#and of course animation is part of the entertainment industry and a lot of the Problems are Universal

[girlwiththegreenhat]

This is an open secret at this point, everybody who works in the entertainment industry can tell you the execs literally, outright say they do not want original properties anymore. With a new property you have to spend the time and money getting people invested. If you make the 34785th remake and staple some nostalgia on it for good measure, you'll make bank because there's already a dedicated group of people to market to. People will watch it if it's good, because it's a revival of something they care about. People will REALLY watch it if it's bad, because hatewatching is almost even more profitable in this day and age. It's all about getting the biggest return for the smallest financial investment, and nostalgia is MUCH more profitable than original projects. It's all corporate bullshit in the end.

So anyway, please support the originals who make it in spite of everything, and please especially support independent creators and projects!

fucking constant reboot remake reboot remake reboot remake reboot remake!!!!!!!!!! the tv has only been around for like a century you literally cannot be out of ideas already

[let-us-cultivate-our-garden]

I used to be part of the TOH fandom but left after the finale - I felt it was very lacking and was a huge letdown for all the reasons you said. Patting itself on the back and lore erasure. But I'd like to ask about something different.

It's no secret Dana hates Disney. But saying it everywhere, the jabs at Disney in the actual show, the attitude of fans parroting her, especially when the news of the shortening was first out - it was legitimately intense. Disney the company has done bad things. But there was a period where I felt like a bad person for even remotely enjoying Disney movies and Disney-published books. I hated myself and felt I was 'betraying' the show, because I had been told Disney was the enemy and nothing more. Disney shortening the show was not a good decision. But it also provided fans with a convenient scapegoat to put every bit of blame on when the show had the tiniest flaw. Comics of beating up Mickey Mouse, 'Disney' being treated like a swear word, praising TOH as the holy grail of animation and saying Disney hated gay people - it made me feel I was a traitor to the show and to myself. (I'm still figuring out my sexuality, but I know I'm not straight.)

Do you think the Disney blame game was too much?

The toh fandom has this incredibly binary way of thinking; the show is the greatest thing in animation and if you don't agree then you're a bigot. Lumity is the best sapphic ship ever and if you don't think so then you're lesbophobic. Shipping non canon ships is tantamount to a war crime. And of course, any criticism of the show has the convenient Disney defense. Any and all flaws of the show is because Disney is evil for not letting the show reach its full potential.

Listen, getting your show cancelled or shortened sucks. But, unfortunately, it's not unique and writers need to prepare for that because it seems to be an occupational hazard in the entertainment industry. A lot of shows get cancelled without even having a conclusion (thank you Netflix for ending the Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance on a cliffhanger! even after the show won a got dang Emmy! 😤) so people should be thankful that at least the toh crew were allowed to finish the story.

I can give grace when analyzing a show's elements knowing what the writers had to deal with. But if they make decisions knowing ahead of time that they only have half a season and 3 specials left, and proceed to add more characters and plot lines that would require a longer season, then those are all fair game.

Dana knew of the Shortening around the production of Eda's Requiem, yet decided to add the Collector, because screw it! We like this little guy and want to see where it goes! They had Hunter get possessed and kill his best friend, yet barely any time is given to him to process that trauma. In the penultimate episode, Boscha, of all people, gets a mini sub plot despite not being relevant for a full season. Luz's angst arc gets 4. separate. resolutions.

None of this is Disney's fault. This all on the crew for not using their precious time wisely and tossing whatever they can to the wall to see what sticks.

So yeah, the Disney blame game is too much but it's also a blessing in disguise because now it's a convenient shield for whoever doesn't want to hear criticism about the show.

As for feeling guilty about liking Disney; listen, Disney has been foundational for literally millions of people for decades. Its presence and influence is seemingly inescapable. And the company has done some awful things in the name of corporate greed and profit.

But you should never feel guilty for liking something that brings you joy.

Remember that writers and artists are responsible for the shows you love. Many queer folks have seen themselves in Disney movies for a variety of reasons and there are many queer artists that have worked for Disney (hi Howard Ashman and Andreas Deja!)

So no, you're not a traitor for liking Disney.

The toh fandom has a very reactionary, us-vs-them attitude and it's incredibly toxic. So don't let the haters get you down!

I wish you well on your journey and hope you're in a better place.

Thank you for the ask!

[kpop]

Music Spotlight: MIYAVI

Are you ready for a special Music Spotlight guest appearance? This week, we’re featuring popular singer/songwriter, guitarist, and actor MIYAVI to celebrate the release of his anime cover album MIYAVIVERSE. Check out our full interview below!

Tell us about your recent album, and what you hope fans take away from it.

The new one is an anime song cover album. We cover anime songs like Evangelion or Naruto or Hunter, classic ones. One of the reasons why we did that was because I am Japanese, so it’s great to relearn that content, and I’m sure so many of my fans will be familiar with those anime. It’s a fun process to bring those anime tracks to MIYAVI’s world. It’s a different kind of vibe—anime songs, J-pop. But once I start playing the guitar, it’s like the original universe of the sound—and that’s why we named the album MIYAVIVERSE. It doesn’t have to be only the anime songs—it’s more like when we covered ‘Smells Like Teen Spirit’, or ‘Youth of the Nation,’ or other Japanese tracks as well. Obviously it’s MIYAVI’s sound, but it’s a fun process to do a cover.

Your 14th studio album is themed around hit anime songs—what would you consider your favorite anime of all time, and your favorite opening/ending song?

My favorite is Dragon Ball Z. I know, it’s too classic, but that’s the thing I was watching when I was young. And every anime lover is going to respect Dragon Ball Z. To be honest, it’s too hard to cover that song—we can do it, but I don’t know if it's doable to perform on stage in a cool way. So that’s why we gave that one up.

Your illustrious career spans the last 20 years and multiple mediums—what would you consider the highlight up until now? Are there any major moments of growth you can recall?

Yes, a lot. First of all, when I moved to Tokyo from Osaka when I was 17 years old. I was kind of beginning to start finding myself as an artist. And then I became a solo artist, and then, you know, I started focusing on the guitars, and people started calling me a guitarist—so what’s my name? And then, in 2008, I started going on world tours, learning English, and acted in the film Unbroken with Angelina Jolie—so of course, you know these are big moments. And then I became an ambassador for UNHCR—that’s huge.

If you could give your younger self advice on how to cope with the pressures of society, especially in the entertainment industry, what would you tell them? Would you give your kids that same advice?

First of all, keep going and polishing up your skill, what you have—you know—your talent. That’s everything in the end. Nothing else helps you. I still just keep telling myself that. You know, it’s not about the connection or relationship or, of course, personality is counted—it’s included. More than that, as an artist, what you can give to the world is everything—so just keep going. As long as you have "it".

What are your biggest passions outside of music and acting? Are there any hobbies you turn to when you need to destress?

I play games. It’s a great connection with my daughters. It’s a huge connection, and then even while I'm away from home, I can still communicate with my daughters. And then it’s great to have something you share with your family. At the same time, it consumes a lot of time. So that’s the thing—once we start playing, it’s like we keep playing because it’s fun, and we go crazy. But at the same time, time is time, and I do need to work. But that is the hard part, and it is working well for our relationship. It is also the same thing if you play soccer or basketball or sports, it’s kind of the same thing.

This year marks your 20th anniversary, and in that time, you’ve racked up an impressive list of accomplishments. Is there anything you haven’t done yet that you’ve always wanted to? And are there any opportunities you regret not taking?

Basically, there are no opportunities that I regret not taking because I take everything. I never miss opportunities, as you know. When schedule conflicts, and some things that I was not able to do, there are some of course. But, personally, I never missed any opportunities in my life—so there is no regret. But there are tons of things that I have not accomplished, and want to accomplish. We haven’t gotten any GRAMMYs. These are not everything you know, but that's a great goal to have—and I have to work harder to accomplish it.

Want more MIYAVI? Check out his new anime song cover album MIYAVIVERSE here.

[jmdbjk]

Wow.

I can't leave to enjoy a few days vacation without the world falling apart?

Hybe vs. Min HeeJin. Not on anyone's bingo card this year. I have not caught up on everything but who tipped off Hybe about her dastardly plans? The timing of it all... and her little extemporaneous skit she did for a press conference was perhaps part of her plan to turn public opinion in her favor? She claims to have invented kpop or at least made it what it is today but out the other side of her mouth says she hates idol culture?

