Talk:Paranoia Agent

Not looking deep enough

I think the analysis should be left in, because I'm not someone that can look into things or analyze anime episodes in terms of emotions and symbolism. For us people (I can't be the only one) JUST having an encyclopedia article isn't fully indicative of the "effect" of the anime or any hidden meanings. I would whole heartedly approve of a section called "Possible analysis" if you hard believers are stuck on having a clear cut description of the anime, but don't think any idea of what the anime is like should be in there. And if someone wants to respond, don't try and smooth talk a response, be concise and specific without saying of how other articles don't need them or any other unimportant arguments. Also, all the "I removed this because I felt like it shouldn't be there" is bullshit because one person will say it, and others of the same mindset will repeat it , without thinking that someone who wants an understanding of the anime could use it.

Per your request, to be concise, I think you are missing the point on what an encyclopedia should be. There are plenty of venues on the internet who's format is conducive to analysis of such subjects. Wikipedia is not one of them. 67.188.58.243 (talk) 01:21, 3 January 2014 (UTC)

Original research

This article appears to be more of a review than an encyclopedic article. Deconstruction is fine, but not something that should be on Wikipedia. Please see Wikipedia:No original research and WP:NOT for more info. --nihon 03:14, 14 January 2006 (UTC)

After reviewing the links provided, I understand what you imply. However, I oppose this for several reasons, only one of which is perhaps relevant to this particular entry:

This is a work of fiction/art and, thus, there are no "reputable sources" for anyone to truly cite, save Satoshi Kon himself. While not ALL of the information in this entry (or any other fiction-related) entry is useful, and I do not wish to see this (or any other fiction-related) entry become flooded with half-baked crackpot theories, the analyses and social commentary on this particular entry are too good to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Any kind of half-baked theories that do show up will probably be weeded out by fans of the series or Kon naturally. Perhaps not. I still do not believe that the same degree of NOR should apply to areas dealing with fiction or nonexistent topics, a very different field from that of scientific knowledge.

Kriegman offers an interesting interpretation that follows a similar line of thought to my own, here: [1]

While I do understand the need for regulation to differentiate Wikipedia from Crank.net, I also feel this particular article is a good example of NOR being used in a knee-jerk, reactionary and elitist way. Remember, that this is a work of fiction, and obviously I feel that should allow for a greater range of freedom of thought. It should be obvious to any visitors that views presented in such an article are interpretations. How, then, to differentiate between a "Good" theory from a "half-baked" theory? Much of this is in the presentation. See the above entry in this very talk page, Bat Symbolism. The presentation of this post is, I feel, somewhat poor. The observation of the two bats (one being straight, truth, able to combat the Lil Slugger entity; the other, bent, delusion, etc.) is perhaps worthy of consideration. Maybe not going all the way to include in the main article, however the knee-jerk response consisting only of, "No original research." thwarts this possibility instantly and completely without any thought.

Wikipedia is, and should not be, a place to explore half-baked thoughts. However thoughts should not be dismissed without any consideration whatsoever. Wikipedia is also not, as stated in your own link, a paper encyclopedia, and does not necessarily have to behave as one. The same article also offers that Wikipedia is not a publisher of original thought, with which I agree, though my definition slightly differs. I hope that this last point has come across clear, because I do not necessarily even disagree with your message; many things are, again, in the presentation. It is when the presentation thwarts something else that I find objectionable. I am all for thoughtful, useful "deconstruction" and analysis. Human knowledge would rot without challenging viewpoints. --—Preceding unsigned comment added by 71.115.118.59 (talk • contribs)

I'm not saying that opposing viewpoints or opinions are not welcome here. In fact, Wikipedia welcomes a balanced presentation. What I am saying is that this article reads like a review, not a balanced, NPOV article. The article needs to be rewritten in order to remove the POV.--nihon 02:38, 18 January 2006 (UTC)

I have looked at your proposal on Anime Collaboration and I wonder if perhaps your standards for the articles about works of fiction aren't too minimal. I've seen a lot of your work, which is great, but you hesitate (it seems) to include much more than bare-bones details. As was mentioned earlier, very little of the discussion of a piece of fiction will center around its factual details, but rather its essential details.

