April 2024 Issue

Since the dawn of human civilization, one question has persistently fueled debates and discussions across generations. Initially framed as "who is the most compatible mate," this inquiry has evolved alongside the rapid changes in society into a more nuanced query: "Who embodies the ideal partner?" This fascination is particularly prevalent among enthusiasts of manga and anime, ranking just behind the infamous debate of "Can ABC beat Goku, though?"

For the purpose of this article, we embark on unraveling this age-old enigma by categorizing anime characters into distinct archetypes and subsequently delving into the complexities faced by the trope.

Upon a simple Google search to find common character tropes, these are the results that we got:

Search dated 19 March 2024

As you can see, common character tropes in anime include derederes, sadoderes, danderes, kuuderes, tsunderes, underes, yanderes, byoukideres, and Hachi- Hachiman Hikigaya??? What on earth is bro doing on that list? Schnawg is definitely trying to sneak into the girls’ sleepover.

Jokes aside, these are, indeed, the most famous character tropes in recent Japanese media.

When faced with genres like danderes, kuuderes, and yanderes, the strongest trope was asked, “Who would win, you or them?”. It responded with “If the kuuderes joined forces with the danderes, they would cause me a little trouble.”
“But would you lose?"

As you may have guessed from the previous passage (and panel), tsunderes are the greatest character tropes of all time. They’re often characterized by loudly defiant personalities with twin-tailed hairstyles. Since we have chosen tsunderes as the best character trope (you can argue with a wall), we will now try to address the common complaints regarding tsundere characters and the corrections which can be made in order to build the perfect tsundere (title drop alert!)

1. Not Honest When It Matters

   
   

   The most common complaint people have when it comes to tsundere characters is that they are not honest enough when it matters most, and they keep sending mixed signals (or sometimes off-putting signals) when they vehemently deny their feelings. Sometimes, it gets painful to witness misunderstandings stem out of improper communication, and this happens way too often with tsunderes. One way to get past this problem is to create a tsundere character that knows when to cut the act and be open and honest with his/her feelings. Another solution to this problem is to make the character’s denial so obvious that the other side easily gets the message. This could be done by having the character always say the opposite of what he/she meant, and/or by adding an easily noticeable prefix+suffix combination to every dishonest statement (e.g., “It’s not like… or anything.”) Inda Karane is one such tsundere character.

   
   
   

2. Too Violent:

   
   
   

   Another frequent allegation against tsunderes is that they beat up their partners badly, and then go around as if nothing ever happened. Not a single acknowledgment of being too harsh, nothing. Sure, most authors do this with hilarious intent, but these moments are about as funny as Friends without a laughing track.

   
   

   There are four ways one could fix this issue: create a situation where the tsundere beating up her love interest is justified (e.g., Ayuzawa Misaki), make sure the tsundere character doesn’t beat anyone up (impossible), make sure that even if the tsundere character DOES beat someone up, it is playful and doesn’t harm the other person (or send him flying 300 miles above sea level); or make a tsundere character that will beat someone up, albeit very hard, but actually feel guilt and apologize if it turns out the victim is undeserving of such a battering (Inda Karane).

   
   
   

3. Loud and Obnoxious:

   
   
   

   The tendency for tsunderes to exhibit exaggerated, loud behavior as a means of concealing their affections presents another point of contention. One solution could be to have them lower their volume, though I doubt they’d be tsunderes if they ceased their tantrums. (I do not have a single example of a tsundere that isn’t loud.) However, they’re not the only character trope that is loud, and if you don’t like your characters loud, perhaps ‘Komi Can’t Communicate’ or ‘Aharen-san wa Hakarenai’ would be more up your alley.

As a reward for making it to the end of this article, here are a few famous tsunderes in the world of animanga: Aisaka Taiga (Toradora), Ayuzawa Misaki (Maid-Sama), Kaguya Shinomiya and Miyuki Shirogane (Kaguya Sama-Love is War), Asuka Langley Soryu (Neon Genesis Evangelion), Chitoge Kirisaki (Nisekoi), Nino Nakano (The Quintessential Quintuplets), and, hold on, let me search Google for a sec-

Search dated 19th March 2024

Apparently, Jotaro Kujo, Levi Ackerman, and Saitama are tsunderes as well. Yeah, it adds up.

