#Something for spring!!!! Hmmmm so many options.

[satans-knitwear]

What colour should i dye my hair next??🤔

My links

[lilrobinbird]

Long Ass Tag Game

Cause I wanna get to know you guys better

Thanks for the tag @edas-boytoy <33 Putting this under cut

I accidently wrote looong answer for one question shdhs

How many tumblr accounts have you had before this one?

It's my first one actually haha, I've made like two/three more after this but now they're abandoned forever

Also for this blog I have two sideblogs, I don't really use them now either

How long have you been in fandom?

Like the current one? By the end of July 2023 I posted my first Kyoshi novels fanart and maybe one month earlier I started rebloging and commenting on posts from others, this was after I read the novels and I jumped into their fandom and then in the procces I've also got into tlok and atla (I enjoyed them way earlier but I just didn't participate in their fandoms)

Your favorite trope in fiction?

HMMMmmm Grumpy serious stoick ish x chaotic more fun (and other antonyms that matches first character idk) (whatever heituat has going on))), expressive women with strong personalities, girlfailures<3, severe stern ruthless etcetc women but caring deep down inside (optional), morally gray characters, and I'm just a little obssesed with mother daughter relationships in fiction if that counts as a trope

Your favorite random fact?

That might be well known idk, but sometimes for a video game character they'll hire one person as only just face model, and then differnt person as voice and acting/motion capture

Must feel weird and funny when you basically see yourself in video game doing stuff you didn't do speaking with a different voice

Your favorite game or kind of game?

Now I don't really play video games myself but since I've watched Until Dawn gameplay yeaaaars ago I still like to watch playthroughts of those choice based horror games (the quarry, devil in me, resident evil etc), and later I watch other playthroughts for different choices outcomes scenes etcetccc, The games can be kinda stupid but fun, alsooo playthroughts of adventure games(???), I usually watch them when I eat something

Also CHECK OUT "STRAY"!! I only watched playthrought too but it looks so cool, you basically play as a cat (they did good job with motion capture, feels like real cat moves and it looks so fun to play) and you're in a world when humans no longer exist and there are cool looking robots, you can stratch walls and make robots pet you but I promise it's not just that lolol it has an actual plot and wordbuilding

Aside video games I like chess but I suck big time, but for my defence I mostly played with my friend who sucks even more aHA, we downlanded one chess app for two players and played during some classes

I think I'm just interested in 3d models and graphics hehhh I like 3d modeling

There's also a game called Hades, and this one I actually started playing myself, not the kind of games I'm usually into (roguelike),but friend got me it and! The character designs are very cool

HA nerd long anwser

A place you'd like to visit? (If carbon emissions, logistics and money weren't in question)

Honestly idk, somewhere warm, Greece? Spain would be nice too mmm mm architecture

Or someplace with cool mountains

An animal you're irrationally afraid of?

Ladybugs. No further explenations. But I do appreciate their beauty on photos and from big distance, I'm serious they are very pretty

What's your favorite season?

HMmmm currenlty maybe spring

A smell that brings you nice memories?

I still remember taking a breath of fresh spring air in a specific room last year and getting hit with memories lol, is that even a smell? felt like a smell

(If you're ok talking about food. If not, delete this part)

What's your favorite food from where you were born? And what's your favorite food from some place else?

Pierogi, krokiety and bigos from our stupid potatoland, from other places hmmm, most kinds of pasta maybe, I love pasta, pasta!! which is a little boring but mmmmm mm mmmm pastaaaaa

What's your favorite drink (if you drink alcohol, alcoholic and non-alcoholic)?

I do drink but not too often and I don't really care what, I like flavoured beer, which is alcohol for babies as my friend would say and she might be right but I like it

Do you give your pets random table scraps?

Not too often but sometimes yeah and depends what is it

no pressure tag @korrasamibottles

[lovecolibri]

After the push for her character, I suspected she could be linked to the 3rd show. I definitely believe they miscalculated that move with the General Audience and totally screwed her character with the cheat plot. The backlash is on all platforms and it’s hilarious. A new character that the audience doesn’t know but AK was doing so much talking about her character. I suspect they wanted the audience to be a bit familiar with Lucy before announcing the third series.

There has been quite a bit of speculation about that given the hard push in the interviews, and pairing her with a fan fave to give the character a boost but like...in a way that backfired SO SPECTACULARLY, that after one episode and only a couple of scenes, the casual viewers are all already absolutely sick of her character and want nothing to do with her. 🤣 I will say there was also speculation about MW getting a spinoff because of the way Ghost Stories felt like SUCH a backdoor pilot episode but now KR is out here saying that they only had so many tay kay scenes because they were short on cast members, needed filler, and she was less expensive to hire (hmmmm, I wonder why?) so who really knows.

And while a 3rd series has been mentioned as a possibility and maybe even something they're working towards, it's not been mentioned as in the works. They would have to get someone to write the pilot and probably pitch the season arc and FOX would have to agree that it sounds viable and agree to produce it at the very least (probably many more steps I don't know about or haven't even considered) so at this point it doesn't feel likely that it's something that would be ready to come out at the same time as season 6 (I'm guessing it would have to run in the fall/winter as Lone Star runs in the winter/spring and OG has a fall/spring airing schedule). 

So them hyping her up for season 6 would mean being stuck with her for all of season 6 before she moved on to her own show the next season which is...not a pleasant thing to think about. But it's also something that seems distinctly like an impossibility now that the casual viewers are SO deeply against this character. They might be able to pick up new viewers who don't know her history, but again, it's tough to get new viewers for a show where the main was on the OG for a season and a half before spinning off onto the new show. Many people would feel they had to watch her scenes from the other show to feel like they aren't "missing" something, or behind, and then would see how her arc stars, or would decide not to bother with the new show altogether since they don’t want to watch the other series first. That’s why typically with a spinoff it’s either someone who has been around for a long time and is loved and they think can carry their own show and bring all their fans along to convince new viewers to watch, or someone who makes a couple of cameo appearances to give viewers of one show a name and a face and a connection but nothing too deep that would require lots of viewing to catch up on, and then hopefully pull viewers from one show to the other while not having told enough about the character that new fans will be turned off or feel obligated to watch the other show to “catch up”. 

What they have done now? Neither option really works because she hasn’t been around long enough to have a fanbase to draw and the majority of casual viewers HATE her already and would never watch a spinoff show with her as the main, and if the tried to rehab her character on this show, she’d have to have a lot more screentime which would a) defeat the purpose as people don’t want to see her, they want our OG characters so more screentime would make her more hated, and b) would end up with her having a season and a half or so of backstory which could turn off fans wanting to start an entirely new show, while also, as mentioned, not being long enough to have a big fanbase to follow her to a new show. 🤷‍♀️

[jlf23tumble]

Hi Jen, thanks for your recent gender recs, some new ones in there for me. Since you tend to like fics on the short and pithy side, i was wondering which marathon length fics you have loved and bookmarked and even reread? Could you do a rec list of Very Long Fics please?

Oh, man, this is hard because believe it or not, I *have* read, loved, and bookmarked quite a few longer fics, so to keep this from being unbearable, I limited it to the 100 club: fics more than 100k that I’ve definitely dipped into again from time to time. Quite a few longer ones are familiar and older, some were wips that grew and grew, so hopefully you’ll find a few you love! 

2012 ‘Verse, by ashavahishta, 102k. I just rec’d this the other day as one of the best of 2012, and it truly is if you want a real-time view of canon events from that year.

Untangle Me, by suicxne, 103k. One of the first I read in this fandom, and a biased fave because of it--an amazing “award show weekend canon” that also treats Taylor with some dignity.

Second Spring, by @vondrostes, 103k. I still don’t know how Terran cranks it OUT, but this one was a series of small pieces that morphed into something big and beautiful, trans Harry’s actual transition.

Say Something, by @kingsofeverything, 105k. Lauren’s another one who cranks out fantastic fic on the regular (long fic, too), this one being older divorced omega Harry unexpectedly pregnant with younger Louis’s bb.

run away home, by @hattalove, 106k. Jockey Louis! [spoiler alert profession] Harry! Horse racing! Excitement!!

The Finish Line (Is a Good Place for Us to Start), by LoadedGunn, 121k. This author, swoon, such a wide variety of fic, and this one’s pretty much the only Formula 1 option in the entire One Direction fandom?? Watch “Drive to Survive” on Netflix, then come on back!

Wild and Unruly, by @gloriaandrews and @100percentsassy, 123k. Truly, no words, a certified classic, lawyer Louis plus oil land baron slash rancher Harry doesn’t do it justice, but neither does “think IRL RuPaul, minus the fracking” (and yet both are sorta true? hmmmm).

Teddy Bear Princess, by Noelle1224, 119k. LISTEN, this is such a great series for those of us who are into Harry plus panties, daddy kink, and mpreg, let us live!

The Night Sky Is Changing Overhead, by orphan_account, 124k. Yes, yes, I just rec’d this yesterday in my orphan_account post, but it’s so good and rec’able for so many things, this is the kind of sassy Louis I can handle!

The Rainbow Cookie, by iwillpaintasongforlou, 124k. Tread carefully and read the tags, this one involves a lot of trauma but my heart always breaks for this Harry and cheers for this Louis.

Walk That Mile, by purpledaisy, 149k. A roadtrip fic that will make you want to throw yourself into a car and map out these attractions, I just saw some amazingly weird museums in Idaho, and I’m set to make this happen!

And Then a Bit, by infinitelymint, 158k. Yes, the core concept seems a bit farfetched, but the mother of all publicity stunts is the world’s best tag!

strawberry milk fic, by wankerville, 158k. Another one where you really need to read the tags, so much trauma, but the way Harry overcomes it while exploring an intense gender journey, you will cry!

You Are the Blood, by sarcasticfluentry, 175k. One of my absolute fave authors in this fandom, and probably the very best Harry Potter AU, and there are plenty!

One More Time Again, by orphan_account, 232k. Also rec’d yesterday in the orphan_account rec list, but a truly detailed and intense fix-it fic that involves present-day Harry waking up in 2010 and trying to make it right.

SGASB ‘Verse, by itsmiz, 602k. Yeah, that’s right, a LOT of words, mainly because this writer is a champ in the wip department, but if you want to follow along, it’s an a/b/o story that follows H/L from youth to their own family.

[razorblade180]

A desert rose

[A month after frozen blood at the Oasis]

*dawn*

Jacquelyn:*batheing in self created spring* ahhh I can get use to this life. This oasis is by far my greatest achievement as a maiden.

Adam:*walking up to her* Are you forgetting who helped?

Jacquelyn:Adam!!!? *creates an ice wall between them* A little privacy thank you!

Adam:.....

Adam:We’ve slept together like three times now.

Jacquelyn:*red* It was dark and we were emotional.

Adam:I can see in the dark and you were emotional.

Jacquelyn:*pokes head out* If you’re trying to tell me you weren’t emotional after telling me your life story then you’re brain needs help. Maybe I froze you too many times.

Adam:*rolling his eyes* Anyways we have a situation. How long do you plan on surviving on fruits and vegetables? We’re gonna need a bit more than that.

Jacquelyn:I’ve been thinking about that too. *sinking into the water a little bit* too bad we’re broke. I could actually go to the part of menagerie with food.

Adam:You’re human; you’d look suspicious. I’d go but....

Jacquelyn:You’d be shot on sight.

Adam:*thinks of Ghira* More like torn to pieces.

Jacquelyn:Hmmmm can you had me my kimono and turn around please?

Adam:*does what he’s told* Stealing would be an option but it’s far too risky. If you slip up then I can’t help.

Jacquelyn:*dressed* You can look now. Do you have any idea which way the market there is?

Adam:South of here; about two hours by foot with plenty of danger in between.

Jacquelyn:*sits on her knees* there is one thing I could try, it’s a total guess though.

Adam:What’s on your mind?

Jacquelyn:Maybe I can use my magic to carve a sea tunnel; create a currents to draw fish in regularly. Then I just open an entrance over here. I’m not too good with earth stuff though. Also I can’t really see what I’m doing.

Adam:You sure you won’t flood some place by mistake or cause an earthquake?

Jacquelyn:.......that’s a good point. It’s the only plan I have though that’s “discreet”

Adam:Guess there’s no harm in trying.

Jacquelyn:Alrighty then, *fingers crossed *closes her eyes and concentrates*

*sound of the wind gently passes by. Shifting sands sink and push across the desert*

Jacquelyn:*sweating slightly as she opens her eyes* Okay, good news and bad news. The good news is I’m totally managing something; bad news is it will probably take awhile.

Adam:How long?

Jacquelyn:Not sure, feels like hours to be honest. Good thing we’re alone. I’d say maybe like ten hours?

Adam:Not exactly...*points to a sand dune*

*a dog like grimm on all fours stands in wait. It resembles a dingo but bone plated and long canines. Claws nice and curved*

Jacquelyn:I’ve never seen a grimm like that before. Are they native here or something?

Adam:It’s a White Fang....

Jacquelyn:.....The name for the organization came from a grimm?

Adam:Alone they’re fierce and deadly. With a pack they become more calculated in their actions; everyone fulfilling a roll.

Jacquelyn:That...actually clears a lot of things up. Should we kill it?

Adam:It’s a trap;there’s probably ten more under the sand. Don’t worry about just focus on the sea cave and I’ll stand gaurd. *draws his sword*

Jacquelyn:Roger that, shout if you need me. *closes her eyes and concentrates*

*few hours pass, Sun completely out and beaming.*

Jacquelyn:*opening her eyes* Hey, think I fin- oh my goodness!

Adam:*barely standing and scratched up* You....done yet?

Jacquelyn:*rushing over* Why didn’t ask for help!? You look awful!

Adam:It looks worse than it feels. I’ve been baiting them out while you brought the water.

*sand dune coming at him*

Jacquelyn:*channeling fire* I got this one.

Adam:Don’t worry about it. I wanted this.

*entire ground caves in. Rushing water comes out the freshly carved tunnels.*

Jacquelyn:......You’re a madman Adam Taurus. Using them to help move the water faster was a risky move. I wonder why I finished it so fast.

Adam:You were sweating a few minutes into doing it so ten hours seemed a bit extreme. *watching fish swim in*

Jacquelyn:*patching him up* If I didn’t know better I think you were concerned about my health. Thank you, this definitely saved time.

Adam:I’m gonna go get something to catch these fish.

Jacquelyn:Sweet, I’m gonna.....

Adam:Jacquelyn? *turning back around*

*the young maiden staring at a strange five petal flower. Dark purple on the outside yet light pink in the middle.*

Jacquelyn:Huh, I’ve never seen a plant like this. I almost didn’t notice it.

Adam:That? It’s called a desert rose. They’re scarce around here but you can find them if you look hard enough.

Jacquelyn:A desert flower huh? *mesmerized* I feel....sort of sorry for it.

Adam:Huh?

Jacquelyn:It’s so beautiful and elegant looking, yet it blooms in a place filled with danger and devoid of people to admire it. Must be a lonely existence.

Adam:......*walks over to look at it* never took the time to think about it. Look at it this way; it’s probably only this radiant because it learned to live in a harsh place. *walks away*

Jacquelyn:......*taps the soil; creating two slightly bigger ones.* There you go; a little company through the harsh times. That’s all anyone really needs right? *looking at Adam* maybe we’ll find out someday.

[bae-in-maine]

Juliantina Fanfic: A Garden Blooms in my Chest

Title: A Garden Blooms in my Chest

Author: Jude81 (Bae-in-Maine)

Fandom: Amar a Muerte (A Mexican Telenova)

Pairing: Juilana Valdes & Valentina Carvajal

Rating: Teen and up (for the moment)

Chapter 1 of 2: The Flower Shop

Summary: Takes place the same day they share their first kiss in the pool. Juliana and Valentina don’t fully understand yet that they are falling in love. Valentina sneaks off and buys flowers for Juliana. 

I’m tagging the following people who had commented on my tumblr about wanting Juliantina fanfic or who I know like Juliantina and might want to read this. @xlyre @damiana-atx @hedawolf @cleide12 @viguaquis @chopchopsupercat @stardust-07 @redblueidle @elcapitana @feelings-in-black

I posted this on A03, and you can read it here or you can read it on tumblr. 

https://archiveofourown.org/works/17472953/chapters/41148656

************************************** 

The little bell above the door jangled as Valentina slipped through the front door of the small flower shop. It wasn’t much bigger than her bedroom, but the owner had managed to utilize every nook and cranny of the small space, adorning each spot with carefully arranged buckets of flowers. A few well-placed Mexican Sycamore saplings graced the sides of the door, and the small counter in the back of the store.

She smiled and inhaled deeply, letting the scent of the flowers wash over her: agave, roses, morning glory, lilies and too many more to discern. She opened her eyes and stepped further into the room, carefully weaving her way around the black buckets overflowing with flowers. She bypassed the roses. They reminded her too much of her sometimes boyfriend, Lucho, although she doubted, he bought his extravagant bouquets in this small shop that was almost squished between a shop that sold beer and lottery and another shop that was more of a greasy eatery than anything else.

She had never really been to this part of Mexico City, although it was a few blocks from the hospital where Juliana’s mother was recuperating.

Juliana.

She’d left Juliana sleeping in her bed, her friend too exhausted to make the trip back to the hospital, although she had valiantly denied she needed the sleep, only needing to be with her mother. It had taken careful persuasion and promises that Valentina would check on her mother for the few precious hours that Juliana finally allowed herself to sleep.

She had already checked on her mother who had been sleeping, talked to the nurses, and had found herself wandering around the area, against Jacabo’s wishes. But she’d ignored her driver and bodyguard, needing the fresh air to help clear her mind. And soon she’d found herself in front of the small flower shop.

She stopped in front of the small cooler, staring at the artfully arranged bouquets. Roses, lilies, even some daisies. But they weren’t right, not what she wanted to say. She wasn’t even sure what she wanted to say, or how to say it; but her father had always told her that flowers spoke the universal language of love. It seemed as if he were right, for she vaguely remembered the flowers he would bring her mother, before she passed, before he stopped buying flowers for anyone until Lucia.

She sighed and turned her way, carefully picking her way around a small table display with cards and a few teddy bears. She let her fingers run along the small tablecloth on the table, her fingers bumping over the tiny crocheted laces. She didn’t even know what type of flowers Juliana liked.

Juliana.

She was floating again, Juliana’s hand clasped in her own, her eyes staring at the brightly white tiled ceiling that stretched above them like an endless sky.

The water was warm, almost too warm, and she wondered if maybe that had more to do with the nervous tumbling in her belly than the actual temperature of the pool. It was an unusual feeling, and it had taken her time to understand what it meant: the fluttering in her belly, the heat in her cheeks, the anxious tripping of her heart in her chest…a hellish combination of desire and fear. It was a monster pressing against her ribs, causing her lungs to ache with each breath.

But it was momentarily soothed as she floated beside Juliana, their hands clasped, arms pressed together, almost shoulder to shoulder. Their legs bumped in the gentle waves they created as they treaded water, Valentina bearing part of the weight of the water to keep Juliana buoyed.

It was only Juliana’s second swimming lesson, and she hadn’t taught Juliana much beyond how to float. But holding Juliana in her arms, using her own body to create a safe harbor for Juliana in the water had taught her more than she would have imagined.

Valentina bit her lip, her fingers trembling slightly against the lace. She stepped across the room to the other small cooler, her eyes straying to the lilies. Stargazers. They had been her mother’s favorite. She pressed her fingers against the cool glass, needing the solid touch to ground herself.

She was floating.

Her hand swirled lightly in the water as she floated, her eyes staring straight up at nothing, her vision filled with what could be: the feel of Juliana’s arms around her waist, the press of her face into the warm crook of Valentina’s neck. She shuddered, her legs losing their soft, careful rhythm, and her feet abruptly scraped the bottom of the pool.

She heard Juliana flounder beside her, her fingers suddenly grasping tightly around Valentina’s. She pulled Juliana up and into her arms, relieved that the other girl was laughing. They giggled, and Valentina brushed a few wet hairs off Juliana’s face, brushed them behind her ear, her fingers lingering against the delicate curve of her ear. She wanted to trace it, learn every gentle line of her ear.

They giggled, Juliana’s arms wrapped around her waist, sliding up to her shoulders, and it was inevitable; as sure at the rhythm of the tides and the rise of the sun with her love, the moon. Valentina dipped her head, her eyes filled only with the warmth of Juliana’s eyes, the beautiful slope of her nose, and the gentle curve of her mouth.

And she hesitated. Waited. Her mouth dry with fear, hope blooming so deeply inside her chest, that she was sure her ribs were cracking with the expanding pressure. It hurt, it ached, and it was a thousand times more painful then when she’d broken her arm when she was ten.

And then Juliana lifted her head, just enough, her eyes fluttering shut, her breath warm against Valentina’s lips.

She still held Juliana’s hand in her own, her other hand on her arm, fingers gently splayed around her bicep. Valentina could feel it jump under her touch, felt it bunch slightly and then relax, and then Juliana’s hand was on her chest, her fingers barely dipping into the hollow of her throat. It was enough.

It was barely a kiss, the smallest brush of lips, but it was a lightbulb that flickered and flickered and then steadied casting it’s warm glow at their feet. It was the smell of Jasmine and rose petals floating in the pool and misting across their wet skin.

Valentina leaned into the kiss, her eyes closed. She moved her mouth slightly against Juliana’s, just enough so she could feel the weight of Juliana’s mouth against her own. And then she could feel it, like ivy curving around each rib, pulling them back in place, creating a flowering, blooming lattice born in her chest.

Juliana.

“Miss? Miss? Can I help you, Miss?”

She jerked back, visions of Juliana disappearing like fog under a new sun. She carefully pulled her fingers off the cooler glass. Disconnecting. Returning.

She turned and smiled. “I’m sorry. I was lost in thought.” She brushed her hair behind her hears, hoping her face wasn’t as flushed as it felt.

“Of course,” the older woman smiled. She was short, with long black hair tied back in a simple braid. Her white apron was stained with greenery and flower pollen, and she held a single beautiful rose in her hand, clippers in the other.

She chuckled and gestured in the air with the clippers. “Not everyone likes thorns on their roses, so we trim some of them. Just so people have the option.” She turned back towards the counter, nodding her head for Valentina to follow her.

“Now, what can I do for you?”

“I’m looking for a flower,” Valentina murmured, cringing slightly at stating the obvious, but the other woman just nodded and smiled.

