Sheryl and Ranka Mouse Pads

[Renato]

No, they are not. I could use a fridge magnet or speakers, but I haven't seen any. Then again, if it's a fridge magnet with Ranka's ass on it, then forget it.

[edwin3060]

The popularity is not going to branch out any further than your pedo-perv demographic if they continue with this BS. You think the target audience is growing? There's only a small number of otaku you can sell this stuff too so at the end of the day if they want to maximise profits they've got to think about targeting a wider audience. T-Shirts and stuff is OK. What's wrong with a Macross F pencil sharpener, or ruler, or notebook? Macross F speakers so you can listen to Yoko Kanno all day? A Macross F fridge magnet?

WHY the need for stuff that is just geared to a puny minority? That's what I don't get. At the end of the day, it doesn't expand the franchise recognition and it ends up perpetuating the general "anime fans are all pervs" mindset. You're never gonna get cheap anime DVDs if you keep reminding people that only sickos are into it.

Because maybe the otakus are the ones who will splash out large sums of money on products? You're making a pretty big assumption, which is that MacF targets the random kid on the street. But the late time that the show is aired, the inclusion of some risque scenes like the vibrator phone in the locker-- all these indicate that the target audience is that very same otaku from the very begining. Hence you shouldn't be surprised when all these products come out-- I mean, you can find this even for more populist animes like Bleach and Naruto-- and it doesn't seem to have adversely affected their target audience.

Frankly, the anime industry is pretty mature, and I'd expect the executives to know where the money is. Maybe once (or if) Mac F attains the status of being a cult hit like SDFM then you will find T-shirts, etc-- just like they released during the launch celebration.

Ultimately, I understand that you are non-plussed by the release of such items-- but if you are, you can easily ignore them and just not buy them. But you should also understand that this is a business, and if there is money to be made in boobie mousepads, or a Macross shaped vibrator like what I think REbirth is talking about , you can be sure that someone will be there to make them.

[MechTech]

I thought I'd seen everything! A realistic Klan Klan would never work well, you couldn't move your wrist side ways - MT

[Black Valkyrie]

They should also make one for Alto .

[Bri]

The popularity is not going to branch out any further than your pedo-perv demographic if they continue with this BS. You think the target audience is growing? There's only a small number of otaku you can sell this stuff too so at the end of the day if they want to maximise profits they've got to think about targeting a wider audience. T-Shirts and stuff is OK. What's wrong with a Macross F pencil sharpener, or ruler, or notebook? Macross F speakers so you can listen to Yoko Kanno all day? A Macross F fridge magnet?

WHY the need for stuff that is just geared to a puny minority? That's what I don't get. At the end of the day, it doesn't expand the franchise recognition and it ends up perpetuating the general "anime fans are all pervs" mindset. You're never gonna get cheap anime DVDs if you keep reminding people that only sickos are into it.

You raise a very interesting point. It is certainly true that the anime industry is catering heavily towards the otaku. I doubt the industry did it out of choice and more by necessity.

As far as I know anime pretty much disappeared from prime time Japanese television in the late nineties. The networks had imposed stricter content regulations and program slots became more expensive. I’m not sure if this was the result of media scares linking some serial killer and sex offender cases to anime fans or if it was a normal social-economic development. Anyway with the TV market in a slump, the majority of the industry switched to the DVD format with merchandising to survive. (I’m aware that most of you already know this but I’ve added it for the sake of completeness.)

My point here is that the industry was mainly reacting to circumstances and was not actively seeking this niche. At the end of the day the people that work in the industry are in it for a living. If catering to a minority target audience is the way to earn the most given the circumstances then you can’t really blame them. Without anime on prime time TV how are you going to bring it to the attention of the mainstream audience?

Still the anime industry has survived many changes so I wouldn’t be surprised if things look completely different in a few years. Developments in ways of online distribution like the yahoo channels of Bandai and Kadokawa or Crunchy roll may bring about a return to mainstream. Same goes for Animax as a worldwide operating pure anime TV station. As an example of this change in the main demographic: the audience for anime/manga and related merchandise in my country is shifting more and more from young adult males to teenage boys and girls. Ironically this has only increased the demand for 'perv' material. Reaching a wider audience may be more a matter of distribution then controversial content/merchandise.

