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number1mingyustan · 8 months ago

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hihi !! I love your fics sm. <3

If you're taking requests can you do Mingyu as a biker bf? What if you wanna learn how to ride a bike and he says "you should practice on the biker first." OMFGGG IM CRAZY. Love you

boyfriend!mingyu x fem!reader

warnings: established relationship, cursing, kissing, explicit smut, oral (f+m), sixty-nine, unprotected sex, creampie, riding, light breast play, multiple orgasms

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Mingyu nibbles on his bottom lip as his eyes remain fixated on the easel in front of him. He's concentrating, hand moving slowly as he drags the brush along the canvas.

You smile to yourself, feeling your heart warm at the sight of him.

Painting is not his thing.

Even with all the effort he seems to be putting into his painting, his lines are crooked and a little messy. He knows this too, he's never really been one for the arts.

Painting is one of your hobbies and always has been. You're more of the artistic type and Mingyu well... Mingyu likes his bikes. He's got more of a grunge sort of vibe that consists of leather jackets, obnoxious motorcycles, and cigarettes.

You were polar opposites. You preferred your quiet life in the arts, sundresses, walks in flower fields, and painting. You've noticed the way he's softened up since you two met, you're sure it's the effect you've had on him.

He sticks his tongue out, drawing his last two strokes before dropping the paintbrush into the cup. "Done."

You turn your head, completely facing him. You eyes scan over the painting in front of him and your smile grows. "Gyu you've gotten so good at this."

He grins at the praise. "Learned from the best."

The painting in front of him is simple, a landscape of a beach sunset. There's not nearly as much detail as the reference photo in front of you two, but it's undeniably solid work, especially for a beginner like your boyfriend.

He leans over, planting a kiss onto your cheek. His eyes can't help but drift to your painting as he does so.

"Oh wow," His jaw slacks open.

He admires your painting. Even though the two of you painted the same thing, yours is exponentially better. He loves how talented you are, and you never fail to impress him.

________________

When Mingyu comes home the next evening, he expects to see you. You're usually in the living room or the bedroom. He searches the house for you, checking every room to no avail.

He frowns. He saw your car parked out front, so he knows you're here.

A loud sound suddenly catches his attention. He makes his way toward the source of the sound, walking downstairs into the garage.

"Fuck!" You exclaim, racing to the aid of the bike.

You struggle to hold the heavy vehicle up as it remains tilted inside the garage. Your boyfriend saves the day, rushing to your side and helping you to lift the bike up to its proper stature.

"Sorry," You apologize quickly. "I swear I was being careful!"

Your words are muffled. He looks at you with confusion written over his face. You're wearing black leggings and a tight-fitting black zip up. It's unusual attire for you.

Not to mention his entirely large helmet is covering your head.

"What are you doing?" He asks, raising an eyebrow at you.

"I wanna learn how to ride it," You say.

"What?" He asks.

You pull the oversized helmet off of your head and place it under your arm. You huff out.

"I wanna learn how to ride it," You move your hair out of your face. "I was trying to surprise you."

"You hate bikes, babe," He lets out a breathy laugh, taking the helmet out of your hands.

"I've had a change of heart," You insist.

He raises an eyebrow. "Why so suddenly?"

"Well... I don't know. When we were painting it made me realize how much you've embraced my hobbies and stuff. I wanna embrace the stuff you like too," You explain. "So teach me.... please?"

Oh you're adorable, He thinks to himself.

"That's very sweet Y/n," He grins. "But it's okay."

You cross your arms over your body. "But.."

"If you really wanna get into my hobbies, we can find another one baby," He kisses your forehead. "But taking my bike is extremely dangerous and it's probably good that I caught you."

"I know," You say.

You lean against the bike, staring at the vehicle with a glint of sadness behind your eyes. You trace your fingers along the metal of the bike, admiring your boyfriend's precious vehicle.

He places the helmet down. "You know, if you wanna learn that bad, you should practice on the biker first."

It takes a second for his words to settle into your brain. You lean against the bike and raise an eyebrow. "Gyu?"

He walks closer to you, wrapping his arms around your waist. He pulls you in close. You can feel his breath fanning over your skin, causing goosebumps to raise. His lips press against the shell of your ear.

"Come upstairs," He whispers against your ear. "I'll teach you whatever you want to know."

You intertwine your fingers with his. He pulls your body back into the house and leads you upstairs.

"You're so cute," He smiles. He presses his lips to yours. "I love doing the things you love.... love you." He says between kisses.

He lifts you up and carries you into his bedroom. He places your body down on the bed and pulls off his shirt. His toned body is exposed, muscles bulging beneath his warm skin as he looks at you with hungry eyes.

His back meets the bed with a small thump and he pulls your body on top of him. Your hips meet his and he lets out a soft groan. You pull off your own shirt and drop it onto the ground. You grind against his hips slowly. He unzips your jacket and pulls it off your body.

His hand snakes around the back of your neck and he pulls you into a passionate kiss. He moans against your lips as you continue to grind against his hardening cock.

You can feel him growing beneath you. His cock swells in the confines of his jeans, causing you to moan as you grind down on his growing length. Heat rushes between your thighs and the aching need for pleasure grows in your body.

