In terms of roles for women, anime has always been ahead of its western neighbors. Women were the heroes, sidekicks and even villains in many different shows. Whole cats were made up of nothing but women. For proof on how a good women character can carry a show, look no further then Sword Art Online Alternative Gun Gale Online, the next chapter in the Sword Art Online saga.
Squad Jam
Karen Kohiruimaki hates the fact that she is so tall. Her only escape seems to be in video games, especially the VR kind as they are now making a comeback in her world. The problem is that she keeps getting avatars that are too strange for her. When checking out the new game Gun Gale Online, she receives a petite avatar which fits her like a glove. Calling herself Llenn, she discovers the game is about survival in a very hostile world. She trudges on, clad in pink, and soon becomes one of the best players in the game.
Karen is instantly relatable. All of us have something physically we would change about herself. She does not want to be strong, but the opposite. Her avatar is small, which to her makes it the best of all time. It is this alter ego which keeps her in a game she would not usually play. Again, there have been games that I have played where I liked the characters so much, I kept playing. We root for her because we hope that through the game, she might learn to accept her real self as well.
GGO
I was very nervous watching the first few episodes. In Sword Art Online, players became trapped in a game on the day it launched. This series refers to this, as the event caused VR games to decrease in popularity. The success of Gun Gale Online has made them popular again, but I think something bad is going to happen. This is the way the show has gotten to me, making me think some small thing is a major clue. You don’t have to watch Sword Art Online to enjoy this series. New game, new characters and new rules.
When it comes to video game shows, I am always curious how the game is presented. Could this be a real game? The answer is yes, as Gun Gale Online could be one of those games where you get your buddies together in order to wreak havoc on other squad. The feel is always there, all though the characters are so interesting you focus on them more and more. Trying to figure out who people are in the real world is half the fun.
Fan Letter
The show just started this April, so it won’t take long to catch up. This shows deals with both body image and action with the same weight. Llenn is a great player, and one has to wonder how her new found notoriety will affect people coming after her. So, head on over to Crunchyroll and begin your adventure. Llenn and the squad will be waiting for you.