Uncategorized – Page 3 – Yuki The Snowman

Post-Cali Blues

As per my April 2018 article, I don’t get post-con blues. I never got the idea behind it. If you get depressed after attending a weeaboo festival (and aren’t willing to do anything about it), you’re a loser. There are conventions held almost every weekend in major cities in America and across the globe that offers the same shit (for the most part). As a result, conventions get boring after a while. The passion behind them get lost and you’re (well, I) are left wondering “well, what’s next for this little otaku hobby of mines?”. After attending Anime Expo in Los Angles however, I must admit I’m feeling the blues.

Am I’m upset that Anime Expo has come and go? Nah. Too many rude, smelly ass weeaboos I had to deal with that won’t make me miss the con (still going back though). I had to stop myself from losing my temper and beating the shit out of a disrespectful, shut-in nerd who almost bumped me into a wall; all because he wanted a picture of some Ichigo and 02 cosplayers from Darling in the Franxx that he’ll never get to fuck in his lifetime. Having to walk twenty minutes to Kenta Hall when it normally would have taken me five minutes wasn’t that fun – especially since it the crowds created a fire hazard (risk our safety for the all mighty dollar, huh). Trying to find a panel room for twenty minutes only to find out I needed a wristband to prove I was over the age of 18 ain’t fun. I’m not blue over those factors. What I’m feeling blue about is the fact I am not in Los Angles anymore.

I have Post Cali Blues.

I miss California. For the short week I was there, I felt at peace. I felt that I could be myself despite not being within my comfort zone. The fantastic, 80-degree weather that felt like it was 60 degrees thanks to the ocean breeze. The luscious women from all over the world. Bruh, they were bad! People who mind their own business and who didn’t mean mug you. The welcoming and acceptance of those from different cultures. Being surrounded by striving businesses at every corner. This what sold me on California…expect for the high taxes and cost of living you guys can miss me with that bullshit.

I gotta go back to Cali again.

If you guys don’t know, I’m from St. Louis, Misery (or Missouri) – a small Midwestern city that hasn’t seen progress in nearly 60 years. St. Louis isn’t shit when it comes to wanting to better oneself in growth, business, career, etc. The hopeless, passionless idiots who never left this city think it’s great and there’s nothing absolutely wrong with it (despite the high murder rates, extreme poverty, racism, right-wing politics, etc.). These people love to bring down anyone with a dream or desire to expand their lives beyond St. Louis.

As a result, there are many haters and jealous niggas in the ‘Lou. California has its shares of crimes, haters, and hopeless idiots, sure. but I rather be stuck in a state that has legal weed, a chance for me to grow as a person, and network with those within my industry as opposed to continuing living in a city where I feel that I have no chance to do anything with my passion. What did that little dude say in FLCL? “Nothing amazing ever happens here”. Yep. That’s St. Louis.

St. Louis sucks.

During downtime at Anime Expo, I went decided to explore L.A. for a bit. It felt magical. Every turn, my eyes here treated to blooming, striving business helping bring L.A. income. Downtown St. Louis? Every other business building is abandoned. Downtown L.A. featured a fashion district. Not a fashion store, mall, or outlet. A fashion fucking district. Did I mention legal, safe weed? Kush mind you, not no reggie or unknown kush with bug spray on it.

Legal. Fucking. Weed.

Besides my degenerate lust towards weed, I’m a man of culture. Given that L.A. is a large city with over 3.7 million living in it, you’re going to get people from many cultural backgrounds telling them your experience. As one Lyft driver told me, L.A. is made up of people from all over the world – not just native people. With that, you get to talk to people from Asia, The Middle East, Africa, Europe, etc. and learn why they came ot America and how are they dealing with things here as their cultural experience clashes with the ones in America (as that adage goes; you can take the man out of the hood but you can’t take the hood out of the man). St. Louis is cultural as well (we have strong Middle Eastern, Chinesse Mexican, and Bosnian, communites) don’t get me wrong, but there aren’t as many international people here compared to the West Coast. I personally that shit is cool.

To conclude, the post Cali blues is hitting hard for me right now. To be honest, I am a little disappoint that I didn’t explore much of L.A. beyond Little Tokyo and Downtown. If ther ewasnt’ a convention in between my exploration, I feel like I could had gotten much more done in a week. I’m kicking myself for not hitting up Hollywodo (Despite the latter being a tourist trap). Venice Beach and Santa Monica are beautiful beach spots. I low-key wanna explore Compton and study one ofhte major parts of hip-hop history before it gets completely gentriflied by the liberals. I am going back to L.A. for my homeboy’s birthday and Anime’ L.A., so that will grant me a second chance to do the thigns I couldn’t do on my first trip.

I’m going back to Cali.

DRUNK AFTERWORD:
To those on my Facebook friend’s list who were mad about my post-con blues post: the fuck ya were gonna do besides be mad and not fuck with me anymore cuz I spoke that shit about post-con depression?

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on July 20, 2018

Dragon Ball Super 0

The Tournament of Power’s Important Lesson (Drunk Freewrite)

Disclaimer: This freewrite was written under the influence of alcohol. It may not make logical sense.

Dragon Ball isn’t deep. There are deep themes, but it isn’t that deep than other anime. Dragon Ball is a goofy, battle action manga and anime series created by some crazy Japanese dude who bread and butter is gag comedy manga (Dr. Slump). Expecting Dragon Ball to be meaningful and insightful is like trying to find one’s dignity at a drunken, drug-fueled anime con orgy:

It ain’t gonna happen.

This doesn’t mean that Dragon Ball can’t teach us lessons about life. After all, Goku’s journey is a lesson that if you want to better yourself, you must go out and travel; putting in the hard (and smart) work to and learning under those better than you to obtain whatever you want in life. Baby from Dragon Ball GT teaches us that people who were treated unfairly (through oppression) will come back to take revenge against those who oppressed them – even going as far as hunting down and killing innocent people if they have to.

Dragon Ball Super with the Tournament of Power arc is no different. There are valuable lessons to be taught about that arc, one that is obvious and yet – it’s the most important lesson. In order to achieve what you want, emotions need to be put aside.

In episode whatever it was in Super (I’m drunk: I don’t feel like looking it up), Majin Buu succumb to his deep sleeping habits; putting him out of action for two months. Thing is, it would have been okay for Majin Buu to take a two months break from combat…if he wasn’t a team member of Universe 7, and the existence of their universe was at risk of being destroyed by Zeno-Sama. With their ranks shorten, Team Universe 7 had two options:

Find a replacement for Majin Buu
Operate at a loss and/or risk destruction

Logically, Team Universe 7 should have put Majin Buu in the Time Chamber (Room of Spirit and Time for your purist elitist weeaboos) but logic doesn’ work in anime. While everyone else was in a panic, Goku came up with an ideal replacement for Majin Buu: Lord Frieza – mortal enemy of the Z Warriors.

