#radar men from the moon

[gameraboy2]

"Radar Men from the Moon" Spacemen #5 (1962)

[mst3kgifs]

They'd better hurry. They gotta get that car back to the amusement park... it's an E ticket ride, y'know.

[gnratr0529]

Looking For Potential Musical Collaborators.

hey, so I love music, I’m a 16 year old in Illinois, and I wanna make music so bad, not only to put out art and my feelings into the world, but also to help others with shit they’re going through, and hey, maybe I could make some money doing what I love. But I truly don’t expect to be a big rockstar or whatever, I just wanna make music. I’ve been singing under various teachers for 7 years. I’ve been self teaching myself guitar for 8 years. I’ve been self teaching myself bass for 3 years. And picked up the drums about 6 months ago. And I have a pretty good understanding of music theory. I believe that the learning truly never ends when it comes to music. I first started to just give myself something to do as video games became boring and I was gifted a guitar because my uncle found one in a pawn shop and it was cheap and I had shown interest in music ever since I was a small dude. All music influences me in some way or another. Whether it be the heaviness of metal, the structure of blues, the twangy guitars of country, the influence of classical guitar soloing, the beautifulness of symphonic genres, the excitement of breakcore, the flow of rap, the catchiness of pop, and so on and so on. I truly just love to learn and incorporate styles into my musical style. Some bands/artists I’m influenced by (not in any particular order) are: Queens of the Stone Age, Primus, The Misfits, Stevie Ray Vaughn, Jimi Hendrix, Dredg, TOOL, MF DOOM, Run The Jewels, Sleep, Kyuss, Fu Manchu, Mondo Generator, Johnny Cash, Victor Wooten, Led Zeppelin, Black Sabbath, Pink Floyd, Slayer, Rage Against The Machine, My Chemical Romance, System Of A Down, Ween, The Offspring, Dinosaur Jr, Radar Men From The Moon, Cannibal Corpse, Këkht Aräkh, Acid Bath, Alice In Chains, and so much more. My song writing is fueled and inspired by: Pop Culture (Movies, Video games, Comic Books, nerdy stuff basically), Horror, Psychedelia, shedding light on problems that most people dont have the misfortune of experiencing, shedding light on political corruption and exploitation, an outlet for my feelings, and hoping to inspire others like others have inspired me. I do not have the Tumblr app so sorry if it takes awhile for me to get back to you. But I would love to hear from some people, whether it be interest in collaboration, advice, or just to talk about music in general. Whatever it is I look forward to meeting some new people.

[quasar1967]

Famous Monsters Of Filmland #247-249

[movieposters1]

[mysticstronomy]

WHAT IS THE GREAT RED SPOT ON JUPITER MADE OF??

Blog#415

Wednesday, July 3rd, 2024.

Welcome back,

The Great Red Spot is an anticyclone, a long-lasting area of high pressure on Jupiter creating a persistent storm.

Located in Jupiter's Southern Hemisphere, it is the largest storm in our solar system, appearing as a giant red spot on Jupiter's surface. It has existed for the last 150 years, possibly even longer according to NASA.

The spot may have been discovered in 1664 by English scientist Robert Hooke or in 1665 by Italian astronomer Giovanni Cassini, according to the American Physical Society. It is possible one or both men observed either the shadow of one of Jupiter's moons or a different spot. An illustration with a red spot on Jupiter similar to the modern spot appeared in 1831, and the spot has been observed consistently since 1878 when it was re-discovered by American astronomer C.W. Pritchett.

The Great Red Spot is an anticyclone, rotating counterclockwise once about every six days, according to The Planets, and produces winds up to 580 mph (933 kph), according to Smithsonian.

On Earth, anticyclones are created when high atmospheric pressure causes air from higher altitudes to be forced down. They are often associated with clear, warm, and dry weather. Cyclones on the other hand form around a central area of low pressure causing air to rise and are associated with cloudy, windy and rainy weather.

While anticyclones don't cause storms on Earth on the same scale as a cyclone, they can contribute to storms and inclement weather conditions, such as Anticyclone Hartmut during the 2018 cold wave in the British Isles, according to Weather and Radar.

Though scientists understand how anticyclones form on Earth, no one knows for sure exactly how or when the Great Red Spot formed, according to the Planetary Society.

It's also not clear why it is so incredibly long-lived, though scientists have several guesses. One hypothesis is that it is trapped between two opposite-flowing jet streams which act like two conveyor belts, keeping the Great Red Spot spinning on both sides, according to Insider.

Another is that the vertical flow of heat and cold inside the storm helps keep it alive. A significant factor in its longevity is the fact that Jupiter, as a gas planet, has no surface, and thus there is no friction to slow the storm, according to JStor Daily.

Originally published on https://www.space.com

COMING UP!!

(Saturday, July 6th, 2024)

"COULD LIFE EXIST ON TITAN??"

[nico-esoterica]

❤️😭

I feel a psychic pull to make this so I'm doing it - If you have a celeb sp, esp a romantic one, and you're at home worrying if there's a 3p or if they have eyes for anyone else, know that'll be true if you keep entertaining that story :)

I struggled with that in the past. But, imo, that has to do with a combination of negative experiences w/ romantic partners, dating, and your own shitty perception of yourself. You should be actively creating the best self concept of yourself and how relationships go for you. You can revise previous situations so the trauma's gone, unfollow toxic accounts promoting negativity about relationships, and whatever you've got to do to maintain a GOOD story about love. Because what's in your tank (brain) is going to be where your mind rests when you're focused on other things.

