August 24th, 2009
The Internet: Friend not Foe
Anime Relations: Hetalia Axis Powers
E-readers have become popular in the past couple of years. Thanks to the "O-Effect", sales for the Amazon Kindle exploded after mention on the Oprah show. Not only are e-readers convenient, it saves the publishers money on printing. Ironically,the tool destroying the anime industry can save the manga industry.
Online manga started launching this past decade. In the beginning, most were amateurs fulfilling a hobby but publishers took notice. Axis Powers Hetalia (a new anime that has gain popularity) started off as a web comic. It was made into an anime with two seasons. Japanese publisher, Futabasha, launched a free web comic service one year ago. A couple weeks later, Square Enix launched an online manga magazine, also free, in September of last year. The internet revolutionised the way people perceived methods of reading. Instead of a traditional book bought from a bookstore books can be downloaded unto portable devices giving the same impression.
Even across the ocean, manga can be downloaded on either the amazon kindle or Apple iPhone as of June. Usually for a cheaper price, but publishers saved money on printing. Manga sales have declined last year both in North America and Japan. With the launch of manga on digital format, this can save the dying industry. Let's face it, we're an electronic society. Reading has changed.
Online manga started launching this past decade. In the beginning, most were amateurs fulfilling a hobby but publishers took notice. Axis Powers Hetalia (a new anime that has gain popularity) started off as a web comic. It was made into an anime with two seasons. Japanese publisher, Futabasha, launched a free web comic service one year ago. A couple weeks later, Square Enix launched an online manga magazine, also free, in September of last year. The internet revolutionised the way people perceived methods of reading. Instead of a traditional book bought from a bookstore books can be downloaded unto portable devices giving the same impression.
Even across the ocean, manga can be downloaded on either the amazon kindle or Apple iPhone as of June. Usually for a cheaper price, but publishers saved money on printing. Manga sales have declined last year both in North America and Japan. With the launch of manga on digital format, this can save the dying industry. Let's face it, we're an electronic society. Reading has changed.
Posted by mistress_reebi | Aug 24, 2009 2:45 PM | 0 comments
December 11th, 2008
Why Lucky Star is Boring
Anime Relations: Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon S, Lucky☆Star
Lucky Star is a hit or miss show: you either love it or hate it. It's different from anime shows: it's episodic. (Where each episodes has a story line) The structure is missing key elements that make an episode exciting. Don't get me wrong, I'm not trying to bash this series. I'm explaining why this show is boring to the average human. (Especially, towards North Americas who have the attention span the size of a pin head.)
First reason (and the main reason) why this show is boring is it lacks conflict. This is essential in any form of entertainment. There is always a protagonist and an antagonist. Napoleon Dynamic has no plot but is entertaining. Why? Because there is conflict between the popular kids against Napoleon and Pedro also Napoleon's family is against Napoleon. MTV's The Hills is only interesting because there is so much conflict. Nothing happens but there is a protagonist and antagonist. Lucky Star has no conflict which means the viewers can't be suspended into the story. Well, I guess how to eat cake is a conflict but their friendship wasn't in danger and nothing is at stake.
Second reason why it's boring: there is only one plot line. Most anime episodes have one plot line but has an internal and external plot. (Another form of structure in writing TV shows) Now on North American TV, each episode has at least three different story lines. Take last weeks Ugly Betty titled Bad Amanda: ( Sarah LaFleur who plays Molly did the English voice of Sailor Uranus'. ) Plot One: Betty and Amanda research their article; Plot Two: Willhelmina wants Connor but he is engaged; and Plot Three: Molly asks Daniel to come to the awards ceremony at her school. If you watch old episodes of The Simpson's there is only one main plot, which is how anime is structured. Back to internal and external plot. External plot is the action in the show,(Betty and Amanda going to research their article) which Lucky Star lacks. As a result, the show is boring because nothing happends. The internal plot deals with characters and their reaction to something. (Willhelmina wanting Connor) Lucky Star also lacks this plot since the characters chat about randomness. There is some reaction but there isn't a plot based on their reaction.
