Could someone explain to me exactly what 'FAN SERVICE" is? I never have understood the term, but have never actually bothered asking till now.
I've always thought it meant references for the audience. For example, in one episode of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, Raphael says "What do you think this is? A cartoon?". The Simpsons is full of it, especially in reference to what US state Springfield is in.
I read somewhere that in anime, fan service is sexually tilted. ie. a brief shot up someone's skirt. I don't think fan service is strictly limited to this.
In any case, it's part of the show that's done consciously for the audience rather that necessary for the plot, character development, etc.
The placement of hyotantsugi (the funny pig creature) in Astroboy is an example of fan service. It's just there to serve the fans.
Sexual Fantasies when done 'right' in Japaneese media of any sort is brilliant. I would rather watch say erotic Ghost Story than Fatal attraction so to speak. However, Japan doesnt seem to have the same 'moral bariers' in their society that we have here. I am not 'accusing' them of being immoral as obviously the definition of that alters from culture to culture. But as I am Australian some of the 'sexual issues' that arise on the more mature Japan media (Gunsmith Cats for eg) that are portrayed as 'common' just kinda give me the willies.
I don't remember anything creepy in Gunsmith Cats, but there's definately some anime where I think the females are portrayed as a little too young for their circumstances. I read a funny web article on anime that claimed the age of consent in Japan is foetus. (well it was funny in context)
Alright, getting to my top 10 favourite Anime series/OAVs:
1.
Astroboy (of course)
2.
Ninja Scroll (the TV series, exceptionally good)
3.
Neon Genesis Evangelion (a classic, forcably underrated over time)
4.
3x3 Eyes (love the plot devices and characters)
5.
Goku Midnight Eye (sooooo cool)
6.
Dragonball Z (I quite like it, pity it seems to attract a lot of young arrogant dickheads)
7.
Zoids (great story once you get into it)
8.
Star Blazers (a classic)
OMG that's sad! I haven't seen much, and I can't bring myself to put the likes of Crush Gear on the list.
I've also left off Transformers, Yu-Gi-Oh! and other kid's anime that I find a bit average and repetative. I've seen Burn Up W and Gunsmith Cats and a few others, but they didn't particularly stick in my mind. I have Ghost in the Shell SAC I've been meaning to watch, I'm sure that'll take some place in the top 5. I've also seen Macross Plus and found it dull. I'm still trying to get into Cowboy Beebop.
Top 10 favourite Anime movies:
1.
Ninja Scroll (all round excellent)
2.
Spirited Away (amazing, a very close second)
3.
Akira (breathtaking)
4.
Final Fantasy (forgot it was animated while watching)
5.
Ghost in the Shell (a classic)
6.
Castle of Cagliostro (very entertaining)
7.
The Wings of Honeomaise (amazing quality animation)
8.
Perfect Blue (gripping)
9.
Animatrix (some bits great, some average)
10.
Spriggan (good action, story lacks a bit)
I honestly haven't seen much else. Patlabour 2, Black Jack and another one which I can't remember.
Anime on my list to see are:
Grave of the Fireflies (apparently the saddest ending of all time)
Fist of the North Star (with alcohol and pizza, preferably)
Princess Mononoke (I've wanted to see this for the longest time)
Excel Saga (as soon as I can be bothered making the long drive to the only place I know that has it)
I wouldn't mind seeing Serial Experiments Lain and ..hack//sign (sp?) at some point, as I've heard these are favourites amongst a few people.
Now I'll probably think of 10 more after clicking Add Reply.
