#this is the last chapter of vol 6 and the first few of vol 7 if you're interested!

[hjemne]

I could go on for years and years about Knives in Trimax, but THIS makes me physically unwell. Knives was the one who was constantly worrying that humans weren't going to accept him or Vash, and he was the one who first raised the question of becoming friends with humans, not Vash. When he asks Conrad (the second human he's ever met) what he thinks of him and Vash, there is a genuine fear of being rejected and is so relieved by Conrad's answer he cries. Knives is the sensitive, emotional child who needs the support of Vash, Rem and other humans to feel like he has a place in the world.

Conrad says if they can love someone with their whole heart, they'll be able to work and live together, but then what happens immediately after?

Knives and Vash discover Tesla. She is the only other Independent like them, and humans treated her like a science specimen and experimented on her body fell apart and she died horribly. Knives is 1 year old, and he's having to process THIS, knowing he can no longer trust any adult around him. Knives - again, remember he's the sensitive one - faints and Vash says he wishes he had also been able to cut himself off from the agony of the realisation too.

I absolutely adore that bottom panel of Knives' hope that they can coexist being stripped away. The boy he was just is not compatible with the world he finds himself in and this is the foundation of his adult self we see throughout the rest of Trimax.

With Knives unconscious, the focus then shifts to Vash who has the chance to confront Rem. It's incredibly significant that Knives is not part of that conversation and never lets himself be emotionally vulnerable around Rem again to have a similar talk with her where he might have been able to process his feelings like Vash did.

Vash actually tries to stab himself with a knife (and there's metaphors in that for someone else to unpack) and Rem prevents him, injuring herself in the process. Vash then turns against Rem and tries to kill her, severely wounding her and saying he won't shed a single tear for her before suddenly becoming overwhelmed by remorse and rushing to save her. Vash, who had been refusing food, then finally starts to eat as Rem tells him he's got a blank ticket to the future and not to throw his life away because there are good people out there. Only after Rem and Vash have come to this truce / understanding does Knives wake up.

He has realised that Rem not only knew about Tesla, not only kept her a secret, but was also involved in her abuse. He goes from having a heart absolutely bursting with love and hope, to learning that even the person he loved was capable of unspeakable violence against his kind. His childhood, his dreams, his support is all taken from him, and when Vash seems to forgive and forget, he's also cut off from the one person who could fully understand him. He either genuinely forgets or (what I think is more likely) pretends to have no memory of the discovery. This is where Knives is separated from both Vash and humans, and this is the point where he starts on his path of no return.

KNIVES was the one who loved humans, who was deeply deeply upset at the thought of not being accepted by them. When he finds Tesla, he realises he and Vash can never be fully accepted or fully safe, and his actions are driven from this (justified) fear of what people will do to him if they find him. But he knows he is stronger and smarter than humans, he knows that he has the power and ability to protect himself, Vash and future Independents from suffering Tesla's fate. Knives was and is right about humans posing an existential threat to Plants, both dependent and independent, and his decision to crash the ships was not done out of malice but terror. Knives NEVER took the first shot. If Tesla hadn't been murdered, I really, really doubt he would have turned out the way he did.

[trigun-manga-overhaul]

TRIGUN ULTIMATE OVERHAUL JUNE 2024 UPDATE

OVERHAUL UPDATE 06/07/24 - Going slow, but changes are ahead.

Hey, everyone, and welcome back to another monthly update.

Keep an eye out this Monday, June 10th, for an upload announcement.

The push back of the Japanese volume release to next month has been helpful, as it gave the team time to breathe. The release schedule is picking up with the work, as not as much work has been done the last few months as planned. For now, TriMax Vol 7 will release the first Monday in July and our usual schedule will continue as before. If anything changes, we'll keep you all updated on that.

There's one main factor counting into the slow work and delay, but it's more personal, so if you don't want to know, then you can just skip ahead of the next bit.

~~

I, as in the project lead, am the primarily cleaner and redrawer for the project, meaning that the delays are entirely on me.

For the last year and a half I've had a job that I took as an emergency, right after I lost my translator position due to the financial crisis. Meaning, the emergency job was supposed to be temporary, just to keep food on the table until I found something I'm more qualified to do.

Things, of course, didn't turn out like that and I've worked the same retail job for one and half years now. A retail job is usually no issue for me, but this was a newly started business with an inexperience owner, so the stress levels have been very high. My boss is understanding and kind, but also very drained and fighting to stay afloat.

I've worked hard to help as much as I could, setting up inventory systems and and an online shop/catalogue, which took most of my energy for personal projects. Now that things are finally stable, I've handed in my resignation and will leave the business in August/September, and therefore hopefully also leave me with more energy and time.

~~

Anyway, with that info, it's time for a few double page spreads!

The number of double page spreads per chapter has gone up dramatically from Vol 6, and they are all highly detailed, a trend that seems to continue into Vol 8, as well. It's been requiring a lot of work to fix these up, sometimes only managing to do a single one a night.

~~

That's all for this month's update. If there are any topics or parts of our process that you want to hear more about, don't hesitate to send an ask or leave a comment on this post.

SEE YOU GUYS NEXT MONTH!

[romancemedia]

Well good news, I just finished reading SAFT Volume 6. It was such a great read and I really enjoyed getting a deeper look inside the world of the series, especially the events when Lafall had taken Anne and Shall captive and the last few chapters revealed quite a bit.

Anne and Shall Almost Kiss Confirmed!

In episode 23 of the anime, the scene showed it looked like Anne and Shall were on the verge of sharing their first kiss. That's what I always suspected and after reading the book, my hunch was right! Anne and Shall did in deed want to kiss each other, but because of Lafall's words, it caused them both to back off in fear they'll make the other unhappy. DAMN YOU LAFALL! YOU RUINED ANNE AND SHALL'S MOMENT!

Shall will stay with Anne Forever!

In the anime's last episode, when Anne and Shall both expressed their wish for each other's happiness and Anne told Shall that after fufilling his promise to her, that he should leave to properly live his life the way he wants, Anne had no idea of Shall's meaning when he said "forever". It turns out even if that day ever come, Shall would never leave Anne's side, but instead, Shall would continue to watch over and protect her happiness from the shadows. HE NEVER WANTS TO BE APART FROM HER!!!

The ending is so bittersweet. Anne and Shall's love has become so incredibly, amazingly strong. Their love is undeniable, but now because of Lafall, there is a wedge between them. (I HATE YOU LAFALL!!!) It's going to take a while before they can bridge the gap and Volume 7 will be the first step to helping them.

Also one last surprise twist. In the final pages Keith announced he had quit the Radcliffe Workshop and asks Anne if she'd like to open a workshop together with him!! I was wondering when this would happen. I found out from past spoilers that Anne and Keith would form a partnership together, but I just didn't know when. I assumed it was going to happen in Vol 7, but I wasn't expecting this!

I'm looking forward to getting Volume 7 in November this year and again, I REALLY WANT TO ANIME TO RETURN TO COMPLETE THE REST OF THE STORY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[pancake-breakfast]

Trigun Book Club! Maybe Wolfwood will show up in today's reading....

Archive

Trigun Volume 1: Covers + 1-3, 3 Detailed Thoughts, 4, 4 DT, 5-6, 5-6 + DT, 6 DT, 7-8, 9-10

Trigun Volume 2: Covers + Extras, 1, 1 Supplemental Research

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts for Trigun Vol. 2, Chapters 2-4 below.

Chapter 2: Diablo

Ok, Legato Bluesummers is a HUGE problem child, but I LOVE LOVE LOVE his character design. This guy would adore goth fashion.

I wonder who's decided Vash deserves this particular hell. Also, it's noteworthy that the fact that they're sending TWELVE assassins after him (presumably one at a time) suggests they expect at least the first few to fail.

"Anyone in their right mind would keep that man locked up!" Hahahahahahahaha, try it.

Ugh, poor Vash.... He looks so sad and angry... and a bit scary. I'm worried for him.

It would be absolutely understandable if his feelings here were toward the humans unjustly locking him up, but the text goes on to let us know that the primary thing on his mind... the source of all his feelings right now... is Knives.

Flashback time!

Ohhhh, this is a place where '98 hard deviated, but Stampede stayed the course. '98 had Vash, Knives, and Rem running around with a handful of other characters back then, but here, it's just them.

Honestly, I feel like this panel is hitting on more story themes than are immediately apparent.

How sad that loneliness drove her to join Project Seeds. Sad, but understandable.

Oh, Vash, babygirl. Someone hug him.

You know, there's another character who wears an outfit that looks very similar to this in present day. And it's not Vash.

Full-on mom mode here in telling them what to do.

Vash looks older in this scene than he did in either anime adaptation.

Obscuring Knives's face. Smart. Can't see too much of him until it's Time.

TBH, Knives's argument here feels like justification after the fact. Like he needs a reason for everything that just happened to be right despite any elements of it going sideways.

For a pacifist, he sure can rock some serious murderface.

The ease with which he flips from murderface to softboi face is a bit disturbing.

He says this, but babygirl here looks SO TIRED. Whether or not he believes what he's saying, I think he really needs their kindness right now.

I don't know what Milly is trying to say/do here, but I wish her the best!

I just want to note that knowing my kana has made the sound effects a LOT more fun for me than they'd be otherwise.

Mmmmmm, something tells me Vash is likely to be out of there before morning. It might be this big guy who just showed up and opened fire, it might not. Who can say?

Oh, honey. Vash is NEVER unarmed. Even when he's literally missing an arm.

Hi, Monev! Thank you for introducing yourself to the class! You can sit down now. There's an empty seat right over there.

Yeah, the LAST thing Vash needs is to be trying to protect some bystanders against anyone making this level of posturing.

Good question, Monev. I don't think Vash is quite sure what he's up against, but he's clearly not going to underestimate you or take any chances. Not after meeting Legato.

Goshdarnit, the girls are still here.

Yeah, this could get messy.

I feel like Meryl taking a hit here was kind of nodded to in Stampede, where she also rushed in against Monev and nearly got herself killed.

See? Gun arm. Vash is never unarmed.

Annnd he's no longer chained down, either.

Not sure what's going on here, but I doubt it will be good for the building.

Yep. Sayonara, windows. We barely knew thee.

What's wrong, Monev? Looks like you might have bit off more than you can chew.

Oh, man. This end panel, though. Current favorite Vash murder pose.

Something something Hellsing something Alucard something aesthetic inspiration.

Chapter 3: Fragile

(The title makes me think of this song.)

Oof, little Meryl. I'm glad Milly's taking care of her.

I wish it was apparent who was thinking they can't let Vash go. I'm guessing it's Meryl, but that's based on metagame knowledge.

Iconic Vash pose.

Oof, goodbye, buildings. May you meet up with the windows from the previous chapter in whatever afterlife architecture ends up in.

Ok, this pause, though. This deliberate pause. The way the panels move from Vash shouting as loud as he can, to this almost peaceful pose of his back with the "ooooo" hum being the only indication of movement as he looks at a literal wall, to the GIANT SWISS CHEESE EXPLOSION. That's such a good build.

Ahhhh, and then this show of him focusing on the next page. People are getting shot, the world is exploding, and his gun is PERFECTLY LEVEL, his eyes are open. He's watching and waiting like a freaking ambush predator.

Aaaand he's injured. Darnit.

BUT HE MADE THE SHOT. TWICE. And Monev knows it.

