Joseph Mallozzi's Blog, page 140

December 19, 2021: Suji Sunday!

Seal alert!

Not loving the sweater.

But loving the new blanket.

Egg yolk!

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A post shared by Hi. I'm Sujiすじ子 (@newoldpugsuji)

 

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My Top 10 Anime of 2021!

And a few that didn’t make the list….

SUPER CROOKS

This collaboration between comic book heavy-weight Mark Millar and Japanese animation studio Bones felt inexplicably off.  The premise is great with its focus on super-powered villains, but the characters, while colorful, are surprisingly flat.  The series is action-driven and often over-the-top ultra-violent yet some episodes are talky and unbearably tedious.  The finale offers one final heist with a couple of nifty twists – several of which really don’t hold up under closer scrutiny.  Akemi’s review as we headed into the finale: “I’m glad it’s over.”

HORIMIYA

This high school romantic comedy made plenty of Top 10 lists, including Akemi’s.  But, to be fair, Akemi enjoyed it for the same reason I didn’t.  To quote Akemi: “Nothing happens.”  Conflict is engendered by the most innocuous of misunderstandings and everyone is, ultimately, so damn nice.

MARS RED

This alt. history horror drama about a vampire outbreak in 1923 Tokyo is one of the most beautiful-looking anime of the year, and while all of the pieces are there for a memorable, heart-breaking thriller, they never really quite come together in wholly satisfying fashion.

THE WAY OF THE HOUSE HUSBAND

I absolutely love the central premise of a former yakuza gangster becoming a stay-at-home dad and suddenly having to deal with mundanities of life.  And, while the show offers up plenty of funny moments, it all feels a little sparse.  Part of it could have to do with the fact that it was originally a web-only series and the animation is sparing, but I feel that, overall, there were some major opportunities missed here.

And now, on to my Top 10….

#10. AKUDAMA DRIVE

This one was a late 2020 release in Japan, but since it didn’t make its way to the U.S./Canada until 2021, I’m including it in my rankings.  It’s a cyberpunk heist series set in a  dystopian future that, to be honest, didn’t grab me at first.  The characters were a mixed big, the visuals were uneven, and I really didn’t like the opening theme – but out of respect for my friend Tauri Jay who recommended it to me, I forged ahead – and, in the end, really ended up engaged by the tale of these disparate mercs and their bleak prospects of survival.  About halfway through its run, it really clicks into place and gets going, offering a slew of surprises in its ramp up to a memorable, heartfelt finale.  In many ways, it reminded me of Akame Ga Kill (a favorite) and its no-one-is-safe narrative.  I also can’t help but think that this is what Super Crooks should have been.

#9. TO YOUR ETERNITY

This is the epic tale of a shape-shifting alien entity, cast down to Earth where its centuries’-long evolution is observed by some higher power.  It transforms from its original orb state to take on the form of a rock and then, in time, moss before assuming the guise of a dead wolf – where its adventure truly begins.  Over the course of the series, and hundreds of years, the alien takes the form of many humans, occasionally shifting between them, as it discovers humanity and its potential for greatness as well as destruction. This show is at its best when it focuses on our protagonist dealing with the fish–out-of-water scenarios, and specifically those related to the humans he discovers and befriends along the way.  This show is, however, far less successful when it shifts to our protagonist’s endless battle against an inexplicable, all-powerful Big Bad that feels like it was shoe-horned into an otherwise really thoughtful anime.

#8. 86

The Republic of San Magnolia wages war against the Gladian Empire through the use of autonomous mechs.   But when Major Vladilena Milizé is assigned to oversee the Spearhead squadron, she makes a horrifying discovery – that there are actual human beings inside those mechs, individuals who sacrifice their lives for a nation that shuns them.  The series tackles a number of heady themes, chiefest among them being racism as the fair-skinned, silver-haired citizens of San Mangolia’s 85 sectors are kept in the dark about the diverse soldiers that make up the nation’s secret eighty-sixth faction.  A solid entry in the genre.

