Okay, this really has absolutely nothing to do with today’s randomness. It’s just something that crosses my mind every single time that I hear the word “escape”…

Everyone knows those lyrics, “If you like piña coladas, and getting caught in the rain…” And so everyone assumes that overly popular 70s tune by Rupert Holmes is the name of the drink. But it’s actually titled “Escape (The Piña Colada Song)“. Seriously, that thought crosses my mind every time I hear the word “escape”. No particular reason, I just do…

And, just because it’s another strange one that seems wrongly titled, there’s also “The 59th Street Bridge Song (Feelin’ Groovy)” by Harper’s Bizarre. It seems everyone knows the tune as “Feelin’ Groovy”, but that part is actually in parentheses. The main part of the title is “The 59th Street Bridge Song”. Makes you wonder why artists do that… I think they’re just fucking with us and making us wonder what the fuck the title really is…

Today’s random entry is about forms of escapism…

My form of escapism is usually music. Aside from the fact that it’s a great way to escape, but it also is convenient as I can do other things at the same time. I can clean my house, draw, paint… all while listening to music.

I also like to escape into a good movie or binge watching a favorite show or anime if I’m feeling lazy.

But there’s nothing like losing yourself in a really good book. That’s my favorite form of escapism, if I have time to read, which isn’t often. And my reading list isn’t like most people’s. Sure, I love a good Stephen King novel and I’ve read other popular books. But when it comes to my favorite reading material, Beowulf makes the top of my list along with Poe’s writings. I also like to read Shakespeare and books like The Divine Comedy. I don’t even need to read the footnotes.

But, every now and again, I like to lose myself in an awesome manga…

I just finished reading all 20 volumes of Angel Sanctuary by Kaori Yuki. It’s a wonderful (and a bit complicated) story with some of the most beautiful artwork, as you can tell by the image to the left. Let me tell you, if Lucifer was really this hot, a lot of women would be sinning their asses off in order to go to hell, hahaha! That’s funny coming from an atheist, isn’t it? Actually, it seems odd that an atheist would read anything about angels, devils and God… But her’s is not your ordinary tale of higher beings (and lower beings). It’s quite an interesting take on Heaven and Hell, angels and demons. Perhaps that’s why I like it so much. It’s a different view of “religious” things…

And I can’t help but be in awe of such beautiful artwork…

This is the main character of the manga, Setsuna Mudo, who is actually the reincarnation of an angel… I kind of don’t want to get more into it than that or I’ll spoil it for anyone who may want to read it. Seriously, it’s wonderful and you won’t be disappointed. There is also an OVA of the first 3 books that’s a great watch. I wish they’d done the whole series…

Currently, I’m reading one of her other mangas, The Cain Saga, which is like a prequel to her series Godchild…

This one is based in 19th century London. Black sheep Earl Cain Hargreaves (pictured left) is not your ordinary… anything… He collects poisons (what an odd hobby) and solves mysteries. Again, I don’t want to delve too much into the story for those who may want to read it. Suffice it to say, I’ll be finishing this series for the second time if I keep going…

Kaori Yuki has quite a few manga series out aside from the one I just finished and the one I’m currently reading. I highly recommend her work. The storylines are well thought out and just look at this fabulous art! It’s easy to get sucked in to every single book…

Kaori Yuki is actually one of my idols. Because of her, I’ve worked very hard to improve my drawing style. I’ve even started working on my own manga. I’ve had the ideas bouncing around in my head for years, but her lovely artwork has really inspired me to do something more with my own. So I guess you could say she’s my hero, in a way… An art hero.

One day, if and when I get mine finished, perhaps I’ll give you guys a sneak peek of my story. Until then, it’s under wraps and will stay that way…