[ Bleach, FFXII, Higurashi, One Piece ]
SHARING TIME:
I had brief thoughts that, "Oh, I should at least read a little more fic today...." but then I thought, eh, might as well keep with the doujinshi as long as I'm really in the mood for it. And then before I knew it.... And this still totally counts for Monday, since I still have half an hour left according to my clock and I got two days' worth done! o/
Even if I did go nuts with the OP doujinshi. >__>
AND ONTO THE RECS:
Final Fantasy XII - 3 Fanfics
Bleach - 4 Doujinshi
One Piece - 17 Doujinshi
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - 4 Fanart
2008 GOAL: 1095/1602
Final Fantasy XII: Questionable Status by Spikey44 - Fics that focus on what it might be like to have certain status ailments or what it's like working with different sorts of weapons or whatever other game mechanics details, often make me want to pick the game back up despite that I've completed nearly everything already. This fic is no exception, it's about Balthier going through a Berserker Rage and how it reacts badly to him, how his mind spins out of control has he's hit with all these status ailments (I would think Confusion was in there as well, which just makes this greater XD) and how Fran slowly brings him back out of it. I love the use of descriptions, because they work for a fic like this, where Balthier is under Berserk, because they create a really lovely picture. But mostly I love the way the relationship between him and Fran plays out, the way she's so steadfast and direct, so beautiful and deceptively strong, the way she takes control when needed, without being domineering or anything. The light sex scene was really fantastic for that as well, the sense of partnership and so much attraction between them, even when that's not what this was about at the moment. Just. a sl;dfkjalskj yes. (Balthier/Fran, I'd say around PG13 or so.)
Final Fantasy XII: Scar Tissue by Spikey44 - You know what makes this fic really work for me? For all that she was a strong, stubborn character, Ashe was also full of doubt and the self-recriminations here make sense. I can believe she would hate herself for the mistake she made, watch the others patch themselves up and silently, angrily blame herself. And, of course, what attracted me to the fic was the role Basch had to play here, the way she looks at him by this point in the game and how important he's become to her, whether in a platonic way or something more. The fic doesn't really say either way, but I personally am all too happy to read more into it, the way he understands what's going through her head better than anyone and how dedicated he is to her. It was a lovely, warm ending that I liked a lot. <3 (This could be gen, it could be Basch/Ashe.)
Final Fantasy XII: Navigation and Leadership by Spikey44 - And, hell, as long as I'm reading FFXII fic, I wanted to get at least one with Vaan and Penelo in here. This fic was interesting and played on something that I've seen as a criticism of the game before, that Vaan and Penelo didn't really have a role in the plot, that they were just sort of there, which the author works into Penelo's narrative here, the way they don't really seem to know what they're doing or where they're going, which is actually something I liked about them. And I like this Penelo, she's level-headed and a little bittersweet, but strong and still moving forward and trying to be positive, she was such a delightful character. <3 (Implied Vaan/Penelo, I'd say.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Karakura Freeload - Okay, this doujinshi is raw and it's kind of a huge download (this one is ~80mb for about 22 pages) but... it's Honey Canon and I love their art! The art in the doujinshi is gorgeous as well, it's not just that she does a terrific job with getting the feel of the characters down (she blends canon and her own style really nicely) but that all the details and little extra touches are so smooth. There's so much detail on everything, right down to the bandana Renji uses to keep his hair back and, oh, man, she totally nails Rukia's flat/annoyed expression and the doujinshi is all about them freeloading at Urahara's place, I think, and a;sdlkfjasl;kj what I wouldn't give for scanslations. XD (Renji/Rukia.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Double Star - Another raw doujinshi, but. Well. It's Renji/Rukia and Honey Canon again. I am weak, shut up. And, yeah, it's another big download (over 100mb, I think?), but if you like this pairing like I do, it's worth the download, imo. This one has a little more detail in it than the previous one (which had a lot of white/unused space) but it's still just as pretty. And totally worth it for Byakuya showing up to look disapproving and then actually sort of nice to Rukia while Renji is ignored in the background. a;sldkfjal;skj man I want more of Byakuya ignoring Renji in the Renji/Rukia relationship, especially if it's as adorable and as fun as this doujinshika portrays the two of them. I mean, they don't even kiss in this (though, they get close and as;dkfjasl;k so pretty) and I'm still over the moon for it. (Renji/Rukia.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Slowmatch - as;dlkfjaslkj I love Honey Canon's covers, they are so pretty and, sure, sometimes they lean more towards her own style rather than Bleach canon style, but I cannot complain a bit, because they're so lovely. This doujinshi also has Byakuya in it (and a picture of Hisana! who also looks lovely!), who is more serious faced like usual this time... well, at least until Rukia leaves the room and as;dlfkjaslkj I love this doujinshika's chibi background drawings. Her regular art is as stunning as ever and, seriously, by the time I get finished taking in all the detail of each page, it somehow feels longer than just ~20 pages or so. *__* (Renji/Rukia.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Yumemushi - I know these files are pretty big (another one over 100mb for ~20 pages or so), but the scans are so gorgeously clear that I find it's really worth it to me. I don't know that I'd do it for every circle around, but Honey Canon? Yes plz. Especially since, every time I see one of her covers, it's just so damn pretty and the colors are gorgeous on it. And, oh, man, this doujinshi is worth it for the first few pages alone, where Byakuya is recovering and Rukia brings him food, so he smiles softly and closes his eyes at her and a;sdlkfjalskj it blends KT's style and the doujinshika's style wonderful. But mostly this is about Renji and Rukia, as it should be, and as;dlfkjaslkj the size difference between them is never not funny and they are so, so sweet curled up in a hug when they both need one and as;ldfjkaskl I want them to be together forever. *__* .....shut up, this doujinshika does something to me. >:| (Renji/Rukia.