The Z Warrirors weren’t happy with Goku’s suggestion. They had every right to. Krillin and Vegeta were murdered by him. Piccolo’s race and home planet was destroyed by the cruel tyrant. Plus, Frieza’s a snake. Who knows what kinda of shit Frieza would pull on the Z Warrriors if given the chance. If he wanted to, Frieza could had kill members of Unvierse 7 for shits and giggles. (Un)forutnetly for Team Universe 7, Freiza’s an asset to their surivivial. Yes, Frieza did horrible things to Z Warrrios and caused suffering to the unviersse. But what’s worse; Having a powerful, yet psychopathic warrior on your side who can get the job done with ease or losing your exsitance because you got emotional over somebody you don’t like?

I thought so.

In dire situtaitons, you have to put aside your emotions and focus on the ultimate goal. Emotions are great. They make us humans. They drive us to do amazing things. But emotions can fuck you up if you can’t control them. Let’s look at what happen to Lerbron James during the 2018 NBA Finals. Game 1. He got in his feelings over a teammate’s mistake. He gave into them and got swept by The Golden State Warriors.

What would had happen to Universe 7 if they gotten emotional over Frieza’s includcion to their team? You might say “But Ben, they could had went with Yamcha instead or maybe even Cell!” You’re right. They could had went with Yamcha or Cell. But Yamcha would had gotten slaughter within the first five seconds of the tournament. And Cell doesn’t give Toei Animation enough money like Frieza in terms of product sales.

Don’t get emotional when trying to hit your targets.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on June 25, 2018

Uncategorized 0

Death Grounds: Anime Expo

30 days. 30 days until I need to get my shit together for Anime Expo. 30 days to structure my perfect battle plan. 30 days to mentally prep for the largest convention I have attended yet. 30 days of disciplining myself when it comes to money management. 30 days to get things right or lose everything I desired for my brand and personal growth – for at least a year. 30 days isn’t enough time when you’re planning out big moves. But you best use those days wisely.

I’m on death grounds.

What is death grounds? Death Grounds is a warfare strategy use as a reaction to desperation tactics in the face of not defeat – but death. It’s based on Sun Tzu (author of The Art of War) desperate ground, which he defines as follows:

‘When you have the enemy’s strongholds on your rare, and narrow passes in front, it is hemmed-in ground. When there is no place of refuge at all, it is desperate ground.’

In short, when pushed against a corner, an army must go all out to survive. If they don’t, they’ll be slaughtered by the opposition. Failure isn’t an option.

It’s kill or be killed.

I know I’m coming off as dramatic over plans for a nerd convention, but put yourself in my shoes. Since Fall of 2017, I’ve been planning and going around telling my peers that I’m going to Anime Expo. I’ve invested $350 on a plane ticket. I saved up $440 for my share of the hotel cost. I invested $475 on an AX Premier Fan pass (a fancy way of saying VIP pass to avoid the long lines). I’m ordering pieces for my Monika cosplay this week (only because I made a drunken post on social media stating that I’m doing a genderswap cosplay of her) which will run me around $150. Too much money has gone towards this trip for me not to go.

When you invested money into something, you better fucking make sure it happens.

I must gather my resources, wits, tools, and wisdom together to make it out to AX. I either get to kill it at Anime Expo and achieve a milestone for my brand or die. Of course, there’s next year, but let’s say if I miss out on this year’s AX. I run the risk of losing opportunities this year I will never get next year. There’s an influential guest or person at this year’s AX I could have met who could help me get to the next level. He or she won’t be at any conventions again in their career. I missed out on that network. Death. Worse, I miss out on AX this year and a few weeks after the event, I die. Death.

Scary, huh?

Here’s something scarier: Allowing myself to be on Death Grounds is fun. It’s a lot of pressure, but it’s fun. I guess it’s my borderline masochist nature, but I find it motivating. Why? Because I want to see the end results of this 10 months of planning. . All my shit talking, planning, and performing massive action must pay off. I can’t fuck up now. In fact, there are no fuck ups allowed on death grounds.

Either you win or die.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on June 3, 2018

Nerd Culture 2

Are Nerds Trendsetters? (Freewrite)

Yuki’s Note: This is unorganized and I probably got a few things wrong about nerd culture in the mainstream. Whoops.

I love scrolling through my Facebook feed and seeing ads from companies such as Sugoi Shirts and Kaomoji. Seeing their flamboyant Japanese street fashion inspired clothing makes me smile at the expense of my wallet. But who cares as long as it could make me look good. I just wanna rock a fuckin’ shirt with an anime girl with a censor bar across her eyes in public! It just makes me feel good about myself and feeds my ever growing ego. But man, who would imagine vendors online selling stylish and fashionable weeaboo shirts on Facebook?

Nerds have come a long way since the darker days of our passion when we were shamed for simply enjoying our nerd culture. If I were to wear my weeaboo attire 20 years ago, people would mock me. Today? People (for the most part) tend to mind their business. Shit, just the other day, when I went to my local head shop the store clerk saw my shirt and we started talking about Fate series for a few minutes (he thought my sunglasses were something based off Fate). It was a lovely chat until he said that Rin was the worse girl in the Fate series and that Saber was the best.

I ain’t never going back to that headshop.

Anyway, you wanted to catch a superhero movie in full cosplay back in 1996 and you were over the age of 13? You got roasted! Now it’s the norm for people to cosplay as their favorite Marvel or DC superhero at opening night. If there was a nerd in a TV show, they were the laughing stock loser who never get the woman. They never got anywhere. But shows such as Silicon Valley has ended the stereotype that nerds are losers and that their hobbies won’t get them anywhere. I gotta say, this is the golden era of the nerd.

Everything that I’ve mentioned above now leads me to this question: Are nerds trendsetters?

The obvious question is yes, of course. In fact, I even answered the question my self. So leave my page. I want to say that, but I do enjoy going deeper with my theories and exploring them. We (well, I) have come up with the conclusion that nerds are trendsetters. But why? Why are us nerds trendsetters, and how can we take advantage of this before the inevitable nerd bubble breaks and we’re back to being shoved into lockers and having our lunch money stolen by the jocks (well, you weak nerds are getting shoved into the lockers, I’m knocking anyone out who tries to do that to me).

This is my theory:

People were tired of the old shit and wanted something new. Everyone and their moms love reality TV, watching sports, drinking at the local bar, what have you. Meanwhile, the nerds were in the background; creating and working on their passion. We spent our time inside, communicating with our peers, showcasing our talent online. As time went on and technology advance bringing the advent of social media people were started to take notice of the group they once shunned away: The Nerd.

