AnimationInsider.net Interviews Fred Schodt, Author and Manga Scholar

Animation Insider recently had the opportunity to speak with writer and translator Frederik L. Schodt, author of the recent book 'The Astro Boy Essays' (Stone Bridge Press, 2007).

Chicago, IL, September 21, 2007 --(PR.com)-- This press document is a notification that recognizes AnimationInsider.net as interviewing Frederik L. Schodt--writer, author, translator and interpreter--whose devotion to researching and documenting the Japanese manga/anime culture in the book publication 'The Astro Boy Essays' (Stone Bridge Press, 2007) is invaluable.

Internet news and information group AnimationInsider.net is pleased to announce a recently published interview with Fred Schodt, one whose personal and professional experience interacting with the late Osamu Tezuka has born fruit of great interest with his latest book, 'The Astro Boy Essays.' Tracking the creative birth of Tezuka's most famous manga/anime creation, "Astro Boy," and viewing Osamu Tezuka's subsequent presence in the manga production and Japanese animation industries through the eyes of this character as a sort of narrative lens, author Fred Schodt is able to give readers a uniquely encompassing observation of the evolution of Japan's comics and animation arts.

Undoubtedly one of the most highly recognized artists in all of Japan, Osamu Tezuka (1928-1989) has left an indelible impression on the country's diverse arts and entertainment interests. His dominant presence in the minds and hearts of Japanese animation and comics enthusiasts comes from his forty years of dedication to both media. Out of the hundreds of stories and thousands of characters that Osamu Tezuka created, "Atom" of 'Tetsuwon Atomu' (or "Astro" of 'Astro Boy') is the icon that resonates the most; and it is with this character that author Fred Schodt uses as guide for readers of 'The Astro Boy Essays', espying Tezuka's evolving influence on the anime and manga industries.

Discussing 'The Astro Boy Essays,' Schodt is well aware of the fact that as much of a cultural icon that Osamu Tezuka is, the impossibly imaginative artist remains just slightly out of reach for English-language devotees of the artist's work. "I have always felt that Tezuka should be much better known outside of Japan," Fred Schodt comments to AnimationInsider.net, "and I have always wanted to help out in that regard."

Frederik L. Schodt, previously interviewed by Animation Insider for his biography 'Native American in the Land of the Shogun' (Stone Bridge Press, 2003), returns as the first-ever second-interviewee for the animation news and reviews website. His latest book 'The Astro Boy Essays', also published by Berkeley, CA-based Stone Bridge Press, is an well researched and highly insightful observation of the artistic realms of animation and circulated comics as they developed throughout the life of Osamu Tezuka.

In the exclusive Animation Insider interview, Schodt comments on his personal and professional desire to research the influence of Osamu Tezuka and how his diverse findings have contributed to his interest in Tezuka's remarkable, creative reach. Fred Schodt also answers questions about the artist himself, about the Second World War, about competitive industry rivalries, about his literary influences, and much more. The Animation Insider interview, much like Schodt's book 'The Astro Boy Essays,' is tightly packed with information that is biographical as well as anime and manga-industry specific.

An individual heartily contributive to today's current surge of interest in manga; Mr. Schodt is knowledgeable of Japanese culture and its history; and for years has published various texts regarding the industry of Japanese comics and the diversity their appeal. Frederik L. Schodt continues to write and lecture on Japanese culture and Japan-U.S. relations. Fred Schodt's authored texts include 'Native American in the Land of the Shogun' (2003; Stone Bridge Press), 'Dreamland Japan: Writings on Modern Manga' (1996; Stone Bridge Press), 'America and the Four Japans' (1994; Stone Bridge Press), 'Manga! Manga! The World of Japanese' Comics (1983; Kodansha International).

Translated texts include: 'Astro Boy' Vols. 1-23, by Osamu Tezuka (2002-2004; Dark Horse Comics), 'Ghost in the Shell' by Shirow Masamune as trans. with Toren Smith (1995; Dark Horse Comics/ Studio Proteus) and 'The Rose of Versailles' Vols. 1-2, by Riyoko Ikeda (1981; Sanyusha). Translated novels include: 'Mobile Suit Gundam: Awakening, Escalation, Confrontation' by Yoshiyuki Tomino (2004; Stone Bridge Press).

About Animation Insider: Animation Insider (www.animationinsider.net) launched January 7, 2003, in an effort to provide animation fans with an up-to-date, reliable information news source. Built through a network of fans themselves, Animation Insider provides readers with only the most diverse news from both Eastern and Western animation industries. The network of websites and web forums/bulletin boards prides itself to be an animation news portal that is deeply integrated with the online community. Animation Insider features a young, diverse staff of reporters, reviewers and forum moderators, and continues to be a strong, confident and independent endeavor.

AnimationInsider.net Interviews Fred Schodt
URL: http://www.animationinsider.net/article.php?articleID=1492

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Aaron H. Bynum, Animation Insider News Chicago, Illinois USA press contacts: abynum.ai[at]gmail.com
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