Mushishi

[Shadowmage]

This is an interesting anime. 2005 has been a ripe year, and Mushishi looks like a good addition. While it is nowhere near groundbreaking, it is on of the few shows that permeates orignality. On that note, this show is more laid back and melancholy; there is virtually no action, but the mysterious ambience along with the characters carry the story. Those who want to see a genuinely original series should give this show a look.

Intro
None.

Part I
The animation is simple, the character designs are simple, and the music is simple as well. While there is nothing that really distinguishes this anime from many others, the show boasts some potential. Probably the only thing the anime does extremely well is that it vividly captures melancholy life. In that sense, the relatively laid back aesthetics fit perfectly.

Eyecatch
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/vlcsnap-1713265.png
I can't believe it's not Ghibli!

Part II
The focus of the show, the Mushis, are given some background. They seem to be an avatar of some sort of life stream (Shameless FF7 plug). Anyways, the series is really trying to go the episodic position. Much like Jigoku Shoujo, this show will probably have many well developed once-and-done characters. I just hope the main character gets some background as well.

Eyecatch
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/vlcsnap-1713427.png
Not Onegai Twins! (Yes, bad picture comments)

Grade: 4/5
Interest: 3.5/5

There is so much this series could have done better, but I have no idea what direction they intend to go, so I'll withhold my opinions. Personally, I fear the slow pace and the episodic component. As long as the series manages to come full circle (and the Mushis serve a larger purpose in the plot), I see another potentially good anime.

[Sorrow-kun]

I can't believe AA has gone so long without comment on it. Anyway, some people say it has a Kino no Tabi vibe about it. That's good enough to sell me.

Acquiring now. Watch it late tonight. I'll comment then.

[Itachi Uchiha]

I watched like a week ago and just forgot about it...

Anyways, it's a very interesting concept for a show, but it was just so slow. If it weren’t for the fact that I have read the manga ahead of time I would have been pretty confused at parts too.

meh! I give it an A+ for creativity and C for actual delivery. I suggest reading the manga over the anime personally.

[Zushio]

Well, not a bad go at a review, but you've missed some stuff and screwed up some other things


Intro
None.

There actually was an intro, I'm kinda impressed that you missed it. The song is by some Irish folk group (I think), and is called "The Sore Feet Song". Personally, I love the song, I think it is perfect for the show and a very nice change from the usual crappy jpop that plauges anime.


Eyecatch
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/vlcsnap-1713265.png
I can't believe it's not Ghibli!

That wasn't the eyecatch, in fact, there isn't an eyecatch. At the end of that scene where Shinra is talking to his grandma in the white background the screen goes black and when it returns shinra is asleep, that is the commercial break. As I generally hate eyecatches in anime like this, I am glad it is not there.


The focus of the show, the Mushis, are given some background. They seem to be an avatar of some sort of life stream (Shameless FF7 plug).

You've entirely missed what the Mushi are, they aren't the avatars for some FF7 garbage. First off, there are many kinds of Mushi, and as the show describes they are beings close to life, they embody life, but are slightly removed from what we can understand as life. The lifestream thing is another kind of Mushi, one that promotes greenery and growth, the stream-like image itself is Mushi, think the Kotodama from Mononoke Hime.


Eyecatch
http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y257/Shadowmage_Shin/vlcsnap-1713427.png
Not Onegai Twins! (Yes, bad picture comments)

Again, not an eyecatch, and since when are there two commercial breaks in anime?


There is so much this series could have done better, but I have no idea what direction they intend to go, so I'll withhold my opinions. Personally, I fear the slow pace and the episodic component. As long as the series manages to come full circle (and the Mushis serve a larger purpose in the plot), I see another potentially good anime.

Well, to be honest, this couldnt' be done any better, it is nearly exact to the manga and is a refresing change from the usual supernatural crap that gets spewed out of the production companies. Also, while the first bit of Mushishi is episodic, there is an overarching plotline that will slowly be revealed, and Ginko will be a very interesting character by the time we get further in the story. Oh, and Mushi are very important.

I'm giving this anime a 98% for grade and a 100% for interest, as a scale out of 5 is just stupid and inacurate.

Also
I watched like a week ago and just forgot about it...
is simply impossible, as it only aired on Saturday (22nd) and the fansub wasn't out 'til Sunday afternoon.

[Itachi Uchiha]

is simply impossible, as it only aired on Saturday (22nd) and the fansub wasn't out 'til Sunday afternoon.
Lies! The file on my computer says it was downloaded on friday night. The rest is accounted to my poor sense of time from not sleeping.

[Shadowmage]

Well, not a bad go at a review, but you've missed some stuff and screwed up some other things.

There actually was an intro, I'm kinda impressed that you missed it. The song is by some Irish folk group (I think), and is called "The Sore Feet Song". Personally, I love the song, I think it is perfect for the show and a very nice change from the usual crappy jpop that plauges anime.
*Shadowmage kicks himself
Overall, it was a good song; it was very melancholy and light hearted.

That wasn't the eyecatch, in fact, there isn't an eyecatch. At the end of that scene where Shinra is talking to his grandma in the white background the screen goes black and when it returns shinra is asleep, that is the commercial break. As I generally hate eyecatches in anime like this, I am glad it is not there.
Just because it didn't catch your eye doesn't mean it didn't catch mine. Yes, this show is far too "soft" to have true eyecatches, but this was one of the more noteable scenes...
(Note: I think you misinterpreted what I meant by eyecatch.)

You've entirely missed what the Mushi are, they aren't the avatars for some FF7 garbage. First off, there are many kinds of Mushi, and as the show describes they are beings close to life, they embody life, but are slightly removed from what we can understand as life. The lifestream thing is another kind of Mushi, one that promotes greenery and growth, the stream-like image itself is Mushi, think the Kotodama from Mononoke Hime.
To put it simply, I understood what the Mushi are, but a poor job of wording my description. Yes, there is a lifestream. No, they are not necessarily avatars. (Actually, I was going to mention Princess Monoke, but I didn't know what the Kotodama were called.)
Anyways, they gave me the impression of an intangible entity that can take the form of humans. I said lifestream as more of generic term and the FF7 plug-in as sort of a joke. Sorry for the confusion.

Again, not an eyecatch, and since when are there two commercial breaks in anime?
I tend to split anime into two segments just for convenience sake. Call it tradition. :)

Well, to be honest, this couldnt' be done any better, it is nearly exact to the manga and is a refresing change from the usual supernatural crap that gets spewed out of the production companies. Also, while the first bit of Mushishi is episodic, there is an overarching plotline that will slowly be revealed, and Ginko will be a very interesting character by the time we get further in the story. Oh, and Mushi are very important.

I'm giving this anime a 98% for grade and a 100% for interest, as a scale out of 5 is just stupid and inacurate.
Your opinion. My current impressions do not dictate where this anime is going, nor does it decide my final grade. I have only seen one episode (and not the manga) so I'm judging based on that episode. Since I can see no tangible direction, I gave the anime an uncertain score. My expectations are uncertain, therefore my interest score reflects my feelings.


For some reason, I think your manga-fandom is guiding some of your comments, but at least I know this is one anime that I should keep my eye out for.

EDIT

Itachi: This proves that you are living in/around America. We are over half a day behind Japan.

[Sorrow-kun]

I think he means "screenshot" not "eyecatch". Anyway, no one's treating this like a formal review, it's more an opinion than anything else.

Lies! The file on my computer says it was downloaded on friday night. The rest is accounted to my poor sense of time from not sleeping.He's right, this is impossible. The fansub was released on the 23rd, so there's no way you could have had it on Friday. Either the dates on your computer are wrong, or you have access to some sort of time machine. Tell me about this time machine, I really badly need it at the moment.

[Itachi Uchiha]

My file isn't a fansub, it was streamed directly to me after it aired by a friend. Only I make mistakes, my computer doesn’t.

[Shadowmage]

My file isn't a fansub, it was streamed directly to me after it aired from a friend. Only I make mistakes, my computer doesn’t.
EDIT

Itachi: This proves that you are living in/around America. We are over half a day behind Japan.
This is why I hate writing long posts... Everybody avoids them.

[Itachi Uchiha]

meh! I trust my computer... but I will ask mike on irc just to in case my computer is wrong. Oh, and I did read your post too.

[Shadowmage]

meh! I trust my computer... but I will ask mike on irc just to in case my computer is wrong. Oh, and I did read your post too.
Hmmm... Interesting... O_O How did you get that raw?

Mushishi
Japan-Saturday, 27:50
America-Saturday, 13:50

[Itachi Uchiha]

Well I get almost all my anime's raw over irc... it's easy to understand japanese but it's really hard to read and write it.

Anyways, you guys are right. My computers time is messed up it says it's 24 and 12:40 currently, while my watch that says it's the 25 and 11:50.

[Tremolo]

Episode One.

I dug this.

If you don't like your anime slow-paced, don't watch this and then bitch about the pace afterwards. Seriously.

I was utterly mesmerised by this episode, from the stumptuous colours to Ginko's musings. He's a very cool main character and I can't wait to see him develop some more - Zushio's comments have left me very intrigued.

As Sorrow mentioned earlier, the Kino no Tabi vibe is certainly there. Fans of that series should most certainly enjoy this. It's always a plus to see an anime with a strikingly different concept to it, executed in a way that a lot of anime isn't nowadays.

And as for the OP (which I loved), it's by this guy: http://www.allykerr.com/
Interesting to see that his debut album came out in Japan first, hence a song from it being used here. It fits perfectly.

So, Mushishi, the hidden gem of the Autumn season? If it keeps up this quality, it could well be. This will never be hugely popular, this will never be on Adult Swim, but like Kino I can see this acquiring a quiet, devoted fanbase.

Give it a watch.

[Shadowmage]

If you don't like your anime slow-paced, don't watch this and then bitch about the pace afterwards. Seriously.

You've just scared away 3/4 of the fanbase ;)

Anyways, I've rewatched the first episode, and it turned out to be a lot better than the first time. I'm still worried that this might become too episodic, but I can see this becoming a hidden gem.

[Zushio]

I've watched it twice now and it keeps getting better. Also I really love the opening, going so far as to find the full version of it and music video.

