Japanese Anime & The Like...

[Rickenbacker]

...I just don't see the appeal.

What gives w/ the rage of imported toons from Japan? I can remember years back, the big ones where 'Battle of The Planets", "Speed Racer" & a little later on, "Voltron'. But in the past 10 to 15 years, there's been this huge explosion of toons from there & I am so tired of seeing the same style of artwork again & again. We all know it. The huge eyes, the angular features, the distorted body proportions. And when it isn't that, it's a new batch of cutesy little animals.
I know it's all probably a trademark of the style, but is anyone else sick of it already? And don't get me started on the actual animation. (although most of today's tv toons are guilty of that) To see the good animation, you have to go to the movies. With the fluid movement etc.

I dunno, maybe it's simply because it isn't aimed at me. I don't own a pack of Pokemon cards. But it sure has a big adult following...

[ClassicComedyFan2]

Well, I'm 18 and I love the lighthearted anime. (Several of my favorites are lighthearted anime) "Tokyo Pig", "Pokemon", "Sailor Moon" (only the American version), "Hamtaro" The comedy is great, and when combined with the off-the-wall style and american voice acting, you can't help but enjoy it. Who cares about the animation style when its the writing and voice acting that really matter (but, I have to say, I love the anime style, its pretty cool, IMO)

[Warm & Fuzzy]

I don't always watch anime, but from time to time I do catch a few and they aren't too bad, IMO.

All except Dragon Ball Z.. I can't stand that show. .

[Pitooey]

I know what you mean about the animation. I just don't seem to like it myself. My kids did like Pokemon and my brother did love Speed racer.

The ones I do like are the cutesy animals like Sagwa (the cat) and Kitty.

[kriziazafiro]

Is one of my favorites,here an image of Rai,one of the beybladers.
Pitooey,does Rai reminds you of someone? ~hehe,I think that's why I like this cartoon

[cp32]

Does anyone remember G-Force ? It used to air right after speed racer. My favorite anime of all time is VAMPIRE HUNTER D.

[Mikado]

The appeal of anime is good story/character driven cartoons that stress real storytelling and ideas over dumb "Anvil violence" , also, theres anime for every age and taste ( Even porno anime for those into that...not me, btw ) . As for the art being cliched , All superheros ( Which i hate except for Batman ) look the same to me; besides, you get used to the big eyes after awhile and learn to love them!

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by Pitooey

I know what you mean about the animation. I just don't seem to like it myself. My kids did like Pokemon and my brother did love Speed racer.

The ones I do like are the cutesy animals like Sagwa (the cat) and Kitty.

Sagwa isnt an anime....the subject is Asian, the animation isnt

[Cautioren]

Originally Posted by cp32

Does anyone remember G-Force ? It used to air right after speed racer. My favorite anime of all time is VAMPIRE HUNTER D.

Actually, I think G-Force is the same thing as Battle of the Planets.

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by Cautioren

Actually, I think G-Force is the same thing as Battle of the Planets.

Yup, both are translations of the anime known in Japan as Gatchaman

[Mikado]

if you like Inuyasha , check out "Fire Tripper" a story Rumko wrote/drew even before Ranma 1/2 , its often refered to as the Father of Inuyasha...its about a young girl who time travels to feudal Japan and meets and falls in love with an ancient warrior who is rough and crude, but deep down a good person...if he were a demon.....hed BE Inyasha. Other Takahashi series of note are in order of appearance"
Urusei Yatsura ( also known as LUM ), Maison Ikkoku, Ranma 1/2 and the Mermaid Sagas

[Grayman]

Originally Posted by Rickenbacker

...I just don't see the appeal.

What gives w/ the rage of imported toons from Japan? I can remember years back, the big ones where 'Battle of The Planets", "Speed Racer" & a little later on, "Voltron'. But in the past 10 to 15 years, there's been this huge explosion of toons from there & I am so tired of seeing the same style of artwork again & again. We all know it. The huge eyes, the angular features, the distorted body proportions. And when it isn't that, it's a new batch of cutesy little animals.
I know it's all probably a trademark of the style, but is anyone else sick of it already? And don't get me started on the actual animation. (although most of today's tv toons are guilty of that) To see the good animation, you have to go to the movies. With the fluid movement etc.

I dunno, maybe it's simply because it isn't aimed at me. I don't own a pack of Pokemon cards. But it sure has a big adult following...

To me, I've always found anime animation itself to be "stiff", unimaginative, emotionless, sloppy, and lazy. It does nothing to bring adequate life or emotional appeal to the characters, nor does it help to accentuate the physical inflections of the characters in most cases. I hate watching anime characters standing in one place with no other part of their bodies moving when they're talking except their mouths, and that's usually in a singular up and down motion. No emotions; no inflections.

There's basically nothing fluid about anime characters, their animation more like portraying people having seizures or drooling, hysterical fits than expressing true emotion (see picture in post above this one for an example).

Dialogue is one thing, but personal and physical body movement is also a huge part of translating a story across to the viewer, especially in an animated series.

If you like good animation then keep it "American" IMO, such as Justice League or a new, up-and-coming series named W.I.T.C.H., which does have some anime influences, but overall, is a great featured animated show.

[Mikado]

You keep it American, Id rather watch something GOOD

[Grayman]

Originally Posted by Mikado

You keep it American, Id rather watch something GOOD

Good, as opposed to anime animation/cartoons which insults one's intelligence, offers playground plots, weak storylines, aimless banter, and superfluous action which literally dumbs down the viewer to it's own level?

Then I'll stick with what you consider "not good" and actually be entertained.

[Mikado]

Originally Posted by Grayman

Good, as opposed to anime animation/cartoons which insults one's intelligence, offers playground plots, weak storylines, aimless banter, and superfluous action which literally dumbs down the viewer to it's own level?

Then I'll stick with what you consider "not good" and actually be entertained.

Hello? What are you talking about Pokemon and Digimon? Because the anime i watch is a lot more complex than either of those kiddy shows ...Try Evangelion, Escaflowne, Magic Knights Rayearth or Slayers for instance, they have extremely complex plots however, youre so close-minded, im not going to bother with you anymore bye