#7. SONNY BOY

A classroom is transported to a dark, impenetrable void whereupon students begin to manifest supernatural powers.  And then things get REALLY weird.  Sonny Boy is trippy, an anime that mixes interdimensional travel and hallucinatory visuals with philosophy and high school relationships.  It’s intellectually provocative yet also obtuse, leading to some bewildering, occasionally frustrating narrative developments and resolutions.  There’s a point midway through the season that sees our heroes finally return to their reality only to discover original versions of themselves that continued to live their lives, unaware of the fate of their duplicate counterparts.  OR…at least that’s the way I interpreted it.  I found it a touching, bitter-sweet end to the series…until I discovered it really wasn’t the finale.

#6. BEASTARS

My favorite anime of 2020 is back for a second season with a terrific new opening theme, but overall a step down in the quality of its story-telling.  Legoshi’s relationship with Haru, the heart of the series, is pushed aside in favor of an exploration into Louis’ rise to power within the yakuza-lion Shishigumi and an unfurling of the mystery surrounding the murder of Tem, the alpaca.  While both are compelling storylines, the whole feels somewhat less than with the absence of my favorite slutty bunny.  The season finale is also a bit of a let-down, hinging on a ludicrous character decision that ultimately undermines some of the themes the show has done such a beautiful job of building over the course of its run.  Still, the character designs and animation are first rate and the characters are rich and realized.

#5. WONDER EGG PRIORITY

A beautiful-looking anime that, beneath its colorfully whimsical surface, tackles some surprisingly deep issues like depression, suicide, and trauma through the adventures of four girls navigating the perils of a fantastical world that has more than few similarities to their own.  Ai Ooto braves the dangers of this alternate reality in order to save her one and only friend who took her own life earlier in the school year.  The burgeoning friendship between the four girls are what really makes this series special and, even though it doesn’t quite stick the landing in its finale, it does impart a lasting emotional resonance.

#4. LIFE LESSONS WITH URAMICHI ONIISAN

My favorite comedy of the year follows the trials and tribulations of our titular character, the host of a morning kids’ show, as he struggles through challenges both in front of and behind the camera.  His fellow cast-members range from embittered and weary to pathologically upbeat, while the precocious young children who frequent the show can always be relied upon to offer commentary on the indignities of aging and our hero’s mortality.  As someone who has worked in television, and children’s television early in my career, I could really connect with these characters and their struggles.  Like the episode where Uramachii, nursing a bad back, is forced to pick up the heavy-set son of the station manager.  Or the episode where they have to shoot a party beach scene in the blistery dead of winter.  Brilliant.

#3. VIVY: FLUORITE EYE’S SONG

A terrible title and a not-so-great opening theme belies one of the best science fiction anime in recent memory.  Vivy, an entertainment A.I., is  recruited to prevent an uprising by her fellow A.I.’s that will lead to the eradication of the human species. There’s a fair amount of jumping backwards and forwards in time, but it’s all very clever and Vivy’s personal journey a truly well-plotted and satisfying arc.

#2. TOKYO REVENGERS

A 26 year old in a dead-end job is propelled back in time, 12 years, to the pivotal event that changed the trajectory of his life.  Back in his 14 year old body, he must find a way to circumvent the mistakes he made to rise up the ranks of the Tokyo Manji Gang in order to save the life of the woman he never got the chance to love.  Okay, let me start off by saying the time travel conceit is absolute nonsense BUT that doesn’t stop this show from being compulsively watchable.  The characters are absolutely fantastic and the story never ceases to surprise.  Also, the end theme is pretty kick ass.

#1. ODD TAXI

Weird and wonderful, this anime is #1 for both Akemi and I (and, from the looks of things, a lot of critics as well).  The life of a seemingly unremarkable taxi drive is turned upside-down when he becomes the suspect in the disappearance of a young girl.  But there is more here than meets the eye.  So much more.  As the show peels back the various narrative layers on its central mystery, we are treated to the side stories of the wild and whimsical supporting characters who impact our hero’s daily life.  There’s a lot of clever subtext in the scenes, clues in the visuals, awesome set-ups and delightful payoffs that make this a one-of-a-kind series.  And 2021’s best.  Highly recommended.

