#souai friendship

[nanase-haru]

undefined

{A.M.V.} Free!! x Uta no Prince-sama / Mamoru Miyano (Inspired): “Canon” (Second opening theme of Uta no Prince-sama Maji Love 2000%) {In that series, Miyano voices “Tokiya Ichinose”. This is not sung by “Tokiya” technically, but might give Tokiya’s image.} I used Miyano’s inspiration to make a Free!! A.M.V.! {It is my very first for this fandom, though I watched as it aired!}

Series: Free!! (C) Kyo-Ani “Canon” (C) Broccoli-Games / ELEMENTSGARDEN {Note: This is a FAN-work}

Characters/Pairs Featured: - RinHaru {Rin x Haru} - Rintori / NitoRin / RinAi {Rin x Aiichirou Nitori} - Ai x Rin x Haru as poly-ship or open relationships; (implied by the end) Feel free to view your preference!

My Commentary:

I would like to propose a Concept - Haru, Rin and Ai all have MULTIPLE HANDS. (This A.M.V. showcases the dynamics / story progression of all three; each of Haru and Ai with Rin, briefly, all acknowledging each other) Contains spoilers for: Free!! Seasons 1 & 2; {Rin; Haru; Ai scenes} “The Final Stroke” Part 2 start; but nothing specific from Final Stroke’s ending {Yet?}. (TFS Part 1 shows only in ‘scenic’ scene.) Others appear as support.

(Though I admit I am personally biased towards RinAi fandom-wise, I’ve also enjoyed the canon dynamic between Rin and Haru.) However, this work was partly made / inspired by an old mutual; this mutual really loved Rin+Haru dynamic too, so this is made in support! {They also like everyone as friends, as do I.} I’m not able to make much for this fandom usually (in the past, I did briefly rp {role-play} Ai, but do not actively write fic or anything much outside rp) but for the most part, this A.M.V. was very fun to make! Happy 10~ years anniversary to Free!! Time Spent: - About an hour and 30 min on the 1st verse + chorus. - Almost 4 and a half hours / a whole evening on the rest. - I am not even kidding when I say this thing must have crashed my editor (Windows Movie Maker... it’s an older version, sigh) at least x30+~50 times while attempting to finish Nitori’s scenes timing and the ending. As a result, this is technically a “first draft” (I know ending’s bit rushed, but I tried!) until I can go back and add in more timings and scene cuts! (Someday!...) - My editor tends to crash pretty frequently if I attempt 50+ clips; sometmes even after 20~ clips or so. This one has just about 40 clips, with bonus KyoAni’s own timings helping to smooth out the rest! - Sub-titles cannot be included at this time; I apologize! (However, lyric{s} below the ‘read more’!) It is recommended you view them in full (or in sections) before watching! - If you watch, I’d really love to hear your thoughts; I put a lot of effort in!

Summary:

“I only swim FREE!.” - Haru

... DO YOU?

“I feel so useless.” - Ai

“A sight you’ve never seen before...”

{Lyric[s] Preview!}:

Distant feelings on a {‘SILENT’} hill, … all of my love… (Get ready!)

“Do not tremble in this cruel world…” Through the kiss of a song, better than thousands of words

We can give something up ({I} swear to you) Just to live in this moment (Hold my hand) For your sake and for mine, we’re ready to take off now…together!

“SO, let’s GO!”

Your beloved voice becomes a powerful impulse That makes dreams reality As our heartbeats synchronize… Ah, exceeding even miracles, (Feel your song!) Up among the stars, (Feel my song!) Until that dream Reaches the unseeable FUTURE, I’ll PLAY this song! {“Free”}

I was scared of truth’s LIGHT…

(Lyric{s} via Uta-pri Wikia!)

“Canon” (description via Wiki): {no, not the fandom term.} In music, a canon is a contrapuntal (counterpoint-based) compositional technique that employs a melody with one or more imitations of the melody played after a given duration (e.g., quarter rest, one measure, etc.). The initial melody is called the leader (or dux), while the imitative melody, which is played in a different voice, is called the follower (or comes). The follower must imitate the leader, either as an exact replication of its rhythms Rand intervals or some transformation thereof. Repeating canons in which all voices are musically identical are called rounds. (For the meaning behind the title / theme!) {In the A.M.V., I semi-relate (if vaguely) this theme to all three characters; plus, more directly, make the comparison to Haru + Free!! AND Relay Medleys.} (There is vague inspiration from the original Uta-pri as well, but not intended directly comparable.)

