I have recently joined a local manga/anime club, in which every Wednesday I’ve been spending a good bit of time with “anime people”. Now, I love anime (I would not have joined if I didn’t) but don’t really consider myself an “anime person”.   It is a sub-culture, not unlike comic fandom. It’s just so interesting seeing the differences and similarities between the comic and manga crowd.   Here are some of the things I’ve noted:

·          Anime/Manga people are extremely touchy grabby. Hugs are just how you say hello, and to be honest it makes me very uncomfortable. They are all really amazing people, but in my head I’m screaming don’t touch me.   I guess it’s just one of those things. As I told my friend, “You try that s**t in a comic shop and they’ll kick your ass out.”

·          What’s really great is that the manga/anime crowd embraces both male and female fans. Now I can talk comics with guys and gals at the shop, and totally feel part of the gang. However every so often I chat up some gentleman browsing the shelves, and get that “what the hell is a girl doing in here” look, followed by the infinitely annoying “You read comics?”

·          Manga fans are not as elitist as us, and are more inclined to welcome new fans with open arms (literally).

·          Manga fans are (perverts) very comfortable with explicitly sexual material.

·          It’s all about a love for the art! That’s the number one thing that comic and manga fans share. Capes or big eyes, it doesn’t matter. It’s the fan love that’s keeps it alive.