Abi's World

[spburns1]

Hetalia

I came to understand that the figures are meant to be anthropomorphic representations of the many nations that were prominent players in world politics. In summary, Hetalia is a humorous, symbolic account of the First and Second World Wars, along with a few other major political occurrences, such as the American Revolution and Japan's openness to international trade (or, as one American character puts it, "Now you're rockin' with your c*** out!"). Cultural corruption occurs when America and Japan become close to one another. Every country is represented by a character, and some may ask if Hetalia is racist due to its many stereotyped qualities. But if a single person is selected to symbolize a whole nation.

Hetalia is a comedy and caricature that looks at political and historical subjects from a Japanese point of view. Slightly satirizing World War II and other historical events, the series personifies countries like Italy, Germany, and Japan. It provides a less aggressive approach for Japanese viewers to interact with the historical significance of their own nation. The way that other countries, including Japan, are portrayed might encourage viewers to consider national identity and historical memory in more complex ways. The show has the danger of oversimplifying intricate historical narratives, which may not always be sensitive or accurate in the past. Hetalia addresses nationalism and cultural prejudices on a global scale. Hetalia strikes a chord with me personally because it skillfully combines comedy with weighty historical subjects. It serves as a helpful reminder to viewers of the intricacy of international relations and the value of comprehending other points of view. The amusing yet thought-provoking depiction of history promotes an investigation into the ways in which nations see themselves and one another.

[abixoxo]

Hi! I think what makes Hetalia so appealing to viers is its anthropomorphic representations of the countries in the show. Each country takes on a certain personality and does certain things based on their stereotypes. Its comedic view of the wars allows the viewer to take on a different understanding of the wars. I agree with your perspective on the show straying too far from reality and painting history in a fairytale light which makes it less accurate than the true events. Overall, it was interesting to see how these countries were depicted in Japan which made the show a fun watch.  

[rushilsood]

Your Name is a film that goes beyond cultural and geographical boundaries, connecting with audiences everywhere. The story follows two teenagers, Taki and Mitsuha, who mysteriously swap bodies. This magical premise dives deep into themes of identity, connection, and the blend of personal and societal issues.

The film tackles several important issues within Japan and globally. One major theme is the rural-urban divide. Mitsuha’s life in a small, traditional town is starkly different from Taki’s fast-paced Tokyo life. This contrast reflects the ongoing struggles many Japanese towns face due to urban migration, leading to depopulation and cultural loss. Globally, it mirrors the challenges of preserving cultural heritage amidst rapid modernization. Another significant issue is disaster preparedness. The comet disaster in Your Name is reminiscent of real-life events like the 2011 Tōhoku earthquake and tsunami. It highlights the importance of memory and collective effort in overcoming such tragedies, a theme that resonates worldwide in an era of increasing natural disasters.

On a personal level, the film brings up feelings of nostalgia and a longing for connections that go beyond time and space. The idea of swapping bodies and lives, even temporarily, makes you think about the nature of empathy and understanding. It made me reflect on the everyday challenges and joys that others experience, deepening my appreciation for diverse perspectives.

Michel Foucault’s “The History of Sexuality” offers a unique way to analyze Your Name. Foucault’s method emphasizes the historical and social construction of identities and the power dynamics involved. In Your Name, the body-swapping can be seen as a metaphor for the fluidity of identity and how personal and social histories shape our experiences. The characters’ struggles with their new identities reflect Foucault’s idea that identity is not fixed but is continuously constructed through discourse and power relations.

[abixoxo]

Hi! I also could see the rural and urban divide that is portrayed in this film. I really like how this movie takes that and builds connection between the two regions by sharing cultures. Your mention of this film highlighting the importance of memory and group effort when overcoming hardships is something that I am just seeing. Although, it was because of a group effort that Mitshua’s town people were able to be saved I only really focused on the connection of two cultures characterized by Mitshua and Taki. I really enjoyed reading your analysis, I was able to see this film in a different light. 

[abixoxo]

Hetalia: Axis Powers!!

Hey lovelies!! I am excited to have you back on my blog! Today we will be discussing an anime that is very comedic although it includes some historical contexts. Hetalia: Axis Powers is a show I would consider satire that personifies countries that fought in World War II as characters. This show uses humor to explore the historical events of World War II.  