Consider this: any discussion of Gulliver's Travels is going to be incomplete without discussing its allegory. However, whose right is it to assume allegory if the author does not explicitly state it? To most it is obvious, but it is not a fact.

So, how then do we remedy this situation? I understand the original research point, but what kind of research is acceptable for these articles? --66.71.21.8 08:36, 26 January 2006 (UTC)

If you can find articles that discuss the allegory and what it may mean, then use that in the article as a referenced entry. Wikipedia is not for discussions like that, but if you include references to articles or books that do discuss it, and mention that in the body of the Wikipedia article, then that is what should be included. Wikipedia is not a place for reviews or positing one theory or another, unless you are using outside reviews to show support or dismissal of whatever theory or viewpoint you are presenting. --nihon 01:54, 27 January 2006 (UTC)

I don't feel that this article's interpretation of symbolism and plot shows POV, if you disagree with the writer's interpretation talk about it here, and fix it over time. 68.94.9.43 22:23, 6 April 2006 (UTC)

I'm just going to be honest here: this is the worst article I've seen on Wikipedia. It reads like a thread on a message board, which is exactly where this belongs. Not only is there too much original research, it's nothing but original research. Whoever requested a complete rewrite of this read my mind. Interpretation is fine as long as its verifiable through reviews, interviews, etc. To say that any work of fiction presented in an encyclopedia is subject to each and everybody's uninteresting and poorly written opinions is BS. If you need examples, please see Wikipedia:Featured articles#Literature. The request for a rewrite has been up here for a long time, and if there aren't an overwhelming number of objections, I will begin rewriting in a week. Anything I can not find a reputable source on will be deleted. That is all. Elvrum 10:08, 2 June 2006 (UTC)

Ummm, okay. But are you taking the show as a reputable resource? How can you interpret a contextual show like this sticly by what you view. You HAVE to take in and make assumptions and do reasearch on the show itself.

Wikipedia has a policy called no original research. If you don't like it, then Wikipedia probably isn't the place for you. If you would like to make assumptions and share crackpot theories, please do so on a message board. If you would like to contribute to this article, then (god forbid) read a review or interview concerning Paranoia Agent, and post here whatever you believe is useful. And don't forget to cite your sources. Elvrum 21:11, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

Continuing the point earlier, an out-of-universe project as described in the wiki standards should feature a critical analysis. This is not "I think this is good." It is also not "This is what happened." What it means is that you need to take the info in, digest it and come out with something more. This may be only one analysis (yours) but it is still an analysis, and it is still required for being on the wiki. For a show like this (much like the show Evangelion) to make a compelling and complete article you must include not only strict discussion of the facts, but how those facts can be and are supposed to be interpreted by the viewer. See my addition in the "Crows" section for an example of such analysis that is needed on this project.--Terrabull 23:49, 1 July 2006 (UTC)

Again, no original research. Elvrum 21:13, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

I fail to see how that falls into the "No original research" clause. I read the whole article, and the two accompanying articles. I also took the extra time to read the follow-up articles specifically refering to information included for fictional entries. I once again refer you to the page Neon Genesis Evangelion which is a great example of how to do critical analysis and contradicting viewpoint articles. Please do some reading so you don't continue to make a fool of yourself.--Terrabull 05:51, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

I have to agree with Terrabull on this point completely. For someone to have a full understanding of a show such as this (or Neon Genesis Evangelion, great example by the way), a certain amount of knowledgable interpretation/inference is necessary. If you only give the bare-bones details of this series, it would be COMPLETELY unintelligible, and thus completely unsuitable for publishing on Wikipedia. I think this is a fantastic article, personally. I'm not seeing personal interpretation anywhere, just the knowledgable kind necessary for this article. I'm more interested in why Elvrum is so vehemently opposed to this article. His arguments don't hold water. DestradoZero 06:39, 19 July 2006 (UTC)

Phases of the Moon

This section states that there are parallels between the phases of the moon and the progress of the story. Ooookay... what are they? And what does Tsukiko's name meaning "moon child" have to do with it? And please provide some sources. Elvrum 02:02, 28 June 2006 (UTC)

Moon Child was a cult in China during the Tang dynasty (a time of great prosperity and the primary influence on Japanese culture). They believed a certain child was the savior, the prophecised 'moon child'. Though it didn't bring down the nation, the cult was still a problem, they violently spread their practices, burning down the institutions of other religions and forcing conversions. They were eventually put down by government troops.

