Musings about Manga/Anime

I have a confession. A pretty blunt opening statement, but I need to come right out and say: I'm a manga hypocrite. That's right, you heard me. Now being a hypocrite is typically frowned upon, but hypocrisy is just something human beings can't avoid. It's as rampant as sin. In fact, it is a sin - in most cases anyway.

Nevertheless, my being a manga hypocrite isn't a sin...at least I don't think it is. There are several literary and academic issues I'm severely outspoken about. No breaking news for anyone who's known me more than a day. The Twilight series and manga/anime are the two reigning champions for my hate and vehemence. I have nothing positive to say about either, save for the fact that graphic novels are some of the easiest items to shelve at the library. They virtually put themselves on the shelf.

This is where the hypocrite part comes in to play. I've started reading an adorable, well-written, honestly executed manga series titled Mika Falls. The characters are vivid and fresh, but being as it's manga and not a real novel, the principle characters tend to lack development and require more personality. Time for another blunt statement: I won't be forming any habits. I'm not suddenly an avid manga fan nor will I ever be such.

Reasons for my crusade against manga/anime:

*Manga/anime is hailed as a tool or agent that encourages reluctant children to read. In fact, graphic novels are sensory candy that appeal to the eyes (like a movie) rather than the literary mind. The child fails to use his imagination to supply his own idea about characters and places, sights and smells because the images have already been provided for him.

*Graphic novels are often violent and gory; more comic book than masterpiece.

*Storylines are easily recycled; i.e. "One day, Batman saved an old lady...THE END."

*Having to read them from back to front. I need a one-way ticket on the Frustration Express to Sulky Town when I start thinking about that aspect.

Okay, the last three aren't exceptionally profound reasons for my anti-manga attitude, but the first point is certainly legitmate.

Last statement/question: Honestly, what is the difference between manga and anime? That question was a rhetorical slip. My curiosity isn't that overpowering.

Sláinte!

~ Líadan Katy Glas