Gachiakuta

Semiu appreciation post! I loved Season 1 of Gachiakuta, and I especially loved this character. I’ve been watching anime for well over 30 years and it is still so rare to encounter Black characters, especially Black women. And as a glasses-wearer, I LOVED Semiu’s vital instrument.

I really enjoyed this show, and it somehow managed to be so original in almost every way, from the character design to the grimy, anarchic setting, to the magic system, which fit so well with the themes of the show. (Although I do think Enjin has strong Gojo energy. Not a complaint, though!) The fights were epic and creative and the slow reveal of everyone’s unique powers was so fun to watch. Also, as you know, I love stories where an underclass fights back against those upholding systems of inequality. Plus I think the idea that you give objects power by caring for and appreciating them is something to really think about in these current wasteful times.

I stumbled on a Semiu appreciation post on Threads a couple of weeks ago, by another Black anime fan so excited by the character. Predictably enough, many of the comments could be summarised as — “why are you complaining? Here’s one side-character from among thousands who might be Black if you squint a bit”… and one imbecile even trotted out Marvel’s Storm as “proof” that Black people have nothing to complain about. Kmt.