#i'm never sure if people like it when i post rambling manga recs

[hotwaterandmilk]

Just a reminder that the first volume of Nanao Tomo's The Hachioji Speciality: Tengu's Love comes out in English from Yen Press this week. I already double-dipped on the Japanese volumes, but I'm going back for more with the English volume too.

While a lot of series captivate me with their plot, Hachioji Meibutsu: Tengu no Koi grabbed my attention with its beautiful retro-tinged art and has continued to hold my interest with its atmosphere.

So why is this series such a highlight in the current ASUKA magazine lineup? I've tried to breakdown my thoughts (albeit sleepily) on why I like this title and why other readers might be keen to give it a shot now that it's enjoying an English-language release.

The series description from Yen Press describes the series as follows:

"Can a determined tengu bride change a lonesome bachelor’s ways? Well, it’s not like he’s got much of a choice— ’cos she’s already moving in! Young systems engineer Kotarou has had to make his own way in life. Nothing remains of his early childhood before he was orphaned—nothing except his grandparents’ antique house in Hachioji and memories of Hime, the winged spirit girl he’s come to dismiss as a youthful flight of fancy. But after his return to Hachioji and reunion with Hime, it becomes impossible to deny the existence of his fine, feathery friend—especially given that she’s declared they’re getting married at second sight!"

Which makes it sound like you're signing up for a typical 90s-style magical girlfriend series and, well, to an extent you are. Hime is beautiful, powerful and innocent in the ways of the human world. Kotarou on the other hand is somewhat average, cynical human who now finds himself saddled with an otherworldly bride. Hijinks ensue!

What I think helps Tenkoi differentiate itself from other series with similar setups (aside from the stunning art) is that it gives both the reader and the characters time to breathe, to be in each other's company, and exist without needing constant jokes. There's this ancient peace to Hime's village and a gentleness in her exchanges with Kotarou, even as a gaggle of her relatives argues around them.

Even the gag moments have a beauty and sense of pacing about them that's hard to find these days. We actually get the space to see Hime interact with the vacuum, for example. What so many titles might have condensed into 3 panels at best is expanded here, allowed to sit, presented to us for enjoyment. I just love that about Tenkoi, there is no real rush even when the series is moving Hime and Kotarou's relationship forward.

There's a willingness in Tenkoi to sit with difficult moments, mundane moments, humorous moments and moments of affection. To let each have its time to unfurl, to let us savour them all.

There's also an appreciation of the Hachioji region and the way the local population interact with the natural and spiritual world despite being in a suburban location (though this comes up a bit more by the second volume).

Another thing I like is that while there are a few gags about Kotarou being entranced by and touching Hime's wings (which she says are off-limits) overall Kotarou is a decent guy. While initially unsure about the situation he supports Hime in leaving the village for her own sake, aiming to empower her rather than to score himself a tengu bride. While at one point in the first volume he gets frustrated by just how hard it is to hide a lively tengu from the world, he soon sees the error in his ways and again pledges to support Hime in whatever she chooses to do.

It's just nice to see a male lead who can be wrong, admit he was wrong, and strive to make things right with the people around him in such a mature way? He sleeps on it and is like fuck, I was an asshole my life is better with her in it and immediately gets his shit together. Some leads can go dozens of volumes without figuring out that much so it was nice to see that corner turned early on in the series.

I should mention that food is an important part of how love is expressed in this series and a big part of how Hime begins to learn about the human world, so if food is a major trigger for you then Tenkoi might be best avoided. However, there are minimal other warnings I can think of for those considering starting the series (aside from consent being established regarding Hime's wings).

Tenkoi is still ongoing in ASUKA (which is published bi-monthly these days) so there's only two print volumes right now. There's enough little moments in this lushly rendered and atmospheric supernatural love story that it could go for many years at its current clip, but whether that happens remains to be seen.

Right now though I enjoy Tenkoi for being a simple story told well and with heart. If you're not looking for major plot innovation and are happy to just spend time in the presence of these characters experiencing simple joys in Hachioji, then this is a title I recommend.

(Also Hime is super cute, I adore her.)

[the-bloody-sadist]

In my twitter I like to post fanarts and also give fic recs for my fav non canon mlm ships. And somehow someone tweet me this :

"I'm starting to think maybe people should read actual BL manga. perhaps considering manga written with actual gay characters in it in addition to shipping m x m from whatever battle shounen you're into."

I was confused af.... Do you think I should reply or just keep silent ?

Thanks for sharing your fanfics and fanarts. Your writing style and art style is not what I usually love at first sight. But wow your arts are beautiful and your writings are amazing (especially on how you wrote the characters, none of them are ooc). And your answers to same anon asks on fandom and shippings, WOW. Some of them are what I often feels but I just can't voice them....