Social media lead the way for nerds to showcase their creative talent (although we’ve been doing this shit years and years before that came along through online forums, blogs, etc.) As more people gain access to the internet, the more nerds were given exposure. Yes, there were TV channels such as the Sci-Fi Channel, Tech TV, and g4, but they were only viewed by their niche target market.

Now? Well, I mean they’re still being watched by their niche market, but the normies are getting into them as well. Oh and g4 is dead. So perhaps that doesn’t count. Shows that were once for nerds with cahs (meaning they could afford internet and cable packages) are available through streaming services such as Hulu, Crunchyroll, Netflix, etc.. The video game industry makes more than the movie industry. Anime is…catching up. It still has a some catching up to do, but with anime (slowly) creeping into the mainstream, I say it won’t be long until anime in the West is treated like film.

It’s funny to think about how nerds are shaping things up. We’re like rockstars (almost). Seriously. Go on YouTube right now and you see that some of the top YouTubers are people talking about video games or streaming themselves playing games. Two decades ago folks would scream at nerds that playing games isn’t a real career. Today? Playing video games and screaming at a game for hours on end is considered a real job. Of course, you have those normies who think that isn’t a real career, but they’re just mad that they’re slaving away at some corporate or labor gig they hate while the nerds they used to bully are making hunder of thousands of dollars playing video games.

So, to anwser my own question: Yes. Nerds are trendsetters.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on June 2, 2018

Freewriting 0

Playing The Long Game As A Nerd (Freewrite)

“You still watching Dragon Ball Z, nigga? Grow up!”
“Stop acting white! You’re too old to watch cartoons!”
“Go get some pussy and stop playing video games!”

Growing up as a (black) nerd in a backward ass Midwestern city was rough (in the early 2000s). Throughout middle and high school if you had nerdy interests, you were deemed a loser amongst your peers. Nobody (outside your fellow outcasted nerds) wanted to fuck with you. You were bullied, teased, and taunted for your nerdy passion. I too dealt with my fair share of bullshit from normies who didn’t have the balls to step out of their comfort zone; unlike us nerds who didn’t fuck with that fitting in shit.

I still remember how my normie peers would tell me how being a nerd was uncool and that I need to grow up. They claimed that video games and anime would never get me pussy, popularity, or money. Of course, they were wrong. Hell, even with my near grandiose levels of ego, I knew they were wrong. Mainly because I spent my free-time shit posting and trolling gaming and anime forums communicating with older nerds who went through the same shit I was going through back then. Many of them had wives, families, money, and status at their jobs. Some even talked about how they hooked up with an equally nerdy chick or a dude at comic and anime conventions.

I mean shit, I looked up to Bill Gates when I in middle and high school. Here was a nigga that was a total nerd in his school days. Was bullied for being a nerd, spent his weekends working on computers for 40 hours while everyone else was partying and doing stupid, unproductive shit. He played the long game with his brand and within a few decades, he became the richest men in the world.

So much for nerds being losers.

Reading about Bill Gates’s success (as well as the success of older nerds online) made me realize this at a young age: If I’m going to dedicate my life to being a nerd and building something for myself off it, then I better play the long game. I just knew deep down that nerd culture was going to be popular. I just had this gut feeling that nerds and geeks in America will stop being bullied. That we were going to be trendsetters. Game changers. The dominant culture in entertainment (The Big Bang Theory doesn’t fuckin’ count).

At the turn of this decade (the 2010s), my vision was coming true (for the nerd community). Blockbuster superhero movies were the norm. Video games were treated as a respectful, valued form of entertainment. Anime (and otaku culture) was accepted. Anime and video game clubs were poppin’ up in high schools across America. While nerds were still being bullied, it was happening far less often then decades past. Kids were free to wear their favorite anime or superhero shirt without fear of being teased or mock. Conventions were getting mainstream attention. Being a nerd was now consider cool.

Playing my first long game paid off.

Playing the long game with your passion isn’t easy. Do not think you won’t face difficulties as a player of the long game. You are fuckin’ stupid and clueless if you think there no errors or hardships with the long game. You will have people talk to out of your passion (as they do not see nor understand your vision). You will get called weird, mad, goofy, insane, whatever your hopeless, average, bottom feeders peers will throw up in your face. As a player of the long game, you need to block those people out. Cut them out of your lives even. Link up with other people who share your passion and understand that success takes years to achieve instead.

How do you play the long game as a nerd? Simple: Pick something you’re passionate about. You love vlogging about the latest episodes of mainstream anime? Good. Stick with it for a few years. Do you find joy in making others happy when you play video game music on your violin? Perfect. Keep it up for years and years on end. Don’t expect success to come overnight. If you do, quit right now. You ain’t cut out for the long game.

To those still bitter about the past and how nerd culture is now popular: Good. Stay mad. I need bitter ass suckers like you so I don’t have to worry about fighting other nerds to get that number one spot and dominate and intimidate everyone in the culture one day. Keep being miserable.

For the normies who made fun of nerds and are only on the nerd train cuz it’s popular: Thanks for being suckers! I look forward to making money and build my brand off yall niggas.

For the rest of us nerds who are taking advantage of this trend: Play hard. Work hard. Success is ours for the taking.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on May 25, 2018

poems 2

Race and Crash (Original Poem)

Racetrack.
Hot, black asphalt.
Snaking around the course.
Racers gather ‘round, bumper-to-bumper.
Each wishes to dominate over their competitors.
We rev our engines, our cars roaring with intimidation.
We wait without patience,
As the starting lights sang,
That familiar tune.

Ding. Ding. Ding. DING!
Lap one.

The race begins.
Start slow.
No need to rush just yet.
Let the losers fight for first.
Then push for it when they’re tired.
A sudden left.
Tricky corner.
Wrap my car around it with ease
Such mastery and grace.
Zip ahead the slow racers.
Who never master that turn.
8th, 7th, 6th, 5th,4th they’re too slow.
3rd, 2nd, and 1st,
Take their place.
And now I, The Champion
Won first.

End lap one.
Lap Two.

The losers want my top position
I peep into my rearview
Rookie idiot crashed
Trying to take my place
I laughed, you thought you could win.
Low class.
Another loser comes close.
I’ll be nice.
Have first place.
You look so happy.
Hope you win.
Go for it, you can do it!
Actually.
Changed my mind,
I zipped past that loser
With a smirk
Finish line draw nears,
And I remind in first place.

End Lap two.
Final Lap.

Victory draws near.
Defend my rightful first place.
Against men desperate to win
This crazy race.
No more playing hit the gas.
If you’re not first you’re last.
Some loser comes near.
Too near.
Adrenaline rush.
It’s so much.
How you got so close?
No worries.
I turn my head back to taunt
“You’ll never win!”
I laughed.
When I win, I’m gonna flaunt

Or not. Shit, that’s a wall, isn’t it?

