#I’ll stay biased until ep 12

[massy2ly]

Is he self-projecting? Because the only victims I saw in this ep were him and that dead body in his trunk💀

[randomidiocyncrazies]

Appmon 47

so due to my carelessness and nosiness, i know that this episode is when Shit Hits the Fan. i’m liveblogging on twitter and will compile + add on to my reactions of this ep under the cut. rn i’m still in the middle of it, so i’ll keep updating it until the episode is over!

EDIT: tumblr ate the rest of it so here’s Part 2.

oh boy what a title! surely everything will be just fine, and Yuujin’s glowing red eyes way back in ep 1 is totally innocuous! (just let me stay in denial for a bit longer...)

okay, it’s interesting that Rei didn’t tell Hajime of his suspicions about Yuujin—if he really thinks Yuujin is a threat, having Yuujin play such a vital role in the operation seems dangerous. That said, he has no convincing reason to not let Yuujin take point on the mission (due to his familiarity with the terrain), and at least Yuujin’s partner is someone who he confided to about his suspicions.

It’s also interesting hat Haru does take Rei’s warning seriously, also suspecting Yuujin (though he probably feels guilty about it)—personally i think Yuujin’s behavior at the meteor shower had put Haru on alert, and he wouldn’t have taken Rei’s words so seriously if he hadn’t seen Yuujin break character (as a cool, calm, confident person) in front of him the previous episode.

again, I know the narrative justifies Rei violating Yuujin’s privacy, but without knowing WHY he was suspicious of Yuujin in the first place it just makes me so uncomfortable? with the context of Yuujin being an artificial human, there’s the implication that it’s okay for Rei to indulge in his curiosity and walk all over Yuujin’s personal records, because he’s just a thing—the fact that this behavior is justified by the narrative because Yuujin really is a(n unknowing) traitor, and it’s a good thing that Rei violated those boundaries to gain useful information, makes me really... sad, i guess? Yuujin’s ‘human’ persona doesn’t seem aware of his nature as an android on Leviathan’s side. it’s not hard to realize those subtle alterations are probably Leviathan or his handler manipulating his memories, so that Yuujin’s human persona can continue to function without gaining awareness of what he is.

(i understand my strong reaction is due to my own biases: i really hate mind-manipulation and mind-control in fiction; to me, it’s a serious and unforgivable violation of someone’s autonomy—it makes people into tools, or as a means to an end. It’s dehumanizing and objectifying. The combination of the implication of Yuujin’s memories being manipulated AND Rei’s violation of his privacy—which is validated by the narrative—just makes my hackles rise in a way that’s probably not intended by the creators? idk)

you tell him, Haru! (OW OW OW OW OW)

it’s cool that Haru is clearly angry with Rei in the first pic, but his default reaction is to smile at him and try to explain it in a way that Rei could understand. Haru’s greatest strength is his gentleness/kindness, and it shows. (also? bringing Hajime into the conversation is a masterstroke. Rei will be hard-pressed to make objections now, because Haru was willing to hear him out way back in ep 12, and his bond with Hajime is something he understands on a visceral level.)

Haru’s argument is so effective that Rei doesn’t attempt to stop Yuujin from being part of the team to capture Bootmon—it’s the only reason why he’d allow this to happen, given how suspicious he is of Yuujin before. Regardless of his distrust of Yuujin, Rei has decided to trust Haru’s conviction in his best friend (which is the ‘wrong’ choice in this case), due to his own bond with Hajime.

more talks about the future! it’s increasingly obvious that Yuujin has no thoughts about it, because he’s not designed to exist beyond the fight with Leviathan—Leviathan (and Minerva, given her demand of “laying down his life to save a friend”) clearly meant for Yuujin-the-human to disappear once his function is over.

