Thread by @LunarArchivist

For the last time, you idiots: the issue here isn't the fact that manga and anime have political themes or that they espouse a particular political view, it's that manga and anime don't hamfistedly or clumsily insert them into stories to the detriment of entertainment value. 1/4

"GATE - Thus the JSDF Fought There!" is a nationalistic series where Japanese Special Forces can effortlessly take out Russian AND U.S. ones with zero deaths and makes a lot of political and social criticism (such as how manipulative politicians and journalists are). 2/4

Despite all this, the series never loses sight of the fact that it's centered around how modern military forces would fare against medieval armies and fantasy monsters such as dragons. The political/social commentary complements the story, it's not the sole reason it exists. 3/4

And the Japanese can be RUTHLESS when it comes to their commentary: A zombified version of Korean actor Bae Yong-joon had his brains blown out in "High School of the Dead". Western comic book creators think doing similar stuff with Trump every chance they get is "original". 4/4

To show exactly what I mean about "GATE: Thus the JSDF Fought There!" being political/ideological, here's a scene where the creator soapboxes about the inherent dishonesty of journalists. Anyone who's been through #GamerGate, #ComicsGate or #Russiagate knows how accurate this is.

Since my critics missed it: My referring to "GATE" as (eye-rollingly) nationalistic and accusing the creator of soapboxing aren't compliments. 😋

Also, I want an exact chapter/episode and quote for the war crimes denial @KakuseiMyo @HodeiEH1999, @Days2Sonny, and @matana_l.