Anime is a wonderful thing. I’m so glad it’s finally reaching our shores en masse. However, I’m sick of seeing artists merely emulating it. Let’s all remember that animation is an American art form first and foremost. Anime is something that should be admired and used for inspiration, but not out right copied. And I say this not just because some kids are enamored with it enough to make crappy Flash movies on Newgrounds, but because even commercial endevours like Cartoon Network’s Teen Titans – a show produced by the brilliant Bruce Timm who swore Anime barely influenced his work – not only copy the look and dynamics of Anime, but its cultural iconography as well (ie. giant sweat drop to show embarrassment). More »