There's no free will. So they're only going to show up how you WANT them to. If you assume they won't want you, that's also you choosing that. If you assume that social conditioning is gonna make them think you're ugly or unattractive then it's true, it will. Esp if your sp is a celeb or someone from a different culture. FUCK any limiting social 'rules.' You define them. Even if you've heard rumors, fan accounts, etc, you need to wipe the slate clean. If you WANT this person, then you need to tell yourself that they want you 1000x more. That they're obsessed and pining, looking up porn that reminds them of you, is the Gomez to your Morticia. This is your real life fairytale. All the real life groupie stories, minus the horror stories, all say the same thing. They describe how 'normal' it was to meet them and how they were just regular people behind the glamor.

You're manifesting people all the time. You think your boss is gonna be an asshole? They're an asshole. You expect your Mom to be a neglectful parent? You can change that but she's showing up that way. Your friends are always emotionally immature and disrespectful? Welp, might as well cancel those plans with em'. Your celeb sp is the same. They don't HAVE to be a repeat of your raggedy ex who couldn't even buy you McDonalds who lied and cheated all the time. They also don't have to be someone who 'always ignores you like all your old crushes always did.' Stop the narrative that all men, women, whoever, are universally difficult, disloyal, and they'll inevitably let you down. Stop parroting your miserable aunties and fave social media accounts who yap endlessly about how horrible the dating pool is. This is YOUR life. Stop giving your narrative to people who hate their lives and themselves!

There's no 3p. A third party doesn't exist. Keep telling yourself this and they'll evaporate. Your person will break up with them, things will fall a part, or they may never even have a 3p and it'll be confirmed that it was all just in your head. Your person just wants you even if they've never met you. They're going to FEEL intuitively that they need to stay single for you for some reason. Any potential partner is going to be incompatible until you're in the picture. I don't care how famous this person is. No ig model, super model, viral white girl with husky eyes, or anyone will be on their radar. Just keep that story straight and don't tell yourself anything else. But this is also why it helps TREMENDOUSLY to work on your self concept about yourself and relationships. It'll be less stressful and anxiety inducing.

Your celeb sp could be in your DMs rn stuttering and stammering complimenting you but you believe the miserable people, who are always cheated on, saying that they couldn't ever just want you.

We want you to stop getting that day 3 of Wands, 3 of Swords, Moon, 8/9 of Swords, Lovers/2 of Cups reversed, and other 'strife coded' cards in your tarot pulls! BECAUSE I KNOW Y'ALL. YOU'VE BEEN CALLED OUT!!!!

[tangjiali-purpleyaohua]

Qiu Qingzhi and Li Bing back in the days : You look at me who loves looking at you.

ISTG the way Li Bing looked at Qiu Qingzhi who was looking at him was more like a shy junior who looked at his senior he had a crush on. A part of him secretly hoped that Qiu Qingzhi wouldn't know his feelings towards him, yet another part of him also hoped that his secret crush would share the same feelings as him and then would make the first move on him. He plastered a shy smile as if he tried to pretend that he didn't have any butterflies flying in his stomach.

The drama wasn't about bromance, but really they just skipped the B and jumped into romance. LOL. Qiu Qingzhi x Li Bing boldly crossed the line of mere brothership. There's no way in Hell you would treat your brother as an adult like that. Not a million times.

Note : They didn't cut the scene where Wang Qi jumped on Cui Bei's back, but they cut the cute scene where Qiu Qingzhi called Li Bing to come over and Li Bing ran to him happily. He jumped on Qiu Qingzhi's back. Qiu Qingzhi was more than happy to give him a piggyback ride for free. He carried him like the most precious thing he wished he could have.

Qiu Qingzhi and Li Bing now : I'm just a little too not over you. Just a little! You hear me? But how are you so fine without me? I've been crying for you since the day you went away! Am I that unimportant? Am I so insignificant to you? Fine! I'm going to show to the whole world that I'm also fine without you!

But of course, who could stop our Vice Minister Li from the Court of Judicial Review to act cute towards General Qiu from Jinwu Guard? Li Bing could do whatever he wished since it's Qiu Qingzhi. 撒娇 full mode was activated!

I'd never be a fan of hetero romance drama. I admit that I even always tried to avoid it like a plague because I had a great issue with the FL's half baked 撒娇 (acted like a spoiled child or coquettishly). It never failed to annoy me to the moon and back to the point that killed my mood and gave me a headache. It's the main reason why such a talented actor like Ding Yuxi managed to escape from my radar (my BL-dar, LOL).

White Cat Legend was his first drama that I watched. To be honest, at first, I didn't expect him to be that good, but just a pretty face to help selling the drama. I heard that antis said that his face was just too ordinary. Excuse you, but I had to disagree! I really had no idea which beauty standard that they used to judge Ding Yuxi's exquisite appearance. This guy surely had a pretty face and a pair of equally beautiful expressive doe eyes. His laughs were so addictive. He has fair skin and a pair of cute elf ears that made his face look smaller and innocent.

He's indeed one of the most beautiful men I've ever seen, but his acting skill was on par with his pretty face. He was so detailed in micro expression, voice, quirks, and body language. He used his real voice! I was so glad for that since I could tell his changing mood faster based on his voice. In White Cat Legend, I wonder if he merely relied on what's written on the script or more on his personal interpretation to portray Li Bing. Most of the time when Li Bing gazed at Qiu Qingzhi, it wasn't for a bestie, but a lover. It was understandable if it was a BL or B-romance drama, but it wasn't. I jumped on the QiuBing ship and then sailed, sailed, sailed, to the BL sea.

When they met again after the 3 years of separation & a bitter 'breakup', Li Bing looked at General Qiu with glassy eyes as he was so ready to burst into tears at any moment. His voice tinted with emotional; anger, sorrow, desperation, and unbearable longing. But sometimes his voice became more childish just like when he was younger. He did it only to Qiu Qingzhi, especially when he felt like testing Qiu Qingzhi's patience in every chance that he got. I wonder how Qiu Qingzhi could suppress the urge not to jump on that naughty cat and attack him. By 'attack', I meant wringing Li Bing's delicate neck, not that typical +18 'attack' deflowering him in bed.

