If you were trying to base an argument entirely on visual style, I can understand that.
However, I will still point out that there are exceptions to your reasoning. In the realm of American cartoons, shows like Batman: the Animated Series, Ben 10, Teen Titans... they all have human characters that "look more like us." Using Spongebob as a point for your argument is a terrible example because they aren't human. They're not going to look human because they aren't.
As for Family Guy/Simpsons, it's merely the creators' style. They don't have the shackles of the mainstream Japanese cartoon industry that dictates that shows must be filled with the same factory-produced style that discourages creativity in lieu of a carbon-copy "safe" look.
There are, however, Japanese cartoons that experiment and attempt for the "less human" human look. Shin-chan, Panty and Stocking, My Neighbors the Yamadas, Sgt. Frog... they've all gone for the really stylized, "anti-bland Moe" style. It's all on a show-by-show basis.
And I've seen plenty - plenty - of American cartoon characters show more emotion than some Japanese cartoon characters. You just have to know where to look.
My point is: Anime is not some magical artform. It is a word that is used by the Japanese to describe animation. Their cartoon industry is lorded over by executives who decree that a uniform style with doe-eyed females and other such recurring elements is mandatory for success. Just because something comes from a different country doesn't mean it's better. What you differentiate as "anime" and "cartoons" are really the same thing - just with an ocean and different cultural values adhering to them.
(And beginning arguments with stuff like "my child" sounds silly.)
ok my child let me explain my statement in more specific detail. Look at the people on my background. They look more like us than, say, Homer Simpson. Even the people from Family Guy look less human. Its simple, really. Japanese anime people tend to show more emotion as well. Their faces change color when they're embarrassed, while cartoons usually don't.
If you really want to get technical, "anime" is the abbreviated pronunciation of "animation." It's definition is not as narrow as "cartoons from Japan." The Japanese use the word to describe all types of animation.
And you think Japanese cartoons are more realistic? Tell that to Crayon Shin-Chan, Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, Gurren Lagann, Sengoku Basara, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Toriko, Casshern, Deadman Wonderland, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., etc.
technically, no. Anime is a Japanese cartoon, while cartoons originate in America. The style is different. Anime is more realistic while cartoons are completely unrealistic.
Spongebob is a cartoon. K-ON is a cartoon. They are both animation. The fundamental concept is the same. They are family.
It all depends on where you live. In Japan, for example, Spongebob has its fan followings in the same way that Japanese cartoons have fans here in America. Everything's an import to somebody else.
CitrusStorm
Grand Otaku | Posted 06/16/12 | Reply
@Moka:
If you were trying to base an argument entirely on visual style, I can understand that.
However, I will still point out that there are exceptions to your reasoning. In the realm of American cartoons, shows like Batman: the Animated Series, Ben 10, Teen Titans... they all have human characters that "look more like us." Using Spongebob as a point for your argument is a terrible example because they aren't human. They're not going to look human because they aren't.
As for Family Guy/Simpsons, it's merely the creators' style. They don't have the shackles of the mainstream Japanese cartoon industry that dictates that shows must be filled with the same factory-produced style that discourages creativity in lieu of a carbon-copy "safe" look.
There are, however, Japanese cartoons that experiment and attempt for the "less human" human look. Shin-chan, Panty and Stocking, My Neighbors the Yamadas, Sgt. Frog... they've all gone for the really stylized, "anti-bland Moe" style. It's all on a show-by-show basis.
And I've seen plenty - plenty - of American cartoon characters show more emotion than some Japanese cartoon characters. You just have to know where to look.
My point is: Anime is not some magical artform. It is a word that is used by the Japanese to describe animation. Their cartoon industry is lorded over by executives who decree that a uniform style with doe-eyed females and other such recurring elements is mandatory for success. Just because something comes from a different country doesn't mean it's better. What you differentiate as "anime" and "cartoons" are really the same thing - just with an ocean and different cultural values adhering to them.
(And beginning arguments with stuff like "my child" sounds silly.)
I am done. No reply needed. ^^
Moka
Otaku Legend | Posted 06/16/12 | Reply
@CitrusStorm:
ok my child let me explain my statement in more specific detail. Look at the people on my background. They look more like us than, say, Homer Simpson. Even the people from Family Guy look less human. Its simple, really. Japanese anime people tend to show more emotion as well. Their faces change color when they're embarrassed, while cartoons usually don't.
CitrusStorm
Grand Otaku | Posted 06/16/12 | Reply
@Moka:
If you really want to get technical, "anime" is the abbreviated pronunciation of "animation." It's definition is not as narrow as "cartoons from Japan." The Japanese use the word to describe all types of animation.
And you think Japanese cartoons are more realistic? Tell that to Crayon Shin-Chan, Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt, Gurren Lagann, Sengoku Basara, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Toriko, Casshern, Deadman Wonderland, etc., etc., etc., etc., etc., etc.
Moka
Otaku Legend | Posted 06/16/12 | Reply
@CitrusStorm:
technically, no. Anime is a Japanese cartoon, while cartoons originate in America. The style is different. Anime is more realistic while cartoons are completely unrealistic.
CitrusStorm
Grand Otaku | Posted 06/16/12 | Reply
Spongebob is a cartoon. K-ON is a cartoon. They are both animation. The fundamental concept is the same. They are family.
It all depends on where you live. In Japan, for example, Spongebob has its fan followings in the same way that Japanese cartoons have fans here in America. Everything's an import to somebody else.