#that would be ichi the killer and i did not forget but what if something else is slipping....

[ambreiiigns]

9 fave movies i watched in 2023 as tagged by my beloved @skelerobo 🥰 thank youuu

ok sorry that's a joke. here's the real top 9 but truth is i haven't seen as many movies that i was OBSESSED with this year :-( i've been mad at and/or enjoyed bc they suck ass half of what i've seen :-( but it's ok. honorable mention tristamp fr tbh

tagging: @brainjuicey @fagjolras @justablix @besweetordietrying and whoever else??? the girlies who watch a lot of stuff pls let me know what's good

[osakaso5]

IDOLiSH7 4th Anniversary Special Story: Best Wishes...

Chapter 2: Reality And Heartthrobs

Chapter 1 | Chapter 3 | Chapter 4 | Chapter 5

Tsumugi Takanashi: Everyone, good  work! It seems they're finally opening the VR experience booth, "A Date with IDOLiSH7"!

Riku Nanase: Aah! It's finally going to open!

Banri Ogami: They're planning to debut it in the newly renovated Sky Blue Mall's VR facility, VR LAND!

Banri Ogami: As a part of its promotion, they're going to film you visiting the shopping center and trying the VR experience before the re-opening.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Awesome! I wanna try it!

Yamato Nikaido: Huh..? But wouldn't we be going on a date with ourselves?

Banri Ogami: I suppose...

Mitsuki Izumi: That could be interesting! I wanna hear what the others recorded, anyway!

Tsumugi Takanashi: We have the demo footage for A Date with IDOLiSH7 here! Would you like to watch it?

Nagi Rokuya: YES! I want to try dating myself! Surely, I will be the perfect escort.

Iori Izumi: You're awfully confident, Rokuya-san. I feel a bit embarrassed by the idea, myself...

Sogo Osaka: The characters they established for us were a bit unconventional.

Riku Nanase: I wonder how they turned out! Whose should we watch? Who does everyone want to go on a date with?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Raise your hand if you wanna date me!

Iori, Yamato, Mitsuki, Sogo, Nagi, & Riku: ...Huh..?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Raise your hands, guys!

Yamato Nikaido: S-sorry about that. I couldn't help feeling weird about the idea of dating you...

Mitsuki Izumi: Ask again, and we'll act more excited.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Geez... Raise your hand if you wanna date me!

Iori, Yamato, Mitsuki, Sogo, Nagi, & Riku: Me! Me! Me! Me!

Tamaki Yotsuba: Oh, all of you. Alright, let's watch mine.

Tsumugi Takanashi: Tamaki-san, it is! Here we go!

- - - -

Tamaki's Recording: Oh. You're an interesting girl, not falling for me as  soon as I make a pass at you.

Tamaki's Recording: I've never met someone like you. Wanna come over to my place?

- - - -

Iori, Yamato, Mitsuki, Sogo, Nagi, & Riku: Ooh la la!

Tamnaki Yotsuba: Don't make fun of me!

Yamato Nikaido: They really went all out on the desirability poll potential with this one.

Sogo Osaka: But Tamaki-kun doesn't talk like this... Or maybe he does, only to girls..? Do you, Tamaki-kun?

Tamaki Yotsuba: I dunno... I guess I wanna call fun people over to my place?

Banri Ogami: I see. Instead of something normal, they're going for phrases that girls will like more.

Banri Ogami: What's Sogo-kun's like? 

- - - -

Sogo's Recording: These flowers are so beautiful... Looking at them is so soothing. I'm so happy that I can spend this moment with you.

Sogo's Recording: Look, this one suits you.

- - - -

Iori, Yamato, Mitsuki, Tamaki, Nagi, & Riku: Ooh la la!

Sogo Osaka: Haha... Thank you.

Riku Nanase: Sogo-san, you sound so gentle! But I feel like you'd be a little more analytical.

Iori Izumi: You can be surprisingly dry, after all.

Sogo Osaka: N-no I'm not. I can enjoy soothing things, too.

Tamaki Yotsuba: When I told you that finding a four-leaf clover could bring you happiness, you said "That's probably because it's such a rare mutation".

Sogo Osaka: I'm not wrong, am I? I understand why someone would feel happy after finding a rare specimen.

Nagi Rokuya: Indeed. Pink diamonds are also more valuable than ordinary diamonds.

Tamaki Yotsuba: What about Nagicchi's? What's it like?

Nagi Rokuya: It is the ultimate rendezvouz! Tsumugi, if you please!

Tsumugi Takanashi: Yes!

- - - -

Nagi's Recording: My sweet angel... Between this million dollar skyline and myself, which is more beautiful?

Nagi's Recording: Fufu... I knew you would say that.

Nagi's Recording: My sweet angel, Cocona... 

- - - -

Mitsuki Izumi: He's calling them Cocona!

Riku Nanase: Are you on a date with Cocona-chan? Or is it with the sweet angel and Cocona?

Yamato Nikaido: Whether they're one and the same or not makes a big difference.

Nagi Rokuya: I will leave it up to your imaginations. And what about Mitsuki? I want to see a date with him!

Mitsuki Izumi: Mine's pretty normal, so it's kinda embarrassing...

Tsumugi Takanashi: I'll play Mitsuki-san's now! 

- - - -

Mitsuki's Recording: I had fun today. Um, I...

Mitsuki's Recording: There's something... I've been wanting to tell you for a while now. 

- - - -

Riku Nanase: Ah...

Iori Izumi: What do you mean, "ah"...

Riku Nanase: It felt like Mitsuki was going to confess to me...

Iori Izumi: I-it's just a VR experience...

Tamaki Yotsuba: We know, but holy crap... Mikki's gonna confess to us for the first time ever...

Nagi Rokuya: OH... My heart is racing...

Yamato Nikaido: You guys make  a great audience. 

- - - -

Mitsuki's Recording: For a  while now, I've... thought of you as someone special to me, or rather...

Mitsuki's Recording: ........

- - - -

Iori, Yamato, Tamaki, Sogo, Nagi, & Riku: ........

- - - -

Mitsuki's Recording: ...Forget it! It's nothing, after all! 

- - - -

Yamato Nikaido: Huh!? Spit it out already!!!

Nagi Rokuya: My heart was prepared..!?

Mitsuki Izumi: Don't get mad at my footage!

Sogo Osaka: I would've liked an  honest confession from Mitsuki-san...

Iori Izumi: That was more than enough for me. Haah... It was strangely unnerving.

Riku Nanase: Yeah, it really made my heart race! What was Iori's like?

Tsumugi Takanashi: Iori-san! I'll play it now!

Sogo Osaka: Maybe it'll be youthful and innocent?

Nagi Rokuya: Or perhaps, more cool? OH! It is starting! 

- - - -

Iori's Recording: Hmm... It seems you've finally become a woman worthy of standing beside me.

Iori's Recording: I'll date you, if I must. It'll allow me to kill time, at the very least.

Iori's Recording: But why don't you beg me for it, first? Or would you rather be punished? 

- - - -

Mitsuki Izumi: It turned out to be super sadistic..!!!

Yamato Nikaido: They're going a little too hard with our youngest members.

