WW (Week 1): The Current State of Anime

If you follow anime culture at all, then you have most likely heard or seen controversy about the state of anime right now. More likely than not, you have seen harsh criticism of modern-day anime, which is dominated by the romcom and SoL genres. In an era that is seeing more CG, excessive fan service, and unoriginal storylines, isn't it safe to say that anime really is not dying? Welcome to the first Weaboo Wednesday, in which I'll be giving my two cents about the current state of anime.

Before you make me out to be some sort of hardened anime veteran, I should say that I have been watching anime for little over two years. It's definitely not a whole lot of time when you're looking at the big picture, but the important thing to take away is: I started watching anime while being exposed to the current era of anime.

I'm not your hardcore Western otaku who collects figurines, prowls the web for anime culture, and would absolutely give anything to be Japanese. Anime is a hobby of mine, but it doesn't go as far as being a lifestyle or an addiction of some sort. I'm a simple man, and I like simple things. I tend to stay away from manga and anime culture, while basking in the golden rays of masterpieces such as Clannad, Hyouka, and Toradora! To date I have never been to any anime convention of any sort.

Yet I can (somewhat proudly) still say that I have watched my fair share of anime. I clock in at about 125 television series, and I'm nearing 2000 episodes. MyAnimeList claims I have watched at least 31 days of anime. So I've been around the block, but I'm still a bit lacking in the classic anime department. But I mean, that is to be expected, seeing as my usual schedule consists of watching the majority of the airing season while slowly finishing a completed series. If I were to put this in an example, we can use this season. I am watching 14 airing anime this season, and over the summer season I have completed three non-airing anime.

Enough about myself though. Let's get to the real topic at hand.

Is anime really deteriorating?

My short and simple answer: yes, but not as drastically as you may have been led to believe.

Let me tell you the single biggest thing that makes anime seem "unsavoury". It's the so called "fan service". This is not a joke though. From what I can see, it's difficult to watch many series without having gigantic boobs or excessive amounts of exposed skin shoved in your face, regardless of whether you like it or not.

Don't get me wrong though, I enjoy seeing attractive females, even if they may be completely fake and two-dimensional. I can appreciate a pretty face, a well proportioned bust, or a really soft and reassuring voice. As silly as it sounds, it is something that is important.

However when you've got Highschool DxD levels of ecchi, it becomes ridiculous, and at best, laughable. At this point, it is impossible for the anime to retain any seriousness it had. And this is a big deal, because a serious and engaging story is key to any great anime.

I think this is the central problem that anime is facing right now. Of course there's also the fact that not a lot of studios can really produce consistent and presentable CG, and maybe you can also throw in the constant pandering of the otaku nation (ties in with what I said earlier). I might be completely off my rocker, but it's what I have come to believe. Who knows? I might be biased because I was "born and raised" in this era, or maybe it's because I'm not well versed in this kinda stuff.

I'm not calling for anything huge. I don't even think that much needs to be changed. Every season there are still gems to be dug out, shining with a brilliant and unique approach, without relying on sheer appearances. These are just the ramblings of a guy who thinks that he knows anything about anime.

All in all, I believe that anime is perfectly fine the way that it is right now. What it all bubbles down to is how much I am enjoying it. After all, I am a simple guy who just wants to watch his anime.