Japanese vs. American Animation

[runebandit89]

The Japanese animation style has been refined over many years, while American animation has stagnated. Shows like family guy, southpark, Bob's Burgers are making adult themed animation, but the art style is still lacking. If the American public would accept adult animation that wasn't a comedy like the aforementioned then the drawing level would improve to support it. After all you don't really need well drawn characters or scenery for gag story lines but a drama or love story would flop if it was done in a simplistic style like the Simpsons or southpark.

Really, American animation has stagnated? Look at He-man from back then and the He-man that recently was. Look at Beauty and the beast and the "Frog Princess." Look at the early superfriends and now "Young Justice." Look at Batman: The Animated Series, then The Batman. Remember the X-Men from the 90's? now look at marvel animations studios' animated features, like Wolverine vs Hulk, or Avengers. Remember Wolverine and the X-Men ( i was kinda sad that it was cancelled because they couldn't find funding). American animation continue to evolve and get better. They even incorporate some things they like from animation styles all over the world.

If only the west learned how to draw as intricately and beautifully as the east/Japanese do it

Yes, the Japanese animation are very detailed and intricately drawn. However, in terms of actual animation, though it may look like a pretty picture, they do cut corners and when you spot them, it's kinda annoying and ruins the experience of watching it. For example, in Anime when the characters speak, their mouths just flaps up and down and don't really make shapes to match the sounds coming out of their mouths. Now the reason they do this is because they animate first then record voices later so it's cheaper to dub voices in Japanese and later, english.

American animation first get the voices recorded and then they animate to the recorded dubs. This way, the way the mouths are animated are a little more realistic or better animated rather than just flapping up and down.

Don't get me wrong, western animation also cut corners, but it's easier to spot them in the generic fare anime (there are exceptions, like the Studio Ghibli ones)

japanese is the best...no contest

better stories, character development, and it's more mature

american shows are forced to "censor" their shows because the american populace is so obssesed with sheltering our children

then we wonder why our kids are having sex...it's because they think "mommy and daddy say not to do it, so it must be the coolest thing EVER"

I'm not saying we should let kids strait-up watch porn, but they need to learn about it safley

the way the japanese do it almost desensitizes them to the point to where they look at it as just another part of life, that it's nothing special that they should get obsessed with

although, I'm sure they have their own problems with underage pregnancies, but what country doesn't

Better stories? Character development? mature? really? Are you saying there are no western animation that does this too? Remember Batman: The animated series? It was the first animated series to show violence and death on the screen and it was not censored. It was really dark, and had really awesome character development, stories and it was pertty mature.

How about Reboot? Or X-Men? Or Spiderman: The animated series from the 90's? How about Justice League? Each one of these has very good stories, character development, mature themes, and really good animation.

it's better than Infinite Stratos, or Naruto as it is now( i enjoyed Naruto up until the fillers killed it, now i just lost interest in it).

As for raising up children and so on, what does that have to do with animation at all? i mean, if a child grows up in a screwed up way, it's not animation's fault, it's the parents' fault. It's their job to teach the child what's what. Desensitizing people to something is not really a good idea either.

[ru5h]

some people say it depends on the environment...it is not necessarily the case because ive been exposed to both different environments and by far japanese takes the cup...more details have gone into japanese anime, than for example dc comics...anime is not as simple as american...my vote is on japanese

[JJE6421]

One thing people seem to forget is that for the longest time american animation styles where intended for young children. now dont get me wrong I grew up watching the likes for Rocky and Bullwinkle, Captain cave man, and the Hanna Barbera series of cartoons. There were jokes in there that I didnt understand till I was a Teenager, adult themed jokes. But as Animated shorts and moves on the large scale were limited to Large Companies ie HB, Disney. Movies had not been released for home viewing as vhs didnt come out till after 77'. And Cartoons didnt warrant the financial funding in the US as it did in other countries. This directly affected how American animation standards changed compared to other countries. I am not going to just say Japanese Animation, as there are quite a few other countries out there producing anime/cartoons. There are good and bad series form every company that releases products. Comparing current headline running anime like Bleach or Naruto to spongebob is like comparing Starwars to Godzilla from the same era, trust me Id watch Starwars over Godzilla anyday. The movie houses in America don't want to produce animated moves with a few limited exceptions, Disney, Pixar, etc. and these companies produce product easily on par with eastern Anime houses. Because its all the do. Most of our day to day animation is produced for theatre and movie release not for daily episodes. The demographics IE the money backing these shows doesnt support producing them here, what do you think gets watched more in the US, CSI or Naruto. And if you say Naruto your deluding yourself. And TV and Movies in the US just like in other countries follow the money. Tv in other countries is significantly different due to the nature of the viewer. Just compare British humor shows to American.

