Special to ViewAdam Van Wyk shows Anime Vegas members how to sketch during a past meeting. Van Wyk has worked as an animator and storyboard artist in television and film.
Special to ViewAdam Van Wyk shows Anime Vegas members how to sketch during a past meeting. Van Wyk has worked as an animator and storyboard artist in television and film.
Advertisement
Anime isn't just for kids.
Just ask animation enthusiast Richard Stott, who, although he is in his mid-40s, describes himself as probably one of the most fanatic anime fans in the western hemisphere.
Almost six years ago, Stott founded Anime Vegas, a monthly film festival that features the latest series out of Japan and offers anime fans a place to gather and indulge in their latest fixation.
"The episodes are usually in Japanese with English subtitles," Stott said. "Most hardcore anime fans prefer it that way, prefer to watch episodes in the purest form possible, which is in the original language."
In 2001, Stott moved to Nevada from California, where he'd been involved with similar anime fan clubs and social groups. He said that he was disappointed to find nothing of the same caliber in Las Vegas.
"I tried a couple of clubs at the local colleges, but it wasn't the type of meeting I was used to," Stott said. "The groups involved were small and sort of lacking in enthusiasm. I wanted to have a club with the same pizazz and flair I'd grown used to in California."
Stott rented an auditorium through the Las Vegas-Clark County Library District and began handing out fliers for the Saturday meetings.
"I handed them out everywhere I went, at schools, at the library, everywhere," he said. "The response was usually very positive, especially with the younger people."
According to Stott, 90 percent of the people who attend Anime Vegas are between the ages of 13 and 24 years old. But, that doesn't mean there's not a market for a more mature anime audience.
"I think this genre blurs some lines for a lot of people," Stott said. "Yes, the majority of anime fans are young. But there are those of us who are older and can appreciate the art for what it is. There are universal themes dealt with in these series."
Stott said that many of the series that are popular today revolve around mature subject matter, scenes and dialogue that would not be considered appropriate for children under the age of 13.
"There are a few that you have to be careful with," Stott said. "And I am. I screen for language and content, because most of the club members are so young."
Sixteen-year-old Raymond Zemonaes said that he has been into anime like "Helsing," a vampire-inspired series, and "The Prince of Tennis," a series that follows teens involved in the sport, for the last few years.
" 'Helsing' can be kinda bloody, but I like it," Zemonaes said. "It's really popular with kids my age. The other one ("Prince"), I got into because of my younger sister. It's not as bad. Like, there's not blood or cursing or anything."
Stott said that it is important to him that the Anime Vegas meetings not only be fun and spirited, but safe.
"I hope parents know that when they leave their kids here for a few hours, they're safe, they're looked after," he said. "And I'm being responsible in the episodes they're shown."
According to Stott, approximately 150 people attend the monthly screenings, with an additional 250 people on the group's mailing list.
Anime Vegas will host a screening beginning at 10 a.m. Saturday.
The group meets at the West Charleston Library, 6301 W. Charleston Blvd., the second Saturday of each month. Admission is free.
Archived Editions| Advertising | Contact The Staff
