Anime I'm Currently Watching 11/26/2012

Hello again. Given what happened this month with the recap of “Mega Man! Plug In!”

and my internet woes; I will be making good on my decision to list anime I'm currently watching in between recaps. This will be the first of such posts; while I start work on my

recap of “A Double Dilemma.” I also plan to have a recap on a Christmas-related anime

episode (yes, the Christmas holiday does have a following in Japan) out after the recap of

“A Double Dilemma,” and I plan to both out before the month of December is over. So, let's

get started.

Deadman Wonderland

I've mentioned this anime in passing a couple times, now I'm officially talking about it.

“Deadman Wonderland” tells the tale of 14-year-old Ganta, who is wrongfully convicted

of the mass murder of his middle school class. He is then forced to compete in “Deadman

Wonderland,” an attraction in the prison theme park where he is residing. The convicts must

compete for their lives to win Cast Points and a special type of candy that extends their life

(the outset for death row inmates is 72 hours before a collar on their neck releases a poison

that executes them). Ganta must put everything on the line, as well as put his trust in a mysterious girl named Shiro in order to survive.

While the series was unsuccessful in its initial run in Japan, “Deadman Wonderland”

has proven to be a surprise hit for the revived Toonami block. Speculation is now underway

of a second season being funded (a similar situation happened when “The Big O” aired on

the original Toonami). Scans of the manga are also popular. I believe the success of “Deadman

Wonderland” could very well be linked to its similarities to “Battle Royale” and “The Hunger

Games” series (especially with the latter being a bestselling book and a record-breaking box

office hit).

Holic

This is one of the more peculiar series I've gotten into. I'm frankly not sure how to

categorize it, as it uses elements of several different genres (horror, comedy, slice-of-life, drama) to tell the story. Created by ensemble production house CLAMP, Holic tells of high

schooler Watanuki, as he stumbles upon a strange shop while being harassed by a group of

dark spirits. He comes across a woman named Yuuko, who claims she can rid him of the spirits.

All she asks in return is that Watanuki become her apprentice. Watanuki agrees; and becomes

enraptured in all the strange people and doings that revolve around her shop. These include a pair of twin girls that somewhat resemble the ones found in “The Shining” , and a creature

that craves expensive food; much to Watanuki's chagrin. I am interested to see where it goes;

at least. One last thing: I didn't type the full title because of the problems it causes when

one tries to mention it. If you see the full title, you will know why.

Shin Chan

This was an anime that I discovered by accident, when using the Netflix account of a

family friend. It tells of 5-year-old Shinosuke “Shin” Nohara and his day-to-day life of living

in a small town in Japan with his mother, Mitzi, his father, Hiro, and his baby sister, Hima.

It sounds innocuous enough, but I quickly found out how audacious and vulgar it was when I

watched it. Evidently, Shin Chan is on the same level in Japan as “Beavis and Butt-Head” would be here. In particular, Funimation took an already inappropriate series and made it

even more raunchy by giving it a gag dub; intentionally airing episodes in no particular order

(which becomes clearer as some episodes are made from footage from older, cel-animated

vignettes and newer ones made with digital coloring); altering Japanese letters with digital

photoshop techniques that 4Kids would be embarrassed to use, and filling the writing with

coarse language and dead baby comedy that make sure that no one makes the mistake of putting

this on for their child. That TVMA sticker on the DVD box is much-obliged, folks.

Episodes are filled with digs at everyone from Angelina Jolie to the right wing; and a recurring parody revolves around the merchandise-driven tokusatsu hero “Action Bastard”.

The animation is gloriously bad, looking every bit like a child's drawings being used to make

an anime (the series is even called “Crayon Shin Chan”in Japan). They could even leave pencil

marks or inkblots in some of the frames. If you do decide to watch this series; it is the textbook

definition of “Not safe for work.”

Durarara!!

I am currently on my second time around watching this series, and I will tell you why.

“Durarara!!” tells of teenager Mikado Ryugamine, who had previously lived in the countryside

before moving to the Ikebukuro district of Tokyo. He meets with childhood friends Masoami

and Anri; and begins attending school there. He hears of a mysterious organization known as

the Dollars and their efforts to cause chaos and dissent in Ikebukuro. The district is also home

to a dullahan named Celty; a sort of black rider that people fear in the city, a super-strong

bartender named Shizuo, a deceitful young man named Izaya, and a hulking Russian sushi

chef named Simon.

Filled with great art and a soundtrack that mixes indie rock, free form jazz, and classical

music, “Durarara!!” is among some of the best series I've ever seen. The stories really flesh out

the series as it goes on. The plot blends crime drama, Celtic fantasy, slice-of-life, and action.

If you've seen this anime already, good for you. If you haven't, please do so.

One Piece

I cannot tell you enough how much I love this anime. After Funimation rescued it from

obscurity, “One Piece” is quickly gaining steam among the anime fandom. “One Piece” is the grand saga of young Monkey D. Luffy, a person who wants to find the One Piece and become

king of the pirates, one of the highest honors that a pirate can earn. In order to do this, Luffy

must travel across the Grand Line, a place filled with all sorts of dangers and enemies to battle;

and many friends and adventures to be had.

Joining Luffy on his journey are Roronoa Zoro, a swordsman who favors the three- sword style (one in each hand, and one between his teeth); Nami, a charming thief who will

steal one's heart along with their wallet; Usopp, a marksman known for his grand flights of

fancy; Sanji, a womanizing, chain-smoking chef; Chopper, a shapeshifting reindeer who serves

as the crew's doctor; and Nico Robin, an alluring woman who has the power to send out dozens

of arms from herself.

“One Piece” is quickly becoming one of the most deeply-revered anime series of our time, much like “Dragon Ball” before it. With Luffy's extraordinary powers of being able

to stretch his body to incredible lengths and proportions, he battles his way through many

strange and unusual places throughout the Grand Line. My advice to anyone who wants to

watch this anime; but isn't sure how they'll like it: watch it up to the end of the Arlong arc.

If you don't like it after that, it's not for you.

So, that's the first list of anime I'm currently watching. I'm going to get started on the

recap of “A Double Dilemma” very soon, and I'm going to be more proactive about posting

it, so I'm not so behind on things. In fact, the recap I was going to do after “A Double Dilemma”

may be pushed back to later in December or even January 2013. So, that's all for now. Later.