Looking Back: My Response to “20 Problems Only Anime Fans Will Understand” from orzzzz.com
Greetings, fabulous people of the
Internet! You may notice that this week’s
post is a little different. And no, this
is not in relation to the upcoming Talkative Thursday video I’m planning (more
on that later). But many of you may actually
remember this post: two years ago, I decided to react to an article that talked
about some of the many problems that otakus have to deal with. It’s so far been one of my favorite posts of
all time! And after two years, I decided
to take a look back at some of my comments and add, revise, or confirm some of
my statements. So sit back, relax, and
enjoy this week’s post as I look back on my reaction to orzzzz.com’s “20
Problems Only Anime Fans Will Understand!”
20. The Pain of Not Owning a Giant Robot
My first response:
Ah…the
ever popular giant robot. You know what
they say, “Chicks dig giant robots!”-at least that’s what Megas XLR says about
them(robots, that is). Regardless, they
definitely are a must in mecha anime.
From Gigantor to Aldnoah Zero, giant robots make anime all the more awesome. Now does that mean I would want one for
myself? Not really.
2 Years Later:
Looking back on that, I still think
that’s true today. I just don’t think it
seems all that practical to have one.
But in the years since making that statement, there have been a few
giant robots out there that have quickly become my personal favorites. These favorites include Guren Lagon from Guren Lagon, Big O from Big O, and Eva Unit 1 from Neon Genesis Evangelion- shouldn’t be
too surprised there. And yes, the Guren
Mark II from Code Geass is also still
a personal favorite. And while I still
stand by my theory it’s not practical to have a giant robot, if it were and
money were no object, I would have to now go with Eva Unit 1 as opposed to the
Guren Mark II-despite the freaky dangerous complications and downsides.
19. Waiting for the Next Season of Attack
on Titan
Put very bluntly in my first response:
No. I’m not waiting on the next season of Attack
on Titan.
2 years later:
Obviously, this was during the
three year gap after season one ended. Back
then I was pretty harsh on the popular shonen juggernaut for its lagging pace
when I reviewed the second time around.
But I will admit, season two has opened my heart a little to this show
by making up for that pace by focusing on the series’s side characters and, as
always, throwing in some crazy plot twists along the way. Even so, this has made me want to pick up a
copy of the manga more than wait for season three. But at least we can all be thankful that the
next season is said to come out next year (thank the Lord!)
18. Failing to Go Super Saiyan
My first response:
I
think this issue should have been worded “Wishing You had the Powers of Your
Favorite Anime Character” because when
it comes down to it, that’s what this issue is all about-that’s what I think
anyways. If you’re a fan of Dragon Ball
Z, that’s what you’d want to do. If
you’re a fan of Code Geass, you’d want Geass.
If you’re a Fullmetal Alchemist fan, you’d wish you could do alchemy. The list goes on.
Granted,
there’s not a person who’s seen Dragon Ball Z that wouldn’t want to go Super
Saiyan. And there’s not one person that
denies doing the Kamehameha either-I’ve done it! So even though this issue strictly involves
Dragon Ball Z, I feel like it can branch out to other anime shows and movies.
2 years later:
While I still kind of think that
this is a universal problem for all anime powers, let’s face it, the power of
the Super Saiyan and the Kamehameha and are king in the realm of anime
powers. Plus, trying to reenact some of
the other anime powers I mentioned could be dangerous, plus look really stupid
trying to perform. Like I said, everyone knows the Dragon Ball Z powers more than any other power out there.
17. Choosing Between Sub or Dub
My first response:
I
think this issue varies for me.
Personally, I try to watch the English dub whenever it is
available. But that doesn’t mean I won’t
watch the original subbed version of a show either… So my view on the sub/dub
issue is this: I watch anime shows that were released by at least 2010, anime
shows that I have seen on Toonami, and ALL anime films in English, while I
watch shows that are very new in Japan, have a unique concept not very fitting
for Western culture-like Love Live!-, and have already seen in Japanese in
Japanese.
2 years later:
Honestly this statement still holds
true now as it did before. I don’t
really have a preference. However, I
have found that I am even more open to subbed anime than before. Often times its to get a taste for the
show. Or to put it in another way, its
to see if the show is worth the watch.
And if it’s worth the watch in Japanese, then I’m even more open to
watching it in English. But I am still
open and welcoming of most English dub anime.
So yeah, my opinions here haven’t changed much, but my standards have
when watching a dubbed show. Rather than
look at how old or what the concepts of the shows are, I look more at how well
revered the show is strictly for its dubbed version.
16. Explaining the Plot of Evangelion
My first response:
I
haven’t seen enough Evangelion to really talk about this one.
2 years later:
If you haven’t read my review on
this show back in April, then you wouldn’t know that I have a little more to
say about this classic show. Granted, I
haven’t finished it yet, but I’ve seen and heard enough about it to get the
gist of it. That being said, this show
isn’t as complicated to explain as you’d think.
