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Anime's Scar Story Requiem Goes On, The Glory of Bluedom, The Fate of an Ill Born Industry

The Never Ending Necessity of Talking to Animals, What Story Idea Hasn't Been Done Before

The Creators Excuse to Exist, and the Death Threat Ultimatum


The origional form and intent of storytelling wast to guide, lend a hand, bring new insight or a fresh perspective. To help make sense of the world by the unknown so-called secrets of there within. How to circumvent or at the very least mitigate the inherent darkness and randomness of the wide world as well as the human heart. This in turn is what drove ... the age old prophets of biblical times and even is what was indeed the inceptual foundation of even all religions. The very first storytellers in history that came along long before media and artistry ever had the luxury to come about. Had the opposite transpired the world today might have been very fundamentally different.

Though modern civilization has vastly expounded and in several ways gone astray from this origional ideology almost entirely. Mainly due to the proliferation of show business and all-consuming, en masse marketing. The bastard sons of corporate capatlilism and niche craving, over the top advertisement and market necessities and obsessions.

Regardless though of how storytelling has now come to represent much more. Stringing off in innumerable objectified pathways and carrying much, much more controversial baggage with it's label than ever before. It doesn't really in essence detract from or degrade the creative force or impact that by design story's have largely had and will always in some respect have till the end of time. Since at the end of the day this inevitable change only helps to grow the varying scope of minds on both the creating and receiving ends of the spectrum. And in any field or aspect of humanity, it only ever counts for a plus towards progression.

Returning to story's origonal prospects of offering new takes, ideas, or helping hands. All for the unknown, the uncertain, the chaotic, the inherent and inevitable. The relentlessly recurring shadows of the conscious and the subconscious. It's the never ending and unseen, misunderstood, and largely incomprehensible struggle to balance the internal world's within ourselves vs the playing field of the universal external. The cause vs the effect that plagues and forever tests our desires and needs to improve in spite of ourselves. Yet simultaneously for ourselves. Even if we would try to fool ourselves into believing we didn't truly want our deep rooted longstanding desires.

It's the essential driving foundation and motivation of most of the arguably well reknown and timeless story's in history across all span's of time, cultures, genres, and mediums. Oh but there certainly a big exception to this rule. One that is goins to be the focal point of this tale. It's roots woven in centuries of old tradition that finally came to a head in the last century. Yet still lingers on in smaller, yet no less trivial or damaging forms. And that form is called, yeah you guessed it buddy, anime. Now just bear with me on this.

It all sprouts from the pre-imperial expanionism days of the samurai code and feudal lordship-servant relationship and lifestyle code and ideology and practice (owarimonogatari the most glaring highlight of this). One that is very similar to it's historical western counterpart with many surface elements. It's the prospect that there is no self-serving. No tolerance for weakness in any form under any circumstances. The repression of your truest desires, the uttermost zealous, even self-destructive hard line devotion. Total utter uncompromising belief in your elders, or unchecked oppression from them.

The collective, even cultural subconscious, longstanding effort to totally suppress if not entirely eradicate all that is unsightly, disgraceful, unrefined, and ugly about those beneath the graying generation and class of society. Particularly those of the largest youth generation by nature (Deeyah Khan cryptic anno agenda parallel). Especially with each successive new generation now set to be smaller and smaller every decade. With a national population decline reported and estimated to be in the tens of millions in the coming decades. A percentage outlook that is unmatched in modern history.

All of which were reluctantly forced to be influenced by the colonial western expanionism and so-called “colonialism”. Rather than let japan itself as a nation be a pawn, a servant to others despite the irony and hypocrisy of itself. Yet rather than japan progress in positive ways by giving itself an introspective look. It decided to resort to something just as misguided and irresponsible as being a mere collective pawn of the west. It decided to remain stubborn and stuck in it's outdated near suicidal ways.

Sadly at the same time try to usurp and prove boastful, petty superiority to the early 20th century west by becoming an extreme and fanatical version of them. They had become a literal caricature. Not out of necessity mind you or by inherent design. But as a dreadful result of staying the same. By not maturing as a nation. By deliriously and fanatically sticking to pride and honor, the hero complex. The offensive, defensive, and combative mindset and lifestyle code books of humanity's wastefulness. Therefore all along stemming real, true, honest change and progression.

Early 20th century japan had in fact regressed in every form and facet it possibly could have as a people. Onwards from the outset of the IJE it kept merely becoming ever more delusional and hysterical in it's by then nearly forgotten and thoroughly distorted and tampered long overdue malpractice ways. They kept just spinning their wheels. All for the sake of avoiding the actual reality of the situation. To ignore or perhaps even subconsciously deny what it needed most. A nation wide institutional, grass roots movement. A behavioral change of habit. A reality check in every way.

One did happen though. Through far too much suffering and the most irreconciable and harrowing conflict in modern recorded history. Yet again an irony that the very mindsets and so-called pseudo philosophies of feudal imperial japan ahnialated itself. It just took outsiders to recognize the glaringly obvious failings of their lonstanding pathetic and knock-off ways. Since they themselves had already matured from those same relative mistakes not too long in the earlier decades.(Well for the most part at least.)

Despite the fact that japan had now been forcibly given the ultimate opportunity to fix itself for good from the ground up, inside and out. To include every one at last in a united progressive future from then on onward, no holds-barred, it didn't. It deviously put on a deep-rooted and subconsciously ingrained facade. One that applied self-proclaimed beauty, formality, dignity, and outwardly aggressive restraint to the harshest and darkest of places and strenuous circumstances. It put on an external, superficial cloak of modernization and so-called cooperative westernization. Deep down though sadly it remained essentially unchanged, virtually and metaphorically stagnant and delusional.

It took these rotten, unspeakable ideologies and drove them in the deep recesses of it's brain, it's infrastructure. I don't mean physically in any crucial sense either. This stagnation was either silently accepted or gone virtually unnoticed by the passing post-war generations on a collective conscious level.

Until that is when they surfaced in the form and manner where it can be the most exaggerated, caricaturized, noticed, focused, and condensed. But above all the most easily and universally recognized and understood as it really is. As a very deep-rooted, festering, longstanding, internal worldview problem. One in grave and dire need of immediate readjustment or overhauling before it all goes off the suicidal deep end.

Of which anime was to become the lead driver of this fateful turn of events. Since after all by design anime was as an overall medium in and of itself “maturing” faster than the audience base itself was over the coming decades. After anime came to true fruition, by finally having it's own real identity say in the 70's. Post golden era disney anime had to finally just move the hell on and become more than a copycat with a stylistic tweak.

Not to mention the global cultural youth movement (yet again another western outside unrelated influence) in the 60's that led to the en masse youth student movements everywhere. Of which laid the crucial 1st spar to total maturity and introspection. To a real national self identity with which to build on for actual, meaningful, and tangible cultural progress.

Over the years this all finally came to a decisive head with the landmark and absolutely groundbreaking franchise evangelion. Anno and the whole creative team fully understood all their national long-standing crises. As the gendo mouthpiece said himself, he will make sure to kill the ill false god, the pseudo evolved form that is modern japan, that Seele, his predecessor's organization and government, the elders, wouldn't or couldn't. All for the sake of the race of child evas trying to cling to any kind of national identity that can manage to for the slightest inkling of hope. (Of course along with some cool influences like godzilla, ultraman, tokusatsu, 2001 space oddysey, space yamato, giant robo, miyazaki, tomino, and dune.)

Yet the most extreme recluses and and circles of society that are the (at least then) anime fanbase in japan just weren't ready to hear all this. (Even though essentially story is about overcoming mistaken beliefs. Regardless of whether that misbelief did happen to ring true or play a helpful temporary role at one crucial point or moment in someone's past.) Hell it even took a reboot, and a virtual spin-off, dragon dentist, to do it.

As well as anno resurrecting the masterpiece Gojira 54 and melding the best parts of the origional idea for the character and overall legacy and with what made Eva seem to work over and over again. With shin gojira being the latest example and culmination of a decades long movement and focused effort that finally drove the point straight home with no room for error. It just took more than 2 decades to get there.

After all they both use the Omni and Famously songs to the exact same effect. It's just that omni is a more positive outlook in shin gojira since it's a half step closer towards the white conclusion that will be 3.0 + 1.0. (Whether this is all a sign of a stubborn audience or just sloppy storytelling I'll leave up to everyone to argue like hell over.)

So who in god's name can guess what the hell 3.0 + 1.0 will cover or attempt that hadn't already been done, rehashed, or improved in either EoE, 3.0, Shin (Would you like me to report on and highlight those malpractice cultural/generational institutions, and isolationism by digging through that pile of highlighters as Maki Goro? Or show you the soulless, brainless, eyeless, demons on that tail representing the emotionally backward and immature ways of old that still rule and haunt the present society yet still?

All that could respawn and create a new monster to finally have enough sense to at last tackle that gradual building self-made and self induced national crises!) and , Dragon Dentist (Of which took a lot of motifs from the 1st half of EoE that Tsurumaki co-directed. Motifs that weren't surprisingly rehashed, stolen, or rearranged whatsoever anywhere else yet.), Zankyou no Terror, Psycho Pass, Eden of the East, No Country For Old Men, Arrival, or the Kizumonogatari films.

Particularly though when we look specifically at the likes of the kizumonogatari trilogy, eva, and the psycho pass film. (Especially the collar concept that's used in a similar limelight to 3.0. Quite honestly to me psycho pass as a whole is a mixture of eva, standard urobuchi ideology, common IG cyberpunk political thriller, and blade runner, deep down. In addition to urobuchi also borrowing from anno by expanding upon the early 3.0 scenario to lay the groundwork for gargantia.) They're hitting anime and it's base over the head for to finally wake up in it's entirety. To once and for all give up on age old falsehoods.

Now there is one aforementioned other prime, penultimate example I've been trying to get around to focusing on. That is the Kizumonogatari film series. Unlike all the other noteworthy influenced works or creators out there in modern anime (TG, Utena, AoT (It appears so far anyways, we'll see if S2 has anyting to say about that though), Rahxephon, FLCL, Eureka 7, Full Metal Jacket, etc.) Nioisin and this beginning/conclusion to the smash hit runaway franchise Monogatari. Kizumonogatari I understood the deep seated, singular, overarching idea that Eva had drove it's team to slave away and nearly lose their sanity so much for, for so long all too well.

You begin with the prologue sequence. The thick, hard barked, over grown, half dead, pale tree standing in desolation as the pinnicale of a cram school that's been long deserted or discarded. It's a sign that the institutions currently at work are not serving or providing any helpful service or teachings. At least not for real collective maturity or national progression. Then the tree itself is reflective of how the governance and ever-graying generations that still drive (or lack thereof) the nation's lifestyle habits, institutions, politics. As well as excessive, methodical, lifeless, and demanding ways are in actuality fruitless. They should have been discarded and left for dust long ago.

Then you proceed with the entry shot of the protagonist appearing out of an elevator behaving anxious, dazed, and combative towards any light source he happens by. Yet simultaneously searching for a lit doorway to the outside. This illustrates that our protagonist is indeed not a person in the literal or strict literary sense. But rather a personification of the key main, ever pervasive, underlying concept that will support the overarching principal theme. It will then drive home the pivotal point in the proper specific context in the end.

He is reflective of the still running aged national ideology because he's anxious about meeting, facing, and accepting the outside, the reality of the situation. He's dazed by how the system at work is failing to form him as a personality in society. By how he's instinctively resisting any glimmer of light. Any element outside of what the nation feels he should be taught. Yet Aararagii (thematic goodness) still trudges along with all his strength depsite the lack of a proper foundation or preparation. Since he subconciously or deep-down knows it's ultimately, regardless of the circumstances the right and only thing to do.

Next we proceed to him getting outside into the courtyard on the roof. He is confronted with a swarm of crows. All in precisely the exact same color palette as his clothing. He appears standoffish and detested by them. He then stands among them all the while a charcoal black cloudy overcast looms.
Then a rainbow reflection as the sun appears. He turns bright red, catches aflame, runs in desperation, falls off the building. While simultaneously the crows flock to the half sunlit skies in an emergency response. Then araragii(thematic goodness) falls down and burns in the sun's rays. With a closing pan shot of the national flag partly shadowed by the clouds.

