What is Anime?
In a nutshell: cartoons from Japan, mostly derived from Japanese comics called "Manga."
There is another type of anime called live-action which is based on the manga/cartoon version and is a live actor presentation of the anime series (examples: Hana Yori Dango/Boys before Flowers, Zettai Kareshi/Absolute Boyfriend, Bishoujo Senshi Se-ra Mu-n/Sailor Moon, etc).
Anime usually has very distinct drawing characteristics that over-emphasizes body part sizes, particularly eyes, hair, facial expressions, and leg length (and sometimes other "special" parts we’ll call them), speed/abilities. There are also animes that present some realism to Japanese people characteristics such as black hair and almond eyes, vs. large, round eyes (example: Beck).
The term anime refers to a distinctive tradition of Japanese animation that is almost immediately recognizable by its superior artistic quality as well as by the somewhat mannered artistic conventions anime artists employ, such as the preference for child-like, large eyes. But it’s not just the art that grabs one’s attention. In contrast to the flat, Good vs. Evil plots in U.S. cartoons, many anime stories deal with complex, thought-provoking themes, presenting complex characters that change as the stories progress. There’s a ready acceptance of the reality of death. In some anime, even those intended for kids, main characters sometimes die. Although there’s as much silliness and trash in anime as in any other popular medium, it’s a fair generalization to say that it’s a more intelligent genre than American cartoons. For anyone used to Disney’s predictable plots and platitudes, one’s first encounter with anime produces shock, followed by fascination. It’s serious stuff. Anime also prov
Japanese animation has become increasingly popular since the middle of the 20th Century, and is perhaps most widely associated with the recent Pokémon series in the United States. Japan animation is more commonly known as anime, which originally comes from the French word for animation, dessins animes. Another popular term in Japanese animation is manga, the name of a company from the UK (called Manga Video), which refers to print comics. Anime appeals to a broad audience, ranging from children to adults, and deals with diverse themes in science fiction, romance, horror, and sports. Anime is typically characterized by complex plots, relatively sophisticated characters, and innovative artwork and technical designs There are many factors that distinguish anime from Western or American comics and animation. Unlike American animation, for example, anime has a certain element of realism to it that includes depictions of suffering and death, which is intended to improve both the content of t
Anime is the Japanese shortened word for ‘animation’. In Japan, ‘anime’ would be any animated production, from Disney to Legend of the Overfiend. Anything that is animated, be it Japanese, English or French. Outside Japan, though, ‘anime’ tends to refer, specifically, to Japanese animation. In Japan, anime is a rather popular form of entertainment. It comes in the form of tv shows, movies at the cinema as well as direct to video releases (OVA – Original Video Animation). Unlike in the west, anime has a huge variety of genres – it is not only for children. Nor, on the other hand, is it just sex and violence for adults! Anime is for everybody! Most of the time, anime comes from a manga – Japanese comics. Occasionally, though, you’ll get an anime first, and the manga will follow… but as a general rule, anime comes from a popular manga series. The manga are sold in anthologies, either weekly or monthly, and have a huge number of readers! Even more, if you consider that these anthologies
Anime (ah-NIH-may) is a term for Japanese animation. Anime often covers more serious topics than the typical cartoon. In America, cartoons are considered a form of entertainment meant for children. In Japan, people of all ages watch anime. Most shows and movies are centered for kids, adolescents, or young adults, but there are also many anime that are made for the older crowd, even businessmen. There are many genres in anime with basic categories like comedy, romance, action, drama, and pornography (hentai). There are also anime with content meant specifically for boys (shounen), girls (shoujo), and businessmen. For more detailed explanations of the types of anime, take a look at our Genres section and hopefully you will learn something while viewing some great pictures.
