Anime Recommendation and Suggestion Query

[Buffalobiian]

Thanks Shinta.

How about Candy Boy? That's some good yuri.

[Archangel]

Sorry for the late response. I would not have imagined Ryll would pass up the chance to reply to you so I decided to refrain from doing so. The manga is better, since you can breeze your way through the draggy parts. There is an episode in the anime that only takes up 3 seconds or so of actual game time, so that should be indicative of how slow and dragging it can get.

I have a cousin (who really exists and isn't me) who loves yuri anime. Unfortunately, I have already given her a lot of yuri stuff, including the following:

All Maria sama seasons
Strawberry Panic
Kannazuki no Miko
Kasimasi
Aoi Hana
Kanamemo?
Maria Holic?

Can anyone recommend something with yuri (and has finished airing even if it isn't predominantly yuri)? I am thinking about Uta Kata, but I don't remember enough of it to be sure of it actually had Yuri.

This "cousin" sounds like an interesting fellow... lol, kidding

Are you looking solely for anime or would manga work too?

If manga works he should give K-ON! a shot, but it's cute yuri not full blown Maria+Holic lesbianism

Same goes for Card Captor Sakura and Sailormoon

Kampfer would also be the obvious choice as soon as it ends and i agree with Bill for Candy Boy

[Ryllharu]

Sorry for the late response. I would not have imagined Ryll would pass up the chance to reply to you so I decided to refrain from doing so. The manga is better, since you can breeze your way through the draggy parts. There is an episode in the anime that only takes up 3 seconds or so of actual game time, so that should be indicative of how slow and dragging it can get.

I have a cousin (who really exists and isn't me) who loves yuri anime. Unfortunately, I have already given her a lot of yuri stuff, including the following:

All Maria sama seasons
Strawberry Panic
Kannazuki no Miko
Kasimasi
Aoi Hana
Kanamemo?
Maria Holic?

Can anyone recommend something with yuri (and has finished airing even if it isn't predominantly yuri)? I am thinking about Uta Kata, but I don't remember enough of it to be sure of it actually had Yuri.Ive never read Slam Dunk, never watched it. I was not qualified to comment. Sports anime/manga aren't really my thing. The few I've seen and read are exceptions, and most don't even qualify in the standard sense.
-------------------------------------------------

Uta~Kata is not yuri or even shoujo-ai. For once, they really are just good friends.

I think you have a really good list there, you got most of the majors, but I would absolutely add:

Candy Boy: edit, as noted above.
Nanoha (all seasons): Nanoha went from the DBZ of magical girl anime with implied shoujo-ai to full-on shoujo-ai by the third season.
Mai Otome: It isn't standard shoujo-ai, but it absolutely fits.
Project A-ko: If you can find it. A couple of movies/OVAs about two girls fighting over a third loli with high-tech and superpowers. It gets a bit over the top, but it's fun for everyone.

And "yuri" is the hentai version of shoujo-ai by the way. "Yuri" is just easier to write.

[shinta|hikari]

Candy Boy is supposed to be on that list, but I forgot to write it down.

Project A-ko seems interesting. I will definitely download it. I hope "she" (my cousin) likes it though.

Hmm... Nanoha, I didn't really think of it, but it may just work.

EDIT: She has probably seen CCS (which I surprisingly loved) and Sailormoon (which I hate with a passion) because they are quite old. Newer stuff is probably better.

Kampfer is way too retarded as a yuri anime, and I would not in good conscience recommend it to any yuri fan.

EDIT2: About the term Yuri... that definition is North American and does not really apply in Japan and other locations. I use it to denote any form of sexual/romantic attraction, be it explicit or otherwise, between females.

[Ryllharu]

Just remember Project A-ko is a parody series. C-ko is also one of the most obnoxious characters of all time, adding to the humor of why A-ko and B-ko even bother to fight over her.

That actually sounds quite similar to Kampfer now that I think about it.

[MFauli]

Hm, i´d like some recommendations for romantic anime, with unusual endings. Basically, i.e. an anime of the quality of True Tears, but instead of the rational choice, the guy should have ended up with Noe. Or in Toradora, instead of Taiga, he ends up with Ami.

If you just recommend me such anime, though, ill be spoiled, so it´be great if someone could recommend me like 5 shows, and 2-3 of these have an unusual pairing instead of the predictable one.

Other than the 2 shows mentioned above, ive already seen School Days and Myself Yourself, also Clannad and Kanon.

[Archangel]

So basically you want a harem where the guy ends up with the girl you like? I don't think that even exists :(

[Ryllharu]

Several series (with attempted anti-spoiler fillers):

Note: (reverse) denotes a female lead character.

Akane iro ni Somaru Saka (stolen from below)
Ai Yori Aoshi
Bokura ga Ita (reverse)
Canvas2
Goshuushou-sama Ninomiya-kun
Hana Yori Dango (reverse)
Honey and Clover (seasons 1 and 2)
Kimi ga Nozomu Eien
NANA (reverse)
Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo
Onegai Twins
Paradise Kiss (reverse)
Shuffle!
Strawberry Panic (yuri - using shinta's definition)
Suzuka


The hardest part to this is finding series with actual endings. The presence of indecision/reset harem endings makes this infinitely harder.

[Archangel]

Wait, shuffle has a real ending?? I dropped it because the dude was going all over the place -_-"

[shinta|hikari]

Yes, it does.

EDIT: Can someone give me a short review of Okusama wa mahou shoujo? From the descriptions, the plot does not seem like a Mahou Shoujo story at all, but rather a comedy/romance drama type. Is it any good? Or am I better off watching something else?

[Ryllharu]

Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo is a...parody is not really the right word, it is more of commentary on the genre. It poses the question, "What happens to magical girls after they grow up?" It is a comedy/drama/romance that deals with adult issues with a magical girl spin.

Ureshiko never really grew up, because she wanted to retain her powers as a magical girl. Years later, now she's 26 and barely fits into her magical girl outfit. She had kept her dominance over the city known to magical girls as Wonderland, keeping it exactly the same as her mother did, fending off the overwhelming majority of her successors. If she or any other magical girl kisses a guy, then their powers are lost. Tatsumi Kagura moves into her house as a tenant, and the story starts from there.


Is it worth watching? Once. It has some pretty good commentaries on coming of age, responsibility, selfishness, and interpersonal relations. It poses a pretty good What If, and does a great job of fleshing that out fully.

But I think you may have trouble finding a sub. Media Factory was exceedingly aggressive about protecting it.


EDIT: If you liked Asatte no Houkou (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4339) and enjoy the occasional magical girl anime, you'll like Okusama wa Mahou Shoujo.

[shinta|hikari]

I loved Asatte no Houkou, but the only magical girl show that I enjoyed are CCS and Nanoha.

Wait a minute, how can she be a wife yet never have kissed? No need to answer this if it is a spoiler.

Thanks for the review. I will most likely watch it.

[Pandadice]

Hm, i´d like some recommendations for romantic anime, with unusual endings. Basically, i.e. an anime of the quality of True Tears, but instead of the rational choice, the guy should have ended up with Noe. Or in Toradora, instead of Taiga, he ends up with Ami.

If you just recommend me such anime, though, ill be spoiled, so it´be great if someone could recommend me like 5 shows, and 2-3 of these have an unusual pairing instead of the predictable one.

Other than the 2 shows mentioned above, ive already seen School Days and Myself Yourself, also Clannad and Kanon.

I'd add Akane iro ni Somaru Saka to Ryllharu list

[MFauli]

Already saw Akane iro, great ending. Anyway, im looking for a show similar to Haibane Renmei...is there something? Similar in terms of...atmosphere, style and such. Something that´s really high quality and has a mysterious feeling to it, likeable characters and such.

[Ryllharu]

Kamichu! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3195)should be at the top of that list. It is a bit more lighthearted, but it fits the bill nicely. Great animation, never really tells you the whole truth (leaving so many of the specifics to the imagination), and gives you a warm feeling in the end.

In terms of the slightly gray atmosphere, you might want to try Scrapped Princess (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=640). Fantastic character design (even no-name characters), great animation for its age, and a good plot. It's not really the same genre, but if you're after atmosphere and feel it should suit nicely.

Also thrown in for those exact same attributes is Last Exile (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=581). Not all the characters are "likeable," but that fits into the world the series lives in.

Chrno Crusade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1052) is a third in that line. A tragedy compared to the other three I've listed so far, but an alternate 1920s that deals with dark things and nuns can't be wrong.

In terms of similarity to the atmosphere and premise of Haibane, Shigofumi (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5549) should definitely be on your list.

Paprika (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4191), the film, should be a quick bit of eye candy and mental stimulation.

For currently airing, Tegami Bachi - Letter Bee (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6772), may suit your purposes as well.


I haven't seen it, so I can't fully endorse it, but Kemonozume (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4392) may fit what you're looking for as well.


That should get you started. If you've seen any of the above, let me know if they fit your image and I'll tweak the list accordingly.

[MFauli]

Ive already seen Scrapped Princess and Last Exile, and SP definitely shares a similar atmosphere, even though the story-telling is completely different. LE is too straight forward of an adventure, wouldnt compare it to Haibane Renmei. I´ll check out Kamichu, thx

[Kraco]

Anyway, im looking for a show similar to Haibane Renmei...is there something? Similar in terms of...atmosphere, style and such. Something that´s really high quality and has a mysterious feeling to it, likeable characters and such.

Last season had a show called Umi Monogatari. You could have a look at it. The same artist made the ED for it and it has a bit of atmosphere from Haibane Renmei also otherwise in my opinion.

[Pandadice]

I´ll check out Kamichu, thx

if you're gonna check out Kamichu, go ahead and skip episode 4. trust me, you'll be better off...

[Ryllharu]

Kamichu is one of those series were each episode is important to understanding where Yurie fits into the world now that she's become a Goddess. No matter how weird it gets.

I actually thought the episode was quite enlightening from a contemporary fantasy representation of how certain people would react.
(being intentionally vague)

[shinta|hikari]

If you want mysterious with likable characters, skip Kemonozume. It has a pretty good story, but the art style needs a bit of getting used to, and the characters aren't made to be likable, if you know what I mean.

[Pandadice]

Kamichu is one of those series were each episode is important to understanding where Yurie fits into the world now that she's become a Goddess. No matter how weird it gets.

I actually thought the episode was quite enlightening from a contemporary fantasy representation of how certain people would react.
(being intentionally vague)

don't get me wrong, I loved Kamichu as a series. Yurie was a fantastic character.

it's just that episode 4 reminds the viewer that they're watching a show designed for 8 year olds....

[Archangel]

I would like to get opinions on these:

- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4894)

- True Tears (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4325)

- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3574)

- Kanon (2006) (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4404)

- Ef - a Tale of Memories. (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5274)

[KrayZ33]

True Tears is pretty good, worth watching
very nice animation, good characters.
good ending (in my opinion)

3 girls 1 guy, it's not an open ending, he makes a decision :) (I believe that's a very positive point)

[Marik]

Yeah, True Tears was great. Definitely check it out.

