Obsess by LASA Ezine

Obsess Captain ' s Charm Behind Fa ndoms Top Watch Animated How The Hunger Games is Catching Fire

Photo by Anja Meisel

Dear Reader, This magazine started with what can probably be best described as an unrestrained ardor. We noticed

that while we shared many different interests, our spirit was all the same. With so many fleeting ideas and no defined path, we jumped into this project with a mass of zeal that constantly fluctuated through the successes and stress brought on by the challenges of the semester. Among these ups and downs, two things remained constant: our engrossment with our fandoms and our devotion to bring the best magazine possible to you. We bet you’ve heard the saying, “Everyone’s a critic.” What they don’t tell you is that inside each and every one of us is a fan. We all have that book we stay up reading for hours, that show we watch marathon seasons of or that movie we can’t stop talking about. It is this sense of fascination we wanted to meet and entertain. We decided to zone in on the matter of obsession that we all carry with us. Slowly things started to come together. Everything from the theme to the color scheme to the layouts were put into place. We should probably confess that among the five of us, varying degrees of efficiency in work ethics were exhibited and not every precious minute was spent sensibly. Being who we are, we often found ourselves victim to the ever-present draw of the Internet. Yet somehow with the help of hidden food and all too rapidly approaching deadlines, we compiled this magazine, a cultivation of our passions and enthusiasm in hopes of kindling the inner obsession in each of you. We are proud of this magazine and hope you have as much fun reading it as we had making it.

Sincerely,

On Cover: Photo by Isabelle Dickey. On Page Three: Photos by Phoebe Lasater & Dayla Woller. On Page Four and Five: Books Photo courtesy of Lionsgate. Television Photo by Neil Thompson. Anime Photo courtesy of Hayao Miyazaki. Comic Books Photo courtesy of imdb.com. Photos not taken by staff are used with permission or under fair use

Biographies Rodrigo Vivar III

Dayla Woller Dayla has lived in Austin her whole life, but her heart lies at the beach (with crystal clear, warm water). She is little bit obsessive about “The Hunger Games” and the quality of her fruit (her grapes must be firm). She’s also a braiding ninja and has her own Facebook page (“like” her at Braids By Dayla!). She does volleyball and hopes in the future to get a scholarship to go to Stanford as a setter. And for the record, her last name is Woller, not Odark.

In his spare time, Trey is a wrestling hero. He scouts the streets of Austin looking for wrongdoers and besting them with his wrestling skills. His attire includes a dashing cape and onesie that says, “BAM,” on the front. Trey hopes to be an entrepreneur after he retires from heroism and would like to attend the McCombs School of Business in Austin.

Carly McCreary Carly McCreary has enjoyed E-Zine spending immeasurable quantities of time searching for anything to do but the task at hand. In her free time, she obsesses over the human condition and why she is so inexplicably short. To compensate for her height, she has grown out her hair beyond the length of 99.99% of the population’s. Carly is told that she is artistic, but really views everything as an organized ball of chaos, just like her consciousness. In the end, all she wants to do is make the world a better place.

Phoebe Lasater In Phoebe’s free time she plays piano, does yoga and supports her sister’s growing ballet ambition. She hopes to live in Spain, which is the reason that she decided to take Spanish. She may seem reserved at first, but once you get to know her there’s no going back. She’s knocked over people twice her size in games and shot her bow and arrow at her nemesis. Many don’t know this, but she has actually been alive for over 100 years and that is why she’s so darn smart. Phoebe is deathly allergic to caramel, avocados and raw tomatoes (but not really, just a strong dislike). She also is a fashion guru that can create an outfit out of anything.

Isabelle Dickey Isabelle’s stage name is Adele Nazeem and hopes that when she performs at the Oscars someday her name will be pronounced correctly. When she’s not at school you can always find her stressing out about something unimportant, geeking about her favorite TV shows, and dramatically singing “Frozen” or musical theater (that’s a lie; you can actually find her doing all of that when she’s in school too). She would like to thank her weird friends, fab Ezine group, and Stephen Sondheim for everything.

Books Behind Fandoms

DIY The Hunger Games Nail Polish Design

How The Hunger Games is Catching Fire The Hunger Games Map of Panem

12 30

Television

Show is me

A watched show never spoils

Comic Books

Captain ' s Charm The Avengers Exposed The Justice Leagueâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Secrets

20 24 26

Anime

Animated

Anime vs Manga

Inside fandoms Phoebe Lasater

The Psychology behind Obsession E velyn Burd, a freshman, stood in line waiting for her turn to meet Josh Hutcherson, Jacqueline Emerson and Isabelle Fuhrman who play Peeta Mellark, Foxface and Clove from the movie and bestselling book, “The Hunger Games”. “Everybody was crowding around the rails and screaming [to the actors],” Burd said. “I was hyperventilating and everything was emotionally crazy. The line started going very fast and it was kind of a blur. When I got to the actors, we got to say hi, shake their hands and get them to sign our posters. I didn’t really know what to say to them. I actually almost fainted I got so excited.” Tons of other fans came as well, some had even been waiting since six in the morning. There were

Photo courtesy of BookPeople

Photo courtesy of Evelyn Burd

Evelyn Burd and Veronica Roth, author of “Divergent” pose for a picture after the discussion at the Texas Teens 4 Libraries Convention in Houston. reporters from newspapers, like The Dallas Morning News, that were coming around and talking to the

Rick Riordan discusses his book at the World Release Party at BookPeople for “The Lost Hero” on Oct. 12, 2010.

fans. Some of the fans had dressed up, one as Katniss, the heroine of the novel, and one as Cato, the tribute from District 2. “I left school during first period and drove to Dallas [from Austin with] my friend, Nica Lasater,” Burd said. “It was really exciting getting to meet an actor I [really liked]. Also, seeing someone in real life is so different than seeing them on a screen. It was very surreal.” Many fans have gone to extremes to get to meet the authors and

actors from major fandoms from driving for hours and then waiting in line in huge crowds to making elaborate websites and sending long tweets to the actors to get a one sentence response. In addition, to meeting the actors from “The Hunger Games” movie, Burd has been able to meet some authors who have written books that have become major fandoms. She had the opportunity to meet Veronica Roth, author of the Divergent series, through her school, Ann

Photo courtesy of Evelyn Burd

DIY The Hunger Games Nail Polish Design Dayla Woller You don’t need to go to a salon to get fabulous nails! All you need to design your own Hunger Games nails is black, red and gold nail polish and some tape cut into strips. Jacqueline Emerson, Josh Hutcherson and Isabelle Fuhrman are interviewed about “The Hunger Games” at the Movie Mall Tour at the Galleria Mall in Dallas, Texas. Richards School for Young Women Leaders. A group of about 30 girls traveled to the TT4L (Texas Teens 4 Libraries) conference in Houston. At the conference, authors presented their arcs (advanced reader’s copies), and some even had meet and greets. “[Meeting Roth] was very intimate - we were just sitting around a table and they were only about 15 to 30 girls; about 10 of them Photo courtesy of Evelyn Burd

