We Are Water Protectors Picture Book

We are Water Protectors picture book

Review

I stumbled upon this book in the best way possible. I was strolling through the park basking in the nature when I saw that my library was doing a story walk. It was my first exposure to a story walk and its such a brilliant idea. Each page of this book was displayed around the park walking trail.

This picture book is less of a story and more of a call to action. It informs readers we are all born from water and we must protect it from the black snake known as oil. It's important to note that this was written in response to the Dakoto access pipeline protests. The native American population of Dakoto rebelled against the construction of this pipeline due to the damage it would cause to the water supply and cultural sites.

Author Carole Lindstrom urges readers to cherish water while educating us on its cultural significance to the Ojibwe people. Water is characterized as a nurturing force that gives us all life. It is our duty to keep water safe and protect the defenseless inhabitants of this world. Michaela Goade does a phenomenal job captivating the eyes with her breathtaking drawings.

This is an important lesson for everyone to learn because environmentalism isn't taken seriously enough. There's so much harm being done to the planet every day and we need to take a stand. We are water protectors feels like a folktale that should be passed down for generations upon generations. Do your part and save this planet.

How Yuki Hayashi Captured the Soul of Shaman King

It's no secret that Shaman King takes inspiration from a conglomerate of different cultures. You have the Ainu warrior Horohoro, the Itako Ana, the Taoist Ren, and many other characters of various heritage. With all these influences, how does one properly compose a soundtrack to compliment the themes of the manga?

Simple: Include everything.

Yuki Hayashi brings the cultural aspect of the series to the forefront with his experimental soundtrack.

Let us start with the main theme titled [SHAMAN KING]. The song begins with religious chanting only to be followed by traditional Japanese sounds and Yuki's signature triumphant orchestral score. This immediately establishes the vibe for the entire show; a story entrenched in the past and one based around spirituality.

[ Vorpal Dance] is the perfect complement to the angry Chinese brat that is Tao Ren. It's an aggressive rock tune accompanied by a Chinese flute tune that signifies Ren's brashness and his nobility. Despite the aggressive sound of the track, it still has a heroic feel to it which references Ren's softer side he usually keeps locked away.

Taking a break from tbe cultural aspects for a moment, we have [ Avalanche] which is unofficially Ryu's theme. It's a braggadocious( that's a word you don't see every day) rap-rock song that screams confidence and bravado. Its early 2000's feel holds a special place in my heart.

There's also [ Yoh Yoh!!], a laid-back hip-hop beat that somehow manages to organically add samisen guitar strings. It's the perfect compliment to Yoh Asakura's tranquil aura.

There are a lot more songs to be discussed but I'm not familiar enough with breaking down music to do it justice. Yuki Hayashi did a phenomenal job incorporating the thematic energy of shaman king into his music. Each song feels like it's telling a story rather than being background noise. The soundtrack shows why it's important for a composer to understand the project they're working on so that the music can work in tandem with the narrative.

Modern Colonization

You turn our castles into Capitalistic towers

You turn our language into cheap imitations

You turn our communities into forgotten laments

You turn our future into phantasmal dreams

This is the game you have played for generations upon generations

Destroying lands and desecrating cultures all in the name of your conquest of vanity

You oppressor; you colonizer

How long will you stand in envy

Of our heritage

Of our legacy

Of our culture

Of our skin color

Of our existence?

Never in your anger and your spite shall you ever obtain even a fraction of the beauty Mother Nature has gifted upon us

Though you may burn at your self-appointed stake, you shall never possess the eyes of a victim

We are the future you fear

We are th rebels you fail to silence

We are the Capital you shall never obtain.

I wanted to be Hurt by Love Manga Review

This is a manga I found increasingly hard to write a review for the more I thought about it. While the initial few chapters and overall quality of the story is indeed above average, this manga includes a scene that has completely soured my enjoyment of the series and all potential readers should be warned before reading this: The protagonist hires a group of men to rape her bully. More of that will be discussed later in the review.

