Anime: Why we luv it?

As I played one of my various video games one Saturday night, I begin to start by, one, giving myself a gaming time limit(who really does anyway), and keeping track on time on my bedroom clock. No, not keeping time as when to go to bed and get some sleep, but when a certain block of entertainment is broadcast for my geeky viewing and pleasure(for those who know what I speak of, i won't mention for reasons of this piece).

My gaming console is shut down, the input has been changed to "tv mode", and whatever show that is currently on is changed, because the hour has begun: it's time to watch Anime! As I watch eagerly through the various shows this block provides, and towards the end, I begin to wonder, why do we like watching anime soooooo much?

The Art Form

Japan animation, known currently as Anime, was introduced to the west around 1960 with the show Astro Boy, with later shows that would be introduced the following decade, brought a different style of animation that was different than the animation of the West. One of the most noticeable aspects of this different form was the characters' large eyes, which depending on the show at the time, seemed to express any, if not all the emotions of the rainbow. There is more to the art form itself, but i'll be doing my best to break down other parts of anime that makes it so enticing to watch.

The Storyline

From love lost and found, heroes and villains, to life's journey, anime stories have been known to take a particular storyline, and punch you right where it hurts, or make you spill your drink from laughter. This is not to say that our Western counterpart is incapable of the same emotional effect, but depending on the show, feels reserved and restrained in this regard.

Characters, Characters, Characters

Though the animation of characters has come a long way(Betty Boop, Mickey Mouse, Astro Boy, etc), it's the variety of age range that has changed. Not only in terms of age, but of species as well. Whereas in some cartoons(west), you may have one character that is a talking animal or insect, or child with a special power. Depending on the show, an anime may have the entire cast as animals or children with special powers. Then there is the issue of "physical representation" between western animated characters and anime characters, and to that depends on the level of the show's subject matter.

The Theme

Ok, let's just get to the heart of the matter. Whether it be western cartoons, or anime, what draws us in regardless is the theme. What is the show trying to say, or how much you can relate to the show's "hidden" messages. Back in the 80s, some of the most popular cartoons of the time had PSAs(Public service Announcements). At the end of every show, one of the main characters would talk about the "theme" of the show(drug prevention, crosswalk safety, etc.), or if was a Disney movie(you know which ones), the "theme" was carefully explained if not directly told to the viewer. These kind of themes were age-appropriate, and useful for the parents who later had to explain. Anime on the other hand, has always in varying degrees, dealt with adult-like themes, anywhere from relationships, violence, to the consequences of war. I feel it is these issues, and how certain anime shows deal with this through their characters give anime more of its pull.

Music

Not to ever be forgotten is the opening/ending music themes in both cartoons of the west and anime. If you ever planning to learn another language, and you watch anime, you're already curious to want to understand not only the language, but the songs behind your fave shows. As some anime have grown popular in recent years, also the songwriters to those shows as well, deepening the fandom.

Ultimately it comes down to.....

Ultimately it comes down to choice. Whether you like anime, or western cartoons, enjoy what you love. And if you meet someone who has never been introduced to anime, introduce them to a Saturday night block session, don't forget the popcorn.