Anime may be finally taking off here because America is finally catching up to Japan’s postindustrical society. “Japan’s animated futuristic fantasies carry on a mad love affair with the threats–and possibilities–of technology,” observed a recent article in Wired magazine, the techno-bible. It’s typical of the adult-oriented anime that’s grabbed American fans: postapocalyptic, violent, intensely sexual. “Aeon” was created by Korean-American Peter Chung, but most of the animation is done in Japan. Minimally clad in black leather, this dominatrix warrior’s harsh beauty nicely complements the cruel wasteland she calls home. Flux wasn’t born bad she’s just drawn that way. And this week, MTV debuts “Aeon Flux,” an anime-influenced sci-fi serial about a fatal femme with a killer bod and matching attitude. They’ve become an emblem of cool, with club kids like Hushi obsessing over anime-inspired attire. Anime videos sold in the $75 million range last year. Michael Jackson’s “Scream” video lifts images from the anime (pronounced ANNI-may) classic “Akira.” Next month, two Japanese children’s shows, “Sailor Moon” and “Dragon Ball,” will hit Saturday-morning TV here and could ignite the next big merchandising frenzy this Christmas. Imported by cultists since the ’60s, Japanese animation, or “anime,” is infiltrating the mainstream. But he is typical of something: the Japanimation invasion. OK, so maybe this kid’s not your typical 23-year-old. “To me, it’s the ultimate in being a posthuman android.” Not just any cartoon: a Japanese cartoon like Speed Racer or Astro Boy! He’s getting contact lenses that’ll simulate little ‘toon twinkles in the corner of his eyes. In his Japanese clogs and plaid Bermudas, he doesn’t just look like a cartoon. Even among the freaky salesclerks he works with at Patricia Field–a store servicing the fashion fetishes of New York’s downtown club scene–Hushi sticks out. His close-cropped hair changes color like a mood ring. He’s got a tattoo on his leg of a battery pack and a bar code stamped MADE IN JAPAN. Hushidor Mortezaie is bored with being human. Video: Weird post apocalyptic Japanese cartoons are moving from cult fashion to the mainstream
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