Ani-What-Now? Anime and You PART 2

Anime and You
PART 2: Deeper Themes & Genres

   In the last blog I got to talk about a small section of the Anime-Cake which included what an “opening animation” was, as well as some genres ( although, obviously, not all of them could be included – I’ll mention some more here … )


   While The University of Texas at Tyler has hosted an Anime Club until recently, the “nature” of what Anime is can certainly touch on many subjects within multiple disciplines of college: English, History, and Philosophy/Spiritualty are some of the ones I’ll mention here today!

   --- Looking to Japanese Anime for … English?! 

Romeo X Juliet

   I know what you might be thinking – how on Earth can I ( or anybody ) look to a JAPANESE animated series for, of all things, the classics of Western/British Literature?! Truth be told, while many ( many! ) times anime titles who adapt Western stories are heavily changing some things, the root of the stories and the themes are still the same. Here is just a small list of the very unique anime titles which cross adapt Western and Eastern themes, but all while still holding true to their Western plot(s) …




   Romeo X Juliet

   Reign the Conqueror [ a sci-fi adaptation of the life of Alexander the Great ]

   Gankutsuo [ an adaptation of the Count of Monte Cristo ]

  Many anime titles also sometimes heavily draw upon “Western” sources or stories, often naming characters directly after famous American/British person(s) or placing the stories in obviously American/Western settings. Some good titles that, while “Japanese”, take place in America or the West are …

   Baccano!

   Le Chevalier D’Eon

--- Looking to Anime for … History?

Le Chavalier D'Eon

   One of the funnier things about Anime is that as an animated genre of entertainment, it also crosses the times of time and space. Many anime writers/directors choose to place their shows/movies in times and places which are either straight from Japanese history or world history. While some titles are more serious than others, some of these shows definitely touch on history directly in a way worth noting …

   Grave of the Fireflies [ Japan during WW2 ]

   Samurai X – Love & Betrayal [ Japan during the Meiji Era ]

   Le Chevalier D’Eon [ France/Britain/Russia during 1742 ]

   Hetalia: Axis Powers [ parody series taking place across all points in history ]



   --- Looking to Anime for … Philosophy/Spirituality?

   While it would be a *gross* exaggeration to claim that Anime has “deep themes” because it comes from Japan, there are a wide variety of anime titles which do contain very profound statements about life, death, and spirituality. While sometimes these shows are still the dominant product of the genre that defines them ( like, say, Sci-Fi … ) these shows to contain a very diverse spiritual/philosophical core that makes them worth watching for the “sub-textual” meanings.

Mushishi

   Mushishi

   Neon Genesis Evangelion* [ WARNING ~ this is a weird, weird show with as much oddness as “deepness.” Still worth a look-see, in my opinion ]

   Monster

   Millennium Actress

--- Other Anime Genres not discussed earlier …

   So, while I got to mention the anime genres of Giant Robots, High School Drama(s), and Sci-Fi/Fantasy, there are some others worth noting:

   Magical Girl shows ~ These shows are most recognizable to Western audiences because of Sailor Moon, arguably *THE* defining Magical Girl show that was a big hit in the West. These shows almost always revolve around a girl or a group of girls, who overcome life struggles and challenges, supernatural or otherwise, while harnessing magical powers that lets them transform. Unlike the troupe of the “Disney Princess”, many Magical Girls are often ( but obviously not always ) their own dominant heroes in the series who fight monsters, save the world, and who have boys who chase them. Outside of the ever-popular Sailor Moon, famous/worthwhile Magical Girl shows are …

More pink hair ... 

Magica Madoka

Magic Knights Rayearth

Sakura Wars








   “Shonen” Anime ~ These shows are often the animated adaptation of serialized comics which are aimed at younger kids/teens. The serial nature of the comics tend to make these titles drag on in the narrative, plus the titles often involve young males gaining bigger and better “powers.” These powers range from magic swords or energy-blasts, it just depends on the shows story focus. More famous shows of this type are …

   Naruto

   Dragonball Z

   Bleach

--- The End?

   While anime covers a broad range of trends, animation styles, mediums, and subjects, it is an art in the same way many other things are. What this means, at its heart, is not every anime if for everyone, but I believe everyone can enjoy some kind of anime. You might enjoy shorter comedy shows while others might want to watch a series with 100+ episodes. You may love the art/designs of one anime director.design team, but you may also be disgusted with the art styles of another director ( this is my problem with Katsuhiro Otomo's designs ~ I just don't like them :/ ). 

   I say, give some shows a try, especially if you have Netflix and can access many, many shows virtually for free. See if there is something out there you like!