SO ONCE UPON A TIME I had like. All seventy million songs from the various Slayers soundtracks. But at the time I was thirteen or fourteen and over the years I've gradually weeded that list down to all but my absolute favorites.
Now that I'm playing Lina I imagine I'll go on a nostalgia trip and dig it all up again at some point. But for now? Here are the songs which have with stood the trials of the ages.
FYI unless otherwise noted? It's PROBABLY SONG BY HAYASHIBARA MEGUMI who happens to be. You know. Lina's seiyuu.
Get Along - Opening for the first series of Slayers. Looooooove this song. While Give A Reason is largely regarded as The Best Slayers OP (and yes, okay, it IS) I honestly find Get Along no less enjoyable. It's just fun and has a nice feeling to it. It helps that it brings back many good memories though. Mm |D
Give A Reason - Yah okay. To me this song is just... everything that is Slayers. It is always the first song that comes to mind (and the last to leave it) for Slayers related music. I don't know. It's got fun and excitement and determination and a certain kind of raw power to it, and it's really probably still my favorite anime OP ever.
Give A Reason (Remix) - The previous song! Only REMIXED! I like this more than the original, honestly. It.... sparkles. Keeps the beat better. I dunno. I just do.
Breeze - MEET THE BACKGROUND SINGER LADIES. You will find them in many songs to come! They used to annoy me now I look on them with some fondness. Fortunately, they only like to show up at the beginnings of songs.
ANYWAY Breeze is the OP to Slayers TRY the third season of Slayers. And like the previous two OPs? It's very good. This one is more wistful than Give a Reason, which I think kinda fits with TRY pretty well. It still makes my heart ache a little (TRY was a very uh. bittersweet season) but it's really a beautiful song. I love ALL the songs I'm pimping here, so it's hard for me to say "If you only download three..." but really? You are a sham to the anime fandom if you aren't at least familiar with the three Slayers OPs. They're so widely spread I tend to assume people just know what they are, but I realize Slayers isn't in hit's hay-day anymore SO. You have no excuses! Chop chop and download.
Ganbare Necromancer - I have NO IDEA what that title is meant to imply but this song is horribly cute. Normally Megumi sings in the "Lina voice" which is much sharper and more happy. This is a lot more relaxed.
Gloria ~Kimi ni Todoketai~ - You know it's hard to think of stuff to say about music when I can't talk about the lyrics? Not that I ever actually LIKE japanese lyrics but that's not the point. So. Good song. I like it. Etc.
Going History - Now I'm not going to claim that Megumi is the most original artist ever. Cause. Well c'mon, she's a japanese idol, she sings what she's told to sing. BUT her songs have this tendancy to start out very rhymtic and pump up toward the middle, which is the main thing I like this. It really punches at the chorus and makes it fun. That and the "we can we can" or whatever she's singing there that just stands out.
In The Limitless Desire - So there are four songs I'm going to pimp here which are just... different. I mean. I LIKE nearly all Slayers music. But these four I love as songs, not as enjoyable bringers of happy memories. Cause while Slayers music is, I think, better than MOST anime music. It's not what I consider very... uh. Real music. But these four? Totally are. Give A Reason is one of them, this is the next. It's a little strange, a little mysterious, a little passionate. I've always loved it. I THINK this is an ending... to either a OVA or TRY? Can't remember... Probably a OVA, since those always get really good quality EDs.
Midnight Blue - This is the ending to the Slayers Motion Picture aka Slayers Perfect (which is the same as any other Slayers OVA just with better animation). I've always loved this song. Just download it D=
Reflection (Last Summer Remix) - I don't have a non-remix version of this, which means I liked this version a lot more than the original and got rid of that. Anyway. LOVE THIS SONG. Does that snappy rhythm thing, only to a more extreme extent (kinda reminds me of Hamasaki Ayumi's Evolution in that sense?) but has sassy background singers from In The Limitless Desire |D Anyway. This song always feel really defiant to me, so I associate it more strongly with Lina than the others (which might be SUNG by Lina's seiyuu but doesn't always have that flare of Lina-ness). Badass song. Tons of fun, get.
Run All the Way (Fireball Groove Mix) - LIKE IT SAYS, IT GROOVES.
Don't Be Discouraged - I'm running out of things to say! It's good. Get it. I kept it for the past seven years for a reason. Etc.
