The Shaft Head Tilt

One thing I like about anime as a artistic genre is the way anything that can be conceived of can be portrayed on-screen, which gives creators the ability to realize visual concepts and character designs that go far beyond the mundane world we all live in. Back in the long-ago 80s, there was a fun show called Kimagure Orange Road about a family who had esper powers that that had to be kept secret, and an indecisive male character who was involved in a love triangle with two girls. Most of the show was fun bubblegum romantic comedy, but in one episode they decided to mix things up, creating a darker story with highly stylized character designs just because they could. One of the best animation studios around today is SHAFT, known for creating detailed worlds populated by highly stylized characters. You always know you’re watching one of their shows because of the “SHAFT head tilt®” that the characters do every five minutes or so. I’ve been watching the new Mekakucity Actors, which is certainly a visual treat, and you’re a fan of the company I recommend you give it a try.

Celebrating the “SHAFT head tilt” and interesting design in anime.