[Kiba]

This seems like something I'd be interested in watching, and artistry looks absolutly stunning, but I'm kinda bogged down with other titles at the moment so this one might have to wait.

[mmyy]

I'm glad that I'm not the only one thinking along the lines of Kino and Ghibli. Incredible show, I was really touched by the mushi images and of course the beautiful trees and leaves. Superb animation for a show guaranteed to be forgotten by most. Can't wait to see more of this. :D

[Ghostmaster]

The animation is actually very nice from what I see there. It does remind me a little of Ghibli, but its different.

[mmyy]

Wow. Guess what. There's gonna be a live-action movie for this.

From AnimeNewsService:

It's been revealed Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira, Steamboy) will direct a live action movie version of Yuki Urushibara's Mushishi manga. A contents fund method will be used to find the project through the Japan Digital Contents Trust. A special fund type called "Cinema Trust-Master" will be used. The original manga has sold 1.2 million copies. A TV animation based on the work began broadcast in Japan on October 22nd, directed by Hiroshi Nagahama. Starring will be popular actors Joe Odagiri and Ezumi Makiko, the opening is planned for winter of 2006. A production capital of about one billion yen will be procured.

It is the same Mushishi right? ^^;

[Tremolo]

Wow. Guess what. There's gonna be a live-action movie for this.

From AnimeNewsService:

It's been revealed Katsuhiro Otomo (Akira, Steamboy) will direct a live action movie version of Yuki Urushibara's Mushishi manga. A contents fund method will be used to find the project through the Japan Digital Contents Trust. A special fund type called "Cinema Trust-Master" will be used. The original manga has sold 1.2 million copies. A TV animation based on the work began broadcast in Japan on October 22nd, directed by Hiroshi Nagahama. Starring will be popular actors Joe Odagiri and Ezumi Makiko, the opening is planned for winter of 2006. A production capital of about one billion yen will be procured.

It is the same Mushishi right? ^^;

Oh gosh. Yeah, it must be the same Mushishi. Evidently it must be really popular in Japan if there's an anime (which isn't exactly low budget - check out how fluid it all is, it's gorgeous) and a movie on the way - in many ways only the Japanese would latch on to something so leisurely paced and different.

The animation is actually very nice from what I see there. It does remind me a little of Ghibli, but its different.

Watch the episode, then come back and say if it reminds you of Ghibli. The only comparisons I can make are the focus on nature that Miyazaki tends to do, otherwise I just don't see it. As I said, this is rather akin to a more supernatural Kino no Tabi... make of that what you will.

[lady_kiyano]

i think ill look for that.:cat:

[Kiba]

Watched the first episode last night and it completely blew my away, it was very heart warming yet at the same time leaves you feeling sad, I really enjoyed it and will continue to watch.

[Sorrow-kun]

Watch the episode, then come back and say if it reminds you of Ghibli. The only comparisons I can make are the focus on nature that Miyazaki tends to do, otherwise I just don't see it. As I said, this is rather akin to a more supernatural Kino no Tabi... make of that what you will.If anything, it actually reminds me of Hundred Stories, minus the "Sick, Sad World" aspect. Anyway, I've watched the first episode, and had to say, it really has me intrigued... though maybe not super excited like some other titles this season. Anyway, second episode out for people who haven't noticed yet.

* Sorrow-kun "acquires"

Edit: Second episode.

Wow, this is really good. It reminds me of those internation folklore animation shorts I sometimes see on SBS (fellow Australians might know to what I'm referring).

I'm loving the atmosphere. The music is tops. And Ginko's actually a really cool character... something I don't think you generally find in such a series (not that I've seen many similar anime; I think Kino and Hundred Stories are the only two I can think of off-hand that even come close to resembling this. Oh yeah, and I'm certainly not implying that Kino isn't a cool character... Kino > life.)

But yeah, this is good stuff so far.

[Tremolo]

i think ill look for that

But WILL you?! So many people say this to simply +1 and it irritates me. Don't post if you have no intention of watching it, that's all I can say. But then again, we might be blessed with lady_kiyano's thoughts on Mushishi soon, who knows...

And sorrow, I agree with the Hundred Stories comparisons. Obviously that was very different stylistically, but there are a few similarities in how the stories are told that makes it relevant.

Episode Two.

Well, that was lovely. Perhaps a bit more immediate and easier to understand than the first episode, but the pace remains the same and the deliciously eerie, melancholy atmosphere is here in spades.

The animation continues to be quietly gorgeous and the music manages to enhance the mood without you even noticing at times. With Mushishi "subtle" really is the word of the day, and yet it just works.

People who need things explained every step of the way will absolutely loathe this, but I love the fact that the series dares to be a bit "mystical" (trite as that word is, it's still relevant).

Loving this. Hidden gem of the season. Better than Paradise Kiss (:D).

[soundchazer]

But WILL you?! So many people say this to simply +1 and it irritates me. Don't post if you have no intention of watching it, that's all I can say. But then again, we might be blessed with lady_kiyano's thoughts on Mushishi soon, who knows...

And sorrow, I agree with the Hundred Stories comparisons. Obviously that was very different stylistically, but there are a few similarities in how the stories are told that makes it relevant.

Episode Two.

Well, that was lovely. Perhaps a bit more immediate and easier to understand than the first episode, but the pace remains the same and the deliciously eerie, melancholy atmosphere is here in spades.

The animation continues to be quietly gorgeous and the music manages to enhance the mood without you even noticing at times. With Mushishi "subtle" really is the word of the day, and yet it just works.

People who need things explained every step of the way will absolutely loathe this, but I love the fact that the series dares to be a bit "mystical" (trite as that word is, it's still relevant).

Loving this. Hidden gem of the season. Better than Paradise Kiss (:D).

I don't think comparing the 2 is fair to either one of the shows. They are so vastly different in approach that it would be like comparing Life is Beautiful to Silence of the Lambs.

Both are good series, intended for different audiences.

[Tremolo]

I don't think comparing the 2 is fair to either one of the shows. They are so vastly different in approach that it would be like comparing Life is Beautiful to Silence of the Lambs.

Both are good series, intended for different audiences.

Eh, probably. I'm just trying to provoke interest from people who are unsure of checking this series out. If I say "Hay! It's a wee bit like...", people will be all "Oh, I liked that, I'll have to give this a watch". As I said, the styles and approach is dramatically different, but the anthology/episodic nature based on a kind of folksy theme is similar and I think worthy of mentioning.

But really, there's not a lot out there like Mushishi.

[soundchazer]

Eh, probably. I'm just trying to provoke interest from people who are unsure of checking this series out. If I say "Hay! It's a wee bit like...", people will be all "Oh, I liked that, I'll have to give this a watch". As I said, the styles and approach is dramatically different, but the anthology/episodic nature based on a kind of folksy theme is similar and I think worthy of mentioning.

But really, there's not a lot out there like Mushishi.

I think we are misunderstanding each other. I meant the comparison with Paradise Kiss. The other comparison was a bit more in the "apples to apples" category. Still... the anime that bears the most resemblance to this one would Kino no tabi, and that is a very good thing.

[Tremolo]

I think we are misunderstanding each other. I meant the comparison with Paradise Kiss. The other comparison was a bit more in the "apples to apples" category. Still... the anime that bears the most resemblance to this one would Kino no tabi, and that is a very good thing.

Ohh, right. Yeah, a silly sweeping statement but one I'll still stand by. I'm finding AA's ParaKiss mania slightly wearing (it's very good, but I still prefer the manga), and I was more pointing out that quality-wise Mushishi is the superior show, completely different in every respect that they are.

And yeah, it's imply oozing with that Kino no Tabi atmosphere. All it needs is a talking motorcycle and some random philosophical phrases flashing up on screen every now and then and we're set.

[soundchazer]

Ok... I watched episode 2, and I must admit, from the artistry standpoint, this is one of the better shows out there. Very original, with good concepts, incredible incidental music themes and well cast in terms of the seiyuu.

Pacing might be the only minus for some people at this point. Quite honestly, while I really like these type of series, I enjoy the "Paradise Kiss" type more. I have to be in a very specific mood to really get engaged in the type of stories Mushishi presents.

[Shadowmage]

Episode 2

Overall, I think that this show is better than Paradise Kiss, but not as entertaining as the later. The show does a good job setting ambience, but the audience have to be in tune with the show in order to get the full experience. This series is definitely going the way of an episodic series, but the show is 2 for 2 as far as one-piece episodes go.

[Kiba]

After watching episode two last night, I immediately fell in love with this show, it was absolutely gorgeous, and really knows how to set the mood of each scene. You can't help but love it.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

wow i just saw this and im getting a whole i-cant-believe-its-not-Ghibli vibe. the animation is very laid back and actually related well to the anime and the story is quite interesting. the first thing i thot when i saw the Mushi was i see them too. and i do, sometimes i see things like that floating across my line of view transparent of course. now everyone will be all "Dude ur whack" w/e i see em and i like em and i think ill like this anime. its a series of one shots, which i didnt figure at first cuz the ending completely threw me off!!!! now i must go find the manga and read it. overall i would give it a rating of 9.3/10 its a good change from the hurried, fighting, shouting, craziness of naruto, samurai champloo and all the other anime. oh and that opening song is very cool, must find it!!

[soundchazer]

I will say this much. So far it is in the 90+ range for me as well.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

i just like how laid back it is it doesnt force ur attention like Bleach and Naruto but it easily draws ur attention in without using any ploys like big swords or kickass fights

[Tremolo]

i just like how laid back it is it doesnt force ur attention like Bleach and Naruto but it easily draws ur attention in without using any ploys like big swords or kickass fights

That's because it's not shounen. There's quite a bit of different, more slow-paced stuff like this out there, you just can't have seen it.

And I still think it's nothing like Ghibli.

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

i have seen slower stuff but they still have been Shonen stuff, i think. well with the mushi thing it reminds me of those things, u know the wobbly little men in white that live in trees, from monoke ... i think. im not saying its ghibli frame for frame it just reminds me of ghibli thats all.

