Fullmetal Alchemist

AMV Showdown! Special Awards: Part 1

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Snapshot from Mushishi (2005, 2014)

Sometimes with lists I make really great entries get lost in the shuffle called “Personal Preference”. So, to showcase some of the great AMVs I perused with my brother, here is a post dedicated to special awards in various categories.

There will be multiple videos that win several awards. I’ll make sure to include plenty of links to creators and other videos!

Let’s get started!

Best Timing

Timing was one of the major criteria from the first round of this AMV Showdown. In making a music video, it is absolutely crucial to have spot on timing. Or, you lose the audience.

Honorable Mentions: Transmutayshun by Ileia, Glitter and Gold by Neo Solarius, Hold Me Now by Komichi

3. Third Place: Warriors by yujinedits怠惰な, and Best AMV you will ever see Part 4 by xxanime_otaku

Its a glorious tie for third place! It was really difficult choosing between these two, because they both excelled in different ways.

Of all the bogged AMVs with sound, this one delivered the best. Not only did their crisp timing come across extraordinarily smoothly, they were able to balance fast and smooth movements in an spectacular fashion.

On the other hand, Warriors‘s timing shown best in the way it built up to the action through well choreographed editing. Every motion is SPOT ON and doesn’t detract in any way from the visual storytelling.

2nd Place: ??? Mob by King AMV

??? Mob uses Fallout Boy’s song “Young And Menace” to the maximum capacity! The more interesting sequences are actually in the beginning where each footstep and slip of a jacket blends with the music profoundly. The actions feel like they are meant to happen.

1st Place: Danse De Raven by ChiikaboomAMV

Part of the beauty and majesty of dance and ballet is timing. Everything I’ve mentioned for the 2nd and 3rd place entries applies for Danse De Raven, however it feels more refined. I think this is because of Princess Tutu‘s core nature, which is dance and choreography.

Best Tone

Tone is all about atmosphere and world building. For great tone, you need the right song and the appropriate imagery to fit it. You may be surprised which ones we chose.

3rd Place: Vesper by DrPenguin

Unfortunately, I haven’t seen Made in Abyss yet. However, Vesper set the tone for my upcoming experience masterfully. Set to Son Lux’s eerie song “Ransom”, it builds the story from a lighthearted sun filled beginning to the mysterious and sometimes terrifying adventures which await the main characters.

2nd Place: For the Win by DigiCat

My brother had to convince me with this one. Here is the truth. I’ve never seen Sword Art Online. There it is. Even though I didn’t know the content connected to For the Win, I could tell the editor had done a phenomenal job creating the world for the show. My brother later explained to me how each shot shows highlights from the show and stats for important characters.

1st Place: Dance With the Mushi by Rainhowls2

If you have never seen Mushishi I envy you. Not because I don’t absolutely love it! Its because you get to experience the wonder of the show through this AMV without previous knowledge of the stories or characters. Take it from a seasoned admirer of this story. Dance With the Mushi captures the ethereal mystery and wonder of this show gorgeously.

Best Music Choice

This category is pretty self explanatory. Pick the right song off the bat, and you have the ground work for a great AMV.

Honorable Mention: This is War by Gohan

3rd Place: Ride or Die by NeverEnoughEpicAMVs2

Yes, I do listen to rap sometimes. Given how epic Ride or Die is, it is no wonder I attached to it and its song We Own It (Fast & Furious). If ever someone made a song about car racing, this would be the perfect one to enhance Redline, the podracing car thriller for adults.

2nd Place: Happiness by VermillionAMV

To understand this AMV and how impactful it can be, you need to watch Mob Psycho 100, a show dedicated to exploring various human reactions and relationships. Through this AMV, I found a new favorite song and decided to rewatch the show.

1st Place: Ghost of You by Vichima

Ghost Of You by 5 seconds of Summer fits this emotionally impactful story Ride Your Wave so well. It enhanced the characters’ heartbreak and told the story in a way you could really feel. The more I watch it, the more convinced I become it could become an official promotional video for the movie.

Best Fluidity

Another word I would use to describe fluidity is overall flow. This pertains to the story and how the editor presents it as well as how clearly the images blend into each other. There is such a thing as having great timing but hardly any sense of how to make your product flow.

Honorable Mentions: Kindness, Warriors, Ghost of You

3rd Place: A Prelude To Dreams by Shin AMV

I still remember seeing A Prelude to Dreams for the first time. For the longest time I didn’t even realize it depicted a wide variety of anime! That is the mark of purposeful flow and great fluidity. What is especially remarkable about A Prelude To Dreams is how these seemingly disconnected stories dance together because of the song Hide and Seek by Imogen Heap.

2nd Place: Swing Box by VermillionAMV

VermillionAMV is a FANTASTIC EDITOR. Out of any creator I’ve come across these last few months, they’ve impressed me the most in how smoothly they use their source material. Swing Box would have to be the culmination of these skills. It flows beautifully and each moment is simply fascinating to watch unfold! This was yet another AMV where I couldn’t readily tell exactly how many anime they used. I thought maybe, 5. In reality they used 10. That’s pretty impressive!

1st Place: Dance With the Mushi by Rainhowls2

Yet, again Dance With the Mushi comes in for the win! If you pay very close attention to how this AMV unfolds, you’ll notice subtle changes in pacing and timing. For me, it feels like a folkdance set to the imagery of life. Good fluidity isn’t about spectacle. It’s about leading an audience through the story through imagery and sound.

Best Characterization

Best characterization is about how well an AMV can set up not only the world but its characters. Once upon a time, I heard a very intriguing statement concerning animation. The characters ARE the animation. How you treat them makes all the difference for the story and your intended audience.

Honorable Mentions: Singular Strike Gentleman by Glitzer, Renegade VERSUS by VermillionAMV

3rd Place: Ghost of You by Vichima

Ghost of You is another AMV which will come up a lot. I have never seen the movie yet through this video I understand SOOOO much about the characters and their story. It is to the point where I get emotionally involved watching it. Like I said before, this would be the perfect promotional video for this movie.

2nd Place: Pure White Gold by VermillionAMV

Here is yet another anime I haven’t seen yet (Sorry! I’ll get to it eventually). However, I think what Pure White Gold truly excels at is showcasing how the various characters fit into their world. Though they couldn’t put the whole show into one AMV, the editor set up their roles in the story splendidly!

1st Place: This is war by Gohan

How do you find a song built for the characters? This is War based on 30 seconds to Mars’s song is how! The editor used this song to its maximum potential, matching the worlds to a variety of characters seen throughout the show. Not only that, but they set up these characters in their world through stunning timing!

Utilizing Music and Imagery

Utilizing music and imagery is the culmination of great fluidity and emotionality. It isn’t just about flowing the images together but creating a masterful story through words and music.

Honorable Mention: ??? Mob by King AMV

3rd Place: Pure White Gold by Vermillion AMV

Honestly, Pure White Gold feels like a a hero montage. It isn’t about just one character but an entire cast of fantastic and interesting people. What this AMV truly excels at is using the imagery and music to express the characters’ true purpose as heroes.

2nd Place: Swing Box by VermillionAMV

Not a second of Swing Box feels wasted. Nothing feels misplaced or simply placed there to take up space. All in all, it is a true spectacle of wonderful imagery!

1st Place: Kindness by Vermillion AMV

(I just realized Vermillion AMV did every single AMV for this slot! That is truly saying something.) Now, when I saw Kindness for the first time, what immediately crossed my mind was how spot on this AMV was! It encapsulated what Mob Psycho 100 is about. How the editor blended the anime and song “I’m Alright” by Mother Mother was nothing short of masterful!

Best Aestheticism

These are the AMVs that are truly a feast for the eyes! Sometimes that means they are beautiful, other times they are truly rich in color and movement.

Honorable Mentions: Warriors by yujinedits怠惰な, Close to the Sun by Light Raider

3rd Place: Cosmic Love by Trisieren

Children of the Sea (2014) is one of the richest films I’ve ever seen. Thankfully, this editor was able to utilize this imagery wonderfully. There are so many details in the colors and images to catch on to. It’s impossible to get bored watching it.

2nd Place: Ghost of You by VichimaVichima

Everything about Ghost of You seems to glow. The imagery is so beautiful it almost swallows you! It helps that the song completely enhances it throughout every moment.

1st Place: Unity by Lightraider

I feel awe inspired every time I take time to watch Unity. It sheds beautiful light on how glorious human relationships are! I always wish it could be just a little longer so I could drink in even more of its wonder!

Stay tuned for Part Two for these Special Awards!