Milly, still trying to help. <3

Heh, Vash might have lost the arm, but he didn't lose the arm. Hahahahahahahaha

Babygirl, remember the lesson you were trying to impress on Katie in the last volume. Don't get so caught up in your memories that you forget to be in the moment. The past is already fixed. The moment is where you can do the most good.

Something something it may seem silly something will to survive.

Uhhhh, why are we going to the bank now? Maybe something about that vault being thick and potentially safe?

Dang, we can just follow the blood trail, can't we?

Oof, trying to reload one-handed like this. Hands shaking. Trying to remember his own potential despite everything.

Uhhh... why was there just a bag of weapons hanging out there? Did Monev put it there earlier? It looks like something you'd find in a video game.

Honestly, this security guard should just take the night off.

Can't have Trigun without the bigass guns...

Vash is using the door as a shield. Just not the way one would suspect.

Again, with that perfectly steady hand.

Goodbye, Monev tough-guy mask. Hello, knee to the face.

Even after all this, Vash's resolve immediately cracks when he sees Monev's genuine fear of dying.

Again, with Rem's form blending into his and dominating the page. Meanwhile, he's just a shadow in the corner. Again, with the heavenly imagery of her, where here the only think keeping her from looking like a traditional angel is the lack of wings. But her hair, the way the cloth flows around her, and her whole pose speaks of angel's flight.

And, shaking, his gun dripping with blood from the force with which he shoved it in Monev's eye, he comes back to himself. And loses it in an entirely different way.

I love this last panel. It makes Vash seem so small and so alone. At the same time, literally everyone else in the panel aside from Monev is coming toward him to help. He might feel alone, but he's far from it.

Chapter 4: Scars

Ah, yes. Fragile things do end up with scars, if they don't break.

Honestly, what Meryl is typing here sounds far more journalistic than insurance agent-y.

She's starting to realize that, while Vash himself is a nice and gentle soul, there's a lot about him she doesn't know. I'm reminded of that quote, "No one will ever know the violence it took to become this gentle."

(BTW, I'm listening to the Stampede soundtrack and it's currently playing the version of Knives's theme with vocals and it's NOT HELPING.)

(Also, it sounds like SOMEONE is developing a bit of a crush on Mr. The Stampede.)

Monev seems to have grown some respect for Vash.

Ha, they gave this line to Wolfwood in Stampede.

I appreciate Vash's response. It says a lot about his character. Even when he seems like he's trusting, he's generally being far more cautious than people think he's being.

Quest #1: Complete! You've acquired a Coin Half!

*sigh* Everyone's scared, but he saved them all. But... their concerns aren't unjustified. If one assassin found him, the others likely will, too. And it's not like they'd send their biggest guns for Round 1.

You really shouldn't just walk straight into people's rooms. Even if you knock. Lucky for everyone he already had pants on.

Ugh, he's such a mess....

LOL, buddy. I hope that's not why you're turning down the opportunity for sex. And... if a partner really cared about you, it's not like she'd think less of you for them. Hasn't anyone ever told you chicks dig scars? Good on Meryl for calling him out.

Vash might have initially been put off by them seeing his scars, but now that they have, he doesn't seem to see a reason to hide them.

I don't think Vash could live a quiet life if he wanted to. Not with the Gung-Ho Guns hunting him. We'll not get into Ericks for the time being.

This is such a thing, though. I don't think she would fault him or think any less of him if he never bothered to settle that score. Then again, all things considered, him taking a back seat in all this would kind of be ignoring a ticking time bomb that might undo all she sacrificed for.

Huh, it's a bit of a surprise they let Monev stay for a few days, too.

There's something hilarious about Meryl's roller suitcase in the middle of the desert here.

LOLOLOL, Milly calling out Meryl for her intense interest in Vash.

Milly is a lot more devious than she looks....

Uhhhhh, what's with the cross? What's with Vash's panic?

Ohhhh, shit. Is that Monev??

Yep, it's Monev. Is... is he still alive??? Crucifixion is specifically designed to 1) be IMMENSELY painful (the spikes are generally hammered not through the palms, where they'd just rip out, but through the nerve bundle that runs up the forearm between the bones, which are holding the majority of your weight), and 2) slowly kill via exposure.

Nooooo, I don't like this guy alreadyyyyyyy....

I... I don't think Monev had a home. Not really. Not like the Gung-Ho Guns were gonna welcome him back to the mansion basement. He'd need to make a new path for himself in the world.

Yyyyep, it's E.G. Mine. Please send him back where you found him. I don't like him.

Vash, staying focused in this.

TBH, that get-up looks EXTREMELY uncomfortable.

I agree, Vash. I agree. I hope you can dodge this trolley problem with an Option 3.

Hahahaha, Vash manages to disable E.G. before his bag has a chance to drop to below shoulder level.

Howwww. How did he know Legato was watching?!

Oh, good. Legato's surprised by it all, too. And almost got shot. He's taking it pretty well, though.

Go for the source of the problem rather than the riffraff it's kicking up. Wise. Legato doesn't look pleased by this change of plans. But I think Vash is right to decide this quest is shit.

I feel very Two Cakes-y about manga Monev vs. TriStamp Monev.

(Warning: Spoilers for Trigun: Stampede ahead.)

There are things I like about both. And while TriStamp wrapping Vash directly into his backstory and mucking much more clearly with Monev's head might be a bit off-putting to some, I appreciated how much more personal they made his arc to Vash. You have all the same elements; a boy betrayed and trained to be a monster, released primarily to cause Vash pain, and then just as it seems he might be saved from everything he's been through, his life is cut short in a way that does NOT endear Vash to his killer.

But in Stampede, Monev's arc also holds the full weight of 20 years of Vash being too late. Too late to save the town. Too late to save the boy. To short-sighted to see the consequences of just trying to help. Too slow to save the man.

It makes it hit in a far more meaningful fashion... but I don't know that it would be right for manga Vash at this point in his story arc. Right now, he needs to recognize and reconcile what he is and isn't. We've seen far more of him being silly than we've seen of him being dangerous, and here, we see him leaning into his more dangerous side. Through his arc in the manga, we too must start to ask the questions Meryl asks, and might begin to wonder if, perhaps, the Humanoid Typhoon is far closer to the edge than he immediately appears.

[minyare2906]

Are vol 9 raws not available not on websites? Is Cruciatus gettting them from Dear+ issues?

Hello! Hope you're fine.

Well, it's a bit difficult to find the raws for volume 9 since the chapters that will be part of it are still being serialized on Dear+. The chapter that will the first of that volume is the 54th, we are on the 57th and volumes tend to have 6 or 7 chapters, and several months pass since the chapter that will be the last of a volume is released until the tanko comes out.

Anyway, I guess you don't read my posts nor the credits, as Cruciatus stopped being our raw provider quite a few months ago, when she went MIA. We are currently working with Rose Squad Scans, who offered to provide the raws so we could keep on releasing Hanakoi, and yes, they get the pages from the digital version of Dear+, which comes out around a month after its physical release (the 14th of every month). It's true a friend sent me a site that has the raws, but they're in Chinese, so in a moment of huge need, we could take the raws from there, but that'll mean finding a translator for them, and that's a hassle. Plus, the last chapter they have is the 57th, so I guess our translated version and their raws are not too distant in time.

[10dance]

I've waited 4 months for the continuation, and it was so worth it!! We got 22 pages this time which is longer than what I expected.

Ever since the Shinyas separated I've spent a lot of time thinking about what would happen if Suzuki barged into Sugiki Dance School, and today Inoue-sensei finally gave us the answer! Suzuki, putting aside all of his reservations, ran all the way to Sugiki (past the receptionist) demanding to see him. The little bit with the aunties at the dance school killed me, it was so funny to see them tensed up in an "oh shit" way, haha. And the grandpa character who fainted... I would do the same!

When they see each other, of course there was the initial shock. It's quite different than the last time they met up, where they were desperate for each other's touch and ran to each other without a second thought. This is Sugiki post-meltdown, and is now having a lot of complicated feelings about his love for Suzuki. He didn't look even a little bit happy which threw me off guard. We get more elaboration a few pages later, but I'm quite nervous about how this talk would go based on Sugiki's reaction.

Also, off topic, but both men are drawn so beautifully this update. I think Inoue was really fired up about this chapter and went all out! Look at our boys: (the second Suzuki picture is just... umph... mm... I have no words at the moment)

Sugiki makes him wait, almost like he wanted to avoid Suzuki as much as possible. It seemed like he was doing his best to keep his composure in front of so many outsiders. Suzuki can't sense the frogs this time, though, so is it actually real? Or did Inoue decide to not draw them to keep the scene serious? And their tension in these few pages was so thick that I felt it through the screen! Try as Sugiki might, I think everyone in the room could tell there was something between them, lol. They're really bad at hiding this...

In volumes 7 and 8 I've felt that we were missing a lot of Sugiki's POV since we largely focused on Suzuki (and Norman, to an extent). But here we get a glimpse into Sugiki's head. Sugiki here is in an almost completely opposite mindset to Suzuki. Whereas Suzuki just got fired up by Aki's pep talk, "breaking up" with Norman, and has a generally optimistic view on their future, Sugiki is still stuck contemplating about what he's lost (he'll soon find that he never lost it in the first place). It reminded me of Inoue's author's note in vol 6:

"Suzuki keeps his hope alive while moving forward, while Sugiki remains motionless, unable to forget."

These two have always been a foil of each other, and it's the clearest it's ever been in this chapter. Sugiki wonders if he's changed and can see Suzuki for the full human being that he is now, and I'm on the edge of my seat waiting to see how they will answer this question. It feels like they had a reversal of roles compared to volume 5: Sugiki was the one who wanted nothing else than to "become one" while Suzuki had all of these reservations, but now it's the opposite. Will Sugiki be the one to talk some sense into Suzuki this time?

Enough thinking, I'm going to come back to simping for men it's what I do best. Sugiki is so petty when he meets up with Suzuki hours later, calling Suzuki selfish for coming here unannounced. He sounded almost mad, which resulted in Suzuki using polite language with him and asking him to come outside, haha. These two are so cute even in a scene like this. And this half-body view of Sugiki is sublime..! He looks more plump than I remember him.

Suzuki then drops the bomb: "Please be mine!" And we are all screaming. This is on the level of "I want you" from Sugiki all those chapters ago. The two-page spread is used very well here, the nighttime scenery adds to the atmosphere of it all.

So after all of Sugiki's rumination, how will he respond? He couldn't take another rejection, but what about a boyfriend request? He's too calm and nonchalant about all of this and it's making me uneasy. I know I say this every review but I need to see what happens next right now!

Edit: I CAN'T BELIEVE I LEFT OUT THE "Sugiki... Shinya" PART OMG! I don't know if this means Suzuki will change how he calls Sugiki from now on or if he only did it to separate Sugiki and his mother, but I caught that little detail and cannot get over it.

10 Dance - chapter 42, part 1 summary

Suzuki rushes to Sugiki's studio so the two can talk about their relationship. What will he say once they finally reunite?

Full summary and highlight images under the cut

Chapter 42, part 1: 好きにならずにはいられない (Can't Help Falling in Love)

Published online on July 12th, 2024, available to purchase on Comic Days, or rent for ten days on Yanmaga.

