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frostfires-blog · 3 days ago

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What are your top 5 (or top 10) favorite media ever (can be anime/manga, tv series, books, movies, games, etc)? Why love them? Thanks ⭐

[ In all honesty, as I was going through my inbox, I was dreading responding to this ask. Not because the question was awful—it's a great question. The problem is that I'm quite indecisive and tend to overthink things. I'm going to attempt to keep this brief because if I allow myself to ramble, it will take me a month to write this post—and by then I'll have changed my mind. (Spoiler Alert: I failed lmao)

As I've already stated, I typically only consume anime/donghua and manga/manhua/manhwa, so my list will be confined to those. I have conflicting feelings about many of the series I've seen, especially those that have ended recently—because, let's be honest, manga endings have been terrible lately (if you know, you know)...

Another issue is that I've been attempting to restructure my top ten because my entire concept of what constitutes a great series has shifted recently. For a long time, I had subconsciously internalised the notion that shoujo/josei series and non-combat-orientated series were inferior to mainstream battle-focused shounen series.

I subconsciously thought that I would be looked down on for including these series in my top 10 over more respected manga. Although it persists to some extent, I was mostly able to get over this after learning about biases in the anime and manga industries on how shoujo versus shounen series are handled and perceived. ]

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Top 10 Favourite Series:

#10 The Apothecary Diaries

This show has captured my attention even though I have only seen the first season. Although Maomao and Jinshi's dynamic is undeniably my favourite part of the series, its complex themes and political intrigue are not to be understated either. Another aspect I like about the series is its unique incorporation of femisism. It uses its rigidly misogynistic historical setting to highlight the subtle strength, ingenuity, and resolve that women rely on to navigate and endure society. Even amongst a society that devalues women and fosters competition among them, we observe women supporting one another and persevering. In this manner the series provides a refreshing standpoint on female empowerment. The adaptation was perfectly executed, as exemplified by its undeniably captivating aesthetics, music, and ambience. I'm eagerly anticipating season 2 and can't wait to see where the series goes.

#09 Link Click

While at first, it may not seem like much, this show has really developed into something refreshingly brilliant thanks to its unique supernatural abilities and ever-increasing stakes. Aside from its unique art style, compelling twists, and captivating storytelling, all of which are refreshingly good, the music is definitely my favourite part of this show, as it is carefully crafted to complement the narrative. The dynamic between our two leads is incredibly endearing and heartbreaking. The symbolism is incredibly intricate and complex and is intertwined masterfully into every aspect of its production—most notably its character designs, music, and visuals. Every episode leaves you on the most stressful cliffhanger of your life, leaving you eager for more.

#08 Mo Dao Zu Shi

My favourite part of this series is that there are so many different mediums to experience it through, with each one providing a slightly different experience. While the novel and Donghua are my personal favourite adaptations, the C-drama was very entertaining as well. I hope to be able to experience the manga, manhua and audio drama adaptations as well. Its story and characters are so intricate and multi-faceted that trying to describe them in such a short paragraph would be laughable, so I'll refrain from doing so. This series combines action, mystery, and romance with complex themes and vibrant characters. MDZS is unquestionably the most exceptional MXTX novel in the field of world-building. The story is set in an intricately crafted world in which historic customs, mystical abilities, and martial arts intersect, with each setting playing a critical role in the development of the characters and their journeys. This was the first series I watched featuring a canonical M/M main pairing that also possessed a robust and compelling plot beyond the romance, which I greatly appreciated. The heart of the series is its compelling cast of characters. WangXian's dynamic is the foundation of the series and is undeniably one of my favourite aspects of it. Their contrasting personalities are deftly counterbalanced by their similar ideals and shared passion for protecting others. Their relationship is an attestation of the enduring power of love and is centred on the themes of transformation, loyalty, and sacrifice. The series addresses a variety of complex themes, including enduring love, filial piety, vengeance, justice, acceptance, redemption, forgiveness, corruption, morality and perseverance despite adversity. The most apparent themes in the narrative are social prejudices, the interplay between perceptions and actuality as well as the dichotomy between good and evil.

#07 Kimetsu No Yaiba

Inexplicably, this series is both exceedingly popular and heavily criticised. It is generally critiqued for its simplistic story, but I believe it exemplifies how simplicity is the ultimate sophistication. People often fixate on its stunning animation and thrilling battles, overlooking its powerful emotional narratives and seamless integration of complex themes. The series centres around themes such as the importance of family, coping with loss, and maintaining resilience and determination in the face of adversity. That said, my favourite theme in the series is how it highlights the significance of compassion and empathy, even amidst extenuating circumstances. This is a vital lesson that reminds us that we are all capable of demonstrating compassion and empathy to others within reasonable limits. Alongside its compelling narrative and dynamic battles, KNY's eclectic ensemble of well-developed characters stands out—thanks to their distinct designs and motivations—lending depth and complexity to the series.

#06 Akatsuki No Yona

Although YOTD seems like another archetypal historical romance about a princess on the run—there is so much more to this series. YOTD is a masterful blend of romance, adventure, and drama. The series deftly reworks conventional tropes and integrates them into its intricate, fantastical setting. YOTD's multi-layered narrative and its profound character arcs—in addition to the depth of themes it addresses—set it apart from comparable series. The manga incorporates various heavy themes into its narrative—such as betrayal, vengeance, inequality, power struggles, and the connection between privilege and ignorance. It also covers more hopeful themes—such as camaraderie, courage, and the enduring power of love. YOTD's primary strength is its remarkable character development. Each of the series' characters is thoughfully constructed to embody several themes that add to the plot, while every one of their interactions helps to advance other characters.

#05 Boku No Hero Academia

Although this series mostly garnered popularity from its compelling plotline and flashy fight sequences—its greatest assets are its well-developed core cast, significant emotional resonance, and nearly seamless integration of deep and heavy themes. Despite the series' initially light-hearted and hopeful tone, its stakes are deftly heightened by introducing darker symbolism and more intense conflicts. Its later seasons highlight the complex nature of heroism along with the obstacles encountered by both heroes and villains—thereby differentiating it from other series in the superhero genre. Some of my favourite themes that the series highlights are identity/self-discovery, the nature of heroism, power/responsibility, sacrifice/redemption as well as the importance of having bravery in face of adversity. The series' astute use of imagery, metaphors, and narrative subtext enhances thematic and character development, augmenting its symbolic value and rendering it more engaging and captivating.

#04 Fruits Basket

Fruits Basket has an unparalleled charm thanks to its unique blend of drama, humour and romance. This series has become a staple in the shoujo genre due to its profound character depth, compelling narrative, and immense emotional resonance. A web of multilayered character dynamics forms the foundation of Fruits Basket—where characters are not merely utilised as narrative devices, but portray the subtleties of human emotions, relationships, and development. It is precisely because the series' characters reflect real-life issues that we are able to empathesize and relate to them. The series' capacity to engage in meaningful discussions on profound concepts and convey insightful messages is the primary reason it resonates with its fans. The series weaves a variety of profound themes into its narrative, including loss, acceptance, transformation, healing, love, societal expectations, parental alienation, familial connections, and the cyclical nature of life. The series' emotional impact is established by incorporating the aforementioned themes—which not only enhance its complexity but also foster introspection and empathy within its fans.

