Tracing The Roots Of Anime
By Andrew Wills
From the popular Transformers movie release to the Yu-Gi-Oh! cards your kids might have, has certainly left its mark on the world in recent years. Understanding its roots, though, is the key to predicting where this ever-changing genre is headed.

Before you can understand the history of anime, maybe it's first necessary to understand exactly what is. "Anime" literally means animation in Japanese. It does not distinguish one style from another; it's simply a way to talk about animation of all types.

Worldwide, though, is what we call a particular style of Japanese art and animation. Because of its popularity in recent years, the term 'anime' has come to mean a style rather than animation that comes specifically from Japan. Through the years, has also been known by other names. Japanime is one, and Japanimation is another. Manga is a more recent, and perhaps controversial, term for anime-style comic books.

A Bit of History

While lots of animation was produced in Japan from about 1917 on, the that we know and love today is considered to have been created by Tezuka Osamu, who started drawing comic books in 1947. His character Astroboy (or Tetsuwan Atomu as he is known in Japan) hit television screens around Japan in 1963, which is generally considered to be the first mainstream cartoon. What's more is that Tezuka Osamu helped to create the giant robot genre that has been such an ongoing theme in both and manga.

Anime became such a popular art form in Japan because the live action film genre was simply too expensive to be a hit. As a result, some of the same thematic steps western filmmakers were taking in the world of live action were being taken in Japanese animation simultaneously.

The Real Difference

As a whole, is quite different from American animation. encompasses complex story lines of nearly every genre as well as thought-provoking characters that most American animation stays away from. Since American animation is considered "kid's stuff," and is a mainstream form of entertainment for all kinds of people in Japan, lots of people misinterpret anime's intentions.

While some of is okay for you and your children to view together, many films contain adult themes and situations that aren't okay for younger viewers. Keep in mind that Japan has very different attitudes about nudity, strong language, and violence, so plopping your toddler down in front of because it's a cartoon just isn't a good idea.

Like the Idea?

If you're interested in exploring further, there are several films that are considered to be classics to the genre as a whole. Try starting with Princess Mononoke. With a strong plot and beautiful style, you're sure to fall in love

UPDATE: Free Boxsets, Figures and Signed DVDs for Newsletter Subscribers
Are you worth a million in prizes? Give us your email address and find out
Christmas Anime Sale Offers New Bargains
Our online sale adds a few more bargains on offer - order early to ensure delivery
5 Cms Per Second completes UK premieres
ADV FIlm's nationwide screenings wrap up with amazing support from the fans
ADV's 5 CMs Per Second Screening Sells Out
Shinkai's latest opus sells out at London's Barbican
Boxsets From £10, ADV's Xmas Sale Now On
Partridge in a what? Pick up some bargain gifts that will be appreciated
ADV win NEO Award for Best Distributor 2007
We are the champions, no time for losers
Limited Edition Azumanga Daioh Collection Out Now
Six disc, 10 hour behemoth, limited to 2,500 - warm up your ebay accounts now
ADV`s Media Page is Now Online
Photos, videos and podcasts oh my!
ADV`s November Anime Sale - More DVDs Discounted
Gilgamesh, Yugo and Final Fantasy, get 'em while theyre hot - DVDs from £2
Japan Runs Anime Fashion Show
Models dressed as anime characters? Don't even pretend you're not interested
Pumpkin Scissors FREE Ep. 1 on IGN
Watch a full free episode of an up-coming title months before release

with this type of animation instantly.