Your opinions on anime crushes?

[Allegro]

I was wondering where you guys stand on the idea of developing "crushes" on anime characters. Is it in the same realm of otakuness (which includes cosplaying, fanarting or fanfictioning) or is it a problem in most cases?

For me, I'll admit that I've had a few anime crushes in the past. The way I see it, it's perfectly fine as long as one is able to see the obvious rift of reality and fantasy. Of course, considering that the idea of crushing on anime characters can be weird to some, I might stand in the minority of that opinion.

[rocklobster]

Hey, I had a crush on some fictional live action characters, so it's okay. I used to pine for Counselor Troi
For the record, I have crushes on Lafiel from Crest/Banner of the Stars and Sasami from Tenchi Muyo!

[Mr. SmartyPants]

I am guilty as charged XD

[shooraijin]

I think it's fine if it's just for fun. I still have a schoolboy crush on Kasumi Tendoo.

[Arnobius]

Personally I thought it was unhealthy-- though I have felt it on occasion myself. They're simply not living people with real personalities, but are generally drawn with perfect figures and one dimensional personalities (they tend to respond to situations in cliched ways), unless they have a "Terrible Secret" or the writers decide the person will "convert" in the last episode.

[Stephen]

Never have had one on an anime character....I cannot honostly say I understand them either. Since its a drawing that your looking at...and not a real person. But as others have said, I suppose if its not like really serious I guess its alright. I still think its a bit weird though...

[GrubbTheFragger]

I still think its a bit weird though...

me too but like u said as long as its not like really serious then i guess its fine to have an anime crush

[Radical Dreamer]

Hahahaaaa, I've had quite a few anime and game crushes. Usually, if I do end up with an anime crush, it means the writers have done a lovely job with the character development (and it can also mean that the artist did a lovely job with the art... ). Of course, it's only for fun...It's not like I actually think any of the characters are real or anything. In all honesty, it's no different than developing a crush on a character in a live action show or movie, in that the character is just that--A fictional character. People just tend to become attached to the characters, which makes watching the show all the more interesting.

[Kaligraphic]

I think, since so many anime characters are pretty much just emobodiments of one or a few traits, that crushes on anime characters mostly comes down to an attraction to a particular character trait. Well, that or the artwork.

For example, Kasumi (mentioned above), while nicely drawn, is pretty much the perfect generic daughter. She's got all the skills that would make her a good wife, a suitably docile nature (perhaps a little too much so?), and would have been a good choice for Ranma if he'd been older. Of course, she's not much else, so what's to dislike?

Of course, Nabiki is the perfect capitalist, and Akane is a combination of violent girl, martial artist, useless around the house, and reluctant female love interest.


Basically, I think that if you identify the reason you crush on a particular character it may be easier to consciously evaluate that trait in real life.

[Debitt]

I think on one hand I can see where the "it's weird" view comes from, and I do admit that some crushes ARE very weird, probably to the point of being scary. But for the most part, I think it's a part of being a fan. I don't see it as much different from having a crush on a movie star - both are unattainable and both stars and anime characters have a sort of "perfection" ascribed to them.

You could say I have a serious "crush" on Ichinomiya Kantarou - but it's because I can RELATE to the character and his traits. Thus I am able to find deeper sympathy in the character, and so I like him more. Or, like Kaligraphic mentioned, it could be because you find the traits ascribed to the character attractive; using Kan-chan as an example again, I honestly have to say that I find his devotion to his loved ones very attractive. But then again, I can say the same for a guy in the real world, too.

Of course, some people take this to a very unhealthy level (that Little Mermaid guy comes to mind) and when they begin to use the character to replace real-life relationships and interactions, then THAT'S when I'd say it's a problem

[Naga Kisaki]

I don't like many of the boys I know. So, yes, many an Aime male has fallen victim to the 'crush' in me.

LOL, The problem is, for some reason I almost always develop a crush on either Villain's or anti heros... my anime crushes enclude...

Prince Diamond- Sailor Moon R

Fiore- Sailor Moon R ((I just wanna glomp him!))

Naraku- Inuyasha

Kyosuke Date ((I LOVE this boy !)) - Soultaker

Hell Mishima- (yes, he'san idiot, but he's funny and handsome.)) Cat Girl Nuku Nuku

Sideways- Transformers Armada

That's only a few of my crushes.

[eva-boy7985]

Can't say I've had a "crush" in the most practical definition of the word, but I've most certainly run into characters that just totally jived with me in some way whether in a humorous or serious sense, and thereafter followed something of a phase of obsession, some of which are still active in small forms today, such as with Ms. Sohryu from Evangelion, Sumomo from Chobits, and some various Naruto characters. There's also Minazuki-chan from Happy Lesson. :-p

[That Dude]

I'd say that it's alright as long as you don't go overboard. I've had small crushes on a few anime characters

[Pan Chan]

I think it's alright as long as you don't go so overboard you cry over the fact they're cartoons instead of real people (like I have)lol.
But I guess it's ok..... I mean I see nothing rong with it....

[White]

I Think That Everyone Who Watches An Anime Has Had A Crush On A Character...

Your Bro In Christ,

White

[mitsuki lover]

I think it's part of human nature.There's nothing wrong with it as long as you keep it all in perspective.Myself,the anime girls I am drawn to all have one thing in common,that is they represent in a mythic way the type of woman I perfer in real life.That is the Girl Next Door Type who also happens to be a bit intelligent and feisty and unlike me a bit out going.

[Allegro]

I think, since so many anime characters are pretty much just emobodiments of one or a few traits, that crushes on anime characters mostly comes down to an attraction to a particular character trait. Well, that or the artwork.

