Ex-Arm: The Wrong(ed) Anime As we all know, Ex-Arm sparked lots of debates and controversies on the anime community due to its challenging nature towards the norms of anime production. However, much of that is people hating the anime unfairly. We should seriously discuss about that. Now, here are some of the common complaints about Episode 1: This is low budget. The characters are made of 3D CGI, but interact with 2D characters in the same frame. The protagonist Natsume Akira is a poorly written character. Alma is a poor attempt to copy Major Motoko, from Ghost in the Shell (a classic of sci-fi). The action scenes were stiff, confusing and weird. The villain is literally a copy of Kiryu Kazuma from the Yakuza franchise lol. He even has the same voice actor. The graphics of this anime aren't even good. They look like something from PS2 or a bad game ad. Today I am here to debunk all of them. To assist with that, I'll be using some of the images and gifs that were being shared in these parts. Clearly, a single episode of this anime can already generate such a clash in the anime community, which indicates its potential for popularity. The 2D VS 3D Aspect Calm down, don't judge yet! Take a good look on that gif. Let's go through the details of this scene. You realize that Akira always hated technology and feared AI, right? (This is stated in the plot.) Now, knowing that, look at how SMART that scene is. It's not low budget, they are skillfully crafting a sense of uncanny by contrasting 2D and 3D. Akira, who hates technology, is made out of advanced technology himself, and this foreshadows his role later on the plot. It also presents the conflicts between his inner feelings of being unfit in his surroundings while the rest of the world is different from him. Natsume Akira VS The World Look at that. He is peacefully trying to make some pancakes, but he can barely do that, because his 3D body wasn't built for an anime world. His PS2 style model raises conflict with the ambient he is inside, and that is a master play of characterization. References and Characterization  This scene is genuinely amazing and philosophical. Do you see they are naked? They also never blink (throughout the entire anime). This clearly intentional. Akira and Alma are now portrayed as a "ghost in the shell", yes, that's the name of that big anime movie that is a mark on the Sci-Fi genre. No, Alma is not a copy of Major Motoko, although she is definitely inspired in her. But inspiration =/= plagiarism, and that's what you people have to understand. "Ghost in the shell" is not only that, but also an expression created by Gilbert Ryle regarding the dualism of Plato and his concept of Soul/Body being different things connected by an unknown bond. Akira is clearly being symbolized as this ghost in the machine, the human soul inserted in a body that is, literally, mechanical. Alma, on the other hand, presents the technology side that Akira always feared, this time being an AI instead of a human, but still, possessing a soul. This means that even though she was created artificially, she can still obtain a higher level of existence, much like humans who are organically created by other humans. This captures Plato's theory of dualism as well as the original "Ghost in the Shell" itself. And, just in case you haven't understood it yet, souls don't need any clothes, or to blink. Akira is unique, but what about the other characters?  Yes, all the main characters are 3D, and this isn't a flaw in the symbolism of Akira, but rather, a brilliant meta-wordplay. Because, really, the role of a main character is essentially to be different from the supporting characters and inherent to the plot, and that extends both to their role in the story from an external point of view (they push the plot forward and the narrative revolves around them) as well as to their presence and relevance to the world in-universe (they are gonna drive the main changes in this world). The action packed scenes How is it possible for a human being to look at this dynamic scene and say that it looks "strange" or badly produced? I simply don't get it. See the fluid movements, and how it is possible for our brain to perfectly capture what happened even without any context or previous knowledge of the story. Alma tries to attack the villain, but she loses her balance due to some force pushing her. With given context during the episode, it''s further explained that this is due to Akira's interference in her movements, since they are now sharing the same body. This is a quick way to portray information in an action scene, while also adding to the choreography and actually making you believe AkirAlma won't be able to defeat their opponent because of their impaired control. However, this is further proved wrong, as Akira, a character that keeps surprising us with his development, shows his wit and fast thinking by coming to the conclusion that, now that he is but a soul in a limbo, he can use his mental power to produce any physical effect desired.  