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Do you ever get sick of "plain-looking" anime?

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Dec 13, 8:23 PM
#1

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I am probably way out of my league here...

Not too long ago I watched an anime called Cross Game. I was impressed with the first episode and thought the art style was cute. But I was disappointed with the direction of the show. The generic color palette. The flat shots and lack of atmosphere, etc. I think as I watch more anime, I prefer something with more atmosphere. Something that very much immerses you. That has a distinctive style. Does anyone know what I mean?
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Dec 13, 8:35 PM
#2

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So I guess you mean the art style. The art style matters to me, but if it's bad I don't care because I care more about the story, and I keep watching it.
Dec 13, 8:37 PM
#3

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AnimeEnjoyer2357 said:
So I guess you mean the art style. The art style matters to me, but if it's bad I don't care because I care more about the story, and I keep watching it.

No. That is only one part of the point.
Dec 13, 8:38 PM
#4
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I swear some of the most boring looking anime get glazed by elitists.

This is the most recent example:
Dec 13, 8:40 PM
#5

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I think anime looks better than reality so no.
Dec 13, 8:40 PM
#6

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Not everything needs to be Gankutsuou, but I too prefer color over bland visuals.
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Dec 13, 8:43 PM
#7

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Lucifrost said:
Not everything needs to be Gankutsuou, but I too prefer color over bland visuals.

It's more than color...

Lighting, the angles of a shot, weather elements, making your audience feel certain emotions like uncomfortably. Stuff like that.
Dec 13, 8:44 PM
#8

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Reply to Rally-
Lucifrost said:
Not everything needs to be Gankutsuou, but I too prefer color over bland visuals.

It's more than color...

Lighting, the angles of a shot, weather elements, making your audience feel certain emotions like uncomfortably. Stuff like that.
@Rally-
I don't know enough about those things to discuss them. But you're probably right.
その目だれの目?
Dec 13, 8:46 PM
#9

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Reply to Rally-
AnimeEnjoyer2357 said:
So I guess you mean the art style. The art style matters to me, but if it's bad I don't care because I care more about the story, and I keep watching it.

No. That is only one part of the point.
@Rally-
Sorry, I misunderstood your question. Even though it’s generally plain, I’ll keep watching it because I care more about the story.
Dec 13, 8:56 PM

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Sep 2013
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Fortunately no, I'm generous enough not to be obsessed with that kind of stuff.
Dec 13, 9:00 PM

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Well duh, I'm pretty sure that the majority of people - at least those with whom I interact on more than occasional basis - would answer that they would "prefer something with more atmosphere, something that very much immerses you, that has a distinctive style."

There's a bunch of issues though, for one making something like that requires exponentially more time and effort and top-notch human resources which are scarce and cannot really be done on a whim like the twenty seven millionth adaptation of a light novel of the month, and also that's not really what gets endorsed by either industry run by executives or real popular demand.

But for sure things which have a distinct style marked by actual care from their creators are much more memorable and pleasant to interact with as compared even to stuff that is just technically excellent in a sterile way, that has been the case forever with games and movies as well as anime as far as I'm concerned.
Dec 13, 9:03 PM

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iThink said:
Well duh, I'm pretty sure that the majority of people - at least those with whom I interact on more than occasional basis - would answer that they would "prefer something with more atmosphere, something that very much immerses you, that has a distinctive style."

There's a bunch of issues though, for one making something like that requires exponentially more time and effort and top-notch human resources which are scarce and cannot really be done on a whim like the twenty seven millionth adaptation of a light novel of the month, and also that's not really what gets endorsed by either industry run by executives or real popular demand.

But for sure things which have a distinct style marked by actual care from their creators are much more memorable and pleasant to interact with as compared even to stuff that is just technically excellent in a sterile way, that has been the case forever with games and movies as well as anime as far as I'm concerned.

I'm wondering what you were trying to accomplish with this post. It seems like you just worked it all out in your head and there's no need for further discussion...
Dec 13, 9:14 PM

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well shit mate, my bad for trying to present a well thought out opinion (just to be clear, not saying it is one, just that I tried to make it one).

Should I have replied with "dunno but I dig you vibe" or something instead in order to encourage discussion?
Dec 13, 9:20 PM

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Nov 2017
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iThink said:
well shit mate, my bad for trying to present a well thought out opinion (just to be clear, not saying it is one, just that I tried to make it one).

Should I have replied with "dunno but I dig you vibe" or something instead in order to encourage discussion?

No. I appreciate the effort. I just got a little giggle about you going in circles lol. I think this is an important topic that deserves attention. Thank you.
Dec 13, 9:30 PM

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I definitely know what you mean. How many carbon-copy isekai anime have we gotten since Sword Art Online? How many DBZs have we gotten since DBZ? How many moe school anime since K-On or Suzumiya Haruhi...
Bleach is not a groundbreaking anime by most metrics, but just try and watch that first arc and tell me it didn't at least have its own style, its own atmosphere. Jujutsu Kaisen is basically DBZ, but i forgive it for that because it's at least stylish. Dorohedoro doesn't have the most amazing or watertight plot, or the best action, or the best characters (i mean, okay, i think they're pretty great), but it lives and dies by its style. If you can't offer a unique narrative, at least bring a unique style... it really, really matters to me. I don't want to watch another (X). I already have (X). I wish the industry would take a chance on something fresh.
Dec 13, 10:16 PM

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Ur prolly talking about the art direction (backgrounds), cinematography, composition, which are parts of anime production to make scenes pop out where they should.


