#anime round-up

[strawsoldier]

Spring 2023 Anime Round-Up

Lot's of good shows this season; Both sequels and new ones. It's also the first season in a while where I didn't drop any shows. That's more praise than I can give previous seasons to be honest.

Anime of the Season: Vinland Saga Season 2

Drops: N/A

Plans to Watch at a later date: Skip to Loafer

Completed:

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba Swordsmith Village Arc - (7.5/10)

Despite the still lavish productions, (and a season where I didn't have to listen to Zenitsu's annoying wails) this was a letdown of season. Especially given how The Entertainment District ended off. This arc getting the movie treatment would've benefited it a lot better. Episode 8 was the highlight by a mile.

Ranking of Kings: The Treasure Chest of Courage - (7/10)

Boji and Kage best partners. Not much to say about this season since it was mostly side stories getting animated. Last episode left a lot of excitement for future installments of the series and I hope Wit continues to give it the same love and care.

Vinland Saga Season Two - (10/10)

Calling Vinland Saga S2 a masterpiece of anime would be underselling it greatly. It's been a while since I've seen a cast of well written character go through so much growth and development over an arc. Anything more I could say would just be reiterating what other's have been saying for the past 6 months. Vinland Saga is good y'all.

The Ancient Magus Bride Season 2 - (7/10)

Mahoyome came back with a new director, new studio and many many, many new characters. While there wasn't much plot this season, the world-building and new relationships were explored and developed very well. Good thing the second part of this is already confirmed for later this year, otherwise this score would be a lower. Here's hoping the animation also improves. I know were not at Wit anymore but..

Magical Destroyers - (5/10)

Wathced this because the OP & ED were really good. Turns out it was the only good thing about it.

Also Pink-chan. Pink-chan was good.

Heavenly Delusion - (8/10)

One of the best animated seasonal show's since Mob Psycho. Dystopian settings are some of my favorite in the media so I was always excited to watch this every Saturday. Unfortunately, time and time again, it left me with more questions and rarely gave answers. And the last two episodes were...enough for me to drop this down from a 9 to an 8. Another Spring show with a strong contender for Opening of the Year.

My Love Story with Yamada-kun at Lv999 - (9/10)

I've been craving a good romcom and this one delivered and then some. Morio Asaka is a talented director and his vision and directorial quirks really helped elevate this source material greatly. Akane is a disaster child and I will protect her from any harm (and alcohol). Really considering picking up the manga if a season 2 isn't gonna be announced.

Dead Mount Death Play - (7.5/10)

Narita is back and doing what he does best; Balancing a dozen or so characters in a convoluted plot that revolves around a mysterious prefecture. This time, with a reverse isekai twist involved. Excited for the second cour of this.

Oshi no Ko - (9/10)

I don't know how to describe my feelings on this show other than I loved every bit of it. Very excited for the second season and I hope the returning staff continue what they've been doing so far.

Next arc looks very very fun

MASHLE - (7/10)

The adaption played it very safe and didn't go far beyond what was given to them which- for the most part -worked well enough for them. Obviously not gonna have the same staying power surrounding it like OPM and Black Clover, but it was entertaining and that's good enough.

Jigokuraku - (Hell's Paradise) - 5.5/10

I was very disappointed with this adaption, if the score wasn't an enough of an indicator. MAPPA taking on so much titles is a bit of meme at this point but it sucks that an adaption I was greatly looking forward to came out this chopped and poorly-animated. Kaori Makita is a talented director so it's a shame that she was saddled to a show with an unreasonable deadline and limited staff to help her out. I wanna cope and say s2 will be better but I know better..

Only consolation I have is that this show was sacrificed so JJK and AOT will look good.

Mobile Suit Gundam: The Witch from Mercury S2 - (8/10)

Didn't agree with everything that happened this season. And I think the writers just didn't know what to with Miorine after she was separated from Suletta. That being said, the last few episodes (when they finally did get reunited) were very very good. Also a fantastic finale episode. Glad this was the first Gundam anime I watched to completion. Now I patiently wait for the Sulemio wedding OVA.

