So I started watching anime back when was around 16. My friend was near obsessed so i just had to see what all the fuss was about. Since then I have watched many different Anime and they all share the same core principles. They keep you wanting more. The story telling in anime and the visual design is so well done and in depth that it does really create the atmosphere and emotion the creators are trying to portray.
I think my first introduction to anime was Death Note (it was at least one of the first). It just captured me. The story of a bored student descending into madness fueled by his own personal righteousness. This story kept me on the edge of my seat, and still does when I rewatch it. Anime is a very detailed art form, it differs from western animations by focusing on fewer, more detailed still frames which are aimed at creating a sense of realism. it also utilizes camera angles and techniques to increase suspense and tension which is being portrayed throughout the story. I believe that it is these factors that make anime so popular with adult audiences, not just children.
One of the more recent Anime have watched recently, Sword Art Online. I think the major reason I enjoyed this – apart from it just being awesome – is that it is relatable with the basis for the story being about an MMORPG. Having spent many years playing this genre of games I really like the way it has been represented in this media. Add in some virtual reality and a
sociopathic Game Master who states, once you enter the game, if you die in game, or the virtual reality helmet is removed, you die in real life. I think this was a clever jape at the seriousness of some MMORPG players crossed with the deep immersive nature of Anime. Again, this Anime portrays its story through the highly detailed still artwork and tension building moments.
I think Anime is a brilliant form of digital media and look forward to see it progressing further and spreading into the west more.
Digital Asia 
Hello fellow SAO fan! Are you watching the new season? 🙂
It’s been great so far!
Maybe as part of your project you could look at how anime’s communicate our tensions and anxieties about topics such as Virtual Reality, Consumer culture and even in like Ghost in the Shell where there’s a discourse of AI.
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I haven’t started the new season yet, I haven’t been able to find the time but am looking forward to it!
That’s a really good idea, it will be definitely something to look at 🙂
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It’s great to read about anime from a true fans perspective. My brief foray into anime this week left me feeling a little disheartened by my lack of patience or understanding of it. I viewed Cowboy Bebop and really did enjoy it (I understand this show has been translated to english and perhaps has some aspects which make it more appealing to a Western audience), but I feel as if I don’t have the time to continue seriously watching it which is a shame, as I would love to be able to experience the in depth nature and storytelling you mention as a defining feature of anime. I definitely have respect for the art form and look forward to seeing where someone so interested in anime can take their study of it! Good luck!
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The first anime i can remember is Digimon Adventure. This anime is one of my favorite anime ever. I start watching it when i was around 8 or 9 years old and i would love to watch it again. Even though i really like Pokemon games but i never actually watch its anime. After Digimon Adventure, i have watch many other anime such as Bleach, One Piece and many other. Most of these anime was on television and that is why a lot of people in Thailand love Japan. They love its culture, food and of course, its anime and manga. SAO is a latest anime that i really like, a very good anime and it also reflect on people who play too much or too immerse in a game.
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My first was Digimon. It was awesome then, and it is awesome now! 😀
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