Jiraiyan

Jiraiyan

I'm an English Major at Queens College. I'm also an avid manga reader, anime watcher, and blogger.

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Latest Articles

Latest Topics

14

How My Hero Academia treats it's villains

My Hero Academia is one of the most popular anime and manga series today. While the primary characters are heroes, many important characters are villains. The series creator, Kohei Horikoshi is known to subvert common troupes in the shonen genre. However, it’s how he treats his villains that is most interesting. It has been noted that characters like Bakugo and Endeavor aren’t quite as heroic as expect. They can be considered to be anti-heroes. The true villains of the series have been given arcs of their own.

Currently, the Meta Liberation Army arc is focusing on the development of the League of Villains as they come into conflict with the Liberation Army. The main antagonist, Tomura Shigaraki is given a backstory, as he and his comrades train to become stronger. Why does Horikoshi focus on villains at all? Shigaraki story mirrors Midoriya’s, how’s that different from typical shonen series? Will focusing on villains in this manner result in readers caring about them more?

  • I am literally *so* excited to read this. I really like how Horikoshi makes readers question how heroic the "heroes" really are, since they're doing it as a profession in a capitalist society (which therefore devalues people who have no quirk, like Deku, or "unheroic" quirks, like Shinsou). All Might explicitly tells Deku he can't be a hero if he doesn't have a quirk. I really hope you touch on this false dichotomy of heroic vs. villainous, good vs. bad, good quirk vs. bad quirk, etc. and how the League of Villains is essentially a band of misfits whose quirks or upbringing alienated them from a pro-hero society. A buddy of mine runs a villains-centric blog that might have some useful discussion for you: codenamesazanka on Tumblr :) – Eden 5 years ago
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  • The protagonists of My Hero Academia are in short, fairly bland and one dimensional. they have one defining trait and are mostly left to that. Horikoshi seems to put so much emphasis on the villians because those are the characters she took the time to make interesting. – Aschneider 3 years ago
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Could Manhwa become the main source for anime adaptions?

Manhwa is a Korean term for comics, generally considered to be of lower quality than a manga, manhwa is starting to gain in popularity. Recently manhwa has become a source for adaption, with Tower of God being released and the God of High School coming up July (Both by Crunchyroll/MAPPA). Research and analyze the rise of manhwa as a source for anime adaptation. Can manhwa compete with manga? Is manhwa going to become a source primarily for American companies like Crunchyroll? Does the general quality of manhwa compare to manga matter?

  • As someone who mostly watches manga-adapted anime, this is an interesting topic. It could also delve into the key differences between manga (Japanese) and manhwa (Korean) or even, manhua (Chinese), whether that be in content, art style, etc. Then further explore its adaptations and what that means for the local industries and Western companies. – Lyka Cali 4 years ago
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  • Manwha as a source of soft power would an incredible topic to explore, in addition to how it would be able to harness that soft power in the process of transculturation. – curiosibri 4 years ago
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What does Mob Psycho 100 say about individuals?

Mob Psycho 100 is a series from the creators of One Punch Man. Focusing on the title character of Shigeo "Mob" Kageyama. Mob is a esper, he learns as a child that his powers are link to his emotional state. As a result he is emotionally muted and appears with a blank expression. He has no friends (in the beginning) and is social awkward. In contrast, the character of Reigen is the opposite of Mob.

Reigen is the boss and master of Mob. He is a con man, whom, uses the power of his words to manipulate his clients into believing he is helping them with their problems. A common theme that is brought up in the series is the idea that Mob’s psychic powers are one aspect of him and he is no better than other’s. Reigen believes that his powers are really no different from someone who can sing, dance or play a sport. Basically, everyone has something special about them.

Explore the theme from the series, that we all are special in different ways. Question what the difference between being ordinary and extraordinary is. Explore how the various characters, specifically, Mob and Reigen display the theme.

