Anime Why Do People Love Anime So Much?

[Guest Husse67]

Well, me personally, I loved cartoons/animation to begin with. I was the perfect age for the Pokemon craze when it reared its head, so once that was over, I continued to look for anime, and sure enough, I found it. That and the fact that good anime is unlike any other medium or genre. Plot and characters are developed, the aesthetics are amazing, and besides all that, anime is just the only instance I can think of where drama and cartoons culminate in something engrossing and enjoyable. People over here still haven't learned that animation isn't just for children and satire. Maybe we will, though.

[Boo]

[size=1]Why do people like anime so much? About all of the anime shows have the same characters but with a different odd colour of hair. There's obviously something up with them. [/size]

[inactive]

Well, I've loved anime since before I knew what it really was... I think I was drawn to the beautiful artwork and the appealing plots that I really haven't been able to find in Western television. When I was little I watched shows like Sailor Moon, Pokemon and Digimon, but I only really discovered the "magic" of anime when I started watching the stuff aimed at teenagers. Anime is unlike any other kind of show out there, and it just happens to have originated in Japan. I really like the idea of animated shows aimed at older audiences, instead of it always being for children... Anime has a more sophisticated type of animation that I'm drawn to. So I guess that's why I like anime so much...

[only1specialed]

well i never knew about anime until high school and thats only cause a friend of mine showed me a bunch of evangelions amv's after seeing the attention to detail they do on characters face and their movement i fell in love witht that series and fromthere i started watching other anime... so i guess i just like how much attention to detail some of the artist goes with their characters which is missing in alot of american cartoons. the stories and plots are great but they way some of them draw is alot more interesting to me

[yinyang]

I know the reason I love anime so much is that no two anime are just alike. There are similarities, but for the most part every story is original. You also see stuff that in America is not the norm. On American TV there aren't any really good cartoons aimed for older audiences, except for anime.

[aoi_hikari]

Why I love anime? Better music, better characterization, better animation (compared to american cartoons), better voicework, better plot, better everything! I love anime because it is unique and of better quality! ^^
Also, most anime can be enjoyed by just about anyone. So it's fun to watch with friends.
I've also been attracted to Japanese anime style in general ever since I was a little kid, because it looked really good. It was only a matter of time before I became a huge anime fan.

[mangamaniack21]

[QUOTE=musical_kitten]I love anime because the characters have everything I don't. A pretty look, a hot guy (or a couple of them), their hot guy saves them, yeah, I'm sure you get the point.

Its sad how I'm a hopeless romantic. So. But I also enjoy anime cause it has action, and its so cool to see the characters move like that and stuff. I love it sooooo much. More than you. So nyeah![/QUOTE]

Same here. I also love anime because in some animes the character designs are soo good! Also, I love the storys that are very different from american cartoons and involve a lot of supernatural stuff. Another reason is that I like the way that anime is animated espically when a character's hair blows in the wind. How could you not love anime if you go on OB?

[BlackTigerOFire]

[FONT=Arial][COLOR=Navy][CENTER]Why do I like anime? Is it the plot? The characters? Well, I think I like anime because that when I watch it, I imagine myself within the anime. Doing the things the characters are doing or acting like the characters act.

Not only that, but I think it is the characters too. I love the way they act so goofy one minute but then act all serious the next. It's pretty funny.

I also think it is the plot. To me, an anime has to have a good plot to be a success. I say, not all animes have to have a good plot like Bobobo-bo-bobo(or have ever it is). It's a pretty weird anime but I like it.

I think that is about it. :animeswea [/CENTER][/COLOR][/FONT]

[Guest bFace2]

in comparison to present american cartoons, anime is taken more seriously, comes out with new material more often, often have test runs (manga), and play human desires and emotions much better.
I also think cartooning in america leads to marketing products too often, while anime seems more for arts sake.
And sure, its an escape. But painting, sports, photography, and hanging out with friends all could be an escape. Just a different medium.
Hey look a face :mad:

[Aaryanna]

[COLOR=DarkOrchid][quote name='bFace2']I also think cartooning in america leads to marketing products too often, while anime seems more for arts sake.[/quote] Actually anime is probably marketed even more than American stuff is. I?ve seen everything from stationary to a series to wall scrolls, snacks, T-shirts, caps, key chains, accessories, bag and wallet sets, calendars, phone cards, stickers, patches, pins, buttons, lighters, pens, necklaces, rings. Etc. The list goes on and on. Don?t believe me? Take a look here: [URL=http://www.thisisanime.com/shop/][COLOR=DarkOrchid][B][U]Anime Stuff[/U][/B][/COLOR][/URL] My aunt use to live in Okinawa and the stuff you get there in the stores was extremely commercialized. I could go on with the capsule toys, trading figures, candy toys?all from different anime series just waiting for you to purchase them. LOL!

