manga: what you reading brehs....

[tripleaamin]

Yofukashi no Uta

Kou Yamori seems like a typical middle school student on the surface. Relatively good at studies and amiable with his classmates, he puts a lot of effort into maintaining this facade. One day, however, he decides to stop pretending and quits school, developing insomnia as a result of having no...

myanimelist.net

Started reading for Call of the Night with S2 starting soon. Been awhile since I remember watching S1, but the comedy+banter is on point

A Sign of Affection - Volume 11:

Great volume for both Oushi & Itsumoi. The reflection on Oushi's part makes you feel like he is finally getting it. Sad to see the moment where Yuki loses confidence in her voice. Though I did like how he is with Yuki, he is with everyone else. He isn't as bad as the sad portrays him because it really only showcases his dynamic with Yuki first, which makes him look worse. As you see with his friends, he is a good dude.

Learning Itsuomi's motivation of helping others came from seeing his hero in Kousei. Though the heartbreaking part is one of the first kids he communicated with Soan passed away while he was busy when his little sister was born. It does a fantastic job at making you empathize with Itsuomi and understand why he wants to help kids who were born in misfortunate situations. Why a Japanese Kid living in Germany would want to come to Japan first as it is his origins. It really gave you a sense to believe his doubts on telling Yuki his dreams because dreaming of helping out the misfortunate is something that people can see as too idealistic and roll their eyes. Of course, Yuki is not like that at all.

 

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Spoiler: The Summer Hikaru Died - Volume 5

Tanaka & Kurebayashi are two characters that are probably the most interesting. It's interesting to note how Tanaka might be on the side for good, but it is clear that he has the feel of an antagonist because he is going against Hikaru & Yoshiki. While for Kurebayashi she is an even bigger mystery and at times seems like a bit of a red flag for knowing so much and not being associated at all.

Though the big backstory was fascinating. Worshiping Unuki-sama started because they were struggling to live on. To add on, it makes sense that after the regions split and the cult is now only active in Kubitachi which is where they are. Though since the name change occurred that is quite odd since that happened before the mass deaths occurred. As we see, the Indou family is the reason. Also interesting thing to see Hikaru losing control of what is inside of him. Honestly, at this point him not being at full power could be in Yoshiki's favor, or it could mean his misery continues.

The big reveal given in the memories of Hikaru when they see the shed with all the heads. Essentially, those were offerings to Unuki-sama. Most of them were people dead. This adds to the statement from Kurebayashi that skulls were missing since they were offerings. To even add on to that point, the different body parts were sent to different regions. More than likely, that could be why they are separated. They are cooperating with Kubitachi even if they aren't part of the cult. The fukked up thing is that travelers would get sacrificed, which is pretty fukked up. Not the worst of it, though.

The conversation between Yoshiki and his dad was good as well. Though where the real issue was the head that was sacrificed was the wife of the man offering it. So if you were to bring back to life the sacrifice then things will go out of wack. Thus, messing with the God's caused the mass deaths that occurred that changed history and Indou's families reputation went down the toilet. Though makes me wonder if that head is the key to stopping the Indou family to continue to apologizing to Unuki-sama. Though curious that he tells his son that he is nothing like him. Granted, they both seem cowardly at the moment.

Hikaru & Kurebayashi's conversation it was interesting to learn of the term majirimono, which, I assume, is mixed. Though it is good to hear that her son is alive. Though the whole mixed term is creepy. The fact that Yoshiki can be partially affected by barriers is concerning. Which makes the decision for Hikaru or whatever is inside him to leave for the mountains to make sense. He is not Hikaru and obviously, he could be putting Yoshiki's life at stake even though Yoshiki is invested. Though when these two are arguing, Tanaka comes up to Hikaru that he is not Nounuki-sama. Curious what disproves that, as a lot of the stories events feel tied for him to be Nounuki-sama

Some good Hikaru moments in this chapter. With Asako he feels guilty about them not being able to mourn Hikaru's death. After all, how can they know that he is not truly Hikaru. Also found the extra chapter interesting because Hikaru is in the position of the monster while Yoshiki is in the position of the princess. Of course, Hikaru sees the monster adapt to humans and live together with them, which is what he wants to do. Of course, Yoshiki hates how the story goes because he would rather see the princess accept the monster for what he is. Of course, that is what Yoshiki ideally wants.