The portrayal of the countries depicts stereotypes of each country and can be seen as a reflection on how these nations remember and interpret their own history. For example, there is an episode where America and England are bickering, and France tries to break it up and they instead come against France saying that they like to show off but are not important. Later in that episode, France has to wait outside while all the other countries are deliberating on if they should keep France as an ally when they do nothing. In Japan, their memory of World War II is very complex and sensitive, however, Hetalia presents a unique and comedic lens to view these events. Poor Italy was viewed as incompetent and weak the entire show. In this way Hetalia is able to connect with Japanese viewers and also viewers worldwide. One thing I would like to mention is that as the episodes went on it started to become a bit confusing as it does not follow one storyline but is instead just mini comedic episodes.  

The reading by Annett shows how this series is a form of soft power by becoming a way that World War II can shape international perceptions of Japan and its history. Annett goes on to explain that Hetalia both reflects and challenges the traditional narratives of World War II by using humor to steer the war in Japanese and global contexts. I really enjoyed the humor in this show as it put a lighthearted spin to the war. 

Overall, I really enjoyed watching this series even if it does not really follow one storyline, it is still funny, nonetheless.  

[abixoxo]

Your Name <3

Hi lovelies!! Welcome back to my blog. Today we will be discussing a film that has been on my watch list for a while, and I have even gotten recommended this film by every friend I have that watches anime. Your Name is about two high schoolers Mitshua and Taki who are living in different times but suddenly switch bodies. They start living each other's lives and become more curious about each other. This movie explores a deep connection surrounding love, fate and culture.  

This film is set in the aftermath of the Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, both disasters that had a deep effect on Japan. In the film a comet fell which had a horrible impact on the rural town of Itomori where a girl named Mitshua lived. This comet took her and the lives of everyone in her town, once she passed Taki, who is originally from modern Tokyo, was longer to swap bodies with her and eventually realized that she had passed. With clues that he got when they briefly made contact, he knew that if he went to her hometown maybe that could help. There, he was able to connect with her culture and even drink some of the sake she made with her sister. By doing this he was able to revive her in a way that she would eventually be able to save her town before the comet hits. This action by Taki saved her life and they were able to meet formally 12 years later.  

A message I got while watching this beautiful movie was one about the importance of culture and connection. Mitshua represents a deep cultural way of living as she is from the Shinto faith. I have recently learned from this movie that this faith is practiced to connect present day Japan to it ancestral routes. This can be seen clearly when Taki visits Itomori and takes a sip of the sake Mitshua made. Through this, the film is able to portray a beautiful theme of connection between present and past Japan cultures. It displays an importance on sharing our cultures in a loving way to bring people together. I find this amazing because it not only resonates with Japan but also universally.  

The reading brought about an interesting perspective to the movie as it brings up sexuality. When connecting it to the movie, Mitshua and Taki can be seen as a metaphor for the fluidity of identity which challenges traditional norms.  

Overall, I really enjoyed watching this movie and totally get the hype. 

[locurset]

Xenoblade and Objectification

This section of the module was about the cutscenes in Xenoblade Chronicles 2, where the world is reduced to an endless wasteland and humans must survive on the backs of titans as their only livable habitat, the rest of the world covered in the cloud sea (basically a misty soup of a nuclear winter and melted ice caps). Now, not to compare this to ULTRAKILL- jk I won't do that to you guys.

But really, I have to bring my hyperfixation into this class at least once, and I commend you for dealing with my brainrotted tumblr page. ULTRAKILL operates under the same anti-war and environmentalist message. In ULTRAKILL, humans have fought an endless war for centuries, fighting with blood-fueled machines built to counter the last, similar to the Cold War and every other arms race. The significance of the blood fuel is that the machines could operate on an organic, fully renewable resource - which just becomes laughable as humans created such a scale of robots, including giant, skyscraper-like mechas, that eventually their smoke and smog choked out the sun, leading to the Long Night. In the end, the only habitable place was to live on the backs of those giant mechas. There, that's the linkage between ultra-violent boomer shooter ULTRAKILL and Nintendo's anime RPG Xenoblade Chronicles 2. You'll never have to hear me talk about that blasted game again.

In Xenoblade, nature seems not to be fully destroyed, as Elysium is presented as a land with rolling green hills and giant trees -- but this turns out to be a lie, as this "nature" is actually an artificial space station, and all plants are long dead. As Klaus explains, actually, all life entirely is dead. What makes this interesting is that the restoration of the ecosystem also goes hand-in-hand with the restoration of humanity -- unlike in Nausicaä where human culture and invention has survived, just confined.

