Amis

Title: Etemmu
Parts: 3/3
Pairing: Razel/Verg
Rating: R
Warnings: sex, violence, swearing
Disclaimer: Lamento belongs to Nitro+Chiral.

Summary: Dying is not what Razel expected it to be.

Part I | Part II | Part III

( Click to read Part 3? )

atogaki of Toiki yorimo yasashii by Masara Minase

I did this (my first editing!) a while ago to illustrate my dilemma on whether I should take my very dead hard drive to fix or not. My friend suggested that I should share it here, since I won't be posting anything new for a LOOOOONG time (unless Sex Pistols updates! XDD). <3

Aku Tenshi
- Sequence ch 10 by Saenagi Ryou

Eternal Dream
- Eien no Aida ni Miru Yume Oneshot by Murakami Yui
- Suki Dakedo ch 2 by Kanzaki Takashi

Game Over or Continue
- Hitodenashi no Koi Vol 2 ch 8 - 10 by Ikushima Miya
- Koiseyo Shounen ch 3 by Kuon Mao
- Raspberry Crisis ch 2 by Higashizato Kirico

Storm in Heaven
- Natsu, Kimi ga Saku ch 1 by Fujikawa Touko
- Yami no Kodou Vol 2 ch 5 by Yoshihara Rieko & Kada Michiru

Yuri
Hentai Enishi
- Yuri Awase Oneshot by Ogawa Kanran

Title: Etemmu
Parts: 2/3
Pairing: Razel/Verg
Rating: R
Warnings: sex, violence, swearing
Disclaimer: Lamento belongs to Nitro+Chiral.

Summary: Dying is not what Razel expected it to be.

Part I | Part II

( Click to read Part 2? )

Oh hai guyz.

Chapter 4 is done. Get it here. (I graduated, so my .edu space is no longer reliable storage.)

Wow. So it was... three years ago when I started this? What can I say, slow translator is slow.
Skimming over the beginning as I was running a final spellcheck, I noticed translation errors. Kind of a lot of them. Relatively minor ones, but still. On the one hand, it gives me solid proof of the progress I've made with my Japanese since 2005. On the other hand... this thing is in desperate need of a translation check. -__- And some of the earlier dialogue really blew. I made some changes here and there, the ones I noticed. But I will do an official check before I go on to chapter 5 (the end! hoorah!).

But for now, please enjoy Mashiba crying like a little girl. As always, comments of any flavor are welcome.

( I have a request. Please take my stuff. )

And this is a long shot, but anyone gonna be around Tokyo in early September and wanna hang out? My friend bailed on me and I'mma be there alone. (;_;)

H-hello.

My friend's cosplaying Konoe from Lamento, so I decided to use her as my first-time-using-a-tablet prey. Done on Facebook!Graffiti.


(My friend'll be doing Lamento along with some other friends at Anime Evolution 2008~ I'll post pictures of them when I see it~)


( Konoe<3 )

It's been widely reported that Youka Nitta, popular yaoi mangaka of Haru wo Daiteita and several other titles, has gone on a self-imposed hiatus after several of her artworks were found to have been heavily derived from fashion photography. Many describe it as 'plagiarism,' but that's not the right term for it. Plagiarism refers to literary works - clear-cut examples of copying and pasting text. And Nitta-sensei hasn't done anything like that. Her plotlines and dialogue are her own. It's just her art - in particular the cover art and illustrations - that have caused the controversy.

So what should it be called?? Why not just call it copying - detailed copying down to the clothing and backgrounds? And photo-manipulation of details from fashion photographs, incorporating them in her own artworks?

But that doesn't sound as catchy as plagiarism, huh? Plagiarism is 'bad' - everyone knows that. But copying the odd pose and bit of clothing isn't so bad, is it? Some of Nitta-sensei's supporters think it's just a beat-up - see here for a range of comments.

Hmm. I'm no manga artist by any means, but I am an admirer of manga art. And as an admirer, I do understand that artists may be inspired by photos and other art they've seen to the point that they incorporate aspects of it in their own art. Taking bits and pieces you like from elsewhere is acceptable to me. Hell, it's what I do as a derivative fanfic writer.

But there is a line to be drawn between incorporating elements (what I consider referencing) and copying. To my mind, if the final artwork looks like one particular source down to the colours and background, chances are you'll get in trouble.

For example, using fashion photography as references for poses is perfectly fine. Fashion photography is a wonderful source for dynamic and striking poses. Why not use them as inspiration for your own art? I think it's a good thing. Here are some nice examples of Youka Nitta art and the referenced poses done by models (links from nitta_crib):
1. Yin-Yang 1 - it's enough to give you a sprained neck, but it's a nice symbolic pose of opposites in harmony.
2. Yin-Yang 2
3. Katou showing off his chest - this was a YSL ad, so using the same pose could be regarded as a sly nod to the original. Fans know the character is an actor who does product endorsements.
4. Iwaki up close - from an Armani ad. Another sly nod, for Iwaki is another actor who would do such ads if he were a real celebrity.
5. Guys lying all over each other - potentially another nod, since it was originally a Gucci ad. The mangaka also added another guy there, which counts as original content.
6. Katou covering Iwaki's eyes - a subtle yet sensual depiction of the seme/uke dynamic between the characters (usually the first thing fans want to know). I've seen it used by other mangaka too - which is great.

