NationStates Jolt Archive

Am I the only one here who does not like anime? Please, I'm begging you, tell me I'm not the only one. I feel alone, so alone...:(

And before someone makes the obligatory "You haven't read the right ones!" I've tried quite a variety. Naruto, Bleach, Ghost in the Shell, That one notebook one where they write a name and the person dies, Full Metal Alchemist... I just can't find any of those I like! I don't like the artwork, the plotlines, the characters, everything! And you know what? I can't see the whole craze around it?

Am I doing it wrong?:p

Am I just crazy?

Am I the only one on here who doesn't like anime/Manga? (Except for Yootopia, but he doesn't count:D)

DISCLAIMER: I do not watch anime or read manga. However it doesn't mean I hate them, in fact I have no idea if I would like them or not, since I don't even watch/read them. I used to watch them when I was a kid, but at that time, they were awesome... then again, so were cartoons :p

Waffles sound good. Really though, it's okay if you don't like anime. Personally I like a wide variety of anime, but everyone is entitled to their own tastes and opinions.

Nah, you're not the only one. I've known people who dislike anime/manga, same as you. It's all about taste. There's nothing wrong with you.

you hurt his feelings, he likes to be unique :(

:p

Am I the only one here who does not like anime? Please, I'm begging you, tell me I'm not the only one. I feel alone, so alone...:(

And before someone makes the obligatory "You haven't read the right ones!" I've tried quite a variety. Naruto, Bleach, Ghost in the Shell, That one notebook one where they write a name and the person dies, Full Metal Alchemist... I just can't find any of those I like! I don't like the artwork, the plotlines, the characters, everything! And you know what? I can't see the whole craze around it?

Am I doing it wrong?:p

Am I just crazy?

Am I the only one on here who doesn't like anime/Manga? (Except for Yootopia, but he doesn't count:D)

No, you're not the only one.

you hurt his feelings, he likes to be unique :(

:p

*insert angsty rant* :p

It's not that I don't like anime, but I just very rarely get to see or read any of it, so I don't really know much about it.

You, sir, are a moron! How dare you not have the same tastes as me! I demand that you recant these horrid statements, you filthy, insolent, son of *gets shot, deservedly*. :p

(Joke)

Not a fan, at all.

I know a number of people who don't. Hell, I know a number of Japanese who don't like it either. That said, it should be noted that anime is a medium that spans a number of different genres so I would more ask you have you tried looking at some that hits those genres that you like instead of relying on just what proves to be popular?

Eh the comedy stuff is way too japtacular for me, so I don't enjoy that pish, and most of the 'tragic' stuff is just lame. But err there's some diamonds in there - Cowboy Bebop is ace at times, the later bits of Trigun are interesting too (although the first few episodes were painfully stupit)

Trigun sucks. GitS and Full Metal Alchemist are pretty high level stuff and if he doesn't like those it would be hard to find better.
Though the GitS series isn't quite the movie (the first one, the second one is an acid trip). Also there are Akira and Hayao Miyazaki's movies for even higher level stuff.

From what I've seen of it, if I ever like an anime, it will be in spite of, not because of, the fact that it is anime.

Trigun sucks. GitS and Full Metal Alchemist are pretty high level stuff and if he doesn't like those it would be hard to find better.
Though the GitS series isn't quite the movie (the first one, the second one is an acid trip). Also there are Akira and Hayao Miyazaki's movies for even higher level stuff.

I think the GitS movies are lame compared with the two series. The latter episodes of GitSSAC 2nd Gig are powerful.

Innocence is the best of the movies, precisely because it is an acid trip.

The OP has mentioned GitS and a range of other TV series. Perhaps they should try some feature films, ie Miyazaki.

Trigun sucks.
Err nope.

Trigun sucks. GitS and Full Metal Alchemist are pretty high level stuff and if he doesn't like those it would be hard to find better.
Though the GitS series isn't quite the movie (the first one, the second one is an acid trip). Also there are Akira and Hayao Miyazaki's movies for even higher level stuff.

Err nope.

Yes. It sucks. 26 episodes of a superhero falling over and embarrassing himself? Yawn. Liked the guy with the arsenal disguised a crucifix, though. And Millie was sweet.

Err nope.

