Fandom, wry you so terrible?
So I discovered the Sekirei forums over on mangafox, because HOORAY someone there gives rough jists of new chapters before they're translated.
Things I have discovered about the fandom that make me want to punch kittens.
1. Minato as MANLY MAN
Minato apparently is secretly, or will become a MANLY MAN or has a secret dark dark side of darkness. Rather than a character with a major focus upon his incredible depth of compassion, his honesty, his faith in others and in hope, and his role in challenging the requirement that a strong male protagonist must be a MANLY MAN. Kazehana's whole winging centered around the idea that Minato's "manliness" isn't him being tough, but his devotion to his Sekirei and his ability to acknowledge needing them.
2. Minato will wing x.
This is a big one. People are fucking obsessed with who Minato will add into his harem next, to the extent of ignoring that characters might be in love with other people or otherwise NOT be into Minato. The popular choices include Akitsu, Miya, and Uzume.
Uzume, the LEAST LIKELY as she is both already winged and also was terminated. Her dying words were wishing to be with Chiho again, and wanting to bring her to live at Izumo Inn with her "family". She asks Minato to take care of Chiho for her, and I cannot imagine Minato would disrespect that bond to such a degree as to wing Uzume even if she were revived. She already has a female True Love.
Miya is the Mother Figure to the entire group, and stands apart from them in terms of romance. She is a widow who visits her husband's grave on the monthly anniversary of his death. This is another "pairing" focused on adding to Minato's number and fighting powers, rather than on the bonds of love that resonate as a major theme in the series.
Akitsu is one that at least has some potential hints, mostly in that she was introduced in the same chapter where we met all of Minato's Sekirei (and his sister). However, I personally don't like this one any more because it also stinks of ignoring the important themes of love/loyalty, and that they have BARELY ACKNOWLEDGED THE OTHER EXISTS. Akitsu at one point states that she doesn't feel one becomes a Sekirei's master just because of being their ashikabi, but rather because that Sekirei accepts them. She is an interesting case, in that she's the "scrapped number" who cannot be winged. Her master is an antagonist, making her an enemy and in particular, the rival of Homura. She states her decision to follow Mikogami and give him her loyalty is because he accepted her -- but also because he gave her a home, companions, and a purpose in life. She's clearly happy with him, and he's never been established as any Ashikabi that mistreats his Sekirei. Forces wingings? Yes, but there's also a running gag about how all his Sekirei are spoiled and live carefree, comfortable lives with their handsome, rich, smart, awesome Ashikabi who we are TOTALLY NOT JEALOUS OF our worthless bum Ashikabi is better!!11! (That's not even sour grapes. ;_; ) This one really bugs me, as it tends to include the next "theory". It also bugs me because it goes on the assumption that she would just readily accept someone else, if something were to happen to Mikogami -- it assumes her to lack any will of her own, or feelings of loyalty beyond that moment. Personally, I think Akitsu would be more like a Hachiko-type, refusing to move on if she were to suffer such a loss.
3. Mikogami must will die!
Because he's in the way of our ship. There's absolutely zero signs any of the human characters will die. In fact, nobody has died since technically terminated Sekirei aren't truly dead, merely deactivated and in storage. Instead, over time his character has gone from simply being a scary villain that shows up with his face in shadows to......well, one of the most complex characters in the series. He's also just shy of declaring himself "THE ONLY ONE ALLOWED TO DEFEAT YOU!", coming to save the day twice while stating he's doing it because it would ruin the game/I can't stand cheaters. He declares that he's going to pay Minato back for their prior clash, but also declares his intention to beat Minato FAIR AND SQUARE!
But he needs to die, so Akitsu can join Minato's harem.
Let's predict he's going to die next chapter.....every. single. chapter.
But not because he's in the way of our ship. Honest.
He also seems to be representing the original aspect of the Wagtail creation myth which is a major theme in Sekirei. The story goes that the wagtail (or Sekirei in japanese) taught the gods Izanami and Izanagi to love. Mikogami is a character shown as struggling with relationships, without affection or friendship prior to meeting the Sekirei. He's one of those rich kids that got things instead of attention, and he acknowledges that he's a child that needs the Sekirei to help him figure out who he really is. He's not truly evil, per say, but he's also not a good character. He's a dangerous antagonist and a real threat, but also a character that has been growing....and probably has more growth coming.
