Japanese Pop Culture Explored at Southern Oaks Library

Visit a book or video store and you see the words "manga" and "anime" prominently displayed, but what are manga and anime?

"Manga" is Japanese comics. They are written and drawn for all levels of Japanese society and it isn't at all unusual to see well-dressed businessmen on their way to work reading manga in a subway car.

"Anime" is Japanese animation. Anime, like manga, can be for kids or for adults, and many of Japan 's hottest TV shows and movies are anime.

Want to learn more about them? The Southern Oaks Library can help steer you along the paths of these exotic yet popular art forms.

Rob Vollmar, manager of the Atomik Pop comics shop, leads a Manga discussion group which meets once a month on Thursday nights at Southern Oaks. During July, Rob will be discussing the work of Rumiko Takahashi, including "Inu-Yasha," and "Ranma 1/2."

"Rob is incredibly knowledgeable about comic books and comic book history, western and eastern," said Southern Oaks librarian John Hilbert. "He speaks to high school students all  the time and has taught seminars at the college level at USAO in Chickasha . He has also presented at numerous conferences in many areas.

"Rob is also an author. His graphic novel "Castaways" was nominated for an Eisner Award, the Oscar of the comics world, and his latest work, "Bluesman," has gotten rave reviews.  If you could get a PhD in comics, Rob would have one."

The manga reading/discussion group is for teens only and has an attendance limit of 18 so phone ahead at 631-4468 to make sure of there's room for you.

The Southern Oaks Anime Club meets on occasional Tuesday nights from 6:30 to 8:00 , but times can vary. Call for meeting date and times. The next scheduled meeting will be on July 13 from 7:00 to 8:00 p.m.

The Anime Club is for ages 12 and older, and a proficiency in reading is a must as the films are shown in Japanese with English subtitles.

Discussion is led by the club's founder, Savannah Mitchell.

" One of the great things about anime," Mitchell said, "unlike American animation, is that it spans nearly all audiences.

"When we meet, we screen three or four episodes or one full length movie, eat some snacks, and give opinions of the piece at the end. We have two companies that actively support the Anime Club with screeners and swag [free stuff to be given away]. All other pieces shown are provided from my collection or via rentals.

"We're open to suggestions if there's something particular people would like to see."

"These are both great groups," librarian Hilbert added, "and we are lucky to have them here at Southern Oaks Library."

Southern Oaks is located at 6900 S. Walker . Call 631-4468 for more information.

The Metropolitan Library System of Oklahoma County includes 12 libraries and five extension libraries. Libraries include Belle Isle, Capitol Hill, Ralph Ellison, Ronald J. Norick Downtown Library and Southern Oaks in Oklahoma City, as well as Bethany, Choctaw, Del City, Edmond, Midwest City, Village and Warr Acres. Extensions are located in the communities of Harrah, Jones, Luther and Nicoma Park and include Wright Library in Oklahoma City . You can also reach us at www.metrolibrary.org.