Boy, I just don’t know what to say about Darling in the FranXX that would do justice to how unutterably silly this whole enterprise is. In some ways it’s like an amalgam of every mecha show ever made , with a little bit ripped off from most of them but a lot from the really big ones. But while the whole notion of the giant robot is filled with symbolism and metaphor (just ask Ueshiba Riichi) it’s as if Darling in the FranXX has decided to just make everything so obvious that no one could possibly miss it. That whole cockpit position thing – I mean, seriously? I almost bailed on this show every time that made it into shot.
Sakugabooru made an interesting claim in their post on the premiere of this series, namely that Studio Khara got the soul of Gainax, while Trigger got the body. I think that only goes so far and it’s actually too kind to both Khara and Trigger (I usually find the visuals on Trigger shows kind of cheap-looking, actually), but the point is intriguing (I apologize if I’m ignoring A-1’s role with FranXX – they got some Gainax peeps too of course – but they seem swamped by the Trigger aesthetic here). The most relevant observation was that it was mostly Gainax’ directors who went to Khara, and mostly animators who went to Trigger. And if you look at the output of each Gainax offspring, I do think that’s reflected.
For me, Trigger’s work does almost always seems soulless, but as derivative as Darling in the FranXX is I don’t think that’s its biggest problem – this show actually has a certain otaku sincerity to it that I kind of like. No, the bigger issue is that it completely lacks any sort of subtlety. Imaishi Hiroyuki is the anchor of Trigger and while he’s listed only as “Action Supervisor” on FranXX, his fingerprints are all over it. This, really, is how far the mighty Gainax oeuvre has fallen – from subtle and deeply symbolic works like FLCL and Evangelion to broad, crude and simplistic reheated leftovers like Darling in the FranXX. I can only assume that the people at Trigger either lack an understanding of what gave Gainax shows their identity, or – much more likely – they simply lack the will and/or ability to express it.
If it sounds like I hate Darling in the FranXX (who am I kidding, of course it does) believe it or not, I don’t. Against my better judgement I have a certain affection for it in the same way I did the first season of Symphogear, for largely the same reasons – it feels more or less sincere and the love for the tropes it represents is apparent. Funnily enough I think its clumsiness and simplicity undercuts the calculated and cynical air that sticks to many Trigger series (especially those directed by Imaishi himself). But that can only get you so far, and sooner or later Darling in the FranXX is going to have to bring more than Bizarro-Shinji and Anemone french-kissing and doggy-style mecha cockpits.
There have been post-Gainax series that have genuinely captured something of the magic of the old legendary studio, they just haven’t come from Trigger – Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge and the first half or so of Punch Line most prominently (both of which had creative teams loaded with Gainax veterans). There’s a reason why anime keeps being drawn back to the Gainax mystique, with a boom of series every couple of years obsessed with trying to capture it – this was something special, something unique in the history of anime. That’s the reason why expats from the studio are littered throughout the industry, exerting influence in subtle ways. But it might just be time to admit that we can never go home again – we’ll never again see the like of those Gainax series from the glory days, and anime would probably be better off to stop trying (are you listening, Production I.G. and Toonami?).
sonicsenryaku
January 20, 2018 at 7:00 pmYou know…I was overcome with this weird feeling while watching this ep of Franxx and while the credits were rolling, i said to myself: I don’t feel anything particularly special about this series….but i don’t hate it??? I’m actually enjoying myself?? It was weird, especially since last week I was more on the side of: this is kind of fun but ultimately on the perfunctory side. Yea, subtlety has been thrown out the window here, but i don’t think you always need it to make the thematic crux of a series work. Blatant use of metaphors are effective if the metaphor itself is just a gateway to comment on a deeper level about the conflict harbored by the characters and setting of a story. I don’t think the storytelling (both visual and literary) or the directing here are above average, but i kinda appreciate what the whole sex metaphor is trying to set up with the characters and what it says about the nature of certain relationships in general.
