[gorbal]

I was just reading this amazing review of the series-

link and it reminded me that there isn't enough talk about how intelligent and meaningful this series is.

One quote from awesome review-

It is a complex animation. It isn’t simply a question of ninja battles and who will be the strongest, on the contrary, it is more about inner strength and the courage it takes to face emotional pain rather than dealing out brutality. The ninja fights are an essential part of the story as the various clans battle for survival and control of a power they both fear and desire, but what makes the show stand out is its sophisticated human factor. No individual in this story does something for a simple reason. They are complex individuals both good and bad. As we find out in particular when Raimei confronts her brother, and a mind-reading kunoichi enters their midst, that each of these individuals have their secrets and agendas are layered within agendas. It makes for a fascinating and enthralling viewing experience.

So true, I think that is what really draws us to this series. The art of course pulled us in but it took the intelligent plot and meaningful characters to really hook us. (am I wrong?)

I have seen some intelligent manga and anime series, but they were usually to emotionally abstract to make me really think and feel about them.

Questions- answer one or more or just discuss what you want-

-What first drew you to this series?

-What do you think Kamantani is trying to say with this series? (Or, if you prefer, what does it mean to you?)

-How does it remind you of your own life experience?

Can't wait to hear what people have to say (I'll probably add more later)

[Kirvee]

I agree with you! That was also a very nice review .

- What first drew me in.........OH WAIT! It was Yoite. Specifically it was his hat. My first time hearing about this series was through Funi's trailer. When i saw Yoite and his awesome hat I said to myself "Holy crap that's an awesome hat! I want to go see more of that awesome!" (I'm serious, that was really what drew me in, XD)

Then when I went and read it, Yoite still drew me to the story, but I also liked the overall plot and Miharu. And then when the BL started, yeah, my heart was hooked forever.

- Not sure what she's trying to say....I would LIKE to think that she might be trying to say something like "Love is eternal." since I strongly believe that even though Yoite is missing Miharu's heart and soul still loves him even when his mind can't remember who the other person is. But that's just what I would like her to be saying.

- I dunno.....I can....kinda understand Miharu's feelings in the beginning, but only a little and other than that it doesn't connect to my life.

[gorbal]

-I was attracted to the artwork and the atmosphere, the idea of this "other world" of ninja on the same plane of existence as this one intrigued me. Then when someone said on animesuki that there was possibly bl, my ears pricked up.

-It seems like she is trying to show both sides of two warring factions and the difficult choices people make. I wonder if she might be influenced by growing up in HIroshima- all the talk of whether or not Miharu should use this power even if it might cause massive devastation, and if it is ever worth it to use so much power if the cost is so great.

Then , on the other hand...to have the power to change things and not use it...that is another question entirely. It really got to me when Kouichi called Thobari a "murderer" for his reluctance to fight.

I like the idea that "Love is eternal".sigh (daydreams)

-Yoite reminds me of people I have taken care of who were terminal. One man for 6 years. It also reminds me of freinds of mine when they went through unbearably rough patches of their lives.

[kiwikat]

Miharu's apathetic behavior towards his sensei & Kouichi interested me, but Yoite was really what drew me in....when I first saw him my impression was "Cool! Evil hobo!"

I think Kamatani is saying something like whether you should use something that could give you anything you desire but could come with consequences....and that herms can find love too...and then die...*shot*

Miharu's apathy reminds me of how I look at life, I'm like permanently identity diffused....O_o
Yoite's view on everything is kinda like mine own views aswell (aren't I just the happiest individual? XD)

Unfortunately asfar as the varied adventures in NnO, no similiarities.

@gorbal: FMA is one series for me that although isn't that emotionally abstract(atleast not the first anime series....that was constant misery) I find I cannot connect with any of the characters, sure there are characters that I don't want to die...but it's like I'm not very focused on them

[Kirvee]

@Gorbal: Am I bad person for thinking that the whole thing about the battle over the Shinrabanshou and whether or not Miharu will use it for either faction or himself is only a "frontal" plot and that the real plot centers around Miharu and Yoite and their gay relationship? I mean, Kamatani did say that only THOSE two are the MAIN characters. That would make EVERYBODY else a secondary/side character and thus have less importance to the overall plot/main characters. That's why I think she might be saying what I would like her to be saying.

