Eh right now, Anime is like cannon fodder for SJWs (social-justice warriors). It's coming back with the old Anime plot formula, that's a bad thing by the way. A VERY BAD THING. So unless the industry has a new direction of their anime (no not pdfs), then this will be Anime's last stand.
I think the major problem afflicting the anime/manga entertainment industry right now is twofold: a lack of much original content, since most everything new right now is a slight variation on a previously-successful (or even moderately successful) title; and a total market glut of mediocrity.
It seems like a good many shows are attempting to capitalise on some slight bit of fame another iteration of theirs might have garnered (vis a vis the flood of eroge light novel adaptations to anime that run for half or maybe a whole season before petering into oblivion), or are trying to be the next Big Shounen Series (and likewise petering into oblivion).
And that's to be expected after an industry boom, especially with a capitalist environment. Anything of major quality tends to get slid to one side because it's innovative and different, and therefore a financial risk. Familiar options are easier to fund because they're a known quantity; there's a large group of people who like to watch superpowered guys and gals and shady evil societies beat the ever loving tar out of each other, so we have a myriad of variations on that same theme, and after you get four or five really successful ones it's hard to find another one to pull away from the crowd.
It's the same reason we have something like three different CSI shows, three different NCIS shows, and God knows how many Law & Order variants, to say nothing of shows like Criminal Minds, Numb3rs, Lie To Me, or The Mentalist. It's why Supernatural and Fringe did so well: they filled a niche that The X-Files left wide open. It's why had five iterations of Die Hard, why every Disney princess movie and fable/fairy tale adaptation have a sequel.
Anime wasn't a thing a few decades ago. Now it is. So there's a huge amount of stuff to wade through, and it all starts to taste the same flavor of bland after a while, leaving you with the impression that nothing is really going on in the industry.
There have been some nice forward steps taken by TheO, but I'm sure TheO can still do better in 2015 (hopefully in terms of socialization of our site's community). Logging in several times a week to see there hasn't been a community news update since Halloween was sad to say the least, especially when looking back and remembering how this place used to be so much more vibrant with activity.
As for the anime industry, I didn't really think it was hurting too bad? I thought it was just me falling out of the entertainment genre. That sucks, though. It would be nice if Netflix (or similar sites) could produce their own titles to help aid with the industry's growth and survival (sortta like Hemlock Grove and Arrested Development). Give people a reason to want to buy memberships to streaming sites. If people don't want to buy the hard copies, make them want to buy it digitally.
As for what anime I'm looking forward to... I don't really watch/read much anime/manga anymore, so I kindda only care about the new season of Attack on Titan (it's the only thing that's held my interest since Fate/Zero). I'll wait for the entire season and binge watch when I get the free time if possible.
State Alchemist (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/05/15 | Reply
Happy new year to you all! Sorry its a little late. I've been on vacation. I'm excited for the new year as well. Hopefully theO can get some life back into it. As for which anime I'm looking forward to, I'm not really sure. I've been more into manga lately. Last good anime I watched was Madoka Magica. ^_^; I refuse to jump on the bandwagon for Attack on Titan. :/
happy new year all of you ! its true that i hadnt been here a lot this year but i still like theO very much , its a wonderful place and i hope the 2015 will be a good year for all of as and for theOtaku too :D . and about the animes that im looking forward to watch this year , are most of the animes that i still havent watched from 2014 and the new seasons that are going to be aired in 2015 of the anime that i ve seen .
My presence at Facebook is around zero, so I have no idea how theO's FB page works. However, I do like the idea of theO being interconnected with its social media sites, too. These days, you do need a certain level of social media presence to get noticed, so having those links out there helps. As far as Twitter goes, I need to take a closer look at theO's account to see what it's doing, though. I sign in late, and I usually miss their tweets.
On the anime front, I'm (im)patiently waiting for the Blu-ray release of A Certain Scientific Railgun to ship later this month! I pre-ordered my copy waaaay back in October, haha. I hope Funi does the 2nd season on Blu-ray, too. As for new releases yet to air, I'm looking forward to Fafner: Exodus, Aldnoah.Zero 2nd Season, and Kantai Collection: KanColle. Of course, the Love Live! and Wake Up, Girls! movies get released later this year, too, to satisfy my idol fix.