  • Yes, so much yes. The idea of "being the protagonist of your own story" is a great theme to delve into, as well as the emotional lessons of the story. I would also touch on additional characters and how they negotiate having powers, i.e. being special, with their level of emotional maturity. Ristu, Serizawa, Sho, Hanazawa, and Toichiro all cope with being "special" in healthy and unhealthy ways. I'd be very excited to read a piece about this. – Eden 5 years ago
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9

Revenge in Anime

Vinland Saga began it’s first animated season this summer. The series focuses on Thorfinn Thorsson, as he embarks on a quest of revenge. His father, Thors is killed by Askeladd. Thorfinn joins Askeladd’s band of Vikings, waiting for the day that he’s strong enough to kill Askeladd in a duel. Revenge is a common theme in anime. Analyse how revenge is depicted, what are the effects on the main character and secondary ones.

Consider comparing and contrasting how the theme is presented in anime. You could focus on popular series like Vinland Saga, Attack on Titan, Kill La Kill, Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba and Goblin Slayer. Some of these series are more violent than others. How does this effect the depiction of revenge? What happened that warrants revenge? Are the characters justified? Do they attempt revenge in different ways? Do they succeed? Are they all sympathetic figures? Finally, how does the pursuit of vengeance change them.

  • When it comes to the topic of revenge in anime, it often leads to characters going through radical changes in their demeanor and motivation (take Sasuke from Naruto or Eren Jaeger in Attack on Titan). When analyzing this topic, it's important to compare and contrast the differences these characters have when they perform an action that was based on their vengeful behavior. – CAngeloCruz 5 years ago
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  • A classic revenge story with hands down the most cultural impact is Alexandre Dumas' The Count of Monte Cristo. There's an an anime adaption of it called Gankutsuou and it does a wonderful job of reinterpreting Edmund Dantes' story of retribution amidst a futuristic setting where it's planet Earth vs. an encroaching alien empire. It definitely contributes a different perspective to how revenge is portrayed in anime and I think it shouldn't be ignored in an analysis of said topic. – darthzia 4 years ago
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  • Naruto... – OkaNaimo0819 4 years ago
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How does Made in Abyss's art style contrast with it's dark story

Made in Abyss is a new anime series, adapted from the manga of the same name. The series focuses on an orphan girl named Riko. Her goal is to explore the massive hole in the earth called the Abyss, like her mother did. The Abyss have a plethora of artifacts and remnants. To pursue these treasures hunters must brave terrible conditions and brutal nature. One aspect of the series that is the most jarring is the stark contrast between the art style and it’s story.

Made in Abyss features beautiful animation, with bright colors and lush environments. The main characters are small, cute, children, however, they face the horrors presented by Abyss. Particularly, the damage that happens to the human body, losing control over body fluids, hemorrhaging, broken limbs, amputation, etc . . . As each layer is reached the effects get worst. Explore how the anime’s style contrasts with it’s content and how that might effect the story and viewers.

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    Can Mass Effect Andromeda redeem the franchise?

    The Mass Effect series was first released in 2007. The first two games in the series received critical acclaim and were considered to be a new standard for video-game story telling. While the third game in the series was mostly well-received, its ending was not. Many fans felt deceived by an ending that felt inconsequential. It left many fans so upset that they complained to the FTC, and formed an internet campaign called "Retake Mass Effect" that generated $80,000 in a couple weeks. Bioware also released a new ending that expanded the epilogue.

    Regardless, these events affected the series negatively.The next game in the series, Mass Effect Andromeda, will exist in the same universe as the previous games, but will not reference them. The game will be open world, already has gorgeous graphics, and will continue to use dialogue trees, choices, and romantic relationships. What does the series’ next chapter need to do to repair the negativity created by the ending? Will being "open world" massively improve the series? What should be added to the series? From what has been revealed so far, do you think that Mass Effect Andromeda will be better than its predecessors? Why?

    • I forgot to write that I edited your topic. Hopefully that's helpful. – Tigey 8 years ago
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    • I think if anything, the ending that felt inconsequential will have to literally be inconsequential to a sequel game that promises not to reference it which might just be salt in the wound. To many fans, Commander Shepard is their access point to the franchise and to be successful, the protagonist of Andromeda will have to be just as endearing and yet not a carbon copy of what worked before. I feel that it will be the difference in Andromeda - the setting, the tone, and fresh faces - that will make or break the game. – scrook 7 years ago
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    Can Resident Evil 7 restore the series to its roots?

