UlasanAnime.com – The more things stay the same, the more they are the same. This sentiment rings true when comparing contemporary anime with older series like Martian Successor Nadesico. Upon reading an article about Nadesico, it became apparent that while many aspects of anime production and storytelling remain consistent, there are also notable shifts.
One of the enduring qualities of Nadesico is its ability to feel like a breath of fresh air. In the current landscape, liberal narratives can be harder to find, especially when considering the generational gap in storytelling. Furthermore, Nadesico serves as a valuable benchmark, offering insight into the anime of its era.
From a perspective of story construction and character development, Nadesico‘s formula aligns with many anime produced today. The trope of copying characters like Rei Ayanami (with the exception of Evangelion 4) persists. The use of single-character-focused episodes is also still prevalent. It can be argued that anime has evolved significantly since Nadesico‘s release, with more polished and stylish approaches to character introductions and introspective moments.
Even within the current season, outstanding examples can be found, such as straightforward “Showa” comedies or the creation of “eroge” (erotic games) anime. The series Utaware False Mask can be seen as a prime example of a 90s anime concept fully rebooted with 2010s sensibilities.
The “deconstruction” aspect of Nadesico is arguably its strongest suit. This point might be overlooked by those who wrote about it years ago, especially considering the significant shadow cast by Evangelion on anime for over a decade. Nadesico clearly exhibits an anti-right-leaning perspective, which was notable for a series released in 1996.
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In contrast, by 2016, we were seeing the second cour of GATE, an anime that leans heavily to the right, perhaps more so than most anime in recent memory. This trend has been paved by series like Strike Witches, Arpeggio, the Muv-Luv franchise, and even Girls und Panzer. While not aiming to categorize the military aspect of anime fandom, these series prompt reflection on the types of stories being told within them.
The various reboots of Yamato are also instrumental to Nadesico‘s narrative, and their influence cannot be ignored. Additionally, considering Evangelion‘s treatment of militarism and the otaku who are drawn to it, it’s important to acknowledge this influence.
On the other hand, it would be remiss not to mention the other side of the coin: anime like Sword Art Online (SAO) or The Irregular at Magic High School (Mahouka). These series often feature outrageous material thematically and promote certain philosophies, which were parodied in Nadesico but are taken seriously in 2016.
However, these contemporary series are arguably not outrageous enough. While titles like Library Wars or Shimoneta exist, they don’t always gain significant traction. This might explain why series like Vividred Operation didn’t receive as much attention. Targeting the “Magical Girls” audience, much like aiming for the mainstream, may not always yield substantial rewards.
This situation can be likened to Akatsuki’s observation to Akito about watching anime for diversity versus the single-minded nature of the Jovians. There seems to be a middle ground that is being explored. The immense popularity of Osomatsu-san might be a testament to its ability to strike this balance, though its exact appeal remains a subject of speculation.
