#i know we were all making madoka-homura jokes about those two but we were wrong this whole time. it was kyoko-sayaka all along

[danidoesathing]

fellas is it gay to chose to die side by side with your friend whose lost themselves to cosmic forces because you cant let them die alone

[xxxdoppel]

SPOILERS

There were several things I enjoyed about this season:

One of them was Kuroe dying.

You know what? I should not try to make death jokes right now because it is inappropriate with my resent loss, so let me take it back for a bit and we will come back to it sometime in the future. Now, let's be serious:

1. Ui, Touka and Nemu's hospital life:

This whole first episode was my favorite thing about the season. It was relatively different from the game's story, and it felt more dynamic and fun to watch. The lack of Touka secretly reading her uncle's book about magical girls is probably the biggest confirmation that we are NOT getting arc 2 animated, for the greater good. Still, all those shots of the three of them researching and coming up with the right questions for Kyubey was a nice thing to see. Even Ui felt less useless here because the game story was all about making her a brainless girl who was just here to keep the other two in check. She finally had her moment to bring ideas to the table.

The birth of Embryo Eve was poorly put together, though, and don't even get me started with Nemu actually remembering everything.

2. Mifuyu's redemption arc:

I fucking loved it. I've never been a fan of this character because all the victimization and manipulation sits very wrong with me due to bad personal experiences with people like that, but I will remember her for this. The whole thing was so cliched, but it worked really well to crank up those feels for what was coming.

3. Megucas unite!

I never thought we were going to see all these group shots with all the girls working together. One of my favorites and most emotive moments in the game was all these small interactions between all the side characters and, even though most of them didn't have any lines, them not being forgotten by SHAFT and actually given a spotlight was something that I needed to see.

4. Kanagi:

It is a known fact Kanagi owns my whole ass. She was such a relevant part of the second half of arc 1 that it was very sad when she was given the cold shoulder on the anime. She got her moment here and it was well deserved.

5. Kuroe's past:

Can I just say: Kuroe died due to overthinking and I relate to that so much. Your head is your worst enemy and people like us could turn a very simple thing into a catastrophic situation. I can't blame her for anything. I mean, all this build up for something so cliche and predictable was not worth a whole season, but we got no other option but to live with it.

6. Bittersweetness:

Look, I understand that a lot of people may be in disagreement with how sad the season turned out to be, but I want to remind you this is still a Madoka Magica story. This was never the kind of show for a happy ending and, even though it hurt me to see characters like Nemu and Momoko dying, their parting still felt correct. Some of the deaths were actually meaningful. It was kind of like a reality check, you know? This isn't Disney. These anime characters were given choices that felt more realistic and important for themselves and the people they wanted to protect.

7. Iroha has changed:

Some people dislike Iroha and I see where you're coming from. However, I do like how this finale seems to have turned Iroha into a stronger woman. I just feel like she's on her way of thickening her skin like Homura has done.

There's a couple more things, but I can't fully recall what exactly is that I liked. I have to sit down later and rewatch it to remember.

[shizukateal]

Judging Magia Record’s Outfits [Part 6]

The last part. The 3 rules.

Konoha Shizumi

First, if her weapon is supposed to be some kind of double spear then the designer has a skewed sense of priorities, because that’s just putting aestethics over function, which is something that magical girls have to make a careful balance of. About the outfit itself, I think it’s another perfect representation of what these bad designers get wrong: they choose an aesthetic, but they ruin it because they think that a magical girl outfit has to be different than a regular outfit with the look they chose. So they add all this crap trying to make their character more distinct but they end up throwing them into the forgettable bin because no one would follow an unappealing design no matter how “original” it is. 

