Anime: A Recent Derivative Form Of Entertainment?

[Glen Bosiwang]

Anime. What do I know about a foreign genre that is known to (almost) universally everyone as anime? Well, basically, it's pretty much like an ordinary cartoon show, only something more than your typical Saturday Morning show that would turn an entire society into a group of 'happy people' who have no idea of the outside situation, thinking that whatever happens, 'will eventually turn out fine at the end'. But that is not the case with anime.

Honestly, I wasn't entirely exposed to anime prior to a special showing at a university hall during my first year at the Multimedia University in Cyberjaya, Malaysia (I think they showed something like Slayers and Blue Seed). Similar to a first-time soldier at a grand battlefield, I did not know what to expect from the other side of the Rising Sun: a black spot that no local network would dare touch at the time. And for the first time in my life, I had no idea that shows like that can actually be quite bloody hilarious and intense at the same time! It was as if something lifted me out of the dark, bringing my sense to an entirely new direction (accompanied with the air-conditioners in an entire room, of course). But no one would expect a much bloodier and more shocking form of sex and violence as seen on Yoshiaki Kawajiri's classic masterpiece, Ninja Scroll the other day (at this point, my entire life had been completely revamped). My brain was about to explode at the time I viewed many of the movie's tramautizing scenes but hey, you will get over it by the time you get used to watch countless body shots and butchered heads.

Which actually leads to my point in this forum: the more you see the bloody same pattern, the more you feel as though you want to throw yourself out of the window and die a pitiful kitty cat. A real pity, really because I no longer have the aura that I once had back then (wish I could retain that but like everything else in life, nothing lasts forever). I was now seeking for a new source of inspiration like a parasite.

However, I am not writing this to criticize the legendary Osamu Tezuka for he, like many pioneers, was a true genius in creating something completely true to his sense as well as being truly original (for one thing, he was the first to think that every Japanese should look slightly pseudo-Americans and have big, massive marble eyes as opposed to their real-life counterparts). His early comic books (as well as the cartoon versions) may be a little crude and outdated to today's standard but it's their likeable characters (including the minor ones), the sometimes mature storyline, the wider scope of genres amongst his works and his other traits that would establish a commandment within the consciousness of every Japanese animator in each passing generation. From its roots, came other elements that had been retooled, reincorporated, revamped or were not originally created from Tezuka: mechas, shoujo, ecchi, hentai, harem, whatever strange terms an anime fan would think of. Along its way to popularity, we have a slew of revolutionary masterpieces: Akira, Perfect Blue, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Miyazaki's works, etc.

Ahhh, those were the days.

With each passing year, about an average of 15 animes are released, and at this point so far, digital animation now becomes a crucial part of the animation hierachy (whether it's a boon or bane to the industry, you decide). Sword and sorcery, giant mechas with religious oddities, characters with flamboyant weaponary and costumes; they are now a commonplace in the anime universe. Not surprisingly enough, I have a feeling that shows with these common elements begin to grow old in terms of their derivative nature. I mean, what sort of characters whose faces were an exact duplicate of the 80s/90s originals? I have seen about 20 girls and 30 boys (randomly picked from several different shows) who look exactly like Asuka and Shinji from Evangelion respectively. It's also worth mentioning that every youth (especially) in a particular anime were netiher boys nor girls, for their facial appearances all have the qualities of both sexes (in other words, a boy can be a girl and vice versa and yes, they all look alike).

What was once entertaining is now beginning to bore the hell out of my head. The jokes, the lazy exaggerated expressions with giant sweat drops and some 'pre-Disney' hose movements; they are no longer funny and original; instead, they are now a form of distraction, irritation and absurdity that don't merge well with the context of a particular show (especially the ones with serious tones).

Additionally, the awkwardness of their appearances and movements (thanks to not-so-awesome animation) as well as the animators' approach to realism with cheery colors really make my teeth grinding with irritation as if you would never escape from the Satellite of Love, forcing yourself to revive these trite moments over and over again.

Fancy effects with strange demonic emblems flying all over the screen? Final Fantasy-esque stories about a band of unlikely heroes with massive swords and stuff who are destined to save the world from cliche villains? Endless robot battles? More unneccessary fanservice? For anime fanatics, it's paradise.

Oh, didn't I mention that within every episode of a particular anime, there would be something like a snail-paced scenes that don't involve too many animation (economical but lazy at best) as well as stiff facial expressions? Basically, they all move around here and there like broken robots.

Also, I recall a single battle between two characters that actually lasts for 3, 4 episodes thanks to some 'edutainment' moment (whatever move a character made is dubiously elaborated thoroughly) and some time-consuming power build-up scenes that will sometimes end up doing nothing much at all to the entire plot. If I were correct, they remind me of Dragon Ball Z and Naruto (which I think is one of the worst and most overrated anime I've ever seen).

Yes, we've entering an underwhelming age when many of our most beloved classic characters from the Golden Age are ruthlessly turned into anime by studio executives for profit reasons. Remember Looney Tunes? Good Lord, I can't imagine them very well as typical Japanese fighters with humanoid appearances and duller color template. Teen Titans, Batman, G.I.Joe, etc; they all have been converted into Japanese counterparts of the original. Even some of the kids in my homeland begin to interpret Malaysians like Japanese people.

