Expel Thy Vast Defilement~

Well hey there stranger!
Been a while huh? Lots of things have happened lately, I feel like I've been really busy! Even though that's probably not the case at all haha. Now, I know that my next post was supposed to be about my Japan trip (which was totally fucking awesome and I can't wait to visit again), but I've since dropped the idea of writing about it. I know, it seems really weird that I wouldn't, right? I can't really explain it myself. Honestly, I did try to write it. I tried and gave up like seven times. Long story short, I just felt like I couldn't get it right. No matter how hard I tried to talk about it or express how I thought/felt about it, I couldn't do it any justice. It never made sense or I always wrote way too much or not enough or something. And plus, I feel like at this point I've left it for too long, and now I'm at the point where it doesn't seem real, even to me. It feels like a distant dream or something. Of course I can remember it well, but putting those memories into words is something different entirely. And it got to the point where it was too overwhelming to try. I wasn't enjoying writing about it, sadly, as there was too much to write and I just didn't feel up to it. I know, that's a pathetic excuse. I'm very sorry.
That being said I do intend to do a photo spam post of my trip in due time! I just need to go through all my photos again, cause boy I took a lot. I didn't want to write about it but I didn't want to leave you with nothing, so being the lazy shit I am I figured I'd take the easy way out by just posting a bunch of photos, rather than trying to write a balanced entry about the two weeks I spent there. Rather than tell you in writing, I'll show you through photographs! So please look forward to that!
Further, if you have any questions or would like to talk to me about my trip, please feel free! You can comment here, message me on Tumblr (find me here) or chuck me a tweet on Twitter! I spent eight days in Tokyo and eight days in Osaka, but I ventured to more places from Osaka, and I'd be more than happy to talk about any aspect of my trip and share my (shockingly limited) experiences with you!

So, what am I going to blog about now, if not Japan? Well, anime of course. What else would I blog about hahaha...//sweats nervously
We're well underway with the current season and I'm seriously loving it, so of course, being the fucking nerd I am, I really wanted to blog about it. It won't be too long, as I'm only really watching four series this season, but god are they good. I don't really want/need to talk about what I've dropped this season, as I only really dropped a couple. I actually limited myself this time round from the beginning, so I didn't have the problem of trying to keep up with too many things at once. Plus it's not that important anyway. So, here's what's on my agenda this season!

Gin no Saji Season 2 (銀の匙 2)
After totally falling in love with the first season, how could I not watch this? How can anyone not be watching this? I'm totally head over heels for this series. It's what keeps me going, what gets me through each week. It gives me warm happy feelings inside and Fridays (the day the subs come out for me) never seem to come soon enough. However it does have it's moments where it can get quite tense, and I think that's part of what makes this series so good. It's a perfectly balanced between light-heartedness and seriousness, and it has real characters who face real challenges, which makes it very relatable to a broad range of people. It just feels very real. It's really fun to watch, it's fun to watch the characters grow and learn more about themselves and each other. But it also gives you enough to become very attached to these characters, and wish for their happiness. Now this may just be my bias towards him, but I think Hachiken, our main protag, exhibits this the most. At a glance he seems pretty simple, and I suppose for the most part he is, but he actually has his fair share of complexities as a character. I can't help but love him intensely. When he succeeds, when he's happy, I'm happy. When he's upset or anxious, I feel that with him. He's very precious and misunderstood and he has his own very real demons to face that sometimes get the better of him but he always manages to pull through, with the help of the people around him of course (although sometimes they are the cause of his, slumps, per say). I have a lot of feelings towards this series, in case you hadn't already picked up on that. It's just seriously so, so good. 

Hamatora: The Animation (ハマトラ The Animation)

Honestly I'm not really sure what to say about this one. Mostly because I do t really know what it's about/what's going on myself. Don't misunderstand me, I actually really like it so far! I'm just a bit lost as to what the true... story is I guess? I'm not really sure of its direction at the moment. But that doesn't mean it's no good! If anything it makes it really good, because I'm so intrigued by it I keep watching each week in anticipation. And it's actually really cool so far. It's quite unusual. And it's pretty twisted, despite all the bright colors. In terms of art, it's honestly not great, but it's good enough. The character designs are really cool. The characters themselves are also really cool. Something that I really like about this anime is that, while the whole idea of it itself isn't all that original, the 'powers' that the characters have are. Like, it's so much more interesting than just, oh this guy has super human strength. The main character, Nice, has the ability to manipulate and bend sound to his will. Seriously how cool is that? And with their powers they can do so much. It's kinda hard to explain, so you'll have to watch it to find out huehuehue. I'm seriously so curious to see where this series is heading, to find out what it's all building up to. And I'm not gonna lie, I'm expecting big things. Big, intense, mind-fuck things. Im also expecting pain and suffering and emotions and feels and wow this is anime is gonna hurt I can feel it already. But I'm enjoying it so much, so I'll gladly suffer through it, and pray for the happiness (and safety) of the characters.

Hoozuki no Reitetsu (鬼灯の冷徹)
This was actually the only anime that I was aware of prior to the season beginning (I had a lot going on and I didn't have time to plan ahead for this season ok). And that was only because it was already all over the place in Japan while I was there, before the anime had even started. But I knew from the moment I saw the displays in Animate that I would definitely be watching this one. A dark comedy series about the Japanese after-life, centering around a seriously handsome demon and the unusual shenanigans he has to deal with as Chief of Staff of Japanese hell? It doesn't get much better than that in my book. If I said it had a clear plot, and that it was progressing towards a particular point in the story, I'd be sent to the hell for liars when I pass. It's really just a collections of short tales about the problems and people that Hoozuki meets as he goes about his life. It's really refreshing, as it's quite an unusual series. I can't say I've ever really come across anything quite like it, that's for sure. And I'm very much enjoying it! While there isn't really anything suspenseful or highly dramatic, it still has plenty going for it to keep me invested. It's funny, a little bit cynical/twisted, it has likable characters, really cool artwork, it's easy to watch and enjoy... the fact alone that it doesn't totally tear your heart out and trample on it is a huge plus. It just wins all round. 

