Pretty Cure & Japanese Esthetic Philosophy
The Japanese esthetic principle of Mono no Aware, the value and pathos of impermanent things viewed through the lens of a Delicious Party Precure episode.
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Safari – a Khempunk Adventure – Chapter 08
(Chapter 1 is here) Chapter 08 – Sacrifices So, Mr. Fleur…” the high priestess began. AP had no idea how to fill the awkward silence, as she looked at him across the ornate desk with an expression of trepidation, with perhaps a touch of defiance. He was five hours late, but they were the ones who had given him an address eleven hundred years out of date. He accepted the … Continue reading →
Safari – a Khempunk Adventure – Chapter 06
(Chapter 1 is here) Chapter 06 – A Message from the Gods AP wondered how Jo could enjoy sipping hot coffee in this weather. The woman appeared unconcerned by the heat, but she was probably used to it, having grown up in southern Alabama. She looked at the map she had bought from a street vendor. To AP’s amazement, she took out a red pen and began making corrections. She … Continue reading →
Urusei Yatsura intro
Rumiko Takahashi is probably one of the most successful manga creators, and perhaps the most successful female comic creator in the world. Most of her works were turned into wonderful anime series as well. One of her many strengths has been to create engaging characters with complexity and depth, without using a lot of exposition. Her first series was Urusei Yatsura – “Those Obnoxious Aliens” or “UY”. The manga series … Continue reading →
Happy Birthday, Anime Lum! Urusei Yatsura
Thirty-six years ago today, the first episode of Urusei Yatsura was broadcast in Japan! One of the most influential anime series, it’s still highly entertaining today. The title roughly translates as “Those Obnoxious Aliens”. Based on Takahashi Rumiko‘s 1978 manga series, it broke the mold of the “Disney Princess” trope, introduced J-Pop music into the anime soundtrack, and ran to 195 episodes! Earth has just been invaded by aliens who resemble Japanese Oni, led … Continue reading →
Safari – a Khempunk Adventure – Chapter 05
(Chapter 1 is here) Chapter 05 – The House of the Fella 3700 BCE – Khonsu Shipping Office Naram risked a glance out the window of the small business office. It had been over three hours since the screaming had started outside, and things hadn’t gotten any better. The Badi invaders had broken down the door of the next building, dragging the bodies of the occupants out into the street. … Continue reading →
Safari – a Khempunk Adventure – Chapter 04
(Chapter 1 is here) Chapter 04 – The House of the Priestess “Good morning, Jo!” Hearing the voice of her friend, Jo looked up from her breakfast in the courtyard of the house. A servant appeared around a screen of potted fig trees, followed by a rather sleepy-looking AP. “Were you up as late as I was? Boy, your cousin Saadi can certainly play the oud.” She laughed. “I knew … Continue reading →
Safari – a Khempunk Adventure – Chapter 03
(Chapter 1 is here) Chapter 03 – Mr. Hammer’s Office In a better office, in a better part of the city, three men sat at a table. Pulleys creaked as a long belt turned a row of fans above their heads. Despite the slowly revolving blades, Mr. Hammer fanned himself with his derby. A servant entered bearing a teapot on a tray, steam wafting from the spout. Straightening his spectacles, … Continue reading →
Safari – a Khempunk Adventure – Chapter 02
Back in 2011, my friend Josephine Boone & I wrote a weekly serial on a steampunk website. Set in an alternate late-1800’s Egypt, it featured ancient and future tech in a land where the ancient Gods are still active. Chapter 01 is here. Chapter 02 – Dr. Boone’s Office The travelers had arrived at the office of Josephine’s father, Dr. Eugene Wesley Boone. The door was opened by a grizzled … Continue reading →
Safari – a Khempunk Adventure – Chapter 01
Back in 2011, my friend Josephine Boone & I wrote a weekly serial on a steampunk website. Set in an alternate late-1800’s Egypt, it featured ancient and future tech in a land where the ancient Gods are still active. Chapter 01 – The Taxi Ride by Josephine Boone & Paul Kemner AROOOOOGAAAAAAHHH!!!! SCRRRREEEEEEECH!!!!! Horns blared and tires squealed, punctuated by a raspy voice cursing and shouting in Arabic. Josephine and AP cowered … Continue reading →