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Dec 13, 10:23 PM

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JayDaAnimeLord said:
Ur prolly talking about the art direction (backgrounds), cinematography, composition, which are parts of anime production to make scenes pop out where they should.

Yes. Something like that. If the direction is completely barebones, it just bores me these days.
Dec 13, 10:46 PM

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Technically the most recent example is opm season 3 and I stopped watching after episode 2. Tight deadline or not, the direction is just bad.

I visit the series discussion to see some people coping and fans fighting among themselves.
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Dec 14, 2:24 AM

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Not really, but I'm fond of fancy-looking anime.
*kappa*
Dec 14, 2:30 AM

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Yes, a good style is always a huge plus; not many anime can be singlehandedly carried by the writing. And this is yet another reason I prefer the modern era of anime over the old one.
Dec 14, 3:19 AM

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Cross Game is one of my favorite, I do not have problem "plain-looking" anime, if anything, I prefer those over something like No Game No Life, as I prefer anime that are more chill in general. Mushishi is my favorite anime after all.

I also prefer old school One Piece aesthetics compared to the new one where there are a lot of blinks, it's just more down to earth.
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Dec 14, 4:35 AM

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i agree it's not just the art style but the environment itself some animes just feel bland and the artistry is one of the primary reasons i watch anime/ read manga.
Dec 14, 5:11 AM
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I don't think I'd consider Cross Game plain looking haha. I've not watched it myself, but I'm currently watching Mixv Meisei Story, which is basically the same thing. Mix seems to have some more flourished linework than Cross Game had, but otherwise it's nearly identical.

It doesn't bother me a bit. More plain productions tend to be done that way intentionally, and it matches the tone and gravity of the story. So, as long as it feels appropriate for the production as a whole, it's fine with me.
Dec 14, 11:07 AM

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Nov 2017
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A lot of great discussion here. You guys definitely know what I'm trying to express.
Dec 14, 11:08 AM

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Yes. I hate this look that makes everything seem like you watched it 20 times already.
Dec 14, 11:17 AM

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This is why I don't watch anything by PoRO.
Dec 14, 11:33 AM

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Reply to Rally-
Lucifrost said:
Not everything needs to be Gankutsuou, but I too prefer color over bland visuals.

It's more than color...

Lighting, the angles of a shot, weather elements, making your audience feel certain emotions like uncomfortably. Stuff like that.
@Rally- Can't say I agree. Those certainly improve scenes but I do not get sick of their absence. Going from memory Kill Me Baby did not have a wide array of angles in the classroom. It is mocked [favorably] for being low budget. Lighting much the same I only remember fullbright scenes.


What the thread title brought to mind was the backgrounds or worlds of very generic isekai adaptations. The kind that are based upon novels which provide little to zero descriptions of the surroundings. They give a meek line of European style village or dense forest, a dark cave, za dungeon, or whatever lacking adjectives. For the very uninspired ones the backgrounds feel out of place they're so lacking in detail, like cartoon backdrops being used in anime. A generic design I don't mind. Rehashed story, cliches, simplicity, I don't care. But when it doesn't look cohesive it's grating.
Dec 14, 11:55 AM

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Reply to Battleheart
I swear some of the most boring looking anime get glazed by elitists.

This is the most recent example:
@Battleheart It's funny you say that because orb is considered pseudcore over on /a/
Dec 14, 12:02 PM
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Reply to SenaBestGirl
@Battleheart It's funny you say that because orb is considered pseudcore over on /a/
@SenaBestGirl Ah, I am sure it is. Haven't hanged out there in a while.

I can give older examples:
Dec 14, 4:01 PM

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I always notice shot composition and angles, colors, design (especially of buildings and characters)
One season I wrote a review of two anime somewhere comparing them on style and composition, angles, animation, everything. I think Momentary Lily vs some bland boring isekai whose name I forgot at the moment. Momentary Lily (GoHands) looks amazing. It was a visual experience that sometimes lit your eyes on fire but that's why I loved it so much. There wasn't a frame in the show that looked bland or two dimensional. Every shot was either worms eye, bird's eye, and if it was level there was always something else going on like characters hair moving, boobs moving, or some really brightly colored thing like a sakura tree. All of the favorites I have were chosen for visuals as well as story. I don't think ay of them are visually boring and none of them are like the other.
Dec 14, 4:08 PM

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Reply to Battleheart
@SenaBestGirl Ah, I am sure it is. Haven't hanged out there in a while.

