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Warning: Anime is not always for kids!
Many people assume that since anime is a style of animation cartoon it means that they are simply cartoons for kids only. There is anime for children, but it can appeal to many age groups. The younger viewers may like it for the action, humor and the general "look" of it. At the same time older views will enjoy it for these reasons and the certain subtleties that kids just couldn't fully grasp or appreciate.
Since anime is designed with more than just kids in mind there are brands of anime that contain levels of violence and sexual reference that most North American people would never expect to find in an animated show or movie.
Since it is often difficult to decide which anime is appropriate, Megumi has generously compiled a list of some of the more popular anime (and it's alphabetized, too!) You may also want to check out some Important Terms to Know.
Now, on to the questions!
Q: What is a fansub?
A: A fansub is when anime fans take action! They aquire uncut series that are not comercially known, translate and subtitle them so anyone can
understand what's going on. The most common motto used is: "subtitled for
fans, by fans"
Q: Why isn't fansubbing Illegal?
A: Fansubbing is illegal when the series is bought by a company and
distributors continue to trade after it is made comercially. It is also
illegal if the distributor is charging you for your order. The only
necesary charges would be for the blank tape being used and/or
postage/handeling. Some ask for donations towards new equipment. It's
your choice if you want to help them out. After all, they are helping
you see new series before they reach the US.
Q: Who is your favorite anime character?
A: I might as well tell you. Ryouga Hibiki from Ranma 1/2. I have always
cheered for the underdog of the series. (How would you feel if your rival
constantly defeats you in battle, and is engaged to your crush?)
Q: Megumi, I love Sailor Moon and was wondering: Why isn't there a Sailor Earth?
A: Well, there's a good reason for that. You see, Tuxedo Kamen (or Tuxedo Mask, whatever you know him as) is your "Sailor Earth" If you remember from the first series, Chiba Mamoru, or Darian in the US version, was the Prince of Earth in his past life. This makes more sense if you know what his Japanese name means. Chiba is "Earth" and Mamoru means "to protect" so, it's like saying he is "The Protector of Earth".
Q: Hi! I am Ben and I am the vice president of an anime club called Capital City Otaku in Jefferson City Missouri. And trying to get business done people keep up brining up stuff like how we cant do this, this, and this because we could be sued. So, my question is, does anybody really care?
A: This may not be the answer you want to hear, but yes. People do care about what's being done. Most companies will tell you it is prohibited to show their videos to large groups, without permission. (And yes, it has happened to me before.) If you are being hasseled about showing anime, write to an actual company (like ADV or AnimEigo) and ask for permission to show something. Most likely, they will be thrilled that you show interest and will send you a special copy, just for your club. I wish you luck for the future, and please tell me if you are having any other troubles.
Q: Why isn't there an Anime Channel on TV?
A: Many Otaku wonder how long it will be before there's an entire channel, showing nothing but anime. To be honest with you, I don't think this will happen anytime soon. There is a positive trend in anime on mainstream channels, so our favorite medium may stand a chance. Even if there was a channel exclusively for Japanese animation, the dream just wouldn't be the way it should be. There would have to be serious editing and probably very few to no subtitled series. Besides, don't any of you feel anime loses something once its on TV? So much has been changed; it's no longer the original series you fell in love with. (ie: Cardcaptors)
Questions for Megumi can be sent to Anime4Life@hotmail.com