Week 5 blog

I chose this picture of an anime (and manga) called, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, because from early on in my life animations have impacted my interests in Japanese culture. While this isn't directly from one of the episodes (or volumes), this speaks a great amount just as a poster or promotional flier. This picture simply introduces the major characters of this anime. From a perspective of one who hasn't seen this animation, immediately you'll notice the 3 characters in the middle... it's not a bad thing if you first noticed just one of them. They each have different expressions. The man in the middle is pointing upward toward a flash of light seems as though he is set on reaching high goals. The woman to the right in a bold choice of attire, swung her rifle to her back, ready to fight in striving toward this upward goal with joy. The boy in the foreground shows determination gripping the item in his hand with wide eyes symbolizing his youthful innocence. Off the bat, characteristics shine through just simple animation styles which amazes me. In the background, you may have focused on the shape of what appears to be a robot, though you may have not noticed beforehand due to it being shaded blue and placed behind the first 3 characters with more light and color falling on them. Then, behind even the robot, you have 2 more characters who seem to have a certain shade of color over them as well. The man on the right is mysterious seeing only his left eye though evil looking with a grin at the same time. The girl on the left behind the robot, being a bit more exposed than the man on the right is a bit less mysterious with a look of pure innocence on her face and in her eyes. With seeing just as much, you might have a good idea of what these characters are like and maybe choose to watch or read this story. Oops, I missed a character... the mole on the boy's shoulder, who is obviously loyal staying steady on the shoulder, also looking upward. To those familiar to Japanese animation or culture (even just faintly), may recognize the crescent on top of the robot's head which is like that of a samurai warrior. Even the woman on the right with the look of chopsticks in her hair is an allusion to Japanese culture.

Whether from actions, facial expressions or characteristics, allusions, or simply a matter of being in the foreground, a character introduction isn't necessary with all the hints in a cover or picture of an animation. A picture is really worth a thousand words, if not more.