Anime Fannatiku

Years ago, Japanese animation was relatively unknown in Southern Utah, but the unique art form has since exploded in popularity with enthusiasts forming a small but passionate group of fans that transcends age. What began four years ago as a modest gathering of genre enthusiasts who formed a fan club they called Anime Fannatiku to meet at the Hurricane branch of the Washington County Library has grown.

There are now three monthly group meetings and an annual convention. Founded by Hurricane library employee Natalie Daniel, the fan club was designed to provide a valuable social venue for anime enthusiasts. "They have a place to go and hang out with people with similar interests," Daniel said.

Daniel said she designed the group to help eliminate the social stigma sometimes associated with Japanese animation and comic books. "People are realizing they aren't the only ones out there," she said. The presence and availability of anime.

In the U.S. has grown throughout the years, expanding from "Speed Racer," "Voltron" and the other classic Japanese cartoons of yesteryear to the more recent influx of anime imported to American television, film, DVD and online formats.