Little Armory (2015)

Illustration by カロ 

Little Armory is a product line of 1/12 scale plastic kit military-style models and figures, by the Tomytec Co. With kits ranging from pistols, and rifles, to grenades, and anti-tank weapons. 

Illustration by samaru

However, the main thing that drew me in the first place was their advertisements, aka anime girls with guns. With beautiful illustrations by some of the best military artists in the business. I'll try my best to credit them.

Illustration by daito

From what I can tell, this series has been around as far back as 2015 - 2016. According to the official site, Little Armory also has a novel and manga. I couldn't find either with a quick search so, I'm thinking this has got to be some really niche stuff (at least for a non-Japanese audience).

Illustration by samaru

Illustration by samaru

Illustration by しのづかあつと

Illustration by Kome

Illustration by カロ

Illustration by 坂崎ふれでい

Illustration by KZM

Illustration by スズキ唯知

Links:

• Twitter - Little Armory
• Little Armory - Products
• Pixiv - カロ
• Twitter - samaru
• Pixiv - daito
• Baka manga updates - manga
• Twitter - しのづかあつと
• Pixiv - Kome
• Pixiv - 坂崎ふれでい
• Little Armory - Character Profile
• Pixiv - スズキ唯知

My top 2024 media

SPOILER warning for some of the mentioned media.

Same as last year. This list includes TV shows, Movies, Anime, Music and Video games. That I watched/played and enjoyed or remember quite fondly looking back. It is not limited to media released or came out in 2024, but rather media that I enjoyed and engaged with in 2024.

TV shows:

I watched a ton of Poirot, and made a post about it too! But I have yet to complete it, as I've watched it to the 9th season. I tried to watch this other show, also adapted from Agatha Christie's works: Father Brown. About a pastor who goes around solving murders, but I quickly dropped it -due to the lack of visual and audio quality- after one episode.

Movies:

Not many movies were watched this year, only 7 in fact. None the less, I'll rank them in terms of enjoyment:

1. Captain Horatio Hornblower (1951)
   
   Cool movie that I made a post about back in January. Big enjoy.
   
   
2. The Battle of the River Plate (1956)
   
   My post.
   
   
3. The Maltese Falcon (1941)
   
   On Letterboxd I wrote: A great noir picture! Loved the main character's attitude throughout this film, and the dialogue was pretty entertaining overall.
   
   "You're a good man, sister!".
   
   
4. L.A. Confidential (1997)
   
   Rated: 7/10
   
   
5. Stalker (1979)
   
   My only gripes with this film was its length, accompanied by its slow-burn pace.
   On Letterboxd I wrote: Looks fantastic! Just too long.
   
   
6. High Noon (1952)
   
   Marking the end of an era where the hero is loved and adored by all.
   SPOILERS: Remembering this film, I think the town folks were straight up bullying their sheriff!?
   Other than that, a pretty solid picture.
   
   
7. Coogan's Bluff (1968)

Anime:

2024 was a phenomenal year for Anime, objectively and subjectively. I have watched or completed many Anime shows this year, with a ton of variety. Many favorites were picked this year, I'm not sure that I can rank them, so the first 3 4 5 Animes came in first place for me, which are:

1. Yubisaki to Renren (2024)
   
   This Anime deserves it's own post honestly. It's a romance story that involves a girl who's afflicted with hearing loss. And (I can't state this enough) it's the most heart-warming and cute romance anime I have watched. Go and watch it!
   On Anilist I wrote: Simply wow! Itsu is such a carefree but considerate guy, how is he so overpowered!? Also Madoka's condition is so gut-wrenching to me but, she still speaks! even if it is a little unclear. This anime is out of this world. An eye opener. I'm thankful for the things that I was given, from the moment I was born till my death, truly thankful.
   
   SPOILER: Oushi is still the only maidenless one here lol. Other than that superb ending. 10/10.
   
   
2. Gekai Elise (2024)
   
   An Anime that hit many of my sweet spots, involving a cute and smart main character and a banger opening. Made a post about it too.
   On Anilist I wrote: Cute master surgeon Elise is treating patients and performing miracle surgeries. Enjoyed. 10/10. 
   
