Category: Otaku Culture

Ghost in the Shell 1995

Posted on by Andrew Kincaid

Ghost in the Shell is a popular cyberpunk anime that consistently ranks among the best anime in the history of the genre. The series consists of two separate anime–Ghost in the Shell Standalone Complex and Ghost in the Shell Standalone Complex 2nd Gig — and two movie–Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell:…

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Dragon Ball Z–The Father of Modern Shonen

Posted on by Andrew Kincaid

Dragon Ball Z is a show that needs little introduction among anime fans. To say that Dragon Ball Z (DBZ) is influential is a gross understatement–had Dragon Ball Z never been published, modern anime–specifically Shonen–would look nothing like it does now. While most readers here are probably familiar with DBZ’s storyline, for those who aren’t…

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Akira: Changing the Face of Anime

Posted on by Chris Kincaid

Akira is important for anime both in the West and in Japan. It seems odd, but Akira’s predecessor isn’t another anime.  Rather, Akira is the child of Godzilla.  So what does the teen angst of Akira have to do with the giant city smashing Godzilla? Both Akira and Godzilla show the influence of World War…

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Mighty Atom and Tezuka’s Production System

Posted on by Chris Kincaid

Any series that looks at the most influential anime must talk about Osamu Tezuka’s Mighty Atom (Tetsuwan Atomu) or Astro Boy as we in the West know it. Astro Boy laid the groundwork for anime and manga storytelling, production, and all other aspects of the medium. While it was not the first Japanese animation, Tetsuwan…

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What are Maid Cafes?

Posted on by Chris Kincaid

“Gokitaku hajimete desu ka?” She wears white stockings and lace, a fantasy in the flesh. You nod and say something vaguely affirmative. The server bows. Her petticoat and frilly pinafore are immaculate. You see just a hint of her garter. The other servers stop what they are doing and bow toward you. “Okaerinasai-mase goshujin-sama!” You…

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