Cigarette Girl was what I would like to call a "Surreal Read"
This title throws your now typical anime style out the window and establishes itself from the get go. I found that despite not being used to the style, anything more detail would've taken away from the situation and story being told. The character really shows through each individual despite not being the best art ever. I think what kept me engaged what the disconnect between the art style and the actions being played out in the manga. Explaining further, despite a character being hurt by falling down stairs the art style give off this "Bob's Burgers" vibe that doesn't make me believe that the character is in pain.
Cigarette Girl is definitely a title I would never pick up myself but I find I may recommend to anyone who's looking for an old read. I'm reminded of the Japanese saying "Shoganai" when reading this since all the characters just move on past their situations without hesitation. Life happens and sometimes you have to get a bowl for your dog to pee in.
Thursday, May 2, 2019
Tuesday, April 30, 2019
Random Reading: Pochamani
So venturing off the beaten path, I wanted to review a romance/shoujo manga I've recently started reading, Pochamani
Pochamani stars Mugi, a chubby high school girl who's smile and kindness never falters despite being bullied for her weight. Mugi lives out her highschool life surrounded by sweet friends and goes through life believing no one will ever love her. This all changes when she runs into Tagami, a boy with a "chubby fetish" or overall love for soft squishy things. Though overbearing and pushy at first Tagami expresses his love for Mugi by more than just his fetish but rather her attitude in life.
The reason why I wanted to talk about this manga was because its more than just some quirky manga with a token protagonist. Pochamani explains Mugi's hardships with her weight and never shames her for it rather she explains, "I hated hating myself much more than others hating me. So instead I decided to try loving myself." Despite Tagami's clear obsession with Mugi's chubbiness it's never expressed as dirty rather its shown as an exaggerated label of "pervertedness" his schoolmates gave him because they can't understand his attraction to someone different. Overall I think this manga is a sweet school life story and would be an enjoyable read for fans of shojou or romance.
Pochamani stars Mugi, a chubby high school girl who's smile and kindness never falters despite being bullied for her weight. Mugi lives out her highschool life surrounded by sweet friends and goes through life believing no one will ever love her. This all changes when she runs into Tagami, a boy with a "chubby fetish" or overall love for soft squishy things. Though overbearing and pushy at first Tagami expresses his love for Mugi by more than just his fetish but rather her attitude in life.
The reason why I wanted to talk about this manga was because its more than just some quirky manga with a token protagonist. Pochamani explains Mugi's hardships with her weight and never shames her for it rather she explains, "I hated hating myself much more than others hating me. So instead I decided to try loving myself." Despite Tagami's clear obsession with Mugi's chubbiness it's never expressed as dirty rather its shown as an exaggerated label of "pervertedness" his schoolmates gave him because they can't understand his attraction to someone different. Overall I think this manga is a sweet school life story and would be an enjoyable read for fans of shojou or romance.
Thursday, April 18, 2019
Silver Spoon reading
1. What is your reaction to the text you just read?
As a hardcore fan of Fullmetal Alchemist an Hiromu Arakawa's work Silver Spoon is a manga and anime I've delved into before. My initial reaction to Silver Spoon is that it's a very Slice of Life genre manga that takes its time to explain itself through a clueless protagonist. The manga itself takes its time to introduce us to Hachiken's passive nature and struggles attending this school in a completely new field of study. When I first read this manga I wasn't entirely attached to the story itself to be honest, however the comedy and Hachiken's exaggerated emotions are what kept me hooked long enough to want to get to know the characters. Silver Spoon does a good job of educating Hachiken and the reader without overwhelming them with information that may be too difficult to understand. I find that the way the introduction and following 10 chapters really make to large scale effort to keep the reader engaged without getting bored.
2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect
In terms of connecting with the story my personal childhood was something I think shared some common ground with Hachiken. My father grew up poor in Guatemala where he worked his way to a renowned university to study general agriculture. Though I never studied it myself I felt as though I did since my father taught me several basic and random agricultural knowledge growing up. A lot of it stuck with me but it was something that took time to comprehend, just as Hachiken is learning currently from those around him. Hachiken also faces the struggle of wanting to leave home and due to him feeling lost in his studies he defaults to going somewhere that offers a home away from home. I can relate since when choosing a college I impulsively made the choice to be an artist somewhere as far from home I could get. It's not always the right choice in the moment but its one you grow from and make an effort to move forward from just as Hachiken does throughout the series.
