CAA: Christian Anime Alliance

(Note: This is more or less a "get to know you" kind of thread for the members here at CAA. I posted this on another forum and actually received some pretty interesting feedback).

I'm curious to know how you guys define yourself as a fan.

-Do you consider yourself to be a more casual type of fan (meaning that you simply watch anime just for the entertainment) or do you see your being a fan to be more of a hobby?

-Also, when it comes to choosing another series to read or watch, are you more open to any kind of genre, or are you usually picky with your choices (in other words you tend to stick to a particular genre of your taste)?

-And finally, how will you see yourself as an anime fan in ten years? Do you think anime will still hold as a big part of your life, or will it have much less of a presence?

Post a response with at least two or more sentences! You may also add in other things besides what's mentioned in the questions.

regarding:
Question #1: i consider myself to be more a fan that watches anime as a hobby. it's almost like a daily thing for me, as opposed to say, watching a movie in a theater. that would be simply for entertainment...

Question #2: as for choosing a new series to watch, i usually watch anime series that are based on a manga series that i've read and enjoyed. however, i DO stick to a certain genre and i am very picky in picking a new series.

Question #3: i believe that in 10 years, i will still find myself to be a fan of anime. my main reason for believing this, is because i want to be a manga artist when i grow up. however, i will leave this for God to decide.

#1: definitely more than just a hobby!

#2: hm.. I tend to stick to particular genres, but I'll watch any very good anime in any genre, including things like shounen-ai. But I won't stray outside my genres for mediocre ones.

#3: it's been a part of my life for 10 solid years. I don't see it going away in another 10.

1. I'm very dedicated to my anime. Not much as I used to be, but enough that it's still a major part of who I am.

2. I open myself up to as much as possible, even stuff I'm not sure I will like but want to try anyway. One of the biggest factors in me choosing a new series will be how many cute little girls are in it. I'm a total sucker for the kawaii factor ^^

3. In ten years, I hope to still be a fan, but I also hope to have grown to the point where it's not a major part of my life anymore. I'm planning on getting married and having kids. Yeah, one day I want to show them the joys of anime, but I don't want them to think their dad's a total geek who would rather watch the latest series over playing with them. In other words, I want to find the true balance.

1. I'd say I'm fairly into anime. I cosplay and attend conventions, and the hobby is a big part of who I am. I don't think I'm obsessed, but it's something I enjoy being involved with.

2. I tend to prefer to stick to genres I enjoy. I go for more shounen anime than shoujo, for example.

3. In ten years, who knows. I don't think I'll be as "into it" as I am now, but I think I'd still enjoy anime. :3

#1: It's definitely much more of a hobby for me now than when I first started getting into it. I've begun to heavily appreciate anime as an art form recently.

#2: There are genres that I prefer over others, but that doesn't mean I'm closed off to watching something different once in a while. As long as it's got a good story/characters and it doesn't exceed my tolerance level of content, I'll look into it.

#3: I can't say that for sure, but yes, I do think that I'll still be an anime fan in 10 years. It's an interest that I'd like to share with my children someday.

I think that an obsession or fanaticism of anything is bad. I used to consider anime more than a hobby, but recently that died down. If you know me, I'm much against "otakuism" or "fanboyism". I find it disgraceful and annoying.

Especially when I see frequent cosplayers of the same anime or videogame, I find it bland and repetitive (Final Fantasy X, Final Fantasy VII, Naruto, Full Metal Alchemist, Inuyasha, Trigun, etc) I find those titles overrated, and I applaud those who cosplay from stuff more obscure, or take time to take a preexisting character and make it much more creative. For example, in Otakon '06 I saw a Nicholas D. Wolfwood cosplay, except his cross was entirely made out of K-Nex. That I really liked, and took a shot of it. See it here.



I find that a lot of anime fanatics or otaku tend to be Wannabe Japanese people. (Or Wapanese for short) Alternate term is Japanophile XD. Those who over-glorify Japan than what it is tend to get really annoying. Of course this is coming from a Koreans perspective, so naturally I would find it unfair. I as a Korean, would say some of our trademarks are better than the Japanese.

