Otaku Links: Spring (anime) is here!

cherryblossoms

  • This is how I usually find out which shows I want to watch each season: watch one episode of each. But for the spring 2014 season, I’m delegating the process. Here are some of the places I’m checking for anime first impressions, other than the anime blogs I usually read already:
  • This 2012 blog post is the earliest I’ve seen to observe the phenomenon of fandom convergence—that is, the unification of all kinds of nerdy fandoms in one place—at what were once purely anime conventions. What do you think about fandom convergence? Is it a good or bad thing for anime cons?
  • Also old, but not quite as old, is Tony’s article about Yowamushi Pedal as a harem anime in disguise, and I totally see it. I was not originally watching this show through a fujoshi lens, but after this article you know I am.
  • Related, and also written by Tony: Yowamushi Pedal and challenging yourself. I’ve already been on a kick about this topic, but I’m definitely planning to keep writing about how anime makes us better.
  • I impulse-bought an Arduino last night and while googling the geekiest possible things to make with it, I got acquainted with Arduino-tan. Also, apparently you can use it to create responsive nekomimi, just like those super expensive ones at cons!

Photo of the Tidal Basin in full bloom by me.