To those who know of my anime interests, I appear a "purist" - I watch anime in Japanese and in Japanese only. Until now, I have condemned dubbing as moronic and a waste of my valuable time. Even the dubbing of Miyazaki's films did not please me. I have always defended the superiority of Japanese voice acting and did not even think it possible for an American dub to be remotely equal to Japanese audio and subtitles.
So imagine my surprise when I watched Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and preferred the dub to Japanese! I still cannot quite believe it, but I really do prefer the English-speaking actors, especially with respect to the Tachikoma. The Chief in particular is excellent in English and it really does enhance the experience of watching if one must not spend a second reading the subtitles, especially in a wordy series like Ghost in the Shell.
At any rate, I enjoyed the series and am watching its sequel, Ghost in the Shell: S.A.C. 2nd Gig, and afterwords I shall watch the third film, Solid State Society. That shall sate my science fiction side, I think, and I shall be ready to move onto a new semester and a new series.
I do so love the Tachikoma.
12.29.2009
12.25.2009
Gunslinger Girl
Fortunately I was not disappointed. The second season, though inferior to the first, had a unified story and the characters were well-drawn; the relationships between the units and their handlers was treated well, and the intensity went through the roof more than once. Overall, I was pleased. The few elements that marred the season were largely fan-service based: sketchy quick scenes of medical examinations (I really do not need to see a 12 year old girl half-dressed) and drawing Triela taller, more like a mid-adolescent and less like a child: in my opinion, increasing her sex appeal in the wrong direction. But these are minor complaints; there is no hint of inappropriate behavior between the girls and their handlers so I can be mostly okay with the presentation.
Taken as a whole, Gunslinger Girl is a fabulous series. It is alternately light and dark, intense and fun, serious but never superficial. The finale (if one were to call it that) is a tour de force on multiple levels. I will never hear Beethoven's Ode to Joy the same way again. The OVA was also good, perfectly characteristic of the manner in which the anime presents itself - brief action and long scenes of reflection.
Now I must find some new material. As stated before, quality anime is becoming difficult to find, for so much is opprobriously stupid (lighthearted is too generous). I dislike most anime comedies (Haruhi and AMG! are the only exceptions; the first because it is intelligent, the latter because of its treatment of love), so things like Love Hina or Clannad are out. I may miss out on some decent material but the reward is the paucity of bad anime I have seen - most anime I decry is praised by many others - Hellsing and Vampire Hunter D (not to be confused with Bloodlust, which I adored), for instance. Zach recommended Requiem for a Phantom, and I think I may agree. I wish a third season of Gunslinger Girl were written though. That is mostly what I want to watch and I am saddened that I have finished.
Taken as a whole, Gunslinger Girl is a fabulous series. It is alternately light and dark, intense and fun, serious but never superficial. The finale (if one were to call it that) is a tour de force on multiple levels. I will never hear Beethoven's Ode to Joy the same way again. The OVA was also good, perfectly characteristic of the manner in which the anime presents itself - brief action and long scenes of reflection.
Now I must find some new material. As stated before, quality anime is becoming difficult to find, for so much is opprobriously stupid (lighthearted is too generous). I dislike most anime comedies (Haruhi and AMG! are the only exceptions; the first because it is intelligent, the latter because of its treatment of love), so things like Love Hina or Clannad are out. I may miss out on some decent material but the reward is the paucity of bad anime I have seen - most anime I decry is praised by many others - Hellsing and Vampire Hunter D (not to be confused with Bloodlust, which I adored), for instance. Zach recommended Requiem for a Phantom, and I think I may agree. I wish a third season of Gunslinger Girl were written though. That is mostly what I want to watch and I am saddened that I have finished.
12.12.2009
New Semester, New Series
Five days till the semester is complete. During these sixteen weeks I have watched little anime, but what I have seen is largely fantastic. Samurai Champloo was first, hosted by the Anime Club (which is now concerned with Hellsing), and I watched Area 88, Murder Princess, and Gunslinger Girl. The last was the best, and the worst is probably Hellsing, though my taste in anime is far more strict than most. A glance over my anime list will betray a penchant for serious, often dark or disturbing, thought-provoking material. Very little light-hearted media of any kind - Haruhi stands out like a bloodstain on snow.
