepiness of the Phantom, and the lair scene when she wakes up in his bed and the Phantom gets all up in her face is so intense and so Leroux I absolutely love it. The rest of the film is a jumbled hot mess at best, but Jane Seymour is 🔥 and she gets some damn good sex, so hell yeah to that!

And lastly, I do not like the Royal Albert Hall 25th anniversary recording. I should preface this by saying it is Sierra I don't like. I like Ramin, I love Hadley, everyone else is wonderful but I cannot stand Sierra. She tries too hard to make Christine a Disney Princess- and that doesn't fly with me. It comes off as insincere or mocking the source material at best, and at worst it makes Christine look like an airheaded ditz. Apparently Sierra played Ariel at one point which is hilarious because of all the Disney princesses, I dislike her the most. But that's a different rant for another day.

And finally, the one I hate most of all:

The 1998 Argento film. This is the worst Phantom adaptation I've ever seen. It is a whole lotta nope for me. Between the rats, the unecessary and pointless telepathy, the r*pe scene, and the unfunny weird vibe from the murder going on in this film it's a disaster from start to finish. Honestly, it's the rats and his hair that bother me from a visual standpoint alone and it's beyond disgusting the way this a$$🤡 treats Christine. I don't like any of the characters in here and for good reason. It's not worth watching and if you do, be ready to bleach your brain afterwards.

💖 Sorry if this was a long read! Thanks again for giving me an ask and I will cherish it forver!!!! 💖

#phantom of the opera #poto film adaptations

[metalandmagi]

Summer 2020 Anime Worth Watching!

Apparently it’s time for the summer anime season, even though it feels like time is meaningless at this point. But somehow, there are still new shows coming out, so if you’re looking for something to watch when you’re stuck at home, here’s a list of the first impressions I got from this season. I don’t really know if it’s going to be worth it, considering how the spring season delayed so much, but here we are. 

As always, not all of these are available on Crunchyroll, but I’ll put a * next to the ones that are.

And if you’re looking for a bit more variety, I have lists for 2019 and the rest of this year’s seasons too...because remember when there was good anime being released instead of just everything being an ecchi or a second season?

2019 master list

My master list for every season of 2020 anime

New Shows!

*The God of High School: An over the top action anime consisting of one big tournament arc! It follows a group of teenagers competing in the epic “god of high school” martial arts tournament to determine the best fighter in the country. Following in the footsteps of Tower of God, this is the newest “crunchyroll original” that is being adapted from a South Korean webcomic. You can tell from the first episode that this will be a spectacle with crazy characters and lots of wild action and humor!

Great Pretender: When a Japanese con man pickpockets the wrong person, he ends up hopping on a plane to Los Angeles and getting wrapped up in a scheme with a sassy Frenchman named Laurent...who basically runs the mafia. There’s humor, there’s plot, there’s great characters, and it’s kinda gay. It’s an exciting original anime from studio Wit, so the animation is bursting with character, and both the music and the general vibe remind me a lot of Baccano or even Lupin III. And since it takes place in America with several foreign characters, there's hilarious English and accent shenanigans abound! The bad news is it’s still in Netflix jail, so if you want to watch it legally you’re kinda stuck for now. 

Japan Sinks 2020: A giant earthquake hits Japan, and a family must cope with the mayhem together. Because what the hell else could possibly go wrong this year? This is a new series (based on a novel) made by Masaaki Yuasa, the guy behind Ride Your Wave and Walk On Girl, if that tells you anything about the style of this anime. I’ve only watched the first two episodes so far, but I heard it goes from being a gripping realistic disaster series to a balls to the wall adventure. To be honest, disaster shows/movies freak me out, and this one is pretty devastating so far, which is a testament to how well it's made. But I appreciate that they include glimmers of hope when they’re needed. The best moments are the quiet ones that focus on the actual people and the narration that juxtaposes the time periods. There’s so much atmosphere, and the music really enhances the experience. And it’s all out on Netflix now, with a dub and a sub!

Deca-Dence: When humanity has been pushed to the edge of extinction by monsters called the Gadoll, the rest of civilization is forced to live in enormous mobile fortresses and send groups out to battle the unknown monsters. So basically like Mortal Engines but the fortresses can turn themselves into giant fists and punch the monsters. We follow a girl named Natsume who wants to be one of the soldiers who fight the Gadoll, but she is constantly rejected because of her prosthetic arm. So she ends up with five years of cleaning duty supervised by a stern but mysterious badass named Kaburagi. I honestly don’t care at all about the plot of the anime, because for me the characters are what drives everything, and these character dynamics are great. I’m not going to say it’s the most original story, but I think it’s fun so far. 

*Rent-a-Girlfriend: A typical harem/romance anime that follows the world’s most annoying protagonist named Kazuya. After Kazuya is dumped by his first girlfriend, he seeks out a rental girlfriend out of self pity….BECAUSE APPARENTLY THAT’S A REAL SERVICE THAT EXISTS IN JAPAN?! Like you can actually rent moms/dads/girlfriends/boyfriends and so on. Anyway, his fake girlfriend is the picture of anime waifu perfection...until Kazuya starts being his typical asshole self and she reveals her true nature of being an absolute sass master who don’t take no shit from no boring ass main character. Shenanigans happen and the two of them end up having to pretend they are in a real relationship. And I’m just calling it now...Kazuya’s grandma is the real best girl of the series. If you want a harem that’s actually funny and doesn’t mind roasting the protagonist, give this one a shot. Although I wish this were just a straight up romance instead of a harem because there is no way in hell that any girl, let alone more than one would want actually to date this guy. 

Next Seasons and Continuations!

*Fruits Basket 2019 (Season 2): Thank goodness Fruits Basket wasn’t delayed or cancelled last season because sometimes I feel like it was the only thing getting me through the spring. I’ve ranted about how good it is enough by now. If it can’t brighten your year, then nothing will. Just watch it if you haven’t already. 

*Re:ZERO-Starting Life in Another World (Season 2): Subaru is still trapped in another world, and he’s still as angsty as ever, but that’s not going to stop him from constantly putting himself through hell when he keeps dying horribly every time he needs to reset the timeline! There are mysterious new villains, nobody knows who Rem is (again) and I think there’s a plot somewhere under all the suffer porn. Seriously though, this show is pretty cool (even if I was two years late to the party). It’s one of the most interesting isekai anime I’ve ever seen, and it feels like it’s acting as a deconstruction of the genre, kinda like how Madoka Magica is for magical girl anime...both shows certainly have enough crying. The story is weird but interesting, the world building is cool, the villains (and sometimes the heroes) are batshit crazy to watch, and I like its moments of humor. 

No Guns Life (season 2): The story of Juzo, the hard boiled detective who plays by his own rules continues in the second season of No Guns Life. In case you missed the first season, this is a mystery/action anime that feels like an old noir film had a cyberpunk baby. There’s underground conspiracies, there’s interesting side characters, and...oh yeah the main character has a gun for a head. That’s right. we came to see a bara detective with a literal gun for a face, but we stayed for the world building and mysterious plots!

*Fire Force (Season 2): I’m going to be honest here, I really didn’t know if I should include this one or not. I have a major love hate relationship with Fire Force, but I figured there may be other people out there who would like it more than I do. So in case you missed the first season, this show follows a group of firefighters who puts out fires caused by spontaneous combustion using a mixture of guns and super powers. It was created by Atsushi Ōkubo, aka the guy who made Soul Eater. So it’s bound to be amazing right?

Not necessarily. Strap in for this one lads. 

I’d be lying if I said I wasn’t disappointed with this show overall. Its main characters just aren’t that interesting most of the time, it can’t decide on what kind of show it wants to be, and so much of it just dragged for a good part of the series. I don’t know if it was a problem of pacing or if the plot was just that uninteresting for a while. The first couple episodes set up a very unique plot, filled with intriguing moral dilemmas. And then it proceeded to abandon everything interesting in favor of badly timed fan-service. It just couldn’t strike the balance that Soul Eater had between its humor and its sincerity. If they wanted to make an ecchi show, they should have just made one instead of inserting the same overplayed scenarios into every episode. I don’t care if a show has fan-service as long as it fits the tone, or if it only has certain episodes dedicated to playing up the humor. But Fire Force has a habit of just inserting it wherever it wants regardless of what’s actually happening in the episode. Also, some of the humor revolves around one of the main female characters who has a really messed up self image because she’s slightly more muscular, and not a tiny delicate flower like some of the other girls. Not going to pretend that doesn’t bug me. 

But that doesn’t mean there is nothing good about it! If there wasn’t, I wouldn’t have finished the first season, and I wouldn’t be including this one. So far, the second season has actually been funny because it made the first episode more like filler, instead of cramming in too much plot all at once. And to the surprise of no one, the animation is absolutely god tier. I wish it was being used for something other than clumsy fan-service, but it’s still really something to see. The world building is super creative and 100% my aesthetic, and there were a couple side characters I really loved later in the series (Benimaru). And I did like the twists and turns the series took later in the season when it actually focused on the conspiracy behind the fire force and the cult. When it follows the mysteries it sets up, it’s more fun to watch. Who would have thought? 

TLDR: There’s good stuff and there’s bad stuff. This show is really something you have to watch for yourself to decide if it’s going to be worth it. I’m going to at least try the second season, because I want to see where this goes, but it’s on thin ice. 

Honorable Mentions

Isekai edition! Both of these came out last season, but I hadn’t mentioned them when I made my spring list. But they’re both getting dubs now so I’m still counting them.

*My Next Life as a Villainess- All Routes Lead to Doom!: A twist on the isekai genre where our main protagonist wakes up as a character in her favorite otome game...only to find that she’s actually the bitchy rival side character who ends up either dead or exiled in every route of the game. So naturally she does everything she can to prevent this by becoming a sweet and caring supporting character...who inadvertently makes every single other character in the game fall in love with her. I ignored this show for the first few episodes because I need another isekai in the world like I need a hole in the head, but after hearing everyone rave about it, I caught up with it in no time. It’s a fun take on the otome game tropes, and it manages to be funny and sweet while not committing to any particular pairing.

*Ascendance of a Bookworm (Season 2): That’s right, it’s another isekai where an adult is reincarnated into the body of a child in a fantasy world. But this time, it’s a nerdy girl whose entire purpose in life revolves around reading books (can relate). However, when our main character Mine is thrust into this fantasy world, she quickly realizes that this particular fantasy setting is a little too...medieval  for her tastes...meaning a family of commoners like hers would have no clue how to read and books are only meant for rich people or the church. So of course Mine has to figure out how to either get her hands on some books or make them herself. This is a super cute show that I waited a long time to finally watch, and since the second season is finally being dubbed I wanted to shout it out. It’s just a wholesome isekai version of Dr. Stone. There’s no real action, but it’s a relaxing watch if nothing else. 

Well, there you have it. Hopefully nothing else gets delayed or cancelled because it’s pretty slim pickings as it is. And before anyone asks, I didn’t include GIBIATE because I thought it was a massive disappointment that somehow made a time travel horror anime plot boring. There’s also My Teen Romantic Comedy Snafu, but it’s been 5 years since I watched the other seasons and don’t remember anything about it. But there’s that too in case anyone is a fan of the series and didn’t know it got another season. 

See you next season…if the world is still here by then?

#anime recommendations #2020 anime worth watching #ascendence of a bookworm #my next life as a villaines #fire force #no guns life #re:zero #fruits basket 2019 #fruits basket #rent-a-girlfriend #deca-dence #japan sinks 2020 #great pretender #the god of high school

[unrestedjade]

Mermay Kuwameshi nonsense

Damn, the month’s half over already! I’m rereading Pet Shop of Horrors, rewatching Yu Yu Hakusho, and coincidentally obsessed with Kuwabara/Urameshi. So! Half-assed crossover time. Maybe Count D has a second location in Japan?

 Kazuma wasn't sure how long the pet shop had been there on the edge of Chinatown. It looked like it had been in that storefront for years, but he couldn't remember seeing it until a few months ago. Maybe he'd just missed it, but he didn't think so. He liked animals. If the place had been there the whole time, he'd have gone inside at least once, just to check it out.

He also wasn't sure why he hadn't checked it out. He tended to pick up his pace when he passed by, trying to put space between himself and the shop for no reason his rational mind could come up with. It was just a pet shop. Yet for some reason it hit him the wrong way, sending a cold shiver up his spine whenever he neared it.

Today he was feeling it again, the unpleasant tickle crawling through his nervous system urging him to go, walk faster, get away. It was getting irritating, to tell the truth. Was it haunted, or something? A haunted pet shop? That could be a thing, right?

Regardless, Kazuma wasn't about to have his rep endangered by a place that sold goldfish and bunnies. Today he was gonna go in there. He'd settle these creepy-crawlies once and for all, and get his walk home from school back to normal.

Yep. He was gonna walk inside in just a minute. Just a few seconds. Gonna walk right in!

Boy, it was darker in there than a pet shop really should be, wasn't it?

Growling at himself in annoyance, Kazuma forced himself to step forward. It was just a pet shop, for god's sake.

It was dark inside, for sure. Heavy curtains draped over the windows and walls cut not just the light from outside, but the noise, too. Kazuma could hear the sounds of traffic and activity outside, but it seemed so far away, like the inside of the shop was in its own little world. Weak lamplight played across the deep red drapery, the corners of the room vanishing into shadow.

The shop had all the expected stuff. Bird cages with canaries and parakeets. Cages for the rabbits and puppies and...ferrets? Did pet shops have ferrets? This one did, apparently. What was weird was the rest of the furnishings. Aside from the animal cages, there was a kind of seating area-- a sofa, a couple chairs, a fancy coffee table. The place looked more like a fortune teller's place, or a brothel out of one of his sister's romance novels that he definitely didn't sneak to read and then skip over half the pages because he got too embarrassed. Covering the smell of animals was the heavy scent of incense.

There was no sign of the shopkeeper that Kazuma could see. Was this place actually open?

A hallway led farther back. Way farther back, with fancy, painted doors leading off to the left and right every few meters. The place was a lot bigger than it looked from the front. Kazuma called out a tentative hello, in case someone mistook him for a thief, or something. God, he hoped this place wasn't actually a front for a brothel, or he'd be so mortified he might die on the spot.

Someone answered him. "Hello?"

Kazuma jumped at the sound of a male voice, and felt immediately foolish. Of course someone else was in here! The door was open, wasn't it? Following the voice, Kazuma found himself in a side room filled with fish tanks on heavy iron racks. Though he'd sworn he heard someone speak, there didn't appear to be anyone in here. Just the tanks.

There was no lighting in the room other than the lamps on the fish tank hoods. They cast greenish, shifting light across the floor, the ceiling, and Kazuma himself. The light flickered, making the whole room look as though it were submerged underwater. Most of the tanks were occupied. A few contained what looked like koi, others held angelfish, guppies, or fighting fish. A few others held fish Kazuma couldn't identify other than they were ugly and off-putting, with mouths crammed too full of teeth and oily black scales. Some fish seemed to change somehow when he looked away from them, shifting and melting at the corner of his eye.

There was one enormous tank running the length of one wall. The glass was overgrown with algae, shading the water emerald green. Something moved inside. Something big, pacing the length of the tank back and forth. Was it a shark? It seemed large enough-- a little longer than Kazuma was tall.

"Who are you?"

There was the voice again! Kazuma looked for the speaker, and nearly leaped out of his skin when a guy popped his head over the side of the enormous tank.

"Wh-what are you doing in there?" It was a stupid question, maybe. But what else were you supposed to say to a guy who suddenly yelled at you from a fish tank?

The guy pushed a mess of dark, wet hair from his eyes. He looked about Kazuma's age. A part-timer? "What are you doing in here, stupid?"

Kazuma's temper flared, but the question was a fair one. He was the one who'd decided to poke around. "No one was out front, so I thought I'd look around." Maybe this was a back room only employees were supposed to be in, but it wasn't Kazuma's fault that this shop was run so sloppy. There wasn't even a sign posted. If the place was open, then the shopkeeper should be where customers could see them!

"Heh." The guy leaned his bare arms on the rim of the tank. Scum from the tank stuck to his forearm. It looked like it was a real mess in there. "Not much to see, is there? This place sucks."

"It kinda does," Kazuma agreed. He ventured a little closer, looking for the shape of the huge fish through the murky glass and not finding it. Wasn't this guy worried about it biting him? "What are you doing in there, cleaning? It looks like shit."

The guy laughed. "Tell me about it! Nah," he said, grinning. His teeth looked weird, like they were sharper than they ought to be. Or probably they were just crooked. "If the owner wants it clean, he can do it himself. Not like I'm getting paid to be a maid."

Okay, now Kazuma was really confused. Did the guy work here or not? If not, what the hell was he doing splashing around in a fish tank?

"You here to buy something?" The guy's smile wilted, like it wasn't an expression he was real used to making and he couldn't keep it up long.