I think for future updates it would be nice to host little notices on the front page of theO about events that members are hosting, such as the Secret Santa events. I feel they were a success, but it wouldn't hurt to spread the word more ^^
Perhaps there could be a section for folks who wish to have art trades, or similar things. Or links to fanart that was a joint venture between multiple artists. Maybe not as a front page feature, more of a monthly 'heads up'?
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens this year with theO.
As for anime/games I am still very behind the times. New SnK would be fantastic though.
Why not start a fundraiser? It could definitely work with the right representation and advertisement. Facebook seems to get a lot of traffic. It could work as the main page for the fundraiser. And also Facebook seems to have older audience members. I mean it could opppeen a lot of opportunities for the OOO! It would be neat to update the site a bit! I think i'm going to look more into it. And also for Otaku graphics we can maybe get advanced artist here on the to help out! I mean why pay others to do it! And maybe other sponsors too. I also think the O should offer more to premium members.
And as for the last question, i look forward to Aot and Tokyo Ghoul! *w* Second seasons yo!
The Marker Maniac. (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
I seriously think that this is all wonderful ideas for theO and I look forward to it, i think it would definitely make this site more fun, but I have to admit that I do get a little paranoid with funding.
Mostly because recently I've been noticing art sites close down due to financial issues, and I've been getting nervous about it happening to TheO.
I also really appreciate that some of the things happening on Facebook will be featured here too!
As for the anime industry I can totally understand, things can now be seen online or other places, but I still prefer to have a hard copy for anything.
I can't really think of any anime hits other then the ones trending now like Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, Kill La Kill, Free.
I just think people need to look at some under rated anime cause I think those can be just as good as the hits, but they just go unnoticed.
These updates for theO sound so exciting and they sound like they have the potential to bring a really great fun vibe back to the site. The site is in need of something like this. Just to bring in some fresh blood and make it feel fun again. Not that theO isn't a fun site already...:)
Some stuff I'm kind of looking forward to anime wise is more episodes of Sailor Moon Crystal (currently up to episode 13, I'm excited to see what will happen next), Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-V which I'm currently keeping up with. Just waiting for the newest episode. The plot is thickening,
But stuff coming up I'm looking forward to is a remake of the original Yu-Gi-Oh series. A Yu-Gi-Oh movie celebrating the 20th anniversary is coming out in 2016 following Yugi after the events of the final episode of Duel Monsters. Can't wait for that.
To be honest I don't really follow a lot of "mainstream" animes like Naruto (even though I've seen a few episodes. Isn't bad but not really my thing), Bleach, or Attack On Titan. Which I'm sure they are good in their own right but again I don't really follow mainstream/trending animes.
Also it would be great if another Mahou Shoujo (magical girl) anime would come out but not rip off of others that came before. But we'll see what happens.
And maybe the release of Kingdom Hearts 3 if it EVER gets completed. I've read so many rumors regarding when its supposed to be released...latest thing I read is that this game is STILL being developed. It will probably be released when I'm 40. Maybe an exaggeration but at the rate they're going I wouldn't be surprised.
More episodes of Supernatural and Once Upon a Time and a backlog of anime I need/want to watch. Andd a new Cinderella live action movie being released by Disney.
There may be other things but I don't know (yet).
Also I forgot to say this earlier when I first posted this comment; HAPPY NEw Year to all my fellow Otakus! And the best to you all in 2015~
~Judai
Last edited by Klassic at 7:37:44 PM CST on January 7, 2015.
"Bravely Second" had an article in one of the Game-Informer magz recently.
I didn't get "Bravely Default" even though I wanted to, so I hope I can probably get it cheaper this year.
It didn't really say much about a release date [Good ol' Square Enix being all shy] but it WILL be brought to NA...It says most of the art and game mechanics are confirmed to be very similar to the previous game.