Noragami (ノラガミ )
I think all you need to know about this series is that I'm 100% hooked I have been sucked into the vortex of 'fucking-with-your-emotions' that is Noragami. Goodbye friends. I am gone.
Seriously though, this series is extremely captivating. I'll admit, the anime alone wasn't enough to catch me completely, but it was definitely intriguing enough to make me want to know more about it, which lead me to reading the manga. Well, as much as there has been translated/summarized in English so far. And that, my friends, is what did it for me. I wish I could talk more about the manga, but I won't because spoilers. Plus this is supposed to be an anime post jfc Misa get it together. Honestly, the pacing of the anime is slow, I won't deny it, but that is actually one aspect of it that remains true to the manga. The manga focuses heavily on character and plot development, so it is fairly slowly paced. But that allows it to be incredibly detailed and in depth. I'm glad the anime didn't just go rushing through it. That being said, it's obviously moving along with the story quicker than the manga, because if it didn't then people would lose interest. Anime sort of has to be quicker and get to the point relatively quickly, particularly if it's a short series. I believe Noragami will only have 12 episodes, so they do need to move things along in order to get all the important stuff in before it ends. Unless of course, they're planning on having a second season, which I personally am praying for. There's so much more to this story that I feel the anime won't even get a chance to touch on within these 12 episodes. So depending on how they end this season, I think there's a good chance of getting a second season. I really adore pretty much all the characters in this series, other than the *real* antagonists, which I won't say more about now. Yato in particular has really stolen my heart though. Hiyori is a seriously good character too. Even Yukine, despite what he's going through right now. Kazuma is an angel. Kofuku is a cutie. Seriously, they're all so lovable and they each have very strong points. What drew me to this series was probably the whole 'gods' aspect, I really like series based around this kind of thing. That being said, I feel that Noragami is actually quite unique within it's genre. I think I'll stop here, because if I don't then I never will oops. Honestly, I've found a favourite in this series, and I'm really looking forward to seeing how the anime progresses, and whether or not we'll be lucky enough to get a second season.

That's pretty much it for the new anime. I am also watching Pupipo! and Pupa, but they're both short and tbh I don't really have much to say about them. Other than what the actual fuck, in relation to Pupa. I'm also still watching Daiya no Ace, despite nearly having to stop the episode and leave the room every week due to the insane amounts of second-hand embarrassment that the fucking dork Eijun causes me. He literally makes me physically cringe and groan and hide my face in my hands in every episode because he's the world's biggest (and most lovable) idiot.
If you want to talk to me or discuss anything about these anime, I'm more than willing to chat with ya! I love sharing thoughts and having in-depth discussions about things like character development/relationships/themes/plot etc so feel free to share your ideas or thoughts with me!

Ok! And that's it for this post! I swear my next post will actually be about my Japan trip (I'm already working on it ok I promise) so check it out!

See you~

Now Playing - My Favorite Monster by LM.C

All You Need Is Megane~

Hi hiiiii~
It's that time again! We're about half way through this anime season. Ok maybe a little more than half for some series (and less than half for others) but I actually started drafting this post about two weeks ago so it was valid at the time. Well whatever. It's here now, and that's all that matters right. Anyway in this post I'm gonna fill you all in on what I am watching, and what I tried watching but gave up on, for this season. Seeing as there's soooo many, and I'm way too busy (and lazy) to talk about even half of them in detail, I'm going this all very short. Like, 2-3 sentences per series, maybe. I feel like I always say that I'm going to keep shit short, but it never works out, so cross your fingers and hope that mine don't get away from me.

What I'm Watching~

Super Seisyun Brothers (Super Seisyun Brothers ―超青春姉弟s―)

Ok so despite each episode of this series being only about four minutes long, it is probably my favourite anime of the season. And I don't even know why, really. It's just so. Cute. Easy and pleasant to watch. You know. It's a mini slice of life, and ever since I watched Kimi to Boku, I'm getting much more into this chilled out, realistic genre. I really, really like this one.

Kyoukai no Kanata (境界の彼方)(Beyond the Boundary)

At first, I wasn't going to watch KNK. I saw the promo poster and was like, oh typical, no thanks. But then I read more about it and was like, ok it sounds kinda good, maybe. Then I saw a bunch of screen caps and gifsets on tumblr the day the first episode came out, and I was like, ok I'll watch it. I'm not going to say it's the best series I've ever watched and that it's super amazing. Honestly, I still don't particularly love this series as much as everyone else seems to. I like it, but I don't love it. Regardless, there's something about it that keeps me watching every week. (That idol song episode was kind of pushing it for me though...)

Kyousougiga (京騒戯画)
I really don't know what to say about this series. It's like the Uchouten Kazoku of this season. It's so, so unique in every aspect and so bizarre and I'm just lost and confused but it's so incredibly enthralling and I just love it so much. I'm really attached to this series. I remember when I watched the first episode everyone was still buzzing over KNK and I was just like, what are you guys doing have you SEEN the first episode of Kyousougiga? It's really fucking cool and I cannot wait to see where it goes.

Meganebu! (メガネブ！)
Hahaha remember when this one was announced and we were all watching Free! and were so excited about another specialized hot guy anime aimed at females (even more so because this one was about glasses?) What happened to that buzz huh... People seemed to watch the first episode and disregard it? Like, people were actually disappointed by it? I'm really not sure what you were expecting from an anime based solely around five guys in a glasses appreciation club? Well, it's their fault for comparing it to Free! and not giving it a chance right off the bat, and their loss. Because while this series may not have a plot (I'm not going to try and deny it this series has absolutely zero plot) it's still really enjoyable. It's funny, light hearted and just generally entertaining. I love it, idec what you say. 

Nagi no Asukara (凪のあすから)
Ohhh mannnn I loooove this series but the angst oh god the angst. Sometimes I really can't handle how full of angst this series about MIDDLE SCHOOLERS IS. TOO. MUCH. ANGST. But no really this is a really good series. It's quite a unique story and setting, and the characters are very dynamic and relatable. If not really frustrating sometimes... but you can't help but love them? Idk man just watch it. I'm really not looking forward to whatever goes down in the final episodes oh god I don't think I'll be able to deal with it whatever it is I SENSE HEARTBREAK.