“It’s for…a friend.” It didn’t feel right. The word “friend” was sour on her tongue, and she wanted to spit it out or grind it between her teeth and swallow the remnants. “Friend” was too simple. It lacked color and vibrancy. It wasn’t the blooming flowers along her ribs, the garden growing in her chest with each passing breath, each thought of Juliana.

“Hmmmm…how about some white roses?”

But Valentina was already shaking her head, “No, something different.” She gestured helplessly in the air, before letting her hands drop to her purse, her fingers gripping the leather straps.

She shrugged, “It has to be special.”

The woman nodded, “What about a spring bouquet with daisies and lilies and irises?”

Valentina rubbed her forehead, a small headache blooming behind her eyes. It shouldn’t be so hard, but nothing looked right, or felt right. Nothing was enough.

They stood there in the pool, the warm water brushing against their skin, eyes closed, foreheads pressed together. She wanted to kiss her again, wanted to feel Juliana’s lips move against her own, taste the sweetness of her mouth, but she didn’t dare. So she stood there, hands pressed against Juliana’s skin, breathing the same air, flowers blooming in her chest.

“Flowers…they mean things,” she murmured, remembering when she’d sat in the garden with her mother listening as her mother told her each genus and species of flower and what they meant, what they symbolized.

“Yes, they do, although many people have forgotten what they mean, aside from some of the most basic like red or white roses.”

Valentina nodded, her eyes wandering the room, until she the one bucket filled with riotous blue. Hyacinths. She remembered her mother telling her about the blue hyacinths, traced back to a young Greek boy.

“Those. The blue ones. They mean truth, right?” She pointed to the bucket, her eyes already picking out the other individual flowers, her mother’s words filling her ears.

“Ah yes. Blue hyacinth means sincerity.” The woman picked through the bucket, pulling out five stems, carefully checking the bell petals for damage. “Perfect.”

She handed them to Valentina who smiled and closed her eyes, letting the scent wash over her. “Yes. Perfect.”

“You have Bird of Paradise?” Joy.

“Yes, perhaps just one? You don’t want to overwhelm the hyacinth. I will trim the stalk for you.”

Valentina nodded and continued searching the buckets. Roses were too mundane, daisies too simple for the first flowers she would buy for Juliana. She squatted down, pushing the buckets aside, and pulling other ones closer. She would need fern or some other type of greenery. But something else, something that represented them both, but symbolized…

“There you are,” she murmured as she pulled the bucket of dahlias towards her. Mexico’s official flower. Bond. Commitment. Because while she still didn’t fully comprehend the depth of her own feelings or what it meant for her and Juliana, she couldn’t deny the bond they shared, and she was committed to it.

Valentina chose two white with red on the inside of the petals, one completely white, and two white with purple on the inside of the petals. She wasn’t entirely sure how well it would match, and Valentina doubted Juliana would even realize it each flower meant, but she would know. She would know what it meant when she gave the flowers to Juliana.

She stepped out of the shop, blinking rapidly as her eyes adjusted to the glare of the sun. The bouquet was wrapped in brown parchment paper, and she cradled it gently against her chest. “Home please, Jacabo.”

*********************

She laid the flowers on her dresser and turned to look at Juliana, curled up on her bed still sleeping. Valentina could see the lines of worry furrowing her brow, and it made her heart ache. She wanted to soothe the worry and fear from her brow. She carefully sat on the edge of the bed, taking off her shoes and light jacket, leaving her in pants and a tank top. She swung her legs onto the bed and stretched out on her back, before turning onto her side so she could face Juliana.

Their hands almost met on the pillow, and Valentina reached out with her pinky and traced along Juliana’s knuckles, not wanting to wake her, but needing the careful touch to ground her. She leaned in and pressed a tender kiss to Juliana’s brow, but froze when Juliana shifted.

“H-hi,” muttered Juliana as she forced her eyes open, sleep still clouding her mind. She’d felt the dip in the bed when Valentina had laid down, and it had been enough to pull her from sleep.

“I’m sorry, I didn’t mean to wake you.”

“It’s ok,” Juliana reached out and tangled her fingers with Valentina, shifting closer so their entwined hands were now nestled against her throat.

“Is mama ok?”

“Yes, she is resting. And the nurses said she will likely sleep for a few more hours.”

“Thank you.” Juliana opened her eyes wider, so she could focus on Valentina. “For everything. I-I…” she swallowed harshly, dropping her face, her lips pressed lightly to the back of Valentina’s hand. She closed her eyes, remembering the feel of Valentina’s lips against her own. It frightened her, not the kiss, but how much she had wanted it, how much she wanted more. And she couldn’t think about it now, not when her mother lay in the hospital with a gunshot wound, not when the cartel was still after her.

“I don’t know what I would do without you, Val.” She couldn’t hold back the sob that escaped her, and she hunched her shoulders, her voice rough and wet now.

“No. No, Jules. It is ok. I promise. It will be ok,” she moved closer, wrapping an arm around Juliana’s waist and pulling her flush against herself, her leg between Juliana’s, her palm pressed flat against Juliana’s back.

She brushed her nose against Juliana’s, tears stinking her own eyes, the garden in her chest blooming and pressing against her ribs. “I-I…” she pressed her lips tightly to Juliana’s forehead. “You are safe. Here. With me. No one will hurt you or your mama. I won’t let them.” Her ribs cracked.

“I promise. I promise. I promise.” She whispered it repeatedly, the mantra filling the air between them.

Juliana relaxed, inching closer to Valentina, pressing her face under Valentina’s chin. It was warm and safe and smelled deliciously like Valentina. She smiled and drifted off to sleep again.

[1000-directions]

annual writing self-evaluation

All answers should be about works published in 2018.

tagged by: N O B O D Y, i’m the one getting the party started this year 😎i’m going to tag every writer i follow, so please feel free to fill this out for yourself without feeling obligated to read my answers if you’re not into it!

i. Optional if applicable: link to last year’s self evaluation:

2017!

1. List of works published this year (in the order that they were posted):

tonight make me unstoppable

turn to dust or to gold

spring cleaning

since we’re alone

this modern love

i still remember

the gentlest feeling

think i’m gonna win this time

nothing but dreams inside

sending postcards to myself

dust to dust

lullaby for the new world order

gold dust in our hands

#ship 1d with superheroes 2k18

cloud on my tongue

sing it one last time

(unpublished winterhawk fic that will be arriving next weekend)

2. Work you are most proud of (and why):

hmmmm. i mean, if you count the luckyverse as a whole as one work, then obviously that. i’ve put a lot of time and thought into developing this relationship and finding ways to progress it over the course of several years and trying to justify why we are examining their relationship at the specific times that the stories take place. it’s the hardest i’ve worked on anything, it’s the most time i’ve spent on one idea, it’s the longest thing i’ve ever created, it’s the most i’ve ever enjoyed writing, and it’s gotten the most satisfying response. it’s not the most popular thing i’ve ever done, and i know there will be fewer and fewer people showing up for each successive part, but the people who support this have been just...the most generous and wonderful, and creating this thing has been such a rewarding experience for me.

3. Work you are least proud of (and why):

nope, this year i’m pretty proud of everything 🙃

4. A favorite excerpt of your writing:

from this modern love:

“Buck,” Louis says, and he’s looking at Bucky so openly, gazing at him so adoringly, and his fingertips are so gentle against Bucky’s face. He isn’t holding anything back, and it’s one of those moments where Bucky almost steps out of his own head and sees himself from a distance, and he has to tell himself, this is your life, you get to have this now.

“It was a nice day,” Bucky says instead. “I’m really glad I got to be a part of it.”

“You’re going to be a part of everything from now on,” Louis says, tracing the arch of Bucky’s eyebrow with his thumb. “Shit, I can’t stop touching you.”

“Don’t stop touching me,” Bucky says. His hands are on Louis’ hips, anchoring him in place, and they feel hot where they meet Louis’ clothing. His right palm is sweating, and his left is crackling with the anticipation.

There are two categories of energy. There’s kinetic energy, the energy of motion. The energy of Bucky reaching through space and time against all the odds to meet this man, to run after him down the street, to touch his body and kiss his sacred mouth.

And the other category is potential energy, the energy that is stored up and kept secure for the future when you’re ready for it. The energy of possibility, the energy that hasn’t done anything yet but promises you maybe, maybe, maybe.

5. Share or describe a favorite comment you received:

i got a lot of comments along the lines of ‘i didn’t expect this to work, but it did,’ which always brings me joy. i reread @queerlyalex‘s comment on nothing but dreams inside whenever i’m feeling :/ about myself and my writing. all seven comments on cloud on my tongue are so precious to me because i loved writing that one so, so much, it was my love letter to lucky and how far they’ve come. i really just treasure the people who are still hanging in there and reading about my precious weirdos and really picking up on all the things i was trying to do with that story.

6. A time when writing was really, really hard:

any time i have to write a scene with more than two characters is a struggle. the absolute worst ones this year were freddie’s birthday party and bucky and louis’ dinner party. just the worst. more than two characters is too many to keep track of.

7. A scene or character that you wrote that surprised you:

genuinely everything. at the end of last year, i was planning to write one (1) lucky fic for rarepair fest, and i was planning to write trans spiderlou, and that was it. and instead, this turned in the year of lucky, the #ship 1d with superheroes 2k18 that i was not expecting.

8. How did you grow as a writer this year:

last year, i was very focused on being a more minimalist writer, on ignoring plot and just writing the parts that i found interesting, just quick projects in one sitting for as long as they held my interest. this year, i spent more time stretching out inside a scene, just settling in and letting it take as long as it needed to take. i learned how to sustain my own interest in an idea for longer than a few hours. it used to be that if i didn’t finish something in one sitting, i didn’t finish it at all. meanwhile, i can’t even tell you how many sittings i’ve spent on lucky over the last year, and i’m still excited about it and invested in it. i wouldn’t say that i appreciate the concept of plot much more than i used to -- i’m still much more focused on small moments of character interaction. but i’ve learned to embrace the concept of outlining in order to make sure i cover everything i want to cover, and i’m not so afraid of the passage of time anymore.

9. How do you hope to grow next year:

this is my answer from last year:

i would like to try some new pairings. this is weird, but i’ve never really written a true nouis story? it feels like i should have, but i haven’t, and that’s something i wouldn’t mind tackling next year. also, when i first started out, i didn’t feel comfortable leaving canon behind because i worried that i didn’t have a strong enough grip on my characters yet, and i feared that if i started writing AUs or whatever, my characters would become unrecognizable. but i’d like to keep venturing out and trying new worlds and tropes. i want to write more trans characters. i’d like to write an ace fic. i’d like to bring my eye to things i haven’t written before and see what happens.

things i did this year: tried new pairings, wrote a true nouis story, wrote AUs, wrote more trans characters. and although it’s not explicitly identified in the story, bucky is demi in luckyverse, so i guess you could say i wrote an ace fic. so...i’m pretty pleased with all that.

‘i’d like to bring my eye to things i haven’t written before and see what happens’ is always going to be my writing mantra, i think. this year was very heavily focused on lucky, so i think i’d like to write more diversely next year, focusing on other stuff as well. i’d like to write more marvel stories, and i’d like to play around with winterhawk more and maybe find my own preferred niche inside that particular pairing. i just want to keep pushing myself and trying new things.

10. Who was your greatest positive influence this year as a writer (could be another writer or beta or cheerleader or muse etc etc):

i will say that @dearmrsawyer really stepped up and became my absolute mvp this year. jamila is the best for pure brainstorming, for just coming up with an idle idea and running with it until it’s something huge and important and vital to whatever project i’m working on. there is very little i wrote this year that she didn’t have a hand in to some extent. @nightwideopen was absolutely lucky’s #1 cheerleader, which means so much to me. @queerlyalex is always the best in terms of pure positivity and encouragement, about writing, about not writing, about life, about everything. @fleetwooded has been such a perfect beta for me, someone i absolutely trust to tell me the truth about whether or not something works, someone who is so thoughtful with comments and ideas, someone whose eye i 100% trust. @sarcathlon made me art!!!! holy shit, i’m never going to be over it, genuinely the nicest and most supportive compliment ever. and of course, bucky barnes has my entire heart and i’m never gonna stop yelling about how he is a good boy trying his best.

11. Anything in your real life show up in your writing this year:

uh, yes. lol. all of bucky’s anatomical awareness is a result of my stupid useless anatomy degree. at least i finally got to use it for something!! a lot of bucky’s anxiety and panic is based on my own. bucky’s hatred and fear of grocery stores is literally me.

12. Any new wisdom you can share with other writers:

i’m always going to say to write the stories that you want to write, and fuck all the writing rules that tell you there’s a specific way to tell a story. tell it your way. have fun. writing is pointless if you don’t genuinely enjoy it, because we aren’t getting paid for this, and most of us aren’t going to write things that are wildly popular, so the joy has to come from the creation of it. if you expect the joy to come entirely from other people’s responses to your work, you’re going to be disappointed. if you love what you write, then you are guaranteed that at least one person is going to love what you wrote. that’s all i got.

13. Any new projects you’re looking forward to starting (or finishing) in the new year:

we’ve got two (or three 😩) more parts of the luckyverse in the wings, and i want to write my zayn character study. everything else is up for grabs.

14. Tag three writers/artists whose answers you’d like to read:

listen, i’m tagging e v e r y o n e who i think wrote something this year because i wanna get this thing going again. so please, if i accidentally skipped you, or if you are someone i don’t follow who is reading this and you want to do it, please feel free, just say i tagged you.

@magicalrocketships @veryniceandgood @bigbrotherlouis @secretspeller @ferryboatpeak @zaptains @jiksax @mildlymaddy @dearmrsawyer @saysthemagpie @polaroidgirlfriend @clarz @imlouisaf @queerlyalex @nothanksweregood @musingsofmaura @niallspringsteen @foliealou @tintedglasses @sarcathlon @nocontrolforlouis @fleetwooded @nightwideopen @captn-sara-holmes @flawedamythyst @akai-coat @claraxbarton @kangofu-cb

[zhu-xingjie]

I was tagged by @tanqram and @ziyanqyanq​ thank you for tagging me ;; we have several things in common !

Rules:

1. Tag the person who tagged you

2. Answer the questions.

3. Tag 10 people (ahaha i dont think i can do this)

Let’s get it started!

• How tall are you?

155 cm / 5′ 1″ (hgnhfghdh we’re both the same height nini)

• What colour and style is your hair?

black, and naturally wavy at times? idk what the deal is with my hair

• What colour are your eyes?

black? or a very dark brown bc black eyes arent actually a thing

• Do you wear glasses?

yeah, but also contacts sometimes

• Do you wear braces?

i used to in middle school

• What’s your fashion sense?

theres not much coherence, its either preppy, super femme, or immature-ish(?) depending on what i feel like. so like collared shirts+sweaters/dress pants, flowery dresses, or overalls with bunny prints or something hngfhh

• Full name?

violet *redacted* (i think we might have the same last name nini )

• When were you born?

internet safety, kids. (lmao i gave my first name already)

• Where are you from and where do you live now?

uhhh i was born in taiwan but i live on the east coast now, in the middle of nowhere

• What school do you go to?

a racist one uhh school color is the sky color.

• What kind of student are you?

depends i guess. either super studious or doing the bare minimum, but somehow always manages to pull through with good grades

• Do you like school?

hmmmm right now? not so much, since i’ve been fulfilling a lot of gen eds. but i do like learning about things i’m interested in

• Favourite subject?

well im a psyc major so... but also i like music theory and music lit/analysis

• Favourite TV show?

i dont really watch mainstream tv shows, so unless anime counts lol. in that case it would be natsume

• Favourite Movie?

koe no katachi

• Favourite books?

just mercy, the hp series

• Favourite pastime?

anime, playing my instrument, spending time with friends

• Do you have any regrets?

who doesn’t? well maybe there’s someone out there living with no regrets lol

• Dream job?

hmmmm probably to play in my dream chamber group (but that’s highly unlikely and i cry everyday because of that)

• Would you ever like to be married?

if i meet the right person, then yes

• Would you like to have kids?

nah. i dont want to be responsible for messing someone up like that, even if unintentionally

• How many?

• Do you like shopping?

uhhh if its only for a short while and there is someone with me, then yes.

• What countries have you visited?

japan and the bahamas. (sad list i know. this is excluding the two i’ve lived in)

• Scariest nightmare you have ever had?

i dont really get nightmares, and only occasionally as a kid. also i used to be able to wake myself up from dreams that i dont like, so i never really experienced much of the scary parts of dreams

• Any enemies?

i don’t think so? not any that i know of

• Any significant other?

nah

• Do you believe in miracles?

idk

• How are you?

glad the spring semester is over with. but still lost overall

tagging @linm0mo @mr-linmo @beihonglin not sure if you guys were already tagged. and this is totally optional ofc

[hentaihunblog-blog]

SPRING ANIME 2018 PREVIEW

New Post has been published on https://hentaihun.com/blog/2018/03/26/spring-anime-2018-preview/

SPRING ANIME 2018 PREVIEW

Continuing Titles (Bolded: Currently Covering) Basilisk: Ouka Ninpouchou, BEATLESS, Black Clover, Cardcaptor Sakura: Clear Card-hen,  Classica Loid 2, Darling in the Franxx, GARO VANISHING LINE, Grancrest Senki, Hakyuu Houshin Engi, Hugtto! Precure, Nanatsu no Taizai: Imashime no Fukkatsu, Saiki Kusuo no Ψ Nan 2 (TV-Short), Toji no Miko, Yowamushi Pedal: GLORY LINE, Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS

Excluded Spring 2018 Titles: Beyblade Burst Chouzetsu, Future Card Buddyfight X: All-Star Fight, Puzzle & Dragon,  Akkun to Kanojo Alice or Alice (TV-Short), Amai Choubatsu: Watashi wa Kanshu Senyou Pet (TV-Short), Keifuku-san (TV-Short) Koneko no Chii: Ponponra Daibouken 2 (TV-Short), Kuroneko Monroe (TV-Short), Nobunaga no Shinobi: Anegawa Ishiyama-hen (TV-Short), Omae wa Mada Gunma wo Shiranai (TV-Short), Tachibanakan to Lie Angle (TV-Short), To Be Hero 2 (TV-Short), Uchuu Senkan Tiramisu (TV-Short), Usagi no Mathew (TV-Short)

Resources: Anichart, ANN, CR, LiveChart, MAL,��MoeTron

Writers on Season Hiatus: Nikolita, MoonNyte

~*~

Spring has come, and you know what that means? A new season! Please welcome our three newest additions to the team, Fuzzy, Shadow, and Tsuyoku, along a surprise return of one of our former writers, MidnightDevont! 

We would also like to note, in this edition of the Season Preview, due the lack of interest from the team, we have elected to exclude TV-SHORTS. Due to the the shows being as short as 3 minutes or 15 minutes long, we have also decided TV-Shorts are regarded as an Optional Side Project for the writers to pick up on the side if it garners their interest. So even though they may not be on the preview, there may be a writer or two who will may cover one anyways.

We are also aware about the rise of Netflix exclusive anime titles that can sometimes slip off the radar. If you see a Netflix exclusive anime you wish to bring to our attention, give us a shout at FAQ + Ask the Team!

3D Kanojo: Real Girl

Animation Company: Hoods Entertainment Website: http://www.3dkanojo-anime.com/ Genre: Romance Airing Date: April 4, 2018 Summary: Hikari Tsutsui is a high school boy who is satisfied with the virtual girls he encounters in anime and games. He does not have many friends and he lives in his own world. One day, when he is stuck on pool cleaning duty, he is approached by Iroha, a “real girl” who is showy and popular with boys. Trailer: CM 1 | PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I am pretty sure I read a bit of this manga at some point, but I lost interest in it.

Berry: Characters like the main guy always annoy me and make me cringe, so I don’t think I’d like this show.

MidnightDevont: This is all kinds of not my kind of show. First off, the protag sounds really annoying, vague Dangan Ronpa reference but it’s like if Hifumi Yamada got hot and suddenly met a 3D girl he was interested in. No. Thank. You. I might give it a watch down the line if people start telling me that it’s any good but it’s not something I’d cover. Hard pass.

Pandora: Nah, but It seems like it will be funny like World Only God Knows. I loved that one.

Aplus: Hmm, yes. ‘Satisfied’ with virtual girls. This looks like one of the increasingly popular anime themes that try to go meta/ends up trash talking all anime fans. It looks a bit boring to me personally, but I’m always down to give it a shot. I mean, even if he ends up liking the IRL girl… it’s still a 2D person, so… win-win?

Fuzzy: I usually enjoy romcom type shows, but I don’t really see anything that piques my interest on this one. 

Shadow: Hmm, this could potentially be interesting and I’m always up for a romantic comedy.

Tsuyoku: The old 2D > 3D debate made into anime! A part of me feels a little bit curious, but I don’t particularly like the designs and overall it just looks bland, so pass.

Aikatsu Friends!

Animation Company: Bandai Namco Pictures Website: http://www.aikatsu.com/friends/teaser/ Genre: Music Airing Date: April 5, 2018 Summary: “Let’s go, together! Head for the goal, Diamond Friends!!” The new anime will have a theme of “Aikatsu with your friends!” and will center on a new protagonist named Aine Yuuki, who is good at making friends, and is enrolled in Star Harmony Academy’s general education track. She befriends Mio Minato, the school’s top idol, and becomes an idol herself. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I never gotten into the Aikatsu series. It is too bad because they always have adorable character designs.

Berry: I had only watched a bit of the previous season, Aikatsu Stars, and thought it was cute and the music in it was pretty good. I fell behind on it but I love the designs here, so I’m gonna check it out!

MidnightDevont: IDOL ANIME, female idols? HAHAHAHAHA, HAHAHAHA, I had this talk the other day. I’m pretty much an exclusive ‘male idol’ anime kinda gal.

Pandora: They still making these?

Aplus: I will always give music anime a shot. I’ve regretted it more times than I’ve enjoyed it but, hey, they can’t all be winners, right?

Fuzzy: Not a really big fan of the art style, but the PV has some nice voice acting, so maybe it’ll have good songs? Still a no though. 

Shadow: Too many girls looking way too colorful and too moe. Was never into female idol animes so this is definitely a no go.

Tsuyoku: I have very little interest in idol anime in general and although this seems cute, I doubt it’ll be the exception, so I doubt I’ll check it out.