The article ends: "Bravely Second still hasn't been confirmed for North America, but let's hope fans don't have to fight as hard to play as they did its predecessor."
-Kimberly Wallace
Hopefully with the recent #SquareBeFair uproar for a special KH HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix to be made for America (one that succeeded, mind you) Bravely Second will most likely come to NA Good ol' Square Enix is being camera shy like always.
I just hope Square will PUBLISH the darn thing in NA instead of Nintendo like it did last year.
I am still contemplating on whether or not to fully jump on
"Tokyo Ghoul" or "Akame ga Kill".
But this year I want to get a Crunchyroll account so I can "Support the anime industry" as it says.
I do agree, the anime industry is not quite what it used to be but I have faith that there are some series that I can get onto and that some may come out.
As for what (anime/manga) I'm looking forward to or at least planning on starting:
"Arpeggio of Blue Steel" (That's relatively new)
"Tokyo Ghoul -/A"
"Attack on Titan 2"
"The Last: Naruto the Movie" (and the follow-up series)
"One Piece" (I might start on that)
Video-Games (2015 is gonna be a good year for games)
"Dragonball: Xenoverse"
"Bravely Second"
"J Stars Victory Vs +"
"Final Fantasy XV"
"Mortal Kombat X"
Lombax of Earth (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
Happy New Year, all! ^_^
Hmm... it's interesting, but as of late, my focus has shifted more towards video games overall... I'm looking forward to:
1. The new Ratchet & Clank origin-reimagining game (especially the movie it'll be based on. I'm super hyped for that! X3) despite the fact that I don't have a PS4 yet XD
2. Hatsune Miku and the Future Stars for the 3DS; I love how Miku and Vocaloids in general are receiving not only more attention in the US, but also more song-purchasing opportunities, more merchandise, etc. And after playing the Project Diva PS3 games, I'm glad Nintendo has decided to bring the 3DS games over, even if it's the two games combined into one for American audiences.
3. The rest of the DLC songs for Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F 2nd. Sure, it's DLC, but it's still part of the game. We've already gotten "Look This Way, Baby" ("Kocchi Muite, Baby"), and "Yellow" is on the way (I love that song), and who knows what else will be added!
4. The new Ace Attorney game set in Meiji-era Japan. It says on Wikipedia it's slated for a 2015 Japanese release, so we don't know if we'll be seeing it in the US this year. But still, it's Ace Attorney. What's not to like?? :3
5. Bravely Second. But who knows when that game hits America.
6. Grim Fandango (Remastered). My brother and I only got into point-and-click adventure games within the past few years, mostly thanks to Sam & Max. As such, we missed out on a lot of the older Lucasarts titles, with the exception of a few Monkey Island games that are available on Steam. Imagine how excited we were to find out Double Fine was remaking Grim Fandango? :3 Also coming up in the future is a remake of Day of the Tentacle, but that'll be for another day.
7. The new Legend of Zelda game. If they release it in 2015, that is :3
8. Splatoon. What can I say? This game looks really unique and interesting :3
Last edited by CelestialSushi at 9:40:30 AM CST on January 1, 2015.
Hiko
Otaku Eternal | Posted 01/31/15 | Reply
@Shishou:
oh my gosh shishou!!! <33
You know that someone truly cares when they brick you like that. -AZ
Shishou
Stalker Stabbit (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/31/15 | Reply
Um. Hi, TheOtaku. ^ ^;;
"Have you fallen in love?" "No, but I've stepped on it."
JigenTheGunMan
Otakuite | Posted 01/29/15 | Reply
@Allamorph:
Eh right now, Anime is like cannon fodder for SJWs (social-justice warriors). It's coming back with the old Anime plot formula, that's a bad thing by the way. A VERY BAD THING. So unless the industry has a new direction of their anime (no not pdfs), then this will be Anime's last stand.
Allamorph
Spiritus Memorae (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/25/15 | Reply
I think the major problem afflicting the anime/manga entertainment industry right now is twofold: a lack of much original content, since most everything new right now is a slight variation on a previously-successful (or even moderately successful) title; and a total market glut of mediocrity.
