Is ATLA techincally anime?

[The Lion Turtle]

From TV.com's Avatar Forums:

RaitoRaki: Is it [ATLA] technically anime?

Asterisk09: Avatar is NOT anime! >.< Avatar is not from Japan!
As an otaku, I believe that Avatar is not anime because it is not Japanese animation. It may look like anime but it isn't. I think this argument can go on but I'm gonna stop here.

Starlilica: I had brought this topic up once before, and lo and behold, I was proven wrong.

Yes, Avatar is not from Japan, which for most people Japanese cartoons -> anime, but it's drawn in the style of anime, and is close to children's anime that I've seen.

And if this isn't anime, then American doujinshi isn't manga (which is untrue).

I'm pretty otaku myself, but I admit my defeat. You sounded so offended when you said that. -^_^-

Anyways, it's not the point. The point is that it's good animation with wonderfully evolved and very human characters and an intricately woven web of plot. If it isn't anime, it's certainly "anime-quality."

:: Starlilica is me ::

Does anyone remember when I brought it up? I was quite yelled at.

Anyways, what do you think?

[sukai]

Oh...my GOD! I get yelled at all the time for being logical. >.<
I agree w/you.

[rairii]

My brother is constantly getting on me about Avatar not being anime. People, anime is the style, not the nationality. Avatar can mnost definitely be labeled as anime by my standards. That's like saying my friends and I don't draw manga just because we're not from Japan.

[The Lion Turtle]

Just because I can speak a language doesn't mean I'm from there.

[chinagirl7594]

Dude, a lot of people say that ATLA isn't anime. Even my own friend from piano lesson says it isn't! When we were playing a card game and the topic was anime, I suggested ATLA and then she says it's not anime. I said it technically was, then the yelling comes. Geez, she was even close to cussing in my face. I don't like cussing, it clouds up my thoughts...

[The Lion Turtle]

Well, it's not JAPANESE, and that's fine. I think we can all agree on that, yes?

But it is drawn in the anime style, therefore, it is anime.

[chinagirl7594]

I totally agree on that. Hey, if it's under the anime catagory at fanfitcion.net and I think it's anime, the heck, it's anime for cryin' out loud!

[chao]

Yeah my friend hates Avatar becasue she says its a rip off of anime.

[chinagirl7594]

Some people at piano think Avatar is-dare I say it here,- gay.*Slaps self in the face* Maybe because they haven't taken the time to actually PROVE that it is, but it's Anime. A lot of people say it's a rip off of anime, even my own friends.

[midori]

If you watched Avatar, didn't know where it made, or by who, would you think it was anime? I would.

Here's what I think - short and sweet.

It's not Japanese.
Anime stands for ANIMATION in that style.
Avatar is an animation in that style, yes?

There is a lot of debate about that, but overall I think it can be considered anime, even if it may not be to the bone 'anime.'

[siyuki]

I think it's anime. Isn't anime a style? I know I kept hearing complaints from people that said "Nick is ripping-off of anime!!!111" Um, no. You can't really "rip-off" a style. And that's what anime is. Plus, I believe I read somewhere that anime is influenced by Disney animation. Why, then, can't America be influnced off of "real anime"?

But to me, I don't care if it's anime or not. If it's good, I'll watch it.

[uyersuyer]

I don't care if it's anime or not; I care that they blatently try to be anime.

It's written and drawn by Americans. Can someone tell me, then, why all the signs and stuff are written in Japanese unless they're important and meant to be read?

[sakurako]

I don't think it really matters. All I care about is that it's a great show with amazing animation and well-developed characters. The plot is great too. Also, I've seen anime shows that are CRAPPY. Who cares if it's "trying" to be anime? It is a great show, regardless of whether or not it is anime. Having an anime-based show isn't always the best thing; sometimes it can makes the show worse.

[siyuki]

uyersuyer said:

I don't care if it's anime or not; I care that they blatently try to be anime.

It's written and drawn by Americans. Can someone tell me, then, why all the signs and stuff are written in Japanese unless they're important and meant to be read?

Actually, the signs are written in Chinese. I'm not trying to be picky, just saying. ^^;

And why are the signs not in English? The same reason to have the bending arts based off of martial arts: it gives it a certian quality.

Also, IMO, I've seen anime that had animation that stunk compared the Avatar.

[jialingjin]

uyersuyer said:

It's written and drawn by Americans.

And also, Avatar is animated by two animation studios over in Korea. I forget their names off the top of my head and don't feel like digging out the interview.

Back to the topic.
I consider Avatar anime because again, it is drawn in that that style. I don't see why there is such a big debate over whats anime and what isn't because, overall.. they are all cartoons. Some are good, some are bad.

And even if Avatar is a Copy-Cat cartoon.. isn't it a good
sign that America is starting to embrace other cultures rather than shoot them down in a firery un-glory-like blaze simply because we don't understand them?

It's like the lip plates of Africa.. Women who have stretched their lower lips out far to hold a certain sized plate are considered attractive, beautiful, and more worth. But in our society.. we look at that and go.. "Ew!" (Sometimes).

So while Avatar may not be Anime, or American Anime or even a Copy Cat Anime.. it's a embrace of another culture.. which kids today need more of.