Here's what I've watched:
* Ghost in the Shell - I loved this.
* Neon Genesis - I loved this as a kid. If I were to rewatch it I'm not so sure.
* Cowboy Bebop - Watched the movie along with an episode or two. Not the worst thing I've ever seen, but certainly not the greatest.
* Trinity Blood - I watched an episode of this and didn't like it. While some ideas appealed to me (Lost Technology, Post-apocalyptic setting) others didn't (vampires). Its execution also felt clumsy/dated.
So there's certainly a lot to choose from, although it seems the older stuff doesn't appeal to me as much as the newer stuff.
No, really.
Did you already watch the second Ghost in the Shell movie? Or Ghost in the Shell: Standalone Complex Season 1 and 2 plus the Standalone Complex movie?
Well, then you have something to do now.
Samurai Champloo is another series that's worthwhile. Serial Experiments Lain too, but that's difficult stuff.
What about Akira? That's a classic.
I really like Trigun. I would have to say it is my favorite. It can get a bit corny but the message is great.
Death Note is a good in depth plot. It is about a note book that when a persons name is written in it they die (the writer must have the an image of the of the person who's name is being written in the note book). It become a cop vs. criminal thing where the person with death note is killing criminals and keeping the streets safe.
don't believe in you believe in me who believes in you.
-kamina
I loved the Elfen Lied series.
Also, even though it's not an anime, I've always felt that the way the movie Equilibrium was filmed somewhat reminded me of either an anime or a comic book.
Claymore, its has girls with claymores and demons, point made.
YES ! Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagan is very good !!
Samurai Champloo is one of my favorites, "I WANT MY NOOKIE !!".
Berserk its like D&D, it has lots of fighting and blood.
Samurai 7 is excellent.
Also Gungrave has one of the best storylines I've ever seen.
I would start with Death Note, its amazing.
princess monanoke I probably spelled it wrong but it is an awesome anime movie.
fate stay night a very interesting and good anime.
some of the gundam series have been quite enjoyable as well.
Wolf's Rain
FLCL
Probably the best series of anime I've ever watched.
I have always liked Vampire Hunter D, Howl's Moving castle, anything by Miyazaki really for movies.
Spirited Away is my favorite anime, but it has the teenager connection, as does Castle in the Sky which is another really good one.
I would second the call for Wolf's Rain.
Also consider Ninja Scroll.
Death Note is a must-watch.
Rurouni Kenshin, up to ep 63, I believe. It's probably better to avoid the fillers. I do prefer the manga much more over this one, but the anime is still good.
Hellsing. Gotta watch Hellsing, especially the OVA (called Hellsing Ultimate).
FLCL and Excel Saga are good sanity tests and funny as hell.
If you like violent anime, check out Blade of the Immortal. It's not too far in, so you wouldn't be far behind, but the manga is impressive.
I really like Guyver, as well as Vampire Hunter D (both), Bebop, Ghost in the Shell: SAC, Ninja Scroll, and NANA.
Though it's not technically anime, I'd also recommend Aeon Flux.
Despite what other posters have said, I'm going to recommend against Death Note, and the reason is that the manga is just plan better. Death Note is absolutely a work of pure genius, but the problem with the anime version is that it's not as audience-friendly as the manga is. What I mean is that the story is filled with very complex twists and turns, and it's very easy to lose track of what exactly is going on when you're watching it. By contrast, reading the manga allows you to take it slow, look back to previous parts, and reread certain things so that you can really take all of the genius in. If you don't feel like reading the manga (13 volumes), the yes, you should most definitely watch the anime anyways, because it's still amazing, but I'm just saying that I would recommend the alternative if you can.
I'll also mention Gurren Lagann (& not to give up on the series because of episode 9).
More D&D-ish, The Tower of Druaga: the Aegis of Uruk. The official company's showing it for free on the web. (Watch the 2nd episode to see if you like it; the 1st episode is...special ;) ).
My current favorites are Outlaw Star and Soul Eater.
Despite what other posters have said, I'm going to recommend against Death Note, and the reason is that the manga is just plan better. Death Note is absolutely a work of pure genius, but the problem with the anime version is that it's not as audience-friendly as the manga is. What I mean is that the story is filled with very complex twists and turns, and it's very easy to lose track of what exactly is going on when you're watching it. By contrast, reading the manga allows you to take it slow, look back to previous parts, and reread certain things so that you can really take all of the genius in. If you don't feel like reading the manga (13 volumes), the yes, you should most definitely watch the anime anyways, because it's still amazing, but I'm just saying that I would recommend the alternative if you can.
I agree, the manga is much better then the anime (but isn't that the case with most anime and manga). Unfortunately, this is a thread about anime and not manga. If you like the anime (which most people do), then read the manga. Generally people watch the anime first and then read the manga.