It seems like a good many shows are attempting to capitalise on some slight bit of fame another iteration of theirs might have garnered (vis a vis the flood of eroge light novel adaptations to anime that run for half or maybe a whole season before petering into oblivion), or are trying to be the next Big Shounen Series (and likewise petering into oblivion).
And that's to be expected after an industry boom, especially with a capitalist environment. Anything of major quality tends to get slid to one side because it's innovative and different, and therefore a financial risk. Familiar options are easier to fund because they're a known quantity; there's a large group of people who like to watch superpowered guys and gals and shady evil societies beat the ever loving tar out of each other, so we have a myriad of variations on that same theme, and after you get four or five really successful ones it's hard to find another one to pull away from the crowd.
It's the same reason we have something like three different CSI shows, three different NCIS shows, and God knows how many Law & Order variants, to say nothing of shows like Criminal Minds, Numb3rs, Lie To Me, or The Mentalist. It's why Supernatural and Fringe did so well: they filled a niche that The X-Files left wide open. It's why had five iterations of Die Hard, why every Disney princess movie and fable/fairy tale adaptation have a sequel.
Anime wasn't a thing a few decades ago. Now it is. So there's a huge amount of stuff to wade through, and it all starts to taste the same flavor of bland after a while, leaving you with the impression that nothing is really going on in the industry.
Ritona
Hunter (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/06/15 | Reply
Happy new year to everyone!
There have been some nice forward steps taken by TheO, but I'm sure TheO can still do better in 2015 (hopefully in terms of socialization of our site's community). Logging in several times a week to see there hasn't been a community news update since Halloween was sad to say the least, especially when looking back and remembering how this place used to be so much more vibrant with activity.
As for the anime industry, I didn't really think it was hurting too bad? I thought it was just me falling out of the entertainment genre. That sucks, though. It would be nice if Netflix (or similar sites) could produce their own titles to help aid with the industry's growth and survival (sortta like Hemlock Grove and Arrested Development). Give people a reason to want to buy memberships to streaming sites. If people don't want to buy the hard copies, make them want to buy it digitally.
As for what anime I'm looking forward to... I don't really watch/read much anime/manga anymore, so I kindda only care about the new season of Attack on Titan (it's the only thing that's held my interest since Fate/Zero). I'll wait for the entire season and binge watch when I get the free time if possible.
"You won't like me when I'm psychoanalyzed."
edisshort
State Alchemist (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/05/15 | Reply
Happy new year to you all! Sorry its a little late. I've been on vacation. I'm excited for the new year as well. Hopefully theO can get some life back into it. As for which anime I'm looking forward to, I'm not really sure. I've been more into manga lately. Last good anime I watched was Madoka Magica. ^_^; I refuse to jump on the bandwagon for Attack on Titan. :/
enkichan
Grand Otaku | Posted 01/03/15 | Reply
happy new year all of you ! its true that i hadnt been here a lot this year but i still like theO very much , its a wonderful place and i hope the 2015 will be a good year for all of as and for theOtaku too :D . and about the animes that im looking forward to watch this year , are most of the animes that i still havent watched from 2014 and the new seasons that are going to be aired in 2015 of the anime that i ve seen .
Pleiades Rising
Otaku Idol (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/02/15 | Reply
My presence at Facebook is around zero, so I have no idea how theO's FB page works. However, I do like the idea of theO being interconnected with its social media sites, too. These days, you do need a certain level of social media presence to get noticed, so having those links out there helps. As far as Twitter goes, I need to take a closer look at theO's account to see what it's doing, though. I sign in late, and I usually miss their tweets.
On the anime front, I'm (im)patiently waiting for the Blu-ray release of A Certain Scientific Railgun to ship later this month! I pre-ordered my copy waaaay back in October, haha. I hope Funi does the 2nd season on Blu-ray, too. As for new releases yet to air, I'm looking forward to Fafner: Exodus, Aldnoah.Zero 2nd Season, and Kantai Collection: KanColle. Of course, the Love Live! and Wake Up, Girls! movies get released later this year, too, to satisfy my idol fix.