Hybe's not here to play, they will not be nice. I see no benefit to her for showing us the not so pretty side of the idol industry. Maybe that's her problem, she can't see what she's doing because she's too far into it. Thirty years in the business will make you lose your objectivity. She has no idea she is coming across as a greedy, spoiled, entitled, manipulative, narcissistic, emotional female in a male dominated industry. Basically a nut case.

The lady had a tremendous opportunity to perhaps take ownership of her company in due time, become a great example for female leadership in a country where corporate culture is steeped in chaebolism. Instead she squandered that and thinks she will come out on top. Did she miss the Hybe vs. SM Entertainment episode from last year?

Anyway.

RM's new album! RPWP!

The Monochrome pop up store is doing well!

Jin will be back after 6 Fridays!

In other news. I went to Las Vegas. This is what I saw:

The Bellagio Fountains. They're huge. The Bellagio is SWANK. I looked for Jimin in Dior and Tiffany, Hobi in the Louis Vuitton store, Namjoon in the Bottega Veneta store, but none of them were in there. There was no Calvin Klein store.

When Hobi, JK and Tae were there watching the fountains dance to Dynamite, they were standing here:

Passed by Allegiant Stadium a few times. It's huge.

Drove out to Seven Magic Mountains. I am happy to report the lowest boulders had no writing or graffiti. They were amazingly huge as you can see.

Joon's pic of the above rocks:

Went to AREA 15 and it was HUGE and amazing! It's impossible to show everything that its about, there are multiple buildings and installations and activities, gift shops, bars, etc. We went into the Omega Mart (mega art) experience which led to a maze of fantastically created chambers, each different from the last one, all pulsing with animated lights, texture walls, ceilings and floors.

And ate at Hobak Korean BBQ. We couldn't find out which tables the members of BTS sat at but I got a pic of the Butter album they all signed. There were other autographs from other famous Korean celebs but the BTS signatures were displayed in a more prominent place on the wall.

We also scoped out The Sphere. Also HUGE. The concert space is arena sized. I don't know who was playing there that night but the parking lot was filling up.

We also walked the Strip.

The Fremont Street Experience. That's an animated video screen overhead with ziplines running through the length of it. It's two blocks of casinos, restaurants and gift shops. People are also doing busking and shows at street level.

Hoover Dam, view of the dam from the highway bridge and view of the highway bridge from the dam. Spent a few minutes on the Arizona side.

Hiked in the desert. Saw cactus and wildlife. Drank a lot of water.

Drove to the Mojave Desert Preserve in California just to say we did.

We hated leaving. It was a fun trip. But damn, I have so much stuff to catch up on now. Hiatus my ass.

If Vegas is on the BTS comeback tour I promise I will be there this time.

We gambled at the airport on our way out. The slot machines were next to our gate. And in the baggage claim area. But as you can see, its not just about gambling there.

In case you didn't get it, everything in Vegas is HUUUGGE and FARRRR. Walk a lot, spend a lot of money.

Overall, Las Vegas was clean, the people were extremely friendly and welcoming of course, they might be teaching hospitality as a school subject there, I don't know.

[meruz]

hello! i'm a big fan of your work! i noticed youre a risd alumnus, and i just wanted to ask: as someone currently working in the animation industry, how was your experience with risd? i'm having to choose between risd and a school that's popular specifically for animation, and was wondering if you might have any info that could help.

thank you, i hope this ask isn't any bother!

ooh I actually love this question because theres SO MUCH I wish I knew about the RISD animation program ahead of time and I'd love to give people a better idea than the one I had going in LOL. disclaimer that because I went a while ago (a whole class of college students have come and gone since I've graduated!) some of this info may be outdated. also this is purely my personal experience. BUT hopefully it helps

I want to say upfront that I loved my experience at RISD. I attended from the years 2013-2017. Like all private art colleges it was way too expensive (worth noting I had a significant need-based scholarship) but I worked my ass off and I learned a lot about art and I made friends there that I wouldn't trade for the world. As far as an art school experience goes I would tentatively say it was "worth it". However, I went in as a freshman hoping to major in animation and I came out with a BFA in illustration and this is a large part of why: RISD doesn’t have a good animation program for those looking to go into commercial animation. And I don’t think this is a grand statement like I think most of my fellow alum and teachers would agree. The thing is it’s kind of intentional LOL?? And the keyword here of course is “commercial”. Culturally, RISD is kind of a fine arts school first and I wouldn’t say they’re hostile towards industry work but it’s more often treated as secondary or like something unfortunate/dirty you have to do to make money so you can focus more on your “true art”. I have a tweet about this that went semi-viral a while ago actually…

I’m not gonna say everyone at RISD thinks this but it’s pretty prevalent. I'm honestly not outside the opinion lol. You can call it integrity or pretentiousness or whatever but without going into whether this is good or bad it really orients the curriculum and priorities of the school. It’s hearsay so take it with a grain of salt but I’ve heard that on occasions where RISD has been offered opportunities or partnerships to make the school into a pipeline for big studios (like making work specifically to cater to those places and funnel students through the door right after school) they’ve always stuck to their guns and said no to preserve their independence. 

The animation program at RISD is actually called FAV (sometimes stylized as F/A/V) for Film Animation Video and is… as one would guess..a mishmash of animation, film, and experimental video. Multimedia, experimental work is highly encouraged and overall the work and structure is a lot more geared towards submitting independent short films to film and animation festivals than it is towards building a portfolio to secure industry or client work. I didn’t major in FAV but I was on the FAV thesis track for about 3 years and I’d say the amount of help I had making an animation industry portfolio from my experience with FAV classes is close to none. At least for the thesis program we were never required or even asked to do anything such as design character turnarounds, bg designs or paint, even storyboards. And to be fair a lot of that pre-prod work that fills industry portfolios is a necessity of large commercial crews that need to coordinate over disparate departments and studios, not so much for independent single-animator projects. 

But as a result, a lot of RISD students with ambitions to go into animation/video games/ entertainment industry art in general actually major in illustration. Myself included. It’s not a perfect 1:1 match and even within the department there’s conflict as to whether there should be more of a focus on traditional editorial illustration or otherwise but it’s one of the broadest majors at RISD because past sophomore year it’s 100% electives and there’s more classes oriented towards technical drawing and painting skill, concept, story, and communication for client work in a very all of which funnel rather neatly into commercial animation. It’s also a good route for exploring your options like if you’re stuck between wanting to do children’s books, TCG paintings, and comic books you can explore all those at more or less the same time. The downside to this is that in order to get what you want you really have to build your own curriculum. I definitely think it rewards the proactive.

So while nothing at RISD got me to build an animation portfolio I took a lot of classes that I think were fundamental to developing those skills. Ie I did actually take a storyboarding elective, painting classes that focused on color, illustration concepts classes that formed critical thinking and seeing, a sculpting class that trained anatomy and 3d construction skills, Barbara Meier teaches a 3D animation class at Brown that RISD students can cross-enroll at that’s pretty good? None of these are substitutes for a holistic animation curriculum but I think the education I did get was a lot broader and just as personally fulfilling. At the end of the day, I'm glad I wasn't so focused on animation that I was still able to explore illustration, comics, painting and sculpture. I led a student club that coordinated Brown and RISD students to work together and make video games every semester! I take the skills I picked up from these things into my animation career all the time.

Also the nice thing about animation jobs in the U.S. is that you don’t actually need to have animated a whole kickass industry-standard short film to be hireable. The pipeline is so compartmentalized and jobs so specialized that bg designers really just need to be good at environmental perspective and linework, and bg painters don’t even need to worry about that they can just be good at color and light. And almost no one at least in the U.S. animation industry actually needs to know how to animate LOL. Am I being reductive? Am I downing a heavy dose of copium for going to the school that I did? Who knows. Midway through my freshman year I was seriously considering transferring to a school with a better animation curriculum but I never completed those applications because I took a class during the winter semester called Science-Fiction Fantasy Illustration and midway between designing shitty aliens and my new best friends falling asleep on me during a 2001 Space Odyssey screening I was like. This isn’t so bad. Anyways, it turned out ok, we all have jobs now. 