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Red Red Wine - This is a short little doujinshi and it's actually more gen than anything, because nobody's making out or even talking about their feelings, it's just Zoro being wounded and resting, so Sanji goes to make him eat, and it goes about as well as you'd expect it to go. The art style is very similar to Oda's, if not perfect, so it really kind of read like a little slice right out of the manga, right down to some really solid characterizations. Except, you know. More ZoSan-friendly. XD (Zoro/Sanji, but it could have been totally gen, too.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Jukebox Dawn - In contrast to the previous doujinshi I read, this one is pretty much pure pwp and it's a little bit dub-con at first (though, it goes about the way most doujinshi do and a lot of it is just the two of them fighting because it's Zoro and Sanji) but soon gets underway and it's... the art is kind of this blend of Oda's style and a really beautifully done doujinshi style, hardly any white space left unused compared to most doujin, which just. as;dlkfjaslkj yes plz. It's not even 20 pages long, but the sex is really hot and the art is really hot and they're totally bitching in each other's faces the entire time and the perspectives are also a mix of doujinshi and Oda's style and then it ends on a moment that just. Totally made me laugh out loud a little bit. Excellent. (Zoro/Sanji, a good R-rating.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Touching Distance - Now, I know I've read this one at some point before, but I don't think I was recommending doujinshi at the time, so I decided to just reread the whole thing (not hard, it was only about a dozen pages long) and a;xdlkjfa;lskjalks I still love this one so much. I mean, yes, it's doujinshi and Sanji protests less than you might think at first (but you get used to it, the more you read OP doujinshi) and it's a really hilarious concept--a thick fog rolls in, so they're all bumping into each other on the deck, which is when Zoro decides to stick a hand down Sanji's pants. Between the art being very nice (another good blend of doujinshi style and Oda's original art) and the humor being great (as;dlfkjas;lkj NAMI. I LOVE HER SO MUCH.) and the doujin not forgetting the antics of the rest of the cast and the porno, it was a really great read this afternoon. (Zoro/Sanji, a good R-rating.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Tiger's Keeper - asd;lkfjal;skjslkj oh my god. This doujinshi. There are action scenes, the kind that could have come straight out of the manga and the sense of humor in the doujinshi just totally nailed Oda's style and, while a couple of characters were off (Robin looked a little off and you can tell the doujinshika is weak at drawing Chopper), for the most part, the artist also totally nailed the canon art style. It's about thirty pages long, there are fight scenes (that are actually seriously fucking awesome, watching Zoro and Sanji deal with being handcuffed together and fighting a mob of people after their heads, only getting more and more awesome with every guy they mow down) and then there are cast antics when Zoro finally manages to get drunk and, hell, if it weren't for the Zoro/Sanji makeouts at the end, this could have almost been straight out of canon, except for the obvious ZoSan bent. And I really don't say that lightly, because I love Oda's work like nothing else, and asl;dkfjalskj oh man even Nami got her super-awesome moments and just. I LOVE THIS DOUJINSHIKA. (Zoro/Sanji.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - The Moon and Six Pence - asdlfkjasl;jk oh god this group is seriously going to spoil me for both One Piece fandom and for the porno/quality doujinshi. Not to mention this doujinshika, because Yamato is seriously rocketing towards becoming one of my favorite OP doujinshika, she just. She just nails the sense of humor of the series and does an amazing job with the art and I kind of love her characterization. I mean, yes, it's still ZoSan doujinshi, but freaked out Sanji kind of works for me here because I do think he's kind of naive and sometimes occasionally caught up in certain things, which I've thought about him before. And it's not like he's suddenly nice to Zoro or anything. And a;skldfjasl;kj the ending cracks me the hell up every single time in her doujinshi, just like any OP doujin should. <3333333 (Zoro/Sanji.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Amefuri Jasmine - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] So. As long as I was reading OP doujinshi, I thought I'd hunt around to see if there were any for my other favorite pairing and decided to hit up the luffyxnami comm. I'm going to be using this link for all the doujinshi, but recommending them separately, especially as some of them are not safe for work and because I'll want to talk about them separately and, who knows, some may interest people and some may not. It makes sense in my mind, shut up. Anyway, the first one is a short little thing that's not even ten pages long but asl;kdfjalskj it's just exactly what I wanted to start out my tour with, a sweet little thing where Nami and Luffy get caught in a downpour and Luffy goes to get her a towel because her shirt is too thin and the art is really sweet and cute, just enough like canon to remind me of the original source, but still doujinshi enough to give me my shoujo fix. I think my favorite part of this doujinshi is the way certain panels look, the ones that show Luffy and Nami from the back, when he leans in to kiss her or when he's got an arm around her shoulder or when they're just holding hands from the side. as;dfklalskj so, so pretty. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Anata ga Kureru Taskusan no Shiawase - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Second doujin from this post and it's only four pages long (two of which are the cover) but holy crap I cannot complain because the cover is this super, super cute chibi-esque Nami in a ruffly dress and angel wings and it's so freaking adorable. And the doujinshi is just a cute little thing where Nami sees Luffy sleeping and decides to "mount an attack", so Luffy wakes up and kisses her. It's not really the style of OP, but it's recognizable and it is cute as hell and just slightly suggestive and a;sdlkfjalsjk that's what I want from my Luffy and Nami. So, I loved this. