squirrelatemycookie

One thing I found interesting during my time in Asia is seeing just how significant Dragons, or Long in Chinese. In the west there is a degree of stereotyping and orientalism with Asians and Dragons. But seeing this creature carved into so many stones, temples and everything in-between throughout so many ancient and modern constructs makes it clear what a sacred animal the Dragon is throughout the East. In Vietnam, Thailand, Singapore, Hong Kong, there are Dragons everywhere. And I am excluding the Lunar New Year displays I saw. I am just referring to local tales, temples, ancient art pieces, modern buildings, ect. Tales of dragons becoming islands to defend a nation's waters, being divine teachers and emperors descended from a dragon's bloodlines has been an educational experience. It is very clear why the Eastern Dragon has become one of the most recognized and powerful of mythological creatures.

Seriously though. This is why Evangelion was one of my first gateway anime sucking me into this space. I was taking bible studies around this time period and recognized a few of these references when watching the show for the first time. Some high caliber writing and art in this series.

Words can't properly express what a significant loss the passing of Akira Toriyama is. This man is the first of the three pillars of Shonen Jump; Dragonball, One Piece and Naruto. Akira was one of the most influential pioneers that popularized anime and manga not just in Japan, but having it reach global popularity across the world. So much of what the entire pop culture landscape is today stands on the shoulders of this giant. The multi-generational, global impact of this man and his works is truly profound. Rest in Peace, Akira Toriyama. Thank you for sharing your art with us all and shaping the world with your stories. https://twitter.com/Mark_ClarkII

So I live in Code Geass? While I love the show, this world is basically super high tech WW3 and constant betrayal. Life here is gonna suck. XD