The Anime Big 3: History and Dominance in Anime World
Anime enthusiasts around the world may have heard of the term Anime Big 3, but what exactly are they? The Anime Big 3 refers to a trio of anime shows that dominated the industry between the years of 2002 and 2012.
These shows are Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece, and they are some of the most recognizable anime titles of all time.
History and Dominance of the Anime Big 3
One of the reasons that these shows were and still are so popular is due to their connection to Weekly Shonen Jump, a Japanese manga magazine that has been running since 1968. As the name suggests, Weekly Shonen Jump publishes a new issue every week, which contains chapters of different manga titles.
Some of the biggest names in manga, like Dragon Ball, JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, and Death Note, were originally serialized in Weekly Shonen Jump. This connection with Weekly Shonen Jump helped to boost the popularity of Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece, as the anime adaptations of these manga series were also broadcasted on Japanese television.
With consistent volume of episodes, spin-offs and sequels, it allows the audience to more closely connect with their favorite characters and storyline.
Contributions to the Popularity of Anime
The Anime Big 3 has contributed highly to the rise in popularity of anime, with a loyal anime community being formed around these titles. The shows were also instrumental in introducing new anime fans to different anime genres, thus broadening the audience base for anime as a whole.
One Piece: Overview of the Anime
One of the Anime Big 3 is One Piece, which is a story about pirates and their quest to find the ultimate treasure, One Piece. The main character, Luffy, gains the power to stretch his body like rubber by eating a Devil Fruit.
This unique power allowed him to embark on his journey to become the Pirate King. Throughout the anime series, he is joined by a diverse cast of characters who share his goal, and together they form the Straw Hat Pirates.
Success and Popularity of One Piece
One Piece has been running for over 20 years now and has produced more than 1000 episodes over its seasons. Its creative ideas have been the primary factor for the success and popularity of One Piece.
This anime has created an impact on the anime industry that cannot be ignored even today. Its fans are scattered all around the world, and it has been dubbed into several languages, which helped the growth of a huge international fan base.
Future of One Piece
The manga of One Piece has already been announced to be 80% complete by its creator. It remains unclear as to when the manga and anime will come to an end.
The creator of One Piece, Eiichiro Oda, has stated that he has the ending of the series in mind already. It gives us a certainty that One Piece will be, once it ends, one of the most unforgettable adventures in anime history.
In conclusion, the Anime Big 3 had a significant impact on the anime industry and anime enthusiasts. One Piece, which is one of the Anime Big 3, is a unique show that has stood out amongst others.
Providing unforgettable and creative storylines, introducing new anime fans to different genres, and contributing to the rise in popularity of anime as a whole. We do not know when One Piece and the Anime Big 3 will come to an end, but we do know that the impact these shows had will never be forgotten.
Naruto: Overview of the Anime
Naruto is an anime series that follows the story of a young ninja named Naruto Uzumaki, who dreams of becoming the leader of his village. The story is set in a fictional world where mythical creatures and ninja clans coexist.
In this world, young ninjas are trained to become powerful warriors, and Naruto begins his journey in becoming one of the best. Throughout the series, he faces various challenges, including rival ninja teams, training regimes, and mysterious creatures.
Success and Popularity of Naruto
Naruto spanned over multiple story arcs, with each arc adding a new twist to the overall narrative. As the show progressed, it gained widespread popularity worldwide.
The show also had several films and media pieces, which helped to further fuel its popularity. The show won many accolades, including the Best Anime of the Year award in 2006 and the Anime of the Year award in 2007, both at the Tokyo International Anime Fair.
However, the show also received criticism for its slow pacing, filler episodes, and excessive use of flashbacks. One of the factors that contributed to its success was its animation and fight scenes.
The show has been praised for its well-executed fighting choreography and visually captivating techniques. This contributed to the widespread appeal of the show among anime enthusiasts and casual viewers alike.
Length and Ending of Naruto
Naruto has a staggering 770 episodes, which is one of the longest anime series ever made. Its uninterrupted run, spanning over multiple years, solidified its spot among the Anime Big 3.
Despite the lengthy run of the anime, Naruto’s manga, which the show is based on, has concluded. Its conclusion brought closure to the story of the beloved character Naruto, and it was well received by the fans.
However, Naruto’s story continues in other media forms such as comics and video games. Bleach: Overview of the Anime
Bleach is an anime series that follows the story of Ichigo Kurosaki, a teenager who gains the power of a Soul Reaper, a being who can combat evil spirits called Hollows.
He later forms alliances with other Soul Reapers in different realms, and together they embark on various adventures to protect their world.
Success and Popularity of Bleach
Bleach’s success was evident in its wide range of adaptations, which included anime shows, movies, musicals, video games, and more. Its creator, Tite Kubo, was praised for his world-building abilities, which introduced viewers to an imaginative and exciting world beyond their imagination.
However, Bleach also received backlash for its pacing, especially in its later arcs, and its abrupt ending. The anime adaptation ended before Kubo could finish the manga, leading to an incomplete and unsatisfactory conclusion for the fans.