Samurai Champloo is similar in motif to Bebop: like the latter, it meanders while avoiding the general plot until the conclusion is close, but you love every minute of the journey. Area 88 was a beautifully drawn short series all about fighter jets - decent tale and great animation. Murder Princess (short OVA) was not so hot but could have been worse. Hellsing is a bloody mess, just fan service and ridiculous gore. But Gunslinger Girl! Now that is anime worth seeing.
It is impossible to spoil the plot because there is no plot - just five character sketches loosely tied to a larger theme of counterterrorism and Mob fighting. The implications and issues are profound, the characters real, and the animation quality through the roof. It wrenched me to see those little girls turned into systematic killing machines and wrenched even more to see how their handlers treat them. But I would watch it again in an instant and even buy it at some point. Questions on the ends and means, the power of the human spirit, morality in a covert war, and human cruelty are all raised, though none are answered. As Pan's Labyrinth was the best film I had seen since Citizen Kane, Gunslinger Girl is the best anime series since Claymore. It is an absolute masterpiece. Some called it everything wrong with anime and manga subculture (little girls "taken care of" by older men whilst clutching phallic symbols [why is everything a phallic symbol nowadays?] and whatnot), but they are as wrong as they are stupid. My taste is exquisite and I know Gunslinger Girl to be fantastic. I will probably let Zach in on the good news when next I see him.
I next plan to watch the second season though its animation quality plummeted - a severe disappointment. Afterwards, I found a short list of anime that look intriguing (a short list, for good anime is getting progressively harder to find): Le Chevalier D'Eon, Heroic Age, Gantz, Fantastic Children, Fafner, Full Metal Alchemist, Code Geass, and Devil May Cry. Their title alone interested me, and then they passed the Wikipedia and YouTube tests - I run searches on potential series; first an overview/summary test on Wiki, and then an Internet trailer. If they pass these triple challenges I grant them a pilot, but they had better deliver.
I hope S.2 delivers. I would be very sad if the fabulous first season had a Return of Jafar for a sequel.
Samurai Champloo is similar in motif to Bebop: like the latter, it meanders while avoiding the general plot until the conclusion is close, but you love every minute of the journey. Area 88 was a beautifully drawn short series all about fighter jets - decent tale and great animation. Murder Princess (short OVA) was not so hot but could have been worse. Hellsing is a bloody mess, just fan service and ridiculous gore. But Gunslinger Girl! Now that is anime worth seeing.
It is impossible to spoil the plot because there is no plot - just five character sketches loosely tied to a larger theme of counterterrorism and Mob fighting. The implications and issues are profound, the characters real, and the animation quality through the roof. It wrenched me to see those little girls turned into systematic killing machines and wrenched even more to see how their handlers treat them. But I would watch it again in an instant and even buy it at some point. Questions on the ends and means, the power of the human spirit, morality in a covert war, and human cruelty are all raised, though none are answered. As Pan's Labyrinth was the best film I had seen since Citizen Kane, Gunslinger Girl is the best anime series since Claymore. It is an absolute masterpiece. Some called it everything wrong with anime and manga subculture (little girls "taken care of" by older men whilst clutching phallic symbols [why is everything a phallic symbol nowadays?] and whatnot), but they are as wrong as they are stupid. My taste is exquisite and I know Gunslinger Girl to be fantastic. I will probably let Zach in on the good news when next I see him.
I next plan to watch the second season though its animation quality plummeted - a severe disappointment. Afterwards, I found a short list of anime that look intriguing (a short list, for good anime is getting progressively harder to find): Le Chevalier D'Eon, Heroic Age, Gantz, Fantastic Children, Fafner, Full Metal Alchemist, Code Geass, and Devil May Cry. Their title alone interested me, and then they passed the Wikipedia and YouTube tests - I run searches on potential series; first an overview/summary test on Wiki, and then an Internet trailer. If they pass these triple challenges I grant them a pilot, but they had better deliver.