[screwpinecaprice]

When your boyrfren is a morning person.

(Idk if Connie's not a morning person, but it'd be funny if she isn't.)

Connie doodles (and a Steven!)

[wasyago]

squeaky_toy_sound_effect.mp4

[mispatchedgreens]

welcome to another installment of 'what if the radiant emperor was a whole nother thing', vol. shounen manga

this was fueled by a completely normal post wondering abt ouyang's blade, and then me trying to figure out a universe where he'd wield the zhanmadao

[bestanimal]

Round 2 - Arthropoda - Chilopoda

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Chilopoda is a class of arthropods commonly called “Centipedes”. They include the Scutigeromorphs (“House Centipedes”), Lithobiomorphs (“Stone Centipedes”), Scolopendromorphs (“Tropical Centipedes”), Geophilomorphs (“Soil Centipedes”), and the Craterostigmomorphs which consists of only two living species.

Centipede means “hundred feet”, though no species of centipede actually has exactly 100 feet, as their pairs of legs are always an odd number, ranging from 15 to 191 pairs of legs! All centipedes are venomous predators, delivering venom through a pair of fang-like front legs called forcipules. Prey include other invertebrates like earthworms, fly larvae, collembolans, and other centipedes. The giant Scolopendromorphs are able to tackle larger prey including vertebrates such as lizards, frogs, birds, mice, snakes, and even bats. They live in tropical or desert habitats worldwide, but only in moist environments, meaning they must be more active under cover or at night. Many species lack eyes, though some have simple eyes that allow them to distinguish light from dark. Some species use their first pair of legs similarly to antennae, sensing vibrations and even using them to “hear.” Their bodies consist of 15 or more segments, with one pair of legs attached to the sides of each segment. Their back legs, called “ultimate legs”, are modified depending on species, and can be elongated and thin, thickened, or pincer-like. They are not used for walking, but instead can be used in defensive displays, for hunting, or for interspecies fighting, and they often play a role in mating rituals and are usually sexually dimorphic. Centipedes range from a few millimetres to 30 cm (1 foot) long.

Centipedes are generally solitary, not even meeting up to mate. Males will leave spermatophores on the ground for females to pick up. However, females provide parental care, coiling around both their eggs and young and grooming them (first image). Some species grow anamorphically: adding on segments with each moult until they reach their adult number of segments. Some species grow epimorphically: growing all their segments and legs as an embryo before hatching, and not adding on any more when they moult.

Centipedes arose during the Late Silurian, but were considerably rare until the Triassic Period. The modern Scolopendromorphs and Scutigeromorphs appeared in the Cretaceous.

Propaganda under the cut:

In my desire to show just how colorful and beautiful centipedes could be, my first rendition of this post featured 3 Scolopendromorphs and 1 House Centipede. I then realized how unfair that was and changed it to include most of the major types of centipede, which reduced a lot of the color of this post unfortunately. I believe the centipedes I’ve chosen are still beautiful regardless, but if you want to see some pretty colorful centipedes, check out the rest of Scolopendromorpha!

Similarly to spiders, while all centipedes are venomous, none are particularly deadly to humans. Most small centipedes’ jaws are too small to break human skin, but large tropical centipedes’ bites can be quite painful: causing swelling, chills, fever, and weakness, especially in children and those allergic to bee stings. These bites are always in defense, so if you leave them alone, they have no reason to bite.

Some large centipedes are consumed in China, usually skewered and grilled or deep fried. Thailand produces centipede vodka: large centipedes steeped in alcohol.

The common house centipede (Scutigera coleoptrata) originated in caves in the Mediterranean, but has evolved alongside us to live inside human homes. The dark and humid corners of buildings are literally their habitat! They are beneficial predators, feeding on many species humans consider pests such as cockroaches, termites, ants, bed bugs, spiders, and silverfish.