Anime like any other industry is out to make money, not just to produce art. If they couldn?t make a living off of it, they wouldn?t do it. Also, I read this in the JETRO Japan Economic Monthly, June 2005:
[SIZE=1][INDENT]Character merchandising is a growing category. Licensers, such as production companies and investors, obtain fees from licensees who use characters to create products. Licensees in fields including, finance, toys, automobiles, airlines, food and others employ anime character dolls/figurines and the characters themselves as corporate or product mascots. Anime?s value has thus appreciated as a promotional tool. This is why toy and game manufacturers are increasingly working with advertising agencies to plan anime production.[/INDENT][/SIZE]So just like any show from the very beginning often they plan the creation of the show and all the nifty stuff they are going to sell as well. Definitely not just for the sake of art, unless you consider making money an art. ^_~[/COLOR]

[Chiyo Chan Fan]

I love anime because it is like something that I'll never see and it's interesting to dream what might never be.

[r2vq]

[color=#007520][quote name='Aaryanna][COLOR=DarkOrchid']I?ve seen everything from stationary to a series to wall scrolls, snacks, T-shirts, caps, key chains, accessories, bag and wallet sets, calendars, phone cards, stickers, patches, pins, buttons, lighters, pens, necklaces, rings. Etc. The list goes on and on.[/COLOR][/quote]Don't forget... pencil boards, cosplay items, tissues, things that hang from backpacks and cellphones, plushies, models kits, action figures, art books, video games, DVDs, OSTs, animation cels, trading cards, plastic/paper fans, prophylactics, posters, pencil cases, watches, aaand that's all I can think of at the moment. 8)

I think that there's often a misconception when it comes to Anime and art. From what I've seen, although (or possibly because) there's a lot of cartoons in the west aimed at a younger audience, there's also a lot more freedom when you [i]do[/i] see the artistic sides. The Japanese, too, have a lot of pure garbage animations, you just don't get to see them here since they're garbage.

-r2[/color]

[Horendithas]

[COLOR=DeepSkyBlue][quote name='bFace2']I also think cartooning in america leads to marketing products too often, while anime seems more for arts sake.[/quote]Every time I hear someone say this I just want to laugh. As Aaryanna and r2vq already pointed out, anime is far more commercialized than American cartoons. Just to clarify even further, they didn?t list the art prints, card holders, clear files for holding school papers, bookmarks, danglers (which are little character prints that hang on your window with a suction cup), fasteners that clip on zippers, necklaces or earrings, first aid kits (that?s right you can have a Naruto themed kit with band aids and such), Lint free eyeglass paper, scented candles, mouse pads, magnets, wind chimes, coasters, bottle cap figurine sets, book ends, bath and grooming kits, picture frames, tarot cards, cloth napkins, Christmas ornaments with your favorite characters, day planners, idol cards, mirrors, memo pads, post cards, wrist straps, and so on. And even between the three of us there is still stuff that we didn?t list. [QUOTE=r2vq][color=#007520]I think that there's often a misconception when it comes to Anime and art. From what I've seen, although (or possibly because) there's a lot of cartoons in the west aimed at a younger audience, there's also a lot more freedom when you [i]do[/i] see the artistic sides. The Japanese, too, have a lot of pure garbage animations, you just don't get to see them here since they're garbage.

-r2[/color][/QUOTE]Quoted for truth, I think that people often forget that we are only getting the series here in America or what ever country you live in, that was [I]actually successful[/I]. All the bad anime probably never gets aired elsewhere.

As for the actual topic, the main reason I enjoy anime is I like how it has quite a bit of variety. I also like it for the yaoi and yuri anime and mangas as well. I?m sure you might find something similar here where I live in America, but I?ve yet to see any that I?ve actually liked. For whatever reason, a lot of American shows and cartoons are horrible at innuendos of a sexual nature. But that?s probably more of a personal taste on my part. I just prefer British TV for the regular shows and Japanese anime for the animated side. I think both mediums do a much better job than those who attempt it here in the US.
[/COLOR]

[Guest whiteshore]

For me, anime reminds me of my childhood, where i watched a lot of them, from gigi (minky momo) to voltus v :p

[kumi-chanmi]

I started to like anime because in truth sometimes reality is too boring even some soap operas. Plus anime is completely awesome and people like different things so the question is why do we like what we like?

