I feel for those who may have little experience and/or exposure to anime may have the wrong idea of, honestly, one of my most favorite pastimes!
Anime tends to catch a bad rap in some ways carrying with it various negative connotations for some.
It’s weird, perverted, over the top, made for children, etc…
Sure, some shows do tend to deal with some if not all of these.
However, in my opinion, most simply do not at all!
As far as I’m concerned the only reason I could possibly think of for someone not enjoying anime is if they simply don’t care for any types of animated works in general.
Which can be very understandable, don’t get me wrong!
(Really, though….what’s wrong with you…?)
(Totally kidding! Ha ha!)
Anime to me is so much more than just your average television program or movie!
It truly is ART in number of different ways!
The art itself is primarily what will draw me to initially try a new potential show for the most part.
(Granted, this is not something you can always solely base your opinions on for a particular show. Sometimes a wonky or experimental art style can be amazing! Especially if it is somehow tied into the premise of the show itself.)
The art styles in anime vary so drastically from traditional, modern, or just straight up unique one of kind works!
Next, has got to be the music!
O my the MUSIC!
Anyone who has even remotely followed me so far should know that music above all others is probably my biggest passion of them all!
Anime brings music into a program in ways that I feel far surpass things you will typically find in more “western based” media.
From the opening and closing scenes, to the songs used during various parts of the show itself.
They are usually nothing short of phenomenal!
Whether they be more Asian inspired pieces or western based productions.
Incredible, amazingly catchy and unique songs that are more often then not matched up perfectly to the animation and will, most likely, be stuck in your head far longer than you may care for!
Some anime’s central themes will even on occasion revolve solely around music as the basis for the entire show and storyline.
(One of my absolute favorite genres if you couldn’t guess!)
This leads right into my next point which is the stories themselves. A key point in what I was trying to stress at the beginning of this post.
Honestly, to say you don’t like anime is practically almost saying you hate media in all it’s forms!
If there is a particular genre you enjoy whether it be popular, more unknown, or maybe something you didn’t even know could exist and stands alone!
Trust me! You can find it in an anime!
You like horror?
I could introduce you to shows that will leave you on the edge of your seat!
Maybe you prefer a good comedy?
I bet some will make you laugh in ways you never have before!
Romance?
It’s probably easier to find an anime that has romantic themes in some way than it is not to!
I’ll stop there, I’m sure you get the point!
The last thing I’d like to address is that anime and/or animation in general is for children?
Maybe, if you want to limit yourself to that kind of thinking!
In all the never ending genres in the anime world I can almost assure you that at least more than half are not something children should witness for varying levels of mature content!
Shows that tend to be more well known or in the forefront of “mainstream” anime usually tend to be typically more of the “shounen” variety. Literally translated as a genre that is primarily aimed to be attractive or appealing to young boys.
This is not to say that others regardless of your age or gender can not enjoy these shows. My point is simply that I feel this does play a more crucial role in why anime may carry with it all the themes stated above.
Genres are not always based on age for reference but a good majority will include one of the various titles attached to it describing it’s key demographic.
I suppose that’s as good a place as any to wrap things up.
I’m fairly positive I managed to cover most of what I intended to express in this post.
My only goal being to potentially open your mind to trying out something new!
For all you know this could very well turn into being one of your new favorite hobbies!
Anime is continually growing worldwide in popularity and not at all as “niche” as it once was and for good reason!
I always would enjoy the occasional anime in my teens and thoroughly enjoyed them! I did, however, struggle to find anyone to share this interest with.
I really only fully embraced my “anime addiction” maybe, give or take, around 5 years ago?
I have since watched roughly over 200+ different series in my lifetime…
This is nothing compared to some “pros” who may even make a living off anime on YouTube or other social media but I mean it sure is still a decent amount!
Anyways, I hope this, at the very least, gave some of you more understanding and/or appreciation of the wonderful world of anime!
I can honestly say it’s primarily the only thing I tend to watch mostly anymore when I’m actually able to have the patience to sit still and focus on one thing for an extended period of time.
(Western based shows nowadays just tend to be so unoriginal or even repetitive in a sense, in my opinion, for the most part. I find anime to be a very refreshing break from this.)
If you have already previously and/or still do watch anime, let me know some of your favorite shows in the comments!
I would love to hear them!
Always looking to connect with fellow anime “nerds.”
Thank you so much reading!
See You Space Cowboy…
(Anyone who gets that reference is awesome, by the way!)
(Come on! It has to be one of the most popular anime!)
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