Filler Arcs

I have nothing against the concepts of fillers at all. It doesn't affect the actual story...unless it's written to be part of the actual story and did little to actually help the plot or characters overall.

Filler, on its own, isn't supposed to be spectacular. Efforts can be made to create it to the best of creativity.

Written filler at the time of the actual story will detract from the actual goings in the plot and character. It would be fine if it was just something small and meant little in the long run.

Filler arcs were written to fill in time to either catch up, develop more, or just outright padding. Typically, the audience would react badly. Again, it wasn't meant to win awards a la the Oscars. Fanfiction put in more effort than canonical filler, anime or not.

Fillers, at its core, did little to help the actual story overall.

If you know it's written to be such.

For example, the canonical Davy Back arc, which is not bad overall. It's a fun arc that showcased teamwork and introduced Aokiji. I don't hate the Foxy Pirates. In fact, I find them amusing and would make it to the New World out of sheer will.

A magnificently well-done filler arc came from One Piece's G8 arc. It's wonderful to behold. With each character getting an important role in some fashion and the marines are just as good. The writing goes outside the box of the formula.

I also heard Oda outlined the Ice Hunters arc too. It wasn't a bad arc overall because it foreshadowed the Marineford arc pretty well.

The filler arcs developed Hinata and other characters that weren't important to Naruto. Which ironically Studio Pierrot took back due to their almost mandated ending that is in no way could have been the mangaka's intention. It's an unnatural ending. Like I am aware that the 2nd half of Naruto had been under fire from fans, from editors, from even Kishimoto itself and the internal war between SJ and Kishimoto. I could sense something was off in the narrative where things should have flowed better with the original intent. I heard from Kishimoto that Sasuke basically rebel against him and wrote himself essentially.

Unlike the Naruto's filler arcs that were gone by the ending, a filler arc like the Orange Islands arc could be considered as such good. It introduced a new character who still worked at Professor Oak's lab to this day and have the most Pokeshipping hints with the second movie in that time frame.

Filler that did little to help the story but dragged the characters along like a dog that doesn't want to walk in that direction. Just looking at VLD S4 makes the writer in me cry a lot in frustration. It's not even the good filler that I mention above. The Voltron Show literally did nothing to help the plot and characters, not to see Hunk actually becoming a diplomat and applying that to the actual story, not giving Coran something important to the plot and character. Again, it's not a good Day in the Limelight writing at all. I have seen better including LOK. At least filler arcs like Ice Hunters or G8 actually develop onto canon and used the characters right.

In slow build/burn, everything written must be important. Get rid of repetition. If you plan to write a story, fillers must not drag or slow the story. Even small fillers had to help at some point. Even if it meant little overall.

Everything must be important.

A bad kind of filler was that of Steven Universe. I felt the slice-of-life factor was getting in the way. Listen, Durarara and Persona could be considered slice-of-life but I didn't feel anything was neglected because I am raising up anything I need and/or integral. The slice-of-life had to matter.

If the slice-of-life is written out-of-order and the characters' reactions unclear/unanswered (for example, Lars' family and girlfriend grieved...when Steven had the tools to rescue him. But no, draw out the Steven and Connie conflict to over a month and we didn't even see Lars' side of things like how on earth he got his new clothes. I like Space Pirate Lars as much as the next person but I want to see his journey to become a notorious criminal in the domain of the Diamonds rather than he telling Steven about his month-long rise to infamy. Not to mention, Lars is undead now so why the heck are they grieving when he was alive and well? Undead certainly and in dangerous territory but he's alive and Steven had Lion), then it meant nothing. This was a major problem with Steven Universe. Other than the status quo. It's one thing that the people do not know or apathetic (for example, many people had no clue of the Phantom Thieves' presence among them other than reacting to their actions), but it's another when you have a whole town knowing in some form or way that aliens are living among them. It's not a secret the Crystal Gems are there and that the Diamond Authority reigns. It's not a secret that the war was still ongoing.

However, peace seemed unchanged.

Seriously, I hoped to Godoka that the status quo and the same peace changed forever now the knowledge of Rose Diamond was acknowledged. Because it's stifling to see little change in Beach City when I have seen other works including the Persona series where the worlds are forever changed or acknowledged the change. Like Akihiko and Ken cannot bring back Shinjiro at all. Like new arrivals in Ikebukuro. Like All Might retire from the superhero scene and become a full-time teacher. Like the very fact, the arrest of Shido emerged a new wave. Like Sai disappearing. Like Apollo staying in another country altogether. Like Ema becoming a forensic scientist.

I could go fucking on but it just annoys me in Steven Universe. The slice-of-life factor isn't used well. Initially, it was great to use for character development but some time later, it became intrusive to the plot. I get the writers wanted to emphasize Steven's two sides but Holy Woman of the Beginning, the slice-of-life showed little tension in the overall plot. While I had a low opinion of VLD's writers, at least they can write tension. While I do think they had it all planned out, the writing is not that great. It could have been great but alas... At least they had great composition and made it as epic as they can because I love the beautiful animation that gave Keith, Shiro, Pidge, and Allura so very much.

I mean we could have seen Lars' side of things. It's one thing that it's unreliable and I seen unreliable narrator on TV. Teen Wolf and YOI come to mind. But there is little unreliable narrator because we are seeing things through Steven's eyes, not anyone else. Flashbacks were easily differentiated in the Revolutionary Girl Utena style animation. Which means that we wouldn't get the whole complete story of Pearl unless Steven literally went into her mind and we just did.

Even in games, we see other people's POV. In P5, we see Sae, Akechi, Makoto, and so many more without the protagonist in the scene. In One Piece, we are in the fucking Reverie arc for god's sake and we aren't returning to the Strawhats until it's over. We are instead seeing lots of important pirates and nobility in one place and literally, my heart cannot take the revelations we are getting. The Reverie arc would be close enough to Amazon Lily's arc chapters too so short but succinct and very revelatory about the current and future events. In My Hero Academia, we are now following the top ten pro heroes in Japan instead of the students of UA.

Okay, I'm complaining about that problem of Steven Universe like a lot of people. However, when I seen better narrator in other shows including a show that I had recently made clear I won't return to until the series ends (not One Piece, it's VLD), it's just distressing that Steven Universe was just drawn out way too long and unable to reach OP's level of writing. Even Kishimoto wouldn't reach this level because he planned stuff unless influenced. SU's idea of hints isn't as good as Oda's; it's more like drips than actual drops that Oda usually gives like for example, he made damn sure it's important that we know Sanji was called Mr. Prince and North Blue. He made damn sure we know Usopp's lies to the point people are expecting them to be true at this rate including me. SU was more ideas thrown and barely a consistent story. Art and little continuity was a problem. I still don't get the partying Amethyst does but it never made clear explicitly she made it up to sound more impressive. It's not like Beach City ostracized the Crystal Gems. Steven was still welcomed despite his heritage. There was little bullying overall too. Yes, the show dealt with PTSD and other stuff relating to war but Beach City is not affected by anyway when it should have, given how many people got involved accidentally or otherwise. Greg and Lars are involved, regardless. We don't get too crucial an examination. Even if VLD had troublesome missing scenes that would best put the show's emotional level better (for example, we don't even see the deal strike between Lotor and the Paladins at all. Only that Lotor was in jail and everyone was suspicious. We don't even get to see the reactions immediately after we learn of Keith's heritage in S2, just Allura's justified reactions and even then that's not a bit good because how wasted the writing ended up.).

Sorry, but it must be important. Unlike Horikoshi or Oda, the writing of VLD just stressed me out, not because of its unpredictability (I embrace unpredictability in writing), because of its less than impressive writing. There were times they could have shown great stuff and not show it at all. S6 was mixed for me. On one hand, it has tension and impressive writing for Keith, Shiro, Allura, and Pidge. On the other, Lance and Hunk did not receive better. One could argue Lance was getting negative character development and had yet to reach his personal arc until Earth. Show the important moments, forgoing things that will not be important. Show the emotional moments that are crucial instead of leaving it up to the imagination. Seriously, people were disgruntled we did not get immediate reactions. I like imagining reactions like any other person but I like to think of the people outside the fiasco, not the people who we should see since the very beginning.

