"For fans, culture watchers, and perplexed outsiders, this expanded and updated edition of Patrick Drazen's now-classic guide offers an engaging tour of the world of Japanese animation, from older artistic traditions to the works of modern creators like Miyazaki, Otomo, Kon, and CLAMP. Examined are all of anime's major themes, styles, and conventions, plus the familiar tropes of giant robots, samurai, furry beasts, high school heroines, and gay/girl/fanboy...

With entries by experts in the field of Japanese animation, this guide provides a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look at the history and impact of these unforgettable anime.

"Formed by university students in early 1980s, Studio Gainax is now widely esteemed anime company. Although the company's immense popularity could justify a study of its members and their diverse creations, the studio is even more intriguing for its unique approach to animation. Provides a critical overview of the company and its prolific catalog of films"--Provided by publisher.

Whether you dream of riding on a dragon's back like Chihiro, catching the Catbus with Mei, or living in a moving castle with the wizard Howl, this books will show you Studio Ghibli's most beloved characters and films. Why not dress up with Kiki and Pazu, cook ramen with Ponyo, or make your very own animated soot sprite? What are you waiting for?

Japanese style of film animation (anime) has become extremely popular in Western culture. Although in the West its audience previously consisted mainly of young children, it has increasingly become accepted as an art form that can be appreciated by all ages. Here readers discover the controversy that historically surrounded anime's status in the West and its fans struggle to promote it as a serious art form. Anime's leap from Eastern to Western culture...