Kazuma shook his head. "Just curious," he said. He didn't mention the creepy feeling he got every time he walked by this place. Or the fact that the tickle up his spine hadn't gone away yet. If anything, it was getting stronger, harder to brush aside.

The guy seemed to perk up a little at that, which was weird if he was an employee after all. Shouldn't he want Kazuma to buy something?

"What's the weather like today?"

Kazuma blinked. That was a weird question. "Uh...sunny? Why don't you go outside and look?"

"Can't," the guy said simply, leaning his chin on his arms.

"Your boss that much of a slave driver?" Kazuma asked, frowning. "Won't let you walk outside for a minute? There aren't even any customers in here right now."

The guy smiled again, briefly, and his teeth definitely weren't normal. Kazuma stared without meaning to. Had he filed them down? Why were they...pointy?

"Hey," the guy said. "What's your name?"

"Kazuma Kuwabara," Kazuma said. "Do you go to school here? I haven't seen you around before."

"Nope," the guy said, shaking his head. His wet hair sloshed along the surface of the water. It was really long, for a guy. Or a girl, for that matter. "Name's Yusuke. You got somewhere to be, Kazuma Kuwabara, or can you stick around for a few? I'm bored as shit in here."

Kazuma had homework to do, in fact, but it wasn't like that had ever been a pressing concern. It wasn't every day he met someone new, much less someone who seemed kinda cool. Sarayashiki wasn't a school people wanted to transfer their kids into. "I guess," he said, still looking out for any sign of that big fish. Had it hidden somewhere in the tank?

"You scared of water, or something? You don't gotta stand all the way over there," Yusuke said, chuckling. There was a swishing sound, like he was kicking his legs under the water.

Kazuma wasn't scared of water. He just had a weird feeling about the fish in that tank, that was all. Still, it wasn't like it was gonna launch itself over the side at him, right? This wasn't a Jaws movie. If Yusuke was safe where he was, Kazuma could get closer. So he did, moving to lean on the glass. The tank came up to his chest, and the glass was seriously thick, almost the width of his palm. It must have weighed a ton. He peered into the water, but it was just more murky green. He could make out what he thought might be sea grass or something, and a few chunks of driftwood for decoration, but no fish.

"What are you looking for?"

"There's a big fish in here, so..." Kazuma trailed off, finally taking a look at Yusuke up close. His teeth really were sharp, it wasn't a trick of the light. Serrated, like steak knives. The dim, shifting light from the tank lamps glinted too well off slimy skin, and with his arms raised Kazuma could see three long gashes following the curve of his ribs. They weren't bleeding, just flexing in time with his breaths. His long hair fanned out behind him in the water. Beneath the surface, where Yusuke's body was shrouded in murky green, a massive tail swayed lazily back and forth.

Yusuke watched Kazuma's eyes widen, smirking. "Find that fish yet?" A tail fin as wide as Yusuke's shoulders gently broke the surface of the water, gray and sleek. Softly, it slapped back down, splashing some water on Kazuma's uniform jacket.

Kazuma could give a shit about the jacket right now. "Um," he said, blinking while his brain tried frantically to catch up with his eyes. "Are you...a mermaid?" It felt stupid to say it out loud.

He felt even stupider when Yusuke burst into loud laughter. "What? I'm not a mermaid, you idiot!"

Kazuma could feel his face redden. Great. He'd met this guy all of five minutes ago and he was never gonna live this down. He knew he'd never let it go if someone said something off-the-wall crazy like that to him. Mermaid? If he was lucky, Yusuke would just assume he was drunk and not terminally stupid.

After a minute, Yusuke got a hold of himself, reaching up to dab tears from the corners of his eyes. "I'm a merman. Genius."

"Whatever, I was just joking anyw- wait, what?"

Yusuke pushed back a little from the glass, pointing one clawed finger at his own chest. "You see any boobs? I'm a guy."

Kazuma sputtered. "I know you're a guy, stupid!" Alright, he was gonna wake up in the middle of math class any second now. This shit had officially gotten too weird to be real. 

"Seemed pretty confused to me," Yusuke said, with a smirk and a shrug.

"Are you really half fish under there?" Kazuma didn't have space in his brain to get too mad about accusations of being dumb right now. He was too transfixed by the dark shape of Yusuke's tail moving under the water. Was it a trick? A...a costume, or something? They had to do that for mermaids in movies, right? There was no way it was real. Even if Kazuma's Bizarre Crap Warning Tickle was now a full-body shiver.

"I'm all me, not half fish. But whatever." Yusuke shifted his grip on the rim of the tank, pulling himself closer to Kazuma. "You want a better look?"

Kazuma nodded brainlessly, and had a half second of utter confusion as Yusuke gripped his shoulders. Then he was pulled forward, down into the water, a cold shock slapping him in the face and a moment of vertigo as his feet left the floor.

It didn't occur to him to hold his breath. In unconscious panic, he tried to take a breath, choking on cold water instead. Yusuke floated just below him, his laugh ringing through the tank, surrounding Kazuma in mocking sound. Sure enough, tan skin gave way to two-tone gray just below his waist, a large tail bumping against Kazuma's thrashing legs. It looked pretty damn real from here.

Yusuke's grip on Kazuma kept him from reaching the surface, only a few inches overhead but still too far. Panicked from lack of air, Kazuma lashed out, landing an awkward punch square on Yusuke's nose. The merman's head snapped back, his hair tracing the arc of his movement, but he didn't let go.

"Aw, quit freaking out, will ya?" Yusuke's voice filled the tank as he shook his head to clear it. A trickle of blood drifted from his nostril to dissipate in the water. "Thought you said you weren't scared?" He pulled Kazuma closer, like he was gonna take a chomp out of him. Kazuma froze, bracing for teeth, but Yusuke only pressed their lips together.

Kazuma knew he wasn't getting any air, but at once the water stopped burning in his lungs. He could breathe, somehow. Which was a lot to process on top of his first kiss and also maybe drowning, and also this guy was a goddamn mermaid. Too close to focus on properly, Yusuke's eyes glittered with mischief.

A hand grabbed the back of Kazuma's collar. He was hauled from the water, coughing and sputtering. He dragged air back into his lungs, though it almost felt too harsh. Too dry. The man who'd saved him helped him clamber over the rim of the tank to collapse to his hands and knees on the floor.

"I'm sorry," the man said, voice smooth and lilting as Kazuma heaved up more tank water. "You'll need to stay well back from the displays. Some of the animals are dangerous."

Water streaming from his hair and every stitch of his clothing, Kazuma blinked up at his rescuer. The shop owner was a tall Chinese guy, dressed in fancy silk robes and wearing...was that red lipstick?

"Did you have an appointment?" the owner said, polite and distant, like he hadn't just saved Kazuma from drowning or getting eaten or whatever had been going on. Casually, he flicked water from the sleeve of his robe and pushed a lock of his straight, black hair behind one ear with manicured nails. "I'm afraid you'll have to come back another time if not. I'm quite busy at the moment."

"It's your own fault for leaving me stuck in here with nothing to do," Yusuke chimed in, looking at Kazuma over the edge of the tank once more. He smiled like he'd just gotten away with something, or like he'd just told a real groaner of a joke. Kazuma stared back at him, unsure how to feel. 

The owner shot Yusuke an exasperated look that seemed to say 'I'll deal with you later.' His eyes were different colors, one dark and one light. Kazuma had been too surprised by the lipstick to notice at first. The guy was like a creepy, pet-shop-owning David Bowie. His presence filled the room. With slight surprise (because most of his sense of surprise had already been taken up by Yusuke) Kazuma realized he was kinda scared of this guy.

"How come," Kazuma rasped, throat aching. "How come you got a mermaid in a damn pet shop?"

The owner turned his attention back to Kazuma, frowning down at him. "That's a very rare and very aggressive species of shark from the Japan Sea. You shouldn't have approached the tank so carelessly."

Knees shaking, Kazuma pushed himself to his feet. "Bullshit," he said, wringing out his jacket. "I may not be the smartest guy around, but I know that's not a fish. Fish ain't people. That's a damn mermaid."

"It's merman," Yusuke grumbled. "Dumbass. Get it right." He was still staring at Kazuma as if he were the only thing worth worrying about in the whole room. It was a little intense, but Kazuma found himself staring right back. Now that he wasn't under the water, he wasn't scared anymore. Not that he'd been that scared! It was surprising, that was all! Anyone would have been just as put off as he was!

The owner took a small step back, putting distance between the spreading puddle of dirty water and what looked like very expensive shoes. "I see." He studied Yusuke for a moment, thoughtful. "Have you ever kept saltwater species before, young man?" he said, addressing Kazuma. "The initial setup can be somewhat onerous, but it's quite rewarding. Many people find that watching fish swim helps alleviate stress."

True enough, Kazuma hadn't been stressed about school or anything else when he'd been pulled into the tank, except for getting eaten or drowned. Real soothing. More importantly... "You're trying to sell him?"

"This is a pet shop," the man said, as though Kazuma were five years old and also incredibly slow. "The shark seems to have taken a liking to you, or there wouldn't have been much left of you for me to pull from the water. What do you say?" He stroked his chin, completely at ease with this insane situation. "We can discuss a fair price, along with a care guide and contract you'll need to abide by, of course."

For some reason, the idea of someone buying Yusuke outright was even more unbelievable than the whole being-a-mermaid thing. "You can't just sell him! He's a person!"

Yusuke leaned out over the edge of the tank, a curtain of black hair dripping onto the floor. "Aw, c'mon! Don't be a cheapskate! Just get me outta here before I go outta my mind. It's boring!" He was leaning so far out, one hand clutching the edge of the tank while the other reached to tug on Kazuma's sleeve. His gills were already starting to wheeze awkwardly in the dry air.

"And what am I supposed to do?" Kazuma shot back. "Carry you home and hide you in the bathtub? You're huge, man!" It was stupid anyway. Even if Kazuma had a whole swimming pool at home, it wasn't right to keep Yusuke locked up like that. If mermaids were real-- which apparently they were, and Kazuma wasn't going to be over that for a long time-- then they should be in the ocean, right? Of course Yusuke was miserable in this stupid little tank in a room with no windows, and no one to talk to! He wasn't some goldfish, or something!

The man smiled, small but genuine. He turned to Yusuke, gently shoving him back to the water when it looked like he was about to overbalance and fall from the tank. "It seems your mind is set on this one?"

"Yeah, this guy's an idiot, but he's alright." Sulking, Yusuke lowered himself in the water, wetting his gills. "Anybody else you shove at me is getting eaten, got that?"

"And just like that," the man said, with a helpless gesture, "the decision is made for me. As you can see, this particular specimen is something of a liability, so I'm willing to offer you a favorable deal to take it off my hands."

Kazuma had just about enough money in his wallet for a sandwich from the convenience store. He knew he wasn't gonna be able to cough up the cash to get Yusuke out of here. Still, he couldn't walk away. Yusuke's eyes were burning a hole through him.

"It's gonna have to be a hell of a deal, mister," Kazuma said, finally dragging his eyes from Yusuke to look at the shop owner. "I don't even have a job, and I'm pretty broke."

The shop owner only smiled. "I'm sure we can reach an agreement."

#fic #yu yu hakusho #yyh #kuwameshi #would the follow up be a Merman In My Tub! pastiche #or in true Petshop of Horrors fashion would Kuwabara disappear mysteriously along with the shark #last seen walking out onto the docks

[i-can-be-king-again]

[created by: vyvyan86]

Which fictional character would be the most boring to meet? those “bad boys” in teen romance novels, they may seem hot on the outside but most of the time, they seem bland as hell lol

Which body part would you not mind losing? my chest, it’s flat anyway so it wouldn’t be a total loss lol

What common saying people use is absolute BS to you? “Love yourself before loving someone else.” It’s hard to completely achieve that goal and keep at it forever, so it seems like you won’t ever find love

What is the most interesting thing you’ve read or seen this week? An anime called wonder egg priority! The story is very unique but the concept gives off Madoka magica a little bit lol. I still recommend it though!

What’s the most useless talent you have? Finding good memes

What’s something everyone looks stupid doing? Those stupid wimpy dances on tiktok

Which kids’ movie scarred you for life? I don’t remember having one of those, but Snow White running through the scary forest comes to mind

In one sentence, how would you sum up Internet? Too much but fun sometimes

What would be the most ridiculous thing for the government to make illegal? using certain social media sites like how trump wanted to ban tiktok lol, so stupid

What’s the weirdest thing a guest has done in your home? Haven’t had one of those happen yet thank god lol

How many friends do you have on social media and how many of them do you know for real? around 30 on other ones and around 10 on here

If Mars was livable, would you accept a one-way ticket there? No, we need to fix the earth first before doing anything else on other planets. 

What fact amazes you every time you think of it? A regular cumulus cloud weighs 1.1 million pounds even though clouds can float in the sky!

What’s the most spontaneous thing you’ve ever done? being assertive to a person I was interested in yeah really sad I know lol

What skill or craft would you like to master? gardening maybe

What separates true friends from acquaintances? you feel comfortable around true friends and don’t have to worry about how they view you as a person

Where do you find meaning in your life? Not sure

What has taken up too much of your life? Being sad and afraid all the time lol

What is in your fridge right now? Food?

Where do you not mind waiting? My house

Is there an app you hate to use, but still use every day? instagram lol

Who is the funniest person you know? One of my friends

What three words describe you best? shy, perfectionist, sad

What makes you think you’re smart? I got a degree in one of the most hardest majors apparently

Who inspires you? David Attenborough

Do you aspire to be like somebody else? If so, who? It would be nice to be more like my friend Eryn who is beautiful and fun and seems to enjoy what she does

How did you meet your best friend? in high school

Which one of your accomplishments are you the most proud of? finally graduating

What’s something you’re dying to tell but no survey ever asks about? Not really

What’s the strangest thing you ever did as a child? I jumped on a kid’s arm once because I guess I either didn’t process or didn’t care that he was below the thing I was jumping off of

Is there anything you do to reduce stress? watch shows and videos, talk to my friends, play games

What makes you feel afraid? anything that involves thinking about my future, talking to new people, not being good enough for my friends, family, and s/o

What did your mother teach you? A lot of things

What did your father teach you? How to know when a person is a narcissist lol

What makes you feel powerful? Being good at something more than the people I know, which doesn’t happen often tbh

What are you ready to let go? my stupid fear of anything that involves “putting myself out there”

Are you eco-conscious? If so, how? I try to be as much as possible.  I don’t eat animal products, my family and I use glass containers to store food instead of using plastic containers or plastic wrap, we recycle, we own solar panels on the house, and I keep most electronic things I don’t use unplugged and always turn off lights when no one is in a certain room.

What’s your 90s jam? Men in Black by Will Smith

What is your most bizarre deal-breaker? Open mouth chewing

Would you rather be hated or forgotten? Forgotten

What’s the biggest personal change you’ve made? Not caring how people see me. For example, I don’t need to appear perfect for them so they don’t hate me.  I’m still working on it though

What are some of your short-term goals? Finding a stupid job

What’s your philosophy in life? Think before you act (in important situations)

What is the weirdest thing about you? I like to make weird voices for fun

How do you define beauty? Whether you find it attractive or aesthetically pleasing

Are you health conscious? If so, how? I think I am.  I’m vegan, I don’t drink soda and other sugary drinks and alcohol, I try to exercise as much as possible, and I try to get up to 8 hours of sleep every night

What’s your day-to-day mantra? I don’t have one

How do you wish to be remembered? I'm not sure

#personal #about me

[comicteaparty]

January 29th-February 4th, 2020 Reader Favorites Archive

The archive for the Reader Favorites chat that occurred from January 29th, 2020 to February 4th, 2020.  The chat focused on the following question:

Which genre is your favorite for webcomics and which is your least favorite? Why is that?

carcarchu

Romance is without a doubt my favourite genre although i do have a particular soft spot for historical series too (and if it combines the 2 that's a dream come true ). as for my least favourite i guess sci-fi, i'm really not a fan of having to remember a ton of world building details and the backstories of some sci-fi series feel like reading a textbook sometimes. also comedy can be really hit or miss for me if the sense of humour used in the comic doesn't do it for me

Capitania do Azar

Honestly I'll read petty much anything if I'm having fun, not necessarily a genre-related issue. I think nice, interesting stories can be crafted in any genres. That being said, fantasy is usually not my jam and I really like Sci-fi

Kabocha

When it comes to webcomics, I'll read a lot of stuff! But I think Fantasy and Drama have a soft spot in my heart for some reason! I really enjoy it when a creator seems to be having fun (or is aware) of how hammy their drama can be -- and fantasy can be chock full of it! (And as an aside, I love the heck outta romance when done well! A lot of webcomics that classify themselves as romances tend to be more Drama than Romance, mostly bc they don't follow the genre conventions of romance, and instead stick to a more dramatic-oriented plot structure... it's intriguing.) Anyway! I think my least favorite these days is slice of life and gaming comics. A lot of it gets really weird and overwrought and I just... I dunno, there's gotta be a draw. Gaming comics just aren't very fun to read, esp as I've gotten older. A lot of it feels like "hey here's this pop culture reference this small-ish in group gets! how funny! hahaha" or punching down, and... I dunno, I don't have a lot of time to keep on top of memes for games I don't/can't play.