(also, i just want to say having camera follow their feet during the conversation is so eerie? good use of camera angles to create atmosphere)

...i do admire the show for casting doubts as to whether Yuujin is aware of his non-human nature. Previous behavior indicates he’s unaware, but these last few eps throws that into doubt. My belief at this time is that his Yuujin-the-human persona is genuinely unaware (but is understandably freaked out by the fact that he can’t think of any future plans or things he wants to do), and there’s a ‘master program’ that is able to take control (but is usually dormant when the ‘human’ persona is active).

and then, in a scene that exists purely to TWIST THE KNIFE and MAKE ME CRY LATER, Yuujin reaffirms their bond with each other:

it’s important that Yuujin is the one to initiate this interaction: Haru has always seen Yuujin as the confident friend who’s warm, friendly, popular, and reliable—he’s the guy who has his shit together and helps his friends out. For the most part, Yuujin caters to the image Haru has of him: in the present time he tends to hide his insecurities in front of Haru, choosing to put on a brave face or try to deal with problems alone. The fact that he’s reaffirming their friendship right now, on the heels of their talk about the future, indicates he’s seeking comfort from Haru—in light of his unsettling inability to have concrete plans about the future, he needs reassurance from Haru that he can rely on Haru’s friendship and kindness (which is something he specifically admires about Haru).

there’s also the fact that the writers are trying really hard to make the audience (me) doubt Yuujin’s sincerity/innocence of his involvement with Leviathan, so this scene could arguably be seen as Yuujin trying to manipulate Haru in order to break him further later on.

[vaguely-gestures-to-the-void]

Hindsight: My thoughts on Loki (2021)

Welcome back! Spoilers below!

I need to clarify that I watch Loki purely as an escape. I've got a biased perspective in that regard because I don’t actively try to find fault with the show, though there are definitely things I’m not so inclined to. This is more of what I noticed and think things mean and it’s something I’m doing for fun. Anyways, here's my thoughts on episode 2 my loves.

Episode 2: THE VARIANT

Pre-title scene

Miss Minutes’ monologue in the recap is different to the one last ep.

1985 Oshkosh, Wisconsin

C-20!

“Today’s guest performances” on a board. Don’t really know if it means anything tho.

The Iconic (TM) I Need A Hero scene.

Pony.

The green tent - the lair of Loki.

I know not everyone’s a fan of the lighting, but it made sense to me. They’re still in the dark about who Sylvie is.

Why does C-20 take off her helmet? For the drama?

I hope Sylvie cleaned her blade. Narnia taught me well.

The Time Samsung (I can’t remember what it’s called right now) says that the date’s 04/12/1985.

Loki’s first mission (?)

‘Volume 26’ - how many of these does Mobius have?? #giveMobiusajetski

“ONLY at your LOCAL AUTHORIZED DEALER” - subtext about the TVA being control freaks? Jet ski safety?

I googled Wake Magazine. They’re up to volume 20 from what I saw, whilst Loki is reading volume 26, so I guess that’s something

Loki and Miss Minutes lmaooo.

Behind Loki’s elbow is the taxidermy something from the last episode. Also confirms that Loki threatened Casey at Mobius’ desk lol.

The thing has an egg?? What the hell is Mobius collecting? (He’s a Harry Hart variant lmao).

There are little twitches in Miss Minnutes’ hands. That’s so cool!

The egg timer’s a nice easter egg (I’m a comedian).

Mobius! B-15! :)

Is it just me or do the minutemen look similar, but not exactly the same. Makes sense if they’re variants.

I just realised the lights are built into the ceiling. Whoops.

What’s Mobius’ favourite?

Couple of things:

The racks full of identical uniforms/ones just hung up on doors.

The music has started to pick up the pace, but not in the way we see later on in the episode.

There’s a sign saying ‘FARE THEE WELL’ on it. Google tells me that it’s ‘used to express good wishes on parting’. Dang that was some good foreshadowing!

The person that looks like Agatha is still present.

I wonder whether it was supposed to be colder or whether the weather was just like that when they filmed.

The pony’s still around.

I think B-15 certainty that “a Loki couldn’t have gotten the jump of C-20” comes from her experience with them. She constantly tries to make it clear that because she’s not a variant, she’d know Loki better than he would, which (personally) makes the revelation that she’s a variant feel more devastating.