[Pandadice]

kanon was okay. I thought Clannad was better. It's kinda the exact same thing as clannad only different characters. If you enjoyed Clannad then give Kanon a try.

and Ef - A Tale of Memories is a pretty awesome series. It's got that abstractness that comes with a Shaft title, but not overwhelmingly. It's an interesting psychological drama

[Xrlderek]

I would like to get opinions on these:

- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4894)

- True Tears (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4325)

- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3574)

- Kanon (2006) (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4404)

- Ef - a Tale of Memories. (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5274)

Higurashi is awesome, definitely watch them. Ask if you want more detailed opinions but I think this is one of those series you should just watch without too much background information and try to make sense of it.
One of my favorite series. Ef - a Tale of Memories is good too.. I remember really liking it but for some reason I didn't watch the last episodes. Great drama and good characters.

[Ryllharu]

I would like to get opinions on these:

- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4894)

- True Tears (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4325)

- Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3574)

- Kanon (2006) (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4404)

- Ef - a Tale of Memories. (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5274)
Higurashi - I second Xrlderek. The series is great, be tolerant of the format and average animation, and you'll find one of the most well developed universes anime has to offer. If how long I have had Miyo as my avatar under the onslaught of other excellent heroines (even Sawako) is any indication, it's well worth it. The less you know, the better.

Series goes: Higurashi no Naku Koro ni, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai, Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei. Must be watched in that order. And be sure to find DVD rips.

Higurashi gives the exposition, Kai closes in all the gaps, Rei is a moral lesson and the fun.

True Tears - To support KrayZ33, I hated the way it was turning out, right up until the last two episodes, and it completely turned my opinion. The ending is great. The cast is amazing, the animation is great, and the story is very believable.

Kanon (2006) - I've always liked Kanon better than Clannad. The story is less focused, but the pacing is a lot better. The supernatural elements are an understood and accepted commodity, rather than a deus ex machina. Personally, I like the heroines better in Kanon too. It is less of a heart-wrencher, and I think the lower quantities of melodrama make for a better story.

Ef - a Tale of Memories - Of the two Ef series, memories is vastly superior to melodies. There is a single scene about midway in the series, that I will never forget. A very similar one appears in melodies, but it simply does not compare to the raw emotion thrown out in a few short minutes. Another one shows up toward the end that is no less powerful. Visually stunning (SHAFT at their best), with great characters, great cast, and excellent storytelling.

[Archangel]

So Melodies and Memories relate to each other? Do i need to watch one to better enjoy the other?

[Ryllharu]

They total the four major arcs of the games.

In the anime incarnation, the two arcs of Melodies take place after Memories, and there are various references to the characters and events that happened in Memories, which aired first.

EDIT:
Above statement is less than accurate.

In the anime incarnation, memories is first. melodies is the second. One of the arcs in melodies takes place chronologically after the two arcs of memories, and there are numerous references to the conclusions of those arcs. The second arc of melodies is a flashback, but is also concluded chronologically after the two arcs of of memories.

If you watched melodies first, you'd get spoiled pretty bad.

[The Heretic Azazel]

Is it weird that I watched the entire Ergo Proxy series again solely because Lil is so hot? It's such crap otherwise.

[Archangel]

Is it weird that I watched the entire Ergo Proxy series again solely because Lil is so hot? It's such crap otherwise.

Drunken post?

[shinta|hikari]

I suggest watching Ef-A tale of memories then melodies. The first one is definitely a masterpiece, and since you are coming off Bakemonogatari, you won't be unused to the Shaft style. I feel that Ef 1 is the best directed Shaft anime so far, so you will definitely enjoy it.

PS: That is my title, granted I traded it in for Loli God so I can't complain.

[Buffalobiian]

Is it weird that I watched the entire Ergo Proxy series again solely because Lil is so hot? It's such crap otherwise.

I posted a link to an very in-depth explanation either in this thread or the Ergo Proxy thread ages back. It might change your perceptive of it being some incomprehensible "crap".

[The Heretic Azazel]

I didn't say it was incomprehensible. It definitely was the first time I watched it though. I'll check that out.

Lil is so hot though.

[Archangel]

For one to fully enjoy GTO, is watching the prequel a must?

I should probably try and find dvd rips right?

[Ryllharu]

Not at all. While some of Onizuka's adult friends appear, they're not really important overall. The story is more about the staff and students. GTO is the series that made the Onizuka popular in Japan, not the prequels.

Personally, I'd read the manga first, but as long as you do both, you'll get the full story with the nice touches a quality voice cast brings.

[Archangel]

Oh, so the anime adaptation doesn't cover the manga fully?

[Ryllharu]

Nope. It covers about half of the manga. It definitely cuts out the best arc of the entire series. I don't have the series accessible anymore, but according to mangaupdates, the anime stops at volume 13 of the total 25.

Watch the anime, then re-read what you missed and where they patched in holes, and the triumphant finish.

[Archangel]

... so from what i understand the anime has been toned down? Even with the pantsu, S&M and foot licking? O_o

[enkoujin]

Finished reading the manga for you, Archangel.

I am not sure which arc Ryllharu thought was "the best", but if you have not done so already, start reading the manga, its spin-offs and the live-action.

The anime has been toned down, I've noticed some minor changes, which is probably the lack of blood and perversion. For example, when Onizuka is studying with Fuyutsuki in her room, he has a boner at night when he's sleeping.

[MFauli]

I just saw found this trailer and hoped someone here could tell a few things about that anime;

Cencoroll

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z9GtU3xwLBQ

The trailer looks great, but I cant find the show anywhere. Only 112 MB-files, and only a single one. Whats up?

[David75]

Cencoroll (センコロール Senkorōru?) is a 2009 Japanese animated science fiction film nearly singlehandedly written, designed, directed, and animated by manga author Atsuya Uki.[1][2] Produced by Anime Innovation Tokyo and Aniplex, the film had its world premiere at Canada's Fantasia International Film Festival on July 28, 2009.[1] The film made its Japanese debut on August 22, 2009 in Tokyo and Osaka.[3] Cencoroll made its debut in the United States at the New York Anime Festival on September 25, 2009.[4]
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cencoroll

The raw was hard to get and only a SD one was available for that 30 minutes movie?

[Ziggy]

There's already a thread about this anime.

http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php?t=17816

[Pandadice]

Cencoroll is amazing and I highly recommend it.

[gos27]

Anyone know if this anime is good or not ? "Katekyo Hitman Reborn"

[Ryllharu]

It's pretty basic shonen power-up stuff. I know others have really liked it, but I couldn't get into it at all, it just wasn't my thing.

If you like One Piece, there is a pretty good chance you'll like Hitman Reborn. Bullets do special things rather than fruit or spirits or whatever.

[gos27]

I love One Piece !! :D ..

Cool thanks for the heads up Ryllharu!

[Archangel]

It's pretty basic shonen power-up stuff. I know others have really liked it, but I couldn't get into it at all, it just wasn't my thing.

If you like One Piece, there is a pretty good chance you'll like Hitman Reborn. Bullets do special things rather than fruit or spirits or whatever.

Wow, i could bitch slap you for even comparing the 2

The manga itself isn't all that awful ( if a bit clusterfucky at times ) but the low quality scans of late turned me off from it

The anime is something of a 4kids adaptation on the subject with absolutely no blood and rarely visible wounds being show even after the enemies have been deep fry barbecued several times

The amount of censorship is beyond annoying and the first batch of episodes/chapters are amateur work at best. The author lucked out and with time the series began to shift to be more shonen action oriented, but only at the cost of some seriously ridiculous explanations on past events to create the illusion that this was what the artist intended all along.

You could watch it without scratching your eyes out ( it has its moments ) but with so many better options out there i wouldn't waste my time if i were you

[Ryllharu]

As requested by Archie:

<Arkangel> Hey Ryll, could you make me a list of Anime you find to be a must for any fan
<Arkangel> Also if it's not too much trouble i'd like you to organize them by genresSeinen is the only demographic listed to differentiate the average action/adventure series from ones that deal with more mature or cerebral issues.

Movies are toward the bottom. The list has no order, only grouping similar series.

-------------------------------

Stellvia the Universe (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=630) - space, sci-fi, school, drama, romance, comedy

Planetes (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=895) - space, sci-fi, seinen, realism

Starship Operators (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2745) - sci-fi, military, tactics, realism

Crest of the Stars (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1) and Banner of the Stars (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4) - space opera, sci-fi, military, tactics, elves in space

Galaxy Express 999 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=484) - classic, sci-fi, adventure, action

Nadia: Secret of Blue Water (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=40) - steampunk, adventure, romance

Utawarerumono (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3427) - fantasy, action, military, tragedy

Scrapped Princess (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=640) - fantasy, action, tragedy, adventure

Record of Lodoss War (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=169) - fantasy, adventure, elves not in space

Mai Hime (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1554) - action, comedy, slapstick, love triangles, tragedy

Full Metal Alchemist (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=979) / Full Metal Alchemist Brotherhood (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6107) - action, adventure, steampunk, fantasy, slapstick

Mahoromatic (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=109) (Season 2) (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=201) - comedy, ecchi, sci-fi, daily life, tragedy

Witch Hunter Robin (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=96) or Wolf's Rain (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=449) - sci-fi, fantasy, detectives, seinen

Last Exile (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=581) - steampunk, action, military

Now and Then, Here and There (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=114) - action, fantasy, seinen, tragedy

Kenshin - Tsuiokuhen (Kenshin: Reminiscence) (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=73) - action, historical, romance, tragedy

Samurai Champloo (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1543) - adventure, comedy, historical

Monster (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1539) - thriller, horror, seinen

Neon Genesis Evangelion (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=22) - mecha, sci-fi, seinen, whining

Cowboy Bebop (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=23) and Knocking on Heaven's Door (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=219) - sci-fi, action, adventure

Black Lagoon (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3395) and 2nd Barrage (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4597) - action, seinen

Berserk (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=98) - action, fantasy, tragedy, seinen

Elfen Lied (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1544) - sci-fi, ecchi, horror, tragedy, seinen

Saikano (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=113) - tragedy, romance

Ghost in the Shell [franchise, two timelines]
GitS (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=61) -> Innocence (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=890) /// GitS:SAC (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=247http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=247) -> 2nd Gig (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1176) -> Solid State Society (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4414)
- sci-fi, cyberpunk, action, seinen

Ergo Proxy (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3302) - sci-fi, cyberpunk, seinen

Code Geass S1 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4521) - mecha, action, sci-fi

Trigun (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=53) - action, sci-fi, slapstick

Chrno Crusade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1052) - action, comedy, fantasy, nuns

AirMaster (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=634) - martial arts, streetfights, comedy, ecchi, retro character art, obnoxious side characters

Onegai Teacher (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=16) - romance, school life, sci-fi

Chobits (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=12) - comedy, sci-fi, romance, ecchi

Full Metal Panic Season 1 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=17), Season 2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=959), Season 3 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2710) - action, mecha, military, comedy, slapstick

Great Teacher Onizuka (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=191) - school life, comedy, best teacher of all time

FLCL (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=117) - comedy, parody, sci-fi, slapstick

Azumanga Diaoh (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=106) - school life, comedy, slapstick

