Small Gods

Pleasant Surprises

One of the marks of successful media (whether you are discussing novels or advertising) is the feeling of surprise when you realize that you are actually enjoying yourself.

A Short List of Things That Surprise Me

Trigun
What starts out as a very simple anime (clumsy, super-powered hero with a heart of gold fighting progressively bigger and more dangerous villians) suprises you with some actual depth to both storytelling and characterization.

Full Metal Alchemist
Yet another anime series that starts out as a cliche (brothers with magical powers who are incredibly strong despite their youth), but ends up suprising the viewer as the characters are forced to reconcile not only their horrific decisions, but those of their father – and the ethics of the world as they know it.

Runaways
Comic books, particularly superhero stories, are never known for their subtlety, particularly when they're aimed at a younger ‘teen’ audience. A story focused on a group of teenagers (several not old enough to drive) shouldn't make a reader remember exactly what it's like to be in high school and feel like your parents are the world's greatest villians (literally, in this case).

Nine Inch Nails
Trent Reznor is in his mid-40's, and has gotten off drugs. Somehow, that combination means he's writing better music and puts on a better live show (pushing the limits of video and technological interaction) than damn near anyone.