Day 10 My Bleach Journey

 And now the 4th one in my Top Four in my Journey and the last one is: Bleach.

The year was the end of December 2003 and the beginning January 2004 and I went to my Main library to check out some books to read, I remembered getting: Redwall #17, Guardians of Ga'Hoole- The Capture+The Journey and 2 Comics of  Bone by Jeff Smith; then I went to the manga section to see what's new came out then I saw the orange hair teen holding a sword, a dark blue short hair girl and a cute long orange hair girl laying on the floor, showing the manga covers in display on the manga section. 

Needless to say, it caught my eye and decided to get 7 volumes, from 1. The Death and the Strawberry to 7.The Broken Coda; on a good cliff hanger too. So as I planned on getting more volumes decided to go on the web and find a: webpage, fansite and some forums to talk and make some bleach fans, and I'm glad I did because the first topic I saw was them saying the Anime as been announced, just in luck of me reading the series now, so as I found my fans(they were also all girls) and found some sick wallpaper for my computer; I continued reading the manga and up around October 5, 2004 it premiered the TV series in japan.

In 2005, I was watching TV late specifically Adult Swim as usual until I saw an Toonami Promo for Bleach coming in America in dub on September 10, 2006, never in life have stand up on my bed so quickly with excitement! As I was preparing for 2006, I started making bleach OCs with my own poems, finding and downloading fanart, talking to online girls about the manga, even finding and looking for other Anime and Mangas while I wait for the Bleach Anime, any thing to get ready.

 When it finally September 10, 2006 it was a still a school day for me, so was tired and I almost forgot it until I saw my calendar and the date and suddenly remembered, so I Quickly got out of my bed and rush to the main TV and saw my dad watching, so I told him that there's a anime wanted to watch and he told me:"the Bleach Anime, yeah I want to see it too." Well why didn't he say so! So wr change the channel to Cartoon Network and waited to switch to Adult Swim; then we saw the Opening ~Asterisk~ by ORANGE RANGE and dad and I knew this Anime is gonna be special. I mean it was dripping with style and coolness with some awesome action moments, great characters and philosophical quotes.

Still in 2006 I checked the forums and read the reactions to the dub (as usual) some liked it others been hated it and for me? It was find for me (Ichigo Voice Actor was Johnny Yong Bosch, who will soon be a Major favorite of mine), I mean it was a few Characters, so we got a long way to go. And during that time that means finding and joining the fandom; looking for AMVs, funny parody videos, Cosplay videos and pictures and favoriteing fanart.

In 2007 while going to my usual fandom fun and forums to talk about the latest Bleach chapter I've noticed a big change of attitude from certain groups: and there (of course) all teen boys, and not only that apparently Bleach all though being in the Big Three  it was the so called Black sheep of the three and now everyone makes fun of, poorly criticized it and full on ignore it being in the Three; I know people make fun or have certain troll to try to be noticed, but was insane hate, So I tested myself: if they continued I need to find an all girl group for me to feel sane...

That didn't took too long...I mean HOLY CRAP!!

It was so bad, we and my online girl friends made fun of the guys on how they keep complaining about the current Arc or the next arc or even the story and Characters were so "predictable" and "boring", but still read it OR even they just quit and read or watch something else...and it's still Shonen! Trust me honey, if you really want something unpredictable just read josei or Seinen Manga/Anime!

But on October 13, 2007 I decided to go back to the toxic haters forums and saw the first news that read: Adult Swim stopped broadcasting the English adaptation. Well this sucks, so now I need to find the sub episodes of Bleach which usually take a long time for me, until I saw an post about fansubs of Bleach to go watch online, I talked to them on where to find them and showed me the way. Once I found it here's how the conversation ended.

Me: Thank you so much for the help and being completely sane about it.🙏

Them: Anytime 😊 And well, you know our fans: there either trying to gain attention or just have bad taste😋

Me: 😂 

Still during in 2007 the fandom heard the news of Bleach first movie: Memories of Nobody is coming to America on on June 11 and 12 in 2008 and it was about time too! 

So as it was June 2008 11 and enter our governor square Movie Theater, I've quickly noticed alot a fans were here; it a the same excited me and confused me: excited me cause it fother proof that people love Bleach, and confused me because...well you know, I finally realized that the people do realize what they getting there self into, get disappointed of what they thought in there head and just leave the theater (fans still do that) thankfully there was still a full theater of fans who had a blast, lots of cheering and laughter even hear some sniffles and crying, it was really memorial.

Then 2010s appeared and alot was happening, Toonami came back from the dead in 2011 which means Bleach is coming back, the manga ended on Fullbringer Arc in japan, but English released is coming while the Anime is beginning on that Arc in the US, then in 2012 once Toonami aired and finished the Fullbringer Arc.

It was silence. (well not really reruns still played but still.) Pretty much half of the fandom thought it was canceled or dead

But It was around 2016 when we heard that the manga was still continuing and was entering it's next arc: The Thousand-Year Blood War Arc.

