The original run of the manga and anime, Dragon Ball, the most popular work by mangaka Akira Toriyama, has long since finished (although a new series of films and episodes is just being released in Japan). And yet, it is arguably the most popular Shonen series even to this day. What is it about the series that is so compelling? Are the characters and their arcs sympathetic, or is it the simplicity of the story-telling and morals?
As a life long fan of Dragon Ball myself, I'd say its a combination of both. Dragon Ball started out about the adventure and growth of Goku's character as he trains to be the strongest fighter along with his childlike innocence and kindness that makes him compelling to follow on his adventures. Where as Dragon Ball Z stepped up the game with bigger threats that pushed Goku's limits even further with life threatening villains and introduced plot concepts that could have been never conceived in the original story. But aside that, it was also the shonen series that introduced character and manga/anime tropes that would later be used in other manga and anime, such as iconic special attacks that is recognizable with a specific character. And was also the major inspiration for other manga series, mostly known with Naruto and One Piece. – Ryan Walsh9 years ago
Investigate and review the uprising of horror which has slowly leaked into the Magical Girl genre. Don't get me wrong, there were some dark themes in Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura considering they were primarily aimed at a younger audience, but looking at series such as Puella Magi Madoka Magica and Magical Girl Apocalypse, I think it would be interesting to think about why horror works so well in what should be a story about cutesy manga girls wielding bright and colourful powers.
Great topic! These diversive stories you mentioned makes you look back on your childhood and series like Sailor Moon/CCS under a brand new light. – Allthefujoshiunite9 years ago
I believe thing are changing because the audience have gotten more mature and have begun to be uncaring of the redundant happy go lucky idea leading to writers having more option on how they decide to make their work to attract a different audience. – trojas19 years ago
While that may be true, you have to realize anime is more of a consumer product more than anything else. You might see 'popular' magical girl anime because it never really picks up viewership that well since these shows are tailored specifically for children. Stuff like Ojamajo Doremi among others were like Super Sentai versions of anime for Shojo audiences. I haven't seen anything of these horror based magical series so I don't really have much input there. – AtkMode9 years ago
Madoka Magica might have popularized the "dark magical girl," but the earliest example I am aware of is Arina Tanemura's "Kamikaze Kaitou Jeanne" (now published by Viz under the title "Phantom Thief Jeanne"). It seems very straightforward at first, but the more you progress in the series, you start to realize that there's something else going on. (Spoiler: Kyubey was not even a surprise to me because of this series.) – sydneyschulte9 years ago
If we are going to make a list of shoujo mangas which had their debut last year or maybe 2 years ago, what shoujo mangas do you suggest? I think this topic will be very interesting especially for those who recently started in this genre. It will also be good for old timers who are at a loss for something to read.
I would like to read this article! I never read shojo manga because I find them boring and predictable but I recently finished Ao Haru Ride and I loved it. I can't find a good source on the internet that can suggest RECENT shojo manga that are enjoyable and different.
It would be helpful to provide at least 5 different titles of very different stories – sdea9 years ago
Explain the reasons why despite being discontinued after School Rumble Z, the School Rumble series has maintained a huge and steadily growing fanbase and why it should be continued.
I think this would need to be handled with some knowledge of the Japanese fanbase. Partly because, well the Japanese fanbase tends to trump the international demand when it comes to these decisions. And partly because the series hasn't even had later installments of the anime or the manga released in English. – LangsEnd9 years ago
I honestly don't think it should be continued. Whilst I can't speak of the fanbase in general, School Rumble used up all its good ideas long before it ended and said ending itself (either anime or manga) was just a slap in the face. It's best to keep the good memories and move on to another project less it become like Family Guy. – Flawfinder9 years ago
An analysis of the realistic aspects of the relationships, characterizations, and themes in Blush-DC.. Blush-DC. tends to not pull any punches with its story line and its interesting to see a manga that tries to push past the usual manga tropes and try to create an engaging, character driven narrative as opposed to an action driven one.
Any article regarding this would be incomplete if the author doesn't live in Japan because as far as I know, the scanlation group that picked up /Blush-DC dropped it 2-3 years ago and no one's picked up on it yet. – Austin9 years ago
Parasyte: The Maxim is a pretty graphic horror manga from the late 80's early 90's with anime and movie spin-offs. I would argue that in the early chapters, the story is symbolic of childhood in the form of Migi, the Parasyte. Migi is eager to learn, very curious, visual, extremely literal, and often misunderstands the young adult human world. Migi is a different look at childhood, from a source that can express itself as an adult with all the aspects of childhood.
It might also be good to note whether the symbolism is translated well or poorly into the anime adaptation, or if the anime seems to be aiming for a different message (for example, the various instances that allude to the fact that humanity is killing the environment). – CriticalOtaku10 years ago
This anime did have very good character growth through Shinichi's change in design throughout the series as well. – ChrisKeene9 years ago
Explore what makes Johan Liebert such a complex villain. In fact, is he truly evil?
A very good topic, to cover the personality and charisma of Johan Liebert in general. And on the true nature of evil and whether he was really a villain: a really good point to explore. Obviously, he wasn't the "evil" evil. Extend by discussing the various negative roles that actually have a double meaning, taking the example of Kira from Death Note -- another fan-loved "evil" character. Btw, I think this article has great potential but I don't understand why it's housed in the manga category? Why not anime? – Abhimanyu Shekhar10 years ago
Honestly, anything on Monster would be incredible. – Travis Cohen9 years ago
There's already an article in the anime section about this, so this topic may be a redundant. Maybe take a look to see if this one would be rehashing old ground. – Jordan9 years ago
I'll check for it. Maybe this could be restructured to focus on the moral questions of the series. Specifically Tenma's internal turmoil. – Joseph Manduke IV9 years ago
