On different points of views// Art analysis

On another note, saw all the comments about M/A Japanese-subtext, and as that's in a locked thread and slightly tangential, I think it's better to start a new post here.



First off - I want to point out that each of us already has a different take to the Megumi/Aoshi relationship. I do not think that we all paint the same nuances to each of them. Probably chisailammy and I have been closest on the psychological attraction issue so far in believing that something strange was afoot in the Kanryuu years. (Based on my reading of Hitomi's draft works, I think she's in this camp.)

I know other fans don't care much for that, as the concept of any feelings existing from the point of view of the captive Megumi and the man who helped Kanryuu hold her captive is repugnant. I've read the thoughts of a few persons who vehemently oppose such a pairing; however, while I respect their right to their opinion, I have to note that not enough is given regarding Megumi's or Aoshi's actual inner feelings to support or refute that argument.

There is enough blank space in this fandom to form an interpretation, or several. Obviously, I don't buy into the Megumi must hate Aoshi argument. (This implies a depth of shallowness to her character which I don't think the manga is supportive of. She is by far the most perceptive of women in the manga, and also meant to be comparable to Kenshin's overarching themes of redemption and forgiveness. It ignores also the jinchuu arc.) Most of us subject a framework (devised from our experiences and biases ) onto other peoples' work that leads us to these opinions, and must realize that without things to point at in the manga or Watsuki's notes, that it is --in the end-- an interpretation. I don't care how loudly some people voice their opinions. It doesn't make it right. It just makes it loud.



So moving on to the issue that has roused some curiousity in the last thread -- and that being is what propels the fans behind the japanese Meg/Aoshi website here: http://aomegu24jp.under.jp/


What follows is my interpretation. As the webmistress can not speak English well, we did not have a huge conversation on this. I've been looking at what I can decipher, and mostly the art is what strikes me as very different thematically from everything the English speaking fans stereotype about Megumi.

Basically, looking at the art elements at that website and then looking at the doujinshin, I saw a completely different rendition of the dynamics from the other extreme point taken by Western fans that play up the kitsune tendencies of Megumi and the more angry/volatile aspects, while ignoring her soft and quiet side.

The hand on wrist motif that appears in two-three drawings (at least), I'm fairly certain parallels the scene in the manga where it is not Hannya that stops Megumi from stabbing Kanryu, but Aoshi. It it also Aoshi who takes her away to the tower after Kanryuu beats her.

This action can be interpreted many ways, including -- ensuring that Kenshin has to eventually come and fight him (as to get to the tower, there is only really one way), but also removing Megumi from a situation where Kanryuu was harming her and where Megumi was about to waste her life.

It could be a mix of all motives as well. The tendency for fans to oversimply to one really frustrates me, as that is not an adult way of thinking whatsoever, particularly with the insertion of the tower scene that follows. If Aoshi was a horrible person, we would not have that benefit of that scene and the sense of strange and cold empowerment that occurs. Anyways, I leave interpretations to Hitomi. She's covered a lot of the things which have been percolating in conversations over the years.

I think the Japanese fans picked up on this early interaction and have played with it. Some more thorough poking reveals other artwork which also must be evaluated as part of the whole. There are some with blood, some with Megumi waiting for Aoshi (reclining or sitting), but absolutely none set in traditional clothing seem to suggest her as equal or dominant force.

The hand on wrist to me is again suggestive of "restraint" or "holding in check". The drawing that really fascinates me the most is the one set in winter, for reasons that there are two things going on -- one the hand on wrist, but also the other hand encircling either in protection or affection.

[[As an aside -- despite the tendency of fanwriters and artists from the Western world to write big mushy and obvious gestures of affection, Japanese culture and romance is always small and subtle in the public eye. I do not think looking at the usage of hands is taking things out of context. Some may say we're overreaching here, but I disagree. (I don't think anime is a good gauge of cultural mores either by any means as they're largely produced by men for men. The fanbase that I see at this website is female.) ]]

That art was done by a guest artist, but poking through past covers // art done by the webmistress, you see that appear again.

MiJ - as an artist, I'm curious what your thoughts are. Obviously we don't have the benefit of talking to each individual fanartist, but I wanted to see if you notice a trend at all.