Is the Future of Anime in Discussion, Literally?

I wonder if we’re slowly entering a new era of dialogue heavy anime. In recent years Kurenai, Mouryou no Hako, Sayonara Zetsubou-sensei, Bakemonogatari, Katanagatari, and now Yojuhan Shinwa Taikei have been particularly dialogue heavy, relying on dialogue, monologue, and literally language itself to provide the onus of the shows. At the same time, enui anime including World of Golden Eggs, Little Village People, Peeping Life, and Himitsu Kessha Taka no Tsume have burst onto the anime scene and flourished on the strength of dialogue and conversation rather than animation quality or action. The moé trend shows no sign of evaporating, but it does feel like its steamroller momentum is slowing. I don’t believe anime has ever before moved through a period characterized by especially wordy shows, so witty, intriguing talking heads series may provide a new novelty for otaku viewers. The number of anime productions adapted from light novels seems to be greater now than at any time in the past. And, as Bakemonogatari has amply proven, heavily rhetorical shows with limited (read: inexpensive) animation are still capable of becoming tremendously successful and profitable hits. So we can expect to see Japanese producers encourage the production of more anime that are inexpensive to animate yet still have tremendous audience and profit potential.

I certainly don’t expect to see anime of the future dominated by shows that prioritize rapid and ceaseless banter. In fact, I, for one, don’t want that to occur. I like seeing animated breathtaking action, captivating romance, and outrageous slapstick comedy. However, I’m not opposed to a minority trend of anime that replace action with conversation. I don’t know if the number of such shows that have already appeared constitute a loose collection of similarly styled productions or the beginning ripples of an approaching larger wave, but the mere fact that I can pose the question itself intrigues me.