#thank you hoshino sensei for this amazing series

[caelanglang]

20 years of prayer and more...

Happy 20th Anniversary to D. Gray Man!! ✨🎉

To my favorite manga who literally changed the trajectory of my life 🫶

[excalisi]

Hey I wanted to ask do you know any manga/anime that are similar to DGM ? It doesn’t have to be similar in the sense that they’re both exorcists it could be aesthetic wise, time period, or the way the characters are portrayed. I binge read it towards the end of 2023 and it was such an amazing read very beautifully written and drawn.

Thank you in advance for answering my question :)

Hey, anon! I will freely admit, like half of these recs are from my friends bc I haven't watched anime since last year or so. So I can't say much about plot or the draw or whatever for them.

Fullmetal Alchemist, of course. Most like Brotherhood better because it's canon-compliant, but it's a matter of preference. Anyway, just like in dgm, there's human experimentation, political intrigue, and deals with the proverbial devil. Also, competency. Love when people get shit done and kick ass whilst doing so. So great.

Moriarty the Patriot. This is one of the only items on this list that I've read & watched, and I enjoyed it quite a lot. It's a different spin on the usual Holmes-Moriarty story—as it's on the side of Moriarty. Moriarty works as a Lord of Crime (a sort of vigilante?) who kills nobles who abuse their power, in a time when society has stagnated and classes have been strictly stratified; meanwhile, Sherlock is slowly descending into obsession with catching and finding this elusive Lord of Crime. They're both very homoerotic about it. Like, they're playing a game of cat and mouse, but they both get so deep into each other's head that it's difficult to tell just who's the cat and who's the mouse. In every single one of their scenes together, the tension is palpable. If you're not into that tho, you can read them as "intellectual rivals". They're definitely in love, however

Anything from Mochijun. Her art is amazing!! She's definitely one of my fave mangakas, even if I exclude her beautiful storytelling from the equation. There's a sort of delicate subtlety in the way she shapes characters and demonstrates their motivations and reactions to plot events that reminds me a bit of Hoshino-sensei. I can only say anything definitive about Case Study of Vanitas because it's the only one of her works I've read and watched, but it does have a dgm-esque feel in its sense of inexorable tragedy despite the fun quirky cast made up entirely of characters who have experienced The Horrors and are actively repressing them, right at this very moment. There's quite a bit Mochijun leaves to subtext and reader interpretation, so reading comprehension is recommended. I can't say much about Pandora Hearts or Crimson-Shell other than that I've been assured they're guaranteed to make you scream. In fear? In anguish? I haven't the slightest, and I'm unashamed to admit that the real reason I've yet to read Pandora Hearts is because I'm very aware that it'd emotionally incapacitate me for like 3 business months lol.

Claymore. It's a dark fantasy shounen (does it count as being marketed towards young boys if the cast is entirely composed of women lol?), and from what I can tell, the power structure very loosely resembles the Innocence-akuma system. Everyone seems to use swords (or rather, the titular claymores), so obviously this gives this series an additional 5000 sexy points.

Elfin Lied, I guess? I know pretty much nothing about it other than that it has cool art, a good opening, and that it was namedropped in chat and like three other people unanimously and vehemently agreed to its nomination. I think it's dystopian(?) and focuses on social discrimination and ft. graphic violence. Reportedly, it's super fucked up. So head's up.

Ok now I have to go to sleep bc it's 3 am haha hope you enjoy the recs!

[shiroganeryo]

ah, if you're still doin the character thing, how about Lenalee? (I didn't see anybody asking about her, but if sb did, sorry! maybe Johnny then?)

I’m sorry for the delay on replying to this one! This is probably the last ask thingy I’ll be doing for the Character Questions, as they take me some time to type and I’ve been busy 💓 But thank you all very much for the interest in these, I really love writing for stuff like this! I’ll be covering both Lenalee and Johnny in this one - so, a two character reply again! I was hoping someone would give me Lena so the OT4 was complete, but I also really love Johnny... 😭 