Shinobi Undercover - Chapters 31–38:
Hayabuse's introduction makes for a great one. As it serves as a wall for Yodaka to overcome. Although Umineko's sister is definitely insufferable. The battle of the ninja arts does show the strengths of this manga's art really well. Also, I like how they put Yodaka's teammates in a position they could succeed in a strategic way. After all, fighting alongside Yodaka would be a bad idea. Plus, eliminating the other squads rather than focusing on 6 puts pressure on 6.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Call of the Night - Volume 3

So looks like we are learning more of the truth of vampires. More so how Nazuna differs more from the other one. Vampires appear to be a more organized group and simply out to reproduce themselves. It's basically, if you learn about a vampire you either become a vampire or be killed. Though it is clear she left some things out and forgot, so she isn't in the clear. That just with a year to work with makes things more interesting in Ko's position. It makes the threat of them killing him very real.

I did like the focus on Mahiru, as him, Akira & Ko were together a good amount when they were young. I think Akira already knows that something is up. There feel similarities and hints that he is also meeting a vampire like Ko. Though unlike Nazuna, this one seems more concerning. In fact, she has a more typical vampire vibe while we know for Nazuna that is not the case. He might be the first casualty of dying to a vampire.

Seria & Aki's friendship is pretty interesting. Perhaps leading to stuff regarding Nazuna & Ko's dynamic. Their relationship started as pure friendship as Aki getting burned by his ex & Seri was just burned out. I think it is easy to be jealous of those in love, but as a vampire that can be different. Essentially, the idea of reproducing and that being the only thing they are doing. You will have multiple partners, and it is to see why Serie would be sick of it. For a vampire, being jealous of seeing others just being friends could be the equivalent to humans being jealous of seeing others in love while being alone.

Of course, here Aki did start falling for Seri, which empathized the point humans & vampires don't mix well outside of love. The vampire's nature will attract humans and provoke feelings. Which caused Aki to break the only friend promise he made to Seri. Though Aki willing to become a vampire meant a lot to her and goes to show that being with her meant a lot. Makes you wonder if becoming a vampire will help with his urges, which would be the best for both sides with the pretext that they don't drift apart. After all, Serie clearly didn't want that.

Land of Monsters - Chapter 21: Great to see Lune stepping up, but the sight of fire in the village leaves major concern.

Spoiler: Hero Organization - Chapter 30

This chapter sold me on him that he is a great rival, but also would be a great friend to Leo. Honestly, if this series had a different premise, I could see him being the typical Shounen protagonist of sorts. Living up to his father's legacy couldn't have been easy. I love that he recognizes that something is off with Leo and more so he closes off his emotions. Really only Milly has helped with that.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Call of the Night - Volume 4

Anko Uguisu's introduction sets the one well in two aspects. First, there is a threat against vampires because so far in the story they seem very untouchable. Almost like gods in a way. Also, the great point that Ko doesn't really know what is going on. He seems to forget those vampires were willing to kill him if he didn't become a vampire. Could there be more to what they are hiding? Hell, there is even the point that being a vampire can leave you miserable. As whoever turned that teacher into a vampire left him there.

More pressure is now on Mahiru and Akira. For Mahiru he clearly is with a vampire and him going to Anko is interesting. For Akira, who is the one that almost attacked and could have died. Still, it's clear to her that she isn't as happy as she was when she was with Ko & Mahiru. Thus, I don't think she just walks away. Hell, I doubt she could.

Spoiler: Magical Girl Dandelion - Chapter 12

Fantastic chapter to keep you on your toes. Peony trying to make sure Ruri is safe to help Tanpopo is expected. Granted, no surprise that wasn't enough given the situation. With her getting stabbed, you would think the only way for Tanpopo to get help is from Shade. Despite everything, Tanpopo is continuing to fight. It's wonderful to see that inspired him, and it differs from the more typical option of Shade snapping out of it. Being a magical boy, curious what Ruri can do next chapter.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Call of the Night - Volume 5

The conversation between Ko & Nazuna is excellent here. More so the point of her guilt regarding Ko because of her sell on the night and becoming a vampire was shytty. I am glad she realizes that where we learn the nightlife isn't something she truly admires. Though the companionship with Ko made a big difference. Makes me curious what continues from this point.