You pull away from the heated kiss and sit up. You pull your shirt over your head and Mingyu sits up too. He kisses up your stomach and continues to grind against you needily as you unhook your bra. You let it fall and his lips immediately travel to your breasts.

He holds you by your hips as his lips wrap around your nipple. He sucks on your skin, ensuring to give both your breasts the same amount of attention. Your skin burns at the feeling of his touch. Be it his lips on your chest or his hands on your waist, it ignites something in you.

But as much as you love it, you quickly grow impatient. You lift your hips and pull your underwear and leggings off in one go. You toss them and start undoing Mingyu's black jeans.

"C'mre," He says, pulling at your legs.

He lifts your legs and flips you over so he can taste you. He wraps your legs around his head and immediately starts sucking on your clit.

"Fuck.." You moan out.

Your grip on his jeans quickly grows weak as pleasure clouds your senses. You try to undo the buttons, but the feeling of his tongue on you is highly distracting.

He sucks on your clit, occasionally lapping his tongue through your folds. The pleasure builds in the pit of your stomach quickly. You're finding it difficult to do anything, squirming and grinding against his face.

He holds his hands on either side of your thighs, holding you in place as he devours you. He moans against you, nearly enjoying it almost as much as you are.

You finally get him undressed and return the favor. You take his hard cock in your hand, stroking his length and spreading the precum from his leaking tip.

He moans against you again, allowing his eyes to fall shut as relief washes over him. He keeps his focus on you, pushing two of his fingers into your soaked hole.

You take his cock into your mouth, moaning around his length as you feel his fingers fill you up. He sucks your clit and his digits pump into you, and the vibrations from his moaning quickly have you nearing the edge.

His cock repeatedly hits the back of your throat as you stroke his length, bobbing your head to make him feel equally as good as you do.

You find down against his face with little to no coordination. Your hips move desperately, chasing your incoming orgasm as your saliva coats the entire length of his cock.

He curls his fingers into you and pumps them at a faster pace. His face is coated with your arousal and he slurps it up gladly, wrapping his lips around your clit and circling his tongue around the sensitive bud.

You lift your head, crying out as your orgasm overwhelms you. You grind against his face and fingers as you cum, continuing to drip onto his face.

"Hah-shit," You moan out.

His cock still remains in the grip of your hand, leaking more precum as he tastes you on his tongue.

When you come down from your high, his hands are quickly on your body. He pulls your body flush against his, kissing you sloppily and needily.

He is so obsessed with you and everything about you. His hands wander along your skin, tracing over every inch of your body gently. He lays on his back, pulling you back on top of him without breaking the kiss.

You're the one to pull away, lifting your hips on his lap. He leans back, allowing you to take over.

You sink down onto his length, groaning at the stretch of his cock. He holds you by the hips, guiding you down on his cock. The warmth of your pussy envelopes him perfectly, dripping down his length as you accommodate his length.

"So good baby," He moans.

Your eyes are screwed shut as you sink down, only tightening as he fills you up bit by bit. You gasp out once your hips meet, feeling the entirety of his length inside of you.

"Fuck...holy fuck–" You grip the bedsheets.

You start moving your hips slowly, still getting used to the feeling of fullness. He's patient with you, guiding your hips with soft hands and gentle movements.

You start to pick up a steady rhythm, lifting your hips and sinking down onto his length. You roll your hips with each movement, allowing his cock to fill you up and reach deep into you.

It feels so fucking good.

He watches you with love and lust clouding his eyes. His gaze is locked in on you, admiring how beautiful you look right now. Your mouth hangs open as loud moans pass through your lips.

Your body is dripping with sweat and your tits are bouncing in his face every time you lift your hips and sink back down onto his length. The stretch of pussy is addictive, sending waves of pleasure through his cock and entire body.

He sits up, resting his hand on the small of your back. Your hands wrap around his back, nails digging into his skin as your chests press together.

He lifts his hips, matching your pace as he fucks himself into you. You cry out, lips pressed against his shoulder. The feeling is intense and addictive and incredibly intimate.

His cheeks are flushed red and sweat glistens down his face and abs. His hair falls perfectly on his face and you can't help but admire him. His mouth remains in a small 'O' shape, allowing small moans and grunts and groans of pleasure to ring in your ears.

"Fuck baby," He moans. "I'm close."

His head tilts back, exposing his adam's apple to your line of sight. He continues to thrust into you, cock pressing against the sweet spot deep inside of you with every movement of his hips.

"Hah-me too," You pant.

The pleasure continues to grow, eventually overwhelming your entire body. You cry out and your body falls limp against him. You bury your face in the crook of his neck, moaning and breathing heavily as you cum around his cock.

Your pussy throbs, tightening around his length and bringing about his own orgasm. His hips still and his cock swells as he fills you with his load.

He lets out a long groan as he pumps his load into you. Your chests rise and fall in unison as you breathe heavily and come down from your orgasms. You lift your head and cup his cheeks with your soft hands.

His vision clears and his eyes meet yours. He flashes you a grin. "Hi baby."

You return his expression with a shy smile. "Hi Gyu."

He presses his forehead against yours and plants a kiss on your lips. "I love you, pretty girl."

"Love you more," You grin.

"Impossible," He smiles.