This all exemplifies a 2-way parallel yin/yang metaphor in a sense. That while the youth there today might be concerned. They're confident enough in the system's that be will carry them someway, somehow towards a better future. While in actuality they're going into their careers and “adult” livelihoods utterly unprepared for the long-term reality that will await 21st century japan.They're all on an instinctual and very warped internal level stopped dead in their tracks. Still indeed in a nation of nothing but children. The kind who'd gladly buy a porno in public rather than risk the troubles and trials of an honest relationship.

To follow is the climax of not just kizumonogatari, but I feel for the franchise as a whole. It's undoubtedly where Nioisin's base point is brought to full and total fruition. In all it's top of line, revolutionary swaths and gorges of golden animation. All that will hopefully be used to shape motifs for anime in general on the level that the eva and the rebuilds have managed so far.

Here we find araragii confronted with Kiss Shot Heart Under Blade(thematic goodness). She's limbless and at first demanding and even commanding him to only help her. Our protag unwilling to get involved. Yet approaching all the same with overwhelming hesitation. Though he ends up fleeing in panic and then telling himself that she's a vampire, a monster, that he'd die.

Yet in the end accepting the chance to help all the same out of duty in some way. While stressing over it in desperation the whole way. She then pleads for him not to help, but to save her. In the process of starting to save her, he says how did it come to this. Araragii says he hopes to be reborn as someone better. Then we fast forward to the closing shot of him saying he'll bear it. He'll bear that weight no matter what.

Her being limbless is seemingly a parallel to japan being at a standstill. Araragii then representing the youth of japan unable to face this reality. Nonetheless ultimately mustering up courage to confront the national crises. That despite how much the youth generation today might want to either, a) have nothing to do with politicians, or a major national concern or dilemma, or b) just be idle and let the forces already at work be and just try to be as selfish and lively as they can before entering the despot that is the japanese workforce. That really only the young can bring about proper and adequate longstanding sustainable change for the betterment of the whole.

Now I'm not sure of the time frame precisely here of exactly when, and what parts of nioisin's manga series actually started and finished. Or if even kizu was actually the first part to the series or not. But if it really was then monogatari then gets all the credit here for crafting this idea before even eva did. Hell in that case the rebuilds might have even taken it and most people wouldn't ever realize it.
Pretty much in every way, kiss shot heart under blade serves the exact same purpsoe in kizu as rei ayanami seems to in the rebuilds. It's just much, much more apparent straight out the gate with monogatari then it is for rei until 3.0. The surface distinction being that blade is maturing in forms in a rapid pace (possible near exact Shin Gojira parallel concept anyone?) at last thanks to the cooperation of the youth. While the ayanami version is a bit more intricate and way more rough around the edges to try and explain. But hey here we go anyway.

In the origional gainax eva, anno had supposedly origionally planned on rei to be a case of schezophrenia. But didn't quite fully follow through with that idea. For the rebuilds however he expanded that concept from a character mindset or trait drawback into a specific, conceptual personification. One that appears to try and express the viewpoint of modern day japan in it's entirety as a case of comprehensive nation wide schezophrenia.

Since there was indeed change brought about by the origional eva within the realm of anime creators. But not with audiences and the realm of politics outside of that though (If it even should). At least not at first. With the rebuilds (tossing aside for now what the origional may or may not have been aiming for overall) though anno made damn sure that by the end of it that we'd understand two very cruical character arcs. Sadly at the expense of the rest of the cast that elevated eva that much more. Though it was a cost I guess they were willing to sacrifice to get this particular message across this time around.

Shinji is the anime industry itself, and the multitudes of rei are basically japan personified. Which makes the color code for evangelion as a whole make much more sense. The origional's black being a failed attempt with a hollow, short-lasting exterior result only. One that despite it's best focused efforts, caused more damage than it did any real lasting good. Hence the “curse of eva”. Then 1.0 and red for a reexamination and rebreaking of the same stubborn, longstanding, immature problems yet again.

Orange for 2.0 with all the mistaken beliefs,misguided efforts, and new misbeliefs that arise are used to try and solve the problem by themselves. All of which go up in flames. Then 3.0 with blue for the actual reality of the situation and the agenda and changes that are truly needed and that have been long ignored finally coming into the fold to have it's say to tray and fix all this. Therefore 3.0 + 1.0 (where are you) with white for the inevitable solution unfolding before us at last in a way that finally will be unmistakable. Anime will finally get the happiness it was aiming for in spite of itself after all this time.

So just by examining the color scheme in and of itself we have shinji's arc essentially covered. Though for rei it's more tricky. Now I'll go ahead and claim that I don't think rei was any wide conceptual idea in the origional. Yet for me still somehow a fantastic character despite never being finished or fully realized.

We have the “origional” rei that is only existing to have bonds and being the main protector and closest bond to shinji. A parallel to the idea that japan and anime are more intrinsically linked in a lifeblood relationship than most would probably consider. Especially when looked at from the timeframe of post WWII up to today. Neither could have likely gone on without the other to depend on and help shape the other. Even if it leads to some major hiccups, struggles, and disasters along the way. As is the case with the ending scenario of 2.0.

Though with 3.0 the real ayanami, the real true identity that japan wants and should have isn't there anymore. It's frozen away waiting to be fully implemented at long last. But's the concensus along with anime itself (shinji) aren't collectively mature enough to be ready to let that happen still. So gendo (anno) came up with the only plan he could have. To be as harsh as possible to force it to happen as soon as possible.

With the remaining empty, useless, and soulless clones in 3.0 being the reality vs the ideal of what the post pacific war decades till now have really summed up to. It's not at all what it once set out to be. A sign alluding to the possiblity that japan had just merely been replicating and rehashing itself. With all it's overdue fraudulent and stillborn foundational practices and mindsets.

With the animator expo eva short until you come (hands on anno work) and the very end of the animator expo episode, cassette girl (by long time eva franchise/tsurumaki cohort and recent dragon dentist writer), to me being the most apparent nods to this hidden agenda so far. An ironic little tidbit to mention since rei was evidently the most popular character in japan. At least back in the origional's airing days. Anno even going so far as to gesture that domestic audiences wouldn't ever like a character like misato.

If the evidence of what's inside eva itself wasn't enough. Then the fact that anno's main creative influence (besides miyazaki) was yoshiyuki tomino's UC gundam 0079, zeta, and other early works. (A Baua Qu imagery in the end of 3.0 anyone?) (Which A Baua Qu was already in and of itself an allegory for what the Battle of Okinawa meant for japan then.) For the most part all being a thematic parallel to WWII and trying to comprehensively moving on from it's lessons and bad influences. Anno being the next creator in line to carry on the torch yet further and for longer than tomino ever did. One not being any better than the other. Just a different and in my opinon better focus on the internal core problems still lingering.

Though there does happen to be an auxillary subplot that's much more universally understood and is also the groundwork for the subsequent sequels going forward. One that is more in line in line with the very standard and personal character behavioral focus. An individual tale with extra strings, interpretations and varying takes through supporting characters that all tie in to the core protagonist struggle of his incomplete, fraudulent, or misguided ideals.

A typical, tried and tested, individual tale rather than a collective, conceptual, personified, or in this case a national one. Though no less impactful, essential or beautiful for it. It's a quintissental tale of helping and working around people's inner or otherwise controlled or hidden mysteries. They're darkness, weakness, limitations, instinctual as well as subconcious desires and fears.

No matter how much of yourself you may lose in the process of interaction and relationship building. No matter how little measly reasoning or motivation you can bare to muster up to have a bond with someone. Even it it's just fleeting. Even if it only ends up feeling like a whisper of wind passing by in the storm of time. It's still worthwhile and can be just what you need in almost every way you can think of. Don't fret yourself about just how naive, inept, or broken you feel you are.

Even if they only somehow manage to scrape by feeding off of others. If they aren't seemingly responsible enough. Or aren't emotionally stable enough to be independent anytime soon, or perhaps even forever. You must help. Sacrifice for them unequivocally. Stab them in the back while they're sleeping from now on. By destroying a part of them and in turn a part of yourself through necessity and the best of intentions.

It's going to be inevitable for everyone and anyone at any point in their lifetimes. Just create a new you. You craft it homemade yourself indirectly through the help of others. Others who also want to depend on you to do the same. It's necessary, basic, scary, chaotic, risky, confusing, and all worthwhile through and through. Since despite of your inner demons, internal errors, customs, beliefs, and values butting heads. In spite of whatever neurons you may no longer have working. Or that you're just wired differently from the get go. It's always a burden worth shouldering. No matter the cost or how long it takes.

Now I'll admit that this line of thinking and ideological slant I have for this franchise. Or indeed it's apparent like minded companions both past and present will never be widely agreed upon. I doubt they'll ever be considered credible. Perhaps I'm just overthinking all of these gibberish claims and possibilities purely out of passion and obsession's sake.

Besides most, me included in many past cases don't absolutely need any grand, subversive, or long-standing agenda they insatiably crave from our most beloved creators, studios, and collaborative creations. Since there are and always will be key insightful and universal touchstones. All of which at some inevitable point or another may not in fact change anything. Whether it's something tangible that we'll pick up on. But it can sprout a seed that will linger forever onward, on some level or another.

Stories in all forms, genres, mediums, and age groups will never derail off the path of instilling either meaningful or necessary instinctual, mindful, deep-rooted, or long-held off changes. The intent for all is never any less relevant or needed than any other. Make no mistake, storytelling, beneath all the innumerable varying forms and surface moldings that can ever possibly be imagined or twisted in a different angle. Are all concerned about only and only ever two core agendas (or if they're not then they've done it poorly or they should be). Regardless of of interpretation, circumstance, or genre.

Those two pillars are emotional intelligence progression, and the uncovering and reevaluation of long-held and long-withstanding mistaken misbeliefs and or unwritten and unseen lifestyle codes. Individually or collectively, of any scale or any timespan. Since the the only absolutes throughout and even long after the pain of the experience itself has long abaded and withered away, are clarity and discovery. Within yourself or all along cold war battle zones and possible heated debates that are social interactions.

No matter how much our separate and disparate lives, mindsets, and worldviews have been morphed, dulled, or tested to the limit by the roles we've ended up at in society at large. It's always applicable and feasible for all unequivocally. Without question or hesitation in all cases if we just try hard enough to actually let it.

Though yes, there are endless alleyways of interpretation. Or differing facets and takes on a subject material or theme. They must always return to the principal overarching foundation that drives every “What If” scenario possible or ever thought of. That element that enables creativity and hard fought intent to go beyond itself. The penultimate point of subjucation and longstanding universal desire that can in multiple ways reach out and grasp anyone, anytime, anywhere.

One resting on the age-old pillars of the internal vs the external. It's the core struggle of the concious vs the subconcious to manage our perspective. It's entirely emotional. It's not a problem at all or even directly revolving around intellect. It's the self, selves personified, or personalized finite concept vs reality itself. A tale humanity will always need whether it wants to admit to it or not. No matter just how much civilization or technology progresses. Since they are both designed to alleviate and escape the hard truths of ourselves to begin with. You can't change the conceptual fact of intent. It will exist and play a central part no matter what happens from then on.

I realize now that understanding and relating to to a driving central story point is by nature supposed to be all-encompassing and ever prevalent in notable ways. So therefore easy to notice in the universal sense. But there will always be those off road slants and natural inclinations. All typically tipping towards the niche and all too controversial realms of politics, religions, and cultural, racial, generational, or national identities. Since identities individually by themselves are hard enough to place and strictly define. Then when you expand out into the collective subjective conscious of belonging and purpose the issue is blown up upon a million fold over.

Now should these treacherous, exclusive, and divisive stopgap measures, inadvertent inclinations, or happenstance detours actually ever be explored in storytelling? Have they ever actually been before in real, visceral affecting ways? Should it even matter to consider these things? Can their stubborn mishaps of an ever-evolving (for the most part) global network somehow be gradually twisted and turned by the likes of story?

Will there ever be anything more than protests or off-hand discussion by the select number who even care for this aspect? As an aspiring, off-kilter, bare bones yet maybe just maybe to be rookie storyteller or at least something in the likes of it. This isn't really my main concern as of yet. Though I do accept that being able to easily and readily relate and understand a helpful tip or starting point from storytelling isn't so straightforward. It doesn't in actuality really mean it's feasible for everyone and anyone to be able to really apply it in reality.

