Toon Zone Talkback - ICv2.com Names 10 Most Powerful People in Anime Industry

[Royce]

This is the talkback thread for ICv2.com Names 10 Most Powerful People in Anime Industry (http://news.toonzone.net/article.php?ID=11408).

Notice Al Kahn is not on the list.:D

[Dark Fact]

Notice Al Kahn is not on the list.
Al Kahn forfeited that right after what he and his company did to One Piece.

The list does look reasonable enough.

[Chris Wood]

It's always depressing to see what the most popular titles are.

[Juu-kuchi]

Man, Gen really has come a long way since he and FUNi first appeared on the scene.

[Mike JD Silva]

Man, Gen really has come a long way since he and FUNi first appeared on the scene.

No joke. I'd imagine all the hardcore detractors from the old old Planetnamek forums would be choking themselves to death if they're seeing this.

[Andrew T. Hingson]

I'm glad Al Kahn isn't on there, that would only inflate his ego.

Props to FUNimation for coming out on top.

Kim Manning doesn't deserve 3rd though.

And where the heck is the Toonami crew? They've done so much for the anime industry directly and indirectly.

[Tay the Cat]

Al Kahn forfeited that right after what he and his company did to One Piece.

Like him or not, he's still quite powerful.

[Duke]

Who exactly is "Anime Buyer"? Isn't that the magazine that occasionally pops up, or is it just a generic term for people who buy anime?

[MarineCorps]

Who exactly is "Anime Buyer"? Isn't that the magazine that occasionally pops up, or is it just a generic term for people who buy anime?

I get the feeling it's a magizine that best buy puts out when ever they feel like it. But I've never heard of it before.

[Nobuyuki sama]

just a generic term for people who buy anime?
I have a feeling that's what they mean, but I'm unwilling to spend $10 (http://storesense2.megawebservers.com/ICv2AdStore/Detail.bok?no=56) to confirm it.

[Chris Wood]

It obviously refers to whomever is in charge of anime purchasing for Best Buy. Apparently the reporter was too lazy to get the name.

[Classic Speedy]

It's always depressing to see what the most popular titles are. How so? I wouldn't exactly call it depressing that two Ghibli titles, Karas, Champloo, and FMA are some of the top titles. I mean, would you rather stuff like Green Green be at the top?

[Dark Fact]

Like him or not, he's still quite powerful.
But this list is about powerful people who shape anime respectfully in the R1 market. If you butcher anime, you've lost that right to be in this list.


It obviously refers to whomever is in charge of anime purchasing for Best Buy. Apparently the reporter was too lazy to get the name.
I don't understand that point. Reporters have a duty to get and place the name of whomever is important to the subject at hand unless the individual specifically requests otherwise or conflicts arise due to legal or political reasons. If you're lazy, you shouldn't be reporting in the first place. My guess is Anime Buyer isn't a person, but the magazine in Best Buy.

[Chris Wood]

How so? I wouldn't exactly call it depressing that two Ghibli titles, Karas, Champloo, and FMA are some of the top titles. I mean, would you rather stuff like Green Green be at the top?

I was referring more to the manga list. Tha anime one is a little more respectable. Still, more than a decade down the road there's a Dragon Ball Z movie in 3rd place (!). And no Ghost in the Shell?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Ye gads, Kim Manning doesn't belong on this.

She belongs more on the "Worst for Anime List" along with Nimoy, Buccholz, Kahn, and Haim Saban.

And I don't have any issues with the anime or manga lists.

[Space Cadet]

Ye gads, Kim Manning doesn't belong on this.

She belongs more on the "Worst for Anime List" along with Nimoy, Buccholz, Kahn, and Haim Saban.



Uh, how is she is that bad?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Uh, how is she is that bad?

Case Closed didn't decide to sabotage itself...

[William C. Maune]

Case Closed didn't decide to sabotage itself...

