Don't be hatin'

Anime News Network recently published a review for all three volumes of Menkui!, by Tanaka Suzuki. The reviewer makes it quite obvious that she was none too impressed with this series. That's fine. To each their own. But I did have a problem with a statement she made below:

Tanaka's artwork is perhaps her greatest asset when her storytelling capabilities are—as they often are—refusing to come to her rescue. She has a clean yet distinctively bold, confident style that has won her numerous fujoshi devotees. In some ways, it looks rather anime-like or perhaps Shounen Sunday-esque. She might have been a slice of life shounen mangaka in another life. Indeed, one wonders if she might not be wasting her time in BL.

Wait, but, what? Do I detect a hint of animosity toward BL? Why is it a waste for Suzuki to dedicate herself to a genre she enjoys? This comment exhibits how little the reviewer regards BL as a legit genre category. Now, maybe she doesn't see BL as a lucrative genre and she believes Suzuki is capable of making more money in shoujo or shounen. She probably meant for this statement to be a compliment. But this belief still undermines BL. As if to say BL is where you go to die a slow death. The thing is, that comment is saying BL is, for the most part, a waste of time. And how can I not take issue with that?

I don't want to come off as if I'm peeved by this, 'cause I'm not. But, I haven't for a while been a fan of the BL reviews produced by ANN. I know you can find more worthwhile reviews elsewhere such as the Fujoshi Librarian over at LJ. I guess, what bothers me is ANN is a staple for anime geekdom and as such they are a very powerful force. And what's that saying good ol' Uncle Ben told Peter Parker? Ah, yes: with great power comes great responsibility. Well, be responsible ANN. If you're going to do BL reviews maybe get someone who understands BL to review it. No one would want someone who isn't good at first person shooters to tell them whether or not Halo is a great game. Someone who has played many FPS's because they enjoy the games is a much more credible person. So, come on ANN; step up. Give me a veteran BL fan.