On par does Eastern Animation Studios produce a better product all the time NO.

Is Western Animation better then Eastern NO.

You just cannot compare them to each other. I own a large amount of East and Western animation, One is not better then the other.

At least that's my opinion.

[Gunrise]

I'd have to say that I like Japanese animation but English dubs. I hate to have english subtitles on the screen while having to listen to the japanese voices. To me, most of them sound the same.

[big_teddy]

I'm on the fence with this topic. As much as I do love my Japanese cartoons, alot of the North American brands have produced some quality animation aswell. But then that's my opinion I guess.

[JARUS009]

I was raise in India. I love both American and Japanese anime but when it come down to it Japanese really takes the lead in Animation but Japaanese anime need more english dub.

[wabun]

japanese is much much much better on everything i watch from start to end

except maybe avatar, but avatar is done in a japanesish (ok i know that phrase does not exist in english, or does it?) style so i guess it does not count.

american can be good on a lazy sunday afternoon if you only want to watch one or two episodes... but i couldn't ever stand an entire 'insert-any-american-animation-except-avatar'-afternoon and i would never buy a dvd of 'i.-a.-a.-a.-e.-a.'

most american animation (like many american products) are like sunday newspaper comics the are fun to read/use once but thats it (it is ok, thats what they are made for short entertainment and they are good @ it). good japanese animation is like a book, were you dedicate time to reading it and want to know how it goes on an while you flip page by page (episode by episode) you do not even realize it's getting dark outside

[runebandit89]

japanese is much much much better on everything i watch from start to end

except maybe avatar, but avatar is done in a japanesish (ok i know that phrase does not exist in english, or does it?) style so i guess it does not count.

american can be good on a lazy sunday afternoon if you only want to watch one or two episodes... but i couldn't ever stand an entire 'insert-any-american-animation-except-avatar'-afternoon and i would never buy a dvd of 'i.-a.-a.-a.-e.-a.'

most american animation (like many american products) are like sunday newspaper comics the are fun to read/use once but thats it (it is ok, thats what they are made for short entertainment and they are good @ it). good japanese animation is like a book, were you dedicate time to reading it and want to know how it goes on an while you flip page by page (episode by episode) you do not even realize it's getting dark outside

That's it? Avatar is the only good American animation that comes to mind? How about Batman: The Animated Series. Justice league. Spiderman (From the 90's) X-Men (again, from the 90's) batman beyond, gargoyles, Young Justice, He-Man (The newest one from 2000 something), Men In Black: The Animated Series, Godzilla: The Animated Series, TMNT, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Ghost Busters, Extreme Ghost Busters?

[wabun]

maybe i was a bit quick about that (only taking recent stuff into account), i sure liked gargoyles and some others.

Also i did not say american animation is bad, just that most of it was not as captivating for me as japanese animation.

I said that american animation is great for having a good time watching it but that i am not as sucked into it as in japanese animation.

When i see one episode of TMNT for example i am like 'nice, that was great' but i only bump into it by chance when skipping channels.

When i see one episode of gargoyles or avatar i am like 'that was cool, i want to know more of the stroy/backgrounds, where can i see episode one to xyz?' and in the case of avatar i would maybe stay at home for a weekend and watch the avatar-special on nick.

[Caipin]

I've been watching mostly American media my whole life besides childhood shows like Sailor Moon or Pokemon. Ever since I have started watching anime and reading manga, most american programs seems washed up and dull. All my friends that watch anime agree as well. People should open their minds and give it a chance instead of viewing only what is presented to them.

[runebandit89]

I do agree that people should open their minds. People should give both Japanese cartoons and American cartoons a chance instead of picking one or the other. what gets me a bit irritated is that most anime fans (most, not all) tend to quickly dismiss american cartoons as "inferior" then cite examples like family or spongebob but conveniently not mention the better ones that America has to offer. I mean, isn't is a bit unfair to compare the best that Japan has to offer against the mediocre or the not so good that America or Canada has released in the medium of animation?