Just as I'd imagine every creator, story maker, artist or even fans and viewers alike. It's an extra part of the puzzle we all will always be getting and looking forward to to some degree. Though it's one that isn't just a very refined and focused form of indirect yet poetic communication. One that's seemingly only lending you and anyone else a hand for the long haul. No it's a request to you. Not the other way around that you'd expect. The story isn't just trying to offer a warning, advice, clarification, peace of mind, and reassurance. Or even a reminder of something or people in general.

Now it's not just exclusively showing you something to revel in. But rather pleading for all of us to make an active difference to an origin of troubles not in the strict sense of ourselves or our immediate day to day surroundings. A difference to make that's on an all too conscious and intentionally active plan of hands-on movement of change. It's not implying or instilling any unseen or subconscious change for you individually. It's asking us all to make a very aware and immediate start to public change.

All you have to do is be totally open to trusting, accepting responsibility. Looking at it in several and or both ways, and just not giving a damn. Now go out there and make a self-sacrificing, self-destructive, moral quandry. Yet boundless, active, and all too deliberate. Hopefully to be progressive movement in spite of ourselves. As long as it's not for the common pitfalls of convenience or someone's else's words in and of themselves.

After all nothing hurts more than trying to bridge an inherent gap with others through a conscious effort. Especially when being truly selfless will never be possible due to the walls of our hearts. Even if the end result to any event or outcome is always an open door to something else of your endless choosing or perception. But hey, change in all it's peculiar and ever-widening shapes and sizes should always be fun to step up to the challenge for.

So go knock all yourselves out for as long as you can muster. Just make sure to never, ever forget the little lessons and people you struggle with and over in the arduous process. Experience should always be more than just a deep lying, subconscious, alarm clock in time of need. You are more than just a story to be told and remembered. You are a life, never forget the meaning of that.

Be willing to sacrifice and better yourselves for everything yet to come. Say what you feel deep down more often (but not too often there dingus). Don't leave hangups, possible loopholes for others, and half assed interactions sole because you felt the need to not give too much away about yourself. Even if it bites you back or hurts those you never would have intended to willingly. Even if you realize that you misunderstood the actual root intention in the first place.

Being hurt, hurtful, and mistaken can always lead to a positive purpose if you just think over it enough. We are all one, even it it can't ever by total. The beginning and the end are all in essence one and the same. So stop putting of recurring inevitabilities just because they're tough to accept in the moment.

They're almost always going to be universal for everyone. It doesn't matter if it's easier or less of a priority for some than others. Trust is a fine tuned and arduous balancing act and the ultimate responsibility for all the afflicted in the group. So don't find excuses that let you fool yourself into not willing or wanting to believe and accept trust. Think in terms of curiosity rather than defense, opposition, or even survival for that matter. More so than any goal, achievement, dream, or hope, though of course never leave them entirely on the back burner at any point either. Learn how to calibrate that ever shifting balance.

It's that small fraction you see of an aspect of a person. That you thought nothing of at first that has boundless more significance than any plan, life strategy, or set destination ever will. Think in terms of cause and exchange instead of the mere reward of an after effect. One that you'll just try to trudge straight through with all that gutso, pride, and confidence. Life shouldn't be about a damn payoff, gift, or bucket list. That in the moment nothingness is the very essence of experience and indeed the human condition. Nothing grandiose, epic, or far reaching really. No legacy or historic moment of global shifting.

So start graying those precious head hairs. Shedding that ego. Bask in the muddy water and smoldering heat of mundane, drawn out, endless causality of the sun who couldn't give two shits about you. Like I said the beginning and the end are indeed one and the same. One's never any more complete, rewarding, fulfilling, or lasting than the other. So just keep crawling to the next problem in the never ending list.

It may never make everything easier, and nothing will ever make complete sense at any point over any specific thing. For us individually, the enemy is our own hearts and minds. Both of which will forever be shadowed by infallibility, incompatibility, and incomprehension. All on very deep-rooted, ingrained, and other disturbing levels. As for in society (as personified by all the bizarre, ever present, and ill defined angels), the enemy is unclear, and out of our own reach to ever fully grap and understand. All we can ever do is try and tackle with it when it swurves our direction on a whim.

Still if we don't ever use the worst and weakest parts of ourselves. Along with the the mistakes and stopgap measures we left only half done externally in the world. Then the turn of our ultimate fate and greatest revolution and revelation we call storytelling will have all been for naught. Let's not betray the best of ourselves and let that happen. By letting ourselves think little to none of absolutely everything and anything around us. Just don't forget to be downright selfish and stupid in the process. You gotta actually live a little too.

Each and every measly and insignificant benefit will take away just as much as it gives. It's just up to you to numb most of it out and take your pick on what best suits your fancy. Or what'll help most to soothe our concerns, fears, and typical day to day dandriff. Regardless of your medicine thought the consequental stain in your mind will bear the full brunt of the effects at some point. So better to just take the high road in an action sense. But open up your mind more as a counter balance.

Not to lessen the the actual damage, but to better understand just why exactly it was forced on yourself or your involvement. Then use that key knowledge, perspective, and line of thinking to make an important difference down the road somewhere. One that you can then forever appropriately understand for not just yourself but others and accept it full circle.

As long as you're not running away from the actions of your own deeds. Even if you weren't the focal point or even the root cause of it all. Your effect, take on it, on hand knowledge, bais, particular tolerances. In additon to varying fears and beliefs are just as crucial in the all out hectic process as anyone else's. So just barge right in and get involved before they know what hit them.

One way or another it will eventually do some kind of good for someone out there. All you have to consider before then is that life till the end of its days will have two permanently set, definitive, and objective orientated pathways. No matter how much you spin or look at it differently. Regardless of the subjectivity of people at large or their collective creations around us.

No matter what, you'll either arrive at the wrong answer to the right question, or come up with the wrong question yet end up with the right answer anyways. All that'll ever stand in between them is interpretation and inherent fate if you can accept that idea. So throw all those ingrained and institutionalized talk of it all being about end goals, strategies, plans, or destinations.

Till the end of your days you'll be thrown out and catapaulted from your comfort and saftey zones. It doesn't matter if they happen to be constantly changing and fortifying the useless base post. For yourself, others, or on a even grander scale, time and weather, both internally and externally, will always have something to say about it in the end.

So in turn all I can say is to build a flexible, not too entrenched, ever renewable, all consuming, long term root system. One that can try it's hardest to forever vary it's uses and lines of reasoning. Even if others don't at all like what they see or comprehend at first on the surface. The long term payoff and progress for the whole collective will outweigh anything that could just maybe some day ever possibly be recognized or understood entirely in all aspects and regards.

So go ahead and build those innumerable hazy bonds. Even if you don't want others to be hurt. Or to be misunderstood. Or to forget your efforts and intentions. Even if you think you may know better than to get involved with them. That you seriously fear and despair over the inevitable shadows, walls, and the hazy and fineckey silver linings of the human psyche.

Let go of that self inflicted helmet over your mind and psyche. Stop spinning your wheels. Stop figuratively pointing weapons at others. Don't dig yourself a trench or foxhole to try and pretend to protect your feeble self with. Stop shielding yourself from the inevitable overwhelming struggles of society at large and from the mysteries of others. It's not the fault of others that is ever the cause. And should never be a concern of yours to fret over anyways by it's very nature.

You won't get away with building off my problems and misery. I'll ruin g-fest forever for you. Either way someone is going to have to die from this. But it'll be from my hands, not yours. I'm either going to force you to literally kill me for this or I'll make you see it yourself. You gfans don't get to do this half way to me and then walk away gaining off of trying to destroy someone that didn't mean real harm to anyone. Forget everything else I just want you to finally feel sorry or to show your true selves when you won't be expecting it. Says the brat animal instinct within me that I'm fighting with.

I won't ever be falling into any trap answers your trying to manipulate and pressure me into accidently letting out. Or trying to force out a more honest or natural side of me that you are dead set on believing is still there in hiding. I'll never give into to any unseen, implied, or possible demands that are being let on(or not). I don't feel that would be an honest or a realistic representation of who I was, am, or are trying to move towards desperately despite the past year. Either accept this, find a different way, or be prepared for more risk and tragedy to get involved, in person this time.

I understand the others side well enough over everything I've inadvertently or haphazardly done. Make no mistake, I don't think I'm talented, special, better, or even decent in general still as of yet. As a fan, writer, person, or most of all young adult. So you'll just have to move on if you just can't stand my existence even now, regardless of whatever reasons or mistakes you basing them on. Otherwise I'll feel forced into trying something more risky and reckless to bring it to a final closing at long last. That'll be on gfans for taking it to that extreme. Don't even try to mock or troll me into thinking it's somehow not. It'll be pointless by this point.

Remember from now on what you were willing to do to someone you knew couldn't cope with it and keep their sanity by the not really end of it. No karma, justice, vengeance, cyberstalking fun, or virtual murder is worth the price in damage this could have the slightest chance of doing to someone. Says the naive monster within me that I hope won't get its way with my self anymore.

Be wary of unchecked honesty and positivity. You'll lose the ability to read others and the ability to see through and control your own internal struggles over time. And accept that what you can do and what you feel you should do will forever be at odds. The world within ourselves as well as how we manage and tolerate various circumstances and internal/external factors will always be uneven, unfair, and constantly shifting.

All these stopgap measures, detours of regression, animal instincts, and childish backlashes against the broad and unforgiving scope of progress do nothing. They only go to show that all combative and aggressive signs of hatred towards fellow man all originate from fear. It's always been fear of reality's hard lined honesty and utter indifference that's led to conflict and animosity towards others on every scale and line of excuses ever devised. At least those from idealistic and emotional standpoints.

You can't just simply save others by design. It's the very opposite in fact. You must destroy a part of them so they themselves can work through their own problems. It's all about introspection and working around ever and only ever yourself. After that step is in motion everything else falls into place in the emotional sense.

By that stage and after enough times of repeated tough experience. You'll just innately have a light enough barrier to not outright block. But to filter out all the trivial nonsense bullshit and outright hatred and deceit that gets thrown your way. To be ever vigilant and acutely aware of the meaningful experience and life lessons yet to come. Or the help that's truly needed of others. Whether they are aware or are willing to accept that consciously yet or not.

Just get the hell out there and don't give a shit if you appear disgraceful, dishonest, ignorant, disagreeable, hostile, or short sighted. Or hell even shallow in and all throughout the messy process. Just bond, hurt each other in equilibrium. Fail to totally understand as much as possible. Make a figurative lasting stain on others ever present thoughts. Just don't try to actively shape or control how you end up affecting others.

Just leave that up to introspection, tolerance, compromise, and respect of the complexities you will never fully comprehend. (Unlike how we've collectively had a piss poor track record for applying or even commonly outright ignoring that same basic technique onto the objective external reality around us for centuries.) (Hopefully the same doesn't won't apply for the wave of internal cognitive and biotechnical sciences going forward.) (Don't want to irrevocably compound upon the already overbearing innate problems with the subconscious's dangers and mysteries as it is.)

There's no overcoming or being liberated from endless suffering. Which is really if you view existence itself as a cause of a recurring equilibruim of cause and effect chaos and accidents. Then the only true way to safely define what is real and what in fact is fabricated or merely part of the mind's makeup is to judge whether it can hands-on suffer or not. There's only understanding the methods and the open acceptance of how to best utilize it in the back of our mind. Do right by yourself if nothing else, and in turn others will be tempted to bear that same responsibility in turn for the betterment of all.

Always accept and realize that whatever you may believe you were trying to accomplish will always be lost to one degree or another on others. You will never be entirely understood. Even if neither of you ever come to realize it or never appear to be hurt by that fact. Though you most certainly can be totally misunderstood. For each of our individual quirks and fears there will always be a loss for words at times and in return for others to understand.

There will always be figurative minefields between the hazy and toxic walls of others and in the blood soaked and stained society abroad. As long as you are willing to take the risk of having others behind your back. Then you'll at the very least by the end of it have enough of yourself left that matters to you to rebuild your sense of being, and your heart off of for the next inevitable round of utter turmoil and soul searching.

Force interpretations everywhere and anywhere. Try to guide, and effectively. And in turn never underestimate the power of others hardships as well as overcame or accepted vulnerabilites. Make sure to steer towards a type of change they're pretending they're not ready to make just yet. In the end the very worst you can do in good faith to others is force a choice, change, or possibility they haven't yet thought of or done. And what's more essential and fundamental than that?