I fail to see the sabotage in a show getting a chance long enough to air 50 episodes twice, and then (although in later slots) getting additional runs for most of the time Adult Swim had the license. Yes, after its initial few weeks Case Closed was pushed back from the usual Adult Swim Action weeknight premiere slot, but that's because it wasn't pulling in the ratings, and it was only pushed back half an hour. If they intended to sabotage it they never would have picked up 52 episodes in the first place.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

There was also no advertizement as well. I'm fairly sure Funimation pushed the series on them, hence why it never got any love.

And that was just the first thing that came to mind. There's also Kim Manning's immaturity, and rejection of shows based on her personal taste.

[William C. Maune]

There was also no advertizement as well. I'm fairly sure Funimation pushed the series on them, hence why it never got any love.

It go about as much promotion as any other Adult Swim Action show.


And that was just the first thing that came to mind. There's also Kim Manning's immaturity, and rejection of shows based on her personal taste.

What's wrong with her maturity. As for her personal taste, what shows would you have picked up if you were in charge?

[Karl Olson]

Like him or not, he's still quite powerful.

Strictly speaking, he's almost a figurehead. He owns no stock in his company at this (atleast nothing publically disclosed,) and it's seems that at points he's more of a spokesperson than a real CEO.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

It go about as much promotion as any other Adult Swim Action show.
I watched Adult Swim 11-2 everyday of the week back then, and the only time I ever saw an ad was in the commercial break prior to the start. If you haven't turned off the tv by then, you're planning to watch the next show anyways.



What's wrong with her maturity. As for her personal taste, what shows would you have picked up if you were in charge?

I can't remember specific moments, but I remember so pretty immature comments made a couple of times.

As far as shows:
MSG reruns at 1:30 AM got good ratings from what I can recall(around 300,000 or so), so Zeta Gundam.

I can't come up with a list right now, but I recall hearing that shows had been rejected based on her opinion, which is just silly.

[William C. Maune]

I watched Adult Swim 11-2 everyday of the week back then, and the only time I ever saw an ad was in the commercial break prior to the start. If you haven't turned off the tv by then, you're planning to watch the next show anyways.

I remember seeing promos, but I doubt she is in charge of that aspect anyway. That is likely a different department.


I can't remember specific moments, but I remember so pretty immature comments made a couple of times.

I can't come up with a list right now, but I recall hearing that shows had been rejected based on her opinion, which is just silly.

It just seems odd to be bashing her (as bad as Kahn?) when you can't even remember any specific examples.

[Duke]

I can't come up with a list right now, but I recall hearing that shows had been rejected based on her opinion, which is just silly.
More silly than actually picking up shows they know will do badly but really, really like anyway (Paranoia Agent)?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

I remember the existence, just not specific examples. I didn't say she was as bad as Kahn, just belonging on the list.

A list of people bad for anime in the US would naturally include someone who has been responsible for keeping shows off of TV that could have found an audience, right?

[William C. Maune]

A list of people bad for anime in the US would naturally include someone who has been responsible for keeping shows off of TV that could have found an audience, right?

Perhaps, but I'm not yet seeing where she has kept shows off of television that stood a good chance of succeeding.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Perhaps, but I'm not yet seeing where she has kept shows off of television that stood a good chance of succeeding.

Ranma 1/2?

Seriously, the Inuyasha fanbase would be all over that, slightly older animation or not.

[William C. Maune]

Ranma 1/2?

Eh, I'd say its way too old. Ranma 1/2 was already been there and done that years ago. Plus, isn't there a lot of nudity that wouldn't fly on Adult Swim? And is it even Adult? From what I've read, barring the nudity, sounds more like a Toonami-level series.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Eh, I'd say its way too old. Ranma 1/2 was already been there and done that years ago. Plus, isn't there a lot of nudity that wouldn't fly on Adult Swim? And is it even Adult? From what I've read, barring the nudity, sounds more like a Toonami-level series.

