Anime is a type of Japanese animation that has gained a lot of popularity over the years with its vibrant graphics and compelling storylines. If you’re a fan of anime, then you’ve probably heard the term “filler” being thrown around quite often. But what exactly does filler mean in anime, and why is it so important?
In this article, we will take a closer look at filler in anime and provide you with a complete guide to everything you need to know about it.
What Is Filler?
In anime, filler refers to episodes or content that do not contribute much to the main storyline or plot of a particular anime. These episodes are often inserted into an anime series to give the writers and animators time to catch up with the manga or source material.
Filler episodes are usually created to help extend the length of an anime series. This is because anime series are often based on manga or light novels. When an anime series catches up to the source material, it cannot continue until more chapters are released.
Therefore, filler episodes are created to buy the writers and animators more time to create more episodes. This also helps to ensure that the anime series does not come to a premature end.
The Purpose Of Filler In Anime
Filler episodes serve several purposes in anime, as they help to provide a range of benefits for both the writers and the viewers. Some of the primary reasons for including filler episodes in anime include:
1. To keep viewers interested: Filler episodes help to keep viewers interested in an anime series, even when the main storyline is not progressing as quickly as they would like. These episodes offer a break from the usual plot and can be quite entertaining.
2. To help the writers and animators catch up: As previously mentioned, filler episodes allow the writers and animators to catch up with the source material. This gives them the time they need to continue working on the main storylines.
3. To focus on secondary characters: Filler episodes often provide an opportunity for secondary characters to shine. By focusing on these characters, viewers can learn more about them and become attached to them.
4. To explore different themes and genres: Some filler episodes are created to explore themes and genres that are not typically covered in the main storyline. This can add a new dimension to the anime series.
Types Of Filler In Anime
There are several different types of filler episodes that can be found in anime. These include:
1. Pure Filler Episodes: These are episodes that have no relevance to the main storyline at all. They are created purely for entertainment purposes and do not contribute anything to the overall plot of the anime.
2. Transitional Filler Episodes: These episodes are created to help transition from one major arc to another. They may feature side characters or explore different themes, but they are still connected to the main storyline in some way.
3. Expand-On Filler Episodes: These episodes take small elements from the source material and expand on them to create a full episode. For example, a fight scene that was only mentioned in passing in the manga may be turned into a full-blown episode in the anime.
Pros And Cons Of Filler In Anime
Like anything else, filler episodes in anime have their advantages and disadvantages. Some of the pros of having filler episodes in anime include:
1. It helps the writers and animators to catch up with the manga or source material.
2. It can be entertaining and offer viewers a break from the main storyline.
3. It allows secondary characters to receive more screen time and become more fleshed out.
4. It can explore new themes and genres that are not covered in the main story.
However, there are also some cons to including filler episodes in anime:
1. It can make the anime series feel bloated or drawn out.
2. Filler episodes may not be as interesting as the main storyline, which can cause viewers to lose interest.
3. It can detract from the overall quality of the anime series.
Conclusion
Filler episodes are a common occurrence in anime that are created to serve a variety of purposes. While they can provide entertainment and allow the writers and animators to catch up with the manga, they can also detract from the overall quality of the anime series.
Ultimately, whether or not filler episodes are a good or bad thing depends on your personal preferences as an anime fan. But with this article, you now have a complete understanding of what filler means and how it affects anime series.