Anime is Lit
***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??...
info_outline Ep 20 - Gankutsuou (Part 1) - French People... In Space!!Anime is Lit
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...
info_outline Ep 19 - NANA - Part 2 - This Baby Can Fit So Much Feminism In ItAnime is Lit
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. ...
info_outline Ep 18 - NANA - Part 1 "And They Were Roommates..."Anime is Lit
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...
info_outline Ep 17 - Dear Brother - Part 2 "The spoilers... they just won't stop flowing"Anime is Lit
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....
info_outline Ep 16 - Dear Brother - Part 1 (Spoiler-Free Edition!)Anime is Lit
We’re back with a supercast on the unmissable classic shoujo masterpiece Dear Brother (Oniisama e)! Joined by our friends Dawn (of the Anime Nostalgia podcast) and Diana, we talk about the show’s rich history, its multi-genre nature, and what makes it such a master work—both within anime as a medium and in our own hearts. This episode is part 1 of 2, an entirely spoiler-free discussion of the history and creators of Dear Brother, as well as the stories, themes, and dramatic techniques the anime uses. Each one of us deeply loves this series and we hope to convince you to watch it before...
info_outline Ep 15 - ACCA: 13 Territory Inspection Dept - Symbolism & Sweets with StyleAnime is Lit
Come on, come on! On a journey! We're back again with a real anime, an underrated gem from creator Natsume Ono titled "ACCA: 13 Territory Inspection Dept." for some jazzy good times, joined by special guest and ACCA expert CC. The first half of the episode is spoiler free and covers much about the setting, style, and background behind the show and manga, and the second half dives into the symbolism and foreshadowing woven throughout the series, with spoilers. Timestamps: 4:16 - Intro to anime & production 26:53 - Explanation/Discussion of the various 13 Districts 53:17 - Manga vs...
info_outline Ep 14 - The Witcher - "You Either Die Hetero, Or You Live Long Enough To See Yourself Become Bisexual"Anime is Lit
Is The Witcher anime? It's definitely literature, and we decided it's anime enough for this podcast! K and Danny are joined by our friend Elise to talk about the recent Netflix adaptation of The Witcher. Elise helps us compare to the books and games, and we talk about themes, writing, amazing female characters, the difference a female showrunner makes, and our excitement about the series (and Geralt's ass). [Contains mild spoilers for the Netflix "The Witcher" series, but is spoiler-free for the books/games.] Follow us on Twitter: Email: Opening/Ending music: "Toss A Coin To Your Witcher"...
info_outline Ep 13 - Chihayafuru - "Anime is Poetry (AND SPORTS!!)"Anime is Lit
It's the ultimate Chihayafuru cast, brought to you right at the dawn of Chihayafuru Season 3's airing! We assembled the biggest fans of this anime that we know (AnimatedInk of Anigamers, and returning guest Heidi) to talk about its masterful uses of genre, character, gender, history and poetry itself to create an unforgettable story. If you're looking to start Chihayafuru or are a longtime fan, both are welcome for this discussion! We really dig into the history and nuances of karuta itself, as well as the 100 Poems that the cards are based off of. We each share our personal favorite poems and...
info_outline Guest Spot: The Lore of Evangelion: Part 2 | Audio EncyclopediaAnime is Lit
We were pleased to guest on Oh No, Anime! with our longtime podcasting friend Marc for a series about the Lore of Evangelion. This is a deep-dive into a synthesized understanding of the construction of the world and events that make up the NGE series. Here is Part 2! From the Oh No, Anime! feed: "I'm joined once again by Danny and K of Anime is Lit! to finish our outline of the timeline of events leading up to the Evangelion TV show. You can find the soul timeline/chart we talked about " Where to find Oh No, Anime! - | | | | | on twitter [email protected]
info_outlineWelcome to our episode on Princess Tutu, the classic 2002 anime about ballet, fairy tales, and a duck who turns into the magical Princess Tutu to fight for the ones she loves! Our friend Heidi joins as our guest to talk about her experience training in ballet and music, and her love for the anime that celebrates them both. We dive into the lore of ballet literature, fairy tale subversion, and the role of metanarrative in this surprisingly complex anime.
The first half of the episode is spoiler-free to give an intro to the show and what makes it well worth watching. The second half contains many spoilers, so please go see Princess Tutu first if you haven’t already!
Link to the AMV here: Håll Om Mig (Hold Me Now)
(The perfect introduction to why Princess Tutu is cool)
Opening song: “Håll Om Mig” (Hold Me Now) by Nanne Grönvall
Ending song: “Morning Grace” by Ritsuko Okazaki
Heidi's Tumblr and Tesla Cosplay, (the cosplay group all 3 of us belong to)
Follow us on Twitter: @animeislitpod
Email: [email protected]