Again with the lighting, they’re still in partial darkness, constantly moving in and out of the light. Whilst what Loki says about the variant setting a trap is true, it isn’t in the context that he says it. Sylvie whoops their asses later.

The black and red-orange flags remind me of tomb markers. It’s a stretch, ik.

B-15 only has tally marks on one side of her helmet.

Mobius has fake pockets in his suit jacket. They’re the worst.

The ticking increasing in tempo as they approach red line - great for setting up tension.

I believe that Loki uses personal space like a weapon - slowly approaching them from the front, and then going behind Mobius’ back when he wants his way. It would make anyone uncomfortable, especially on a subconscious level because there’s a threat behind you.

Or maybe it’s that I have different personal space boundaries, not everyone likes being approached from behind. Loki’s movement felt intentional at least.

Getting Mobius to physically turn his way because of that might have been very subtle manipulation?

Loki looking back and forth trying to judge their reactions lol.

I liked the music in this scene, it sets up tension for Loki’s first attempt at betraying Mobius but then doesn’t completely dismiss it when it’s resolved.

Ravonna Renslayer’s office

The music here is 18 morceaux, Op. 72, No. 2. Berceuse. 18 morceaux, Op. 72: No. 2, Berceuse (Arr. For Theremin and piano) by Clara Rockmore for anyone that’s curious. I found out through Natalie Holt’s Twitter (I think).

The score is, and always will be, perfection.

Mobius’ small talk amuses me.

“Why do you get to keep all the trophies from my cases in here, you don’t think I’d love having that roller skate?” Mobius, what about the thing on the shelf behind your desk????

Ravonna seems like she’s answered these questions before, but she has a fondness for him that makes me think they’re good friends.

Also does Ravonna have multiple complete collections of the Encyclopaedia Britannica in her office? What are those books??

“I hope it’s a double.” Me too Mobius, me too (drink responsibly).

I don’t get how people think Mobius doesn’t remember leaving the stains. It sounded like Ravonna was chiding him for a bad habit and Mobius just made up a remark, not confusion.

Although he does place the cup at a different spot to the rings.

The ship flying past in the windows is a wonderful detail.

“The variant likes to stall for time.” It's very satisfying to me how everything stays relevant. Every detail advances the plot/contributes to it.

“Look, I know you have a soft spot for broken things.”

“I don’t think so-”

“Yes you do.”

Both Mobius and Ravonna only look at the middle figure when referring to the time Keepers. Either the other two are side-lined or don’t contribute at all.

“I’ll delete him myself.” At this point in time, I think Mobius is serious. As the episode progresses, his status may have changed, especially after the Jet Ski philosophy session.

Ravonna’s sash on the peg reminds me of the ones the people talking to Casey were wearing in episode 1.

Man those doors are so cool.

Peak sitting outside the principal’s office energy.

Mobius whistles at Loki as opposed to talking to him like he does later.

Any screen shot from the following scene is pristine chaotic disaster bi Loki energy featuring tired-of-your-tomfoolery Mobius.

“Isn’t that precisely why I’m here?” This marked a change in Loki to me. Up until that point, he’d tried to use what he’d known, who he’d been by scheming his way to the Time Keepers. By admitting he wasn’t sure of his purpose, we’re back with the person at the end of the last episode. It’s very Loki to try all avenues to get what he wants, and after having his world turned upside-down a few times in a short period, maybe he just wanted the familiarity of his old tricks, who he thinks he is.

Loki tensing up and then trying to assert control again reaffirms what I just said.

Man, give Mobius a holiday after all of this. Loki really tested him, huh?

Loki definitely likes validation on some level.

TVA archives (a.k.a the Salad Scene)

I can’t believe that place really exists. The looks combined with the music are just *chef kisses*.

I’m not sure if I’m thinking of the right progression, but the music reminds me of a plagal cadence. Google examples and play it side-by-side, you’ll get what I mean, maybe someone knows what it really is?