3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?
If I had to adapt this manga into another medium (besides its anime as well) I think I would choose to make it a video game. I think Silver Spoon could have the potential to make a good visual novel or open world game where depending on what agricultural subject you choose to pursue you would level up and advance in that skill tree through mini-games. With the way the manga and anime are introduced I think that in itself makes a good opening tutorial to allow the player to gain interest in subjects and characters. If I had to change anything I would choose to introduce all the character arcs together in one chapter unlike that manga that spreads them out, a good choice for it's medium. Aki's side story of going to the races wouldn't take precedence to spending some time with Tamako or Tokiwa. With a visual novel approach each pursued character would give you their complete backstory and how Hachiken plays a part in their life.
As a hardcore fan of Fullmetal Alchemist an Hiromu Arakawa's work Silver Spoon is a manga and anime I've delved into before. My initial reaction to Silver Spoon is that it's a very Slice of Life genre manga that takes its time to explain itself through a clueless protagonist. The manga itself takes its time to introduce us to Hachiken's passive nature and struggles attending this school in a completely new field of study. When I first read this manga I wasn't entirely attached to the story itself to be honest, however the comedy and Hachiken's exaggerated emotions are what kept me hooked long enough to want to get to know the characters. Silver Spoon does a good job of educating Hachiken and the reader without overwhelming them with information that may be too difficult to understand. I find that the way the introduction and following 10 chapters really make to large scale effort to keep the reader engaged without getting bored.
2. What connections did you make with the story? Discuss the elements of the work with which you were able to connect
In terms of connecting with the story my personal childhood was something I think shared some common ground with Hachiken. My father grew up poor in Guatemala where he worked his way to a renowned university to study general agriculture. Though I never studied it myself I felt as though I did since my father taught me several basic and random agricultural knowledge growing up. A lot of it stuck with me but it was something that took time to comprehend, just as Hachiken is learning currently from those around him. Hachiken also faces the struggle of wanting to leave home and due to him feeling lost in his studies he defaults to going somewhere that offers a home away from home. I can relate since when choosing a college I impulsively made the choice to be an artist somewhere as far from home I could get. It's not always the right choice in the moment but its one you grow from and make an effort to move forward from just as Hachiken does throughout the series.
3. What changes would you make to adapt this story into another medium? What medium would you use? What changes would you make?
If I had to adapt this manga into another medium (besides its anime as well) I think I would choose to make it a video game. I think Silver Spoon could have the potential to make a good visual novel or open world game where depending on what agricultural subject you choose to pursue you would level up and advance in that skill tree through mini-games. With the way the manga and anime are introduced I think that in itself makes a good opening tutorial to allow the player to gain interest in subjects and characters. If I had to change anything I would choose to introduce all the character arcs together in one chapter unlike that manga that spreads them out, a good choice for it's medium. Aki's side story of going to the races wouldn't take precedence to spending some time with Tamako or Tokiwa. With a visual novel approach each pursued character would give you their complete backstory and how Hachiken plays a part in their life.
Thursday, April 11, 2019
Week 12: Junji Ito
For this weeks presentation I took the time to read 2 stories by Junji Ito.
Travelogue of a Succubus:
In chapter 1, Angel Hair, we follow a young woman's journey passing through the mountains. Kyouko's path is stopped when a man who knows her name stops her and leads her to his village to which he tells her about the God that they worship. During the entire trek through Kyouko notices several strands of golden hair flowing through the wind and later finds the village is enveloped in it. The story continues to show the villages cult attitude in worshipping this "Hair God" who in reality is a demon in disguise..?
Now trying to describe this chapter is a point I'd like to make towards Ito's work. As creative and gruesome as his work is I find that the stories he writes are too short in their individual chapters to actually develop lore to the story. This genre of manga is one I find difficult to follow and generally speaking isn't my cup of tea although I can appreciate its artistic merit. So it isn't to say that I disliked the manga but rather that I don't feel attached or immersed into it enough to properly convey a review or analysis on the topic. Junji Ito's work has the talent to produce amazing work but I find that most of his stories lack the patience in development.
