Category: Uncategorized

One of the most amazing and unique running events I have taken part in.

In the beginning

I’ve almost always been a runner. Ever since my late 20’s, when I found that it hugely helped my asthma… and taking part in events gives me a bit of a ‘focus’.

In March 2013 advertising appeared for something called the ‘Tour of Merseyside‘. It promised 6 races in one week: different venues, different terrains, adding up to 52 miles. I was intrigued – especially as Liverpool City Council had effectively forced the cancellation of the successful Liverpool Marathon for that Autumn. On finding out it was BTR Liverpool behind this new event (the company that had delivered the Marathon and many other races) I immediately signed up. Partly I just wanted to support BTR, partly because… Well, it did sound like a very different challenge!

Only then did cold feet start to creep in. OK, I was a fairly experienced runner, 7:30-minute-miling, with a couple of Marathons and a few long trail races to my name, but… 6 races in a week? 52 miles? How would I slot it in around work and get to all the races? Would I only manage the first few races before getting an injury? Some of my worries eased when I talked to a fellow runner who had also entered, and she also confessed many of the same concerns. But my worries only eased a bit as July approached.

52 miles starts here!

That first year just under 100 participants lined up for the start of the Tour. I was curious – what other nutters runners would want to do this unique event. Would it be hard-as-nails whippets with a steely glint in their eyes as they chased down the clock? Thankfully for my sanity, there was a complete range of running abilities. For sure, the Tour always has its ‘whippets’ – and mightily impressive they all are too, achieving some phenomenal times during the week. But it has every type of runner; and as I quickly learned, in this week ‘we are all in it together’.

The first race was actually the Southport Half Marathon, with us ‘Tourists’, as we quickly became known, being ‘guests’ for that event. It didn’t seem anything special though. (Although it was stonkingly hot – I pity the poor chap who was running in a gorilla suit that year!) Sure, us Tourists exchanged a few quick words with each other, but at the race end it was really just ‘Cheerio, see you tomorrow’.

Overture complete, The Tour ‘proper’ starts

Only at the second race, a multi-terrain at Thurstaston, did the Tour start to make sense. On a personal level, I was quickly aware of the challenge in balancing pace versus niggles, nutrition for recovery versus pre-race food, and sleep levels too. But more importantly, as a group we were becoming familiar faces to each other, cheering each other on. Familiar faces both amongst the runners, the organisers, and the many volunteers who play such a big part in making this event a success.

As the week went on the running grew harder, but so too did the camaraderie, with everyone increasingly looking out for each other. Somehow the increasing tiredness and shakiness in the legs didn’t matter; this was a good week, somehow we would all finish! In the 5 mile race at Hale the Mayor came out to set us off in his full regalia, and at the tussocky cross-country at Stadt Moers anti-mozzi spray was shared around, laughing as we tried not to think that the next race awaited us barely 15 hours later.

By the time of the final 12-mile race, there was a lot of lethargy that had built up in the legs. I made the last turn, and wasn’t counting down the day’s miles “3 to go… 2 to go…” but instead “49 done… 50 done…”, all the while exchanging shout-outs with the other runners. That felt good, beyond all the aches. I can honestly say the feeling when crossing the finish line exceeded that of almost every other event. And there was what I now knew were a fantastic bunch of people to celebrate it all with.

Back for more?

I am proud to say I have competed in every Tour since, as have twelve others. Many other runners come back time and again too, to revisit this unique week, while others move onto new challenges, happy with their memories of the week. After all, everyone has different reasons for running, and not everyone likes to or is able to do the same races every year. But I like to think everyone who has taken part in The Tour has savoured the experience.

So was that first Tour the best? No. Each Tour is different. I would be hard pushed to pick one as the ‘best’. There have been ones where my performance has been better and worse; ones where the weather has been a friend and an enemy to us all; ones where Facebook has exploded with Tour gags, and ones where the party has been at the end of every race. Faces amongst the ‘whippets’ at the front have changed, records falling, but every single one has been amazing in their times. The stories as to why people are doing the Tour vary each year too, from those looking to ‘nail it’ to fundraisers and those doing it as a personal challenge. Of course, as numbers increased to 300-500 you never got to know everyone, but the camaraderie remains.

There have been changes, too. The five-mile race moved from its original Hale on-road venue to Otterspool Promenade, that race also (unofficially) becoming fancy dress… The route of the Southport Half has changed (not always for the better, but that’s not BTR’s event). In some years the route of the 10 miler has shifted. Oh, and often over the past years an ice cream van has proved a very popular addition after some of the races!

Concluding thoughts

The Tour is and remains a fantastic challenge. For those looking to push themselves and their times, doing so many races in one week really is an unusual premise, and you have to think hard about training, strategy and nutrition. And those seeking a unique experience will certainly gain that, along with many memories.

Racing 52 miles in one week is possible. But you know what? Every year I still have those same worries I had in the first year. And I still look forward to Tour Week every year. So step forward Alan Rothwell of BTR Liverpool, who adapted the Tour from Ron Hill’s original 1980’s Tour of Tameside. Step forward too the multiple others involved, including volunteers and supporters who turn out every year. What has been created with the Tour of Merseyside is truly something special.

What’s it practically like?