If you want to elevate your writing to the greatest it can be, be sure to make it important to the damn story, emotional and crucial moments included. If you were writing from one person POV, then you are detracting from other POVs that are fun and crucial on its own. There was a reason why Zuko's story was so effective when we get to see Zuko Alone and so forth. Hell, Tales of Ba Sing Se was so popular because it showed Iroh, Sokka, and everyone else on their own mini-adventure, some more tearjerking.

First Impressions: Life Is Beautiful

Korean dramas and music were not my things. I can like certain beats and rhythm. I can like the execution of plots. I wouldn't put myself in a spot where I would know Korean knowledge beyond what I gleaned from the Korean idol industry.

I think this drama title is appropriate.

Just as a warning. I only saw clips such as the above video series detailing the homosexual love story with families' reactions. I only saw the clips and watched the first and the coming-out episodes. I'm actually in the second episode because Kdramas takes over an hour each episode.

Think of this drama as more of a family slice-of-life. There's no backstabbing, misunderstandings to a ridiculous degree, and soap opera drama. Even one of my favorites My Love From Another Star had an additional drama of a murder mystery with the main girl framed for murder. Thankfully, the girl's character development began in full-force, beginning to sell her stuff and rebuilding her career despite people calling her a murderer. She's not the murderer, by the way; that would be the current boyfriend of the girl she had a feud with. What's worse was that girl was pregnant.

I'm getting off-topic.

The family did get into tiffs, justified, or not. Regardless, they were close and genial to outsiders. Even to their would-be in-laws and outsiders. This is a family that sticks to their guns unless moved by reason. The grandmother took awhile for her to accept her ex-husband living with her. Technically, the two never divorced and she was still counted among the multiple wives.

Each family member was not perfect. They had their own individual issues like insecurities and stuff like that. Their decisions might seem selfish as sometimes the show painted it like that. Nobody was in the right when the family spilled out hurtful words. Although both had legit reasons for their behavior, none of them were painted in the wrong. There were lots of guilt-tripping though on the parents' end. Yes, even the homophobic mother who was pushing her son to break up with Tae Sub and come back to 'normality'. Her callousness of homosexuality was still there because that was still painted as wrong and still wrong. Even the homophobic uncle was almost kicked out if it weren't for the fact the guy was doing better. They do hurt each other and apologize for their mistakes.

I heard this series had been extended so plotlines were resolved but dragged on. The extension might be a detriment. It will just end up getting filler/padding to storylines that would already be finished in its original fifty.

Tae Sub's previous girlfriend was nice enough and Japanese too. Now, Japan is just as conservative as Korea. And the two nations still have a fractured relationship. I will not deny Japan's war crimes. Like many people, I want them to admit their faults in the wars. It would lead to a healing process that the world desperately needs. Germany was doing everything possible to say sorry including revealing people in the pro-Nazi movement and blowing up Nazi monuments. I would not deny the artists are just as capable of faults. I don't want to be consumed by hate and cynicism and disillusioned with life. Anyway, seeing a Japanese person albeit an immigrant treated with respect in-universe was good. Despite the hostilities, there are people who are trying to move forward. I just hoped to God that countries who had not yet admitted to their crimes come forward, apologize, and do everything in their power to make it up to their ancestor's victims. Yes, it's not just Japan in this factor, there's also Turkey who was much worse in this.

Not because of any complaints I got but I cringe that Tae Sub actually caught two people's eyes and an unwitting love triangle. He only goes out with Chae Young for a beard. He likes her but never quite attracted to her sexually. Now we were explicitly given that Tae Sub and Kyung Soo were gay. How about bisexual? However, there is also the fact they were beards and Kyung Soo stated as much he likes his ex-wife and loves his child, he felt like living a lie, making him gay.

I get the issue with the homophobia atmosphere and the familial support. I love Mae Jin so much. Her relationship with Tae Sub was more moving than the actual sweet relationship between Tae Sub and Kyung Soo.

Speaking of, this relationship just from the few scenes I seen on youtube alone was sweet. No kissing, just off-screen lovemaking and macking. Thankfully, it's a positive portrayal of an LGBT relationship and interactions with an open-minded family. Even the homophobic uncle got over it because he loves his family that much. Yes, there was no actual depictions of sex or on-screen kissing - I'm pretty sure the Koreans were not in the place to see it, unlike the Americans. LiB was made for a Korean audience just as much as MF was made for an American audience. That is the first thing you need to understand if you want to review a foreign piece of media.

Speaking of Modern Family, we didn't get gay kiss scenes for a while. In Korea, onscreen LGBT kisses would not be good for the public. Like they were getting better but not that fast. I don't think people would get the level of blase with LGBT yet. Japan had an issue with sexualizing LGBT relationships but at least they acknowledge they exist however bad the depiction goes. Certain, there are LGBT individuals who do have sex and all kinds of sex just like heterosexuals. Like it's fine for them to have sex. And it's fine to ship two fictional guys together; I don't ever think that shipping would ever go away. EVER. The problem with modern-day shipping is that canon material must be there for it to be shipping. Uh, no! There are ships for people who barely knew each other in-universe and others that are completely inanimate. Shipping two guys together are normal. Trying to take away shipping is like trying to take away food from another. Shipping is supposed to be fun, not activism. As long as you keep away from harassing and pushing it down people's throats, then it's all good.

The topic of homosexuality was that they were born with it. I honestly don't care if LGBTQ+ was born with it or not. Seriously why even debate where it came from? Why even debate on love? It's not like they can explain the twin gene or something like that.

Sure we got similar issues like a homophobic relative with a generally accepting family. However, these homophobic chose to do the right thing. These series both primarily focused on familial issues albeit in their cultural domains.

The other characters in the family had their own character arcs like the daughters and the uncles, not just the eldest son who was a closeted homosexual and trying to be a good son for society and family. Some of them romantics like the second son who was wooing his mom's assistant. A young mother's insecurities came to light as she struggled so much in her married life, keeping her husband on a short leash in the hopes of no divorcing because her mother divorced and her father never visited her.

I get the guy's reasoning to hide his homosexuality and his relationship even if it will cause great pain to their families and the society's view on them. The guys even had beards before they came out of the closet. I totally get Kyung Soo's previous relationship because that was what some closeted people did too; I totally get it. I heard stories. The relationship was handled tastefully, even the homophobia going on both families. I'm pretty sure there will be homophobia despite general acceptance. People can learn to get over it or not, taking longer or never.

From what I heard, Tae Sub's ex-girlfriend was homophobic - she blamed him too! - but quickly became support for him. SHE was able to get over it and it's nice to see that she wasn't too cruel or harsh on someone she knew now who couldn't love her back.

It's very bad since there was a possibility of Bury Your Gays had the story not written the acceptance of the Yangs towards the KyungTae coupling. The two planned to commit suicide if their families did not accept them. Tae Sub explicitly stated his intention towards his stepmom for god's sake.

Kyung Soo's actor is definitely handsome. I have to say that. Also, I found the brother CEO's love interest good-looking as hell. Also, Chae Young's actress is cute. They were the people who I find the most physically attractive of the lot. Perhaps add the silver fox of the brother CEO too.

On a side note, there is a bit of an abortion argument in this. I'm not even going to touch this because as much as I am pro-choice, I am stepping away from this with a major distance between me. I am not equipped to talk about this delicately, no matter how much research I took. Especially in a foreign country too. So I am not talking about this delicate topic.

Not every episode ends with a character tripping. Sometimes, they'll trip within the episode rather than at the end. The person is usually the one who has bad luck in that episode.

