#koyama provides

[noamsussman]

Happy Hanukkah!

This is Home Alone 1944 aka Home Alone x Anne Frank

Page 1 of 8 - I'll be posting one a day throughout Hanukkah. Stay tuned for more!

This comic was funded by the Koyama Provides grant I received last year. Big thanks to Annie Koyama!

[smashpages]

Annie Koyama will receive the 2024 Spurgeon Award

The curator of the the Koyama Provides grant program will be honored at this year’s Cartoon Crossroads Columbus festival in September.

[marbleboa]

Koyama gnawing on his lip piercing wheneve he is deep in thought. The sound pisses Sakurai off big time but at least he always knows when there is something up with his partner

MAN I love little character quirks like that! It’s a fun way of showing a subtle intimacy in the way another character learns to pick up on it too. All that time spent getting on each other’s nerves still ends up making them learn to read the other like a book.

[floofiestboy]

Aoyama's Let's Talk Day 2025 Translation [Unofficial Sources]

Yesterday was Aoyama’s yearly Let’s Talk Day, a day when a lucky few audience members chosen by lottery have the chance to ask him questions. While the Q&A hasn’t yet been officially released, I’ve translated tweets about the questions asked. I can’t guarantee that they’re 100% trustworthy, but generally most questions were posted by multiple unrelated users.

In cases where different users reported slightly different answers for the same question, I consolidated them to the best of my ability. All source tweets at the end. Without further ado: 

Q. When Gin travels to other countries, does he stay at hotels, or does he have safe houses? I want to know whether he uses hotel-provided amenities like bathrobes.  

A. He sleeps in his car or stays at Organization-provided lodging- the Organization has apartments all over the place. He does also stay at hotels. The FBI still hasn’t discovered them. He does wear bathrobes! He has long hair so I imagine it’s tough to wash.

Q. What sports does the England-born Akai play aside from Jeet Kune Do?

A. He learnt Jeet Kune Do from his father, so has no interest in sports other than that. But I think he might be good at cricket since he’s English. Maybe baseball in America.

Q. Does Hiro have any experience with martial arts?

A. He learnt some at the police academy. He has no other experience, but he’s decently strong- weaker than Kyogoku though.

Q. As you were a guest on Kōhaku Uta Gassen [T/N: A music show that traditionally airs around New Year’s in Japan] this year, do you have plans to write a case based around it?

A. I doubt NHK would let me (haha) I did think a music show case might be fun, but they’d probably still bother me about it.

[Questioner: What if you changed the name? Like, a West vs. East tournament.]

I’ll think about it.

Q. Will the Kuroba family and Kudo family meet each other in the future?

A. Is that something you want to see? I’ll think about it.

Q. What will Momiji do now that Heiji and Kazuha are dating?

A. I don’t think Momiji will give up? She’ll do her best.

Q. How can you think up so many different characters?

A. I don’t know (haha) Maybe because I’ve seen lots of different manga, dramas, and movies. 

[Questioner: So they just pop up in your mind.]

Something like that.

Q. Do you plan to write a story where Chihaya and Furuya meet?

A. Ah, so Chihayafuru, you mean (haha) It sounds interesting, so I’ll think about it.

Q. What can you tell us about this year’s movie at this point?

A. When I told Rikiya Koyama [T/N: Mouri’s VA] that Kogoro is the main character this year, he told me he was nervous. Once he was done, Takayama-san [T/N: Conan’s VA] told him he sounded cool. 

Q. What’s the best part of this year’s movie?

A. I can’t say, but I think you’ll be shocked.

Q. What’s your favourite case so far?

A. Ran GIRL & Shinichi BOY. I love it.

Q. How did Kogoro manage to become a detective without deductive abilities?

A. He doesn’t have deductive abilities, but he’s good at shooting and judo. And he has Conan around. Everything works out.

Q. Was Nakamori Aoko born in September?

A. When is good?

[Questioner: Since Kaito was born on the 21st, maybe the 12th?]

 I’ll think about it. I haven’t decided, but since Kaito’s birthday is June 21st (6/21), maybe September 12th (9/12) makes sense.

Q. What kind of things does Ran talk about with her karate club friends?

A. What would you like?

[Questioner: Romance talk!]

I do think they chat about that. Everyone would be interested to hear about how things are going with Shinichi. If a scene like that ever comes to mind, I’ll think about including it.

Q. What is Furuya’s family situation like?

A. Secret, as I haven’t decided for certain just yet- it might still change.

Q. Will you ever draw the moment Kazuha fell for Heiji?

A. Do you want to see it? I might.

Q. At Abeno Harukas, Heiji confessed and was holding hands with Kazuha, but did Heiji initiate the hand-holding?

A. Yes. I don’t know if I’ll ever draw that though.

Q. At Kōhaku Uta Gassen, were there any artists you enjoyed other than aiko, B’Z, and Fukuyama-san?

A. Ah, I can’t think of anyone but them. But they were all good. B’z was amazing. It was all dark in the audience seating, but when I thought “oh, something is moving,” it was truly amazing by the end. B’z is my choice! (haha)

Q. Do you have any plans for a spinoff featuring Hattori?

A. Like Zero’s Tea Time?

[Questioner: More like Hanzawa-san.]

What’s the difference between Zero’s Tea Time and Hanzawa-san? Did you want a spinoff? There’s no plans for one right now.

Q. Are there any characters you plan to have romantic developments for in the near future?

A. Kansuke and Yui, and Juugo and Chihaya… aside from that [glances at the moderator] that character… if I say who it is, we’ll get flamed online, so… (haha) 

[The audience goes abuzz]

Well, yes. I can’t tell you right now (haha). Let’s leave it at that.

Q. What’s the plan for next year’s movie?

A. I can’t say, but they do already have it planned.

Q. Who will be the star of next year’s movie?

A. I can’t say, but it’s already been decided as well as the stage.

Q. I’m from Hokkaido. Do you have plans to draw any famous tourist spots in Sapporo? 

A. Hakodate was recently the stage, so it would need to be some time in the future. Any recommendations?

[Questioner: Suzukake Park, Oodori Park, Sapporo TV Tower.]

Ah, got it, I’ll think about it.