[squidduck]

Gorbal, epic thread here! Uggggh I need to sleep but I'll at least try to answer those Q's:

-What first drew me to the series? One of my online friends actually made parallels between Miharu and Yoite and our own OCs that we used to slash together. She then randomly chucked volume 1 and 6 at me, I frothed at the art, and.... yeah. Yoite's hat :| I was immediately drawn to it/him.

- What is Kamatani trying to say? I think you either hit the nail on the head or definitely in the ballpark, gorbal XD also:

Originally Posted by kiwikat

I think Kamatani is saying something like whether you should use something that could give you anything you desire but could come with consequences....and that herms can find love too...and then die...*shot*

Kiwi, that was crude, and yet all the same I have come to officially love you XDDD
I can't think of an addendum to this part, so I'll leave it alone for now fff

- How does it remind me of my life experiences? Some parts of Miharu and Yoite's personality remind me of myself. Also, like I mentioned before, Yoite is rather similar to one of my OCs. I'm not sure if that's why I got so attached to him, but I do consider Yoite my baby XDD

[gorbal]

Originally Posted by Kirvee

@Gorbal: Am I bad person for thinking that the whole thing about the battle over the Shinrabanshou and whether or not Miharu will use it for either faction or himself is only a "frontal" plot and that the real plot centers around Miharu and Yoite and their gay relationship? I mean, Kamatani did say that only THOSE two are the MAIN characters. That would make EVERYBODY else a secondary/side character and thus have less importance to the overall plot/main characters. That's why I think she might be saying what I would like her to be saying.

Of course not, most plot elements have centered around those two and their decisions, and she shows how deep bonds can form between people who work together through difficult obstacles, no matter what the circumstances.

I wouldn't put down the Shinrabanshou plot as "frontal" as I feel as if she has put much thought and time into it. It seems to be the focus now, sadly.

I actually wouldn't mind if she focused on other characters for a while, I just want my Yoite back, (sniff.) If they can't have gay main characters, then make Raime the main character while Yoite and Miharu are off being gay somewhere.

[MarinaSerena]

What drew me to this series? Yen Plus magazine. I had been reading this series in it, but they have too many "ninja" related stories in the magazine, so I was kind of just overlooked it since I was getting kind of bored of all the ninja stories in there. But then one day I was bored, and I decided to read ahead online, and then I got hooked and I went back and re-read the chapters in Yen Plus. I think it was because I was only reading it monthly before, but I overlooked the humor in it.

I got interested when I noticed it wasn't a cliched ninja story like others are. Miharu's apathy and Yoite's desire to disappear but not to die drew me in. I'm also an English literature major, and so I like powerful stories. I like the depth of the story behind what happend with Raimei and Raikou (at first I thought it'd be a cliche Sasuke versus Atachi rerun, but I was presently surprised and delighted with how quick it was resolved and the way in which Gau helped to reunite them). But I think the most fascinating thing for me is the how immortality thing and with the immortals wanting to die. I like the idea that immortality is not something to be desired ( English books like "Tuck Everlasting" echo this thought, as does Hohenheim from "Fullmetal Alchemist"). You have so many characters out there who want immortality or want to hold onto it (Voldemort from "Harry Potter" and Sauron from "Lord of the Rings" for example), so its nice to see those who want to get rid of it.

What is this series trying to say? I think its trying to emphasize the importance of our choices and how the choices we make can either bring about good or bad results. And that sometimes when we try to make choices we can't see all the possible outcomes that may derive from it, and we may end up hurting ourselves or hurting others. However, choosing to not make a choice, is also a choice (and that's where we find Miharu at right now).

How does it relate to my own life? An English lit major who loves the topic of the troubles of immortality. I also like the idea of the decision to not use the unlimted power one has gained. I don't think it really relates to my life other than that...

[kiwikat]

@squidduck: lol, c'mon you know I felt mean writing that. But it is partially what I think the story is about....love for everyone (isn't that nicer? XD)

Please, no stalking XD

[gorbal]

Marina-To dissapear but not to die..Yoites invisible! Lol!

I like how it seems a microcosmic look at war; sort of putting the disagreements people are willing to kill for on a more personal scale.