Even if you've never been able to get along or be proud of yourself, and to have been tainted with near lifelong self hatred as I have. Even if you accept that these rash measures are just excuses, malignant shortcuts, deeply-rooted escapism, and entirely self inflicted insecurites. (Though knowing that doesn't in any way seem to make being openly vulnerable any easier.) Really what matters much more anyways is to be responsible, live up to your fundamental obligations, be grateful, and have willingness to be constantly open about yourself, towards yourself. Of your opinion of yourself. Why you think you are what your are. How to best use what you feel you can control and also can't. In the moment and for the long term. For others benefit by mitigating your demons, subjective tunnel vision, and ingrained misbeliefs if nothing more.

So to take all this full circle. Really for the longest time anime may never have actually helped at all to rebuild and change it's base. It's only stemmed the core problem on yet even further. It's just in a form that nobody was expecting it to be. But is it now? Can it ever? Will the youth end up burning down the whole village just so they can finally feel the warmth and fresh air that their elders and superiors have been denying them, however they can? Is storytelling just a glorified hobby? Are tales merely dreams? Is all this actually at any point ever going to make a real difference? Are they catalysts for enlightenment? Or are they only memoirs of our worst parts?

I don't know but thank goodness the idea is definitely seeming to spread in recent years. We'll just leave it up to the discretion of those who feel the need to care or wish to see it that way. Now where's that final Madoka film god damnit(I'll be waiting exclusively for your take on this in the coming months and no one else). Oh.., right.....Buckle up butter cups.

Don't go forcing this upon me please. I don't need this to be the death knell that finally makes it all go over the edge. I don't want to literally die like that. Not like this. I'm not ready to give up and die just quite yet. I hope you don't want to have to see that either. If not then even more dangerous ideas will have to get involved. If I feel that I deserve to truly die and never be loved by anyone then I will do it on my, and only my terms. At least after I've struggled a little more for at least a few more years. Accepted otherwise.

I can't undo it either way now. Only throw away the effort. I don't see how I possibly ever can. This isn't a mindset problem, it's a symptom whether you'll buy that ever or not. It'll take a lot more than what you all can ever throw at me. It'll take years to totally remove myself from those misdeeds. The internet and social media just won't make a dent in a lifetime's worth of misbeliefs, fears, and lack of constant decent social interaction and awareness. Regardless of whether it's doing it out of a progressive purpose or for it's own satisfaction. I'm not swayed really by whether you know for certain what I'm talking about. I can't ever fully move on without at least trying to do something while I still have the chance. Before it drags out for too long for me to bear anymore.

Is this actually an ultimatum? Or a strategy, outright mistake, or just another stumbling block down the path? Therefore I took a form I could sustain. Still better than perishing. I don't have the time or patience to even try to humor your petty disgraceful bullshit delusional juvenile chitchat. Do you seriously think I'm ever going to believe by this point that it can make the slightest difference?

Dear god just make me stop(not happening). Just shut the hell up already damn you. God I wish I could kill you. I'd rather die then get along with you. Do you even know what you're doing or why you're doing it? What even are you? Who do you think you are? Where are you going with all this? I don't know whether to beat you, mock you, or just let you self destruct in public shaming and stigmatizing.

Ummm.....whaaaaaaaat the hell?????! What on earth do you think you're trying to go on about there??????? Screw you and your ego. Stop it, just stop, dear lord quit it! I'm sorry for having to have put so many thorough all of my own problems in the worst of ways without realizing it until far too late. If this is the last step of progress I try to make on this then fine so be it. I won't try to stop myself from going through with it anymore. Or maybe I will. Too political? Nope, still not there yet.

Hope, Progress, and Paradise

Warning: Heavy Spoiler Filled Review
This review is intended to give viewers a greater experience and in depth understanding of said works. Or at least to enjoy seeing things from a different perspective, a fresh take on a wonderful adventure all over again.

Wolf’s Rain is an age old mystical tale that takes a radical and audacious turn of the beaten path. It goes on a journey, no that’s not quite right, it’s not quite defined and constrained. Well then perhaps a pilgrimage is more appropriate, nope not it either. This grand tale is unbounded, it isn’t concerned with a set in ... stone theme or ideology, though it’s intent on putting up a hoax to the very end. At the very onset this series doesn’t bode very well, you expect it to be a coming of age tale about the harrowing trials of maturity in a harsh reality, nope it’s beyond that. Perhaps it’s then a spiritual and moral introspection concerning our outlook on reality and the future. Regretfully no but we’re certainly painfully crawling our way closer to a relative idea of what the hell Wolf’s Rain is all about.

We finally have a clue which involves the future, or to place the topic in the context that the series ever so incessantly asks the audience, “what is paradise?” Now this question is as expansive and distraught as the universe given in the general sense. It therefore could indubitably go down the rabbit hole of ambiguity and grey area ethics, but then what would be the point? Well luckily Wolf’s Rain gives us a pivotal clue as to the path we should trudge along to reach our definitive conclusion. Much like our despondent pack of protagonists as they scatter across the wastelands of perpetual hopelessness and ideological degradation.

The world that Wolf’s Rain inhabits is one which has been long devoid of crucial facets of the human psyche and essence, and that is ideology. In this dystopia there’s no idealism, imagination, creativity, philosophy, etc. All aspects of social sophistication and liberalism are discarded and you are left with mere isolationist pockets of communities in a permanent stasis, long deprived of the qualifications to be considered a society or civilization. The only connections shared between them is purely economical and practical.

Now this is where our protagonists come into play, for on the surface we are told they are the last surviving stragglers of wolves, thought by humanity to have been long extinct. In reality they represent hope and all the encompassing aspects of what is necessary to have a progressive mindset, to believe in a future, to look for paradise. Now as the plot progresses it becomes abundantly clear that we must ask ourselves what precisely does searching for paradise entail? What motivations and goals are involved? Is it universal, or personal? Are any of the innumerable facets or possible interpretations from various denominations, ideologies and perspectives on which version of paradise will ring true?, or at least be applicable and responsible?

Fortunatley for us Wolf’s Rain is a valliant little show, and circumvents this challenge with brilliance. Rather than use a systematic process of deconstruction and analysis of each possibility against one another, they chose a much more eclcetic approach rather than a stringent one. The series covers virtually every avenue of paradise humanity has conceived since the dawn of time, and plunges relentlessly down the core of the philosophy. Not to examine but to reveal where the inspiration derives from, what is the basic instinct driving this ideal. Then it subsequently showcases them all in unity and proclaims to the audience what truly gives humanity the ability to progress. To look for a future worth trudging along the disconsolate, shoddy, defective, never ending road of the present, to search for paradise.

Now to go in a proper in depth examination step by step, the first protagonist on our list is Tsume. Tsume at first ostensibly seems to represent the classic archetype of the character who projects his own faults onto others. One who has no hope in the connection and social interaction with others. Who couldn’t possibly believe in any meaningful prospect of a future on any level, but this is merely on a superficial level. In actuality he is just using this ruse as a defensive barrier from outside influence, from other perspectives. To put into literal context tsume was once part of a wolf pack, and was exiled for inadvertently betraying his leader’s trust and obedience.

To frame this in an allegorical sense, he came to the realization that no matter what the underling, or the average individual may profess to believe and act upon. It will always merely be a personal pipe dream if the leaders of the world don’t find a sensible reason to apply it, or if it conflicts with their goals.

After becoming astray from the wild, the world of freedom, free thought, and social sophistication, he now journeys to the world of man. Where content, misapprehension, and regression roam the ramshackle streets and lurk around every decrepit corner. Although now Tsume has subconsciously undergone an ironic case of Stockholm syndrome, becoming the leader of his own pack. Except now he is the only one with an opinion, a real voice within his community, he is no longer just a leader, he is a ruler, he is a tyrant.

This change was brought about by two different philosophies that are both misguided, injudicious, and ultimately self-destructive to not only the individual but their surroundings as well. The first is that only power can bring about change, in which only one mind is necessary to create and carry all the ideologies and perseverance of an entire society into the unknown of tomorrow, whilst the masses follow his exclusive guidance without pause for concern.

The second is much more intricate and borne out of many aspects of the human psyche, and requires a much more comprehensive analysis to understand the many possible motives behind it. The ideology is that one must use be as combative, competitive, and dominating as possible to be at the top of the food chain, of the society, of the world they inhabit. This aspect of human nature is found throughout history and cultures worldwide in all forms, regardless of capability, class, or circumstance, and tsume represents damn near all of them.

The first example is one of denial of responsibility, where rather than looking outwards toward others and towards the future, you orientate the world around yourself exclusively and what you can obtain from the here and now. It’s immaturity and self-centeredness in its purest form, in which you disregard the vital tools of life known as understanding, compassion, and prospective thought process.

Another is the abandonment of trust and sincere cooperation, where expectations are never met and any exterior input is an obstacle. Where only your actions can meet your goals, and only your goals can bring your dream, your future to fruition. In an isolated state where opposition is outside opinion and only dims the chance of hope for your version of utopia.

Third is a regressive stance on human evolution, whether by cultivation, philosophical, or empirical means. A belief in which we as a civilization have progressed as far as we will ever need to, or to downgrade to a desirable extent. Not quite a denial of human sophistication and liberalism like mankind in Wolf’s rain but in the same ball park, and it’d eventually lead down the same path. This aspect of his personality is quite clear from the onset as he tries to dismantle the remnants of the old world order and society with a tribal like leader mentality. Leaving only himself in a position to rule over this world in the manner he sees fit.

Throughout the course of Tsume’s reign over the poor, the young, and the deprived people of Freeze town, we begin to come to the revelation that this is all but a charade with an ulterior motive. This is yet another superficial layer in disguise. Tsume is by far the most thematically rich character in the series. He’s an ever growing allegorical amalgamation that represents more ideals and warnings about the shortcomings of human will than most protagonists, he’s frailty personified.

Due to this deception he begins to realize despite his best efforts to oppress his followers, they still respect and look up to him as a savior. They may have discarded all semblance of past accomplishments and advancement as a species socially, but they still have that key emotional attachment and hope in their heart.

Next on the list is both Toboe and Hige who represent both represent the basic intentions within all of us, regardless of our respective differences on life and how to direct it. Toboe is indicative of our compassion to carry each other forward in spite of our differences. Whether it be race, sect, or ideology, all universally, like a surrogate mother. Since regardless of petty disputes or arguments we may have towards one another, our future will affect us all equally, so we might as well play a part in it.

Then there is Hige, who is of course part comic relief, but also a spotlight for how despite our best intentions as a race, we are still a very hypocritical species. This is only enhanced with our intricate, convoluted, and delicate sense of balance in regards to morals and ethics, which are of course the backbone of social sophistication and ideology.

Then there is the infamous wolf hunter Quent and half wolf companion Blue. They’ve dedicated their entire lives to killing the last of the species for good. In several ways you could describe quent as the pedestal for the generational gap. He has no desire to see the world diverge off the path his generation, his world worked towards, for better or worse. A world devoid of opportunity, a future set in permanent stasis forever destined to be an aspiration and nothing more. For he’s all too familiar with the double edged sword known as hope, since his entire family was murdered by so called idealists in the name of building a better, safer, future.

Though in the end thanks to the help of his comrade and toboe along the way, he comes around. To the unforgiving, merciless realization that the harrowing road to paradise is filled with plight in every crack of pavement, animosity at every turn. Even so, it’s still worth believing in, since you’re not the only one looking forward.

Next on our list is Darcia, who is one of the “nobles”, who are essentially are narcissistic aristocrats and warlord dictators, all with intentions to obtain Cheza for their own self-seeking destinies, or paradises to create. Cheza is in a literal and metaphorical sense part of a bioengineering project to create hope itself for mankind, a flower maiden so to speak, to regain aspiration itself. The key catch here is that she’s the only successful product of this decades long endeavor. Humanity is left with but one option to take, one paradise. So in this desolate dystopia all the oppressors and tyrants from the world over will disregard all in a vain effort to obtain the means to their end.

Darcia is Wolf’s Rain at its most effective, audacious, dauntless, and controversial without a doubt. Darcia is representative of two homologous ideologies on what paradise is, one is personal, whilst the more divisive is spiritual, or shall I say religious. The first philosophy is that one’s self should only be concerned with creating a future for themselves, to arrogantly force reality to bend to your will, to create a bubble for yourself. This is ostensibly what has always been referred to as paradise, but is mere escapism.