Lenalee

My otp for them: With Lavi! I had never paid much attention to the two of them as a couple, but after I reread the series last year, they have grown on me. Lavi has been Lenalee’s emotional support many times and it’s clear he cares about her. People would consider that the time he snapped at her for grieving over “losing Allen” was bad, but I quite don’t think he meant harm; rather, I think he kinda acted on impulse because he wanted her to feel better. He marvelously made up for that during the following arcs (”I didn’t come here to stop you; this is your decision to make. Just let me come along.” - 150th Night). Those interactions made me like them a lot as a pairing. My brotp for them: Miranda! She played a big part in Miranda’s life, and I’m sure they got really close thanks to that. Imagining them doing all the girly things together without a care in the world makes me so happy 🥺 It’s like getting to see the happy girl Lenalee could have been, if she weren’t another victim of the war. I also used to ship them because I have no self-control apparently, so. XD Any other ships: Have you all ever considered her and Emilia? 💦 Both share guts and very strong legs, it seems. I can picture them bonding easily over shared interests and it makes me weak. I also love Lenalee and Kanda’s relationship, so they also get the cake here. As for Allen, they make a beautiful pairing, but only when it comes to appearance to me; imo they would need to work many things out, personally speaking, to work in a healthy way for both. Their best friend: Miranda, Jeryy and Kanda! Miranda, for the reasons stated above; Jeryy, because he was her “motherly figure” when she was growing up and needed a feminine, understanding input from someone she could feel comfortable around. And Kanda, due to their relationship as “childhood friends”, in a way. Lenalee loves everyone close to her, but I see these three being the ones she’s the closest to. My favorite nickname for them: “Lena”, given by Kanda. It just sounds so cute and delicate; it suits her. My favorite AU headcanon of them: People often say they would like to see Lenalee abandon the Order and join Allen’s side. I say the opposite; she should stay. She could be a big helping hand on throwing a rebellion of sorts that could benefit him from the inside. That way she wouldn’t need to abandon the people she loves for Allen’s sake, but would still be on his side, on her own way. My favorite outfit they wear: Lenalee has the cutest chinese themed outfits! The ones I love the most are the one she used during the Zombie arc, and this one I saw her wearing on Gray Log. She looks so darn cute, too precious for this world. *gross sobbing* Defining color: When I think of her, I think of several shades of green, namely Fern (#4F7942) and Pine (#01796F). I also think of deep red (#D30000), because of the ribbons she uses on her hair and the shapes of her Crystal Type Innocence. Would I date them: Lenalee is a strong, amazing girl! However, I wouldn’t date her. She can also be headstrong, and so am I hahah At times, I find myself thinking we’re similar in the way we’re insistent (at the risk of being unreasonable) about some things and I quite don’t see that working out at all 😅 First impression: Bland. Nice character, but her design didn’t interest or stand out at all to me. Dark Boots are an awesome Innocence though! Current impression: I really like her. Not one of my favorite characters, and I have a lot of criticism when it comes to Lenalee, but I love her design and the development she got so far. I started taking her more seriously after the fight against Eshi; it was one heck of an awesome fight! The way she put everything on the line on that suicidal move was impressive; so badass. Hogwarts House: As much as I would love to assign her to Gryffindor for her commendable courage, Lenalee’s home is in Hufflepuff! Before anything else, she cares deeply for the people she loves, and will sacrifice herself for them without thinking twice. Loyalty and kindness are her most prominent trait, but that doesn’t make her a pushover in the slightest. Which Pokemon starter they’d be: Torchic! According to the Pokédex entries, Torchic feels warm to the touch and this makes it very huggable. I have this type of impression about her, warm and welcoming. It also develops a fighting type upon evolving, and Blaziken are well known for their strong legs and jumping capacity!

