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Tenchi on Cartoon Network
sew2902 writes "If you didn't know, the aforementioned Tenchi Muyou series is going to be on the Cartoon Network. Theres an article over at Media Junkies that talks about it, including the fact that it will be censored." Tenchi is among my favorite anime series, but they'll definitely have to edit it for TV since there is the occasional nude scene. The article itself talks about Cartoon Networks increased anime content. I've been hoping they'd create a Toonami channel to counterpart their Boomerang channel: I figure somewhat censored anime is better then none at all. Oh, and the next episode of Cowboy Bebop is now out: my copy should arrive today or tomorrow: I'm stoked about this one.
Especialy that cute little Rio-oh-ki but what is done to these anime on Cartoon Network is a shame, DBZ has become a Joke because of over censorship, The Netork never lets the viewers know that Sailor Moons new friends are actualy lesbians and now Tenchi will be censored. I agree that Censored anime is better than no anime and wish that if CN did make an anime network they wouldn't try to market it only to kids, that way they could show more uncut shows.
At least with Gundam W they did it right.
-- Any comments seen here are not mine, but a mixture of alchohol and lack of sleep.
I noticed that, once in awhile you where able to catch some chessy anime on the sci fi channel at about 4 in the morning on tuesday nights, and for a long time that was about all there was. Everytime I fliped to cartoon network in the last month, I have gotten loads of sweet juicy anime! Mmmmmm
"`Ford, you're turning into a penguin. Stop it.'" -THHGTTG
Dare I say, "no duh!"? That's why I excluded it from the list of anime that are un-bitchworthy.
I'm not a SM fan, but I do enjoy DBZ, and it's pretty shameful that people are *still* bitching and starting petitions to FUNimation about the horrible DBZ dub, when hybrid DVDs are now being released (with rave reviews, I might add).
My point is merely that if the anime is available uncut commercially, it's pretty pathetic to complain about the TV version. Do we do this when mainstream movies get edited for network play? Of course not, we take three steps to Blockbuster.
That being said, however, it is worth noting that it is not necessarily the case that dubbed anime is less faithful to the original text than subtitled anime. [snip whoring]
Well, that's my fault, because I tend to group "subtitled" with "uncut". And I do agree with your essay for the most part; I wouldn't mind watching good dubs for lightweight shows like Ranma or Tenchi (both of which are pretty good dubs). But for something that I truly love, (Shoujo Kakumei Utena, at the moment), I'd be up in arms if it were only available dubbed, no matter how good the dub was.
Most anime would also be deemed too violent for the bland American youth of today (Who apparently can't even handle a Harry Potter story without wetting themselves.) I remember watching Anime in Okiniawa when I was 4 or 5 where scenes were depicted of people being impaled, which would make american censors squeal like a stuck pig.
Here ends the semi-rant.
I'm trying to teach myself to set people on fire with my mind... Is it hot in here?
*sigh*. I'm trying hard to ignore your multiple spelling and grammatical errors. If you don't want to watch censored anime, buy the damn DVDs/subbed VHS!
Tenchi has been out commercially for a while now, so it's not like watching the dub on TV is your only option.
Gundam W has subbed/uncut DVD.
DBZ is starting to release subbed/uncut DVD.
Sailor Moon...well... I suppose you could bitch about that, but it's not like fansubs are hard to find.
But don't waste your breath on Tenchi.
What needs to come along is a channel clued in enought to realize Anime aren't cartoons, and are being targeted to adults just as much as kids. If they had the attitude that "this show is meant for young adults and their parents, not little children," then things would be way better.
Here's my DeCSS mirror. Where's yours?
Here's my DeCSS mirror, where's yours?
The thing that really sets anime apart from most programming is the fact that many series take the time to tell a single story as opposed to more mainstream shows that take fairly thin story premises, tosses their characters into them and then after 30 or 60 minutes, resets everything back to how they were at the beginning of the episode. Star Trek is one of the great examples of this style of TV show creation where something catastrophic happens nearly every episode but nothing permanently bad ever happens to anyone (unless you're a red-shirted ensign) and events seem to have little to no effect on the characters involved.
On the other side we have anime where in many cases, an entire series is built on the telling of a single story. As opposed to the episodic nature of mainstream shows which are self-contained (and easily shuffleable for syndication purposes), episodes in a good series all work towards advancing the story. This focus on a single plotline allows for other aspects of plain old good storytelling to occur; character growth and character relationships. In good anime, characters change and grow, go against what we assume they would normally do, and often become completely different characters by the end of the series. A single plotline also allows for character relationships to be more fully explored, created and changed.