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

I love fantasy and sci-fi, mostly because I'm a world-building nut. I want to get lost in a new place when I read. This also extends towards historical comics, but those are pretty rare. I won't lie though, I definitely fact-check historical comics when I read them, because I want to know how much I can trust the accuracy of the setting. I also tend to enjoy romance if done well, and especially when blended with other genres. IMO, romances can be kinda samey by themselves, so there needs to be some other plot outside of the characters' relationship for me to stay invested. As for least favorite genres... Definitely comedy and slice-of-life. As someone who regularly watches stand-up, I don't typically find comedy comics very funny most of the time, especially relatable gag-a-day types. As for slice-of-life, it often seems... boring to me. I mean, I might just be mentally unable to process the nuances or something, but what actually happens in slice-of-lifes? That being said, there are always exceptions to these preferences, because I have been completely turned off from certain fantasy comics, for example, and there are definitely comedies that I have enjoyed thoroughly. In the end, all that really matters is if a specific comic suits my tastes/quality expectations, genre tossed aside

Ash🦀

When it comes to webcomics, animal stories and fantasy are definitely my favorites. I like getting lost in a world, I don’t want to stay in my own if I’m trying to escape. Oh, also, and actually being able to read emotions. On animals, because the style and emotion often have to be pushed so much, it’s way easier on me to be able to parse expressions on an animal than a human. Might just be my autistic brain tho /shrug Also, sci fi, heavy dose of “sci” in there. If I feel like I’m learning something it makes it so much more fun. My least favorite genres are romance and historical. To be honest, I find historical pieces rely so much on the politics and the talking and the human nuance I don’t much understand in the first place that I end up getting bored or confused or both. And romance is... well, my mom constantly had hallmark movies on, so I’ve kind of grown to hate the romance genre as a whole tbh. If it’s a side piece in a fantasy, fine, okay. Too often they’re unbelievable and the couple just doesn’t have any chemistry, and I just end up not buying it, so I’d like to yeet it to the side as much as possible in most cases. Now, there are some that are exceptions, here, but they are few and far between. Somehow, LGBTA+ romance just blows past this hangup, however. I dunno, it’s easier for me to care then, it feels newer, and... well, frankly, a good deal of the time they’re written better, I dunno. So, they’re the exception to the rule.

Kabocha

Hard agree on the LGBTA+ romance -- but also other marginalized groups tend to be more thoughtful in romance and tropes they use! While there's a general sort of... uh, set of expectations as far as plot and the happily-ever-after/happy-for-now ending, it's honestly really just sort of nice to see creators be mindful about what they're making, and write stuff that isn't just the same sort of nonsense that gets marketed in the mainstream. ...Now this is making me think about how much I would love to see Courtney Milan or Alyssa Cole's works translated into comics... If they could do Pride and Prejudice, someone pls give me A Princess in Theory (Sorry, I'm... a little bit of an aficionado for the genre, particularly in romance novels)

Cap’n Lee (Flowerlark Studios)

I was never able to get into ANY romance until I started reading some LGBTQ+ ones. I never liked the genre before then, but I think it was just because I couldn’t identify with / care about all the cishet couple represented. Once I was reading a romance I actually could connect with, it was completely different. It’s still not a genre I like to read very often because it’s so trope-heavy, though.

keii4ii

I feel like romance gets pigeonholed into a specific (and admittedly prevalent/highly visible) type, kinda like how "fantasy" was pigeonholed as Tolkienish fantasy for years and years until recently.

Cap’n Lee (Flowerlark Studios)

As for what genres I do like, definitely fantasy. I especially like dark stories with lots of nuance, twisty plots, and some surreality. I like both high and urban fantasy, though as I get older, I lean more towards the latter. There’s someone really fascinating to me about mixing modern tech with magic and the supernatural. My least favourite (apart from most romance) is probably newspaper-style webcomics. I’m just not into that into punchline-a-strip or art art that has a Saturday-morning-cartoon feel. Not that it’s bad in any way, and I actually do have a few exceptions of comics in that style that I DO like, but it’s just not really my thing. I also can’t really get into political comics or war stories.

@keii4ii Yeah, it definitely does! And it becomes frustrating to try and find Something Different within the genre when the vast majority of it is using the same tropes and set up. I think that’s also why I’ve started leaning more towards urban fantasy as I’ve aged because a lot of high fantasy was becoming ‘more of the same’.

(says someone who creates a Tolkein-esque high fantasy comic )

keii4ii

You can still tell great stories within those prevalent types. Just gotta be mindful about choosing tropes/archetypes because they work for the story, as opposed to just going with them mindlessly. But that's not really extra work; that mindfulness is important no matter what kind of a story you're writing, IMO!

Cap’n Lee (Flowerlark Studios)

I also say I don’t get into punchline-a-strip comedy and yet have TWO comics in that genre, so I’m kind of a hypocrite.

Oh yes, definitely! I do try to avoid or even subvert some of those very common tropes, though I’m sure I don’t always succeed! Some tropes can be very effective, just not when every story feels like you’ve read this a hundred times before with minor variation.

Kabocha

Honestly, that's one of the great things about self pub and webcomics -- you can get SO many more unique voices without the gatekeepers that traditionally held genres and markets back. Like, y'all might not have heard, but back years and years ago, Borders had someone working there at the corporate level that helped stock genre fiction -- but basically segregated POC authors from the genres that they were actually writing in. Which was a load of crap. (And that's not even getting into issues with queer media and fiction being stocked in stores or even published.) So basically in stores you'd see for a while, kind of the samey sort of stuff that you find in genre fiction -- and I think webcomics helps kind of... break out of those same sorts of expectations for various genres? It's kind of nice on the whole.

FeatheryJustice

Favourite genre of comics: Comedy and Action. If I could find Jackie Chan action and humour combo in a comic I would love the hell out of it. Least favourite: Slice of Life of the drama variety and romance variety. I dont mind if it is slice of life with action or slice of life informative because I am reading for more. If it is a romance between just two high schoolers doing nothing then I get bored. If it is two high schoolers in a slice of life but it focuses on them working on an animation together giving us animation information I would be okay with that.

Cronaj (Whispers of the Past)

Lol, as someone who makes a fantasy series that plays with the amnesia trope like it went out of style (spoilers, it did), I totally agree that fantasy and romance can be very tropey.

kzuich

I like comedy and slice-of-life. Occasionally I like drama, but only if it's mixed with comedy. Or black comedy. (Seeing a recurring theme here? xD)

Or drama. With comedy sprinkled in.

I don't know why but I've always felt webcomics were really great for comedy. Some of the funniest stuff I've read was a webcomic. Dunno why. Least favorite genre? I don't really have one. I'll read anything but those are the genres I actually -like-.

DanitheCarutor

I'll read just about anything. I love stuff with some kind of surrealistic or abstract quality to it, like Weaker Sides (https://www.weakersides.com/), Seluda (https://tapas.io/series/seluda) and Hookteeth (https://hookteethcomic.com/). I also really enjoy stuff that is sad, or deals with heavy themes due to the feeling of catharsis they give me. Sun Rising (https://tapas.io/series/Sun-Rising), Rescue Me (https://tapas.io/series/Rescue-Me) and The Dogs on the Railroad (https://tapas.io/series/The-Dogs-on-the-Railroad) come to mind. It's nice to experience difficult emotions in a controlled environment. If I had to be genre specific I would have to say my favorite is the very elusive horror genre. Love me some spoopy shit and pretty much everything else that comes with it, no matter how cheesy it gets! It sucks that horror is so hard to find in webcomics, at least for me.

Least favorite genres? Gag-a-day, slice of life and romance. I have a lot of trouble getting into comedy comics that aren't story driven, so I don't usually read gag-a-days or autobios. I will read the latter two since most of the time they're good things to read when you don't want to turn your brain off for a bit, but all three genres are honestly really boring for me. When it comes to character centric stuff I really want something like a deep character study, although I haven't had luck finding stuff like that. Romance specifically, I have a hate/I don't mind relationship with. Romantic intimacy has always been super gross to me, I hate seeing people kissing on each other in movies due to an issue with how nasty the human mouth is, and the sound makes me sick to my stomach. With comics it's easier to digest, the characters are just drawings so I don't mind seeing them get all buckwild, but it's still not my most favorite. There are occasions where I can't even read a comic due to genre vs. setting. For example (and I'm am not saying this comic is bad, I mean it has over 100k subs) A Matter of Life and Death (https://tapas.io/series/A-Matter-of-Life-and-Death). I really love the art in this comic, the setting, some of the characters and the little bits of lore I saw. But it's a slice of life-esque romantic type of comic, so the world building for this extremely creative looking setting is kinda put on the back burner for intimate scenes between the MCs. Again, this doesn't make it bad. I personally turned out not to be the target demographic because I wanted 'A' and the creator wanted 'B'. Maybe I'll give this one another glance someday to see where the story has gone, I admittedly haven't read it in a couple years so the story might have developed.

FeatherNotes(Krispy)

My fave is anything that deals in heavy lore-- most that fit the bill are usually fictional like fantasy and sci-fi, but there are always exceptions that play with some good world building outside those genres! I love to read comics that i can get lost in and want to almost research the world created-- as long as that element is balanced in a story, im usually up for anything! That being said however, my least favourite is the gag strips and strictly comedy. I haven't yet found any that have really made me read page after page since my first looksee with comedy comics (sassy creed and that super smash bros one come to mind so quite a while ago) but I'm sure if i was more diligent in searching through the genre I could find something for myself!

sssfrs (JOE IS DEAD)

I love history and sci-fi. I have a hard time getting into fiction and I like stories with a firm connection to something real in the world

kayotics

I’m a fan of fantasy stories, and I like romance sometimes as well. I don’t mind gag-a-day strips but I don’t really follow any, mostly since I’m looking for a little more meat in my story. Despite how much crossover sci-fi and fantasy have, I’m not big into sci-fi. If a story engages me in that genre, I’ll still read it, but it’s not a genre I search through. I also don’t read war comics. I have a hard no on superheroes as well, I’m just tired of them.

renieplayerone

I love anything thats a mix of SciFi and history or some other genre (its why i love blade runner, scifi film noir). Weaving history into scifi is a challenge but man does it make for really cool aesthetics and moral questions

RebelVampire

My favorite genre for webcomics is probably a tie between fantasy and sci-fi. Not only do I just personally love world-building heavy material, but I also just think webcomics is a medium well-suited to them. I kind of don't feel things like live action do those genres justice. However, webcomics have a lot of artistic freedom so art style, differing art effects, etc. can all come into play to create awe, whimsy, and a bunch of other emotions that just capture a feeling of wonder that I expect from those generes. As for least favorite genre, definitely serialized comedy - which by this I mean comics that have a story along with the comedy. For me I just...don't find a lot of them funny. A lot of the humor is a bit too trope-y for my liking or imitating comedy without really understanding why the comedy worked in the original source. So for me the jokes just rarely land even if I can appreciate the effort that went into the comics. That being said, there's always exceptions. Like http://sgkdr.webcomic.ws/ is a comic I would've initially passed just based on genre, but when i read it the humor was/is actually really smart and really creative. Just the same, there's plenty of fantasy and sci-fi comics I don't like, though this usually comes down to story execution even if I think the art is pretty to look at.

BadSprite

My favorite genres for comics are action, comedy, drama and slice of life. I'm particularly a fan of slice of life stories that take place in some fantastical world, because the nuances of the setting makes the mundane so much more interesting. Also action comedies are my jam. One of my faves being: http://paranatural.net/. I personally love how comedy is integrated into action scenes to capture the frantic nature of the situations. My least favorite genre are probably romance, it's not that I have anything against it. I just feel like there's an oversaturation of them and there's very few that brings something new to the table. Most of them feel too same-y for me.

eli [a winged tale]

It really depends on my mood~ my bookmarks are all over the place. If I really enjoy the art and the characters, I usually stay for the story. My usual go-to is fantasy, sci-fi or slice of life! I recently got into romance but I’m a bit choosey about it. I definitely echo @Kabocha ‘s statement about exploring different voices and subversion of tropes. Always eager to read tighter storylines and those that take risks in diversity. Least favourite same as @FeatherNotes(Krispy) really! Sometimes it’s funny (love strange planet) but I won’t be binging it

MJ Massey

My favorite genres of comics are fantasy, action/adventure, and romance. Especially if all three are together in one delicious package. I'll read pretty much anything but it's gotta be well paced and well written to keep me coming back

Javi

My favorite genres are action, comedy, fantasy, sci-fi, slice of life and adventure. Also anything with animal characters in it I'm already invested in it but that's just my furry brain talking (edited)

AntiBunny

I would say a broad term of adventure. Be it scifi, fantasy, road trip, or superntural I love a good adventure comic full of interesting characters and locations.

#ctparchive #comics #webcomics #indie comics #comic chat #comic discussion #comic tea party #ctp #reader favorites

[thornheartcat]

Quarantine Anime Binge Reviews!

So like everyone else I’ve been bored out of my skull social distancing and not getting my life together like I’d planned to this year so I’ve been binging the FUCK out of a bunch of anime from my backlog and I would like to offer my reviews! I’ll probably keep doing this until I either get sick of watching anime (which will be never probably) OR this whole COVID thing blows over LOL

All five seasons of Symphogear: This is my show, this show was made for me. It’s got everything I could ever personally want. Please refer to the list here.

Toji no Miko/Katana Maidens: Really fun! Cute girls with cool weapons fighting monsters and/or each other is my shit and it did not disappoint! It actually took a huge left turn from where I would’ve expected it to go in just the first episode and it would deserve props for that alone, but it’s p good just in general. If you like sword lesbians you can’t go wrong with this one!

Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru: Yuusha no Shou/Yuuna Yuuki Is A Hero: Hero Chapter: FINALLY got around to finishing this one! I should also finish reading the Wakaba Nogi and Mebuki Kusunoki light novels during quarantine LOL anyway this season was a little rushed on account of how half of it is actually Sumi Washio Is A Hero (which I assume is just the movie footage cut into anime episodes?) but it was a good conclusion and I can’t wait to return to the world via the novels.

Ano Natsu de Matteru/Waiting in the Summer: A really really sweet romance anime about a guy and the hot alien chick who accidentally almost killed him when she crash landed on Earth trying to make a movie with his dumb friends. Hit all the right notes of comedy and drama and generally has a really comfy feeling about it. I really related to Kanna but Lemon-senpai is DEFINITELY best girl.

Vividred Operation: Boy this show sure existed huh? Honestly if it wasn’t for the occasional nip shot (on the Blu-Ray versions of course LOL) and the NIGH CONSTANT focus on underage asses you could mistake this one for a kids show. Honestly those aforementioned elements probably should turn me off more than they did but I can’t help but have some affection for a show where a godlike being is defeated by a fusion of two cute girls punching it out with the Power of Friendship.

Both seasons of Rinne no Lagrange/Lagrange: The Flower of Rinne: You wanna see a lesbian OT3 pilot mechs? Cause it’s right here and it’s great! The character and mech designs are great, the backgrounds are aesthetic af, the music (courtesy of Swedish anime composer/weeb living the dream Rasmus Faber) is fantastic, and there’s a real sort of subtlety to the storytelling (if not necessarily the story itself, if that makes any sense). Check out the first OP and ED and if any of this looks appealing give it a try. Jersey Club Spirit forever!

Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku/Magical Girl Raising Project: Listen, I am a magical girl expert. I’ve seen so goddamn many magical girls. And I too am kind of getting sick of the whole shitty dark and gritty magical girl trend that was birthed in the wake of Madoka like Watchmen birthing shitty 90s comics. BUT. Of all of those that I’ve seen that truly fit that label (ie NOT SYMPHOGEAR OR YUUNA YUUKI those aren’t actually that edgy and have their own distinct identities thank you very goddamn much), this is definitely the best. It was not just 100% torture porn like several other entries in this subgenre (I’m lookin at you Magical Girl Site and Magical Girl Spec-Ops Asuka) but actually had like. A plot, and characters and shit. There was like, foreshadowing, and I managed to actually give at least half a shit about most of these people, so most of their deaths actually meant something. I wouldn’t super recommend it or anything but I didn’t feel like it was a complete waste of my time which is more than I can say for other such shows. Also, Top Speed is best girl and Swim Swim can burn in hell and I will not be hearing otherwise to either of those statements.

