Here Comes A New Challenger!

charlierejouis's side blog for Fairy Tail manga and anime. Somehow, my favorite character is Natsu, my OTP is Albis, but I spend more time talking against Nalu and Gruvia. Go figure...  icon by icondumptbh

[natsubeatsrock]

I've Lost Patience With the Nalu Fandom

Leave it the the Nalu fandom to get me out of another hiatus.

I wasn’t planning to make a post about this particular drama. This was part of another post I was already working on for some other time. 

However, Mashima’s been to France again and did another interview over the weekend. In response to a question, he said that Natsu and Lucy consider each other to be more than friends. If you were only listening to most of fandom, you’d think that Mashima confirmed that Nalu was absolutely going to happen. All he did was say that Natsu and Lucy consider each other to be friends.

I know that sounds like a big deal, but it shouldn’t be. Mashima’s already said as much in the past. Someone pointed out that he said that in the same afterword he mentioned not writing Nalu as romantic. He likes writing them as more than friends, but not necessarily romantic. In fact, he clarified that as his vew a few days later.

I appreciate Mashima’s consistency about Natsu and Lucy’s relationship. In fact, I’ve come to appreciate it over the years. Nalu was always going to be popular as a romantic ship. However, I’ve had fun playing with the idea of them working together, without having to consider romance.

To be honest, I don’t blame fandom for going crazy over this kind of thing. Mashima will draw Natsu and Lucy looking at each other, and fans will wait for their proposal in the upcoming chapter. This is something I’ve come to expect from fandom.

For now, though, excuse my skepticism over this translating into Nalu becoming a canon couple. Until Mashima changes course in canon, I’m not budging on my views or expectations on the ship.

“Now you're just being ridiculous. Mashima has made it obvious that he's going to make Nalu happen. You're so in denial if you think he won't.”

Fine, let's run through the list.

Has either Natsu or Lucy had a moment in canon where they acknowledge genuine enthusiastic romantic feelings for each other?

We've gotten moments fans have argued hint towards the ship happening. Obviously, fandom is going to skew towards those moments showing Mashima favoring their ship. 

However, I'm losing patience with fandom over this point. 

This series is two decades old. We've gotten more chapters of Fairy Tail material than most normal shonen series run for.

Has Nalu gotten a moment like Orihime’s five lives speech in Bleach?

Has Nalu gotten a moment like Hinata saying she's saving Naruto because she loves him?

Has Nalu gotten a moment like Benio losing herself to corruption but being centered by realizing she loves Rokuro?

Has Nalu gotten a moment like Haru realizing the reason he still fights is that he loves Elie?

Has Nalu gotten a moment like Gajeel saying he wants to protect Levy?

I could go on, but you get the point.

Admittedly, every ship doesn't need to have a moment like this to be canon. Bluebell happened without a moment like this. However, I'm sick and tired of hearing that Nalu is a surefire ship when we're still waiting for either to outright say they even like the other person twenty years into the series.

I can't be convinced that Mashima, who is hyper sensitive to fandom’s wishes in multiple other aspects, isn't making a conscious decision not to confirm Nalu. In the same interview, he said that he’s aware of what fans want, but that isn’t affecting how he’s writing them. That’s a bigger stain on Nalu than fans might want to give credit. Especially considering he was fine ending the original series without giving them that kind of catharsis.

I can imagine a world where Nalu happens. However, it wouldn't be the grand fantasy fans want or expect. It would happen without incident. It certainly won't be the well developed ship fandom has deluded itself into believing Nalu is or will be.

Could we get another sequel to further extend this whole thing? It's not out of the cards. It's not like we expected the sequel we got. However, it would be foolish to assume such a sequel is a given. Even more to assume that it will absolutely confirm a ship ten or more years after the end of the current sequel.

[hirakyun13]

Taking a break from pokopia to draw my girl

[natsubeatsrock]

Opinion I'll Probably get Stoned For #215

Stop comparing Lisanna's death fake-out to Juvia's death fake-out.