Golden Boy (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=355) - ecchi, comedy, ecchi, very ecchi

Excel Saga (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=25) - comedy, parody, slapstick, weird

Pani Poni Dash! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3298) - comedy, parody, slapstick, school life, SHAFT before they were cool

School Rumble (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2165), OVAs (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3643), and Ni Gakki (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4222) - comedy, romance, school life, slapstick, love triangles

Hunter x Hunter (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=132) - action, adventure, martial arts

Dragonball (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=231) - action, adventure, comedy, martial arts, slapstick

Bamboo Blade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5356) - sports, comedy, school life, slapstick

Kaleido Star (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=635) - sports, comedy, slapstick

Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4575) or Gunbuster (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=185) - GAR, mecha, action, sci-fi

School Days (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5117) - love triangles, school life, seinen

Nanoha (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2430) or Sailor Moon (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=235) or Cardcaptors (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=102) - action, obligatory magical girl series

AIR (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2002) or Clannad (and After)** (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5101) - comedy, romance, tragedy

Honey and Clover (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2835) - comedy, love triangles, romance, slapstick

Kare Kano (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=199) (His and Her Circumstances) - romance, school life, comedy

Kimi ga Nozomu Eien (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=896) - romance, tragedy, daily life, soap opera

Paradise Kiss (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3145) - romance, daily life, eccentric characters

Hana Yori Dango (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=387) - romance, school life, hardcore shoujo

Aishiteruze Baby (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1648) - daily life, romance, coming of age, kokoro

Bokura ga Ita (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4441) - romance, love triangle, school life, realism

(1) CLAMP series
(Can be fulfilled by Chobits or Cardcaptors above)
xxxHolic (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4032), Tsubasa Chronicles (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2733), Angelic Layer (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=170), Kobato (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6258)

(1) Makoto Shinkai film
Voices of a Distant Star (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=104), The Place Promised in Our Early Days (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=469), Byousoku 5 Centimeter (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4568)

Only Yesterday (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=333) - daily life, coming of age retrospectively

(2) Miyazaki Films
Filmography, choose two (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hayao_Miyazaki#Filmography)
Recommend: Castle in the Sky, Nausicaä, Kiki's Delivery Service, or Princess Mononoke

(1) Satoshi Kon film
Perfect Blue (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=154), Millennium Actress (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=570), or Paprika (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4191) - thriller, seinen, mindf**k

Summer Wars (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6249) - comedy, sci-fi, family


General knowledge of the story (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Dog_of_Flanders#Plot_summary) to A Dog of Flanders (do not have to watch the anime or movie)

[shinta|hikari]

Allow me to add some as well:

Baccano (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7492) - action, adventure, comedy, fantasy, horror, Absolutely stylish

Ef - a tale of memories (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=8192) - romance, drama, Best directed Shaft work

Eve no Jikan (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=7998) - science fiction, must see for amazing direction

Hare+Guu (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1140) - Best weird comedy, WTF humour

Rahxephon (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=849) - action, drama, mystery, psychological, romance, science fiction, a more coherent Evangelion

Basilisk (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4318) - action, drama, fantasy, romance, supernatural, THE ninja anime

Kino's Journey (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1965) or Mushishi (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=5923) - adventure, drama, psychological, philosophical, best episodic shows

[MFauli]

okay, i dont have a particular anime in mind, I just want to ask: Does somebody know an anime show, where for the whole show the character thinks that a certain common knowledge is wrong, BUT everybody else believes HE is wrong. All the people keep calling the main character a weirdo, a mistfit, a "good for nothing", a "failure for our society"...but in the end, the main character "wins", he is given right by whatever developed revelation.

I cant think of such shows right now...for small parts, Chaos Head or even Neon Genesis Evangelion are like that, but isnt there something even more like what i just described above? Preferably nothing completely fantasy-like, nge-levels of realism are fine.

thx

[shinta|hikari]

Scrapped Princess?

Kaze no Stigma fits somewhat, because the main character's goal is rejected by almost everyone in the show.

[Buffalobiian]

I'm trying to find the name of an anime I watched when I was a kid. As I saw it in Cantonese, I don't have a clue what anybody's called. The following description is more like scattered thoughts and memories more than anything.

--------------------

The story is set in an alternate universe. The protagonist is a boy from a village. He later discovers some sort of flute/wind instrument, which has some sort of connection to a mecha that he pilots. The mecha is some ancient relic from the past and has a dominant grey colour. The cockpit has no controls, and he simply plugs his hands into these black orbs to control it. It's final weapon is a sword, and it is able to command the element of wind.

The mecha is affected by the protagonist's emotions and thoughts. For example, when the protagonist is hungry to the point of affecting his fighting ability, the mech's movement is likewise affected. Despite being a giant mech, it is actually a living thing, and its wounds automatically heal over time.

Later in his jouney he meets some girl with long pink hair. The main rival/antagonist is some boy (the girl's brother I think) who ends up piloting a mecha that's blue/black/red, and has a long red lance as its weapon. Both the antagonist and the girl turn out to have their lives played with by some witch/spirit (the girl's mum was killed by the witch I believe), who is like the story's final boss.

Their journey takes them into space, and from memory, there are various such kinds of mecha (at the very least, there was one with an affinity for fire attacks), and these mecha are some form of demonic devices created by the witch to destroy things or something. The protagonist however is able to use it for good.

In the end, he returns home and hides his mech and the wind-flute that commands it in the cave that he originally finds it so others cannot abuse its powers. He visits it in the end, suggesting that he does so from time to time.

---------------------------------

I really don't know when this was made. I'm guessing anywhere from 6 to 20 years ago.

Thanks in advance for anyone who gives this a try.

[MFauli]

okay, im kinda sick of all the comedy-harem shows that are kind of ecchi, but are full of "Ieeek, hentai!"-moments, meaining, everytime something starts becoming ecchi, it´s being turned into a pure funny moment, and thats it.

Are there any (comedy-) harem-anime shows that actually feature sex? Preferably not something ridiculous where every girl wants to be fucked by the lead character, but...i dont know...a funnier version of School Days or such, lol.

[Archangel]

okay, im kinda sick of all the comedy-harem shows that are kind of ecchi, but are full of "Ieeek, hentai!"-moments, meaining, everytime something starts becoming ecchi, it´s being turned into a pure funny moment, and thats it.

Are there any (comedy-) harem-anime shows that actually feature sex? Preferably not something ridiculous where every girl wants to be fucked by the lead character, but...i dont know...a funnier version of School Days or such, lol.
That would be called hentai, and i'm pretty sure it isn't allowed in these forums

[Pandadice]

okay, im kinda sick of all the comedy-harem shows that are kind of ecchi, but are full of "Ieeek, hentai!"-moments, meaining, everytime something starts becoming ecchi, it´s being turned into a pure funny moment, and thats it.

Are there any (comedy-) harem-anime shows that actually feature sex? Preferably not something ridiculous where every girl wants to be fucked by the lead character, but...i dont know...a funnier version of School Days or such, lol.

awman, that was the reason I watched School Days. Because I wanted a harem romance where the people actually did stuff. (Which is what, living in the US, I'd consider a "realistic modern high school romance". that's what I saw School Days as. until the ending, lol)

mmm I dunno about any harem comedies like that though... I think usually if it's serious enough for the people to be screwing each other then its a drama (like Ef). The friend in Onegai Sensei got laid, but I don't recall if the main guy ever got any...

The Green Green series does have that (i believe it was) 13th hentai episode (Erolutions or something like that). Where it's the characters, having sex with each other.

I guess sex and comedy just don't mix :\. or it's just easier to make a joke out of an awkward sexual situation... But I am getting pretty tired of the violent retribution for accidental infringement that we see so much of :\.

[MFauli]

okay, im starving due to the lack of great, masterful anime adventures, so please, someone recommend me something along the lines of Bokurano, Noein, NaruTaru or that anime with the kids and their cyber-glasses, forgot the name.

Is there anything like that? some masterpiece I overlooked so far? I hope so :(

[animus]

You're looking for masterful anime, when just a few days ago you were looking for harem anime with sex in it?

Anyways... That anime you're talking about with the cyber glasses is Dennou Coil. And along the lines of those three you mention, you want seinen tragic anime? I have no idea, besides maybe Saikano?

[MFauli]

Tragic or not, I want something weird but likable. Preferably in the realms of scifi.

[Pandadice]

Saikano sounds like a good recommendation.

how about Earth Maiden Arjuna, Alien Nine, Xam'd Lost Memories and Now and Then Here and There?

[Ryllharu]

[ edit ]
Damn, I took too long, but I completely second Alien Nine, and Now and Then, Here and There from Pandadice. I haven't seen the other two (but I have heard of them).
[ /edit ]

Putting the more mainstream titles aside for a second:

Real Drive (RD Sennou Chousashitsu) - Cyberpunk dealing with the environment, nanotech, virtual reality, androids, cyborgs, and a healthy dose of metaphysics. It's a bit more toward present day tech than Ghost in the Shell, and it is also written by Masamune Shirow. It's very much the sci-fi extension of a constantly-connected society. Moreover, there is an interesting catch of the main heroine not having a cyberbrain, where nearly all her peers do. The episodes are a nice mix of stand alone, exploratory or comedy relief episodes and intermingled well with the overarching plot episodes. Perfect coming off Dennou Coil, because they both have similar themes and a detective series framework.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5538)

Planetes - Space garbage collectors. While this isn't nearly as obscure as Real Drive became, as a somewhat older series, it may not always get the attention it earned. This is one of the best near-future space series I've watched. Slice of life most of the time, it has a very realistic view of space development and exploration, as well as a great awareness of all the very real hazards for humanity. Any anime sci-fi fan would consider this one of the masterpieces of the genre.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=895)

ARIA - Yes, I am throwing in ARIA here. You will either love or hate this series, unequivocally. What makes ARIA special is that while on the surface it is simply a slice of life series about girls piloting tour gondolas, there is a lot of sci-fi undertones that often go unnoticed, even by fans of the series. There is a great deal of technology and history behind the terraforming of the planet once known as Mars into a water paradise. The series also has a rather informative idealized version of Venice. It is worth the try.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2659)

Starship Operators - This is another one of my favorite space anime series. This series perhaps features the highest level of actual and realistic strategy in anime that I've had the pleasure of watching. Battles operate like 19th Century Naval battles. They can take days of maneuvering, but often end in a single shot. Strategy both martial and political take absolute precedence here in a battle of graduating trainees fighting a war of liberation, by funding their war through exclusive television coverage and political under the table deals.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2745)


Returning to the more mainstream or better known titles:

Crest of the Stars / Banner of the Stars - Largely considered one of the "masterpieces" of anime. It is a political epic in space. I haven't finished it myself, so I can't elaborate as well as I should.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2745)

Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex - I prefer the universe of the series to the films myself, but if you haven't seen both of the two GiTS universes, you really should. They are one of the pillars of sci-fi anime as well as cyberpunk in general. The series just gives you more of it, expands on the side characters, and has an excellent mix of action episodes, detective episodes, and less serious episodes.