Johnny

My otp for them: With Cache! I’m very weak for couples where the woman looks (and is) stronger than the guy, and we’ve seen her carrying Johnny to the medical wing before - an occurence that, according to her, happens a lot. He seems to have a crush on her, seeing his reaction (fidgety, blushing) when he was saying goodbye to his science friends. According to Vol. 27′s Discussion Room, the scrunchy he’s using to tie his hair used to be hers, and I love how Allen went “hmm, I see...” when he told them she had given it to him hahah (it’s alright, Allen; I ship it too 👌) My brotp for them: Allen, hands down. Differently from what people say, Johnny has always supported and cherished Allen, what he’s doing for him now isn’t out of the blue. It was actually what Johnny told him that started to change his perception on things and realize that his heart longed to be with the ones he loves despite the hardships (”As Johnny Gill and your friend, I’m going to help you!”, - 215th Night). He loves him, and I can tell how important he is for Allen too; he was able to come back from Nea’s inner world thanks to Johnny’s calling that reminded him of his ties with everyone in “Home”. This part has some of my favorite scenes from the entire series; Johnny didn’t even bat an eye, he simply jumped for Allen. I called it Allen would avoid their fall, but Johnny patting his head in happiness and relief and then hugging him, to which Allen returned, as relieved and happy for having come back... It was so sweet and hopeful. It brings good tears to my eyes!  Any other ships: I don’t have any~ Their best friend: I think Johnny is friends with pretty much all of his buddies from the Science Division, but I notice him being closer to Reever. I would like to mention Suman as well; despite him being deceased, Johnny still seems to hold a fond memory of him. And then comes Allen who’s clearly someone important to him, and it doesn’t seem to be one-sided, judging by the time they (used to) spend together having fun. My favorite nickname for them: I don’t have one! But Johnny deserves cute nicknames, let’s give him some, Hoshino-sensei? 👀 My favorite AU headcanon of them: I don’t have one because Johnny is already perfect as a character and for the plot as he already is imho. All I wish is for him to survive until the ending. Hang in there, Johnny! Allen needs you, but for all you’ve been doing, you deserve to make it out alive and earn your own happiness! My favorite outfit they wear: Out of all the characters, I feel like Johnny is the one that has the most “stripped-down” style, quite modern looking. But I love his current outfit the most! He looks great in vests and the long coat definitely reminds me of the lab coats he used to wear while in the Order. I also like a lot more how his hairdo is atm, it looked a little painful to have tied for too long in the previous style (similar to pigtails). His new frame glasses are also pretty! Gives him a more serious look. Defining color: Curiously enough, I think of an array of varied colors when I think of Johnny? I can’t seem to be able to pick one. There is black, yellow like Mustard (#FEDC56), brown like Cherrywood (#CB6F36) and blue like Maya (#73C2FB), to name some. Would I date them: But of course! Johnny is the sweetest guy I’ve ever seen. He gives off all the geek vibes, but not on the annoying way; he looks like the type of person that would talk lots about things that make him happy, excitedly, while you’d look at him go, feeling blessed with all the bright energy vibes emanating from him. He’s also shown to be extremely supportive, and honestly, everyone deserves someone like him 🥺 First impression: Regular geek scientist guy? Current impression: *incoherent sobbing* I love him so much! Why does Johnny not have more appreciation?! Why do people think he’s annoying??? Anyone who loves Allen gotta admit this guy is the MVP. He’s the trope you’d expect for a smartsy science guy, and at the same time, he’s not only that. I’ve babbled enough on that in the reply under this question. Hogwarts House: I’m in a tie between Gryffindor and Hufflepuff, but I think I would give him Gryffindor. People would be quick to place him in Ravenclaw for his smarts and his love for learning, but this guy is extremely courageous. Despite being seen as “weak” and fragile, he was the one to stand up for Allen in multiple occasions throughout the series. He’s also the one who confronted the Earl to ask him what he wanted with the 14th (196th Night), while no one had really questioned or directly talked to him. He left the Order to go after Allen, knowing he was awakening as a Noah (which is already dangerous on its own) and would be in constant situations of peril because of Akuma and other Noah. Johnny, the “regular guy”, did all that, having no care as to what could happen to him. So, Gryffindor for his extreme courage, but maybe Hufflepuff for his honest loyalty and goodness. Which Pokemon starter they’d be: Grookey! The way Grookey and its evolutions handle wood makes me think they’re skilled Pokémon that can craft things and know how to use them as instruments, just like Johnny does with his scientific creations. The tied “hair” also reminds me of him!

[hazukashi-yui]

Starting in 2019 I plan to be more progressive with reblogging content from the anime series I am watching. so I decided to make a seasonal watchlist to showcase the shows I plan to watch (because I watch a lot each season but encourage recommendations )

So Starting with Winter 2019 Tv Series:

Boogiepop wa Warawanai 

Genres: Psychological, Mystery, Horror

The story is about an urban legend about a shinigami that can release you from the pain and suffering caused by life. After watching the PV it looks pretty promising as an interesting mystery anime with creepy undertones. Apparently, there is another anime adaptation from 2000 but I think this is just a retelling of the same story with a new voice cast. 

Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue

Genres: Slice of Life, Comedy

Novelist Subaru Mikazuki and Haru a stray cat start living together and shows the happiness of living together from both of their perspectives. I am so excited to watch this purely because it sounds extremely cute. Seeing the story from both perspectives is probably going to make me cry since I have a soft spot for animals especially ones that were abandoned or lived as a stray. 

Ueno-san wa Bukiyou

Genres: Comedy, Romance, Seinen

Ueno-san, who is in her third year of junior high school, is in love with the concept of falling in love. I watched the PV and it made me laugh. This show just seems so chaotic but in a cute way. The art style is really interesting and I guarantee she will develop real feelings for her kouhai and not just the concept of love.

3D Kanojo: Real Girl Second season

Genres: Romance, School, Shoujo

The second season. I hope there is more communication between Tsutsui and Igarashi because another season of drama seems draining (lol) The first season was okay for a basic romance but it still had some cute scenes. Itou x Ayado needs to actually happen this season or I will silently scream. 

Fukigen na Mononokean Second Season 

Genres: Comedy, Demons, Supernatural

The second season of my weekly dose of adorable supernatural shenanigans. I am looking forward to watching the story continue. Also listening to Kaji Yuuki and Maeno Tomoaki is a reward in itself  <3 plus Moja gives me life. 

Kaguya-sama wa Kokurasetai: Tensai-tachi no Renai Zunousen

Genres: Comedy, Psychological, Romance, School, Seinen

Miyuki Shirogane leads the prestigious Shuchiin Academy's student council as its president, working alongside the beautiful and wealthy vice president Kaguya Shinomiya. Both are regarded a the perfect couple by the other students, they deny any romantic relationship. As they work together they both develop feelings but due to pride neither will confess. I love relationships that develop through conflict it fuels me :D muhuhuhu. The show looks cute and the art style is nice so I am looking forward to watching the romance commence. 

Kakeguruix x

Genres: Drama, Game, Mystery, Psychological, School, Shounen

Second Season. YES PLEASE. The over the top facial features and addictive gambling. New faces are being added it looks like the Student Council. If you haven't watched the first season I recommend it if you like psychological type shows. 

Dororo

Genres: Action, Adventure, Demons, Historical, Shounen, Supernatural

A medicine man equips an abandoned child with lethal prosthetics with which to hunt down the multitude of demons to reclaim his body that was taken as a bargaining tool so his father could gain an upper hand on the battlefield one piece at a time. The animation looks amazing and the story already sounds so dark plus it is being developed by MAPPA. 

Watashi ni Tenshi ga Maiorita! 

Genres: Comedy, Shoujo Ai

One day, fifth-grader Hinata Hoshino brings her friend Hana Shirosaki to her house, and Hinata's sister Miyako, a college student, becomes infatuated with Hana at first sight. This show is just ridiculous. I added this to my watch list purely because the art style is so cute. The overall story sounds like garbage but I feel like it is going to move in the same direction as Uchi no Maid ga Uzasugiru! and Hana will be able to open up with her friends more or something in the regard. This show is definitely a lower priority.   

Mob Psycho 100 Second Season 

Genres: Action, Slice of Life, Comedy, Supernatural

The second season of Mob. By far my most anticipated show this season. The story will again follow Mob as he tries to have a normal life. This season looks more action packed but I imagine the PV was showing all the action parts and the show will follow the same hilarious episode style that builds into the more serious parts. Plus I have missed watching my garbage favorite Reigen. 

Winter 2019 Ova mentions :

Gaikotsu Shotenin Honda-san OVA

Eromanga-sensei OVA

Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii: Youth

<3 <3 My OTP, when they meet plus more Sugita, is always desired.

High Score Girl: Extra Stage

Continued from Fall 2018:

Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5 

Tsurune: Kazemai Koukou Kyuudoubu

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

So that concludes what I am watching for the Winter 2019 season. If anyone has any recommendations I haven’t listed this season feel free to share them with me. Honestly, my winter lineup is looking pretty small. Also if your watching any of the ones listed feel free to follow or send your opinions on the shows.  Plus check my MAL for previous seasons and recommendations: https://myanimelist.net/profile/Hazukashi_Yui

Thanks for reading this lengthy post!

[miothleold]

Happy Birthday Hoshino-sensei!!! (21/4)

Thank you for such an amazing series and hope we can meet the new chapter soon!