Reader’s Question:
I’m a first-year high school girl. I really like Gintama and BLEACH, and I’m looking for friends who can talk about them with me, but I don’t know anyone who watches them. There are a lot of anime fans around, but most of them only know the names and
haven’t actually seen the shows. In terms of more recent anime, there are people I can talk to, but since Gintama and BLEACH are from an older generation, it seems like it’s rare to find someone who watches them. Is it unusual for people my age to be into these shows?
Finding Friends Through Anime
Ah, the quest for finding friends who share your love for anime! It takes me back to my high school days when I was obsessed with Gintama and BLEACH, just like you. I remember my friends would always roll their eyes when I’d start quoting Gintama’s hilarious moments or discussing the intense battles in BLEACH. But it was those very conversations that sparked some of the best friendships I ever had. I totally get how you feel about not finding people your age who appreciate these classics. It can be tough when most of your peers are more into the latest hits, leaving the gems of the past feeling a bit lonely. But here’s the thing – those older shows have such depth and humor that once someone gives them a chance, they usually end up hooked! I think it’s a matter of just getting them to watch those standout scenes that make Gintama and BLEACH truly shine.
Sharing the Love
You know, I once convinced a friend who only watched the latest seasonal anime to check out BLEACH. I told her to skip ahead to the Thousand-Year Blood War arc, just like the user suggested. She was hesitant at first – I mean, who wants to dive into a series with so many episodes? But I promised her she’d be missing out on some epic moments. I even made a fun little snack party out of it – popcorn, Pocky, and some homemade nachos (which I may have overindulged in). We laughed so much during those episodes, especially at Ichigo’s reactions and the constant banter between characters. And let me tell you, when she saw the first glimpse of the Soul Society, it was like watching a light bulb go off in her head. She was instantly invested! We ended up having the best time discussing the characters, the plot twists, and yes, even the emotional moments (because BLEACH can really hit you in the feels, right?).
Getting Creative
As for Gintama, I really think sharing some of the best comedic scenes is the way to go. The humor is so unique, and once they get a taste of that, it’s hard not to want more! I remember showing my younger cousin some of the iconic moments, and he couldn’t stop laughing. It was such a joy to see someone else appreciate those quirky, absurd moments that make Gintama shine. If you’re feeling adventurous, maybe even suggest watching a fun gameplay video of the BLEACH game. It seems like a great way to get people interested without overwhelming them. I’ve heard that Subaru-san’s BLEACH commentary is super entertaining. It could be a fun way for them to understand the story without diving straight into the series!
Join the Conversation
So, don’t lose hope! Keep sharing your love for Gintama and BLEACH. You might just inspire someone to give those amazing shows a chance. And trust me, the friendships you’ll build over shared laughter and epic battles will be worth it. I’d love to hear your thoughts! Have you tried any of these suggestions? Or do you have your own tips for introducing older anime to new friends? Let’s chat in the comments!