Bangalore Anime Club: Guns Optional

An afternoon with them will entail a faux-hazing initiation (if you are a new member); some brilliant conversation about anime in particular and general pop-culture when the hardcore anime fans have stopped for a breath; and of course show recommendations for the new disciples of anime. Sub-groups of similar minded individuals emerge but the fabric of the club remains strong. It is meant for fun and anime, not politicking. New friends are made here every meet, some extending beyond the club. A council of older members run the operations of BAC.

Screenings are often hosted at Jaaga, where the club watches anime and discusses it. The club also organizes a Manga Artwork Workshop, held by council member Varsha who teaches other members on the basics of art and drawing manga. Very recently the club started its own in house band with the sole focus of playing Japanese anime music. For the unenlightened ones, the anime soundtracks of Japan have some great music. The task of our desi vocalists becomes harder when you realize that most of their repertoire is in Japanese.

The club grabbed headlines at Comic-Con a few months ago with a rehearsed flash mob, revelling in their extravagant and colourful costumes. Future plans include more coordinated cos-playing at comic conventions and the upcoming Japan Habba where the band expects to perform. Their objective is not only to spread anime across India but also “serve as a proactive club that helps hone the talents of members into productive outlets as well as a place to learn new skills”. And at the end of the day you can always come over for a stimulating discussion on the darker themes of Neon Genesis Evangelion.