***

So, what did I miss?  What anime series made your list?

The post My Top 10 Anime of 2021! appeared first on Joseph Mallozzi's Weblog.

December 17, 2021: News of Note!

The weekend is finally upon us!  What are you all up to?  For me, it’s a script polish, some stock research, and maybe pick up a couple of covid tests ahead of our trip to Montreal later in the week.

Guys!  The future is now!

“The metaverse is the future”

Great. pic.twitter.com/1w19Ctjuy3

— Gold Telegraph (@GoldTelegraph_) December 17, 2021

I’d probably need a sun lamp…

Midday in Norilsk, north of Krasnoyarsk, Siberia.

Where the sun will rise again at the end of January 2022.

(sound on)

~ @siberian_times pic.twitter.com/fiT51t41kA

— PiQ  (@PriapusIQ) December 16, 2021

Meanwhile, in North Korea…

Reportedly, for the next week and a half, the Pyongyang Drafthouse will be screening nothing but the Baby Geniuses franchise and Love Guru.
North Korea bans laughing for 11 days of mourning for 10th anniversary of Kim Jong-il's death https://t.co/VqUH9YpKNW via @YahooNews

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 17, 2021

Today’s Yes/No…

Dan Dan-Flavored Ice Cream? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/xJwLv6u0XJ

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 17, 2021

I actually had the peanut butter ice cream AND the Fly By Jing Sichuan Chili Crisp.  The verdict?  Think I’ll stick to straight up peanut butter ice cream next time.

From the Stargate vault…

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December 16, 2021: No new is good news! Hopefully.

Well, no news is good news – especially when it comes to echocardiograms.  It’s been over a week since I had mine done and I have received zero news concerning the results.  I’m assuming it’s “All normal.  No need to call and bother him with the results.” as opposed to: “Holy shit!  Let the poor guy enjoy what little time he has left in blissful ignorance.”.  Of course, there’s also the possibility they forgot to submit the results or their equipment failed to process the data (Their systems were, admittedly, a little wonky that day).  Whatever.  I’m taking this as a good sign.

In retrospect, we were fortunate to sneak in that Tuesday taco tour when we did because I have a sneaking suspicious we may be going back into some sort of limited lockdown very soon.  Again, not exactly sure what’s going on.  The omicron variant, which is becoming the dominant strain, is apparently much more contagious – but, on the other hand, causes much less severe covid.  Hospitalizations in South Africa, where the omicron ran rampant, have actually dropped off significantly.  In the U.K., on the other hand,  there are reports that someone died with omicron .  Alas, no details on the patient, their age or possible comorbidities because that is apparently privileged information and why do we need to know anyway?

They’re rolling out the boosters here in Canada starting next week.  Not sure which one to get.  There are studies that show mixing vaccines is the most effective way to go which means I should go Moderna.  But he CEO of Pfizer says Moderna isn’t very good, comparatively speaking.  And I believe him because he is an accomplished veterinarian after all.

So, what are you all doing?  Boosters?  Vitamin D and zinc?  Healing crystals?

Today’s Yes/No…

Roasted Nori Seaweed Cake? Yes/No
Roasted nori seaweed cake might be a dessert even more Japanese than matcha sweets【Taste test】 https://t.co/mlFapNZoQ1 via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 16, 2021

I’d definitely try it!

And a few somethings from the Stargate vault…

Auto Draft

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December 15, 2021: Amazing Covers!

A few that caught my eye this week…

Miles Morales: Spider-Man #33 – cover art by In-Hyuk Lee

Star Wars: The High Republic #12 – cover art by Phil Noto

X-Force #26 – cover art by Stephen Segovia

Strange Adventures – cover art by Evan “Doc” Shaner, Mitch Gerads

Titans #4 – cover art by Kael Ngu

Ascencia #11 – cover art by Ben Oliver

So, which were YOUR favorites?