For example, I would say that Korean cinema is much better than Japanese cinema. (Oldboy anyone? Or how about Joint Security Area?) While Korea may not have anime, (Interesting tidbit, most Koreans actually end up animating a lot of anime and western shows/cartoons) we do have some very interesting non-Hollywood-esque cinema. Personally, I find Hong Kong and Korean cinema much more creative and overall better than many Japanese films.

Here's an anecdote I tell frequently. It was preregistration day for Otakon '06, and Meboeck and I decided to get some dinner at a nearby mall. We ate our bourbon chicken, and started to walk out. As we were walking out, I saw this little skinny white girl (Also in Otakon, she was wearing a badge) hold the door for this large black man. This black guy stops, turns to the girl, standing straight, bows to the girl and says "Arigato Gozaimazu!"

And from then on, my mind exploded. It was the most retarded, wapanesey, and japanophilic thing I've ever seen in my life. But then again, as my friend Pat says, Otakon is a place where you can express your inner geekdom. Oh well, I still didn't appreciate it though. I mean... if you're not Asian, please don't act Asian. Especially not stereotypically Asian. Though I will say Pat does have a point.

Anyway, save for a few days ago, I haven't seen any sort of anime for about a month. Crazy eh? But I still buy manga, especially volumes of my favorites (Like Monster, Oldboy, or whenever it comes out, Yotsubato.

My preferred genres can be very selective, my genre of choice in film/entertainment is something that includes philosophical overtones. (Monster, 20th Century Boys, Paranoia Agent, etc) But I enjoy some other stuff once in a while. (Full Moon wo Sagashite, Bleach, etc)

I'll probably still enjoy anime in my years to come. I hope to have a wife and children. I hope they would enjoy it too, and make it an interesting hobby. I just hope they aren't fanatics or obsessive in it.

...OK

You might want to have a little more compassion there MrSP. I also think that taking anything to the extreme can be unhealthy, but bashing those people who do serves no good purpose. Also, this condition is not limited to anime or manga fans. Consider sports fans, or even music / movie fans whos behavior, mind set, and even clothing is influenced by what they watch. Much like anime festivals, sports events, movie premiers, and concerts all turn out the same type of fanatical people who want to dress like and act like their idols.

Again, you dont have to like the behavior or agree with it, but offering non-constructive rantings isnt going to benefit anyone.

Anyway...

I would say that I am a casual anime watcher. In many cases I will simply choose an animated show over a non-animated one for those times I want to watch something.

Im generally open to most genres as long as the content isnt ojectionable.

I have been watching anime for over ten years and still enjoy it as I did when I was younger. I would say that my interest level comes and goes in degree. I no longer buy anime or manga and now either rent, borrow, or DL those things I feel like seeing.

1: I'm a casual anime watcher, although now and then between me and my sister (and occasionally a visiting friend) I participate in "marathons" when it boils down to a series of anime from her collection that I haven't seen from beginning to end.

2: I'll admit I'm kind of picky. I like Trigun, Cowboy Bebop, and FMA (to name a few), but I don't just jump into a new series. I have to read up on it before I try it out. My sister has a handful of anime series that I haven't really watched (L/R for example).

3. I'm still relatively new to anime. Haven't watched it for a total of 10 years yet.

Kaji, I agree with what you have said. But even so, it still bothers me to this day, and it has been a recent thing that grew on my mind. I find fanaticism or extreme obsession in anything extremely unhealthy and quite dumb.

I wouldn't say I'm trying to purposefully bash anyone. But I was asked where I stood on the subject, so I answered. I defined my fandom to the nitty-gritty, which included my likes and dislikes of the fandom.

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:Kaji, I agree with what you have said. But even so, it still bothers me to this day, and it has been a recent thing that grew on my mind. I find fanaticism or extreme obsession in anything extremely unhealthy and quite dumb.

I wouldn't say I'm trying to purposefully bash anyone. But I was asked where I stood on the subject, so I answered. I defined by fandom to the nitty-gritty, which included my likes and dislikes of the fandom.

i must admit that i agree with Mr. Smartypants on this topic regarding fandom and cosplay. it's a little over the top and i find it to be rather pointless. the things people do sometimes really baffle me...

I view anime cosplaying the same way I view Sci Fi/Fantasy costuming as simply a fun way for fans to enjoy getting into the skin of their favorite characters(explains all those Vulcan ears people buy at ST cons)
for myself I would say:
#1:I tend to be a hardcore fan of certain titles that I enjoy and whenever possible try to get DVDs,Manga or other merchandise related to them.
#2:As long as it isn't hentai and is something I know I might enjoy I'll watch it.
#3:I can't say what I'll be doing or where I'll be living ten years from now or even if I'll still be alive or not.But knowing myself as I do I'll probably be still into those particuliar type of anime series that I like to watch.

#1: I'm more of a casual fan. I watch anime for entertainment, though I do enjoy "collecting" manga or anime series (as long as they're worth my time and money). XD

#2: I can be very picky when it comes to choosing a new series; however, this has more to do with content than it does with genre. I have read/watched and enjoyed several different genres of manga and anime, and although there are some genres that I tend to stay away from due to having no interest in them (mecha being one of them), I'll go with any genre if the story is good and the content is clean enough.

#3: Considering my interest in art, I think (and hope, too) that my ability to enjoy anime will stick around for a while.

1. kind of a mix of both. there are some that I get really into and have to have everyything relating to it, then there are others that i just sorta watch just because it's on and there's else to do.
2.I'm open to anything as long as it has a good story to it. But I don't like ones that are all talk and allmost no action.
3.I can see it as still being a big part in my life. I only got really into it about 3 years ago. so there are still alot of titles i have read or seen that i really want to still.

As for myself, I lean more towards being a casual anime fan. I used to be really into anime in terms of how many series I can watch/read. But lately I've found less time devoted to anime and more to my studies in college. I've tried stuff like fanarting and even attempted to write fanfiction, but I never really was that good in both those areas. Right now I am taking my first semester of Japanese in college. It's more or less to complete a general ed requirement, with the advantage of owning so many anime DVD's for reference. But learning how to read and comprehend the language will also let me appreciate some of the cultural tidbits I've missed in the fandom and watching anime.

I can be open to any genre, but only on occasion. I generally stick to more "laid back" anime titles like Gatekeepers, Kodocha, Bottle Fairy; but I have checked out more serious shows such as Haibane Renmei, Voices of a Distant Star, and Samurai X. I've pretty much limited myself to the stuff on DVD since most of the genres that I like happen to be outside of television broadcasts.

To some degree, I will still hold on to the fandom in ten years, though it will exponentially have much less of a presence in my life by then. Who know's really, but as long as anime keeps me entertained and able to cope with the busy world, then I can be sure it will continue to have a presence in my life.

On a scale of 1-5 I would rate myself a 3.5 I guess.

I've watched a couple dozen series, have a decent sized anime collection, purchased art books and figurines from when I lived in Japan, am constantly waiting for the next episode of Death Note and Bleach (NO MORE FILLER PLEASE!!!)
The only reason I probably haven't cosplayed is due to lack of resources lol (hey, those Haruhi Suzumiya keychains cost money you know!)

However, on a side note, I'm gonna have to voice my opinion on captain korea's coments, I think its a little ridiculous and over the top the way you jided cosplayers. Your pretty much setting judgement on people you don't know. There is a tendency to go overthetop, I mean, after all, there are those creepy guys who surround themselves with moe figures of 14yr ol' girls with frilly dresses and body pillows (ewww....) but really cosplayers? Come off it man, don't be a hater!

Question 1: I'm leaning toward more of a hobby, as Anime for me is one way to get really good stories, and most of the things i enjoy are all about the story, for me. (Books, Video games, anime/manga).

Question 2: I'm usually open to pretty much any genre, I like mecha, shonen, romance, comedy, pretty much anything with a good story. However, I refuse to watch detailed nudity, as i find it morally offensive (maybe not to everyone, just for my personal moral health), and I feel iffy about series with "black magic" and vampires (depends on how serious it is usually).

Question 3: in ten years? Yikes! Well, I think I will still like anime, but I doubt that I will watch as much as i do now!

~CS

Kai Robin wrote:However, on a side note, I'm gonna have to voice my opinion on captain korea's coments, I think its a little ridiculous and over the top the way you jided cosplayers. Your pretty much setting judgement on people you don't know. There is a tendency to go overthetop, I mean, after all, there are those creepy guys who surround themselves with moe figures of 14yr ol' girls with frilly dresses and body pillows (ewww....) but really cosplayers? Come off it man, don't be a hater!

I would not say I "jided" cosplayers more like I jided "bad cosplayers". I give mad props to some good cosplays. Although I will say that many cosplays are redundant. I think we can all agree with that. How many inuyashas have we seen? I've seen thousands. 2004 was like "Naruto Year" where practically 3/5 cosplayers were from Naruto. I love seeing fresh and innovative and different cosplays. If everyone went to an anime convention dressed as Yuna or something, it gets annoying.

Which is why my cosplay next year will be a big cardboard box. Because (hopefully) nobody else will be the same thing. (Metal Gear Solid reference)

-Do you consider yourself to be a more casual type of fan (meaning that you simply watch anime just for the entertainment) or do you see your being a fan to be more of a hobby?
Hm. I'd say I'm a casual fan. I don't get to watch much anime, but I really like the art form. I also only have a few manga volumes.

-Also, when it comes to choosing another series to read or watch, are you more open to any kind of genre, or are you usually picky with your choices (in other words you tend to stick to a particular genre of your taste)?
I don't really have a genre preference ~ as long as it interests me. I'll watch action, mecha, romance, comedy, whatever ~ I'm not big on horror, though.

-And finally, how will you see yourself as an anime fan in ten years? Do you think anime will still hold as a big part of your life, or will it have much less of a presence?
Shoot, I don't know. I'd like to say that, at 29, I'll still be interested in anime, but I don't think I can really say. I thought I'd be into LEGO toys for good, but I don't so much as touch the things anymore. Not that there's anything wrong with them ~ I just don't have the urge anymore. Who's to say that it won't be the same with anime? But, given that I'm committed to developing skill in art, and the anime type in particular interests me, I foresee that I will be involved with it for a while longer.


.rai//

Stiletto wrote:-Do you consider yourself to be a more casual type of fan (meaning that you simply watch anime just for the entertainment) or do you see your being a fan to be more of a hobby?

Casual hobby. For someone who talks about it as much as I do, I spend very little time actually watching any.

Manga is a different story.

Stiletto wrote:-Also, when it comes to choosing another series to read or watch, are you more open to any kind of genre, or are you usually picky with your choices (in other words you tend to stick to a particular genre of your taste)?

I used to be highly restrictive, but these days I tend just to go with what catches my attention and give it a spin. I'm usually overly-critical though, particularly of series I enjoy, but in my mind that just gives my tastes more justification. I'm not watching So and So or reading Such and Such because its popular or underground, I'm doing it because I actually think it's good. Don't fish my opinions from magazines.

Stiletto wrote:-And finally, how will you see yourself as an anime fan in ten years? Do you think anime will still hold as a big part of your life, or will it have much less of a presence?

I haven't the foggiest. But, I've liked cartoons and comics my whole life, and good story telling, and I see no reason to discontinue liking any of those things.

Stiletto wrote:-Do you consider yourself to be a more casual type of fan (meaning that you simply watch anime just for the entertainment) or do you see your being a fan to be more of a hobby?

I guess I'm a casual fan. I only watch anime when I have the time, which is becoming increasingly rare. While my heart typically skips a beat upon the sight of anime/manga related merchandise, you won't see me recklessly blowing $$$ on DVDs or scheduling my life around anime on TV/anime club meetings.

-Also, when it comes to choosing another series to read or watch, are you more open to any kind of genre, or are you usually picky with your choices (in other words you tend to stick to a particular genre of your taste)?

In general, I'm open to both shoujo and shonen although certain elements immediately drop my interest. 1) "Harem" themes (e.g. bunch of girls in love with the same guy/bunch of guys in love with the same girl) 2) Cute magical guys who sing in trios (Eh, no offence but it's getting a little old) 3) Vampires/werewolves/zombies themes (just a personal preference) 4) Blatant ripoffs (not discussing this...)

-And finally, how will you see yourself as an anime fan in ten years? Do you think anime will still hold as a big part of your life, or will it have much less of a presence?

I should still be very much into anime/manga as I am today mostly if (by God's Grace) I'm still drawing manga-styled art. Its presence has already dropped significantly during my university ---> working transition but as a whole, I believe I will be fangirling for the rest of my life. Bishies FOREVER!

