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This section serves as an overview of "Japanese Animation" or "anime." In this section a brief description of anime and its history will be explained, and some advice will be provided to help you navigate through the anime universe.
My favourite Japanese animation movie would have to be Ninja Scroll and my favourite Japanese animation tv shows would be none other than Dragon Ball Z and of course the #1 of all time The PowerPuff Girls! Yes everyone I can proudly admit that I love the PowerPuff Girls. If this might sound a bit gay to you, then you can kiss my @$$! So with that in mind, to those who also share my PPG fetish than yopu can click on this PPG link below. (This is the only PPG link on the site. This means you can't find it anywhere else on my site.) PowerPuff Girls Personal Payge!
DRAGONBALL Z PICS
THE ALMIGHTY PICS OF THE POWERPUFF GIRLS
What is anime and what is it's history?
"Anime" is actually a Japanese word derived from the French word for "animation."' It is a medium of art, like the novel or the live action motion picture. Believe it or not, Japanese Animation has courted the American mainstream since the 1960s but has, until recently, failed to be break out of its status as an underground cult phenomenon.
What is the first defining characteristic of Japanese animation (besides big eyes)?
"Japanese Animation" is literally what it claims to be: any animated work created in Japan. However, Japanese Animation consists of more then simple "cartoons" (a word which has a childish connotation) because the Japanese Animation industry is extremely broad. Think of Japanese Animation as a medium as diverse as the American film industry. Anime covers all genres; action, horror, romance, fantasy, sci-fi and isn't geared toward any specific age group. It can explore anything from advanced technology, complex philosophical theories, and relationships, or may be nothing more then a chain of car chases, explosions, puns, or girls in very revealing wraps. What results cannot be classified as one thing. Japanese Animation can't be called, as many people have labeled it, sex and violence, just as it cannot be called - as others lovingly tag it -- brilliant artistry. For every ground-breaking movie there is the requisite trashy video. For every cyber-punk sci-fi title there is a girl's romance, for every girl's romance there is dark Hentai (Japanese animated pornography), for every Hentai title there is an action-adventure, and for every action-adventure there is a comedy. Part of anime's appeal is in this ability to cater to men, women, boys, and girls of all ages.
Japanese Animation's strong following is due in no small part to the imagination of its creators and the talents of its animators. A 26 episode series, 5 tape OVA, or hour long movie transports the viewer into fantastic worlds and the lives of intriguing characters. Japan is home to some of the world's most innovative and imaginative storytellers and as a result, many of the stories found in most Japanese animations are creative, intelligent and more often then not, pretty damned cool. The wittiest parodies and comedies (such as Maison Ikkoku, Urusei Yatsura, Slayers, and Ranma) choke fans with laughter. The tragedies (such as Graveyard of the Fireflies ) move even the coldest fans to tears, while grand, epic scenes (such as those found in Akira, Mononoke and Ghost in the Shell) leave viewers gaping in awe. All in all, memorable and fantastic images have BURNED their way into anime fans worldwide.
Of course, with every masterpiece (prime example, Evangelion), there are numerous series or movies made strictly for entertainment -- and that's just fine with many fans. Those seeking pure, unadulterated action or romance often find it in gun-slinging action heroes, sword swinging samurai, or Gatling gun on the run robots called mecha. Girls have plenty of feminine pretty-boys (bishonuen) to swoon over and children have good ol' "Pokemon," "Digimon," and "Monster Ranchers"
Another vital selling point in anime is in the quality and artistry of its animation. In OVAs, movies, and well budgeted TV series , much effort is devoted to the fluidity of movement and the detail in its characters and backdrops . To experience some of the most gorgeous scenery in animation one must turn to the lush, green mountains found in 'Mononoke,' and to experience some of the most beautifully painted characters, one must not forget the 'Record of Lodoss War' OVA.
Despite the many positive aspects of anime, there is a long way to go before the medium hits mainstream in the United States, if ever. There are many aesthetic threads that are very Oriental and/or Japanese (see characteristics of anime) and just as there are those who love anime, there are those who avoid it because the values and psychology of their characters are uniquely "Asian" and are hard to understand from an American perspective. Also, the United States culture has been weaned on Disney and Saturday Morning cartons and the term "animation" has become synonymous with "cartoon." The average American has engrained in his or her mind that animation is for children only. Traditionally, any studio that refuses to follow this unwritten rule, (or is anything other then Don Bluth or Disney for that matter), has been doomed historically to fail at domestic box offices (take the 'Ghost in the Shell', 'Iron Giant' and 'Princess Mononoke' experiments, for example).
Can you give me a brief history of anime?
