Prince of Tennis, Kaido's "Snake"

Kaoru Kaido's “snake” shot:

The snake is a hit resembling a shot in real tennis known as the “buggywhip.” Basically, most of what I've been able to find is that it's a shot hit with so much topspin that it makes the ball take a curving path. What makes it different from some other shots is that the path of the racket after contact with the ball is on the same side as the hitting arm. Apparently, this shot can be used when a player doesn't have time to set up their position and is barely able to reach the ball.

In the anime, Kaido uses his snake to make the ball go to the far corners of the court so the opponent must run all over to retrieve it, tiring him out over time.

(This is the last post for FA 3600... I was so busy with other things for all my classes, I didn't have time to do anything really inspiring for this. But it was a good experience all the same and I may post more on this in my own time. I think I'll provide a list of my sources of information in the next post at least.)

Prince of Tennis, Captain Tezuka's “Drop Shot”

Captain Tezuka's “Drop Shot”:

A drop shot is a shot where the ball is hit “lightly,” so as to only just go over and land near the net. It works especially well if given a precise amount of backspin (also called “underspin,” this is a hit that makes the ball spin backward), which makes the ball bounce lower. Shots like this generally work best when the opponent is too deep in the court to retrieve the ball.

Project 2 "Interactive Narrative" site

Here's the link to my website-script for Project 2, the "Time Master" game.

(2-8-10, Note: now that the class is over, the site's been taken down.)

Prince of Tennis, Momoshiro's "Dunk smash"

Takeshi Momoshiro's “Dunk Smash”:

A “smash” is a shot that's hit like a serve, high above the head. These hits are known for their power, and are often used against poorly placed lobs (hits that send the ball high over the opponents head and deep into their court).

Momoshiro's hit in the manga resembles a particular kind of smash made popular by the famous professional tennis player Pete Sampras. Also known as the “jump smash,” Sampras would jump up, then smash the ball in midair. The ordinary smashing power combined with his falling weight makes the move nearly undefeatable. In real tennis, this move is often called a slam dunk, after the basketball term. The title of Momoshiro's move combines the two different names of the shot (although they do alternately call it a “jump smash” as well).

Prince of Tennis, Ryoma's "Twist" Serve

Ryoma Echizen's “twist” serve (also known as the “American twist” or “kick” serve):

A serve with so much topspin* on it that it curves toward the opponent's right hand. However, when it hits the court, it “kicks” back directly toward the opponent's backhand on the left side. Balls coming right at the player can be tricky to return, so it's a popular serve, but difficult to learn. In the anime/manga, Ryoma serves it in such a way that the ball kicks up directly at the opponent's face.

*Topspin – When the player hits the ball with lots of topspin, the ball arches sharply downward as it goes over the net. This downward arc makes it a good second serve as the ball can be hit higher over the net without losing speed. The ball also bounces higher, often making it harder for the opponent to return.

Real Tennis Shots in The Prince of Tennis, Introduction

Real Tennis Shots in The Prince of Tennis, Introduction

Prince of Tennis is, as the name suggests, a manga/anime that draws from tennis culture. It focuses mainly on a twelve-year-old tennis prodigy and the junior high tennis team he plays on, especially the training they go through and techniques they employ.

In the next few posts, I'm going to be looking at the signature shots of the characters Ryoma Echizen (the “twist” serve), Takeshi Momoshiro (the “dunk smash” shot), Captain Tezuka (the “drop” shot), and Kaoru Kaido (the “snake” shot).

(Even though I'm not into sports so much, I find sports manga and anime fascinating. It's based on something so tangibly real... even if it is exaggerated.)

Norse Thor vs. Anime Thor, Part III: Weapon

Original Norse Thor vs. Anime (Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok) Thor, Part III: Weapon

Weapon

In the Norse myths, Thor's weapon is a hammer called Mjöllnir. The anime gives the weapon a more Japanese twist by making it a wooden sword instead. Mjöllnir was always important to Thor in the myths and in the anime, Thor often refers to it as his “trusted partner.”