Ergo Proxy - You've probably already heard of this one. Weird and sci-fi sure fit the bill here.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3302)

RahXephon - Like a really weird, music-centric Evangelion.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=14)

Kurau Phantom Memory - Sci-fi in general and superpowers founded in sci-fi science.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1810)

Hyper Police - I might not call it a "masterful" series, but it is very enjoyable. A detective/bounty hunter series taking place on a somewhat post-apocalyptic world where humans are endangered and monsters and beastmen intermingle with them. It is a fun series worth giving a try. Certainly one that has a retro feel by today's standards, but it was 1997.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=417)

Mahoromatic - The most prominent combat android turned maid series. Fun, but with plenty of depressing undertones at the conclusion of each episode. You may have missed it in your viewings, and it is certainly one you would want to check out.
AniDB (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=109)


I think that about does it, but Real Drive is probably your best bet.

[MFauli]

Thx you two, will give Alien 9 and Real Drive a try.

Have already seen NaT,HaT , Planetes and half of Ergo Proxy.

[The Heretic Azazel]

I need a new series. I'm not particularly fond of the comedy/ecchi/harem/slice of life series but if they have good animation and a good story/fights (Railgun) then I enjoy them. I like gore with a good story (Elfen Lied, Shigurui, Basilisk) and I also really enjoy "realistic" anime with very tragic circumstances (Tokyo Magnitude 8.0, Grave of the Fireflies)

Fate/Stay Night, Claymore, Casshern Sins and Berserk are among my all time favorites.

[Buffalobiian]

Gore, good story, realism and tragedy?

I'd say this season's RAINBOW Nisha Rokubou no Shichinin (http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php?t=18360) pretty much fill that slot.

It's more like realistic depiction of violence than gore, so I'm sure when/if bloody scenes show up, I'm sure the blood will be in realistic quantities. At this point, "tragedy" may be a bit strong a word, but it's certainly a bit depressing, and rather dramatic.

I'd tell anyone to give this a go actually, but I think it fits your requirements rather well.

[The Heretic Azazel]

Thanks Bill.. I'll get on that when I'm done with Eden of the East, which doesn't really fit into my description but it is a pleasant little series. Your suggestion looks right up my alley though.

So does no one else have interest in violent or realistic/tragic anime? WHERE ARE YOU RYLL??

[Yukimura]

If you don't mind tragedy mixed with romance you might try Saikano. I was recently made aware of it (I think by Ryllharu actually) and am planing to give it a try as it was recommended because it's supposedly to be emotionally powerful and dark.

EDIT @ BELOW: I think Ark has a point, if White Album seemed to be shaping up into a fairly realistic, or at least more serious romantic drama from the 3 episodes I saw.

Another show in a similar but not as serious seeming vein would be Kimi ga Nozomu Eien. It's somewhat tragic in that all the characters suffer psychological scaring of some sort at multiple points and there is a lot more serious consideration given to the kinda of hard choices that are often played for laughs in harem shows.

[Archangel]

I'm not sure because i never watched it myself but white album might possibly fill your requirements as well

[Ryllharu]

White Album does not fit. It watched all of it. It is all angst and no tragedy.


Realism and tragedy are honestly pretty rare when combined. The vast majority of the good tragedies have a lot of supernatural elements to them. The larger problem is that revealing that the series is a tragedy would be a massive spoiler (I will not include the two or three series that that would be, and you've most likely seen them anyway).

ef - a tale of memories (not supernatural)

ef - a tale of melodies (supernatural)

Chrno Crusade (supernatural, but violent)

Ga-Rei: Zero (supernatural and very violent, get the dvd versions)

Higurashi (violent, sort of realistic, occasionally tragic)

NANA (tragedy, realistic, series primarily written for a female audience)

RahXephon (heavy sci-fi first, tragedy second)

Saikano (as mentioned above. It is a tragedy first, and a heavy sc-fi romance right behind)

Shigofumi (supernatural)

Solty Rei (tragedy of a sort, but deeply set in sci-fi)

AIR (highly supernatural)


Bokura ga Ita (also a has some tragic elements to it, but it is primarily an angsty romance series)

Kimi ga Nozomu Eien (exactly the same as Bokura ga Ita, romance with more angst than tragedy)

[DDBen]

Thanks Bill.. I'll get on that when I'm done with Eden of the East, which doesn't really fit into my description but it is a pleasant little series. Your suggestion looks right up my alley though.

So does no one else have interest in violent or realistic/tragic anime? WHERE ARE YOU RYLL??

Based on this I'd recommend Shikabane Hime Aka followed by Shikabane Hime Kuro.

There pretty tragic but not overly realistic as its based on a supernatural concept where a priest uses a dead girl bound to him in order to kill other dead people who have died but been unable to rest thus turning into monsters due to a regret they hold from life.

I'd directly recommend against Saikano though. I watched it based on some recommendations in here and I found it very hard to finish the series as it dragged and was WAY over melodramatic. Still its somewhat along the lines of what you asked for its just a real slog to watch with overall very little action and instead the focus being directly on the melodrama of the people involved.

[MFauli]

Okay, recommendation needed.

Im looking for anime with teenage boys/young men as lead characters, that are socially incompetent and feel left out, but then suddenly somehow get into bigger happenings. Examples from the top of my head would be Chaos Head or Welcome to the NHK. Anything else like that?

[Archangel]

Okay, recommendation needed.

Im looking for anime with teenage boys/young men as lead characters, that are socially incompetent and feel left out, but then suddenly somehow get into bigger happenings. Examples from the top of my head would be Chaos Head or Welcome to the NHK. Anything else like that?
Wait a season for The World that God only Knows

[MFauli]

Wait a season for The World that God only Knows

haha, okay, thx, that sounds awesome.

But I was actually looking for less comedic shows ;)

[Ryllharu]

Im looking for anime with teenage boys/young men as lead characters, that are socially incompetent and feel left out, but then suddenly somehow get into bigger happenings. Examples from the top of my head would be Chaos Head or Welcome to the NHK. Anything else like that?
Now and Then, Here and There

Sora no Otoshimono (there is lots of humor, but the undertones are pretty serious, especially when you get into the upcoming second season)

Eureka 7

Peacemaker Kurogane

Le Chevalier D'Eon

Black Lagoon

Busou Renkin

Elfen Lied

Kono Minikuku mo Utsukushii Sekai

Last Exile

Outlaw Star

Neon Genesis Evangelion

Saber Marionette J (humor at the beginning, none toward the end)

Solty Rei (old guy)

Summer Wars (movie)

Venus Wars (movie)

These will probably fit the bill. The concept you want has more prevalence in manga I think.

Series I am less sure about (because I haven't seen them):

Fantastic Children

[Archangel]

Lol i fucking fail at this, i couldn't even think of Evangelion...

[shinta|hikari]

What makes matching this challenging is the vague nature of the main character. Socially incompetent and feeling left out can be defined very broadly. Here are some possibilities:

11eyes - seems like the protagonist only has 1 friend so...
Aquarion - protagonist behaves like an animal placed in a new environment
Crest of the Stars - protagonist definitely feels left out due to certain circumstances in the beginning
BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad - Loser joins a band
Dual! Parallel Trouble Adventure - Loser gets a mecha
Kaiji - guy in debt gets trapped in a life or death game
Kiba - Emo loner goes to a new world
Linebarrels of Iron - Bullied kid gets superpowers
Natsume Yūjin-Chō - Feels dislike towards humans because of special ability
Over Drive - Loser finds talent in a sport
Pandora Hearts - protagonist with mysterious past that makes him distant from other people
Princess Resurrection - Loser meets his princess
Pumpkin Scissors - Relic of war period in times of peace
Texhnolyze - Socially inept guy gradually getting involved in larger things

[Ryllharu]

Aquarion - protagonist behaves like an animal placed in a new environment
Crest of the Stars - protagonist definitely feels left out due to certain circumstances in the beginning
BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad - Loser joins a band
Pumpkin Scissors - Relic of war period in times of peace
I can't comment on the others because I haven't seen them to verify, but Aquarion, he's already pretty special in the first place, same for Pumpkin Scissors. Those don't really fit what MFauli was looking for, a protagonist thrust into extraordinary circumstances coming from humble or an outsider's place in the world. Being special to begin with, the world gets drawn to them, or they get dragged back into it.

Crest of the Stars isn't truly about Jinto, so that isn't a great fit either. He's just kind of scenery.

As for Beck, I wouldn't really call him a loser. He just doesn't have any idea what he wants to do with himself. I suppose in one respect that would fit the request, but in another, he's just drawn from his normal hum-drum life into the life of a guy in a band. I wouldn't categorize it as being pulled into "bigger happenings," just different ones. A lot of the stuff they do is pretty run of the mill.

[shinta|hikari]

I thought that as long as they were socially incompetent and feeling left out it would suffice. If these are the only conditions, being special should not disqualify them. In fact, it is more likely for special people to be unable to blend in. If he said that they had to be normal, then you would be right.

Also, even if they are drawn back to it, or if they draw the world to them (which was what happened in Chaos Head, one of his examples), it would not change the fact that they "somehow get into bigger happenings".

Crest of the Stars is about Jinto and Lamhirh. Jinto is not "scenery" at all. It is the interaction and development between those two that make up the show.

As for Beck, I guess it depends on one's definition of "bigger happenings". I simply thought going into a band, meeting and playing/singing with rock stars, and touring is a lot bigger than being a normal kid in high school.

Like I said in my post, the vagueness of the request allows for a lot of leg room in choosing recommendations. We just interpreted it differently.

[Pandadice]

RahXephon fits I think.

[KrayZ33]

As for Beck, I guess it depends on one's definition of "bigger happenings". I simply thought going into a band, meeting and playing/singing with rock stars, and touring is a lot bigger than being a normal kid in high school

especially since he becomes such a great singer and guitar player that he draws thousands of fans to the stage...

[Ryllharu]

I thought that as long as they were socially incompetent and feeling left out it would suffice. If these are the only conditions, being special should not disqualify them. In fact, it is more likely for special people to be unable to blend in. If he said that they had to be normal, then you would be right.I'll concede to this point.

Keep in mind that there is an implied negative tone to the request (primarily because it is MFauli and secondly because of the request to avoid humorous series). A male lead was specified, requiring more thought to the request than it appears. The ideal would be a variety of shoujo series (X TV, Ayashi no Ceres, Fushigi Yugi, etc).

But Pumpkin Scissors and Aquarion still don't fit. Orlando isn't the main character of Pumpkin Scissors, Alice is. She is the one dragged into things over her head (or walking right into them). Aquarion has the same problem. Apollo doesn't have any character development, the rest of the cast does, mostly Silvia. Also, when you get down to it, Aquarion just isn't that good of a series, it's just generic.

Beck is upbeat (before you argue, the anime is).

Jinto does nothing in the first series. He is dragged along like a sad puppy. He is very much scenery. He contributes nothing, his opinion means little, and the interaction of trying to understand each other doesn't mean "bigger happenings" as far as he is concerned. He is tangentially involved at best. Lafiel is the star of that series, violating the male lead specification of the request. So Crest of the Stars still doesn't work. Banner...maybe.