The main characters refuse to believe that their last hope, their Heaven, is just as dead as the rest of the world. It shows the extent of human destruction, that even Heaven could be floored with humans' desire to mold and plague the earth - I think it's pretty cool symbolism when applied to real life. Humans and nature are interconnected - we are apart of this world, part of the food chain, and we belong the same as any other creature. A lot of the climate debate treats humans like an entirely separate entity from other animals, and while yes we are an outlier, we are still part of this world.

[abixoxo]

Hi! Your reflection on Xenoblade Chronicles 2 really shows the parallels between its post-apocalyptic setting and the impact human actions have on contributing to that. Humans having to survive on the backs of Titans way up in the clouds shows just how bad the consequences can be when we do not take care of our environment. This was also a result of unchecked greedy technological advancements. It is unfortunate because the Titans are the ones who still have to suffer from their actions. I have not heard of ULTRAKILL but by reading your analysis it sounds pretty interesting. I might have a go at that game along with Xenoblade Chronicles 2.  

[kknelle]

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

As for Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind, I had not seen the film before, so the overall message and themes of the movie were all a surprise to me. In this anime, the message of environmental preservation coincides with the negatives of having instrumentality being exercised in society. The major reason behind this likely is due to how previous events and the “respect for nature” ideology have shaped Miyazaki’s intent to deliver the message in this way. In addition to the environmental message of preservation, I also thought the characterization of some of the individuals was intriguing as it proves not everyone thinks alike. For instance, comparing the ruthless Pejite soldiers and the individuals who helped Nausicaä express this difference.

The negatives of instrumentality that the film illustrates are seen throughout the film through attitudes of how Pejite and Tolmekian individuals perceive the issue in a lens of notable instrumentality and superiority. In fact, the Pejite decide to use a baby Ohm as an instrument to lure the Ohm to the Valley of the Wind in an attempt to destroy them. In essence, the Pejite and Tolmekian individuals can’t visualize a world of stable interactions between insects and humanity, and are blind to the reason humanity is in this position, due to the war 1000 years ago.

Additionally, Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind provides a slight commentary on how the people of a kingdom or of civilization do not all think alike and that the actions of some in a kingdom or of civilization to not represent the entirety of its people. For example, Asbel trying to rebel from his higher-ups and trying to get Nausicaä to safety.

Therefore, I overall enjoyed Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind due to its easy-to-understand themes, although its message has unfortunate relevance to social conflict today.

[abixoxo]

Hi! Your reflection on Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind is very similar to what I was able to observe during my watch. The emphasis on environmental preservation and the danger of neglecting the environment really shows Hayao Miyazaki's care and respect for the environment. I think you bring up an interesting comment on not everyone from a nation having the same thoughts or beliefs. If it wasn't for the few who went against the Pejite soldiers, Nausicaa may have not been able to help her people. Her dedication to understanding people and treating everyone with kindness is really admirable and shows that you can still be selfless and heroic.  

[abixoxo]

Xenoblade Chronicles 2

Hi lovelies!! Welcome back to my blog!! This blog will be a bit different from the others because it is not a review of an anime show or film but a video game. This was rather a very interesting game that had a storyline unlike any other game I’ve played. Xenoblade Chronicles 2 is a world where civilization exists on the backs of insanely huge creatures called Titans.  

This game overall talks about the ethical use of technology which is a universal concern. The world in the game was created by a guy who was responsible for people being so disconnected from each other and always fighting since they are from other lands or Titans. I did a little research about Xenoblade Chronicles 1 to understand the second game a bit more. In this research I found more about the world’s creature and that he felt guilty for all he did so he made a plan to make everything return back to normal. To be honest, I was mainly confused at what the whole plot of the game was, but I was able to understand a few things from it. This game explores ways of how technology can both complicate and enhance human life for example this technology allowed Rex to defeat lots of his enemies but is the reason why he has these enemies in the first place. If I were able to play the game, it would probably influence how I would play it. My roomate said she has this game so hopefully she’ll let me have a go at it soon.  

The Drama of the Anthropocene discusses the significant impact of human activities on the Earth which relates to the environmental themes in Xenoblade Chronicles 2. The game’s depiction of the Titans’ being at a decline due to human actions parallel how this reading explores how human influenced actions drive ecological changes. In this way, both the book and the game adress and emphasize the urgency of environmental change and degradation, which allows its viewers to think about adopting sustainable methods.  

Overall, I think this is a cool game and would like to play it one day.  

