Anime' Not a Typical Saturday Morning Cartoon

Listen to the names of Manga, Tekkoshocon IX, anime', Inuyasha, Naruto and Cosplay and your eyes are probably rolling into the back of your head. It’s sounds like a different language, but it’s part of the latest craze called Anime'—and it's here stronger than ever.

Inspiring artistic minded people of all ages, Anime' is short for animēshon, or animation in Japanese. It is a particular style of cartoons with exaggerated, stylized physical features and adult themes originating in Japan.

And it’s quickly becoming popular in the Anime' Club at Chartiers Valley High School. The Anime' Club is in its first official year at the school, but the kids have been meeting for years as a video game group.

The club encourages people to have a more open mind and realize that this is an artistic media. They began a donation drive for manga books (anime' books that read back to front) to be given to the Chartiers Valley High School library.

Many of the club members attended the Tekkoshocon Japanese Cultural Convention in Pittsburgh last weekend. This was not a school trip, but members share the interest and organized it outside of school.

Cosplay is costume play, it's very popular form of expression for anime' fans. Many of these costumes are hand made and very detailed. The club members shared their ideas for Cosplay, offering tips and encouragement.

"If you ever need a hug and you're at an anime' convention, you'll get plenty," sophomore Wayland Marciesky said.

Still, the students said there are many misconceptions about this form of art. They agreed that people should be aware that it's an extension of Japanese culture and their attitudes toward violence and relationships are more open minded. To some people in the U.S, it may appear to be more shocking than anything else.

But what began with "Speed Racer" and was popularized by shows such as "Pokemon,” it’s clear from these students that Anime isn’t your typical Saturday morning cartoon.