Q. We know that Azusa has worked at Poirot for at least one year, but how long has she worked there in total?

A. I don’t know. Maybe since she was in high school. Oops, I just said whatever.

Q. Any plans for a movie set in Tottori?

A. Not at this time. I’ll think about it. I did try to incorporate the Tottori dialect once, but I was told it was incomprehensible. Tottori dialect is pretty hard. If we do a movie here, I’d like it to use Tottori dialect.

Q. It seems Momiji won’t give up even now that Heiji and Kazuha have gotten together, but will Iori continue to serve Momiji in the same way? Will he ever leave due to his old work?

A. He’ll be by her side forever. I think he’ll protect her until the day he dies.

Q. What would you want to eat at a Conan café? 

A. Naporitan spaghetti. I have childish tastebuds, so I also like Hamburg steak and hamburgers.

Q. I like aiko, so I want to hear the behind-the-scenes details about your talk with her on Kōhaku Uta Gassen.

A. During our preparatory meeting, I asked whether I should say “Funya!”, but I was told I couldn’t (because it’s from a different agency.) [T/N: Not familiar with this myself, but maybe it’s some idol’s catchphrase or a reference to a show.]

[Questioner: After meeting aiko, did any murder case ideas come to mind?]

No (haha) It would be sad to kill her off. Maybe a case with a singer involved… I’ll think about it. Aiko was cute.

Q. Kurayoshi’s phone number area code is an important plot point in Conan, but will the city be involved in the future?

A. A coincidence. Kurayoshi residents will get mad at me otherwise.

Q. What did you do for New Year’s as a child?

A. Usually my family would ask me to visit a shrine with them, but I’d stay at home since it was too much of a pain. These days, I always go for my health. [T/N: In Japan, it’s tradition to visit a shrine on the first day of the new year.]

Q. What’s Inspector Ayanokouji’s personal life like? What are his hobbies?

A. He feeds Maro-chan. Hobbies… I wonder. He does like Maro-chan. What would you like?

[Questioner: Something like archery.]

Archery? Well, I’ll think about it.

Q. Do you have any plans for a triple date with Heiji-Kazuha, Shinichi-Ran, and Kyougoku-Sonoko?

A. I hadn’t thought of that before, but I’ll think about it.

[Questioner: So you don’t plan to think about it.]

Sorry (haha). 

Q. Any information on Akai and Amuro’s chat nine hours later?

A. I can’t say. It’s a truly mysterious tea party (haha)

Q. In your Professional interview, you were eating curry, but is there any other food or snacks you like to eat while working?

A. I only really eat cheap stuff, so (haha)  I’m really into the beef don mini-pack from Yoshinoya- it’s a pretty small portion. It’s healthy and good. Also, curry from Coco.

Q. The Saitama prefecture is right next to Tokyo, but has never made an appearance. Any plans for Saitama prefecture police to appear?

A. Yokomizo did show up in Saitama at first, but he did move to Shizuoka, so (haha) I tried to have him go back, but I was told that then it just seemed like he never moved at all. I’ll write about Saitama eventually. I’ll think about it.

Q. What does Kazuha like aside from aikido? 

A. She likes Heiji… (haha) I think she likes cooking just like others like her would. Do you have any thoughts on what she might like?

[Questioner: What…]

[Moderator: Well, that’s what they wanted to know in the first place.]

I’ll think about it.

Q. I’m from Taiwan. Conan has only ever gone to England in the manga. Will he ever go to another country in the manga, not the movies?

A. It would be tough while he’s still Conan, as he doesn’t have a passport. His only choice is for Kid to stuff him into a suitcase, but I can’t use the same trick twice (haha) I’d like to go to Taiwan one day.

Q. Akai and Amuro infiltrated the Organization and know about Sherry, but don’t know of the existence of APTX4869?

A. They do not. There’s a reason why the details of her research and her family isn’t well-known in the Organization, but that’s secret. Even parents wouldn’t tell their children about it in the Organization. 

Q. Do you plan to introduce any new Organization operatives?

A. What would you like?

[Questioner: Amaretto!]

I'll think about it.

Q. Do you plan to draw Shinichi and KID facing off?

A. Shinichi. You mean big Shinichi, huh? I’d love to. (haha)

Q. What last name do you like, or would like to have?

A. Kudo! (haha) Since Kudo Yuusaku as portrayed by Matsuda Yuusaku was cool. If I can, I’d love to become one! (haha)

Q. Did you decide that Heiji would confess on a tall Osaka building even before the Abeno Harukas tower was completed? [T/N: It opened in 2014]

A. I decided after the Abeno Harukas tower was completed. But I did know from the start that Kazuha’s mother would make an appearance to include a twist.I wanted everyone to think that he’d confess to her mother by mistake. 

Q. Who’s stronger between Kogoro and Ran?

A. That’s quite the question (haha) Kogoro is strong! But, Ran is catastrophically strong too (haha). I think it’s hard to say? But if they fought against each other, he’d probably hold back against Ran. Since he’s her dad.

Q. You can really feel the cultural differences between Kyushu and Tokyo. Do you plan to write a case based on that?

A. I’d like to.

Q. Do you have any special tidbits for us aside from what you’ve already told us?

A. Kansuke and Yui and Koumei’s childhood will appear in the movie. Take a good look at the illustration I drew for the Conan Tanteisha store as well. 

Q. Anything you’d want to incorporate into Tottori’s Mystery Tour? Tourist spots and restaurants you’d recommend?

A. I’d like them to make use of Tottori’s Odaiba, crabs, and apple-pears.

Q. Who’s the tallest among all your characters?

A. Date and Gin! Kyougoku is a little shorter, but those three are the tallest. Kazami is too tall in the anime. He should be the same height as Furuya. [T/N: One source also claimed he said that Gin is taller than Date.]