[Tremolo]

i have seen slower stuff but they still have been Shonen stuff, i think. well with the mushi thing it reminds me of those things, u know the wobbly little men in white that live in trees, from monoke ... i think. im not saying its ghibli frame for frame it just reminds me of ghibli thats all.

Shounen stuff is never slow-paced, that's why it's shounen. People may complain about fight pacing, but it still hooks the target audience. /weird tangent.

I guess there are comparisons between this and Mononoke, but it's all derived from Japanese folklore, hence the similarities.

...Aah, constant comparing, where would we be without it, eh?

[w0lfW00ds_gh0st]

...Aah, constant comparing, where would we be without it, eh?

life wouldnt be quite the same without it =P

[mmyy]

I've just seen episode 2. Am I the only one who thinks the Mushis are quite disturbing creatures? Those eyes (or eyelids) scare me!

As comparisons go, I like this more than Paradise Kiss, but I like Kino no Tabi more still. :D

[Kiba]

Episode 3: Episode three is simply breathtaking. The series once again succeeds in creating a mythical story out of a daily problem, some may counter in life.

On another note I really like how this episode, is the contrast between hot and cold and between silence and noise. It's very intirguing to see the episode suggesting that cold is often associated with silence while hot is associated with sound. Also this type of viallge is perfect for this kind of story.

[Shadowmage]

Episode 3

This show is really intriguing, but I hope that the series drops the episodic formula soon. I do realize that the anime is really a collection of short stories tied together by the Mushi, but I'm hoping that they will eventually tie all the elements together. Anyways, this was another good, melancholy episode. As Kiba said, the contrasts are extremely nice in this warm series. Let's see what the next episode has in store for us.

[Zushio]

i have seen slower stuff but they still have been Shonen stuff, i think.

The word you are looking for is Seinen, I can't remember the exact meaning but it essentially means older boys. Stuff like Monster, Mushishi, G Senjou Heaven's Door, and other heavily plot based manga/anime.

Haven't seen ep 3 yet, but looking foreward to it.

[Sorrow-kun]

This show is really intriguing, but I hope that the series drops the episodic formula soon. I do realize that the anime is really a collection of short stories tied together by the Mushi, but I'm hoping that they will eventually tie all the elements together.Wow, really? I'm not expecting it to be anything other than episodic, and, personally, I just don't think it'll work if it tries to adopt an arc formula for telling its story, or trying to tie everything together. The only reason I could see why it would (should) adopt the arc formula would be if it wanted to spend a series of episodes on Ginko's past. Other than that, I can't see any reason why the formula it's using now shouldn't continue all the way to the end. If there's any types of series were the episodic style works extremely well, it's these ones. Actually, I'd say the reason why this particular series is so strong so far is because its short stories are so fascinating.

Speaking of fascinating short stories, episode 3 was great. This has been my second favourite series from this season. Everything about this series so far seems to work so well: the superb animation, the excellent music and atmosphere (I must have that soundtrack!!!), and the stories. Good stuff.

[Shadowmage]

Wow, really? I'm not expecting it to be anything other than episodic, and, personally, I just don't think it'll work if it tries to adopt an arc formula for telling its story, or trying to tie everything together. The only reason I could see why it would (should) adopt the arc formula would be if it wanted to spend a series of episodes on Ginko's past. Other than that, I can't see any reason why the formula it's using now shouldn't continue all the way to the end. If there's any types of series were the episodic style works extremely well, it's these ones. Actually, I'd say the reason why this particular series is so strong so far is because its short stories are so fascinating.

In a sense I agree, but I'm worried that there will be some dull episodes which could severely hurt the overall experience of the series. With little buffers for each self contained episodes, a few poorly crafted episodes can easily flip the table. Anways, it seems that I'll have to take the Animatrix approach to this anime; there is little I can compare this show with. (No, I have not watched Kino's Journey.)

[mmyy]

(No, I have not watched Kino's Journey.)

Oh god, you MUST.

Let's see if this fails first, or Jigoku Shoujo. Or maybe none. :D

[Shadowmage]

Oh god, you MUST.

Let's see if this fails first, or Jigoku Shoujo. Or maybe none. :D
That is why it's on my wishlist (http://www.deepdiscountdvd.com/dvd.cfm?itemID=ADV013192).

[Kiba]

Episode 4: This episode is much different than the previous episodes in a sense because it's much more darker than the others and several scenes in this episode are quite graphic. But I certainly welcomed the change. I really thought the story of this episode was much more creative than the episodes that have been aired thus far and It's certainly a relief to see that the series is still able to maintain it's high-quality from previous episodes.

[Tremolo]

Did you watch the RAW, Kiba? I can't seem to find any sub release of the fourth episode yet.

EDIT: The sub is now out :D

Episode 3.

I know it's only the third episode, and this is a little premature... but I'm quietly confident that if Mushishi keeps up its current quality it will become one of the greatest anime of all time. I really mean that.

I'm honestly at the point where words can't do the sheer brilliance of this show justice, but I really am loving every moment. This is absolute beautiful stuff and I implore anyone who isn't put off by a slow pace to watch it yet to do so as soon as possible.

[Kiba]

Did you watch the RAW, Kiba? I can't seem to find any sub release of the fourth episode yet.
Only because I made the mistake of failing to notice the RAW stamp next to the episode title. I had really no intention of watching it without the subtitles, my Japanese isn't all that great, but I was bored.

[aeroshadow]

I'm just letting everyone know that I've watched the four episodes that have been released. It's very good so far. At first, I was turned off by the strange design of the main character, as in the few promotional pictures I was able to come across, the art looked very weak. Obviously, that is not the case. The art is freaking incredible.

[Sorrow-kun]

Yah, as have I. Thoughts on this episode: Mostly agree with Kiba. What made it darker than the previous episodes was the fact that it lacked thehappy resolutionthat all the previous episodes had. I think it's interesting that Ginko seems so modern compared with his surroundings as well. I'm not sure what age the universe Mushishi is set in is based on, but it seems like it's made up of a real mish-mash of influences from different historical periods... some from the samurai age, some from a time later, some from a time earlier.

I have some suspicions that Ginko's lifetime is significantly longer than that of an average man's. The way they portrayed the year to go past in a matter of minutes in the episode was the first thing that made me think this, but looking back, he seems to have a massive and intimate knowledge about specific Mushi cases, so I don't find it a long putt to suspect he may have gathered this knowledge over a very, very long time. Especially considering how young he looks.

But, this continues to be a truly amazing show. A+ production value, perfect atmosphere and all the stories told so far have been engrossing and fascinating. I think it was Trem who said it (forgive me if I'm wrong), that this is gonna shake up a lot of people's top ten lists. I can't disagree with that at this stage.

[Zushio]

The issue with timelines dates back to the manga. When it was first published the manga-ka didn't really want any ties between the stories other than Ginko, so some of them take place in very modern times at the start.

The second episode (which is actually chapter 4 or 5) specifially takes place in a fairly modern world, as indicated by the syringe and talk of optomitrists. After the first volume of manga things settle down into the time period seen in the first, third and fourth episodes.

[Ghostmaster]

Well I finally started to watch this series. I saw the first two episodes. I have to say I've never seen anything like it. There basically is only one main character and he wanders around trying to help this people with Mushi problems. It's done beautifully and is definately an eyecatcher in terms of animation. However I'm very interested to see how this anime plays out. Anyone know how long it's going to be?

[Linuts]

I think the setting maybe still in modern times, but only in the more rural areas of Japan? Or Ginko can do things with time because of Mushis. Who knows :P.

In any case, I've been watching up to ep 4 and I love it. The one thing it does best is giving you a whole new perspective/or more insight of our own senses. Creative and insightful, this is another contender for best Anime of this year ^^.

And yes, ep 4 was very depressing. It seems the series keeps getting darker and darker. I wonder if it will keep that pace o_O.

[Kiba]

And yes, ep 4 was very depressing. It seems the series keeps getting darker and darker. I wonder if it will keep that pace o_O.
Well from I can tell of episode five it certainly is heading down that darker road, possibly with a few lighter episodes placed here and there.

[Ghostmaster]

Episode 4 was the most dramatic of them all so far. It was interesting to learn how mushis can enter aperson's dream, but yes it was depressing.

[C0MPL3X]

picture (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a258/L4lN/eye.jpg)
An image I thought was interesting in episode 2. Especially after having seen which side of eyes he pulled out. Something that made a lot of people think about I think, and for those who didn't, well, maybe a good time to do so perhaps.

Hope the anime continues to be this creative and ethereal. Brilliant stuff.

EDIT: VV I'm so sorry. I think I had a brain freeze after my previous anime spree. Reflection=NOchanging side. *goes to purge myself*
(or maybe my imagination of it being just more than what it is...ugh)

[Zushio]

picture (http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a258/L4lN/eye.jpg)
An image I thought was interesting in episode 2. Especially after having seen which side of eyes he pulled out. Something that made a lot of people think about I think, and for those who didn't, well, maybe a good time to do so perhaps.

Hope the anime continues to be this creative and ethereal. Brilliant stuff.

I don't get it, it's a reflection... what's to think about?

[Sorrow-kun]

Wow. What a brilliant episode.

One of the things I really liked about this episode (five) was that it was the first time since the first episode that an attempt to personify the Mushi was made. And it worked perfectly, IMO. The story was less about a person dealing with a Mushi and more their relationship with the Mushi. And what a moving story it was.

Mushishi continues to be the best anime of this season. I'd be very surprised if anyone who's been following it will disagree. It's really making a very strong case for best anime of the year as well, in my eyes.

[Kiba]

Episode 5

Like Sorrow-kun previously stated, this is another brilliant episode, and to make it all the more brilliant we also have the return of Morita Shinobu (Honey and Clover) or more so his voice actor Ueda Yuuji.

I too really liked the emphasis on the relationship between the Mushi and its host body, it sort of allows you to see the Mushis more as living organisms and less like troubling parasites. I also found it fascinating how the creators purpously chose to colour the girl's hair green, it really serves a purpose to the storyline and is not just used as a method so the viewer can distinguish her from other characters. The adition of Adashino-sensei I again found fascinating because it shows that Ginko isn't just collecting the weird memento (the boy's horns and the green Sakazuki) for keepsake, but for the purpose of funding his life/trip.

