Lots have been written on how anime started in North America, but there is not much reference on how animation started in Japan. Consequently, many fans probably don't know much about it. That's why PA has decided to challenge its readers about this subjet: What do you know about the origins of Japanese animation? Test your knowledge with the following questions:
1. Which athlete becomes the first anime anti-hero in 1970?
2. Which is the first anime about soccer?
3. Which two fairy tales were produced in 1971?
4. Which famous burglar began his career in 1971?
5. Two of Go NagaiÕs most important series started in 1972. Name them.
6. Which 1972 TatsunokoÕs production was also shown in North America?
7. Name the kid manga by Fujiko Fujio that was finally animated in 1973 and lasted for over 800 episodes.
8. Who was the first provocative heroine of anime?
9. Which animal soap-opera, produced by Tatsunoko, had a frog for main character?
10. Which 52-episode anime series, created for the Western market and set in Europe, tells the story of an orphaned little girl?
11. Which two of Go NagaiÕs robot series were produced in 1974?
12. Which Tatsunoko super-hero appear in 1974, but reached North America only recently?
13. Which famous battleship first appear in 1974?
14. Name two of the robot series produced in 1975.
15. Name one of the 1975 anime set in Europe.
16. Which anime tells the story of Laura Ingalls?
17. Name two shows with bees as main characters.
18. Name SIX of the robot series produced in 1976.
19. Name yet another series set in Europe that tells the story of an unlucky orphan girl.
20. Which are the three works that Leiji Matsumoto produced in 1978?
21. Which 1978 series was directed by Hayao Miyazaki?
22. Which great anime series starts in 1979?
23. Which two 1979 anime have the main character named Ann?
24. Which 1979 anime is set in the pre-revolution France?
25. Which anime Miyazaki directed in 1979?
The answers to all those questions could be found in the book ANIME: A GUIDE TO JAPANESE ANIMATION that will be released in fall by Protoculture. Send us your answers (don't forget to write your name and address -- P.O. 1433, Station B, Montreal, Quebec, Canada, H3B 3L2). The participant who score the best result will receive a free copy of the book. The answers will also be given with ANIME TRIVIA PART 3 (in PA#57, so we won't accept any participation for Part 2 after the release of this issue in September). Good luck!