Gotta admit that Ding Yuxi's 撒娇 skill is really a top-notch 撒娇! He's not exaggerating. It was just so natural. Damn, he's so cute! When I said cute, it was purely boyish cute. I wouldn't dare to describe him as unmanly. He's a versatile actor that could act as a male character with a feminine traits, just like his role as Dongfang Bubai back then. FYI, Dongfang Bubai was a male character who castrated himself in order to master a martial art in the Sunflower Manual. I didn't watch the drama, but I watched some short videos of his version of Dongfang Bubai. IMHO, he's the best Dongfang Bubai that I've ever seen. They mostly used an actress to play the role of Dongfang Bubai. Ding Yuxi managed to balance masculinity and femininity for Dongfang Bubai. Dear a bunch of half baked 撒娇 skilled actress, you guys better learn that skill from this xiao-Dingding, so your acting can be less annoying.

Ding Yuxi as Dongfang Bubai

Tbh, I wouldn't mind if the MUA (makeup artist) dolled him up like Dongfang Bubai as Li Bing. Li Bing in his big white cat mode got red eyeshadow under his eyes! Why couldn't he get it in his human form? It would be so epic and undoubtedly look so good on him.

Was the GCI version of the big white cat actually modeled after Ding Yuxi? They really looked alike! Da lizi was just like a mirror image of Ding Yuxi. Look at their eyes and lips!

I wonder if he used a certain method as an actor; shaping himself into the character or blend the character into himself. Whichever he used, it was the best way to understand the character, but also a dangerous way since it's possible that he couldn't get rid off the character even after the drama was over. It was so tricky. However, as an adult, I believe that he was over the fragile stage to find his identity. He was already on the safe side.

As for Wei Zheming, his acting really surprised me. The first time I knew him, he acted as Jing Beiyuan or Qi-ye (Lord Seventh) in Word of Honor. In White Cat Legend, he really surpassed my expectations on him. He nailed the role as Qiu Qingzhi; the left General of Imperial Guard, the General from Jinwu Guard. Most of the time he kept his face stoic and expressionless, but if you paid more attention to it, he clearly had a lot of emotions, especially for Li Bing. I was so glad that they didn't dub his original voice. Unlike when Li Bing addressed Qiu Qingzhi by his title so coldly; damn that was so cold, when Qiu Qingzhi addressed Li Bing by his title, it was full of respect. But when he addressed Li Bing by his name, you could notice the fondness in his voice. You could also sense the air of arrogance and authority whenever he used '本将' (this General) to address himself. Somehow he managed to sound so arrogant even when he used '邱莫' (this humble-self Qiu). Dude, you're not humble at all! However on the contrary, you would notice his modesty when he used '我' (I, me). He's a real two-face guy. He was so different in his monstrous mode and his Saint mode.

After learning how selfless and sincere Qiu Qingzhi was, my first reaction was; I insulted him so much behind his back. I shouldn't have done that. Oh, same, Wang Qi, same!

It was so sad that they killed Qiu Qingzhi in the drama. But it couldn't be helped since that character was too good. Qiu Qingzhi >>>>>>>>>>> Chen Shi + Wang Qi + Cui Bei + Sun Bao + Alibaba. Once he was back to Li Bing's side, the Mingjing Hall people were basically useless compared to Qiu Qingzhi. Looking back at Qiu Qingzhi x Li Bing in their past, I thought that he was actually the '妖' (demon) in duo '妖饼' (demon Bing). Oh, come on. Li Bing was a frail Young Master back then due his incurable illness. Basically he was like a beauty lamp that even a faint cold air could extinguish it in seconds. Qiu Qingzhi, on the contrary, was a strong and reliable man with wisdom. We know how capable and effective Qiu Qingzhi was in a battle. Capturing a small fry like thieves or bandits was like just a piece of cake for him. He also could make sure that Li Bing was safe and unharmed when he played detective with him.

Maybe it's because he was a slave (servant), even if Li Bing would never treat him like one, no one really would bother to pay attention on him. He was like the shadow of Li Bing who was born with silver in his mouth and so much privilege as the Young Master of an aristocratic family.

Back to the topic. If Qiu Qingzhi was still alive or managed to escape from death, he would single handedly outshine Mingjing Hall people so easily to the point Li Bing no longer needed anyone, but him. I meant it. Wanna bet? Whenever Li Bing needs someone to pamper him, just go get Qiu Qingzhi. Sorry, Chen Shi. Whenever Li Bing needs someone who's highly intelligent and is a sly fox with so many tricks in his sleeves, just go get Qiu Qingzhi. Sorry, Wang Qi. Whenever Li Bing needs someone who's so dedicated to a case and can memorize the detail of each case by heart, just go get Qiu Qingzhi. Sorry, Cui Bei. Whenever Li Bing needs a protection, just go get Qiu Qingzhi. Heck, Qiu Qingzhi could catch and tame the original Demon Cat; Yi Zhihua by himself. He can be a real monster once he puts his heart in it. Sorry, Sun Bao. Whenever Li Bing needs a translator or someone who has a lot of connection in the city, just go get Qiu Qingzhi. He's the left General of the Imperial Guard, he will be a big help with his influence. Sorry, Alibaba.

In short : It absolutely will be the supremacy of the Qiu Qingzhi era!

See? He was so good that they 'better' killed Qiu Qingzhi.

After Qiu Qingzhi's tragic death, I felt like it's Li Bing who's drapped in moonlight, lonely, and sad since no one can replace Qiu Qingzhi. It's definitely a losing game to compete with a dead man. Therefore, it's only Li Bing who remains in the tragedy. Even though in the end, he has Mingjing Hall people who stay on his side, things will never be the same.

