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Home , 2001 in home video, 2003 in home video, Akira (manga), Anime, Anime club, Brave New World (Heroes)

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Anime, or Japanese , first appeared as -, for example, is aimed at an older teen male a tiny blip on the U.S. pop culture radar in the 1960s with such audience but also appeals to other viewers. TV series as and . But thanks to the explo- Anime storytelling shares its traditions with (which sive popularity of manga, Japanese print , increased an- was originally inspired as much by film as by print cartoons) ime programnig on American cable channels, and cross-media but, ultimately, is more cinematic than cartoonish. Animation marketing, this uniquely form, which already has a can do what is either impossible or prohibitively expensive in sustained base, is attracting a new audience. The current gen- live-action films: exaggerate action, dilate time, pop people eration of animation fans are more likely to know by heart all of into caricature only to return to "normal" design in 's films (the Oscar-winning SpiritedAway, Howl's the next instant, and telegraph laughter or an emotional state Moving Castle) than the recent spate of Disney productions. In an through a standard lexicon of visual symbols and cues. This interesting aside, the Wachowsoki Brothers, who have cited the style can take some getting used to, especially the quicksilver influence of anime on their Matrix movies, are remaking Speed shifts in mood from silly to serious and back again, but the end Racer as a live-, due out in 2008. result often is compelling and evocative. A storytelling medium Anime 101 Anime titles are varied, innovative, and quite distinct from There are three anime categories: feature films like Spir- animation traditions, though the cross-cultural ex- ited Away and ; animated TV series like Naruto change is getting more noticeable, as seen in Shinya Ohira's and ; and original video (OVAs, also anime sequence in 's Kill Bill Vol. 1 and an- referred to as OAVs), standalone tides like or Read or ime-inspired U.S.-made cartoons like SamuraiJack, Teen Titans Die that are released directly to the market. Fea- Go!, and Avatar: The Last Airbender. Unlike U.S. animation, ture films are the most expensive to create and are meant to which is still pigeonholed as a medium for children, animation have broad appeal and showcase superior animation. TV series in is used to tell any and every kind of story, from chil- are also aimed at a wider audience but can also be more varied dren's adventure to adult drama. This sometimes results in the in target viewers. OVAs are aimed at a specific audience and misconception that anime is predominantly violent or sexual. may tackle subjects that are outside the mainstream and con- And like the manga that is frequently its source material, an- tain more mature content. ime is targeted to specific audiences, though there is significant Japan has more than 430 anime production companies; in 2003, over 80 anime TV shows were on the air, and anime Robin Brenner,a Reference and Teen Librarian in Brookline, MA, is the accounted for almost 70 percent of DVD sales. Here in the creator and editor in chief of the review web site No Flying , more anime is making its way onto TV via pro- No Tights (wuw.noflyingnotights.com) and a 2007 LJ Mover & Shaker. gramming blocks like 's and Her guidefor librarians,Understanding Manga and Anime, is now and also on G4, Showtime, and the Sci-Fi Channel. availablefrom Libraries Unlimited The medium now has its own cable channel, ADV Film's An- ANIME'. I A I

