Two Superhero Series From Japan That Might Be More Fun Than Marvel And DC
From blockbuster movies like Avengers: Age of Ultron and acclaimed TV series like Daredevil, people are in love with comic adaptations. Marvel has made around $18 billion dollars from their movies, and comic industry itself was worth an estimate of $780 million dollars in 2013.
People love superheroes, but with their own tropes and pitfalls (like why can't anyone stay dead?) people are always looking for something new. Batman, Superman, and Spider-Man will always be household names and drive sales, but what if I told you that two of the best superhero series from the last six years have come from Japan?
One-Punch Man
How would you feel if you could beat anyone with one punch? Pretty awesome, right? Well, "Caped Baldy" Saitama can do just that. Sure, he saves people, but the man just wants one challenging fight in his life.
What makes One-Punch Man standout is that Saitama does the hero gig as a hobby. He doesn't care about public opinion or property damage, he just wants a challenging fight.
As such, the series parodies many tropes found in shonen manga and comics. The all powerful villain that won't shut up? The intense training scenes? Bizarre hero names and costumes? They are all taking to their natural conclusion or are made fun of in a smart way.
One-Punch Man does come in two flavors. The series is originally a self-published web series created by One, which he still writes and draws. We won't be praising One's art skills, but there is a charm to it:
A most valiant effort
The web series was popular enough for Shueisha to approach One for a remake, which is drawn by Eyeshield 21's creator Yusuke Murata. Everything is the same, except that Saitama is purposely left un-detailed in contrast to the world.
Viz Media has licensed this version for print and digital release. And did I mention that an anime is coming out this fall!
In a world where superheroes take themselves a little too seriously (like, dude, you're running around in a bat costume) One-Punch Man takes us back to a time when superheroes were fun.
My Hero Academia
If you're like me, one of you're biggest gripes with American comics is the lack of a coherent story. Multiple universes, different writers creating different storylines, crossover events that require you to buy issues of heroes you don't care about, and those dastardly retcons.
That's not to say American comics don't have great writing, Scott Snyder's Batman: Night of the Owls is a great modern example. But in general, manga tends to have clearer writing since one writer is in control rather than many.
This takes us to My Hero Academia. A story about a powerless boy who lives in a world where super powers are common. Enter a world of wacky characters with unique powers. Pretty much a Japanese version of X-Men, just with kids and way more lighthearted.
There are more manga tropes in this series compared to One-Punch Man. The setting is a school, the overall theme is to never give up, and there is a tournament arc. However, the art and characters are charming.
What sets My Hero Academia apart from everything else is the blend of comic and manga. While One-Punch Man parodies, My Hero Academia embraces the tropes, but still finds a way to subvert your expectations. If Izuku plays his cards right, My Hero Academia could become the next big thing.
This is not to say that American comics are too dark or not enjoyable but when we look at other cultures, they often have a fresh and unique take on something that is familiar.
What comic, manga, manhwa, manhua, etc do you find most fun?
Makoto Shinkai Makes You Want to Live in His Refreshing Art
Makoto Shinkai is a director who has made his name by directing brilliantly executed movies that highlight the natural beauty of the world, like in 5 Centimeters Per Second, The Garden of Words, and Voices of a Distant Star. People call him the next Miyazaki and there are some clear Ghibli influences in his work. It's no surprise his favorite anime is Castle in the Sky.
Relax with this background art from Shinkai's anime that will make you wish you lived in these worlds.
9 Ways Cosplayers Can Beat the Heat
Cosplayers are delicate, precious cinnamon rolls that need care and attention at conventions since it's incredibly easy to overload, overwork, and miss food/sleep/breaks. It's no wonder that many cosplayers become exhausted or sick during or right after a con!
With summer coming up in many countries, here are some tips to help cosplayers beat the heat if they cannot avoid the summer sun.
1. Stay in the Shade
Take breaks in air conditioned buildings or carry around an umbrella to stay out of the sun. Trees, tents, gazebos, or awnings are also good places to relax in the shade. Either way, stay out of direct sunlight for as long as possible.
2. Feel the Breeze
Near bodies of water there tends to be a breeze which can help cool you off. If there is none, bring a fan (electronic or a paper fan).
3. Hydrate Correctly
Drink some water every 15 minutes if you're sweating or dehydrated. Bring big cool water bottles. DO IT.
4. Avoid Caffeine
Coffee, tea, sodas or energy drinks will actually pull water from your body and make you more dehydrated. INSTEAD, drink sports drinks that are designed to replenish your body's electrolytes that help keep you hydrated.
EXPERT TIP*** Pick the clear flavored ones so you don't stain your cosplays or mouth.