On either side of the elevators near the Time Keeper statues are the signs TVA archives.

The symmetry pleases my goblin brain.

I believe the entire show was just flexing the skills of the Loki crew and I couldn’t be happier.

“Pretend your life depends on it. I’m gonna get a snack.” This was so funny in the trailers but Mobius is dead serious (delete him myself comment). And he couldn’t even enjoy his salad.

Love that the end of credits takes from some of the scenes in episode 2.

The archivist has neat glasses.

I want some TVA stationary y’all.

It’s that moment fam.

I can’t be the only one curious by the ‘DISPLACED by 000:000:002:162’. Is that in Units? It would explain why the time line looks slightly bendy whenever we see it, especially if Apocalypses are so frequent.

IT’S THE SALAD LADS!

Mobius is reading the magazine that Loki was looking at earlier. Jet skis are Mobius’ comfort character.

“Don’t set fire to the palace.”

Tom Hiddleston has so much energy, he can move so fast.

“Oh God.” - Mobius, Null Time Zone

“YOU.” - Casey, Null Time Zone

Casey!

No thoughts, head empty, the Salad (TM).

But seriously, people only seem to be at their tables with others that work in a similar section. Not hunters and analysts eating in tandem to me, folks.

Oh Casey. Please don’t hurt him.

Aw, Mobius’ little giggle warmed my heart. Owen Wilson’s giving me whiplash with Mobius. My heart can’t take this y’all.

79 AD Pompeii, Italy

They’re both so giddy, Your Honour, I love them.

Mobius snuck them out lol.

“Bird noises?”

“BE FREE MY HORNED FRIENDS, BE FREE!” The post wouldn’t be complete without this.

Loki just throwing food at people and telling them “...enjoy your last meal while you can” is top tier comedy to me.

This is the first time we see Loki openly say nothing matters. I feel like the case file on the destruction of Asgard really pushed him to treat fate as unchangeable.

LXXIX is 79. Nice one Loki crew!

Mobius’ eye twitching as he checks the variance is a nice touch.

Loki throws away the stick that was holding the goat pen closed at the end.

TVA Archives, TVA cafeteria

Mobius picked up those files so smoothly I had to re-watch it.

Their position reflected what they were talking about - when Loki thinks it’s his individual contribution, he’s walking separately to Mobius, but they meet up when working together. I loved the blocking in that little moment.

I seriously thought that Loki was unconscious when I first saw him asleep around Mobius. I’ll admit it, it felt out-of-character for someone with such bad trust issues. Both of them seem pretty tired tho.

It’s the Jet Ski conversation comrades!

I’m beaming. Mobius talking about Jet Skis was the only time I’ve really remembered it’s Owen Wilson talking. It’s such a fun line to think about!

Loki’s smile. Adorable.

Just go watch the scene, it’ll give you good brain juices.

Mobius does it all for the Jet Skis and nothing else. I don’t make the rules, the Time Keepers do.

“My own glorious purpose.” This is a recurring theme in the season. Ultimately, I think that Loki is going to run for as long as it brings in money/until Loki gets killed again. However, I do like to think that in following seasons we’ll move beyond setting up Phase 4 Marvel stuff and just get deep dives into Loki’s character, though it may happen in the later eps or not be as interesting. Part of what made this show so interesting is the new setting in the Marvel universe but it’s hard to make predictions as to whether it will last in a show featuring the God of Mischief. Whatever happens, I’m happy that we got to see Loki’s existential crisis together, lads.

The music picks up, signalling that this quiet moment is about to end.

“No one bad is ever truly bad. And no one good is every truly good.”

“Scared little boy.”

These lines mean a lot to me. Loki perceives Mobius as an equal, similar to himself but not completely identical. The TVA’s whole aesthetic is Kafkaesque (Disney+ used that word), the imperfections keeping the place from looking mechanical and orderly like what the TVA promotes itself to be. Loki wants Mobius to acknowledge it, but Mobius is in the past, not addressing what’s right in front of him, surrounding him. That’s probably because Mobius doesn’t believe, he accepts what he’s been told though Loki wants to change that. He’s still focused on his job, the variant. I don’t think Mobius will struggle against change in the ‘belief’ part as long as things are rational.