Exit Running - This title is hilariously Lina... and uh. Just about everything Slayers really. Man they run away a lot of heroes. ANYWAY. Another good song. Get it.
Slayers 4 the Future - OMG A SONG NOT SUNG BY MEGUMI. Not... entirely anyway. This features the entire Slayers cast (and by entire I mean Lina, Gourry, Amelia and Zelgadis) and it's. You know. Fun |D If yo'ure curious the singers go Lina > Gourry > Lina and Amelia > Amelia > Zelgadis > L & A > Amelia > Zelgadis > All > BRIDGE > Amelia > Zelgadis > L & A > Lina > Gourry > L & A > Lina > Gourry > All
Also actually a good song, even if Gourry can't really sing.
We Are - ZELGADIS SONG, still with background singers~ I love this song. It's totally sexy to me, even if I'm sure Zel is emoing about something in it. Actually, as I recall it's kinda hopeful but whatever. ZEL IS HOT OKAY? And this is a great song. And the boy can actually sing pretty decently. SOMEONE APP ZEL D=
Also, Nuriko-mun lovingly pimped these earlier this week. But it was under a cut. So for the sake of anyone who missed it? Some NEW Slayers Music. I understand these were made to celebrate Slayers' ten year anniversary. One new song and some remakes~
Give A Reason (Ballade Version) - Give A Reason. Only slower. A la ballet. I don't care for it much myself, but worth a listen to if it sounds like your kinda thing.
Meet Again - ALL NEW SONG. I like this song a lot, it contains a lot of Lina's inate chipper spunky cuteness. I think people get really caught up in the fact that Lina is a crazy tempermental redhead who will set you on fire. But REALLY? The core of Lina isn't that she's violent. It's that she's HAPPY. And that she's cute. But mostly that she's happy. The girl always has a positive outlook and she will occationally kick you in the ass if you try to rain on her parade JUST BECAUSE she can be happy if she wants. HAH! And what the hell is up with everyone wanting to be an emo kid anyway? When did that become cool? Etc. And this song is happy and cute and determined and has that certain kind of spunk that tends to make people like her. IMO an EXCELLENT song to give us for the anniversary.
Get Along (SelfTag Vesion) - OKAY so you know how the remix of Give a Reason (the one listed WAY UP THERE that I said that I like more than the original?) kinda pumps up an already good song just a little more? This is like that. And so I really think I like this more than the original. I COULD do without the "oooohing" background singers. But I like the remix a lot. Also, I think there are some new lyrics in here? NOT SURE. Would have to pay more attention.
Randomly, I was singing along with all of these while making this post. Now, while it's a given that I WASN'T GETTING THE WORDS RIGHT. AT ALL. It's still weird to see how much I still have these songs 'memorized' >D
Now that I'm playing Lina I imagine I'll go on a nostalgia trip and dig it all up again at some point. But for now? Here are the songs which have with stood the trials of the ages.
FYI unless otherwise noted? It's PROBABLY SONG BY HAYASHIBARA MEGUMI who happens to be. You know. Lina's seiyuu.
Get Along - Opening for the first series of Slayers. Looooooove this song. While Give A Reason is largely regarded as The Best Slayers OP (and yes, okay, it IS) I honestly find Get Along no less enjoyable. It's just fun and has a nice feeling to it. It helps that it brings back many good memories though. Mm |D
Give A Reason - Yah okay. To me this song is just... everything that is Slayers. It is always the first song that comes to mind (and the last to leave it) for Slayers related music. I don't know. It's got fun and excitement and determination and a certain kind of raw power to it, and it's really probably still my favorite anime OP ever.
Give A Reason (Remix) - The previous song! Only REMIXED! I like this more than the original, honestly. It.... sparkles. Keeps the beat better. I dunno. I just do.
Breeze - MEET THE BACKGROUND SINGER LADIES. You will find them in many songs to come! They used to annoy me now I look on them with some fondness. Fortunately, they only like to show up at the beginnings of songs.
