In recent years, anime, a Japanese style of animation, has become extremely popular in Western culture. Although in the West its audience previously consisted mainly of young children, it has increasingly become accepted as an art form that can be appreciated by all ages. Readers discover the controversy that has historically surrounded anime's status in the West and its fans struggle to promote it as a serious art form. Anime's leap from Eastern to Western culture is highlighted with full-color photographs and fact-filled sidebars.