Reading manga, books, Light Novels; watching TV shows, movies, anime,... anything that crosses my dash and catches my attention - and writing commentary on it!
And Then There Were None by Agatha Christie (audiobook)
Continuing my journey through Agatha Christie’s work with And Then There Were None audiobook from a BBC production.
The production is top notch. My main delight keeps being the setting and how Agatha Christie manages to set the scene where the location itself feels like a character.
Again, what distracts me is mentions of ‘feminine hysteria’ and other such trappings of the time - but it’s not too much in my face.
It was interesting to see all these people lose their minds trying figure out who the killer is, blaming each other, defending themselves - falling apart. So far I’m finding Agatha Christie’s works mostly funny, because the characters are fun.
Still, I enjoyed it a bit less than the Orient Express, because I liked the characters there a bit more so the rating, too is slightly lower. - It also might be because the audiobook is shorter and so I had less time with the characters, who knows?
I remember how ludicrous I found Nezu - and yes I still remember his name - let's see how angry this makes me now, as an adult.
Who let this guy anywhere near a teaching position. Wouldn't trust him with a pet rock. Calling a child 'a burden on society' and saying 'is there any reason for such trash to exist?' in front of the whole class with a smug look on his face. I mean I know things are rough in Japanese schools, but would this actually happen? Or is it a comedy exaggeration?
Either way, Nezu is not fit to be a teacher.
Gokudera immediately being threatening and spilling sensitive information out in public...oh dear - making things even more difficult for Tsuna (let's face it tho, that's his purpose this early in).
I love how Tsuna's greatest problem with getting expelled is that he won't be able to see Kyouko again - very teenager of him!
And here's Leon's first significant appearance! Showing off his suspiciously magic abilities as well as Tsuna's observation talent - something that will become Hyper Intuition (and it's kind of supported by canon that other people don't notice Reborn is Reborn when he's wearing his various costumes, but Tuna does...so this is also and example of something that started out as comedy and evolved into a power in a magic fire shounen manga)
'Reborn is teaching me all the basics of assassination' I wonder if this will ever come back? Just the image of Gokudera stuffing himself in that small cupboard with Reborn probably drinking coffee and looking smug is hilarious.
Gokudera is so earnest in wanting to help Tsuna ;o; still can't read the room and actually do what Tsuna would truly like, but he's trying! (more than anyone else so far) - also, doesn't listen to Tsuna when he protests immediately…*sigh*
Nezu setting them up and getting praised by another teacher for it… ugh...the standards in Namimori Middle are real low.
Tsuna's despondency may be selfish, but this is also a situation he's not at fault for, Gokudera got him into this trouble (and Reborn and Nezu) so I don't blame him for being fourteen. Gokudera is also thoughtless and casually dismissive, but somehow I expect more from him - maybe due to knowing he's had more actual life experience? Hmm.
Reborn is here to threaten (and shoot) Tsuna into trying!
Leon hops on no problem and Tsuna in his Dying Will state intuitively knows how to use Leon's transformation? Interesting…
I love how Gokudera just goes 'I was waiting for you Boss!' no doubt that Tsuna would follow him despite his protests. (though that may be putting on bravado). And then getting amazed at Tsuna using Leon dowsing rod, 'sublime' indeed Gokudera!
Interesting to see that depending on the area you're shot at, the Deathperation bullets have different effects - though I assume this is only when you're in Dying Will mode...I do believe that these specifics never come into play again after the initial introduction chapters.
Nezu going back on his word does not surprise me at all.
Neither does Gokudera's cool-headed verbal smack down.
Gokudera's lack of self-worth shows it's face for the first time, as does his actual intelligence and academic smarts.
Tsuna complaining about a 'pack of idiots getting bigger' and Kyoko staying away because of that, but Tsuna, my boy, it's not like you were doing well on your own haha.
Reborn telling Tsuna to learn from Gokudera is funny knowing Gokudera can't teach - if I remember right he's too technical and cannot figure out how to explain to someone at Tsuna's level or of Tsuna's type of intelligence.
The Apothecary Diaries vol.2 (manga) by Natsu Hyuuga
Ah, court drama strikes again! Maomao gets an impossible task and makes her way through with some greasing of the wheels from her 'benefactor'.