The creepiest part in this episode I think is were the girl is used as a sacraficial lamb by her parents and villagers in order to staisfy the water God.

[Sorrow-kun]

I didn't think this episode (six) was quite as good as the previous episodes. I found this particular story fairly boring, and the characters a bit pedestrian. The resolution didn't sit well with me either.Although I was impressed with the scene where Akoya explains to Ginko her experiences while... err... under the influences of the Mushi, I still couldn't totally understand why she went back to being the Living Godess. And even though I do realize they were angry at the fact that they'd been deceived by a false religion, I couldn't even totally understand why the villagers killed her father.IMO, this has probably been the low of an otherwise brilliant series. It's still a good episode, but not the excellence I've come to expect from this series.

[Taleweaver]

I beg to differ. Well, at least a little.

While the villagers' reaction (kill the girl's father) was a little extreme and definitely scripted for maximum drama, it was understandable nonetheless considering the father had knowingly lived off their faith in nonexistent miracles, and the murder was a result of their shattered hopes. As for the girl's return to the state of Living Goddess, the only part I didn't like about that is the fact that it's now suddenly non-reversible.
I smell the Scriptwriter's Crowbar here, and that's a smell I particularly dislike. If you're trying to go for some melancholy, at least don't force it on the viewers.

[Ghostmaster]

I still have to watch episode 5, but I did download six the other day. Does anyone know ahow long the manga is, or how long they are going to do the show?

[Tremolo]

I still have to watch episode 5, but I did download six the other day. Does anyone know ahow long the manga is, or how long they are going to do the show?

You're annoying and contribute nothing to any merit or worth to this thread at all, but I might as well answer your question. There are four volumes of the manga so far, obviously not available in the US. I should reckon there's material there for a good twenty episodes - I've read the first volume and there are five chapters, which have each been adapted into the first five episodes, so take that how you want. Mushishi is surprisingly very, very popular in Japan so it wouldn't surprise me if the anime lasted longer than 13 episodes, although nothing's been confirmed at all. 13 episodes seems like a nice length, it just depends how many stories the anime producers want to tell.

[soundchazer]

Hey now... no need to get testy. The guy asked a valid question.

[Tremolo]

Hey now... no need to get testy. The guy asked a valid question.

Do you want me to lie to the kid, SC? Do you? That'd be wrong, SC, wrong!

I know it's a free for all, but I so enjoy these threads because people actually put effort into their posts and there's some actual discussion going on, as opposed to some guy coming in and telling us he acquired the latest few episodes when no one cares. You can tick me off if you want, but that's what I think.

[Sorrow-kun]

I can see what you're saying, but let's leave the drama and bullshit for the crappy threads, and make only quality posts and discussions in these threads. If some jerk wants to ruin it with crap, let the mods deal with it. But let's set a good example, and just ignore it. With any amount of luck, they'll go away.

^ Last off-topic post you'll see from me in this thread.

[Ghostmaster]

You're annoying and contribute nothing to any merit or worth to this thread at all, but I might as well answer your question. There are four volumes of the manga so far, obviously not available in the US. I should reckon there's material there for a good twenty episodes - I've read the first volume and there are five chapters, which have each been adapted into the first five episodes, so take that how you want. Mushishi is surprisingly very, very popular in Japan so it wouldn't surprise me if the anime lasted longer than 13 episodes, although nothing's been confirmed at all. 13 episodes seems like a nice length, it just depends how many stories the anime producers want to tell.

First of all you don't need to tell me I'm annoying I'm justing asking a question because I like the show. I happen to agree with you that the show will 13 episodes. I don't think it needs to go past that length. But like I said it depends on how long the manga is which you said is currently four volumes. So please stop being so defensive. I'm sorry if I went off topic, I will just talk about the show from now on. But you don't have to be such an ass about it. Anyway, I thought episode five was depressing, but deep. It depicted the true essence of nature and what it means to be connected to nature. Episode six was better I think. There was a real story behind the whole island. I didn't really like the fact that the left the island so that more people could become the Living God.

[C0MPL3X]

As for the girl's return to the state of Living Goddess, the only part I didn't like about that is the fact that it's now suddenly non-reversible.

did they say it was non-reversible? I'm pretty sure Ginko only said something like 'it will be more difficult to remove'. But the difficulty of removing the mushi became irrelevant when the girl chose to remain as 'living godess', because of how she is constantly afraid of 'living' after her father has died. And its arguable that it was best for her, as the boy claims that she is able to smile with content only as a living Godess. I'm not exactly sure what this episode tried to delve into (relationship between time and happiness? What is ultimate happiness? Human fraility in the face of the terrifying entities that are in motion with time?), unlike the previous episodes where it was clear what concepts/fantasy aspects the episode was trying to explore. Maybe I need to watch it again.

[aeroshadow]

I absolutely love how this show can remain fresh despite its episodic nature, as it simply just doesn't get repetitive. Well, I enjoyed this latest episode, contrary to Sorrow-kun's opinion. (My least favorite episode thus far is probably the third one.)

When I watch this, I don't always understand exactly what is going on, as I usually simply breathe in the extremely well done atmosphere instead of trying to figure out exactly what is going on (don't worry, I'm not completely lost). Anyways, I know this sounds really stupid, but this episode's subject matter reminded me of abused drugs, especially stimulants. I mean seriously, after the girl sniffed those flowers, her sense of time accelerated. There were even withdrawal effects! LOL, I'm probably horribly wrong.

Yeah. Whatever.

[soundchazer]

Ok... I'm a little behind on this one. Just watched episode 5.

Beautiful stuff. I really loved to see how Mushishis made a living, and the fact that our particular Mushishi has friends. The ending was absolutely brilliant and unexpected, but since mushi are closer to animals than humans, it made perfect sense. There are many insects that do what the swamp did before dying.

[Sorrow-kun]

Well, I enjoyed this latest episode, contrary to Sorrow-kun's opinion. (My least favorite episode thus far is probably the third one.)Well, that's funny. The third was one of my favourites.

[Linuts]

I guess ep 6 gave a weaker impression because its message wasn't as clear as the past eps. All I get from this is, being alive, and the process of sacrificing your own for the next generation is a fulfilling experience.. The people of that village were experiencing that time and time again, so I guess that's why they feel so contend. I guess this ep is completely open for interpretation. This is still a great show, nonetheless.

[Kiba]

Episode 6

This episode was another fascinating look at Japan's culture and tradtion something I find quite fascinating. Clearly the focus on this episode was the concept of Ikigami whcih is a living God/deity. The practice of worshipping another human-being as a God is a well-known tradition in Japan. Anyways back to the episode itself, I found it to be quite the downer, and in the end life didn't really improve for Nagi and his village, but atleast they don't have to give away their produce to someone undeserving and Nagi and spend his life near Akoya. This episode also does a really good job with the island setting and how the colour purple was infused into every scene, that was really breath taking I thought.

Now time for episode 7.

[C0MPL3X]

Anyways, I know this sounds really stupid, but this episode's subject matter reminded me of abused drugs, especially stimulants. I mean seriously, after the girl sniffed those flowers, her sense of time accelerated. There were even withdrawal effects! LOL, I'm probably horribly wrong.

I don't know about drugs...more like a parasite...or bacteria...
But the withdrawl effects, I perfectly agree with. She must increase the rate of change in her time frame, as that of the mushi (which is 1 day), so that she can not possibly keep up with all the changes and the end, she feels just content, feeling fulfilled. Using mushi as a means of escaping the all that lies and fears of life, trying to become a happier being than living as a normal human, themes that the shows like Eva and Lain tries to cover.
In one episode...o well, at least it was refreshing.

Clearly the focus on this episode was the concept of Ikigami whcih is a living God/deity. The practice of worshipping another human-being as a God is a well-known tradition in Japan.
that was certainly an interesting aspect of japanese culture to look at, but I never considered that the focus of the show for obvious reasons.

Also, another reason why I love Mushishi but I need a screencap to better explain that...may edit this later.

[Sorrow-kun]

Episode 7 was another great episode, IMO. Another extremely fascinating story. But, considering we've been getting one of those every episode, it almost goes without saying.

A tiny bit of insight into Ginko's character this time. He journeys "without reason". It very much remined me of Kino's attitude towards being a traveller, although Ginko's way of travelling very much lacks the military-like structure of Kino's travels (ie, 3 days each country, no more, no less). It also seems that Ginko isn't afraid to tell it like it is... which actually surprised me a bit.

Stories continue to be great, but I'm still highly anticipating the episode that focuses on Ginko's past. Although, I'm starting to think we won't see it.

[Taleweaver]

Ep7: Beautiful little story, again. The entire idea of "chasing behind something that cannot be caught" was an intriguing setup, and the bridge was a great symbol. However, what truly made my day was the final sequence. It reminded me of how dragons are depicted in Asian mythology. Just... beautiful. I don't think there's a better word for it.

[aeroshadow]

Wow... I'm breathless. There isn't much to say... Episode 7 just won. Best episode thus far, IMO.

[Ghostmaster]

I agree I think episode 7 was a great episode maybe be one of the best. The fact that the whole story revolved around one particular rainbow was fascinating to me and the actual rainbow itself was a Mushi. Very interesting character development for Ginko and the character he is helping. The end sequence was also my favorite part I thought the idea of the raindow flying away like was a very beautiful way to end the episode. It also reminded of some sort of mythical creature, much like a dragon.

[Linuts]

Wow... Literally "Chasing After the Rainbow". I have been loving every ep thus far, and this is definitly one of the best. Instead of curing someone froma Mushi, this time seems to be the other way around (in a sense anyway).

It reminded me of how dragons are depicted in Asian mythology. Just... beautiful. I don't think there's a better word for it.

That was definitly very creative of the animators. Kudos to them!

[Sorrow-kun]

I'm beginning to see a pattern in Mushishi. It's likely nothing more than coincidence, but I've noticed all the better episodes are the ones with odd numbering. In other words, I wasn't terribly impressed with episode 8... well, not as impressed as I have been with some of the other episodes.