Specifically with ichigo (I feel bad for her; I’m a sucker for the underdog), we can see that caring deeply for someone but that doesn’t mean you may be compatible with them sexually. When that issue arises, what do you do? How you do fix that problem? Is genuinely loving someone enough to sustain a relationship? And what about someone who you only have that sexual chemistry with? Can you develop an intimate relationship otherwise? How does ichigo’s desire to coddle Hiro and not let him take risk affect their emotional and sexual compatibility? There are some interesting character depths this show can explore; I’m just not sure if it has the competence to do it in a truly intelligible fashion beyond the blatant metaphor (which gain, I’m okay with if it can lead to further character exploration), which is my primary concern about this show. The series has just started so it’s too soon to say this, but ep 1 failed to make the conflict between Hiro and Naomi feel fleshed out and emotionally complex. so for me, it kind of serves as a warning sign. I can see the show exploring Hiro and Naomi’s failure to connect in later eps but eh…I’m not sure whether it will be done in a satisfactory manner.
And yes, while reading that Sakugabooru post, I had sorta agree with them about the whole Khara vs trigger them; it was such an “Aha” moment reading those words; liek “yea, that IS how i’ve felt about these two factions.” I still think trigger has a decent Gainax voice; it’s just not as passionate.
“we’ll never again see the like of those Gainax series from the glory days, and anime would probably be better off to stop trying (are you listening, Production I.G. and Toonami?).”
Hahaha oh come on Enzo; I don’t think FLCL 2 and 3 will be that disappointing. Who knows, it might surprise you. After reading what Hideto Iwai (the screenwriter for flcl 2 and 3) had to say about his vision for the series, it really put into perspective what flcl as a creative entity means to people and why Sadamoto is adamant on not being too involved with the project
Guardian Enzo
January 20, 2018 at 7:19 pmMy expectations are very low for FLCL, so if it’s more than mediocre I’ll be pleasantly surprised. More than anything I just don’t think there’s a compelling reason for it to exist.
sonicsenryaku
January 20, 2018 at 8:01 pmWhat if i said flcl at its core is a story of awkward adolescence or moments in the life of the creative mind(s) who are working on it; that flcl serves as an all encompassing marquee for personal stories about the difficulties of growing up. Sadamoto and Tsuramaki have already told theirs; there’s nothing left for them to explore, which is why they don’t want to be involved heavily with this new team trying to craft their own flcl (and why i can see some validity in the argument that we didn’t need another flcl since it was the personal story of screenwriter and director). What if i said this new flcl exists because adolescence and even adulthood will never stop being awkward; it’ll never stop being confusing; therefore, there will always be someone in the world who has experienced their own personal “flcl moment;” a time where life was super weird and confusing and they were struggling with their identity. What flcl represents then, is a canvas to splatter all those thoughts and emotions into a cacophonous but surprisingly discernible chaos.
It seems that Hideto Iwai understands this to a certain degree; that his flcl should be about something personal to him; something he wants to intimately explore. I won’t mention what Iwai says as it feels a bit spoilery regarding the aim of the series. One of the greatest joys of watching the original flcl was unraveling the allegory and discovering the purposeful subtext behind both the visual and literary prose of its creative duo; it feels as if id be taking that away from someone if i wrote what he said. I will say that from what I’ve read, i can definitely see signs of iwai’s directive in the 42 second trailer we got last year. My only real concern is whether director katsuyuki Motohiro has what it takes to catch lightning in a bottle twice. Remember what i said about the trailer having a bit more of a Bones’-esque sci-fi edge to it? I think that’s cool and all to make flcl feel a bit more “alien” but i don’t want him to go overboard with it (moderation is key). I’d like for him to pull back some of the sci-fi sensibilities he littered over psycho-pass and atom: the beginning and play those elements a bit more tongue-and-cheek like the original did. I think the sci-fi angle would work better aesthetically than it would plot-wise. Ehh, I guess we’ll see; whatever your stance is when it’s going to be fun picking at and discussing it once it airs…..unless of course you’re utterly devastated upon watching it.
Guardian Enzo
January 20, 2018 at 8:25 pmThat’s a valid perspective, I just don’t happen to share it. I think FLCL was a personal experience that was executed more or less perfectly. It’s like saying we need a second Mona Lisa because another painter comes along who feels like had the same experience Da Vinci did and wants to express it.