Centipedes have long lifespans for arthropods, some living up to 10 years.

They are friends! Or maybe… lovers?

[egophiliac]

Hello!! I followed you for your absolutely amazing Twisted Wonderland comics (thank you for making them, by the way-) but I saw you posting about something called Ride Kamens? I haven’t heard of it before, what’s it about? Or if that’s a bit much to ask, where could I find more info about it? It seems right up my alley 👀

Thank you!

thank you! :> :> :> (this is also for the other anon who asked about where to find it, I am honored to be infecting the world spreading interest in this silly game)

Ride Kamens is still doing prerelease marketing and isn't out yet; it's set for "early summer 2024", so a bit yet to go! similar to Twst, it's a mobile game about anime boys loosely based on an existing franchise (Kamen Rider), although it seems like it's going to be more standalone/won't require familiarity with Rider going in.

the (very) basic premise is that your player character has just taken over their late father's role as a secret agent, supporting the city's superheroes by running a secret base disguised as a cafe (plus you have a personal butler for some reason) (the reason is because it's amazing). you also have to help the heroes regain their lost memories, and it looks like it'll have a bit of a route/choice aspect there (not romance, just different endings to the character episodes depending on what you do). the details are kinda hard to tell at this point but the characters seem like a really fun bunch; there's definitely big "idiots with emotional problems" energy which I am extremely into.

all the official info is in Japanese only at the moment, but here's the website and the ride_kamens twitter! (though the twitter is sort of overtaken by posts about the AnimeJapan exhibit right now, whoops.) and I believe some people are already planning on doing translations for it too? lots to look forward to! :D

[lilithqueen-png]

Booo~ 👻

[shannonsketches]

Why is the anime so weird, it's not even the same series dude?? It's like,

Anime:

GOKU: I have a great idea to bring peace to the universe, and my leadership and compassion alone will unite us all. I have No Flaws and am A True Relatable Everyman :)

VEGETA: NO! I AM THE BEST AND I WILL CAUSE PROBLEMS UNTIL I AM RECOGNIZED AS SUCH!!!!

Manga:

GOKU: Vegeta what's cornmeal made of? I know it's what the corn eats, but what's it made of? VEGETA: Hey Kakarot let's play the quiet game until one of us dies.

[imerian]

My (very old) loscar brooch (?) that i just now made doodles for

More pictures under cut

[yesmissnyx]

All I want to do is craft, play video games and get my pussy ate :\

[tanjir0se]

Muzan pulling up to the Master’s Mansion in his cunty little cape at 0.0002 mph on his way to just call him ugly and end the episode there

[kacievvbbbb]

Okay my thoughts on Arcane cour 2;

Fuck you! You didnt have to rip my heart out and then stomp on it that was a little excessive dont you think?!?!?!

Thoughts

Arcane knows how to do build up so fucking well I love it

No but seriously god. Just what. I love seeing the little hints int he opening start to unravel and reveal themselves

Vander oh god no oh god 😭

Fucking love sevika

Where did my boy ekko go kind of curious where he fits into everything

I lowkey fuck with Jayce's new look and boy I told you to stop touching that shit now look what you've gone and done.

Forces beyond their power are literally pushing them towards war (obviously most of it is exactly in the piltovers power) but just the timing of shit be crazy. They are an unstoppable object on a lighting fast collision with an immovable wall and the course is rigged against them.

God the fucking animation in this i fucking cant

I still dont understand the Jayce hate like I dont necessarily like him but I dont see what makes him so bad. Like something very fucked up was happened to him and I didn't rust want was happening to viktor either. But god my boy done come back and fucked it all up for everyone.

