Anime enthusiasts bring cartoon culture to campus

Anime cartoons found their way to America slowly, but have now arrived at Weber State University's campus.

WSU's Anime Club is an association of enthusiasts who discuss, watch and critique different Japanese cartoons translated from Japanese into English.

"It's really an interesting insight to Asian culture," said Bridger Price, WSU Anime Club member. "You catch things, it's just really cool."

Price is one of several club members who meet every Thursday from 6:30 p.m. to midnight in the Junction TV room of the Shepherd Union Building.

Club activities include voting on different anime cartoons to watch, playing Dungeons and Dragons and playing Magic the Gathering card game.

Admission to the club is free and anyone is encouraged to attend.

Anime in general has a long history and background, but started before World War II.

"It's been around for about 90 years," said David Mead, WSU Anime Club president.

Mead is in charge of the group, which started at WSU five years ago. On average, the anime club sees a variety of turnouts that cater to interested anime fans.

"Attendance varies from 10 to as many as 30," Mead said.

Mead said one doesn't have to be a student to be part of the anime club here. Anyone interested or curious about amine is encouraged to attend.

"We have several people come that are not WSU students," Mead said. "Anyone is welcome."

In the five years of the club's existence, it has given members the opportunity to have fun and help people gain a better experience and appreciation of anime.

Mead said what people don't understand is anime is not just "Poke'mon." Its shows appeal to all sorts of television audiences.

"The scope of anime is as broad of what's on daytime TV," Mead said.

Each week, the club has a consistent showing of the same anime show. Throughout the semester, two episodes of the series are shown each week. Club members voted which series is played at the first of the year.

Lori Jo Webster, WSU Anime Club vice president, loves the social aspect and involvement the anime club brings.

"You come every week, you see a lot of the same people, you meet new people," Webster said. "It's just a fun place to hang out."

Webster said she started watching anime as a social activity and was soon addicted.

Webster feels those who don't participate in the anime club are missing out on a great opportunity.

"They're missing out on some great cultures, including college culture," Webster said. "They really miss an opportunity to be a part of a group."

For more information about the anime club, call David Mead at 458-5250.

You can leave a message for reporter Matt Deamer by calling 626-7655.