I do like that while there are cat fights between women, there is also women helping other women here. And I find it hilarious that Maomao told Consort Lihua about the certain 'art'. Even more than that - the lack of visits to the other consort are met with relief at getting more sleep by that consort.
I love how all the other attendants working with her are constantly misunderstanding her, but in a way that makes them like her more - I'm really liking this use of misunderstanding!
The politics of the setting are also getting unveiled bit by bit. Very interesting to read about and consider - MaoMao's commentary is the best. I really like how blunt and practical she is. I do wonder about the foreshadowing with Jinshi… I won't say it yet, but I've got a hunch (though that reveal may be too obvious for this manga...hmmm).
When someone is doing shit she doesn't like Maomao is ruthless!! <3
They mystery of the poisoning unfolds!
The endings with Xiaolan are so cute - hopefully nothing happens to that cute child ;o;
Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie (audiobook)
Decided to bite the bullet with Agatha Christie and started on a BBC production audiobook of Murder on the Orient Express!
I have to say, even for someone who is not used to listening to audiobooks this one was quite fun to listen to while I did other work. I wasn’t too concentrated on figuring things out myself and simply let it play out and entertain me as I would a Poirot TV show. Found myself liking it quite a bit! The acting was fantastic, setting was Yugoslavia (the train was in Yugoslavia more like it, but there were mentions of cities I know :D)
It was written in 1934 so some racism and pretentiousness of the time was expected - it did stab at my ears sometimes tho.
In the end the book wasn’t too distressing or tense and ended up being a fun couple of hours, especially the ending, that was a delight to listen to - how it all came together, masterful!
The Apothecary Diaries vol.1 (manga) by Natsu Hyuuga
At first glance seems like an Isekai, but IT IS NOT! It's actually a historical manga set in a common isekai/transmigration/reincarnation/system setting - an Emperor's inner palace.
The fact that it reminds me of so many other Manhwa/Manhua I've read in similar settings is, maybe surprisingly, not a downside here because it drew me right in. I was immediately expecting court intrigue and ambitious plots and the expected dramatics.
I sure got it! I was well fed. But it also delivered so much more!
A protagonist with underlying interests that don't disappear the moment a male character enters the panel, an MC that has goals and drive and doesn't want to even entertain the politicking of the nobles around her or social-climb. A delight!
I loved seeing her interact with other characters and the simple ways in which they misunderstand her nature because they don't know her priorities and passions. I love how she doesn't bother correcting anyone and just goes at her own pace. Though she did mention why her wages bother her so that's resolved - for now at least.
I am very interested in the future of this series. It is an episodic 'detective' kind of tale, but I wonder how deep the plot will go with it - episodic series can be very nice and so far I don't know what exactly I want from this, but I'm looking forward to MaoMao solving case after case with her blunt manner.
I had just as much fun with her frowns as the character causing them! haha
Just a glance at the chapter title and I'm hearing his character OST. Oh KHR, you'll always be a part of me.
Edgy boy enters the scene in anime classic 'new student entrance' scene. And promptly takes a left into 'bad boy sighting'.
I remember thinking Hayato's hair was brown for a good long while, until I saw color covers, and I think that was a few volumes away, maybe even as late as Koukyo. And I can hear you say 'but it's grey on the cover??' yeah, it is, but I read KHR digitally through fan scans, there were no color covers there, not for a while.
Wow, the mere existence of scary upperclassmen shows how early this is, Hibari's iron grip on Namimori has not been developed yet, but I, as an old fan, immediately thought 'where's Hibari-san?' Because I feel like Hibari beats up and recruits most of these guys into his Disciplinary Committee.
It is hilarious in hindsight that Hayato even believed he could inherit Vongola. This is of course early-installment plot inconsistency. Before Amano even came up with blood inheritance of Vongola and the magic surrounding that. The comedy roots are showing.
I do appreciate the chain-smoking Gokudera of the manga than the censored version of the anime.
Reborn shows up and mentioned that Hayato is a 'member of the family' which we later know is untrue. He's an independent, this is either early-installment or merely Reborn lying to Tsuna - lol, not like Tsuna would know. And then Reborn straight up lies to Hayato that he can really become Vongola boss if he kills Tusna…
So it can go either way.