Kanae has it rough. The harsh treatment she receives from her "friends" reminds her of her severe bullying history and Kanae's mother talks down to her like garbage for not being an exemplary student. Even her brother hates her because he feels that his mom forces him to study extensively to make up for Kanae's mediocrity.

The only light of hope in her life comes in the form of Hiroshi, a cute baseball player she develops a crush on after meeting him at a mixer. This crush on him turns into a domino effect of drama and degradation.

This manga is in many ways a spiritual successor to Metamorphasis by ShindoL. Both featured troubled socially awkward girls plagued by abuse and bullying. The problem is that Kanae becomes less sympathetic as the story progresses. The first chapter already establishes her being a teen prostitute and getting angry at Hiroshi when he becomes concerned for her. It's implied she chose this lifestyle on her own rather than getting roped into the profession like Saki from Metamorphasis.

The manga keeps showing vignettes of how bad Kanae's life is, but readers are never given the full details. We aren't shown enough of her backstory to understand why she is the way she is. We know that her current friends are fake as hell and her family hates her, but it feels like more bark than bite.

Seeing the mental breakdowns of the characters as they confront their own trauma is certainly a highlight. Even Ichika, the previously mentioned bully, gets her sympathy points. Speaking of which, let's talk about her and the downfall of the manga.

Ichika got into a messy love triangle with Kanae because she also had a crush on Hiroshi. Ichika bullied Kanae into backing off from Hiroshi and that infuriated Kanae. She used her connections to get a group of men to abduct and rape Ichika while Kanae watched the whole thing with sadistic joy. That scene was godawful. Ichika may have been a horrible person, but nobody deserves to be raped. Kanae becomes much more morally repulsive than her own bully. Because of that one scene, I can't give this manga a high review.

Kanae somehow become the worst character in the story with her constant self victimization and sociopathic tendencies. She doesn't care who she hurts as long as she gets her happiness.

It was such a shame the manga ruined itself by going down that route because it was a compelling teen drama before that infamous scene. Kanae is far too much a two faced detestable character to care for and I'm not even sure if I went to continue reading this manga. It is because of this vileness that the manga indulged in, I cannot recommend this manga. It is simply too sickening.

Falsified Romance

The city of Brooklyn was coated in a thick layer of snow. School was closed, harsh winds were blowing and people wanted nothing more than to stay inside. Despite the cruel weather, Aria called Maxine over to her apartment to have a private chat. They only had so much time before Aria’s mom would return home. Maxine hung her snow-covered jacket by the door and met Aria in her bedroom.

“ You sounded really tense on the phone. Is everything ok?” Maxine asked.

Aria nervously paced around the room and looked at Maxine with moist eyes. “ No. Not really. I never expected this to happen but”- Aria paused to catch her breath-” I'm pregnant and Shawn is the father.”Aria wasn’t sure how she found the strength to say those words but she did.

Maxine’s eyes flared up before immediately slapping Aria across the face. Everyone nearby could hear the crack of the slap and some even turned on their phone cameras anticipating a fight. Aria slowly rubbed her cheek and tried to keep her temper in check. She didn't want to fight her friend. She knew it would only make things even worse.

“What happened to you Aria? We used to make fun of the type of girls who get knocked up in high school and promised not to end up like them. You were never a saint- nobody in this neighborhood is- but you were still better than who you are now. You know your mom can’t afford this baby and she’ll kill you if she finds out. Why would you be so stupid? It's not like I don't understand why you did it. I get it. Shawn is this charming guy with all this money and one day he has his eyes set on you. You probably thought he’d be your ticket outta here. Sorry to say this, but guys like him won't take you too far. You're only entertainment for him. He can find girls like you anywhere."

Aria rolled her eyes with her hands placed firmly on her hips.

