The Teen Titans TV series, an example of Amerime.
Amerime, sometimes americanime, is a term referring to a style of animation that emulates the ubiquitous Japanese anime style. Though most of these works are created by and primarily shown in the U.S. (hence the name), it should be noted that not all Amerime is of American origin; for example, one recent series, Totally Spies!, is created by French company Marathon. In some cases, Amerime can also refer to "true" anime works done by Japanese studios but based on American content (i.e., the 2006 Witchblade anime, Demashita! Powerpuff Girls Z). In a few cases, amerime will refer to original anime works edited drastically enough that it has essentially become an entirely different series.
The term is sometimes used as a derogatory by critics and fans of anime and limited animation alike, for a number of reasons, among them the idea that the "Americanization" of anime is untrue to original works, or that original "amerime" works are insulting to "true" anime (that made in Japan). This view is not held by all fans.
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History
As predecessors, Amerime owes to Amerimanga and La nouvelle manga, due to manga influences affecting the American and Franco-Belgian comic book industries; at the same time, the increasing amount of Japanese anime series coming into the US, starting mainly with Robotech (possibly the first series labeled as "amerime", though other Americanized anime series were broadcast as early as the 1950s) impacted a generation of writers, animators and artists. On a similar level, Japanese cinema, such as jidaigeki, also influenced directors and others. As the Japanese artforms created an impact, creators within the two regions began to emulate the styles, dynamics, and cliches of the Japanese forms.
Visually, there are still some differences between true anime and Amerime, and in some cases, enough so that it can be spotted by most fans of the genre, this could be considered somewhat ironic, as the very presence the same demographic behind anime is the driving force behind Amerime. While anime from Japan tends to immerse the characters, actions and settings in a Japanese context due to the experiences of the creators, Amerime tends to place little stock in these or will sometimes leave such devices out entirely. This has caused critics of the style to refer to Amerime as nothing more than retrofitting anime styling to western plotlines. Additionally, Amerime is recut for US television and audiences, and will oftentimes have a different pace than its Japanese counterparts. Another difference is fanservice; where it may be present to some degree or other in most anime works, Amerime will often forgo this.
Going the other way, at least two American animated television series have singled out anime styling with sarcastic intent in single episodes: South Park (with "Chinpokomon" and "Good Times With Weapons") and The Angry Beavers. South Park has a notable drawing style, which was itself parodied in "Brittle Bullet", the fifth episode of the anime FLCL, released several months afer "Chinpokomon" aired. Furthering the cycle is Teen Titans, an Amerime that references FLCL on multiple points[1].
Examples of Amerime
Aeon Flux
Avatar: the Last Airbender
Ben 10
Code: LYOKO (Although, this series was created in France)
Hi Hi Puffy AmiYumi
Jackie Chan Adventures
Kappa Mikey
Martin Mystery
Megas XLR
Samurai Jack
Super Robot Monkey Team Hyperforce Go!
Teen Titans
The Boondocks (TV series)
W.I.T.C.H.
Totally Spies!
Xiaolin Showdown
See also
External links
- American Anime:Blend or Bastardization?, EX.org
- American Anime - Is it Possible?, Animefringe.com
Categories: Anime and manga terminology | Animation