At the very least, it does seem the other vampires are trying to push Nazuna to figure out what she truly wants regarding Ko. Though Kiku is the one vampire that it is clear as day she is bad news. She was outright about to kill Ko if Mahiru wasn't around. Even then, she was manipulating him because as we know how vampires draw humans towards them. More and more this gives me a bad feeling for Mahiru that the vampire he is with is her. The other vampires have their issues, but Kiku seems much, much worse.

Dark Gathering - Chapter 71:

The chapter introduced a bunch of spirit mediums, 8 new ones besides Jogan & Shami. Though Oobashi is the one that draws the most attention in this chapter. In particular, his future encounter with Yayoi will be interesting.

Though it seems the name Oota Taneko is more important then I would realize. What exactly is the influence that she holds?

Spoiler: Monochrome Days - Chapter 23

In both anime & manga, direction is one thing that can be overlooked. It is what separates from the good from the great or even the masterpieces. The great examples used in this chapter basically great direction drives one's interest. There are many ways to do it. Akane-banshi is one series that does this extremely well. Hell, this manga itself is an example of amazing direction.

We know how great Fudo is with his art, so the idea of balancing background art with strong personalities is interesting. It makes sense in how to balance these two can give your series a different life. The idea that Wakaba & Barazono are coming with looks really fukking interesting.

 

[tripleaamin]

Spoiler: Call of the Night - Volume 6

Kiku continues to have red flags surrounding her. Through there appears to be some smoke and mirrors. As Hatsuka points out, Kiku has 50 offsprings. The other vampires have a number of offsprings that isn't too far out of the number of kids humans may have at most. But 50 is beyond insane even by vampire standards. Yes, Nazuna says she seems the most human, but that might be a red flag and how she differs from the other vampires.

Also, Anko attacking Aki provides a big reveal in how she can take down vampires. Vampires lose attachment to their human lives. Though something that feels odd. As there feels like there should be more to it. As we saw, this gave Aki a moment to feel vulnerable, but of course, with other vampires it feels that this strategy isn't too effective.

Though as the topic of the vampires' past and most of them don't remember their human selves. Which leads to Ko helping Nazuna dig into her past. This leads to them searching the hospital where they find Kabura there. As Ko points, Kabura shows that she cares about Nazuna despite her ice-cold demeanor. Though it's clear that Nazuna worked at the hospital and Kabura turned her into a vampire, but what happened? Clearly Kabura holds those answers.

 

[T-K-G]

@tripleaamin started reading Lord of Mysteries to atleast get caught up to the anime


they left out so many basic details im wondering if they're just gonna do flashbacks to fix it

- the show is downplaying the hell out of how smart Zhou/Klein is, he noticed his abilities were beyond what anyone else could understand pretty early, Daly tried to read his memories and he noticed none of her tactics to make him talk loosely were working so he just faked it so they would leave him alone.

in the anime they just had him in a super tripped out dream sequence then jumped to Dunn offering him a job with them, i was wondering why that shyt felt so unnatural considering he was a prime suspect in two other people dying. nikkas just jumped straight to "join us"

real klein and his 2 friends got cursed by something that made them kill themselves and Zhou just happened to wind up in the middle of it transmigrating to Kleins body. Nighthawks just figured if he's lucky enough to survive that he must have some ability they can make use of. I don't see why the anime needed to skip that.


- after the initial meeting in the Fog place with Justice and Hanged Man all 3 of them had symbols appear on the backs of their hands, so it'll be way easier to do future meetings without klein's ritual and their items that broke.

it literally would only take 10 seconds to show that why skip and make it a potential issue down the line? They showed the dots on Klein's hand for half a second and expected anime-onlys to be able to catch that? absurd

 

[tripleaamin]

@tripleaamin started reading Lord of Mysteries to atleast get caught up to the anime


they left out so many basic details im wondering if they're just gonna do flashbacks to fix it

- the show is downplaying the hell out of how smart Zhou/Klein is, he noticed his abilities were beyond what anyone else could understand pretty early, Daly tried to read his memories and he noticed none of her tactics to make him talk loosely were working so he just faked it so they would leave him alone.

in the anime they just had him in a super tripped out dream sequence then jumped to Dunn offering him a job with them, i was wondering why that shyt felt so unnatural considering he was a prime suspect in two other people dying. nikkas just jumped straight to "join us"

real klein and his 2 friends got cursed by something that made them kill themselves and Zhou just happened to wind up in the middle of it transmigrating to Kleins body. Nighthawks just figured if he's lucky enough to survive that he must have some ability they can make use of. I don't see why the anime needed to skip that.