    At this years, E3 Capcom reveal a trailer for the upcoming Resident Evil 7. They also released a demo for the game. The Resident Evil series has been criticized for seemingly abandoning it’s horror aspect. Resident Evil 4 was hailed as a masterpiece for changing the third-person shooter genre. The change is centered on the introduction of "offset camera angles that fail to obscure the action."

    However, by adding these aspects to the game, Capcom appeared to ruin the "survivor horror" series. One reason for this seems to be the abandonment of zombies all together. Replacing them with a cult called "Los Illuminados." The cult members were infected with a parasite, and so were "mindless." They cool use tools unlike zombies, like guns, axes and/or vehicles.

    To counter this the series shifted to become more action oriented. The horror element gave way to the action. This continued for Resident Evil 5 and 6, although there were other complaints. Resident Evil 7 promises to return to what made the series a great survivor horror series. Capcom’s reveal of Resident Evil 7 demo was meet with mix reviews. The demo doesn’t play like the last 3 games or the original games. It played more like the Silent Hill series. It was first person and featured less action.

    The demo however will not be part of the "main series," according to director Koushi Nakanishi. He stated that it was more of a "tonal preview." He stated that the demo was designed to show the "fear/horror," elements and the "exploration of an environment." Some of the gameplay elements were left out of the demo. Koushi clarified that "puzzle solving, resource management, and combat," will return to the series as well.

    Overall, the demo has sent the message that the series horror aspects are returning. Can this entry revive the series? Can Capcom find a balance between action and horror, while satisfying new and old fans? What do you think made Resident Evil 4 – 6 "abandoned" the horror. What would you like to see in the series of the future?

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      Can Final Fantasy 15 resurrect the series?

      Determine whether the Final Fantasy series can return to prominence. With the new chapter "Final fantasy 15" expected to be released in September this year. Final Fantasy 15 was originally called Versus 13. There have been internal disputes within Square Enix, causing the game to be delayed for years.

      Final Fantasy 15 is a completely different game than Versus 13 was. However, while the demo was generally well received, many fans have decried the simple and often uninteresting story. There are also complaints regarding the change in combat. The game will also be "open world." Does this help? What must FF15 do to continue the series success?

      • This is definitely a hot topic and the answer seems to be polarized. Many think the FF series should die (or be "final"), therefore XV doesn't stand a chance. That aside, many also dislike the new look, calling XV nothing but a "sausage-fest" full of emo-looking boy band members--and, oh yeah, the turn-based style is gone. Others, however, have high hopes because it is so different from the traditional FF game. I think it would also be worth noting how similar it is in style and gameplay to Kingdom Hearts. Why is it that some gamers were okay with KH not being turn-based, but aren't okay with XV not being turn-based? KH played well, didn't it? So why can't XV, too? If you can't tell, I'm on the "I have high hopes" side of the fence for XV. Ha. – Christina Legler 8 years ago
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      Latest Tides

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      Boruto: The Next Generation

      The successor to the Naruto series, Boruto will focus on the children of the genin’s from Naruto. The children were introduced in the final chapters of Naruto. In the Boruto movie we learn more about their abilities, personalities and relationships. This new generation appears to have inherited their parents personalities, but they have surpassed their parents abilities.

      The first chapter of the series retells much of what happened in the movie. Boruto dislikes his father (Naruto) due to the responsibilities bestowed upon the Hokage. He resents him and has developed some anger issues as a result. Boruto quickly comes across as a more complex character than his father was. However, unlike his father Boruto has both his parents and a sibling.

      It is made clear in a flash-forward that Naruto dies at some point in this series and I wonder what effect this had on Boruto. The other genin introduced are interesting. Sarada, the daughter of Sasuke and Sakura. She possess the Sharingan and her mother strength. Interestingly, she seems to have developed a desire to become Hokage. Boruto on the other hand seems to despise the position. However, he seems to have taken a liking to Sasuke.