By Robin Brenner

46 1 LIBRARY JOURNAL I JULY 2007 4LWWW.LIBRARYJOURNAL.COM REVIEWS, NEWS, AND MORE ' ime Network (theanimenetwork.com), and multiple offerings fans, so editions with at least the Japanese-language track, with are available through on-demand services. English , are preferred over an English-only dub. As with any popular medium, libraries should try to balance Counsel & caveats their anime collection between what's popular right now and In collecting anime, your budget will affect what you can ac- what will become classics. Although few Miyazaki titles are high- quire. Standalone films don't need a large influx of cash, but lighted in this list, libraries should collect the entire of of a complete TV series requires greater financial investment. Japan's greatest . Many viewers new to anime find Mi- Many production companies and distributors, such as ADV yazaki's films the most engaging, perhaps because they are what Films (www.advfilms.com), Geneon (www.geneonanimation. U.S. audiences expect from our own best animated films. com), and (www.viz.com), now offer boxed sets A year ago, was the buzz-worthy title; now of series, though some (ADV, [www.bandai-ent.com], the frenzy for all things Naruto has racheted up. Both series ti- and VIZ) are cheaper than others (Geneon). If you don't have tles will maintain interest after the furor has died down, but immediate demand for a particular series, wait for a cheaper it can be a gamble when trying to pick the winners from the forthcoming collection. If you're starting a new collection, new releases. Pay attention to patron requests and solicit local purchase a number of popular new series as they are released anime fans' opinions on what's upcoming. You can also keep to spread out the expense over time. Standing orders for se- current with manga and anime blogs, especially with prompt ries, available from vendors like Baker & Taylor and BWI, help previews or reviews of new series. keep you up-to-date. Many anime fans also keep tabs on what's about to break out Keep in mind that much anime is unrated; most programs here by watching content available online. Companies from are not reviewed by the Motion Picture Association of Amer- ADV to VIZ to (www.centralparkmedia. ica (MPAA) unless they have a theatrical U.S. release. Anime com) have made extended trailers, interviews, and even full epi- distributors do their best to rate, but there is no industrywide sodes of new series available for download. And reports on pro- standard. Check each individual distributor's rating scheme and grams not yet available in the United States by web sites like An- reviews from outside sources-web sites like the Anime News imeonDVD.com can help librarians determine what titles, once Network and Parent's Guide to Anime (both in the bibliog- they are released, will be quality additions for their collections. raphy) offer their own judgment on the appeal and appropri- While this article will focus on a core DVD collection of ate audience for each title reviewed. Libraries should be aware landmark anime films and essential series, don't forget books that that shelving each title in its appropriate collection-children's, cover the history and art of anime. Stone Press (www. teen, or adult-is important in educating patrons that titles ex- stonebridge.com), which specializes in books about Japan, is a ist for each age range. solid resource for anime titles. Starred [*] titles below are espe- Most anime offer the original au- cially popular and good for discussions. [ISBNs are dio track and the dubbed English track; fans prefer both op- not as ingrained in the video industry as in book publishing; we tions. quality has long been debated among anime have provided ISBN information where available.-Ed.]

LANDMARK ANIME opment and extended story arcs. Incorporat- film, legendary director 's gorgeous These titles represent recent classics in an- ing frequent, nonsexual nudity, the theatri- work uses the themes of class prejudice and ime and act as touchstones for viewers in cal release isrecommended for mature older humanity's responsibility to its own cre- establishing excellence in style, technique, teens and adults, although the TV series is ations to highlight a common theme in an- and story. fine for adolescents and adults. ime. A harsh fable despite the cute character design, this title is great for teens and up. : Special Edition, color. 124 min. : Special Collector's Pioneer: Geneon. 2001. DVD $24.98. Edition. 2 vols. color. 159 min. Central Park . color. 86 min. Walt Set in a ravaged future , this com- Media. 2002. DVD ISBN 978-1-58664-202-0. Disney Home . 2006. DVO ISBN plex sf action tale highlights the dangerous $29.98. 978-0-7888-3403-5. $29.98. consequences of using science to play God. By turns touching and heartbreaking, this Two rambunctious move with their fa- Engaging the viewer on a mature and intel- 1988 anime classic follows two orphaned ther to the country to be near their mother ligent level, Akira triggered the realization children struggling to survive in the after- as she recuperates from a long illness. They in the United States that animation could math of the World War II firebombing of meet various benevolent natural spirits, in- be for adults. Kobe. Concentrating on the effect of war on cluding Totoro, the keeper of the forest. civilians, this is one of the few anime films This magical film from Hayao Miyazaki Ghost in the Shell. color. 125 min. Manga set during the conflict. Despite its young remains a favorite for children and adults. Entertainment. 1996. DVD $19.98. , it is most suited to teen and Like Akira, this film astonished U.S. audi- adult audiences. Samurai X: The Complete Collection. 5 vols. ences with its smart take on international color. 510 min. ADV Films. 2006. DVD ISBN surveillance in a world where are . color. 108 min. Pictures. 978-1-4139-1320-0. $99.98. the norm and the difference between man 2002. DVD ISBN 978-0-7678-8180-7. Amidst civil war and increasingly frac- and machine is dwindling. Less successful $24.95. tious politics in -period Japan, assassin are the sequels, but the TV series, starting A utopian city is brought down by one dis- begins to regret his role with Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, placed searching for her true place. and tries to find a way toward peace. A pre- is much closer to the multilayered source Inspired by "the god of manga" Osamu quel to the favorite Rurouni Kenshin TV se- manga, allowing in-depth character devel- Tezuka's work and Fritz Lang's famous 1929 ries, these OVAs are markedly more serious,

