Support NeoGAF

[cajunator]

[Otaku no Video OVA (Episodes 1 & 2) - 1991]

This is a rather strange title. It's not easy to pin down what genre this work is, so I'll just describe it. It's kind of like a romanticised depiction of the creation of Studio Gainax, filled with energy and passion for the otaku spirit, mixed together with fake documentary footage (live action) that pokes fun at and mocks a variety of otaku traits and lifestyles (not to mention countless in jokes and references to older anime and science fiction in general, most of which I got, which is worrying).

If you think those two stories sound like they are in conflict with one another then you're correct. However, the conflict between these two different depictions of 'otaku' are not conflicting enough to cause the show to fall apart, largely because both parts of the show are rather light-hearted in tone. However, the live action segments don't really pull any punches in terms of their depiction of otaku, as they can be seen engaging in a variety of strange and bizarre behaviours such as recording every single episode of an anime but never watching it (because he didn't have the time).

It's kind of sad, watching this in a world where GAINAX is pretty much totally dead. Perhaps you could argue they've been that way for awhile, but now these days it's truer than ever. Whatever your opinion about GAINAX's earlier output, there's no denying that they were some of the most passionate, driven 'otaky' that one could ever hope to imagine. Their passion and self-belief must have been monotonous to produce the kind of works they made back then. While the characters in Welcome to the NHK dream of making a porn-game, the heroes of Otaku no Video want to conquer the world.

In reality of course, when a bunch of passionate fans of say, science fiction and animation, come together to do something like run a business, it's pretty obvious that there are going to be numerous problems, not the least of which was their terrible accounting system and general inability to not get totally screwed when negotiating (see Nadia). I suppose this whole experience has been rather depressing.

Would I recommend Otaku no Video to the average anime fan? Probably not, considering it's kind of more interesting as a historical text and as one studio's vision of its self than as a piece of entertainment.

This was a great OVA. I wish I had a copy of it actually.
All the otaku related anime shows are pretty great.

 

[Velti]

Cool, informative looking pics in the OP! If only I could read them....

 

[cajunator]

Cool, informative looking pics in the OP! If only I could read them....

Just look for the HNNNGH and go from there.

 

[Branduil]

Cool, informative looking pics in the OP! If only I could read them....

http://dl.dropbox.com/u/12082922/itIFrbVYqTiZA.jpg

 

[Instro]

YuruYuri season 2 is on the way, people.

DDDD

 

[RurouniZel]

[Otaku no Video OVA (Episodes 1 & 2) - 1991]

This is a rather strange title. It's not easy to pin down what genre this work is, so I'll just describe it. It's kind of like a romanticised depiction of the creation of Studio Gainax, filled with energy and passion for the otaku spirit, mixed together with fake documentary footage (live action) that pokes fun at and mocks a variety of otaku traits and lifestyles (not to mention countless in jokes and references to older anime and science fiction in general, most of which I got, which is worrying).

If you think those two stories sound like they are in conflict with one another then you're correct. However, the conflict between these two different depictions of 'otaku' are not conflicting enough to cause the show to fall apart, largely because both parts of the show are rather light-hearted in tone. However, the live action segments don't really pull any punches in terms of their depiction of otaku, as they can be seen engaging in a variety of strange and bizarre behaviours such as recording every single episode of an anime but never watching it (because he didn't have the time).

It's kind of sad, watching this in a world where GAINAX is pretty much totally dead. Perhaps you could argue they've been that way for awhile, but now these days it's truer than ever. Whatever your opinion about GAINAX's earlier output, there's no denying that they were some of the most passionate, driven 'otaky' that one could ever hope to imagine. Their passion and self-belief must have been monotonous to produce the kind of works they made back then. While the characters in Welcome to the NHK dream of making a porn-game, the heroes of Otaku no Video want to conquer the world.

In reality of course, when a bunch of passionate fans of say, science fiction and animation, come together to do something like run a business, it's pretty obvious that there are going to be numerous problems, not the least of which was their terrible accounting system and general inability to not get totally screwed when negotiating (see Nadia). I suppose this whole experience has been rather depressing.

Would I recommend Otaku no Video to the average anime fan? Probably not, considering it's kind of more interesting as a historical text and as one studio's vision of its self than as a piece of entertainment.