I hope S.2 delivers. I would be very sad if the fabulous first season had a Return of Jafar for a sequel.
9.09.2009
Laptop Arrival
My laptop is here and connected to the Internet. Alas, no wireless, but we cannot all be in Annapolis, now can we?
I am reviewing Death Note and after it is done try something completely new - perhaps the anime adaptation of The Count of Monte Cristo. Truly that would be interesting. I am thinking either that or Monster, if I can handle the creepiness.
All things considered, I am thrilled to finally own a computer I may call my very own. The liberty! Studies and extra-curriculars permitting, the anime will come fast and hard. Saturday mornings, ooh-lah lah!
I had forgotten how very dark is Death Note. As to my support, Light probably has it in some respect; I would either do what he does or wish I had the courage to do so; I am certainly cynical enough to believe the moral nature of man is such that no other method will effect great change, but my faith presents problems. Could I justify an attempt to create the Kingdom of God here on earth? Evil men deserve justice and punishment; I have little animosity towards the so-called "vigilante justice". Far from attacking it, I am one of its stronger supporters. Light has my support in this at least: I doubt true justice is limited to the dispensation of the State.
No, I know I would not do what he does: use the power granted him to kill all criminals. I do not believe I could be trusted with such power, that it would present too great a temptation for misuse, that I would permit myself to be corrupted; no, that I would wish for my own corruption by wishing to abuse such power. I am not capable of it, and I doubt he is either. Is anybody? If a man were truly dedicated to true justice, could he kill those enforcing the Law upon him? The police agencies determined to apprehend him? People of no great evil who happen to get in his way? I think not. Such a man must never harm the innocent or the law, and this is where Light's moral failing is apparrent; from the first day he is willing to kill even his family.
Therefore, while I (in theory at least) support his action, and admire his courage, I do not believe I would do such a thing; nor do I believe any man is capable of remaining just while wielding such power.
8.31.2009
New Hardware
My rate of anime viewing declined sharply over the second semester. Distracted by Chuck and then isolated at HoneyRock, I watched very little from spring break to now. But I'm back at school in Fe, and you better believe that Saturday morning Anime club is up and running. But no more will I scurry like a desert rat to the computer lab! I ordered a laptop a few weeks ago, and word on the street is that it's arriving in but three days! I should have it hooked up to the Internet and watch my virgin anime Saturday morning. I think it will be Deathnote or Cowboy Bebop. Then I will watch the entire series, following it will another classic like Eva or Lain, and find something new! Apparently FLCL is very good.
I will be watching anime regularly come Saturday and Sunday, for the official Anime Club will be running by then as well. The Anime Archon (I forget his name) said we would begin with a Miyazaki film (naturally I am okay with this) and then something different.
I will check back again when I have my laptop. Cheers!
I will be watching anime regularly come Saturday and Sunday, for the official Anime Club will be running by then as well. The Anime Archon (I forget his name) said we would begin with a Miyazaki film (naturally I am okay with this) and then something different.
I will check back again when I have my laptop. Cheers!
3.14.2009
Claymore over Break
I discovered yet a new anime - Claymore. I had passed over it a few times before, thinking it uninteresting, but my kid brother watched an episode and I watched the pilot soon afterwards. I have now finished little less than half the series, and though I could finish it quickly, wish to pace myself, for I like it very much.
Seldom has an anime had such a formative influence upon me. I mean that seldom have I wished to be a character more than now. The lone wolf hunter, quiet and exceptionally skilled; the nomad, mercenary wanderer traveling from village to village, killing demons at the citizens' behest; I wish to be one of them. Their weaponry and armor entrance me, their sense of service and duty awes me, as does their tragedy.
Oddly enough, Buffy the Vampire Slayer affected me in a similar way (though I suppose Claymore is more similar to Vampire Hunter D). In that case however, I wanted to be a Slayer because I thought only a man could do it right. The 'heroine' spent her time moaning and complaining; she had no sense of honor or duty and thus I despised her. But Claymores? They're different. They seldom complain, they normally work alone, and die at the hands of their comrades or are torn to pieces by demons. They are honorable, courageous, and deadly.