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Blue Spring - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Another one that's not quite 10 pages long (which I really don't mind that much, I prefer longer ones, but sometimes a short little piece of candy is fun when you're inhaling them one after another XD) and it's a really simple story--Nami wanders across a sleeping Luffy and stops to really consider him, noticing that there are some boyish things about him, but some things not so boyish. And then she kisses him on the cheek and promises to wake him up in time for lunch and it's just really cute. It's total fluff, but the art is cute and I like that Nami is really noticing Luffy here, it's a nice transition from the canon to (eventual, for me, when I dig further into fandom) makeouts and porn later, I kind of get to experience their relationship going from one place to another, if that makes sense? And this doujinshi was really good for that, in addition to being super cute. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Dakishimetara Kisu wo Shiyou - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Now, I know I've read this doujin somewhere before, whether snatching it up elsewhere or from the luffyxnami comm or whatever, I'm not sure. And I feel like I've recommended it before, but I don't see where I would have stashed any OP recs before. So, if this is a re-rec, well... it's one of my favorites ever, so it deserves it. It's over forty pages long and while the art isn't completely perfect, it's a nice blend of Oda's original style and the doujinshika's own style and the best thing, the best thing about this doujinshi is that it's adult, but it's not really hentai in the usual way. There's a plot here, there's a relationship build up and it's not just all about getting to the sex, it's about the sex as an extension of the relationship that's developing here. The doujinshi continues on even after the sex, furthering the relationship, rather than that just being the ultimate point of the doujin. And Luffy's characterization is fantastic, he's still that laughing idiot we know so well, but he's not stupid, he gets what's going on and he knows enough about what they're doing. The sex is lovely, too. Sure, there are a lot of body fluids and the doujinshi isn't shy about showing certain things, but there's this fantastic sense of how they both want this, how it was a mutual decision to do this, how it's about both of them. The doujinshi also touches on a handful of moments from the manga (like on Drum Island when he carried her or when he was injured at Rainbase) and works those into the relationship here as well. Just. a sd;flkjaslkj this is what I want from Luffy/Nami fandom, yesss. (Luffy/Nami, a light-to-medium NC-17.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - God in Logue Town - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] This is a bit of a different take, one I haven't really seen that much of in fic or doujinshi before, the way Nami is still harboring bitterness after Arlong, still suspicious of the crew, even after she's changed so much and clearly wants to believe. I'm not sure I could read a lot of takes on her character like this, but for this one time, it was really interesting. I'm not sure what I think of the art, but it fit the story mood well enough and certain panels looked really good. It was just... a really interesting read, not one I expected, but one I'm glad I picked up. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Hito de Nashi no - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] This doujinshi, in contrast to a lot of the other ones I've been reading lately, has a lot of unused white space, some pages hardly have more than a few drawings on them at all. But this artist knows how to use them, how to make it so that it creates a light and airy effect (which contrasts against the heavier emotions Nami is feeling, but somehow it works well anyway!) that's really, really pretty. It helps that her style works well with a lot of unused space, especially because some of her close-ups of Nami are just gorgeous. There's a surprising amount of detail here, some of the drawings of Nami are beautiful enough that I would really kind of love to see this doujinshika get her own manga. *__* As for the plot, it's pretty simple, Nami wandering across Luffy sleeping on the deck after the Alabasta fight and all her emotions start coming up to the surface, which don't really have a lot of resolution to them, but it wasn't meant to. I love that it could almost be gen, because I just love these two characters' relationship in all ways. (Maybe Luffy/Nami, maybe gen.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - I Don't Like Birthday - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] This one started out as being fairly... mm, I'm not sure how to say it. But I didn't expect something that would really knock me off my feet. And, I dunno, maybe I'm just in the right mood or something, but somehow... somehow this doujinshi really got me, somehow about halfway through (or maybe even just a third of the way through), the art tightened up just enough and the story went in a direction I wasn't quite expecting and it sucker-punched me with some SUPER FREAKING CUTE scenes when Luffy is just hovering over Nami and that whole entire conversation that shed a lot of light on both of them. I think that's what I really loved, aside from the kissing and the surprisingly pretty art, was that the doujinshi made a lot of really interesting insights into both characters and then had the two of them connecting. So, I wound up feeling like this was one of the more satisfying doujinshi I read today. ♥ (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Kemono-En - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] a;sldkfjal;sljs oh god this might not be for everyone, it kind of verges into shoujo territory, but I don't care one bit because asld;kfjalskjl they are so cute. It's a simple concept--Luffy is standing on the deck, calling Nami's name, who goes over to him and notices that their shadows have merged. Luffy notices it, too, and says, wouldn't that be a cool technique? He's going to call it "Naffy". as;dlkfjaslkjls it's just so hilariously adorable. And this doujin, right down to Nami's thoughts and her girly clothes and the way the panels were arranged and the pretty art, are all really kind of totally shoujo, but it somehow worked here. I just really loved the feel of this one, adorable and funny and a quick kiss, that's all I ask from this one. ♥ (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Koi no Yamai - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] I