Err yes. It tries to be ultra serious.. seconds after it is as completely unserious as a kid's anime program. The contrast is entirely off-putting.

maybe you would like mecha series, like Gundam or Escaflowne.

or violent hentai like Bible Black http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bible_Black

or plain old idiot kids getting into trouble http://www.adtrwiki.com/index.php?title=Azumanga_Daioh

or shooters http://www.cnet.com.au/tag/anime-shooter-story.htm

or tentacle rape http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tentacle_rape

or maybe there is truly no hope for you:(

I'm not pro-naime or anti-anime, but judge the shows individually. DBZ, for example, will be a horrible steaming pile of recycled food whether it's anime or not.

I second NERV's comment: if you branch out, you'll find something that you like. The ones that become popular in the United States are often the ones with Cartoon Network and a legion of advertisers and merchandise standing behind them. Anime exist that stretch into every imaginable dimension; some of the best only appeal to a small number of viewers.

If you've been watching dubbed series, I suggest that you go with subtitling instead. There are some very talented English voice actors, but a lot of the substance is lost in translation and I suspect that's one reason that a lot of English dialogue sounds absolutely inane.

That said, there are some people who simply don't enjoy Japanese animation or the rather rigid nature behind it, and that's perfectly understandable. :)

On the one hand, saying that you dislike anime is an ignorant statement. (It isn't really a genre, so you might as well say that you dislike Italian movies based upon Zombi 2, Il Postino and Cannibal Holocaust)

On the other hand, we live in an era blessed with a wealth of audiovisual entertainment, so there really isn't any reason to waste time looking for the ones you might like. Whatever happens, you'll die having missed out on a lot of quality TV shows and movies. So it doesn't really matter if they're Japanese cartoons, British live-action comedies or German feature-length films.

Some anime is good; some is absolutely insufferable. The old ninety percent rule, you see.

By the way, I have a cousin who only watches crap like Naruto. This offends me. How the hell can I get him to watch quality stuff?

Anime is hurt by the fact that it's taken from Japan, dubbed, and retooled for a completely different audience. It's not meant for children.

Anime is hurt by the fact that it's taken from Japan, dubbed, and retooled for a completely different audience. It's not meant for children.
Of course, we all know just how high brow and shockingly adult Doraemon and Anpanman are.

Some anime is good; some is absolutely insufferable. The old ninety percent rule, you see.

By the way, I have a cousin who only watches crap like Naruto. This offends me. How the hell can I get him to watch quality stuff?

wait until he grows up, and gains some taste?

I used to like anime but I find I can't really watch the stuff anymore. I don't think I've watched any tv in a few weeks actually. Actually I watched an episode of Jeopardy today, so I suppose I have. Also, what Fiddles said.

wait until he grows up, and gains some taste?

Bah, he's 18 already. Still, I was kind of a tool when I was his age, so maybe there's hope...

Bah, he's 18 already. Still, I was kind of a tool when I was his age, so maybe there's hope...

Haha, basically. 18 is still kinda young, dang whipper-snappers on mah lawn /old fart

Of course, we all know just how high brow and shockingly adult Doraemon and Anpanman are.

From what I understand, a lot of anime series (and manga) are targeted towards teenagers in Japan, rather that at children like they are here. Correct me if I'm wrong.

From what I understand, a lot of anime series (and manga) are targeted towards teenagers in Japan, rather that at children like they are here. Correct me if I'm wrong.
Well... yes and no. It would be better to say that the bulk of mainstream anime and manga are aimed at children from pre-schoolers through elementary school/junior high-ish. The most popular series (Including the afore mentioned Doraemon and Anpanman) are most definitely aimed at children or are written as family fare.

That said, yes, there is a goodly lot produced for teens and adults. Especially if you count the porn which there is quite a lot of, thankyouverymuch. And that stuff might, if you bothered to count it, outnumber the children's stuff but it would be hard to say that means anime and manga are not meant for children. It would be like saying because there is so much porn out there, movies and magazines are never aimed at children.

Yeah, fair enough. Tell me, would something like Naruto be aimed towards children in Japan? I know Dragon Ball was aimed towards teens.

Yeah, fair enough. Tell me, would something like Naruto be aimed towards children in Japan? I know Dragon Ball was aimed towards teens.
Uh, Dragon Ball is meant for kids. Mainly boys in elementary school through junior high. Naruto is the same, as well as One Piece.

Uh, Dragon Ball is meant for kids. Mainly boys in elementary school through junior high. Naruto is the same, as well as One Piece.

Really? Because there's a fair bit of blood, swearing and nudity in Dragon Ball.