Kate Herron (director) said that the Kablooie scene was improv which makes me wish we had more B roll of Owen and Tom. They seem so professional, invested and fun on set.

“No wonder you’re so bitter.” I’m sorry Mobius you sound as salty as your salad.

‘Artificially flavoured chewing gum’ Has something happened causing artificial flavouring to be preferred?

‘Blue’ has canonically changed to ‘Bloo’ by 2050 in America in the MCU. I blame capitalism.

Why does Mobius look so tiny? I say that like Owen Wilson wouldn’t look like a giant next to me lol.

Owen Wilson is 3.5 inches (9 centimetres) shorter than Tom Hiddleston. Yet he is dwarfed as Mobius. I need to stop talking about this and move on.

There’s no ‘variance energy detected’ line in the report.

“You’re gonna take my job if I’m not careful.” Loki looks so chuffed.

One day, I’ll properly address my thoughts on the shipping. Until then, I just want no one to die.

“Yeah, he’s doing great.” Mobius is so hyped. Good for him.

Owen Wilson has dimples.

Ravonna’s screen doesn’t show the timeline like it does later.

Ravonna is the done mom friend. Sane, undeserving of this, please give her a jet ski moment.

Buckle up folks because the last twenty minutes of this episode are my favourite so far.

At 34 minutes in, we get the music fading in with “Okay. But Mobius...” and a transition to my favourite composition so far. Natalie Holt outdid herself. The soundtrack is nearly constant, there’s no break for a moment of clarity anymore. The progression of events is inevitable, tying the bow on a plot line created in an hour and a half. The little embellishment from the strings (possibly) as Mobius and Loki exit is perfect. Combined with Loki’s raised fist leading to a pan to the ceiling, it prepared the audience for everything being turned upside down.

The changing camera angles and shot lengths (the continuous shot when B-15 takes the knives, the circling behind as the briefing occurs) keep viewers on their toes. The continuous shot is fluid, B-15 doesn’t look at Loki or Mobius, her reaction is natural and that just proves that the timing on that scene was impeccable. The circling behind reminded me of Loki positioning himself behind Mobius as he did earlier, but now he’s on the same side, part of the team though he continues to distinguish between himself and the variant. The building sensation that change is coming is met by the incredible swell in the music as we watch the picturesque Haven Hills get destroyed by modern technology and face the terrifying reality that is the Roxxcart store. There’s a close up on the Roxxcart storefront with school buses with the words ‘Evacuation shuttle’ in the background as we see the TVA’s minutemen come out reinforcing that even when the end is nigh, large corporations will loom over. A storm is raging with worse to come. I can go on and on, but you get the point.

2050 Roxxcart Disaster

I love that y’all are calling this the Alabama supermarket breakup. Makes me chuckle, that’s for sure.

I too hate when people can hear my footsteps. Someone that gets the struggle.

Sylvie places the TVA Samsung over a Roxxcart Security manual. She’s overridden both and is in control.

The date is 03/15/2050.

I think that the way the Hunters and minutemen hold their baton things is so that they don’t get yeeted. Neat.

As always, the beats are slick yo.

I hope the Azaleas guy gets some Azaleas wherever he ended up.

I love the way Loki says “In this storm.” It’s so satisfying for no real reason.

The wonderful Wunmi Mosaku does not get the recognition she deserves for this scene. She switched from B-15 to Sylvie so effortlessly. They’re two distinct characters, her facial expressions, body language everything changed in that instant. Even from the one line, “No, they usually survive,” her delivery had changed in a way that was noticeable. It’s uncanny, exactly what was needed when facing a foe that remained unseen. And the smile? It’s before we know the variant as Sylvie, so naturally it’s that signature Loki smile with a hint of malice we associate with the variant. Damn y’all, Wunmi’s incredible! I really hope she’s recognised for being so talented in this series, if not in all her other work!