Author’s Top Picks: Inda Karane (The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You), Ayuzawa Misaki, Shirayuki Kokoa (After A Heartbreak, My Bitter Childhood Friend Is Now Sweet Like Sugar), Stella Vermillion (Chivalry of a Failed Knight)

Naoki Urasawa is a renowned Japanese manga artist known for his popular and critically acclaimed works. While each of his manga series explores unique themes and storylines, there are some notable similarities across his top three works, which are often considered to be Monster, 20th Century Boys, and Pluto.

Let’s begin with summaries of the above mangas.

When brilliant neurosurgeon Dr. Kenzo Tenma saves a young boy's life over an influential patient, it sets off a chain of horrifying events. Years later, that boy, Johan Liebert, has become a monstrous serial killer. Tenma feels responsible and becomes consumed with stopping Johan, embarking on a pursuit across Germany. As Tenma unravels Johan's twisted past and motivations, he encounters a web of characters impacted by the monster he created.

Set in an alternative Astro Boy universe, Pluto follows robot detective Gesicht as he investigates the brutal destruction of advanced robots, including those created by Dr. Tenma. His investigation uncovers a conspiracy linked to the legendary, near-indestructible "Monster" robot. Gesicht crosses paths with Astro Boy (Atom) and the enigmatic Pluto, central to the robot killings. Exploring AI ethics and robot identity, Pluto delves into themes of technological consequences and the line between humans and machines.

In the late 1960s, a group of young boys create an imaginary "Book of Prophecies" about their vision for the future. Decades later, their childhood fiction inexplicably becomes a reality when a mysterious cult arises, hellbent on ushering in doomsday as depicted in the book. An unassuming convenience store owner, Kenji, recognizes the cult's link to his childhood imaginings and is drawn into a desperate struggle to decipher the prophecies and stop the cult's apocalyptic plans.

Three of these mangas follow a distinct character. A genius Neurosurgeon, a prolific detective, and an imaginative failed rockstar working as a shopkeeper. Even though these characters might seem to share nothing in common their journey in these tales says otherwise. Their paths throughout the manga force them to confront their inner selves and their beliefs about morality, redemption, and the depths of human nature.

Urasawa, in all his works, tries to explore various themes about morality and beliefs, here are some of these ;

Moral Dilemmas and Nature of Good/Evil:

•  1. In Monster, Dr. Tenma's decision to save a young boy over an influential patient sets off a tragic chain of events, blurring the line between good and evil intentions.

•  2. In Pluto, the robots grapple with existential questions about their purpose and whether they can be considered truly "good" or capable of evil acts.

•  3. In 20th Century Boys, the childhood "Book of Prophecies" takes on a sinister meaning as a cult tries to bring about an apocalypse, testing the morality of the main characters.

Consequences of Actions/Personal Responsibility:

•  1. Tenma's choice in Monster directly leads to the creation of the monstrous Johan, making Tenma feel responsible for stopping him.

•  2. In Pluto, Gesicht's investigation reveals how the robots' advanced capabilities can have devastating consequences when misused.

•  3. In 20th Century Boys, Kenji's innocent childhood game morphs into a real threat, forcing him to take responsibility for its effects.

Identity/Duality of Human Nature:

•  1. Johan in Monster embodies the duality of outward innocence masking an evil interior self.

•  2. The robots in Pluto struggle with their robotic identities versus seeming to exhibit human qualities like emotions and free will.

•  3. Kenji in 20th Century Boys grapples with reconciling his mundane life with the extraordinary circumstances stemming from his childhood dreams.

Psychological Depth/Character Development:

•  1. Tenma undergoes immense psychological turmoil and growth in his quest to stop Johan in Monster.

•  2. In Pluto, robots like Gesicht and Atom exhibit complex emotions and inner lives rarely seen in their kind.

•  3. The 20th Century Boys group evolves from carefree kids to adults driven by the impact of their childhood visions.

Sociopolitical Commentary/Conspiracies:

•  1. Monster touches on commentary about cults, political unrest, and conspiracies in Germany.

•  2. Pluto explores themes of technological ethics and society's relationship with AI through the robot community.