All that aside, Providence is a beautiful little city. There’s an arts and alternative culture there that feels completely different from those in places like NYC and LA. Chris Van Allsburg the writer/illustrator of Jumanji and The Polar Express was a RISD illustration alum and he based a lot of the imagery of Santa's Village off of Providence. This drawing I did is literally a view from Benefit st that I would walk from my off-campus housing to campus everyday:

There’s a lot of stuff that goes into whether a school, or any school, is the right fit for you. Sorry for rambling but I tried to answer this quick because ik college decisions can be time sensitive. Good luck with your decision making!

[atiny-for-life]

Xikers Full Storyline Explained - Part 1

Masterlist

Rockstar

We're kicking off on a shot of a dark modern city only interrupted by a beam of light reaching down into the center between the clusters of skyscrapers

While we're initially focused on Minjae, we're quick to find out that more beams are popping up and they're shining right down on all 10 members spread across the city - they're the chosen ones, but chosen for what?

At the moment, all of Xikers are still in school and they seem to be attending the same one

We find Seeun alone in a class room with a tattoo on the side of his neck - "777-E-7" - throughout the course of the video, we'll see that each member has their own tattoo and they're all different - they were presumably labeled by the school for the company Namoo, so they could be easily assigned their Coordinate Ball (learn more about this here)

Going by the lyrics, we're dealing with a bunch of little rebels who don't care for school rules - they dress messily, show attitude when they so please and really just wanna have fun, and their rebellious attitude is exactly what gets them chosen by TRICKY, the powerful being which will soon give them their powers...

They also use the phrase "Ullaeli Kkollaeli" which is both "a Korean word that is used when you’re teasing or making fun of someone" (source) and the title of a song by 1Team, a now disbanded group with two former members that had participated in MIXNINE - the same survival show four of Ateez's eight members had participated in (I just thought that was interesting since Hongjoong worked on the full album as writer, composer and arranger)

Throughout the following shots, the world around them begins to change - graffiti appears and begins to move and spread, becoming animated

Note that its all kept in white and blue, just as the wisps were in Tricky House which was released prior but follows this one in terms of chronology

Going frame-by-frame, we can also catch a little easter egg as Jinsik is taking in the warped reality spreading around him: a promo for Tricky House

They sing about feeling free, having their worries disappear, being reborn and behind Seeun, the first blue and white goblin flames appear, once again heavily reminiscent of the spirit wisps we saw in Tricky House - an omen for the appearance of dokkaebi

The fire billows up from the chalkboard drawing of an eye - a shape we have seen and continue to see a lot throughout the course of this MV

And indeed, the spirits enter the scene shortly after as Xikers perform in what seems to be an abandoned warehouse

They circle them, crowding ever closer and speeding up until they've formed a full on storm

In its center, Hunter captures one of the wisps in his fist; it begins to glow - presumably, the other members did the same

This is them being chosen as the key players in TRICKY's newest game (see: The TRICKY's Secret, or for a more detailed explanation: Bonus 1 - TRICKY)

In the next verse, the lyrics shift from the present to their dreams for the future: getting attention, making it big in the music industry, feeling comfortable with being the center of attention, aiming for the stars

The spirits follow each of them individually as they move separately but the wisps shift from a more comic book style to the familiar blue fiery look as Xikers come back together and leap through the air in this gorgeous shot

As they perform in a large empty building with gray tile floors and glass walls and ceiling, another storm begins to brew and is quick to encase them fully

The lyrics shift to a darker, more vulnerable tone: "The scars I buried in my heart / And the past I hid / Can't kill me, can't stop me / Play the music louder"

Caught in the eye of the storm, they all begin to look up

Looking down at them is a blue iris, its pupil slitted like a cat's or snake's, likely belonging to Tricky who has chosen them to host these spirits as means of keeping him entertained for the foreseeable future

They've now become the key players in a planet-sized board game.

We get a close up of Hunter's eyes as the blue fire brims and overflows behind them - the spirit has become a part of him and the other members - their fates have now been sealed

[caramelmochacrow]

i know someone probably did this already but!! i screenshot-ed parts of the story where they talked about surprisingly important stuff when it comes to fic writing for these girls? like. how yoba academy works and how influential miyu, kurumi and miiko's families are.

i'll share it here so people can save the hassle of trying to find this info for their fics!!! (even tho a lot of people have probably read this before me)

extra stuff under the cut: (i ramble how the classes work and other things)

abyssmare's classes are:

neo - vocals class (same class as kyoko)

wero - performing arts class (same class as towa noa and ibuki)

elsie - media and arts class or regular class

sophia - media and arts class or regular class

im not sure on elsie and soap's since michiru hasn't stated what her class is at this point in time, i might learn what it is if i continue catching up w the story.

anyway! notes/how i think the classes work

media and arts (MnA to make my life easier) might have the same amount of education as art schools (since yoba used to be an art school) for the artists while for people like shinobu it must have something to do with learning how the entertainment industry works/how to get yourself to start somewhere in that industry.

shinobu being in the MnA rather than music must imply being in the music classes need you to use an instrument rather than how to compose music. (rei is the only person among the yoba units to play an instrument and is the only person in the music course)

regular course must mean the regular subjects for the students (academics and such) but from what i recall from the past events, area conversations, anime and manga the other classes still indulge in academics somewhat just not as much compared to those in the regular course.

peaky back in middle school must've originally chose the regular course before deciding to take up the MnA courses so it will help w performing/future careers. (kyoko = vocals, shinobu = MnA, yuka = video, esora = design)

esora taking up design implies that she is the one who makes the outfits of peaky and also because she's stage designer and negotiator for what/where their venues will be. (in road to d4fes she did set up a whole event by herself iirc)

lyrilily family/arisugawa/rich girl world notes

hayate and kokoa are rich yes but not AS rich compared to miyu kurumi and miiko. they must be around the same status as haruna's family.

miyu's family is the riches out of the four of them since kokoa specifically used the words 'former zaibatsu' to explain her status.

zaibatsu (literally wealthy clique or rich clan) is an industrial/financial integrated business who has an influence so huge over specific parts of japan's economy in WWII. this means that her family, the sakuradas, were super important back in the day, giving them a very heightened status in the business world.

miiko's father is the head of an international group company, so her connections are all over the world. (this is also the reason she knows so many languages)

kurumi's family is one of japan's biggest companies, it doesnt state it so but it might have a connection with technology or is something else entirely.

haruna's family seems to just have a lot of money or her family came from a very rich bloodline, either way, it seems her parents/family isnt known for anything notable that kokoa would remember compared to the other three. (this must be the reason why she acts so high class compared to the other lyrilily members, to fit in w these girls that have family w big and vast connections in different businesses)

the shimizus (esora's family) must be around the same influence as the sakuradas since yuka stated in the manga that she is super well known even among rich girls.

i guess this counts as me liveblogging huh. sorry.

[fibula-rasa]

Watch More Movies Notebook: July ‘24

Favorite New-to-me Films of the Month

(listed in order pictured above, L to R)

READ on BELOW the JUMP!

Highlights and Shadows (1938)

[letterboxd | GEM]

Industrial film commissioned by Eastman Kodak made by James Sibley Watson Jr. It’s not especially common for people to watch industrial films for entertainment—though if you grew up in the kitsch-crazed 1990s US, you may be more open minded to how enjoyable they can sometimes be. Highlights and Shadows has no kitsch or camp factor (Shake Hands with Danger (1975) it is not) but it is beautifully constructed. That comes as no surprise, really, since the project was headed by Watson, who previously made the avant-garde classics The Fall of the House of Usher (1928) and Lot in Sodom (1933). Aside from the exquisite cinematography and optical effects, I appreciated the film’s shared focus on finely-engineered technology and its human element—at one point even including a shot of a janitor at work.

——— ——— ———

Sailor Moon SuperS: The Movie: Black Dream Hole (1995)

[letterboxd | imdb]

In the final film accompanying the 1990s Sailor Moon series, Chibiusa makes another weird friend. This time it’s Perle, a fairy working for an evil space queen who wants to steal the power of children’s dreams for her Black Dream Hole. This is my favorite of the Sailor Moon films we’ve watched because it has heavy Little Nemo vibes! 