This all comes down to anime being much more dynamic than mainstream series. In the US, a lot of TV programming seems to be focused on a 'if it ain't broke, don't fix it' mentality. If the execs find a group of characters that the public likes, they generally keep them the same throughout the show so not to alienate viewers and everything is built around keeping everything the same but creating the illusion that things are different. Good anime series rely on change; that things won't necessarily be the same from one episode to the next and people watch to see what happens next.
Yeah, it's probably not the most cohesive argument in the world but it's the best I can come up quickly.
Wow. Two posts in two days... all for my favorite little series. First off all, below this is the FAQ as it currently stands. Second, here is the status of the long sought third OVA.
First of all, Tenchi is actually 13 different stories that have the same characters. The story types change from series to series. The OVA series (what is airing right now) is a bit of epic fantasy, sci-fi with sorta family dynamics, the next series that airs (Tenchi Universe or TV) is much more romantic, while Shin Tenchi (Tenchi in Tokyo) is just plain weird and bad.
I talked to Hiroki Hayashi (One of the co-creators of Tenchi Muyo) last week, and he said that AIC is committed to a new series, but director etc has not been picked yet. Masaki Kajishima (the other co-creator) will probibly be it. The only thing we know for sure, is that Hiroshi Negishi (the man who directed the TV series) will not be directing it.
Hiroki Hayashi will be at Nan-Desu-Kon this year. This is a _awesome_ con that takes place in colorado every year. Last year it was one of the best Conventions in the USA with a much better atmosphere then AX (Look at how big we are) and Otakon. He really is a nice guy, and it will be a lot of fun. More info here.
Anyways, here is Tenchi FAQ (REALLY REALLY BIG). As one huge document. Sorry, it is in word, have not had time to do a proper conversion on it.
Here it is . Spoilers be here . (People who read the FAQ last week, the novels section has been updated.
The creators of Tenchi Muyo have gone on to create other great series, such as Sol Bianca, Photon, Dual, El-Hazard, BGC 2040 and many other series.
Please don't bitch about the fact that it is in microsoft word. My linux box needs a new drive.
I forgot to mention. I am looking for a site that will let me host a automated version of this. I may get a new page this afternoon, but I need hosting recomendations. Any takers? I will probibly install fAQ-o-matic for this.....
I have watched w/ some interest the cuts that CN has made. The feeling among the veterans is that it could be worse. I do shudder a bit what will happen with Tenchi OVA 13 which is quite amusing w/ regards to the fact that the Emperor has two wives (they removed the hint from OVA 5), but for the most part only Ryouko has taken a hit.
Of course, the funny thing is that she seems much more caring and almost parental now, instead of over-sexed. I imagine that she will have a lot more fans now.
It could be said that Tenchi OAV appeals to the "geek nature." Many hidden features and silent plot points make it a story to be STUDIED as well as enjoyed. This is, among other reasons, why I enjoy Tenchi OAV over either TV season.
Some of the finer points listed here:
- Isn't it interesting that at the end of the first OAV in Tenchi's house we have:
- Sasami: Join with Tsunami(read: goddess) the source of the wonderful power that has made Jurai the largest space faring empire around.
- Mihoshi: Grandaughter to the Galaxy Police High Marshal(read: big wig) who either seems to be either the luckiest person in the galaxy or the most intelegent by faking being silly. ^_^
- Washu: Supposedly the smartest genius in the galaxy(whos only foil is Mihoshi ^_^). At least smart enough to "create" Ryoko and Ryo-ohki who are compariable to anything Jurai has to offer. Maybe has a past with Tsunami...maybe even like Sasami(ie. assimilated)!
- Aeka: The Crown Princess of Jurai: the most powerful empire in the galaxy. Enuf said. ^_^
- Ryoko: One the of the most mysterious and powerful things walking around on two legs. Only surpassed by...
- Tenchi: Has displayed powers on the level most star ships can't generate. Quite possibly the next ruler of Jurai...if he isn't careful. ^_^
So it is quite possible that assembled under one roof on Earth the future power holders of the galaxy if not already the most powerful people ever born. Coincidence? Maybe. ^_^
- Of course all of this would have been for nothing if Yosho hadn't left Jurai in the first place. Why did Yosho leave Jurai in the first place? He says he couldn't handle the predjudice because he was half human but subtilites point to more. Did Tsunami coax him to go?
- I've always thought the relationship between Ryoko and Washu would be an excellent subject to go over in a 3rd OAV.