- after the initial meeting in the Fog place with Justice and Hanged Man all 3 of them had symbols appear on the backs of their hands, so it'll be way easier to do future meetings without klein's ritual and their items that broke.

it literally would only take 10 seconds to show that why skip and make it a potential issue down the line? They showed the dots on Klein's hand for half a second and expected anime-onlys to be able to catch that? absurd

I knew from episode 1 they were pulling some bullshyt, but man

It's clear as day whoever was producing this had no confidence that the show could be carried by the dialogue alone. I mean, that was clear from episode 1. Which is just bizarre considering how I always hear that the novel is considered a masterpiece.

I get they wanted to make the visuals and animation top-tier. But I'd take just solid visuals if they did the whole first novel in 24 episodes rather than 13.

Also, the audacity of some of the fans to say that the reason people are confused is because they lack an attention span. Which is definitely an issue in terms of anime fans in general (some brehs even have trouble understanding JJK or CSM themes somehow), but the anime for this series has awful directing and script composition.

 

[tripleaamin]

Honestly, great reveal in execution.

Spoiler: Call of the Night - Volume 7

Honestly, the way they handled Nazuna's backstory was great. Nazuna had was close when she thought that it was her who turned Kabura into a vampire, but it was her mother Hana that did. Kabura's backstory as a human is quite depressing, always in the hospital. While it didn't focus on her family much, you can see that her friends didn't actually care for her. This is the first time in the story where being a vampire greatly made one life happier. For Kabura she could live and throw away everything that held her down. Hana was the one person who was genuine to Kabura and that is why it isn't surprising she fell in love with Hana.

Of course reality wasn't kind to Kabura in the end. Hana ended up with a human, and it seems she never turned him. I assume Hana knew the rules of vampires and didn't want her husband involved. Though it definitely is depressing to hear that she left her daughter Nazuna in the care of Kabura. Looking at it from the angle of Kabura having to take care of the kid of the woman she loved that she had with another guy. Though out of context, it worsens it then it actually is. The fact that Nazuna looks just like Hana is even crueler to Kabura. It's difficult to consider what Kabura views Nazuna. A daughter, but at the same time it probably haunts her that she looks like Hana, whom she loved.

On the other spectrum, we're getting to learn a bit more about Midori, which leads to one of the humans that she turned. Who was Love. Honestly it is funny to see how she immediately sees the best qualities of him. Kind of making her very pure. Though her human life seems to be tied to the Doujins that Love made, which started her. Given that he was having issues reading it, it is very possible the same could have happened to Midori.

The one question is why is Anko going after vampires so hard? There is a clear motivation in there.

Wistoria - Chapter 54:

Makes sense that Will wouldn't be surprised that Julius is alive. The lack of presence within the ice faction makes them use Kreutz's antisleym. Now the big question mark is what is Charles doing next?

Spoiler: Land of Monsters - Chapter 22

More painful memories for Mitsukai as she thought those hunters could kill Flute. But it just created problems since one of them escaped and now is back. It is very depressing that she is fully accepting dying, but it indicates that she has a big heart. Though I don't get a good feeling she will make it out of this alive.

 

[tripleaamin]

Call of the Night - Volume 8

An interesting spot with this volume is that it wasn't Kabura that Nazuna took after, but it was her first friend, Kyoko Mejiro. We can see that Nazuna was very lifeless, but bit by bit she took after Kyoko. Her love for detective novels, for one, and the way her thoughts became similar to those of Kyoko were interesting. Still, it feels very like likely that Kyoko is Anko. The detective outfit and the lighter. Though it is still difficult to see why she is so motivated.

 

[T-K-G]

I knew from episode 1 they were pulling some bullshyt, but man

It's clear as day whoever was producing this had no confidence that the show could be carried by the dialogue alone. I mean, that was clear from episode 1. Which is just bizarre considering how I always hear that the novel is considered a masterpiece.

I get they wanted to make the visuals and animation top-tier. But I'd take just solid visuals if they did the whole first novel in 24 episodes rather than 13.

