Anime-Source.Com - The Perfect Anime Project: Question #1

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Is there a particular genre that has an advantage over all others?

animevgirl

No. For me, genres are useful as the skeletons of anime series, a means to establish and define distinct, core plot and character elements. However, it’s not any one genre itself that is advantageous, but rather how an anime chooses to interpret and manipulate that genre. Perhaps years ago, when nascent anime genres were only beginning to flesh out their distinguishing elements and structures, adhering to certain genre standards was critical for a series’ success. Now, though, the series resonating in my memory are those that have gradually stretched and distorted the conventions and outlines of a particular genre, redefining these very standards.

Serial Experiments Lain. Fullmetal Alchemist. Cowboy Bebop. Neon Genesis Evangelion. Many continue to lavish these series with enthusiastic and reverent praise, to probe their intricate storylines and transform even inconspicuous details into further manifestations of their complexity and ingenuity. I enjoyed each of these series, and while I don’t claim that any of them has achieved perfection, I attribute at least part of their success to the ways they cleverly exploit and expand the traditional guidelines of their genres. The environments and circumstances their characters belong to might be the well-defined offspring of genre conventions. Yet the intimate links among Shinji’s interpersonal barriers, self-image, and his Eva, or the way in which alchemy in FMA channels both fantasy and moral ambiguity, broaden both the scope and possibilities of a given genre. Such series not only integrate elements typically found in other genres but regenerate their own in the process.

So really, my opinion is this: while some genres may lend themselves more readily to alluring storylines/characters, any given genre simmers with latent potential. How a series chooses to design and model this potential, however, can revitalize even the most limiting of genres.

xenocrisis0153

Though everyone may have their personal tastes when it comes to what kind of anime they like to watch, I think in a matter of speaking in the realm of the general concensus of what is considered more true to perfection fits into a more objective explanation. Looking back at what have been considered "greats", not only in anime but entertainment as a whole medium, more attention goes to the dramas and romances than the comedies and slice-of-life stories. Of the 80 years of Oscars for Best Picture given out by the Academy of Motion Picture Arts and Sciences, only two could be considered "light-hearted" despite having heavy dramatic themes: Forrest Gump (1994) and You Can't Take It with You (1938).

Drama and Romantic-Drama, I believe, have the upper-hand moreso because they are designed to evoke emotion and attempt to relate to the individuals in the audience. They tend to challenge thinking and create situations of intense magnitude in the effort of capturing the audience's heart or stimulating their mind. The pace and story flows are typically smoother and full-length series are more capable of focusing on a single event line. For example, Kimi Ga Nozomu Eien/Rumbling Hearts took the story of a young girl who lost 3 years of her life to a coma and managed to pull off a heartful and streamlined story about her struggle upon waking up. Because of the emotional stories, they become more memorable and more congruent to our life experiences.

IMAGE: Kimi Ga Nozumu Eien

If you can't agree that Drama has an advantage, then maybe you'd lay credance to the argument that other genres do indeed have their own disadvantages. Comedy faces the issue of its inability to appeal to universal markets since a lot of the jokes rely on cultural/language understand. Even if the series were all slapstick, that's hardly enough fodder to create something that could be labeled as perfection, especially when you consider that the affects of comedy lose their muster after repeated viewings. In other words, the jokes get old after a while. Consider series like School Rumble or Sensei no Ojikan/Doki Doki School Hours that couldn't even finish their own first-season runs without running out of steam before the end.

Normally I would fight for the value that the slice-of-life genre generates, but the fatal flaw with this category is that each series depends far too much on the caliber of the character. The story usually takes a backseat to the day-to-day antics of the cast, which sometimes can prove to be astoundingly magnificent such as in cases like Mahoraba ~ Heartful Days, but like comedy, it depends too much on the personal tastes of the individuals in the audience and loses its mass appeal.

Action is the final category I would like to point out. The problem with this genre is that even though many gleefully enjoy each adventure along the way, each series is usually is more style than substance, failing to create a full-rounded experience for all to reflect back upon. Though many epic titles like Neon Genesis Evangelion and Cowboy Bebop, as well as any number of mecha titles, could be categorized here, when you look beneath the surface, you'll actually find a hidden drama story that uses the prettiness of battles and gunfights to progress its storyline.

Visual

I feel that I will have a hard time with my own opinion with just a few paragraphs written here, but I believe there isn't any advantage for a genre to begin with. Though an 'upper hand' genre is not precisely true, the shonen genre definitely have tremendous effect over the armada of otaku or anyone who's a teenager or has been one. Granted, the highest placing in an anime popularity contest will always be secured by either Naruto or Bleach. Even then, you only have yourself to blame for missing out other exciting genres.

I'm not the omniscient deity of anime and manga, but I have my share of experiences with this subject. These are, in my opinion, series that excels in a particular genre, be it Comedy, Drama, Romance, Horror, Cyberpunk and even Action: Ghost in the Shell, Welcome to the NHK, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, 5 centimeters per second, Cowboy Bebop, and Grave of the Fireflies. I can say nothing short of amazing about these series. A good indication of a well-made anime is not judged by the number of good reviews or the realistic appraisal of the plot, but its ability to connect the viewer with the story, drags you down into a long flight of a fictional world. All the aforementioned anime series has a similar affinity that's impossible to describe, but all of them left a lasting impact on me. From the underlying theme of romance to the cyborg-influenced world of Motoko Kusanagi, and the horrifying outcome of war. A great chemistry between the characters and the story is essential for a good anime, as reflected by just how much the viewer care about their lives and how they react towards the fate of the characters. Which is what brought me to the conclusion that a great anime is not reflected by its genre of choice, but how the process of story-telling is carried out.

While it boils down to a personal/subjective view, what I believe that makes the consequence of an anime nigh-perfect relies heavily on how well written is the plot and the direction it is heading. With an unprecedented amount of anime today, the ability of distinguish itself from the multitude that follows a generic formula, will eventually outwit every other competitors of its genre.

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