Myth/Anime Storyline Parallels

At one point in the original myths, a giant steals the weapon Mjöllnir (mentioned above) from Thor. The giant then refuses to give it back unless Freyja (the goddess of love, beauty, and fertility) agrees to marry him. She refuses to go however, and the other gods form an alternate plan to get the hammer back. Thor, though vehemently opposed to the idea, was forced to put on a bridal gown and veil. He then goes to the giant, pretending to be Freyja, playing along until the opportunity arises to recover the hammer.

The anime pays homage to this story in one episode where a character is getting married, but winds up kidnapped by the antagonists. The bridesmaid, not wanting the guests to get impatient, convinces Thor to dress up in the white dress, veil, and make-up of the bride for the first part of the ceremony. (Not realizing the emergency, Thor and the bridesmaid hoped the real bride would still come.)

[Okay, this is the last subject I'm talking about on the Norse Mythology vein. With the Norns, Loki's children, Freyja and Freyr, Heimdall, the concept of 'Ragnarok,' not to mention all the monsters and deities that made cameo appearances in different episodes, I could probably go on about this forever...]

Project 1, Fanfiction Website

Here's the link to my completed website for Project 1 - Fanfiction: Looking at the Controversy.

The site deals with the arguments surrounding fanfiction, including its legality, its concerns, and its benefits.

(2-8-10, Note: now that the class is over, the site's been taken down.)

Norse Thor vs. Anime Thor, Part II: Personality

Original Norse Thor vs. Anime (Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok) Thor

Personality

The original Norse-Thor was known for being quick-tempered and fierce, but also for being straight-forward and pleasant most of the time. The anime-Thor is similar to a certain extent, especially in being open and easy to get along with. He has a tendency to flare up when he sees injustice going on, but “hotheadedness” isn't really one of his defining personality traits.

Like in the Norse myths, anime-Thor is one of the “good guys,” and consistently helps Loki and his friends out, despite the fact that he was sent to earth as one of the assassins meant to kill Loki. He never gets around to it, not finding “a compelling enough reason.” (He attacked Loki once, but he was possessed by one of the Norns' spell.)

Although, anime-Thor tends to be somewhat bossy with Loki's son Jörmungandr (who goes by the name “Yamano” in the anime). It's possible this could hint at Thor's and Jörmungandr's status as mortal enemies who kill each other at Ragnarok in the original myths.

Norse-Thor vs. Anime-Thor, Part I: Overview

Original Norse Thor vs. Anime (Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok) Thor

As with the Norse myths, anime-Thor is associated with thunder. Norse-Thor is also the son of Odin (the king of the gods). Odin is one of the main antagonists in the anime, and this is never brought up. Thor is one of the “main characters” in Norse mythology, and many of the myths center on him. He is often accompanied by Loki on he travels.

When living in the mortal world, Thor goes by the name “Narugami” in the anime. (Apparently it's a sort of pun on the Japanese words for 'god' and 'thunder.')

Norse Loki vs. Anime Loki, Part II

Norse Loki vs. Anime Loki (from Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok), Part II

Loki's Punishment

It's possible that Loki's banishment to the human world could be equated to the punishment (where he was chained to three rocks) that he received in the Norse legends for his part in the killing of Baldr, the god of light and beauty.

In the anime, Loki doesn't seem to know why he was banished, but anyone familiar with Norse myths might have guessed that to be the reason, as Norse Loki's hand in killing Baldr was probably his most serious offense and the act that eventually would lead to Ragnarok. (Although... I think the anime Loki is actually innocent of any wrongdoing, if I'm remembering right.)

Other bits

In the anime, Loki is sometimes referred to as a 'dark' or 'evil' god, and he gathers power from the evil in human's hearts. (However, despite this he is not really that evil.) This title probably comes more from the Norse Loki's reputations for deception and cruelty more than anything.

Interestingly, Norse Loki is not always reported in the myths to be a god (I think it changes with the source). In many accounts, he's the son of two giants, and a giant himself. Although I haven't read anything about whether he's that large in stature (perhaps his shape-shifting power makes it so it doesn't matter...). Though not a god himself, he does spend a lot of time among the gods, especially Thor and Odin.

I didn't find much reference in Norse canon to Loki's aversion to water (as in the anime). It may have been an idea drawn from the fact that Norse Loki is often connected with the element fire. (It's because he's a fire giant that he was able to wield the flaming sword Laevatein mentioned before.)