His hands hold your hips as he lifts you up. You wince at the emptiness and and lays you down on the bed. He presses a kiss onto your bellybutton and stands to his feet.

He disappears into the bathroom and you hear the bathwater running. He comes back a few minutes later and picks you up bridal style. You wrap your arms around him happily and he carries you to the tub. He slips into the warm water behind you, leaving soft kisses on your shoulder and back.

"Baby," he says.

"Hmm?" You quirk up.

"We can take a ride tonight if you want, on the bike," He proposes. "Together."

You perk up. "Really?"

"Yeah, but you can't be scared," He grins.

"I'm not!"

He kisses your shoulder. "Okay baby, whatever you say. Just hold onto me tight and I won't let you fall and teach your a few things. Sound good?"

You tilts your head all the way back so your eyes meet his. You smile. "Okay. I love you Gyu."

"I love you too."

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#seventeen smut #seventeen #seventeen fanfic #seventeen drabbles #mingyu smut #seventeen mingyu #kim mingyu #kpop

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daycourtofficial · 6 months ago

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I got cursed like Eve got bitten - part X

Pairing: Azriel x Rhysand's sister!reader | WC: 1.5k | Warnings: none

Summary: reports of a rare powered fae popping up in Illyria send Azriel and Rhysand on a journey through the past, unraveling a truth they thought long buried

Previous part | Masterlist

The next morning, you came down the steps, entering the dining room to find your High Lord at the table. He sat, buttering a croissant when he noticed you. “Good morning.”

His voice was low as he greeted you, raising the croissant in your direction. You looked on in surprise, not sure what to make of his presence.

“Morning.” You elongated the syllables, not really sure how to take in his presence. You had spent two weeks here by this point and saw him daily, however the conversations lasted no more than thirty seconds before he ran off quickly. Something about his presence unnerved you, and it wasn’t until now that you had to sit with it in the silence. It was strange - he felt so known to you, like watching the sunset every night - you always know it’s going to happen, but when you see it, it’s like a brand new experience.

“I hope you don’t mind my company, Feyre is occupied this morning. I figured we could spend the morning together.”

You nodded, a bit hesitant in your movements as you moved to sit a few seats down from him.

The silence settled like a blanket over you two before his throat clearing disturbed it. “How have your meetings with Feyre been going?”

His voice was strained, and you were mentally scolding yourself for opening up to Feyre. Usually he asked you this question in passing, stopping you in the hallway to check in. Now as he sat at the opposite end of the table, you felt trapped here with him. It’s not that Rhys had to like you - by all means, you’ve had coworkers or tavern regulars you couldn’t stand, but you found his silence these few weeks to be odd. When he showed up in your village, it felt like he really cared about your well-being and training you.

Neither of those things had been on his radar the past few weeks, though.

“Fine, I suppose. Like I’ve said before, I’m not entirely sure how it’s supposed to go, but yesterday I made progress.”

His eyes lit up, and you narrowed your own. He seemed surprised at your progress. Did Feyre not tell him about yesterday? His gaze on you was so boyish and excited you almost laughed - he looked nothing like the egotistical bastard the Illyrians you knew had painted him out to be.

In the time you had been here, you had wondered where the truth lay with their words - were the High Lord and his court the vermin they were said to be? Could the High Lord really read minds? You thought about if he really could, not thinking too much before screaming very loudly in your mind, watching Rhys intently. He didn’t move at the loud screaming, so if he could read minds, maybe he could turn it on and off at will.

“What kind of progress did you make?”

“I’m not sure how to describe it, I um- I felt really nervous and then I felt okay. Feyre and Azriel said they felt something, but I’m not sure what they felt. They didn’t say.”

He nodded, his violet eyes watched as you loaded your plate with eggs and sausage. “But they felt something, yes?”

You nodded, chewing your eggs before answering. “It was something, they ended things pretty quickly afterward, which was fine by me. It tired me out.”

He continued watching you eat, making you a bit uneasy before he cleared his throat. “Have you ever played chess?”

You kept your face neutral as you told him, “no, I have not. How do you play?”

He walked through the rules with you, telling you what each piece meant, how they moved, and even told you some half decent strategies for a beginner. The two of you ran through a mock game where he allowed you to win, and you knew because you were making the worst possible moves to see how he’d react. He had a decent poker face, but when you placed a piece in a terrible spot and he got a little cocky, one of his brows arched. Throughout the game you sprinkled in ‘accidental’ smart moves, leading him to tap his finger on his chin.

You smiled as you checked his king after several disastrous moves, beaming with pride. “I’m ready - let’s play for real!”

He chuckled, but you continued. “Come on, don’t go easy on me. I can take it.”

Hands moved across the board, pieces moving back into place. You even misplaced your rook to let him correct you. You let the game linger a bit - not wanting to give him a completely easy game, but still throwing it nonetheless. You played with just enough competence for him to see potential in you as a player.

When the game had finished, after Rhys checked you in forty-three moves, you asked, “how about a wager? I’m getting the hang of this, I think I could beat you.”

You watched his lips twitch in delight, looking down as he reset the board. “I don’t think it’d be a fair game. I have been playing for five centuries.”

