Where did Japanese animation come from, and what does it all mean? Written for fans, culture watchers, and perplexed outsiders, this is a tour of the anime megaverse, from older arts and manga traditions to the works of modern directors like Miyazaki and Otomo. Read about anime standbys like giant robots, samurai, furry beasts, high school heroines, and gay/girl/fanboy love--even war and reincarnation, plus all of anime's major themes, styles, and conventions.