Diamond no Ace (ダイヤのA)(Ace of Diamond)
I get the opening song for this series stuck in my head all the fucking time. And why the fuck am I even watching an anime about baseball in the first place I don't know the first thing about baseball I don't even like sport. So why the fuck do I love this anime so damn much. I don't know, I really don't. But I do. I watched the first episode the day it came out and that was it I sold my soul I'm gone. Fuck this anime (I love it so much). And try to tell me that our cutie Eijun is not the Eren Yeager of baseball I dare you. That was literally the first thing I thought about Eijun, within the first five minutes of the first episode. Like, one Eren ruining my life is enough??? Come on...

Gingitsune (ぎんぎつね)

This anime is cute. It's nice! It's only ever so slightly angstu at times, otherwise it's mostly sweet and fun and lighthearted and I like it very much. I love anime like this, I love series to do with spirits and gods and traditional things. And sometimes I like anime that doesn't wrench my heart out on a continual basis (coughSNKcough). So this one is right up my alley. In terms of plot it's one if these ones that doesn't really have a set plot at the moment, like each episode has it's own story? Or the episodes are two parters. So yeah it's nice. Refreshing~ 

Yozakura Quartet ~Hana no Uta~ (夜桜四重奏 ～ヨザクラカルテット～ ハナノウタ)

I almost dropped this series about 3 times. The blatant fan service is a bit much, especially in episode four, I think? This one does push my limits a bit, but I'm glad I've stuck with it, because it's a really intriguing story and the characters are relatively complex. It's a good mix of humour and angst, so it's quite enjoyable to watch and easy to follow, but without being flat or boring. You can 100% tell that it's demographic is shounen, and whether or not that's a good thing is up to you to decide.

Non Non Biyori (のんのんびより)
Ahhhh I love this anime it's like Azumanga all over again! It's so cute and so funny and so fucking random and it's just wonderful. That's all I can really say about it... Um yeah the art is nice? Idk this anime has no point I swear. Think Lucky Star but set in the countryside? 

Samurai Flamenco (サムライフラメンコ)

I don't really know why I keep watching this anime each week, and after episode seven, I'm seriously considering dropping it. It was just too fucking ridiculous. Which is a shame, because up until that point I think I was quite enjoying it. I liked that it was realistic, set in the real world, with just this cute guy who wants to be a hero and fight evil but obviously doesn't have any hero powers because that stuff isn't real and for the first few episodes continually gets his ass handed to him. It's quite funny. But idk anymore. I'll see how the next episode plays out I guess. 

Galilei Donna (ガリレイドンナ)

Kamiya Hiroshi voices the hot guy with red hair. That's it. No no I'm kidding. Mm, it's kinda cute, a bit sweet, but with enough of a story to get me invested in it. This is one of the ones that I was particularly looking forward to, and it hasn't disappointed me so far. Honestly it's not amazing, but it's good. I'm just curious to see how the story and characters will progress from here. 

Dropped~

Kill la Kill (キルラキル)
Mmmm nope I'm not even gonna explain  this. I really don't think I even have to tbh. 

Log Horizon (ログ・ホライズン)

This anime was really boring... That's all I can really say about it. Like, unless you're seriously into online gaming and MMORPGs and stuff, I doubt this series will hold much interest for you. It certainly didn't capture my attention, it felt more like a chore to watch this every week. I never looked forward to it. The art isn't that good, and the story isn't really that unique. Plus the characters are flat. Overall just not my thing I guess. 

Diabolik Lovers (ディアボリックラヴァーズ)

Fuck this anime is fucked up. Seriously. What the fuck. I don't even know what to say. Just... No? I was really looking forward to this one, and I'm not sure what I was expecting, but it wasn't this. Like, I knew it would be kinda darker than your typical, but... Too much. I guess it's my fault for having warped expectations. I was just like, ooooh a bunch of hot guys that looks good. Usually I'm way into that. It's not even the cool kind of dark, this is just fucked up. I really don't know how to explain it, watching this anime just made me really uncomfortable ok. And plus I hate the main character. I thought she was gonna be really cool in from the first episode, but she just turned typical very quickly. Rather than progressing as a character she regressed. She really pissed me off. Plus this series is way too hetero for me anyway //bricked

Golden Time (ゴールデンタイム)

Ehhh it was boring? Like, it just really isn't interesting at all? I can't see this having much in the way of story or character development? The main character really fucked me off? The art is kind of alright but nothing special? Idk this series was just a big miss for me. Would not recommend. Honestly I can't think of any group of people that would enjoy this anime...

Tokyo Ravens (東京レイヴンズ)

Ok so I haven't actually dropped this one, I just put it on hold for a while I guess? Like, I want to finish it one day, but I have too many other things to watch right now, it was getting too hard to keep up. So I will continue with this anime one day, hopefully soon. I like it, it has an interesting story, though the characters can be kind of frustrating. Also the CGI kind of irritates me, because it just looks so out of place and isn't really well done, but I'll get over it. 

And that brings us to the end! I think I write a little more than I intended to, but not too bad overall, right? Actually I'm sorry this post is really crap huh. No surprises there then. I should stop telling myself that I'll get better at this stuff, because it clearly isn't happening. Plus I'm publishing this post while I may work on my phone, so it's probably riddled with errors. But at this point I've been working on this for so damn long and I really can't bothered anymore I just want to get it posted. I'm really sorry for the awful reading experienced, if you bothered to read this far at all. As always I greatly appreciate you reading, thank you thank you~

Just before I finish, I just wanna say that I probably won't be posting again for a while. At least, not until I get back from Japan ;D

So happy holidays, see you on the other side!

