I meant it, when I said I wanted to dance.

Gwen Stacy! Ash Lynx

I will always love Bones and Kong. My favourite little honorary lesbians.

The rumors were right, Cain really did call Arthur a cracker!! Lmaoooo

Speaking of which, Arthur's voice does hit it's emotional peaks here but that's to be expected. I forgot about the scene where he's holding up one of his men by the collar. Honestly I think the way of analysing Arthur that'd be both the most accurate and interesting is if he is a Francis Begbie like character; resorting to violence because it's the only way he feels adequate and the only thing that gives him a real thrill. Though even then Begbie beats him at being that style of antagonist by a country mile.

I'm lowkey running out of things to say about the dub itself because it's so consistently great. Brandon McInnis is just pure brilliance as Ash. I do wish Eiji's screams in the coney island scene could have been louder like Kenji Nojima's were in the sub, but that's my only real complaint with this ep's dub.

Sill enjoying Sing and Yut-Lung's performances. Arthur's voice actually has the right bite this time around. And we meet Cain here! Yeah he sounds great too.

I thought Max and Ash's middle east talk was translated very well. These plot points hit so much differently, HARDER now after everything that's occured since the beginning of this decade, and especially now that the world is being forced to endure another vicious Tr*mp administration.

I cannot tell you how much I ADORE the natto scene. The banter flows so well and Ash's teasing is just *chef's kiss*

This of course is the turning point where Ash starts to become more ruthless and murderous. I thought this was handled great as well, and in fact I really get the sense of Eiji's feelings of inadequacy very well through this script, which makes the argument scene somehow even more compelling and amazing for these two characters. If I wasn't so tired right now I'd maybe write an analysis on Ash's behavior changes after Shorter's death. Maybe one day. No promises.

his solace

Pumpkin scene was absolutely perfect. Ash's storytelling was impeccable and Eiji's laughter was delightful.

"The sweet you who sulks when he's teased about hating pumpkins." The extra Asheiji is always delightful, thank you dub script writers. I really feel like we got to hear more of Eiji's tenderness here which i'm so glad about.

This is my favourite episode for a reason. After all the bloodshed and horror they've been through so far, having time to relax with these characters and getting to know them on a more personal and human level (whilst also still moving the plot along) has always felt so special to me. I thought Brandon, Jonathan, Keith and Greg all killed it this episode.

The nightmare-comfort scene especially is so important to me. I appreciated Eiji's line "it's my fault too" when referring to Shorter's death. I think it's a really important thing to show about Eiji's character, the fact he feels like a burden and that he's responsible due to feeling like he's holding Ash back by being weak.

Apparenty some people aren't into Yut-Lung's dub? Idk why I think he sounds great!

Also Singggggggg my boyyyy ik he appeared briefly last ep but man it feels so good to see and hear him in proper action. He doesn't sound all that young, but I still get the sense of his determination and his hatred of authority here, which are vital components of his character.

We also get to see Ash's main gang members again yay!! Bill Butts as Kong I am OBSESSED WITH.

"Save the one you love" man I think this dub is really gonna lean into the Asheiji of it all. And I LOVE it.

This will be the last time I ever watch this episode. I don't think I could take it ever again.

Once again, Dino sounds deeply sickening from start to finish. I actually want to puke every time he speaks. The deepest part of hell would be too kind for him.

Arthur actually sounded not bad this time around. Abraham Dawson is vile, I actually forgot just how sadistic he was. His VA is doing an incredible job for a role that ultimately only lasts a few episodes.

Actually, everyone's VAs did incredible here. Shorter's, Eiji's, and ESPECIALLY Ash's. Those screams are going to haunt me for a long time.

This is where it's getting really tough to watch. I feel sick already and we haven't even gotten to the worst of it yet.

Jessica. Man Erin did such a good job and handled this scene with so much care. I kinda wish Max sounded angrier tbh.

Wang-Lung just sounds like a regular guy to me. Kinda disappointing considering he's supposed to be one of the most evil characters in the show. I feel like he could have used a little more range.

Yut-Lung sounds great here. That sinister air that surrounds him really shines through in this dub.

I also am proud of how they explained how the drug works in this dub.

Happy Birthday Ash

This is one of the best episodes in terms of character writing, from Max and Ash calling a truce at last, Ash dreaming of his freedom, Ash and Eiji's bond, Jessica's sass, Yut-Lung's mystery and the first glimpses of his jealousy, the blackmail of Shorter, etc. Honestly it's been a long while since I watched this one in full anyway but I'm gaining more appreciation for it. I definitely have this dub to thank.

I think Yut-Lung's voice is decent so far. I'll need to see more significant scenes of him, ones where he's not under full command of his brothers, to make a proper judgement though. Love that they went with the proper Cantonese pronunciation of his name!

Little Michael sounds adorable!!!

Jessica's va is incredible too. I actually thought it was Allegra Clark when i first heard it, but it's actually Erin Yvette. She did a great job!

I'm really happy with how they adapted the scene of Ash teaching Eiji how to shoot a gun, it felt authentic. I'm also really loving Ibe and Max's interactions in this dub!

Jennifer sounds really close to the original, and that's okay with me.

Interesting that Jim actually calls his son Ash here, I don't think he refered to him by any proper name in the Japanese version. (Can't remember if he did in the manga or not)