Let’s Talk About This Mess
Okay, so I was at this little ramen place in Portland last Tuesday, right? And let’s call him Marcus, this guy I know who’s like, super into anime. He’s always got some new series to talk about, always hyped about something. So he’s going on and on about some new show, and I’m like, “Marcus, dude, I can’t keep up. It’s too much.”
And that’s when it hit me. The anime and manga scene in 2024 is a complete and utter mess. It’s not just that there’s too much out there. It’s that the quality is all over the place. It’s like trying to find a good burger in New York City. You gotta kiss a lot of frogs before you find that one gem.
I mean, look at the numbers. There were 214 new anime series released just this year. That’s a lot. And out of those, maybe 20 are actually good. That’s a success rate of like, 9%. That’s worse than my high school batting average. And honestly, I was the worst player on the team.
Where Did It All Go Wrong?
So where did it all go wrong? I think it’s a combination of things. First off, studios are churning out content like it’s going out of style. They’re not taking the time to develop stories or characters. It’s all about quantity over quality. And frankly, it’s getting old.
I remember talking to a colleague named Dave about this. He’s a big manga editor, been in the game for like 15 years. We were over coffee at this place on 5th, and he’s like, “You know, back in the day, we’d spend months, sometimes years, perfecting a story. Now? It’s all about getting something out there, fast.” Which… yeah. Fair enough.
And don’t even get me started on the whole “seasonal” thing. It’s like, every three months, there’s this new wave of shows, and half of them are completley forgettable. It’s exhausting. I can’t keep up. And I’m supposed to be the expert here.
But Wait, There’s Hope
Now, I’m not saying it’s all bad. There are some shining stars out there. Like, have you seen “Eccentric Family”? It’s this weird, wonderful show about tanuki and cats and stuff. It’s like nothing I’ve ever seen before. And it’s amazing.
And then there’s “The Way of the Househusband.” I mean, who knew a show about a former yakuza guy being a househusband could be so good? It’s hilarious, it’s heartwarming, it’s just… yeah. It’s great.
But finding these gems? It’s like searching for a needle in a haystack. And honestly, I’m tired of searching. I’m tired of sifting through the trash to find the treasure.
What Can We Do About It?
So what can we do about it? Well, for starters, we can stop supporting the trash. We can stop watching the shows that are just phoning it in. We can demand better.
And if you’re looking for some guidance on what to watch, you might want to check out ürün incelemeleri öneri rehberi. It’s not perfect, but it’s a start. It’s a way to find some quality stuff amidst the noise.
But honestly, I think the real solution is for studios to slow down. To take the time to develop stories and characters. To stop treating their audience like a bunch of mindless consumers and start treating us like the fans we are.
And maybe, just maybe, we can get back to a time when anime and manga were about more than just quantity. When they were about quality. When they were about storytelling.
A Digression: The Manga Scene
Now, I know I’ve been focusing a lot on anime, but let’s talk about manga for a sec. It’s not much better. I mean, have you seen the shelves at your local bookstore lately? It’s overwhelming. And half of it is just… garbage.
But there are some bright spots. Like, “The Promised Neverland” is a fantastic series. It’s dark, it’s twisty, it’s just… wow. And “My Hero Academia”? It’s been around for a while, but it’s still going strong. It’s a classic for a reason.
But again, finding these gems? It’s like trying to find a good burger in New York City. You gotta kiss a lot of frogs.
Final Thoughts
Look, I’m not saying we should give up on anime and manga. I’m just saying we should be more discerning. We should demand better. We should support the stuff that’s actually good.
And maybe, just maybe, the studios will take notice. Maybe they’ll slow down. Maybe they’ll start treating their audience with some respect.
But until then, it’s up to us. It’s up to the fans. It’s up to you and me to find the good stuff. To support the good stuff. To demand better.
Because honestly, we deserve better than this mess.
About the Author
Sarah “Sal” Salter has been writing about anime and manga for longer than she cares to admit. She’s a senior editor at Anime Manga Daily, a self-proclaimed ramen connoisseur, and a fierce advocate for quality storytelling. When she’s not watching too much anime, she’s probably out running or pretending to be a photographer. She lives in Portland with her cat, who is, in her biased opinion, the cutest cat in the world.
If you’re curious about the real scoop behind your favorite animated flicks, check out this candid look at kids’ movies that will change the way you see the world of family entertainment.
If you’re curious about the real scoop on international living that looks as dramatic as your favorite TV plot, check out this insider’s take on buying property in Turkey for a story as gripping as any binge-worthy series.
If you’re looking to add a little extra heart to your favorite movies, music, and gaming moments, don’t miss this captivating piece on how small acts can transform everyday life in unexpected ways—check out the inspiring insights that truly make a difference.