I have a question...

I'm going to do some how to draw tutorials soon. I'm going to do them as video... brave, or foolhardly? In any case watching drawing be done live is a really good way to learn. However, here's the issue. Although I've got good guesses to what people find difficult, having fought the terrible beasts known as 'the knee' and 'hello Mr Hand, what are you doing today?' in the past, I know there's a whole list of things that people really want help with.... except, I don't have this list. I was hoping you guys could help me write it <3

So, answer this question for me, and I'll see what I can do for you!

What do you want a tutorial for~?



(PS. Sorry for general absense. It shall stop now. Everyone has sucky times in real life, so I'm sure you understand <3)

(Hi, if you're visiting looking for activity- I'm not on a hiatus, I just have THE FLU. Love you for stopping by <3)

Yo! Stuff has happened, I'm excited for these stories, so- it's time for some vague reviews! (Mostly I love reading your comments about them ... 83)

So first, Naruto!

Naruto Spoilers Below-  Naruto Spoilers Below-  Naruto Spoilers Below-  Naruto Spoilers Below-  Naruto Spoilers Below-  Naruto Spoilers Below-

Amirite?

I'm going to be as vague as humanly possible, incase people glancing my page see one particular word - or name, which spoils this chapter for them just as much as my enthusiastic friend - ohohhohoho. But seriously- the last mysterious backstory has(is) being revealed (unless you count 'the great sage's backstory, but as that's time travelling Naruto, we're still reading it.) There was a lot of controversy online about Tobi's identity, some of which I added to... but it was always going to be this. Why else would there have been that short mini-special back when Shippudden was starting? Naruto's like a soap opera- everyone is connected, and so, why would Kishimoto sensei throw away a perfectly saleable plot point that he probably intentionally -put- there in the first place? (When you're planning out your 'secret organisation who're going to take over the world' you -start- by planning the supervillain behind it all.) Maybe it was too obvious... but most Naruto readers are not expected to have read 600 chapters over 12 years, and you're probably more Otaku than you'd like to admit. The majority of the chapter was speechless- and adorable (what a klutz! <3 ) that's going to be interesting in anime. And it's Kakashi-orientated. Given that Kakashi is the most awesome character in Naruto (followed by Minato and Jiraiya) I'm highly enjoying this. I'm not enjoying Naruto himself so much. He's got no suprises left in his bag, and we know from timetravel logic that that's probably his ultimate supersaiyan form and he's not going to settle down with a girl and he's not going to die dramatically.... but at least Kakashi's having a highly inconvinient freak-out! I'm sorry to those who feel... that this darkens you-know-who's memory. But I always saw a dark lining under that silver cloud, thanks to his 'ninja are trash' speech.

Bleach Spoilers Below-  Bleach Spoilers Below-  Bleach Spoilers Below-  Bleach Spoilers Below-  Bleach Spoilers Below-  Bleach Spoilers Below-

There's not as much to say for Bleach as there is for Naruto... and I'll admit that half the chapter I was saying 'SWOOSH! SOMETHING HAPPENED, I CAN'T TELL BUT THERE ARE LOTS OF LINES!' and alternatively counting how many sentences there were. (31, and I'm being generous- about half are meaningless filler) The captain-commander is doing stuff- the captains have a positive response to the fact their leader has joined the battlefield- But I don't really care. I mean, where is Goku? Why isn't he at Namek yet? I don't know. Not the most exciting chapters. Kenpaichi has been used as supervillain fodder, (if you need to prove someone is dangerous, make them defeat your strongest non-lead character off screen!) And I am sad, because I'd rather watch Ken fighting than giant fireball of irritation fighting. It's still pretty though, and Bleach battles don't last very long (there are just LOTS of them)

Doctor Who..? Spoilers? What, Nekoni? Doctor Who spoilers below?

I KNOW. I KNOW. But sometimes I mention random other shows that I enjoy. And one of those is Doctor Who, the new season of which just started up today and was... and was... *headtilt*

Before we start, I'd like to clarify, I loved!disliked! this episode. Like a chocolate chip cookie with questionably too much chocolate chip that has instead become a chocolate bar with bits of cookie embedded in it. I ate it and enjoyed it, and yet...

I'll get this out the way, because unlike the Naruto review I can't make it through this review without saying the word of the subject. Daleks. Ozgm there were SO MANY DALEKS. I could go on and on about the details, but that pretty much explains it all.

The story introduced (and highlighted) confusing plot holes- like  'why are they working like cybermen' 'what happened to all the other color daleks' 'when did Rory stop being a robot how did they even have a kid surely-rory's-to-blame-AH-MY-BRAIN.' but in general was full of stunning visual effects and cohesion, excitement, great writing and a sea of ghouls and monsters- some of which were shocking (the coprse humo-daleks!), others of which were daleks <3.

The writing was great, everything interlocking, everything hinted at and all things leading into big reveals- Stephen Moffat really is my favourite screen writer- and yet... 'eggssterminate' and 'Doctor- WHO?' jokes? I DID NOT EGGSPECT THIS. The best dalek jokes have been the german-speaking daleks, the one that asked 'Would You Like Some Tea?', stairs, and of course the classic hat-over-the-eye-piece-can-you-see?-no-you-can't! -nothing to do with eggs. And the Doctor's funny enough, without smacking against the fourth wall by reciting the name of the show as if it's a punchline to do so. Nope.

At the introduction of the new girl locked in the room I thought by her self-narrative style that she might be a companion for a couple episodes. Then I realised she was a dalek (or humo-dalek). I have to admit I had an advantage (or disadvantage) in that I'd once -glanced- the summary of a Doctor Who fanfic in which a female Dalek pondered the Doctor, and given as this was the home of crazy daleks- (I don't read DW fanfics, I scrolled past it on a page, and naturally, laughed.) that idea suddenly had ground, (especially now that there were humans turning into daleks, left right and center) I think the fact I'd heard of such an off-the-wall idea dampened its effect and genius substantially- still it was a nice story and superbly executed and hinted at, even if it has a few plotholes attached. (like which daleks took her from the crash and turned her only to lock her up, if they can't reach the planet? And why are they, racial purists that they are, even using such Cyberman-esque methods?)

