Cosplay Fun

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

Episode three of My Dress Up Darling, Sono Bisque Doll wa Koi wo Suru, is called “Then Why Don’t We?”. I watched on VRV / Crunchyroll. In this episode, Gojou is feeling self conscious since some of his classmates think he is dating Kitagawa, and he believes their comments implying she’s out of his league. He feels like a burden towards her. Meanwhile, Kitagawa couldn’t care less about the opinion of others, and searched high and low for Gojou since he’d been avoiding her. They were able to talk and resolve that awkward situation, and go…shopping!

I love the whole concept of cosplay; of temporarily embodying a beloved character, and paying homage. I’ve only done Ms. Joke from MHA, but it’s fun to portray a character you admire. For me, since I love making people laugh (improv class is a hoot – I totally recommend trying one out, and a great public speaking course at my job taught by my friend Michele, enabled me to properly roast some dear colleagues for a retirement and farewell), that aspect of Ms. Joke resonated with me. Plus wanting to help others! I’m a fan of Aizawa too! I agree with her choice for a potential husband – haha! I’ve also enjoyed meeting character fans that run up at events, and talking to people who like Ms. Joke as much as I do. All that to say, I can understand Kitagawa’s desire to cosplay, and wanting to pay tribute to her beloved character. So it’s great Gojou is helping her achieve her dream!

Now, I am nothing like Gojou, and I am definitely worse than Kitagawa when it comes to creating costumes. Years ago, during home ec, I was trying to fix my project, and was so behind. I alone, was using the sewing machine, while everyone else who had finished their projects got to watch the Robin Williams film, Flubber. As an adult, I’ve taken some workshops to improve my skills, but I need a remedial class. Maybe Joanne’s or Michael’s can help me out. My dear sister has the power and skill to create beautiful costumes, and outfits. I am on the opposite end of that spectrum that she and Gojou are on. So I am glad I have Kitagawa to relate to.

Kitagawa is in wonder and astonishment at Gojou’s eye for detail and his drawing skills. As they shop for items for her cosplay, they discuss everything they’ll need.

I can’t wait to see how their creation turns out! This episode was fun, and it was great seeing Gojou break out of his shell. Despite the horror of everyone standing in line waiting for their ramen, overhearing that one conversation. Also…maybe watch the first five minutes of this episode alone. Might be less awkward. Did you watch this episode? Let me know your thoughts!

Demon Slayer Movie

https://myanimelist.net/anime/40456/Kimetsu_no_Yaiba_Movie__Mugen_Ressha-hen

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

The other weekend I blasted through Demon Slayer. In the past, I tried watching it, but it was gorier than the anime I usually enjoy. What made me decide to ultimately watch the season, is seeing clips of humorous scenes online, and growing curiosity. I gave it another chance for the moments of levity. I’m glad I did! Most of the cast is multi-dimensional, we see signs of growth for each of the main characters, and we even get insight into the experiences of the villains. Tanjirou is as pure-hearted as they come, he reminds me a lot of Deku from My Hero Academia, and he works diligently to become a demon slayer so he can keep innocent people safe, and work towards a cure for his sister’s condition. Along the way he meets an inspiring mentor, learns from past students, and overcomes a lot of trials in his journey to become stronger. Zenitsu and Inosuke round the cast out nicely, along with Tanjirou’s sister Nezoku. In addition to the humor of Demon Slayer, what drew me in was the depth of relationship Tanjirou has with his family, and the way the show displayed friendship and family in a non-traditional sense. The ways that people connected to one another, and how some relationships were supportive and nurturing, while others were detrimental, manipulative, and harmful. How friends can be the family we choose for ourselves, and the ways relationships change over time.

Recently, I watched the Violet Evergarden movie, and it was the first film I’d seen in the theater since the pandemic. I felt safe in that theater, it was very clean, and the patrons were very spaced out. However, the theater I saw Demon Slayer in was not that way. Unfortunately, when I bought my ticket online, there were only three other people who had bought tickets. And the day of the showing, most of the crowd came in during the previews! So I couldn’t adequately gauge the size of the group beforehand. Thankfully I was in a corner away from the bulk of the attendees, but I do not plan on returning to that particular theater anytime soon. It was not as clean as I would like, and I suspect they over sold tickets.

That aside, I enjoyed the movie. Some thoughts I had while viewing it;

-How funny that Inosuke ended up chasing his dream invader! I’m sure she was not expecting that. And up a mountain! Why was his subconscious such rough terrain?

-Inosuke has accepted Nezoku! Well as one of his minions at least.