You shrugged, unbothered by the time he’s spent playing. “And I just learned a few minutes ago. I’m sure there’s something I can do you’ve never seen before.”

His grin didn’t falter as he said, “if I win, you’ll try to show me what you did with Feyre and Az.”

“And if I win, while I’m here I get put on your line of credit so I can shop in Velaris.”

He leaned forward, his ring-clad hand fitting into your own. His skin was soft as he shook your hand, a small itching feeling taking over your inner wrist. “Deal.” You pulled your sleeve back just enough to see the knight piece there, the black ink shining as you rotated your wrist before covering it once more.

A knight. A piece of unexpected maneuvers.

Your eyes flicked to his shirt, wondering where his bargain tattoo laid itself and what it was.

“White moves first, no?”

You picked up a pawn, the small piece a winged male with a sword raised, placing it for your first move.

“Check.”

You wanted to laugh at the crease in his brow as he took in the placement of your piece. You had him cornered, forcing his hand to leave his king undefended. He tried to keep a neutral face, but you could tell he was not used to losing at this game - much less in twenty moves.

“And you’ve never played before?”

“Not until our practice game earlier.”

He grimaced, his eyes looking toward the pawn you had used in the first move staring down his king. The whole game he had been off, performing a strange strategy. You were half-convinced he couldn’t actually read minds with the way he played - his defensive strategy was so far from your strategy, it allowed you to check much faster than you anticipated.

He grumbled as he leaned back in his seat, but something about him felt off. Something in your chest felt heavy as you looked at him, some deep sadness permeating your insides. You looked at him, cocking your head before looking away, the feeling dissipating slowly. You looked back at him, the sadness returning.

“What’s on your mind?”

Your voice startled him from his grumbling before he shook his head, the feeling in your chest swirling with something new. Fear, perhaps.

He tapped his fingers against the table, a quick rhythm. “Nothing.”

You knocked over one of his pieces, causing him to look at you. His violet eyes were wide and searching, so different to the stories you had heard of him all your life.

His presence in your chest felt devastating, as if his world were crumbling around him.

“I can feel you.”

His hand dragged his face, stopping halfway at your words. “What?”

“You feel.. sad. “

He sat up straighter, his hands moving to the table in front of him. “Have you been able to feel anyone else?”

His tone was serious, causing you to stutter out, “no, no never. I’ve felt the things I did with Feyre and Azriel but I’ve never.. Felt someone like this. I mean I could feel when people cried or were angry, but I’ve never been able to feel something that didn’t have a visible cue.”

He stood up, standing in front of you, his hands on your face. “So you’ve never felt this before with anyone here?”

You shook your head, fear creeping in at his tone and how drastically he changed. He nodded, pulling his hands from his face. He turned, his steps rushed as he walked out of the room, nothing to note his farewell.

Permanent taglist: @vanilla-seabass @cyrygher @lees-chaotic-brain @topaz125 @chessebookgirl @fides25 @lady-of-tearshed @ashbatz @fxckmiup @lilah-asteria @justvibbinghere @daughterofthemoons-stuff @mybestfriendmademe @heartless-tate @tsunami-of-tears @idrkwhatthisisimsorry @olive-main @azrielsmate3 @pit-and-the-pen @durgenyx @dee-writes-smut @chairofchaos @thelov3lybookworm @berryzxx @throneofsmut @kennedy-brooke @prythianpages @itsswritten @acotarxreader @milswrites @the-golden-jhope @hannzoaks @secretlyhers @tothestarsandwhateverend @sarawritestories @chxosangxl

I got cursed series taglist: @doodlebugg16-blog @ceoofyearning @saltedcoffeescotch @acourtofbatboydreams @willowpains @anarchiii @i-am-infinite @bsenpai @sstrohma @teenagellamaangel @allthatisbuck1917 @elsie-bells @rcarbo1 @pruvii @whyshouldihaveanam3 @sleepylunarwolf

Azriel taglist: @brieflyclassymortal @thisiskaylin @magicstrengthandcourage @panther-girl-124

#acotar fanfiction #azriel x reader #azriel #azriel x you #azriel fanfic #acotar writing #azriel x y/n #i got cursed like eve got bitten #azriel shadowsinger

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thesathei · 6 months ago

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Trees at Sunset

Another James Julier tutorial, a landscape with some trees at sunset.

#procreate #thesathei’s art #procreate tutorial #james julier tutorial #default brushes #digital painting #artists on tumblr #beginner artist #landscape painting #landscape #nature drawing #landscape drawing #trees #sunset

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planet4546b · 5 months ago

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all mirages cast real shadows.

kentucky route zero, 2013-2020/georgia o'keeffe, twilight canyon, lake powell, utah, 1964, todd webb/the archive of alternate endings, lindsey drager/house of leaves, mark z. danielewski/sunset, matthew cusick/letters from the hole, everything everything/the museum at purgatory, nick bantock/kentucky route zero, 2013-2020/andrei tarkovsky on the set of the sacrifice, unknown/heart: the city beneath, grant howitt and christopher taylor/the forgetting room, nick bantock/urge to mean (anything) ii, leo wijnhoven/in the dream house, carmen maria machado/kentucky route zero, 2013-2020/the beginner's guide, 2015/underdark: plein air paintings from caves, tomas honz/colossal cave adventure, willie crowther and don woods/season: a letter to the future, 2023/software greatman, everything everything/invisible cities, italo calvino/annihilation, jeff van der meer/the beginners guide, 2015/where the water tastes like wine, 2018/the unfortunates, b.s. johnson/house of leaves, mark z. danielewski/the painting that includes all paintings, richard siken/waiting for godot, samuel beckett

