The Subtle Art of Allusions

Credit: info guides Popular Culture in the Classroom

    We use allusions all the time. But, whenever utilizing references in the medium of media, making the reference subtle and obscured by original storytelling allows it to speak more volumes than if it was waved about in the viewers face. 

    The simplest contrasting examples I can come with on the spot is Jojo's Bizarre Adventure (JJBA) and Food Wars. JJBA is a strange series, comprising of 8 manga parts and 5 seasons of anime. The author, Hirohiko Araki, writes very interesting, more often than not, insane bizarre story arcs and personality traits for each character. The infatuating thing about the series is not the just story or characters, but the literally endless references he has woven into the story. Characters names and special powers are based on famous or obscure rock bands, pop artists, rappers or songs. Even as far as characters clothing, scenery and likes and dislikes are in reference to food, fashion or models Araki wanted to pay homage to. Sometimes, it seems like he spends more time finding ways to reference something than he spends creating a coherent plot-line. But despite these undeniable allusions, its not what is made the primary focus of the series. It's the characters attitudes, their beliefs and them overcoming adversity that is all you can think about while the show is playing. It's only after the episode ends you think, "where have I heard Crazy Diamond before?". The references don't just make the character, the character embodies and assimilates the allusions perfectly, transforming them more into symbolism to represent something character or scene, and adds to comprehension of the plot. Or you could look at it as a fun scavenger hunt.

    However, other shows that blatantly wave the reference in your face, and out of nowhere, stand in stark contrast to this art form. Food Wars, also a manga and anime series by Yuto Tsukuda, referenced JJBA very suddenly and jarringly in one episode. I stopped watching after, already disinterested in the plot. After consulting with my sister (who watched further) she explained how Food Wars has referenced JJBA multiple times, but what felt more like a cheap ploy to convey the intensity of the scene, not really as an homage or to hold some sort of deeper meaning. It's irritating and meaningless when an allusion doesn't already add onto the scene, or support characters persona, instead relying solely on the it to carry the current action. 

    This is something I have seen time and time again. A reference brought up without much significance or meaning besides "this reminded me of that". Which is fine, I do it a lot in conversation especially. But thinking deeper about why one would want to reference that piece of art, that tv show, that philosopher in one's own art and how one can reference them subtly speaks louder volumes, especially to those who know that allusion and can piece together the strings without the authors' hand guiding their way.

    I witnessed another good example, by my standards at least, of a well streamlined allusion in a video game called Observer. I didn't play the game myself, but watching the demo was honestly a thrilling experience. It had a similar atmosphere to Blade Runner and What Happened to Monday, obviously with its own unique plot. But there were some references sprinkled throughout even just the demo; the one that I recognized right away was one apartment number being "1984". Clearly it was not just a reference but also foreshadowing to the games' later events. Despite the development into an overarching theme, it still held true to the art of subtly referencing and respecting older, more archaic pieces.