And during that year in 2016 was crazy! There's alot of moments in that Arc with its highs and lows with a bit rushed ending in my opinion but the other parts was the best half of my wishes came true, but with alot of questions along the way.(also, I want to thanks the online girly for not losing there minds over the ships being Cannon cause we pretty much ship the same ships💕)

And then the fandom waited...and waited....and waited for any news about a possible Anime for the Blood War Arc, but nothing came up; then a whole mob of haters pretty much did there thing and just troll us: like making fake art/posters about the anime coming, saying the anime was really canceled and saying the Bleach fans were delusional and will always remain the weakest in the big three. It was...a busy day for us Bleach fans. And try my best to think positive and to my online friends for now.

Then during all the dreadful moments diring in 2020, a miracle happened. On March 2020 it was finally announced not only a new story from Tite Kubo, but also getting the anime series adaptation of the Thousand-Year Blood War and huge army of fans celebrated and pretty much fighting back the trolls and proving them wrong after all those years. It was glorious day! 

And I think from that moment, Bleach was really back! We got 3 cour of this Arc (with the last part coming in 2026) 2 new video games,  a Manga one-shot/possible continuous of the Hell Arc by kubo himself and many more soon!

You know, It's really amazing how this series went from the most pick on/black sheep of the big three to now gaining the respect, love and hype of Bleach...took them long enough! 😆

So as of right now, never give up hope, protect the ones you love and stay Golden.  💛

 

Here's My YouTube Playlist

Day 9 My Dragon Ball Journey

 Ho boy~ alot to impact here

So, the year was January 2002, and trying to find more of those Anime VHS aside of GaoGaiGar that dad had since I was bored in the house on a weekend, and the one that caught my eye were Fansubs of all completed series of Dragon Ball, Dragon Ball Z including the Movies with label like: Red Ribbon Army Arc or "Sayjin" Arc or even long titles like Toei Manga Festival Movie: Dragon Ball Z: The Strongest Man in the World!! I asked my dad about these VHS and what are these and he told me he tape them during the 90s while the toonami broadcast them; he also told me it was the good thing too, the dub didn't do too well with the fans during the 90s so he asked one of his friends if he can borrow the VHS and once he got them his friend said that he can keep all of them (what a steal too, there very rare to find now) So made myself deal: on Summer vacation I would watch all the VHS as much as I can. (crazy deal I know) I've told my only friend at kindergarten about my deal and he told me:"is that even possible?" And I responsed "I don't know, I'm about to find out!"

And So it was May 30th of 2002 and as soon as I returned home I got the first VHS Labeled: "Bulma and Son Goku: First Arc" and I put the tape in my VCR and got started and loved every minute of it: the weird characters, the colorful adventures and the good ol kung fu Action! Here's how I keep up with my deal: the tape are not one-by-one episodes; it's the whole are so I watch 2 episode on weekdays then it's bed time and 3 episodes on the weekends(Aswell the one or two Movies to watch), by October 2004 I was at the Cell arc and starting the Buu Arc (with was funny because Toonami finished with the series) and during the Buu watching ive heard about the new series called Dragon Ball GT.

Great!! That means more Arcs to watch!, but I didn't rush myself and stayed with my deal and during 2004 I watching the Buu Arc and the rest of the movies and let me the intense shift from Kung fu Adventure to Fighting Extraterrestrial beings Opera it was definitely a lot to take in, I still love every minute of it. 

During 2004 and 2005 I was trying to make some friends in the fandom space and it was really hard, not because a little to no information (oh no, ive had enough of it.) But because I couldn't find any girls that also like Dragon Ball, it's wasn't until I found 3 jackpot:

First: i found two sites, one being an big all girl blog that love anime and has a separate blog called Cherry blossom Adventure and another forum called kanzenshuu; both giving me news updates on Video Games, Anime and pop culture as a whole.

Second: Fansites and there were plenty of them back in the 90s-2000s and found some cool ones like one dedicated to fanfic, fanart and characters and I can tell a girl did these sites if they dont add power levels (CAUSE WHAT EVEN IS POWER LEVEL AT THIS POINT!) 

Third: DeviantArt (yeah I know) It's where I get half of fanart from aswell. 

So from that moment on, ive found my place for now...

Around 2007 the fandom was still growing and me fitting my place rages on then, the Cherry blossom Adventure forum announced that they were moving to a new website called Tumblr to continue there blog, so I've decided to make an Tumblr account and keep on with the blog. And during those years I know I'm glad I found my people first because it's looks like the male fandom side is getting bad: complaining about: Characters, power levels, the story even poor Toriyama! To be honest I can't even tell if they love or hate (Hell, even till this day I cant tell) because I still like the series while even notice the good and bad while till giving some valid criticism. And ive learn that lesson from the girl blog.  (Besides, only male side I liked was TeamFourStar and there Abridged Series)

Then on July 2012 something big was brewing: The Weekly Shōnen Jump's official website had a teaser page with a countdown to a "surprise" on Saturday, July 14 and once it was the 14th and Shenlong appeared and then disappears, revealing some minor information an upcoming film; including the premiere date, staff information, and companies involved in the production. The whole fandom was shaking the ground went this happen; then in August 2012 happened: they showed the teaser the Movie and that was then the fandom and even the whole world exploded, the video was viewed over 3.5 million times(now 5.8 million) marking this 17 years of a real new anime had been released, I guess after that Live action Movie happen Toriyama said himself:"part of me wanted to show my determination as the original author." 