And this post was released during Pride Month too.

Progress Review: One By One

I won't make a comment about One Piece here. As for Steven Universe, I do like it and enjoy it. Still pretty flawed writing and animation-wise. I don't mind the subversions and LGBT material, given how much the latter is necessary. The writing was not great, just good. Like I wouldn't put in the level of okay or mediocre. I would never put in the level of GF or OTGW. Yeah, those two series spoiled me about the writing level in western animation side of things. While lots of stuff fighting about in anime and manga, western animation sticks out like a sore thumb when it comes to writing.

One by One: The Strawhats' journey reimagined as Gems with all the known problems of Homeworld and lots of worldbuilding.

wearethepirategems

Note that it's the journey the Strawhats are taking reimagined. For example, in canon, Sanji was in the Arlong arc. However, he's not present in this fic's reimagining of the Arlong arc. Instead, Nami actively participated in the battle.

Now the Strawhats are Gems now. Some of them were appropriate (Luffy - Diamond, Nami - Goldstone), even characters who had yet to make a full appearance and contact with the Strawhats (Smoker - Smoky Quartz). Now, do you remember how literally every Strawhat has a personal death? Not here. Technically, this version of Luffy lost GARP instead. I mean Homeworld is already shattering lower gems without a thought.

For the record, the worldbuilding here is fantastic. To be honest, I want to know more about Gems than the alternate Earth we got. Sometimes the slice of life factor got boring to me. A good slice of life like Barakamon is good about making it look like reality while keeping it fictional. Like daily life tended to be boring as hell.

Kuina was reimagined as a legend inspiring Zoro. That was an awesome retelling!

The fic also made Rose Quartz the equivalent of Gol D. Roger, therefore, Steven was Ace!

Just be thankful that Steven won't die on this one. Because Luffy never met Steven.

I think this fic bestowed to the theory Rose Quartz was Pink Diamond to some degree. Like she's not Pink Diamond, just Pink Diamond the Lesser. Luffy is White Diamond the Lesser. Rose Quartz's skillset stuck out to me a lot because I seriously don't think she's a Quartz in any way. I thought she was a Diamond...just not Pink Diamond actually.

Homeworld acts as the World Government. Seriously, all of the Strawhats hate the Homeworld here, especially Nami. They are slowing but surely moving away from the stereotypes they were designed to do.

I wonder how the Crystal Gems and those on Earth reflect on these space pirates.

All of these guys have dreams that do not fit their gem. Sanji, a jet (a spy type), was a cook first and foremost. Luffy's dream was to be free and have no desire to rule over anyone, being the laissez-faire captain he always was.

If anything else, these guys would shake the Homeworld's strict caste system to its core.

Zoro was a Bloodstone, a typical cheap soldier. This guy aimed to be the universe' greatest swordsman. His infamy will grow and you know it (Zoro was one of the Worst Generation/11 Supernovas after all). Zoro's infamy as a swordsman and his desire to be the universe's strongest will undermine Homeworld's carefully crafted caste, about how the lesser caste being disposable and interchangeable. Zoro, a fucking cheap soldier, is regarded infamously as a deadly swordsman who is slowly but surely standing toe to toe with the swordsmen of the universe.

Luffy may be a Diamond but he never actually ordered anyone around unless it's necessary. Think Zoro pointing out he cannot be too benevolent to Usopp's return to the crew; he must put his foot down until Usopp apologized instead of groveling. His fellow Strawhats followed him, not because he's a Diamond, because it's their choice. He may insist they join them yet he will only select them. They are pretty self-sufficient and did not need him to run things. All Luffy wanted, just like Rose Diamond, is to be free. This was Luffy's primary motivation to become Pirate King.

The Funimation dub better reached Punk Hazard or the first half of Dressrosa at this rate. The small voyages did little to help because it doesn't satisfy people much. Release Collections than Voyages, please. You'll catch up to the anime which is WCI right now, the climatic wedding. The manga is at the start of the Reverie arc right now. The episodes are at your disposal. Just dub them, please. Matthew Mercer, you are going to be there a lot more due to Law's presence for three arcs in the New World era so far.

Listen, I get the criticism against the animation in the New World era. Anime or at least the television ones were cheaply produced. Look no further than Pokeani itself or even Digimon. Like I get adaptation issues but I think animation is the least of the problems. It's not like a One Piece movie where it has access to loads of money. Just look at how fluid the fights were in the movie in comparison to recent anime episodes.

Fanfic Recs: Zosan

I mentioned One Piece before in my previous posts and briefly on Zosan.

Due to the nature of Oda's deliberate choice for lack of endgames in comparison to his fellow former Big Three's, shipping is free. Everyone in the fandom can ship whatever and whoever they want. For the most part, everyone gets along. People can ship Zosan and get along with ZoLu, Sanlu, and Sanami fans. People can ship LawLu and LuHan while others can ship AceLu and Luffy with his harem anytime.

How I wish others take this fandom's advice? Or even the Pokeani fandom's advice? Certainly, there will be people out there who would not like a certain ship or try to ship sink it, arguing petty reasons despite the work itself did not dismantle the shipping in any shape or form or the fact it's just fucking shipping. There was a small burst of Wishfulshipping haters, arguing about the age when nobody literally did not care. The Pokeani itself has so many hints towards the actual shipping of Wishful that it's hard to even understand their thought process. It's a fictional ship for god's sake. Hancock is fucking thirty-ish and she's in love with a teen who is going to turn twenty soon and you don't see fans chewing LuHan out for having that. I don't ship Zosan just for having the same age.

I ship Zosan because it's a trust-based relationship. I have a thing for that which is why Klance appealed to me. Zosan and Klance have the archetypal pairing: two arguing persons who seemingly clashed yet has so many similarities with an incredible sense of teamwork and unity. They didn't fight because they have too many differences or too many similarities.

I'm digressing.

Let's head to the recs, shall we?

The lot is IC, just in case you didn't know.

I wonder how will be Bartolomeo's react to this marriage. Joyful because two members of the Strawhats officially tied the knot. I'm imagining a lot of tears and snot.

threesipsmore: I wholly recommend her works. Simple, evocative short works. Below are my favorites.

• The Dinner Suit - Sanji's a bit tired of weddings, having narrowly avoided one himself not too long ago. However, if plunging his poor soul into another soul will appease their current situation, then he'll suck it up and play along.
• Little Minds - Bonney leaves Zoro and Sanji seven years younger, and the Strawhats struggle to remedy the situation.
• The Walls See All - Reiju hides a snail cam in her brother's room. 
• Between You and I and Hereafter - There are a very select few things he deems to remember from the Kamabakka Kingdom, mostly pertaining to legs- his legs, to be exact. But sometimes when Zoro's lifting weights or Zoro's napping out on the deck or Zoro's just anything, Sanji remembers a few more select things that he'd rather forget.
• where the sun goes to die - They hit the Deadened Sea around nighttime, a place where morning knows no sun. In the utter darkness of that sea, their ship loses power. Sanji comes to know the crew through the intricacies of their faces, from the sightless touch here and there, a brush of fingers over bolts and antlers and crooked jaws.

Stormbird by Judin - The Straw Hats' first landing in the New World is on Arashi Island, where it looks like they'll be spending a fun week attending the local festival and making new friends. Until they spot a strange pirate ship in the harbor, and Sanji starts behaving oddly. The Straw Hats become entangled with the mysterious Gently Pirates, a crew that harbor many secrets, and whose captain is a man out of Sanji's past who has the power to tear the Straw Hat crew apart.

Review: This is like one of the well-written OP movies with an endgame Zosan of course. Each Strawhat was given an important role in the plot and the OC's are magnificent. What I love most about this fic, aside from the Zosan, was the examination of internalized homophobia. Sanji has a heavy case of this and feared that the reveal of his bisexuality would hurt the crew and break it apart because Zoro, in his eyes, never returned his feelings and cannot stand him.

donutsandcoffee: one-shots that were comedic and manage the tone well. The syntax is amazing.