Pandadice is right, RahXephon fits. If I included Evangelion I should have included RahXephon as well. I should be ashamed I forgot it.

[shinta|hikari]

I didn't really consider the implied negative tone or that all the events have to revolve around the "main character". If you say that the conditions include those, then you are correct about Pumpkin scissors and Beck. I agree that Aquarion is a generic series anyway, so I won't even think about it anymore.

About Crest of the Stars, Jinto is definitely an integral character. Without him, Lamhirh would have died numerous times, and his opinion and presence does matter, since a lot of the plot events involve him (especially when they got to solid ground). Still, if you say that the series has to be mostly about the male character alone, then you would be correct in excluding this. This is about the relationship between Jinto and Lamhirh after all.

[animus]

I finished watching through all of the Crest/Banner of the Stars series. Jinto is definitely scenery in Crest and the first Banner of the Stars. Banner of the Stars 2 and 3, not so much as those arcs were pretty much dedicated to him. Sure there would be grave situations for Lafiel without him, but when watching Crest and the first Banner you really get the feeling of "Yeah, this is Lafiel's story, Jinto's just along for the ride".


That aside, looking for a recommendation of my own. I was over at my friend's place the other day and he was watching the Seirei no Moribito and it got me thinking about wanting a series similar to the relationship that Balsa and Chagum had. I doubt something like it exists besides maybe Scrapped Princess (which I've watched and even then, hardly qualifies), and Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

So yeah, I'm looking for a series where the younger male character is led/nurtured by either an older sister (or non-related equivalent) or a person taking over the maternal role.

[MFauli]

Well, I definitely meant to mean a series with a rather miserable main character, hence negativity. Which is why I thought of Chaos Head and NHK as examples, both series where the main character is in a most miserable state, and suddenly, he´s drawn into a world he doesnt really fit into. So, Im not looking for series with a typical hero, nor does the main character necessarily need to turn into one in the process. If RaxEphon really is like NGE, I might want to give that a try. Tough it really doesnt have to feature fantasy or scifi, again, see NHK. Maybe Kaiji would also fit.

[shinta|hikari]

If you like miserable, then Kaiji is a great choice. Rahxephon isn't because the main character there fits in quite well, has friends and people like him. He also has many hero qualities.

Texhnolyze should also work quite well. I suggest you try those two first.

[The Heretic Azazel]

That aside, looking for a recommendation of my own. I was over at my friend's place the other day and he was watching the Seirei no Moribito and it got me thinking about wanting a series similar to the relationship that Balsa and Chagum had. I doubt something like it exists besides maybe Scrapped Princess (which I've watched and even then, hardly qualifies), and Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

So yeah, I'm looking for a series where the younger male character is led/nurtured by either an older sister (or non-related equivalent) or a person taking over the maternal role.

Check out Michiko to Hatchin. Great series.

[Ryllharu]

That aside, looking for a recommendation of my own. I was over at my friend's place the other day and he was watching the Seirei no Moribito and it got me thinking about wanting a series similar to the relationship that Balsa and Chagum had. I doubt something like it exists besides maybe Scrapped Princess (which I've watched and even then, hardly qualifies), and Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

So yeah, I'm looking for a series where the younger male character is led/nurtured by either an older sister (or non-related equivalent) or a person taking over the maternal role.
I second Michiko to Hatchin. Not the exact relationship you were looking for (younger girl and woman in a "big sister" role), but the mood you're looking for is right there.

Aishiteru ze Baby is another, but with the same issue. Swapped, young girl and older boy.

Daughter of Twenty Faces, but again, swapped.

The younger girl and older brother element with the same feeling is very common, but the reverse is pretty rare. This is a tough one indeed...aside from a childhood neighbor thing, but that is usually just a side character sort of thing in an ecchi series.

Mahoro...kind of works, in the same way that it doesn't really. She acts like she is older anyway.

In a way, I guess you could say parts of Full Metal Panic are sort of like that. Melissa Mao is very much a big sister to Sousuke.

FLCL fits nicely now that I think about it. Naota more or less has two of them.

Galaxy Express 999 for sure.


Hmm...that's all I've got.

[animus]

Thanks. Now I pose another question. I'm contemplating watching the older Gundam series. I've watched Gundam G, Gundam X, Gundam Wing, Gundam Seed + Destiny, and Gundam 00 both seasons.

Are any of the older Gundams worth watching? I've seen a bit of Turn-A Gundam but there was too little action to keep my interest. Just needed some opinions, since I just watched Gundam Unicorn's 1st ep, and it seems like it's along the timeline of the older series, just wanted to know.

Have to pose the same question with Macross also. I've only watched Frontier.

[shinta|hikari]

If you want action, watch Victory Gundam. Tons of fights with little substance or story. I suggest you stick with Turn-A, since it has one of the best endings in the Gundam franchise.

Gundam: 8th MS team is also very good, and has a sense of realism in the battles. 0083 Stardust memory has really cool mecha designs, especially the GP03.

[Buffalobiian]

Thanks. Now I pose another question. I'm contemplating watching the older Gundam series. I've watched Gundam G, Gundam X, Gundam Wing, Gundam Seed + Destiny, and Gundam 00 both seasons.

Are any of the older Gundams worth watching? I've seen a bit of Turn-A Gundam but there was too little action to keep my interest. Just needed some opinions, since I just watched Gundam Unicorn's 1st ep, and it seems like it's along the timeline of the older series, just wanted to know.

Have to pose the same question with Macross also. I've only watched Frontier.

I watched Macross around a month ago, and saw Frontier whenever it was out.

Firstly, I certainly didn't regret watching Macross, but don't expect to be blown away by it. After like.. 30 years, its age really does show. Artwork will be inconsistent at times, and some of the lines will appear cheezy.

You may also find it very "unrefreshing", because Frontier borrowed a lot of concepts and ideas from its original counterpart.

There will be a song that will be played over and over, much more frequently than other songs, but it's not as annoying as [Macross Frontier spoiler] Ranka's Vajra song [/end Spoiler]

I'd say give it a go, for reference's sake, but if you can't bear it, it's not that big a deal since you've already seen Macross F. It does have a good ending,

[Ryllharu]

Have to pose the same question with Macross also. I've only watched Frontier.Macross has always appealed to me more than Gundam, I don't know why. Maybe it is the fighter pilot premise rather than privileged yet somehow still incompetent "pilot" that so seems to frequent Gundam (G Gundam being an exception). Or maybe it is the focus on music ever so slightly over models, the fact that a lot of people die and that is because it is an actual war and feels like one, not degenerating into finding as many reasons as possible not to fight (again, G Gundam being an exception). The biggest thing, is Macross is all about exploration.

Unlike, Bill, I think that SDF Macross have aged pretty well all things considered. Sure, it is full of half-assed animation, plenty of repeated frames, and otherwise genuine traits of traditional animation from the early 80s. Putting that aside, the story still stands up really well. A few of the side characters are one-dimensional, but the main cast completely makes up for it. People aren't always amazing pilots from the start, they work their way up. The Macross itself is a complete mess, and there is dissent within all the ranks. It really is a story about two cultures, and the shock that comes with their meeting. Frontier draws a lot from it, as Bill said, but I think it explores rather different concepts while using a lot of the same kinds of scenarios.

Macross 7 you can safely skip. It doesn't add a whole lot, goes a bit too Gundam for me, and you're not really missing out on anything in the subsequently made series, aside from a reference or two.

Macross Zero is fun, and they referenced it a lot in Frontier (mostly due to Sheryl). I don't think it stands up to SDF-1, but it is worth the watch being as short as it is.

My hands-down favorite is still Plus. It takes place before Macross 7, but after mankind has begun to spread. It doesn't get too heavy into the Zentradi-Humanity integration, so you can watch it before SDF-1 if you like (as I did). It's all about test pilots and brash, clashing personalities. It has an excellent dedication (that still brings a tear to my eye every so often) as well. It's got good animation being an OVA, the characters are very believable, and Eden is a very fleshed out world, that in many ways is a frontier of its own. I cannot recommend Macross Plus enough if you've liked another Macross series.

[Buffalobiian]

Unlike, Bill, I think that SDF Macross have aged pretty well all things considered. Sure, it is full of half-assed animation, plenty of repeated frames, and otherwise genuine traits of traditional animation from the early 80s. Putting that aside, the story still stands up really well. A few of the side characters are one-dimensional, but the main cast completely makes up for it. People aren't always amazing pilots from the start, they work their way up. The Macross itself is a complete mess, and there is dissent within all the ranks. It really is a story about two cultures, and the shock that comes with their meeting. Frontier draws a lot from it, as Bill said, but I think it explores rather different concepts while using a lot of the same kinds of scenarios.

I greatly enjoy the themes explored in SDF Macross too. It goes deeper than the more superficial (or perhaps just contemporary and used) concepts in Frontier.

[shinta|hikari]

I would second Macross Plus. That was probably the best Macross I have watched. I prefer it to Frontier because that ended in a half assed way. The movies may change my mind.

Zero had better artwork, but due to its length was less developed. It is still a decent watch though.

[Ryllharu]

I would second Macross Plus. That was probably the best Macross I have watched.

Zero had better artwork, but due to its length was less developed. It is still a decent watch though.Eh?

Macross Zero is five, 30 minute episodes. Macross Plus is four, 36-39 minute episodes. They are 157 and 148 total minutes respectively.

[shinta|hikari]

I forgot about the specific length, but I guess that just proves how good Macross Plus was. It felt that a lot more happened (even if it was shorter) especially in terms of character development.

[DDBen]

Some Gundam series

Gundam V(ictory): Is a pretty decent series but be warned I think its got the youngest main character of any of them he's like 12. Also Its the kind of series where everyone dies. It has its goofy moments like sending woman in bikini's after gundams armed with bazooka's and other such absurd things. So if that seems like it would appeal to you go for it.

Zeta Gundam: For me this series has aged pretty bad and the overall series was somewhat weak. Still it wasn't unwatchable by any means and to be fair I watched it without having ever seen the entirety of Mobile Suit Gundam so maybe that would add something.

Double Zeta Gundam: I actually HATED this one it was just outright retarded in a way that wasn't even funny for me. It was a absolute choir to watch a lot of the episodes of ZZ so I'd recommend avoiding this one.

Turn A Gundam: I've had this one forever and I've never made it past episode 1. The art style is so different then any other Gundam I've just never found myself able to get into it. Your experiences may differ.

Macross

SDF Macross: I would highly recommend watching this. I feel the story has held up quite well and the pace is pretty good overall. Its 36 episodes and I would recommend watching the Japanese version instead of the Robotech one.

Mospedia: This is the third series in Robotech called "New Generation" but it was the second one made in order of production. They simply felt for some reason Southern Cross fit better second. Anyway there is very little difference in this one between the Japanese and the Robotech version of this one. Overall its not a bad watch so I'd also recommend this one.

Southern Cross: aka The Masters in Robotech. This is easily the weakest of the bunch for me and really you don't miss much missing it. The Main character is one of Max/Miria's kids which are used for a lot of characters overall in the franchise.