From that moment around the 2010 when Dragon Ball Z Kai begin airing and this movie coming out in 2014 in America, A new wave Dragon Ball Z fans begins! At that point I still stick was my woman crowd and even that grew, but unlike the girl side being fun, caring and the only sane one I was raised with, the male side grew to the point it became toxic, and just seeing all the toxicity I'm glad trusted my gut when I was a kid/pre-teen years.

But the Anime not over yet, infact this not even there final form: on 2015 it announced Dragon Ball was getting there 1st New TV Anime in 18 Years called "Dragon Ball Super!" The fandom exploded again with a new form this time! 

Now with all the flack Dragon ball super was getting when episode 5 came out and it's other  Arcs to show case all the lows, it still shows case all the great moments one being the Tournament of Power Arc; I mean what else can you witness the final episode for the first time with your family and friends aswell as Mexico seeing it on the big screen with a huge crowd! And after the final episode was over, a another new movie was announced and it feature an returning character that the fandom love or hate being Cannon! It was crazy!

Then on 2023 rumors around the internet saying a new series was being made and gonna be announced Called Dragon Ball Magic where all the characters all turn small!?!...trust me I didn't believe it at first too...the upcoming New York Comic Con at a Toei Animation panel they show the new Dragon ball Series Really called: Dragon Ball Daima with the same concept! Needless to say the fandom had mix reactions but not me I've was very excited to back to the adventure! Toriyama became very enthusiastic about this project and wound up "crafting the entire story", which described as having a "strong sense of adventure and lots of action". Trying to aim for viewers who watched Dragon Ball GT as children. It was lovely tribute for the fans.

Then on March 1, 2024 the whole world froze...

The News announced Toriyama passed away from an acute subdural hematoma in the brain,

It was very shocking. It was like loosing someone in your family.

So his last work being Dragon Ball Daima was like his Swan Song to us and pretty much has everything to be a Dragon Ball: Adventure, new Characters, large world building and lore, a catchy Opening and ending and (Of Course) the intense Action. 

Till this day I am very grateful for this Anime and all his other works as well like: Dr.Slump, Sand Land, his many One-Shots even doing the character designs for Dragon Quest and Chrono Trigger he loved dearly.

And I've been keeping this confessions to my self, but...if Dragon Ball Daima and last chapter in Dragon Ball Super is his last and  the company no longer show any Dragon Ball...that's find by me.  Because the least you can do is let it been (though I got a strong feeling they MIGHT continue with the manga and WILL promote some merch here and there).

But as of right now, Be Passionate in what you really love, Make your Life Worth It and Stay Golden. 💛

Here's My YouTube Playlist

Day 8: My One Piece Journey

Now for the big guns

The year was 2004 (alot happened during those year) me and my family went to Pensacola, Florida for a Big Family Reunion party with my cousins and other family members at there house. Which means lots of eating, playing and a whole lot of talking, by the time it was night time everyone said there goodbyes with hugs and kisses and went back home; except for us my family can stay in for tonigh, which means slumber party for us: eating a bunch of snacks like s'more, watching TV and Movies and playing Super Smash Bros Melee on the GameCube. It was a blast, when I gone to the kitchen to grab some Mug rootbeer the kitchen tv was still on and it was playing 4Kids and it about to premiere there licensed new series: One Piece. 

That's right, I've heard about One Piece because of 4KIDS. And as little me was watching I thought it the coolest thing ever (at the time...) and I sat down and watch 2 episode of the series and was hooked! I starstuck by the Action and comedy from it's colorful world, crazy characters and outrageous powers, it had everything and As we went back home I've gone to work, I watched every 4KIDS episode just to keep up and that freakin cheesy yet, catchy theme song was all in my head all school year. At the end of 2004 and beginning of 2005 I stop keeping up with the episodes (I think I stopped on the end of Alabasta arc) I've decided to go to the Library and see if they have the manga and they did! So I checked out about six volumes and was ready to read them at home and once I did, I. was. surprised of how much the the 4KIDS version had cut out and censored! From the story arc, the violence and even the name changed! I checked online about this and needless to say I was way behind because everyone else already knows about this and they REALLY hated it.

 From that moment I promise myself to just keep on reading the manga, watch some AMVs and maybe find some fansubs of the original anime and make some friends in our pretty big sized Fandom. Through 2006-2007 it was a blast: seeing all the Cool, Beautiful and downright funny Fanart, seeing the wonderful AMVs and parodies like: sail on  made by MandyLemons (My first One Piece AMV) and Owned Piece and Project Piece made by LC Lapen of the AP & K-F boards, including the amazing Cosplays and its ever so growing fandom with numbers to back that up as it became the the best selling manga during April/May 2007! All I can say is: I'm glad I join at the right time. 

