FAQ

• What is anime and manga?

Anime and manga are, respectively, the cartoons and comic books of Japan. While many definitions exist, the most popular is that anime and manga have to be made by the Japanese for the Japanese. Many different styles of anime and manga exist, so it really makes no sense to have a definition based on those, and usually even American cartoons are drawn in asia, but they do not qualify as manga and anime.

• What is shounen?

Shounen is a style of manga and anime that is oriented towards boys. Usually it is action and has hard lines and angels. However there are some shounen that have a large female following (Rurouni Kenshin).

• What is shoujo?

Shoujo is a style of manga and anime that is oriented towards girls. Usually the lines are softer with romantic stories. However there are some shoujo (Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicles) that have a large male following.

• What is Otaku?

Otaku has two meanings, depending on where you are. To the American (and just about the rest of the world outside of Japan), it means a big manga and anime fan. To us, it is a complement or merely a label that we live with. We like it.

To the Japanese, it is an insult. It means maniac, and can be applied to all forms of "hyper obsession." So don't go up to a Japanese manga fan and call him an Otaku!

• Is Teen Titans an anime?

No. It is, by the definition mentioined above, not an anime. It was made for Americans, though using many of the same design elements classic to anime. Same thing goes for the series Avatar: The Last Airbender by Nickelodeon.