FREAK Level Otaku

I was speaking to a Japanese friend online when I mentioned the anime I was watching beforehand. She had no idea what Lucky Star was, which surprised me. So I sent her a link to a picture of all 4 characters. Her reply was more or less: "So, you're into little girls then?". At which I laughed and typed "No no no noooooo, besides they are apparently 17." Even then I thought 'why the hell are they 17?!' I couldn't believe it myself, let alone her. I continued the conversation saying that it was quite an otaku series to watch when she proceeded to reply with "You are a Freak Level Otaku aren't you?" (with the capitals!)

"HUH?!"

Did I just get called a Freak Level Otaku by a Japanese girl? ...I guess. So from hereon, I propose a new catagory of posts for the change of my habits:

NEW CATAGORY : OTAKU

I wanted an anime style stamp animation to bam that in front of your eyes (anybody out there?!) but instead have to rely on captions and bold. Satisfactory enough. The new era of posts begins!!!!! Heh.

Soul Society Mayhem

Whoa. It seems that things have gotten a little out of hand in Soul Society. It started out with a united front of all 13 guardian courts against a small band of ryoka but somehow, quickly escalates into confusion and mayhem after the murder of Captain Aizen. Not only has Renji switched his allegiance, Zaraki Kenpachi brings most of the ryoka out of prison simply to track Ichigo down, resulting in a 2 vs 1 battle of captains. And hell, Ichimaru has a 'Light Yagami smile' on his face from scheming too much.

My housemate has seen some of Bleach before and seems to think that Captain Kuchiki is awesome. Perhaps I am naturally quite extroverted in some way but I find no admiration at all for his coldness. He does seem to have some emotion but...just not enough. He does have the typical behaviour of a samurai but seeing as I myself am too old to discipline myself in the ways of bushido I simply have to stand steadfast for my own character. Something along the lines of passion and determination...I should think.

Now my train of thought ends at the point where I'm suddenly thinking of ideas of how to demonstrate something like that. And somehow it leads to the idea of leaving this house right now and walking in a single direction to a destination, all night. Just to kinda recorrect my mind (been watching too much anime, sleeping too much and doing no work etc...)

Meh. See what happens!

Lucky Star

Well well well. I started this series as something of curiousity, just to see what the fuss was about. I knew it was a slice of life sort of thing and I didn't expect anything; just something to watch while drunk after a night out. But weirdly enough, it has made quite an impression.

Why do mundane conversations between schoolgirls keep my mind glued to the screen? It's very subtle but I feel a little sense of satisfaction lurking around in my head when I agree with a situation or opinion; for example when Tsukasa ends up leaving her work to the last moment due to distractions. I've had the same problem; you make a revision timetable and then somehow it falls apart. Classic. I also like Kagami's love/hate relationship with Konata; she frequently gets teased and irritated but never really takes it personally. They are opposites but despite this they actually compliment one another in little ways.

The show is very much otaku. You have to be otaku to watch and actually derive any pleasure from it. I can't put my finger on the otaku elements but...perhaps being otaku means you have a experienced eye for character design and behaviour, something that you have much time to watch in Lucky Star. I'd say it's almost like people watching but listening into the conversation of friends at the same time. Yes...I think that's where the little bits of pleasure come from.

And of course, the Lucky Star channel segment at the end is quite hilarious. I always wait in anticipation for Akira's dark voice when she abuses Minoru as usual. When the credits roll, I always wonder what music might turn up next. In episode 3 when Sore ga, Ai Deshou played from 'Full Metal Panic? Fumoffu' I was quite 'wow...they are actually singing that song'. Felt a bit nostalgic.

Bleach

Thus the great battle to save Rukia begins.

But just a question. In that city of 'pure souls', is there anything else apart from walls, roof tiles, holes, empty buildings and water tunnels? Apparently not.

But back to being so serious.

I shall light a fire upon the fang that falls short,
so that I needn't see that star,
so that it shall not tear this throat of mine.

Ichigo Kurosaki

Hinata VS Neji

I have much respect for Hinata and on this occasion, watching her battle with Neji was somewhat compelling. The change of her behaviour; from quiet and shy; to focused and determined, was fascinating to watch and it was merely because of the presence of Naruto. But the most impact came from the fact that it was the best fight sequence of all the preliminary matches. The fighting was fast paced and Hinata's dodges and low sweeping kicks were pretty amazing. Her fierce determination even while suffering internal organ damage was quite inspirational. I look forward to seeing her later in the series when Naruto supposedly mentions her as being "a very likeable person".

So basically there are now two girls in anime that I admire a huge deal. Asa Shigure for her carefree and strong personality, and Hinata Hyuuga for her hidden, yet strong will.