Anime

[Mags she/they]

I ended up watching the first season of Apothecary Diaries, because it's free on Crunchyroll right now (likely to promote the second season, which is currently airing). I was interested in it because people generally put it next to Frieren in a line up of new, well written anime.

It's was pretty good! I think it's one of those series that suffers from translation, because while I could understand what was happening, I often felt like I was missing some cultural context or something (especially since it's a historical inspired story). I do want to check out the manga and see if I can grasp it a little better in a different format (though it is now at the bottom of a long list of comics I keep saying I'm gonna read soon).

But yeah, I liked it--It had lots of fun humor moments, and surprisingly heartfelt and emotional moments. Both of the main characters are little freaks and I love them for that. I'm tired of romance stories being about normal, socially competent people.

I did also watch the first few episodes of Inuyasha, out of curiosity. I swear it's the one anime that's easy to get access to through several different services. I'm not in love with it yet, and from what I've heard it's no masterpiece. That said, I still find it really charming, so it might become the show I watch when I need something to turn my brain off too .

Edited February 20, 2025 by Magi

[Eluvianii he/him]

Finally decided to watch the third season of Classroom of the Eilte. It was pretty good. It's a show I didn't watch years ago because a second season was not even on sight, and waiting has paid off. The 3 seasons we have so far have been quite a ride.

I like the balancing act the story does with its tone. It's a motivational story about class unity and personal growth, and it's a pessimistic story about people stepping over one another to achieve their own goals. But it doesn't stay on either side long enough to undermine the other, which also means it never gets depressing enough that it's unbearable to watch. Personally, I love stories that go for a message towards the lighter side of that coin while still acknowledging the darker one. It makes every victory feel all the more meaningful.

It's fascinating to watch such a messy group of characters grow so much. It really softens the blow the protagonist is. I mean, he's a good well written character and I like seeing him in action, but I can't confidently say I root for him. So I appreciate having so many other characters I do root for. And there's another two school years for character development to kick in so I can earnestly root for him too.

Waiting for a new season is an option, though since they finished the first school year, I guess things might slow down again. From what I've seen there should be enough 2nd year books for a couple seasons, but jumping in right now might result in another years-long drought before year 3. So I think I'll just play it safe and go to the books. Everyone seems to think they're better anyway, reading the protagonist's every thought might make it easier to understand him.

Anyway, that's getting off topic. Cool show. Love the overly serious school politics and intrigue. Nice cast. Recommended.

[Tinwatcher I don’t mind]

On 2/20/2025 at 8:09 AM, Magi said:

I ended up watching the first season of Apothecary Diaries, because it's free on Crunchyroll right now (likely to promote the second season, which is currently airing). I was interested in it because people generally put it next to Frieren in a line up of new, well written anime.

It's was pretty good! I think it's one of those series that suffers from translation, because while I could understand what was happening, I often felt like I was missing some cultural context or something (especially since it's a historical inspired story). I do want to check out the manga and see if I can grasp it a little better in a different format (though it is now at the bottom of a long list of comics I keep saying I'm gonna read soon).

But yeah, I liked it--It had lots of fun humor moments, and surprisingly heartfelt and emotional moments. Both of the main characters are little freaks and I love them for that. I'm tired of romance stories being about normal, socially competent people.

I did also watch the first few episodes of Inuyasha, out of curiosity. I swear it's the one anime that's easy to get access to through several different services. I'm not in love with it yet, and from what I've heard it's no masterpiece. That said, I still find it really charming, so it might become the show I watch when I need something to turn my brain off too .

Wait it’s free on cr?

[Keke They/he]

Dude i just watched the first episode of demon slayer and jrs DEPRESSING

Dang.

[Mags she/they]

24 minutes ago, Clinically insane said:

Dude i just watched the first episode of demon slayer and jrs DEPRESSING

Dang.

It is but that first episode is iconic

I loved it when I first saw it lol

[Keke They/he]

Ok if you know me you know i have this AWEFUL habit of not finishing TV shows or books. 

This is due to me not wanting it to end. 

I haven't finished the jjk anime bc I know what happens and if I don't watch it it doesn't happen. 

And I never ended up finishing fruits basket. 

I ended on episode 11 of season 3. 

Didn't watch more.

Until tonight.....

Bow im crying tears of joy and sadness and hejdoworbebkslwkebrbekwlwldk

Spoilers for end of fruits basket anime 

Spoiler

YOU SEE TORUHS MOMS POV OF HER DEATH AHAHAHEMDMSLWOWK

Ok i need to watch the last episode then actually finish jjk 

 

Edit: finished the last episode and ahahahahahhahahahah

I can't do this bro

Edited April 27, 2025 by Hawks

[ParaTulip fae/faer (declines as she/her)]

On 2/20/2025 at 10:09 AM, Mag said:

I often felt like I was missing some cultural context or something (especially since it's a historical inspired story).

