Since quite a few years back, it's been quite commonplace in fantasy anime and manga to represent casting magic as some kinds of 2D circles or geometric figures with patterns, possibly multiple ones, as in the image on the right (Frieren). I see this idea used in almost all – if not all – anime and manga now.

It hasn't always been that way though. Older anime and manga used other and different kinds of representations, say from blinking stars (image on the left, Majokko Megu-chan) to smoke, or even just sound effects.

I'm just curious: does anyone have any info or links to share about how this "2D representation" came about and why it's become so popular? Cheers!

Over a year ago I made this post: https://lemmy.world/post/29657860 welp, given a good amount of the comments are deleted and it's been a while. Figured I'd redo this one.

What's your favorite anime, tell us with quotes only

The story follows the life of a young woman with an intellectual disability who ends up involved in nighttime work, leading to a tragic outcome. Critics accuse the work of profiting from the exploitation of vulnerable people and demand that its production be halted.

https://x.com/i/status/2081696104350122142

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/71670836

https://youtube.com/shorts/UCaO_XT2Q_c

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.world/post/48681138

In 2022, a clip of the anime Serial Exeriments Lain that aired after 9/11 went viral online and was described as "bizarre" and "surreal." This is the full story of how that clip came about, from the PBS station KTEH to its upload last year.

Uploaded to YouTube by Dan's Screen Takes.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/71166238

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/71166177

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.dbzer0.com/post/71160508

It's such a dumb premise but I guess it's so stupid that it works.

Did you watch it? What's your favourite quote? Would you fly to Thailand to become an idol?

Illustrations are fine, but who on the earth wrote the stories? The stories I guess are based on the 1st season? of the Abydos High School stories on game.... But it's worse than the og one. Sensei do nothing overall, amased! It's rubbish.......

How abt you guys? What do you think abt this piece of anime? Do you think it's good or bad? And what are the reasons for that? And (doesn't matter if you don't like or like) what's your favourite episode from this anime?

I Finished Both Youkai Apato no Yuuga na Nichijou (Season 1 & 2 )and Kusunoki's Garden of Gods (till epsiode 9)— Hidden Gems for Fans of Supernatural Slice of Life

If you're tired of overpowered protagonists, endless fanservice, and constant action scenes, I highly recommend giving these two series a chance.

Youkai Apato no Yuuga na Nichijou creates a warm and welcoming atmosphere where humans and yokai coexist. The apartment setting feels alive, and many of the supernatural characters have surprisingly touching stories.

Kusunoki's Garden of Gods delivers a similarly peaceful experience but with a stronger focus on gods, nature, and rural life. The slow pacing and beautiful interactions between characters make it a relaxing read after a stressful day.

What I enjoyed most is that neither series relies on big battles or world-ending threats. Instead, they focus on everyday moments, friendships, personal growth, and the small connections that make life meaningful.

For me, these are the kind of stories that remind you anime and light novels don't always need intense action to be memorable.

Has anyone else read or watched these? Which one did you prefer and why?

Free live watch party — we're streaming the new Fist of the North Star anime right now at Comfy Kino Buds. No signup, just come through. https://psp-tv.com/r/CKB

Back in the day I subbed two episodes of an anime for a convention. I'd really like to see this anime again. But, as this was about 25 years ago, I remember next to nothing about it. I'm pretty sure there was an invasion and there was a boy caught in the middle of it. The anime must've been new at the time, as a friend imported it himself to show new stuff at the convention.

Does this ring a bell for anyone? I truly don't remember anything else about this, despite spending so much time subbing it. I remember doing subtitles in different colors, but not the anime itself.

cross-posted from: https://lemmy.ml/post/44654437

i was a little disappointed to see there aren't many spinoffs or anything. i'm hungry for in-universe content but also generally for similar media. i love the noir and dystopian vibes, and just the way the plot progresses. does anyone have recommendations for similar anime?