   
3. LasTame (2023)
   
   A pillar of the emerging Akujo subgenre in my opinion. Read my post about it for more.
   On Anilist I wrote: Tear jerker, the Stale and Val's episodes got me good. Very wholesome anime overall. 10/10.  
   
   
4. Moriarty the Patriot (2020)
   
   Featuring one of my favorite eras and locations - 1800's London - I've also wrote a post about this masterpiece of an Anime. 
   On Anilist I wrote: Absolutely delighted by this anime! Beautiful English landscapes and Victorian architecture in addition to the hero being none other than Professor Moriarty!
   Lovely! 10/10.
   
   
5. I'll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History (2024)
   
   Man, this show is a blessing, if you're enjoying the surge of what I like to call The Akujo/Reincarnated Damsel a subgenre of isekai or another world, then this one is a treat, and a definite classic.
   SPOILER: On Anilist I wrote: ALIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIII!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
   HOLY SHIT NO WAY THIS ENDS ON A SEQUEL BAIT WTF!!???
   It was amazing though, a definite high new bar for the Akujo subgenre, and for that I'm grateful. 10/10.
   
   
6. Arte (2020)
   
   Taking place in another cool period and local - Italy during the Renaissance era - I've made a post about it too.
   On Anilist I wrote: Beautiful anime about the struggles of a woman in a male dominant field. Loved the era depicted too! 10/10.
   
   
7. Kusuriya no Hitorigoto (2023)
   
   If you looked at this list with utter despise (for whatever reason); Watch. This. Anime. It's great.
   On Anilist I wrote: Phenomenal Plot and characters! 10/10.
   
   
8. Aa! Megami-sama! (1993)
   
   Vintage art. 
   On Anilist I wrote: First class masterpiece. 10/10.
   
   
9. The Fable (2024)
   
   A bit gory, but the premise kept me coming back. It's pretty good. Rated: 8.5/10
   
   
10. Maou Gun Saikyou no Majutsushi wa Ningen datta (2024)
    
    On Anilist I wrote: This anime just ended. Here's hoping for a sequel. 9/10.

Manga:

Yes! As an Anime only guy this might come as a surprise. Although I've not completed any, but I did read a couple of chapters this year:

1. My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked (2020)
   
   Gold, to say the least. More in my post.
   
   
2. How to Grill Our Love (2020)
   
   A fun kind of outdoorsy Anime, and Cute. Only 13 chapters in though.
   
   
3. Marine Corps Yumi (2012)
   
   Coincidentally, also 13 chapters in. This one is.. it's... different.

Music:

Many remixes and edits were enjoyed this year. In no particular order:

1. FEX - Subways of Your Mind (1983)
   
   The -infamous- Most Mysterious Song on the Internet by The Very Unknown Band is a mystery on more. Since then I've been listening to the higher quality original that has been found.
   
   
2. David Guetta (feat. Kelly Rowland) - When Love Takes Over (DJ Paul Version) (2009)
   
   
   
3. Infinity - Naked in the Rain (Hexed Mix Trance Version) (2001)
   
   
   
4. IRyS - Carbonated Love (2024)
   
   
   
5. The Corrs - Breathless (2000)
   
   
   
6. Old Gods of Asgard - Heral of Darkness (2023)
   
   
   
7. Kotoko - Princess Bride (2003)
   
   
   
8. Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo - Wonderful Days (1995)
   
   
   
9. Mika Jougasaki (CV: Haruka Yoshimura) - TOKIMEKI Escalate (2015)
   
   
   
10. Cake - Short Skirt / Long Jacket (2001)
    

Game:

I did a lot of gaming (by my standards) this year. Games that I've enjoyed, in no particular order:

1. Helldivers 2 (2024)
   
   My go-to game this year, for winding down and having a good old time. Weren't for the glitches and occasional crashes, this game could've easily gotten a perfect score from me. Still fun though.
   
   
   
   Beautiful grenade.
   
   

   
   HOLD THE LINE ! ! !
   
   

   
   Had to match brother's tacticoolness. A masterful extraction.

   
   
2. Cities Skylines 2 (2023)
   
   I'm still mixed on this game. I love the road building tool and the surface tool, but it is still not finished sadly. When a lot of issues get resolved, I might play again.
   