The dress itself is ok, although I would get rid of the gold chain on the skirt, but then the designer decided to put that weird leather collar with the strands just hangin there because making them part of the vest was too normie, I guess. It also has an awkward hipline transition, the skirt puffs like a tutu and that just doesn’t really fit with the sleek formal wear look the top is going for. The problem is that if we get her a less poofy skirt then the blue and white on top will become the awkward part. Same goes with the sleeves with the blue design, and they are made worse with the other straps on top of them which are there for no reason. The gloves are passable, but I don’t know is I would keep them if I were to correct this outfit. They are there to add more color but, again they don’t really fit with the rest, what with being fingerless and all. The socks are ok, they seem to be going for the same effect that Homura’s boot-stockings have, although it’s diminished by the fact that the skirt is the same color as them and also for some reason the designer picked those shoes... Like, they certainly look comfortable but if you were gonna go with those you might as well just make her a normal schoolgirl. I’m also not a fan of the hairstyle. Oh, it looks alright here, but in any other of her sprites it’s just weird to see the braids just... appear above her fringe and dissapear around her head without being sure if they break into another braid or ponytail or whatever. The fact that the big flower pin is on the side also doesn’t help. I’d put it behind it to give the braids some sense of closure but I’m not sure it would help with the shape it has. Conclusion: another outfit that could be saved with relatively simple edits.

Hazuki Yusa

WHAT ARE TTTHHOOOOOOOSSSSSEEEE????

Seriously, what are those boots? Who does the quality control for this game and why haven’t they been fired. This is tied to the Madoka franchise, I know that it’s gonna make some money no matter what, but for god’s sake try to save some face. Why does she have two garters on the same leg? Oh Lord, the gloves are as mind-bogglingly stupid as the boots. That weapon looks like that joke post about the toy that let you custumize your own light-saber weapon. I don’t ever understand what her aestethic is supposed to be. What even is the point of the dress showing off her boobs if you’re going too undermine whatever erotic appeal you’re trying to give her with those goddawful boots?! The only good things I can say about this is that her hairstyle is good and the dress is reasonably cute, what a pity that it’s buried under a cape with lapels but no jacket or sleeves.

Characters Ruined by the Male Gaze: 9

Ayame Mikuri

Her aestethic is more consistent that the previous too, but that doesn’t mean it couldn’t improve. She reminds me of Cirava Hermod from Hiveswap and I guess that’s partly of why I actually like her hairstyle, minus that random triangle over her fringe. It’s weird, but at least it’s weird in a consistent way. The flower on the ponytail is ok, but it’s kinda pointless since it’s the same color as the hair. Then we look down and once again this artist exibits their weird obsession with lapels just hangin out, but this time the cape is reasonably cute. The gloves are also cute, but when I compare them to the socks and the hairstyle I have to wonder if they should be there at all. Then we have the main dress on top opf the skirt wich is just... whatever. Get it? She’s random XD so of course her dress opens up wherever. Yeah, it’s kinda hard for me to buy all the bare skin spots are an expression of her personality when the rest of her outfit suggests a weird lolita look. The skirt and socks can stay though, especially the socks.

Midrift Count: 10

Characters ruined by the Male Gaze: 10

Aimi Eri

Oh Thank God. Truly this is a sight for sore eyes. No sexualization. Varied and balanced colors, with a bonus of sensibly used patterns. Consistent aestethic. Cute hairstyle that is not afraid to be simple. Frills that don’t overimpose. This is worthy of being one of the protagonists of the show, worthy of being side by side with the Holly Quintet itself, can she please take Rena’s position? Everyone who has followed these posts take note: THIS is an ideal magical girl outfit.

Karin Misono

See what I mean? It’s not that hard to make a good magical girl outfit. Pick a look, then choose some cute clothing items that go with that aestethic, add some accessories without going overboard, and try looking up some actual fucking hairstyles before you invent a new one. I am a bit weirded out that the sleeves don’t connect to the top, but I’ll let it slide.

Midriff count: 11

(the next part)

[clmf2601995]

Soulmate AU F*** up

Sooo I’m back for more

I always liked the color soulmate AU more because it’s the more soundproof if you asked me. Except when you’re blind, I’ve read a fanfic on Dear Evan Hansen about a blind Connor it was adorable, and sad. Never seen one with a color blind person. Anyway if I find that DEH fic again i’ll put the link there.

People already made the joke for the Wristname au with Sherlock about this thing with too common names, or too original one. So I wont expend on it. 

