Thursday, December 20, 2012

Fascinating Similarites between Anime & Wuxia - Set Costumes [Mini Series]

Ever notice that in most Anime, characters have their trademark outfit which they wear throughout the entire series or most of the series? Let's look at a few examples:



(Nia - Gurren Lagann)

Usually, a costume may change at the beginning of a new arc or perhaps part 2 of a series, or when the character go through some kind of time skip. The major reason why I believe Anime characters have one set of clothes is because it defines who they are. Not because they don't wash it! With one costume, it makes characters stand out and easier to tell apart. Also, it can serve as a trademark.

This is exactly what it's like in Wuxia series! Characters are usually given about 3-4 costumes throughout the overall series.



(Xiao Xue's outfit in Xuan Yuan Sword)

Another example -



(Yu'er - Xuan Yuan Sword)

This was Yu'er's main outfit during the Kongtong Seal arc.

In some cases, Anime characters do get a change of wardrobe. For example in Bleach, Ichigo and the other characters often change clothes. Ichigo sometimes wears a soul reaper uniform and he also wears normal everyday clothes.



Characters go through about 3-4 wardrobe changes in every Wuxia Series. Usually, changes happen during a new arc.



(Yuwen Tuo - Xuan Yuan Sword)

One of the reasons why I believe Wuxia uses the same costumes is to define the character as well. In Xuan Yuan Sword's case, the same actor played both Yuwen Tuo (who had some evil traits) and Jianchi (a pure version of himself that had all his evil removed). He had different costumes for them, for us to identify with the character. We automatically know he's Yuwen Tuo when he has that hairstyle with the braids.

Some say that it's really easy to identify with the character in Anime if they remain familiar. It becomes rather iconic too. Let's take, say, Cowboy Bebop. Even if they're only silhouetted, you can STILL tell which main character it is.

Find the top recommendations of Wuxia and watch these series online.

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