• Prison Blues - Zoro gets lost, Sanji gets captured by the marines, the Strawhats break into the ship's prison, and they all escape with a bang. Not exactly in that order, much to the confusion of Sanji's cellmates.
• The Not-So-Romantic Tale of the Swordsman and the Cook - ...as witnessed, told and suffered through by the Bravest Warrior of the Sea, Usopp. Sanji loves Zoro, Zoro loves Sanji. They were also, somehow, obliviously, infuriatingly, in an unrequited love with each other. Usopp thinks he can do something about it. He really should have had more self-preservation instinct than that.
• migratory animals - Sanji is carefully placing a cherry on top of the ice screen, his hands nimble, soft, almost--gentle. But all Zoro sees is the way the hems of his pants are still soaked in blood from the earlier skirmish with a marine ship, red seeping into the cracks of the floorboard, splattering across the kitchen floor in a slow drip, drip, drip. Zoro stares, fascinated. He can't bring himself to look away. (or, Zoro and Sanji--terrible monsters, in love) 
• Rewind (Be Kind) - What should be a run-of-the-mill skirmish with a devil fruit user turned Sanji into an eight-year-old, and the Strawhats are suddenly faced with a version of Sanji they have never met before: a Sanji before the Strawhats, before the floating restaurant, but after--something. Zoro observes, learns, relearns.
• come on, come on (turn a little faster) -  The one where everyone thinks they're dating, Sanji is oblivious, and Zoro takes everything in stride. Sometimes a love story can go in reverse.
• it's a long way forward - Because the universe hates him out of all the weird Devil Fruits out there, Sanji gets hit by one that's absolutely laughable. Of course. A Devil Fruit power that doesn't allow you to smile? What kind of shitty, ridiculous power is that? It's funny until it isn't. 

come back by smileysoul - Sanji's convictions have ended up harming the crew more than he expected. Zoro can't stand the way the cook seems to slowly lose himself after this. Can he manage to bring him back? (Zosan and rated M for further chapters, just in case)

Review: I really like this fic a lot. What I like most is the progression of their relationship. Starting out from a relatively healthy rivalry to a somewhat unhealthy relationship where they hide their insecurities, never talk it out, assumptions, misunderstandings... to a healthy romantic and sexual relationship where they talk their insecurities and personal stuff together as a couple. The Strawhats were relevant in this fic, just like the fics above. I find it amusing that all the Strawhats are gossipers and matchmakers of the Zosan couple although they stopped interfering partway into the second arc - admittedly, they probably did not expect the love factor involved but they were right about the physical attraction/UST. While Luffy was not part of the matchmaking even accidentally, he nudged them along to just talk because even he was aware of their relationship. Remember Luffy may be dumb but when it comes to the matter of the heart, he is perceptive. Out of all the long fics of Zosan, this is perhaps my favorites. Short stories are currently battling it out in the above fics.

This is a headcanon.

So everyone knows Sanji was sent to Momoiro Island or Kamabakka Island ruled by Ivanhov of the Revolutionaries.

Now, people are allowed to run free with headcanons. As long as they don't confuse it as canon. Do I have to point you to this again?! Modern trends in fandom are stupid beyond belief and I just wanted fandom to resume normally. This is a headcanon: Zoro's parents or ancestry was Wano-born, Adrien is bisexual. This is canon: Sanji does not like his Vinsmoke surname, Chopper likes sweets.

Back to the topic, due to the fact, Sanji was sent there in the first place and made friends with the people there. He gotta be exposed to the culture and the LGBT people over there. Some people certainly identify themselves as women like Caroline.

Some people would be uncomfortable just how ugly these guys might be portrayed... Like I understand that. But look at it from a Japanese perspective since from actual Japanese okamas, they are depicted with heavy makeup and no shaving apparently with beards.

And that's all I'm gonna say on the matter. I get people are saying outside of the Japanese sphere but okamas in Japan have similar facial markings and heavy make-up. Maybe I'm not the makeup type at all since I prefer to use concealer the most and carry around anything to keep me secured from potential

Zoro would take it easy if he had been there. Obviously, he would know there had always been people like this and it's their decision, not nature's.

Sanji would obviously have to know that. I don't think he's homophobic or anything like that. He's the type to not care about sexual preferences and sex lives, especially the latter. I don't want to know my brother's sex life as long as they consent and it's their thing. You know he has two years with only LGBT lot for company, some of them might be pretty explicit about their sex lives. Sanji might as well be a booth for these guys to talk about their sex lives. He has two years worth living there to know the sex lives and the mechanics of gay sex.

I'm not even getting to that headcanon, am I?

Two things come out of this island for Sanji according to headcanons.

Sanji is having a sexuality crisis. Bisexuality is usually the choice here. Or an exception(s) among men (ie. Zoro, Luffy, Usopp, etc. depending on who you ship Sanji with).

Or Sanji is genderfluid.

Either one or both is fine. An addendum could be internalized homophobia or the fact he had to deal with the fact he's genderfluid or loving a man he had been fucking for some time now. Regardless of Sanji calling it Hell, he still made friends there. I have a headcanon Adrien is bi. And you don't see messing with canon in any way possible.

Seriously, Lukanette and Lukadrien are pretty popular thereof the introduction of Luka. There were possible hints of an LGBT character popping up in ML soon. We don't know who but fans are guessing Luka.

I'm digressing again.

What not helped was how comfortable Sanji is in Nami's body. It just drives fuel to genderfluid Sanji. Certainly, he's pervy and I will hit any guy who tries to do things to my body. I will hit them until they learn never ever to do that again. Look I don't mind being pampered by Sanji with all those delicious new recipes he cooked up.

Honestly, I'll feel more comfortable with Zoro's harsh treatment on a regular basis than having a guy whining and pampering me every step of the way. At least these two won't use domestic violence.

I wonder who built the ship. The fanboys aren't shipwrights. I'm sure they have a doctor, a chef, a musician, and a captain on board at least. They explicitly said they did not have a navigator which is both funny and awesome they are this far into the New World, a more turbulent sea than Paradise. They might not have a shipwright though. I do think they have someone on board that worked as an adequate shipwright/engineer though.

There might be the possibility that with the money they earned from robbing and pillaging villages (which is an irony because the Strawhats hate needless violence and bullying of any type. Sure they are the type of 'live and let live' but because of their friendliness, they made friends and inevitably made enemies with that dictatorship or someone ruling over that place). Because Zambai got a job and formed a company of his own, he has no need to go out of his way to rob them.

All in all, it seemed like the ship might be a Galley-La built with the designs regarding the Strawhats. Franky didn't raise much of a fuss either.

Bartolomeo said woodcrafter... But to have something that survives not just Paradise but also the New World is something the Galley-La or any good shipwright would build. Of course, you need a good navigator to go with it. Foxy definitely have the crew needed to even to Paradise and even the New World.

Merry's Going Merry was not compatible with Paradise partway through. Franky's Thousand Sunny is definitely great, given the Adam Wood. The Going Merry is the type of boat for leisure in the Blues. Think of it more like a yacht without all the luxuries, not fishermen's or Marine.

I think Bartolomeo know about the Adam Wood and of course know the Thousand Sunny was made of the same wood. But I don't think he or his crew have the money for Adam Wood. All he wanted was to meet Luffy.

He and his crew are probably crying about the recent upgrade to the Strawhats. At this point, we have yet to see the Straw Hat Grand Fleet put to use and will definitely be used in the Wano arc.

I have a suspicion of this for some time. I trusted my guts instinct about the suspicions and proved me right. I know my narrative shit and I was right again!

I don't know. I have this feeling that Rose Quartz was Pink Diamond in some shape or form like I read a fic that had Rose Quartz as Pink Diamond the Lesser. I don't know the circumstances and I know those circumstances were difficult. I just know something was up with the two identities.

