Category: Editorials

Shin Christmas Carol Z!

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Last time on Shin Christmas Carol Z, we saw <Main Character> leaving the meeting of his local anime club. While everyone had exchanged gifts, <Main Character> rejected the holiday spirit. There was no way that he would exchange presents with those young upstart anime fans who knew not of the glory of older anime. They were blissfully unaware of the dying of the anime industry and were corrupted by the vast and unyielding fujoshi and moe conspiracy. He had shown up once again to show the glory of superior 80s OAVs to the foolish members of the club but was rejected once again. And so left with no more than a “bah humbug.” <Main Character> returned to his apartment lamenting how corrupt fandom had become. But before he could rewatch Root Search a stranger suddenly appeared in the room. Who could it be? We shall find out in this episode of Shin Christmas Carol Z!

<Main Character> leaps to his feet in surprise but just before he can scream out, the armor-clad stranger steps out of the darkness. <Main Character> drops to his knees in equal parts shock and reverie as he stares into the face of none other than that Most Dangerous Soldier, Geist.

The legendary spokesmecha roared like a chained beast, “<Main Character> do you not see these copies of Wild Cardz chained to my armor? Look upon my curse and bear witness to the visage of true suffering. Know that these are chains I forged whilst I was still alive by the many sins I committed by closing off my heart and turning my back on humanity. And for coming back and making MD Geist 2 and 3.”

“MD Geist 3? Why have I never seen MD Geist 3, my lord?” <Main Character> questioned with hope in his heart.

“For MD Geist 3 was so horrible the cells imploded in on themselves before they could be animated. But enough of anime trivia! You are destined for the same fate as I unless you amend your ways. Tonight you will be visited by three spirits each of which will show you the true meaning of anime fandom. Heed their words of advice and change your ways lest it be too late. This may well be your last chance before you too suffer my fate.”

And with that the demonic shadows of Death Force machines dragged Geist back to the horrific underworld from which he came. Of course Geist was too manly to make any sound while it happened.

As <Main Character> stared at the murky darkness where the Most Dangerous Solider had been, he felt the utter stillness of the room permeate his very being.

“Bah humbug!” he shouted to the silence. “Surely what I saw was no more than a troubled vision brought on by a mixture of too much Pocky and Ramune before bed. I am sure that a good night’s rest will clear my head before the morning.” And so <Main Character> slipped into his Crystal Triangle pajamas and tried to drift off to sleep.

But as the clock struck midnight <Main Character> was startled to be staring up directly at the night sky for the roof of his apartment had been ripped off. Looking down upon him was a ghostly apparition piloting an equally ectoplasmic Tranzor Z. “I’m Tommy Davis, the spirit of a boy just like you! I’m going to rocket punch the true burning spirit of anime fandom into your heart!” And before <Main Character> could get in a word of protest, Tranzor Z picked up his bed and rocketed into the night sky.

When Tranzor Z finally stopped, he was hovering in front of an all too familiar scene. It was <Main Character>’s childhood home. Through the window he saw a younger version of himself watching Robotech on the TV as Rick Hunter mourned the death of Roy Fokker.

“Spirit, I have two questions for you. Why did you bring me here to this time? Also why does no one notice the deafening roar of several hundred tons of metal hovering in the air?”

“You are here to see what you were like before your heart froze towards your fellow anime fans!” Tommy screamed as if he could not speak in anything else but a dull roar. “Look at you running to the other room to draw some manly fan-art of Roy Fokker’s death! There was a time where all animation brought a smile to your face! The next day you would run to school as if being chased by Count Decapito himself to tell all your friends about this episode! What happened to that youthful enthusiasm? What happened to that camaraderie with your fellow fans? Think about that as I take you back! GRAB A HOLD OF YOUR LOVE OF FANDOM WITH YOUR OWN TWO HANDS!”

As soon as Tommy shouted those words, the heavens themselves shook and <Main Character> found himself back in his bed albeit with one less roof over his head. In a mixture of shock and horror he stared up at the night sky and promptly decided that this was nothing more than a horrible nightmare. He would bundle himself up, go back to sleep, and call his landlord in the morning.