#03 Naruto + Naruto Shipudden

Regardless of its shortcomings, detractors cannot dispute that the Naruto series has significantly influenced pop culture—evolving the animanga industry and influencing audiences on a global scale. The series' popularity stems from its complex storytelling, emotional depth, large multi-faceted cast and exploration of profound themes. To this day, the Naruto series continues to be relevant, having cemented itself as a cornerstone in the history of the animanga industry. The series has not only inspired numerous creators, but it has also played a significant role in the integration of anime and manga into global mainstream pop culture. The themes addressed in the series add greatly to its narrative depth and resonance—not only enhancing audience engagement but also providing them with valuable lessons. Some typical themes explored by the series are friendship, personal growth, and perserverence admidst adversity. While some of its more profound themes include the vegeance, redemption, the cycle of hatred, the reprecussions of war and conflicting ideals of peace. The series employs these themes to not only enhance its character arcs and layer its narrative—but also to encourage its audience to contemplate their implications within human interactions, historical contexts and the systems of society. The series' continuing relevance as a pivotal reference for analysis and discussion is a direct result of the adept integration and complexity of these themes. Another essential component of the series is its character development which not only drives the narrative but also enables viewers to empathise with its characters. Throughout the series, we encounter an array of compelling characters whose development and interactions significantly contribute to the series' depth and appeal. Considering that this series was a significant part of my childhood, it will always hold a special place in my heart. I practically grew up alongside its characters, which has made their hardships, conundrums and triumphs all the more personal. Given this was the first anime series I completed, it was the catalyst for my current passion for anime and manga.

#02 Gintama

Let me go off script and say that I know this series' length is off-putting to a lot of people—but I promise it is absolutely worth it... Though I wouldn't reccomend this series for everyone. I myself quit this anime about 4 times despite liking the characters. However, I'm glad that something (cough opening 13 cough) convinced me to stick with it—since it has become my favourite anime now. This series is set in a fictionalised version of Japan's Edo period, where aliens have invaded the nation after having defeated its samurai. This bizarre premise serves as the foundation for the show's quirky characters and absurd happenstances. Gintama has made an everlasting impression on the animanga industry due to its distinctive amalgamation of genres, outstanding character development, and capacity to weave together comedic and serious narratives. Gintama is infamous for its comedy. Its ability to parody various sectors of pop culture, including other animanga, is second to none. The series is able to poke fun at both itself and the animanga industry thanks to its satirical take on classic shonen tropes. The series' unapologetic willingness to take risks has contributed towards it becoming a cornerstone in the animanga industry thereby influencing numerous subsequent works. The series also humorously explores an array of social and cultural issues, not only providing entertaining social commentary but also reflecting society, thereby fostering introspection and discourse on a number of topics. This not only enables it to delve deeper into its complex themes but also to surpass conventional anime archetypes. Unexpectedly Gintama is adept at balancing its comedic elements with its profundity, allowing fans to resonate with the series on a deeper level. The series' core themes include resilience, mental fortitude, honour, loss, camaraderie, platonic bonds, and maintaining optimism when confronted with adversity. Gintama's enduring appeal stems from its distinctive, diverse, and colourful ensemble of characters. Their differing personalities, experiences, and peculiarities add to the series' humour, relatability, and complexity. We witness these characters face many obstacles as they grow and evolve thus deepening our connection with them.

#01 Tian Guan Ci Fu

For those unfamiliar, MDZS (ranked as #8 on this list) and TGCF are written by the same author, MXTX—thus, many of my statements there also apply here. Despite consuming almost every adaptation of this series—the novel, the donghua and the manhua—I have never grown tired of it as every rendition presents a novel perspective on the characters and setting and is enlightening in its own right. This series deftly integrates action, comedy, mystery, horror, fantasy and romance—while also drawing inspiration from Chinese culture and mythology, to create a riveting story that draws you in from its start. Although I wouldn't want anyone to value this series solely based on its romance—it is undeniably its most captivating aspect with its main couple being the epitome of devotion, longing and enduring love. Similarly to MDZS, the TGCF donghua is heavily censored when it comes to its romantic dipictions under China's censorship regulations. This becomes especially noticeable when comparing it to Japanese animated BL series. Nevertheless, the production team's meticulous attention to detail ensures that the affection between the main couple remains just as apparent as in the novel. In no other series have I paid as much attention to the characters' movements, expressions, and tones as I did with TGCF. HuaLian's affection for one another is palpable through every held glance, melodic sigh, and subtly delicate touch. Consequently, this meticulous attention to detail allows for a steady build-up—resulting in an immensely authentic and sincere romance. The series' amalgamation of its fantastical setting and mystical elements with Chinese traditions and mythology augments its richness and immersiveness. Furthermore, each song in the donghua is flawlessly crafted to complement each scene—creating the ideal ambiance. The series touches on a multitude of heavy topics providing insightful commentary on social expectations—making it worthwhile for those seeking depth and complexity. Among the themes featured are duty, sacrifice, redemption, vengeance, unconditional love, acceptance, perception as opposed to actuality, and the correlation between free will and fate. One understated feature of the series that I appreciate is its deft deployment of motifs and symbolism to represent characters and their growth as well as to hint at impending plot points. Flowers, colours and other celestial symbols are recurring motifs in the series that add depth to the narrative. It is undoubtably the series' complex characters and intricate character relationships that form the core of TGCF—adding substantially to its allure. Our lead characters are incredibly multifaceted and nuanced, possessing distinct motivations and principles—while remaining charming and endearing. In contrast, each side characters in the series adds complexity and intrigue to the narrative—enriching the series without detracting from the main characters' roles while remaining well-rounded.

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[P.S. Were any of you guys who regularly see my posts surprised by this list? I'm willing to address any questions you have regarding these entries, and I hope it encourages anyone who hasn't seen any of these series to do so. Once again I'm sorry for rambling...Hope this answered your question. ]

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frostfires-blog · 18 days ago

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Hello, TGCF lover! I found you from your post of 4 Famoys Tales & 4 Calamities. Do you mind if I send you MXTX Ask Game? Oh yeah, have you read SVSSS, too?

Now, because you love Naruto, Gintama, and Attack On Titan (your top 3 anime from your profile), can I ask your opinions on these ships : Naruto/Sasuke & Hashirama/Madara , Levi/Erwin & Eren/Armin, and Gintoki/Takasugi & Gintoki/Hijikata? Sorry, if you don't ship them, I don't mean anything negative, just want to know your thoughts on them because I love your writings....🤩💐

Oh, do you also ship Ochako/Toga (from BNHA) or Gojo/Geto (from JJK)? Why (if you ship them or not ship them)?

Hey! Apologies for the delay... Thanks for sending me an ask!🪷 Sure, I don't mind at all. In fact, I'd love an excuse to talk about MXTX's works!💫 I have read SVSSS too, but I haven't watched the donghua past the first 2 episodes—since I really couldn't stand the art style/3D CGI. I have very complicated thoughts about SVSSS though, which is why I don't talk about it much here—even though I read SVSSS fics all the time.

Before I start sharing my thoughts on the ships listed, I'd like to clarify that this is solely my opinion, and I have no intention of insulting anyone for their preferences. Although I'd like to think that I have broad, flexible tastes when it comes to ships—I am actually quite finicky. Oftentimes I'll ship one pairing but not another, despite their comparable dynamics and tropes.