Not to mention the incredible emotion that these scenes pass, I never felt so much tension and immersion in a first episode of something, Alma was fighting for her life and trying to protect others at the same time, Minami almost died and had her organs stolen by a psychopath with top tier technology. Okay, but what about the villain? You can't pretend you didn't see that  About the villain, yeah, the character was probably inspired in Kiryu Kazuma. But again, inspiration is not a copy. And sure, apparently he may share the same voice actor, but this only proves the meticulousness of the directors and producers when choosing the members of the team for a faithful adaption (to the feelings of author of the manga) and overall an incredible job. The graphics/visuals  The model style of PS2 in a 2021 anime. Yes, it sounds like a joke, but it's not. This is clearly on purpose too. The anime, as already mentioned, explores sci-fi concepts used in other canon works of the genre, such as the already mentioned Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop, Serial Experiments Lain, Ergo Proxy etc. However, see how great and heavy these names are, it would be very pretentious to put Alma in the setting and say that it is something worthy of referencing Ghost in the Shell or even of belonging to the genre, so how to differentiate from the big names while also creating an unique element for the series? The answer is simple: making a purposeful downgrade of the technology we have today (which, conveniently, is an upgrade over traditional 2D anime). Or do you think it's possible to see that gif of Alma moving in CGI and not think "hey, isn't that the Ex-Arm anime thing"? That being said, the directing choice here is impressive given how it has a clear effect on the viewer and allows the series to become memorable. Obvious conclusion Ex-Arm might have some flaws, but most of them are of the spectator's responsibility. You should watch it with an open mind and truly explore the concepts they are trying to show us. You need to realize this and judge it fairly. |
SheklonJan 13, 2021 8:25 PM
| Sorry, but we have to be harsh. Otherwise, more hot garage like this will continue to exist. The big boss of these corporation only understand one thing about anime, its quick money and the whole anime platform is free estate. Just wondering if your trolling or shrill for the company of this anime. Corporate America will do desperate things and manipulate us into liking their products. I just hope this big controversy will highlight the manga, but I highly doubt. Feels bad for the author. |
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vansonbee said: Sorry, but we have to be harsh. Otherwise, more hot garage like this will continue to exist. The big boss of these corporation only understand one thing about anime, its quick money and the whole anime platform is free estate. Just wondering if your trolling or shrill for the company of this anime. Corporate America will do desperate things and manipulate us into liking their products. I just hope this big controversy will highlight the manga, but I highly doubt. Feels bad for the author. If it's any consolation, the adaptation will definitely raise the popularity of the manga. I myself plan on reading it out of empathy for the author. |
| If the main guy fucks the robot I might consider what OP has to say but at the moment there is nothing redeeming about this show. |
| MEA·MENTVLA·INGENS·EST |
| yes, I too hate myself. |
Verzional said: Spittin fax, truly Anime of the Aeon We need more cultured people capable of understanding it and having the calibre to respect this masterpiece smh. |
| SAO PROGRESSIVE ANIME HYPE |
| my guy spitting facts. haters can't comprehend the brilliance of this show. people judging when it's only the first episode smh. okay but no trolling fr how did he write this. like it fucking makes sense???? My mind is blown. truly anime of the year. |
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dompsterfire said: okay but no trolling fr how did he write this. like it fucking makes sense???? Easy. I just talked about something I really love. Verzional said: Spittin fax, truly Anime of the Aeon biswa290701 said: We need more cultured people capable of understanding it and having the calibre to respect this masterpiece smh. dompsterfire said: truly anime of the year. Yes. |
| Epic thread for Epic Anime. I feel sad for the haters who can't appreciate real art and this passionate defense of the finest of japanese animation. |
 |
| Finally, someone giving this SSR tier anime the analysis it deserves. |
Sheklon said: Ex-Arm: The Wrong(ed) Anime As we all know, Ex-Arm sparked lots of debates and controversies on the anime community due to its challenging nature towards the norms of anime production. However, much of that is people hating the anime unfairly. We should seriously discuss about that. Now, here are some of the common complaints about Episode 1: This is low budget. The characters are made of 3D CGI, but interact with 2D characters in the same frame. The protagonist Natsume Akira is a poorly written character. Alma is a poor attempt to copy Major Motoko, from Ghost in the Shell (a classic of sci-fi). The action scenes were stiff, confusing and weird. The villain is literally a copy of Kiryu Kazuma from the Yakuza franchise lol. He even has the same voice actor. The graphics of this anime aren't even good. They look like something from PS2 or a bad game ad. Today I am here to debunk all of them. To assist with that, I'll be using some of the images and gifs that were being shared in these parts. Clearly, a single episode of this anime can already generate such a clash in the anime community, which indicates its potential for popularity. The 2D VS 3D Aspect Calm down, don't judge yet! Take a good look on that gif. Let's go through the details of this scene. You realize that Akira always hated technology and feared AI, right? (This is stated in the plot.) Now, knowing