ANYWAY Breeze is the OP to Slayers TRY the third season of Slayers. And like the previous two OPs? It's very good. This one is more wistful than Give a Reason, which I think kinda fits with TRY pretty well. It still makes my heart ache a little (TRY was a very uh. bittersweet season) but it's really a beautiful song. I love ALL the songs I'm pimping here, so it's hard for me to say "If you only download three..." but really? You are a sham to the anime fandom if you aren't at least familiar with the three Slayers OPs. They're so widely spread I tend to assume people just know what they are, but I realize Slayers isn't in hit's hay-day anymore SO. You have no excuses! Chop chop and download.
Ganbare Necromancer - I have NO IDEA what that title is meant to imply but this song is horribly cute. Normally Megumi sings in the "Lina voice" which is much sharper and more happy. This is a lot more relaxed.
Gloria ~Kimi ni Todoketai~ - You know it's hard to think of stuff to say about music when I can't talk about the lyrics? Not that I ever actually LIKE japanese lyrics but that's not the point. So. Good song. I like it. Etc.
Going History - Now I'm not going to claim that Megumi is the most original artist ever. Cause. Well c'mon, she's a japanese idol, she sings what she's told to sing. BUT her songs have this tendancy to start out very rhymtic and pump up toward the middle, which is the main thing I like this. It really punches at the chorus and makes it fun. That and the "we can we can" or whatever she's singing there that just stands out.
In The Limitless Desire - So there are four songs I'm going to pimp here which are just... different. I mean. I LIKE nearly all Slayers music. But these four I love as songs, not as enjoyable bringers of happy memories. Cause while Slayers music is, I think, better than MOST anime music. It's not what I consider very... uh. Real music. But these four? Totally are. Give A Reason is one of them, this is the next. It's a little strange, a little mysterious, a little passionate. I've always loved it. I THINK this is an ending... to either a OVA or TRY? Can't remember... Probably a OVA, since those always get really good quality EDs.
Midnight Blue - This is the ending to the Slayers Motion Picture aka Slayers Perfect (which is the same as any other Slayers OVA just with better animation). I've always loved this song. Just download it D=
Reflection (Last Summer Remix) - I don't have a non-remix version of this, which means I liked this version a lot more than the original and got rid of that. Anyway. LOVE THIS SONG. Does that snappy rhythm thing, only to a more extreme extent (kinda reminds me of Hamasaki Ayumi's Evolution in that sense?) but has sassy background singers from In The Limitless Desire |D Anyway. This song always feel really defiant to me, so I associate it more strongly with Lina than the others (which might be SUNG by Lina's seiyuu but doesn't always have that flare of Lina-ness). Badass song. Tons of fun, get.
Run All the Way (Fireball Groove Mix) - LIKE IT SAYS, IT GROOVES.
Don't Be Discouraged - I'm running out of things to say! It's good. Get it. I kept it for the past seven years for a reason. Etc.
Exit Running - This title is hilariously Lina... and uh. Just about everything Slayers really. Man they run away a lot of heroes. ANYWAY. Another good song. Get it.
Slayers 4 the Future - OMG A SONG NOT SUNG BY MEGUMI. Not... entirely anyway. This features the entire Slayers cast (and by entire I mean Lina, Gourry, Amelia and Zelgadis) and it's. You know. Fun |D If yo'ure curious the singers go Lina > Gourry > Lina and Amelia > Amelia > Zelgadis > L & A > Amelia > Zelgadis > All > BRIDGE > Amelia > Zelgadis > L & A > Lina > Gourry > L & A > Lina > Gourry > All
Also actually a good song, even if Gourry can't really sing.
We Are - ZELGADIS SONG, still with background singers~ I love this song. It's totally sexy to me, even if I'm sure Zel is emoing about something in it. Actually, as I recall it's kinda hopeful but whatever. ZEL IS HOT OKAY? And this is a great song. And the boy can actually sing pretty decently. SOMEONE APP ZEL D=
Also, Nuriko-mun lovingly pimped these earlier this week. But it was under a cut. So for the sake of anyone who missed it? Some NEW Slayers Music. I understand these were made to celebrate Slayers' ten year anniversary. One new song and some remakes~
Give A Reason (Ballade Version) - Give A Reason. Only slower. A la ballet. I don't care for it much myself, but worth a listen to if it sounds like your kinda thing.