Evelyn Burd and her friend, Nica Lasater hold up their Hunger Games posters while standing in line waiting to meet Josh Hutcherson.

were from my school,” Burd said. “We got to get our books signed and ask her questions.” But surprisingly, Roth was not always so studious and devoted to her books or studies. “She talked about how she had started writing ‘Divergent’ in high school when she was blowing off classes,” Burd said. “Then later, she picked it up and started writing again. I was really surprised - that means I could be writing a best seller right now.” Burd said that the books along with Roth’s story made her really love “Divergent.” “‘Divergent’ was so great because Tris was so relatable,” she said. “She felt small in her world, but still wanted to be brave. And I’ve always felt that way. Like I’m small and insignificant, but I still want to live my life as much as I can. [And also,] I don’t want to give spoilers away, but ‘Allegiant’ was

First, paint your whole nail gold to set the base.

Cut a piece of tape into slices and then stick it onto your nail and paint the top part red and the bottom part black.

And lastly, paint a top coat on and you’re done!

Sources: Sugarcoat Nails, Pictures by Phoebe Lasater

hard. I respect that Roth was doing what she felt was best for the story, but it was really hard to see some things come to an end.” She also met Rick Riordan, author of the Percy Jackson and the Olympians series, at the BookPeople tour in 2010. The “Lost Hero” had just come out, part of the Heroes of Olympus series. “I was really excited [because] in fourth grade I read the scene where Annabeth and Percy finally get together over someone’s shoulder and decided I had to read the books,” Burd said. “I reread the series about once a year, and every time I find myself wishing that I could be part of that world.” However, meeting the author wasn’t all it was cracked up to be. “[When I met Riordan] it was very fast,” Burd said. “He just signed our books and then moved on. It was like he wanted to get it done and out of the way. Afterwards, he held a huge talk with everybody, but it definitely wasn’t as surreal [as meeting Hutcherson].” Compared to meeting Hutcherson it seemed that nothing could feel as unreal. “When I met Roth it wasn’t surreal per say, but it definitely was really fun,” Burd said. “We got to talk to her about real stuff and she was really inspiring.” There are many

different types of fans teens and adults, fans who travel across the country and fans who express their love in narratives, drawings and even on blogs. Jacqui Munn is a huge fan of “The Hunger Games” too. She created myhungergames.com, a website for fans to simply talk about “The Hunger Games” and any news about the movies that was coming out. “[Myhungergames. com] is an awesome website,” Burd said. “It’s the first place I go to check on any news regarding the movies and actors.” The site features a news section about the movies, a section for each book and a merchandise tab, as well as sections for fans - a forum to talk, a fan

obligation to your readers to get that information to them as soon as possible.” But unlike some attempts, myhungergames. com has become a huge success. “We were be[ing] approached by people associated with the movie looking to see if we wanted to have merchandise to give away,” Munn said. “We were also being approached by other news outlets to provide information and opinion about ‘The Hunger Games’. [We’ve] be[en] able to interview the stars of the movie and have also attend[ed] the world premieres of the movies as well as the after parties.” But why do so many fans get so wound up by the books they get in to? “I thought

the books too. “[People in fandoms] tend to be on the socially awkward side until they [get to] talk to people that have read the books and [also] got invested in them,” Burd said. “It’s good way to get to know people - you get to be connected to people that are similar to you.” Lauren Gentry, a psychologist, had a more professional opinion on the matter. “I think that [people who become so obsessed with] books tend to create their own forms of connection - to characters, to other aspects of the human experience, etc.,” Gentry said. “Also, they often include existential issues (life, death, meaning, success, failure, etc.) and themes like morality, good/ evil, love, belonging, relationships, etc. that are salient to people in general.” People will continue to gravitate towards other people that share a common interest with them, whether it is a book, TV show or movie this behavior fuels the ever growing fandoms. “People feel more significant and a greater sense of belonging when they surround themselves with people who feel and believe as they do - particularly with the most firmly held beliefs/interests/ values,” Gentry said.

“I thought [myhungergames.com] would be a good way to connect with other fans and provide a place where they could connect with each other.”

- Jacqui Munn, founder of myhungergames.com

of the week, fan art and fan questions. “I thought it would be good to put together a site that not only talked about the themes of the book, but showcased a bunch of the work out there,” Munn said. “[After a while you] feel an

[myhungergames.com] would be a good way to connect with other fans and provide a place where they could connect with each other,” Munn said. And like Munn, others like to be connected with other people that enjoy

Artwork by Mandy, fan of the week, from myhungergames.com

H E R k c E lo

m a

t e

r ice c u re yo

How the Hunger Games is Catching Fire Dayla Woller

Taking Off Like A Mockingjay Photo by Kendra Miller

A mockingjay pin, modeled after the one in the book, is a bestseller.

the theater seven times, ica Lasater almost and at least five times at didn’t survive. home, especially to enjoy “The anticipation the intricately designed was killing me,” said costumes. Lasater, who has been an avid fan for years. “I had The Author Collins been waiting months for this Suzanne moment and it was finally is the writer of the books here.” Photo by David Shankbone Lasater has cooked and designed cupcakes for “The Hunger Games,” and has made signs featuring various characters from the books. Posters and pillowcases feature her theoretical boyfriend, Josh Hutcherson and occasionally Katniss Everdeen, played by Suzanne Collins is the Jennifer Lawrence. Lasater author of “The Hunger Games.”. has seen the movie in

that so many people have reread over and over again. She wrote “The Hunger Games,” which was on the New York Times bestselling list as well as “The Underland Chronicles.” “For a while I wanted to be a writer and she was my role model because her writing is really good,” Lasater said, while admiring the cover of the book. “And she’s won a bunch of awards for her books including ‘The Hunger Games.’” Collins is a role model for many other young aspiring writers as well.

Photo courtesy of Janet Doherty/ birthday-parties-for-kids.com

Crafts and Food Many homes have been filled with the scents of

Parachutes, modeled after the ones in the books can be decorations for a birthday party.