know the art of this one isn't perfect, but doujinshi is always a mixed bag at best sometimes. And the story itself is very cute, just a lot of random scenes here and there, not really connecting except in theme, but that's okay because somehow it works for the doujinshi. It's a light, fluffy story but the characterization is decent and it was worth the download and time it took to read. Plus, kissing! That always charms me. XD (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Little Cloud (kiss hands) - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Another short one that's just a little over ten pages long and really could be gen more than a pairing, but the focus is on the Luffy/Nami interaction, so fans of the pairing will probably enjoy it, too. And it's a really cute little thing, Nami worried that she was just waiting around to be saved, but Luffy points out that they wouldn't have fought with her if she weren't fighting herself. It's sweet and has a few moments of potential implications for a pairing, but it's not really about that and it's just a light, fun, fluffy little read that made me melt into fangirl goo just a little bit. Because I'm a sap, I know. Shut up. (Maybe Luffy/Nami. maybe gen.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Something - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] I suspect this doujinshi was drawn over a fairly long period of time because the art starts out very rough, but by the midway point, you can notice great improvement by the artist and it actually gets really kinda pretty by the end. The plot is all about Nami letting go of all the things that held her back before, how she's able to just be a girl again, how she has room for those feelings and everything else to start surfacing again, all triggered by Luffy's presence around her. The second half of the story, where Luffy has a fever and Nami's taking medicinal soup in to him, while thinking of things he's said earlier, thinking of her own feelings (and realizing that even Luffy can get sick, even Luffy is human) and it all builds up into this really satisfying little story. The art in the second half has quite a few really pretty panels and Nami looks more and more beautiful with each one and there's even a kiss! I'd love to see more from this doujinshika. <3 (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Taiyou no Gravity - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] ....I think my reaction to this doujinshi was colored because I spent the last hour or so reading a lot of G or PG rated Luffy/Nami, so by the time I got to this one, I was firmly in the mood for them and the porn didn't feel as much to me like it came out of nowhere. It's still pretty much a thin excuse for porn, but I liked that it was happy porn! Like, Nami was a little embarrassed by it, but she was a very willing participant, she had her say in what they were doing, it was obvious they cared deeply about each other, and the art was pretty cute. That made this one really satisfying for me. ....plus, it was nice to end my current spree with this one, doujinshi sprees should always end with porn. XD (Luffy/Nami, NC-17.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - midgard [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - Whenever I start to think that maybe I've seen all the really good Higurashi fanart sites, somehow I stumble on a new crop of sites like this one, which have some really solid, cute art and then occasionally have some really beautiful art. When the artist really focuses with the art, she'll come up with something like that image of Rika-chan falling that's just lovely. Or Keiichi sitting in the rain or Rika standing in the wind with flowers floating away, some of the art is really worth the time to go through the site. Everything is at least solid and even the oekaki/sketches are interesting to look at. A really good site all the way around. *__* (Not much beyond the usual Higurashi warnings. A smidge of Satoshi/Keiichi.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - Generally, I've been not seeking out the Satoshi/Keiichi art simply because I find the girls more interesting in the show, but... some sites I'm just not going to be able to resist, not when they have some really beautiful lineart and beautiful coloring like this artist does. A lot of the illustrations are sketches or a bit stylized or fan-comics, so you don't really see the full effect all of the time, but then you'll stumble over something like the Halloween art or the one where Satoshi is hugging Keiichi from behind and it's just gorgeous stuff. ALSO. OMG. GENDERSWAPPED CHARACTER ART. HOTASS GENDERSWAPPED CHARACTER ART. The one of Mion is just. asd;lfkjaslkj DO WANT. Seriously, even if the pairing isn't my thing, I enjoyed the hell out of this site. (Satoshi/Keiichi.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Record9 [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - And I go from one pairing to another, but I don't really mind any particular pairing in Higurashi, I'm pretty fine with just about anything, especially if it's pretty like this site is. I definitely wish there'd been a little more art here, but at least there are a good solid handful of them and it's not just Keiichi/Rika-chan, there's occasionally art of Rena or Mion or super-cute group stuff. I think one of my favorites from the site was a slightly older Keiichi and Rika-chan (if only to see her get to grow up), but the Halloween one is really nice, too. You can totally see the progress of the artist as time goes along and as;dlkfjasl;jk man do I already want more from her. *__* (Some Keiichi/Rika-chan, some gen.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - Another site that I'm not sure will be for everyone, it's very much that CG style with the big eyes and solid coloring, but... I dunno, I kinda found myself enjoying the site a lot, I especially had fondness for the artist's Rena. When the artist softened up their colors to almost look snow-covered or light and airy, that's when I think the art worked best, but I also loved it when Rena had this really vivid red-orange hair that reminded me so strongly of fall colors. It also helped that there was a surprising amount of art on the site, you just had to keep poking around and make sure to click on the multiple pages links in the sub-galleries, if you keep at it, there's a lot of art on the site. I always appreciate that. XD So, a solid little site overall that will kill a bunch of time while trying to find everything. XD (Maybe some Keiichi/Rena or Keiichi/Rika-chan, maybe some other het pairings, but mostly gen, I'd say.)