Ito Junji's Cat Diary:
On the opposite side of the psychological horror spectrum we have this work, Ito's love letter to his cats. Now here's a masterpiece I can get behind, and any at owner can relate to Ito's reluctant fondness of his cats. Portrayed as absolute gremlins Yon and Muu exist to spite Ito in his chase for loving them. I think what makes this manga so enjoyable to read is the artist's style throughout the manga. The cats are elongated, intensified, creepy, and overall exaggerated to show their true nature and it serves to entice the reader to continue.
Travelogue of a Succubus:
In chapter 1, Angel Hair, we follow a young woman's journey passing through the mountains. Kyouko's path is stopped when a man who knows her name stops her and leads her to his village to which he tells her about the God that they worship. During the entire trek through Kyouko notices several strands of golden hair flowing through the wind and later finds the village is enveloped in it. The story continues to show the villages cult attitude in worshipping this "Hair God" who in reality is a demon in disguise..?
Now trying to describe this chapter is a point I'd like to make towards Ito's work. As creative and gruesome as his work is I find that the stories he writes are too short in their individual chapters to actually develop lore to the story. This genre of manga is one I find difficult to follow and generally speaking isn't my cup of tea although I can appreciate its artistic merit. So it isn't to say that I disliked the manga but rather that I don't feel attached or immersed into it enough to properly convey a review or analysis on the topic. Junji Ito's work has the talent to produce amazing work but I find that most of his stories lack the patience in development.
Ito Junji's Cat Diary:
On the opposite side of the psychological horror spectrum we have this work, Ito's love letter to his cats. Now here's a masterpiece I can get behind, and any at owner can relate to Ito's reluctant fondness of his cats. Portrayed as absolute gremlins Yon and Muu exist to spite Ito in his chase for loving them. I think what makes this manga so enjoyable to read is the artist's style throughout the manga. The cats are elongated, intensified, creepy, and overall exaggerated to show their true nature and it serves to entice the reader to continue.
Sunday, March 31, 2019
Week 11: Fushigi Yuugi
With my tastes in manga in mind, I knew that I was going to have mixed feelings of Fushigi Yuugi. As a person who's not a big fan of isekai I found myself comparing this manga a lot to similar style mangas, mainly Sailor Moon & Inuyasha. Now my biggest ordeal with this isn't a dislike for Fushigi Yuugi but rather a "If it's like these other titles, why read it?" I really needed to know what this manga could bring to the table that would convince me to continues reading it. Chapter after chapter presents little to no new interest, in fact I'm only more noticing parallels to Sailor Moon (Usagi chasing after tuxedo mask) Then again I guess this can be a reflection of manga values during the time of release.
Fushigi Yuugi strikes me as a very basic shoujo that lacks the substance or hook to keep me reading. It falters next to bigger titles of it's time especially now looking back to it. Title's like Inuyasha are popular because in episode 1 alone we are shown the conflict between Inuyasha and Kikyo that keep us wanting to know what happened between the two and keep us around every episode after to see them meet. I think had Fushigi Yuugi had lead with a stronger concept it would have kept my attention longer rather than looking for something elsewhere.
Fushigi Yuugi strikes me as a very basic shoujo that lacks the substance or hook to keep me reading. It falters next to bigger titles of it's time especially now looking back to it. Title's like Inuyasha are popular because in episode 1 alone we are shown the conflict between Inuyasha and Kikyo that keep us wanting to know what happened between the two and keep us around every episode after to see them meet. I think had Fushigi Yuugi had lead with a stronger concept it would have kept my attention longer rather than looking for something elsewhere.
Thursday, March 14, 2019
Week 9: Shoujo and Josei
By far one of my favorite genres, shoujo and josei have a special place in my heart and library.
Today I wanna review and recommend one of my favorite title in Shoujo, Kimi Ni Todoke. Sawako is a shy high school girl struggling to make friends due her "Ring Monster Girl" appearance in which they nickname her Sadako. Because of this misconception she often keeps to herself but is overall a very kind a sweet girl who means no harm. Meanwhile in the same class we have Kazehaya, a boy loved by everyone due to his refreshing and aloof attitude. Drawn to each other the two become friends and additionally add Chizuru and Ayane to be Sawako's closest female friends.
Kimi Ni Todoke is what I would recommend as a good first time shoujo to anyone wanting a slice of life with some romance. The story does reach a satisfying resolution which is something most manga's of the genre can't say. While being cute I think this manga really benefits from Sawako's character development by never forcing romance onto her, it takes it's time at a good pace. Overall Sawako's relationships, both platonic and romantic, are what truly drive the plot and keep the reader's attention throughout the series.