[Sho Ayori]

The reason I love anime is because.... it's different, basically. It's different from the modernised cartoons and animation that we get over in Europe. Anime is, 9 times outta 10, better animated, beautiful characters, and brilliant plot. I've found it very rare that an anime I've watched doesn't have sleek animation and awesome storytelling capabilities. There's those reason, and the fact that there's just so much of it, there's loads more anime that I watch rather than Western cartoons. Don't get me wrong, I watch normal animation, and I enjoy it but anime takes it just that one step further. With it's design, plots and development I've loved it ever since I first saw Pokémon, and that inspired me to draw in the same style.
I often find that I can really relate to characters in an anime, when they normally reach a certain goal or achievement, it seems as if they discover something new about themselves, and this also happens in everyday life, which isn't really something you can find in Western animation. Plus, there is a whole range of different aged anime. Some can be for the younger generation, the teens and the adults, so it offers something for everyone.
Realising the existence of anime was the turning point in my life, and I'll never lose interest in it, since it draws you into its beautiful and magical world. I do find it irrritating though when certain people always associate anime with porn. When thought about carefully, it isn't. There may be a lot of 'mature' anime, but that shouldn't stop people giving it a try.
I'm just happy that most of the friends I hang around with also love anime as much as I do, including my sister. It's given me a new outlook on life, really!

[black rurouni]

people like anime so much because it is a way to get away from the real world. for example your family is have problem so you can go a try to stop adding more to the problem or you can turn on the t.v., change the channel, and watch a anime on the max volume. which would you have? :cool:

[MangaGirl14]

I love anime because of the animation style and after watching a series it really gives you a postive feeling than a negative one. It also lets me ecsape reality for a bit and just enjoy it's atmospheric presents. It just amazing! I have more reason but it just that anime mades me feel good and I will always love it! It's my thing!:D:D:animesmil:animesmil

[theiceisfrozen]

I love anime becuase the quality of Amercian cartoons has just been demolished. What ever happened to actual animation style and content? There is a certain characteristic about anime that is a far cry from Ed, Edd and Eddy, and Spongebob Squarepants! Most animes have story lines that are cohesive, not something that is meant to stimulate the viewer for the first 15 minutes and then become froth!

Even just the style is completely different. I mean, you tend to hear about those manga and anime sweatshop style animators working and slaving away for one episode or one chapter. However, that is not the case with American cartoons. They pump them out day by day, just meaningless poorly animated cartoons. I think this is why we don't refer to anime as cartoons and in fact some of us shudder to hear someone refer to anime as cartoons. There is a big difference in the quality of a cartoon and the quality of anime. It would be like comparing a fine wine to a soft drink.

I love anime because someone actually took the time to think out a plot and character stories and weave a story line that is enchanting and thoughtfully interesting. Most anime has that ephemeral quality to it and in the end I think that is what draws people the most!

[r2vq]

[color=#007520][quote name='theiceisfrozen']I love anime becuase the quality of Amercian cartoons has just been demolished. What ever happened to actual animation style and content?[/quote]I have to disagree wholeheartedly. There are cartoons in the West that have as much, if not more, content than most of the cartoons from the East, this includes Anime.

[quote name='theiceisfrozen']There is a certain characteristic about anime that is a far cry from Ed, Edd and Eddy, and Spongebob Squarepants![/quote]The main problem may be that you are comparing the serious attempts at storytelling in Japan with the attempts at humour in the United States. The two shows you mentioned are perfect examples of animated comedies in the West, that target a younger age group.

I don't think it's fair to compare the content presented in Orson Scott Card's Speaker series to Gillian Rubinstein's earlier works and decide that since Card's Speaker books are more adult than Rubinstein's set, that all books from Australia are for children. You'd miss out on Sara Douglass, who writes a set of whacked out novels not for children, and even Rubinstein's own later work "Tales of the Otori".

[quote name='theiceisfrozen']Most animes have story lines that are cohesive, not something that is meant to stimulate the viewer for the first 15 minutes and then become froth![/quote]Try Kogepan, Doraemon, Hello Kitty and Friends. These would be the a better comparison to childrens cartoons. Yes, there are Anime that have storylines and they try to keep you watching for 20 minutes+commercial breaks, but to say that there are no Western cartoons that try to keep you entertained in a similar manner is hogwash.

There are few television shows with a social/political satiric commentary as heavy as South Park. It's story may not run continuously throughout the series, but that's a conscious choice by the creators while keeping the satire strong.
Gargoyles was popular when it ran because people put effort into the story. Complex arcs were woven into the plot, with ties to mythology and even Shakespeare's plays.

Mainframe was good at producing continuous series with an overarching plot. Beast Wars was enjoyed by an adult fanbase, as well as a younger one. Beast Machines took the story to a further level of depth and darkness that lost its younger fanbase. Reboot, although easily breakable into seperate episodes, had an overarching story that could only really be enjoyed in order. This was especially true for the later seasons and the last few "movies".

