Intro
My favorite anime genre is Shoujo (yes, anime does have
genres). The kanji (Chinese characters) for shoujo literally translate
it to be young woman. That does not make it etchi/eechi or hentai anime
(adult anime).
What defines Shoujo anime?
Shoujo anime can be recognized by many different little
things. Some common aspects that shoujo anime have in common are relationships,
super complex relationships, all conflicts can be traced back to relationship
problems, and the groups of handsome young men. Anyway, it'll be easier
to name the common threads in shoujo anime as I list examples. (Quick note:
Shonen (young man) anime is usually characterized by the way it affects
young men. Whether it gives young men an testosterone rush or hormone rush
doesn't matter, it's pretty obvious what anime are aimed at guys.)
Favorite Shoujo anime:
Gundam Wing Hahaha! First one is a curve ball. Yes, Gundam Wing the manga is made for girls. Why? As my friend (a guy) says (in frustration) "Whenever I look for mecha pictures, all I can find are group shots of the boys!!! When I find one group pic of the Gundams, the boys are standing in front of them!" The handsome boys and the interesting characters are more typical of shoujo anime than shonen anime to me.
Fushigi Yuugi Classic shoujo anime. Typical shoujo anime are usually like this. The relationships are to a soap opera complexity, there are a bunch of handsome guys (it seems like most female artists create their ideal men in their mangas), and it's funny. Humor is probably the main reason for why I stick to shoujo anime.
Sailor Moon Japan is the only culture that has a magical girl genre, at least that's what I've heard. Anyway, Sailor Moon is the best example of this. Transformations, magical wands, the handsome guy, gender bending, all very shoujo ish in my opinion.
Card Captor Sakura Definitely one of my favorite animes. Sakura actually kinda makes fun of the shoujo anime with it's parody of the costumed magical girl and the "complex relationship" with the play on incest and homosexuality. But it's funny, that's the only reason I need to watch anything.
Marmalade Boy All shoujo. It's basically a soap opera that lasts for at least 70 episodes. Very tiresome, although funny at times. All the girls are in middle school, the guys however range from younger men, to teachers, to Americans. Well, there is one American girl that makes relationships difficult for the heroine...
Wedding Peach I actually haven't seen to much of this series, but to me it's just a variation on Sailor Moon. Anyway love is the most common theme in anime, is it so weird that the characters in this anime use love waves to defeat devils? The music for this series is great though.
Nurse Angel Ririka SOS This anime isn't well known, but it's also like Sailor Moon. It's a magical girl anime where the heroine transforms into Nurse Angel. It's a cute anime, a lot of emotional stuff occurs and it's funny too. The heroine is blonde, and has two best friends, one with long black hair and another with short blue hair, this trio seems very popular.
Last Edited: NEW Created: 5-20-00
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