- Of course one can not ignore the hints suggesting that Ryoko isn't the only child of Washu. Who could the other child be? Maybe its....no...its too silly to say. ^_^
- The "technology" in Tenchi is interesting too. Jurai technology is very organic where verything appears to be made of their trees(weapons, ships, etc.). Washu's technology appears to be based on crystals. Yet their power seems to work together. This supports the idea that Washu and Tsunami are even closer than any one expected.
- The Avatar Theory: Tsunami seems to have two sisters? What are they up too? What is Tsunami up too? Why bother "promoting" Jurai? The Avatar Theory is a theory that says that Tsunami is trying to "foster" an Avatar: someone from this universe that can wield their power since it seems that "assimilation" may restrict her power in this universe(if you look at Washu for comparison...assuming she is who we think she is ^_^). Washu may have Ryoko. Tsunami may have Tenchi. Tokimi has....well that is what I'm hoping is revealed in a 3rd OAV. ^_^
Some people say that the OAVs are overly complicated compared to the TV series. I instead say that the TV series dumb things way down. I revel in the insanity of the OAV story that seems to have reason if you look close enough(or maybe I'm just seeing things ^_^). In any event, I enjoy just considering the possiblities in this story much more than any story that has come along. This is why I'm very excited about a 3rd Tenchi OAV with Kajishima writing the story again.
... it's still not enough. It's unfortunate that they have to censor something as lightweight as Tenchi. Hopefully it will be done thoughtfully, and not butcher the series like Dragonball, the American version of which has been reduced to complete cack.
What we need is one of two things. The first, a privately-owned anime cable network (probably stuck into cable networks as a 'premium' channel), is not going to happen for a long time; the market is just not there to justify the outlay of capital, and production capacities are still not high enough to deal with 24/7 broadcasting without significant percentages of reruns. And then there's that sticky "licensing" thing... @_@
The second option, for networks to pick up some series with content that would not require censorship and yet still provide enough entertainment value to attract audiences across the age ranges, is unlikely, but easier. I'm talking about comedy series like Slayers (yay!), or adventure series like Escaflowne. There's still the licensing issue, but if you factor in the fact that they won't have to pay anyone to edit "objectionable" material out of the tapes, then it probably would come up attractive in terms of advertising profits. Maybe an e-mail or dead-tree-letter or two might open their eyes to this.
Of course, it'll be a long while before anyone's able to show something as moderately risque as Knights of Ramune on American TV, but every step counts.
How does the post constitute abuse?
--
As a matter of fact, I am a lawyer. But I play an actor on TV.
Huh, the "nudity" in Tenchi Muyo censored?
You've got to be kidding, that would be the most pointless and brainless snip in the history of censorship.
Ryoko is an alien demon (actually, she was manufactured by Washu, the "Greatest Scientist in the Universe", so I suppose that makes her some kind of construct), and she doesn't understand the first thing about human inhibitions about anything, so when she strips off in the pool it's about as innocent as it comes. Cinematographically it's for its effect on Ayeka and Tenchi, and the result is absolutely hilarious.
There is absolutely nothing to censor here. There is no sex (needless to say), nothing remotely provocative, and certainly no sleeze of any kind. There's just some bare (cartoon-style) featureless skin, and that in the context of a demon that is not only non-human but not even really physical in the normal sense (ie. flies right through matter).
Are the censors in the US completely off their collective rockers?
"The question of whether machines can think is no more interesting than [] whether submarines can swim" - Dijkstra
It does appear now that there enough Slashdot authors interested in posting Anime news that they should make an Anime Topic. If Slashdot does decide to go for it, use Anipike, EX, and A Fan's View for useful URLs. ^_^
EX right now is running a feature on BONES, the production house that brought out fine works like ESCAFLOWNE and COWBOY BEBOP. Cover art done by Kawamoto himself! ^_^
I like the interest in Anime you guys are showing. Please keep it up!
Shine on, you crazy diamond.
I think you also apply some mistaken interpretations of Japanese
behavior in your examples. Just because people act a certain way
in Anime storylines does not mean that is accepted or common
behavior for that society.
Just from your examples:
"more open about nudity and sexuality"
Then why does so much anime hold to the running gag of someones
extreme embarrassment at exposed nudity (or seeing someone so exposed)?
As for sexuality, in many ways the Japanese are even more puritanical
than the Americans. The reason it is played to comedic effect so often
in Anime is because the characters act in ways that are so far outside
the expected norm of behavior.