[abixoxo]

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind

Hi lovelies!! Welcome back to my blog. Today we will be discussing another film directed by Hayao Miyazaki who also made spirited away that I covered previously. I could tell immediately that it was another film of his when seeing the art style. I have to admit, this film is another hit. This film surrounds a young girl, Nausicaä, who is the princess of the Valley of the Wind. She explores the Sea of Decay and does experiments to discover the true nature of the toxic place she lives in.  

While watching this movie, an issue that became clear to me is the environmental concerns that are brought about when the Sea of Decay is introduced. This place is seen in the film as a jungle of huge plants and fungi swarming with huge insects which are enraged and only seem to wage war. Everything in this place is toxic, including the air, which Nausicaä uses a mask to navigate through the land. Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind emphasizes the importance of environmental conservation and having a balance in an ecosystem. I know from previous knowledge that Japan went through rapid industrialization which led to crises such as the Minamata disease. The post-apocalyptic character of the Sea of Decay serves as a caution of the consequences of neglecting the environment.  

I will say watching Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind has deepened my appreciation of nature and the importance of taking care of our environment. This film’s depiction of an environment close to ecological collapse reminds me of the real environmental challenge we face. I have already been really mindful of my ecological contributions, but it takes more than just one person to positively change an environment. Luckily, Nausicaa was able to do this on her own but of course had a bit of help from those she showed kindness to when she was taken by the Pejitians. 

Nausicaä was able to resolve the conflict she was going through by having understanding and empathy. She was able to use an injured baby Ohm to connect with the angered Ohms to stop their violence. Her life was used as a sacrifice to help her people from the destruction they would have gone through if the Ohms attacked the Tolmekians. Nausicaa even as a princess sets an example of selflessness which I admire.  

[emilato]

𝕋𝕙𝕖 𝔼𝕟𝕕 𝕠𝕗 𝔼𝕧𝕒𝕟𝕘𝕖𝕝𝕚𝕠𝕟

This movie was truly mind-boggling. It seriously doesn't help that many episodes were skipped leading up to the movie. I was watching this movie during a 13-hour road trip and had to pause several times to give my head a rest. I didn't struggle that much when it came to keeping up with the episodes, but that all went out the window with this movie. Is the film supposed to have an alternate ending? If so, why? It's an interesting concept, I guess, but holy moly. The themes of masculinity that were prevalent in the show, still show up at the end of Evangelion.

So this movie starts off strong, to say the least. The beginning scene shows a distraught Shinji visiting Asuka, who is lying there in a coma. In a desperate attempt to wake Asuka up, Shinji starts shaking her. While trying to shake her awake, Asuka's chest becomes exposed. Shinji begins to masturbate at the exposure of her unconscious body, making a comment saying that he is the lowest of the low. Now it's quite obvious that Shinji displays queer masculinity and struggles to display hegemonic masculinity. A main aspect of hegemonic masculinity is the objectification of women, and in this scene, Shinji is going to his final attempt to shove his queer masculinity down and portray that hegemonic masculinity. But he ends up being so disgusted with himself to the point where he shuts down during a good chunk of the movie. 

I don't really have much to say in this blog because the movie was just that confusing for me. Once I don't have a million assignments to do for school, I might watch this series in full with my partner; who knows? I think the series is great, and I mean, I did enjoy the 8 episodes assigned in class, so I think I will give it a chance. 

[abixoxo]

Hi! I hear you; this module was one of the longer ones for me because it was a lot to grasp and even write about. This movie added so much complexity to the already complex plot that it has. I was definitely not prepared for the beginning part of the movie and honestly thought Shinji was better than that. Shinji’s display of hegemonic masculinity is upsetting to me as it really just stems from him not knowing himself. I also found the rest of the movie pretty confusing but nonetheless I think it sends out deep messages about self-acceptance which I loved seeing. 

[abixoxo]

The End of Evangelion

Hi lovelies!! This is the last part of my three-part Evangelion series. I am conflicted to say that it ended on a high note because of some much that has happened in this movie. This movie dives deeper into the psychological and philosophical themes that were introduced in the show. It starts with Shinji going to visit Asuka who is badly injured and comatose. Seeing her like this hurts Shinji so he does his best to try to wake her up. In his efforts he turns Asuka over and her upper body is exposed. Shinji then does something that disgusts not only himself but me as well and masturbates to Asuka’s unconscious body. This makes Shinji hate himself and feel so disappointed in his actions.  

