Anime I ♥

Durarara was the first series and mixed media project I got extremely invested in and till this day it has remained my favourite anime of all times. Of course it's got its flaws, in fact not too few of them but those flaws also add to its charm. The cast of the DRRR animation is incredibly well picked and no one but Makoto Yoshimori could have created such a atmospheric, adequate soundtrack.

While I do in fact enjoy the later part of DRRR in the novels a lot more, in the anime I prefer the first season. The pacing merely seems to be a bit better and it's the animation I saw first so it has a special place in my heart. (For the second season I had to wait five years after all.) Nevertheless, the second season is almost as good and addressed all the darker turns in the series that let a shiver run down my spine back when I was reading the novels. The animation style changed quite a bit (for the better), though the quality ended up being just as lazy at times and the additional VA cast fit the characters well in most cases. Yoshimori continued to compose for DRRRx2 and the man always delivers.

What fasinates me most about Durarara is the cluster of small individual plots that are all connnected by small details and later miraculously end up at the same finish line. Narita created amazing characters with twisted minds or quirks out of this world as well as normal men and women who try to live their daily lives and hold onto their beliefs. There are no good or bad characters in the series and you get an insight into the various minds and can put them into a category you think fits best. Durarara is extremely clever and re-reading as well as rewatching makes you look at certain things completely different or shifts the focus on minor things that you would never have realized the first time.

My favourite character has been Izaya since the first time I met him because his character fascinates and frustrates me so much at the same time, never have I seen a character that self-destructs like this and it's nerve-racking to watch. Izaya's personality and development in contrast to Shizuo is also incredibly interesting to follow but I better not lose myself here, let's keep that for another time...

Neon Genesis Evangelion is a classic in the anime industry and it's mighty messed up in many ways. But that's exactly what's so good about it. The topics touched upon in NGE are more adult than in most anime these days, there is a ton of deep symbolism and metaphors which give you a lot to chew on. The mecha elements in the anime are used just at the right amount since they aren't like the mecha we know from e.g. GUNDAM. Instead the main focuses are interpersonal relationships, existential crises and the end of the world vs the voice of the individual. It certainly isn't a happy anime but it's exactly what we need from this indstry, in my opinion. More works of art that make us think or stir up our emotions.

Compared to the anime, the manga is different in many aspects and I also like the manga more because in the animation they leave out a lot of characters and plot points. That way characters like Kaworu are portrayed completely different. Nevertheless, NGE remains one of my favourite shows, the old animation style only adds to that. However, the spin-offs and movies of NGE are also fantastic and definitely worth checking out!

Gintama is a show that manages to balance the emotions it conveys perfectly. It makes me laugh uncontrollably and lets me approve of dirty jokes and toilet humour, but it can also make me break out into gross tears and teach me life lessons. There are a lot of characters in Gintama so there are a lot of plot elements to use. Gintama is what I would call my second favourite comedy out there.

Code Geass is another show that understands how to use mecha well and put it into a coherent story. The characters are partially very original, the plot is marvellous and riveting, the seiyuu are brilliantly chosen, the music is atmospheric and even though the fanservice is annoying to a certain degree it didn't make me any less emotional.
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♥-Character: Lelouch Lamperouge

Lelouch is definitely one of the most brilliant and witty characters in anime history. He is a child of royality but rejects the monarchy's principles created by his family. Only few people can compete with his intellect, still he's not a perfect mastermind since he's still just a teenager that does what he believes to be right with no one else to guide him. In the process of achieving his goals he is even willing to let go of his morality. Lelouch takes the role of an anti-hero that fights for the people's freedom as the villain. His status is the status of a terrorist. He suffers a lot because of how the "war" changes him and his friends and makes him lose people precious to him. And nevertheless we can see this young lad constantly doing his hardest without giving up, keeping the pain inside and bringing the most heart-breaking sacrifices. Beloved JunJun voices him and adds a great deal to Lulu's twisted character and likability.
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This anime is one of the most beautiful I've encountered till now.
The whole design is unique and inventive, at times minimalistic and at other times particularly detailed. The story has so many twists and turns and always gives you new surprises. It is also terribly sad and tragic so that towards the end almost every episode got me close to tears. The characters are charming and interesting, the seiyuu are more unknown which makes it even more innovative. The music and the songs are beautiful as well. I wonder when I will be able to re-watch this series because after watching it the first time I really was emotionally unsettled.
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♥-Character: Sanetoshi Watase