I shall return in I guess like a few weeks? However long it takes me to watch enough stuff to feel like it warrants another post.

[salems-varieties]

Anime for Halloween

I should have posted this before my movies list. But hell, It’s here now and Y’all can binge-watch over the next month. But little disclaimer. These are anime I have seen and ones I associate with Halloween because they have to do with something from the holiday. So anything with Vampires, witches, demons, etc. Anything I got a Halloween-y vibe from. This list is gonna be kind of long. Now time for me to suffer typing it and yall to get an idea from reading it. 

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Title

Synopsis

My thoughts on the Anime

Everything in bold is strictly my opinion. Agree to disagree with me, and put down your own opinion in repost or in the comments but be respectful. Rude or anything of the sort will be deleted or reported depending on the severity.

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07-Ghost

Teito Klein, a student at the academy, is one of the most promising soldiers produced. Although ridiculed by everyone for being a sklave (German for slave) with no memories of his past, he is befriended by a fellow student called Mikage. While preparing for the final exam, Teito uncovers a dark secret related to his past. When an attempt to assassinate Ayanami, a high-ranking official who killed his father, fails, Teito is locked away awaiting punishment.

This one is religious, HOWEVER, Demons and the Gods of Death kinda make it more Halloween-y so :p Also as a side note; It’s only subbed so all y’all who prefer dub are gonna be disappointed.

Ancient Magus Bride

Chise Hatori, a 15-year-old Japanese girl, was sold for five million pounds at an auction to a tall masked gentleman. Abandoned at a young age and ridiculed by her peers for her unconventional behavior, she was ready to give herself to any buyer if it meant having a place to go home to. In chains and on her way to an unknown fate, she hears whispers from robed men along her path, gossiping and complaining that such a buyer got his hands on a rare "Sleigh Beggy." Ignoring the murmurs, the mysterious man leads the girl to a study, where he reveals himself to be Elias Ainsworth—a magus. After a brief confrontation and a bit of teleportation magic, the two open their eyes to Elias' picturesque cottage in rural England. Greeted by fairies and surrounded by weird and wonderful beings upon her arrival, these events mark the beginning of Chise's story as the apprentice and supposed bride of the ancient magus.

I love this one so much. My only issue is what would have made it more Halloween inspired would have been if they’s gone through Samhain and not skipped straight to Yule. BUT monsters, mages, witches, alchemists, and fae make this anime perfect for magic inspire Halloween watch.

Another

In 1972, a popular student in Yomiyama North Middle School's class 3-3 named Misaki passed away during the school year. Since then, the town of Yomiyama has been shrouded by a fearful atmosphere, from the dark secrets hidden deep within.

Horror, horror, horror and gore. Enjoy this with friends and family who have a strong stomach and are old enough to not get scared. The deaths are absolutely horrific and it takes place all around a middle school class. (Read the novel, of the same name, it’s based off if you dare)

Ao no Exorcist

Humans and demons are two sides of the same coin, as are Assiah and Gehenna, their respective worlds. The only way to travel between the realms is by the means of possession, like in ghost stories. However, Satan, the ruler of Gehenna, cannot find a suitable host to possess and therefore, remains imprisoned in his world. In a desperate attempt to conquer Assiah, he sends his son instead, intending for him to eventually grow into a vessel capable of possession by the demon king.

Anyone who’s been around anime long enough knows or knows of this anime. Who wouldn’t have added this into their Halloween Anime list? It has to do with Demons and the Son of Satan.

Black Butler  

Young Ciel Phantomhive is known as "the Queen's Guard Dog," taking care of the many unsettling events that occur in Victorian England for Her Majesty. Aided by Sebastian Michaelis, his loyal butler with seemingly inhuman abilities, Ciel uses whatever means necessary to get the job done. But is there more to this black-clad butler than meets the eye?

Classic as well. Don’t forget the movies and season 3. We don’t speak of season 2 0.0″ Also the manga has taken a VERY dark turn as of recent so if you’re looking for reading material, there you go.

Blood-C 

Peaceful schoolgirl by day, fearsome monster slayer by night, Saya Kisaragi is leading a split life. Equipped with a ceremonial sword given to her by her father for sacred tasks, she vanquishes every monster who dares threaten her quiet little village. But all too soon, Saya's reality and everything she believes to be true is tested, when she overhears the monsters speak of a broken covenant—something she knows nothing about. And then, unexpectedly, a strange dog appears; it asks her to whom she promised to protect the village, curious as to what would happen if she were to break that promise. Tormented by unexplainable visions and her world unraveling around her, we travel with Saya through her struggle to find a way to the truth in a village where nothing is as it seems.

Another very gory anime. Children, please do avoid.

Bloodivores

60 years ago, a strange case of insomnia struck the population, forcing them to stay awake for more than a full week. The victims, completely sleep deprived, all went mad. To cure this illness, a new medicine was produced, but the side effects turned the patients into vampires. Humanity went to war against this new species and triumphed, but some of the vampires managed to survive. Born from a Human and a Vampire, the main character Mi Liu, "The Child of Hope," is to represent the new hope that will connect the two species. Ringleader of a bank robbery, Mi Liu is arrested and transferred to a special prison of the National Defense Agency that monitors Vampires.

Genetically created vampires. Need I say more?

Blood Lad

Staz Charlie Blood is a powerful vampire who rules the Eastern district of Demon World. According to rumors, he is a bloodthirsty and merciless monster, but in reality, Staz is just an otaku obsessed with Japanese culture and completely uninterested in human blood. Leaving the management of his territory to his underlings, Staz spends his days lazing around, indulging in anime, manga, and games.

A vampire otaku... Thank you, this is exactly what I needed. 

D.Gray-Man

Losing a loved one is so painful that one may sometimes wish to be able to resurrect them—a weakness that the enigmatic Millennium Earl exploits. To make his mechanical weapons known as "Akuma," he uses the souls of the dead that are called back. Once a soul is placed in an Akuma, it is trapped forever, and the only way to save them is to exorcise them from their vessel using the Anti-Akuma weapon, "Innocence."

*Piece of advice. D. Gray-Man the first series was not finished in Dub if you’re one who prefers Dub. So heading into D. Gray-Man Hollow, you’ll be confused as hell. It’s best to just watch Sub so you don’t have to worry about missing a huge chunk of info. 

But if you like anime about demons and exorcists there’s more than just Blue Exorcist. This one I suggest because it’s phenomenal, but that’s personal opinion XD

Dance with Devils

Ritsuka Tachibana has always been a good student, so she is completely shocked when she is suddenly summoned by the student council. Even more, they seem to think of Ritsuka as a troublemaker. Led by the handsome Rem Kaginuki, the student council—also consisting of Urie Sogami, Shiki Natsumizaka, and Mage Nanashiro—tries to question her, but it soon becomes clear that they have ulterior motives.

This is one based off an Otome (Dating game) so try YT for gameplay if you wanna see the whole story. Yet another about demons and exorcists, but this time there are vampires and Cerberus added to the mix. Plus for those who know-how Otome heroines are basically pushovers, this one has a strong-willed girl as our protagonist. Thank you, Ritsuka for breaking the mold T/\T

Diabolik Lovers

At the behest of her father, Yui Komori goes to live in a secluded mansion, home to the six Sakamaki brothers—Shuu, Reiji, Ayato, Kanato, Laito, and Subaru—a family of vampires. Though at first the siblings are confused as to why the girl has arrived, they soon realize that she is to be their new "sacrificial bride," not to mention their other, more carnal intentions for her. After meeting the brothers, Yui quickly begins to question why her father would have sent her here and why she feels a strange, new pain in her chest. With each brother more sadistic than the last, Yui's life as a captive takes a harrowing turn in her new home. As her days turn into endless nights, and each brother vows to make her his own, Yui falls deeper and deeper into madness and ecstasy.

Otome with like 4? games, try YT for gameplay. I’m a little sad that it only has two seasons and the episodes are like 13-15 minutes long. Still, if you like Otome based games, you’ve most likely seen this. DO NOT EXPECT VANILLA ROMANCE. THIS IS NOT A FUN RIDE IF YOU EXPECT THAT.

Death Note

A shinigami, as a god of death, can kill any person—provided they see their victim's face and write their victim's name in a notebook called a Death Note. One day, Ryuk, bored by the shinigami lifestyle and interested in seeing how a human would use a Death Note, drops one into the human realm.

Classic... But not my personal cup of tea. I added it because it’s a salute to one of my dear friends.

Little Witch Academia

"A believing heart is your magic!"—these were the words that Atsuko "Akko" Kagari's idol, the renowned witch Shiny Chariot, said to her during a magic performance years ago. Since then, Akko has lived by these words and aspired to be a witch just like Shiny Chariot, one that can make people smile. Hence, even her non-magical background does not stop her from enrolling in Luna Nova Magical Academy.

This one is just cute and intense. Witches are starting to die out but one girl wants desperately to be a witch like her idol was. I love how this brings in witchy elements and some fairy tale elements.

Makai Ouji: Devils and Realist

The story revolves around William, an aristocratic family's progeny with rare intellect. One day, his uncle lost his possessions after his business failed. Fearing that his family's name has been tarnished, William returns home and searches with his family's butler for anything that can be converted into cash. A search of the premises yields an underground room left by an ancestor. In the room is a magical seal, and William unintentionally summons a devil. The summoned devil tells William his name Dantalion and reveals that William is the designator who can choose the acting ruler of the demon world.

If realists were like William, I think the world would be on fire. The poor people that have to deal with him. At least most of them are demons, maybe that will knock his head into gear... right?

Miira No Kaikata 

High school student Sora Kashiwagi is accustomed to receiving bizarre presents from his father, who is on an expedition around the world. Unfortunately, these gifts have been nothing but nightmares. As a result, when his father sends him a huge package from Egypt, Sora prepares himself for the worst, only to be greeted by Mii-kun—a cute, pint-sized mummy! While initially wary, Sora soon learns that Mii-kun is harmless, a delicate creature yearning for attention.

I can understand people who don’t like horror or gore. I was there once. So here’s a cute anime about a boy and his pet mummy. Sanrio really did a great job turning the manga, which was darker than the anime, into something so cute and so wholesome.

Mirai Nikki

Lonely high school student, Yukiteru Amano, spends his days writing a diary on his cellphone while conversing with his two seemingly imaginary friends Deus Ex Machina, who is the god of time and space, and Murmur, the god's servant. Revealing himself to be an actual entity, Deus grants Yukiteru a "Random Diary," which shows highly descriptive entries based on the future and forces him into a bloody battle royale with 11 other holders of similarly powerful future diaries.

I have no word on this.

Owari no Seraph

With the appearance of a mysterious virus that kills everyone above the age of 13, mankind becomes enslaved by previously hidden, power-hungry vampires who emerge in order to subjugate society with the promise of protecting the survivors, in exchange for donations of their blood.

The Apocolypse starts and vampires rule the world. I dunno if that sounds like heaven or hell for me? But in this world, it would certainly be hell. Vampires rule the world but that doesn't mean the humans are gone. An army rises to protect what’s left from the bloodsuckers. And did I mention demons? Along with the concept of corrupt angels? Oh yeah, that’s gotta be hell on earth.

Pandora Hearts

To young Oz Vessalius, heir to the Vessalius Duke House, the perilous world called the Abyss is nothing more than a folktale used to scare misbehaving children. However, when Oz's coming-of-age ceremony is interrupted by the malicious Baskerville Clan intent on banishing him into the depths of the Abyss, the Vessalius heir realizes that his peaceful life of luxury is at its end. Now, he must confront the world of the Abyss and its dwellers, the monstrous "Chains," which are both not quite as fake as he once believed.

I couldn't have found a better gif for this anime. It’s Alice in Wonderland inspired but with a much darker twist than what Disney gave us (and yes I do mean both the original and the Tim Burton version). Enjoy this one because it’s not all dark there is humor to break up the heart-wrenching. But don’t expect it to always be comical. 

Phantom in the Twilight

Set in modern-day London, the story takes place in a world where "Shadows" are born from human fear and anxiety. A young girl arrives to study abroad, only to be caught in a bizarre incident as she enters university. In a city with no acquaintances, the helpless girl wanders into "Café Forbidden," a mysterious café that exclusively opens at midnight. She meets an assortment of handsome men employed at the café, where guardians who protect the boundary between humans and shadow convene

Vampires, werewolves, ghosts, and even demons; this one would be great for Halloween. I will admit though, it’s lackluster considering these guys are supposed to be Dracula, the Wolfman, and so on. It might be someone’s cup of tea, just not everyone’s 

Rosario to Vampire

Youkai Academy is a seemingly normal boarding school, except that its pupils are monsters learning to coexist with humans. All students attend in human form and take normal academic subjects, such as literature, gym, foreign language, and mathematics. However, there is one golden rule at Youkai Academy—all humans found on school grounds are to be executed immediately!

I couldn’t get through this one. I’m not gonna lie. It was basically light hentai and I’m not into that kinda stuff, but I feel like someone would have called me out for it not being here so T-T

Servamp 

Mahiru Shirota firmly believes that simple is best and troublesome things should be avoided at all costs. It is troublesome to do nothing and regret it later—and this ideology has led the 15-year-old to pick up a stray cat on his way home from school. As he affectionately names the feline Kuro, little does he know that this chance meeting will spark an extraordinary change in his everyday life.

I’m gonna be completely honest, the manga was better. I love the anime don’t get me wrong. I’ve rewatched it many times. But it cut out so much from the manga. So as an anime, watch it first before reading the manga, then go back and nitpick. If you do it the other way around you may be more disappointed.

Soul Eater

Death City is home to the famous Death Weapon Meister Academy, a technical academy headed by the Shinigami—Lord Death himself. Its mission: to raise "Death Scythes" for the Shinigami to wield against the many evils of their fantastical world. These Death Scythes, however, are not made from physical weapons; rather, they are born from human hybrids who have the ability to transform their bodies into Demon Weapons, and only after they have consumed the souls of 99 evil beings and one witch's soul. This one is perfect for Halloween with it’s dark but funny themes. If you prefer the cutesier stuff like I do sometimes try Soul Eater NOT! The concept of soul-eating monsters and a school that teaches teens to fight and destroy them, A+ content. Plus some of those teens turn into actual weapons. Where is my sign up sheet? I would gladly take that over normal boring high school. Also add the grim reaper into the mix then give him a funny voice and disposition. Gold I tell ya.

Togainu no Chi

In the wake of a third world war that left Japan in ruins, an organization known as Vischio seized control of Tokyo and renamed it Toshima. Taking place in its back alleys are battle games known as Igura, overseen by the Vischio, in which contestants battle and bathe in each other's blood to earn the chance to go up against its tournament's king, Il-re.

This one is for all my lovely fujoshi/fudanshi peoples. It’s a dark anime and based off a rated M, BL Otome. Sinners welcome.

Tokyo Ghoul

Tokyo has become a cruel and merciless city—a place where vicious creatures called “ghouls” exist alongside humans. The citizens of this once great metropolis live in constant fear of these bloodthirsty savages and their thirst for human flesh. However, the greatest threat these ghouls pose is their dangerous ability to masquerade as humans and blend in with society.

This one is mainstream for a reason. It’s a good story, anime or manga. Mainly manga. Anyway, I haven’t seen Re yet, but I’ve heard it’s sheit. Still gonna watch it though cause why the hell not.

Uragiri wa Boku no Namae wo Shitteiru

Growing up as an orphan, Yuki Sakurai questions his reason for living and the ability to see a person's painful memory by simply touching them. After receiving anonymous notes telling him to die, Yuki is unable to shake off the nagging feeling forming inside of him. Unbeknownst to him, he is being watched, both by people who want to harm him and those who want to protect him.

Reincarnation from a girl to a boy and the girl had a hot lover that is now with her male reincarnation. And the lover is a vampire. Man, that’s confusing but the story is good. I have yet to read the manga. The anime was great from what I can remember, so give it a shot. It’s another BL anime, so proceed with caution.

Vampire Knight

Cross Academy is an elite boarding school with two separate, isolated classes: the Day Class and the Night Class. On the surface, Yuuki Cross and Zero Kiryuu are prefects of the academy and attempt to keep order between the students as classes rotate in the evenings. As the Night Class is full of utterly gorgeous elites, this can sometimes prove to be a bit difficult. It is completely necessary, however, as those "elites" are actually vampires. Yuuki and Zero act as guardians, protecting the secrets of the Night Class and the safety of their ignorant morning counterparts.

If twilight was an anime, but Bella and Edward were siblings and Jacob was another vampire. This is not a great anime but let's face it, some of us watched it as preteens, enjoyed it, and were head over heels for Zero and/or Kaname. It’s a trash anime, but great for those who are 21 and over. Do I hear drinking games, anyone?

