2013 Archives | Otaku No Culture

The Wind up Geek’s Best of Anime – 2013 (Part 1)

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)

James Shaw (The Wind Up Geek) — James Sulley or James Shaw?

I’m an old otaku. That’s not measured in age but in taste. I’m from the generation when Gundam 0083, Gunbuster, Ranma ½ and Kimagure Orange Road reigned supreme [Yes folks, James is that antiquated – Ed]. The North American version of Science Ninja Team Gatchaman (Battle of the Planets) started my love for anime and eventually, all things Japanese. But in early 2002, I felt disenfranchised with what televised anime offered. I was seeing more series emphasizing fan service over creating a good story.

I walked away without a tear shed for a genre I loved for decades. During that time, I made disparaging remarks about anime. The relationship was over and I was bitter, until 2013 when something rekindled my interest. “I’ll give it another chance,” I said. At first it looked as though things hadn’t changed but I searched deep and the reward was worth it.

Here is my list of anime favourites from 2013. I’m hoping the upcoming 2014 products will be just as bright.

Continue reading “The Wind up Geek’s Best of Anime – 2013 (Part 1)”

[Victoria Fringe Festival ’13] St. Michael’s University Summer Musical Academy does Avenue Q & Review

Image-AvenueQlogo By Ed Sum (The Vintage Tempest)

In Victoria, B.C., Canada, St. Michael’s University School offers a tradition for Fringe Festival enthusiasts to enjoy. They have a wonderful summer intensive program in musical theatre which makes it a hotbed of learning at a rapid pace. Classes focus on teaching students how to develop their voice, stage presence and performance skills. No auditions are required to get in and this camp is great for introducing youths to the thrills of live theatre.

This program makes use of a well-known Broadway stage production and it becomes part of the regular Fringe Festival scene. Previous years included a very well done version of The Wedding Singer, Urinetown, Fame and High School Musical.

“They have been doing a musical every year in the Fringe for the last eight years,” said Janet Munsil, Artistic Director and Festival Producer, “And they’re the trailblazers in musicals at our 10-day long show.”

One particular alumni from the university, Andrew Sabiston, has gone on to write, Napoleon: The Musical, which was staged in Toronto.

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Loki AKA @twhiddleston Recruits SDCC Goers #SDCC2013 #Thor2

By James Robert Shaw (The Wind Up Geek)

The Marvel panel owned the San Diego Comic Con 2013 according to many con attendees and here’s one of the main reasons why, the God known as Loki. With the flashing of the lights on Saturday, British actor and heart-throb Tom Hiddleston appeared on stage as the exile of Asgard. In front of a packed house of screaming fans in Hall H Hiddleston couldn’t help but smile at his welcoming. Like ones possessed con goers chanted the God’s name. Women screamed as he dispatched the Marvel Studios president Kevin Feige with the command “Stand back you mewling quim”.

But one could laugh at the best summing up of Loki’s appearance. As Executive Editorial Director at Marvel Digital Media Group, Ryan Penagos, put it “No, I’m sorry. Loki is here. @twhiddleston is just the vessel.”