Amanchu! Advance (S2)

Animation Company: J.C. Staff Website: http://amanchu-anime.com/ Genre: Comedy Slice of Life Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: The second season of Amanchu! Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I watched the first episode of the first season, and then forgot about it. I intend to get around to watch it at some point though.

Berry: Didn’t watch the first season. I watched the first episode and that girl with the green hair kept making that weird fish face with the giant smile and it was creepy.

MidnightDevont: Didn’t watch the first season, not even sure what it’s about. Not gonna lie, the art is pretty though. This might be something I double back and look at.

Pandora: Never seen this first season.

Aplus: Never heard of this show before. To be fair, Slice of life is my kryptonite. It’s the one genre I just can never get into even if I want to. It’s like the sims of anime. I’m good.

Fuzzy: Didn’t watch the first season, but the PV does look promising. Really pretty and seems to have a nice cozy vibe. Probably won’t touch it though. 

Shadow: I didn’t watch the first season.

Tsuyoku: I’ll be watching this, as I watched the first season and the OVA, but I don’t have much interest in blogging about it because it’s not a show that makes me want to say a lot about it.

Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu HAPPY KISS

Animation Company: Studio Comet Website: http://boueibu.com/hk/index.html Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy, Parody, Magic, School Airing Date: April 9, 2018 Summary: (Spin-Off Series)  Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I couldn’t get into the original series, so I suspect I won’t like the spin-off either.

Berry: Saw the first season but not the second season. It was a fun watch but I don’t think I’d watch more.

MidnightDevont: -sighs- Well, I covered season 1 back in the day. I’ve watched season 2 and the OVA…I am genuinely curious about this entirely new cast and what they are going to do with the reality show plot threads from the original series and if they’re going to go down the more musical route of the second season. Which I genuinely enjoyed,So, sign me up.

Pandora: I watched the first season, and then I never watched the second season. I probably should. The first season was pretty funny, though, back in the day.

Aplus: Wow. If that picture isn’t enough to get someone interested, then I don’t know what is. There’s always one of these in every season. Just a bunch of bros, hanging out and drinking milk. Not my idea of a good night-in. I’m going to hard pass on this. 

Fuzzy: Nope, does not seem like my type of show at all. 

Shadow: I attempted to watch the first season of this with a friend but I honestly couldn’t watch more than three episodes.

Tsuyoku: Back in the day I would have watched this just for the voice actors, but I don’t really have the patient for it anymore.

Possible Bloggers: MidnightDevont

Boku no Hero Academia 3

Animation Company: BONES Website: http://heroaca.com/ Genre: Action Comedy Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: The third season of Boku no Hero Academia. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

disTeam Impression

Eva: STARES AT BACKLOG … I really should be reading the manga and getting around to watch this show already….

Berry: This show is more fun to watch than to blog, so HOO BOY. HERE WE GO I CAN’T WAIT FOR MORE. Second season was absolutely amazing so I can’t even imagine what’s in store next (i don’t read manga).

MidnightDevont: Hmmmm, seems like Oki had been covering the other seasons. With her on hiatus…-snakes around the series- Seriously though! I love Hero Academia so much and my friend has me REALLY hyped up for the third season. So if none of the other bloggers want it, I’ll take it for sure!

Pandora: Nope. Everyone loves this show, but I only able to get through 3 episode. I don’t remember why though, it’s been awhile.

Aplus: Well, well, well. Here we are again. I have to agree with some of the other writers on this. Incredibly fun show to watch and that almost makes me not want to blog it. Sometimes shutting my brain off is the best choice.

Fuzzy: Okay, super excited for BnHA. Definitely one of my recent favorites and very excited for the content it’s covering, but I’m fine with just watching along.

Shadow: I have been so HYPED about this series and hoo boy, this season is going to be INTENSE. I’m sure a bunch of people would want to blog about this and I just want to enjoy watching it.

Tsuyoku: I’ll probably wait for the whole season to finish airing before I marathon it, so I won’t be following weekly, but I’m as hyped as everyone else!

Possible Bloggers: MidnightDevont

Butlers ~Chitose Momotose Monogatari~

Animation Company: SILVER LINK. Website: http://www.butlers-anime.com/ Genre: Action, Comedy Airing Date: April 12, 2018 Summary: Koma Jinguji (Jay) is the smart and handsome student council president. His elegant smile captures the hearts of women. Tsubasa Hayakawa is a multi-talented and gentle shop assistant at a café. His cafe latte with owl latte art is very popular with female customers. The two men travel through time to fight their archenemy. The charming “Butlers,” as they are called, fight supernatural battles and also experience a slapstick comedic life at their academy. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I am not entirely sure what to think of it, but it sounds and looks pretty cool. I will probably check this one out at some point or another.

Berry: This actually looks decent. And the slapstick comedy part throws me off because the PV looked pretty cool. I’ll probably check it out.

MidnightDevont: THIS SOMEHOW PASSED ENTIRELY UNDER MY RADAR! This sounds amazing! I have a ton of other things i’m thinking of putting my name down under for wanting to blog though. That is the only thing holding me back from throwing myself down as a possible blogger for this! I’ll be watching for sure though! Maybe if nobody else wants it i’ll look into covering it….AH! WHY IS THIS SEASON LOOKING SO GOOD?

Pandora: Seem interesting. I probably could watch for the comedy.

Aplus: Now, generally anything with the words ‘monogatari’ in the title gets me interested. It’s sort of like a Pavlovian response at this point. I will definitely give this show a chance, but the comedy-action balance is a hard thing to get right. I will hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Fuzzy: I like the premise, reminds me a bit of Sakamoto-kun except now there are two less Sakamotos, which is more than one whole Sakamoto I guess? Probably a pass though. 

Shadow: The premise does seem interesting and I wouldn’t mind giving it a look. But I’m a bit hesitant about it as well since Silver Link is a very hit or miss studio. Not to mention my sense of humor is… strange. I’m either dying laughing or it just kind of passes over my head. I think I’ll just be content watching this to see where it goes and if it tickles my funny bone.

Tsuyoku: I’m not interested in these butlers. I don’t know why, but the PV makes it seems really serious, yet there’s comedy in the summary. I find the contrast jarring.

Possible Bloggers: MidnightDevont

Caligula

Animation Company: Satelight Website: http://caligula-anime.com/ Genre: Action, Sci-Fi Airing Date: April 8, 2018 Summary: The Caligula Effect is set in a virtual reality program known as “Mobius”, created so people can escape pain in their lives and live in an idyllic high school setting, forced to live out their 3 years Indefinitely. The main protagonist is one of a group who realize that they are in a virtual world, and form the “Go-Home Club”, a group dedicated to escaping from Mobius and its god-like overseer program, a vocal program called “μ”. They oppose the “Ostinato Musicians”, a group who supports μ and sees the Go-Home Club as traitors. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I was this close to buying the game, but changed my mind about it. So I might watch this, wouldn’t hurt to try- but I don’t have any major expectations from it.

Berry: Yeah, this could be a hit or miss. Like, it has the potential to be great but it could just as easily fuck up bad if handled wrong. I will tread cautiously on this one.

MidnightDevont: ….This sounds like Sword Art and Ready Player One had a baby, and it sounds kind of cool. -slams head on table- STOP TEMPTING ME WITH SHOWS SPRING SEASON. Alright, moderation is a thing…pass…pass…

Pandora: I feel like this will be one of shows that had a good idea, but they are somehow going to fail at episode 6. Interesting, though, nonetheless.

Aplus: History repeats itself. In this case, that means I am 100% going to watch this to completion and it will more likely than not get lost in its own premise and sputter out before anything actually happens. I wholeheartedly look forward to it. Plus, it’s ironic, isn’t it? The people there are using VR to escape the pain in their lives and I’m using the show to do the same…..

Fuzzy: It looks alright, a definite “maybe it’ll be a hit?” or “maybe it’ll be like the other twenty mediocre shows that are like it.” Not worth it in my opinion. Pass.

Shadow: This looks like one of the edge lords of the season and could be an interesting watch… as long as there is good writing which is definitely a 50/50 with most animes of this caliber. So pass.

Tsuyoku: Definitely looks like the kind of show I would check out! Though learning it’s based off a game put me off slightly, so now I’m on the fence about it.

Possible Bloggers: Aplus

Captain Tsubasa (2018)

Animation Company: David Production Website: http://ball-ha-tomodachi.com/ Genre: Action, Sports, Shounen Airing Date: April 3, 2018 Summary: Captain Tsubasa is the passionate story of an elementary school student whose thoughts and dreams revolve almost entirely around the love of soccer. 11-year-old Tsubasa Oozora started playing football at a very young age, and while it was mostly just a recreational sport for his friends, for him, it developed into something of an obsession. In order to pursue his dream to the best of his elementary school abilities, Tsubasa moves with his mother to Nankatsu city, which is well-known for its excellent elementary school soccer teams. But although he was easily the best in his old town, Nankatsu has a lot more competition, and he will need all of his skill and talent in order to stand out from this new crowd. He encounters not only rivals, but also new friends like the pretty girl Sanae Nakazawa and the talented goalkeeper, Genzo Wakabayashi, who shares the same passion as Tsubasa, and will prove to be a treasured friend in helping him push towards his dreams. Representing Japan in the FIFA World Cup is Tsubasa’s ultimate dream, but it will take a lot more than talent to reach it. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I remember watching a bit of the original series during my “Sports Anime Marathon” I pulled one summer! 😀 I don’t think I ever completed it though…

Berry: I’ve always wanted to get into Captain Tsubasa but never did, but with a reboot and an easier way to watch, then heck yes! I love soccer and love sports anime, so I’m excited! I also love that they still stuck close to the original art style. Btw, 2018 World Cup this summer and I am PUMPED! >:)

MidnightDevont: Oh look, at last, something I could care less about…I’ve seen a total of 3 sports anime i’ve enjoyed and this does not look like it would be one of them.

Pandora: Nope. Sports

Aplus: I think soccer is the final ‘major sport’ I have yet to find a good anime for. Days and Clean Freak Aoyama just didn’t do it for me. Baseball, basketball, volleyball, swimming, ping pong, and more have already been covered. I hope this can enter my sports hall of fame. I 

Fuzzy: Never watched Tsubasa. YET! So pass.

Shadow: Seems like there’s been a trend of revamping old anime. Unfortunately I never got into this series in the past nor do I have much of an interest now. Pass.

Tsuyoku: I watched some of the original Captain Tsubasa on TV as a kid and I remember enjoying it, but I’m not really interested in getting back into it now. I’m more of a baseball person than a soccer person.

Comic Girls

Animation Company: Nexus Website: http://comic-girls.com/ Genre: Slice of Life, Comedy Airing Date: April 5, 2018 Summary: The manga’s story centers on the 15-year-old high school student and manga creator Kaoruko Moeta, who uses the pen name Chaos. After ranking at the bottom of a reader survey, Kaoruko’s editor recommends that she enter an all-female dormitory for manga creators. Kaoruko’s roommates are shoujo manga creator Koyume Koizuka, teen romance manga creator Ruki Irokawa, and shounen manga creator Tsubasa Katsuki. The girls support each other as they work to become better manga creators. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I like the sound of it, but I am not sure if it will keep me interested from start to finish.

Berry: This is just going to be like another New Game where it’s less about making manga and more about the cute girls doing nothing. Boo, no thanks.

MidnightDevont: Wow, I can taste the cute rainbows and fluffiness from here…I might die from sugar overdose. Please, send help. No..um, pass, thanks.

Pandora: Looks interesting, only because I like to make comics. Probably won’t watch it though.

Aplus: Cute girls doing cute things? No one else is on board with this? Damn. It looks like a manga edition of New Game. Hopefully it’s as interesting and addresses the hardships of the industry as well as flaunting moe blobs. 

Fuzzy: Moebloberinos, not my thing. 

Shadow: Again, I’m not one for cute girls doing cute things aside from a few exceptions. Pass.

Tsuyoku: I’ll probably be checking this one out since I find these kind of shows educational, but I’m not very interested in blogging about it.

Cutie Honey Universe

Animation Company: Production Reed Website: http://cutiehoney-u.com/ Genre: Action, Comedy, Magic, Ecchi, Sci-Fi, Shoujo Airing Date: April 8, 2018 Summary: Honey Kisaragi appears to be an ordinary girl attending St. Chapel Academy, but in reality she’s the “Warrior of Love” Cutie Honey, a super-powered android created by Dr. Kisaragi. Honey and her allies investigate the evil schemes of Panther Claw, a criminal secret society, but Honey doesn’t realize that the leader of Panther Claw is already closer than she thinks… Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I am liking the trend of old school titles making a comeback! 😀 Although I’m not big with ecchi, I will probably be tuning in for this one. I did watch a bit of the original series.

Berry: The original 80’s OP is catchy as hell, but I’m not an ecchi person so no thanks.

MidnightDevont: HONEY FLASH! While I’ve never been a Cutie Honey fan outside of listening to it’s super catchy opening. I hope someone covers it so I can read about it at least, I’ll pass, but I hope this classic gets some love.

Pandora: Looks cool and retro. I like old school shows like Dirty Pair and stuff like that.

Aplus: The resurgence of this type of animation is very cool! I probably won’t blog it, but I will definitely check it out. Tasteful ecchi is always a plus in my book.

Fuzzy: I’ve heard great things about the original Cutie Honey. But I think it’s a pass for me. 

Shadow: Ecchi is a no go for me.

Tsuyoku: I never watched the original Cutie Honey, but I’ve always wanted to get into it, seems like this might be the perfect time for it! I really like how it looks and I’m familiar with other works of Go Nagai, so I’m curious to see if this kept his essence. Definitely picking this one up!

Possible Bloggers: Tsuyoku

Devil’s Line

Animation Company: Platinum Vision Website: http://devilsline.jp/ Genre: Action, Drama, Horror, Romance, Supernatural Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: Tsukasa, a college student, is rescued from an attack by a devil, one of many vampires that can blend in among the human population. Anzai, her savior, is a half-devil who exploits his supernatural gifts as a member of a shadowy police task force that specializes in devil-related crime in Tokyo. As Anzai continues to keep guard over Tsukasa, the two quickly forge a tentative bond—one that Anzai fears will test his iron-clad rule of never drinking human blood… Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Funny story, so I actually started reading the manga on a whim after I saw the announcement. The story and some of the characters interesting, but there are a lot of nasty stuff that happens in this series. That being said, I don’t see myself watching this.

Berry: It looks like a worse Tokyo Ghoul, so no. And I didn’t even like Tokyo Ghoul.

MidnightDevont: Huh, honestly I am conflicted. While this sounds like it would be entirely up my ally…it also has that ‘i’d lose interest quickly’ feel that I get every time I try to go back and watch Tokyo Ghoul…So it’s a pass for now. If I later hear that it’s good, maybe i’ll do a retro review or something.

Pandora: Reminded of Tokyo Ghoul, but I feel like I need more horror in my life. Too much comedy is bad for you, I guess. Gotta find something new and different.

Aplus: Ehhh, this looks ok I guess. I don’t get the ‘horror’ genre of anime. I haven’t been spooked yet despite watching a few horror titles. This is maybe a ‘binge at the end of the season depending on what I hear about this show’ show.

Fuzzy: I’m willing to give it a shot. Once again probably a strong hit or miss, but I like the music in the preview. What’s that you say? Music in a PV is a bad way to judge? Nonsense. 

Shadow: I am a complete baby when it comes to horror. The last time I tried to attempt horror, I lasted maybe three minutes into the first episode of Tokyo Ghoul until a jump scare happened and I NOPED out of that real fast. So I’ll pass on this.

Tsuyoku: It looks edgy and mysterious, but also average and forgettable. I’ll definitely pass on this one.

Possible Bloggers: Fuzzy

Dorei-ku The Animation

Animation Company: Zero-G Website: http://doreiku-anime.com/ Genre: Drama, Psychological Airing Date: April 12, 2018 Summary: What if you could enslave anyone you ever wanted? Well, this comes close. The SCM lets you enslave anyone who is also wearing an SCM, at a price. One must win over the other, at the cost of anything, in order for the other to become their slave.  Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: How about nO! UGH. Definitely not my cup of tea.

Berry: Bitch what is this? Lmao. This looks trashy as hell. It’s also creepy and nasty sounding.

MidnightDevont:  I am at least doing a first impressions on this. I don’t know why, but I am SUPER intrigued…it reminds me of Kakegurui in that sense and I LOVE the character designs. 

Pandora: Hey! It’s seems weird. I’ll watch it.

Aplus: Now horror may not be my thing, but I can always get behind a nice psychological tag! I won’t enter the fray, but I’ll definitely be watching alongside whichever of the other bloggers ends up deciding to cover this show.

Fuzzy: Reminds me of Kakegurui also, but Kakegurui was enough Kakegurui for me. Pass!

Shadow: After watching the PV, I don’t think this is my cup of tea. So no thanks.

Tsuyoku: Towards the end of Fall 2017 I did a check on the 2018 charts and this was one of the few that stood out. It’s definitely weird, so I find it intriguing. I’d be interested in check it out.

Possible Bloggers: MidnightDevont, Tsuyoku

Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory

Animation Company: Xebec Website: http://fullmeta-iv.com/ Genre: Action Mecha Sci-Fi Airing Date: April 13, 2018 Summary: N/A – Coming Soon… Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I am desperately trying to remember when I last watched this series…. OH MY GOD, THE LAST SEASON WAS IN 2005?! I’m pretty sure I watched it when it was complete, so it must’ve been 2006… I’m pretty sure of it! I’m going to have to binge watch the previous seasons again!

Berry: No mecha for me, but hey good for the fans.

MidnightDevont: Mecha anime, studio? Not Trigger, also I have never watched a FMP series in my life…pass. 

Pandora: Eww. Mecha.

Aplus: Haven’t watched any previous iterations, so this is a no go. I generally pass on mecha anyway. Trigger was my only exception, with TTGL being the deal breaker. I finally thought I found my ‘in’ into mechas. Then I watched Darling in the Franxx. Trigger is no longer the exception.

Fuzzy: This one’s been waiting for a long time, but I’m not too invested in FMP. Pass! 

Shadow: I’ve heard of this series but I was never interested in it.

Tsuyoku: I’ve never watched any of the previous ones and although it seems cool, I’d probably not play the catch up game on it yet.

Gegege no Kitaro

Animation Company: Toei Animation Website: http://www.toei-anim.co.jp/kitaro/ Genre: Comedy, Supernatural Airing Date: April 1, 2018 Summary: The story is set in the modern-day Japan, when people almost forget about yokai. Various phenomenons that cannot be explained by science start occurring frequently, and adult people are rushing around in confusion by groundless rumors. To settle the situations, 13-year-old girl Mana Inuyama sends a letter via the “Yokai Post,” then Kitaro appears with the iconic sounds of his geta, “Karan Koron.” Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I never watched this series, and I can’t imagine that I will start now.

Berry: Not sure what to make of this. If people say it’s good, I would check it out.

MidnightDevont: The art is kind of weird and the summery um, sounds nothing like something I would enjoy. I’ll pass on this one.

Pandora: That art tho. But anyways, people need to start coming up with other ideas and stop remaking everything. Thanks.

Aplus: I have no idea what’s happening. I can’t even tell if it’s a good kind of weird or a bad kind. I’ll need to watch it to see for sure. The last yokai based show I watched was Yokai Apartments and that was a huge mistake so yokai-themed shows leave a bad taste in my mouth right now. Hopefully this show will change that!

Fuzzy: A bit too crazy for me. Pass.

Shadow: This looks super bizarre. Like I can’t tell if it wants to be creepy or funny with the character designs. I don’t think this is something I’d want to invest my time in.

Tsuyoku: This actually looks kind of cool to me and I’ve been digging some of the old stuff remakes that have been popping up lately, like Mahoujin Guru Guru last year, but although I might check it out, I don’t think I’ll cover it.

Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu -Die Neue These- Kaikou

Animation Company: Production I.G Website: http://gineiden-anime.com/ Genre: Action, Military, Sci-Fi, Drama Airing Date: April 3, 2018 Summary: In humanity’s distant future, two interstellar states—the monarchic Galactic Empire and the democratic Free Planets Alliance—are embroiled in a never-ending war. The story focuses on the exploits of rivals Reinhard von Müsel and Yang Wen Li as they rise to power and fame in the Galactic Empire and the Free Planets Alliance.  Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Surprisingly I don’t believe I have ever watched Legend of the Galactic Heroes series- OH WAIT A MINUTE. JUST A FEW MONTHS AGO, I WAS THIS CLOSE TO PICKING UP THE NOVEL!!!! I didn’t realize…. oh my god, I have some serious catching up to do!

Berry: Now THIS is another classic that many people talk about and that I’ve always wanted to watch. This is another one I’ve been excited for.

MidnightDevont: It sounds like boring space politics with pretty boys to me. So i’ll be passing this one by.

Pandora: Nope. I don’t particular like space dramas.

Aplus: I desperately want to watch this, but I have not even started the original show. The void of the ‘Plan to Watch List’ is too strong. 

Fuzzy: The reboot of my favorite show of all time? I need this. Let’s see if this lives up to the expectations set by the first!

Shadow: I was never a fan of space themes (aside from Star Wars at least). If people say it’s really good later on, maybe I’ll watch it. But for now, pass.

Tsuyoku: I’m still about mid-way in watching the original show, which is amazing and totally up my alley, so I’ll be definitely watching this one. I’ve been looking forward to it since last year!

Possible Bloggers: Fuzzy

Golden Kamui

Animation Company: Geno Studio Website: http://kamuy-anime.com/ Genre: Adventure, Drama, Romance Airing Date: April 9, 2018 Summary: In the early twentieth century, Russo-Japanese War veteran Saichi “Immortal” Sugimoto scratches out a meager existence during the postwar gold rush in the wilderness of Hokkaido. When he stumbles across a map to a fortune in hidden Ainu gold, he sets off on a treacherous quest to find it. But Sugimoto is not the only interested party, and everyone who knows about the gold will kill to possess it! Faced with the harsh conditions of the northern wilderness, ruthless criminals and rogue Japanese soldiers, Sugimoto will need all his skills and luck—and the help of an Ainu girl named Asirpa—to survive. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: This might just be too violent for me… otherwise, I would definitely watch it.

Berry: I’ve wondered about this series as the manga is pretty popular and people say it’s good, so this is going to be one of the few shows I sign up for this season.

