Action animes, such as "Gundam Wing," belong to the style called shounen.
Anime is a style of drawing used in Japanese animation. It is used on both TV shows and in movies, as well as in graphic novels known as manga. Although each anime artist has a drawing style all his own, there are a few main anime styles that can be identified by simply looking at the artwork. Classic anime, chibi style, shoujo and shounen are four main styles, from which many other drawing styles branch.
Classic Anime
Anime first gained popularity with a series called "Astroboy," which was created and drawn by Osamu Tesuka. The style basis of all anime stems from this type of art. Anime characters are often easy to identify by their flowing hair, long, lean or otherwise exaggerated bodies, and large eyes. Anime stories tend to focus on the characters and their emotions, which are prominently displayed in the character's expressions and movements. Elaborate settings are often used. A beginner anime artist can begin drawing in a classic anime style, without deviating into a more specific style, by following these basic guidelines.
Chibi
Chibi, which is the Japanese word for "little" is a style of drawing in which adult or young adult characters are drawn as cute, baby-like characters. Chibi characters are short and pudgy looking, as if they were young toddlers. These characters retain their adult personalities, however. Both heroes and villains are portrayed as chibi characters, sometimes as asides with an anime or manga. Chibi drawing is sometimes taken a step further, to a style known as "super deformed." This drawing style portrays characters that are even rounder and shorter than chibi characters.
Shoujo
Shoujo means "girl" in Japanese. As the name implies, this is an anime style that is designed to appeal to girls or women. Shoujo style drawing is often fancy or fantastic. Male characters in shoujo are typically drawn to appear effeminate or delicate. In shoujo, an even stronger emphasis is placed on the emotions of the characters, and the plots are often romantic in nature.
Shounen
Shounen, which means "boy" in Japanese, is an anime drawing style that is designed to appeal to boys or men. Shounen is usually somewhat more realistic-looking than shoujo. This drawing style employs sharp lines and strong lead male characters. Boys and men are drawn in a more masculine way. The typical plot for a shounen anime or manga is action or adventure based.