Suzuki runs through the streets of Ginza on his way to Sugiki's studio. He thinks about how he needs to see him right away so they can discuss their future together. He enters the building and notices that the first floor is a shop selling dance goods, which he'd never seen before since he's only been there late at night. He passes by the group of elderly students who were seen ogling his sexy magazine ad in an earlier chapter. The women blush and sweat, as the husband of one of them faints. Suzuki heads to the classroom, where Sugiki and his mother are giving instruction. Sugiki looks stunned as he catches sight of him, and the two focus intensely on each other, visualized by the other characters blurring into the background.

Fusako sees Suzuki and happily runs up to him, grabbing his hand and thinking that she's missed him. He appears to hear her unspoken communication and thinks back, "Me, too," before giving her a playful tap and turning his attention back to Sugiki. He states that he needs to talk to him, to which Sugiki replies that he's giving a lesson right now, and is pretty booked up for the rest of the day. Unfazed, Suzuki says he'll wait until he's finished. Sugiki sighs and says that someone canceled their lesson later on, so he'll come see him during that time. Suzuki says that he'll be outside and leaves the buidling, staring up at Sugiki's classroom as he waits. 

As he continues giving lessons, Sugiki is distracted by thoughts about what might be happening. He wonders what Suzuki could have come here to say to him after he previously told him things were over between them and they promised to not see each other anymore. He thinks of the day they called things off, when Suzuki stated that Sugiki's obsession with him was not love, and Sugiki realized he was not the god he had imagined him to be. Even so, his yearning still remains, and he doesn't think he could handle being rejected by Suzuki again. He wonders if he himself might have changed a bit, and if he's capable of seeing Suzuki for his true self now.

Sugiki finally gets a chance to leave the classroom. He cracks open the main door and accuses Suzuki of being selfish, complaining that he's had to stop himself from coming to see him this whole time. Slightly intimidated by his attitude, Suzuki asks him to come outside. Once they're together on the sidewalk, Suzuki bows his head and says, "Please be mine." He pleads and says that he'll do anything, even be the god Sugiki saw in him, and merge into one single being with him as he wished.

Previous chapter: #41 part 2

Next chapter: There is currently no information on the next release date.

[littlemissnoname13]

Fortunate Misfortune (D.M x Reader) |Series Master list

Summary: Its his last year at Hogwarts and former Hogwarts bully, Draco Malfoy just wants to clean up his act and get through the year. Maybe even apply for a potions fellowship and date Astoria Greengrass. His plan seems perfect on paper except for a minor hiccup in the form of a feisty Hufflepuff girl...

“Everything feels...easier with you.” He mumbled quietly. “It doesn’t feel that way with anyone else.” 

“I know.” 

Pairing: Draco Malfoy x Hufflepuff!Reader Ft. Blaise Zabini, Astoria Greengrass, Pansy Parkinson, Fred & George Weasley and Narcissa Malfoy.

Warnings: provided on top of each chapter. (No Voldy Au)

Genre: Fluffy for the most part. If you’re looking for something with straight up smut/angst check out Wisps of Smoke

A/n: This multi-chapter has been in my Drafts since before I started posting on here and I’ve taken out so many scenes from it and turned them into one shots in the past. The series is almost completed and ill just be dumping it on my blog over the next few days because I don’t know what to do with it. Please do not feel pressured to read it. 😅🥲.

Acknowledgements/Dedication

Playlist and extras

Chapter 1: First day

Chapter 2: Open 24/7

Chapter 3: Wait till you meet my owl

Chapter 4: “The Usual”

Chapter 5: Bloke Named Shakespeare

Chapter 6: Trust me

Chapter 7: She did not

Chapter 8: Weasley & Weasley

Chapter 9: Enough! All of you (vol.1) (vol.2)

Chapter 10: Narcissa | bonus: smut scene

Chapter 11: Tea

Chapter 12: Pansy’s interesting Discovery

Chapter 13: The Grass isn’t always greener

Chapter 14: Misfortunes

Chapter 15: Intervention | bonus: smut scene

Chapter 16: No Promises (vol.1) (vol.2)

Epilogue: Fortunate Misfortune

All announcements and miscellaneous things regarding the series can be found under: #Fortunate Misfortune Series

If you prefer to read the story in an OC version that is slightly lengthier in terms of word count and slightly more nsfw, you can read it on my AO3 page. (Please note that the series is primarily based on tumblr and will always be updated on tumblr first.)

*Note: upload time may vary by 24 hours*

[gogobootz1]

You Only Live Twice Ch.6

Eddie Munson x Reader (eventually)

A/N: I’ve noticed that the Cali squad doesn’t get a lot of screen time towards the end of Vol. 1, so I figured adding a sort of side quest would be a nice way to extend the story until Vol. 2. Thus, the idea of a few road trip stops was born. The first of these stops happens to be in Vegas! This chapter is on crack, but fun.

Warnings: gambling, cursing

2.8k words

previous chapter next chapter

Argyle pulled into a gas station on the outskirts of Las Vegas. You'd been on the road for hours, and after an initial stop, the tank was finally empty. A more focused person would've clocked the needle leaning once again towards empty an hour ago, but focused was not a word you'd choose to describe Argyle. Thus, you faced a less than desirable amount of city traffic.

He'd left you all to your own devices as he pumped the gas. You'd given Will and Mike ten dollars to go look for snacks. Jonathan went to the bathroom, and you were taking a breather.

A lot had happened in the last, two days? You could hardly keep track of how long it'd been. It felt like it'd been ages since you met Eleven, since you'd seen Mary, the woman who had taken you in. You hadn't been at work or slept in your own bed. You wondered how concerned people were getting. A knock on the window snapped you out of your stupor. Argyle was looking in with concern on his face.

"What's wrong?" You asked through the glass.

"Uh, how much money do you have?" He replied, a strange look on his face.

"Well I gave Mike and Will some money for snacks," you told him and his face dropped even further, "but I've got about $30 left. Why?"

"Our tank of gas is $29."

"You're joking," he shook his head. "Shit," you cursed, "this won't get us all the way to Salt Lake." Argyle shook his head again, the concern on his face growing. You hopped out of the car, hoping that Will and Mike hadn't spent any money yet. When you opened the door of the 7-Eleven you were met with their arms full of chips. You threw your head back in disappointment.

"Are you not a fan of sour cream and onion?" Will asked, jokingly. You let out a huff.

"We're about to be out of money," you shook your head. Worry grew on the faces of both boys, "look, tell Argyle to use what's left in my wallet to cover the gas. I have to pee." You gently pushed between them and made your way towards the bathroom.

Jonathan saw you passing by, "what's wrong?"

"No more money," you said simply, pushing open the door to the women's bathroom.

On your way out you moved slowly, hardly wanting to face the future waiting for you back in the van. If you didn't get more gas money you'd find yourselves stranded somewhere in Utah, never reaching your goal. The Surfer Boy Pizza van wasn't exactly known for its fuel efficiency.

"No Janet," a voice rang out from the counter. A man stood there, speaking into the giant block of a cell phone he held to his ear. "You can't just cancel like this. We're less than two hours away from call time." He sounded frustrated and looked important in his dark grey suit. "I don't care that your boyfriend just proposed." You stopped to listen to his conversation. "Well, where the hell am I supposed to find a replacement for you in an hour? How many jazz singers as talented as you are available on a Friday night?"

You couldn't believe what you were hearing. A spectacular opportunity had fallen right into your lap. Not to mention that it was already Friday. The man hung up on Janet and finished paying for his pack of cigarettes. He walked out of the door, and you quickly followed.

"Excuse me, sir," you couldn't let this chance slip out of your fingers, not when you and your new friends were in dire need of money. He turned around quickly.

"What, kid?" He was clearly frustrated from his earlier conversation.

"I'm sorry, I couldn't help but overhear your phone call." The man looked at you with suspicion. "I'm a singer," you continued, "I could fill in for the girl who called out tonight." Your words took him by surprise, and he gave you a once over.

"You any good?"

"If I do say so myself."

"And you know the classics?" He raised an eyebrow, skeptical.

"Just about all I listen to," you assured. Clearly he was just desperate enough to give you a chance.

"Alright," he started slowly, "on the Strip there's a club called The Rialto, be there within the hour and tell them Mr. Marino sent you to replace Janet. If you're any good I'll give you a hundred bucks." Now that would definitely get you to Utah. He started walking back towards his car.

"I'll be there," you said loud enough for him to hear. As he pulled away you turned back towards the boys at the van. You weren't sure how they'd feel about this little delay, but you knew you all needed the money.

"Who was that?" Jonathan asked as you approached. Clearly they'd seen you talking to the suited man.

"Okay don't be mad," you started.

"That doesn't exactly inspire confidence," Mike said in response.

"That man offered me a hundred dollars to perform at his club tonight, his lead singer called out." You explained quickly.

"Dude," Mike started harshly, "we don't have time for this, we have to get to Suzie."

You turn towards him defensively, "we don't have enough money to get to Suzie's. This is the best shot we have at earning more." Your words didn't leave much room for argument.

"So what are the rest of us supposed to do while you're onstage?" Mike asked.

"I don't know, Mike," you said, "take a walk, jump in a pool- it's Vegas." He makes a face at you. "Do whatever the hell you want!"

"Wait, wait, so where is this club you're singing at?" Jonathan asks.

"It's on the Strip," you replied, "I'm sure we'll spot it if we drive around a little."

You managed to find it after about twenty minutes. The neon glow of the sign beckoned visitors inside.

"Are we sure this is a good idea?" Will asked.

"It's the only idea we've got. We need gas money," you told him. He sighed and look away. Jonathan seemed to sense the rising tension amongst the group.

"Hey, it's gonna be alright, okay?" He reassured. "When James is done singing we'll have enough cash to make it to Suzie. So for now let's just take a rest." The boys still looked unconvinced.

"Sounds good to me, man, Purple Palm Tree Delight is calling my name." Mike and Will groaned at Argyle's comment.

"Can we please come with you?" Will turned towards you and asked quietly.

"Uh," he and Mike were begging you with their eyes, "yeah sure. Maybe they'll give you a Sprite if I tell them you're my brothers." They heaved a sigh of relief. You went to tell Jonathan that the boys were coming with you, but it seemed like he already knew. He gave you a nod and a waved you off.

"Alright, well, welcome to Vegas, I guess." You said over your shoulder, opening the door and letting Mike grab it from behind you.

You stepped in to a dimly lit room. It was large, tables covered in red cloths scattered the floor. A few booths lined the walls, and the bar had a long line of stools. A woman in a knee length black dress approached you.

"Can I help you miss?" She asked, looking at you and your younger companions skeptically.

"Yes," you started, "Mr. Marino sent me. He wants me to fill in for Janet for the night." Her expression changed in an instant.

"Oh," she said, "we have to get you backstage then." She looked you up and down, "the girls back there will get you taken care of." You supposed you were mildly disheveled from your travels. "I'm Lisa," she introduced.

"James," you replied. Lisa made a face at this.

"We'll give you a stage name if that's alright," it was less of a question and more of a statement. You nodded along as she started leading you towards a door. You assumed it lead to the backstage area. Lisa looked again at Will and Mike.

"Oh these are my brothers," you said, gesturing towards them, "they're very supportive of my music career." They quickly gave her sweet smiles. Lisa seemed to reluctantly accept this.

"We can put them at a corner table?" She hesitantly offered. The three of you vigorously nodded. Lisa dropped Will and Mike off at a booth then led you backstage.

