Vitaliy “Papich” Tsal, the Ukrainian streamer renowned for his blunt opinions and often polarizing commentary, has once again captivated his audience with a characteristically nuanced (or perhaps, un-nuanced) declaration. This time, the subject of his dissection is Japanese animation, commonly known as anime. Despite years of vocal criticism and a perceived aversion to the genre, Papich asserts he is, in fact, “not an anime hater.” The irony, it seems, is not lost on him, nor on his devoted viewership.
A Reluctant Critic, Not a Hater
During a recent broadcast, a snippet of which quickly made its rounds on YouTube channels dedicated to his content, Papich meticulously laid out his reasoning. “I was never actually an anime hater,” he explained, “I only became more of an anime hater when people started forcing me to watch it.” This foundational statement offers a glimpse into the streamer`s unique relationship with content consumption: his genuine interest appears inversely proportional to external pressure.
His claim of non-hatred rests on a broader appreciation for Japanese culture. “I cannot be an anime hater because, in principle, I like Japanese culture,” he stated, citing the recent acclaimed series Shogun as a prime example. He lauded Shogun for its “superb atmosphere” and “incredibly high quality” production. This comparison proved central to his critique of anime.
The “Shogun” Standard: Where Anime Falls Short
For Papich, the discerning line between what he appreciates and what he dismisses lies squarely in maturity and production value. “If anime were adult and made with such high quality [as Shogun], then I might like it,” he mused. His primary grievance is that, in his view, anime is predominantly “childish” and “super low-quality,” designed simply as “children`s cartoons.”
“So, if anime were like the series `Shogun,` then I would be an anime fan, apparently. But as it is, I`m not a hater, not a fan – I`m just stating the facts. Anime is garbage, but I`m not a hater. I don`t directly hate anime, but it`s just garbage, that`s a fact.”
This striking declaration perfectly encapsulates his paradoxical stance: a self-proclaimed non-hater who firmly believes the entire genre is fundamentally flawed. It`s a critique delivered with the blunt force of a technical assessment, devoid of emotional malice, or so he claims.
The Viewer`s Influence: Unwilling Exposure
Papich`s journey into the world of anime has been largely unwilling, propelled by significant donations and viewer-driven auctions. Despite his initial reluctance, his streams have featured him engaging with popular titles such as Berserk, Attack on Titan, and Tokyo Ghoul. Yet, this exposure has done little to sway his opinion. Throughout these viewing sessions, Papich has consistently lambasted these works for what he perceived as shallow plots, poor animation, and derivative concepts.
He recounted his attempts to engage with highly requested and popular anime, specifically mentioning Attack on Titan and Tokyo Ghoul. His verdict was unequivocal: “They were all horrible garbage. Conceptually – garbage, plot-wise – garbage, visually – garbage. And that`s objective.”
A Technical Assessment of `Garbage`
Perhaps the most cutting part of his critique was a comparison that reached back decades. “Cartoons made fifty years ago are of higher quality and more beautiful in animation and graphics than anime. And that`s just wild,” he asserted. This statement suggests that his criticism isn`t merely a matter of taste but a technical evaluation of artistic merit and production standards, where modern anime, in his eyes, often falls short of historical precedents.
In essence, Papich presents himself not as a disgruntled fan, but as an impartial critic delivering an objective assessment. His is the voice of someone who has been compelled to examine a popular cultural phenomenon and, finding it wanting by his own rigorous standards, has delivered a verdict that is as succinct as it is unyielding: “Anime is garbage.” Yet, through it all, he remains resolutely “not a hater.” Such is the enduring enigma of Vitaliy “Papich” Tsal.
Finley Holt