The second season of Free! arrived with a splash yesterday (hardy har har), helping to launch a new season of anime. No less than a phenomenon, at least among American anime fans, the first season ended with hopes and anticipation of the second, but after so many months of waiting, I think the series snuck… Read More Free! – Eternal Summer, Episode 1: Rin Matsuoka, the True Believer
After catching up with recent episodes of Mekaku City Actors, up through episode five, I’m now totally hooked. I’m enjoying the characters, the art, the mysteries, and the tone of the series. I’m also liking the little post-show scenes involving the story of the monster. The last one, following episode five, particularly garnered my interest.… Read More Mekaku City Actors: Friends with the Monster
If anyone comes to me and does not hate father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters—yes, even their own life—such a person cannot be my disciple. – Jesus (Luke 14:26) Wolf Children is a film experience. From the way Hosoda artfully demonstrates the passage of time to his wonderfully fluid animation, and from… Read More The Wolf Children Guide to Hating Your Parents
One thing we know about Riki is this – he’s kinder, smarter, more loyal, and more level-headed that probably most, or all of us, are. Thus it’s no surprise when he ultimately makes a good decision in episode five of Little Busters! Refrain after making a gut-decision that was less wise. Rin has been offer… Read More Little Busters! Refrain, Episode 05: Soooo Uncomfortable
One criticism laid upon Naruto, Dragonball Z, Bleach, and other shonen series is this: the creators generaly resolving battles and fights through “power ups” rather than by clever story lines. Can’t beat the impossibly strong opponent? Just remember, people are depending on you. Now that should give you whatever it is you need to power… Read More Naruto: The Training is the Hardest Part
Amelia Pang interviews Derek Padula, author of “Dragon Ball Z: It’s Over 9,000!”, about how he’s devoted much of life to exploring the connections between that series and Buddhist and Daoist philosophies. [The New School Free Press] Frank digs into Gingitsune and finds parallels between the main relationship of the series and a Christian’s relationship… Read More Something More: The Dao of DBZ and Gingitsune’s Guide to a “Godly” Friendship
Of all the places I expected to find some interesting thoughts about life and my relationship with God, Stella Women’s Academy, High School Division Class C3, aka: the cute girls playing airsoft anime, was not one of them. But while my eyes are still sparkling too much over Free! and my mind is still trying… Read More Locked and Loaded and Ready to Advance.
Interested in watching thoughtful, human-centered conversations with people connected to anime?
Watch Something Genuine, our interview series that cuts through the noise and focuses on the people behind the costumes, in front of the mics, and watching anime, just like you and me. Season two premieres on May 27th.