❉ Naruto/Sasuke

Naruto was my very first anime, and at the time I had absolutely no concept of BL and M/M pairings since I was new to fandom, fanfiction, and shipping culture in general. So at the time I naturally mostly gravitated towards the canonical and M/F pairings in the show. Retrospectively, I can definitely see why people ship them since they have so much development and symbolism supporting them. However, somehow I still can't bring myself to say I outright ship them since I never got into the pairing as I was watching the series. If I had to describe it more coherently, then I'd say that I feel like that ship has sailed for me—and I can no longer really see them as anything other than a platonic duo. If I were to watch the show for the first time right now, I'd definitely ship them—which is why I greatly respect the pairing. They are one of my favourite anime duos, though. I don't know if that made any sense. Sorry if I came across as hypocritical.

❉ Hashirama/Madara

Everything I said about Naruto and Sasuke applies here too—albeit to a lesser extent since I'm not the biggest fan of Madara and Hashirama individually as characters. I don't dislike them, but there are so many characters in the series I like more.

❉ Levi/Erwin

To be honest, I don't ship them. Is it because I fangirl over Levi? Probably. Is it because I disliked Erwin's character until relatively recently? Also probably.

❉ Eren/Armin

As an EreMika shipper, I don't ship Eren and Armin together. People will criticise me for this, but I've grown to detest Armin since the middle of Season 4. I wasn't always an avid supporter of EreMika, but they've really grown on me. Even so, I never perceived Eren and Armin's dynamic as anything more than platonic.

❉ Gintoki/Takasugi

I do ship Gintoki and Takasugi together! GinTaka/TakaGin is probably my second favourite ship for Gintoki. They narrowly missed the cut-off for my top 30 favourite ships post-series. I only started shipping them towards the end of Gintama and have grown to like them even more after the final movie... That cherry blossom boat scene was everything! I wish we could've gotten more of them in the series—since I've always enjoyed their interactions, even before I shipped them. Although they initially appear to be diametrically opposed due to their conflicting ideologies—nevertheless, I firmly believe they embody the birds-of-a-feather trope well. In addition to having similar demeanours, they are both haunted by the guilt of losing their sensei. For a long time after the Joui War, Gintoki was the object of Takasugi's hatred—but he was also the life force Takasugi relied on to continue existing. However, it is later revealed that Takasugi was merely projecting his self-hatred onto Gintoki. Although their dynamic has undergone a significant transformation over time—resulting in a relationship that is both complex and robust—they have both played an integral part in each other's lives. On a less serious note, Gintoki is such a shippable character lol. I fear in my mind, he has a thing for smokers.

❉ Gintoki/Hijikata

Although I have a much stronger preference for GinTsu and GinTaka, I also like GinHiji. Their antics are always hilarious to see unfold, and their banter is enjoyable. Like GinTsu and GinTaka, their great chemistry stems from their numerous similarities as well as their differences. Although GinHiji receives a fair amount of growth during the series, I believe that, overall, GinTaka has greater development while GinTsu has a stronger basis founded on their similar backstories and matching symbolism.

❉ Toga/Ochako

I don't mind Toga/Ochako, but I wouldn't go so far as to say I ship it either. Initially, I didn't quite understand why people shipped them until I watched EP158. I understand the hype now but am not invested enough in either character for me to ship it. For me to ship a pairing—aside from their dynamic and development—I need to have an interest in both characters individually. Any support I show towards the ship will always be motivated by my desire to eliminate Uraraka as a potential love interest for Izuku—which is why I can't commit to saying I ship it with pure intentions. That being said, I still think they have more compelling development than IzuOcha/UraDeku.

❉ Satoru/Suguru

A lot of people have a lot to say about me not shipping these two when I like FushiIta/ItaFushi and Shiguang (from Link Click), especially given the multiple parallels between these ships. As for why I don't ship them, I really don't know. I respect the ship and see where people are coming from, given the abundance of symbolism and tropes associated with them. However, I still can't quite commit to shipping them. If I had to come up with a justification, I'd probably blame the series' structure, as watching JJK 0 before the Hidden Inventory Arc made me more reluctant to become attached to them as a pairing. I find it difficult to become invested in a pairing that I know is doomed before I've had an opportunity to form an attachment—so far, only two ships have broken this mould for me. It's somewhat hypocritical of me, I'll admit, because virtually any M/M ship in a shounen anime is practically guaranteed to remain non-canon. Nevertheless, they are among my favourite platonic duos in the series, as I really enjoy their chemistry with one another—specifically during the Hidden Inventory Arc. In my opinion, Fushiguro and Itadori prevailed because they were honest and communicated with one another—which was something Gojo and Geto failed to do, and that ultimately caused their downfall.

I hope I didn't miss anything. Also, I tend to write with less formality in asks than in my analysis posts. I know you said that you liked my writing style, so I hope my more relaxed tone here wasn't disappointing. I'd also like to reiterate that these were merely my opinions, and I had no intention of offending anyone.😅

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frostfires-blog · 20 days ago

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"Most of the ships in this post are great (love them too)! Sadly OP have to add the gay ships. Really, can't we just have normal ones without gayness".

This is how I found your post (top 30 ships). Sorry, I dislike the one who said the above, but because of them, I found your blog and fall in love with your posts....

Thanks for your posts and your metas (especially the hanakotoba analysis).

See, as multishipper, most that I found are either gay & lesbian ships only or het ships (like the one who said the above) only, but you really saw the dynamics a d chemistries of the characters. That is why I love your top 30 ships post.

Like, at first I thought you'll ship IzuOcha (like most people who love het ship) in BNHA but you ship BakuDeku (amazing) or IchiOri (bland) in Bleach but you ship IchiRuki (great) which both (later) ships have the best dynamics in the series (more than the former ships)..!

Sorry, I'm not really a fan of most m/f ships (it's easier for me to love m/m & f/f compared to m/f) but the ones that you love are all great!

My top 10 favorite ships from your post :

♡ Hua Cheng/ Xie Lian (best love story ever, one of my all time fav danmei ever)

♡ Lan Wangji/Wei Wuxian (Wei Wuxian will always be in my top 10 characters ever, love him so much)

♡ Hak/Yona (best shoujo ever for me, will always love this couple)

♡ Bakugou/ Midoriya (will always be in my top 10 otps ever, love them so much, have shipping them since 2019)

♡ Cheng Xiaoshi/ Lu Guang (start shipping them since ep 1 s1, my love for them got deeper after finished s2)

♡ Obi/ Shirayuki (can't believe you have both ships with Shirayuki, but I love Obi more, for me, Zen is kinda bland)

♡ Taichi/Chihaya (yes, they're canon. I'm so happy when I read the end of the manga, Taichi will always be special)

♡ Minato/Kushina (one of the best ship in Naruto, love the build up and the tragedy, this is my 2nd fav ship after NaruSasu)

♡ Ichigo/ Rukia (why Bleach have to end like that, IchiRuki have way more chemistry than the IchiOri)

♡ Itadori/Fushiguro (love their bond so much)

Have you watch these 4 new fav anime of mine (for the story and the ships): Cherry Magic, I'm in love with Villainess, Yakuza Fiancee, and Nina Starry Bride?

Sorry for this long ask, feel free to ignore them, hope you have a wonderful day.

