#Smokin’ With Idols: series

[gogo-the-king]

Smokin’ With Idols - Deep Cut

Shiver

It goes without saying that Shiver is obviously partial to blunts. The ease of disposal, the rolling of the paper, the high, all of it makes them give you that lopsided smile.

They can roll like no other, the best in the Splatlands, is what they say!

That being said, they don’t really like edibles. Too high too fast in their opinion.

Shiver goes past their limit a lot so helping them out and just holding them when they get overwhelmed is greatly appreciated. Even if the Octoling doesn’t voice it…

They’re also very good with comforting you if things get out of hand. They’ll probably figure it out before you do so you can expect arms wrapped around you and them petting your hair.

A high asf Shiver actually likes to go out on walks around Splatsville with you! Restaurants too sometimes! Paparazzi eats these walks UP.

Super cuddly with you, like you aren’t getting out without lovingly bumping heads or hugging.

Hanging out with Master Mega is something that Shiver does often if you aren’t around. They can talk to their shark and just ramble about all of their happy thoughts.

Though they usually reserve that for you…

If you can’t/don’t know how to roll then they can do it for you! They literally don’t mind and like helping you. They’ll teach you too if you’re willing to learn the small craft!

Shotgunning. All the time, no question.

They prefer silence and ambient sounds to music.

Frye

Edibles, Bongs, Blunts, she loves it all! She is the Jack of all trades when it comes to marijuana!

Frye’s the type of gal to split her gummy with you so you both can get a good high. Is the edible monster of Deep Cut so she’s very much prone to going past her limit and passing the hell out on your ass. Sometimes literally, passing out…on your ass.

“Oh, wow!” She says, looking down at the jar of gummies in her lap. “Hm?” You hum looking to her cross legged form. “Looks like I ate ten of ‘em!” She states grinning at you. “FRYE-“

Loves cuddles with you! Adores it in fact! She’s so smitten with you, just nuzzle up into her neck and she’s purring like an engine.

Very handsy with you sometimes. She’ll stop the behavior immediately if it makes you uncomfortable but she loves touching you in some way or another.

It’s no secret that she bites, but she bites in a loving little way. She likes to have a taste of you, just a nibble. (Be ready for bite marks all over your jaw, neck and wrists.)

PET HER. PET HER BIG HEAD BECAUSE SHE LOVES IT SO MUCH!!

Loves it when you have her head in your lap and you massage her temples. Her entire cranium is limp in your hands. Yes, she has fallen asleep before.

Big Man

The myth, man, and legend, Big Man is in love with glassware. He has a LARGE collection of custom pieces from his days as a heavy stoner.

He’s still a stoner make no mistake, but it’s a lot more casual than what he was doing before.

Is the Toker and supplier of Deep Cut’s marijuana. He’s definitely in a group chat with the large ring of weed dealers/growers around the Splatlands.

Big Man has had you try a lot of different kinds of weed. Sativa, Indica, heavy on THC, leaning more towards CBD, he’s supplied you with a lot of the stuff you smoke.

Smoke sessions with the rest of Deep Cut twice or so every month.

Has a great tolerance so he could probably cook a feast while taking hits from his favorite bong.

If you know how to maintain pipes and bongs, like cleaning them or clearing out some of the airways then he’s definitely asking you to do it for him. He supplies you with weed, you clean his pieces! Win-win!

He’s also a big snuggle bug and it’s obvious. He’s wrapping his big fins around you and just holds you for a while.

The “Sea blanket” nick name rings true because this man will lay one half of his body on you and pass out. He loves how warm you can get.

Get him some take out or maybe even cook something yourself and give it to him. He’ll love you forever.

When Big Man says he knows a spot then you’re in for a treat!! This ray has seen a lot of the Splatlands and knows some amazing views.

He’ll take you there and you can both just talk. Big Man despises being away from you, but sometimes things get busy for him and even you! Depending on your occupation-

The both of you can ramble, trade jokes, and stories while watching the dunes of the Splatlands under a small bunch of trees.

[sorairokakera]

favorite Kis-My-Ft2 Music Video

I tried to pick top 11 favorite music videos of Kis-My-Ft2~

Fear

I always prefer outdoor/on location setting more than inside a studio, but if they're going to make it in studio, this music video of Fear is very nice. It suits the mood of the song well and the focus on distinctive expressions of each members is captivating.

A10TION

A10TION (read: attention) MV is exciting and adorable~! It's a very nice music video to celebrate for Kis-My-Ft2 10th anniversary, there's festive mood and they put various elements from their 10 years journey (props from previous music videos and live) which makes it more meaningful. I also like YES! I SCREAM music video which has similar festive vibe~

Two as One

Though those cars are kind of "?" this MV is beautiful. I really like their dance parts (pair dance is so lovely). I particularly like that part when they move on boxes, wearing white suits with those lights on them, it's so beautiful.

君を大好きだ

A type of music video I usually like, one with story and outdoor/on location setting~! Kimi wo Daisuki da music video is adorable 🫶🏻 Actually I'm not that into a story where several boys liking one girl but watching Kisumai together always feels really nice and heartwarming~ this music video is longer than usual too🫰

HUG & WALK

First overseas shooting for music video~! In Singapore, 2019. It's fun to watch them having fun together! I wish they will have more overseas shooting and make the most of it (this mv could be much more but it's fine, first try).