There was something lacking about this particular story. Rather than capturing the imagination, this story seemed uninspired. The Mushi and the tragedy that befell the characters lacked the intimate relationship that's there in the previous stories. In most of the previous episodes, the Mushi defined the character(s) and the character(s) defined the Mushi... yet, in this episode it was nothing more than a chance encounter. Whether it was because of this or not, I'm not sure, but this episode just felt as if it was going through the motions, rather than trying to tell an engaging story of the calibre we're used to.

Considering how awesome the majority of the rest of the series has been, I'm willing to forgive the odd (or should I say "even") bad episode. But I'm hoping they're going to be a rare occurrance. I'm certainly hoping we've yet to see the best of this series, and that it hasn't run out of good material or inspiration.

Good news: The-site-we-do-not-talk-about has listed Mushishi for 24 episodes. ANN is reporting 26. Which one is right, I don't know, but it's a lot better than the original 12/13 most of us were originally anticipating.

[C0MPL3X]

Hmm...so half the Mushishi episodes are the odd ones...that certainly wasn't the case for me but o well.

13 episodes might have been better for a show like Mushishi though. I don't have very big faith in the producer's creativity, and I don't know if they can continue to keep up this mystifying journey for long until it falls into that field of mundane.

Too bad I won't be able to see any Mushishi for a while...

[ant]

This series seems to follow a formula of Ginko goes to a town, finds a mushi explains why it exists, either cures or helps someone from the mushi and onto another episode. Being episodic is not a bad thing if its done right, which this series is doing. Enthralling stories about people and their ordeals with these mysterious creatures. Maybe the reason why we don't have as much background into Ginko is because like us we are the objective viewer, similar to Kino. If it is going to be 24 episodes it is fine with me since this show derives its stories from Japanese myth and folklore there is plenty of material for it not to go stale. All the episodes up to eight have been fantastic, artwise, storytelling, and the characters featured in the particular episode. Its weakness may be from the lack of information on Ginko but that may change, or may not even matter, can't wait to see episode 9-24!

[Sorrow-kun]

Kino had a background, though, and an amazing one at that. Ginko needs development. His character is interesting enough to carry the stories, but it's that extra step in giving the lead a necessary amount of attention that marks the difference between a Hundred Stories and a Kino no Tabi.

Edit: 800GET!!!!

[ant]

I agree even though IMO it is rarer that we see a character like Ginko have much developement ( Spike Speigel, Vampire D ) as opposed to someone younger with coming of age or pre pubesent conflicts, but we will see 1/3 through the series so there is plenty of time, but if there wasn't character development from him I wouldn't think less of this series it is very exceptional so far. As far as background you don't think touching on the nature of mushi (episode 1) is a suffient background, it was very brief but there are still more episodes for it to develope it.

Also I have not seen Kino's Journey, which I really want to, but I mentioned Kino because Kino goes from place to place just like Ginko as our source for an objective perspective.

[Sorrow-kun]

As far as background you don't think touching on the nature of mushi (episode 1) is a suffient backgroundIn a word... no.

[Ghostmaster]

I think the show is great and I don't know whether or not it will turn out to be good as a longer show, but I agree Ginko's character needs more development. You can tell that he is someone who must have an interesting background and they should explain why and how he became a Mushishi in the first place and why he travels to help all these people. I can't remember did they explain about his eye in that episode where he takes it out? I don't think they really went into detail but i remember them mentioning something about it.

[ant]

All that was mentioned about his left eye is that it wasn't real, maybe he stared at the river too long maybe a mushi lived in there, maybe he saw a horrible anime who knows, but it does make an interesting story.

[Ghostmaster]

All that was mentioned about his left eye is that it wasn't real, maybe he stared at the river too long maybe a mushi lived in there, maybe he saw a horrible anime who knows, but it does make an interesting story.
yes possibly I wish they go into more detail about it i'm curious as to how he lost it. :eyebrow:

[ant]

yes possibly I wish they go into more detail about it i'm curious as to how he lost it. :eyebrow:
I hope so too, it reminds me of CB Spike has a fake eye and we don't even know how he lost it, it could have made a good episode and it wouldn't be filler.

[Sorrow-kun]

Wow. The pattern continues, with another odd-numbered episode serving an amazing story. Really not a lot to say about episode 9 except that I thought it was fantastic - definitely one of the better episodes (but the moving pond and the ear mushi still rank as my personal favourites). The conversation between the Saishu and Ginko was one of the highlights. I do find it interesting that Ginko mentions that Mushishi know of ways to attain immortality, but it's unethical for a Mushishi to do so... especially considering Ginko does appear to have a timeless existance. I'm seriously hoping somewhere in the future this issue gets discussed... or that we at least learn more about Ginko.

I'm also hoping episode 10 will be good, so it can break this brilliant episode-not so brilliant episode pattern the series has seemed to have got itself stuck into.

[ant]

The conversation between the Saishu and Ginko was one of the highlights. I do find it interesting that Ginko mentions that Mushishi know of ways to attain immortality, but it's unethical for a Mushishi to do so... especially considering Ginko does appear to have a timeless existance. I'm seriously hoping somewhere in the future this issue gets discussed... or that we at least learn more about Ginko.

I got the same impression too, that that conversation was the tip of the iceberg to what may come later in the series. I found the whole utilitarian debate interesting also.

[Taleweaver]

The episode also brought up the question in which setting the entire series plays, especially regarding the time period. So far, I'd set in somewhere in 19th century Japan with Ginko being a gaikokujin (white hair, green eyes and foreign clothing). Of course the whole thing COULD be set in a distant future where technology has already collapsed once and Ginko is, indeed, an immortal from a long-gone past. The whole immortality issue in the last episode sure made this a possibility.

[ant]

The whole immortality issue in the last episode sure made this a possibility.

I think all these revelations of the mushi will build up towards the end, probably a deeper understanding of them and their nature with the universe and with the mushishi as well. If it doesn't and the series just hints at the topic every episode it could be a let down.

[Ghostmaster]

Another great episode from Mushishi. It never seems to surprise me that each episode is something different, and yet beautifully done. I have like some of the others better than episode 9, but I did like in the ending. It wasen't too sad like some of the other ones and it wrapped it up pretty well.

[aeroshadow]

On the whole thing with the odd and even deal:

I can accept that generally, the odd episodes have been a little better, but... the even episodes still have excellent quality.

Even = Great.
Odd = Even Better.

Great show. Can't wait to see the rest.

[Kiba]

especially considering Ginko does appear to have a timeless existance. I'm seriously hoping somewhere in the future this issue gets discussed... or that we at least learn more about Ginko.
Then you should look forward to watching episodes 11 and 12, when they are subbed that is.

Episode 7

Wow another great episode, story wise anyways, but their were somethings at first I didn't quite understand at first, for instance why Kourou's father always felt thirsty, I assume it was it was a side effect from touching the Kouda. Also using the bridge as a metaphor at the end of the episode, I thought was really quite astonishing. As for animation-wise though, I felt that some of the scenes just weren't as attractive as they could have been, when compared to previous episodes.

[Kiba]

Episode 8

Once again the creators do a successful job at creating another great episode. But I found this particular episode to be a rather sad one, dealing with regret and desire, as you can clearly see from Shirou regreting the cruel words that he said to his wife three years ago to a point that he waits by the sea for any sign of his wife's remains. It makes me wonder what would Shirou have done, if Ginko hadn't came along and give him advice to move on. I also thought it was rather interesting how this story was linked to the legend of Umisenyamasen (http://translate.google.com/translate?hl=en&sl=ja&u=http://gogen-allguide.com/u/umisenyamasen.html&prev=/search%3Fq%3DUmisenyamasen%26hl%3Den%26lr%3D%26sa%3DG). I also find the part about one wishing to return to the shore rather interesting too. I think it underlines the conflict between Shirou and his wife Michichi, seeing how Michchi did not wish to accompany her husband to his homeland and ended up traped inside the mist.

Epsiode 9

I found this episode interesting, especially the message it was asking. Would you sacrifice the lives of a few to save the lives of many? I think its an interesting question because it doesn't always have a definate answer, and while watching this episode I couldn't help but get the fact that the creators too thought that way and decided not to answer it by having the priest and Ginko coming up with an alternative solution. Which in the end was self-sacrafice. In a way having the priest sacrafice himself makes the ending both happy and sad.

[aeroshadow]

According to ANN, Mushishi has different directors for each episode. I know it's stupid to predict the actual quality of the episodes on them alone, but I can't help but start building up some premature opinions.

Episode 10 is directed by the same guy who did episode 3.
Episode 11 is directed by the same guy who did episodes 4, 7, and 9, and also two other random guys.

Oh, and for those of you who want more background on Ginko, wait for episode 12.

It's hard to believe this show will continue for 26 episodes. How are they going to keep up the quality?

[Zushio]

Well considering the manga is now at something like 6 volumes and is incredibly popular, and we are doing 1 chapter = 1 episode, then it should be pretty easy.

Even if each volume has only 4 - 5 chapters it should be no issue.

[Ghostmaster]

Has episode 10 come out yet? I checked yesterday and I don't think it was up. How come episode 12 do only find out about Ginko and is that the only one?

[aeroshadow]

Has episode 10 come out yet? I checked yesterday and I don't think it was up. How come episode 12 do only find out about Ginko and is that the only one?There are probably more episodes about Ginko, I simply stated the little I knew. Apparently, according to Kiba, 11 offers some background too.

And nope, episode 10 hasn't come out yet; if it had, people already would be discussing it... probably.

[Sorrow-kun]

Mushishi = win.

But it's kind of silly how almost every episode has people going "Oh my god, this is happening" and then Ginko takes a long drag on his cigarette and goes "... ... ... it's probably... a MUSHI."

...

And then there's some mighty clash of cymbals or a gong or something.I lol'd. Makes a good point though... the stories are great, but the fact that Mushis and Ginko dealing with them is the central plot point in every single episode is starting the get a little tiresome. It is saved by the fact that the Mushi themselves are so unique, as are the people Ginko interacts with. But, considering traditional episodic series only last 13 eps, and this one is going to be somewhere into the mid 20s, I'm not sure yet if Mushishi will have the staying power to remain interesting right into its final episodes. Then again, this series has surprised me several times before.