But like all creations of mankind, anime can actually be diverted to a new direction. I've heard and seen shows and movies from the new era that really break the conventional laws of anime. Stylized visuals, original plots, imaginative ideas: these are some of the most crucial elements to ensure the survival of a genre. If they wish to follow the steps of Mr. Tezuka, then they are on the right path, except that they are not nearly as creative as he was (as far as I've watched on some on his animated works, Tezuka really wanted to stray away from the usual dominance of typical big-eyed heroes in a oh-it-seems-so-familiar world of mechas, breast-bouncy gals and more bloody decapitations).

It's time to bid your horrible memories goodbye. Say hello to innovation.

- Glen B.Wang

[Andrea]

I think this a good observation that I'm sure many fans of the anime genre have noticed. Unfortunatly, formulated stories and animation generate the highest revenues. I work in a book store and let me tell you, those Naruto manga and DVDs are gold. Those little kids (and older...) suck them up like sponges, making their parents throw down any amount of money for them.
Though there does seem to be a break in this standard with newer series that actually have original and unique plot. Deathnote is a great example, though not much in the way of actual animation that I've seen so far. A recent one I just saw was unique in animation (though still a few years old) Gankustuou: The Count of Monte Cristo. The colors and textures they use to illustrate the animation are wonderful eye candy and something refreshing to the anime scene as they move strangely through the animation (or rather stay still as the animation moves over the textures like a kaleidoscop) that's worth checking out. Though I still haven't decided if I truly love the technique, and the animation is still pretty flat.

[Tim Fielder]

What anime is in terms of being derivative isn't the most interesting point for me. Because elements of Japanese pop art (whether manga or anime) are heavily influenced by American culture. Its more that very recently Japan has been more successful at developing their medium and audience. Its always been a sort of back and forth response. Its easy to see how it all comes together. Starwars/Startrek begats Gundam begats Bladerunner begats Akira etc. Which brings into question, what is our response artistically? What would american anime look like? Are we willing to face issues of race, gender, violence, government corruption? I am curious about this and have begun the process of creating it for myself.

Any Thoughts?

[Temris]

Well, I had a handfull of comments to make after reading the original post, but pretty much everything I was going to say has already been said by others. I also went through a similar experience you have, Glen, which was as follows: When I discovered anime, I loved it, was crazy about it, my imagination went wild with the posibilties, etc. etc. A while back I had some pretty hardcore otaku friends who downloaded anime's at a constant rate and they were generous enough to provide me with a stack of DVD's of just some of the shows they had obtained. I still havent watched them all and not sure I will be able to finish them. I began to see the things you mention, the cliche's, the recycled gags, the paper-thin character types. But like Kevin Smith and others already mentioned, they have crap and we have crap. This is mostly stuff that they produce at rediculous speeds for TV (although most come from manga), like the brainless, gag-driven stuff we've got on TV now (not all, but most of it). They're just trying to make money, not art-- just like most Western studios. If anything, though, it made me appreciate the real beautifully crafted anime's even more. It's like seeing the tip of the glittering ice burg, then noticing the rest of it under the water. But, all in all, I dont look down upon the creation of any animated project. It may have been a bit of a waste of money, but if the stories or characters inspire a viewer and move them, it fullfilled it's purpose (and no show will every satisfy everyone!). If the show doesnt move anyone, well, then, it provided a little bit of training and experience to the animators and writers that worked on it and maybe next time they'll be able to make something a little better.

And I would also like to send a cheer out to Scott McCloud for his books. And I think Understanding Comics should have a much longer title for people to understand what the book really talks about. How about, "Understanding the Evolution of Modern Artistic Methods of Storytelling, from Painting to Comics to Animation." Or something along those lines. Regardless, it's a truly educational and inspiring experience for those who find themselves fascinated by the comics and/or animation business.

[Clinton Racine]

I got into anime early in high school with Akira and Ninja Scroll. Dragonball Z and Toonami came out around the same time, and I was hooked because shows like DBZ and Gundam Wing were very action-packed. Before all this, I was so used to Nicktoons, Disney Afternoon, Fox Kids, and early Looney Tunes for amusement. I picked up on Cowboy Bebop, Production I.G. Studios, Hyung Tae-Kim, Hayao Miyazaki, Katsuhiro Otomo, Akira Toriyama, and Terada Katsuya; they were all very inspiring and influential on my own work. But what killed anime for me was the Pokemon boom, and otakus. Oh, and thanks for sharing your comments about the McCloud book. I'll check that out.

[Tim Drage]

Tezuka really wanted to stray away from the usual dominance of typical big-eyed heroes in a oh-it-seems-so-familiar world of mechas, breast-bouncy gals and more bloody decapitations
Stray away from them? He was working before they even became commonplace clichés. Most of that kind of content has it's roots in his work even.

RE: Innovation, watch 'Mind Game' and 'Kemonozume'.