The next episode has Egyptians and Dinosaurs. I don't even. Although it's prone to retcorn and the occasional badly tacky moment, Doctor Who is awesome and this season looks to be awesome too.

Sorry for the general hiatus guys, real-life stuff happened, not lazyness *hugs everyone* I have still been reading and enjoying Naruto and Bleach! So reviews! These reviews are more general since I haven't written any in ages- not a move-by-move of the chapters.

-Naruto spoilers below- -Naruto spoilers below- -Naruto spoilers below-

-Naruto spoilers below- -Naruto spoilers below- -Naruto spoilers below-

So! Recently the Naruto manga reverted to Sasuke! Which needed doing- honestly, I was begining to wonder where he was. I didn't review, because I don't like Sasuke, and those chapters were trying very hard to make me me like Sasuke by putting him NEAR Itachi (the only enviroment in which Sasuke's even SLIGHTLY woobie) It's got this whole 'redemption'/'please understand Sasuke's not evil' (he just wants to massacre civilians for the sins of the government) spin on it that harks back to Pein's bipolar switch from evil-to-good. Unlike Pein, I'm starting to get the feeling that Sasuke won't die in the end... But he should, he's so close to Anikin Skywalker's 'not even the younglings survived' level of evil, death is the only option (that's why Danzou, Itachi and Pein -are- dead). Infact, I rate him as more-evil-than-Tobi. Tobi's at-least killing people to a purpose, and that purpose IS good, if substantially warped.

And speaking of that battle... Itachi is awesome, but the whole thing was just a tad confusing. Izanami? There was a long explanation about how it worked, why it was invented, what the escape technique was, and its symbolic meaning (long explanations of fictional-physics or geography or politics can get very SNORE...) I LOVED Kabuto's motives and flashback (and his look, sorry Orochimaru but Kabuto just carried it off SO WELL.) Speaking of Orochimaru... I didn't realise he could get any MORE like Voldermort, leaving little fragments of himself here and there so people could bring him back- Considering his soul was sealed away in another dimension, a dimension of ULTIMATE BLISS.... he was incredibly easy to resurect, and suprisingly happy about it. But he's back now, I do like it, but it's soooo typical.

Speaking of resurections- Uchiha Madara, (Sasuke ver 0!) and that whole fight... just... cool. I wish it had more pages dedicated to it!

Anyway, up to date and to the latest chapter- the tailed-beast battle's recommencing. Of course, the big statue combines all the tailed beasts. Myup. And Kyuubi can talk through Naruto's mouth? Myup. Have you read those fanfics? Myup. Still, I'm loving it. And what I'm loving more is Tobi... finaly showing his true personality. Again, it's so obvious that it's become fan-canon, but not only does Tobi recognise Kakashi's chidori, but he actually knows... Kakashi. I've got a feeling that a lot of fans will be annoyed by this... near-revelation as to who Obito is. I mean who Tobi is. Because it's 'too obvious' - but Naruto is one of those 'too obvious' stories, it's not Bleach, it gives you a massive supply of Chekhov's Guns ([link] ), and points to them over and over, so the joy you get it from something finaly being revealed -to the characters-, not to yourself (unless you chose to ignore the guns) (it also makes a habit of tying up any additional loose ends). I can't wait to see Kakashi's reaction when he figures it out! I hope he actually figures it out instead of needing to see Tobi's face, y'know? Kakashi's smart. Please, Kishi-sensei. Speaking of Chekhov's guns--- there was another timetravel-Naruto one this chapter, (point it out and win a cookie) and the chapter ended with 'I will not let you touch the Mazou' >- hey guys, I THINK YOU SHOULD TOUCH THE MAZOU!. From this point on I'm seeing a pretty direct path to the end of Naruto, but it's a fun path- if involving slightly too much time travel.

-Bleach spoilers below- -Bleach spoilers below- -Bleach spoilers below-

-Bleach spoilers below- -Bleach spoilers below- -Bleach spoilers below-

Bleach on the other hand, hides its foreshadowing somewhere on the dark side of the moon. I've no idea how far this war will go before Ichigo powers up manages to save the day (that's the only constant- though it's usually later implied the enemy was some unfortunate victim he's been used to put down after he's done this). And despite the nazi vibes earlier in the story arc, it's a really good story. The quincies killed Hollows with the only techniques they had (you'd do the same if a hollow was in your town, eating your neighbours) and got exterimated for it. It's always been a large, unexplored, and clearly unsavory fragment of Bleach's story--- you know Kubo-sensei has had a LONG time to plan this one out. Since we're only starting out, (with an EXPLOSIVE assault on both Hueco Mundo and Soul Society) I don't know where this is going, and I don't know why Ichigo is being held back, (it's clearly got to be a reason beyond him just being 'strong'- perhaps they can't take hollow abilities) but these quincies have an all new and interesting power and social system, so I'm loving the read!

Two other things to note: Orihime was addressed as 'Princessa'. It IS a play on her name... but it might also be another hint to a greater role in the story than affectious-healing-damsel-in-distress. Not that 'princess of the universe' would be much of an improvement- but it'd explain why she's THERE...

And Byaakuya was naked for one scene (in the illusion he was covered in bugs). Why do I worry that this is going to produce some strange yaoi between him and the Quincy who cast it? o_O Does anyone else worry about stuff like that?

The fact is... our favourite shinigami are being pummeled- it's all out, very sudden war, there's no obvious way of winning, infact you worry some of them are going to actually die (albeit maybe temporarily) it's awesome.

Spoilers over!

Very simple question.

If you were writing a Disney movie, would it be like Hercules, or would it be like The Hunch Back of Notre-Dame? (they only 'adapted' them but you'll understand-)


Hercules is about a demi-god, who is handsome and rides rainbow-dash.His opponents are powerful and crush mountains and catch fire. He saves the day, becomes a true hero, and gets the girl. An optimistic story, full of magic and adventure- completely unrealistic.

Quazimodo has a weird name, weird face, is an outcast from society and lives in a tower. His opponent is a power-hungry-normal-person who is also a weird pervert. He saves the girl (in an odd way) and vanquishes the bad guy(his adoptive father who attacked his mother..?), doesn't get the girl, becomes a true hero,  and as a reward gets to go out in public without being ridiculed by the local french medieval peasants. A pessimistic story in general, full of real-life misery and miserable implications about Quasi's mental state (the statues are talking...)- completely realistic.