-Even in his slumber, Zenitsu came to Nezoku’s aid! His dream invader also was not expecting his persistent inquiries about his trespassing. Or that his biggest qualm was that it wasn’t a lady!

-Tanjirou knows how much his family loves him, and that they would only speak kind and loving words. That, among other factors, like his Father’s advice, helped him keep his focus and helped him persevere. If the dreams were what the villain intended them to see, how did his Father’s sage advice sneak in there? Or perhaps, Enmu only planted aspects of their dream, and it was up to their subconscious to create what that entailed?

-What was the benefit to Enmu fusing his body with the train? I get that it’s a movie, but I’m not sure I see the benefit. Especially because his neck is where most people would’ve guessed.

-SO. MANY. TEARS. I cried so much, that my face mask got soaked.

If you are a fan of Demon Slayer, and enjoyed the series, definitely check out the movie! But, given the crowd I saw, you may want to wait for it to be released on streaming platforms, or on home video.

The Next Captain

I had to take a break from watching Taishou Yakyuu Musume / Taisho Baseball Girls. Shockingly being a woman in the 1920’s was not as liberating as one might think, and parts were depressing. No one wanted these girls to play baseball because they felt it was unbecoming and unladylike. Their families were focused on their daughter’s marriage prospects. And they couldn’t even have male friends without receiving a lecture. Parts of the show were heavy. I would not have done well during that time. If I was born under those circumstances perhaps I would’ve felt differently? All I know is, I am very grateful to be born when I was. On top of the other oppressive circumstances that came with being a woman during that time period, they were even chastised for running! They were told that it was too vulgar!

So, why not watch a team of boys being fully supported in their athletic endeavors??? Ha, yes I know that is ironic. I actually didn’t seek that out, it was a recommended anime on the VRV page, so I started watching. But I really am enjoying the sports anime, Days! Tsukushi Tsukamoto, the main character, is new to soccer and is improving upon his skills every day. Tsukamoto likes the camaraderie of being on a team and the shared goals and support. While not their most talented player, his determination, drive, and passion makes him the heart of the team. He reminds me a lot of Deku, from My Hero Academia. A lot of people counted him out, but his best friend who introduced him to the sport, Jin Kazama, saw his potential. So did the captain of their soccer team, Hisahito Mizuki.

During training camp with other schools, Seiseki’s soccer team makes quite an entrance. The reputation of their soccer team, and their captain Mizuki, leaves everyone in awe.

However, Tsukamoto’s smaller frame, makes him the subject of ridicule. The other teams make false assumptions about his ability. While new to the sport, he has made strides due to his commitment to training. He is better than he was at the beginning of the anime. Instead of being recognized for the player he is for Seiseki High School, everyone thinks he is the team’s manager.

Now that all the teams have arrived, it’s time to run up a horrible hill! What fun training for their first day of camp!

Around this time, the athletes are wondering, who is running ahead? What school? Who is the person is at the forefront? As you’ve certainly guessed, they’re about to learn why rushing to judge someone, isn’t wise.

“Read the mood of the crowd already!” LOL

He really is a super fan! Look at that heart. I wonder if he got that autograph he requested from “the manager.”

I’m only a few episodes in, but I’m enjoying it so far! I’m watching on VRV / Crunchyroll.

Eri’s First Smile and a New Home

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

Having overcome so many challenges in her life, like accidentally rewinding her father’s existence by an uncontrolled quirk, abandonment by her mother, grandpa in a coma, and abuse at the hands of her guardian, it was heartwarming to see Eri so happy, finally! Eri’s first smile was at the UA High School Festival during class 1A’s performance. Check out the festival episode, as well as the rest of Season Four of My Hero Academia, on Hulu!

Before the Festival, Mirio Togata gave Eri a tour of the UA campus. For some reason folks thought Eri was Mirio’s daughter. Also Mirio tried to pull a prank that didn’t quite go the way he wanted. But his reaction to Deku ruining it was funny.

Eri now has wonderful mentors and role models like Aizawa, Mirio, and the rest of UA. She even has a new home with a new family! And look at that smile!

A Loan

****SPOILERS FOR MY HERO ACADEMIA: HEROES RISING***

What a great crowd for the premiere showing of My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising. I liked how people came wearing their fan gear, I know I did! And such enthusiasm for the film. I thought I bought a ticket for the subtitled showing, since that’s how I watch the series, but it ended up being the dubbed showing! I was able to enjoy the movie after I acclimated to the different voice actors and language. The film was fantastic and I definitely preferred it over the first My Hero Academia movie.