Photo courtesy of Janet Doherty/birthday-parties-for-kids.com

theme. They were just regular cupcakes, but a little embellishment was put on top using cardboard circles and then glued on little pieces of paper to make them fit the theme. Other crafts are made by fans everyday, like Lasater who, “recently... made a mug that had the main quote of ‘The Hunger Games’ on it, “‘may the odds be ever in your favor.’” She has also made a sign that had her yearbook photo and Josh Hutcherson’s picture together in a heart. Online, there are Cupcakes with little decorations to make them festive, many other posters that such as the famous quote from the book, “Girl on fire.” one can buy pre-made. “There’s this store, fan food cooking, since the cook book that had recipes book became popular. Fan from the books,” Lasater Etsy that has a bunch of fan food is food that has been said. “And there was a stuff.” Lasater said. “I’ve especially designed after bunch of different things bought some merchandise a book or movie. There like lamb stew and Prim’s are cookbooks based off goat cheese and Peeta’s “The Hunger Games” with cakes,” recipes on how to bake Pictured above Peeta’s bread or a cake for are cupcakes that were Gale. made for a birthday party “I got my friend a with “The Hunger Games”

from a few websites and I have a Peeta pillowcase and a Peeta action figure. I have two Mockingjay pins and a Mockingjay necklace. I have a couple of shirts, one with Katniss’ face on it one that says ‘Team Peeta’ and I have multiple posters that I’ve bought from magazines. I also have a Josh Hutcherson signed poster.” Social Media Fans around the world have made different types of videos based on “The Hunger Games” series. One spoof is the “Starving Games.” “It was absolutely hilarious,” said Theo Lavier, “because it made fun of Suzanne Collins’ stupid dystopian thing and it made Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

“I’d only read [The Hunger Games] as a book and it had only been my imagination but then suddenly it was on the bigscreen and I was like WOAH.” - Nica Lasater

Background photo by April Wickes

A movie poster of Peeta and Katniss in the Victory Tour.

a more interesting version of ‘The Hunger Games.’” Not everyone likes the way that the “Starving Games” portrayed characters though. “People make fun of Peeta a lot because they’re jealous of how awesome he is.” Lasater said. “Like in the ‘Starving Games’ he’s a completely babyish character who couldn’t handle anything. I felt really bad for him because Peeta’s my favorite character and I don’t see him like that at all.” Lasater has even made her own rendition of the books. “There are a lot of crazy fans out there who

Photo courtesy of Nica Lasater

A house on the District 12 set of “The Hunger Games.” movie are really into it,” Lasater said. “I made a video about ‘The Hunger Games’ and I was Katniss in it. It was really fun and I got to sing Rue’s lullaby.” “Then there are a lot of spoofs [on Youtube],” Lasater said. “There’s a

Beanie Babies spoof [with] the Beanie Babies [as] the different characters. It’s really funny - I really liked them. Also, someone made a parody with American Girl dolls which was funny.” Not only are there fan bases on Youtube,

but there are many different websites to get in on the fan base online, such as Pinterest, Etsy, myhungergames.com and of course, following other fans on Instagram. “On Pinterest, myhungergames.com or

reading is our passion... epic books @ various locations & austinepicbooks.com Photo by Alan Liu Photography

[other websites], I’ll look at fan art [and] things like that,” Lasater said. “[Myhungergames.com is] a news site - it updates news on the movies and the books and like what’s going on. I look at it everyday to see stuff. When they were casting ‘The Hunger Games’ I checked it like every hour.” There are also other sites to get new on the series as well. “When I had a Google Plus account I was following all [the] celebrities and I might actually get a Facebook [account] to follow [the] celebrities,” Lasater said. “On Pinterest there’s a ton of fan art and stuff that people post and it’s really cool.” Another issue circulating in “The Hunger Games” fan circuit is the Team Peeta/Team Gale rivalry. “Oh my God, Team Gale all the way,” Lavier said. “Team Gale forever. He totally deserves Katniss because he’s the one who cares for her, he’s the one who takes care of her family and he’s the one who does everything for her and with her.” But Lasater has another perspective. “Peeta belongs with Katniss. Period,” Lasater said. “He’s the sweetest person ever and Gale is just a jerk to Katniss throughout the whole series, so obviously they shouldn’t be together.”

The Movie “[The first time I saw ‘The Hunger Games’] it was a really strange experience,” Lasater said. “I’d only read [“The Hunger Games”] as a book and it had only been in my imagination, but then suddenly it was on the big screen and I was like ‘whoa.’ I saw it at midnight and me and my friends dressed up as people from the Capitol. We wore a ton of makeup and flamboyant costumes. We also wore high heels and really, really crazy false eyelashes to look like Capitol people. In the series, the Capitol is the place where the Hunger Games is held. Also, typical citizens who live in the Capitol are rich, pampered and like to wear crazy outfits. A lot of [the movie] was how I imagined it but a lot of it was really different. The first time I saw it I liked it, but then the more times I saw it the more I saw flaws in the movie,” Lasater said. In the movie, a shaky cam was used to put the audience in Katniss’ perspective after she was stung by the Tracker Jackers, which are mutant animals in “The Hunger Games” that induce hallucinations and can cause death when stung. “The shaky cam that Gary Ross used I kind of liked it but it kind of made me dizzy,” said Lasater. Gary Ross was the

Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

Effie Trinket who is played by Elizabeth Banks. director of the first movie, “The Hunger Games,” but Francis Lawrence directed the second movie, “Catching Fire.” Overall, there were varying perspectives on the outcome of the movie. “There wasn’t enough violence in the movie compared to the book,” Lasater said. “They also left a lot of quotes out and a lot of my favorite parts. And obviously the movie wasn’t as good as the books, but movies are never as good as the books.” Lavier also agrees on the violence aspect. “The book was better than the movie but the movie really trivialized the violence that was portrayed in the book,” he said. “They did do a pretty good job with

Photo courtesy of Jaqui Munn

the District 12 scenes though,” Lasater said. “But they kind of butchered Peeta’s character, and he’s my favorite character. That’s not really Josh Hutcherson’s fault, more like the scriptwriters fault. I feel like they didn’t give him good lines.” Surrounding the Capitol are 12 districts, which all provide two tributes for the Games. Peeta and Katniss are the two tributes from District 12. Lavier didn’t like the movie, but he also didn’t really like the book. He realized that he didn’t like the series, “after the second book. The second book is just really weird, like ‘am I pregnant?’ ‘Am I tricking everyone?’ ‘And do I love Peeta or do I love Gale?’ ‘Do I really want to have sex with Peeta?’ And it was just really like this awkward thing between the characters that really ruined everything that [Collins] built in the first book.” Even if the movie didn’t reach fans expectations for the plot line, something that both fans of the book and critics of the book agree on is the costumes in the movie. “[The costumes] were awesome,” Lavier said. “They were super cool, especially the fire one.” When Katniss makes her first appearance in the Capitol, animation was used to make her dress look like it was on fire.

