A poll JUST for anime fanatics (take a peek)... ^_^

[SketchH]

I like where this is going. You are all giving me wonderful answers. Thank you for your honesty.

In more depth, though, do you feel that national pride and expression of their culture helps make anime more appealing? What are your feelings on this aspect?

[TerraRose]

Well there is the element that Japan has a lot of HISTORY. And there are a lot of anime that play off that history and so many that follow tried and true story paths with different twists. I know people that HATE anime because of the boring 'same old same old' factor of shows. But as for the national pride and expression having an effect on the popularity in other countries? Well I seriously don't think anyone likes Dragonball explicitly for it referencing the Journey to the West, having the main character as Monkey Boy Goku. Or Golden Boy for being derived by another legend. And Japan doesn't even focus solely on it's own legends for referencing though... Take Ah My Goddess, that's taking from Scandinavian Mythology. Evangelion and Angel Sanctuary reference Christianity. Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne references from Joan of Arc, which is French.

For me, these references are a bonus. I may not be a fanatic of all the mythological and historical sources drawn upon, but the fact that there is a decided trend of mythological and historical sources makes it so much more interesting seeing how they can take a source and alter it into something new... Perhaps the world-wide expanse of cultural references is the draw of Anime since it takes the timeless factors from any number of stories, myths, histories and religions. It may not be completely factual, but by even referencing it it draws attention and interest to the actual historical and mythological circumstances and makes people think and be drawn to study the source material.

I admit to studying the Meiji Restoration for a school project because I watched Rurouni Kenshin.

[hasteroth]

Well I agree with dragontamer5788 on how in America "Cartoons" are considered as being for children and how anime is much less restrictive and can include, horror, drama, romance, etc. and is often for more mature audiences. Though in Japan there is also a similar misconception about anime. Most Japanese adults regard anime as being "Childish" or "Immature". Obviously their knowledge is limited. Much of mainstream anime is childish but there is alot that is not. For example, Air. Aimed at children? I think not. In my area anime is often thought of as perverse because for some reason the majority of this cities knowledge of anime is limited to Hentai. I don't care for hentai anime, I prefer ecchi. I like hentai manga though
And as far as Drama is concerned, American dramas are mainly idiotic, cheesy, and horribly cliched ("It's all the same shit!"). But anime isn't always that way. Sure their riddled with cliches but they are actually pretty good.

I prefer not to think of anime as a single entity, because some are good some are bad, there are as many different genres and audiences for manga and anime as there are for TV shows, movies, and books.

And last, I hate it when people compare manga to "Comics". My teacher told me not to read "comics" and I was just about ready to scream.

[Draw it blank]

I think if a show (like the end of Air TV) can make you cry...Its good!!
Aaaand the folowups anime/manga usualy do.
Like for ex: If one anime totaly messes up the ending (like Claymore) we still have the Manga to keep us from goin insane... or viceversa!
Also in American cartoons its hrd to get related to a character , because anime characters have MUCH more human depth to them, than say...a kid from south park that only touches the surface of High school drama.
(wow I feel nerdy now)

[hasteroth]

I think if a show (like the end of Air TV) can make you cry...Its good!!
Aaaand the folowups anime/manga usualy do.
Like for ex: If one anime totaly messes up the ending (like Claymore) we still have the Manga to keep us from goin insane... or viceversa!
Also in American cartoons its hrd to get related to a character , because anime characters have MUCH more human depth to them, than say...a kid from south park that only touches the surface of High school drama.
(wow I feel nerdy now)

Yeah... Yeah... Yeah. That's it, I think I just realized my #1 reason for liking anime, I mean alot of other reasons come within like 1% of this one but yeah... I can empathize with the characters unlike in any other type of media I have explored, not counting video games. The character depth and developement is often so complex and so meaningful... And then of course there is the depth of the stories. Though none of this counts for hentai, it's only use is fapping lol.

[SketchH]

Thanks everyone. You've been a great help. I've got what I need. Thanks again. ^_^

[LokiLuffy]

Dubbed anime = crap
well done subs = LOVE

Like One piece
Dub is crap and subbed is AMAZING

1st reason anime is amazing; No holds barred, anything can happen
2. No censorship, no friday 13th compares to beginning of elfen lied
3. Panties
4. Nico Robin
5. When shit goes wrong, That "OH Fuck, that didn't just happen' feeling

[hasteroth]

Dubbed anime = crap
well done subs = LOVE

Like One piece
Dub is crap and subbed is AMAZING

1st reason anime is amazing; No holds barred, anything can happen
2. No censorship, no friday 13th compares to beginning of elfen lied
3. Panties
4. Nico Robin
5. When shit goes wrong, That "OH Fuck, that didn't just happen' feeling

Not true for all anime, personally I liked the FMA dub better than the sub and the same goes for Bleach. One Piece was dubbed by 4kids, I need not elaborate. It all depends on whether they dub it well or not.

[Ishbalan]

Anyone who still says all dubs suck needs to look into a little gem known by the name Black Lagoon.

5/5 viewers agree: the dub kicks the sub's ass

[LivingFlame]

There's a lot of the more recent dubs that I feel like are being done pretty well. Either VAs are getting better or the people in charge of them are finally taking some pride in their work.*


*Not to be thought of as true of all recent dubs.