Unfurling...

It's a magical moment when all the threads of a story begin coming together.  Characters you like but whose paths have been mindless and destinations whose map was only a figment start unfurling like new leaves, filling an author with the vigor only inspiration can bestow.  The wonder at discovering the promise of a whole narrative with depth and intrigue is a potent brew.  That is how I began to feel about the second installment in my 'Call of the Black Panther' universe yesterday, watching the landscape slip by on a trip to visit family.

If I wanted to get philosophical I suppose the connection makes some sense.  There are many concerns touched on in the Panther books but the notion of 'family' is perhaps one of the biggest.  Tension between creatures different from ourselves, as well as facets that are considered 'different' within a scientific classification, is not a new theme but which still lies at the heart of our struggles as a species.  Embedded in that struggle for balance is the risk of radicalisation, a topic the second book looks at in more detail.  Walking the line between security and freedom is of particular importance in our increasingly connected global society.  In both books I endeavour to show that neither Human branch is completely good or bad, only that individual choice is of paramount importance.  Whereas it is easy to simply 'go-along' with others that inaction can lead to unsettling consequences.  Every society benefits from questioning the perceived 'best course of action' and whose desires are met by making particular choices.

Ultimately, because I'm an optimist, I believe that people generally make good moral decisions.  Repression, stress, lack of education, lethargy all affect the moral quality of a decision but everyone has the capacity to recognise right from wrong and desire an ethical conclusion.  This universe is my own rendition of where such moral tensions can play out, particularly in the thorny area of inter-Human 'difference'.  Characters who are good will make bad decisions and have to live with the consequences.  The reverse will also be true, the actions of those around these characters constantly affecting their view of cause and effect.

One of an author's biggest challenges is capturing a semblance of life in their work, the complexity of interacting forces ensuring that sometimes even the creator will not fully understand where their words are coming from.  Stories are fundamentally lessons about life.  They range from the ordinary to grotesque, simultaneously examining and embodying the nebulous nature of our conscious reality.  This artistic form is at once a source of pleasure and introspection, enabling us to see what we've come to expect in new ways.  That is what I ultimately hope comes from others reading my stories - a new perspective on the world.  Perhaps even one that will help it become a better place.  As any artist will tell you, it doesn't hurt to dream.

Image of writing by after-the-party

Revolutionary Girl Utena: Episode 1

The intro features Anthy and Utena almost exclusively, drawing attention to the relationship between them as the focus of the story.  Given this attention it's understandable that some would automatically see it as a lesbian series.  I have no doubt that this is part of the reason I began watching it years ago since I had just discovered Fingersmith, a made for TV movie based on the book by Sarah Waters.  Fingersmith is an expertly crafted story whose central focus is the complex relationship and eventual romance between the two lead female characters and I was inspired to find more tales like it during my first year of University.

Utena and Anthy on horseback before a castle

Anthy and Utena being pulled apart

Back to the first installment of season 1.

Besides the lesbian under (or over) tones Fairytale tropes like castles, roses, horses and dueling feature throughout the intro, promising character development and action.  Given this opening discovering that the story takes place in a high school is rather disorienting.  A narrator explains that the main character,Utena, is raised out of grief by a prince, vowing to uphold the hope he gave her by making herself in his image.  In other words, by becoming a prince.  Hence the reason Utena attends what appears to be an extremely prestigious school in a boy's uniform (I love how short-shorts are apparently mandatory attire for the male students).

Utena brushing off the guidance counselor in her boy's uniform

Utena is athletic and the girls fawn over her yet she doesn't see herself as boyish.  She has flawlessly integrated this aspect into who she is despite what the larger society thinks (be it negative, in the case of the teacher, or positive, in the case of the fangirls).  The school itself is part university campus part cathedral, rose-symbols prevalent throughout its structure.  A rose-garden backdrop is how Utena first sees Anthy who is tending flowers in the green house.

Our heroine then witnesses Anthy being physically abused by someone she assumes to be the woman's boyfriend (which is disturbing) but the attack is interrupted and we learn that all three figures (Anthy, Touga and Saionji) are members of the Student Council.  Anthy is completely submissive in every scene and apparently no one likes her.

Touga stops Saionji from further abusing Anthy

Drifting away from Utena's perspective we learn that the Student Council is vying for 'ownership' of Anthy who is called 'The Rose Bride'.  Whoever possesses her gains the power to bring world revolution, although what that means is a mystery.  The Council does not condone Saionji's abuse of Anthy but cannot stop him from treating her how he wishes while they're 'engaged'.  Only a figure named 'End of the World', who oversees the rules of the game, can interfere.  Tying into the cruelty of this strange game is the emotional reality of high school.  Utena's apparently sole close friend, Wakaba, has written a love letter to Saionji who has posted it on the bulletin board where spectators are jeering at its sincerity.

