Ace Ryn Knight
I think I would be hesitant to support an animated version of the series. I think a lot of the magic and fantasy would be lost in the translation to animation.
I can also understand how difficult it would be for anyone to embody a flesh and blood representation of these characters while remaining true to the spirit of the books and the air of high fantasy that comes with them, but I think it can be done.
I don't believe that special effects are an issue in any way, as there have been films and television programs that have had simply spectacular effects that could be applied to a screen adaption of the series..
That said I wouldn't be opposed to a live action t.v.show..
I'd give the thumbs up for a 2D animated movie, but not a cartoon (or anime). I don't know how I'd feel about it being in 3D though... as much as I love 3D animation there is a certain quality and magic about 2D that is simply irresistible.
I'd be cool about it going live-action too. It could make an excellent movie.
But no matter what genera it would be made in you would need people who love the book involved in its creation. If you don't you get crap for movies.
As for special effect. It has come really really far. It'd surprise you what they can do. Tehre have been times when I didn't think the effects were done in 3D, but they were. Actually, most movies you go see have VFX in them
biggrin
And there are some super amazing American cartoons. I can name more that I like than I can anime wise. The reason Ms. Britain probably said that if people didn't feel for here character's they would be cartoons is because most cartoons don't follow a distinguished plot line. Each episode has their own thing going on and to be honest, most modern cartoons (anime and not) are garbage. Even though anime's are an extended story the vast majority of anime's I do like, I will admit I have no attachment to the characters what so ever, my reactions to the show are based more on the situation than my feelings for individuals (might just be me though). I remember loving character in cartoons that I grew up in. Now I watch modern ones and I don't have any attachment to them. Not to mention most cartoons these days have gotten vile with all the gross humor. The art of story telling is being lost on modern day cartooning. Very few memorable and well crafted cartoons are coming out - Avatar is one of those rare ones.
Avatar, by the way, may be using the "anime style" but Japan does not consider it an anime. Avatar is also far better animated than any anime I've seen and I used to be obsessed (so to speak) with anime when I was in high school
I personally shudder to think of my favorite GR characters being made into bishi's. Because bishi's are never loved for their personalities is always "OMG!!!11 He's so hot!! he's MINE!"