——— ——— ———

A Day in Santa Fe (1931)

[letterboxd | imdb]

A charming entry in the discourse of the city symphony genre. I’m a big fan of city films, but hadn’t heard of this one before reading Lovers of Cinema this past month. Initially I wrote a whole page of notes about this film and how it sits in conversation with the films that inspired it, but decided that should be a bigger conversation for another time here on the blog! That said, A Day in Santa Fe is a often cheeky response to the urbanity of most of the other city films and, if you’re familiar with the genre, it’s worth checking out.

——— ——— ———

Bewitched Matches / Les Allumettes ensorcelées (1913)

[letterboxd | imdb]

Short part-animated/part-live action from Émile Cohl. Three girls invite a witch into their home hoping she will tell their fortunes. When their father comes home, he rudely kicks the witch out and she places a curse on his matches, of all things, which take on a life of their own.

——— ——— ———

Manhandled (1924)

[letterboxd | imdb]

Swanson was such a complete movie star. Contemporary critics of Swanson’s silent film work seemed to think her appeal was entirely based on her ability to wear extravagant outfits well, but she had the skill to do a little bit of everything. It was fun to see a film where Swanson gets to mix relatability, dramatic skill, comedic chops, and, of course, a chance to wear some wild getups. 

All in all, it was an enjoyable film and Swanson has good chemistry in particular with Lilyan Tashman and Frank Morgan. However, I did find the conflict between her and her boyfriend at the climax to be a little forced (it feels like he knows her better than to jump to such rude conclusions, no?)

——— ——— ———

Rich (1983)

[letterboxd | imdb | UCLA Youtube]

A student film by UCLA alum S. Torriano Berry and restored by UCLA graduate student Gabz Norte. What a cool project to have current students restore the work of former students! While Rich is very much a student film, I found it to be thoughtful and wholesome in equal measure. (I do have a soft spot for films shot in and around Watts tho!)

——— ——— ———

The Salvation Hunters (1925)

[letterboxd | imdb]

Josef von Sternberg’s first film as a director, which I also watched because of Lovers of Cinema. Very cool how Salvation Hunters plays at social commentary with the devices of typical Hollywood storytelling and story flow almost bordering on dream logic. In some ways it felt like a presage to Fellini’s work. In short, I loved it.

——— ——— ———

The Devil’s Dance / La Danse du diable (1904) 

[letterboxd | imdb]

Very short dance film about a little green devil (who might be fart powered?) and the visions he summons. Visual interest added by Velle shooting entirely from an overhead angle.

——— ——— ———

My Brother’s Wedding (1983)

[letterboxd | imdb | Kanopy (US)]

Watched this film after logging Rich on letterboxd, as another user had brought up this My Brother’s Wedding as similar to Rich. It’s always interesting when artists working the same time/place/industry will weigh in on subjects relevant to them in their own unique ways, but convergences and divergences of perspective emerge. Anywho, the neo-realist element was really well executed and I appreciated all the bits of character-based humour both as enhancement of the realism and as variation of tone. (TBH I was hooting every time the 30-year-old Pierce started wrassling with his elderly father! Like, it’s funny, but it also communicates where Pierce is at in his life and his dynamic with his parents!)

——— ——— ———

As always, if any of these films catch your eye, but you need specific trigger/content warnings, don’t hesitate to ask for them!

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Monthly Round-up

I apologize for how informal/unedited these notes are for my favorite new-to-me films this month, but I’m playing catch up since I spent the beginning of the month ill! Said illness is also why my Salomé cosplay and essay isn’t up yet! 

I spent most of the past month researching and—though it remains to be seen if it will be for better or worse—my Salomé work will probably be in two parts. The first part will likely be up in the next few days! I ended up discovering so many interesting things behind the most commonly repeated ideas about Salomé that it would be way too much for one post!

As I mentioned in the notes above, I read Lovers of Cinema this past month and it gave me quite a few ideas for posts. One of which will likely be up this month: a watchalong a la the “Film Comedy’s Eves” post from a few months back. It’s a very accessible read if you’d like to learn more about the world of avant-garde/independent/experimental cinema of the US in the first half of the 20th century! 

Now, while I spent most of my blogging time this past month falling down numerous research holes, I did manage to put some themed gif and still sets together:

Sun, Moon, and Feather (1989)

[which I talked about in last month’s round-up]

Manhandled (1924)

Losing Ground (1982)

La Danse du diable (1904)

Highlights and Shadows (1938)

Blue Blood / Sangue blu (1914)

Lot in Sodom (1933)

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Well, thank you all for your patience with the Salomé cosplay getting so drawn out, and stay tuned for part one soon!

Happy viewing!

☕Appreciate my work? Buy me a coffee! ☕

[applescabs]

I was tagged by my buddy @phoenixfangs so lets goooo

Are you named after anyone? I've heard this story a buncha times so I'm pretty sure my mom got my birth name from a singer. She heard it on tv and liked it a lot, back then it wasn't a very common name in my country. My names as of now are 50/50, Tom didn't come from anyone but Teddie was 100% something I picked up from Teddie p4, hahah.

When was the last time you cried? Last Sunday when I rewatched ep 11 of Bucchigiri. especially during the part where Zabu got the absolute shit beaten out of him. Finn came home right after that and doesn't understand that one of the big points of media is to reach you emotionally, so he thought it was weird that I was crying.

Do you have kids? Nah, but I'd like to some day, if fate allows it.

Do you use sarcasm a lot? Not nearly as much as I used to, because most of my friends are autistic and don't get it most of the time, so I just end up upsetting them whenever I do use it. Being sincere is much more fun anyways.

What sports do you play? None, but I would love to swim or ice skate (or, hell, do some skiing). Neither are really possible for me atm, unfortunately (do you have any idea how expensive skiing is btw. it's crazy). When I was a kid I did gymnastics and streetdance, I also played tennis briefly as a teen, but had to quit due to a lack of people in my age group playing at that club.

What’s the first thing you notice about people? I usually take note of how someone dresses and does their hair. Ever notice how dull most people's clothes are? I like seeing styles that stand out.

What’s your eye colour? Brown, it's not a particularly dark shade, but I wouldn't call it hazel (my dad has hazel eyes though).

Scary movies or happy endings? This ones a little... vague? But I guess if I had to choose... I wouldn't. I don't care about genre or what type of emotional impact it has, as long as it's coherent and entertaining in its own right. (That doesn't mean I don't care about quality btw. I literally just. watch anything and judge it for what it is.)

Any special talents? I'm a boss at packing in groceries quickly and efficiently. Not a talent that everyone possesses, I've learned (sorry Minke <3).

Where were you born? Netherlands babeyyy ✌ North-Holland to be a bit more precise. I lived next to a dyke (not that kind) so I got the real under-sea-level experience. I still live around the area but not in my hometown anymore.

What are your hobbies? Drawing, (writing?), translation and the nuances that come with it, watching movies, tv shows, animes, cartoons, playing video games, reading books, comics and manga. (and then talking about cinematography, parallels, themes, symbolism and the likes) I also collect soda cans (+ the occasional glass bottle), candy packaging, and anime figurines + other merch.

Do you have any pets? My little baby Jody (dog) who I've had since I was 7 years old! She's about to have her sweet 16 on the 23rd (that's in 2 weeks!) she's getting blind and deaf as hell but she's still lively and sweet as ever <3 And my sweet Tiger of course, who's of undetermined age (around 8/9 the vet said) and currently living with my good friend Minke and their 2 other cats (he does not like them) and dog (he is ok with her). He's not with me rn because my mom's bf is allergic, unfortunately.

How tall are you? 1 meter 59. that single centimeter haunts me. I would've also preferred an additional 10 as well.

Favourite subject in school? Art history used to my favourite in high school, and when I was in film school for a brief period I loved film history. I just love anything pertaining to the arts and it's history that involves analysing and comparing it to other time periods, really.

Dream job? I wanna be someone's househusband and make a buncha weird art on the side. Not kidding btw. But if I had to choose a more conventional dream job... it had to be something in the creative or design industry, otherwise I'll probably die of unhappiness.

tageroonie @kuwupikaa @sunflowermews @xrd @isleofair @spunktrumpetsasara and uhhh other mutuals who feel inclined to do this 👉👈

[unovampire]

𝔙𝔞𝔪𝔭𝔦𝔯𝔦𝔰𝔪 - Yes, Grimsley is an actual vampire.

And he’s quite old! Not ancient by lore standards, but, at the age of 33, he underwent the vampiric transformation somewhere between the tail end of the Industrial Revolution, and Galar’s equivalent of the Victorian era, putting Grimsley’s true age at just under 200 years.

