The first comic: #788 Bleach
Stakes are raised, we actually see more of the shinigami world and taking it out of the immediate surroundings. It's what I've been waiting for for a while - hoping to see more of the bigger world. Looking forward to see that continue.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Further in, the story feels like it's starting to kick off. Ichigo's main goal is clear, more people are being involved in hollow hunting.
I'm a tenth of the way through the goal Peter set. I'll see how it goes.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Just realised something: first episode, family dies, high stakes. Second, oh, they are suddenly alive. Cop out because they liked writing for them?
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Two volumes on, thanks to a start on my commute, Kurosaki-san is learning what it means to be a shinigami.
With this being the first comic, there isn't much to compare against (although I've read some, so I feel I can make some judgements). The story is appealing so far. Even a few volumes in, it feels like the story is only barely starting, not going anywhere yet. Compelling, but slow. Tomorrow has more time though, that should help.
One other thing that stands out is how Japanese it is. Yeah, it's manga and it's set there, but the translation clearly goes for it and assumes you know quite a bit already. Interesting to experience now, at least.
The first comic: #788 Bleach
Started on the first volume - something to do while my laptop was becoming responsive. Chosen based on Peter's recommendation - he has read it, said I should as the first manga, so here we are. It'll take a while. Strong start though, became quite compelling early on with an intriguing world that so far has only really been hinted at. Lots of spirits around.
On a reading front, I had to train myself to read it the proper way - right-to-left. The first few pages were more difficult to comprehend without that realisation.
More later, I hope!
Coming up:
Brief comments only as I get them in. Considering others if I'm up for it. It's not full Before I Kick material, but seeing what I get to.
Simple blog, quick posts. While Pong and Beyond is a lot of fun, I've got some vague ideas for projects where I don't necessarily want to write much - just leave a comment with some notes and some evidence that I've done them.
The six hundred and seventy-third album: #673 Pet Shop Boys - Behaviour
While I've obviously enjoyed the Pet Shop Boys' synth pop output, Behaviour feels more melancholic than I usually get from them. While the dance pop feeling is there, it's slower and more thoughtful, lyrically engaging in a way I wouldn't normally expect from them. There's meaning in their lyrics otherwise, but here it takes thaat on far more than when they write more upbeat dance tracks. It works, though, the introspective nature creating that much more introspection.
The sixth classical recording: #5 Guillaume Dufay - Motets
These motets sound simpler than works we've heard before, but works quite well in context. The simpler melodies are effective. The music is calming, letting you drift away on the music.