All synopsis came from My Anime List (where the links take you). Also, I’m sorry it’s a lot to read, I just didn’t want to cut them down. Feel free to add what you think should have been on here, or what you think is a Halloween favorite on reposts. Comments are welcome and have a happy spooky season!

#anime #ancient magnus bride #another #ao no exorcist #blue exorcist #black butler #kuroshitsuji #blood-c #blood lad #bloodivores #d.gray-man #d.grayman hallow #dance with devils #diabolik lovers #diabolik lovers more blood #death note #Little witch academia #makai ouji #miira no kaikata #mirai nikki #owari no seraph #seraph of the end #pandora hearts #phantom in the twilight #rosario vampire #servamp #soul eater #togainu no chi #tokyo ghoul #Tokyo ghoul:re

[surveys-at-your-service]

Survey #215

i’m not dead yet, just not into surveys very much lately.

What is your favorite dinosaur? Spinosaurus. <3 Would you rather live with wolves or tigers? Hypothetically, if I wouldn't be harmed, wolves. I love social species. Have you ever forgotten what a certain kind of pain felt like? Getting my nose re-pierced like fuck man. What do you remember the most about your childhood? I think the strongest memory is my parents not getting along. Or the stories I made playing with my favorite toys. Would you rather have a pet dinosaur or have mythical creatures be real? Have mythical creatures exist. I want a tame, little dragon. Do you have a favorite toy from childhood still? Astonishingly, no. I was incredibly surprised to find out I got rid of them at some point when I wanted to add the crocodile to my room as a cute decoration and memory. What are your thoughts on the end of the world? *shrug* Not like we can do anything about it, unless you count our own carelessness as a selfish species, but that won't actually end the "world," just mankind. Which sports do you enjoy watching? Dance. Would you ever have a breed of dog that is considered aggressive? I don't want another dog, but hypothetically, yes, because no species is inherently mean. It all depends on how the owner raises it. Have you ever made bread? No. Would your childhood self be disappointed? FUCK YES SHE WOULD BE. God, the thought is depressing. Has anything ever fallen asleep on you? Animals and my niece. Would you like to live in a realm where the zombie apocalypse is possible? Is it too far into imagination to say it's possible in the one we're already in? You have zombie viruses in things like bugs, so in time, something developing that can affect humans isn't out of the question. But anyway, anyone who answers "yes" to this, as in they'd like it, are full of shit. Most of us would die in a heartbeat. You'd witness others that you love die. Every day you question if you'll see the next. The zombie apocalypse has been so romanticized in many forms of media, but please, tell me you'll still be having fun when you watch your mother be eaten or some shit. Have you ever gotten into an accident with you parents’ car? No. What’s the wallpaper on your computer? A meerkat pup looking close up to the camera. What was the most difficult decision you’ve ever had to make? Deciding Jason couldn't be my entire world anymore and I had to let go. Name a band/artist you like that isn’t that popular. There's a YouTube artist named Jonathan Young that I MARVEL over the fact he's not signed with someone. My mom didn't even believe he wasn't professional the first time I played some songs in the car. Can you lift your significant other (your best friend if you’re single)? I'm certain I could. What is the first vehicle you recall your parents/guardians owning? A greenish-blue van. What was the most rebellious thing you’ve ever done? I don't know. I'm not really that rebellious. Pick one: Laundry, Dishes, or Vacuuming? I actually don't mind vacuuming. Have you ever moved and had to change schools growing up? No. Name the most meaningful thing a non-relative has done for you. When my former best friend let me live with her while we were homeless. Memories like that sometimes make me question my decision to cut her off permanently... though I remind myself the bad outweighed the good and our relationship was just never going to be stable. The highway and back roads take you to the same place; Choose your route. Depends on what's quicker to save gas. Are you more likely to give up or persist when you’re having trouble? It depends on the situation. Tbh I think I give up more often. Do you resemble one parent more than the other? I don't think so. Your best friend needs a kidney to survive; Do you give them one of yours? That's my girlfriend. So duh. Name a big life event that has taken place for you within the last 2 years. I physically met Sara. Do you end up regretting things you say often? I don't know about often. Name one thing you look forward to as you get older. Hopefully being financially stable. Do you use your hands when you talk to emphasize what you are saying? Yeah. You own a huge business; what is it? I can't even imagine myself owning a "huge" business. Are you afraid to ask for help when you know that you need it? Sometimes. Depends on who I'm asking. Name somebody you think died before their time. A LOT OF PEOPLE. I think above all of my options, Steve Irwin. Fucking saint, teacher, and pilot of conservation and loving our fellow animals. Name the possession you’ve had the longest. I have a lot of infancy stuffed animals up in the attic. You’re writing a novel; Is it horror, mystery, romance, etc.? Fantasy. Would you consider yourself an interesting person in general? I guess. I know I'm at least different. Have you ever gotten in trouble for running up your phone bill? No. When is the next time you’ll change your hairstyle? Will you color it? I don't plan on changing the style any time soon. Hopefully at some point soon I can get to the damn hair salon and get it dyed lilac, though. But it'll be expensive for a pro to do it (I'm very much so done with anyone less trying to do so, as it always fails), so that's something I don't think will come soon. It's not high on my priorities. Who was the last person to see you cry? Is this person special? I'm sure it was my mom. Probably. Of course she is. What season would you like the world to experience year-round? Autumn. When was the last time you took a picture of something? Was it yourself? Lmao it was of something funny on Facebook that I texted to Sara a few days ago. Are you currently drifting away from anyone? Who is it? No. Would you say you are really close to the members of your family? Most, no. I barely see anyone outside my immediate fam. Is there anyone who lives in the same house as you, that you can’t stand? The stupid dog. Do you remember the first conversation you had with the person you have feelings for? No, but it was likely RP-related. Think of the last person you kissed, when was the first time you talked to them on the phone? She knows I hate talking over the phone, so we use Skype to talk. I think the first time I called her via phone though was when I was having an emotional breakdown. What does your phone do when you get a new message? It makes the sound from Spyro when you pick up gems if it's not on vibrate, and when the screen goes black, a green light blinks. Do you automatically check your phone when you wake up? Yes, for the time. Who was the last person you were in a car with? Mom. Do you party too much? I never did. Who were you last on the phone with? I answered a number I didn't recognize, and it wound up being some bullshit about my car warranty or something when I don't even have a car. I just hung up the moment I knew what it was. Last movie you watched? The Lion King live action remake. Incredible. If you had to get a piercing (not ears), what would you get? Fuck, I want collarbone dermals so badly. Do you like holding hands? With Sara. Have you ever seen the last person you texted naked? Yes. What are you listening to? "Third Day of a Seven Day Binge" by Manson is on rn. Do your parents allow you to date? I'm 23. They never really restricted me from it. Then again, I started dating in the 7th grade, so I was older than most first couples. Have you ever had a serious conversation with your dad? Yes. Would you rather have long or short hair? I could not be happier than I have short hair now. It's so much easier to manage, and it really did me well chopping it all off considering my bad self-care episodes. I recommend it soooo much to anyone struggling with that. Do you want to have children? Big No. Do you think you’ll have the same boyfriend/girlfriend a year from now? Realistically, yes. How old were you when you stopped sleeping with a nightlight? I don't know. What topic did you write your last essay about? This awful book "Masters of Doom" or whatever I had to read in game design in college, I think. Whose car did you ride in last other than yours? Dad's. What was the last clothing article you purchased? Some pants. Who was the last person that made you cry [accidentally or on purpose]? Probably myself. Is there construction going on in/near your neighborhood? No. Who did you go/plan on going with to prom? I went to Jason's senior prom and he came to mine. What language[s] did you study in school? Latin for one awful semester, then German for four. I miss German, honestly. Have you ever been to a debate and speech tournament? Hell no, that sounds so boring. Choose two dead celebs who could be your biological parents - explain why? Steve Irwin for my incredible love of animals and uh... I'm not sure about a mom? I thought about this for like two minutes and really don't know lmao. If you were living in the past, which job that doesn’t exist anymore would you like to have? No idea. Which animal are you afraid of? Most afraid of, probably some spiders, like huntsmen spiders. I'm afraid of most spiders in general (if they're near me or in my house, anyway), I cannot stand maggots and larvae of that sort, and whale sharks freak me out. AND WASPS. FUCK WASPS. How would your wedding bouquet look like? *shrugs* It would probably depend on the wedding theme. What kind of game would you like to play that doesn’t exist yet? I can't even swallow how unbelievable Shadow of the Colossus would be in VR. What is one thing you would never ever eat? Escargot. Is there a music video that you would like to see turned into a movie or a TV show? Which one? *shrugs* Which character in your favorite movie do you hate the most? It's impossible to hate any from TLK. How do you think the world will end? A meteor striking, or a deadly volcano going boom. Either way, it's gonna be smoke shrouding the sun. Do you own anything clown related? No. If you were a celebrity - which celebs you would befriend? Y'all done know one, but I think the celeb I would connect to most and most easily befriend would be Shane Dawson. He is such a goddamn sweetheart, chill as fuck, and #relatable. There's really a lot... All YT-related lmao. Except Bindi Irwin. Damn, would I love to meet her. If you were going to make a horror movie that you would be scared of yourself, what would it be about/how would it look like? I can't handle those movies about women being raped and impregnated by a demon and shit. I can't. Fuck The Rite. If you could take a pill that would cure something in you that isn’t an illness - what would you be cured off? How ungodly shy and awkward I am. Ew. Do you like Rihanna? I don't know most of her music, but I don't enjoy most pop, so. Have you ever experienced hydroplaning? Not severely, anyway, and not while I was driving. What’s your opinion on the legalization of weed? Legalize it medicinally. What’s your current favorite song? Man idk. Have you ever hit a girl? I hit my sister once as a kid. What was your New Year's resolution? I don't make them. Do you find Eminem attractive? Not particularly. Are you wearing nail polish? I never do. Have you ever been/considered being vegetarian? I was for a couple months and definitely plan on going back to it once I get to the weight I want... if that ever fucking happens. What’s the last concert you went to? Alice Cooper. Do you own a cat? Yes. :') He's my best buddy. Do you like cats? I love cats. Do you like watching music videos? No. How are your grades? I'm not back in school yet. But SOON. Do you listen to Aerosmith? YO "Love In An Elevator" just finished on my iTunes. I love them. Have you climbed a tree in the past month? I never have. Were you ugly in middle school? Jfc save that child. What’s your type? CHARISMATIC. Stand out, man, and be proud of it. Having a smart head isimportant, too. Having a loving heart. Have a good sense of humor. Don't judge. Do you sleep with one of those mask things on your face? No. Have you ever straightened your hair? Yes. What kind of calculator do you use? The one on my phone or laptop. Have you ever seriously tried to count the stars? Lol no. Did you see the lunar eclipse? I'm guessing you're talking about the biggie from early this year? Yes. It was incredible. Do you have a bank account? No. Did you go on vacation last summer? What's a "vacation?" Where to? N/A Have you ever been in a choir? At church as a kid as well as elementary school. Are you happy with your looks? No. Have you ever gone streaking? You couldn't have paid me to do so even when I was in great shape. Are any of your siblings married? Yes. Were you in the wedding party? Yes. Have you ever seen a ghost? I've sure as hell seen something. Do you even believe in ghosts? I absolutely do. Have you ever had an eating disorder? Thank God no. What big corporation(s) do you support, particularly because you like what they stand for (many vegan items, donate large amount of money to charities, pay their workers a living wage, etc)? I'm really not educated on the morals behind most businesses. Oh, I do know Jeffree Star's products are entirely vegan and cruelty-free though, so his company definitely is one. If you wear foundation or have in the past, what type of applicator do you use (beauty sponge, foundation brush, fingers, etc)? Is there a type of applicator that doesn’t work for you? I've always just used my hands because we don't have anything else for foundation, I think. For those of you that do listen/watch ASMR videos, what are your favorite “triggers”? If you don’t watch ASMR, what are your thoughts on the whole phenomenon that seemed to happen the past couple years over it? I don't listen to it, but I don't care if others do. It doesn't do anything for me. I personally find the talking ones super uncomfortable, but if someone likes that, whatever. Are there any true crime cases that bother you immensely because of the story or verdict of the court case (ex. OJ Simpson)? I know there're some I've seen on Facebook and such. Do you use store loyalty programs? If you don’t use them, what is your reasoning behind that? What store loyalty programs do you feel offer the best incentives, regardless if you aren’t a member of them? I think I am for Hot Topic? I know I have a card for there. I think Sam's Club is a great place to have membership; that place has some damn deals. Mom used to be one, as well as an employee, and that shit was great. When it comes to skincare, what product could you not go without over the other ones? Where are you most likely to shop for your skincare needs? I could go without any, save of course for a wet washcloth. If I get something for skincare, it's just gonna be at Wal-Mart. Regardless if you aren’t someone who hoards or keeps stuff for a long time, what is one (type of) item that you have a hard time getting rid of? STUFFED ANIMALS. FUCKING CHRIST. If you eat meat, what is at least one vegan item (not necessarily a banana) that you like or would like trying (such as trying a soy ham substitute)? If you don’t eat meat, what is one meat item that you like and understand why people eat it? I have no idea. Being vegan just sounds... gah. I couldn't imagine. Major respect for vegans, man. What is a food that is always better homemade? How about a food that is always better at a restaurant? I don't know about the homemade one. Maybe like... cobblers? Meanwhile, steaks tend to be better at restaurants, I've found. If you watched teen dramas growing up (such as 90210 or One Tree Hill), which one was your favorite or you liked the best? If you watched family sitcoms growing up (such as Full House or The Fresh Prince), which one was your favorite or liked the best? I'm not sure if I watched teen dramas. For family sitcoms, ummm... I loooooooooooved/still love The Nanny. I like the two mentioned as well. What is a tradition either within your country or family that you feel is not needed or could in fact even be bad (ex. using paper plates for every party, eating hot dogs every weekend during the summer, etc)? Getting drunk as a motherfucker on New Year's Eve. Is there something you said you wouldn’t do, but in the end you did it? Yeah, a few things. Are you originally an American, or are you some other kind of nationality? I'm just American, save for like, if ancestry is involved. Then I originate from Europe. Do you sometimes pretend to do things you don't know how to do? No? What was the last compliment you remember someone gave to you? Who was it? Hm, I don't know. Have you ever had one of those pregnancy scares? When did this take place? Two completely unrealistic ones in high school. Are you someone who puts ranch dressing on everything you eat? No. Have you ever personally been friends with a stripper or prostitute? Not to my knowledge. What, to you, is the best way a guy can smell? Give examples? I personally like gentle colognes. How many times a day, on average, do you think critically about something? Twice or so. Are you someone who speaks their mind, or do you hold it all in? It depends. Where do you work at this moment in time? Does this place have insurance? I don't currently work bc I can't be a functioning adult in a work environment without collapsing into panic attacks. :^) If you have tattoos, which one that you have was the most painful? The inside of my forearm. Are you currently in the process of ‘bettering’ yourself as a person? I'm trying to grow more independent. What is something you tend to not be able to stand in the least bit at all? Anti-LGBT bullshit. OH BOY, or anti-vax insanity. Do not even interact with me if you're a "vaccines cause autism" imbecile. Does it make you angry when people complain an excessive amount around you? If it's over stupid shit or an issue you brought about yourself, then yes. At what age did you actually hit puberty? Was it hard for you to handle? I don't remember, and yes, it was. I remember crying outside the day I got my first period because I realized I wasn't a kid anymore. Are you considered a graceful person or are you more clumsy? I'm the clumsiest fuck you'll meet in your entire life. Have you ever sucked in helium? Did your voice change at all? No. Do you know any girls who have an overly manly voice and features? Girls can't be "overly manly," just as men can't be "overly feminine." Do you play any sports? If so, did you meet new friends that way? I did, and yes. Do people ever make fun of you for something you really can't help? No. Do you have any pets who will bite anyone else out there, besides you? No. Have you ever tried chocolate chip waffles? Are they now your favorite? Yes; no. What company are you signed up for car insurance, if any at all? N/A Are you someone who really likes to cook? What’s your favorite meal? No. Are you the candle lighting type? I prefer incense. Is your ex sexually attractive to you still? If he looks anything like he did, yeah. But I haven't even seen a picture of him in forever. Coffee in the morning, yay or nay? Don't like coffee. Do you ever drink your coffee black? N/A Body waxing, yay or nay? Ow, I would never do it. Honeymoon, where? I'd love the pink beaches of the Bahamas... but fuck Bermuda's Triangle, my conspiracy theory ass ain't going near that shit lmao. The black beach in I think... Scotland or whatever will do. Anal sex, yay or nay? Never tried, never will. The concept just really grosses me out. Has anyone ever written on you? Probably. Have you ever dated a fat person? I'd prefer the term "overweight," but w/e, once or twice depending on if you count one relationship as "dating." How many foreign friends do you have? In which countries do they live? Quite a few, having been on the Internet so long... I've got some in Europe and one in Australia. How long have you known the oldest friend you have? "Old" as in who I've had the longest? Since I was ten, I think. If you include my "real" friends. What’s the most interesting story you’ve never told anybody? Good question. When’s the last time you went to a bookstore? What did you buy? Last year when we were threatened by a really bad hurricane. I got The Fault In Our Stars and only read like... ten pages lmao. It wasn't because the book was bad, I just don't read anymore. What’s the most complicated meal you’ve cooked? Hunty I can't cook. I've cooked scrambled eggs and spaghetti like once lmao. What is truly attractive to you? Wisdom, for one. Have you ever come up with your own game? As a kid, yeah. What is something you value a lot in your life? The fact I have my mom in my life hit me first. I. Don't know where the fuck I'd be in life right now if my mom wasn't here with me. Whose hand did you hold last? Sara's. What was the last thing you planted? Oh boy, I have no idea. Oh wait, years ago I grew habaneros only to find out non-pickled ones are fucking gross. What or who was the last thing you gossiped about? I have no clue. I don't really do that. Did anything exciting happen just before you went to sleep last night? Well, my cat literally peed on Mom. That was "exciting." When’s the last time you helped a senior citizen somehow? I don't know. What’s the most selfless act you have done? Man, a lot of "I don't know" in this one. You see a spider web in the corner of your room. What do you do? I'm finding that guy or moving. Have you ever intentionally fed a house spider? No. How do you like your favorite beverage? Cold. What’s your big family secret? We don't have one. Do you answer the phones at your work? I don't have a job. Have you ever given up on someone and then went back to them? Many, many times with my former best friend. Did you wake up in the middle of the night last night? I do every single night, and it sucks ass. What shows do you watch? None. Have you ever broken someone’s heart? I don't know. Has anyone ever told you that you have pretty eyes? Yeah. When’s the last time you had a headache? I think I had a mild one a few days ago? I don't remember. My days are sooo blurred together. Do you know anyone who has been arrested? Yes. Think back to the last person you kissed, how many times have you laughed with them? A whole lot. Have you ever suspected anyone of cheating of on you? Yeah, because of his ex and a believable lie. It was ultimately a good thing that that was what immediately turned me away though, as I don't want to imagine how a long-term relationship with him would've gone, honestly. Who was the last person you kissed? Sara. Do you still talk to the person who hurt you the most in life? No. Who’s the last person you sent a friend request to? I've no clue. I don't really send requests because I don't know more friends on there. Is anyone in your family a criminal? Not by blood. Who was the last person you told to shut up? I don't recall; I don't tell people to shut up, generally. I haven't had a confrontation in a long time, besides the occasional arguments with my mom, and I wouldn't tell her to shut up. What was the last thing you lied to your mother about? I don't remember. Have you ever been in an abusive relationship? No. Name a song that reminds you of a past relationship: I could name 50 that remind me of Jason and myself if I cared enough to. Do you think anyone hates you? One person probably does, at least. What do you think your last ex would say about you? I don't know, but probably something nice. He's my closest friend irl. Do you still talk to the first person you fell in love with? No. Do you still want the last person that hurt you to have a happy life? Yeah. Have you ever had a crush on any of your teachers? No. I, along with like every girl in class, found a former band teacher attractive, but I definitely didn't have an actual crush on the dude. Thank God considering he was eventually fired for relations with a student. Why did your last relationship end? I learned I didn't like him romantically, and also because I discovered I liked Sara instead. How long did it take you to get over your last heartbreak? A year and a half. And that's just when I started moving on. Do you know anyone that looks up to you? I doubt it. Which one of your friends is always serious? I don't think any qualify for that. Are there any people in your life that you wish you never met? Yeah. Do people think you’re a bad person? Probably someone. Do they also think that you’re a slut? I don't see how a single person could think that. Are you with the last person you kissed? Yes. Have you ever been punched? No. How many people do you know that have been to jail? Multiple. Three off the very top of my head. Do you know anyone that sells drugs? I don't think so? Do you know anyone that does drugs? Yes. Do you care about what’s happening in other countries? Well yeah. I care about the world being a good, safe place. Do you think you have a pretty good reputation? I guess, at least as far as being a decent person goes. Meanwhile, I'm sure my rep as being a proper adult and such is shit. Where do you see yourself in 25 years? I don't want to think of that. You’re at a bar, you witness a man drugging some girls drink. What do you do? I'm not even REMOTELY kidding, I'm knocking the fucker OUT, calling the cops, and of course telling the girl. Fuck that guy getting out of that without a black eye. Who is more attractive, someone who is edgy or preppy? I could never, ever be attracted to a preppy person, so guess. I wouldn't want an excessively edgy person either, but I'm NOT into the preppy jazz. Short term dating, or long relationship? I've always been about long-term relationships. Kids? How many? Why? Names? Boy or girl? *Bugs Bunny "no" meme* Ever play that game MASHO?? "I’ve played MASH. I don’t know if MASHO is similar or something different entirely." <<< Same. A sad child, skinny and underfed, approaches you. What do you do? Obviously ask them what's up if they approach me, and from there, it would depend on what they tell me. I'd most likely call the cops first about a child like that because I wouldn't know the appropriate place to actually call; if the kid is underfed to an obvious degree, odds are I shouldn't find their parents first. I'd think it wiser to get some kind of officer to do so and determine if that child should even be with those people for their own good. What happens after death? I hope some kind of peace, but who really knows. Would you cheat on your BF/GF if you knew they would never know? No??????? Because I would know?????????????? And I have a conscience???????????????????????? Do you think there will ever be peace on earth? Why or why not? No. People as a whole can't get along and too many find violence to be the ultimate solution to big problems. Favorite childhood story growing up? I remember I particularly liked Stellaluna because of the drawings, and I enjoyed the actual story of Chrysanthemum. Worst way to die? Why? Some form of slow torture, I'm sure. Because if you've gotta die, make it quick. And humane. What were you in school? Jock, nerd, prep etc… I was recognized as an emo/metalhead thing. Did you ever eat playdoh at a child? I don't think so. Your dreams tend to be? As of the late, violent, at least those that I remember... I wake up attacking the air a lot. Describe your aesthetic? A quiet pastel bunny and a furious but awkward gothic demon are aggressively fucking 24/7 while trying to decide who's top and who's bottom. Do you believe in the afterlife? I believe in something. What book have you re-read so many times that the cover is completely worn? None. Are you a morning person or a night person? I'm in a brighter mood in the morning. Who do you most admire? There're multiple people I look up to for different things. But as for most, yeah, probably Mark. What is your favorite thrift/antique shop find? I love this shipwreck lamp that I have. What is the most incredible place in nature you’ve visited? The mountains. What is your greatest achievement? Still being alive lmao. Is something expensive better than something made with love? Almost never. What do you think of stealing? Uh, don't do it??????? If you could be told when you were going to die, would you want to know? NO. What would you do in case of the zombie apocalypse? Die very early on lmao. Okay but realistically, I'd want to climb somewhere. I'm going to assume a zombie can't figure out ladders 'n shit. What have you learned from pain? You yourself play a big part in making things better. Are you more worried about doing things right or doing the right thing? Doing the right thing. What’s something you know you do differently than most people? Eat biscuits like a fucking caveman by separating parts and eating each individually lol. Would you ever adopt a child? If I actually wanted a kid, yeah. If you could make anything glow in the dark, what would it be? *shrugs* Could you ever picture someone writing a biography about you? Hell no, my life's uneventful as could be.