Rebirth Stage

Their black and white outfits here are so kakkoii~! Their movements too, I really like those scenes when they're together. It's great but camera work is a bit dizzying. I want the steady (not much camera moving) dance full version ; ;

Because I Love You

Their black and white casual suits set, dance movements, this music video is so kakkoi~!! It's too short though ;-;

アイノビート -Rock ver.-

I want more rock Kisumai!!! They really kakkoii with rock style ❤️‍🔥 4 members wore too much black here though +_+ that harsh 3:4

LOVE

Probably music video with roller Kisumai I like the most for now~ Roller skate is one of their big charms, it's challenging but hopefully we can still see them with roller from time to time, safely.

Mr. FRESH

Inside train, only one setting, but it's very fun to watch! /that/ Miyacchi's part is hilarious (be ready on 2:30) ; w; Tama and Nika デコ出し really kakkoiii~~!!

Smokin' Hot

やんちゃなKisumai! Their angles play(?) is interesting. I'm not fond of paripi (パリピ) style but watching yancha Kisumai is always a delight✨ Shake It Up music video too, they somehow give a cute feeling? 🌝 but also kakkoii (of course) Tama's visual in Smokin Hot is veeeryy good.

It's great that they also made various kinds of music video like recording video, lyric video and animation video~

リボン Recording Movie -YouTube ver.-

This recording movie is 🫶🏻🫶🏻 I want more Kis-My-Ft2 recording videos! 🎀

SO BLUE Lyric Video

SO BLUE lyric video compiles pictures of sky from fans and Kisumai members, also footages of Kisumai, it's a really nice lyric video.

It's interesting they made Akumu lyric video with animation. Though I don't really get it, it has pretty colors~

Also, my top 5 solo music video:

Tamamori Yuta (玉森裕太) - Share Love

Tama's Share Love MV is sooo good. I really like how it's simple yet lovely. I also like one angle shoot, it's charming. (that bed is so narrow though 笑)

Kitayama Hiromitsu 北山宏光 - 灰になる前に

Mitsu's Hae ni Naru Mae ni MV is soooo good! Nice color tone and visual, interesting mouse-view angle, kakkoii.

Tamamori Yuta - ALIVE (all white and kind of surreal, it's interesting)

Miyata Toshiya (宮田俊哉) feat. 一ノ瀬トキヤ (ST☆RISH) - Nemophila

Revolutionary and beautiful collaboration, a member from Johnny's idol group and a member from idol group ST☆RISH, from Uta no Prince-sama series. The first, perhaps the only one that made it happened.

Nikaido Takashi (二階堂高嗣) - ジョッシー松村のSCREAM (cute MV! 🌝)

There are 2 songs I wish I could put them on my favorite MVs list because I really like these 2 songs and their visuals are so good. I feel these MVs are kind of lacking ;_; I wish their MVs are more...

Luv Bias -- very lovely song and their visuals are so good but what's that CG??? ; x ;

想花 -- I feel this MV could be more heartwarming if it's on location (that studio vibe also kind of cold?). More developed story/short stories would be more touching.

I wonder whether they will release an album in 2023, it's been quite a long time since last album release. Hopefully they (their creative team) will explore their MV more and make wonderful works.

[streamworthytv]

Here are your infographic AND complete versions of February list of Hulu’s Notable Arrivals!! (Notice that I didn’t include Utopia Falls...I legit couldn’t make it more than 5 minutes. It’s so bad that it kind of seems like a joke😅)

Available February 1:

300 (2007)

28 Days Later (2003)

Adam (2019)

All About E (2005)

Bridget Jones’s Diary (2001)

Bridget Jones: The Edge of Reason (2004)

Bridget Jones’s Baby (2016)

Buffalo 66 (1998)

Captain Kronos: Vampire Hunter (1974)

Cheech & Chong’s Still Smokin’ (1983)

Cherry Pop (2017)

Earth Girls are Easy (1988)

For Colored Girls (2010)

The Fugitive (1993)

Getting Go: The Doc Project (2013)

Ghost (1990)

The Girl King (2015)

Hitch (2005)

Henry Gamble’s Birthday Party (2015)

Hot Guys with Guns (2013)

John Q (2002)

Judgement Day (1999)

The Last Stand (2013)

The Last Warrior (2000)

Liz in September (2014)

Lord of War (2005)

The Man Who Could Cheat Death (1959)

Margarita with a Straw (2014)

Ms. Purple (2019)

Menace II Society (1993)

Mimic (1997)

National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation (1989)

National Lampoon’s Dirty Movie (2011)

National Lampoon’s Dorm Daze 2: College @ Sea (2006)

National Lampoon’s European Vacation (1985)

National Lampoon’s Vacation (1983)

Naz and Maalik (2015)

The Phantom of the Opera (2004)

Precious (2009)

Robin Hood (1991)

Say Anything (1989)

Southie (1999)

The Spy Next Door (2010)

Those People (2015)

Touched with Fire (2016)

Vegas Vacation (1997)

When Harry Met Sally (1989)

Where We Go From Here (2019)

Available February 2

A Madea Family Funeral (2019)

Available February 3

The Masked Singer: Season 3 Premiere (Fox)

The Cabin in the Woods (2012)

Available February 5

Warrior (2011)

Available February 6

Lego Masters: Series Premiere (Fox)

Angel of Mine (2019)

David Crosby: Remember My Name (2019)

Disaster Movie (2008)

Wrinkles the Clown (2019)

Available February 7

Into The Dark: My Valentine: Episode Premiere (Hulu Original)

Brooklyn Nine-Nine: Season 7 Mid-Season Premiere (NBC)

Indebted: Season 1 Mid-Season Premiere (NBC)

Available February 9

Alive (2019)

Available February 10

The Oscars: Special (ABC)

