[Saecryd]

So, the anime industry was struck with a pretty nasty recession last year. [Only registered and activated users can see links. ]

There was a lot of debate over what could have caused that and there's really no sign that the industry has recovered in any remarkable ways. Naturally there was a bunch of theories, from the internet sapping much-needed funding through piracy to blaming the studios themselves for doing so little to globalize an industry that has obvious worldwide appeal. But there another not-so-obvious possibility looking in the dark places of everyone's mind: what if anime was stagnating and the audience was responding to that?

It's not a far-off possibility either. Look at some of the most successful series we've been given lately as proof: "Lucky Star", "Shakugan no Shana", "Strike Witches", anything made by studio Gonzo in the past few years, all of it capitalizing on the dark, demented minds of the shut-ins we lovingly call otaku. Series like those listed above were made for a very specific and surprisingly small percentage of the anime fan base in order to make a buck. Gonzo basically admitted it with "Strike Witches", it wasn't doing well economically at the time, there was talk of it going bankrupt, but Pantsu Witches saved the day.

Or did it?!

One might look at the anime we've been given lately and ask where the innovation and creativity has gone. Sure, we still get the odd "Mushi-shi" or "Bacanno!" to kick things up a notch once in awhile and give hope that studios are still striving to be be different and creative. But for every "Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood" we get five "K-ON's", shows with no redeeming value whatsoever. What did "K-ON" accomplish exactly? It was a music anime with very little music to speak of in it. Who was it made for? The answer is pretty obvious, it was made for the lover of what I like to call Moe Bullshit.

Moe anime does not try to be innovative, it doesn't strive to raise the bar in any sort of relevant or important way. It exists solely to pander to an audience that doesn't know quality when it sees it. Do people who think that "Ikkitousen" is any good at all also appreciate the subtle complexities of "Perfect Blue", of "Berserk"? The business seems to be saying no since shows like this get little to no recognition by the kind of audience who thinks "Tora Dora" is deep or meaningful.

There is definitely a place for the shows with no brain. But when they become the focus it seems to be the case that the industry as a whole suffers in every regard, in quality, in expectations, and in delivering a decent product that will stand the test of time. I suppose it's possible that there is only so much room in the world for the "Spirited Aways" for our time, but that doesn't mean the industry we love should stop doing what made it so great in the first place, namely treading new ground with confidence and with competence.

[Darkchao45]

*claps*
I completely agree with you. Most anime being released nowadays is just dumb shit involving lolis and tits everywhere (Queens Blade for example). Not to mention most new anime have obvious recycled plots. Anime needs to go back to the way it was in the 90's when there was originality.

[WsE]

I find it quite simple

If you don't like it: don't watch
If you like it: watch

I was tempted to remove this thread right away *cough* Subjective opinions clashing with others opinions incoming <.<

[vanteya37]

MEH... Nothing we think is gonna change the anime industry
especially when the big wigs think fans outside of Japan don't matter.
Too lazy to search... Go find the gg interview a cruchy translator if you're interested.

[Kuro]

I agree with the above... Apart from Toradora! was an awesome show. I will not proceed to flame you, but Toradora is definitely not a show that is simply classified as "moe shit" like K-On! is. (Despite knowing this fact, I still watch K-On).

Anyways, despite slightly differing opinions, I understand what you mean. This past season was full of moe shit with a few redeeming shows IMO. Spring 2010 season looks a lot better though.

[dnlight]

Hey man, I liked K-On, and I usually don't watch shit similar to it. Sometimes you just watch a show because it looks good.

Like he said,

Originally Posted by WsE

I find it quite simple

If you don't like it: don't watch
If you like it: watch

I was tempted to remove this thread right away *cough* Subjective opinions clashing with others opinions incoming <.<

In most cases, you're likely not paying to watch it.

[Saecryd]

Originally Posted by WsE

I find it quite simple

If you don't like it: don't watch
If you like it: watch

I was tempted to remove this thread right away *cough* Subjective opinions clashing with others opinions incoming <.<

The problem here is that it's not simple, not at all. This is an incredibly complex problem and the underlying causes are not known. My post deals with one possibility, and it goes beyond simply avoiding something you don't like. Because evidently the tastes of the comparably few are dominating an industry with a very eclectic audience.

You were going to close this? Why? Because I used my personal opinion to begin a discussion? Of course I want clashing opinions on this matter. I made a lot of bold statements and I want to see how people react to and challenge them. That's kinda the point of discussing things, isn't it?

Originally Posted by Kurosaki

I agree with the above... Apart from Toradora! was an awesome show. I will not proceed to flame you, but Toradora is definitely not a show that is simply classified as "moe shit" like K-On! is. (Despite knowing this fact, I still watch K-On).

Anyways, despite slightly differing opinions, I understand what you mean. This past season was full of moe shit with a few redeeming shows IMO. Spring 2010 season looks a lot better though.

I'm glad that despite some slight disagreement you could still appreciate my point. We can only hope that 2010 will get us out of the rut we seem to have been in the past few years.

[the space cadet]

So what exactly would it take for new anime to return to its roots? I mean, what are they supposed to do in current anime to make it like the older great series? If there's any themes that resemeble a classic series, then it gets flamed for not being original. We can pray for a change from the classic "I'm going to save all my friends and/or the world" stories... but then, really, what's left to do? Perhaps expirement with new themes?But then they get written off as intended for "niche audiences". How about slice of life? Oh, I guess they're not "deep" enough...

It's so easy to sit back and be a cynic and point out what you deem the problem in anime (or any media). So really... what should they do? What can they do?

And, btw, I like stuff like Ikkitousen and Rosario+Vampire... for what it is... and shockingly also like Perfect Blue, along with all of Satoshi Kon's work... and Miyazaki's work... and Makoto Shinkai's work... my point? It's stupid to hold all types of anime in the same context as "deep" anime. Different genres are enjoyable for different reasons... unless you're a cynic with nothing better to do than bitch because you think they're too intelligent for 90% of what they watch.

edit:
I love Sailor Moon.

[Saecryd]

Originally Posted by dnlight

Hey man, I liked K-On, and I usually don't watch shit similar to it. Sometimes you just watch a show because it looks good.

I did make room for this possibility in my post. Yeah, sometimes it's good to turn off your brain and just enjoy a spectacle. Some really great examples of this are "Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann" and "Sengoku Basara", two completely insane series that are still totally awesome despite their simple objectives.

In most cases, you're likely not paying to watch it.

Perhaps you aren't, but there are fans out there who show support with their wallets when they can. I always buy a series or film that I really, really enjoy. What other way is there to tell a studio that they need to make more than by paying them for their work?

[the space cadet]

Originally Posted by Saecryd

I did make room for this possibility in my post. Yeah, sometimes it's good to turn off your brain and just enjoy a spectacle. Some really great examples of this are "Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann" and "Sengoku Basara", two completely insane series that are still totally awesome despite their simple objectives.

Every time you post about only truly appreciating "deep" anime, and wanting more originality... is contradicting yourself.

Care to explain what makes Fate/Stay Night so deep, meaningful, and original?

edit:
I love Toradora.