Meet Again - ALL NEW SONG. I like this song a lot, it contains a lot of Lina's inate chipper spunky cuteness. I think people get really caught up in the fact that Lina is a crazy tempermental redhead who will set you on fire. But REALLY? The core of Lina isn't that she's violent. It's that she's HAPPY. And that she's cute. But mostly that she's happy. The girl always has a positive outlook and she will occationally kick you in the ass if you try to rain on her parade JUST BECAUSE she can be happy if she wants. HAH! And what the hell is up with everyone wanting to be an emo kid anyway? When did that become cool? Etc. And this song is happy and cute and determined and has that certain kind of spunk that tends to make people like her. IMO an EXCELLENT song to give us for the anniversary.
Get Along (SelfTag Vesion) - OKAY so you know how the remix of Give a Reason (the one listed WAY UP THERE that I said that I like more than the original?) kinda pumps up an already good song just a little more? This is like that. And so I really think I like this more than the original. I COULD do without the "oooohing" background singers. But I like the remix a lot. Also, I think there are some new lyrics in here? NOT SURE. Would have to pay more attention.
Randomly, I was singing along with all of these while making this post. Now, while it's a given that I WASN'T GETTING THE WORDS RIGHT. AT ALL. It's still weird to see how much I still have these songs 'memorized' >D
Everything Meme
1) What are your character's basic stats?
Name: Lina Inverse
Age: 16
Birthday: Unknown.
Bloodtype: Unknown.
Height: Short. 5'1" for the purposes of my playing.
Weight: Around 100 lb.
Medical Info: Nothing very specific. Due to magic healing abilities Lina's hurts are always healed completely. So despite having incidents of broken bones, large gashes, bad burns and other near-death experiences, she has no scars or weaknesses.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Auburn
Physical Traits: Lina is very small and has no figure is on the bony/wiry side for a girl. She is flat chested, no hips, but she is decently muscled because she travels a lot and is a sword fighter. She has two black moles on her forehead, just under her hairlineprecisely where a demon's horns would grow and she keeps a black bandana over them pretty much all the time.
2) Some Canon Stuff
( Cut for length and some spoilers )
What Audience/Otaku Characters Can Mention To Her: I would prefer to avoid people Lina hasn't met yet. Currently Lina is from the novel canon prior to fighting Hellmaster Phibrizzo, since that is where the translations stop. As I get more books to read, I will just add the knowledge and experiences to Lina, and I doubt anyone will notice. But otherwise? Feel free to tease her about whatever. Lina is hardly unflappable, but no matter what you say she'll still sleep fine at night.
3) What skills or powers does your character have? In particular, list any skills or powers that could be used in a combat situation.
Magic and sword fighting! Lina describes herself as a first rate swordswoman, which is probably true. Beside geniuses like Zelgadis or Gourry, maybe she doesn't look too impressive. But Lina regularly relies on her sword just as much as her magic, and she's more than capable of disposing of ten or so thugs without ever resorting to magic.
And then, of course, magic. The main reason Lina knows sword fighting is because while every magic spells grant the user a barrier while they cast, MOST of these barriers aren't strong enough to deflect the blows of a competent enemy. However you don't have to be standing still and waving your arms to cast magic in most cases. Thus in a one on one fight Lina will use her sword to defend or parry while chanting a spell's incantation.
Lina has a wide variety of spells, but won't use most of them at camp. For example, she won't use Fireball much because camp is in a forest, and Fireball will set the forest on fire. Her typical range of fighting spells are flare/ice arrow, which are precise and cast quickly, Dil Brando and Mega Brando which will throw an enemy or a group of enemies into the air, and Lighting which is almost and instant cast and will blind an unsuspecting opponent. She really rarely breaks out the big stuff unless she has Gourry around to act as her meat shield.
4) Quick List of Friends and Foes.
None and none! Lina doesn’t make friends very easily, though she makes pleasant acquaintances all the time. Similarly, foes tend to find her, not the other way around. If she doesn't like you she'll blow you up and then forget about it. Right now, Lina is most interested in Roy, mostly for his alchemy, and has enjoyed talking with any number of people, but hasn't connected to anyone and probably won't.
5) Other
Can I shapeshift/bodyswap/spit at/step on/etc?
As far as anything that requires me to be there for it and/or involved? Ask but presume no. I'm not very big on bodyswaps, and currently have no interest in that kinda stuff with Lina. Similarly, please refrain from turning into someone 'important' to Lina without asking me.