"They'll want to do your hair and makeup, and find a dress that fits." She looked around, clearly trying to find someone. "There you are Rhonda," she said and rushed you over to the older woman.

Rhonda looked you over then turned back to Lisa with an eyebrow raised.

"She's standing in for Janet tonight," Lisa explained.

Rhonda sighed, "alright let's go." She started walking and you quickly trailed after her. Lisa waved goodbye and went back to her duties.

Soon enough Rhonda had you dressed to the nines. The floor-length gown was a tight fit, but the matching opera gloves were gorgeous. She dropped you off in the wings of the stage without another word.

"You're going on for Janet?" Another voice asked and you turned. The man carried a clipboard and looked at you expectantly. You nodded. "Alright, the band's set to play Fly Me to the Moon, Stormy Weather, I'd Rather Go Blind, A Sunday Kind of Love, and The Way You Look Tonight. You know all those?" He asked.

"I do, yes," you nodded.

"What's your name again?" He asked. You were afraid of getting the same reaction you did earlier.

"Lisa told me I need a stage name," the man sighed and shook his head.

"Alright," he said, "after the band's done with this song I'll go out and introduce you. Good luck," he turned and look you in the eye, "you'll need it."

Soon enough he made his way to the center microphone, "Ladies and gentlemen we have a special treat for you tonight. Singing for you live is the lovely miss Sara Lynn." He said enthusiastically, extending an arm to invite you onstage. You walked towards the microphone as he exited the other side. Light applause from the audience inspired a small wave from you.

Once you took your place you gave a nod to the band. They started playing and you were in your element. Music is what you did best, even back at the lab. The notes poured out of your mouth and left the audience enchanted. Half an hour later they were on their feet giving you a final round of applause. You took a small bow, acknowledged the band, and exited the stage.

You changed out of the dress they'd provided you in a dressing room. As you left it you ran into Mr. Marino.

"That was phenomenal," he said, putting a hundred-dollar bill in your hand as he shook it. "Kid you can sing here whenever you like. Hell, you can have a permanent spot if you want it."

You laughed, "that's very kind Mr. Marino, but I really do have to get back to my family." You started heading out the way you came in, "thanks for everything."

Finally you met up with Mike and Will in the audience. They looked at you with a new sort of awe.

"Holy shit," Will said with a smile, "that was awesome."

"Thanks," you replied cheerfully, whipping out the hundred dollar bill. "What do you say we get back on the road?" You asked with a smile and an eyebrow waggle. They happily agreed.

The three of you exited the building in high spirits, making your way to where the van was. Only it no longer housed Jonathan and Argyle.

"Oh God," Mike said, "Jesus, of course they got lost in Vegas. How hard is it to just sit here?!" Will looked sort of distraught at his brother's absence.

"Hey," you got their attention, "it's okay. Let's just put our heads together and find them." The two of them turned towards you, "where would they have gone?"

"Well Argyle brags about how good he is at Go-Fish," Will started, "maybe he thought he could play it at the Casino?" His eyes moved towards the giant building across the street. With its huge fountains and glowing lights, you could practically see Argyle skipping towards it.

"Alright," you sighed, "let's track them down and hit the road." The boys nodded in agreement and the three of you made your way across the street.

Entering the building overwhelmed every one of your senses.  From the ringing sound of slot machines to the cheers of people around various tables. The smell of smoke permeated the air and flashing lights came from various directions. The three of you stopped to look around for them.

"So," you started, "where exactly do we think they are in here?" The boys didn't have time to answer before a shout came from the other side of the room.

"Wooooo, man, I'm on fire tonight!" You, Mike, and Will exchanged a glance. You knew that voice a little too well. When you followed it you saw Jonathan and Argyle standing by the Craps table. The latter had the dice in his hand and released them. Whatever he had rolled earned celebratory shouts from the other people around the table.

"Doesn't Craps feel a little advanced for him?" Will asked. You shrugged and started making your way towards the pair of them.

"Jonathan," you called out. Your voice got lost in the noise. Eventually you got closer and put a hand on his shoulder. "Jonathan," you turned him around.

"Hey, dude," he said. The red of his eyes told you he took part in whatever Argyle was smoking.

"Yeah, hey," you replied, "look we should get back on the road."

"Nooooo," he said, "no look, Argyle's on a roll." He directed your attention to the hefty pile of chips Argyle had stacked up. Your eyes widened at the sight.

"Holy shit how'd you get all of those?" Mike asked, appearing by your side.

"Oh we bumped into this old dude and he was super mean to us." The start of his story had you and the boys looking at each other in confusion. "He hit Argyle with his cane, so when he wasn't looking Argyle took the little bag of chips he dropped and we ran off with them."

"Jonathan!" You scolded. "You just took them from that guy?"

"He was rude," Jonathan insisted. You rolled your eyes.

"Fine, whatever, but it's time to go now," you said. He started to shake his head but you powered on, "wrap it up, we're leaving." 

Finally you, Mike, and Will had managed to pull them away from the table. You cashed in the giant stack of chips they'd won (despite their dishonest start), and started walking towards the exit. Jonathan and Argyle were over the moon at the $300 they'd walked away with. At least now money wouldn't be a concern. With what you earned at the club and they did at the casino, you had enough gas money to do laps around the moon.

At the opposite end of the hallway you saw an old man talking to someone who looked like they worked for the casino. "Hey guys," you said, trying to get their attention. The four of them continued their conversation. "Guys," you said louder. Finally they looked towards you, and you looked towards the old man.

"Shit," Argyle said as the man pointed a wrinkled finger towards him and Jonathan. The casino official started walking towards you, saying something into their radio.

You weren't exactly sure, but you thought stealing a bag of casino tokens probably violated some law. The last thing any of you needed right now was extra attention... or jail time.

Your plan was haphazard, but it was your only idea. From your right side a man had stood up from the slot machine he'd been playing. You quickly grabbed his collar and turned him towards you.

"Take off all your clothes and run through the fountain," you told him in a hushed voice.

Sure enough he started stripping, taking the casino attendant's attention off of Jonathan and Argyle. You turned towards the group, wiping your bloody nose. "Run," you shouted, pointing towards a side exit. They were rightfully surprised, but complied with your request.

As you sprinted across the street you knew you didn't want Argyle as the getaway driver. "Give me the keys," you demanded and he threw them your way. After everyone had piled in, you peeled out of the parking spot and sped towards the highway. As you passed the front of the casino, the boys couldn't help but direct their gaze towards the man streaking in the fountain. How you convinced him to do that, they weren't quite sure.

—————

Taglist (open): @fangirling-4-ever

[ex-shark-virtue-005]

A Comprehensive deep-dive into the only Gundam 00 Manga adaptation that was translated into English and why it sucks. Part 1

In this post I will be going through each volume of the English Gundam 00 Manga adaptation and why it sucks. It was licensed by Bandai Entertainment and was one of the very last series Bandai Entertainment localized before filing for Bankruptcy in North America. It was originally published in 2008 by Kadokawa Shoten Publishing and was written by Kouzoh Ohmori. The rest will be under a cut and done as concise as I can. I'll cover the first season in this one and the second season in another.

Vol. 1 (First season) Three chapters The First chapter basically covers the first episode of the anime and is pretty faithful. Chapter 2 covers the Ceylon conflict and the first battle between Setsuna and Graham Aker. Chapter three covers the Taribia conflict and the first half of the Moralia PMC conflict ending with Setsuna battling Ali Al- Saachez covering episodes 4 and 6. Content cut : All of episode 5 "Escape Limit Zone." So Allelujah never goes to oversee Soma Peries' performance test, so she never fires at the orbital station's gravity block and Dynames' surface-to-space firing capabilities are never shown.

Vol.2 (First season) Four chapters. Chapter 1: Covers the second half of the Moralia PMC conflict and the subsequent Tieria and Setsuna pulling guns on each other on the beach (episode 7). Chapter 2: Covers the indiscriminate terrorist attacks by La Edenra and how the conflict is resolved (episode 8). Chapters three and four: Covers the kidnapping of Massoud Rachmadi and the civil unrest in Azadistan and the rescue and resolution of the conflict. Chapter 4 ends with the introduction of the Trinities (episodes 12-13, 17). Content cut: The entirety of the HRL and Sergei Simrnov's plot to capture Kyrios and Virtue. Tieria is never forced to reveal the Nadleeh. And Allelujah is never shown destroying the HRL's Super Human Institute. (Episodes 9-11 are cut entirely).

Vol. 3 (First Season) Four chapters (this one's a doozy) Chapter 1: Covers the Thrones' brutal assault on various military bases, the attack on the Halevy family in Spain, the battle between Tieria and Setsuna and the Thrones, and the introduction of the GN-X units (episodes 17-20). Chapter 2: Covers the emergence of the GN-X units and their assault on the Trinities, the Gundams getting cut off from Veda's support, the death of Johann and Michel Trinity, and Lockon's injury (Episode 21).

Chapter 3 and 4: The Gundams get access to the Trans-Am system during the battle they were cut from Veda's support. The beginning of Fallen Angels However: Lockon sorties and is paired with Tieria and they battle Ali Al-Saachezs who badly damages the Virtue and knocks Tieria unconscious. Lockon defeats Saachez by self-destructing the Dynames, Lockon is then killed when he gets vaporized by the Alvatore. Tieria regains consciousness in time to see that unfold then he promptly loses his mind and uses the Nadleeh to take out as many of the GN-X units as he can. Ptolemaios' bridge is destroyed by the Alvatore, Feldt and Sumeragi get caught up in it but only Christina and Lichty die. Setsuna's and Allelujah's battles stay exactly the same. Content cut: The joint military operation in the Taklamakan desert (episodes 15-16 are cut entirely), Kinue Crossroad's death, the Trinities never board the Ptolemaios, they talk via video chat. Setsuna never "rescues" Nena from Saachez.

So yeah tl;dr: This manga cuts Allelujah rescuing the gravity block after Soma Peries shoots it, the HRL's attempt to capture Virtue and Kyrios, the destruction of the HRL's Super Human Institute, the joint military operation in the Taklamakan desert and the four Meisters getting rescued by the Trinities. Changes the final battle for Lockon and Tieria and completely changes the former's death. I'll post the second season's analysis in a few days.

