Ideas: Things I've Been Flirting with Shrining
I don't make any promises about new shrines because my tastes and motivation are constantly in flux, but that doesn't mean that I don't get urges to craft new shrines from time to time. And since it is New Year's Day it seems appropriate to share my thoughts. Besides, I'd love to get feedback concerning which new projects you'd like to see and which you'd rather overlook. Some may surprise you and some I'm sure you could see from miles away. So here, in no particular order, are the subjects with which I have lately been flirting:
Erin Hannon, The Office (U.S.)
Let's face it: The Office jumped the shark a few seasons ago. I continue to follow it because, well, I've made it this far, and the new receptionist, Erin Hannon, is a breath of fresh air. I adore her eagerness to help and her happy-go-lucky take on life. She is the lovable flake with a heart of gold while at the same time demonstrating more depth than your average dumb blonde. I love her relationship with Gabe, her almost-romance with Andy, and the way she looks up to Michael as a father figure. And, since she was introduced in season five, starting from the ground up is less daunting than, say, creating a shrine for Michael or Jim.
Luigi, Super Mario Bros.
Growing up I always let my little sister go first in Super Mario Bros. 3 so that I could play Luigi. Back then my love for him was simple: "L" for "Luigi," "L" for "Laurel," and green was my favorite color. Now my reasons have changed, but he remains my favorite character in the Mario franchise. Luigi is the patient and cautious brother, the steadfast caretaker, and the loving guardian. He lives in his brother's shadow and while this sometimes bothers him he still cares for Mario deeply. I relate to him in this way immensely. I am nervous about this project because of the sheer size of the fandom and because the most recent game I completed was in the mid-90s. I've also never shrined a game character, and I'm not sure where to start. All I know is that I love and relate to Luigi very deeply.
Jet Black, Cowboy Bebop
The first episode I ever saw of Cowboy Bebop was the dubbed version of "Boogie Woogie Feng Shui," which prominently features Jet Black, and I decided instantly that he would be my favorite character. When I finally went back and watched the entire subbed series, Jet remained at the top of my list (though now alongside Spike Spiegel). Jet is numerous things at once: the father of the Bebop family dynamic, a chef, an ex-cop with a less-than-perfect track record, a music lover with a taste for jazz. He is both the roughest of the crew and the most in touch with his feminine side. I love his relationships with the other members of the crew, especially Spike, and I enjoyed uncovering his character so much. I would need to rewatch the series to even begin constructing a shrine, but that shouldn't be hard (Cowboy Bebop might be the most perfect anime I have ever seen).
Access Time, Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
I'm sure you all saw this one coming, too. I didn't like Access when he was first introduced. At the time I was in love with Chiaki, and I was suspicious of Access's motives. The further I read the more I began to soften towards Access, and by the time his past with Fin Fish was revealed I was hooked. Access is a spitfire, a bright little angel who could have a more advanced rank if he wasn't so impulsive. He is adorable, his relationship with Chiaki made me laugh more times than I could count, and his romance with Fin made my heart ache in the best way possible. Access is right up there with my favorite manga characters of all time, and with a lack of Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne shrines around, I'd love to create one for him. I have also applied for the fanlisting, so hopefully if that pans out it will act as a springboard.
Erin Hannon, The Office (U.S.)
Let's face it: The Office jumped the shark a few seasons ago. I continue to follow it because, well, I've made it this far, and the new receptionist, Erin Hannon, is a breath of fresh air. I adore her eagerness to help and her happy-go-lucky take on life. She is the lovable flake with a heart of gold while at the same time demonstrating more depth than your average dumb blonde. I love her relationship with Gabe, her almost-romance with Andy, and the way she looks up to Michael as a father figure. And, since she was introduced in season five, starting from the ground up is less daunting than, say, creating a shrine for Michael or Jim.
Luigi, Super Mario Bros.
Growing up I always let my little sister go first in Super Mario Bros. 3 so that I could play Luigi. Back then my love for him was simple: "L" for "Luigi," "L" for "Laurel," and green was my favorite color. Now my reasons have changed, but he remains my favorite character in the Mario franchise. Luigi is the patient and cautious brother, the steadfast caretaker, and the loving guardian. He lives in his brother's shadow and while this sometimes bothers him he still cares for Mario deeply. I relate to him in this way immensely. I am nervous about this project because of the sheer size of the fandom and because the most recent game I completed was in the mid-90s. I've also never shrined a game character, and I'm not sure where to start. All I know is that I love and relate to Luigi very deeply.
Jet Black, Cowboy Bebop
The first episode I ever saw of Cowboy Bebop was the dubbed version of "Boogie Woogie Feng Shui," which prominently features Jet Black, and I decided instantly that he would be my favorite character. When I finally went back and watched the entire subbed series, Jet remained at the top of my list (though now alongside Spike Spiegel). Jet is numerous things at once: the father of the Bebop family dynamic, a chef, an ex-cop with a less-than-perfect track record, a music lover with a taste for jazz. He is both the roughest of the crew and the most in touch with his feminine side. I love his relationships with the other members of the crew, especially Spike, and I enjoyed uncovering his character so much. I would need to rewatch the series to even begin constructing a shrine, but that shouldn't be hard (Cowboy Bebop might be the most perfect anime I have ever seen).
Access Time, Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne
I'm sure you all saw this one coming, too. I didn't like Access when he was first introduced. At the time I was in love with Chiaki, and I was suspicious of Access's motives. The further I read the more I began to soften towards Access, and by the time his past with Fin Fish was revealed I was hooked. Access is a spitfire, a bright little angel who could have a more advanced rank if he wasn't so impulsive. He is adorable, his relationship with Chiaki made me laugh more times than I could count, and his romance with Fin made my heart ache in the best way possible. Access is right up there with my favorite manga characters of all time, and with a lack of Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne shrines around, I'd love to create one for him. I have also applied for the fanlisting, so hopefully if that pans out it will act as a springboard.