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CaliMar's Anime Fan

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An introduction to anime fandom

Welcome to my anime fan lens. This lens is a follow-up to my Introduction to Anime lens, which contains basic information about Japanese animation. This lens will go into greater detail.

If you are new to anime or don't know a lot about it, start with CaliMar's Introduction to Anime.

1: The Anime Fanboy

Anime Otaku

"Otaku" is a Japanese term that is close to meaning "geek" or "nerd" but "fanboy" is more appropriate translation.

Wikipedia states that otaku is "a Japanese pejorative term used to refer to a variety of geek/nerd, particularly one obsessed with computers, or anime and manga." So, not exactly geek or nerd, but not exactly different either.

Wired Magazine said that an okatu is "one of Japan's growing legion of men obsessed with anime, comics, action figures, and videogames." Most hardcore members of the otaku movement are proud of their status.

There are different obsessions involved with otaku, including manga (Japanese comics), computer games, and singers.

Oh, girls can be obsessed fans, also. Female anime and manga fans can be know either as otaku or otome (see below).

2: Anime Glossary

Special Lingo

For anime types and subgenres, please visit CaliMar's Introduction to Anime section Different Types of Anime .
  • AMV: Anime Music Video (see below).
  • Chibi: A cute form of illustration. Big eyes and heads on little bodies, chibi versions of more realistic characters are often created by fans.
  • Cosplay: "Costume play"; dressing up like a favorite anime personna at conventions or other social events.
  • Fan service: A scene in an anime that is only to keep fans happy. Example: Characters dressed in sexy clothing. Fan service can be any element not relevant to a story placed in the anime for the fans.
  • Fansub: A Japanese show that has been subtitled by fans (see below).
  • Henshin: The lengthy, awe-inspiring transformation scenes used in anime and manga to take up time. The henshin hero would transform into super form through the same footage in every episode.
  • Omake: Extras, bonuses; in anime it can be characters in alternate scenes, chibi versions of characters, extended or alternate footage, cross-overs, and out of character scenes.
  • Otome: Translates sort of like "maiden," the label for female fans; "fangirls." Closely associated with Otome Road, which caters to female fans.
  • OVA: Original Video Animation (see below).
  • Seiyu: Japanese voice actors.

3: Direct to Video

OVA's

An anime that goes direct to video is known as an "OVA," which stands for "Original Video Animation." OVA's are known for their high production value and fan service.

OVA's can work as the basis for televised or movie animes, and the opposite can also be true. Some OVA's are bonus stories or related spinoffs of televised animes.

Because OVAs are targeted to fans, there is no need for fluff or tightly controlled commercial breaks. Also, OVA creators have the ability to use artistic expressions including adult themes and language.

3.1: OVA Examples

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4: Fan Subtitled Shows

Fansubs and Fandubs

When a fan takes an anime and puts in his/ hers own subtitles, it is known as a fansub. Fandubs are when fans dub an anime; fandubs are less prevelant.

Many otaku in the United States believe that fansubbed animes are better than those that have subtitles put in by a production or distribution company. The subtitles are easier to read and more accurate in translation. Also, fans enjoy the fact that fansubbed animes have the opening and closing theme lyrics subtitled.

Fansubbed and fandubbed animes are usually done without permission from distribution or originating companies. Uploading and downloading these animes are also usually done without permission.

5: Your Cartoon- Your Music

Anime Music Videos

AMV's (Anime Music Videos) are a popular way for fans to combine creativity and music with their favorite anime. YouTube has lots of different AMV's- you can search by your favorite song or favorite anime and find something. Below are some randomly chosen AMVs.

5.1: Anime Music Video Sampler

Randomly chosen AMV's for your viewing pleasure.

Final Fantasy 7 - Angels AMV ( Anime Music Video )
by majjamis | video info

11,037 ratings | 2,301,294 views
automatically generated by YouTube

6: Reader Feedback

What's going on?

Comments, critiques, questions, and sewing patterns are always appreciated. Feel free to tell me about your favorite anime or anime site.
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PaxLamprey

I am an avid reader, gamer, alternative rocker, and speculative fiction fan.

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