Anime

The mecha subgenre has always seemed oddly specific and I've wondered at the its development for some time. What about the inclusion of 'mechs separates this genre from other science fiction? A brief discussion of the history of mecha anime/manga would likely be worthwhile, but also some looks at outliers in the genre, such as Gurren Lagen with its strange mecha design and early disinterest in mechas, or creations that stick mechas in largely non-science-fiction terms. Basically, though, the question is "why does adding giant robots make this genre something special and unique?"

By the end of the series, we've seen three distinct possible futures for humans: the cybernetic, militaristic, robot-like people of space, the free-form but technologically stunted survivors on the planet, and the post-human Hideauze, who have (depending on your interpretation) abandoned technology altogether, or been consumed by it. Plus, we see these groups interact is several different ways between characters and groups. But what does all of this actually say about the effect of technology on humanity, or are these effects caused by something else?

This may have been done before but the development of the word otaku in America is something very different than that in Japan. In Japan the word "otaku" has a very negative connotation given some of the history behind it (Otaku Killer) and may also be associated with Hikiikomori (In essence a social shut in). The American definition of otaku however is near celebrated in some ways. Maybe there are certain Animes that helped or hurt this development? Are there shows that create a different light for someone considered an Otaku?

It would be cool if someone could write an article about anime for those who are not very familiar with the style. It could be written as a summary of the best anime to start with, or it could be an analysis of the style itself.

A retrospective look at the various anime produced by the company Shaft and an anaylsis of the common elements of their anime that have made them either successful or infamous.

Similarities and differences between the two. Why are they similar? What did the authors intend by giving them both snaky features? Would they work together or oppose each other? Who would win if they opposed?

Having watched every Hayao Miyazaki film every made, I have noticed that some of the characters are repeated throughout some of the movies. For example, the old woman (Ubaba, Oh-baba, The Witch of the Waste, and Dola to name a few) is a character that is often used and many times she is either a good or bad influence. Yet despite this, the stories of each film are distinct. Therefore, is the repetition of the characters in Hayao Miyazaki films an aspect that continuously attracts fans to his movies?

The shounen genre of both anime and manga has come to be known as one that is synonymous with action and fighting, intense rivalries, and more often than not training arcs that are meant to lead to even more intense fighting. Another quirk of this genre is that most often shounen series are dominated by a male cast, and if a female is written into the series it is most often in a supporting role, one in she can do nothing more than wait to be saved. This topic seeks to talk about the more interesting and badass women to be found in this genre and how they are more developed than some of their counterparts in other series.