Shigurui Ep. 2

WOWOW are rapidly becoming synonymous with anime that exemplifies something distinct, mature and unconventional. Often we decide to watch a new show based on the production company behind it (GAINAX, BONES and so on) but I now find myself watching anime originally broadcast on the WOWOW channel simply because I know it will be worth the time. Ergo Proxy, Komonozune and now Shigurui - they all represent anime specifically aimed at adults, and not in the sleazy contrived sense. Whether it relates to depth or style, or a complicated mess of both, you can rely on them to show interesting, left field, intelligent stuff that doesn't pander to the sweaty moe/fan-service addicted masses. WOWOW basically embody why I watch anime and why I think it to be more than 'just cartoons'. Call it self-deceiving glorification if you want. Personally I think we just know better.

A consistent element of WOWOW anime is its lofty production values and unique visual style. Kemonozume, moreso than later-stages Ergo Proxy (ahem), demonstrated this perfectly, and Shigurui continues the trend with its intense visual presentation. I'm transfixed by every single frame of this show - so much so than I have a bitch of a headache by the end of each episode. I've mentioned that atmosphere is basically what Shigurui is about (without being as shallow as that suggests) and episode two doesn't let any of the standards drop.

The plot structure seems to be less sophisticated for this episode, but only because we're fixed in a specific time now rather than the gradual retroactive business of the first. Expanding on the flashback of the final scenes of episode one, the focus is now of Irako's admittance to the Koganryu dojo and the various trials he faces. Personally I'm relieved he didn't continue to be the unbeatable lady-faced badass portrayed in the first episode. Allowing us to witness Fujiki' defeat at Irako's hands seven years before went a long to strengthening the tension of their 'present day' showdown in episode one, but it would've been tiresome if Irako systematically pwned the entire school (and somewhat undermining to the ten remaining instalments, I think).

I was happy to see it was the guy with the big fuck-off sword who put him in his place, too. Ushimata represents the kind of force I wish more fictional tellings of feudal Japanese swordplay would recognise. Too often it's the wiry, nimble little bastards who are celebrated as the geniuses of their skill, and when they face massively built (usually stupid) representations of power they dispatch them with obscene ease. And in the shut-off microcosm of 17th century Japan it's perfectly believable; speed and technique trumps power when all you've got is a sword and a kimono. Take these master sword fighters out of the strict decorum of their society, where honour and etiquette are crucial to their success, then someone built like a stone-brick shithouse would completely ruin them.

Maybe this is my Hun-like European ancestry rearing its deeply-browed head, but every time I see some agile little gimp eviscerate an physically intimidating opponent all I can do is imagine is what would happen if there weren't any swords involved and it was just bare fists and no rules. Somewhat ruining the whole 'suspension of disbelief' aspect of anime watching, I know, but still. I'm two-thirds Irish. All we ever want to do is beat the shite out of each other.

And while episode two of Shigurui doesn't quite give us the satisfaction of a thorough face-pounding ruck, it doesn't pander to the standard tropes either. Excellent, entertaining stuff. Give me an anime that has a character who openly pisses himself and retains all the foreboding presence of his build-up and you give me success. Bring on episode three.

Comments

[comic books]

man, i'm so behind on this stuff

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[whbnx jifu]

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