You see, I realised, most authors tend to slot perfectly into one of those two catergories with everything they write. They write stories that either say 'life can be brilliant'--- or 'life sucks'. Both are completely valid--- and I watch and read both types, but the optimistic type of story is my favourite. I still watch shows like 'The Walking Dead' (the authors pile the turmoil onto the characters, everything that can go wrong, will) but I'm much more excited to see an episode of Doctor Who, where the day will be saved, it's just a matter of Timelords.

What do you guys prefer, and what type of story do you think you, yourself, might create?

A speech made by Neil Gaiman at a university that can act as inspiration for artists and freelancers of all kinds. If you don't smile, laugh, and (weirdly) feel HUGGED, when you watch this, then you're not human.

>->->->->->- [link] -<-<-<-<-<-<-< Here he is.

I know there are videos on youtube under the same title that load faster- however I can't guarantee they've been uploaded by the rights holders, which would mean I could get banned if I linked to them for having aided internet piracy. LOLFUN. Do your own dirty work!

Neil Gaiman- Now this is one of the few authors I've researched and know everything about. Neil Gaiman is author of Sandman, Coraline, and a Doctor Who Episode, as well as a pleothera of other interesting things. He's even collaborated with Terry Pratchett, and been a valued informant of Alan Moore, both people whom I idolise. HOWEVER--- I'm too young to have ever read Sandman, I'm too old to have watched Coraline, and I'm just the right peripheral demographic to have watched and not liked the Doctor Who episode.

The thing is, though, even though my one experience of him is, 'What did you do to the TARDIS!?' I still KNOW Neil Gaiman's an awesome guy. I always have; it's that sort of inperceptable Chuck Norris awareness that he's awesome- even if you haven't witnessed it. And now I have witnessed it; in his words and in his speech. You've got to watch it, it's so inspiring! I am similtaniously struck by the urge to strive harder at my own ambitions----- and to slack off and go and start reading some of the stuff he's written. 8|

But what pleases me and most makes me feel that Mr Gaiman belongs in my Hall-Of-Idolisation is as thus:
He's British--- I'm British!
Our list of ambitions is practically identical, right down to the DW episode, though mine will be set on the floor of the pacific ocean in an oceanic rift where the sharks are *blathers on*
He has the same nervous disposition about success as I do. Even writing this journal to a few thousand readers means I need wear my tinfoil hat.
He recieved no higher education- and no formal education in his field of expertise. Bringing hope to many of us.
He writes about subjects I love. I love science fiction and comics and warped mythology.
He has curly hair. I have curly hair. *fist pump* WE SHALL TAKE THIS WORLD AS OUR OWN!


See how good that speech is? Kay now stop reading my journal and go listen to it! *jets off to do stuff, powered by NeilGaiman(tm) Inspiration Juice*

I never plug anybody.

I have many reasons for never plugging anybody.

I'm plugging someone. - Aren't you curious to know what could possibly be so awesome that even a grinch like me thinks you have to see it?

-Man of no icon, few words, and epic, epic sculpting.




(that's right, these are sculpted! -except for the batmobile, which is even more epic.)

I found his account from *AdamHughes page (who you already know. I hope.). He only has 2000 watchers so I gambled most of you haven't encountered him on dA (it's actually more likely that you've seen his work in real life!) Enjoy browsing, and be amazed! I know I am.

Once upon a time, on a little internet island named dA there lived a naked tribe of artists. They dressed in nakedness and painted themselves with bodypaint, revelling in their creativity and their nakedness.

One day, the most clever of the artists, who also had the biggest head, created a magical tool called the 'airbrush' tool. And it was wonderful. With this new tool he painted portraits and artwork on his naked hiney. All the other naked tribesmen and uncensored women rounded round his round posterior to gaze and marvel at the creations.

One of the tribesmen spoke... 'I wish to do the same as our most clever, and big-headed kinsman, where can I illegaly download this airbrush tool so that I too may paint portraits of my favourite anime characters, game characters and ponies?' The most clever of the artists replied, and he shared his secrets, and soon, all of the tribe, with various levels of skill, adorned their peachy posteriors with pedantically painted portraits of people, and all was good.

Only... it was a bit... samey.



*closes book* So there you have it.

Now what on earth am I talking about? I've been on dA aaaaalmost as long as it's existed, which is a long time, so I know stuff, so when I say that being on dA can brainwash you into trying to create one particular art style, trust me, it's as close to the truth as I can aim. That's right- if you're an artist here, you'll most likely end up trying to produce in a certain style. (I'm not going to show examples, it might seem like flaming someone. You probably understand without examples)

dA makes you think: COLORING IS AIRBRUSHING:
The truth: The airbrush is -one tool- and can only do so much.

The style people most frequently aspire to use is a style of -coloring-. You see, all the 'best art' has been airbrush-painted to death. (I'm talking about pictures which you would define as 'airbrush' or 'painting' - not cel-shading or comicbook art) A highly detailed, airbrushed picture can look awesome- so you want to do it too, right? Thing is- everyone else thinks so too.- you see the problem.

Do it for fun, to improve your skills, because you feel like it---- but don't do it just because it's considered the most 'awesome'. Chocolate cookies are awesome but there are 12 in a packet and they make you sick if you eat too many. Try some other flavours. They might suit the occasion more. Not everyone likes chocolate, anyway!

dA makes you think: COSPLAY IS SATURATION ENHANCEMENT:
The truth: You can do a lot more with a camera.

Another similar case is cosplay on dA. A lot of the anime cosplay shots you see have the colors brightened and have the anime's logo in the corner to make it look more like a cover. It looks good... and the popular people do it- but be aware... you CAN be more creative than this.

If you go to other sites, like cosplay.com - you'll find more raw shots. If you look on asian sites, you'll find everyone likes to take their photos from above and adjust brightness levels to reduce blemishes and make their eyes pop. Different sites end up encoraging different styles.

dA makes you think: ORIGINAL STYLE IS BASED ON NOTHING BUT REALISM:
The truth: This is the most damaging thing you can possibly think!

