Category: Discussion

When it comes to reading manga, there are two main options: buying physical copies of the manga or reading them online. Both options have their own set of pros and cons, and the choice of which one to use ultimately comes down to personal preference.

One of the main advantages of buying physical copies of manga is that they are a tangible and collectible item. Many fans enjoy having a physical copy of their favorite manga series to display on their bookshelf or to give as a gift to friends. Additionally, owning physical copies means that you will always have access to the manga, even if the online source is no longer available.

Another advantage of buying physical copies of manga is that the quality of the print and paper is generally better than digital versions. The colors are often brighter and more vibrant, and the paper is thicker and more durable. This can make for a better reading experience, especially for those who prefer reading on paper.

However, buying physical copies of manga can be costly. The price of manga can add up quickly, especially if you are buying multiple volumes of a series. It can also take up a lot of space, especially if you have a large collection. Additionally, buying physical copies can be inconvenient if you want to read manga on the go or if you want to read multiple series at the same time.

On the other hand, reading manga online has several advantages. The main advantage is that it is often free or relatively cheap. There are many websites that offer a wide range of manga to read for free, or for a small subscription fee. This can save a lot of money in the long run, especially if you read a lot of manga.

Reading manga online is also convenient. You can read it on your computer, tablet, or smartphone, and you can take it with you wherever you go. This is especially useful for those who travel frequently or who don’t have a lot of storage space. Additionally, it is easy to switch between different series without having to carry a lot of books with you.

Another advantage of reading manga online is that it is often more accessible. Many online sources offer manga in different languages, which can make it easier for fans to access and read manga from all over the world. Additionally, online sources often have a wider range of manga available than physical stores, making it easier to find and read niche series.

However, reading manga online has its own set of drawbacks. One of the main disadvantages is that the quality of the scanlations (fanlations of manga done by fans) can vary greatly. While some scanlations are high quality and accurate, others may have poor resolution or contain errors. This can make for a less enjoyable reading experience. Additionally, reading manga online can be hard on the eyes, especially if you are reading on a screen for an extended period of time.

Another disadvantage of reading manga online is the issue of piracy. Many online sources that offer manga for free are not authorized by the copyright holder, which is illegal. This not only harms the creators and publishers of the manga, but it also puts the future of the series at risk, as it can lead to lower sales and less funding for new projects.

In conclusion, whether to buy physical copies of manga or read them online is a personal choice and depends on your own preferences and circumstances. Buying physical copies of manga offers a tangible and collectible item and better reading quality, but it can be costly and take up a lot of space. Reading manga online is often free or cheap, convenient and accessible, but the quality of scanlations can vary and it can be hard on the eyes. Additionally, it’s important to be aware of the legal implications of reading manga from unauthorized sources. Both options have their pros and cons, and it’s ultimately up to the individual to weigh them and decide what’s best for them.

Anime, like any other form of media, is subject to constraints such as budget, production schedules, and audience expectations. One of the reasons why anime is often only 12 episodes long is due to the way anime is produced and distributed in Japan.

Anime production in Japan typically follows a seasonal schedule, with new anime premiering in the spring, summer, fall, and winter. Each season, several anime series are produced and aired, with each series typically airing for 12-13 episodes. This format allows for a steady flow of new content for audiences to watch and helps to keep the anime industry running smoothly.

In addition, anime production is often heavily dependent on funding from sponsors, such as corporations and governments, which can be limited. Producing a shorter series with 12 episodes allows studios to work with a smaller budget and still produce a cohesive and satisfying story.

Another reason is the anime industry’s focus on the manga source material, anime series are often adapted from manga and light novels and may only cover a specific arc or section of the story. The 12 episodes format allows the studio to adapt a specific part of the source material and focus on telling a complete story rather than trying to stretch it out over a longer period.

Furthermore, anime is also a medium that is geared towards a specific demographic, which is mostly young adults, and they often have a shorter attention span. A 12-episode series can be consumed quickly, which can be more appealing to some viewers.