Poor Tsuna is so confused. They've got a script to a dramatic showdown of two heirs and he just wants to go home and read manga. I can relate. Amano-sensei is trying to make Tsuna's desperation seem comical and maybe even whiny, but I can totally relate to Tsuna's refusal to cooperate with these shenanigans.
Gokudera looking so serious with a mouthful of cigarettes is hilarious. He's trying so hard to look cool and dangerous and I'm over here worrying about choking hazard and laughing at him.
Honestly, Tsuna has the right reaction to dynamite.
Run away.
I like how Gokudera seems to notice Tsuna getting shot in the head and is then confused with the way he just 're-born's and starts snuffing out his dynamite. Naturally, in this situation, he starts panicking and overplays his hand.
His face when one dynamite stick slips him and he knows he can't catch that is shock and then letting go of off all of them - accepting his fate.
Tsuna doesn’t accept his fate tho.
The way his face transforms from shock to awe and then happiness at seeing Tsuna is very cute I got to say.
Ah, so Gokudera never thought to 'presume to be the next boss' but that still doesn't discount the fact that he even thought it was possible. Are they messing with Tsuna or early-installment plot inconsistency? Probably both.
The way he outright rejects Tsuna's desire to 'just remain classmates' is...hmm. Well, Tsuna is my fave and I don't like the way no one listens to him - this is chapter 3 so this is comedy, but with hindsight it's a bit painful.
Omg, these upperclassmen are SO WEIRD given what I know about Hibari.
...But they are only there to make Gokudera Hayato look cool and they've served their purpose.
Then chase, high energy, high stakes, tense situations! Also gore! Marvelous gore - without is being glamorized or even excessively put front and center. Bear attack consequences.
SPOILERS AHEAD
Very interesting to read about Ainu customs once again - nicely organically interwoven into the story. Just learning about the Kamuy and thinking how that will come into play with the title… also ritual sacrifice. (warning for people bothered by animal sacrifice).
And then Bam! Back to the other plot with the criminals! But it is exciting :D
I love how Sugimoto is calm and assesses the situation in a lot of situations where you'd expect someone to be panicking - which really works for his character, he's survived a hell of a lot, he's not truly shaken easily. I also like how he's not shy to give Asirpa credit - no hesitation, immediately says that she's the one looking out for him, not the other way around.
Also more perspective on the gold, how it came to be hoarded and how the incident was interpreted. Some nice, delicious food imagery again and then BAM! Back to the gruesome conspiracy plot.
I love it.
Really liking our villains...well our antagonists and looking forward to seeing them in action, what I've gotten so far is super entertaining. I'm just hoping that this doesn't end up in consequences for the village… I'm ready to dodge the red ball.
I love how Sugimoto goes along with Asirpa's lecturing on food preparation. It's a delight. The food gore in this manga is...something - I never expect it- though maybe I should, Sugimoto should also learn to expect it. Just watching these idyllic scenes in the village makes me think that something terrible is going to befall all of them.
Our scarred villain is looking for them and I doubt he'll have an issue just shooting everybody there.
A girl and her wolf ;o;.
Oh gosh, he left, probably because he's worried about their pursuers and doesn't want to lead them to the peaceful village….aaaand now Asirpa's going after him to club him over the head.
I do love how Sugimoto just straight up jumps into action...literally. Even if his ass gets beat, the fact is, he survives.
Sugimoto is solid and stone faced while Tsurumi is very obviously unhinged, it's fascinating to watch them interact. Tsurumi kind of likes him? Admires him? Wants to recruit him for him takeover... How unsettling.
But Sugimoto is not about to give up!
Asirpa is coming to the rescue! …with some detours!
Haven’t been updating cause my mental health kind of tanked for a good while - the only things I’ve been able to read are fanfics, not sure if I should post something about that or not? would people be interested?
Though, mind you, I would not be trashing anyone’s fic - sometimes a fic is bad (technically, like the grammar or spelling mistakes or a weak plot) but when I’m feeling bad I don’t want a deep fic.
