This one seems much crueler than usual: most are like Charles Addams, so are not to be taken seriously --- one knows they are actually OK.

Here's a question: is the one holding the newspaper Aya, or is Aya tagged just for the thought-bubble?

I think it is Aya in wretched poverty, recalling better days of youth and promise. Hence my reference to unwonted cruelty.

Ah man, this is just so sad.

There we have horrible mutant-Aya who's dreams of being in a far-away land called Gensokyo where the skies are blue and the air is cleaning whilst she is a beautiful star reporter flying around faster than no one else getting the latest hot scoops.

Only to wake up from the smog burning her lungs and realize she is in the landfill still.

So sad.

white-devil said:

Ah man, this is just so sad.

There we have horrible mutant-Aya who's dreams of being in a far-away land called Gensokyo where the skies are blue and the air is cleaning whilst she is a beautiful star reporter flying around faster than no one else getting the latest hot scoops.

Only to wake up from the smog burning her lungs and realize she is in the landfill still.

So sad.

It could also be a newborn crow tengu (note the feathered arms) in the outside world who lives in a landfill and has a vague idea of Touhou from discarded doujins and whatnot, and is trying to be more like Aya.

I'm not quite sure which one is worse.

noobinall said:

It could also be a newborn crow tengu (note the feathered arms) in the outside world who lives in a landfill and has a vague idea of Touhou from discarded doujins and whatnot, and is trying to be more like Aya.

I'm not quite sure which one is worse.

Given that the title is "foolish curiosity" and not something like "foolish memories" I'd imagine this is the correct interpretation.