“You wouldn't understand because you're still living the life I left behind. I don't need to fight other girls and steal their money like we used to do. Ever since Shawn and I met, he’s been taking care of me and mom even though she doesn't know anything. He loves me and protects me. I can't give him up for anything. I admit the pregnancy was definitely a mistake. We used protection so I have no idea how this happened.”

“Is this the same Shawn who disappeared as soon as he found out you were pregnant? Or maybe it's the other Shawn who’s been sleeping with other girls your entire relationship. He doesn't love you, Aria. You're just another girl he can play with and everyone can see it but you. Grow up!”

“ let's end things right here. If we keep talking we’ll end up fighting and I definitely don’t want that happening. Get outta here and give me some room to myself. I know you're trying to help me out but you’ve said too much.” Aria said.

“ Fine, I'll leave. If something  goes wrong don't come running to me for help.”

Maxine grabbed her coat and slammed the door behind her. Aria watched her walk away from her window as Maxine turned to look at her for a brief moment. There was too much distance to say for certain, but, Aria could've sworn she saw Maxine cry. Aria lay on her reflecting on the argument that ensued. She was angry yet she couldn't help feeling that she was in the wrong. She knew Shawn was a dangerous guy to hook up with but he was the first man that said he loved her. There was no father in her life to say those words and the boys in the neighborhood had lust for any female to cross their path. 

'Maybe I can still talk things out with him. If he really loves me, he won’t leave me to suffer like this. I’ll prove to Maxine she was wrong'.Even as the words entered her mind, Aria doubted that her situation would have such an easy solution. After about an hour of self-reflection, Aria put on her winter clothes and left her apartment. She would go to Shawn’s hideout and finally settle everything. When Aria boarded the bus, she reflected on everything Maxine said again. She didn't want to admit it, but she knew she really had changed. Growing up poor with a single mother, Aria had a reason to be angry since day one. She hated seeing her mom work so hard just to barely get by. She was exactly like the other moms in their housing project. Slaving away for nothing.

'I can't end up like her', Aria would often think to herself.  She'd rather be a criminal who stole from the wealthy than busting her back as a nurse in a local hospital with nothing to show for it. Being a blue-collared worker meant supporting a government that couldn't care less about you. Thieves are simply taking what’s due to them. The government loved to make life harder for poor people so it was only natural they pay the system back in kind.

It was that ideology that led her to Shawn. She was in a store, looking to grab some things off the shelves and run. There was barely anything left in the fridge at home and Aria's mom could only patiently wait for her next check. It was her first time shoplifting in a different neighborhood so she was anxious and out of place. She awkwardly stood in front of an aisle of food, her wobbling arms outstretched.  Before Aria could make a move she felt a big hand grab her by the shoulder.

“It’s too late to do any stealing. You've already made it too hot with all that fidgeting you did earlier. I know a good spot we can go to.”

Aria was prepared to be reprimanded by the store manager but instead, she got advice from local thug Shawn. The two hit it off smoothly after that. Shawn would get her fancy gifts she would show off to the girls in her gang. The fancy clothes and jewelry let everybody know that Aria was Shawn’s property. She wasn’t that “violent girl living in the projects” anymore. She felt special and was finally living a life worth living.

Shawn had moments where he could be terrifying though. There were days when he would get so angry and make Aria feel degraded. He would get into these moods where he couldn't help but insult Aria while reminding her where she came from. She had known about the other girls in his life but never came to terms with it. Yes, Shawn had fooled around with a countless amount of girls but Aria wanted to believe she was the special one. Delusions could only go so far, however. This insecurity would burrow in her mind and eat away at her self-esteem.

Aria could feel the dread building in her soul as she entered the old worn down brownstone. It was an ocean of snow outside yet this place felt colder than any winter to grace Brooklyn. Her ebony seemed to grow paler with every second she spent outside. Her nose was immediately assaulted with the stench of beer and weed. The floorboards looked like the entire city took turns stomping on them and the walls had more crack than the actual drug on the floor. Aria usually took pride in her Gucci jacket over her Armani Exchange sweater but now she just wanted to rip it off. It was the same reaction meat lovers have when they see slaughterhouses. They like the product but not how it's made. Aria glanced at the neat rows of white powder lined up to the sides. The same substance that paid for her wardrobe. She tiptoed up the stairs but it did any good. The loud creaky stairs were practically alarm bells. As soon as she hit the first step her eyes locked with Shawn, standing at the end of the hallway. A solid minute of absolute silence.