Sometimes I do want to chew on trash.
So I’m not sure if I’d rate the fics - maybe rate the enjoyment?
Tried out volume 1 of Witchcraft Works and well...it's okay. I might continue, but I won't be reaching for it first.
It starts out pretty meh, kind of standard high school shenanigans stuff which escalates quickly in the way these usually do when it’s just a high school romance plot.
Main character is kind of bland with some stand out characteristics, kind of meek as well - which made sense when I read in the extras at the end that this was supposed to be a yuri romance, but they ended up making him male (and keeping a feminine name). I am a bit put off by ‘let’s not tell the protagonist anything’ thing, but there are hints that the reasons for it are good and well meaning so I might give it a pass depending on how that develops.
Now as I was reading I noticed something bothering me....and it took me a few pages to realize that it’s the panel layout and composition.
Don’t get me wrong, I really love the character designs for witches, the magic effects and hints of magic world-building - but honestly the composition and paneling just jars me out of it. At one point it even made the action incomprehensible so I couldn’t properly get into the story without thinking ‘this should have been moved a bit’ or ‘maybe 3 mm down’.
Maybe that’s just the curse of being an artist and reading manga, but this one really got me.
To bad because I was loving the witch costume designs, the magic effects and at some point there was even a crocodile in a suit! I want more of that!
I just don’t know when I’ll be picking up the next volume, especially since I’ve got so many other things on my backlog and this one has 10+ volumes
Also with Jonathan...it’s not like he doesn’t notice that his host is avoiding his questions into the weird things around him, but he’s like ‘it would be impolite to push’ - at least that’s the vibe I’m getting
Ok also bc this website doesnt allow polls pls reblog if ur subbed to dracula daily and say in the tags if you’ve read dracula before, have only seen/heard film/tv/radio adaptations, or if u only know dracula through cultural osmosis im curious
Does anyone else get anxious reading Dracula Daily or is it just me?
I still read it, but it takes me a whole day, bit by bit.
Because technically I know the story, so I’m constantly in suspense. (don’t know all the details, but I know the broad strokes - the common knowledge)
Watching Jonathan is like following adventures of an oblivious golden retriever and just waiting for the moment you need to bodily drag him out of danger, even when I know I can’t.
KHR - Chapter 2: The Deathperation shot won't work
Deathperation is still such a weird translation for me, since I'm used to scans from way back - Dying Will bullets and all, but whatever, I'll either get used to it or I won't :p
Dramatic opening once again, poor Tsuna.
Well, the students sure had a turn-around in their behavior towards Tsuna (I find it kinda funny that some are actually afraid of him now - that sounds like an interesting idea for a fic to follow hmmm) - let's see how long this new attitude lasts.
(Also, 'we want to borrow that ability' is that a Yamamoto situation foreshadowing? Or maybe this is just common behavior in school sports teams - I wouldn’t know)
Omg, this is the start of Reborn's weird hideouts and coffee addiction XD.
Then some classic textbook manipulation to teach a lesson. It's also for comedy and kicks.
'You're feeling good because someone stroked your ego' … Reborn this kid's been bullied since he was like 5, he deserves an effing break. Also is this Reborn also trying to teach Tsuna that he can't be relied on?
Cue unintentional peer pressure by Kyoko. Oh, damn people even made banners!
Wow, I forgot that Hayato shows up this early! Either my memory is bad or anime makes it take longer. Or both XD
I understand Tsuna wanting to bow out - I mean, until today all of these people have treated him horribly, being suddenly popular feels great, but they're also quick to turn - so Tsuna doesn't owe them anything, he can even look at it as helping them out by leaving, since he sucks so bad.
Then in that same breath I also like Tuna's growth here. The way he sees that all of them are also injured and doing their best. Here, Tsuna, for maybe the first time in a decade, feels like he's a part of a team - not just an add-on.
He squares up and decides to do his best - accepts responsibility for something he agreed to.
I also know that that is the lesson here, about not taking shortcuts or not over-relying to your 'magic bullet' instead of hard work, and even if you fail you've given it your all...I gotta say tho, it's kinda jarring here XD in chapter 2.
The tone is already mismatched a bit.
