ANIME

2010-10-30T03:36:00.000-07:00

2010-10-29T03:13:00.000-07:00

Introduction

Naruto is an anime and manga series by Masashi Kishimoto. Its main character, Naruto Uzumaki, is a loud, hyperactive, adolescent ninja who constantly searches for approval and recognition, as well as to become Hokage, acknowledged as the leader and strongest of all ninja in the village.

The manga was first published by Shueisha in 1999 in the 43rd issue of Japan's Shonen Jump magazine. As of volume 36, the manga has sold over 71 million copies in Japan. VIZ Media publishes a translated version in the American Shonen Jump magazine. Naruto has become VIZ's best-selling manga series. To date, the first fourteen volumes are available. In order to catch up to the translated anime, VIZ plans to release volumes 16 to 27 three at a time over the months of September to December 2007.

The the first of two anime series, produced by Studio Pierrot and Aniplex, premiered across Japan on the terrestrial TV Tokyo network and the anime satellite television network Animax on October 3, 2002, and is still being aired. Viz also licensed the anime for North American production. Naruto debuted in the United States on Cartoon Network's Toonami programming block on September 10, 2005, and in Canada on YTV's Bionix on September 16, 2005. Naruto began showing in the UK on Jetix on July 22, 2006. It began showing on Toasted TV on January 12, 2007 in Australia, although it could be watched on Cartoon Network in 2006. The first series lasted nine seasons, while Naruto: Shippuuden began its first on February 15, 2007.

Plot Information

A long time ago, a demon fox with nine tails appeared. When a tail was swung, it would destroy a mountain and cause a tsunami. To counter it, the people gathered ninjas. One ninja sealed the monster in a life or death battle and died. That ninja was known as the Fourth Hokage... and with his death, he sealed the powers of the Nina-Tailed Demon Fox into the body of a young boy...

This young boy's name is Uzumaki Naruto. Naruto hopes one day he can become Hokage. Most people in the village dislike him and consider him a pest. Naruto causes havoc in order to get attention; he is ignored because people think he is the actual demon fox. After failing the Genin exam, Naruto is tricked into stealing a scroll to become Genin. He ends up in severe danger but Iruka, his teacher, comes to saves him. However, it ends up being Naruto saving Iruka from possible death and for that, he is upgraded to an official ninja where he begins his journey to become Hokage!

2010-10-29T03:07:00.000-07:00

2010-10-29T03:04:00.000-07:00

Anime Toys

2009-01-09T08:05:00.000-08:00

Anime Toys: How to Profit From Them.

Collecting,Software,HobbiesWhen many individuals think of anime toys, making a profit isn’t always the first thing that comes to mind. Often times, we think of children playing with toys. With that being said, it is more than possible to make money with anime collectable toys. In fact, hundreds, possibly even thousands, of anime collectors and dealers are doing so right now.

When it comes to making a profit with anime toys, one of the most commonly asked questions is “how?” Many beginners want to know exactly how they can collect and make money from anime toys. Before learning more about this fun, exciting, and profitable activity, which is also known as a great hobby for individuals of all ages, there are some important points that must first be touched on.

Even anime collectors who are looking to turn a profit just for extra money are encouraged to look at the buying and selling of anime collectable toys like a job. As with any job or career, happiness and satisfaction is important. To increase your chances of seeing profits with anime collectible toys, it is best if you actually enjoy anime films, television shows, and books. An interest in this great genre is likely to increase your productivity, your happiness, as well as produce better results.

Although it is advised that you have a liking of the anime genre, there are technically no requirements to do so. Many collectors just find themselves with an edge over their competitors when an anime interest is involved. In fact, that is one of the many reasons why anime collecting is increasing in popularity, as it is a hobby that anyone can enjoy.

Another important factor that needs to be examined, when looking to make a profit from the buying and selling of anime collectables is startup costs. Anime collectables, especially those that are rare or part of a limited edition collection, can be hard to find. What does this mean for you? It means that you may have to spend quite a bit of money to make your original purchase. For example, some anime collectable figurines sell for $50 to $100. Although this cost may be a major turn off for new collectors, it is important to keep value in mind. Over time, that collectable may increase in value.

Speaking of an increase in value, it is important to understand the importance of conditions and proper care. Unfortunately, there are many consumers who have to buy an item and open it, as it is a tempt that they just cannot resist. If this is an issue that you regularly deal with, collecting anime toys and other merchandise for profits may not be right for you. Generally speaking, most buyers and dealers will not pay full price for an anime collectable that has been taken out of the box or played with. While this important fact may not seem like a big issue at the time, it can be a problem when trying to resell that same item later on.