[labyrynth]

i’m looking at 7s vol 1 ch 7: “the morning dew” (ch 28-32) which is actually proving fairly enlightening?

in short: from the information in this chapter, we can safely place nmj’s and jgs’s deaths in the second and third years after wwx died (or more specifically, during lwj’s seclusion). nmj probably died towards the end of the second year, and jgs has a window of just over a year after that, but is definitely dead by the end of the third year.

i was only looking at this chapter for now, so others may be able to provide more details, but it’s 2:30AM and it’s not happening right now

specific details/quotes under the cut

i’m measuring approximately in “years After [wwx’s] Death,” aka AD

p.300—lwj says xxc emerged from the mountain “twelve years ago.” narration confirms that this would be the next year after the siege of the burial mounds (1AD)

per villainous friends, xxc first meets xy while xy is still working on the yin tiger tally (ytt), and before the slaughter of the chang sect. xxc is already friends with sl at this point, and has a shining reputation, so it should have been at least a few months since he descended. (~1.3AD)

p.307—wwx theorizes that xy slaughtered the chang to test the power of the restored ytt. as of villainous friends, ytt incomplete, so we’ll assume he spends at least another month working on it (~1.4AD)

p.303—the time between the slaughter of the chang clan and xy’s capture was min ~two months; “half a month” + “period of mourning,” which would be ~49 days if my google search is accurate, =~65 days (~1.6AD)

p.308-309 talks about nmj’s role; p.309—nmj died “not long after” the debacle over xy’s sentencing. (i would estimate minimum 1-2 months, ~1.8AD)

it also notes that it was specifically jgs who was shielding xy, though it doesn’t indicate how long it took for xy to be released and go do another slaughter. (min est ~1.9AD)

p.313—after xy’s revenge on baixue temple and sl, xxc takes sl to baoshan sanren’s mountain. “another year passed before Song Lan also emerged” (~2.9AD)

also on p.313—“Song Lan had wanted to seek revenge against Xue Yang, at first. But by then, Jin Guangshan had already passed away.”(~2.9 AD)

and it turns out we do have pretty solid bookends on when these events could have taken place: p.311 talks about xy’s slaughter of baixue temple, no evidence left behind. wwx thinks lwj “would not have sat back quietly” and wonders why he didn’t do anything, then remembers lwj’s discipline whip scars; concludes “these incidents had probably happened when lwj was being punished” (p.313)(0AD—3AD).

but really just years 2 and 3, since it was a year before xxc descended, and shit didn’t start hitting the fan until after that.

i personally think the timeline is too squished in general, so my personal headcanons are actually that this shit took WAAAAY longer (like, sunshot lasted like 5-6+ years, postwar lasted at least 3+yrs, all these events during the timeskip happened over like 5yrs, etc.) but i tried to rein in my hcs here.

(i refuse to believe that xxc became famous overnight tho, i don’t care what this chapter says. ya boy was a 17yr old vigilante who grew up on a hippie commune, for crying out loud let the kid learn what money is before he’s thrust into stardom)

..... I think Jin Guangyao must have killed his father and Nie Mingjue around the same time.

The Villainous Friends extra ends with the fateful "not worth mentioning" that drives Jin Guangyao to kill his father, and earlier in the extra, Xue Yang asks if it was Nie Mingjue who gave Jin Guangyao his bruises, indicating that Nie Mingjue was still alive.

But at the stairs, the moment he decided to kill Nie Mingjue, their argument was kicked off by Jin Guangyao continuing to follow his father's orders, and it was important to the argument that Jin Guangyao was in an unstable position, not yet the sect leader/chief cultivator, so Jin Guangshan was clearly alive and kicking when Jin Guangyao made the decision to kill Nie Mingjue.

The song of turmoil took about a month or less to really do Nie Mingjue in, but we don't know how much time elapsed between the "not worth mentioning" and Jin Guangyao killing his father, so my best guess at a timeline is that "not worth mentioning" happened while Jin Guangyao was playing the song of turmoil, before Nie Mingjue died of it, and Jin Guangyao took maybe a few weeks to plan and execute his scheme to kill his father, during which time, the song did its job.

Still, that's two sect leaders, both of whom Jin Guangyao was known to be afraid of, dying in a very short amount of time. Unless he waited to kill his father until the timeframe wouldn't be suspicious?

[quinintheclouds]

YES YES YES YES YES

Spoilers for RWBY Volume 8 Chapter 6

THAT WAS SO MUCH MORE THAN I HAD EVEN LET MYSELF HOPE FOR

It really looks like this is the Volume the writers realized how many answers we’ve needed for years and years, and is answering them now. I wish it’d come sooner, of course, but since they can’t go back and fix the pacing or writing, I’m really impressed and optimistic about how Volume 8 is going!

BUT MORE SPECIFICALLY

I would like to GUSH about how they handled the Oscar and Ozpin scenes. We have needed, nay, BEGGED for this sort of development, and it’s finally here. There’s too much I want to rave about so bullet point time! 

[Note: I love the farmboy so this wound up longer than expected -- have a read more for your scrolling convenience -- TL;DR at the end]

We got confirmation that Ozpin has been pleading with Oscar to let him take over so he can burden the pain and torture instead. Oscar is the one refusing, choosing to take it himself because he knows Salem and Hazel will be much harsher on Oz. I thought that was the case, but I’m so glad they addressed it because otherwise we’d be wondering why Oz hasn’t offered. It does make me wonder, is Oz still able to take control without asking? Oscar was able to fight it in vol 6, and he’s come a long way.

Hazel is holding back -- at least, Oscar says he can tell that he is. This would keep in line with the battle at Haven, when Hazel was suspiciously playing defense and stalling by letting Ozpin monologue, then letting Oscar give a little protagonist speech... I mean, it sure doesn’t LOOK like he’s holding back. Look at this kid:

moving on before I cry,

Ozpin suggests he take over and try to escape.

Oscar says no, he has a better idea. “This is our chance.”

Oz: “Hm. Maybe you’ve taken one too many hits.” I like this for two reasons: one, because it gives us a taste of the ol’ lighthearted Ozpin humor we’ve missed since he’s been gone, and two, because it shows that he and Oscar think differently. They have different thought processes, ideas, etc. Oz didn’t immediately know what Oscar was planning.

Oscar explains that Salem can’t take on everyone at once, and thus has been sending people to infiltrate all of remnant first, to attack from within. 

I LOVE that they had Oscar come up with this, because it is so in line with his character development in Volume 7. Not to mention how in volume 6 he was the one to figure out how to defeat Cordovin’s mecha. It’s cool to see him as a strategist, because while he’s a sweet kid from the middle of nowhere, he’s proven to be really smart and quick.

Plus, this gives him agency. People wanted Ozpin to return and save Oscar, but this is so, so much better. Oscar’s idea, Oscar’s choice, and Oz gets right on board. They’re agreeing to work together, despite their unresolved conflict. “Ozma learned the importance of living with the souls with which he’d been paired.”

AND THEN, A MOMENT I CANNOT THANK RT ENOUGH FOR:

The captions don’t show it, but Oscar AND Ozpin said this in unison. Now, this and the few seconds that follow were a rollercoaster of emotions. Let’s break it down:

When they said this together, I was positively GIDDY with excitement: they’re leaning into the “like-minded souls” thing and calling attention to the situation! Surely this must be a sign that Oscar and Ozpin will indeed both exist when their souls are one, as they are both equally parts of the combination of lives that is Ozma. Well, maybe not equally (yet?). 

Then, my elation was replaced with dread. What if this was actually an indication of them “merging” in the way some of the FNDM interpret it will go, rather than how I think it does? Or what if that’s not what RT is doing, but what if the FNDM takes it as a sign Ozpin is taking over?? I can’t last the whole break without knowing!

AND THEN!!! Ugh, this made me so relieved. Ozpin says, in a slightly amused tone of voice with a trace of a laugh, “We certainly are similar, you and I.” YESSSSS more references to them being like-minded souls!! But still having differences!! 

“Maybe we have been presented with an opportunity.” I’m really glad they went the route where Oscar is changing Ozpin’s mind on things. Oz no longer thinks he knows best, and is allowing Oscar to come into his own. Now he’s seeing how far Oscar’s come and the person he is.

Related note: The commentary for the vol 7 finale said that it was Oscar’s speeches to Ironwood about fear and trust that made Oz realize he’s been keeping secrets and hiding out of fear, and inspired him to come back. This is so promising for Oscar’s character going forward.

[Side note: Would love more info on what Oscar meant in volume 7 when he said “these memories... you’re back, aren’t you?” because? Is he just referring to the scenes with things like how he talked about Atlas’ history as if he were there, or does he have access to Oz’s memories now? 2 chapters ago we saw that he doesn’t yet know the location of the Beacon Relic. So unless he was lying really well, he doesn’t have ALL the memories yet. So which ones does he have? RT EXPLAIN]

Next,

I would like to call attention to the fact that Oscar smiled here. After Ozpin said they were similar, I was worried Oscar would react the way he has in the past: sad and conflicted about his identity, worried he’s becoming less of himself. But no. Like we saw in Volume 7, THIS is who Oscar Pine is. His development was his own, and we get to see that when Ozpin returned because Oscar had made him rethink his choices. Oscar Pine is more himself now than he’s been at any other point in the series. 

It’s really brilliant how the writers have used these last 2 volumes to show that Penny, the robot, is one of the most human characters on the show; and Oscar, the boy cursed to death and rebirth with a soul that was not his own, is one of the most individualistic ones. It’s just really cool how they’re playing with our expectations of the characters. (They’re doing great with Salem, too!)

[Side note: Penny’s soul/aura was given to her by Pietro, and they still have distinct personalities and identities. It’s possible that’s a parallel to Oscar’s situation, but I do feel the merge’s completion will result in one remaining soul/identity - just not a “taking over” situation]

Okay, that’s the last of that rollercoaster I mentioned. 

Time to get on a new one!

At long last, this episode finally gave us something we haven’t had since chapter 4 of volume SIX*:

*(I am not counting the one second of "Oscar." *glowy eyes* *Oscar blinks and is back in control* in the vol 7 finale)

OZPIN IS BACK!!!!

First, HELL YES I WANTED THIS TO HAPPEN!!!

Second, wow, they can change really quickly now. At first it took effort and was super visible, then just shook Oscar up a bit with the glowy eyes, and now it seems almost effortless, seamless. The eyes glow and the transition is smooth. I like it.

We didn’t get to hear Oscar’s thoughts after Oz said “Oscar, please,” begging him again to let him take control. So we don’t know whether Oscar allowed it out of pain, exhaustion, their plan, or a decision to trust Oz and work together here. Alternatively, Ozpin may have simply taken over of his own accord. I wish the writers would give us more insight to Oscar’s thoughts, because those scenes already have him talking inside/to his own head, so leaving some of his thoughts out can seem intentional and open-ended, which could mean more dragging out answers, but I think this was fine. Not the worst case of this by far lol

WHEN! HE! SPOKE!

I was hoping for this with all my heart. Over the course of volume 7 in particular, we saw Oscar’s voice, mannerisms, and speech patters start to resemble Ozpin’s. However, he still sounds and feels like Oscar. Going back to Volume 5, heck, even Volume 6 (which is when we last saw Ozpin in control), the voice of Ozpin speaking through Oscar is similar, but distinctly different from how Oscar’s speaking now. So I’ve been theorizing and hoping, and it CAME TRUE! Ozpin sounds more like Oscar now, while still managing to clearly be Ozpin.

Right from the first “Hello,” it was noticeable. It sounded almost like Oscar. I know it’s the same voice actor when one of them is in control (same body, same vocal cords), but that just makes it even more impressive. This is the first time we’ve heard Ozpin’s voice speaking through Oscar since QRWBY yelled at him in the snow in vol 6. And I was NOT disappointed.

“Why do you follow her?” I’ll keep saying it, but he sounds so much like Oscar confronting Ironwood. 

“I know how you see me. But her? Look at what she does, how is she the answer, why not stop her??” This gives me serious deja vu to Oscar’s speech towards Hazel in the Battle of Haven (and his speech towards Ironwood in v7′s finale). That speech had given Hazel pause then, and this one does as well, now. Ozpin sounds angrier, though, more aware of just how far gone these people are, but knowing they can change.

