Kino's Journey light novel cover

Anime in the United States has had an interesting history. By far, the most interesting period was the boom from the late 1990s to the mid 2000s. The explosive sales caused companies flush with money to expand their catalogues from sure-fire hits to shows with less mainstream appeal, hoping to spread their fanbase even wider. One such show was Kino's Journey.

Kino no Tabi as it is called in Japan, is a series of light novels by Keiichi Sigsawa with illustrations by Kouhaku Kuroboshi. It is the story of Kino, a traveller on a motorcycle. Kino travels to different countries, stays three days and leaves. Kino's motorcycle is a Brough Superior SS100 and is called Hermes. Kino talks to Hermes, and surprisingly, Hermes talks back. Each country they visit is a living parable about survival, belief, courage, servitude, the frightening power of poetry or any other number of philosophical issues. It is also a mesmerizingly beautiful show. Lincoln talks about it and as an added bonus, gives you an example of an anime trailer done right. Go here, young traveler.

The genius of smiles

They say that Japanese game shows don't reward the winners, they punish the losers. Ever feel that way watching anime? A show runs out of steam and you're left with a lame ending and a feeling that you've just wasted a lot of money. I never get that feeling watching Petite Princess Yucie. This is a show that rewards you for being man enough (or "woman enough" if you prefer) to pick up this girlie-looking show. It's intelligently written and filled with characters you grow to care deeply about. When they hurt, you hurt. When they're delighted, you're delighted. More shows should be this good. Lincoln revels in the genius of smiles here.

Not pictured: The Fat Guy

Of course, it goes without saying that the reason Lincoln and I have this site is because we are colossal nerds, on a variety of topics.

'Twas ever thus, I'm afraid.  My earliest TV memories are literally of anime, broadcast on local TV in Seattle because it was cheap to purchase in syndication packages: Kimba The White Lion; Gigantor; Astro Boy;Speed Racer; Marine Boy.

It was only much later that I discovered that these shows had other names: Janguru Taitei Reo; Tetsujin 28-go; Tetsuwan Atomu; Mach Go Go Go!; Kaitei Shonen Marin. Read more.

Ryoko: Dangerous Space Pirate or Love-Struck Girl?

Well, for starters, I don't know how they can call this the "Ultimate Edition" when they've had several sets and movies come out since.

But I'm going to go ahead and let it slide, since this is a fun show. Read more.