Representation: Conventions of the Anime genre

Anime, or Japanese animation, refers to a particular style of productions that are created in Japan. They come in many formats, such as graphic novels, video games, film and television series and often have rather unique attributes, particularly in their art style. Many anime productions have seen a surge in popularity in Western areas of the world, which could be attributed to successful televisions series such as the infamous adoptions of Nintendo's gaming series Pokemon, and the critically acclaimed film company Studio Ghibli. This has also led to American companies and others like them into creating Anime-inspired TV series such as W.I.T.C.H.

Anime television series have noticeable characteristics that are seen across the whole genre. The conventions can more often than not include:

• Colourful graphics
• Action filled plots
• Story lines that focus or fantastical or futuristic themes
• Exaggerated personalities
• Sometimes over the top art design of characters (such as over emphasised features)
• Light hearted or comical story lines
• Exaggerated voice acting
• Occasional unrealistic backgrounds (such as block colours often used in fight scenes)
• Interestingly, many have focuses or the elements or nature in some way
• Magic or some variation of power is often seen.
• Japanese influenced soundtracks and theme songs

This is all evident in a popular TV anime series entitled Ah! My Goddess, which I have recently been watching.