Q. Will Miyano Shiho and Kudo Shinichi ever star in the same case?

A. Ah, I can’t tell you that. Whoops, I almost let something slip (haha)

Sources

https://twitter.com/hrksdc/status/1875104017174639079

https://twitter.com/brainwashednerd/status/1875109428812460351

https://twitter.com/yuki_det_con/status/1875121186411348179

https://twitter.com/Flambe4869/status/1875236194071834928

https://twitter.com/nyarura73/status/1875104933978206521

https://twitter.com/mskAK25/status/1875125288943989101

https://twitter.com/furu_rei0/status/1875126654412177457

https://twitter.com/44_mcs/status/1875132311219634602

https://twitter.com/44_mcs/status/1875119113670144425

[spacetimewithstuartgary]

Organic matter on Mars was formed from atmospheric formaldehyde

Although Mars is currently a cold, dry planet, geological evidence suggests that liquid water existed there around 3 to 4 billion years ago. Where there is water, there is usually life. In their quest to answer the burning question about life on Mars, researchers at Tohoku University created a detailed model of organic matter production in the ancient Martian atmosphere.

Organic matter refers to the remains of living things such as plants and animals, or the byproduct of certain chemical reactions. Whatever the case, the stable carbon isotope ratio (13C/12C) found in organic matter provides valuable clues about how these building blocks of life were originally formed, giving scientists a window into the past. As such, it has become a point of interest for Mars expeditions. For example, the Mars rover Curiosity (operated by NASA) revealed that organic matter found in sediments from that era on Mars are unusually depleted in 13C. It was also discovered that the carbon isotope ratios varied significantly between samples. However, the reason for this variability was a mystery.

To expand on these findings, a research group led by Shungo Koyama, Tatsuya Yoshida, and Naoki Terada from Tohoku University developed a Martian atmospheric evolution model. The model focused on formaldehyde (H2CO), which members of this research team previously determined could feasibly be produced in the ancient Martian atmosphere. The reason for this choice is that formaldehyde can generate complex organic compounds such as sugars, which are essential for life. In other words, formaldehyde may be the missing factor that could explain the anomalous values of the Curiosity rover samples. It could also be a sign of past life.

This model combined a photochemical model with a climate model to estimate the changes in the carbon isotope ratio of formaldehyde on Mars, dating back 3 to 4 billion years. It revealed that the depletion of 13C in formaldehyde is due to the photodissociation of CO2 by solar ultraviolet radiation, which results in the preference of one stable isotope over another. The study also showed that the carbon isotope ratio varied based on factors such as the atmospheric pressure on Mars at the time, the fraction of light reflected by the planet's surface, the ratio of CO to CO2, and the amount of hydrogen released by volcanic activity.

"This model provides a possible explanation for previously unexplained findings, such as why 13C was mysteriously depleted." remarks Koyama, a graduate student at Tohoku University.

This discovery indicates that formaldehyde contributed to the formation of organic matter on ancient Mars, implying that bio-important molecules such as sugars and ribose (a component of RNA, which is present in all living cells) may have been produced on the planet.

These findings were published in Scientific Reports on September 17, 2024.

[twistedtummies2]

ReCount: Top 15 Portrayals of Van Helsing

Opinions change over time. I've been doing lists for a while, and the more I see and the more I learn, the more frequently my feelings about characters and portrayals of them can shift. SO, I've decided to start doing "ReCounts." These are second attempts at old countdowns: for my more long-winded countdowns, such as month-long countdown events, I will do shortened single-post versions of them, with updated rankings, short descriptions, and collages that separate different "sections" to help tighten things up. For my shorter lists, where I give almost no descriptions and/or the choices are fewer in number, I will provide said descriptions (albeit relatively brief ones), and the lists themselves, once again, may be adjusted. With that said...later this month, I’ll be doing a countdown of the Worst Dracula Portrayals, in my opinion. I’ll also be doing a ReCount of my personal favorites. Before then, however, I felt it would be fun to talk about the notable side characters of Bram Stoker’s novel. So, we’ll begin with a ReCount of arguably the most famous character from the story (aside from Dracula himself), Abraham Van Helsing. Professor Van Helsing ISN’T the main character of the original book. I would say he’s more describable as the Gothic Horror equivalent to Merlin. He is the de-facto leader of the vampire hunters who set out to destroy Dracula, true, but he’s not the main protagonist: he is their teacher, their guide, the one who has all the knowledge and wisdom the other, younger warriors require in order to combat the threat that the undead Count provides. Van Helsing is not depicted as a professional vampire slayer, either; he’s simply a scientist, but one who has a vast knowledge of and strange belief in the supernatural. In the novel, the Professor at first appears to be a somewhat comical character; slightly clumsy and with an unusual way of speaking, as well as several eccentricities. As the story goes on, however, his own inner steel and darkness begins to show more and more. As a result, he becomes just as fascinating and mysterious as Dracula himself: there are a lot of unanswered questions about Van Helsing that make him intriguing, and he is one of the most proactive characters in the story. Both of these facts are a major part of why the character has become so noteworthy over the years since.

Over the years, Van Helsing’s reputation has intensified; most versions of the character don’t actually follow the book at all, which isn’t necessarily a bad thing (nor an uncommon thing, as later lists for other characters in the novel shall indicate). Choosing my favorite versions of the guy was really difficult, and in making this ReCount - expanding the list to a Top 15, and providing some brief descriptions - it was interesting to see what made some interpretations work or not work. With that said, here are My Top 15 Favorite Portrayals of Dracula’s Nemesis, Professor Van Helsing!

15. David Suchet, from 2006 BBC TV Film.

The same year this TV film came out, the BBC also produced a radio version of Dracula (not connected to the movie at all), and which also featured Suchet. In the radio adaptation, Suchet played Dracula, but - perhaps because the film wanted to go for a younger, more “sexy” Dracula (played by Marc Warren) - in the film, he plays Van Helsing. The film seems to conflate Van Helsing with Renfield, of all characters, depicting him as a shabby character driven half-insane by a past encounter with Dracula. Suchet does a good job with what he’s given, but I rather wish Van Helsing (and the film, in general) had followed the novel more closely.

14. Rikiya Koyama, from Phantom in the Twilight.

In this anime, Koyama voices Van Helsing XIII - a descendant of the original Van Helsing, who is the head of a monster-hunting organization called “Midnight Sun.” He is depicted as an anti-heroic antagonist: a religious zealot who believes all humans are inherently good, and all of the Umbra (monsters) are inherently evil - a Javert-like, black-and-white perspective that often causes trouble. While I liked the character on the whole, and the mysteries about him are intriguing, I was ultimately disappointed by his “battle” with Vlad (the Dracula character) and the conclusion of his story in the show. An interesting concept, but not the most glamorous execution.