Over the years, he has held many different jobs, taken on various identities, played with his gender, and blended into society. For the most part, he does not struggle to live comfortably; currently, Grimsley is able to live out his days in a chateau in northern Unova, where his family owns a winery. The wine business has been in his family’s name for generations, even during the Unovan prohibition— where he played a hand in smuggling booze for the family business and running speakeasies. Truthfully, the winery allows Grimsley to ‘cover-up’ his vampiric nature, and he uses it as a gathering spot for others of sanguinary persuasion. Along with the winery, Grimsley carries on his duties as a member of the Unovan Elite Four, and occasionally can be seen dealing cards at a casino in Nimbasa City.

There are so many different ways to structure vampire lore and worldbuilding, and, in order to respect everybody’s visions, I am more than happy to accommodate others’ ideas! I do believe that there are different laws and biology for vampires depending on culture and species. Grimsley’s abilities and limitations will be unique to him, and to those related to his “flock.”

YES, he is a sanguinary vampire, which means he drinks the blood of human beings.

NO, he does not drink the blood of Pokémon or animals, this is not Twilight.

YES, he is nocturnal, and rises no earlier than 5 in the afternoon.

NO, he will not immediately succumb to death under the sun’s rays. Prolonged exposure to the sun does cause weaken him, and his Pokémon, immensely however, and causes him to age over time and look sickly. Spending time out of the sun, and taking on extra meals, helps him recover.

YES, he is undead.

NO, him biting you does not automatically turn you into a vampire. Both vampire and host must swap blood in order for a transformation to occur.

YES, he has the ability of night vision and heightened senses in order to survive as a nocturnal being.

NO, he does not transform into a million Zubats.

YES, he has favorite blood flavors! Blood type, hormone content, health and personality of the host influences the flavor.

NO, he will NOT drink the blood of those who cannot consent.

YES, he has transformed a few people into vampires before.

NO, he is not willing to transform people just by request, and will not even entertain it if the person in question is a minor, or is not sound of mind enough to make such a decision.

Grimsley does have one additional, unique ability: Luck and misfortune are able to be used as a commodity by Grimsley. Once every lunar cycle, he can take somebody’s good luck, and use it as his own. However, come the beginning of the next lunar cycle, he has to take somebody’s bad luck, and so on and so forth. This is an ability that Grimsley used a lot more in his younger years as a sanguine, but he seldom takes advantage of it now— unless, of course, there’s a high stakes black jack tournament on the line.

Who knows that Grimsley is a vampire???? Most of the Unovan league officials. It is not the most absurd thing to come out of Unova, after all. In a world full of incredible technology and magic beyond comprehension, a creature like a vampire is not such a heavily guarded secret, nor a major shock,— but the actual society supporting vampires stays strictly underground, due to some of the “illegal” means that some take in order to get drunk on blood.

[beardedmrbean]

Sorry, I just saw this old tweet, and it like pre women kings probably

https://x.com/copicsquiddo/status/1381723968713986048?s=46

Roots? What roots? The Dahomey intentionally made sure the ancestors were we mainly came minds were too damage. Actually I heard that Dahomey slaves had to walk around a certain tree part of their ritual.

I was thinking about a story where an African villain try that “we are brothers” thing to a black American and the black American goes

“As soon as my Yoruba ancestors walked around that tree so the Dahomey could get more guns. We lost all ties to Africa.”

And the villain eyes widen when he realize “the false Eden” trick people like him used on my community is lost steam and we are learning the truth

I wonder how in 40 years, people will be shocked how I treat African cultures and people…like human beings. And don’t have the pan Africa mentality

And I’m might have to tell them a very old comedy anime (by then) about stereotypical personifications of countries named Hetalia. And a historical fiction with scifi elements and a secret war make appreciate real life cultures more than college educated people

Of course that not the sole reason, as I was able to take to people from different parts of the world and got a close mutual that really made me realize my American identity

And the Yoruba….okay probably my depression…it’s a bit…painful at first researching their culture because realizing how you are an alien to the group most of your genome came from. I mean it’s not their fault (we decided to lionized the bastards who cause it in the first place for “girl power”)

But it’s a different culture and I must acknowledge it

You know I was asking my Mexican mutual why I don’t have the same entitlement or insufferable attitude towards Africa like many other black Americans. Of course not all are like that

But if you say you want to go back to the motherland to me. I presume you mean Alabama or Nebraska for that where my family is at

And I’m midwestern living in the Chicago area working at Amazon. These people in the entertainment industry lives in California and NYC. They can talk to direct native Africans and tribes on a silver platter

But they refuse to then or collab and continue this 10 year old bitter understanding of Africa

Tbh…I think because a lot of black Americans ADULTS think their shitty pubic education spark notes of African history. And refuse to grow up

A plenty of genuine Africans would gladly teach us about their culture and maybe people like me who want to learn what my Africans ancestors did before the chains.

But black Americans activists, yes I’m talking to YOU

Stop having TANTRUMS because Africans ain’t going to treat you why kids gloves.

Hard to show empathy to a group that knowingly get diamonds and nikes from child run mines and workshops

But cool ac collab

https://x.com/assassinscreed/status/1784613564335956281?s=46

Omg imagine telling your friends in the 90’s, a institute would use a video game to help show the visuals of 9th century Baghdad

I like to think that some people actually took the time to learn about themselves and their roots as a result of that one, just like several other bits of media.

I also like to think some of those people got a rude awakening about the history of various peoples and cultures in Africa, and I do hope they kept on learning after that instead of putting the book down and choosing ignorance.

I was thinking about a story where an African villain try that “we are brothers” thing to a black American and the black American goes “As soon as my Yoruba ancestors walked around that tree so the Dahomey could get more guns. We lost all ties to Africa.” And the villain eyes widen when he realize “the false Eden” trick people like him used on my community is lost steam and we are learning the truth

You're gonna have the hoteps awful mad with that, but then again they reject any reality that's not the false one they've created for themselves and no amount of evidence will get through their heads anyhow.

I wonder how in 40 years, people will be shocked how I treat African cultures and people…like human beings. And don’t have the pan Africa mentality

in 40 years I hope more people will have figured that all out, throwing off the victim mentality isn't gonna be super easy tho

And I’m might have to tell them a very old comedy anime (by then) about stereotypical personifications of countries named Hetalia. And a historical fiction with scifi elements and a secret war make appreciate real life cultures more than college educated people

I've heard of that one and seen stuff from it too.

Of course that not the sole reason, as I was able to take to people from different parts of the world and got a close mutual that really made me realize my American identity

American identity is complicated at times, always remember we eat borgar everything else can be secondary.

And the Yoruba….okay probably my depression…it’s a bit…painful at first researching their culture because realizing how you are an alien to the group most of your genome came from. I mean it’s not their fault (we decided to lionized the bastards who cause it in the first place for “girl power”) But it’s a different culture and I must acknowledge it

Ya I wouldn't know what to do if I went where my DNA says I'm from, one of those weird things about being American.

And I’m midwestern living in the Chicago area working at Amazon. These people in the entertainment industry lives in California and NYC. They can talk to direct native Africans and tribes on a silver platter But they refuse to then or collab and continue this 10 year old bitter understanding of Africa

I'm still waiting on the next chapter of the Captain Alex series to come out of Wakaliwood.

And yes, you'd think they'd go and actually talk to these people, problem with the American audience is they generally speaking don't know Bantu from Yoruba to Zulu ect so mushing them all together won't register to most of the audience and it's cheaper for the studio.

A plenty of genuine Africans would gladly teach us about their culture and maybe people like me who want to learn what my Africans ancestors did before the chains.

That was one of the nice things about the Disney park I worked at, they had "ambassadors" from various parts of Africa in the Africa section who's only job was to talk about where they're from, lot of South Africans since English was needed, but there were others too, Asia had that too.

But black Americans activists, yes I’m talking to YOU Stop having TANTRUMS because Africans ain’t going to treat you why kids gloves. Hard to show empathy to a group that knowingly get diamonds and nikes from child run mines and workshops

Sadly the Americanization of the globe marches on, some African countries asking for reparations, which the proper response is go talk to the people that sold you and get your money from them, which works for both us over here and them over there.

