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Good Smile Company’s Place in the Field of Anime Figures
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Many a great anime series was made before the golden age of anime figure production. With the frenetic pace of anime production *and* consumption, thanks to models that encourage binge-watching rather than episodic following, it is already very difficult to keep up with the upcoming anime. Let alone go back to past, obscure series to cater to the wishes of a small niche of anime fans. So, it ends up that many niche fans’ wishes for a figure of their favorite character remain ignored by the big anime figure makers.
(ღゝ◡╹)ノ
The Haunting world of Mushishi
This anime series is otherworldly, unlike anything most anime fans have ever seen before. And because of that, it’s memorable.
For those who have never heard of this amazing series, here’s a summary:
The world of Mushishi is not much different than old, medieval Japan. The only difference is that in this world, there is one curious life form: the mushi. They are beings without sentience that are invisible to most, but who still have the power to interact with, influence and sometimes harm fauna, flora and humans. While they are an essential part of this world’s ecosystem, most people only pay them any heed when they become a nuisance. (´～｀◦ ;)
The few people who can see the mushi become “mushi masters”, or mushishi. Their job is to help people deal with the mushi causing them trouble, and our featured character, Ginko is one of them. He travels across the land, helping people, then leaving once his mission is accomplished. He spends his life on the road, and the anime series is as much about him as it is about the many people he encounters in his journeys. It’s a very simple premise, basic slice-of-life really. But what makes this anime series so remarkable is the watching experience.
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An award-winning masterpiece of the iyashikei genre. The delicate artwork of mangaka Yuki Urushibara gains a new dimension of beauty by the excellent work done by the animation studio Artland. (´◕ ◡ ◕｀)
The palette is composed of soothing natural colors, portraying all the different seasons of Japan. Before Makoto Shinkai and his wondrous portrayal of nature, there was Mushishi and its hauntingly accurate portrayal of wilderness. Sort of like Ghibli, but less cheery and more wistful. (ृˊ◡˴⁎৲ु॰∘♡
The animation is gentle, slow, like the flow of a creek. The character design is simple, more realistic, just expressive enough to keep a sense of mystery in each episode. (｡•́︿•̀｡)
The soundtrack is carefully crafted for each episode. They punctuate key feelings of each atmosphere, such as the expectation of rain after drought, the awe at blooming flowers under snow, or the underlying horror of otherworldly beauty.
One important thing not to forget while watching Mushishi is that each episode is packed with mystery, and that mystery sometimes finds its solution well, and sometimes unravels into horror.
(＠O＠;)
The episodes are all self-contained. You can watch them out of order if you’d like, and you wouldn’t even be lost. There is, however, a very subtle arc if you do end up watching them all in the correct order, which is:
Mushishi (season 1)
Mushishi Special: The Shadow that Devours the Sun
Mushishi Zoku Shou: The Next Passage (season 2, part 1)
Mushishi Zoku Shou Special: Path of Thorns
Mushishi Zoku Shou: The Next Passage (season 2, part 2)
Mushishi Zoku Shou Special: Bell Droplets
Ginko, the Wandering Mushishi
Two sentences summarize the fanbase reaction to the announcement of Ginko’s nendoroid release: “Eh, really? (ʘ‿ʘ)” and “Finally! \(＾▽＾)/”. Mushishi merchandise has long been a deep, heartfelt wish of the series’ fans.
Like the story the anime series tells, the main character Ginko is also very unique. Unlike others of his trade, he takes a more balanced approach to dealing with mushi. It’s human nature to hate that which harms our well-being and existence. However, Ginko remains logical, sensible and impartial when approaching all of his cases, choosing to observe intently before drawing conclusions. ( `_ゝ´)
Always traversing field and fountain, moor and mountain with him is his trusty wooden medicine box, with all the tools of his trade. This nendoroid set includes the box, though I wish they had added a few tiny medicine bottles and medicine packs… ʅ(́ ◡◝ )ʃ
Despite his striking appearance and extreme logic, Ginko is very much human. He indulges in a little smoking and a little drinking, both of which are somewhat necessary for his own well-being while on the road. The nendoroid set also includes a little hand with a cigarette and a little bottle of Kouki, the source of all life.
But life on the road isn’t easy, even if you’re a seasoned wanderer. Sometimes Ginko witnesses some very strange, utterly horrifying things. His poker face does break quite often when faced either with the alienness of mushi, or the irrationality of humans.
The nendoroid set comes with 3 faceplates, which are his basic, most frequent emotions: tired RBF (-_-), ecstatic introvert (•‿•) and “DON’T TOUCH THAT” (ʘᗩʘ'). We are missing a “so done with this” (ﾉД`) faceplate, but here’s hoping that Good Smile Company will add that to their Nendoroid More series.
Ginko is scheduled to release at the end of February 2024. Pre-orders are currently open at our store! If Mushishi is on your to-watch list, this is your sign to bump it to the top. If you are already a Mushishi fan, this is your sign to watch it again, in anticipation for the nendoroid’s release! (・ω -*)
We hope you enjoyed this one!
Until next time! ヾ(＾∇＾)
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