Is Invincible considered an anime?
Discover the global phenomenon that is Invincible, a captivating animated series taking the world by storm But the burning question remains: Does Invincible truly embody the essence of anime? Unveil the answer now!
Invincible has become a global sensation as one of the largest animated shows currently airing. However, a question that frequently arises is whether it can be classified as an anime.
Upon the release of Invincible's inaugural episode in 2021, its conclusion became a pivotal moment in mainstream Western animation. In particular, Omni-Man's brutal and shocking massacre of the Guardians of the Globe solidified its graphic and mature content, warranting its 18+ rating.
The use of macabre imagery and adult themes is not uncommon in the world of animation. For instance, Watership Down continues to haunt children, Studio Ghibli's films are known for their emotional intensity, and there are noteworthy exceptions such as DC and Mortal Kombat's animated features, as well as Waltz with Bashir and A Scanner Darkly. However, the TV format and visual aesthetic of Invincible set it apart and raise the question: can it be considered an anime?
Is Invincible an anime?
While Invincible is animated, it is not an anime. Anime refers to animated projects originating from Japan, and Invincible is an American series.
Similar to champagne and prosecco, both of which are sparkling wines, the name of the former is derived from its French origin. Although Invincible's art style and graphic content may have anime influences, it should not be classified as an anime.
The debate has arisen previously, especially regarding Avatar: The Last Airbender, but the rule is straightforward: anime originates from Japan, meaning that if it is not produced by a Japanese studio, it does not meet the criteria.
According to a Redditor, "Anime is a simplification of the term anime. The answer is both yes and no. It falls into the same category as anime but originates from the West, making it an animation. However, the only difference is the country of origin."
You can indeed compare the genres and point out their similarities. A previous Reddit discussion explored how Invincible is comparable to a Shonen anime in Western pop culture. This is due to its faithful adaptation of the source material and its bold display of violence.
According to one user, "This show is actually the first American animated show I know of that faithfully adapts the already great source material it's based on and doesn't take any strange liberties with it, just like mangas." Another user responded, saying, "Invincible is closer to superhero anime than any other superhero animes."
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Editor's P/S
Invincible is an animated series that has gained a global following, but the question of whether it can be considered an anime remains a topic of debate. While Invincible shares similarities with anime in terms of its art style and graphic content, it is not an anime because it is not produced by a Japanese studio.
The distinction between anime and other forms of animation is similar to the distinction between champagne and prosecco: while both are sparkling wines, champagne can only be produced in the Champagne region of France, while prosecco is produced in Italy. In the same way, anime can only be produced in Japan. While Invincible may have been influenced by anime, it is not an anime itself.