The final chorus of the A.M.V. is one I had in mind ever since first hearing this song way back around Apr 2k13, when the second part of Uta-pri aired. It may be slightly more modified in a “final” version, but for the most part!...

Lyric[s]:

Distant {“Haruka”} feelings on a silent hill, all of my love… (Get ready!) [Haru <-> Rin] (+Haru; specifically...) “Do not tremble in this cruel world…” Through the kiss of a “song”, better than thousands of words We can give something up (I swear to you) Just to live in this moment (Hold my hand) For your sake and for mine, we’re ready to take off now…together! “So, let’s go!” Your beloved voice becomes a powerful impulse That makes dreams reality As our heartbeats synchronize… Ah, exceeding even miracles, (Feel your song!) Up among the stars, (Feel my song!) Until that dream Reaches the unseeable future, I’ll play this song! I was scared of truth’s light... [Ai -> Rin] Even at this great a DISTANCE, it’s too DAZZLING An unspeakable LONELINESS (No more crying) Thirsting for an impossible cure (Save my heart) [Ai <-> Rin] Since I met you, I’ve sworn to start living! The overlapping melodies of your voice seem to scorch my heart Resonating dreams echoing for eternity Like a sense of déjà vu, I knew today (Feel your love) A bloom of hope (Feel my love) An infinite rainbow Now our feelings are merging as we become one [Ai <-> Rin <-> Haru] The stars are waiting for the sky, they want to become a dream(?) The day will come when they bloom like a flower, and a rainbow awaits us on that day We’re ready to take off now…together! “So, let’s go!” Your beloved voice becomes a powerful impulse That makes dreams reality As our heartbeats synchronize… Ah, exceeding even miracles, (Feel your song!) Up among the stars, (Feel my song!) Until that dream Reaches the unseeable future, I’ll play this song! Feelings tied together on a shining hill…

[eldritchscreech]

Soushi Souai is such a wholesome romance manga 

[bluesandpinks]

What are some good manga that you recommend

Hello Anon!

You didn’t really specify a genre so I’m going to just throw a couple out there for various genres, hope that’s ok lol

I originally put this under a read more line but it wasn’t working! Trying to figure it out but until then sorry for the long post!

Action/Adventure

Boku no Hero Academia / My Hero Academy

this series has gotten very popular recently, and has an anime!

ongoing (as of July 2017)

recommended if you like heroes, school-setting (at times), character development! - adolescent characters with a lot of growing to do in many ways, friendship building and bonding, badass mentors/teachers

not recommended if you don’t prefer adolescents in an action setting, semi-slow progress (some people may think the series is slow-paced in terms of story progression), there’s going to be a character you’re almost guaranteed to hate/dislike…

Ansatsu Kyoushitsu / Assassination Classroom

completed! 180 chapters

an anime

recommended if you like action in a school-setting, lots of comedic scenes, unique antagonist, heartfelt touching moments that you wouldn’t really expect from this story

not recommended if you don’t prefer an immature and childish tone/feel of story, not too action-heavy, a lot of characters, the art style is different so watch out for that

Bonus (cause I’m shamelessly pushing my preferences onto other people):

666 Satan / O-parts Hunter

completed! (2007), under 80 chapters

pretty old

fun fact: the mangaka is the brother of Masashi Kishimoto, the author of Naruto, so the art will be very similar. While there are other similar elements, the story is very different and has a more fantastical theme

recommended if you like adventure, unique weapons/powers, unconventional plot and theme

not recommended if you don’t prefer older manga, sensitive to blood/gore (though not as extreme as Attack on Titan/SNK), slight dip into tragedy genre towards the end, if you’re deeply religious? I guess??

Adventure-Romance

Hanatsuki Hime

completed! under 10 chapters

a bit older manga

recommended if you like simple plots, fantasy/supernatural world, supernatural elements in your romance stories, characters with strong qualities, pretty artwork

not recommended if you don’t like heavy romance in your adventure stories, slightly slow pacing, shoujo eyes, (kinda a spoiler but) a as-close-as-family bond turning into a lovers relationship

Kanata Kara / From Far Away

completed! under 60 chapters

older manga

recommended if you like a hardworking but sensitive heroine, girl mysteriously entering a different (magical) world, amazing female characters of different ages and body sizes that are almost never sexualized, dynamic and complex characters, realistic elements e.g. you actually see the girl’s hair grow longer as time passes!! like where else has this happened?!? this was literally mind-blowing to me, also new world means new language - this manga actually took that into consideration

not recommended if you don’t like the “power of love” trope, big shoujo eyes lol, not action heavy, fantasy/supernatural genre, semi-slow pace to adapt to new world, bit of a rushed ending

