Ian
@cipher-db.bsky.social
Sequel to a moderately acclaimed Twitter account; J-> E translator (internal comm. publishing full time, manga part time). Technically MFA holder. Views my own. 🇺🇸 in 🇯🇵
Sorry I've been so MIA on here! Between work (including international travel), and my tendency to use social media for fandom things I don't get to talk about much IRL, well...!
But hey, here, gf and I are still 'casting our way through Transformers comics for those who care to partake. Previews:
But hey, here, gf and I are still 'casting our way through Transformers comics for those who care to partake. Previews:
November 30, 2025 at 11:35 PM
Sorry I've been so MIA on here! Between work (including international travel), and my tendency to use social media for fandom things I don't get to talk about much IRL, well...!
But hey, here, gf and I are still 'casting our way through Transformers comics for those who care to partake. Previews:
But hey, here, gf and I are still 'casting our way through Transformers comics for those who care to partake. Previews:
Hi I have been making my way through the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection and honestly fuck Kintaro
November 26, 2025 at 3:04 AM
Hi I have been making my way through the Mortal Kombat Legacy Kollection and honestly fuck Kintaro
Reposted by Ian
See also: being a Japanese translator.
"Not a penny to her name--wait, no. Wrong currency. Not a yen? Sounds bad. Hm."
"They went to bed--uh-oh. They only have futons in this era. They went to futon? Ugh."
"Not a penny to her name--wait, no. Wrong currency. Not a yen? Sounds bad. Hm."
"They went to bed--uh-oh. They only have futons in this era. They went to futon? Ugh."
Being a fantasy writer is typing "they extended an olive branch" and then going "shit, do they even have olives in this world?"
November 8, 2025 at 3:17 AM
See also: being a Japanese translator.
"Not a penny to her name--wait, no. Wrong currency. Not a yen? Sounds bad. Hm."
"They went to bed--uh-oh. They only have futons in this era. They went to futon? Ugh."
"Not a penny to her name--wait, no. Wrong currency. Not a yen? Sounds bad. Hm."
"They went to bed--uh-oh. They only have futons in this era. They went to futon? Ugh."
Sssssooo I didn't like Frankenstein. I love the book. This was the perfect moment for a knowing tragedy about a privileged asshole creating something uncontrollable with no thought of consequences, and it was cast aside for a pat familial trauma story constructed entirely of clichés.
November 10, 2025 at 9:56 AM
Sssssooo I didn't like Frankenstein. I love the book. This was the perfect moment for a knowing tragedy about a privileged asshole creating something uncontrollable with no thought of consequences, and it was cast aside for a pat familial trauma story constructed entirely of clichés.
Still doing the thing! TF/Dr. Who connections, a surreal and somber sixth story, enough discussions on reverse colonization fears to make canonical lit. analysis essays on Dracula blush, discussion on TF language and gender, and panthers that turn into cassettes.
What's this? A second episode of Soundwaves: A Transformers Publication History, tackling the first three Marvel UK issues with my first-time-reader girlfriend?
Is "Man of Iron" about the fear of reverse colonization?
YouTube: youtu.be/dDk8Njd_bqk?...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1oey...
Is "Man of Iron" about the fear of reverse colonization?
YouTube: youtu.be/dDk8Njd_bqk?...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/1oey...
Episode 2: Marvel UK "Man of Iron," "The Enemy Within!" & "Raiders of the Last Ark" (Jan.–June 1985)
YouTube video by Soundwaves: A Transformers Publication History
youtu.be
October 12, 2025 at 6:21 PM
Still doing the thing! TF/Dr. Who connections, a surreal and somber sixth story, enough discussions on reverse colonization fears to make canonical lit. analysis essays on Dracula blush, discussion on TF language and gender, and panthers that turn into cassettes.
Been doing an October Biohazard blitz. Finished 6, playing it for the first time, with my girlfriend. Surprisingly had a fantastic time. All in on horror-tinged goofy arcadey action and nailing it. Went back to 1–3 via GOG too. It's crazy what a step up 3 is from the first two. Might be my favorite.
October 12, 2025 at 4:24 AM
Been doing an October Biohazard blitz. Finished 6, playing it for the first time, with my girlfriend. Surprisingly had a fantastic time. All in on horror-tinged goofy arcadey action and nailing it. Went back to 1–3 via GOG too. It's crazy what a step up 3 is from the first two. Might be my favorite.
I'm old and barely have time to play video-games, but you still do not want to hear my opinions on using save states in polite company.
October 6, 2025 at 11:33 AM
I'm old and barely have time to play video-games, but you still do not want to hear my opinions on using save states in polite company.
It brings me no joy to tell you that I have convinced my wonderful girlfriend (whom some of my followers know in real life) to do a deep-dive podcast run-through of the Transformers' publishing history with me.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7k8u...