The same thing happens A LOT when people try to create their own art style. People are often scared of 'copying' and try to build something from thin air- all the while chanting a mantra of 'realism is best, realism is best- even for an anime style I should pay attention to realism instead of the series I like...'

NO. As Stan Lee, (if you don't trust me, trust this guy) has said, "a style is everything you do wrong". If you aim for realism you end up doing more things 'right'- which means you have no style atall. Your mistakes are most likely going to be flat eyes, boring hair and hard to identify characters- and THAT will be your style (as well as the style of everyone who thinks like you). Here's two self-portraits in the 'original' styles I see most frequently on western sites and conventions. Yes, a racial divide does exist (caucasian people more often try to use what they consider 'westerness' to define their style instead of a typical anime face)


Needless to say if you're mixing something like that with over-airbrushing, you've reached the epitome of dA averageness. You might be skilled, kudos. You might draw fish-people with umbrellas for legs dancing on rainclouds- original concept, I admire that. But I would be far more interested in you if you painted in a less average style.

I know there are other 'artistic standards' that permeate dA (and other sites! It's not alone) too, so maybe you can have fun and point of the ones that you've noticed.  -If you can't think of anything, at the very least I hope I provided some good advice =3 (and if my advice is useless, Stan Lee's is good!)

Something I've been thinking about...

Manga and comicbooks.

If you read both routinely, (you're either a pirate, or have a massive stash of treasure! Wait, same thing?) do you consider them to be seperate entities?

If you read one, why don't you read the other?

If you read neither, why are you watching me?

Do you find anything specifically appealing or unappealing about manga or comicbooks?

What would have to change about either manga or comicbooks before they became more accesible for you?

Feel free to answer completely honestly. You're a potential consumer of these things, and as such it's your opinion that matters more than anything else.



Now I'll move onto my opinion...

I've read a lot more manga than comicbooks... I've tried several dozen comicbooks and each time (except rarely, like teen titans) it seems to be about some middle-aged guy with superpowers(!epicgunsqualify) and a personality that takes a back-seat to plot. If I don't relate to, or admire the lead character, I'm not going to care what happens to him. It's not that I haven't had this experience with manga, though, but I don't read those for very long either. 'Concept over character' is a 'male' way of writing and appeals more to male audiences, so it's no wonder comic heroes garner very few female fans. (the fact that the female heroes are usually a gender-bent copy of the males with unusually large bra size, in my opinion, is probably less important than is made out.) A comicbook is definied by its CONCEPT and PLOT above all else.

Contarily, whenever I read a manga, (and can end up liking one) it's the characters' personalities that grabs me. Whether it's the otaku nature of Gintoki, or the take-no-nonsense attitudes of Ichigo and Rukia, or Luffy's almost ignorant ambition, I would likely read about those characters even if they were written into a different universe. Character-central writing and reading is considered more 'female', but manga uses this in addition to interesting concepts, which are 'male'. That gives it a bi-gender, and blurred gender profile and explains why it appeals to both genders so well. Add to that the fact that being able to relate to a character is considered by many to be -the- single most important factor when getting to like a story, and that popular manga have young, fresh characters with high ambitions, that explains why it's more popular with a younger audience, (and whoever is still young at heart). Popular manga, also, aren't afraid of making a teenager smarter (Yagami Light) or more powerful than many adult counterparts (Naruto) - which although 'unrealistic'- for a teenager is exiting to read.

Now for a simile. Both comicbook and manga markets are much like a rainforest conopy. Whenever a tall tree falls, the smaller trees will race to fill the gap. For manga, a tall tree will fall whenever the creator decides to quit (Naruto and Bleach will end soon- watch carefully). For comicbooks, given different ownership rights, an endless supply of writers and artists will work on a title, keeping the tree upright for so long as it is considered even moderately profitable. However, that means that we still have, let's use the easiest example-- Clark Kent, a newspaper reporter, still being produced in a time when newspaper reporters are undergoing, serious negative press- (pun intended) how is a teenage boy meant to idolise this person!?. His concept (a superpowered alien from outerspace) is now so used and reused it's gone to a definition far beyond 'cliché', how is that meant to capture this theoretical customer's imagination either? If a story like Superman was to start fresh today, -even if it was a manga-, it would be criticized heavily and no one would buy it. The brand 'Superman', a retro-curiosity and a long-term following are arguably what keep this title afloat, as opposed to actual interest in content. To be clear, it's not that I don't think the authors can't write, and the artists can't draw and color, because, oh boy, they can! Their talents aren't just being used to their full potential! The reason (I feel) that comicbooks aren't as popular as they could be is entirely from a lack of freshness of concept and character. That isn't to say that fresh, new titles aren't produced either... but they are almost completely obscured from the public's eye by the canopy of these larger, staple titles that never fall.

So where am I spending my money as a customer? Manga (I'm mainstream manga's target audience). What about you?

Please, don't respond simply assuming I'm being anti-comicbooks, I want to know your opinion instead of a weird reaction.

I got distracted from catching up with One Piece and now I'm reading Blue Exorcist...  34 chapters is less daunting than 600 chapters. I'm a coward I know. I'll make up for it somehow.

Naruto Review - Spoilers Ahoy! (ah, that's how.)

Naruto got the cover for Shonen Jump this week ^,^ because of Sakura. CAN YOU STILL HATE HER? I doubt Hinata would have gotten an Hanami themed cover for them! Hah!

I'm just stoking the fires of shipping war for cheap a laugh. I'm sorry. Hinata's adorable too. I'd love a pet one.

*grin*

Onto the pages!

...

Well to be honest this chapter was just one, massive 'stating of the obvious' for whoever out there hadn't figured out Sasuke's motives, and I don't really know what to say to that. It's not like an 'ahah!' or anything... it doesn't leave us curious of anything... I'm sure the tiny fraction of readers (who had no idea why Sasuke might want to attack Konoha) were relieved- but I don't think this was a big reveal and as such it wasn't a particularly inspiring chapter. It happens to the best of them, I guess.

