“My Life Me” is a Canadian-French animated television series that aired in 2010. The show was created by JC Little, Cindy Filipenko, and Svetlana Chmakova, a well-known manga artist, and was aimed primarily at a tween audience. The series combines Western and Japanese anime-style animation, reflecting the main character’s love for manga and anime.

Key Information:

• Title: My Life Me
• Original Run: September 19, 2010 – December 26, 2010
• Number of Seasons: 1
• Number of Episodes: 26 (each episode has two segments, making 52 segments in total)
• Creators: JC Little, Cindy Filipenko, Svetlana Chmakova
• Production Companies: CarpeDiem Film & TV, Télétoon, and France Télévisions

Plot Overview:

“My Life Me” follows the life of Birch Small, a 13-year-old girl who is passionate about manga and drawing. The series explores the typical ups and downs of teenage life, including friendships, school, and personal growth, all through the lens of Birch’s manga-influenced perspective.

Main Characters:

• Birch Small: The protagonist, Birch is an artistic and somewhat introverted girl who dreams of becoming a successful manga artist. She often escapes into her imagination, where she visualizes her life as a manga.
• Liam Coll: Birch’s best friend and fellow manga enthusiast, Liam is a bit of a nerd with a quirky sense of humor.
• Sandra le Blanc: Birch’s rival and friend, Sandra is confident, fashionable, and often at odds with Birch due to their different personalities.
• Rafik Arsenault: A laid-back and cool character who becomes part of Birch’s group of friends. He is often the voice of reason among the group.

Animation Style:

The show is known for its unique animation style, which blends traditional Western cartoon elements with Japanese anime influences. This style is particularly evident in the way characters express emotions, often using exaggerated facial expressions and visual gags common in anime.

Themes:

• Adolescence and Identity: The series deals with common teenage issues like fitting in, understanding oneself, and dealing with peer pressure.
• Friendship and Rivalry: The dynamics between the characters, particularly the love-hate relationship between Birch and Sandra, are central to the show’s humor and drama.
• Passion for Creativity: Birch’s love for manga and art is a recurring theme, and the series often highlights the importance of following one’s creative passions.

Reception:

“My Life Me” received mixed reviews. While it was praised for its unique animation style and its attempt to incorporate manga elements into a Western cartoon format, some critics felt that the series didn’t fully capture the depth of either anime or Western cartoons. Despite this, it developed a small but dedicated fanbase, particularly among younger viewers who appreciated its relatable characters and humor.

Cultural Impact:

Although “My Life Me” did not achieve widespread popularity, it remains a noteworthy example of a Western animated series influenced by Japanese manga and anime culture. The show introduced many young viewers to manga-style storytelling and contributed to the growing trend of cross-cultural animation during the 2000s and 2010s.

The series has since found a second life through online streaming and continues to be appreciated by fans of unique and culturally diverse animated content.