Crows

The crows in the Harumi/Maria episode (episode 3) are symbolic of her "schizophrenia" (actually dissociative identity disorder). The growing number of crows are evocative of the crow-like karasu tengu and specifically tengu kakushi (literally "hidden by a tengu"), an obsolete Japanese term for dementia or schizophrenia.

Here we go again: what do crows have to do with Harumi's schizophrenia if she's not even schizophrenic? In any case, should whatever they represent in Double Lips also pertain to Happy Family Planning? This is just too ridiculous to be posted without a source. Deleted. Elvrum 02:12, 28 June 2006 (UTC)

Sigh. Okay, I'll put this out slowly for you. Read the first paragraph on the schizophrenia page before you say Hiromi doesn't have it. Over the course of the episode she develops this disease probably as a result of the stress she has in dealing with the dissociative identity disorder and the marriage. This is made obvious in the final scene of the episode where she actually sees Maria calling her on the cell, grabbing her and fighting with her. She BELIEVES Maria is there pulling her from both sides, she sees it, despite the fact that it is revealed to the audience that nothing is there in reality. This is NOT dissociative identity disorder, this is full blown schizophrenia. The crows are a sort of double euntaundra in this episode, meaning both schizophrenia and death. As pointed out in the post above yours, the phrase for "hidden by a crow" is a japanese term for schizophrenia. Also, the growing number of crows symbolise the death of Hirmoi's Hiromi personality as she tries to do away with Maria completly. The path she chooses ends up backfiring on her and instead of killing Maria she fuels Maria's rage and Maria goes from being neutral to being malevolent, actually trying to destroy Haromi now. The first time this happens is the first time a crow is seen in the episode, when on the boat ride with her fiance a crow lands and it is then that Haromi finds out Maria took over and Haromi never even knew about it. This is also probably the time her schizophrenia began to develop. As the episode goes on Maria gains more and more control over Haromi, and an occurance of one or more crows is almost always accompanied by Maria forcibly taking control from Haromi. In Happy Family Planning the crows symbolise death. Although no one dies in episode three, the slow death of the Haromi persona is symbolised by the crows.--Terrabull 20:11, 30 June 2006 (UTC)

Thank you, Dr. Terrabull. If I ever need a expert opinion on my own mental health I'll be sure to make an appointment with you. If I need a lengthy original research analysis of Paranoia Agent, I'll see you on aNiMeFoRuMz.cO.jP. (^_~) <-- There's my anime face. Elvrum 21:11, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

What does your mental health have to do with this? I fail to see the relavence to this disscusion. As for what I posted above, according to original research what I posted is NOT original research. It is an analysis of the plot of episode three of Paranoia Agent. None of this is unverifiable, none of it is a personal opinion, none of it is a personal agenda. None of it is something that you can't figure out on your own by watching the show. It is a key point to understanding the episode "Happy Family Planning" however, and as such should be pointed out. You're response doesn't make any sense. This is not original research, it is source-based research. As described in the first section of original research.--Terrabull 05:51, 4 July 2006 (UTC)

In fact. Original research is not a prohibition against drawing conclusions based on source material. --L33tminion (talk) 06:33, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Although you might stick to saying that Haromi is delusional. There are other causes of delusion than schizophrenia. --L33tminion (talk) 06:37, 9 August 2006 (UTC)

Character questions

Hello there, I was thinking that at least some of the characters should be listed on the main page, and described in brief. People who want further detail, or information on minor characters, can go to the Paranoia Agent Characters page if they want.

The questions are: 1) which characters should be listed on the main page; and 2) where would this listing go?

I hope you agree with my move of the episode list to its new position, coming before the analysis section.

--Tachikoma 18:52, 22 February 2006 (UTC)

Summary style the recurring ones back in, in the characters section, under the current Main article... line. A couple of paragraphs 'll be more than enough. --zippedmartin 07:58, 24 February 2006 (UTC)

Ive been watching the serouse can someone please tell me who the women with the clown-like paint on her face is?