Riku Nanase: This is making me want to pinch Iori's cheek..!

Iori Izumi: Please don't.

Sogo Osaka: I would've preferred something more innocent... But you did a really good job playing a sadist, too. Well done.

Iori Izumi: Seeing as how it's a VR experience, I thought it'd be more interesting if my performance had a certain amount of entertainment value...

Yamato Nikaido: Maybe this'll unexpectely turn out popular.

Iori Izumi: And what about you, Nikaido-san? I'm sure you must've been bringing out your adult charms.

Yamato Nikaido: Mine was...

Mitsuki Izumi: Don't be shy! Manager, play Yamato-san's next!

Tsumugi Takanashi: Very well!

Riku Nanase: I wonder what it'll be like!

Nagi Rokuya: I am sure that it will be overflowing with sweet nothings! 

- - - -

Yamato's Recording: Kukuku... You can't see anything in this darkness, but I can see you just fine... 

- - - -

Iori, Mitsuki, Tamaki, Sogo, Nagi, & Riku: .......!?

- - - -

Yamato's Recording: I'm going to torment you all I want. Don't bother calling for help. Nobody's going to come...

Yamato's Recording: I look forward to hearing you scream... 

- - - -

Iori, Mitsuki, Tamaki, Sogo, Nagi, & Riku: ........

Riku Nanase: T-this is a date with Yamato-san!?

Tamaki Yotsuba: What the hell, Yama-san!!! That was scary!!!

Yamato Nikaido: Uh, I think they probably drew a lot of inspiration from my drama roles.

Mitsuki Izumi: Right... Because you've had so many revenge maniac and serial killer roles...

Sogo Osaka: I think a calm and cool date would've suited Yamato-san better...

Iori Izumi: I've been wondering for a while now, but why are you so strongly fixated on IDOLiSH7's dates, Osaka-san?

Sogo Osaka: Maybe it's because I know you all personally. I wanted You and Tamaki-kun to act more innocent, and I wanted to hear Mitsuki-san's confession...

Sogo Osaka: I wanted to have a relaxing time with Yamato-san. In this respect, Nagi-kun's footage was really satisfying. I think I'd enjoy going  on a date with him and Cocona-chan.

Nagi Rokuya: Thanks!

Mitsuki Izumi: That's a pretty in-depth review.

Iori Izumi: It's very educational.

Sogo Osaka: What was Riku-kun's like? I'd like to see it.

Riku Nanase: I-I just hope that it's satisfying enough to you, Sogo-san... Manager, play mine!

Tsumugi Takanashi: Alright! I'll be showing you Riku-san's footage now! It'l be the last one! 

- - - -

Riku's Recording: Good evening, everyone!

Audience Recording: Kyaaaaa!

- - - -

Mitsuki Izumi: Ah, it's during a live.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Pretty fitting. 

- - - -

Riku's Recording: I have an important announcement to make tonight! 

- - - -

Iori Izumi: Hold on a moment... What are you going to say during a live, Nanase-san..?

Yamato Nikaido: This is still giving me heart palpitations, just out of anxiety... 

- - - -

Riku's Recording: I've been keeping this a secret!

Riku's Recording: But there's someone I'm in love with!

Audience Recording: Kyaaaaaa! 

- - - -

Iori Izumi: ...Whoa...

Nagi Rokuya: Wow! How dramatic!

Yamato Nikaido: I feel you, Ichi... My palms are sweating from just imagining the aftermath of this...

Tamaki Yotsuba: Rikkun's so cool!

Sogo Osaka: Hmm... I suppose... This suits Riku-kun well enough..?

Mitsuki Izumi: It makes sense as a VR experience, but if you actually did this at a live that people had been looking forward to... 

- - - -

Riku's Recording:  The person I love is...

Riku's Recording: You, who's been with me this whole night!

Audience Recording: Kyaaaaaa! 

- - - -

Iori Izumi: ...Aaaahhhh...

- - - -

Riku's Recording: Let's date! I hope you'll support both my idol side and my normal side!

Riku's Recording: Because I'll always, always love you!

Audience Recording: Kyaaaaaa! 

- - - -

Iori Izumi: ....... Haaah... ...I was so scared, I forgot to breathe midway... 

Riku Nanase: But Yamato-san's was scarier than mine!

Iori Izumi: Nanase-san... Can you please promise that you'll never do this? Or at least that you'll ask us beforehand?

Riku Nanase: I wouldn't do something so embarrassing!

Riku Nanase: But... Maybe my feelings would get to that point if I fell in love with someone.

Riku Nanase: ...Hehe, just kidding!

Iori Izumi: Manager, please bring the stomach medicine...

Riku Nanase: Geez, were you even listening!? What are you getting all weak in the knees for!?

Iori Izumi: I feel tired all of a sudden...

Tamaki Yotsuba: Hey. Now that we've seen all of 'em, who do you wanna go on a date with, manager?

Tsumugi Takanashi: They were all so wonderful that I can't choose! What about you, Banri-san?

Banri Ogami: Me!? Well... Based on scariness, maybe Yamato-kun's. I'd like to try surviving his VR experience!

Yamato Nikaido: Um... It's not a survival game, so you don't have to worry about not making it out alive.

Tamaki Yotsuba: Ban-chan, pick mine.

Banri Ogami: Huh. But you'll just take me to your home.

Tamaki Yotsuba: So what? You've been to my room before, right? I'll let you hug my King Pudding.

Banri Ogami: In that case, maybe I will go?

Tamaki Yotsuba: Awesome!

Mitsuki Izumi: This guy really is a desirability poll ranker. He's so good at handling people.

Tsumugi Takanashi: I hope everyone will enjoy the A Date with IDOLiSH7 VR experience!

Riku Nanase: Right! I can't wait to see the facility, either!

Banri Ogami: Speaking of which. Sky Blue Mall's re-opening is going to focus heavily on surprises.

Banri Ogami: Many of the stores are going to be doing secret events. Because of that, you shouldn't give out any information.

Iori Izumi: Secret... Their  plan is most likely for visitors to spread information through social media.

Banri Ogami: Seems that way. Even the guests of their main event are still a secret.

Sogo Osaka: I wonder who they'll be. Maybe a foreign artists?

Banri Ogami: The guests are connected to the four year anniversary, and had a very chaotic school life.

Mitsuki Izumi: Chaotic school life... I wonder what kind of people they are...

Tsumugi Takanashi: It'll be very busy before the opening, so there will be many construction and interior design workers present...

Tsumugi Takanashi: So you should disguise yourselves outside of the shoot, in order to keep it a secret that you're there.

Nagi Rokuya: Alright! I shall construct the perfect cosplay to conceal my identity!

Sogo Osaka: Wouldn't a cosplay stand out more?

Riku Nanase: I can't wait for VR LAND and Sky Blue Mall to open!

Riku Nanase: We'll have to do our best with the pre-opening shoot, so we can make lots of people happy! 

- - - -

Kaoru Anesagi: Good work, boys! Your consecutive lives were a success!

Kaoru Anesagi: Tomorrow is your long-awaited day off! Make sure to get plenty of rest.

Tenn Kujo: Thank you very much.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: We should take this chance to go out for dinner with all of us. Or should we stay home and cook?