Now what? Even though the drama was over, I couldn't move on! Help! 😭😭😭

[seliasvault]

Like A Rolling Stone

Looking for an escape you flee, hop on a bus, and end up in a small town, dead in the middle of Texas. Despite the temporary respite, you can't outrun what follows you for forever.

John Price/Reader - results from this poll

There’s a lot to be said about the phrase “going where the wind takes you”. Some may take it as an act of spontaneity, some may not take it literally, but you apply it to all its worth.

You bought the first bus ticket at the station, not bothering to check where it’s to, rather leaving it up to fate to decide. And it’s wound you up here.

Everything that you deem important, packed in a duffel bag, slung over your shoulder as you check into a rundown motel, located in the small town you’ve found yourself in.

You're a long way from home, if you can even call it home. You’ve longed too much for a better place to give it that name.

Hence why you’re here, miles from the city, from him. Several states further from the Big Apple, land of dreams.

Texas.

You never gave the countryside much thought, the music, the culture, it was never on your radar.

So throwing yourself into the most Texan place you could imagine was sure to be interesting.

But that was exactly what you were looking for, something fresh, to chase the bitter taste of the city away. Of your life away.

And so you check in indefinitely, it helps that the motel is a pay-as-you-go, each night you have the option to check out, to run.

If the town doesn’t suit you there’s always another bus waiting for you.

-

The room proves to be reasonable, with a single bed, a bathroom, and a dresser with a decent-sized TV.

It wasn’t modern or sparking clean by any means, but the contrast to your previous scene proved to soothe your soul. Modern is overrated anyway.

You set your duffle down on the bed and glance at the time, 4:34 pm. You decide taking a nap is the best course of action.

Daylight burns and the late afternoon turns to dusk.

By the time you wake, it’s 7:34 and the sky is void of light, safe for the moon shining just outside your window.

Back home 7:34 pm meant the start of your extensive bedtime routine. But you're not home anymore.

You grab your phone and head out to the motel office, if anyone would know the ins and outs of town it’d be a local.

You get the name of the best bar in town, the one conveniently down the street. And so you set off to walk half a mile, to the illuminated cabin-like building in the distance, as the silence of the night surrounds you.

You’ve been to bars before, but nothing quite as charming as the one you find yourself in now, barstools made of what looks like hand-crafted woodwork, the entire bartop made the same, as are the tables and booths.

Everything in this town seems to hold a flame of nostalgia to it, a sense of well-loved wear, and you're sure if you were here a year ago you might’ve found it distasteful but you can’t help but admire it now.

You’re sat in the corner, nursing a drink in hand as you survey the room, you feel light, alone but not lonely.

Men with those stereotypical cowboy hats, and people dressed in boots you’d only ever see here. You'd feel out of place if it weren't for the fact no one seemed to bat an eye.

It wasn’t crowded, a few groups of people at the tables, you and another man at the bar.

Overlooking the bar, peering into the lives of the locals; who seem to be native to the town, you wonder what it would be like to grow up here, have a little part of the world to call your own.

A little envious but you felt at ease, a feeling you hadn't felt in the past six months you've spent trying to figure your life out, you wanted this feeling to wrap itself around you, encompass you, embed itself within you, undo the knots of the past 4 weeks.

Lost in the thought you didn't notice the only other man at the bar move until he clears his throat, somehow now on the stool next to you.

You’re more spaced out than you thought.

“You're new around here aren’t you?” His voice is gruff like he’s burnt his throat from years of smoking.

He’s dressed like everyone else here, a signature hat atop his head and a brown leather jacket.

His accent however separates him from the rest, it’s not the usual country accent you’re accustomed to around here, there’s an edge to it, almost British. He sounds like a man who’s stayed too long.

“That’s a real cliche thing to say.” You laugh, swirling your drink in your glass.

“But I bet you aren’t from around here either.” You finally meet his eyes.

“Been here long enough to feel like I am.” He sips on what looks to be straight whisky.

“And how long is that?” You counter.

“ ‘bout 16 years.” He takes a sip. Your eyes follow his throat as he swallows.

You hum in acknowledgment.

“And how ‘bout you?” He looks at you attentively. Like every word you spew, he’ll memorize.

“First day actually.” You laugh a little.

“So not as much experience as you.” You add on.

“You’re gettin’ there.” His eyes crinkle.

“Oh yeah-” You glance at your imaginary watch.

“Just a couple more minutes and I’ll be rivaling you.”

“Yeah? Guess we’ll have to go toe to toe on the bull right there.” He looks over in the direction of the large mechanical bull resisting in the corner.

It’s worn just like everything else, tearing at the seams. And it seems like you missed it when you scanned the area.

“How did I not see that?” You stand up, to get a better look. You're in somewhat awe, only having seen it on late-night sitcoms growing up.

“Does it work?” You inquire.

“I’d hope it does, but haven’t seen anyone use it in years.” He’s turned now in his chair, facing toward where you’re looking.

“Haven’t seen one of those before, have you.” It’s supposed to be a question, but sounds more like a statement. Like he’s already looked right through you, knows you.

“No, only seen ‘em on those cheesy sitcoms, they’re not too common where I’m from.” You’ve turned your head to look back at him, opting now to move back to your seat.

You take another sip of your drink.

He hums, his eyes seem like they pierce through you.

“And where’s that?”

“The big ol’ apple.” Your tone is flat, discontent. Even the thought makes your stomach turn with anxiety.

“Not a fan?” He questioned.

“No-well I mean the city’s great, it’s just-life y’know?” You stumble out.

“The people- things were great when I first moved, but the last couple months-” You exhale.

“I’m just here for a break.” You finally finish, you think that was too much of an overshare, but the way he looked at you felt like it wasn’t.

You're not sure you’ve ever met someone who conveyed so much emotion with a simple look. Maybe it’s a country thing.