In response to the above, the woman is Harumi Chono. She was hit with the bat by 'Shonen Bat', but because of her split persona, wears a mask. --Morris 02:47, 24 June 2006 (UTC)

Concerning Detective Ikari

I've noticed some parallels between Detective Ikari and Shinji Ikari. After Detective Ikari is fired, he feels a sense of not belonging, of not having a place in society, a feeling similar to one Shinji has all the time. Also, his wife, while never mentioned by name, looks kind of like a middle-aged version of Yui (imho). Most anime has some kind of Evangelion reference, and this might be it. --Ximm 07:06, 25 June 2006 (UTC)

• Looks are a coincidence. They don't act anywhere near the same, the detective is positive with his wife and dedicated. Shiji is a coward and runs away from the slightest provocation. It took years to break the detective.

Tsukiko's job

Is this a real job? A Character Designer? That seems like the easiest thing in the world.. I've been doing it for free forever!

• Character designers often have heavy work under sever deadlines and have to deal with constant feedback and demands from their supervisors. Don't be so flippant about stuff you know nothing about! — Preceding unsigned comment added by 98.191.169.132 (talk) 20:27, 15 June 2012 (UTC)

Look at the people arguing on wikipedia like it's a facebook comment section XD — Preceding unsigned comment added by 65.39.126.227 (talk) 05:19, 25 March 2013 (UTC)

Lil' Slugger

He is not in elementary, he is in his second year of junior high.

No. His copycat was in his second-year of junior high.

Episodes

Each of the episodes currently has its own page. Thats way beyond acceptable; in fact, thats pratically the center of WP:AFD territory. This entire page needs to be admited to the Intensive Care Unit for an overhaul, and fast. TomStar81 01:08, 4 June 2006 (UTC)

Most shows have an article per episode on Wikipedia. See List of Arrested Development episodes for instance. I agree however that the article needs intensive care. Elvrum 02:14, 4 June 2006 (UTC)

Little Slugger set me free

There doesn't seem to be much in the article about that aspect of the show Hackwrench 05:59, 8 June 2006 (UTC)

Soundtrack Download

I think that it would also be good to include the fact that a reader of this article can download some of the tracks for the Paranoia Agent soundtrack at this website: http://www.teslakite.com/freemp3s/e/. It is actually a website featuring some of the work of Susumu Hirasawa, other than Paranoia Agent material, but it might be nice to add that link anyway.

I second this link being added. Upon reviewing the site, the organization appears to be legitimate. Cadwal 21:07, 12 July 2007 (UTC)

Complete rewrite

It's been proposed by an administrator that this article contains too much original research and unencylopaedic content. I proposed to rewrite the article myself and I've seen no objections. This entire article doesn't contain a single citation, so I won't delete anything based on that just yet, but once I begin adding cited information I will start deleting uncited and useless information. My first order of business is to critique this article from the standpoint of somebody who has never seen the show. For instance, references to Maromi's "false town" makes no sense because the article doesn't explain what the "false town" is. Therefore, I will delete it. I will do my best to move information to a more appropriate article rather than simply delete it, but keep in mind that doesn't make such information appropriate for Wikipedia and keeping it available is not my responsiblity. Elvrum 21:35, 27 June 2006 (UTC)

Encyclopedias should strive from completion of information, not restriction of information. Instead of deleting the "false town" you need to explain what the false town is sufficiently for someone to understand. Also, someone reading this without seeing the show needs much more information her to make up for what they don't have by watching the episode.--Terrabull 20:17, 30 June 2006 (UTC)

I'm removing spoilers from the Character and Story sections. These sections should introduce people new to Paranoia Agent, not spoil it for them. Elvrum 21:47, 27 June 2006 (UTC)

In a show like this having anything about the characters IS a spoiler. How do you determine what is a spoiler in a show where every episode must be viewed in entirenity to understand the meanings?--Terrabull 20:17, 30 June 2006 (UTC)

I propose that the character page be a spoiler page, because many characters are hard to describe acuratlly without spoilers. However, the core set of characters may be explained simply and clearly and this should be on the front page, with a link to a spoiler version on the characters page.--Terrabull 23:52, 1 July 2006 (UTC)

