Focusing on Fandom! A Look Back at 2023 (Part 1)
I thought about looking back on X (formerly Twitter), but...
When I went back through my posts, I realized it was such a packed and fulfilling year that I decided to leave a record of it here on note. I left my New Year's art unfinished! I should have just posted it on New Year's Day!
The main keywords for 2023 were
・Paranormasight
・Kibukawa Series
・Slayers
Also OU, Ruku-chan's Heart Balloon, Yuru-Yuru Gekijo, and more. I met so many wonderful games!
January: The Calm Before the Storm
I caught COVID-19 at the end of 2022.
The first half of January was mostly spent recovering.
Because of that, my fandom activities were pretty laid back and slow.
I also finished reading Ep. 3 of Schoolgirl Strikers 2 around this time. It was the culmination of Ishiyama-san's scenario! I should have read it sooner~
I wonder when "Ane no Kabe" will be released? I also want Kibukawa merchandise and the soundtrack...
...I was thinking so casually when, well, a huge storm arrived.
February: A Shocking Nintendo Direct and the Paranormasight Invasion
February 9th, the day of destiny.
I was busy getting ready for work while wondering about the Nintendo Direct airing at 7:00 AM.
Hmm? Is Ishiyama-san posting something on Twitter? ...Is this a teaser? Just as I was thinking that, it arrived.
“Paranormasight: The Seven Mysteries of Honjo”
...Eh??? I-it's here!!!
A new ADV from Ishiyama-san!?!?
I finished pre-ordering immediately, and for some reason, I couldn't follow the official account.
...Is this a modern curse...
I was able to follow it properly later, though.
Try harder! Twitter-chan!!
It was also around this time that I decided to add Paranormasight to the second Kibukawa series web-only event. Even though it hadn't been released yet.
Kagari-san and I, the two organizers, are always eager.
March: Jimo-Tube Stream & Paranormasight Release!
There is too much information, so I'll go chronologically.
【March 1st】
・Paranormasight collaboration started in Schoolgirl Strikers 2
・Dialogue video between Ishiyama-san and Kobayashi-san released on YouTube
Ishiyama-san's scenario, new illustrations by Kobagen-san.
Distribution of Rifuta's collaboration costume & Namedori stickers. The promotion was full of effort, including a 360-degree viewing mechanic just like in Paranormasight. I can't wait for the March 9th release!
By the way, the introduction of Oburi Parana-chan really shook me. I was like, who is that?! The scenario was full of Ishiyama's signature style and was fun, though!
【March 3rd】
・Ruku-chan's Heart Balloon released
It looks cute, but the puzzles are quite tough.
As of December 2023, I still haven't conquered puzzle mode and am challenging it whenever I have free time! I think Rish-kun's "I feel a strong will" is a famous quote.
・Jimo-Tube Stream (G-MODE)
A surprise guest appearance by Ishiyama-san and Oshu-san.
Square Enix and G-MODE are too generous. My expectations were inevitably raised by the live gameplay of the beginning of Paranormasight, and then... what's this...
＼Kibukawa x Paranormasight collaboration video stream／
Sensei and Izuna-chan rewritten with Kobagen-san's illustrations are wonderful! Their encounter with Protan is too funny.
Also:
◆Paranormasight x Mu collaboration booklet distribution decided
◆Kibukawa series soundtrack
◆Kibukawa series Steam version release
◆Dream Kibukawa merchandise (memo pad & ballpoint pen)
◆Ruku-chan's Heart Balloon release
◆Ane no Kabe release decided
There was so much happy news that it was hard to keep up with the timeline.
【March 9th】
Midnight, Paranormasight release begins
…Or so I thought, but I was surprised to find the smartphone version installed around 8:00 PM the previous day. I couldn't play while at work, and I went on a temporary Twitter ban to avoid spoilers. I was so anxious!💦
I started playing at midnight. I'll skip my impressions, but it was so much more fun than I expected that I forgot to sleep while playing. It was advertised as having a total playtime of about 10 hours, but it took me about 20 hours. I'm glad I took Paranormasight leave in advance.
【March 18th】
Oshiruko-san's "Kibukawa Calendar Project"
Works & Net Print numbers released
I'll be participating again next year, but it's a feast for the eyes with nothing but wonderful works. I look forward to turning the page every month.
【March 30th】
Paranormasight LINE stickers first set, release decided!
Paranormasight is racing toward becoming a popular work through game streams and word of mouth. And the official team is so quick on their feet. It hasn't even been a month since the release?!
April: A Spring Drowning in Official Content. Paranormasight Popularity Explodes
・April 1st, Paranormasight official, April Fool's video posted
Aren't they too quick on their feet?! (Second time)
The banter between Eri-o & Inspector Tsutsumi is fun.
Can't this be added as extra content?
・April 9th, Paranormasight official, video posted again
A day in the life of Eri-o & Protan.
A story about the three of them during their police academy days.
・April 28th, Paranormasight official, video posted for the third time
Yakko-chan & Miwo-chan.
Miwo-chan blowing on her monjayaki is cute.
So much content from the official side! I'm happy, but I feel like I'm drowning in a wave of information. Please give us everything as extra content...!!
April 27th, Paranormasight LINE stickers first set release started
Come to think of it, I was so overwhelmed that I ended up making Paranormasight fan stationery. Momentum is important.
And then, big news on the April JimoTube:
＼Psycho Mystery Series, distribution confirmed／
Yessssss!!!!
It's a title I couldn't finish playing due to device compatibility issues. I get to meet Mamoru and Haruka again! I'm so happy! Thank you, G-MODE! 'Ane no Kabe' was also released in April, making it a month where I was drowning in content.
