Our Anime Passion - Just How Otaku are You?
Posted on December 21st, 2006 by Darkshaunz - 3,053 Views
Darkshaunz wants to max level.
The new anime year is upon us, for some there is much rejoicing (especially with all the Lolicious titles coming out January 2007), for others in the community there’s the opportunity to reflect upon the year of 2006, and what delivered and what didn’t. In fact, head over to our friend Danny at Novastorm to Nominate in his not-so-normal awards, also I’ve somehow been selected as a “Highly Professional Judge” (If you say so) at Impz’s THAT entry. But this evening, I decided to start breaking our level of “Hardcoreness” into nice, digestable layers. So join me as I unveil the 7-tiered Otakudom system, and hopefully you’ll be able to identify what level you are.
Yeap, I just love my bunnygirls (This is my anime passion - Mmmmm)
Level 1 - The Casual Anime Fan
“I watch anime, somtimes. It’s pretty cool”
The casual anime fan usually views his favourite anime once a week. He doesn’t really know his way about torrent sites or manga scanlations. The casual anime fan makes up a large bulk of our Otaku brethren, they are very much in the know of mainstream anime like Naruto or One Piece, but are not really interested in titles which are not really popular. They watch anime because its a nice distraction and a way to kill some time in their day. Not to be dismissed as Fanboys or “Narutards”, they are actually just really light anime watchers. The Casual Anime Fan is also the most likely to buy licensed DvDs or Videos because they dont know their way around distros, and also mainly they don’t have the time or interest to hound the vast webspace for anime anyway. Unfortunately for our Casual brethren, they put up with dubbed anime because they are not familiar with the subbing scene.
If you have identified yourself as a Level 1 fan, then you are most likely just the average guy or girl who watches anime because your peer group recommends it, and you think nothing more of it. If you are a fellow Otaku (we’ll get to that) or an Anime Blogger reading this, it is your job to convert Level 1s to a higher order of Otakudom (Muahaha, do it in the name of our God-Empress, Haruhi).
Level 2 - The Fanboy
“Exterminate all that stand in our way!!!”
We find ourselves in the next level of Otakudom, The Fanboy. The Fanboy is a very selective and precise type of anime fan. Unlike the Casual Anime Fan, the Fanboy will hound the internet and other real world resource in order to learn and assimilate more about their favourite anime or anime character. Well armed with extensive knowledge on a certain anime or character (usually more mainstream titles, or cult-hits), make sure you are prepared with equal or superior knowledge on an anime before engaging in a verbal fencing with a Fanboy. Their thirst for their favourite anime is reinforced with a zealotry that can only be matched by Crusading Knights from Medieval Times. Fanboys are usually not alone, they form Tactical Squads known as “FanGroups” and are very precise at systematically defending their beloved anime. Their natural enemies are those that openly criticize that which they hold dear. Engage with extreme caution.
If you have identified yourself as a Level 2 fan, a.k.a a Fanboy, then I salute you trooper, you keep on fighting the good fight. You may be accused of being too narrow-minded and too specific with your tastes, but by golly would someone think twice before challenging your assertions. You form a group of highly motivated and loyal fans to a series. Companies love your kind, you keep them going by religiously watching their titles and they keep on upping their ante to please you, a benefit the whole anime community receives. Semper Fi.
Level 3 - The Otaku
“That new OVA comes out next week, oh and that manga I’m following too”
The Otaku is quite the Jack of all Trades. Otakus are widespread, and general mainstay of the Anime Fan rank and file. Otakus share many similarities to Casual Anime Fans, and they may even be Fanboys or Fangirls to various anime. Otakus are not sociall recluse as some myths may suggest, in fact, they form a very large part of Otakudom. Otakus generally follow multiple series of anime, they are in tune with whats popular and also follow genres which interest them personally. Their tastes are more across the board than a Fanboy, as they have the anime-capacity to participate in forum discussions on anime issues affecting their hobby. Most Otakus have an anime forum account, own some various anime merchandise and discuss it actively with other Anime-interested friends among their peer groups. Otakus are also resourceful, they know when and where they need to get their anime fansub releases. The regular Otaku is also aware of terms like Tsundere, Moe and even understand the common cliche’d arguments of those niches mentioned.