that, look at how SMART that scene is. It's not low budget, they are skillfully crafting a sense of uncanny by contrasting 2D and 3D. Akira, who hates technology, is made out of advanced technology himself, and this foreshadows his role later on the plot. It also presents the conflicts between his inner feelings of being unfit in his surroundings while the rest of the world is different from him. Natsume Akira VS The World Look at that. He is peacefully trying to make some pancakes, but he can barely do that, because his 3D body wasn't built for an anime world. His PS2 style model raises conflict with the ambient he is inside, and that is a master play of characterization. References and Characterization This scene is genuinely amazing and philosophical. Do you see they are naked? They also never blink (throughout the entire anime). This clearly intentional. Akira and Alma are now portrayed as a "ghost in the shell", yes, that's the name of that big anime movie that is a mark on the Sci-Fi genre. No, Alma is not a copy of Major Motoko, although she is definitely inspired in her. But inspiration =/= plagiarism, and that's what you people have to understand. "Ghost in the shell" is not only that, but also an expression created by Gilbert Ryle regarding the dualism of Plato and his concept of Soul/Body being different things connected by an unknown bond. Akira is clearly being symbolized as this ghost in the machine, the human soul inserted in a body that is, literally, mechanical. Alma, on the other hand, presents the technology side that Akira always feared, this time being an AI instead of a human, but still, possessing a soul. This means that even though she was created artificially, she can still obtain a higher level of existence, much like humans who are organically created by other humans. This captures Plato's theory of dualism as well as the original "Ghost in the Shell" itself. And, just in case you haven't understood it yet, souls don't need any clothes, or to blink. Akira is unique, but what about the other characters? Yes, all the main characters are 3D, and this isn't a flaw in the symbolism of Akira, but rather, a brilliant meta-wordplay. Because, really, the role of a main character is essentially to be different from the supporting characters and inherent to the plot, and that extends both to their role in the story from an external point of view (they push the plot forward and the narrative revolves around them) as well as to their presence and relevance to the world in-universe (they are gonna drive the main changes in this world). The action packed scenes How is it possible for a human being to look at this dynamic scene and say that it looks "strange" or badly produced? I simply don't get it. See the fluid movements, and how it is possible for our brain to perfectly capture what happened even without any context or previous knowledge of the story. Alma tries to attack the villain, but she loses her balance due to some force pushing her. With given context during the episode, it''s further explained that this is due to Akira's interference in her movements, since they are now sharing the same body. This is a quick way to portray information in an action scene, while also adding to the choreography and actually making you believe AkirAlma won't be able to defeat their opponent because of their impaired control. However, this is further proved wrong, as Akira, a character that keeps surprising us with his development, shows his wit and fast thinking by coming to the conclusion that, now that he is but a soul in a limbo, he can use his mental power to produce any physical effect desired. Not to mention the incredible emotion that these scenes pass, I never felt so much tension and immersion in a first episode of something, Alma was fighting for her life and trying to protect others at the same time, Minami almost died and had her organs stolen by a psychopath with top tier technology. Okay, but what about the villain? You can't pretend you didn't see that About the villain, yeah, the character was probably inspired in Kiryu Kazuma. But again, inspiration is not a copy. And sure, apparently he may share the same voice actor, but this only proves the meticulousness of the directors and producers when choosing the members of the team for a faithful adaption (to the feelings of author of the manga) and overall an incredible job. The graphics/visuals The model style of PS2 in a 2021 anime. Yes, it sounds like a joke, but it's not. This is clearly on purpose too. The anime, as already mentioned, explores sci-fi concepts used in other canon works of the genre, such as the already mentioned Ghost in the Shell, Cowboy Bebop, Serial Experiments Lain, Ergo Proxy etc. However, see how great and heavy these names are, it would be very pretentious to put Alma in the setting and say that it is something worthy of referencing Ghost in the Shell or even of belonging to the genre, so how to differentiate from the big names while also creating an unique element for the series? The answer is simple: making a purposeful downgrade of the technology we have today (which, conveniently, is an upgrade over traditional 2D anime). Or do you think it's possible to see that gif of Alma moving in CGI and not think "hey, isn't that the Ex-Arm anime thing"? That being said, the directing choice here is impressive given how it has a clear effect on the viewer and allows the series to become memorable. Obvious conclusion Ex-Arm might have some flaws, but most of them are of the spectator's responsibility. You should watch it with an open mind and truly explore the concepts they are trying to show us. You need to realize this and judge it fairly. idk man sound like you trying to bullshit your way out of something did someone point a gun to your head while typing this post ? |