Anyway... Kabuto asks Sasuke to join the Dark Side- HIS Dark Side...  but Sasuke's like, 'noo I have my own Dark Side'. At which points he flashbacks to the time he was in that other  Dark Side, hanging out with Tobi at a bar (he's not 21 yet... must've bought a soda)  in big black hooded capes like a Sith Master and his Sith Apprentice. He almost pulls a sadistic Obi Wan and cuts someone's hand off for disrespecting his brother. But Tobi's totally like, 'No, my young apprentice. Do not be foolish, we shall continue with ouur plaaaaaans.' and you know Sasuke's gonna' totally get burned in lava in the end.

Sorry.. where did I go just now?

Only thing is that the partner attack for Izanagi is called Izanami? It's too be expected, because all of Itachi's attacks thus far have been named after parts of Izanagi's legend. Though I wonder how much the attack will resemble the goddess aside from the name? Izanami famously went all zombie-psycho at the end of her legend, so it could be pretty interesting.

Though what's worrying is how Itachi describes it, it sounds like it's -literaly- a God-Mod jutsu.... oh well this series stepped over the 'God Modding is not allowed!' line and punched the guard in the face a LOOOONG time ago! At least if Sasuke learns this, he'll be able to fight Naruto on more equal terms!

So all in all... very meh chapter.

Bleach Review - Avast ye Spoilers!

Urahara... is so awesome and sneaky. 'I was waiting for the right moment outside of the window!' -yeah. YEAAAH. WE DON'T TRUST YOU, NOT REALLY! I mean your name is Urahara. You're just a total sneaky creep with an awesome HAT.

I loved the comedy leading into this chapter- I mean I know there's blue fire everywhere and that's importantly and has so much puntential now that I'm reading Blue Exorcist... but the comedy was awesome. Especially since it was delivered by cute, adorable, huggable, soft, green, mossy, smelly little Nel!

And Pesche.

And Ichigo.

You know what I'm talking about.

They find massacred Hollows- Ichigo covers Nel's eyes (KEEP HER! YOU'RE MAKING SUCH A GOOD DADDY!) Not that that held my attention for as long as it should have....

You see, Orihime's walking about in thigh high socks and little tiny shorts. I can't for the life of me figure out WHY. I mean it's not as dumb a thing to wear to a battle as a metal bikini with a very lewd gap in the chestplate- but it's still pretty dumb. Is it that warm in Hueco Mundo that she didn't think to bring a jacket, either? I mean I know I'm probably being too sensible, but couldn't she have at least brought a Swiss-army-backpack. Maybe with some bento boxes? It would at least -imply-that they're not going to starve/freeze/have no toilet roll. It's not like she's going to do much fighting, so she could at least carry the backpack. -I'm just kidding anyway... I know she's wearing it and carrying nothing because she looks hot and manga characters don't need to eat (especially those with a figure to maintain) - still I laughed at how un-battle-ready she looks.

Anyway yes, onto plot- ahum... ... Ichigo goes to save the Hollows. YEEEEY ICHIGO! I don't know why I'm so happy. Well, I do- it's because Hueco Mundo Hollows don't eat people and Aizen wasn't entirely evil so they're all potential villains-made-comrades which is totally one of my favourite plot twists! But yeah.

The Hollows are being taken to 'Kirge Opie'. ... say, can any of you remember that name? -for sorting. Now this is where I got some uncomfortable Nazi vibes... I think it's mostly because that (as Quincy) I know they're going to start shouting out their attack names in German. I'm sure Kubo (who is japanese) doesn't know how easy it is to step over the line for western readers or what sort of verbal and visual puns he's creating... so I'll forgive him- still I hope it reverts to normal quickly

I was soooo happy to see Halibel's girls be the first to pop up, though! Of course, as her devoted followers, they were going to be. And I know they're most likely going to be put down very easily by the distinctly hard-line and evil-from-our-POV Quincies. Still, it's right, you know?

Anyway I enjoyed the Bleach chapter, despite the brief discomfort! I can't wait for more!

End Spoilers... ARH!

And now, your Naruto and Bleach reviews!

Naruto review - spoilers below

I shall review this chapter of Naruto in the form of the script that Masashi Kishimoto originaly wrote it.

Kabuto: Super Ghost Kamikaze Attack!

Sasuke: Ouchie! I can't see!
Itachi: Ouchie! I can't hear! How inconvinient!

Itachi: trolled. *saves Sasuke*

Kabuto: Hey, you tricked me, like a ninja. *turns into a bat*

Itachi: Hey Sasuke, remember that time we've never mentioned before?

Sasuke: I sure do!

-cool explosive tag-team battle-

Itachi: Ough you killed me! Oh wait *turns into crows again* trololol!

Itachi: I love you Sasuke.
Sasuke: I feel no regret for nor can I remember killing you.

Mmmhyup that sums up my thoughts. Onto Bleach!

Bleach review - spoilers below

OPENS TO A DRAMATIC SCENE!!
(oh my god, Ichigo, don't just hold her like a puppy that's peed on itself! Give the adorable thing a HUG!!!! (Unless she did pee on herself...))

Kubo Tite breaks this DRAMA with a PESCHE brand SLEDGEHAMMER! It's amazing how he takes drama and turns it into comedy and then turns it back on the next page. That, after the cool designs, storyline, unqiue characters, cinema-style narrative and beautiful art style, is the biggest reason I love Bleach.

The next few pages is a classic example of that cinemato..tography? Anyway. Look how the tense, dramatic conversation between Byakuya and Renji starts from behind, then sort of moves slowly round to be infront while he talks. Yeah. I paid basically no attention to the text either. I have my theories about Choujirou Sasakibe (reverse Gin?) but for now let's watch his funeral and pretend he's definitely dead.

It's nice to know literaly how Hueco Mundo continued after the Aizen arc... Halibel being the new governess? Suits her so well! (It's okay to be fond of Hueco Mundo hollows- they only need to eat souls when they're in the real world... *sly glance at Nel* ...hah, picture that for a second would you?) Anyway the eeevil Quincies (a real bunch of Bad Apples! Bad joke!) are using Arrancars as their minions... now that's got a lot of interesting possibility. For example... how do they control them? 8D Will they target other possible 'employees' with Hollow abilities? What do they feed their pet Hollows? What on earth did they want with DONDOCHAKKA of ALL PEOPLE?

So they're off to Hueco Mundo again, with the help of Urahara! Who is EXTRA helpful this time, which is HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS. And Ishida declines to go- also HIGHLY SUSPICIOUS! Watch those spaces people!!!