Then of course there’s the religious perspective on this, insinuating the afterlife perhaps. Both these ideologies are egotistical, negligent, self-serving, escapism pipe dreams that abashedly circumvent the responsibility of what it sincerely means to look for paradise.

Last on our list is the pivotal hero of the story, kiba. Much like quent, his backstory is filled with mankind’s hypocrisy and ironic nature. One in which strife and conflict tragically arise from the most respectable and virtuous intentions. Though kiba, being a wolf, being still but a child, carries within his heart the upright, steadfast, wholehearted determination necessary to take the journey toward paradise.

Throughout his travels across the remains of humanity’s aspirations long forgotten, he finds companions with the same purpose, fellow wolves. Though they may have the same kindred spirit, their philosophies starkly contrast. Though as I’ve alluded to earlier, they learn from one another, separating their stringent ideals and perspectives on what the future means to them, and coalesced their fundamental hopes and dreams into one intention. Their gallantry didn’t waver as they trekked along, they met leaders of the world who wanted to create a future, not universal, but a unprincipled, amoral personal one. They met past voyagers who understood the grueling, soul wrenching hardships of progress all too well and failed, and gave in to a complacent, trivial, and practical life instead, demeaning themselves and clouding their human spirit in the process.
Kiba, finally near the end of his harrowing journey of suffering, after losing all his fellow kindred spirited brethren to the corrupt and treacherous shadow of the human psyche. He is left with Cheza to make the ultimate ultimatum, what is paradise and how do we achieve it? Before he could come to a resolution, he realizes that his actions and sacrifices already set his destiny, humanity’s destiny, into motion.

Wolf’s Rain has made its proclamation, it’s that paradise is not some esoteric, spiritual, or self-serving prophecy or reward. Paradise is not an illusion or quintessential personal haven. Paradise is not stripped of humanity’s dark shadow, it’s not infallible, or even complete in any regard. Though it is all-encompassing, but it’s by no means personal, selective, or even remarkable. It’s universal, it’s insufferably infused with unrelenting responsibility, onerous mutual understanding, and grueling obstacles all along the precarious way. It’s not to be obtained, or discovered, or created.

True paradise is a meritorious, proud, and admirable inadvertent crowning achievement that is a natural evolution of our grandeur and magnificence, by slowly trudging along, facing our own repugnance head on. There is no changing the world, it’s not that glamorous. It’s an unbearably slow process, humanity won’t notice the change at first, it’s a gradual, unnoticeable, yet steadfast race without a triumphant finish line. It’s ever expanding with time and ever improving humanity itself, through our own efforts. As personified by the final act where kiba spills his blood into the seed of the future of mankind, and cheza her poisonous lifeforce, and combine to create the water of life, birthing the new future, the new paradise. It’s humanities social sophisitication, sincere all-embracing compassion and desire to understand one another and share their ideologies, experiences, and viewpoints to unify the best of us to help build a new world filled with a hope, progression, and emotional connection that’ll achieve the best future possible.

But one that must tackle our hypocrisy, fallibility, gullibility, self-centeredness, and corrupt instinctive nature as well and challenge it with ever changing principles, morals, and ethics to create an improved sense of understanding. It’s with all this foreboding, convoluted, perilous, unbearable, double sided responsibility strapped to all of our shoulders that we can be rest assured as we slowly trudge along the wastelands of the present and walk ever so slowly into the sunset of tomorrow. Where possibilities, hope, progress, and paradise awaits, staring back waiting to start it all over again.

This is a conglomerate review of both Seasons 1 and 2 of Spice and Wolf.

Rarely does popularity and fame accurately define and characterize the overall competency of a series or film. Fortunately Koushinryou is a prime example of this predominantly due to its sophisticated splendor and comprehensive brilliance.

This anime is very ambitious and exceptionally daring in regards to that the aspects as well as priorities of the story are virtually converse of the norm extant in the majority of mainstream anime. Shockingly this remarkable tactic doesn’t simply somehow manage to pay off for Spice and Wolf, but even ameliorates the significance of the plot ... itself as well.

Though this anime may at first outwardly and evidently present itself to be centralized around its impressive cast of characters to address the genuine emphasis of the plot, it’s in fact quite the opposite. It’s the subsidiary aspects such as the medieval setting of which the world takes place in that really, not to mention very effectively, convey the essential points of the story, albeit in an indirect manner.

It’s quite admirable and superlative how both Brains Base and Imagin managed to portray the ambiance of Koushinryou so extensively as well as accurately. Undertaking this task was indubitably the most challenging and exacting feat to accomplish for this series. Luckily they overcame this imperative obstacle, and thankfully as a direct result the series reaped a plethora crucial benefits that would lead it to attain eminence. To be genuinely fair though the historically precise environment isn’t the only enrapturing aspect that is distinguished.

Do not be heedlessly deluded or form imprudent assumptions from the fact that Spice and Wolf transpires in the midst of the middle ages, this is no Knight’s tale. This is an anime that revolves around predominantly two specific features, business and profit, to be more precise the profession of merchant trade.

As such Koshinryou contains a rather tremendous amount of close-knit dialogue consistently through the divergent and gradually escalating plot developments. It should therefore go without saying that the viewer will require a constant adequate sense of attentiveness as well as remaining vigilant.

By all means of course Koushinryou isn’t focused exclusively on just our protagonist’s occupation, there is also laid-back, less thought provoking entertainment abound as well. So while this particular anime isn’t precisely designed to be appealing to every viewer type, it certainly is alluring for an expansive variety.

Themes: 9

Though Spice and Wolf is set in a historically authentic setting that’s voluminous and vibrant to say the least, fantasy elements are appropriately infused in a rather ingenious manner. It’s ironic how the fantasy aspects are so minute and seemingly extraneous at first but gradually come to play such a key and pivotal role for the exquisite overall story.

Even without fantasy being incorporated this series would still manage to deliver a very thrilling and wondrous experience, however would indubitably mislay its inventive and elegant components in the process. In addition this series would be deprived of the profound philosophical issues that are addressed nearing the conclusion as well.

If there’s any particular aspect about Koushinryou that is distinguished, represents the epitome of perfection, and is unparalleled, then it would most certainly be the romance extant between our protagonists. Quite frankly the quality of it merits more praise and admiration than can be possibly given for its plethora of exceptional yet contemplative feats.

This particular style of romance is quite rare in regards to that it’s very inclusive and effectively portrays the negative as well as the positive consequences of long-term bonding. Moreover it’s perspicacious and quite inspirational with which it depicts relationships in general, whether romantic or not, by focusing on though provoking topics such as ethics and personal values that make individuals so unique.

Now considering that our protagonist is indeed a peddler, a traveling merchant who wistfully has no permanent home to speak of that constantly travels to make a living in the trading business, it should therefore obviously come as surprise that adventure is such a prominent theme in Koushinryou.

The adventure is enthralling and riveting, and is essential for revealing the expansive world to the viewer. Although more importantly it’s imperative for allowing the viewer to become associated with and deduce the diverse array of regencies that unjustly govern the land. In addition how they each control their respective economies and dictate policy concerning trade regulations, not to mention overall law as a whole.

One uncredited theme extant in Spice and Wolf that is predominant throughout is its rather miraculous and phenomenal sense of drama. The drama itself is fundamentally distinctive in regards to that it isn’t directly caused by character to character interactions that incorporate sappy melodrama, it’s far more sophisticated than that.

The originative yet calamitous and unexpected predicaments that frequently arise are due to business transactions the protagonist undertakes that fall through. In a world where trading limitations are austere and draconian, it should incontestably come as no surprise that merchants or even trade unions will utilize deception and hypocrisy to their advantage simply to make a profit.

Lastly there is once again another unrecognized theme that is extant in this series, comedy. The comedy is less frequent and prevalent than one might ostensibly anticipate, but is still cogent nonetheless. Overall the humorous moments are designed to alleviate and counteract the incessant stream of complex business developments that frequently transpire, and it executes this magnificently.

Main Points/ Messages: 9

Spice and Wolf is genius and very astute when concerning the manner in which it addresses its main points, it very lucidly demonstrates just how dexterous this anime truly is. It is such a profound and philosophical question/topic that is suddenly presented to the viewer that doesn’t necessarily have a straightforward and definite answer either.

It’s a crucial question that defines our existence as well as who we are as individuals for the remaining duration of our natural lives, what are the fundamental things that we desire and aspire to achieve in life.

At first this may ostensibly seem to be a rather frivolous and naïve query to even ponder over, practically extraneous for even being implemented in the first place. Since after all our protagonists are already resolute and have established life-long goals right, considering they seem to be pretty content being peddlers anyways, even though they don’t have a home.

Despite the conspicuous misunderstandings one might have concerning the protagonist, it’s still impressive how they’re an abundant amount of more obscure aspects of this topic that are harder to fathom wholly, though not quite enigmatic fortunately.

To sum it up in a straightforward manner, the issue and revelation that the viewer simultaneously realizes with our protagonist is that what is more important to you personally, or to be precise what is true value and worth? Are the inseparable bonds and relationships between people more significant and vital, or is your personal profit and overall dignity as a businessman? Does your career define you as an individual or the people you come to reside with and rely on?

Even though Koushinryou doesn’t exactly provide you with the protagonists answer that we’re eagerly waiting to hear, it still manages to give this series a perceptive quality that is seldom extant in other anime. The conclusion is an open book in a sense, it leaves the decision to the individual viewer I suppose to discern for themselves what choice would have been made.

In addition there is another rather brief and concise message that is directly relayed through the dialogue itself near the ending. It’s addressed in an intriguing manner, from both the perspective of a businessman, Lawrence, and from our heroine, who is more of an idealist in a sense.

The message from a sybaritic yet commonplace merchant’s perspective, is that indulgence is a double sided coin, indulgence and greed can lead to ecstasy, but to a point, subsequent a certain point one will come to the inevitable revelation that material desire is excessively insatiable and absolutely can’t be fulfilled to one’s utter satisfaction.

To summarize it bluntly greed is imperative to a degree but one must be wary since an excess is self-destructive. From our heroine’s perspective Horo, it’s that it is perfectly acceptable to have wishes someone wishes to achieve or obtain in their respective lives, despite the fact that they will most likely never be attained. Though it’s still critical to note that if you don’t wish whatsoever, then nothing you ever aspire to accomplish will ever come true either.

Overall the messages presented through the story whether indirectly or directly are indubitably some of the most canny, prudent, and touching I have ever witnessed in an anime ever. A truly superb and marvelous execution of addressing the main points of the fundamental plot.

Story: 9

The story is very immersive, moderately intricate, and compelling to the utter extreme to be honest. This is undoubtedly one of the most well balanced and well paced anime in existence, it was neither excessively complex, nor was it simple. The character and plot development wasn’t excessively sluggish nor was it rapid, it was nearly impeccable. Each major respective story arc was astonishingly rejuvenating and unique, and very exhilarating to explore from the viewer’s as well as the characters perspective.

You practically feel as though you’re somehow of part of the world itself at certain times, that’s quite frankly just how gratifying of an experience the story is. The only apparent drawback whatsoever in regards to the plot is that the conclusion may be unconvincing or insufficient for some. Of course that is to be expected since this does end with an abrupt cliffhanger in a sense.

Characters: 10

The fact that the predominant portion of the characters incorporated within Koushinryou were mature adults was a very clever and crafty decision. Especially since by doing so, you cogently show that despite the fact that we as humans eventually conform and grow accustomed to our imperfect and perplexing surroundings. We still will never wholly comprehend or perceive our deficient rudimentary selves, no matter how much experience and enlightenment we have acquired over the years.

A truly spectacular job regarding the execution and overall quality of the characters themselves. In addition the voice acting was impeccable and very believable for every respective character in both seasons 1 and 2.

Setting: 10

As I’ve proudly mentioned previously in my review, the environment itself is very expansive and refreshingly diverse in style as well as organization. You can tell that both respective animation studios put all their coordinated effort into creating a setting that is extremely fascinating and engrossing, yet whilst remaining as realistic as possible simultaneously. Kudos to the designers for their outstanding diligence and sincere dedication, what an accomplishment indeed.

