Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation

Japanese popular culture expert Patrick Drazen's Anime Explosion!: The What? Why? & Wow! of Japanese Animation is an informed and informative introduction for non-specialist general readers to Japanese animation called "anime", as well as Japanese animated television shows, videos, and feature films. In addition to discussing history, tradition, conventions, common cinematographic techniques, cultural hallmarks, etc. relevant to anime, the latter half of this fascinating volume scrutinizes certain popular animated films and series in depth, including Pokemon, Sailor Moon, Escaflowne, and Key the Metal Idol. Anime Explosion is very highly recommended read for anyone seeking to learn more about the beauty, grace, and foundation of this unique and popular form of cinematic art.

I've been an avid fan of manga and anime for many years and have read many books on the subject, including The Anime Companion and Manga Manga. The great thing about writing an anime book is that anime, manga, and Japanese culture as a whole is so huge that one can never fully tell all there is to tell about such a subject. About 1% of this book i had read about before in some form. It's also very easy to read and to get into. A very good book to read, and a great place to start reading if you've never read an anime book before.

What most newcomers to Japanese anime (neo-otaku) miss out on is the culture that lies behind the films. Since anime owes some of its roots to American comics and animation there is a lot of common ground, and it is possible to skate along for some time before the viewer begins to sense that there is a whole subtext going on with which they have no connection. This is the point where a loyal addict starts reading about anime in between watching DVD's of their favorite episodes.Patrick Drazen's 'Anime Explosion' is the perfect book to begin a deep dive into anime. It begins with history and then follows key themes and genre. This discussion alone is well worth the price of admission because it reveals where American and Japanese viewpoints diverge. This helps the viewer to 'get' many things that used to leave one vaguely confused and dissatisfied. He also dispels a few urban legends about anime in the process. If you are like me, you got focused on the Christian imagery in Evangelion, but completely failed to realize that the real legendary context is from Japanese myths like Kojiki. It is all a bit like getting a viewpoint adjustment.The second major part of the book discusses, particular films, directors, composers. Drazen does not make the mistake of trying to cover everything. He makes the right decision - that the reader will benefit more from Evangelion, Escaflowne, Ghibli and Shirow in some depth than from a lot of little tidbits that are more appropriately to attempts at encyclopedic coverage. These are like practice sessions that gradually hone the reader's ability to see the how and why of what is Japanese in anime. And this helps us vastly increase our ability to enjoy Japanese animation. Which has come a very long way from its origins. I would consider this a must read book in this subject area. It helps greatly that Drazen has considerable writing skills and makes learning all this almost effortless. Even more than a little funny if you don't mind an occasional horrible pun. Highly recommended.

This book is complete in itself. I can't think of a better organization of incorporating every aspect of anime (divided into the major themes inherent in the works of all anime and a chapter devoted to each of the most prominent anime that stand apart from each other) and Patrick Drazens's amazing knowledge on Japanese pop culture of manga and anime is clearly evident as he skillfully connects the loose threads together. Highly reccomended! It's a great introduction for all anime fans alike ^_^

Everything the budding otaku wants to know- and maybe even some stuff they don't. From themes of war and nature in anime to Japanese cultural ideas on nudity and- ahem- bathroom humor (and a WHOLE CHAPTER on 'Escaflowne'! Sure makes ME happy, anyway), this book has it all. The chapters flow easilly from one to the other, and Drazen shows the reader just how much he knows about Japanese culture and anime itself. All in all, an entertaining and informative read.