JULY 2007 1 LIBRARY JOURNAL 1 47 Collection Development I Anime

with elegant, lethal fighting and relationships Cute, earnest, and sweet, Tohru discovers adventures. The combination of ad- portrayed more through glances than words. the Sohma family curse-when hugged by venture and humor keeps it one of the most This complete set is well worth the price, but someone of the opposite sex, each member popular with teens and up. the bloody and brutal violence makes this turns into an animal from the Chinese zo- appropriate only for older teens and adults. diac-and decides it's up to her to break it. Naruto: Uncut Box Set. Vol. 1.2006. ISBN This charming and gentle fantasy is a favor- 978-1-4215-0797-2. "*. color. 125 min. Buena ite among younger teens. Naruto: Uncut Box Set. Vol. 2. 2006. ISBN Vista. 2001. DVD ISBN 978-0-7888-4461-4. 978-1-4215-0798-9. $29.99. "*Fullmetal Alchemist. 13 vols. Vol. 1: Naruto: Uncut Box Set. Vol, 3. 2007. ISBN by Miyazaki, this 2003 Oscar win- ISBN 978-1-4210-0649-9; Vol. 2: ISBN 978-1-4215-1434-5. ner for Best Animated Film and anime top 978-1-4210-0650-5; Vol. 3: ISBN 978-1- ea. vol: 3 vols. color. 325 min. VIZ Media. seller is a favorite among fans. The story in- 4210-0651-2; Vol. 4: ISBN NA; Vol. 5: ISBN DVD $49.98. tertwines international myths and folklore 978-1-4210-0653-6; Vol. 6: ISBN 978-1- Full of action, humor, suspense, and a good with a coming-of-age tale. 4210-0654-3; Vol. 7: ISBN 978-1-4210- dose of heart, Naruto focuses on the com- 0656-7; Vol. 8: ISBN 978-1-4210-0657-4; ing of age of a trio of in training. *. color. 92 min. Sony Vol. 9: ISBN 978-1-4210-0658-1; Vol. 10: The slapstick adds laughs, and the action is Pictures. 2003. DVD ISBN 978-1-4049-4691- ISBN 978-1-4210-0660-4; Vol. 11: ISBN 978- as cool as any combat should be, but 0. $26.96. 1-4210-0661-1; Vol. 12: ISBN 978-1-4210- the strengths of the series are its sus- Three homeless misfits-a runaway 'tween 0662-8; Vol. 13: ISBN 978-1-4210-0663-5. tained character development and the sense girl, a drunken middle-aged failure, and a ea. vol: color. 105 min. . 2005- of honor and duty that drives the ninja in former drag queen-discover an abandoned 07. DVD $29.98. their work. While the episodes shown on baby in Tokyo one Christmas Eve and try Alchemy has one rule: to create something, TV are edited for younger viewers, the col- to reunite her with her parents. This sweet, you must sacrifice something of equal value. lected DVD sets are unedited and are most character-driven film is a marked departure Edward and , brothers and appropriate for teens and up. for director (, Pa- alchemists, try the unthinkable-to bring prika), best known for psychological thrillers. their mother back from the dead. But no Neon Evangelion: Platinum Although this anime is suitable for a wide one has ever figured out what balances a Collection. 6 vols. 650 min. ADV Films. 2005. range of ages, younger audiences may not lost soul, and the consequences of breaking DVD ISBN 978-1-4139-1283-8. $89.98. quite understand the characters' hardships or the rules are considerable. With plenty of Eva, as it is known by fans, is the (or drag queen Hana's gender identity. humor, adventure, and action, this first-rate mechanical-oriented) series that twisted the fantasy portrays a fascinating alternate world "boy and his robot" tropes into a mystical, THE SERIES teeming with magic, conspiracies, and fear- grim examination of humanity and psy- : Class Album. color. 