"This is evidenced through the the public baths"
AFAIK, no it isn't. Again, while nudity with the same sex is considered
acceptable, peeking into the other side of the bath is very bad form indeed.
So much so that it again, is a common anime cliche' that the guys cannot
help but try to peek over to the other side.
A better comparison would be to ask how many nude beaches do the Japanese have?
"many more lesbians & gays in anime than in american shows"
I think what is more the case is western fans are implying those
relationships when they are not actually there in the storyline.
This also comes from differences in Japanese cultural relationships
vs. Western culture.
"Anime isn't just meant for children in Japan"
True, it is applied much more broadly as an artistic choice in storytelling.
But in general, Anime geeks in Japan are viewed much the same way as
X-men geeks, Star Wars/Trek geeks, and Techno-geeks are viewed over here.
Slashdot needs an Anime subject heading instead of just lumping all the anime news in with entertainment news. I like the coverage, but there are quite a few people out there who would like to opt out of the coverage, just like they opt out of other subjects.
BBK
When I poliely ( ;-) ) asked what was up, I received a confession from Patrick Lenz that he, "hit 'approve' instead of 'reject' on that pending message within the moderation system".
Then, today, /. reposts the the same story ttwwiiccee on the front page.
That's the problem with those "clickity-click" interfaces...it's easy to mis-click and double-clickclick.
-- @rjamestaylor on Ello
'course that's only so I can sliptime 'em - I'm usually at work in the midafternoon.
BTW: Didja see the Dexter's Laboratory takeoff on Speed Racer? I almost died! I did! I did! I really really did. Now who could "Racer D" actually be?
/(o\ I'm not a medievalist - I just play one on weekends!
Why? hmm.. greed? :) and the fact that most anime is bought by Disney (yes, another dark secret they don't tell you) and then licensed to the anime companies.
That last bit about Disney is utter bullshit. Disney does own the rights to most of Studio Ghibli's titles (Nausicaa, Mononoke, Kiki's Delivery Service), but nothing else. The anime companies get their licenses direct from the producers in Japan. Hell, some of the companies now distributing anime are nothing more than US arms of the Japanese companies (Pioneer, Bandai), while others have gone so far as to co-produce anime with the Japanese (ADV Films, Manga Entertainment).
I have to wonder where you people come up with this stuff sometimes. ^_^
--
David Christopher Asher
OTAKON 2000: Convention of Otaku Generation
August 4-5-6, 2000 at the Baltimore Convention Center, Baltimore, MD
I've built up so much character I have an alter-ego
Expect to see much more anime on thier channel. CN != SF
The cartoon network has already contracted to finish the Dragon Ball Z
series as the dubs become available. They still have the OAVs of
Gundam Wing to yet show (and yes, they did aquire the rights for those).
Gundam Wing, during its initial showing, was the highest rated show, in
the highest rated timeslot (Toonami) for the entire network.
The Sci-fi channel screwed themselves over on that one. Bad timeslots, some
bad shows/movies, and recycling too much without trying to hype/introduce
new material. Also they lost focus by trying to cram it all into special
events ("Anime-week"), instead of treating it at least as a separate genre.
As much as I like SCIFI, they don't always make very good programming decisions.
Kids WB has fared well with Pokemon, and now Card Captors (Card Captor Sakura)
Fox has followed suit with Digimon and Monster Rancher, and is trying to
bring Escaflowne to the Fox Family Channel (which may be a mistake for other
reasons). A lot of other corporate entities seem to this
BTW: Sci-fi still have the rights to the "Slayers" series, so don't count
them out yet either- they may have just gotten in before the industry was
really heating up on anime.
Other than Miyazaki's works, you can't name any anime that has been liscensed
for Buena Vista (not Disney corporate!) to bring over. Or are you now
claiming that Disney is behind the "anime is animate porn" sterotype?
I think you mean stroked, don't you?
(For those that don't get it... that's a joke).
loev,
Axel
mhm23x3, alt.fan.karl-malden.nose
I like Tenchi 'n all, but everyone's only bringing in the less mature anime that's targeted at a younger audience. With Fox and WB, it was Technoman, Pokemon, Digimon, *mon, and now Card Capture Sakura, and with Cartoon Network, it's ancient stuff like Speed Racer and Voltron, and some popular stuff like Sailor Moon and Dragon Ball Z, and now Tenchi. What I want is a Toonami that's closer to what's played in the Sci-Fi channel than Fox...with stuff like Akira etc.
My predictions for next anime series to come: Slayers. Now my question is, when will Neon Gensis Evangelion come to TV? And when it does, they better create a ton of publicity prior...