Mobius really cares about those people. I really want his redemption (?) arc.

It’s been pointed out that even in those conditions, Roxxcart were selling blankets and water. I think it means that by 2050, cash would be defunct. If only electronic payment existed, as long as there’s electricity they can run a business. Chew on that.

If the man they speak to is 50 to 60, he was a 90s kid.

There must be a difference in the reprogramming or kind of variant selected to be a hunter as compared to an analyst. The Hunters look after their own, but the analysts (or Mobius) go as far as empathising with variants.

C-20 is sitting in front of safety standards.

“A bit amateurish.” Loki knows that the variant isn’t as skilled with magic as he is.

As Loki and the possessed people walk, the lighting becomes brighter. He’s moving out of the shadows.

Me too Loki, I’m worried about B-15 too.

Sylvie unironically saying bless is hilarious.

Randy must be hella tall.

There’s a low angle shot as Loki and Randy face off with the flickering light above with a sign hanging above them like a sword of Damocles and a physical separation. Terror is nearly constant in Loki's life now, but he responds by letting go of his drive to survive.

The subtle swells in the music just add to my rising blood pressure.

C-20’s voice over is sad lads.

“I wanna go home,” we know she’s not referring to the TVA.

Mobius seems like a caring person.

When B-15 sits up and searches the room, I think it’s her realisation. Her shiver was from fear and shock, the music wasn’t about her not seeing Loki, it was about the TVA and what had happened to her.

The head snap and the score timing matching. So satisfying.

“I would never treat me like this. Hi.” I think that’s Loki realising that his foe is not willing to talk their way through conflict.

This fight scene contradicts all the magic we see later ik, but if he didn’t want to hurt anyone and was trying to draw out the real enemy it made sense.

Some of Sylvie’s powers must come into the people she possesses. The guy punched a glass screen and didn’t even bleed.

“I have shit to do.” Sylvie wasn’t raised with court etiquette (from what we know) and her lexical choice reflects that.

Dell computers survive into 2050 in the MCU. So do those robot dogs and Roombas. I am only happy about the Roombas. Where did the real dogs go? :(

“Mobius.”

“Where is he?”

“I lost him.”

“What happened?”

“I...”

Until now, B-15’s delivery has felt slightly rhythmic, like she was used to having the same arguments, particularly with Mobius. When she trails off however, I think it’s her trying to rationalise what she’s been through with Sylvie’s possession. Her devotion to the TVA was rooted in the fact that she wasn’t a variant, her life had a purpose and it was intentional. This must have rocked her, I’m invested in where she’ll go.

THE CUT TO BLACK OH GOOD GOSH.

Sylvie, my queen. I’d roll off a cliff for her.

The person with the moustache (you know the one) has pure fear on his face.

Ravonna knows what’s up.

And so do you, yes it’s the music, go listen to it.

THE RED LIGHTING

The zoom out to that incredible hallway shot and then stopping behind the time door. It was never about him after all, he was in the background of her plans.

Sylvie’s wave in Roxxcart vs. Loki’s on the train. Discuss.

The blackout, thunder and Loki’s pause under the flickering red and white light, do y’all really want me to talk about the s y m b o l i s m????

He’s conflicted, you know it, I know it, Mobius knows it.

Speaking of Mobius, there he is, we cut back to Loki and see him make his decision, zooming back in on him.

And with that final flourish in the score, we are done with episode 2!

Cue the most amazing end credits score you’ll ever hear.

Do yourself a favour, listen to all of it, including the part after the main credits, both are Works. Of. Art.

Ep 2 review

In case you didn’t notice, this is my favourite episode so far. There are parts I didn’t take to as much, but details from the previous episode being used in the plot as well as others being explained by Sylvie in episode 3. Rewatching it was easier than episode 1 though it left me wanting more. It will get more interesting from here, but until then, that was a fun romp.

See y'all next time. I hope whoever's reading this has a wonderful day!