6 vols. some . This series continues to be chology. Teen pilots are recruited to guide 650 min. ADV Films. 2005. DVD $69.98. popular with teens. The theatrical film se- humanity's last hope against alien invasion, A young teacher attempts to instruct a child quel is equally worthy of collecting, though the giant robot Evas. A very personal cre- prodigy, a new girl, a wallflower, a loud- it doesn't stand completely on its own. ation for writer/director , the mouth, a wild card, and a jock in this series series is notable for its inventive design and that takes the roller-coaster emotions and : Season 1. 2004. ISBN 978-1- its protagonists, who are a far cry from the insecurities that plague high school students 59116-683-2. usual brave, unflinching anime . The and cranks the wackiness into high gear. A Inuyasha: Season 2. 2005. ISBN 978-1- title influenced a wide range of subsequent hilarious example of the sillier side of anime 4215-0035-5. series, yet fans still debate the controversial and a hit with teens. Inuyasha: Season 3. 2006. ISBN 978-1- ending. the violence and sensuality, 4215-0785-9. especially at the end, this title is most appro- Cowboy Bebop Remix. 6 vols. Vol. 1: ISBN ea. vol: 5 vols. 675 min. VIZ Media. DVD priate for older teens and adults. 978-1w59409-481-1; Vol. 2: ISBN 978-1- $99.98. 59409-482-8; Vol. 3: ISBN 978-1-59409- Kagome falls down a well at her family's * : Complete Series. 7 vols. 600 483-5; Vol. 4: 978-1-59409-484-2; Vol. 5: shrine and lands in a magical, alternate min. FUNimation. 2007. DVD $99.98. ISBN 978-1-59409-485-9; Vol. 6: ISBN 978- feudal-era Japan where she's a prophesied An sf reinterpretation of 's 1-59409-486-6. heroine. Then there's Inuyasha, her reluctant The Samurai is an ambitious project, ea. vol: color. 125 min. Bandai. 2005-06. half-human, half-dog-demon companion, but this series succeeds as both homage to DVD $29.98. bickering with her at every turn but none- the original film and a way to draw young Bounty hunters Spike Siegel and Jet Black theless remaining a strong ally. Bouncing viewers into a now classic story. The vil- work the space around from their ship, back and forth between modern Japan and lage of Kanna needs to fight off a group the Bebop. Living from prize to prize, they the Warring States period, this long-run- of bandits bent on stealing its precious rice pick up the shady Faye Valentine and 'tween ning anime follows Kagome's complicated crop, so villagers go in search of samurai hacker tomboy Ed along the way, creating a willing to aid their cause. Featuring thrill- kind of dysfunctional family. The resulting ing action and a meticulously imagined adventures are a of traditional noir and environment, this series ap- Old West showdowns sprinkled with bursts peals to teens and adults alike. of snide humor, all set to a hot jazz score. : Complete Box Set. 7 "*FruitsBasket: Series Box Set. 4 vols. vols. 650 min. Geneon. 2006. DVD $199.98. color. 532 min. FUNimation. 2004. DVD In Tokugawa-eraJapan,Jin is an unflappable, $99.98. ruthless, and honor-bound samurai, while

