What are anime?
Anime (Japanese: アニメ )are Japanese animated productions
featuring hand-drawn or computer animation. Anime includes animated
television series, short films and full-length feature films. The word is the abbreviated pronunciation of "animation" in Japanese. In English, the term is defined as a Japanese-disseminated animation style often characterized by colorful graphics, vibrant characters and fantastic themes. The intended meaning of the term sometimes varies depending on the context.
While the earliest known Japanese animation dates to 1917, and many
original Japanese animations were produced in the ensuing decades, the
characteristic anime style developed in the 1960s—notably with the work
of Osamu Tezuka—and became known outside Japan in the 1980s.
Anime, like manga,
has a large audience in Japan and recognition throughout the world.
Distributors can release anime via television broadcasts, directly to video, or theatrically, as well as online.
Both hand-drawn and computer-animated anime exist. It is used in television series, films, video, video games, commercials, and Internet-based releases, and represents most, if not all, genres of fiction. As the market for anime increased in Japan, it also gained popularity in East and Southeast Asia. Anime is currently popular in many different regions around the world.
Anime Visual characteristics
Many commentators refer to anime as an art form.As a visual medium, it can emphasize visual styles. The styles can vary
from artist to artist or from studio to studio. Some titles make
extensive use of common stylization: FLCL, for example, has a reputation for wild, exaggerated stylization. Other titles use different methods: Only Yesterday or Jin-Roh take much more realistic approaches, featuring few stylistic exaggerations; Pokémon uses drawings which specifically do not distinguish the nationality of characters.
While different titles and different artists have their own artistic
styles, many stylistic elements have become so common that describe them
as definitive of anime in general. However, this does not mean that all
modern anime share one strict, common art-style. Many anime have a very
different art style from what would commonly be called "anime style",
yet fans still use the word "anime" to refer to these titles. Generally,
the most common form of anime drawings include "exaggerated physical
features such as large eyes, big hair and elongated limbs... and
dramatically shaped speech bubbles, speed lines and onomatopoeic, exclamatory typography."
The influences of Japanese calligraphy and Japanese painting also characterize linear qualities of the anime style. The round ink brush traditionally used for writing kanji and for painting, produces a stroke of widely varying thickness.
Anime also tends to borrow many elements from manga, including text
in the background and panel layouts. For example, an opening may employ
manga panels to tell the story, or to dramatize a point for humorous
effect. See for example the anime Kare Kano
Character design
Basic character designs use techniques implemented in cartoon design.Among these techniques include the use of reference sketches to ensure character proportionality and multiple angle designs.
John Opplinger, an analyst for AnimeNation, noted that like in any other medium the importance of a recognizable silhouette allowing viewers to instantly recognize the a character. However he stated that although anime series that featured of distinctive and memorable characters from prolific designers contained many examples of not performing well, whereas other series that relied on very narrow variances between characters have been popular. Opplinger stated that although ultimately the majority of the contemporary character designs in anime series evolve to match the tastes of the paying audience, there are occasional shows that feature distinctive character designs.
Character Action figure
An action figure is a posable character figurine, made of plastic or other materials, and often based upon characters from a film, comic book, video game, or television program. These action figures are usually marketed towards boys and adult collectors. It is argued that action figures are particularly popular with boys because they represent traditional masculine traits and are closely associated with the public sphere.While most commonly marketed as a children's toy, the action figure has gained wide acceptance as an adult collector item. In such a case, the item may be produced and designed on the assumption it will be bought solely for display.
Production
Raw materials
Modelling clay and various sculpting tools are used to create the prototype. The actual figure is molded from a plastic resin, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS). This is a harder plastic used to form the main body. Softer plastics and nylon, may be used for costume components including body suits, capes, and face masks. As a final decoration, acrylic paints of various colors may be used to decorate the figure. In addition, more elaborate toys may contain miniature electronic components that provide light and sound effects.
Design
Once the character has been selected, the actual design process
begins with sketches of the proposed figure. The next step is the
creation of a clay prototype. This model is made by bending aluminum
wires to form the backbone of the figure, known as an armature. The wire
form includes the outline of the arms and legs posed in the general
stance that the figure will assume. The sculptor then adds clay to the
armature to give the basic weight and shape that is desired. The clay
may be baked slightly during the prototyping process to harden it. Then,
the sculptor uses various tools, such as a wire loop, to carve the clay
and shape details on the figure.
After creating the basic form, the sculptor may choose to remove the
arms and work on them separately for later attachment. This gives the
sculptor more control and allows him to produce finer details on the
prototype. Working with blunt tools, the sculptor shapes the body with
as much detail as is desired. During this process, photo and sketch
references are used to ensure the figure is as realistic as possible.
Some sculptors may even use human models to guide their design work.
After the general body shape is complete, the sculptor adds the finer
details, paying close attention to the eyes, nose, and mouth that give
the figure its lifelike expression. The designer may attach a rough lump
of clay on the main figure as a temporary head while the real head is
sculpted on a separate armature. This allows the sculptor to finish the
figure's facial expressions independently of the body. At this point,
the finished head can be attached to the main armature and joined to the
body with additional clay. Once the head is attached, the neck and hair
are sculpted to properly fit to the figure. Then, depending on the
design of the figure, the costume may be sculpted directly onto the
body. However, if a cloth costume or uniform will be added later, the
prototype is sculpted without any costume details. During this process,
parts of the clay may be covered with aluminum foil to keep it from
prematurely drying out. Once everything is completed, the entire figure
is baked to harden the clay.
The sculpted prototype is then sent for approval to the manufacturer.
Once all design details have been finalized, the prototype is used to
make the molds that will form the plastic pieces for the mass-produced
figure. The entire sculpting process may take about two weeks, depending
on the skill and speed of the sculptor. This process may be repeated
several times if revisions must be made to the figure. Several months
are typically allowed for this design phase.
Characteristics and features
Articulation
A common feature among action figures is body articulation, often referred to as points of articulation (POA) or joints. The most basic forms of articulation include one neck joint, two shoulder joints, and two hip joints. Beyond these, rotating wrists, bending knees, and a swiveling waist are also common. Various terms have come into practice such as a "cut" joint, frequently used to allow a basic head rotation at the neck or arm rotation at the shoulder. The "T" joint at a figure's hips commonly allows up to 180° of front-to-back leg rotation; although, this may vary. Ball joints often allow more liberal movement than a cut, such as the figure's head being able to tilt in addition to a cut's strict vertical rotation. Basic knee articulation often relies on what is considered a pin joint.
