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beasiannow · 3 months ago

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Madeleine Swan considered herself lucky not just to get a job straight out of college but also to have an exciting and well-paying one. Pretty good for someone everyone had told her degree in telecommunications with a minor in English would do her no good in the job market.

Of course, it helped that she had an Aunt in the State Department who had pulled some strings for her.

Whatever the case, she now found herself in Japan in the office of the Ambassador himself!

What exactly she was going to do in an embassy, she had not a clue.

That was when she was told her continued employment depended on accepting an extreme proposition.

Like every diplomatic service since its invention, one of the main problems was finding people who could really understand the country they were in.

The State Department, with aid from an Unknown government department (apparently hidden within the NSA), had found a unique solution to that.

A device (one of which sat on the Ambassador’s desk humming along to itself) that would fire a beam of energy into a person that would, at a quantum level, rewrite their reality so that while they were still themselves, they would seem to be a 100% native of the country with full culture lore, knowledge, and language a part of them.

��Ms. Swan,” asked the Ambassador, “Would you become Japanese for your country for the next three years?”

More than half sure this was some sort of joke played on newbies. Madeleine said, “Absolutely!” suppressing a smile, “When do I start?”

“Now.” said the Ambassador, hitting a button on the machine on his desk, sending a bright little ball of energy into her chest.

That’s when Madeleine learned it was not a joke played on newbies.

When the shock wore off, Madeleine Swan found that she was now Midori Hakuchō and spoke fluent Japanese, along with full cultural knowledge of all things Nipponese as a part of her so thoroughly that it was less than a day before she was even thinking to herself in Japanese a language that had been unknown to earlier that day.

While retaining her command of English, she was later told she now had a pronounced Tokyo accent when speaking her now second language, English

“This is for three years, Ambassador San?” asked Midori. “And then I am becoming my American self again, most totally?”

“Yes indeed.” said the Ambassador “unless you sigh up for a second three year tour.”

“Mostly,” thought the Ambassador to himself, knowing there would almost surely be anywhere from 5 to 25 percent retention of how she was now, if not, as happened in some cases, going even deeper into the new form, but that was something for three to six years from now. Why bring it up?

With that, Midori Hakuchō was given three days off to get to know herself before beginning work.

#turning japanese

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fantomcomics · 2 years ago

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What’s Out This Week? 6/7

Happy Pride!!!

Boys Weekend HC - Mattie Lubchansky

Part satire, part horror, Boys Weekend explores what it's like to exist as a transfemme person in a man's world, the difficulty of maintaining friendships through transition, and the more cult-like effects of masculinity, "hustle" culture, and capitalism-all through the vibrant lens of a surreal, scary, and immensely imaginative romp. Newly-out trans artist's assistant Sammie is invited to an old friend's bachelor weekend in El Campo, a hedonistic wonderland of a city floating in the Atlantic Ocean's international waters-think Las Vegas with even fewer rules. Though they have not identified as a man for over a year, Sammie's college buddies haven't quite gotten the message-as evidenced by their formerly closest friend Adam asking them to be his "best man." Bad enough that they have to suffer through a torrent of passive-aggressive comments from the groom's pals-all met with zero pushpack from supposed "nice guy" Adam. But also, they seem to be the only one who's noticed the mysterious cult that's also staying at the hotel, and is ritually dismembering guests and demanding fealty to their bloodthirsty god.

The Comics Journal Yearbook: Best of 2022

In this supplement to The Comics Journal magazine (free for subscribers), critics/cartoonists highlight the most innovative, risky, and unapologetically artistic English-language comics work of 2022. Interviews, essays and excerpts make this an essential guide for what is happening in comics right now. Contributors include Ryan Carey, RJ Casey, Cristian Castelo, Helen Chazan, Austin English, November Garcia, Joe McCulloch, Chantal McStay, Pratap and Sophie Yanow.

