Hard to believe that it’s already been a full year since Guff and I first set up digs here, our humble abode at www.epicwin.org. It’s been a long and somewhat rocky path, as I’m sure is evidenced by our post count in recent months, but all in all we don’t regret one second of the time we’ve put into this site.

As always, first and foremost I have to thank all of you, our readers, for making our blogging adventure a fun and fulfilling one. I’ve always tried to stress the fact that you guys are what makes this site fun, and that we really appreciate your involvement in our own little nook of the internet here. That goes especially to you guys who are still here reading now despite our inconsistent blogging schedule as of late. Without all of you we would be just another empty blip on the internet radar, a hollow monologue talking for only ourselves to hear. For a writer, the idea that there might be no audience out there to ever read the work that you’ve slaved over and poured yourself into is truly disheartening.

Fortunately, that’s something we’ve never really had to worry about here at Epic Win thanks to you all. I especially want to give a big shout out to all of our blogging sempai who have linked to us, supported us, read and commented on our work, and most importantly continued to encourage and motivate us through their own excellent writing. Through participation in the anime blogging community, I’ve become aware of many great anime series and manga that I would never have watched or read otherwise. Likewise Guff and I feel that we have been able to spread our own excitement for a number of off-the-wall but still very fun series, to create new fans and broaden people’s interests. Read the rest of this entry »

OH GEASS NO!!

When Guff and I awarded Code Geass with the “Trainwreck of the Year” award in our 2007 Anime Awards Show, many people took offense, rushing to defend what they claimed was an excellent show worthy of greater respect. At the time, I tried my best to explain that our labelling the series as a “trainwreck” was not intended as a derogatory term necessarily.

Indeed, I happen to believe Code Geass is one of the best, most fun shows in recent memory. After all, what could be more fun to watch than two huge, thousand ton vehicles hurtling toward each other at breakneck speed? That said, I think the nature of our “trainwreck” designation is becoming increasingly clear as the series begins its spiralling descent into what appears to be its final chaotic story arc.

At the same time, I have a few thoughts regarding where the story appears to be going, and some of the interesting thematic elements that are really starting to present themselves more clearly in these recent episodes. First though, time for the obligatory screencaps and witty comments… Read the rest of this entry »