AMV Showdown: The Penultimate Top Ten

AMV Showdown! Special Awards: Part 2

Behold! My Favorite Manga Covers

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These covers are the runner ups!

I’m so excited to finally finish this list! I’ve been writing it so long. . . I get easily distracted though so it took up a good chunk of my life. I hope you enjoy my favorite manga covers as much as I do! My greatest wish is you are able to find something new to read.

Let’s get started!

52. Sakisaka, Io‘s Strobe Edge, Volume 6

What I like about this particular cover is the lighting. There is a nice balance of pastel colors and movement in the character’s clothing. Miss Sakisaka also has a talent for drawing and coloring eyes.

51.  Murata, Yusuke (Art), ONE (Story)- One Punch-Man, Volume 11

Murata Yusuke is an extraordinary artist. I actually talked about his profound attention to detail in my post Best Artwork From Manga I’ve Read. As fans know, he isn’t the original artist for One Punch Man but he tries his best to really enhance the original author ONE’s artwork.

I love, love, love, the coloring in this cover. Its RED and awesome. I also like Metal Bat from the series. Therefore, its a win win situation for me. What REALLY sold me on this cover though was Saitama in the background with his ugly wig on. 🙂

50. Morishita, Suu‘s Yubisaki to Renren, Volume 1

A Sign of Affection is one of my favorite recent finds. The manga is great, but I’m not going to talk about that right now. I’m a sucker for beautiful covers outlined with flowers and with watercoloring. What I also appreciate about this cover is the hand gesture the girl is making. In Japanese sign language it means “That’s okay”. Very fitting for a title like A Sign of Affection.

49. One Punch Man, Volume 23

Word of warning, because I like the artist Murata for One Punch Man, his covers are going to come up A LOT. This cover encompasses my feelings concerning this series. I just want Saitama to come and punch the villain already. I like the lighting and spotlight effect Murata did over Saitama. It’s almost like he’s saying, “Thank the Lord! Saitama is here to punch them!”

48. Kubo, Tite‘s Bleach, Volume 22

Tite Kubo’s covers for Bleach are going to be all over the place! Though I am not happy with how drawn out the story became, I am definitely a fan of Kubo’s artwork. He’s a great artist! One of the highlights for this series is the large variety of manga covers he finished. He has a way of posing his characters uniquely.

Case point 1 is his first cover featuring Ulquiorra. Its like a still shot someone made right when he moved to stand in the frame. I really like Ulquiorra as a character too, which also adds to my admiration for this cover.

47. Mikanagi, Touya‘s Karneval, Volume 25

I featured this cover in one of my earliest manga posts Beautiful covers for aspiring art collectors. The artist, Mikanagi, makes his covers feel like a circus with their wide variety of colors, shapes and unique lighting. For this particular cover, I love how he incorporated BLUE. It’s been too long since I read this series so I couldn’t say if this has some significance. For me, it just pops aesthetically!

46. Karneval, Volume 4

Another fun fact about all of these manga covers for Karneval is Mikanagi always includes a butterfly somewhere in the background. What I especially like about this cover is the posing. I feel like I mentally need to look up to the character’s eyes.

45. Kouchi, Kaede‘s Love So Life, Volume 17

I love this manga series, especially for its heartwarming variety of manga covers. This particular cover is for the series’ finale, bringing together the four characters I came to love so much. It feels like a family picture and it makes me smile. 🙂

44. Bleach, Volume 60

I said Kubo’s art would persist on this list. I keep my promises. I appreciated Kubo including a homage to Ichigo’s mother, who he lost at a very young age. This cover feels like a precious, captured memory right before she died.

43. CLAMP‘s Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Volume 10

You have no idea how hard it was to narrow down my favorite covers for Tsubasa. I truly admire CLAMP’s artists and how well they stage their inter chapter artwork and manga covers. The theme for this particular cover is GREEN tropics and I eat it up. There are so many details to look over and it evokes a needed sense of mystery and apprehension.

42. Takamatsu, Misaki‘s Skip to Loafer, Volume 1

I found Skip to Loafer while browsing online blogs and was surprised how much I liked it. What especially impressed me was how the artist Takamatsu staged her characters on the cover. It fits the more upbeat flow for the series and alludes to the hope filled future ahead of them.

41. Azuma, Kiyohiko‘s Yotsuba to!, Volume 7

Good gravy (Don’t know where that came from) I love almost all the covers Kiyohiko does for Yotsuba&!. Much like the series, they have such a warm energy to them. What I especially like in this cover is Yotsuba’s enthusiasm as she runs from/with sheep. I’m pretty sure this is the volume where she goes to a farm for the first time. All in all, it just makes me smile.

40. Mochizuki, Jun‘s Pandora Hearts, Volume 3

Seeing this cover for Pandora Hearts makes me want to read it again. Mochizuki balances her covers by having a blank white canvas and crisply inserting well posed characters. By doing this, the facial expressions and color stick out more.

Though I love the first two covers for the series, I’ve always had a soft spot for this third volume. There is something about Break’s pose that draws me in.

39. Yotsuba to!, Volume 9

Volume 7 from Yotsuba&! isn’t so much about posing as it is about creating a beautiful atmosphere. Though the place Yotsuba lives seems ordinary, Kiyohino makes it feel so warm. This cover is very inviting, like its gently pushing a reader to opening its pages.

38. Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Volume 19

I’m super surprised I liked this cover so much. I’m not really into science fiction. However, what intrigues me about this volume is the atmosphere. For those who have read the series, its darker coloring and more oppressive atmosphere match the tone present in the story. I appreciate the attention to details CLAMP had in their character presentation and how they set the reader for the crazy plot changes coming up.

37. Strobe Edge, Volume 8

Andou, from Strobe Edge, is not my favorite character. But I like this cover featuring him. I didn’t think that would happen. What I liked most was his hair and eyes. I also like the angle Sakisaka used for the character.

36. Arakawa, Hiromu‘s Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 10/ 3 in 1

Being the nerdy fan I am of Arakawa’s artwork, I’m not surprised this volume popped up. As I’ve said before, I am always on the lookout for great lighting and posing in manga covers. Luckily, this volume has both. I’m also a HUGE fan of Edward’s character design so I’m always for seeing him on covers.

35. Pandora Hearts, Volume 10

Wow. The theme for this volume cover is PURPLE. Since the series is a a much darker place in this volume, this color is very fitting. If I’m not mistaken, it features Jack, who originally they thought was a hero. Anyway, I won’t spoil anything. Needless to say this cover is fantastic!

34. Watsuki, Nobuhiro‘s Rurouni Kenshin, Volume 28

Ah, Rurouni Kenshin. How I love you. Here is the simple reason I love this cover. Kenshin looks at peace. I love his expression and how the cover eludes to his happy future.

33. Hikawa, Kyouko‘s Kanata kara, Volume 13

I. LOVE. THIS. SERIES. I wish I owned all the volumes but I don’t have the money to spend $800 for certain volumes. So, so sad. All the volumes feature the two main characters. Volume 13 is one of my favorites. Hikawa has such good taste in coloring and clothing design.

32. Hoshino, Katsura‘s D.Gray-man, Volume 18

Hoshino is one of the best artists I’ve come across in manga. No joke. She is great at drawing hands and clothing. What I like about his cover in particular is the coloring and posing. It feels ALIVE. It also has a more Halloweeny feel to it, which I am always down for.

31. Bleach, Volume 49

I think this is the best cover featuring Ichigo. It has more defined shading, almost like Film Noir or Romantic paintings.

30. Kanata Kara, Volume 11

Be prepared because this isn’t the last cover from this series. Much like volume 13, I mostly like the colors and clothing design. In particular, I like Noriko’s hair color and dress.

29. Mosco‘s Kuzumi-kun, Kuuki Yometemasu ka?, Volume 8

If you haven’t read this series yet, I would recommend it simply for its humor. And Kuzumi. His dead pan expressions make me laugh. Anyway, this cover is just super sweet. I’m always a fan of these type of stories where “loser” characters get with those they love. In this case I’d say Erika, the girl, is in the loser category.

28. Bleach, Volume 54

I don’t remember who this character is but I love how Kubo portrays him on this cover! I especially admire the gray shading on the dark uniform as well as the watercolored platform they’re standing on.

27. Love so Life, Volume 14

Compared to volume 17, I think 14 has a little more life breathed into it! I also like how it portrays Shiharu’s relationship with the twins with such positive, bright colors.

26. Yotsuba to!, Volume 15

What I love most about this cover is how it portrays Yotsuba’s relationship with her dad. It’s just sweet to see it shown in such a positive, cute setting like the beach.