It's clear that in a number of cases, Nitta-sensei was deliberately referencing the original photo. She wanted to blur the boundaries between reality and fantasy. Fans who recognized the original would've been in on the joke and got a kick out of seeing the characters in the same poses.

Sometimes this doesn't work so well - especially if the source isn't as easily recognizable. The image of Katou and Iwaki sitting in the desert puzzled me when I first saw it in the Kiss of Fire artbook. I remember looking at this big double-page spread and wondering what was the point. I thought it was a waste of ink and two whole pages. Both guys staring off into space, sitting in the desert - what did it mean? Had they moved to the US? Japan doesn't have desert, does it? Why aren't they at least looking at each other? Knowing that it came from a fashion ad explains a lot. BTW, I don't mind the way she's used the ad as her inspiration - I just found it a dull shot.

Then there are times that the photo referencing becomes too close for comfort. This time colors and backgrounds are taken from the source, and the mangaka's contribution is substantially less than before. It begins to look a lot like copying.
1. Iwaki and Katou kissing on a ledge - the work that led to Youka Nitta's downfall. The identical background details led to accusations of tracing line-art for which the mangaka later admitted and apologised.
2. Katou in furcoat - the clothing, the colours, the stool are identical. This looks photoshopped, and that's what makes it so damning. Photoshopping backgrounds is common enough in fanart, but photoshopping clothes in a pro work is something else. This one makes me cringe, because I was impressed with the texturing. Now I know how it was done, I'm not so impressed. The photographer deserved a co-credit.
3. Iwaki and Katou on a bed - I guess this could've been a nodding reference, since it's an DKNY homewares ad. But the pillows and curtains are obviously photoshopped from the original. When I saw it in the artbook, I wondered a little...but I never imagined the truth was this bad. An example like this convinces me that Nitta-sensei really had no idea about copyright violation and the reuse of images.
4. Iwaki and Katou on rocks - I feel this goes beyond a nodding reference because of the identical clothing, colour scheme, and background. Too much has been taken from the original. It's a lovely image, but the photographer deserved a co-credit.

There's many other examples that fall somewhere in between, and you can check them out at nitta_crib to make up your own mind.

I know there are some fans who aren't happy about that comm, and think it's run by 'haters.' Some fans even insist that what Nitta-sensei has done is not serious, that 'everyone' does it, and don't understand the fuss.

But it matters to me, a fan who paid money for a book titled "Kiss of Fire Artbook" by Youka Nitta. I purchase it assuming the artwork was thought up by Youka Nitta, drawn by Youka Nitta, and if any artists helped her, they're credited somewhere inside and/or rewarded for their efforts. The issue for me is not about copyright. It's about giving credit. The fact that Japanese fans are trying to find the photographic sources of Nitta-sensei's images and inform other fans means that it matters a lot to them as well.

And I resent the suggestion that 'every' mangaka does it. Such a claim casts a slur on an entire profession. It's grossly offensive. Mangaka referencing - sure. Mangaka copying to the detail and extent Nitta-sensei has over a number of years - I want to see proof before you throw around such allegations.

Bushido Angel Adventures
- Scratchmarks of Love Vol 2 ch 10 by Koide Mieko

Fantasy Shrine
- Ai no Kotoba mo Shiranaide ch 3- 5 Complete by Honjou Rie

HaruDaki
- Deep Purple ch 3 (Rukawa x Sendo) Slam Dunk Doujinshi by P-Rhythm

Todokanai
- Sakana no Rikyu (Heero x Duo) Gundam Wing Doujinshi by Kazami Shou

thelifelist
A forum for exchanging lists of things you'd like to have done before you die.

ljsecret
Share a secret through the means of art, under complete anonymity.

mourning_souls
A community for cemetery photographers, dark poets and anyone else who appreciates and admires the beauty of cemeteries.

Title: Etemmu
Parts: 1/3
Pairing: Razel/Verg
Rating: R
Warnings: sex, violence, swearing
Disclaimer: Lamento belongs to Nitro+Chiral.

Summary: Dying is not what Razel expected it to be.