YT: youtu.be/zZpwncHQc6k?...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7k8u...
YT: youtu.be/zZpwncHQc6k?...
Episode 1: US Issues 1–4 (May–Nov. 1984)
open.spotify.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:45 PM
It brings me no joy to tell you that I have convinced my wonderful girlfriend (whom some of my followers know in real life) to do a deep-dive podcast run-through of the Transformers' publishing history with me.
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7k8u...
YT: youtu.be/zZpwncHQc6k?...
Spotify: open.spotify.com/episode/7k8u...
YT: youtu.be/zZpwncHQc6k?...
Reposted by Ian
Happy international translation day!!! Which I forgot because I was working late 😅
Here's an FAQ for aspiring Japanese to English media translators I wrote for this occasion a few years ago.
j-entranslations.com/faq-for-aspi...
Here's an FAQ for aspiring Japanese to English media translators I wrote for this occasion a few years ago.
j-entranslations.com/faq-for-aspi...
FAQ for Aspiring Japanese to English Media Translators
Frequently asked questions for aspiring translators interested in Japanese to English media translation. Happy International Translation Day!
j-entranslations.com
September 30, 2025 at 2:16 PM
Happy international translation day!!! Which I forgot because I was working late 😅
Here's an FAQ for aspiring Japanese to English media translators I wrote for this occasion a few years ago.
j-entranslations.com/faq-for-aspi...
Here's an FAQ for aspiring Japanese to English media translators I wrote for this occasion a few years ago.
j-entranslations.com/faq-for-aspi...
Reposted by Ian
So, yeah, the wording of this basically implies establishing local offices to investigate un-American activities broadly including any financial or physical support of protests or even critical rhetoric. And these guys are still rejecting the "fascist" label?
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Countering Domestic Terrorism and Organized Political Violence
NATIONAL SECURITY PRESIDENTIAL MEMORANDUM/NSPM-7 MEMORANDUM FOR THE SECRETARY OF STATE THE SECRETARY OF THE TREASURY THE ATTORNEY GENERAL
www.whitehouse.gov
September 26, 2025 at 4:02 AM
So, yeah, the wording of this basically implies establishing local offices to investigate un-American activities broadly including any financial or physical support of protests or even critical rhetoric. And these guys are still rejecting the "fascist" label?
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
www.whitehouse.gov/presidential...
Reposted by Ian
everyone else in the admin over the last couple days: what are you talking about, there was no attempted government censorship, stop fearmongering
trump: I’m gonna sue them for putting kimmel back on the air
trump: I’m gonna sue them for putting kimmel back on the air
“I can't believe ABC Fake News gave Jimmy Kimmel his job back. The White House was told by ABC that his Show was cancelled!”
September 24, 2025 at 2:46 AM
everyone else in the admin over the last couple days: what are you talking about, there was no attempted government censorship, stop fearmongering
trump: I’m gonna sue them for putting kimmel back on the air
trump: I’m gonna sue them for putting kimmel back on the air
Literally how did anti-vaccine culture even happen? How is that a thing? We finally cured and prevented some of history's most pernicious diseases and a sizeable block of people are now like, "No thanks!"
September 19, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Literally how did anti-vaccine culture even happen? How is that a thing? We finally cured and prevented some of history's most pernicious diseases and a sizeable block of people are now like, "No thanks!"
PDF copies of the Marvel Transformers kickstarter came out. Have them loaded on my ereader. This is a series right up there with Dragon Ball and the original Ninja Turtles for me in that, even when I don't think I feel like rereading it, the second I crack it open I am instantly having a great time.
September 18, 2025 at 11:41 PM
PDF copies of the Marvel Transformers kickstarter came out. Have them loaded on my ereader. This is a series right up there with Dragon Ball and the original Ninja Turtles for me in that, even when I don't think I feel like rereading it, the second I crack it open I am instantly having a great time.
I'm hard to live with
September 10, 2025 at 8:56 AM
I'm hard to live with
ChatGPT has a set voice. You just type in the prompt and hit go—I think about the words. That's the difference.
You think it solves all your writing needs—I realize it falls into set patterns. Good luck with your term paper, chief.
You think it solves all your writing needs—I realize it falls into set patterns. Good luck with your term paper, chief.
September 4, 2025 at 5:03 AM
ChatGPT has a set voice. You just type in the prompt and hit go—I think about the words. That's the difference.
You think it solves all your writing needs—I realize it falls into set patterns. Good luck with your term paper, chief.
You think it solves all your writing needs—I realize it falls into set patterns. Good luck with your term paper, chief.
Text from my American girlfriend, on year six in Japan. For real, you have no idea.
Doing anything medical in America even with robust insurance (a non-given) can be a logistical nightmare.
Doing anything medical in America even with robust insurance (a non-given) can be a logistical nightmare.
September 4, 2025 at 3:28 AM
Text from my American girlfriend, on year six in Japan. For real, you have no idea.
