How are Japanese and American Cartoons Different?

Hey! Nice to meet you all, I'm a new editor here, call me Jay! I will be contributing my essays about anime to this blog!

I did this project for my 8th grade English class. In it, we had this big final (dubbed the I-search) where we had to choose a subject, ask 4 questions about that subject, and then write an essay answering that question (which means 4 essays in total). This was done in a 3 month period, and basically took up almost all of the 4th quarter to finish. I actually didn’t even have to type much, but whatever.

Anyways, naturally, my topic was anime. Information was hard to find (or maybe I’m too much of an overachiever) for certain subjects, but I pulled through in the end. Got a B+ on this whole thing (the irony is that I was only a few points away from an A-, and me being the generic asian I am, I pretty much raged), so I passed the class with flying colors. I felt like I typed waaaay too much though, but at least I know a lot about the anime industry.
This first essay will cover this topic:
How are Japanese and American Cartoons Different?
Now, this might seem like a no brainer, but it's more than meets the eye.

Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 6)

I Couldn't Become a Hero, So I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job:  An imbecilic workplace comedy set against the backdrop of a world where heroes are no longer needed because ONE dark overlord has been defeated.  Aside from the nonsensical reasoning behind the nonexistent demand for heroes, the viewer will be subjected to dull, aimless banter between characters that are themselves dull and aimless.  And the monotonous nature of the poorly crafted dialogue is intensified by the spaced inclusion of ecchi shots, which have the feel of a ruse meant to perk up viewers right before getting bored enough to stop watching.  All in all, it’s an insult to workplace comedies and any number of fantasy shows.  

Verdict:  SKIP, the target audience will find their way to this show without assistance

P.S.: Here's one that I forgot about. (^w^) This makes 27!

Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 5)

1.  Samurai Flamenco:  Who among us hasn't dreamt of being a hero at least once in our lives? It’s full of an unflinching sense of honor that serves to remind us how on a daily basis we trade doing the right thing for comfort, not causing waves.  But its delivery is uneven and silly.  The lead’s sense of justice extends from an exaggerated love of Saturday morning cartoons.  The viewer won’t find much connection with the characters.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, consider it a less-violent Kick Ass
   
   
2.  Kyousougiga:  A convoluted narrative that is highlighted by genuinely heartwarming moments. I’m not sure how to approach this.  It’s confusing to watch, but the execution is spot on for the most part.  It could develop into any number of possibilities.  But I get the feeling that it will take strong leaning towards comedy which will include dramatic highlights.  Maybe some interesting philosophical perspectives.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
   
   
3.  Yowamushi Pedal:  A sports anime with a wonderful sense of comic timing.  Viewers will enjoy watching the timid lead get drawn into uncomfortable situations time and time again.  And then they’ll enjoy his triumphs as his untapped talents inevitably bring him notoriety and a before unknown sense of accomplishment and camaraderie.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
   
   
4.  Walkure Romanz:  After an nonsensical opening statement, the show reveals it’s setting to be an odd-ball amalgam of medieval tourney and the quintessential modern high school experience.  And it goes downhill from there as it shows a certain shameless aptitude for fanservice.  It’s filled to the brim with immature romantic inclinations and overused character archetypes, but against the unique backdrop and with fair execution it’s not unentertaining.
   
   
   Verdict:  GUILTY PLEASURE
   
   
5.  Meganebu:  As a long time wearer of megane myself, I loved it.  The drive and energy expressed by the group’s leader is closer to dementia than enthusiasm, but it serves its purpose to create a constant stream of high energy comedy.  And the visuals never fail in reinforcing the comic atmosphere along with the music, which has a comic enthusiasm all its own.  It’s a comic treat for Megane lovers everywhere!  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH!
   