Hazel calls Ozpin out for the same thing the FNDM has been, and honestly, it’s been a long time coming. Hazel’s motivations are extremely misguided, Oscar was right to stand up for Oz/Gretchen at Haven, and the show really needed to reinforce the Ozpin-isn’t-bad-actually thing. Now it’s all out in the open. But it’s Ozpin’s response to this that elevated this scene even more:

That’s it. Ozma has spent countless lives fighting a war that may be impossible to win. But if no one tries, no one will survive. The gods will destroy all of Remnant. Still, every single lifetime, he chooses to try. Like Oscar said in volume 5 (about Hazel’s sister but writing-wise also kinda about Pyrrha), “She made a choice! A choice to put others before herself. So do I.” Like-minded souls.

AND THIS!!! Good gods I’m glad he said this. The show went way too long before anyone even questioned the “You can’t” answer from Jinn. Nora mentioned it in passing earlier, which I liked a lot (though this really should’ve been discussed in volume 6, but better late than never). But here? We see that Oz never gave up, never planned on losing, not sending people to a battle he “knows they can’t win.” While Salem is immortal, she is not infallible. Not even the gods were. Salem can be fought. Even Hazel has a moment of hesitation, perhaps even realization, before Salem enters.

Salem manipulates Cinder, offering her the maiden powers she wants so badly, and Ozpin interjects. “You’ll only be helping her bring about the end, for all of you!”

I just wanted to show these shots because again, just as we’ve seen Oscar’s mannerisms become increasingly similar to Ozpin’s, now that he’s back, we get to see the other way around. Look at the surprise and fear on his face. Look at how he widens his eyes and raises his eyebrows instead of narrowing/furrowing them now. Listen to the sounds he makes when tortured or thrown about. Listen to the desperation and earnest passion held in his pleas. He’s no longer hiding -- he’s being honest with the people who scare him most, and truly trying to help them see the light. 

[Side note: Cinder is not showing remorse in this scene, but I wonder how she’d react to Oscar, not Ozpin, being tortured. In the same episode, we have Cinder being tortured with a shock collar, AND we have Oscar decide to try to appeal to the humanity left in these villains. Last time we saw Oscar, Salem was torturing him with intense, almost electric magic. She might not care, but I wonder...]

ANYWAY I’m done for now. Have a TL;DR that wound up being long too

TL;DR: 

Basically, I’m super happy with the writers for the detail put into these scenes: 

they confirmed Oz has been begging to take over and bear the torture instead

had Oscar come up with an idea himself instead of getting rescued or immediately escaping

had Oscar view his dire situation as an opportunity, reminding us of his optimism and capabilities as a strategist

had Ozpin not know what Oscar’s plan was before he explained it (this might change as the souls become one, but it at least shows they think differently)

Oscar’s plan to appeal to the villains’ humanity and infiltrate Salem’s forces from within lining up with his volume 7 character development

had Oz trust Oscar and put his faith in him, which is progress for Oz

Oz and Oscar speaking in unison and agreeing to work together

Ozpin’s comment about them being similar, not the same

had Ozpin take control to speak to Hazel

Ozpin’s speech to Hazel and Cinder as parallels to Oscar’s speeches to Hazel and Ironwood, which CRWBY said were the reason Oz realized his secrecy is out of fear of trust, and Oscar’s points are what inspired him to come back.

Ozpin sounding and acting more like Oscar just like we’ve seen happen the other way around (though with Oscar, he’s holding true to his own ideas/morals, with Oz meeting him there)

established hope for some of our villains to defect, setting it in motion.

[heroscans]

Hero Scans November Status update

It’s that time again... the days seem to speed past in a blur. I’m cringing a little at the number of projects that have had minimal progress in the last 3 months - I’m sorry, dear readers, migraines have been unforgiving, and our group members have been pretty busy with university and work. That being said, we are more on track than we were, so please continue to bear with us!

Ongoing projects

Akiyama-kun: I’m currently typesetting the rather insane extra chapter to release with chapter 5 and get vol 2 off our plate. 

Badass: We are currently up to date, and Haji-sensei confirmed that the December edition of Canna will contain the penultimate chapter of Badass, at 41 pages.

Boys of the Dead:  The final chapter was released in October’s issue of Canna, and the tanko is due for release on 12/28.  Kimchi is helping me out with the last bit of cleaning of chapter 4 as I am swamped, and the typesetting is about half done.  I’m considering waiting for the tanko version for chapter 5 as I know there has been some repaneling of previous chapters, so there will be other pages to redo anyway. 

Gift: I’m working on chapter 8 at the moment, probably about 50% through the typeset. Chapter 9 is also about 50% done.

Hadakeru:  I’m almost done with the chapter 10 typeset.

Hotaru wa Ashita Shinu: Argh!  Well, I have started typesetting chapter 4, and finished the cleans for chapter 5, but I’ve been a bit focused on getting Zetsubou off the ground since I was able to start working seriously again, so I haven’t given this the focus it needs as chapter 4 is demanding. 

Ikotsu no Tabiji: We expect chapter 4 to be released in the December edition of Canna. I’m currently finishing off the typeset for chapter 2, and chapter 3 is fully cleaned, translated, and proofed, and just going for initial typeset now.

Itoshi no XL Saizu: Gigabytes has typeset the second chapter of vol 2, so it’s just a matter of making time for the qc and sorting out the decensoring. Chapter 3 is cleaned and translated, and waiting to be proofed.

Kyouken Hachiko: The Vol 2 extra is typeset and going through QC, and we’ll typeset the short Vol 1 extra and release the two together.  Ravioli is currently translating chapter 12.

Love me Love my dog:  I managed to squeeze in some work on the second chapter, but I haven't been able to dedicate serious time to it in the last months.

Makotoshiyaka: My poor neglected favourite, ugh.  I am still working on chapter 4, there are a few pieces of typesetting that are a little difficult to sort out harmoniously with the artwork, but once I’ve sorted that out the rest is straightforward. The volume is fully translated.

Shiawase: Chapter 6 is typeset and decensored, and going through QC.  the Kagefumi no koi chapters are also typeset and decensored, and going through QC.  Chapter 6.5 is fully proofed, and I’ll start the typeset shortly.

Strange Paradise:  About 90% done with SP4, I will make time for this before Christmas, damn it. SP5 is translated but work remains to be done on the cleans.

Reverse: Ugh, yes, migraines and scheduling. :( Varrick is helping me out with the chapter 2 typeset so hopefully we will be able to release it soonish, and chapter 3 is fully cleaned.

Warau Oni: Not huge amounts of progress on this, though I typeset about half of chapter 7 recently.  Rina has been hugely productive on the translation front, so all 3 volumes are fully translated.

Yamaarashi no Ondo: I’m in the middle of typesetting chapter 5, and we expect chapter 6 in the next edition of ihrHertz.

Zetsubou: This long-running series is finally coming to an end, with the final chapter being released in the next edition of OnBlue. Dusting the first 4 chapters of Zetsubou has eaten a certain amount of my time recently, but once that is done, I can mostly leave the heavy lifting to the rest of the team, hurrah!  Kimchi is working on Chapter 3, Varrick is typesetting Chapter 2, Astro is gracing us with great decensoring, and I am dusting Chapter 4. 

As Yet Unreleased Projects:

Eden:  Ichinose Yuma has finally brought this to a close, with the final chapter being due out in the coming issue of Be Boy.  Kimchi is finishing the cleans for chapter 1, but after that we do still want to wait for the tanko release(s), as there is a huge amount of decensoring required otherwise.

Kimi ni omou, Ao:  This is fully cleaned and translated, but I still have work to complete on the first chapter typeset.

Konya Beddo de Matteiru:  Once I’ve cleared a few more chapters off my plate, I will finish up chapter 1. Chapter 4 will be released in the next iHertz. Soreha Amakute nigai:  I haven’t had time to look at the chapter typeset since the original typesetter went on hiatus, but once Shiawase is complete, I’ll pick up the first chapter.  The volume is fully translated.

Toumei na Ai no Utsuwa: The lovely Ravioli and Aizengard are translating this one for us, and Tina is working on the cleaning for chapter 1.

Yumeimiru Vampire: Gigabytes has done a lovely job on the first chapter typeset, we’ve just been waiting for the decensoring, so I’ll try and qc this next week. 

[whatdoesshedotothem]

Thursday 14 March 1839

6 50

12 35

damp thick foggy morning – F40 ½° inside and 39 ½° outside at 8 35 am had had A- 10 minutes or ¼ hour – breakfast at 8 35 A- had Mr. Horner at 9 – I sat reading till about 9 ½ Lardners’ Grecian and Roman antiquities vol. 1 then a little while with the joiners – then reading again till Booth came soon after 10, about rubbling the road in St. Annes’ street Northgate – 204 1/2 yards already brought away and 100 yards more ought to come to make the rise regular – agreed – ordered – B- thought 2d. per square yard super[ior] for laying on spreading and breaking rubble (H-x sandstone) 6in. thick = 4/2 per rood of 4 yards wide road – I thought 1 1/2d. per yard enough = 3/0 ½ per rood – but thought 3/6 per rood enough – then talk about the boiler house etc. etc. Washingtons’ worse than folly – till A- came at 11 for me to speak to Mr. Horner – told him to settle about his sons’ coming to take A-‘s likeness and mine – and begged Mr. H- to get A- as fast forward in colouring as he possibly could – then with A- and Booth till 11 ½ -  then had Mark Hepworth – he asked 2d. per yard for rubbling – said I thought that a very good price – he said he included ashes (2in. thick) laying on – I came away leaving him and Booth to settle it – Mark to tell Wood the mole catcher of Norwood Green to come – Smith who has lately caught the moles wanting more price – said he had agreed with Frank, and had his own price – he ought to have known at first what to ask – I paid the same as others – would therefore charge, whatever I paid – A- had ordered B- to reset Dentons (Hipperholme lane ends Travellers Inn cottages) grate and oven, having consented to it before (vide 11 February) – but this not to be made a precedent – came upstairs again about 11 ¾ - read a few pages – then till 12 ½ wrote so far of today – wrote and sent by Mr. Booth (before 12) note to ‘Messrs. Parker and Adam solicitors H-x’ to say that before giving any answer respecting the memorandum to Mr. Shaws’ lease, I wished to see Mr. Mitchells’ valuation – from 12 ½ to about 1 ½ read forward to p. 51 Lardners’ Greecian and Roman antiquities vol. 1 then had A- till very near 2 when she rode off to Cliff hill – from then to 4 ½ with Robert Norton ordering about ceiling off entrance from gallery into North chamber – pulling down old doorway into the room – moving things out of library passage ready for taking the floor up, and looking about till now 4 ½ - so thick a fog can hardly see a dozen yards out into the flower gardens – out at 4 ¾ no! A- came to me and staid with me or I with her downstairs ½ hour – from about 5 ½ to 7 making extracts from Murrays’ summer in the Pyrenees, vol. 2, respecting his ascent of Mt. Perdu – dinner at 7 5 –A- read French – coffee – books from Crowder this evening the librarian – vol. 3 Wilkinsons’ manners and customs of the ancient Egyptians for me – and Keightleys’ outlines of history Lardners’ cabinet cyclopaedia and vol. 1 Mitfords’ Greece, and vol. 1 Thirlwalls’ Greece (cabinet cyclopaedia) for A-of the last named volume I read  chapters 2 and 3 from p. 32 to 79 on the earliest habitants of Greece and on the foreign settlements in Greece – the Pelasgians perhaps the principal inhabitants, very anciently, of Greece and Italy vide p. 56/448 – ‘the portion or element which the Latin language has in common with the Greek, was immediately derived from the Pelasgians. It will then follow that their language was at least the basis of the Greek itself, and that it may be far more correctly considered either as a dialect of it, than as tolerably foreign to it. This general result seems to be well established’......... ‘the most ancient architectural monuments in Europe...... clearly appear to have been the work of their hands’ ....’In Epirus, Italy, and the western coast of Asia minor’ called ‘Cyclopean, because according to the Greek legend, the Cyclopes built the walls of Tiryns and Mycenae’ 61/448  ‘it has been suspected, not without great appearance of probability, that the Phoenicians are often described in the legends of the Greek seas under different names’ e.g. Telchines etc. 76/448 – reading the above 2nd and 3rd chapters and writing the last 14 ½ lines till 11 – Damp thick-fog regular thaw day – so thick this afternoon could scarce [missing word - see] a dozen yards before one – then read aloud to A- the 1st chapter vol. 1 4to. of Mitfords’ Greece – the style a relief after the heavy style the cabinet cyclopaedia history of Greece – came upstairs at 11 ½ at which hour F43 ½° inside and 45 ½° outside warm muggy rainy night -  

[pancake-breakfast]

Well, it's a good thing I tried to get ahead earlier in the week because it took this long for me to get to the last part.