This episode (10) ranks somewhere in the middle. It's not terrible (but that goes without saying... no Mushishi episode has been yet), but it's certainly not among the best we've seen from this series.

[Ninja Realist]

I lol'd. Makes a good point though... the stories are great, but the fact that Mushis and Ginko dealing with them is the central plot point in every single episode is starting the get a little tiresome. It is saved by the fact that the Mushi themselves are so unique, as are the people Ginko interacts with. But, considering traditional episodic series only last 13 eps, and this one is going to be somewhere into the mid 20s, I'm not sure yet if Mushishi will have the staying power to remain interesting right into its final episodes. Then again, this series has surprised me several times before.

But while it is episodic, we have yet to learn about Ginko's past, which will hopefully comprise a lot of the latter half of this series.

EDIT

Just saw episode 10. And despite what you naysayers think, this is probably one of my favorite episodes yet. For one, I think it's nice to see another reappearing character besides Ginko. The doctor is a funny, if not terribly interesting fellow, and it's nice to see Ginko interact with people who he hasn't just met. I also liked the message, and found this to be one of the prettier episodes yet, visually I mean. I still think Episode 5 is the best one yet, that or episode 1, but I think this definitely ended the trend of mediocre even numbered episodes.

[ant]

This series has not disappointed me yet, episode 10 is another notch on this series belt. Personally if this show keeps going this way I really won't mind not having Ginko's background　explained.

[Tremolo]

So, I'm finally caught up with the subs, and that place in my all time favourites list is still reserved for Mushishi. Unlike Sorrow, I don't think the odd-numbered episodes are superior - my favourite so far have actually been 2, 4 and 8, but I adored 7. I guess the only one I haven't really dug the hell out of has been 5, and I'm not really sure why. Ah well.

Am I the only one who doesn't think the series needs to "go somewhere"? Am I the only one who wouldn't mind if Ginko didn't have his character properly fleshed out? I've always looked at the series as Japanese folk tales, and the Ginko is the transient - he's just as much as a mystery as the Mushi themselves, and I really like that aspect. I'd be perfectly happy if it carried on in this vein for the rest of the series, to be honest. But then, I wouldn't mind if we do get some Ginko character stuff (and yes, I know we're going to) because I'm completely confident in this series. Roll on more episodes.

[Ninja Realist]

Well Trem Ginko's character WILL get a back story. Because so far the Show has been following the Manga pretty well, and his character does get fleshed out in the latter half of the manga.

[loner]

I am one of those who absolutely adored Vampire Princess Miyu, and couldn't care less what people said about the series being episodic and lacking explanations on characters until the last episode. These people are asking VPM do something that it was never meant to do in the first place. As a horror story, VPM excels at what it does, managing to scare the shit out of me through excellent atmosphere. And part of the reason why the atmosphere was so great was Miyu's mysteriousness and hence creepiness. If that aspect is completely taken away, the horror story would not be horrifying any more.

Sometimes we seem to apply the values we seek from dramas to everything else, and forget that there are different criteria to meet in different genre. In the case of Mushishi, a lot of people here are asking it to do what could ultimately be detrimental to the enjoyment of the show. Ginko's mysteriousness is what is driving this series forward. Of course, knowing absolutely nothing about him would not be good, considering he is the main character. But all the development that he needs is only as much as to shed a bit of light as to who he is, without completely throwing it into the audience's face. Only then can the show's atmosphere be preserved.

Character development is an art, and how it can be best achieved is different for each series.

[Tremolo]

Well Trem Ginko's character WILL get a back story. Because so far the Show has been following the Manga pretty well, and his character does get fleshed out in the latter half of the manga.

Yeah, I said I know it's coming. My point was, either way I don't mind if we do get Ginko developlement or don't because it works just fine as it is right now. Bring it on, I'm sure it'll be great, but I wish people would stop going on about it nonetheless.

What Loner said, basically. And I've never understood why everyone is adverse to episodic stuff as long as it's done well. Next person to brand the Stand Alone episodes of GITS: SAC as "filler" deserves a beating.

[ant]

So, I'm finally caught up with the subs, and that place in my all time favourites list is still reserved for Mushishi. Unlike Sorrow, I don't think the odd-numbered episodes are superior - my favourite so far have actually been 2, 4 and 8, but I adored 7. I guess the only one I haven't really dug the hell out of has been 5, and I'm not really sure why. Ah well.

Am I the only one who doesn't think the series needs to "go somewhere"? Am I the only one who wouldn't mind if Ginko didn't have his character properly fleshed out? I've always looked at the series as Japanese folk tales, and the Ginko is the transient - he's just as much as a mystery as the Mushi themselves, and I really like that aspect. I'd be perfectly happy if it carried on in this vein for the rest of the series, to be honest. But then, I wouldn't mind if we do get some Ginko character stuff (and yes, I know we're going to) because I'm completely confident in this series. Roll on more episodes.

This series has not disappointed me yet, episode 10 is another notch on this series belt. Personally if this show keeps going this way I really won't mind not having Ginko's background　explained.

No you are not the only one!

[Ghostmaster]

Liked episode 10, not one of my favorites, but it's still mushishi nonetheless. I am excited to see how Ginko's past or whatever is explained, even though I like that every episode is a new story. I still like the rainbow one as one of my favorites, I believe that was episode 7 or 8 i dont really remember.

[Rove]

Liked episode 10, not one of my favorites, but it's still mushishi nonetheless. I am excited to see how Ginko's past or whatever is explained, even though I like that every episode is a new story. I still like the rainbow one as one of my favorites, I believe that was episode 7 or 8 i dont really remember.

Episode 7, "The Rain Falls, A Rainbow Forms".

And I think this little piece of information should be interesting by people following this show: Episode 11 is out!

*Acquiring*

[Tremolo]

Episode 11: The Mountain Sleeps

Yet another beautiful episode. This was probably the most visually-stunning one so far, with that Autumnal, orange brown look coming across really well. The story itself was a bit more dramatic then usual and very interesting - the parallels between the guardian Mushishi and Ginko were extremely intriguing. Not only that, but I think the episode did a good job in selling the idea that 'Gods' like the Boar and the Kuchinawa do exist in this universe.

The little revelation about Ginko was certainly welcome, and I have a feeling it'll play out a bit in the future. It was just the kind of thing I wanted; nothing too big so that Ginko's history gets in the way of the story, but played just right.

Brilliant stuff, say no more.

[Taleweaver]

I'd say that ep11 was a definite tip of the hat to Ghibli and Mononoke-hime: the young boy called Kodama, a giant boar as spirit protector of the forest, and the theme of humans killing the guardian spirits. Great stuff; I particularly like the "there is no other way" ending.

[C0MPL3X]

I had a horrible nightmare after watching this episode. Mushishis were using mushis like pokemons, kuchinawa destroying the village like in shounen anime.

[Tremolo]

Episode 12: The One Eyed Fish

I hate to use words like "perfection" so liberally, but this is for my money the best episode so far and one so unlike those that have come before. With the minimal colours and dark pallette combined with a rather bleak and depressing mood, the episode perfectly gets across the feeling of oppression that the Mushi brings to other living creatures to create a very powerful episode.

I don't really want to spoil Yoki's real identity, even though it was pretty obvious. I loved how rather than being a boring character background flashback, they actually incorporated the Mushi's into the story very well - and these were certainly the darkest, most unpleasant Mushi seen thus far. I also find it interesting that Yoki is now using the name of the very thing that caused him the loss of Nui and his left eye - it all came together so beautifully at the end.

And if I'm not mistaken, is it not Nui who says the next episode previews and the introductions of the earlier episodes? It sure sounds like her. And on the subject of seiyuu's, the seiyuu work for Yoki was exceptional.

An amazing episode, with some incredibly creative, haunting visuals. I'll remember this one for some time to come.

[Sorrow-kun]

I watched episode 11 and episode 12 back to back. It certainly broke the odd-good-even-not-so pattern for me (replace "good" with brilliant and "not-so" with great, since we're talking about Mushishi after all).

Episode 11 I think is the first episode which is more driven by plot than it is by characters and mushi. The best part about this episode were the two massive plot twists delivered one after another at the end of the episode. The rest of the episode was nice, but not among the best this series has offered.

Episode 12... Like Trem, I don't want to say "perfect"... but I think it's only fair that what is easily the best episode so far has been came at the most appropriate moment.Much anticipated Ginko background episode delivered more than I could ever imagine. At the beginning, my first thoughts were that his story compared a lot with Kino's. Both of them lost, alienated from their world through a tragic set of events, both meeting a worldly (female) teacher, experienced in their respective craft, both going through a massive transformation, both physically and other due to their experiences. But they turned into rather different stories by the end. Kino's transformation happened partly because she was a victim of circumstance, but moreso, I think, because she wanted to be that way. But Ginko became the way he did almost totally because of his circumstances. I'm not going to say which I prefer, both stories are amazing for different reasons. But Kino has always been an optimistic series; even in its darkest commentaries on humanity, there's always some sort of ironic message of hope and beauty. This is different... it's a more grim tale, but it's weird. For all that Ginko has lost because of mushi, he dedicates his life to finding ways for human and mushi to co-exist. It's ironic, but in a far more subtle way than Kino is.

Wow, thinking about it that deep has really confused me... I suppose what I'm trying to say is that Kino's story makes her a stronger character, but Ginko's story has more emotional impact.Trem: In think you're right about Nui's seiyuu.

[Ghostmaster]

Episode 7, "The Rain Falls, A Rainbow Forms".

And I think this little piece of information should be interesting by people following this show: Episode 11 is out!

*Acquiring*
Yea thanks thats the one, great episode. I can't believe episode 11 and 12 were both released so qucikly right after each other.

[Ninja Realist]

Well, following the Excellent 11th Episode, we get an even more amazing 12th one.