Future of Bleach
There has been talk of Bleach’s final arc being adapted into an anime, which would provide closure to the story. However, production issues and timing have caused delays.
Fans remain optimistic for the release of the final arc, hoping that it will bring justice to the unique elements of Bleach that made it such a popular anime series. In conclusion, Naruto and Bleach are two major anime series that left a significant impact on the industry.
They both had a unique blend of storytelling, animation, and action that contributed to their success and popularity. While their stories may have ended or stalled, their characters and fans continue to keep the spirit of the Naruto and Bleach alive.
Other Popular Shonen Anime
Shonen anime refers to anime designed for teenage boys, and it encompasses many genres such as action, adventure, comedy, and supernatural. Here are some of the popular shonen anime that have captured the hearts of many anime enthusiasts worldwide.
Attack of Titan
Attack of Titan is an anime series set in a dystopian world where humanity is confined to a city surrounded by walls. The story follows Eren Yeager and his friends as they embark on a journey to fight against Titans, giant humanoid creatures that devour humans.
The anime series captivates viewers with its intense battles and compelling storytelling.
Fairy Tail
Fairy Tail is an anime series set in a world where magic and wizard guilds are commonplace. The story follows the members of the wizard guild,
Fairy Tail, as they go on various adventures.
The anime showcases a wide range of magical powers, bringing to life the magical world of wizards, dragons, and mythical creatures.
Pokemon
Pokemon is an anime series that centers on creatures called
Pokemon, which trainers catch and train in battles against each other. The anime follows the journey of Ash Ketchum, a young boy, and his Pikachu as they travel through different regions, battling other trainers and collecting badges.
The anime franchise is one of the most successful in history, having spawned countless games, toys, and merchandise.
Soul Eater
Soul Eater is an anime series set in Death City, where meisters and their weapons attend Death Weapon Meister Academy to learn how to fight against evil souls that threaten to consume the world. The anime follows the students of the academy as they battle against various evil souls and other characters.
The anime has unique characters, a distinctive art style, and a captivating narrative.
My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia is an anime series set in a world where superpowers, called “quirks,” are common. The show follows Izuku Midoriya, a boy born without a quirk, who dreams of becoming a hero.
The anime showcases superhero battles and training scenarios and has themes of heroism, sacrifice, and ambition.
Hunter x Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is an anime series that follows the story of Gon Freecss, a young boy who dreams of being a hunter. Hunters are elite individuals who undertake various tasks such as hunting for treasure or tracking specific targets.
The anime showcases power control and manipulation through Nen techniques in a world where factions are vying for power.
Black Clover
Black Clover is an anime series set in a world where magic knights protect the kingdom from evil. The series follows Asta, a young orphan, and Yuno, his rival, as they become magic knights and become embroiled in the fight against dark forces that threaten the kingdom.
The anime has been praised for its characters, animation, and action sequences.
Dragon Ball Z
Dragon Ball Z is an iconic anime series that follows the story of Goku, a Saiyan who can use an energy called ki. Goku and his friends are tasked with defending the Earth against various villains who threaten it.
The anime showcases intense fights, transformations, and power levels that continue raising the stakes throughout the series.
Demon Slayer
Demon Slayer is an anime series set in a world filled with demons and demon hunters. The story follows Tanjiro, a man who becomes a demon hunter after his family is killed by demons.
The anime showcases the use of swords and blood demon art to fight against demons, the distinct visual style, and the character development.
Jujutsu Kaisen
Jujutsu Kaisen is an anime series that follows Yuji Itadori, a high school student who becomes a jujutsu sorcerer to save his friends and the world from curses. The anime has received praise for its animation, storytelling, and the portrayal of its characters.
Yu Yu Hakusho
Yu Yu Hakusho is an anime series that follows the story of Yusuke Urameshi, a delinquent who becomes a spirit detective after he dies and gets a chance to get his life back by helping people. The anime showcases the afterlife and demon dimension and includes intense battles, character development, and an immersive world.
In conclusion, these popular shonen anime capture the imagination of viewers worldwide with their distinctive storytelling, unique characters, and world-building. Even though they may come from different genres, they all share a common goal of entertaining and captivating their audience.
The popularity of these anime series reflects the deep connection that fans have with the characters, world, and storylines. In conclusion, this article has highlighted the main points of the Anime Big 3, One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, and other popular shonen anime.
Each anime has its unique storytelling, characters, and world-building that have captured the hearts of millions of fans worldwide. These anime have contributed significantly to the rise of anime’s popularity and have introduced a new generation of anime enthusiasts to the vast possibilities of this art medium.
Here are some common FAQs about anime that may answer some questions you may have: What is the Anime Big 3? The Anime Big 3 refers to Naruto, Bleach, and One Piece, which dominated the anime industry between 2002 and 2012.
What are some popular shonen anime? Popular shonen anime includes Attack on Titan,
Fairy Tail,
Pokemon,
Soul Eater,
My Hero Academia,
Hunter x Hunter,
Black Clover,
Dragon Ball Z,
Demon Slayer, and
Yu Yu Hakusho.
What makes anime unique? Anime’s unique animation style, character design, and storytelling are what distinguishes it from other forms of animation.