CRASH
And then I lost the race.
That “loser” became the best.
There goes being at the top.
In victory, know when to stop.

AFTERWORD:

In the original draft of this poem, this was going to speak about overthinking and a racing mind (thus the racing symbolism) but that shit was falling apart so I decided to go a simple route and talk about how being overconfident and cocky can lead to one’s downfall.

Plus, I was blasting some F-Zero music so there’s that.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on April 16, 2018

Freewriting 0

Playing the Long Game (Freewrite)

Recently, my friend came back to town for the Easter holiday weekend. I haven’t seen him in over a year, so naturally, I had to hit my boy up and see how he’s doing. After work decided to pay him a visit to see how he was doing. As I arrived at his parents’ house (where he was staying), I saw playing chess against our homegirl. I’ve always been interested in playing chess, but I was unaware of anyone (in my circle) who played it (until recently). Wanting to feed my curiosity on the game, I ask to play the winner (our homegirl).

My homegirl, knowing that I’m new to the game, gave me the rundown on it. She described how each piece has their own movements, attacks, and the best way to make moves with the pieces. Finally, she ended with the most important detail of chess: planning ahead for the long game. In short, she taught me how chess is about making strategies in your head often; being aware of the risks and rewards that lie beyond.

During her explanation, I realized how chess is like planning my next moves (in terms of brand building, vlogging, blogging, etc.) and looking beyond the moment. You don’t simply move without logic. You must not only plan all the way to the end but adapt to changes as well.

Chess is a game of patience and long-term planning – similar to brand building.

When building your brand, business, etc., you need to plan things out. If you don’t, you will be overwhelmed with stress and problems. Planning for the long game takes time, thoughts, energy, and effort. You must craft a plan for each project – for each move. There are no excuses.

Say my first move is to write a review on Kokkou. My plan is to make time to watch 12, 23 minutes of the series (6 hours or so) once without taking notes. My second move will be to watch it again while writing notes on character devolvement, scriptwriting, animation, etc. Following that, I’ll take out the details in my writing that aren’t important, logically, etc. Once those are tackled, I start writing the first three drafts of my review until I hit my final draft. During this time, I make a schedule for this writing project with a deadline. This way, my review for the anime comes out in time while it’s still fresh in the fans mind.

My long game plan on writing anime reviews or analysis also includes my regular 9-to-5 schedule/plans. Let’s say I have to go in to work at 11. The night before, I take about one hour (10PM-11PM) to add content to my review before I go to sleep for about 6 hours (11PM-5AM). From 5AM-7AM, I just continue to write from where I left off the night before. From 7AM-7:45AM, I prep and eat a protein heavy breakfast. After that, I take a shower and once I’m done with that, it’s back to writing until I have to leave to work (I’m in my work clothes by then so there’s no delay or making myself late for work as I’m working on a project).

Repeat until success.

To conclude, you gotta plan for the long game with your projects. It will help you out. You need to set up your plan with logic, and not be ruled by your heart. Attacking a project without a plan will destroy you. It is foolish not to plan things you.

(Note: I have yet to watch Kokkou. Do not wait for me for a review for it.)

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on April 14, 2018

Raw and Unedited 2

Closing My Eyes Until I’m 29 (Freewrite)

(WARNING: The following post contains my raw, unedited thoughts. Therefore, you may encounter spelling and grammar errors. Plus, I don’t feel like editing a free foam writing post).

The past month or so has been chaotic for my creative pride. With being active in writing, getting my side hustle off the ground, and planning out content for my YouTube channel, my ego has gone into overdrive. I’ve grown arrogant, snapping on people who judge my passion on different Facebook group. When I see people judge my shit, my thoughts go ‘I don’t see you putting your works out for the public to see’ and ‘When was the last time you created something?’. I’m finding myself upset that some people (who are my friends) won’t support me, but they support a stranger (in our niche). I normally turn to a business and branding group I’m a member of for support, but despite their helpful posts, it doesn’t help for long.

In short, I’m feeling impatience about my journey (and a bit of jealousy towards others who’re doing better than me, sadly).

I turned to YouTube to see if I can find any branding influencer I follow for help. I came across Gary Vaynerchuk’s channel in my subscription. He has awesome materials for dealing with impatience, so I started to scroll through his channel until I saw a certain video:

(If you don’t have time to watch the video above, here are some quick notes:

1. Drown out the noise around you and just focus on you until you hit 29 (or 39, 49, etc.).
2. Impatience kills creativity.
3. Everyone who’s in their 20s with “success” hasn’t’ truly hit success in the grand scheme of things.)

I needed this. I needed somebody to tell me that the feeling of impatience and wanting success badly are normal feelings. Ever since I started to study about the moves I need to make, self-education, and working on me (for a better future), I have just been impatient and angry. Impatient because I feel that I’m pouring my heart into my passion and not getting the results I want. Angry because I wish I would have the materials and tools (that I’ve discovered at age 27-28) when I was still in high school. If I had those tools back then, perhaps I would be in a better place right now.

Then again, there’s a saying: Better late than never. Am I mad at myself that I started out late? Yes. Am I happy I started at 28? Yes. I’ve accepted the fact that I’m a late bloomer and everything lmfao. In any case, I need to close my eyes until I’m 29 (three weeks from now). I figure if I limit my time on social media (only using it for networking and brand building), my mental state will improve. I won’t be as impatient, and I stop comparing myself to others. Drown out the noise as Gary Vee suggested in the video.

It won’t happen overnight (like success), but it’s a start. So I’m closing my eyes until I’m 29.

AFTERWORD:

Sorry for the whinny ass post lmfao. I just needed to get this off my chest do something productive with how I feeling rather than holding it in. I promise I’ll post the weeaboo shit soon.

Art source:
https://www.pixiv.net/member_illust.php?mode=medium&illust_id=8390979

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on April 13, 2018

Doki Doki Literature Club 0

My Favorite Things (Fan Poem)

*My Favorite Things*

Today I want to share a few of my favorite things.
I must warn you, I am enthusiastic about my loves.
An overt fanatic even.

What are my favorite things you may ask?

Well, I am infatuated with books.
The epic tales of brave, flamboyant heroes overcoming impossible odds.
Unexplainable horrors of the unknown violating your psyche.
Immense, multiple worlds anyone can journey through.
I don’t think about the tales I emerged myself in too much.
I just let the tales lead me.
Characters exhibiting their own unique personality
Mirroring the characters of our own world.
I love to sink into them naturally – exploring the world the author invited me to.

That’s why books are just a few of my favorite things.

Are you still curious about my loves? My favorite things?
Good.
I feel comfortable with me telling you about them.
Don’t worry; my loves aren’t too outlandish, hopefully.

What else do I love?
I adore tea.
Black. Green. Herbal.
An abundance of selections for your needs.
Need relaxation? Chamomile.
Want an energy boost? Eary Gray.
Tea for all occasions, for all needs.