In 2009 which was the 10th anniversary for One Piece Anime they announced a new 10th film and just any film; its the first in the series to feature a story written by original author Eiichiro Oda. The whole fandom excited doesn't even scratch the surface, there were links, fan theories and a bunch of fan art of the first poster, and that not it, one of my favorite Japanese band was going to be in the movie: Mr.Children!! (Just little sneak peek on future posts: ive been listening to them since 2005) So seeing that almost feel like fate! Once it was December 12, 2009 and everyone hype up in japan and all japanese Movies theaters were full and pretty much sold out, while me and rest of the fans in America still waiting, until one day on December 23 2009 I saw a forum saying they downloaded the whole movie ready to download, I didn't believe it at first, but I did downloaded it on my laptop and load and behold; IT REAL, so at night: I made popcorn and some drinks, went to my bedroom and watch the full 720p Movie on a Christmas eve, it was the best. By 2010s and beyond I've caught up with the anime and manga and fandom just kept on growing. 

As of right now in 2025, lot has changed: we got hit by the live action sickness (and it surprisingly well done) the animation keep on improving, there more merchandise than ever and the fandom has changed...for better or worse, so just ignore the negative and just listen, Like and buy all the positive work from  the fans. 

As of right now, spread love, raise your voice, stay woke, and stay golden! 💛

Here's My YouTube Playlist

Day 7: My Keroro Gunso Journey

 Now that I've told you my beginning I think it's time to tell you my "My Top Four" that pretty much shaped me for who I am. 

And the first one is Keroro Gunso: the years was March 2004 I was in middle school and my class every so other will go on a Field Trip to the Library. (my favorite time of the year) As all of our classroom quietly run inside the Library, I went to the manga section and saw one manga cover look silly to me and intrigued me at the same time So I got four volumes and checked them out; once I've read the first volume, I was cracking up (well, quitely since we were still in Library) The story about this Platoon like group of five, froglike alien soldiers from Planet Keron. There goal is to conquer “Pekopon” (their name for "Earth") but fail every time they try. Their leader, Sergeant Keroro, is incompetent he has little interest in conquering Pekopon. Instead, he likes making plastic Gundam models, watching TV and read manga and  other ways of conquering Pekopon by coming up with ridiculous schemes to make money. The four other members of the platoon are: Adorable but Violent Private Second Class Tamama; Bellicose yet Tenderhearted Corporal Giroro; Intelligent but Mischievous Sergeant Major Kururu; and Disciplined but Traumatized Lance Corporal Dororo. 

I just couldn't stop smiling; Once school was over and we all returned home, I read the rest of the volumes at home in my bedroom. The series was just silly, funny and surprising heart warming and I needed more. I tried to find more of this series online, but all I've found was just more manga (which was fine, that means more manga for me to read) but just a few wallpapers for computers, fanart and little information about the series like; until on 2006 I went on YouTube and tried to find anything related to keroro and found video AMV called "Keroro's Safety Dance" and it surprised me knowing that an Anime had already been adapted and knowing this information filled me with joy. Now knowing that I can read the Manga and watch the anime aswell just to see how they change the story and trying my best to keep with the series and making some friends in our small yet pretty known fandom as a whole. 

By the year 2008 was here, two magical moment has happened: a New Fourth Keroro Movie was Announced and Funimation own the rights to the show; which means the first dub is coming and they got full on all star cast:

Todd Haberkorn(Keroro): Natsu Dragneel-Fairy Tail, Haruka Nanase-Free! , Jaco-Dragon Ball Super and Death the Kid-Soul Eater 

Brina Palencia(Tamama): Juvia Loxar-Fairy Tail, Tony Tony Chopper-One Piece, Ciel Phantomhive- Black Butler, Touka Kirishima-Tokyo Ghoul and Minoru Mineta- My Hero Academia 

Christopher Sabat(Giroro): All Might- My Hero Academia, Elfman Strauss- Fairy Tail, Roronoa Zoro- One Piece, Yami Sukehiro-Black Clover  and Vegeta and Piccolo- Dragon Ball Z 

Chuck Huber(Kululu): Hiei- Yu Yu Hakusho, Android 17- Dragon Ball Z, Austria- Hetalia, Dr. Franken Stein- Soul Eater and Shou Tucker-Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood(..if you know, you know)

J Michael Tatum(Dororo): Kraft Lawrence- Spice and Wolf, Rei Ryugazaki- Free!, Erwin Smith-Attack On Titan, Shu Tsukiyama- Tokyo Ghoul, Tenya Iida- My Hero Academia and Sebastian Michaelis-Black Butler 

Just to name the main cast; oh, and the fourth movie is going to be about dragons! Now how awesome is that!

And the whole fandom think so too, by the way; about that small fandom I said: it's the only one that I never had problems with! No complaints, No drama, no Anti-ships, Nothing! Which is a good thing. (Its Dragon Ball Fandom I've problems with, but let's talk about that later.) 

It was all fun and rainbows until the dreadful 2011 happened: Tokyo Pop stop releasing there manga (because they went bankrupt), Funimation stop owning the rights for the show (So, that means no more dub.) And the final episode ended on April 3, 2011. It was a rough day for us, so that means reading the rest of the Japanese manga online(which was hard). On 2014 they announced Anime, but here the catch: it was going to be animated in Flash, and it not keeping up with manga, So major sad news.