Sanetoshi-sensei, the mysterious doctor with the two black rabbits. Not only that his incredibly deep voice is alluring but his looks are as well. Never has long hair looked so good on a man! Influencing the other characters' 'fate' with his appearances although he is just a ghost takes a lot and although he turns out to be the number 1 bad guy in the end he remains gorgeous in my eyes.
It's that inviolable and mysterious aura that makes him so interesting and cool.
Till the end we never get to know too much about him. Isn't it electrifying?!
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An anime of artistic value and ingenious comedy. I cannot remember the last time I laughed so much. And that even though it also has its serious and deep moments. I immediately got attached to the characters and the whole setting under the bridge and didn't want to let go of it ever again.
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♥-Character: Sister & Kou

Sister: The big, blond mercenary from England with the characteristic scar on his face, dressed in a nun uniform. That is Sister, as he was codenamed by the village chief, and despite his pugnacity he is a very serene man. Constantly dealing with sadistic rejections from Maria and enduring the unrequited love must be quite tough. Koyasu-sama gives him the beautiful, deep voice that perfectly fits his character.


Kou Ichinomiya: The show's self-confident protagonist comes from an eminent and rich family whose motto is to never be indebted to anyone. As he slowly learns to live a new life under the bridge as Riku (Recruit) it is revealed that he is a very caring and genuine person but he never fails to keep some of his "sanity" amongst the other riverbed residents. That way he can also appear quite cynic and aggressively competitive. And it's funny how he actually becomes the submissive part in the relationship with Nino although he always claims what an alpha leader he is. Beloved Kamiyan voices him and succeeds with 100%, after all he's one of the "elite" as well.
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A very dark and sophisticated anime. It stars many complex and interesting characters and the plot is a convincing mixture of reality and fiction. And one of the few series that have an ending which is actually perfect. I think I like the anime even a bit more than the manga to be honest.
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♥-Characters: Actually so many. L, Mello and Mikami and somehow also Light.

L "Lawliet": He is just so damn creepy at times which I think makes him that likeable and he remains to be the most ingenious individual in the entire Death Note universe. Kira is a worthy opponent yet L remains superior, at least on the level of morality. And just take his little habits like the way he's sitting or his adoration for sweets- charming!

Mello aka "Mihael Keehl": Mello has this adorable obsession with chocolate.
And he looks hip. That hairstyle might be out-of-fashion but on him it looks great. Later, with the scar, he looks even cooler though (/laughs a wicked fangirl laugh). Mello is basically always frustrated because his efforts were never acknowledged properly so he turns against everyone he calls his family. But that is not who he truly is. Unfortunately both manga and anime don't give us too much input on his personality. I even have the character book but it doesn't help much either. Well, from what we can see he seems to be a rather easy-going and careful person but his revenge plans shape his whole character and I still love him so very much.

Teru Mikami: Mikami turns very much insane but that is what makes him so attractive (dont even question me on this). I love his voice, lent by Matsukaze-san, which fits him perfectly, especially when he's going into his SAKUJO!-mode. And yes, the way he obsesses over Light/Kira is disturbing as hell but why he became that why is a really good aspect in the plot.

Light Yagami aka Kira: As soon as Kira evolves from a girly Raito to a manic mass murderer I can't help but like him. His methods and values may be questionable but I really like the approach to his way of thinking. Not only that he is obviously very intelligent and witty, he's got the attitude! Every action becomes dramatic and significant ("I take a potatoe chip..and EAT IT!"), nothing is done without ulterior motives anymore. Kira slowly turns into a criminal and a psychopath but he's still cool at that. After all he is voiced by lovely Mamo-chan who made Light in a character twice as entertaining and menacing. Good job as always, Mamo-chan!
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This anime is something special and it's probably my biggest guilty pleasure anime. Basically because of the immense (male-orientated) fanservice which is usually not my thing but wow, in this show I really don't mind. Besides the never-ending innuendos the plot and characters are wicked but for what I enjoy it the most is the presentation. It's one big piece of art and the minimalistic music adds a lot to it. Most of the time the events remain psychologically themed but then there is suddenly a quick, intense fight that totally catches you off guard. Altogether it's ingeniously beautiful as well as hilarious and thrilling!
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♥-Characters: Araragi & Kanbaru

Koyomi Araragi: The story's protagonist is the greatest oddbal amongst all the other quirky characters. He's half human, half vampire after he has saved a true vampire's life in the past. He tends to have mood swings and is very sensitive to feminine charms of any kind. Other characters suspect him to be a lolicon which I'm also very convinced of (he then puts on his creeper face). But they also call him very kind (kind to everyone). After he frees Senjougahara from the Crab they start going out, both claiming that they are serious about their relationship. Araragi also has that characteristic ahoge which moves according to his emotions and is hilarious as well as adorable. Kamiyan voices him brilliantly and Araragi is just so weird that I cannot get past liking him.

