screeching into the abyss

Does realism dictate whether an anime is good?

This video explores how issues rooted in media comprehension seem to affect how (anime) audiences maintain the suspension of disbelief, often abandoning it in favor of applying harsh factual truths to fictional stories.

“Realism,” or rather, verisimilitude, is one of many literary devices. However, a significant number of audience members tend to comprehend and analyze media, such as anime, through facts instead of fictional media/literary standpoints (i.e. expecting plot and/or characters to follow real-world patterns and limitations).

The video primarily utilizes the anime “My Hero Academia” as an example of ineffective fictional logic, rooted in adhering to factual logic. It also explores how the aforementioned affected aspects such as worldbuilding, characterization, and overall meaning of the story. (A summary is provided in case you haven’t watched MHA).

There is a brief section that explores the cultural connotations related to the argument that realism is a major indicator of good writing, focusing on how Western countries tend to prioritize realism more than the Global South.

(I was a bit heated in some parts lol, but I hope it at least keeps people entertained. Apologies for some grammar slips there! I hope y'all like it! 💛)