MidnightDevont:  I don’t know how to feel about this one. I have no real strong feelings towards it one way or the other…it seems to me like a show that will pass into obscurity and maybe one or two people will look back fondly and go “Yeah, I remember that show.” and smile…but not me…not me. 

Pandora: Nope. Historical.

Aplus: I will probably watch this. Like Fuzzy mentions, it does seem to err on being violent for the sake of violence rather than establishing actual substance. I’m always ready to be proven wrong though. 

Fuzzy: I like how different the premise is. But the PV seems like edge central with a lot of blood, but not a lot of substance. Pass. 

Shadow: Looks too intense and dark for my liking. Pass.

Tsuyoku: Pretty intense indeed, which I don’t dislike, but I’m usually not that much into historical anime and if I do watch it, it’ll probably be after it finishes airing.

Possible Bloggers: Berry

Gundam Build Divers

Animation Company: Sunrise Website: http://gundam-bd.net/ Genre: Action, Mecha, Sci-Fi Airing Date: April 3, 2018 Summary: The Gunpla Force Battle Tournament is a big event held in GBN once per year. Competing in the final round are Avalon, led by the champion Kyoya Kujo, and the elite 7th Panzer Division led by the cunning Rommel. Starting with Kyoya’s Gundam AGE II Magnum, a variety of Gunpla take to the field to determine which is the strongest force! Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I love Gundam, but I don’t love Gundam Builders. Eh, maybe I’ll try again.

Berry: Not a Gundam or mecha person, I don’t know how many times I have to say this.

MidnightDevont:  Mecha, studio? Still not animated by Studio Trigger? Nope, couldn’t care less then. 

Pandora: Nope. Mecha.

Aplus: Mecha. Gundam. No.

Fuzzy: Haven’t dipped in the ocean of Gundam yet. Pass!

Shadow: Not the biggest mecha or Gundam fan, so no thanks.

Tsuyoku: I like Gundam, but I’ve never watched Gundam Builders and I don’t think that’s changing any time soon.

Gurazeni

Animation Company: Studio DEEN Website: https://www.bs-sptv.com/gurazeni/ Genre: Sports Airing Date: April , 2018 Summary: The “baseball money survival” story focuses on a baseball team that operates as a highly-stratified society, where the player’s performance determines his annual salary. The story follows an eight-year relief pitcher with an odd left-handed side-arm throw as he fights to survive under the team’s strict system. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Oh you have my attention! It is a very different take from the usual sports anime we are used to! I will have to check this one out!

Berry: Another sport I love is baseball so again, I love this. Though the art style doesn’t really match the serious premise?

MidnightDevont: TAKE ME OUT TO THE BALL GAME! Honestly though, this does look like your different kind of sports anime. Perhaps this is the rare one that will catch my attention and I’ll enjoy it. That being said, I’m still taking a hard pass on covering it. 

Pandora: Interesting premise, but it’s sports and those always end up boring.

Aplus: Sports = automatic checking out. Whether or not I’ll keep up with it is another story. 

Fuzzy: Seems like it could be funny and has potential, but I’m pretty picky with sports anime, so nope. 

Shadow: I may give this a look since I’ve learned after Kuroko to give sports anime a chance, but I don’t think I would be that interested in blogging about it.

Tsuyoku: As a baseball anime fan, I’m definitely checking this one out! It also helps the cast is adult and it seems to include some of the problems of his professional life. I can’t tell yet if I’ll stick to it, but I’d want to give it a try at least.

Possible Bloggers: Tsuyoku

High School DxD HERO (S4)

Animation Company: Passione Website: http://www.haremking.tv/ Genre: Action, Comedy, Ecchi, Romance Airing Date: April 10, 2018 Summary: The fourth season of High School DxD. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I will never watch this, period. On the side note, looks like another studio it picked it up! I wonder what fans think of the newly adapted character designs?

Berry: Yeah I really wonder what fans think of the new art style. They look like babies now. Either way, yeah nah.

MidnightDevont: Despite Oki’s best efforts to tell me that this series is actually way better then I would think it is. I still have yet to watch this series previous seasons, so I’ll pass. 

Pandora: Ay! I haven’t finished watching the third season, but I liked this show. It’s not just ecchi and craziness, it was an interesting story mixed in. About to finish watching it, just for this.

Aplus: I begrudgingly watched the first 3 seasons at the behest of a friend who swore by it. I do enjoy tasteful ecchi, but this show went a little too far over the line. When the ecchi becomes your main power source for getting stronger and drives the plot, I’m out. But this looks really cool… the new art style is really up my alley… I’ll let Pandora cover it, but I will most likely end up watching (and still not enjoying) this series.

Fuzzy: One day someone will convince me to give this a chance, but it is not this day. Pass!

Shadow: Yeah, no thanks. Ecchi usually equates to nope for me. Everyone looks really pretty I must say though.

Tsuyoku: I’m going to openly admit I always mix this up with other shows, that’s how small my interest in it is. Pass.

Possible Bloggers: Pandora

Hinamatsuri

Animation Company: feel. Website: http://hina-matsuri.net/ Genre: Comedy, Fantasy, Slice of Life Airing Date: April 6, 2018 Summary: The comedy manga centers around a super-powered girl named Hina and Nitta, a young member of the yakuza. Hina suddenly appears in Nitta’s room and threatens him with her extraordinary powers. However, they end up living together. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: For some reason this reminds me a bit of Level E…. It’s probably just me. Definitely looks like it will be a funny one!

Berry: No thanks.

MidnightDevont: Does…this picture have an E.T. reference? pfft. That’s kind of funny. Still, I think i’ll pass on this one for now. 

Pandora: The picture has an E.T. reference( when that movie is still revelant??) Interesting though.

Aplus: I laughed so I feel obligated to watch now. Comedies are always a huge hit or miss though. Anything to keep reality at bay. 

Fuzzy: Seems like it could be pretty funny! Willing to give it a shot. 

Shadow: When I first saw the cover image to this anime my mind immediately went: E.T.??? I may want to give it a couple episodes to see how it is. Who knows, maybe it’ll be a diamond in the rough. With that said, I don’t think I’ll be blogging about it.

Tsuyoku: Wow, this looks really funny! The art style is very nice and appealing to me too. It had slipped under my radar since the E.T. reference poster doesn’t really stand out to me much, but the PV convinced me. Not sure I’ll stick to it though.

Possible Bloggers: Fuzzy

Hisone to Maso-tan

Animation Company: BONES Website: http://hisomaso.com/ Genre: Military, Fantasy Airing Date: April 13, 2018 Summary: Straightforward and innocent Hisone Amakasu is a Self-Defense Force rookie stationed at the Air Self-Defense Force’s Gifu Base. She was struggling with the fact that she sometimes hurts people unintentionally by her innocent words and decided to join the Air Self-Defence Force, hoping to maintain a certain distance from people. This decision led her to a fateful encounter which profoundly changed her life. It was the “OTF” dragon hidden in the base and it chose Hisone as his pilot. When it soared into the sky with Hisone, her fate as a dragon pilot was decided. It is said that dragons have a key to the future of the world… Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I am not particularly a huge fan of the art style, but I’m willing to give it a shot.

Berry: Interesting art but where is your nose?! This looks interesting though and it’s Bones so what could go wrong?

MidnightDevont:  Cute girls and military situations are barely ever my cup of tea. See Saga of Tanya the evil for the only exception to this rule. I’ll pass on this one, even if there is a cute dragon. On that note, does the dragon look like anime toothless to anyone else? 

Pandora: The artwork is cool, but no.

Aplus: Yeah, I guess. Really have no strong opinion on this in either direction which probably means it’ll be great or really boring because my first impressions are usually incredibly off-target. 

Fuzzy: Ehhh, nothing about it makes me interested. 

Shadow: The art style looks interesting, but the fact that almost all the people in this series seems to be missing a nose is throwing me off a bit. I’ll probably look at the first episode but I’ll have to pass on blogging about this.

Tsuyoku: Original anime by Bones with series composition by Mari Okada? Nice and different-looking artwork? Check and check! I’ll be picking this one up since it seems character-oriented and has a touching vibe to it.

Possible Bloggers: Tsuyoku

Hoozuki no Reitetsu 2: Part II

Animation Company: Studio DEEN Website: http://www.hozukino-reitetsu.com/ Genre: Comedy Fantasy Supernatural Airing Date: April 8, 2018 Summary: The second cour of Hoozuki no Reitetsu 2 Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Never liked it.

Berry: Couldn’t get into this series.

MidnightDevont: I’m conflicted, I liked season one well enough but not really enough to go back to it…so i want to pass…but at the same time…eh. I’ll pass. 

Pandora: Never seen season one.

Aplus: I’ve never heard of this show. It looks cool enough that I’d start watching it by accident while randomly browsing, but not cool enough that I’d decide to specifically start watching the show.

Fuzzy: Never heard of this, never touched season 1, so pass. 

Shadow: I didn’t watch the first season of this so no thanks.

Tsuyoku: I’ve always thought the character designs for this are awesome, but it’s never been enough to get me into it.

Inazuma Eleven: Ares no Tenbin

Animation Company: OLM Website: http://www.inazuma.jp/ares/ Genre: Sports Airing Date: April 6, 2018 Summary: The story is set after the first Inazuma Eleven, but will take place in a parallel world from all other Inazuma Eleven games apart from the first because the story has taken a different course. In the story, protagonist Asuto Inamori’s soccer club is disbanded after the school’s soccer field is destroyed. He and friends go to Tokyo to attend Daimon-chuu (Daimon Junior High) to play soccer. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: This is one of the few soccer ones I could never get into.

Berry: I’ve always hated the designs in this show.

MidnightDevont: didn’t see the FIRST Inazuma Eleven…not gonna see this one either. 

Pandora: No sports up in here.

Aplus: Sports = automatic checking out. I actually never saw the original series but, like I mentioned with the other soccer show airing this season, I really want to find a solid soccer anime. Out of all the sports anime I watch, soccer is the only sport I’ve actively played (for over a decade now) and am invested in so I guess my standards are just a bit higher.

Fuzzy: Maybe I’d watch this if I was ten. But not now. Pass!

Shadow: Some of the character designs are a little too out there for me. Not to mention I didn’t even watch the original series of this, so I’ll have to pass.

Tsuyoku: I’ve never seen the original so I don’t think I’d pick up this one up and there’s plenty other titles that interest me more.

Isekai Izakaya: Koto Aitheria no Izakaya Nobu.

Animation Company: Sunrise Website: https://r.gnavi.co.jp/nobu/ Genre: Fantasy Airing Date: April 13, 2018 Summary: There’s a bar called “Nobu” located in Kyoto, Japan. In it is a door that is connected to a bar in another world. The visitors include denizens of the other world, and customers seek out its excellent “Toriaezu Nama” ale and cuisine. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Nothing about this is grabbing my attention.

Berry: This is literally like that other show with the restaurant, it’s literally the same thing. What the heck.

MidnightDevont: Huh, cute, good premise…if I wasn’t holding out to jump on three more very specific shows I might toss myself as a possible blogger on this one. 

Pandora: Hmm. The question is ” Is it going to be funny?”

Aplus: Wait, what? Did the isekai restaurant anime just not do well so they decided to remake it? What is happening? No, I won’t watch this. The other show was so horribly boring. Why would I subject myself to it again?

Fuzzy: This seems interesting and I love izakaya dens. Might take it up!

Shadow: Hmm, the premise sounds very similar to another anime a couple seasons ago. I may give it a watch, but I’ll pass on blogging.

Tsuyoku: I might watch this after the season ends, but I don’t think I’ll keep with it weekly or be interested in blogging about it.

Possible Bloggers: Fuzzy

Juushinki Pandora

Animation Company: Satelight Website: http://www.project-pandora.jp/ Genre: Mecha, Sci-Fi Airing Date: March 29, 2018 (Netflix Premiere) |April 4, 2018 (TV Premiere) Summary: The new series is set in a near-future world where the boundary between human being and AI is vague. A rapid biological evolution, similar to “Cambrian Explosion,” is caused by one incident. This incident turns into the genesis of a new jostle for supremacy, and the influence of the evolution goes beyond biological framework and spreads to various kinds of materials and technologies. The era of massive evolution involving diverse existences, such as human, machines, and biotechnologies, is coming. Characters fight an existential war in such a world. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Well I don’t have a whole lot of expectations for this one, but I will be checking it out. But ugh, I wish Satelight could just improve the quality of their CG… It looks so dated.

Berry: No no no, where’s there’s too much going on in the synopsis, then that’s baaaaad. Keep your expectations low.

MidnightDevont: Alright, follow with me this time. It’s a mecha series…is it animated by STUDIO TRIGGER? Then I. don’t. Care. I have liked 3 mecha’s in my 20+ years of watching anime and they have been by Gainax[which fractured into studio Trigger], been a parody or are a currently airing show named ‘Darling in the Franxx’.

Pandora: No mecha and no apolcalyses.

Aplus: Looks like I’ll binge it, feel meh about it, and forget all the characters names and the plot a few weeks later because it ends up being cut short due to episode limits and ends up being an advertisement to read the source material.

Fuzzy: The synopsis alone is very very anime. Doesn’t seem like it’ll be anything special. Pass.  

Shadow: Sounds like a lot is going on in this plot and that rarely amounts to actual good writing. Unless I hear otherwise, I’m probably not going to be watching this. So, pass.

Tsuyoku: It seems to me like this will be the kind of show that will focus more in the action scenes than in trying to get across what’s going on. Not very interested at the moment.

Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi

Animation Company: GONZO Website: http://kakuriyo-anime.com/ Genre: Supernatural Airing Date: April 2, 2018 Summary: Female college student Aoi inherited her deceased grandfather’s ability to see ayakashi. One day, while Aoi is feeding some ayakashi, a demon appears! He declares that Aoi’s grandfather owed a great debt, and as compensation, Aoi must marry the demon! Aoi refuses, and decides to pay off the debt by working. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Oh man when I first heard about this one, I knew I had to watch it. SIGN ME UP! Oh how I’d love to read the novel!

Berry: Definitely got Kamisama Kiss vibes as well and that series (before it fucked up) was great. This looks up my alley.

MidnightDevont:  Oh wow, the art here is super pretty. Like, that is some amazing promotional art. The plot however does not seem like my thing. Cute, but not my thing. So i’ll leave this one to the others!

Pandora: Nah.

Aplus: Looks nice. That’s about it. Sorry sakura blossoms. You won’t win me over this time.

Fuzzy: Looks interesting, and I love anime with ayakashi, but I’ll just watch it casually. 

Shadow: One glance at the PV and I immediately got Kamisama Kiss vibes from it. I have to say, I’m a little intrigued by this so I may just want to give this a go.

Tsuyoku: This isn’t the type of show I usually watch, but I might give it an episode or two to see if it holds my attention. The art is nice, even if it’s simple.

Possible Bloggers: Eva, Shadow

Kiratto Pri☆Chan

Animation Company: Tatsunoko Production, Dongwoo A&E Website: http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/prichan/ Genre: Magic, Music, Shoujo, Slice of Life Airing Date: April 8, 2018 Summary: First-year middle school girls Mirai Momoyama and Emo Moegi are two aspiring idols who decide to use the “Pri☆Chan System,” a system used by famous people and companies to broadcast content. Like many girls starting their own channels and uploading content, the pair decide to become their own producers, starting their own channel in an attempt to become Pri☆Chan idols. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I think the only Pripara “related” series I watched was Pretty Rhythm: Aurora Dream. I haven’t watched anything else ever since.

Berry: Again with kiddie idol shows, I did watch a bit of PriPara and loved it but fell behind. Don’t know if I’ll follow this one though.

MidnightDevont:  A magical girl series, but not either one of the ones I am holding out for. Cute, but pass. 

Pandora: Nope. I don’t really like too many idol shows.

Aplus: I’m not saying I will absolutely never watch this show. I’m just saying it’ll be a dark, dark time when my go-to anime is a middle school girl (that look like they’re 5) idol show.

Fuzzy: Yeah, no. 

Shadow: I think my limit of overly cutesy girls was Shugo Chara (which wasn’t too cutsey), and that was a while ago. So I’m gonna have to pass on this.

Tsuyoku: Not interested in this. Idol magical girls are not particularly my thing.

Possible Bloggers:

Ladyspo

Animation Company: *TBA Website: N/A Genre: Sci-Fi, Comedy Airing Date: April 10, 2018 Summary: The anime is a science-fiction comedy where various pro sports bounty hunters fight each other in sporting events. The story centers on Arigetti, Korupi, and Sabina, three women in a team who participate in various sports. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I can’t see myself liking this at all.

Berry: This looks like it could get trashy so I might pass on this one.

MidnightDevont:  Sci-fi…sports…hunters…IS THIS HUNTER X HUNTER? Wait, it’s not? What do you mean the manga is still on hiatus? Don’t get my hopes up? NOOOOOOOOOO. 

Pandora: Sports. I’ma need to pass.

Aplus: Yup. I’m in. It’s so mysterious, I just don’t see how it could go wrong.

Fuzzy: I might’ve been interested, but the title makes me think it’ll be like Keijo. Pass. 

Shadow: What even is this? Doesn’t seem like it’ll be up my alley so, pass.

Tsuyoku: I’m not sure what to think of this! An original anime with no studio, no PV, barely any information, it could frankly be a mess. It seems kind of interesting, though so I might give the first episode a look to get a better idea.

Possible Bloggers: Aplus

Last Period: Owarinaki Rasen no Monogatari

Animation Company: J.C. Staff Website: http://lastperiod.jp/ Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy, Magic, Fantasy Airing Date: April 12, 2018 Summary: The story takes place in a world where fantastic beasts called “Spirals” are born from isolation. Those who can defeat the beasts are called “Periods.” Haru is an apprentice Period who belongs to the Arc End 8th Branch. However, after a mysterious theft incident, there is an economic collapse, and the Arc End headquarters abandons the 8th Division, leaving only three Periods left, including Haru. Haru and the other two Periods start their work to rebuild the 8th Division. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I am not feeling this one. It doesn’t grab my attention.

Berry: Eeeehhhhhh…doesn’t seem like my kind of show.

MidnightDevont:  Spirals? Is this Gurren Lagann? Just kidding, this sounds cute and all, but once again I am holding out grabbing any more spots until I see the three series I really want to sink my teeth into. 

Pandora: Nope. Don’t feel like it because it looks like the main characters will catch Ls.

Aplus: I’m into it. Will definitely check out. Will I blog it? No, probably not. It’s so close to being too childish.  

Fuzzy: A bit too cutesey daisy for me. Not just a bit. A lot. Pass! 

Shadow: This looks WAAAAYYYY too moe and kiddish for my liking. Pass.

Tsuyoku: This looks cute! Way too cute though, so I’ll pass.

:

Layton Mystery Tanteisha: Katori no Nazotoki File

Animation Company: LIDENFILMS Website: https://www.layton-anime.jp/ Genre: Mystery, Comedy, Kids Airing Date: April 8, 2018 Summary: 50 Puzzling Episodes, One Gentlewoman Extraordinaire and a Whole Load of New Mysteries coming to the small screen in 2018!  Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Never played any of the Layton games, but I am curious how it will turn out. I can see myself watching a few episodes.

Berry: Never played the Layton games but I always wanted to. Good for the fans!

MidnightDevont: Well, it can’t be any worse then the movie right? That being said, I’m not big on Layton and 50 episodes is a lot. So pass. 

Pandora: Nope. Couldn’t even play that game on the DS. So hard back in the day when I was ten because it was puzzle based.

Aplus: I’m not super into the mystery/puzzle genre. I still need to figure my own life out first. You feel me?

Fuzzy: I really should get into Layton one day. But I’m not too big a mystery guy. Pass!

Shadow: I was about to say, this style looks a lot like Dr. Layton. I never got into that series and I’m not huge on mystery anyways so I’ll give this a pass.

Tsuyoku: I’m a huge Professor Layton fan and a huge mystery fan so I’m pretty excited about this, but that episode count is terrifying.

Lost Song

Animation Company: Dwango & LIDENFILMS Website: http://lost-song.com/ Genre: Fantasy Airing Date: March 31, 2018 2018 (Netflix Premiere) | April 7, 2018  (TV Premiere) Summary: Rin is an energetic girl who loves to eat and lives in a verdant frontier village. Deep within the royal palace in the bustling capital city, the songstress Finis spends her days in solitude. Both share a special power no other person has. A miraculous power that can heal wounds, create water and stir the wind — the power of song. Guided by destiny, the two young women each face an arduous journey with the power of song. The shadow of war looms over the kingdom, tainting even the miraculous songs with the blood of innocents. Loved ones meet their deaths as silent screams echo through a stone prison. Trailer:  PV 1 | PV 2

Team Impression

Eva: Musical Fantasy? Well that’s hard to pass now isn’t it! But the CG… cringes Stupid pet-peeves…. I will try my best to ignore it.

Berry: This slipped under my radar! This actually looks quite nice. CG is a little off putting, but the story grabs enough of my attention. Don’t know if I’ll cover it but I’ll think about it.

MidnightDevont: Is this Fire Emblem? It looks like Fire Emblem. All joking aside, it um, sounds interesting sort of? Not sure if I want to cover it, but I might watch the first episode out of curiosity. 

Pandora: Eh…not my cup of tea.

Aplus: A musical anime is something I’ve been waiting for! I also like the CG in it. In general, the quality of CG has been improving and I’m happy to be documenting it’s rise into mainstream. Infini-T Force and Houseki no Kuni are just two amazing examples of what can be done. Definitely checking this out. Come along for this sing-along journey with meeeee!

Fuzzy: It seems interesting, I’m not too turned off by the CG, and I love music in anime. Might watch the first episode. 

Shadow: I almost made up my mind on not even bothering with this with the cg dancing in the trailer. But I may want to give it a watch since I’m a huge fantasy fan, for at least a couple episodes to see if it’s any good. Probably won’t blog it though.

Tsuyoku: The designs are nice and the setting seems a little intriguing, but it’s not interesting enough to me.

Possible Bloggers: Aplus

Lostorage Conflated WIXOSS (S2)

Animation Company: J.C. Staff Website: http://lostorage-wixoss.com/ Genre: Game, Psychological Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: The second season of Lostorage incited WIXOSS. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I haven’t seen the first season, but I haven’t heard good things about it either…

Berry: WIXOSS is a fantastic series that should have ended after selector spread WIXOSS. Lostorage was unnecessary and was so bad that I couldn’t even finish it. They even brought the original characters back for this, HOW DARE THEY.