Gaku Yaotome: Ah, sorry, I'm busy that day.

Tenn Kujo: Oh, you are?

Gaku Yaotome: There's this Matsuda-san who used to work at Grandpa's restaurant. He's basically Grandpa's apprentice, and he left the place on good terms.

Gaku Yaotome: He's about to open his second restaurant at Sky Blue Mall.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: That's great. Sky Blue Mall is that big shopping center that's going to re-open soon, right?

Gaku Yaotome: Yep. But because the construction got delayed, he doesn't have enough helping hands.

Gaku Yaotome: Massan looked after  me when I was a kid, so I thought I'd help prep his place for the opening.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: In that case, I'll help, too.

Gaku Yaotome: You sure?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Of course. The more the merrier, right?

Tenn Kujo: I don't mind helping, either.

Gaku Yaotome: Thanks! Massan's gonna be really happy!

Kaoru Anesagi: Will the three of you be alright? Won't you be recognized if you all go?

Gaku Yaotome: So what if we do? The place isn't open for business yet, so there's only gonna be construction guys around.

Kaoru Anesagi: It's in the same building as a train station, so you'll run into other people, too. Make sure to wear disguises.

Tenn Kujo: Right. Especially Ryu, since he's so big....

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: I-I'll do my best not to be seen.

Kaoru Anesagi: Don't call each other by name. You'll have to come up with pseudonyms.

Gaku Yaotome: That's gonna be tough for me. Massan's probably gonna call me by his usual nickname...

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: What does he call you?

Gaku Yaotome: Gaku-chan.

Tenn Kujo: Gaku-chan.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Gaku-chan.

Tenn Kujo: ...How about Gacchan?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: That's good! Nobody's going to think that's Gaku Yaotome!

Gaku Yaotome: That's the one. What about Tenn?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Tamaki-kun called him Tenten.

Gaku Yaotome: Tenten's too long. Let me think...

Gaku Yaotome: How about Tecchan?

Tenn Kujo: I've never been called that in my life.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: It's cute! Tecchan!

Tenn Kujo: What?

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: That's really good!

Tenn Kujo: Thanks.

Gaku Yaotome: The real problem's with Ryu. People will probably recognize him if we call him Ryu-chan. Momo-san tends to call him that, too.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: And Ricchan sounds girly. Ri... Ri... Rikkun?

Tenn Kujo: That sounds too much like Riku.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Ah, right.

Gaku Yaotome: Ri... Let's ditch "Ri". Ryu... Dragon...

Tenn Kujo: Dora-chan.

Kaoru Anesagi: Dora-chan..? Would anyone call a grown man that?

Tenn Kujo: Right...

Gaku Yaotome: We might as well call him "Dragon", since it's so manly.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: It's manly, but I feel a little embarrassed by the idea of answering to that name...

Gaku Yaotome: I'd have no problem being called Dragon.

Tenn Kujo: I've got it.

Gaku Yaotome: Oh, let's hear it.

Tenn Kujo: Tsuna-chan.

Gaku Yaotome: That's good.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Tsuna-chan, huh! It's a little embarrassing, but I like how friendly it sounds!

Gaku Yaotome: Tsuna-chan.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Yeees!

Tenn Kujo: Not bad.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Gacchan! Tecchan!

Gaku Yaotome: Yeah.

Tenn Kujo: Yeah.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: They sound so friendly!

Kaoru Anesagi: I feel so confused now... If you're all fine with it, then I suppose I don't mind...

Tenn Kujo: Alright, Gacchan. Let Massan know we're coming.

Gaku Yaotome: Yeah. I'll be counting on you guys tomorrow, Tecchan and, uh...

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Tsuna-chan!

Gaku Yaotome: Right, Tsuna-chan! We gotta get used to these names by tomorrow. Let's keep using them for the rest of tonight.

Tenn Kujo: Right. The more we practice, the better we'll do on the day of.

Ryunosuke Tsunashi: Yeah! Let's do it like we're already working!

Kaoru Anesagi: You boys are so serious about this.

Kaoru Anesagi: I'm worried that there might be trouble, but maybe it'll all work out... 

To be continued...

[monochrome-monarch]

I made a promise that I intend to keep

Okay, so my friend @flamingkingoftheskies and I were discussing some good angst for Atlantis Days (fun fact: it was the first thing we discussed lol) and well, it's Rodorah-centric because clearly the ship doesn't have enough angst in it lol (but don't worry, we have also discussed some fluff and shitposts for it, which I'll spill in a future post).

You know how I mentioned that the Triplets remembered that they were planet conquerors and that they decided to go back to being conquerers, starting with Earth? Well, They also decided 'Hey, before we kill our now ex-friend Gojira and be the new alpha, why don't we ask Rodan to be our Beta?' Because, well, Rodan and Ghidorah are mates at this point and have children of their own. So yeah, makes sense to them that their beautiful and wonderful mate would be their Beta.

Except the thing is is that Rodan is definitely not up for murdering his best friend and Alpha and taking over the Earth for obvious reasons. Hell, he's pretty disgusted that Ghids is totally on board with murdering their best friend ("Did he mean nothing to you three!?"). Rodan tries to talk them out of it but the triplets are also trying to talk him into joining them. It goes downhill from there. Like, really downhill from there.

Okay, so basing the next scene off of these two posts by @ckret2, one of the things Ghidorah has remembered from their past is that they can apparently control people using their voice. Well, in the past, mostly roars but they can use it with their regular(?) voice. Sure, it's been a long, long time since they have used it but when dealing with Rodan, who is getting more and more agitated (and scared? They hope he isn't), it's worth the shot, right?

So, Ichi decides to use it on Rodan, Ni and San deciding to butt out for now unless Ichi could use some help. It goes smoothly, sure Rodan was getting a feeling that something was off but he starting to agree with Ichi. Yeah, taking over Earth sounds like a great idea. Yeah, he'll definitely be their Beta and they can rule together. Yeah, he's definitely up for killing Gojira and - Wait, what?

So yeah, Rodan suceeds in a wisdom saving throw or something and snaps out of it. Maybe mentioning on murdering the Alpha aka your mate's best friend wasn't such a good idea when you're trying to get your mate to join you at the Dark Side. And now said mate knows that not only do you conquer, and sometimes destroy but that doesn't happen that much, planets and want to murder his best friend but you and your brothers can apparently also mind control him and you did just that. It is certainly not helping your case.

When Rodan snapped out of it, he made a nearby volcano erupt out of sheer rage and fear which did get a lot of attention from humans and neighboring titans. So yeah, everyone's wondering what the hell is going on but well, seeing as Rodan is a disaster, they all collectively thought, "Oh, what did he do this time?" All except his friends, most especially Goji who is considering on going to check on Rodan, and Ghidorah by extension, since, clearly, something ain't right. And well, yeah, by the time Goji got to Isla de Mara, the argument had evolved into an aerial brawl, and not the fun kind, since the triplets had given up on convincing Rodan to join them but Rodan wasn't going to let them go off and kill Goji so cue Rodan attacking them.