That’s why I love tea.

May I tell you one more thing I love?
Oh, but if I do tell, it might drive you away
Scare you even.
But I can’t contain myself – I must tell you!

I love knives.

The alluring danger from their unforgiving sharp edge.
The beauty of the silver blade, irresistible.
I want to resist the urge of touching my skin with them.
But I can’t!
My heart’s beat assaults my chest, my slow breath deepens the blade kisses my skin.
Fresh cuts joining scars from kisses long since passed.
Blood dip, sliding along my skin.
I fill the silence of my room with a blissful, perverted sigh.

Oh! I’m sorry. Was that too much for you?
Perhaps one of my loves was too intense for you after all.
I hope you don’t find me strange or obsessive towards my loves.
I just wanted to share with you
Just a few of my favorite things with you…

AFTERWORD:
Free form poetry isn’t hard. What’s hard is writing that shit for a character you only have a few things in common with. Might do poems focused on Monika and Sayori next I dunno.

Also, i can’t believe I originally played DDLC to make fun of the fans and the game but it inspired me to get back into writing poems lmfao

Art source:

소심하고 비밀스러운 부원의 나이프 컬렉션#DokiDokiLiteratureClub pic.twitter.com/VVUzerkOnq

— まきあっと@ティアE29b (@MacciattoS2) January 10, 2018

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on April 12, 2018

Uncategorized 0

I Wish I Knew How to Draw (Freewrite)

Monika’s desires in Doki Doki Literature Club are clearly rooted in jealousy. She is merely a (self-aware) spectator who watches her (scripted) friends fall in love and live a normal school life. Meanwhile, she cannot do anything, as she knows her role as a program. Despite such a situation, she falls in love with the main character (more so the player) but knows she could never get with them. Therefore, she plots against her friends – murdering them one by one – in order to trap the hero and force them to love her.

As I play DDLC and see Monika’s growth as a jealous villain, I’m reminded of another character that was driven by jealousy and love: Kain of Final Fantasy 4. Like Monika, Kain grew jealous of his friend (Cecil) over the fact that Cecil was in a relationship with the heroine, Rosa. Kain was in (unrequited) love with her. Kain grew hatred towards Cecil; plotting to kill him to get with Rosa. Kain failed, however (as his emotions were manipulative by the game’s villain).

FINAL_FANTASY_IV_Artwork_5 — Kain Simpwind

“Monika is like Kain. Fuck I wish I knew how to draw.” I told myself as I reached Monika’s villain reveal in DDLC. As she explains her reasoning behind her action, I started to imagine if I had visual artistic talents how I would draw Monika as Kain. Have her in Kain’s Draagoon armor and her holding a lance (with the tip coated in green to symbolize her jealous nature).

Monika Highwind. I think that could work.

For years, I had this wish that I could draw. I used to be envious of my friends who could draw. Our friends would surround the artist of the group as they reveal their last work. I played the violin, but you couldn’t just whip out a violin in the middle of class and play it. So I wasn’t able to showcase my talents. I tried my hand at drawing and even asking my artistic “friend” for help. He just laughed and told me I’d never become a great artist. Sadly,I took that to heart and quit drawing ever since (gotta love toxic friends).

As the years gone by, I regretted not sticking with improving my visual art skills. Yea, I would have suck back in 2004, but in 2018? Perhaps I could done something fantastic with my skills. Right now, I’m kicking myself for listening to said “friend”. For those who don’t know, I’m working on re-hacking a Fire Emblem 4 romhack that uses Touhou characters.

As I’m testing the hack, I’m having visions of the action in-game. I want to draw these visions. Visions of Reimu and Sigurd having a friendly chat. Marisa crying as Alice is struck down dead. Kaguya and Mokou attempting to kill each other with their respective Holy Weapons. Plus, it’ll make for great promotion for the romhack.

If there is something you’ve been wishing you could be doing, don’t delay. Get on that shit today. Don’t let others discourage you from taking action. If you ask your talented friend for advice and they just belittle you, end that friendship right then and there. They mean you no good and they do not wish for your success at all.

Just things I wish I would have known when I was younger.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on April 11, 2018

Anime community 5

Post-Con Blues: I Don’t Get It (Litterally and Figuratively)

In my eight years of traveling to conventions and browsing through convention social media pages/groups, there is one ailment that tends to impact many an otaku: Post-Con Blues. Post-Con Blues is the feeling of depression and sadness at the end of a convention. Many will have to wait a year or so to see their cosplaying friends and weird ass costumed brethren, dealing with the “normies” of the real world. I’m going to be real: I do not get this post-con blues thing. It sounds goofy to me. Ever since my first convention (Anime St. Louis 2010) I never felt this feeling of sadness. Did it suck that I had to return to the real world after my first convention? Kinda.

1446435879-e8376cec408c8da4442102bcc470c290 — A Sayaka cosplayer crying in her hotel room while her Madoka cosplaying friend awkwardly looks on.

I say kinda only because I figured years ago if I go back to work, spend and save my money wisely, I could continue and traveling to conventions and write about my experience on them (althrough seven years later after my first convention but whatever, I’m lazy). Going to conventions weekend after weekend would burn me out and destroy my bank account. Seeing the same people and cosplays would bore me quick.

Another counter messaurement I have for post-con blues is my hobbies outside of anime. I love reading books (business, self-help/education, money, etc.) – so I focus my attention on those things. I kick it with my friends when we’re free. Watching anime helps as well…when I have the time (being an adult working 60 hours a week is brutal).

Something to help keep my mind off cons for a bit.

If I do get upset after a convention, it’s more so I’m leaving a more cultured city and returning to the hellhole that is Saint Louis, lmfao. I remember being treated with so much love at Atlanta when my crew went to Anime Weekend Atlanta back in 2014. People were friendly, polite, helpful, and not on some bullshit back in St. Louis. I love St. Louis, but we are fucking backwards. We are too slow to catch trends and by the time we do get trends, it’s too late. I’m not saying Atlanta is perfect, but when you know your city barely has any culture and you go to a city full of it, it changes your mind about your hometown.

Now, my next statement will be harsh. Cruel even. But you guys know me – I don’t care for the feelings of others (for the most part). I personally (again, I) think if you have post-con blues, that simply means you have no life outside of your anime hobbies. Sorry, but that’s how I feel. If your life revolves around whacky ass Japanese cartoons (and you’re not making money or major moves off it), you live a sad life. If you use conventions to escape your problems rather than reward yourself for solving them (that you can control mind you), you’re an idiot.

To conclude this short little essay or freewrite or whatever, I don’t’ get post con blues. Never have and never will. I feel that I have means to avoid that shit and do better myself, but that’s just me. If you have post con blues, then do something about it rather than whine about it.