I had brief thoughts that, "Oh, I should at least read a little more fic today...." but then I thought, eh, might as well keep with the doujinshi as long as I'm really in the mood for it. And then before I knew it.... And this still totally counts for Monday, since I still have half an hour left according to my clock and I got two days' worth done! o/
Even if I did go nuts with the OP doujinshi. >__>
AND ONTO THE RECS:
Final Fantasy XII - 3 Fanfics
Bleach - 4 Doujinshi
One Piece - 17 Doujinshi
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - 4 Fanart
2008 GOAL: 1095/1602
Final Fantasy XII: Questionable Status by Spikey44 - Fics that focus on what it might be like to have certain status ailments or what it's like working with different sorts of weapons or whatever other game mechanics details, often make me want to pick the game back up despite that I've completed nearly everything already. This fic is no exception, it's about Balthier going through a Berserker Rage and how it reacts badly to him, how his mind spins out of control has he's hit with all these status ailments (I would think Confusion was in there as well, which just makes this greater XD) and how Fran slowly brings him back out of it. I love the use of descriptions, because they work for a fic like this, where Balthier is under Berserk, because they create a really lovely picture. But mostly I love the way the relationship between him and Fran plays out, the way she's so steadfast and direct, so beautiful and deceptively strong, the way she takes control when needed, without being domineering or anything. The light sex scene was really fantastic for that as well, the sense of partnership and so much attraction between them, even when that's not what this was about at the moment. Just. a sl;dfkjalskj yes. (Balthier/Fran, I'd say around PG13 or so.)
Final Fantasy XII: Scar Tissue by Spikey44 - You know what makes this fic really work for me? For all that she was a strong, stubborn character, Ashe was also full of doubt and the self-recriminations here make sense. I can believe she would hate herself for the mistake she made, watch the others patch themselves up and silently, angrily blame herself. And, of course, what attracted me to the fic was the role Basch had to play here, the way she looks at him by this point in the game and how important he's become to her, whether in a platonic way or something more. The fic doesn't really say either way, but I personally am all too happy to read more into it, the way he understands what's going through her head better than anyone and how dedicated he is to her. It was a lovely, warm ending that I liked a lot. <3 (This could be gen, it could be Basch/Ashe.)
Final Fantasy XII: Navigation and Leadership by Spikey44 - And, hell, as long as I'm reading FFXII fic, I wanted to get at least one with Vaan and Penelo in here. This fic was interesting and played on something that I've seen as a criticism of the game before, that Vaan and Penelo didn't really have a role in the plot, that they were just sort of there, which the author works into Penelo's narrative here, the way they don't really seem to know what they're doing or where they're going, which is actually something I liked about them. And I like this Penelo, she's level-headed and a little bittersweet, but strong and still moving forward and trying to be positive, she was such a delightful character. <3 (Implied Vaan/Penelo, I'd say.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Karakura Freeload - Okay, this doujinshi is raw and it's kind of a huge download (this one is ~80mb for about 22 pages) but... it's Honey Canon and I love their art! The art in the doujinshi is gorgeous as well, it's not just that she does a terrific job with getting the feel of the characters down (she blends canon and her own style really nicely) but that all the details and little extra touches are so smooth. There's so much detail on everything, right down to the bandana Renji uses to keep his hair back and, oh, man, she totally nails Rukia's flat/annoyed expression and the doujinshi is all about them freeloading at Urahara's place, I think, and a;sdlkfjasl;kj what I wouldn't give for scanslations. XD (Renji/Rukia.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Double Star - Another raw doujinshi, but. Well. It's Renji/Rukia and Honey Canon again. I am weak, shut up. And, yeah, it's another big download (over 100mb, I think?), but if you like this pairing like I do, it's worth the download, imo. This one has a little more detail in it than the previous one (which had a lot of white/unused space) but it's still just as pretty. And totally worth it for Byakuya showing up to look disapproving and then actually sort of nice to Rukia while Renji is ignored in the background. a;sldkfjal;skj man I want more of Byakuya ignoring Renji in the Renji/Rukia relationship, especially if it's as adorable and as fun as this doujinshika portrays the two of them. I mean, they don't even kiss in this (though, they get close and as;dkfjasl;k so pretty) and I'm still over the moon for it. (Renji/Rukia.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Slowmatch - as;dlkfjaslkj I love Honey Canon's covers, they are so pretty and, sure, sometimes they lean more towards her own style rather than Bleach canon style, but I cannot complain a bit, because they're so lovely. This doujinshi also has Byakuya in it (and a picture of Hisana! who also looks lovely!), who is more serious faced like usual this time... well, at least until Rukia leaves the room and as;dlfkjaslkj I love this doujinshika's chibi background drawings. Her regular art is as stunning as ever and, seriously, by the time I get finished taking in all the detail of each page, it somehow feels longer than just ~20 pages or so. *__* (Renji/Rukia.)