If Benin tried to claim some sort of reparations I would hope everyone would laugh in their face, they're the successor to the Dahomey empire, they owe the money not the other way around.

Oh that's cool

Omg imagine telling your friends in the 90’s, a institute would use a video game to help show the visuals of 9th century Baghdad

They do love their accuracy, gonna have to look this up go see them there Hanging Gardens of Babylon and all that good stuff.

[nflstreetsanimereviews]

Spring 2023 Anime First Impressions

Below is a list of eight anime that I am watching this season, and my impressions of them so far. I'd also like to say I'm watching the second season of Mahoyome, but I don't think it's necessary to write about it, considering it's a sequel.

Oshi no Ko

To say that Oshi no Ko is the anime to watch this season would be an understatement. The first episode, which has an extended runtime of 82 minutes, is quite possibly one of the best first episodes of an anime that I’ve ever seen. Of course, with around four times the time to air–Oshi no Ko had to justify its feature-length first episode. If it was just average, then what was the point? Thankfully, Oshi no Ko more than justifies the dramatic entrance. The sky-high average rating (89%), while a good omen, seemed like a bit much considering the show just started, but after finally watching it, I can understand why someone would rate it that high. I’m saving my rating until the anime finishes however.

The long run time is only part of why Oshi no Ko was so well received. The stylistic choices (a part brought over by the manga) set it apart from the onset. It really captures the vibe of what an ‘idol’ idealistically is. Considering that Hoshino Ai is the ideal idol, it’s a perfect match. Art isn’t what the only thing that Oshi no Ko has going for it. The story contained within the first episode is a whirlwind. It’s astounding that Oshi no Ko can contain so many various themes and time skips and still maintain to be gripping. It’s not easy for a show to be compelling while essentially being Rugrats at the same time. Oshi no Ko also ‘keeps it real’ in relation to the entertainment industry, and isn’t afraid to show the dark side of fandom. Wrap it all up together, and you have one the best first episodes to an anime in recent memory. Oshi no Ko is from the same mangaka that wrote Kaguya-sama: Love is War–I never got into Kaguya-sama, but Oshi no Ko had me drawn in within the first twenty minutes.

The synopsis for Oshi no Ko does it no favors–I had no idea what the show was going to be about from reading it, which, if you think about it, was actually a good thing. Maybe I’m just a moron. If you really care, you can read it here. As for the time being, it seems that the story has calmed down in the sense that time skips aren’t going to happen as frequently. I don’t know really since I’m an anime-only. With that comes the inevitable coming back down to earth, which is not all that surprising considering that not every episode can have the budget and runtime the first episode did. This isn’t Band of Brothers unfortunately. That being said, the fact that I was spoiled on the ending of the first episode and it still managing to be something that upset me says a lot about the quality of Oshi no Ko. If I had to pick one anime this season to watch, it would be this. It’s the only anime this season that I like enough to pick up the manga.

Skip to Loafer (Skip and Loafer)

Mitsumi Iwakura is born to lead!...no wait, sorry, that sounds too presumptuous…Mitsumi Iwakura wants to lead the charge to make the world a better place…or at least her dinky rural hometown that doesn’t even have a train station. Mitsumi is already a straight-A student, but being from rural Japan, she needs to move to Tokyo if she wants any chance of achieving her goals. Before she attends Tokyo University and becomes a politician/bureaucrat, she moves to Tokyo to go to high school.

On her first day, she gets lost on her way to school in the Tokyo subway system. Being not accustomed to ‘city life’, her only saving grace is Sousuke Shima, fellow classmate, who is late as well. He offers to show her the way to their school, which is the beginning of their rather unlikely friendship.

Shima, who’s a former child actor and has the ‘aloof shoujo male lead’ thing down pat, finds comfort in being friends with someone like Mitsumi–someone who’s good-natured, albeit being very naive and a bit of a square as well. Their friendship, while seemingly unlikely, isn’t hamfisted in any sense. Skip and Loafer is a coming-of-age story that has left a smile on most viewers' faces, mine included. It’s an overused word, but Skip and Loafer has been genuinely wholesome so far, which is good since I don’t know if Mitsumi could handle being in a more melodramatic show. The anime sites seem to compare this to Kimi ni Todoke, which I understand at first glance–they’re both similar shows, but they aren’t clones. Mitsumi is a book-smart dunce–you know, like most teenagers that aspire to a future in politics. However, unlike most teenagers that aspire to a future in politics, Mitsumi is a good person, which is why someone like Shima and many others at Mitsumi’s new high school are friends with her. Skip and Loafer is a good watch.

Kimi wa Houkago Insomnia (Insomniacs After School)

Ganta Nakami suffers from insomnia, which causes him to act irritable and antisocial at school. One day, while scavenging cardboard boxes from the abandoned and ‘haunted’ Astronomy Club observatory, he finds Isaki Magari, sleeping inside a toppled locker inside the clubroom.

Magari, as it turns out, also has insomnia, and the observatory is her getaway. It’s the perfect place to hide away, since sounds from the outside world are blocked out, and because it has a reputation for being ‘haunted’, meaning that it most likely won’t get used as a hang-out spot by other students. Together, they decide to transform the vacant observatory into the perfect place to sleep…that is, until they get caught. In order to keep their ‘secret’ place, they restart the Astronomy Club.

For a slice-of-life, Insomniacs After School manages to be interesting while not having needless drama. The romance seems to be intended to be more of a slow burn–which is perfectly fine with me, considering there’s already romance anime I’m watching this season that has gotten to the point where the main couple is engaged. This anime, while sharing the same theme as Call of the Night, doesn’t share many other themes. The romance, while being a slow burn, does have an obvious path, unlike Call of the Night. I’m honestly really liking this show so far if not only because each episode I’ve seen so far has managed to be interesting in different ways. While Call of the Night was mainly about vampires, Insomniacs After School is going all in on Ganta and Magari taking astronomy seriously. Photography as well. Since I haven’t read any of the manga, I don’t know which of the themes will win out. One thing is that I’ll be watching, since I’ve really liked it so far.

Ao no Orchestra (The Blue Orchestra)

Ao no Orchestra’s entry in this list is a miracle of modern technology. Due to it not being licensed to release in America, the only way of watching it right now is through watching fansubs. And not those ‘fansub’ groups that rip subtitles from Crunchyroll/Funimation/etc. and call it a day–this is the first time I’ve downloaded an anime from a ‘group’ that was formed ad-hoc for an anime in a very long time. It’s a shame too, since I think Ao no Orchestra deserves better than that.

Ao no Orchestra stars violin prodigy Hajime Aono, who stopped playing due to personal reasons. One day at school, he hears the sound of the violin being played horribly. He discovers that Ritsuko Akine is the one polluting the air with her noise. She uses the school infirmary as a practice room–a room that Aono is familiar with himself, being a frequent visitor. Through their mutual love for the violin, Aono finds himself being drawn back to playing. Akine, who is only a beginner, wants Aono to teach her how to play. Aono, who isn’t too thrilled by her forceful attempts to get him to play, nonetheless starts teaching her how to play.

Despite the show being uniquely difficult to obtain, it maintains to be worth the hassle. The British slang does take you by surprise, yes, but maybe if you wait enough, a company will license it and you can watch it on Crunchyroll. Or maybe you can wait until someone else decides to translate it. Or you could just learn Japanese, so you wouldn’t have to deal with this anyways, but that would be too much work. Ao no Orchestra 

Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Bakuen wo! (Konosuba: Megumin Edition)

If you hated every other Konosuba character except for Megumin, are interested in her backstory, or just find the series funny, then Konosuba: Megumin Edition (calling it this because there’s no separate abbreviation for this spin-off and calling it  ‘Konosuba Season 3’ would be lying…wait, how about Konomegu? No? Okay…) is right up your alley.

This spin-off takes place a year before Kazuma and Aqua are isekaied into the Konosuba world and follows Megumin in her studies to be able to cast Explosion magic, an extremely offensive magic that has little utility other than blowing areas up into smithereens. Anyone whose seen Konosuba knows what I’m talking about. With Megumin is fellow Crimson Magic Clan member Yunyun, who shares a main role with Megumin and is together with her in being the two top students in their class.

Even if this is the first Konosuba-related thing you’ve watched, I believe that you’ll have a good time. It’s way less of a bait-and-switch than the first episode of Konosuba was. Pure comedy with none of the lewdness. Megumin is probably the funniest character in my opinion as well, making this a must watch.