| The OP should be shown to every lit or arts uni student as proof that death of the author exists and it's amazing. |
 |
| It's not great. But it's by no means as bad as the score indicates either. |
| ったく、嫌な世の中だよ。 |
| to be fair, the boy was in alma's body for the first time so he couldn't control it well, that's why he moved like that. also, alma > major |
    |
| People seriously comparing this to PS2 ?? There is not single game on PS2 (in-game engine and not video cutscenes) that comes even close to this. The details, environments and textures are way beyond PS2 capabilities. Only way PS2 match or beat those if you talking about pre-rendered cutscenes which is basically just playing a video file |
| I can't tell whether you're baiting or not.Even after all the hate they are getting then why didn't they release a behind the scenes wideo yet?I would watch that. |
 Scordolo's Recent Reviews To your eternity Vanitas no Karte |
Jack_Hornet said: idk man sound like you trying to bullshit your way out of something did someone point a gun to your head while typing this post ? I don't like that, but I will only consider what you said because you made a very precise point about my post. And I would rather not answer that question. thepath said: People seriously comparing this to PS2 ?? There is not single game on PS2 (in-game engine and not video cutscenes) that comes even close to this. The details, environments and textures are way beyond PS2 capabilities. Only way PS2 match or beat those if you talking about pre-rendered cutscenes which is basically just playing a video file You're right. Ex-Arm is superior to PS2 games in every way. I only put that comparison there because people say it. Scordolo said: I can't tell whether you're baiting or not.Even after all the hate they are getting then why didn't they release a behind the scenes wideo yet?I would watch that. I think they trust our intelligence to understand those things. Kosmonaut said: The OP should be shown to every lit or arts uni student as proof that death of the author exists and it's amazing. No jokes, I am literally a literature/language student. Therefore, I used a great portion of my knowledge to judge Ex-Arm fairly. |
SheklonJan 18, 2021 8:01 AM
| @Kosmonaut Ah, of course, a fellow cultured man you are. I see you're acquainted with the ways of a quality academic progression. |
| I wasn't planning to watch this because of the score but I guess that low score is from a bunch of uncultured swine who don't understand a bit about art. Truly a wonderful thread. You opened my eyes, OP, I can't thank you enough. That cooking scene was too emotional. Poor dude just wanted some pancakes T_T |
| If you read Eleceed you're automatically my friend. |
| The most GOATED show ever. Needs to be number 1 on MAL! |
Hikki_a1Jan 22, 2021 1:56 PM
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nanimeanswhat said: I wasn't planning to watch this because of the score but I guess that low score is from a bunch of uncultured swine who don't understand a bit about art. Truly a wonderful thread. You opened my eyes, OP, I can't thank you enough. That cooking scene was too emotional. Poor dude just wanted some pancakes T_T Thank you for giving this piece of art a chance, it really makes me happy to hear that. And yeah, I know, I almost cried at the pancake scene, you can see the amount of pain he is in. Hikki_a1 said: The most GOATED show ever. Needs to number 1 on MAL! Unfortunately, that's never gonna happen, because this community is not equipped to appreciate deep plots and symbolism such as this. Truly saddening. |
nanimeanswhat said: Cooking scene when the CG character and 2D character was amazingI wasn't planning to watch this because of the score but I guess that low score is from a bunch of uncultured swine who don't understand a bit about art. Truly a wonderful thread. You opened my eyes, OP, I can't thank you enough. That cooking scene was too emotional. Poor dude just wanted some pancakes T_T  |
| Thanks for sharing your knowledge with us, i'm gonna change my 1/10 score to 10/10 now. |
Hikki_a1 said: The most GOATED show ever. Needs to number 1 on MAL! Sheklon said: Unfortunately, that's never gonna happen, because this community is not equipped to appreciate deep plots and symbolism such as this. Truly saddening. Sad times for the Ex-Arm fandom ;-; Number 1 will never happen :(( |
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| Considering that my rating is rising from - of ep1 to 2 of ep2 to 4 of ep3 to 7 of ep4 , definitely this anime has still potential , I'll just ignore facial expressions and I might give it a 10 at some point ! |
If you don't appreciate art , anime aren't for you , there is nothing wrong in them , nothing is perfect ! If you criticize Anime you should release your reviews directly to people and authors that made em ! Anime will not get any better if reviews do not get outside the borders of this website , change this ! |
| Amazing interpretation of this show. It is indeed deeper and more well thought than people think. I guess not everyone can grasp the uniqueness of this anime. |
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