The thing to look into is the Tang Dynasty era of China. Maomao's medical knowledge is actually like that of someone from a later era, but the whole settup of the palace is evoking the Daming palace of the Tang.

I recall this documentary on the history of the Tang and the Daming palace being interesting.

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

[Keke They/he]

On 4/27/2025 at 11:39 AM, CoderDrag0n8 said:

To many words my tv show brain just ded

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

13 minutes ago, Hawks said:

To many words my tv show brain just ded

CLICK IT! ITS FUNNY!

[ParaTulip fae/faer (declines as she/her)]

On 4/27/2025 at 1:39 PM, CoderDrag0n8 said:

Oh, this becomes a lot point in the last arc of Orb: On the Movements of The Earth. I read the manga for that, huge recommendation to pick it up. I have heard the anime is good too.

Imagine something like Fullmetal Alchemist with it's big dramatic search for the truth of the world, but the characters are even more intense yet believable and it's 17th century Poland instead of early 20th century Germany.

[Tinwatcher I don’t mind]

Anyone seen Toradora

[+Slowswift]

7 hours ago, TheBestTruthwatcher said:

Anyone seen Toradora

One of my favorites! One of the first I ever watched, actually.

[Ookla de los Cuervos he/him]

On 2/20/2025 at 8:09 AM, Mag said:

I ended up watching the first season of Apothecary Diaries, because it's free on Crunchyroll right now (likely to promote the second season, which is currently airing). I was interested in it because people generally put it next to Frieren in a line up of new, well written anime.

It's was pretty good! I think it's one of those series that suffers from translation, because while I could understand what was happening, I often felt like I was missing some cultural context or something (especially since it's a historical inspired story). I do want to check out the manga and see if I can grasp it a little better in a different format (though it is now at the bottom of a long list of comics I keep saying I'm gonna read soon).

But yeah, I liked it--It had lots of fun humor moments, and surprisingly heartfelt and emotional moments. Both of the main characters are little freaks and I love them for that. I'm tired of romance stories being about normal, socially competent people.

I did also watch the first few episodes of Inuyasha, out of curiosity. I swear it's the one anime that's easy to get access to through several different services. I'm not in love with it yet, and from what I've heard it's no masterpiece. That said, I still find it really charming, so it might become the show I watch when I need something to turn my brain off too .

*ahem* Inuyasha is very good, its fun, they severely white-washed inuyasha tho and they put a love triangle where there shouldn't be one.

[Mags she/they]

15 minutes ago, TheRavenHasLanded said:

*ahem* Inuyasha is very good, its fun, they severely white-washed inuyasha tho and they put a love triangle where there shouldn't be one.

Oh is he not as pale in the manga or something?

[Ookla de los Cuervos he/him]

2 minutes ago, Mag said:

Oh is he not as pale in the manga or something?

when we see him in color, he's really tan. 

[Mags she/they]

1 minute ago, TheRavenHasLanded said:

when we see him in color, he's really tan. 

ah, that's a shame

I haven't watched more then the first few episodes, cause I haven't really had time for TV lately lol

[ParaTulip fae/faer (declines as she/her)]

On 5/1/2025 at 1:01 PM, TheRavenHasLanded said:

when we see him in color, he's really tan. 

Yeah, that makes sense in Japanese colorism. In Japan, tanner skin typically means masculinity while pale skin is a feminine trait. There are going to be exceptions, of course, but most straight relationship pairs in anime will have the boy be darker skinned than the girl, even if they are from the same town.

Inuyasha is this really rough and manly kind of boy, so it complies with norms that he would be drawn with tanner skin.

[Eluvianii he/him]

I have finally finished an anime season where I watched the last episode of a show close to release. Three of them in fact. I'm so proud of myself.

Rock is a Lady's Modesty was my favorite one this season, or at least my favorite that started this season (if I count everything that aired regardless of starting date the apothecary is at the top). I'm a sucker for music shows and this one was amazing. Probably helped that one of my favorite bands did all the performances.

Food for the Soul was an instant comfort show and the highlight of my Sundays (it aired on Saturdays, but this is a perfect Sunday afternoon show for me). Nothing happens in it, just hanging out and food. Fine by me. It's an original work so it's not like it has more material to adapt, and it certainly doesn't need it, but I wouldn't say no to a season 2.

Witch Watch is fun. It feels like the result of an author who's frustrated after years of tropes. Whenever there's an opportunity for standard anime drama it goes "Sike, we're not doing that" and resolves what would become a multi volume arc in other stories by the end of the episode.