I'm sorry you discovered my blog due to such a distasteful comment, but I'm glad to have encountered someone with such great tastes in ships. I rarely manage to encounter someone who likes so many ships that I do. Oddly enough, I haven't managed to find that specific comment, so it's likely that person blocked or subsequently deleted their comment without giving me the chance to respond... Oh well...It's not the first time I've gotten criticised for my tastes in ships, and unfortunately, it definitely won't be the last...

Moving on, I'm glad you enjoyed the Hanakotoba metas! They're my favourite types of posts to make, even though they're the most time-consuming. Unfortunately, I probably won't be making another one for a while since I haven't encountered any material to work with in the shows I've seen recently. Here's to hoping The Apothecary Diaries S2 gives me something to work with... But if anyone has any suggestions, I'm keen.

Most people are very rigid about their tastes in ships. Admittedly, I used to be, too, but over time, I've become more open-minded and contemplative—though I still have a long way to go. When it comes to shipping, I prioritise development, character dynamics, and aesthetics in that order. Gender and official status (i.e., canon or non-canon) are unimportant to me.

This is honestly the first time I've seen someone else who ships IchiRuki and BakuDeku... Honestly, I'm so happy! IchiOri/IchiHime is literally the bane of my existence. I could write a full-length essay on what I ship IchiRuki and dislike IchiOri/IchiHime. These days it's especially difficult being an IchiRuki shipper, as we receive nasty comments on most Ichigo/Rukia-centric posts and edits. Just because another ship was made canon doesn't mean you're not allowed to ship anything else. The great thing about fandom spaces is that there is a place for everyone—so I don't know why they can't let us be.

As for IzuOcha, it just lacks the development and depth that BakuDeku and a lot of other BNHA ships have, and consequently, it seems bland in comparison. BakuDeku was actually the very first M/M ship I supported—so I have a lot of attachment to them—and it becoming such a beloved ship has made me immensely grateful and happy. Inexorably, the brighter light shines, the more shadows it casts... As its popularity has increased, the ship garnered more detractors, making things more difficult recently. Seeing people condemn and degrade BakuDeku shippers because of recent events is incredibly hurtful.

The double standards I've seen from some of the people who disapprove of non-canon ships like BakuDeku and IchiRuki are insane. These same people who disapprove of the age gap between IchiRuki will happily use Isshin/Masaki's dynamic to bolster IchiOri or will go on to ship other couples with age gaps like Inuyasha/Kagome. These same people who use Bakugo and Deku's or Ichigo and Rukia's friendship as a reason not to ship them then go on and fawn over the friends-to-lovers trope elsewhere. Perhaps I've ranted a little too much... However, I didn't intend to insult anyone; I was merely trying to point out things that didn't add up. If anybody here doesn't ship BakuDeku or IchiRuki but is respectful towards their shippers (i.e., refrains from antagonising them unjustly) and can recognise the basis for both ships, please know that my irritation isn't directed at you.

I probably mentioned this already, but you have great tastes in ships. Just a few things I wanted to note as I went through your list and comments... ❉ You're right Hualian truly has the greatest love story ever!

❉ Wei Wuxian is in my top 10 favourite characters too! Each member of the MXTX protagonist trio is so well written tbh.

❉ Akatsuki no Yona is my favourite shoujo manga. I'd love them to animate the rest of it. I'd ascend if we got a Fruits Basket-like remake!

❉ Coincidentally, I also started shipping BakuDeku in 2019, which is when I started BNHA.

❉ As for the ObiYuki vs. ZenYuki debacle... My heart is torn in two, which is why I haven't read the manga yet. I started the show and shipped ZenYuki, but over time I started drifting towards Obi instead. ZenYuki is a solid ship, but ObiYuki really packs in all of my favourite tropes. So, I ultimately included both ships, knowing that both sides of the fandom might not be pleased with me. I've never been an OT3 person, but I feel like that might be the direction I'm heading towards...

❉ Regarding Taichi/Chihaya I actually have a funny story concerning them... As I was bingeing S3, I saw some spoilers, which led me to believe they weren't canon, which upset me so much that I refused to finish the anime—whereas, before this, I'd been planning to start the manga immediately. After a few months, I realised I'd been misguided, and they were in fact canon! I subsequently finished the anime but haven't gotten around to the manga yet.

❉ I'm never going to get over the ending of Bleach. Before the TYBW arc, all the development and symbolism pointed towards IchiRuki becoming the endgame... The switch-up was insane!

I've been trying out a lot of new anime recently. I actually only started watching new anime seasonally from the first episode a year ago, so keeping up with 12 anime this season has been challenging. ❉ I'm currently watching Nina: The Starry Bride as it airs. Since I heard good things about it from manga readers and had been itching for a fantasy shoujo anime for a while now, I checked it out as soon as the first episode dropped. It's definitely been a journey, and I'm still formulating my thoughts about it... In all honesty, the first episode was lowkey disappointing—but I think that's because my expectations were too high. I feel like it lacked the drama and intrigue that Akatsuki no Yona's first episode had—which was what people had compared it to. However, 8 episodes deep, and I'm really enticed! I really look forward to it every week and am excited to see where the story goes! Are you rooting for Azure or Sett?

❉ I'm also currently watching Yakuza Fiancee. The show really shook me to my core. Like damn, these people are crazy! It's really entertaining though, and for once I have no idea where the story is headed since the show is so unpredictable to me. However, I'm not sure I can commit to shipping Yoshino with Kirishima yet. I kind of want her to stick to her plan of up and leaving in a year... But we'll see...

❉ I watched Cherry Magic as it aired as well. It was pretty funny and sweet—but sadly, for some reason, I didn't really form a solid attachment to any of the characters... It's possibly because at the time other shows gripped me more, but I can't say for certain. I might revisit it again sometime when I'm under less stress. ❉ Lastly, I haven't seen I'm in Love With The Villainess...

I tried to cover everything. Sorry if I rambled too much... Hopefully I didn't miss anything important...

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frostfires-blog · 21 days ago

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Hello 👋

I found your blog because of your posts about your Top 30 Favourite Anime Ships! Because mostly are het ships, at first I thought you dislike m/m & f/f ships, then I realized how wrong I was (sorry for my mistake).

Thanks for sharing your wonderful ships! (So agree with you, in HuaLian no 1, they're one of the best ship ever...!)

Can I ask something?

- From your top 30 ships, somehow I can't found no. 21, can I ask what is your ship no 21?

- Is it weird when someone who used to loved het romance, over the years, got fed up with m/f relationships, and can't enjoy them anymore? Like now for romance, I only want to read m/m and f/f ones...

Sorry for this long ask.

Hi!🪷 I'm glad those posts brought you here since they normally scare people away lol... No worries, I get why you'd jump to that conclusion—but believe me, I have nothing against m/m or f/f ships. Admittedly, for a long time, I only shipped m/f ships (mostly because I was really young when I started watching anime and because of my conservative upbringing), which is why most of my favourite ships are still m/f but my horizons are quickly expanding.