The biggest shock was when Deku shared One for All for Bakugo when they teamed up against Nine. Did anyone (who didn’t read the manga) see that coming? I certainly didn’t! But after the battle it seems Bakugo doesn’t remember and Deku still has his quirk. I wonder if Deku’s intention for it “being a loan” made it revert back to him? I have so many questions now! Anyways, check out the movie if you haven’t already! You get to see the students on their own running an agency, new characters with interesting quirks, and Bakugo and Deku getting along (kind of).

Kon Runs Away

I started watching Bleach on Hulu. When my brother said I’d be watching it forever, I thought he was being funny, but I googled it and looks like there’s sixteen seasons!

At first glance, the personality of Ichigo Kurosaki reminded me of Bakugo from My Hero Academia (maybe that sentence should be reversed, considering which was created first). But Ichigo is definitely his own character. He isn’t shy about defending what, and who, is important to him. He is proud, and sometimes borderline cocky, but I wouldn’t say he’s arrogant. Talking about feelings isn’t something he enjoys discussing, but he does it. I appreciate that a male lead is able to do that, without it being a big issue. Keeping sight of the bigger picture, and the safety of others at the top of his concern, he can even turn rivals into friends like Uryū Ishida. I also admire Ichigo’s ability to keep calm under pressure.

I’m only in the midst of season one, but I’m enjoying it! The spiritual element is intriguing to me. I like that Rukia Kuchiki, Orihime Inoue, Tatsuki Arisawa, Karin Kurosaki, and Yuzu Kurosaki have their own unique personalities. They’re each strong in their own way, whether it’s fighting hollows, running a household, martial arts practitioner, mentoring, mentally tough, fearless, defenders, or being so warm in kindness and heart that you positively impact those around you daily.

And Kon, the soul who dwells in the lion stuffed animal, is always good for a laugh! Like these scenes, from Season 1, Episode 15 of Bleach…

Deku Learns to Dance (Kind Of)

Watching the episode, School Festival, on Hulu! Check it out.

Katsucon 2020

Yesterday was my first time attending Katsucon, held at the Gaylord in National Harbor. I didn’t dress as a character, but I did wear an Aizawa shirt with a giant red heart (also it was Valentine’s Day). Someone told me in the Merchant Hall Aizawa would never do that! (I could see it as him capturing someone else’s heart, like Ms. Joke’s, but I could see how the guy thought it was Aizawa, himself, presenting his own heart lol). A girl can dream!

I’ve attended several conventions and by far Katsucon’s line for pre-registration was the worst. Maybe there were tons more attendees than they expected this year. The registration line was basically nonexistent, so everyone who waited until last minute, definitely had a leg up on the rest of us in the terms of waiting time (not sure how much they paid for entry). I stood in line for about an hour. And this isn’t to knock the volunteers, they were all very helpful, patient, and friendly (especially the fellow who helped me find the Merchant Hall), but I do think it would be beneficial for future events if they can either have more laptops to check folks in or allocate more volunteers to that task, at least for the earlier part of the day. That’s the only difference I can think of, as I compare it to the other events I have gone to. The other events just had more folks to check attendees in and they had clearly marked signs so you knew where to go. Katsucon did not have the giant signs directing people or the big map print outs. They did have maps in their guidebook. If you’re crap at reading maps, which I am, it is helpful having signs. The other hiccup I noticed, but I don’t know how you’d fix this, is intersecting lines. So the line for pre-registration (people who paid ahead of time for entry but needing to pick up their badges), stretched almost the entire length of the first floor. While everyone in line was respectful of other people’s space, at least near me thankfully, I noticed later when I was looking for the Merchant Hall that their entrance was near the pre-registration line. This caused a giant mass of people to accumulate with everyone totally confused. The volunteer there tried her very best to make herself heard, but with the ginormous group of people, it was difficult to sort out who was supposed to go where. This made me very glad I had gotten my badge in the morning! An hour in line was enough, an hour in line, plus confused people messing up that line would’ve been trying for anyone’s patience.

That’s the almost non-existent line for registration, versus the pre-registration line. When I took this photo I was towards the front of the line, but the pre-registration line stretched all the way back into the hallway and the length of the first floor.

The Merchant Hall had so many things! I got a cool hat to wear to my Burn Bootcamp workouts. And some Aggretsuko items for my friend. In case I cosplay as Ms. Joke again, I grabbed a plush Aizawa. I am excited about this All Might pin for my gym bag. My sister got me into Princess Jellyfish so I had to scoop up that dvd. I started feeling light-headed (definitely should’ve eaten something since I went straight from a Reiki session to the con) and felt claustrophobic, so I didn’t tour the entire Merchant Hall, but I’m sure there were lots of cool items at other vendor booths. But my sanity and wallet appreciated my early departure!