I could summarize it in a few words: it’s a really f***ed up mecha anime
that teaches us that mentally unstable teens shouldn’t pilot giant robots. And this encompasses the series and (shudder)
it’s alternate film ending The End of
Evangelion (again, shudder).
15. …And Getting Them Stuck in Your Head
My first response:
Again,
not enough Evangelion, so I don’t really have anything to say
2 years later:
Ok, I think I mistook this one as a
continuation of the Evangelion point
above. Of course, after reading the
article over, I was wrong. This point
makes the point on how watching a show can get you absolutely obsessed with it
even after completing it. That’s
completely understandable; I do it all the time. My periods of obsession over one show can
last for weeks to even a year (thank you Akira)! Granted, I would used to attribute this to
being autistic, but I guess this question would state that it’s a lot more
common than I used to think. And to give
my previous comment some justice, there have been some bits, theories, and
questions about Evangelion that have
been stuck in my head. Seriously, has
anyone noticed the link between the Evas and pregnant women?
14. Keeping a Secret Death Note
My first response:
I
haven’t really seen Death Note, but I’ve heard enough about it to get the gist
of it. As far as keeping a secret Death
Note that gives me the power to wish death upon anyone I chose, I really don’t
have any real desire to keep one.
2 years later:
Yeah, like I said with the giant
robots issue, it’s not all that practical.
Plus, if there were such a thing, it would have some pretty devastating
consequences. Still, Kanye West and
Donald Trump are still on my list for the first names I’d put down. Then again, I think most Americans would want
to put President Trump’s name down in their own Death Note if they could, too.
13. Making Time for Conventions
My first response:
Ah…anime
conventions. So much fun, so many new
friends, and lots of cosplayers to stare at!
Good times. Good times. If only we had time. Yeah, I agree with this one.
2 years later:
And I still do. Granted, I’ve been able to pull off going to
two this year- one in Mississippi (which is where I live) and of course my
yearly trip to MechaCon. Even so, both
took months of planning. And don’t get
me started on the budgeting for these cons, too (more on that later).
12. Confused Parents
My first response:
Oh
yeah, I agree with this one completely.
Granted, my parents aren’t as confused about it now than they were when
I started watching anime, but I can’t help but feel I have to explain a little
more about it with them than with my anime-watching friends.
Still,
one thing that this article brought up with this issue that even though your
parents didn’t understand your anime crazy, they love you enough to let you
indulge in it anyway. I couldn’t agree
more with this statement because it’s exactly what my parents do. They know that this is my passion and is a
part of who I am, and they embrace that.
2 years later:
I still think this one is pretty
true, too. I’ve explained the concept of
anime enough to them to understand it, but I think it still goes a little over
their heads. Lately, though, I’ve been
using it more in conversation, so it becomes even more frequent. Plus, I think this could also go into other
parts of Japanese pop culture, too, like lolita or Harajakuma fashion. But just like my parents, they still love me!
J
11. The Guilt of Enjoying Harem Comedies
My first response:
I
haven’t seen any harem comedies recently, so I won’t comment on this one.
2 years later:
I would still keep this comment
since I don’t watch a lot of harem comedies.
But you have to admit, a group or guys or girls in any genre of anime is
bound to be entertaining.
10. Hiding the Fact that You Watch Hentai
My first response:
Let’s
face it. There’s not an otaku or anime
fan that has seen a hentai or two. I’ll
admit, I have some. It’s mostly pictures
and manga, but I do have a few saved on my phone and computer.
2 years later:
It’s true. It’s still true. Plus watching it is a hell
of a lot of fun. Need I say more?
9. “Is that A Guy or A Girl?”
My first response:
Anime
can be a little confusing for some people.
That’s understandable. But
there’s always that one character that you find in a show that claims to be a
man, but you could swear they’re a woman.
Anime definitely blurs the lines when it comes to male characters
sometimes. What’s worse, some male
characters are actually voiced by female actors, which makes it all the more
confusing.
2 years later:
I tend not to pay all that much
attention to this issue as much as I did back then. But let’s face it, it’s always a reoccurring
problem that’s uncomfortable to explain.
Why bother going any further?
8. Developing a Crush on an Anime Character
My first response:
Yes,
there have been several anime characters that I’ve crushed out on since I’ve
started watching anime. In fact, I crush
out on anime characters more than American movie actors!
2 years later:
And I still do! Last time I gave a pretty substantial list of
crushes. But I think the on-going crush
I’ve had thus far is Genos from One Punch
Man. Ok, let’s face it, I’ve
officially made him my husbando (now
if I could just find a body pillow for him).
Oh, and I couldn’t help but laugh at this starting line below before I
started this response two years ago:
Before
I make any comment about this issue, I want to say to my boyfriend, I love you
so much!
To the me two years ago: Honey, I wouldn’t even worry. Sure, you get engaged to this guy, but he
starts to neglect your feelings and treat you like sh*t till you dump him. It leaves you with a broken heart, but you’re
better off. So make all the goo-goo eyes
you want at all the anime eye candies
you want! You’ll have earned it.
