editor@awn.com
An Animated Detail
In response to: The Anime "Porn" Market (Patten
3.4)
The New York Times did not describe Doraemon as scantily clad. They
were referring to Visionary by U-Jin, which had a genuine scantily
clad female android from the future named Doreimon. Of course, it was a reference
to the kid's show, but it wasn't a kid's show itself.
Sincerely,
Ken Arromdee
In Support of Littardi
In response to: Littardi
3.4
Though working in the animation field and living in France, I was not aware
of M. Littardi's problems. I do agree that this trial sends us back to the
dark ages of "Pétainism." [Editor's Note: Pétain
was the right-wing temporary president of France during Germany's WWII occupation
of the country.] Wasn't law 49-956 edicted by Vichy's government? France
is supposed to be the champion of the `droit d'auteur,' which includes the
right of writing and publishing freely. As far as I can see, AnimeLand
is not exactly Mein Kampf ! This trial is a shame as far as freedom
of expression and the press is concerned. Besides, any child can switch on
the television and see people dying on the 20h news, or copulating in a show
30 minutes later. All of this sounds like sheer hypocrisy. Animation for adults
must exist.
Sincerely,
Pierre Colin-Thibert
Writer for animated children's series, as well as many radio and television
screenplays.
We have heard from Animation World Magazine readers around the world
in support of Tibor Clerdouet, Yvan West Laurence and Cedric Littardi. M.
Littardi is still seeking letters of support to use in his trial.
The State of Visual Narrative In Film And Comics
I totally and emphatically agree with Peter Chung's assessment of "The
State of Visual Narrative In Film And Comics" (Chung
3.4) especially where comics are concerned. These days I purchase comics
solely for the artwork (and at that, I have to be extremely choosy) because
the stories are so bad. The last comic book I thoroughly enjoyed was Batman
Adventures: Mad Love by Paul Dini and Bruce Timm. It was very fast paced,
but told its story purely through pictures and dialogue. It was actually good!
Unfortunately, DC Adventures Comics are the best ones to read because they
follow a show that translates the super-heroic medium very well. However,
whenever they throw in a thought balloon, I'm automatically annoyed.
In addition, comics creators are now out for the loot and are sometimes getting
it. Look at McFarlane's Spawn, a highly overrated, dark comic book.
It's outselling Marvel and DC titles! That just shows how much the market
has hit bottom. Most American comic art, in trying to combine Japanese manga
and some badly drawn exaggerated fan looking art style, fail in achieving
the effect. It has flash, but like violence, one can become desensitized to
that flash. I guess this is just one symptom of the fast food culture of America.
I believe many animators should be doing comics because they have great knowledge
of pacing and visualizing. I've enjoyed Bruce Timm's and Brad Rader's comic
book work because they offer a great deal of additional material unknown to
the reader.
Sincerely,
Neil A. Hansen
P.S. I want Peter to try out a series of graphic novels featuring a heroine
named Kelly Green by Leonard Starr and Stan Drake. These fast-paced adventures
opened my eyes to really good writing and illustration. Even though they are
out of print, they are worth the hunt.
Note: Readers may contact any Animation World Magazine contributor by sending an e-mail to editor@awn.com.
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