What Makes an Anime Considered Retro?

The term "retro" often evokes nostalgia, memories of past times, and a particular aesthetic that has been surpassed by modern trends. In the world of anime, "retro" generally refers to series and films that, due to their animation style, air date, and classic themes, transport us to an earlier era. But what exactly defines an anime as "retro"? In this article, we’ll explore the key characteristics that make an anime retro, including its visual aesthetic, the period it aired, and the themes it commonly explored.

Air Date: When Is an Anime Considered Retro?

One of the simplest ways to define a retro anime is by its air date. Generally, anime that aired before the 2000s falls into the retro category, especially those from the 70s, 80s, and 90s. These decades were crucial for the development of anime as a medium, laying the groundwork for many of the genres and tropes still used today.

It’s important to note that the threshold for what is considered “retro” shifts over time. For example, while anime from the 80s and 90s were considered retro in the early 2000s, some fans today even include series from the early 2000s, like Naruto or Fullmetal Alchemist, in this category.

However, beyond the air date, it is the combination of other factors that truly defines a retro anime.

Animation Style: The Retro Aesthetic

The animation style is one of the most identifiable aspects of a retro anime. During the 70s and 80s, animation was done almost exclusively by hand, resulting in a visual style very different from what we’re used to today. Characters often had simpler but exaggerated features, like large, expressive eyes, and bodies with less detailed proportions. The color palettes were also more limited, often with more muted or pastel tones compared to the vibrant digital variety of modern anime.

The manual animation process also meant that series from this period had a distinctive texture. Character movements could be less fluid, with fewer frames per second, which sometimes gave them a charming, imperfect quality now associated with retro anime. It was also common for action scenes to be reused to save time and budget, something that is now seen as a hallmark of that era.

Examples of this visual style include Mazinger Z (1972) and Saint Seiya (1986), whose character designs and animation reflect the effort of the time and the charm of traditional animation.

Classic Themes in Retro Anime

In addition to the visual style, the themes addressed in retro anime also play an important role in its classification. During the 70s and 80s, it was common for anime to focus on themes of science fiction, fantasy, and superpowered heroes. This was the peak of the mecha and space opera genres, with series like Mobile Suit Gundam (1979) and Space Battleship Yamato (1974), which explored galactic wars, advanced technology, and ethical dilemmas.

The concept of heroes battling evil in a straightforward manner was also very popular at the time. Stories tended to be more direct and optimistic, with heroes representing values such as courage, friendship, and justice, as seen in Dragon Ball (1986). While modern anime still touch on these themes, contemporary approaches tend to be more nuanced and complex.

Another recurring theme in retro anime was the clear distinction between good and evil, with little ambiguity in between. This provided a straightforward narrative structure, with more closed and optimistic endings compared to the open or philosophical conclusions common in contemporary anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995) or Attack on Titan (2013).

Technology and Digital Animation: The Turning Point

The arrival of digital animation in the 90s marked a turning point for anime and, therefore, for what is considered retro. Before computers and CGI became common, anime was entirely hand-animated, and each frame was a labor-intensive piece of art. However, with the rise of digital animation, anime quickly shifted to a cleaner, more fluid style, eliminating many of the technical limitations of the past.

Anime like Ghost in the Shell (1995) and Akira (1988) began experimenting with digital techniques, but retained an essence that today feels retro because of the way they combined the new with the traditional. The use of computer-generated effects not only made action scenes smoother but also allowed for greater detail in backgrounds and animation overall.

The Legacy of Retro Anime

The appeal of retro anime lies not only in its aesthetic or themes but also in the nostalgia it evokes. For many fans, these series represent the "golden age" of anime, a time when technical and budgetary limitations were compensated by creativity and a passion for animation.

Moreover, retro anime has left a lasting legacy in the industry. Titles like Mazinger Z, Dragon Ball, and Sailor Moon not only defined genres but also influenced generations of animators and creators worldwide. Even in modern anime, you can find homages and references to these classics, keeping their spirit alive.

Conclusion

An anime is considered retro not just because of its air date but because of a combination of animation style, classic themes, and the context in which it was created. Retro anime transports us to a time in history where animation was more handcrafted, heroes were clearer, and stories were told in a more straightforward manner. Despite advancements in technology and storytelling, the charm of retro anime remains strong, attracting both new viewers and nostalgic fans seeking to relive a golden era of anime.