There was a window there in the late ’90s early ’00s when anime was the epitome of cool. Not in an otaku way, but truly universally cool in the way that Marlon Brando or James Bond or Don Draper are cool. Really, can you get any cooler than Spike Spiegel or FLCL? Not really.

Anyway, an independent animator named Kousuke Sugimoto appeared out of the ether courtesy of youtube a couple days ago with a couple of videos. This one seems to be getting the most buzz, but I prefer this earlier effort, rough edges and all. I guess I just have a soft spot for monkeys. Thought I’d pass it along.

Elsewhere in the world of independent animation videos to share, here’s a slightly frightening (but still beautiful) short that uses children’s primers as a springboard. This one, titled Rabbit, was nominated for a BAFTA in 2006, so it isn’t exactly new, but it’s new to me (hooray friends + internet!)

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