You’re still here? OK, to finish off, this is a very brief description of Tour week in recent years:

1. Southport Half Marathon, 13.1 miles, Sun a.m.
   Never an easy one to kick off with; Southport’s position on the coast means either sunshine or wind can be a very noticeable factor! Still, there’s well over 24 hours to recover before…
2. Thurstaston Multi-Terrain, 5.9 miles, Mon p.m.
   Road, Beach, hilly trails, stone paths – a mix which can come as a shock to those not used to off-road running! And some years that beach can be nice and firm, other years it can be a right… yeah.
3. The Ralla, 10 miles, Tue p.m.
   Up and down a cycleway made from an old rail line, so it’s mostly flat, even if your legs say otherwise. With lots of two way running, shout-outs and high-fives rule the day, but the cumulative effect is starting to make itself felt on the muscles and joints.
4. Otterspool Prom, 5 miles, Thu p.m.
   After a day’s rest, the shortest race of the week. Mostly flat, but a course alongside the banks of the Mersey means wind can be a factor. Race pace can also depend on what costume [optional] you’ve chosen to run in!
5. Stadt Moers Cross-Country, 6 miles, Fri p.m.
   Two laps of a twisty little course on both rough grass and smooth tarmac paths. Often seems a quick and easy race; which is just as well, because there’s barely any time to recover before…
6. Wirral Coastal, 12 miles, Sat a.m.
   A dead flat run out and back from New Brighton to Hoylake, including a short stretch on the beach. Sounds easy but the distance is tough after all the week’s miles – and the wind really can be capricious! Still, grind out those miles because you won’t stop now.
7. Relax, Sat p.m.
   Whether attending the post-race presentations and celebrations (recommended) or just soaking in a hot bath, taking pride in what you’ve achieved. Just remember to set the alarm for 9 a.m. the following day, when entries open for the next year’s Tour…

Ian Raymond
08/07/23

So, this is something many of my friends ask. Why do you talk about anime? It’s only cartoons. Shouldn’t you be saying more about books? And, of course, they have a point. Anime is only a side interest for me, with writing and reading (and running) taking up most of my free time. So, this is an attempt to answer them, in a perhaps slightly more personal take on the genre.

Here we go:

Anime at its best is an art form that makes me think more, feel more, and provides an audio-visual feast for the senses.

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Oh. You wanted more than that?

OK. First of all then, it’s about the story. In anime, I have experienced an incredibly rich vein of story-telling, including tales that just wouldn’t work so well in any other medium. Not just great stories, but with some fantastic twists in the plot and a rich array of characters to flesh out the tapestry.

Then it’s the artwork. Many anime have stunning visuals that just suck you in. Sometimes that’s the scenery, beautiful enough that you think “I’d like to visit there”. Or it could be the characters, captured in a particular pose or with an expression that moves the story on without using any words. Then there’s moments of action, so intricately choreographed you can’t but help admire the skill of the artists.

Not to mention the music. The best anime have some fantastic soundtracks, right up to full orchestra set pieces, with great synchronisation between what you hear and what you see on screen. And then there’s the opening and ending songs. Many of these are hits in their own right, from ballads and poppy tunes through to tracks which verge on grunge metal.

Somehow, when all this melds together, there’s a magical spell that draws you in. (If you’ve been paying attention, that is, not doodling on your tablet…) You no longer just feel that you are watching a cartoon, but – as with any story – you are engaged in the world the characters inhabit. And like with any art form. you will hopefully encounter some works that reach your soul.

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As I said at the start, Anime makes me think more and feel more.

I watched open mouthed as the intricate plot unfolded in Stein’s Gate; cheered on the characters in SAO; howled with laughter at Miss Kobayashis’ Dragon Maid; then Your Lie in April broke my heart; and Violet Evergarden healed me.

My heart soared at Joe Hisaishi’s swooping orchestral pieces; it pounded faster at the tempo of Sawano Hiroyuki’s upbeat tracks; Radwimps anthems helped me to chill; and I still can’t stop smiling and humming the powerful, beautiful, ballads of Eir Aoi and LiSA.

Laid Back Camp made me want to get back into the outdoors; 86 Eighty Six made me take a closer look at the world around me; in the midst of the pandemic, Toradora gave me the courage to carry on; Iroduku taught me to believe in myself; and Barakamon got me to pick my pen up and get back to writing.

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So, no, my time watching anime has not been wasted; it has helped me to live life.

Still not convinced?

Go watch at least the movies of Spirited Away, Grave of the Fireflies, Your Name, and Millennium Actress; then tell me there’s not something special about this art form. (Grittier recommendations are also available!)

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This, then, is why I watch anime.

So thank you, Hayao Miyazaki, Studio Ghibli, Kyoto Animation, Makoto Shinkai, A-1 Pictures, Sunrise Studio, Bones, P A Works, J. C. Staff, and so many, many more, for bringing so much art into my life.

Posted 05/12/2022

Introduction

Whatever your preference in art and entertainment, every now and then you come across something that really has a ‘wow’ factor. Maybe it’s a book that keeps you turning every page; a movie that glues you to your seat ’til the last of the credits rolls; a painting you can’t tear your eyes away from. I recently finished reading ‘Clara and the Sun‘ by Kazuo Ishiguro… and that book will live with me for a long time.

Now, I also enjoy the art form called anime. (“Really, we hadn’t noticed,” I hear some of you say!) Still, it’s rare that I come across a series in the medium that is truly outstanding. But 2021’s production of 86 Eighty Six is just that. The writing, detail, music and symbolism are so good it deserves a blog of its own.