I fear nothing will ever top Hualian—not a day goes by that I don't think of them. In my mind, they invented love itself. I hear them in every song I listen to, and I see them in any random, mundane objects with a red-and-white colour scheme... Idc, if people think I'm losing it, I'm that obsessed, lol.❤️🤍

I'm so sorry that you couldn't find #21... I didn't tag all of those posts consistently. Someone else alerted me about this same issue, and I have since adjusted the tags. All of the "my top 30 ships" posts are tagged with #mytop30ships... Alternatively, here's a link to #21 Mafuyu x Uenoyama 💙🧡

I don't think anyone has the right to openly judge others for their tastes in fictional ships. Everyone's allowed to have an opinion, but people shouldn't attack or admonish others unwarrantedly. That aside, I don't think it's weird; it's natural for one's tastes to evolve over time. However, I do believe that some people are becoming overly critical of M/F ships these days... Although it's also true that a lot of canon M/F ships lack development and originality these days... While I love classic tropes, they should be implemented in an innovative, refreshing way and not just rehashed uncreatively. Both canon and non-canon M/M and F/F ships tend to naturally reinvent these tropes—making them feel a lot more refreshing and captivating. While I haven't gotten fed up with M/F ships, I have been shipping a lot more M/M ones in the past 2 years—so I somewhat understand your feelings. Although some new M/F ships have captivated me lately—not in the sense that they reinvent the wheel but in the sense that they apply classic tropes in a way that feels both refreshing and nostalgic—namely Jinshi x Maomao💜💚 and Himmel x Frieren💙🤍.

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frostfires-blog · 23 days ago

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As TGCF fan, can I ask your top 5 (or top 3) favorite characters from TGCF? And why do you love them all? Also, your top 5 (or top 3) favorite moments from that series? Thanks....

[Hi, thanks for sending an ask! I appreciate any opportunity I get to talk about TGCF here since I don't really have anyone to talk to about it in person. Ngl, I have very predictable tastes lol. ]

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-> Top 5 Favourite TGCF Characters:

[ Honourable Mentions: Pei Ming, Mu Qing, & Yin Yu ]

5) Yushi Huang/Rain Master

I'm not going to go into a lot of detail since she was already featured on my top 15 female characters post... but I love her backstory and design. Her humility, patience, selflessness, and compassion are incredibly admirable, setting her apart from other characters.

4) He Xuan/Blackwater [Warning! Potential Novel Spoilers!]

His backstory and role in the series are really compelling and harrowing. I really liked his dynamic with SQX before the big reveal. I honestly didn't see this coming, even though I usually can spot plot twists from a mile away. Even though I am rather sad with how the Black Water Arc ended, reading it was tremendously thrilling. HX is a nuanced character with complex emotions and motivations, which adds to his appeal. I wish we had seen a little more of his actual thoughts and sentiments, though... On my first read-through of the series, I didn't particularly care for any of the side-ships, but after my second read-through, all the angsty tropes really resonated with me, solidifying Beefleaf as one of my favourite MXTX ships.

3) Shi Qingxuan/Wind Master

I don't think there's a single tgcf fan that doesn't like SQX. His compassion, loyalty, and integrity are commendable. His bright, mischievous, and fun-spirited nature is always entertaining to see. While most of us love his bond with MY—which is incredibly entertaining—I also adore his friendship with XL. The scene of him unwittingly exposing XL in front of the Heavenly Court will never not be funny. By the end of the series, despite facing immense adversity, he remains bright and resolute, which is tremendously inspiring.

2) Hua Cheng/San Lang

There's a lot to like about HC, but his enduring devotion will forever be my favourite aspect of his character. His willingness to prioritise XL's happiness and well-being over his own desires is everything. The way HC loves and accepts XL for all that he is truly precious. While some argue that HC is uninteresting because most of his development revolves around XL and we never learn his full backstory—he is actually a nuanced character with separate opinions and sentiments. I adore his charismatic, confident, and witty personality, as well as his introspective, sincere, and slightly insecure inner self. I don't want to go into too much detail since I'm going to write a longer piece on him as he'll be featured in the upcoming list of my favourite male characters.

1) Xie Lian

XL is a compelling character because—unlike typical protagonists who evolve during the course of their journey—he has already undergone significant personal development at the series' starting point. Rather than growing with him, we gradually unravel the intricate layers of his multifaceted personality and obscure past. His development throughout the series is centred around him rebuilding and forging connections with others rather than growing as an individual. He is unique as a character because, despite his kindness and compassion, he also recognises that there are circumstances beyond his control, which helps him maintain his composure in trying times. However, he does not let this deter him from attempting to help others. XL is truly remarkable for his capacity to discern the good in others, despite having endured immeasurable suffering and witnessed the darkest aspects of humanity. His unadulterated, unconditional love for HC is profoundly heartwarming. Nevertheless, once again, I don't want to go into too much detail...

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-> 2.0) Top 3 Favourite TGCF Moments...

Ngl this is a difficult one since both the donghua and the novel have a lot of great scenes in them... So I'll cheat a little and give 3 from the anime and 3 from the novel... Ngl, they're mostly Hualian-centric since I adore them with all my heart.

> 2.1) Favourite Donghua Moments:

#1 Bridal Sedan Scene (S1 EP1-2)

#2 Gambler's den scene (S2 EP1-2)

#3 “I promise, you won’t find another person more sincere than me in this world" (S1 EP12)

> 2.2) Favourite Novel Moments:

Warning! Potential Novel Spoilers!

#1 Curious Magic Shatters the Cursed Shackles (V8 Chap. 129) + Smiling As Red Robes Fade (V8 Chap. 130)

#2 Cave of Ten Thousand Gods Reveal (V6 Chap. 93)

#3 Temple of a Thousand Lights Endlessly Illuminating the Lingering Night (V3 Chap. 42) / “To me, the one basking in infinite glory is you" (V4 Chap. 63)

[P.S. Forgive me for cheating by tying two placements as there were too many to choose from... ]

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frostfires-blog · 26 days ago

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Hi....! Can I ask, who are your top 10 (or top 7) favorite romantic relationship's couples in books/ manga/ anime/movies/tv series (can be canon or non-canon) and your top 10 favorite characters ever from any media? Why do you love them all? Thanks if you want to answer....

Apologies for the wait...I'd like to start this by mentioning that I didn't intentionally ignore this ask but was distracted by other tasks.

1. Who are your top 10 (or top 7) favourite romantic relationships/couples in books/manga/anime/movies/tv series?

To be brutally honest, I don't watch any films or TV series—which several people in my life have criticised me for. I used to read YA novels but haven't kept up with new releases for about 5 years. So, I pretty much only watch anime and read manga. However, I've recently been interested in donghua, danmei, and otome isekai manhua, though I rarely mention the latter on this blog. I've done multiple posts about my top 30 ships in anime and donghua before, and that list pretty much covers all media since, as I previously stated, I don't watch anything else. Describing why I like them all would be a lot, and I doubt anyone wants to read all that lmao. So let me know if there's any particular ship you want me to do a deep dive on.

2. Your top 10 favourite characters ever from any media?

This is such a difficult one to answer since I'm really indecisive and there are such a lot of great characters out there... Tbh, I find it practically impossible to compare male and female characters in anime since my expectations for both (in terms of writing quality) are vastly different. I recently did a full, detailed list of my favourite female characters and have been getting requests to do a list of male characters as well. So I've been working on that, but since I want the formatting of both posts to match... it's going to take quite a while, and I don't want to keep you waiting on this ask.

So I don't have a clear answer for you at the moment other than to check out my previous posts and wait for the upcoming one. I feel bad for not really answering anything here, so if there's anything else you want to know (that would be quicker and easier to answer) then let me know.

