The Deviant Art Otaku Spot Issue 24
_{What makes an anime popular?}

We all know that there are more popular anime than others. Take Bleach or Soul Eater for instance. But sometimes you have to wonder, why are these Anime more popular than other?

Reviews of the issue

Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha A's
Complete box set available by Geneon

Plot Summary:
Several months after Nanoha first became a Magical Girl, she still is unable to personally meet with her new close friend, Fate Testarossa, who is being tried in the Space / Time Administration Bureau for her association in the Lost Logia case. They still communicate through video-mail and hope to see each other in-person once again. Their reunion is not a happy one, unfortunately, as several people who call themselves "Velka-Type Knights" battle Nanoha above the city. Their objective is to fill the pages of the Book of Darkness by stealing the magical power of anyone they can find. Nanoha and Fate must once again team up to stop their plans and save the world.

Thoughts on the matter:
I have loved this anime since the very first time I watched it. I did a little happy dance when I saw that it was finally licensed and I could buy it as a box set (true story). It is arguably one of my favorite anime ever to be honest. The whole Nanoha series is just a must watch!

The difference between A's and the other "seasons" in the Nanoha series is A's doesn't waste time getting going. From episode 1 to episode 13 this series is just in go go go mode! But not so fast that you can't keep up. It does a fantastic job of both keeping your interest through some awesome action and mixing in the necessary explanations so you are not sitting there with a dumb look on your face trying to figure what the heck is going on.

I also really enjoyed seeing the new characters as well as the old characters progress in their relationships and development. I actually felt happy for Fate when she got her school uniform and was going to be going to school with her first friends ever and the anime does a great job of making you feel for these characters. The villains are also just so much fun (and sad) to watch around their Hayate. Their story is one that is told so well and you can't help but feel sorry for them. Though, I still don't really like the lead character Nanoha. She is so selfish in her ways that it irks me. Sorry Nanoha, but not everyone wants to talk to you, you're not that important. But that being said, the fact that I have such strong feelings towards her (regardless if they are negative) is a plus for the anime. Its not a dislike because her character is crappy, but because of her personality that is portrayed so well!

There were some major upgrades to A's as opposed to the first season as well. For one, Nanoha lost that "Lyrical, Magical" garbage that she always said when she was doing various attacks. For some reason, that rubbed me the wrong way. Also, in a more literal sense, Bardiche and Raging Heart with both upgraded to be far more awesome (no spoilers though). On the topic of Bardiche and Raging heart (Stand by, ready!), it was a ton of fun to watch them "interact", so to speak, in A's. They became more like characters than just staffs. And they have some awesome new moves like I said. And I obviously would not be doing this series justice if I didn't mention the Belka Knights, they are probably the best addition to the series. They give you a clear cut "bad guy" and they can actually fight on even terms with Fate and Nanoha. Nothing like a decent enemy to keep the story interesting.

I do have a few minor issues with this series (like everything else out there). For one, I hate hate hate yellow subtitles. I hate them. They are irritating to read and they clash against the colors of so many series out there. This naturally is not the fault of the anime itself but the DVDs. Also, I personally am not a fan of the ending theme. With the opening theme of this show being so awesome they seemed to have skimped out on making a decent end theme. But that is naturally just my musical preference, you might love the end theme and hate the opening.

All in all, the Nanoha series is definitely worth a watch if you like this genere. And even if you don't it's not really a "magical girl anime" in the purest sense of the term. If I were to have named it I would have named it "Sciency Girl Lyrical Nanoha".

Ratings:
Opening Song: A+
Ending Song: D
Art/Animation: B
Story: A-
DVD: B

Overall:

Ninja Nonsense
Complete box set available by Right Stuf

Plot Summary:
Shinobu is a naive ninja-in-training. In order to test her ninja abilities, she must steal the panties of all the high school girls. The first house she stops at is the abode of one Kaede Shiranui, who happens to catch Shinobu in the act. Kaeda is the voice of reason and the two girls become quick friends, despite a round yellow ball-thing who claims to be a ninja master and tries to get in the way of their friendship.

Thoughts on the matter:
I first was exposed to this anime when I was buying DVDs at the Providence Anime conference. I saw the box and I was thought "haha, ninja's doing nonsense". I didn't buy it there because I didn't have a chance to research it at all. So later I decided to buy it off of Amazon and check it out (the price was way cheaper too). Much to my dismay I broke the first disk when I was trying to get it out of the case! Yes, the DVD is going to get a bad review in a minute. So I had to buy it again! Was it worth purchasing twice?

I would say yes. I was highly amused by this series. I think what I liked the best about this show was how they were totally NOT ninja's in the least. They thought they were but, honestly, the only ninja-esque thing that they had going for them was their outfits. Otherwise it was just a bunch of perverted men (the only ninja that had a name was Sasuke) and an extremely pervert yellow blob thing hanging out in a world of "ninjas". Shinobu is some how totally oblivious to this and that makes for some amusing interactions between the yellow blob thing, Shinobu and Kaede. That being said though, if perverted/fart/random humor doesn't amuse you, stay away from this anime. Stay very far away. At least 200 feet I would say.