…

side note: if you prefer more action than romance, most shounen manga do have romance, but I’d personally recommend Noragami or (among the top shounen series) Fairy Tail. (and O-parts Hunter! *winkwink*)

…

Shoujo-Romance

Wish

completed! 23 chapters

older manga again

recommended if you like supernatural elements of religious origin, angels, demons, cute characters that are signature CLAMP characters lol, unconventional love story, ANDROGYNOUS characters

not recommended if you don’t like androgynous characters, big shoujo eyes, slow-pacing in some parts, bittersweet endings, if you’re deeply religious?

Ao Haru Ride / Blue Spring Ride

completed! 50 chapters

has a Japanese drama adaption

recommended if you like a classic shoujo school setting, not so classic shoujo heroine, characters changing and trying to change, some realistic introspection of school life and relationships, friendships valued just as much as love relationships!, lovely art

not recommended if you don’t like those classic shoujo lack of communication problems, a male protagonist that is a jerk sometimes (and can’t suck up his problems), love triangles (so many)

I’d also recommend Sakisaka Io’s other works: Strobe Edge and Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare

both are in high school settings

places value and importance on friendships!! especially Omoi, Omoware, Furi, Furare

both have typical shoujo tropes (misunderstandings, love triangles, etc.)

Bonus (on the off chance you haven’t read or watched it yet):

Fruits Basket

completed! under 140 chapters

an anime

older manga again (it’s a classic, what can I say?)

recommended if you like a bit of supernatural mixed in with your romance, a whole family that act like protective older siblings to the female protagonist, unique story lines for almost every character, unique characters/personalities, heart-wrenching/tragic backstories, strong friendships!!!, mostly a school-setting

not recommended if you don’t like older manga, big shoujo eyes, seemingly idiotic heroine, a lot of characters, unresolved problems/issues/story line (it’s only towards the end really, the part when you feel like you need more when there actually could and should be more to tell, only my opinion!), art style develops as you read- it’s interesting to see

Comedy-Romance

Soushi Souai / Love With Each Other

ongoing as of July 2017

more on the lighthearted side, very sweet

recommended if you like light story/reading, comedic scenes, short but sweet romantic scenes, school-setting, comedic take on the bad boy-good girl romance pairing

not recommended if you don’t like little to no plot/story, snippets of daily life, lack of natural love progression (since we only see short snippets)

Gekkan Shojo Nozaki-kun

ongoing as of July 2017

an anime

recommended if you like entertaining and amusing characters, abundance of comedic moments/scenes, some cringe-worthy comedy, shoujo trope parody, some slice of life though exaggerated

not recommended if you don’t like lack of seriousness, 4-koma style manga, misunderstandings that lead to comedy rather than drama, pitiful heroine with unfulfilled love so far, slow and little love progression

Josei-Romance

Unfortunately I haven’t gotten the chance to explore the Josei genre much, and only ever read a bunch of short series and one shots. I have limited recommendations for this one.

Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii / It’s Difficult to Love an Otaku

ongoing as of July 2017

recommended if you like slice of life genre, lots of comedic scenes, dynamic relationships, relatable characters, just overall relatability, light-hearted tone of story, amusing characters and relationships

not recommended if you don’t like little to no plot/story, lack of serious scenes, short scenes and chapters

Koisuru Nante Kiitenai

completed! 3 chapters

short read, cute and simple

recommended if you like office/work setting, coworker romance, romance with a rocky start before warming up to each other, female denying her feelings

not recommended if you don’t like short stories, female protagonist who slightly lacks confidence (but she’s not unlikable), jerk coworkers

Bonus: 

Barairo my Honey

completed! 13 chapters

a bit of an older manga

recommended if you like some supernatural elements in romance manga, unique story, a female protagonist that says whatever is on her mind, a closed off love interest that slowly opens up, some other cute cliches

not recommended if you don’t like big shoujo eyes…or more like shoujo eyelashes lol (even though this is not shoujo), serious lack of story depth though it has a plot, the art style is slightly off-putting

Shounen Ai-Romance

Hidamari ga Kikoeru

completed! under 20 chapters

recommended if you like college setting, characters falling in love naturally, slight angst, slice of life genre, honest attempts at communication between the lovers, friendship evolving to relationship, sincere and vulnerable protagonists, character with hearing impairment/hard of hearing!