And now we get into the details on the naming of the 'Deathperation shot' and how it's name is changed depending on where you're hit.
Now I can watch in real time as this story detail becomes irrelevant and fades away.
I mean it's nice flavor, but it doesn't really have consequence (none that I remember) and mostly sounds like something Reborn made up on the spot. 'I shot you in the legs so it's Jump Shot' kind of thing.
The way Reborn says it also makes it sound like the bullet has another name aside from Deathperation Bullet (Dying Will Bullet) and that's just what it's called after you're shot in the head with it. (not before, see the distinction?)
Also, earlier he said that if there's no regret you just die….so it's called Deathperation | Dying Will only if you're shot in the head and then get up.
...Why am I going into the complexities of a gag that will never be plot-relevant in this way?
Let's get back into it.
Reborn says the same things I thought about 'relying on the magic bullet' - but he gets all 'but you assuaged my fears' and it's... well since I know Reborn already it just kind of look like he's fcking with Tsuna (and giving Tsuna 'he cares about what's best for me' feels which is something I'm always iffy on, but would like to believe in) - which is why we end with a gag.
Because this is still a gag manga, I must not forget. I cannot forget.
Narration at the end makes it sound like Tsuna is using intuition to read Reborn's expression and what readers see might be what Tsuna sees, rather than what other characters would be able to pick up from Reborn's expression… hmmm...Interesting.
You can practically hear the music. No, I haven't seen the anime, but this manga is already giving off spy movie vibes. I'm loving it.
I'm loving the juxtaposition of Twilight|Loid as this calculating, smooth spy - with endless disguises and perfect emotional distance - and then he gets the mission.
The one that will break it or make it.
Marry and have a child.
Well, not really, but-!
His reactions are absolutely delightful through this whole volume and the way he has to learn to unwind a bit, not be so inflexible with himself and others. The way his heart foes get stirred by both his new child and his new wife - in different ways of course.
Next we have the Thorn Princess|Yor, who I at first thought was using that space-cadet persona as a mask - but it turns out she really is like that, and honestly, I like that even more. The office lady is an assassin and the assassin is an office lady and that's wonderful.
Her honest belief in Loid is vary charming and though he sometimes finds it baffling he is charmed by her - especially when going gets rough and she shows off her assassin skills, she is pretty darn amazing and his delight at that is pretty obvious.
Then we have Anya, the cute little menace who thinks her new 'fake' parents are the coolest thing since EVER. Naturally she has the advantage of being a telepath and knowing their every secret thought. However, just because she can hear people's thoughts doesn't mean she knows what to do with or about what she hears. She is still a little girl and it shows.
She quickly manages to win over both of her new parents who are absolutely ready to murder a man for her by the end of volume 1 and I'm all about that.
I'm really looking forward to development of this small family.
Now for some reading commentary I typed while reading this so you can see me freak out:
Spy movie vibes, music in the background.
Poor Karen, though maybe not if she's like the crime boss's daughter XD I guess we'll never find out - she's just another sacrifice for the mission.
I wonder if this is going to be all comedy or if we'll delve into the politics of this conflict.
'You will marry and have a child' *spews coffee* HACK! COUGH!
'I have seven days to make a child?!' he yells in the train - spy everyone - lol
I wonder how long you'll be able to 'play' father before you actually become a father
Little Anya is literally cheating by reading his mind :p
Oooo, an Experiment? I wonder if that's all satire writing or if it'll come back
She is so cute, takes it literally <3
'i want a pistol with a silencer' 'Yes, fine, if we see it on sale'
I would SO love it if they all stayed a family and Anya grew up to be a super cute badass with terrifying badass parents who love her.
Omg
Well you can't say he's not serious about parenting. He immediately hit the books. 100% effort by our man - even if he's acting like he's never been a kid himself - who knows what his childhood was like tho (no interrogation - omg)
Oof...there isn't going to be any future. That one hit me.
I'm looking forward to seeing you eat your words. I don't like bad parents in fiction (or reality) so I'm looking forward to a turn-around that I'm expecting will happen.
Anya's having fun - kinda XD and Twilight is getting an aneurysm lol
Getting reported for child abuse will be the least of his worries
Intro to Franky, hmmm, an informant?