Available February 12

The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills: Complete Season 9 (Bravo)

For Life: Series Premiere (ABC)

Where’d You Go, Bernadette (2019)

Available February 13

Mister America (2019)

Available February 14

High Fidelity: Complete Season 1 (Hulu Original)

The Other Guy: Complete Season 2 (eOne)

Utopia Falls: Complete Season 1 (Hulu Original)

Beverly Hills Ninja (1997)

From Hell (2001)

Racetime (2019)

Radioflash (2019)

Villains (2019)

Available February 15

28 Hotel Rooms (2012)

American Ultra (2015)

Anchor and Hope (2017)

Monogamy (2010)

Princess Cyd (2017)

Available February 17

American Idol: Season 3 Premiere (ABC)

Duncanville: Series Premiere (Fox)

Good Girls: Season 3 Mid-Season Premiere (NBC)

Available February 18

Super 8 (2011)

Available February 19

Getaway (2013)

Available February 22

The Prince (2014)

Available February 25

The Voice: Season 18 Mid-Season Premiere (NBC)

Run the Race (2019)

Available February 28

After the Wedding (2019)

[evenstevensranked]

#27: Season 2, Episode 1 - “Starstruck”

Ruby desperately wants to win a radio contest to sit in on boyband BBMak’s recording session. Meanwhile, Louis finds an incredibly lucky penny and milks it for all it’s worth.

Wow, guys! Season 2 opens with the BBMak/Lucky Penny/Louis gets a makeover and looks smokin’ hot and Ruby develops a crush on him and I'm like "girl, same" episode!!! Let’s do this.

Alright, so within the first minute of this episode we learn that Ruby is absolutely obsessed with BBMak (a boyband that actually existed and is now unfortunately so irrelevant that some younger viewers of today assume they're a fictional band) and she’s trying to win a contest to go to their recording session when they come to Sacramento. She’s been listening to the radio on her pink, cheetah print walkman for hours on end trying to make sure she’s the lucky caller. Ren is concerned that her intense devotion may not be healthy.. but, Ruby insists she’s not obsessed with them. Her bedroom and behavior says otherwise: 

At school the next day, Louis ends up finding a lucky penny which leads him to experience the best few days in a row ever. It kicks off with him narrowly escaping death and his big history test being canceled due to their teacher’s monkey having babies. The usual. If you binge watch the show, like I’ve done more times than I care to admit, the first few seconds of this scene are shocking because Louis' voice is obviously deeper and he looks obviously older. Yet according to Disney logic we're supposed to believe he's still in 7th grade, lol nah. Maybe at least the second half of 7th grade... We've gone over this before.

Louis seconds away from potentially dying over a penny.

Like I've mentioned, Disney is notoriously bad at airing episodes out of order. So here, we get an episode featuring Ren’s old friend Nelson. The only issue is that this aired 6 episodes before Thin Ice, which is Nelson’s formal introduction. The only explanation I can think of for this is that the Disney execs thought the BBMak thing would make a stronger season opener and switched up the airing order after they were already shot sequentially. I guess they assumed, or hoped, no one would notice or care that there's a new character we've never seen before just chilling with the gang like BFFs lol. According to Wiki at least, Season 2 was aired horrifically out of order when you compare the production code to the number it aired in the season. Like, WOW. For example, this episode was shot as Episode 13. I think that says it all.

No wonder Louis seems so jarringly older in this episode. He’s totally younger in the episodes that were supposed to air during the front half of S2.

Anyway, both Ren and Nelson are concerned about Ruby’s wellbeing now. She has practically turned into a fanatic zombie. They approach her and she says “I haven’t slept. I haven’t eaten. Do you really think I wanna chat?” completely zoned out of her mind. Yeah, I’d be worried too. We also see that she’s not doing her schoolwork either. Her entire binder is full of BBMak, including this rather disturbing pop-up: 

Continuing his string of good luck, Louis gets to eat Principal Wexler’s extravagant birthday lunch for whatever reason and ends up winning a free fashion makeover courtesy of "Fruity Fruit Cocktail." ....ok. Tawny starts to get freaked out and Twitty simply says "I'm starting not to like you" which is understandable, because Louis is quickly slipping into another arrogant phase due to all of the luck he's been having.

Ren and Nelson give Ruby an intervention to stop her ridiculous obsession with BBMak and wanting to marry one of them. Why is this something that never goes out of relevancy? This is still happening today. It’s perhaps more relevant than ever with the rise of internet fandoms and socials like Tumblr. Teens are literally spiraling into genuine insanity over bands like never before. As long as there are teen idols, there will be teen idol fanatics. Can’t really go wrong with a plot-line like this. Ren tells her "You deserve a real life person who's gonna be perfect for you" - Ruby agrees and decides to turn over a new leaf.

The new and improved made-over Louis comes waltzing in, and just like that Ruby replaces her BBMak obsession with a Louis obsession. She’s just blown away by his beauty. Same, tbh. Y’all already know that I HAD THE BIGGEST CRUSH AND THIS EPISODE KILLED ME!!!! Now that I think about it, this very well might've been the episode that solidified my everlasting fondness for Shia LaBeouf.

This isn’t even overdramatic. Ruby is so me. 

Even Ren and Nelson tell Louis that he looks stunning! Well, “stunning” was Louis’ word, not theirs. They just agreed with his conceitedness, lol. Suddenly a bird comes flying into the house and lands on Louis’ shoulder. Of course, it happens to be Pecky -- a missing bird with a $50 reward. OF COURSE!