Part I | Part II

( Click to read Part 1? )

Dynasty Scans
- No Bra Vol 2 ch 11 by Kawatsu Kenjiro

Fantasy Shrine
- En wa Ki na Mono Aji na Mono ch 3 by Tsunoda Ryoku
- Koyoi wa Kimi to Chi no Kisu wo part 2 Complete by Makoto Tateno
- Rukigun Renai Shikan Gakkou ch 3 by Mizukami Shin

Loveless
- Caramel Espresso ch 2 by Hiromi Toribito

Sliver Soul
- Sora ni Aru Mono (Okita x Hijikata) Gintama Doujinshi by Kousaka Akiho

Strawberry Poison
- But I'm a boy! (Renji x Ichigo) Bleach Doujinshi by Chocolate Junkie
- Fukurou Yamabushi (Ulquiorra x Grimmjow) Bleach Doujinshi by Black Rain
- Reincarnation Flow (Hollow Ichigo x Ichigo) Bleach Doujinshi by M2

Attractive Fascinante
- Dare ga Omae wo Suki dato Itta ch 1 - 8 Complete by Yamada Yugi

Dangerous Pleasure
- Gokujou no Koibito Vol 3 ch 11 - 13 by Masara Minase
- Itsuka no Himitsu Extra Complete by Naono Bohra
- Roman Gousha ch 6 by Kitazawa Kyou

Fushichou
- Hitomi no Kotoba ch 2 Shima Asahi
- Oshioki Gakuen ch 4 by Guren Naomi

Utopia Alternate link here *Must be a member to see it
- Tsuminaki Hakanaki Mono Love Letter (Sasuke x Naruto) Narutp Doujinshi by Fuyumoe Makomo

http://dpscanlations.deathsvertigo.com/2008/07/19/release-122-gokujou-itsuka-roman-gousha/

And we're back! If you liked Wednesday's release, then you'll really love today's. We're giving you two of the most popular mangakas around. That's right, you lucky people are getting both Naono Bohra and Masara Minase in one release! And while you're enjoying the oh-so-sexy bishies, have some cake in ...

Futarikiri
- Kiss wo Furasete (Ryousuke x Takumi) Initial D Doujinshi by Megamouse

PresenceDear
- Pandora’s Elevator [From Five Box Stories] by Ichiko Ima

Trine
- Kaoru-kun ch 3 Shuu pt. 1 by Suguro Chayamachi

Biblo Eros
- Seichouutsuu (James x Severus) Harry Potter Doujinshi [The World # 1] by Mayu
- Tsunagitakatta no wa Hidari te (James x Severus) Harry Potter Doujinshi [The World # 1] by Mayu
*These two chapters complete this doujinshi

Fantasy Shrine
- Shitsuji Kyoushi no Renai Jugyou ch 5 + Extra Complete by Amagi Reno

Liquid Passion
- Flowers ch 6 Complete by Miyamoto Kano
- Suteki na Kegawa ga Nakute mo Extra 1 - 2 Complete by Nabako Kamo

NoDeadline
- Ai to Youkubou wa Gakuen Vol 3 ch 12 by Umezawa Hana

In honour of the official release of Dark Knight (officially and absolutely the best damn Batman film ever even conceived of!):

http://www.cracked.com/article_16494_20-everyday-items-if-they-were-designed-batman.html

Also, the Smart Bitches snark some really implausible romance covers.

The main arc for Ryougoku x Kio has ended (and we hope you have enjoyed it), but you know what they say about an ending being the start of a new beginning - yes, better late than never, here is this week's release - Ai to Yokubou wa Gakuen de v3 c12. We meet the couple that some of you guys have been asking for - the perverted 'Professor' from the 'Abnormal' class, and the hapless host-wannabe caught in his web! (*mumbles*: the top of a class of 'abnormals'...poor Haru, he's so in for it.)

A round of applause to Gii and Haru!! (They're my favourite, personally. The hijinks these two get up to... what do you guys think?)

IRC-only till 3 days later. Taking? Comments would be appreciated!

Account Structure Update
Back by popular demand, Basic Accounts will be available to all users again by the end of the (northern hemisphere) summer. More information on the decision-making process and proposals relating to the future of Basic Accounts are in lj_2008.

New Themes
Two attractive and all-new Flexible Squares themes, "Circular" and "Circular Brown" are now available.


L to R: Circular and Brown

New V-Gifts
Give someone you care about the gift of enticement. With the new Chocolate Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream, Tea, Coffee, Curry and Sushi v-gifts, all the significant people in your life will be able to share in the longing for the tasty edibles below. Plus, it reminds loved ones you think they're really sweet, really savory or just plain satisfying.


L to R: Chocolate Ice Cream, Vanilla Ice Cream, Tea, Coffee, Curry and Sushi

Ж-Men...but not the ones you might expect!
This week LJ Russia launched Ж-Men, a new comedy series about superheroes, inspired by the LJ communities dedicated to superheros, comics and cartoons. The title's "Ж" comes from ЖЖ, the nickname for LiveJournal in Russia.

Ж-Men's script is written by a group of LJ enthusiasts who also happen to be television professionals. Who knew? Following the premiere, five more episodes will be broadcast over the next two weeks. We hope you find the series fresh and enjoyable.

This is, of course, an experiment for LiveJournal. As always, we'd love to hear what you think!