Bleach Doujinshi (raw) - Yumemushi - I know these files are pretty big (another one over 100mb for ~20 pages or so), but the scans are so gorgeously clear that I find it's really worth it to me. I don't know that I'd do it for every circle around, but Honey Canon? Yes plz. Especially since, every time I see one of her covers, it's just so damn pretty and the colors are gorgeous on it. And, oh, man, this doujinshi is worth it for the first few pages alone, where Byakuya is recovering and Rukia brings him food, so he smiles softly and closes his eyes at her and a;sdlkfjalskj it blends KT's style and the doujinshika's style wonderful. But mostly this is about Renji and Rukia, as it should be, and as;dlfkjaslkj the size difference between them is never not funny and they are so, so sweet curled up in a hug when they both need one and as;ldfjkaskl I want them to be together forever. *__* .....shut up, this doujinshika does something to me. >:| (Renji/Rukia.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Red Red Wine - This is a short little doujinshi and it's actually more gen than anything, because nobody's making out or even talking about their feelings, it's just Zoro being wounded and resting, so Sanji goes to make him eat, and it goes about as well as you'd expect it to go. The art style is very similar to Oda's, if not perfect, so it really kind of read like a little slice right out of the manga, right down to some really solid characterizations. Except, you know. More ZoSan-friendly. XD (Zoro/Sanji, but it could have been totally gen, too.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Jukebox Dawn - In contrast to the previous doujinshi I read, this one is pretty much pure pwp and it's a little bit dub-con at first (though, it goes about the way most doujinshi do and a lot of it is just the two of them fighting because it's Zoro and Sanji) but soon gets underway and it's... the art is kind of this blend of Oda's style and a really beautifully done doujinshi style, hardly any white space left unused compared to most doujin, which just. as;dlkfjaslkj yes plz. It's not even 20 pages long, but the sex is really hot and the art is really hot and they're totally bitching in each other's faces the entire time and the perspectives are also a mix of doujinshi and Oda's style and then it ends on a moment that just. Totally made me laugh out loud a little bit. Excellent. (Zoro/Sanji, a good R-rating.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Touching Distance - Now, I know I've read this one at some point before, but I don't think I was recommending doujinshi at the time, so I decided to just reread the whole thing (not hard, it was only about a dozen pages long) and a;xdlkjfa;lskjalks I still love this one so much. I mean, yes, it's doujinshi and Sanji protests less than you might think at first (but you get used to it, the more you read OP doujinshi) and it's a really hilarious concept--a thick fog rolls in, so they're all bumping into each other on the deck, which is when Zoro decides to stick a hand down Sanji's pants. Between the art being very nice (another good blend of doujinshi style and Oda's original art) and the humor being great (as;dlfkjas;lkj NAMI. I LOVE HER SO MUCH.) and the doujin not forgetting the antics of the rest of the cast and the porno, it was a really great read this afternoon. (Zoro/Sanji, a good R-rating.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Tiger's Keeper - asd;lkfjal;skjslkj oh my god. This doujinshi. There are action scenes, the kind that could have come straight out of the manga and the sense of humor in the doujinshi just totally nailed Oda's style and, while a couple of characters were off (Robin looked a little off and you can tell the doujinshika is weak at drawing Chopper), for the most part, the artist also totally nailed the canon art style. It's about thirty pages long, there are fight scenes (that are actually seriously fucking awesome, watching Zoro and Sanji deal with being handcuffed together and fighting a mob of people after their heads, only getting more and more awesome with every guy they mow down) and then there are cast antics when Zoro finally manages to get drunk and, hell, if it weren't for the Zoro/Sanji makeouts at the end, this could have almost been straight out of canon, except for the obvious ZoSan bent. And I really don't say that lightly, because I love Oda's work like nothing else, and asl;dkfjalskj oh man even Nami got her super-awesome moments and just. I LOVE THIS DOUJINSHIKA. (Zoro/Sanji.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - The Moon and Six Pence - asdlfkjasl;jk oh god this group is seriously going to spoil me for both One Piece fandom and for the porno/quality doujinshi. Not to mention this doujinshika, because Yamato is seriously rocketing towards becoming one of my favorite OP doujinshika, she just. She just nails the sense of humor of the series and does an amazing job with the art and I kind of love her characterization. I mean, yes, it's still ZoSan doujinshi, but freaked out Sanji kind of works for me here because I do think he's kind of naive and sometimes occasionally caught up in certain things, which I've thought about him before. And it's not like he's suddenly nice to Zoro or anything. And a;skldfjasl;kj the ending cracks me the hell up every single time in her doujinshi, just like any OP doujin should. <3333333 (Zoro/Sanji.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Amefuri Jasmine - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] So. As long as I was reading OP doujinshi, I thought I'd hunt around to see if there were any for my other favorite pairing and decided to hit up the luffyxnami comm. I'm going to be using this link for all the doujinshi, but recommending them separately, especially as some of them are not safe for work and because I'll want to talk about them separately and, who knows, some may interest people and some may not. It makes sense in my mind, shut up. Anyway, the first one is a short little thing that's not even ten pages long but asl;kdfjalskj it's just exactly what I wanted to start out my tour with, a sweet little thing where Nami and Luffy get caught in a downpour and Luffy goes to get her a towel because her shirt is too thin and the art is really sweet and cute, just enough like canon to remind me of the original source, but still doujinshi enough to give me my shoujo fix. I think my favorite part of this doujinshi is the way certain panels look, the ones that show Luffy and Nami from the back, when he leans in to kiss her or when he's got an arm around her shoulder or when they're just holding hands from the side. as;dfklalskj so, so pretty. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Anata ga Kureru Taskusan no Shiawase - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Second doujin from this post and it's only four pages long (two of which are the cover) but holy crap I cannot complain because the cover is this super, super cute chibi-esque Nami in a ruffly dress and angel wings and it's so freaking adorable. And the doujinshi is just a cute little thing where Nami sees Luffy sleeping and decides to "mount an attack", so Luffy wakes up and kisses her. It's not really the style of OP, but it's recognizable and it is cute as hell and just slightly suggestive and a;sdlkfjalsjk that's what I want from my Luffy and Nami. So, I loved this. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Blue Spring - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Another one that's not quite 10 pages long (which I really don't mind that much, I prefer longer ones, but sometimes a short little piece of candy is fun when you're inhaling them one after another XD) and it's a really simple story--Nami wanders across a sleeping Luffy and stops to really consider him, noticing that there are some boyish things about him, but some things not so boyish. And then she kisses him on the cheek and promises to wake him up in time for lunch and it's just really cute. It's total fluff, but the art is cute and I like that Nami is really noticing Luffy here, it's a nice transition from the canon to (eventual, for me, when I dig further into fandom) makeouts and porn later, I kind of get to experience their relationship going from one place to another, if that makes sense? And this doujinshi was really good for that, in addition to being super cute. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Dakishimetara Kisu wo Shiyou - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Now, I know I've read this doujin somewhere before, whether snatching it up elsewhere or from the luffyxnami comm or whatever, I'm not sure. And I feel like I've recommended it before, but I don't see where I would have stashed any OP recs before. So, if this is a re-rec, well... it's one of my favorites ever, so it deserves it. It's over forty pages long and while the art isn't completely perfect, it's a nice blend of Oda's original style and the doujinshika's own style and the best thing, the best thing about this doujinshi is that it's adult, but it's not really hentai in the usual way. There's a plot here, there's a relationship build up and it's not just all about getting to the sex, it's about the sex as an extension of the relationship that's developing here. The doujinshi continues on even after the sex, furthering the relationship, rather than that just being the ultimate point of the doujin. And Luffy's characterization is fantastic, he's still that laughing idiot we know so well, but he's not stupid, he gets what's going on and he knows enough about what they're doing. The sex is lovely, too. Sure, there are a lot of body fluids and the doujinshi isn't shy about showing certain things, but there's this fantastic sense of how they both want this, how it was a mutual decision to do this, how it's about both of them. The doujinshi also touches on a handful of moments from the manga (like on Drum Island when he carried her or when he was injured at Rainbase) and works those into the relationship here as well. Just. a sd;flkjaslkj this is what I want from Luffy/Nami fandom, yesss. (Luffy/Nami, a light-to-medium NC-17.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - God in Logue Town - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] This is a bit of a different take, one I haven't really seen that much of in fic or doujinshi before, the way Nami is still harboring bitterness after Arlong, still suspicious of the crew, even after she's changed so much and clearly wants to believe. I'm not sure I could read a lot of takes on her character like this, but for this one time, it was really interesting. I'm not sure what I think of the art, but it fit the story mood well enough and certain panels looked really good. It was just... a really interesting read, not one I expected, but one I'm glad I picked up. (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Hito de Nashi no - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] This doujinshi, in contrast to a lot of the other ones I've been reading lately, has a lot of unused white space, some pages hardly have more than a few drawings on them at all. But this artist knows how to use them, how to make it so that it creates a light and airy effect (which contrasts against the heavier emotions Nami is feeling, but somehow it works well anyway!) that's really, really pretty. It helps that her style works well with a lot of unused space, especially because some of her close-ups of Nami are just gorgeous. There's a surprising amount of detail here, some of the drawings of Nami are beautiful enough that I would really kind of love to see this doujinshika get her own manga. *__* As for the plot, it's pretty simple, Nami wandering across Luffy sleeping on the deck after the Alabasta fight and all her emotions start coming up to the surface, which don't really have a lot of resolution to them, but it wasn't meant to. I love that it could almost be gen, because I just love these two characters' relationship in all ways. (Maybe Luffy/Nami, maybe gen.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - I Don't Like Birthday - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] This one started out as being fairly... mm, I'm not sure how to say it. But I didn't expect something that would really knock me off my feet. And, I dunno, maybe I'm just in the right mood or something, but somehow... somehow this doujinshi really got me, somehow about halfway through (or maybe even just a third of the way through), the art tightened up just enough and the story went in a direction I wasn't quite expecting and it sucker-punched me with some SUPER FREAKING CUTE scenes when Luffy is just hovering over Nami and that whole entire conversation that shed a lot of light on both of them. I think that's what I really loved, aside from the kissing and the surprisingly pretty art, was that the doujinshi made a lot of really interesting insights into both characters and then had the two of them connecting. So, I wound up feeling like this was one of the more satisfying doujinshi I read today. ♥ (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Kemono-En - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] a;sldkfjal;sljs oh god this might not be for everyone, it kind of verges into shoujo territory, but I don't care one bit because asld;kfjalskjl they are so cute. It's a simple concept--Luffy is standing on the deck, calling Nami's name, who goes over to him and notices that their shadows have merged. Luffy notices it, too, and says, wouldn't that be a cool technique? He's going to call it "Naffy". as;dlkfjaslkjls it's just so hilariously adorable. And this doujin, right down to Nami's thoughts and her girly clothes and the way the panels were arranged and the pretty art, are all really kind of totally shoujo, but it somehow worked here. I just really loved