“Walk through the streets
and you’ll see that the first modern republic in the world
is just an empty shell.”

Synopsis (no spoilers)

86 Eighty Six is set sometime and somewhere in the future, although it feels like it could be central Europe. The republic of San Magnolia is at war. Cheery newsreaders assure citizens there have been no casualties, for the battles are fought by unmanned drones. Except that isn’t quite true…

The drones are manned by members of the 86^th District, who do not share the same physical characteristics as other citizens (white hair, grey eyes). Indeed, the ’86’ are looked down on by the San Magnolians, who see them as sub-human. Still, their task is simple: fight for their assigned number of days and they will have won their freedom. But of course, things aren’t quite that easy.

The story centres around the elite Spearhead squadron. These young veterans are led on the battlefield by Shinei Nouzen, who goes by the ominous callsign of ‘Undertaker‘. Meanwhile, a handler watches their battles remotely, back in San Magnolia. ‘Handler One‘ is the newly appointed Major Vladilena Mirize. Lena is mocked by her own people for showing concern for the 86, whilst in turn the 86 scorn her for being little more than a naïve do-gooder.

“The news you see every morning isn’t true.
People are dying!”

Why you should watch this show

If that synopsis made 86 Eighty Six sound like a battle-focussed show with a thin veneer of other stuff, you couldn’t be more wrong. Yes, there are battles – but they are part of the canvas, not what the story is about.

This isn’t a show just about racism either, but it does have a lot to say on it, and that feels very relevant. It also has a lot to say about the horrors of war – and that too feels very relevant. But 86 Eighty Six is more than all that, as you will discover if you watch it.

‘Show don’t tell’ is a familiar maxim in writing. This is something that 86 Eighty Six delivers by the bucket-load. For example, attitudes are shown through graffiti on city walls, and in the way the 86 react to their new handler. This show is packed with visual details which help flesh out the story and its characters.

The series opens with a large cast, but quickly hones in on just a few. Each is well thought out, with their own ‘backstory’ and – importantly – they grow and change as events affect them. Oh, and there is a ‘dog’ called Fido. Admittedly he goes “beep” rather than “woof“, and he looks nothing like a dog, but trust me: he is man’s best friend.

Most anime series don’t have the budget of an anime film (think £200k per episode rather than £25m). Despite this, much of the animation in 86 Eighty Six is extremely well done, whether in battle or the quieter moments. In one of my favourite scenes, Lena and Shin are each walking alone at night. ‘Handler One’ is in the open air, beneath a moonlit sky filled with scudding clouds. ‘Undertaker’ is in the corridors of a dusty building, but bathed by the same moonlight. As mentioned above, watch closely for all the details!

And if this has made 86 Eighty Six sound all doom and gloom, again you couldn’t be more wrong. There are times the emotions hit hard, but also times you will laugh!

Finally, 86 Eighty Six is peppered with a solid soundtrack. There’s some great opening / ending songs too, including the hauntingly beautiful ‘Avid‘ by Sawano Hiroyuki.

“Dreaming is a privilege afforded by youth,
Lieutenant Milizé.”

Summary

86 Eighty Six is a stunning anime, with a distinctive story and a cast of well-drawn characters. (Yep, pun fully intended.) ‘Masterpiece’ is a word over-used in any review, but so much thought has gone into this show at all levels that it truly is appropriate.

All told, 86 Eighty Six joins the ranks of those few anime series or films that I recommend without reserve. Even to those who don’t watch anime! If you can get over the fact that Yes, this is a cartoon you are watching, you will discover a deep and moving show with some of the very best storytelling.

“If, one day, you make it to our final destination,
would you please leave flowers?”

Details

• Rated 8.2/10 on IMDB
• 23 episodes, each 24 minutes
• Watch the trailer on Youtube.
• Currently on Crunchyroll (free with repetitive ads, or without ads via subscription / free trial). Hopefully soon to be on other streaming services. No disrespect to Crunchyroll, but this show deserves wider exposure to a much larger audience.
• Definitely not one for younger children. The violence is more often implied than graphic, but the series touches on some dark topics.
• I recommend watching with subtitles, rather than dubbed. The Japanese voice actors put so much work into getting to know their characters, and it shows.

Article posted 30/12/22

For five weeks I’ve been recommending anime series that are great to binge watch, and which provide something of an uplift while we’re in lockdown.

You can see my previous recommendations: the anime romcom of Toradora, the ‘Sci-Fi noir’ of Cowboy Bebop, the stunning beautiful drama of Violet Evergarden, and the ‘slice of life’ that’s Barakamon. And read my blog about why anime is worth watching.

I’ve faced a lot of indecision as to what I should present in this final week; there’s certainly a whole host of brilliant feel-good anime shows not covered, including Iroduku The World In Colours (Amazon Prime), Hinamatsuri (Funimation, Crunchroll), Spice and Wolf (Funimation), Bunny Drop (Crunchyroll) and many more… But instead, now for something completely different. My recommendation this week is a very strange comedy called Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid.

Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid

“...overall this is a quirky show that is warm-hearted, funny and with some unexpected emotional punches.”

Miss Kobyashi’s Dragon Maid: Kyoto Animation 2017, 14 episodes, 7.7/10 on IMDB

One morning Miss Kobayashi, who works for an IT company in Koshigaya, wakes up with a hangover. Things aren’t helped when she heads off to work to find a very large dragon outside her front door which is adamant that it wants to work as her maid.