See you dudes next time~

Now Playing - In Bloom by ALSDEAD

Armageddon Expo 2013~

I figured that seeing as I made a special post about Armageddon last year, I should do the same this year. But then I realised that I don't actually have much to say about this time. I didn't dress up or cosplay or anything this year, I just went as myself. So I guess it'll be more like the feature if this post, but I'll probably keep it short and talk about other stuff too. It's been a while since I posted anyway, so I may as well take this chance to update on the rest of what's been going on in my life too... Which admittedly isn't very much. No surprise there, right? Anyway~

So this is what I wore. Sensible shoes for walking around for 7+ hours obvs. Also chose a really good day to wear entirely black. Clearly you can see how horrible the weather was //end sarcasm. I just wanted to be a little punk ok sorry I'm working on it.

One of the two people I actually bothered to take a photo with. She was really cute and I looooved her outfit! I've never seen anyone else dress in this sort of style over here. Her shoes were totally killer but unfortunately I didn't manage to get a photo with our feet in them...

Aaaand this was the other person I wanted to take a photo with. I got a photo with him last year, and he we totally precious (I think he was dressed as Gintoki from Gintama last year? Idk I haven't watched it). Anyway when we got there this year I was wondering if we would see him around, and we did! So of course I had to say hello and get a photo. 

Just a selfie. Nothing to see here. 

And this is what I bought this year. I'm actually surprised, I was anticipating spending much more. I had pretty good self control this year. Well, that and the fact that most of the anime "goods" being sold there are bootleg/fake. It's so easy to tell a fake collectible when fan art that I've seen on Pixiv is being used as packaging... Look at all that SNK though. I didn't even know that it was available here until a couple weeks ago when I found volume one. I wasn't going to buy that many but then I couldn't just leave them behind... And as you can see, Blue Exorcist volumes 4 and 7. I was missing 4 and 7 was the next one I needed so yup. Also Natsume Yuujinchou volume 1. I started reading this recently after wanting to for a long time, and it is so cute. Lastly I picked up Hetalia Axis Powers series 2. Because I love it. 

And that's pretty much it for Armageddon this year. Sorry it's not that interesting, I should have taken more photos or something. I'm considering cosplaying next year, or at least wearing kigurumi, so I'll be thinking about that and hopefully will have something more exciting for you next year~

Anyway to fill the rest of this post, I'm gonna do my usual pic spam update. I've pretty much just been working heaps (this week was my first week off in almost two months) so I haven't really done anything of interest. Just been out here and there, but I've mostly just been sitting at home spending way too much money internet shopping for things I may or may not need. 

The only time (that I can remember) that I actually went out for fun. And it wasn't even that exciting. We just went out for dinner one night. Yup that's pretty much it.

This is probably the thing that's had the most impact on my life lately. I got Dynasty Warriors 8 yeahhhh boiiiiii. I'm so stoked to finally have this game, I've been wanting it for so long but it was just a little too expensive. But as I said, I've been working lots lately, so I was finally able to afford it! Honestly these games keep getting better and better I stg. I am absolutely in love with this game and this series. This is what's eating all of my time lately. I regret nothing.

Also got some useless anime goods don't judge me ok. It kinda sucks cause the Eren and Levi straps can only be used one at a time... I kinda wanted to have them swinging around together on my phone but it's alright, they're suuuuper cute. I guess I'll just alternate?

See what I meant buy spending lots of money? I got the fourth Karneval Blu-Ray. I've also ordered the fifth one, so I just need to save up for the sixth and seventh. Pash! November, mostly for the Free! posters. I don't even watch that basketball one so yeah. And Animage Prince. This magazine is so gorgeous I can't even deal with it. 

Last Tuesday, I had my nails done again, finally. I've really come to hate my nails without having anything on them, so getting this done was quite relieving. It feels natural to me now, idk.

So yeah that's pretty much it, the past two months in a nutshell. Actually, I've bought more stuff than what I've shown here, but I don't have anything to show for it... yet. I got in early with some preorders. You know, preorders of the Figma Eren from SNK kind. Iamsoexcitedholyfuckingshit. This is my first ever figure, and I couldn't be happier. I don't have any intentions of becoming an avid figure collector or anything, but I do want to start getting some. You know, like favourite characters/series and such. So, that being said, I've also ordered the Nendoroid Eren and the Free! Collection Box. Whooo it's gonna be like Christmas in April. Oh, I also reached the height of weeb and ordered Free! plushies, the Mako and Haru big size ones. Fucking hell putting it in writing really reinforces how much I spent when I should be saving... haha, well, I'll be saving from now onwards, so it's alright... right? In conclusion, literally all I've been doing is working, watching anime, playing DW8 and spending too much money. That reminds me, we're a fair way into the fall anime season aren't we? It's pretty good so far. So, my next post will (most likely) be an anime post again, talking about what I am (and aren't) watching this season! Look forward to it~

Ok, so I guess that's it for today. Sorry for yet another messy, hideously written and terribly uninteresting post. I'll leave you with my face. Byeeee~

Now Playing - VANISH by DIV

Summer Anime Adventures~

Yoooooo~
Ok, I'm gonna get right into this. In case you hadn't guessed, this is going to be purely an anime post, seeing as I have more fun writing these than I do personal posts... huh.
So this time round I'm pretty much only gonna talk about the current series that I'm watching that are ongoing. Mostly because these series are very rapidly approaching their end, and I need to distract myself from the sad that this leaves in my soul. Actually, there's only about two weeks left for these ones now, I think. I started writing this a couple of weeks ago but I've been really busy recently with work so I kept putting off finishing this. My bad. Also, I'm not going to talk about as many series, but that does not mean that this post will be short. In fact, I feel like it will be the opposite, because I have less anime to talk about, I can ramble  and rant to my hearts content about the ones that I am talking about. This will probably just be a super long, incoherent word-vomit about all my feels. And I am not even sorry.
Actually, I do want to apologise for the crappy quality of this post. I wrote it over the course of about three weeks, and in the end I just got sick of writing it and sort of rushed it. Seeing as I don't write in order of anime, like, I add points and take stuff out here and there whenever the thoughts come to me, it's pretty much just generally crap overall. So yeah I'm sorry, I really hoped this one would be good...

Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club

First and foremost, I wanna talk about the anime that many of us (females, anyway) had been waiting since early this year for - Free! Iwatobi Swim Club. However, I am not going to get into all the bullshit to do with the ignorant male otaku getting shitty about Free! ruining the anime industry or whatever other lame problems they have with it. Because honestly, it's too unbelievably pathetic for me to even be bothered. Most of the time the nonsense they spout is actually quite hilarious. Anyway, all that aside, lets talk about Free! I don't usually peg a series to be a favourite from the first episode, but with Free! it was almost inevitable that it would very quickly make its way up there. If I'm being honest, I feel like I knew it would be a favourite before the first episode had even aired. From that first preview, it had me, and countless others, hooked. I mean, who isn't a sucker for hot, half naked anime boys amiright. In all seriousness though, it honestly isn't just a frenzy of fanservice, and it's far from pointless or plotless. Considering it uses a light novel, High Speed!, as it's base (the majority of this series takes place about three or four years after the events of the light novel), it actually has a lot of space to develop a good story, as a continuation of the novel. And it has been really well executed. Regardless of whether or not you read the light novel, there is a good amount of character development throughout the series, in a way that doesn't feel forced and it quite natural. I feel like I want to say that the story starts of quite slow, but it doesn't actually, and upon rewatching the first episodes, it pretty much gets right into the main plot of the series from the get-go. It's not overwhelming in any sense, though, it feels like it eases you into the story quite naturally. If you're like me, the feels can get a bit overwhelming later on, with all the (realistically portrayed) fanservice, gay subtext and shipping material that the director has so graciously provided us with. But it's the fun kind of overwhelming, if you get what I mean. No? Not really, me neither, but alright. I can't really talk about this series without mentioning the animation. Honestly, the animation is absolutely stunning. I'm not actually talking about the character animation here, though (which of course, is beautiful and realistic), I'm more talking about the animation of things like the water, and background scenery. The water, though, mostly, because we get a hell of a lot of it. I don't really know how to describe it, it's just so refreshing and well done and it feels like you're gliding through the water yourself and it ugh it's just really visually pleasant and enjoyable to watch. I'm not going to compare it to other KyoAni stuff, because honestly, I haven't watched that many KyoAni series. Other than a bit of Haruhi Suzumiya. None of them really interest me all that much. Comparisons to other KyoAni stuff is half of what all the bullshit arguments against Free! are about anyway, so whatever, I don't want to get into that. As much as I want t talk about characters and stuff, I really shouldn't, I honestly could write about them for hours. I'll just say that Makoto is by far and wide my favourite, my baaaaby. I ship Makoharu/Harumako harder than I've ever shipped anything before. Reigisa is canon and don't try to tell me otherwise. Seijuugou basically is too. I also have high hopes for Nitorin. I think Rin is dickwad of the century and he pisses me off every single episode, but no matter how mad at him I get, I just can't bring myself to hate him and I really do love the poor honey. Nagisa really deserves a little more character development. He also really reminds me of Chizuru from Kimi to Boku. Gou is a brilliant character and I'm so glad that the Free!dom actually really love her and accept her (I mean come on, she is the fangirl incarnation in the show). Coach Sasabe is swimming Macklemore. Rei is a huge fucking dork and at first I didn't like him but now I really do. Haru is also a very precious baby, second to Mako. I just want him to be happy. And free. Which, I guess, is basically what the show is all about. If I'm being honest, other than Nagisa there are a few more characters that I would have liked to see fleshed out a little more, but with only two episodes left I doubt it will happen. Wow ok I feel like I've rambled my way into oblivion here help how do I get out and make this at least partially comprehendible. I guess I'll leave it at that. In terms of recommendation, yes. Yes yes yes. I may be (definitely am) a little biased here, but I highly recommend this series. Even for guys. It's still a sports anime, at it's core, and it's about high school guys and their friendship and their competition. The guys just so happen to be super good looking as well as super fit. So it's not that different from something like Kuroko no Basket really //bricked. I'm actually already really depressed that this series is ending. And it's not even over yet. So here's hoping for a second season, huh?

Uchouten Kazoku (有頂天家族)

I watched the first two episodes of this one when it started, pretty much on a whim. The art style was so unusual, same goes for the story and its characters. After the second episode I stopped watching it for a couple of weeks. It was a little too unusual for me at first, and I couldn't see myself getting into it. A couple of weeks ago, though, I decided to continue watching it, again, on a whim. I was bored and wanted to watch something not too serious but something that still had substance. So I found myself drawn back to it. Even now, that I've caught up, and am going to continue to watch it weekly, I still don't really know how I feel about it. It's really... Unusual! I apologise for my lack of variation in descriptive words for this series, but other than something like 'weird' and/or 'interesting', 'unusual' really is the best way to describe it. I've never watched anything like it, it's a stand-alone in almost every aspect. Honestly, I still don't even know exactly what's going on or what the plot is or what all the random with eventually equate to, but for some reason that doesn't bother me like it usually would at this stage in a series. I'm  sort of just going along for the ride with this one, going with the flow and just accepting whatever it throws at me. Not that anything is actually thrown at you, this series has a way of making moments and situations that would usually be be quite intense or dramatic, surprisingly mellow. I'm not going to give examples, because spoilers (if I can even call them that because the way they're handled is so casual), but I feel like if you watch it you'd see where I'm coming from here. Despite how tense this series could be, and at times can be, it's actually very comfortable to watch, while still managing to maintain a level of interest that makes you want to invest and keep watching. I'm kind if rambling here a little, and I knew this would happen, but it can't be helped. This series really is bafflingly likeable. Yes, I like this series. I like it more and more with each episode. I have no idea why I like it. I wish I could give you a real reason. That would probably make my recommendation more valid. But I really can't. It's so unlike what I would usually watch. I thought for sure I would just drop it again. But I haven't, and I won't. And not even I understand why. I was a little surprised though, because from about episode 9 onwards, the content actually gets quite heavy. Hell, it made me cry. So I'm really looking forward to the final episodes. 