Yamada-kun to Lv999 no Koi wo Suru

Imagine being dumped for a girl that your boyfriend met in a video game–Akane Kinoshita doesn’t have to! Being a novice gamer, her sour experience with the MMO Forest Of Savior (FOS) is almost enough to put her off of gaming forever…that is, until she meets Yamada; fellow guildmate who also happens to live in the same area as Akane. He’s also a pro gamer (in a non-descript FPS game), which makes him somewhat of a celebrity among gamers locally.

Yamada-kun is shaping up to be your prototypical shoujo anime–it’s something to watch if you’re into that sort of stuff. I’d like to see more about what Yamada does, being a ‘pro gamer’ and all, but I doubt we’ll ever get to see anything more than surface-level. It’s a shoujo anime, so the romance is what the people are here for. If it does that well, then there’s really nothing else it has to do. It is what it is.

Not much to say about the show since it’s pretty straightforward with what it is. I’m having a good time with it, and I’m not the target audience. 

Kawaisugi Crisis! (Too Cute Crisis!)

Too Cute Crisis! is a very straightforward anime–Liza Luna, who is a research scientist and a higher-up in the invading alien empire (I forgot the name of it) discovers Earth. She wants to destroy it, but not without doing reconnaissance first.

She arrives in Japan, where she is ‘attacked’ by the cuteness of Earth’s creatures. Liza is mesmerized by the cuteness of cats (and dogs too), so much so that it paralyzes and makes her docile to the cat she adopts. In all of her time conquering planets, she has never seen anything as cute as a cat before. The cuteness of an animal that can’t be controlled makes her believe that cats are the secret rulers of Earth…and she might just be right.

This is by far the most lighthearted show I’m watching this season–anything with cats or any other furry pets really is cheating! The fact that everyone seems to chill with an alien race potentially razing Earth a la General Sherman is a bit odd, but it’s not like Too Cute Crisis! is focusing on that. Liza being an alien has made for good gags so far. I’ve had some laughs from Too Cute Crisis! so far, but I have a feeling that this show is going to end up being forgettable. It’s the catch with these types of shows. It's a show reliant on the jokes hitting. And currently, they're hitting often enough to justify continuing watching.

Otonari ni Ginga (A Galaxy Next Door)

Mangaka Ichirou Kuga is barely making ends meet–ever since their father died, he’s had to support his two younger siblings on his own with the earnings from drawing manga. He’s also the landlord of a social apartment (an apartment house with a common area), where he, his siblings, and several other people live in. There are no bad landlords in anime, unless if needed to advance the plot.

When he’s just about to miss a deadline, Shiori Goshiki applies to be his new assistant (his last two left to pursue their own dreams). Goshiki, despite only knowing about manga for a year, is excellent at her job as a manga assistant–excellent to the point where it’s otherworldly. Funnily enough, turns out that Goshiki IS from another world…well, from a shooting star but you get my point. They’re both unwillingly betrothed to each other when Kuga accidentally touches her stinger.

The fact that she’s an alien seems not to phase Kuga that much. I guess it’s okay when the alien is great at her job and a sweetheart to boot. Of the two anime I’m watching this season featuring a conventionally attractive alien woman, A Galaxy Next Door is by far the more serious one. Like Too Cute Crisis!, A Galaxy Next Door might end up being forgettable. It’s the way it’s shaping up so far. It isn’t that bad–just a bit dull so far. A standard supernational romance anime. Take it or leave it.

[asianpopfan]

Just saw that on Weverse, there is already a voting poll for R U Next? Which makes extremely annoyed.

They obviously want to rely on the public’s favourites, not even showing anything worthy longer than 1:30 seconds of their skills combined. (They are 22 people and 1 minute trailer for all them together!)

What is there exactly to vote at all? This is just giving a push to those who probably have pretty and/or foreigner privilege. Yes, foreigner privilege because although they might not have advantages such as being considered a real Korean even if they lived in SK for 15 years and are ethnically SKorean, they are seen as exotic, cool if they come from the USA and as I see it a lot of kpop fans focus a lot on their idols anglophone nationality and their habits and accents. Don’t get me wrong, there will be more disadvantages more often than not, but you can’t deny that the SKorean contestant from USA might probably have a lot of “unserious” followers who will make funny compilations of her and paint her as more “mature” overall.

Are we supposed to vote for who we relate the more in terms of MBTI, favourite animal or food?

Maybe they want to have an excuse to eliminate the 12 year old contestant as people seem unhappy with her age and avoid later backlash. Maybe they want to put her at disadvantage before they even begin knowing that at least 50% won’t vote for her and hope she gets last in voting so if she ever has chances to debut, she might not due to it being harder for her???

At the end of the day the most sensed plausible explanation is that they want us to vote for who has the best aura, not in a pretty privilege type of way but in a literal tarot reading type. I don’t even believe in it but what else do they want us to vote?!?!

Because kpop is very aesthetically based so of course the essences the contestants give off is more eye catching at first impression.

I do not trust the voters who are happy with doing the poll. I never trust pre debut fans before they even show anything. Being a survival show fan ,supporter and follower of the group is different from being a fan of something that doesn’t exist and you have absolutely no conceptual idea of yet.

Will they stay if they turn out unpleasant post debut? For example ZB1 has supporters and followers (I get it!) but they have also fans who are already catching up fights with other fandoms (As seen against BoyNextDoor) , keep in mind that BND debuted about 1 month ago and ZB1 still hasn’t released their debut album/single trailer yet! We don’t know how their music will be! It’s also always the kpop fans who complain about music not being the “center” of the industry who act like that and shame others for not liking quality music, what music do you even have? NMiXX is instead the one group that shockingly disappointed the entire industry because they have have content and stunning skill demonstrations since a year before debut but their music was so…eccentric that people were harassing JYP Entertainment.

Seems like a lot of people (at least active in western social medias) have voted for the oldest contestant as a way to promote her but part of me feels like this is also wrong because I get the intention but what if she is not deserving of it??? Seriously, giving a place out of pity or as a “political” move/rebellion won’t benefit the deserving contestants. This is an important career decision, we could make or ‘not’ them. Let’s not play games in such shows. At the end of the day we don’t know about her any more than the others. Was she the one who trained with Le Sserafim? She might also have an advantage as the LSS fanbase might support her + LSS fans are at least neutral on their own members age and won’t have a single problem with her.

[stagefullofentertainment]

Songs for Hazbin Hotel Characters (Playlists Series) PART 4

What to do when you’re feeling not so great, maybe melancholic or sad, yet still crave some comedy? Well, do I have a show to offer? Course I do! It features amazing music as well! This part is all about the wonderful musical world of “BoJack Horseman” animated series!

I really love this show! It made my last year more bearable. It’s the perfect kind of show for adults that really talks about the problems that many of us face later in life, heck, maybe now, and who are not only about dirty jokes, drugs and violence. I mean, the show does feature those 3 but it doesn’t take all the focus. If you know, you know. I would really recommend giving it a chance!

As for today, I shall be sharing my opinions on Hazbin characters’ opinions on the “BoJack Horseman”, give them one song to add in their own playlists and give a character that they might relate to a certain aspect.  

VAGGIE

She is the one who will most likely enjoy this show. The darkness featured in it, whether it be the dark humour, worst possible characters’ decisions, the tone itself. She would indulge in it, I’m sure! A perfect show for her to spend some time relaxing after doing loads of work or from just hearing Angel talk non – stop all day. Soft moments that the show gives also help the case.  

“I guess that’s just me, honey, I guess that’s how I’m built; I try to tell you I love you and it comes out all sick”.

Kin character: Kelsey Jannings. Powerful woman in day – to – day life.

HUSK

This man loves dark stuff, you cannot prove me otherwise. Husk had lived a hard life and the afterlife did not make it easier. He had seen his fair share of humanity’s darkness, so much so, that he became kind of numb to it. Seeing it play out in the animated style, tugs on Husk’s heart strings. He will never admit, but some of the characters’ arcs makes him feel things that he thought he had long forgotten.

“We were meant to let ourselves into, let it go; Never wanted to be here”.

Kin character: Bits of BoJack Horseman and Eddie (The Dragonfly). Drunk and depressed aspects are at play there.

