This text examines the artistic development of anime, from its origins as a subset of the Japanese film industry to its modern-day status as one of the most popular forms of animation worldwide. The main body of the text comprises nine chapters, each of which is devoted to a detailed analysis of a chosen production and explores the technical and thematic developments pioneered in works such as Ninja Scroll, Perfect Blue, and Howl's Moving Castle.

In 1963 a Japanese animated television series called "Tetsuwan Atom" was acquired by NBC. Fred Ladd adapted the show for American television, rechristened Astro Boy, and it was an overnight sensation. Astro Boy's popularity sparked a new industry, and Ladd went on to adapt numerous Japanese animated imports for American release. He here provides an insider's view of the creation of what has blossomed into an ongoing cultural and media phenomenon.

This critical study of Miyazaki's work begins with an analysis of the visual conventions of manga, Japanese comic books, and anime; an overview of Japanese animated films; and a consideration of the techniques deployed by both traditional cel and computer animation. This section also details Miyazaki's early forays into comic books and animation, and his output prior to his founding of Studio Ghibli.

Formed by a small group of university students in the early 1980s, Studio Gainax is now one of the most adventurous and widely esteemed anime companies on the scene. This documentation of the studio's achievements provides a critical overview of both the company and its films.

This book is an analytical survey of Oshii's cinematic works from the early years of his career through his 21st-century productions, including Beautiful Dreamer and the acclaimed Ghost in the Shell. The author examines these and other Oshii productions in relation to the Carnivalesque movement, technopolitics and the director's post-robotic vision.