Kaerlyn
Tea pixie (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/02/15 | Reply
Happy New Year to all!
I think for future updates it would be nice to host little notices on the front page of theO about events that members are hosting, such as the Secret Santa events. I feel they were a success, but it wouldn't hurt to spread the word more ^^
Perhaps there could be a section for folks who wish to have art trades, or similar things. Or links to fanart that was a joint venture between multiple artists. Maybe not as a front page feature, more of a monthly 'heads up'?
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens this year with theO.
As for anime/games I am still very behind the times. New SnK would be fantastic though.
cougarsama
LDS Fangirl! (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/02/15 | Reply
This year I'm gonna rewatch a bunch of stuff in my collection I haven't looked at in a while.
dr Muraki
Otakuite++ | Posted 01/02/15 | Reply
Happy New Year!
neilly
Queen (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/02/15 | Reply
Why not start a fundraiser? It could definitely work with the right representation and advertisement. Facebook seems to get a lot of traffic. It could work as the main page for the fundraiser. And also Facebook seems to have older audience members. I mean it could opppeen a lot of opportunities for the OOO! It would be neat to update the site a bit! I think i'm going to look more into it. And also for Otaku graphics we can maybe get advanced artist here on the to help out! I mean why pay others to do it! And maybe other sponsors too. I also think the O should offer more to premium members.
And as for the last question, i look forward to Aot and Tokyo Ghoul! *w* Second seasons yo!
toyotami kun
The Marker Maniac. (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
I seriously think that this is all wonderful ideas for theO and I look forward to it, i think it would definitely make this site more fun, but I have to admit that I do get a little paranoid with funding.
Mostly because recently I've been noticing art sites close down due to financial issues, and I've been getting nervous about it happening to TheO.
I also really appreciate that some of the things happening on Facebook will be featured here too!
As for the anime industry I can totally understand, things can now be seen online or other places, but I still prefer to have a hard copy for anything.
I can't really think of any anime hits other then the ones trending now like Attack on Titan, Tokyo Ghoul, Kill La Kill, Free.
I just think people need to look at some under rated anime cause I think those can be just as good as the hits, but they just go unnoticed.
Rainbow Dragon
☠Eastsider✰Pirate☠ (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
These updates for theO sound so exciting and they sound like they have the potential to bring a really great fun vibe back to the site. The site is in need of something like this. Just to bring in some fresh blood and make it feel fun again. Not that theO isn't a fun site already...:)
Some stuff I'm kind of looking forward to anime wise is more episodes of Sailor Moon Crystal (currently up to episode 13, I'm excited to see what will happen next), Yu-Gi-Oh Arc-V which I'm currently keeping up with. Just waiting for the newest episode. The plot is thickening,
But stuff coming up I'm looking forward to is a remake of the original Yu-Gi-Oh series. A Yu-Gi-Oh movie celebrating the 20th anniversary is coming out in 2016 following Yugi after the events of the final episode of Duel Monsters. Can't wait for that.
To be honest I don't really follow a lot of "mainstream" animes like Naruto (even though I've seen a few episodes. Isn't bad but not really my thing), Bleach, or Attack On Titan. Which I'm sure they are good in their own right but again I don't really follow mainstream/trending animes.
Also it would be great if another Mahou Shoujo (magical girl) anime would come out but not rip off of others that came before. But we'll see what happens.
And maybe the release of Kingdom Hearts 3 if it EVER gets completed. I've read so many rumors regarding when its supposed to be released...latest thing I read is that this game is STILL being developed. It will probably be released when I'm 40. Maybe an exaggeration but at the rate they're going I wouldn't be surprised.
More episodes of Supernatural and Once Upon a Time and a backlog of anime I need/want to watch. Andd a new Cinderella live action movie being released by Disney.
There may be other things but I don't know (yet).
Also I forgot to say this earlier when I first posted this comment; HAPPY NEw Year to all my fellow Otakus! And the best to you all in 2015~
~Judai
Last edited by Klassic at 7:37:44 PM CST on January 7, 2015.
