When I gather the resolve to hark back to the days of ink and paper storytelling, I prefer to be in it for the long haul.  I read the occasional single book adventure, but I feel like epic is the best way to go when it comes to fiction.  This approach has been known to rear around and bite me from time to time, namely Douglas Adam’s “Dirk Gently” Series, which wasn’t so much Epic but Epically Awesome, and Robert Jordan’s Wheel of Time masterpiece.  I can only hope that Orson Scott Card stays around long enough to finish the Shadow Series (despite what some people believe, perhaps even Mr. Card).  It isn’t done yet; see the loose ends.

In the latter half of last year I was introduced to a well established series in the Fantasy genre by Terry Goodkind.  It is known as “The Sword of Truth” series.  Before I start with my analysis I will set the foundation by saying, it is a good series.  After nearly every book you feel satisfied and ready for the next one.

So, I am a self-described reluctant Otaku.  In my younger years I would skip back from class knowing the next episode of Kenshin was waiting for me.  I watched Dragon Ball Z in high school, and discovered that Z was rubbish compared to the original series a few years later.

But over the past few years certain factors have taken the excitement from Japanese Animation for me.  One of which, being the sheer lack of other Anime enthusiasts over the age of 20 in my region.  Secondly, the one guy who was a fan was 45 and a little to into anime.  There is a point where you don't put Love Hina figurines on your desk at work, especially if you are anyone's boss.