Trouble ensues when Nerv is threatened to be taken over by the government. In order to protect the Eva and their pilots, Shinji and Asuka are forced into their suits. Asuka coming from just being in a coma, fights a good battle while waiting for Shinji to come and assist her. Her efforts all go to waste, and she dies when Shinji who was still disgusted with himself does not make any effort to help Asuka and instead would rather be dead. Shinji then musters up the courage when his Eva activates on its own. 

From this part on it takes a turn that left me overall confused at the plot of the movie. What really struck me was the comments on mental health that this movie and overall series makes. Every Eva pilot has gone through childhood trauma that stuck with them as they fight for their world. The characters’ deep introspection and battles with their inner hurt throughout this movie reflect a broader societal issue of addressing and acknowledging mental health.  

At the end of the movie, we see Shinji’s struggle to self-acceptance and love. He fights horrible thoughts that bring about ideation. He does not want to be alone yet pushes people away because he believes that they hate him. This was revealed to just be the things that Shinji makes up in his head because of his past hurt. I was glad to see that Shinji was able to eventually accept himself since he was not giving himself nearly as much credit as he should have. This movie highlights the importance of human connection during isolation, which I love. Although I think they all end up passing away, I was still happy that Shinji was able to pass knowing that he has always been loved.  

[bootaro51]

Neon Genesis Evangelion (Part 2) Analysis

I thought this part would clear up the questions I had about the first part of the series...but I was wrong. I'm left with more questions than answers after finishing Neon Genesis Evangelion. It really doesn't help that the assigned watch skipped a majority of the show, either. That last episode especially...what? As someone who has never seen the show before, I'm left in utter confusion that at this point I can only pray will be answered in the movie. I'll try my best to strew an analysis with the last two brain cells I have rattling in my brain. Here are my takes on the anime.

The storyline takes a turn within this part when it is revealed that the Eva, or the giant fighting robots, are made from...human DNA? I think? This mysterious character named Kaworu also appears to inform the main character, Shinji, that he is an angel (one of the evil monsters they are fighting). Apart from those pieces of information, I didn't really absorb anything new from this part. The ending was incredibly confusing because it was full of hypothetical "what if" scenarios rather than explanations as to why the storyline had progressed in the way it did.

I did want to add that I really liked Asuka's fighting robot, though! If there's one thing I picked up, it was definitely the awesome fighting scenes.

We also see a little bit of a relationship form between Kaworu and Shinji, but it disintegrates as soon as it begins. Again, I cannot seem to pinpoint many real-world contemporary issues other than the challenging of masculinity and patriarchal society. Perhaps the queer nature of the relationship between Shinji and Kaworu amounts to some homosexual representation to fight against the stigma present during the time period.

Overall, I hope the movie clears this up for me...I haven't been this lost on a series yet.

[abixoxo]

Hi! I totally get your confusion after watching this part, he does bring up lots of questions. I really enjoyed the last episode because pf how much complexity it really brings to the show. It shows a different side of Shinji that we’ve seen but have not really acknowledged. I am really hoping that in the movie, Shinji finds himself and is content with who he is. From the moment that Kaworu was introduced I did not have a good feeling about him. It was mainly because of the way he tried to get close to Shinji in a superficial way without ever really sharing any parts about himself and then claiming to feel so close to Shinji. Shinji getting betrayed by Kaworu breaks my heart for him and I really hope he finds closure in the movie.  

[abixoxo]

Neon Genesis Evangelion Part 2

Hi lovelies!! Welcome back to my blog, today we will be discussing the second part of my three-part blog series. We will be continuing my talk on Neon Genesis Evangelion but this will cover part 2. I will say I enjoyed this part more than part 1 mainly because of the action scenes. This part introduces a new character who becomes an Evangelion fighter, named Asuka. After watching this part, it brings a new depth and meaning to the show. It is way beyond soldiers fighting to keep their world safe but more about introspection and understanding oneself.  

What stood out the most to me while watching this part was the buildup and breakdown of Shinji in a psychological way. Previously in part 1, he stopped piloting his Eva after realizing that he was doing it for his father. This and his childhood create a big impact on him and his self-perception. When Kaworu is introduced, he quickly gets close to Shinji as he finds himself talking about his personal struggles to him after just meeting him. This takes Shinji aback as he has never felt so much trust in someone he just met. After a few more conversations Kaworu tells Shinji that he likes him, this touches Shinji’s heart because he does not believe anyone could ever like him. This later ends up leaving Shinji hurt and confused when it is revealed that Kaworu is an Angel and Shinji has to fight against him.  