13. Nigel Davenport, from the 1973 TV Film.

Davenport plays a more stiff-upper-lipped Van Helsing in this Dan-Curtis-created TV production of the story. The film depicts Van Helsing at first as a sort of dandy, very typically “British” and slightly foppish. However, as the film goes on he shows more and more of his strength and wisdom as the battle to stop Dracula gets more and more intense. I can’t say Davenport is my ideal Van Helsing, but he is an interesting rendition that pays some slight homage to the original in that respect.

12. Martin Gabel, from the Mercury Theatre Radio Version.

Not pictured here in costume, because...well...radio. :P Honestly, I don’t really have a lot to say about Gabel in this radio version, created by and starring Orson Welles. I just think he’s really freaking good: he feels a bit like how Edward Van Sloan’s Van Helsing might have acted (more on him later) if he were in a slightly more book-accurate adaptation.

11. David Moroni, from Dracula: Pages From a Virgin’s Diary.

This extremely bizarre, silent-film-styled, surrealist/Expressionistic TV film was produced by the utterly bonkers Guy Maddin, and loosely based on the Royal Winnipeg Ballet’s dance version of the story. In the film, all of the male characters - and I DO mean ALL of them - are depicted as figures of toxic masculinity. Each of them has flaws and unsavory traits, but Van Helsing is arguably the worst of them all. As a result, the film - I think intentionally - plays with the duality between him and Dracula in some interesting ways, visually, as Van Helsing really is just as awful as the vampire he’s hunting in this version.

10. Christopher Plummer, from Dracula 2000.

While I personally feel this film is a total mess, I will say that arguably the best part of the entire experience is Plummer as Van Helsing. In the movie, Van Helsing is revealed to have become as immortal as Dracula, by using the vampire’s blood to keep himself going, so that he can forever protect the world from the Count’s darkness. However, the methods Van Helsing uses provide some flaws in his character, and at the same time, Dracula himself is depicted as a more sympathetic villain (which is not uncommon). Once again, the duality this creates is interesting.

9. Goofy, from Disney’s Dracula, Starring Mickey Mouse.

Disney has done TWO different “Dracula Starring Mickey Mouse” adaptations in print: the first was a graphic novel, the second was a children’s storybook. While both have obvious similarities, they also have some differences: most notably, the storybook is much, MUCH shorter and “thinner” (both literally and metaphorically), and the casting for many of the characters is different. In the graphic novel, Goofy, of all characters, plays the role of Van Helsing; in the storybook, it’s Horace Horsecollar. (Incidentally, in the storybook Goofy is Quincey Morris, while in the comic version Horace is Arthur Holmwood.) The weird thing is that by making Goofy - clumsy, bumbling, silly Goofy - the Professor, the graphic novel actually creates one of the most weirdly accurate interpretations of the character out there.

8. Laurence Olivier, from the 1979 Film.

In this film version, Olivier’s Van Helsing is given a tragic, personal reason to fight Dracula, as its revealed his daughter is the Lucy character (and you’ll note I say “the Lucy character,” not just “Lucy;” more on that another time). When she is made into a vampire by the undead Count, Van Helsing swears vengeance, and thus his crusade to avenge his child begins. The quest to defeat the vampire ultimately seems to destroy both hero and villain in the end…but I mustn’t say more, or I shall spoil the whole story.

7. Hugh Jackman, from Van Helsing.

While Jackman’s action-hero spin on Van Helsing has almost NOTHING to do with the original book…I’ll give both him and the movie this: anytime I think of the name “Van Helsing,” this movie and this take on the character DO come pretty immediately to mind. Other than that, there’s not a whole lot to say: the movie may not be that great, but it’s a guilty pleasure, and I think Jackman’s performance is part of the reason why. He’s just always a delight to watch, in my experience.

6. Anthony Hopkins, from the 1992 Film.

In the 1992 film, Dracula is given a strongly sympathetic streak. To contrast this, Van Helsing, in turn, is given a darker edge to his character. While what he’s doing IS ultimately heroic, his methods and manners aren’t always the most saintly or kind. At times he even seems to lean towards the verge of madness, which again, makes the struggle between himself and Dracula all the more interesting.

5. The Version from the 2006 BBC Radio Version.

To this day, I have not figured out who plays Van Helsing in the radio adaptation the BBC made, written by Liz Lochhead. The actor is not credited, and I can’t tell if he’s played by someone else in the cast, doing double roles, or if it’s just that the performer chose to be anonymous. Whoever does the job, however, they do it very well: playing a serious, intelligent, but still interesting version of the Professor that courageously leads the other characters.

4. Herbert Lom, from the 1970 Film.

This was the movie made by Jess Franco, entitled "Count Dracula." While I personally feel the conclusion to Van Helsing’s story in the film is somewhat anti-climactic - neither he nor Mina ever travel to Transylvania in this version, leaving them COMPLETELY out of the final battle against Dracula and his servants - Lom portrays the Professor excellently. In this version, Van Helsing is the head of the asylum where Renfield stays, with Dr. Seward as his closest associate; it’s eventually revealed that, in secret, Van Helsing has long been a student of the occult, and it’s implied the asylum is a cover for his true work facing the “creatures of the night.” The battle between himself and Dracula is made interesting, as the film puts emphasis on their competition. Though they only come face-to-face briefly in the movie (and, apparently, behind the scenes, neither Lom nor Christopher Lee actually EVER shared screentime together), I think Van Helsing says it best: “I have never met the Count, yet I feel I know him better than my own soul.”

3. Frank Finlay, from the 1977 BBC TV Film.

Finlay plays probably the single most Stoker-accurate version of Van Helsing ever put to the screen in this 1970s television production. Many consider this one of the most faithful adaptations of the story, even though it - like all renditions - does still take a few liberties. Finlay’s Van Helsing ranges from slightly zany and comical to stone-cold serious and courageously capable, and his performance is probably one of my favorites in the man’s whole career.