Part 1, Episode 1 extend review link:

[hirazuki]

I am such a fan of your cosplay, but I wanted to ask. Who is your favorite character to portray? Yes, I know, I’m biased as to my favorite of yours...but I’m trying to expand my anime consumption and was interested to know who inspires you! 🐾💜❤️

Hiii!!! 💜

Under a cut because this got long! 

It’s kind of hard to pick a favorite character from my cosplays, just because I only cosplay characters that I deeply identify with – I know lots of people who will cosplay because they happen to like the character design or because a friend is looking for a character to complete a group, etc., and that’s totally awesome! But for me, in order to put in the time, effort and money needed, I need to relate to the character on a very personal level. No single character completely describes me 1:1 as a person of course, so you could say that all the characters I cosplay show different facets of me, so it’s difficult to pick just one. 

Lotor has definitely been a huge inspiration, and I think it’s been partly due to the fact that I tend to work out emotions (especially negative ones) through creativity – I would certainly have loved him just as much if he had gotten a storyline that made sense and that he deserved, but I’m pretty sure my content of him wouldn’t be nearly as driven if it hadn’t been made as a reaction to canon (and fandom lol).

From the characters I currently cosplay, I’d say I have the most ideas for Lotor (yes, more still :D), Hijikata from Hakuouki (which is both an anime and visual novel series that I highly recommend, especially if you are interested in Japanese history), Azula (for the opposite reason from Lotor, her character was so superbly handled that I just want to celebrate it), and Light from Death Note (super awesome aesthetic to work with, and also one of the most incredible series about human nature I’ve seen). My ideas for Hijikata are currently on hold as they require the whole main group, and though I do know people who cosplay each character I’d need, we’re not located anywhere near each other T_T But one day, hopefully at one of the cons next year, we’ll be able to meet up!

There are lots of characters I haven’t gotten around to cosplaying yet and from those, Ulquiorra from Bleach is at the top of the list for inspiration/ideas. I actually have at least three Bleach cosplays planned, one of which is an OC, and a ton of ideas for photos and cosplay music videos, as Bleach is one of my favorite series of all time. I highly recommend the anime, it has compelling characters, gorgeous art, amazing voice acting, and one of the most exquisite soundtracks I’ve ever heard. The manga ending (the anime stops one story arc short of the manga) left me about as disappointed as VLD did, for different reasons, so my drive to create for it is super strong. It’s going to take a while though, as I need to find a videographer and several other cosplayers.

Shigaraki from Boku no Hero Academia is also at the top of my current insp list, he’s another sympathetic antagonist whose backstory hits a little too close to home. I’ve identified with him from the very beginning, but we recently (like, in the past couple of weeks XD) got his origin story and he’s gone from “oh I’ll cosplay him someday” to “I need to cosplay him NOW.” The mangaka’s writing is excellent and the whole series is really good, so I’m letting myself be hopeful for where he’ll end up, buuuuuut if you wanna hold off on checking it out in order to potentially avoid another Lotor, Dany, etc. scenario, I completely support that.   

Itachi from Naruto, Youko from The Twelve Kingdoms (Juuni Kokuki in Japanese), and Nobunaga from Drifters are all on my soon-to-cosplay list too, but lower priority. All three are excellent series; Naruto is super duper long at 600-something episodes I think, but the other two are very reasonable – I think 60-something eps for Twelve Kingdoms, and only 12 for Drifters (I’m still waiting on that second season they promised lmao). I also highly recommend Fate/Zero, even though I don’t cosplay from it. I do cosplay from its sequel, Fate/Stay Night, which is also an amazing anime, but Zero is definitely the winner of the Fate series for me and at its core it deals with the premise of the trolley problem in an extremely poignant and mature way that makes me wanna bawl my eyes out even years later

As far as ideas for specific photos/poses, I mostly get inspired by music, because I have the bad habit of being unable to listen to songs without often associating them with various characters. Lyrics usually cause a certain image to pop into my head, whether that’s a very specific pose or a more general concept for a photo or video, and will pester me relentlessly until I get the idea out of my system somehow XD