Also, a small trivia for fans of both anime and cartoons. Do you guys remember Batman the Animated Series by Bruce Timm? Now, the script, storyboards, voice acting, music were all done by the Warner brothers and the team assembled by Bruce Timm. They then contracted an animation studio in Japan (the one who would later be responsible for Big O) to do the animation. Warner Brothers gave the animation studio technical requirements for what the product should be when it's finished.

If you or anyone have watched that show, that Japanese company pulled it off, they animated a show with such fluidity, movement, and technically sound animation. And the storylines used are really good too (as i recall, the epised "Heart of Ice" won an Emmy or something for best story or something).

Now, here's the point, a Japanese animation company can animate without cutting too much corners or cut corners in such a way that it's not that evident (ie, Batman: The Animated series). But when they did Big O, you can see the corner cutting is a bit more evident. I mean, what happened? Why did they suddenly decide to use a lower frame rate, or not animate the mouth movements to match the sounds being spoken? Why the sudden increase in still frames? They did a fine job animating Batman, but when they did their own stuff, they decided to not do what they already did?

Don't get me wrong, i love Big O. its up there in my top 20 anime list.

[emily_kate_19]

I don't know why everyone bags out American animation so much. Sure Japanese anime might have more unique storylines, and Amercian animations tends to spew out repetitive, generic storylines. Every now and then though there is a diamond in the rough. I for one am looking foward to the new Avatar sequel, Legend of Korra.

[Singuns]

I really appreciated the in-depth look at the differences between American and Japanese animation. I think that part of the reason there is such a difference has to do with the difference between American culture and Japanese culture. While Japanese animation is more of a work of art that questions deep issues, American animation (for adults at least) is simply for a fast laugh. Shows such as Archer, Venture-bros, Aqua team hunger force, ext. I could possibly be wrong, but I think this is due in part to what has been successful in America. For the most part, the only animated series for adults that stay on the air long are mainly satirical.

[runebandit89]

While Japanese animation is more of a work of art that questions deep issues, American animation (for adults at least) is simply for a fast laugh. Shows such as Archer, Venture-bros, Aqua team hunger force, ext. I could possibly be wrong, but I think this is due in part to what has been successful in America. For the most part, the only animated series for adults that stay on the air long are mainly satirical.

Not all american animation are for fast laughs or satire (not that there's anything wrong with those). The reason that these shows are still on air is because this is what's popular with the demographic, it's what makes money. Anime (shown in Japan) is catered to a specific demographic that will get the animation studios the maximum amount of money. The demands of demographics (both japan and america) changes overtime. If you pay attention to the anime available, the kinds of stories and the quality has changed drastically. There used to be a lot of anime with really good story lines, character development, etc. Now, that's becoming exceedingly rare.

Same thing with American animation. There are few shows. Out of ten shows that are like chowder, spongebob, or family guy, there will be one or two really good animated shows like Batman: The animated series of Justice League (those shows are kid friendly but are actually done so that both the kids and their parents can enjoy the show. The kids will see it as an action cartoon show, the adults will see it as their beloved comic characters brought to life).

I really don't favor one over the other.

Also, in terms of actual animation, Japanese animation does cut a lot of corners. Yes, the drawings are really detailed, the story are usually really good, the characters are relatable. But in technical terms with regards to animation, they do tend to cut a lot of corners. Yes, american animation does cut corners too, but it is a little less evident than anime. And to be fair, there are some anime that have better animation quality than some american animated shows.

For example, look at Batman: The animated series vs Ranma 1/2 or Yuyu hakusho. Both are from around the same time period. If you look closely, the animation in Batman is a bit more fluid (higher frame rates), the mouth movements actually match the sound of the voices, not just flapping up and down like in anime. I do like Ranma 1/2 and Yuyu Hakusho, but Batman: The animated series was damn good, the story lines were solid, it dealt with some pretty dark subject matters, it even won an emmy or something.

Japanese anime for sure, American anime is just boring and nothing spectacular.

really? which American anime have you seen? Which ones are you referring to in your statement?

Because, i can easily say Japanese anime is boring and nothing spectacular. But that's not true, because some have good storylines and are spectacular (e.g. Last Exile, Cowboy Bebop). Some are boring and have nothing spectacular about it (e.g. Infinite Stratos, Love Hina, Fruits Basket, Naruto during and after the stupid fillers, bleach after the rescue rukia arc, Yugioh!).

Please prove to me that American anime is boring and not spectacular, if that is what you really believe. Don't just say things and not back it up.