Spoiler

Like seriously, the episode where Kanshi appears and it looks like it will become an exhausting rivalry where they hate each other and both fall in love with Nico and it will take them the whole show to tolerate each other. But then they actually become friends at the end of the episode and Kanshi doesn't like Nico, so we skip all of that. It was so nice.

Pretty refreshing. Also a surprise because I spent the last 3 months convinced this was a season long, only for episode 12 to come and tell me there's 14 more to come. So looking forward to that.

Apothecary Diaries was stellar. Episode 23 is episode of the year material. This is also the season where I decided to look up the volume count and uh, there's material for 6 more seasons...? And the story is still ongoing......? I'm gonna be waiting forever if I stay with the anime, screw that, I'm gonna read.

Once Upon a Witch's Death is the show I'm procrastinating on. I like it but. To borrow a phrase I heard somewhere, it's a great show trapped inside a good show. Like it's good but it deserved to be better. I'll probably finish it but I'm slightly disappointed.

 

As for summer, idk, I added way too much to my watch list, and I'm probably gonna drop most of it so we'll see. So far I'm sticking with Lord of Mysteries and Dandadan. I also started the one about the veteran adventurer opening a restaurant and I liked it so probably that one too. Oh, and the one about the detective, it's hilarious. Gonna see what else is cool.

[Mags she/they]

I realize it's been months but I missed these posts and I'm so sorry T-T I'll respond now.

On 3/8/2025 at 10:22 AM, Tinwatcher said:

Wait it’s free on cr?

It was, unfortunately I don't think it is any longer. CR does this where if a season of a popular show is airing, they'll change the first season to free, as an incentive to get people to watch it and get hooked, so they're more likely to try out the subscription. I happened to catch it at the right time.

Upon double checking, the whole season is no longer free like it used to be, instead just the first 3 episodes are free (another practice of theirs to get you hooked lol). You can make a free crunchyroll account to and save series to a watch list so you can glance at things quickly. It's also useful if you don't want the subscription, but occasionally want to use a gift card that gives premium for a period of time, which is something I've done a couple times.

The first season of AD is also now on Netflix, if that's an option for you, and Netflix has the second season if you can VPN and change you're location to Japan.

On 4/26/2025 at 11:34 PM, ParaTulip said:

The thing to look into is the Tang Dynasty era of China. Maomao's medical knowledge is actually like that of someone from a later era, but the whole settup of the palace is evoking the Daming palace of the Tang.

I recall this documentary on the history of the Tang and the Daming palace being interesting.

Thanks for the resource! I mostly understand the dynamic of the palace, it was the dialogue that I was having a hard time understanding--characters and what exactly they were trying to get across confused me, more so then the setting, and I wondered if it was because the characters were speaking in what was meant to be an older fashion. That said I'm probably going to rewatch it soon, and I'm hoping that I'll pick up on things I missed the time. 

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

17 minutes ago, Mag said:

I realize it's been months but I missed these posts and I'm so sorry T-T I'll respond now.

It was, unfortunately I don't think it is any longer. CR does this where if a season of a popular show is airing, they'll change the first season to free, as an incentive to get people to watch it and get hooked, so they're more likely to try out the subscription. I happened to catch it at the right time.

Upon double checking, the whole season is no longer free like it used to be, instead just the first 3 episodes are free (another practice of theirs to get you hooked lol). You can make a free crunchyroll account to and save series to a watch list so you can glance at things quickly. It's also useful if you don't want the subscription, but occasionally want to use a gift card that gives premium for a period of time, which is something I've done a couple times.

The first season of AD is also now on Netflix, if that's an option for you, and Netflix has the second season if you can VPN and change you're location to Japan.

Thanks for the resource! I mostly understand the dynamic of the palace, it was the dialogue that I was having a hard time understanding--characters and what exactly they were trying to get across confused me, more so then the setting, and I wondered if it was because the characters were speaking in what was meant to be an older fashion. That said I'm probably going to rewatch it soon, and I'm hoping that I'll pick up on things I missed the time. 

Very wow PFP

[Mags she/they]

2 minutes ago, CoderDrag0n8 said:

Very wow PFP

ty lol

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

Just now, Mag said:

ty lol

Oooo i have idea

What are ye opinions on E-books/Webnovels?

[Mags she/they]

Just now, CoderDrag0n8 said:

Oooo i have idea

What are ye opinions on E-books/Webnovels?

I don't really have one because I don't have much experience reading those--I have too many physical books I'm supposed to be getting lol. I mostly just read comics and fanfic online.

[CoderDrag0n8 He/Him]

1 minute ago, Mag said:

I don't really have one because I don't have much experience reading those--I have too many physical books I'm supposed to be getting lol. I mostly just read comics and fanfic online.

So...

You would be open to trying this one?

Theres a group chat that I am adding you too rn.