#pers #signal to noise #webweaving #inspired by my beloved novembers tsh webweave <3. this was fun to pull together #ive been meaning to pull together a list of signoise inspirations this is by no means all of them #but i had like. a majority of these just on hand and theyre mostly from texts i consider important to signoise #there were a few that i just couldnt fit in. but cest la vie! my poast ^

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naturesmusegallery · 3 months ago

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Inspire Creativity

Surrounding yourself with art is a powerful way to inspire creativity and joy. Our carefully curated selection of paintings not only beautifies your space but also sparks imagination. Whether you're looking for something calming or invigorating, our nature and abstract artworks are designed to awaken your senses. Come explore our collection!

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marble-arble · 23 days ago

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Hey, I yap a lot and I engaged in a lot of stuff this year. Let’s talk about 2024.

Things I deemed worth remembering in 2024

Films:

Police Story (1985): Best martial arts movie ever? Probably. I understand why Every Frame A Painting was so disillusioned by Jackie Chan’s US work (though I’m certain Jackie Chan doesn’t mind how well it pays the bills). Really just a masterclass in combining comedy and action. The last 10 minutes of raw action, perfection.

Hundreds Of Beavers (2023): Speaking of comedy, holy shit. This is the biggest love letter to video games and looney tunes I’ve ever seen. I think this is one of the best to ever do it. Perfectly walks the line between cheap and charming to the point where the latter would be lost without the former.

The Lighthouse (2019): Was everything everyone hyped it up to be. Anything I could say would either be lacking or a pale imitation of what’s already been said by people smarter than me.

Sunset Boulevard (1950): I took a film noir class this semester! I didn’t pay attention or care about most of them ahah. But, this one is a banger. Gloria Swanson owns every scene as Norma Desmond. Her performance made this movie. Everyone else was up to snuff of course, and a sharp script coupled with incredible shot composition makes this the best film I saw in that class and one of the best I saw this year.

Eega (2012): Do not look anything up about this movie. Don’t even search for it by its title. Find friends and just watch it. The entire way through. You can get past those first 30 minutes and it will be worth it.

They Live (1988): We gotta aim for anti-capitalist radicalization this fast irl (this is a joke). John Carpenter’s musclebound 80’s extravaganza, anything but subtle, but a good time throughout. Has one of the most dragged out fight scenes I’ve ever seen and I loved every minute of it.

Playtime (1967): Jesus christ. One of those “How did they do this?” movies like Police Story but instead of stunt work it’s the blocking. It’s almost exhausting despite it being nothing but looking at people go about their day. It’s quite good in fact! But you can definitely feel the exhaustion director Jacque Tati had with modern life by the end. A worthy movie to go into financial ruin for.

Shorter Films/TV

Various Works of Jan Svankmajer (1989, 1988, 1982, 1966, 1964):

I was introduced to him last year in a film class with the “Lunch” segment from 1992’s “Food”. Haven’t checked out the rest from that collection but I loved that one segment so much that this year I decided to dive into his other works. Cinemassacre has a great video that gives five great shorts to check out from him as a beginner. I’ll be talking about the ones he recommended, however, out of the chronological order he suggests, but if you’re curious and want a guide, use his.

“Darkness Light Darkness” from 1989 is so charming to me. I think human bodies are just very funny things, watching him construct one in real time reminded me of some of my own strange thoughts about my own body. His 1988 sports (i say that word loosely) comedy “Virile Games” is like a monty python sketch with 90’s nicktoons humor. I don’t have any better way to describe it, that’s just what it is to me. 1982’s “Dimensions In Dialogue” feels at parts Jan flexing his mastery over the stop motion/claymation medium. Impressive claywork in two of the segments and some fascinating materials for stop motion in one. Also his most direct feature with its messaging and subtext.

1966’s puppet show endeavor “Punch and Judy” was kinda a miss for me. Some great moments in the very end but it felt the most aimless. Still enjoyed it but not one I think I’ll revisit very soon. However his first ever feature, 1964’s “The Last Trick” I’ve revisited plenty. Being at the very start of Svankmajer’s career, he’s not messing around with the stop motion, claymation, collage style he became known for. But I think he’s still in top form here. A lot of charming effect work and enjoyably surreal comedy from two magicians who desperately want to one up each other. I think it stands as one of his best even if later on his style became much more daring.

I’ve thoroughly enjoyed my time with Svankmajer. I’ll probably get around to his feature length films “Alice” and “Conspirators of Pleasure” with more of his short films along the way. If you have a love for strange mediums and a somewhat off kilter sense of humor, I really recommend trying out his shorts.