#frostfire-asks #myasks #anime rambles #anime #manga #donghua #manhua #animanga #shoujo manga

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frostfires-blog · 1 month ago

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My Top 15 Favourite Anime (& Donghua) Female Characters 2024

[Before I get started, I'd like to point out that making this list was quite challenging considering I have watched quite a few anime. So please don't be too offended if any of your favourites aren't included; just because they aren't here doesn't automatically mean I dislike them. Feel free to leave your constructive thoughts and own lists in the comment section since I appreciate amicable discourse. Also, I decided to use the "keep reading" feature to make it easier to scroll through the long posts on my blog, so the official list is under the cut.]

-> Honourable Mentions:

-> My Top 15:

“If you’re helping someone and expecting something in return, you’re doing business not kindness.” Shirayuki is incredibly empathetic and emotionally aware as evidenced by her drive to ensure that the people around her feel cared for and supported. Even if it involves sacrificing her time and energy, she is always eager to help others. At times this is her greatest strength—as it enables her to build strong connections with others. However, on occasion, this trait makes it difficult for her to establish boundaries and prioritise her own needs. This struggle is something I think we can all relate to. I greatly admire her determination, optimism, compassion and resourcefulness. Her integrity, patience and consideration for others is something I aspire to emulate in daily life. Her passion for plants is something I have in common with her.

"I won't lose to myself!" Given that she has become somewhat of a meme in the fandom, I'm sure some of you may be surprised by this, but she was one of the first female anime characters I resonated with when I was young. Although she lacks presence in the overall series, her strong-willed and independent yet easy-going and relatable personality endeared her to me. Even in stressful situations, she is renowned for her diligence, discipline, practicality, and reliability. Her character serves as a tribute to the resilience of the human spirit as well as the value of perseverance and hard work. Her fear of failure sometimes causes her to doubt herself and her capabilities which highlights the struggle we all face with balancing our concerns and our obligations. Her fighting style and character design remain one of my absolute favourites, making me annoyed that Kishimoto didn’t do more with her character. Also, nejiten is my Roman Empire.

“This is a cruel world. And yet...so beautiful....” In all honesty, I'm still miffed by the ending of Attack on Titan, which had me contemplating whether to include her on this list, but I realised that would be petty and short-sighted. Mikasa was one of the first female characters I saw who not only stood with male characters on the battlefield but also outperformed them—which made me look up to her. Mikasa's greatest attributes are her inner strength and innate sense of responsibility to defend her loved ones and fight for justice, as well as her intense loyalty and devotion, especially to Eren. Aside from her strength and fortitude, she also possesses compassion and gentleness towards those she cares for—which I admire considering many female characters in shounen anime are pressured to sacrifice these qualities to be strong and respected.

“Why didn’t I try to get to know him better?” Since Frieren is the newest character on this list, I’m sure she’ll continue to grow on me in due time. As the protagonist of a show centred around the value of life, the importance of goodbyes and the passage of time; Frieren is an incredibly complex, multi-faceted character. Her journey to understand the depth of human relationships and emotions—after losing someone she failed to realise was important to her—is an incredibly touching and insightful one. Watching her experiences serves as an important lesson: to value every moment and to take the initiative to build connections with others—which is something I often struggle with. Frieren is best recognised for her composed demeanour. She demonstrates qualities such as an affinity for independence, a keen sense of introspection and a preference for logical reasoning—all of which allow her to serve as a voice of reason for their group. Her sharp mind and unrelenting curiosity propel her to continually expand the limits of her knowledge, enabling her to innovatively tackle challenges from a unique viewpoint—making her an engaging and dynamic character to watch.

“A-xian is my little brother…When others insult him it is no small matter to me.” While often overlooked due to her immense kindness and amiable personality—her determination, selflessness and fierce protectiveness of her loved ones are admirable. Although not a major character in MDZS, her influence over its more central characters is evident. Her lack of hesitance in sacrificing her life for her martial brother, Wei Wuxian—even though he unintentionally contributed to her husband’s death—endeared me to her. Her determination to rise above her difficult upbringing and grow into a caring, mature and reliable figure is praiseworthy along with her capacity to find common ground in seemingly immutable situations. Her character design ranks among my favourites as well and complements her personality well. She taught me that despite being in a society where one is harshly rebuked or pressurised it is important to stand firm in your beliefs and desires.

“If you must cling to something in order to yield, why not pick up that which you have tossed away and hold it in your hands anew?” While initially, she doesn't appear to be very noteworthy because of her limited role in the series, the brief time she gets presents her in a positive light and her backstory is notably well-developed even among more prominent side characters. Despite her reclusiveness; her compassion, forgiveness and humility are noteworthy—especially when contrasted with the majority of other Heavenly Officials. Given that characters like Xie Lian and Hua Cheng respect her, while Jun Wu and Pei Ming are cautious of her proves that her strength and significance should not be undervalued. Her ascension story—which earned her the moniker “The Princess Who Slit Her Throat”—is a prime example of her incredible selflessness as she willingly laid down her life to protect her family and country despite being ignored and mistreated for most of her life. She remains very grounded despite her status as the God of Rain and Agriculture and is always willing to help others, even if it means defying authority. She possesses no ill will towards those she has had disagreements with and doesn't hesitate to save them.

"Even if it's a short life, burn hot and bright and overtake the moment. That's my way of life." Kagura is best known for her quick wit, tomboyish personality and fighting spirit which often manages to steal the spotlight in the Gintama series. She is an ardent and fierce fighter who doesn't hesitate to express her opinions. Beneath her brash exterior, she is compassionate and caring, frequently using her keen intuition and empathy when interacting with others. She often takes risks, facing challenges directly which can be seen as impulsive and abrasive—however, this behaviour stems from her need for control and security amidst a chaotic world. In a sense, we all struggle to assert ourselves in difficult situations and could benefit from approaching things with a little more of Kagura's zeal. Kagura also enjoys helping others and is incredibly devoted to the people she loves. She is also not afraid to voice her opinions or act when she sees someone in need. By virtue of her strength, humour, and charm, she has not only gained popularity among fans but also established herself as an iconic figure in the shounen genre.

"If you don't hold a rose carefully, you'll get pierced by its thorns." Tsukuyo is best known for her unique fighting style, sharp wit, caustic humour, and compelling backstory which has allowed her to become a fan favourite and a key part of many serious arcs in the series. In many respects, her design and backstory serve as a parallel to that of the protagonist—Gintoki—which adds to her depth. Furthermore, her name and personality are based on Tsukuyomi no Mikoto—the moon god in Shinto and Japanese mythology—accentuating the cool aesthetic of her design. Contrasting her rough exterior, Tsukuyo is shown to have a tender side, exhibiting an innate sense of empathy and sensitivity. Although her reserved attitude often conveys an impression of aloofness and distance, this is just how she processes things and expresses concern, which is something I can identify with. Her most admirable quality is her strong sense of duty and loyalty towards her loved ones, as well as her inclination to prioritise the needs of others over her own. Although she struggles with insecurity and anxiety—leading her to hesitate and over-analyse—she is resolute in overcoming these issues when crucial matters are at stake, which is a valuable message.

