Animation is the new generation of cartoons. I've had a long time disputing the fact that animation is not considered 'cartoon' (for lack of better phrasing) but now I've come to terms that cartoons are actually a substandard form of animation which more often than not deals with fiction. Animation, on the other hand can cover a non-fictional story, or rather it is at least the preferred choice as compared to using cartoons.

Funny thing is... Japanese anime originated from American cartoons, remember Astro Boy? =)

I like to think that the Japanese brought the term 'cartoon' to a whole new level, thus rightly claiming their new creation as 'animation'. And that is true, from some points of view.

Literature, on the other hand, can be considered to be an age-old 'tradition' (for lack of better terms). Literature is, by nature, an art. Despite losing touch with Literature a long time ago(and not having much interest in it), I believe that Literature, as an archaic form of art, is unique in its own right. Past experiences of reading To Kill a Mockingbird reminded me of the sophistry that is only attainable in literature.

Needless to say, as the world changes, our perception changes. Literature is very much an art of the past that people keep alive today, while Animation/manga is an art of the future which people look forward to. Both are seemingly closely related, but are actually worlds apart, mostly because of the circumstances then and the circumstances now.

By looking at the very basics of both subjects, it is very easy to tell that they're different. Many people love Harry Potter but more people love seeing accidental *aherm* underwear scenes. Just kidding. :P

However, seeing as to how the themes of Animation have been changing to become more serious, darker and even sinister (gothic perhaps?), and I have mentioned before, perception plays an important role in the definition of the new 'Literature' of the world today. Thus, it may very well be that Animation may soon become the visual Literature of the future.

(I know i don't seem to be rather coherent in my paragraphs, but too many thoughts crammed into one skull is just too much to bear >.<)