I founded the anime club at my college while I was there. After screening this anime, the other club members (all 4 of 'em) jokingly called me "Otaking". Good memories. XD

I love this anime. Their dreams! Their passion!

*sigh* If only we COULD take over the world with good anime.

Penguindrum 22 and 23:

At this point I'd figured out most of what's going to happen, but it was fun watching these two episodes play out. Next week is the finale, so I'm hoping the ending lives up to the rest of the ride.

 

[Jex]

This was a great OVA. I wish I had a copy of it actually.
All the otaku related anime shows are pretty great.

I guess Otaku no Video sits on the more hopeful end of the 'otaku' lifestyle, where as Welcome to the NHK sits towards the more bleakly cynical end of the spectrum. Of course, none of them come close to the damming piece of work that is Ressentiment, but they'd never make that into an anime because it's far too depressing.

 

[Master Milk]

Working 12

Only one more left noooooooooooooooooooooooo!

 

[hellclerk]

Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 1

Goofy enough little gag anime I suppose. The reaction faces are largely priceless. Don't know if I'd watch 13 episodes of this, but thankfully it's only six, so I can enjoy it while it lasts. Things move pretty fast, so there's little in the way of that poor butt-monkey Sakura getting killed over and over. Being Harem Master is Suffering. :3

 

[Steroyd]

Fate Zero

Ep 10

HNNNG

Ep 11

Welp Rider gave Saber one hell of a verbal beatdown, and dat attack. :O

 

[Jex]

[Fate/Zero 12]

If we're going to talk about episodes where the characters in Fate/Zero do a lot of talking (which is often) it really has to be said that Rider>>>everyone else. He's brash, loud, passionate and a little bit crazy. Every time I come upon a Irisviel/Saber scene I find myself incredibly bored.

At least this anime is still very pleasing to look at visually and the direction ensures that these elongated discussions don't fall completely on their face.

 

[Femmeworth]

YuruYuri season 2 is on the way, people.

Meanwhile, there will never be a second season of Aoi Hana. I hate Japan/this world.

 

[darkside31337]

Meanwhile, there will never be a second season of Aoi Hana. I hate Japan/this world.

But Yuru Yuri was the better series. Really don't get Aoi Hana, it was pretty poor. Cheer up.

 

[Steroyd]

But look at their empty, soulless eyes.

 

[cajunator]

Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 1

Goofy enough little gag anime I suppose. The reaction faces are largely priceless. Don't know if I'd watch 13 episodes of this, but thankfully it's only six, so I can enjoy it while it lasts. Things move pretty fast, so there's little in the way of that poor butt-monkey Sakura getting killed over and over. Being Harem Master is Suffering. :3

What you really need to watch is Magical Witch Punie Chan aka Dai Mahou Touge (same director as Dokuro Chan). You will love it.

But Yuru Yuri was the better series. Really don't get Aoi Hana, it was pretty poor. Cheer up.

Great OP or GREATEST OP?

 

[Dresden]

my loli vampire can't be this moe and maaya

 

[Haly]

What did they do to Shinobu

 

[cajunator]

Is every Shinobu a short haired shy girl?
It seems so.

 

[Hitokage]

This is the ONLY way to watch it.

Huh, I wasn't aware of this.

 

[Haly]

She wasn't short haired in the original

I don't know why the cast of bake suddenly all decided to get haircuts except for Kanbaru's manly mullet.

Also:

 

[Andrew J.]

YuruYuri season 2 is on the way, people.

This news has made me much happier than it really should have.

 

[cajunator]

LUM <3
I couldn't decide whether to crush on her or Sailor V.
I ultimately decided on both.

 

[darkside31337]

She wasn't short haired in the original

I don't know why the cast of bake suddenly all decided to get haircuts except for Kanbaru's manly mullet.

It's quite obvious everybody in SHAFT are Kanbaru fans. Everybody has gotten ugly except for Kanbaru, who was already the best, and is now even better.

 

[Haly]

I crushed on Ryuunosuke.

 

[Dresden]

She wasn't short haired in the original

I don't know why the cast of bake suddenly all decided to get haircuts except for Kanbaru's manly mullet.

I don't know how right this is, but I remember hearing reading that it's because

Spoiler

Kanbaru convinces Ararararararagi that short hair is better, prompting the others to cut their hair, but then Kanbaru keeps hers while turning Arararararararagi back to the Light Side of the force, granting her the advantage in the great waifu war.