Suruga Kanbaru: Kanbaru is a very strong character and has a straight-forward and determined attitude. After she befriends Araragi those two make a good combination and Kanbaru is always willing to help him out. She's also called a pervert by almost all of the characters and an admitted lesbian, fujoshi, lolicon and masochist. How could I not like her with all these traits?
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Similar to DRRR! (since Baccano! came first) but with that amazingly jazzy atmosphere which is mostly created by the brilliant Makoto Yoshimori (who also made the score for e.g. DRRR! and Natsume Yuujinchou). There is so much going on but the plot is built up in such clever and thrilling way that it doesn't get too confusing. After all the characters starring in this anime are winsome in a certain way and like this you want to know more about every single one of them.
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♥-Characters: Graham, Claire & Luck

Graham Specter: The guy is completely mental so it doesn't surprise me that he's my fave. Although there are are actually lot of psychos running around in the Chicago of the thirties as far as Baccano! is concerned. But this one has given up his sanity for the murderous admiration for Ladd and acting out his obsession over breaking things. And since his character design already is awesome Aniplex or Funimation or whoever does that stuff allocated another seiyuu of the elite to Graham: Sugitan who gave an extraordinary performance and conveyed the mechanic's insanity perfectly.

Claire Stanfield aka Rail Tracer: The part of him that isn't an almighty, blood-hungry and witty murderer appears very honest, tender and cheerful. What a great combination. Claire also appears realtively mysterious since not much information about him is given. Yet he always remains to be the ultimate superior amongst all the characters in Baccano!. I did not read the novels (yet) but I really wish him and Chane to have a bright future
because they fit together very well.

Luck Gandor: He's got those evil and seductive mafia eyes although he isn't such an evil guy. He always remains calm, cool and collected and hates to resort to violent measures. And even if the extreme cannot be avoided he still keeps his cool. That's what I call admirable sangfroid. And that is also what makes him so attractive.
(Guess what, he's also voiced by Koyasu-sama!)
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Ah, this anime is so much fun. My second-favourite comedy which offers brilliant characters with brilliant seiyuu going through a brilliant story. Unfortunately it's only way too short. I mean, the manga is so much longer. So who the hell stopped it? I cannot imagine that it was unpopular...
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♥-Characters: Kyoya & Kaoru

Kyoya Ootori: Kyoya has this adroably obsessive adoration for calculating and is obviously the one managing the
finances and the host club in general. He has been entitled "O-kaasan" (-mother, with Tamaki being the father and Haruhi being their child) by Tamaki with whom he has a rather special but very sincere relationship. And he's got glasses! I'm very much into the megane-type. Another fun fact is that he is also voiced by Matsukaze-sama and he's doing it well once again.

Kaoru Hitachiin: Although him and his twin brother seem to be completely alike it becomes clear that they are very different in many aspects when one takes a closer look. Haruhi figured them out perfectly. Kaoru acts, despite being younger than Hikaru, more mature and considerate of others if he's not scheming something with his twin. He priorities Hikaru's well-being and happiness and even sacrifices his own aspiration for it.
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The most consistently melancholic and emotional series I've watched so far. Only after a few episodes I was completely captivated by the beautiful and (mostly) peaceful atmosphere and the humane characters going through their daily lives. Nyanko-sensei always delivers some light comedy but in the end an episode left me close to tears after all. In a positive way. The music by composing genius Makoto Yoshimori is so wonderful and dreamlike and couldn't have been made any better. If there was one fictional place I could go to (forever) I'd choose Natsume's universe (with the background music included).
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♥-Character: Takashi Natsume