Loki's weapon - Norse background

Since last time, I stumbled across some information concerning Loki's weapon. According to the mythology notes I read on the Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok anime dvd (disc 5), the weapon is called “Laevatein,” meaning “lie stick” or “wand of destruction.”

There are two different versions of the story concerning the weapon – in one, Loki makes the staff in order to kill a cock. This would prevent the cock, who was serving as lookout, from warning Loki's enemies that his army was approaching on the day of Ragnarok. In the other story, Laevatein is a flaming sword Loki made for he and his brother to use to battle at Ragnarok. In both stories however, Loki almost always keeps the sword sealed carefully away.

As was said in the last post, the anime-Loki uses this staff for battling and uses magic through it.

Norse Loki vs. Anime (Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok) Loki, Part I

In continuation of last time's post...

Personality

There's actually quite a difference between the Norse legends and the anime when it comes to Loki. While the Loki in the anime tends to be a logical realist who, for the most part, shows a level of maturity beyond his youthful appearance, the Loki of Norse legend is a sly trickster who loves causing mischief. He tends to be rude and insulting, as opposed to the anime Loki who is generally polite and refined in speech. (Although, anime-Loki did retain some of the playboy tendencies of the original.)


Abilities

In the anime, Loki has a staff that he summons and uses to fight with. He also has a special incantation (“Veil Lubadrock! Cuerios!”) he uses to seal his opponents in a flat and square, mirror-like object which usually shatters soon afterward. I couldn't find any equivalents to these in the Norse canon though, so maybe they're just there so the fighting will be cooler...? The incantation may be completely made up, but it'd be interesting if it was something foreign, like Old Norse. (If I find anything out, I'll come back and edit this post. Or if anyone knows about it, feel free to say.)

Strangely enough, Norse Loki has abilities that the anime version doesn't. First, Norse Loki is more manipulative and cunning, while anime Loki, though smart and perceptive, seems to be fairly straight forward when he deals with others. The Norse Loki is also a shape-shifter, who uses the power to its full advantage. Anime Loki, besides changing between being a child and young adult/teenager, doesn't seem to have this ability.

Norse Mythology and Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok

Introduction to Norse Mythology and Norse-Anime Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok

Norse mythology is a collection of myths from Iceland area, with most written records dating from between the 11th century the the 18th. It is somewhat similar to the mythologies of Greece and Rome, in that it is largely based on the interactions among its various gods.

Most memorable and central to the Norse myths is the concept of 'Ragnarok,' where a great battle between factions of the gods breaks out.

Referred to as the “final destiny of the gods,” Ragnarok is foretold to cause the deaths of many of the major gods as well as a series of natural disasters. After the battle, the remaining gods come back together and the world is then repopulated, more fertile than before.



The anime Mythical Detective Loki Ragnarok uses Norse legends as its base, putting it in a modern setting. The story focuses on the Norse god Loki, a figure in Norse legend said to have brought about Ragnarok.

Cast down from the world of the gods for unknown reasons and trapped in the body of a child, Loki lives as a detective down in the human world. While Loki attempts to find a way back to the realm he belongs in, various other gods sent down to the earth attempt to destroy him. The progress of events appear to foreshadow the coming of Ragnarok.







Anyway, there a huge amount of material to borrow from when it comes to Norse mythology and I've read about several different anime that use it, but this one is the only one I've seen. (And it's rather obscure, I think...) There's so much this anime draws from the myths, that I'm going to spread this out among several posts.

Next: Anime-Loki vs. Traditional Norse-Loki

"Real" Alchemy vs. Anime Alchemy

As a quick introduction, I just want to comment that many storylines borrow and reference material outside their own stories. Not only does it give a general direction for the writer and therefore make it easier to write, but it also allow the reader to summon his or her own knowledge of a subject into trying to understand the world the characters live in.

This “outside resource” can be anything from the iconic green aliens with large heads and eyes to Japanese ninja. Both have a rich set of associations that surround them which an author can draw upon, ignore, or, for an interesting twist, include but in reverse.

An almost limitless supply of unique and original stories can be created by combining and tampering with these various outside sources. This blog will only be focusing on this aspect of the story lines in anime/manga, but many books, plays, and movies use them as well.

As an artist and (sort of) writer myself, I want to increase my library of iconic associations and knowledge as much as I can so that I can use some of them in my work.

