Secular Pinoy

This is a bit of a rant...

I'm posting this after watching a few episodes of Ranma 1/2 on AXN Asia. The show is still fresh and rambunctiously funny. I don't know why, even after I've pretty much shunned most anime, that I can still watch R1/2 and be thoroughly entertained by it. It has this feel to it that makes it irresistable, even to a jaded former otaku such as myself.

I see that most anime coming out of Japan since EVA have lost much of their re-watchability, that is, that the quality of being still entertaining after being watched before. Shows like Cowboy Bebop are fun when you first watch it, but it loses a lot of steam after the 3rd viewing. And don't get me started on Vandread!

I think Evangelion started this trend, though a few shows before it were also unwatchable the second time around. But it was EVA, with its hype and unbelievable fanbase, that makes it stand out. Sure, it was tolerable at first, maybe ok the second, but watch it for a third time? I think I'll pass.

Anime has lost its focus, and it's primarily targetted to people with MTV-length attention spans (though much of MTV's innovations were anime-inspired to begin with). Inu Yahsa might be a step back into the right direction, but it also has failed to be as enchanting as Takahashi's earlier works.

Or maybe I've grown too old for anime? I hope not, I still like Super Deformed characters, squeaky female voices and the superb dubbing of certain US anime companies (VIZ, for instance). Maybe I've come to expect much of the old anime plots and comedic devices in the new series? Partly, yes. But I feel I am still quite eclectic, and I appreciate most genres (even tentacles). I am still entertained by some of the newer shows, but that is not the problem. It's their re-watchability. And that is the great thing with the animes of old, you can't watch it only once. Miyazaki's Kiki's Delivery Service, for instance, is even more entertaining the 5th time I've seen it.

I'm sorry if my thoughts are not fleshed out more thoroughly or clearly, but I need to rant. I would hope to resolve my love-hate relationship with japanese cartoons. But in the mean time, I think I'll try to find the Ranma 1/2 Digital Dojo DVD Box Set. It is a must-have!

Brahma's atheist

You're right. Most anime is not re-watchable.I see it on Sci-Fi UK and CNX and often once is enough. Even once you think 'Why did I just waste time watching that?' I can't think of many I'd watch again. Ninja Scrolls, a couple of Cowboy Bebop episodes. Something I would love to rewatch is Ulysses 31, which was half Japanese and Battle of the Planets.

fando

I think you just burned out on the genre. There comes a time when you get tired of a certain interest. Music you used to like no longer sounds as good. All the mystery novels you used to read constantly now seem stale. Comic books no longer have the same allure. Take a break from it and pick up a new hobby. Eventually, you'll regain interest.

You're never too old for any medium. Heck, I'm now re-discovering the joys of kid and young adult literature, from Roald Dahl to J.K. Rowling to Encyclopedia Brown. Fantastic stuff!

From the Anime you've named, I suspect that you haven't really gone beyond the mainstream stuff. Really, you have only dipped your toe in the wide ocean that is Japanese entertainment. Give it some time, then pick up stuff you've never heard of before and watch it. You'll be surprised at some of the stuff you find. I myself have never cared for Ranma, Evangelion or any of that common dross (with the notable exception of Miyazaki). Lately, I've been watching mostly Shojo TV serieses like Kodocha and Memoru with some shonen thrown in, like the really awesome One Piece.

Rewatchability is a function of time. Obviously, if you watch a show twice in a row, it's not as satisfactory as watching it once every other year. Spread out your interests a little bit.

Secular Pinoy

Thanks, I do think I might have burned out as an anime fan, but no, I wasn't a totally mainstream kind of guy. In fact, I made it a point to watch the most esoteric anime available. I seeked anime no one here has watched before. Indeed, my anime library has a sizable collection of art-film type animes. But even then, I still had this weird infatuation with Rumiko Takahashi anime.

GunnerJ

The "great" thing about Eva is, after watching all 26 episodes and both movies, you may not even have to worry about re-watching the series.

But, yeah, really fricken subtle humor aside, I can sorta see what you mean. I completely disagree with you about CB, though, as I think that's the direction anime needs to go in. Inu Yasha is sort of boring, really, and doesn't seem very innovative. I love mecha to death, but the whole genre is just one big circle jerk of ripoffs (ever notice how organic mechs started looking after Eva...?)

PS MY OPENING JOKE WAS A REFERENCE TO THE FACT THAT EVA MAKES THE AVERAGE VIEWER WANT TO MAKE OUT WITH THE BARREL OF A LOADED SHOTGUN.

fando

Oh ok, just give it some time. I burned out years ago and am already into it again. Also, external factors can influence your interests, such as depression or stress.