5. Choose Summer Cosplays Carefully
Pick light colored cosplays to help reflect the heat. Find designs that are loose and breezy. Cotton type fabrics will be your best friend so your skin can breathe and sweat won't be trapped inside. Also, cosplays with hats will help keep your head cool in the sun.
EXPERT TIP*** Sew in vents inside your costume so heat can escape and you can get airflow. You can look at fishing shirts or other outdoor shirts for ideas.
6. Rest
Your body becomes exhausted faster in the hea than in cold weather. Be sure to take breaks to rest and relax (hopefully in the shade). 15 minute power naps in your hotel room are great in between photo shoots.
7. Know your Limits
While having fun at conventions it's easy to skip taking care of yourself. Be mindful of how long you have been in the heat and let your friends know. People will understand.
8. Know the Signs of Heat Illness
There have been quite a few cosplayers who have fallen victim to the heat at cons so be on the look out for these basic symptoms of heat exhaustion: dizziness, headaches, nausea, muscle cramps, or stomach aches.
If you feel this way, rest in a cool area, drink up to 2 quarts of water within the hour and relax.
BE AWARE, if you do not take care of yourself (or others) quick enough, it can lead to Heat Stroke. It includes profuse sweating, convulsions and chills, confusion/mumbling, and vomiting. If you have ANY of these signs, tell someone you have a medical emergency and need help. This is a serious condition. If you're alone, strip and cover your body with cool water from a bath or use a garden hose. You can also put ice packs in your groin and armpit areas.
9. Plan Ahead
If you know you will be outside for more than an hour in hot conditions with no cool areas to rest or water on site: bring water, bring shade, wear correct attire, and bring a friend. Having a handler could save your life (or at least your photo shoot).
If you aren't a cosplayer, these are great ways to help a cosplayer in need. Be aware of the signs and ask if anyone needs help. You could save the day! Or at least make a new friend!
A Fan Artist With Passion & Compassion: aokamei
It's not often you come across an artist with great taste in anime, beautiful color choice, and a heart of gold as well but the talented aokamei is the full package. A true cinnamon roll we all should strive to be like.
(Art VS Artist)
This young digital artist has shared her talents with the internet for almost 5 years now, mostly sticking to her Twitter and Instagram accounts where she showcases not only her art but kindness to her fans as well. Chatting about favorite games and anime, aokamei shows just how large a part passion plays in a creative community and how great effort can breed great art.
Just see for yourself.
Ryuko (Kill la Kill)
Sakura (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Ichimatsu (Osomatsu-san)
Genos (One Punch Man)
Allen Walker (D.Gray-Man)
Osomatsu Brothers (Osomatsu-san)
Kageyama (Haikyuu!!)
Sora (Kingdom Hearts 2)
Sakura & Syaoran (Cardcaptor Sakura)
Leonardo Watch (Kekkai Sensen)
Jotaro (Jojo's Bizarre Adventure)
Wadanohara & Samekichi (Mogeko)
Killua & Gon (HunterXHunter)
Kamui/Corrin (Fire Emblem Fates)
Seeing how talented aokamei is, it's also wonderful know how down-to-earth and compassionate an artist like this can be. I think we sometimes forget that creators are people too and have stressors that affect them like all of us. So to find a beautiful artist with a beautiful heart is something we should truly appreciate.
by djumWhat do you think makes a person beautiful?
This question is deep AHAHA but I think it's important for me to address it since too many people don't think they're "beautiful". This is coming from someone who has been called "ugly" and has been made fun of for their appearance their whole life... sure, outward appearance is nice to look at. I love staring at good-looking people because they're physically appealing to the eyes. What makes a person "beautiful" though is their "core essence". I'm going into some pretty deep stuff here, so I'll try to simplify it: how someone acts when they are stripped of everything will reveal their true beauty. What is left after we rid ourselves of physical appearance is what makes each person "beautiful" in their own way. Even the smallest, overlooked differences between every individual is (what I believe) to be the true beauties of a person. Anyways, this is just what I think--I actually just discovered this pretty recently. So if you ever feel like you're worthless because you aren't "beautiful", I'd say you should take a closer look at yourself. Literally, EVERYONE is beautiful because they are themselves. SORRY FOR CHEESE, I just hope nobody hurts themselves anymore because of self-hate..!! Love you all!<33
This Guy Transforms Himself Into Disney Princesses And Its Impressive AF
Richard is a fashion design student and freelance makeup artist, and makes most of his costumes himself.
“I think it’s a real compliment when people think that I’m a female cosplayer because it means that my transformations must be convincing,” he told Daily Mail.
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