Peace.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on April 3, 2018

Testposts for Shitposts 0

Testpost for a Shitpost

Testing something out ingore this.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on February 28, 2018

Dragon Ball Super 0

Toppo: Pride Trooper of Destruction

As the Tournament of Power reaches its conclusion, I am constantly reminded of Dragon Ball Super’s 7^th ending theme: An Evil Angel and Righteous Devil. Towards the end of it, there’s a line that goes “Justice and evil both carry the same gun”. I couldn’t help but think about the song when Toppo tells Frieza that “Justice…is worthless now” during their battle and Toppo’s resolve (to become a God of Destruction and forego his morals). The theme of justice is played with Toppo throughout the Universe Survival Arc. Toppo is a proud warrior of justice; leading his Pride Troopers to battle after battle in the name of all that is righteous.

From analyzing Toppo’s personality, he holds justice, morals, and honor with the utmost respect. He fights fairs: preferring honest play over cheap tactics. This is shown when Toppo snapped on Android 17 for attacking the Kamikaze Fireball (during their transformation). He questioned the motives of the Tournament, The Grand Priest, and Zeno-Sama. Toppo doesn’t feel right about fighting in a tournament designed to wipe out multiple universes; a tournament in which countless lives will end upon each universe’s erasure.

Toppo and his Pride Troopers initially entered the tournament to punish those who they deemed “evil”. While survival was ideal, targeting evil doers were their prime goal. However in episode 104 of Super, Toppo started to change his mind. With seven of his men gone and his universe at risk of deletion, Toppo decides that the Pride Troopers must kill their ideologies of justice and ethics in order to live.

There’s no place for justice and heroism in a war of survival.

Towards the end of the tournament, Toppo is struggling against Andoird 17. After analyzing 17’s combat style (and discovering 17 has infinite energy), Toppo decides to end his battle with 17 with one blow. However, he fails and is forced into a beam struggle with the Universe 7 warrior. During the struggle, Frieza attacks Toppo from behind. Frieza taunts Toppo while blasting him with Death Beams. Bored with Toppo, Frieza attempts to blast Toppo off the battlefield; enveloping him with overwhelming energy.

Despite the struggle, Toppo survives but is heavily wounded.

Frieza taunts Toppo once more. He mocks the man, calling him trash. He then points out how shameful it must be for Toppo to have his prized uniform of justice in shreds. It’s here where Toppo snaps. Coldly, Toppo replies that justice is worthless. After seeing his men fall and the destruction of six universes before him, Toppo comes to a resolution. Justice is worthless. It has no use on the battlefield. Justice doesn’t translate to survival.

In order to survive, Toppo gives up on justice. This same man who praised it with pride now sees it as a waste. A liability even. Toppo decides to ascend to godhood: A God of Destruction. Destruction – like war – is neutral. It doesn’t care about silly ideas like good or evil, justice or injustice. All it cares for is annihilation and death.

What good are both justice and playing hero if both things never ensure survival?

‘There’s only one difference between heroes and madmen: It’s whether they win or lose.’

-Lambdadelta, Umineko no Naku Koro ni

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By Yuki The Snowman Posted on January 29, 2018

Dragon Ball Super 0

Jiren’s Respect

“Respect is earned, not given” is a controversial statement. Some believe that respect should be given to all – regardless of who they are or what they have accomplished. Others think that respect should only be earned through hard work, talent, skills, etc. In high levels of competition, respect is earned only if one is impressed by the superior flair of another person (most of the time). In the Tournament of Power, we see Jiren giving his respect towards both Goku and Vegeta: calling both men warriors. Jiren doesn’t use this term lightly, nor does he use it freely.

For Jiren, calling you a warrior is his sign of respect and admiration.

In Episode 122, as Jiren squares off against Goku, the two engage in conversation. Jiren asks Goku why does he seek to become stronger. Goku simply replies that he doesn’t know why; he just wants to. Following, Goku asks Jiren if he too wants to be stronger. Jiren states that what he wants is beyond mere, selfish thought of strength. This is a change from how Jiren initially viewed Goku (from their first fight). At first, it appears Jiren had no respect for Goku. But, after proving his worth against Jiren, we can assume that he’s a little curious about Goku’s strength and goals. It should be noted that Jiren calls Goku by his name: “Son Goku”, rather than a title like “Saiyan” or “Assassin” (as he did with Hit during his battle against him).

With this, it’s safe to say that Jiren respects Goku.

In Vegeta’s case, Jiren gives him the title of “Warrior”. As Belmod and Khai both stated, Jiren calling Vegeta “warrior” is his sign of respect Now, originally Jiren viewed Vegeta as arrogant. He even dismisses his brash fighting style as too prideful – taunting his Saiyan heritage in a sense. When Vegeta was able to hold his own against Jiren, that’s when Jiren was able to show his respect towards the Saiyan Prince.

Jiren’s respect doesn’t end there.

When Goku fought Jiren in Ep. 123, Goku overwhelmed Jiren. Not by brute strength, but by tactics and strategy. Using a combination of teleportation, Ki landmines, and Destructo Discs (or Kienzans for you purist weebs), Goku was able to knock Jiren out of the ring. This forced Jiren to use a hint of his true power to recover and combat against Goku. In turn, Goku tapped into his reserves; going Super Saiyan Blue with Kaikoen x20 stacked. Vegeta tapped into his hidden power, breaking his shell and limits. The fact both Goku and Vegeta drew out power beyond their limits could suggest that Jiren want to see both warrior’s true power in combat.

Jiren sees them as truly worthy warriors. Goku and Vegeta have earned Jiren’s respect.

Jiren using a hint of his true power against Goku

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on January 17, 2018

Katawa Shoujo 0

A Bitter-Sweet Hustle: Katawa Shoujo

2017 marked the 5^th anniversary of the Western visual novel “Katawa Shoujo”, produced by 4 Leaf Studios (4LS). The game (set in a boarding school for disabled students) touched countless lives and inspired many to better themselves. Except me; I’m still on some asshole shit even after finishing the game years back, but whatever. In the summer of 2012, 4LS ran a Kickstarter for their official Katawa Shoujo artbook titled Tomorrow Today: A Katawa Shoujo Illustration Book for the Anime Convention “Anime Expo”. 4LS requested backers for the book with rewards such as receiving a copy of the artbook and button set from the game.

20171219_113235[1] — My copy of Tomorrow Today before I sold it.

As both fan and future hustler, I saw the chance to support the project. I love the work 4LS put into Katawa Shoujo. Plus, I never owned a video game artbook before. I went ahead and donated a dub for an ero video game artbook where you have sexual relations with physically and mentally fucked up girls (Hanako, Rin, and Emi got some fucking issues). 23 year-old me was like “Bruh, this gonna be worth some money one day. Buy that shit and save it.” So I did. Back the Kickstarter and a few weeks later, the artbook arrived. I was impressed by the quality of the production (and the beautiful art) – and I was seeking the money.