Stream-of-consciousness thoughts for TriMax Vol. 4, Chapters 6-7 below.

Chapter 6: The Bystanders

Falling ships and giant worms. Looks like we're off to a great start here.

Ok, I really hope we get a worms-eye view of The Fall in Stampede. I'm not gonna hold my breath given that they've kinda already covered it and they just don't have a ton of episodes to work with, but I love love love the idea that we get this backstory from the perspective of the planet's native, sentient, and very inhuman inhabitants.

You know what, Zazie? I dunno what this face is supposed to be, either.

Ah, the Japanese inclination to apologize for everything.

Oh, gods. Nightow's gonna intersperse this backstory with the boys fighting, isn't he? *SIGH* I wouldn't normally complain, but Nightow's fights are, far more often than not, hard enough to follow to begin with.

For as twisted as his body is, Hoppered's hands look very normal. I don't know what I was expecting.

Ohhh, Hoppered's beef is about July. Shoot, I saw someone make a comment about one of the cops in Stampede during July, and now that makes sense. Like, at the very least, that cop's line was a callback to this scene.

Ah, the innate trouble with translating the two-syllable Japanese "待って" (ma'tay) to the monosyllabic English word "wait." Personally, I would have gone with "W-- Wait!" but I'm not the one doing translations here.

Vash is denying it because he can't imagine wanting to destroy a city, but Hoppered is right; he just doesn't know.

Is... is Hoppered crying?

Eyyyy, old-school Hoppered! Looks like he was a bit of an odd one even before he joined up with the Gung-Ho Guns.

Ah, there's that term "independent." But the way Zazie's presenting it is making me think about it in whole new ways. Stampede brought it up in a way that made me think of them as having a freedom other Plants don't, but this interpretation has me thinking of the innate alone-ness of both Vash and Knives, what that means to them, how they deal with it and how they make it a part of their being. Knives revels in it and lets it feed his sense of superiority (much to Legato's dismay, I'm sure). Meanwhile, Vash... I wouldn't say he resents it, but he finds it very lonely, and it doesn't make him feel superior so much as it makes him feel very Other.

And here's the first place we have it straight-up said that they're Plants.

Ah, so the Bystanders referred to in this chapter title are Vash and Knives. I thought it might end up being the worms. But hey, no reason the title can't work both ways.

And then ANGEL ARM?!?! Ohhhh, Zazie's story's being interwoven with Hoppered's. This is July. How was I supposed to know that without metagame knowledge??

Ok, this panel is great, 'cause it was only a few pages back that Zazie noted they have the innate ability to sense others' emotions. It just adds a level of intimidation on the whole thing.

Hahahaha, Midvalley. I guess I shouldn't laugh at his suffering, but he tried to kill Wolfwood, so eh.

There's something innately ridiculous with him being like, "Time to pull out the BIG GUNS!!!" and then immediately being like, "Aw, man! My instrument's busted or something...."

"He's almost too pathetic to kill at this point." Rude.

Black-suited moron? Wolfwood?

Yeah, it's Wolfwood.

Milly to the rescue! Again!

LOL, he's doing better than he looks.

But not as good as he thinks he's doing.

The Adventures of Big Girl and Short Woman by Nicholas D. Wolfwood

Uhhhh, who's the person with the light?

Hahahaha, Zazie looks sooooo unimpressed with Midvalley right now.

Zazie has a point, but I think he's preaching to the choir here.

Where tf did Midvalley get alcohol from all of a sudden? Also, is the alcohol called "Drifter"? If so, that's kinda cool. Something something meaningful names for alcohol in this series.

Oop, Zazie's worm sense is tingling!

Chapter 7: Hopeless Sinner

CW: Suicidal ideation

Oh, Vash. This look has me really worried for you.

"Sinner" is generally the word Knives uses for humans in this series. I wonder, though, if it might be being used to apply to Vash here.

Ohhh, babygirl looks soooo troubled. And then looking up and seeing the hole in the moon.... That's not gonna improve his mood.

Ah. He remembers. And... you know... in this shot, he looks amazingly like Knives.

Heh. Hoppered just... sort of peering over him. Like he's checking on his wellbeing. It's the opposite, but the casualness of it is deceptively calm.

I'm... honestly not quite sure what Hoppered did to silence Vash here. Slap him, I guess?

Ooooof. Vash just straight up embraces the killing urge inside him. He looks it straight in the face and says, "Yeah. This is a part of me." But in the same breath he rejects it, says it's not something he wants because he doesn't want to go down that path. He doesn't want it so bad he'd take his own life to keep it from taking over.

Gods, he's sooooo sad. Even Hoppered feels bad for him.

Hoppered still wants him dead, and still wants to die, as well. TBH, this feels more like he empathizes with Vash to some degree. Something something double suicide.

Uhhhhh, sudden light??

Yeah, I dunno what happened here, either. Vash got knocked somewhere?

*sigh* Wheeeerrrrre does Wolfwood think he's going???

Did... he just gut-punch Milly????

Yes. Yes, he did.

He deserves booing. But I love how he just... caves. I bet he didn't really want to leave and was only gonna do so to get Milly out of there. But Milly didn't want to go peacefully and so here we are.

I really feel like Midvalley should get a strap for his sax. It seems like that would be useful. And this series can't have too many straps, belts, etc.

If five seconds is all it takes, why isn't Vash dead yet? Hmmmmm???

Uhhhhh, what's with this crazy airship??

Ohhhhh, shit. I have enough spoilers to know who that is.

This chair, though. It looks like a musical instrument.

Author Bonus Chapter

I have no idea what Nightow is rambling about here with this Barbarian Bonehead All-Stars nonsense.

Ohhh, so this isn't Kuroneko. This is Nya-Kun. My bad, I got them confused.

"My emotions are overflowing into rambling!!!" Hahahahahaha, I know we all do this from time to time, but it just feels very Nightow.

Ohhhh, something got lost in translation here. I've watched enough Attack on Titan to know that apparently Nightow replaced a word here with the pronunciation for "heart," but there's no corelary on the page.

I had heard about Nightow's love of action figures.

"They gather at the ocean with pleasant feeling." This sounds like something that was translated too literally from Japan. The phrase doesn't quite work in English.

"The meaning of their name in Japanese is 'omocha buzoku.'" This tells me nothing about the meaning of their name in Japanese. I am very confused.

Ah, he addressed the difference in the planet name from the manga to the anime. Sort of.

Haaaahahahahaha, ok, Story Time. A couple weeks ago I was at Anime Expo with @sweetpotoooooooos, and she went to a panel by Studio Bones (one of the old-timers as studios go) on one of the days when I couldn't attend. She said that during the panel, Bones mentioned that when they first got word of just how popular Fullmetal Alchemist (the original) was in the U.S., they thought they were being lied to. The numbers seemed too high. (As someone who was into anime at that time, I can verify that four of their five titles preceding FMA were talked about in the community, but only Wolf's Rain actually aired on Adult Swim where it could reach a broad audience... and... well, let's just say Wolf's Rain is not as good as FMA. (It does have an excellent Yoko Kanno soundtrack, though.)) FMA was first broadcast on Adult Swim in 2004. Trigun was first broadcast on Adult Swim in '03. The idea that anything anime would be popular enough to warrant action figures in the West would have absolutely been mind-blowing to any mangaka, and much more so one as in love with figures as Nightow.

Mata nee, minna-san!

Archive

Trigun Volume 1: Covers + 1-3, 3 Detailed Thoughts, 4, 4 DT, 5-6, 5-6 + DT, 6 DT, 7-8, 9-10 || Volume 2: Covers + Extras, 1, 1 Supplemental Research, 2-4, 5-6, 7-8

TriMax Volume 1: Covers + 1-2, 2 DT, 3-4, 3 DT, 5-6 || Volume 2: Covers + 1, 2-4, 5, 6-7 || Volume 3: Covers + 1-3, 4-5, 6-7 || Volume 4: Covers + 1-2, 3-5

[lilatreus]

im new to the ac fandom and i didnt know there were any books should i be reading them?? or are there certain ones that i absolutely need to read or would i be okay if i skip them?

Yeah it’s okay to skip them if you want! They’re mostly there to give some more insight on some of the characters. If you want to read them but you don’t have to money to buy the books, you can read them here. I actually have all the books already on paper copy so I would definitely recommend buying them if you really enjoy them.

There’s also some comics and graphic novels about them too which I have included in on the master list. They actually follow the modern storyline of you want to read up on that. If you want to read them just do readcomicsonline. They have them all, only watch out for ads.

Anyway here’s the master list, it’s pretty long won’t lie:

The books, in order of strictly historical events:

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey by Gordon Doherty (2018)

Basically this books gives the canonical story to assassin’s creed odyssey following Kassandra around Greece. If you had the “best” or good ending from the story then you’re probably going to be upset with the book. I actually liked it and if you were ever confused about the game then this is definitely for you to read.

Assassin’s Creed Origins: Desert Oath by Oliver Bowden (2017)

This book takes place years before Origins. It follows Bayek who a teenager at the time. We learn how Bayek and Aya start their relationship and it kind of explains some of the side missions that talk about Bayek’s past. If you love Bayek and Aya’s relationship you will love this book.

[ insert for whenever an ac valhalla book is written ]

Assassin’s Creed: The Secret Crusade by Oliver Bowden (2011)

This book is the one I’m currently rereading, so it takes place with the father of Marco Polo talking about Altaïr’s life. It talks about his—Altaïr’s—dad within the first few chapters, events that happened in the game, and then what happens after. It gives more insight on what happened between the events of ac one and the little bits of scenes we see in ac revelations of Altaïr in game. If you want to know how Maria and Altaïr got together you’ll like this book it’s very sweet and I love how smitten Altaïr was. If you love Atlmal (Altaïr and Malik) you’ll also like this book but it will crush you.

Assassin’s Creed: Renaissance by Oliver Bowden (2009)

This follows Ezio through assassin’s creed two. Literally just the book version of the game. Does talk about how Ezio and Cristina got together and a few of the memories you get to play in Brotherhood are in this book. I like it. It pretty much follows the game exactly so if you want to skip it, you can but still a really good book that I recommend reading.

Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood by Oliver Bowden (2010)

Follows the plot of the game. It’s pretty similar to it as opposed to a few differences. While I like this book, I will always say the game is better than this book entirely. Still, it’s pretty good and explains a lot of plot.