If you can envision Casuals being “Reserves”, Fanboys being the “Stormtroops”, then the Otakus are the “Marines” of the Otaku Army. Otakus are resourceful and inquistive individuals, some may even go as far to learn Japanese to acquaint and align their interests further. Otakus are also prime targets to be called “Weaboos” and “Wapanese”. If you’re reading this entry, then you’re most likely western educated anyway (If you are Japanese educated person reading this, you may be quite lost :p). I don’t think weaboos are accepted very well in most communities, they tend to get mauled by the other members whenever they splurt out some Japanese in their sentences. Instinctively attuned to Japanese protoculture, Otakus have become a noticeable force both in both the East and the West, spreading Haruhi’s glorious name across the world.
If you have identified yourself as a Level 3 fan, a.k.a an Otaku, then you are a passionate, moderate and enthusiastic anime fan. Sometimes you find that your daily schedule forbids you to indulge in your passion, but somehow you manage to keep on top of things, and in the space of free time that you have, you spend reflecting on just awesome or crap your weekly anime viewing has been. You are also the group most likely to Cosplay, displaying both your enthusiasm and creativity (and Guts, I know this because I’ve been to a convention and met very friendly cosplayers), I tip my hat at you for your courage. Sometimes you may go too far and become reclusive due to an excessive liking of anime (more on that), but most of the time, the Otaku mainstay is the reason why the anime industry succeeds on a regular basis.
Level 4 - The Archivist
“There’s a scuff on this Figure’s packaging. Unacceptable.”
Archivists are extremely organized, scheduled and perfection-seeking individuals. They are meticulous when it comes to their anime passion. Their anime and manga collections are their trophies. Most Archivists are individuals in charge of specialty anime fansites. The words “Imperfect Collection” form their kryptonite. Archivists are also almost always income earners, they have the money, and they are in no way afraid to use it to exchange for goods relevant to their anime interests. They also have the most impressive and well displayed collections, a living example of the phrase, “People actually spend money on that stuff?”. They live up to that phrase, especially with their shiny platinum box sets and limited edition manga bundles (mint condition or perfect of course). Archivists may not necessarily know everything about anime, but they are mostly concerned with knowing enough to interest them anyway. Perfectionists would describe the Archivist, and rest assured, they will correct you whenever they see the chance. Think of them as those that would frame a work of art.
If you have identified yourself as a Level 4 fan, a.k.a an Archivist, you are envied by all other levels of Otakudom. You have the means to which to accomplish immaculate and perfect collections, importantly, you display your trophies in such a neat way that even non-anime fans are wowed. If Companies love fanboys, then manufacturers absolutely love you. You pre-order their sculpts and ensure that their companies stay afloat. Be proud Archivist, your money is feeding the families of those garage sculptors and fuelling the Japanese economy. Where would we source our anime figurines from without your generous support? (/wink).
Level 5 - The Anime Blogger / Anime Forum Moderator|Admin
“Too many posts, Too many trolls, Too many pictures to take, SO Little Time!”
Welcome to the “upper echelon” of anime appreciation, anime bloggers and forum moderators. This level is for those very serious about the interpretation, messages, themes and depth of the anime art. Anime is just beyond the pixels and the physical action on screen. No, for this group of people, there’s an intangible exchange between the viewer and the anime characters, they feel the rush and excitement and the chemistry happening on screen. So what does this mean? They’re better than all the other types of anime fans? Absolutely not. The message here is, they form a tight, cohesive and very devoted community of anime fans. However, due to this motivation and dutiful effort into the Otaku passion, Bloggers and Moderator-Admins sometimes find themselves frustrated due to a pesky thing called “Time”. Basically, there’s so much to reflect and write about, there’s just never enough time. However, these individuals almost always never gain any financial benefit for their sharing their views, thoughts and mostly accurate predictions of anime trends (some do it satirically).
They do what they do because they enjoy doing it, I know Retsgip has a ball with some of his hilarious entries like Lovedol and Naruto. This enjoyment is translated in his writing, and as a reader, we can share in his LOLs (I know I do). Then we have the other end of the spectrum, which has some blogs dealing with the interweaving nature of real life concepts and anime (see anime|otaku’s blog on Anime and Economics). There’s a whole host of other blogs here at Retsgip anime blog are affiliates with (check out our blogroll). Anime Forum Moderators and Admins are also an equally passionate and devoted bunch. They maintain forums, both providing a medium for Otakus and Fanboys alike to discuss their anime passion, whilst also contributing their own thoughts (they also keep trollers at bay).