Otherwise? Go for it. Lina can handle herself if she is attacked, or insulted or hit on or whatever. Just keep in mind that if you annoy her she's very likely to magic at you, and if you attack her seriously she will kill you seriously, as that's the law of the land where she's from.
Maim/Murder/Death: You can attempt to hurt or kill her if you want. If you're someone actually capable of killing her or dying from her, you'll probably want to talk to me about it first. I don't want her dying, injury however is a possibility.
Notes for the Psychics: Nothing specifically. Telepathy is a known ability where Lina is from. Understand that Lina's mind is very frank, and she actually holds back a lot of her snide thoughts at camp (or anywhere). However, she doesn't spend much time thinking about anything other than what is going on right now, or what is for dinner.
A lot of information here is cited from Slayers Universe which is the best resource for Slayers info ever.
1) What are your character's basic stats?
Name: Lina Inverse
Age: 16
Birthday: Unknown.
Bloodtype: Unknown.
Height: Short. 5'1" for the purposes of my playing.
Weight: Around 100 lb.
Medical Info: Nothing very specific. Due to magic healing abilities Lina's hurts are always healed completely. So despite having incidents of broken bones, large gashes, bad burns and other near-death experiences, she has no scars or weaknesses.
Eyes: Brown
Hair: Auburn
Physical Traits: Lina is very small and has no figure is on the bony/wiry side for a girl. She is flat chested, no hips, but she is decently muscled because she travels a lot and is a sword fighter. She has two black moles on her forehead, just under her hairline
2) Some Canon Stuff
( Cut for length and some spoilers )
What Audience/Otaku Characters Can Mention To Her: I would prefer to avoid people Lina hasn't met yet. Currently Lina is from the novel canon prior to fighting Hellmaster Phibrizzo, since that is where the translations stop. As I get more books to read, I will just add the knowledge and experiences to Lina, and I doubt anyone will notice. But otherwise? Feel free to tease her about whatever. Lina is hardly unflappable, but no matter what you say she'll still sleep fine at night.
3) What skills or powers does your character have? In particular, list any skills or powers that could be used in a combat situation.
Magic and sword fighting! Lina describes herself as a first rate swordswoman, which is probably true. Beside geniuses like Zelgadis or Gourry, maybe she doesn't look too impressive. But Lina regularly relies on her sword just as much as her magic, and she's more than capable of disposing of ten or so thugs without ever resorting to magic.
And then, of course, magic. The main reason Lina knows sword fighting is because while every magic spells grant the user a barrier while they cast, MOST of these barriers aren't strong enough to deflect the blows of a competent enemy. However you don't have to be standing still and waving your arms to cast magic in most cases. Thus in a one on one fight Lina will use her sword to defend or parry while chanting a spell's incantation.
Lina has a wide variety of spells, but won't use most of them at camp. For example, she won't use Fireball much because camp is in a forest, and Fireball will set the forest on fire. Her typical range of fighting spells are flare/ice arrow, which are precise and cast quickly, Dil Brando and Mega Brando which will throw an enemy or a group of enemies into the air, and Lighting which is almost and instant cast and will blind an unsuspecting opponent. She really rarely breaks out the big stuff unless she has Gourry around to act as her meat shield.
4) Quick List of Friends and Foes.
None and none! Lina doesn’t make friends very easily, though she makes pleasant acquaintances all the time. Similarly, foes tend to find her, not the other way around. If she doesn't like you she'll blow you up and then forget about it. Right now, Lina is most interested in Roy, mostly for his alchemy, and has enjoyed talking with any number of people, but hasn't connected to anyone and probably won't.
5) Other
Can I shapeshift/bodyswap/spit at/step on/etc?
As far as anything that requires me to be there for it and/or involved? Ask but presume no. I'm not very big on bodyswaps, and currently have no interest in that kinda stuff with Lina. Similarly, please refrain from turning into someone 'important' to Lina without asking me.
Otherwise? Go for it. Lina can handle herself if she is attacked, or insulted or hit on or whatever. Just keep in mind that if you annoy her she's very likely to magic at you, and if you attack her seriously she will kill you seriously, as that's the law of the land where she's from.
Maim/Murder/Death: You can attempt to hurt or kill her if you want. If you're someone actually capable of killing her or dying from her, you'll probably want to talk to me about it first. I don't want her dying, injury however is a possibility.
