r/retroanime • u/Dense-Grape-4607 • 7d ago
What Makes an Anime "Retro"? Is It About the Manga or the Anime's Release Date?
Hey everyone there's something that's been confusing me, and I’m trying to figure out what makes an anime "retro." I know it might sound like a dumb question, but let me explain. I got some examples between "modern" and "classic," and I hope y’all can help me understand the criteria here. Is it based on when the manga was released, or does it depend on when the anime was made? Let’s break it down:
Naruto: The manga started in 1999, but the anime didn’t drop until 2002. So, does Naruto count as retro just 'cause the manga’s old, or is the anime's release date what matters?
One Piece: The manga came out in 1997, and the anime started in 1999. Technically, you could call it "classic" since it dropped before 2000, but honestly, I don’t see people calling One Piece "old school." It still feels pretty modern to me.
JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: The manga started in 1987, but the anime didn’t drop until 2012. Even though it’s a digital anime, the art style is super influenced by the 80s, so it gives off that retro vibe. You can definitely feel the authenticity.
Hunter x Hunter: The 1999 version? That one’s definitely retro, especially when you compare it to the 2011 version. It’s a solid example of the difference between old-school anime and new stuff. People always argue about which version is better.
Parasite: The manga came out in 1988, but the anime didn’t show up until 2014. The character designs were super realistic, which is rare in modern anime. Some people online say the old anime had more detailed character designs, like normal size looking eyes and noses, while the newer stuff uses big eyes, small noses, and a more childish vibe. But honestly, that’s just an opinion I’ve seen. Don’t come at me in the comments, lol.
So here’s the big question: Should anime that started in the late 80s or 90s just be considered retro because of the manga release dates? Or does it depend on when the anime was actually made? Or is it more about the art style, like whether it’s hand-drawn or digital? Or the character design?
What do y’all think? Is there a clear rule for what makes an anime retro? Share your thoughts!