Degree Thesis Bachelor’s level (First cycle) FLCL: Progressive Or FLCL: Regressive The FLCL Sequel Through the Perspective of the Fans Author: Erik Strandman Supervisor: Herbert Jonsson Examiner: Hiroko Inose Subject/main field of study: Japanese Studies Course code: GJP23Y Higher education credits: 15 Date of examination: 2021-01-15 At Dalarna University it is possible to publish the student thesis in full text in DiVA. The publishing is Open Access, which means the work will be freely accessible to read and download on the internet. This will significantly increase the dissemination and visibility of the student thesis. Open Access is becoming the standard route for spreading scientific and academic information on the internet. Dalarna University recommends that both researchers as well as students publish their work Open Access. I give my/we give our consent for full text publishing (freely accessible on the internet, Open Access): Yes ☒ No ☐ Dalarna University – SE-791 88 Falun – Phone +4623-77 80 00 Abstract The 2001 Anime, FLCL (Fooly Cooly) by Studio Gainax garnered a large following when released. A coming-of-age themed story accompanied with inventive animation and rock music by the Japanese rock band, The Pillows. A true passion project by the series’ director, Kazuya Tsurumaki. 17 years later, Production I.G, the studio that co-created FLCL alongside Studio Gainax released two sequels, FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative. Embarrassing, generic, boring, are just a few of the words commonly used to describe these sequels by its audience. The aim of this paper is focused on the first sequel, FLCL: Progressive, to figure out why such a large portion of the FLCL fanbase did not enjoy it. By utilizing the reader-response theory and analyzing reviews from FLCL: Progressive and categorizing the responses this research paper gives an insight to the FLCL fanbase’s thoughts of the series and comparisons to the original. Table of Contents 1 Introduction ......................................................................................................................................... 1 2 Background .......................................................................................................................................... 2 2.1 Overview ...................................................................................................................................... 2 2.2 FLCL .............................................................................................................................................. 2 2.3 FLCL: Progressive .......................................................................................................................... 3 3. Previous Research .............................................................................................................................. 4 3.1 FLCL .............................................................................................................................................. 4 3.2 Fan Criticism ................................................................................................................................. 6 3.3 Reader-Response Theory .............................................................................................................. 7 4 Theories, Method, and Material .......................................................................................................... 8 4.1 Theory .......................................................................................................................................... 8 4.2 Method ....................................................................................................................................... 10 4.3 Material ...................................................................................................................................... 11 5 Results & Analysis .............................................................................................................................. 12 5.1 Story ........................................................................................................................................... 12 5.2 Characters .................................................................................................................................. 16 5.3 Art/Animation ............................................................................................................................ 20 5.4 Sound ......................................................................................................................................... 22 6 Discussion .......................................................................................................................................... 24 7 Conclusion ......................................................................................................................................... 26 References ............................................................................................................................................ 27 Bibliography ..................................................................................................................................... 27 Filmography ...................................................................................................................................... 27 Online Sources .................................................................................................................................. 28 Non-Academic Sources ..................................................................................................................... 28 Review List: ....................................................................................................................................... 28 List of Tables Table 1. Total number of reviews and coverage for each category ....................................................... 11 Table 2. Number of discussions regarding story. .................................................................................. 12 Table 3. Number of discussions regarding characters. .......................................................................... 16 Table 4. Number of discussions regarding art & animation. ................................................................. 20 Table 5. Number of discussions regarding sound. ................................................................................ 22 Acknowledgements I wish to show my gratitude to my supervisor and professor, Herbert Jonsson, whom over the duration of this course have provided me with much valuable support and feedback that helped me shape both research question, methodology and ultimately the final result of this project. I would also like to thank the rest of the lecturers that have guided me during my time at Dalarna University, Hiroko Inose, Mariya Aida Niendorf, Masako Hayakawa Thor, and again Herbert Jonsson for the outstanding performance in education. Lastly, I would also like to pay special regards to my parents for supporting me and pushing me to achieve my goals. 1 1 Introduction After the massive success of Neon Genesis Evangelion, Kazuya Tsurumaki at Studio Gainax took on a passion project and directed Fooly Cooly (or FLCL for short). This six-episode OVA1 became massively popular and garnered a cult following. At first viewing the series can be perceived as pure chaos. The animation switches back and forth between different styles, even copying other animated series such as South Park at times. The plot is hard to follow and the visuals on screen is not helping you to understand what is going on either. Robots sprouting from people’s heads, and chainsaw-like bass guitars being used as weapons to defeat said robots. But behind all the craziness going on there is a coming-of-age story about a young boy who is struggling to act his age. 17 years after its release, Production I.G., the studio that co-created the original FLCL, made an announcement that together with the American streaming website, Adult Swim, they will be releasing a second and a third season of FLCL called FLCL: Progressive and FLCL: Alternative. With a new lead studio, new directors, and a new production team, the fans were skeptical but hopeful. And so, in the autumn of 2018 the two sequels were released, but the fan response was rather poor. It is not uncommon that sequels and remakes of old classics do not live up to the originals. This research focuses on the FLCL fanbase regarding this phenomenon. Why is FLCL: Progressive not as well received as the original? Utilizing the reader-response theory and analyzing reviews from FLCL: Progressive, this thesis offers an insight to what the FLCL fanbase thinks of the franchise’s first sequel. What parts about it were appreciated as well as what parts about it were less appreciated. 1 Original Video Animation. A Japanese animated series released for home video formats prior to having a televised or theatrical release. 2 2 Background 2.1 Overview The original FLCL was released in Japan from 2000-2001 as a six-episode OVA. Produced by Studio Gainax, the same studio that made the massively popular Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995-1996) and directed by Kazuya Tsurumaki, who was the assistant director for the Evangelion project. Screenwriter for the series was Youji Enokido who also served as screenwriter for Neon Genesis Evangelion. The series was also co-produced by Production I.G. and music licensed by King Records.