Identity in Animation: A Journey into Self, Difference, Culture and the Body uncovers the meaning behind some of the most influential characters in the history of animation and questions their unique sense of who they are and how they are formed. Jane Batkin explores how identity politics shape the inner psychology of the character and their exterior motivation, often buoyed along by their questioning of NplaceO and NbelongingO and driven by issues of self, difference, gender and the body. Through this, Identity in Animation illustrates and questions the construction of stereotypes as well as unconventional representations within American, European and Eastern animation. It does so with examples such as the strong gender tropes of JapanOs Hayao Miyazaki, the strange relationships created by Australian director Adam Elliot and Nick ParkOs depiction of Britishness. In addition, this book discusses Betty BoopOs sexuality and ultimate repression, Warner BrosO anarchic, self-aware characters and DisneyOs fascinating representation of self and society. Identity in Animation is an ideal book for students and researchers of animation studies, as well as any media and film studies students taking modules on animation as part of their course.