**I stared at this bag for a very long time, upon realizing it wasn’t practical for the office, I slowly sadly walked away. I only looked back once…or twice…**

I saw great cosplays, but my two favorites were a home made Baby Yoda and Muriel from Courage the Cowardly Dog. I love how happy and excited people are to show off their handiwork, and to display their passion, and support for their favorite characters! Love seeing families in cosplay together and fans of various ages! (I may take some classes at Joanne’s, because I am not skilled when it comes to making things. Just to give you a glimpse; during middle school, in sewing class, we were supposed to make gym bags. And I was stuck at a sewing machine in the dark trying to make my project while the rest of the class watched Flubber because they finished on time). When you think about the aspects of a character that makes them appealing to you, it’s fascinating to see others dressed up and to wonder what appeals to them. It could be as simple as liking an anime character and wanting the challenge of creating and conceptualizing that in real life. Or seeing how a character never lost hope, stayed true to his vision despite the doubts of others, displayed heroic attributes, and trained heard to achieve his goal and wanting to emulate that in your own life (any Deku fans? I know I am!).

***She crocheted Courage! She did a phenomenal job!***

**For some reason my photo of Baby Yoda came out like this, but when I checked it after the photo it looked good ughhhh but he did an amazing job on his costume!**

Line and crowds aside, which people can expect at most cons anyways, I enjoyed the event! There was an even a Funimation room when you could just relax, watch anime, and get comfy with pillows. National Harbor is beautiful, with great restaurants, and the Gaylord and surrounding area is beautiful (also a great venue if you’re into cosplay photo shoots). Katsucon had other events too, like this healthy lifestyle panel I wanted to attend but missed while in line. Maybe next time!

https://guidebook.com/g/katsu2020/#/session/25288451

***I did watch a few Dagon Ball episodes with my brother. The episode where Piccolo and Goku take their driver’s exam made me laugh.***

Even my Lyft driver was an anime fan. He recommended I check out Colorful and FLCL. And of course I made him take a card to check out my blog! Lol hi and thanks for the ride!

If you’re in the area, check out Katsucon. Sunday may be the better day if you’d like to avoid some of the crowd (hence my reason for going on Friday, not a bad way to spend Valentine’s Day!).

**Blend S! Funny with a bit of romance!**

**Tada Never Falls in Love, is one of my favorites! Romance, whimsical music, plus that cat!**

**I really want to see How Heavy Are the Dumbbells You Lift**?

**Love is War! Romance and Humor! Yeeeeeessssss!**

A little treat for the way home! The cashier was incredibly friendly and had great recommendations. If I find myself at National Harbor again, I would drop by for sure. What a tasty treat! And good customer service. They were playing anisongs too!

What Aoyama Wrote

I’ve taken four years of French, but it was difficult to make out the letters Aoyama wrote with his navel laser. Something about sleeping? I’m guessing it’s about the cheese note he left for Deku lol (“I know”).

Smiles from Todoroki and Bakugo!

***SPOILERS AHEAD***

What a surprise, the latest episode of My Hero Academia, “Relief for License Trainees”, brought a rare treat – smiles from Todoroki and Bakugo! Granted one of Todoroki’s smiles was due to Utsushimi’s quirk, Glamour. But those two rarely smile, so I’m happy we got to see them enjoying themselves. And even Bakugo laughing at Todoroki!

The hero students are taking supplemental classes so they can get their licenses for hero work. The ones from UA needing to retake the course are Todoroki and Bakugo. They are with Utsushimi and Yoarashi from Shiketsu High School. Gang Orca, knows how the students in this particular group (minus Utsushimi who was absent due to Toga) have had challenges related to teamwork and putting aside their egos. The perfect challenge for this group of four is having them work with rowdy, misbehaved, young students who have recently discovered their quirks. The leader of these rambunctious kids, is someone who ironically reminds us very much of Bakugo. The kids have big egos, their teacher is at her wit’s end, and they think they can beat the hero students easily so they come at them full force. This makes for a tricky predicament because the hero students need to win the hearts of the young kids, but also not demoralize them, or make them feel resentful. The hero students use team work, their own life experiences, and of course their quirks, to win over the young students. Even their teacher, who was crying, is flabbergasted at their changed behavior. The part I found touching, and the part that made me cry, was Bakugo seeing himself in their young leader and knowing exactly what he needed to say and do to inspire him.

I’m watching on Hulu, so check this episode out if you haven’t already! There’s a touching scene between Todoroki and Endeavor (Inasa joined), an update on Eri, and lots of Aoyama with cheese.