It opened a whole new can of worms. The show does a good job with gray morality and realism. There is some stuff that is not quite well such as a continuous tension and awful size compositions and scenes and probably the Steven Bombs. I hate the Steven Bombs so much; are you trying to be Netflix? Because most of the time, it felt like SU wants to be on Netflix and not on CN. Even Korra and ATLA and other shows managed to work a week to week basis. The OP anime caught up to the manga which is why the audience has to wait two weeks for another episode. We're in the beginnings of the climatic wedding now! There are scenes that are just shot reverse shots and it got dull composition-wise. Even low-quality with not too much money anime did more composition better than this. I really hate the inconsistent sizes of characters. Please decide on a size and be consistent with it. Just be consistent with the animation period. Anime, which is low-cost, is consistent.

Anyway, yes, this opened problems about Steven's mom, Rose Quartz/Pink Diamond. What is her reasoning in purposely ignoring her subject's concern? What could she have done had she stayed Pink Diamond? Would she still meet Greg as Pink?

Character - Arcana

Luffy - Fool

Zoro - Chariot

Nami - Priestess

Usopp - Magician

Sanji - Strength

Chopper - Sun

Robin - Hanged Man

Franky - Star

Brook - Death

Vivi - Lovers

Jinbei - Hierophant

Carrot - Wheel of Fortune

One Piece Speculations

Wano is coming up soon!

An anticipated island since it's name-dropped back in Thriller Bark!

After the WCI fiasco where our official tenth member Jinbei was instated as the helmsman and loads of ship tease, we're finally moving onward!

The Strawhats are finally reuniting after years out-of-universe.

The Strawhat Grand Fleet is coming back too! We're going to see the Barto Club again! And Cavendish! And Don Sai!

Seriously, this is where the Grand Fleet will make their appearance with full force since Dressrosa! The immobilization of a pirate war is gonna be great.

I heard somewhere it'll make Marineford look like a small skirmish in comparison. That's how bloody it'll get.

I wonder who was going to die?

I mean the standard fights are going to be up there. Kaido vs Luffy? Word will spread about Luffy defeating Katakuri, one of the best fighters in Big Mom Pirates.

Zoro would likely fight that traitorous shogun? We don't know who is going to fight who yet, not when more and more characters are pouring in, old and new.

I don't think this would be a Year of Zoro.

Personally, we already knew Zoro had no need of a more personal death. His personal death was Kuina whom he treasured till this day as a friend and rival.

Zoro is a simple and straightforward guy. He won't dwell on the past as much as Sanji or Robin. Like Luffy, he lives in the present. Even now, I think Luffy still thinks of Ace and Marineford, just kept it well-hidden. Literally, everyone to some degree experienced bad stuff from the lowest to the horrifying.

We don't know who or what inspired him to take to swordsmanship or his family or even foster guardians if he had any.

We don't know these details ever. We know when he was young, he traveled to town to town for matches. We know that this is the island where he grew up in and Shimotsuki was the town he eventually settled in until he left.

In terms of backstory, the irony that he will end up getting a relatively normal backstory. Usopp didn't suffer as much as Nami or Chopper.

This is what I think: a traveling swordsman from Wano and probably a relatively famous one too went to the East Blue and met Zoro. He helped him out of his situation and made Zoro the man he is today.

Maybe Zoro did descend from a line of monsters. From Wano, probably? The other two of the monster trio had monstrous lineages so why not?

However, I don't think it's anything dramatic. Luffy's backstory, withstanding the Shanks/bandits/Gray Terminal/forest debacle, was relatively normal. He was outcast from the little kids and his only friends at Foosha Village were the adults. He came from a prodigious line with a Revolutionary Leader as a father and a Marine Hero as a grandpa. Out of all the known backstories for the monster trio, Sanji's was the tensest.

I don't think Zoro's story had the need for more dramatic.

If anything else, I just wanted answers for who or what inspired Zoro to swordsmanship and perhaps his family.

Oda didn't hype it as much as Year of Sanji. So I don't think it's anything too big and jaw-dropping like Sanji's royal status.

Obviously, we're going to Elbaf. Wano is going to be a long arc so don't think for a second that we're going to Elbaf so soon after.

We don't know what island Oda is going to take us next. Remember we typically have no idea what islands Oda is going to take us next. The world he has is limitless.

If Zoro's arc is going to be around Wano, then Elbaf is for Usopp. It's significant, given how much he admired them since Little Garden and helped the Giants at Enies Lobby.

Hell, even remember Usopp's lies about defeating ten giants. I think that'll happen. Usopp had his Observation Haki at ready and at this point, I don't know what level of Observation Haki he is at.

Usopp's lies turning into reality is hilarious. It fits perfectly into the silliness of OP. I just can't wait to see more of his lies coming true. He finally got his army now at his beck and call.

GOD Usopp!

I bet his dad, Kaya, and the three little boys are so proud of him to even get that moniker! I was proud of him to receive that honor!

I think I heard from somewhere that the Moon will play an important part.

Now in the OP world, there are seven moons. Which might explain the crazy weather on the Grand Line. Not exactly since we got candy rain and physics-destroying weather.

I don't know how the Moon will play an important part.

The only thing I could think of is this: Enel and probably a Road Poneglyph is up there somewhere.

It's going to be amazing to see the Strawhats travel to the Moon. I don't know how but I think it's gonna be amazing!

Fishman Island is going to be destroyed.

Given the goals of the royal family and the signatures to relocate to surface level, you know Fishman Island is going to be destroyed one of these days.

If the fact it was almost destroyed by Decken once, you know.

The Strawhats aren't the type to cause unnecessary damage to actual islands - buildings on said islands, certainly. The Dressrosa disaster doesn't count because, at that point, the Dressrosa by the Donquixote Pirates needed to be destroyed and a new life rebuilt.

They won't cause unnecessary deaths. Luffy never willingly kills anyone. The only Strawhats who killed are Zoro, Robin, and probably Jinbei. They will evacuate everyone THEN destroy the island via Sea Kings.

Does that mean they will head back to Fishman Island at some point? Probably.

The world eventually has to figure a way to get to the New World once the underwater hub is long gone now. Blasting holes into the Red Line, maybe?

A world war is coming. Kaido starting a war, partly because he wanted to be killed and partly because he's a warmonger.

I do see it happening. There is too many stuff happening in the plot from Reverie to the Strawhats' growing list of heroic deeds to the very existence of the Worst Generation. You know it's going to be a changing world henceforth.

And I am going to eat that up. Because I love change in fiction, characters and setting. Unless you make it a point that a character won't get that change or that setting won't change its laws, I'm open to depth. I love Toph and Asami, y'know.

I don't know when the treasured One Piece will be found in the story.

There are calculating others who would be waiting for one to find the treasure and take it from there.

It's not like the treasure will be found and BOOM! The story is finished.

I don't know. It's predictable in that fashion but when the story is bubbling with political intrigue, the Strawhats saving countries left and right, a world war... The treasure seemed minuscule.

It's one way but there are other ways. At this point in time, I recall Oda can go on another decade. For love of Godoka, I seriously hope he doesn't go onto two decades because being a mangaka is hard work. He slept three hours a day. He dedicated to his fanbase and treated them nicely. I also recall that the story is 60-ish percent done.

So at least we go a parameter to go around.

And a tease of another possible decade of One Piece.

Reverie is coming up soon too. At this point, Wano and Reverie is the priority, not Elbaf or the Moon. We're going to get the third Road Poneglyph once we finished Wano and we need the last one.

Likewise in Wano where we're going to see old and new characters, we're seeing the Strawhats' friends make friends with the other, forming alliances in a fashion.

The Strawhats had political pull. While they might not realize it, they had more political pull than the arranged marriages Big Mom pulled out for her children.