If we're required to give a synopsis within the confines of the Character section, then what is the Synopsis section for? Furthermore, there is already a link at the top of the Character section to Characters from Paranoia Agent, which is a comprehensive pile of original research drivel for all those not satisfied with the considerately spoiler-free character introduction provided here. Elvrum 21:24, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

Who said anything about a full synopsis for the character list. You simply can't tell about the characters without telling some of the storyline. —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.14.203.32 (talk) 14:12, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

Again, not original research. Saying someone has a documented mental dissorder or that they did something in an episode is not original research.

Debatable sections

I moved these sections off of the main page for now because they are not yet fully polished. Phases of the Moon only talks about observations with no real link between them. The baseball bat section is only partially true. Everyone believes that Maniwa is correct about the bat being a holy sword and used to banish lies. People tend to forget or not realise the reason that the bat didn't work against Lil' Slugger at the end of the series. The bat the father carried around was not the bat that dispelled the lies he saw through. The bat instead protected those lies. Tsukiko called to Lil' Slugger because he was the only thing she ever got away with. Her father accepted the lie, and even gave the lie strength and life by carrying that bat around. The straight bat is no symbol of truth, it is simply one of the elements that gave birth to Lil' Slugger. You will notice that in the first episode the first thing she tells the officers, is that he had a golden bat.--Terrabull 00:01, 2 July 2006 (UTC)

Phases of the Moon

There are some parallels between the phases of the moon and the progress of the story‹The template Talkfact is being considered for merging.› ; there are very obvious cuts to the moon, and Tsukiko's first name means "moon child"; she is also referred to as the moon which reflects the light of Maromi's sun (obviously a pun on the name). In the first episode, Tsukiko is shown browsing a web page title "MOON LIGHT Tsukiko's Room", which displays a logo of Maromi hanging on to a crescent moon.

Baseball bats

The series' multiple depictions of baseball bats may be symbolic of truth, or reality. Lil' Slugger carries a bent bat, indicating that he and Maromi delude their victims with false hope, or perhaps further symbolizes Lil' Slugger's existence as a made-up delusion. In contrast, Maniwa finds a baseball bat which Tsukiko's father carried, and uses it as an "ancient sword, carried by a man who uses it to destroy the lies he sees through." The "Mellow Maromi" cartoon depicts a boy who lets go of his bat because he is depressed about baseball, as Maromi tells him to "take a rest". It is also assumed that the bent bat was literally the real Maromi's broken leg or form, which cast its shadow after the accident and appeared similar to a bent bat. In the Japanese version, Lil Slugger's bat is said to be shaped like the hiragana く (ku) which can mean "suffering".

Inline skates, not Rollerblades

I've gone through the series' main article, the episode articles, and the characters article changing "rollerblades" to "inline skates." The Wikipedia page on Rollerblades itself notes that it's a common mistake to use the brand name Rollerblades. And the english dub of the show uses the term inline skates. As always with Wikipedia, I hope I haven't overstepped my bounds in the interest of being overly correct. --Boradis 09:36, 6 July 2006 (UTC)

Sounds good to me. The japanese word for "Inline skates" is 'rollerblado', but the sub also lists as "Inline skates".--Terrabull 18:53, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

Maniwa does say rollerblades in the dub of the Final Episode, but I agree that inline skates is a better term. Elvrum 20:06, 9 July 2006 (UTC)

My background is in editing news articles using AP style, so I haven't encountered this kind of issue before, where the generic word in another language is also an American brand name, and possibly more correct. It's always a learning experience here. --Boradis 08:45, 11 July 2006 (UTC)

The whole rollerblades/inline skates debate (which I only really heard about recently in the general public) seems a bit unnecessary. There are many examples of this, such as using the word "kleenex" (intentionally lowercase) instead of "facial tissue", "coke" instead of "soda" or "soft drink", or even "aspirin" instead of "acetylsalicylic acid" (Bayer owns the trademark). When something becomes so identified with a brand name, it ends up becoming synonymous and indistinguishable from the actual generic name. There's an article regarding this here: List of generic and genericized trademarks. DestradoZero 06:51, 19 July 2006 (UTC)

Pretty much same as jello knox-blox both being gelatin but they are all called jello by those under 40. (note:not a knock against those over 40 its just everyone younger than that has grown up with the term jello as the snack name not just a brand name.) —Preceding unsigned comment added by 67.14.203.32 (talk) 14:08, 7 September 2007 (UTC)

Question on criticism

Hope i'm not doing anything wrong by asking something on here: The article says the show criticizes the harsh conditions of animators in Japan. What harsh conditions are these? (Yeah, I don't know. Even though I watch anime. SHAME!)