[natsubeatsrock]

I know what I'm talking about on August 31st. IYKYK.

[theguildawards]

We're All Fired Up!!

Hey everyone!

The Guild Awards are back for the first term of 2026!

Hope the winter wasn't too harsh on all y'all!Big shout out to everyone who participated last term for making it so enjoyable. We look forward to all the new fanfiction and fanart to be nominated for this term.

Shout out as always to @pencilofawesomeness for creating last term's banners! If you haven't received yours, please reach out to one of the mods asap!

Our roulette categories for this term are as follows:

For fanfiction it will be: Best Platonic. This will be defined as: Where two or more characters share a close bond but do not have a sexual relationship. They may even feel love for each other. These platonic relationships are often marked by closeness, honesty, acceptance, and understanding. The lack of a sexual relationship characterizes this connection, but doesn't necessarily mean the characters aren't attracted to each other or could not start to feel attracted to one another.

For fanart it will be: Best Rarepair Artwork . This will be defined as:Any romantic or platonic depiction of two or more of the characters of Fairy Tail, that have 400 tags or less on AO3. Can be canon universe, AU/AR, or crossover in nature.

As a reminder, there is a Winner Ban in place. This means that once any piece of artwork or fanfiction has won an award for a category, it automatically becomes ineligible and cannot be nominated again for that category. However, it can be nominated for other categories after two consecutive terms have passed (ie: one year since that piece won) as long as it fits within that definition. We do not have a rule against nominating an author/artist back into the category they won for in the past, as long as its a different piece of work that is being nominated.

In addition, we are also going to have a mobile-friendly Google Doc with all current nominations listed. This will be updated as frequently as possible so you can be aware of all the nominations that have currently been reviewed and notified. Hopefully this will help everyone select their own nominations. You can access this doc here

If it was not mentioned above, chances are it hasn’t changed. Please be aware that the moderators always take suggestions regarding how the awards are run and category changes into consideration. You can read up on the most recent FAQs, Rules of Eligibility, and Categories for more information. [these links are only available on desktop]

For ease of access, we also include a mobile-friendly Google Docs for the FAQs, Rules of Eligibility, and Categories that will be kept up-to-date each term, which can be viewed here.

The First Term 2026 Nomination Period will begin March 1st and will end March 31st.

Please send in your nominations through the submit button. If you have any questions or concerns, don’t hesitate to send in an ask or reach out to one of the mods!

We also have a discord that is open to everyone! So feel free to hop on in!

Mods: @classysassy9791​, @kiliinstinct​, @phoenix-before-the-flame​, @ratretro​, @phoneboxfairy ​

Please reblog and spread the word of the start of the new term!

[sakurakitsume-art]

[doubleragnarok]

Previous post from the same series:

Post by @doubleragnarok · 2 images

💬 0  🔁 9  ❤️ 48 · Based on that legendary cover

[natsubeatsrock]

So, I Watched K-POP Demon Hunters, and…

I'm not the most knowledgeable person when it comes to K-Pop. However, a demonic band that climbs the charts? Given recent events in the music industry, that feels universal.

Let's talk about their villain song: Your Idol.

It's been awhile since I've seen a good animated villain song. I can't remember one since Moana almost a decade ago. (Yes, Moana came out in 2016 and I feel old.) Disney has been shying away from traditional villains and good music. Besides them, are there that many good animated musicals? It's telling that the CGI Lion King had an unforgivably worse version of a top-tier villain song. 

A good villain song should tell us something about what the villain wants. The story says they're evil, but songs are different. In musicals, songs are meant to be the overflow of a character's emotions. Villain songs should give us insight into the minds and motives of the antagonist.

“How does that work for Your Idol if it's a live performance?”

That's why I want to talk about it so much.

Their first song Soda Pop is perfectly benign. It's certainly a catchy song. Outside the movie, it's spent time on the top 10 for the Billboard Hot 100. You could play the song and it wouldn't feel out of place among other K-Pop hits.