ALASTOR

Yes, we know that he dislikes television but that does not mean that he cannot have a guilty pleasure. I believe that he would find some interest in this show. It is about entertainment industry after all. Plus, Alastor could learn a thing or two about nowadays movie industry, plus some things about mental illness. Enlightenment on his part, if you will.

“But they'll never know the pain; Of living with a name you never owned. Or the many years forgetting, what you know too well, that you who gave the crown, have been let down”.

Kin character: Princess Carolyn. Love the character who gets shit done and is exceptionally good at her job.

ANGEL

Angel would be 50/50 about this show. He would love its darkness and Hollywood, but a lot of characters would be too irritating for him to watch. He definitely would point fingers to his friends after some situation had happened on screen and say “That’s you!”

“You'll find me; In a sea of dreams; Where no one cares about my words”.

Kin character: Sarah Lynn. He would relate to her story so much.  

CHARLIE

Charlie would not enjoy this show too much. Aside from great mental illness and struggles that come with it representation, she wouldn’t care too much of it. It’s too real for her and Charlie wishes to escape from reality more often than to watch something that closely resembles it.

“I want you close, I want you; I won't treat you like you're typical; I want you close, I want you; I won't treat you like you're typical”.

Kin character: Todd Chavez, more so in the later seasons. Sunshine who has a bit of sadness hidden.

NIFFTY

Not her type of show. Too little real love, too much of heart ships. Too much depression, too little actual joy. Niffty does not want to sit around and watch those kinds of shows.  

“Open my love (I'm giving up); Try to run (I'm giving up); Take my heart, it's hanging out against the wind”.

Kin character: Wanda Pierce. That “red flags” line would hit her close to home.

That’s my takes and the end of part 4. I tell you, friends, this was a sensational part of my Playlist series. I may not be The Horse from Horsin’ Around, but I’m glad that you have spent some time with me!

[the-manwich-horror]

I think the reblogs make very good points, but I would take issue with a couple of the ideas within the original article. While there is an abdication of a lot of adult responsibility, I don't think there is a meaningful correlation between that and the breakdown of the industrial era stark division between acceptable entertainment for adults and children. It is tempting to say that the issue is only engaging with childish media, but frankly, even when fantasy, science fiction, and animation were largely labeled "kids' stuff", adults weren't mostly reading Proust and Marx. I don't think there is a big moral difference between very into General Hospital or the NFL and being into Pokemon or Narnia.

The article touches on the breakdown of the typical milestones of adulthood due to economic shifts, but I think that is also why adults feel less stigmatized clinging onto "childish" things. the aesthetic appeal of adulthood is largely in its ability to serve as an indicator of personal independence and attainment. When that isn't available, people losing interest in those signifiers isn't terribly surprising.

I'll admit the open embrace of children's media as major interests by adults does feel strange and a bit uncomfortable to me. But I think that has more to do with my age and the culture I grew up in than any real problem on their part.

Of course, to the rest of the points made, about the willingness to accept passivity, to reject agency, and to refuse to engage in conflict, those are entirely valid. But I think they have a lot more to do with society wide trauma than what people are watching or reading.

This was an interesting article to read. I think it's a little simple but still fun to skim thru.

[vfx-editor]

Is studying VFX worth it?

Visual effects or VFX have revolutionized the entertainment industry over the past few decades. VFX has made it possible to bring the impossible to life on the screen, from bringing dinosaurs to the big screen to creating the most realistic explosions ever seen.

It has become a critical part of the filmmaking process, and its demand is only increasing. However, for those considering studying VFX, the question remains: is it worth it?

What is VFX?

VFX is the art of creating computer-generated imagery (CGI) that enhances the visual aspects of a film, TV show, or video game. VFX can range from simple adjustments to complex and realistic simulations. For example, it can be as simple as adjusting the color of a shot, adding a background, or even removing an unwanted object from a scene. At the same time, it can be as complex as creating realistic simulations of natural disasters, creating aliens, or bringing historical events to life.

The Role of VFX in the Entertainment Industry:

VFX has become an essential part of the entertainment industry over the past few decades. It has enabled filmmakers and game developers to create stunning visual experiences that were previously impossible. It has revolutionized the way stories are told on the big screen, and it has also opened up new opportunities for artists and designers to showcase their skills.

The use of VFX is not limited to Hollywood blockbusters. It has become an integral part of TV shows, commercials, and video games. The demand for skilled VFX artists and designers is increasing, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

Studying VFX:

Studying VFX is a great way to enter the entertainment industry. There are several paths to consider, from attending a traditional college or university to attending a specialized VFX school or boot camp. However, it is essential to understand that studying VFX is not easy. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion.

Skills Required:

VFX requires a diverse skill set. It is not just about knowing how to use software like Adobe After Effects, Nuke, or Maya. It requires an understanding of film theory, lighting, color theory, and even physics. It also requires a strong foundation in traditional art skills like drawing, painting, and sculpture.

The job of a VFX artist involves working in a team, communicating with directors and producers, and understanding the story and vision behind the project. Therefore, having good communication and interpersonal skills is also important.

Types of VFX Programs:

There are different types of VFX programs available to choose from. These include:

Bachelor's Degree in VFX: A bachelor's degree program in VFX is a four-year program that provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the fundamentals of VFX. It includes courses in film theory, traditional art skills, 3D modeling, compositing, and animation.

Master's Degree in VFX: A master's degree program in VFX is a two-year program that provides students with advanced training in VFX. It includes courses in advanced compositing techniques, motion graphics, visual storytelling, and advanced 3D modeling.

Bootcamps: Bootcamps are intensive training programs that provide students with the skills required to enter the industry quickly. These programs are typically shorter than traditional degree programs, ranging from a few weeks to several months.

Online Courses: There are several online courses available that provide training in VFX. These courses are typically self-paced, and students can learn at their own pace. Online courses are a great way to learn the basics of VFX and get a feel for the industry before committing to a full-time program.

Career Opportunities:

Studying VFX can lead to a variety of career opportunities. These include

VFX Artist: A VFX artist is responsible for creating visual effects for films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. They use software like Nuke, After Effects, and Maya to create visual effects that enhance the visual aspects of the project. VFX artists are in high demand in the entertainment industry, and it is a great career option for those who are passionate about art, animation, and visual storytelling.

Compositor: A compositor is responsible for combining multiple elements of a shot, such as CGI, live-action footage, and special effects, to create a seamless final product. Compositors use software like Nuke, After Effects, and Fusion to create visual effects that are integrated with live-action footage. Compositing is a specialized field within VFX, and it requires a strong understanding of lighting, color theory, and composition.

3D Modeler: A 3D modeler is responsible for creating 3D models of characters, objects, and environments. 3D modelers use software like Maya, ZBrush, and Blender to create 3D models that are used in films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. 3D modeling is a specialized field within VFX, and it requires a strong understanding of anatomy, form, and texture.

Motion Graphics Designer: A motion graphics designer is responsible for creating animated graphics for films, TV shows, commercials, and video games. They use software like After Effects, Cinema 4D, and Maya to create animated graphics that enhance the visual aspects of the project. Motion graphics design is a specialized field within VFX, and it requires a strong understanding of typography, layout, and animation.

Is Studying VFX Worth It?

Studying VFX can be a worthwhile investment for those who are passionate about art, animation, and visual storytelling. The entertainment industry is constantly evolving, and VFX has become an essential part of the filmmaking process. The demand for skilled VFX artists and designers is increasing, and it is expected to continue to grow in the coming years.

However, studying VFX is not easy. It requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion. It also requires a diverse skill set, including traditional art skills, software skills, and interpersonal skills. It is essential to choose a program that is right for you, whether it is a traditional degree program, a bootcamp, or an online course.

It is also important to understand that the entertainment industry can be competitive, and getting your foot in the door can be challenging. Networking, building a strong portfolio, and gaining experience through internships and freelance work can help increase your chances of success.

Conclusion:

In conclusion, studying VFX can be a great way to enter the entertainment industry. It is an exciting and constantly evolving field that offers a variety of career opportunities. However, it requires a lot of hard work, dedication, and passion. It is essential to choose a program that is right for you and to develop a diverse skill set that includes traditional art skills, software skills, and interpersonal skills. With the right skills and experience, a career in VFX can be both rewarding and fulfilling.