[sharky]

I'm surprised this wasn't done sooner, I think Ranka's boobs are a little large though...

Yeah, but that's not necessarily a bad thing though.

I think the Klan one would be all boob and nothing else. I mean, otherwise, the Klan one would be frick'n HUGE. Heck, a mouse pad consisting of only 1 Klan boob out to do the trick.

[anime52k8]

Yeah, but that's not necessarily a bad thing though.

I think the Klan one would be all boob and nothing else. I mean, otherwise, the Klan one would be frick'n HUGE. Heck, a mouse pad consisting of only 1 Klan boob out to do the trick.

I'd actually prefer a Klan cleavage neck pillow.

Edited May 4, 2009 by anime52k8

[Vostok 7]

I'd actually prefer a Klan cleavage neck pillow.

NOW we're talking!

Vostok 7

[Cyclone Trooper]

For the love of Minmay...DON'T encourage them! lol

[Renato]

Because maybe the otakus are the ones who will splash out large sums of money on products? You're making a pretty big assumption, which is that MacF targets the random kid on the street. But the late time that the show is aired, the inclusion of some risque scenes like the vibrator phone in the locker-- all these indicate that the target audience is that very same otaku from the very begining. Hence you shouldn't be surprised when all these products come out-- I mean, you can find this even for more populist animes like Bleach and Naruto-- and it doesn't seem to have adversely affected their target audience.

Frankly, the anime industry is pretty mature, and I'd expect the executives to know where the money is. Maybe once (or if) Mac F attains the status of being a cult hit like SDFM then you will find T-shirts, etc-- just like they released during the launch celebration.

Ultimately, I understand that you are non-plussed by the release of such items-- but if you are, you can easily ignore them and just not buy them. But you should also understand that this is a business, and if there is money to be made in boobie mousepads, or a Macross shaped vibrator like what I think REbirth is talking about , you can be sure that someone will be there to make them.

Sorry if I wasn't clear: I am not making any such assumption, I am making a suggestion. TARGET THE RANDOM KID ON THE STREET. I realize they are catering to the otaku, I see a flaw in that. The market is shrinking; now is the time to branch out.

BTW, this really, really isn't the right context for the word "mature"...

[Renato]

You raise a very interesting point. It is certainly true that the anime industry is catering heavily towards the otaku. I doubt the industry did it out of choice and more by necessity.

As far as I know anime pretty much disappeared from prime time Japanese television in the late nineties. The networks had imposed stricter content regulations and program slots became more expensive. I’m not sure if this was the result of media scares linking some serial killer and sex offender cases to anime fans or if it was a normal social-economic development. Anyway with the TV market in a slump, the majority of the industry switched to the DVD format with merchandising to survive. (I’m aware that most of you already know this but I’ve added it for the sake of completeness.)

My point here is that the industry was mainly reacting to circumstances and was not actively seeking this niche. At the end of the day the people that work in the industry are in it for a living. If catering to a minority target audience is the way to earn the most given the circumstances then you can’t really blame them. Without anime on prime time TV how are you going to bring it to the attention of the mainstream audience?

Still the anime industry has survived many changes so I wouldn’t be surprised if things look completely different in a few years. Developments in ways of online distribution like the yahoo channels of Bandai and Kadokawa or Crunchy roll may bring about a return to mainstream. Same goes for Animax as a worldwide operating pure anime TV station. As an example of this change in the main demographic: the audience for anime/manga and related merchandise in my country is shifting more and more from young adult males to teenage boys and girls. Ironically this has only increased the demand for 'perv' material. Reaching a wider audience may be more a matter of distribution then controversial content/merchandise.

Thanks for your well-thought-out input. While I don't quite see online distribution being the be-all and end-all answer (if anything it means more segregation as far as I can tell), I appreciate that you think its an important issue that ought to be considered and not be dismissed with a "it's the norm, accept it" attitude.

