Anime of the 112th United States Congress [Winter 2011]

[Cadence]

Guysguysguys, guess what? Despite the fact that this matter with Funi and Fractale is probably the weirdest and stupidest thing I've ever heard, it has actually done some good in the world. =) After reading about it yesterday, I had a sudden change of heart and decided to mend my crooked ways and quit watching anime illegally (attempt to, anyway). Well, I'll quit after I finish watching a few things I have sitting around on my computer...(um, I am such a hypocrite).

So yeah, guess I won't be watching Yumekui Merry, Madoka, or Fractale anymore. Too bad, I've enjoyed all three so far (especially Madoka).

I have a question for those of you watching Wandering Son. I haven't read the manga, but was thinking about giving the anime a shot. But after reading around a bit, it appears that the anime starts right in the middle of the story...? Should I read the manga first for some background, or does the anime cover everything sufficiently?

[ChristianKitsune]

Guysguysguys, guess what? Despite the fact that this matter with Funi and Fractale is probably the weirdest and stupidest thing I've ever heard, it has actually done some good in the world. =) After reading about it yesterday, I had a sudden change of heart and decided to mend my crooked ways and quit watching anime illegally (attempt to, anyway). Well, I'll quit after I finish watching a few things I have sitting around on my computer...(um, I am such a hypocrite).

So yeah, guess I won't be watching Yumekui Merry, Madoka, or Fractale anymore. Too bad, I've enjoyed all three so far (especially Madoka).

I have a question for those of you watching Wandering Son. I haven't read the manga, but was thinking about giving the anime a shot. But after reading around a bit, it appears that the anime starts right in the middle of the story...? Should I read the manga first for some background, or does the anime cover everything sufficiently?

I was a bit confused by that as well... (the wandering son bit) but after a quick Wikipedia look up I get the gist of the story so far, of course I'd check out the manga too.

I think it just addresses a very real and sad reality in our world today...(not saying it's bad or anything) but I can't imagine not being comfortable in my own gender. (hormones and the moodiness that comes with it aside.) I mean... I bet it would be completely frustrating and scary and it would be a lot to try to figure out as an 13 year old kid. (or however old Shuichi and his friend are)

about the simulcast thing...isn't that VERY counter productive? I mean the simulcast thing was to AVOID fansubbing, so if the companies are starting to pull the plug on it as the rumors suggest.... isn't that just going to lead to an uprise in fansubbing once again?

[Yamamaya]

As weird as it sounds, I couldn't help but think the same thing, that maybe certain Japanese companies either don't like simulcasting or don't see the benefit of it or both.

But, as you say magey, it seems far-fetched to suggest that the Fractale folks went through all the hassle of setting up an agreement and getting the first episode simulcast just to hurt simulcasting. Surely they'd know that their own credibility would be undermined for yanking the show for such a dumb reason?

Well goody for them. People will just watch it illegally and give them no cash for their programs.

I do doubt that it's some kind of conspiracy. They probably just got all butthurt when they heard about people pirated their work and decided to strike at Funi for it by asking them to "get rid of all piracy."

[TheSubtleDoctor]

They probably just got all butthurt when they heard about people pirated their work and decided to strike at Funi for it by asking them to "get rid of all piracy."

Would they really sacrifice current and future revenue(small though it may be) by being so petty? It is hard to believe that an actual, real life company would do such a childish thing. But there has to be SOME reason behind their actions, I guess.

[blkmage]

As weird as it sounds, I couldn't help but think the same thing, that maybe certain Japanese companies either don't like simulcasting or don't see the benefit of it or both.

But, as you say magey, it seems far-fetched to suggest that the Fractale folks went through all the hassle of setting up an agreement and getting the first episode simulcast just to hurt simulcasting. Surely they'd know that their own credibility would be undermined for yanking the show for such a dumb reason?

Quite honestly, that's only really plausible because there's really no other explanation that makes any more sense. And it probably won't undermine their credibility, since no one really knows who's on the Fractale Production Committee (hint: there's a lot more than just the studios). The most it'll be is some misdirection to lol yamakan. Basically, the only real losers here are Funimation.

I was a bit confused by that as well... (the wandering son bit) but after a quick Wikipedia look up I get the gist of the story so far, of course I'd check out the manga too.

I think it just addresses a very real and sad reality in our world today...(not saying it's bad or anything) but I can't imagine not being comfortable in my own gender. (hormones and the moodiness that comes with it aside.) I mean... I bet it would be completely frustrating and scary and it would be a lot to try to figure out as an 13 year old kid. (or however old Shuichi and his friend are)

about the simulcast thing...isn't that VERY counter productive? I mean the simulcast thing was to AVOID fansubbing, so if the companies are starting to pull the plug on it as the rumors suggest.... isn't that just going to lead to an uprise in fansubbing once again?

I think it's very much worth it to read the manga. I think the elementary school arcs are pretty important. I also think that it's a fairly unique story, in terms of subject matter, tone, and presentation.

As for fansubbing, with the anime community the way it is today, I wouldn't be surprised if every fansub group started subbing it just because.

[mechana2015]

As for fansubbing, with the anime community the way it is today, I wouldn't be surprised if every fansub group started subbing it just because.

I would predict this as well. Taking away legitimate sources of acquisition as punishment never works, and usually just makes things worse. See US prohibition.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Taking away legitimate sources of acquisition as punishment never works, and usually just makes things worse. See US prohibition.

Prohibition worked...for Al Capone.

[MasterDias]

Quite honestly, that's only really plausible because there's really no other explanation that makes any more sense. And it probably won't undermine their credibility, since no one really knows who's on the Fractale Production Committee (hint: there's a lot more than just the studios).

Fuji TV, Asmik Ace Entertainment, A-1 Pictures, Sony Music Entertainment, Dentsu, Toho

That's who Japanese Wikipedia lists as the Fractale Production Committee. I don't think it's anyone very unusual. And they all should know better by this point.

[mechana2015]

Prohibition worked...for Al Capone.

Precisely. It tends to increase the illegal activity and benefits those who were already operating outside of the law. For everyone else it just forces people to risk the law just to get something they already were used to having legally.

[blkmage]

Fuji TV, Asmik Ace Entertainment, A-1 Pictures, Sony Music Entertainment, Dentsu, Toho

That's who Japanese Wikipedia lists as the Fractale Production Committee. I don't think it's anyone very unusual. And they all should know better by this point.

Well, my point was that the people who are angry probably aren't shaking their fists at Sony or Asmik (and probably won't be looking them up on Japanese Wikipedia) and hence, there's really no reputation to be lost for anyone. I mean, there's just so little to lose for the players involved.

Also, it's kinda hilarious because Ordet's not on the PC, but someone is bound to have yelled YAMAKAAAAAAAANNNN somewhere.

[MasterDias]

Fractale is also being simulcasted legally in French by another company, and they put Episode 2 up within one hour of the Japanese airing. So the FPC can't possibly be entirely against simulcasting (unless they have something against English...but that's...yeah...) This just keeps getting stranger.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Fractale is also being simulcasted legally in French by another company, and they put Episode 2 up within one hour of the Japanese airing.

boom.jpg

That is the sound of dem conspiracy theories blowing up.

[blkmage]

boom.jpg

That is the sound of dem conspiracy theories blowing up.

I don't see how that immediately follows, since it's still incredibly likely that they do have something against English. For instance, the majority of fansubbing is still in English, which makes sense, since the majority of English-literate anime fans don't reside in the United States of America, and hence, aren't affected by the availability of legal streams.

Or I guess that means we can move onto the next most plausible theory which is that the production committee is dumb and almost as inept as Funimation.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

it's still incredibly likely that they do have something against English. For instance, the majority of fansubbing is still in English, which makes sense, since the majority of English-literate anime fans don't reside in the United States of America, and hence, aren't affected by the availability of legal streams.

Why would they even bother taking down the North American simulcast if their motivation is that they are worried about fansubs being downloaded on other continents? Wouldn't leaving up the simulcast cut down a little bit of English fansub downloading This whole thing is just too weird.