MidnightDevont: Didn’t watch the first season, despite how interesting it sounded to me. I heard it was actually pretty bad, can anyone confirm?

Pandora: No, Wixxoss for me. One episode and I was done with that franchise.

Aplus: I don’t have enough time to binge the first season. I’ve been meaning to for a while now, ever since I found out this show existed! I’m weak…

Fuzzy: Never been a Wixoss fan. Pass!

Shadow: I never saw the first season so, pass.

Tsuyoku: I am familiar with this franchise in the sense that I know it exists, that’s as far as I’m willing to go.

Lupin III: Part V

Animation Company: Telecom Animation Film Website: https://lupin-pt5.com/ Genre: Action, Adventure, Comedy Airing Date: April 4, 2018 Summary: In the new series, Lupin III will travel to France — the home of his grandfather and namesake, Maurice Leblanc’s master thief character Arsène Lupin. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I used to enjoy the Lupin series, but I am not really into it anymore.

Berry: Have never seen a single Lupin, though I feel that I would enjoy it a lot. Frankly, I think it’s too late to catch up.

MidnightDevont:  I do love Lupin, but it’s been forever and a day since i’ve actually watched a series for him. I’ll pass, but you keep doing you Lupin! 

Pandora: My brother was watching it on Adult Swim, but it was 2am, so I have never seen it before. I heard it was good.

Aplus: Lupin is one of the few series I’m 100% positive I would love and I have no idea why I haven’t even attempted to watch it yet. I have to pass, but maybe this will ignite the fire in me to actually watch.

Fuzzy: Haven’t dabbled in Lupin yet, so pass!

Shadow: I may want to pick this up eventually since it’s a huge inspiration for a certain game that I love. But for now, pass.

Tsuyoku: I’ve seen a handful of Lupin movies and the artsy Fujiko Mine show, so I’m familiar with the cast and I like them, but I’d have to let others gauge out this show’s quality before I decide to give it a watch.

Mahou Shoujo Ore

Animation Company: Pierrot Plus Website: http://magicalgirl-ore.com/ Genre: Comedy Fantasy Mahou Shoujo Airing Date: April 2, 2018 Summary: Saki Uno is a high school girl and rookie idol who has a crush on Mohiro, her best friend’s older brother. When Mohiro is kidnapped by demons, Saki hastily makes a shady contract to be able to transform into a magical girl, which transforms her body into that of a handsome man. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I KNOW I ASKED FOR MORE TRADITIONAL MAGICAL GIRL SHOWS… BUT… BUT… I CAN’T. WHAT IS THIS MADNESS?! AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!! I NEED TO WATCH THIS!

Berry: You thought the memes would end after Pop Team Epic? WRONG! THIS IS THE TYPE OF SHIT I’M TALKING ABOUT!!

MidnightDevont: HERE IT IS, ONE OF THE SHOWS I’VE BEEN HOLDING OUT FOR! YES, YES, PLEASE. SIGN ME UP, THIS SHOW HAS HAD MY INTEREST SINCE THE FIRST PV DROPPED. I AM ALL KINDS OF HYPED FOR THIS MADNESS!

Pandora: Nope, but it’s looks like some weird stuff I’d watch.

Aplus: This is what we’ve come to?

Fuzzy: No words. This is a pass from me. 

Shadow: Watching the trailer for this made my brain melt a little and I don’t think I’d be able to handle the madness this series is guaranteed to bring XD;.

Tsuyoku: This sounds really insane but also hilarious, so I might give it a try.

Possible Bloggers: Eva, MidnightDevont

Mahou Shoujo Site

Animation Company: production doA Website: http://mahoushoujyo-anime.com/ Genre: Drama, Horror, Psychological, Supernatural Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: Asagiri Aya is a young girl who has fallen victim to bullies at her school. Looking for a way to escape her troubles, she looks to the internet for distraction, when a mysterious website called “Magical Girl Site” appears. Simply viewing the page is all it takes to hurtle Aya headlong into the deadly world of the Magical Girl Apocalypse. There, it’s fight or die, against a seemingly endless array of savagely adorable, frilly-skirted killing machines, each armed with magical powers and an unquenchable thirst for blood and chaos.  Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Oh joy, another DARK!Magical Girl series! Can we have the nice and fluffy ones again? I’m so done with the dark ones. I just want more of the fluffy, magical girl romance!

Berry: So it’s Magical Girl Raising Project but even more brutal and violent. Well then sign me the fuck up please!

MidnightDevont:  oh joy, ANOTHER Dark magical girl series. Please, sign me up. This is another one that has had my interest for some time now and one of the ones I was hinting I wanted to gobble up earlier. 

Pandora: Nope. Madoka was too much for me.

Aplus: I completely agree with Midnight on this. I think dark themes in shows that typically aren’t dark are great! I will be excitedly watching this.

Fuzzy: Ehh, magical girls and edge? I’m not too confident in that combination usually. A pass. 

Shadow: Looks like another edge lord of the season and after seeing several uncomfortable images from the trailer (because I’m a huge horror baby), I’m giving this a big no thank you.

Tsuyoku: Eh, I’m not sure this would keep me interested long enough for me to have strong opinions about it.

Possible Bloggers: MidnightDevont

Major 2nd

Animation Company: NHK Enterprises Website: http://www.shopro.co.jp/tv/major2nd/ Genre: Comedy Drama Sports Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: Daigo is born as the son of Gorou, a father who is too great. What path will Daigo, who is burdened with great expectations, take in baseball? Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I can’t remember if I watched the original series… I don’t think I did…. adds Major to Animes to Marathon

Berry: Feel like I’d have to watch the original Major to fully appreciate this, so I’ll have to pass for now.

MidnightDevont:  GET ME SOME PEANUTS AND CRACKJACKS. I DON’T CARE…about this show at all. Pass please. 

Pandora: Nope. Sports, yet again..

Aplus: Sure, just pile on the sports! I will also have to marathon the original series before I watch this.

Fuzzy: I hate baseball. 

Shadow: This almost sounds like Boruto in a way lol. This season sure has a lot of baseball though. Nothing really sticks out to me reading the summary or from watching the trailer. Pass.

Tsuyoku: I love baseball but Major is so so so long that I’ve been putting it off for a while and now they go and start a new one. Sob.

Megalo Box

Animation Company: TMS Entertainment Website: http://megalobox.com/ Genre: Action, Drama, Shounen, Slice of Life, Sports Airing Date: April 5, 2018 Summary: (Ashita no Joe 50th anniversary project.) JD (Junk Dog) participates in fixed boxing matches in an underground ring in order to live. Today, he enters the ring again, but he encounters a certain person. JD wants to take on a challenge that risks everything. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Boxing? I don’t like boxing, but this one looks interesting!

Berry: Hmm, very interesting. Lots of good sports shows this season of sports I actually care about!

MidnightDevont:  Put me in Rocky, on second thought, take me out Rocky! No thanks, boxing isn’t even a sport I enjoy in real life. 

Pandora: Nope. More Sports…

Aplus: Yessss. Give. Me. More. Sports.

Fuzzy: Looks like it might be alright, could give it a shot!

Shadow: I was never really interested in watching boxing and I honestly would rather just watch people beat the crap out of each other with their bare fists, which I can find literally anywhere else. So this’ll be a pass for me.

Tsuyoku: I really really like how this looks! It seems it has no connection to Ashita no Joe, it’s just like a loose homage, but man if it doesn’t look cool. I’ll watch it for sure.

Possible Bloggers: Fuzzy

Nil Admirari no Tenbin

Animation Company: Zero-G Website: http://nilad-anime.com/ Genre: Romance Airing Date: April 1, 2018 Summary: The Taishou era didn’t end in 15 years, but went on for another 25. In order to protect her waning family, a girl resolves to marry a man she doesn’t even know the name of. However, just before the marriage was to take place, the girl’s younger brother mysteriously committed suicide by self-immolation and was found holding an old book in his hands. Appearing before the bewildered young girl was the “Imperial Library Intelligence Asset Management Bureau,” more commonly referred to as “Fukurou.” According to these men, there exists “Maremono,” which are books that greatly affect their readers. On top of that, ever since the incident involving the girl’s younger brother, she unwittingly gains the ability to see “Auras” (the sentiments of the Maremono which manifest as bright lights and are usually invisible to humans). It was as though fate were trying to drag the young girl in its flames. And then, even though apprehensive, the girl chooses to venture outside her bird cage. Jealousy, hatred, scorn, compassion, and love. What awaited the girl was the darkness of betrayal that had already begun to bewitchingly inlay the imperial capital. Toyed by and swayed within that darkness, will the young girl finally reach the truth after her struggles, or…? Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Not gonna lie, I have been eyeing this game for a while now. So since I can’t play it, I sure do want to watch it! Only it comes out on Sundays. FML.

Berry: Damn this sounds intense! I hope this is good because reverse harems usually end up bad.

MidnightDevont:  Once again the art is gorgeous, but I can’t drum up any actual interest in the plot. 

Pandora: I saw historical and I was out. I just don’t really like history, don’t get me wrong.

Aplus: I am pretty selective with harems (reverse or not). I will check this out though. Looks intense and dark. 

Fuzzy: Yeah the art is great, but I’m not hooked onto anything else. No thanks. 

Shadow: Is this a reverse harem? watches trailer THIS IS DEFINITELY A REVERSE HAREM. Which means this obligates me to at least watch one episode to see if it’s worth keeping up with. But due to the track record of reverse harems ending up not that good, I’ll give this one a pass on blogging.

Tsuyoku: Reverse harem based on a game means I’m out.

Possible Bloggers: Eva

Persona 5 The Animation

Animation Company: A-1 Pictures Website: http://p5a.jp/ Genre: Action Fantasy Supernatural Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: Ren Amamiya is about to enter his second year after transferring to Shujin Academy in Tokyo. Following a particular incident, his Persona awakens, and together with his friends they form the “Phantom Thieves of Hearts” to reform hearts of corrupt adults by stealing the source of their distorted desires. Meanwhile, bizarre and inexplicable crimes have been popping up one after another… Living an ordinary high school life in Tokyo during the day, the group maneuvers the metropolitan city as Phantom Thieves after hours. Let the curtain rise for this grand, picaresque story! Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: ALL BOARD THE HYPE TRAINNNNNNNNN!!!!!!!!!~ IT LOOKS SO GORGEOUS! I need to play the game already, it’s been stuck in my backlog… ; v ;||||

Berry: Now THIS….THIS….THIS. Persona 5 is the only Persona game I’ve ever played, but let me tell you how much I loved this game. It’s story was amazing, the characters were all simply fantastic, it had fun gameplay, the soundtrack is out of this world. It was a really sexy game with a lot of personality and I love it to death. I’m also a little scared because I know that anime adaptations of video games are usually almost always bad, but I really want to be optimistic for P5. It’s just so damn GOOD.

MidnightDevont: I am super conflicted on this. i’ve played the game twice, I love it. All of the art they have put out has looked amazing, the PV looked great, the hype train is all kinds of real…but I am a realist. Let’s face it, anime adaptations of games are almost never good. They suffer greatly from time constraints and trying to condense plot points and almost always end up subpar at best. [see Persona 4 the animation for more details]. That being said, I want to check this out really badly BECAUSE I loved Persona 5 so much. It was a great game, with great characters and I think the anime will be able to drum up at LEAST half the charm. I’m putting myself down as a possible blogger and hoping that I don’t come out crying. Oddly, this is not the last show i”ve been hinting I want…so I lied earlier. There were four shows. 

Pandora: Never watched or played Persona at all.

Aplus: I think the rest of the team has the hype-train covered… never seen it/played it…

Fuzzy: I’ve always wanted to play the game but my lack of PS4 made it impossible. Alas, I will settle for watching the anime. Definitely won’t take this one up since I think someone who has preexisting game knowledge would be better suited. 

Shadow: HOLY. CRAP. I have been WAITING for this anime since being introduced to this game! And while I am hesitant after what happened with Persona 4 (which honestly wasn’t as bad as it could have been, but it wasn’t great), I love the characters way too much to not watch this. And as much as I’d love to cover this, I won’t step on anyone’s toes if they want it more.

Tsuyoku: So stoked about Persona 5! I will not be able to play this one, so I’ll only get the anime experience this time around which means I hope it’s really awesome and well done.

Possible Bloggers: Berry, MidnightDevont, Shadow

Piano no Mori

Animation Company: Fukushima Gainax Website: http://piano-anime.jp/ Genre: Adventure, Comedy, Drama, Music, School, Seinen Airing Date: April 8, 2018 Summary: A tranquil tale about two boys from very different upbringings. On one hand you have Kai, born as the son of a prostitute, who’s been playing the abandoned piano in the forest near his home ever since he was young. And on the other you have Shuuhei, practically breast-fed by the piano as the son of a family of prestigious pianists. Yet it is their common bond with the piano that eventually intertwines their paths in life. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Music and a good story? You have my attention.

Berry: This is another one that immediately caught my attention. The premise is so interesting and it sounds like there’s going to be lots of drama and emotions. Two boys with such polar upbringings, how will they interact and what will they learn from each other? It just makes me excited thinking about it!

MidnightDevont:  …holy hell this sounds adorable and like it had potential for sadness and shipping. I won’t be covering it, but i will be checking it out. 

Pandora: Nope. Seems kinda sad.

Aplus: Ah yes, the old ‘piano in the woods’ story. Classic. I like the potential idea of 2 styles of training competing and ultimately influencing each other. Kind of like Kids On the Slope and the mix of classical and jazz music. That being said, I don’t think I will be covering this. I’ll probably just be envious the whole time about how much I want to learn how to play the piano. I guess I’ll go wander off into the woods…

Fuzzy: I think the old movie version of this has been on my plan to watch for like three years. Sorry but pass. 

Shadow: Hmm, not sure how I feel about this. Sounds interesting enough to give it one episode, but I probably won’t be covering it.

Tsuyoku: I’ll be watching this one casually because I’m interested in the characters.

Possible Bloggers: Berry

Rokuhoudou Yotsuiro Biyori

Animation Company: ZEXCS Website: http://rokuhoudou-anime.jp/ Genre: Slice of Life Airing Date: April 10, 2018 Summary: Four men—Gure, Sui, Tokitaka, and Tsubaki—each help run a Japanese tea shop together called Rokuhoudou. When one visits the shop, they are greeted warmly, is served tea, and are often helped with any problems they may have.  Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I wonder if I am not just not into the whole “Happy Food Shop” animes? Wait, have I ever been????

Berry: Not very appealing and sounds a bit boring.

MidnightDevont:  …zzzzz…huh? oh sorry, I fell asleep because of how boring this sounds. The animation looks pretty though…

Pandora: Are they going to do odd jobs like Gintama? Out of their tea shop? For customers?

Aplus: Yeah… pass. The cat and the pigeon head in the picture almost got me. Not this time.

Fuzzy: No thank you. I have Bartender for this. 

Shadow: Hm, none of the character designs are that appealing and it really just sounds like a more dull version of Ouran High School Host Club so, nope.

Tsuyoku: The cast seems huge and in general it doesn’t seem appealing to me.

Saredo Tsumibito wa Ryuu to Odoru

Animation Company: Seven Arcs Website: http://www.tbs.co.jp/anime/sareryu/ Genre: Action, Drama, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Airing Date: April 5, 2018 Summary: The series takes place in an alternate world, staged mostly in the city of Eridana, whose territory is half in the Tseberun Dragon Empire, and half in the Lapetodes Seven Cities Alliance. Each half is separated by the Orielal River. In this world, special abilities called spell formulas (咒式, jushiki) exist, which are essentially chemical reactions augmented through special weapons that cause a magic spell-like effect. These special weapons are called Magic Staff weapons, and are as varied as regular weapons are. Spell formulists use these spell formulas to fight with “Beasts of Abhorrent Form,” natural creatures that use spell formulas and pose a threat to humans, such as Dragons, Aions, or Enormes. The story focuses on the two main characters, Gaius Sorel and Gigina Ashley-Bufh, the only two employees of spell formulist dispatch office Ashley-Bufh & Sorel Co. They are met with a variety of requests from a variety of clients, all requiring the adept use of spell formulas.” Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: As complicated as it sounds, I intend to check this one out. But I right now I don’t see myself blogging it.

Berry: Again, too much going on in the synopsis. No way.

MidnightDevont:  This is another one that looks really pretty and honestly the premise sounds kind of neat, but because of the sheer amount of other things I am putting my name down on. I’m gonna pass, but I might watch it anyway. 

Pandora: Nope. I’m not even sure if I like fantasy shows..

Aplus: I almost want to write it off for trying to put such an unnecessarily complex idea into the synopsis. That being said, the hour-long intro videos of the Fate series put me off from watching it for a while but I ended up loving them. This is difficult…

Fuzzy: Once again, the synopsis is super ANIME. Looks gorgeous, but still gonna give it a pass. 

Shadow: I’d probably watch the first episode to see if anything would come of it, but I’ll probably just pass on blogging.

Tsuyoku: It’s always weird to me when there’s fantasy and sci-fi tags at the same time. Overall I’m still not into whatever is going on here.

Shiyan Pin Jiating

Animation Company: Big Firebird Cultural Media Co., Ltd. Website: http://frankenstein-family.animen.com.tw/ Genre: Sci-Fi, Supernatural Airing Date: April 9, 2018 Summary: A scientist couple has been arrested for conducting illegal studies, allegedly for performing genetic modification on five of their children. Youngest children, Dannis, is the only one who grew up as a normal human, and has become the only family member who has to tend to rest of the members and to try to find a medicine to turn them into normal humans again. Dog human, plant gene, spider web gene, as well as mind reading, how will these family members who grew up in the laboratory survive in the outside world?! Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: This show has been delayed for quite a now, nice to finally see it back on the board!

Berry: Finally! I’ve been wondering where this show has been. I was excited for this one because it sounds so good so it’s about time. Looks to be a possibly heartbreaking show with a strong family bond, which I love watching.

MidnightDevont:  This could go one of two ways, it could be super cute and heart warming or it could be a trainwreck…only time will tell. I’ll be keeping an ear to the ground for word on this one, but I won’t be actively seeking it out. 

Pandora: I was supossed to do this one seasons ago. I’ll give it a nice first impression.

Aplus: So, this is where the data from Nina went? Good to see Shou Tucker’s work finally being acknowledged in the scientific community.

Fuzzy: If this goes well, I see it being amazing. I mean that spider web and plant girl designs are great! But it’s something I’ll wait on before picking up. Also that dog human hmmm. Pass!

Shadow: This could be the heartwarming, family feels anime I need… or it could just turn horribly wrong. Either way, I’ll give it a couple episodes, but I don’t foresee myself blogging this.

Tsuyoku: The character designs and the concepts are interesting and cool, but the fact that has been delayed gives me bad vibes.

Possible Bloggers: Pandora

Shokugeki no Souma: San no Sara – Tootsuki Ressha-hen (2nd Cour of S3)

Animation Company: J.C. Staff Website: http://shokugekinosoma.com/ Genre: Comedy, Ecchi Airing Date: April 9, 2018 Summary: The second cour of the third season of Shokugeki no Souma. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: W

Berry: Never liked this series.

MidnightDevont: I really need to watch the other seasons of this show eventually. I hear that it’s really good…

Pandora: This is still going on? My brother is ready for this season, though.

Aplus: Eh, I was pretty disappointed with this show recently. Maybe that was more of a setup season though, so I won’t judge it too harshly. I sincerely hope it gets back on track, but I’m not really feeling it.

Fuzzy: Love Shokugeki. Not caught up in the manga, but the show hasn’t really disappointed me yet, so let’s keep the train moving! I’m fine with taking it! 

Shadow: Didn’t watch the first two seasons so a pass for me.

Tsuyoku: Ah! I forgot to watch the first cour to this season… I definitely need to catch up.

Possible Bloggers: Fuzzy

Souten no Ken: REGENESIS

Animation Company: POLYGON PICTURES Website: http://www.souten-regenesis.com/ Genre: Action, Historical, Martial Arts Airing Date: April 10, 2018 Summary: A mysterious man known as “the King of Death” roams the streets of pre-war Shanghai in this action-packed prequel to Fist of the North Star. Shanghai in the 1930s is a dangerous place. Foreign governments and Chinese factions have carved the city into different quarters, each with its own laws and government, and all rife with corruption. As the major powers vie for political control, the streets are left to local gangs. Life is cheap, and death is always near. In days past, one man walked these mean streets battling the forces of evil. He was known only as Yan Wang, “the King of Death.” Few knew who he really was, but many knew that he was a master of Hokuto Shinken – Fist of the North Star – a lethal martial art. He disappeared years ago after dispatching the city’s worst gangsters, and is now rumored to be in Japan. Various people have come to Japan in search of him, but who will find him first? Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Pass.

Berry: I keep telling myself I’ll get to watching Fist of the North Star, I mean Hulu has the entire series there. But I still haven’t!! Grrrrrrrr! I swear I will!

MidnightDevont:  My thoughts looking at the art ‘It reminds me of Jojo or Fist of the North Star’, my thoughts after finishing reading the description. ‘So basically, it’s a sequel to Fist of the North Star’…which I was never really a fan of.  May it be meme’d as much as it’s predecessor I suppose? 

Pandora: Nope. Saw historical tag.

Aplus: A prequel to Fist of the North Star? My god. The memes. I’ll check it out, but that’s probably about it. Never actually saw the original so I have never been too invested.

Fuzzy: Omae wa mou shindeiru. That is basically a summary of the chances of me watching this. Pass. 

Shadow: Not a fan of the art style so, pass.

Tsuyoku: Passing on this one even though I think it’s great they got a reboot of sorts.

Steins;Gate 0

Animation Company: White Fox Website: http://www.steinsgate.tv/index.html Genre: Drama, Sci-Fic, Thriller Airing Date: April , 2018 Summary: The dark untold story of Steins;Gate that leads with the eccentric mad scientist Okabe, struggling to recover from a failed attempt at rescuing Kurisu. He decides to give up and abandons his lively scientist alter ego, in pursuit to forget the past. When all seems to be normal, he is seemingly pulled back into the past by meeting an acquaintance of Kurisu, who tells him that they have begun testing a device that stores the memory of a human and creates a simulation of them with their characteristics and personalities. Okabe begins testing and finds out that the simulation of Kurisu has brought back anguish and some new unexpected tragedies. Zero is a side story that explores events from the Beta Attractor Field’s future that contribute in making the end of the original story possible.  Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Whoops, it’s been years, but I have still yet to watch the original Steins;Gate- I even have the game! And I haven’t played it yet halp!