It's probably all bullshit but I liked it because Kanbaru is boss.

 

[cajunator]

I love short haired girls so this is fine with me.

 

[Haly]

I don't know how right this is, but I remember hearing reading that it's because

Spoiler

Kanbaru convinces Ararararararagi that short hair is better, prompting the others to cut their hair, but then Kanbaru keeps hers while turning Arararararararagi back to the Light Side of the force, granting her the advantage in the great waifu war.

It's probably all bullshit but I liked it because Kanbaru is boss.

Clearly no one understands a boy's heart like a lesbian fujioshi does.

 

[Steroyd]

Working - 12

RIP Daisy.

 

[Jex]

my loli vampire can't be this moe and maaya

Man the subtitle to this show might as well be called 'everyone gets a haircut'.

I don't know how right this is, but I remember hearing reading that it's because

Spoiler

Kanbaru convinces Ararararararagi that short hair is better, prompting the others to cut their hair, but then Kanbaru keeps hers while turning Arararararararagi back to the Light Side of the force, granting her the advantage in the great waifu war.

It's probably all bullshit but I liked it because Kanbaru is boss.

If this all true then I thoroughly approve.

 

[cajunator]

Speaking of really awesome things, I hope some company licenses Yuru yuri, because...WANT.

 

[Steroyd]

I'll be bitterly dissapointed if Akarin's older sister doesn't make a cameo this time, that's been such a cocktease.

 

[darkside31337]

I'll be bitterly dissapointed if Akarin's older sister doesn't make a cameo this time, that's been such a cocktease.

Cameo? She better be a mainstay in the damn second season That was the sickest of teases, reveal something in episode 1, mention her offscreen once more in the series and never mention her again.

But who is Akarin?

 

[hellclerk]

But Yuru Yuri was the better series. Really don't get Aoi Hana, it was pretty poor. Cheer up.

huh...

*runs off to watch in shame*

What you really need to watch is Magical Witch Punie Chan aka Dai Mahou Touge (same director as Dokuro Chan). You will love it.

Eh, main draw for me is Dokuro-chan's borderline Yandere tendencies. Dokuro is best as yandere~, and speaking of which...

Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 2
Ha! Date episode was classy. Poor Sakura still can't get laid and ends up dealing with those psychotic angels. I sometimes wonder if Dokuro is the total psychotic, empty-headed moron she's depicted as or a secret genius with ridiculous Xanatos gambits out the wazoo...

 

[Jex]

So AnimeGAF, what titles are still sitting on your backlog that you've been meaning to get around to, but haven't had the time? Watching Otaku no Video lets me cross off a title on my backlog that has been irking me for awhile.

For reference I still really want to get through:

Captain Harlock and the original Space Battleship Yamato.

Of course, those are just the major classics, I have far more titles to consider, but they're at the top of my list.

 

[Haly]

what is going on in this picture

Dead eyes and on the floor.

I'm going to guess rape.

(Her body doesn't actually line up with the floor)

 

[Dresden]

I still have Lupin, Future Boy Conan, and Marco waiting in the wings. One day . . .

 

[cajunator]

huh...

*runs off to watch in shame*



Eh, main draw for me is Dokuro-chan's borderline Yandere tendencies. Dokuro is best as yandere~, and speaking of which...

Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan 2
Ha! Date episode was classy. Poor Sakura still can't get laid and ends up dealing with those psychotic angels. I sometimes wonder if Dokuro is the total psychotic, empty-headed moron she's depicted as or a secret genius with ridiculous Xanatos gambits out the wazoo...

DOkuro is Yandere. Punie Chan is...umm....Hitler.

So AnimeGAF, what titles are still sitting on your backlog that you've been meaning to get around to, but haven't had the time? Watching Otaku no Video lets me cross off a title on my backlog that has been irking me for awhile.

For reference I still really want to get through:

Captain Harlock and the original Space Battleship Yamato.

Of course, those are just the major classics, I have far more titles to consider, but they're at the top of my list.

Loooooooots.
Way too many to list, but some of the main ones are to finish Penguin Drum, Usagi Drop, Mayo Chiki because Im a masochist, as well as at least half of nmy collection on DVD/Bluray because I have severe ADD and OH A BUG!