[blkmage]

Why would they even bother taking down the North American simulcast if their motivation is that they are worried about fansubs being downloaded on other continents? Wouldn't leaving up the simulcast cut down a little bit of English fansub downloading This whole thing is just too weird.

Yes, exactly, that makes sense. And that's exactly why everyone is confused as hell.

Also, since they're still uploading it to Hulu and linking that version on their site even after I sent them an angry email, I consider it a purely American simulcast, despite what they may try to claim about making it available in my country.

[Yamamaya]

The only reason I can think of as to why they're doing this is a poor attempt to cut down on the activities of people who just rip Funi's vids and subs and repost it on the internet. Or perhaps they had a bad business deal with Funi and this is their excuse to back out of it.

The most obvious one is that they just don't understand the internet, either in Japan or in America. I read one ANN poster(aka should be taken with a tiny grain of salt) say that this might be an attempt by the company to punish everyone thus shaming the fansubbers and uploaders of RAWs to cease and desist.

Regardless, it's all rather stupid.

[mechana2015]

The most obvious one is that they just don't understand the internet, either in Japan or in America. I read one ANN poster(aka should be taken with a tiny grain of salt) say that this might be an attempt by the company to punish everyone thus shaming the fansubbers and uploaders of RAWs to cease and desist.

A combined C&D letter from Funi and the Japanese parent Corps would work better probably.

[Fish and Chips]

I can believe a production company would do something this stupid and shortsighted.

It's not like this is the first time the entertainment industry's solution to piracy was to punish legitimate customers.

[ChristianKitsune]

It just makes me feel that if people are angry enough, they'll get so fed up that they wont support fractale by even watching it. And that would hurt the anime industry... ESPECIALLY if this is a turn in a complete 180, and if the anime industry is in as much trouble as we are led to believe perhaps the end of the genre really is nigh.

Of course that's a doom and gloom look at it, but I see the other way happening. People will stop the legal usage and just continue with the fansubs. If the consumer isn't getting what they are promised legally I just can't imagine people will be too happy.

Either way, the anime involved will not get the support it may deserve. And I thought I read an earlier post where someone mentioned that creator of Fractale bombed; he was done...

So..again, what the heck? XD

[Falx]

Fractale episode 02 was more of the same, apparently directionless but oddly compelling.

I want to throw a rock at Enri though. So annoying.

[blkmage]

[quote="ChristianKitsune (post: 1453315)"]Either way, the anime involved will not get the support it may deserve. And I thought I read an earlier post where someone mentioned that creator of Fractale bombed]
I'm pretty sure he was talking about from a financial standpoint, since it's not uncommon for critically acclaimed series to do extremely poorly. And since he's talking monies, that pretty much means DVD sales, meaning that its success among foreign audiences is not going to be considered for a long, long time. And it's going to be a long, long time before we see Fractale here, if ever. The last noitaminA show that showed up in North America is Eden of the East, which aired two years ago. Since then there have been ten noitaminA shows.

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Gosick episode 2 - Victorique's laugh is awesome.

EDIT: BTW, what does Funimation do now that they've lost Fractale? What is their answer, their antidote to ease the pain? Freezing.

[blkmage]

Yeah, I think Aoi Yuuki got me with that hohohohohoho.

[Falx]

Gosick has easily survived the 3 episode test. Victorique is awesome, and Aoi Yuuki is showing some incredible talent for one so young. Nearly every role she's done sounds like they're voiced by completely different people.

[LadyRushia]

Watched Fractale episode 2. It was more interesting than the first one, so I'll probably stick with it.

And I don't feel bad about watching it on streaming websites either.

[blkmage]

Hey guys, good news. Funimation did it; there's no more piracy on the Internet, so they're allowed to resume fractale. Who knew it'd take less than a week to beat piracy.

[LadyRushia]

Wait, really? LOL.

[Falx]

Looks like someone in the production company still has his brain functioning properly.

[MightiMidget]

LOL. That happily didn't take long. I never did get around to watching the second episode, so this works out just fine for me!

[TheSubtleDoctor]

Infinite Stratos is being simulcast here for all registered members (registration is free).