So you're wondering, "What's up with this anime stuff? Why do so many people, including ADULTS for goodness sake, watch Japanese cartoons!?!?!"
I know my mom wonders!
Japanese Animation, known to fans as Anime (anna-may) is as far removed from traditional Saturday morning cartoons as, well the US is from Japan.
Anime is not made only for children. Seriously. Animated does not mean juvenille entertainment in Japan any more than book means picture book in the US.
Just as with books there is anime you would NEVER want your child to watch (heck there's anime I wouldn't touch with a 50 foot pole), anime that is nothing but a silly kids show (think Pokemon) and everything in between from great classics, epic love stories, coming of age stories to science fiction thrillers anime has it all.
Although America is beginning to take animation more seriously (This year a "Best Animated Film" catagory has been added to the Academy Awards, although why animated flicks can't just fall under the normal catagory is beyond me)they've got a lot of catching up to do.
Robert's Anime Corner Store
Robert, as my friends say is a bad man. He tempts us with a sublime selection of anime goodies at reasonable to downright cheap prices. Joking aside Robert is also a nice guy who will answer your questions via email and is willing to do most anything within reason to make his customers happy. As a fan Robert UNDERSTANDS your rabid desire to know when the next installment of your favorite series will be available. We like Robert.
Issendai no Su
This is a fun site! The "lists" section is a riot. I was especially fond of the "You Know You Watch Too Much Anime When" section, I guess since I can cook I can never be an anime heroine *gasp*. "Miso Soup for the Otaku Soul" is also fabulous! The site's author has a very concise and amusing writing style.
Animerica
The on-line version of the print anime magazine. The fanart section is one of my favorites and I usually find the reviews to be extremely honest and unbiased. The columns are definately interesting reads. The yearly swimsuit issue (fanart) is usually a combination of humorous and drool-worthy!
copyright Morte Portney 2001-2002