Notes for the Psychics: Nothing specifically. Telepathy is a known ability where Lina is from. Understand that Lina's mind is very frank, and she actually holds back a lot of her snide thoughts at camp (or anywhere). However, she doesn't spend much time thinking about anything other than what is going on right now, or what is for dinner.
A lot of information here is cited from Slayers Universe which is the best resource for Slayers info ever.
Okay, I think the title of this meme covers it fairly well, BUT because I'm aware of how touchy these subjects can be, let me clarify.
1. I am notoriously honest. I don't mind this trait of myself, but sometimes it makes me come off as uh. Mean. I really, really don't mean to be. If I'm intentionally being mean you'll be able to tell beyond a doubt. If it seems to you that any concrit I offer is harsh? Then yes, it is harsh, but please don't take it personally. There is currently no one in camp I have anything personal against, thus you can be absolutely sure that these are simply my opinions on your play, and not a personal attack against you.
2. I am notoriously honest. Do not ask me what I think of how you play your characters if you don't seriously want to know. If I think you play wonderfully, will I say so? By gods yes. But there are chances I will have something to critique, and there is even the chance that I will think you are utterly and completely OOC. Though that last bit applies very, very rarely, understand that it is a possibly. If finding that out will hurt or upset you or make you angry with me or just generally not be received well? Don't ask. I'm looking to give the people that want it an honest opinion. If all you can handle is a hearty pat on the back, I will see you in the next "I love my fellow players" meme.
3. Comments are screened, my replies will also be screened. This makes it difficult for you to comment back to me, but if you really WANT to discuss whatever I say, you can find my on AIM or e-mail me. However, it also keeps things private, which is the point.
4. This isn't a Concrit Aviy place. This is a I tell you what I think if you want to know place. Concrit on ME goes here.
5. Please state which characters you want me to comment on. I won't comment on any characters not asked about. Also, understand that you may just get a general 'no opinion' response if I don't watch your character at all, and thus have nothing to say one way or the other.
1. I am notoriously honest. I don't mind this trait of myself, but sometimes it makes me come off as uh. Mean. I really, really don't mean to be. If I'm intentionally being mean you'll be able to tell beyond a doubt. If it seems to you that any concrit I offer is harsh? Then yes, it is harsh, but please don't take it personally. There is currently no one in camp I have anything personal against, thus you can be absolutely sure that these are simply my opinions on your play, and not a personal attack against you.
2. I am notoriously honest. Do not ask me what I think of how you play your characters if you don't seriously want to know. If I think you play wonderfully, will I say so? By gods yes. But there are chances I will have something to critique, and there is even the chance that I will think you are utterly and completely OOC. Though that last bit applies very, very rarely, understand that it is a possibly. If finding that out will hurt or upset you or make you angry with me or just generally not be received well? Don't ask. I'm looking to give the people that want it an honest opinion. If all you can handle is a hearty pat on the back, I will see you in the next "I love my fellow players" meme.
3. Comments are screened, my replies will also be screened. This makes it difficult for you to comment back to me, but if you really WANT to discuss whatever I say, you can find my on AIM or e-mail me. However, it also keeps things private, which is the point.
4. This isn't a Concrit Aviy place. This is a I tell you what I think if you want to know place. Concrit on ME goes here.
5. Please state which characters you want me to comment on. I won't comment on any characters not asked about. Also, understand that you may just get a general 'no opinion' response if I don't watch your character at all, and thus have nothing to say one way or the other.
*totally knocking on Roy's door sometime after lunch*
Any~body~ hooome?
Any~body~ hooome?
Hay there kids and welcome to Iconning 101.
I've decided to write this for a couple of reasons, mostly because I thought it might be helpful, and partly because I'm bored.
So briefly, what this guide will cover:
--How to screencap anime or videos for icons.
--How to set up your workspace.
--How to crop, resize and sharpen icons.
--How to use levels to clean a manga icon.
--How to change the hues and levels in a colored icon.
--How to put boarders on icons.
--How to make an automated action.
--How to use automated actions on a batch of icons all at once.
--Random useful tips.
Please note that this guide only covers Photoshop. I do not have an upload of Photoshop for you guys, but I'm sure if you ask around you can find a hack somewhere. I suggest getting Photoshop CS or CS2 if at all possible. But Photoshop 8 is what I use, and as far as I know all versions function more or less the same.