Macross II: is a alternate continuity and isn't required watching for anything.

Macross Do you remember Love: Is a movie for the first series that is being made during the orignal SDF Macross. Overall it has very good animation for the time and basically gives you a alternate ending to the original series. Its worth watching as its really not that long.

Macross 7: This is the most controversial and easily the longest series in all of Macross.
You have to go into this knowing its a comedy and not ment to be SUPER serious like a lot of others in the series. However the music for this series is some of the best its a lot more rock with the only male singer you will find in any of the series. So if a guy running into the middle of a war and singing at people to make them stop fighting appeals to you the I'd certainly check it out. Note though you will have to give it a good 10 episodes. Note all of Ozuma's attack patterns in Macross frontier are songs from Macross 7 aka Planet dance and so on.

In the end I feel I've enjoyed Macross series overall more then Gundam ones. They have a timeline and all relate pretty directly to each other. While Gundams are really all over the place with the largest amount of them in the Universal century. Both clearly steal things from each others back and fourth.

As for all the OVA's and movies instead of the series. Really none of those are much of a commitment watch them as you feel like it but I tend to prefer series in both cases.

[Sapphire]

I need help picking out an anime for my older brother. If anyone can discern some sort of pattern from these preferences:

Likes:
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Claymore
Samurai Champloo
Kenshin

Dislikes:
Soul Eater (he said it's like pokemon)

Would not watch Durarara, Sousei no Aquarion, Kekkaishi (did not sound appealing?)

Outgrew:
Naruto
Bleach

He likes FMA:B because of the "action, story, lots of fighting, and imagination... makes you think.. rather, you can tell they've put alot of thought into things".

All the suggestions you guys supply would help!

[animus]

Hm... that's rather hard to discern.

Just some random ones that might fit:

Seirei no Moribito - Decent amount of action, great fantasy and story. Lots of detail, and you can tell there was a lot of love put into the series.

Chrno Crusade - Good action, dark contemporary fantasy, etc. Though he might not like the demons and tragic love story stuff.

Hellsing - Vampires, gory, lots of action, and one badass main character.



Just off the top of my head, but can't really discern much common ground between those series. Since he outgrew Naruto and Bleach, does he not watch One Piece? If not he should, but shrug.

He said he liked Claymore, so I thought I'd recommend Berserk. But the anime pales in comparison to the manga, in length and in quality.

[Ryllharu]

I need help picking out an anime for my older brother. If anyone can discern some sort of pattern from these preferences:

Likes: Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Claymore, Samurai Champloo, Kenshin

Would not watch Durarara, Sousei no Aquarion (did not sound appealing?)

He likes FMA:B because of the "action, story, lots of fighting, and imagination... makes you think.. rather, you can tell they've put alot of thought into things".
Before I get to any other suggestions, I'm going to flat-out suggest Baccano (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4897). Why? Because my attitude towards Baccano was the very same for his reasoning behind not watching Durarara. It (at the time) did not sound appealing to me. I was unmistakably wrong, and I'm proud to admit it.

Furthermore, Bacanno and FMA both have a lot in similar in terms of setting and environment. Both are period pieces in an alternate 1910-1920s. Both have that deep overarching story that forces you to think (due to Baccano's jumping around). You have to piece everything together in Baccano to get the whole story. Little is ever explicitly told to you, even up near the finale.

So I say try for Baccano, and if need be, highly "encourage" he watches at least two episodes.

Toward that end, Allison to Lillia (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5569) might work as well, but it is a bit on the slower side. I second animus' excellent suggestion of Chrno Crusade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1052).

Also of similar style, I recommend the two Miyazaki films, Castle in the Sky (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=331) and Howl's Moving Castle (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1218). Both have a good deal of action compared to the rest of his movies, and are set in a industrial revolution time period. Castle in the Sky is also my favorite of his films.

Berserk (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=98) for sure. It's both a sword fighting period piece, western stylized, and full of both action and plenty of intrigue. Plus the dub kicks ass, another plus.

For more samurai stuff, Basilisk (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2436) should probably fit the bill, thought it is a bit more grotesque than even Berserk at times. I second animus' suggestion of Moribito as well.

Le Chevalier D`Eon (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4396), might not have the level of action he's looking for, but the intrigue and thought required for this series is way up there for this kind of period series.

For high-fantasy (as mentioned on IRC), Record of the Lodoss War (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=169). It's a bit old now.

[shinta|hikari]

I think the common ground is the fact that those shows are the not-so-stupid shounen shows available. He probably likes shounen action with a bit of seinen themes/characters/situations.

He probably dislikes Soul Eater because of the wacky art and designs, so it is safe to assume he likes cool-looking characters.

Berserk is a good recommendation, I think.

I would recommend:

Afro Samurai (because he liked samurai champloo)
Chrome Shelled Regios
Kaze no Stigma

EDIT:
I absolutely agree with Ryll about Baccano and Durarara! (from the same novel author btw). You have to give it a chance, even if it is not your cup of tea. It is worth it.

[DDBen]

Berserk or Black Lagoon would be my top pics as he clearly likes action shows.

Berserk you can sell as a similar setting to Claymore.

Black Lagoon is just a good action series and if he likes it season 3 comes out in july.

[shinta|hikari]

It comes out in July??? You just made my night.

[DDBen]

It comes out in July??? You just made my night.

well they are previewing the episode at some con and its released 2-3 weeks after that.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/news/2010-05-18/anime-expo-to-host-black-lagoon-creator-3rd-anime-debut

so it airs at the con between July 1-4th and the real release in japan is July 17th.

[The Heretic Azazel]

It comes out in July??? You just made my night.

Me too, it's the best shoot 'em up anime ever.

[MFauli]

Hm, I just wondered...are there any good shows with "young" main characters (young means around 20 plus/minus some years), but a story and setting that are "ruled" by adults?

What I mean is,...I see so many shows, and it´s always young people, and these young people are all such smart asses, such overly confident, reliable guys that act as if they´re the center point of the whole universe. Examples for that would be Durara or Eden of East, or Naruto, but also almost every other anime, too.

One example of what kind of show I´d like to see more of would be Neon Genesis Evangelion, where the main characters are young, but have only limited/realistic say within their world. Or Dennou Coil and Bokurano. Or even Digimon, to name something more popular. So, Im looking for shows where the main characters are "young", but have to bear with the fact that the world doesnt really revolve around them (though, of course, they´re main characters for a reason, haha). Any recommendation?

[Pandadice]

Now and Then, Here and There (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=114) has a little boy lead, with a lot of idealism and energetic yelling, but I think it might fit what you're looking for.

Also maybe Kino's Journey (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=575)?

I'd definitely say Kaiji (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5427) fits.

maybe Beck (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2320)?

[Ryllharu]

In addition to Pandadice's suggestions (not so much for Beck though, a lot of them are still smartasses):

Nadia: The Secret of Blue Water (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=40) - They deal with adult subjects, but are very much controlled by the whims of adults.

Noein (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3512) - kind of. I'm a bit on the fence about this one since the structure of the series resembles Durarara in a number of ways.

I think Daphne in the Brilliant Blue (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1322) has the feel you're looking for. Put the ecchi and the comedy aside, and it is very much about a main cast with a very limited scope to the reality of their world.

Just throwing this one in there for a fun variation on your theme: Jubei-chan (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=76) - She's the center of the anime universe, but she really really doesn't want to be.

Otogizoushi (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1958) - Wherein our period heroes attempt to accomplish a great task to bring peace to Kyoto during a time of suffering and strife. (Be forewarned, second half takes place during modern day, and is a bit duller.)

Higurashi of course. Season 1 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3574), Season 2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4894), and Season 3 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5634)

Correspondingly, Umineko (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6051). Again, children being toyed with by adults or other beings superior to them.

Gantz (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2400) - They might feel like hot shit within their microcosm, but they're doing something without knowing who controls it or even why.

Pumpkin Scissors (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4473) - All adults in this one, but the leads are military who strongly believe that they are doing the right thing (post-war reconstruction liaisons), but are frequently caught up in the politics and infighting of their world. There are some overconfident people, but their motivations come off very human.

edit: I can't believe I forgot this one.
Tegami Bachi - Letter Bee (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6772) - If there ever was a more apt series for what you want, it is this one. Lag has no clue what kind of world he is in. The whole world they are in is depressing when you look at it from our own, and on top of it, there is more despair and a whole lot of conspiracies and things he really has no clue about. Parts of the the series are a bit cheesy, but by the time the series gets to the cliffhanger ending (luckily season 2 is already greenlit) we finally get a glimpse of how in over his head he is. If you can get past the crying in every episode (or at least laugh at it like Buff and I did), it is well worth the watch.


If you have seen any of these and disagree with them, let me know and I will reconfigure.

[MFauli]

If you have seen any of these and disagree with them, let me know and I will reconfigure.

nah, i think you´re spot on. im glad you guys understood what I wanted :D And I´d definitely put Noein into the group of what I meant. This Tegami Batchi, I followed your link and saw the cover art, which made me remember that I saw it once before and the character design put me off. Of what quality, would you say, is that show? That cover art looks rather bland, not to say, "kawaii", which im not a fan of. The story sounds interesting, though.

And I agree, Beck doesnt really look like what I wanted, but I watched ep 1 and I think I´ll watch it anyway ^^

[Ryllharu]

This Tegami Batchi, I followed your link and saw the cover art, which made me remember that I saw it once before and the character design put me off. Of what quality, would you say, is that show? That cover art looks rather bland, not to say, "kawaii", which im not a fan of. The story sounds interesting, though.
The art is stylized a little bit, and the CG of the Gaichuu (giant robot bugs) stands out a bit more than I'd like, but overall, the animation is very much high quality. As I said above, it is a bit cutesy in parts (design and story), and a bit cheesy, but there are much darker undercurrents that are suggested or touched upon when you take a deeper look. Large class conflicts, slavery, depression, etc. All indications put the second season getting deeper into these conflicts.

The art of the two leads is a bit cutesy, but they're largely the only one who look like that. Most of the cast are drawn in realistic proportions. Lag is very short for his age, and Niche is shorter than he is.

[MFauli]

sorry, i dont know where else to ask:

i forgot the title of an anime that i actually like, but didnt watch to the end because I couldnt find any more episodes back then. The story goes something like...well, main character is a little girl, who´s parents/stepparents try to kill her. Her mother is putting poison into her meals. The girl, however, knows that and only eats very little. But nobody is there to help her, so she´s acting as if nothing was happening.
then there´s this group of thieves or whatever with a very charismatic leader. Said leader somehow helps the girl, and the girl later on joins the thieves-group.

That´s what I remember. thx

[Archangel]

Sounds like a Disney movie

[Oniken]

sorry, i dont know where else to ask:

i forgot the title of an anime that i actually like, but didnt watch to the end because I couldnt find any more episodes back then. The story goes something like...well, main character is a little girl, who´s parents/stepparents try to kill her. Her mother is putting poison into her meals. The girl, however, knows that and only eats very little. But nobody is there to help her, so she´s acting as if nothing was happening.
then there´s this group of thieves or whatever with a very charismatic leader. Said leader somehow helps the girl, and the girl later on joins the thieves-group.