Never has there been a character of more benevolence and charm. Takashi is a perfectly normal boy, except for the ability to see spirits. His friends and family considered him uncanny and treated him like an outcast which let him grow up in a constantly changing environment where he was unwanted. Nevertheless he grew up to be such a good-hearted person after he finally found a place where he was loved and cared for (Fujiwara couple). He inherited the Book of Friends from his grandmother Reiko who had the same talent as him but instead of using the spirits' names in the book for ruling over them he decided to give every name back. The mighty spirit Madara aka Nyanko-sensei serves as his bodyguard until Takashi dies. Natsume is such an amazing character because after all the events he has gone through and which he still suffers from he continues to be so kind and self-sacrificing in order to keep his friends and the Fujiwara couple out of trouble. In all the years of his "spirit encounters" he also developed a very strong "NATSUME PUNCH" -as I call it- that knocks out almost every demon or ghost. Ah, not to forget, lovely Kamiya-sama is the reason for that gentle voice!
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When Working!! started airing I really didn't know what was coming for me. I couldn't have known that I'd completely fall in love with this anime. Brilliant humour, charming and imaginative characters and like in DRRR most of my favourite seiyuu participate in it. The characters with the same seiyuu also have a very alike personality. What a fun canon crossover! I could watch the two seasons over and over and never get bored of it because this anime always puts me into high spirits.
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♥-Characters: Souma, Satou and Yamada

Hiroomi Souma: Souma is a sadist. His only joy in life is to find out people's weaknesses and use it to blackmail them. With a happy and innocent smile he drives people into despair. And yet he's so terribly cute. But as one gets to know him a bit better in the course of the story he also appears to actually have a good heart and often puts on the sadistic act to help the people around him out. Kamiyan lends him his voice which makes me love Souma even more. A fun fact about Souma, whenever characters blame or mock him they call him "Kawai-souma-san" (pun combination of his name Souma and kawaisou meaning poor, pitiable) because he supposedly doesnt have any friends. And there goes Kami, totally taking his side. I just want to cuddle him, he's so adorable...(/fangirl moment end.)

Jun Satou: Satou is the most "normal" guy in Wagnaria when one overlooks his constant bullying
of Poplar (by styling her hair in incredible ways against her will) and occasionally his short temper in general. But he's a very good guy, so also the characters in the anime say. He is in love with Yachiyo but it remains unrequited as Yachiyo is completely devoted to Kyoko. Nevertheless Satou never expresses his feelings in order to not cause Yachiyo any trouble and destroy their current relationship. He's very caring and honest but still remains unapproachable and intimidating so that nobody can mess with this feelings too much. Quite tragic actually. Ah, but he is also a great cook! Daisuke Ono voices him to make the duo with his friend HiroC complete. C;

Aoi Yamada: Actually all the information given on her might be false but people just go with it. Having run away from home Yamada runs into Otoo and is brought to Wagnaria by him. For the time being she resides in the restaurant and works there as a waitress in return although she's not really good at getting any work done and is soon regarded as the no-good troublemaker by the staff. She yearns for having a family and is repeatedly trying to get Otoo to adopt her (at a certain point also Souma). Yamada is very self-confident most of the time but often cannot hide that she is still a child that needs others to help her. And that is what makes her so likeable. She's always straightforward and cheerful and with Souma she makes a perfect duo of mischief when she's not the one unconsciously bashing him.
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Belonging to the 'elite' shonen-ai anime Sekaiichi Hatsukoi offers a sweet story in which the emotion is brought across very well so that you feel with the characters a lot and never want the series to end. Unfortunately it did after two season. I like it even a bit more than JR, although it's very similar in some ways. It's just that I prefer the settings and the characters in SE. Luckily both series occasionally bring in some hilarious comedy in addition to the bittersweet romance.
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♥-Characters: Yuu & Takano

Yuu Yanase: Yuu deserves so much more love. He is the best character throughout the whole series but Nakamura-sensei just doesn't let him become happy with Chiaki. He is the most handsome young man in the SH universe and has beautiful eyes that should have seduced evey guy by now. I like that he is not the typical Nakamura seme (taller, manlier and and with a deeper voice than the uke) and really fights for his love interest. I still can't believe that stupid Chiaki hit him! How dare he touch that marvellous face?! Nevertheless I continue shipping YuuAki, which has unfortunately turned into fanon.

Masamune Takano: Takano can be such a prick but he actually has a loving, tender side as well. Still, his nature remains forceful and upfornt and certainly qualifies him for Onodera's seme. He won't let the fellow worker go until he has come to terms with his feelings. His persistence and love confessions show his affection, that's why he is also allowed to be a bit grumpy at times. Konishi-sama lends him the voice that can be so very versatile.
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A shonen-ai anime how it is supposed to be. Strong characters, a more complex plot that will cover at least one season and the ability to bring across emotion, "doki-doki"-moments and create butterflies in your stomach as well. A good balance of romance and story and a coherent score. Junjou Romantica succeeded in all these areas.
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♥-Characters: Akihiko "Usagi" Usami