As he turned to the clock, he saw not but the long, flowing hair of a lithe, tall man in a butler uniform standing over him. Without a sound this latest apparition lifted his swords high in the air and brought it down swiftly slicing <Main Character>’s SDF-1 Macross shaped bed in three pieces. <Main Character> leapt up only a moment before but found himself with large gashes in his PJs. The stranger smiled slyly…

Next time on Shin Christmas Carol Z, Who is this dangerous butler that has found his way into the room of <Main Character>?! What visions will he show him of modern anime fandom?! Will <Main Character> be able to keep his mouth shut and his limbs in tact?! Not to mention what will happen to all his memorabilia?! And who is this strange 10-year-old shinigami?! And why must she end all her sentences with the ominous phrase “nano desu”?! Find out next time on Shin Christmas Carol Z!?

IN THE YEAR 2000(…through 2009)!

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Since everyone is doing their best of the decade lists we decided to throw in our two cents as well. Instead of doing a “Best Anime of the 00’s” we focused on shows from the 00’s you might have overlooked. We did not try to pick shows that will blow your mind with how obscure they are. These are just good show that you might have overlooked. We hope you find at least one series on the list you’ll really enjoy!

This is not some be all, end all of lists of shows from the decade. This is just a little nudge to say “Hey, did you see all these goodies?” Also these are shows that we have both seen, it was just plain easier to narrow it down that way. But you’ll see at the end a personal pick for each of us. What gems did we overlook in these last ten years, I’d sure like to hear!

Kino’s Journey
(Read our full review here)

Kino’s Journey is a meaty show for people who really want to sink their teeth into what they are watching. Kino’s travels take her to a new town every episode that highlights some oddity of human nature or culture. All the stories deal with philosophical concepts in a mature manner while remaining entertaining. This is best one episode at a time so the ideas presented within can be mulled over in your head for a bit before moving onto the next.

Kino’s Journey  has this mix of hope and melancholy in addition to it’s wanderer feel. The span of the world Kino travels is vast like her indomitable spirit and curiosity. This is also one of those shows where you are sort of dropped into the middle and only see the wrapped up of a specific journey and a bit of growth by the end rather than a full conclusion of some kind. P.S. talking motorcycle

Daughter of Twenty Faces
(Read our full review here)

A high spirited adventure with the best parts of detective and phantom thief anime. Chizuko is a great, strong young woman who is thankfully not sexually exploited by the show. She really draws you into her journey and makes you root for her as she is helping Twenty Faces steal a priceless object or when she tries to solve a mystery. It has an excellent blend of action, comedy, tragedy, intrigue, and drama with a touch of steampunk.

We just wrote about Daughter of Twenty Faces so you shouldn’t be too surprised to see it on the list since in encompasses exactly what we are all about! The setting is really catching with its post WWII feel but intermixing steampunk. Everyone wants an adventure like this, it has that classic familiar feel to it, but its mysteries and quirks are deftly handled.

Planetes

One of the best examples of hard sci-fi you will find in anime; it takes the the best parts of the genre with an utterly believable future filled with commonplace space travel. At the same time it avoids making it dull by connecting you to the characters and their stories. You will find yourself rooting for the underdogs of the debris section as they reach for their dreams. A more mature anime with an adult storyline that does not have gratuitous sex or violence.

There is a sad lack of sci-fi anime of late and Planetes focus on a more probably and mundane future makes it a further anomaly. But within that mundanity of the job are a cast of characters each with their individual dreams, fears, and a connection to space. Think of it like an office sitcom, only better. And since this is really a story about people an interest in space is recommended but not required to enjoy this show.

The Story of Saiunkoku
(Read our full review here)

Don’t let certain people on the Internet make you avoid this show because they say it is a reverse harem. A cast of attractive male characters does not a reverse harem show make. The men all don’t dream of Shuurei. If fact almost none of them do. This a great blend of drama and politics in a unique fantasy setting. The comedy and drama is strong but Shuurei’s deft dealings with politics and adamant determination to improve the nation is what will keep you watching.

Don’t go look at The Story of Saiunkoku promotional material, just don’t, it doesn’t help our case. The story while focusing on Shuurei has a huge cast of characters giving it the feeling of literally telling us the story of an entire country. The romance of the first 10 or so episodes soon takes a backseat to Shuurei’s rise in the government and all the politics, problems, and people that come along with it.

Akagi

Don’t let the fact that you don’t know how to play Mahjong keep you from enjoying one of the most intense anime. The sheer suspense and the players reactions tell you everything you need to know. Every game is a intense life or death struggle where Akagi puts everything on the line and you can’t help but get swept away with his madness. Akagi could be playing old maid and the it would still be as captivating.

