If the whole astronaut thing fizzles out, maybe Mutta can turn to Karuta. There’s an old, old saying – “It’s better to be lucky than good”.  In my experience it’s true more often than not, but for someone like Mutta who’s spent his whole life trying (with some success) to […] Read more

The pleasures of Space Brothers are subtle compared to some series, but they’re no less rewarding for that. It’s always fun to see how the Japanese perceive America, generally a curious mix of romanticized elements and condescension.  I’ve been to Texas a  number of times and I can tell you, […] Read more

I don’t want to complain, but all this superbly written anime is getting a bit monotonous.  I may need to do a re-watch of Guilty Crown to break up the weekends. Hirata Hiroaki really is a marvel.  I had a hard time believing he could top his performance as Kotetsu […] Read more

I’m beginning to get a sense of just why this manga is among the most honored in recent memory. It would be so easy to overlook Space Brothers in the flood of equally great but flashier anime this Spring.  This has nothing to recommend it apart from preternaturally incisive examination […] Read more

The Watanabe Ayumu double-bill caps off with his “normal” series, Space Brothers. I can see where this show isn’t going to be all that popular.  There are no teens in sight, there’s no overt fanservice, and the pacing is deliberate.  Stories about adult males wrestling with sibling issues and feelings […] Read more

Let there be no mistake – while Space Brothers is an all-ages show, the series (especially the humor) is aimed at those old enough to see the humorous side to life’s challenges. I’m quite fascinated by the fact that Watanabe Ayumu is directing both this series and Nazo no Kanojo […] Read more

Uchuu Kyoudai is part of an interesting oddity about this season, and it’s one that’s never happened since I’ve been seriously following the medium. Roughly one week into the season (and it’s been a hell of a week, considering that my top 4 picks going in haven’t even premièred yet) […] Read more