As it was previously stated, overtime collectables may turn valuable, especially those left in their original packages and conditions. Unfortunately, this is an important point that many new collectors do not take into consideration. Generally speaking, unless you find an amazing deal, most collectables need to sit in time or become part of a larger collection before they are able to significantly increase in value. Therefore, collectors who are looking to make a profit are encouraged to stay up-to-date on these value increases, as well as examine full collectable sets. Often times, collectors who assume that they can make profits right away are disappointed with the results.

The above mentioned points are just a few of the many that you will want to take into consideration, when looking to buy and sell anime collectible toys for a profit. As a reminder, it is more than possible to do so, but hard work, determination, money, and time are often required to see success.

by ESTEE ANDREW

Anime vs Cartoon

2009-01-09T07:48:00.000-08:00

The Differences Between Anime and Cartoon

Cartoon is a term that once referred to fine art during the renaissance period. Somehow, though, the term’s meaning evolved (or devolved, depending on how you look at it) into humorous and witty illustrations and, finally, into animated programs meant to entertain people, mostly children. For, clarity, the term ‘cartoon’ in this article shall be referring to the animated programs. Recently, however, a new term has been coined: Anime. And the distinction between these two has caused much confusion.

Strictly speaking though, there should be no distinction between anime and cartoon. Anime is a term used by the Japanese to refer to animated cartoons, from their own country and from others as well. Somehow, though, the world started using the term anime in reference to Japanese cartoons exclusively. Japanese animation was once called japanimation, but this term was aptly discarded when the term ‘Anime’ was put into use.

Some say that they see absolutely no difference between the two, even going so far as to classify both cartoons and anime as ‘childish’ because of the nature of how they are presented, much to the woe of anime fans. Technically, there’s no official difference and they are somewhat correct. But you only have to watch a single episode of any anime series and you’ll see that anime is far more than your usual slapstick comedy man-tripping-on-a-banana-peal early morning cartoons. There is a real and profound difference between the two besides their spellings: Anime is so much more than ‘just a cartoon’.

Storylines/Plots

Cartoons usually have a simple and defined plot. And they’re usually about the good guys fighting the bad guys. Cartoons rarely go beyond that old cliché. Most Anime series, on the other hand, are also about the same good vs. evil but the plots are rarely simple and rarely predictable. You’ll find an element of politics, religion, humanity, and a score of several other abstract concepts within an anime. Whereas cartoons are just about ‘evil’ cats chasing ‘innocent’ mice or a hero defending himself and others from a very evil bully. Anime can blur the lines between good and evil so much that you’ll be left wondering which side is really right. Look at the plot of Gundam, there aren’t any good guys or bad guys. They’re both fighting for a cause – a worthy one, and both sides are prepared to do good and evil to achieve their goals. Look at the Wave Country arc of Naruto which is now at Naruto Shippuden. Zabuza, evil as he was, had evoked more sympathetic tears than any of the typical Disney antagonists. There are, however, few exceptions to the ‘cartoons are simple’ rule. There are cartoon series that are far advanced like X-men.

In terms of humor, anime goes beyond the slapstick comedy that cartoons offer. There won’t be any corny joke about the chicken crossing the road with anime. There won’t even be the quintessential banana peal. Anime humor is deep and witty. However, it is to be noted that cartoons are mostly for kids. Anime can be for an adult audience; it mostly is, actually. There are even times when anime plots are hardly suited for children.

Characters

In cartoons, there’s a protagonist, an antagonist, and a damsel in distress. Their roles are well-defined and clear and the characters always act according to their roles. In anime, however, the damsel in distress may very well become the antagonist, leaving the protagonist in distress. There’s no knowing what to expect in anime. Anime characters, a lot of times, are developed overtime through trials and growth, while cartoon characters remain the same from when the show started. (Of course, there are exceptions such as Spiderman.) Since there’s an ongoing plot, Anime characters actually grow up and may even produce the next generation for the series. Anime fans tend to get into the characters a lot deeper because of the characters’ depth and charm. Consider Naruto; viewers see him growing up from an infant to a young powerful ninja, the way he relates to people, the way he learns new techniques, and the way he evolves visually. That is one of the chief reasons for popularities of anime over plain cartoons.

By Henry Hsieh

La corda d'oro primo passo

2009-01-04T22:44:00.000-08:00

INUYASHA

2009-01-04T21:53:00.000-08:00

One Piece

2009-01-04T21:45:00.000-08:00

2009-01-04T21:37:00.000-08:00

2009-01-04T21:24:00.000-08:00

2008-12-28T22:24:00.001-08:00

2008-12-28T21:50:00.000-08:00

2008-12-28T21:45:00.000-08:00

2008-12-28T20:48:00.000-08:00