I could focus on several parts of the last game session but I want to focus on the Queen because she is super cool. Also I think watching enough Emma and Downton Abbey just made me want to write something about gossiping servants.
Otaku NYC: Udon West
As the name implies, Udon West, specializes in thick, slightly chewy Japanese wheat noodles. Much like ramen, you can get udon with various broths and add-ins, spicy to mild. One of the things I love best about Udon West is their penchant for adding fried things into the soup. You must get some of their delicious tempura goodness in your udon, you simply must.
At Udon West the prices are low and the service is quick. I really enjoy the atmosphere at the St. Mark’s restaurant; it feels intimate, local, special. You can see them cook up a storm mere feet in front of you from the long bar that hugs the kitchen. There are a couple of small tables in the back as well but the place is quite small. You can easily be out of luck for getting a seat during busy periods.
Also, you need to keep your eye out when looking for the entrance. St. Mark’s is busy and bright with a lot of nooks, Udon West is down a couple of steps and set back a little from the sidewalk. It is an easy place to miss among the bustle.
Point of Entry: Gundam the Origin
On April 7, 1979 a show debuted on the Nagoya Broadcasting Network that would that would change the mecha genre forever. 34 years later Mobile Suit Gundam would inspire a dozen TV shows, several movies and miniseries, dozens of novels and comics, and a plethora of toys and video games. So the question asked as often as there are stars in the sky is, “I am new to this whole Gundam thing so where should I start.” Gundam fandom being hardly known for its congenial nature or unified voice argues about this question constantly.
As a person who has done several panels and posts about how to recommended series to other people I know there is no one right answer. There is no magic bullet that works on everyone. One person might be more interested in the characters or themes of one iteration while another might be turned away by the animation or robot design of another. There are distinctly some shows that have a much higher chance of success but no guarantees. A martial arts fan that might have been bored out of his skull if his first exposure to Gundam was through Zeta might have a very different expedience if they watch G Gundam. I’m sure there is even someone who optimal first series would be Gundam oo83. I just never wish to meet this monster.
In the post we will examine the recently released Mobile Suit Gundam: The Origin by whose first volume was just released by Vertical. Who will enjoy this title and more importantly who can you show this as their first encounter with Gundam?
I’d be surprised if any anime or manga fan wasn’t at least mildly curious about the juggernaut franchise known as Gundam. But there are a ton of interactions, the fans are rabid, and no one seems to agree where the best place to start is. Plus, if you aren’t into robots you may be put off further.
But none of that matters, truly. Gundam the Origin is where it’s at!
Reverse Thieves 