I thought that not only was Ginko's back story extremely interesting, but I found the actual Mushi, the Yami, to be incredibly interesting. It was depicted as a terrifying darkness throughout most of the episode, and indeed, it devoured many people, but despite how terrible it was, when they actually depicted the Ginko inside of the Yami it was incredibly beautiful. Ginko too, it seemed, despite how terrifiying he found it to be, was also captivated by it's spellbinding beauty. It almost makes one wonder if it is really so bad to be absorbed by the Mushi and freed of one's earthly desires. It almost seemed as if, rather than dying in a terrible way, Nui had acchieved Nirvana and become one with the souls of her family. It really left me wondering, though the Mushi's seem to wreck people's lives, is what they do really so terrible? It seems as if most of the people who get killed by or controlled by, Mushi, recieve bliss rather than despair, they all seemed satisfied. This episode illustrated that point more than any of the others.

I would also just like to add, that the sequence where they showed the Ginko swimming in the Darkness, and Yoki was looking down up on it, was one of the single prettiest sequences I have ever seen in an anime, or even in any motion picture. It was just so emotionally powerful, and so serenely beautiful. I am really starting to think that this might be one of the best Animes ever made.

[Rove]

I am really starting to think that this might be one of the best Animes I have ever made.

You certainly think high of yourself! In what part of Mushishi Production Committee are you involved with? And what were your other projects? ~__^ (j/k)

[Ninja Realist]

You certainly think high of yourself! In what part of Mushishi Production Committee are you involved with? And what were your other projects? ~__^ (j/k)

ROFL. Edited that shit. Guess that was a Freudian slip. ;D

[C0MPL3X]

The only episode I can think of at the moment, that demonstrates how the mushishis are doing a favour for humans instead of causing troubles is the time episodes. Also, you mentioned how this episode best demonstrates that point and I can agree with that. The time episode actually explains that point more clearly through words, but if one look at that ethereal Ginko (the mushi) gradually vanishing admist that endless sea of black, the message just might be more powerful (?bad choice of word?).

EDIT: actually, there were other episodes where mushis offered alternate (not always horrible) ways of life for humans. The time episode was where the girl chose to live the path made possible by mushi, just like in episode12.

[ant]

Episode 11 fantastic and you say 12 is better

ant goes to dl

[Rove]

Mushishi keeps getting better and better, episode 12 was, just wow. And there could have been many things done wrong here. Nui's transformation could have been painful, yet it was handled elegantly, in such a serene way that is hard to blame the mushis for it. So was the Yoki-to-Ginko transformation, they could have presented the sacrifice of one of his eyes in a very painful scene, with screams and whining, yet it was kept with the precise amount of drama without even getting closer to the melodrama realm, it was effective and powerful. Ginko's memory loss was done well too, he choses his fate quickly, almost by instinct, removing the "who am I?" done-to-death dilemma.

I loved the way the story unfolded, first we see Yoki lost in the woods an exhausted, then why he was in the woods, then how the mushis helped him (intentionally or by chance, I don't know) to reach to Nui's house. Again, the loss of his mother could have caused floods of "I want my mommy" melodrama but it was not the case here. Mushishi simply keeps surpasing my expectations, and these were high since the beginning.

[ant]

This episode went by so quickly I was surprised to see the credits roll, well they have a lot more past to explain so it should make more interesting episodes if there are some people who don't like the Ginko comes to Town formula which I like regardless.

[Rove]

Another great episode, with even more irony than the last, if that's possible. Hana and Zen's relationship was so cliched yet so touching, it just shows how Mushishi can turn even the most mundane story into a life or death, dream or reality musing.

I just love how no OP nor ED have the same mixture of colours, it makes them so unique I just have to see them all; and the fact that I love the OP song does help a little too. The animation is flawless again, though this episode is a bit more bleak compared to others, but it does help in developing the theme of light and darkness compared to life and death. All in all, another pleasant and thoughtful episode.

[Kiba]

Episode 10

This seems to be another tragic tale from the series albeit one with a rather happy ending. It was sad to see the woman trying so hard to prove herself to her fiancée and his parents but her effort only ended up killing him. There is an interesting issue of a woman's struggle to prove herself in her profession here. But I think the message ended up being bit watered down since the ending suggest that her persistence doesn't end well. Another equally interesting part of the story is Adashino's recklessness. The incident most likely would not have happened if he had been more careful in storing the item. In the end, however, he is suitably 'punished' by having the inkstone taken from him and the roof of his house somewhat destroyed by the hails that fall on top of it, and once again, Ginko shows his quick-thinking ability and his expertise in the subject matter here. Although I wonder how he managed to arrive so quickly in the village considering that he often travels all around the country.

The week mushi I didn't find as interesting as the others in previous episodes. For some reason this one reminds me of the Ginko encountered in Episode 6 but in a slightly different permutation. In both cases, the mushi brings grief to the people whose loved one are infected by it. However, in this case, there does not seem to be any benefit from the mushi. It seems whatever form this mushi takes, it only brings nothing but problem for the humans. Even towards the end when it seems everything returns to normal, then the mushi causes it to hail, destroying the villeges rooves.

[Ghostmaster]

It defiantely is in a category of its own. Episodes 12 and 13 were again great episodes especially 12 when you find out about Ginko's past. It is very intriguing and keeps you wanting more each time. And it defiantely delivers very well each episode because they are unique and different every time, which makes this show so good.

[Taleweaver]

While Ep13 wasn't my cup of tea, I really loved Ep14. Another episode full of drama and tragedy, but one that ended with just the little smile it needed. The effects of Satsu's decision were predictable, but that didn't stop the drama at all. Where do they get those great stories from - are they based on actual Japanese legends or genuine works from the mangaka? Does anybody have any information on this?

[ant]

It is interesting how they keep this show fresh even if the plot is formulaic the stories for these episodes are just as fresh episode after episode. It maybe a long shot but the bamboo babies seem similar to the Momotaro legend of the boy in the peach.

[Taleweaver]

Similar, yes, but by no means the same. And speaking of original: Ep15, again, was sheer plotwriting brilliance combined with genuinely childish innocence. The butterflies were the perfect symbols of a fabricated spring, and the fact that Ginko, for once, wasn't able to read the true nature of the Mushi before getting overpowered by them added another fresh twist to it all. Plus, now he has a love interest ^_^.

[ant]

Two love interest if you count episode 16, but I don't think Ginko will have a serious relationship in this series, I think these two episodes (15,16) also go more indepth from episode 10's theme. The fact that he cannot settle in one place for too long, the sacrifice being a Mushishi has to make.

[ant]

Episode 17 revived my faith in this show, although I enjoyed 15, and 16 they were mediocre for Mushishi IMO, episode 17 is another mind blower. This episode shows a little more of the Mushishi world and the people that support them. interesting to use a mushi for communication, so this makes me think that this show is set in the past as there seems to be no telephones

[Ghostmaster]

Episoe 17 wasen't one of the best I thought so far, but still enjoyable. Never do I not enjoy an episode of Mushishi. I am sad that there are only 9 episodes left.

[JPaikman]

Nope: only THREE episodes left :(

[Tremolo]

Nope: only THREE episodes left :(

Thankfully not: http://community.livejournal.com/mushishi/17796.html

:D

[Ghostmaster]

Thankfully not: http://community.livejournal.com/mushishi/17796.html

:D
There are 26 episodes am I wrong Tremolo?

[JPaikman]

Gladly, I'm thankful for being corrected! :icon_danc

[Ghostmaster]

I just watched episodes 18 and 19, both good episodes here again. No surprises. 18 was good, I thought 19 was better because 18 didn't really solve anything and nothing really happened at the end, but it was a decent episode. 19 was much better both visually and storywise. Can't wait to watch 20. I am sad that this great series is going to come to a close soon though :(

[Ghostmaster]

Episode 20 was not disappointing at all. I am a little confused I think there are 20 episodes made for tv and 6 that will be on a dvd but unaired. So there are still 6 more episodes left.

[Taleweaver]

Nope, to my knowledge, all 26 episodes will be aired. The final six are coming in May - don't know why, though.

[Tremolo]

The fact is, Ghostmaster, you clearly lack any kind of reading comprehension skills. The link I provided even gives the schedule for the final six episodes (REPLETE WITH BROADCAST TIMES AND EPISODE TITLES!) and actually says the series is taking a break 'til May. There's no mention of DVD's or anything. I don't know how you've failed to take in such basic information, I really don't. And you wonder why we get so annoyed with you?

[Ghostmaster]

You Tremolo are the only one that gets mad at EVERYTHING. I had read off other sites that they published that the 6 more episodes will be on a dvd relase only. Excuse me for not knowing everything.

[Tremolo]

You Tremolo are the only one that gets mad at EVERYTHING. I had read off other sites that they published that the 6 more episodes will be on a dvd relase only. Excuse me for not knowing everything.

No, I get mad at stupid people.

You can infer whatever you want from that.

[Ghostmaster]

Im not going to have a childish arguement with you so just forget about it.

[Taleweaver]

Keep the fighting out of the thread of one of my most beloved anime at the moment. Can't you, like, argue in some DBZ thread instead?

[Tremolo]

Keep the fighting out of the thread of one of my most beloved anime at the moment. Can't you, like, argue in some DBZ thread instead?

If I liked DBZ, sure.

The fact is, I don't want to argue either, but it annoys me when people don't check the facts or even bother to properly read links that provide the answers before posting. I really try to be patient, but when you've got someone asking whether Mushishi is going to have 26 episodes after my link states it categorically will, my patience really runs out.

Anyway. I would say "back to the aniems talk guyz" but as we don't have any new episodes until May, that's slightly harder than usual. :XD:

[Ghostmaster]

alright alright jeez. I think we get the point Taleweaver's right. Let's just talk about the show I'm sorry I got my facts wrong.

[C0MPL3X]

Then shut up.

I was hoping someone to bring in piece of their mind about episode 20, so I could provide rather short opposing or complementary opinion, because I really liked this episode compared to the recent ones. There are many reasons for that, including re-introducing the suspense/fear factor, but the main reason was because of the introduction of a new very appealing female character.
Unlike other recent women, she doesn't sound or look spaced out. She is strong in character. Also, the consequence of her interaction with Ginko is quite profound, near the end of the episode this becomes frighteningly clear for both better and worse...mostly better. I hated how easy it was for her to talk about men's harmony with mushi with Ginko and not compromise her role as a recorder. She's a chosen one, cursed one, destined to record men's hatred for mushis and their indifference, and in return, keeping that horrible mushi sealed in her birthmark. Once she starts to feel Ginko's attempt to appreciate mushi as another form of precious life, the horrible mushi within her begins to awaken. But her sealing method is ridiculously simple, somehow felt anticlimatic, although it was interesting to see how she handled it.

