P. Otaku Bytes - Editorial

.Vol. 1 No. 2	Christmas Issue	December 1999

[Contents] [Features] [Columns] [Fanworks] [Anime101] [Reviews] [Endnotes]

The Future of Anime
     This year, we faced the sudden emergence of anime, not only in the Philippines but in the U.S. as well. With the huge success of Pokemon worldwide, anime has an actual chance of going mainstream. Because of this, we decided to do a feature article on it.
     Moreover, 1999 had a lot in store for the Philippines. The Gundams have officially taken over the country, along with the much loved vagabond, Kenshin Himura, and several other protagonists such as Yusuke Urameshi and Recca Hanabishi. There is probably more awareness, merchandise, and liking to anime this year than it has had for the previous four years. Nothing has caught the Filipinos by surprise than the current wave of anime.
     Anime’s popularity has surged all over the country, effectively going mainstream. Common people like anime, with their fondness for Voltes V, Eugene, Recca and Kenshin. Even in rural areas which have television, you can see children flocking to watch these shows. Such is its fame that people adore it. No longer is it attainable only to the otaku purists and those who can afford videos but it’s locally available for free, in vernacular language which everyone can understand.
     Because majority likes and supports anime, we are now seeing quality anime shows on television. The likes of Gundam, Rurouni Kenshin, Evangelion and the soon to come Fushigi Yuugi are something which anime fans have been longing to have for some time. It is all possible because anime has effectively become one of the top rated shows on T.V. and now, it has lots of supporters like merchandisers (all those Gundam and Pokemon toys) and sponsors. Why, I even saw National Bookstore carrying Pokemon action figures.
     While some fans still argue that seeing shows dubbed in its local language is horrible, we should bear in mind that it gives those less exposed to it a glimpse of what anime truly is. Who knows, one thing may lead to another and people too would like to hear the original voices with subtitles. All that we have to think about is that we are now giving people a chance to see anime for what it truly is.
     With a promise of a bevy of new shows, the new millenium looks promising. Don’t worry, I’m sure the second impact would make exceptions for anime fans and not hit the planet for several years to come. In the event that it does though, we can all be grateful for the year when we had all those anime shows on television, freely available for anyone to see anytime. ^_^
P.Otaku Bytes Staff Box

Editor in Chief
Charles Tan
Senior Editor
Erin Chupeco
Associate Editors
Sheila “Minamic” Benedicto
Mia Marci
K.Chevalle Misa
Art Editor
Nicole Lim
Japanese Research Editor
Ryan Ko
Online Layout Editor
Arcina
Charp
Contributors
Joyce “Balat”
Rexine Yu

For comments, suggestions, complaints and contributions, send email to: yuyheero@gundam.com
Visit our website at http://geocities.datacellar.net/charlesatan Let us know how you feel about this magazine!

All works are copyrighted and trademarks of their respective owners. Our deepest apologies if we fail to mention them. If there are any copyright violations incurred, don’t hesitate to inform us. Please do not use any material printed here without proper permission from the magazine and the respective authors. Distribution of P.Otaku Bytes is free. We are a non-profit organization.

Anime Show of the Month:
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Weekdays, 5:00 pm on ABS-CBN

Erratum:
The badger/racoon creature of Japan which can change its form is called a Tanuki. Badgers and racoons are anaguma and araiguma respectively, but Tanukis are the creatures of myth (which resemeble badgers/racoons).

[Contents] [Features] [Columns] [Fanworks] [Anime101] [Reviews] [Endnotes]

The Future of Anime This year, we faced the sudden emergence of anime, not only in the Philippines but in the U.S. as well. With the huge success of Pokemon worldwide, anime has an actual chance of going mainstream. Because of this, we decided to do a feature article on it. Moreover, 1999 had a lot in store for the Philippines. The Gundams have officially taken over the country, along with the much loved vagabond, Kenshin Himura, and several other protagonists such as Yusuke Urameshi and Recca Hanabishi. There is probably more awareness, merchandise, and liking to anime this year than it has had for the previous four years. Nothing has caught the Filipinos by surprise than the current wave of anime. Anime’s popularity has surged all over the country, effectively going mainstream. Common people like anime, with their fondness for Voltes V, Eugene, Recca and Kenshin. Even in rural areas which have television, you can see children flocking to watch these shows. Such is its fame that people adore it. No longer is it attainable only to the otaku purists and those who can afford videos but it’s locally available for free, in vernacular language which everyone can understand. Because majority likes and supports anime, we are now seeing quality anime shows on television. The likes of Gundam, Rurouni Kenshin, Evangelion and the soon to come Fushigi Yuugi are something which anime fans have been longing to have for some time. It is all possible because anime has effectively become one of the top rated shows on T.V. and now, it has lots of supporters like merchandisers (all those Gundam and Pokemon toys) and sponsors. Why, I even saw National Bookstore carrying Pokemon action figures. While some fans still argue that seeing shows dubbed in its local language is horrible, we should bear in mind that it gives those less exposed to it a glimpse of what anime truly is. Who knows, one thing may lead to another and people too would like to hear the original voices with subtitles. All that we have to think about is that we are now giving people a chance to see anime for what it truly is. With a promise of a bevy of new shows, the new millenium looks promising. Don’t worry, I’m sure the second impact would make exceptions for anime fans and not hit the planet for several years to come. In the event that it does though, we can all be grateful for the year when we had all those anime shows on television, freely available for anyone to see anytime. ^_^	P.Otaku Bytes Staff Box Editor in Chief Charles Tan Senior Editor Erin Chupeco Associate Editors Sheila “Minamic” Benedicto Mia Marci K.Chevalle Misa Art Editor Nicole Lim Japanese Research Editor Ryan Ko Online Layout Editor Arcina Charp Contributors Joyce “Balat” Rexine Yu For comments, suggestions, complaints and contributions, send email to: yuyheero@gundam.com Visit our website at http://geocities.datacellar.net/charlesatan Let us know how you feel about this magazine! All works are copyrighted and trademarks of their respective owners. Our deepest apologies if we fail to mention them. If there are any copyright violations incurred, don’t hesitate to inform us. Please do not use any material printed here without proper permission from the magazine and the respective authors. Distribution of P.Otaku Bytes is free. We are a non-profit organization. Anime Show of the Month: Neon Genesis Evangelion Weekdays, 5:00 pm on ABS-CBN

Erratum: The badger/racoon creature of Japan which can change its form is called a Tanuki. Badgers and racoons are anaguma and araiguma respectively, but Tanukis are the creatures of myth (which resemeble badgers/racoons).