Of course, if you've seen the movie, you know that this is a trap. They're creating a song that's catchy enough to steal fans from HUNTR/X and steal souls. 

What hasn't been said much is the analogy they're using. The idea of the group's object of affection being their soda pop seems cute. Then you remember it's sung by demons who actually want to eat the souls of the people vibing to their song. That's more subtle than overt and I'm not shocked people haven't made that connection.

The song blows up and wins them awards. They host a concert to celebrate. If you ask me, the obvious move is to perform the song that made you famous. Remember that they never got to perform at the ceremony. 

Then again, HUNTR/X planned to go on break and released a new song that same night. (Albeit for their own purposes.) If they have another song ready to perform, it wouldn't hurt to capitalize on the momentum.

The song we got from it is Your Idol.

I understand if my analysis of Soda Pop sounds like a reach. I doubt the same accusation will land for Your Idol.

Before the song starts, the group forgoes their human disguises. The full track begins with Latin chanting. It's not just that they're talking about judgment days and the flames of hell. The lyrics are from the Latin Requiem Mass.

I could stop the analysis here and we have a clear picture of what's going on. The Saja Boys have set the crowd, and potentially the world, up for destruction. Their fate is sealed and their souls are good as gone.

We get to that idea pretty early on with my favorite line in the song: “you gave me your heart, now I'm here for your soul.” The Saja Boys won the hearts of the people. Now, they're literally stealing the people's souls.

By the way, let's talk about the not-so-subtle double entendre of an idol. It's easy to say that the Saja Boys want to become the object of the people's worship to help Gwi-ma. However, in another sense, they are the people's idol. They are the top idol group. They have the awards to prove it.

This song is a victory lap. They've done everything they wanted to do: expose Rumi, weaken the Honmoon, break HUNTR/X up, and lure Zoey and Mera to the dark side. The fame that comes with being the top K-Pop group is the cherry on top. 

Here's another way to look at it. Earlier, I alluded to “Be Prepared” from the Lion King. Part of what makes it a great villain song is that he explains his goal to kill Mufasa right before he puts it into action. It's called “be prepared” because he's telling the hyenas to prepare for his reign as… take your best guess.

Imagine if, after the dust settles, Scar tells the lions what happened to Mufasa and Simba, like he does in the movie. However, he starts a reprise telling the lions to be prepared for his rule. That would be what Your Idol is in this movie.

The funny thing is, to the average audience member, this might not be the villainous song I'm making it out to be.

There's a song “Every Breath You Take” by some band I'll have to look up when I get on the Internet again. The song is about how the singer will watch their loved one everywhere. Everywhere. Though, as a listener, you don't think something like this is them being serious.

Do you think any normal person hearing this song would think this is from demons? They sang a song about soda pop. How scary can they be? Matter of fact, demons, including Gwi-ma, do show up at the concert at the start and fans thought they were special effects.

None of this gets to the grimiest fact of this song.

I saw a poll about whether or not this song was about Rumi. It's a tad deluded, in my opinion. Jinu still has feelings for Rumi, but it's hard to read this song as directed towards her.

Though, let's consider this as a song directed towards a girl.

The first half seems innocent enough. We've talked about the subtle hints that something sinister is happening. However, this is couched in the assuring thought that the singer is there to save them. You can rely on them.

However, things take a drastic turn as the band prepares for the last chorus. The group sings “living in your mind now/ too late cause you're mine now.” 

Suddenly, all the dark implications are too present to ignore. First, they sang innocent lines like “I can be the star you rely on” and “don't you know I'm here to save you”. Those lines are replaced by “watch me set your world on fire” and “no one is coming to save you”. They went from offering salvation to bringing condemnation.

We see the Saja Boys for who they truly are. “We” being the operative word.

The sad thing is that it's too late for the rest of the crowd. The demons won. Without the events of the next song, the fate of the world would be sealed.