   
3. Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell (2002)
   
   See my post about this game.
   
   
4. Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands (2017)
   
   Haven't finished it, but I'm having a blast infiltrating cartel bases with a friend of mine! It is insane how this game was made to be as Co-op friendly as it is. I enjoy.
   
   
5. Cold Waters (2017)
   
   Big enjoy. See my post about it.
   
   
6. Alan Wake (2012)
   
   Haven't finished it.
   
   
7. Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered (2020)
   
   A pleasant surprise of a game! Fun drifting and real-life car collection. I liked the bit where information about the car you have selected is being readout to you, before each level.
   Haven't finished it.
   
   
   
   
   
   
8. Rune Factory 4 Special
   
   A fun little RPG with farming elements.
   Haven't finished it.
   
   
9. Manor Lords (2024)
   
   Played this when it 'came out'. Sadly it is in early access. Will be waiting for a full release.
   
   
10. XCOM 2 (2016)
    
    Finally managed to see this game to the end (on the easiest difficulty). See my post about it.
    
    
11. Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2 (2021)
    
    I expected more.
    
    
12. Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age (2024)
    
    Still in its infancy. Looking forward to play more of this game, when it gets out of early access.
    
    

Been a busy year for me. Here's to a bountiful year full of mirth and prosperity.

Media that I'm looking forward to (doesn't mean I'll be playing/watching them necessarily) are: 

For Games: 

• Grand Theft Auto VI
• RoadCraft (Please be good *fingers crossed*)
• N1RV Ann-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
• Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater
• Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis

For Anime: 

• Kimi no Koto ga Dai Dai Dai Dai Daisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo 2nd Season
• Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Oji-san
• Dr. Stone: Science Future
• Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken 2nd Season
• Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season
• Youjo Senki II (Hopefully this year *fingers crossed*)

Links:

• Citrus Service - My top 2023 media
• Citrus Service - Poirot
• Letterboxd - Captain Horatio Hornblower
• Citrus Service - Captain Horatio Hornblower
• Letterboxd - The Battle of the River Plate
  
• Citrus Service - The Battle of the River Plate
• Letterboxd - The Maltese Falcon
• Letterboxd - L.A. Confidential
• Letterboxd - Stalker
• Letterboxd - Coogan's Bluff
• Anilist - Yubisaki to Renren
• Anilist - Gekai Elise
• Citrus Service - Gekai Elise
• Anilist - LasTame
• Citrus Service - LasTame 
• Anilist - Moriarty the Patriot
• Citrus Service - Moriarty the Patriot
• Anilist - I'll Become a Villainess That Will Go Down in History
• Anilist - Arte
• Citrus Service - Arte
• Anilist - Kusuriya no Hitorigoto
• Anilist - Aa! Megami-sama!
• Anilist - The Fable
• Anilist - Maou Gun Saikyou no Majutsushi wa Ningen datta
• Anilist - My Stepmother and Stepsisters Aren’t Wicked
• Citrus Service - My Stepmother & Stepsisters Aren't Wicked
• Anilist - How to Grill Our Love
• Anilist - Marine Corps Yumi
• YouTube - FEX - Subways of Your Mind
• YouTube - THE MOST MYSTERIOUS SONG ON THE INTERNET
• YouTube - GTA TBoGT Vladivostok FM David Guetta When Love Takes Over DJ Paul Version
• YouTube - Infinity - Naked in the Rain
• YouTube - IRyS - Carbonated Love
• YouTube - The Corrs - Breathless
• YouTube - Old Gods of Asgard - Heral of Darkness
• YouTube - Kotoko - Princess Bride
• YouTube - Charly Lownoise & Mental Theo - Wonderful Days
• YouTube - Mika Jougasaki (CV: Haruka Yoshimura) - TOKIMEKI Escalate
• YouTube - Cake - Short Skirt / Long Jacket
• Steam - Helldivers 2
• Steam - Cities Skylines 2
• Steam - Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
• Citrus Service - Tom Clancy's Splinter Cell
• Steam - Tom Clancy's Ghost Recon Wildlands
• Steam - Cold Waters
• Citrus Service - Cold Waters
• Steam - Alan Wake
• Steam - Need for Speed: Hot Pursuit Remastered
• Steam - Rune Factory 4 Special
• Steam - Manor Lords
• Steam - XCOM 2
• Citrus Service - XCOM 2
• Steam - Sniper Ghost Warrior Contracts 2
• Steam - Sea Power : Naval Combat in the Missile Age
• Rockstar Games - VI
• Steam - RoadCraft
• Steam - N1RV Ann-A: Cyberpunk Bartender Action
• Steam - Metal Gear Solid Δ: Snake Eater
• Steam - Yunyun Syndrome!? Rhythm Psychosis
• Anilist - Kimi no Koto ga Dai Dai Dai Dai Daisuki na 100-nin no Kanojo 2nd Season
• Anilist - Akuyaku Reijou Tensei Oji-san
• Anilist - Dr. Stone: Science Future
• Anilist - Otonari no Tenshi-sama ni Itsunomanika Dame Ningen ni Sareteita Ken 2nd Season
• Anilist - Kusuriya no Hitorigoto 2nd Season
• Anilist - Youjo Senki II

