Anime becoming bigger in United States
The anime craze has hit the United States and continues to grow in popularity. Pokemon was the first anime to have an extended amount of success in the United States and since then, other anime shows and manga (Japanese comics) products are now making their way into the U.S. Dragon Ball Z is another (live action movie coming out in April of this year). Many of the anime today is based off of some kind of older Japanese myth or folklore striking a unique display of literature through animation. The cultural entities come out in anime, many of which are unfamiliar to the American public. Much of the anime culture has also grown in the American pop culture through video games and entertainment. Final Fantasy and many games of its vein helped popularize the genre as well. It is difficult to pinpoint when anime first penetrated the shores of America, but it continues to grow at an abnormal rate. More and more classes are being taught at the university level that discuss the ideas and the cultural references in anime. Some universities and high schools have also formed, officially, anime clubs. Anime is also a featured at the San Diego Comic Con and New York Comic Con further expanding its reaches. Though it’s not a new phenomenon, it’s one that is growing at an abnormal rate. If you look closely enough, the cable package you ordered has a 24-hour anime channel. American comics and animation are taking a back seat to the sales made by anime and manga. In 1990, there were approximately 2,000 stores worldwide devoted to comic and comic book sales. Today, there are approximately 10,000, which the majority of them carrying 60 percent anime and manga, 40 percent other. Odd how one show can expand to become a fierce conglomeration of entertainment.