Now that I think about it, maybe her seal gets broken every now and then, regardless of her listening to mushi's killing. I can't remember what exactly was the cause of her mushis being awaken from the seal (maybe it had to do with the paper...). Then my understanding of the situation should be questioned...hmmm

I definitely hope I see more of her again. And I think the show was implying that ginko doesn't have much longer to live.

[ant]

I definitely hope I see more of her again. And I think the show was implying that ginko doesn't have much longer to live.
It was implying that it will take a long time for that woman to get rid of that mushi

[C0MPL3X]

Ginko: What are you going to do when your leg is fixed
Tanyu: I want to travel with you. But I'll probably be grandma by then (haha)
Ginko: Hmmm. Ok.
Tanyu:...
Ginko: (looks up at sky) if I'm still alive.
*they joke around*

[mmyy]

^LOL. It could mean either. I personally thought the same as ant though. Maybe we shouldn't read these things too literally.

[ant]

Ginko: What are you going to do when your leg is fixed
Tanyu: I want to travel with you. But I'll probably be grandma by then (haha)
Ginko: Hmmm. Ok.
Tanyu:...
Ginko: (looks up at sky) if I'm still alive.
*they joke around*


Ginko also mentioned that mushishi can lose their life by a mushi anyday, my first reaction to that statement was what I posted before. I didn't get the feeling that Ginko was going to die anytime soon but I wouldn't rule it out either.

[C0MPL3X]

Yes, but that was actually understood by the girl long before she met Ginko so it wasn't really Ginko that made her realise that she wasn't going to be healed anytime soon. I was talking about what Ginko implied when he said the last line.

And yes, I did mean it literally, because I said 'implied'. Things that are implied are usually very obvious. For example, let's say I was a priest and had sex with a woman. Someone asked me 'did you have sex with her?'. If I said 'mister, let me remind you, that I'm a priest. And she was my friend', then I would have lied by implying that I didn't have sex with her (which are very literal).

Besides, if Ginko really did imply that it would be a looooong time before that happens, then he's being incredibly rude and a dickhead. It's like, if my son said 'hmm I wish you and my mother get over with each others indifference and live together' and I say 'yes. When pigs fly'.

That's my 3 reasons that I didn't feel the need to go over.

[Ghostmaster]

I actually thought that Ginko and her might end up together in the end, but its up in the air. I agree with everyone that she's definately not as dull as a lot of the other characters in the show. So I don't know what will happen.

[aeroshadow]

I actually put this show on hold after episode nine, losing the patience to acquire each episode week after week. I'm still not sure exactly why. As far as I was concerned, I enjoyed every single episode very thoroughly, and it wasn't difficult to see that the show's ability to conjure situations, atmospheres, and scenery was utterly phenomenal. Perhaps it was the lack of cliffhangers? Some episodes also seemed to drain me, completely in awe of the storyline... and whether that's a positive thing or not is still up in the air.

Anyways, the point is, who cares. I'm back in. I went ahead and watched episode 20 without seeing 10-19 with a friend (along with some Fruits Basket), and when I saw the new F/SN episode, I went ahead and wondered what kind of trash I was watching. I mean, I still like F/SN, it's just that Mushishi (and Fruits Basket) really seem(s) on another level completely.

As for the actual episode, it was excellent, as usual. There weren't any tense moments this time around; every event seemed to leisurely flow into another. Also, as others have said, Ginko's interaction with this girl was surprisingly deeper than the simple meetings he had with everyone else in the previous episodes.

This show is beautiful, both in essence and presentation. So what's new?

[C0MPL3X]

There weren't any tense moments this time around
Well, recent episodes before 20 were um, 'ephermeal' or um, 'drifting'.
Therefore, the part where the seal was beginning to break provided a nice change in mood, by re-introducing the element of suspense, a weak 'fear'. We are given a glimpse of informations on how powerful the mushi living inside her actually is, without a doubt teh most powerful mushi Ginko has ever encountered according to the legend (which I think is true. And probably music and theatrical effects played some role in increasing the suspense, which I am not able to pinpoint.

[ant]

^ I think that is was interesting that Ginko lost his cool and Tanyu was just like yeah don't worry everything is under control, now can you pass me my chopsticks

[ant]

Finally episode 21 is out! The Cotton Hat.

IMO this has to be the strangest of Mushishi episodes. Not because the mushi was as unique as any of the other ones but because it posed a real threat to humanity and has a thinking processes akin to humans. The level of danger set here makes me anxious to see what the next mushi will be like, and if they will be as strong as the mushi from episode 20.

[Ghostmaster]

Finally episode 21 is out! The Cotton Hat.

IMO this has to be the strangest of Mushishi episodes. Not because the mushi was as unique as any of the other ones but because it posed a real threat to humanity and has a thinking processes akin to humans. The level of danger set here makes me anxious to see what the next mushi will be like, and if they will be as strong as the mushi from episode 20.
I agree A very weird episode and very serious and kind of creepy. I did like it, but I found this to be one of the more disturbing episodes. I still think the mushi from episode 20 was stronger though, I mean it went all around the house and spread so quickly.

[aeroshadow]

I enjoyed the ending to episode 21; I found it very clever. Not only did he manage to prevent any future problems concerning this Mushi, but he also left with both the mother and father content. At the same time, this ending's style was far from that of the happier endings where everything feels resolved. It left with the same creepy atmosphere it held throughout the entire episode.

THIS SHOW IS SO GOOD

[Ghostmaster]

What happened they subbed episode 21 and then they stopped, or is it jsut taking a long time?

[Rove]

What happened they subbed episode 21 and then they stopped, or is it jsut taking a long time?
If you had taken five minutes of your time to visit the site of the group that has subbed up to ep 21 you would know that they have no plans to stop subbing it, unless they receive a C&D letter from Funi itself asking them to do so. They hope to finish it in time, though.

[Ghostmaster]

Alright I just want to see the end of the series thats all.

[NausicaaBoy]

I Like this one..its good...artsy...enjoyable...easy to watch

[ant]

Episode 22 The Offshore Shrine

seems like Ginko has landed in Okinawa, and during typhoon season. This episode truly captures a near death experience like nothing else I have seen in anime. And just when I thought someone was going to kick the bucket I remembered there are still 4 more episodes left

[ant]

Wow double post on Mushishi, has everyone just totally lost interest in this anime?

episode 23 The Sound of Rust
IMHO this was an average episode. We have seen villagers afflicted with mushi problems, boy loves a girl with a mushi problem, only this time the mushi use sound. No background on how Shinge's voice. I still liked the episode yet nothing new.

[Ghostmaster]

Well I liked episode 22 a lot better than 21, they did a much better job with the story of the episode and everything. It felt like a real Mushishi episode.

[Taleweaver]

It's been a long pause between eps 20 and 21, and I'm sure a few people have not yet caught up with the fact that Mushishi's back on screen. No wonder there's not much interest in this thread at the moment.

Aside from that, ep 23 "The Sound of Rust"
The "affected by Mushi" theme isn't exactly the freshest, but the execution, as usual, is fabulous. The girl screaming in the mountains as the "cure" to the disease her voice has brought is a wonderful analogy to the underlying themes of loneliness this episode addresses. "Mushishi" is a great series - even the average episodes are something special.

[Rove]

Awesome news, Del Rey picked up the Mushishi manga! (Source (http://www.lovemanga.co.uk/2006/07/972/))

[ant]

Awesome news, Del Rey picked up the Mushishi manga! (Source (http://www.lovemanga.co.uk/2006/07/972/))

about time, now someone has to pick up the anime, but only after its finished with the fansubbers!

[Ghostmaster]

I really enjoyed episode episode 23. Great story. I think this is the best of the new ones that have been subbed.

[Rove]

Unfortunately I'm not here to announce that there's a new Mushishi episode subtitled, but to share images (http://www.designchronicle.com/memento/archives/mushishi_liveaction.html) from the upcoming Mushishi live-action film directed by Otomo Katsuhiro. From the looks of it, it seems likely that the film will focus on several chapters/episodes of the manga/anime: I could recognize One-Eyed Fish (ep12), The Rain Comes, A Rainbow Forms (ep7) and The Sea of Brushes (ep20). For some reason I never thought that Ginko would have a beard, though it does make sense that he would grow one if he spends his days travelling from one town to another. (I'm also noticing a lack of Ginko's trademark cigarette, anti-tobacco companies kicked in?) What I don't aprove (not that it matters) is the translation of Mushishi to Bug Master -_-. More images here (http://www.cinempire.com/multimedia/mushishi/index.html).

[KiraraKim]

I like how Tanyuu and Nui looks but I think Ginko look awful (although I heard he looks more like how he looks in the early chapters of the manga from a friend).

What I don't aprove (not that it matters) is the translation of Mushishi to Bug Master

yeah that is just totally wrong. The Mushi might be most similar insects but they certainly are not insects. What is wrong with just keeping it Mushishi? There isn't a direct translation afterall.

And I haven't replied in this thread before but I loved this anime. It's now one of the top 3 series I want to see licensed so I can own the DVDs.

[Rove]

I like how Tanyuu and Nui looks but I think Ginko look awful (although I heard he looks more like how he looks in the early chapters of the manga from a friend).
That is some unadultered BS right there. If anything, Ginko looks a lot younger in the beginning days of the manga than he does in the anime. And the live-action Ginko looks even older than its animated counterpart. Click here (http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/9013/ginkox3to6.jpg) is you want to see what he looks like in the very first chapter of the manga.

Talking about the live-action film, I wonder if Ginko's doctor friend will be there as well...and why Ginko's hair looks so stiff (I know why it covers one of his eyes, but it looks too perfect for someone who constantly travels in a rural pseud-Japanese region). >_>

[KiraraKim]

That is some unadultered BS right there. If anything, Ginko looks a lot younger in the beginning days of the manga than he does in the anime. And the live-action Ginko looks even older than its animated counterpart. Click here is you wan