I really like Ambessa's right hand sad to see him go

ISHA no no noooooo we had our difference but god why do you keep testing your strongest soldier 😭. (te sequence of her memories with Jinx and the song choice where immaculate)

Vander ph god no oh god

the music this season has been so good my god

I'm scared they arent going to be able to wrap this up neatly I just feel like with how many doors they closed we need at least 2 more course or another season. Like it feels too soon to be going into the final arc (or atleast some stories feel like they havent yet reached maturity like the black rose sub plot,and Mel and Jason's arc while others are ready for their finale like the Ambessa - Caitlyn plotline and Vi&Jinx) but here's to hopping for a nice round up.

[quirkle2]

anybody else rly rly ill about the amount of grief in his eyes in this scene

[original screencap under the cut]

[bestanimal]

Round 1 - Phylum Nematomorpha

(Sources - 1, 2, 3, 4)

Nematomorpha is a phylum of animals that act as parasitoids of arthropods, so named for their superficial similarity to nematodes. They are commonly called Horsehair Worms, Hairsnakes, or Gordian Worms.

Most nematomorph species are 50 to 100 mm (2 to 3.9 in) long, but some can get up to 2 metres (6.7 ft) long! Adult nematomorphs can often be found in water or in damp areas. They have 2 distinct sexes, and the free-living, non-feeding adults can be found coiled into tight balls and knots while mating. They lay their eggs in water, for their larva to be eaten or burrow in through the skin of aquatic larvae and encyst. When the aquatic larvae (the paratenic host) is eaten by their primary host, the cyst hatches and they become a juvenile. The nematomorph lives inside their host, absorbing nutrients, growing, and molting for a few weeks to several months before leaving its host to mate. It often becomes several times longer than the length of its host. Some species cause their host to seek out water and drown itself, thus allowing the nematomorph to exit into its new watery habitat and begin the cycle anew.

Propaganda under the cut:

When I was a kid I saw a white horsehair worm in a puddle and got real close and noticed it was moving all on its own. I called my grandpa, who was a naturalist, over and told him it was some kind of creature, perhaps a new species! He said no it was just a hair in the water. I said no it’s moving on its own! He said no that’s just the current. I said but it’s a puddle there’s no current. He said I think your eyes are playing tricks on you.

Low and behold I went home and did some research and found out about nematomorphs and told him the next day that HAH I WAS RIGHT IT WAS A REAL LIVING CREATURE

Remember to stay observant. Little things live all around you if you look real close.

idk if that convinces you of anything but uh anyway

At least one species, Paragordius tricuspidatus is able to escape from not only their host after ingestion by a predator, but also from the digestive tract of the predator. If their host cricket is eaten by a fish or frog prematurely, they then wriggle out through predator’s mouth, gills, or nose. That’s some Animorphs bullshit right there.

Nematomorphs play an important roll in ecology. As many species infect grasshoppers and crickets and drive them into the water, they also provide a significant source of food for fish. Without nematomorphs, fish that depend on grasshoppers and crickets would likely turn to other invertebrates, possibly throwing riparian ecosystems out of balance.

Nematomorphs often have to wait a long time before being eaten by their primary host. One species, Paragordius varius, is able to withstand being frozen at up to -70°C (-94°F) for weeks. Then it thaws out in the Spring, still ready to infect its next host.

We know that some species cause their hosts to enter water and drown themselves. We don’t actually know how they do this.

I used to work at an animal shelter and one time as I was cleaning I accidentally sprayed a cricket with cleaner and a horsehair worm came out of it. I then picked it up and showed it to the vet team and they all gathered around to stare.

[stickyvoidpaper]

I truly think Jason, while underage goes to the oblivion bar to get shitfaced when he knows Bruce is tracking him. I wish magic boy was shown to be more magic.

ignore the background idk what I'm going. I do know that Bobo is going to fucking destroy everyone at that table.

[autisticaradiamegido]

day 5

ok tbh i was not pleased with how my last several marcilles have turned out so i felt like it was time to sit down and do some damn studying on this gal. i think it helped!