4. Kazehana is the strongest active Sekirei.
Fandumb seems to conclude that because she doesn't list Karasuba in her list of "people who get to talk down to me", that she can curbstomp said psycho. This.....makes me wonder what series they have been reading, when Karasuba is the established Big Bad and scariest thing this side of Miya. In fact, it is flat-out stated that Miya /not/ acting is necessary, because if she makes a move then Karasuba will pick a fight and if those two fight, the city will be destroyed. That means Karasuba is considered capable of actually fighting Miya, and holding out long enough to cause Tokyo to be destroyed in the the process. Those who actually know about Miya (#02 - #06, #10) actively work to prevent this, because it is a scary idea. Ergo, Kazehana is not strong enough to beat Karasuba.
5. Minato loves x the most. X will be the winning girl that gets him.
It seems many people miss that they aren't reading a standard Harem series. Minato repeatedly states that he wants to be with all of his Sekirei, and that he loves them all. One of the driving goals of the heroes is to prevent a sad ending where only one Sekirei gets to be with their Ashikabi. The standard ending where the hero picks one girl, and all the others lose out, isn't what ANYONE in the series wants. What series are they reading, seriously?
6. Homura is a girl!
I did not pick the number on purpose, but it fits. Apparently, the fact everyone still addresses Homura/Kagari as BEING A GUY doesn't count. Nor do things like Homura stating his concern that if he sticks around, he's going to react and end up "assailing that moron's backside". When showing nudity, the girls get hazy outlined crotch -- Homura gets cut off below the waist or is covered in the same way as male nudity is handled in the series. But either way, people saying "she" or "her" when talking about him bothers me, as the character refers to himself as MALE and so does everyone else in the series.
Just.....with boobs.
7. Yukari is a (insert sexist term here).
There's a lot of Yukari-hate going on. Tons of it. I suppose this is to be expected, since she's an aggressive female character that does jerkass things with them played as comedy. But she's also one of the good guys, being a loving sister (l-lol), devoted to Shiina and his happiness, and she's nice to most people. Hatin' on Yukari is not allowed. :P
8. Musubi is a (insert sexist term here) or a retard.
Usually applied when talking about how their favorite girl needs to replace her as Minato's primary Sekirei. Musubi is simple-minded and naive, but also an AWESOME SHONEN RETARD with breasts that can be incredibly insightful on occasion. She's also incredibly cute, and you should not hate on Musubi. At all. Because she wants to be with EVERYONE FOREVER, and cannot imagine her life without the others. SHE IS LOVE AND YOU SHOULD LOVE HER.
Things I have discovered about the fandom that make me want to punch kittens.
1. Minato as MANLY MAN
Minato apparently is secretly, or will become a MANLY MAN or has a secret dark dark side of darkness. Rather than a character with a major focus upon his incredible depth of compassion, his honesty, his faith in others and in hope, and his role in challenging the requirement that a strong male protagonist must be a MANLY MAN. Kazehana's whole winging centered around the idea that Minato's "manliness" isn't him being tough, but his devotion to his Sekirei and his ability to acknowledge needing them.
2. Minato will wing x.
This is a big one. People are fucking obsessed with who Minato will add into his harem next, to the extent of ignoring that characters might be in love with other people or otherwise NOT be into Minato. The popular choices include Akitsu, Miya, and Uzume.
Uzume, the LEAST LIKELY as she is both already winged and also was terminated. Her dying words were wishing to be with Chiho again, and wanting to bring her to live at Izumo Inn with her "family". She asks Minato to take care of Chiho for her, and I cannot imagine Minato would disrespect that bond to such a degree as to wing Uzume even if she were revived. She already has a female True Love.
Miya is the Mother Figure to the entire group, and stands apart from them in terms of romance. She is a widow who visits her husband's grave on the monthly anniversary of his death. This is another "pairing" focused on adding to Minato's number and fighting powers, rather than on the bonds of love that resonate as a major theme in the series.
Akitsu is one that at least has some potential hints, mostly in that she was introduced in the same chapter where we met all of Minato's Sekirei (and his sister). However, I personally don't like this one any more because it also stinks of ignoring the important themes of love/loyalty, and that they have BARELY ACKNOWLEDGED THE OTHER EXISTS. Akitsu at one point states that she doesn't feel one becomes a Sekirei's master just because of being their ashikabi, but rather because that Sekirei accepts them. She is an interesting case, in that she's the "scrapped number" who cannot be winged. Her master is an antagonist, making her an enemy and in particular, the rival of Homura. She states her decision to follow Mikogami and give him her loyalty is because he accepted her -- but also because he gave her a home, companions, and a purpose in life. She's clearly happy with him, and he's never been established as any Ashikabi that mistreats his Sekirei. Forces wingings? Yes, but there's also a running gag about how all his Sekirei are spoiled and live carefree, comfortable lives with their handsome, rich, smart, awesome Ashikabi who we are TOTALLY NOT JEALOUS OF our worthless bum Ashikabi is better!!11! (That's not even sour grapes. ;_; ) This one really bugs me, as it tends to include the next "theory". It also bugs me because it goes on the assumption that she would just readily accept someone else, if something were to happen to Mikogami -- it assumes her to lack any will of her own, or feelings of loyalty beyond that moment. Personally, I think Akitsu would be more like a Hachiko-type, refusing to move on if she were to suffer such a loss.