Neo Classic Cars - A stream of Consciousness

1993 Dodge Viper GTS Concept

Nothing grandiose, just wanted to share this YouTube video that popped into my feed. It's a video about the latest Grand Theft Auto V's Online DLC -Agents of Sabotage- except this video sheds light on the vehicles added to the game and their real-life counterparts. The video is very well edited and put together. I had a blast watching it; as someone who likes cars, trucks and cool vehicles in general, and I hope you like it too. 

SD1ONE - GTA V Online Real VS Agents of Sabotage Cars | F&F builds included

Usually I don't pay attention to any car made after 1979 but this video kind of expanded my horizons (just a bit). 

2003 F150 SVT Lightning

2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Coupe 1SB

1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth

1985 Buick Regal Grand National

To me, it's hard for one vehicle to grab all of my attention, however if multiple cool vehicle were in one spot or they interacted with one another e.g. a police chase. That would really grab hold of me and leave me in awe. I believe my first ever interaction with a piece of media involving cars was the opening cinematic for the 1999 game Driver You Are the Wheelman, on the PlayStation One. Which I blame for my.. non-conventional taste in cars.

 Driver You Are the Wheelman Intro

What I'm trying to same is that verity is the spice of life.. or something to that extent. I might make more posts in the future about the kinds of vehicle that I enjoy or dream of owning. Have fun everyone, and drive safely.

Links:

• Supercars.net - 1993 Dodge Viper GTS Concept
• YouTube - GTA V Online Real VS Agents of Sabotage Cars | F&F builds included
• Classic.com - 2003 F150 SVT Lightning
• Modernclassicmotorcars.com - 2005 Chevrolet Corvette Z51 Coupe 1SB
• Wikipedia - 1986 Ford Sierra RS Cosworth
• Oldcarsweekly.com - 1985 Buick Regal Grand National
• Wikipedia - Driver You Are the Wheelman
• YouTube - Driver You Are the Wheelman Intro

Artist - Jean-Paul Van Den Broeck

Stumbled upon a post talking about this Belgian comic artist. Drawing Belgian and French soldiers during their military service, and I'm really loving his military pieces! So, thought I might share. Look him up for more great art pieces, other than his military stuff :)

Here are my favorites:

French AMX-13 AA

A MILAN missile Launcher and a AA-52 Machine Gun

Pluton launcher

Links:

• LiveJournal - Про службу с юмором
• Lambiek Comiclopedia - Jean-Pol
• Wikipedia - AMX-13
• Wikipedia - MILAN
• Wikipedia - AA-52 Machine Gun
• Wikipedia - Pluton launcher

The Admiral's Favorite Anime OSTs

Roll, Cut Man and Elec Man.

I have been watching Anime since 2015 which is not that long ago, but I have made quite a collection of Animes that I enjoy. Sometimes the Anison (Anime song) would hit all the right notes, and earn itself a spot on my playlist. Here are my most memorable and favorite Anisons top 11:

NUMBER 1: One In A Billion - Wake Up, May'n! Is the opening song to Isekai Shokudou. A great Anime and one of my all time favorites.