That´s what I remember. thx

The Daughter of Twenty Faces / Nijū Mensō no Musume

[MFauli]

The Daughter of Twenty Faces / Nijū Mensō no Musume

ah, thx. I also see, why I didnt find it. I only knew it under "Chiko". thx again

[sizdor]

i have no idea of what show this is i have watched like on or 2 episodes but can not remeber the name it was about demention and time travel and i remeber the enemy was shangrala but can not remember name i know one of the pepoles powers where like black lines or something like that but can not rememer :D

[orion4096]

Was it noein?

[animus]

Sounds like Noein to me.

[Killa-Eyez]

Aside from bad grammar, he's not even asking for any help. Just expecting it...
How rude. :p

Indeed, no idea. Though the above seems right.

[sizdor]

yes thank you i do belive it is noein thank you very much for your help

[aisamo]

Hi all,

I was just wondering if anny 1 knew some cool power-up animes i could watch.
I ofcourse mean animes like : dbz hunterXhunter onepiece bleach and so on

to be shure i DIDNT make a bouble post i searched the general anime forum first but i couldnt find anny thing so here i went asking for otherpeoples help on the internet:p

[MFauli]

Well, if you dont mind sports anime, Prince of Tennis and Eyeshield 21 follow the power-up routine of the ones you mentioned. Other than that...no idea at the moment. If you like powerful fighting, you could give a try to Casshern Sins, though. No power-ups there, though.

[Archangel]

Off the top of my head there's:

D.Gray-Man (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4549) - Action, Adventure, Demons, Magic, Manga, Shounen, Super Power, Tragedy

Yu Yu Hakusho (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=312) - Action, Contemporary Fantasy, Demons, Fantasy, Manga, Martial Arts, Shounen, Super Power

Soul Eater (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5610) - Action, Angst, Dark Fantasy, Demons, Fantasy, Manga, Shounen

[aisamo]

Thanks alot :D
ill try : Casshern Sins and Yu Yu Hakusho, since i have already seen the other ones that where mention, and im not realy into sports animes evin tho i made an exeption for Hajime No Ipo

[Xelbair]

Anyone knows any good series that is similar to Kanon, Ef, Clannad etc?
I've seem to missed many of those.

[enkoujin]

True Tears, Amagami SS, Kimi ni Todoke for starters.

Personally, there aren't that many around with a lot of good drama such as the ones you have listed.

[David75]

Well, maybe "Kimi ga nozomu eien" has been forgotten in that list. It's just a must see in the genre, even if it might not be the best or some can't like it.

Mentionned it, to fit with deeper/darker tones of Ef

[shinta|hikari]

So basically you want a romance with a lot of drama and some tragedy, with some comedy mixed in just because Key works are as hilarious are as they are touching. Here goes... (some of these are downright depressing though)

Honey and Clover I and II
Bokura ga Ita
Bungaku Shoujo movie and OAVs
Chobits
Fruits Basket
Full Moon wo Sagashite
Voices of a Distant Star OAV
AIR
NANA

[Pandadice]

I'd throw in Toradora and 5CM Per Second as well.

[Archangel]

So basically you want a romance with a lot of drama and some tragedy, with some comedy mixed in just because Key works are as hilarious are as they are touching. Here goes... (some of these are downright depressing though)

I'd like to stress this part and suggest Toradora as well

[Ryllharu]

All these good suggestions, and you guys miss Saikano (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=113), and Ai Baby (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1648)?

For shame...

Also:
Shuffle! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2844)
Suzuka (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3203) (yes the title character is a bitch, I don't care, it fits the theme)

- I question the inclusion of Amagami though. It doesn't spend enough time focusing on the characters to get the real depth that puts it in the same class as the other series suggested.

- The Full Moon wo Sagashite anime isn't that well done. Dumbed down and lots of filler. Read the manga.

[Archangel]

- I question the inclusion of Amagami though. It doesn't spend enough time focusing on the characters to get the real depth that puts it in the same class as the other series suggested.
I think the real problem was the main character, he just wasn't interesting. The story and character development were done pretty well in each of the girl's arcs and each of them was fun to watch in their own way.

[shinta|hikari]

All these good suggestions, and you guys miss Saikano (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=113), and Ai Baby (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1648)?


I figured you'd cover anything I missed.

@Arch - I don't think its about Amagami being bad, but just that it doesn't fit the theme as much. Too little serious drama, mainly due to the speed it goes through each arc.

[Ryllharu]

I@Arch - I don't think its about Amagami being bad, but just that it doesn't fit the theme as much. Too little serious drama, mainly due to the speed it goes through each arc.Exactly, there isn't enough time for build-up. Clannad and Kanon both have it, and it is even more pronounced in ef.

That doesn't make Amagami a lesser series, just not one that is in the same class of series that the three in the request are from.

[Xelbair]

Oh I've forgotten about 5cm per second, Toradora and Kimi ni Todoke, I've seen those. I'll dl them asap and see if anything gets close to Ef or Kanon in terms of awesomeness. Thanks guys :D

[MFauli]

dont forget School Days

:D:D:D

[Archangel]

Because what he is looking for is a romance and School Days is just unbridled lust and gore

[KrayZ33]

what about KimiKiss (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SnKHsZFkdC8)

[Xelbair]

If download will go fast I'll have a lot to watch during Xmas break, and i would like another suggestion - I've finished watching Tenjo Tenge - do you know any similar anime? preferably older titles(that is pre 2004).

[Ryllharu]

The fighting side of things (comedy is not a focus, but may be present):
- Airmaster (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=634)
- Grappler Baki (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=453)
- Hunter X Hunter (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=132)
- Flame of Recca (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=571)

The ecchi fighting side of things:
- Ikkitousen (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=618) [franchise] s2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4870), s3 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5749), s4 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7219) (each progressively dumber than the last)
- Queen's Blade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6080) [franchise], Season 2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7442), OVA series (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7442) (Season 2 is the best of the lot)


Comedy martial arts:
- Ranma 1/2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4576) [franchise], "season" 2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=193), various movies (a daunting task to watch it all!)

[shinta|hikari]

Add Yu Yu Hakusho in the fighting list.

Ranma 1/2 is indeed a long watch. I have seen everything except the (entire) main series, but I don't plan to do it anytime soon simply due to its length.

[Buffalobiian]

Is Yosuga no Sora a strong series without the porn?

I dropped it after the Ojou arc after I found it alright, but kinda boring.

[Kraco]

Not really. I'd say it's weaker than Amagami without the porn.

[Munsu]

OK motherfuckers, it's been 2 years since I've watched some anime, what have I missed?

Will be finishing up Toaru Majutsu no Index in the meantime. Let's see if I can get myself motivated to watch some more anime.

[Pandadice]

two years? so we're looking at Winter '09 through fall 2010?

Not sure what you're into, so I'll just recommend whatever. I just picked what I felt were like the best titles, then threw in some that are really popular and considered good (even if I haven't seen them). Then I threw in some other ones (Star Driver) just cause if you were into mecha or something http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8174/shrug.gif

Tatami Galaxy (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7243) - This is the third series from Masaaki Yuasa (director of Mind Game, Kemonozume, Kaiba). It's about this college dude who has a disappointing life. its sort of a groundhog day type situation (only iirc he doesn't remember his alternate lives), where each episode starts with him choosing a different path in college, and then how his life plays out from that. There's a lot more to it than that, and but I won't spoil anything for you. I really enjoyed it, and its definitely my top recommendation. The art style is experimental, much like all of Yuasa's other works.
Hatsukoi Limited (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6323) - This is like a web of high/middle school crushes and romance, with a giant cast of characters. I thought it was well done and enjoyed watching it.
Eden of the East (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6238) - Dude loses his memories and a chick meets him and he has a lot of money, and I'm not sure what to say or what would be a spoiler. Entertaining show, good characters.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6107) - A remake of FMA, following close to the manga. I've only seen the first few eps, but I plan to watch through it at some point.
K-ON (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6257)/s2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7307) - High school girls being cute, the epitome of "moe." It's like Azumanga Daioh or Lucky Star, only with a spice of music/bands.
Denpa Teki na Kanojo (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6322) - murders, psychological, crazy, entertaining. Only two eps in this OVA, but it's worth watching.
Bakemonogatari (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6327) - Boy solves super natural mysteries surrounding a handful of girls. This show isn't really about the supernatural, but rather about the boys relationship with the girls. Lots of talking and random chatter.
Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6441) - Girl and a boy are out when Tokyo is hit with a massive earthquake. The show follows them as they get home.
Kimi ni Todoke (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6466) - rejected outcasted socially awkward chick meets a boy, and the show is about this girl and this boy and their relationship. Really heartwarming shoujo.
Sora no Woto (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6783) - More cute girls being cute, only this one does military in stead of music. a handful of girls are soldiers at an outpost/town.
Durarara (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6671) - I've only seen the first 12 or so of this. It's about kids and other people in Tokyo and gangs and supernatural stuff.
Katanagatari (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6613) - This one is about a girl who gets help from a swordsman who doesn't fight with swords, and their journey to get 12 swords or something.
Angel Beats (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6564) - in the afterlife, high schoolers fight against the system, so as not to be reincarnated or something. comedy, drama, action, comedy, hint of romance. Crazy antics.
Working (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6780) - Haven't seen it, but I've heard it's really good. It's on my to-watch list.. Comedy about people who work at a restaurant or something.
Amagami SS (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7506) - VN dating sim, large cast of girls. I haven't seen this, but you an probably fill in the blank. I hear it's really good, and plan to check it out.
Shiki (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7268) - Don't know much about this, but again, heard it was good, plan to check it out. Just look at the anidb page.
Kuragehime (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7531) - same as above.
Star Driver (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7591) - again, haven't seen. About a boy in a school and he pilots mechs and stuff.
Panty and Stocking with Garterbelt (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7529) - crazy awesome, super crude content, doesn't take anything seriously. Definitely gotta watch it.

yeah.. I haven't watched many '10 titles at all.. But I think that's a pretty good idea of whats new/good/you should check out. (And also a reasonable length)
edit: added some brief descriptions.

[Munsu]

Let's just say anything released in 2009 and 2010 I haven't watched, thanks for those titles, I'll look into them.

[Buffalobiian]

Let's just say anything released in 2009 and 2010 I haven't watched, thanks for those titles, I'll look into them.

The Last Season's Top 3 (http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php?t=17392) thread covers some of GW's most recommended from June 2009 onwards. Pandadice's list matches that pretty well.

The results of late may not represent GW as a whole since fewer have been commenting, but I guess that applies to this general recommendation thread anyway.

[Ryllharu]

In addition to Pandadice's list (I strongly second Denpa Teki na Kanojo, Sora no Woto, Durarara, Kimi ni Todoke, Shiki, and Katanagatari)

Nodame Cantabile: Finale (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7019) - If you were watching Nodame

Eve no Jikan Gekijouban (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7249) - compiling the Eve no Jikan web series about androids with additional scenes.