7. When Things Get Too Weird, Even for You
My first response:
Every
anime has it’s weird moments. That’s
just a fact about anime. And I’ve
certainly had my share of those moments where things get a little too weird. But if there’s one anime moment that was “so
disturbingly bizarre that even you (I) couldn’t help but curl up and in the
fetal position for fear that your (my) sanity would be compromised,” there is one special moment. That moment, hands down, was Tetsuo’s
mutation from Akira.
2 years later:
This infamous moment in anime still
holds water. Granted, I’ve watched Akira and that seen at least a hundred
times over, so it doesn’t bother me as much.
But it’s still a weird seen.
However, in my adventures with Evangelion,
I have stumbled upon scenes from the film that served as an alternative ending
to the series when fans raged over its lousy ending. Without giving anything away, let’s just say
I think the creator was off his anti-psychotics when he came up with this. In fact, the scenes from this movie were so
bizarre that the Orzzzz used a gif from one of the strangest moments to
highlight this problem. And I have that
pictured below (sorry, not sorry).
 |
| Yep, I brought it back. |
6. Convincing People It’s Not Just for Children
My first response:
This
article makes a great point about anime being diverse. But as far as this issue goes, I feel like
I’ve found the opposite. Many of the
people I’ve met think it’s maybe a little too adult.
2 years later:
I still think this is true. But to be fair, I tend to avoid all those
shows that are deemed for kids. So this
may be part of my problem here.
5. Convincing Your Friends to Watch
My first response:
I
don’t really try to convince any of my non-anime watching friends to watch
anime. It’s true, anime isn’t for
anyone…This is kind of like the issue with confused parents. However, unlike your parents, your friends
might not be as understanding. It’s just
something you have to put up with.
2 years later:
Again, I still kind of agree with
this one. I don’t try to convince any of
my friends to watch anime. It’s still is
a lot like my parents understanding anime.
They don’t have to understand it to be your friend.
4. Choosing Your Favorite Anime
My first response:
I
think this one rings pretty true. I
certainly have a few favorites. I have
three favorite shows (Inuyasha, Cowboy Bebop, Hellsing Ultimate) and two
favorite movies (Howl’s Moving Castle, Akira).
But ask what my absolute favorite is, my answer would probably be, “uh…”
… Honestly, you shouldn’t have to choose.
Have all the favorites you want!
2 years later:
3. Lack of Funds
My first response:
…if
you’re an anime fan or an otaku, money is especially a need. Let’s face it, being an otaku is an expensive
hobby.
2 years later:
Remember what I said earlier about
budgeting for cons? Yeah, well this
point pretty much highlights that problem. Being a grad student with a part time job
doesn’t pay much. Put another way, I’m
still financially dependent on my parents.
So yeah, money is a big problem.
And like I said two years ago, being an otaku is an expensive hobby, in
pretty much every way.
2. Defending Your Passion
My first response:
This
article is absolutely right! There is a
stigma about the otaku community. You’re
seen as a single, lonely nerd living in your mom’s basement and often seeking
comfort through your collection of Hatsune Miku figurines and endless
anime. This is far from it. I actually have a great job, a Bachelor’s
degree, and a boyfriend who shares my passion.
I still live with my parents, but I’m hoping to change that soon. I’ll scream it from the top of my lungs, “I LOVE
ANIME!” And for people who don’t
understand it shouldn’t make assumptions about those who do. I don’t think I should have to explain this
or make my argument any further.
2 years later:
This is still so true! And to make a few corrections, I’m working on
my Masters and have my own house-though still financially dependent on my parents,
but I’m grateful for their help. And
sure, I may be lonely, but that’s just because I’m getting over a broken
engagement. And believe it or not, I’ve
helped people understand what anime is, and may or may not have gotten my
current job because of it-that’s still debatable. But my opinion here is still the same: I will
defend my passion with pride and will not allow anyone to create a stereotype
out of me!
1. Wishing Your Life was as Strange and Exciting
My first response:
…anime
creates colorful and exciting worlds, but that doesn’t mean I would want to
live in those worlds. And I say this for
two reasons. One, there are some many
different anime worlds that I can’t really decide which one I’d like more. Two, I’d rather have one where they all
coexist… So it would be like Who Framed Roger Rabbit?, but with anime
characters.
2 years later:
I still feel the same about this
one. Then again, if there was an anime
world that I would like to see become a reality, it’s Pokémon (*sigh* I know).
But still, I think the anime, Who
Framed Roger Rabbit-esque world would be the kind of world I would want to
live in. The celebrities would
definitely be ten times cooler!
And so that end’s this week’s
longest post. In fact, I think this is
the longest post I’ve ever done. From
lousy exs to Evangelion and all the
anime worlds, that’s my thoughts looking back on one of my favorite posts of
all time. Now, about that Talkative
Thursdays video. It’s a bit of a stretch
to call it a Talkative Thursdays video, but it will be based on my latest
YouTube sensation. I will have all the
details in next Sunday’s post. Till
then, stay tuned for more!
-Hanime
on Anime
P.S.: And to check out the original post or the original
article, click on the links below:
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