the feel of this one, adorable and funny and a quick kiss, that's all I ask from this one. ♥ (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Koi no Yamai - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] I know the art of this one isn't perfect, but doujinshi is always a mixed bag at best sometimes. And the story itself is very cute, just a lot of random scenes here and there, not really connecting except in theme, but that's okay because somehow it works for the doujinshi. It's a light, fluffy story but the characterization is decent and it was worth the download and time it took to read. Plus, kissing! That always charms me. XD (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Little Cloud (kiss hands) - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] Another short one that's just a little over ten pages long and really could be gen more than a pairing, but the focus is on the Luffy/Nami interaction, so fans of the pairing will probably enjoy it, too. And it's a really cute little thing, Nami worried that she was just waiting around to be saved, but Luffy points out that they wouldn't have fought with her if she weren't fighting herself. It's sweet and has a few moments of potential implications for a pairing, but it's not really about that and it's just a light, fun, fluffy little read that made me melt into fangirl goo just a little bit. Because I'm a sap, I know. Shut up. (Maybe Luffy/Nami. maybe gen.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Something - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] I suspect this doujinshi was drawn over a fairly long period of time because the art starts out very rough, but by the midway point, you can notice great improvement by the artist and it actually gets really kinda pretty by the end. The plot is all about Nami letting go of all the things that held her back before, how she's able to just be a girl again, how she has room for those feelings and everything else to start surfacing again, all triggered by Luffy's presence around her. The second half of the story, where Luffy has a fever and Nami's taking medicinal soup in to him, while thinking of things he's said earlier, thinking of her own feelings (and realizing that even Luffy can get sick, even Luffy is human) and it all builds up into this really satisfying little story. The art in the second half has quite a few really pretty panels and Nami looks more and more beautiful with each one and there's even a kiss! I'd love to see more from this doujinshika. <3 (Luffy/Nami.)
One Piece Doujinshi (scanslated) - Taiyou no Gravity - [Note: This post is locked, but the comm is freely joinable. Hit up the SaveFile link for all the downloads.] ....I think my reaction to this doujinshi was colored because I spent the last hour or so reading a lot of G or PG rated Luffy/Nami, so by the time I got to this one, I was firmly in the mood for them and the porn didn't feel as much to me like it came out of nowhere. It's still pretty much a thin excuse for porn, but I liked that it was happy porn! Like, Nami was a little embarrassed by it, but she was a very willing participant, she had her say in what they were doing, it was obvious they cared deeply about each other, and the art was pretty cute. That made this one really satisfying for me. ....plus, it was nice to end my current spree with this one, doujinshi sprees should always end with porn. XD (Luffy/Nami, NC-17.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - midgard [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - Whenever I start to think that maybe I've seen all the really good Higurashi fanart sites, somehow I stumble on a new crop of sites like this one, which have some really solid, cute art and then occasionally have some really beautiful art. When the artist really focuses with the art, she'll come up with something like that image of Rika-chan falling that's just lovely. Or Keiichi sitting in the rain or Rika standing in the wind with flowers floating away, some of the art is really worth the time to go through the site. Everything is at least solid and even the oekaki/sketches are interesting to look at. A really good site all the way around. *__* (Not much beyond the usual Higurashi warnings. A smidge of Satoshi/Keiichi.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - Generally, I've been not seeking out the Satoshi/Keiichi art simply because I find the girls more interesting in the show, but... some sites I'm just not going to be able to resist, not when they have some really beautiful lineart and beautiful coloring like this artist does. A lot of the illustrations are sketches or a bit stylized or fan-comics, so you don't really see the full effect all of the time, but then you'll stumble over something like the Halloween art or the one where Satoshi is hugging Keiichi from behind and it's just gorgeous stuff. ALSO. OMG. GENDERSWAPPED CHARACTER ART. HOTASS GENDERSWAPPED CHARACTER ART. The one of Mion is just. asd;lfkjaslkj DO WANT. Seriously, even if the pairing isn't my thing, I enjoyed the hell out of this site. (Satoshi/Keiichi.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Record9 [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - And I go from one pairing to another, but I don't really mind any particular pairing in Higurashi, I'm pretty fine with just about anything, especially if it's pretty like this site is. I definitely wish there'd been a little more art here, but at least there are a good solid handful of them and it's not just Keiichi/Rika-chan, there's occasionally art of Rena or Mion or super-cute group stuff. I think one of my favorites from the site was a slightly older Keiichi and Rika-chan (if only to see her get to grow up), but the Halloween one is really nice, too. You can totally see the progress of the artist as time goes along and as;dlkfjasl;jk man do I already want more from her. *__* (Some Keiichi/Rika-chan, some gen.)
- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - [ Japanese Fanart Site ] - Another site that I'm not sure will be for everyone, it's very much that CG style with the big eyes and solid coloring, but... I dunno, I kinda found myself enjoying the site a lot, I especially had fondness for the artist's Rena. When the artist softened up their colors to almost look snow-covered or light and airy, that's when I think the art worked best, but I also loved it when Rena had this really vivid red-orange hair that reminded me so strongly of fall colors. It also helped that there was a surprising amount of art on the site, you just had to keep poking around and make sure to click on the multiple pages links in the sub-galleries, if you keep at it, there's a lot of art on the site. I always appreciate that. XD So, a solid little site overall that will kill a bunch of time while trying to find everything. XD (Maybe some Keiichi/Rena or Keiichi/Rika-chan, maybe some other het pairings, but mostly gen, I'd say.)