Another cinema... dictionary time... cinematographic fly-by of a character... this time a bishounen. *tilts head* Well hello there, fangirl bait, what might your name be? White hair? You're going to need protecting from the masses. Any volunteers, out there?

Anyway... as a whole, Bleach is really... making me want to read more now. There are so many freshly baited hooks and questions and possibilities of disasters, betrayals and beloved-character-revivals... I'm kind of sad this will be the last arc... but at the same time at least it's going to die with some serious dignity, and we're going to get some real solid answers!

Reviews Over

Hai Guys. I'm back!

And by the way, I've started reading One Piece... I'll be up to date with it early next year I think... horray for 'The Big Three'!

As before- spoilers below.

-Naruto 579-

AHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAAHAA! HAAAHAHAHHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAA! AHAHAHAHAH! Oh, no, he didn't. He didn't. He DID!

Ahm. First...

Cute cover this chapter- and I can say cute now that it's revealed that Kyuubi's not a real youkai- he's just very tsundere. Just he was never a cute school-girl tsundere so no-one ever gave him a benifit of the doubt.

So as we know Itachi's always loved his village and his little brother and happy joy joy Barney The Dinosaur- which is why he's fighting Kabuto... - and Sasuke just hates snakes. Cool fighting explodey stuff (basically what Naruto's boiled down to now ) and Kabuto's explaining how he's taken advantage of everything Orochimaru's done. Kind of like an evil-genius-barnacle. Yeah... It's nice to see an elaboration on the 'Sage' and summons stories, even as a side-comment like that, because honestly I was begining to think Naruto had no challengers atall.

I'm sure people are swooning over Itachi and Sasuke fighting together but Sasuke already passed over the moral event-horizon for me so I don't -care- what happens to him. It's unlikely he's ever getting out. *roots for Itachi instead* GO ITA-KUN!!!

Oh and we found of Karin's last name.

I laughed. SO. HARD. So very hard. So, so so, SO very hard.

With Kyuubi being good, the 4th being Naruto's father AND leaving a sort of memory imprint in his mind, and now this? It seems to be that Kishimoto-sensei is determined to fufil all fan speculation, even those based on hair color! What's next? Tobi will be Obito? Kakashi will be handsome underneath his mask? Jiraiya's alive?

-Bleach 485-

OMGOMGOMGOMGOMG. I didn't see any of this coming! actually, I did, because I read the spoilers that Kubo Tite happily hands out...

Firstly, I gotta' say this though. Is that Kenpachi's dad? Because, it really looks like Kenpachi's dad. If it's not Kenpachi's dad, it's going to be Kenpachi's eventual opponent. That guy just has Kepachi written accross his rather Kenpachi-like face. Who's with me here?

And there was funny stuff... I sort of phased it out. Who are these new people? Are they going to dissapear? I think they are.

Bleach finally shed its 'none of the good guys ever die' shell, by killing Choujirou Sasakibe... uhm? You know, the old guy with the moustache? Nono, this one...; I know, you don't care.

Orihime accidentally flirted with Ishida... poor guy. Of course he likes her- you know this, because it's so heavily hinted at. Or something like that. *grin*

Onto the stuff I actually care about... LEGASP, NEL FELL FROM THE SKY!!! Pleading for help! What ISH DIS? She's so cute, save her Ichigo.

And Halibel... who is awesome... captured, doom. They're using arancars... it smells like PLOT, doesn't it? It's awesome. I'm just waiting for Grimmjow now.

I'm not suprised plot is restarting- because, technically, Aizen's story didn't actually finish. The Fullbring arc was apparently CUT from the earlier story (storywriting tip 1: If your story works without the introduction, cut it) and I'm pretty sure the only reason it was allowed in recently was because the end of Bleach is actually approaching, so it was a sort of filler... so you're not likely to see any of the Fullbringers around again- sorry if you actually liked them. So basically imagine that never happened and you have the REAL story flow- which we're getting into now. I'm so excited!

Spoilers Over

I hope that was coherent! I'm absolutely dizzy but I liked the mangas, Bleach expecially, this week, and had to review. Remember to comment to prove you haven't all been entirely brainwashed by brightly colored ponies! If no-one's read the manga anymore I'm going to assume it's armegedon and start panic-buying.

You love a series and want to see pictures of it, and talk to other fans...
but when you go to look at fanart, under many a brilliant picture there is a 'PRINTS FOR SALE' sign?

Does it dissapoint you that they might be just imitating being a fan so they can sell you a print?

Are you just happy to see a beautiful artwork?

Are you happy because you can buy a digital-copy/print/doujinshi of this amazing art?

Do you just feel happy to pay a talented artist a wage?

Would your feelings change if you were to discover that some were earning thousands of dollars from these prints?

Would your feelings change if you were to discover that multiple artists were drawing under a group name, as a cooperative?

Does any of this matter to you if the artist lives in a poorer country, or one where copyright does not apply?

Do you feel angry for the original creator?

Do you feel your own fanart becomes undervalued in comparisson?

Do you worry that, because these artists have worked to be popular and commonly seen, that most people think fans are like that and it corrupts your integrity as a fan?

Do you worry about that changing the creator's stance on fanart, and encourage them to dissallow all fanworks in the future?




I'm just being curious as to what other people believe, because I see this so often on DeviantArt, and there are clearly thousands upon thousands of people who either don't notice what's going on, or don't mind. I'm neither asking for nor going to explain what the legality of it all is.

For me, seeing fanart for sale makes me dissapointed and worried that more creators might become 'anti-fanart' in the future, if they see how some individuals and cooperatives can now, with use of the internet, turn an internet art account into a buissiness that can potentially impede their income. That would really spoil people's fun.

(Caution, semi-rant)

Has anyone else noticed this yet? Has anyone else found a way to -stop- noticing this yet? Is anyone else as (mildly) irritated by it as I am?

dA (a website, not a newspaper) keeps sending out these 'Hot Topic' things. They're not news... They're not site updates... They appear to be plugs of artists I don't want to watch by people I don't watch. (bonus irritation points if the person plugged is either a mod or a mod's friend)

I have nothing against plugging. Underexposed artists getting some love makes the world go round. But there's something just a little iffy about mods/whoever they are getting to plug these select few artists/friends to everyone on dA.