[edwin3060]

I don't think anyone is dismissing any point of view here-- like I said, you can find such products even with more more popular anime like Naruto and Bleach, and we all know you can find doujinshi about just any anime under the sun; even the kiddie ones that border on child porn. The point being, as long as there's a niche to be filled, and money to be made filling it, someone will do it. It doesn't always mean that the show producers are specifically targeting otakus at the expense of the wider audience.

[regult]

I don't think anyone is dismissing any point of view here-- like I said, you can find such products even with more more popular anime like Naruto and Bleach, and we all know you can find doujinshi about just any anime under the sun; even the kiddie ones that border on child porn. The point being, as long as there's a niche to be filled, and money to be made filling it, someone will do it. It doesn't always mean that the show producers are specifically targeting otakus at the expense of the wider audience.

Yeah, I think so too, that's the reality of our daily lives, TV or any industry...and I do understand the concern Save is expressing too. I like the Klan character for many reasons, except the excessive boobage...but since I got the Banpresto statue, people seeing it think I am one of those "dedicated perverts" a fellow member quite rightly coined as a phrase.

These mousepads with wrist support are IMO mild otakuness compared to the Ranka nose-art statue...or the Micron-Klan Klan in swimsuit...that's really catering for the lolicon child porn you name it market ain't it? Sorry guys, I know some of us are certainly looking forward or pre-ordered those items. This is only my opinion.

[Roy Focker]

Just proves what I don't like about Macross F is true.

They makes a series with plenty of characters and situations to appeal to every fetish can think of without being overt. Then they have merchandise that goes even further in that direction. All these things don't help Macross. Well they help make money. Studies show that guys like boobies. Show more boobies get more money. Fans of boobies aren't buying stuff about boobies since they are fans of Macross. They are buying boobies because they are fans of boobies.

[kung flu]

Just proves what I don't like about Macross F is true.

They makes a series with plenty of characters and situations to appeal to every fetish can think of without being overt. Then they have merchandise that goes even further in that direction. All these things don't help Macross. Well they help make money. Studies show that guys like boobies. Show more boobies get more money. Fans of boobies aren't buying stuff about boobies since they are fans of Macross. They are buying boobies because they are fans of boobies.

I think all anime coming out these days are heading in the direction of boobies, panties, fetish etc.... which is why i rarely watch any new anime shows that come out. Probably because we are older and that we've out grown them, but then again I've never really watched anime for the sex, but for the mechs.

[Vostok 7]

Just proves what I don't like about Macross F is true.

They makes a series with plenty of characters and situations to appeal to every fetish can think of without being overt. Then they have merchandise that goes even further in that direction. All these things don't help Macross. Well they help make money. Studies show that guys like boobies. Show more boobies get more money. Fans of boobies aren't buying stuff about boobies since they are fans of Macross. They are buying boobies because they are fans of boobies.

What if you're a fan of boobies AND Macross?

Vostok 7

[Roy Focker]

What if you're a fan of boobies AND Macross?

Vostok 7

You must like Mylene's Valk.

[edwin3060]

Just proves what I don't like about Macross F is true.

They makes a series with plenty of characters and situations to appeal to every fetish can think of without being overt. Then they have merchandise that goes even further in that direction. All these things don't help Macross. Well they help make money. Studies show that guys like boobies. Show more boobies get more money. Fans of boobies aren't buying stuff about boobies since they are fans of Macross. They are buying boobies because they are fans of boobies.

I think this has been happening for a long, long time... re:Neon Genesis Evangelion , for example, which could have been one of the first popularizers of the 'Tsundere' fetish. Heck, even DYRL had the Minmei shower scene, are you going to hate on it for that?

[Roy Focker]

How long was Minmay's Shower scenes?

DYRL you get a two second shot of her topless than she's dressed the rest of the time. In Frontier nude shots are just as quick but there is more side boob hour.

[blacklotus]

Just proves what I don't like about Macross F is true.

