Being overseas for a large part of my adult life means that I have had to really search for gaming. The internet has been a huge boon, allowing me to stay in contact with my gaming buddies back home. Going back the the States once a year of so for our annual mini-Con, Nerdapalooza, has also helped. But, real gaming is about getting together on a semi-regular basis, spilling soda on character sheets, and trying to explain complicated combat manuvers through a mouth full of pizza. I dont get those moments a lot lately. Probably wont as long as I am in my current (busy) job. C'est la vie. So it was with great pleasure that I watch TV shows with gaming elements. As of late, I discovered Adventure Time, which is pretty much a catalog of all the goofy stuff I did when I first discovered roleplaying. Adventure Time is quite witty and engaging, all sold on the veneer of a simple cartoon. The thing is, due to my life situation, Adventure Time and similar shows are things I normally watch solo. My wife isnt in to SF or fantasy - and cartoons are straight out. I tried to get her on to Samurai Jack once. That didnt work. Nor did Avatar:tLA.
So, I (suffered) enjoy(ed) in silence.
Until the last couple weeks. My daughter, Elliot, stumbled across Adventure Time when I was looking for something to occupy her. She loved the show. Tracie hated it (she calls it "that cartoon with that dog and the weird arms"). It makes me very happy as of late because in the mornings, while my wonderful wife sleeps in, E and I sit on the couch together and watch Adventure Time. She is awesome.
What is best in life, Conan? Watching cartoons you enjoy with your daughter.
Better yet? I ventured forth with Samurai Jack. E loves it as well. She comes up to me every so often, tugs on my shirt, and flawless asks for "Saumrai Jack." It makes sense, when you think about it. Samurai Jack is not only visually appealing and (normally) filled with action - but the attention to sounds and music must make it that much more appealing to a really young viewer. I have to be a bit more careful with Jack than I am with Adventure Time, just because the baddies in Samurai Jack, and especially Aku, are a lot more scary than anything Finn fights. I cherry pick which eps of Samurai jack we can watch together.
Next up in E's nerd education? Candyland! Can't wait.