Not that old. And besides, the Inuyasha fanbase would guarantee its sucess. Plus, if Inuyasha is AS, so is Ranma. They're equally adult.

As far as nudity, edits would be needed, but not to a huge degree. If Eva can fly, so can Ranma.

Excel Saga falls into the same boat with Kim not liking it, iirc.

[Gokou Ruri]

And where the heck is the Toonami crew? They've done so much for the anime industry directly and indirectly. I am also wondering why Adult Swim is on that list but not Toonami.

[William C. Maune]

Not that old. And besides, the Inuyasha fanbase would guarantee its sucess. Plus, if Inuyasha is AS, so is Ranma. They're equally adult.

As far as nudity, edits would be needed, but not to a huge degree. If Eva can fly, so can Ranma.

Ranma half has been available in the U.S. so long that it was Viz' first release. I don't see it being successful just because it is also from Rumiko Takahashi. The shows aren't that similar.

Is the show even as adult as Inu Yasha? Inu Yasha was a very early pick up for Adult Swim Action anyway. They haven't picked up much in the way of Inu Yasha type shows since. These days Inu Yasha would probably easily go to Toonami if it was just now being picked up.

Eva didn't require that much editing and was only 26 episodes. Ranma would require a lot of digital bathing suits over the course of its 100+ episode run.


Excel Saga falls into the same boat with Kim not liking it, iirc.

Excel Saga is a comedic series aimed squarely at those already very familiar with anime. I can't see it playing well with the mass audience. What would you have not picked up so you could have picked up Excel Saga instead?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Ranma half has been available in the U.S. so long that it was Viz' first release. I don't see it being successful just because it is also from Rumiko Takahashi. The shows aren't that similar.

Is the show even as adult as Inu Yasha? Inu Yasha was a very early pick up for Adult Swim Action anyway. They haven't picked up much in the way of Inu Yasha type shows since. These days Inu Yasha would probably easily go to Toonami if it was just now being picked up.

Eva didn't require that much editing and was only 26 episodes. Ranma would require a lot of digital bathing suits over the course of its 100+ episode run.

I'd say its at the same level as Inuyasha.

And the shows are rather similar, many of the characters synch up with their counterparts. Inuyasha just has the whole 'evil villain plot' thrown in.



Excel Saga is a comedic series aimed squarely at those already very familiar with anime. I can't see it playing well with the mass audience. What would you have not picked up so you could have picked up Excel Saga instead?

That description could have fit FLCL, which became one of their most popular shows. I'm sure Excel could've pulled around 400,000 back in 2004. Now maybe less due to the state of Saturdays.

And I'd say I would not pick up Milk-chan. Which was picked up why?

Because Kim Manning liked it.

[William C. Maune]

That description could have fit FLCL, which became one of their most popular shows. I'm sure Excel could've pulled around 400,000 back in 2004. Now maybe less due to the state of Saturdays.

Unlike Excel Saga, FLCL has a lot more to make it appealing than just the otaku elements.


And I'd say I would not pick up Milk-chan. Which was picked up why?

Because Kim Manning liked it.

Why wouldn't you pick up Milk-chan?

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Unlike Excel Saga, FLCL has a lot more to make it appealing than just the otaku elements.
But I think Excel could've had some degree of success, althoug not on the level of FMA. It would've been worth a shot.



Why wouldn't you pick up Milk-chan?

Unpopular show, looked crummy, not even popular in Japan iirc. There was nothing to indicate any chances of succes, my personal opinion aside(as much as I hate Sleep Alone Complex and Wolf Snooze, I can understand why they were picked up).

[William C. Maune]

But I think Excel could've had some degree of success, althoug not on the level of FMA. It would've been worth a shot.

Lots of things could have been worth a shot though. Is there anything that really indicates Excel Saga could have had more success than much of the rest of the shows that have been picked up?