25. Touma, Rei‘s Reimei no Arcana, Volume 1

I don’t like the other covers for Dawn of Arcana as much as I do this one. The Turquoise and red silhouetted against each other is simply beautiful. What really catches me is her GREEN eyes.

24. D. Grayman, Volume 4

Levi is one of my favorite characters in D.Gray Man, besides Allen. The black surrounding him in this cover feels like a curtain parting.

23. Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, Volume 24

Dang. I just. . . man I just love Syaoran. This is one of the few covers with just him. He looks cool on this cover. This is one of the few times where I like the brown tones used.

22. Bleach, 18

I forgot this character’s name too (Sorry!) but I have always like this cover’s energy! It feels like a still frame for an animated scene. I say that because of the smear effect Kubo used for her foot. In animation, action scenes often are smeared to give an illusion of fast motion.

21. Fullmetal Alchemist, 25

This cover has depth. I also like where Arakawa put the focal point. Because Alphonse in the suit is so big, your eyes naturally go from him back to his body and the gateway of truth.

20. Yubisaki to Renren, Volume 4

Sigh, this cover is so pretty. It reminds me of Art Nouveu paintings done by Alphonse Mucha, with its brighter colors and floral/ nature themed outlines. I especially like how Morishita used baby blue on her characters.

19. Togashi, Yoshihiro‘s Hunter x Hunter, Volume 3

I feel bad for saying this, but I don’t like Yoshihiro’s artwork. The anime is great, but the manga’s art lacks. . . things. That said, I still love this cover! It’s just fun and encompasses Gon’s lighthearted nature.

18. Love So Life, Volume 15

Love so Life is one of my favorite love stories. Matsunaga handled his relationship with Shiharu very well. I like how happy and content they look together. Matsunaga especially looks at peace with the future they had awaiting them.

17. Sugisaki, Yukiru‘s D.N.Angel, Volume 1

If there is one good thing about D.N.Angel its the manga covers. Even here in volume 1 Sugisaki was able to catch readers’ attention with captivating colors and designs. The reason why I even wanted to read this series was because I was drawn to this cover.

16. Bleach, Volume 3

Orihime is one of my favorite characters, and not because she is pretty. I like her modesty and how her feelings and motivations develop. What I like about this cover is how it plays on her personality. This is also a really clever pose. I’ve never seen anything else like it.

15. Bleach, Volume 13

Details, details, details. I like the coloring, Kenpachi’s facial expression, and how he is angled toward the where the reader will open the volume.

14. One Punch Man, Volume 2

This cover is freaking cool, like Genos, who tries so hard to succeed but hardly ever does. I think this cover portrays the roles Genos and Saitama play in the series. Genos gives readers something cool and pretty to look and Saitama looks like a dork in the background, until he starts fighting. (Note, I love how Murata makes it seem like Genos’ arms are shining.)

13. D.N.Angel, Volume 13

Looking back at this cover, I marvel at this character’s angle. It’s like he’s twisting towards the reader mid flight. All in all, it’s a captivating shot of Dark from D.N.Angel.

12. Midorikawa, Yuki‘s Natsume Yuujinchou, Volume 5

All my friends know I love Natsume’s Book of Friends. I perused all the manga covers and decided volume 5 is my favorite of the bunch. It’s like a wind is passing through the scene, lifting the papers up around the characters. I also like how this volume has a brush of calligraphy to its style.

11. D. Grayman, Volume 7

I’ve said before Hoshino draws spectacular covers. This one feels as though its falling apart or unable to fully come together, which is fitting since the featured character isn’t exactly human. I love how this artwork feels, and the sense of mystery behind it.

10. Shiwasu, Yuki‘s Takane to Hana, Volume 13

Ah, the infamous volume for Takane and Hana where things finally click for both characters. It doesn’t show it right here, but the full artwork has their full figures falling together. It’s quite beautiful. Most of the covers for this series are funny but at the right times they have a more serious undertone.

9. Rurouni Kenshin, 3-in-1 4

Kenshin how I love you! On a whim I decided to go through all the 3-in-1 volume covers for Rurouni Kenshin. In-so-doing, I found this hidden gem. I’ve never seen him in blue before, but its suits him wonderfully. Kenshin is a very lighthearted character so this cover fits him very well. (If you couldn’t tell, I basically love this cover because of how it portrays Kenshin.)

8. Yubisaki to Renren, Volume 2

Such a pretty cover! Morishika has such a talent for blending colors! I especially like how the characters are looking at each other.

7. Fullmetal Alchemist, Volume 27

Yes, yes, yes! This cover encompasses everything I love about this series’ finale. It’s almost like Edward says with his eyes, “I’ve found the right answer. I’m here for my brother now.” Ah! so good.

6. Kanata Kara, Volume 3

This is my favorite cover for From Far Away because of how gentle it feels. It almost feels airbrushed, with soft hues of blue and pink. It’s almost like Hikawa blended two different people through color and imagery.

5. Urushibara, Yuki‘s Mushishi, Volume 7

Yes, I love Mushishi. Sorry there is only one cover! Thinking back on it though, I realized this is the cover I admire the most because of Urushibara’s choice of colors and posing. It reminds me of one of the more haunting stories from the series about a young woman hundreds of years old, connected to an old Cherry Tree. I’m a huge fan of watercolors in general so it’s no wonder I feel so drawn to this cover.

4. One Punch Man, Volume 17

Hot dang! This cover has such presence and energy! Besides Saitama and Genos, Zombie man is probably my favorite. (I wonder why that is? Maybe I like strong silent types) Looking closely at this cover, the focal point is his EYES at the end of his gun. I understand this character without even having to read about him just by looking at this image.

3. Takane to Hana, Volume 7

Such. Beautiful. Colors! I didn’t realize how much I love soft coloring in artwork until I did this post. This volume from Takane and Hana takes place right at a serious moment in the story. Character development comes like a storm! Shiwasu chose just the right colors for Takane and Hana for this volume. I also like how she posed the characters. Like most volume covers, they don’t feel at war with each other. It’s like they are finally connecting.

2. Takaya, Natsuki‘s Fruits Basket, Ultimate Edition 2

I’m surprised myself how far this cover has come! Fruits Basket is my favorite manga of all time. I have quite a bit of emotional attachment to it. When I searched through all the volumes, this 2nd ultimate edition popped out at me! This was at a time where Takaya’s artwork flourished. I love how I feel when I look at it and that is what really matters when picking artworks for ourselves.

1.Yamamori, Mika‘s Hirunaka no Ryuusei, Volume 6

Hmmm hmm hmmm. I’m sorry more volumes for this series didn’t make it. However, in light of all the volumes this has always been the cover I’ve been most drawn to. Its partially because I love Mamura as a character. It’s also how Yamamori chose to use to use pastels on black. I’ve also always been a fan with how the artist draws her characters.

Thank you for brushing through my long list! Maybe you found something new to read. I hope so.

Anime April Mayhem! Day 11, My Most Disappointing Experiences.

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Misaki from Kaichou wa Maid-sama!

After several more positive posts, I thought I should slip in a more negative one. I don’t like to do this very often, but I have had people ask me what my least favorite anime and manga are.

This list has a slight twist to it. These are not necessarily bad anime and manga. It just means I had a really bad experience watching or reading them. They can stay whoever’s favorite. To each his own.

That being said lets get started on yet another sad journey.

Chobits (2000-2002), manga by CLAMP 

After enduring four years of high school, Hideki Motosuwa strives to get into the university of his choice by attending cram school in Tokyo. Concurrently, he works daily shifts at a bar to make ends meet, thus missing out on the world’s latest invention—human-like computers called Persocoms. Longing for a persocom of his own, Hideki is met with a stroke of luck when he stumbles upon a cute abandoned persocom in a garbage pile.

Upon finding the power button, Hideki finds his newfound robot to be faulty and only capable of uttering the word “Chii”—which Hideki decides to name her after. Chii, however, is no ordinary persocom: capable of thinking and learning on her own, she is a legendary type of robot known as a “Chobit.” Now, it is up to Hideki to teach Chii how to live an ordinary life and to uncover the truth behind the elusive chobits series.

Myanimelist Overview

Because I love CLAMP’s later work Tsubasa, I went on a spree reading through all their other popular series. Out of all of them, Chobits was the most disturbing and disappointing to me. The sexual undertones, especially in how Chii turned on as a machine (It’s located in her. . . most private place.) really threw me off. The main character Hideki was also pretty boring. . . and horny. Sigh. . . I just don’t like Ecchi stories. All sense of prose or wonder falls apart because of the sexualized content.