“I loved all of the Capitol people’s costumes. Especially Effie’s. Her’s were perfect,” Lasater said. Effie is another character in the books and is from the Capitol. She is Katniss and Peeta’s escort throughout their stay in the Capitol. Many shirts that are sold to fans based off the movies have quotes on them. A huge quote associated with “The Hunger Games” is “may the odds be ever in your favor.” “I think that [the

reason that quote is so big], other than the fact than its repeated so many times in the book, is that it’s kind of like the main message of the book,” Lasater said. “It’s ironic because they’re telling them, ‘may the odds be ever in your favor’ but the Capitol is putting children in the arena to fight to the death. It’s also a really powerful message of what the government could become.” Lasater went to see the set of “The Hunger Games” in North Carolina

with her sister. “It was really cool. It’s in North Carolina and I could see the bakery [from the movie] and it said ‘cakes’ on it. There was a sign [that said set of ‘The Hunger Games’] that made it feel real,” Lasater said. The soundtrack is another form of controversy over the series. While Lavier said that, “the movie had a really [bad] soundtrack because Taylor Swift’s voice didn’t really capture the strife and

struggle of the story.” Some fans really liked the soundtrack. “I like Taylor Swift and ‘Safe and Sound’ is about ‘The Hunger Games’,” Lasater said. “She wrote it for the movie and so it was my favorite song for awhile.” Lasater has enjoyed many aspects of being part of “The Hunger Games” fandom. “I’ve loved watching the first two movies and I can’t wait for ‘Mockingjay Part I’ to come out!” Photo courtesy of Lionsgate

Ceasar Flickerman, played by Stanley Tucci, in an interview with Katniss Everdeen in the second movie, “Catching Fire.”

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Captain ' s Charm Rodrigo Vivar III

Photo courtesy of Hero Complex Los Angeles Times

Why Captain America is Loved Photo courtesy of Becca Andrews

inally watching Captain America in theaters summer of 2011, Caitlyn Wilson has decided that the First Avenger is her favorite superhero. Why? Traveling deep inside her mind will uncover these mysteries. “After seeing the Captain America movie,” Wilson said, “he just seemed different, and I liked that. Like he didn’t have any superpowers but he still managed to become a superhero and help.” But does he in fact have no un-natural skill? “Steve Rodgers, Captain America, did go through the super-soldier

program,” Wilson said, “and he knew that if something happened to him during the process noone would miss him because he was always the odd man out. So, I kind of always felt that he went through with this program because he was hoping it would end all of his miseries.” Captain America has supplemented super blood flowing through his body, so is that truly the reason why she prefers him over the rest? Uncovering layers of Wilson’s thought process will release hidden truths about her decisions. “Rogers, started from nothing, he was under weight, no parents, no one to

Captain America’s sexy features in his first motion picture as he woes the audience. look up to, he was bullied, he was ignored by his society,” Wilson said, “and he was just really miserable.” If it’s not the super human ability, then it might be the story of the preCaptain America, Steve

Rodgers. Comparing her heroic idol before it was Captain America might give some insight. “Before 7th grade I liked Robin, Batman’s sidekick, for the similar reason I like Captain Photo courtesy of Michael Wenas

Captain America fighting Loki in New York City, featured in the motion picture “The Avengers”.

“Steve Rodgers knew

that if something happened to him during the process noone would miss him.” - Caitlyn Wilson America today,” Wilson said. “He lost both of his parents and had to make it through on just good people around him.” Having no one to look up to is a recurring theme in her selection of heroes to idolize. She consider’ the struggles of the pre-hero to be the possible deciding factor. “I look for the amount of struggles that individual has and the level of how bad those struggles are before he becomes heroic,” Wilson said Wilson looks for the struggles in a pre-heroes life as a deciding factor. What does Captain America have that makes him so popular? llllllllllllll“Since October of last year, Marvel has topped out in sells,” Austin Books & Comics sales clerk, Mark Douglas said. “Out of the top 812 sells since October, 204 are from Marvel.” Captain America is ranked 2nd on the most favored Marvel characters pole and places 6th on the most favored hero pole. A discussion on ComicVine.

com, gives some reasons why Captain America is so loved. Captain America is one of their oldest, purest, most honorable, most noble, and most altruistic hero, Marvel has. He’s an american icon; he never compromises his morals nor gives up. He’s one of the most recognizable superheroes in both name and appearance, which makes him one of the most marketable and the most respected within Marvel’s fictional universe. He looks old fashioned, and is an antiquated hero from an antiquated age. This shows that Captain America

is loved not only by youth, but also by people of past generations. Unlike Iron Man, with his acid-tongued, heavy metal-scored, technological badassery personality who would drive away the older audience. Taken from statistics found on HeroAnalytics, Captain America is loved by female youth because he is a smoking sexy actor, with gigantic pectorals and biceps, and even has a six pack. He is loved or idolized by male youth because he is a known hero who always gets the girl. The older youth (adults) prefer Captain America because he is a gentleman at heart who has respect for the world. And the oldest of the youth, (grandparent) prefer Captain America for his kindness, and his respectability. There are many who don’t fall under these categorizes, like motorcycle gear heads and hardcoremetal workers. Most motorcycle gear heads prefer Captain America

Photo courtesy of Youwall.com

Captains Shield that is made of Vibranium, the rarest of precious metals. because he is the only hero that uses an actual HarleyDavidson motorcycle, both during the war and in the new world. Hardcore-metal workers prefer Captain America due to the fact that his shield is composed of a unique alloy of Vibranium, steel, and an unknown third factor which makes it indestructible. For whatever reason you have liking him or not, Captain America has multiple characteristics which allow the audience to make a connection with their own individual icon. Wilson said, “I am glad I got the opportunity to meet Captain America, my idol.” Photo courtesy of Marvel.com

The Harley that Captain America rides through fire in his own film, Captain America: The First Avenger.

The Avengers Exposed Rodrigo Vivar III Many of you may know the Avengers, but did you know that the Black Widow and Hawk Eye attempted to terminate Iron Man from this planet? These are six of the most famous Avenger’s biographies with details about their lives that most people don’t know!

Captain America

The Hulk

Iron Man

Steve Rogers was born in the 1920s to poor Irish immigrants, Sarah and Joseph Rogers. Joseph Rogers died when Steve was only a child and his mother, Sarah, died of pneumonia while Steve was a teen. Before America’s entry into World War II, Rogers was a tall but scrawny fine arts student specializing in illustration, he attempted to enlist himself into the military but was turnied down due to his health issues. As a result of that declaration, Operation: Rebirth was created. Steve Rogers gained speed, strength, flexibility, endurance and agility of nearly superhuman levels. These heightened abilities coupled with his unwavering courage and “never say die” attitude eventually made him Captain America, a living legend. After being frozen for over 70 years, he is found by Nick Fury and immediately asked to become the captain of the avengers and to lead them against the power of Loki, Thor’s evil step-brother.