I personally like FLCL, Serial Experiments Lain, Revolutionary Girl Utena, and Princess Tutu (which is actually much more mature than it sounds), but then, I like surreal symbolism anime and am not afraid of magical girls in the case of the last 2 (if you liked Evangelion's surrealism or religious commentary, you'd probably find something to like in all of these). The Utena movie is a different version of the TV story, and also good (if more vague).
I'll also mention Gurren Lagann (& not to give up on the series because of episode 9).
More D&D-ish, The Tower of Druaga: the Aegis of Uruk. The official company's showing it for free on the web. (Watch the 2nd episode to see if you like it; the 1st episode is...special ;) ).
Haha The Tower of Druaga's first episode was funny as hell, " First attack, Final attack !".
(but isn't that the case with most anime and manga).
Not in my opinion. :P
But you make a valid point otherwise, so I digress.
Not in my opinion. :P
But you make a valid point otherwise, so I digress.
Well manga sticks to the orginal storyline and has no filler.
Well manga sticks to the orginal storyline and has no filler.
Depending on the filler, I might not have a problem with it. :P
And "original" storyline doesn't mean "better" storyline. ;)
Read Or Die is great fun, especially with Agent Paper.
Anything from Studio Ghibli. Whether it's Miyazaki or his partner, it doesn't matter.
Depending on the filler, I might not have a problem with it. :P
And "original" storyline doesn't mean "better" storyline. ;)
Chrono Crusade was completely changed from the manga, I think the manga was better personally. I don't mind filler, alot of Inuyasha seems like filler, but if you read the manga its the same as the anime. An anime with bad filler is Naruto, it has 100 + filler episodes. The manga is great and the anime would be to if it stuck to the manga more, I've watched every episode and read every manga chapter.
I'll watch any anime and like almost everyone. Theres a few I dislike, like Tenjo Tenge and some I really love like D.Grayman (super depressed about the ending of the anime).
So I've been getting into anime recently and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I'd prefer to avoid stuff with teenagers and mechas.
Here's what I've watched:
* Ghost in the Shell - I loved this.
* Neon Genesis - I loved this as a kid. If I were to rewatch it I'm not so sure.
* Cowboy Bebop - Watched the movie along with an episode or two. Not the worst thing I've ever seen, but certainly not the greatest.
* Trinity Blood - I watched an episode of this and didn't like it. While some ideas appealed to me (Lost Technology, Post-apocalyptic setting) others didn't (vampires). Its execution also felt clumsy/dated.
So there's certainly a lot to choose from, although it seems the older stuff doesn't appeal to me as much as the newer stuff.
Aww, but I loved Gundam Wing! It's literally one of my favorite Animes of all time, especially the movie, Endless Waltz. :D
An anime with bad filler is Naruto
Naruto's filler is ABSOLUTLY HORRIBLE.
Now that I got that out...
Personally, I prefer watching Anime to reading Manga, though it help if you know where the fillers are and can then avoid them. You don't get the same kind of emotive connection in a Manga as you do in an anime. Or maybe you do, but I know I don't. Death Note, for example (awesome series btw). Reading the manga, I didn't get the same sense of "wow this is chlling and twisted" that I often got in the anime. Also, combat based series like Naruto just don't come across nearly as well in Manga when it comes to fight-time. Fight scenes in manga are generally confusing jumbles of squiggly lines.
Kino's Journey and Haibane Renmei are also favorites.
And I can't believe no one mentioned Fullmetal Alchemist
Irresponsible Captain Tylor is pretty good, it is older and probably hard to find but definitely worth watching.
I am also a bit of a fan of Exo-squad. It does have mechs, sort of. It also bills itself as The American Anime. It does however have a solid plot and some of it can be seen for free on Hulu.com, which is a nice bonus for the curious.
I'll also second Hellsing, Outlaw Star and Trigun.
1. Noir no mecha, love angle, magic or supernatural wiggy **** whastso ever, so its not your typical anime and is just awsome.
2. Chrono Crusade havent read the manga but I personally loved the anime. The villian is the best villian in any anime.
3. Full Metal Alchemist. Great series the movie ended it on a pretty good note.
4. Slayers, all three seasons its dnd on crack.
5. Samurai Seven. Great series
6. Martian Successor Nadesco. As someone else said awsome humerous series.
7. Orphen its not a group out to save the world its one guy trying to save his best friend.
8. witch hunter robin gets a little wierd but is an amazing series
9 Last Exile best artwork I have ever seen also has an amazing story line.
10. Escaflowne. a little old but awsome
I failed to mention a 6 episoded anime call Golden Boy, it is HILARIOUS ! It's very good, anyone should watch it. Its rare that I'd say to watch anime in english, but Golden Boy is much funnier in english.
Its not a short one but another one thats funnier in English
Ghost Stories, funniest series ever.
I tried to watch golden boy, but uhhh yeah didnt like it that much.
As for a recommendation... it breaks your rules, but I strongly recommend Code Geass. It may feature mechas, but they're really only a side-note, an excuse to have a bit of action alongside the drama, politics, and heavy strategizing that the rest of the show focuses on. The age of the characters is similarly inconsequential, as there's no real focus on "coming of age" or "teenage angst" or many of the other tropes of the genre.
