This text examines the artistic development of anime, from its origins as a subset of the Japanese film industry to its modern-day status as one of the most popular forms of animation worldwide. Chapter One provides a discussion of the history of anime and the separate phases of the artistic process involved in creating a traditional anime film. The main body of the text comprises nine chapters, each of which is devoted to a detailed analysis of a chosen production and explores the technical and thematic developments pioneered in works such as Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue, and Howl’s Moving Castle. The final chapter examines the impact of the medium within Western contexts, focusing on changing perceptions of anime and on the medium’s frequent appearances within Western pop culture and the fine arts. A complete bibliography and filmography are included.

Dani Cavallaro has written widely about literature, cultural theory, and anime. She lives in London.

Dani Cavallaro
Format: softcover (7 x 10)
Pages: 218
Bibliographic Info: filmography, notes, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2007
pISBN: 978-0-7864-3234-9
eISBN: 978-1-4766-0503-6
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      1

1. Tradition and Innovation in Modern Anime      5

2. Ninja Scroll      21

3. Perfect Blue      37

4. Neon Genesis Evangelion      54

5. Metropolis      71

6. Final Fantasy: The Spirits Within      87

7. Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence      103

8. Appleseed      121

9. Steamboy      137

10. Howl’s Moving Castle      154

11. Anime Synergy      169

Filmography      187

Chapter Notes      195

Bibliography      199

Index      207

“thought-provoking”—Video Watchdog; “a genre deserving comment by mainstream as well as academic critics…analyzes the interplay of Japanese and Western myths…accessible and detailed”—Reference & Research Book News.