Doing anything medical in America even with robust insurance (a non-given) can be a logistical nightmare.
Doing anything medical in America even with robust insurance (a non-given) can be a logistical nightmare.
Reposted by Ian
you ever think about how back in Astro Boy, in the fucking 60s, this was one of Blue Knight's critiques of humanity?
May 3, 2025 at 3:27 AM
you ever think about how back in Astro Boy, in the fucking 60s, this was one of Blue Knight's critiques of humanity?
This very credibly looks like rescue workers and journalists were deliberately targeted. (NYT) Sickening.
My government is complicit in a genocide we'll be learning the worst about for years to come.
Videos Contradict Israel’s Rationale for Deadly Hospital Attack www.nytimes.com/video/world/...
My government is complicit in a genocide we'll be learning the worst about for years to come.
Videos Contradict Israel’s Rationale for Deadly Hospital Attack www.nytimes.com/video/world/...
Video: Videos Contradict Israel’s Rationale for Deadly Hospital Attack
The strikes on Nasser Hospital in Gaza killed at least 20 people. A Times visual analysis calls into question what the Israeli military was initially targeting there, and why its troops attacked a sec...
www.nytimes.com
August 31, 2025 at 7:47 PM
This very credibly looks like rescue workers and journalists were deliberately targeted. (NYT) Sickening.
My government is complicit in a genocide we'll be learning the worst about for years to come.
Videos Contradict Israel’s Rationale for Deadly Hospital Attack www.nytimes.com/video/world/...
My government is complicit in a genocide we'll be learning the worst about for years to come.
Videos Contradict Israel’s Rationale for Deadly Hospital Attack www.nytimes.com/video/world/...
On a bit of a Resident Evil binge (a name far worse than Biohazard in all contexts but especially the one I'm about to reference): Watched the first episode of the defunct Netflix series and it's...pretty good? Not high art, but a tightly directed and compelling reimagining.
August 30, 2025 at 12:53 PM
On a bit of a Resident Evil binge (a name far worse than Biohazard in all contexts but especially the one I'm about to reference): Watched the first episode of the defunct Netflix series and it's...pretty good? Not high art, but a tightly directed and compelling reimagining.
Life updates: Girlfriend and I have been playing through Biohazard (Resident Evi) 6 for the first time here in the year of our lord 2025 and having a great time.
Like, glad the series went back to horror, but holy hell is this a fun, goofy time on co-op.
Like, glad the series went back to horror, but holy hell is this a fun, goofy time on co-op.
August 26, 2025 at 11:47 PM
Life updates: Girlfriend and I have been playing through Biohazard (Resident Evi) 6 for the first time here in the year of our lord 2025 and having a great time.
Like, glad the series went back to horror, but holy hell is this a fun, goofy time on co-op.
Like, glad the series went back to horror, but holy hell is this a fun, goofy time on co-op.
You're a gay kid in a small town. You learn to shut your mouth and endure disdain, but grow up to be a well-adjusted citizen. In 2025, David Brooks expends 500 words in the NYT on how these clowns are justified in political nihilism because seeing gay people in a Super Bowl ad makes them sad.
Opinion | The Rise of Right-Wing Nihilism
www.nytimes.com
August 22, 2025 at 3:29 AM
You're a gay kid in a small town. You learn to shut your mouth and endure disdain, but grow up to be a well-adjusted citizen. In 2025, David Brooks expends 500 words in the NYT on how these clowns are justified in political nihilism because seeing gay people in a Super Bowl ad makes them sad.
What does this mean???
What does it *mean*?!
What does it *mean*?!
"Godzilla represents America's entry into WWII--"
I'm not convinced the host has seen anything other than Wing and NGE, and neither of them recently
I'm not convinced the host has seen anything other than Wing and NGE, and neither of them recently
August 9, 2025 at 6:55 AM
What does this mean???
What does it *mean*?!
What does it *mean*?!
Noooooooo!
"Japanese mecha is identifiable by its pilots following the bushido code"
August 9, 2025 at 6:55 AM
Noooooooo!
1) For a party that runs on its anti-elite rhetoric, it seems really dedicated to ensuring only the elite can enter
2) Rip entire US tourism industry. Hope no jobs depended on that!
2) Rip entire US tourism industry. Hope no jobs depended on that!
The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to enter the United States, a move that may make the process unaffordable for many.
U.S. may require visa applicants to post bond up to $15,000 to enter country
The State Department is proposing requiring applicants for business and tourist visas to post a bond of up to $15,000 to apply to enter the United States.
buff.ly
August 5, 2025 at 3:34 AM
1) For a party that runs on its anti-elite rhetoric, it seems really dedicated to ensuring only the elite can enter
2) Rip entire US tourism industry. Hope no jobs depended on that!
2) Rip entire US tourism industry. Hope no jobs depended on that!