hmm.
well offended when its called a cartoon most definately.
Is it simply japanese animation. Well the anime creators themselves say that is the case, they dont make a big deal over it because the source of their inspiration was always american cartoons but at the same time it is respected as so much more because they have elevated the art of animation to a point where its no longer just a kiddy thing.
Yes there are kiddy genre anime but they are of such greater quality than there american and european counter parts that yu HAVE to get offended when they are simply called cartoons.
The art style is a definite difference but its not the only one.
I think because of anime influence, we have cartoons of such great calibre now such as justice league.
where the art style is taken seriously and the action animation is quite exceptional.
Japanese story telling is simply different from western story telling, its not better or worse, its just different and the themes present in their stories are very exciting to us because they are so different.
I think the theme that truly defines anime and its draw to westerners who appreciate it, is that they have this thing about the underdog becomign strong enough to defend the ones he loves.
Semi ordinary guys performing extra ordinary feats. Thats pretty awesome (even though i tend to hate those guys becuase they are so un talented and stupid).
As opposed to the western style of the weaker ones relying on an icon to protect them. Some one you dont identify with but admire and adore for the fact that they have great power and weild it for the cause of the just.
Iam torn in between, because i loveeeeeee my icons!! Superman is my all time favourite and nothign will ever change that.
But i love the eastern stories, i dislike people like goku and naruto and love vegeta and sasuke.
Because they are powerful and very very talented but always have to live in the shadow of the hero of the show. Which in my eyes make them the real under dogs to back.
