Ask John: Is It Possible to Burn-Out on Anime?

Question:
I’ve been into anime for about 6 years now and a funny thing is starting to happen. I’ve become almost burnt out on anime. It’s weird. I’ve been in love with anime anime for so long, yet now it seems a little less important. I know I sound like a complete loser. I have other hobbies, but I really don’t want to lose anime. Please tell me if you’ve ever come across anything like this.

Answer:
Actually, I know exactly what you’re talking about because I’ve seen it happen myself to people I know. I do believe that it’s possible to “burn-out” on anime or simply outgrow it. However, I don’t think that this is an inevitable end, and I do believe that there’s an easy way to avoid it. Especially among older and veteran fans that I’m personally familiar with, there’s a tendency to adopt a jaded “seen it all before” cynicism or nostalgic “good old days” opinion that contemporary anime has lost its originality or charm, or become too commercial, or become too watered down and Americanized by editing and mainstream American distribution and sudden massive overexposure. Especially for veteran fans, anime has been a cultish, underground phenomenon in America for so many years, that suddenly seeing Gundam and Evangelion and Akira seemingly everywhere dilutes the novelty of scarcity. For many anime fans, anime is fascinating because it’s unusual. When anime suddenly becomes mainstream, it looses its alternative atmosphere, and the interest of many fans who were attracted to that alternative, underground atmosphere. Furthermore, new and novice Western fans are often attracted to the vibrancy and individuality of anime. After years of watching anime, the bright colors, big eyes, sight gags, and other common characteristics of anime become familiar second nature, so many fans come to take anime for granted. Every new giant robot show appears to be nothing more than a failed attempt to revive some previous show. Every magical girl show is nothing more than Sailormoon with different costume design. Every romantic comedy is Tenchi Muyo with different faces. Sometimes veteran fans become jaded because anime doesn’t have the same immediate impact on them that it once did. As a new fan, every show is unique and interesting. For a veteran fan, after years of watching and developing select tastes and preferences for particular types and styles of anime, nothing seems new and surprising anymore. The novelty and surprise of anime has worn off because it’s no longer “new.”

However, if you’re among the variety of fan that regrets this diminishing obsession with anime, there is a way to avoid or revert it. The simple way to avoid burning out on anime is to always appreciate anime itself, not just it’s impact on you as an individual viewer. Don’t just compare every new show to an older title; critique and enjoy new shows based on their own merits and strengths. Not every show is Evangelion or Cowboy Bebop, but instead of only wishing for more Evangelion or Cowboy Bebop or seeing these shows in every new title, enjoy new shows for what they are- new. In very simple terms, don’t take anime for granted. Especially as a Western fan, remember that anime was not made for you. It was made for Japanese audiences, and you are lucky enough to be able to see it also. Don’t be angered that your favorite show ends before you want it to; be grateful that you were able to see and enjoy what you did. Appreciate every new show as a sort of “gift” that you’re lucky to be able to watch and enjoy. Even bad anime is often more creative and unique than much of the other television and cinematic offerings available to you as a Western viewer. Always remember that, as a Western fan, anime is not a right but a privilege. Cherish every anime and manga you can get your hands on and be grateful for the opportunity to see it. Under different circumstances anime would never be available in America and you wouldn’t be watching any anime at all. This advice may sound excessive or melodramatic, but I find that it works better than anything else. Take it as you will.