Also, while this guide does not cover Paint Shop Pro, which is a decent photo imaging software, a lot of the details on how things work is more or less the same across the board. If you prefer to use Paint Shop Pro, this guide will probably still be able to help you with some minor translations.
Also note that I will be using a lot of screenshots, so under the cuts it might get a bit image intensive.
( How to Screencap Videos )
( How to Set Up Your Workspace )
( How to Crop, Resize and Sharpen Icons )
( How to Use Levels to Clean a Manga Icon )
( How to Change the Hues and Levels in a Colored Icon )
( How to Put Boarders on Icons )
( How to Make an Automated Action. )
( How to Use an Automated Batch. )
( Random Useful Tips. )
AND THAT'S IT wow god my head hurts. Uh. Questions or comments? x.x
Oops: I spelled borders wrong! THROUGH THIS ENTIRE THING.
I've decided to write this for a couple of reasons, mostly because I thought it might be helpful, and partly because I'm bored.
So briefly, what this guide will cover:
--How to screencap anime or videos for icons.
--How to set up your workspace.
--How to crop, resize and sharpen icons.
--How to use levels to clean a manga icon.
--How to change the hues and levels in a colored icon.
--How to put boarders on icons.
--How to make an automated action.
--How to use automated actions on a batch of icons all at once.
--Random useful tips.
Please note that this guide only covers Photoshop. I do not have an upload of Photoshop for you guys, but I'm sure if you ask around you can find a hack somewhere. I suggest getting Photoshop CS or CS2 if at all possible. But Photoshop 8 is what I use, and as far as I know all versions function more or less the same.
Also, while this guide does not cover Paint Shop Pro, which is a decent photo imaging software, a lot of the details on how things work is more or less the same across the board. If you prefer to use Paint Shop Pro, this guide will probably still be able to help you with some minor translations.
Also note that I will be using a lot of screenshots, so under the cuts it might get a bit image intensive.
( How to Screencap Videos )
( How to Set Up Your Workspace )
( How to Crop, Resize and Sharpen Icons )
( How to Use Levels to Clean a Manga Icon )
( How to Change the Hues and Levels in a Colored Icon )
( How to Put Boarders on Icons )
( How to Make an Automated Action. )
( How to Use an Automated Batch. )
( Random Useful Tips. )
AND THAT'S IT wow god my head hurts. Uh. Questions or comments? x.x
Oops: I spelled borders wrong! THROUGH THIS ENTIRE THING.
Character: Lina Inverse
Series: The Slayers (Novels)
Age: 16
Canon: Lina Inverse is a cute, short, and flat-chested girl who just-so-happens to be one of the most powerful sorceresses of her era. But since being a beautiful and talented sorceress doesn't pay that well, she frequently moonlights as Lina the Bandit Killer, a horrifying woman who walks into bandit camps, sets them on fire and pilfers the booty for herself while everyone else is trying to remember how to stop, drop and roll.
Lina is short tempered, violent, greedy and something of a sadist. But at the same time still feminine enough to be self conscious about her appearance and want a prince charming to ride up on a white horse and take her away. She also isn't quite as heartless as she lets on, and makes a genuine effort not to hurt innocents with her massive attack spells, no matter how stupid they might be. In the end, all Lina really wants out of life is treasure, copious amounts of food, someone to exchange witty banter with, and maybe a few hapless bandit camps to blow up now and then. Is that so much to ask?
Note: To those familiar with the Slayers anime, the main difference between the two is that Novel!Lina makes a real effort to not blow up cities. Basically, Novel!Lina is Anime!Lina with a conscience.
Sample Post:
You know what I really hate? Wait, can't you guess? Here, I'll make it easy for you. Multiple choice:
What does Lina Inverse really hate?
A) Zombies
B) Zombies
C) Zombies
D) All of the above.
If you circled A, B, C or even D give yourself a big ol' pat on the back, buster, because you are a winner!
That's right; I hate zombies. It's not that they're falling apart (though that's plenty gross) or that they're always after my brains -- because hey, I can't blame anyone for that. It's the stench. Because get this; Zombies? Smell like rotting corpses. Yeah, who'da thunk?
