So…where do I begin?
The 2010s was a decade many of us remember fondly; from dance anthems like “Gangnam Style”, to the 2016 Golden State Warriors winning the NBA Championship. Sure, it had its highs and lows like any other decade before it, but when it came to anime, there was one title that was in a league of its own. Some say that it was an Adult Swim contender, while others praised it for being ‘different’. Many fans thought it would never return, but after 15 years when the world needed them most…they returned! The B*tches of Anarchy are BACK!! Let’s GO!!!
(*Record scratch*)
Hold it! Something’s off. I can’t say for sure, but did Panty’s dub voice always sound like that? Is there something in her throat that isn’t what WE think it is? No? Then what is it? Wait…they did what? They WHAT?!
Ok. So word around the community page is that even though Panty & Stocking have returned for the long-awaited season 2, the cast that we’ve come to know…is not on the show. I’m not sure if it was an executive decision or one made by the OG cast themselves, but all we know is…Jamie Marchi and Monica Rial, are not on the show. I know this is usually the part where fans speculate it may have something to do with a ‘certain individual’, but since the show is streaming on Amazon Prime Video, there’s a bit more to it. Before I get into that, let’s go back to what made the first season of PSG special in the first place.
…You know what, scratch that. I’m sure this video will explain it.
Nostalgia is powerful. I feel like with the current age that we live in, where close to 200 anime titles are released each year, some fans are saying the we might be reaching our next anime bubble burst. The once clowned-on hobby is now socially accepted, and has become a part of modern-day geek culture. Things seem to be going good in terms of new shows coming out, and new fans talking about said shows, however deep down, there’s an outcry from OG anime fans for a much simpler time. A time where anime felt like ‘anime’; with story-driven and character-driven plot lines, and where the emotional turns of those stories and characters connected with you. The nostalgia from Panty & Stocking however, can be akin to how we felt about the infamous Ghost Stories dub. We ALL know that it can never EVER be dubbed like it was in 2004 today, but that’s what made that show fun! The same can be said about OG Panty & Stocking.
Newer fans of the show probably never watched season one (or even care to watch it), which is why they love New Panty & Stocking with Garterbelt. Studio Trigger picked up right where they left of 15 years ago, so we’re pretty sure the high octane action from the first season, will be in the second. (Which it is, because I watched the first episode.) They’ll be a full review once the show is done, so stay tuned for that. Now, back to nostalgia…
The OG cast bought a different flavor and energy to the first season dub, and add a touch of Marchi’s spice to the script, and you got a 5-star dish that Gordan Ramsey would be proud of. I think that’s what’s missing, and that’s why fans hold the OG PSG in such high regard. I’m sure that if given enough time; Courtney Lin (New Panty VA), Christina Vee (New Stocking VA) can really bring the Anarchy Sisters to life. I’m happy Garterbelt is played by a Black man (though I probably would’ve asked Samuel Jackson if he wasn’t busy, in fact…I would’ve forgiven the complete recast if he was cast as Garterbelt).
So…here’s how I’m gonna wrap this up. PSG has returned after 15 years and heavy amounts of red tape, and while it didn’t return with the same dub cast that made it famous back in 2012, some fans are a little more forgiving (even though it still hurts). Just like many of you guys, I went through the five stages when I found out Jamie and Monica were not returning (even though they really wanted to). OG fans have expressed discontent with the new dub cast, but I just hope we don’t have another Darling-in-the-Franxx situation (or anything even remotely close to that level). It’s been 15 years, so let’s just see how all of this plays out.
OG Founder
Out!