The next day, Ruby happily tells Ren that she has officially moved on from BBMak. There’s a new guy in her life! Ren is so excited until Ruby reveals the new object of her affection to her: 

Um, is this my room circa 2001 or Ruby’s? I honestly can’t tell. Also I would so buy that big’ol poster of Shia on her closet door. That thing has made a few appearances throughout the series. It’s kind of iconic looking, don’t you think? Maybe that’s just me... 

Just thought I’d mention: Ren asks her “How did you get these pictures?!” and Ruby explains “I downloaded them from the internet. Louis has a very interesting website.” Do I even want to know? Aside from the implied potentially disturbing content, part of me wishes Disney had some sort of interactive fake louisstevens.com website or something like Nickelodeon did with amandaplease.com! 

Tawny insists that Louis' lucky streak is nothing but “admittedly weird coincidences,” until Louis calls in to win the huge BBMak contest and......... wins. I love how he acts so blasé about it. The DJ is so excited and Louis is all "Eh.. What can I say? This whole charmed life thing is getting kinda old." Also, the DJ in this scene, who appears two more times in the series, was one of the many actors recycled for That’s So Raven. He played a news reporter on that show. Similar field. Huh. 

Ren believes that Ruby is simply rebounding with Louis and decides to show her his nasty bedroom to make her realize she doesn't actually like him. Ren also tells Ruby that he’s rotten and selfish, which... Is kinda true sometimes, oops. But at the same time, that scene always makes me a little sad inside. Louis is a good guy at heart, Ren!!

Just then, Louis appears in the doorway asking "What are you doing in my room?" and we get this incredible exchange:

(credit)

Louis then proceeds to very unselfishly invite Ruby to the BBMak recording session which only reinforces her crush on him. 

Okay. We finally make it to this darn recording session! Thank god. Louis might as well’ve brought his entire extended family because he brought four freaking people along with him like it’s some free for all. You usually don’t push your luck when you’re gifted something like that... but, oh yeah. Lucky penny. I freaking love this bit where Ren whispers to Ruby “Woo! He’s gorgeous...” referring to Christian from BBMak, and Ruby says “I know.......” in reference to Louis! LOL. 

Ren is so disgusted and once again Ruby is me.

Shia has been gorgeous in my eyes for nearly my entire life!!!!!!!!! Apparently I'm weird because I've seen so many memes about him that say things like "He was that ugly, weird kid on Even Stevens and then he magically became good looking" I'm just sitting here like??? Y'all are about 14 years late to the party.

Louis and Twitty get distracted by a table with free cheese on it, which honestly is the best part of any and every function or gathering. Not even gonna lie. While hanging around the cheese table, Twitty decides to seize the opportunity and give BBMak an Alan Twitty Project demo tape of “Sacramento Girl.” (YESSSSS!) They lie and say they’ll check it out — but immediately stuff it under a block of cheese. As a musician, I can confirm that this is too real. It’s impossible to get successful/established artists to take you seriously. I met Fall Out Boy at a local radio junket once and slipped Pete Wentz a demo. I never heard anything, sooo... It stings to know that he most likely hid it under some cheese the second I left. 

BBMak are looking for a ‘Sacramento sound’ (whatever that is) and encourage Louis to play some tambourine on their track! They tell him “If this works out, you could come on tour with us!” If only it was that easy to land a national gig in real life. Ruby mentions in passing that she needs to tell Louis how she feels, and TAWNY IS NOT HAVIN’ IT! Omg. She kinda gets jealous of Ruby’s crush and they start a small argument over him. Ren cannot believe what she's witnessing and I love it. Also, Christy looks fantastic here? Whoever did her hair and makeup: Good job!! wow!

Unfortunately, Ruby’s attraction to him is short-lived and comes to a screeching halt the second Louis loses his penny during his tambo solo, jumping around like a lunatic with no rhythm. (Again, HOW does he become a drummer later on? It’s a mystery.) It’s very subtle, but you can tell once Ruby starts finding Louis "odd and annoying," that Tawny is secretly happy about it and still obviously likes him unconditionally even though he's literally insane. Same, Tawny.

So, yeah. Louis loses his penny and his luck runs out. BBMak basically kick him out of the studio. I love how Louis asks them “What about the record and the touring?! What about BBMak-Stevens?!” as if the conversation ever went that far. It’s great. I might’ve spoke too soon about Shia being gorgeous because the faces he makes when he realizes the penny is missing from his pocket are the furthest thing from the adjective: 

It is hysterical, however. And that outweighs everything else here, so.

This episode ends on an AMAZING note: A super cringy music video for “Sacramento Girl”! What more could you ask for?!?! We get some Twitty-Stevens Connection action here and it’s something to behold. 😂  Be on the lookout for Shia doing his classic “shirt-over-the-head” thing he does, HAHA. You can tell some of the vocals were done by middle-aged men (probably Jim Wise) which makes it even more hilarious. My favorite lyric has got to be the Grammy award worthy: “Before I met the girl I had it made... Now she scores higher than the whole arcade. YEAH!” And of course, the episodes’ immortal last words "TAKE THAT, BBMAK!!!!" will go down in history.  

That’s it! I honestly don’t even know why I’m ranking this one “lower.” It’s probably one of my personal favorites but.. Idk man. There are simply other episodes that I like more, lol. This is a totally solid episode though! Super memorable, pretty strong humor (including music-related humor... which you know I love!), and two awesome plot-lines that blend really well! But, even with all of that.. something felt slightly flat about it when re-watching. It could possibly just be from me watching these episodes waaay too much, tbh. It also probably has something to do with it being a “special” episode with guest stars and whatnot. Episodes like that tend to feel like totally separate things to me. 