Thankfully, the dragon (Tohru) can mostly transform into a human (although the tail may be a bit of a giveaway). It soon becomes clear that although she professes she wants to be a maid a) this is more because Miss Kobayashi helped save her a long time ago and b) she is not actually very good at being a maid. Miss Kobayashi’s neat ordered life, which seems to consist of work-drink-sleep-hangover, is well and truly disrupted. Things get even more complicated when yet more dragons follow Tohru and move into her life!

And that’s about it as far as storyline goes – if you’re looking for something deep and meaningful see my previous reviews. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is just a bit of frothy fun, with both visual gags and ongoing jokes which repeat throughout the show. That’s not to say it doesn’t have its finer moments – there’s some good character development, the overall message of the show is about family, and although the dragons make mistakes when they interact with humans, you’ll soon be wondering who’s more out of touch – them or Miss Kobayashi?

This show is from Kyoto Animation, so naturally it’s extremely well done, and the animation style they’ve deliberately gone for is vivid pastel colours, which suits Miss Kobyashi’s Dragon Maid’s off-beat not-trying-to-be-reality atmosphere just fine.

In terms of downsides, this show really isn’t too serious about itself so probably won’t suit everyone. And (fair waning) there’s sometimes gags about breasts in a few episodes (absolutely nothing explicit or insulting, and nothing like the Blazing Saddles-esque humour of Konosuba), so if you can’t ignore that you may find it off-putting. But overall this is a show that is genuinely warm-hearted, funny and with some unexpected emotional punches.

At the time of writing, Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid is streaming on Funimation and CrunchyRoll, which you can either watch for free if you don’t mind all the adverts, or sign up for a free month’s trial. It’s also sometimes on Netflix. Note: whilst the English dub isn’t bad, I’d recommend the Japanese with subtitles on this one.

Thanks for reading and for all the comments on this mini-series of articles. Remember the aim has been to highlight some of the most uplifting anime series around (which may or not be the best or my favourites). So, if one person has found a new show to watch that has made them smile in these often gloomy times, it’s been worth it!

Page Updated 28/02/2021

For five weeks I’m recommending anime series that are great to binge watch, and which provide something of an uplift while we’re in Lockdown.

Read my previous recommendations: the anime romcom of Toradora, the ‘Sci-Fi noir’ of Cowboy Bebop, and the stunning drama of Violet Evergarden. Or read my blog about why anime is worth watching (and how it’s definitely not just for kids).

My recommendation this week is a wonderful ‘slice of life’ series called Barakamon.

Barakamon

“…this series has more than a little whiff of ‘Local Hero’ about it”

Barakamon: Kinema Citrus 2014, 12 episodes, 8.2/10 on IMDB

Seishu Handa is a young calligrapher in modern-day Tokyo. However when a famous curator is less than complimentary about his work, Seishu punches him. His father banishes him in disgrace to live on a remote island.

As a born-and-bred city boy, Seishu is very much a fish out of water in the small community. (The setting is the Gota Islands, off Kyushu.) He’s unused to not being surrounded by technology, struggles with the local accents and the inquisitive nature of the islanders. None of this is helped by the fact that the house he’s given to live in was previously empty and was used by the local children as a den. There’s a good host of characters in Barakamon that we meet, ranging from the island kids to the village chief.

Naturally, the background arc is very much about Seishu’s own development (including ‘finding’ his own style in calligraphy), but really Barakamon is a show of gentle humour and interaction between people, and a frankly beautiful depiction of life on the islands. And if this sounds a bit familiar, it may be because this series has more than a little whiff of ‘Local Hero’ about it. No, I don’t mean it was influenced by it – but the arrival of an outsider in a vibrant community, and for the first time properly experiencing nature, holds similar echoes.

The one downside of Barakamon is that it’s only twelve episodes long, and it feels like it could have gone on for a fair while longer – the last two episodes in particular make for a satisfying ending, but do feel a bit rushed. And like with last week’s review, the ‘slice of life’ nature of this series means kids may find it boring. But again, these are minor critisims, this is a relaxing, cheerful show to watch.

At the time of writing, Barakamon is streaming on Funimation, which you can watch for free if you don’t mind all the adverts, or take a month’s free trial. (Or you can borrow my Blu-Ray…) Watch out for it coming out on other streaming channels too. Note: The English dub version is pretty good on this series.

Last one next week, and again I’ve a completely different show lined up compared to those I’ve already recommended. (No, for those commenting, it’s not SAO…!)

Page updated 21/02/21

For five weeks I’m recommending anime series that are great to binge watch, and which hopefully provide a bit of an uplift while we’re in Lockdown. My previous recommendations were the anime romcom that is Toradora and the ‘Sci-Fi noir’ of Cowboy Bebop. You can also click here to read my blog about why anime is worth watching (and how it’s definitely not just for kids).

My recommendation this week is another completely different show, the fantastic drama series from Kyoto Animation that is Violet Evergarden. In a series of articles like this the normal trend is to save the best ’till last, but what the heck; it’s Valentine’s day, so why not feature a show that is as much about emotions as anything else?