To an outsider, they just look like they're rough housing but to someone that knows them well like Goji, it's clearly a serious fight and Goji rushes in to mediate, totally oblivious to the fact that the triplets want him dead. So, imagine the look on Goji's face when the triplets suddenly attack him, murderous looks on their faces. Luckily, Rodan is quick and immediately defends his Alpha so he can get over the shock and fight back. I'm not sure if sensing dumbassery is her sixth sense or Goji called her before confronting them but Mothra arrives to help. Rodan also fills them in on what's going on and yeah, Goji coming over was a terrible idea. Also, now it's 3 against 3 but it's still difficult as the Triplets had many years of asskicking and planet destroying experience.

So, shit gets so bad that a retreat was needed, hell Mosu had the most injuries. To buy them time to escape, Rodan stays behind and continues to fight his mates despite being clearly outmatched. It ends in Rodan losing horribly via getting shot down with a gravity blast from all three of them. Like, so bad his wings got badly damaged and maybe his volcanic armor is cracked and bleeding. If you're wondering how bad, we made some guesses as to how bad:

The orange/yellow marks are former holes and tears that got repaired by the magma

You're probably wondering: "Oh come on, Rodan and Goji were fine in the film when they got blasted" and I will say

1) Meh, just for angst

2) Goji and Rodan are two different species but I will admit that, yes, Rodan would've been able to deal with it better because he's made of volcanic rock but see number 1

3) In the film, Rodan was only hit by one blast. Here, it's three. Both at point blank.

But mostly, it's option one. Oh, don't give me that look.

So yeah, after having defeated their mate and thought to have killed him, the Triplets push back their pain and regret and set off to find Goji and Mosu, who are at Atlantis and trying to get the Atlanteans to evacuate with Anguirus helping them. Ghidorah attacks, Atlantis sinks with Anguirus dying there (maybe) and fight ends up being taken to Antartica. The triplets end up getting sealed and trapped under the ice and I'm considering having Mothra die, which explains her first appearance in KOTM. Either way, Goji is able to secure his position as Alpha but ends up losing four friends and a mate except mate will come back who knows when and three of said friends aren't exactly his friends anymore. Still really devastated, though

He goes back to Isla de Mara, hoping that Rodan is still alive and yeah, he is but seriously wounded. They chat for a bit as Goji carries Rodan up the volcano, he also tells him what happened, especially to Mothra, Anguirus and Ghidorah. Rodan is of course upset but knows it had to be done however, he still feels guilty about Mothra and Anguirus. They arrive at the peak, Rodan's children running up to him and Goji. They saw the fight. They watched their sires blast their carrier out of the sky. They thought he was dead - Rodan and Gojira try their best to calm the children. He'll be fine. He just needs to rest and recover and everything will be alright. They promise to the little ones.

Before Goji puts him inside his volcano to heal, Rodan tells him where Dagon's egg is located since he and the former Alpha had hidden the egg somewhere secret before Dagon died from his injuries.

"Promise me that you'll take good care of the kid?"

"I promise."

And Godzilla carefully places Rodan in the magma to heal. Rodan then goes into hibernation. After bidding the children goodbye, Goji then goes off to find the egg and does find it. He tries raising it alongside his son and tries his best before the Mass Hibernation started.

Millions of years later, Goji wakes up to a bunch of shattered eggshells and faded footprints indicating that the egg had hatched while he slept, his son, now full grown, still sleeping and also, the humans are noisy but also advanced. Still annoying, though. Oh, and they blow things up now. . . Great. Years later, he has to deal but eventually kill two rivals, descendents of his predecessor's killer. Five years later, his three former friends come back and well,

Millions of years later, Mothra hatches to, instead of adoring and loyal followers, strangely armored humans pointing weapons at her. One fires at her and well, just because Mothra is a child at the moment doesn't mean she can't kick ass. Sure, she does calm down upon hearing her mate's ever so familiar and comforting call but she ends up escaping when shit goes down, when dangerous humans enter and begin to kill everyone around her. Then when shit gets even worse when her three former friends come back and well, it's definitely ass-kicking time. Well, she needs to lay an egg first and then it's ass-kicking time.

Millions of years later, the triplets are rudely awaken to an explosion that frees them and the pests wearing weird armor and wielding weird weapons (San wants one of those rifle things though). It's a shame those weapons don't work on them but even then again, What is a human weapon to a gravity beam? Then their archenemy appears and well, while they manage to overpower him, which honestly proves their point on how weak he is, they decide to escape. Then as they fly away from their prison, they hear a roar, a familiar roar that they thought they will never hear again. Maybe. . . Maybe they can try again. They can be together again. They can rule this planet together, as Alpha and Beta. Hopefully. . . Then their beloved mate attacks them.

Millions of years later, Rodan wakes up to what sounds like an Alpha call, his now adult children still asleep and his volcano modified with metal and advanced technology. Not that he cares on the latter part. He wants out. And so he does and he's greeted by his patron city now looking very different and strange birds flying and blasting at him. Rodan isn't pleased with the things hitting him and reopening some minor wounds on his recently healed wings so, Rodan decides to teach some pests a lesson on how aggravating a titan is a terrible idea - Then he sees them. Deep inside, he wants to be happy to see them. It's been so long after all. But he remembers what happened. He remembers the fight. He remembers how they just attempted to murder their friends without a care about their history. He remembers the pain. Then with an enraged roar, he forgets his prey and lunges at his traitorous mates.

---

Okay, I just finally finished writing this and holy shit, this was longer and way more than I expected. Like, I was just going to tell you guys some Rodorah angst but well, never dang. Here's some more stuff about Atlantis Days, I guess.

Also, pretty sure I didnt do a good job explaining but meh.

Though, I might edit this in the future, in case I get more ideas or change my mind or something.

Edit: Wording

[tdrcycle09]

Rags To Riches Ball Part II: Best Personal Drag

In the final category, the girls have one last chance to prove to us that they are the winner of Tumblr’s Drag Race Cycle 9, decked out in their best personal drag and lipsynching to a mix or song they’ve chosen themselves!

Analyse Thropic

Lila:  HOLY SASHA VELOUR’S PROJECTOR. I love that you outright became a gold star in this category, and the reveal is honestly well crafted for how much sewing experience you have in this competition. Honestly - this is another really strong concept and It’s absolutely brilliant. I do have doubts - your makeup is a bit ehhh in tandem to pigmentation in your crease and the lack of contour is kind of throwing me off - however, holy shit. HOLYY SHIT. Your references to past challenges on your dress in motifs are really cute, and the fact that you look like you are a queen on your own accord in this BPD is just astonishing. Your lipsync is honestly on par with some of the best of them in the finale - I adore the ones that aren’t afraid to have a visual to it rather than a plain old background or generic setting, and by god, it was just expertly handled. You should have at least had more white backgrounds like Sasha Velour does because it sometimes lost you in the backgrounds. Without that, your work in this lipsync is absolutely stunning, and really your lipsynching skill has developed a hell of a lot - a lot of people forget it’s something queens need to be skilled in, however, you’ve pushed it to the max this category!