Still, it wouldn't bug me so much except that zombies shouldn't even be here. You see, bandits and zombies aren't really known for socializing all that well, and this is supposed to be bandit territory. And by 'supposed to be' I mean is; because this is a forest, and everyone knows all forests have bandits. It's just a given! The sun rises in the east, water flows downhill, ugly guys have bad dialog, and the woods are chock-full of bandits just waiting for a broke -- er... beautiful young sorceress to come along and relieve them of their ill gotten gains. And give it back to it's rightful owners. Eh hehe, of course.
But back to what I was saying: zombies just aren't the type of villain a girl usually finds in this environment. Maybe I should take this as a sign that someone finally convinced a bunch of bandits that the only thing fearsome about them was their stench? I guess if you told that to a bandit with half a brain he might decide to run with it and voilà! Next thing you know, Plan Zombie Odor Defense is a go!
So there you go. You villagers have yourselves a two-fold infestation here, zombies and bandits and I just happen to be the girl to get rid of them for ya. And lucky for you I take my fees out of the bad guys' wallets and not yours! (Though if you're feeling really grateful, I wouldn't say no to a feast in my honor.) So what do you say, point me in the right direction? I think they're calling themselves the Steaming Blood Brigands? ...or was it the Boiling Sweat Gang? Simmering Spit Squad maybe?
Anyone?
Voting Post - 92.9%, 52 ins to 4 outs.
Series: The Slayers (Novels)
Age: 16
Canon: Lina Inverse is a cute, short, and flat-chested girl who just-so-happens to be one of the most powerful sorceresses of her era. But since being a beautiful and talented sorceress doesn't pay that well, she frequently moonlights as Lina the Bandit Killer, a horrifying woman who walks into bandit camps, sets them on fire and pilfers the booty for herself while everyone else is trying to remember how to stop, drop and roll.
Lina is short tempered, violent, greedy and something of a sadist. But at the same time still feminine enough to be self conscious about her appearance and want a prince charming to ride up on a white horse and take her away. She also isn't quite as heartless as she lets on, and makes a genuine effort not to hurt innocents with her massive attack spells, no matter how stupid they might be. In the end, all Lina really wants out of life is treasure, copious amounts of food, someone to exchange witty banter with, and maybe a few hapless bandit camps to blow up now and then. Is that so much to ask?
Note: To those familiar with the Slayers anime, the main difference between the two is that Novel!Lina makes a real effort to not blow up cities. Basically, Novel!Lina is Anime!Lina with a conscience.
Sample Post:
You know what I really hate? Wait, can't you guess? Here, I'll make it easy for you. Multiple choice:
What does Lina Inverse really hate?
A) Zombies
B) Zombies
C) Zombies
D) All of the above.
If you circled A, B, C or even D give yourself a big ol' pat on the back, buster, because you are a winner!
That's right; I hate zombies. It's not that they're falling apart (though that's plenty gross) or that they're always after my brains -- because hey, I can't blame anyone for that. It's the stench. Because get this; Zombies? Smell like rotting corpses. Yeah, who'da thunk?
Still, it wouldn't bug me so much except that zombies shouldn't even be here. You see, bandits and zombies aren't really known for socializing all that well, and this is supposed to be bandit territory. And by 'supposed to be' I mean is; because this is a forest, and everyone knows all forests have bandits. It's just a given! The sun rises in the east, water flows downhill, ugly guys have bad dialog, and the woods are chock-full of bandits just waiting for a broke -- er... beautiful young sorceress to come along and relieve them of their ill gotten gains. And give it back to it's rightful owners. Eh hehe, of course.
But back to what I was saying: zombies just aren't the type of villain a girl usually finds in this environment. Maybe I should take this as a sign that someone finally convinced a bunch of bandits that the only thing fearsome about them was their stench? I guess if you told that to a bandit with half a brain he might decide to run with it and voilà! Next thing you know, Plan Zombie Odor Defense is a go!
So there you go. You villagers have yourselves a two-fold infestation here, zombies and bandits and I just happen to be the girl to get rid of them for ya. And lucky for you I take my fees out of the bad guys' wallets and not yours! (Though if you're feeling really grateful, I wouldn't say no to a feast in my honor.) So what do you say, point me in the right direction? I think they're calling themselves the Steaming Blood Brigands? ...or was it the Boiling Sweat Gang? Simmering Spit Squad maybe?
Anyone?
Voting Post - 92.9%, 52 ins to 4 outs.
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