Characters with big eyes, high pitched voices, bloody noses and colorful hair: are all common in anime.
Anime is a genre of Japanese animated cartoons. It seems that these cartoons have created quite a fan base here at EGHS and that is evident with the start of the new anime club.
“Anime is an expression of mind and style,” freshman Juliana Vercillo said.
Of course with a definition like that, it is no wonder that the start of the anime club has caught the attention of various different students.
“I’ve always been interested in anything that has to do with Japan,” sophomore Raye Michelle Legarda said. “Anime helps me learn Japan’s culture and the language.”
Establishing a connection between anime and Japanese culture and language seems to be one of the main goals of the anime club.
“At this point we’ll basically be watching an anime that someone will introduce,” club sponsor and Japanese teacher Cliff Darnall said. “Then we’ll watch one of the very first episodes and talk about the culture and familiar language.”
With extensive series and seasons of anime, the students have many recommendations for others who might like to start watching.
“If you like to laugh or cry or maybe even do both at the same time, “Angel Beats” is the anime for you,” Legarda said.
Not all anime has to be comedic; many can also be action filled.
“‘Bleach is pretty cool’, ‘Full Metal Alchemist’ and ‘Death Note’ as well,” Vercillo said.
Of course there is always more to anime club than just learning about culture and language and laughing about different episodes. For many students in the club, anime is an outlet for creativity.
“I like the style of drawings,” Vercillo said. “It gives me ideas on what to draw.”
Anime club also helps students make new friends with common interests to their own.
“I have met many new people through that [anime] club,” Legarda said. “It’s an opportunity to socialize with people who have similar interests to me.”
Creating friendships centered around a common interest is always great for students, but the Anime Club truly shows the extracurricular variety of EGHS. There is truly a place for everyone.
“I think students for one thing need a place to belong, whether you’re a new student or not, and the more students feel like they have a place to belong and place to share an interest with others at school, the more they get to look forward to going to school,” Darnall said.
Anime Club meets every other Thursday and are always welcoming new members. Those with more questions about the Anime Club should contact Darnall at [email protected].