Really? Because there's a fair bit of blood, swearing and nudity in Dragon Ball.
Japan has a different moral system when it comes to blood, swearing (Which, technically it doesn't have except for one word), and nudity. There's a lot more allowed in Japan than there would be in western countries. There's still things I run across here that kids see and no one throws up a fuss but damn near gives me a heart attack.

Japan has a different moral system when it comes to blood, swearing (Which, technically it doesn't have except for one word), and nudity. There's a lot more allowed in Japan than there would be in western countries. There's still things I run across here that kids see and no one throws up a fuss but damn near gives me a heart attack.

Ahh. Fair enough. Although I have heard that while the West is more obsessed with keeping out sex and lets in a lot more violence, Japan is the opposite; less concerned with sex and moreso with violence. Any truth to that?

Trigun and Cowboy Bebop were good. Naruto is WAY overrated IMHO. It's downright boring. I haven't really seen Fullmetal Alchemist, Bleach, DragonballZ, or Ghost in the Shell. DBZ doesn't look very interesting from the clips friends have shown me. I'd go so far as to say disinterest level is OVER NINE THOUSAAAAAAAAND!!!!! *awaits probable beating for recycling an over-used meme*

Ahh. Fair enough. Although I have heard that while the West is more obsessed with keeping out sex and lets in a lot more violence, Japan is the opposite; less concerned with sex and moreso with violence. Any truth to that?

Actually, it is/ or was law in Japan that animators and cartoonist could not draw pubic hair on characters. This is where the orgin of hentai comes from. Japan also seems less concernd with violence and showing blood.

Is there any particular reason why I should seek it out, and not refer to it as Japanese animation which I do?

Sure, a lot of anime has original plot lines, fanastic art, and can pull off what live action films sometimes can't. There is just much more anime (Japanese animation) can get away with, or due, stylistically, than the majority of western cinema.

Trigun and Cowboy Bebop were good.

I don't care how many people say it, Trigun wasn't good. It had the potential to be so, but it wasn't.

Ahh. Fair enough. Although I have heard that while the West is more obsessed with keeping out sex and lets in a lot more violence, Japan is the opposite; less concerned with sex and moreso with violence. Any truth to that?
Not really. There doesn't seem to be a whole lot of difference in the levels of violence, perhaps there is even more than in the west.

That said though, it should be noted that there is (usually) no outright sexuality with mist anime releases. There is nudity, but then again the idea of what constitutes sexual nudity vs non-sexual nudity is very different between Japan and the West. Japan didn't get nudity taboos until about 200 years ago and it still hasn't gotten to the level of the west.

Actually, it is/ or was law in Japan that animators and cartoonist could not draw pubic hair on characters. This is where the orgin of hentai comes from. Japan also seems less concernd with violence and showing blood.
Well, actually, the idea of sex in manga is rather old. Say a couple of centuries old in Japan. The lack of pubic hair is true however, though that has been relaxed, for now.

I liked Ghost in the Shell of course there is a very fine line between Anime and cartoon. If we are talking wide eyes and that stuff. Uhhhm I pretty much have to side with you on that one. I liked Ninja Scroll although I don't really consider it Anime. The ones that come to mind are Pokemon and Dragonballz.

Most of the time they are yelling about who knows what and the stories mostly stink. Over produced comes to mind. If you compare them with say Animaniacs or Tiny Toons. I put Pinky and the Brain against anything they got. Not to mention old Bugs Bunny/Road Runner/ Loony Toons which are pretty much still the standard. If we go into the Disney World pretty much nothing beats that. Even Saturday morning cartoons I mean the average Spiderman was way better.

I see your point and raise you a bunch!

Well, actually, the idea of sex in manga is rather old. Say a couple of centuries old in Japan. The lack of pubic hair is true however, though that has been relaxed, for now.

NERV, I've heard that the current censorship laws can alternately be blamed on General MacArthur or early 20th century Japan, so I'm wondering if you knew the true story.

Also, as somebody who loves his Onsen, you quickly realize that there's a different cultural attitude towards "public" nudity, although it's limited to certain places where such a thing is to be expected.

(Note: I want a tattoo but don't want to be banned from bathhouses. Halp! :()

Am I the only one here who does not like anime? Please, I'm begging you, tell me I'm not the only one. I feel alone, so alone...:(

And before someone makes the obligatory "You haven't read the right ones!" I've tried quite a variety. Naruto, Bleach, Ghost in the Shell, That one notebook one where they write a name and the person dies, Full Metal Alchemist... I just can't find any of those I like! I don't like the artwork, the plotlines, the characters, everything! And you know what? I can't see the whole craze around it?