“Most people would have gone to an island.” He makes sense, if someone wanted a vacation, they’d go somewhere relaxing, but this wasn’t quite a vacation.

“Don’t think I have the funds for that.” You out a huff of a laugh.

A crash sounds behind you, and you slightly flinch, head darting to look behind. Seems to be a fight of some kind, not unusual for a bar.

“S’just those muppets at it again, every night they find something to disagree about.” He says, still looking at you, observing you.

“Wouldn’t be a bar without a fight, guess that’s universal.” You take another sip, to wash away the anxiety that’s seemed to crawl its way up your throat.

You glance at your phone. 9:14 pm.

“I think it’s time I head back.” You look back up at him, your drink almost fully done.

It’d be better to get started on walking back before it gets too late, you still don’t know the town, and getting caught up with the wrong kind of people was something you wanted to especially avoid.

“I’ll walk you out.” He still has about half of his drink left, but he goes to stand nonetheless.

“Oh no you don’t have to-” You start, not wanting to inconvenience him, he reads straight through you.

“Nonsense, come on.” You get up after him

You both walk together, comfortable space between you. When you reach outside you turn toward him.

Stars are the only source of light aside from the sparse dim-litted streetlights, his face half illuminated in the light.

“Thanks for walking me out.” You briefly look down, unable to maintain his gaze. People here seem to love unwavering eye contact, and you find his for some reason especially hard.

“It’s not a problem.” He dips his head down, and you laugh, something you’d only see in movies.

He smiles, and you give one in return, leaving it at that you make your way back to your motel.

When you hit your bed, practically collapsing on it, sleep comes to you surprisingly easily, and you sleep better than you’ve had in weeks.

[gameraboy2]

Mystery Science Theater 3000, "Radar Men from the Moon"

[mst3kgifs]

I didn't know they had plywood on the moon.

[swallowerofdharma]

Fate / Up against your will / Through the thick and thin / He will wait until / You give yourself to him. Echo & the Bunnymen, The Killing Moon

These are dark tales of things that lurk deep within men… These stories would not please you. Dark Souls III

This is an aside from the series of meta analysis that I am writing about Berserk. I really didn’t expect to like this manga at first, let alone wanting so much to understand what I felt I wasn’t able to grasp behind the surface level. Years ago when I first approached it, I was actually quite unimpressed by the first chapter.

I should add: the first Italian edition was unfortunately flipped and I really disliked that choice back then. Some other series at that time (late 1990s) had started to be published in their original format and I didn’t find it difficult to adapt my reading habits to the original layout from right to left. Reversing the artwork in a manga like Berserk? I am sorry but that was criminal. Not only the characters would have their swords in their left hand but the mirror effect could seriously affect the energy of the line work and the overall harmony of the panels. Big scenes with a battle on horseback flipped? I couldn’t really get over it. Another manga, maybe? But Berserk? Art and composition are such a huge aspect of it, I didn’t love to have to compromise. The last two editions eventually came out with the original right to left flow, but also so much more expensive, it is a crime of another kind. So that is how I came to read the English version. Gatsu became Guts (I don’t know about that because now I think about the meaning of the word in English and I don’t particularly like it). Grifis became Griffith. Falcons became hawks.

So, I wasn’t impressed by the first chapter, definitely discouraged by the flipped artwork and annoyed by… Puck! I must say, I never really liked fantasy as a genre, especially because it uses creatures and I didn’t know what to make of this elf that contrasted so much in mood with the main character. I grew up reading a lot of novels that were considered classics in my culture and that was a great number of nineteenth century literary realism, French and Russian novels and Italian historical and realist novels from the nineteenth and the twentieth century. And literary realism was born from dissatisfaction with the irrational forces and themes of romantic and gothic narratives, aiming to look at the human experience directly and in an unfiltered way. I still prefer stories that are like that and the dark and gritty side of Berserk makes up for the fantasy aspects and what is more, Berserk seems to have the goal to criticize the irrational forces it represents rather than idealize them. And I am also quite comfortable when love is a thing but it isn’t framed under the romantic lens, that aren’t universal but quite culturally specific and distinctive.

Guts also wasn’t exactly an exciting main character for me at the beginning, it really was easy to mistake him for Kenshiro from Hokuto no Ken. Which I didn’t have anything against, that anime had such a good title track in its Italian adaptation, and the general desolate atmosphere was fascinating, although I watched it when I was too young to actually consider the story, I only remember the vibes. But I have never been into brooding, stoic and exaggeratedly burly men or 1980s action heroes. Reading further and I was very relieved that Guts wasn’t one of those.

Maybe Berserk wouldn’t have been back in my radar if it hadn’t been for the Souls games, new editions and anime adaptations coming out and in the end Miura’s own passing. So I started reading it again or for the first time in its digital version, completing it up to the current chapters. Reading it now that I am older definitely makes it easier to understand the scope of it and appreciate it. I think that Miura was definitely an ambitious man. His hands were exceptional, although I mourned the unpolished look of the paper and ink when he made the decision to move to digital drawing. Same hands but different surface, different way of absorbing the effort of those hands and the disappearance of the materials into numbers. There are volumes in the middle of Berserk that are just glorious for me, artistically, better than the first ones because the artist was practicing to the point of overworking and becoming incredibly good, better than the last volumes when he chose the hard support of the drawing tablet and the passages between lines and white could only be neater than what it used to be.

