Samurai from Outer Space is the first book-length discussion of the suddenly popular genre of Japanese animation. Japanese animation, also known as anime (pronounced AH-nee-may), is gaining devoted fans of all ages and nationalities. A few years ago anime was something of an oddity. Now it is poised to become the biggest cultural import since PBS discovered the BBC. There are anime fan clubs on college campuses across the country, as well as anime fan magazines and anime sections in video stores.

Besides examining the psychological reasons for the cartoons' appeal, (Levi) compares anime to American cartoon animation, traces its connections to Japanese art and theater, and demonstrates that many anime plots are based in Japanese religion. A valuable addition to film, popular-culture, and Asian studies. -- Booklist

In this fascinating and illuminating volume, Antonia Levi provides all the cultural and historical background necessary for anyone to appreciate the allusion-rich art form of anime. A wonderful guide for beginners and otaku alike. -- Vaughan Simmons Founder & Publisher of Mangajin

Author: Antonia Levi
Binding Type: Paperback
Publisher: Open Court
Published: 12/30/1998
Pages: 180
Weight: 0.65lbs
Size: 9.20h x 6.20w x 0.50d
ISBN: 9780812693324


Review Citation(s):
Library Journal 11/15/1996 pg. 64
Booklist 11/01/1996 pg. 472