Guide Review: The TAB Manga

Since that poll on American vs. Japanese animation and comic styles, I couldn't resist reviewing an animation program called "The TAB Manga", a lower-level animation program developed by Digital Video S.p.A. At the price tag of $200, it's really not worth it; if the horribly cutesy interface doesn't turn you off, the clunky, counter-intuitive navigation will. The program isn't a total disaster; it does get the job done, albeit painstakingly and with limited, beginner level functions and tools that you can find for $29.95 in programs like Flip Boom. Some people may like it; hobbyists may even find it useful, once they get past the fact that it looks like it was designed for children but functions like it was designed for mid-level animators who don't mind not even being able to choose from more than one of a few preset brush sizes. I, on the other hand, am glad that it came with a full-function free trial, as I can't ever see myself paying for this.

Did you vote in the poll? Do you prefer American animation, Japanese animation, or other?