#not a full analysis

[ambrosiagourmet]

I've seen pieces from this extra comic before, but never read the full thing until today. And holy shit does it hammer home just how much the story is about class.

Multiple times, when food comes up in this comic, it’s also in context of money:

I've seen this last panel on the right brought up before in context of like, dungeon meshi's relationship with fat and eating, but in the full context of the comic it really hits how much adventuring directly consumes bodies for money.

As much as this has been part of the story the whole time, showcased as early chapters 19 and 20...

It never fully hit me before how often adventuring comes down to having no other way to make money but to throw yourself into death repeatedly. To be used, whether it’s by individual selfish people (like the resurrection group that is happy to try and get Kabru's group to kill each other to get extra gold from them in chapter 32), or by the greater cog of the Dungeon Economy in general.

Which, to be clear, is all too often how things work in the real world, too. So many jobs burn through the health and lives of workers. Dungeon Meshi just makes it literal in a new way: by making the healing and resurrection, a core part to the adventuring loop, directly use fat, muscle, and energy from the body being healed.

Imagine Amazon, but if you got injured at work, they could literally burn up some of your body to get you back to working sooner. And that was seen as an advantage of the job.

And then you have Laios, thinking about eating monsters:

Not just because he likes monsters a lot. But because it would help. He says something similar in the actual manga too, during the chapter discussing his dream with the Winged Lion

Laios wants to be able to make a home for Falin. He wants to give her a place where she never has to eat alone. And when he gets a party, he wants to give them a way to eat well. And when he runs a country, well…

He wants to ensure that everyone has enough to eat.

Food is political. Food ties into class, and money. What is deemed "proper" to eat, what is a luxury, what is crass… so much of it comes down to money.

Being judged for eating what's available, when what is “proper” isn't affordable, is already a thing that happens. People forced into work that consumes their energy is already a thing that happens.

Dungeon Meshi has a lot of fantastical elements, but boy is its examination of food and class very real.

[that-greek-mythology-girl]

During "Full Speed Ahead", Odysseus goes: "Ithaca is waiting. My Kingdoom is waiting. Penelope is waiting for me." Whilst the chorus goes: "Ithaca's waiting. The Kingdoom is waiting. ....waiting." Do you think that little space where they don't repeat Penelope's name, they're saying to themselves their own loved ones names. For example, Eurylochus would go: "Ithaca's waiting. The Kingdoom is waiting. Ctimene is waiting."

And then they never make it home.

HAHA

[aroaceleovaldez]

i have suddenly become obsessed with a theme that HoO established but never proceeded to extrapolate on, which is:

You are Percy Jackson, and you have been swapped with a boy who was allegedly everyone's favorite person, but they have decided to replace him with you. They just met you. You stand next to his best friend and the people he's known his entire life. In his home. In his cloak. In his place. They stopped looking for him.

You are Jason Grace, and you have just found out you have a long lost sister who completely replaced you in her life with this girl you just met. Your lives and personalities are mirrors. She is you, living the life you were robbed of.

You are Annabeth Chase, and you have just become starkly aware that you have been inhabiting the void left behind by your best friend's long lost brother. You and Luke were just replacements for him. Now you have to look him in the eyes when he has nothing and know you took that life from him.

You are Piper McLean, and you have just found out your relationship is fake and built entirely on the memories of Annabeth Chase. You have been given a boyfriend when hers has been taken away. You have no idea how much of it is real or not but regardless you feel like if your relationship isn't exactly in their image that you have failed.

You are Leo Valdez, and you have just learned that you are the echo of your great-grandfather. You are not your own person. You just exist to be a mirror of him. A doppelganger. An actor and stunt double facing all the danger he never had to but wearing his face. To be there for his best friend decades later simply because he couldn't. You are playing a role. A seventh wheel and a pawn for a goddess who carefully sculpted your entire life for her own purposes.

You are Hazel Levesque, and the only reason you are alive is because your brother couldn't save your his sister. You are a consolation prize. An apology. Your existence here is misplaced in every way but you inhabit it anyways.

You are Frank Zhang, and you are a shapeshifter. Inhabiting your own body feels strange and clumsy when you could be literally anything at any time. You are anything and everything and live your life with the simple certainty of knowing exactly how you will die.

[my-heart-of-heart]

So normal about Jon being like I don’t remember what you looked like but the man who let you die is going to suffer for what he did to you. If only Sasha coulda seen that.

So normal about Jon being like you died hating me and wanting me dead but I’m still gonna make sure this man knows I’m ending him in your name. Sure wish Tim coulda seen that.

So normal about the fact that everyone believed Jon was losing his humanity but no one got to see the ways his love and compassion for the people he lost or who hurt him drove him to that final moment.