FLCL 2/3 exists for one reason and one reason alone, money. That alone makes it different than the first one, which was a complete blind leap as far as finances were concerned – the personal story Tsurumaki wanted to tell was the reason that series was made.
sonicsenryaku
January 20, 2018 at 9:10 pm“t’s like saying we need a second Mona Lisa because another painter comes along who feels like had the same experience Da Vinci did and wants to express it”
……i dig that metaphor; i really do; almost makes me agree with you. Though i would argue that the artist in question is not trying to make a second Mona lisa, but rather a work of art that reflects their own experiences while looking up to/trying to capture that kind of pedigree.
“the personal story Tsurumaki wanted to tell was the reason that series was made.”
Weelllllll technically flcl was originally made as an excuse for Gainax to experiment with digital animation techniques and technology. It wasn’t until Tsuramaki and Sadamoto swooped in that this innocuous experiment was equipped with a profound vision; something to make the style also harbor substance. I wont deny that flcl 2 and 3 are probably being made with the hopes of them being financial tentpoles; but that reason alone seems too cold to me, especially since it’s been 18 years since the original was released. Guess we’ll really just have to see what the future holds.
HoTaRu
January 20, 2018 at 9:38 pmI’d say you’ve captured a lot of what I feel about this show in your post. I can’t help but hold on to the hope that someday Trigger just might give us something we used to get back in the day despite the fact that most of the studio’s projects fall short of the expectations I initially had. And yet, so far, I’m enjoying this show for what it is; faults, tropes, simplicity and all. I don’t know if it will manage to hold my attention for long but don’t regret giving it a shot. I’ve seen worse. I was interested to see that the opening song was produced by Hyde. I thought there was something familiar about it and then I saw his name and it clicked.
Simone
January 20, 2018 at 11:49 pmThis is strongly reminding me of Captain Earth – another mecha series with unbelievable amounts of innuendo, except this is now pushing the envelope even further. I imagine this is mostly tongue-in-cheek, because if I was supposed to take it seriously, it’s not working. But if one doesn’t go around expecting it to elicit great depths of psychological exploration it’s actually hilarious XD, it’s like an extended dirty joke that doesn’t know when to stop. I fully expect the final boss to be defeated by the power of fucking in the cockpit at this point.
Guardian Enzo
January 21, 2018 at 12:19 amThe extreme misogyny implicit in the symbolism doesn’t bother you? Though I suppose with Trigger that’s par for the course.
Simone
January 21, 2018 at 1:14 amI’m of the opinion that sexually exploitative isn’t misogynistic. There’s no ideology or concept conveyed in showing boobs and asses. While that may be considered tasteless it’s not like it’s actively saying anything at all. It’s different when you have shows peddling notions like the “christmas cake”, rape apology etc. – now THOSE are actually actively misogynistic notions. The only misogynistic thing I’ve seen explicitly in the show is the professor grabbing his assistant’s ass. That was uncalled for (unless he’s supposed to be a villain, and even then, the assistant’s reaction being played for comedy was a bit questionable).
That said, the show is certainly fanservicey, and it doesn’t look like there’s any depth to its barely-not-even-metaphors either. But I don’t really see a reason to be bothered. Or at least, not any more than by a large fraction of anime out there.
Guardian Enzo
January 21, 2018 at 8:49 amThe thing is though, it’s not just boobs and asses or regular old fanservice we’re talking about here. The position the male and female “pilots” take up… Come on, you’re going to tell me that’s not misogynistic? Sure maybe it’s played for laughs, and when something is so blatant I don’t even know if it can still be called symbolism. But I don’t know how anyone can look at that and not find it wildly sexist (once they stop laughing).
Simone
January 21, 2018 at 11:25 amWhat’s sexist about having sex doggy style? People do it that way. It’s not like there’s no women who enjoy it, or it’s some humiliating thing. It can be pleasurable for both partners like any other position. It does put the man in a more dominant position, but it hardly goes beyond something like roleplay. It’d be as crazy as saying that a woman liking reverse cowgirl is actually being feminist and misandric.