Lastly, anime series are often created with the intention of being watched in one go, as a whole story, rather than being released on a weekly basis. This allows for a more cohesive and satisfying viewing experience, since the viewer can watch the entire series and see the story arc play out from start to finish.

In conclusion, while 12 episodes may seem short for some, it is a format that works well for the anime industry in Japan. It allows for a steady flow of new content, works within budget constraints, and allows for a more focused and satisfying viewing experience. It’s important to remember that the format of anime and how it is produced and distributed is shaped by cultural and industry-specific factors, and it is not the only way to tell a story.

Anime, like any other medium, can be criticized for perpetuating sexist stereotypes and tropes.

One reason for this is the portrayal of female characters in anime. Many female characters in anime are portrayed as passive and submissive, often serving as the love interest or damsel in distress for the male protagonist. They are also frequently sexualized, with exaggerated physical features and clothing that emphasizes their bodies. This portrayal can contribute to the objectification and devaluation of women.

Another reason is the portrayal of gender roles in anime. Many anime depict rigid gender roles, with men being strong and assertive and women being weak and submissive. This reinforces harmful stereotypes and perpetuates the idea that men and women should behave a certain way based on their gender.

Additionally, the representation of women in leadership roles in anime is often lacking. Women are underrepresented in positions of power and authority, and when they are present, they are often portrayed as ruthless or villainous. This lack of positive representation can be discouraging for women and girls who are interested in pursuing leadership roles.

Another related issue is the portrayal of relationships in anime. Many anime depict unhealthy and problematic relationships, such as those featuring possessive and controlling male characters, or female characters who are willing to forgive abuse or mistreatment. These portrayals can be harmful, as they can contribute to the normalization of unhealthy relationship dynamics.

It is important to note that not all anime are sexist, and there are many examples of anime that challenge and subvert these stereotypes and tropes. However, the prevalence of these issues in anime does contribute to the perception that anime is sexist.

It’s also important to recognize that anime is a product of its culture, Japan, and it reflects the societal values and expectations of that culture. However, the anime industry is not a monolith and there are many creators, writers and directors who are working to create more diverse and inclusive stories that challenge these stereotypes.

It is important to be aware of these issues and to actively seek out and support anime that challenges and subverts sexist stereotypes and tropes. It’s also crucial to hold the industry accountable for problematic portrayals and to push for more representation and diversity in anime.

Overall, the issues of sexism in anime are complex and multifaceted. While it is important to acknowledge and critique the ways in which anime can perpetuate harmful stereotypes and tropes, it is also important to recognize that there are creators and stories within the anime industry that are challenging and subverting these issues.

Anime, or Japanese animation, is considered “weird” by many people in Western cultures for a variety of reasons.

One reason is the often fantastical and surreal nature of the stories and settings in anime. This can include elements such as giant robots, magical powers, and alternate dimensions. These elements can be difficult for some people to relate to or understand, leading them to view anime as strange or bizarre.

Another reason is the use of exaggerated facial expressions and gestures in anime characters. These exaggerated features can be off-putting to some viewers, who may find them unnatural or unsettling.

In addition, anime often deals with mature themes and subject matter that may be considered taboo in Western culture, such as violence, sexuality, and mental health issues. This can make anime feel darker or more controversial than Western animation.

Another aspect of anime that can be considered “weird” is the use of unique and often fantastical settings, such as post-apocalyptic worlds, or high-tech futuristic cities. It can be challenging for some viewers to understand or relate to these settings, making the anime feel strange or disconnected from reality.

Lastly, anime has a lot of different genres, and some are not commonly seen in western animation, like the Mecha genre, which is a science fiction genre featuring giant robots or mecha, or the Yaoi and Yuri genres, which depict romantic relationships between characters of the same gender. These genres may be considered unusual or unconventional by some viewers and can contribute to the perception of anime as “weird.”

Overall, while anime may be considered “weird” by some people, it is important to remember that different cultures have different forms of entertainment and storytelling. What may seem strange or bizarre in one culture may be completely normal and accepted in another. It is important to approach anime with an open mind and try to understand and appreciate its unique aspects.