Watamote Episode 3: “Since I'm Not Popular, The Weather's Bad”

Watamote Episode 3

     So as I stated in my First Impression video of this series, I like it for it's slice of life aspect and this was  reconfirmed in this most recent episode. Clearly this anime is not plot driven; all though Tomoko's ultimate goal is to become popular, she only works at it a little at a time. Because of this, the episodes pacing can be slow at times. For example, in this episode, we watch Tomoko go through an awkward day followed by a desperate attempt to become sick, so she won't have to go to school for a while. Although the plot sounds lackluster I actually enjoyed episode 3 because of Tomoko. She's extremely relate-able and the situations she facesin make me both laugh out loud and want to crawl up into a ball because I've been there. My favorite part had to be the scene where she's hiding from the rain under a bus stop.

Tomoko and some acquaintances

No Tomoko, you don't just tell people
you're sweaty.

 I could literally feel how nervous she must have been trying to make small talk with those boys. And although her attempts were hilariously wacky, I felt her pain of desperately trying to talk to someone, but not knowing what to say. I just wanted to jump into the computer screen and be yell, "Tomoko, No!!!!" The best scenes are always ones where Tomoko's in an uncomfortable situation because they manage to be funny and sad at the same time. In fact, scenes like this are much funnier than the anime references, which I could honestly do without. Now, don't get me wrong, I do get why they are included. 

"Tomoko" Kusanagi

After all, what would an anime about an otaku be without references to the anime world? Not to mention, it's refreshing to see the references include more recent anime such as Kuroko no Basket. But I just feel they could be more discrete, or at least blend with the story better. However, I have to admit, I was totally fan-girling during the Ghost in the Shell scene.

Prince Tomoki, who was sick this episode
but you could hardly tell because he
always looks like death.

     Now, as much as I love Tomoko, the highlight of this episode for me was her brother Tomoki. Once again he was bitter. Once again he was irritated with everything. And once again I loved it. This may sound weird, but I just love the fact that these two siblings rarely share heart felt moments. Call me a pessimist but I feel like it puts a final realistic touch on this show.

Overall, I thought this episode was cute, but sad, and a bit boring at times. 3/5

Why Vine is better than Youtube

                                      

    So a couple days ago I stumbled upon a Fine Brothers "Youtubers React to" video. The topic of this particular installment was Vine; the new video networking site that I like to describe as the "mini Youtube." Now I was really excited to see how these YouTube celebs would respond to vine since a lot of people compare the success of popular Vine personalities to that of YouTube stars. The Youtubers  seemed to have an overall positive reaction towards the actually vine video, the site however, received some skepticism. At the end of the episode, the Fine Brothers asks their guests whether they think the current Vine trend will last. A lot of group said they really had no idea, which is a reasonable answer; things like this are often hard to predict. However, some felt as though Vine is just a fad. Olga Kay stated, " I think it's going to be very successful for a year and a half, and then...it's going to go away." While Shane Dawson argued, " I don't think a social network can be huge, if it relies on people be creative." Um, what? What do you think YouTube is? I just thought these statements were weird because Vine is literally a spitting image a YouTube, so why can't it have success and longevity? For a while, I though these statements can from a place of jealously. After all, comedy YouTubers like Shane and Olga slave over scripts in hopes of creating popular videos while their Vine counter parts seem to spit out viral videos with ease.                                                                                                            
    But, honestly, I don't think Vine is really in the position to replace YouTube. While it does seem to surpass it in the comedy division, I have yet to see an attempt at a 6 second makeup tutorial or life vlog. However Vine is definitely something special; I feel like its a compilation of all the good parts of Youtube . You can follow people, you can write comments, and you can share videos. But what's Vines special appeal? The video are actually funny and are done in a manner that's short, sweet and to the point. Now, I know some of you are going start arguing on behave of high profile YouTube favorites like Smosh but after the disaster the was YouTube comedy week, I kind of have this theory that while some YouTubers are kind of funny, the bulk of their views and subscribers come from people who like them personally, not necessarily because they make them laugh. Because Vine is fairly new and there's no place to "get to know" Viners, the only way to become popular is to be funny. In fact, I recently noticed that while I used to turn to YouTube during bouts of boring, now I head over to Vine ; there's just a greater chance that I find something interesting and funny. But what lines in store for Vine? Will it spawn a new generation of internet celebrities? Will it eventually be over taken by sponsorship and ads? I guess we'll just have to wait and see!

-RCUJay

Swimming Anime Dating Sim

You knew it was coming

        Deviant art user fifthdimensional has answered the prayers of Free! fan-girls everywhere with her creation of Swimming Anime Dating Sim. Users can play as Mizu Oyogu, a high school senior who has recently transferred to the a new school. Luckily for her (and you) this school is crawling with the handsome

In this game, Rin is on good terms
the rest of the gang and Makoto's father
looks like my middle school principal

 boys from the new summer anime Free! Iwatobi Swim Club! Now, this Dating Sim was created well before the series premiered, the creator pulling most of her inspiration from the original 30 second clip that jump started all the swimming anime pandemonium, hence the use of the characters Tumblr given names (Senpai, Shota etc.) as well as hilarious titles bestowed onto them by the creator (Pimp-Kun anyone?) rather than their real ones. This also means some disappointing news for Rei fans, as since he didn't appear in the infamous commercial, he doesn't make an appearance in the dating sim. At least not yet. The creator has made sure to note that the game is still in it's Beta stages, and is constantly being updated. So far though, I really like this game.

Haruka's hair is perpetually in Bieber
hair flip mode.

The dialogue is really funny and although the personalities of the characters differ a bit from the actual anime, it's still really enjoyable. Hopefully, the creator will find a way to have the game align more closely with the anime in the future, but even if she decides to go on her own way, I will definitely still play it. Anyway, you can check out the game on her deviantart page and tell me what you think! Until then!

*Bonus* I did a little let's play of the game if you want a preview of what to expect. And don't worry about game spoilers; what happens in the game drastically differs depending on what choices you make!

         

-RCUJay