20171219_113453[1].jpg — Hanako “Bacon” Ikezawa

After consuming the art in the book a few times, I put it aside in my closet in a box and let it sit for five years. 2017 came along. I decided that I should start to work on my dreams of increasing my income and use the extra income towards my goal of producing infinite cash flow. Around this time, Doki Doki Literature Club (DDLC) came out on Steam. Weeaboos were once again celebrating a feels-like Western visual novel masterpiece. Some bold stated that DDLC was the second coming of Katawa Shoujo and many agreed. WIth Wester Visual novels making a come back an idea popped in my head.

“I should take advantage of the success of another popular Western visual novel like DDLC and flip that Katawa Shoujo artbook.”

‘While we out here, say the Hustler’s Prayer
If the game shakes me or breaks me
I hope it makes me a better man, take a better stand.’

-Sky’s the Limit by Biggie Small

20171219_113748[1].jpg — Shizune and her creepy lesbian or possibly bi friend, Misha.

With Doki Doki Literature Club’s release and people comparing it to Katawa Shoujo, I saw my chance. I made a listing for the book and put in on the market. Within seconds, my friend hit me up asking if she could buy it off me. Within seconds, we made a deal for the book: $40 – twice as much as I back the Kickstarter (yeah there’s that five years’ worth of price inflation and all that fun shit but whatever I don’t feel like doing inflation math). That was about a week ago. Today, as I’m waiting for my friend to come through and pick up the book, I started to reflect on Katawa Shoujo, the art book, and how bittersweet this sale is.

From my own estimation, there are only maybe 1,000 of Tomorrow Today in existence. I am doubtful that the other owners of this book are willing to part with it (that or they’re smarter than me and waiting for the value to increase as the years pass by). The chances of me encountering the book on eBay are rare (a copy was on auction on eBay last weekend and I almost won it…but I was signed out of my ebay account five seconds before I was going to snipe it for $48) 4LS stated that they will never touch Katawa Shoujo again, nor will they expand on the game. The story of KS began and ended in 2012 – never to be retold again.

Katawa Shoujo changed me. No, fictional crippled animu girls didn’t make me a better person. I cracked jokes at Hanako’s pain (because she’s not a real person). I made fun of people who cried over this game. I sneered at anyone who got overly emotional about Rin. I told fans who called Emi a slut for having a boyfriend and sex drive that “They’re just mad because no woman will ever fuck them in their lifetime.” I got myself banned from the Katawa Shoujo forums for trolling, shitposting and overall keeping it real. Yea, Katawa Shoujo didn’t make me a better person within the fanbase, online, or in real life.

Them five years ago: “You’ll never contribute to anything.” Me five years later: Working on my hustle and brand based off my internet tough guy persona. Remember kids: Chess, not checkers.

What Katawa Shoujo changed within me however was my creativity. From playing Katawa Shoujo, it hit me: If these random dudes online can get together and make their own shit for the world to see, then so can I. In fact, I can do it better than them because there’s nobody better than me. Like I’m on some Vegeta from Dragon Ball or Lute from Fire Emblem 8 type shit. Egocenteric pride aside, KS fuel some sort of creative fire in me and got me focusing on my craft. I want to create something that has the same emotional appeal as it. I long to create a visual novel that was consider a milestone of Wetern visual novels. That or just write about otaku culture in a crude, spiteful matter.

Have my name in Western otaku history, you know? No, global Otaku history.

Katawa Shoujo touched many people. Katawa Shoujo inspired those who played it. I was inspired to sell my Tommorrow Today book for $40 to fund my hustle. But, it’s bitter-sweet. One part of me wishes that there was a follow up to Katawa Shoujo, but I understand why there will never be one. And that’s okay. Parting with the artbook feels like I’ve finally parted away from Katawa Shoujo for good. It’s been five years, it’s time for me to move on. I best use the $40 to wipe the tears away.

Money makes great tears wipers.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on December 23, 2017

Dragon Ball Super 0

The Emotional Brilliance of Dragon Ball Super Ep. 118

The word “tragedy” for the episode title of DBS Ep. 118 is fitting. Beerus losing his twin brother, Champa. Universe 2 was destroyed e despite their cheer and support for their team. Piccolo had to defeat warriors of his own race to survive. Valdos was in grief as she saw her hand pick warriors and good friend Champa disappear from existence. And finally, Vegeta’s anger as he saw once again, his proud warrior race destroyed.

This was truly tragic. Hiroshi Yamaguchi’s genius writing of Episode 118 should be celebrated and analyze. He graced Super with such emotions that haven’t been felt since the Future Trunks arc. It must be brought up! Since I love me some good writing, I decided to break down why this episode is so brilliant. Let’s go!

PART 1: The Beautiful Power of Love

‘Without love, it cannot be seen.’
-Ange Ushiromiya, Umineko no Naku Koro ni

Episode 118 opens up with the revelation that Team Universe 2 was broadcasting the tournament to their citizens. The people watched in despair as Ribbranne admits she – and the rest of the Kamikaze Fireballs – were defeated. She begs her beloved fans to cheer on the final three warriors with their supportive love. As requested, they start to cheer and send love. The power of their love empowers Zaolin, Zarbuto, and Rabna and pushed them to defeat Universe 7. They mentioned that the weight of Universe 2’s love is a heavy burden, but they must bear it to save their universe. This shows us that Team Universe 2 is loved by this fans. This can be proven not just story-line alone, but visually as well (as many of their fans were wearing t-shirts with members of Team Universe 2 printed on them)

With this power of love, Team Universe 2 takes charge towards Team Universe 7.

Time passes and Universe 2 is struggling. During their last stand, Zaolin, Zabun, and Rabunra summons a black heart of love. I love the symbolism used in this seen. Obviously, the heart is the symbol of love, but one should note the color of the heart: Black. Going by color theory, the color black is used as a symbol of death. If an Universe loses in this tournament, they’re erased.

Being erased means death.

Universe 2 explains how the Black Heart entraps its victims with it crushing, unbearable weight. The weight of the hearts forces itself to sink to the ground. We can take two things from this. One: the weight of this heart is the burden that Team Universe 2 must carry to protect the people they love. It represents the trust, faith, and love of the people has towards them.

Two: The sinking is symbolism of Universe 2’s defeat and death – not the defeat of Team Universe 7. You see, Goku is a simple man. While he (barely) understands the power of love, he prefers guts and spirit over it. He’s not going to let love bring him down. And so, Goku overcomes the burden of Universe 2 with a Super Saiyan Blue Kaioken Kamehameha. The Kamehameha breaks overpowers Team Universe 2, knocking them out of the ring.