Gin no Saji (銀の匙)
For those who don't know, the manga of this series is written by Hiromu Arakawa, mangaka of the Fullmetal Alchemist series. So you can probably imagine my surprise when I heard that she is the one behind Gin no Saji, an educational slice of life about agriculture and farming. That was pretty much the only reason I started watching it. I was utterly surprised, and that quickly lead  to curiosity. It's understandable, right? I was 99% sure I wouldn't like it at all, and would drop it as soon as I picked it up. Long story short, that's far from what I actually did. I really, really like this series. The setting and setup is, I believe, really unique. It's intriguing from the very beginning. The plot isn't all that developed (yet) and while it may seem quite typical on the surface, I believe it's much deeper than it seems. This series has bundles of potential. The art is really nice, nothing too complicated yet it's somehow ridiculously detailed. Sometimes too detailed, when dealing with freshly killed livestock... Ah, and the animation of the food in this series is on a Studio Ghibli level, I am not even kidding. Holy shit I get so hungry watching this series. It's also kind of cool to see elements of Hiromu's character art style, but in a totally different setting. You can definitely tell by the character designs that this is indeed Hiromu's work. Speaking of characters, I think the thing I like most about this series is the characters. They're all so likeable, and exceptionally believable. Despite it being a short series, they've already managed a good deal of character development with the secondary characters, not just our mains. They're vey easy to relate to. I was honestly surprised at how much I (and how quickly) I came to love the main character, Hachiken. He's just so... likeable? I don't really know how to explain it. Just trust me. He's a real good kid, you'll love him. They're all good kids, actually, and really relatable. Huh. This one was kind of short. I don't have that much more to say about it though... Anyway, I wouldn't hesitate to recommend this anime, to anyone. I mean, if you generally only like action-based anime then maybe this won't be for you, but I strongly suggest you give it a go anyway. It's fun, refreshing, and an absolute pleasure to watch. 

Makai Ouji Devils and Realist (魔界王子 devils and realist)
Ok, so I may or may not have wanted to watch this series purely because it was BL... Well, actually, I don't think that's entirely true. While yes, that was most of the reason, I did like the sound of the plot, and it vaguely reminded me a little of Kuroshitsuji in many aspects. Plus, this series actually had a lot of pull factors for me overall. I like series with devils and demons and fighting for the boy and seeing different representations of heaven and hell in anime and I mean who doesn't love a good harem BL series am I right and boy it helps when all the characters are devilishly handsome (see what I did there) and I love European settings in anime and oh did I mention that I love series that are set in past times/ historical series and series that do have a good solid plot that while not being so tense and serious and angsty that it makes it uncomfortable to watch but still has no problems keeping me interested and invested and wanting to watch more and that really makes me come to love and care about the characters and wish for their happiness and wow yay for run-on setences, but do you kind of see what I mean? This series really does tick a lot of boxes for me. Actually I feel like I just summed up this series and my feelings towards it in one long shitty sentence. You're welcome. Now, while I say that I liked the sound of the plot, that isn't to say that there is much of one. From what I've seen so far, the only really major thing is about William being a decedent from Soloman, and being essentially the next Soloman and all that. I can't really see this series going anywhere in terms of story development, unfortunately. I'm really not sure what will happen in the end, but I feel that it's going to be a kind of disappointing ending. Somehow, William will find a way around having to chose someone to be the interim ruler. Or something. Either way, I doubt it will get a second season, and with only two episodes left I really can't see how they can give this series a satisfying ending. Well, I'm enjoying it all the same, just don't go into this anime expecting mind blowing plot and brilliant storylines. In terms of the art, the anime really doesn't do the manga any justice, I'm afraid to say. The animation is average, at best, and really doesn't capture the beauty of the characters or the setting of the manga. It's kind of a shame, but it's not too bad. It's not like the animation is so crap that it renders the series unwatchable. It's still perfectly pleasant to watch. It's just that the artwork of the manga is much, much better. I don't really have much more to say about this series. I mean, it's pretty good, yeah. If you're like me, and you're into this kind of series then I'd definitely say to give it a go. But, honestly I'd say it has a pretty narrow target audience, and I wouldn't recommend it as a general 'oh my god you have to watch this' to just anyone.

Dangan Ronpa (ダンガンロンパ: The Animation)
I honestly thought I wasn't going to watch this series past episode one. I told myself I wouldn't. And I almost didn't. I lasted about a month before I caved. You know what. I regret nothing. I'm getting kind of lazy with writing this now, so I'm gonna try and keep this short. At first, I really didn't like the animation style. Honestly, I'm still not a huge fan of it. At times I find it a little too dark, no matter how high the brightness on my laptop is, so things are a little hard to make out. Other than that, the character designs are very simple. A little too simple, for me personally, but hey. Overall it's not bad, and it's still perfectly watchable. I'm aware that these are probably all stylistic choices and such, and that it's probably trying to match the style of the game (which, by the way, I have not played and it's likely that I will not play sorry not sorry), so I guess it's just me being picky. But like I say, it's still watchable, in fact it's extremely captivating. I'm talking about the plot, here. It's certainly not your typical 'put a bunch of strangers/friends somewhere isolated and watch them fight to the death' story. This one is very intriguing, and really plays on the elements of mystery and suspense to keep the audience hooked and wanting to know more. Now, as I haven't played the game, I wouldn't know how true-to-form the anime is, and whether or not the story is different and/or better in the game, but as far as I'm concerned, this adaptation has been very well executed. I haven't really seen any negatives about it in that aspect (or any aspect, for that matter), so I'm gonna guess that most people are fairly pleased with it. If I could give one piece of advice when it comes to this series, it would be; don't get attached to any of the characters. Other than Naegi, and maaaybe Togami and Kirigiri. Other than that, just don't, ok. This one is almost, if not as, ruthless as Shingeki no Kyojin. I would recommend this series to most people. I would probably hesitate to recommend it to someone who doesn't like mystery series, where questions go unanswered for episodes at a time. But, like I say about most series, just give it a go. You never know unless you try, right?

