How to be an Otaku

An otaku is an anime/manga geek. This guide is going to tell you how to get the mindset, not just look and act like one. Note: Although this guide is for both manga otakus, it can be applied to anime otakus.

1. Get into manga. This is the first and most vital step. What kind of otaku will you be if you're not into manga? In contrary to some people's beliefs, you can read manga for free online. Some good sites are Onemanga, Mangafox, Baka Updates, Manga Helpers, and Mangahut.

Don't know what to do? Ask around. There are lots of otaku out there who are willing to suggest some good manga to you. (You also can go to the Manga Ratings and Mini-Reviews Page or refer to the list at the bottom of this page.)

2. Join manga sites. This step is optional, but you're going to miss a lot if you don't do it. Join at least one of those manga sites that I listed above. Why? Well, they have forums, free manga, fellow otaku, and more. What more can you ask for? If you've already joined, go to the forums. Introduce yourself, chat with fellow members, join groups, and such things. Now you can do this whenever, but it's best to do so sooner than later.

3. Spread the fandom. Now that you've become a regular otaku, it's time to spread the fandom! You can do this by advertising your favorite manga, buying merchandise, or by telling your friends about manga. Of course, you're not limited to just these options. Try getting creative. Don't, however, cram it down other people's throats.

4. Get games and merchandise. This step is optional. By buying merchandise, you show your support for the manga and advertise as well. The same thing goes for games. By merchandise I'm talking about posters, plushies, keyrings, shirts, and all other related stuff.

Hopefully you've become a full-fledged otaku. If you've noticed that I haven't included a section about dress, congratulations! I believe that there is no specific way to dress like an otaku. Meaning that there is no specific dress code. Unlike the mainstream belief that all otakus (and other geek types) sit around in the computer all day, wear glasses, are dirty, etc, the vast majority of otakus are real, normal people. Who knows, maybe some people you know are actually otakus!

-Teesh, otaku as of August 2008.

Manga Suggestions

Moved to the Manga Reviews and Ratings page.

My Usernames

Top
<--Back | Reload | Forward-->