Koito is a miko at a traditional Shinto shrine…inhabited by an actual, genuine elf! Her name’s Elda, and she’s a shut-in otaku. Then a surprisingly catchy OP plays. Afterward, Koito struggles to get through a ritual prayer with the ridiculous “goddess.” Later, at school, a worn-out Koito talks to her friend Koma. For all Koito’s… Read More First Impression: Otaku Elf
Jesus loves the children. He loves the poor, the marginalized, the downtrodden. He loves the bullied, the freaks, the geeks. He loves the otaku. This illustration by 53C, in partnership with our good friend T.R. Racki, portrays the compassion and love of Christ, particularly for the children. But being in anime style, it reminds me,… Read More Fanart Friday: Jesus Loves the Kitsune Kids and the Otaku
Rascal Does Not Dream of a Lost Singer, the latest novel in the Rascal series, begins with Sakuta attending a college mixer. You know, one of those events where college students in Japan hang out at an izakaya, sipping on beers, ordering appetizers, and flirting mingling with each other? Sounds like fun, right? While it… Read More Rascal Does Not Dream of Making a Friend at a Mixer and on Easter Sunday
The arc that properly introduced us to the amazing cast of Naruto characters is still a great watch today, and not just because of its action and humor. The “Chunin Exams” arc of Naruto is filled with inspirational stories and even further, models of how one should be living out a life of faith. Paris,… Read More Tangle x Cast 12: Walking by Faith Through the Chunin Exams
“I guess I had to learn there is no freedom without love” – “Without Love” (Vinland Saga Season 2 ending theme), LMYK Canute and Thorfinn are as far apart on the spectrum of Viking life as can be. Canute is the King of England: powerful, respected, and seemingly at the height of his leadership. Thorfinn… Read More There is No Freedom Without Love: Enslavement and Spiritual Freedom in Vinland Saga, Season 2
That pinging from our conscience, that remembrance of acts from our past, that whisper from the Holy Spirit: regret comes to us all. But what do we do with it? And what happens if we leave it be? Tyler, Mike, and Paris explore how regret and repentance intertwine in anime old and new, including Dragon… Read More Tangle x Cast 11: Regret vs. Repentance
Crown Prince Siegwald can hear the voices of the gods. And all they ever want to talk to him about is someone else. If you were in the prince’s shoes, would you listen? It’s pretty common in Christian circles to talk about God speaking to us or hearing God’s voice. It’s a vital part of… Read More Endo & Kobayashi Live! Part II: Sieg Listens, & It Changes His Life
The easiest way to keep up with Beneath the Tangles is to sign up for our email newsletter, Above Anime, on Substack!
Each Friday, you’ll receive an original anime devotional along with links to all our reviews, analysis, videos, and other content for the week. It’s the easiest way to keep up with our ministry!