To avenge her friend Utena challenges Saionji to a duel.  Little does she know that by challenging the current owner of the Rose Bride she enters herself into the game.  One crucial point I've thus far neglected to mention is that participants in this game where rings with a rose crest.  The prince that raises Utena out of grief gives her a ring identical to that of the duelists.  This is how she is able to enter the forbidden arena at the back of the school to fight Saionji.  The arena is located on the top of a dais raised high in the air and gotten to via a winding staircase.  Above the arena floats an upside-down castle.

Utena gazes up at the castle above the arena

Understandably awed by her surroundings Utena is also surprised to see that Anthy is part of the duel, Saionji pulling a real sword from her chest for the fight.  A winner is determined by whoever cuts the rose (which is placed in the shirt pocket of each duelist) off first.  Despite her lack of a proper weapon (Utena fights with a broken kendo sword) she manages to beat Saionji and becomes engaged to Anthy.  Touga, the Student Council president, watched the battle from afar and now has an interest in the new duelist.  Utena does not know what to think - and it's only the beginning of that state for her and the viewers.

Anthy meets Utena outside the arena as her Bride

All in all it's less cheesy than I thought it was, although there's no doubt that it's style is unique and takes some getting used to.  The visuals are stunning and heavy with symbolism we can only begin to guess at.  Although it seems simple and light there's something at the edges of my awareness suggesting that there's more to this little drama (and it's not just from what I remember of the initial viewing).

Future entries should not be as long since this episode establishes the set.  Nonetheless, I hope any who come across this entry enjoy it!

Images courtesy of  http://ohtori.nu/

Inspiration Series: Revolutionary Girl Utena

It's not all about lesbians I swear! 

Despite now being an old anime Revolutionary Girl Utena is touted as the Neon Genesis Evangelion of shoujo anime.  The incredibly complex story balances multiple characters, themes and symbols, weaving them into a fascinating and sometimes utterly unfathomable tapestry.   The series' director thought the series would be his last project so he threw everything in - the tension of self-expression in adolescence, tropes in fairytales, gender role critiscm, among others.  Many great essays and reviews have been written about it.  For my part, I am not in a position to effectively comment since I discovered and watched the series many years ago but recall being enormously inspired and struck by it.

I, therefore, wanted it to be the first installment in my Inspiration Series - a series of entries where I comment on books, movies, TV, and other media that I find interesting.  Since I've been meaning to re-watch this series for a while now I thought that including brief written comments about it as I go would provide both insight and perhaps even amusement for those reading this blog.

I leave you with a video that I saved during the height of my love for the series paired with an incredibly moving song.  Although the video features clips from the film version I recall appreciating the series far more: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BP675PT-Cro


Also, here's a review.
Nihon Review: http://www.nihonreview.com/anime/revolutionary-girl-utena/

Image of Anthy hiding her face, Utena being open and expressive and the princely ideal between them.

Inspiration

            There haven’t been many times in my life when I’ve been at liberty to wallow in the search for story ideas.  Generally I am working on completing or polishing a narrative that presented itself many years before, not lazing around in the summer sun waiting for inspiration to strike me with its fiery bolt.  Still, I can recall one occasion in the past when this did occur.  I had just finished writing Call of the Black Panther, it was late in my high school days; I was sitting under a tree in my backyard pushing around ideas, waiting for one to grab me with the rush of exhilaration I’m certain some drugs elicit.

            Most of my story ideas happen in mid-project rather than neatly at the end of one.  This is both a blessing and a curse.  One encounters the challenge of never finishing all of their projects but also has several to choose from should enthusiasm be lacking for the current tale.  Inspiration is not something that can be forced although it can be encouraged.  Exposing oneself to literature, interacting with others, and simply experiencing the world exposes an author to millions of themes, backdrops and characters, and within this mix of constantly shifting existence lies the hearts of stories waiting to be realised.

            This topic came to mind since I am currently reading a fanfiction that, while interesting and expansive, follows a few too many romantic clichés and is dragged out a bit too long for my liking.  Reading this fanfiction has made me want to write my own romantic adventure, although I like to focus my energy on original works rather than fanfiction.  This is an example of how reading another’s work, whether you love it or hate it, can benefit an author.  Although I’m not sure where this desire to write a romance will lead I’m glad that my creative will is still active.  Perhaps by the time April Camp NaNo rolls around I’ll have some more ideas to work with.

                                             Great little image about inspiration by Lehanan