Maybe it's because the excellent DD system already exists, where you, the consumer can nominate what you find awesome and share the loving. Maybe it's because I can find equally awesome artists, or ones that appeal to me more just by browsing; artists who are not going to get this mega-exposure. Maybe it's because whenever I see a new message in that part of the message center, I always have to go look under the idea that it's going to be something important but it turns out to be a plug again and dA has totally trolled me. TROLLED.

Whatever the reason, I find this all (mildly) irritating... and would like to learn how to turn it off, because I sure don't remember turning it on.

(Now it's your turn!)

HI GUYS! Firstly, don't worry about the Everybody Requests I said I'd do- I'm still gonna' do them, but I was away entering a writing competition last minute- but that's a whole 'nother story. I have a few commissions I'm finishing, too.

Manga:

SO! Who here's been reading the Bleach and Naruto mangas? Sorry, wrong question... who hasn't? Naruto's verging on the battle epicale- I mean they've brought out the BIG GUNS now. I shan't say any spoilers... that's what the comments are for... but I think it could really end in 50 chapters or so. LEGASP RIGHT? Unless Kishimoto-san decides to drag it through another timeskip for financial reasons we're nearing the end of Naruto .I mean hey, the titular character can't GET any more powerful... unless he aquires the ability to time travel or something. BAHAHAHAHA... NOW THAT'D BE COMPLETELY CRAZY- like he would travel back in time and be the original sage dude and house all the tailed beasts inside him originally and split them apart and tell the prophecy of 'The One' and then he could totally sit and talk to baby Kyuubi and tell him about what his future would be and- waitasecond......

And Bleach? Bleach is... I'm still in love with it- even its let's-introduce-random-characters segments are okay. And, baring in mind that Kubo-san uses these boring little bits to set up dramatic and believabe plot for MAJOR EPIC NONSTOP BATTLES AS ICHIGO FIGHTS AGAINST THE ODDS- the fact it's been a little dull is made completely moot. It's like a rollercoaster, and right now we're on the little hoist which drags you up 200 feet before throwing you vertically downhill at 4Gs. 83 I'm just waiting for that part.

I'd really like to hear what you guys are thinking of the manga recently =3

The Unlikely Thing:

Onwards and upwards----- to try and get back into my grove I was doodling Sakura and Hinata...  Anywhere here's Hinata... (posted Febuary 5th)



And then LimaJaganshi showed me a photo of herself cosplaying... (posted January 25th, before mine!)



Do you know what this means? ...PSYCHIC RESONANCE EXISTS! All those sci fi stories about conjoined brainwaves are real! Or Hinata doesn't have enough fighting poses SILENCE LOGIC! Nobody likes you. The creepiest part is the little lick of hair over Hinata's shoulder in both pictures. It would be so funny to see instances of this happening to other artists.

Anyway! I'm going back to copying people's cosplay snaps now- uh, I mean, DRAWING.

Results have been tallied and the final results are being taken through polls. Thanks for your requests everyone!

Hi deviantwatchers! It's coming up to Christmas and I'm begining to get drunk on the holiday spirit... so I'm feeling all fluffy and I-love-you-guys-ee. So, read on, I'm going to draw an Everybody Request! (I made that term up, there's probably a proper term somewhere... still, dibsees.)

---------

Request a fanart that you want me to draw.

If you see someone has already requested it... back that idea up with a !

I will draw the most popular request (or requests).

---------

New Requests.

Permitted:
ONLY Watchers may make requests
FANART requests only, from any series you like.
No original characters atall, not even mine!
New Requests must be of a specific character, characters or pairing.
One request per person.

Forbidden:
Anything offensive, sexist, racist etc
Hentai. OHOHO no.
Saying 'suprise me' or 'draw what you want'. I might as well have not asked XD
No questions, or random topics, just make your request here =3

Other:
Crossovers permitted!
I'll draw male/male or female/female pairings.
I'll draw characters and pairings I don't like but you do
You can specify what art style you want me to draw in (so long as I'm likely to know the style)
The more difficult your idea is to explain the less backing it's likely to get, so keep your idea short, sweet and easy to read.
If I can't draw it I'll tell you and hide your comment, then you're free to make a new request.
Videogames admittedly are my weak point. I dont know much beyond the most famous characters.

Backing Up a Request:

If you see a request you like, BACK IT UP.  Reply to that request with '' ( : heart : without the spaces)
You can back up as many requests as you like, but only once each per request.
Only reply directly to the original request, and only counts as a back up. If you suggest changes or additions -it doesn't count-.

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After a certain amount of requests have been made I'll refuse any new requests. After that point you'll still be able to back up existing requests that you like.

In the end I may combine two similar ideas like 'Naruto and Sasuke at the beach' and 'Naruto and Sasuke swimming' if there's call for it.

And be sure to set up your own Everybody Requests too! Give something special to your own awesome watchers =3

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1. Riku-of-Darkness Healing Kiss
- preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring - payment

2. dreamchaser21 Set of 3  
1: - preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring
2: - preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring
3: - preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring
- payment

3. Hydraman123 One Mean Teacher
- preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring - payment

4. TalaUSA  -pending details

5. alshakuru -Moébot
- preliminary sketches - sketch - inking- coloring - payment

6. akatsukigirlsakura Steamy Kiss
- preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring - payment

7. !Anahiri now =MoonLancer
- preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring - payment

1: ~omegamd Yuri Pai!
- preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring - payment

2: ~MachaPanta Elemental Camoflaged
- preliminary sketches - sketch - inking - coloring - payment

2: reserved

2: reserved

2: reserved

Information for prices and all the options are avaliable on my website at [link]
[link] for images
[link] for pages, (that's right, I do PAGES!)

I just finished watching this series- even though the last episode was first aired two months ago, (which means I'm late) but I have to say, and say I must, I recommend Tiger and Bunny 100%! This is an anime series with an A+!