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December 14, 2021: The Tuesday Taco Tour!

We will decide on tomorrow’s lunch in one of three ways: 1. Akemi will decide based on what we have in the fridge/freezer.  2. Akemi will decide she doesn’t feel like cooking so we should go out instead.  3.  We’ll get a hankering for whatever food item is featured on the youtube foodie video we watched before going turning in the night before.  In the case of today’s lunch, it was #3 – and tacos specifically.  Unfortunately, our favorite taco spot, Campechano, isn’t open for lunch on Tuesdays so, in an attempt to hedge our bets, I suggested we visit Toronto’s Kensington Market neighborhood and hit three different places.

Taco Spot #1: Tacos Gus

I’ve been wanting to check this one out for over a year and, finally, today was the day.

I ordered the pastor (grilled pork) and chilorio (marinated pork).  The latter was featured as one of the city’s Top Tacos in a recent online ranking.

Akemi, meanwhile, went with the pollo.

Overall…enh.  I had to choke down the first couple of bites and instantly regretted not getting a drink.  We both found the tacos surprisingly dry.

Having crossed Tacos Gus off my bucket list, we then moved on to a neighborhood mainstay…

Taco Spot #2: Seven Lives

Alas, the menu used to be a little more adventurous before their move across the street.  No cachete on the menu.  Instead…

We both did the asada which, in hindsight, was a mistake.  Not that the taco wasn’t delicious.  It really was – moist and flavorful with a lot of tasty crispy bits – but it was so big that we could have split one.  Or, more to the point, we could have split two, meaning we should have ordered the octopus as well.  Ah well.  Live and learn.

After our stopover at Seven Lives, we were absolutely stuffed.  But you can call a Taco Tour a Taco Tour unless you hit three separate spots so….

Taco Spot #3: Pico de Gallo

This one is located in a tightly packed little food alcove with four or five other Mexican-themed food stands.  Their suadero (beef brisket and flank taco) was featured in that aforementioned online article so I had to it.  And then, looking up at the hand-scrawled menu, I noticed they had lengua as well – so I had to get that too.

In a word: Wow.  Despite being absolutely stuffed, and this being the last stop on our tour, these tacos were my favorites by far.  I love the fact that they offer off-cuts in addition to your more standard fare.

We concluded our tour with our final stop – our place – where we enjoyed Akemi’s homemade chocolate mousse.  As is the tradition.

So, any of you have a favorite taco in your neighborhood?  Tell me all about it.  I may come visit.

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A lazy, generic space show that isn’t able to rise up and shake hands with its own fun premise!

"They're just there because Dark Matter is a somewhat lazy, generic space show that isn't able to rise up and shake hands with its own fun premise." https://t.co/zgsIR0tw6y

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 13, 2021

Awww, man.  This takes me back.  This was the first published review of Dark Matter I read and, to be honest, it was more frustrating than disappointing given that much of the criticism hinged on what I felt was a rather myopic interoperation that ignored the show’s central conceit.  Yes, the characters presented in the pilot were archetypes, magnified by the fact that, without memories or past experience to build on, they did come across as rather stock.  But the whole point of the show was to undermine expectations and the only way to do so, I’d argue, was by establishing a familiar baseline.  Would, for instance, THREE have developed into the fan favorite he would later become later if he hadn’t been such a pat asshole in those first few episodes?  I would say no.  One of my favorite character turns over the course of my  t.v.-writing career was that of Stargate’s Richard Woolsey, played by the incredible Robert Picardo.  When first introduced in SG-1’s seventh season, he was as an annoying pencil-pushing bureaucrat.  By end of Atlantis’s fifth season, he was a beloved member of the Stargate family – but it took about nine seasons of television to get there.  And, I would argue, that if he had been introduced as a tough but ultimately warm-hearted individual in those early episodes, he wouldn’t have been nearly as popular in his later appearances.  What made Woolsey and THREE special to many viewers was the development in their characters, not so much growth as the discovery of their hitherto hidden attributes that gradually came to the fore.  These characters didn’t change so much as revealed themselves over time and audiences responded because: a) they went along for the ride and b) their initial expectations were subverted.  It’s very hard to surprise an audience, especially sci-fi audiences, but when you are successful, it’s magic.  And so it was with Woolsey, THREE and, I think, the rest of the crew of the Raza.  And so, hopefully, it was with the show as a whole as it sought to present those recognizable sci-fi chestnuts and then turn them on their ear through character, surprise and a dash of humor.  Nowadays, an audience’s short attention span means there’s little room for subtlety, set-ups, and slow burns so you proceed at your own risk.  But in the case of Dark Matter, I couldn’t proceed any other way.