I'll say that both have worked in my case. Though with every anime series I watch, there will always be one character that I'll get attached in one way or another. A few of them have turned out to be crushes, in the sense that I find the their traits to be attractive and endearing enough to get a little "hooked" on them.

They're fun to have and it does create a more individual viewing experience in knowing that you favor a particular character more than the other. But I do keep such crushes in "second place" from my real-life crushes. I certainly do understand the reason why one would think it is strange to have such attachments. I guess some people tend to suspend disbelief of fiction much more than other people.

(Oh, and my current anime 'crush' is Mayura Ichikawa from Gokujo Seitokai).

[shooraijin]

I think, since so many anime characters are pretty much just emobodiments of one or a few traits, that crushes on anime characters mostly comes down to an attraction to a particular character trait. Well, that or the artwork.

For example, Kasumi (mentioned above), while nicely drawn, is pretty much the perfect generic daughter. She's got all the skills that would make her a good wife, a suitably docile nature (perhaps a little too much so?), and would have been a good choice for Ranma if he'd been older. Of course, she's not much else, so what's to dislike?

I'll buy that. Please note of course that Kasumi is probably *not* the kind of girl that I would actually consider marrying, precisely because of the flat character trait you mention. But she *is* a charming, sweet person whom everyone loves, and she *is* cute.

But I think most people with anime crushes (or crushes on any fictional character for that matter) realize that the crush is not grounded in their actual romantic interests/desires. It's just the ones who don't, who have problems.

[Stephen]

I don't see it as much different from having a crush on a movie star - both are unattainable and both stars and anime characters have a sort of "perfection" ascribed to them.

My only problem with that logic is that anime characters are drawings, and actors are people. Perhaps if people said they had a crush on voice actors, I would feel different. I can however accept the logic that its traits that people are drawn to. That makes more sence, then picturing someone pining over a piece of paper or an anime show...

[Syreth]

I think it can be taken to an extreme, just like anything can be taken to an extreme. The character trait thing makes sense. A couple of my female friends joke about crushing on Chad from Bleach because of the desirable attributes of his character. I think it more comes down to the fact that they just enjoy the character and appreciate the traits that he has -- just like anyone can appreciate good traits about any fictional character.

[Joshua Christopher]

Everyone talks about good traits and such, but you never see a really ugly character with all these wonderful traits being crushed on.

A crush on a fictional character is unhealthy and childish.

[starwarsboy90]

finely stated, Impact Alberto!

[blue elf]

I'm guilty of this. I've had crushes on at least one character in every anime or video game that I liked. If I listed my anime and game bishie list, it would probably be a mile long. lol ^^;

I'm also guilty of crushing on characters in novels and tv shows. lol

[Allegro]

Everyone talks about good traits and such, but you never see a really ugly character with all these wonderful traits being crushed on.

A crush on a fictional character is unhealthy and childish.

Typically you would go into a movie theater expecting to see a good movie. Except when you go there, most of our enjoyment relies on us turning off our focus on reality and concentrate on the events and characters of that movie for a good two hours. Should we not watch movies because the subject matter of most films are too 'made up,' or watch reality shows because it's suppose to be an accurate reflection of the real world?

We understand things are made to be perfect in the fictional world and that we dare not compare these things to reality. Doing so IS unhealthy and childish. But fiction allows us to appreciate other peoples' works in a way that we can admire their characters for who they are, without necessarily focusing too much into physical characteristics (after all, characters are paint and pencil for the most part).

[Trackball]

I was once a nijikon.

I had huge crushes on A-ko and Lita/Makoto back in the day. (I've always had a thing for tomboys.)

Thankfully, I've learned how to live in reality...

[Joshua Christopher]

Typically you would go into a movie theater expecting to see a good movie. Except when you go there, most of our enjoyment relies on us turning off our focus on reality and concentrate on the events and characters of that movie for a good two hours. Should we not watch movies because the subject matter of most films are too 'made up,' or watch reality shows because it's suppose to be an accurate reflection of the real world?

We understand things are made to be perfect in the fictional world and that we dare not compare these things to reality. Doing so IS unhealthy and childish. But fiction allows us to appreciate other peoples' works in a way that we can admire their characters for who they are, without necessarily focusing too much into physical characteristics (after all, characters are paint and pencil for the most part).

You cannot honestly try to make a connection between enjoying a fictional movie and being attracted to cartoon characters. Well, you can try.

[Allegro]

Sure can.

Actors and actresses in those movies are given their roles by writers, as well as get their appearences from make-up artists and costume designers. Do you really think that most people start crushing on celebrities if they first met them in outside of their movies? It's most likely those crushes are the result of the work behind the scenes of the movie, where the characters were made to be liked by the audience.

Thus, anime characters are no different. They're just as made up in the fictional world as they are with most actors and actresses in their movies.

Again, it is sort of relative towards how you take in certain aspects of fiction.

[Stephen]

I think what everyone is missing...is that human=human. Even if there wearing more make-up then a 3 ring circus. But anime=drawing.

[TriezGamer]

Everyone talks about good traits and such, but you never see a really ugly character with all these wonderful traits being crushed on.

Funny, just like real life, isn't it? People value appearances far more than they are willing to let on.

I think what everyone is missing...is that human=human. Even if there wearing more make-up then a 3 ring circus. But anime=drawing.

<-- And that is (in reality) a collection of pixels, but 99% of people will agree that it's a smiling face. There's an entire science devoted to this subject called 'iconography'. Really fascinating stuff, actually.

[Joshua Christopher]

I think what everyone is missing...is that human=human. Even if there wearing more make-up then a 3 ring circus. But anime=drawing.

I couldn't agree more.

Anime characters are drawings. Actors and actresses are still real people. Is it prety pointless to have a crush on them? Yeah, of course. But they're still real people.