      I personally love Chocho, the daughter of Choji. She has a fun personality and is hilarious. She may end up being a secondary character, but I hope they show more of her. The art of this series will require some getting use to. I haven’t decided whether I like it or not. Views on art can vary, but personally I find it very important. However, the art should improve, which tends to happen with manga artist.

      Rating: 4/5

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        Anime Review: Little Witch Academia

        Little Witch Academia: The Enchanted Parade is the much-anticipated sequel from Studio Trigger’s, previous movie Little Witch Academia. Both entries in the series have been highly regarded as being standards for enjoyable stories and an undeniable visual style associated with Trigger. The story focuses on an all girls magic academy as the students study and explores the world that surrounds them.

        Akko and her friends Lotte and Sucy continue their bickering and trouble making in this movie. Their punishment is to organize this year, "Witch Parade". The negative aspects of Akko personality present, as she becomes dismissive of he friends ideas. She manages to come up with poorly thought out plans and is surprised when they fail. With her friends awol, she and her new cohorts are tasked with pulling off the parade of without them.

        Akko’s more pleasant personality traits are shown at this point. Her determination helps her form a plan that actually works until she is rudely sabotaged by the boys of the town. This leads to an even greater conflict between the young witches and a giant. The town’s people remain ignorant of the danger they are thank’s to some quick thinking from Akko’s teacher Ursula. Akko’s friends return just in time to aid her.

        Little Witch Academia excels in many aspects, but it fails for an original story. Magic schools are a common idea, and the creators failed to set their school apart from other series. They neglected to expand even further into the magical world at large. It would have been helpful to know who the witch was that sealed the giant in the first place. The characters are for the most part tradition anime troupes. Akko is the argumentative, aspirational main character, Lotte is the brainy nerd with Sucy being the somber, emo type. Despite its failings, LWA remains an enjoyable series, which should explain how outstanding it is.

        Rating: 4.9/5

        • LWA sounds like a fun series, but I've thus far avoided it...partially because my watch-pile is still pretty crowded. As a series, does it descend very far into fan service? While not adverse to it, I tend to find that fan service heavy series bore me. – mattdoylemedia 8 years ago
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        • I've seen part of this while a cousin of mine was watching it. I kept meaning to go back and watch it, but kept forgetting!! But will add this to my growing long list since I've been reading these tides.. – Tatijana 8 years ago
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        Latest Comments

        Jiraiyan

        Denji is a more balanced and realistic character when compared to other Shonen protagonists. He has simple desires (I’ve only watched the anime) but is not represented a pure hearted the way some of the Shonen characters like Naruto, Luffy, and Goku have been.

        Chainsaw Man and the New Shonen Protagonist
        Jiraiyan

        I’ve always loved the Arthurian Legends. Great article.

        Fantasy Writing and The Middle Ages to The Renaissance
        Jiraiyan

        I always thought dystopian societies felt more likely than utopian ones. Although what separates utopia from dystopia can be blurry.

        Why Is Utopian Literature Less Popular Than Dystopian Literature?
        Jiraiyan

        I was just rewatching the episode when we find out about Killer. I was in tears again.

        The 5 Saddest Moments in One Piece
        Jiraiyan

        I think the audience wasn’t emotionally connected to Whitebeard so many of us didn’t feel emotional regarding his death. I can’t help but cry when seeing Ace died so I don’t watch that scene anymore. One Piece’s Wano arc has made me cry several times already. I don’t think it gets enough credit for these emotional moments.

        The 5 Saddest Moments in One Piece
        Jiraiyan

        The dragon is probably the most well known mythological creature, I always forget that they exist in the myths of cultures outside of China and Europe. Great article.

        Dragons: East versus West
        Jiraiyan

        I really love this series. I found Riko’s obsession with the Reg penis to be interesting as it’s usually the male characters in anime that are perverted. In the latest movie, I found Prushka breasts to be too sexualized.

        Made in Abyss: Gender Politics
        Jiraiyan

        One Piece has several characters that were once isolated but found friendship among their pirate crews. Nico Robin and Chopper have experienced many hardships.

        The 5 Saddest Moments in One Piece