2. Edward Van Sloan, from the 1931 Film & Dracula’s Daughter.

Van Sloan first played Van Helsing in the Broadway production of Hamilton Dean’s “Dracula” stage show, opposite Bela Lugosi as Dracula. When Lugosi was cast as the Count for Universal’s famous film version, Lugosi personally suggested Van Sloan be cast as his nemesis, as well. Perhaps because of this, as well as because of the expansions the film made to the twin source materials (the movie is based mostly on the play, but also includes elements from the book and a few new additions all its own), the chemistry between Van Helsing and Dracula in the film is one of the most interesting parts of the whole movie. They feel like the Sherlock Holmes and Moriarty of Gothic Horror in this version, more than anywhere else. Van Sloan reprised the role in the sequel, “Dracula’s Daughter,” and would also go on to play Van-Helsing-esque characters in both “Frankenstein” and “The Mummy.”

1. Peter Cushing, from the Hammer Horror Franchise.

Cushing is arguably where the modern Van Helsing - the idea of him as a professional monster hunter - really began. In the first Hammer film, Van Helsing is a doctor of medicine, but it’s made clear this is a cover for his true profession as a monster hunter, who has been tracking Dracula for years. Later films would continue to expand on the seemingly eternal conflict between the Count and the Professor. Cushing’s Van Helsing is a strict and strong vampire slayer, willing to go to some extreme lengths to take down Dracula and his progeny, but what I like is that - despite these hard edges - there’s also a warmth and a kindness to his character. He can be just as fierce as his enemy, but what separates him from the Count is ultimately his humanity.

[demifiendrsa]

FINAL FANTASY VII REBIRTH - Destined for Rebirth

Japanese version

Latest details

■ Key Artwork

■ Regions of the World

The world is comprised of multiple regions, each boasting unique environments for players to explore and experience on their adventure.

Starboard Junon

An urban residential zone within the fortified metropolis overlooking the ocean. In addition to housing for Shinra personnel, high-end boutiques and restaurants line its streets. Currently, preparations are underway here for Rufus Shinra’s presidential inauguration parade

Shinra-8

A Shinra cruise ship that ferries travelers between the planet’s eastern and western continents. After departing the port of Junon, it heads for the resort town of Costa del Sol. As part of the on-board entertainment, the ship plays host to a Queen’s Blood tournament.

■ New Characters

Cait Sith & Moogle

This gregarious cat fights from atop his sturdy moogle mount, who provides both mobility and support during battle. When Cait’s not duking it out, his Cait Sith & Moogle high-tech helper aids him in hacking computer systems and telling fortunes.

Elena (voiced by Piper Reese in English, Megumi Toyoguchi in Japanese)

“Feast your eyes on the Turks’ latest and greatest─Elena! But you three can call me your worst nightmare!”

Though she may be a rookie, she’s as skilled with her fists and a gun as anyone else in the Turks unit of Shinra’s General Affairs Division. She and her partner Rude are tasked with pursuing the black-robed figures, which she is more than happy to do if it means being assigned a mission with Tseng.

Captain Titov (voiced by Jonathan Lipow in English, Tsuyoshi Koyama in Japanese)

“Be sure to mind your P’s and Q’s, huh? Lotta bigwigs on board.”

The captain of the Shinra-8, responsible for overseeing safe passage for all who travel between Junon and Costa del Sol. He’s earned a sterling reputation among his crew, thanks to his unerring devotion to his duties. This is most evident during the various festivities held aboard his vessel, which he personally—and passionately—emcees.

■ Combat

Next up, let’s take a look at what some of the new additions to the party can do in battle!

◆ Yuffie

Basic Attacks

Quickly strike enemies with a large throwing star. The speed with which she attacks allows you to charge ATB faster than most. While her throwing star is out, Yuffie can unleash magic-infused “ninjutsu” to punish foes.”

Abilities

Yuffie excels at chaining her attacks together and switching their elemental affinity. Her Doppelgänger ability allows her to attack in tandem with her clone, enabling her to exploit enemies’ weaknesses even more effectively.

Unique Ability

Hurling her throwing star at enemies allows her to keep up the pressure from a distance. While her throwing star’s out, she can also pelt her foes with ninjutsu. Whatever element her target’s weak against, Yuffie has a ninjutsu spell for it.

◆ Cait Sith

Basic Attacks

He darts about the battlefield with the agility of an acrobat (or perhaps a cat?), assailing enemies from every side. When he wants to switch things up, he brings out his moogle pal, changing his attacks.

Abilities

These Cait Sith-exclusive moves can hurt enemies or buff allies, but most rely on luck in some way. “Let’s Ride!,” however, allows him to hop on his moogle, enhancing his regular attacks and his unique abilities.

Unique Abilities

While riding his moogle, Cait Sith can give enemies the boot with Dropkick. Once his moogle’s attacks have filled the Moogle Meter, he can also buff his companions with abilities like “Defense!”

◆ Synergy Abilities

Powerful attacks in which two characters team up to turn the tide of battle. More abilities will unlock as you increase the party level—a numerical expression of how closely-knit your team is—and deepen the affinity between party members. Fill the synergy gauge by using abilities, then unleash a synchronized assault.

Moogle Pinwheel (Synergy Ability / Yuffie and Cait Sith)

Yuffie and Cait Sith attack in tandem with a secret ninja technique.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth, the second game in the Final Fantasy VII remake trilogy, will launch for PlayStation 5 on February 29, 2024.

[psychopasss4]

Dir. Shiotani PPP interview

Q&A with the Director Shiotani on 6/15/2023.

For reference, I know y'all had read this couple of times as it has been distributed and discussed online 😁🤭

[Eng.Trans.]

1. What are your hobbies for the weapons that appear?→Is Assault Dominator a hobby of the director? There were three variations of the assault type before the final design. I'm looking forward to the completion of (Kaiser's Dominator).

2. Is there a window in the criminal division room?→It was originally there. It was hidden by holo wallpaper, but Akane cut it out to create a healthy and refreshing space.

3. Was General always in the north?→ Jack Daw and Vixon only appear in the second half. That's it.

4. What was the reaction of the first staff member to Dango Chika?→I thought about putting it in a movie, but decided against it. I like this hairstyle because it looks the cleanest.

5. The story of the three archangels (Michael, Raphael, Gabriel)→ Raphael is the high-altitude communication equipment, Michael is the mobile weapon, and Gabriel is the land weapon that was also in Aso, and it also appeared in SS3.