I think many Japanese animators complain about too low wages, etc.--70.179.177.142 00:05, 5 August 2006 (UTC)

thank you, --ComposerWannabe 07:47, 18 July 2006 (UTC)

THe shear size of the anime industry in japan naturally brings makes this type of treatment inevitable. I havent heard of this really but it seems logical. Is there that details or even hints about the conditions of working in the anime industry ? 146.141.15.223 09:02, 23 August 2006 (UTC)yugimoto

"Moon Child" in Asian history

I noted some questions on the significance of her name, so here's what I know of it...

Moon Child was a cult in China during the Tang dynasty (a time of great prosperity and the primary influence on Japanese culture). They believed a certain child was the savior, the prophecised 'moon child'. Though it didn't bring down the nation, the cult was still a problem, they violently spread their practices, burning down the institutions of other religions and forcing conversions. They were eventually put down by government troops.

I don't think this part of history is found often in english so sources are difficult

I've also seen Moon Child cult references in other series, like Battle Angel Alita/Gunnm, used in a similiar role of a cultish thing

Formating

First i would like to appologize in advance for my spelling...

Since this page contains a directory for the individual episodes, i have chosen to discuss the episode directory here:

regarding the Summary and analysis of the episodes:

i think that it is very important for an encyclopedia to have a certain degree of consistancy, which, needless to say, is lacking, not only throughout the encylopedia, but within individual article and related articles, (i.e.- the aforementioned directoy) while i thick it is unrealistic to expect consistancy within a publication (can i call wikipedia that, probably not, but i think you get my meaning) of this nature as a whole, i do think that some effort aught to be made to try and establish a certain degree of unity within articles.

For example:

if i have the article for episode 1 of P.A. set up in the following manner:

Short Summary Comprehensive Summary: Analysis:

...i should likewise have every following Episode article for P.A. organized in the same manner. further, if you dont have anything to put under a given heading, establish the heading and write something, work can(and i find, usually is) always be expanded.

from a practical standpoint, i think what i'm asking is that when we write or edit article of this nature, we aught to stick with one standard of organization, preferably the most comprehensive.

}--Thankyou for your consideration--{

Coincidence?

I'd just like to point out that in the article on the attacks in Japan,eight people were attacked by a 17 year old boy wielding a bat. If I am not mistaken, that's also the number of people attacked by lil' slugger in the series. I've also noticed certain relations between Paranoia Agent and th Ying Yang. Correct me if I'm wrong.

Well, there was definiately more than eight people attacked in the series, if you include Tsukiko, Kawazu, Yuuichi, Ushi, Harumi/Maria, Hirukawa, Taeko, Kowazu, Tsukiko's boss, the guests at the Bathhouse, the people in the three womens' stories (although it is debatable if any of those incidents actually happened), the Mellow Maromi staff, Ikari's wife, and half the people of Tokyo (in the last episode, when Lil' Slugger has become the blob or "Stress Chain Reaction" according to DVD commentary). --ThomasO1989

more symbolism

Could there be any symbolism in the way that all (but the old woman) the female characters are barefoot in the intro sequence? I'd think it was just a stylistic thing (that's how I tend to draw women) but Tsukiko's holding her shoes...