Letha: Analyse, I love how you really embraced being a bald queen for your BPD. I know that sounds like a read, but it really and truly does show your utter commitment to this cycle and to your drag, and to come out, gilded for filth, no wig, with a damn crown already on your head, well that takes guts. The outfit itself is cute, and shows so much thought to hearken back to your past work during your time here. The reveal is also great. Watch the top of the pink version though, as you had some bra poking out. Makeup is cool, you do lose some definition by being so metallic, but the stones are fab (If I were you I would have done just the rhinestones and not the pearls, as they make more sense with the look). Now, on to the lipsync. Art. It was so good, the concept was so strong and though it is something we have seen from other queens (including TDR queens), it's a great workaround to the "no editing" rule and you really made it your own. There are a few places where you kind of lose you/the words because you're standing in the dark, but I can forgive that as there is so much going on on the screen in the first place. You have every confidence in you/your work, and it showed with that performance. Fantastic work, Analyse, well done. 

Toni:I LOVE LOVE LVOE LOVE EVERYTHING ABOUT THIS LOOK. I love things that a sentimental and it was is just so perfect that you did a little dress with appliques that paid homage to your challneges only to 2in1 to a redo of your audition look. I love that you wanted to do a crown like violets where its in the head, but I do think that could have been done a bit smoother. Your makeup is so cool and so outside of the box for you and I am so glad that you keep pushing yourself even here at the end. I love this lipsync, I think it was so inspiring and well done, with a great mixture of medias and lipsyncs. I think my only issue with it was at some points it was hard to see your lips and would have done with a few more test runs. 

Gluttoni:  Not only one but TWO WHOLE LOOKS! You went off girly. Number Uno A gurl…..you know I’m partial to bald bitch so I love the choice to be bald in this literal golden hour of yours. Then you figured out the golden paint and I’m so proud! You look like an award. I love that you stuck to your brand of you A motif and it very well suited for this so. Both looks really scream you and honestly I couldn’t be more proud so good work. Your lipsync was by far the best and you fucking know it. Great song choices and an overall great look.

Avana Noir

Lila: ICHI KAWAII DESU! Avana, I knew you’d pull out your Harajuku style and flavour right at the end in full force, and as it’s been nice to see glimpses of that in your works, in it’s full head to toe-ness, this is one of the best outfits you’ve done by far. This screams Avana Noir and the colour palette is so cute and - ugh, it’s so fun. Really, only issue is that I wanted to see two ponytails on top of your pink wig - it would’ve sold the Madoka Magicka a little bit more in my opinion. Your lipsync was really adorable and exciting to watch. You did drop some of your words, but forgivable since most of your song choices were full K/J-Pop anthems. You were backlit a lot during your performance, maybe take into consideration when you film, whether or not you have a ring light or some form of light that helps add a little bit more to your frontal lighting. One major thing I’ll give you props for is the Chloe Howl-stylistic camera work in this - down to the consistent movement to your points where you do more group choreo - really commend you for doing that, it shows you’re moving out of the box with how you present your drag style. Great job in this category, you did super well!

Letha: Avana-desu!!!!! This look really does scream you, and it's super cute. Not a lot of shape 'round the middle, but it's not bad. The bow is cute, and the hair works (be careful of the boy hair poking out, a wig cap would help conceal the color), but I would suggest even a little petite pink nail for the look, especially if you are posing with your hands. The makeup is great, a bottom lash might have helped amp up the cute/lolita factor more. As for the lipsync, it cut off at the end which threw me a bit, but what is there is great. I like the mix of the hip/hop with the kawaii, it screams you, and I love the group choreo (though I wish there had been some more coordination of looks, even plain pink T shirts with jeans would have worked). There are some dropped words, as well, with a mix as short as this one you really should be nailing ALL of them. All in all though, it's still a really good submission, good job!

Toni: YES THIS IS WHO AVANA IS. I love this so much, its so well made and so flattering on you. I think the colors are really nice, you could have used more variations on pink but that may just be a personal preference. I think you also could have had the little poncho be 2 inches longer and it would have been perfect!!! The makeup is so much better!! I’m so proud of how your makeup has grown over this cycle. Your wig was nice but there were points when I saw your boy hair.  The lip-sync was very on brand for you and I think it was your best one this cycle I really enjoyed it. I do wish that it was longer because the group choreo, the way it was film? Art ART. I also would have liked a softer ending. more 

Gluttoni: AVANA. This is the best you’ve ever looked in my humble opinion. You look beyond adorable and I’m glad this is your best drag because you came full circle from your Japanese donut hole look. I LOVE PINK and you gave me that and more. I hope we see more looks like this from you in the future. Honestly keep on this track because you look super stunning and precious.  I loved your final lip-sync. The beginning song needs to be mine and you fucking slayed with the K-Pop or J-Pop dance break. My only issue with anything that it was so short.

Lexi Lamour

Lila:  Your best personal drag, to me - well, I’ll be outright. It’s not your best look for me. You’ve done so many head turning looks this cycle that it almost makes me a bit sad that you didn’t save the one catsuit you wore last week for you music challenge for this category this week. But, anyways - this is still a stellar look. The hair is so big and fun and with this look it’s really cohesive. I don’t have much to critique honestly, it’s such a Lexi staple. Your lipsync was cute, it was very Lexi and I love a mix. You have such a great performing energy and at last we get to see it again. Great job in this category!

Letha:  Lexi, this look is giving me "Oh, she's about to turn some shit". It's very club drag, and while I'm not sure it's YOUR personal best, it's still a great look and one you can perform the house down in. And honestly the only crit I can find for it is that maybe a black boot would work better to contrast? The hair is fantastic, it has great volume and is perfect for whipping around. The makeup is also really good, especially the eyes/lips, but the cheeks could use a bit more blush, as you look kind of washed out. The lipsync was also really good, the mix had some very classic drag staples, and you performed them well. A few words were dropped though, and I could tell you were constrained by the space you were in and wanted to buck/twirl a bit more than the area allowed for. That being said though, this was some STRONG work, and you really served it!

Toni: Lexi!! This lipsync was so fucking cute and I really enjoyed it because I think you are the dancing queen this cycle. I do wish you had more space to really stunt on us all because every time I think you are gonna reach the edge and jump off and slay me it backs up a bit and I’m left wanting more in the worse way. I think this look is really cute on you and I really love it but I do think it’s a bit lacking from what we’ve seen from you. I think it just comes off as “just a body suit” when you’ve done body suits before its been LOOKS like your pokemon or the black one from last week. I think your makeup is flawless and I really love it, as well as this hair. 

Gluttoni: Lexi. I must say this isn’t what I quite expected and while I’m not mad at it, I can’t say this says I’m here to take it all. No doubt you look quite gorgeous. I love the choice of color and silhouette because it’s different but for some reason I’m just a bit underwhelmed. This does not mean you aren’t a killer queen with amazing taste because the score board only proves that fact. The lip-sync was good. You have a stellar amount of stage presence and out of all the girls the most chops when it comes to performing live which I’m sure you have a long, long future of blazing stages. All the best to you my love, please keep shining bright.