The show is excellent for several reasons. One, it has fantastic artwork and animation -- some of the best I've ever seen. Two, it has an enthralling plot that twists and turns almost every episode, but always in a way that you can follow. Three, it takes characterization normally left only for villains and gives it to the main character, leaving a real question for a lot of the show whether or not he's really a good guy (it's ultimately answered, and very solidly so). The other characters also get plenty of work, making sure they all have strengths and flaws, with tons of shades of gray rather than stark black and white (there are precious few truly evil characters in this show, although they do exist). Four, it's paced fast. Season 2 (titled "R2" -- don't watch it first) might be too fast, but either way, there's lots of adrenaline and story with very little filler or wasted time.
Barring that? There's a pretty hilarious romantic comedy about a kid who accidentally meets & is forced to marry a mermaid girl who happens to belong to a mermaid yakuza family, most of whom now want to kill him, usually in ways that poke fun at a variety of anime tropes and stereotypes. No, really. It's real. It's called Seto no.... eh... something. Drat.
Allow me to recommend against Tenga Toppa Gurren Lagann. About the only show more hopelessly overrated would be Neon Genesis Evangelion. It's really just a wacky show with an unoriginal plot, simplistic and exaggerated symbolism, terrible artwork, and unapologetically stereotyped characters. It has no redeeming factors, and I can't for the life of me figure out why it's so popular. And yes, I watched the whole thing. I want those hours back.
As for a recommendation... it breaks your rules, but I strongly recommend Code Geass. It may feature mechas, but they're really only a side-note, an excuse to have a bit of action alongside the drama, politics, and heavy strategizing that the rest of the show focuses on. The age of the characters is similarly inconsequential, as there's no real focus on "coming of age" or "teenage angst" or many of the other tropes of the genre.
The show is excellent for several reasons. One, it has fantastic artwork and animation -- some of the best I've ever seen. Two, it has an enthralling plot that twists and turns almost every episode, but always in a way that you can follow. Three, it takes characterization normally left only for villains and gives it to the main character, leaving a real question for a lot of the show whether or not he's really a good guy (it's ultimately answered, and very solidly so). The other characters also get plenty of work, making sure they all have strengths and flaws, with tons of shades of gray rather than stark black and white (there are precious few truly evil characters in this show, although they do exist). Four, it's paced fast. Season 2 (titled "R2" -- don't watch it first) might be too fast, but either way, there's lots of adrenaline and story with very little filler or wasted time.
Barring that? There's a pretty hilarious romantic comedy about a kid who accidentally meets & is forced to marry a mermaid girl who happens to belong to a mermaid yakuza family, most of whom now want to kill him, usually in ways that poke fun at a variety of anime tropes and stereotypes. No, really. It's real. It's called Seto no.... eh... something. Drat.
I consider myself an Otaku and have watched ALOT of anime. I'm a pretty open minded anime fan, theres is only very few anime that I wouldn't recommend. I really enjoyed Tenga Toppa Gurren Lagann (Gurren Lagann). Sure the beginning was abit slow, but later in the series really makes up for it. It's amoung the only anime or anything I've watched that has ever made me cry and it made me twice ! The last few episodes were amazing. Also from all of my male otaku friends say that Yoko is one of the hottest anime chicks ever.
Code Geass was excellent, I havn't watched season 2 yet. It has great plot, not quite Death Note plot, but still really good.
If your interested in abit of a longer series, D. Gray-man is my 2nd favorite longer anime. I just finished watching it. I like the anime (not manga) much more then Bleach or Naruto. It has almost 0 filler and the ones it has have purpose.
- Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex: It is the tv/add-on movie version.
- Cowboy Bebop: I know you said you saw some of it, but I recommend giving it a second shot, the series is a ton better then the movie. Once you get more invested in the characters it really gets good.
- AKIRA: This along with Ghost in The Shell were two of the big animes that introduced anime to North America during the late-80s. It is a post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo and involves extremely powerful-psychics.
- Grave of The Fireflies: Get ready to bawl your eyes out over this extremely touching and sad, WWII story. It involves two siblings trying to survive in war-torn Japan. Robert Ebert has even called it one of the best war films of all time.
- Perfect Blue: This is probably the best stalker film in general I have ever seen. Extremely gripping, tons of twists and genuinely creepy at times. Note though, if your not a fan of violence or nudity it may not be for you.
- Paprika: This is simply a visual feast, it involves the world of dreams and the world of reality slowly molding together.
- Millennium Actress: This is another extremely touching movie. It is about two documentary makers interviewing a old retired, Japanese actress. As she tells her story of her life, her movies and her life begin to interweave into one magical story. It is another feast for the eyes as well.
- Tokyo Godfathers: Yet another sweet movie :P This one involves a odd-ball group of homeless living in Tokyo who discover a abandoned baby and their journey (at times quite funny) to reunite it with its mother.
