Zine of Fire [Vol.01] - An Introduction

So, this is my first time writing something on this site... so this ought to be interesting.

It's been a long time since I've written on a blog--even though I have my own website dedicated to Japanese pop culture with a major focus on video games and the like. If you're curious, check out Fire Sanctuary for more info!

I'm sort of thinking about using this site to post more editorials from my own perspective and experience as a long-time foreigner living in Japan. I know this site is mostly in Japanese, and I can write in Japanese, it's just... It's less time-consuming for me to write in English, so whatever. 

For anyone who want to study a little bit of English, please feel free to follow and read my gibberish. Just one slight warning: I tend to have a foul mouth. If that turns you off, then by all means turn away. My goal is to be as natural and direct in these posts as I possibly can; maybe even a bit TMI. So, you've been warned!! xD

As a brief introduction, I am mostly known as my alternate persona: Rekka Alexiel. I typically don't use my real name online if it can be avoided. It's not necessarily because I dislike my name--although there is that--but I like the idea of inventing exactly who I am, entirely by myself. This, of course, begins with my name.

I'm a bit of an anime/game 'otaku' if you will... and get a bit of satisfaction from asking people if they know what series I got my name from. I don't expect everyone to know these niche series, but for those who *do*, I feel an extra dose of camaraderie. So, here's your obscure trivia question for the day:

Q1: What anime series did I get the name "Rekka" from?

...I bet you just thought "Flame of Recca" (烈火の炎), right?

Right?

WELL, YOU'RE WRONG!

I originally got the name from Ronin Warriors / Samurai Troopers (鎧伝サムライトルーパー).

hahaha Bet you didn't see that one coming! People rarely get this question right... But that's okay! I don't like you any less because of it!! <3

I first saw this series on American TV in the summer of 1995. I randomly spotted episode 10 on TV and was instantly hooked. I've always liked stories about Good vs Evil, especially with a Red MC. xD I'm also a bit sadistic in how I like or treat my MCs. Generally, I like MCs to be virtuous and strong but also a bit unhealthily self-sacrificing. xD In terms of my own writing, my poor MCs rarely live to see the end of the story. orz So, discovering this series on exactly episode 10 where "Rekka" has taken the biggest damage... Yeah, there's no denying this series instantly intrigued me.

Next is maybe even more obscure...

Q2: What manga series did I get the name "Alexiel" from?

I have yet to hear anyone get this one correct, but I guess that's not surprising.

Alexiel is the "natural" seraph from the Angel Sanctuary (天使禁猟区) series. 

I've always had a thing for characters with wings, so when I discovered this series, I was, without a better term to describe it, obsessed. The story also dealt with reincarnation, angels and demons, and pre-conceived notions pertaining to each. There was a lot of taboo subjects, like instances of incest, that was pretty revolutionary at the time. All-in-all, it left a major impact on me... thus the reason why I adopted "Alexiel" as part of my so-called official name.

I think I'll close out this initial release with this, and hopefully I'll think of something interesting to talk about in the future! If anyone has any comments or questions for me, please do not hesitate to speak up! I always enjoy interacting with people, so I'll be looking forward to hearing from you soon! ^_~

Until next time--!