Lil Slugger

Guys, don't use "Shonen Bat" primairly - It gets low google rate hits and is not commonly used. Lil Slugger is the way to go. WhisperToMe 06:36, 4 February 2007 (UTC)

But „Sounen Bat“ is the original name of that character. „Lil' Slugger“ is only dubbed USA version name. I prefer the original one. And in ANN writted that more people sow the subbed (not dubbed) anime version ([2] – press the „details“ link near „User Ratings“). Extate 11:33, 20 June 2007 (UTC)

Citation Problems / Some Weasel Words and Peacocking Too

As has been pointed out by another user (and by the "additional citations needed" tag that has been added to the article), this entry is in dire need of proper footnotes and real, not original, research. (Not that the original research isn't correct; it just needs proper corroboration.) In the "Social Commentary" section, for example, an editor claims that Kon is "critically acclaimed" for his use of commentary on various social phenomena in Japan. This is no doubt true, but this claim needs verification via a proper citation so that others do not view this assertation as suspect. (I added a "citation needed" tag there. I have not added a footnote yet but will when I find a suitable source.) To my dismay, I have found such citation problems, as well as rampant use of "weasel words" and "peacock words," in many articles on some of the smartest (and, in my opinion, most entertaining) anime shows and movies out there. What a shame... Let's try to clean up this article (and, perhaps, for the ambitious, also the articles for the other works of Kon). For those who are invested in this article and Kon's work in general, this is something that we must do. And, who knows -- maybe, one day (with the help of some Wiki-lobbying, of course) this article might be sound enough to be a featured article on this site's main page. Cheers! ask123 03:26, 5 August 2007 (UTC)

Copyvio

I have removed part of Mellow Maromi because it was a copyright violation. Please check your other episode summaries too, in particular the licensing terms if you use content originally from another website. Thanks. Shinobu 06:04, 21 August 2007 (UTC)

Symbolism/Analysis/Social Commentary

No one cares about the symbolism you find or the analysis you have. That is original research. If you want to include that information in this article, find a credible source and use the source's analysis. ask123 21:48, 8 October 2007 (UTC)

Reception

Anybody got any WP:V for a reception section. Surely there must be some reviews etc out there.

perfectblue (talk) 12:50, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

You can check ANN, AnimeOnDVD, and T.H.E.M. Anime Reviews. You may also luck up and find some more on the Meta Anime Review Project, which attempted to be the Rotten Tomatoes of anime reviews, but I believe is dead now. --Farix (Talk) 13:11, 16 March 2008 (UTC)

Production/thematic expansion

Don't have time to do this myself, but thought I'd post the link here in case someone else was up to the task. Variety's blog has a great interview with Satoshi Kon covering all kinds of stuff: [3]. Doceirias (talk) 20:20, 26 June 2008 (UTC)

Not A Miniseries

13 episodes is not a "miniseries" They don't call anime miniseries regardless of the length. They only call it what it is and in this case it would be TV anime. Gune (talk) 20:08, 3 July 2009 (UTC)

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Manga Impact

Manga Impact: The World of Japanese Animation, 6 December 2010, ISBN 978-0714857411; pg 204:

Sagi Tsukiko is a young designer working in Tokyo. She is the creator of the pink dog Maromi, a wildly popular mascot character in the same vein as Hello Kitty. When Sagi is beaten up in the street, all she can remember of her attacker is that he was a young kid wearing a baseball cap and gold rollerblades. Two detectives take up the case and began to look for the attacker known as Shonen Bat (literally Bat Boy, or L'il Slugger in some translations), who strikes again several times, bringing considerable fear to the city. Gradually, the heart of the story emerges from the boy's disturbed psyche. The popular success of the mascot Maromi was based on the false sense of well-being and affectionate warmth it gave its owner and Shonen Bat acts as a kind of negative' to Maromi, leading the detectives to wonder if he was one of Sagi's inventions.
In Paranoia Agent, a masterpiece in urban film noir and post-modern reconstruction, Kon Satoshi engages in a sociological analysis of Japanese society. The series suggests that city-dwellers, in the grip of a consumerist frenzy, need to escape from their precarious and frenetic existence, which leads to a confusion of fantasy and reality.
The study of the psyche is of great interest to Kon, in particular the states of change and split reality that are studied in Paprika (2006; dir. Kon Satoshi). Paranoia Agent is filled with numerous allusions to Japanese culture, both traditional and pop. It also contains more obscure references, such as the names of characters that allude to phases of the moon and the animal world.
F.L.

--Gwern (contribs) 19:49 23 December 2011 (GMT)