- Melancholy of Haruhi Suzimiya: I know you said no-teenagers but I feel this one should be mentioned. It is a quite hilarious television show about this girl Haruhi who has the capabilities to essentially control the universe and dream up whatever she wishes, but she doesn't know.
- Azumanga Daioh: Another teenager one, but it is quite funny, with some oddball surreal parts. It is following the journey of 6 female students through their days in highschool.
- The Girl Who Leapt Through Time: The last teenager one. This involves a female student who finds out she has the ability to "leap through time" (or more accurately into the past). It is about her troubles, joys, and tribulations as she deals with this potential. It can be both hilarious and quite sad.
- Spice and Wolf: This is about a merchant in a loosely-hidden version of medieval Europe. He ends up becoming partners with a Wolf-Goddess who looks after the wheat fields. They journey to see what has happened to her home in the north.
- Record of Lodoss War: This television show is a must for any D&D fan. It is in its basic form IS a D&D campaign. It has all the trademarks, even the characters are essentially a classic D&D party.
Ghost in The Shell: I prefered the 1st, 2nd was ok, haven't seen the series
Cowboy Bebop: Agreed, the series is better. Mushroom Samba especially.
AKIRA: It's like the Elvis of anime here I guess. Otomo is the man. "Steamboy" too was quite stunning but for it's time, yeah, Akira is excellent.
Grave of The Fireflies: Omg, I loved this one, but it is so damn heavy. Nothing like orphans, decomposing moms, and special candy.
Perfect Blue: Nice mention here too. Most people just want action shoot-em ups in their anime. This one has a brain...and a big one at that. Her rise to stardom and the MPD overtones makes for killer writing too.
Paprika: Yeah, the whole dreamscape premise is an animator's dream in that they can do anything as it's open-ended. Animation is probably the prefered media too for dreams as you're not limited to camera tricks or a CGI budget necessarilly. Loved the Jungian nod to big/little dreams and the head pieces.
Millennium Actress: Best interview ever. I especially like her "cinematic conscription" during WWII. Didn't the same director do some other stuff on this list too?
Tokyo Godfathers: The drag queen and the drunk were like Oscar & Felix...funny as it's almost too real. This one is gold too.
Your list is impressive.
I can only contribute a small degree for what it's worth.
"Spriggan"-very fast, highly detailed editing. Hyper violent, very kinetic. Ark = weather machine, evil terrorist group, spriggans are super trained teens w/ mil spec weapons and enhancing tech. Fights, bla bla bla.
"Wicked City"-agent provacateur stuff between our world and a shadowy alien world w/ their spies, etc. Graphic, alot of skin/sex too.
"Vampire Hunter D" & "Bloodlust"-post apocalyptic 1/2 vamp hunting down other vamps. Alot like an old Clint Eastwood western...dark stranger comes to town, anti-heroish.
"Twilight of the Cockroaches"-personified cockroaches living in an apartment, etc. Their struggle to survive amidst human predation/pesticides. Shot w/ normal camera footage, but mostly animated. Very different than the usual anime.
Yup, Satoshi Kon directed Perfect Blue, Millenium Actress, Paprika and Tokyo Godfathers. He is one of my all time favourite directors.
Millenium Actress looks pretty good, I'll have to watch it.
Millenium Actress looks pretty good, I'll have to watch it.
It is amazing enough that I can guarantee you that you will enjoy it immensely.
Naruto's filler is ABSOLUTLY HORRIBLE.
Now, I can't speak directly to this, as I haven't got that far yet, but if the filler episodes at the end of season 4 are any indication, the filler can't be that bad...in comparision to the filler episodes of Pokemon. Now that show has FILLER. (Especially at the series' lowest point in seasons 3-4 where it was very repetitive filler for most of the seasons...) I'm kinda looking foward to the Naruto filler myself, to see more of the secondary characters. ('Course, I'm fairly easily pleased and I like Pokemon - enough to tolerate it's worst filler - so what do I know?)
I'm more of an animation buff than an anime buff, so my exposure to anime is limited and narrow.
I do suggest Avatar, while neither anime nor avoiding teenagers, is so cakking brilliant it should be watched anyway, because it's so well put together. I think, technically, it's one of if not the best cartoons/anime I've ever seen (within my limited exposure to anime), on top of great plot and characterisation.
(Just goes to show even Nickelodeon can arse up and make something exceptional occasionally...)
I also enjoyed Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha (which I had watched after hearing it was a bit of a genera-breaker); despite having to wrap my head around the very young protagonists in the first couple of seasons (they're not teenagers at that point...) it had a very good plot. You milage may vary.
I'd also recommend the western cartoon W.i.t.c.h, but as that's almost impossible to get hold of and very definatly teenager-related I don't think it's quite what you're after. I felt I ought to mention it, though, since it is also one of the best western cartoons I've seen...
-Joni
The anime I recommend have mostly been listed already, such as Ruruoni Kenshin, Ghost in the Shell SAC, Samurai 7, and Howl's Moving Castle.