not recommended if you don’t like slow buildup (in the beginning), lack of exciting scenes (if you know what i mean), some miscommunication between characters

Fujunna Renai

completed! 3 chapters

quick and easy read

recommended if you like school setting, simple story, unrequited love, slightly slice of life genre, bit of angst

not recommended if you don’t like some drama, miscommunication between characters, love triangles, slightly drawn out scenes where the character is trying to figure out their feelings, not much lovey-dovey scenes

Yaoi-Romance

So I’ve chosen manga that are as PG and SFW as I could possibly find, though I know Yaoi tends to…not be lol

Hana no Miyako de

Hana no Mizo Shiru

these two manga are related, with the second one considered a sequel to the first

completed! both are relatively short, sweet, and simple reads

fun fact: they are created from the same mangaka as Ten Count (which is quite a popular manga)

recommended if you like romance in a school setting, a love story with natural progression and isn’t too forced, angst angst angst (do you like pain, cause I do)

not recommended if you don’t like slightly slow-paced romance, lack of scenes that are …exciting, forbidden lovers theme and heart-wrenching angst in the first one

Psychological

Oyasumi Punpun

completed! under 150 chapters

mature genre/tag, has very mature themes (ages 18 and up please)

recommended if you like complex characters, complex and realistic relationships, relatable situations and story, slice of life, some angst, mature themes, thought-provoking symbolism

not recommended if you don’t like toxic characters and manipulative personalities, irresponsible and abusive characters, main focus on characters’ daily lives/problems, abstract character style (you’ll understand when you see it), frustrating and highly triggering situations/scenes, somewhat disconcerting art style, suicide warning!

Parasyte

completed! 64 chapters

an anime

a much older manga

recommended if you like action, sci-fi, heavy plot, character development, complicated antagonists, tragedy genre, violent and intense situations

not recommended if you don’t like older manga, relatively simple artwork, slow story buildup, gruesome murders/deaths, blood/gore, some unanswered questions/plot holes

One shot Manga

Just a few of the many, many collections of one shots out there

Romance/Shoujo 

Akuma ni Itsukushimi no Te o by Tagaki Shigeyoshi (AKA Ogawa Chise - different pen name depending on the genre! interesting right?)

supernatural

Gyu…tte Shite Ii? by Shiraishi Yuki

school setting sort of, typical shoujo feel

Shounen Ai/Yaoi

Gokujou Dessert by Ogawa Chise (AKA Tagaki Shigeyoshi)

school setting, kinda NSFW (compared to the mangaka’s other work…)

Mousou Cherry by Kamon Saeko

school setting, this is a small collection of one-shots, NSFW! 

.

.

.

That’s it for now! Thank you so much for the ask, this was super fun! As you can see I favor a lot of older manga, so this list is kinda biased.

I’m sure there are better ones to recommend but I can’t remember them ):

Please let me know if I left out any “warnings” about the manga that I listed. I actually haven’t read these manga in a while, (some I haven’t read in YEARS) so I forgot some things. I’ll be editing and adding to this list as I remember more about the manga that I’ve read.

Hope the list isn’t (too) disappointing!

[justaheroandaheroine]

Weekly Manga Update

Week Two

Jidokhage Kkeureoango Jidokhage Kiseuhago 4.5/5 ★★★★.5 incomplete

So far it is a really good shoujo manhwa with tasteful characters and cute romance. I didn’t give it a full five stars because currently the drama is well written, but it does have the potential in the future to turn towards the more soap opera like drama.

Miho to Yuko 4/5 ★★★★ complete

This is a good manga. The plot is geared more towards a mature audience, and there isn’t much romance. This manga is about the friendship between two adult women. The one issue I have with this manga is the lack of chapters. The ending seems incomplete. I just wish it had a more complete story. 

Doukyonin wa Hiza, Tokidoki, Atama no Ue. 5/5 ★★★★★ incomplete

Such a cute manga. It is about a guy and his new cat with just a hint of romance. Just read it, it will make you feel refreshed. 

Soushi Souai by Liberum 4.5/5 ★★★★.5 incomplete

So far a simple manga with a cute couple, and not much drama.

Katsute Mahou Shoujo to Aku wa Tekitai Shite Ita 4.5/5 ★★★★.5 complete

The translation of the manga is incomplete, but the manga itself is complete. This is a cute comedy manga that pokes fun of magical girl manga and anime. It has several references to the anime Puella Magi Madoka Magica.