I also love your fics recs, some I don't even know yet....

NEVER. RESPOND. TO THOSE KINDS OF COMMENTS. NEVER. I'M HAPPY YOU'RE AKSING FOR MY ADVICE SO I CAN TELL YOU THAT!! If you're a creator, especially in the BL space nowadays, you're going to hear from these shitheads at some point or another. Their arguments mean NOTHING. They are irrational and ridiculous and will change their logic the moment you interact with them, so no matter how well you present your opposing argument, they'll find some other way to cause trouble. I REPEAT: YOU CANNOT WIN NO MATTER WHAT YOU DO. Plus, there's no need to, because the levelheaded people already agree with you and that's what matters.

Also they have no idea what they're talking about and don't even believe what they're saying, much less follow that logic for their own entertainment choices. They're hypocrites. They'll say that to feel like a social justice warrior and then turn right back to the fanfic about battle shounen boys that they felt guilty about reading. They're projecting at best, moral grandstanding for their friends' approval at worst.

Whenever I see people like this, I snicker with my friends about it, make sure my view of the comment is correct by discussing opinions with them, and then block the person so they don't have to see my work anymore (since they can't make the decision for themselves!). It's a strategy that works wonders and makes sure I deal with the least hate possible in my day-to-day posting experience. And it builds me up with the right audience who actually loves me and my work!

Thank you for being one of those people and for looking up to me for answers, I'm deeply flattered! If given the chance, I will always try to be the voice for anyone who needs it, so you can link to my posts and ramblings when someone says something stupid and have me explain why you think the way you do (and why it's NOT WRONG AT ALL).

Much love! I hope you enjoy those fic recs!!

[flowers-inverted]

Intro Post

Hi there! You can call me Inverted Flowers, Inverted, or Flowers. My pronouns are he/they. I never really get all that deep into fandoms even when something's a hyperfixation. If I commit any fan faux pas do let me know (in a chill manner please). I do curse worse than a sailor, although I try to tone it down, be warned I suppose.

I'm not really a reader (need more sensory input than that) but if I watch something I might try and find the source material.

Currently I'm particularly into:

The Case Study of Vanitas (is this what they call "queer baiting" 🤔)

Link Click (it's gonna kill me I swear. If this turns out to be a tragedy I might just combust)

Haikyuu!!

Mushi-Shi (haven't finished s2 yet)

My Hero Academia (I honestly dislike how much I like it. It's too shounen even for me and yet...)

Not in any particular order^

My banner is from The Case Study of Vanitas and my pfp is Angelo from 91 Days.

Other Shows/Movies I enjoy(ed) for the most part:

91 Days (absolutely incredible 11/10 story)

Assassination Classroom

Black Clover (both the anime & the manga)

Blue Exorcist (not the latest season tho)

Buddy Daddies (cute and funny? Hell yes!)

Bungo Stray Dogs (I've seen through s4)

Classroom Of The Elite (great example of the reason I included 'for the most part')

Demon Slayer

Durarara! (I'm in s2 rn)

Free!

Heaven Official's Blessing

Hell's Paradise

Hyouka

Komi Can't Communicate (ofc. I too am terrified of people /gen)

Kuroko's Basketball

Oshi No Ko (only the first season rn)

Sasaki And Miyano (anime, movie, & the manga)

Shikimori's Not Just A Cutie

Sk8 The Infinity

Spy x Family

Stars Align (rip)

The Apothecary Diaries

The Disastrous Life of Saiki K.

The Grandmaster of Demonic Cultivation (I watched the animation but I really want the books ;-;)

Tsurune (ah it's so light feeling ;-; /pos)

Toilet-Bound Hanako-Kun (ugh I love them)

Wind Breaker (they're all so sweet)

Others as well I'm probably just not thinking of or just are too embarrassed to admit to.

Not a complete list of everything I've seen and/or liked but ya know.

I like to go into things as blind as possible! I even avoid intros and outros when I can.

Also please don't give me recs or tell me not to watch something. It makes me wanna do the opposite for some unknown reason (maybe its the 'tism) ¯\_(ツ)_/¯ (Warnings are fine tho. Like for major character death.)

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I pin my current tags to my intro posts. Here's what they mean:

#inverted flowers ramble : Mostly off topic and/or small posts. Things that are more just random thoughts and rambles also go here.

#local cryptid is ouch : This is when I wrote the post not quite in the right mind? Uh not sure how best to word that... Usually this is due to pain, brain fog, or other symptoms of my various health problems. Sometimes though it's sleepiness or through a really intense food craving that makes it difficult to think about anything else.