Anime Withdrawal

'You know when someone says something and it really sticks in your mind? That happened to me the other day. My friend Stephanie was whining about missing some Full Metal Alchemist episode and I was trying to resist the urge to shove her sandwich down her throat. So, after another friend of mine gave her a recap, I turned to her and said, "It's when you're off your anime that I worry about you." So, this month, I'll write about Anime Withdrawl.

You miss an episode of some anime you really wanted to see. In Stephanie's case, Full Metal Alchemist, which really does hurt if you miss an important plot advancement. You get really frustrated, right? What if you miss that cute episode of Chrono Crusade where the gang has the Christmas party for Azmaria? You really wanted to see that but had some obscure, less important task to conquer before indulging yourself in a new pleasure.

Don't make me bring up missing Naruto because that really does mess you up. For example, another friend of mine, Jessica, missed the episode where Gaara and his siblings were introduced. She called me the next morning and demanded me to tell her what she missed. Now, when you call someone at six in the morning, do you really understand your friend's frustration at them having to go to a party and then expecting you to remember what happened on a dubbed anime? Let me put it this way: All that, at six in the morning? Well, I really don't because I'm still recovering from my all nighter with my amigo, Chase, and a night of fun for all. Chase is my mainstream supplier of all anime goods that I can't get from my friends back in good old Japan. He also has a MasterCard. Love ya, Chase.

Solution? Simple. My anime craved friends who hate missing an episode of one of the most anticipated series and if you miss it the world will come to an end and everyone will die. In retrospect, if you miss an episode, you have to Google it and hope you can find it. Anyway, here are some tips and tricks from my vast and expansive mind that if you wander into, you probably won't ever find your way out.

1: VCRs — They're Alive?

Believe it or not, there is a piece of machinary that is taken for granted. It's called a VCR. Now, you can be gasping, but it's true that these also virtually gone machines are pretty good. You can tape it, blank tapes come in sets if you can find any and are pretty cheap. If you can read VCRnese, go for it. Heck, I use mine occasionally when I manage to venture out from my rock and into the real world.

2: Google it, baby!

By all means, check out the BitTorrents or KAF. They have it, probably. I prefer KAF because I hate BitTorrent and really don't have the urge to sit around for a couple of hours trying to upload a freakin' anime movie when I can check it out of KAF or other sites. Yay, the internet is a godsend from the great anime — kamisama.

3: Here's a math problem:

Money+ Mode of Transportation — Suncoast/ Reel Time Card= Purchase of lovely Anime DVD. I normally don't buy dubbings, but if I do, I usually swing for ADV or Geneon because they remain really close to the translation. On average, ADV charges about $30.00 US for one DVD. They also have a sweet thin pack that is really cheap and I could even afford. Although, I do have a job and make a decent living for myself as a fifteen year old.

4: VOD (Video on Demand)

If you have Comcast Digital Cable with all the little bells and whistles, you can check out VOD. The Cutting Edge lists Adult Swim, Anime Networks, and Anime Selects. While they generally are slower than a geometry class on a Friday afternoon, it's nice to be able to sit back on a rainy day and enjoy a good episode of GetBackers. Sadly, they're all dubbed. It's mostly an ADV production, so it's not completely depressing. For me, living in Montgomery County, Maryland, it's generally updated on Thursdays.

5: YouTube.com

This is a great site because it's legal, gives selection, and all you need is a flash player. I love it and watch a lot of my subbed stuff there. Youtube is another blessing from Internet kami-sama and you can even watch J-Pop/J-Rock Music videos and South Park. There are fundubs, it makes me laugh, has humor all around, and is just a lot easier than other ways.

So, next time you're worried about missing an episode of Naruto or BLEACH, don't fear. Kanon-chan will always be open for therapy, if you don't mind paying me in cookies. Just calm down, because a lot people out there have your back. You just don't know it. Although, it is kind of flattering to know people who are anime addicted. They will reach out to others of their clan and give a hand.