Magic as Metaphor in Anime

Since its inception as an art form, anime has engaged with themes, symbols and narrative strategies drawn from the realm of magic. In recent years, the medium has increasingly turned to magic specifically as a metaphor for a wide range of cultural, philosophical and psychological concerns.
This book first examines a range of Eastern and Western approaches to magic in anime, addressing magical thinking as an overarching concept which unites numerous titles despite their generic and tonal diversity. It then explores the collusion of anime and magic with reference to specific topics. A close study of cardinal titles is complemented by allusions to ancillary productions in order to situate the medium’s fascination with magic within an appropriately broad historical context.

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

Dani Cavallaro
Format: softcover (6 x 9)
Pages: 220
Bibliographic Info: notes, filmography, bibliography, index
Copyright Date: 2010
pISBN: 978-0-7864-4744-2
eISBN: 978-0-7864-5620-8
Imprint: McFarland

Preface      1

Chapter 1: The Frame of Reference      3

Chapter 2: Magic Contracts      18

Chapter 3: Magic Missions      53

Chapter 4: Magic Natures      85

Chapter 5: Magic Bildungsromans      117

Chapter 6: Magic Destinies      152

Filmography      191

Chapter Notes      203

Bibliography      205

Index      209