What Shinji goes through on a personal level resonates with people all over the world who are struggling with self-love and esteem. He has been through a tough childhood where he was made to believe that he is weak and not worthy of love. This is a real mental health concern seen in children and adults. Hopefully The End of Evangelion has a peaceful ending where Shinji can finally see his worth and love himself for who he is.  

[robian]

Neon Genesis Evangelion Part 1

I'm writing this after watching the entirety of Evangelion because I didn't wanna ruin it by watching specific episodes. I'm also writing this early so I'm just going to make an educated guess about what part 1 covers.

Okay, so I'm going to mainly talk about Shinji because we don't really dive deep into the other characters until what I assume will be covered in part 2. Shinji is very different from your average anime protagonist. Most anime protagonists are seemingly always good looking and brave. They try to appeal to the watchers' desires. Shinji on the other hand is just a frail and scared young boy who just wants to be loved by his dad. Personally, I love characters like this. They tend to feel more realistic. If you almost died like Shinji did, and had to endure the pain simulated from the Eva, you'd probably be scared shitless too just like Shinji.

Also by starting off as weak, it allows more character development. But, to be honest, Shinji doesn't really have much character development (until literally the last 2 eps). Shinji realizes that he pilots the Eva to please his dad (hopefully this was part of part1 I don't remember). He even returns to his Eva after leaving, but he's still scared. Even though I enjoy character development, I think in certain situations, a lack of it can be just as telling. He's not suddenly just going to become brave and lose his fear of fighting in the Eva, and by this lack of development, it really highlights just how much he desires his dad's admiration.

Now, I also want to talk about how Shinji takes on more feminine than masculine gender roles. Shinji is depicted as kind and caring. He always apologizes and avoids any conflict. He cooks and cleans the apartment, while the women are depicted as slobs. He's scared to pilot his Eva, while the two women Rei and Asuka are fine with it. Honestly, I'm trying to think of a different anime that's male protagonist is like Shinji, and I can't (although I'm sure there's a few). It just tells you how unique of a character Shinji is. Going back to the last module, Shinji really challenges what we view as gender roles. A man doesn't need to always be tough and brave, he can be weak and scared too.

[abhiramanimeblog]

Robain, even though you did it early you did end up guessing the topic sort of. I agree with what you said about how Shinji takes on a more feminine role rather than a masculine one. He is still a male and is not trying to give any other gender performance, but his masculinity is not the normal one, it is more akin to a queer masculinity which is unsure of itself, or a sissy masculinity which is more timid. I also like how you pointed out the fact that it seems that the roles for men and women are swapped in the anime when you look at Shinji vs the EVA pilots. We can see they have far more masculine traits attributed to them than Shinji does.

[bootaro51]

Hey! I agree with all the points you mentioned. In part 1, Shinji does not have much character development, which made it a tad boring to watch if I'm being completely honest. I like that you mentioned that the fact he is scared of the life he is suddenly thrown into makes him a lot more realistic; I too enjoy seeing characters react genuinely. I also mentioned in my own post that Shinji behaves in a more feminine manner while the actual women in the series give off a masculine attitude. Great post!

[abixoxo]

Hi! I totally get watching the full show, it is really captivating and allows you to understand the full story line. Shinji does appear to be very different from the typical protagonist in an apocalyptic anime. He did not have any motive to pilot an Evangelion at first so his resistance to wanting to make so much sense. I love how Shinji builds on his character and strengths throughout the show. He first runs away from all the pressure and then he returns with new determinism. It is sad that Shinji believes that he must pilot an Eva just to please his dad. I personally do not like the fact that he abandoned his son and then selfishly decides to make him a pilot. Overall, I really liked reading your analysis and reading your perspective on things.  

[abixoxo]

Neon Genesis Evangelion 1!

Hi lovelies!! Welcome back to my blog!! Today we will be reviewing a three-part blog series. We will start with part one of the show, Neon Genesis Evangelion. Before watching this show, I had little knowledge of the show but recognized Rei off online in fan clips. Apparently , I am one of the few who did not know of this show as my roommate was surprised that I had never heard or seen clips of this show before. While watching this show, it reminded me of a lot of Gundam in different ways. Especially with the father and son dynamic being similar and both sons using robots their fathers created. Neon Genesis Evangelion is set in a post-apocalyptic world similar to post-war Japan. The series follows a 14-year old boy named Shinji who has to pilot an Evangelion when their world is compromised by creatures called Angels.  