First you will watch the opening and shrug, but by episode three you will have the song on your MP3 player. Akagi himself will blow you away with his bad-assery, even at age 14 or precisely because he is only 14, and you will know his chuckle that means “you fool” well. Never has Mahjong been more intense as Akagi goes around challenging the unsavory underworld with stakes that give even the worst of them pause. And yes, Akagi would mop the floor with anyone from Saki.

Paradise Kiss

High fashion and dramatic romance combine to create a visual symphony for the eyes and an emotional one for the heart. A mature look at romance and relationships that is long enough to be an excellent character study but short enough that the melodrama does not wear out its welcome. And the whole time everyone looks stunningly sharp while it is going on.

Paradise Kiss may sell you on its awesome opening alone. If not, then consider Yukari’s dramatic journey from unsure young girl to determined young woman who learns what it is to step out on your own. Between its colorful cast of characters and its very mature romance, Paradise Kiss delivers on all fronts. It also has a hip, modern style paired with its bittersweet coming of age tale.

God Soul Combination Godannar!!

Any mecha fan will tell you that Gurren Lagann is constantly making sly little  winks at the audience to see if they love old giant robot shows as much as they do. Godannar shouts its love for robots outside your window with a boom box playing the Mazinger Z theme. It has comedy played totally straight to great effect alongside well done character drama between the pulse pounding robots fights. It can be easy to miss all of the with the super gratuitous fan-service but don’t let that turn you off from a truly spectacular show.

Alright, there is little to no way you can watch this show if fan-service deters you. But even so you should atleast watch the first four episodes. Godannar is this wicked combination satire but played extra serious making it even more funny! It will leave you holding your sides from laughter but also cheering for giant robot action. And just try not to sign along with the opening. Recommended for viewing in groups.

Le Chevalier d’Eon
(Read our full review here)

It combines real life personalities from pre-revolutionary France and adds a layer of supernatural intrigue. Plus you get zombies, magic, politics, cloak and dagger, and the hottest version of Robespierre ever. The best part is that we get to see the mystery behind the conspiracy in Le Chevalier d’Eon at just the right pace so we are never bored or info dumped. Plus the actions scenes are well choreographed and dynamic.

If I had to pick one show on the list that is simply amazing, it would be La Chevalier d’Eon. It is a well-plotted globe spanning mystery with a great use of subtlety and nuance in addition to its twist on history. Everyone in the series is engaging and all have a little secret making it impossible to always know people’s motives. And best of all this show genuinely surprised me in its final revelations.

Cromartie High School

I really enjoy dry humor when it is done effectively and Cromartie High School pulls it of in spades. Even though the student body is filled with stand up comedy delinquents, a robot, a gorilla, and Freddie Mercury it is all kept in check by making the humor very subdued. The jokes could easily wear thin if the comedy was spastic but the jokes are allowed the correct amount of slow build to make this series a delight.

I always thought Cromartie High School would have done well with the Adult Swim crowd. The series is played so dry and straight as if having these scenarios occur is just a part of life. It’s a riot and you’ll wish you could go to a delinquent-filled Japanese high school too!

Taisho Baseball Girls

Taisho Baseball Girls is a fun and bright tale of a girls baseball team trying to show that they can play on equal terms with the boys. The story moves along at a brisk but relaxed pace and every episode had something that made me laugh out loud or tear up a bit. This show remind me of a historical version of Princess Nine and that is no faint amount of praise.

Taisho Baseball Girls may win you over with just its first episode’s musical tour of Taisho era Tokyo. The series has charm in spades and thanks to a well thought of cast of girls most every moment is a gem. The humor is spry but not over the top as it its tiny steps towards feminism. It also for the most part refuses to pander keeping the themes of teamwork and friendship believable. I too got a Princess Nine feeling, maybe even a little A League of Their Own thrown in!

Kekkaishi
(Read our full review here)

Kekkaishi is this strangely unknown shonen fighting anime that corrects so many of the major flaws of popular shonen fighting shows yet goes critically overlooked. It has a vibrant protagonist, a strong female secondary protagonist, and battles where the fighters have to using their brains more than their brawn to defeat their opponents. Stop complaining about why you dislike the shonen anime you are watching now and watch this instead.

Why, why, why didn’t this show get the love it so deserved? Kekkaishi has the right combination for shonen fighting, which includes a strong female lead. Tokine starts off more capable than Yoshimori and while he grows, so does she. And let’s not forget it also boasts one of the most organic romances in recent memory, one which never overtakes the plot but is in the undercurrent at all times.

Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit
(Read our prereview here)

When done right children’s literature does not mean simple literature it means literature that can be enjoyed by anyone and Moribito is based on a great piece of children’s fiction. Balsa is a great, strong female protagonist who retains her femininity while still be an amazing fighter. Also coming from a family friendly time slot in Japan means the animation is lush and smooth. The story is complex while still be accessible for enjoyment by the whole family.

Moribito stuck out to me because of its established world setting that sort of melds historical and supernatural, its just well realized quickly. Balsa is one tough lady, even though there can be spans between fighting, the fights are nicely presented. Don’t let that it’s based on children’s literature fool you into underestimating it. After you watch this, go and pick up the first two novels!

Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo

Gankutsuou is simultaneously a unique visual marvel and an amazing re-imaging of a literary classic.  Gankutsuou takes one of  Alexandre Dumas’s most famous tales and places it in a futuristic time while giving us the story from a previously minor character’s point of view. As long as you don’t hold the original book as unchangeable holy writ I think there is much to enjoy about this adaption.

Color, patterns, and light are all played with in the extreme in Gankutsuou and splash about in every scene. This easily lends the otherworldly feel to the story as goes its futuristic historic setting. The story unfolds in dramatic bliss as revenge and love are orders of the day thrown in with more than a few twists. Some people have complained that Gakutsuou’s style is difficult to watch but it is a unique site to behold as is its take on a classic tale.

Princess Tutu

Princess Tutu is so rare and unique that it shouldn’t be missed. A a seemingly simple fairy tale about a duck who transformers into a girl in order to protect the broken pieces of a prince’s heart takes a decidedly dark and deconstructive turn as it goes on. What is explored through the series are myths, how stories emerge, fate, and a darkness in people’s hearts among other things. Ahiru is bright and awkward but with a strength all her own and a sense of duty and love that is unrivaled.  It’s just such an unexpected show!

Emma

Emma is a delightful romance in Victorian England that just feels like it should be on Masterpiece Theater. As a classic Upstairs Downstairs romance it has a charming and human cast of characters that draws you into this period piece. This is a great series to just come home to and relax with in precisely the way the slice of life genre should be. The series is immaculately researched and looks amazing. A masterpiece for anyone who loves historical fiction and well done romance.

Visual Novel Logos Part 1: . . . sad bloggers in snow . . .

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This all started with a random observation. Narutaki and I were looking over what shows we wanted to sample from the new season of anime. While researching one title we had not heard of we went to the series’ homepage and I instantly knew the anime was based on a visual novel from nothing more than the title treatment. This sparked the realization that there was a common design theme in visual novel logos with similar content. I then researched over 200 visual novel logos to assess the commonalities in design.

In a rare, though interesting turn, we take a look at the logos of visual novels purely from the point of view of design. Even though the famous saying is “don’t judge a book by it’s cover,” you can actually tell a lot from them! This is less of a conversation and more of an observation. Unfortunately, we can’t for the life of us remember what that show was that started this whole thing! But thank you show, wherever you are.

The first major group we discovered is centered around “crying girl games.” Crying girl games, as exemplified by Key games, usually send the player through an emotional roller coaster and are famous for getting their audience to cry during the most tragic scenes. First take a look at all the crying girl game logos we have at the top. They usually have thin blue letters sometimes with black or green as an accent. There is usually some type of subtitle included. There is usually an item in the background, feathers were particularly popular but other light symbols or abstract shapes were used as well. Overall I feel this design aesthetic is trying to invoke that same feeling of the beauty that can be found in sadness and loss that the game attempt to do. The logo for Wind: A Breath of Heart is an exemplary example if this aesthetic style.

Oh, you can click that image up and there and you will see a bunch more logos to examine. The first thing that hits me is the color palette and an almost exclusive use of the color blue, of course often associated with sadness, as the primary and then green coming up sometimes. The type is rendered in thin, clean strokes with a tendency towards flourish or script styles. While the color palette is rather gender neutral, the type seems distinctly feminine but possibly in an innocent form. I also included the three most popular Key game properties to show some differences. Take the Kanon logo, with its use of pink it really stands out and it also looks much more childish. The Air logo falls close to the others in its field. Then the Clannad logo, while still holding on to the thin strokes falls much more to modern and minimal, practically giving away nothing about itself in its design. The feeling of these logos evoke to me is whismy, softness, and a hint of melancholy.

I am curious if other people agree with our observations or have other good examples to add to our case files. And this is only the first in the series! Please look forward to our next visual novel logo article.

Visual Novel Logos: Part 2 Part 3