The countdown clock is pretty safe, but you better hope it does not reach zero while in the subway at the rush hour otherwise good luck finding your soulmate among the dozens of people. Or it’s an alien invasion and you have to run for your life. Dunno both would suck. If it were to happen it’ll probably be in a marvel comic or movie.

The last word au (where you have the last words of your soulmate on your wrist so you find out who they are when they’re dying) has been made by a sadist and if that guy were a demon I wouldn’t be surprised. Imagine a Puella Madoka Magica were at each “reboot” the words on their wrist change and Homura check her wrist everytime to see what’s Madoka last words and if she’s going to die young or not.

The drawing au (IDK about that one real name but in clear you draw something on you it appears on your soulmate) is beautiful but at the same time I can’t help but imagine some little shit drawing dick on themselves to embarass their soulmates, but too bad that day they got a job interview. Or a student that wrote notes on themselves before an exams and then there soulmates write back: “Marignan was in 1515 not 1551.” And I just pictured Ron and Hermione. No really as I was writing this I saw Ron and Hermione. Imagine Ron Making those notes and Hermione that just can’t stop herself from correcting him, comment on his orthographe, and getting mad at herself because technically she’s helping him cheating.

And another one Soulmate Au that can go wrong is the first sentence AU. Wich was the point I was getting to when I started writing but I got sidetracked. So we’re never got too much into the how it worked with that AU. I mean most of the time when you meet someone you’re going to say : Hey nice to meet you ! So what does fate make sure you’re not going to say this to your soulmate? ANd what if the person deaf? or mute? Does the sign language count? Same for foreign language, I mean if it’s english ok, (I’m french so for me english is foreign) but what if the soulmate is arabic, or an alien? You’re Screwed! And I’m just being technical here. What if your soulmate isn’t listening when you speak to them for the first time?

As many of us had since last year, I’m currently in Klance hell. One thing about the Klance is that in the show Keith forgot that Lance was in his classes while Lance saw him as Keith’s rival and Keith still sour about Lance forgetting their bonding moment. (That was for the ones not in the voltron Fandom)

Now imagine this in the context of the first sentence AU, how far can we get Keith ignoring and forgetting Lance in the Garrisson? If we were to take it to it maximun we can ever speculate that Keith completly block out his classmate as to not get in trouble for Shiro’s sake. So he wouldn’t be paying attention to anyone or anything that’s not a teacher, Shiro or training. Therefore Lance would have made some big declaration to Keith about surpassing him. But Keith wouldn’t have paid attention to it, he’ll be aware someone talking to him but would focused on training and so be completly oblivious to Lance and the fact someone said his soulmark words. In the pilot When Keith say Lance’s word it can go two way, either Lance doesn’t realise it because of course Keith did talk to him before, they were rival! or so he thought or he do and gets pissed off. In case one a good reveal would be to let Keith see the words on Lance’s wrist during the bonding moment, and have him completly lost on what to do, you can even keep him doubting their soulbond for a while and let him deal with the dilemna to actually ask Lance first word to him and admit that he actually managed to not listen to his soulmates words. Wich is a very shitty thing to do.

On the second case Lance would make his damned best so no one would know, especially Keith, probably act even more agressive towards him and hope that any new hot alien chick he met say his words so he can prove Keith not his soulmate. And then Shiro goes missing and Lance became Keith right hand man and Lance can’t find in himself to be mad at him anymore but doesn’t know how to approch Keith about it and start doubting instead of wishing he is indeed Keith’s soulmate. 

So yeah all that for that, just some ideas about soulmates AU I hope I can inspire some of you out there!

[lilietsblog]

A little while ago I watched a video - I think by digibro but I might be confusing youtube guys here - about only needing to see the first episode to figure out if you're going to like the anime and what to look at.

It... it clicked with me. It clicked and then kept clicking to the point of chattering like a horde of cicadas. It worked when I looked back on the anime I'd already watched and it's worked for new ones ever since (granted, that was like... 5 animes so far, but still). It's been absolutely obvious like YES ANIME IS ACTUALLY STRUCTURED THE WAY THAT IT REVEALS WHAT IT'S GOING TO BE LIKE IN THE FIRST EPISODE.