When analyzing it, one thing that I found impressive is how cohesive the story feels in its themes considering that it started in 1988 and that continues on under such unique circumstances: Miura and Mori’s relationship being fascinating in itself, in relation to the creation of Guts and Griffith’s dynamic. Berserk started to be published more than three decades ago. I want to point out how difficult can be to begin a story in your twenties, seeing it published monthly as you are likely working with only general ideas of where you want it to go and as you grow older. The editing was minimal. I would like to have more information on this point but I don’t think it was a big concern for a manga being published in Young Animal for Hakusensha of all places. As I often say in this blog, context matters and, although most people read and approach Berserk in its paperback or bunkobon format, all its chapters have been published first in a magazine that is primarily intended for young male readers attracted by photos of gravure idols on the cover and that expected to see erotic scenes, violence and maybe would also get into a story deeper and maintain the interest as long as those elements were there. Nothing wrong with that in my opinion, especially because many beloved novels that are considered classics were originally published periodically as well. And Miura’s approach to the erotic and violence doesn’t feel gratuitous when you think of the story in its entirety and complexities. In the history of art that I am familiar with the human body has always occupied such a central role and themes similar to those of Berserk are frequent and this is probably another big reason why my interest has been picked. It is familiar and not. I am careful about context! It’s manga, not chivalric romance, it’s a contemporary and commercial mixed form of art and not fresco paintings depicting stories on the walls of aristocratic houses, the author is Japanese and not oblivious to a great deal of European and western culture but is also much more immersed in his own culture and using the Japanese language. Kanji on a manga page or beside any drawing aren’t just words, but they are also synthesis of other images as well and images/sounds/concepts that add a lot to the art, most of it lost in a translation. And frankly, my major pet peeve is that the western fandom sometimes doesn’t really understand that the recognizable forms and themes of Christianity and heresies are seen and used from the outside and from a point of view that doesn’t ignore a whole lot of other religious traditions. And other religions have much more influence on certain themes presented in Berserk: suffering or rebirth mainly are two big themes at risk of being acritically absorbed from a Christological perspective that to me personally doesn’t feel right if we keep in mind the overall context of Berserk as a work of fiction and as a manga.

The only major edit that Miura was able to make when Berserk was published in volumes was the removal of chapter 83. If we consider the conditions in which Miura worked, for the first years it would have been very risky to even consider taking a hiatus, I would assume that he didn’t have much time to even make changes or adjustments in his work. But the removal of chapter 83 is interesting. Having been published in the magazine, even when it is missing from current publications, copies are around and available to see. That chapter, that comes before the Conviction arc, was removed because, rumors say, Miura thought it would have given away too much. I think that chapter 83 made Berserk’s Gnostic point of view too overt. Not surprising considering Miura took a lot of inspiration from Go Nagai’s particular brand of religious syncretism and that Gnosticism was frequently discussed in the 1970s and 1980s and probably still is.

I am not an expert on religious studies, I have a very superficial knowledge of just about anything related to religions. I am actually an atheist myself, if anything it is maybe easier for me to understand when an artist operates from an outside point of view rather than from inside a particular faith. Through art and music especially, and thorough words and practices used maybe carelessly, I am not completely ignorant of a plurality of religious beliefs. I might not approach the topic from a believer’s perspective nor for personal spiritual needs, but I am interested in it because of intellectual curiosity and interest in humanity. I don’t position myself above or below, just outside religion. I know I’ll never have enough time or intelligence to even know enough of a single interpretation of one major religious tradition, let alone severals. From a complete superficial perspective, I can only sense and try to understand Miura’s approach to those themes. I am able sometimes to recognize the sources and influences that colored his views on certain topics. I wouldn’t remember enough about Gnosticism from what little I studied in school many years ago, and I wouldn’t have any idea about the occult and many forms of religious syncretism if it wasn’t for having listened to a lot of rock music and being immersed into the popular culture that surrounded it, including manga. Same thing I can say about Nietzsche’s philosophy. I studied a little bit of German philosophy in high school, part of the standard curriculum, and I read on my own The Birth of Tragedy Out of the Spirit of Music when I was sixteen. Young Nietzsche, younger me. I can’t say I remember much besides the highlights of his philosophy. But then I became more and more intimate with David Bowie, his particular approach to music and art and how those things interact with society. Believe me or not, David Bowie is probably my favorite critic and commentator of Nietzsche, even when he didn’t do it through academic writing, but through his music, his own life and artistic outputs. And I love that. This is why I love Berserk too. Maybe because Bowie and Miura were artists whose work became vastly popular, they are easily misunderstood or considered to not belong in the same category of academic discourse about Nietschean philosophy, and just approached superficially, yet they were much more likely to discover the fallacies because they looked into it from a human experience, Bowie through himself and embodying his characters and Miura through drawing and voicing them. To me they actually managed to get rid of pedantic attitudes that keep people away from useful forms of philosophical criticism and learning. But it is entirely possible that I am just not smart enough and Miura’s moods and approach agree with my general worldview and I am indulging myself here.

Why am I writing all this? In part I am probably stalling. I keep postponing the moment I’ll have to write about the central theme that most fascinated me in Berserk, but it is also the more painful aspect: Griffith’s self delusion and the numerous other instances of illusions and mirages that humans don’t have the strength to resist. I haven’t even talked about Farnese or the Lost Children chapters for the same reason. It is daunting to put my thoughts into words intelligently and in a way comprehensible to others (hopefully). But that’s why I started this series of meta. And I am writing my analysis on tumblr because I rather be in the company of those appreciating and analyzing the queer and sentimental aspects of this manga, but I also think that the “romantic” element is a part of it but not exactly central to the story. I think that under those lenses alone the manga would just be quite imbalanced, bad and definitely tragic, less interesting or remarkable to me. Love is a major theme but I don’t think it’s developed through the romantic tradition intended as a cultural invention. When Miura drew and wrote about love, he wrote about the immense difficulty of it on many levels, including the familiar one, the lack or withholding of it from parental figures, the abuse of the spontaneous love of children, the fear of being vulnerable and connecting with others, the desire of intimacy and the dark side of it, the impulse to leave relationships and abandon people behind. I have the impression that through this story, I can see another side to my own experiences. Is society pushing young men to believe that they have to do everything alone, knowing that they can’t succeed, while is telling women that they can’t do anything by themselves, knowing that they won’t be welcomed? Why are we being bullied and forced apart, divided into bullshit categories and separate worlds when we would be better facing the hardships of life with as many allies as we are able to keep? Not alone and not exclusively through a romantic dimension or sexual favors or money deals. Why are we following blindly teachings that have already been proven false and so damaging? What price do we pay for not following the rules?