Today I wanna review and recommend one of my favorite title in Shoujo, Kimi Ni Todoke. Sawako is a shy high school girl struggling to make friends due her "Ring Monster Girl" appearance in which they nickname her Sadako. Because of this misconception she often keeps to herself but is overall a very kind a sweet girl who means no harm. Meanwhile in the same class we have Kazehaya, a boy loved by everyone due to his refreshing and aloof attitude. Drawn to each other the two become friends and additionally add Chizuru and Ayane to be Sawako's closest female friends.
Kimi Ni Todoke is what I would recommend as a good first time shoujo to anyone wanting a slice of life with some romance. The story does reach a satisfying resolution which is something most manga's of the genre can't say. While being cute I think this manga really benefits from Sawako's character development by never forcing romance onto her, it takes it's time at a good pace. Overall Sawako's relationships, both platonic and romantic, are what truly drive the plot and keep the reader's attention throughout the series.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Week 8: My Brothers Husband
My Brother's Husband is a story of family, acceptance, and education. Gengoroh Tagame is well known for gay manga that depict men as larger, muscular, and hairy (Also known as Bara.) Tagame's work has always been subject to criticism but shows a modern take of Japan's view on people who are or present as homosexual. My Brother's Husband is an easy way to digest the reality of Japanese values and harsh attitude towards LGBT+ members. The story revolves around Yaichi who is newly introduced to his deceased twin brother's husband, Mike, who travels from Canada to Japan. Alongside his daughter Kana, he welcomes Mike into his home but not without judgement. As the story progresses steps are taken towards Yaichi becoming more openminded and accepting of Mike as both a person and family member.
I think an important scene to look at is the one where Mike is shirtless and Kana is playing with him. Yaichi, enraged by this, steps in and treats Mike's action as malicious or what may even be labeled as perverse solely on his sexuality. He reflects on this when he realizes that he himself has never minded Kana seeing himself, another man, shirtless and apologies for his judgment and outburst. Not long ago in the US homosexuality was also seen in the same light and most people would immediately associate being gay with perversion and even pedophilia. As Yaichi gets to know Mike he gets to learn more about his twin and understands why he felt like he needed to escape Japan in order to be loved and accepted.
I think an important scene to look at is the one where Mike is shirtless and Kana is playing with him. Yaichi, enraged by this, steps in and treats Mike's action as malicious or what may even be labeled as perverse solely on his sexuality. He reflects on this when he realizes that he himself has never minded Kana seeing himself, another man, shirtless and apologies for his judgment and outburst. Not long ago in the US homosexuality was also seen in the same light and most people would immediately associate being gay with perversion and even pedophilia. As Yaichi gets to know Mike he gets to learn more about his twin and understands why he felt like he needed to escape Japan in order to be loved and accepted.
Wednesday, February 20, 2019
Week 6: Nausicaa Of the Valley of the Wind
Time for Cessia's unpopular opinion time but I don't find Ghibli movies to be that special.
That being said, I do love the films regardless I just find that they lack true substance. To me Ghibli holds a temporary place in my viewing regime. To explain, anime or manga that I truly enjoy, for example Fullmetal Alchemist, I can catch myself watching it multiple time overs with a genuine attachment to the characters, plot, and animation. However I find myself saying "I love XXX ghibli film!" but never truly feeling the need to go back and relive that experience. Nausicaa is a perfect example of this.
I find that Nausicaa does touch on excellent concepts of deterioration of nature due to human influence, but it doesn't bring me back for more. Which is a fault of anime films but presents its ideology to a larger audience without the commitment to a whole series. I feel like my biggest problem with Ghibli is the overattachment to characters who never contributed much to a film for commercialism. Regardless of my opinion of Ghibli, I think Nausicaa is a brilliant piece that is better read than watched in order to properly process the content.
That being said, I do love the films regardless I just find that they lack true substance. To me Ghibli holds a temporary place in my viewing regime. To explain, anime or manga that I truly enjoy, for example Fullmetal Alchemist, I can catch myself watching it multiple time overs with a genuine attachment to the characters, plot, and animation. However I find myself saying "I love XXX ghibli film!" but never truly feeling the need to go back and relive that experience. Nausicaa is a perfect example of this.