[acnologias-ass]

Sometime after Tower of Heaven

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Number 1)

I came into this year with the goal to read through my backlog of books. I've collected dozens of books throughout the past few years that I haven't read. This has been close to 80 books of different types I've completed from graphic novels to non-fiction to novels. Some of the books I've mentioned in this series have been part of this endeavor.

While this book wasn't my favorite, it's the best book I came into this year without starting. This might come as a shock to my long-time followers.

Number 1: Crisis on Infinite Earths

The idea of multiple universes certainly has captured our collective consciousness. This entry marks the third straight property to top these lists just as it involves American comics. Here, the different DC universes are… in crisis. This means several different versions of heroes and villains have to work together to save their existence. Naturally, this also means they fight each other.

In context of DC, this was historic. The fallout of this event shaped DC for decades, even after certain retcons created a new universe. Bruce Timm needed three films to do the story justice. For context, the only other graphic novel with another movie was the excellent Dark Knight Returns, with two parts.

I need to be crystal clear about this. I have not changed allegiance to Detective Comics squared. I much prefer Marvel’s heroes and lore. Looking through my ranking of books, I have four Marvel books ranked before the next DC comic. In fact, I gave overall lower rankings to DC graphic novels I read this year than Marvel, despite reading a comparable amount of both books.

However, if you have any love for DC, its heroes, or its universe, you need to read this comic. Every list of DC graphic novels to read before you die is incomplete without this. I haven't read a comic this life-changing in a long time. I can only hope that I can read more books like this in my time on this Earth.

See you in the new year, everyone!

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Honorable Mentions)

Here are my honorable mentions.

Otr of the Flame

I'm glad Kawaguchi is back post-Red Hood. I fear it won't be for much longer, but I'm having fun for now.

Sonic the Hedgehog 3

The fourth movie might make the main list if they include “Sonic Boom” like they added “Live and Learn” to this one.

Sydney Sweeney

I loved her in Anyone But You, which was what originally held this spot. I loved her in Christy. The jeans controversy was hilarious, and I wish she hadn’t “apologized”. No, I didn't buy the soap.

Girl Meets Rock

Close enough. Welcome back, Bocchi the Rock! (inb4 “Season 2 is coming out!”)

Sirens Won't Sing For You 

I'm a simple man. Shueisha publishes a romance manga that interests me, and I'll read it.

Thunderbolts*

This is the only Marvel property on this list. Rivals would be here if I could play shooting games well. I also refuse to call this movie by its alternative name.

One of Them Days

This wouldn't be here if there were a scene where the two main characters said something like, “This has been one of them days.” Pro tip: don't watch this on an airplane. Just trust me.

Wicked & Wicked: For Good

If I didn’t watch the original on Broadway, this would be high on the main list. Of course, if I didn't love this version of it, I wouldn't put it here. Not that it matters, but I prefer Elphaba's songs to Glinda's.

I Have a Crush at Work

Yet another anime showing my age. I can't imagine anyone under 20 loving this anime. Special shoutout to “Rock is a Lady’s Modesty,” which I couldn’t complete because I don’t own HiDive and couldn’t pirate it.

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Number 2)

In 2022, I had a difficult decision to make for anime of the year. That was the year plenty of standout shows came out. The year gave us My Dress-Up Darling, Spy X Family, and Call of the Night, along with sequels to favorites and long-awaited series.

Ultimately, I chose Bocchi the Rock as my anime of the year. Even then, I chose Pokémon Journeys as the best thing of the year. I don't regret either pick. However, I had to make one unfortunate snub, which has stuck with me for some time. Thankfully, I get to make up for it this year. 

Number 2: Chainsaw Man: Reze Arc Movie

In case you're keeping track, this is the third animated movie on my list this year. Not one of these will be nominated for an Oscar. (Looney Tunes isn't even eligible.) I'm wishing to be proven wrong. Still, Crunchyroll, controversial as ever, managed to bring two anime films into serious consideration for the award. This is the one I care about.