Black Butler (2008-2009, 2006-?), anime/manga by Toboso, Yana , animated by A-1 Pictures

Young Ciel Phantomhive is known as “the Queen’s Guard Dog,” taking care of the many unsettling events that occur in Victorian England for Her Majesty. Aided by Sebastian Michaelis, his loyal butler with seemingly inhuman abilities, Ciel uses whatever means necessary to get the job done. But is there more to this black-clad butler than meets the eye?

In Ciel’s past lies a secret tragedy that enveloped him in perennial darkness—during one of his bleakest moments, he formed a contract with Sebastian, a demon, bargaining his soul in exchange for vengeance upon those who wronged him. Today, not only is Sebastian one hell of a butler, but he is also the perfect servant to carry out his master’s orders—all the while anticipating the delicious meal he will eventually make of Ciel’s soul. As the two work to unravel the mystery behind Ciel’s chain of misfortunes, a bond forms between them that neither heaven nor hell can tear apart.

Myanimelist Overview

I really liked this series when I first watched it, maybe ten years ago. It had a Victorian England undertone I admire. Plus, the art for the manga and animation in the anime are phenomenal. Despite this, I disliked the direction the anime went, especially after the first season, and the manga threw some plot twists in that disturbed me. Legitimately, disturbed me. I still can’t quite shake off the awful feeling I had when I read it. Such a shame. It had a lot going for it.

The Gentleman’s Alliance, manga by Tanemura, Arina 

Imperial Academy is an elite private school whose student body is divided into the ranks of Gold, Silver, and Bronze. Depending on your family’s wealth and your individual merit, you can be classified as a Silver or Bronze student. However, there is only one Gold student, and this year that person is Shizumasa Touguu—nicknamed “the Emperor” because he is the Student Council President.

When she was very young, Haine Otomiya fell in love with Shizumasa, after reading the children’s picture book that he authored. She had met him twice before attending Imperial Academy, but as a Bronze student, her rank is far below his, so she has been unable to approach him at school.

Haine jumps at an opportunity to get close to Shizumasa, and she unexpectedly becomes his bodyguard as well as a member of the Student Council. It seems like a dream come true for her, but soon she will learn that everyone in the Student Council is hiding secrets, and her own shameful history cannot be forgotten either.

Myanimelist Overview

The Gentleman’s Alliance seems like many other Shoujo manga I’ve read in the past. It had an elite academy, a childhood love interest, and a club/group set apart from the other students. However, after two-thirds of the story, it throws in some messed up plot twists for some of the characters, especially the male lead. I felt so bad for everyone near the story’s end. Oh yeah. . . I hated the ending. I won’t say why in case anyone wants to read this story. Suffice it to say, I was in a slump for days after finishing this series. 

Vampire Knight, manga by Hino, Matsuri 

Cross Academy is an elite boarding school with two separate, isolated classes: the Day Class and the Night Class. On the surface, Yuuki Cross and Zero Kiryuu are prefects of the academy and attempt to keep order between the students as classes rotate in the evenings. As the Night Class is full of utterly gorgeous elites, this can sometimes prove to be a bit difficult. It is completely necessary, however, as those “elites” are actually vampires. Yuuki and Zero act as guardians, protecting the secrets of the Night Class and the safety of their ignorant morning counterparts.

As the adopted daughter of the academy’s chairman, Yuuki takes her job with a serious and energetic attitude. It also allows her to interact with her secret crush and savior, the president of the Night students’ dorm, Kaname Kuran. Zero, on the other hand, has a deep-rooted hatred against vampires, and at times, does not hesitate to kill.

Can vampires and humans co-exist, even in the strict setup of the Cross Academy? Only time will tell.

Myanimelist Overview

Hahahaha yes, I read and followed this manga series. Did I like it at the beginning? Not really. All that caught my eye was the artwork. I kept reading to see where the story would go. I thought it wouldn’t be and couldn’t be as twisted as Twilight. I was right. It wasn’t. It was so much WORSE. The incest, the twist ending, and the stupid misunderstandings were just dumb. They were dumb and disappointing.

Soul Eater (2003-2013), manga by Ookubo, Atsushi 

Death City is home to the Death Weapon Meister Academy, established by Shinigami—the grim reaper himself. Created to maintain peace, the academy trains Meisters and Demon Weapons—people who take on the form of a weapon—to defend humanity against evil. The ultimate goal of a Meister is to create a “Death Scythe” worthy of being wielded by Shinigami. To do this, their weapon partner must consume the souls of 99 wicked humans and one witch.

Maka Albarn and her partner Soul Eater “Soul” Evans are two students who hope to make a Death Scythe. They are joined by the boisterous Black☆Star and his partner Tsubaki Nakatsukasa, as well as the perfectionist Death the Kid—simply known as Kid—and his partners, the twins Patricia “Patty” and Elizabeth “Liz” Thompson. These ambitious students all work towards becoming the ultimate Meister and Demon Weapon team, through misadventures, missions, and many class trials.

However, many mysteries surround them, and as new enemies are discovered and secrets are revealed, Maka, Soul, and their friends must fight to protect the academy, Death City, and the world itself from enemies far worse than humans.

Myanimelist Overview

I read the manga because I like the anime. After reading through ten volumes, I realized it wasn’t going to get any better. The Ecchi material is off-putting, and the story spirals downhill after 200 or so chapters. Plus, the ending was so stupid! So so stupid! I hope to erase my experience with this manga as soon as possible.

D.N.Angel (2003), anime by Xebec

Daisuke Niwa is a clumsy, block-headed, and wimpy middle school student who has few redeeming qualities. On his 14th birthday, he finally decides to confess his love to his longtime crush Risa Harada, but is rejected.

In an unexpected turn of events, however, Daisuke finds himself transforming into Dark Mousy, the infamous phantom thief, whenever his mind is set on Risa. Though Daisuke is unaware of this strange heritage, his mother is certainly not: since before the boy was born, his mother had been planning for him to steal valuable works of art and let the name of the elusive art thief be known.

With doubt and confusion constantly clouding his mind, Daisuke finds himself struggling in his relationships with classmates and family. And it is not long before Daisuke realizes that he is not the only one with a fated family legacy—his greatest adversary could be the one classmate he is most unwilling to fight.

Myanimelist Overview

I blame this anime for putting the manga on hiatus. (Just kidding.) It dulled down Sugisaki’s original artwork and over-complicated the characters and story. Plus the ending confused me.

Chrono Crusade (2003-2004), anime by Gonzo

The 1920s was a decade of great change and upheaval, with monstrous demons appearing across America. To combat this menace, the holy organization known as the Order of Magdalene was established. The organization’s New York branch is home to the young and reckless Sister Rosette Christopher, as well as her partner Chrno. Tasked with the extermination of demonic threats, the renowned team is excellent at their job, despite causing extensive collateral damage on their missions.

However, both Rosette and Chrno are driven by their dark pasts. Through exterminating demons, Rosette hopes to find her lost brother Joshua who was taken by the sinner and demon, Aion, with whom Chrno also shares a bloody history. The two of them must fight off the increasingly dangerous demonic menace and discover its source, while continuing to search for the truth behind Joshua’s disappearance.

Myanimelist Overview

Chrono Crusade is a pretty good anime, until the ending. I’ll break it to you now, the two main characters DIE, and the villain who they thought was gone for good because of their sacrifice comes back anyway. Their sacrifice was for NOTHING! NOTHING!!!! I cried like a baby when I saw this and swore I would never see it again. 

One Punch Man, Season 2 (2019), animated by J.C.Staff

In the wake of defeating Boros and his mighty army, Saitama has returned to his unremarkable everyday life in Z-City. However, unbeknownst to him, the number of monsters appearing is still continuously on the rise, putting a strain on the Hero Association’s resources. Their top executives decide on the bold move of recruiting hoodlums in order to help in their battle. But during the first meeting with these potential newcomers, a mysterious man calling himself Garou makes his appearance. Claiming to be a monster, he starts mercilessly attacking the crowd.

The mysterious Garou continues his rampage against the Hero Association, crushing every hero he encounters. He turns out to be the legendary martial artist Silverfang’s best former disciple and seems driven by unknown motives. Regardless, this beast of a man seems unstoppable. Intrigued by this puzzling new foe and with an insatiable thirst for money, Saitama decides to seize the opportunity and joins the interesting martial arts competition.