After being bombarded with a massive dose of gamma radiation, Dr. Robert Bruce Banner was transformed into the Incredible Hulk: a green behemoth who is the living personification of rage and pure physical strength. Thor’s evil step-brother, Loki, who had been banished to the Island of Silence previously, sought to take revenge on Thor and to do so he used the Hulk as his minion. Using his magic, he manipulated him to make him appear as a rampaging villain. Hulk’s sidekick, tried to reach the Fantastic Four so they could rein him in without hurting him, but Loki, who wanted Thor to battle the Hulk, made sure the message never made it through. Instead, the message was received by Antman, Wasp, Iron Man and Thor. They congregated in Rick’s hideout and decided to try to capture the Hulk as a team. During the fight, Thor figured out who had been manipulating events, and all five of them turned on Loki. Afterwards, they decided to stay together, and call themselves the Avengers.

During the war in Afghanistan, Tony Stark was at one of his munitions plants testing new technology for the military when he was injured by his own land mine that lodged shrapnel near his heart. Stark was then captured by a local warlord, Wong-Chu, and forced under threat of death to create a doomsday weapon for him with another captive, Yin Sen. The shrapnel was going to enter his heart and kill him, but he and the physicist created an arc reactor which kept the shrapnel away from his heart. In response, Stark built a suit of armor to help himself escape captivity. In the suit, Stark took on the warlord and his men and avenged Yin Sen’s death, thus Iron Man was born. Stark publicly stands down as Iron Man, but actually continues using the costume. He joined the Avengers and even saved Captain America from falling.

Photo courtesy of Jeannie Taylor

Photo courtesy of Megan Carbonaro

Photo courtesy of Deborah Duesing http://www.comicvine.com/ http://marvel.com/characters

Hawkeye Clint Barton, at a young age lost both of his parents in a car accident. After six years in an orphanage, Clint ran away to join the Carson Carnival.Clint caught the eye of the Swordsman, who took the young boy in. The Swordsman trained Clint to become a master archer. Later, Clint found the Swordsman embezzling money and he ran. Clint adapted his archery skills to become a star carnival attraction, a master archer called “Hawkeye”. He witnessed Iron Man in action and was inspired to become a costumed hero. However, after a misunderstanding on his first outing, Hawkeye was accused of theft and believed to be a criminal. On the run, the naive Hawkeye met the Black Widow, with whom he fell in love. Blindly following the Black Widow, Hawkeye aided her attempts to steal technology developed by Tony Stark, creating tensions between Iron Man and, Hawkeye and Black Widow. Hawkeye later rescued Edwin Jarvis and his mother from a mugger. In gratitude, Jarvis invited Hawkeye to the Avengers’ Mansion and stages a confrontation to allow the archer to clear his name and gain the trust of the Avengers. Hawkeye is then sponsored by his former enemy Iron Man, who sees that he is serious about becoming a hero. Led by Captain America, Hawkeye joins the team and is named part of the Avengers.

Thor

Black Widow

Thor’s father Odin decides his son needed to be taught humility and consequently places Thor (without memories of godhood) into the body and memories of an existing, partially disabled human medical student, Donald Blake. After becoming a doctor and on vacation in Norway, Blake witnesses the arrival of an alien scouting party. Blake flees from the aliens into a cave. After discovering Thor’s hammer, Mjolnir, (disguised as a walking stick) and striking it against a rock, he transforms into the thunder god. Blake is revealed to have always been Thor. Defeating the aliens, Thor shares a double life with his alter ego: treating the ill in a private practice with nurse - and eventual love - Jane Foster, and defending humanity from evil. Thor’s presence on Earth almost immediately attracts the attention of his adoptive brother and archfoe Loki. On one occasion, Loki’s tactics were accidentally beneficial - although successful in using an illusion of the Hulk to draw Thor into battle, it results in the formation of the superhero team the Avengers, of which Thor is a founding and longstanding member.

Born during the year 1928, Natalia “Natasha” Romanova was orphaned as a child when she was trapped in a burning building during an early attack on Stalingrad by enemy forces. Ivan Petrovitch Bezukhov, a Soviet soldier, found Natasha in the inferno and rescued her. Although Ivan kept a close eye on Natasha as she grew, by the late 1930s she had attracted the attention of Soviet intelligence, which began her training. In 1941, she was almost brainwashed into serving the ninja clan the Hand, but was saved by Ivan, Logan (Wolverine) and Captain America. Natasha once more attempted to get Hawkeye to help her destroy Iron Man. The pair almost succeeded, but when Black Widow was injured, Hawkeye retreated to get her to safety. During this period, Romanova was attempting to defect from the Soviet Union and began falling in love with Hawkeye, weakening her loyalty to her country. When her employers learned the truth, the KGB had her gunned down, sending her to a hospital, convincing Hawkeye to go straight and seek membership in the Avengers.

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Batman

The Flash

During a family outing to the movies, Bruce’s parents, Thomas and Martha Wayne accidentally ventured into the unforgiving Gotham alley known as “Crime Alley” and were mugged. Not content with just mugging the wealthy family, the mugger shot both Thomas and Martha Wayne killing them both in front of their son. As Bruce kneeled beside their bleeding bodies, he swore to avenge their deaths. As police arrived, Bruce was confronted by Dr. Thompkins and Alfred Pennyworth, the butler. Both Dr. Thompkins and Alfred arranged for the Gotham city social services to not take Bruce away, allowing the creation of Batman. Bruce now being 14 was coming up with a hero theme as a bat flies through the window scaring him, sparking the creation of the hero Batman. Bruce studied criminology, forensics, criminal psychology and mastered different fighting styles with the help of multiple man hunters and martial artists. Alfred Pennyworth remained his confidant, tending to injuries and offering sage advice - whether requested or not.

When Barry Allen was young his mother was killed and his father was convicted of crime. The drive to prove his father innocent gave Barry a strong belief in justice. Barry was an organic chemistry fanatic. After high school he graduated from college in three years with a major in organic chemistry and a minor in criminology. As a senior in college, he helped an officer apprehend a bank robber and was offered a job as a police scientist. Eager to fight crime and maintain an organic chemistry job, Barry accepted. The job was in a different city, making Barry move. He moved into an apartment with a lab in the back. During an electrical storm, Barry returned to an experiment after a short break. When all of a sudden a lightning bolt strikes through a window shattering a chemical cabinet spilling electrified chemical all over Barry. Dazed, he decided to return home using a taxi. As he was signaling for a taxi, a taxi drove by ignoring him completely. Barry, trying to catch the taxi, started to sprint to it, only to find himself passing the taxi as if it were standing still. With the strong belief in justice, Barry decides to use his newly developed powers for the greater good.