This show explores a complex relationship between a father and son. Although Shinji ends up piloting Evangelion unit 01, he still resents his father. This is understandable as his father abandoned him at a very young age and left him in the care of a family friend. Without growing up with his father, it seemed very odd for him to request that when his son is 14 that he should come risk his life for his country. In the beginning of the show, Shinji was afraid of piloting the Evangelion because it was something he was not prepared to do. Even getting to NERV, Shinji was very confused and was greeted coldly by his father. I understand Shinji’s hurt and displacement throughout these first few moments, going from no contact with a parent to having to work for them is very difficult. This hurt stook with Shinji when he spoke to Rei concerning his father. He replies to Rei’s comment by saying that he does not have confidence in his father after what he put him through and Rei who has felt loved by him, slaps Shinji. This parallels to a lot of father and son relationships in Japan where the relationships are based on duty, respect, and responsibility, where Shinji’s dad represents an extreme form of authoritarianism.  

Shinji’s character closely resembles the points made by Heasley when commenting on diverse expressions of masculinity. Shinji’s vulnerability and emotions contrast from typical masculinity. He even cooks and cleans when living with Katsuragi. Despite having these manners, Shinji is a straight character.  

Overall, this show was very fun to watch.  

[dillonmorse-ufl]

Convention - MCM London

MCM London is the only convention I have been too—so far! It was an amazing experience and I am glad I got to experience it with my partner—I cannot wait to go to another convention when money allows for it. We went with a group of friends and although neither my partner nor I did any cosplay, there were a couple in our group who did. And of course we saw plenty of other cosplayers at the convention itself, many of whom were happy to allow us to take pictures to share:

(Don't worry, we made sure at the time that they were okay with their pictures being put online, too.)

Seeing the amount of effort some people put into their cosplays and their display of fandom was really incredible. Even the cosplays that were intentionally low effort were amazing to me, because I was just inspired by the passion that someone has to have for a show or movie to want to do something like that in the first place.

My partner and I spent most of our time in the artist alley, looking at all the fan merch that people were selling. It was mostly art prints; my partner picked up a few prints of Adventure Time fanart to put up on her wall, and I got a couple keychains of some characters I like from Arknights. Though, I didn't come anywhere close to the number of keychains or pins I saw stuck to some peoples backpacks. In hindsight, I definitely understand the idea of amassing tons of shadow culture in lieu of hoarding one or two exclusive pieces. There were people who had backpacks with so much merch stuck to them that you couldn't even see the fabric of the backpack itself unless you looked close enough.

And even at the time I thought it was interesting that you could sort of tell what fandom someone identified with most just by looking at who they were around. This might sound obvious, but I mean it in the sense that it seemed like people within the same fandom tended to stick together even if they weren't actually traveling with everyone there. I often saw Adventure Time cosplayers or people with Adventure Time merch nearby, and there were a couple moments where people had impromptu "[fandom] meetup" moments because they happened to find each other; I remember at one point seeing a group of like fifteen people cosplaying various Final Fantasy characters having a random group photo after finding each other. I just wonder if it was really true coincidence in all these cases, or maybe there was some subconscious part noticing these bits of fandom culture on the people around them and naturally gravitated towards them, even without realizing it.

The more official stuff was nice too, of course. There were some voice actors for things I didn't recognize there giving out autographs, which I do think is a pretty cool way of "owning" a piece of your favourite media. Like, you're not really owning any piece of it obviously, but the person who voices your favourite character wrote a message to you on a picture of that character, so in a way, it's almost like the character you like themselves is speaking to you, right? I think that's one of the draws to it anyway—I don't have any signed merch myself, but I can't deny it would be nice to have if there was a character I particularly liked.

I don't know if I'll ever join the groups of people doing elaborate cosplays or wearing hundreds (thousands, maybe) of dollars of merch on their person at a convention, but it was exciting to be around people who do do that and I hope it will be just as exciting when I go to a con for the second time. And the third. And every one after that!

[abixoxo]

Hi! I think it is incredibly cool that you went to a convention and to go to one in London just sounds even more fun. I also admire the amount of effort cosplayers put into their costumes. I like how conventions do not only include anime but any animated series. It is very inclusive of all interests. I think that I would be one of the people who end up spending so much money buying things at my first convention. I can’t wait to geek out at my first convention while seeing people cosplay some of my favorite characters. I really enjoyed reading about your experience of going to a convention. I’m hoping that when I go some day that I can have as great of an experience as you did.  