As the tournament commences and Garou continues his rampage, a new great menace reveals itself, threatening the entire human world. Could this finally be the earth-shattering catastrophe predicted by the great seer Madame Shibabawa?

Myanimelist Overview

You might have noticed One Punch Man (2015) is one of my favorite anime. Can you imagine my disappointment, after reading the great manga and seeing the first season, when I saw this second season? I got all excited. . . then confused. . . then. . . saaaaaaaaad. Then I realized Madhouse did not animate the second season. J.C.Staff did. I am not sure how that happened but I hope someone fixes it. Someday.

Tsubasa Chronicle (2005), anime by Bee Train

During an excavation at the mysterious ruins in Clow Country, Syaoran discovers his childhood friend Princess Sakura appear on the site with wings that disperse into many feathers. As the feather’s disappear to different dimensions, so does Sakura’s memory. In attempts to save Sakura’s life and restore her memory, Syaoran travels through to another world to find a solution. There’s only one thing left he can do. Travel through to different dimensions to collect Sakura’s feathers. Helping out with the quest is Kurogane, an exiled ninja from Japan Country who wishes to return to his world, the runaway magician, Fay, who desires to jump between each world never to return to his own and the white meat-bun shaped creature, Mokona.

Myanimelist Overview

The anime was disappointing, not for the story, but for its animation. It’s clunky and the pacing is hard to follow at times. I also didn’t like how they animated clothing or facial structures. All in all, I was unsatisfied because the manga’s beauty and charm got lost somewhere in production. (But the OVA Tsubasa: Tokyo Revelations is really good.)

Horimiya (2011), manga by Hagiwara, Daisuke

Although admired at school for her amiability and academic prowess, high school student Kyouko Hori has been hiding another side of her. With her parents often away from home due to work, Hori has to look after her younger brother and do the housework, leaving no chance to socialize away from school.

Meanwhile, Izumi Miyamura is seen as a brooding, glasses-wearing otaku. However, in reality, he is a gentle person inept at studying. Furthermore, he has nine piercings hidden behind his long hair and a tattoo along his back and left shoulder.

By sheer chance, Hori and Miyamura cross paths outside of school—neither looking as the other expects. These seemingly polar opposites become friends, sharing with each other a side they have never shown to anyone else.

Myanimelist Overview

I have to be careful how I say this. I have very set beliefs on the importance of chastity before marriage. While reading this series, people told me it was one of the most wholesome love stories they had read. I went in thinking this was the case, and for a while, it was. I loved their story! I must have re-read the chapters over and over again at least ten times.

But then came the chapter where they decided to have sex for the first time. What upset me the most was her little brother’s reaction, crying after hearing what they had done and Miyamura’s response to his feelings. After that, I didn’t read it again.

As I said in my heading, to each his own. I know not everyone has my same beliefs. However, there are certain things in stories, no matter how well written they are, I can’t support.

The Way of the Househusband (2021), anime by J.C.Staff

“Immortal Tatsu,” the legendary yakuza who single-handedly defeated a rival gang with a lead pipe, is a name known to strike fear in both hardened police officers and vicious criminals. Soon after his sudden disappearance, he resurfaces with a slight change in profession. Now equipped with an apron, Tatsu has given up violence and is trying to make an honest living as a house husband.

While adapting to mundane household tasks, Tatsu finds that being a house husband has its own challenges, from the battlefield known as supermarket sales to failures in the kitchen. Despite living peacefully, misunderstandings seem to follow him left and right. Gokushufudou follows the daily life of the comically serious ex-yakuza as he leaves behind his dangerous previous life to become a stay-at-home husband.

The problem with this anime is it isn’t an anime. Really. I’m not kidding. The animators just took scenes shot by shot from the manga, colored them in, added voices and slight movements in between. That’s it. It was like a higher-budget webcomic video.

I wasn’t expecting them not to animate anything. It is a shame because if they did it would have been awesome! It had so much wasted potential.

Fullmetal Alchemist (2003-2004), anime by Bones

Edward Elric, a young, brilliant alchemist, has lost much in his twelve-year life: when he and his brother Alphonse try to resurrect their dead mother through the forbidden act of human transmutation, Edward loses his brother as well as two of his limbs. With his supreme alchemy skills, Edward binds Alphonse’s soul to a large suit of armor.

A year later, Edward, now promoted to the fullmetal alchemist of the state, embarks on a journey with his younger brother to obtain the Philosopher’s Stone. The fabled mythical object is rumored to be capable of amplifying an alchemist’s abilities by leaps and bounds, thus allowing them to override the fundamental law of alchemy: to gain something, an alchemist must sacrifice something of equal value. Edward hopes to draw into the military’s resources to find the fabled stone and restore his and Alphonse’s bodies to normal. However, the Elric brothers soon discover that there is more to the legendary stone than meets the eye, as they are led to the epicenter of a far darker battle than they could have ever imagined.

Myanimelist Overview

Now. I know there are a lot of fans of this anime. Yes, I know Bones did an incredible job animating and storyboarding it based on the limited material they had for the first few manga volumes. The reason I even got into Fullmetal Alchemist was because of this show. But, the ending was so disappointing. Honeheim because wimpy and shady, there was a strange new villain called Dante, Scar died, Edward died. . . my soul cried and almost died as well.

I loved this show until the last three episodes. Truly and sincerely I did. But the ending ruined the entire experience for me. I’ve tried re-watching it for old times sake but each time I can’t get past the first episode.

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow!

Anime April Mayhem! Day 10, Anime/Manga I Need to Re-visit

Anime April Mayhem! The Magic of Music in Anime, My Favorite Openings/Endings

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Anime April Mayhem! Day 7, Best Artwork From Manga I’ve Read

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For clarification, this list exclusively lists manga I have personally read. Therefore, I won’t be listing anything like Berserk or Vinland Saga. I love art and exploring different mediums within comics and manga. Those featured in this list are listed in alphabetical order. I don’t have the heart to pit them against each other in a competition.

Let’s get started!

Bleach, Artist Tite Kubo

No matter what anyone says against Bleach, Kubo did an phenominal job drawing this manga. Each chapter heading, even from the first volume, is cool. Characters are the gears of any story and he had a way of bringing them to life with his art.

Would I buy an artbook for this series? Definitely yes. Do they exist? Yes!

Daytime Shooting Star, artist Mika Yamamori

  • Shishou
  • Suzume
  • Daiki Mamura
  • Yuyuka
  • Daiki and Suzume

Those who have gone through my other posts know this manga has come up A LOT. It will pop up in the future as well. I guarantee it. I’m not sorry. Now, why did I include it here on an art list? Yamamori is one of the most consistent character artists I’ve come across. She is especially gifted in how she draws hands and eyes. Aesthetically, this series pops because of her character designs and how she carries through with them till the end of the series.

D. Gray-Man Man, artist Katsuro Hoshino

D.Grayman ALMOST made it onto my underrated manga list. If not for its anime series and bigger following I would say it definitely deserves more attention. As for the art, it is GORGEOUS. From the amazing manga covers and character designs as the series progressed, her art just pops for me. Hoshino is also great at sequencing action scenes. From the get-go, her manga has maintained a higher quality.

Also, her art books are phenomenal. They are on my to buy list.

Fullmetal Alchemist, artist Hiromu Arikawa

People gush about Fullmetal Alchemist often. It’s for good reason. For me, one of this series’ highlights is the artwork. Specifically, Arakawa’s fluid designs and knowledge of human anatomy fascinates me. Of all the manga artists, Arakawa is the most similar to me in personality, especially in how much research she did for this series.

I also want to own the art books for this series. (You see the pattern. I need to buy these art books but don’t have the heart because of MONEY. So sad).

Immortal Rain, artist Kaori Ozaki

Kaori Ozaki draws amazing character profiles. Even outside this series, her works consistently feature well-balanced designs. As for Immortal Rain, her artwork blossomed throughout the story, featuring beautiful human caricatures and striking details in the backgrounds and sequencing. I did not mention this in my Underrated Manga Post, but her talent as a story writer and artist is underappreciated.

Mushishi, artist Yuki Urishibara

Because Mushishi is recognizably one of the most beautiful anime, specifically in its backgrounds, the manga is a little undervalued. This is rather foolhardy because Urushibara has a very distinct, earthy quality to her artwork. Throughout her ten volumes, she created such a vibrant view of Old Japan, disconnected from the modern world.

