May 2022 Monthly Favorites

Hello and welcome back to one of the few consistencies of my blog and that is my Monthly Favorites! People are use to the format, so let’s go ahead and dive into the good stuff shall we?

Well, I wasn’t expecting such a through dissection of modern fandom. While this video essay covers more Western fandoms – Marvel Studios, Superwholock, etc it does touch on the anime and manga community a bit too. More importantly it succinctly explains my side eye at modern nerdom being about things you own, and my utter hatred for Funko Pops.

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Anime

From The Demented Ferrets blog is “REVIEW: A LITTLE SNOW FAIRY SUGAR“. It’s been forever since I’ve seen this series talked about. It’s sweet, a little nostalgic and perhaps a series I should revisit since I did not recall a lot of the subject matter that was discussed in this review. Good stuff.

From Mars Gammerdoodle is “018: Rokuhoudo review“. It’s a unique blend of an anime and live action adaptation review, and comparison rolled all into one. As someone who dabbles in that as well, I loved seeing someone so passionate about the series write about it.

Manga

From Reasons to Anime we have “Goodnight Punpun – My Mixed Feelings On A Manga Darling“. I’m not going to lie, as someone who felt very much the same – this review was very validating to read. It’s also interesting to read someone who expressed why they disagree with the majority, and seeing a new perspective on a well liked (I think?) series.

The Otaku Exhibition posted “Why is Manga Better Than Anime?“, which they admit outright is a bit of clickbait. But so worth the click since their arguments and examples are really thought provoking when you take the time to read it.

““Cross Manage” And The Benefits of Reading Obscure Manga” by Hermit Blogger, is a really good read. As a SPORTS! anime/manga sphere I’ve always seen Cross Manage being auto-recommended – so seeing it get a real review and recommendation is excellent. Anyone whose in the same boat should for sure give this blog a read!

JDramas and Movies

Haili’s Blog posted “MR. UNLUCKY HAS NO CHOICE BUT TO KISS!: EPISODE 2“. It’s a series I’ve been keeping up with, and it’s so much fun to see another viewer share their thoughts.

Music

Now, I didn’t jump into the Produce groups back when they were bigger deals. Competition shows like that just make me uncomfortable. I do tangentially have any awareness of their existence and contestants though. So for me it was fascinating to read from BettyCruzPortfolio, of The Writings of Betty, “Why I turned against Produce 101 Japan and JO1“. Reading their thoughts as a former fan, and seeing many of my assumptions about the show being simply incorrect in the worst ways – was an eye opener. I certainly wasn’t expecting to walk away knowing what I know now.

Close to heart is “OF LIVEJOURNAL, FANSUBS AND YOUTUBE: THE MYTH THAT IS DIGITAL JOHNNY’S IN J-POP” from Owari. I couldn’t agree more really. Johnny’s despite their changes has never really seemed truly interested in digital expansion, but it did (and still does) seem to curate a unique fanbase.

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Well, I couldn’t leave you guys hanging especially since this album just dropped earlier this month. It’s iScream’s first album and I’d love if my reader’s would give it a listen to support them.