[Monken Drunkey]

They're both better than Afghanistanimation. I've never put much thought into it. I like Phineas & Ferb, American Dad aaaaaand, that's it. Japan wins. Though, we do have Marvel and DC. But I only ever liked the original X-Men.

[Blaze6977]

As an American and growing up with the long time running Looney Toons and Scooby Doo, I have to say that since I have been introduced to Japanese anime by my DND buddies, I haven't watched an American cartoon since. The difference in art quality as well as story plots and the simple fact that they are not totally directed to elementary kids, has my complete devotion. Still, I have one thing and one thing only that bothers me and that is, I really and truly wish that they would expand their targeted audience to worldwide and English dub their anime. I have to watch everything twice once to read the story line and the second to see all the awesome action. However the one thing I truly do have to give credit to is Disney, they are awesome in their own right.

[Kyon]

Most American animations are made for kids, except the obvious American Dad, Family guy, etc. Japanese animation is made for teens, but most of them for Older teens (16~19). Me, myself, personally prefer Japanese animations way much over American. Except Spongebob...He's pretty funny still

[Jam-Jam444]

Now, American cartoons vs Japanese Animations. I have to say American Cartoons are decent by far and everytime I watch an oldie they never fail to make me laugh. Looney Toons, Tom and Jerry, Pinky and the Brain, Tiny Toons, Mickey Mouse Cartoons, Animaniacs, Courage the Cowardly Dog, Scooby Doo, Dexter's labatory and many other American Cartoons have provided me with enjoyment in my early years. But that doesn't mean I didn't watch anime too, shows like YuGiOh, Magical DoReMi, Speed Racer, Boxer Joe (when I was younger I didn't know the name well so I called it that, a friend told me that the title of the show was Ashita no Joe.), Dragon Ball Z, Prince of Tennis and other did hook me ... FAST. For one the plot wasn't that just each episode had a conflict which was resolved at the end of each episode like in American cartoons, no, Japanese Animated Shows had ever pervalant conflicts which consisted through out the series, also it kept the viewer hooked as they wanted to be watch the episodes where the conflict finally comes to a resolve. Also the dilemma would be so difficult to solve and the characters will encounter much problems keeping you on the edge of your seat. Also the plots were more developed even if the animations were not as advanced as America's still they got the gist. Overall we can't say Japanese cartoons FTW because I'm sure most of you grew up watching the American Cartoons so don't abandon them too soon. Everyone laughed and enjoyed them so don't turn your backs on them. Japanese Animations are good but American Cartoon, not the present one but the oldie that I listed, just take the cake for me. Really, I rather sit and watch a marathon of Animaniacs and Pinky and the Brain than watch a marathon of Ashita no Joe and Speed Racer (but I'll have issues after), still the oldies just make you smile. That's the upside, they do not have long winded plots and are not too developed (beside every episode Brain tries to take over the world and yet never realises his dream and plans for the next day) but they do have unlimited comedy and laughs. So for me, if I want to smile American Animation but for drama and intrigue then Japanese Animation. Also, is true American Animations instil wholesome values of what is right and wrong, shows like The Simpsons that has become widely viewed in American and worldwide audiences has somewhat broken that barrier as the characters engage in unwholesome acts and yet see the wrong in their deeds an correct it or just leave it alone for some comic relief, although the situations are mostly exaggerated to a great extent. Also there is more merchendising in American shows as well, after widely popular animes were let out then Japan gained much recognition. It is also true that most dubbed Japan Animations have part taken out for the safety of the viewing audience which are mostly targeted at children and adolescents but as stated Japan caters for a general audience. But if putting this in my perspective then in this mordern time, Japan Animations I would watch but I do prefer American Animations, the oldies, the best.

[Fishfin]

I'm from Australia and I've been influenent over the years by both styles of animations (we will not go into the crap coming out of this country) Over all I perfer Japanese Anime although I have enjoyed some western Animation.

[Fazzy93]

Hey boys/girls i would have to say Japan do best anime i come from the United Kingdom and they became really stricted on anime when i was growing up there was

bleach

the big o

cowboy beebop

naruto

all the good anime and now when i look on tv these days all there is. is naruto and pokermon and a few other ones that are ment for 5yr old kids thats why all the anime i want to watch i have to activly find it on the internet its stupuid britan bas become so PG with all its anime i havent looked but i have watced alot of Naruto ship i dout they will have that because a few episodes has some bad language they used to have a few channels dedacated to anime but they went as fast as they got set up :{