#survey #quiz #questions #random #bored

[michalwu]

Best of 2018 in TV

Another year passed and again I watched a lot of good quality tv. I think that although again it was very hard to choose my top 10 this year was a little bit less intense than previous. Still I had to do a short list of places 20-11 because I couldn’t resist not to mention a few more productions. That said remember I’m not a critic. I watch thinks I like not because I have to and this list is totally subjective though I tried to be fair. I watched over 50 series from 2018 and that’s the results:

20-11 (in random order)

The Affair (season 4), Atlanta (season 2), Homecoming, ACS: The Assassination of Gianni Versace, Killing Eve, One Day at the Time (season 2), Lemony Snicket's A Series of Unfortunate Events, Maniac (season 2), Legion (season 2), AHS: Apocalypse.

10. Anne with and E (season 2)

I never was a huge fan of the book as a kid but I read it as mandatory lecture in primary school. But I am a huge fan of this series. Beautiful placement of the plot plus very talented young cast with leading Amybeth. The best part of the story for me always was the dynamics of Anna's relationship with her adopted parents.

9. Patrick Melrose

What an absolutely outstanding trio of actors: Benedict Cumberbatch, Hugo Weaving and Jennifer Jason Leigh. Plus another young talent this year Seabstian Maltz who as a young Patrick is giving one of the most dramatic performence of the year. Creators did justice to the novel.

8. The Deuce (season 2)

This was one of the most enjoyable series this year. I love the period it shows and since the first season I started to develop a sympathy for all those characters especially for Candy. Too bad the series seems to be forgotten this year by critics. In my opion it came back in a lot better shape than last year. It’s funnier, it’s faster and the whole fuss around making porno adaptation of Red Riding Hood is just captivating.

7. Sharp Objects

Another great limited series and another proof of my love to the craftsmanship of brilliant Jean-Marc Vallée. The story from book was kinda predictable and tacky. But thanks to the director who is an expert of showing emotions and dilemmas from the past plus the cast of three great actresses made it into phenomenal work. I am really looking forward to see more projects from cooperation of Mr. Vallee and HBO because so far it brings only true treasures.

6. Barry

I was always a fan of Bill Harder on SNL and his (usually) small roles in comedies. So then I found out that he’s making his own show I kept my fingers crossed for the success. And the results are better than expected. Barry is a great combination of drama and comedy. It sound like things we see lately very often but Barry is the best mix of two this year (not to mention animated series). Why? Because drama is real (he’s a seriall killer with many very hard moral choices to make) and the comedy provided (mostly) by Henry Winkler is just a poor gold. Well done.

5. The Haunting of  Hill House

I’m not a big horror enthusiast but I do have a soft spot for those stories in classical form. And what’s more classic than beautiful, old, and huge haunted house. I fell in love with this series and it’s so much better than the previous movies. This one is actually very far from the original story written by Shirley Jackson but it capture the atmosphere the best. Separation of episode focusing on different from five siblings was a great idea. From non-believer to the most affected of the kids the story became more and more intense and scary. I honestly was scared almost the whole time. Still I tried to play with creators and watch for all  the hidden ghosts in the background. The secret of Bent Neck Lady was haunting me for a while and even after finishing the series it all stayed with me in my mind. This was my favorite new series of the year. I’d love to see it again in other form, maybe as anthology like AHS. With this cast yes please!

4. GLOW (season 2)

It’s so nice today that we can get such a smahing tv show this such a huge female cast. I love this series and those Gorgeous Ladies Of Wrestling since season 1. I always enjoy it when show or movie takes me to another peroid of time and GLOW blend us into into that reality of 80 like nothing else. We had so many exctiting things this season with Debbie becoming single mother after divorce, Sam Silvia trying himself as a father and the whole team becoiming more and more like a crazy family (recording of intro in the mall was amazing). In real life I’m not really intrested in wrestling (like at all) and though it probably differs a lot than reality I loved those duels bethween characters. Episode Mother of All Matches is one of the best in 2018.

3. BoJack Horseman (season 5)

Oh how I love this show and this character. And before anyone judge me I don’t love BoJack for being a walking disaster and misery. I love this character and many other on the show for the incredibly smart writing. He is a alcoholic, narcissus and washed-out tv star and that who he is. Just like Priness Caroline is an ambitious woman who will give up many things for career even if she know it won’t give her happines in the end. But that’s the greatest thing about this show and creators that they won’t change those characters and put them in unexpected positions just to get the wow factor from the viewers. They still find  a way to present those persons in fresh and captivating way but making it “in” the nature of the character. And that’s the fift season so congrats! And still we can count on them to give us some real gems like episode Free Churro which is a masterpiece of writing. The thing is this season of BoJack doesn’t stand out in specific way from other but it gives us the thing it always did and never disappoints - crazy rollercoaster ride.

2. Mozart in the Jungle (season 4)

When I said at the beginning that this list is totally subjective I meant it inter alia because of this series. Mozart IS my favorite tv series. I don’t know if the best but it always gave me the most joy when watching it adn that’s a pretty good determinant. Unfortunately I will have to start saying it WAS my favorite because Amazon cancelled series after this season. I’m still mad and disappointed because GoT is about to end so all platforms grab the money to invest in “next huge thing” (in case of Amazon it’s new Lord of the Ring..yeah we need it). But don’t get me wrong. I didn’t put Mozart this high because I’m mad and or to mark someone’s mistake. I just really loved this season. Placing the plot in Japan was bull’s-eye move. Rodrigo De Souza (favorite tv character next to Leslie Knope) as a boyfriend of Hailey was hilarious, a much as observing her way to become succesfull and independent artist. The scene when she debuts as conductor with piece “Hi” is maybe my favorite moment in whole season. Even stronger is her performence at the finale. Although I rooted for Hailey and Rodrigo as a couple I’m glad that creators didn’t go into cliche with their relationship. Another strong scene is the on at traditional tea ceremony. Of course as always the whole season was very firm from the music side (this series helped me to discover a little piece of classical music and I’m grateful for that). I will really miss this series. I think it could easily do another season especially now when creators decided to end this season in such an interesting place. Too bad...

1. The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel (season 2)

There’s nothing to explain... but I will ;) I compared all the series with each other and in my opinion there was nothing better that Mrs. Maisel this year. I enjoyed it last year but I didn’t even expected how much delight will it be to have it back. Visually it is the most beautiful thing in tv right now. And the writing as always is case of Amy Sherman-Palladino is just excellent. Those characters are so fast and wit it’s just a pleasure to observe them interact and discuss with much to many words and refrences than any normal person would use. And those actors really take it like a champs. All episodes in Paris was nice but it was nothing compre to Catskill where it felt like watching dirty dancing but with much better and more interesting story. I love the way Palladino direct her characters. How they develop especially Midge, her friendship with Susie and her realisation that stand-up comedy is not only the thing she want to do but it is something she will do for the rest of her life. Every time she stands in front of audience, camera or father himself she proves to be nailer and we as audience live for those moments! I really enjoyed see her parents in Paris as we could discover totally different side of them both and also new romance of Midge. But my favorite sequence of the season was Midge watching Lenny Bruce (Luke Kirby is so on point with this role) in last episode and realising it all (inconspicuous scene but made me waste a few tears). At the end I will add that I love the attitude towards the children presented in this series...irrational like many other things.

*******

Suming up in my list dominant are HBO and Netflix productions but in the end two first places go to Amazon.

Comapring with previous year there is no sign of Legion in top 10. Well season 2 was good, sometimes even great but not enough to get into the top. Beside there’s less new series on the list (seven in 2017, four this year) but we had some amazing comebacks.

I don’t have huge disappointments this year, maybe just a few. 1) Romanoffs were boring as hell and I really counted on Weiner. 2) Cancelling of many good series like Mozart in the Jungle or Daredevil. 3) Riverdale became so absurd that it beats and law of logic. I mean why it gotta be so intense?

#top10 #2018 #year summary #tv series #hbo #netflix #Amazon #marvelous mrs maisel #mozart in the jungle #Bojack Horseman #glow #the haunting of hill house #barry #sharp objects #the deuce #patrick melrose #anne with an e #best of 2018

[thetypedwriter]

Ready Player One Book Review

Ready Player One Book  Review by Ernest Cline

Ready Player One is never a book I would have bought for myself. For one, its adult fiction, which is just, well, gross and boring, and two it didn’t seem like my type of thing. I like romance and fantasy and witches and fairies, not…the eighties as an era and virtual realities.

However, when you are an English major in college and currently an English teacher by day, people get you books for Christmas. It is a thing ™. So my good-natured neighbor, who also makes the most delicious banana bread, got me Ready Player One by Ernest Cline. Not going to lie, the cover looked lame and I had never heard of it and I stashed it away in the books-we-don’t-speak-of pile for almost a year until I picked it up and read it because frankly I didn’t have anything else to read and I figured it would be a waste to you know, throw it away or donate it.

So here we are. Almost a full year and a half after I first received it and after I’ve finally read it (and watched the terrible movie). I’ll try to keep this short and simple. The book was better than I thought it would be. It wasn’t too hard for me to vibe with the characters since when the novel starts, the main character, Wade Watts, is a senior in high school and not too far from the main characters that I tend to stray towards in YA. 

