Adults and teens alike are expected to stop watching cartoons once they grow up. However, what happens when cartoons meet maturity, violence, relatable characters and complex plotlines? That’s anime. Contrary to what most people regard as “typical” cartoons, anime is written and produced in Japanese and popular amongst all ages.
Through the use of subtitles and some English dubbed series, Japanese animated cartoons have spread to a wide variety of audiences. Some well known anime include Fullmetal Alchemist, One Piece, Sailor Moon, Pokemon, Dragon Ball Z, Attack on Titan, and Naruto Shippuden. One Piece is one of the longest running anime, airing for over a decade with over than 900 episodes. Pokemon, likely the most well known anime, was the inspiration for the famous Pokemon Go! app, through which players immerse themselves in the Pokemon world by trying to catch pokemon like the characters in the anime do.
“Whether it’s through the animation styles, the intro songs, or the plot, there’s something about anime that really draws me to it,” said senior Ingrid Hernandez.
An episode of anime is typically 25 minutes long, but some, such as Fate/ Zero and Katanagatari, run for as long as 40 to 60 minutes. In addition to its television series, anime films are also very popular, such as Hayao Miyazaki’s Spirited Away. Miyazaki is a notable figure in the anime community, having produced a variety of anime films including My Neighbor Totoro and Kiki’s Delivery Service.
With its roots originating in Japanese World War II propaganda, anime has expanded as an art and culture over the span of several years. Before computer animation was an accessible, anime was drawn on paper, with the use of text bubbles in order to allow characters to speak and express emotions. This art is referred to as manga, and is still the starting point for many animators.
“I draw cartoon strips occasionally, and the art style of anime and manga have helped inspire my sketches. It is just a vivid and lively style, I love trying to capture the elements of the culture,” said senior Katerina Escobar.
Millions of fans and animators alike have come together to form a huge fan base which includes art, animation, cosplay, and conventions. Some conventions, like Supercon, invite fans of anime and manga alike to celebrate their love for these cartoons. Fans dress up as their favorite characters from their favorite shows, a practice often referred to as cosplay.
Supercon is a three-day convention hosted every summer at the Miami Beach Convention Center, with tickets varying in price from $30 to
