For a college student, sometimes its necessary to find something far removed from boring educational texts to expand your mind. Anime seems to be that solution for a lot of bloggers we’ve met. It’s a great distraction and an easy way to remove yourself from the grind of school work. Plus it’s way more fun.

For anime blogger Quentin, his site Daybreak’s Bell is a great diversion. As a resident of Hong Kong he’s currently attending college in Bath, England, where anime isn’t quite as prevalent. He's an avid collector and fills his anime void and his readers informed with Gundam and other collection updates, along with stories of his travels and daily life. All good ways to avoid studying.

Daybreak’s Bell is our featured blog so watch for Quentin’s posts on our site all week.

AnimeBlips: How long have you been blogging?

Quentin: I have been blogging for a little more than a year. I did have a blog that was started way back in 2004, but it was there without focus or a theme. I've left it pretty much untouched until last year when I've finally decided to go back to blogging again and restart it from scratch.

AnimeBlips: How long have you been a fan of anime?

Quentin: I first started watching anime with my sister when she introduced me to “Gundam Wing,” which started airing in Hong Kong around 1997. Then we have watched other series such as “Cyber Formula,” “Yu Yu Hakusho,” “Neon Genesis Evangelion,” and several others. I've stopped watching soon after I started studying in the UK, until four years ago when I met another student from Hong Kong who's been into anime for a long time, and he got me back into watching them again.

AnimeBlips: What type of anime story lines or themes do you prefer?

Quentin: A tough question... I like stories and settings that seem solid and believable. As for genres I tend to lean towards science fiction, action, and adventure, therefore “Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood” has been of my recent favorites at the moment. A lot of titles from the Gundam franchise are my kind of thing too—namely “08th MS Team” and “MS IGLOO,” which have a large theme of military in presence.

AnimeBlips: How long have you been collecting figures?

Quentin: I actually have more Gundam models and miltiary miniatures than figures. Figure collection is a relatively new hobby of mine, and I prefer posable action figures over "statues". So far I have about seven figmas, two Revoltechs, and two scale PVC figures. The next figure on my list is ALTER's 1/7 Fate T Harlaown Shin Sonic Form, whose release date has been postponed to mid November. Favorite figure? I don't have a real favorite yet (since I am really picky on figures and buy only the ones I really like), but if I have to choose one for now it would be figma Fate T Harlaown.

AnimeBlips: In your travels between Hong Kong, the UK and your recent trip to Japan did you notice any differences or similarities among these anime communities?

Quentin: A tough but interesting question. I have spent most of my time in the UK in rural areas, so the exposure of anime-related stuff there is near none. In fact it's not surprising that a lot of the British will generalize anime as either porn or just children's cartoon. The UK friends I know who are interested in anime are usually from the cities, where DVD and book shops may provide a small section for anime or manga. From my limited experience, those selections are rather limited and generic, and one has to go to specialist shops for greater variety. Unfortunately I have not had the chance to go to one of those myself.

On the other hand, one can find anime-related content much easier in Hong Kong. It's great that I can go to a local shop and buy my stuff there rather than having to resort to online shops. Besides, if you have found the right shops, you can get items at very competitive prices; close or even cheaper to those sold in Japan! Hong Kong has been exposed to Japanese media for a long time, and therefore we are lucky to have been able to get a lot of anime, manga, and other goods easily thanks to the great popularity and distribution. Hongkongers have a wide interest when it comes to anime or manga, but in general I think we tend to lean on series that are action orientated.

AnimeBlips: What’s the best experience that’s come out of having your blog?

Quentin: Blogging has allowed me to make friends with people all over the world. It's great to share the mutual interest and hobbies with them, as well as to explore and appreciate other hobbies that I don't usually go into.

AnimeBlips: If you were stranded on a deserted island with only one anime to keep you company what would you want it to be?

Quentin: “Mobile Suit Gundam MS IGLOO”