So, Wade Watts is a typical literature orphan who lives with his horribly negligent aunt and his whole life’s purpose and happiness derives from a virtual reality simulation called The Oasis. People’s lives inside the Oasis have become just as much real and valuable as people’s lives outside the Oasis and because the world is such a poverty-stricken, pollution ridden hell hole, people tend to spend more of their time stuck inside a virtual reality to escape from their actual reality since it sucks the big hairy meatball.

This of course, presents the age-old questions since Plato posed it in his fable of “The Myth of the Cave.” Are your choices and your life real if it is inside a virtual reality? Are emotions? Your thoughts? Feelings? It’s an interesting conundrum and Cline doesn’t so much as answer it as he does play out his novel and let you decide for yourself whether it counts or doesn’t, although it becomes clear in the end what his stance is on this particular issue.

The plot of the novel revolves largely around a competition that is currently ongoing and thought to be impossible before our main boy Wade makes the first moves and solves the first riddle. The creator of the Oasis, James Halliday, hid a gargantuan sum of money inside the game called an “Easter egg” as well as the power to control the whole of the simulation for whoever was able to find his three doors and complete his quest.

Wade Watts has dedicated his whole life to this quest and along the way finds virtual love, loss of friends and foes, and countless dangerous situations inside and outside the simulation. While I enjoyed the plot and Wade was a tolerable main protagonist, what really fascinated me was the author’s knowledge of 80’s pop music, retro video games, television shows, and general pop culture. 

Littered throughout the book are countless allusions to shows in real life, movies, books, video games, manga, anime, and especially arcade games. I loved learning these little facts and tidbits and it made the reading experience very enjoyable when I knew they existed in the real world-in my world.

I often found myself researching some game mentioned or some movie just to give myself a more accurate depiction of what Wade and the others were going through. Overall, I largely enjoyed the book except for the ending. I found the ending pedantic, trite, and downright hackneyed. Nothing happened. He won the game and that was that.

 It felt very much like an April Fool’s joke but it wasn’t. Either I’ve become very systematic in how I view endings from YA that often conclude with a sardonic twist or a shocking revelation, but the ending to Ready Player One was just too…easy. It was boring. Not that it was bad it was just very predictable, which I found to be a huge letdown.

Recommendation: If you love the 80’s and are a giant nerd of video game history and how games have evolved over the centuries this book will be an absolute delight for you. I recommend only reading the book knowing the ending will not blow your socks off, but at least deliver on a anticipated note and never, ever watch the movie under any circumstances as it was the most wretched thing I’ve seen since M. Night Shyamalan’s

production of Avatar: The Last Airbender.

Score: 7/10

#ready player one #ernest cline #steven spielberg #book to movie #book blog #book review #book rec #m night shyamalan #wade watts

[bansheefunk]

Just watched: Littlest Pet Shop, A World of Our Own season 1, part 1

18 abr '18 Overall I don't know where to start I have so much to explain... So I like the previews show, not for the waifus nor the cute art direction but the cute animals "thinking they're people"  that was cute and that was enough for me. If we hold the new show next to the old one it's really obvious this one is meant for younger girls than the preview show, the preview show was lets say 6-8 this one is 4-6, it feels lighter and more tender, easier to assimilate, you know what I mean, it's one of those "you know when you see it", early on I felt disencouraged because of this, I'm a man who matches cartoons but I have a cutoff point when it comes at a very young audience but later on something clicked with me, most of the plot were very grounded dealing with how the characters relate to each other and their problems and I released that this show's plot is how little girls imagine being an adult is like, how adult go on their lives trying to coexist and enjoying things children's think adult like but still has a very childish feeling, a couple of episodes were build around social cue normal adults will be used to but here the character are oblivious to them, not dumb or immature just naive, I don't have a problem with that bit it just feels kind of alien. Basically that is what has charmed me so far, it's very childish view of adulthood and I feel I will enjoy the whole show. Beside that the art direction is quiet enjoyable. The intro and outro themes are fashionable, I dunno about the music from the previews show but this time they feel like pop hits from today. The mise en scene is amazing, the whole town looks so utopian but above all like a toy, it's whole city that looks like a very expensive kindergarten or baby nursery and that's so charming. the overall look of the show takes from the previews one's cartoon modern aesthetic and ads gradients and textures feeling like a natural evolution and giving a feeling that reminds me of a late 00's flash game, I love it.

Episode 1 This episode starts with a newcomer cat coming to the town, Roxie (The overly excited dog) strolls him around and this is a very easy way to introduce the audience to the whole thing but this newcomer cat disappear soon enough to give room for the real plot, Roxie has to house sit for a friend but she is befriend by a gang of thots that get her in trouble. This is an example of a plot that could work in a serious story adapted for children under the filter of "this is how children thinks adults are like" and it's kind of accurate. Also on the thot gang there is a snail and I can't wrap my head around that, snails aren't cute and this one tried really hard to be cute but I'm not buying it. Plus in other episodes we see lots of animals that are traditionally not seen as cute and cuddly, that is surprising but kind of strange for me.

Episode 2 Roxie is now living with Jade (Goth black cat, very grumpy), Roxie wants to be a good friend and do something nice for jade who is immune to kindness, Roxie gets lots of idea from different people but none clicks with Jade. this is an innocent story about friendship, a deeper conflict filtered for children, fanboys will see this as lesbian romance and it really gives that vibe. Also in the bar/club were the main cast hangs out the barman is a fish in a ball full of water, that's so strange but now I'm wondering why on TV shows the main cast always has a restaurant, bar, cafe or something similar were they hang out and are friends with the people there, that's so irreal.

Episode 3 The pets go to a fair/amusement park, Jade learns to be friendly to a random raccoon that isn't a pet irl but found his way to the town by being nice. There isn't much here, it was a nice adventure.

Episode 4 Everybody on the town has something stolen, Roxie and Jade team up to solve the mystery inspired by the crime shows Roxie's owners watch. This whole thing felt like a fairy tale, a strange problem has a very common solution I expect most episodes to be like this, I don't know how to describe the "this" but I want to be proven wrong.

25 abr '18

Episode 5 We have an episode with a musical contest, this strikes me as such a girly thing, still the conflict goes on how Quincy (The fainting goat) can't sing but at the end they find him a place I don't have much to say beside that Quincy was really cute and that mouse guy that joined the cast came out of nowhere. I'm disappoint that the song they sang for the contest was hip hop, it wasn't memorable.

Episode 6 Roxie wants a slumber party and invites the rest of the female cast, it would had been funny if she had invited the guys but at least we get petunia (The thot sheep) and a duck from Edie's (The campy parrot) acting class. Tumblr has taught me that girl sleep overs are actually kind of boring and never like we see on TV, still Roxie wants to have a slumber party like on the movies rushing from activity to activity until she falls asleep and misses the real fun. I've mentioned that what charmed me about this show is that this is how little girls imagine adult life is like, grown women do not have slumber parties, they're similar but not called like that... the point is that in this episode the female crew were little girls without parents telling them to keep the noise down, just what the target audience dreams of. Also Roxie got a bouncy castle on her house but Jade ruined, was the that thing a rental? Did Roxie bough it with future plans? Either way is disheartening.

1 may '18

Episode 7 The episode goes with Roxie collecting old toys for charity, grabbing an old toy from Jade that later on turns out that it was very special for jade setting Roxy in a painful quest for it. At the end Jade lets go of her toy clown stepping into maturity and she adds that now Roxie makes her feel loved like that clown did and that ramps up the lesbian subtext like if there was no tomorrow. This was a nice episode, we saw lots of characters and places across the city, hell we even saw Jade's toy being take by a little kitty who was going around with her mom, that makes the city feel lived in and I love that.

Episode 8 Town fastest rabbit hit up on Roxie and Bev on the gym and for some reason the prepare to race against him and enlist an athletic dog that Roxie finds hot (beware shippers) and in top of that Petula gets into it teaming up with the fast rabbit and making the main gang bet for humiliation after the defeat. Incredibly they lose, the commenter on the event even said that rabbits are supposed to be fast and his victory was no surprise, so the audience celebrates the gangs effort because of how novel it was. At the end that resolution was actually very surprising it's refreshing to see a message like that.

10 may '18, night

Episode 9 So this episode opens with the girls doing yoga at the park, the mere fact of such thing makes me stop in my tracks. Anywho, this is now a Bev centric episode, this came late but it was good, Bev meets with an old turtle friend to get a backstage on a popular talk show and turns out the host that Edie admired so much is a jerk, nothing special but this show keep proving me that this is how little girls see adult life because this episode could easily be a chick flick

Episode 10 So this is an episode of Trip (The hamster) and Quincy (The goat) being best bro and doing manly shit like going on adventures but at the end the main conflict is fixed by talking seriously to each other. The last LPS cartoon and this one had a pair of guys that were best bros, Sunil and Vinny and now Trip and Quincy, an episode of them being bros and going into adventures is the last thing I would had expected in a show aimed a little girls, in cartoons aimed at girls male characters some times will play very big roles but this episode goes far beyond that and I should not be surprised about that because brotherhood is a thing that fascinates women so this may be some little girl's first yaoi ship, that's kind of concerning.

17 may '18, past midnight

Episode 11 Bev gets the main gang an invitation to a party on a cruiser with a royal corgi, this set up could had come from romance novel so I'm not surprised it's here and thinking about this episode it feels like a parody of a romance novel, I have never read one but this is the kind of thing I would expect of one. This set up fall apart in the end and we're reminded that this is a show for little girls, no couple kiss, social norms get broken and this formal party turn into madness with the main theme playing over it at the end. I don't know what to say about this plot except that the female goat Quincy met was cute but I'm sure we won't see her again.

Episode 12 I have to be honest, my hearing failed me and most of the dialog flew over my head, the plot deals with Bev doing something risky and the other pets trying to save her but at the end turns out their efforts were in vain, Bev didn't risk her life. A thing that really got my attention is that the main gang meets a spider, I always try to imagine how these character will look on the more human side of the anthropomorphism scale, like most furry characters but in this show we see so many species that rarely get furry art some times I have a hard time imaging them beyond their present design, kudos to the toymakers and the people behind the cartoon for stepping out of the comfort zone of cutesy and cuddly animals. Also I've mentioned that the shows theme is so up to date and I was wondering what'll be like to watch this in 40-50 years...

24 may '18, evening

Episode 13 This episode gets kind of paradoxical, the pets feel they've become too soft and decide to go camping to reconnect with their animal part by going to camp but I'm beyond sure even in their normal homes they're quiet domestic, they never been to a forest so their concerns are mis aimed. They get in some trouble but fix it all with teamwork and this made me notice that this show maybe more 'action' packed than what I thought before, it's not just petty drama but the pets do get in adventures.

Episode 14 Roxie caught Jade falling on her back, very different from any other cat. Roxie is incredibly incompetent keeping her mouth shout and so ends up telling everyone while runs around to tell people to not tell anyone. I don't know what to say. I can't really find a comparison for how would this plot go done in a more serious tone, I know it is about gossip but the set up is still too far out.

31 may '18, night

Episode 15 So when a an episode is interesting I have something to tell beyond the episode's plot but now I have nothing to say beside recapping stuff I've said before in other reviews. Jade becomes a fashion icon after this world's equivalent of [I really want to insert a reference here but I don't know any significant fashion bloggers, I was going to say Perez Hilton but he posts gossip and not fashion so I don't know] and everything she wears becomes a fad, Jade as the grumpy goth she is hates all this attention while Edie gets jealous. This plot doesn't have a clear adult equivalent, perhaps there is one but I have yet to see it. I'm afraid that my argument that this show is how little girls imagine the adult world to be like is crumbling.

Episode 16 remember the Sponge Bob episode 'Squirrel Jokes'? This is like an inversion of it. Quincy becomes a comedian making imitations of his friends, Edie was just on a TV PSA and people is laughing at her character through Quincy's imitation, but Quincy learns fast enough and pull an Andy Kaufman making an imitation of himself. I'm fascinated by how this is the opposite of a plot another cartoon did, such thing must had happen before but nobody must have noticed it. Also Quincy and Edie share an intimate moment at the end that is a tremendous shipper bait.

6 jun '18, night

Episode 17 So the pets get in a cruise once again, Bev's relative who is captain appears again and that's kind of a neat detail, they remember that character exists but I feel he's only a device to justify the pets getting into a cruise. Either way the plot of this episode is that the new act for the cruise's entertainment, a hypnotists husky, hypnotizes the crew and herself by accident leaving the ship unprotected, Bev takes over, uses our main gang as crew and is a terrible captain. The hypnosis scene gave me a tremendous "This is somebody's fetish" moment but thankfully the whole episode wasn't build around it. I'm feeling my argument of "this is how little girls imagine adult life is like" holds no basis anymore, the pets are in a life of endless vacations and petty drama, this isn't a soap opera like I imagined it'll go.

Episode 18 The pets are going camping, why? Why do they take vacations? They don't work! They live this life of endless leisure! — I can't with this anymore, these pets are trust fund babies... They tell scary stories around the campfire and we get clips of them but they're done in the normal style of the show feeling like they have no contrast. One of the stories mentions a human, a dog catcher being like the boogieman of this world, that was interesting but beside that there isn't much to this episode.

13 jun '18, night

Episode 19 So Jade fell into this fad of crystals but is keeping it in secret. It's a strange set up, Jade does seem self aware enough to know she defying the expectations of the people around her and that's is why she's is so weary of Roxie and Edie, because they'll make a big deal out of her acting different and that's a type of attitude she doesn't like but in my mind I have the feeling that Jade will embrace the fad and tell Edie and Roxy to buzz off but at the end this set up showed us how austere and secretive Jade is, I'm left puzzled.

Episode 20 Trip becomes a meme, but it's more like a meme from 2006, it's just an embarrassing video of him like the Star Wars kid. The joke goes is that Trip is oblivious to the fact he just humiliated himself and he goes around proud enjoying his fame to the point he organized a live show. Trip is a strange character because he doesn't have a defined gimmick, all the other characters from the main gang have something but Trip always felt flat on that matter, I think that before the show started the promotional material pointed towards him being a ninja(?) or an action guy but that hasn't been played too much in the show and even if the show was set on that being Trip's gimmick then this episode was a little out of character. Trip should have something but this episode doesn't help him to grow and had a really cheesy ending.

23 jun '18, night

Episode 21 So Edie gets all over herself, this time she takes a character out of the stage into the real world, she thinks she's a real psychic now and goes to the park, sets a tent and start to give predictions to the people. This episode addresses the criticism that 'psychics' relay on making ambiguous predictions to sound accurated once something fits the prediction but they don't go too deep with that and instead we have Edie snapping out of it mostly by herself. I don't know what to think but I feel that flavor of "this is what little girls imagine adult life is like" has returned.

24 jun '18, past midnight

Episode 22 So this episode deals with something I should had seen coming but now that I have it I'm kind of surprised. Roxy, Jade and Edie have to take care of a bunch or naughty and aggressive puppies, they fail but this setup really caught my attention, I don't remember many cartoon dealing with childcare and babysitting in this manner. I mean this is a show for little girls and the core audience may find the topic interesting but I can't recall seeing it on any other cartoon and that has made this episode so interesting for me.

5 jul '18, night

Episode 23 So Bev gets bored and decides to try roller derby after a team invited her to join. This episode reminds a lot of The Game of Their Lives, the movie that I just saw, Bev's team is full of losers who put no effort into the game, she struggles and struggles to rise them until they one one match and then they celebrate, it feels phony like in The game of Their Lives because they do not address the fact they they probably still come last in the league and who know if the team still had that fighting spirit after Bev left.

Episode 24 Trip becomes rich after selling his outlandish invention on Paw Tucket's equivalent of Dragon's Den. I remember I've said that I feel Trip doesn't have a gimmick but I feel one is growing on him, it's hard to explain but Trip is a guy who who falls into success and finds a way to ruin it, kind of like Kramer from Seinfeld but Trip has a very different personality. Still, it's too fuzzy to arrive to a conclusion yet, Either way I enjoyed the mise en scene on this episode, I want an office like Trip's. Also Quincy and Edie spend a lot of time together in this episode, is this ship baiting? I don't think a show for 4-6 years old girls would play with such a thing.

Episode 25 So Bev works as an assistant for the duo of magicians who are not getting along. The magician duo composed of a rabbit and a dog had an interesting gimmick, the rabbit is all serious while the dog clown around the tricks, they have an amazing dynamic in the stage and that reminds me a lot in 2001 I saw a live stage show of a magician and a clown with a similar dynamic, I just feel it's an amazing combination and seeing it again here really warmed my heart. On a similar note is sad that in the previews LPS show Sunil and Pepper never had an act like this together. The dog also reminds me of the argentine comedy troupe Les Luthiers for whom part of the joke is the fact that they look like serious performers of classical music. This was a really enjoyable episode and I hope we see more of the rabbit and dog due soon.