48 I LIBRARY JOURNAL I JULY 2007 WWW.LIBRARYJOURNALCOM REVIEWS, NEWS, AND MORE]' of works. Trends and themes are high- 98380; 800-692-2270; www.videolibrarian. com. ISSN 0887-6851. lighted as well as titles. (LJ 3/1/07) This is the one professional review journal that includes Japanese anime in every issue, Drazen, Patrick. Anime Explosion! The highlighted in its own section. What? Where? and Wow! of Japanese Bridge, dist. by Animation. Stone ONLINE RESOURCES Consortium. 2002. 382p. illus. bibliog. Anime Caf6: AParent's Guide to Anime index. ISBN 978-1-880656-72-3. $18.95. www.abcb.com/parents5 In the first half of this title, pop culture For parents and librarians looking for anime academic Drazen explores the characters, in particular age ranges, this excellent site themes, and styles that recur in anime. provides in-depth reviews and rates anime He devotes the book's second half to using the familiar MPAA system. examining classic examples from films and provides illuminating and TV series The Anime News Network insight into each. Great for fans who are in Mugen is untrained, reckless, and deadly. www.animenewsnetwork.com between novice and expert. (LJ 1/03) When they meet, they can't wait to fight to One-stop shopping for any anime series. the , but loudmouth waitress Fuu tricks The main site provides daily news and Napier, Susan J. Anime from Akira to Howl's both into agreeing to help her search for the commentary on the anime industry, both Moving Castle: Experiencing Contemporary "samurai who smells of sunflowers." This in Japan and in the United States, as well Japanese Animation. rev. ed. Palgrave show is most famous for its combination of as timely, substantial reviews. The online Macmillan. 2005. 384p. ISBN 978-1-4039- anachronistic elements (a hip-hop , encyclopedia has detailed information 7052-7. pap. $17.95. fashion) with a classic samurai tale. The action about each series, including original re- This classic, revised in 2005, is an excel- is exhilarating, the humor sassy, and the trio's lease dates, , audience recommen- lent introduction to the history, style, and uneasy bonds lend just enough emotion to dations, and production notes. Links re- breadth of Japanese anime. Each academic keep it all together. Some occasional cursing late manga and anime series and provide essay focuses on different themes, from gen- and sensual encounters make this title best for context for each title. der to magical girls to anime's take on his- older teens and adults, though most is innu- and Napier reports on it all with clear endo rather than anything explicit. tory, ICv2.com intuitive prose. and www.icv2.com Twelve Kingdoms: Premium Box Set 1. 550 Aimed at retailers and librarians and in- Patten, Fred. Watching Anime, Reading min. cluding everything from statistics to feature Manga- 25 Years of Essays and Reviews. Twelve Kingdoms: Premium Box Set 2. 575 articles, this site is unbeatable for keeping Stone Bridge, dist. by Consortium. 2004. min. up with the market. It also produces ICv2 376p. illus. ISBN 978-1-880656-92-1. pap. ea. vol: 5 vols. Anime Works. 2005. DVD an excellent print resource for both $18.95. Guide, $99.95 market information and librarian-authored Patten, a longtime fan, Based on a series of novels, this epic is ev- reviews on manga and anime. gathers 25 years' of his essays and reviews. erything a fantasy fan could want. Youko His collection follows the growth of the in- desperately wants to fit in, but when she and The Librarian's Guide to Anime dustry and its , including the quirks, two are whisked away to another www.koyagi.com/Libguide.html and provides an update on the field. world and then abandoned, she's barely Gilles Poitras is well known for his print equipped to deal with surviving a strange guides (see above), and this web site comple- Poitras, Gilles. The Anime Companion: new environment. Youko is, of course, des- ments his books by providing comprehen- What's Japanese in Japanese Animation. tined to be a queen, and her journey from sive advice on collecting anime, including 1998. 176p. ISBN 978-1-880656-32-7. pap. coward to fierce ruler is what makes cataloging tips, preferred terms and vocabu- timid $16.95. the series shine. The drawback is that the lary, and recommended further reading. N Poitras, Gilles. The Anime Companion series halted in the middle, leaving a number 2: More...What's Japanese in Japanese of arcs unresolved. Manga publisher Tokyo- Animation. 2005. 160p. ISBN 978-1- pop is beginning to release the source nov- 880656-96-9. pap. $18.95. (U 11/15/05) els, so at least there's hope of getting the end Poitras, Gilles. Anime Essentials: Every of the story. Entirely appropriate for young Thing a Fan Needs To Know. 2000. 128p. teens up to adults, though teens who love A- ISBN 978-1-880656-53-2. pap. $14.95. fantasy epics will embrace it most readily. ea. vol. Stone Bridge, dist. by Consortium. foods characters eat and common PRINT RESOURCES From to the finer points of anime fan cul- oil The Anime Encyclopedia: AGuide to sounds relatively slim and easy-to-read Animation Since 1917. rev. ed. ture, these Japanese by a San Francisco librarian pack Bridge, dist. by Consortium. 2006. paperbacks Stone making them especially ap- ed. by Jonathan Clements &Helen a lot of detail, 850p. to general readers looking for more McCarthy. illus. ISBN 978-1-933330-10-5. pealing basic info and less academic discussion. pap. $29.95. feature With entries identifying over 2000 PERIODICALS films and TV series, this encyclopedia cov- Video Librarian. bi-m. $64. Randy Pitman. ers a century of anime history and is a great 8705 Honeycomb Ct. NW, Seabeck, WA resource for basic information on a variety

JULY 2007 1 LIBRARY JOUPNAL 1 49 'WWW.LIBRARYJOURNAL.COM REVIEWS, NEWS, AND MORE COPYRIGHT INFORMATION

TITLE: Anime’s Brave New World SOURCE: Libr J 132 no12 Jl 2007

Copyright Reed Business Information, a division of Reed Elsevier, Inc. All rights reserved. To contact the publisher: http://www.reedbusiness.com