Berry: I’m one of the very few people that DID NOT like Steins;Gate. It was extremely boring, so boring that I couldn’t even finish the show. I couldn’t force myself anymore. Go ahead and roast me but I can’t stand Steins;Gate. 😐

MidnightDevont: -deep breath, pyrodactyl shriek- IT’S HERE, IT’S HERE. IT’S HERE, THIS ISN’T A DRILL. GET YOUR PHONES AND YOUR MICROWAVE TIME MACHINES. STEINS;GATE 0 IS HERE AND I AM 300 KINDS OF READY. My only regret in life right now is that as a returning writer I can’t shotgun this, if I could. I would. I want this so badly, I would sell my soul to cover this. I love Steins;Gate. I’ve watched the original anime multiple times, played the VN, watched the movie and dear LORD the black suit Okabe. I haven’t played the VN for 0 yet, but I want too so badly. Possible blogger? YES, ABSOLUTELY YES!

Pandora: Never watched this show or played the game.

Aplus: I will almost definitely get burned alive for this, but I’m really not a fan of the original. I’ve tried watching it maybe 3 times and lost interest every time. The farthest I got was 8 episodes in. Needless to say, definite pass. 

Fuzzy: Steins; Gate 0? The next installment of the series that pretty much got me SUPER hooked onto anime? Of course I’ll watch it, and i have no doubt I’ll love it! But I don’t want to pick it up, I’ll just give it a nice slow watch. Maybe play the VN before I delve in, but considering how long the VN is, the chances are very slim. Pass! 

Shadow: I should watch the original series, but I probably won’t due to general laziness.

Tsuyoku: It took me years to finally cave and watch Steins;Gate because I was dead set on playing the VN and eventually came to terms with the fact that I wouldn’t. It was love at first watch! I watched everything that was available in like a month and once I found out this new one was coming out, I knew it’d be hardcore high priority watch.

Possible Bloggers: MidnightDevont, Tsuyoku

Sword Art Online Alternative: Gun Gale Online

Animation Company: Studio 3Hz Website: http://gungale-online.net/ Genre: Action, Fantasy, Game, Military, Sci-Fi Airing Date: April 7, 2018 Summary: Karen Kohiruimaki always felt out of place in the real world. Due to her extreme height, she found it hard to make friends with other girls her age. Everything changes when she’s introduced to VR and Gun Gale Online. In GGO, Karen is free to play the cute, chibi avatar of her dreams! Can Karen find friendship in this bullet-ridden MMO…? Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Eh, I am not big on the SAO series in general, so I am a bit skeptical of whether or not I will like this one.

Berry: Okay, here’s a series I love shitting on. SAO is absolute garbage and deserves to burn. Although this is tempting because Kirito’s dumbass isn’t in it, but…this is SAO. I’m not even going to risk it.

MidnightDevont: Oh um, I need to watch season 2 still. I’d probably grab this if I was up to date, but I’m not…

Pandora: Nope. Don’t like Sword Art Online. I watched the first episode and was like “Nah.”

Aplus: Hehehe. Everyone needs a guilty pleasure now and again. For some people it’s cat girl maids. For me it’s watching shows that can only be described as ‘basic’. What’s that? An OP character who’s flawless and ends conflict before it begins with his charm and overwhelming strength? This is another turn off your brain show, so I will be watching, but not blogging.

Fuzzy: I don’t think I’ll ever watch Sword Art without the main cast. Need me some Kirito. Pass. 

Shadow: Hmm, I might give this a watch since Kirito won’t be the main focus. But I’ll pass on blogging.

Tsuyoku: I’ve watched a total of 5 SAO episodes. It was okay, but I never continued so I’ll pass on this one too.

Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai

Animation Company: Doga Kobo Website: http://tadakoi.tv/ Genre: Romance Airing Date: April 5, 2018 Summary: In the story, Mitsuyoshi Tada, a boy who has never known love, is taking pictures of the cherry blossoms in full bloom when he meets Teresa Wagner, a transfer student from Luxembourg. Upon arriving in Japan, she got lost, separated from her travel companion. Mitsuyoshi helps her and brings her to his grandfather’s coffee shop. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: Oh my god, my heart is fluttering. I think this might be the one show I will cover from this season!

Berry: The PV gave me goosebumps. Wow, it looks gorgeous! The colors are soft and the movements are fluid. This looks extremely adorable and promising!

MidnightDevont:  Oh wow, this sounds and looks really cute. I’ve got enough i’m signed up for, so Eva can have it…but bless my heart this show sounds adorable. 

Pandora: Romance! Good Art! But at the same time, looks historical..

Aplus: I always say I don’t like romances. Then I watch them and get hooked immediately. Happened with After the Rain this season and I’m sure it’ll happen with this show next season.

Fuzzy: This show looks amazing, and I dig the vibe of the PV! But I’ve got a good number already signed up. Take it Eva!

Shadow: I saw the pv for this and it looks absolutely gorgeous! I’ll probably stay tuned for it, but Eva can take this one.

Tsuyoku: I found out about this one about 2 weeks ago and I’ve been looking forward to it ever since! It’ll probably be one of those shows I love and hate to watch.

Possible Bloggers: Eva

Tokyo Ghoul:re

Animation Company: Studio Pierrot Website: http://www.marv.jp/special/tokyoghoul/ Genre: Action, Horror, Mystery, Supernatural, Psychological Airing Date: April 3, 2018 Summary: Two years have passed since the CCG’s raid on Anteiku. Although the atmosphere in Tokyo has changed drastically due to the increased influence of the CCG, ghouls continue to pose a problem as they have begun taking caution, especially the terrorist organization Aogiri Tree, who acknowledge the CCG’s growing threat to their existence. The creation of a special team, known as the Quinx Squad, may provide the CCG with the push they need to exterminate Tokyo’s unwanted residents. As humans who have undergone surgery in order to make use of the special abilities of ghouls, they participate in operations to eradicate the dangerous creatures. The leader of this group, Haise Sasaki, is a half-ghoul, half-human who has been trained by famed special class investigator, Kishou Arima. However, there’s more to this young man than meets the eye, as unknown memories claw at his mind, slowly reminding him of the person he used to be. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2

Team Impression

Eva: I really need to get around to reading the manga series… I know I am missing out.

Berry: Remember I said I didn’t like Tokyo Ghoul? More like I hate it, but you get the picture.

MidnightDevont:  Right um…so remember earlier when I mentioned I struggle immensely to watch Tokyo Ghoul despite it being just about everything I like in anime. That applies here…I just…don’t think I could. 

Pandora: Ay! What up! I’m watching this. I need some horror in my life. And I watched the rest of the Tokyo Ghoul. I wasn’t about to blog it, but everyone going to watch the first 3 episodes. Everyone hated root A, but seriously the author wanted to see this story a little differently, which I love.

Aplus: I don’t care what PV, review, or whatever comes out. After the ending of the last series, I won’t, nay, I can’t, trust this show without hard evidence. It looks soo cool though.

Fuzzy: Never read the manga, and I didn’t really like the original Tokyo Ghoul, so pass. That cover looks sick though. 

Shadow: Considering I never made it past the first three minutes of the first episode in the first season because I’m a pathetic, scaredy baby, pass.

Tsuyoku: I’ve been meaning to pick up the first Tokyo Ghoul manga for like 2 years and it hasn’t happened yeat. I don’t see that changing for this one.

Possible Bloggers: Pandora

Uma Musume Pretty Derby

Animation Company: P.A. Works Website: http://anime-umamusume.jp/ Genre: Sports Airing Date: April 1, 2018 Summary: The game’s concept begins with Uma Musume (Horse Girls), girls endowed with excellent running capability, and who aim to become top idols and compete in the national sports entertainment show “Twinkle Series.” Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: ….. It looks cute and all but… what a bizarre combination….

Berry: I know this is a fake Miyazaki quote, but he was right, anime was a fucking mistake.

MidnightDevont: What did I just read? 

Pandora: No. What is up with sports this season. Everyone calm down with the sports.

Aplus: Yesss. Give me more sports. Horses or not, I’m digging the animation and art.

Fuzzy: Horse girls? That’s my feti-Pass. 

Shadow: Um, what?

Tsuyoku: I have no idea what is going on with this one, but even though the art is pretty cute I don’t want to find out.

Wakaokami wa Shougakusei!

Animation Company: Madhouse Website: http://www.waka-okami.jp/ Genre: Supernatural Airing Date: April 8, 2018 Summary: 12-year-old Oriko Seki, who lost her parents in a car accident, ended up living in her grandmother’s Onsen Ryokan “Haru no Ya.” With the ghost “Uribou” cohabitating with her and all the other odds, she ended up training to be a young female innkeeper. At first, she didn’t like the training, but gradually felt her admiration for her title and began to train seriously. Thus, the growth of the young warrior Oriko begins. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: No. Pass. Not interested.

Berry: Looks harmless and cute, but maybe too kiddie for me.

MidnightDevont: words do not begin to describe how uninterested I am in this.

Pandora: Nah, but it looks cute.

Aplus: Nope.

Fuzzy: Yeah, not feeling this at all. Pass. 

Shadow: I think I’ve given up on watching series that star twelve year olds.

Tsuyoku: This looks really cute and like someone I could enjoy! I might watch it casually.

Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii

Animation Company: A-1 Pictures Website: http://wotakoi-anime.com/ Genre: Comedy, Romance, Slice of Life Airing Date: April 12, 2018 Summary: The story centers on the awkward romantic comedy between Narumi, a female office worker who hides her fujoshi lifestyle, and Hirotaka, a handsome and capable company man who is secretly a game otaku. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I read a bit of this manga a while back, it is quite charming!!! I will be watching this one!

Berry: Hmmm….I’m not too sure on this one. Surprisingly it’s not making me crazy for it.

MidnightDevont:  Oh darn, it’s cute…and i relate to the main girl…and it’s animated by A-1….I know I said no more but….just in case one of my other shows gets shotgunned or I need to step aside and let someone else take one….

Pandora:  I like that, but I’m going to let everyone blog it like I did with After the Rain.

Aplus: I’m good. The fujoshi life ain’t for me. Anytime something like that is used it becomes the entire character rather than a trait of the character and, unlike other traits, I can’t relate to it at all.

Fuzzy: I might pick it up if I hear good things about it, but otherwise I got too much on my plate. Pass.

Shadow: I absolutely LOVE the manga for this and I made a rather embarrassing noise when I saw this on the list next season. It’s so freaking adorable and it’s definitely on my list to watch.

Tsuyoku: Kyaa! It’s finally here! I’ve been looking forward to this since it was announced. Can’t wait to check it out.

Possible Bloggers: MidnightDevont, Shadow

Yokai Watch: Shadow Side

Animation Company: S Website: http://www.tv-tokyo.co.jp/anime/youkai-watch-ss/ Genre: Comedy, Demons, Kids, Supernatural Airing Date: April 13, 2018 Summary: Keisuke is a fifth grader who does not believe in ghosts, UFOs, or even yo-kai. Lately, he has noticed that Natsume has been coming home late, and one day decides to tail her. When he discovers that Natsume goes to a yo-kai detective agency, Natsume is forced to involve Keisuke in her activities. Trailer: PV 1 | PV 2 | PV 3

Team Impression

Eva: I haven’t actually watched any of Yokai Watch yet, so I guess should probably get around to see if it entertains me?

Berry: I saw like one half episode of Yokai Watch on TV and it actually made me laugh out loud. I can see why people like this series, but I’m not sure if I’d ever get into it.

MidnightDevont:  Never did get into Yokai Watch….

Pandora: Nope. Do people still watch Yokai Watch???

Aplus: Too many “nevers” in this reaction section. It’s so negative. I’ve always… been a fan of watching shows… that aren’t this one. That’s more positive, right? 

Fuzzy: Doesn’t interest me in any way. I do love yokai, but not enough to make me watch this. 

Shadow: Never got into it. Pass.

Tsuyoku: I’ve never watched Youkai Watch despite constant peer pressure, so I doubt this will change that.

Overall Thoughts

Eva: Welp, talk about a bad time to have your hands full! This season is looking great, but I am in a bit of a pinch because Darling in the Franxx, Hugtto! Precure, Yu-Gi-Oh VRAINS are all carrying over into the Spring. With my current life schedule, I may be forced to pick only one title from this season, and I decided it will most likely be Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai. No question about it. Nevertheless it is frustrating to only pick one when there’s so many titles that have caught my attention, so maybe I can whip some magic together and make something work. The ones I will be keeping my close eye on this season will be Full Metal Panic! Invisible Victory, Kakuriyo no Yadomeshi, Mahou Shoujo Ore, Nil Admirari no Tenbin, Persona 5 The Animation, Piano no Mori, Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii! 

Berry: At first I thought the Spring season looked pretty boring but now that I’ve gone through this preview, it’s actually looking pretty good. There’s lots of different type of shows, and luckily for me lots of interesting looking sports anime with some reboots! That said, I didn’t sign up for that much because I kind of want to be on the down low this season. I’m working more on myself with job searching and such, you know, being a productive member of society, so I can’t swamp myself with too many shows. I only really wanted to do two shows, with Persona 5 being an absolute must, and picking between either Golden Kamui or Piano no Mori but I kind of want to do all three of them. Even worse, I might even pick up Lost Song, or at least do a Quick Look for it. I still don’t know what to do so I’m going to have to think about it. But, if anyone wants to share any other those shows (most likely Persona), then that’ll lighten the load and that could let me handle another show. We’ll see!

MidnightDevont:  THREE THOUSAND YEARS WILL GIVE YOU SUCH A CRINK IN THE NECK. I’m back from my supposed retirement [who could keep me from watching anime and blogging forever right?] and ready to cover shows. 9 shows, 9 shows my name is down on. This season is bursting with potential for good anime and I’m not even exactly sure how my brain is going to handle it all. I am so happy to be back and writing for the site at the beginning of such a promising looking season. I’m just hoping I can either split coverage on some of these or I am going to burn myself out for sure. Though, that being said, my biggest hype trains of the season are Steins;Gate 0, Persona 5, Mahou Shoujo Site, Mahou Ore and Hero Academia season 3. The others are just vague interests or things that sounded really neat or fun to me. I am hyped to bring you coverage and watch good anime! 

Pandora: Okay. Too many remakes/reboots, too many sports, too many historicals, too many idols, and too many fantasies. Ugh. What a mess up in here. Come up with better ideas or actually animate manga/ideas people really want instead of making remakes( just thought of shows that would be nice animes). I have found some ones I like including Devil’s Line,Shiyan Pin Jiating (Jikkenhin Kazoku) and Tokyo Ghoul:re to detox from watching too much comedy. And thay slavery one(Dorei-ku The Animation), also looks pretty good to be honest. I also still have Saiki, so I still have comedy. I’m just sort of disapointed, I didn’t really want to watch too much of anything this season.

Aplus: I wasn’t here for the last season (or two?) and I’ve become a very jaded old man in a very short amount of time. Everything in the lineup looks just OK. I’m really not expecting any gems out of this season. Maybe my low expectations will make it so I am pleasantly surprised. I personally see the increase in sports to be a great thing, the historical pieces are up my alley, and I always look forward to the action/adventure shows! While there were a bunch I would’ve like to have covered, due to time restraints, I will be checking out these three for first impressions (at least): Caligula, Lost Song, and Ladyspo. I mentioned my reasoning under each individual show but, to sum it up, I think Caligula will either be very, very good OR get completely lost in it’s own plot and do absolutely nothing with it’s time. I am excited to document that journey whether it be into the hall of fame or on a flaming, sinking ship. Lost Song and Ladyspo both just seem like shows I’ll enjoy. While the latter (even after researching on my own) has basically NO information available, I can’t see how some ladies playing sports for money could go wrong. Another Keijo? Sure, why not. Oh, it’s just another sports show? OK, that’s totally fine by me! See? It’s a win-win! Regardless, I’m glad to be back after my short, short hiatus and I’m looking forward to laughing, crying, and just generally being confused with everyone.

Fuzzy: Alright! Let’s go SPRING 2018! This is actually a pretty great season, with romances, a reverse harem, a lot of sports. It’s like crazy diverse. I guess I’m most excited for the reboot of Legend of the Galactic Heroes, and although pretty much everyone is skeptical on the reboot, I have hope! Please don’t mess it up. Please. With Persona 5 and Steins;Gate 0 the anime community will definitely be busy this season, and of course there’s the big dog of shounen, My Hero Academia. But yeah, the season seems really good and I am excited for my first season as writer! 

Shadow: Freaking HYPED for a few of these titles such as Third Season of My Hero Academia, Persona 5 and Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii. There do seem to be a lot of other potentially interesting ones as well. I’m always hesitant going into a new season after such a good previous one, so it’s going to take some getting used to with these new shows. I’m excited to see what hidden gems there are this season though!

Tsuyoku: Very polarizing season lineup for me! I’m either really cold or hot on everything, very few titles I’m neutral about, but let’s ignore the riff-raff and focus on the amazing! I’m really looking forward to possibly blogging Cutie Honey Universe, Steins; Gate 0, Hisone to Maso-tan, Gurazeni and Dorei-ku the Animation. Besides these titles I’ll also for sure be watching Boku no Hero Academia 3, Ginga Eiyuu Densetsu -Die Neue These- Kaikou, Hinamatsuri; Megalo Box, Persona 5, Tada-kun wa Koi wo Shinai, Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii and then there’s a few more I might check out for the heck of it!

Share this:

Like this:

Like Loading…

[outerspacewhale]

I wish there were more language options at my school, we were offered Spanish and French, I hated French because of my teacher but didn't want to switch languages. In terms of getting plants (if you actually decide to get some) I recommend succulents, they really only need watered every once in a while and as long as you put them in a window with the proper amounts of sun/shade they thrive. What's something you find interesting, weird, or fun about Arizona? -🍋

ohhhhh ig thats valid,, i wish schools offered more language options bc languages are just so interesting imo!!! and yea!! i was planning on getting succulents bc theyre hard to kill lol,, watch me kill em anyways tho jdsfksfjkldfa also succulents are the cutest cacti ever and i just want a little row of them on my bookshelf or smth that’d be so cute. uh hmmmm arizona is p cool ig bc we have a couple of really nice observatories and there arent street lights in that many places so its really easy to see the stars!! and i love stargazing with all my heart so thats one thing i love abt this state!! also i really love the palo verdes in the spring bc they have the prettiest yellow flowers!!!

[journeysintowebcomics]

Worm Liveblog #11

UPDATE 11: Quintessential Bank Robbery

Last time the bank robbery had started, and it was going quite well, actually! The Undersiders had entered the bank through a side entrance, and although there were many hostages, Bug was doing a good job keeping them immobilized so nobody gets hurt. Now it’s time to continue, and to wait for the heroes to appear, too. So let’s see how this goes!

Everyone except Regent goes to the vault door, relying on his power to delay any foes that may arrive. Tattletale shows once again her power is extremely useful, as she manages to find the right combination of the vault, then she goes to keep an eye on the security cameras’ feedback. The rest prepared to take the cash, although Bug finds herself obligated to show her bravery to Bitch’s dogs. It’s not a fun time for her, but better to assert herself as someone who isn’t afraid of the dogs, even though the one she’s dealing with doesn’t seem very impressed with her.

There’s several paragraphs about the exact movements regarding how they empty the vault. It’s not really much to comment about, although I should point that Mr. Wildbow did a good job making Bug look like she’d dazed by the amount of money they’re stealing:

“It was a staggering amount of money. As Bitch and I worked, I started trying to count the money I was putting into the bag. Five hundred, one thousand, one thousand five hundred. Bitch was working just as fast as I was, so I could double that. Just taking a second to wrap my head around what the total amount would be per bag made me lose track.”

See? It’s not an extensive description, but it works well. All the bags are slid towards the door, and Grue also steals important documents such as deeds, mortgages and loans. Hm, that’s something I’m not sure about – in terms of how they’d earn money with that, I mean. There’d be chances for identity theft, perhaps? Bug’s opinion is that they’ll hold all those documents and ask for ransom in exchange of giving back the documents, which is a possibility. Oooor...

“More intriguing was the thought that he wanted the information itself for his own purposes. Or, on a similar note, maybe there was something specific that would be found in the midst of the paperwork, and he was willing to buy it all if it meant keeping his true intentions unclear.”

Huh. Well, there’s always the possibility the benefactor wanted some of these documents. Hm, I’d also bet that Tattletale would be able to obtain quite some information from those. They’re holding documents pertaining to the financial information of a lot of people, that can be advantageous depending on what kind of criminal activities they may do. I don’t think the Undersiders is the type of group that’d do cybernetic crimes or anything involving paperwork and the such – why to have powers if you don’t use them for cool stuff – but the benefactor may have people who do that. Heck, maybe Lisa would do that. I don’t know.

Now that Brutus – the dog they took with them to the vault – is carrying the bags, Bitch gets him to go towards the front door and calls Angelica forth. It causes the hostages to scream, making Bug feel guiltier for what’s going on. Could be worse, dear, nobody has gotten hurt. In an attempt to calm down, she asks Bitch why one of her dogs is called Angelica. ““I didn’t name her,” Bitch said.” This dog had previous owners, then? Indeed, she did, and Bitch doesn’t refer to them in kind terms at all. Bug inadvertently makes Bitch get angry by accidentally insinuating she had been the one to harm Angelica. Oh dear. ““What? You think I fucking did it?”  She dropped the money she had in her and and (sic) stood up, clenching her fists.” Hm, maybe you should consider not doing ‘small talk’ during the robbery, Bug...this isn’t helping endear you to your teammate. Thankfully, Grue intervenes before Bitch can start a fight. After the second dog is loaded with more money, they ponder if they should take more money or get away now.

““How much do we have?” he glanced over in Angelica’s direction

Tattletale answered for me, from where she stood at the door to the vault, “Forty one thousand, eight hundred. It looks like that’s as much as we’re going to get. The white hats are here, and it’s not looking good.””

Wow, that’s a lot of money! This robbery has been a success. Leaving that aside...the...white hats? I’m not familiar with this terminology. The initials aren’t upper case, so it isn’t the name of a group.

It’s the Wards, in fact, it’s all the Wards they had talked about – except Shadow Stalker. Everyone gets their costume described, and all of them sound like classical heroes. Clockblocker continues falling in my respect list because his costume sounds like it’s patterned like some sort of wallpaper. Hah! Other than that, it does sound like everyone’s dressed like one would expect heroes to dress.

