What’s A Special Specialist? Highlights from the PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT Roundtable at Anime NYC 2025
Anime NYC 2025 brought fans and industry insiders together to celebrate the colorful and irreverent world of PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT. The roundtable discussion featured creators, voice actors, and cultural analysts who dissected the series’ unique charm and enduring appeal. Below are the selected highlights from this engaging conversation, focusing on the concept of a “Special Specialist.”
The Essence of a Special Specialist
Defining the Role
The roundtable opened with a focus on what it means to be a “Special Specialist.” According to director Kazuki Nakashima, the term is not merely a label but symbolizes a unique skill set. “In our context, a Special Specialist is someone who goes beyond the typical roles—someone who can handle the absurdity of life, reality, and the supernatural with flair and creativity,” Nakashima explained.
Beyond the Surface
Panelist and cultural critic Maya Suzuki added, “One of the beautiful aspects of PANTY & STOCKING is how it contrasts the mundane with the surreal. The characters embody this duality; they are special specialists not just in their combat against ghosts and monsters, but also in navigating their own personal flaws.”
Character Deep Dives
Panty and Stocking: The Dynamic Duo
Voice actress Cherami Leigh, who voices Panty, highlighted how both protagonists serve as special specialists in their own ways. “Panty represents a hypersexualized, unapologetic approach to life, while Stocking works through her own demons via a goth aesthetic. Together, they complement each other beautifully despite their differences,” Leigh noted.
Garterbelt’s Role
Garterbelt, voiced by the renowned Steve Blum, serves as the guiding force who helps the sisters navigate their chaotic world. Blum remarked, “He embodies the ‘mentor’ archetype but with a twist; he’s flawed, human, and adds a layer of comedy. His role is essential in highlighting the messy journey of these characters as they grapple with morality.”
Thematic Explorations
Complexity of Morality
Throughout the discussion, themes of morality surfaced frequently. Producer Yoshihiro Watanabe pointed out that “punishment and redemption are central to the show. The characters face real consequences for their actions, which adds depth to their roles as special specialists.”
Cultural Commentary
Cultural analyst Naomi Takeda pointed out that the series reflects societal norms and expectations. “The sisters serve as critiques of hyper-feminine stereotypes, pushing back against traditional gender roles. They live on their own terms, embodying what it means to be special specialists in their narrative,” she emphasized.
Fan Contributions
Community Engagement
The roundtable also opened the floor to fans who contributed their thoughts. Many expressed how PANTY & STOCKING has influenced their own lives and identities. One fan shared, “The series taught me to embrace my quirks. It’s okay to be a little offbeat, and that’s what makes you special!”
Fan Art and Culture
The creators took a moment to appreciate the vibrant fan art and cosplays that continue to emerge from the show’s fandom. “Fan interaction speaks volumes about the connection people feel to the series, and it’s a reminder of how art inspires creativity,” Nakashima stated.
Conclusion
The PANTY & STOCKING with GARTERBELT roundtable at Anime NYC 2025 highlighted the complex layers within this seemingly straightforward anime. The concept of the Special Specialist serves as a lens through which we can understand not just the characters, but also the narratives they embody. With its unique blend of humor, absurdity, and social commentary, PANTY & STOCKING remains a cultural phenomenon, encouraging fans to celebrate their individuality in a world that often seeks conformity. As the discussion wrapped up, the atmosphere was electric with the shared love for a show that continues to inspire self-expression and creativity in myriad forms.