Universe 2 is defeated – and destroyed.

‘It’s so beautiful. The moment before imminent destruction.’
–Sailor Saturn, Sailor Moon Infinity

Universe 2 has fallen. Yet, despite destruction approaching, they accept their fate with grace. The Universe 2’s citizen still happy and celebrating their warriors. The Kamikaze Fireballs perform one final formation; thanking their fans for their loving support. Then, we have Kakunsa’s final line:

It’s like the real world: When a love one dies, it is just their body that is dead. The precious memories, love, spirit, support, and bonds, they are still alive in the hearts of the people they touched.

Those feelings will never die.

Universe 2 kept their pride, spirit and love to the bitter end. They refused to wallow in grief. Instead, they chose to show love. They reminded true to themselves, touching the hearts of those they impacted. A sad approaching event turned into short lived happiness and grace.

PART 2: The Emotional Connection of Universes 6 and 7

While the destruction of Universe 2 is depressing, the true tragedy lies in the destruction of Universe 6: Universe 7’s twin universe. Bear in mind that members of Universe 7 have personal connections with Universe 6 (Goku and Hit having respect towards one another, Vegeta as Cabba’s mentor, etc.). In the real world, fans have grown to know and love Universe 6 since their introduction during the Unvierse 6 vs. 7 Tournament arc. Seeing Unvierse 6 being destroyed was a heavy toll for the fans.

After Universe 2 charges at Goku and Andorids 17 and 18, there is a scene where Champa is mocking Universe 7 (as Goku is struggling to fight against Universe 2) Valdos chime in to remind him that Universe 6 is at near defeat and follow up with her usual jests and jabs.But More on that later. Let’s focus on Piccolo first.

Piccolo (along with his son Gohan) are struggling against the Universe 6 Nakemians.
Gohan and Piccolo’s victory over the Nakemians means that Piccolo will, by proxy, wipe out his own people. Nakemians from another universe, but they’re still Nakemians. Back in DBZ, Piccolo had to liberate his people who were suffering under Frieza’s rule. For Piccolo to have to wipe out his own race is a heavy burden – but it’s either his universe or theirs.

The Universe 6 Nakemians go on the offensive against Gohan and Piccolo. The father/son duo is overpowered, with Gohan jumping in to protect his mentor and father figure. . Piccolo asks for Gohan’s forgiveness (as he let the fear of the Nakemians’ overwhelming power get to his head). This mirrors Dragon Ball Z when Piccolo had to risk his life to save Gohan’s. To see Gohan protecting Piccolo can be consider full circle in this sense. The two regain their composure fire back at the enemy.

Gohan, along with his (real) father Goku, both charge up their respective Kamehamehas against their enemies in unison. Both engage in a beam/energy struggle against Universe 2 and 6. Gohan is grabbed by Pirana in a failed attempt to stop and attack Gohan. Piccolo backs Gohan up with a Special Beam Cannon, stopping them. At the climax of the distinct Father-Son Kamehameha, Gohan and Goku overpower their enemies at the same time.

Universes 2 and 6 have dropped out.

The defeat of Universe 6 is a victory for Universe 7, but it’s not something to be celebrated. As I mentioned earlier, Universe 6 and 7 are twin universes. Members of Universe 7 (such as Goku and Vegeta) formed personal relationships and bonds with members of Universe 6. Goku lost Caulifia – a girl he promised he would train and mentor. You can even say that Caulifia looked up to Goku as an older brother. Piccolo defeating Universe 6 means that he – by proxy – helped wiped out members of his own race. Vegeta was promised by Cabba that he’ll give him a tour of Planet Salada to see the Saiyans of that race. Vegeta was longing to visit the King of the Saiyans of that race; since Vegeta himself is of royal blood. Vegeta will never have get that chance (assuming he does not win the chance to use the Super Dragon Balls).

What make this disheartening and tragic for Vegeta is that this man just witnessed the total destruction of his people once again. Vegeta grew up experiencing the Saiyans of Universe 7 suffering and dying under Frieza’s rule. To find out there were full-blooded Saiyans still existing in other universes made him happy. Now, they’re gone.

He isn’t happy.

Then there’s the tragedy of Beerus and Champa. Yes, the twins did fought and get into arguments, but they’re brothers; that’s natural. While they didn’t show it, you can tell they still loved each other. Even if Champa was being goofy towards Beerus at the bitter end, he still loved him. Even if Beerus was stoic about his brother’s death, you can’t say he wasn’t hurting inside. Beerus want to show it, but he has to keep it together for his team’s sake.

And that’s hard.

‘I was always thinking of you.
The reality that squeezes my heart
I was always longing to see you
And I’ll continue to forge ahead with that memory’
–70cm Squared Window by Rottengraffy (DBS ED 10)

The destruction of Universe 6 reminds me of two lines from the full version of Dragon Ball Super ED 7 “An Evil Angel and Righteous Devil”. The first: “Either destroy yourself or destroy everyone else.” Piccolo had to destroy Pirana and Saoneru. Gohan, a man who finds no joy in being maliece and hurting/killing others, had to help Piccolo do it. It was either their universe losing, or defeat Universe 6.

The second line reads “Winning or losing doesn’t benefit anyone – Everyone is simply hurt, crying at the end.” I’m reminded of this line by Valdo’s grief of losing Champa. Yes, she did make jabs and jokes at him. Yes, she did call him out on his bullshit at times. But she did care about him. She did enjoy his presence…even if she made fat jokes towards him from time to time.

It’s safe to say that those two were good friends, maybe even best friends.

This is Dragon Ball and no good popular character stay dead or erased forever. There’s the chance that somebody will use the Super Dragon Ball to bring everyone back to life and everything. I just wish with the emotional driven episode we got with Hiroshi Yamaguchi’s writing that this arc could had been a series finale arc. Perhaps Toei should had introduce this tournament arc after there was an arc were we got to know all the universes in this tournament a little better.

Just to have that stinging pain of losing them in the Tournament of Power/Unvierse Surivivial arc. Even people who hated Universe 2 (myself included) were upset and sadden by their deaths. They went out carefree and happy. They stay true themselves and rather than cry and complain about hteir last moments of life, The Kamikaze Fireballs and Hellios decided to just be graceful and be themselves.

That in itself, is tragic.

That’s the emotional brilliance of Episode 118. This is why many of us are consider this as the best wrirrten episode of the tournament so far. It reminded us how the emotional power of Dragon Ball in general. Dragon Ball is a simple Shouen action battle anime series that’s more logical than emotional. But there are times were the emotions do reveal themselves and they hit hard when they’re showcased. I hope Hiroshi Yamaguchi returns to Super to write yet another emotional episode. His writing surprising works for Dragon Ball Super.

He deserves so much respect for this episode.

By Yuki The Snowman Posted on December 6, 2017