[auduux]

MCSM S3 Fun Facts/Headcanons Part 2

Severely misjudged the amount of time it takes me to write. Another teaser should actually be out today.

Text under the cut.

Radar is half white-half spanish in my mind, so he knows a few Spanish words, and will sing to himself when he's nervous. His favorite song to sing is "O Sol E A Lua" (by Pequeno Cidadao), his mother used to sing it to him when he was a kid. Because of it, he's very familiar with the myth about the sun and moon and likes hearing regional versions of it from travelers. Radar never learned much Spanish because his mother, who was 100% Spanish, died when he was very young. His father, the whitest of white men, didn't know a lick of Spanish but tried to teach Radar at least what he knows from his mother. Spanish is also a rare language in Beacontown. The only memory of his mother that he has is her singing to him. Ivor did find Soren, in the first place he looked, actually. He had returned to the end. Now Ivor's just trying to convince him to go back. He sends Jesse letters regularly. Well, he sends the letters to the admins keep, and whoever picked them up first sends the letters to Jesse, since she was out traveling (for fem Jesse, he sends them to beacontown for male jesse). Because Lukas spends 99% of his time with his cats, creepers will run away from him since he smells like a cat. (I stole this from someone too, forgot who it was as well 😭) Bintaaaaaaa Jack picked up adventuring again after Jesse and Petra left (for fem Jesse), but doesn't go that far out anymore. He frequents the admins keep to ask Romeo if there was any new treasure nearby. He hasn't forgiven Romeo, but he's willing to be civil. With her people gone and "home" now in the above world, Xara cleaned up the rubble of her former city and rebuilt and fortified Fred's Keep. Most Fred's Keep citizens returned to the underground once Xara finished her work and the giant enderman was gone for good. Xara also made Romeo get rid of his death trap and the sunshine institute. Nurm and Lluna became friends after the thing with Xara's prison. She is one of the few animals he likes. Many of the champion city people moved to Beacontown after Romeo bombed their city. Some went off traveling. Romeo did NOT kill all the champion city people! This was actually supposed to be canon! There was supposed to be a shot of admin Jesse teleporting all the champion city people away after blowing up the city but their budget was too low.

[movieposters1]

[tiptapricot]

Hiya!! This may sound like a weird ask question but my autistic brain and it’s hyper fixations won’t let me live until I have this all figured out. So I watched moon knight and obviously became obsessed with Layla, the thing is, I love her outfits, and I feel like there ain’t enough on the show!! Like literally only three outfits maybe four that we can see and I need more it makes me sad. Could you maybe recommend me some other characters with the same style as her, or give me some links to Pinterest outfits that would fit her? I saw your stevens apartment post and I know a ‘I never miss a detail’ person when I see one which I adore about you being honest. Thanks for reading I know it’s weird lmao 🤭

He anon!! I don’t know if you ended up finding other answers, this got lost in my drafts while answering and I’m only just getting to it now (edit: got lost in drafts again while half finished and I’ve wrapped up some pieces to finally post it now months later), but I hope this helps! I unfortunately am not a fashion focused person nor someone as familiar w a wide range of characters outside of my interests as far as immediately available brain information, but I’ll do what I can :-) This is more of a post examining Layla’s outfit details and trends, so make of that what you will!

I checked costume designer Meghan Kasperlik’s Instagram where she’s posted a lot of the details of the costuming process, however the general focus seems to be on the suits and godly designs. I also couldn’t find any immediately available interviews talking about the choices made with Layla. Still! Here’s her post on the behind the scenes for the Scarlet Scarab costume, with detail shots and some notes.

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Meghan Kasperlik (@mkcostumes)

(No ID available for video)

As far as more regular outfit stuff for Layla, here’s my own peeking and observations! These are the outfits we see her in in show (excluding the Duat Layla, the look she takes to blend in with Harrow’s men, and Scarlet Scarab, as those are outside of her canonic own fashion choices and wardrobe).

Summon the Suit:

What we see here is a more casual outfit, but still somewhat tactical. This is what Layla wore to go looking for Marc after his radio silence, a situation she wasn’t sure was his choice or because he was in danger. As such, we can assume this is a generally a more mission oriented outfit, tactical but able to blend in with civilian crowds. Stuff to notice!

There are colors but they are more muted

The pants are not loose and are sturdy while still allowing for good movement, but are not leggings or stretchy fabric

The pants are also somewhat high waisted/pulled up, with the top tucked in

She is wearing rings on her right hand, even for a more official mission (will go more in depth in next outfit)

She has a watch on her left wrist

More a fun fact, but the jacket mirrors/resembles the scarlet scarab design/look, which is a really fun character detail and good foreshadowing

The Friendly Type:

Layla’s most outfit heavy episode :-D These show some rly interesting trends in her choices and allows us to see her more casual outfit looks, and what she wears outside of business.

Outfit one, opening scene:

This one we never get a super clear shot of, but it’s what she wears while getting her passport forged. She’s with a friend, but doing slightly more illegal activity. I don’t know where she is when this happens, but things to note!

Big comfy black leather jacket, a black shirt, and black (skinny?) jeans

Darker tones again, possibly because she had to blend in or be under the radar for this meeting, but also may just be a casual look as her wardrobe trends darker

Pants are not loose but still flexible again, and are high waisted/pulled up again

Rings! Same as from summon the suit, on the same hands. These seem to stay constant in all following outfits. Will have their own mini section

A loose gold chain necklace

Still has her watch

Outfit 2, confronting Marc in Cairo:

This is Likely Layla’s most casual and every day type outfit we see her in during the show. She’s clearly been about town, having grabbed a drink, changed, and been looking for Marc. Things to note!

