Hmm...
Well, I for one watch anime and read manga.I dunno really, it's just that the stories seem more compelling sometimes, and the funny situations are veeeeery funny in an anime or manga than in classic DC / MArvel comics(well except Deadpool, now that guy was/is/will be funny for evaaaar =)) ) or the cartoons for that matter.
Also in my case they just brought with them a whole new perspective on a story, like the good guy is not always the good guy.Read the Berserk manga, it will disturb your mind

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Also don't mistake me for a fanboy.I still hate JRPG's because they focus more on story than gameplay.Or disregard that I hate almost anithing produced by japan, except a few titles.
I also reaaaaaalllly hate Metal Gear.The last game can't decide what it is, movie or some sort of excuse for a game......LIke Yahtzee said, Hideo Kojima can run for the president of the universe with his scripts.
In the end I guess you could say it's just a matter of personal prefference .
I am not a nerdy guy, I go out, have fun with my friends, play many games, well at least what my PC allows me to , because it's preety old, and hey, if you don't like anime or manga, that is your problem, i never try to convince people on forums with threads like "OMGZ, BLEACH RULLZ, You NABS Bleach and NAruto is so l33t".So if you don't like it you don't , if you do you do, that's it.And I know you said you were not trying to criticise, but I still feel like you have categorised me.
Also the hardcore fans, as one would say are called otaku's, i think.
Anyways, im not complaining, but please express yourself better.Otherwise people will bash your thread, taking it as a personal thing.
I for one understand what you said in your first post.