Let me go back to what I was saying about anime blogs a few days ago. The main point is just as applicable to anime itself. What does it take to make a good anime, at the bare minimum?
1. Have something to say.
2. Say it.
3. Stop.
This show fails at step #1. What are they trying to say? I have no idea. Continue reading Humanity has Declined 06 — Space Probes Have Feelings Too
In the latest episode of Kokoro Connect, Iori dies. Wait, you may say, she didn’t really die! But I would have to disagree.
My understanding of this episode comes through the language of Christianity, since that is the language I am familiar with (most of this post’s ideas were gleaned from Richard Beck’s series on the Slavery of Death, which I can’t recommend enough if you’re interested). I believe these ideas are fairly universal, and I am certain that the creators of this episode would not use my language to describe things. But this is the language I use, so please bear with me and trust me when I say the connection to Kokoro Connect will soon become clear. Think of this interlude not as an exercise in religious indoctrination, but simply as a lesson in vocabulary. Continue reading Kokoro Connect 05 — To Conquer Death, You Only Have to Die
The two main characters are back. Perhaps we’re finally going to start our adventure. Continue reading Sword Art Online 05 — Bottoms Up!
Foxy Lady Ayame kindly asked me to participate in a blog carnival, and although I wrote a post about the topic last year, it was an offer I couldn’t refuse (if I had… well, let’s not go there). The topic: what do you want in an anime or manga blog? Let’s examine each of FoxyLadyAyame’s questions individually.
I agree, why not? Continue reading Reflections on Animanga Blogs
When I come across a trap in anime, I think to myself that only the Japanese could make men wearing maid outfits a national obsession. What a bizarre idea! I will never understand those crazy Japanese people with their cross-dressing, maid outfits, and crazy ninja game shows!
Well, this afternoon I was reading The Children of Odin by Padraic Colum, a book about Norse mythology at project Gutenberg (it’s a fascinating read, I highly recommend it) when I came across the following passage. Perhaps the obsession with “traps” is not so uniquely Japanese as I was led to believe. This story outdoes shows such as Moyashimon by having Thor, the mightiest, strongest and manliest of all the gods, dress up in a wedding dress to marry a man. As if that’s not enough, Loki comes with him dressed as a bridesmaid. Enjoy! Continue reading Traps: An Ancient European Institution