Welcome to my 5 favorite anime blog posts from 2021 week 47!
Every week I look for posts that celebrate amazing moments in anime or otherwise blow me away with their wit and charm. I check over 300 sites, and I can tell you that the ani-blogging community constantly produces a ton of amazing posts. I hope this list helps you find some of them!
Here’s the list of the sites I check!
The Afictionado
What are We Talking About When We Talk About “Good Representation”?
I’ve often joked that I feel so alien from most humans that I might as well be observing the Earth from high orbit. Few subjects drive that idea home with more poignancy than seeing the lengths to which some humans will go to dehumanize other humans. I have a recent example (that I hope is stale enough to make the point instead of inflaming feelings of indignation). A group of folks who tried to speak out against unfair treatment based on gender. To counter their position that “Hey, please don’t denigrate people who are different from you,” the “opposing” side gave birth unto the phrase Social Justice Warrior as a term of derision.
Why not engage the first group’s arguments directly? Why not try to justify denigrating people who are different? Or show how the apparent denigration is something else? I mean, that’s the original topic, isn’t it? Why come up with a label instead of an honest response? I feel like I’m invoking the Chewbacca Defense, but that does not make sense! Now, most humans just accept this as an example of tribal language. They say it’s a condition of humanity and move on. That’s what makes me feel so different. Because that, too, does not make sense. At least to me.
Which is exactly why I really, really enjoyed Alex’s post on The Afictionado. First, she referenced Phos from Land of the Lustrous with delightful sarcasm — while simultaneously affirming the show’s Manifest Awesomeness. Land of the Lustrous was just an amazing series, and sarcasm and I get along really well. Second, I have observed that the original concept behind “representation” has come under attack in the wider media. Instead of trying to bolster one side or another, Alex discusses the concept itself — what it means, where it’s been, and where it’s going. I don’t know much, but I know this: Humans can only think about a problem if they think about a problem. Taking sides or talking around the problem is hurtful and counterproductive. At least, that’s how it seems from high orbit. Those are precisely the errors that Alex avoid. See what you think!
Harshit’s blog
Eden of the East – A thrilling masterpiece
I feel like half the time I pick a post to celebrate, it’s talking about an anime that I’ve never seen! Which is odd when I consider that I’ve seen north of 470 series… But this week, I happened to find Harshit Sagar’s review on Harshit’s blog of the series Eden of the East. I thought, “Why, I haven’t seen that show in forever! But I have seen it!” Because all of us routinely start our sentences with “why.” So, I checked out what Harshit Sagar thought about it. It was like reading my own response to the series — even the feeling that it started slow, but what happened at the end made it all worth it. What happened at the end? How did it make up for some seemingly dull episodes? There’s one way to find out!
The Magic Planet
Let’s Watch TAKT OP.DESTINY: Episode 7
Yes, I’m celebrating another one of Jane the Anime Witch’s reviews of takt op.Destiny on the site The Magic Planet. Yes, that makes six of the last seven Other Posts to Crow About posts have included one of Jane the Anime Witch’s posts. No, that’s never happened before. This is just what happens at the union of a show that speaks to me on an innate level and a series of posts that shows a profound and clear understanding of what the show is trying to do — and how it’s trying to do it.
Put another way, I haven’t found another poster who has such keen insights into the series: its setting, its characters, and its plot. This time, I particularly appreciated the post’s insights into the burden that’s Anna’s been carrying. Same thing about Takt and what’s going on with him in this episode. Most of all, I liked the post’s insights into Destiny — both in herself as a character, and about her and her relationship to Takt. What were these insights? Please do head over to the article to find out!
The Otaku Author
Jujutsu Kaisen (Episode 17) – Kyoto Sister School Exchange Event – Group Battle 3 –
Never let it be said that I don’t learn from my mistakes. Because, once in a blue moon, I do! I didn’t watch Jujutsu Kaisen when it came out, so I was only dimly aware of the awesomeness that was Nobara Kugisaki. Then I watched it and realized that how small minded I was. Because as awesome as Nobara was, she was not the only amazing character in the series.
As proof, please let me present Lynn Sheridan’s post from The Otaku Author. He captured everything that I saw as great and entertaining about this episode. But he went one step farther: He described one of my favorite scenes from the first season in a fantastic way! And it involved two characters I had no idea about when I started watching. Surprise awesomeness is the best awesomeness! See if the scene is one of your favorites!
The Traditional Catholic Weeb
Anime Review #67: Hyouka
I’ve read some very enjoyable posts lately about the series Hyouka. I like seeing that, because the series (which I’m ashamed to admit I still need to finish!) has so many aspects that are ripe for exploration. That’s partly why this post from Traditional Catholic Weeb on the site The Traditional Catholic Weeb caught my attention. It kept my attention by examining some of those less explored aspects, especially the plot. There’s more to it than many folks realize, and Traditional Catholic Weeb has shared some great insights.
Only one thing confused me. The post kept misspelling the Best Girl’s name! I even checked, and I’m sure it’s spelled Mayaka Ibara! I’m kidding, of course. Not about the spelling. I actually did check it! But Traditional Catholic Weeb chose a different character. And for the record? I have no complaints whatsoever! Who did he pick? What other insights did he share? You know what to do!
Want to Read More of My Favorite Anime Post Lists?
Want to explore more amazing anime blog posts? Check out the previous editions of My Favorite Anime Community Posts!
Want to Read Favorite Posts from Other Sites?
- Anime Feminist: Weekly Round-Up, 10-16 November 2021: Wiki Purges, Adult Adoptions, and Bad Attack on Titan Merch
- In Search of Number Nine: THE OTAKUSPHERE: SNAIL LOVE, RELAXING FISHING AND HE DID WHAT?
- Lesley’s Anime and Manga Corner: Anime and Manga Blog Posts That Caught My Eye This Week (November 19, 2021)