[abixoxo]

Learning About Conventions

Hi lovelies! I’m glad to have you here. This blog will be a bit different as we are going to venture into conventions. Although I have never been to a convention, I have a good understanding of what they are and what happens during one. To better my understanding of what conventions are like to those who enjoy anime, I watched a documentary called True Otaku.  

This documentary starts by describing the location and scenery of where this popular convention called Otakon. It is named after the word otaku which was discussed earlier in this course. I was first introduced to the word otaku through this class, when I watched Genshiken. Through that assignment I learned that otaku meant a person who is consumed by anime, manga, video games, or computers and abandons their social life or doesn’t have lots of social skills. It was in this documentary that I was surprised to see that people have different definitions of what an otaku is and how they identify with the word. I would not identify with being an otaku just because I feel as if that word is used in the context of someone who takes an extreme part in anime culture by dedicating a lot of their time to things such as cosplay or playing video games and etc. I still consider myself a fan of anime so it is a bit confusing knowing how to identify in the fandom.  

Although, I don’t part in cosplay and do not think I would, I find it very amusing. Being able to re-create your favorite character from an anime you love is really cool. I like the analogy of comparing cosplay to acting because it really does seem like they are taking on the role of the character they like.  What I find the most amusing about it are the people who make their own robot costumes, just looking at it you can tell they put a lot of work into it. It is also a piece of art so I would be proud to show it off as well. I agree with the statement said about cosplay allowing people to live out their obsessions as you can tell people really enjoy getting to share what they love. I was a bit surprised when hearing that some people like to cosplay just for the attention because I haven’t really thought about it in that way. It makes sense, though, as pulling off something like that deserves some recognition.  

The fashion side of it is all really interesting. I did not expect that to be a part of conventions, but I love that it is an aspect of it. Japanese fashion is very elegant and girly so seeing that was a very nice addition. There is such a wide community of people who attend these conventions which I think is really cool. It is not just for one specific type of a person, so even if you do not take part in cosplay, you can still enjoy so much about the conventions.  

Getting to watch Dustbunny’s process of designing her cosplay costume was very fascinating. She puts in so much effort in order to get every part exactly like how it is seen in the anime. It must be really rewarding to have people enjoy your work after putting so much effort into it. 

Watching this documentary taught me a lot more about how it feels to experience and take part in a convention. It creates a safe and engaging space to enjoy your interests. If I have an opportunity to go to a convention in the future, I really think I would enjoy it.  

[calebsjpt1311blog]

Wandering Son Blog Post

This was my first time watching the anime “Wandering Son”. I have to admit that I did not particularly enjoy this anime. I do not think I would ever watch this anime on my own. Although I did not enjoy the anime, I do see how it relates to this module. Throughout the show themes of transgenderism and double standards are apparent.

The main character is biologically a boy but longs to dress like a girl. The audience watches them struggle with this conflict throughout the show and when they show up to school dressed like a girl one day they are punished and socially outcast by the rest of the students. This made me feel bad for the main character because all they wanted to do was express themselves freely but were punished and limited. 

In the modern world, people are pressured to conform to the societal standards of their sex and are looked down upon for choosing a gender that is different from their sex. This is a very controversial topic in the world and many people advocate for both sides. I believe that people should be allowed to express themselves however they please so long as they do not interfere with me or my work. 

I do not connect with this anime because I identify as my biological sex. Due to this, I have not had to deal with any internal or external conflict to try and express my true self. I support others who go through this conflict and urge them to do what they want and not to conform to societal standards. 

Overall, this anime was not enjoyable to me but the themes it expressed are very relevant in today's world. I can easily connect this anime to the reading for this module, specifically the pieces on rebelling from societal standards and being your true self.

[abixoxo]

Hi! It's understandable that Wandering Son might not resonate with everyone, but your recognition of its themes is insightful. The struggles of the main character highlight the harsh realities faced by many transgender individuals, which overall reflects the broader societal pressures to conform to gender norms. Your empathy towards those experiencing these conflicts and your support for self-expression are commendable. I believe that this show successfully brings to light important discussions about identity and acceptance, making it a valuable in the society we live in now. I liked reading your opinions and thoughts on Wandering Son and found them very interesting.