Art: 9

The art designs in general are exquisite and sublime, though there are inconsistencies between the two seasons in overall style that are too conspicuous to ignore, albeit a minute amount. Of course this is undoubtedly a direct result of studio changes between the seasons, and the reasoning for this is enigmatic to me, but fortunately it doesn’t necessarily affect the general quality of the series significantly.

Sound: 9

The overall sound quality, whether it’s character voices or background effects were all appropriately balanced. Though there is significantly less BGM extant in Spice and Wolf than what one would expect. Fortunately this doesn’t hinder the series in any particular manner. On the contrary it’s quite admirable how this series doesn’t become monotonous or insipid as a result of the lack of music at times.

As for the opening and ending songs for both seasons, they are the perfect tone in regards to the overall ambiance of Koushinryou. They are very calming and relaxing, no upbeat or fast-paced melodies here that detract from the established tonality.

Enjoyment: 10

Spice and Wolf is one of the most distinctive anime I’ve ever seen concerning it’s rejuvenating and unique take on romance and bonding. The main points and messages addressed are perspicacious and very sophisticated, truly excellent. Practically every other aspect or quality within this outstanding show is comprehensive and elaborate without being complicated.

This is certainly the archetype of a true masterpiece that doesn’t merely attain its well deserved fame by just being excessively amusing to the masses. If you’re searching for a genuinely superb anime that is profoundly sophisticated, with majestic romance than I would definitely highly recommend watching Ookami to Koushinryou, it’s worthwhile.

Would appreciate any feedback, will eagerly and readily discuss any opinions or comments regarding my reviews as to better future reviews, these reviews are designed to assist the viewer, not to just state my impressions of it just for fun, thanks!

Air is a rather peculiar and unique anime to say the least, it’s indubitably one of Kyoto Animation’s most inventive and ingenious series to date. This evidently should come as no surprise since this is an adaptation of a prized and cherished visual novel made by the adept and adroit studio known as Key, a subsidiary of Visual Art’s.

Air is an anime that pertains to a select breed of anime that strive to relay a considerably greater amount of occurrences and revelations to the viewer than one would reasonably anticipate out of a mere half season series. It’s exceptionally high compared to what one of ... its banal kindred would habitually consist of. Unfortunately, due to this ambitious and perilous tactic, the series suffers some notable as well as essential drawbacks, and it conspicuously shows it.

Yet despite the overwhelming plethora of considerable limitations that certainly should have been excluded from the very beginning regardless of the reasoning, this series still astonishingly manages to attain greatness, albeit to a certain degree.

Though I obliged to address the concept to my fellow viewers that contradictory and disparate to the bulk of anime in existence, this particular series is very special in regard to that, based on what your own personal preferences are for what you seek in anime, will determine your individual impressions of the quality of Air.

For those of you who are compelled and oblige only specific aspects within a series to be adequate and efficient, then Air will absolutely satisfy you to the fullest extent, since after all this is indeed a very captivating anime.

Themes: 8

One unrecognized and unsigned theme that is extant in Air is undeniably mystery, though this is inadvertent rather than actually deliberate, and is very detrimental to the development of the plot. The constant sense of aggravating bewilderment significantly hinders your level of cognition, but fortunately isn’t quite to the unbearable extent of being imperious though.

Nevertheless it still wistfully manages to prevail over and detract from the strong points of the series, resulting in an inadvertently jumbled and convoluted conclusion that leaves you somewhat perplexed, making you wonder what the main point(s) genuinely were.

The romance was rather subtle though providentially not quite tenuous, it was very heartwarming and rousing, without incorporating any sense of archetypical sensuality (aka fan service). It’s verily admirable how the romance was quite effectively and flawlessly executed in such a manner, considering Air was twain an adult visual novel as well as an eroge.

The slice of life is prevalent throughout the entire series, though predominantly integrated into the introduction and opening episodes. Despite the profusion of chaos, pandemonium and tragedy, as well as melancholy ambiance that prevails throughout the entire duration, slice of life still acquires a fitting place in Air, and deserves admiration for accomplishing such a feat.

Every Key adaptation acquires their impressive and majestic artistic, as well as imaginative excellence from the supernatural aspects that are incorporated into them, and Air is indubitably no exception to this inclination. However ironically this element of Air is what delivers the gradual and continuous sense of befuddlement, especially nearing the bizarre conclusion. If only the supernatural elements would have been utilized adequately and appropriately.

That’s what happens when you consolidate a rather comprehensive and intricate novel into only an incompatible half season adaptation, the inept result is merely an insufficient and convoluted anime.

Unlike the supernatural elements, Air’s drama is virtually impeccable, no imperative flaws exist whatsoever. There is a bountiful variety of absolute awe-inspiring and defining heartbreaking as well as heartwarming moments that you will remember forever. No matter the magnitude of any particular predicament or occurrence, it’s repeatedly presented in a glamorous and charismatic style.

Once again there is yet another theme is extant within Air that is queerly unrecognized for obscure reasoning, comedy. The comedy is tenuous throughout, but is very mollifying and is effective at alleviating, in addition to counteracting the gradual escalating climatic revelations being discerned by the protagonist(s).

Main Points/Messages: 6

Constructing an adequate review for Air’s vague and indeterminate main points is a rather onerous challenge to confront, though I will do my utmost to reach that feat since I feel this anime deserves it.

Air is very similar and akin to my previous anime review in regard to that, the main points are addressed in an evasive and indirect manner. It requires a considerable amount of attentiveness to notice them all, since their conferred abruptly and rather erratically. The reasoning for utilizing them in such an outlandish and audacious manner is enigmatic to me, and is anyone’s guess. Likely the origin of this predicament is that numerous impolitic and imprudent alterations were required in order to adapt Air into only a half season, and quite frankly, Kyoto Animation definitely dropped the ball in that regard.

Though a profusion of avid fans of this adaptation and Kyoto Animation will indubitably loathe me intensely for stating this and will try their utmost to dispute and disprove this, there is absolutely no motive or even purpose for this faulty as well as negligent execution of addressing the main points/messages of the plot. Surely KyoAni could’ve done more if they truly aspired to make this series greater, why they seemingly chose to neglect this notion and not give this exceptional adaptation the diligence it merited, we’ll never know.

Putting the flaws aside, the essential messages addressed through the dialogue occurring adjacent to climatic scenes are exceptional and extraordinary, regardless of the execution. The supernatural elements incorporated into the main points make it all the more glamorous and elegant, not to mention fascinating as long as you can tolerate a lack of thorough understanding and attentive constantly.

I’d be delighted to discuss in extensive detail each individual main point presented but I will refrain from revealing spoilers if possible, in accordance with the site’s updated rules.

Story: 8

The plot itself as I’ve previously stated is excessively variegated and convoluted, you simply won’t wholly comprehend everything that transpires throughout its duration. Still the exiguous story somehow administers a sense of adequate uniformity and superb elegance, it’s as if the series itself was unwilling and reluctant to allow itself to fall to the depths of ruin. Air is truly superlative and inspirational considering that this anime still managed to retain a compelling as well as distinguished story, despite the plethora of unjust limitations enacted upon its inception.

Characters: 9

It’s meritorious and quite impressive how the voice actors implemented such a gratifying and exquisite performance with the script they were constrained to work with. Each individual character was very pragmatic and unique, absolutely no archetypes extant in Air whatsoever. They all are first-class examples of exemplary characters, vibrant, astute, and dynamic, they virtually resemble real homo sapiens. Overall the pristine quality of the characters is on par with other notable Key anime adaptations.

Art: 9

Considering Air was released in 2005, it’s very alluring and angelic to say the least. The landscapes portrayed were ordinary yet hypnagogic, and very radiant. The character animations were aberrant without being disproportionate to be more appealing or to conform to a particular viewer type.

Sound: 9

The voice actor’s well, voices themselves were adapted to absolute perfection for the characters they represented, truly magnificent performances executed throughout the entire cast. The general sound effects were adequate and alluring, in addition to being very well balanced. Another opulent as well as sumptuous aspect about Air was the imaginative and absolute breathtaking music present within every individual episode. It’s quintessential for delivering the tone for the series, and does so flawlessly. The OST for Air is certainly one of the best I’ve heard, it’s a true personal treasure to possess.

Enjoyment: 8

Despite the abundance of ridicule and bantering I’ve bestowed upon this anime, it still was a very outstanding and accomplished series, despite how much it unfortunately simply couldn’t achieve due to its design limitations. The auxiliary and subsidiary aspects are genuinely what sustained the quality and more importantly are what luckily sustained Air’s virtue in addition to sophisticated excellence that its novel consisted of. This is certainly a distinguishing and adept anime, especially considering the unjust alterations enacted upon it, with a very imaginative, inventive, as well as ingenious plot that any anime fan should watch regardless of its aggravating drawbacks.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, will gladly and readily listen to any comments and opinions of my reviews as to better future reviews. These reviews are designed to assist the viewer, not to merely state my impressions of it just for fun, thanks!

Seldom does one obtain or discover an anime that is quite frankly a world apart from its contemporary contenders and kin alike, and Shinsekai is indubitably an excellent example. Literally every aspect within this quite bizarre and exotic series is rather elaborate and convoluted though not to the extent of being incomprehensible, and is executed in a very adroit and ingenious manner. A vast amount of viewers would most certainly be deterred by the eccentricity that’s abound throughout the entire story, and expediently dismiss its existence altogether.

Fortunately for those of you who are tenacious, determined, and more open minded than the vast majority and that ... are desperately searching for an imaginative and compelling anime that’s striking in execution, you’ve just hit the jackpot.

This anime is absolutely by no means a show you simply watch on a mere whim with a lax and laid-back mindset, Shinsekai will aspire to test your perspicacity and discernment, not to mention your overall intellect. The entire complex and esoteric universe as a whole is very deceiving, nothing is actually what it astutely presents itself to be on the surface. Quite frankly the entire world within Shinsekai is brimming with a plethora of intricate and profound mysteries as well as secrets.

Themes: 10

The mystery aspects of Shinsekai is what gives this series its magnificently impressive complexity and sense of constant breathtaking suspense. One would irrefutably surmise though that having a constant sense of mystery would ultimately would merely achieve in creating an ambiance that’s repetitive and rather aggravating, thereby detracting the other aspects/themes as well as depreciating the plot itself. Fortunately the auxiliary themes efficiently and adequately counteract and even reinforce each other in a balanced manner so an individual theme isn’t the driving force with the others merely being dragged along.

As for the horror, it delusively presents itself to be feeble and null, practically nugatory for being implemented in the plot in the first place. To wholly appreciate and comprehend the horror, it’s imperative for the viewer to understand it’s not intended, or for that matter even utilized for abrupt impulsive sentimental reactions to create anxiety. The foreboding and gradual intensifying eerie sense of horror is vital and crucial for addressing the important main points of the series itself, and does so flawlessly.

The supernatural and sci-fi elements that are incorporated are ingenious and very inventive, conceivably the most eccentric and idiosyncratic I’ve ever seen in an anime yet. This is quite frankly the epitome of what true ingenuity and inventiveness can achieve if executed properly.
Main Points/Messages: 10

I was astonished and quite impressed by the plethora of allegories abound throughout Shinsekai, it’s certainly what makes this series memorable and distinguished as well. The most noticeable and noteworthy is that essentially by design, societies will indeed never be perfect no matter how much they desperately aspire to be.

As Shinsekai judiciously portrays, human beings wistfully are unpredictable and rather unstable creatures, varying tremendously in character from one another. So it’s therefore ultimately no surprise society can’t maintain constant adequate authority and supervision. This is especially accurate for the human townships in Shinsekais universe, where everybody has psychokinesis that interacts with their conscious selves, as well as the uncontrollable subconscious.

The human condition and other unique traits that pertain exclusively to Homo sapiens are also addressed in an intriguing and enthralling style, such as our everlasting sense of curiosity. Curiosity can basically be described as two sides of the same coin, as Shinsekai magnificently portrays. Once something manages to capture our curiosity, we’re stubbornly determined to find an answer regardless of what consequences may be forthcoming as a result.

Unfortunately for our primary group of protagonists, after uncovering several shocking secrets long kept concealed by modern society, or just simply forgotten. They will all come to the calamitous revelation that this will drastically change the very world in which they have comfortably grown accustomed to, forever.

