watch:Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress (Amazon Prime Video)

An explosive anime available only on Amazon Prime (read: domestic legal), is the Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress, coming from Musashino, Japan.  It is (gratefully) streamed in its native language (though subbed) and all of season one is available (12 eps overall).

Mumei by WLOP

Kabaneri follows the story of a post-apocalyptic, steam-age universe where 'kabane' (glowy zombies) have spread their virus across industrial era Japan.  As a response, the people have walled themselves up (see the parallel's with Attack on Titan?) at strongholds that serve as railway points.  Their only lifeline to one another, for critical supplies and information, is to run armored trains to and from.  The lives of the people are governed by this mobile source of protection and information.

The two primary characters, Ikoma, an unappreciated engineer and creator of a weapon that better kills the kabane (who have only the heart as their weak spot), and, Mumei, a mysterious young noblewoman who can also dispatch the kabane with some ease.  What sets these two on the same path is they are both (little spoiler) a hybrid of human and kabane, thus the term kabaneri.  They still have their human wits about them, but hunger for blood, and have stemmed the spread of their disease.

Mumei by Guweiz

Where Kabaneri succeeds where I feel Attack does not, is that the story is more limited in scope, the characters not so world-weary (there are actual moments of happiness that are not broken by abject destruction).  The fight sequences are well thought-out and not as groan-worthy as some of the deaths of the Attack kids.

I'm including two great artists that captured Mumei's vulnerability and fierce warrior stylings - WLOP and Guweiz from DeviantArt.

"Reds" by Guweiz

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...Literary Gifts for Christmas, 2014...

My shopping done, my mind at ease (at least here), I offer these to your family and friends that uphold the literary and fantastical.  Play a mix of R&B Christmas and stroll on down.

642 Tiny Things to Write About

Have (and use) the full format version, mention this one because it is effective and it comes in a pocket sized edition for the holidays.  So cute.

Edgar Allen Poe Scarf

Wear your heart of darkness on your neck, not as a noose but as a lovely scarf.  This one is of "The Cask of Amontillado".  I spent a healthy part of high school memorizing the opening lines.

Barnes & Noble Solitaire Chess

These days playing chess by yourself is a normal part of a nerd's life.

Edgar Allen Poe Candle

Absinthe and sandalwood tones embue this candle.  Write whilst smelling Edgar's smoking jacket I suppose.

Demeter Fragrances:

Dramatic fragrances for a night of reading or writing.  I put a few drops behind my ears before sitting down with Sylvia Plath.  

Demeter Thunderstorm

Demeter Holy Smoke

Demeter Paperback

Demeter Russian Leather

Demeter This is Not a Pipe

Hope Necklace in Silver - Emily Dickinson 

"Hope is the thing with Feathers that perches in the Soul, and sings the tunes without the words, and never stops at all."  Oh Emily, you've enlivened my demeanor.

Charles Dickens Charm Bracelet

These charms are getting increasingly more ornate and specific.  Saw another today that is for those fond of zombies.

Jane Austen Coasters 

Wuthering Heights Bracelet

A very comprehensive bit of jewelry, with the opening paragraphs of one of my top five romantic novels.

Great First Lines Mugs

The Book Lover's Journal

I can't think of a better gift for the true purveyor of the written word.  It is 216 pages long and allows you over a hundred pages to log the books you've read, a section on books you'd like to read, where you buy your books, ones you've borrowed, ones you've lent.  OMG OCD.

Jane Austen Candle Tin

Gardenia, Tuberose and Jasmine.  As but I could rest on her bosom and smell these notes.

Those Barnes & Noble "Little Gifts"

You've seen these for years: small palm-sized boxes that house a bit of fun in all forms.

Amazon: Classic Playing Decks

Classic book covers and author photographs will call out as we play a game together.

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