For a series as high energy as Bleach, there’s a surprising thread of loneliness that consistently runs through the anime. Each of the main characters have experienced either loss or abandonment, and themes like adoption and abuse affects others. The first ending song, “Life is Like a Boat,” hints at this tone, beginning with solitary… Read More The Spiritual Inspiration for “Life is Like a Boat” (Bleach’s First ED)
The opening scenes both of the Toradora anime and light novel start with Ryuuji trying to rid himself of his most hated quality: the sharp eyes he inherited from his yakuza father. Because he looks so sinister, Ryuuji has long had trouble establishing friendships. But his other characteristics also bother him: It wasn’t just his… Read More Light Novel Kindling: A Lack of Confidence
How well do you keep up with manga? I’m terrible at it. They stretch on for so many years, I eventually get busy and forget to catch up, even if I really love them. Right now, one that I’m trying to get up to date with is Yona of The Dawn, one of my favorites… Read More Lynna’s Journey (Entry #6): Friendship and Other Real-Life Adventures
The TangleCast returns, and kicking our new rotational format off is Team Trinity, featuring @vintageinmyveins and her partners, Aric and London! In the first episode of the relaunched TangleCast, the group jumps right into the most basic question of all: what is anime? As they dig into all that question entails, both on the surface… Read More TangleCast 36: A Philosophy of Anime
Phantasy Star IV is the platonic ideal of the JRPG. Dragon Quest may have laid the foundations for the genre, and a lot of Final Fantasy entries have certainly pushed it further, but PSIV is the one I’d point to if someone wanted a sample of what it was all about. It’s got satisfyingly crunchy… Read More Phantasy Star IV and Ultimate Explanations
That’s right folks—the TangleCast is back! After going on haitus a couple years ago, the Beneath the Tangles podcast is returning and with a unique format. Rotating among three teams, the TangleCast will be making its illustrious comeback (hype set to “on”) in the coming weeks. Here are your new hosts: Team Trinity: Comprised of… Read More The TangleCast Strikes Back!
In psychology, the ego is responsible for one’s sense of identity. In our everyday speech, we use it to describe self-worth or self-importance. As Serial Experiments Lain comes to a close, layer 13, entitled, “Ego,” centers on those ideas. Lain must decide both what her identity is and where it is she places her importance—her… Read More Serial Experiments Lain Revisited: Episode 13 (Conclusion)
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