Alchemy in Fullmetal Alchemist and Buso Renkin

Plenty of stories use elements of alchemy. It's history is well-known: beginning with alchemists in Egypt, alchemy was an effort to both convert cheap metals like lead into precious ones like gold and to create a substance that would give one eternal life. Famous as it is, plenty of animes use elements of alchemy, but for sake of space I'll only discuss two here, both of which use alchemy as their central focus.

The first I'm going to mention, probably the more famous of the two, is Fullmetal Alchemist. In it, the alchemy is portrayed as more of a science, both logical and perfectly understandable, than something fantastic or magical. This idea is furthered by the rational law all alchemists follow known as “equivalent exchange.”

Though alchemists can fix things that appear to have been broken beyond repair or “transmute” materials into different shapes, an alchemist cannot make something from nothing. This is all based on a philosophic principle of “In order for something to be gained, something of equal value must be lost.”

The other anime I'm going to talk about is Buso Renkin (by the same author as the more well-known Rurouni Kenshin). “Buso Renkin,” literally meaning “arms alchemy” or “weapons alchemy” in Japanese, also uses the background of alchemy, but in a considerably different way.

Unlike in Fullmetal Alchemist, the main characters of Buso Renkin are, for the most part, not alchemists themselves, but fighters who are given alchemic weapons that have various powers.

True Homunculi and their Anime Counterparts

Both anime have beings called 'homunculi' (“homunculus” being the singular form). Surprisingly though, the term 'homunculus' is not used exclusively in relation to alchemy. Latin for “little human” it refers to either the representation of a human (as in diagrams used to show how the systems of the body work) or a human fetus.

From what I've read, I think the idea of a homunculus is often associated with alchemy because the term was first coined by the alchemist Paracelsus. He claimed to have created a small artificial human using various materials such as bones, skin, sperm, and the hair of whatever animal the creator wished the small human to be mixed with.

In both animes, homunculi are the enemies which the main characters must fight against (but are of normal sizes). In Fullmetal Alchemist, the homunculi are monstrosities resulting from alchemists' attempts to bring their loved ones back to life. This resembles somewhat Paracelsus' vision in that the alchemists are indeed trying to create 'new life' of a sort.

The homunculi of Buso Renkin, on the other hand, are more the creation of something new. As opposed to the weapons of the alchemist warriors, a homunculus is the result of an alchemist's attempt to tamper with life.

A 'humunculus core' (which, interestingly, resembles a mechanized fetus) is inserted into a human and that person is transformed. If the core is implanted with animal or plant DNA, the person will be turned into a monster with a different mind than the original host (much like Paracelsus' instructions for creating a homunculus crossed with some kind of animal).

However, if the core is given human DNA instead, alchemists can change themselves into homunculi, while keeping their human minds in tact. Homunculi are more powerful and live much longer than humans, but since it is still possible to kill one, some of the alchemists wound up pursuing other means of achieving immortality.

Philosopher's Stones

Supposedly the object alchemists wished to create in order to gain the 'elixir of life' which would grant immortality, the idea of the philosopher's stone is an important part of alchemy's history. It proceeds that the stone plays a key role in both alchemy anime.

This original vision of the stone coincides well with the Fullmetal Alchemist version. The main characters search ceaselessly for the stone, but, while the main character's only want the stone in order to strengthen their alchemic powers (another ability historically the stone was thought to possess) in order to gain back what they lost, others seek it to extend their lives.

In terms of the overall story, the stone is often described as being an object that grants the user the power to overcome the laws of equivalent exchange.

The Buso Renkin philosopher's “stone” does take some aspects of the original stone, but differs from it more that the Fullmetal Alchemist version. In Buso Renkin, the “stone” is really a more powerful version of a normal alchemic weapon the warriors use.

A black metal object (as opposed to the glittering, blood red globules of Fullmetal Alchemist), it increases the user's physical power, rather than their powers of alchemy.

The “stone” doesn't seem to lengthen one's life either, at least not in the usual sense. Rather, it is used as a replacement heart for someone who is already dead in order to bring that person back to life.



Questions and comments are welcome. Feel free to correct me if I made any errors or to mention any other anime/manga that bring in forms of alchemy.