Well, Mangas (Japanese comic books) have invaded the big retail bookstores here in Canada. As I walk past the aisles of Chapters, the biggest book retail chain here, I see the first editions of classic manga such as “Love Hina!”, “Great Teacher Onizuka” and “Battle Royale” as they invade our shelves. First volumes to series that were completed a long time ago in Japan.
My feelings are mixed. Anime has been around North America for a while now, with titles such as Dragon Ball, Pokemon, Digimon, Gundam Wing showing up on television. However, the explosion really took off with Pokemon, and since then there’s been tons of kiddie anime appearing on TV (BeyBlades, Monster Rancher, etc.).
The problem was that what was appearing here was just that: “kiddie anime”. Nevertheless, since a few years ago, they’ve began to bring the more serious anime – Cowboy Bebop, Full Metal Alchemist, and the just announced Neon Genesis Evangeleon. In recent months, manga has also caught on. Stores are increasing their anime selection.
Japanese influence is in full force. My feelings are mixed because I don’t think it will last, and not only that – I also believe that this is a fad that will collapse. As a result, there won’t much of any anime or manga to purchase in North America in a few years, leaving those true to the genre destitute.