If you have identified yourself as a Level 5 fan, a.k.a an Anime Blogger / Anime Forum Moderator|Admin, then we here at Retsgip anime blog applaud you on taking the anime passion to the next level. We will also most likely see you on Animeblogger.net IRC anyway :p. You form the final major moderate group of anime enthusiasts which help meld the other four groups together. In a sense, you bring all the different types of anime fans together and you consolidate their individual wants, desires and aspirations for their anime hobby. You aren’t socially inept, but you definitely have less time than the above four groups of anime fans to devote to yourself outgoingly, due to your anime devotion. Most importantly, most of the bloggers have a very civic and community based thinking, where friendly testimonies and referrals are given out, linking one blogger to another. This mentality will only serve to benefit the online anime community for coming generations. Kudos, fellow bloggers and web-admins.
Level 6 - The Social Outcast (Hikkimori)
“Bath? What Bath?”
Tsk. The Social Outcast has stepped over the boundary, on all accounts. Due to their inward focus on life and inability to stand up from failures, these poor souls use anime and anime-related mediums to escape reality. Although it is satired in titles like NHK, I assure you, the real life versions are definitely more tragic. As some of you are familiar, they are not exactly advocates for human contact, and will happily turn back on what could have been a meaningful life in the stead of finding solace or temporary comfort of anime before. They realize their over-dependence on anime almost too late (some cases end in taking their own lives). On a more blunt note, these individuals definitely know they need help, but won’t bring it upon themselves to seek it, and I believe they are making the other 5 types look like shit. Its because the most extreme cases are always the ones attracting the media (For example, man dies from playing computer game too much, I mean seriously, thankfully not all of us are that retarded).
If you have identified yourself as a Level 6 fan, a.k.a The Social Outcast, then I say, Shame to you man. There is obviously something lacking in your lives, and perhaps you’ve had a rough life, but clinging onto anime is not going to help your situation. Repair the damage by seeking counsel and turn away from anime till you have your real life sorted out. I’ve been through financial difficulty in real life myself, and I understand the frustration and difficulty involved, give yourselves time and chance to earn the money (you deserve another shot at life, regardless of what you tell yourselves). The anime community will gladly welcome you when you’re back on your feet, but we really don’t want you if you’re using anime as an escapism mechanism (especially when you know you can and should lift yourselves back up). We’re proud that you are such super devoted fans, but disappointed if you fail to try to fix your situations.
Level 7 - The Anime Character
“Fools, I am not only living the dream, I AM THE DREAM!”
If you reading this level of anime fandom, it means that you are an anime character. Somehow, you have managed to access real world data files in the anime-dimension. Either that or you are actually a real person and somehow managed to ascend to the anime plane of existence, using a combination of Red Alert Chronosphere Technology and Ninja Genjutsu (I pulled that out of my ass, but Im pretty sure Im close). It purely means that you are living the life we all wish we had, as in riding in Mechas whilst saving the universe from the darkness of oblivion and then retiring to a room full of hot anime babes. You probrably are scoffing at the other 6 levels of Otakudom as your type on your Saiyan Keyboard (With a power level over 9000 no less). In fact, there’s never a dull moment in your world, what with having Ninjas flying around, energy balls whizzing past you and samurais doing slo-mo Matrix like action choreographed scenes. I bet as you are reading this, there is an Epic Soundtrack playing across the fabric of space in your world (Tell me it isn’t another one of those Yokko Kanno scores).
If you have identified yourself as a Level 7 fan, a.k.a The Anime Character, then come to Literature Club Room at North High School. My club is currently recruiting Inter-Dimensional Planar Travellers, we already have an Alien, God, Time Traveller and a Psychic, you would make an excellent addition to our team. Whats the purpose of our club? According to the latest revision of the creed, its to seek the mysteries and truths of this world. Hey, if anything, come for the Green Tea, our resident maid cosplayer sure serves a mean cuppa.
So Ladies and Gentlemen, Boys and Girls. I pose the question: “Just how Otaku, Are You?”.
Cheers,
Darkshaunz
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i am level 2….i am just a fanboy….Actually, i think level 2-3 people are more scary than anime bloggers…Seriously. This measure is flawed, rawr! X_X
I’m a full level 3 with the very sad “losing life, losing reality” element of 6. Its a shame, because i wish i could leave the anime scene altogether and yet i don’t. Its kinda hard because i don’t get good grades or focus on going out with friends because i’m stuck to my computer all the time, i take my laptop everywhere and just watch anime all the time. And this is my last year of high school too, so i’m going to have to crack down on trying to make a life as my parents say but i don’t know how cause i’m so immersed in this whole thing and it really messes up my brain very badly, i’m very confused.
;-; And yes, this post was a cry for help and a somewhat shrink session.
Haha, but Impz you’re much much more than a fanboy. And bitch darkshaunz you auto-filed me into the Level 5 Red Alert entering social outcast status, lol. Doh!