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Photo courtesy of Michael Garone

Superman As Kal-El (Clark Kent’s original name) was in the Kryptonian Gestation Chambers on his homeland of Krypton, his father, Jor-El, realized that a nuclear chain reaction was building up within its core and decided to remove Kal-El from his chambers and places him into a life-matrix that is destined to earth. Before the planet Krypton followed through with its nuclear chain reaction, Jor-El sent the lifematrix into the abyss hoping baby Kal-El will survive and continue their world. As soon as the life-matrix crash landed in a crop field found in Smallville, Kansas, the Kent family found this “vessel” in their crops. Assuming that the baby has fallen victim of a cruel experiment, they raised the baby as their own son and named him Clark. As Clark grew up, his kryptonian body began developing superhuman abilities. Clark’s father took Clark to the crop field where his life-matrix still lays hidden and he explained to him how they had found him. From then on, Clark decided to only use his superhuman abilities for the greater good.

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The Justice Leagues Secrets Rodrigo Vivar III The Justice League of America may not be as well known as the Avengers but are just as interesting. Who knew that Wonder Woman was originally written to appeal or influence the developing sexuality of young readers? Keep reading to uncover more tidbits on the lives of six profound heroes.

Wonder Woman Wonder Woman is an Amazon champion, armed with bulletproof bracelets, magic lasso, and Amazonian training, who wins the right to return Steve Trevor to “Man’s World” and fight the evil of the Nazis. While Wonder Woman fights both Nazis and crime, her appearances had a noted sexual subtext, leading to debates over whether it provided an outlet for Dr. Marston’s sexual fantasies or whether it was meant to appeal or influence, the developing sexuality of young readers. During this time Wonder Woman joins the Justice League of America becoming the first female hero to join. Photo courtesy of Scott Kinney

The Green Lantern

Martian Manhunter

At a very young age, Hal Jordan had to face his greatest fears when his father died in a plane crash right before his eyes. He followed in his father’s footsteps and eventually joined the United States Air Force on his 18th birthday – turning up that very morning outside the Armed Forces Career Center before it had even opened. Many years later, a dying alien named Abin Sur, member of the Green Lantern Corps, crashlanded his ship in the Californian desert near the Air Force base. Having selected a replacement officer for his position, the power ring chose Hal Jordan for his ability to overcome great fear. The ring and its abilities were explained to him, and he inherited the mantle of Green Lantern. Acting as a galactic police officer, it was his job to serve and protect all life in Sector 2814 which includes Planet Earth.

Originally from the planet mars, he was the last survivor of his species. A Martian holocaust killed his wife and daughter, nearly driving him mad, until he was accidentally brought to earth by scientist Saul Erdel, who died of a shock from the sight of Martian Manhunter. Martian Manhunter having no way back home decides to use his superhuman abilities to help defend the world from crime until he developed the technology needed to return to his home planet. Meanwhile, he works on developing this technology. He lives on earth as John Jones, a detective in the fictional Apex City.

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The Hunger Games Phoebe Lasater Following the news that the movie was going to be produced, “The Hunger Games” grew in popularity. Many fans have tried to figure out in which district they would be living in in the future. Only there’s a problem - when the books were published, Suzanne Collins, the author, didn’t include a map. Since then many fans have tried to recreate a map showing the country of Panem, based on evidence from the books. District 1 A career district, the richest district among the known twelve, District 1 is considered next only to the Capitol in its status. They are known as the Capitol’s “lap dogs”. Their main export is luxury. District 2 This district is the home of the Capitol military, housing the Nut (which is featured in “Mockingjay”), and is also the main supplier of the Peacekeepers. All this makes District 2 a career district and also a main strategical point in the takeover of the Capitol. It also exports stone and weaponry. District 3 Even though it is not considered a career district, District 3 is still important, if not small, because it is the supplier of electrical work, firearms and automobiles to the Capitol. The people here are generally clever and understand machinery well - the main export is technology. District 4 Another career district, the main export of District 4 is fishing. Because of their export, the people here are known for their under-water and swimming skills. As can be seen in Finnick’s case, they are also apt with using tridents, making fish hooks, net hooks and identifying edible seafood. District 5 Not much is none about District 5, except that their main export is power. District 6 District 6 is another district of whose background not much is available. They specialize in transportation and are seen as a transportation hub for the Capitol. District 7 District 7’s main export to the Capitol is lumber and woods. The people are generally thought to be apt with hatchets.

District 8 The main export of the district is textiles. They were the original spark of the Rebellion as well. District 9 Nothing else is known about this district, except that they specialize in producing grain. It is also said to contain many factories. District 10 District 10 is known for raising livestock.

Photo courtesy of National Geographic Sources: thehungergames.wikia.com hunger-games.net myhungergames.com

Capitol

Map of Panem District 11 One of the poorest districts, its main export is food. Ironically, having lots of fields within the district, it has the highest number of malnutrition cases. All the food produced is directly sent over to the Capitol.

District 12 Katniss’ hometown, District 12, is in a state of utter mess being the poorest district of Panem. The main occupation of people here is mining, and most work under the hazardous conditions. Many people die from starvation each year.

District 13 District 13, was the source of graphite mining according to the Capitol, but really developed nuclear technology. It was completely destroyed after the First Rebellion. This destruction was only on the surface as the survivors rebuilt the district underground.

Capitol The population of the Capitol is very rich and has anything they desire. They are the “sponsors” of the Hunger Games.

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Show is Me Isabelle Dickey

The Television Obsession T he lights flicker and the freakish stone angels are almost a foot closer. Sally’s eyes water as the Doctor’s words echo through her mind: “Don’t blink. Don’t even blink. Blink and you’re dead. Don’t turn your back. Don’t look away. And don’t blink.” These unforgettable lines from the iconic episode “Blink” of the classic show “Doctor Who” can send chills down the spine of anyone who hears them. “I think they add an aspect of fear that the doctor can’t control,” Isabel

Photo courtesy of Isabel Clark

Isabel Clark and her friend are enthusiastically obsessing about their favorite TV shows. These shows include “Doctor Who”, “Sherlock”, “Supernatural”, “Bones”, ”Pysch, “White Collar”, and Merlin.

