I would argue younger cartoonists taking too much from Japanese cartoonists is a bit bad. There's nothing wrong with taking away and appreciating artistry & cultures from other countries, but it's another to really blindsight and disregard a lot of your own heritage for the sake of it.
You see this issue in not just cartooning but also other mediums too, where people neglect the likes of John Ford in favor of Akira Kurosawa without seeing he was inspired by an American filmmaker first. Really, younger Americans ought to be more formally taught or encouraged about the greats / the artistry our country has to offer. They've been fed too much slop to see there is so much more to take away from. Not just what garbage turns out now.
I largely agree. In animation many younger fans are less exposed to the classics (the latest travesty is WB removing the original Looney Tunes from HBO Max).
As for comics, working in a book store I would see zoomers (guys and gals of all backgrounds) crowding the manga section while the same roster of fellow older dudes would be perusing the comics. One key factor is that manga has a variety of genres that appeal to a variety of readers, something US comics had before superheroes dominated the medium. There are other factors, which I’ll likely cover in the future.
In an inter-cultural landscape it’s inevitable younger artists will be influenced by anime/manga (hell, I am). But I’d like Frank Miller to be the model. Miller was one of the first US cartoonists to be influenced by manga, incorporating storytelling techniques from it in his comics. But Miller was also obviously well-versed in Eisner, Wood, etc., steeped in American tradition.
Like you point out with film, one path is stressing the interconnection of the two traditions (like how Tezuka was inspired by American animation).
Absolutely, I agree. It's great that Miller appreciated both, and that's how younger American cartoonists should be. I myself have some influence from Japanese things, but I do appreciate and look at our heritage as well. Such as Winsor McCay or E.C. Segar, to name some early ones.
Also great to see you mention Wally Wood. I learned about him this year, and I enjoyed that Pipsqueak Pipers of his. Bought that Witzend book they put out. I've got to get around to reading that sometime. I got interested when I learned he was another influence, like Vaughn Bode, for Wizards.
I would argue younger cartoonists taking too much from Japanese cartoonists is a bit bad. There's nothing wrong with taking away and appreciating artistry & cultures from other countries, but it's another to really blindsight and disregard a lot of your own heritage for the sake of it.
You see this issue in not just cartooning but also other mediums too, where people neglect the likes of John Ford in favor of Akira Kurosawa without seeing he was inspired by an American filmmaker first. Really, younger Americans ought to be more formally taught or encouraged about the greats / the artistry our country has to offer. They've been fed too much slop to see there is so much more to take away from. Not just what garbage turns out now.
I largely agree. In animation many younger fans are less exposed to the classics (the latest travesty is WB removing the original Looney Tunes from HBO Max).
As for comics, working in a book store I would see zoomers (guys and gals of all backgrounds) crowding the manga section while the same roster of fellow older dudes would be perusing the comics. One key factor is that manga has a variety of genres that appeal to a variety of readers, something US comics had before superheroes dominated the medium. There are other factors, which I’ll likely cover in the future.
In an inter-cultural landscape it’s inevitable younger artists will be influenced by anime/manga (hell, I am). But I’d like Frank Miller to be the model. Miller was one of the first US cartoonists to be influenced by manga, incorporating storytelling techniques from it in his comics. But Miller was also obviously well-versed in Eisner, Wood, etc., steeped in American tradition.
Like you point out with film, one path is stressing the interconnection of the two traditions (like how Tezuka was inspired by American animation).
Absolutely, I agree. It's great that Miller appreciated both, and that's how younger American cartoonists should be. I myself have some influence from Japanese things, but I do appreciate and look at our heritage as well. Such as Winsor McCay or E.C. Segar, to name some early ones.
Also great to see you mention Wally Wood. I learned about him this year, and I enjoyed that Pipsqueak Pipers of his. Bought that Witzend book they put out. I've got to get around to reading that sometime. I got interested when I learned he was another influence, like Vaughn Bode, for Wizards.
Aw yeah, if you're getting into Wood this is the place to be! He's The GOAT! Only a matter of time before I write an article about him.
Looking forward to it!