Third reason why it's boring: scenes are too long. In anime there are two acts each less than ten minutes. In those acts there are various scenes no longer than a couple to a few minutes. In North America, scenes are at most two minutes. Again, we have a short attention span. Scenes start late and end early. Anime follows this method but not as quickly as North American shows. Each act is usually one scene in Lucky Star which make the show seem longer. As a result, dialogue is expanded to the point of where unneccessary information is added.
If you think Lucky Star is the most interesting show on the planet I congratulate you. Enduring long and thin plot lines is something the average human can't stand. We need conflict to get the suspense rolling. Climaxes, twists and turns excite us! We also need more than one plot line to keep 30 minutes interesting. Those plot lines have to be broken down into less than two minute scenes. Without these methods we stop watching the show.
First reason (and the main reason) why this show is boring is it lacks conflict. This is essential in any form of entertainment. There is always a protagonist and an antagonist. Napoleon Dynamic has no plot but is entertaining. Why? Because there is conflict between the popular kids against Napoleon and Pedro also Napoleon's family is against Napoleon. MTV's The Hills is only interesting because there is so much conflict. Nothing happens but there is a protagonist and antagonist. Lucky Star has no conflict which means the viewers can't be suspended into the story. Well, I guess how to eat cake is a conflict but their friendship wasn't in danger and nothing is at stake.
Second reason why it's boring: there is only one plot line. Most anime episodes have one plot line but has an internal and external plot. (Another form of structure in writing TV shows) Now on North American TV, each episode has at least three different story lines. Take last weeks Ugly Betty titled Bad Amanda: ( Sarah LaFleur who plays Molly did the English voice of Sailor Uranus'. ) Plot One: Betty and Amanda research their article; Plot Two: Willhelmina wants Connor but he is engaged; and Plot Three: Molly asks Daniel to come to the awards ceremony at her school. If you watch old episodes of The Simpson's there is only one main plot, which is how anime is structured. Back to internal and external plot. External plot is the action in the show,(Betty and Amanda going to research their article) which Lucky Star lacks. As a result, the show is boring because nothing happends. The internal plot deals with characters and their reaction to something. (Willhelmina wanting Connor) Lucky Star also lacks this plot since the characters chat about randomness. There is some reaction but there isn't a plot based on their reaction.
Third reason why it's boring: scenes are too long. In anime there are two acts each less than ten minutes. In those acts there are various scenes no longer than a couple to a few minutes. In North America, scenes are at most two minutes. Again, we have a short attention span. Scenes start late and end early. Anime follows this method but not as quickly as North American shows. Each act is usually one scene in Lucky Star which make the show seem longer. As a result, dialogue is expanded to the point of where unneccessary information is added.
If you think Lucky Star is the most interesting show on the planet I congratulate you. Enduring long and thin plot lines is something the average human can't stand. We need conflict to get the suspense rolling. Climaxes, twists and turns excite us! We also need more than one plot line to keep 30 minutes interesting. Those plot lines have to be broken down into less than two minute scenes. Without these methods we stop watching the show.
Posted by mistress_reebi | Dec 11, 2008 2:11 PM | 0 comments
August 1st, 2008
How to Write a Great Review
It's been a year since I've written a review on here, (I wrote one recently on Neoseeker) but last September I took some journalism courses and felt the need to spread some knowledge to the world. My past reviews could use work but I'm a little lazy.
1. Share everything:
My anime list has a great tool when it comes to sharing everything, almost reminding you to describe: the story, characters, art/animation, music/sound/acting, etc., overall impression. What was your impression of everything? What did you like/dislike? If you like something, why did you like it and explain? Vice Vera for if you disliked something. Remember it's your opinion but try not to be bias. If you like shojo, try not to give an excellent review on every series while writing every shonen as terrible. Point out the good and bad.
2. Be informal, but dun tawk lyke dis:
Journalism, for the most part, is informal and almost talking to someone. Would you tell your friend: the melody using augmented fourths was prodigious? Or: dem muzic waz ftw. Your reader shouldn't use a dictionary. Even though it's informal remember proper spelling and grammar applies. (There probably are errors in this but it's clear enough for people to read) Numbers should be numerical since it helps people to read easier. However, the words "hundred", "thousand", etc. can be used since 20 million is easier to read than 20 000 000. You want people to read your review, not be confused by either long words or chat speak.