Besides the Wards we heard about, there’s a new one: Browbeat. He has telekinesis as long as those objects are rather close to him, but since he’s a physical fighter that’s rather useful. He also can modify his body to heal and prepare for fights. Fun times!

None of the Undersiders is happy. Tattletale doesn’t sound worried, but Grue is angry.

“Grue hissed at her, “And there’s not supposed to be six of them.”

“There’s seven,” Tattletale said, wincing as Grue slammed his fist against the wood of the door. “There’s someone on the roof.  I’m not sure who, but I don’t think it’s Shadow Stalker. Might be a member of the Protectorate.””

...now I have to wonder if this is a direct consequence of Taylor’s meeting with Armsmaster. IT could be possible he alerted the Wards so as many as possible would arrive to any big crime. Since he knows the Undersiders are doing it, if whoever alerted the Wards told them it was them then they’d know to be prepared in advance. All in all, yeah, I think this is Taylor’s fault. Let’s hope nobody suspects it’s her fault.

Bitch is enthused about a fight, and Grue reminds her that killing is not part of the plans for the day. Maiming is not an option, either. Hm, would they be able to get away without a fight? This could be the time for a chase scene, although I don’t know how they’d get away from these many heroes at once. I’m sure Mr. Wildbow would be able to think of something. Hell, if they don’t escape, it’d be a great way for Taylor to see what happens to caught villains! It also may cement her more towards the villain side. All in all, this is a vital moment for the story, depending on how it goes. I don’t think there’s a way to screw up!

Tattetale sees what the Wards are planning, though.

“Tattletale shook her head, “That’s what they want. Why do you think they’re lined up like that? We bolt with the money from any of the exits, the person on the roof tackles us, incapacitates us or keeps us busy while the rest close in.  Look at how they’re sort of spaced out.  Just far enough apart that if we try to go between them, one of them can probably close in fast enough to nab us before we get away.””

So things are looking rather bad. This is going to be a problem...hm...perhaps the dogs can be of help with that? Those could provide a distraction or something, althoooooough I don’t think Bitch would approve the idea of leaving the dogs behind, so that’s not an option. Wow, I really see no way out of this situation without entering a fight.

““We have hostages,” Bitch said, “If they come in here, we take out one of the hostages.”” Cue Bug mentally panicking. Yikes. She’s even thinking it is her fault, which I agree it may be. I guess this means Taylor will avoid to contact the Protectorate in the future for any reason unless she has a lot of information and is prepared to hide from the Undersiders.

Since the Undersiders are masters at getting away – which is why the Wards are preparing for them to run away – Bug suggests they fight head-on. Oh, this is going to be exciting! That’s the next chapter, though. Well what am I waiting for, I’ll take a look right now!

Alright, it goes straight to the action in the very first paragraph! Bug wonders how the situation looked to the Wards when the bank’s doors opened and a few hostages exited the darkness. Hoh! Classic thing, letting a few of the hostages go. I think I see where this is going. The Wards get their hands busy with the hostages –there are eight, one more than the number of heroes outside – so that gives the Undersiders a chance to spring up a surprise attack. And indeed!

Darkness swelled at the bank’s entrance, then flooded into the street like water from a broken dam.  In seconds, the hostages were hidden from sight and the Wards were forced to retreat several paces to keep from being swallowed up.

Hmmm...that’s smart. Rather ruthless, but smart. I mean, they’re placing the hostages at risk of being attacked, like meat shields without having to hold them. I don’t think Bug approved this plan, but it isn’t like there are many better options. All she can do is implore to them not to hurt hostages – at least the ones that left listened to Aegis and got down on the ground. They’re a bit safe. Not completely, since stomping on them is still a possibility, but they should be safer than if they were standing up. Not that the heroes know, that’s the key here...I think.

Bitch gets ready to jump into battle with one of her dogs, but Tattletale stops her. “That hesitation before Aegis gave the orders to the hostages… it didn’t fit.” An effect of being caught by surprise, perhaps? No, actually it’s because Clockblocker and Aegis are wearing each other’s costume! Wow, that’s...actually pretty smart. These heroes are competent. That’s great, it would have been awful if the heroes of this city weren’t as good as they should be. This should make conflict and risk be more enticing for us readers! Bitch is going to attack the real Aegis and avoid Clockblocker, so their offensive power is available. The rest...hmmmm...I don’t know yet. Clockblocker is the big problem here. He may have one of the worst names I have heard – marketing-wise. Never have a name that’s at risk of being typoed into slang or potentially offensive words – but he’s a rather dangerous opponent here.

Vista is using her space powers and that gives Bug a headache. Interesting limitations. Bug is trying to use her bugs to have an idea of what’s going on, and manages to identify her fellow Undersiders despite the darkness. Bitch is already getting into the fray. She was going straight for Clockblocker, who was dressed as Aegis. But don’t despair, it isn’t like Bitch suddenly got rebellious and decided to do the opposite of what Tattetale indicated. At the last second she changed direction and went towards the real Aegis, catching him off-guard. Good to see Bitch is clever enough to try a feint! Make that two times they have surprised the Wards. With some luck there’ll be a third time!

Aegis is knocked into the ground with a lot of strength, but of course he’s okay. He’s up and ready in a second, and Bitch returns to the darkness. Bug takes that as her cue to do her part of the fight, trying to deal with Clockblocker. Within a fraction of a second of a bug making contact with Clockblocker or his costume, he froze it. Everyone saw that coming, right? Taylor has a plan that’s...frankly pretty good! It’s clever, look at this:

I made my bugs surge forward, surround him, aiming to cover his entire body.  I was pretty sure he couldn’t disable the effects of his power, so if he wanted to freeze all of the bugs I had crawling on him, he’d trap himself in a prison of his own making.

That’s a good strategy. Using your foe’s skills against them is the best move anyone can do in a fight. Sure, it’d take Clockblocker out of the fight for...an indeterminate amount of time that may or may not be enough, but that’d leave many other Wards left. It’s vital to incapacitate a hero or two, even if it’s for a little while. But Bug’s plan isn’t working.

Clockblocker spun in a tight circle, freezing the bugs as his body rotated, so that they were only affected when the part of his body they were on was facing away from the bank.  The result was that a cluster of bugs was left frozen behind him, and he was free to dash straight towards Aegis.

Well I’m stumped. Or maybe...perhaps surrounding him a couple feet away from him would work? No, these are bugs, he could just...pass through them, and I think he’d be nimble enough to spin again right after passing through a wall of bugs. This is a tough one.

Bitch’s dogs do the classic move of causing lots of property damage while trying to injure Aegis, but Vista’s space manipulation seems to have saved him at least once. Huh.

Bug’s strategy seems to be distracting Clockblocker enough to slow him down, at least. Since he’s not trying to freeze them once the swarm got too big, he’s being stung many times, and that’s painful. Bug manages to get her insects underneath her costume, practically guaranteeing he wouldn’t be able to freeze them. That guy is going to look awful by the time this fight is over, sheeesh.

Now I realize I haven’t heard a thing about Regent or Tattetale or any of the other Wards. It’s a good thing this is first-person and not omniscient third-person. In first-person, it’s forgivable that Taylor wouldn’t be aware of what everyone’s doing. She needs to focus on what she’s doing and on what’s most visible – Bitch’s dogs. She doesn’t have time to look around and see what everyone else’s doing. If this story was in omniscient third-person, there’d be grounds to snark about how everyone else is just chilling to a side, watching the rest fight. Hah!

“I’m so sorry,” I murmured, just loud enough that only I could hear it.  I gave the bugs a new order. And then comes a horrifying scenario that nobody would want to find themselves into: finding oneself invaded by insects trying to sneak through every opening possible in your face. This was a consequence of Clockblocker changing costumes with Aegis, so I’m supposing this is the only time this’ll work, but still...other heroes are going to take note of what’s happening now.

Clockblocker reacts like anyone would react, and panics, freezing most of the bugs on him and finding himself immobilized. After all, you have to remember that his power can freeze stuff in time to the point where it’s pretty much indestructible and immovable. He’s trapped. Bug has enough presence of mind to take away as many bugs as possible, not wanting to suffocate him with insects. I’d won. I wasn’t sure what to feel.  I felt a kind of elation mixed with the quiet horror of what I’d just done to a superhero. Well, it is something to be proud of, in terms of strategy and innovation. I’m completely sure that Clockblocker would now be a lot more cautious if he fights the villain with the insects again – even if his real costume has no openings for insects to get to him. Heck, once the rest hears what happened, I’m sure everyone will be more afraid of the unknown villain with the insects. It’s the kind of fame many villains would love to have. The problem now is that now the heroes will expect this to happen and will take precautions to avoid it.

I could settle that inner turmoil later and decide on a way to make amends to Clockblocker at the same time. How, exactly? You can’t send him a bouquet of flowers and a metric jar of ointment to his home, Bug, you’re pretty much unable to compensate him.

Besides, there are five Wards and someone on the rooftop still left to deal with, so now she can focus on them. Shall she be able to fight them? That’ll be for next time. Oh, before that, there’s a comment on this page:

I think Taylor is in the process of burning all her bridges and destroying all her credibility with this bank robbery. If she had backstabbed the Undersiders during the bank robbery she would have been hailed a hero, even by the sour leader of the local Protectorate.

But now she’s attacking Wards and helping the Undersiders escape? In a non sanctioned undercover ‘mission’? Yeah… I don’t think the good guys will be too understanding. She’s gonna get slapped down by the Protectorate either way no matter if she manages to succeed in her mission… maybe be forced to join the wards like Shadowstalker was rumored to or something. It certainly wont be pleasant.

This ARod person is right. The Wards are a group that’s related to the Protectorate, of course the Protectorate is going to hear about what happened. Armsmaster is going to hear what Taylor did – if he isn’t the person on the rooftop, that is. And if Taylor turns out to be the difference between the Undersiders being caught or escaping...well, she’s going to be labeled as an enemy, no matter what information she has. Looks to me like everything Taylor does digs a deeper hole for herself to the point where her credibility as a hero is zero. No wonder she’s going to be a villain! Nobody in the Protectorate or the Wards will believe she’s a hero!

And now I finish this update.

Next update: next time

[doctortdesigns]

The latest looks from Simplicity and New Look have been posted to the Simplicity site.  On the whole there aren’t a lot of general clothing patterns I’m too excited about (they are mostly simple silhouettes that focus on the recent boxy ruffle trend), but for cosplayers and costumers this release is an absolute goldmine.  Let’s take a look:

8380 – Cynthia Rowley.  I actually really like this dress, even though it has a fairly simple style and asymmetric neckline.  Pockets are always great, though it may need some extra length if the model photo is any indication.  The peplum top is also catching my eye here as well.

8382 – Learn to Sew.  Pretty simple sack dress.  I can see it being very easy to wear for summer, and very easy to sew, though I don’t find it particularly interesting.

8375 – Pattern Hacking.  This is Simplicity’s latest line, where the envelope has one pattern and teaches you how to change it.  There seems to be accompanying tutorials on their YouTube channel.  Most of these seem to be fairly simple styles, though I will say that I could see this dress/top pattern being a popular choice because of it.

8376 – Pattern Hacking.  More simple looks.

8377 – Pattern Hacking.  I’d actually be tempted on this cardigan if I didn’t already have pattern in this style.

8378 – Pattern Hacking.  Possibly the mist interesting of the line, as this one adjusts not only the length but the shape of the trouser pattern as well.  Could be really interesting and informative.

8379 – Easy to Sew.  Interestingly draped potato sack dress.  It isn’t my style, but I could see this being a popular and easy summer sew.

8383 – Easy to Sew.  Another style that is pretty basic, but on trend with the open shoulder and ruffle sleeves.

8384 – I actually sort of like the lines on this shirtdress.  The deep-V neckline is pretty flattering.

8385 – More tops that are super on trend.  I don’t think I need them in my collection, but these styles are probably the most on-trend for summer.

  8386 – Easy to Sew.  I actually really like this pattern collection.  The white top especially.  Definitely one that I need to add to my summer sewing list.

8387 – We’ve had similar styles in the past.

8388 – Moving the ruffle trend to the bottom half.  Personally I find the skirt looks a bit bulky and heavy.

8389 – Easy to Sew.  Nice simple elastic waist pants variations, should one need elastic waist pants.

8390 – Easy to Sew.  The front pants with dart shaping in the back.  Definitely has a “I’m so totally on vacation right now” vibe going on.

8391 – I’m sort of obsessed with the nautical inspired shorts in this pattern.  Even though I know I have Burda pants that are super similar.  But I think I need this pattern anyway, because I’d probably wear that simple t-shirt too.

8392 – Mimi G.  Mimi G. expands into the exercise realm.  I’m not sold on the skirt/leggings thing (it looks restrictive to motion) and the sports bra looks… unsubstantial.  The mini hoodie is cute, but I don’t know how absolutely practical it is.

8394 – Mimi G.  A vintage inspired look from Mimi G.  Not something I’d want to wear, but I can see it being popular with those who like to go for all the vintage inspired patterns.

8393 – A nice simple wardrobe pattern.  I could see all these pieces being completely practical, if not entirely exciting.  But, as many of us learned from the Wardrobe Sudoku contest, simple plays well with others.  So, I’m going to say this would be a great pattern to make a lazy days summer wardrobe with.

Assorted Kids styles.  The dress/romper (8395) is pretty cute.  Lots of American Girl branded stuff this time too.  I’m thinking the AG bag pattern (8400) could be a great way to get kids into sewing, and some of the bags do look large enough to use for school.

Crafty Stuff.  The giant cat pillows (8403) are more than a little adorable.  Like, a lot.  The American Girl doll clothes (8397) are pretty cute too, especially those shorts!

8396 – “Cosplay” Dress.  The description and styling are clearly meant to interest those in cosplay, but really, it’s just a dress.  I see what you did there Simplicity.  Trying to get the cosplay community buying your wider collection of sewing patterns.  Anyway, even if you aren’t a cosplayer, this could be a nice princess seamed dress.  Personally, I’ve got a lot of those in my collection already, but this one does have nice lines.

8404 – Disney Cosplay.  The New Belle costume for adults.  Looks like a great interpretation.  Love the attention to detail on the skirt.  I’m really loving the costume licensing, so that the companies can recreate looks, rather than skirting around the issue by changing one or two things.

8405 – New Belle for kids and dolls.  Adorable.

8406 – Classic Belle.  I love this, I want this, I need this.  Totally my child hood right here.  Looks like I’m going to be buying a lot of Belle at the next pattern sale.

8407 – Classic Belle for kids and dolls.  All the Belles.  I’m going to be getting all the Belles.

8411 – Obviously referential to the amazing Highlander costume, this American Duchess pattern also holds up to historical snuff.  The inclusion of some critical underpinnings is great too.  Definitely joining Belle in my basket.

8409 – An Arkivestry Steampunk pattern.  Half the time I love these, and half the time I leave them.  I think this in one I can leave.  Though there is plenty of great detailing on this pattern, it just isn’t something I need for my costuming in the near future.

8408 – Another Arkivestry steampunk pattern.  I do actually really love the vest details here, so this one might follow me home on my next pattern sale run.

8410 – MangoSirene.  A new partner with Simplicity, MangoSirene is a popular cosplayer.  They have teamed up to create their own version of the popular Pokemon Go! game design.  That cropped jacket is still totally adorable.  I still totally need one.

100501 – MangoSirene.  This is another MangoSirene cosplay pattern, those this one appears to be an online (and possibly convention) exclusive.  The blazer looks great though – nicely fitted with really classic lines.

The other summer release that came out simultaneously is New Look.  Like Simplicity, I find most of the lines and styles to be quite simple.

6507 – Popular shoulder ruffle looks.  I’ve gotten enough of these with Burda.  Could be a good option if you want a really simple ruffle dress look.

6506 – I really like the button back dress (the model version) but it looks like it would be a total pain to get on or off.  Hmmmm.  Probably a pass.

6509 – Interesting cut-out romper  Not sure it’s for me (I’ve got so many others I’d rather make), but ventilation could be fun on a hop summer day.  The great thing is that the rest of it is so covered it really won’t need a shirt or anything under it, though, presumably, you could do that and have an interesting peek-a-boo contrast at the waist.

6510 – Simple shift dress.  Nice a lightweight looking, but nothing really exciting style-wise.  Would look great under a jean jacket though.

6511 – Giant ruffle peplum top.  I’ve already got wide hips, so this inverted triangle look would be doing me no favors.

6512 – This is actually another fairly trendy looking pattern.  I’ve seen lots of this style of dress being promoted for summer this year.

6513 – Top with some interesting pin-tucks.  Could be nice for those who like this aesthetic.

6514 – Some long, lightweight cardigans.  These also seem to be quite popular this season, and there are some interesting options here that allow for color blocking and other creative additions.

6515 – Some variations on pants/culottes for summer.  Nothing wrong with them, but nothing overly exciting either.

6516 – A toned down ruffle skirt.  Must say I much prefer this to the other the top ruffles from Simplicity, though neither is really my personal style.

6517 – Fairly simple tunic/dress/pants wardrobe pattern.  Also looks like it comes with a scarf?

6518 – I can’t tell if this is supposed to be clothes or pajamas?  Anyone?  Thoughts?

6519 – This tie-front dress and blouse could be cute, or it could look like a rumpled disaster (as evidenced by Burda’s fabric choice in their latest magazine).  I’m voting possible yay here, though, since I am getting the Burda, I don’t know that I will need both patterns in my collection.

Kids.  Nothing I’m super excited about here, but these do look like simple styles to make for those who will rapidly outgrow them.

And that’s it!  On the whole I’m not overly excited by the majority of everyday where in this release, but, then again, I’m not overly excited by the general trend that have been happening lately either, so there’s that.  The cosplay looks are bang-on and I want them all.  New Look usually has 1-2 looks I go for, but this release feels like a miss to me.  What do you all think?  Is the release so late in the spring/summer game that we’ve already committed ourselves to other ruffly designs?  Or are these looks fairly dull?  See any must buys?  And what are we thinking about Simplicity’s new Pattern Hacking line?  And which of all y’all am I going to have to beat away from those Belle patterns, because I know that pattern drawer is going to be empty when I get there and I am not going to be happy ’bout it.  Feel free to discuss in the comments!

Simplicity and New Look Summer 2017 #sewing #Simplicity #NewLook #patterns #summer The latest looks from Simplicity and New Look have been posted to the Simplicity site.  On the whole there aren't a lot of general clothing patterns I'm too excited about (they are mostly simple silhouettes that focus on the recent boxy ruffle trend), but for cosplayers and costumers this release is an absolute goldmine.  

[kastillia]

i still don't understand what the deal is with these fake team skull people

so they're referred to as punk girls and punk boys

but that girl i just talked to asked me not to call her a punk girl

???????

ok i'm gonna fight these trainers and return to that """"kahuna of route 12""""

gasp! secret beach

there are so! many!! slowpokes here!!!

what are they doing!!

nothing

they're not doing a gosh darn thing

back to that first guy........... :^)

how's that!! coming from someone who's beaten two real kahunas!!!!

i'm sorry that was mean

seriously though don't throw around that title you can't just appoint yourself the kahuna that's not how it works

thanks for that thing you gave me though

i already forgot what it was

there's a fork in the road and if playing video games has told me anything, the main quest follows the main path, so i'm just gonna take a detour to this......place first

oh! there's a building here!

THERE'S ALSO A PHOTO SPOT!!

......magnetons don't get much love

but that tiny poke running across the roof does :>

SO DOES THAT ELEKID WHEN IT DOES THAT LITTLE VICTORY POSE

these are so cute i love them

into the building!

i

what

professor oak is here again

.............and he's gone

what is his deal??? is he just some otherworldly being that appears, talks at me, gives me a thing, and then says "fill that pokedex!" before disappearing again????

whatever i'm gonna go talk to this magnemite

you know what, they didn't say anything useful but at least they didn't disappEAR ON ME......PROFESSOR OAK

what does this guy have to say

oh the lights went out

thanks magnemite

oh wait i still need to evolve that meowth into a persian.............

ok back to the pokecenter to take him out of the box........actually wait no, that meowth is chilling in the hot springs island at the poke pelago

level 25........ok let's train at.... the gardens...........?

what are all these people doing here

why are they blocking the bridge

.........i mean i guess i could just go around but??? whatever i guess

nice. i won a gold nugget

wait a second

h-hey! dude! you're talking so fast you ain't even giving me a chance to answer???

team rocket???? how old are you????

oh

awww they were larping

cute

give me an option to join team skull 'cause i'll do it! i'm even dressed the part. literally everything i'm wearing is black. i am the exact opposite of lillie.

ok training training training and feeding meowth pokebeans to get that friendship up aaaaaand evolve!

...........oh

oh he looks like garfield......

i'm gonna fly back to akala for a sec

ok! i have returned with garfield

hello professor is this the persian you were looking for

oh! that's not kanto oak......i don't remember where he said he was from. the kalos region? idr

aaaaand he disappeared again

thanks

ok back to plot

AYYYY IT'S HAU!!! how did you get here did you also get a mud horse mount

IT'S! IT'S!!!!

GLADION!!!!!!!

oh no team skull are looking for nebby

hau why are you so bad at keeping secrets pffffft

DON'T WORRY GLADION I'LL PROTECT LILLIE AND NEBBY

I CAN'T SAY THE SAME FOR HAU THOUGH but he'll try probably

WAIT!! GLADION WAIT DON'T LEAVE!!! CAN WE BE FRIENDS YET?????

........he's gone :<

alright let's see what's inside that door you came out of

it's another one of those residential places!! did he change locations?? o:

.....what? these ladies are talking about someone leaving their poke behind

gladion wouldn't do that

oh there's a stufful here!