At that point all the keroro AMVs, Funny videos, fanart and fanficion have been deleted, privated or no where to be found and our fandom was dead silent I think the only good thing that happened was the midnight frogs Abridged Series that was keeping us alive and happy, but either way; it was very quiet...

Then on 2021 everything changed: A completely new Dvd licensing group here in good ol Florida announced they own the rights for keroro gunso and was going to translate the WHOLE series! That woke up the whole fandom! 

And it doesn't stop there: On April 1, 2024 (Not an April Fools apparently!!) Bandai Namco Pictures Announced an Actual New Anime coming for the anime's 20th anniversary and it doesn't stop there!! On 2026 a new sixth Movie is Coming Soon aswell!! But Wait! There's More! On Coming Soon from Discotek Media they announced they were going to translate All Five of the Movies and releasing them on DVD/BLU-RAY!!! Needless to say the our small fandom rosed up from the grave. 

So now that I've told you my history about this silly story there's just thing I need to say: 

Stay Weird, Be True to Yourself and Stay Golden 💛

Here's My YouTube Playlist

Day 6: The One that Started it All

 

Well...I've told you my opinions and bits of my life, I think it's time to tell on how I fell in love with Anime.

It all started back in 1999, when me, my mom and dad and my brother lived in apartment home and I was typing to figure out this weird world, but at the same time in was very shy and usually stay inside most of the time(pretty much the start of my anti-social life) so most of the time I watch some Tv and play video games; and there was one day I've decided to go to my parents room just to see what my dad was watching because it sounded loud; so I went to the room and saw Lights flashing and a guy screaming inside a mecha and the show my dad was watching is called King of Braves GaoGaiGar a 1997 show he tape on a VHS. It's about two protagonists: One is a cyborg named Guy Shishioh (yes, really ) who pilots Gaogaigar, and the other is a boy named Mamoru. Together, they must defend the world against the Zonders all while Mamoru’s connection with them begins to show. This show is crazy; with awesome mecha transformation sequences, weird/scary villains and amazing characters to back it up. It even an Final Ova to conclude the series and let me tell you, it's a dozzy, and a big tearjeaker as well.

And with just like that my Anime journey was a go! With the help of Tv, friends and other people outside or on the internet I was all set, especially in the Earley 2000s I was on a roll, from marathoning the series and watching them all night all the way though morning, reading the latest manga in my local library and on the computer, trying to save enough money so I can get the coolest merchandise, Dvds mangas; I was very dedicated. 

From watching TV that showed: kids shows like  Pokemon and Digimon on WB Kids, popular shows like Cowboy Bebop and Outlaw Star on Adult Swim and Underground/Experimental  shows like Boogiepop wa Warawanai, Gad Guard, Ergo Proxy, Gungrave and Serial Experiments Lain in Anime Unleashed on TechTV/G4 Etc.

To watching my dad's 2000s bootleg/licensed fansubs DVDs and fansubs VHS: Louie The Rune Soldier, Dragon Ball, Shaman King and Rahxephon Etc.

To going to the library and reading the latest Manga: Mushishi, Bleach, keroro gunso Etc.

To watching and discovering new Anime Fansubs on online: Fullmetal Alchemist, Garden of Sinners, Hellsing Ultimate and Gurren Lagann Etc.

By the time it was 2016, ive lost my touch, not with Anime; but with life, as it was a dark time for me; So I stayed focused my jobs, my money and most importantly: mental health. I've still love and watchanime and Read Manga time thorough time, the so called big fandoms are draining my mind and soul, but as of right now: my life is now stable, my mental health is still  healing and doing(and trying) my best to live my life who knows I might even pull an all-nighter here and there. 

But overall, how do you found and started liking Anime/Manga? 💛

Day 5: The Cinema Life with Anime Fans

I LOVE going to the Movies, and still to this day too! My very first two Movies I saw theaters was The Master of Disguise and Treasure Planet and it open my eyes (and ears because wow was it loud, when I was little) to go to another new world to escape watch new world from non- fictional to fiction Ive found my favorite go to place, now I've have no idea what was going on with the Master of Disguise just a couple scenes here and there but for Treasure Planet I payed close attention to that and is my favorite experimental disney movie to this very day.

Now seeing an anime film in theaters was another thing I didn't know would happen to me. (even though there was Anime movies in the late 70s 80s and 90s that was been released back then, check out this blog https://letsanime.blogspot.com/2015/11/at-movies.html?m=1) 

But on 20 September 2002 my whole life changed. Let's rewind abit…back in my life as a little girl, I was using the internet for the very first time and it was alot to take in; considering that my mom allowed news, pop culture Shop sites and other safe fun kid site I'm allowed to go through while other websites where block by her, but either way I was still starstruck by all the stuff I've found using the internet. And the first place to find was any anime news and to my surprise there were a alot of sites to my liking, especially Anime Web Turnpike and Anime News Network.(they were my go to place) On Anime News Network I saw someone uploaded the English trailer and Japanese poster for Spirted Away: the New Hayao Miyazaki Film (that was huge hit in japan) was coming to America; ive seen My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki's Delivery Service, so I was very excited!

but not just that, but this was going to be my very first Anime film I will in theaters.