6. Doesn't the person who was shot feel pain?→It hurts. Kogami also hurts. But I'm used to it. It's not that it doesn't hurt.

7. Is the room before going to the holo room similar to the one in John Wick?→The place where Kai and Kogami fought is inside an attraction similar to the Great Kumamoto Exhibition.

8. Who are the Japanese other than Tonami from Peace Breaker?→It disappeared.

9. General's startup sound is good.→ Mr. Koyama did a really great job in the effects department.

10. What about the whiskey on the desk in Kogami's room?→ Offering a glass to Saiga.

11. The meaning of the broken mirror.→Search for "Russia" and "hand mirror".

12. The room in the last scene?→This is Vermilion's room. Let's all look at Akane crying (I vaguely remember).

13. About Bokamoso→ There was a clear intention in making his Bokamoso look like that (skin color, etc.). thus! I asked for that visual. Maybe you'll hate me? Same as Kai.

14. Why was the anechoic chamber room number 4?→ That's what it means.

15. Why did the doctor use Saiga as a bait?→PROVIDENCE series of unfortunate accidents. He thought he was safe because Saiga was in an isolation facility and couldn't go outside.

16. Did AI try to obtain a body before or after Sibyl?→The timing is about the same. I made it with great irony. Sarcasm towards humans.

17. Why does Kasei stare at Yabuki in the scene regarding the right to investigate the Grozlang?→Good, let's chew the dried squid (nuance).

18. It was evening when Akane entered Saiga's room, but the clock in the room said 23:41?→Confirm.

19. What is the sunflower pattern on the carpet in Saiga's room?→It has meaning. Please chew on the flower language of sunflowers.

20. Is it intentional that the setting sun shines through the hole in the cross in the Yabuki Room?→ That's right.

21. Why does Frederica admire Yabuki?→Yabuki was the one who picked up her and elevated her to that position. The person Frederica is talking to at the end of SS3 is Yabuki.

22. Doesn't Yabuki look like Superintendent Wong from Infernal Affairs?→It's similar. Because that's where I modeled it.

23. Whose crime coefficient ↑ 300 belongs to when Vermilion points Dominator at you on the rooftop?→Things of light.

24. What is the meaning of the expression that Takumi gives Atsushi?→ ``That was a tough mission,'' he said. Let's think.

25. Is there any meaning in Kai putting down his rifle or throwing his pistol?→It means that you are aware of it. It's a code that says they don't have the will to fight that hard.

26. (About the tumbler with vermilion illustrations)→I'm still drinking sweet tea. Please let Shu's head cool down. To the fullest. Kogami in the back? That's two sides of the same coin.I want a tumbler that changes Ginoza's hairstyle depending on the temperature.

27. I like the way Frederica's hair swings.→It's about the assault type. I am particular about it.

🥰👏🏻

[allthefujoshiunite]

Hello, I'm the one from twitter yesterday....Do you mind if I ask for BL manga/manhwa/manhua recs? I already seen the Bl recs you gave to anon some time ago, is it better to give my favorite BL manga like that? (Sorry if I get this wrong.... )

My favorite themes are : childhood friends to lovers, enemies/rivals to lovers, taking care of child/children, happy ending....

Sorry again if the themes are too much, if you want to pick either one, I'm really happy....

Welcome back! Actually, people being specific about what they're looking for (theme, platform, tropes, dynamics etc.) makes it easier for me to narrow titles down. I have my own favorites so obviously those are what comes to mind immediately, but when people come to me asking for something specific, I go back to digging old stuff back! Some series provide a good read, but not to a point where I remember them, let's say, 6 months down the road :,) It's also a by-product of reading a lot. N e gays, let's dive!

Enemies/rivals to lovers is a trope I love as well, and I actually have made a short list of titles I like with that trope. Putting that one here in case you have missed it.

Childhood friends is not a big favorite (if it's a childhood friends + a love triangle I avoid it like plague 😣) but there are series that I loved available on Futekiya:

Love and Howling (Masa Masaru) - This one also contains some supernatural elements, overall, it was an interesting read.

Perfect Propose (Tsurukame Mayo) - Has dubious consent BUT older bottoms are chef's kiss imo and it's sooo pretty. If you love domestic life, this will be up your alley.

I'll Make You Cry (Nozomu Hiiragi) - I'll never shut up about this one!!! Sooo cute and extremely funny! I personally love delinquents with an attitude 💞

Revival Blue (itz) - I have my own reasons for avoiding childhood friends that include a love triangle and this one avoids that route BUT the rivalry part still feels a bit forced and bland. Yet! This one has age gap and a bit of angst sprinkled with a happy ending, it was sooooo good!

Life in Our Hometown with Me and You (Isino Aya) - This one is as slice-of-life as it can get. Very chill and perfect for a comfort read.

Not from Futekiya but Living With Him by Miyata Toworu is another chill, very sweet childhood friends-to-forced-to-live-together-bc-of-their-mothers-to-lovers story! Just reread it today 💞

Also, here's a very interesting manhwa on Lezhin (free to read) called Count Tachibana. Love the historical aspect and love the expressive art style with bold colors more! (The list was getting long so I cut it short but if you need more childhood friends recs hit me up again ^^)

Now, BL with kids is less of a favorite. I don't avoid them completely, but don't go into them excitedly as well. Looking for Omegaverse titles would be more likely to find such titles. I'll list a couple that I found cute (despite the kids xD):

Our Dining Table (Mita Ori) - Another down-to-earth, cute and chill title. The kid in the story is actually the brother of one of the male leads (they have a big age gap) but the story is centered around their domestic life and food, super sweet.

Would You Like to be a Family? (Koyama) - I remember reading this on Futekiya, it was a single dad story I believe.

Sorry I don't have a lot of recs that have children in them, the one's I've read are titles that everyone know. For the rest, I tried to go for titles that I don't see circulate around as much, hope they'll be to your taste as well. See you around ~

[satoshi-mochida]

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth ‘Destined for Rebirth’ trailer; Caith Sith, Elena, Captain Titov, and Yuffie detailed

Gematsu Source

Square Enix has released a new trailer for Final Fantasy VII Rebirth titled “Destined for Rebirth,” as well as new information and screenshots introducing Cait Sith, Elena, Captain Titov, and Yuffie.