Sugar Monroe

Lila:  Your BPD is P--P---Pretty damn cute! I think it reads as you, very Sugar, I get a candy vibe from it and I’m loving the change in your makeup to make it very punk-grunge which we all know you like to dabble in! I *do* get a little nervous with that empire waist again, but the variation you’ve put on it saves it. You make everything you wear outfit-wise, which I commend you for. The only thing I would watch out for is the black on a black background, just because you’re blending in with it - if you used a different background it would’ve worked a lot better in my opinion. Your lipsync was cute, but I mean we’ve all saw you do super well in lipsyncs, as well as you winning one of your own lipsyncs yourself. This was a little more controlled than usual, there was very little choreo that really sold your intentions during Bubblegum Bitch, and then your second song picked up the pace a little. I was more intrigued in the second half than the first half, but either way, I digress. It was super fun to watch!

Letha: Sugar Monroe!!! On one hand, this look really does scream "Sugarrrrr", but on the other, I wish it had been pushed farther. The contrast of the blue/pink with the black was great (though idk about it on the black background, sometimes it made it look like there was a hole in your body), but I wanted the edginess of the makeup (which is great, by the way) to extend into the rest of the look. It's just a bit too clean right now. I see some burns on the skirt, but I wanted TEARS, holes, even some dirt or grime. A bit more Mad Max. Also, I do love me a gathered skirt, but pleats up top could be covered with a band across the top, it just makes it look more finished. Your lipsync mix was very cute, and the songs make a lot of sense with your character (the transitions could use a little smoothing out though). You drop some words, but you're still an amazing performer and have great presence. Good job on this category for sure!

Toni: I love watching you lipsync and this was a joy as always. I think this is very on par for you and I really enjoyed it. I think you were giving 90% on this lipsync and I wanted to see 110%. The mix was well done as well. The look was really cute, very on par for you with the skater skirt. I think when we talked you were gonna make it really grunge and mad max, but then pulled it back to burned and tore up and it doesn’t look like you really pushed that, which is disappointing because that would have been the t for me. I think your makeup and hair look beautiful and it’s so nice to see that. love it–A��h

[comicsbeat]

§ Nice Art: Francesco Francavilla gave us the Thing vs Thing team-up we’ve all dreamed of on Twitter.

§ Nice art supplemental! Takashi Miike has made a movie based on the manga JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure and it looks insane!

This is the guy who was somehow able to make us laugh at a scene depicting a hitman slicing off his own tongue in Ichi the Killer, after all. The JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure manga by Hirohiko Araki debuted in 1987 and chronicles the adventures of the Joestar family across several generations as they use their unusual powers to tackle a variety of supernatural threats. With around 100 million copies in print, it’s the bestelling horror manga of all time and also one of the bestselling manga series overall. Judging from the trailer, Miike’s adaptation will feature highly stylized visuals and colors, so we should be in for an incredible cinematic experience when Toho and Warner Bros. co-distribute the film in Japan on 4 August 2017. It stars Jun Kunimura, Nana Komatsu, Mackenyu, and Takayuki Yamada.

Bestselling horror manga? Whoa. Here’s the teaser trailer:

And the character posters! So manga!

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  § Alison Bechdel has drawn a few new Dykes to Watch Out For comic strips, and it might be about a certain orange toned president.

§ Tom Spurgeon interviewed Ron Wimberly about Prince of Cats and the rest:

It’s such a shit show, the human brain. We think the way we remember things, that’s how it truly happened. Photoshop has been great because we’re now even more aware how fake everything is. [laughter] It’s just perception. Now that it doesn’t require someone that’s great at gouging, or working on something with a knife, now that a teenager can put Hillary Clinton’s face on Snoop Dogg’s body, we know everything’s fake. Karen Green asked me something. She had read the book. When I’m thinking of names, I always give myself a game or a problem to solve to come up with answers. So the tape at the beginning, at first they were listening to the Stooges or something. Then I was like, “No that contextually doesn’t make any sense.” What would they be listening to? How is this tape a microcosm of the entire world? What if Milton, a contemporary of Shakespeare: he had written this poem about Shakespeare when he died. So Rammellzee and Milton, I mashed them together, and that’s what in the tape in the tape deck. But I totally forget about that! I had come up with a name pulled from one of the prior authors of a Romeo & Juliet. Karen, being the genius she is, is like, “Oh, that’s such a great thing you put in there. I can’t believe you did that.” And I was like, “Oh, yeah. Thanks.” [laughter] I totally forgot I had done that!

§ Someone PLEASE MUZZLE FINN JONES. The Iron Fist star just keeps digging a deeper and deeper grave with every interview where he attempts to explain why Iron Fist reviews are so awful and people don’t like the whitewashing. First it was “it’s for the fans” then he blamed Trump. Here’s his take in Vulture below. A couple of things: Jones is British and they have a slightly different approach to racial issues than we do in the US. No excuse, but probably why he keeps blabbing. Second, he’s an actor. A young actor. And not everyone can be Cole Sprouse. So please, someone…teach him how to listen and acknowledge. It is better to remain silent and be thought a fool than to speak and remove all doubt.

There’s so much outrage in the internet these days, right? Why don’t people just — look, the issue is that people are judging before they’ve even seen the show. And that’s problematic. C’mon. Don’t get angry and start a mob when you don’t even — you haven’t even seen the show! You don’t even know what we’re doing with it. It’s unjust. It’s unfair. Whatever issues they have may be true of the comic books; it was written in the ’70s. It was a very different time to where we’re at now. Very, very different. I get it. There needs to be more diversity in film and television, in all fucking aspects of life. There needs to be more diversity, period. Unfortunately, this show was picked, for whatever reason. I don’t fully understand, really, but what I say is, Watch the show. Watch the show, then make your opinions.

  § Paste magazine has the picks for comics on sale tomorrow and it’s a good week!

§ Vanity Fair chatted with 96-year-old Al Jaffee who is still cartooning and still amazing.

§ Image is holding a Homecoming Dance at Rose City Comic Con again. Details below:

Back by popular demand, Image Comics is pleased to host a very special formal Fall Homecoming dance for the comics community during the Rose City Comic Con festivities. The dance will be held on Saturday, September 9th from 8:30 p.m. – 12:30 a.m. at The Evergreen. This event will be 21+ only. IDs will be checked at the door.

Tickets to the Image Comics Fall Homecoming Dance are on sale now.

Image Comics’ Fall Homecoming will be in the style and spirit of a traditional high school dance and all comics fans and industry members are encouraged to come mix, mingle, and dance the night away.

Image Comics Fall Homecoming ticket tiers: $20: Entry ticket $45: Add-on pack, including an Image t-shirt, variant cover comic, commemorative pint glass, and enamel pin $79: VIP pack—ticket to the party, add-on pack items, and access to special VIP area at the venue (limited quantity, only 100 VIP tickets available)

§ Britt Hayes reviewed Atomic Blonde, the new comic book movie and liked it:

In one of the most striking cinematic introductions in recent memory, we meet Theron’s Lorraine Broughton, covered in bruises and soaking in an ice bath. She sits on the edge of the tub and plunks ice cubes from her bath into a glass, filling it with Stoli and gulping it down without the slightest wince. If you’ve been waiting for a female 007, she’s here — and she might be even cooler than Bond with all his ridiculous gadgets.