@Inuhanyou: Hey man, its a good first step in realizing that you have a problem. Its the hardest step to admit that you’re not proud about something in your life, but you’ve managed that. My advice is, don’t quit anime altogether, its too much of an extreme move. I would say, number one: Stop carrying that laptop with you (you have to get used to not having the computer), number two: If your friends want to hang out with you, drop everything and join them (Its way more satisfying than being on the computer, trust me). First rule of braking the cycle is letting go of the objects that you can’t seem to live without, just slowly cut it down, gradual moderation in declining amounts is most effective.
If its the last year of high school then you’re no kid anymore, you deserve a shining end to your schooling career. Make it memorable, make it worthwhile. Your memories with friends and real life experiences will never be replaced and forgotten, whereas the anime you watch may only fill a small gap in your life. There’s nothing psychologically wrong with you, you just need to get back on the right track. Inuhanyou, have a talk with your parents and your study counsellors. Call a Helpline, seek assistance from a Professional, you deserve so much more out of life. Also, its absolutely fine to cry out for help Inuhanyou, we always hit some tough spots in the road of life anyway.
We wish you the absolute best of luck in retaking your life. Godspeed.
@Impz: Tsuruya-san forever amirite?
@Retsgip: Level 5s ftw!
Being an anime blogger I guess that instantly puts me into level 5. Had it not been for that I’d probably be somewhere between levels 3 and 4. I fear level 2s T_T
I blog anime, I translate anime lyrics, I cosplay, I karaoke, I taught myself Japanese just to read Digimon episode synopses back in seventh grade.
I think I’m mostly at Level 3, though, because I’m not that devoted to anime and only devote to, as in, watch and translate episode titles thereof on Wikipedia, three shows at any given time.
I don’t have an income, perhaps that’s what’s keeping me from ascending.
I’m a lvl 1 anime blogger!! *vwee!*
Lol yet another awesome post Darkshaunz! Keep it up. But rofl it looks like it came from some walktrhough/guidebook of some FPS xD
It seems I’m a level 5 animeblogger who skipped level 4. This may be because I lack the said income necessary for that level. Though if I did have money, it would all probably to anime merchandise. Hmm…I see a dark and penniless future ahead of me.
Since I’m a total n00b undeserving of a Lvl 5, I’m a Lvl 3 with very high hopes of becoming a Lvl 4 and hints of parts of Lvl 6 (
Hmm… By definition, I’m level 5, but I don’t think I deserve it yet. I’d say I’m somewhere between 3 & 4.
Speaking of which where did you find the 香港のオタク picture? I want a copy for my about page
@uhsieh: Just search for otaku on danbooru, and you should see it there.
I remember I did a similar list in the past. It was “Types of Anime Viewers.”
Haha, the fanboy level fits perfectly to me. I guess I’m not that much of otaku despite having a blog.
i’m between a lvl 2 and lvl 3
@Darkshaunz: But… but… danbooru scares me. j/k
Thanks.
hmmm … my blogging automatically puts me in lvl 5 … but then I dun really archive all the anime that I watch … I only archives my favourites … and my backlogs is always full … lol …. I feel like a lvl 1 fanboy n00b …
The problem with this list is I can probably fit partially into EACH category but not fully enough to be considered as “just one”.
L5, but I need to watch anime more :V
Level 3 and 5 for me, according to your rating ^^~
Who would think… according with this categories, i am mostly like level 3! a straight-serious-otaku! omgwth! the funny thing here is that i actually never think i was *that* anime fan, seriously.
BUT (this is when thinks get interesting, right after the “but…”)
In truth, there’s no category here that fits me well enough (and they are pretty well defined here), i am a… weird specimen… very, VERY weird in this aspect (well, if i think about it, i am weird in almost everything else i do too, but that’s another history~), let me expose my case:
First of all, even if i share a pretty good amount of characteristics with level 3 (a.k.a “the otaku”) i don’t think… no, i don’t feel- like i’m that fanatic, there’s a difference, pretty hard to explain, but there is (and no, if you’re thinkin’ that i don’t like being classified with the rank of “otaku” you’re wrong my friends, ’cause i was the one who saw things in common and because to me, there’s nothing bad with being a happy otaku). Now, talking about sociability, i don’t have problems with that, i have the normal ability to, but… i don’t want to… hmm… how should i put it… i don’t want to “have a ‘normal’ social life”, and it’s not like i’m a little like those in level 6, really, i’m happy, relaxed, i like my life and i’m not in the anime scene in search of scaping reality, i mean, hell no! that would ruin all the fun in viewing anime, is just that i have a very personal way of thinking about that kind of things (my point of view of the whole world is pretty different from the common, maybe some day we will talk) and on top of all, i like being alone… but don’t take me wrong, i like some good company too, having friends and stuff.