Violet Evergarden

“…honestly, Violet Evergarden is the most stunningly beautiful anime series ever produced”

Violet Evergarden: Kyoto Animation 2018, 14 episodes, 8.4/10 on IMDB

Violet Evergarden centres around the title character; raised as a child soldier, Violet is invalided out of the army with prosthetic arms. She finds a job as a ‘memory doll’ – if you like, a scribe – and travels around the country taking on numerous commissions.

As you might expect, the show isn’t just about these tasks, but about Violet herself; given her background, she has no ability to emphathise with others, let alone to deal with her own emotions. Given the importance of her job in writing meaningful communications between people, this at first causes any number of confusions, but is a key point as the story develops.

The world Violet Evergarden is set in has a ‘light touch steampunk’ air to it (much as in Howl’s Moving Castle); there is much that looks like Europe between the wars, but there are other features – such as Violet’s almost robotic arms and hands – that are far more advanced. But in this world not many have the ability to write, and this is where people like Violet come in. (Those averse to sci-fi / fantasy, don’t worry – the world is merely a background setting for the story.)

I know I’m forever talking up the positives of books and shows, but honestly, Violet Evergarden is the most stunningly beautiful anime series ever produced. My own reaction when I saw it last year was, basically, ‘wow‘. The animation itself is of the calibre you would normally expect from a movie; the storyline and development of Violet is superb (fair warning, it does manipulate your emotions); the supporting characters aren’t just pale imitations; and even the music is spot on.

And this is all typical of the studio that produced it – Kyoto Animation, which suffered such a horrible attack a few years ago. ‘Kyoani’ is a studio that is possibly the most ethical in terms of the way it treats its staff, but also seems to produce shows and films which are both inoffensive and of the highest production quality.

I’m sorry, but I can’t offer any downsides to this show. (Kids will probably find it boring…?) Hopefully there will be a second series to fully close off Violet’s story, but even without that what we are left with is superb.

At the time of writing, Violet Evergarden is streaming on Netflix. (Or you can borrow my pre-ordered Blu-Ray, once they are released in April…) Note that the English dub version is great, but there’s just a slight difference in emphasis from the Japanese voice acting. Not better; not worse; just different.

Another one next week, and a very different show again… But in the meantime I cannot encourage you enough to watch the piece of art that is Violet Evergarden.

Page updated 14/02/21

For five weeks I’m recommending anime series that are great to binge watch, and which hopefully provide a bit of a lift while many of us are in lockdown.

Click here for my recommendation from last week, the romcom that is Toradora, or click here to read my blog about why anime is worth watching. (And how it’s definitely not just for kids!)

My recommendation this week is completely different from last, a laid-back Sci-Fi show called Cowboy Bebop.

Cowboy Bebop

“…Cowboy Bebop above all else is cool, an anime series watched by people who claim they don’t like anime”

Cowboy Bebop: Sunrise Studio 1998, 26 episodes, 8.9/10 on IMDB.

Cowboy Bebop is a series of stories about Spike and his gang; a crew of bounty hunters travelling around the solar system in their creaking old spaceship, the ‘Bebop’. And a confession upfront – I can’t claim everyone will find this show ‘uplifting’, but it is certainly high in entertainment value.

The show centres around the small key members of the cast. There’s Spike, who was once an underworld hitman; Jet, a former police officer; Faye, a con-artist; Edward, a talented female hacker; and Ein, a corgi with human intelligence. It’s quite a diverse bunch! In this murky future, the police give out contracts to chase down criminals, and it is these the crew follow, in a pretty much hand-to-mouth existence.

Unlike many anime, there’s not such an emphasis on an over-riding story arc (though there is one there), rather, it’s more a series of individidual adventures with each episode providing for a different setting, a different tale, a different contract. If you’ve watched Josh Whedon’s superb Firefly series, you’ll feel a lot of echoes. Cowboy Bebop predates Firefly, and although the wide rumours that Cowboy Bebop influnced Josh Whedon are just rumours, when watching it you can understand why people might think that.

There’s some downsides to the show, like with everything: compered to more recent series, the animation certainlu doesn’t look quite as slick; the final episode generated a very mixed reception; and given the nature of the crew’s ‘job’, this show may not be suitable for children.

But these really are fairly minor criticisms. Cowboy Bebop above all else is cool. It’s an anime series watched by people who claim they don’t like anime. This is popcorn anime that you can relax and watch, a jazz soundtrack pervading the series, and a hint of film noir.

At the time of writing, Cowboy Bebop is streaming for free on Channel 4. Note, the English dub version for this show is not bad, for those who don’t like having to watch with subtitles.

The third one next week, and it’ll be a very different show again…

Page Updated 07/02/21

I’ve written before that Anime can be great for escapism – something we all need during lockdown! Animation takes us away from reality, pampers the imagination, and in many cases takes us to superb vistas whilst we are limited in where we can travel. And I make no apology for watching anime – it doesn’t replace a good book or some of the great TV drama, but it is a breath of fresh air with some really great story-telling at its heart.

So, for each of the next five weeks, I’ll be recommending an anime series that’s great to binge watch – including some I’ve not previously mentioned. I’m focussing on shows that give you a feel-good vibe once credits roll on the final episode (though fair warning, some may put you through the wringer getting there). All are really good productions and I’ve chosen a wide range of genres.

Don’t expect these shows to be a shot-for-shot transfer of TV drama into cartoon form – this is animation for heaven’s sake, and there’s certain tricks they always use, even if anime is better than most Western animation! And if you think some shows will be childish in parts – again, well of course they will be now and then! But I can guarantee great stories, a diverse range of characters, and some really well-rendered artwork.

