The Fanservice of Winter 2014

As a consumer we hold a lot of power in the product we view every day. This applies to anime as much as every other form of media. The products we receive are because they are what sell. In anime, what sells is fanservice. It is a fair assumption that a majority of anime viewers are males and around the age where hormones take control and sway judgement. This is the marketed audience and fanservice is what will sell to them.

I'd laugh, but it is strangely true.

However, the rest of us have a duty as consumers to make it obvious that we want more than just this. The industry has stalemated even with the fanservice by churning out comedic school anime and the common ecchi which is nothing more than the same cookie cutter being used over and over again. I want to make it apparent that I want something more than this. I want a show that will make me awe without abusing the human body in some gratuitous manner. Is this really too much to ask for?

I think not. So I am going to take a look at the anime currently on the Winter 2014 anime chart at AniChart.net, which is a great sight, and evaluate how much is fanservice at first glance. This is my biased opinion on the matter and what I think is fanservice may not qualify for you, so keep that in mind before you start spewing defensive slanders for what was your favorite anime this season. Also keep in mind that I have not seen a single episode of any of these on the list, this is my first assumption.

D-Frag: Let’s jump into the air, then care about our short skirts.

Mahou Sensou: Am I imagining that glimmer of light near her skirt? Frankly, they drew attention to that area and is enough for me to be put off. Is there a need to do it? I think not.

Maken-Ki! Two: Do I even need my reasoning for this one? I will say, I noticed she had beautiful eyes...after ogling her in-your-face bosom for five minutes.

Mikakunin de Shinkoukei: This was a difficult decision, but after a quick look at the preview I had put it on here. This one will likely keep it tame and not in your face about it.

Noragami: I like the effects of wind and keenly placed legs. It really goes a long way in concealing a woman’s more private areas, but looking at her face, she looks as if she is enjoying the exposure. But when you look at the preview, it is actually pretty well reserved. Then why place the woman on her knees with a high flying skirt?

Saikin, Imouto no Yousu ga Chotto Okashiinda ga: I think by now you all know the pattern I used to determine all of these. Why is there a need to show what is under the skirt? You don’t need to tease me, I can go watch pornography if I want under it that bad.

Saki: Zenkoku-han: Upon closer inspection, her skirt is a little too high for my liking. Child pornography?

SoniAni: Super Sonico the Animation: A boob shot now and then I will not complain about, but making it your cover image is really making it look like a cry for economic help. Unless you are faced with dire bankruptcy, I really don’t need unnecessary things such as these.

Space Dandy: I am a hypocrite at times and Space Dandy is a show I will overlook in this conversation. If it is pivotal to character design and the such, I can understand. If it is out of the line, then no. At least they kept their cover image awesome and meaningful to the series.

'brestaurants'

Strange+: I think you know why.

Wizzard Barristers: Benmashi Cecil: Do my eyes deceive me? Is that another glimmer of light near the hem of the skirt?

There may have been some I should have mentioned and maybe some not meant for this list, but I will move on.

It is clear that when fanservice becomes unnecessary it only becomes a deterrent to an anime, for me at least. Then when using it with a show about middle schoolers, it will only make me cringe. Have some class, have some honor, have some decency. Unless vital to the show, as I believe it will be to Space Dandy, fanservice could be easily cut in half.

This is awesome without flashing something at you.

I want to give Hamatora a standing ovation because they did something all of these managed not to do. Have a cover image which is not provocative or draws attention to one area of the human body. I am looking forward to watching this, do not let me down Hamatora, I have put my faith in you. As well as Nobunaga the Fool and Hoozuki no Reitetsu.