This method is obviously not going to let you know everything about the anime, and of course some things are worth watching even if their first episode doesn't click if only for their 'classic everybody talks about' value. But like... at least you'll be warned beforehand about what the experience of watching it is going to be like.

And of course it doesn't apply to EVERY aspect of the anime. And like, if it switches creative teams halfway or something there can be really weird exceptions to this general rule.

So, disclaimers aside.

The thing to look at in the first episode first of all is CHARACTERS and CHARACTERIZATION. Obviously not everyone is going to be introduced at the same time, and if you have a thing for large casts you are obviously not going to get all of it from the first ep (Although I've found that opening can generally give you a pretty good idea on the kind of scope the cast is going to have). But the WAY the characters are introduced and characterized and treated, the general likability and - simply, how much do the writers CARE about them? Are they precious bundles of FEELINGS who can do no wrong because OF COURSE WE UNDERSTOOD THEIR REASONS? Are they completely cardboard plot devices? Are they blatant wish fulfillment? Is there an uncomfortable gender imbalance? Is there a very comfortable and welcome gender imbalance? What tropes are being used to introduce them? Are you comfortable with them?

Then, there's the PACING. Now, that's a tricky one to judge, because it's very easy to say "this has nothing going on in terms of plot the pacing is horrible" or "oh shit i know the main conflict and all the characters already let's rock" and make a horrible, terrible misjudgement.

You shouldn't be looking for overall pacing in the first episode. No, your focus should be on INTERNAL pacing. Are you being sold on the events happening? Do you end up feeling invested? If you were to recap everything that happened in the episode, how long do you feel it would take? Because 'we don't actually have any kind of overarching conflict yet but there's been a complete mini-arc with a dozen beat-worthy characer and setting moments' and 'the entire episode was spent on introducing the main conflict in like this one event that can in the end be summed up in one sentence how did it manage to take up 20 minutes' both send messages about the pacing that the show is going to have, and it has nothing to do with how fast it is with the MAIN PLOT. How DENSE is this show? How does it make use of its time and your time watching it?

There's a Thing about the difference between anime and western cartoons, where western cartoons are generally much more episodic - in comparison with books, where I feel much more confident, western cartoon episodes are like a series of short stories that stand on their own (even if they are connected by common continuity) and anime episodes are more like chapters of a novel - sure, they might contain separate mini-arcs, but overall you can't just read one from the middle and feel like that was a complete experience.

This is a thing that a lot of people - like me!!! - LOVE AND APPRECIATE about anime, and side-eye it when it seems to slip into the more western formula.

But anime also has A Thing where it often makes the first several episodes follow that episodic formula, and then lets the actual plot and strong connection between episodes come into its own once we are familiar with the setting and invested in the characters.

So if the first episode looks like a start of an episodic series, DON'T take it like a sign that the whole series is going to be like that. Instead, look at HOW GOOD it seems to be at that episodic format. Did you like the mini-arc? Did it tug at your heartstrings, tickle your funny bone, make itself memorable? That's probably the kind of quality the bigger plots are going to have, too.

I'll reiterate: DON'T judge global plot pacing from the first episode. DO judge the writers' storytelling skills. Was watching this fun, are you sold on the premise, or are you only holding out hope that it's going to do something to make you invested in the future episodes? If it's the latter one... hope you are ready for a lot of emotional labot of manually MAKING yourself care! Because if the show could, it would have already started doing that. That's what the first episode is FOR.

Then come the THEMES and SENSE OF HUMOR.

And yes, the sense of humor is not going to come fully into its own at its BEST MOST FUNNIEST in the first episode. But it's going to reveal itself, and it's going to reveal the writers' attitude toward jokes, period. Do they think a serious story has no place for levity at all? Do they have a taste for slapstick, absurd humor, wordplay, character bits? Are they subtle or in your face with their jokes? And of course character humor is not going to be at its strongest WHEN THE CHARACTERS HAVE BARELY BEEN INTRODUCED, but how much can the authors do with what they've already got? (This ties into the 'characterization' point, too: good characterization will give opportunity for character gags like two minutes into the introduction if the writers want to go there, I assure you)

The same applies to themes. Yes, they are not going to be FULLY EXPLORED or even all of them introduced in the first episode. But the broad idea of where the writers are going with this is going to be there 100%, because that's what the first episode is FOR.