Alas, for fantasy is not the real world. It's a shame, really. I should have liked to live in that strange medieval-like world, killing demons and serving a shadowy, suspicious-looking organization. I, however, would learn from Teresa and Clare: never become attached to a human if you are a Claymore; it only leads to trouble.
Post Script: I have finished the series, and have doubts about the organization. extra-anime sources inform me the organization's purpose is creating superweapons (Awakened Beings) for powerful nations across the sea, that Rabona is but an island testing ground. This unnerves me and crushes my idealism, but I will remember it every time I watch the first six episodes.
Farewell, Rabona. I will serve you in my dreams.
Seldom has an anime had such a formative influence upon me. I mean that seldom have I wished to be a character more than now. The lone wolf hunter, quiet and exceptionally skilled; the nomad, mercenary wanderer traveling from village to village, killing demons at the citizens' behest; I wish to be one of them. Their weaponry and armor entrance me, their sense of service and duty awes me, as does their tragedy.
Oddly enough, Buffy the Vampire Slayer affected me in a similar way (though I suppose Claymore is more similar to Vampire Hunter D). In that case however, I wanted to be a Slayer because I thought only a man could do it right. The 'heroine' spent her time moaning and complaining; she had no sense of honor or duty and thus I despised her. But Claymores? They're different. They seldom complain, they normally work alone, and die at the hands of their comrades or are torn to pieces by demons. They are honorable, courageous, and deadly.
Alas, for fantasy is not the real world. It's a shame, really. I should have liked to live in that strange medieval-like world, killing demons and serving a shadowy, suspicious-looking organization. I, however, would learn from Teresa and Clare: never become attached to a human if you are a Claymore; it only leads to trouble.
Post Script: I have finished the series, and have doubts about the organization. extra-anime sources inform me the organization's purpose is creating superweapons (Awakened Beings) for powerful nations across the sea, that Rabona is but an island testing ground. This unnerves me and crushes my idealism, but I will remember it every time I watch the first six episodes.
Farewell, Rabona. I will serve you in my dreams.
2.08.2009
New Series, Updated Site
I have finished both seasons of Ah! My Goddess! and I was very impressed. The art is beautiful, the characters are humorous without being moronic, and the ever present love theme is carefully developed. The series will probably cease being good either in the third or fourth season, but I'll definitely watch season three when it is released.
I am rewatching Eva and paying attention to every detail. It is just as disturbing as I remember it, and I remember why it is called the best anime ever written.I expect to finish it before spring break.
I have included a running list of all anime media I have watched, film and series combined. I updated it with Gungrave and Ah My Goddess and will continue to add new anime I see as I finish it. In this regard I have a new series I think I will try: Elfen Lied. I hear it is exceptionally violent and has explicit nudity (this is disappointing) but I also hear it is tremendous. I will see for myself. It is short, so I'll likely finish it before break is up, and then I'll try either more Ghost in the Shell or something of that caliber.
I am rewatching Eva and paying attention to every detail. It is just as disturbing as I remember it, and I remember why it is called the best anime ever written.I expect to finish it before spring break.
I have included a running list of all anime media I have watched, film and series combined. I updated it with Gungrave and Ah My Goddess and will continue to add new anime I see as I finish it. In this regard I have a new series I think I will try: Elfen Lied. I hear it is exceptionally violent and has explicit nudity (this is disappointing) but I also hear it is tremendous. I will see for myself. It is short, so I'll likely finish it before break is up, and then I'll try either more Ghost in the Shell or something of that caliber.
1.15.2009
At Long Last, New Series!
I have discovered a few new anime series after being long hesitant about anything new. This hesitation is for several reaons, all of them at least adaquate and most of them good.
Reason number one: I don't have a lot of time anymore. Classes, preparation for classes, and work dominate most of my life, and since I am taking a Latin elective (technically "Latin Study Group"), my free time during the weekends is threatened as well.