There wasn't much in the way of a plot, but this anime didn't need it. It is one of those random/slice-of-life type anime that just focus on the day to day routines on the characters. One of my favorite scenes was when Onsokumaru and Sasuke wanted to hang out with Kaede and Shinobu and they turned them down. So in order to make themselves feel better (and so it didn't look like they were desperately trying to go out with the girls) Onsokumaru and Sasuke made up a "club" that they go to where they "shine the sun light off the back of CDs into crows eyes to make them fall". Yes. This is the type of humor that you will find in this show. Once again, if random is not your thing, this anime is not for you.

I'm also a huge fan of parodies and this is so obviously a parody of Naruto it's not even funny! Shinobu wears a head band that is, in short, a spin off of a forehead protector. Also, the only ninja who is named is Sasuke and Onsokumaru sounds suspiciously like Orchimaru. But I think that the most obvious connection is the only ninja move that Shinobu seems to do is ninpou bunshin no jutsu. That is ninja art clone ability. Sounds suspiciously like Naruto's primary move the kage bunshin no jutsu does it not?

I have limited issues with this series because it was never intended to be taken seriously. The biggest issue I have is clearly the DVD. No, not the DVD when you actually get to watch it, but the DVD casing. It is like you need to be a ninja just to get the DVDs out. I have never broken a DVD before just trying to get it out of the case. Thank you Ninja Nonsense for giving me a first. I will forever hate your DVD for this.

Ratings:
Opening Song: B
Ending Song: B+
Art/Animation: B
Story: ?? There's a story?!
DVD: D

Overall:

Issue Number Twenty Four - What makes an anime popular?

Today's topic was brought to you by: `DCZed

Ah yes, the age old question of "Why is this popular?". A valid question I must say and I often find myself asking myself that very question about a variety of different things. For instance, music. I hear some band and I think "Wow, this is terrible, why do people like and how the heck are the a big name band?!" Or perhaps it's a movie, TV show or sports team. It is a question that gets asked of all sorts of things so naturally the same holds true for anime: Why is this popular? In this DAOS article I hope to shed some light on this age old topic with my views.

What does popular mean?

Popular to me means something that is loved by the majority. Of course this is my little vague interpretation and a bit broad and naturally not everyone likes the popular things. Actually, some people out there don't like things just because they are popular. I now find that to be a bit awkward myself, "Ohh, everyone likes this? Ok then, I'll hate it", though I admit I was guilty of that back in the day as well. So why don't we turn to the trusty dusty dictionary.com to help us out? I'll use the first definition as to not bombard you with all 8 of them.

Pop-u-lar
Regarded with favor, approval, or affection by people in general.

So that being said...

What makes an anime popular? Well, just like every other aspect of the entertainment industry and daily interactions there are a variety of reasons as to why. Just like that popular dude in your High School math class, what made that guy so popular? What did he have that made people like him? Same is true for anime. Well, get on with it! What are those things?! Ok ok, I'll tell you (using examples naturally)!

Theme song and opening sequence
The first thing you see (usually. Some anime don't even put the theme in the first episode) is the opening sequence and you hear the theme song. I can admit openly that I have straight up dropped some anime because the theme song didn't catch my ear and the opening turned me off. One anime that did this to me specifically was "Excel Saga". The intro was irksome and the theme burned my ears. Well, I was wrong about this series cause it turns out it is one of my favorites ever! Regardless, I was quick to say "NO WAY!" to this anime because of the intro and theme only to find out it was an awesome show. So if it has a "decent" theme and opening, people will continue to watch it. A prime example of a theme and opening that people loved (which later came to have a cult like following) was "Lucky Star".

Characters
Of course, the theme and opening don't make or break a series, but it might stop you from watching. That is why I mentioned it. If you don't watch cause of it then how can it be popular right? Well, on a more tangible "make or break" level is the characters. They have to appeal to the masses, period. Of course not everyone loves Naruto but they might like Ten-Ten or Kakashi, but the point is there is a character in that show that you can love and that is important. If there is no character that captures your fancy, then why watch? A prime example of this is Zephyris from "Scrapped Princess". I didn't like most of the characters but I did thoroughly enjoy Zephy, so I continued to watch to see her scenes and I enjoyed watching her interactions. Having a character that you can love is a must.

Art style
This is very VERY important. If the art doesn't catch your eye are you gonna watch? Maybe, but you will be less inclined to do so. People are going to naturally navigate towards the styles they like. You like those big shoujo type eyes and shiny everywhere? They you probably are not going to gravitate towards an anime like "Paranoia Agent". You'll probably want to watch "Little Snow Fairy Sugar" instead. But if you look at those really popular anime like "Bleach" or "Naruto" you'll see that the art style is a bit of a hybrid with the big styles. This way it has something for everyone.

