Earth Day: Princess Mononoke

Yesterday was Earth Day! While a lot of manga and anime I consume don't really focus one way or the other on issues of environmentalism, I was reminded of several Studio Ghibli films when thinking of what to talk about. So let's deep dive into Princess Mononoke! 

Princess Mononoke follows Ashitaka, a young warrior whose arm becomes cursed after fighting off a rampaging wild beast to save his village, on his quest to find a cure. Along his way he meets many people, including those of Iron town. This strange town is full of leapers who are working there to help mine iron to bring wealth and prosperity to the people there. But in doing so they are harming the lands around them. The forest creatures are dying along with the forest itself as they expand and mine. Which brings in San aka Princess Mononoke herself. She, along with the forest spirits, fight against the people of iron town in an attempt to save the forest, and the main spirit of it. 

This film is one of the many beloved films done by Studio Ghibli. Like many of their films it features stunning artwork and am absolutely fabulous voice cast. Which fun fact! The mother wolf is voiced by Gillian Anderson, the actress for Dana Scully in my favorite American TV show, The X-Files. 

One of the films main themes is protecting the environment and conscious use of resources by people, especially those who make a profit off of it. The forest is dying, the spirits are dying, the animals are being cursed. And why? Because of the mining and the greed of humans even if they aren't aware of it. I personally think this is a theme we still see today in the world. AI is destroying our planet with everything chatGPT call. The mining and disposal of lithium for car and phone battery are wreaking havoc on the areas where this occurs. Animals are still endangered. Toxic waste is dumped into our waters. But we have taken great strides to work on protecting the forests. We are working to remove trash from the oceans. We are trying but we still have much to learn. But I don't want to get too preachy. In the end each person, each company, each country must decide what they will do and stick to it. 

So whether your a tree hugger or a regular human or even an earth hater searching for earth 2.0, I hope you had a wonderful earth day and at least enjoyed looking at some nature. A d if you haven't yet go give Princess Mononoke a watch. It's totally worth it!

Where My Lore Started

Yesterday was Anime Day! Yes, that is a real thing! So in honor of that wonderful day I wanted to take some time to talk about my very first anime, Yona of the Dawn. 

Yona of the Dawn is a fantasy series featuring epic battles, found family, a strong female lead, a little romance, and a wonder cast of characters. Sadly, the anime doesn't cover the entire manga and fans have been waiting so long for a season 2 that it could definitely be a delulu is the solulu situation here. Though with so many older shojo's getting a season 2 there is hope! But enough fluff let's get going!

Yona of the Dawn follows Yona, the princess of the Kouka kingdom, who is a bit spoiled and has hair as red as the dawn. After watching the love of her life brutally murder her father she ends up on the run with nothing but the hair pin her lover gave her, the clothes on her back, a major amount of shock, and her hot bodyguard, Hak. This though, is just the start of her journey. Together the two work their way to the wind clan's village. After some rest, and a lot of convincing, the two head off to find an oracle who will tell them how to proceed. 

It is there that they meet Ik-su and Yun. Not only are Yona's eyes awakened to what it's like outside the palace, but she also is given a prophecy to follow on her journey from Ik-su. The short of it, gather the 4 dragon warriors then find the sword and the shield. So off Yona and Hak go, joined now by Yun so he can see the world

Together the 3 begin a journey across the land to find the 4 dragon warriors. From secret villages full of worshipers of the red haired king who believe Yona to be his reincarnation, to a cave full of masked humans who fear the dragons. Through woods, towns, and everything in-between our crew journeys and grows. Throughout this everyone is learning and growing. My favorite part of this is when Yona, Hak, Yun, Kija, and Shinha are off trying to find the green dragon Jeha in the port town of Awa. They end up helping yo take down a human trafficking ring that was kidnapping woman to sell! Yona herself even took down the ringleader. 

Upon collecting the 4 warriors through bargaining, rescuing and meat, it's time to return to Ik-su. Together our found family makes it way back to find out about the next part, the sword and the shield, and to find out what Yona plans to do next. And that's pretty much where the anime ends! Thankfully the manga is still going so there is so much more to enjoy!

