Lengthy Jonathan Clements Interview

[Martin]

Aren't I Mr. Diplomatic, eh?

yep.
since Mr Clements is the professional here, i'm kinda reluctant to criticise what he says, but i'd be interested to hear what he meant by the comment about anime fans only being happy when they're complaining. i didn't really undersand that one. still, it's a pretty interesting article, which cemented my dislike for the daily mail's kneejerk-reaction attitude.

 

[otaku_kei]

Aren't I Mr. Diplomatic, eh?

yep.
since Mr Clements is the professional here, i'm kinda reluctant to criticise what he says, but i'd be interested to hear what he meant by the comment about anime fans only being happy when they're complaining. i didn't really undersand that one. still, it's a pretty interesting article, which cemented my dislike for the daily mail's kneejerk-reaction attitude.

I'm guessing that comes from the notion of many loyalist fanbases. everyone complains about sell outs and things not being pure - look at the punk scene, there are some in that scene that feel that if you've been signed to a label bang you're in the establishment therefore you've sold out. right or wrong they will force that opinion on anyone who listens. I think it comes from the attempt by some do be considered the hardcore fans of any scene.
a similar critricism can be leveled at the anime community. I'm sure you've all heard the arguments: 1- if you dont import then you cant really be an anime fan or 2 - sub is much better than dub just because it is (both arguments that crop up with annoying regularity, especially @ animeondvd.com) basically what clements I think was getting at was the holier than thou attitude of a vocal segnment of the anime community. unfortunately because these are the type of people who try to force their opinions on you and/or belittle people who dont agree with them it ends up seeming that all anime fans are this anal retentive. and thats what i think he was getting at.

 

[Anonymous]

If you read any Johnathan Clements article in Newtype or Neo, its full of his dirivitive "Nothing can be better than Evangelion."

Um, as far as I remember, Jonathan has only touched upon Evangelion twice - once in his first column from Neo #1, where he stated that:

"[this year] is the 10th Anniversary of Neon Genesis Evangelion, when Japan went crazy over one of the best anime series ever, and nine years since a bunch of producers lost their shirts trying to copy its success."

The second time he mentions the series is in his review of the NGE movie boxset from Manga - but since that's in issue four, which goes on sale 3rd March, I'm pretty confident you haven't read that yet.

Its not only that but has Johnathan Clements been part of anything that has proved succesful in the long run?

Manga Mania (dead), Manga Max (dead), Manga Ent (dying), Saiko Exciting and Sci-Fi anime (dead), Newtype USA and now Neo Mag.

As far as I can remember, weren't Manga Mania and Manga Max the same thing? Titan Magazines owns the Manga Max license and did (still does?) have plans to revive it - something which has nothing to do with Jonathan. Manga Entertainment has been bought by Anchor Bay and is in the process of a rebirth (which you'll discover more about in a future issue of Neo). And I'm not sure how reasonable it is to 'blame' the Sci Fi Channel's scheduling on Jonathan, who was only a co-presenter on Saiko Exciting.

As for NewType USA and Neo... who knows? But whether they succeed or fail in the 'long run' is down to their respective markets, and not down to one of their columnists.

It just seems to me that he's very critical and isn't very supportive of anime in the UK.

Well, yes, he is a critic and reviewer so that's stating the obvious.

Incidentally, I read a venomous tirade against Jonathan in another, smaller UK Anime forum a while back... and I do find it quite sad that people - who have never met the man - feel that they are owed something, and also seem to know Jonathan so initimately, to the degree that they feel informed enough to attack him on a personal level (through the protected enclosure of the internet, of course).

How is he not supportive of anime in the UK? And perhaps more importantly, what do you believe he should be doing that you are unable or unwilling to do yourself?

Stu - Neo Editor

 

[Hovis!]

Personally I'm quite enjoying this thread. Interesting points of view from all corners. Provided peeps take things with a pinch of salt, I don't see anything wrong with friendly debate.