Clark, a Superwholock (“Supernatural”, “Doctor Who”, and “Sherlock”) enthusiast, said about the Weeping Angels. “They have killed him emotionally many times, and I think that it is one of the things that he just doesn’t know how to deal with.” Between classic shows like “Doctor Who” and newer hits like “Pretty Little Liars”, TV shows have become one of the most popular mediums for entertainment and one of the largest bases for fandoms. When John Logie Baird demonstrated the first public example of using a TV in 1925, There is no way he could have imagined just what a phenomenon it would become. “I think a lot of people find just being able to see everything that is happening instead of have to think about it themselves, easier,” Clark said. For whatever reason, people definitely do like them, so much so, in fact, that they created fandoms, a kind of community based around many people’s common interest in these TV shows. “Well, I think one awesome thing about being in a fandom is, if you are on Tumblr for example, you get to go, like meet a bunch of people who have the same

Photo by Rach

David Tennant, the popular tenth doctor on “Doctor Who”, speaks at Comicon, much to thousands of avid fans’ delight.

interests as you and you get to talk about that TV show nonstop.” Clark said, “Also you don’t feel as crazy when you see other people who feel the same way as you.” Crazy is something no fandom have a lack of, especially TV fandoms. One particular TV show, had such a devoted fandom, that after 15 years of being off the air, it was decided to be started again. “‘Doctor Who,’” Clark said, “I mean I get really, really like I always want to be watching them, it’s not good with homework and such. I mean I’m pretty obsessed.” By the time only a few new seasons had aired, the show had gotten this kind of response from many

people, thanks to it’s brilliant writers, Russell T. Davis and Steven Moffat. A few years later, Steven Moffat came up with the idea to base a show on “Sherlock Holmes.” Although much newer, this show titled “Sherlock” has already managed to get a fandom almost as big as “Doctor Who.” “Supernatural and Sherlock, I obsess [about] a lot,” said Devin Ryan, a student at LASA high school, and extremely devoted fan of shows, “Sherlock” and “Supernatural”. “Jensen Ackles plays Dean Winchester, and Benedict Cumberbatch plays Sherlock and I love both those characters. They play their

characters so perfectly and well, and I could never see anyone else, ever playing their characters correctly.” Quickly rising star Benedict Cumberbatch, is certainly a very prominent factor of “Sherlock’s” huge popularity. The same can be said of Jensen Ackles, costar of another show with an expanding popularity; “Supernatural”. “I love that show with all my heart. And if I hear someone mention that show, even if it’s just about the mythology of it, [I’m like] ‘OH you know about Supernatural? Yayyy!’” Ryan said, “I like Supernaturally stuff, and I like mysteries.” Mysteries don’t always have to be about a British detective or two monster-hunting brothers who travel across the United

States. Sometimes they’re about four regular seeming teenage girls. “‘Pretty Little Liars’ is the most amazing show I’ve seen in my entire life, because it’s relatable. There are four girls and they

them which I like, like a lot.” Whether you’re a fan of traveling through space and time, or creepy anonymous notes, almost all of your favorite shows can be found on the internet on websites like Netflix or

Photo by Isabelle Dickey

“When a show’s on Netflix, I don’t have self constrant and watch like five episodes a day.” -Catherine Dickey have this one friend who they hate, but they love, but she gets murdered,” said Catherine Dickey, a “Pretty Little Liars” fanatic. “They’re really interesting and they have a lot of suspense in

Hulu. “When a show’s on Netflix, I don’t have self constraint, and I watch like 5 episodes a day,” Dickey said, “It’s not a good thing ‘cause I watch a lot more TV

Photo courtesy of Elizabeth Dickey

Devin Ryan is showing off her “Supernatural” shirt, her favorite shirt to wear.

than I should.” Watching too much TV seems to happen to a lot of people. TV appears to have become much more popular than many other forms of entertainment like reading or possibly even movies. “Movies you have to put a lot of time into watching them, whereas shows are usually 30 minutes to an hour of commitment to watch it and they cost not much at all whereas if you were to go a play or a musical, it can get pretty expensive,” Isabel Clark said. There are many reasons people like TV shows and fandoms but the bottom line is “it’s fun being in a fandom,” Clark said.

Catherine Dickey is watching Pretty Little Liars, one of her favoreite shows. It only took her a couple months to finish all five seasons that are currently out because she used every chance she could find to watch it.

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A Watched Show Never Spoils Isabelle Dickey In every high school there are certain TV shows that are constantly obsessed over by the students. LASA is no exception. There are many shows out on TV, so it is no surprise that a vast variety of answers have been given by the students that were asked what their favorite and second favorite TV shows are. Ranging from hilarious 22 minute sitcoms like “How I Met Your Mother”, to dramatic hour and a half mysteries like “Sherlock”, this list can help people to understand the extreme variety of interests in this community. Also, here people can find their next series to get hooked on! Although many shows have been voted on, the list has been whittled down to the top ten.

Lost

Even though this show has been over for almost four years, it still managed to make the list of LASA’s top ten TV shows, proving it to be a favorite. Not only has it received numerous awards including a Golden Globe and an Emmy, but was also named the 27th best written TV series of all time by the Writers Guild of America. While a great show to watch almost anytime, it’s probably not the best to watch on a plane ride across the Pacific Ocean.

8 Sherlock

The ability to keep an avid fanbase, while having two year breaks between each season, is an incredible feat. This classic story, with an updated twist, never fails to captivate its audience, and always leaves them dying to know what happens next. Complete with a perfect cast, including the rising star with the awesome name, Benedict Cumberbatch, and a gorgeous score, this show never fails to deliver.

9 Archer

As the only animated show on the list, “Archer” doesn’t need help standing out. Especially considering it’s about a conceded, flirtatious spy of the same name, his self-centered, creepy mother, his ex-girlfriend who now has trust issues, and the rest of a crazy cast of characters who work in a top secret spy base. Funny and entertaining, this show is worth watching.

7 Teen Wolf

What kind of teen drama would be complete without romance... and people turning into werewolves... and hot guys. Full of everything that makes these types of shows popular, “Teen Wolf” is a favorite among teens and young adults. However, with its extra taste of mystery and humor, it can be enjoyed by people of all ages.

6 Supernatural

What’s better than watching two very attractive brothers hunt demons and fight monsters? Not much. Complete with graphic deaths, disgusting creatures, and an episode pretty much about it’s own fanbase, “Supernatural” is an extremely thrilling show. It is probably not, however, the show to watch at night or home alone.

4 Breaking Bad

From teaching high school chemistry to making drugs, Walter White’s life undergoes many dramatic changes within the show. Throughout the course of five seasons, “Breaking Bad” has won numerous awards, including ten Emmys. Although fans are sad about its recent ending, many of them seem very satisfied with its conclusion.

5 Psych

Always funny and entertaining, “Psych” is a detective show about two friends who own a private investigative agency; one of which pretends to be psychic. With eight seasons (including two musical episodes) it’s the perfect show to spend your summer (or school year) watching. Just don’t forget to look out for the constantly appearing pineapple(s).

3 Pretty Little Liars

Hooking and mysterious, each episode leaves you with more questions about the identity of the mysterious note-leaving A, and disappearance of the four young protagonists’ friend Alison. Chock full of confusing deaths, complicated relationships, and attractive actors, “Pretty Little Liars” is almost impossible to stop watching. Never lacking in comedy, aliens, and Don’t let the cutesy appearance of this show heartbreaking separations, this 50 year old show deceive you, there’s more to it than initially meets has recently gained a new generation of avid the eye. fans. With a new actor playing the universally beloved protagonist known as The Doctor every few years, this show never gets old. Exciting and dramatic, Doctor Who always leaves you thinking...and humming its catchy theme song.