At this point, we’ve officially reached the REALLY REALLY GOOD part of the list, though. So I don’t feel too bad about placing it here. There are no “bad” episodes from here on out. Well, there are no bad episodes of Even Stevens in general really. But.. you guys know what I mean.

I’m probably gonna regret and rethink this entire list once I finish it anyway so, lol. 

Thanks for reading! 

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[dlamp-dictator]

Allen’s Weekly Update

So I finally got Fire Emblem: Three Houses today. After weeks of waiting I can finally play the newest RNG Bullshit Simulator Fire Emblem game. I’m really excited and I’m gonna’ play it for a bit before bed tonight. 

Unfortunately, I won’t be talking about it until next week. 

So until then, here’s the Update... which might as well be the Anime Update given all the new anime I’ve been watching this week. I figured since I was definitely keeping up with Symphogear, I should at least peek at what’s being shown this season elsewhere. And said peek took me to Funimation’s site since I’m still subscribed to the site I could use a reason to actually look into it. 

So... watched a bit of  Arifureta: From Commonplace to World's Strongest. This anime is about a boy named Hajime Nagumo who was transported to another world along with his entire class in order to help save the world. It’s another Isekai, but one that’s actually got my attention not from the show itself but the from the fandom. Namely, fans of the light novel spewing vemon at this anime from episode 1 onward for apparently skipping quite a bit of the intial chapters and world-building.

I have... opinions but people that whine about the book being better than the movie, but I’ll need to watch a few mor episodes before I say more.

Anyway, this anime is taking a page from Shield Hero by giving us a hero that was wronged by society (namely his classmates), betrayed, and his newly jaded and realist view on the world helps me properly save it. While I do like the idea, I’ll need to see another episode or two before I give any particular thoughts. For now I’ll just say I’m glad it skipped a lot of the fluff to get into the meat of the series. It’s got my attention, now let’s see if it can keep it.

How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift? is about a Hibiki Sakura and her quest to lose weight and gain a smokin’ hot body.

Only problem is... she has a huge appetite and porks on meat and snacks everyday.

So, to fix this she goes to a gym with the local school idol Akemi... only to realize Akemi is a fitness freak with a muscle fetish and the gym she’s going to is filled with intimidating body-builders. 

It’s a comedy anime with a bit of fun facts on exercise and body-building, and one I’m very keen on watching after hearing the dub. I’m probably going to be keeping up with this series for awhile.

And last, I’m starting to reread Tokyo Ghoul. I’ve talked about this series on many different occassions, so I’ll spare you all a summary. I have to say that rereading this series again feels good. I know all its faults, and I know where it falters. So I can just go in, read all the good parts, skip all the bad parts, and enjoy the series for what it is. I’ve been enjoying myself as I read through the early arcs of this series. Touka is still best girl, Tsukiyama is still a good villain, the CCG is interesting if a little bloated in its cast.

Reading this also made me get off my lazy butt and finally finish a chapter of that old Tokyo Ghoul fanfic I was writing. Might play some Virtua Fighter and finally finish chapter 15 of the VF fanfic I was writing too.

In any case. That’s the update. I’m going to reward myself by finally playing Three Houses fora  bit before bed. Night guys, see you later for Total War Tuesday!

[recentanimenews]

Monthly Manga Review Index: September 2017

I’ll resist that hoariest of September cliches — the “back to school” lede — and cut to the chase: this month’s review index is bursting at the seams with new manga, from She and Her Cat to Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight, Queen’s Quality, and I Hear the Sunspot, as well as robust selection of older titles. Here at the Manga Critic, I was more productive than I was in August, posting reviews of The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Elegant Yokai Apartment Life, After Hours and My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness, and the Hergé à Québec exhibition at the Musée de la civilisation. I also added two new sites to the Monthly Manga Review Index: Anime Nation, which posts good (if infrequent) manga reviews, and Boston Bastard Brigade, a pop-culture blog with Masshole swag. (I say this as someone born and raised in Boston, and who now lives on the North Shore — in other words, a fellow Masshole.)

Wondering what to read next? If the list below doesn’t help you find a great new title, Brigid Alverson’s got you covered with her picks for October’s best manga.

REVIEW OF THE MONTH

All-Comic contributor Siddarth Gupta is rapidly becoming one of my favorite manga critics. His reviews are thorough, thoughtful, and stylish, transcending a simple good/bad assessment to get to the heart of the work. In September, for example, he posted a lengthy article comparing Atsushi Okubo’s Fire Force with Okubo’s monster hit Soul Eater, in the process helping non-fans like me better appreciate why Okubo is so popular with teen readers:

While there is a lot to praise in Fire Force’s first volume, fans of Soul Eater may find it a slow burn. Atsushi Okubo’s storytelling and artwork are defined by a gothic-punk style, and deviant, morbid sensibility. Despite the saturation of ghoul fighting battle manga, Soul Eater popped with its pop aesthetic. Okubo’s character designs were fashionable and distinctive, and it was one of the few school-centered series where characters wore different sets of clothing instead of the same uniform. Every character had a unique look and design that unmistakably reflected their personalities, transcending their archetypes with unforgettable characterizations. In Soul Eater, Okubo seemed unbound to convention, and put all manner of crazy concepts, characters, and ideas into a world where both the sun and moon had creepy, smiling faces. But while hints of Okubo’s underground tastes are evident in Fire Force, it doesn’t recapture the same attitude and aesthetic that made its predecessor stand out.

