Sean Russell, maestro of Anime 3000 and host of the A3K podcast invited The Grey Ghost to join in a discussion of Highschool of the Dead. Good thing we had some extra jokes laying around from the first time we covered that show.
It’s astounding to learn how the anime fandom at large reveres Highschool of the Dead, yet finds Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt so revolting. It begs to wonder: Is the world mad or is it just us? If this is what passes for sanity, lock us safe within a padded room.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica is a good show about a bad deal. As a general warning, we spoil this show all to hell. But you know what? You should go watch it anyway. It’s cool; we’ll wait.
Part 2 of our Animazement 2011 coverage kicks off with our applause for Anime Hell. Our advice for Anime Hell: If you haven’t been, go. If you have been, go again and drag in those who haven’t.
Animazement 2011 has come and gone in a blink of an eye. Every year, we heed the call of The Gathering to unite with our geek kinsmen in a three-and-a-half day campaign over downtown Raleigh, NC. Then, as if it were a mirage, it’s gone. We return to our daily lives questioning if our episode into a different world had actually happened.
For Anime 3000: The Grey Ghost and The Business of the Method to Madness podcast experience Toradora! Volume 1, drawing in deep this rare breath of fresh air; a high school anime untarnished by fan service.
Toradora! brushes a bow string across the tightly strung cat’s cradle of relationship ties between it’s characters, accompanied with the occasional high hat of genuine comedy. If that hasn’t captured your attention, fine… There’s a loli, a MILF, and a retarded parrot.
It’s so hard to find good help these days… You’d have to almost sell your soul to get a decent spot of tea. Victorian noble Ciel Phantomhive has done just that: Offering up his immortal soul for the services of “one hell of a butler”.
For Anime 3000, the boys from the Method to Madness podcast weigh in on the first volume of the Black Butler anime. Fear not, my fellow man, for on the surface this appears to be a whimsical shotagoth romp, arms locked with indentured bishonen. BUT! Come the fourth and fifth episode, you’ll be fist-pumping and woofing to the sudden explosion of action and drama.
Highlander: The Search for Vengeance is like a good pizza. It has the meat of Fist of the North Star, the sauce of Ninja Scroll, held together with the cheese of Yoshiaki Kawajiri, and rest upon the firm crust of Highlander. Sure, you may have your favorite of all ingredients, but you’re still just eating pizza.
As the Highlander franchise goes, this movie is one of its shining stars. But take that under the context that the Highlander family includes such deformed bastard children as “The Quickening” and “The Source”. Any praise is a back-handed since this anime is only saved by its mediocrity.
In the Method to Madness podcast, I’m joined with my good friend Kevin “The Business” Gray to discuss great anime and video games that you should be watching as well as ones you should feel ashamed you are watching.
“Anime sucks.” At least, that’s what I hear. “Anime is dead.” I’m not yet convinced.
In my world, every experience is comparable to food; anime included. Shows centered on fan service are easily associated with fast food. That stuff is cheap, abundant, and can be appear to taste even good, but making it a staple in your diet will destroy your body and soul over time.
Substantial anime, on the other hand, is your home-cooked meal. Often times, yes, the recipe may not work or the finished dish may turn out a bit “off” or maybe the cook didn’t cater to your particular tastes… But at least someone cared enough to get in the god damned kitchen.
Here’s an extra holiday bonus… This is a rant that I put together on some topics that have been a popcorn kernel, long wedged in the gum of my molar.
For months, I’d outline rough articles on the harbingers of digital distribution and the abuse of Godwin’s Law against chimerical censorship. Mid-draft, some new report would spring up from the media, putting the SEAN SMASH! on yet another helpless keyboard and leaving the written article in wait.
The pen is mightier than the sword, yet impotent to the power of the microphone.