When we last left Denji and crew, he was starting to get used to being openly manipulated by Makima. As he puts it, his body has other ideas once Reze enters the picture. He starts catching feelings, only to find out she's also working for the Gun Devil.

Two years ago, I said the Black Clover movie looked like a film I would pay to watch in theaters. For example, I enjoyed the movies for Bunny Girl Senpai on Crunchyroll this year, but they look like longer episodes of the anime. I was impressed that a show that was already on another visual level could be elevated with the budget and time of a full-length movie, especially when its creator is a known cinéphile.

Shonen Jump is in a weird position where its new manga aren’t gaining much popularity and its older series are coming to an end. It feels like there's a disconnect between what's popular in Japan and what's popular in the West. However, Shueisha will be fine if they keep finding writers like Tatsuki Fujimoto and letting them do their thing. 

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Number 3)

I don’t care about box office trends. I don't care about sales numbers. I don't care where on Earth you want to go and test this.

Everyone loves a good hero story. The idea of people who can do things normal people can't has captured the imagination of every culture in some way, shape, or form.

You know what happens next.

Number 3: Superman (2025)

This felt like an obvious lock. Superman has become more of a favorite for me, since My Adventures of Superman shared this same spot two years ago. I’ve always considered James Gunn to be a great director for superhero films, being the pound-for-pound best director in the MCU. Honestly, revisiting the Scooby Doo movies that he wrote the scripts for has been fun.

I don't want to hear anything from fans who stan a Superman who, may I remind you, snapped a man's neck on screen. This is my Superman. Not just because he wants to be treated as human. Not just because he wishes to mitigate the loss of life and property around him. Not just because he's willing to save even animals who might not appreciate it. Not just because he tries to do the most good possible.

This might be the first time I can believe Superman’s Earth story. We know he was sent from Krypton and raised by the Kent family. However, this was the first time in a while that I could buy that for Superman. For other versions, that feels like a convenient cover story. Gunn made a great choice, focusing more on making us think this Superman could pass as Clark Kent.

The one complaint I care about is that this Superman is weaker than normal. For as much as this draws from All-Star Superman, we didn't get a similarly powerful version of Superman. However, I believe this is part of Gunn’s long path to healing Superman's public image. And, much as I enjoyed finishing that comic this year, I believe this version of Superman is more engaging.

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Number 4)

I don't like being political. I've been pretty good about keeping my political views to myself. Part of it is having enough controversial views about this series. However, people get nasty when politics get involved. I've especially seen that with everything surrounding Charlie Kirk's assassination.

At the end of the day, we all disagree with human beings. That doesn't mean the issues don't matter or don't have serious consequences. It means that we're not fighting cartoon villains. Everyone, regardless of race, gender, or political persuasion, is a person with infinite value. The vast majority of people are doing what they believe will benefit the most people possible.

I say this and I must remember this applies to the worst class of humans among us: entertainment executives.

Number 4: The Day The Earth Blew Up: A Looney Tunes Movie 

Warner Brothers has been gaining criticism for almost every action they've taken over the past few years. Even now, Netflix coming to purchase them doesn't inspire optimism. They've made nearly every possible decision that could tank the Looney Tunes stock. There hasn't even been a good feature-length Looney Tunes movie in about twenty years. Ketchup Entertainment stepped in to distribute the film with barely any press to theaters, in competition with A Minecraft Movie.

A threat from outer space is set to destroy the Earth. Gum loving aliens have invaded the planet and are taking over people's minds. Daffy Duck and Porky Pig team up with scientist Petunia Pig to save the world. 

Did you know this is the first full-length fully animated movie from the Looney Tunes? With all the material they've had to work with, you'd imagine an idea would be good enough to make the silver screen. However, fans of the Looney Tunes will appreciate this version of these characters. 

Thankfully, newcomers to this universe won't be lost in references. This story tells its own self-contained story with a special twist on the concept shared above. Whatever you're expecting to see with my description, prepare for some interesting twists.

