Normally cliches are something best avoided. Cliches are methods, characters, and story elements that are used to the point of becoming meaningless or losing the original meaning. After reading this post from Mainichi Anime Yume ( a great anime blog for those who haven’t read it yet), I realized there is a place for cliches….
Category: Understanding Anime
Anime Facial Expressions
I wrote about the visual language of anime a while back. However, there are a few things I left out. Anime also has a large range of facial expressions. Although generally facial expressions are easier to understand than visual shorthand like speed lines, there are some that just make you wonder how they came about….
Anime Stereotypes: The Snooty Girl
We love to hate ’em. They come from a family with more money than the entire nation of Japan. Usually blonde, they are stuck up, prissy, and yet deep down pretty sweet girls. The Snooty Girl is another shorthand staple in high school anime. They are often the main source of headache for the protagonist….
Anime Stereotypes: The Clueless Guy
The Clueless Guy is a very common motif in both shonen and shojo. Clueless Guys are very dense about the romantic or sexual interest of others. They are often naive and appear innocent. Although the Clueless Guy is closely related to the Pervert stereotype. Clueless guys have Pervert tendencies but try to hide or control…
Anime Stereotypes: The Library Girl
Glasses? Check. Messed up hair? Check. Air of distraction? Check. The Library Girl is a common stereotype in anime. Smart, socially inept, and often clumsy, she has her own groupies. However, she also doesn’t get enough credit. Spending 16 years (since most are teenagers and genius as well) reading everything in sight gives the Library…