OMG! I can't believe I forgot to mention Paranoia Agent! It's short, but it was AWESOME! :D
I also forgot about Paranoia Agent.
I have to agree with with Crimson_Concerto because Paranoia Agent is a great anime. It is one of the few shows that I have not been able to see the ending from a mile away. Paranoia Agent is very entertaining and has a good plot and story.
Avatar has my vote as well. I had to double-check to make sure it was indeed a Nickelodeon show. Not dissing the network, it's just that Nick's cartoons tend more to the zany stuff like Spongebob and the Oddparents.
The anime I recommend have mostly been listed already, such as Ruruoni Kenshin, Ghost in the Shell SAC, Samurai 7, and Howl's Moving Castle.
Id back up all four of those as well, also add to the list Peace Maker.
I also forgot about Paranoia Agent.
I have to agree with with Crimson_Concerto because Paranoia Agent is a great anime. It is one of the few shows that I have not been able to see the ending from a mile away.
QFT.
I'm curious what you thought of FLCL. I doubt anyone could predict the next five minutes, let alone the end.
QFT.
I'm curious what you thought of FLCL. I doubt anyone could predict the next five minutes, let alone the end.
FLCL had me sort of sitting in front of the TV scratching my head at some of the randomness. I did like it and it was entertaining but it didn't have my on the edge of my seat like Paranoia Agent did.
Both are very random like and they are hard to predict exactly where the shows are going.
differences are that FLCL is a playful fun type show where Paranoia Agent is an in depth serious mystery show.
I did like FLCL but mainly because it was a different than other anime. I also liked the credits. The credits had good music and a good little thing to watch (the end credits video).
...very, very good, paranoid cyberpunkie goodness....
Just watched Paprika.
...very, very good, paranoid cyberpunkie goodness....
Paprika is good, especially with the visual area of things. I really liked how the fat nerd got the hot business lady in the end.
Paprika is good, especially with the visual area of things. I really liked how the fat nerd got the hot business lady in the end.
As I said in another thread, it is all about confidence.... :D
Now, that aside, here's some other stuff I've enjoyed.
Dennou Coil is easy to recommend. A sci-fi series that explores the implications of a highly technologically advanced society that uses 'cyber-glasses' as the 'handset' of the future, combining the internet, a universal PC, a phone (obviously) and holographic technology all in one. A fascinating watch.
Another fun one is Real Drive, which is a sci-fi series much like Dennou Coil in that it explores the implications of a universal 'internet' that actually allows the human brain to experience sensations beyond that of reality. (That said, it has a completely different feel from Dennou Coil, due to the differences in their themes.) It's a surprisingly light-hearted series with a good mix of drama, comedy, and even the occasional kick-ass fight scene.
Another favorite of mine is Seirei no Moribito, the subs of which I unfortunately can't link to because the series has already been licensed (and has, in fact, been aired on Cartoon Network's Adult Swim). It's a light fantasy series centered around a runaway prince and his gruff female bodyguard/mother figure, and the sacred seed that has been planted within him. The show is actually quite a bit more complex than that, and possesses consistently movie-quality visuals throughout all 26 of its episodes. That alone makes it a recommended watch, as it has to be seen to be believed. And the fight scenes, though few and far between, are truly excellent. I can think of very, very few shows that have managed to match it in that area.
That's enough to keep you busy for a very long time, I believe. I'll stop here, as I've really gotten a mountain of series I've already watched, and I could simply go on and on and on....
Louie the Rune Soldier: Sorta like Slayers. The main character is a sorcerer named Louie that is more or less a womanizing bar brawling drunkard. His party members more or less have to follow him due to divine mandate.
The Twelve Kingdoms: It's a bit slower paced than many of the recommendations mentioned here, but still pretty interesting. Heavy Chinese influences as well.
Louie the Rune Soldier: Sorta like Slayers. The main character is a sorcerer named Louie that is more or less a womanizing bar brawling drunkard. His party members more or less have to follow him due to divine mandate.
Louie Punch. I loved that show it was so funny.
)Also, try a little something called Afro Samurai, because Samuel L. Jackson is the BEST
Oh, and I'm surprised there aren't more votes for Berserk. It mostly medieval-styled series with some fantasy, and has some great moments.
I'd like to watch Tsubasa Chronicle when I get the chance, too.
Has anyone watched Ninja Nonsense? I was wondering if that was any good.
And where can I find Project A-Ko? It was my 1st anime (saw it in '93), so I'd like to know where I can find it.
And where can I find Project A-Ko? It was my 1st anime (saw it in '93), so I'd like to know where I can find it.
I think I saw it on sale in my local game store on DVD, they have a small anime section.
I also recent watched The Place Promised in Our Early Days and I thought it was very well done. I also liked Ichi The Killer: Episode Zero, and even though it isn't anime, the Takashi Miike Ichi The Killer, was bloody, and absolutely AWESOME!
