The Great Unwashed Anime: May ’06
Paul •
Despite the large number of anime series being released in the UK every month, there are still many shows that are yet to even see a stateside release. “The Great Unwashed Anime” is a chance for our team of anime addicts to give you a taster of some of the series that are currently restricted to Japanese shores; from the latest and greatest anime to the overlooked and forgotten, this unlicensed anime spotlight should whet the appetite of any curious anime fans.
Anime title: Mushishi
Genre: Fantasy, Drama
Reviewed by: Martin Butler
What’s the story?
Ginko is a mushishi – a man who studies a mysterious type of creature known as mushis. Supernatural and invisible to many, mushis represent the most primeval form of life but sometimes interfere with the lives of humans. The series charts the day-to-day life of Ginko as he journeys the length and breadth of Japan, helping people whose lives are affected by the mushis. In one episode, he attempts to cure a girl whose blindness has been caused by mushis inside her body; in another, a man is given the ability to predict future events through mushi intervention in his dreams, which proves to be as much a curse as it is a blessing.
What makes it worth watching?
Mushishi is a strongly episodic series in which Ginko, who appears to be a mixture of curious naturalist and benevolent witch doctor, meets a different person each episode who he tries to help with their mushi-related problems using the knowledge he has acquired on his endless journey.
Each episode is pretty much self-contained and the art style, with its muted green, grey and brown shades, adds to the historic/folklore atmosphere. The music is suitably restful and haunting, having a definite traditional Japanese folk influence and an opening theme by Scottish singer/songwriter Ally Kerr. The series is thought-provoking, imaginative and something quite out of the ordinary – it’s unlike anything you are likely to see right now.
Anime title: Kogepan
Genre: Fantasy
Preview by: Andy Glass
What’s the story?
The daily life of Kogepan – bread that was left in the oven too long. No-one will buy him because he was burnt, so he loafs around the bakery all day, drinking with his friends, looking after the young bread, making desperate attempts to be sold and generally just pondering on life.
What makes it worth watching?
At first glance, Kogepan is little more than a childs programme. The simplistic storytelling and the minimalist visual style do little to impact this impression. But look a little closer and it’s soon clear that under the surface there are deeper themes that belie its childish appearance.
Kogepan himself is a loveable little character, with a rather pessimistic outlook on life. He wants nothing more than to be sold and eaten, and makes many attempts to entice customers to buy him, many of which raise a smile. He comes off as a sort of grumpy old man character who just wants to fit in with the younger bread – which seems to represent the older generation that finds themselves out of touch with the youth of today. It’s through the use of metaphors such as this that the series gains a subtle depth that raises it above a simple childs cartoon, and quite often raises a wry smile.
Each of the ten four-minute episodes is a standalone story that switches between a day in the life of Kogepan and the musings of a narrator. The artwork is cute, but not in an overpowering sugar happy way, and is presented in a charmingly simplistic style that is reminiscent of a child’s drawing. If you’ve seen My Neighbours the Yamadas, you’ll know what to expect – and if you liked that, you’ll probably like this, as the two are quite similar in many respects.
Kogepan is well worth a look for anyone in search of something different. It’s a charming diversion from the usual anime stereotypes that always manages to raise a smile. It’s not the most groundbreaking or unique thing ever made, but it’s certainly worth a look for the curious – if you can find it.
Anime Title: Comedy
Genre: Horror
Preview by: Paul Bates
What’s the story?
Set during Ireland’s War of Independence, a young Irish lass, besieged by the merciless English soldiers, seeks the help of a legendary swordsman who is rumoured to have supernatural powers.
What makes it worth watching?
Studio 4C’s Comedy is a gripping 10 minute OAV from Kazuto Nakazawa; the main creative force behind Kill Bill’s ultra-violent anime sequence. This is a dark, gothic tale with no real historical significance, a vehicle for Nakazawa’s undoubted sense of style. His scratchy, sleek character designs are distinctive and attractive here, as is the hyper stylised violence. The compelling soundtrack is basically one song, but what a song; operatic classic Ave Maria.
It all adds up to be a really quite outstanding OAV, bleeding with moody landscapes and vivid characters no doubt inspired by an old European picture-book aesthetic. Comedy may only be 10 minutes long, but it works perfectly; both as an experiment in surreal atmospherics and an entertaining snapshot of Britain’s bloody history.
Anime title: Jigoku Shoujo
Genre: Horror, Drama
Preview by: Michelle Howarth
What’s the story?
There is a website that will take revenge on those you feel deserve it, the site however is only accessible at midnight. Simply input the name of the one you wish to take revenge on and Enma Ai the Hell Girl shall carry them away to hell for eternity, providing you make one final confirmation of the revenge by pulling a ribbon from a magical doll she gives you. There is however a catch. If you choose to take revenge on someone then your soul will go to hell once you die too.
What makes it worth watching?
Jigoku Shoujo (Hell Girl) at least to begin with is a highly episodic series dealing with taking revenge. In the earlier episode the people who have revenge taken on them are truly deserving of it but as the series progresses the lines between right and wrong aren’t always as clear. The series demonstrates how fragile human emotions can be, and a moment’s hatred can push an extreme decision that is later regretted. It’s this aspect of Jigoku Shoujo that makes it very compelling to watch.
As the series progresses the recurring supernatural characters that torment the person being carried to Hell each week have human recurring characters to deal with. There are those in the human world who would stop what is happening, and Enma Ai the Hell Girl herself begins to feel less than comfortable in what she is doing. This added plotline makes what at first seems a one trick show into being far more interesting as the cast develop more personality and depth.