Natsume’s Book of Friends, artist Yuki Midorikawa

Much like Mushishi, Natsume’s Book of Friends has an ethereal feel to it. Yuki Midorikawa’s brush strokes feel like Japanese calligraphy, and her chapter headings have a beautiful watercolor feel.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, artist Hayao Miyazaki

One of the reasons Miyazaki’s movies are appreciated worldwide is because of their artistic quality. Miyazaki, though viewed primarily as a director, is really at heart an artist. Over twelve years, he drew an extended manga covering his first film from 1984. truly, Miyazaki is an incredible artist. It is hard to convey the depth of his talent through the few pictures I could find. To truly experience it, it is best to read the manga in full.

One Punch Man

I love the first season for One Punch Man. Its’ animation and comedy are great. The manga is definitely undervalued in light of the anime. The original story is by ONE, who has great ideas but limited artistic ability. Therefore, for the manga, Eyeshield 21‘s Yusuke Mirata stepped up as the primary artist.

Dang. His drawings have DEPTH and amazing shadowing. He was the right choice as this iconic story’s artist. Of all the artist’s I searched for, his art pieces were the easiest to find.

Pandora Hearts, artist Jun Mochizuki

I am a sucker for Alice in Wonderland parodies. Pandora Hearts‘ artwork, much like D.Grayman, is definitely a major highlight of the series. Of all the manga on this list, Mochizuki’s artwork is probably the most likely to find its way into an Anglophile’s personal library. (Much like Black Butler). Basically, lovers of Tim Burton-esque Hot Topic fans.

Personally, I simply admire Mochizuki’s coloring for her art book features, designs, and manga backgrounds.

Psyren, artist Toshiaki Iwashiro

Psyren was the hardest to find the right feature artworks. (Another sign it is underrated). Iwashiro is one of the best worldbuilders I’ve seen, especially in his backgrounds. He puts such amazing detail into the setting, it comes to life. Another highlight is his character designs. He is best at drawing hands and teeth.

Tsubasa: RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE, artist CLAMP

Magical. CLAMP’s artwork throughout Tsubasa, and their other works, is simply magical. I feel like I can drink in the manga like an exquisite three-course meal. I love how they do hair, clothing, and staging. Literally, any piece from their artbook could go on the wall.

The Girl From the Other Side, artist Nagabe

Nagabe’s artwork for The Girl From the Other Side shines differently than any manga I’ve listed. It reminds me somewhat of the artwork featured in Patrick Ness’s A Monster Calls, with its heavy shadowing. It could be mistaken for artwork commissioned for Edgar Allen Poe’s short stories. It’s Gothic and beautiful.

Vampire Knight, artist Matsuri Hino

I have conflicting feelings about Vampire Knight. Its story and the odd ending really threw me for a loop when I finally got the courage to read it. Honestly, it’s not a great story. But its artwork is breathtaking. When I found its artbook in Barnes and Noble, its beautiful colored pictures surprised me. I expected to hate it. Now, I admire her visual artistry despite her struggles writing good stories.

The Way of the House Husband, artist Kousuke Oono

Hot dang Oono is a great artist! Not only does he draw amazingly accurate character designs, but his staging and use of light and shadowing also enhance the series’ comedic effect. The first time I read it, I was in awe of his drawings and surprised it was his first released manga.

Thank you for reading! See you tomorrow.

Anime April Mayhem! Day 6, Underrated Manga Tag

Anime April Mayhem! Day 8 Webtoon/Manhwa Special, My Favorites

Anime April Mayhem! Day 6, Underrated Manga Tag

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Cover from Hayao Miyazaki’s Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

This is a rather fickle list to make because popularity shifts like the wind and people’s tastes are subjective to their interests. I thought long and hard on the underrated titles I wanted to highlight. At least half of them made it onto this list because no one talks about them anymore, and they have a very specified fan base. All in all, I think they deserve more love and attention.

For this tag, I’ll be listing a variety of manga I feel are underrated. Feel free to use this tag yourself and be sure to tag me into your post so I know it’s going around!

Let’s get started!

Enhanced by Jul26

Daytime Shooting Star, 2011-2014 by Yamamori, Mika 

If you’ve been following my posts for the last few days, yes, this manga has come up A LOT. It’s one of my favorites and is a well-rounded mature romance. Yamamori treats her characters well and doesn’t create “villain” like rivals. Instead she built up the eventual relationship for her main character Suzumi in a way that honored her feelings and experiences.

Yamamori’s art style and consistent quality artwork should be praised more.

D.N.Angel, 1997-? by Sugisaki, Yukiru 

Fans probably rate D.N.Angel‘s manga so low because of the anime. (It’s not good.) The original publisher, Tokyopop, of the English translation also went out of business about ten or so years ago so access to the manga volumes plummeted. This is unfortunate because Sugisaki’s artwork is hauntingly beautiful at times and her story is thought-provoking. She hasn’t released any new chapters in a long time, so the story is on hiatus for an indefinite time period.

From Far Away, 1991-2003 by Hikawa, Kyouko 

From Far Away is another manga that has popped up a few times the last few days. With how popular Isekai style manga and anime are nowadays, I think more people should know about Hikawa’s Fantasy adventure with its optimistic and compassionate character Noriko from Japan. It’s a very romantic story and it also teaches pivotal truths on individual worth, power, and choice and accountability.

Immortal Rain/Meteor Methuselah, 1998-2011 by Ozaki, Kaori 

Immortal Rain was fairly popular about fifteen years ago while Tokopop was publishing its volumes. However, once it went out of business access to the new volumes became impossible. Ozaki has a crisp, unique art style which is easily recognizable. She also has a knack for creating relatable, deep characters with identifiable motivations and problems. I hope VIZ media or another company chooses to re-translate it sooner than later. It is a really beautiful story. (Warning though! It has some mature content I wouldn’t recommend for younger readers.)

Tsubaki-chou Lonely Planet, 2015-2019 by Yamamori, Mika 

Much like Yamamori’s other work Daytime Shooting Star, I admire this story for its mature, more relatable take on relationships and communicating as a couple. I also really admired how she set specific boundaries in their relationship, giving them time to grow and eventually marry one another once Fumi was older. (The main characters havea big-ish age difference so it is important the author did this.)

Unlike Daytime Shooting Star, there is no English release for the manga volumes yet. There is also no anime. So sad. My hope is after Yamamori’s other series is completely released in English, VIZ media will also release Lonely Planet.

Love So Life, 2008-2015 by Kouchi, Kaede

(Yes, it is here again.) As far as Shoujo romances go, this is yet another more realistic take on relationships with bigger age gaps. I loved how Kouchi set up the romance between Shiharu and Matsunaga. There were not huge passionate scenes, however, they grew towards each other.

I am truly surprised more people don’t talk about this series. I am equally surprised it is no translated into English yet.

Mushishi, 1999-2008 by Urushibara, Yuki 

Some may argue this series is not underrated. However, looking over a lot of different blogs and lists these past few months I have barely ever seen anyone talk about this series. Perhaps its because its so difficult to buy the English translation for the manga. It also may be because it has a completely different appeal to it then big Shonen anime and manga like One Piece and Bleach.

Regardless, more people should know about and read this series. It has beautiful artwork, compelling mysteries, and it is utterly therapeutic to read. It will also make you think deeper about different aspects of human nature, especially with its relationship with nature and the spiritual world.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, 1982-1994 by Miyazaki, Hayao 

Miyazaki’s manga for his infamous animated film by the same name is the epitome of an underrated cult classic among manga fans. I only found it because, at 17, I was still working my way through all of Miyazaki’s films. When I watched the film I had this strange feeling something was missing from its story. So, I looked it up and found out he wrote a manga to better portray what had originally wanted for the story.

Its artwork and story are incredible. Miyazaki drew and wrote it himself and every page is a visual and literary delight for me. It suffers from the same problem Beserk does. It’s not a main stream genre so its looked over by general fans.

Psyren, 2007-2010 by Iwashiro, Toshiaki 

During the 2000’s a lot of people talked about Psyren. Since Iwashiro finished the manga though, no one talks about it anymore. I can for the life of me fathom it. It has great pacing, dynamic characters, and incredible artwork (especially how he drew teeth).

Silver Spoon, 2011-2019 by Arakawa, Hiromu 

Don’t get me wrong. I love Arakawa’s Fullmetal Alchemist more. However, that doesn’t mean I don’t think this manga is both hilarious and incredible. If anyone could get me interested in farming, its Arakawa. Silver Spoon draws a lot from her roots as a farming child. It might even be a small tribute to the world she grew up in.

Though it has an anime and a fairly large fan base, I think most readers skip over it because it is nothing like Fullmetal Alchemist. When they see Arakawa as the author, they must expect another great Shonen, action thriller. Instead, they get a well-rounded slice of life growing up story. Though it’s not for everyone, I still think the fan base needs to grow.