So normal about the fact that even after everything Jonah’s done to Jon, the only person he never thinks to get justice for is himself.

[onehelluvafan]

Perspective

I’ll end the arrangement // He’ll end the arrangement

You’re letting me go // I’m setting you free

Please don’t leave // Please stay

You’ve never respected me // You’ve never respected me?

Why can’t you come back? // Why can’t you stay?

// Why can’t you understand? //

// How could he possibly understand? //

Perspective…

is everything.

[birdy-babe]

I’m sick to my stomach

[starlight-bread-blog]

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But it was Katara that he chose to invite.

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But Azula knew to aim at Katara.

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But the scene was romamtically coded.

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But Katara needed to get to heal him.

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But it was Katara who was with him in season finales.

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But he needed to choose Katara over Azula.

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But Shu needed to survive in this life.

"Zuko would take a lightning for anyone–"

But the writers deliberately chose Katara.

Inspired by @captain-konami-code 's "They were enemies"

[calebsdog]

One of the things I love most about Caleb is how much reciprocation matters to him.

During their childhood Caleb kept his feelings a secret because he was sure Mc didn't love him the way he loves her. He was prepared to keep his love a secret from Mc forever. Quietly supporting her financially and emotionally as she achieves her dreams.

During his limited myth Caleb is very aware of the fact that he was the only positive figure Mc has in her life. He was the one who helped her escape, gave her the first real food she's tasted, was the first to make her smile, and more.

Even though Caleb could have taken full advantage of being the only person Mc trusts— of course he doesn't. That's the complete opposite of who he is. He tells Mc that she should be able to see the world without being stuck at his side. He hates the idea of Mc being trapped and never wants to hurt her in that same way. He encourages Mc to live on and find happiness without him if that's what she needs.

Even in the present day when Caleb is starting to open up about his feelings and begin to work towards the relationship he wants he always has a way of getting a green light from Mc first.

During his exclusive aftertaste card Mc hears him moving around in the middle of the night. Caleb was unable to sleep while thinking about her. But Mc only knows Caleb was awake because she couldn't sleep either. They're haunting each other's thoughts even when they're only a few rooms apart.

In another card Caleb says he's not afraid of death. But he's afraid of Mc letting him in, finally giving their relationship a chance, only for her to end up regretting it. Picture that. Caleb is more afraid of hurting you than dying.

Caleb saying "I held myself back day after day" was never meant to be malicious. He wasn't physically restraining himself from pouncing on you or trying to push you to return his feelings. He was holding himself back emotionally. He was wearing a mask because he was terrified of scaring you with the depth of his love.

He only wants to push your relationship further if you want it too. He'll bite back his love for Mc for the rest of his life, never pursuing anyone else romantically, if she can't accept his heart. In fact, he'll think he's selfish for having those feelings in the first place.

I wish more people realized how important reciprocation was to him. If Mc didn't let Caleb back into her life he would've stayed away for good. They've only gotten this far because Mc kept letting him in. Because, of course, she loves him too.

Caleb is just so 𝘴𝘢𝘧𝘦.

[calmlb]

It’s been clear that the Tanizakis aren’t siblings from the very beginning

here’s some evidence now that it’s been confirmed canon…

everyone who’s read irl Tanizaki’s book knew that Junichiro & Naomi weren’t siblings as soon as they introduced themselves

BUT just because the Tanizakis aren’t siblings doesn’t mean you can’t feel uncomfortable about them. if you feel uncomfortable, GOOD. that’s exactly what they want

the Tanizakis, Mori— they all use these disturbing ruses to disarm or distract people in order to protect themselves, or to accomplish their goals. this is a writing device that asagiri commonly employs as a way to parallel the irl literature (it’s actually ingenious)

there are 4 main indicators that have always made it clear to me that Junichiro & Naomi are not siblings:

1. most obviously— their character designs. Harukawa is extremely intentional with character designs, & she very intentionally made Naomi & Junichiro look nothing alike

their eye shapes are purposely different

their color palettes are contrasting

even their differing styles of clothing have meaning

this was all done so that the audience could PLAINLY see that they’re not related— so that WE know that they’re lying when they say they ARE related

2. how the people around them respond to their act.

the general reaction is “don’t question it”— which is exactly what they want. “be distracted by how uncomfortable you feel so that you look away from what we’re hiding” (this is likely a protective measure)

3. most importantly, this is meant to parallel irl Tanizaki’s book “Naomi,” where the main character Joji picks up Naomi to raise her into his ideal woman, but since she's so young (& a minor) they call each other cousins (Joji makes no sexual advances on young Naomi btw)

however, his plan backfires because when Naomi gets older & they get married, she flips the script on him & manipulates HIM so that he's under her thumb (which is why bsd Tanizaki is at a domineering Naomi's mercy). Joji let her have her way because of his masochistic tendencies