Initial D. Technically it has a teenage protagonist, but it's not a brainless show and it's not about coming of age as a teener, so I'm hoping it'll pass.
Pumpkin Scissors. Post-war rebuilding after a terrible conflict.
You're Under Arrest! Police drama anime set in Tokyo. Technically, one of the protagonists is 19 (I think), but since it never comes up enough for me to remember clearly, it's not really a big deal.
Hikaru no Go Anime about Go, allegedly singlehanded reigniting passion for the ancient game throughout the East Asian hemisphere. The protagonist is a teener, but the anime isn't focused on his teen troubles.
Cyborg 009 - anime about a bunch of soldier cyborg prototypes that break out of their secret lab facility. Eventually, they work to bring down the malevolent organization that made them into cyborgs, but the anime never forgets that these guys are people with feelings, personal ambitions and regrets, and family, not just fighting soldiers.
Chobits - my wife gets majorly disturbed by this one, and frankly, it's a very disturbing kind of anime, despite its billing as a romantic drama/comedy. Its about androids and speculates about the future of human/AI interaction. Yes, that's as creepy as it sounds.
I'm going to mention what I think are excellent anime that haven't been mentioned yet.
Initial D. Technically it has a teenage protagonist, but it's not a brainless show and it's not about coming of age as a teener, so I'm hoping it'll pass.
Pumpkin Scissors. Post-war rebuilding after a terrible conflict.
You're Under Arrest! Police drama anime set in Tokyo. Technically, one of the protagonists is 19 (I think), but since it never comes up enough for me to remember clearly, it's not really a big deal.
Hikaru no Go Anime about Go, allegedly singlehanded reigniting passion for the ancient game throughout the East Asian hemisphere. The protagonist is a teener, but the anime isn't focused on his teen troubles.
Cyborg 009 - anime about a bunch of soldier cyborg prototypes that break out of their secret lab facility. Eventually, they work to bring down the malevolent organization that made them into cyborgs, but the anime never forgets that these guys are people with feelings, personal ambitions and regrets, and family, not just fighting soldiers.
Chobits - my wife gets majorly disturbed by this one, and frankly, it's a very disturbing kind of anime, despite its billing as a romantic drama/comedy. Its about androids and speculates about the future of human/AI interaction. Yes, that's as creepy as it sounds.
Ill back up the recomendation for chobits, I read the Manga and loved it. Another one thats kinda girly but good Pretear.
Recently, I watched episodes of Daughter of 20 faces, Slayers Revolution and Blade of the Immortal. All three are imo above average, perhaps great if your tastes fall this way or that.
BTW, one of the relatively decent fighting anime series I've seen is Claymore; at least by episode 20 or so while it sticks to the manga.
Recently, I watched episodes of Daughter of 20 faces, Slayers Revolution and Blade of the Immortal. All three are imo above average, perhaps great if your tastes fall this way or that.
i agree claymore is full of awesome!
im watching Rosario Vampire today....it is full of fanservice! UPSKIRT SHOTS GALORE!!!
plan on season 2 of code geass later this week.
im watching Rosario Vampire today....it is full of fanservice! UPSKIRT SHOTS GALORE!!!
... Well also Rosario Vampire has monsters such as vampires, succubus, werewolves and lamias.
9 Last Exile best artwork I have ever seen also has an amazing story line.
10. Escaflowne. a little old but awsome
^ This. Last Exile is very good and has a steampunk feel. Escaflowne is a fun ride.
Death Note is a good one as well. It's very intelligent and kept me guessing quite a bit. Since you like Cowboy Bebop, Samurai Champloo is a good one considering it's made by the same guys.
If you're wanting weird funny, Cromartie High School will fit the bill. It's a funny show about a school of high school delinquents that do some random stuff. It doesn't take itself too seriously and even breaks the fourth wall a few times.
Ergo Proxy is a good one too. It's post-cyberpunk setting that has a very psychological based storyline. I will say this, it can be confusing and slow paced at times, but the mysteries will keep you interested.
Saiyuki.
Yes, but not Saiyuki relodoaded.
Yes, but not Saiyuki relodoaded.
Why? I only saw Saiyuki so far....
Why? I only saw Saiyuki so far....
different stuidio, voice actors, and animation style, to me not as good at all.
Why? I only saw Saiyuki so far....
I think Reloaded was tolerable, but nothing that impressive. The first part is nice, true.
So, an anime with werewolves? That might be worth checking. Which reminds me: Hyper Police. If you don't mind "furries" it's a hoot.
I just saw the live action Death Note, which was fantastic, if you haven't seen it, definitely worth a watch....:D
You'd like Rosario Vampire, which has alot of D&D monsters in it.
I just saw the live action Death Note, which was fantastic...
...Well, maybe if you haven't read or watched the actual thing, I guess. That might be possible...
But the live-action movie is just plain inferior...
...Well, maybe if you haven't read or watched the actual thing, I guess. That might be possible...
