Diary of a Stitcher

So, in the process of stitching the golden dragon and also the tiny pagoda, I obviously had to binge some tv. In this case, it was anime.

Apothecary Diaries was first on the list, since I've read the light novels and therefore didn't need to pay rapt attention to follow the whodunit plots through. I have to say, it really is a great adaptation, even of the really murky plotlines about the previous emperor and the women he took as concubines were covered in all detail with no softening of the sharp edges. The animation is visually lovely, too, a real treat to watch. Can I just say, the eyes in particular are stunning, the studio went to town on them and as a result all the main cast are just so emotive. My only complaint is that now I'll be picturing cat-Maomao when I'm reading the novels, it was so spot on.

From Old Country Bumpkin to Master Swordsman is, again, a story I've already read. in this case, the manga. It was a pretty enjoyable watch, especially since they condense the storylines a little into something easier to follow over 12 episodes, and that also feels more complete after 12 eps than the original would have. There were a few visuals from the manga that I noticed were missing which was a pity - that kraken-esque moment where Beryl shakes the blacksmith's hand should have been a real stunner. That said, the use of (well-blended) 3D animation for the fights does keep those looking top-notch with lots of fast, flowing motion that really gives you a feel for the combat.

To Be Hero X is still ongoing, we're halfway through the season now and I'm dying to know how this sort of anthology type story will pull together at the end. It's a mix of animation styles, often switching from an Arcane-inspired 3D style to a traditional or a modern 2D style for flashbacks or alternate points of view, but with every last style looking 110%.

This is hitting the same sort of vibes as Jupiter's Legacy in the whole heroes are real people too and not just hollow symbols kind of thing, but definitely aligns with The Boys as a tale of high-powered people (who might be true idealists or might be real assholes) nevertheless being exploited by powerful corporations and media companies. The idea of the Hero X contest is really a tale as old as time but neatly implemented as a sort of annual tournament (something, something, bread and circuses?) while the character-driven stories is as inspired by Arcane's success (I suspect) as is the choice of visual style. Overall, totally enjoying it, can't believe I now have to wait until September to find out how it ends!

Please Put Them On, Takamine-san is total fanservice, but behind that there's actually a real cute story. The show makes that clear a lot sooner than the manga ever could, and it turns what would otherwise be a trope-y mess of not-quite-hentai-level visuals into a really fanservice-ridden but still a bit cute romance. Mainly a still-gotta-backstitch-this watch, but I'll keep watching the whole season just to see Shirota maybe clue in just a touch to why Takamine has zeroed in on him so much :p

I've got more stitching to do (hello, dragon 2) but also just picked up Rune Factory: Guardians of Azuma so it'll be a while. Plus, I kinda want the spring/summer anime to pile up a bit more for better stitching-binging power. Still, watch this space, there will be more to come (eventually).