And while Gupta’s review hasn’t inspired me to pick up Fire Force, he has inspired me to give Soul Eater a second look.

FROM THE TOP: DEBUTS AND FIRST VOLUMES

7th Garden, Vol. 1 (Nic Willcox, No Flying No Tights)

After Hours, Vol. 1 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Aho-Girl: A Clueless Girl, Vol. 1 (Al Sparrow, Comic Spectrum)

Aho-Girl: A Clueless Girl, Vol. 1 (Justin, The OASG)

Ajin: Demi-Human, Vol. 1 (Evan Bourgault, Boston Bastard Brigade)

Anonymous Noise, Vols. 1-2 (Allen Kesinger, No Flying No Tights)

The Art of Pokemon Adventures (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

The Art of Pokemon Adventures (Brigid Alverson, Good Comics for Kids)

Beasts of Abigaile, Vol. 1 (Anna N., The Manga Report)

Captain Harlock, Space Pirate: Dimensional Voyage, Vol. 1 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

The Case Study of Vanitas, Vols. 1-2 (Megan Rupe, No Flying No Tights)

Chihayafuru, Vol. 1 (Che Gilson, Otaku USA)*

Clockwork Planet, Vol. 1 (Al Sparrow, Comic Spectrum)

Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 1 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, Vol. 1 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Domestic Girlfriend, Vol. 1 (Amelia Cook, Otaku USA)*

Don’t Meddle With My Daughter, Vol. 1 (Al Sparrow, Comic Spectrum)

Dreamin’ Sun, Vol. 1 (Jason Thompson, Otaku USA)

Evangelion: Legend of the Piko Piko Middle School Students (Che Gilson, Otaku USA)

Frau Faust, Vol. 1 (Sarah, Anime UK News)

Frau Faust, Vol. 1 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

The Full-Time Wife Escapist, Vol. 1 (Amelia Cook, Otaku USA)*

Generation Witch, Vol. 1 (Theron Martin, Anime News Network)

Ghost Diary, Vol. 1 (Che Gilson, Otaku USA)

I Hear the Sunspot (Sarah, Anime UK News)

I Hear the Sunspot (John, Anime Nation)

I Hear the Sunspot (Danica Davidson, Otaku USA)

In/Spectre, Vols. 1-3 (Che Gilson, Otaku USA)

Kakeguri: Compulsive Gambler, Vol. 1 (Helen, The OASG)

Kigurumi Guardians, Vol. 1 (Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network)

Kigurumi Guardians, Vol. 1 (Sarah, Anime UK News)

Kigurumi Guardians, Vol. 1 (J. Caleb Mozzocco, Good Comics for Kids)

Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight, Vol. 1 (Demelza, Anime UK News)

Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight, Vol. 1 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight, Vol. 1 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

Kiss Me at the Stroke of Midnight, Vol. 1 (Matt, Taykobon)

Kounodori: Dr. Stork, Vol. 1 (Jordan Richards, AiPT!)*

Land of the Lustrous, Vol. 1 (Dil, Taykobon)

The Life-Changing Manga of Tidying Up (Katherine Roth, Associated Press)

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid, Vol. 1 (Dil, Taykobon)

Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, Vol. 1 (Matthew Boss, BentoByte)

Museum, Vols. 1-2 (Jason Thompson, Otaku USA)*

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness (Erica McGillray, 6’7″ and Green)

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness (Cierra, Cierra’s Heart of Books)

My Lesbian Exprience with Loneliness (Maggie Derrick, MaggieDerrick.com)

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness (Jason Thompson, Otaku USA)

My Lesbian Experience with Loneliness (Lydia, Pinklover)

Naruto: Chibi Sasuke’s Sharingan Legend, Vol. 1 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

Queen’s Quality, Vol. 1 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

Queen’s Quality, Vol. 1 (Anna N., The Manga Report)

Queen’s Quality, Vol. 1 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Rokka: Braves of the Six Flowers, Vol. 1 (Megan Rupe, No Flying No Tights)

Sekirei, Vol. 1 (Justin, The OASG)

She and Her Cat (Eric Cline, AiPT!)

She and Her Cat (Rebecca Silverman, Anime News Network)

She and Her Cat (Patrick Moore, BentoByte)

She and Her Cat (Evan Bourgault, Boston Bastard Brigade)

She and Her Cat (Justin, The OASG)

Shojo Fight!, Vol. 1 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Siúil, a Rún: The Girl from the Other Side, Vol. 1 (Al Sparrow, Comic Spectrum)

Siúil, a Rún: The Girl from the Other Side, Vol. 1 (Helen, The OASG)

Smokin’ Parade, Vol. 1 (Matt Morrison, No Flying No Tights)

Sweet Blue Flowers, Vol. 1 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime, Vol. 1 (Theron Martin, Anime News Network)

Tokyo Ghoul, Vol. 1 (SKJAM, SKJAM! Reviews)

Tokyo Tarareba Girls, Vols. 1-3 (Amelia Cool, Otaku USA)*

Toppu GP, Vol. 1 (Jason Thompson, Otaku USA)

Wave, Listen to Me!, Vol. 1 (Amelia Cook, Otaku USA)*

ONGOING SERIES

7th Garden, Vol. 6 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Aho-Girl: A Clueless Girl, Vol. 2 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

Anne Happy, Vol. 6 (Krystallina, The OASG)

Anonymous Noise, Vol. 3 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Anonymous Noise, Vol. 4 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Anonymous Noise, Vol. 5 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Blood Lad, Vol. 9 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Bloody Mary, Vol. 8 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Boruto: Naruto Next Generations, Vol. 2 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 3 (Keith Hendricks, NerdSpan)

Bungo Stray Dogs, Vol. 4 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Delicious in Dungeon, Vol. 2 (Helen, The OASG)

Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, Vol. 2 (Austin Price, Otaku USA)

Dreamin’ Sun, Vol. 3 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

Everyone’s Getting Married, Vol. 6 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Everyone’s Getting Married, Vol. 6 (Anna N., The Manga Report)

First Love Monster, Vol. 7 (Krystallina, The OASG)

Food Wars!! Shokugeki no Soma, Vol. 18 (The Outerhaven)

Golden Kamuy, Vol. 2 (David Brooke, AiPT!)