Dictatorship: It’s Easier Than You Think! HC - Sarah Kendzior, Andrea Chalupa & Kasia Babis

Do you crave the power to shape the world in your image? Can you tell lies without blinking an eye? Do you see enemies all around you? If you answered yes to all of the above, then this is the job for you! And if becoming a dictator sounds intriguing, well, you've just stumbled upon the playbook that will guide you step by step toward making your big lie a reality. Join Gaslit Nation cohosts Sarah Kendzior and Andrea Chalupa, with artist Kasia Babis, on a journey from riches to even more riches. They'll show you how to consolidate your authority, silence your critics, weaponize your citizens, and even prolong your inevitable downfall!

Do Not Say Mystery Omnibus GN Vol 1 - Osamu Nishi

Totonou is a young man who stands out-partly for his bushy hair, partly for his finely honed abilities of observation and deduction. When Totonou is accused of murder, he puts his skills to work delving into the lives of the cops investigating him and uses his insights to find the real murderer. After clearing his name, all Totonou wants to do is return to his laidback, mundane life, but he can't help but be drawn into one mystery after another. In his own blunt but gentle way, Totonou is just trying to make sense of a chaotic world.

Fence: Redemption #1 (of 4) - C.S. Pacat & Johanna the Mad

Return to the thrilling world of high-stakes, competitive fencing with a brand new story featuring the beloved cast of characters from the original hit series! Are Senji and Jesse really through? The rumors around Halverton, the prestigious fencing training camp, have spread like wildfire, but it's not long before a mystery fencer arrives-one who may finally pose a threat to the #1 spot. Will Senji's unquenchable quest for rivalry be what finally makes him leave Nicholas behind?

In Hell We Fight! #1 - John Layman & Jok

Life in hell ain't easy. Demons try to torture you for all eternity. Monsters want to eat you. There's a stunning lack of reliable indoor plumbing. And it's almost impossible to get ice cream. At least, until today, when three condemned teens and their annoying tagalong demon frenemy embark on a daring scheme to hijack a demon lord's delivery truck. What happens next will take them on an epic journey across the underworld, an infernal excursion of nonstop excitement, danger, and adventure.

Inferno Girl: Red TP Vol 1 - Matt Groom, Erica D'Urso, & Igor Monti

Apex City is a globally recognised hub of progress and beacon of hope-until it's ripped out of our universe by an ancient cult and its army of demons. The only one who can save it is its newest resident, teen Cássia Costa, after a magical dragon bracelet rockets into her life. But the bracelet is powered by belief, and a life of hardship has left Cássia with little of that to spare. When all seems lost, can Cássia rekindle her belief in a better tomorrow to embrace a secret legacy, save her mother's life, and light the way as INFERNO GIRL RED?

Joan Jett & The Blackhearts: I Love Rock ‘N’ Roll GN

Comics' biggest talents come together to form an exciting all woman team of creators and bring you stories to celebrate the 40th anniversary of Joan Jett's seminal albums!

Bad Reputation and I Love Rock 'n' Roll hit audiences like an atom bomb, defining a sound that became a soundtrack that would span generations. Now, in celebration of the 40th anniversary of these seminal albums, an unparalleled team of women creators bring these songs to life as 20 stories.

Kroma TP - Lorenzo De Felici

The critically acclaimed prestige series from LORENZO DE FELICI (OBLIVION SONG) arrives in a new graphic novel collection for fans of ULTRAMEGA and The Many Deaths of Laila Starr.

Imprisoned in a tower within the walls of Pale City, Kroma lives her days out in darkness, believing she is the most evil thing on Earth. However, where her people see a monster, the mysterious orphan Zet sees a human. But if either of them is to survive the city's strange rituals and customs, they will have to overcome the cruel fate of Kroma...even if it means risking certain death beyond the walls in the jaws of giant lizards and enormous birds of prey.

Lore Olympus Vol 4 GN - Rachel Smythe

An ingenious take on the Greek Pantheon, Lore Olympus is a modern update on the story of Hades and Persephone. Follow the propulsive love story of two Greek gods, told with lavish artwork and contemporary sensibilities. This full-color edition of Smythe's original Eisner Award-winning webcomic Lore Olympus features exclusive behind-the-scenes content and brings Greek mythology into the modern age. This volume collects episodes 76-102 of the WEBTOON comic.