•  3. 20th Century Boys centers on a doomsday cult conspiracy with roots in the characters' childhood imaginings.

Impact of Childhood Experiences:

•  1. Johan's traumatic childhood in Monster shapes his psychopathic mindset.

•  2. Key robots in Pluto, like Atom, were created based on childlike qualities envisioned by their maker.

•  3. The entire premise of 20th Century Boys stems from childhood dreams manifesting in adulthood with grave results.

Redemption/Atonement:

•  1. Tenma's pursuit of Johan is driven by a need for personal redemption for his part in creating a monster.

•  2. Gesicht's cases in Pluto allow him to unravel ethical issues tied to robotic technology and find purpose.

•  3. Kenji aims to decipher and stop the cult conspiracy as a form of atonement for his childhood fantasies in 20th Century Boys.
  Through these diverse examples, Urasawa masterfully weaves profound philosophical themes and complex human experiences into immersive narratives across his acclaimed works.

Urasawa is known for incorporating compelling short stories within the overarching narratives of his manga series. These self contained tales often serve as interludes or side stories that enrich the main plot, provide additional context, and explore the series' themes from different perspectives.

Here are examples of some of the few memorable stories from the three mangas.

Another Monster Arc in Monster

It explores the life of a former soldier struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder and the trauma inflicted upon him during the war. This arc serves to highlight the psychological complexities of human nature and the lasting impact of violence and tragedy.

The soldier lives the little girl, Daphne as a constant reminder of all the terrible things he had done during the war. They had never had a heartfelt connection. It all changes when Dr. Tenma comes to train under him and he changes Daphne. Seeing her smile for the first time inspires him to how he could make her life a lot better. Instead of living with her and constantly being reminded of his trauma, he could just start a happy fatherly relationship with her. Saving both of their lives from the terrors of War.

Story of North#2 from Pluto

Despite Paul's initial disdain for North's artificial nature, North remains devoted, striving to prove his worth. Paul's traumatic past, marked by abandonment and illness, fuels his determination to excel as a musician. When setbacks arise, North reveals Paul's mother's sacrifices, fostering a newfound understanding between them. North's musical talent touches Paul's heart, leading to reconciliation.

However, their tranquility is shattered by the arrival of Pluto, culminating in a tragic confrontation where North sacrifices himself to protect Paul. Their story explores themes of redemption, forgiveness, and the power of music.

Anime, originating in Japan, has transcended borders to become a global cultural phenomenon. One of the key factors contributing to its worldwide popularity is the practice of dubbing, where anime is translated and voiced over in various languages, allowing audiences worldwide to immerse themselves in captivating storylines and characters. This article delves into the fascinating world of anime dubbing, highlighting its significance in bridging cultures and enhancing the viewing experience for audiences worldwide.

The Art of Dubbing: Translating Culture

Dubbing anime involves more than just translating dialogue from Japanese to another language. It requires skilled translators and voice actors who can capture the essence of the original content while adapting it to resonate with audiences from different linguistic and cultural backgrounds. The challenge lies in preserving the cultural nuances, humour, and emotions that are integral to the storytelling, ensuring that the dubbed version remains faithful to the original while also appealing to a diverse audience.

Cultural Adaptation and Localization

One of the most intriguing aspects of anime dubbing is the process of cultural adaptation and localization. Each region has its own cultural references, ways of speaking, and societal norms. These differences can greatly affect how people in that area view anime. Dubbing studios carefully navigate these differences, often making subtle changes to dialogue, character names, and references to ensure that the content feels relatable and authentic to viewers in each region.

For example, a joke or reference that is well-known in Japan may not resonate with audiences in the West. In such cases, dubbing studios may opt to replace it with a culturally relevant joke or reference that maintains the comedic effect without losing the original intent of the scene. This level of attention to detail ensures that anime remains accessible and enjoyable to audiences around the world.

Voice Acting: Bringing Characters to Life

Voice acting plays a crucial role in anime dubbing, as it is the primary medium through which characters communicate with the audience. Talented voice actors must not only convey the emotions and personalities of their characters but also synchronize their performances with the animation to create a seamless viewing experience.