But the live-action movie is just plain inferior...
There were two movies, and I agree, the movies were not as good as the anime (then again, the anime wasn't as good as the manga, though it was still great. Pendulum effect, I guess).
There were two movies...
Actually, there were three. ;)
Actually, there were three. ;)
WHAT?? When was the third released?
WHAT?? When was the third released?
February earlier this year.
not a spoiler of the 3rd one, but it would spoil the 2nd one
It's about those last couple of days L had before he died after he wrote his own name in the Deathnote. 
different stuidio, voice actors, and animation style, to me not as good at all.
I read the manga of Saiyuki reloaded and it was great, but I know it diverges from the anime. I'll wait for Saiyuki reloaded to go on MTV and will see.
Thanks for answering.
I read the manga of Saiyuki reloaded and it was great, but I know it diverges from the anime. I'll wait for Saiyuki reloaded to go on MTV and will see.
Thanks for answering.
No problem I personally could just not get over the change in voice actors and style.
Its not anime but if anyone likes steam punk awsome web comic is
http://www.girlgeniusonline.com/
Seriously its awsome.
...Well, maybe if you haven't read or watched the actual thing, I guess. That might be possible...
But the live-action movie is just plain inferior...
I didn't read the Manga. The anime series was good, very good in fact; however, it went on too long. Lets face it, they forced it.
But I seem to be in the minority on a lot of anime discussions. I won't get into my criticisms of the untouchable Akira.
I too didn't realize there was a third movie in the series, I will be checking out the second here in a few weeks.
I'm a hardened, battle-scarred veteran (for real), and I'm not particularly sensitive, but this movie broke my heart. Seriously, if you want to be moved, this movie will move you.
But I seem to be in the minority on a lot of anime discussions. I won't get into my criticisms of the untouchable Akira.
*High fives*
Another few reccomendations for people, Kino's Journey and Mushishi.
I didn't read the Manga. The anime series was good, very good in fact; however, it went on too long. Lets face it, they forced it.
This is a major issue with some anime series is when they go on too long. I have noticed that for myself I vastly prefer 1-2 season animes over the 100+ animes there are out there.
Ironically it is those 100+ animes that become hugely popular in NA.
Just wanted to reiterate how good Grave of the Fireflies was, but with a warning:
I'm a hardened, battle-scarred veteran (for real), and I'm not particularly sensitive, but this movie broke my heart. Seriously, if you want to be moved, this movie will move you.
*Nods* This movie just taps right into you and moves you deeply, most likely moves you toward bawling your eyes out :P
This is a major issue with some anime series is when they go on too long. I have noticed that for myself I vastly prefer 1-2 season animes over the 100+ animes there are out there.
Ironically it is those 100+ animes that become hugely popular in NA.
*Nods* This movie just taps right into you and moves you deeply, most likely moves you toward bawling your eyes out :P
Ill have to check those out, Chrono Crusade is another one that gets rather sad. Ive only had one person ive lent the anime to say they werent moved by it, the death scenes are very touching.
Hellsing is one of my old favorites series, but the Hellsing OVA's were so much better ! Theirs amazing, if you havn't seen them trust me you want too.
Yes the OVAs are much much better.
Yes the OVAs are much much better.
OVA FTW!!! :D
I will say, too, that the dub Anderson sounds a lot like Gerrard Butler.
OVA FTW!!! :D
I will say, too, that the dub Anderson sounds a lot like Gerrard Butler.
Yup.
On another note I cant believe no one has mentioned
Blue Seed Number 9
*Still hates Alucard for what he did to Rip*
I couldn't ever hate Alucard. He is quite possibly the coolest anime character ever. I mean come on he flew a jet into a ship and then proceeded to kill everyone on board. No, he IS the coolest anime character. I like heros and villains and Alucard is kind of both.
To everyone who's seen Hellsing Ultimate (OVAs), what did you think of young Walter? He looked so much different !
Yotsuba is much cooler
Gorgeous film though
Of the new Crop of stuff I've been watching
Toradora (high school romantic comedy)
Kuro *****uji (dark victorian setting with supernatural plotlines)(edit: stupid swear filter. The title translates as Black Butler. The edited word is japanese for Butler)
new season of Hellgirl (for those who like ghost stories)
To Aru Majutsu no Index (action adventure, psychics vs. wizards)
Garei Zero (not sure yet. Starts of as kind of a supernatural Police task force series and takes an odd turn when everyone I thought was going to be the main characters gets butchered. Right now I am thinking vengeful ghost story)
Chaos Head (also not sure, kind of psycho. Shut in Geek slowly going crazy sort of thing)
Plus I am patiently waiting for Amazon to deliver my Shakugan no Shana box set.
*Still hates Alucard for what he did to Rip and for being a dick in general*
*Shrugs* I am a fan of anime villians, Rip Van Winkle had is coming and I laughed at what happened to Schrödinger.
Plus I am patiently waiting for Amazon to deliver my Shakugan no Shana box set.
