U.S. Comics-Turned-Anime

[Jer Alford]

Most comics fans have probably seen the Iron Man or Wolverine trailers for their own upcoming anime series, but might not be aware that there have been several other American comics that have been turned into anime TV series, movies, and OVAs. Now, alot are familar with the Spider-Man live-action Japanese series from the 70s, but even more have made the leap to anime.

BATMAN: GOTHAM KNIGHT
Alot of Batfans might consider this an American production since it was mostly directed by Warner Bros., but the overall production was handled by six different anime studios. Meant to be a followup to Batman Begins and a lead-in to The Dark Knight, it mostly takes place within its own continuity. This OVA features work by Bee Train, Production IG, and Madhouse. The anime's take on Batman is mostly evident in the third chapter with the bishounen Bruce Wayne and his Gatchaman Batsuit.

KARAS
This 6-episode OVA series(released as two compliation movies in America)was originally a one-shot special from Dark Horse Comics. Written by Nevermen creator Phil Amara, it was of a look at the spiritual underworld of Japanese monsters and other creatures of the night. The anime turned out to be more of a action/horror story about an armored guardian who protects his city from evil demons. It was animated by Taksunoko Production, which has done several other superhero anime from the 70s like Yatterman, Hurricane Polymor, and Casshern, so this was a good evolution for them with some great 3D animation.

LITTLE NEMO: ADVENTURE IN SLUMBERLAND
Based on the early 20th century comic strip of Little Nemo by Winsor McCay, this anime movie was written by Chris Columbus. Animated by TMS Entertainment, this film almost got directed by Hayao Miyazaki, but kept most of the geniune look of the originally comic. In it, young Nemo is sent to the fairytale of Slumberland, and battles the evil Nightmare King. Most people might be familar the video game of Little Nemo: The Dream Master which was based on the movie, but the film has achieved a cult success despite its limited release in U.S. theatres.

TEENAGE MUTANT NINJA TURTLES: LEGEND OF THE SUPER MUTANTS
The Turtles were just as popular out east as it was here in the 90s. So much so, that there was a 2-episode OVA series done in Japan to specifically showcase two different lines of toys that were available out there and in America. It starts out almost like the second episode of something where the Turtles had found some magic stones that turn them into "super mutants", as well as Shredder and his cronies, but this is is shown as a flashback. Both of the new super mutant teams clash which causes them to loose their mutant stones. They then head for Japan to find another possible mutant stone, but instead become endowed with spiritual armor(possibly ripped off of Ronin Warriors). This anime was pretty hokey, even for TMNT, but worth seeing a fansub of just for laughs.

TOMB OF DRACULA: SOVEREIGN OF THE DAMNED
Based on the Marvel Comics series of Tomb Of Dracula, this made-for-TV movie was headed by Dragonball director Minoru Okazaki. Marv Wolfman provided the screenplay for it, where Dracula takes on a Satanic cult after he makes off with their sexy demonic sacrifice. This is the comic where the character of Blade first emerged, but you don't see him in this movie. It had played on American cable, but features one of the most laughable dubs ever. Look it up at least for some good schlocky fun.
 
WITCHBLADE
Where as the TNT live-action series might have been lacking a little in the way of action, this recent anime TV series brings the in Witchblade women with luscious anime boobs! Based on the Top Cow comic, this series recieved a little censorship when it was broadcast in Japan. Set in the not to distant future in Japan after some natural disaster has wrecked a small part of the country, a busty woman becomes the new bearer of the powerful Witchblade artifact, and she now has to spend her evenings almost totally naked and fighting other porn star-looking girls with Witchblade knockoffs. The action is particularly gory and flashy, which works great for an anime, although fans of the original comic might be looking for more of a "plot". 


That's about it. Aside from them, there was also an original anime intro to the 90s X-Men animated TV series. There have been several other American comics that they had made anime trailers for upcoming possible projects like Aphordite IX, Satanika, and Warrior Nun Areala, but none of them produced anything passed that. Now, comics like Batman, Hulk, Spider-Man, and X-Men have had been turned into genuine licensed Japanese manga titles, and you might wanna look into them too. Hopefully future comics will make for great anime too. Scott Pilgrim Z?