4. lastly is the emphasis that Asagiri and the Tanizakis themselves put on calling each other siblings.

over & over, it’s “my brother this” & “my sister that”

like they’re desperately trying to convince us that it’s true (“don’t let your lying eyes deceive you”)

here are just a few of many examples from the light novels…

again, if you’ve read “Naomi” you knew that Junichiro & Naomi weren’t siblings as soon as they introduced themselves

just like if you’ve read irl Mori’s works, it’s clear that bsd Mori isn’t a pedophile

just like if you’ve read No Longer Human you know that Dazai’s an unreliable narrator. he makes you think he’s a bad person bc he believes he’s a bad person, but those around him see him differently (btw this doesn’t mean he’s never done anything “bad,” though bsd isn’t about morality— but that’s another discussion)

anyway, i’m so excited for the Tanizakis backstory to be revealed so that we can better understand why they use this defense!!

also let this be a reminder to READ THE LITERATURE if you’re able to!! even reading synopses & analyses of the coordinating books makes bsd make much more sense 🥹

reminder that this how you’re supposed to react while reading bsd:

also, if you’re interested in a post explaining how Mori isn’t a pedo, i wrote this analysis on twt. OR you can read this document that one of my moots sent me (remember: analyzing a character does NOT mean you condone any actions they may or may not commit!)

[sublimati0ns]

daily koss #13: hot mess aka they’re bad at this aka I can’t even label this “low-effort” or “shitpost” anymore 🥲 … bsky

I imagine they both like and yearn for physical intimacy, but are insanely neurotic about it… I love them and I had fun colouring this/// (also I know I forgor KO’s arm decal I just got too lazy to draw it… I’m sorry for taking your drip king…)

[timkontheunsure]

Like father like daughter

Ok thought it's be interesting to compare Stolas action on Full Moon, and Via's in Sinsmas. Because they're very similar people.

Via isn't trying to hurt her dad in Sinsmas, like Stolas wasn't trying to hurt Blitz.

She's pulling the same "freeing" rubbish that Stolas was trying to do with Blitz.

She's unilaterally deciding what's best for her loved one.

Because she assumes she's was only an obligation, a burden to him.

She thinks that just by being in his life she was actively making his life worse.

When Blitz appears to not choose Stolas freely, (yes Stolas is a dummy), Stolas thinks he's a monster, that was abusing Blitz. Someone Blitz's hates.

Via's in the exact same headspace, thinking Stolas didn't pick her.

That's why she assumes that she's unloved. That Stolas has lied to her about loving her.

When neither Stolas or Blitz were lying here. (Seriously Blitz was using roleplay as a excuse to say it. Can you imagine him every agreeing to doing this with Verosika. Nope, he'd have run several rings).

But like how Stolas would have done better asking Blitz what he wants out of their relationship. (Not blindsided him about ending the deal. Making Blitz cry, panic, and get rightly angry). Via would have done better asking her dad questions and listening to the answers.

Stolas hurts Blitz here, because he badly misreads the situation, and by not involving Blitz in how to end the deal.

Like how Via hurts her dad badly, by assuming he would be better off without her in his life.

But also because by doing this she's hurting herself too. And her dad would never want Via isolated and alone.

Especially because by shutting down the questions she doesn't the important safety information that Stella is dangerous, now that Stolas can't protect her.

[nipuni]

OUGUHH I'VE READ 'THE PILLOWMAN' 😭😭😭😭 It was absolutely brilliant and I'm already drawing about it lmao. Katurian K. Katurian I love you aaaaaaaa. It is horrifically tragic but also funny, thought provoking and Kafkaesque. It's also a very short and easy read. Here it is if you want to read it too!! The next time I'm in London I'm breaking into the National Theatre Archive to watch the original production with David as Katurian just look at him!!

[batsyheere]

The dynamics between Dan, Danny and Ellie are so funny to consider. Danny is far too used to handling Sam and Tucker at their worst and now he has an additional gremlin duo who picked up whatever madness was in Vlad's system when he decided cloning was a great idea. (Danny is highly aware that it is not a good thing to have more him in the world and has resolved to better avoid clone plots). Meanwhile Dan and Ellie will fight over the most random, inane things, but the minute it's about family they band together into a proper terror and the only beings able to stop them are Jazz in her disappointment if the situation calls for it, and sleep deprived Danny who does not realize his exhausted presence is like a terrifying parental figure catching their kid doing something stupid.