Dolefully, power and corruption have always coincided with each other ever since mankind’s inception, and Shinsekai makes this basis abundantly evident, albeit in a rather sensational manner. Whether power is utilized with sinister intentions or merely for order and stability over a particular community, regardless there will perpetually be a percentage of people that exploit it and misuse it. The cogent and quite meritorious portrayal of this is seen by both the dwindling species of mankind and by their contemporary intellectual equivalent, the race known as the queerats(and no I didn’t make that up).

Lastly there is our rather intangible sense of morals, such as right and wrong, that we’re so proud of and have strived greatly to maintain. Again, much as to humanity’s dismay, can be and frequently is abused and misemployed just like power, whether deliberately planned or just of out of blind, perhaps even irrational impulse. This aspect of human nature is depicted in the most phenomenal, outstanding, and creative manner I’ve have indubitably ever seen anywhere.

With the conclusion you shockingly and rapidly realize that there is clearly no actual definitive antagonist or protagonist within Shinsekai’s ingenious and avant-garde plot. As the raging conflict between the queerats and humans arrives to a swift conclusion, you begin to fathom the genuine notion that morals essentially are fraudulent conjectures based on erroneous viewpoints and perception

Background Info/Setting: 9

Our setting takes place within a future japan that has been drastically as well as fundamentally altered. This outlandish and hostile new world is a result of a catastrophic global conflict that ensued between “normal” humans contending with the minority that obtained the seemingly divine gift of psychokinesis, or “Cantus” as it’s later known.

Humanity is a mere fraction of what it used to be and queerats are now emerging as the dominant species and far outnumber humans. However mankind now wholly and thoroughly relies on Cantus abilities, which permits them to hold superiority and influence over the queerats and utilize them as a mass labor force for their own economy, not to mention survival.

Story: 10

I will certainly do my utmost to restrain from revealing an excess of information concerning the story so bear with me.

The plot starts off with a notably different, almost utterly different tone and ambiance than what is experienced in the latter forthcoming majority of the series, it’s certainly very deceiving. You are exposed to a group childhood friends in elementary school living blissfully within their seemingly flawless world. The only notable and apparent distinctions are that the landscape is dominated by overgrown lush vegetation and that psychokinesis is an integral part of “contemporary” human society. Though as you and our primary protagonists will ultimately realize, the illusive utopia is shrouded in more grim and ghastly secrets than you could possibly envision.

Characters: 10

The characters are very contrasting and disparate, perhaps even more so than I previously realized, that’s frankly just how deep and immersive each individual really is, it’s incredible.

Another admirable and exquisite trait concerning the characters is that they are much more adept and intellectual than you often find in the vast majority of anime, which consequently makes them very compelling to follow. In addition I feel obligated to note that the protagonists are very free willing, not designed or utilized toward a particular viewer type, since throughout the plot you will find them at times willfully engaging in homosexual relationships, then converting to heterosexual companionship instead (don’t be concerned or worried, there’s a substantial reason for this that applies directly to the story).

Also I have to commend the utilization of dialogue for the script between the characters, as well as individual narrations. Since the most significant and vital portions of the story, which is a considerable majority is only addressed through the close knit dialogue. So make sure to pay special attention to long lengthy and prolonged dialogue orientated scenes, it’s imperative.

Sound: 9

The sound effects are quite wonderful and very remarkable in execution. In addition all the effects are uniform and balanced to near perfection. For any remaining sound effects that are utilized for aspects or creatures that obviously don’t exist in the real world, they sound very plausible and believable.

The music was unexpectedly marvelous and vibrant, not to mention glamorous. Each individual BGM felt very distinct and was very instrumental and effective at setting the tone pertaining to its particular scene.

Art: 8

The art was unfortunately a little bland and lacking in detail, but an animation studio can only achieve so much with a tight budget. Though the art style is still praiseworthy and impressive to feast your eyes upon nonetheless.

Enjoyment: 9

As I have stated earlier in my review, Shinsekai Yori is the absolute epitome of pure originality, artistry, and inventiveness without a doubt. This series is very proficient and ingenious in regard that it manages to evoke an incredibly diverse variety of reactions from the viewer. You’ll feel just as sentimental as you will be thought provoked by a certain set of events within just a single episode, and be left eager for more.

The anime does consist of a few drawbacks unfortunately though, the beginning is almost aggravatingly slow and lethargic in its pacing and progression, with little development and plenty of confusion. Though subsequent the first few episodes the series kicks off and starts showing its true colors, and man are they fabulous. If you’re intently searching for an anime that has an expansive as well as extensive universe that isn’t quite perplexing, with unique, immersive, and compelling characters and storyline, then I’m delighted to inform you that you just found it.

I’d sincerely appreciate any feedback, will gladly and eagerly listen to any legitimate opinions and comments of my reviews as to better future reviews, these reviews are designed to assist the viewer, not merely to state my opinions of it just for fun, thanks!

Background Info: Key visual novels have invariably been held in the utmost high regard for their intricate, unforeseen and ingenious take on the maudlin and sappy infamous genre labeled as harem romance. Fortunately their anime adaptations generally tend to carry these distinctive and dignifying traits, albeit with inevitable constraints and alterations. Subsequent Toei animations distasteful blunder Kanon(2002), Kyoto Animation was fortunately given the opportunity to reconcile and accommodate for this complication due to antecedent triumphant Key adaptations, and produced a magnificent, majestic and commendable remake.

Story: At first glance, Kanon inadvertently, unexpectedly and perhaps even unintentionally presents itself to be just a mere addition to ... the abounding and excessive list of trite harems. Don’t be deceived and swayed by any imprudent first impressions, for Kanon is more extensive, intricate and not to mention calamitous than early impressions can convey.

Regarding Kanon’s story, it’s rejuvenating just how avant-garde and ingenious the fundamental layout genuinely is. The plot is effectively and elegantly distributed into divergent story-arcs practically, yet still all coalesce into a specific conclusion. Each respective arc is crucial and utilized for divulging each character’s unique intricacy and complexity originating from their rather deplorable pasts.

Typically when multiple diverging story-arcs are designed to be incorporated into a solitary plot, one would logically infer such a precarious and perilous endeavor would indubitably disintegrate under its own staggering design impediments. Yet miraculously rather than emerging as a convoluted and jumbled anime that leaves you with an inadequate conclusion, it’s quite the opposite. In fact, each subsequent arc emerges more spectacular and riveting than the preceding, each consisting of distinct varying themes throughout.

Themes: For Kanon, Kyoto Animation emphatically possessed a fanatical aspiration to attain greatness for the series, and they certainly did, in fact it almost reaches near perfection. The manner in which the varying themes are incorporated and integrated together is quite ingenious and inventive in practically every aspect. The style in which the themes consummately support one another is profound and wondrous. No individual theme is prominent or prevailing during any point within the progressing plot.

The comedy is hilarious and convivial, especially since it’s always unforeseen, without being incongruous and contrived. Drama in addition to the Slice of Life elements were magnificent and remarkable despite some overdramatizing. Unfortunately, the Romance tends to be frivolous and scanty at times, albeit for the predominant duration still manages to be distinguished and meritorious.

Characters: Each character is riveting, captivating, and very dynamic, with imperfections and shortcomings, as well as unique strengths. They genuinely resemble real people evolving rather than static and stable characters with facile archetypical personalities that are being dragged along by the story. The seiyuu cast chosen for Kanon was indubitably superlative, seasoned professionals that were very enthusiastic as well as devoted to contributing their utmost for this astounding adaptation, and by no means disappointed. Their near excellence is in part a direct result of a predominant majority re-voicing their character roles, or previous contemporary work with Kyoto Animation.

Art: The landscape and background art is serene, vibrant, and angelic with a surreal radiant tonality emanating. Motion animation is where Kyoto Animation excels so it’s no surprise that every miniscule motion is awe-inspiring. However when KyoAni gets aroused and is eagerly awaiting to flex its glamorous technological muscles onto your screen, you will immediately be blow away with breath-taking sensations and likely defecate.

Sound: Overall the music throughout Kanon, whether it be the exhilarating and omnipotent OP and ED songs or the serene, sublime BGMs, are exquisite.

Message: The imperative and essential message in Kanon is conveyed in a rather obscure and roundabout manner, likely overlooked by the passive viewer. As our fellow protagonist Sayuri Kurata acutely and adequately proclaimed while listening to Canon, “It would be nice if life changed slowly but surely, while being seemingly unchanged from day to day”. This statement within Kanon itself is very ironic since the bewildering title itself originated from composer Johann Pachelbel’s Canon. Canon is merely a melody and crescendo that gradually repeats itself, in a beautiful and peaceful manner.

Enjoyment: Kanon is an inventive and well executed senimental anime that consists of an abundant variety of admirable qualities. It audaciously dares to venture where no previous harem romance has gone before, and exceeds expectations in the taxing process. Yet despite all its intricate, groundbreaking and sophisticated characteristics, gallant effort and innovative, not to mention superbly clever augmentations just simply weren’t enough to bring Kanon to perfection.
Wistfully, in the end, Kanon is still hindered and handicapped by its premise and fundamental origins, a mere adaptation that desperately aspires to differentiate itself from its origins. Though it still achieves in making a notable/distinguished name and reputation for itself among the list of very remarkable, outstanding and meritorious anime. Despite all of Kanons unfortunate deficiencies, it still is a truly excellent and accomplished anime that was certainly well above its competitors and kindred alike that deserves more praise than it’s frequently given.

In addition to my conclusion I would like to take this time to thank seiyuu Tomoko Kawakami-sama for all her glamorous and fabulous work she did for anime. While struggling through several harrowing years of cancer she unwillingly had to sacrifice what she loved doing for the remainder of her life. Kawakami sadly passed away in 2011 despite several extensive surgeries, may she forever rest in peace, she will certainly be missed.

Any feedback would be sincerely appreciated, will readily listen and discuss any opinions concerning the quality or layout of my reviews as to better future reviews. These reviews are designed to assist the viewer, not to merely state my opinions of it just for fun, thanks!

Genuine love is indubitably an experience that everyone puts sincere consideration towards or conceivably aspires to procure. Unfortunately as this film judiciously portrays, maintaining such an exacting and frail relationship is a daunting challenge to confront indeed. This is especially accurate and undoubtedly concrete for a couple dauntlessly trudging through the painstaking and exacting endeavor known as maturity.

The fundamental plot itself covers a vast, almost tremendous duration of time ranging from the protagonists childhood to adulthood. One would expediently deem that such a broad time scale couldn’t be utilized properly within a mere hour long film. Fortunately no such apprehension or skepticism is required, ... the story neither sacrifices nor renounces crucial plot elements whatsoever. The romance is both passionate and compelling, yet phenomenally extensive with a well executed, subtle and nonchalant ambiance.

Story: In the beginning we are introduced to two elementary students residing in Tokyo, Takaki and Akari, who have held an enduring bond of friendship till recently. However subsequent graduation Akari moved and was forced to part ways with Takaki. Throughout the next seven long years, they desperately strived to maintain their fragile relationship. After discerning the dreadful news that Akira would be unwillingly moving again, significantly further away he felt resolute to reconcile their dismantling bond, while the opportunity was still attainable. They successfully meet after 7 years and reconcile and eagerly advance the bond to a romantic level understandably, yet much to their dismay this will be their final encounter.

As time relentlessly passes Takaki has become astray, surmising life itself to be trivial and null. The present is insignificant to him, constantly pondering and dwelling obsessively over the past with great resolve. Meanwhile Takakis senior high classmate Kanae has carried an enduring love for him and is wholly cognizant of his internal strife. However despite her determination, yearning and avidity to alleviate him of his despondency with embrace, she realizes her aspirations are futile and fruitless. Astoundingly our protagonist has become a mature sophisticated businessman, yet is more dismal than ever, now cynical and misanthropic to everything residing in his surroundings. Now unemployed and by an extraordinary not to mention bizarre twist of chance Takaki irrevocably accepts the notion to relinquish all of his past and look towards the prospective future.

Characters: Incontestably one can’t execute a romance film without them so it’s indubitably where Byousoku compromises its true dignity and virtue. The individual protagonists themselves ostensibly and forthright seem to all carry dearth and deficient personalities along with subtle reactions to dramatic phenomenon and events. However there is absolutely no exigent urgency for concern, since this outlandish characterization style was applied in this manner for a legitimate reason on which it executed eminently as well as prudently.