3. Be brief:
Some people can write for pages and have trouble keeping it short. Most people skim through long pieces of writing so keep it brief. Also, people have short attention spans. No one wants to read an essay so pick out words that are essential. For example: "Sailor moon has a duty to make sure the world is free from bad guys who want to destroy it." Can be, "Sailor moon's duty is to protect the world from villains." Short, sweet and to the point. You don't need to tell people everything.
4. Expand.
This is the opposite of number 3 since some people (like me) have trouble lengthening a piece. People have questions when reading a piece of journalism. "Should I rent or buy this show? Why is it terrible?" These are some questions people want answered. Pick a new anime and come up with questions you want to know about this piece. Use those questions and answer them in your next review. Explain the answers and your review would be more helpful.
5. Who is it for?
In the last paragraph after your final impression, who is the target audience? What's the genre and which gender and age group would like it? Most women wouldn't want to see a seinen show with abundant fan service, while men probably wouldn't want to watch Hello Kitty. Readers want to know if the anime is what they would like. This is great for writing a review on a series you didn't like because someone else may like it.
Remember, not everyone will agree with your review. When I wrote a bad review for Lucky Star a lot of people complained. Remember: your review is your opinion. It's like asking a friend: Hey, is that movie any good? They may have a different take than you.
1. Share everything:
My anime list has a great tool when it comes to sharing everything, almost reminding you to describe: the story, characters, art/animation, music/sound/acting, etc., overall impression. What was your impression of everything? What did you like/dislike? If you like something, why did you like it and explain? Vice Vera for if you disliked something. Remember it's your opinion but try not to be bias. If you like shojo, try not to give an excellent review on every series while writing every shonen as terrible. Point out the good and bad.
2. Be informal, but dun tawk lyke dis:
Journalism, for the most part, is informal and almost talking to someone. Would you tell your friend: the melody using augmented fourths was prodigious? Or: dem muzic waz ftw. Your reader shouldn't use a dictionary. Even though it's informal remember proper spelling and grammar applies. (There probably are errors in this but it's clear enough for people to read) Numbers should be numerical since it helps people to read easier. However, the words "hundred", "thousand", etc. can be used since 20 million is easier to read than 20 000 000. You want people to read your review, not be confused by either long words or chat speak.
3. Be brief:
Some people can write for pages and have trouble keeping it short. Most people skim through long pieces of writing so keep it brief. Also, people have short attention spans. No one wants to read an essay so pick out words that are essential. For example: "Sailor moon has a duty to make sure the world is free from bad guys who want to destroy it." Can be, "Sailor moon's duty is to protect the world from villains." Short, sweet and to the point. You don't need to tell people everything.
4. Expand.
This is the opposite of number 3 since some people (like me) have trouble lengthening a piece. People have questions when reading a piece of journalism. "Should I rent or buy this show? Why is it terrible?" These are some questions people want answered. Pick a new anime and come up with questions you want to know about this piece. Use those questions and answer them in your next review. Explain the answers and your review would be more helpful.
5. Who is it for?
In the last paragraph after your final impression, who is the target audience? What's the genre and which gender and age group would like it? Most women wouldn't want to see a seinen show with abundant fan service, while men probably wouldn't want to watch Hello Kitty. Readers want to know if the anime is what they would like. This is great for writing a review on a series you didn't like because someone else may like it.
Remember, not everyone will agree with your review. When I wrote a bad review for Lucky Star a lot of people complained. Remember: your review is your opinion. It's like asking a friend: Hey, is that movie any good? They may have a different take than you.
Posted by mistress_reebi | Aug 1, 2008 6:25 PM | 3 comments
June 30th, 2008
Man: The new Damsel in Distress
Anime Relations: Fushigi Yuugi, Versailles no Bara, Shakugan no Shana, Shoujo Kakumei Utena, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon, Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon R: The Movie, Tokyo Mew Mew, Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon: Sailor Stars, Kamichama Karin, Claymore
In fiction, women were the victims of evil or held hostage by the antagonist: the damsels in distress. Princess Peach, Princess Zelda, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White, etc. are all popular examples of the damsel in distress. The first task in the original final fantasy game twenty-one years ago was to save the princess from the evil Garland. Pop culture seemed to scream, "Save the women, men;" and "Go out and fight evil;" telling men to become a hero. After all, it was a man’s duty to protect the women. However, times have changed and anime has reversed the roles of being a "hero." Women who neglected their gender stereotype allowed themselves to fight the bad guy to save the prince and become heroines. Even heroines saved female damsels. (Utena saving Anthy and Lady Oscar saving Marie-Antoinette)
Magical girl anime has changed the gender roles when it comes to which gender saving the opposite. Tuxedo Mask (Kamen) is the biggest damsel in distress (or mansel) when it comes to magical girl anime. The first season Queen Beryle and her pals took him away and brainwashed into fighting the sailor soldiers. Second season movie his long lost friend kidnaps him and held him hostage, like a real mansel in distress. The last season was all about what happened to him and how the sailor soldiers can save him. Tokyo Mew Mew, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, and Kamichama Karin not only had to worrying about saving the world but to save the male protagonist.
