How to deal with US-versions of anime? (Specifically, Robotech / Macross, etc)

[sothis]

(Preliminary note: I haven't seen the Robotech series, or Macross)

Some time ago, people were requesting for me to add the Robotech titles. I had a long chat with various site members and we finally decided to put up the Robotech titles even though they are US-produced (though iirc, one of them is Japanese?). We also, in tandem, put up the Macross titles that the Robotech series are comprised of.

As a general rule we don't put up US titles, so this was an exception. On the same exception note, we do have a few Korean titles in the database.

However, now, I'm wondering if this sets an odd precedent and would like input from the community.

Should we include US titles if they're closely linked with a true anime (ie, from or made by staff from Japan), or should we be purists and leave it all out?

So for example, would we leave up the Robotech titles with a marker that they're US-based, and then also have the Macross titles (and just good relations info explaining how they're linked)? Or instead, should we JUST list the Macross titles and no mention of the Robotech ones?

Discuss!

[valondar]

I haven't seen Robotech either but from what I understand it's a couple of distinct anime series - Macross, Mospeada and Southern Cross - edited together to form a coherent whole, which the original anime are not. They're not like, say, the original Transformers cartoon, which is a US-produced show even if it was based on a toyline whose designs were originally made by the Japanese.

My opinion is that the American title should be included as an 'alternate title' of the anime (or the main title, either way) but they shouldn't be listed as seperate series. I'm fairly certain all three 'Robotech' anime are already up.

[sothis]

but that would imply the american titles for all three robotechs would be added to all of the macross series they're attached to - that would be very confusing for the users, i think

[valondar]

It's the situation you have already, actually:

Robotech: The Macross Saga (aka 'Super Dimension Fortress Macross')
Robotech: The New Generation (aka 'Genesis Climber Mospeada')
Super Dimensional Cavalry Southern Cross (aka 'Choujikuu Kidan Southern Cross')

Of the three the first two have their Robotech names instead of names relating to the original Japanese program, only Southern Cross is identified by its original name albeit in English. I don't see much problem with how it is now, though I suppose one could argue for flipping the order of the first two series's names and an identifier of Southern Cross being part of the Robotech saga.

[kenaniah]

Opinion: All separate releases of anime and anime-influenced works should be included in the database.

Reasons:
Anime is technically defined as "Japanese animation", so from the purist standpoint, non-Japanese works should not be included. However, I find the purist argument to be quite detrimental to the anime community, as there are plenty of derivatives that are worth mention (and most definitely inclusion) in the Anime Planet database.

The most common understanding (and colloquial use) of the term anime is a "Japanese-styled motion picture animation" or "a style of animation developed in Japan". In other words, it is expected that all technically non-anime works that meet this definition be included in the database by every non-purist out there.

And from the ethos perspective: does anyone actually look at a purist with respect, or with contempt? I would consider purism in the context of anime to be a dogmatic and snobbish pursuit. There's really no reason for it, and you gain nothing from it.

I opt for a more complete database. Yes, Robotech is the US adaptation of SDF, but it happens to differ from the SDF storyline quite a bit. It is my standpoint that since SDF and Robotech were published separately (even though the are adaptations of the same storyline), they should be considered as two different works, and should thus be included in the AP database via two separate entries.

I believe that anything that stands as a separate work, regardless of its similarity to any other work or country of origin, should have its own entry in the Anime Planet database. Anime is defined by its Japanese style, not the country of origin.

Almost forgot... So in the context of the Robotech argument, I would vote for separate entries, but a synopsis that helps flush out the relationship between the different titles. I don't think aliasing them quite cuts it, as certain people would like to know the differences between each.

[sothis]

id imagine a better solution than putting something in the synopsis would be the relations area, as synopses are supposed to not have anything review-style in them...

[kenaniah]

True. That works.

[VivisQueen]

I'm a purist. Even if they are closely linked, I'd stick with completely leaving US-stuff out. You otherwise start walking that very blurry line. Before you know it, people will be going 'Yeah, you have THAT on the database? So why not THIS?' And since you'll find it difficult to come up with good arguments, you'll be screwed.

For example, why put up Korean anime but not manhwa? You know what I mean? If it isn't by a Japanese studio, it ain't anime. Even if Disney randomly decided to remake Spirited Away with a similar style and everything, keep it out. And that's my view.

[Habhome]

Originally Posted by VivisQueen

I'm a purist. Even if they are closely linked, I'd stick with completely leaving US-stuff out. You otherwise start walking that very blurry line. Before you know it, people will be going 'Yeah, you have THAT on the database? So why not THIS?' And since you'll find it difficult to come up with good arguments, you'll be screwed.

For example, why put up Korean anime but not manhwa? You know what I mean? If it isn't by a Japanese studio, it ain't anime. Even if Disney randomly decided to remake Spirited Away with a similar style and everything, keep it out. And that's my view.

I second that! ^^

[cassiesheepgirl]

Originally Posted by VivisQueen

I'm a purist. Even if they are closely linked, I'd stick with completely leaving US-stuff out. You otherwise start walking that very blurry line. Before you know it, people will be going 'Yeah, you have THAT on the database? So why not THIS?' And since you'll find it difficult to come up with good arguments, you'll be screwed.

For example, why put up Korean anime but not manhwa? You know what I mean? If it isn't by a Japanese studio, it ain't anime. Even if Disney randomly decided to remake Spirited Away with a similar style and everything, keep it out. And that's my view.

I have to say, I agree. Contrary to kenaniah, I define anime as from its country of origin NOT the style. If it were based purely on the style then surely things like Atama Yama and La Maison en Petits Cubes wouldn't be anime because they greatly deviate from the typical style. Sure that may make me a purist but heh, it's the way I see it in the same way that I never have and never will see Avatar as anime.

But I agree, having select titles up will blur the lines and may well just cause more problems down the line.