Balticon and some other things that have been perculating

[redneckotaku]

I went to Balticon for the first time in three years. It was a very good time for me in spite seeing nearly no programming. I honestly admit that much of the programming that interested me were at times when I was working the anime room. The best thing for me was the ability to socialize at a more relaxed pace. Most of the time when I'm at a

Comments

Haibane Renmei

[nojay]

Was that your first time seeing Haibane Renmei? It's been around for a while now and it's one of the core animes a fan should watch to call themselves a fan (in my opinion anyway). Saying that I've met a couple of folks who couldn't get into it and bailed after the first few episodes.

Re: Haibane Renmei

[redneckotaku]

That was the first time I had seen it. I wasn't sure I was going to enjoy it from the text writeup. I hope to get the rest of it at Otakon.

Re: Haibane Renmei

[nojay]

It's a rarity, an original anime (based on Yoshitoshi ABe's doujinshi) with a deep philosophical background. Folks have read into it a lot of ideas, especially Western religious beliefs of Purgatory and redemption that ABe himself disclaims as his intent when he was creating the Haibane and their constrained existence within Old Home and the walled city of Glie.

The feel of the story changes as it progresses, from the bright summer of the first few episodes to the dark days of winter and year's end. It is still a joy to watch, in my opinion.