But actually there was discussion on this on Reddit, and speculation that the position might be different in Zero Two’s special mech, symbolising a different relationship (where she is more dominant). It seems like that might be the missing ingredient for Hiro, perhaps he’s just a bit more of a “bottom” type :D. Which would actually put an interesting twist on the usual expectations.
Guardian Enzo
January 21, 2018 at 11:29 amSeriously, that’s a huge, huge reach. It’s very obvious what the message here and I think you’re kidding yourself if you believe otherwise.
I’m reminded of the arguments over Kill la Kill, which some people tried to defend as some kind of feminist empowerment trip when in reality it was one of the most insidiously sexist and demeaning anime of the modern era. Sometimes a cigar is just a cigar, you know? If there’s a saving grace to DitF it’s that it doesn’t even have the pretense that it’s anything but what it is and it’s so silly that it’s easier not to be horrified by the misogyny. That alone lifts it above KlK in my eyes.
Simone
January 21, 2018 at 11:42 amI’m not sure what the message is supposed to be.
Sure, it’s exploitative. Sure, its treatment of sexuality is as mature as any 13 year old kid’s would be. But if you think the only message that comes out of it is “women are inferior to men and should be subdued to them” IMHO that’s the one thing that’s reaching. Nudity and sexual suggestion are certainly meant to be arousing and yes, they are obviously targeted at a male audience, but that isn’t in itself misogynistic either. Anime as a whole has a problem with that in various ways – and in general, it certainly produces much more stuff targeted at men than women, which is a medium-wide issue – but what I’m saying is that it’s not like more ecchi/fanservice = more misogyny, no matter what the content or message. In itself there is no specific message here – yet. I’m not discarding the possibility that once the series states its themes more clearly your interpretation will end up being supported, but right now IMHO it isn’t necessarily the only possible one.
I understand more the complaints that someone has of heteronormativity. At least it’s pretty blatant that in this show’s mythology the traditional binary notions of masculine and feminine possess some kind of mystical quality as principles of the Universe, since robots can run on them.
Guardian Enzo
January 21, 2018 at 11:45 amI mean, we’ll see where it goes, but I’m feeling pretty confident that this ain’t brain surgery here.
If nothing else it’s a good thing that FranXX has a lot of people talking about the blatant sexism in Trigger anime, because I think that’s a topic that should be openly discussed more than it is.
Simone
January 21, 2018 at 11:53 am“this ain’t brain surgery here”
I mean, that’s for sure, but something stupid doesn’t also have to be reprehensible.
As for sexism in Trigger, besides Kill la Kill, they didn’t do anything major that could really be accused of it. They three bigger works after that were Kiznaiver, Little Witch Academia and Space Patrol Luluco, which are all pretty clean. Ninja Slayer was what it was, but basically being “trash” was its whole identity. When Superpowered Battles Became Commonplace… I dropped it mid way so not sure, but it seemed pretty okay to me from what I remember, and that was a LN adaptation. They don’t actually match that reputation any worse than a lot of other studios could.
Gabriel
January 21, 2018 at 2:18 amWhat I don’t understand about you anime critics; are you oblivious to the fact that you’re talking about yourselves? You use these shows as a backdrop for your own self shaming. Its quite remarkable to see how elaborate you can get about absolutely nothing. Creation of any kind is a gift, not a venue for your self pity.
James
January 21, 2018 at 10:49 amSounds like someone got their feelings hurt because their fap material got put on blast.
Kinai
March 25, 2018 at 1:08 pmI think that I am following it by the secret history behind the anime. The same reason why I started watching Evangelion twenty years ago (It has been already twenty years. :'( ).
BUT I think that the cockpit position is too much.
Anyways, after watching Episode 10 I thought that it could make sense in a way.
Possible Spoiler?
It seems as if the adults are immortal but, at the same time they have lost almost every sense. So, perhaps, the cockpit position, the boy-girl teams, the kissing between the plantation, … all the no-subtle things are a way to remember themselves that they have lost, as a big post it.
At the end, I am going to watch it because it remembers me too much of Evangelion and because I want to know what is the story behind.