More recently, I was watching the first episode of Claymore (I've only seen the first so don't spoil it ;)) and it screamed, "MANSEL IN DISTRESS." Raki is attacked not once but twice by a big monster and it's Claire's job, not Raki's, to save him. She may have been physically stronger but aren't men genetically stronger than women?
Shana, a strong woman who can kick anyone’s ass, has to save her mansel from the bad guys when they tried to take something from him. (Not telling what since it's a spoiler) All women, minus one, were stronger than the men and could take care of themselves as well as their men.
Dames are no longer being in distress but passed the torch to the men. Women in society are gaining equal respect as men each day which influences the change in gender roles in anime. Stronger women are appearing and taking part in fighting against the enemy. Take Fushigi Yugi for example, in the original series Miaka and Yui did little fighting while Watase’s new priestess, Takiko, fights with her warriors welding a naginata. Now a days, who wants to see a weak woman standing to the side while her man is struggling to keep her alive?
Magical girl anime has changed the gender roles when it comes to which gender saving the opposite. Tuxedo Mask (Kamen) is the biggest damsel in distress (or mansel) when it comes to magical girl anime. The first season Queen Beryle and her pals took him away and brainwashed into fighting the sailor soldiers. Second season movie his long lost friend kidnaps him and held him hostage, like a real mansel in distress. The last season was all about what happened to him and how the sailor soldiers can save him. Tokyo Mew Mew, Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch, and Kamichama Karin not only had to worrying about saving the world but to save the male protagonist.
More recently, I was watching the first episode of Claymore (I've only seen the first so don't spoil it ;)) and it screamed, "MANSEL IN DISTRESS." Raki is attacked not once but twice by a big monster and it's Claire's job, not Raki's, to save him. She may have been physically stronger but aren't men genetically stronger than women?
Shana, a strong woman who can kick anyone’s ass, has to save her mansel from the bad guys when they tried to take something from him. (Not telling what since it's a spoiler) All women, minus one, were stronger than the men and could take care of themselves as well as their men.
Dames are no longer being in distress but passed the torch to the men. Women in society are gaining equal respect as men each day which influences the change in gender roles in anime. Stronger women are appearing and taking part in fighting against the enemy. Take Fushigi Yugi for example, in the original series Miaka and Yui did little fighting while Watase’s new priestess, Takiko, fights with her warriors welding a naginata. Now a days, who wants to see a weak woman standing to the side while her man is struggling to keep her alive?
Posted by mistress_reebi | Jun 30, 2008 6:34 PM | 0 comments
December 17th, 2007
Another Emo Gundam Character
Anime Relations: Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED Destiny, Kidou Senshi Gundam 00
I watched the opening to the new Gundam Series (I'm not a big Gundam fan probably because I have only seen some of Wing and all of Seed, but I really like Seed and not Destiny) and one character looked familiar:
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Humm.... looks like another emo character! Wait..... It's Shinn!!!! There you are! You came back!!! (dammit)
I knew Gundam stories/characters were recycled, but I wasn't expecting a recycled protagonist from the previous series. (You'd think they would recycle it from the 80s or 90s, not the very last series!) Wait, Stella was exactly the same as Cagalli and the Hawke sisters looked exactly like Flay.
Can't wait to know why he is so emo looking and what's his emo reason.
Join My Club: "Let's up These Emo Anime Kids Out of Their Misery"
Posted by mistress_reebi | Dec 17, 2007 10:37 AM | 0 comments