“The Living Shadow” (finale)
Obviously, this is a pretty bad story, and blandly written on top of it. However, I'm glad I read it. Both because it's such an important landmark in the evolution of American pop culture, and because it offers a look into early Depression-era escapism.
“The Living Shadow” (part fourteen)
The story isn't *technically* going slower than most stories would, in terms of pages spent describing the actions. It's just that a lot of stories make much better use of these sorts of pages and use a range of techniques to make them fun to read
ExoSquad S1E1: “Pirate Scourge”
There was a lot I liked here, and also quite a lot that I disliked.
“The Living Shadow” (part thirteen)
The Shadow actually having to take the L once in a while makes me hate him slightly less.
“The Living Shadow” (part twelve)
I like the Shadow's pointed nails. I choose to think he has them painted bright, pastel pink too.
Texhnolyze S1E6: “Repetition”
It really felt like there were some scenes missing in this episode. Moreso than even in the pilot. At this point I'm not sure at all of what's supposed to have happened, entirely.
“The Living Shadow” (part ten)
I can also see the logic in placing this chapter right after the previous one. Johnny isn't just a foil to Harry; he's also a much more experienced version of Harry who's been playing this game for many years to Harry's couple of months. Highlighting Johnny's skill and cunning against Harry's clumsiness and inexperience really builds Johnny up as a major challenge for him, as well as, ironically, sort of an aspirational figure.
Haibane Renmei E1: "Cocoon — Dream of Falling from the Sky — Old Home" (continued)
She might still be having some dysmorphia issues, but at least for not the conscious thrill of having angel wings is keeping it subdued.
Haibane Renmei E1: "Cocoon — Dream of Falling from the Sky — Old Home"
It's like one of those really weird dreams that you wake up from immediately wanting to tell people about, but then within seconds realize that it's too nonsensical to even communicate to someone. But somehow works anyway, at least so far.
Texhnolyze S1E5: “Loiter”
I'm not really sure what to make of this one. It was...something, alright. There were thematic threads running through it, but I'm not sure what they actually were. I might be better able to understand in retrospect. I hope.
“The Living Shadow” (part nine)
"Can be in multiple places at once" is becoming a hard conclusion to avoid.
Texhnolyze S1E4: “Synapse” (continued)
The pain, horror, and hopelessness of life under a kleptocracy.
Texhnolyze S1E4: “Synapse”
Fucking hell this guy gets raped a lot.
And dismembered a lot.
And orphaned a lot.
“The Living Shadow” (part eight)
Hopefully it'll get better again soon. These three chapters weren't as bad as some of the early stuff, but they sure weren't good either.
Texhnolyze S1E3: “Texhnophile”
Honestly, the weakest part of this show for me is how hard it leans on its aesthetics and style. I don't *dislike* the vibe it goes for, but the show spends way too much time setting the vibe with long silent shots, scenery montages, etc without doing much else, and I find the story more engaging than the scenery.
The Living Shadow (part six)
Let's snore through a little more of this slightly embarrassing cultural touchstone.