I remember that day. I beg my parents to go see this movie (Mostly my dad) and since it was on a weekend it was perfect for me and him, so he accepted and as we got ready and drove to our local AMC theaters and we made it, we had to double check on why there were so many people at the mall, came to find out: there all ready to see Spirited Away too! So we hurry to the ticket booth so they won't sold out and manage to get them early, and we found out the cars outside and all went inside the mall and were waiting on the last moment to get the tickets and get food from Concessions so they can skip the movie previews (By the way if you ever try that on me we can't be friends; you're supposed savor the moment, not rush them!) Anyways, we got our Consession food ready (Dad: just popcorn smothered with butter Me: popcorn with M&Ms on them or just other food and snacks of my liking was my go to.) Once we sat down getting ready for the movie and saw the third movie preview more people came and it was almost full!

when all the previews were all over the movie finally started: And it was spectacular!! I wish I can tell you my favorite scenes that put me in a trance but we will be here all day (Ive fell in love with The train scene and every dragon scene) and once the movie over; aside we both agreed that was best one yet (aside from: Princess Mononoke and Nausicaä) the ride back was quiet not awkward quiet, but overwhelmed quiet...and try to remember the animation, the characters and the memorial music and  trying to see which one was the best part, and so I just figured...the whole movie! 

From that moment. I want to see the next new Anime Movie in theaters: from Original creations, re- release that were not shown in America to even Shonen Movies (Yeah! Yeah! Nag all you want: Cannon or Not! Im going to see it because it's fun!)

Here's a full Timeline of all the movies I've seen in theaters(with My Dad, with Family and Friends or by Myself ):

Spirited Away 2002-September 20

Howl's Moving Castle 2005-June 10

Fullmetal Alchemist the Movie: Conqueror of Shamballa 2006-August 25

Bleach the Movie: Memories of Nobody 2008-June 11

Evangelion: 1.0 You Are (Not) Alone 2009-November 17

Summer wars 2010-December 3

Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance 2011-March 11

Trigun: Badlands Rumble 2011-July 8

Fullmetal Alchemist The Sacred Star of Milos 2012-January 20

One Piece Strong World (I saw this at Anime Weekend Atlanta 2013)

Evangelion: 3.0 You Can (Not) Redo 2014-January 10

The Wind Rises 2014-February 21

Dragon Ball Z: Battle of Gods 2014-August 5

Naruto the Movie: The Last 2015-February 20

The Boy and the Beast 2016-March 4

One Piece Film: Gold 2017-January 10

Yu-Gi-Oh!: The Dark Side of Dimensions 2017-January 27

Your Name 2017-April 7

Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel I. Presage Flower 2017-November 1

My Hero Academia: Two Heroes 2018-September 25

Dragon Ball Super: Broly 2019-January 16

Fate/Stay Night: Heaven's Feel II. Lost Butterfly 2019-March 14

Promare 2019-September 17

One Piece: Stampede 2019-October 24

My Hero Academia: Heroes Rising 2020-February 26  (after that Covid happen)

Children of the Sea 2021-June 13

My Hero Academia: World Heroes' Mission 2021-October 29

Gintama: The Very Final 2021-November 21

Belle 2022-January 14

Jujutsu Kaisen:0 2022-March 18

Inu-Oh 2022-August 12

Dragon Ball Super: Super Hero 2022-August 18

One Piece Film: Red 2022-November 4

Evangelion: 3.0+1.01 Thrice Upon a Time 2022-December 6

The First Slam Dunk 2023-July 27

The Boy and the Heron 2023-December 8

My Hero Academia: You're Next 2024-October 11

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba – infinity castle 2025-September 12

Till then, see you then, Find, plan and watch a new Anime Movie, use movie proper Movie etiquette and stay Golden .💛

Day 4: Not like the horror stories: My best Anime Club Memories

 

Ahh~ Anime Clubs the ultimate socialize test to see if you are weird or normal fan.

Back when I was small, I've really wanted to make friends, but I was very shy back then, so I did the one thing that would gain attention: "I asked, do you like any cartoons, video games or Anime" It was my basic go to way to start a conversation and its still kinda is this very day too.

And in 2000s when I gain consciousness I was starting my social movement (even if it was a bit rough start) but in 2001, I will always ask, have you seen?… And see if i got reaction.

And the best one I got was back in kindergarten. I saw this boy siting in the playground swing alone and this was my big chance to be friendly and so I went over to sit on the next swing next to him and asked: Hey, have you seen any Anime like pokemon? and with his eyes open real wide he said yes! and then from now on; we had our long talk sessions. Ever so othen during recess or lunch we would talk a storm about the latest Anime or cartoon releases during 2001-2003. By the end of December 2003 I've told him that I was changing school and he was really sad that day, but I told him we may meet again and if so, wear a Doraemon shirt or any Beyblade merch then I'll know its you.

I guess that was my first person to talk about anime with, our own little Anime club.