I can give older examples:
@Battleheart
Texhnolyze and LotGH don't look boring. It is the writing that makes them boring.
その目だれの目?
Dec 14, 4:47 PM

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Plain is not that bad, I will take it over ugly.
Dec 14, 7:42 PM
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Reply to Lucifrost
@Battleheart
Texhnolyze and LotGH don't look boring. It is the writing that makes them boring.
@Lucifrost I guess, for LoGH I should have put in the remake.
Dec 14, 7:57 PM

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Reply to Battleheart
@Lucifrost I guess, for LoGH I should have put in the remake.
@Battleheart
Now THAT looks boring.
その目だれの目?
Dec 15, 6:32 AM

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Nov 2017
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plebrepel said:
@Rally- Can't say I agree. Those certainly improve scenes but I do not get sick of their absence. Going from memory Kill Me Baby did not have a wide array of angles in the classroom. It is mocked [favorably] for being low budget. Lighting much the same I only remember fullbright scenes.


What the thread title brought to mind was the backgrounds or worlds of very generic isekai adaptations. The kind that are based upon novels which provide little to zero descriptions of the surroundings. They give a meek line of European style village or dense forest, a dark cave, za dungeon, or whatever lacking adjectives. For the very uninspired ones the backgrounds feel out of place they're so lacking in detail, like cartoon backdrops being used in anime. A generic design I don't mind. Rehashed story, cliches, simplicity, I don't care. But when it doesn't look cohesive it's grating.

Atmosphere is very important as well. Don't forget.
Dec 15, 7:14 AM

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Only if the story, characters, writing, and direction are flat too. Sometimes, especially in comedy, I can easily ignore it-- Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou is probably a good example of that. I'm also currently watching 3-nen Z-gumi Ginpachi-sensei and Kao ni Denai Kashiwada-san to Kao ni Deru Oota-kun, which are both not so impressive with camera shots and all that, but I barely notice when I'm watching since I'm having fun.
Yesterday, 3:43 AM

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I get what you mean. Yeah it can make watching some anime kind of a drag. I personally enjoy specific atmospheres and aesthetics that can be made into the animes
Yesterday, 3:55 AM

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sometimes the lack of atmosphere in anime can be a problem, but a simple color palette can also be relaxing. ofc, it's important for the anime to have a palette that reflects its identity imo.
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Yesterday, 4:31 AM

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Reply to Battleheart
I swear some of the most boring looking anime get glazed by elitists.

This is the most recent example:
@Battleheart pretty visuals mean nothing when its writing is mediocre or directly bad 🥱🥱
Yesterday, 4:33 AM

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Reply to Rally-
Lucifrost said:
Not everything needs to be Gankutsuou, but I too prefer color over bland visuals.

It's more than color...

Lighting, the angles of a shot, weather elements, making your audience feel certain emotions like uncomfortably. Stuff like that.
@Rally- yeah, good direction is a key element and, as you said, it's more than just no-plain-colors
Yesterday, 5:02 AM

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It depends on what the anime aims to be. If it's a battle shounen, I find it somewhat disappointing when it's so basic. Even though I enjoy many low-budget anime, most of them aren't shounen. Now, if it's something like Serial Experiments Lain, or even something like Higurashi-san, the simplicity of the art would be its charm, at least for me.
Yesterday, 7:29 AM

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Yea, some anime just have iffy animation, but plain anime are just generic anime.
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Yesterday, 7:57 AM

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Reply to Feli_Esmeralder
@Battleheart pretty visuals mean nothing when its writing is mediocre or directly bad 🥱🥱
@Feli_Esmeralder
You male a fair point. I'd have watched Orb if the writing were good.
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Yesterday, 8:09 AM

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What is wrong with plain-looking anime shows? I think they are pretty good.
Yesterday, 3:35 PM
Laughing Man

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No. While anime that I would consider outstanding has to be very good at those things, there aren't necessary for me to enjoy an anime and give it a good rating.

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Yesterday, 3:45 PM

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Damn, wasn't expecting Cross Game to get thrown under the bus when I opened this thread lol, one of my personal favs
Yesterday, 4:38 PM
(Bad) Luck Cat

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Yes and no. There are more than enough modern anime that aren't drawn and directed like that, so I drop those that I don't like early.
Yesterday, 5:38 PM

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that's one of the reasons i get so bored with dr stone, so yes, but it can be okay sometimes.
5 hours ago

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This just happened to me. I could not watch anymore "Way of the Househusband."
It was kinda funny, but the animation was driving me crazy. I get they were trying to do a comic book style animation, but it just came off as cheap and half-ass'd.

A lot of times plain art styles lead to better animation. Which is good.

But I hate cheap animation.
2 hours ago

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I do get annoyed by what I perceive to be lazy, zero-effort direction. But I'm fully aware that I'm no expert and it's based on vague gut-feeling.

It's what I try to figure out from key visuals and trailers before every season, and it's how I eliminate a lot of isekai and rom-com before I even find out what the story (or gimmick) is. Even without watching, I can just picture characters frozen upright flapping their mouths under generic fluorescent lighting, and I automatically move on to the next show on the list.

But other aspects of the anime, if done well, can overcome those shortcomings. Speaking of isekai, Hamefura is a pretty unremarkable in terms of its looks and direction, but I still enjoyed it a lot, thanks to the fun main character and concept. And while I did not enjoy them that much, I still really liked the look and feel of shows like Weakest Tamer and Zenshuu.
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