Do you get hints of War Is Hell, even if then the story seems to shift away entirely? Does something in the panning shots catch your eye and then not get brought up yet? Are you vaguely uncomfortable with the stance the narrative seems to take on some issues?

Those are all tells, and the writers put them in there INTENTIONALLY. This is the JOB of the first episodes, to sell you on what the show is going to be LIKE. Not ABOUT, but LIKE. This is a pretty major distinction, because people often end up saying 'the show kind of takes its time to really come into its own' and they are inevitably referring to the thing the show is ABOUT. And yes, you often can't tell THAT from the first episode. It gets withheld as a spoiler, while what the show is LIKE is dangled in front of you like a shiny toy. Appreciate that, and believe the writers when they use this episode to showcase what you are going to be watching.

So these are the questions I can generally answer to myself after the VERY FIRST EPISODE that generally end up applying to the ENTIRE SERIES afterwards:

- is the show good at utilizing its chosen medium? Are the writers good at TELLING A STORY IN ANIME FORMAT? Am I entertained by what I see and hear? Is it easy to parse what's going on?

- do they writers like their characters, and what do they like about them? Are the characters' interests and personalities going to be explored? Do the writers' ideas of what makes a likable character coincide with mine?

- does the setting feel real and alive and messy in the genuinely relatable way, or is it cardboard and railroad-like straightfoward where everything only seems to exist to foster the main conflict? (This is obviously more applicable to fantasy/sci-fi shows where WORLDBUILDING is an actual necessary thing. OBVIOUSLY in real world setting stuff is only going to be brought up if it's relevant, but there will still be the need for the writer to make some structures from the ground up, like families, workplaces, classes, and it's the same kind of skill applied more narrowly)

- how much does the show's humor click with me, and am I willing to tolerate the negative for the positive, or should I quit while I'm ahead?

- am I interested in what the show wants to discuss and focus on, or do I wish desperately in every scene that it were about this other narratively adjacent thing instead?

- somewhat separately as this is a major point to me, but generally pretty much a subquestion of the previous points: do the writers respect female characters? Do the writers think perv jokes are funny? Does unnecessary male gaze-y-ness of the camera detract from the experience?

And no, you're not going to know what the actual story is going to be like from this, and you aren't going to know if you'll like the ending. But you'll know if the writers even care about the same things you do in this world they have set up, and that's going to go a looong way in helping you predict how much enjoyment you're going to get in the end.

(Example: from the first episode of Madoka I felt like I was missing something, and that something was Madoka's interests and personality and choices - she was just being strung along by the plot, and even 'friendly and awesome and hope-inducing' that attracted Homura to her so much ended up being more or less an informed trait. I ended up being vaguely frustrated by the ending in that it didn't remotely accomplish or even address things I wished it would. Because the whole show was not about those things, and it was 100% shown from the first episode. I really should have taken the hint and not expected them to suddenly materialize later. That doesn't happpen! First episodes are honest!)

(Example 2: in the very first episode of Log Horizon - which I watched recently enough to apply this methord to it - I was utterly charmed by the way Shiroe was observing the world around him, with seeing the crowd shots and then distancing himself from them to figure things out for himself. Oh look - it turned out the show paid a lot of attention to its 'crowd' population and had a lot of introspection and planning as major beats! Then, in the very same first episode of Log Horizon I was somewhat put off by Naotsugu's perv routine but then mollified by Akatsuki shutting it the fuck down in an over-the-top cartoon violence manner, even though I could objectively tell those weren't the best kinds of tropes to evoke - it was just still funny to me. This kind of dynamic kept guilty-pleasure-amusing me throughout the show, alike with these two and with different characters entirely)