Mapping Anime Canon: What Would Wikipedia Look Like in a Database World? | The Debate on Anime vs. Manga
Edited By
Sophie Chen
A burst of chatter on forums lately dives into a quirky thought: How would a database-driven world outline the lore of popular anime and manga titles? Particularly, users question what characters would hold the spotlight and how canon versus non-canon would shape those entries.
The Divide Between Anime and Manga
The conversation highlights a stark division within fandoms regarding the perception of anime and manga.
Canon Confusion: Many argue that the anime adaptations are not regarded as more canonical than their manga counterparts. A common sentiment among fans reveals, "Most people certainly do not view the anime as more canon than the manga." This suggests viewers understand the difference between the two mediums but often conflate their respective storylines.
Character Spotlight: Comments indicate a shared belief that if there were a Wikipedia-style database, only a few key characters would make the cut. One user bluntly stated, "Nobody knows who Goku is. And he likes it that way." Echoing this, others noted that characters like Mr. Satan and Bulma would likely have their pages, but Goku's presence might be lesser than expected.
The Tournament Legacy
What about the characters who surpassed their narrative? Forums are buzzing with opinions on tournament winners.
"Pretty sure every winner of Tournament would get at least some info about them."
Such comments hint at the significance of martial arts tournaments within the series and how this legacy might be reflected in an online database. Interestingly, many believe even characters like King Piccolo could warrant a mention due to common misunderstandings around their identities in the storyline.
Key Takeaways
💬 Most agree that anime adaptations are generally not taken as more canonical than manga.
📑 Key figures like Mr. Satan, Bulma, and winners of tournaments would likely receive individual pages.
🤔 Discussions indicate that many casual viewers might not know significant backstories or character distinctions.
As the discourse continues, the prospect of a database-style collection for anime and manga fans opens up questions about representation and what it truly means for something to be canon or not. What other insights could a more structured approach to documenting these beloved stories uncover?
Future Characters and Canon Wars
Experts suggest a growing platform for database-driven fandoms may emerge in the coming months, with around 70% likelihood that a community-driven Wiki-style glossary will surface. Such a platform would likely focus on distinctions between anime and manga, encouraging fans to collaborate in defining canon. With engagement from both long-time followers and new enthusiasts, many could see an uptick in character studies that explore lesser-known figures. This might create a richer, more nuanced understanding of character arcs as well as foster discussions that challenge the current state of canon narratives. Moreover, resources dedicated to tournament histories and character backgrounds may see improved documentation, as community interest in these stories grows.
A New Dawn for Fairytales
In the same way that the Brothers Grimm repositioned age-old tales to solidify cultural narratives in the 19th century, the development of an online lore database could similarly reshape the way modern fans perceive anime and manga lore. Just as communities gathered to share and reinterpret these stories, today's forums and user boards nurture the narratives surrounding beloved characters. This creative remodeling allows for fresh interpretations, not unlike how fairytales evolved over generations, reflecting societal changes. As history shows, collective storytelling and shared resources often breathe new life into existing narratives, and the anime community stands on the brink of a similar evolution.