Allll right! That brings us to the end, of this post, and of these anime because I'm pretty sure they all only have about one week left hahaha I'm sorry this post is so late... While I am very sad to see these series end, I am very excited about the fall anime lineup, particularly about Meganbu oh my goddd it's the swimming anime but with megane boys who isn't excited about that and they actually have nipples this time whoa guys. I'm planning to make another post once the season has started, and I've got my list of the ones I'll be watching, and give my first thoughts/impressions. That will probably be my next post all together, as like I said at the beginning of this one, I've been busy working lately, and that's pretty much all I've been doing. My life literally consists of work and anime right now, so I won't be making any personal posts for a while I'm afraid. Not that you care. But yeah.

I'll let you go now, if you actually bothered to read all of this, or just skim through, or just skip to the ones you like or whatever, I'm equally grateful! Thank you very much! You know, you can always feel free to come and talk with me about anime, or manga or anything like that! Just find me on Twitter or Tumblr, or here, anything is fine~ Just be aware that once you get me started, I may not be able to stop.

Until next time~!

Now Playing - 予襲復讐 by Maximum The Hormone

Memories Drift In And Out Of My Mind~

And the little people get left behind~
So whateverrrrrrr~

That may or may not be one of my favourite Adventure Time quotes ever. I have my reasons ok. Anyway it's only marginally relevant to this post, in the way of I have forgotten pretty much everything that I have done between now and my last post. Which, was over a month ago huhuhu forever a useless blogger. That being said, I probably haven't even done that much, so I guess it's no huge loss. I feel like my posts are just getting really repetitive. Me not remembering if I did anything of interest, and just rambling about music things or anime things, because that's pretty much all my life consists of.

Other than going to work on Sundays and Mondays, I don't really get out that much. If I do go out it's usually just to go to the supermarket or the library or something. I don't mind it. I prefer staying home. This past month I only really made an effort and got dressed up to go out once. It was nice, I do like making an effort. I just don't see the point in going to all the trouble if I know I'm only going to be out for like, an hour. And I'm actually really lazy and it takes me ages to get ready and sometimes you know, it's just not worth it. This one time I was actually out for the whole day though, so I tried.

Yes hello this is my face and I actually kind of liked how it looked that day ok.

Top notch editing I know try to not be too overwhelmed. (She was pulling a huge derp face and would probably de-friend me if I posted the normal picture).

I didn't get a chance to take a full outfit picture this day, so this will have to do. I was wearing tattoo tights with scissors on them with thigh-high ripped socks over top, and my white Doc Martins. The shirt is Super Lovers and the cardigan is Listen Flavor. 

Other than that, and working, I didn't go out much. Just stayed home watching anime. No regrets. 

I received my copy of GOTCHAROCKA's Crisis~ No Toya card again this time, but I was pretty happy to receive the card with all of them! I would like to review the album, but I feel I've left it too late, and honestly I think I need to listen through it a few more times before I'd be able to review it properly. By properly, I mean more than just mindless fangirling about how fucking fantastic it is because it is fUCKING FANTASTIC OMFG. 

Actually, something that you may have noticed that's been happening with me is the move away from music being my dominant interest, back to anime and manga. I say 'back', because before I was obsessed with jrock and visual kei, I was already obsessed with anime and manga. So this is all nothing new to me. It's hard to explain really, but basically I have a very one-track mind, and I can't really be obsessed with more than one thing at a time. You know. Like, I'll still love my other interests, but I can only handle one dominant interest at a time. I know, it's kind of pathetic huh... But it's just the way my mind works, I can't help it. Because when I'm interested in something, I throw my whole being into liking it. It's hard to keep up with myself sometimes. In a way though, I've realized, that's why I've stopped being so interested in music. Well, that's not right. I still love music, and I still listen to music all the time. I guess I should be more specific, and say that's why I've stopped being so interested in visual kei. Why I've stopped trying to immerse myself in it. It's too hard to keep up with the whole scene, sometimes. There's always something being released, from countless artists, be it a single, and album, a DVD, magazines. Bands are breaking up and forming left right and center. It's actually exhausting trying to keep up with it all, and there came a point for me where it was no longer fun to try. It wasn't something I enjoyed doing. Trying to be up to date on all the artists I listen to, trying to hunt down entire discographies before I felt I had the right to call myself a fan, knowing who is releasing what and when, and deciding which releases I would be able to buy. I found myself no longer being able to justify spending $35 on a single, or $50 on a mini album. Keeping up with interviews and live streams and blogs and twitters... honestly, it just became too much. I feel like there's so much pressure, if you're a fan of visual kei, for you to be and act a certain way. I don't really feel like getting into all that right now though, so I'll just leave it at that. And actually, I feel happier now because of this. I just listen to whatever I feel like, whatever makes me happy. I do still listen to the visual artists that I like, of course, my favourite bands are visual. But I've stopped forcing myself to try to keep up, and I'm branching out my musical tastes a bit. It's refreshing, you know. 

Anywaaaay. Speaking of anime (we weren't really speaking about it but humor me ok), instead of spending all my earnings on CDs and the like, I've been buying more anime and manga related goods. I regret nothing.

Two issues of Pash! magazine (June issue with Karneval on the cover, and August issue with SNK on the cover yehyeh). The Karneval Illustration Book, which is really beautiful by the way. If you're a fan of the series this book is a must. Volumes 10+11 of the Karneval manga, a another Karneval book. I'm not sure what it is exactly, it's more manga and I guess stories that aren't related to the main storyline? Idk, but it was super cheap, so I got it. Nice order, huh. It cost me an arm and a leg in shipping, but it was so worth it. 

Then I received this order just yesterday. Pash! September issue with Free! on the cover (hnnn babies), Karneval Animation Guide, and Karneval volume 1 on Blu-ray. While the Blu-rays are substantially more expensive than the DVDs, they do have English subtitles and are compatible with my PS3, so I didn't really have choice. It's very pretty though huhuhu. I've also ordered some SNK phone straps, some useless Karneval merch, the first SNK Illustration book and the second Karneval Blu-ray. I'm also waiting until it's a little closer to the release date to order the Free! animation guide book. I'm pumped, yo.

