If you are reading this, then I guess you are willing to open your mind to the world that is anime. So, I'll give you the basics in case you are totally new to this.
Anime is a type of animated Japanese show. The shows are generally in Japanese with English subtitles (these are called subs), but sometimes there will be remakes of the shows with English voice actors (these are called dubs). There are romances, comedies, actions, fantasies, mecha, space, sport and any genre you can think of in anime. Animes generally run in seasons (sometimes called arcs in anime-lingo) just like regular TV shows. Basically, anime is just like any other show, with the exceptions that it is animated and usually in Japanese!
Now that you kind of have an idea of what anime is, here's why anime is not as weird as you think.
1. The drawing and art styles are beautiful
Seriously, though. Every show has a different style, and there are so many unique and intricate art styles. Look at this scene from Sword Art Online and tell me that it does not look amazing.
2. The plot lines are crazy good
I know a lot of people think that anime is childish because it is basically a cartoon, but a lot of the themes and plots are incredibly mature. Sure, there are many animes that are fun to watch for whatever reasons, but simple things like friendship, sacrifice, responsibility, loss, respect, loyalty, adversity, discrimination and perseverance are all hammered in hard in so many shows.
3. BA female characters
Take one look at Hollywood and it's easy to see that we need more strong female leads. Well, guess what, anime has these. I could literally go on for hours about female characters who aren't afraid to tell people where to go and how to get there. Ryuko and Satsuke from "Kill la Kill" are prime examples of this, as are Akame from "Akame ga Kill," Mikasa from "Attack on Titan," and literally every girl in "Fairy Tail ...;" like I said, I could go on forever.
4. Mind blowing fight scenes.
One of the (many) things that I absolutely love about anime is the fight scenes. Episode after episode will slowly lead up to the fight of all fights that will make you want to cry and scream and ultimately become a part of this alternate reality. In most cases, the good guy gets his butt kicked before turning the fight around and completely destroying his enemy, but occasionally you will get a fight that is too much even for your favorite character. And it might actually break your heart when they lose.
5. Characters you will actually fall in love with
Have you ever read a book or watched a show or movie and absolutely became obsessed with a character that is very much not real? If you answered yes, then anime is definitely for you. In every show, you will be able to find characters who personify everything that you want to be and see in the world, and you'll find ones who are literal trash, but you still love all the same. You'll follow the story line of these fictional beings and at some point you'll realize that you have formed a bond that will never be severed. And one day, someone will mention your favorite character, and you will have a completely unintentional emotional breakdown because you just love them that much.
So, now you know. Anime is not as weird as it seems, trust me. If you haven't ever watched it, just give it a try and be amazed by how real and comparable it actually is. If you want to give it a try and need some help on where to start, feel free to slide into my direct messages. If you are already anime trash like me, hit your girl up and we can nerd out together.