A bit more color again with the pinkish pants, but still a dimmer shade, nothing too bright, but cute and casual

Pants have a button and are pulled up higher again, seemingly looser than previous bottoms we’ve seen. I’m also unsure if these are shorts as I don’t have a clear shot, but they could be

Her top is loose and casual but nothing like a tight tank top, and has an almost ruffle look to it

Rings and watch as usual

Outfit 3, Mogart’s/turning back the sky (and what she fights in in the beginning of the next episode):

Initially a more formal, elegant type look, meant to blend in well with Mogart’s vibe, but still present a professional front, and double for a confrontation she knows is coming.

Darker tones again, grey and black this time, with a loose vibe to everything with nothing too stretchy

Pants high waisted again, seemingly tied around her waist either with a belt, a sash, or something built into the pants

Sleeves rounded against the wrists

Top is sleeveless under coat in a similar cut to her more casual pink and white Cairo look from previously

Watch and rings as usual

The tomb/God’s and Monsters:

Suited up to go into the tomb, all pretenses of formality have been dropped for something tactical.

New vest and belt, earth tones and sturdy fabric

A new shirt as her undershirt from previous was short sleeved

New pants, grey this time instead of the previous black

While I think she may have been wearing them at Mogart’s, has her gold snake earrings very prominent in this scene

So!! With all of this. The general sense I can get of Layla’s fashion is:

high waisted pants almost always

generally muted color palette of blacks, greys, browns, etc, occasionally with a splash of color usually in warmer tones like red or pink

Not much super stretchy fabric like leggings, and not many tight or athletic tops. She goes comfortable and generally loose, as well as going with more matte(?) textured clothing, nothing shiny or super silky

She has a range of jackets and jewelry

She wears her watch and rings with everything

And speaking of—

Rings!

Layla wears the same sets of rings throughout the show, a different set on each hand.

Right hand:

A gold ring with some kind of flat and engraved top, though I can’t tell the design on it in the shots we get

Two rounder and more generic silver rings

Left hand:

Two more generic flatter gold-ish rings

One silver ring with raised edges and maybe details on the flatter part, unsure

This is the hand she has the watch on!

As far as the significance or referencing of these with all of this, I don’t know! Again I am not tied into the fashion world and wouldn’t know where to start on research if these hold more significance or referential character detail than just being rings she likes to wear. But it’s an interesting detail to see her preferences and that she keeps these as well as her earrings on on missions and in deadly situations.

She doesn’t do this with necklaces, and it makes me think it’s likely related to function. Rings can help with punching (debatably) and earrings won’t cause a disadvantage, but a necklace would be a choking, tangling, or face-hitting hazard. The one time we do see her wear a necklace during active mission time is at Mogart’s, and of course, we see that’s because it’s specifically worn to be layer used as a weapon.

So! Again sorry this took so long, not even sure if you’ll see this if you don’t follow me, and I know I am more presenting information and details over analysis or giving you alternative looks, but I hope this was at least interesting and helped some for vibes to look for!

Also if anyone has things to add in about details I missed (it’s been long enough now I don’t remember if I rewatched the episodes to examine shots or not), or significance or references I didn’t pick up as someone not familiar with fashion, please feel free to add it in a reblog! Similar to my Steven’s flat layout post I’m more than happy to have this be a growing and changing source of Layla outfit information and discussion :-)

(IDs besides video in ALT)

[house-steiner-stays-winning]

Let's hear something of the Steiner side of things getting STRAINED.

Dieter's relationship with his father had always been... difficult. Marcus Steiner was a proud man, the very model of a scion of House Steiner, loud and boastful, wealthy and powerful.

Despite his... middling knowledge of tactics or strategy, he was a Kommandant in the 1st Lyran Guard. (Though this was largely made possible by the actual tactical genius of the family, Uncle Friedrich, who had taken it upon himself to train 'Dora in the ways of war.)

In his eyes, Dieter would ever be a disappointment, a failure of a Steiner man, always taking after his mother, lady Cynthia Marten, and he was never shy to express that.

From early in his childhood, Dieter had endured the never-ending scorn of his father, constantly bemoaning that he couldn't be more like Theodora, more like his uncle, more like him.

So, desperate to please his father, Dieter threw himself into the things he was good at, every day growing quicker with his pistol, smoother in his negotiation, more cunning in his scheming. In time, his mother transferred some of her duties on to him, and his command of politics and espionage grew ever greater and more finely tuned.

When his mother died, thanks to a vicious cancer for which the doctors and surgeons had no answer, full conmand of the house's non-military assets had fallen to Dieter, and under his guidance, House Marten-Steiner flourished. Their investments grew and grew, their influence in the Estates General was second only to the First Family themselves, and the family's mercenary connections were enough to rival periphery micro-nations.

Yet still, Marcus Steiner looked on in disappointment. Yet despite all that, Dieter never wanted the bastard dead.

And yet here he was, racing against time on a ship he'd chartered for far more than it was worth, in the vain hope he could save what was left of his family.

The attack had been sudden, aerospace fighters belonging to the Wolf Empire striking from the radar shadow of a nearby moon, and crippling the family's shuttle in mere moments. When the HPG message finally reached him, he was there in a matter of hours, looking over Theodora, the last of his family, held in a medically-induced coma with mere days left to live.

When Death came for his father, for his uncle, Dieter did not mourn. He had no time.

When Death came for his sister, Dieter met it with bared teeth and the spite of a thousand men. Within minutes, Dieter had chartered a ship to take him and Theodora to The Belt, money-no-object.

After all, he was Dieter Marten-Steiner, and defying Death was but the smallest part of what he'd do for his family.