Keba Si Rota
Don't Forget 3 Oct (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
Yes! Yes! Make the main page mirror the Facebook page. Why should Facebook have all the fun?
As for new series in 2015, I don't even know. I've still got a backlog of stuff to watch from past years. And I'm not always on top of the new stuff.
Call it karma. Call it luck. Me, I just don't give a... BOUNCE!
Kazamas-Keyblade
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
@CelestialSushi:
"Bravely Second" had an article in one of the Game-Informer magz recently.
I didn't get "Bravely Default" even though I wanted to, so I hope I can probably get it cheaper this year.
It didn't really say much about a release date [Good ol' Square Enix being all shy] but it WILL be brought to NA...It says most of the art and game mechanics are confirmed to be very similar to the previous game.
The article ends:
"Bravely Second still hasn't been confirmed for North America, but let's hope fans don't have to fight as hard to play as they did its predecessor."
-Kimberly Wallace
Hopefully with the recent #SquareBeFair uproar for a special KH HD 1.5 and 2.5 Remix to be made for America (one that succeeded, mind you) Bravely Second will most likely come to NA Good ol' Square Enix is being camera shy like always.
I just hope Square will PUBLISH the darn thing in NA instead of Nintendo like it did last year.
Kazamas-Keyblade
Otaku Legend | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
I am still contemplating on whether or not to fully jump on
"Tokyo Ghoul" or "Akame ga Kill".
But this year I want to get a Crunchyroll account so I can "Support the anime industry" as it says.
I do agree, the anime industry is not quite what it used to be but I have faith that there are some series that I can get onto and that some may come out.
As for what (anime/manga) I'm looking forward to or at least planning on starting:
"Arpeggio of Blue Steel" (That's relatively new)
"Tokyo Ghoul -/A"
"Attack on Titan 2"
"The Last: Naruto the Movie" (and the follow-up series)
"One Piece" (I might start on that)
Video-Games (2015 is gonna be a good year for games)
"Dragonball: Xenoverse"
"Bravely Second"
"J Stars Victory Vs +"
"Final Fantasy XV"
"Mortal Kombat X"
I'm such a newb...
CelestialSushi
Lombax of Earth (Otaku Eternal) | Posted 01/01/15 | Reply
Happy New Year, all! ^_^
Hmm... it's interesting, but as of late, my focus has shifted more towards video games overall... I'm looking forward to:
1. The new Ratchet & Clank origin-reimagining game (especially the movie it'll be based on. I'm super hyped for that! X3) despite the fact that I don't have a PS4 yet XD
2. Hatsune Miku and the Future Stars for the 3DS; I love how Miku and Vocaloids in general are receiving not only more attention in the US, but also more song-purchasing opportunities, more merchandise, etc. And after playing the Project Diva PS3 games, I'm glad Nintendo has decided to bring the 3DS games over, even if it's the two games combined into one for American audiences.
3. The rest of the DLC songs for Hatsune Miku: Project Diva F 2nd. Sure, it's DLC, but it's still part of the game. We've already gotten "Look This Way, Baby" ("Kocchi Muite, Baby"), and "Yellow" is on the way (I love that song), and who knows what else will be added!
4. The new Ace Attorney game set in Meiji-era Japan. It says on Wikipedia it's slated for a 2015 Japanese release, so we don't know if we'll be seeing it in the US this year. But still, it's Ace Attorney. What's not to like?? :3
5. Bravely Second. But who knows when that game hits America.
6. Grim Fandango (Remastered). My brother and I only got into point-and-click adventure games within the past few years, mostly thanks to Sam & Max. As such, we missed out on a lot of the older Lucasarts titles, with the exception of a few Monkey Island games that are available on Steam. Imagine how excited we were to find out Double Fine was remaking Grim Fandango? :3 Also coming up in the future is a remake of Day of the Tentacle, but that'll be for another day.
7. The new Legend of Zelda game. If they release it in 2015, that is :3
8. Splatoon. What can I say? This game looks really unique and interesting :3
Last edited by CelestialSushi at 9:40:30 AM CST on January 1, 2015.