Assassin’s Creed: Revelations by Oliver Bowden (2011)

It explains why Ezio is doing what he does in the game. Why he’s there and what is reasoning is. You get a little small bit about Claudia but that’s it. Ezio does, in book, visit Leonardo on the last few days before the artist dies :( that’s pretty much it. Only some minor differences to the game. If you’re looking for something about Desmond, you won’t find it in this book.

Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag by Oliver Bowden (2013)

I’ll be honest I only read this book once so my memory is pretty poor on it but from what I can remember it’s about Edward and Caroline and how they got together. And then there’s something about Anne Boney and Edward towards the end I believe. Kind of explains his backstory from the little scenes we’re shown in the game I think? (Correct me if I’m wrong on this one but I’m certain that’s the gist of it).

Assassin’s Creed: Forsaken by Oliver Bowden (2012)

This one was the first assassin’s creed book I read. Now fair warning: if you do not like Haytham Kenway, I strongly advise you to not read this book. It is all about Haytham until the final few chapters and then Connor takes over the book once you’ve killed him in game. This book explains how he (Haytham) came to be apart of the Templars and how Edward dies. It talks about his relationship with Ziio and how he built the Templar order up during the seven years war. I’ll be honest it was okay when I first read it because I was like 11 and the only other thing I had read was like just percy jackson. Looking back on this book though, it’s not that great. I do not like Haytham at all so I, personally, would not recommend this book. I went in reading it expecting for it to be about Connor and I was very disappointed and upset that it wasn’t. So you can skip this book if you like because the only thing it does is give insight to a lot of what Haytham does.

Assassin’s Creed: Unity by Oliver Bowden (2014)

This is my favorite book. This is about Arno reading Elise’s diary after she passed. There’s little bits where Arno writes in here and there throughout the novel. It’s pretty sad I won’t lie. Explains how Elise grew up, what she did during the parts where we didn’t see her in game, and talks about how she felt during the parts where we did see her in game. Basically at the end of the book it’s Elise asking Arno to please help seek unity and stop the war between the Templars and Assassins.

Assassin’s Creed: Underworld by Oliver Bowden (2015)

This book follows Jayadeep Mir, also known to us as Henry Green. There’s two parts to this book. The first part takes place six years before the events of syndicate and you get to really learn about the twin’s father and then the second part takes place during the events of the game. It talks about Evie and Henry’s relationship during the second part and it’s pretty good!

There are no books about assassin’s creed chronicles (ac China, India, and Russia) if you’re wondering why they’re missing :(

The comics:

*most of these take place during the modern storyline I’ll try my best to explain when they come in and how it adds up to the new our modern storyline at the end

Assassin’s Creed the Fall

There’s three issues with this it’s just a graphic novel honestly. Takes place with the main character from AC Chronicles: Russia

Assassin’s Creed the Chain

Graphic Novel sequel to the Fall

Assassin’s Creed Brahman

Written by the same people who wrote The Fall and The Chain, however this focuses on Arbaaz Mir who is the main character from Assassin’s Creed Chronicles: India.

Now from what I’ve seen, correct me if I’m wrong, but the templar and assassin comics pretty much take place around the same time.

Assassin’s Creed: Trial by Fire

Assassin’s Creed issue #1, #2, #3, #4, #5

Assassin’s Creed Templars: Black Cross

Assassin’s Creed Templars issue #1, #2, #3, #4, #5

Assassin’s Creed: Setting Sun

Assassin’s Creed issue #6, #7, #8, #9, #10

Assassin’s Creed Templars: Cross of War

Assassin’s Creed Templars issue issue #6, #7, #8, #9

Assassin’s Creed: Homecoming

Assassin’s Creed issue #11, #12, #13, #14

Assassin’s Creed: Uprising

Common Ground Vol 1: issue #1, #2, #3, #4

Infection Point Vol 2: issue #5, #6, #7, #8

Finale vol 3: #9, #10, #11, #12

Assassin’s Creed Reflections (pretty much a stand alone I would say, focuses entirely on past assassins but canon to the templar comics).

Reflections 1: modern story focuses on Otso Berg historical story focuses on Ezio where we learn Ezio is implied to have hooked up with the woman who in the Mona Lisa painting.

Reflections 2: same thing for modern story but now Otso is looking into Altaïr’s story. We get to see Maria, Altaïr, and their son Darim.

Reflections 3: Otso is now looking into Edward Kenway.

Reflections 4: Otso looks into Connor and we see him with his daughter. It’s super cute this issue is my favorite.

Last Descendants

The Last Descendants (Novel)

Locus: issues 1 - 4

The Last Descendants: Tomb of the Khan (novel)

The Last Descendants: Fate of the Gods (novel)

Assassin’s Creed: the French Books (these have all been translated into english and theyre all graphic novels).

These books I would say to skip. If you want to read it you can, however the modern storyline has been said to no longer be canon anymore. The historical storyline however is still canon but not actually necessary to the plot of anything.

Cycle 1

Assassin’s Creed 1: Desmond

Assassin's Creed 2: Aquilus

Assassin's Creed 3: Accipiter

Assassin's Creed 4: Hawk

Assassin's Creed 5: El Cakr

Assassin's Creed 6: Leila

Cycle 2

Assassin’s Creed: Conspiracies

This takes place during WW2

Vol 1: Die Glocke

Vol 2: Project Rainbow

Cycle 3

Assassin’s Creed: Bloodstone

This takes place during the Vietnam War. A follow up on Conspiracies.

Vol 1: book one

Vol 2: book two

The last two I have listed (Conspiracies and Bloodstone) are canon to the comics’ modern storyline as well as the historical. Cycle one is not. They’re both graphic novels. Also I want to say that I have not read these two yet so idk if I’ll be allowed to recommend them but they’re there. I have no idea where they’re placed in terms of modern storyline bc these two are very confusing seeing as they originally were canon then told they weren’t and now they are again.

Other comics that I really have no idea where to place but they do exist if you want to read them:

Assassin’s Creed: Origins (mini series)

Four issues for this comic takes place following Aya and her journey. You get to see what happens with Cleopatra. I personally really like this comic you get some lore on the Brotherhood and Aya so it’s good. Read this after the video game. (Pretty positive it takes place after the game events but before the DLC: hidden ones)

Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla: Song of Glory (mini series)

There are three issues in this. Haven’t read this one yet, however it focuses on Eivor. Read this alongside the video game.

Okay so for canon timeline purposes here is the exact order of everything I’ve listed and where they fall in for strictly the modern storyline:

1 The Fall and the Chain (also called subject four which is just the two of the books into one)

2 Desmond’s story

3 Brahman

4 Assassin’s Creed: Trial by Fire 1 - 5

5 Assassin’s Creed Templars: Black Cross 1 - 5

6 Assassin’s Creed: Setting Sun 6 - 10

6 Assassin’s Creed Templars: Cross of War 6 - 9

7 Assassin’s Creed: Homecoming 11 - 14

Assassin’s Creed Reflections (stand alone don’t have to read if you don’t want to but if you do, read along side the templar stories.)

8 Assassin’s Creed Syndicate modern storyline takes place here

9 Assassin’s Creed: Uprising

10 Origins modern storyline starts here and continues for assassin’s creed odyssey and valhalla*

*If you’re confused as to why Juno isn’t in the game plot anymore the comics explains it. Ubisoft has completely moved her story to the comics entirely and in doing so completely finished the story.

[10dance]

My Volume 6 Copy Arrived 😳

I’ll be giving my general thoughts about it because there’s already an in-depth overview of this volume and the booklet, so I’ll pick different pages than what was shown in that post. Also, since I’m planning to make posts commenting and highlighting each chapter, consider this as commentary for the booklet. In other words, I’ll just be showing off here >:)

Photos under the cut!

(vol 6 chapter highlights: 29 | 30 | 31 | 32 | 33 | 34 | booklet)

Starting with the special booklet, I’ve already seen the pictures but to hold the hardcover book in my hands is another feeling. The pages are a lot thicker and glossier than the volume itself, so I had to use stuff around the house to hold it down while taking photos.

The first thing you open to is the bonus high school AU chapter “And All That Jazz”, and I’m so happy that Ernie got his short hairstyle in the few panels he was in. I also added a photo of “Suzuki” asking “Sugiki” to go home together (along with Alberko and part of “Sugiki’s” harem). My favorite part is that they don’t even try to hide the fact that they swapped bodies and Sugiki (in Suzu’s body) even outright said “Suzuki-kun” which confused Alberko.

Heat 2 is the extra comics and some colored illustrations, and this one is my all time favorite extra comic in the series. Named “2nd Step”, it was first collected in the “Kono BL ga Yabai 2019″ magazine since 10 Dance won second place in that list. I cry knowing that they kiss while dancing in the streets and Sugiki chasing Suzuki down on the next page so he could keep kissing him was so sweet. 

The illustration below with the Shinyas holding masks was drawn for the 2019 Inouesatoh Exhibition. I can’t look at it too much at a time because it’s so beautiful. And I like how Suzuki is topless but still wearing an infinity scarf (for fashion™). Ooh, and the earring! I wish he would wear earrings in canon again, he looks great with them. 

Heat 3 is the digitally colored pages. I put the black-and-white and colored version of this spread in chapter 33 side by side for comparison, both look gorgeous. The colored one added a glow to the fountain which made it look so much more magical and the water splatters create the feeling of a cool summer night. That said, the original still has a lot of charm since you can imagine the colors for yourself. 

I was going to share some more pictures of other sections, but I wanted to include these two as well. The blush on Suzuki’s face is adorable and the roses really bring out the shoujo vibes. They also colored the volume 4 cover flap comic where Suzuki introduces his friend Felix to Sugiki, only to have him get jealous (for some reason??) and disintegrate Felix into ashes. This picture of Sugiki is now my new avatar on discord and I’m loving it. 

Onto volume 6, I’m choosing to only share 4 pictures in this post since I’ll go into more detail in the chapter highlights. The cover flap comic was about Sugiki practicing being sexy by writing out letters with his butt (I mean... it worked?). Here Suzuki is calling out the letters E-R-R from Merry Christmas. Sugiki making weird poses with his hands while doing this is an amusing sight so I took a picture of it. 

Since I was wondering what to put in this brief overview without spoiling anything, I thought that Saichi would be a good choice. He’s my favorite new character because of his friendliness and how Sugiki always glares at him, so here, a nice picture of Saichi from chapter 32. 

Here is the page of Norman dancing with Suzuki from chapter 34 in all its glory. It just oozes elegance and I’m drawing a lot of parallels between this picture and the Shinyas’ waltz all the way back in chapter 4. I’m planning to color this once the English version releases in September :’).  

And last but not least, this is the volume 7 announcement with a clean version of the cover of chapter 35. After 6 volumes they finally decided to make an announcement for future volumes... Seeing this picture without the vines is pretty different, I wonder if they’ll stay when vol 7 gets released. 

As I flipped through the pages, all I could really do was gape at the pictures in awe. I was so excited to see all the new content that I was exhausted a few hours later. Volume 6 is filled with stunning dance pages and the shift in the Shinyas’ relationship is subtle yet very emotional (it gives me all the feels). You can click on the chapter highlights to read my random comments and cry about them with me. 

(I’ll be posting one chapter every week on Saturday/Sunday so it’ll be crisscrossing between a regular post and these ones)