Unpopular show, looked crummy, not even popular in Japan iirc. There was nothing to indicate any chances of succes, my personal opinion aside(as much as I hate Sleep Alone Complex and Wolf Snooze, I can understand why they were picked up).

If it wasn't popular in Japan then it would have received a sequel series (http://animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1020). That leaves as reasons for not picking up the show "unpopular" and "looked crummy" which are each just personal preference related things, which are the same complaints being fired at Kim Manning.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

If it wasn't popular in Japan then it would have received a sequel series (http://animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1020). That leaves as reasons for not picking up the show "unpopular" and "looked crummy" which are each just personal preference related things, which are the same complaints being fired at Kim Manning.

Unless I'm misreading things, the sequel series is what we got.

And I didn't really mean 'ratings failure that cost people their job', but I've never heard of any major success in Japan.

Looks crappy isn't really an opinion. The designs of the show looks crummy.

Does it really make sense to pick up shows that were never anything big when shows like Nadesico could be picked up instead(better looking animation, critically aclaimed series, etc) from the same company?

Look, I'm not saying that every single decision Adult Swim makes is a bad one, but surely anyone can look and see that picking up Super Milk-chan was a dumb decision where one person's personal tastes won out over sensible business strategies.

[Chris Wood]

Look, I'm not saying that every single decision Adult Swim makes is a bad one, but surely anyone can look and see that picking up Super Milk-chan was a dumb decision where one person's personal tastes won out over sensible business strategies.

Do we have any evidence on how these shows are being chosen? Maybe focus groups are being used.

[William C. Maune]

Unless I'm misreading things, the sequel series is what we got.

And I didn't really mean 'ratings failure that cost people their job', but I've never heard of any major success in Japan.

Looks crappy isn't really an opinion. The designs of the show looks crummy.

Does it really make sense to pick up shows that were never anything big when shows like Nadesico could be picked up instead(better looking animation, critically aclaimed series, etc) from the same company?

Look, I'm not saying that every single decision Adult Swim makes is a bad one, but surely anyone can look and see that picking up Super Milk-chan was a dumb decision where one person's personal tastes won out over sensible business strategies.

We got the sequel series and the original series, although the sequel series played first on Adult Swim, followed by the original series. It had to have been somewhat successful in Japan to get the sequel series in the first place.

"Looking crappy" is pretty much always an opinion. You could take any show and be hard pressed to find a unanimous opinion as to whether the designs looked good or crappy. Everybody has their different tastes of what looks good to them.

As for Nadesico, it could be picked up, but it isn't really adult. It could air on Toonami without too much trouble. Do you know that personal taste won out over sensible business strategies? Do you know what went on at Williams St.? Do you have all the data on the show? Do you know how much it cost? Etc.? Regardless, even if it was a bad decision, it was just one decision. One questionable decision doesn't put someone on the "Worst for Anime list."

[KuwabaraTheMan]

Okay, I admit it was silly to claim she was one of the 10 worst. I realize now that I was a bit extreme(although I always tend to exaggerate things).

I'll maintain she has no place on the Top 10 list, however.

[Tay the Cat]

There's also Kim Manning's immaturity, and rejection of shows based on her personal taste.
Case Closed is the only show she's said she hates.

[Chris Wood]

Case Closed is the only show she's said she hates.

Hates it why?

[Duke]

Does Manning actually hate the series, or does she merely dislike it? I mean, I'm no big fan of the One Piece anime in either language, but it's not like I despise it or anything.

[Tay the Cat]

Does Manning actually hate the series, or does she merely dislike it? I mean, I'm no big fan of the One Piece anime in either language, but it's not like I despise it or anything.
I read it on adult swim's website sometime after they quit airing it.

[William C. Maune]

I read it on adult swim's website sometime after they quit airing it.

Do you have the actual quote?

[Jin]

They cancelled it because the ratings were bad, not because they hated it.

[Space Cadet]

Ranma half has been available in the U.S. so long that it was Viz' first release. I don't see it being successful just because it is also from Rumiko Takahashi. The shows aren't that similar.