My first recommendation is a show called Toradora.

Toradora

“…if the Christmas episode doesn’t have you both smiling and welling up just a tad, you’re not human…”

Toradora: J.C. Staff Studio 2008, 25 episodes, 8/10 on IMDB.

As you can probably tell by the image, Toradora is a school set romcom – but seriously, don’t let that put you off. Its quirky characters, humour and bittersweet moments made it feel to me like watching Friends, and there’s some absolutely beautiful segments of animation.

Toradora centres around Ryuji and Taiga, both in their last year at school in Tokyo and recent neighbours. Ryuji’s thuggish appearance scares most people, even though his temperament is the exact opposite, whilst Taiga is nicknamed the ‘Palm-top Tiger’, on account of her short size and even shorter temper. Neither particularly likes the other on their first meeting, but they are romantically interested in each other’s best friend (Yuusaka and Minori), so agree to work together to solve their problems.

There’s not necessarily any huge surprises in the way the story goes, but that doesn’t lessen the enjoyment. As the show moves on you slowly learn more about each of the main characters, and even if you didn’t like them at the start (you probably won’t), that will change as the plot develops. Above all else, Toradora understands relationships: not every character gets the happy ending they want; there’s no sudden magic wand to make things the way they want them to be; and it takes time and effort for true relationships to be formed.

This isn’t to say the show isn’t without its down sides. The character of Ryuji’s mother could have been much better developed earlier on; there’s a whole sub-plot involving Ryuji’s friend Yuusaka that came almost out of nowhere; and typically of anime, the first few episodes are slow as they build both characters and setting, although there’s huge payback in the second half of the series. And what is it with that parrot?

But these criticisms are churlish. Toradora is a charming likeable show, suitable for adults and older children. The overall story arc is really well written, now and then venturing into some dark pits before pulling back. And honestly, if the Christmas episode doesn’t have you both smiling and welling up just a tad, you’re not human! This is easily the best romcom I’ve encountered so far in Anime, and its tale comes to a very satisfying and definitive ending.

At the time of writing, Toradora is available on both Amazon Prime and Netflix. (Or you can borrow my DVD…!) The English dub version is pretty good, though I think watching it in Japanese with subtitles works better.

A very different show next week…!

Page updated 30/01/2021

What anime is | Why watch anime | Recommendations | Good to know

Introduction

Welcome to another rambling set of thoughts. But this time I turn my attention not to books and writing, but to the creative force that is ‘anime’. (Click here to go straight to the recommendations, if that’s all you came here for). This is quite a long blog – by all means skip to the bits you’re interested in!)

Anime has often been my ‘go to’ for pure escapism, when taking a break from work, writing, reading or running. (Taking a break? Has been known to happen). Lately the genre has gained ground in the UK, with both a great selection of DVDs or Blu-rays available and increased prominence on streaming platforms.

Here I try to explain what anime is and why it’s worth watching, with a range of recommendations for you to try. I’m no expert on anime – books are more my thing, after all – but I can report on what I’ve seen and enjoyed. So go on, give the genre a whirl; you never know, you might find something completely new to enjoy! Besides… I think it’s fair to say many of us need a hefty chunk of escapism in our lives right now, in this very strange world that 2020 has become.

What Anime Is

First of all, forget what you think you know about anime. It is not a series of repetitive fights and incomprehensible shouting (which might be the impression gained from children’s anime shows). In other words you must unlearn what you have learned…

Anime is just a medium. It covers a range of sub-genres, from children’s shows to comedy, from historical dramas to science fiction. The quality of both animation and writing has surged over the years, and many pieces of work are now the equal (and better) than animation emerging from Hollywood.

Anime is, literally, animation that originates from Japan. It’s certainly not just something for children; indeed, the Oscar-winning director Hayao Mayazaki is reputed to have initially been surprised that children liked some of his early work. That’s not to say that there’s not a lot of the genre targetting the child and YA markets. Or that it isn’t sometimes childish…!

The anime industry in Japan is huge with an estimated 400+ studios. Of course, quantity doesn’t always equal quality, and I’ll admit it; for each show that is a diamond there’s another five that are just graphite. One downside of the industry is that many studios don’t always pay or treat their staff that well; hopefully this is changing, with respectable studios such as Kyoto Animation providing much better conditions. But please, always buy DVDs or stream from reputable channels, then you can be sure you are supporting the developers.

But why on Earth should I watch that stuff…?

The best way I can describe why anime is worth watching is this: There’s always a certain magic cast by animation, a disconnect from the world around us; and anime is just so much better in weaving this spell. (Well, good anime, anyway.) Within the genre I’ve discovered so much that’s worthwhile:

• Stories which drew me in and that were ultimately uplifting.
• Achingly beautiful animation of both city and country, in worlds real and imagined, that equal the best cinematography.
• Cracking soundtracks that I would be humming all week.
• Clever symbolism only noticed on a second viewing.
• Quirky characters that have had me laughing, crying and even thinking about questions in life that really matter.

In short: If you’ve ever enjoyed a good story with a hint of humour and magic to it, then you need to dip your toe into these waters.

