| .Vol. 1 No. 2 | Christmas Issue | December 1999 |
|
||
| [Contents] [Editorial] [Columns] [Fanworks] [Anime101] [Reviews] [Endnotes] | ||
| Features: [Anime Shopping Guide] [Pokemon] | ||
|
With the existing precepts of Yokoyama, Go Nagai took the
robot genre into the next step with the his creation of Mazinger Z, a towering super
robot controlled by a [teen] human in the inside through a vehicle. This gave birth to
the current mecha industry, with robots now being piloted and had special weapons and
attacks. It was such a success that not only did it spawn sequels (Great Mazinger and
UFO Grandizer) but other mecha shows as well (Raideeen, Combattler V and Daimos to name
a few). Together with Ken Ishikawa, Go Nagai released Getta Robo in 1974, the first combining robot which came out in anime form only. This was different as previous mecha shows were adaptations of existing manga hits. 1979 gave another boom to the mecha industry with Yoshiyuki Tomino’s masterpiece, the Mobile Suit Gundam. Not only was it gritty and full of angst but there was much realistic character development and intrigue. It became such a hit later on that it spawned a franchise that is still existing up to today, with tons of TV series, a magazine based from it (Newtype), and model kits galore. Three years later, another development came about with the release of Macross. It was not only popular in Japan but later overseas as well. The mechs of Macross could transform and sold a bevy of toys (which actually transformed). Several soundtracks also appeared along with model kits, making it another success similar to what Gundam achieved. Macross also spawned several sequels, the most popular of which is Macross Plus, a four-part O.A.V. special. In 1997, it celebrated its 15th Anniversary (whereas Gundam celebrated its 20th Anniversary in 1998) which was memorable to both old and new fans alike. When Neon Genesis Evangelion appeared in 1996, it was another reinvention of the mecha genre. Its director, Hideaki Anno, created a very confusing story which focused more on the characters rather than the robot. It was a psychological drama full of conspiracies. Nevertheless, it became such a popular hit and again left an impression on the current generation of viewers. By the 1960’s, anime began to shine its true colors. A breakaway hit was Tatsunoko’s Mach Go Go Go, or “Speed Racer”. This action/adventure anime gave a glimpse of what was to come, especially with the gritty Racer X. Gatchaman, or “G-Force/Battle of the Planets/Eagle Riders”, debuted in 1974 and gave birth to Japan’s own superheroes. These costumed heroes had special weapons and vehicles and attempted to thwart evil. There was much character development as well as angst. Soon followed suit was another bevy of super heroes with Casshan, Polymer and Tekkaman, all of which has had 90’s remakes. Another pioneer was Leiji Matsumoto who dwelled in the science-fiction genre of anime. Most Americans will probably recognize his works with the likes of the highly popular Space Cruiser Yamato, or “Star Blazers”, which aired in 1977 and had four sequels. It had battles of epic proportions and left a lasting impression not only to Japanese viewers but American viewers as well. Matsumoto also did Galaxy Express 999, Space Captain Harlock and Queen Emeraldas, all of which are considered classics by fans of both Japan and America alike. Once again, America will influence much to the Japanese. TSR, the publisher of RPGs (Role-Playing Games), made efforts to translate D&D (Dungeons and Dragons) to the Japanese in 1982. This paid off which resulted in the RPG video game franchise in Japan. Group SNE, who were fanatics of RPGs, met up with Ryo Mizuno who hosted their campaign. They documented their adventures and published it in Computique, a magazine by Kadokawa, in 1986 and introduced the RPG concept to lots of Japanese. Soon, an anime entitled Record of the Lodoss War was made from the transcripts in 1989 and often became the basis for comparison in fantasy shows. However, as years passed by, the fantasy genre evolved. Some were linked with the popular genre of mecha while others featured comedy and lightheartedness. Either way, the fantasy genre extended in Japan with RPG magazines such as Comic Dragon available. Hayao Miyazaki, considered as the “Walt Disney of Japan”, was very pivotal in modern anime as he revived the theatrical features of animation. After the success of Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind, which was based on his comic, a new animation studio was once again formed: Studio Ghilbi. It would work on animation classics such as Laputa: Castle in the Sky, Kiki’s Delivery Service, and the highest grossing film in Japan topped only by Titanic, Mononoke Hime, or Princess Mononoke. continued... |
|
|
|
| [Contents] [Editorial] [Columns] [Fanworks] [Anime101] [Reviews] [Endnotes] | ||
| 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. |