X-Men ‘97 (2024): I’ve never seen the original 90’s cartoon and don’t plan to. ‘97 delivers on every level. Stunningly gorgeous, perfectly structured (remembering you can have a serialized narrative but have episodes that can stand on their own was a welcome holdover from the 90’s), and the best monologues I’ve heard in a minute. Feels like the first revival to understand and embrace the appeal of the original work yet still have the courage and finesse to elevate the material with some great creative decisions. Hope the team and new head writer can keep the momentum going from season two onwards.

Radio TV Solutions “RTVS” (idfk): Preaching to the choir, I love this channel. A friend late last year and early this year got me hooked on Wayne’s selfaware ai half life saga. Other friends upped the ante by getting me into RTVS other works. They’re really fucking funny. I can be watching a stream for a fake console, nosferatu going into the public domain, or even a merch reveal stream for Pizza Tower and they’ll hit me with the most obtuse bits that remind me I’m a very weird person who’s very happy to find equally weird yet incredibly funny people.

Manga (Mostly):

Jujitsu Kaisen (2018-2024): I started reading this last year but with it officially calling wraps, I think now is a good time to say my thoughts on it. It’s s’alright. I really loved how much Gege’s art evolved throughout the series, I especially liked where his style was by Culling Games onward. But, this was a bit of a rush job. I can see why many left the series disillusioned with the conclusion. Can’t say I’m crazy about it myself, buuuut I think I had a good time by the end.

One Piece (1997-): We really are in the final saga. I'm gonna have this mostly be my thoughts on the insane climax of Egghead island cause wow. I had my reservations hearing murmurings that the final saga of One Piece would be only 5 years long. But if Oda plays his cards right (and the multiple decades spent on weekly manga don’t catch up and kill him) he could end it then. Fantastic arc that escalated so much in its climax I get why the anime announced a hiatus. Gonna be great watching all this play out when it’s animated.

Azumanga Daioh (1999-2002): Yeah. It’s peak. Azuma just knows how to make the most insane characters worm their way into your heart. The dynamics and interactions were perfect, art only got better. Beautiful series that does everything it needs to.

Yotsuba&! (2003-): Ofc I had to start what most people consider to be Azuma’s best work still going on today. I can see why so many love this series. Azuma captures the essence of being a child so earnestly without it ever feeling fake or overly-sentimental. The supporting cast is even better than Azumanga Daioh with some really incredible characters throughout (and Yanda). I think I prefer Azumanga Daioh just a bit for how good the interplay with the main cast is in that series, but Yotsuba is a wonderful manga.

Marvel’s New Ultimate Universe (Spider-Man, X-Men, Ultimates 2024): These were the three Ultimate universe titles I chose to follow. Now I’m about 2 months behind on what's been happening with them but I liked what I was reading. Very much a slow and steady start, this is Johnathan Hickman at the helm, the long con is always the end goal. But if you wanna try out a Big 2 comic, these are a great start.

Dungeon Meshi (2014-2023): I’m gonna save most of my thoughts on this when I talk about the anime I saw (and care to remember) this year. But the anime inspired me to read all of the manga and I’m very grateful I did. Ryoko Kui is a master. Probably the best fantasy story I’ve ever read.

Goodnight Punpun (2007-2013): Hey it’s that manga everyone treats like an SCP. Can’t say it's not warranted to some degree. If you have a headspace that’s easily swayed by any form of media, this could worsen depression for anyone going through it or with a history with it. And if not that, it’s not a very pleasant manga regardless of mental wellbeing. Very few punches are pulled, very few lines not crossed. But I do think this is the best manga Asano has made wholesale.

With the benefit of it being his longest work, Punpun feels like the most complete package. Now I’m usually pretty susceptible to any media I read/watch/play affecting my headspace. I think with my knowledge of Punpun’s legacy, I went into this with a ”Voyeur to tragedy” mindset which shielded me and left me shocked but also in awe of Asano’s abilities. Definitely not a manga for everyone or one I find myself able to really recommend. It’s to be read by those genuinely curious about it with or even because of its legacy. If you do, Punpun left me inspired and speechless at the same time.

Solanin: (2005-2006): The second work by Inio Asano I read. In some ways the more depressing one for me. I’m in my mid 20’s and am still figuring out what to do. I think the first half is stronger than the second half. The first chapter's statement that “Freedom without purpose is kinda boring” has stuck with me for a while now. The latter half I wasn’t as into, but it’s an incredibly honest story about the struggles of your mid 20’s and that expecting a grand coda to anything from it is a bit silly.

Dead Dead Demons DEDEDEDE Destruction: (2014-2022): My final Asano work for this trilogy, and wow. This one was a lot! Not even in the ways that Punpun was a lot thematically, DeDeDeDe packs so many ideas and concepts into it’s 100 chapters that somehow it’s climax, (that giving credit looking back Asano managed to elude to it somewhat), but it still feels rushed!!!

DeDeDeDe starts with what I assume was Asano showing two girls friendship (debatable) persevering through a looming disaster, also becomes commentary about social media feeding our worst habits, radicalism, and modern times in general. Sometimes it's incredibly kind and empathetic with characters like Makoto, other times it feels like Asano goes for the lowest hanging fruit for mockery, sometimes someone looks like they came from Doraemon. Intentionally of course, very aware what the Isobyean sections was meant to be a sendup of.