Get the details below.

■ Key Artwork

■ Regions of the World

The world of Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is comprised of multiple regions. Each boasts unique environments for you to explore. Let’s take a look at a couple now:

Starboard Junon

An urban residential zone within the fortified metropolis overlooking the ocean. In addition to housing for Shinra personnel, high-end boutiques and restaurants line its streets. Currently, preparations are underway here for Rufus Shinra’s presidential inauguration parade.

Shinra-8

A Shinra cruise ship that ferries travelers between the planet’s eastern and western continents. After departing the port of Junon, it heads for the resort town of Costa del Sol. As part of the on-board entertainment, the ship plays host to a Queen’s Blood tournament.

■ New Characters

Cait Sith & Moogle

This gregarious cat fights from atop his sturdy moogle mount, who provides both mobility and support during battle. When Cait’s not duking it out, his high-tech helper aids him in hacking computer systems and telling fortunes.

Elena (voiced by Piper Reese in English, Megumi Toyoguchi in Japanese)

Though she may be a rookie, she’s as skilled with her fists and a gun as anyone else in the Turks unit of Shinra’s General Affairs Division. She and her partner Rude are tasked with pursuing the black-robed figures, which she is more than happy to do if it means being assigned a mission with Tseng.

Captain Titov (voiced by Tsuyoshi Koyama in Japanese)

The captain of the Shinra-8, responsible for overseeing safe passage for all who travel between Junon and Costa del Sol. He’s earned a sterling reputation among his crew, thanks to his unerring devotion to his duties. This is most evident during the various festivities held aboard his vessel, which he personally—and passionately—emcees.

■ Combat

Next up, let’s take a look at what some of the new additions to the party can do in battle!

◆ Yuffie

Basic Attacks

Yuffie quickly strikes enemies with a large throwing star. The speed with which she attacks allows you to charge ATB faster than most. While her throwing star is out, Yuffie can unleash magic-infused “ninjutsu” to punish foes.

Abilities

Yuffie excels at chaining her attacks together and switching their elemental affinity. Her Doppelgänger ability allows her to attack in tandem with her clone, enabling her to exploit enemies’ weaknesses even more effectively.

Unique Ability

Hurling her throwing star at enemies allows Yuffie to keep up the pressure from adistance. While her throwing star’s out, she can also pelt her foes with ninjutsu. Whatever element her target’s weak against, Yuffie has a ninjutsu spell for it.

◆ Cait Sith

Basic Attacks

Cait Sith darts about the battlefield with the agility of an acrobat (or perhaps a cat?), assailing enemies from every side. When he wants to switch things up, he brings out his moogle pal, changing his attacks.

Abilities

These Cait Sith-exclusive moves can hurt enemies or buff allies, but most rely on luck in some way. “Let’s Ride!,” however, allows him to hop on his moogle, enhancing his regular attacks and his unique abilities.

Unique Abilities

While riding his moogle, Cait Sith can give enemies the boot with Dropkick. Once his moogle’s attacks have filled the Moogle Meter, he can also buff his companions with abilities like “Defense!”

◆ Synergy Abilities

Synergy abilities are powerful attacks in which two characters team up to turn the tide of battle. More abilities will unlock as you increase the party level – a numerical expression of how closely-knit your team is—and deepen the affinity between party members. Fill the synergy gauge by using abilities, then unleash a synchronized assault!

Moogle Pinwheel (Synergy Ability / Yuffie and Cait Sith)

Yuffie and Cait Sith attack in tandem with a secret ninja technique.

Final Fantasy VII Rebirth is due out for PlayStation 5 on February 29.

Watch the trailer below. View the screenshots at the gallery.

Destine For Rebirth Trailer

English

Japanese

[usagirotten]

Classroom for Heroes Anime New Trailer

The upcoming Hero Classroom anime adaptation has received a character introduction trailer, a second key visual, and more cast details. The Classroom for Heroes novels, by Shin Araki, follow Arnest Fleming, a girl who holds the top record at hero-training school Rosewood Academy. Her latest assignment has her tasked with guiding a mysterious but cheery new student named Blade, whose power might rival her own. The newly announced voice actors and characters are: • Sarah Emi Bridcutt as Maria/Mao • Aya Uchida as Iona • Eri Yukimura as Claire • Haruka Shiraishi as Jessica • Shuuichi Uchida as Clay • Tomohiro Oono as Cassim • Tomohito Takatsuka as Leonard • Konomi Kohara as Eliza • Rikiya Koyama as King Gilgamesh • Tetsu Inada as Asmodeus The opening theme will be performed by NIJISANJI VTuber Kaede Higuchi and the ending theme will be performed by Akane Kumada. Cast members revealed thus far include Reiji Kawashima as Blade, Misuzu Yamada as Arnest Flaming, Nao Toyama as Sophitia and Hina Kino as Kufurin.  Keiichiro Kawaguchi (Spy Classroom) is directing the Hero Classroom anime, with Naoki Hayashi (Higurashi: When They Cry – GOU) on series composition and Kosuke Kawamura on character designs and chief animation director at anime studio ACTAS. The series made its debut as part of Shueisha’s Dash X Bunko imprint back in January 2015, with Haruyuki Morisawa providing illustrations. Classroom for Heroes has also inspired a manga adaptation by Koara Kishida, which runs in Ultra Jump magazine.   

Read the full article

[noamsussman]

Happy Hanukkah!

This is Home Alone 1944 aka Home Alone x Anne Frank

Page 3 of 8 - I’ll be posting one a day throughout Hanukkah. Stay tuned for more! Hope you’re all enjoying some latkes and jelly donuts!

This comic was funded by the Koyama Provides grant I received last year. Big thanks to Annie Koyama!

[bigedred]

Feminist Theory Reader [Unknown Binding] Carole R. McCann and Seung-Kyung Kim

New in original factory box or package.Box or package may not be in the best condition. Have Question Just Ask?The fourth edition of the Feminist Theory Reader continues to challenge readers to rethink the complex meanings of difference outside of contemporary Western feminist contexts. This new edition contains a new subsection on intersectionality. New readings turn readers’ attention to current debates about violence against women, sex work, care work, transfeminisms, and postfeminism. The fourth edition also continues to expand the diverse voices of transnational feminist scholars throughout, with particular attention to questions of class.