Golden Kamuy, Vol. 2 (Matthew Alexander, The Fandom Post)

Goodnight Punpun, Vol. 6 (Gabe Peralta, The Fandom Post)

Goodnight Punpun, Vol. 7 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

Goodnight Punpun, Vol. 7 (Keith Hendricks, NerdSpan)

Haikyu!!, Vol. 2 (Julie, Manga Maniac Cafe)

Hayate the Combat Butler, Vol. 30 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

Horimiya, Vol. 8 (Helen, The OASG)

Idol Dreams, Vol. 4 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Idol Dreams, Vol. 4 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess, Vol. 2 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

Love at Fourteen, Vol. 6 (Kory Cerjak, The Fandom Post)

Master Keaton, Vol. 10 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

Master Keaton, Vol. 12 (Josh Piedra, The Outerhaven)

Monster Collection: The Girl Who Can Deal with Magic Monsters, Vol. 5 (SKJAM, SKJAM! Reviews)

Monster Hunter: Flash Hunter, Vol. 4 (Kate O’Neil, The Fandom Post)

Monster Hunter: Flash Hunter, Vol. 5 (Kate O’Neil, The Fandom Post)

Monster Hunter: Flash Hunter, Vol. 6 (Kate O’Neil, The Fandom Post)

Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun, Vol. 8 (Helen, The OASG)

Murcielago, Vol. 3 (Erica Friedman, Okazu)

My Love Story!!, Vol. 13 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

My Love Story!!, Vol. 13 (Anna N., The Manga Report)

Nichijou, Vol. 10 (Sean Gaffney, A Case Suitable for Treatment)

One Piece, Vols. 52-54 (Renay Williams, B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog)

One Piece, Vols. 55-57 (Renay Williams, B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog)

One Piece, Vols. 58-60 (Renay Williams, B&N Sci-Fi & Fantasy Blog)

One-Punch Man, Vol. 12 (David Brooke, AiPT!)

One-Punch Man, Vol. 12 (Keith Hendricks, NerdSpan)

Platinum End, Vol. 2 (Nick Creamer, Anime News Network)

Plum Crazy!! Tales of a Tiger-Striped Cat, Vol. 2 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

Skip Beat!!, Vols. 37-38 (Shelby Strong, Anime Feminist)

Sweetness & Lightning, Vol. 5 (Johanna Draper Carlson, Comics Worth Reading)

Toriko, Vol. 39 (Leroy Douresseaux, Comic Book Bin)

Twinkle Stars, Vol. 3 (Keith Hendricks, NerdSpan)

Until Death Do Us Part, Vol. 10 (Matt Morrison, No Flying No Tights)

Until Death Do Us Part, Vol. 11 (Matt Morrison, No Flying No Tights)

Vinland Saga, Vol. 9 (Ash Brown, Experiments in Manga)

Waiting for Spring, Vol. 2 (Aaron, Manga Energy)

The Water Dragon’s Bride, Vol. 3 (Anna N., The Manga Report)

Welcome to the Ballroom, Vol. 6 (Jordan Richards, AiPT!)

Welcome to the Ballroom, Vol. 7 (Jordan Richards, AiPT!)

Welcome to the Ballroom, Vol. 7 (Matt, Taykobon)

Wolfsmund, Vol. 8 (Justin, The OASG)

FROM THE VAULT

Angel Sanctuary (Megan R., The Manga Test Drive)

Brilliant Blue, Vol. 1 (Kate O’Neil, The Fandom Post)

Brilliant Blue, Vol. 2 (Kate O’Neil, The Fandom Post)

Cheeky Angel (Megan R., The Manga Test Drive)

The Drops of God, Vol. 2 (Library Girl, A Library Girl’s Familiar Diversions)

Electric Hands (Patricia Beard, The Fandom Post)

Emma, Vol. 5 (Josh Begley, The Fandom Post)

Fallen Moon (Megan R., The Manga Test Drive)

FukuFuku Kitten Tales, Vol. 1 (Eric Cline, AiPT!)

FukuFuku Kitten Tales, Vol. 2 (Eric Cline, AiPT!)

GA: Geijutsuka Art Design Class, Vol. 7 (Marissa Lieberman, No Flying No Tights)

Negima?! neo, Vol. 1 (Matthew Alexander, The Fandom Post)

Nodame Cantabile, Vol. 5 (Gabe Peralta, The Fandom Post)*

The Official xxxHolic Guide (Matthew Alexander, The Fandom Post)

Showa: A History of Japan, 1953-1989 (SKJAM, SKJAM! Reviews)

Tomie: Complete Deluxe Edition (Marissa Lieberman, No Flying No Tights)

* Denotes a digital-only release

By: Katherine Dacey

[gogo-the-king]

Smokin’ With Idols - Marina

Marina’s head bobbed to the slowed music that played in the background. She was far from you, on the other side of the room. Marina just said she needed some space but still wanted your company.