ACTION! I love the true mood of this is a spy action movie.
Oh boy, what a cliffhanger with that - the guy behind him, him thinking about abandoning Anya
Ooo, bits of history on both Anya and Twilight - oof, an experiment and a kid from a war-zone
Papa has such cool internal monologue Anya can't help her hero-worshiping.
Papa really is cool.
Twilight looks monstrous.
Shaded with black, only eyes glowing - I love it.
Awww
Papa is the biggest liar and a cool one at that. He'll also get you a castle if there's one on sale. - I'm looking forward to this sentence being a running gag.
He helped her study and exhausted himself - and now they're snuggled up on the couch. So sweet <3 except he's a spy and hair-trigger so he woke up.
OH NO! THEY NEED A MOMMY ASAP!
Honestly Franky looks cute, but maybe doesn't suit Twilight's image as a spouse, hmm.
'You can have a peanut' Anya <3 <3 <3
Omg...Yor is a space cadet - tho I know it's a front, but it's still cute.
...being single at 30 is suspicious...well I guess I'm a spy too then.
They are all 'fake-friendly' it still leaves a bad taste even if I know Yor is a front.
Oh dear...even her family…
I suppose they wouldn't know, but still…
Omg she got herself into her own trap - now she needs a boyfriend
Oh dear...that's some sus brother there - I feel like he's manipulative, somehow - she's a bit too cowed…
Oooo, Thorn Princess.
Thorn Princess and Twilight <3 sounds like a lovely pair.
'Cleaning house is the only thing I know' omg.
They could work So well together.
Lol, they couldn't send him a suitable wife because suitable ones were dead - omg
The dark satire in this is hilarious when examined
Hahah 'Will I be sold to traffickers? - ‘not if you're a good girl’ - she's learning that language from you papa
Ooo, Yor's skill caught his eyes! :D
Anya's faces!
Omg
She just thinks they're so cool! (and is starved for entertainment)
And she's RIGHT!
Omg, their internal monologue - he's like manipulating and she's like 'what a wonderful person!'
Oh no - his schedule is fcked.
This is terrible - he's gonna stand her up unintentionally - oh no
He was late, but he saved the day, and then she saved the day! And and and
----that bitch literally called Yor a whore to Loid's face. What a crew….
AND now Loid and Yor are in their own action scene <3
What a delight. She's not simpleton Loid, she just thinks you're great.
'The sharpest or dumbest woman' lol Loid, she's fantastic -she's just got niche talents ...like you
Oh he looks so delighted at her strength <3
SHE asked HIM to marry her!
While in a shootout
Its perfect for them
He's like calculating and she's like 'the only man who'll like me as I am.' oh darling - the more he knows you the more he'll love you - I'm CERTAIN! ...He better love you.
Engagement in a shootout. Glorious.
Moving in and then prepping for interview - I kinda feel bad for Loid with how much he plans and then has his plans fall to shambles because he's not working solo and basically has to rely on other people's skills.
None of the 'refinement' is actually suited for them - but I bet it'll be useful later - somehow surprisingly, because rule of funny. I love how they just squared up to help an old lady, they are so cute ;o;
OMG the selection process is cutthroat - and Yor's 'no I idea what I'm doing, so I'll just follow Loid's lead' and Anya saluting a bald man - fantastic
Loid, omg, the gutter rescue, you're amazing - and so cool
OMG the housemaster is ...so over-the-top - hilarious
An effing stampede… ;o; unbelievable
Omg - so it wasn't a test, but an actual crisis XD hahaha
OMG
YOR
SHE PARALYZED THE COW
Loid, you better fall in love with this insane woman or I will swipe her up
Two changes of clothes. They are absolutely terrifying in every way imaginable and I love them. <3
Now I'm wondering if this will end up in a Mr. and Mrs. Smith type of ending? Or situation somewhere along the line - if not, I'd like a fanfic anyway.
OOOO the cutthroat interview - Get is Anya! Don't let the jitters get to you!
Omg
Omg
That man
I love how Yor and Loid immediately took Anya's side and walked out of there like boos ass bitches.
Aw I'm gonna cry - they are such a cute family ;o;
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