“I once believed that the road of happiness continued forever and ever into the distance. When it was destroyed, I realized for the first time that it lies upon a thin sheet of glass. And just as we were saved, there were those whose happiness that haven't yet been destroyed. So, I wanted to get stronger and protect them.” Shinobu is a multifaceted and captivating character who stands out—even amongst Demon Slayer's eclectic cast—largely due to her distinct fighting style, striking design, tragic backstory as well as her nuanced personality and motivations. Shinobu's strongest assets are her insight, and compassion, which enable her to support those in need. She usually has a relaxed smile on her face and generally exhibits a bright, amiable, and joyful demeanour. However, it soon becomes apparent that this outward disposition is a façade masking her profound anger and relentless desire for vengeance. This dichotomy in her persona is foreshadowed by her conflicting roles in the series as a healer and a poisoner. Her desire to cater to those close to her is the primary motivation for her outward façade, which is primarily modelled after the mannerisms of her deceased older sister. Considering we all conceal certain parts of ourselves to appeal to others, this aspect of her character is very impactful and relatable. She also often struggles with feelings of inadequacy stemming from her physical limitations. However, she overcomes this obstacle by employing poison to kill demons, showcasing her resourcefulness, fortitude and tenacity. Although we all feel envious of the talents of others, Shinobu's character is a reminder that we all have our strengths and should face obstacles head-on never giving up on our objectives.

“Although our thoughts are changeable and difficult to understand, the actions we take don’t change, no matter how much time passes.” As a consequence of her seclusion in the Yamei Palace and her mystical abilities, Jusetsu is quite enigmatic and detached. While she is often perceived as haughty and aloof due to her bluntness, impatience and lack of social experience; she is shown to have a tender and vulnerable side. She possesses an inherent sense of justice and doesn't disregard those in need, even if they have offended her in the past, which is incredibly admirable. Although her position as the Raven Consort demands her to live alone, she quickly finds herself surrounded by people, leading her to feel guilty considering her deceased predecessor remained isolated. Her heart begins to soften as she lets others in, but she often struggles to comprehend others, causing her to inadvertently offend them—which is something that most of us can relate to. However, she is quick to mend things once she realises her misstep and comes to learn that it's necessary to confide in those who care about you. She frequently exhibits guilt about seeing her mother die, which leads her to feel that it's preferable to be by herself than to lose anyone else. Her struggles with guilt and constant introspection not only add to her complexity as a character but also make her very relatable. To a degree, we all worry that opening our hearts to others will result in us being irrevocably hurt but constantly have to take that risk to live a fulfilling life—thus making Jusetsu’s journey an incredibly empowering and compelling one.

“I'll definitely overtake you, and it'll be my turn to worry about you.” Misaki is best described as bright, diligent, pragmatic, and disciplined. As the student council president, she is committed to improving her school's reputation, even if it involves challenging the expectations of her male teachers and peers. Before Misaki's father abandoned their family, she was noticeably more tender-hearted and compassionate, but she subsequently developed a bias against males based on her conviction that they were inconsiderate and unreliable. She possesses a rigid sense of justice and sets high standards for herself and everyone around her. Consequently, she often struggles with her emotions, particularly when it comes to maintaining her composure when her private life is disrupted. Misaki is particularly embarrassed about her part-time position at a Maid Cafe, believing it contradicts her strong, uncompromising image, and consequently takes great effort to establish a rigid boundary between her public image and her private life by keeping this job hidden from others. Misaki's best quality is that she never veers off course and gives her all in everything she does, inspiring others in the process. Misaki exemplifies the value of resilience and diligence when it comes to achieving one's goals because, despite facing countless hurdles, she remains committed to her ideals. Conversely, she is overly self-sacrificing and frequently overworks herself due to her inability to trust others. Through the course of the series, she learns to accept her femininity and fragility while remaining assertive and self-sufficient. As she navigates her growing romantic feelings for Usui, she learns the value of having faith in others, as well as the significance of respect, communication, and acceptance in relationships. This process of self-discovery moulds Misaki into a multifaceted character who is exemplary and relatable.

“If history repeats itself, and moves in a circular path, then believing that whatever force is turning it is perfect, is all we can do as we move ahead. Pushed along by forces beyond our control, waiting, for the blade to be swung." Rukia’s best attributes are her altruism, modesty, strong moral compass and sense of duty. Her journey throughout the series centres around self-acceptance and belonging. Initially, she feels worthless and out of place yet longs to be recognised and accepted. Given that she finds it difficult to reach out to others, she never expresses these desires and lives a lonely life under continual strain. After meeting Ichigo and his friends, in the World of the Living, she begins to open up but quickly backtracks after she is taken back to the Soul Society to be executed. Despite enduring tremendous hardship, she never forsakes her ideals or blames anybody else—but instead faces and overcomes everything alone. This demonstrates her immense fortitude, resolve and integrity. Her strength lies in the fact that her heart never fluctuates. Upon the moment of her execution, she does not display fear or regret but is instead grateful for having lived an ample life. However, this is the turning point, as she is saved by Ichigo and is thereafter rewarded for her resolve and steadfast convictions. She finally alleviates herself of the guilt and grief she had been carrying by allowing herself to rely on others for emotional support. She can now confidently confront and overcome her greatest challenges because she is certain of who she is. In this way, Rukia's character serves as an example that no matter what you are faced with, your efforts will be recognised so long as you remain resolute and virtuous—which is incredibly commendable and compelling.

Her enduring and incomparable bond with the series’ protagonist, Ichigo is one of my favourite aspects of her character and the series as a whole. Throughout the story, she is a continual source of both physical and emotional strength for him. In several respects, Rukia's character is a parallel to his as she understands Ichigo's feelings better than anyone else considering she has gone through similar experiences. The quote "The rain drags the Black Sun down, but the rain is dried by the White Moon" perfectly encapsulates their dynamic—with Ichigo representing the former and Rukia representing the latter. Throughout the series, the rain is a potent metaphor for Ichigo's despair, while Rukia is constantly seen guiding and consoling him—effectively drying up “the rain”. She acts as a "ray of light" for Ichigo—despite her problems—who in turn does the same for her. Rukia's symbolism as the "White Moon" also pertains to her technique—specifically her bankai, which transforms her into a veritable ice princess. This symbolism furthers her development, influence and prominence in the series.

"Before I question the gods, there are questions I should ask myself!" Yona's remarkable development from a pampered princess to a courageous warrior is precisely why she is one of the most recognised and respected shoujo heroines of all time. This development begins after her privileged and idyllic life in Hiryuu castle is upended when her beloved cousin, Soo-won, murders her father and seizes the throne. After witnessing this traumatising event, she is forced to flee the castle and is forced to adjust to a harsh and perilous life on the run. She is momentarily overcome with fear and denial thus depending entirely on her bodyguard and childhood friend Hak for protection and care. However, after recognising that the people who were sheltering her would suffer as a result of her incapacity, she began to pull herself together. Empowered by her newfound resolve, she and Hak journey across the kingdom in search of the legendary Dragon Warriors and through these fateful encounters, they cultivate a revitalized sense of purpose and camaraderie. It is on this journey that she begins to realise that her father’s pacifistic reign came at the cost of weakening their kingdom, leading to widespread strife and corruption. Her overwhelming guilt regarding her ignorance causes her to develop a genuine sense of responsibility towards her nation's people. With the support of her allies, she travels around the kingdom to improve the lives of the common people, having abandoned the prospect of revenge. Yona's fundamental strength is shown to derive from her emotional fortitude, compassion and capacity for forgiveness. Additionally, her adaptability, willingness to learn, and strong sense of conviction are all admirable. Although she continues to grow stronger throughout the series, she has always been incredibly kind and compassionate. She is inspiring because she demonstrates that true strength comes from within. It is her immense compassion that not only motivates her to protect her nation and change the lives of those around her but also draws people like Hak and the four dragon warriors to her. Her ability to forego her desire for vengeance in favour of forgiveness is not a show of weakness but is one of strength, selflessness and maturity. She realises that her desire for revenge is outweighed by the kingdom’s need for a radical and strong ruler like Soo-won —leading her to choose to work from the shadows to uplift the common people.