I can’t really get into it without spoiling which even with my mixed feelings towards the ending I don’t wish to spoil. I guess the hook for me was Kadode and Ontan’s bond and the series seems to be focusing on that. But the way everything wraps up felt way too out of left field. A manga that wanted to tackle big ideas through an intimate lens but I think it lost that balance by the end. Probably my second favorite work by Asano. Could’ve been first, oh well.

Shimeji Simulation (2019-2023): By the same author as Girls Last Tour, I probably would not have given this a shot if not for the recommendation of a friend and it’s pretty damn good. Tsukumizu has such an enjoyably loose approach to manga. Alternating between traditional page layout and 4komas that are sometimes 4.5komas, this is a manga that embraces surrealness with the most casual touch. The writing really captures depression in its most genuine sense. It’s not miserable, but it isn’t happy. If you’ve ever had days where it feels like anywhere you go is just a detour from your room, it’s like that. A manga for people who’ve had hazy brains on clear days. I’m slowly chipping through it. Maybe it’ll be 2025 when I finish it. I do recommend it wholeheartedly.

Video Games:

Dragon Quest III HD-2D (2024): Game of the year. I’ve been looking forward to this game for so long and I loved it. I’ve never played DQ3 before but this delivered on every front. The HD-2D style is what it should be (imo) with no mixels getting in the way. The story isn’t mind blowing but charming nonetheless. So many little setpieces and ideas here that feel like you can see the ripples this game would have on many games later. Not perfect of course. The battles don’t really have much strategy beyond how hard and fast you can hit and how much you minimize damage taken from getting hit. And there were some noticeable difficulty spikes with some bosses which made me pretty bitter. But I still loved this game to the very end. Definitely seeing myself replaying this and messing around more with its class system. Absolute beast of a JRPG.

Star Fetchers: Escape from Pork Belly (2024): I loved the pilot, I supported the kickstarter for Episode 1. I loved the demo for episode 1, and I loved this dlc to tide us over until Episode 1 comes out. Everything great about Star Fetchers in a quick one and done Punch Out style adventure, and a great showcase for what tech they’ve been working on for Episode 1. I can’t wait to see what they have in store.

Lunisitice (2022): I’m not crazy into 3D Platformers outside of a select few and this one might have become my favorite. It’s incredibly charming and simple. It's a game I can just pop on whenever I wanna smile a bit. Really loved it.

Celeste (2018): I’m not crazy into ~~3~~ 2D Platformers outside of a select few and this one might have become my- you get it. Really wonderful to finally play this game. I’m no platforming expert, my strawberry count was pitifully low and I’m definitely not enough of a platforming pervert to attempt the B-Sides. But the heart on display here did show me why so many love this game, and I do too.

Enjoy The Diner (2023): What a remarkably chill game. The only thing that I think matches this game's approach to writing and by extension Sci-Fi is Shimeji Simulation. And even then both of them feel a bit too different to really be lumped together. I’ve never felt a game that was so content in letting pieces fall where they may in its writing. There’s rarely a cause for panic, no urgency whatsoever. It’s another series that takes a very casual approach to surreality with sci-fi. This is a vibe, an experience to go through if you’ve ever had conversations with a friend at 3 in the morning.

Webfishing and Atlyss (2024): I will lump these two together as I hope experiences made with furries in mind crop up more and more as we go into another hell world lol. Loved both of em, chose a great year to embrace being a furry and all that brought with it.

Anime:

Dungeon Meshi Season 1 (2024): Fantastic. Trigger knocked it out of the park. I only got into it this year, but this is such a fun take on dungeon crawling. Starts deceptively simple with a fun gimmick that greatly appeals to me and my love of food, then (remember when I said I read the whole manga because of this anime) completely sidewinds you with incredibly deep pathos and some beautiful character moments. Laios and company are just the perfect DnD group. Can’t wait to see how Trigger adapts some of the later chapters and the major surprises and turns within them. Fantastic.

A decent chunk of Dragon Ball Z’s original 90’s dub: I got into Dragon Ball when the Kai re-cut was airing on Nicktoons. That was my exposure to the saga of Dragon Ball Z. So I got to watch a series with no filler and a dub that was made with faithfulness to the original script in mind (and a score that I hesitate to say is great for reasons already known if you ever followed what happened with the composer for Kai).

With friends I watched the original dub with the Faulconer score, all the filler pacing intact, and a dub with as many wisecracks the translators wanted to put in. Honestly, it was fun. I’m very aware of the debates that have been had about changes from sub to dub and had them as well. Do I like this more than Kai? No. But was it fun? Yes.

Dandadan (2024): I never got into Dandadan’s manga, but science saru’s adaptation has left me charmed and impressed multiple times. Not a lot to say, this will definitely put this series on the map for many.

One Piece (1999): Well the anime is still flexing its animation team and budget acquired since Wano Act III. Egghead is still marred by the usual pacing issues sticking with One Piece’s anime since Enies Lobby, but if you’re gonna stretch moments to fill an episode, may as well do it with the most bombastic moments you can. Can’t blame em for the hiatus as so many moments later on are gonna need a lot of tlc if they’re gonna hit. Also that opening, “Assu!” Best opening One Piece has ever had. They really should let Megumi Ishitani do more with One Piece.