The phenomenon began when a talented artist named Osamu Tezuka released "Tetsuwan Atomu" the first hit Japanese Animation, in 1963. "Tesuwan" amazed the Japanese populace with it's complex, human themes and lovable, "Pinocchio-like" character and before long American producers decided to give it a chance overseas. "Astro Boy," as we have come to know it, became an NBC hit, but US producers, concerned that it was not 'tame' enough for children (where were the sing-a-long characters? what about violence? How can a children's show handle such "sophisticated" topics?) pulled Astro Boy off air before it could finish its run. Shortly afterwards, many other anime series popped up. Among them; "Gigantor," "Kimba," and yes folks…"Speed Racer" (which had scenes "tamed" for the US market). At this time, anime failed to enter the American mainstream but managed to amass a devoted following.
The 70's showcased anime works such as "Star Blazers," "Gatchaman," and "Battle of the Planets." Neither of these were break out hits in the US as they were in Japan, and of course, all were subjected to the standard "taming." It wasn't until the 80's that we come to our more present state of anime. The Macross Universe was born (it's scarred and disfigured US counterpart emerging as "Robotech") spawning the hit 1984 movie "Macross: Do you Remember Love?" and the Macross II OVA and movie. All had stellar budgets, breakthrough animation, and awesome robots that stunned the Japanese market. Rumiko Takahashi further strengthened the anime market with her breakthrough comedies "Maison Ikkoku," and "Urusei Yatsura." (She is also the creator of the more recent 'Ranma ½' series). "Akira' lent a hand in launching the cyber-punk genre in the late 1980's and finally a heretofore internationally anonymous man named Hayao Miyazaki released two landmark films known as "Nausicaa: The Valley of the Wind" (Kaze no Tani no Nausicaa), and "Laputa: Castle in the Sky" (Ten Kuu no Shiro Rapyuta). The anime world was off and running.
In the early 90's the fantasy series "Record of Lodoss War" was a hit with it's role playing game feel and elegant artwork, while studio GAINAX produced the groundbreaking, "Nadia," "Neon Genesis Evangelion," and "Wings of Honneamise." "Macross Plus" continued the Macross tradition, stunning audiences with state of the art animation, a breathtaking musical score, engrossing storyline, and action-packed Valkyrie battles while Miyazaki further exhibited his genius (and marketing worth, for that matter) with works such as "My Neighbor Totoro," (Torani no Totoro) "Kiki's Delivery Service," and "Princess Mononoke," (Mononoke Hime) As we begin the 21st century, there are hundreds upon hundreds of TV and direct to video series released yearly, making their bid for a chunk of the thriving anime market.
The late 90's are also vital to anime because of growing interest in the medium domestically. US Studios such as AnimeEigo, Central Park Media, Media Blasters, ADV, Pioneer, and AnimeVillage have licensed hundreds of previously unreleased anime titles and even the newer Japanese stuff in VHS/DVD formats. The influx of titles is unprecedented and almost all are released without the cuts that compromise the movies or series. It has become easier then ever to purchase an OVA, movie, or series (such as Lain, Blue Submarine, and Cowboy Bebop) that aired in Japan only a year before. Anime has slowly pulled itself out of the underground cult cavern and now has a significant following from the 20, 30 year olds as well as teenagers and college students across the US. Whether anime will break into the mainstream, whether the Japanese anime market, which is at running full steam at the moment, can sustain itself… only time will tell. However, one thing remains clear; the Japanese have provided us with some of the most stunning animation and memorable stories that the world has to offer.
Now for some help navigating the world of anime:
What does OVA stand for?
"OVA" or "Original Video Animation" is basically a direct to video release. Production values are usually high meaning that animation is usually superb. The acronym OAV (Original Animation Video) may be used in place of OVA.
TV series, in general, have lower budgets and expectedly, the quality of the animation and score suffer. As always, there are exceptions to the rule. High quality series such as The Vision of Escaflowne (Tenkuu no Escaflowne) and Neon Genesis Evangelion (Shin Seiki Evangelion) often meet if not surpass OVAs in terms of quality.
Theatrical productions . As with anything released in the theater, the overall strength of the animation is not guaranteed. But animation of the highest order and at the very least, an orchestral score, are the norm.
What is an otaku? A baka? Am I either one? Do I know one?
Nani? You wish to know what an otaku is? Otaku is basically the Japanese word for 'nerd'. Since we won't beat around the bush, many anime watchers are nerds and damned proud of it! In anime circles, calling oneself an 'otaku' is standard and not looked down upon. If you play Japanese console RPGS and eat, sleep, and drink anime, then chances are you are an otaku and know a few as well. As for Baka? Baka, in English , is an 'idiot.' Chances are you know a few (if not six million plus) people that are 'bakas' in one way or another
For the record, THIS DOES NOT MEAN I'M A NERD!