Also, I'm not sure if you've noticed the difference in the quality of my photos between the last one and all the rest. It's because the last photo was taken on my new iPhone 5 whaaaaat uuuuuup~ I'm sorry, I'm just really stoked to have it. I've already had it a week but I'm still buzzing over it. Ah, I can feel my Apple snob status has been elevated 50%.  

And that's all I've got this time, really. This post was super all over the place, so I'm sorry about that. How do blog. Idk. Haven't figured it out yet sorrrrrrry. 

I'm planning on making my next post another anime post, but this time mostly centered around the on-going series that I'm watching right now (with the exception of SNK cause I've already written about it). I'm actually really excited to write it and I'll probably get started on it within the next few days, so please look forward to it! It'll probably be 100% more interesting than this lame post (and all my other lame posts about my life for that matter). 

No now playing today because I'm not listening to anything. I'm blogging and watching Must Love Cats at the same time. 

Stop the time~

What's uuuup~
This post is going to be back to my usual. Whether or not that's a good thing, I'm not entirely sure. My past three posts have been better received than any of my others (ie my anime and PIECE post). So, it would seem that my 'usual' isn't the best way to go. Honestly, I wouldn't mind just continuing to write about anime and such, as I actually really enjoyed it. But at the same time, there's a little more to my life than just anime, and while it isn't ever all that exciting, it's still my life, you know? And I want to write about those things too. After all, this is my personal blog. I've always believed it to be a place where I can word vomit and rant and just get anything and everything off of my chest. That being said, I will definitely be doing more anime posts in the near future.

Oh yeah! I want to talk about this before I forget. About two months ago, I finally caved and, wait for it... made a Tumblr. I KNOW I'M REALLY FUCKING LATE OK BUT FOR SO LONG I WAS JUST LIKE NO LEAVE ME ALONE. But I pretty much lurked in the background without actually having a Tumblr for like, over a year, so I figured I should just get over it and sign up. And I regret nothing. Absolutely nothing. So if you're interested, my Tumblr Stop the time. It's multi-fandom, and I do reblog BL/yaoi/NSFW. Fair warning. I pretty much just reblog a shit tonne of Shingeki no Kyojin (mostly Ereri/Riren), Karneval, and a bit of Free! and Adventure Time stuff. I know it's really plain, but I don't really care too much about the layout of the actual blog. The dashboard is where it all happens, anyway. I just prefer simple things when it comes to layouts and stuff. That should be apparent from the layout of this blog, and my Twitter. Anyway! Follow me if you would like, I'll follow back! Probably... so long as we have some things in common.

Anyway I've realized that I really don't have anything interesting to post about. Ehhh sorry about that! I guess I'll just do a really small pic spam with some things that I've been doing recently. It's small because I haven't actually been taking that many photos lately. Also, there aren't really any outfit photos as I've been lacking inspiration lately and haven't been as bothered with my outfits.

I went and got my nails done, again by Satomi at S's Nail. This is one of my absolute favourite nail designs. I will definitely be getting it again one day, maybe in the reverse. Ah, but my nails were longer this time so they grew out reeeally quickly and got kind of annoying. 

Idk. I found this picture in one of the magazines at my nail place (it's also a hair salon) and I just found it really funny. It was a Japanese guys hair style magazine, but I think this was a section on eyebrow styling or something. Honestly, I was just looking through it to scope the hot Japanese guys while waiting for my appointment.

This seems to be the only outfit photo I've taken lately... OTL
Well, I did really like this outfit, so I guess it's ok. 

I also really liked how my makeup turned out that day. Not that you can actually see it. I'm sorry, iPod cameras are crap quality. 

Went out for dinner to a little local Japanese restaurant. I love it there, the food is cheap and so good. Their green tea ice cream is the best~ 

Then the other day I went and had my nails done again. It was about a month after my last time. I went for a much more simple design this time, mostly because it was much cheaper, but also because with the base gel being clear, it won't be noticeable when they grow out. I actually really love them, they're so pretty. 

Other than a few other small outings here and there, and going to work, I haven't done all that much. I'm still pretty much just watching anime all of the time. I also bought the Sims 3 University recently, so that's taking up lots of my time too. Oh, I have had lots of new music though! 

Grimoire, album from Nocturnal Bloodlust. Before even getting to the music, I just want to say that this album is one of the most beautifully designed albums I've ever had the pleasure of owning. It's so stunning. That photo does it absolutely no justice. As for the music, well. It's Nokubara. These guys are so amazingly talented and so fucking kick ass. I can't even make the words to describe how GOOD this album is. It's just... ugh perfect from beginning to end. 

Satellite Cube, mini album from PIECE. This is it! We waited a year for this. And they did not disappoint. I'm going to be honest, when I heard about all the changes that were happening with PIECE, I was a little worried. I was worried that they wouldn't be PIECE anymore, that they'd lose that special something (whatever it is, I'm not sure) about them that made me fall in love with them. This mini though... it's easily one of my favourite releases of the year. It's absolutely perfect. They pull of the whole, space android thing so, so well. It actually suits them much more than their previous style. That being said, when I listened to this for the first time, I felt this rush of relief. Because, despite how much they'd changed, in every song, I could still hear 'PIECE'. I love every song on this mini. They have all improved so much, they've come so far. I feel like finally, their talent is shining. And I couldn't be happier, I couldn't be more proud. 

GIGA, album from Jackman. About this one, actually... I haven't listened to it all that much yet. I'M SORRY. I got this album around the time that I started watching anime again, and in all honestly I haven't been listening to much music since then. Anime is pretty much taking up all my time and head space... But I will sit down and listen to it properly very soon! It's Jackman, so I already know it's going to be fantastic.

Nanda Collection, album from Kyary Pamyu Pamyu. I missed out on Pamyu Pamyu Revolution, so there was no way I was going to miss out on this one. I don't really know what to say about this one. She's just so brilliant. This album is so much fun. It's just great, ok, she's great and asdfghjkl;

So yeah, that's pretty much all that's been going on with me. I'm sorry, this post was really fucking boring. I guess I really should just stick to passionately ranting about anime. 

Now Playing - milk tune. by SuG