In part for my last words and in part for many other things, i could be like an anime blogger too, but of course, there’s the big-fat-fact that i don’t have an anime blog lol! but i would like to. Next, i have this peculiar “dunnowhat” that makes that in more than the expected times (times expected: none) i’ve been told, for different reasons, that i’m like an Anime character (!!) if not for my appeareance, for the things that happens to me, (even for my voice, lmao!) etcerera… and, sometimes i do see the things like an anime character and/or in ocations feel extremely identified with the toughts, thinks and words of a character (sometimes i almost can say that they steal parts of me and put it in an anime series character) although this could be pretty normal from level 3 to 7, to me is in a different level (a level way too far from “normal”) it’s pretty funny y’know… and with that thing of being seen like an anime character… sometimes i fell kinda…. proud?… no, it’s more like a ” it’s embarassing and weird but freakin’ sorta cool!” feeling about it.
Whoa, ok ok, this is much for a comment, i’ll zip it right now. In resume: i know that this categories are not like “oficial” or something like that, but are well thinked and structured, that’s why i decided to try to put my level of otakuness in their ranking, but even finding some good things in common with the rank of Otaku on top of the others (with the exception of the “archivist” level, it was the only one that i think i have nothing in common with), none of this levels fitted me well, in short: i’m so fucking weird that i can’t be put in categories lol, and that isn’t just for this topic.
Interesting post.
Oh and btw, sorry for this not-so-readable-too-long-comment… (appart, i think my english needs some work)
Level 2 for me, it appears. I’ve watched several series (only ones I like) and read all about the main one(s) [Naruto].
This is truly a great blog! Keep on posting such interesting subjects! I already bookmarked your blog and I will recommend it to some of my friends.
Ahh- Awesome post! ^_^ I’m trying to classify myself but I’m not sure where I would fall- I’m starting an animeblog…but I don’t have time to do it yet so I’m not really at lvl 5…My interest inmanga is almost nil (again time) so I can’t be an Otaku..meh.I think I’m a boss version of a lvl 1
WOOT?! You put me in level 5?!! WAAA! What happens if I level up??!
Somehow, the last few months have changed me alot I guess. Back then, I was just level 3…
Damn, I knew something bad would come out of both blogging and working as anime forum admin…
well, that makes unheroic characters of NHK level 6 or 7?
Currently,i`m afraid i belong to level 4.When i die,i will be reborn at level 7.You all out there don`t know there character yet,but beware,you definitely will!
I’m very glad to be only a 3 level
. Simple otaku is fine for me.
Several years ago I had been more like level 6. All that Hikkimori shit. Not extremely bad but overall crappy. Not talking to almost everyone, pc addict, sore looser drowning his sorrows in Manga/anime/games.
You know what saved me?
Duh! Manga of course
. After reading first chapters of Welcome to NHK I looked back on my entire life up to this point and decided that it’s time to change. I forced myself to talk to other people, and realized that they dont hate me. That sure was a suprise 
. Now I’m in second year of my high school, surrounded by friends (not much tho. I still dont like bigger groups of people. 5 at the time does it for me 
) planning to go to university and study Japanise (Japanology?).
I’m happy to watch anime/read manga free of guilt and self hatred
To all the social outkasts like old me: you can change if you want. It’s hardest thing that I ever had to do in my entire life, but it’s worth it. Ooh it’s worth it.
Ps. I even made my fellow classmate with zero anime interrest into fanboy
Defiantly a level 5. Although a few months back i would have been a level 2… if that makes any sense??
he he, pretty interesting point of view
to me’s pretty difficult to make a choice
probably “The Anime Blogger/Anime Forum Moderator|Admin, combined with “The Anime Character”
My question is what about the other part of otaku that is not associated with anime/ mangas/ hentai. What about like in otaku no video, the porn otaku, how much of an otaku are you of other subjects?
There’s piece of food on this plush. Unacceptable!!!! who was playing with my stuff!!!!?????.
Dude, nice work I really like it and I’m proud to say that I am a Level 4 - The Archivist. xD
I’m currently at Level 3 and will probably ascend to Level 4 soon. Personally I think I’m more than happy with where I am now but having a good collection never hurts
Also I’m responsible for making some Level 1 and 2 fans out there, more are on the way XD
Love your blog, keep it up!