NUMBER 2: Affection - Ookubo Rumi & Tsuda Minami & Taneda Risa. This one is the ending song to Yuyushiki. 

NUMBER 3: Twilight ni Kienaide - Yumi Hara. Shomin Sample's ending song.

NUMBER 4: Miiro - AKINO from bless4. The opening to one of my guilty pleasure Animes, Kantai Collection: KanColle.

NUMBER 5: High Free Spirits - Trysail. An opening that I can't help myself by singalong with, from the Anime High School Fleet (Haifuri).

NUMBER 6: Bokura wa Ima no Naka de - μ’s. Sung by Muse, is the opening to Love Live! School idol project.

NUMBER 7: Fantastic Dreamers! - Machico. The opening to the legendary Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! (KonoSuba). 

NUMBER 8: Great Days - Karen Aoki. An opening to the greatest JoJo part, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Diamond wa Kudakenai. 

NUMBER 9: Inner Universe - Origa. The opening to Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex. Russian, Japanese and English lyrics, make this a certified classic.

NUMBER 10: Super☆Affection - Faylan, Hashimoto Miyuki, Kuribayashi Minami, Misato Aki, rino and yozuca. The first opening on this list from an Anime that I haven't watched; Carnival Phantasm.

NUMBER 11: Platinum Disco - Yuka Iguchi. One of many great openings of the Bakemonogatari series. It is the third opening of Nisemonogatari.

The rest could be found in this playlist containing my most memorable Anime OSTs. For now, take care everyone, and have a fun rest of your day!

Links:

• The Reploid Research Lavatory - The Next Mega Man Idol 
• Discogs - Anison Music
• YouTube - One In A Billion
• Anilist - Isekai Shokudou
• YouTube - Yuyushiki Ending Affection
• Anilist - Yuyushiki 
• YouTube - Twilight ni Kienaide (Shomin Sample ED)
• Anilist - Shomin Sample
• YouTube - Kantai Collection OP - Miiro
• Anilist - Kantai Collection
• YouTube - High School Fleet AMV- High Free Spirits(Trysail)
• Anilist - High School Fleet
• YouTube - 僕らは今のなかで
• Anilist - Love Live! School idol project
• YouTube - Konosuba Opening S1
• Anilist - Konosuba 
• YouTube - Great Days
• Anilist - JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken: Diamond wa Kudakenai
• YouTube - inner universe
• Anilist - Koukaku Kidoutai: STAND ALONE COMPLEX
• YouTube - Super☆Affection
• Anilist - Carnival Phantasm
• YouTube - Platinum Disco
• Anilist - Nisemonogatari
• YouTube - Anison (Anime OSTs)

XCOM 2 (2016)

 A Love/Hate relationship. ****SPOILERS***

Not a fan of the Alien stuff generally nor the turn-based gameplay especially but, I was drawn to this game for a reason that I can't explain. It has such a classic looking UI and the game feels very foreign and exotic to me personally; since I'm not used to these types of games... Alright, I was trying to romance the Vipers ok!? Sadly to no avails.

"Ma'am" - Me.

This game has the most bullshit hit probabilities, I have ever seen. 

Started playing this back in 2018 but stopped when I got a game over on my first playthrough. My playtime was intermittent throughout the years. Finally winning the second time around; all thanks to my blatant and excessive save-scumming. Thinking back on it, I believe I was so moved by Ahoy's video about the old XCOM games, that I decided to return to XCOM 2 and it checks out, since his video was released in 2022 which is also the year that I returned to this game.

I got goosebumps playing the finale. I was invested in what was to come, weirdly enough.

I'll dump my screenshots, once again this post is very SPOILER heavy. Without further ado:

They make you connect with your characters, so that you get hit by their death.

Trickshot!

"Damn bro. You got the whole squad laughing"

Goosebumps territory

Trickshot 2

I know, I know. ROOKIE difficulty. I was trying to have fun, alright?

I had fun playing this. I have XCOM: Chimera Squad in my library too, so who knows, I might play it one day. Man, I'm not beating the Lamia-lover allegations ain't I?

Links:

• YouTube - RetroAhoy: X-COM