2 Doctor Who

1 How I Met Your Mother

With the most votes by far, the cast and plot of “How I Met Your Mother” has captured the hearts of the LASA student body. Full of memorable quotes and hilarious plot twists, this show is “legend... wait for it... and I hope you’re not lactose intolerant because the second half of that word is DAIRY!”

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United We Fan T

he room was abuzz with colors and noise. People of all ages flooded the area. The chatter and the music mixed to create a constant cacophony. The room was alive and warm with eager bodies. Lively vendors promoted their products and cosplayers adorned in elaborate garb wove in and out of the crowd. “All I can say is that it’s crazy,” long-time anime and manga fan, Anne Bishop said of her experience at A-Kon, the oldest anime based convention in North America. Everyone is absorbed by their own bubble Art by Tiffany Ngo

Ngo demonstrates her grasp on character design and use of color in her fan art.

of activity. However, they were all brought here by one thing: An undeniable passion for anime, Japanese movie and television animation. “It’s a stereotype again, but it’s that nerd subculture, so you’re really connecting with people who tend to exist on the fringes in a more popular society,” Bishop said. Like British television shows and foreign movies, anime and manga, the comic book version of anime, are a rising interest in not only the United States but also on a global scale. Devoted fans live across the world, loyally investing time and money into their favorite works and fan merchandise. Fans are very creative in the ways that they express their devotion including making fan art, fan fiction, cosplay, collecting trading cards and organizing clubs. As described above, A-Kon is a central event at which many fans gather and celebrate their interest. “Know that you will see strange things,” freshman Tiffany Ngo said. “Keep an open mind.” Anime and manga weren’t always so successful in international markets. They started out as very primitive forms of entertainment that involved tedious processes in order to reach the final stages of

Art by Tiffany Ngo

Ngo includes animals in her action-style art based on Basara. animation. In older animes, each frame was drawn by hand then sequenced. Today, most studios use digital technology to produce images. There are numerous studios throughout Japan, but few become as critically acclaimed as Studio Ghibli. Studio Ghibli is well-known for its intricate, handpainted film scenery. The studio has produced many internationally famous films including “Castle In The Sky,” “Princess Mononoke,“ “Howl’s Moving Castle,“ “Tales From Earthsea” and “From Up on Poppy Hill” among others. “Each of the movies are so vastly different but are still able to keep so many strange concepts that fascinate people,” Ngo said, “Miyazaki constructs characters so that you

grow to love them over the course of the movie, and the situations of the movies really resonate with people’s feelings.” While anime and manga originated in Japan, many works have been influenced by Western culture and vice versa. Westerners and Japanese have adapted artistic styles and themes in their own productions. A great example is “Cowboy Bebop,” a very popular Japanese anime that is based on the stereotypical Western cowboy culture. In contrast, “Avatar: The Last Airbender” was an outstanding American series that modeled anime art and incorporated many other Asian-esque traditions. Art by Anna Fredlund

These are body concept sketches from sophomore Anna Fredlund’s sketch book based on a style of manga art.

Art by Anna Fredlund

science fiction, drama, action and mystery among other less common genres and subgenres. “I’m not saying everyone is going to like anime,” Bishop said, “but I’m saying that there is something there for [everyone]” One of the most evident and common things fans engage in to express their interest is art. Fans of varying degrees of dedication create art for many purposes, from recreation to professional

These are character profile sketches based on a style of manga. “It’s kind of this mix of influences where [they] do have this pride in their own culture, but they’re also very enamored with Western culture, or romanticized Western culture,” Bishop said. “ I think that you do get great insight into Japanese culture and mindset with these anime.” Many Americans who are not familiar with anime and manga often use the two terms interchangeably. While they both originated in Japan and share many stylistic qualities, they are not the same. The term anime refers to film works, while manga refers to printed comic-like stories. Because of these differences, each must be evaluated with different criteria. While

anime includes sound and movement, it lacks the artistic transitions that the paneling of manga provide. “With manga, you don’t have the same ease with just words, you have words and pictures,” Bishop said. “The two have to pair together really well so that the story doesn’t drag or you don’t have these beautifully drawn out action scenes but you’ve got nothing to substantiate them.” Because anime and manga reach a broad spectrum of people, countless styles and genres have been developed in order to appeal to every demographic imaginable. There are many genres that are also popular in America including romance, comedy,

personal thing.” Anime and manga contain captivating and spirited elements that allure people from all ages. It really is no wonder that these media have become so widespread. The fan culture continues to evolve along with the works themselves. “Even now, after 20 some-odd years of being a fan I still uncover new series that are incredibly deep or innovative or just interesting in ways that I didn’t expect,” Bishop said.

“Even now, after 20 some-odd years of being a fan I still uncover new series that are incredibly deep or innovative or just interesting in ways that I didn’t expect.”

Anne Bishop

development. Many fans apply the styles of their favorite works to their own pieces. Because anime and manga diverge so much in style, there is never a lack of inspiration. “A lot of people will start with fan art, so they’ll be able to perfectly copy, freehand, an anime or manga style they admire,” Bishop said, “but it’s really important to find your own voice, find your own look and be unique. Art is a deeply

Photo by Tiffany Ngo

This is a character design sketch by Ngo.

Anime

Manga

Carly McCreary

The anime Death Note was banned in China as it became so popular that Kids bought notebooks and wrote the names of all the people they hated and wished them to die.

In Japan, more than 40 new animes appear on television per week.

The movie “Tonari no Totoro” became so famous in Japan that Studio Ghibli adopted Totoro as its mascot.

“Anime” is the Japanese word for animation. In Western culture this term refers to a collection of styles of film.

A N I M E

Anime are often restricted by production costs and only consist of one or two 13 episode seasons.

Anime are produced by large studios with numerous cast and staff members.

In Japan, “anime” can refer to any kind of animation, and people even call Disney movies “anime,” but in the rest of the world, “anime” is strictly reserved to Japanese animation.

Loyal anime and manga fans enjoy their respective pastimes and enjoy the specific assets of each. Some enjoy both equally and appreciate their contrasting elements. However, many people who are unfamiliar with these media often casually mislabel them. Here are some of the basic differences that people overlook along with some interesting facts.

M A N G A

Manga are condensed forms of content and can be printed and released easily, resulting in long, ongoing series.

“Manga” is the Japanese word for comics which refers to a collection of styles of visual storytelling.

On average, the Japanese take twenty minutes to read three hundred pages of manga.

In Japan, more paper is used for printing manga than for making toilet paper. Manga are usually created by one or two people.

“Manga” written in kanji uses the characters “man” (involuntary) and “ga” (sketches), so manga basically means “involuntary/whimsical sketches”.

There is a museum for Osamu Tezuka, who has been considered the father of manga ever since the release of “Tetsuwan Atomu” (“Astro Boy”) in 1951.

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