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Number 5)

I've come to respect Zutara more over the years. I couldn't live in my house if I didn't understand it. However, I would be hard-pressed to come up with a ship with more devoted fans and cogent analysis than I've seen from Zutara.

Though, I have one disagreement with fans. I can't say they're the best example of enemies to lovers. They're not a bad example of the trope. However, I think a better example of this trope should have a deeper hatred for each other to start. They have reason for animosity. However, this trope is at its best when the characters in question have personal stakes on the line.

Number 5: Still Star-Crossed

I'm sure you're aware of Romeo and Juliet. The story of star-crossed lovers has been told the world over. It has inspired countless numbers of retellings and reimaginations. However, what happens after the play ends? How can Verona find peace from the madness caused by the Montagues and Capulets?

Prince Escalus has a simple solution: marry the families together. Again.

Cue our main couple: Mercutio, highest surviving heir of the Montagues, and Rosaline, niece of the Capulets. If the house rivalry wasn't enough between them, they have their own personal reasons for hating each other. Mercutio sees Rosaline as responsible for Romeo dying. Rosaline has only ever had eyes for one man who she has no reasonable shot with and sees Mercutio as a smug jerk. You know how the story goes.

I came into this story aware of its TV adaptation. However, I was almost more impressed by how deep Melinda Taub went to create this narrative. Nearly every character is from the original play, in some fashion. Some of the twists and turns defy any prior familiarity with the source material. If you have any love for the original, you will enjoy this.

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Number 6)

I had to confirm this, but this year marks a first since starting this tradition. There are no Netflix-produced or licensed properties in this list. I've been complaining about this, but I finally made a list like this.

It wasn't always like this. The hit movie K-Pop Demon Hunters was almost on this list. I did see it and enjoyed it. I even have a draft ready to talk about my favorite song from the movie. I will feel sad when it loses to other movies and real-life musical artists during awards season.

However, I personally enjoyed another animated film with spiritual messages more.

Number 6: Light of the World

According to tradition, John, son of Zebedee, was the youngest apostle of Jesus. This movie takes his perspective through the ministry of Jesus. The catch is that John isn't younger by a few years. He's a boy among men. This leads to a different view of Jesus’ ministry than is normally depicted.

Honestly, this was an amazing story. If anything, I was disappointed by how many stories they didn't tell in this. I get this is for a younger audience. However, I would happily pay to watch a movie three times this length, following extra stories. More realistically, I would love to see a full animated series with this as a pilot of sorts.

The end product isn't shocking when you learn Tony Bancroft was behind the scenes for this film. Some may know him for his work with Disney on Mulan. Others may recognize him for his work with Big Idea on VeggieTales. The man's a legend, and his influence helped elevate this work.

[natsubeatsrock]

Top 7 Things I Enjoyed in 2025 (Number 7)

Number 7: Miami, Florida

You thought I was joking about Miami being on this list?

Well. I was.

It would probably be better received than what I’m actually putting at this spot.

Number 7: Pokémon Legends Z-A

If you ask me, Pokémon’s focus has shifted over the main series of games. Excluding BDSP, the Switch era of Pokémon isn't marked by the technical mastery Game Freak had during the DS era, but it's the best era of character writing, rivaling only the Unova region games. This is the third main series game in a row that fans have praised for its character writing. That's saying something for one of their weakest overall regions, before this entry. The new characters are fun, and it's amazing to see returning characters.

I was tearing up at the end of this game. I've never cried playing Pokémon’s main story in 20 years. That's enough to earn a spot on this list. Considering the original games might have been one of the weaker stories in the series, that's an accomplishment.

As for Lumiose, I never worried about the setting. Lumiose is canonically the largest city in Pokémon, with individual sections dwarfing its competitors. Despite claims otherwise, I never ran out of things to do. Between the Z-A Royale, Mable’s research tasks, and, most importantly, collecting colorful screws, I was always doing something in this game.

Now if you'll excuse me, I have to finish the 1000 battle mark for the shiny charm. Yeah, that's a thing. If it weren't here I'd consider putting it higher on this list.