Reason number two: what free time I have is mostly available to extra curricular reading. I am tackling Aristotle's Physics, Metaphysics, and On the Soul this semester and they eat up a lot of time as I try to parse Aristotle's arguments. This means the time I have available to actually watch anime is severely terribly limited. I cannot attend the Anime Club on campus for it meets at a most inconvenient time - 9:30 on a Tuesday night. Tuesday! That's right before my hell day! Last year was 8:00PM Sunday, most excellent. Thus I am limited to get up early on the weekend (Saturday or Sunday) when user bandwidth consumption is virtually nil. I I could do this during the week (I've tried this) but my academics suffer. 0500 Saturday is it then.
Reason number three: I have watched a number of very good TV series and films at the recommendation of experienced Johnnies like Sterling Pratt. Once such wise counsel is gone I am alone in the dark. Proof: I am still trying to scrub my eyes after watching Vampire Hunter D. (this is not to be confused with the sequel, Bloodlust, which I found to be marvelous) I thus fear terrible films and series.
Regardless, I have now watched Ghost in the Shell and will soon watch the entire franchise. I thought the first film was spectacularly well done, if a bit awkward. What I remember from last year's TV series (SAC season I) was better. Additionally, I found a gem and you won't believe what it is. Ah! My Goddess! See? How can a fiercely single philosopher find such a lovesick, simple anime enthralling? Because it is charming, warm, lighthearted, and full of goodness. In an age where licentiousness, hookups, and love are all synomymous, we have Ah! My Goddess!, where they most certainly are not. Indeed, the series' playboy character is repeatedly punished by a vengeful deity for his sexual advances. In the series, love and sex are certainly not the same; the latter is for the sake of the former. More people need to hear that, especially me.
Thus I am excited for the New Year. I will exercise my discernment and if something is bad, I will simply turn it off. (this is not nearly so easy as it sounds - I am the person who always finishes a movie and a book, regardless of quality) I have been burned in both genre, resolve to do better, and am excited about doing so. Welcome, 2009!
Reason number one: I don't have a lot of time anymore. Classes, preparation for classes, and work dominate most of my life, and since I am taking a Latin elective (technically "Latin Study Group"), my free time during the weekends is threatened as well.
Reason number two: what free time I have is mostly available to extra curricular reading. I am tackling Aristotle's Physics, Metaphysics, and On the Soul this semester and they eat up a lot of time as I try to parse Aristotle's arguments. This means the time I have available to actually watch anime is severely terribly limited. I cannot attend the Anime Club on campus for it meets at a most inconvenient time - 9:30 on a Tuesday night. Tuesday! That's right before my hell day! Last year was 8:00PM Sunday, most excellent. Thus I am limited to get up early on the weekend (Saturday or Sunday) when user bandwidth consumption is virtually nil. I I could do this during the week (I've tried this) but my academics suffer. 0500 Saturday is it then.
Reason number three: I have watched a number of very good TV series and films at the recommendation of experienced Johnnies like Sterling Pratt. Once such wise counsel is gone I am alone in the dark. Proof: I am still trying to scrub my eyes after watching Vampire Hunter D. (this is not to be confused with the sequel, Bloodlust, which I found to be marvelous) I thus fear terrible films and series.
Regardless, I have now watched Ghost in the Shell and will soon watch the entire franchise. I thought the first film was spectacularly well done, if a bit awkward. What I remember from last year's TV series (SAC season I) was better. Additionally, I found a gem and you won't believe what it is. Ah! My Goddess! See? How can a fiercely single philosopher find such a lovesick, simple anime enthralling? Because it is charming, warm, lighthearted, and full of goodness. In an age where licentiousness, hookups, and love are all synomymous, we have Ah! My Goddess!, where they most certainly are not. Indeed, the series' playboy character is repeatedly punished by a vengeful deity for his sexual advances. In the series, love and sex are certainly not the same; the latter is for the sake of the former. More people need to hear that, especially me.
Thus I am excited for the New Year. I will exercise my discernment and if something is bad, I will simply turn it off. (this is not nearly so easy as it sounds - I am the person who always finishes a movie and a book, regardless of quality) I have been burned in both genre, resolve to do better, and am excited about doing so. Welcome, 2009!
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