Reader’s Question:
I’m struggling to enjoy mecha anime like Code Geass and Evangelion. I really want to watch them because they’re classics, and I love the art style, but I just can’t seem to get into them. I’ve tried to stick it out for about ten episodes, but I always end
up giving up. I have two main reasons for my difficulty: 1. Mecha anime often lacks explanations. During battles, there are so many technical terms that I find myself confused and overwhelmed. I know that’s part of what makes mecha cool, but I prefer to understand things step by step. When I’m bombarded with unfamiliar words, I can’t connect with the story. 2. There are too many battle scenes, and when I’m already confused, I can’t find anything enjoyable about them. I usually enjoy anime like Haibane Renmei, Shinsekai Yori, and Mushishi, so mecha might just not be my thing. However, I really want to be able to appreciate these shows, especially for professional reasons. Can anyone give me some advice on how to get into them?
How to Embrace Mecha Anime: A Personal Journey
So, let’s take a moment to dive into the fascinating world of mecha anime. I remember when I first encountered shows like Code Geass and Neon Genesis Evangelion. As a university student majoring in psychology, I thought, “How hard can it be to appreciate these classics?” Boy, was I in for a ride! You see, mecha anime is like a peculiar language. It has its own jargon, battles filled with complex terms, and an abundance of action that can leave a newbie feeling a bit lost. I chuckled at the parallel one reader drew to Dragon Ball and Bleach, where special abilities are wrapped up in unique terminologies. It’s like stepping into a world where you’re expected to know the lingo right off the bat. I can relate to our friend who finds himself overwhelmed with the sheer volume of technical terms. I remember when I watched my first mecha battles, and I felt like I was trying to decipher a foreign language without a dictionary! One memorable moment was when I accidentally mixed up the names of the mechas. I called one of them “Gundam” when it was actually something else entirely. My friends burst out laughing, and I quickly learned that mecha fans are pretty passionate about their anime!
Understanding the Chaos
The key to enjoying mecha anime, I discovered, lies in understanding the chaos. Yes, there are tons of battle scenes, and it’s easy to get lost in the mix. But what if we approached it differently? Instead of getting bogged down by the technicalities, what if we focused on the emotional arcs and the human drama? The reader mentioned enjoying Haibane Renmei, Shinsekai Yori, and Mushishi, which are all rich in character development and emotional depth. Mecha anime is no different in that regard; it often explores themes of conflict, sacrifice, and personal growth. I remember watching Code Geass with a group of friends, and we found ourselves more engaged in the political intrigue and character relationships rather than the actual battles. We even started a running joke about the mecha names, making them sound like they belonged in a cooking show! “Today on ‘Cooking with Mechas,’ we have the ‘Gundam Gratin!’” We laughed so hard, but it helped to lighten the mood and make the show more enjoyable.
Finding Your Way In
If you’re struggling to enjoy mecha anime, consider looking for resources that break down the terminology and plot points. There are countless blogs and YouTube channels dedicated to explaining these complexities. I stumbled upon one video that clarified the meaning of “LCL” in Evangelion, and it felt like I had finally cracked a code! And hey, if you find the battles too overwhelming, feel free to fast-forward through the action scenes. It’s okay to prioritize what you enjoy most. Sometimes, I’d skip to the drama parts while munching on snacks, taking notes on character development instead of the mecha jargon. It made the experience much more relatable and fun. Ultimately, remember that it’s perfectly fine if mecha anime isn’t your cup of tea. There are countless genres out there, and no one should feel pressured to love everything. But if you do want to give it another shot, keep an open mind and allow yourself to experience the emotional storylines that often lie beneath the surface of the mecha battles. So, what about you? Have you had similar experiences with anime or other genres? I’d love to hear your stories or any tips you might have for diving into new shows! Let’s chat in the comments!