Yotsuba&!, 2003-? by Azuma, Kiyohiko 

Here we are again. It should probably be obvious Yotsuba&! is one of my favorite manga. The story is so down to earth and it’s so funny! Not as many people know about it though because it has no anime and not that much identifiable merchandise. (Shrug.) That’s the way it goes sometimes. Thankfully, at the very least there is an English translation for this manga readily available.

There you have it! I did treat this post as a possible tag other blog writers could use. Feel free to use it and be sure to tag me in there somewhere as the original creator.

Thank you for reading!

Anime April Mayhem! Day 5, Anime/Manga I’ll never do

Anime April Mayhem! Day 7, Best Artwork From Manga I’ve Read

See you tomorrow!

Anime April Mayhem! Day 1, Beautiful covers for aspiring art collectors

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I love manga covers. I’ll do another list showing my favorite manga covers, but for today I found a few covers which I would be tempted to put on my wall.

Let’s get started!

Karneval Volume 25 by Mikanagi, Touya 

Pandora Hearts volume 3 by Mochizuki, Jun 

Children of Whales Volume 11 by Umeda, Abi 

Daytime Shooting Star Volume 6 by Yamamori, Mika 

From Far Away Volume 3 by Hikawa, Kyouko

Kimi ni Todoke Volume 7 Shiina, Karuho 

D.N.Angel Volume 1 by Sugisaki, Yukiru 

Fullmetal Alchemist Volume 27 by Arakawa, Hiromu 

Tsubasa RESERVoir CHRoNICLE Volumes 8, 9,10, 17, 23 by CLAMP 

D. Gray Man Volume 7 by Hoshino, Katsura 

Bleach Volume 49 by Kubo, Tite 

Kobato Volume 6 by CLAMP 

Natsume’s Book of Friends, Volumes 14 and 22 by Midorikawa, Yuki 

Mushishi Volumes 4, 5, and 7 by Urushibara, Yuki 

Takane and Hana, Volumes 7 and 13 by Shiwasu, Yuki 

Madame Petite Volume 9 Takao, Shigeru 

Dawn of Arcana, Volume 1 Touma, Rei

See you tomorrow!

Anime April Mayhem! Day 2, Anime That Started It All Tag

Thanks for reading!

Beauty Around Us: Part 4, Quotes to Inspire

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For this post, I will post twenty-five quotes from books, movies and various people. Words which move us help set afire the beauty dormant within us.

1.

Around the world–even in some of the countries most troubled by poverty or civil war or pollution–many thoughtful people are making a deep, concerted search for a way to live in harmony with each other and the earth. Their efforts, which rarely reach the headlines, are among the most important events occurring today. Sometimes these people call themselves peace workers, at other times environmentalists, but most of the time they work in humble anonymity. They are simply quiet people changing the world by changing themselves.

Eknath Easwaran, Your Life is Your Message: Finding Harmony With Yourself, Others, and the Earth
2.

The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.

Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
3.

Peace begins with a smile..

Mother Teresa
4.

Wherever I go, I will speak of you with love.

Clive Barker, The Thief of Always
5.

Witch, do this for me,
Find me a moon
made of longing.
Then cut it sliver thin,
and having cut it,
hang it high
above my beloved’s house,
so that she may look up
tonight
and see it,
and seeing it, sigh for me
as I sigh for her,
moon or no moon.

Clive Barker Abarat: Days of Magic Nights of War
6.

When you are born,” the golem said softly, “your courage is new and clean. You are brave enough for anything: crawling off of staircases, saying your first words without fearing that someone will think you are foolish, putting strange things in your mouth. But as you get older, your courage attracts gunk, and crusty things, and dirt, and fear, and knowing how bad things can get and what pain feels like. By the time you’re half-grown, your courage barely moves at all, it’s so grunged up with living. So every once in awhile, you have to scrub it up and get the works going, or else you’ll never be brave again.

Catherynne M. Valente, The Girl Who Circumnavigated Fairyland in a Ship of Her Own Making (Fairyland, #1)
7.

I have been driven many times upon my knees by the overwhelming conviction that I had no where else to go. My own wisdom and that of all about me seemed insufficient for that day.

Abraham Lincoln
8.

If you stumble about believability, what are you living for? Love is hard to believe, ask any lover. Life is hard to believe, ask any scientist. God is hard to believe, ask any believer. What is your problem with hard to believe?

Yann Martel, Life of Pi
9.

A quiet secluded life in the country, with the possibility of being useful to people to whom it is easy to do good, and who are not accustomed to have it done to them; then work which one hopes may be of some use; then rest, nature, books, music, love for one’s neighbor — such is my idea of happiness.

Leo Tolstoy
10.

Have courage for the great sorrows of life and patience for the small ones; and when you have laboriously accomplished your daily task, go to sleep in peace. God is awake.

Victor Hugo
11.

To love another person is to see the face of God.

Victor Hugo
12.

It’s easy to do nothing, it’s hard to forgive.”

Avatar the Last Airbender, “The Southern Raiders”
13.

The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one and the same. We are all one people, but we live as if divided.

Avatar the Last Airbender, “The Guru”
14.

A lesson without pain is meaningless. That’s because no one can gain without sacrificing something. But by enduring that pain and overcoming it, he shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart. A fullmetal heart.

Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist, Vol. 25
15.

And now here is my secret, a very simple secret: It is only with the heart that one can see rightly; what is essential is invisible to the eye.

Antoine de Saint-Exupéry, The Little Prince
16.

Our birth is but a sleep and a forgetting:

The Soul that rises with us, our life’s Star,

Hath had elsewhere its setting,

And cometh from afar:

Not in entire forgetfulness,

And not in utter nakedness,

But trailing clouds of glory do we come.

William Wordsworth
17.

We know that God is everywhere; but certainly we feel His presence most when His works are on the grandest scale spread before us; and it is in the unclouded night-sky, where His worlds wheel their silent course, that we read clearest His infinitude, His omnipotence, His omnipresence.

Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre
18.

Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light.

Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban
19.

When I despair, I remember that all through history the way of truth and love has always won. There have been tyrants and murderers, and for a time, they can seem invincible, but in the end, they always fall. Think of it, always.

Gandhi, Gandhi
20.

“A human being is a part of the whole called by us universe, a part limited in time and space. He experiences himself, his thoughts and feeling as something separated from the rest, a kind of optical delusion of his consciousness. This delusion is a kind of prison for us, restricting us to our personal desires and to affection for a few persons nearest to us. Our task must be to free ourselves from this prison by widening our circle of compassion to embrace all living creatures and the whole of nature in its beauty.”

Albert Einstein
21.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

― Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches
22.

“There is more to a boy than what his mother sees. There is more to a boy then what his father dreams. Inside every boy lies a heart that beats. And sometimes it screams, refusing to take defeat. And sometimes his father’s dreams aren’t big enough, and sometimes his mother’s vision isn’t long enough. And sometimes the boy has to dream his own dreams and break through the clouds with his own sunbeams.

― Ben Behunin, Remembering Isaac: The Wise and Joyful Potter of Niederbipp

The earth is speaking to us, but we can’t hear because of all the racket our senses are making. Sometimes we need to erase them, erase our senses. Then – maybe – the earth will touch us. The universe will speak. The stars will whisper.

Jerry Spinelli, Stargirl
24.

If we commit ourselves to one person for life, this is not, as many people think, a rejection of freedom; rather, it demands the courage to move into all the risks of freedom, and the risk of love which is permanent; into that love which is not possession but participation.”

Madeleine L’Engle
25.

When there is kindness, there is goodness. When there is goodness, there is magic.

Cinderella (2015)

Come Follow Me: Jan 13-19

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I’ve decided to start recording my notes for this Come Follow Me Program this year, emphasis on the Book of Mormon, Another Testament of Jesus Christ. When I write here on my blog, I feel somewhat like a teacher but I also learn so much more as I organize my thoughts. For those who do not know, I am a member of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latterday Saints. If you like, you can read through these notes.

Usually I write reviews on movies, books or shows but lately I have been feeling very introspective. Mostly I have thought of how important it is to add my voice to the many others who talk about Jesus Christ, his love and gospel with confidence. As the years pass by, the more I notice people turning away from religion onto other paths. Much of this is happening I feel because we aren’t speaking about what we know and believe.

