ANIME RELATED QUESTIONS


Where can you download anime?
Downloading anime is illegal for the most part. I will, however, give you the link to a site that logs bit torrent fansub releases that aren't licensed. That site is AnimeSuki.com.


Where can I purchase Gravitation?
Now that the anime has been licensed, it's available at most major anime retailers.


Where can I get the first seasons of Digimon?
Although there are some official VHS and DVDs flying around, the best place to get it is by taping re-runs off the TV.

I taped my copies of the series off FoxKids many moons ago. Since the show is still in syndication, your best bet is to tape the episodes off the TV. If it's not on in your area, try and get a friend somewhere else to tape it for you. ^_~


Where can I get Digimon in Japanese?
The raw Japanese version is available from Megchan.

There are some digital fansubs floating around, but I can't help you with them.


Where can I get the Digimon movies in Japanese?
Megchan sells them in raw Japanese.


Where can I get the original Yu-Gi-Oh! series?
By this I assume you mean the original series that Toei put out years before the Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters anime.

This series is extremely hard to find. I don't even have a copy myself. Most people who have copies got it off eBay, which are usually the VCDs with Chinese subtitles. There is a VHS fansub of it somewhere, but I wish you luck finding it (double the luck for a good quality version).


Where can I purchase a Kumogoro plushie?
An official English version can by perhcased here! As for the Japanese version, they only made a limited number of them in Japan and they're one of the rarest anime items out there.

Extremely rarely the odd store will get one in. I know of someone who skipped work to drive across the border to the United States to pick one up. (For the record, the last official Kumagoro plushie available on eBay went for over $1000USD!)

There are also fan-made Kumagoros out there. I made my Kuma by modifying a TY plushie I picked up at an airport in Florida around the summer of 2002.


What companies are bootleggers?
You anime item is illegal if it's by companies such as SonMay and Ever Anime. Moreover, if your DVD features a Japanese version with the option of less-than-perfect Chinese and English subtitles, it's probably illegal.


Will there ever been an official subbed release of Sailor Moon Stars?
Please read John's answer. He explains it better than I can.


Will you burn/make me a copy of [insert anime/manga here]?
No.


When is [insert anime/manga here] coming out?
I don't list release dates at LELOLA, but other sites do. ANN has a great one, which you can see here.


How can I contact the creators of [insert anime/manga here]?
Sadly, I don't have any more of a connection to the creators than you do. Besides sending the production company a letter, I have no idea how to contact them.


What is an OVA?
An "OVA" (sometimes called an "OAV") refers to an "original video animation". It's usually used to describe a short series of anime episodes that are not a movie, but not quite a series.

Some series have OVAs that continue the storyline. For example, the anime Fushigi Yuugi has three different OVAs that follow the TV series. Each of these OVAs have different amounts of episodes, the largest being the second one which has six. These OVAs serve as bonus episodes of the series and continue to tell the story. They are labeled "OVA" because even though they follow the end of the series, they are independent of it and have their own plot. They are episodic, but not a series. They are also not a movie.

Sometimes what would be considered an OVA is not labeled as one. In this case, it is not considered an OVA anymore, but whatever it is labeled. Yay for grey areas!


Why do you spell [insert name here] like you do?
Japanese can be romanized many different ways and this leads to many alternate spellings. I usually use the official spelling (if applicable), or the spelling I prefer.

For example, I spell Yugi's name from Yu-Gi-Oh! "Yugi" because it's the official spelling. Otherwise, I'd spell it "Yuugi". The same thing can be said for the last name of "Sohma" from Fruits Basket. Alternate spellings of it include "Souma" and "Soma".


What is hentai?
Please see the definition in the Hentai Free section.


What is yuri/yaoi?
The implied meaning of these terms is actually different that their actual meaning. The term "yuri" refers to a romantic relationship between two women, and "yaoi" to one between two men. The terms were originally used to describe relationships of a sexual nature, but this meaning seems to be slowly fading out.


What is slash?
Slash is a term used in discussing relations in which two characters are "slashed" together. For example, "Ash/Misty" refers to the possible relationship going on between Ash and Misty. The term "slash" is good because it is gender-neutral meaning it can be used to "slash" any two characters. It is also used outside of the anime fandom.


What does OTP mean?
"OTP" stands for "one true pairing". It's used in discussion of character relationship. The romantic relationship someone likes the most is considered one's "one true pairing" or "OTP". For example, many people support the relationship between Usagi and Mamoru from Sailor Moon. If this pairing happens to be their favorite pairing of all time, they can call it their "OTP".

It's wise to note that this term is used rather liberally, therefore most people who use it have more than a single OTP. Sarcasm x Arrogance = OTP!


What's a seiyuu?
"Seiyuu" basically means "voice actor" in Japanese. The term "seiyuu" usually refers to Japanese voice actors.


What is fanart?
Unofficial artwork made by fans.


What is fanfiction?
Original stories written by fans usually using the characters of an existing anime or manga. Fanfiction also exists outside of the anime community. The most well-known fanfiction archive is FanFiction.net.


What is doujinshi?
Doujinshi refers to fan-made comics from Japan. They are usually original stories about existing characters.

There is some doujinshi made outside of Japan, but it's greatly outnumbered by the sheer amount of Japanese doujinshi.


What is cosplay?
Cosplay comes from the terms "costume" and "play". It used to refer to dressing up as an existing character and performing. The modern definition of cosplay refers to merely the costuming aspect. Performing now falls under the title of "masquerading".


Where do cosplayer get their costumes?
Most cosplayers make their costumes by hand and from scratch. However, costumes can be commissioned.