Shawn used to have a fire in his eyes that could fill most girls with warmth. The flame had long since kindled and it was an icy stare. They both knew what had to be said but the words were too shy to come out.

“We… we have to do something about this baby.” Aria’s voice was barely a whisper.

“YOU have to do something. I already told you I don't want nothing with that bastard child. You made your choice so don't try to bring me into it.”

“Excuse me?!?! We both played a part in this mess so don't you even dare play innocent. I need the abortion money.”

 Shawn traced his fingers across his temple, massaging the veins on the brink of bursting.

 “Look, you already pissed me off the other day coming out of nowhere talking about you pregnant. I don’t need you begging me for money.”

“It wasn’t the other day, it was two weeks ago! That’s how long you’ve been ignoring me. You need to take care of this baby. You know I can barely afford to take care of myself. Come with me to the hospital and pretend to be my dad so I can get this abortion already. I’m done with all the BS you’ve been giving me.” Said Aria

“Why you acting like I’m the only one who made this child? You’re the one who decided to get pregnant! We used protection and everything. You probably put a hole in the rubber to suck some more money outta me. The only thing girls in this neighborhood ever want is want is my money.”

Aria wanted to smack him but knew full well Shawn wouldn’t think twice about knocking her out. “I fell” wouldn’t get by her mom the second time.

“You’re taking care of this baby one way or another. All of this,” Aria said while pointing to the copious amounts of drugs, “is gonna get you in jail. I’ll keep quiet if you do me a small favor. Just something a would-be dad is supposed to do.

Shawn’s fists clenched as his cold stare morphed into a scowl. The fire’s back. Aria felt the walls close in as her ex leaped like a lion hunting prey. His massive hands gripped her by the collar and slammed her to the wall.

“I’ve had enough of all this baby drama. We’re done so stop trying to be part of my life. I’m gonna give you a real good reason to keep quiet. You ain't ever gon' open that shit talking mouth again.”

The air froze over when the police slammed open the front doors of the abandoned apartment. Men in blue came marching up the raggedy steps and now it was Shawn’s turn to be pinned down. Aria was stunned not by the police but at the sight of her mom and Maxine walking up the steps.

“She knows everything,” Maxine said with an apologetic look. It had barely been an hour since the fight yet Maxine still helped. 

“What kind of man are you? Alone in an apartment with a girl barely half your age.” One of the cops said as Shawn struggled with his cuffs.

Aria soon felt a warm embrace from her mom as she hugged with all her strength. Aliyah’s tears rolled down her daughter’s neck.

“I’m sorry mom. I’m sorry for everything. I ruined everything.”

"No, Aria, you didn’t. That man manipulated and abused you. It’s not your fault.  It’s not going to be easy but we can get through this. We’re taking this to court and suing him for everything he has.”

Aria shook her head. “Mom, you know we don’t have the money for a lawyer.”

“Yes, we do honey. The government will force the money out of him no matter what happens. Let’s just focus on you right now.”

The world outside was a harsh winter wonderland but with her mom and Maxine by her side, Aria felt true warmth for the first time in a while.

The days following the disaster flew by like the winter winds. Aliyah expressed her disappointment and anger at her daughter’s recklessness but was ultimately glad she was safe. The government Aria hated so much had siphoned the much-needed money out of Shawn who was currently rotting in jail with a statutory rape charge. Aria didn't understand the seriousness of the crime at the moment because she never felt assaulted but she know he had manipulated her.