Episode 26 A shepherd dog arrives in town, Roxy and jade try to introduce him to the place but he falls over trying to run after a sheep, Roxie is kind enough to invite him to recover at their home but jade is having none of it. I think this plot has been done before, like one of those standard plot that cartoons recycle. Overall this episode was just bland, can't say much beyond hat.

Overall The first season isn't over yet, and I'll be reviewing the second part whenever it comes out. this show has charmed me, everything is cute and nothing hurts, specially the mise en scene, paw tucket feels like an utopia, where everything is shiny and clean, I want a place like it to be real so I can not live there and call its inhabitants rich assholes.

#own post #littlest pet shop #lps #littlest pet shop a world of our own #lps awooo #hasbro

[swordarkeereon]

Fiction vs. Real World Occult

It never ceases to amaze me the questions I receive in my email where people have blurred the lines between fiction vs. real-world occult. Or perhaps it doesn’t amaze me so much as saddens me. For some people, there’s a real disconnect between reality and pure fantasy. They are willing to believe that fictional accounts like Marlowe’s Dr. Faustus, Milton’s Paradise Lost, and Dante’s Inferno are all factual accounts, when in fact — all of them are fictional fabrications. Fantastical fantasies of writers’ minds.

To make a fictional story truly frightening to those who aren’t educated or experienced enough in the topic, one must believe the tropes prevalent in occult fiction in order for that story to fall into the horror category. For those educated in the occult, fiction that relies on this belief is at most – thrilling, as opposed to horrific.

What do I mean by tropes? Common plot devices (perhaps even overused plots) in a specific genre. Tropes are oftentimes expected by readers. After all, a common trope in sweet romance is that all the sex happens behind closed doors. If you’re reading what you think is a sweet romance and BAM – you’re hit with a full explicit X-Rated sex scene, you may not be too pleased with the author. All genres have these particular tropes. In fantasy, sorcerers/mages can’t be all-powerful. In a mystery, there’s the reluctant detective (one who doesn’t expect to be solving a crime – but has to to save themselves usually).

For supernatural occult fiction, think back to the Satanic Panic of the early nineties (if you were alive back then) and you will see the very fabric of occult fiction being purported as fact.  Some common genre tropes (some of which are dying, thank goodness):

All non-Christian religions are murderous cults or “Satanists’. (Bride of the Devil)

Children and/or adults being sexually abused by Satanic cults during ritual. (Just about any supernatural movie where alleged Satanists are involved)

Women being forcibly bred with sacrificial babies or Daemon/Satan spawn. (Rosemary’s Baby)

Children/Adults/Animals being used as blood sacrifices. (Just about any supernatural movie where alleged Satanists are involved)

Daemons who manifest as terrifying monsters to destroy those who conjured them, or to terrorize unsuspecting victims. (Just about every supernatural movie)

Possession of innocent people, turning them into monsters. (The Exorcist et al)

Daemons, Spirits, and Gods manifesting as humans to destroy innocent victims (or the world). See Possession above… (The Omen)

A house or location possessed by a Daemonic Spirit or vengeful spirits of the dead. (Amittyville et al)

Hell as an actual place filled with fire, brimstone, and the stuff of nightmares. (The Gate, Hellraiser)

People making pacts with Daemons to gain wealth, fame, etc… but are oftentimes utterly destroyed or tortured. (Devil’s Advocate, Constantine, Ghost Rider, Solomon Kane etc…)

Circles of salt, or special magickal circles in general, will protect you from anything (except ghosts) as long as you stay inside and don’t break the circle. (Supernatural)

Some newer tropes that have surfaced in the past 20-30 years include:

Blurred lines between good and evil.

Not everything is as they seem.

Is the main character haunted/possessed – or mentally ill (or on drugs)?

Not all magick and magick users are evil, but there are defined lines between good and evil.

These are all great storylines. They’re fun, they’re thrilling (or terrifying depending on your beliefs and imagination), and they’re spooky. It’s no wonder people would rather the fiction be true when it comes to the real-world occult. Real world occult is boring comparatively. It often looks more like studying, meditating, waxing philosophic, and performing rituals that are about as exciting as watching cement dry from the observer point of view. The one movie I’ve seen recently that seems to be pretty close to the real-world occult is A Dark Song. And guess what? A lot of viewers hated it!  Most real-world occult ritual isn’t nearly as theatrical as movies and novels would have us believe – and if it were, it would be nothing more than a theatrical presentation as opposed to genuine magick. The biggest reason being that you can’t get into the proper mental and meditative states required for proper application of magickal forces between all the monologues and exaggerated actions that theatrical rituals require.

Yes, when I’m telling a fictional story — even I write within the tropes of my genre(s). Well – some of them anyway.  My characters have done huge group rituals to raise the dead (which always physically manifest, of course) and capture spirits. They’ve rescued other practitioners, who’d been kidnapped by avenging angels, from the astral plane. They’ve raised Daemons, dealt with haunted houses, and on occasion have even found themselves possessed.  I wrote a horror story where a willing woman is used in a sex magick rite of a faux Satanic cult, and finds herself Satan’s sex slave. But none of this is real. I don’t know a single Satanic group out there who has exciting mass orgies of the flesh with 50+ people (and I know a LOT of Satanists). Usually, sex magick is reserved for small groups of 1-6 CONSENTING ADULTS. That’s the more accurate, real-world scenario, and not all occult practitioners practice sex magick anyway. Notice how the real thing is far less exotic or scandalous than the image of fifty Satanists, donned in the same ritual uniform, performing a ritual in unison, followed by the kinky ritual sex. The latter makes for far better fiction hands down.

There’s a reason I place my fictional books in the occult and supernatural FICTION categories and I use a different pen name from my NON FICTION. While a lot of my fiction has a basis in real-world occult practices, communities, and beliefs  –  I exaggerate magickal results and spirit communication – drawing it into the physical world on a level it doesn’t happen in the real world. A lot. Some of it is outright outlandish. For example — zombies raised via necromantic rituals ARE NOT REAL. When conjured, Daemons do not appear as razor-toothed monsters, snarling and spitting and covered in blood and mucus. More often than not, you’ll get shadows, knocks, footsteps, or a tap on the shoulder. On VERY rare occasion, you’ll come face to face with a Daemon and they’ll look weird (not grotesque), or they’ll have angelic faces and striking eyes. The most frightening part of coming face to face with an actual Daemonic force is the unexpectedness of it, and the physiological response the resonance of their energy causes.  See — not nearly as exciting, is it?

But I’m still writing tropes. I’m just writing newer tropes. Blurred lines, not all magick is bad, but I still make that definition between good and evil because readers expect it!

Some common tropes that end up in my inbox (and my responses) –

I want to make a deal with a demon, but I don’t want to sell my soul or have to kill a baby/person/animal to do it.  Human sacrifice is cowardly and not a part of real-world occult practice. Animal sacrifice has certain rules/perimeters (i.e. not neighborhood pets — food animals only) and is often only done for offering rites, usually with a meal afterward. Also, there are no Daemons running amock collecting souls. That’s just fantasy/fiction. Please see my book on Daemonic Pacts.

When I make a pact with a demon, how do I keep it from killing me? That’s not necessarily how Daemons work. I have yet to meet anyone who has become Daemon food after a pact. At worst – you’ll prove yourself worthless and unworthy, and the Daemonic will simply ignore you forever more. If they think there might be potential there – they might kick your ass to try to shove you in the right direction. If they respect your work ethic and think you’d benefit from the pact – they’ll help you out. How that turns out is up to you AND them.  If you end up dying due to a pact, well, either it was your time to leave this world, or you likely destroyed yourself. Sometimes we get what we ask for, and sometimes what we think we want isn’t actually what we want and we end up destroying ourselves because of it. Fame and Sorath work tends to have this effect on people.

When I come face to face with a demon I conjure, what should I expect? You likely won’t come “face-to-face” with the Daemon. It’s not going to manifest inside a fiery pentagram on your bedroom floor. That’s not how it works. However, if you do find yourself blessed with an actual physical manifestation (not just smoke and mirrors) – there is no way to prepare for that. It’s always intimidating or shocking. And nothing like what you see in movies.

I am afraid of demons because of what I’ve seen in movies about them. Are you sure your methods are safe?  Magick isn’t safe. Life isn’t safe. If you want safe, wrap yourself in bubble wrap and never leave your home. But seriously, if you’re afraid of demons because of what you’ve seen in horror films, you probably ought not be practicing Daemonic rituals of any type. Ever. You may just end up manifesting your own fears. Fear is a powerful thing.

My magick didn’t manifest immediately! Something should have happened by now if it worked!  Let’s face it – some people are better magicians than others, and I will even venture to say that Daemons tend to favor some practitioners over others for various reasons. All magick done right will manifest. It may just not have manifested to your expectations. Perhaps it’s time to evaluate your expectations in relation to what you worked the magick for. You might also need to look into deeper issues that could be holding you back from receiving fully the things you think you should be able to manifest via magick.

But…  but…

But nothing. It’s time for people to stop pretending the fantastical tropes of the supernatural fiction genre are how things work. There’s a reason we separate fiction from non-fiction. I literally read an entire post on a magickal FB group the other day that sounded like a new script for the show Supernatural. There are people out there who really believe they’re Daemon hunter exorcists, and have convinced themselves they’re very much like Sam and Dean Winchester – chasing devils and rustling witches. Locking up Daemons in cages, or accidentally setting them loose. Don’t get me wrong – I love a good story as much as the next person, but it gets to be too much for me when people act like supernatural fiction is supernatural fact and want everyone else to validate their fantasy (or accept it as their own personal truth). Solid magicians know the difference.

#capturing spirits in bottles #demon hunters #demons are scary #I'm an exorcist by golly #it's all about the pact #yeah sure it did

[sublimegentlemanalpaca]

(And now for something completely different). Some what I suppose could be considered favorite anime, followed by a certain top 6 anime

Oh my goodness! A post from me that doesn’t relate to the Chronicles of the Imaginarium Geographica? Clearly this is a sign that the end is NIGH!!! Nah. Just bored and thought ‘meh why not?’.I could not think of an actual top 10 and such, so I decided to go with six I know are absolute favorites, and a few that I suppose I’d consider favorites, but am unsure of the order. With that long preamble out of the way( I do go on at times don’t eye) here a list of some anime I enjoy, some of which you could say are favorites. Mind you, this is just Series. As such the Amazingness that is Studio Ghibli won’t be found here.(note, the titles will be in all caps to distinguish them. Does not mean the titles are actually in all caps( with one or two exceptions). NEON GENESIS EVANGELION:The First in what I understand to be called the Gainax Trinity of Mech anime( which is odd given the loads of Judeo-Christian Symbolism in this show) So, this is an odd choice. I will admit this had been one of those ones I always heard about but never had any interest in watching. I knew about it, I knew things related to it (memes, a spoiler, that it had both one of the most beloved anime characters, and one of those most hated). One day the first two Rebuild movies were on Toonami. Having nothing else to do I decided ‘eh why not’ and watched the two of them. I enjoyed them. The animation was nice, music amazing at times (the song Fate in particular). All in all solid.” (Even though some moments were tinged by the knowledge of certain spoilers). Some time later (In summer I think), I once again found myself with not much to do, so I decided I’d give the series a look. Watched it, enjoyed it for the most part. Could certainly understand why some may dislike it. All in all nice (if depressing at times). On a related note, probably one of the best bits of music is God’s Gift. Just sounds cool. Favorite character....hm....not too sure...Rei maybe? I’ll admit I’ve only seen the whole series once. Moving on FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST BROTHERHOOD : Once again, thank you Toonami. While this has some things about anime that tend to annoy me usually ( the drastic changes in animation for comedic effect could get very grating at times) the series as a whole was great. Awesome animation, action, music, and characters. Wonderful story, and entertaining villains as well. Overall just great. This was also a series I recommended to a friend who ended up getting into anime because of it. Sure they cursed my name for enternity after it but still. Favorite character...probably Ling Yao. He’s great. EUREKA SEVEN: Once again, Toonami (I swear not all of these are from Toonami). Giant Robots on Hoverboards. Awesome! Oh and some other stuff. Coming of age story, tolerance, a quite sweet romance (not the best, but still sweet at times). A mindscrew here or there. Probably the longest of the shows on this list. Had a sequel that is better left ignored and forgotten (What I remember of said sequel seemed closer to Evangelion than Eureka Seven). Also pretty sweet music. TOP SIX. Okay, into actually being able to list them. Number one being the best. 6) ONE PUNCH MAN: So aside from just being a great and hilarious series in general, this goes down as a favorite because it got friends of mine who otherwise wouldn’t give a Flying Fig for anime into anime. At least, into this one. Kick ass theme song, hilarity, and some solid superhero stuff. Really if you haven’t checked it out, I’d suggest you do so. FC: hm..probably Mumen Rider. 5) KINO’S JOURNEY: A young girl Traveling the world with her sentient and talking Motorcycle. Each new country displaying a different sort of society. Really this one is just relaxing and brimming with creativity more often than not. Came across it on Amazon. Simply just a lovely show. Though relaxing at times it can get pretty damn dark. Be warned, you’ll likely cry at least once. FC: Kino herself. 4) FLCL: Toonami again. This actually is in all caps. I’m trying to think of how to explain this. Mindscrew, sheer what the fuck st times, Giant robots( the second in that aforementioned Gainax trinity), a coming of age story, Guitars, Aliens, eyebrows, Robots again, and did I mention what the fuck? There’s a second and third series on the way, and you can be sure as hell that I’ll watch it. Favorite character...fuck if I know. Naota? 3) FATE ZERO (and I suppose by extension the Fate Franchise): Seven Figures from Myth, Legend, and History called forth by Seven mages to battle for the Holy Grail which may grant them any wish of their desire. What’s not to love about that premise? I mean, I guess you might not be a fan of action...I digress. Anyway, this is a prequel to another show called Fate Stay Night, though Zero is generally considered to be the better of the two. Music is great, as are the characters (some certainly better than others). Mind you if I have one gripe with the Fate Franchise...well actually two, but one is just following off the other...one gripe it would be some of the character designs. I’m still not sure why Gilgamesh is a blonde white guy. While I can accept King Arthur being a woman (actually one of the best characters), does it have to keep being done to recorded historical figures? And with those historical figures, why is it so damn difficult to make people there are actual photographs of look like how they looked ( glares at A certain Magical Index version of Aleister Crowley). That out of the way, most character designs are still pretty acceptable. At least in Fate Zero. Favorite character? No contest, Rider aka Isekander !! 2) STEIN’S; GATE: Time Travel is great. Affecting the time line with text Messages sent back in time via a modified Microwave? Also great. A Self proclaimed Mad Scientist Character voiced by one of my favorite voice actors J. Michael Tatum? Amazing! Truly Stein’s; Gate is one of the best (the second best it seems) anime I’ve had the pleasure of seeing. Animation, story, characters all solid. An amazing main character, and of course TIME TRAVEL! Always a fan of Time Machine centered stories, and what an interesting Time Machine this is. Drum roll please? 1) SPICE AND WOLF: You would think a show about Shop talk of Medieval Economics would be brining right? WRONG! While it’s a joke to say ‘I watch it for the economics’ it has legitimately been a part of several people’s interest in this show. There’s also another point of interest, but before that I’ll try and give a decent summary of the premise. Traveling Merchant Kraft Lawrence finds himself in the town of Pasole who are just beginning a Harvest celebration centered around a Godess, Holo the Wise Wolf. Due to some circumstances Lawrence crosses paths with this Goddess and deal is struck. The people of Pasole are no longer needing Holo thanks to advancements in Agriculture technology and methods. Hilo asks if Lawrence would be able to bring her to her home in the North. Thinking he may get some good luck out of it, on top of just being a decent guy, Lawrence agrees. So two start Traveling North, Lawrence working at his trade, and trying to keep certain features of Holo hidden lest she be taken in by the Church. Now the another reason to watch this show, plain and simple, is the interactions between these two. The Banter is simply beautiful at times. Their relationship also eventually develops into one of the sweetest and simply lovely romances I have ever seen. One thing I must insist on, watch the Dub. The performances of J. Michael Tatum and Brina Palencia as the two main leads are simply fantastic! The music of the show (The score and first opening at least) are also made of awesome! There is one downside though. The series is based on a series of 17 light novels. The two seasons there are only cover the first five books. Since a third season is expected with a snowball in hell( the firery one, not the cold one) I myself have picked up reading translations of the novels from where the show left off. So far, still as enjoyable. Really, even if you’re not a fan of anime, I’d still recommend this. Two friends of mine who generally detest anime found themselves enjoying it. In both cases due to the economics, and in one of them agreeing with me on the music and banter. Well, with that all said, make of this what you will friends.

#Anime #Stein’s; Gate #Evangelion #FMAB #One Punch Man #Kino’s Journey #Eureka Seven #FLCL #Fate Zero #Spice and Wolf