Usagi remains to be one of
the greatest seme in the whole wide Yaoi World. He
has that certain superior "I'm-always-right-because-I-love-you"-attitude, mood swings and can only be impressed by Misaki. He's also fairly good at teasing the latter and becomes terribly possessive when his beloved is concerned.
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This anime was incredible. It continued for quite a while and at a certain point they stopped producing (cause of understandable reasons) but then they didn't continue. Not cool! I miss the series a lot!
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♥-Character: Yuu Kanda

I liked Kanda from the first moment I saw him. At first it was because of his beautiful ,beautiful hair. I looks great in whatever way he wears it. Then I got to know more about him and realized that he carries a bit of the kuudere as well as of tsundere trait. The outcome is that bitchy attitude that he shows towards Allen, Lavi and Froi and that untouchable aura he radiates the rest of the time. He can be kind but he doesn't like to. But at those times he becomes quite adorable and because he's a man with so many emotions hidden inside him I cannot get around loving that guy. Yeah, also because of the hair.
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I have to admit, it is unnecessarily bloody. But it's still so cool. I can't help it but to approve of it! And at least it's Nazis that are getting slaughtered. That makes it a bit more..uh correct? (not really but shh)
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♥-Character: Alucard

That's what I call a bad-ass vampire. Not only his voice gives me goosebumps, the way he apporaches the world and its inhabitants plus his supernatural powers are so exciting and thrilling. It also helps that he is utterly insane and barely shows any mercy for anybody.
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I really was happy when they animated Soul Eater because the story is very good and the characters are lovely. The manga just doesn't have the very best looks (but they are still fine) so the anime was a feast for the eyes. The music was experimental but very atmospheric. If they just could have continued airing the series, it was so entertaining and well-made.
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♥-Characters: Kid & Stein

Death the Kid: This little dork is so damn entertaining with his symmetry-obsession and out-of-nowhere depressive phases. Mamo-chan surely brings some of his own personality into this role and it fits nicely. Kid is a marvellous mixture of a serious and impressive fighter with cool weapons and a confused yet ambitious, (adorable) boy. With Liz and Patty he makes a dreamlike trio, although on the outside it just looks like they are constantly bullying him. But in reality they really do complement each other, especially in the crucial moments. Kicchiri kacchiri desu! to use Kid's words (-clean and perfect).

Franken Stein: On the one hand I like his carefreeness but on the other hand I prefer him much more when he goes completely insane. Typical. Mainly just because he's based on the famous Frankenstein makes his character design really neat as he can screw and unscrew himself because of that. Well, he's a nice, little psycho that has fallen for the insanity and I totally approve of that.
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It's such a classic and very nostalgic.
It might be cheesy and overdramatic at times but that just makes it so enjoyable. This anime (franchise) is one significant part of my childhood and I'm of the opinion that it still holds up. Sure, it rather is for children but it maintains it value. The score to this is amazing and consists of versatile tracks that are equally beautiful. Digimon manages to let one dive into its fascinating world. The variety of the digital monsters is big, the characters are nice and fit into the plot, and the the evolution sequences and fights are pretty well done as well. Furthermore the atmopshere is constantly changing. Sometimes the team has a lot of fun and jokes around, some other times individuals are beset with personal struggles and then there are always the harsh and intense fights that demanded full commitment. Digimon 01 isn't a philosophical masterpiece but definitely an anime that warms my heart.
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♥-Character: Wizardmon

It's so pure and brave and so much better than every other person or digimon in this season. It gets even more likeable because Ishida-sama, with his friendly voice, is his seiyuu.

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In 8 out of 10 cases sequels ̶s̶̶u̶̶c̶̶k̶ tend to be inferior to the original but this one was great because I liked the protagonists better for some reason and I always thought Veemon looked much cuter than Agumon. The plot was of course different and the Digimon and their way of evolving had changed as well. It was an interesting new development and yet it somehow managed to stay true to Digimon 01. That might be because some of the old characters and Digimon were still appearing in it. It made me equally happy and I also consider this to be a classic because it kind of belongs to the first season.
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♥-Character: Ken Ichijouji

Ken goes through a wild character transformation. Forced to become angry and bitter by the people around him he decided to put on the tough act and go enslave innocent Digimon as the "Digimon Kaiser". Fortunately he realises what a mess he's making and with the help of Daisuke and Wormmon he's able to retrieve his true nature which is kindness. (also his trait's theme)
His normal attitude is more submissive, kind and caring and that way he forms a great duo with Daisuke and doesn't abuse poor Wormmon. By the way, Romi Paku voices him and she doesn't only do great in the anime but also at singing on the character and drama CDs (as Ken and the Kaiser). Way to go, Paku-sama!
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