Lehi’s Dream, Steven Lloyd Neal

Lehi’s Vision of the Tree of Life

The Tree of Life is God’s Love, its fruit is his love manifested through the coming of Jesus Christ and his infinite Atonement. Leading to the Tree is the Iron Rod, or word of God along a strait and narrow path. Surrounding this path are the mists of darkness, or Satan’s temptations, the Large and Spacious Building, or the Pride of the World and the River, the filthiness of the world.

For this week’s initiative, we are studying 1 Nephi 8-10. So many thoughts and memories have passed through my mind as I have studied this week. Specifically, where I am on the path of discipleship. The major themes to my study have included, I. Where I am on the path of discipleship, II. The different groups heading to the tree, III. God’s infinite love in giving us commandments and a way back to Him and IV. How I can listen to the Holy Ghost amidst other louder voices.

I. Where I am on the Path of Discipleship

In the Come follow Me manual, there was a specific phrase which really struck me. It stated, “Lehi’s vision offers an invitation to reflect on where you are—and where you are going—in your personal journey to know the Savior and feel His love. President.” (Pg. 10, Para 1)

I thought a lot on my decisions thus far in life. I grew up much of my time alone amidst my peers. I went through much of school set to sea so to say among many differing ideas and fads. I wondered how I was able to stay so faithful despite such opposition. It is too easy to say I just knew. But reflecting back, I now know I had a habit of reading the Book of Mormon from a young age.

In reading and pondering I found an anchor in Christ. As an adult I feel a need to continue forward and find new ways to strengthen my faith the Savior. It is more then just reading sometimes or going to church once a week. It is immersing ourselves in God’s love. For “Perfect love casteth out all fear” (Moroni 8:16) and leads us to find eternal happiness with a being who loves us in such a Godly manner.

To love God is not foolishness it is enlightenment.

Edward Eric, Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

It is as Arakawa stated in Fullmetal Alchemist, “A lesson without pain is meaningless. That’s because no one can gain without sacrificing something. But by enduring that pain and overcoming it, he shall obtain a powerful, unmatched heart. A fullmetal heart.” I think of Christ when I hear this statement because he gave the ultimate sacrifice to save us all. I think of myself as I face life’s challenges and carry my own personal trials. I also think of who I am meant to become by choosing this life of faith.

II. The Different Groups Heading to the Tree

There were three groups going to the tree. The first did not take hold of the Iron Rod, or word of God and fell away, swallowed by the mists of darkness. The second clung to the Rod, partake of the Fruit but then fell into the river or onto forbidden paths because of those who mocked them in the great and spacious building. The Last, held continually to the Rod and humbly fell and partook of the fruit, ignoring the mockery of others.

I actually thought of a principle I learned in yoga a few months ago. The idea, whenever we do the physical part of yoga or the mental exercises also involved, the level of our experience depends on our commitment to doing what is asked of us. Regular practice is infinitely better in the end then random, uncertain, or occasional participation.

I also felt such a strong desire to help all those going to the Tree. I thought so many times, “There must be a way to save everyone”. In a talk I heard this last week how Heavenly Father and Christ will do everything within their power to save everyone according to the laws of justice. They also will do nothing which will impede our freedom to choose for ourselves the path we want. It is hard for me to imagine not turning to God or purposefully breaking his Commandments, given in love to keep us spiritually safe. But all people have their own lives and must choose for themselves.

I actually had several dreams this week with different situations where I tried, most of the time in vain, to help those around me who were in danger. I could see it, yet I couldn’t force anyone else to listen. I talked to my mother about it and she said I worry because I cannot help everyone. But when I thought deeper I realized it wasn’t my burden to carry. It is Christ’s. Though I wish I could fix so much happening in the world around me, my primary responsibility is to see to it I find my way back to Him. Miracles happen as we simply live a Christ centered life.

III. God’s Infinite Love

I recently listened to the late President Monson’s talk entitled “Keep the Commandments“, as I pondered the reasons behind commandments and also how to discern God’s voice. One particular statement he said really touched me. He said, “He who created us and who loves us perfectly knows just how we need to live in order to obtain the greatest happiness.”

We hear so often how God loves us, I wonder if we know what it truly means. I know for myself, it is like hearing your parents tell you they love you. I hear their words, but I don’t see their happiness when I was born, or their worry as I became ill. I can’t see the years in which they watched me, nor can I understand what it is like to see me grow from a child into an adult.

But I can understand a small fraction of what it means to have God’s love when I hear, ““God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.”—John 3:16 God loves us so much he sent His Son to save us from a desolate life, wandering, lost and spiritually cut off. He loves us so much that he gave us this life to grow and choose for ourselves to find him again.

IV. How I can Listen to the Holy Ghost

Again, I pondered a lot as I listened to President Monson’s talk on the commandments. When speaking to men in the church he boldly stated,

We are surrounded by persuasive voices, beguiling voices, belittling voices, sophisticated voices, and confusing voices. I might add that these are loud voices. I admonish you to turn the volume down and to be influenced instead by that still, small voice which will guide you to safety. Remember that one with authority placed his hands on your head after you were baptized, confirming you a member of the Church and saying, “Receive the Holy Ghost.”5 Open your hearts, even your very souls, to the sound of that special voice which testifies of truth. As the prophet Isaiah promised, “Thine ears shall hear a word … , saying, This is the way, walk ye in it.”6 May we ever be in tune, that we might hear this comforting, guiding voice which will keep us safe.

-Thomas S. Monson, Keep the COmmandments 2015

In church today, one of the speakers said, “Without the Spirit we don’t have Christ.” I thought about this and realized how much I knew is and will always be based on my willingness to seek God’s guidance and hear his voice. This is so hard at time because it really does become so loud.

I paired this with the last part of my reading from 1 Nephi 10. In it, not only does Lehi expound further on their people in Israel and Christ’s role as Savior but his son Nephi, not understanding all his father said, desired to learn more. He said,

“17 . . . I, Nephi, was ddesirous also that I might see, and hear, and know of these things, by the power of the eHoly Ghost, which is the fgift of God unto gall those who diligently seek him, as well in times of hold as in the time that he should manifest himself unto the children of men.

18 For he is the asame yesterday, today, and forever; and the way is prepared for all men from the foundation of the world, if it so be that they repent and come unto him.

19 For he that diligently aseeketh shall find; and the bmysteries of God shall be unfolded unto them, by the power of the cHoly Ghost, as well in these times as in times of old, and as well in times of old as in times to come; wherefore, the dcourse of the Lord is one eternal round.”

I wondered what it is like to diligently seek and receive such answers. Then I remembered times in my life where I had deep questions about where I should go or what I should do. Sometimes I received direct answers. But that was usually only after I had undergone a severe trial or learned a profound truth. Usually, I get small promptings in the small, quiet moments in my day.

As it says in Moroni 10:5 “. . . by the power of the Holy Ghost (we) may know the truth of all things.” But the key lies in our desires and our intent. If we earnestly seek God, he will always manifest himself to us.

Conclusion

I am so grateful for God’s love and how infinite it is. I listened to a song recently that really maybe ponder my place in this world. It also made me wonder how in all his love he created such a beautiful world for each of us. He also gave us the chance to choose him of our own volition, knowing we would grow and become like him. I leave with the lyrics of the song “Saturn” by Sleeping at Last and hope any who read this have a wonderful week!

You taught me the courage of stars before you left
How light carries on endlessly, even after death
With shortness of breath, you explained the infinite
How rare and beautiful it is to even exist I couldn’t help but ask
For you to say it all again
I tried to write it down
But I could never find a pen
I’d give anything to hear
You say it one more time
That the universe was made
Just to be seen by my eyes -Sleeping at Last, “Saturn”

Book Quote:  鋼の錬金術師 (Hagane no Renkinjutsushi) or Fullmetal Alchemist

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Hehe, this is one of my favorite stories of all time. But to review it I need to do some heavy duty research. So everyone must wait. If you are a fan of Japanese literature and have not read this… for shame. Start now! 

Father: Why did you not become mine God!?

God: “Because you never believed in yourself. You thought you could make God’s power your own? Don’t make me laugh. You think stealing something powerful makes you great? You’re nothing but a cunning thief. You should have stayed satisfied inside the flask where you belong. All you have ever done is use the strength of others to grab godhood. You haven’t grown at all.

Father: “I wanted to become a perfect being! I wanted to understand God! I wanted to know everything about the world! So, why do you oppose me? Who are you?!

God: “I am what humans call the world, Or the universe or God or truth or all or one. And I am you. . . The truth brings despair to those who dare to reach above their station. This is the end you wished for.” ― Hiromu Arakawa, Fullmetal Alchemist 2001-2010