The Strawhats' recent fiascos including Fujitora apologizing to King Riku publically in camera and releasing information that the Strawhats and Law were the saviors. Regardless of that, the WG raised up the bounties. The dirty laundry of the WG and Marines are going to be aired out sooner or later.

Just not right now.

I don't think Cobra is going to live much longer. He's speaking about something the World Nobles and the Five Elder Stars did not want ever. They don't want change. To keep their power for the last eight centuries, you gotta be smart and shady.

As much as I would love Vivi to become Queen, I am worried about Cobra.

So, so worried.

Not to mention, there are other kingdoms the Strawhats never met with or contacted, who had their own motives.

Just like Wano, Reverie is gonna bubble with political intrigue.

And the Revolutionaries have something to attend to.

At Reverie, maybe? We do not have a clue about what Dragon is planning since we are so far out of the loop? Sabo is obviously going to be there.

Now that we're in S3 of MHA/BNHA, we now need to know which arc will end up in.

I was correct last season about the ending of the Midterms arc.

Considering we're still dealing with the aftermath of the Hideout Raid arc (I cannot wait to see it animated and we're going to see Tokoyami's shadow all berserk!), would we be dealing with the Hero License arc?

Because we need to see Bakugou let loose his pain and see that BakuDeku battle.

The Hideout Raid arc hurts so many people, especially since we see Bakugou who admired All Might so much fear that he ruined that.

Change the Channel

....So...

This controversy has been happening.

I wasn't exactly following Channel Awesome. However, I do know about it since I actually visited the TGWTG original website. Yes, I remember visiting that website and seeing Blistered Thumbs there too. That is how far I remember Channel Awesome in my life since I was in eight grade perhaps. I haven't heard of Linkara but I heard of James Rolfe though. I heard of the Brawl too so... Yeah. I never visited cons so I never saw them either. Just yeah...

I won't call myself a huge fan of Channel Awesome. I certainly followed producers like Todd in the Shadows and Kyle Kallgren and Linkara from time to time. While I haven't followed Nostalgia Critic and I did enjoy his anniversary videos and certain reviews, I didn't get too much into it. For the record, people can still watch NC episodes because I am not going to deny enjoyment of others. I haven't watched NC for awhile now and uninterested which is why I'm surprised to hear about this fiasco.

For a website that promotes free will and speech, feminism, people of color, LGBTQ+, and other marginalized groups and loathes bad stuff like abuse and racism, the behind the scenes show a lack of respect towards women and human beings. Where things could have been easily solved by healthy communication.

Seriously, you guys gave a shit about the ongoing behind the scenes but you can't even give your own.

All of you content creators, former or current, on this fucking website are adults. Adults that are capable of themselves. Adults who should have been paid for their work and drew in more viewers, regardless of popularity.

Look I get you are having a breakdown of your making of a masterpiece. But you don't have the right to treat your so-called friends and colleagues like shit, forcing them to make a sexual assault scene, albeit offscreen, which they say are uncomfortable. Ignoring friendly advice and support when it's staring right there in the face. These people were your friends and treating them like shit is not going to do any favors. Linkara's movie actually did things that you should have done, Doug and Rob.

There is a difference between a Family Guy episode where consequences are ignored and devalued and real-life consequences. What they say in Family Guy or American Dad is not going to do it.

I seriously learned about the mismanagement and ongoings behind the scenes after To Boldly Flee movie.

I should've known that there was more to it when I heard about the Allison Pregler vs CA. Or even the Spoony incident. Or the complaints up at Suburban Knights...or Kickassia.

The glory days of TGWTG and Channel Awesome are long gone. While video reviews are still popular and yes, NC is still a major influence on such things, the fact the Walkers' reputations are colored now should be a deciding factor.

I never actually followed Channel Awesome yet I am gleeful watching the numbers drop.

I don't want Channel Awesome to be completely finished and these guys' livelihood destroyed. It might be karma due to their treatment of Allison and Marzgurl's daily life. Or not even telling the rest of the producers for killing off the flagship and expecting them to kill/retire theirs despite they are using those as revenue for bills and such.

I just want Channel Awesome to admit wrongdoings toward the people they supposedly hired and mistreated. I just want them to change.

Not to burn to the ground.

Just to change their management.

That is the main source of grievances for many producers. They went as far as putting together a list and went to a Skype meeting.

I had hoped that given these personal accounts, the higher-ups gotta do something to improve the air. I mean this is the site where the reviewers are vocal about owning up to mistakes.

They are friends. They were supposedly so closely knitted.

Now into the Me Too era, sexual misconduct/harassment/misogyny would not be tolerated. Looking at you, Mike Ellis and Mike Michaud. Sexual harassment towards your employees when they clearly don't appreciate the advances should be notable. To not even stopping it was awful because you have the power to change.

There was a reason why the movie industry, the animation industry (Dreamworks, Pixar, Disney, including John Lasseter for Godoka's sake! Not to mention Clarence and the workers at the smaller animation studios like Nick and Cartoon Network. Just look at Steven Universe's creator, Rebecca Sugar!), and so much more are going on such a massive change in the Me Too movement. This was part of the reason for Whedon's departure from Batgirl.

Now bridges burned like wildfire. Now the unprofessionalism and lack of trust were evident.

I don't think these producers have the need to lie. They even have saved screenshots of their lack of professionalism and distrust. They won't gain anything out of it since they already left the channel they used to be a part of. In fact, they are doing fine or finding something in their life. Even, Holly Brown, someone whom Michaud and the Walker Brothers fucked over, a person who worked her ass off and actually made contact with the fellow contributors on the site, not just Nostalgia Critic. She was the reason why we even got Suburban Knights in the first place! The people already left might not want the whole channel to be shut down and destroyed into oblivion.

They want it to be revamped and the superiors to own up to their mistakes. Instead of making themselves look good and blaming the victims. These former contributors want them to amend their mistakes for a better future. If not, then they can at least make aware of a cautionary tale.

Not broken promises left and right. Problems could have been easily solved had these guys actually tell their so-called friends and fellow creators to do more. Active communication instead of needless hurting feelings. Seriously, learning about what happened to Phelous and Welshy about the animation in TBF makes it unnecessary to go through that.

Seriously, I think these producers, in the light of the Me Too movement, have the right to speak out about the company's ineptitude and misconduct.

From what I gathered, Mike Michaud was the source of blame for mismanagement and lack of concern for people. Not that the Walker Brothers are doing much better, enabling their CEO's behavior or not doing much about their own behavior. At best, Doug was oblivious and careless. At worst, he's actively cruel when common sense such as having a lady who works day and night even on her days of sickness and need of a vacation and taking care of med bills.

Losing producers and creators would be the least of their problems at the rate they are going. Losing fans' support with their non-apology gotta hurt.

From what I see, these guys aren't bad people entirely. They certainly have some privilege given they are the owners of a company. However, they may act as good entertainers or have certain talent but at businessmen, they are awful. However, they got to stop treating their friends and fellow contributors, people who drew in more viewers, like shit.

These guys are supposedly friends with their former contributors yet they are complete asses towards them. I would understand poor communication but not listen to their friends' concerns and input just makes them look inept. Why destroy others who have the expertise and capability to run a business?

Now I never met the Walkers nor Michaud. Though I wish to never meet Michaud due to the stories I heard from other women. Holy Godoka, you don't have to mistreat Marzgurl or Allison or PushingupRoses like that! What gives you the right to that maltreatment?

However, just because a 20+ people have bad experiences does not negate others' good experience. I think Malcolm and Tamara have good experiences and part of the Chicago group allowed them to be shielded from the most terrible experiences Phelan and Allison received. Chris Stuckmann has no stakes so he left anyways, partly of solidarity.