You see, it passed the same criteria that make top series like Naruto so great. It makes you laugh (a lot). It makes you cry. And the main character Tiger is a complete Woobie- he stumbles, he's clumsy, (this is from the opening scene, so, I'm not spoiling you) and his life sucks in every single way. You can't not root for him! And another component? A dashing, clashing co-star named Bunny. Oh the yaoi fans LOVE this one. Don't google image search it near children.

This series (it's not yaoi) is a partially satiric, maybe even more realistic, take on the superhero and mecha genres. It's not particularly groundbreaking or original in any way, but it is full, fast, very well rounded, and overall, satisfying. It's also very funny, to the point where you're going to be surprised; because there's actual plot hidden beneath the humor. The plot is straightforward and predictable, but that's why it's such easy watching, and so friendly to all ages, although the actual target market is 'seinen' (Japanese men) and experienced anime fans. Although the series is obviously Japanese, it's set in an American environment and the characters are multiple of ethnicities and cultural backgrounds, (in a way which doesn't seem forced or superfake) and the variety of characters is... well, it's a good thing for any series!



Now if the thought of watching this series in Japanese is too much for you- given its success and the fact distribution rightsare held, I think it's only a matter or time before Tiger and Bunny hits other countries as a dub; though if you're up for the challenge- legal streamers of the series are Hulu and Anime News Network.



<3Tiger and Bunny!

After finding a blue flower high on a mountaintop, Nekoni trains with the League of Weabos, learning the arts of art, moé, and how to "draw so fast your brain will melt". After Nekoni's training with the League of Weabos, Ra's and Ducard tell Nekoni his purpose: He must lead the League to destroy Deviantart, which they believe is corrupt beyond saving. Bruce, however, says that Gotham can still be saved, and refuses. He battles Ra's, burning the temple in the process, before making his escape. Ra's is killed by falling debris, but Nekoni saves an unconscious Picard and returns to Deviantart.

I'm back. And now, I'm Batman.

Catman.

Forget I said any of that.

Now, LONG STORY SHORT! I kind of… didn't manage to escape the gravitational pull of the really fun drawing website named paintchat last time I tried to come back. But now I have. Go ahead, ask me why.

Not telling.


So as you can see I'm fully alive *points to activity* despite having resurrected as a zombie for halloween. Fanart's become more appealing to draw again- and I'm watching anime again. Tiger and Bunny anyone? I don't like Bunny. We could be twins and I love rabbits. I was born in the year of the rabbit. I eat like a rabbit. If I was Native American I would be called Hopping Mad and my spirit guide would be a rabbit. But he's such a stiff, and a Batman wannabe. I'm not.

My drawing has improved. A lot. I can sneeze out pictures now. And my personal style has improved- I'm wondering whether to have a go at combining it with fanart. And I've learnt how to draw seriously moé! I'm just wondering how to show that, too.

Anyway extra news! It's nearly CHRISTMAS! –so cold. I'm not going outside. But it's the best time of the year to open commissions! Firstly so you guys can commission a Christmas gift, and second so I can save up to buy my brother and sister something too. So here's the heads up; I going to open commissions in a few days (as soon as I finish updating my website) Which are all going to be finished by the start of November. After that I might open more (not sure yet) So if you've been wanting one while I've been dead, now's your chance. And if you've already asked about it while I was dead, you're going to have a space saved for you just in case.

Btw I still love Tobi. What a troll. Amirite? WHAT A TROLL!!!

Aaaaaaaaaaahhhhghh. AAAAOOOORCHHHH. AAARGGGGHHHHH.

Aaaaaghaaarhnaaaarg.


Aaaarg aaaaarg uuuuhhhhhhhh.... arroooooooooog.



Arrrg.

Hey y'all! Well, it's been a while. I've been innactive. I'd like to explain why:

I got fed up with all the dA drama and left -Oh, that's pretty dull, let me try again.

I died, and thanks to a few good connections in the netherworld, returned to life- -Fiddlesticks. I've used that one before.

I was abducted by aliens.

-There! Absolute 100% truth-!



<_<



So what's actually up? Believe it or not, I actually managed to take TWO long hiatusses... would the plural be 'hiati'-? Anyway, TWO long breaks from reading manga. The combined period escapes me but the later was a 10 WEEK break from reading both Naruto and Bleach! I'll remind you this is because I got a bit HEARTBROKEN bored by Naruto around the 'controlling Kyuubi' bit and LIKE A BRIDE STOOD UP AT THE ALTER it's actually taken a few months for me to set it to the side. But now I'm over it. ...SOB. Yes I really am.


-Plus, someone just reminded me that deviantart EXISTS. I've been avoiding it because I knew there'd be about thousands of messages waiting for me, and low and behold there are 12,000 (I watch ten people, you do the subtraction) Obviously, the longer I waited the more there'd be, which is all great ego-grow and very fun to read---- buuuuuuuuuut still that's gonna' take forever...

Now I'll see if I can dig out some of my drawings and animations to start uploading again.... I do want to start chatting to the brilliant inhabitants of dA once more! And I'm enjoying the mangas again! SO rejoice, rebirth, re-ad all those messages! and hopefuly some uploads very pronto! (I've drawn stuff and just NOT uploaded it, that's just weird, even for an otaku)

So anyway, yeah. I'll make no mention of my personal life 'cuz that's a bit dull and some of it is sad and I don't want my secret identity to be ruined. But I shall talk about the mangas~

War, huh? What is it good for? Chapters and chapters of fighting- and reminding that as long as a character is relatively new, Kishimoto-san is nigh unrivaled on fleshing them out and revealing cool stuff and cool techniques X3 And we haven't seen Sasuke in -forever-, so Naruto's definitely working its magic right now.

As for Bleach? -as for Bleach..? *squints at it* I love it, and it's the same as it always is! But it's the same as it always is-? Which means nothing's happening, right? -As always in Kubo Tite's storytelling style... something and nothing is happening at the same time, and you love it but hate it but it's good and bad. I'm disliking the reuse of a plot type again; Ichigo meeting the Fullbringers echoes his meeting the Vizards (the organisation structure is exactly the same) BUT seeing him fight a yakuza-teddybear in a dollshouse reminded me why I just can't put Bleach down. I love it so much, the only questions in my head are: 'Who will be kidnapped this time?' and 'What's happening!?'

And now I shall draw~~  *spins circles* yes, I remember now. I remember this place.