There was still the dilemma of keeping the baby or getting an abortion. She didn't want anything to remind her of Shawn but killing something that was inside her seemed so harsh. After thinking about it, she realized she saw a pregnancy movie where the mom gets an abortion. The mom usually either gets talked out of it or is the one who shoots down the idea. The media is biased that way. There was no point in going through the pain of childbirth only to give the baby away so abortion was the bitter pill she would swallow.

When the procedure was done, Aria and her mom cried for what seemed like hours. Tears of joy for everything being over and tears of sadness for it having to come this far. Aliyah introduced aria to a support group in her hospital. It was for teenage victims of sexual assault and abuse. Aria was at first hesitant as she wanted to put everything behind her. Aliyah assured her that talking about the crisis she endured was the best way to move on. Aria reluctantly agreed and entered the program.

At first, it felt awkward talking to strangers about her life but with time it felt natural. She hadn’t realized how disturbing and cruel Shawn was until she looked at him with a retrospective. She wanted to cry her eyes out but didn’t want to look pathetic. Being part of the group let Aria see she was a victim and there were a lot of other girls who shared her pain. What’s more, is that every girl there had their own ambition. Some wanted to be fashion designers and others wanted to be singers. Aria never put much thought into what she wanted to be but now she had an idea. There are so many people in the world who feel directionless and abused just like she had been. She wanted to help those people and stop them from making the dumb choices she made. Whether she be a therapist, motivational speaker, or psychologist, Aria would heal the mental scars of those she met.

Jojolands Chapter 1 Review- The Mechanism

If someone had told me a few months ago that part 9 would be GTA with stands, I'm not sure if I would laugh or just dance with joy. Probably both. Jojolands  is already off to a strong start with probably the best first chapter out of any part. Readers quickly get introduced to Jodio and their sibling Dragona getting accosted by police that then delves into sexual assault. Jodio doesn't tolerate this at all and he breaks out his stand to wreck some havoc. November Rain is the name of the stand and it appears that he can manipulate water to create crushing raindrops. That's a cool ability but seems way too cut and dry for a protagonist stand. It's probably just an application of its true ability. 

Jodio is without a doubt the most amoral Joestar thus far. He has no issue with severely beating cops(potentially killing them), stealing cars, and selling drugs to teens. All of this establishes him as a weird alternate universe counterpart to Giorno. Jodio's ruthlessness will take some getting used to so I'm hoping he eventually gets character development that makes him more noble. He's a cool guy but very punchable at the same time. Kinda like how Johnny was at the beginning of part 7. He also seems to be very hedonistic since he wants to get rich simply for the sake of it. He's a true gangster at heart. I also want to talk about Dragona who's easily the biggest highlight of the chapter. Despite their feminine appearance, Jodio calls them his brother. Jodio monologues how Dragona has always been into women's fashion and even got injections to expand their breaststroke. This implies Dragona could possibly be trans or nonbinary. The original Japanese version doesn't even use gendered pronouns to address them but all three translations( you know a manga is hyper when three different people translate it) uses male pronouns. I feel that using gender neutral pronouns for now is the wisest decision. I'm curious to see where Dragona's gender identity will lead but then again, Araki is infamous for never elaborating on important plot points. Here's to hoping he doesn't screw them over.

Near the middle to end of the chapter we are introduced to the primary objective: stealing a 24 carat blue diamond from a Japanese tourist. To assist in this mission they are joined by Paco, a kleptomaniac with some seriously sticky fingers and an unnamed character in a wetsuit who buys drugs from Jodio. Yeah, this part has a lot going on for it. It fills me with excitement just imagining how this heist will play out. The narration implies things will go horribly wrong and piques my interest even more. It's important to not that all the stands seen thus far are non-humanoid and only Jodio was one suited for combat. This makes me believe there'll be an even lesser focus on battles than in Jojolion and will focus more on tactical espionage. It's a fun change of pace but I'm seriously missing  the powerhouse stand battles we used to get. Overall, Jojolands is destined to be a captivating new installment of JoJo.