This outlandish characterization style has been utilized in director Shinkai Mokotos past works as well. The intendment and purpose behind this is to depict them as not mere characters, but genuine authentic people with drastically differing traits. Another predominant purpose was to abstain from overdramatizing. The voice acting too was utilized along the same premise and was executed fantastically.

Visuals: I was overwhelmed by the breathtaking and awe-inspiring quality of the lighting effects put into Byousoku, and this film is 6 years old. It’s the most stunning lighting I’ve undoubtedly ever seen. Landscape effects were vibrant and very dynamic, movement animations emanated an engaging surreal ambiance. Characters designs wistfully were a bit bland and slightly monotonous, though not enough to criticize and denounce over. At least they contravene typical cliché designs and styles.

Sound: The environmental sound effects were flawless and authentic. In addition nothing sounded duplicated from somewhere else, everything likely was original and designed for Byousoku. Whether it be the abundant variety of elegant yet subtle classical style background music or passionate yet powerful ending song, they all were executed superbly.

Enjoyment: I’d never imagined that a romance film could present itself in such a systematic and uniform manner yet simultaneously retain its vital sentimentality. It’s incredibly ironic how Byousoku is the most unemotional and reserved romance anime I’ve ever watched yet it’s certainly the most passionate, sentimental, and gratifying I’ve seen to date. Though, as much as I detest criticizing, there are issues with the conclusion, albeit a minute amount. The issues particularly pertaining to Takaki and how attains his life altering revelation, it’s rather erratic, perhaps too erratic. In addition it’s dubious and incogitable based on the sequence of events that transpired up that point. Overall, Byousoku can still proudly stand firm as a very admirable, innovative and distinguished romance film that’s magnificent to look at.

Any feedback would be greatly appreciated, will readily and eagerly listen to any opinions or comments of the quality of my review as to better future reviews.These reviews are designed to assist the viewer, not to simply state my opinions of it for fun, thanks!

Being an avid fan of both sci-fi and romance, especially when presented in a glamorous and genuine style, I naturally didn’t think twice about watching it. Now considering that this is indeed the eight adaptation of Kakeru Shoujo I will make no comparisons or any relations to other versions of this film, since the others are non-anime anyway.

This film ostensibly presents itself to be a forthright tale on the ability of time-travel and the inevitable ramifications that result from it. To fully appreciate the magnitude and prudent motif the viewer must be astute and open minded. The predominant message carried throughout plot is allusive ... rather than straightforward but not to the extent of being incomprehensible or enigmatic.

Story: The story begins with our primary protagonists, senior high classmates Makoto, Chiaki, and Kousuke, who have sustained a close friendship together for the past year. It’s very obvious that they are very inattentive and remiss to their rapidly altering lives as they reach a critical point in their till then static lives, adulthood. Makoto in particular evidently is eager to undertake any bizarre drastic measures to prolong her tranquil life, remaining inattentive to whatever outcomes may arise.

As if devised by fate, her life is radically changed forever, as Makoto stumbles upon this exotic divine contraption that grants her the ability to time-travel into the past. From then on every memorable and joyous experience transpiring is replayed ceaselessly, Makoto’s life couldn’t be more blissful. However she gradually comes to shockingly recognize just how conceited and narcissistic she has become. As Makoto was relishing in hypnagogic wonderland, those dearest to her were suffering as a direct result.

Makoto’s aspiration for a utopian and insouciant lifestyle that is eternal brought about a calamitous and dreadful result. Degradation and contrition now engulfed her as she discerns how the lives of those precious to her have been unknowingly been tampered and dismantled time and time again. As Makoto deduces how to resolve this complication, she will soon also come to the astonishing revelation that she isn’t the only time-traveler out there.

Art: The quality of the background/landscape animations are on par with the preponderance of today’s top quality animation films. The background settings are elegant and quite exquisite, it really does portray a realistic environment effectively. The character designs themselves are peculiar to say the least, they aren’t precisely realistic or innovative but certainly aren’t cliché either.

Sound: The music and background sounds aren’t top-level perfection grade, but are still exhilarating and breathtaking to listen to. The sound is quintessential for constructing and setting the ambiance.

Characters: The character development is what excels vigorously in Kakeru Shoujo over the vast majority of standard anime that desperately strive to do so. The fundamental reason for this being the diverse array of exceptional characters. It’s commendable just how divergent yet analogous each protagonist was to one another. The principal changes and internal conflict that drove this intense story and carried it to such perfection was all due to their contrasting and adamant personalities. Of course none of this could’ve been accomplished without the absolute fabulous and impressive cast of voice actors chosen for this film, and it’s a shame they haven’t voiced much since.

Enjoyment: An underlying reason why this movie achieved and prospered as much as it did was because it was designed for and utilized a considerable diversity of themes and genres, but in a conservative manner. By executing the film in this particular way you can appeal to all audiences/viewer types, just makes a well diversified, gratifying and compassionate film even more groundbreaking. Still the most gratifying and crucial aspect from Kakeru Shoujo it so elegantly conveys to us is the manner in which we as people should live. I would readily and eagerly divulge that message to you but then that would ruin your experience of the film (even though some other reviewers might already have SPOILER). That about concludes my review, Kakeru Shoujo is a genuine distinguished masterpiece(well almost 9 out of 10) that is appealing for all viewers to enjoy, so don’t miss it.

I myself have been particularly fond of anime that venture towards conveying an important message rather than predominantly focusing simply on mere entertainment as its driving force. By doing so you not only deliver an intellectual ambiance to your viewers but an inventive one as well. For some this may appear too contemplative or be adding excess perplexity unnecessarily. Rather than enjoying this type of anime for mere amusement or pleasure, one should be prepared to learn a valuable lesson or two. By all means there is no urgent need for concern, since you will feel just as content and ecstatic with the conclusion ... as you indubitably would with any other distinguished anime.

Story: The story has a cleverly mixed assortment of themes that are prevalent throughout the story. You’ll find just as much optimism as you will pessimism, the outcome of events and development are erratic yet with a serene overtone theme.

Straight from the onset our main character is utterly bewildered, he is neither deceased nor living. Believing to be in Nirvana(hope I’m correct on my wording there) he soon arrives face to face with a bizarre outspoken individual he surmises to be an angel. The “angel” instructs him that his soul is to replace that of another temporarily. The state of his new body’s situational status must be amended if he has any hope of returning to his former self. In addition to this, he is informed that the severity of his current results till then are a direct representation of the sin the he himself had committed. So he must amend a person’s life utterly foreign to him while simultaneously delving deep within himself for his own personal reconciliation.

Along the way our protagonist will uncover several shocking revelations as he becomes desperate and resolute to succeed. Though this progress does not go without doubt and uncertainty in the process as he eventually loses confidence with his own capability at some stage. Even when he eventually becomes convinced that he’s now cognizant and in control of this seemingly futile enigma with all the answers to our protagonists abundant issues, he evidently couldn’t have been more mistaken.

Characters: As you steadily learn more about the characters you come to realize that they don’t consist of your typical archetypes. Colorful’s intriguing, exotic, and riveting set of characters are a perfect surreal personification of any commonplace individual in the real world today. We all have our own vile and appalling secrets that could dismantle our lives as we know it if uncovered, and our protagonists in Colorful are no different.

Why certain individuals make the choices or decisions that they do and very often take action upon them, whether deliberately or simply out of blind impulse is a prominent theme in Colorful’s primary cast of characters. As depicted with Koboyashi’s mother and his crush in school, they both committed sins but don’t know how to reconcile them since they either believe it’s justified or are still essential in their lives. Discerning a sin or scar from their past that still prevails or lingers within their minds and personality is already a dreadful experience, but for someone dear to them it’s likely more difficult. As Colorful portrays in a genuine and flawless manner, for a loved one attempting to resolve a situation such as mentioned above, it’s a near incomprehensible conundrum, since you’re aiming to discern another one’s perspective for the solution.

Though there are other characters that reflect and orient on the more optimistic side of Colorful, the endeavor of lasting friendship. Koboyashi had always been a deviant in society even before the soul swapping, and his school life was no different, he was ranked as the second worst of his class academically. The one student who performed worse than he did was Saotome, who was otherwise a very commendable and admirable individual. Eventually they form a bond of unyielding tight friendship and Saotome becomes the predominant for Koboyashis hope and aspiration to go on living.

Art: Simply the art itself it fabulous but is not the reason why it is truly groundbreaking, what is was the style in which it’s portrayed and utilized. The intent and driving force for the varying and noticeable differences in art styles throughout was undoubtedly meant to amplify and magnify the substantial changes in the characters personalities and situational revelations occurring that had lasting effects. It quite simply makes a fantastic epic drama film even more emotionally thrilling to experience.

Music: Though the music might have been more subtle than the art and visual execution was, this certainly doesn’t lessen its value or magnitude that it carried very well.

Overall Enjoyment: Colorful has easily surpassed my disproportionately high expectations, especially for its gallant and comprehensive realistic drama. I felt passionately connected to each and every major character, not despite of, but because of their individual deficiencies and fortitude. This is the essence of what profound and astute drama can become if you truly are striving for it.

Just a fair heads up to whoever may be reading this, this IS my very first review so bear with me.

I have always been fascinated with parenting, though it’s a topic that is rarely portrayed in anime. It’s an experience that on end can bring a person to complete ruin to giving someone a very reason to exist on the other. It’s ironic how being a parent is one of the greatest challenges and hardships that a person can experience but yet nearly everyone is one or will be one. One of the main reasons for this is that no one can tell you exactly ... how to handle parenting specifically. There’s no step by step process to follow, raising no one child is ever the same, and experience is the only true way to approach/handle it.

Though the film has fantasy elements, do not let this dissuade you by any means. I myself am no expert on fantasy but I had some concerns that the characters would be unreal and not relatable to the viewer. Any preconceptions and doubts I had were disproved very early in the story.

Straight from the beginning we are shown the main character Hana, a normal college student dealing with the day to day tribulations, part-time, studying, etc. Then one day she starts taking notice to a certain someone in the classroom. Very soon she begins to instinctively fall in love with Ookami, our other main character, who she will soon find out is not entirely human. He is a werewolf, and the two children they have end up being the same.

Unfortunately for Hana, Ookami is no longer around and now she must learn how to raise her werewolf children alone. Later on the three move out into the country to effectively raise them without much unwanted human intervention. As they grow older, the two children, Yuki the elder daughter, and Ame, her little brother, begin going their separate ways in life. There is much conflict in the process but eventually Hana comes to accept whatever Ame and Yuki wish to do with their lives from there on.

The story with its interesting and unusual mix of genres is executed outstandingly. The fantasy and slice of life elements are mixed in a way that one genre doesn’t feel overpowered over the other, it’s very well balanced. Simply one genre alone could not have achieved the greatness that this masterpiece has.

I honestly had no intentions coming into this film that I would experience anything ground breaking with the visuals, but I received exactly that. The primary reason for this is that the animations are originally designed in 3D and then 2D effects are added onto it. The movement animations because of this innovative effects style are vibrant and surreal. The movement doesn’t simply resemble multiple frames moving in fast motion like in most anime. All the background scenery is breathtaking to look at, whether it be urban streets or lush forestry. The characters animations themselves are realistic and thoroughly balanced. The characters are clearly not favored toward any particular viewer type.

Despite all the other astounding accomplishments this awesome film has to offer, the characters are definitely where this movie shines the most, it’s almost blinding. If Ookami Kodomo were only to be told from one single perspective this movie wouldn’t have been half as good as it was. If it hadn’t been executed this way then the end result would be unbalanced with more time focused on only certain characters over others. Due to the multiple perspectives the story felt more wholly and comprehensible in the end as well.

You can tell the voice actors put their effort in to their performance, each character didn’t sound out of place or more expressive over the others. You could outright tell that the cast was chosen with extensive and attentive care, considering they’re all predominantly new and unknown voice actors. All the characters had equal screen time as well, in part due to narration by some characters early on for supplementary albeit vital info.

The sound is very well balanced and nothing sounds out of place. What else can I say, it’s what you can expect form an excellent movie.

This is the finest and most groundbreaking anime film or in fact any piece of anime I have ever seen. This list of admirable innovative aspects and features found throughout Ookami Kodomo are abundant. Others that aren’t are still executed excellently and by no means in any cliché style. This is a masterpiece that other future or forthcoming anime series/films should surely aspire to become.