Serial Experiments Lain, the trippy, confusing, prescient techno-horror anime from the late 90s, is a milestone sort of series for my anime journey. I love the very audacity of the show—and I like talking about its ideas and concept as much as the anime itself! So you bet that I enjoyed joining our friend Melvin… Read More Let’s Love Lain! Twwk Joins the Cinematic Doctrine Podcast
People are more than numbers. This was part of my pedagogical philosophy when I was a high school history teacher (now many moons ago). Despite dealing with events long past and the frequent discussions of the numbers of people involved in those events, I hoped to help my students understand that they were studying the… Read More Rei Ayanami and the Imago Dei
In my last article, I talked about the character of Tokiyuki, the Samurai Who Lives, and how The Elusive Samurai has him discover his mission through a baptism of fire. But the journey of our hero has just begun. Soon, a great betrayal destroys his faith in others. Indeed, the second episode of TES depicts the murder… Read More The Elusive Samurai, II: Kojirō and Ayako, Retainers of a Hidden Lord
Who among us hasn’t wished that they could turn back time and live their teenage years differently—to try harder in school, be more involved in clubs or athletics, ask that girl out or reject that boy you should never have dated. To just live better. In Haibara’s Teenage New Game+, the titular salaryman makes a… Read More Haibara’s Teenage New Game+ and Keys to Living a Rainbow-Colored Youth
Yesterday, this tweet engaged the community of anime fans on Twitter: You already know how those replies went. Some said “yes.” Some said “no.” Most talked past each other. I gave my own reply, too. And a friend of the site even dropped a video that seemed to be somewhat in response. As for us,… Read More A Weekly Devotional for Anime Fans
Yukiya and Miku, who are about to become high school students, have a game. It started several years ago with saying “I love you,” but has expanded to the point that now they just generally flirt with each other and try to provoke a reaction from the other. The loser of the “game” is the… Read More First Impression: I Want to End This Love Game
At Rigarden Magical Academy, Will Serfort (a master swordsman unable to actually do proper magic) continues his studies and scores perfectly on his graduation exams. We’re also reintroduced to his friends and various other characters. Will’s goal is to catch up to his childhood friend Elfaria, who is a member of the supreme council of… Read More First Impression: Wistoria: Wand & Sword Season 2