In some cases, iconic characters may become synonymous with the voice actors who portray them, further enriching the viewing experience for fans. The chemistry between voice actors and their characters can evoke powerful emotions and forge lasting connections between audiences and the anime they love.

Global Impact and Accessibility

The practice of dubbing anime into multiple languages has significantly contributed to its global appeal and accessibility. By removing language barriers, dubbing enables anime to reach a broader audience, transcending geographical and cultural boundaries. This accessibility has fueled the growth of anime fandoms worldwide, fostering vibrant communities of enthusiasts who share their passion for Japanese animation.

Moreover, dubbing allows anime to be enjoyed by individuals who may prefer watching content in their native language or have difficulty following subtitles. This inclusivity ensures that anime remains accessible to diverse audiences, regardless of linguistic background or preferences.

Each region has its own cultural references, ways of speaking, and societal norms, which can significantly impact how anime is perceived by local audiences. This is especially true in countries like India, where the diversity of languages and cultures presents unique challenges and opportunities for dubbing. In India, anime is dubbed into multiple languages to cater to the diverse linguistic preferences of its population, further enriching the viewing experience for audiences across the country.

Conclusion: Celebrating Diversity and Unity

In conclusion, anime dubbing serves as a powerful tool for bridging cultures, fostering cross-cultural understanding, and enriching the global entertainment landscape. Through the art of translation, voice acting, and cultural adaptation, anime transcends linguistic barriers to captivate audiences worldwide. As the anime industry continues to evolve and expand, dubbing will remain an integral part of its global appeal, celebrating the diversity of languages and cultures while uniting fans around the world in their shared love for Japanese animation.

Are you ready to spot the differences between Sailor Moon and Mikasa Ackerman? Take a look at the images below and pay attention to their posture, expressions, and demeanour

Sailor Moon and Mikasa Ackerman

What did you see? Well, let's talk about this change in deeper detail.

In the colorful world of anime, something extraordinary happens: female leads are stepping into the spotlight like never before. Once seen as delicate flowers, they're now powerful warriors, reshaping the landscape of heroism with their strength, courage, and determination. Let's dive into this incredible journey and uncover the remarkable transformation of anime's leading ladies.

1. Classic vs. Modern: Imagine Sailor Moon waving her magical wand beside Mikasa Ackerman, blades drawn and ready for battle. What makes them different? Classic anime heroes like Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura were symbols of innocence and purity, relying on friendship and love to conquer evil. But in the modern era, characters like Mikasa Ackerman and Ryuko Matoi are fierce and independent, charging into danger without hesitation. They're rewriting the rules and showing the world what true strength looks like.

2. The Evolution of Heroism: Step into the worlds of Nausicaa and Homura Akemi. How do they differ? In the past, heroes like Nausicaa and Princess Mononoke navigated through ruins with compassion and wisdom. But today, characters such as Homura Akemi and Asuna Yuuki blend both darkness and light to face challenges bravely. These modern heroes question old ways and create new standards for bravery and goodness.

3. Complexity: Can you uncover the complexities of Madoka Kaname and Revy in above images? In old anime, characters like Madoka Kaname and Motoko Kusanagi searched for who they were, and people around the world connected with them. But in new anime, heroes like Revy and Lucy Heartfilia show more of their challenges and feelings. They're not just perfect—they're like us, with problems and emotions we can understand.

4. Breaking Stereotypes: Imagine Usagi Tsukino next to Mikasa Ackerman. How are they different from what you'd expect? Old heroines like Usagi Tsukino and Belldandy were very feminine and graceful, but new heroes like Mikasa Ackerman and Revy break the usual ideas about how girls should act. They're not waiting for someone else to rescue them—they're strong and capable, of saving themselves and others

5. Inspiring Change: Look into the hearts of Sakura Kinomoto and Yona. What do you see? They're not just characters in a show—they give us hope, show us how to keep going when things are tough, and push us to make a difference. They inspire us to be courageous, to fight for what's fair, and to remember that girls with dreams can change the world

In summary, the increase of female action heroes in anime shows how stories can inspire and how people can overcome challenges. These heroes, from gentle characters to strong fighters, break the usual ideas and change what it means to be a hero for a new group of people. So, when you watch your favorite anime next time, notice how female heroes are becoming more prominent—it's a change worth cheering for.