Then middle school happen (a private Christian school no less) not the best years of my life, but there were moments that would fix that. For example I made another friend during 2004-2010 from one girl (my real Best Friend) during those years. And I can't remember how became friends, but I did know we connected each other nicely, from talking and laughing at lunch, recess and the bus back home; even if when were different grades apart, even so from  sitting arcoss each other, we would always find a way to talk or make faces; the point I went to my first sleep over for a party at HER house it was the best day of my life. Then every so othen the class go to the computer lab to do some work and once you're done you could play on the computer, and once I was done I will show her just any my random videos to her: from cartoons, music videos, video games and even Nintendo's Flipnote hatana compilation (remember those) then I've decided it was time to show my current favorite anime at the time and it was SGT. Frog Or Keroro Gunso. I showed her the dub trailer of the show and needless to say she was confused, curious and fascinated by this anime and watch more clips from the show and laughing our butt off, and from that point that was her introduction to Anime. (A pretty wild start, I know) As the years was going by she was heading to the next grade without me, it was a real sad day for me, but either way I still wish her the best luck in life and ever since then she still love and watch Anime still this day.

So, again it was like our own Anime club. 

But, it was 2010s that started my next journey and it was time for me to go to high school and it pretty tamed for me, not the best years, but also not the worst years (that was still middle school). And during those years I was looking for a real club for me and found the Key Club and finally an real Anime club; that was only open in Tuesday and Thursday. This was it.. I've finally founded a Anime Club and I was both very excited and scared as hell because as my many years being on the wonderful internet since 2002 I've either read or listened to many Anime Clubs horror stories: from the annoying elitist, the perverts, creepy smelly dudes (even gals) and the classic weeaboos, it was ridiculous. But I made myself a deal: if any of thoes incidents or somebody made me uncomfortable, I'm dipping out and just staying in the Key Club. 

And so, my first day in high school arrived and Ive meet my English teacher who was also my Key Club/ Anime club teacher and talk to her about joining both clubs and she gladly accepts, and so the day was thrusday ready to go to her only warm lit classroom to watch Anime and talk about Anime to more than one teen strangers and…it was completely packed! (really the same number for the regular class, about 19) and they were completely normal!! But I'm not completely sold just like that, so I get to talking and meeting my new classmates and Wow!.. they were really Awesome and not just that they were thoughtful, funny and got great taste in Anime (I mean ive never meant another boy who also love keroro gunso!) and as we got the snacks and the electronic whiteboard ready, the very first Anime series we saw all was Fairy tail (and my first time seeing the Anime too, ive only read the Manga during 2009, so I didn't know the anime came out ) and it was blast seeing it with a crowd again. (don't worry, I'll talk about that on the next post) I think we stop at the Phantom Lord Arc, because someone want to watch something else. Then it was banger after banger: Puella Magi Madoka Magica, Blue Exorcist, Gargantia on the Verdurous Planet, Deadman Wonderland, The Devil is a Part-Timer, Nichijou, Free! Iwatobi Swim Club, Attack On Titan, Kill la Kill, Fate/Stay Night: Unlimited Blade Works just good amount during the 2010s to the point we watch 2000s Anime like Naruto, Bleach and One Piece, but only there Movies since everyone said watching the certain episodes of these shows would confused the new comers; we even watch Hetalia: Axis Powers and Sword Art Online…okay look...say what you will about these shows but seeing it with big crowd was very funny.

 Like I said, the rest of my high school years wasn't the best, but on a Tuesday and Thursdays it turns my bored days much better, By the day I turn senior in 2018 and I was ready to graduate; So my Anime Club teacher decided to throw a big Goodbye Party on Thursday and the very last two Anime we saw was Violet Evergarden and the rest of Fairy Tail (the Grand Magic Games Arc; they all said including me, they were caught up at that point) it was very heart felt moment seeing the first that started it all.

 And even then when I finally graduated, I still miss my Club friends.

So tell me, what was you're positive Anime Club moments for you? 💛 

Day 3: Bullied for Anime???

 

You know…I've heard this line everywhere every so othen that I'm starting to feel like it's not true. Now here me out! If you were seriously got bullied for liking Anime, I mean really bad, you probably: feel self-conscious about yourself or joining the Anime Fandom Or don't watch anime anymore. But this whole thing started in 2020 Covid people have been saying they been bullied for liking Anime and i mean alot: for running outside or inside the schools hallways doing the naruto run, wearing loud anime T-Shirts and Merches or just being a full blown weeaboo; and I get it...but here's the thing: I can't tell if there telling the truth or not.

Cause right now alot people from young and old everyone knows what anime is, but there's the confusing part: at least there's a 50/50 chance that there faking being a fan and is just joining to make fun of more of the fans aka the "real weirdos" (if that make since, we been weird even me!), get more money or attention (like reseller or a youtuber who wants views and nothing more) or just mess with and wants a Hot Anime Fan girlfriend (does the phase: "where the hoes at!" Ring a bell..)

Now here's the crazy thing: I have nevered been bullied for liking Anime in my life, not even been bullied by my parents, even though they already knew I was very obsessed with it back then (my mom kinda chill with it now), but never got named called, gaslighted, blackmail, embarrassed me, to full blown beating me up to the ground kind of bully... no that was for "talking like a white girl", was very emotional and sensitive and have Autism. so I was easy target. Overall when it comes to Anime nothing bad happens (now that im older, they probably already knew I liked Anime 😅😆) but I'm probably being too paranoid. 

