Club Mission
The University of Toronto Anime and Manga Association (UTAMA) was
founded in September 2004. The club was formed with the intention of
bringing together people who are alike in being interested in Japanese
animated and illustrated media (henceforth referred to as anime and
manga, respectively). Through regular meetings, contests, and events,
members of UTAMA seek to spread awareness and appreciation of this growing form of entertainment through the University of Toronto community.
In 2009, we were deemed Top Anime, Comics, Gaming (ACG) Club in North America.
What We Do in a Nutshell
We have large general meetings every month. During the school year, you can come to our office and hang out. The UTAMA Art Studio operates on its own schedule.
What is Anime?
Anime is animation developed in Japan,
characterized by stylized art, colorful characters, diverse settings,
and intriguing plots. Types of series range from cliche genre-anime to complicated stories that defy genre limitations altogether.
What is Manga?
Manga is a term that refers to illustrated Japanese comics. Manga
usually comes in either in beautifully bound volumes or in serial form
published weekly in magazines. Manga is virtually inseparable from
anime, as many anime series have their origins in manga form. A
variation of manga is doujinshi, which is a term reserved for unofficial
works done by amateur mangaka (manga writers), often based on official
mangas.
What Else Does UTAMA Offer?
UTAMA has one specific sub-division that doesn't require membership
The UTAMA Art Studio is for those interested in drawing, cosplay, and writing.
Official Facebook Group
The UTAMA Art Studio is for those interested in drawing, cosplay, and writing.
Official Facebook Group
Library Policy
UTAMA hosts a small but growing manga library. We are unable to loan out the manga we have in our office, but we encourage you to stop by and check them out during out office hours! The manga library list is available here.