Genshiken

[fuhred]

There are a few manga/anime around at the moment that deal with the lives of fans rather than delving into some imaginary universe filled with talking animals and cross-dressing villains (which of course, we all love!): Otaku no Video, Comic Party, Maniac Road to name a few. But the latest entry in ths line is Genshiken, which is 'the society for the study of modern visual culture'. In other words, it's a college club where members hang out to play video games, read manga, watch anime, cosplay, and other associated activities. The story opens with otaku wannabe Sasahara, who wants to join but is not sure that he's otaku enough (or won't admit to himself that he is!) When he fronts up, the current members put him through a very amusing 'trial by fire' and sucker him in to joining. Other members include a very shadowy President, game freak bishounen Kousaka, his long-suffering 'girlfriend' Kasukabe who will do just about anything to get him to quit the club. She spends a lot of time at Genshiken because Kousaka's there, but NEVER ask her if she's a member - the response is always swift and violent! Also present are Madarame, who freely admits that all his 'girlie magazines' are of the illustrated variety - he's too cool for photgraphs... (ahem!), and Ohno who is the club's resident cosplayer. Of course the Genshiken has its enemies, particluarly the college student council who are always trying to get rid of delinquent clubs. In short, this is one of the cleverest stories to appear, and deals with pretty much every aspect of anime fandom you care to mention.
Like Nadesico, Genshiken has its own 'show within a show' called Kujibiki Unbalance, which the club members all passionately follow. Taking their cue from this, the anime actually includes a full-length episode of KU (Kuji-Un to the diehard fans) as an extra on each DVD, so at least we get to see what the club is going on about. It's a good idea. So, reading or watching this, you will definitely see yourself in there somewhere. So far there are 2 DVDs and 2 graphic novels on sale with more to be released. Funny, funny stuff!

[Methid Man]

Wow, sounds a lot like the anime club in my community college...

And like this one, it's always watered down by the student council to the point where it's just not worth hanging out in anymore.

-- Sam the Methid Man

[Kazzie]

Ahhh, I just finished watching Genshiken a few weeks ago. I absolutely adore this series. It definitely stands out from the rest of the anime/manga series out there! I fell in love with the characters, they're all likeable in their own ways (Even Saki-chan!) and I really liked how you saw their friendships with each other grow with each episode. Short and sweet anime.

Not to mention I could relate with a lot of the issues/interests shown in the series (as, I'm sure, many other anime/video game fans can as well). As a cosplayer, I loved seeing Ohno in her many costumes, and as an annual con-goer, I could DEFINITELY relate to the convention line-up trauma.. ^^;

Madarame is totally awesome. 'Nuff said. <3

[Blackcat]

When we where kids, we had years and years of fun making fun of power rangers, we just parodied everything from the show. My favorite part was the guy who sold weapons (And interrupted the show everytime the powers “crystal” rangers needed a stronger weapon to defeat the bad guys, of course it got his ass kicked every time), and that almost everyone else in town besides the power rangers was a minion in disguise. The “troopers” paid was so low they had lots of jobs to make a living.  In the end, the town was destroyed so many times because of the battles that the troopers got rich by the re-building, so they quit their minions job. The lead to the final battle that…

Sorry, I got carried away…

[adam808]

It goes in order: Genshiken -> Genshiken OVA -> Genshiken 2

In the opening credits of 2, there are a few little things referencing Metal Armor Dragonar with how his eyes dart side to side and he flips the switches etc. Then come the Gundam...