 

[darkside31337]

So AnimeGAF, what titles are still sitting on your backlog that you've been meaning to get around to, but haven't had the time? Watching Otaku no Video lets me cross off a title on my backlog that has been irking me for awhile.

For reference I still really want to get through:

Captain Harlock and the original Space Battleship Yamato.

Glass Mask (2005)
Hunter x Hunter (the old one)

Spoiler

Sailor Moon

 

[Master Milk]

what is going on in this picture

Imagine the worst possible thing that could have led to that picture.

That's exactly what happened.

 

[Steroyd]

what is going on in this picture

Yuri rape.

So AnimeGAF, what titles are still sitting on your backlog that you've been meaning to get around to, but haven't had the time? Watching Otaku no Video lets me cross off a title on my backlog that has been irking me for awhile.

For reference I still really want to get through:

Captain Harlock and the original Space Battleship Yamato.

Of course, those are just the major classics, I have far more titles to consider, but they're at the top of my list.

I've got tons in my backlog, but the standout one is Utena right now and the last 2 episodes of Kaleido Star, after catching up on Fate Zero minus today's episode I've finally caught up to all the anime I've been following this season, so i might focus on them in the next few days.

 

[Branduil]

So AnimeGAF, what titles are still sitting on your backlog that you've been meaning to get around to, but haven't had the time? Watching Otaku no Video lets me cross off a title on my backlog that has been irking me for awhile.

For reference I still really want to get through:

Captain Harlock and the original Space Battleship Yamato.

Of course, those are just the major classics, I have far more titles to consider, but they're at the top of my list.

Fantastic Children, Legend of Galactic Heroes, and Crest of the Stars, for starters.

Spoiler

And I still have to finish Ippo.

 

[RurouniZel]

Imagine the worst possible thing that could have led to that picture.

That's exactly what happened.

She got shown /b/?

 

[cajunator]

Yuri rape.



I've got tons in my backlog, but the standout one is Utena right now and the last 2 episodes of Kaleido Star, after catching up on Fate Zero minus today's episode I've finally caught up to all the anime I've been following this season, so i might focus on them in the next few days.

Yuri yura ra ra ra Yuri rapey.

Kaleido Star is so good. Why don't more people watch it. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU?

 

[cajunator]

This revealing video has all the juicy details.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RgFKjD8ZMaQ

 

[darkside31337]

Kaleido Star is so good. Why don't more people watch it. WHAT IS WRONG WITH ALL OF YOU?

*high five*

Kaleido Star was really great. Back during the days when GONZO didn't suck

Spoiler

I love Last Exile Fam thus far and I hate myself for it

 

[cajunator]

Embrace the Fam, for it is HNNGH.
*Cajun approved for all audiences

 

[iavi]

So AnimeGAF, what titles are still sitting on your backlog that you've been meaning to get around to, but haven't had the time? Watching Otaku no Video lets me cross off a title on my backlog that has been irking me for awhile.

For reference I still really want to get through:

Captain Harlock and the original Space Battleship Yamato.

Of course, those are just the major classics, I have far more titles to consider, but they're at the top of my list.

Sitting in my backlog atm I have: LOGH, Infinite Ryvius (a few eps in), Zone of Enders Dolores, Jojo 1993/2000, and Utena (post black-rose)

I'm nearing the end of Trigun which was also sitting in my backlog as a refresh, so I'll be looking to start another series soon. In all likeliness; Jojo.

 

[hellclerk]

DOkuro is Yandere. Punie Chan is...umm....Hitler.

Eh, I like my moe Hitlers with their toothbrush 'stache, thanks much. I'll take a look if I get around to it, but I still haven't seen Usagi Drop, and now I'm going to watch Yuru Yuri after this... because I hate myself ;___;

then why does she look so happy

Didn't you know? Rape is Love.

 

[Dresden]

fate/zero 10

So this is the hnnnnngh episode with a loli Rin, and meh . . . I'll come back to this later, I guess.

A part of my mind can't forget how she'll grow up to (FSN spoiler)

Spoiler

fingerbang Saber in the most tacked on sex scene of all time.

fate/zero 11

Fuck.

FUCK.

FUUUUUUUUUUUCK yeah.

Saber getting TOLD so fucking hard. Immensely satisfying. Rider is a goddamn boss.

So good.

 

[firehawk12]

then why does she look so happy

This is anime.