“It’s not always easy to see the good in people. In some people, you might even doubt that it’s there at all. But if you can somehow, find a way to believe…sometimes that’s all it takes to help someone, to give them the strength to find the good in themselves...” “No matter how cold it is now, spring will come again...” Tohru is best described as optimistic, hard-working, patient and open-minded. She is also modest, caring, and gentle-spirited. She constantly strives to seek out the good in everyone she encounters and is always willing to assist those in need—bearing no resentment against those who have harmed her. Her benevolent and amiable disposition effortlessly attracts people to her, making them feel accepted and valued, as demonstrated through her interactions with the zodiac members of the Sohma family. In comparison to the series' vast ensemble of colourful, quirky characters, Tohru is frequently perceived as being too perfectly kind and hence bland—nonetheless, this is completely misguided. In actuality, Tohru is equally as emotionally broken and thus the Sohma family heals her heart in the same way that she heals theirs. Her character is an exemplary subversion of the typical "kind-hearted" heroine given that she faces several genuine hardships that result from her gentle and charitable nature. She is not a perfect saint, but rather a girl who prioritises the struggles of others over her own as she attempts to find her place in the world. Her greatest strengths are her immense compassion, innate empathy and sincerity. Given that she expects nothing in exchange for helping others, her generosity does not originate from a position of entitlement, which is incredibly admirable. Tohru has a strong desire to be needed by others and thus often puts the needs of others before her own. She craves validation and assurance, hoping to be acknowledged as essential and irreplaceable to those around her. In response to the terrible treatment she received from her paternal relatives, Tohru has developed the notion that she might burden those around her, so she rarely expresses her desires. Consequently, she is inclined to internalise any unpleasant emotions and feelings rather than express them externally. However, as time passes, Tohru gradually learns to be more assertive and to accept help from others. Tohru's relationship with Kyo is another facet of her personality that I find endearing. Despite having similar backstories, they have developed divergent perspectives on life. Kyo finds it hard to recognise the positive in other people, while Tohru finds it hard to perceive anything negative in them. They strike a perfect equilibrium as he teaches her that being too unselfish and not sufficiently assertive is detrimental to her well-being, while she helps him realise that there is hope in trusting others. While Kyo is not the only one who sees through Tohru's façade, he is one of the only individuals who can help her face her issues as she becomes especially transparent around Kyo, confessing all her concerns and anxieties to him. Tohru demonstrates the power of forgiveness, love and friendship and exemplifies what it means to be a good person. Her journey towards overcoming her fears and attaining true happiness through strength and determination is heartwarming and inspiring. She embodies hope and compassion in a cruel and unfair world. Her growth demonstrates that being kind is not synonymous with being powerless or meek. She demonstrates that no one is completely perfect—that kindness is a choice rather than an innate gift, therefore we are all capable of making the effort to be kind and compassionate to others.

“If I should die, I'd want to die of poison.” Maomao's story is kickstarted when she is kidnapped and sent to the Imperial Palace as a maidservant. Maomao’s extensive knowledge of poisons and medicine, along with her aptitude for unravelling mysteries ensnare her into the intricate web of political intrigue despite her attempts to remain inconspicuous. She is mature, sharp-witted, composed, and pragmatic, in large part because she grasps her expendability in the Rear Palace. Being raised in the Red-Light District has shaped her into a resilient and adaptive person with a thorough awareness of society's complexities, which she uses to traverse the Rear Palace. Consequently, she has developed a highly practical and pessimistic mindset on life, centred around avoiding trouble and adjusting to her surroundings—which has enabled her to tolerate circumstances that many would deem traumatic or distressing. Ironically, her insatiable curiosity, along with her strong sense of justice and empathy, frequently counterbalances her self-reservation; leading her to become involved in problems that affect others. Maomao is intrigued by poisons and medicinal plants, and she often investigates their effects on her own body. This passion is her primary motivation for her actions considering the mere prospect of savouring poison or studying a rare medicinal component kindles a fervent fire within her, resulting in a riveting shift in demeanour—which is naturally perceived as astonishing and insane by many characters, particularly the series' deuteragonist, Jinshi. Maomao’s name is derived from the onomatopoeia of a cat’s meow “貓” and fittingly she is often depicted with cat ears, which act as a visual metaphor for her ardent curiosity. This feline motif, combined with her proclivity for pushing herself into risky situations and her dangerous fascination with poisons, makes her the epitome of the phrase "curiosity killed the cat". Despite her exceptional competence and charisma, Maomao is not flawless; in fact, her flaws add to her appeal. Although Maomao's distrustful and inquisitive nature makes her an excellent detective, this same quality—coupled with her distorted yet starkly reliable perception of human connections—occasionally renders her socially inept. Maomao tends to shy away from forging strong, intimate bonds or attachments with other people, causing her to be wilfully oblivious of the obvious concern or affection others have for her, regardless of whether it is in a platonic, romantic, or professional capacity. Furthermore, she is sceptical about the notion of romance, feeling that it is more likely to cause ruination than to provide happiness. This scepticism and detachment are probably traumatic responses to being brought up in the red-light district, where someone's genuine affection alone does not guarantee that they will not discard you if needed.

Another aspect of Maomao’s character that I find intriguing is her dynamic with Jinshi which develops gradually and is multi-faceted due to their opposing traits, social statuses, and backgrounds. Despite her pretence of indifference, Maomao's actions—specifically her attentiveness and concern—gradually disclose her growing interest in him. Maomao's development demonstrates her progressively becoming less closed off emotionally as she processes the intricacies of her feelings. Similarly, Jinshi had no intention of growing attached to her—as he merely wanted to capitalise on her skill set and intellect. Nevertheless, he fell for her fairly quickly, with his feelings progressing from possessive attachment to ardent, selfless love. Their partnership is defined by mutual respect, trust, and their resolve to overcome obstacles of the aristocracy together. The series’ willingness to address feminist themes within a historically misogynistic setting adds another layer of complexity to Maomao’s character; since her intellect, competence, independence and boldness defy the gender expectations of the era. Even amidst the competitiveness of the Red-light district and the complex balance of power within the imperial harem— which were settings devised to pit women against one another—Maomao continues to advocate for camaraderie between women. As we continue to witness women supporting and empowering each other; their enduring strength and tenacity is exemplified. Maomao's journey is thus an embodiment of progressiveness reflecting a refreshing standpoint on female empowerment. Maomao's exceptional charm and vibrancy are profoundly compelling, instilling an enduring sense of inspiration and empowerment.

[Congratulations and thank you if you made it all the way to the end. I fear I rambled too much…. oh well… If anyone has any suggestions on what to do next, then let me know. Otherwise, I'm just going to be working on a few asks…]

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