One Piece Fan Letter (2024): Well hey, ask and you shall receive. This is so much more than I could ever expect it to be. What could’ve been just a cute segway into the Fishman Island recut is also the biggest love letter to One Piece I’ve ever seen. Ishitani and co. understand the heart of this series, why you love it, why you laugh at it, and all the emotions it carries. Ishitani’s style is as fluid as ever and her skills as a director make her the best thing to happen to any shonen anime ever. I need her to direct a One Piece movie. And I need all of you to experience One Piece, if not just for how good One Piece is, for how amazing this one OVA is. I left this OVA with such a big smile on my face.

Bakemonogatari (2009): I’ve known about Monogatari. I’ve always been curious about Monogatari. I’ve watched plenty of memes that recreated its eccentric editing style in other media, I also knew how much this show was accused of being for anime perverts (derogatory). After a friend's recommendation once again, I watched it.

Y'know what, yea. It’s got lots of pervert shit but it was fucking worth it for me. This was wonderful. The presentation is an acquired taste but you can acquire it as soon as Bakemonogatari ends. I loved its rapid editing style, its soundtrack, and the characters. The presentation is top notch, but I loved so many characters by the end of its 15 episode run.

Initially I pinned the go crazy go nuts girl Suruga as my favorite, though looking back at her arc Suruga Monkey is maybe one of the weaker ones in Bake. Not bad, but feels weaker in comparison. I still quite like Suruga, and both Hitagi and Hachikuji are great with arcs that measure up as well.

I got to Nadeko Snake. Loved it. My feelings on Nadeko herself are positive though I think I gotta give her time to grow on me (She can pat herself on the back for the best opening in Bake). Anyways, I was enjoying myself thoroughly. Thinking it was a good experience but maybe not something I’ll leave much with. Then the final arc Tsubasa Cat bookends ybe season.

Wow. I always liked Tsubasa. Her presence was great in the past arcs, but her arc, god it was so good. I won’t spoil but certain moments and revelations hit me close to home in ways I didn’t expect. Is Tsubasa my favorite character now? Maybe, I still have a ways to go with this series, but that arc, I like that arc a lot. I like Bakemonogatari a lot.

Kizumonogatari Trilogy (2016-17): I liked it so much I immediately jumped into the prequel that the director spent just shy of a decade making. If you want the long and the short of it, all three good, but here’s a rough recollection of my headspace throughout all 3.

Iron Blooded: Wow this movie is pretty. This artstyle is kinda fucking everything, oh the cut ins are french now that’s cool. God this movie is so fucking pretty. Holy shit what an entrance. I can see why it took just shy of a decade to put this out. Phenomenal, next one.

Hot Blooded: God this movie is fucking pretty. This series also has an incredible ost, thank fucking god, holy shit this action. God I love you Hanekawa. Also it’s fascinating watching Araragi be more in line with what is usually expected from a light novel protagonist. Bake has him as a hapless but endearing lead, but here he’s a very adolescent loner who can barely compose himself in Kizu. There’s something very interesting as both in adaptation and original publication Bake starts the entire Monogatari series. The allusions to everything that happened in Kizu were quickly revealed in publication as Kizu is the second monogatari book published. But the anime, being a passion project by the director, continued with every book from Kizu onward. I’m glad I’m watching Kizu when I do, I think having this context going forward will be nothing but helpful. But back on topic, Araragi is a very different guy here. Also cause I didn’t mention her earlier Kiss-Shot is wonderful.

Cold Blooded: God this movie is SO fucking pretty- Oh.

Now, I made a post not too long ago about how this trilogy left me with a lot to chew on. I’ll admit here, a lot of it is Cold-Blooded but the whole package really stunned me. Every praise I've lauded the last two here applies to Cold Blooded as well, even more I think. But it’s final moments cut deep for me. I wish I could elaborate more and how many incredible moments there are in Cold Blooded, but words fail me in that regard. I’ve had to think about how this is the beginning of Monogatari. This is what inspires Araragi to stop being such a loner, and choosing to live and make the incredibly meaningful bonds he develops in Bake. Araragi makes the decision to start growing up.

I wrote, like, five pages on what Kizumonogatari made me feel. And I think all together Kizu was discussed in about 2 pages collectively. The rest was a very personal mess of words. It’s weird, Kizu gave me the ability to write about things I thought I never could, but what I wrote about was a lot. And I’m too much of a coward to post that in confidence without thinking it would be unwelcome. It’s stuff I want to share one day. It’s me admitting a lot of things. If anyone is interested I’ll share. But at the moment I don’t have the confidence to talk about it without it feeling like it’s unwelcome, too much, and lacking finesse. This movie made me reflect on a lot. Mentally and Identity wise. I’ll always thank it for that

2024 was a weird one for me. Lotta good, some bad, a whole lot of introspection this fall. Let’s see what 2025 will bring.

Have a Happy New Year Everyone

Best Movie: Police Story (but also Kizumonogatari)

Best Not A Movie: Jan Svankmajer’s strange works.

Best Manga/Comic: Azumanga Daioh

Best Video Game: Dragon Quest III: HD-2D

Best Anime: Kizumonogatari Trilogy

#Well this is a bit messy lol.#i’ll probably come back to clean it up later

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