§ But Valerie Complex of Nerd of Color saw a preview for Ghost in the Shell and it was Worse Than We Thought:

On February 28, I saw a 15-minute sneak peek of the Hollywood adaptation of Ghost in the Shell. From the announcement of the project, this has always been a bad idea. But the announcement of the cast and story has made things much worse. Most noticeably, Hollywood adaptations of Japanese anime have yet to be successful. Either their stories veer too far from the source material, the director isn’t a good fit or the casting makes no sense. You would think Hollywood would learn, yet here we are, on the precipice of another anime-adapted flop.

§ Good news for Valiant! The Russo Brothers (Civil War) have signed on to make a Quantum and Woody TV show .

The team behind “Captain America: The Winter Soldier” and “Captain America: Civil War” will develop “Quantum and Woody,” about the world’s worst super-duo, with Valiant Entertainment. Anthony and Joe Russo will be executive producers alongside Mike Larocca and Valiant’s Dinesh Shamdasani.

§ Another graphic novel is coming to the screen! Days of the Bagnold Summer was a hilarious and sad graphic novel about a 15 year old heavy metal music fan forced to spend the summer with him mum. Created by Joff Winterhart, it was shortlisted for the prestigious COsta Award in the UK, and now it’s going to be a movie, directed by Simon Bird, a well known Brit comic known for The Inbetweeners. Some good comic fodder there.

§ Vox runs down why people are so upset about Marvel, Magneto, and Nazis, explained:

For people who aren’t comic book readers or casual fans, the vocal fight over the origins of fictional characters can seem confusing, or even trivial, considering real life white supremacists have become fixtures in the current national political conversation, and bad fiction happens all the time. But the fight goes beyond the comic book history of Captain America and Magneto and deeper into the significance of art’s connection to morality. It’s an embodiment of how powerful fandom can be, and the ever-challenging question of who owns art: the artists creating it or the fans purchasing it.

I know Marvel got locked into this storyline long ago, thinking that the old good guy turns bad switcheroo was a comics book staple, but those days are over now.

§ Also over maybe, line wide events? This article at CBR suggests so.

We’ve come to expect that every year the seeds for an event will be planted to culminate in a crossover that summer. Now, it seems like the only thing that makes these stories different from one another are the principle cast members. It doesn’t help that Marvel touts each crossover as a universe-altering incident that will have repercussions for years to come. How can this be true if the following year’s incident will change the status quo that had been established just a year prior?

§ Finally, this photo from the set of Logan got punked on the internet and now Snopes had to explain that, no it isn’t a photo of a man who got mugged on his way to buy comics for his daughter. Fake news. It’s everywhere.

Kibbles ‘n’ Bits 3/15/17: Please muzzle Finn Jones § Nice Art: Francesco Francavilla gave us the Thing vs Thing team-up we've all dreamed of…

[irkimatsu]

Coming up with headcanons for the Heso Noir set is almost certainly jumping the gun; surely whatever information we get when the designs are added to the game will contradict anything I come up with. But damn it, the designs are so good, I can't help myself! Especially Ichi's, holy shit it's like falling in love with him all over again

I'm taking this as an AU rather than their canon selves; they always looked like that, it's not a makeover to suit the situation. (I'm figuring this can't take place in Japan anyway if they're running around with guns.)

Oso didn't mean to cause trouble... but, well, he's Oso. He did something thoughtless that seemed like a fun idea at the time, and ended up invoking the ire of a local gang. This other gang doesn't handle perceived offenses lightly, so not only are they after Oso's head, but they're intent on dragging his brothers into the mess as well. None of them are the type to start a senseless fight on their own, but for their own reasons - call it self-defense, protection of the others, or simple pride - they're all perfectly willing to continue what the other gang started, with zero intent of just laying down and taking it. The Matsuno gang doesn't want to cause trouble for anyone else, but the gang that challenged them has to go down.

Ichi is particularly reluctant to get mixed up in all this, but he can't just stand by while a bunch of assholes make threats on his brothers' lives. And besides, all that gunfire is stressing the local cats out and putting them at risk, so he has to put an end to this war as soon as possible. Those are his reasons to fight; his brothers and the cats. (And maybe his own safety. That's third priority at best.) He feels no glory or excitement from the constant shootouts, but what kind of man would he be if he backed down when there's so much at stake? The other gang has a different read on him, though. They don't know of his protective nature - all they see is a tough face and a lack of hesitation, not knowing the sentiment that inspires Ichi's bravery. As far as they're concerned, he's a cold-blooded killer who isn't emotionally impacted by any of this, and he's a priority for them to take down. For that, Ichi gets involved in a lot of scuffles.

No one, not even his brothers, realize that he's an emotional wreck after enough of this.

And then we get into the reader-insert part of the story, if one wants to swing it that way. Someone (for example, me) finds this bloodied, shaking man crouching in an alleyway, clutching a cat in one arm and a gun in his other trembling hand, glaring around the corner. They don't see who the man is looking out for - all they know is that he doesn't look so good. His face is bloodied, his shirt is stained, Christ, what happened to him? They reach out to offer assistance, but are immediately met with anger. What are they doing back here?! Don't they realize this isn't safe?! Are they stupid?! Go away! But they aren't deterred; clearly this man needs help, and they're afraid that if he doesn't get it soon, he may bleed out back here. After an argument, they finally drag Ichi back to their place for first aid. Ichi is belligerent the entire time, but the stranger manages to get him patched up. They introduce themselves to each other briefly, but Ichi refuses to say much about his situation, and despite this new person's offer of shelter, Ichi refuses and leaves shortly after his wounds are cared for.

He pushes the stranger out of his mind. Yes, they were very kind... but there's no sense getting an innocent person involved in this war. They'll be better off if he forgets them.

But they keep running into him, especially in the aftermath of rougher fights... are they actively looking after him? Are they some sort of guardian angel?

He keeps up his combative act, hoping to get this person away from him before they get themselves shot at for his sake, but no matter how cruel he acts, they keep coming back when he needs them most. Despite his misgivings, over the course of several meetings, Ichi slowly explains the circumstances behind all the fighting to his new acquaintance. They seem impressed by his noble reasoning for getting involved in this; they knew from the first fight that there must be something more to him than his initially frightening appearance and behavior, for if he was just some heartless killer, then why would he care so much about a stray cat? More and more, Ichi gets attached to this person. He appreciates their kindness and wants to learn everything he can about them.

He didn't want to get attached... but before long, he's in deep and can't fight it any longer. If this person is going to insist on looking out for him no matter how much he snaps at them, then he may as well defend them with the same strength he grants to his family and the cats. He knows them so well now... they've become... important. He has to protect what's important...

And as his tough act melts away and they see his true colors, maybe he can become important to them, too...

[hemlockdumpling]

2016 Anime Challenge Revisited ~ July

Changed the challenge somewhat from this point onward, including Western Animation because it's all animation and it's my challenge so there. I apologise in advance, the bulk is about The Lion Guard and it's not good news.

Akame Ga Kill! Sometimes, you come across a show that rarely dabbles in black and white, more likely to get muddled in the grey of morality and does a good job doing so. Akame ga Kill! is one such show, telling the tale of fighter Tatsumi who sets out for the Capitol to earn money for his home village only to come across corruption and evil. After surviving a brush with death as a result of said evil, he throws his lot in with a band of assassins dedicated to ridding the Capitol of corruption. This is the Night Raid and this is their story.

