I went all throughout middle/highsl school reading and watching all the classics; Naruto, Bleach, Gurren Lagan, etc. College comes around and suddenly I just get busy with things - take a hiatus from all shows. Since then, I got back into tv and reading, but every shonen/senin I got a glimpse of was a pretty big let down. I just couldn't find myself enjoying any of the new and popular shows that everyone talked about, and it had me doubting if I was ever going to be into that stuff again.

I was a Newbury comic store, and on a total whim bought the first book (volume? Idek). Part of the ridiculousness appealed to me - in what world does one become a chainsaw person, and how could that possibly be beneficial for anyone?? -- so I just got it, prepared to not pick it up much. Which technically happened, since I finished that same day. The characters were actually interesting, and weird but not in a weird way, and I just loved the style and absurdity of it all. I was so invested in seeing how the world was going to be fleshed out and wasn't disappointed. I tore through chapters after that, and as soon as I thought it would settle into a small arc, there'd be some devastating event and suddenly things are somehow worse off than before, but characters are growing through it. There was so much happening but it was all executed perfectly, and I was blown away by the artwork and cinematography (?).

I haven't felt excited over an anime coming out since probably One Punch Man, and it's been so awesome to re-enter this hobby/interest with someone new and current rather than a nostalgia pick. Just wanted to share how happy and excited I am over this series, this subreddit, and just the medium in general.

Since then I've read Fire Punch, started Berserk, and have been reading a lot of junji ito's work.