So, yes, this annoying was frustrating, but I knew what lay ahead and looked forward to IGN’s reaction to future episodes when they would no doubt be delighted by the surprise of subverted expectations.

Alas, I waited in vain as they didn’t review past the pilot.

To be honest, the only review that actually disappointed me back then was Gateworld’s which dismissed the show as rather mundane.  I suppose I was disappointed because, after some twelve years of doing interviews with them, and knowing they were intimately familiar with my writing tone and style, I assumed they would have recognized the narrative set-up or, at least, shown a little more patience.  I nevertheless looked forward to Gateworld’s reaction to future episodes.  But they also didn’t review past the pilot.

Those early negative reviews aside, once the series got going, the reviews were overwhelmingly positive and continued to be throughout the show’s run.  Sure there were certain episodes that didn’t land as well as others, some story or character that didn’t sit right with some but the response was overwhelmingly positive (and the reviewers were entertained) because: a) they went along for a fun ride and b) their expectations were occasionally subverted.

Surprising an audience is hard.  Getting the green light to be permitted the opportunity to surprise an audience even harder.  But I’m working on it.

In early 2022, I’ll finally be going out with some of the projects I developed this year.  I look forward that elusive green light, those initial reviews and, most importantly, subverting those expectations.

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Snow-sniffing season!Feeling festive! Snow dog!Neighbor C...

Snow-sniffing season!

Feeling festive!

Snow dog!

Neighbor Coco.

BIG SNEEZE!

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December 11, 2021: Meanwhile on the home front…

Nog testing…

My grueling workout regimen…

And today’s Yes/No…

Candy Cane Cornflake Ice Cream Cake? Yes/Nohttps://t.co/7n86oXPucH

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 11, 2021

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December 10, 2021: Heading into the weekend less wiser but more Kaiju-wary!

Alas, no results from yesterday’s echocardiogram today, which means I get to wait until Monday.  Still, I’m not worried.  My regular diet is made up of a lot of heart-healthy dark chocolate and blood-cleansing bourbon.  I limit myself to a fried chicken sandwich and/or smash cheeseburger a week.  And most of my big meals are Japanese-inspired thanks to Akemi: fish, steamed rice, and matcha lattes.  Thus I am confident because I’ve never heard of a Japanese person dying of a heart attack.  Moreover, of their deaths can be prescribed to old age or kaiju attacks.

Today’s Yes/No…

Beef Stew Pie? Yes/No
McDonald’s Japan attempts to seduce us with its new Beef Stew Pie https://t.co/7HV0NV7hC6 via @RocketNews24En

— Joseph Mallozzi (@BaronDestructo) December 10, 2021

A reminder that I’ll be joining David Read tomorrow for his monthly trip down Stargate memory lane.  Tomorrow, we talk about (what I can remember about) Atlantis’s third season.

Join us live and/or send me some questions.

Speaking of Stargate, here are a few more goodies from the vault…

So, educate me, please  This whole omicron variant.  If its effects are as minor as they say, wouldn’t the wise thing to do be to let it run rather than lock everything down again, make it the dominant relatively mild strain and have done with the pandemic?  What am I missing?

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