3. Mikogami must will die!
Because he's in the way of our ship. There's absolutely zero signs any of the human characters will die. In fact, nobody has died since technically terminated Sekirei aren't truly dead, merely deactivated and in storage. Instead, over time his character has gone from simply being a scary villain that shows up with his face in shadows to......well, one of the most complex characters in the series. He's also just shy of declaring himself "THE ONLY ONE ALLOWED TO DEFEAT YOU!", coming to save the day twice while stating he's doing it because it would ruin the game/I can't stand cheaters. He declares that he's going to pay Minato back for their prior clash, but also declares his intention to beat Minato FAIR AND SQUARE!
But he needs to die, so Akitsu can join Minato's harem.
Let's predict he's going to die next chapter.....every. single. chapter.
But not because he's in the way of our ship. Honest.
He also seems to be representing the original aspect of the Wagtail creation myth which is a major theme in Sekirei. The story goes that the wagtail (or Sekirei in japanese) taught the gods Izanami and Izanagi to love. Mikogami is a character shown as struggling with relationships, without affection or friendship prior to meeting the Sekirei. He's one of those rich kids that got things instead of attention, and he acknowledges that he's a child that needs the Sekirei to help him figure out who he really is. He's not truly evil, per say, but he's also not a good character. He's a dangerous antagonist and a real threat, but also a character that has been growing....and probably has more growth coming.
4. Kazehana is the strongest active Sekirei.
Fandumb seems to conclude that because she doesn't list Karasuba in her list of "people who get to talk down to me", that she can curbstomp said psycho. This.....makes me wonder what series they have been reading, when Karasuba is the established Big Bad and scariest thing this side of Miya. In fact, it is flat-out stated that Miya /not/ acting is necessary, because if she makes a move then Karasuba will pick a fight and if those two fight, the city will be destroyed. That means Karasuba is considered capable of actually fighting Miya, and holding out long enough to cause Tokyo to be destroyed in the the process. Those who actually know about Miya (#02 - #06, #10) actively work to prevent this, because it is a scary idea. Ergo, Kazehana is not strong enough to beat Karasuba.
5. Minato loves x the most. X will be the winning girl that gets him.
It seems many people miss that they aren't reading a standard Harem series. Minato repeatedly states that he wants to be with all of his Sekirei, and that he loves them all. One of the driving goals of the heroes is to prevent a sad ending where only one Sekirei gets to be with their Ashikabi. The standard ending where the hero picks one girl, and all the others lose out, isn't what ANYONE in the series wants. What series are they reading, seriously?
6. Homura is a girl!
I did not pick the number on purpose, but it fits. Apparently, the fact everyone still addresses Homura/Kagari as BEING A GUY doesn't count. Nor do things like Homura stating his concern that if he sticks around, he's going to react and end up "assailing that moron's backside". When showing nudity, the girls get hazy outlined crotch -- Homura gets cut off below the waist or is covered in the same way as male nudity is handled in the series. But either way, people saying "she" or "her" when talking about him bothers me, as the character refers to himself as MALE and so does everyone else in the series.
Just.....with boobs.
7. Yukari is a (insert sexist term here).
There's a lot of Yukari-hate going on. Tons of it. I suppose this is to be expected, since she's an aggressive female character that does jerkass things with them played as comedy. But she's also one of the good guys, being a loving sister (l-lol), devoted to Shiina and his happiness, and she's nice to most people. Hatin' on Yukari is not allowed. :P
8. Musubi is a (insert sexist term here) or a retard.
Usually applied when talking about how their favorite girl needs to replace her as Minato's primary Sekirei. Musubi is simple-minded and naive, but also an AWESOME SHONEN RETARD with breasts that can be incredibly insightful on occasion. She's also incredibly cute, and you should not hate on Musubi. At all. Because she wants to be with EVERYONE FOREVER, and cannot imagine her life without the others. SHE IS LOVE AND YOU SHOULD LOVE HER.