Anime is Lit

Ep 21 - Gankutsuou (Part 2) - The Lesbians We Lost Along the Way

***This episode is Part 2 of our Gankutsuou series, which contains spoilers for both the anime and the book. Please listen to the previous episode first!Welcome to Masterpiece Theatre… I mean, Masterpiece Anime… Here to fully make good on our podcast’s name, we’re ready to go full Literature Analysis Mode on some actual literature with Gankutsuou and its book of origin “The Count of Monte Cristo”. Joined by Vrai Kaiser, we cover everything from the funny bits to the twists, tragedies, and the Gay Stuff, including the gay stuff from the book that the anime somehow redacted?? There’s lots to unpack, and we bothered to read this entire long book, so prepare to hear all about it and more! The very cool early-in-production Gankutsuou trailer that we refer to Where to find us: Vrai’s Twitter and Blog Listen to more of Vrai on the Anime Feminist podcast and Trash & Treasures pod Follow us on Twitter: @animeislitpod Email: animeislitpod@gmail.com Anime is Lit direct feed

Ep 20 - Gankutsuou (Part 1) - French People... In Space!!

Welcome to Masterpiece Theatre… I mean, Masterpiece Anime? Finally, Anime is Lit covers the most Literature of Anime - “Gankutsuou”, the artistic 2004 adaptation of Alexandre Dumas’ classic (and long) novel “The Count of Monte Cristo” …IN SPACE! with vampires! Joined by Gankustuou aficionado Vrai Kaiser, we explore the anime’s approach to the novel, as well as the thematic contrasts, visual design, and the creators’ own inspirations. This episode is a spoiler-free discussion for fans and newbies alike. We cover plenty of interesting aspects from our research on both the original text and the anime’s creation, which we hope will encourage newcomers to watch the anime. All the spoilers are all hiding in the second half our our discussion for our next episode. Links mentioned in the episode: Vrai’s blog posts Interview with director Maeda (in French) NPR Article discussing the racialized French terminology for “Ghost writer” and Dumas Article by Lizzie Visitante The awesome Gankutsuou figure Vrai mentioned Where to find us: Vrai’s Twitter and Blog Listen to more of Vrai on the Anime Feminist podcast and Trash & Treasures pod Follow us on Twitter: @animeislitpod Email: animeislitpod@gmail.com Anime is Lit direct feed

Ep 19 - NANA - Part 2 - This Baby Can Fit So Much Feminism In It

Part 2 of our NANA discussion, complete with spoilers. Our guest Meru (@pixelatedlenses) goes with us on a deep dive through the well-crafted storytelling and the inherent feminism woven into all its fibers. NANA candidly goes places few anime ever do, and we sift through the complexity of its portrayals of sexuality, race, gender, heteronormative expectations, friendships, and the characters' own internal lives. We also discuss the narrative framing, highly effective symbolism, and allusions to the real life Sid Vicious, exploring how they enhance the ideas already present in the story. Opening theme: "Lucy" by Anna Tsuchiya inspi' Nana (Black Stones) Ending theme: "Winter Sleep" by Olivia Inspi' Reira (Trapnest) Where to find us: Meru’s Twitter  and Carrd Follow us on Twitter: @animeislitpod Email: animeislitpod@gmail.comAnime is Lit direct feed  

Ep 18 - NANA - Part 1 "And They Were Roommates..."

We're back with another classic among sapphics: NANA. Joined by our wonderful guest Meru (@pixelatedlenses), we talk about our love for this series, its characters, and the maturity of its storytelling. We also dive into the music and fashion of the show, and the strengths and weaknesses in its reflections on gender, race and relationships. This episode is part one of our Nana discussion — a spoiler-free introduction safe for those who haven't seen the show. Join us in episode 19 for part two where we dig a little deeper into the drama and what it has to say. Opening theme: "Rose" by Anna Tsuchiya inspi' Nana (Black Stones) Ending theme: "a little pain" by Olivia Inspi' Reira (Trapnest) Where to find us: Meru’s Twitter  and Carrd Follow us on Twitter: @animeislitpod Email: animeislitpod@gmail.comAnime is Lit direct feed

Ep 17 - Dear Brother - Part 2 "The spoilers... they just won't stop flowing"

Continuing part 2 of our discussion on the classic shoujo masterpiece Dear Brother (Oniisama e), now no-holds-barred, all-spoilers-all-the time. Dawn and Diana are with us to go in-depth about the themes, characters, tragedy, romance, metaphors, symbols, and what makes this show so effective at everything it has to say. *****This episode is part 2 of 2, please note the following content warnings for topics we discuss in relation to Dear Brother: Suicide and extensive suicidal ideation, drug addiction, abuse, bullying, disease, minor sexual assault themes, and romantic love between siblings. **** Links: Watch Dear Brother streaming for free on RetroCrush (as of July 2021) Dear Brother on Blu-Ray from Rightstuf Anime Where to find us: Dawn’s podcast Anime Nostalgia Dawn’s TwitterDiana’s Twitter Follow us on Twitter: @animeislitpod Email: animeislitpod@gmail.com Anime is Lit direct feed