They makes a series with plenty of characters and situations to appeal to every fetish can think of without being overt. Then they have merchandise that goes even further in that direction. All these things don't help Macross. Well they help make money. Studies show that guys like boobies. Show more boobies get more money. Fans of boobies aren't buying stuff about boobies since they are fans of Macross. They are buying boobies because they are fans of boobies.

I take it you don't like Queen's Blade then? Now that's a series made for the otakus with various forms of fetishes all fully covered. (Lolicon, MILF, big boobs, flat chests, petite polka dotted pantied angel, SM strapon devil, etc) The latest addition to the family is a texas chainsaw equipped loli valkyrie.

Wow, I didn't think a boobied mousepad based on MF female characters will actually generated so much debate on moral/social/otaku values.

How about some comments on the usefulness on the actual product itself? I've own a couple of similar mousepads myself (courtesy of the Queen's Blade series), and I can tell you honestly, it's not a good mousepad. It's actually bad for game mousing. I prefer my US$15 razor Extreme X solid aluminium mousepads over these gimmicky ones for mousing anytime.

If one knowingly pays 4000yen for a limited release character collectible mousepad, then that's ok. But if one thinks for 4000yen, you will get a supreme gaming mousepad, one had better shop elsewhere.

Again, I stress, the 'boobs' don't support your wrists properly while mousing (because of the "Valley of Cleavage"), and the pad surface isn't very good for smooth mousing either.

That's my reviews after using the QB/Ikkitosen series of similar type mousepads.

Edited May 8, 2009 by blacklotus

[blacklotus]

I think all anime coming out these days are heading in the direction of boobies, panties, fetish etc.... which is why i rarely watch any new anime shows that come out. Probably because we are older and that we've out grown them, but then again I've never really watched anime for the sex, but for the mechs.

Well, I watch anime for the fantastic artwork done, when it's for mecha (GiTS) or boobs (QB, Ikkitosen) or both (MF).

And let's be honest, Japanese TV animation artwork far surpasses the American TV ones these days. I used to like American animation (think 80s Superfriends, He-man, Flash Gordon, Galaxy Rangers, MASK, Starcom, the 1st series of early 90s X-men, Batman, Superfriends animation), but apparently, for some unknown reason, USA quality has gone to the dogs after that. I guess we can always blame 'out-sourcing'.

Edited May 8, 2009 by blacklotus

[Ghost Train]

What... ? You mean someone watched Macross F for that ugly piece of crap called the "VF-25", and not for teh "boobage"?

[Vostok 7]

You must like Mylene's Valk.

:lol: You must not remember my classic MAXL pictures...

Vostok 7

[Bowen]

And don't forget we already have a nude fig of Ranka:

http://www.moeyo.com/2009/03/review_macross_ranka.html

Wow, with cameltoe. The level of detail and craftmanship is amazing

[regult]

This is becoming sick guys, c'mon, it was a pair of mouspads with wrist support!

I am guilty too for bringing in the statue topic, I know...I'm sorry.Thanks blacklotus for at least talking about the product itself, or sth similar at least!

Edited May 8, 2009 by regult

[Ghost Train]

I wonder why they didn't make the Nanase mousepad... extra protection against carpal tunnel (wouldn't be able to move your wrist at all actually).

[eugimon]

How long was Minmay's Shower scenes?

DYRL you get a two second shot of her topless than she's dressed the rest of the time. In Frontier nude shots are just as quick but there is more side boob hour.

funny considering your avatar is minmay's cleavage shot and your complaining about the boob shots in MF...

Considering shows like Gunbuster and Code Geas, I can't believe all this hate thrown at MF for some cleavage.

And please, stop with the name calling. Ranka is legal in Japan and in half of the world's countries.

[Roy Focker]

So are the raised parts for wrist comfort or something else?

You could also talk about Lucy's topless scene in Macross + Movie. Plenty of brief moments in other Macross Series. Difference is in other Macross Series you got get a fan service scene. With Frontier it is Fan service throughout.

[boota]

So... whos getting two of each?

[eugimon]

So are the raised parts for wrist comfort or something else?

