Jordan

Jordan

I started writing about anime when I was 15 and it looked far worse than this. If you like my articles, check out my Goodreads to see what I'm reading.

Columnist III

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Latest Articles

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Latest Topics

13

The Strengths and Weaknesses of Each 'Big Four' Anime Series

Bleach, One Piece, Naruto and Fairy Tail are often referred to as the anime ‘Big Four’. They are often seen as gateway titles. Many anime fans discovered the medium by watching one of these series. As much as humanely possible, compare and contrast each series. Look at the history, production, manga, movies and common themes. What makes each series different or unique – are there animation, music, character or story elements that set them apart? It is highly recommended to look at ‘filler guides’ for each series and research significant episodes or story arcs. Inuyasha and Dragon Ball/Z/Kai may be useful to add to the list, but they are often not grouped together in this way. The ultimate goal is to try and decipher which series may appeal to what audience and the best way to approach the material.

  • Why aren't "Pokemon" and "Yu-gi-oh" part of this bunch. One Piece is slightly older than the others and would have been enjoyed around the same time as Pokemon and "Yu-gi-oh," while "Bleach" and "Naruto" are contemporaries of each other, and Fairy Tale came out after all of them. I'm also pretty sure "Dragonball-Z" is still a big part of most anime fans around the 20-25 year old range. I'm not really very versed in the trends of late, so maybe the four you state are the current highest ranking shows in the West. But it'd be a shame to leave off the two card-trading shows which likely got as popular as they were "because" of the card trading and card battling/gaming aspect. – Jonathan Leiter 8 years ago
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  • I think because Pokemon is aimed toward children and so it hasn't caught on in the same way the others have. Yu gi oh has it's dedicated fans, but I wouldn't say it's popular enough to be part of the "Big Four". I think this 'list' is derived of what got teens into anime in the early 2000s rather than the 90s, which is why I think Inuyasha should still be part of the list. I hope this answers your question. – Jordan 8 years ago
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  • Yeah, I would kind of argue about those being the big four. But then again, it might be an age difference in my case. I would maybe change it to compare and contrast and also why those are good introductory animes. As far as I'm concerned my intros were Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball. I'd also point out that I think most people just get one intro. I think once you've dedicated your time to something as big as Naruto or One Piece, you are well on your way to researching "intermediate" animes. – Tatijana 8 years ago
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  • I see what you mean, but at least in the anime community the "Big four" is a key buzzword which is why I put it in the title. Maybe the person can explore the points you mentioned as part of the article? – Jordan 8 years ago
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Live Action TV Shows that Appeal to Anime Fans

Some anime fans are apathetic to live action tv. Explore some of the live action or animated (not Japanese) series that appeal to anime fans. Some of these are Adventure Time, Supernatural, Sherlock, Doctor Who, Game of Thrones, RWBY and Rick and Morty. What do they have in common? What features make these series appeal to those who generally prefer to watch anime?

  • I feel like this one would be kind of hard to do unless you are that said anime watcher. For example, where do I find data on how many people exclusively watch data and don't like other types of tv? And as far as exceptions to the rule, I feel that they'd be pretty standard. I think there are a lot of people out there who love anime but aren't opposed to watching other tv/movies. Because of this, I'd think you should reword you topic to be more like "Why people love anime." Or maybe leave the title, but remove saying that there are a lot of people out there who exclusively watch anime and nothing else. That said, I fear that this subject might be pretty closely related to other articles/topics already posted. – Tatijana 8 years ago
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  • I'm sure you're right that there are some anime fans who are so stuck on the aesthetics and the types of characters and stories that they prefer nothing else. Although that may speak to a deeper personal issue of disliking reality and preferring idealized fantasy, if that's all they choose to watch. In any case, I doubt if there are sufficient poles or sufficient studies on just how many people fall into that category, or really any direct information as to why. You'd do well to at least state where you got the idea for this topic in the first place. You must have seen a few specific people express that they don't like live-action tv, somewhere online. Otherwise you wouldn't have offered this up. – Jonathan Leiter 8 years ago
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  • Sorry, I am talking about one of my friends and myself who have this issue. Of course, it might be difficult to find the information except on forums. I think there is a topic on US cartoons versus anime so this might be rehashing already covered ground. How about changing it to - "Live Action TV shows that appeal to anime fans"? – Jordan 8 years ago
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  • I think you'd actually do well to write a personal blog entry about your experience with this particular preference with media. I'd be rather curious to hear about why this is so in your case. As for an alternate topic, I might even be interested in looking into Live-Action shows that could appeal to anime fans, so feel free to change the topic. It's not really something I've seen fully covered before. I'm not sure if my exact experience with anime would be quite the same as others, though, since I haven't quite watched some of the more recent popular series. Then again, I'd still be willing to give it a shot with my unique perspective. =) – Jonathan Leiter 8 years ago
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  • No worries, Jonathon. I'll change the title. For myself I have little patience with live action television shows since the amount of planning in regard to episode numbers and scripting seems different to anime? When an anime comes out it is already clear how many episodes it has, with live action it is ambiguous... a series could easily be made three or more seasons too long. I watched How I Met Your Mother all the way through and it could have been 4 seasons shorter. This still happens with anime but generally it is less common. I could go on, but that's the one major difference. – Jordan 8 years ago
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  • So, do you want someone to discuss those specific shows, or do you want someone to discuss what makes Western shows in general (be they live-action or animated) appeal to an anime watching audience? – Jonathan Leiter 8 years ago
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  • Both? General might be better. – Jordan 8 years ago
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  • This is a hard topic, although I know exactly what you're talking about. Me and many of my friends fall into this circle -- lovers of Sherlock and Dr Who who nevertheless feel right at home at an anime convention. Perhaps its the nerdiness of said shows? Perhaps its the community that builds around these shows (on tumblr, for example) that draws people in? – sophiacatherine 8 years ago
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  • Yes exactly, there's something about the 'nerdiness' about these series, but it would be interesting to define exactly what this encompasses. – Jordan 8 years ago
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Published