March Comes In Like A Lion GN Vol 1 - Chica Umino

Rei Kiriyama is a child prodigy. Rei Kiriyama is also an orphan who lives alone in an empty apartment. Rei Kiriyama is a teen working in an adult's world. Life is complicated for Rei. He's an up-and-coming shogi (Japanese chess) player on the verge of turning pro but he has no home life-or much of a life period outside his board game-but thankfully with the help of some life-long friends he has an opportunity start all over again.

Niki De Saint Phalle: The Story Of Her Life GN - Monica Foggia & Valeria Quattrocchi

Few artists' lives are as inspiring as that of Niki de Saint Phalle. While she started her career as a fashion model, a subsequent breakdown led to her taking up painting as therapy. Entirely self-taught, Niki spent the rest of her years devoted to art that was based in emotional truth and a feminist point of view. This graphic novel follows Niki's extraordinary career, from her early "shooting pictures," in which she fired bullets at bags of paint, to the creation of the exuberantly formed life-sized dolls she called "Nanas," which established her as an international success.

Once Upon A Time At The End Of The World TP Vol 1 - Jason Aaron, Alexandre Tefenkgi, Nick Dragotta & Mike Del Mundo

Love in the Wasteland" kicks off the first arc of this epic trilogy that spans a lifetime as the dark mysteries of a ruined world and their own stark differences tear at the threads holding Mezzy and Maceo together. As they endure the horrors of plastic tornadoes and frozen sludge, Maceo proves to be more than just a burden, and they make an unlikely connection. But to their peril... they might not be as alone as they thought...

Suee & The Strange White Light GN - Ginger Ly & Molly Park

Suee and the Zero Detective Club are back and ready to unravel some mysteries! However, other than a bunch of missing cat cases, there really isn't too much to solve... until Smartie, Suee's kid-nemesis from her old school, goes missing leaving only one clue: Central City. Nemesis or not, it's up to Suee and the rest of the Zero Detective Club members to find her. But Smartie's disappearance isn't the only weird thing going on in this part of town. There's an army of workers in white uniforms installing strange devices, and all the adults have started acting bizarre and ignoring their kids. With all these odd occurrences, it's up to the Zero Detective Club of Outskirtsville to find out what's going on!

The Sickness #1 - Jenna Cha & Lonnie Nadler

Feeling sick? The Man may be following you... 1945: Daniel Buss, an anxious teenager living in small-town America, has been experiencing strange symptoms: mood swings, increased sensitivity, and terrifying hallucinations, threatening to ruin his summer vacation before freshman year. Worse, a stalking presence watches Daniel's every move. 1955: George Brooks-war vet and tireless doctor-nears retirement from his decorated past. When a local housewife murders her entire family, her son-the sole survivor-is put into his care; George grows obsessed with uncovering what could drive an ordinary person to such brutality. Though they live a decade apart, their fates intertwine through a horrifying illness and the haunting figure who follows wherever they go.

Tiger Tiger Book 1 GN - Petra Erika Nordlund

In this Eisner-nominated swashbuckling tale, the young lady Ludo--a pampered Victorian noble--dreams of romance and adventure. Spurred by a desire to explore, she steals her brother's identity and sails across the world. While searching for love, adventure, and enough material to write a book about her favorite sea creatures, otherworldly mysteries await in the dark depths of the sea. Follow Finnish artist Petra Erika Nordlund's thrilling and hilarious adventure, packed with sword fights, nasty villains, and the exploration of dangerous, uncharted lands!

Turning Japanese Expanded Edition HC - MariNaomi

The year is 1995. Fresh out of a long-term relationship, twenty-two-year-old MariNaomi finds herself amidst a flurry of major life changes. Newly immersed in the pan-Asian diaspora of San Jose, California, half-Japanese Mari searches for connections to a culture that has so far eluded her. It doesn't take long for Mari to find new love and a new job--at a hostess bar for Japanese expats--in a bid to learn the language and culture. Turning Japanese follows Mari from Northern California to Tokyo, Japan, as she tries to get by in an unfamiliar city with rudimentary language skills--all in the hopes of finally connecting with her Japanese relatives without the use of her mother as a translator.

Whatcha scooping up this week, Fantom Fam?

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