Also, the audacity of some of the fans to say that the reason people are confused is because they lack an attention span. Which is definitely an issue in terms of anime fans in general (some brehs even have trouble understanding JJK or CSM themes somehow), but the anime for this series has awful directing and script composition.

I caught up and whoever claimed the beginning is too slow lied it's basic exposition stuff that's literally in every other show, I hate how ADHD the world is now, they might've saved 1 episode worth of money at most


It's not worth losing a ton of viewers tryna cut stuff and making it confusing

 

[tripleaamin]

Tbh, not liking the vampire nerf of them being purely brawn over brains so that Anko doesn't immediately die.

Spoiler: Call of the Night - Volume 9

For Kyoko she failed to become a vampire like Ko in the present. Though an interesting point is that now that their parents wanted to get back together, even the father cheated. What happened was that the woman who her father cheated on was a vampire. Given the personalities the vampires are on, odds would heavily speculate that vampire might be Kiku. Still, you at least understand why Anko hates vampires because the last precious thing in her life was taken away by them. Though a nice touch of the lighter, we see that was a precious gift Kyoko gave to her dad and how she discovered one of their weaknesses.

The real question is, what is Anko after? Ending the night, more than likely that could be an idea of getting rid of all vampires. Though not killing the others just comes across as odd. AsSo she must be going after something else. Nazuna doesn't want to kill her first friend as well. Even adding the fact she didn't expect Ko to show up even after she texted him. More than likely that was bait regarding Nazuna.

Right up with Magical Girl Dandelion as one of the best new monthly mangas that have been out.

Spoiler: Empyreal Cabinet - Chapter 13

Man I love how dirty and calculating Toya can be. Honestly, it makes sense: if you play too nice, it could be your undoing. I like the characterization that Toya is the best ally you can have but basically the most terrifying enemy. He is really making himself as a wonderful protaginst so far.

Also, in just two chapters, Shiranui has caught my attention. I doubt a woman would be involved in politics in this setting, but she is definetly a character who is more capable and smarter than many characters in this might realize, besides Toya of course.

 

[storyteller]

Anyone familiar with Wild West Murim? I think this is gonna be my next Murim Manga binge. I've seen some action scene scans that got me interested.

 

[tripleaamin]

Halfway through the series. I really liked how this arc played.

Spoiler: Call of the Night - Volume 10

I really like how Anko's plan was just absurd. As we have seen throughout the series, vampires are on another level from humans. In fact, her finding a viable weakness as link to their past and to their humanity is impressive in and of itself. However, vampires starving makes sense, but man, is it foolish. It's an absurd plan. Though Ko was right about Anko, the fact that she didn't want to die. She was willing to venture into the most stupid plan just to have some hope. She lost her family, and she ended up cutting ties with her only friend.

Now Ko surviving the gunshot wound is weird. Though it makes me wonder if Ko can become a vampire temporarily to feel what love is, then would that also mean that vampires could lose the feeling of love? Granted it is unlikely, but people fall out of love in real life. This is an interesting layer to add to the story. Though sometimes people will forever love those that they live with, even when they die, so perhaps vampires becoming human is just a pipe dream.

I like how Ko has mentioned that he has a different outlook on adults. Being in school can really give you a skewed look at them. Adults are people too, and many of them screw up a lot. We saw previously his teacher being much more kinder then he was at school. Just because you become an adult doesn't mean you are an adult. Honestly ultil you turn the age of being an adult or even are around them like Ko is that you realize they aren't so different from kids are. Hell, Anko lost 10 years of her life hunting vampires. As far as growing up is concerned, she is really more so 4 years older than him rather than 14 years older.

I do like that Ko & Nazuna are sticking with Anko because she is very much alone. I also like they want to give her some closure. At the very least, to hunt down the vampire who ruined her life. We see the other vampires being a bit of a mental case, but at the end of the day they were beings that Ko could relate to. Kiku throwing away her offsprings like Anko's dad more so sells the point that she might be the first shytty vampire we've seen. Which causes concern regarding Mahiru's safety.

 

[Formerly Black Trash]

Just finished
Blame!
Aposim!
BioMega

Now reading
Kagurabachi
Choujin X
Frieren went it comes back out
Daemons of the Shadow Realm
The Summer Hiraku died

Going to get back into Call of the Night