One thing that I didn’t realize would happen when I first became a blogger was that I’d develop relationships with lots of other anibloggers. In fact, as I soon discovered, they would be my initial audience, and even today, anibloggers (and former ones) remain some of this blog’s greatest cheerleaders and most helpful friends. Something More (originally “Spirituality in the Anime Blogosphere”) grew out of an attempt to give back a little, to link to articles written by other bloggers. It’s gone through a number of reincarnations and has been in season of consistency and inconsistency, but throughout has remained an important part of Beneath the Tangles.
Starting today, this column undergoes another shift. Previously focused only on religion-related articles, Something More will not be a broader link post. Samuru and I love to read others’ works, and there are so many we can point at – enough to do this weekly! But we’ll keep it a monthly column, as we point out some of the most thought-provoking articles written by anibloggers. Just as with our own articles, we want the ones linked here to engage you and lead you somewhere you might not commonly go, or think about matters you often don’t.
Here’s the best of September, from some of the best writers in the blogosphere:
Kaze shares about Tamura Yukari, an unusual voice actress in that she retains her popularity despite very publicly talking about her depression, and shares that the way she has lived her life has not only encouraged others, but even ministered to him. [Nanaca Sakura]
For many of us, anime isn’t new; it’s a part of identity now and in the past. Lauren Orsini talks about her own experiences revisiting who she was while watching series of her youth (namely Death Note), and wondering if we can “separate a show from the person you were when you watched it.” [Otaku Journalist]
I’ve been outspoken about how much I loved In This Corner of the World (thanks for recommending it to me, Kaze!). Mr. Flawfinder is likewise a fan, and sees a significant lesson about positivity during difficult circumstances in Suzu’s characterization. [Standing on My Neck]
JekoJeko dives into Eromanga-sensei and challenges the idea that the series is simply trash, but better understood as a reflection of the masochist otaku – and further, an opportunity for anime fans to better understand one another. [UEM!]
In Death Note, Light and L, though they’re on opposing sides from one another, share a similarity: they value principles above people. Ian Hancock notes that he was like this, too, once, before humility set in. [Area of Effect]
Chris comments that Kiki’s Delivery Service remains as relevant today as ever, particularly in Kiki and the passion with which she approaches life, in relationships, through struggle, and in learning about life. [Peach’s Almanac]
Arima of Kare Kano carries the weight of an abusive past with him, and it invades his present (especially his relationship with Yukino). But Arria writes that the series also shows up how we can cope with darkness in our past and move through and past it. [Fujinsei]
For a series full of comedy, Nick notes how Tsuredure Children takes the downsides of relationships seriously, specifically when it comes to Chiaki’s assault of Kana, and the underlying issue of how he has be treating their romance. [Crunchyroll]
Just a hello!
*waves*