Animesque

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Animesque
My Life Me (2010), a French and Canadian-produced anime-inspired show.
Other names	Faux-anime, Amerime, Americanime, Franime, anime-influenced animation
Decade of origin	2000s
Key motifs	Anime-inspired Western animation
Key values	Cuteness, drama, exaggeration
Related aesthetics	Animecore Cartooncore Cutecore Emo Kawaii Magical Girl Mary Sue Neko Nostalgiacore Orientalism Poster Gal Scene Superflat Pop

Animesque is a term that describes animation produced outside of Japan that incorporates visual tropes and elements associated with Japanese anime. This often includes character designs with large, expressive eyes; unusually colored and styled hair; and exaggerated facial expressions for comedic or dramatic effect. Body proportions can be realistic or stylized, sometimes drawing inspiration from Westernized forms of kawaii aesthetics or chibi caricatures.

This style can encompass both Western animations inspired by Japanese anime and works co-produced between animators from Japan and a Western country (such as Canada, the United States, or France, respectively). While "anime" is often associated with a specific Japanese style in the West, in Japan it broadly encompasses any forms of animation, so technically, these examples could be considered "anime" regardless of their adherence to that style. However, the appropiation of anime has been subject to debate. Interestingly enough, early anime was influenced by American animation from the 1930s and 1940s, so this suggests a "full-circle" evolution.

History

Anime's influence on Western animation began with its rise in popularity outside of Japan in the late 20th century. Early anime like Astro Boy (1963), Speed Racer (1967), and Battle of the Planets (1978) gained a following in the West, introducing audiences to anime's distinct visual style and storytelling. This exposure influenced Western animators, and led to the emergence of the Animesque style.

This is a timeline of how this influence has evolved:

• 1980s: Shows like ThunderCats (1985) and Transformers (1984) displayed some anime influences in their character designs and action sequences, indicating a growing awareness of the style.
• 1990s: Batman: The Animated Series (1992) incorporated some elements of anime aesthetics, particularly in its use of dynamic action and stylized visuals. The influence of this show would pave the way for more overt Animesque works.
• Early-2000s: This period saw a surge in Animesque animation, coinciding with its growing international popularity. Shows like Teen Titans (2003) and Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005) successfully integrated anime-inspired aesthetics with Western storytelling, achieving both critical acclaim and commercial success.
• Early-2010s to Present: Animesque continued to evolve, with works like RWBY (2013) and Castlevania (2017) showing a more mature and sophisticated approach to the style. These works often blended CGI animation with anime-inspired visuals and explored more complex themes.

Visuals

• Large and expressive eyes, with detailed pupils and highlights
• Hair often unusually colored, with exaggerated volume or greater animation
• Exaggerated facial expressions
  • Sweat drops, representing worry or anxienty
  • Chibi-like caricatures for comedic effect
• A combination of realistic and stylized body proportions, with small mouths/noses and large heads
• Speed lines, used to convey rapid movement and action
• Motion blurs, used to emphasize the impact of blows or the speed of actions
• Combinations of Western and Eastern animation techniques

Subgenres

Manfra

Manfra, a combination of the words "manga" and "français" (French), refers to manga-inspired bandes dessinées made in France.

Criticism

The incorporation of Japanese anime styles in Western animation has sparked debate about the definition of "anime" itself. Some critics and fans argue that labeling original American works as "anime" diminishes their cultural identity. Others contend that series like Avatar: The Last Airbender and Voltron: Legendary Defender challenge the notion of anime as exclusively Japanese, suggesting that a broader definition based on style rather than national origin might be more appropriate. This debate touches on concerns about Orientalism and cultural appropriation, with some arguing that a strict definition of anime as Japanese reinforces stereotypes.

A key distinction between anime and many Western cartoons is the potential for mature themes and content. Many anime shows explore complex themes like violence, suffering, and death, demonstrating that animation can be a medium for storytelling that goes beyond children's entertainment. The willingness to represent mature themes is a characteristic of anime that distinguishes it from many Western cartoons.

Media

Television

• Avatar: The Last Airbender (2005)
• Ben 10 (2005-2014)
• Bunny Maloney (2009)
• Castlevania (2017)
• Code Lyoko (2003)
• Generator Rex (2010-2012)
• High Guardian Spice (2021)
• LoliRock (2014-present)
• My Life Me (2010-2011)
• Oban Star-Racers (2006)
• Onyx Equinox (2020)
• Os Under-Undergrounds (2016-2021)
• RWBY (2013)
• She-Ra and the Princesses of Power (2018)
• Teen Titans (2003)
• The Boondocks (2005)
• The Legend of Korra (2012)
• ThunderCats (2011)
• Virtual Hero (2018-2020)
• Totally Spies! (2001)
• Voltron: Legendary Defender (2016)
• Bee and Puppycat (2013-2019)
• Miraculous Tales of Ladybug and Cat Noir (2015-Present)

Film

• Totally Spies! The Movie (2009)
• Brijes 3D (2010)

Gallery

From "Ensign Sue Must Die!", a classic parody of the Mary Sue stereotype.