I will still support the individual content creators like Angry Joe and Maven; don't forget that certain contributors chose to stay with CA for their own livelihood. They might have their own reasons for staying or potentially thinking about leaving. Linkara stayed until he couldn't stay anymore in his good conscience. Please support the other contributors barring the Walker Brothers. They aren't the issue. The issue is with Mike Michaud and the Walker Brothers.

The issue is with management and management ONLY. Criticisms should only be lobbed at Mike Michaud and the Walker Brothers for their business practices. Those contributors are not the target. Do not pressure them to leave. They have a choice in all of this. In fact, Chris Stuckmann, Tony Goldmark, and Malcolm actually reached out and talked to the former contributors.

Their 'apology' is actually a non-apology. They didn't deny the allegations but they didn't say yes either. Yet after this so-called 'apology', they blocked anyone who asked about Change The Channel movement, earnest or otherwise. Just why?

Unless you do something about management and Mike Michaud, people should be able to resubscribe back.

Do you guys really need to have a major hit on your popularity and revenue in order for you to actually get a proper apology? Karma had been hitting you for a while now but do you really want to experience the same thing that you put Allison, Marzgurl, and so many more through?

And now I heard the tenth-anniversary movie was canceled...

I should have expected that due to the controversy.

Just remember that the goal of Change the Channel movement was for the change of management and to admit wrongdoings.

Not to burn Channel Awesome to the ground and leave the Walkers destitute.

All they have to do was to admit their wrongdoings and make the first step in making a better community.

That's all they have to do.

This is not about the quality of Doug Walker's works and other shows under their umbrella (Sibling Rivalry, Awesome Comics, NC episodes, etc).

The point is management and owning up to mistakes. That is all.

Not backtracking and pointing out bad quality in effects or lack of effort in set design. That is not the point of the movement. Miss Pregler didn't do much to offer in this one either because she is quite petty about here. Some of her tweets can be pretty petty and mean-spirited. I know she left CA with bad blood but even she should be aware there is a difference between quality and managing a company, the latter of which is the point of the movement she and other former CA contributors spearheaded.

Again, management. Not opinions on quality. That is different from the goal of Change the Channel.

Not to drive off contributors which they had done with Tony Goldmark, The Dom, Calluna, Nash, and The Last Angry Geek.

Don't harass the producers still on the site. They have a choice and a reason to stay on the site. Some people might be disillusioned like Phelous. No trolling and a malicious intent to drive Channel Awesome into oblivion. Harassment and maltreatment are unacceptable for the movement going forward.

Not So Awesome For the document, either you believe or you don't. Yes, there are screenshots of Skype conversations. Does email have to count too or Sean's horrifying experience with Mike Ellis has to be on there too? Does video recordings or sound bites have been there too?

I don't hate Channel Awesome. Want to make that clear. It's just...they should know better than this...

I thought they would have done better than the people they criticized including Tommy Wiseau. I thought that these guys would actually be standup citizens to do the right thing as they always say they were and capable of and made sure they treat LGBTQ+, POC, and the disabled and the sick.

Like I actually expect them to straight-up apologize. To be the good people they always paint themselves as. To make a change that they always seemed to value.

I know that the content creators are still friends and have a flawed experience. They may have made friends and became friends for life. Some even went on to date and marry and have a child together.

For all Doug Walker and his brother criticized Tommy Wiseau, they aren't much better. I thought they would provide basic needs and allow creative input from other producers.

It's pretty hilarious that he was no better than the man he criticized. You would think he would actually listen to those who attend film school or photography. Who are professionals and studied the actual art.

I don't go to film school due to my major but common sense should be listening to those who can and will make your finished product the best you can ever make.

Walkers, please get your head out of your ass.

And Mike Michaud...

Go away.

I did not think it would get this worse. I didn't think it would be. At first, it was a movement that clearly wants the management to apologize and be the stuff these former producers actively wanted to be, professional and sincere to producers.

Give the new revelations, the Channel Awesome situation is now far darker and less amicable. It's just depressing... After these recent events, I just wanted to grab my cousin's rose wine. 

Channel Awesome posted a 'rebuttal' that tackled the issues...

Holy Woman of the Beginning! They outright called the accusers liars! That's not good at all! Don't presume malice on your accusers!

They didn't tackle the issues at all. They confirmed (Mike Ellis' departure, the harasser of so many women and one man & the sexual groomer & the contracts), force speculation (the anonymous fan's sexual groomer was revealed when that anon wanted to keep it private. I never actually watched his videos...but still...wow... the confirmation....), and did not apologize for every action, victim-blaming again. The document gave a timeline too so whoever wrote and approve of this...you gotta be ashamed of yourself that you didn't even allow privacy of the anons who wanted to keep her and her aggressor's identity private. Well so much for that wish. Channel Awesome, how stupid are you? Did you read it all the way through? Or cherry-pick whatever you deem good enough to rebut? Even if it's the flimsiest rebuttal in all known internet rebuttals to date. 

Also, the new information on JewWario is now used to smear Lindsay Ellis and Dan Olson? Get out of your asses, stupid people! It is not the point of the movement to smear both sides of the party! Or even a dead man! I know that the people in Change the Channel movement, the leaders, are flawed people and JewWario is revealed to be a rapist in all accounts but it was not the point of the movement. We are supposed to change. Unfortunately, we have to understand our new worldview on JewWario. After that narrative that was sold to us, this revelation changes everything and well... 

Certainly, JewWario's reputation is now ruined with the confirmations of so many people (Marzgurl, Holly, JesuOtaku, Count Jackula, the management...) and his friends shocked to the core. I never watched his videos but I have seen him in crossovers and the specials. Now I don't think I can stomach it, knowing the truth. 

Also, for anybody who said that the people in the document knew about JewWario's actual reasons for leaving the site, do not think of saying that these guys were lying! Just don't. Again, I know they're flawed people and there are some genuinely nice people on there too like Linkara (given how much I heard about him from Count Jackula and Erod and Marzgurl, he's respectable). Don't out the victims because that is the last thing this fiasco needs. However, saying EVERYONE in Channel Awesome knew about JewWario's misconduct is ludicrous. Cferra did not know. Linkara likely did not know. Joe likely did not know. Gonzo likely did not know, given in his testimony he wanted an online wake for the guy. I don't know if Allison knew but she clearly apologized to one of JewWario's victims for not reaching back to her for support. Count Jackula did not know either because of how long he defended the guy. If everyone were to know about JewWario's actions, it's by rumors and the people who are friends with the guy would clearly defend the guy. That former contributor who was friends with JewWario was also shocked. So get your head out of your ass because it is crazy to think that everyone in CA knew about this. 

I don't want to place JewWario on some pedestal because I don't. I don't worship actors nor creators I like. Do you see me worshipping the heck out of Oda Eichirou or CLAMP? Never. I may love them but I never hero-worship them because I know they can make mistakes and really what is the point of hero-worship? 

They attacked the women and ignored the men's complaints. Linkara was nowhere mentioned even though both he and Lindsay protested against the rape sequence. They didn't even mention Sean either. 

They failed to address and apologize for their wrongdoings. 

I don't know who wrote it or have an input on this response.

They weren't even polite. It's petty and arrogant. 

All they have to do is apologize. That's all. 

Speaking of the Chicago crew, I don't know anymore. The tweets from them seemed fishy when they were so reasonable before. Don't harass them either. Just don't. If it looks like they took a side, use your brain and logic and question what the heck is going in there. 

Angry Joe and MasakoX left, making it clear that Angry Joe could no longer support the Walkers. He's one of the biggest names and was there during CA's heyday with Brad and Sage. The senior members left are Brad and Sage.

What will finally get these guys to make an actual apology rather than avoiding the issue altogether? To make themselves look good?

These people they are calling liars have been doing just fine and didn't need the publicity. 

The loss of subscribers was dying down and people were moving forward if slightly. The movement would still be going. The fiasco was dying down.

Now CA just rekindled the fire. 

This 'rebuttal' is nothing more than an arrogant farce to save face. It's stupid too because they did not address and apologize.

