Hm, I don't know about love, but I like most of Gen's work and I respect his ability as a writer to craft and write interesting scenarios and settings. I can understand what you mean when you say he's made a reputation as a ''dark'' writer (the Butcher, as he's called) and I can see why it's less ... admirable I guess? I mean yeah, the writers who take more risks and attempt to branch out from their strong points are going to be the ones that inspire people more, but at the same time I think he's playing to his strengths and it's working out (for the most part). He's weaknesses are definitely getting more obvious though, and I do think that eventually he will risk finding himself out of touch with the scene once tastes and trends change (and he losses his A game?)
But when it comes to the rampant negativity (or as everyone tries to dress it) it doesn't bother me as much since I never really viewed what he wrote as being completely devoid of hope (it's sort ironic, most of Gen's stories actually try and appear like they are ending on a very high note, even when 90% of the cast dies) so for me it's all flavour. The real meat is when he gets to the psychological conflicts and grey ethics and moralities, that's what I enjoy watching.
Of course, it does get pretty taxing after a while and is really difficult to get into if it is done really sloppily frequently *looks at PP* and in general, his characters don't exactly lend themselves to being likeable or relatable. Or feeling like characters that had grown organically throughout the show (Enzo made a great point regarding this several time on F/Z and PP cast).
Regarding popularity, I agree that both Madoka and Fate/Zero being overhyped, but I'd also argue that they deserve and earned that level of over blown popularity ^^'' They certainly were not original in concept or premise (Fate is Fate, and Madoka is based on something that has existed in , but the technical detail and story is what made them such massive hits.
And being carefully measured in multi-demographical appeal and calculated to every bit in creative involvement helped tremendously, to be fair. If there was anything that can be taken from Gen Urobuchi's success, is that having a effective marketing plan backing you is going to do wonders for your career.
My biggest worry right now is the mentality that seems to be developing that views everything he touches turning into gold (or is it black?) and that he seems to be the top banchou when it comes to creative control. I can tell you that will definitely not have a happy ending ...
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I'm also kinda starting to get annoyed with Shinkai Makoto for the same reason.
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But he's the next Miyazaki! Will, after Hosoda I mean. And Goro I suppose since he's actually the next in line to be the head Miyazaki.
Still, I don't think Makoto pigeon holes himself so much as trying to channel a certain vibe throughout his films that makes them feel similar to each other.