The Fourth Year, Full of Doubt
By Dylan Acres
Well, another year of the website's existence has begun with many changes in store for Maison Ikkoku fans in the United States. The VHS series has reportedly been cancelled, while Viz has begun to make plans for Maison Ikkoku to begin on DVD sometime in the near future. Hopefully this will mean increased sales, and a bigger audience for our so often overlooked series.
As my life changes (I have moved away from home for the first time, scary, scary stuff!) I find it comforting to think of my favorite storylines, and try to derive some sort of inspiration at a time that I feel I really need it the most. Leaving home and the comfort and warmth of the life you've always known is extremely frightening, and there's no telling whether or not you'll be able to handle this new situation you've found yourself in, but no matter what, just think of your favorite thing, Kyoko, for example, and you'll be able to weather the storm until you find your safe harbor. Life is difficult, but there is no shame in saying, "I can't....".
I should apologize for the majority of this article not being about Maison Ikkoku, so much as it is a small life lesson. I guess you can tell where my mind is these days. I wish everyone good luck in the beginning of the new school year. My e-mail is always open. Thank you for your continued support.
Dylan Acres is a psychologist and college professor. Maison Ikkoku has long been his favorite manga and he has written a number of articles on the series and Rumiko Takahashi including an analysis of the animation directors of Maison Ikkoku, Takahashi's love of the Hanshin Tigers and a cataloging of the color artwork of Rumiko Takahashi.
