11-All Aboard

So, I'm quite a ways into Nisekoi, and I'm rather enjoying it.  I wasn't sure whether the whole Tsundere trope would get old, but it's been entertaining so far.  I don't want to talk too much about the story, but I will say that I've been pleasantly surprised by how I'm kept guessing as to which girl the main character is ultimately destined to be with, given the premise of the story.  I'm a sucker for a good love triangle.  But I'm not sure it can ever end well.  Of course with recent developments in volume 16, there are more possibilities.

Anyway, I'm noticing how many of these entries contain "so," followed by "anyway."  ANYWAY.  Liz continues to be Liz.  And, of course, Terran.  I swear these characters show the worst sides of themselves during this first part of the story.  They are not that bad.  Promise.  ^v^

10-False Dilemma

So unfortunately the story thus far only shows the worst side of Liz.  I actually quite like her as a character for reasons that are not yet apparent.  And I am afraid if I keep typing that I will spoil the story, so I will stop.

I guess bachelorette parties are definitely considered part of the main events, if I'm going to nitpick at my dialog.  But I will defend the statement by saying that she was driving her point home by bringing up a main event that is especially relevant to her plan, which hasn't been mentioned yet.  If cake tastings are a catalyst for gluttony, then bachelorette parties are even more so.

My own experience with bachelorette parties has been interesting.  Each friend seems to bring a certain taboo, scandalous, or questionable-in-terms-of-legality thing or activity, and hijinks ensue.  Of course that depends on the bachelorette party.  I've experienced two extremes in terms of "unsavory" activities.  One extreme of course is the expected revelry, naked men, and  phallic paraphernalia, the other is a family party where everyone is expecting revelry or impropriety and instead there is just this pervasive awkwardness due to the odd aunt, mother, or grandmother in attendance.  God that's fun.  >.>  Of course, there are grandmas out there who wouldn't bat an eye at the sight of a bong or a penis cake.

9-Examples

Yep, Cyrstal is that person.  She is always the one to blame when you expectantly make that trip to the pizza box, hoping that there might be a few slices left, only to find it empty.  And not only empty, but also clear of all evidence that there was pizza there to begin with, except maybe the telltale grease spots.  She doesn't even ask, either.  In fact, the only time she WILL ask is when there is a collection of leftovers on your plate that you haven't touched for some time, or that half finished soda that will inevitably make its way to the garbage can.  Sure, it's kinda gross, and Crystal may or may not have had a bout or two with mononucleosis because of it, but this little quirk of hers has its perks.

Also, smoking.  I've experienced such a wide range of opinions about smoking in my conversations with people.  I've known people who have quit cold turkey as Crystal has here.  I've known people who are opposed to smoking to a religious degree.  I've known people who smoke even though they are acutely aware of the risks and drawbacks.  I'm not one to judge anyone's opinion or conduct this way or that.  But I hope that this tiny little detail in the story won't make light of the fact that people have battled addiction or suffered through the consequences of habitual smoking.  OF COURSE IF YOU ARE OFFENDED MAYBE YOU SHOULD HAVE ALREADY BEEN OFFENDED BY OTHER THINGS THAT I HAVE MAYBE POSSIBLY MADE IN THE PAST.  Like bad puns about the act of making puns.  Punmanship.

8-Easier Than You Think

In part, this story is about extreme personalities put into a situation where those personalities particularly manifest.  For some reason, extreme personalities seem the most interesting, even in real life.  Sometimes those personalities are difficult to deal with by their very nature, but the people in whom they are found I find profoundly lovable.  Or something like that.

I had a conversation with a friend of mine about Diablo III today.  Like many people, I enjoyed the second game in the series decently, but I've heard mixed reviews about the third.  The storyline itself, he told me, is a bit short, but there are a few non-storyline-related aspects to enjoy about the game as well.  In the brief research I did on the game, I've heard people complain about the constant rebalancing of their classes during beta testing, which resulted in many characters being nerfed, which would be upsetting.  Perhaps by now they've resolved these issues.  I might try it out if I find the time.  But anymore I'd rather be working on comics.  ^^