You moved without hesitation to comfort the DJ.

You popped the rest of the gummy into the air, making the perfect arc into your mouth. Marina, observant as she is, noticed and happily cheered for your success.

Your head nodded to the beat as you paced around the smooth floorboards. You danced to every beat in some small way and hummed the songs until the back of your neck felt numb from the tingling sensation.

Marina watched silently, glancing up every few seconds and grinning down at her sticker-covered laptop.

It was when you stopped and took a moment to breathe that Marina decided to stare. You looked amazing. The setting Sun was beaming through the window, your head tipped back as deep breaths flowed from you.

She loved hanging out with you like this. Letting every problem, big and small melt away with the delicious little snacks she kept stashed in a jar. Marina set her laptop aside and smiled widely at your form suddenly shifting. The bloop sound that echoed from wall to wall with the songs in the background made Marina give out a content breath.

She slipped off of the bed and padded over to you. It didn’t take long as you were in the middle of the room.

“Are you doing alright?” Marina asked, gently poking one of your tentacles. Your big eyes were hooded and bloodshot when you looked over at her. “I’m alright, ‘Rina.” You sigh and use your more prominent tentacles to grab onto her digits. She lets out an airy giggle that makes your heart skip a beat. Marina is such a beautiful woman.

Marina took her other hand and slid it under your slimy form lifting you without much trouble. You melted against her chest as she carried you out of her room and into the living room. The loud music suddenly became muffled behind the decorated door. Your tired eyes were already closed when you registered what had happened. Marina’s heartbeat suddenly spiked as Pearl busted into the common space, her eyes shot open before closing in relief. She sighed, “Heya, Pearlie!” the Octoling muttered flashing the energetic young idol a gentle smile.

“Yo.” Pearl popped the rest of her taco into her mouth and set down a big plastic bag of warm food on the counter. She grabbed her other two tacos and retired leaving the rest to you and the other half of Off The Hook. Marina grinned and shuffled through the bag, sparing fleeting glances down at your limp swim form that lay against her chest. She happily counted four tacos, two bigger than the others. She’d have preferred three but she’d rather be grateful for what Pearl had given her.

Back into Marina’s room, she dropped the food off onto her bed and quickly turned down the blasting music. She checked on you and saw that you were still resting against her. Marina softly shook you and you startle awake with a grumble. She picked up one of your tacos and shook it in front of you, she giggled and set you and the taco aside. You saw her look back at you as you shifted into your proper form. You peeled the taco out of the wrapper, spreading it out as you changed yet again into your comfortable swim form.

Marina eyed you with hooded eyes and a gentle smile as she ate alongside you. Your tentacles lazily wrapped around the warm food and you ate as much as you could. The tacos were finished before you could really notice. The Octoling DJ is holding you before you come to and your throat is tingling as you try yet again to swallow the last bit of your taco.

Your face lights up as you successfully move the rest of the taco down to your gut. Your appendages barely lift as you mumble a “Woo!” Marina flips around so you’re facing the wall. Your vision darkens and you feel Marina’s digits gently dance along your squishy body.

You’re asleep before long.

[gogo-the-king]

Smokin’ With Idols - Pearl

The both of you are passing a colorful glass pipe back and forth while smoke lingers in the room. Pearl is comfortable in one of your hoodies and her lazy Saturday attire. The scene is perfect.

The current news was on, you thought. It was fuzzy background noise, and neither of you seemed to properly register what was being said. Pearl’s hand slid up and down your thigh, an idle touch. The inkling perked at the sound of the lighter being sparked to life.

“Lemme get some more,” Pearl demanded, reaching her hands up for both items. “Please.” She added.

As soon as the smoke flew from your gritted teeth you looked down at the Idol with a dopey grin. “There isn’t much left in there, sure you want it?” You set them in her hands regardless.

Pearl twists the pipe in her digits until she can get a good look at it. Mostly resin. She ‘tsk’s at the sight. Now she has to get up. You chuckle as the Inkling quite literally hopped off of her bed and towards the box neatly tucked away under her desk.

You smile as she swears at the smoke-filled air. Every action is hidden by the flaking design on the back of your hoodie. You’re already holding out the ashtray for her when she strolled back, picking out the blackened pieces of resin from the bowl.

“Got all of it?” You mutter, yawning into your empty hand. Pearl nodded and handed you the lighter and pipe. You held them up as she climbed into bed and back into snuggle against your chest.

She makes a ‘gimme’ motion with her digits as you hand them back over. You notice that your fingers are slightly numb and your arms are heavy.

Cod you’re so tired.

You’re already melting into the pillows behind you as Pearl blows more smoke into the room. “Hey, I was thinkin’ about nabbin’ some…” she trails off as your breathing becomes deep and even. She stops, of course, not wanting to wake you.

Pearl looks back over her shoulder to see you quietly snoring. Your fingers are barely hanging onto her waist. Pearl grinned before snatching her phone from her pocket. With a wicked smile plastered on her face and some poses, pictures were snapped and on her phone in seconds.

Her favorite one, which became her wallpaper very quickly, was the one where she was cuddled into the crook of your neck while peering out with one slightly opened eye. You were, of course, none the wiser to this fact.

Pearl took another hit from the pipe before setting aside everything on the nightstand and cuddling into your chest. Her arms wrapped around your torso and when you unconsciously shifted in your hazy sleep, your hands went to her back. The idol of Inkopolis grinned before closing her eyes and waiting for rest to take her.

[gogo-the-king]

Lmao, you could tell who I had the most fun with when it came to HC’s 💀