Artists and critics interpret art forms differently but claiming Anime is not a serious art form is a complete understatement. As displayed by the exhibition entitled “KRAZY” at the Japan Society, Anime has become a worldwide phenomenon since the 1970s and is an ultimate art form that has exceeded the boundaries of animation and illustration. It provides great entertainment, creates trends, and has fan bases from all around the world. It also employs themes like Japanese culture, comedy, action, science fiction, and much more. The culture around Anime has launched a series of franchises like video games, card collecting, toys, and fashion. From my personal experience with watching some of the TV shows, I find it to be a constant innovation of ideas and styles, which can be said about any serious art form of today. As animation and technology advanced, the subcategories like video games and movies became more widely popular. There are thousands of series and movies that have their own unique storyline and style. Anime also stemmed from the Japanese comic book called Manga. Most start out as comic books before it is incorporated into a TV show or movie. By becoming something visual, Anime transcended the Japanese culture boundaries and create connections with its viewers across the globe.
The popular series called Afro Samurai created by Takashi Otazaki is a great example of the transcending of Japanese culture to modern day American culture. Afro Samurai began as a Manga comic book of a black man with a large afro who becomes a samurai to avenge is father’s death. This comic book was later picked up by the American television network, Spike TV, and turned into a cartoon show. Award-winning actor Samuel L. Jackson voiced the main character and the music featured New York based rapper The RZA. The reason why Anime is a serious art form is because examples like “Afro Samurai” can go beyond its boundaries and integrate modern hip hop music and culture. In addition, the storyline and screenplay of this series was amazing because of the intense action and beautiful animation. This Anime attracted me in a personal level because I am familiar with actor Samuel L. Jackson and rapper The RZA. I find it this series to be innovative and a great way for the Japanese culture to expand from its border over to new cultures.
Another Anime that was featured at the exhibition was Akira created by Katshohiro Otamo in 1988. Akira is arguable the first great cinematic Anime production film of its time. It had a huge budget that reflected on its detailed scenes and beautiful animation. The film adapted its story from the original Manga as with most Anime. The attraction behind the Anime wasn’t just the visuals but with the storyline as well. The story featured politics and the outcomes of war and corruption. The strong emotions of the film was supported by its strong visuals which were inspired from the past disaster of war that the Japanese experienced. As an art form, you must be able to capture the audience’s attention and create some emotion or connection with the art. Akira definitely has achieved this effect on me as well as millions of other viewers since its release in 1988.
No matter what some critics might say about Anime not being a serious art form, it will always be an art form to those who are connected with it. One can enjoy and appreciate an Anime series that features familiar people or music or an Anime that addresses issues that one can relate with. The time and effort behind the ideas and creation of Anime is just as genuine as any serious art form.