I'm Going Titan

I don’t know what this is, but it’s super cool, right?

What is it?: Two cool sword-fighting dudes Mugen and Jin join young anime!girl Fuu to traipse across the Edo-era countryside in search of a samurai who smells like sunflowers. …Yep, that’s the plot.

What’s so great about it?: It’s COOOOOOOL - or at least that’s what the creators really want me to think. I mean they tried soooooo hard to imbue coolness into every frame of this thing. But the truth is they succeeded. The hip-hop-style soundtrack and modern slang (even breakdancing, for real) give the Edo-era story a flavor so unique you have to straighten up and pay your respect.

Weaving modern elements into a story that features actual historical figures and events does a neat job of tying Japan’s modern culture back to ancient roots. (Some of the episodes even contain little “The More You Know…” montages about the origins of different traditions, artforms, yadda yadda - so you’re learning while you watch! Yay!)

Underneath the skin, though, the show also has a huge heart. The characters seem a bit like cliches at first, but as the show progressed I got just enough of their backstories to love them all. I even got a little choked up when they tricked me into thinking the end was going to be… Just kidding, no spoilers.

Oh and the art was amazing. The art and the animation. I mean those fight sequences are some of the best that have ever been made, right?

And that one near-death dream sequence with Mugen was f*cking Art. I had to rewind and watch it a few more times before I could move on, I mean, WOW.

Can we talk about that zombie episode though? What was that about? And also that “baseball with Western assholes” one, which is hilarious if you first decide not to cringe.

Overall: Yeah, man. Loved it. I totally get why this is a classic. Although I’m glad I’m watching it now instead of a decade ago when it was popular. Now that I’m all growed up, I can fully appreciate that Champloo isn’t just cool, it’s also super smart.

Rating: Three thumbs up.

Your Champloo gif moment of zen:

You’re like our local hero, man. It would mean a lot.

+ bonus

“samurai wakes up in the present day”

Okay, so he’s got a girly face, and he wears tights and some high boots. Sure.

But check out that noble steed. That’s one ready-to-kick-ass-and-take-names steed.

While other princesses just run away and leave nothing, Philip gets AN INVITE TO HER HOUSE. He gets a song, a dance, and a first date.

He comes home, just to tell his dad he’s not going to marry the princess because he’s in love.

No. Other. Reason. He rides in and is just like, “I met the girl I’m going to marry. Now I’ve got a birthday party to be at. Bye Dad.”

Now how much do you think his dad weighs? That short fat little man? Probably pretty heavy.Not a problem for Prince Philip.

And then he gets jumped by goblins, both hands tied behind his back

But that’s not enough to stop Prince Philip.Oh no.

He breaks his hands free and starts chucking goblins.

Look at that face. That face. The “BITCH JUST YOU WAIT” face. He may be tied down by a dozen goblins but he’s not gonna take no shit from this witch.

In fact, he’s so strong, she ends up keeping him chained to the wall, but he still fights back.

Now when he finally does get free–

He’s ready to go into battle UNARMED. He don’t need no shield or sword, he’s going to go punch Maleficent’s face in with his fist. If Flora didn’t stop him, he probably would have, too.

Backed up against a cliff edge, nowhere to go. Fighting off goblins. But there’s so many and just one Philip.

NBD I’LL JUST JUMP AND SLIDE DOWN THE ROCK PILE IN MY SKIN-TIGHT TIGHTS.

Gate closing?

who gives a fuck? certainly not prince philip.

Lighting hitting rocks around me?

NBD BRO

Giant forest of thorns?

Bitch, get out of my way. I’ve got a princess to save.

Giant dragon of hell?

CHARGE HEAD ON.

Fire? Dragon? Burning dry twigs? No. Fucking. Problem.

Just smack that bitch on the nose.

Sheer cliff face? Fire burning behind me? Back to a wall?

Calm down guys, I got this.

I’LL JUST FUCKING SCALE IT ONE-HANDED.

And fight the bloody beast from 500 feet high, with literally nothing to save me if I fall.

Lose the shield off the cliff?

JUST STAND THERE AND SMILE ‘CAUSE I’VE GOT A FUCKING MAGIC SWORD THAT’S GOING THROUGH YOUR HEART BITCH.

Just chuck it. Straight through.

Then jump out of the way…

And survive. That’s what happens to bitches who mess with the woman I love.

Get the horse.

Get the girl.

EXPLAIN NOTHING.

that’s how he EARNED his happily ever after.

me: *runs into someone*

NPC: Hey, Be careful!

me: