This year, a new club was founded at NDA: the Anime Club. Understandably, many of you may not know what this club does, or even means.
In the words of junior Mary Drewry, a founder of the club, anime is “an animation style from Japan that is very different from typical American animation, as it is more involved with the development of the character.”
Unlike most other clubs, the Anime Club gives students a chance to learn about new technology, styles and skills associated with anime, as well as different perspectives of certain scenarios. The club discusses the storylines of these things in great depth, including theme, plot and possible conclusions.
“I love drawing and interpreting anime because it really gives you a whole new perspective on things. You get more than just a laugh from it, you also get to interpret society’s problems,” said Mary Buchanan, another junior in the club.
The club was created just last month, when Buchanan, Drewry and friends decided it would be cool to get those interested in the art all together at one table. Unlike some clubs, the time commitment is very minimal, meeting just two or three times a month at will.
The club is advised by Mr. Adam Rudar, a history teacher at NDA, who has some experience with the subject and background of the club.
Rudar is excited for the club to get in full swing, explaining that “the club will give students a chance to come together to share favorite series, talk about the plots and events, and look at the artwork. (The club) is unique because anime and manga have this blend of great storytelling with interesting and, often times, amazing artwork.”
Anime is the most general form of the art. It can be broken down into other forms, including manga. This is a comic style of Japan that is similar to American comics, but the book is read backwards!
“As a club, we promote the enjoyment and awareness of anime and manga because it is mainly the protagonists that show core values in helping those and promoting what is considered right,” explained Mary Drewry. “Personally, my favorite part about the club is how I can openly express my ideas with others that are equally as interested in the subject.”
Drewry hopes that the club will have 10 members by the end of the year. At the first meeting, which was held this past Monday, seven showed up, all very interested in the subject.
“I just want everyone to know that you are all welcome to come and just see what fun anime might be. Our next meeting will be in a couple weeks, and we will probably be observing some animation, if the group designates so,” said Drewry.
“Anime challenges us to think in new ways and see situations differently. Anime may be cartoons, but many of them are highly engaging and sophisticated. They show the values, humor, and problems of our world through unique lenses,” said Rudar.