Am I doing it wrong?:p

Am I just crazy?

Am I the only one on here who doesn't like anime/Manga? (Except for Yootopia, but he doesn't count:D)
Anime is like cinema's here. there are movies you like, and movies you don't. The trick is to find the ones that YOU like.

What kinds of movies do YOU like?

What elements of that movie attract you?

For instance...

I like the off the wall comedies like All Purpose Cultural Cat Andriod/Girl Nuku Nuku, Project A-ko, and Urusei Yatsura.

I like the Science Fiction ones like Megazone 23, Macross, Vexille, Crests of the Stars

The Family/Drama ones like Azumanga Daioh, Ranma 1/2...

The action/adventures like Noir, Madlax, Crest of the Stars

and for the Hentai? almost anythin EXCEPT the kiddie stuff. *shudders*

I know a number of people who don't. Hell, I know a number of Japanese who don't like it either. That said, it should be noted that anime is a medium that spans a number of different genres so I would more ask you have you tried looking at some that hits those genres that you like instead of relying on just what proves to be popular?
oh hell yes! Dragonball, Naruto, YuGiOh, etc... I can't stand them. but I won't discourage my neices and Nephews if they want to watch them.

I liked Ghost in the Shell of course there is a very fine line between Anime and cartoon. If we are talking wide eyes and that stuff. Uhhhm I pretty much have to side with you on that one. I liked Ninja Scroll although I don't really consider it Anime. The ones that come to mind are Pokemon and Dragonballz.

Most of the time they are yelling about who knows what and the stories mostly stink. Over produced comes to mind. If you compare them with say Animaniacs or Tiny Toons. I put Pinky and the Brain against anything they got. Not to mention old Bugs Bunny/Road Runner/ Loony Toons which are pretty much still the standard. If we go into the Disney World pretty much nothing beats that. Even Saturday morning cartoons I mean the average Spiderman was way better.

I see your point and raise you a bunch!
If the only thing that comes to mind when you think anime are Pokemon and Dragon Ball Z no wonder you are rating cartoons for 8 year olds at a higher level.

I like alot of Anime, but the vast majority as of late has been total crap...

I liked Bleach, but thats prettymuch the only one Ive liked thats made it to the States since Cowboy Bebop finished....

Barely seen any of it, didn't like what I saw.

If you don't like it, you don't like it, don't make a big announcement out of it

The only anime I don't thoroughly despise is Miyazaki.

Much like many kids in the nineties, I had a "HURF A DERP POKEYMANS AND DRAGONBAWLZEE IS THE BEST THING EVER DERP DERP" period but once I actually grew up a bit I realized, even with other more "complex" or "adult" series, it's mostly shitty and trite.

NERV, I've heard that the current censorship laws can alternately be blamed on General MacArthur or early 20th century Japan, so I'm wondering if you knew the true story.
Yes. ;)

It's a bit complicated. A lot of the censorship laws are a combination of Victorian and Edwardian ideas imported into Japan during the Meiji Era when Japan was trying to seem 'civilized' and not shock the west along with some of the heavy censorship that happened before and during the war. After the war, Japan went into overdrive until, as you noted, MacArthur and SCAP started putting the brakes back on, which, of course, encouraged some parts of the Japanese government to go above and beyond in stamping things down.

As it is, the laws are both complex and enforced oddly. It used to be that you could not show pubic hair, though that has more or less been broken (At the time however, such was the law and its enforcement that a famous porn actress's claim to fame was that she didn't shave one armpit). Now it is more that you cannot show genitalia, which is why you have the mosaics going crazy. That said, the porn producers push the envelope all the time, reducing the mosaic until it leaves nothing to the imagination...

Until some sort of scandal breaks or Japan hosts another international event and then the censorship laws come slamming down hard. Wash, rinse, repeat.

Also, as somebody who loves his Onsen, you quickly realize that there's a different cultural attitude towards "public" nudity, although it's limited to certain places where such a thing is to be expected.
Very true, but I also find the attitudes to be, hmm, different. Nudity can be not sexual if it is thought to be a part of a natural function. Bathing is natural for example. So is breastfeeding (In fact my wife had one heck of a time accepting the idea that this is different in the US. As far as she was concerned, she was just giving my son lunch).