For example, amongst the best stories I’ve discovered:

A book-loving woman is reborn in a medieval world where there are no books… Players are trapped in an online game, where death in the game means death in real life… Two children try to survive in the aftermath of WW2 Japan… A man goes back in time to prevent a series of murders… Young people ‘battle’ it out in performances of classical music…

All a long way from incomprehensible shouting and fighting, right? (Admittedly, there are even shows which excel at that.)

So, how did I start watching anime?

My own first exposure to anime was the 1988 Akira. This is a dystopian film that besides its sci-fi elements resonated with a cry of disaffected youth, ringing just as true as Rebel Without a Cause. It made me think: I never knew animation could be like this. It opened my eyes to stories more complex than anything emerging from a saccharin-laden Hollywood.

That fascination was rekindled in 2001 by the incredible Spirited Away; not just a wonderful story on a number of different levels, but made using hand-drawn animation that was genuinely beautiful. I went on to explore the entire Studio Ghibli back catalogue. Then, following breadcrumbs of recommendations, series produced by the likes of Sunrise Studio, Ufotable, and Kyoto Animation.

Anime has brought me uplifting stories and heart-warming characters… and a genre that remembers some of the best tales are fun. So yes, the genre certainly has its flaws, but at its best displays a realm of creativity.

Recommendations

OK, onto suggestions for viewing, that most of you probably came here for. There’s plenty of anime for the child / YA market (think Dragon Ball, Naruto, Pokemon, Inuyasha) but I’m concentrating on anime that an older audience can also appreciate. These aren’t necessarily ‘the best’ anime has to offer, and aren’t my own top 10… but hopefully they give you a wide flavour of the genre.

1. Spirited Away (Film, 2001)

If you’ve never watched anime, the works of Studio Ghibli are one of the best places to start. Directed by the legendary Hayao Miyazaki, Spirited Away tells the story of Chihiro, whose parents are taken by the spirit world. It’s up to her to rescue them, and in the process she learns a lot about life and herself. This isn’t just a great anime but an Oscar winner. Yes, it’s a kid’s film, but it’s so good everyone should watch it at least once. The beautiful hand-drawn animation and the soundtrack by Joe Hisaishi makes this a feast for the senses.

Like Disney? This is better.

IMDB score 8.6/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating 97%
Currently on Netflix in the UK, available on DVD / Blu-Ray 

2. Cowboy Bebop (one series, 1998)

Cowboy Bebop tells the story of Spike and his gang, a ragtag group of space bounty hunters, eking out a precarious existence in a distant future. Every episode tends to be a bit different, depending on what contract the gang have – space opera one time, something with more comedy the next. A great series to binge on, Bebop just oozes with cool and a chilled jazz soundtrack.

Enjoy the Josh Whedon series Firefly? You’ll find plenty to enjoy in this.

IMDB score 8.9/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating 100%
Currently available in the UK on Netflix and Amazon Prime, available on DVD / Blu-Ray

3. Death Note (one series, 2006)

What would you do if you found a book that gave you the power over death by writing names in it? Light Yagami finds such a book and uses it – as he tells himself – to rid the world of evil. But a detective is soon trying to track him down. This show has been praised by critics, and is often a dark, psychological series (some would say scary), certainly not for children; and one that raises some profound questions. Note, this is one to avoid any spoilers!

The twists, turns and manipulation may well have you thinking of House of Cards.

IMDB score 9.0/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating 95%
Currently on Amazon in the UK (not free), available on DVD / Blu-Ray

4. Iroduku The World in Colours (one series, 2018; Japanese with English subtitles)

A glorious overlooked gem. Those expecting a romcom go away dissatisfied; those expecting a fantasy are disappointed… Iroduku is neither of these. It’s the story of a girl battling with depression, which manifests itself in the fact that she has lost the ability to see colours. To help, her grandmother sends her back in the past to our present day. It’s a dialogue heavy slow-burn of a show, and doesn’t gloss over Hitomi’s struggles by providing a miraculous ‘fix’, but instead shows her progress as she makes friends who don’t give up on her.

Intensely beautiful animation and uplifting, this is a show many – young and old – could gain a lot from watching.

IMDB score 7.3/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating n/a
Currently free on Amazon Prime in the UK. Don’t miss it.

5. Stein’s Gate (one series, 2011)

A sci-fi series built around time travel – or at least, the ability to send messages into the past. Set in Tokyo, it follows Okabe (a self-proclaimed mad scientist) who, with his friends, runs experiments from his run-down apartment. This series is a slow starter, but trust me; once you’re in the second half, you will want to go back and re-watch those early episodes. There’s great character development, humour, a complex and well thought-out story, and distinctive atmospheric artwork.

Stein’s Gate isn’t just a fabulous anime series, but possibly one of the best ever sci-fi series. Fans of the X-files may well become fans of this.

IMDB score 8.8/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating 100%
N.B., don’t confuse with Stein’s Gate 0, which is a ‘sequel’.
Currently on Netflix in the UK, available on DVD / Blu-Ray

6. Your Name (Film, 2016)

A boy living in Tokyo and a girl living in the countryside have a problem; they periodically swap bodies! There’s a lot more depth to this story than that. Your Name is the highest grossing anime movie of all time, and it’s hard to believe it didn’t win an Oscar. Directed by Makoto Shinkai, the animation is outstanding. The handful of characters are well portrayed, it tells a cleverly-woven story – and even the English dub version is excellent!

If you like the subtle charm and symbolism in films like Amelie, then you’ll find this captivating; but anyone who enjoys great cinematography will love it.