WHO LEFT THEIR POOR STUFFUL HERE ALL ALONE??? I'LL ADOPT THEM

so i guess this is like a mini town?? there aren't any shops here and the pokecenter is the next map over.......just a bunch of caravans

ohhh........a caravan park..... duh

this hiker feels like he's being watched.........

wow really

there's just an oranguru creepily staring at him from behind a caravan

oh! that's a member of team skull! he's standing guard...........actually he's squatting guard

and inside the caravan is another member of team skull! i love how we're just having a casual conversation but she's still making all those over-the-top movements

i love you guys

into the next caravan!

it's a punk!!! sorry i meant, it's a fake team skull member

he's understandably shocked that i just barged in

YEAH LET'S FIGHT

oh he doesn't want to any more........ok bye

to the pokecenter!

there's a guy that wants to trade his graveler for a haunter.......i don't......have one yet......

i have a level 10 gastly though do you want that? no? ok

my next trial is the ghost trial though so maybe i can catch a haunter for you

i can see where my next objective is but let me just.........roam around first......

here is an ace trainer

"alola?"

yes hello! oh it's a battle

oh he's sending out a sandshrew that's cool i have my leafeon up frONT OH WAIT IT'S AN ALOLAN SANDSHREW

IT'S JUST AN IGLOO WITH A FACE AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA

ok ok razz you're up but omg i love it i need to catch one

i defeated the ace trainer :>

"alola..."

i'm not sure that's how you're supposed to use that word but ok

i talked to him again

"alola!"

apparently alola is the only thing he can say

there is another beach area!

there is a fisherman here who keeps talking about a strange guy in a kimono but he's not here right now......hmmmm

dang gosh it why are there all these rOCKS IN THE OCEAN WHY CAN'T MY LAPRAS BREAK THEM I WANT TO EXPLORE O:<

ok fine i'll go down this other path to that abandoned shopping facility or whatever

ooooooooooo so spoopy

oh oops that's a trainer

guess i have to look for the rest of them

oh that's one of those guide people! .......this is a trial site??? oh........ oh the ghost trial.......... at an abandoned shopping mall........... i get it

i found a fisherman!

y-yes....this fishing pole was a gift from lana.....

"maybe if i had a fishing pole made by captain lana, i would have won..."

maybe if i beat you with water pokemon, but i didn't so uhh......unlikely

um.....no.... this fishing pole is not actually lana herself.........

alright lapras, into the ocean. let's get away from this guy.

"the reason i don't ride a lapras is because i can swim faster than a lapras!"

ok?? good to know??

can i just say

i will be sorely disappointed if there are no swimmers named akihiko bc i can't help but think of that dumb meat-head every time i run into a swimmer

ok back to the flag........aether house or something idk

it's all white

there's........an oranguru at the receptionist desk???

oh hi hau

oH HI KIDS WE'RE NOT INTRUDERS IT'S NOT WHAT IT LOOKS LIKE I SWEAR

well i mean if you're gonna challenge me to a fight then i won't say no

........sorry for beating up your poke

gndfjskhfdjsk

that little girl's yungoos keeps biting hau

oh! acerola!!

didn't you go shopping with lillie??? where is she.......did she get lost again.......

OH SHE'S THE GHOST TRIAL CAPTAIN!

i guess there's a kinda ghostly vibe about her??

well i guess i'll get going

hau, you coming?

"these ankle biters are kinda growing on me. i might stick around a little longer"

ah. alright i'll be going then.

IT'S LILLIE

IT'S ALSO A TEAM SKULL GRUNT

no her bag didn't move you're just seeing things pfffft I'LL SAVE YOU LILLIE

oops i am like 12 levels higher than all the trainers around here

QUIT PICKING ON PEOPLE WHO CAN'T FIGHT BACK YA BIG BULLIES

awww she bought me gifts!! lillie you're the best ily

alright time for the ghost trial!!

.......i don't have any ghost or dark type pokes..........

well i mean i have keaton and he has crunch.......yuki told me that'd be enough, so let's get this show on the road!!

oh! the objective of this trial is to take photos! i'm good at that!! i've been practicing!!! :>

ohhh..........ohhh i see

this is very spoopy

THAT CONVEYOR BELT STARTED MOVING BY ITSELF!!!

hi gastly

i?

what??

pikachu??? what are you doing in here???

THAT TROLLEY IS MOVING!!!

helloooooo haunter

i'll be back to catch you later so i can trade you to that one guy with a graveler

........there's that pikachu again....

OH GOOD GOLLY GOSH THOSE POKE PLUSHIES ARE FLOATING!!!!!!!

heeey-

what

where are you

oh, it's gengar!

wh-what...... rotom!! don't give me an "mmhmm!" let me battle it!! dang gosh it where did it disappear to now????

ok i got it

pikachuuuu what are you doing in here it's too spoopy for the likes of youuuuu

O:

the door unlocked!

well the only logical step is to enter......

the pokefinder fired up on it's own!

alright what are we dealing with here.......

no........nope..........there's a pikachu poster.........

there ain't anything floating around here, so then........

..........................

!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

OH MY GOD IT'S A MIMIKYU!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IT'S MY BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

aw heck i don't wanna fight it i wanna catch it........

alright, keaton! use crunch!!

wait

shouldn't that be super effective why isn't it doing an--

fdsjkghflskdjjbvhsknd

the pikachu head just falls back gndfshjdksghj

"mimikyu's disguise has been busted!"

oh my god let me have them please please please

aww i'm sorry mimikyu but it had to be done for me to complete the trial.........

i want one

trial complete!!

............and back in we go to catch some pokes :^)

[rusticrevivals]

“The powerful wind swept his hair away from his face; he leaned his chest into the wind, as if he stood on the deck of a ship heading into the wind, slicing through the waves of an ocean he’d not yet seen.”  ― John Irving, The Cider House Rules

One of my favourite books, that.  The Cider House Rules.  Not really about apples or cider.  Not too much, even, about our neighbouring state of Maine.  But very deep, very philosophical and very beautiful.  If you haven’t read or seen it, do so. The parts that DO take place in the orchards are both romantic and dramatic.

Apple orchards ARE a place of romance for many. Through the ages they have been lovely settings – L.M. Montgomery’s Anne was ALWAYS mentioning “The White Way of Delight”, even when it wasn’t June and the blossoms weren’t  exploding on tree limbs.  Vintage postcards and greeting cards romanticize the entire system of keeping up an orchard.

  While my brother-in-law proposed to my sister in his grandparents’ old-farm orchard on the west coast of Newfoundland and although Richard’s niece is to get married here next summer under our own lovely apple trees with the Appalachians as the backdrop,

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

we are actually finding our little orchard of apple trees to be a primary source of frustration (2nd to the constant blackfly problem for me, I’d say).

Our apple trees seem to be a focal point for our amazing views, no matter what the season.  They are dainty and pretty in spring, laden with  big red apples in late summer, dramatically ‘spiky’ in fall as they lose their leaves, and always holding sparkling layers of clean snow in winter.  Even more so, they are often ‘at the end of the rainbow’, or part of the footlights of the setting sun’s reflections:

And both last year and this we had a heavy crop of apples.  Here’s just a branch from one, taken at the wildflower garden we are slowly working on (and beside which the bride will glide next July!)

I’ve long been a fan of apple fests, apples-for-the-teacher, apple-blossom themes, and my work as Rustic Revivals proves this:

In fact, for their Christmas gift last year I made my sister and brother-in-law a hat hook for their summer cottage/old farm’s entranceway, romanticizing their engagement and reminding them of other things in their lives they love to share:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

However, it is not the quantity of apples here that is a worry, NOR even the quality, though 80 percent do have some kind of wormhole.  But I’ve taught Richard not to worry so much about those, as I just cut them out and go on with whatever I planned to do that particular day with that harvest.  The problem is, for two years in a row, and trying all the recommended options, we have been unable to KEEP our apples for longer than 2 weeks!  We divide them into three categories when we pick – “kitchen”, “animal treats” and “compost”.  I do try to get as many into some kind of production in the kitchen that day or the next, but with so much else to be harvested at the same time, it would make life easier if the apples could be put off say, until after Thanksgiving (Can. one, in early Oct., not the American one near end of Nov.).  But no such luck!

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Part of the problem with having an Olde Homestead is that the pioneers didn’t have the selection of various apples we have today, and thus many didn’t plant some of the more rugged thick-skinned apples that were made for winter storage.  Although we learned last year that one is supposed to wrap each apple separately in paper BEFORE putting into cold storage, that didn’t work any better this year than NOT wrapping them did last year.  So there went about 6 hours of my time wasted, over the course of several days of wrapping! (Those ones were primarily the ones we’d deemed for the animals, so admittedly they had more bruises, but according to all my reading they still should have kept better/longer!)

   The other part of the problem of Olde Homestead-owning is that there are usually, for many years, people not tending to the orchard’s needs, not pruning the trees, for instance, and not keeping the apples raked up from under the limbs every year (and this must be done immediately, as soon as a few apples have fallen or the next year’s harvest will be ‘buggier’ and less plentiful, we’ve learned!)  My brother-in-law, Boyd, has run into the same problem of years of neglect, on his grandparents’ farm – and he has chosen what I consider a frightening option. He’s cut down many of the old trees, and planted new ones, essentially starting from scratch.  For reasons of time, expense and yes, romanticism (I don’t want to start chopping down Ida May’s trees that she planted just before she died at age 33 in 1931!) we will have to find another solution.  And I couldn’t even convince Richard to purchase a pear tree for this year, to plant, so we’re one season further from having our own delectable yellow fruit as well!

Here’s my brother-in-law and sister standing in front of our apple trees in July:

If you’ve seen 3 more goofier-looking adults, it could only be with the addition of Richard in the frame.  We weren’t even TRYING to look silly, we were just smiling! (my skirt courtesy of cousin Linda’s family, some of our visitors this summer)

After completing losing about two bushels of apples we’d picked and I’d wrapped and put in the coldest part of our basement (they went to compost, but it still hurts!) we were invited to our Honey Man’s farm.  He allowed us to pick a plethora of his own apples, less blighted than ours.  But he still warned us they wouldn’t last long, even if wrapped.  Stubbornly, and as I was so busy preparing beans, peas, tomatoes, etc. I wrapped all of them late one night and had them put in the basement.  Within a few days, thanks to blackflies and fruitflies, we noticed they were starting to get mushy, so Richard went to buy a solid metal apple-peeler, and he went to work on them!

Mom and I did what we could by hand to keep up:

(Mom’s apron – and ours hanging in background just above her head – courtesy of Shirley Robinson, yet another of our many guests this past year).

The nice thing about the apple-slicer was that I was at least able to freeze several buckets of just slices, so at least in a way we have preserved ‘apples’ that we could eat ‘fresh’ or also feed as treats to the animals when it gets cold and they are very bored.  However, a bit of lemon juice or my homemade apple cider vinegar on them before they start to thaw is necessary so they don’t turn brown, which Richard hates.  The slices are also great to put into pies or loaves, but I also, as last year, immediately made apple sauce, juice, cider and apple cider vinegar.  (The many health, baking and cleaning uses for this latter were mentioned in my blog post on our apple harvest last year).  Here are the many processes we had to do over the course of only about 5 days:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

The apple sauce isn’t just eaten as apple sauce, but we reheat to pour over ice-cream, frozen yogurt (hopefully next year made with goats’ milk!), we CAN use it in my soda-cracker quick-pies, and a few table spoons can be put in bran mash for Chevy or Cammie on really cold days. (One thing I didn’t make this year, and we shall miss, is the delectable apple BUTTER!) The last photo is all the scraps we save from the peelings, which is then corked and allowed to sit for a month before we pour and strain to get the proper type of  ACV, with the all-important ‘mother’.  I try and drink a spoonful of this in water every day (sweetened with honey or Stevia).

So, while the apple harvest WAS a bit disappointing again this year, and there are no big red globes in our basement for easy access, there’s nothing like knowing that, thanks to our neighbour’s offer of a 2nd harvest of HIS apples, our freezer and pantry are at least full of pails and jars of the innerds! And there’s nothing like heating up that applesauce to have with a bit of custard, either! Hmmmm…

(that apron is courtesy of my grandmother McKenzie, from the old Sparta Mercantile circa about 1982, and the bonnet is from an etsy seller.  I have to put on this “Little House on the Prairie” get-up because many of our u.k. visitors seem to think we’re a cross between the Ingalls and the Waltons!)

Sadly, however, Richard came home from town yesterday with something that upset me, and I mean to fix this issue once and for all next year.  There HAS to be a way!  He wanted us to have a few fresh apple slices in our salads, and he wanted to feed Chevy ‘treats’ because he spoils him rotten.  Like a rotten apple!

Everything about this upsets me, the plastic bag, the unnecessary money spent, the fact that these apples aren’t local and certainly have been chemically sprayed, and the fact that we don’t seem one step closer to living self-sufficiently with these on our table, and two huge apple trees outside our bedroom window!

One thing we didn’t do was wrap them AND put them on single layers on racks downstairs.  We do have these racks built into the basement, so I shall try a few of them next year.  But anyone that’s found any other ideas for making them last at least to November, I’d very much like to hear your experiences!

Of course around here, the old farm orchards are being terrible wasted.  Although this is a pretty sight this week – I still HATE seeing it, as there’s so much we could have done with all of those if I could but learn how!

I even saw someone with spotlights on their apple trees like this, lit up for Christmas!  While it was lovely – I STILL wanted to go pick those apples!

When we first moved here Jane Hansen gave me a Victoria County recipe book from the local ladies of 60 or 70 years ago.  There are many ideas for baking with apples, so the slices in our freezer WILL come in handy for these, and it’s nice to know I’m using recipes handed down by our neighbours:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

Still, to add insult to injury (in my head at least) is the fact that I’ve been looking for more blue stoneware plates and bowls to replace the ones Richard breaks on a regular basis.  I once had a collection of 6 of each, with red hearts, and I’ve looked everywhere to find the red hearts again. They aren’t on etsy,ebay, or anywhere that I can find, but I did luck out and find these a few weeks ago in Value Village in Fredericton:

  Would you BELIEVE I have to look at apples now at every meal, just to remind me there’s no whole ones for us OR the livestock?  Ah, well — I bet you thought this whole blog was going to be about apples, though, didn’t you?

But we spend our days slicing through life in other ways.  Whether the bread I make every 2nd or 3rd day is in a traditional loaf pan, or like this one, we get better and better at slicing just the right thickness for toast, sandwiches or chunky warm delights with stews or soups:

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA

And Richard always has to have a ‘sweet loaf’ to slice up, in addition to the cookies/scones in the cookie jar:

(Fingerless mitts: an early Christmas gift  knitted by our dear friend, the lovely Hudson, Quebec artist Jane Wright, and made with the alpaca wool purchased at the last pioneer show the Wrights helped me organize in Ontario,  from Alpaca Avenue near Toronto: http://www.alpacaavenue.com/    See Jane’s artwork at:

http://www.janewright.ca/  )

And we don’t have much snow yet. Jennifer Clarvoe writes, in “Invisible Tender” that while  they had been slicing through the snow, it can’t have been very thick because greeny grass tufted through it and it was gravelly, dimpled, pocked.”  But nonetheless, Richard and Chevy have already been hard at the “Slicing Through” process, bringing in logs from our own woods for next years heat source.

  Not bad for a guy who’d never really handled a horse prior to May of this year, is it?

The next few weeks’ blogs will not be about harvesting/processing food anymore, you’ll likely be happy to read.  I promised I’d write about the big 100th anniversary of our church, the entertainment for which I was asked to organize, as well as more details about the New Denmark filming with t.v. star Jonny Harris and the crew from CBC’s Still Standing. Those 2 events encompassed just 10 days at the beginning of September of which I’ve only hinted at in a prior ‘tease’.   And all this past week and next Richard and I are involved again with the Perth/Andover Community Choir and the 2nd Wind Music Centre Choir from Bristol. Not only have we teamed up with them for the big July 1st 150 Voices concert, but we’ve sung with them for the fall concerts with the New Brunswick Youth Orchestra and are now joining them for the Christmas season. In fact, this weekend we are dressing as angels (I know, imagine Richard as an angel – it’s nearly impossible, isn’t it?) and going to “Bethlehem”  to sing for two rustic days, as Victoria County is invited to walk or drive-thru to see the merchants and travellers, nasty inn-keeper and new-born babe from 2000 years ago.  And then on two big days following we sing a tricky Vivaldi, bellowing from two different church choir lofts, down upon the Bristol choristers who answer us from below.  Glor-i-a, Glor-i-a Forevermore!  Just another Slice of Rural Life here at Blue Belldon Farm!

  Slicing Through “The powerful wind swept his hair away from his face; he leaned his chest into the wind, as if he stood on the deck of a ship heading into the wind, slicing through the waves of an ocean he’d not yet seen.”

[storyofmytattoo-blog]

Wolf (Two Sides Of Life)

¨You are walking towards a forest, Do you think the tree leaves will be like; autumn ( no papers and you can see the sun) or spring (little bit of sun) or like summer( cannot see the sun)?¨

¨Why are you asking me this? I am little confused.¨, I said with a smile.

¨It is nothing at all. You can choose any option you wish.¨, he said (laughing).

¨Ahm..well..Spring¨

¨Then you pass through the forest; you find the fence easy to pass through or little high you need to jump over or the fence is so high that you cannot pass through?¨

¨I will find an easy way to pass through..I mean I will just walk through it.¨

¨Then you find a house, do you think there will be stairs or no?¨

¨I think there will be stairs for sure.¨

¨Then you enter the house and you find an old box. Do you think you will find a silk shawl or antique collections?¨

¨Hmmmm…Silk shawls¨

¨This means you have hope, dream and you are fighting for it. Nothing can stop you from your dream. You miss the romantic part in your life and sometimes you need the help of others. Am I correct???¨

¨Well….(silence)….90% you are correct.¨, I replied (laughing). I wanted to tell him it was 100% correct but I could not. Maybe I was little bossy, I think. Or maybe, stubborn. He is so correct that I miss the romantic part a-lot. It has been 5 years that I have been single, why would not I miss it? Of course, I have all the right to it. It is not just the romantic part, I miss every single moment with my ex. Wish there was a single word to describe it and wish I could go back and make everything right again. But, it is too late.

I went blank when Wega concluded. This was the first time my psychology was studied. I cannot describe the feeling I felt at that moment. I went numb, totally. I had no words. I only said, ¨Thank you!¨ and that was it. Curiosity flowed in my veins, I felt it, easily and was so amazement. I asked him, ¨How did you do that?¨

¨I studied psychology. However, I did not continue because many of my friends went too deep and I did not like it myself. Moreover, I did not have enough time because my 24 hours were divided into two parts; psychology and engineering study. Everyday, I only studied and studied. I studied so much that at one point I was completely done with it. Many psychology students also go crazy because they go too deep into it……¨, replied Wega (smiling).

Currently, Wega is in the cabin crew in Dubai. He enjoys it a-lot. He said that it is a wonderful place and really like his current career. Wega said, ¨We have a choice to choose; Yes or No. It is the two sides of our life. And this is my philosophy.¨ He simplified with an example; the only way not to be raped is by being happy because rapist only rape a person who fear them.

¨When you are in the professional world, we must always protect each other. We must create a brotherhood environment. And, always complete the assigned work in time. It is very simple; more hands more powerful, more good the better you are.¨, he shared.

He added, ¨We must always take risk and deal in group. And, you protect your employee, you will be their guy. This gives you better output in time.¨

He surprised me every single second that increased my curiosity continuously. I was like, ¨How come this guy knows so much. What did he eat? From where did he come? What is he in real? Am I dreaming? Is this real for sure? Was this guy sent to educate me? Or was he here to help me achieve my dream?¨. I questioned myself constantly because every single word he spoke just brought smile on my round smiley face. And all I wanted to do was just listen and listen. This is why I did not break-in when he spoke. Normally, I am a talkative boy and more irritating. But not today, I just wanted to keep my mouth shut and listen. That was it. And that was what I did.

We then moved to the tattoo topic like I did with every other friend. I felt awkward because he was in the middle of a very interesting and educative topic. I could not stop blaming myself. I wanted to keep him going but I felt I must not waste his valuable time. He only had few hours to spent before he fly to Dubai, for work.

¨What tattoo do you have?¨, I asked him politely.

¨I have a wolf tattoo. I had designed it and it took me more than 9 months.¨, he answered more politely than I could imagine. My politeness was nothing compared to his.

¨Do you have a name for your tattoo?¨

¨Yes, I call it Two Sides of Life.¨

¨Why is that so?¨

¨Well, everything in life has two sides; good and bad. Especially, we humans are something else inside and something else outside. Even in life, I switched my full career to be a cabin crew from engineering. I am enjoying this life career better than the last one. Each time I see my tattoo, it reminds me of my old days (job) and advises me not to trust anyone (policy). However, the brighter side represent my current life. It reminds me that there is a bright light on the other side.¨

¨How was your old days? I mean why does the dark side represent your old job specifically?¨, I asked in apologetically.

¨I left my job to start my own company. I had given full authority to deal with my bank accounts to my ex company. One morning, along with the mail papers I had signed a document mistakenly. My ex company had planned it. They took every penny that I had saved to start a sister company. And, I went back to the starting point.¨, he said in a pale voice.

There was a short silence. We spoke not a word. He then filled his cup with his fourth coffee. And, offered me a cigarette. He flipped the lighter and the fire came on. I lit my cigarette and so did he. We enjoyed our cigarette in silence. By this time, the sun was already out. He put on his sunglasses. I just enjoyed the warm sun on my cheeky and oily face. It was after such a long time I had sun light on my face. Everyday, I stayed in and met friends in the sun´s absence.

¨Everyday I worked more than 8 hours a day for 7 years. And, in the end I lost all my money. I was deceived by the same people I had trusted the most. ¨, he concluded and swiped his coffee.

Another silence broke out. This time it was longer. I scrabbled on the paper he had filled in with the details. It became too untidy. I read and reread every little words he had written and I had written myself. I apologized to him for making it so dirty. He said, ¨It is your paper, not a problem.¨ And we laughed out loud. And, another silence again. This time, I spoke first.

¨Do you think you will remove your tattoo in future?¨, I asked in broken voice.

¨No, not at all. I designed it. Plus, it has already become a part of me. It reminds me of the philosophy I believe in that is the 2 sides of our life; THE GOOD AND THE BAD.¨, he answered with a big smile.

I check in again from top to bottom if there was anything I had missed. We had talked about his beliefs, jobs and his tattoo. There was nothing more I could asked him. He asked me if he had missed anything. I replied, ¨No, not all I believe. However, can I message in Facebook if I forget anything?¨

¨Yes, absolutely.¨

We ended our morning meeting there. Brother Wega disappeared for about 5 minutes. The waiter came by. I asked him for the bill. His answered surprise d me. Brother had paid the bills. I felt little unhappy because I had invited brother and he paid the bill. This is completely wrong, isn´t it? Before we said our last goodbye brother said;

¨Remember you work for yourself not for others.¨