The State of the Anime World 2004

	The State of the Anime World 2004:

In Conclusion:

All that being said, let me share a little story with you. Back in 1988, when I got into the hobby full force, I picked up a guide to Japanese animation. It was actually a program booklet for an anime convention that had been put together so professionally that it was easily sellable. My goal at the time was to see everything in that guide eventually. Just a few weeks ago, I got that booklet out for the first time in perhaps five years. When I looked through it, I realized that I'd seen virtually 99% of the programs that had been listed. At the time, it seemed like the Holy Grail, describing wonders I could only imagine seeing. Now, it seems almost quaint. The world of anime in America has grown to a phenomenon that shows no sign of slowing down.

It's been a long strange trip...and I've been glad to be around for the ride. As we celebrate our fifth anniversary as an active web site, I look forward to many more years of service that The Anime Review will provide. Though there are doubtless more changes to come, both good and bad, for the anime industry, no one can take away the fundamentals: beautiful artwork, beautiful storytelling, and beautiful characters that somehow break through the walls of unreality and become a part of our lives. It's the universal truths beneath the cel paint that move me and make this a truly great hobby.