On that note, please don't hurt the Chicago crew. They are good people who are being paid in comparison to Marzgurl and others who weren't paid despite fulfilling the quota and requirement. 

Remember that our goal is to make the Walkers and Michaud own up to their mistakes. Not the fact of the sexual predator's identity. With the confirmation of the chatlogs... 

Walkers, Mike Michaud...

Go keep digging up in that hole of yours. I'm sure it'll be a hard time climbing up. 

And during this storm, we got Guru Larry with the trademark Channel Awesome wackiness for levity. I am grateful for his levity in this situation because he did not blame nor hurt CA or Justin's victims or try to make light by making rape jokes. He's playing off the ridiculousness of the situation and the management. He's laughing and eating chicken, watching the heads run around as CA burned. 

Edit: All but three are left. At this rate, let the Chicago crew remain. Larry is only staying, not out of loyalty but out of sheer trolling. I'm pretty even the management knew that because Larry did not keep it a secret. Brad is still deciding apparently and ERod is nowhere. He confirmed in his last video he's staying so...I might as well see it go down tomorrow. 

Edit: Ya'know, looking at other Youtube productions who have connections to industries like JK Films made Channel Awesome look even worse by comparison. JK Films has a closely knitted team with very few people and welcoming of everyone who wants to join in. They are very professional and savvy about business. Just look at Bart and Geo's gym, Barbell Brigade for example. When they mean business, they do mean business. Look at the difference between JK's films and CA's anniversaries. While there is little storyboarding in CA's anniversaries, JK made a point to have those with experience on board. Casey went to film school! While he didn't go to the best schools like Lindsay and Kyle, he still has experience! 

Having connections and actual knowledge of how to run a business, even when money is tight, can do great things. Geo may leave JK but she is still a friend and an affiliate anyway. While Doug appeared on PBS and met stars like Mara and Greg, his business model and ethics are dissimilar from JK. 

Mini-Review: Coco

Just to make this clear: I don't put any studio above all else as some kind of monopoly. I may have a hard time, listening to any mega fan of the Disney/Pixar empire complaining about anyone who might prefer another outside of their sphere. Let people enjoy Dreamworks or Blue Skies more than Disney if they like it more. For example, I don't yell at anyone at my cousin who saw YOI according to her MyAnimeList at a 6 while she enjoyed Code Geass more. We share a distaste for Frozen; she hates it from the start and while I don't hate the movie, I am just annoyed of how much attention it gets and how glorified from an otherwise average Disney Princess film. I put Code Geass and Death Note on the same level while she prefers CG over DN.

While I don't think Pixar will hit their stride again just like they did before, I still expect good quality regardless. From what I hear, Dreamworks is on another Dork Age while Disney and Pixar are once again King of the Animation. Anime movies popular here or foreign animated movies don't seem to have the same glamor as Disney/Pixar. Not even Your Name.

On a writing level, it is a well-written story. It felt organic including the cliches. Something like a ridiculous ban on music felt organic because the character writing felt real.

There is foreshadowing in the details. For example, Ernesto expressed surprise when Miguel called himself his great-great-grandfather. In the first few minutes, we learn the story where we know the bastard musician left his family with hugs and kisses goodbye. It's been hit over our head just how much it pained future generations. So definitely not Ernesto as the forefather of the Rivera family.

Little details should stick out like alarm bells. Small but enough. I love little details such as these. It shows effort and time.

It's not perfect because there are details that can confuse the heck of people. Like had people cross over to the Land of the Dead before and permanently died there?

My sense of humor tends to be surreal and dark. I gravitate to dark comedy and absurdist. I love the McElroy Brothers for a reason. I enjoy slapstick and improvised comedy (the well-written ones or the ones that are good on the fly). The humor in this movie is pretty well-done. The delivery of these VAs is great.

I am admittedly confused about the remembering part and why Hector was being forgotten. His story is being passed down through generations, just not his picture not put up somewhere on a makeshift ofrenda. His name was never spoken although I think some people in the family know it or might not know it at all because they don't bother to know beyond the bastard musician who left the family for fame and fortune. By all means and purposes, his picture was just not put on an ofrenda. The movie made a point in having an identifier at a station for any pictures; we saw just how desperate Hector wanted to go to the other side to see Coco even if it was just a moment before he dies for good. Seriously that was all he ever wanted when he should have shuffled off the mortal coil decades ago. Speaking of ofrendas, shouldn't everyone have them, even the forgotten? I'm pretty sure that everyone has ofrendas from what I know of. The movie made it a point that the Land of Dead runs on memories, memories that can be distorted by emotion; stories have to be passed on in order for those living in the Land of Dead to continue with the afterlife. Coco was the only one who remembered Hector in life and was willing to pass on knowledge of her life with him in spite of her dementia. While the pain of the abandonment hurt the Rivera family to the point, some might know his name and refuse to say it, only saying he's the bastard musician who left family for fame.

I listened to the Latin American Spanish version of the songs and they were sung noticeably softer. Even from the most bombastic numbers are sang softer than those in the original, including Ernesto's version of Remember Me.

At least, this movie actually used the writing potential, unlike Frozen. Considering Frozen is still popping up (I saw a gift bag with Elsa and Anna on it and the new short; given the reaction to the short...people aren't liking it), Coco was a family story - a platonic love story. The song Remember Me was a fucking parental love song! Frozen is not unique and I will make sure that its place is not in the pantheon of good Disney movies. On the tier of average Disney films certainly but never ever one of the classics. Nobody is placing Coco on some pedestal just for having family as a central theme. Thank god for that. You don't see my point my love for My Love from Another Star as some kind of new K-drama. I like W Two Worlds too because the main showrunner and writer Song Jae-jung have unique and crazy ideas that just happened to involve romance where her first half is awesome but her second half just falls. Not down the drain, just lessens the impact and just moved on. W is the best part of this: up until the romance became central when it used to be called the B plot at best, the A plot usually revolves around the potential of the setting such as the suspense and no-rules in W. I was more invested in the first half of W than I was the second; when the suspense is still there in the second half, the romance became front-and-center when that should have just been the icing on the cake.

Also, I don't subscribe to the Pixar Theory. I like crossovers all the same and like headcanons. I don't even think the creators of Pixar think much of it. I always thought the references are nothing more than just easter eggs. CLAMP canon-welded their works with alternate dimensions; if there is something that definitely referenced the original, you would know. xxxHolic had the Star Staff for god's sake.

Coco has the better writing. Not to say Book of Life is horribly written. Both are still pretty great with their soundtracks and the heavy Hispanic heritage in both of them. We should be grateful to at least have some good representation at least with a good show of culture. Just in terms of writing, Coco is better. I don't even hate Book of Life; I personally went to see it myself (for a school report and when I say that I will only watch animation with the occasional breaks, I do mean it because I did not watch dare to watch any of the Disney/Pixar films) but nothing else. I like Book of Life for its simplicity. It tells a simple story inspired by the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a Mexican setting. Honestly, my wish for Book of Life was to have a lot more Hispanic influence.

Goddamnit Funi, please release the Punk Hazard arc soon. I really want to see you tackle Dressrosa, Zou, and Whole Cake Island. The manga is heading towards the Wano arc in a few more yards. The anime is right now at the Tea Party so get your asses into gear. 

I want to see the Zosan banter and fights....and teamwork. Because I love the trust factor so much. Just look at post-Thriller Bark when the pair kept the secrecy without a single word exchanged. They just knew. Yes, there is a reason why I love this ship a lot. I know Oda knew his fans missed the Zosan banter/fights, given his art of the two together in some fashion playing around. 

I love Lukadrien and Lukanette so much. Luka is a far more interesting character than Nath. I don't hate Nath. If you ship Nathnette, good for you! Ship whatever the fuck you want. Don't care about policing ships when it is something you like. 

I really want to see more of Luka in the future.