Introductory essays at the beginning of each section bring the readings together, provide historical and intellectual context, and point to critical additional readings. Five core theoretical concepts―gender, difference, women’s experiences, the personal is political, and intersectionality―anchor the anthology’s organizational framework. New to this edition, text boxes in the introductory essays add excerpts from the writings of foundational theorists that help define important theoretical concepts, and content by Dorothy Sue Cobble, Cathy Cohen, Emi Koyama, Na Young Lee, Angela McRobbie, Viviane Namaste, Vrushali Patil, and Jasbir Puar.

Listing and template services provided by inkFrog

[marbleboa]

do you have a personal headcanon for koyama's backstory?

Folds my hands. As you might expect there's A Lot in my brain about this matter. I also have an ask about his Siblings which I'll get to In due time, as they're an important part of this too, but for now I'll stick with the gist of how he got into Claw.

I've probably talked about this before, but I imagine many of Claw HQ's recruitment tactics are a bit more nuanced than just grabbing kids off the street(i think that's more a Scar thing). They often keep an eye on environments that cultivate the stressors needed for awakening talent--one of such places would be juvenile detention centers. When you have a bunch of teens drunk on power but not smart enough to be able to cover their tracks properly, chances are some cause enough trouble to end up there(unrelated, but this is how I imagined Miyagawa got taken in too)

In Koyama's case, the circumstances were even more severe than the average delinquent's--he'd be desperate for an out from the consequences, and Claw was happy to provide. Getting his parents to let him go wasn't that hard: we know Claw is no stranger to having puppet organizations connected to it--what's a reform school to add to the list? Strings were pulled from the inside, one or two police reports altered, and that was that.

Oh yeah, and RE: the aforementioned severe circumstances: Have you ever thought about what a technique described as drilling into something with telekinetic power could do to a normal human's chest cavity? I did.

[cmbenvs3000f24]

Unit 5 Blog Post

A topic that interested me this week was citizen science. This is a concept that has recently increased in popularity, and refers to research projects that rely on volunteers to collect data (Sullivan et al., 2014). I  wanted to learn more about how technology has improved the accessibility of citizen science, and how this relates to nature interpretation. 

What I found surprised me! Citizen science has a big impact on conservation and scientific research. A review that I read on citizen science in conservation showed that studies relying on volunteers were able to collect data on a wider scale than a research team alone. Technology also makes this research more accessible. Online tools can be used, whether to help connect people to projects that need volunteers, provide online trainings, or allow for easier submission of data (Kobori et al., 2016). 

One cool integration of technology and citizen science is the program eBird. This is an app that allows birdwatchers to submit abundance and species counts of birds around the world (Sullivan et al., 2014). I have used eBird before, when I worked with seabird species in Newfoundland for a summer job. It was a fun way for me to learn bird identification, and the app was very easy to use. It was quick and simple to post an observation, so my team and I would post regularly when we were out conducting fieldwork. However, I just thought this was a fun way to start birdwatching. I had no idea how useful this data can be to scientists and conservationists. In a research paper that I read this week, I learned that by 2013, eBird had collected 140 million separate bird observations, by 150,000 volunteers. This data contributed to over 90 articles published in peer-reviewed journals, and these numbers are only growing (Sullivan et al., 2014). Another recent study shows that eBird data, when carefully filtered, provides abundance estimates on species in the United States, such as waterfowl, that are very similar to those collected by government officials in the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service (Stuber et al., 2022). This means that eBird can be used as a reliable source of information, and the data collected could be important for making conservation decisions. 

I think that because citizen science is important for research, it is a great tool to use in nature interpretation. It can be offered as a next step for audiences, to take the information they have learned in an interpretive program and use it to contribute to nature conservation. For example, audiences participating in a beginner birding course could be encouraged to download eBird, and start birding more regularly. This builds on the interpretive program by encouraging people to continue to get outside and birdwatch, and allows audiences to intentionally use their new knowledge to make a difference. The improved accessibility of citizen science, and its direct implications on conservation decisions, make it a valuable way for audiences to engage with their environment and take interpretation to the next level.  

Some bird observations that I made in Newfoundland and posted to eBird.

Works Cited 

Kobori, H., Dickinson, J. L., Washitani, I., Sakurai, R., Amano, T., Komatsu, N., Kitamura, W., Takagawa, S., Koyama, K., Ogawara, T., & Miller-Rushing, A. J. (2016). Citizen science: a new approach to advance ecology, education, and conservation. Ecological Research, 31(1). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11284-015-1314-y

Stuber, E. F., Robinson, O. J., Bjerre, E. R., Otto, M. C., Millsap, B. A., Zimmerman, G. S., Brasher, M. G., Ringelman, K. M., Fournier, A. M. V., Yetter, A., Isola, J. E., & Ruiz-Gutierrez, V. (2022). The potential of semi-structured citizen science data as a supplement for conservation decision-making: Validating the performance of eBird against targeted avian monitoring efforts. Biological Conservation, 270. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2022.109556

Sullivan, B. L., Aycrigg, J. L., Barry, J. H., Bonney, R. E., Bruns, N., Cooper, C. B., Damoulas, T., Dhondt, A. A., Dietterich, T., Farnsworth, A., Fink, D., Fitzpatrick, J. W., Fredericks, T., Gerbracht, J., Gomes, C., Hochachka, W. M., Iliff, M. J., Lagoze, C., La Sorte, F. A., … Kelling, S. (2014). The eBird enterprise: An integrated approach to development and application of citizen science. In Biological Conservation (Vol. 169). https://doi.org/10.1016/j.biocon.2013.11.003

[comicbookclub]

Annie Koyama To Be Given Third Annual Spurgeon Award At CXC 2024

Annie Koyama will be honored with the third annual Spurgeon Award at this year's artoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC).

We’re a little over a month away from this year’s Cartoon Crossroads Columbus (CXC), but we know at least one event that will happen at the convention… Annie Koyama, founder of Koyama Press, will be honored with the third annual Spurgeon Award. “Annie Koyama is a beacon in the world of independent comics,” said Caitlin McGurk, CXC Awards Committee Chair, via a press release provided to Comic…