It gets even funnier when Jazz finally breaks out of the mindset that she needs to be in charge and instead enjoys herself, and so the only leash for the three most feral Fentons (honorary and named) is a perpetually tired teen/young adult.

Now drop that in Gotham.

[shellem15]

Thinking about how, out of all the betrayer gods, Asmodeus is perhaps the most incapable of changing. Of redemption. Of becoming better.

Because at least the others are honest. Honest about who they are. Honest about their love for their siblings. They know exactly what they are and what they are here to do, even if it is for ill. And that means they can be worked around. Can be changed.

Asmodeus, however, cannot do this. He is the god of lies. Even his truths are rotten. He cannot be honest. Not with others, not even with himself.

Do you think he knows what he even wants? He says he wants eternity to torment his siblings yet tries to kill them. He tries to kill them, yet (whether he realizes it or not) gives them just enough time to stop him. They are gods, after all. One round is all they need.

He says he hates his siblings yet told trist he loved her when in disguise. He didn't need to do that, she was already going to leave. It's the truth, but rotten.

You cannot change, you cannot become better, if you are not honest with yourself. And Asmodeus is the most dishonest of them all. It's no wonder he is always banished by the light of Pelor's truth. He cannot face it, so he runs and hides and lies.

Always burning, always lying, always turning away from the light. Never changing, never growing, never moving on from past hurts. Lashing out at those who try to help, a dagger in the side of his family.

It would be better to remove him. Kinder, for all of them. But he is their brother, eternal, and they cannot lose him. They will keep him, even if he kills them. And he will keep lying, stabbing, burning, because it is all he knows how to do.

[nyxofdemons]

i cannot get over the way that blitz screams "LET'S GO" like he WANTS to fight with him, like he's ASKING stolas to lash out at him and tell him blitz is right, stolas DOES think he's insignificant and he wants him gone if blitz doesn't accept his feelings immediately, just so blitz has a reason to keep being angry and vent out everything bottled up inside of him.

i think all of this comes back to how blitz would rather people hate him than miss him, because at least then he feels like he's getting what he deserves, and he will actively sabotage relationships to MAKE people hate him so he knows they have a good reason - like his breakup with verosika and everything he did to her. if he GIVES her a reason to hate his guts then he gets to know exactly what it is he did wrong, and it's not just because of who he is fundamentally that's so despicable. i think he's TRYING to do the same thing with stolas here - on some level his anger is justified, of course, but i don't think this is entirely that. i think he's trying to provoke stolas into lashing out at him so they can have a huge argument, and blitz can make him feel as small as he does right now, and if stolas gets angry and hates him for whatever cruel things he's going to say, then blitz gets proof that stolas doesn't really love him, gives his self-loathing monster a taste of validation by knowing he is definitely the reason that all of this fell apart, and reaffirms his own warped self-image that he is incapable of receiving love or creating a good relationship.

blitz isn't expecting stolas to take him at his word - that this is nothing more than sex, and he actually thinks of stolas as nothing more than a privileged rich asshole he HAS to put up with - he's expecting stolas to fight back so blitz can keep yelling. but stolas loves him too much to lash out (at least right now,) and he's so aware of the power imbalance between them and feels too guilty about their transactional relationship to try and argue. HE'S being entirely honest about his feelings (and he's distraught and off his meds), so he's assuming that blitz is being honest, too - he really can't stand stolas, and he's been perceiving their interactions as stolas' classism being malicious rather than simply ignorant, so of course there's no way blitz would ever want to be with him. and blitz can't grasp that stolas genuinely cares, and doesn't want to fight with him, until it's too late to backtrack.

[onehelluvafan]

Uhhhh… so apparently there’s a plant that looks just like Blitz’s tattoo??

It’s called monstera deliciosa (literally delicious monster) and Stolas’ garden is full of them.

Throughout the entire opening scene of Apology Tour, Blitz’s tattoo is shown next to the leaves of this plant over and over again.

In most of these shots, the leaves are even angled in the same direction as his tattoo.

Even Stolas' robe is sporting these leaves, which look even more like Blitz's tattoo than the surrounding plants do, with cutouts/splits that are more circular than triangular.

And he definitely isn't just wearing it out of habit because all the way up through the morning of Full Moon, we only ever see him in his signature red and black robe.

Even his closet in the Ozzie's episode shows a red robe hanging with no sign of this white one.

Which also means that this is likely a very recently acquired robe.

We know that Blitz spent the afternoon of Full Moon buying sex toys... maybe Stolas went shopping that afternoon as well??

But whether or not it's canon that this is a conscious choice by Stolas, it’s sweet and rather telling that he chose to surround himself with these visual reminders of Blitz, even while feeling freshly broken hearted by him.

Also, I cannot get over the fact that the name of this plant is delicious monster.