the "bara" phenomenon‏

I've just noticed today at work that, after so many years of Western exposure, somebody wrote a great entry on "bara" for Wikipedia. I remember how it took several years for it to be even mentioned on the "yaoi" entry, and now it has its own full-fledged section, filled of references and all that stuff! Shame we don't get to know the author (although I do have a few guesses), because I would love to congratulate the effort of whoever did that. Gay manga has become such an important part of my life I can't imagine myself living without it. Together with videogame, it's the hobby I devote the most of my time to.

The number of people who learn of "bara" every day never fails to impress me. Often when checking the bara board (now in a new address) I see some Anonymous requesting years-old Takeshi Matsu scans, or asking "source" or "MOAR" on 101 stuff like Gai Mizuki, Shoutaroh Kojima or even Jiraiya. Since it's an anonymous board you have no way of knowing the person behind those posts, but from their request you can tell they are new to the scene.

"Bara" is a term I've long despised, but as you grow older you learn to accept things you once strongly opposed - I'm growing used to it. I am lucky enough to be part of the small, nostalgic group who witnessed its discovery and early divulgation by a few trailblazers and their treasured scans (for which I'll be eternally grateful), and now it's pretty much a given that any gay nerd will come to know of it, probably very soon during their netlives.

Almost brings a tear to my eye.

dragon age: frustration

Dragon Age: Origins, the game I was anticipating the most this month (hell - this year), was released on November 13th here in Brazil. As of today, 11.17, trying to find a copy is a pointless endeavour, since absolutely no store has it in stock. Not because it was sold out or anything - everywhere I go I'm told it isn't out yet.

Videogaming is so neglected around here it's no surprise every-goddamn-body pirates. My Xbox360 isn't modded, I can't run pirates, but I'd be inclined to flash it if not for the massive Halloween ban wave. It's been ages since I've wanted to purchase Marvel Ultimate Alliance 2 for some coop bonanza with my boyfriend (a major Marvel fan who loved X-Men Legends), but it's being sold for almost R$ 300. That's about 171 US Dollars. One-hundred seventy one dollars for the exact same game I would pay $60 in a decent civilized country. Modding your Box is like, one-fifth the price.

Admittedly, I could have bought DAO through Steam, but overall I find Steam slightly... uncomfortable., for no particular reason. Besides, I want the premium edition that comes in a nice box with some silly extras (that make all the difference, really). But it's no good, no place is selling it yet. Even though it's supposed to be out for days.

Alistair, I need you so goddamn much. Gimme the stupid game already!
(I'm so into Alistair I was almost willing to forsake all my moral beliefs and go female, just to romance him - why the hell do we gay guys have to fuck a fruity elf instead of a gorgeous, manly human? Down with gay elf stereotypes already! Anyway, human males turn me on to a degree I could never bother rolling a skank just for a dude. A sexy and cuddly dude nonetheless... ahh, I need a gay mod for Alistair :p)