The Drawn Souls

This book analyses the most popular philosophies in the world of animation: that of Walt Disney, that of non-Disney American animation, and that of Japanese animation. These three philosophies have all had enormous global impact, though they are all very different from each other. The first section of the book concerns Disney: in a country that claims to be free and open to celebrating the individual and their potential, Disney's philosophy manages to combine individual success and group apotheosis in a single story. The central chapter of the book, on non-Disney American animation, considers the first anti-Disney characters that live in loosely structured societies where different personalities clash. And within the different characters, wild and socialised natures also clash. Finally, the book considers Japanese animation. In a largely homogenous nation, animation seeks to exalt the actions of the individual, even if aimed at collective success, or the salvation of the largest group of all: humanity. Originally published in Italian, this newly translated English edition has been brought up to date to consider topics such as how the world of animation has evolved alongside new streaming platforms, the rising success of sequels in the film industry, and the increase of anti-Disney philosophies in US animated series for teenagers and adults. This book will be of great interest to all students and scholars of animation, as well as professionals and general readers interested in the history of animation; because there are two important things to do in life: to learn about what we do not understand, and to understand what we love.