   
6.  Log Horizon:  For anyone who would consider this a rip-off of 2012’s Sword Art Online and reject it on that flimsy basis, I will point out the large number of .hack// shows that came before SAO.  That aside, we have an action, adventure, fantasy.  It plays out slowly as a conscientious lead keeps his wits about himself as he seeks to ground himself in this inescapable new reality.  But that’s after a high-energy Opening Song (OP) that is awesome; though, it feels juxtaposed to the show’s natural verve.  Fans of RPG gaming will likely appreciate the show’s slow, investigative nature as the characters discover and work their way towards an understanding of this mysterious reality.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
    
7. Gingitsune:  A pleasant Slice of Life that focuses on the relationship between a young girl and the fox spirit of her shrine as she learns to balance her duties as an oracle and her impulsive nature as teenager.  It has a good sense of comedy, and a simple sense of drama.  It’s a sentimental journey that highlights the importance of faith and kindness towards others.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT
   
   
   
   
   Whew! 26 first impressions! I've never before watched so many new shows, and I must say that it's been rewarding. I always miss shows because I'm unwilling to check out shows that haven't succeeded in luring me in with it's poster. I still have a few more to go (most notably Pupa), but the majority is done. Tiny disclaimer: for any confused parties, I wish to inform my readers that I'm not covering sequels; only new shows. So, everyone can be assured that watching any of the shows I've given impressions on (or will give) are safe to watch without any previous viewing of a preceding season.
   
   
   Also, let me know if I'm missing anything.
   
   
   With all that out of the way, how are you enjoying the season? Now that a number of shows have second episodes out, are they staying entertaining?

Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 4)

1.  Galilei Donna:  A combination of science, a dash of Moe, and the potential for a mystery treasure hunt. The first bona fide family-friendly show of the season; it has an enjoyable combination of fun characters, action, and story. You can feel the love and work that the creators have put into it.  We have here the potential for family-fun and adventure this season.  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH!
   
   
2.  Outbreak Company:  Pure otaku wish fulfillment.  While the premise is utterly absurd, it doesn't prevent a fairly well delivered narrative.   Though, it requires the viewer to turn off their brain for the duration of the show.  You have to let the show be what it is.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, you’ll know pretty quickly if it’s for you
   

Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 3)

1.  Tokyo Ravens:  Boring.  There’s no character establishment; thus, no connection with the characters and their touted friendship, which is further hindered by the haphazard scene switching.  A discernable likeness to A Certain Magical Index is present with a notable exception that the authorities are magic-based instead of science-based.  The viewer has concepts particular to this show’s reality thrown at him with zero resolution or explanation.  It’s an unfocused experience that leaves the viewer confused and bored.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP

2.  BlazBlue:  Alter Memory:  Surprisingly little action with such a large sword.  Just another supernatural action show.  Yet there is only a decent thirty seconds of passable action. Everything else is composed of either boring, unintelligible character interactions or mysterious flashbacks.  It doesn’t inspire confidence that the OP is composed entirely of clips from the episode itself.  Well...to be fair it might be closer to 95% that’s taken directly from the episode. An uninspiring start.
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP

3.  Unbreakable Machine-Doll:  Well, the title certainly makes sense within the first five minutes.  Apart from that it appears to be a revenge tale that will take place within a school which focuses on the art of controlling advanced homunculi/puppets for the purpose of battle, especially as pertains to military application.  There's the girl (probably tsundere) who's above average and better than everyone else, and is thus isolated/feared by those who know her reputation, which, of course, our fearless protagonist could've possible have a clue about. And that is topped off by the insatiable attraction that the lead’s “puppet” has towards her master. Classic comedy hijinks, but nothing of note.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, it’s a love-it-or-hate-it kinda show

4.  Arpeggio of Blue Steel: Ars Nova:  A peculiar narrative that is backed up by some well rendered naval battles, which is of note since the entire show is rendered in CG.  The CG is a definite point of interest.  It isn’t particularly noticeable for the majority, but there are moments when the viewer will be painfully aware of the CG animation.  As for the story, it’s another iteration concerning a boy who is isolated due to his rogue father’s past indiscretions.  But he gets a pretty cool ship out of the deal.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT

5.  Non Non Biyori:  So peaceful.  The opening three minutes is a transcendent, calming experience with soothing music and visuals.  This show = Kawaii!!  It has set itself up as the go to breezy, low-key Slice of Life (SOL) that viewers may be looking for with this season’s saturation of fanservice heavy and high energy shows.  The characters are delightful as they dialogue and share experiences of life in the Japanese countryside.  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH!

Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 2)

1. Nagi no Asukara:  B-e-a-utiful!  This is a show that lives off its surreal premise of a group of humans living under the sea, its exceedingly Moe girl lead, and its alluring art. The art evokes a calmness that allows you to relax and float within a sense of wonder. It’s a sentimental experience that has your mind wander with the imagination of the creators. A true stand out for the season.  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH

2. Ace of the Diamond:  I’m new to the Sports Genre in anime, and I keep observing that Sports is just as pleasant as a typical Slice of Life or Comedy.  And Ace of the Diamond is no exception. The lead is a spirited idiot with a strong sense of loyalty and honor.  This unfortunate mix sets him up for some slapstick comedy which is quickly softened by masculine musings on baseball and friends.  A decent start.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, if you like it you like it.

3. My Mental Choices Are Completely Interfering with my School Romantic Comedy:  I think you get dumber watching this show.  It’s an incomprehensible mess full of pointless jokes and random moments of pervertedness.  It presents itself with the potential to expound on the philosophy of choice, but that might just be me giving it too much credit.  After the OP three minutes are wasted presenting random examples of choice throughout history; all of them being nothing but pointless filler. Plus, every single “choice point” the lead encounters is utterly absurd without the benefit of comedic relief.  This is one of the few that I was really looking forward to, and it has disappointed.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP
   
   
   
   
   
   
   Well, here's part two.  I hope everyone is enjoying the season so far.  But most of all I hope that my friends and I are helping to inform you about the current shows.  Let us know how we're doing.  We have many more first impressions to come.  Ciao!!  (^w^)y

Michael's First Impressions: Fall 2013 (Part 1)

1. Miss Monochrome:  Aside from the irritations that come with a short-time format, the characters are wholly devoid of appeal.  And the story is absurd without the redemption of well-timed comedy or dialogue.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP!

2. Diabolik Lovers:  The absurd plot along with the sadistic treatment of the main character combine for an unenjoyable experience.  And the lead’s mysterious past is nothing more than an irritating cliché.  In short, this show is terrible and offensive.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP!

3. Beyond the Boundary:  KyoAni has done it again with beautiful animation, but it falls short on plot and narrative.  While the entrancing art and the Moe-rific nature of the female lead are pros, the supernatural, fantasy background is uninteresting while the character interactions are bland.  
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, you may like it.

4. Coppelion:  A post-apocalyptic story with an infusion of girl-power.  It’s peppered with bland, meaningless dialogue and accented with a few overdramatized moments intended to elicit an emotional understanding of the harshness of living in this world.  Though, the moments fail to inspire.  The art is subpar.  While the backgrounds are well done, the characters in the foreground, in addition to having a rough-drawn sketch appearance, aren’t integrated into the scene with care.  It has the look of a sloppy copy/paste job.  
   
   
   Verdict:  SKIP!

5. Golden Time:  Generic Rom-Com with a handful of funny moments.  While the budding friendship between the two male leads is entertaining to watch, the possessive, insensitive nature of the female lead is off putting.  The romantic aspect feels unfocused, but that could be a good thing.  This early on, it works in the show’s favor to have unclear aims for the romantic routes.
   
   
   Verdict:  GIVE IT A SHOT, rom-com fans will likely enjoy it.

6. Kill La Kill:  O_O  Whoa!  Balls-to-the-wall pacing and extreme action keep the audience focused and entertained at all times.  The characters have straightforward roles and execute with razor sharp precision.  I’m have the mildest apprehensions that the hard-core action format could grow boring over the course of the 24 episodes, but I will continue watching with gusto until that unlikely event occurs.  A definite candidate for best of the season!  
   
   
   Verdict:  MUST WATCH!