The eternal debate. Dubbed or subtitled?
Really, this is a matter of preference. Titles that are well dubbed can help strip off some of the alienation that an American viewer may feel listening to a Japanese-language script while titles that are done poorly will ruin the mood of the moment (or the entire anime) and alienate the viewer entirely. A good dub has voice actors/actresses that preserve the personalities of their characters, and a script that preserves the meaning of the original Japanese version while somehow, ingeniously, having an English script that synchs with its character's mouths. It's a tough job, folks.
Contrary to popular belief: NOT ALL DUBS ARE BAD. Bad dubs can turn a masterpiece into a cheesy piece of trash, however, there are some good dubs out there. Some recommendations: the El Hazard series, and Oh My Goddess!
Subtitled titles are preferred by the majority of anime watchers. They are more expensive, but translations are kept on the nose and generally, Japanese voice actors (or seiyuus) do an excellent job conveying the emotion and character of our protagonists and antagonists. If you are new to subtitled works they will get some getting used to, but will grow on you over time. The preservation of the anime in question is almost always guaranteed.
A word of recommendation. Take the recommendation of fellow fans and reviewers. Find out if that dub is wonderful, mediocre, or horrid. I must say that watching El Hazard dubbed was an experience I would have regretted missing had I just watched the subtitled version.
What are some of the stylistic characteristics of anime?
These are some of the common characteristics found in Japanese Animation Movies, TVs, and OVAs. As always there are exceptions. The exception to this exception is rule #1.
1. Big eyes: Big eyes are an anime standard. The Japanese obsession with youth and and the Japnese obsession with beauty meet head on. Big eyes = youthful beauty. Enough said.
2. Beautiful people: Rarely do ugly or even 'okay' characters exist in anime universes. Most anime women and girls would put most earthly supermodels to shame with their bodies and faces if they existed. Young anime girls are all surprisingly well developed in the chest area (if you know what I mean) and many anime women wear very little. Anime men on the other hand, are toned down a bit. There are more normal or ugly men. Most beautiful anime men are very feminine in appearance and are built compactly. (Known as bishonuen). And all compassionate women/girls are never less then gorgeous.
3. Philosophy runs rampant in many adventure/ fantasy/ sci-fi anime series. The hero will often question their motives, their values, and who THEY really are over the course of an adventure. Are their actions detrimental to the group? Is true heroism in compassion or strength…etc.?
4. Wild, gun slinging females equal or outnumber gun-slinging males. And usually they wear less or have something extremely, shall we say…form fitting on.
5. There is always a strong headwind available to toss a gorgeous guy's bangs over his sparkling eyes. And the girl's eyes are required to quiver as she watches him walk slo-mo style with the sunlight accentuating his oh-so-dreamy face.
6. In fantasy anime, the knights shouldn't be able to fit their shoulders through the castle gate with their armor on.
7. Mecha. Japanese robots move, run, jump and behave like men rather then tanks. Weapons are almost never integrated into the chassis and swords and guns are all hand held or shoulder mounted and disposable.
8. Long…pauses….to…convey…emotion. I-I…think.
9. Most anime is witty. No flatulence jokes or toilet jokes. Usually. (more to come in the following weeks)
Disclaimer: All anime titles, publishers, and images are properties of their respective holders. If you feel that any information in this article is in error please contact me and I will do everything in my power to correct the error.
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2.US producers couldn't give "Speed Racer" the green light to air without cutting crash scenes too brutal for the US market.
3.The popularity of "Macross," Urusei Yatsura and Akira, helped fuel the anime boom of the 90's.
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5.Powerhouse STUDIO GAINAX rocked the anime world with their syndication of Anno Hideaka's "'Neon Genesis Evangelion,", a stimulating piece that can be best described as a synthesis of philosophy, religion, emotion, enigmatic plot and gory mecha battles.
6."Serial Experiments: Lain" questions the nature of human existence in an increasingly digitized cyber world.
The Future of Anime -- The anime world holds its breath for the next big thing.
(This picture is 3 in 1)
As the newest crop of anime series begin to trickle in the US Market, the future of anime looks very bright. Series such as Fushigi Yuugi (shown left), The Vision of Escaflowne (middle) and Cowboy Bebop (right) are poised to strengthen the anime medium, enveloping past, present, and future anime watchers in worlds of intrigue. 'Fushigi Yuugi: The Mysterious Play' delights viewers with its gorgeous character and story design, while 'The Vision of Escaflowne' combines intense mecha battles with romance in a pseudo-medievel universe. The Japanese Hit 'Cowboy Bebop' was an instant hit in Japan with its comedic characters and refreshing storyline. What does the future of Japanese Animation hold?
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