What made this series enjoyable was the cast of characters, both the Night Raid and the Jaegers (the enemy of the Night Raid,) very flawed, but likeable characters with their own draw. It is this quality that makes Akame ga Kill! heartbreaking because anyone can die and they do. You get attached and then they're gone. The range of these characters guarantee there's someone you'll like, be it the Empire's Number One Assassin (Akame,) feline girl with awesome information gathering abilities (Leone,) Badass Gay (Bulat,) Tsundere Gunslinger (Mine,) Clumsy and Sweethearted Assassin (Sheele) and Disguise Master (Chelsea.)

And Seryu. You're not ready for Seryu. You think you are, but you're not.

Despite the ending being somewhat rushed and a lot of heartache, Akame ga Kill! was an enjoyable series and I hope to hit the manga books pretty soon.

Rango Cowboy lizards. Okay, Sheriff Lizards to be more precise, but you get the idea. An unnamed lizard arrives at the town of Dirt and, eager to impress, concocts a big story about himself, calling himself Rango. He is elected as Sheriff as a result, but when the town water goes missing and he's expected to investigate, he realises that living a lie is harder than he thought. Clever with plenty Crowning Moments of Comedy that appeals to audiences of all ages.

Ride of the Valkyries on banjos. Think hard about that.

Disney's The Lion Guard <Return of the Roar> A side story of sorts to The Lion King 2, this short movie tells the tale of Kion, the son of Simba and Nala, and younger brother of Kiara, who is chosen as the leader of the Lion Guard, a group that protects the Pride Land from Danger as well as the sacred Circle of Life. You've probably heard the criticisms yourself, especially online, about what The Lion Guard accomplished and after watching it, I have some concerns of my own.

Maybe it's because I grew up with the original Lion King and also really love its sequel, Simba's Pride (mixed feelings about The Lion King 1/2, but it was still somewhat enjoyable for what it tried to do.) Everything, from the story and its iconic characters to the beautiful animation and music, made these unforgettable classics and hold a special place in my childhood. With this in mind, I felt that, far from being a love letter to those that were genuinely touched by The Lion King, it's closer to being something for younger audiences to enjoy with its sense of humour and general presentation. This is not a bad thing for younger audiences, but for myself, I was disappointed.

There is some ret-con happy liberties with the story and its characters. For example, we suddenly have a sibling for Kiara in the form of Kion, making him royal family, who has no mention in Simba's Pride. Someone who takes a large responsibility that eclipses the role of the King or Queen of the Pride Lands, given the whole Protect the Pride Lands/Circle of Life thing. We also get told that Scar from the first film was actually the prior leader to the Lion Guard, but killed his fellow members with the Roar of the Elders after desiring more power, then loses the power after succumbing to the dark side. There was at least some attempt here to explain the lack of Lion Guard presence in the first two films, but it's hard to ignore the ret-con if you're familiar with the franchise and enjoy continuity.

Aside from animation issues such as jarring walk cycles (looking at you, Simba,) I did not mind the visuals, even if there was changes to the art style. No particular musical pieces really stood out, even though they were clearly homages to previous masterpieces. I was a little disappointed at the treatment of Kiara in the story and I hope she is handled better in the animated series.

As for characters, there was no character I really disliked...except one. It took very little time to get the jist of this overly opinionated, reckless honey badger, but once realised, The Lion Guard did not let me forget it. Bunga. Kion's best friend. Timon and Pumba's adopted nephew. The bravest in the Pride Lands ("brave, bordering on stupid.") His comedy wears thin, his catchphrases are relentless and every time he talks, I cringe. Oh, and don't get me started on his solution to thwart a stampede, given the emotional investment that scene should have had.

Bunga, no. Just no.

Only particular characters got reasonable screentime (and even that was too much, BUNGA,) and unfortunately, others left you wanting more. The other members of the Lion Guard only got characterisation such as the Strongest, the Fastest and the Keenest of Sight (hope you like repetition because you'll hear those a lot.) They are built up as being rather important, but get very little attention compared to the likes of Kion and Bunga. As mentioned before, Kiara is treated as the big bully sister and in a not too favourable light. Fuli, however, rocks. Needs more Fuli.

I'm not sure if I would try the animated series based on what I just watched (as Bunga alone makes me want to run screaming for the hills,) however, if I did, I'd struggle to watch it as a connected story to The Lion King legacy and love it with the same intensity as I did with the others and viewing it as a seperate source isn't really the same. I'll give it a shot, but sadly, there are no guarantees. Perhaps with a longer series, there is more time to improve on what Return of the Roar offered audiences, such as expanding on the ret-con changes like the stuff with Super Secret Lion Guard Scar because that actually was interesting, even if it came out of left field on the first viewing?

I'm sorry, lovelies. I tried. I really did. Overall, The Lion Guard ~Return of the Roar~ is not godawful, but based on what we got, it was not exactly the same Lion King experience I had hoped for. I pray the animated series offers more meat on the bones, especially in terms of characterisation with the other Lion Guard members and these new changes to the story.

Rewatch As a lover of Bubblegum Crisis, I felt myself wanting to rewatch one of the spin-offs, AD Police, a three episode short series of sorts that showcases the titular AD Police attempting to tackle crimes involving the humanoid-robots known as Boomers. With plenty of action (when Boomers start going rogue,) interesting themes of humanity vs cyborg and that classic 80s visual style, AD Police is something I enjoy returning to along with BGC. The second episode, featuring a serial killer and a girl debating whether to get a cybernetic transplant to replace her troublesome eye, is my favourite.

Before I fell in love with the Shin Megami Tensei series, before I discovered Persona, Digital Devil Saga and...Mara, I watched an animation on the good ol' Sci-Fi Channel (one of many as part of their Japanese Animation nights) back when I was a teenager. That animation was Tokyo Revelation, which I now know is a Shin Megami Tensei feature. Back then, I didn't. It was all demons, life energy, satanic computers and a little bit of gay. Honestly, it still sort of is, but with the power of hindsight on the SMT series, I understand demons and mythological creatures are part and parcel of this franchise. I enjoyed this far more with a fellow SMT/Persona/DDS fan, so we could dig into all the fine details of the film, but it's always a fun film if you just want a takeout and something to switch your mind off to.

Honesty is the order of the day. I only rewatched Ichi The Killer the animation to let my other half listen to the most laughable dub in some time. Because silly dubs help survive an otherwise difficult experience. The animation delves into the school years of Ichi, before he became what he was in the live action movie. Make no mistake, there is plenty on show to make this an uncomfortable viewing, so if graphic violence (towards people and animals) upsets you, you might want to give it a miss. For those wanting to know a little more about Ichi the Killer, this is somewhere to start.

The Lion King. Do I really have to explain this Disney classic and why I rewatched it (given it was the same day I subjected myself to The Lion Guard?) It's Hamlet with lions. The story and script is as flawless as it gets. The musical numbers are hits. The animation is gorgeous. If you haven't already seen it, what are you waiting for?