Exploring the History and Prevalence of "Abridged" Series

Look at the boom of Abridged series over the internet. Describe how they became popular, what mediums they have expanded to and what makes a good quality abridged series with examples.

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    Where are They Now? Quality Work from Young Adult Film Franchise Stars

    Stars of young adult book adaptions often become cast in later work as similar roles. Depending on the quality of their work at the time, these actors can sometimes get a bad reputation. Take a look at high quality films with these actors/actresses – like those who were part of the Harry Potter Franchise, the Hunger Games, Twilight and Divergent. For example, Camp X-Ray with Kristen Stewart and Silver Linings Playbook with Jennifer Lawrence have been well received by critics.

    • Very good idea. In particular, focusing on the likes on Radcliffe and Watson edging out into more adult but still relatively commercial fare, comparing it to the more 'edgier' approach of Grint. Also looking on whether they've transitioned into supporting roles or kept doing lead roles would be interesting. Kristen Stewart's given some good sterling work in the likes of The Clouds of Sils Maria and Still Alice in supporting roles, so that'd be interesting to look into. Jennifer Lawrence I think you could also explore how she was already an established up-and-comer before The Hunger Games, with an Oscar nomination under her belt and a role in 'X-Men First Class' – CalvinLaw 8 years ago
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    • Thank you, Calvin Law. I was worried the title may not have reflected the subject matter clearly enough but it sounds like you don't see any problems with it? – Jordan 8 years ago
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    • I think that this would be a very interesting topic. However, I feel as though most of the Young Adult Film Franchise Stars that you are referring to are really still very popular in the media, and most people already know where they are now. For instance, Jennifer Lawrence is everywhere and is currently starring in the Hunger Games fourth movie along with the rest of the Hunger Games cast; so I think it is a bit too soon for a "Where are They Now" for the Hunger Games. Twilight star Kristen Stewart is also everywhere. She is starring in a bunch of movies this year, and tabloids all still comment on Robert Pattinson, Rupert Grint, Daniel Radcliffe, and of course Emma Watson. I think maybe if you focused on a "Where are They Now" for older movie franchises such as Die Hard, The Matrix, The Chronicles of Narnia, Star Trek, Star Wars, Indiana Jones,etc. or maybe change from movie franchises to TV shows ( I think that would draw a great deal of attention) then your topic would have a lot more success. – GretaCordova 8 years ago
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    • That's a good point! I guess it would be up to the author as to which franchises to focus on. – Jordan 8 years ago
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    Oldie but a Goodie: 70 and 80's Anime that Are Still Great Today

    It can sometimes be difficult for reviewers to be objective because nostalgia clouds their perception, so it would be worthwhile to look at anime from the 70’s and 80’s that still stand up in time. This would include doing research on popular titles from those time periods and watching them. The ANN Cast "Top 80’s anime’ podcast might be useful to refer to. To anyone who wants to write this particular piece, since the project is enormous, I would like to collaborate. I will likely send a PM as I have seen quite a number of series from this time period (Urusei Yatsura, Maison Ikkoku, Ranma, the Mobile Suit Gundam film compilation trilogy, Dimension Fortress Macross…) and it could make the process easier.