Also, another factor is: how does this style differ? Take "Soul Eater" for instance. I can say that it is the only anime I know that uses those types of colors and animation/art style. That makes it stand out and people will be drawn to something new and different. That helps a ton with the popularity of something.

Plot
Does this story keep you interested? That is what actually matters in making something popular. Do you want to see what happens in this show? Lets use "Bleach" for this example. I couldn't stop watching those first 60 something episodes to save my life! They had me enthralled beyond belief! What's gonna happen? what's going on? Oh my GOD! Did they just really die?! It kept me wanting more more MORE! That is so key in the popularity of something. If it bores you, are you gonna watch it? Maybe, but you'll be less inclined indeed.

Now, of course, the story doesn't have to be super-ultra-mega intense to have a good plot. It actually doesn't even NEED a plot to popular. Look at "Azumanga Daioh" or "Lucky Star" for some prime examples of stories that have zero plot but are extremely popular. These shows became popular because of their LACK of a plot and the humor that is found in them. It really all depends on what the show is trying to accomplish.

That's all great and good Mike, but... those don't make something popular

Right you are, those are what make a good anime or show in general. But in order to be popular you have to be good and worth watching so they are just as important as the next topics I am going to cover about why a series can become popular.

Marketing
Quite possibly the biggest reason something gets popular is how it is marketed. Does this anime reach you in your own home? Did they sell it to you or did you have to look for it? Did it have a great advertising scheme and/or trailer? Chances are, it did. A prime example of marketing is "Pokemon". Oh man this show/series has been pushed to the max and is still being pushed to this day. Seriously, you can't miss this show, it is everywhere.

Products/paraphernalia
You have a favorite anime right? But can you get goodies and things of that show? People want things that they can have out on display and to surround themselves with if they love it. Does the anime have it? If it is popular, most definitely! I could find a figure/poser/plushie/whatever of Naruto in the bat of an eye but I'll be dipped if I could find ANYTHING (easily available is the key) of, let's say, "Hidamari Sketch". Of course, some of the titles you think are popular (and probably are) like "Rozen Maiden" have products that are rare to come by, but this is just another aspect of marketing. You could get 50 (made up number) plushies of Pikachu before you could find on figurine of Mai.

Availability
What do you, YOU have to do to see this anime? Is it on Cartoon Network or did you have to buy a DVD? If the show is on easily available TV it has a much higher success rate of becoming popular as opposed to one you have to buy and/or stream/download. That is because it is right there and all you have to do is turn on your TV. No going to the store or hunting for a place to (legally) download, it's literally at the tips of your fingers. "Death Note" is a great example of this. Once it got onto Adult Swim it's popularity sky rocketed!

Deviant Art Artists
Well, you're here obviously and you all have those artists that you love and you all have your group of friends. When one of those people do a fan art of something, they are advertising it to you on a personal level since you can interact with them. Makes a big impact I am sure.

But most important is...
Do your friends like it? Peers are probably the largest component as to why something gets popular. Your friend liked it and showed it to you and then you liked it because you got to see it with your friend and doing anything with friends is better. Of course, not everyone succumbs to peer pressure and will like it "just because" but it has a larger effect that you may think.

Let's Wrap this up!

Naturally I didn't cover everything and/or peoples individual beliefs of what makes something popular, there is no way I could. These are what I believe make something popular. And every once in a while a series comes along that didn't have anything going for it but became popular anyways. For instance "The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya". So there are exceptions to every rule.

I hope that you have enjoyed this article

See you next issue


Upcoming Releases for January 27, 2009!
Anime DVD's
Amaenaideyo!! - The Aroused One Volume 1
Aria The Natural - Collection Part 1
Baccano! Volume 1
Baccano! + Artbox Volume 1
Blood+ Volume 4
Case Closed - Season 4 Box Set
Doujin Work - Pencil and Paper Volume 1
Fullmetal Alchemist - Season 1 Box Set
Hello Kitty's Paradise - Double Pack
Megaman - Collection 1
Naruto Volume 32
One Piece: The Desert Princess and The Pirates: Adventure in Alabasta (Blu-Ray)
Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat - Complete Collection
Story of Saiunkoku - Season 1 Part 3
Str. A. In.: Strategic Armored Infantry
Utawarerumono - Box Set

Manga
Air Gear Volume 11
Alive Volume 7
Fairy Tail Volume 5
Gacha Gacha: The Next Revolution Volume 9
Gon Volume 7
Hell Girl Volume 5
Kamichama Karin-chu Volume 3
Papillon Volume 2
Parasyte Volume 6
Princess Resurrection Volume 5
School Rumble Volume 12
The Wallflower Volume 18
Tsubasa, RESERVoir CHRoNiCLE Volume 20



Anime in Focus: Makai Senki Disgaea

Plot Summary:Based on the hit video game by Nippon Ichi. After a two year slumber, Laharl, the prince of the Netherworld, finds the Netherworld in chaos after the death of his father, King Krichevskoy. Not wasting any time, Laharl, with the help of his father's former vassal Etna, sets out to conquer the Netherworld and proclaim himself Overlord.