I find that Nausicaa does touch on excellent concepts of deterioration of nature due to human influence, but it doesn't bring me back for more. Which is a fault of anime films but presents its ideology to a larger audience without the commitment to a whole series. I feel like my biggest problem with Ghibli is the overattachment to characters who never contributed much to a film for commercialism. Regardless of my opinion of Ghibli, I think Nausicaa is a brilliant piece that is better read than watched in order to properly process the content.
Monday, February 11, 2019
Week 5: Romance
For this weeks anime/manga review I wanted to talk about an anime film thats near and dear to my heart, Doukyuusei. Doukyuusei or "Classmates" is a boys love coming of age story where 2 male classmates fall in love with each other. My favorite way to describe this film is disgustingly sweet. Kusakabe, a aloof rocker, starts to develop feelings towards Sajou, an introverted nerd, and slowly but surely they learn what their feelings are together.
One of my favorite things about this manga and film is that at no point is there an emphasis on "forbidden love" or "dirtyness" that comes with the majority of Boys Love or Yaoi. In fact the story simply revolves around the two learning about each other and exploring their relationship. Since their personalities are polar opposites its interesting to watch their characters develop through conflicts.
What makes Doukyuusei different from other animes is the fact that it unapologetically is gay. While homosexuality is viewed as taboo in Japanese society, Doukyuusei took over the big screen and made over 200 million yen at the box office. Considering the societal view this is quite an impressive number and an impactful film to break common stereotypes, a small step but an important one.
Have Read:
Mou Ichido, Nandodemo
Ten Count
Kaichou wa Maid Sama
Ouran High School Host Club
Vampire Knight
Princess Jellyfish
My Little Monster
Read these soon!:
Saotome-Senshu, Hitakakusu
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii
One of my favorite things about this manga and film is that at no point is there an emphasis on "forbidden love" or "dirtyness" that comes with the majority of Boys Love or Yaoi. In fact the story simply revolves around the two learning about each other and exploring their relationship. Since their personalities are polar opposites its interesting to watch their characters develop through conflicts.
What makes Doukyuusei different from other animes is the fact that it unapologetically is gay. While homosexuality is viewed as taboo in Japanese society, Doukyuusei took over the big screen and made over 200 million yen at the box office. Considering the societal view this is quite an impressive number and an impactful film to break common stereotypes, a small step but an important one.
Have Read:
Mou Ichido, Nandodemo
Ten Count
Kaichou wa Maid Sama
Ouran High School Host Club
Vampire Knight
Princess Jellyfish
My Little Monster
Read these soon!:
Saotome-Senshu, Hitakakusu
Wotaku ni Koi wa Muzukashii
Nodame Cantabile
No Touching At All
No Touching At All
Saturday, February 9, 2019
Week 4: I Saw It
In class reading, I Saw It by Keiji Nakazawa:
I Saw It is a survivors story by Keiji Nakazawa who had a first hand experience with the bombings in Hiroshima, Japan. At the age of 6 when the bomb was dropped in his hometown everything he knew in life came to a complete stop. It's interesting to view Nakazawa's mind block out the sheer gruesome reality crashing around him throughout the story. During the progression of understanding he experiences a existential crisis over why he made if out but not someone else, making him resent those who didn't make it through the tragedy.
Nakazawa's coping mechanisms aside, the story itself is one filled with tragedy and realism. Considering Nakazaw's age during the event it's no wonder why his innocence covered up what really happened during the bombing. Not to mention how in growing up he had to learn to compartmentalize and by doing so found a love for making comics.
I Saw It is a survivors story by Keiji Nakazawa who had a first hand experience with the bombings in Hiroshima, Japan. At the age of 6 when the bomb was dropped in his hometown everything he knew in life came to a complete stop. It's interesting to view Nakazawa's mind block out the sheer gruesome reality crashing around him throughout the story. During the progression of understanding he experiences a existential crisis over why he made if out but not someone else, making him resent those who didn't make it through the tragedy.
Nakazawa's coping mechanisms aside, the story itself is one filled with tragedy and realism. Considering Nakazaw's age during the event it's no wonder why his innocence covered up what really happened during the bombing. Not to mention how in growing up he had to learn to compartmentalize and by doing so found a love for making comics.
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