About uncreative cosplayers and Japanese wannabes, I don't really mind as long as they're not hurting anyone. Better that than drugs, I suppose......unless those individuals include a hardcore hentai lover, proud tentacle monster cosplayer or raving mad yaoi fangirl who attempts to hug/chase/harass me ("How could you NOT like yaoi? Check out these hot bishies going at it!") OK, I draw the line there, folks. Back off! Back off!

I also don't care what series a cosplayer chooses whether mainstream or obscure as long as they do it WELL. What scares me about cosplayers are those who force themselves to be a character when their physiques just aren't complimentary. I mean...Faye-Man should be a crime (amusing to a certain degree admittedly, I both chuckled and cringed).

As for non-Asians imitating Asians, perhaps the same could be said for Asians who try to be American/Westernized? Have you see Asians try to speak in ebonics? It's hilarious, especially when they're wearing headbands, huge gold chains, basketball gear and walking around trying to be hip-hop kings. XD It doesn't really offend/annoy me. I'm mostly trying my best not to laugh too hard lest they beat me up. XD

Hmm,,,can't say I agree with your preferences/opinions on certain Asian movies, MSP. I've seen a mixture of HK, Taiwanese, Korean and Japanese movies/series and I haven't noticed a trend enough to make me choose a movie over another. I just watch whatever seems good or is recommended by my friends.

When I have the time, that is. XD

Mave wrote:I mean...Faye-Man should be a crime (amusing to a certain degree admittedly, I both chuckled and cringed).

Few things are more disturbing than looking down the barrel of a fully loaded Man-Faye.

Such as Man Cammy (From Streetfighter)

I remember the time...

Me: Hey... that cammy cosplayer is kind of cute.
Nate: Ryan... that's a GUY.
Me: No that can't be a guy! She has like... a protruding chest! Not to mention shaved legs.
Nate: No Ryan... It's a guy...
Me: *Looks closer*.... Oh... oh goodness... >_>

*now that was creepy*

>Do you consider yourself to be a more casual type of fan (meaning that you simply watch anime just for the entertainment) or do you see your being a fan to be more of a hobby?

No. I do not consider myself an anime fan. I just watch it. And collect it. And love it. And dress it up for photos like KoDai-chan with her dolls. (To clarify: like KoDai-chan does with her dolls. I've yet to actually dress up anime like her. Though now that I think about it...)

(Casual fan, but I go to Anime Expo sometimes)

>Also, when it comes to choosing another series to read or watch, are you more open to any kind of genre, or are you usually picky with your choices (in other words you tend to stick to a particular genre of your taste)?

I'll watch any genre that has huge robots fighting in space for the fate of the world while being piloted by whiny 14-year-old brats with special powers!

(I'm open to most genres, but am somewhat disinclined toward shoujo)

>And finally, how will you see yourself as an anime fan in ten years? Do you think anime will still hold as a big part of your life, or will it have much less of a presence?

In ten years I will have amassed the largest collection of anime in the world, and I will watch it constantly on seventeen televisions at once!

(Eh, it's entertaining now, it might be entertaining then.)


(I've seen those too-convincing cross-dressing cosplays. They're disturbing every time. (The last one I saw was a Mr. Sailor Scout. And yet he pulled it off better than a number of females...))

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:Such as Man Cammy (From Streetfighter)

I remember the time...

Me: Hey... that cammy cosplayer is kind of cute.
Nate: Ryan... that's a GUY.
Me: No that can't be a guy! She has like... a protruding chest! Not to mention shaved legs.
Nate: No Ryan... It's a guy...
Me: *Looks closer*.... Oh... oh goodness... >_>

...*ouch*...

I remember the sheer creepyness of a 50 year old man dressed as the main character from Sailor Moon *shudders*

I remember the sheer creepy-ness of a 50 year old man dressed as the main character from Sailor Moon at Otakon *shudders*

you can edit your post chronoshinobi...

Mr. SmartyPants wrote:Such as Man Cammy (From Streetfighter)

I remember the time...

Me: Hey... that cammy cosplayer is kind of cute.
Nate: Ryan... that's a GUY.
Me: No that can't be a guy! She has like... a protruding chest! Not to mention shaved legs.
Nate: No Ryan... It's a guy...
Me: *Looks closer*.... Oh... oh goodness... >_>

ChronoShinobi wrote:I remember the sheer creepy-ness of a 50 year old man dressed as the main character from Sailor Moon at Otakon *shudders*

Hard to tell which one is more disturbing.