TLDR;
This video explores the influence of anime on Western cartoons, tracing the evolution from subtle references to full-blown anime-inspired series. It highlights key shows like "Transformers," "X-Men," "Avatar: The Last Airbender," and "Teen Titans," examining how they incorporated anime aesthetics, storytelling techniques, and thematic elements. The video also touches on the broader impact of Japanese art and culture on Western creativity, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging these influences and how cultural exchange drives artistic innovation.
- Anime's influence on Western cartoons has grown significantly over the decades.
- Key series like "Avatar" and "Teen Titans" showcase heavy anime inspiration.
- Cultural exchange between Japan and the West has fostered artistic innovation.
Intro [0:00]
The video introduces the concept of Western series that resemble anime, sometimes referred to as "American anime." It poses the question of how these series evolved from simple anime references to fully embracing anime aesthetics and storytelling. The video aims to explore this trend and its impact on the animation medium, focusing on cartoons with explicit anime influences acknowledged by their creators.
Early Influences: Astro Boy and Beyond [1:53]
The discussion begins with "Astro Boy" in 1963, a pivotal anime import that gained popularity in the U.S. Following "Astro Boy," other anime series like "Gigantor," "Speed Racer," "Star Blazers," "Akira," and "Fist of the North Star" were introduced to American audiences. These early imports set the stage for future anime influences in Western cartoons.
The 80s and 90s: Transformers and X-Men [2:42]
In the 1980s and early 1990s, anime influences became more apparent in cartoons like "Transformers" and "X-Men." "Transformers" was inspired by the Japanese toy series "Microman" and created as a toy commercial due to loosened regulations. "X-Men" featured a serialized plot and editing techniques similar to anime, using swiffer editing to hide animation imperfections due to budget constraints. The show even received a Japanese theme song and anime opening for its airing in Japan. Additionally, writers from "X-Men" went on to work on "Exo Squad," which attempted to emulate anime with themes of war and mecha designs.
The 2000s: Avatar, Teen Titans, and More [5:42]
The 2000s saw a surge in anime-inspired TV series, including "Jackie Chan Adventures" and "Samurai Jack." "Avatar: The Last Airbender," created by Michael Dante DiMartino and Brian Konietzko, drew inspiration from anime classics like "Princess Mononoke," "Cowboy Bebop," and "FLCL." The creators aimed to blend epic storytelling with martial arts and East Asian philosophies. "Teen Titans," produced by Glen Murakami, intentionally differentiated itself from previous DC series by adopting an anime style, influenced by shows like "Speed Racer," "Kimba," and "Akira." Murakami focused on emotion, humor, and relatable character designs. Other series like "The Batman," "The Boondocks," and "Megas XLR" also openly embraced anime influences.
Full Circle: Voltron and Beyond [12:35]
The trend of anime-inspired Western cartoons came full circle with DreamWorks' "Voltron: Legendary Defender" in 2016. This series, produced by American companies, ran for eight seasons on Netflix. Other examples include Glen Murakami's work on the "Ben 10" franchise, Monty Oum's "RWBY," Netflix's "Castlevania," and Crunchyroll's "Onyx Equinox."
The Importance of Acknowledging Influences [13:34]
The video emphasizes the importance of acknowledging anime influences in Western cartoons to avoid appropriation. It highlights how cultural exchange, like Japanese art influencing Vincent van Gogh and Star Wars drawing from Akira Kurosawa films, drives artistic evolution. The video concludes by stating that series like "Avatar: The Last Airbender" and "Teen Titans" represent talented individuals inspired by Japanese creators, creating new inspirations for others.