Shakugan no Shana was pretty good, I didn't watch the second season though. I watched it the same time I watch Buuso Renkin.
Shakugan no Shana was pretty good, I didn't watch the second season though. I watched it the same time I watch Buuso Renkin.
I enjoyed Buuso Renkin. Papillion made it into my list of top 10 villains:D
It was the speedo that did it
I enjoyed Buuso Renkin. Papillion made it into my list of top 10 villains:D
It was the speedo that did it
Excel Saga fan ? * ALL HAIL LORD ILLPALAZZO!! * I :inlove: Pedro .
Garei Zero (not sure yet. Starts of as kind of a supernatural Police task force series and takes an odd turn when everyone I thought was going to be the main characters gets butchered. Right now I am thinking vengeful ghost story)
I've been following this one too. I think it starts at the end and it's going to kind of ease it's way back to the beginning. You don't know for sure that the last possible main character is dead though.
Excel Saga fan ? * ALL HAIL LORD ILLPALAZZO!! *
Hail... *keels over*
Sheesh, folks, making me feel all old. Has no one here seen Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind? That is a wicked older anime, from 1984, and consistently hits the top 100 lists of best sci-fi movies of all time. Not bad for a 24 year old Japanese cartoon film.
You don't have to feel old. This is the internet, there is no age.
Yes I have seen it, and it was good, a classic and all that. I just think in this rich movie time there are so many good films out there to talk about. ;)
As far as Nausicaa goes, when compared to Miyazaki's other works, I think it is one of the weaker ones. It seems as though everyone also praises Princess Mononoke; however I think they both fall short when compared to Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and even Kiki's Delivery Service.
Of course it is difficult comparing anything to Spirited Away, which I think is actually one of the best films ever, let alone anime. :D
As far as Nausicaa goes, when compared to Miyazaki's other works, I think it is one of the weaker ones. It seems as though everyone also praises Princess Mononoke; however I think they both fall short when compared to Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and even Kiki's Delivery Service.
Of course it is difficult comparing anything to Spirited Away, which I think is actually one of the best films ever, let alone anime. :D
Oh, don't misunderstand, I love his other movies, some of them quite a bit more. And I totally agree that Spirited Away is one of the best movies of any genre, ever. But...most of those were already MENTIONED in the thread. However, not a single mention of Nausicaa. Nary a one. Sad panda.
You don't have to feel old. This is the internet, there is no age.
Yes I have seen it, and it was good, a classic and all that. I just think in this rich movie time there are so many good films out there to talk about. ;)
As far as Nausicaa goes, when compared to Miyazaki's other works, I think it is one of the weaker ones. It seems as though everyone also praises Princess Mononoke; however I think they both fall short when compared to Spirited Away, Howl's Moving Castle, and even Kiki's Delivery Service.
Of course it is difficult comparing anything to Spirited Away, which I think is actually one of the best films ever, let alone anime. :D
I've seen them all. I like Howl's Moving Castle the most, probably because Howl was so pretty and he was voiced by Christian Bale.
*Still hates Alucard for what he did to Rip and for being a dick in general*
Yotsuba is much cooler
404?
Its working for me.
So I've been getting into anime recently and was wondering if anyone had any recommendations. I'd prefer to avoid stuff with teenagers and mechas.
Are you trying to avoid "stuff with teenagers and stuff with mechas" or "stuff that has both teenagers and mechas in it?"
In any case, as far as stuff without mechas, I quite like:
Maison Ikkoku (the only teens are late, bit characters)
The film "Grave of the Fireflies" (The protagonist is a teenage boy, no mecha)
The Rose of Versailles (several characters are maybe 17-19, but in 18th Century Paris they play the role of "young people starting in their careers" rather than "teenagers)
Kimagure Orange Road (ALL teenagers, but well done; there are no mecha)
The film "Lupin III: Castle of Cagliostro" Note that the other films and the TV series are weak
Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex
Dominion: Tank Police (earlier effort by the bloke that did Ghost in the Shell)
The Rumiko Takahashi "Mermaid" series. Very well done horror series (horrror series are TOUGH to do). The protagonists are physically teenagers, though they are somewhat older than that. There are no mecha.
Sheesh, folks, making me feel all old. Has no one here seen Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind? That is a wicked older anime, from 1984, and consistently hits the top 100 lists of best sci-fi movies of all time. Not bad for a 24 year old Japanese cartoon film.
Saw it, felt it took itself a bit too seriously. If you wanna feel old, go look at the list I provided.
lol sorry, I was hoping someone would get the joke, Yotsuba is the 404 symbol on 4chan (due to her four pigtails).
****, I forgot she is the 404 symbol.
...
Yep.
-Joni
Death Note
Gurren Lagan
Code Geass
-epic pic-
-Joni
I may just use this in some humor game some time, though I think the Epic Glasses are the holy symbol.
The piece is exactingly researched for anime; from the activities, to the broughams to the social events and niceties. Very nice.
G AWESOME!!!"