You could also talk about Lucy's topless scene in Macross + Movie. Plenty of brief moments in other Macross Series. Difference is in other Macross Series you got get a fan service scene. With Frontier it is Fan service throughout.

True, but it's entirely inline with the other popular shows that MF was airing with. Gundam 00 and Code Geas have plenty of fanservice and Code Geas in particular is much more overtly sexualized than anything in MF.

And many of the more recent shows had as much if not more fanservice compared to MF:

Ghost in the Shell

Michiko to hatchin

samurau champloo

shikabane hime

Gurren Lagann

Cowboy Bebop

bleach

It's not really fair to slam MF for this when it can be easily argued that increased sexualization is the trend in anime in general.

[shiroikaze]

I wonder why they didn't make the Nanase mousepad... extra protection against carpal tunnel (wouldn't be able to move your wrist at all actually).

Or be able to reach the mouse.

[blacklotus]

So are the raised parts for wrist comfort or something else?

You could also talk about Lucy's topless scene in Macross + Movie. Plenty of brief moments in other Macross Series. Difference is in other Macross Series you got get a fan service scene. With Frontier it is Fan service throughout.

The raised parts are supposedly for wrist comfort. Unfortunately, since the way the padding is position usually means your wrist ends up in the valley of the Cleavage, hence the support isn't there. Pun intended.

As I've stated, I have similar types of mousepads by the same company from the current fan service galore with thin plot anime - Queens Blade. And it isn't very good for game mousing. For game mousing, I suggest you look for other professional gaming products instead.

This pad isn't even for normal mousing. It's meant as a anime tie-up collectible, nothing more.

Thanks for that Lucy topless scene reminder in M+. Definite gratituous fan-service scene there. The plot doesn't even require one to see Isamu bed Lucy in fact. Oh well...

[blacklotus]

True, but it's entirely inline with the other popular shows that MF was airing with. Gundam 00 and Code Geas have plenty of fanservice and Code Geas in particular is much more overtly sexualized than anything in MF.

And many of the more recent shows had as much if not more fanservice compared to MF:

Ghost in the Shell

Michiko to hatchin

samurau champloo

shikabane hime

Gurren Lagann

Cowboy Bebop

bleach

It's not really fair to slam MF for this when it can be easily argued that increased sexualization is the trend in anime in general.

Thanks for reminding me I've lots of anime to catch up on.

For me, this list just shows me that the producers know who their target audience is - normal hot blooded males. For males of other disposition, there's other lists to cater to them. Just as the female audience will have their own list. Sometimes the lists overlap, but very seldomly.

For me, the Macross series is basically a GIANT robot series with love triangles. Hence, the target audience is still males. If the series managed to capture a substantial female crowd, that's an unintended bonus for the producers.

[Bri]

Well nudity and fanservice are as old as anime. I remember Cutey Honey's naked transformations from the 70s or Plastic little (early 90s, not that old but the jiggle counter is so funny, had to mention it.)

But this is not the point. We know it is there and why it's there. However some people have raised the valid concern that erotic content, and more exotic merchandise, only allows it to thrive in its otaku subculture and gives fans a bad name. I certainly agree that alienating main stream audiences can't be healthy for the long term prospects of anime.

Personally, I don't have a problem with fanservice or nudity but I do remember the 80s and 90s where I had to explain time and time again that Macross was not the same as Urutsukidoji and not all anime involves extreme violence and tentacle crap. Media hypes pushed anime underground back then. I don't want to get back to that time. Even today I certainly don't advertise that I enjoy anime in my daily life.

At work one of my Japanese collegues, when asked about anime in Japan, described Otaku's as freaks that can be seen as a weird mix of a Trekkie and a pedophile. I'm sure thats a more extreme view of anime fans but it does show that there is some PR work left to be done.

[Roy Focker]

Well other than Macross I don't watch much anime. I compare Macross Frontier to other parts of Macross not other current shows. Nothing against a ton of Fan service, I'm just not looking for in Macross. It just cheapens the series by pandering it to the lowest common denominator. These mouse pads just encourage it. Who ever is granting licenses is just rubber stamping everything.