 Have YOU been bullied for liking Anime? If so CONFESS IN THE COMMENTS! and stay Golden. 💛 

Day 2: New Fans are welcome, but learning is still in session

 

So… a Anime Tourist, interesting name, but i get it. Being called by this name because a noob who can't any of the characters name in the shows to just calling them out because the new fans notices the huge Loli/sexist problems in Anime; So what's the deal??

A Anime Tourist is someone of who is completely new to the new popularity and wants to know more of this medium, but it not going to be esay; as they keep on researching they notices that this other Animation is a bit weird, and the long time fans been knew that information and we don't want to discuss the same rules to the newbies again, so they become the one thing that we hate: the bully that we use to be bullied for, and scare off the new watcher away.

Now here's the thing: Who even started this?, well, this new "anituber" group called: "The Anime Man" made an if not 100th same youtube videos titled "I've watched 100 Anime and reviewed them" and it always with out fail; ends horrible. And this new group got it bad too. Get called out from both youtube, Twitter and tiktok it didn't take too long for them to make an apology video for themselves.

This whole thing nothing new for the older anime fans, but for the new fans it's getting annoying and I wants to discuss my thoughts and a way to REALLY watch any Anime and Manga in this hard knock life.

I fully believe it's fine to start watching Anime, but also believe you should do some research both online and offline too. Because if you don't see something that offended you, confused you or you see something that you personally don't like, stop what your doing and find another one or  just stop watching Anime entirely. But if there one thing you shouldn't do is be rude and judge others; specially ignorantly.

So if you're new to Anime heres what I think you should do.

1. Find any type of genre you like: Action, Comedy or Drama, really just any genres that you've already like before and find anime format of that.

2. Search how long is it: how many seasons, Episodes, OVAs (Original Video Animation) Movies. Anything to save your time and santity.

3. Speaking of sanity; DON'T WATCH ANIME EVERY DAY!! don't speed yourself and take your time please. Ive seen an heard many Old and even new anime fans said that they have grown tired, bored or just full blown hate it now. here's a way: watch two different shows in one week in your watch playlist; either just New released or old Anime, (EX: you watch anime only on Tuesday & Thursdays) and maybe on the weekends or really watch it when you feel like it!

4. Find your fandom: and once you find it…research more, find your ships, find fanart, fan-music, headcandons, even merchandise from others fans and see if it's fitting for you if not, you don't have to join or stay; and if you do decided to stay; don't overconsum yourself or by Antis, false headcandons, ship wars and just hater, you WILL be drained.

5. And finally just have fun, be yourself, try to make friends online or outside (Anime Clubs, Anime Conventions or Others..) and make your space safe.

As of right now: take care of yourself and stay Golden 💛

DAY 1 The strange sign of Haters

You know its funny... I've been in this type of fandom for 26 years...

I'm noticing the signs.

 In my years of being of fan of this East Asia Colorful world with many growing fans around the world, there's going to be haters along the way, and our haters are different, and listen I know each fandom has there own different haters, but ours is quite easy and recognizeable to catch. So here's my 4 type of non-fan I see every so othen in our life.

(Now this is what I see, and everyone has there own experiences and guesses, So let me know in the comments.)

   1. The Screen is my Friend💻👁
This one has been notices since 1995 when the internet was invented and is a growing popular problem on the web, and they come in all shapes and sizes and only know one thing: to make you feel defeated.
They judge will anything you like, who you Main and what you look like. And it doesn't stop there, aside of being racist, homophonic, ignorant and with a touch of fascism and nazi propaganda, there never really fan of anything. There only a fan of attention that make them happy in there sad life. Rather it's straightforward or using reverse psychology or using the power of fandom and use there power for the wrong they will do anything.

   2. Follow the leader🏃‍♂️🏃‍♀️🚶
They are only the NewGen fans and they just a little Conflicted with themselves. Think about it, there were kids born in 2017 and beyond and with now the growing popularity of Anime and they want join the party and they see a Anime or Manga that they REALLY like, but as they dig deep in the internet, they don't want to be: "Cringe" or too big of a fan that they love; So they see these strange sentences these rude online people are thinking and typing, but then they thought about it... if copy what they say then I don't have to worrying about fitting in with the "weirdos" and so they get influenced by the wrong crowd and say the samething while also still liking the show all by themselves; and that not healthy.

   3. A Mask within the Mask👹🥲💔
  They pretend to like Anime or Manga by making a blog/forum, YouTube, and many other social media platforms to gain popularity by being negative and problematic forward the shows and fans (mostly fans) only painting the negative light on fans that are too obsessive. The Only goals is to get popular with a huge followers.



   4. Wildcard☆
  There Masochist/sadist.🥴
This is a wild guess because you may never know. Think about it, if you're fighting in the comments or in real life and the "anti fan" keeps going just to get your reaction, there a chance that they love it.

Alright, now that you know there's a dark side of our fandom (and for other fandoms as well) I want you to know that this doesn't have to be our personality and we can still change, for our self or others. 

But as of right now, stay safe and stay golden. 💛