This series was my first step into anime thanks to my best friend. In 2018 I was in a group chat and was the only person who didn't watch anime! Shocker, I know! Upon complaining, my bestie wh at the time was a stranger to me, came in clutch with Yona. I was in love from the first moment.  I didn't know anime was more than just big boobs and well adult content. Yes I was one of those americans. But this series had none of that! I was shocked. And the level I freaked out when she took down the human trafficking ring cannot me measured. I couldn't believe there was Yona doing exactly what I was trying so hard to do in real life! I immediately bought the manga, and a love of manga, anime, and a new friendship came to be. 

This series also really helped me pinpoint what I love. The found family vibes are so strong and I loved all the action and bickering. The romance was also the perfect amount for me although I'll admit I did get mad that Yona and Hak made like no progress in the anime cause man I ship them! The only thing that doesn't fit is my favorite character! I immediately latched on the Shinha who is a bit different than my usual faves. He's more quiet and reserved but he's such a good boy. I want to give him all the hugs! 

Overall I cannot reccomened this series enough. Whether you are there for the slow burn romance, the found family, the fights, or just the borderline reverse harem of good looking men, there is definitely something there for everyone. I still love this series with all my heart even after 6 years. I hope someday I can be like my best friend and have my love of anime turn someone into a fan too! 

I want to hear from you though! What series started your anime lore?

Fairy Tail vols 1-3

If you've been on the manga or anime scene for any amount of time then you've likely heard of Fairy Tail, the chaotic tale of a wizards guild. Today is like to explore the first 3 volumes of this series. 

The first 3 volumes create kind of an intro arc. They allow the reader to meet Fairy Tail, the main team, and get introduced to several different types of magic that exist in this world. The series starts with a hilarious bang befitting a series written by Hiro Mashima. The art though might not be what you expect from this series if you've seen the anime or later volumes. 

Volume 1 introduces our main 2 characters, Natsu Dragneel and Lucy Heartfelia. While Natsu is on a journey to find Igneel, a dragon, he bumps into Lucy, a celestial wizard. He ends up saving her, twice, and eventually inviting her to join Fairy Tail. 

Of course this is an offer she can't refuse and off they go. Upon arrival they are swept up in business as usual at the guild, aka battles, nudity, drunkness, and people trying to find a job. But this doesn't deter Lucy from signing up! 

From there it's time to get a job. Volume 1 proceeds to follow Lucy and Natsu taking on various jobs including fighting a monkey like creature! Of course we also get to spend some time meeting all the wizards of the guild.

Volume 2 continues the odd jobs of Natsu and Lucy, this time to steal a book! Lucy must dress up as a made to invade a manor but she leaves with more than just a book! We get to meet a new celestial spirit! But that's not the only job this volume!

Volume 2 also starts the lullaby arc. Which features Natsu, Gray, Erza and Lucy going on a quest together. Of course Gray and Natsu aren't thrilled about this but they must pretend to avoid Erza's wrath. Can these boys do it? Only time will tell.

And by time I totally mean volume 3! Volume 3 picks up with the action right where volume 2 left off. Natsu is once again getting motion sick on a train but it's okay. This leads him right to where he needs to be, exactly where the mastermind is. While he's struggling there the rest of our crew is beating up baddies while hunting him down. Erza even gets to show off her equip magic! 

To the shock of absolutely no one,  this team saves the day from the evils of lullaby, a song that would put everyone to sleep. It was easy peasy for them. Natsu, Gray and Erza do make up Fairy Tail's strongest team after all! 

This series really is a truly great one. It starts off with such a bang. The characters are all so fun and unique. Watching them be introduced in the most crazy fashion when Lucy firsts entera the guild is a gem. Especially Gray.

The found family vibes in this series are off the chart, even at the beginning. You can tell the whole guild is just one giant family which is so cozy. Sure the series focuses a lot on battle but there is something so comforting on th emphasis on family and friends right from the onset. 

There is also something so charming about the old art. It's very much in the Rave Master style which while not my personal fave is still such a treat to see. I love seeing the evolution of his art. 

Overall I can't help but love and reccomened this series to everyone. Sure it has its issues but it has a lot of beauty too! I hope you'll consider giving it a chance if you haven't yet!