TT_Dragon
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- Posted: Thu, 09 Jun 2005 02:48:17 +0000
I just wanted to see people's take on this.
We all know that animated characters are drawn to portray an almost impossible ideal when it comes to the physical body of the human being. Generally speaking, a lot of animated characters look good.
But I've always noticed that the two styles of drawing ideal men are different when it comes to North American animation vs. the Japanese animation. My basic observations are as follows.
American drawn male characters, particularly heroes, are generally drawn with large muscular builds. Starting from top-down, they possess wide shoulders, tapering off to a narrow waist. Usually to a 2:1 ratio which gives them a distinct triangular torso. Think Superman, Batman, Punisher, etc. The are also predominately drawn very masculine. Thinking WWF-Wrestlers with muscle here. No girlie-boys allowed. (EDIT: READ - Someone made a good point and gave Spider-man as an example of a skinny North American drawn hero. So not all NA animated males are drawn big and bulky.)
Japanese drawn male characters, on the other hand, are usually drawn more slender and have less barrel-chested proportions. This isn't always true, (EDIT: READ - And I said "This isn't always true", Meaning, excusing the tight pant wearing DBZ male characters and the super ripped male fighters of Fist of North Star or Street Fighter and etc.) but there are a good many more popular skinny anime-dudes than big-hulking ones. For example, Ryonin Kenshin, Inuyasha, Yuki (Fruits Basket), etc. And the other thing is, I've noticed there is less homophobia when protraying a Japanese animated guy as being 'pretty' or 'girlie' for that matter.
I theorize that American animation is targeted more at boys, but part of the culture influences of what an ideal male body may consist of. Being healthy and having large muscles defines men *rawr* and please, no girlie-men (due to the Homophobia in USA). Japanese animation, though, doesn't mind portraying a more gentle male character. The animation isn't specifically targeted at any one audience either, and is enjoyed by both male and female of any age. The slender body type can also be influenced by their culture. More skinny/slender guys in their populace than in America. But these popular male characters can also make up a lot in what they lack in physical stature for either having a likeable personality, kicking a** with martial arts, and/or having some sort of nifty unique ability or super power.
So, would anyone like to discuss? biggrin
We all know that animated characters are drawn to portray an almost impossible ideal when it comes to the physical body of the human being. Generally speaking, a lot of animated characters look good.
But I've always noticed that the two styles of drawing ideal men are different when it comes to North American animation vs. the Japanese animation. My basic observations are as follows.
American drawn male characters, particularly heroes, are generally drawn with large muscular builds. Starting from top-down, they possess wide shoulders, tapering off to a narrow waist. Usually to a 2:1 ratio which gives them a distinct triangular torso. Think Superman, Batman, Punisher, etc. The are also predominately drawn very masculine. Thinking WWF-Wrestlers with muscle here. No girlie-boys allowed. (EDIT: READ - Someone made a good point and gave Spider-man as an example of a skinny North American drawn hero. So not all NA animated males are drawn big and bulky.)
Japanese drawn male characters, on the other hand, are usually drawn more slender and have less barrel-chested proportions. This isn't always true, (EDIT: READ - And I said "This isn't always true", Meaning, excusing the tight pant wearing DBZ male characters and the super ripped male fighters of Fist of North Star or Street Fighter and etc.) but there are a good many more popular skinny anime-dudes than big-hulking ones. For example, Ryonin Kenshin, Inuyasha, Yuki (Fruits Basket), etc. And the other thing is, I've noticed there is less homophobia when protraying a Japanese animated guy as being 'pretty' or 'girlie' for that matter.
I theorize that American animation is targeted more at boys, but part of the culture influences of what an ideal male body may consist of. Being healthy and having large muscles defines men *rawr* and please, no girlie-men (due to the Homophobia in USA). Japanese animation, though, doesn't mind portraying a more gentle male character. The animation isn't specifically targeted at any one audience either, and is enjoyed by both male and female of any age. The slender body type can also be influenced by their culture. More skinny/slender guys in their populace than in America. But these popular male characters can also make up a lot in what they lack in physical stature for either having a likeable personality, kicking a** with martial arts, and/or having some sort of nifty unique ability or super power.
So, would anyone like to discuss? biggrin