[quote name='theiceisfrozen']Even just the style is completely different.[/quote]It's not fair to judge something on style. Style, like beauty, is something that you can say "one is better than the other" so simply. You may have your preferences, but saying one style is simply better than another isn't fair, unbiased judgement.

[quote name='theiceisfrozen']I mean, you tend to hear about those manga and anime sweatshop style animators working and slaving away for one episode or one chapter. However, that is not the case with American cartoons. They pump them out day by day, just meaningless poorly animated cartoons.[/quote]Production quality, and animation quality is actually higher in the States than it is in Japan. I've said this before, and I'll say it again: Americans spend more money and more time on their Cartoons. This is why there's a lot of still frames in Anime (especially the older ones) and a lot of dramatic poses. It's a technique called limited animation.

In fact, the sweatshop style of drawing seems to fit more closely to Japanese Manga artists than it does to anything American.American comic book artists are expected to draw one page per day. If they spend longer than one day on a certain page, they would typically spend less time on another page. This is seven pages per week.
Take a look at a weekly released Manga chapter, ie. Naruto, and you'll find that there are more than seven pages in each chapter. This is because contrary to American comic books who spread the work out between writers, pencillers, inkers, and colouring artists, a typical Mangaka will write and draw their manga with a few assisstants.
Japanese artists are more rushed to finish their work. They're under more pressure to have their work published on time. They're under more pressure to make sure their characters are the favourites in the magazine that publishes their comic. This is why, many people argue, that Destiny was so much worse than SEED.

[quote name='theiceisfrozen']I think this is why we don't refer to anime as cartoons and in fact some of us shudder to hear someone refer to anime as cartoons. There is a big difference in the quality of a cartoon and the quality of anime. It would be like comparing a fine wine to a soft drink.[/quote]Anime is short for the Japanese word "animeshyon" which means "Animation". A lot of elitists in the West refuse to relate cartoons and Anime because of the stigma that is attatched to cartoons. But even in Japan they are considered one in the same. Mickey Mouse and Bugs Bunny are anime. Ed, Edd, and Eddy and Spongebob are Anime. Japanese cartoons are called "Japanimation" but that's the same thing as calling it "Japanese animation" or "Japanese cartoons".

[quote name='theiceisfrozen']I love anime because someone actually took the time to think out a plot and character stories and weave a story line that is enchanting and thoughtfully interesting. Most anime has that ephemeral quality to it and in the end I think that is what draws people the most![/quote]If you're willing to look past the stigma, there are cartoons in the West that can blow your mind. I'm not saying that your reasons for liking Anime are bad. I'm saying is that your reasons for not liking Western cartoons are based off stereotypes and aren't fully researched.

-r2[/color]

[inuyashaXDkiss]

i love anime for the beautiful eyes, the cool music, the action, and just because i love all thats animated! well, most animation anyways.

[Guest inuyashalover33]

[quote name='chocobogirl']well.......... HOW CAN YOU NOT LIKE ANIME!!! it fast action packed crazy! they have story lines with more twists than those sad soaps operas ! their expressions are priceless! :animeblus :animecry: :animestun ! I mean COME ON ! no wonder people love anime sooooooo much! phew i got all that out! AND of course the art is wonderful and stories which really just pull you in.WOOOOOO GO ANIME! :animeknow :D :love: :love2: :luv:[/quote]



i totally agree with you. i am a huge anime fan, not because of the cute characters but because of the backgrounds and the storylines. Everything about anime is just, dare i say it, awesome!!! :catgirl:

[Guest ShyGuy123]

I dunno I guess people like anime cause american cartoon are so damn stupid and make no sence
[COLOR=DarkOrchid][SIZE=1][INDENT]Welcome to OtakuBoards [B]ShyGuy123[/B], for starters, perhaps you could exand a bit as to what you mean? Right now other than a general statement of american cartoons are stupid you haven't really explained why you think they are. Don't make a point and then run off with out backing it up with examples. Posts like this are considered spam so please put more effort into them. For example you could have talked a bit about why you think anime cartoons are better. Thus backing up your statement that the other ones are stupid. ~Aaryanna[/INDENT][/SIZE][/COLOR]

[shadowmovement]

I like anime because of every thing in it. The characters the plot the action. As long as they all fit with one another.

[kaiyukianime]

i have loved anime since I was 2. My first anime was my neighbor totoro. And I figured out that the cartoons i liked was called Anime when I was in seventh grade!! I Am Over obsessive anime Otaku!!I have over $3,000 Worth of anime and I have only been buying them for 4 1/2 years ^_^ . I even like making up my own anime!! I want to be a animator for my career.(sorry If I spelt anything wrong I'm class and it just ended.)