A good reference book for people just getting into anime
Anime Essentials has an introduction and ten chapters, all of which are framed by the anime Otaku no Video (the cover for the book is also from Otaku no Video). Throughout the book, screen shots from the anime are included under the title "Lessons From Otaku no Video." Below each screen shot is an explanation of the context of the shot in the anime, and how it ties in to the topic being discussed in that part of the book.
In each chapter, when Poitras comes to a term that needs to be defined, or has other notes to include to explain concepts, there is a break in the text. After putting a line of dots in bold print, the term or concept will be listed underneath. The explanation for the term or the concept is in a different font from the rest of the text in the book.
In the book, Poitras explains how anime is released, looks at the eras of anime, explains various anime genres, talks about anime conventions, connections with manga, how to be a fan, controversies in anime, anime merchandise, recommends some anime titles, and also includes a listing of some print and online anime resources. One of the most interesting things Poitras did in the book is to break out the "generations" of American anime fans, as to when they became aware of anime. I had never seen this done before, so I found this section to be of interest. However, I have to question why Sailor Moon was given a generation, but that Dragon Ball Z did not. While Sailor Moon helped bring more awareness to anime to young girls, Dragon Ball Z is also an important milestone. Outside of that, however, I think Poitras did a good job breaking down the generations of American anime fandom.
Anime Essentials is a fairly quick and easy read, and is definitely geared more toward anime newcomers than to seasoned anime fans. However, I still found some sections of the book enjoyable. Not only did I learn something from the American anime fan generations, I also learned a bit about the anime merchandise that is released in Japan. I would definitely recommend Anime Essentials to someone who is just starting to wade into anime fandom, or to those who are still early on in their anime fandom.
The ESSENTIALL book for anyone wanting to "get their toe wet" in anime!
I have been an anime fan now for about 6 or 7 years, and like most here in the U.S., I got my anime roots through undam Wing (I am still a HUGE Gundam fan). Anyway, I saw features about this book in some magazines I read, so I went to my local comic book store to buy it. It showed me EVERYTHING I needed to at least get a basic understanding of the themes and different variations of anime. Now, I enjoy all styles of anime and am even beginning to build a small collection. I would also recommend at least checking out "What's Japanese in Japanese Animation". I know I sure will.
Limited but useful in it's area
This book is much better at talking about anime fan culture than anime itself. If you're interested in knowing more about the films, there are better resources such as "Anime Explosion", "Samurai from Outer Space" or, for the more academically inclined, "Anime from Akira to Princess Mononoke"
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