Aside from some obvious differences, Ranma and Inuyasha aren't that different from each other.


Is the show even as adult as Inu Yasha? Inu Yasha was a very early pick up for Adult Swim Action anyway. They haven't picked up much in the way of Inu Yasha type shows since. These days Inu Yasha would probably easily go to Toonami if it was just now being picked up.

Well if I had to choose between which shows to go to either block, Ranma probably would go to AS and Inuyasha would go to Toonami.

Honestly, if wasn't for the nudity and some sexual jokes, Ranma would fit fine on Toonami. It has a good English cast and the humor seems to be better on Ranma than Inuyasha. Even the action is exciting and pretty original. But, I do agree that AS probably doesn't want to resurrect the digital bikini suits. Although wouldn't Viz edit it?

Also, I remember a couple of years back, didn't AS say they weren't ever going to air Evangelion and Ranma?

[William C. Maune]

Honestly, if wasn't for the nudity and some sexual jokes, Ranma would fit fine on Toonami. It has a good English cast and the humor seems to be better on Ranma than Inuyasha. Even the action is exciting and pretty original. But, I do agree that AS probably doesn't want to resurrect the digital bikini suits. Although wouldn't Viz edit it?

Either Viz or Adult Swim would have to edit it. Whichever one did would incur significant costs due to the amount of digital suiting needed. Even if Viz did the editing instead of Adult Swim, the editing costs could increase the license fee that Viz would want to charge AS.


Also, I remember a couple of years back, didn't AS say they weren't ever going to air Evangelion and Ranma?

True, but I don't think the fact that they aired Eva really makes Ranma any more likely.

[Nobuyuki sama]

Also, I remember a couple of years back, didn't AS say they weren't ever going to air Evangelion and Ranma?
Excel Saga and Ranma.

[Space Cadet]

Excel Saga and Ranma.

No, they said Evangelion too. Excel they said was too "crazy" for them.

[Arxane]

Heads up, the printed version of the ICv2 list contains an additional five names. They're listed alphabetically rather than numerically, and guess who's on it:

- Chris Beveridge
- Al Kahn, CEO of 4kids
- Terry Kalagian, Toonami programming
- Shawn Kleckner
- Chris McDonald

[Space Cadet]

Heads up, the printed version of the ICv2 list contains an additional five names. They're listed alphabetically rather than numerically, and guess who's on it:

- Chris Beveridge
- Al Kahn, CEO of 4kids
- Terry Kalagian, Toonami programming
- Shawn Kleckner
- Chris McDonald

Sketch can be happy now and Dark Fact can be angry about Al Kahn.

[MarineCorps]

- Al Kahn, CEO of 4kids

Well thats sure to piss off a lot of people:sweat:




- Chris Beveridge


Isn't he the guy who runs AoD?:confused:

[Arxane]

Isn't he the guy who runs AoD?:confused:
Correct, Chris Beveridge is the founder of Anime on DVD. And for those who don't know, Shawn Kleckner is the owner of the fan-friendly online retail site and recent licensor of the second season of Super Gals, Right Stuf [sic], and Chris McDonald is the founder of Anime News Network. The other two should be self-explanatory.

[KuwabaraTheMan]

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHN!!!!!!!

Good to see Toonami represented.

[William C. Maune]

For anyone wondering about Terry Kalagian, Terry is Vice-President of Acquisitions and Co-Productions for Cartoon Network and therefore ultimately controls Toonami acqusitions and and other CN acquistions. She is likely the person that Sean and Jason answer to in the chain of command.

[K-S-O]

Kahn can be considered powerful as the "evil bad guy" of the industry.

Didn't know the founder of Anime on DVD has enough power to be in the Top 15. Reading about what he's contributed to the industry I guess it's well deserved.

[Classic Speedy]

KAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAHN!!!!!!! That joke is played.