Does Anime Need a Big 3?

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Summary

  • The Big 3, including One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, were iconic classics that popularized anime worldwide.
  • The concept of a new Big 3 in modern anime culture is debated due to the abundance of high-quality shows.
  • The Big 3 classification is more about popularity than quality, representing a nostalgic era in anime history.

Over the past three decades, Anime has skyrocketed in popularity, transitioning from a specialized interest to a national obsession. The significant rise in its fame appears to be largely due to the Anime Big 3: One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. These groundbreaking anime series have indelibly shaped the anime world, and even influenced other cultures’ perception of the genre.

Even though not all current popular anime series can be categorized as the “Big 3,” this traditional label persists and finds its way into newer generations. Shows like “Jujutsu Kaisen” and “Dandadan” are often referred to as the new contenders for this title, or even potential replacements for long-standing series such as “One Piece.” Yet, one may question whether anime necessitates a Big 3 label for comparison purposes, or if this concept has outlived its usefulness and cannot effectively apply in today’s diverse anime landscape.

The Big 3 Are Iconic Classics Of Anime History

Some Fans Feel They Need To Be Replaced

Back in the day, I bore witness to a trio of anime that truly revolutionized the scene – One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach. Now, there’s always been debate among fans about their merit compared to more recent productions such as Dandadan. However, it’s undeniable that these shows played a significant role in spreading the love for anime beyond Japan’s borders. With their global appeal and epic run through the 2000s, they earned themselves the nickname – The Big 3.

If you don’t take risks, you can’t create a future. – Luffy

Personally, I’ve noticed that some enthusiasts believe there are additional anime series worthy of joining the esteemed trio often labeled as the “Big 3.” Shows such as the recently concluded “My Hero Academia,” “Jujutsu Kaisen,” and “Demon Slayer” are all contenders for this elite club, standing shoulder to shoulder with titans like “One Piece” or “Bleach.” Consequently, whenever a fresh series debuts, both fans and critics often refer to it as the “new Big 3 anime” or similar phrases.

The Big 3 Is About Popularity Not Quality

These Shows Helped Make Anime Popular In The West

  • The Big 3 Have To Do With Popularity Not Quality
  • These Anime Also Made Anime Bigger In The West

Fundamentally, the idea of establishing a ‘new Anime Big 3’ seems rather incongruous with today’s anime culture. In the past, it was reasonable to group the main three anime that most viewers were into, but now that the hobby has expanded, selecting just three from the multitude of exceptional series available is almost an impossible feat. The popularity of anime has never been greater, and designating a new Big 3 seems unfair to all the outstanding shows out there.

Beyond the shows like One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach, known as the “Big 3,” their membership didn’t necessarily indicate their overall quality. Instead, these popular series contributed significantly to making anime more mainstream. For a new set of shows to be considered the Big 3, they must significantly impact the world of anime in a substantial way. In essence, being part of the elite group isn’t solely about being an exceptional show; it requires reshaping the anime landscape.

The Big 3 Is Just A Colloquial Term

This Term is Personal To Different Fans And Has No Set Meaning

While it’s common among fans to refer to three popular anime series from the 2000s as “The Big 3,” it’s essential to note that this term isn’t an official one. In truth, the concept originated in fan communities, and its validity may not be universally recognized outside of Western circles. Therefore, while fans can employ the label to identify their own preferred “new Big 3,” it’s important to understand that the idea of “The Big 3” is essentially a specialized categorization created by enthusiasts.

Believe It! – Naruto

Generally speaking, not all anime require the “Big 3” label. The classics such as One Piece, Naruto, and Bleach were once categorized as the Big 3 during a time when anime was still considered a niche interest among Western audiences. However, using the term “Big 3” to denote the best anime or manga of a generation now seems rather limiting given the abundance of excellent series that emerge each year.

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2025-01-18 21:35