Non-Traditional Forms of Fanservice

A feature article called “Five Steps to Better Fanservice” went up on ANN this week. Its author, Paul Jensen, made some good points about moderation and setting audience expectations early on in a series. However, the piece’s focus on the common interpretation of the term “fanservice” with regard to anime – body parts, hot spring/beach trips, etc. – left me a little disappointed after I finished reading it. I began to think about other types of fanservice and remembered an old post of mine that briefly touched on that notion.
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Summer 2015 Anime – Initial Thoughts on 13 First (and Some Second) Episodes

I wrote a post in late June saying I wasn’t looking forward to watching a lot of summer anime, yet I’ve sampled *thirteen* new series so far this month and have enjoyed most of them.
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Prioritizing Books Over New Anime This Summer

Nodoka carrying some books in Negima

Over the years, I’ve collected a number of books I wanted to read and perhaps write about on this blog. However, I have yet to finish most of them or write much about the ones I have completed, such as Dreamland Japan and Beautiful Fighting Girl.

I don’t anticipate watching many new anime in the upcoming summer season so the next three months might be a good time for me to finish reading the books that have stacked up.
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Feeling Less Interested in Attending Conventions As Time Passes

Part of Sacramento Convention Center lobby during Sac-Anime Summer 2014

As anime/manga convention season heats up with AnimeNEXT happening this weekend in New Jersey and Anime Expo & Otakon around the corner in July, I’m seeing many people I follow on Twitter either at these events or preparing to attend one. That got me thinking about my previous convention experiences and my plans for going to any in the future.
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Catching Up On Detective Conan: Season Two (Region 1)


I’m continuing to watch older episodes of Detective Conan in an attempt to catch up to the current episodes. I wrote an initial post in November 2014 after completing the first season, as defined by Region 1 DVD box set releases. This post covers season two: Japanese episodes 26 through 51 (English episodes 27 through 52).

~~~Detective Conan Catch-Up Post #2~~~
Last episode watched: JPN #51/US #52 – Driving a Bomb

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Hello!! Kiniro Mosaic Continues to Entertain Week After Week

I loved the first season of Kiniro Mosaic when it aired in summer 2013 so naturally, I was looking forward to seeing its sequel series, Hello!! Kiniro Mosaic. While season two got off to a slow start with its first episode, the addition of Kuzehashi-sensei and the ongoing chemistry among the five main girls have made the show my favorite of the season so far.


Shino’s blonde hair obsession is present but toned down from season 1, Aya is still nervous about her relationship with Yoko, Karen remains energetic as ever, and Alice occasionally gets interested in aspects of Japanese culture. Kuzehashi-sensei, the new homeroom teacher for many of the girls, contributes some humorous storylines involving her attempts to not frighten her students.

If you haven’t watched the first season, it’s on Crunchyroll along with the currently airing second season. Season 1 is also on Hulu from Sentai Filmworks, who distributed that season on Blu-Ray and DVD last August and licensed season two around its premiere date.