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The web comic, Let\u2019s Play,<\/em> by Leeanne M. Krecic (Mongie), was published digitally from 2016 to 2022, with three seasons released on Webtoon<\/a>. The comic has over 7.5 million subscribers globally on Webtoon and was nominated for an Eisner Award in 2019. This was a very relatable anime that felt more near and dear to Western viewers, especially being set in a North American setting. However, it still felt like a Japanese anime, due to a few common caricatures.<\/p>\n Let\u2019s Play <\/em>follows Samara \u201cSam\u201d Young, a developer in Los Angeles who\u2019s about to achieve her dreams with her first video game, Ruminate. That is, until a popular streamer gives the game a scathing review. Even worse, Sam finds out the troublesome critic is now her new neighbour! Get lost in a comedic, romantic, and all-too-real story about gaming, memes, and social anxiety. Come for the plot, stay for the doggo named Bowser.<\/p>\n My brain was very confused watching Let\u2019s Play <\/em>because I have been watching plenty of anime series since I was young, but many of them are not set in America. Recently, the only big anime show that partially showed the United States was in My Hero Academia\u2019s<\/em><\/a> last arc, or in the movie My Hero Academia: Two Heroes. <\/em>While it is fair that most series take place in Japan since the creators are Japanese themselves, it is a nice change of pace to see how international authors and creators\u2019 works can be adapted into an anime.<\/p>\n We have already seen global anime adaptations from Korean manhwa like Solo Leveling<\/em><\/a>, Tower of God, <\/em>and The God of High School. <\/em>Or major hit Chinese donghua series like Lord of Mysteries, Heaven\u2019s Official Blessing, <\/em>and To Be Hero X <\/em>have been more mainstream animated series people enjoy for a change of pace from traditional Japanese anime. Based on Let\u2019s Play <\/em>Episode 1, Sam and her health\/societal issues are relatable to many female office workers around the world, let alone across the gaming industry.<\/p>\n \u201c\u2026it was poignant to have a character like Olivia in Let\u2019s Play.<\/em>\u201c<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/blockquote>\n From an animation perspective, Let\u2019s Play <\/em>did not do anything outstanding. Regardless, the scenes contrasting the video game and real-world view were impactful. This proved that OLM\u2019s visual storytelling was just as important as Krecic\u2019s worldbuilding and overarching narrative.<\/p>\n In terms of characters, Sam is a complex, introverted person who represents a lot of people who suffer through anxious everyday social interactions\u2014nice to see that represented throughout an anime series. Additionally, it was nice to see two supporting Black characters, Dee and Abe, who were actively cheering on Sam. People of colour are rarely included in a lot of anime series, nor are main characters. But shows like Bleach<\/a> <\/em>and Gachiakuta<\/em><\/a> have been slowly improving representation across the anime industry.<\/p>\n\n