Since we kind of feel like it is a family duty to spread the "good news" of Anime to our family and friends, you will have probably noticed by now that we not only consume a goodly portion of the exceptionally provacative media form from Japan, but like to talk and post about it often as well. Honestly, we try not to go TOO overboard on this as we recognize that most of our friends and family already think we're freaks anyway, but hey, when we find something truly exceptional, we still think it's worth posting.
Enter our latest dig-fest on Gonzo/Geneon's recently released
Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. It's the classic story told by Alexander Dumas (book #3 in his famous trilogy which also includes The Three Musketeers -- one of my personal favorites -- and also The Man in the Iron Mask), but with some exceptionally well-done twists and turns. We have only thus far viewed volume #1 (episodes 1 - 4), but thus far, the following are things we have noticed:
1) First, the animation is truly novel. It blends modern cgi technology with what can probably only be described as a high-scale acid-trip to yield cells that "move... but don't move", which continually contribute to the other-worldly (if not completely surreal) feel to the whole thing.
2) Second, it takes place in the radical future. Some of it takes place in future-day Paris, but the series starts on "Luna" (i.e. the moon), where complex cities and city-life provide the old-world equivalent to Bohemian Paris or Rome. So you on the one hand have people dressed in what could only be categorized as the foppish detail of 19th century Europe, but at the same time are taking star-shuttles to interplantetary destinations and riding in carriages drawn by robotic horses.
3) Finally, there is something strangely amiss with "The Count". He doesn't eat with his guests. His skin is "cold... like a corpse". He appears to be immune to harm. And he has fangs... and pointy ears. So... that either means that he's
really into CosPlay, or has picked up some vampiric tendencies somewhere in his "vast travels through space".
All in all, the vengeance-bent Dumas classic story is thus-far well represented, and we are looking forward to seeing how it unfolds. And hey, in my opinion, anything that blends classic literature, vampires, anime and science-fiction is probably a good candidate for watching just by having those elements present to begin with... but that's just me, of course. We'll keep you posted on the series as it develops... or you can just watch it yourself [hint-hint]!
The other day, we had some friends over for the day (Elihu and Zion Carlstrom... children of our dear friends Blair and Tracy). Elihu is 7, and Zion is 10, and Elijah and Peri just adore both of them. Upon sending them outside to play for a bit in the afternoon, Sami caught Elijah, Peri and Elihu battling intensely with lightsabers and having a blast in the process. Interestingly, Peri actually held her own quite well, even against the two of them at varying points, although both boys were graciously chivalric in their allowing her to get some good hits on each of them. Elijah and Elihu as well play very well together and genuinely enjoy each others company. 