IMDB score 8.4/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating 98%
Currently available to stream on most UK movie channels, available on DVD / Blu-Ray

7. Attack on Titan (Four series 2013-2022)

Humanity lives surrounded by huge walls which protect them from the roaming carnivorous Titans – giants who eat people, seemingly without motive or reason. The tale centres on three young people (Eren, Mikasa and Armin) who join the army to help defend, but there’s almost as much a threat inside the walls as without. There’s plenty of twists and turns in the story; and both animation and characters are spot on.

Please note: the gore can be graphic, so this is not a series for children; but if you sort of enjoyed The Walking Dead, you’ll sort of enjoy watching this.

IMDB score 8.8/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating 94%
Currently available in the UK on Netflix, Crunchyroll, available on DVD / Blu-Ray

8. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (One series, 2016; Japanese with English Subs)

A man recently released from prison wants to turn his life around by becoming a traditional storyteller (a Rakugo). A tale set in both past and present, it’s about the art of Rakugo and the core characters: Master storyteller Yakumo, apprentice Yotarou, and Konatsu (a young woman under the master’s care). Yet it’s also about the clash between old and new Japan. This is a pretty deep story, and whilst the synopsis may not make this sound the most exciting of shows, it draws you in. (The storyteller in me loves this one.)

If you like character-driven drama, you’ll love this.

IMDB score 8.3/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating NA
Currently available in the UK on Crunchyroll

9. Black Butler (three series, 2008-2010)

After his parents’ death, a boy in Victorian England sells his soul to a demon in order to avenge them. The demon acts as a butler to help him fulfil this role. The interwoven stories, character development, and some really good dialogue make this an entertaining series. It’s very ‘anime’; definitely quirky with a dark edge, but also lots of humour and fantastic character interaction. And it’s another show where the English Dub is really well done!

IMDB score 7.8/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating NA
Currently available on Funimation, Blu-Ray

10. When Marnie Was There (Film, 2014)

Anna is sent to live with relatives in the countryside because of her asthma, (Now that makes me instantly relate to this show!) Shy and withdrawn, she finds it hard to fit in; but then she meets Marnie, a girl who lives in the house across the bay… but to say more would give away huge spoilers. This is a much ‘quieter’ film than many, but guaranteed to put a smile on your face when you get to the end.

The film adapts a 1967 British novel really well. If you appreciate adaptations of work such as E Nesbit and F H Burnett, you’ll appreciate this.

IMDB score 7.8/10 ; Rotten Tomatoes rating 88%
Currently available on Netflix in the UK, DVD / Blu-Ray

And more…

Other great shows for different genres, all of which are worth a look:
(f) = film

• Like your fights? Fate Stay/Night, Fate Zero, Rising of the Shield Hero, 86 and The Vinland Saga (Note, none of these are suitable for children!)
• Science fiction nerds: Ghost in the Shell (the original anime version), Psycho-Pass, Space Brothers, and Legend of the Galactic Heroes.
• Worlds of fantasy: Ascendance of a Bookworm, Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind (f), Spice and Wolf, and Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood
• Serious drama: Monster, In This Corner of the World (f), Erased and Tokyo Magnitude 8.0
• School based shows that are aimed at adults: A Silent Voice (f), Your Lie in April, and From Up On Poppy Hill (f)
• …and for watching with the kids, but won’t bore you: Snow White with the Red Hair, Kiki’s Delivery Service (f), Haikyuu!!, and for young children My Neighbour Totoro(f)
• Romance: Only Yesterday (f), Wotakoi, Toradora (school based, but a great romcom), and Emma: A Victorian Romance
• Comedy / tongue in cheek: Gintama, Hinamatsuri… and not forgetting Konosuba (definitely not for children – if Mel Brooks did anime, this would be it!)

The Small Print (things that may be helpful for a novice anime viewer…)

Translation: Most anime have an English dub, but some are only available in Japanese with English subtitles. Please don’t be put off, these can be amongst the best shows (and sometimes the subtitles are a better interpretation than the dub).

Watch out for that left hook: Sometimes the story will take a sudden turn halfway through. The best-written anime will have dropped subtle clues to this earlier that you only notice on a second viewing. Fair warning: This isn’t Disney, you aren’t always guaranteed a happy ending!

Yes, some moments can be annoying: There may be segments when characters appear more ‘cartoonised’ (often when losing their temper). Some like it – it’s animation after all, let it do things the camera can’t – others less so.

Symbolism is everything: Far more than in western animation, everything – music, weather, scenery, the background characters – may be giving subtle (or not so subtle!) hints reinforcing the story. The best directors put a lot of thought into the whole experience.

Do your research: Read a spoiler-free review before watching something new, especially if watching with children. There’s much anime that’s brilliant, some are average… and a few that may have you exclaiming: “WTF Japan?!?!”

Anime-to-camera: Quite a few anime have also had live-action versions created. Please, please, avoid these. You will be ultimately disappointed compared to what the original offers!

Finally…

So there you are; a whole article about anime and I didn’t once mention RWBY. Oops, I just did! (As RWBY is not Japanese, it is usually classed as ‘anime inspired’…)

Hopefully this has shown you that there’s a whole host of great stories out there, just waiting to be explored. Anime provides both a lift for the spirits and an escape from the day-to-day. Give it a try!

Ian Raymond, 2nd November 2020; minor updates 18th February 2022