    • Wait? So if you post a topic here, you CAN take it for yourself? I thought the point was to offer topics for others to pick from. And then if you want to write something you yourself came up with, you just go and start writing it. – Jonathan Leiter 8 years ago
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    • Yes, I think that is still the case. I just thought I'd put this one because I'd like to collaborate with other writers on it. I think I'm allowed to do that? – Jordan 8 years ago
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    • I'd love to contribute to this article. I'd have to say Rumiko Takahashi's and Osamu Tezuka's works definitely have to be up in the list. – coriandres 8 years ago
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    • That's awesome to hear, Coriandres. Thanks for volunteering. I can't seem to find the button to PM you. Are you able to PM me and we can figure out what shows we should divide between us and that sort of thing? You can snag the topic and I can message you through what I've written as I go. – Jordan 8 years ago
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    PTSD in Full Metal Panic: Is Sousuke Sagara an Accurate Portrayal?

    Since a new series of Full Metal Panic got announced, I thought it is timely to look at this topic as Sousuke is a popular character and has been subjected to a lot of opinion about whether he is realistic or not. The writer could look at the light novels and anime for how to back up their argument, as well as literature and criteria for PTSD. I would be willing to collaborate with someone on this title (I am busy) I am studying Psychology and have read all of the light novels and seen the anime.

    • If anyone would like to collaborate with me on this please PM me. Thanks for support so far! – Jordan 8 years ago
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    • It would see to me like an obvious no. While I'm certainly no authority, from what I understand PTSD involves nightmares, flashbacks of the traumatic event, and anxiety. Also depression, insomnia, fear, anger, jumpiness, difficulty trusting others... but Sosuke is calm, methodically rational, and trusts his allies with his life (though I haven't read the light novels, so I may be wrong). The only symptom he exhibits regularly is Hyper-vigilance, which is really just a normal part of his character. Most of the time when he pulls his gun too eagerly, it's not because he's paranoid, but because he doesn't understand normal social protocol, and misinterprets people and situations. You can see this when he changes environments. At a high school he's out of place, and his nature would appear to be overly aggressive or paranoid. But on the battle field, his natural environment, his actions are right on point. From what I understand, a PTSD victim would not make a good soldier because they may cave to stress, and cannot accurately assess risks. But Sosuke is the perfect soldier. His quirkiness at a high school isn't a symptom of PTSD, but a symptom of just not knowing any better. – LangsEnd 8 years ago
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    • Yes Langsend, I think you may be correct, although Hypervigilence also comes under high anxiety, jumpiness and difficulty trusting others. Being overly rational could be a defense mechanism (intellectualizing), and since the story doesn't happen from Sousuke's point of view, he may very well have nightmares and flashbacks but we do not see them happen. PTSD affects everyone differently and to my knowledge a lot of soldiers have PTSD but don't seek treatment because they risk loosing their job (I don't think this risk is as bad now but it may depend). Anyway, I think to some extent it becomes a grey area which is why it would be interesting to explore it. Thanks for your feedback! – Jordan 8 years ago
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    Latest Comments

    Jordan

    Could you expand on what you mean?

    The Idol Phenomenon in Japan and Anime
    Jordan

    Thank you! I also find the approach to their celebrities very interesting. It obviously works well, so I’d be interested to see what would happen if something similar was done in a Western culture.

    The Idol Phenomenon in Japan and Anime
    Jordan

    I’ve seen Satoshi Kon, Mamoru Hosoda and Mamoru Oshii get plenty of attention. Katsuhiro Otomo kind of gets forgotten among those though.

    Influence of the I-Novel (私小説) on Makoto Shinkai's Films
    Jordan

    I never knew there was a specific word for the genre either, but I’m glad I know now!

    Influence of the I-Novel (私小説) on Makoto Shinkai's Films
    Jordan

    Thank you. I really appreciate it.

    Influence of the I-Novel (私小説) on Makoto Shinkai's Films
    Jordan

    Thanks a lot! To my knowledge there are not many ‘modern’ I-Novel authors out there since it is more of a historic phenomenon. I agree with you about the slice-of-life genre. It seems to share similarities.
    Norwegian Wood is a very popular Murakami novel and I found it (brutally) realistic. I would give that book a try, although I have not read many of his other novels so perhaps something else might suit you better. Hope this helps.

    Influence of the I-Novel (私小説) on Makoto Shinkai's Films
    Jordan

    It’s interesting you mention Millennium Actress. I wouldn’t even compare the two. Millennium actress is much richer in terms of its story and characters. It is also far more complex and has more than just a romance story. I don’t think Millennium Actress tries to play off one or two emotions, but multiple ones. Shinkai’s films are more simplistic, but in a way I think that is why they are effective.
    It is completely fine to not like them – especially if you are not a fan of romance in general. I would hate them if I didn’t like romance. Thanks for your thoughts!

    Influence of the I-Novel (私小説) on Makoto Shinkai's Films
    Jordan

    Thank you, and good point about the name ‘idol’. 🙂

    The Idol Phenomenon in Japan and Anime