Tears to Tiara (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5596) - A bit of a disjointed ending in my opinion, but otherwise a solid entry into the fantasy genre. The original work was created by the same company who created Utawarerumono.

Sengoku Basara (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6284) - Highly stylized version of the Warring Countries Era (Nobunaga, Tokugawa Ieyasu). Lots of yelling and over the top.

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6256) - If you liked Noir or Madlax, you'll like this one. If you hated either of those two, this one is much better. Underworld, assassins, etc.

Cross Game (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6424) - I'm pretty sure you read Adachi's manga of this, so here is the anime. It was an excellent adaptation.

Shangri-La (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6267) - Series about a world dominated by a Carbon market with much of the world driven into poverty as aggressive forest growth takes over most of Japan. Class division, market manipulation, and Range Murata's character designs (Last Exile). Not a great series overall, but interesting.

Canaan (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6275) - Terrorists, mild superhuman abilities, really interesting characters and great villains. Strong cast.

Spice and Wolf II (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6169) - If you watched the first, you'll want to see this one. More Middle Age mercantilism!

Summer Wars (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6249) (movie) - Math genius gets invited to a girl's summer home for a reunion, and also in the process gets framed for hacking the world's most popular online game/community.

Nyan Koi! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6428) - One of the stronger entries of the harem genre in recent years, guy gets cursed by a cat statue when he accidently breaks it. He has to help out 100 cats or be turned into one. Well developed characters, great cast, well animatedm and good mix of humor and drama.

Letter Bee (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6772) (Tegami Bachi) - It's hard to really describe quickly, but it is a depressed world where letter carriers (bees) are the only ones who can easily traverse area plagues by monsters. There is definitely a lot more going on than what they tell you in the first season. If you can find humor in the main character crying every episode, it's a strong series.

Those are my suggestions for 2009, I'll cover 2010 later today. I skipped anything Pandadice covered.

[Munsu]

Finished the first series of Index, and the 2nd half was utter crap. Then went and tried the first of Guin Saga... what an annoying episode, but will try the series again later as it seems like we'll get some nice fights in an epic fantasy setting.. but the dialogue was terrible.

Now trying Canaan.

Keep the recs coming.

[Archangel]

Comes to mind as epic shit that came out in the last 2 years:

- Bakemonogatari,

- Katanagatari,

- The Disappearance of Suzumiya Haruhi (movie),

- Cross Game,

- Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood,

- Evangelion: 2.0 You Can (Not) Advance (movie)

- Kimi ni Todoke

As maybes i'd go with:

- Denpa Teki na Kanojo ( fucking awesome, got canceled after 2 OVAs because of Japan's shit taste ),

- Angel Beats ( I loved it, but not for any reasons you would. As a whole it felt rushed )

- Nyan Koi ( it was surprisingly goo no doubt about that, but i don't think i can be objective about it since my expectations were so damn low when i first watched it )

[Ryllharu]

Someone mentioned I missed one of the seasons of 2009, and they were right. So this isn't strictly 2010 animes, just the other half of the list I posted this morning (again skipping anything Pandadice got).

Kaichou wa Maid-sama (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7008) - If you feel the need to watch a romance series, this one is one of the better ones. Average animation but strong cast, pacing was a bit slow at times, but a good non-harem romance entry.

Otome Youkai Zakuro (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7512) - Following that trend, another romance-centric series, but with a bigger focus on coming to an understanding with outcasts or otherwise "undesirable" segments of culture. There is a bit of mystery in the series, very strong cast and characters mixed with good action scenes set in an alternate Meiji Era. Harem free, everyone matches into very complimentary pairs (one set of three).

Giant Killing (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7234) - A slight misfire depending on your expectations, but another sports series, focused on soccer. An underdog series (as most sports series are). I can't speak too much more to this one. From the sound of things, despite its flaws, it was entertaining.

Break Blade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7103) (ongoing OVA/movie series) - Chronicles a small nation being invaded by one of the two larger ones it is caught between, primarily due to resources. The main cast all went to military academy together in a neighboring nation, but are now on various different sides of the conflict. The lead is an aberration in society, he is an "un-sorcerer," one of the absolute few in the world who cannot manipulate quartz that is used in nearly every facet of life. He finds himself at the controls of an ancient mech, similar to the ones used by all of the militaries, but not functional for any sorcerer.

Black Lagoon: Roberta's Blood Trail (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6645) (ongoing OVA series) - Continues the story of Black Lagoon (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3395), as Roberta (the maid) returns to Roanapur.

Bakuman. (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7251) (ongoing) - Details the efforts of an aspiring author and artist pair of mangaka as they strive to get published in Jump (JACK in the series). Strong mix of comedy and manufactured drama, good animation, occasionally slow pacing. Good cast and strong personalities behind each of the characters.

Letter Bee Reverse (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7458) (ongoing) - Sequel to the aforementioned Letter Bee. The series gets more serious in this season, less crying, more conspiracies. It goes without saying that if you didn't like the first season, you don't have to bother with this one, but there is a more cohesive plot this season.

Shinryaku! Ika Musume (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7486) - If you're in the market for something light and stupid, look no further. Each episode is divided into 3 parts so no segment really drags on more than it has to. Squid girl invades seaside town, gets pressed into service at a local surf shack. Hijinks ensue. Various extreme personalities matched with good cast to fill those. Animation is consistent, and matches the tone of the series.

Rideback (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6235) - Motorcycles that transform (stand up for maneuverability, have arms for stabilizing or holding things). A former aspiring dancer enters into college with an early age injury, listless and without direction. By accident she stumbles into a club of rideback enthusiasts, and the story goes from there. Governments and terrorists are involved. Good animation, somewhat forgettable cast, but good characters. Excellent mechanical design.

Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6304) (OVA series) - Another entry in the Tenchi Muyo multiverse, although you certainly don't need to have seen any of those to enjoy this one. Tenchi's half-brother, Kenshi is summoned to a parallel world where bio-mechanical humanoid weapons are used commonly in warfare (dominated by women) between nations. He is of course caught up in the conflict. A very strong entry in the harem, action, and mecha genres. Very strong cast (mix of relative unknowns and veterans), great animation, strong well-developed characters, and a good story to wrap it all in. Not everything is completely explained, but with careful observation one can tell that the world they inhabit is completely thought out.

If you feel like watching full combat magical girl anime and want to compress an entire season into a single, shiningly animated movie, you can watch the first Nanoha movie (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6075), which covers the entire first season of the franchise in about two hours. I'm not sure it is really to your taste, but worth mentioning anyway.

Edit: I forgot. As Arch pointed out, the Evangelion remake movies have been coming out, and they are awesome.

[Archangel]

I second Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari and Bakuman, but the later only in manga format

[Pandadice]

Ooh man, forgot Cencoroll (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4982), only one of the coolest OVAs in recent history. It's only 30 mins long, but definitely worth watching. In fact, I'd say that because it's just 30mins, you don't really have an excuse not to watch it http://img407.imageshack.us/img407/8174/shrug.gif

[shinta|hikari]

Some of the 2009 ones may have aired their 1st seasons in 2008. I am only covering the stuff the others have not mentioned yet (unless I missed it and did a duplicate by accident).

2009
Birdy the Mighty S1 and S2 - Alien police woman gets shares a body with a high school boy due to an accident. Has really good parts when the story turns serious. Great action as well.

Chrome Shelled Regios - Not sure if this is really 2009, but it centers on a guy who transfers to a different city to find a new life after being exiled from his old home. He looks mild and weak, but in reality is absurdly strong. Set in a post apocalyptic world. Has harem elements. Good show for those who love Rurounikenshin and Trigun.

GA Geijutsuka Art Class - Great comedy with an art theme. A funnier Hidamari Sketch. It is still slice of life, but trades relaxation for ROFL moments. I personally loved this one to death.

Hanasakeru Seishounen - Josei series. Has lots of bishounen, but underneath that seemingly shallow exterior lies a good story with good characters. It has political themes and some mystery as well.

Kara no Kyoukai - Must see for anyone who liked Type Moon works. The last few movies came out in 2009, so you should catch up if you haven't seen them.

Kemono no Souja Erin - Fantasy story that focuses on a girl named Erin. Set in a world with powerful beasts used for war. While the story does eventually delve into war and politics, it begins by establishing the characters and the world around them by showing Erin learn how to become a beast player (tamer/caretaker).

Kobato - CLAMP series. Really fluffy, but has a solid and touching story. Episodic at first but eventually concludes the main plot.

Natsu no Arashi! season 1 and 2 - Time traveling and ghosts. Wacky comedy from the author of School Rumble.

Natsume's Book of Friends season 1 and 2 - This is an excellent show about Natsume, who can see spirits. He then finds his grandmother's old book which holds great power since it allows the wielder to control the youkai whose names are contained in it. Natsume is then hunted down by youkai, but this doesn't deter him from staying true to himself and help even those that try to harm him. Touching at times, and quite funny as well.

Ristorante Paradiso - A Josei series about a certain restaurant. The main character finds herself attracted to an old server in a ristorante, and decides to work there. The value of this show is not really the plot (which is still good), but the setting and atmosphere. It really has a calm elegant feel to it.

Spice and Wolf season 1 and 2 - A wolf god in the form of a girl meets a merchant, and they start traveling. Has lots of wit, which is why I love it.

Tatakau Shisho - Set in the world where Librarians are tasked to keep "books", which are a record of a person's life that is delivered to their loved one when they die. Has lots of action, and a pretty good conclusion. I personally didn't like it so much, probably because it is so hard to get attached to any character wince they die left and right.

Umineko no Naku Koro ni - Murder mystery on an isolated island with a supernatural twist. Successor of the Higurashi niche.

2010
Baka to Test to Shōkanjū - Really absurd comedy. This is a must watch because of Hideyoshi.

Bungaku Shoujo movie - Sleeper hit for me. I just recently watched this and I found it absolutely terrific. It seems so lighthearted at first, then turns dark and yandere later on. This is about a guy with a dark past, and a girl who eats stories (literally).

Ookiku Furikabutte season 1 and 2 - Best baseball anime period.

House of Five Leaves - Period piece about a cowardly samurai who gets dragged into a gang. This does not have much action in it. It is more focused on character development, and ends with just that. Gotwoot subbed this, so it is obligatory LOL.

Mitsudomoe - Crazy comedy about elementary school triplets with extreme personalities. The comedy stems from misunderstandings, 90% of which are perverted, with the remaining 10% pretty much hopelessly deviant.

Gundam Unicorn - New gundam OAVs. This is very similar to the original Gundam series with Amuro. The art is of course fantastic, and the story seems pretty solid so far.

Seikimatsu Occult Academy - Another Gotwoot project. The show has a lot of occult references from time travel to out of body experiences to aliens. Still, the show focuses on character development, particularly how the pussy main male character becomes decent enough to tolerate. Maya, the main female character, is more than enough reason to watch this.

[Munsu]

What was the anime that had some dude who is often hallucinating, particularly with a chick from a ero-game. Then there are people being killed, and the dude is getting messages through the internet, and then there are chicks with swords.

[Marik]

What was the anime that had some dude who is often hallucinating, particularly with a chick from a ero-game. Then there are people being killed, and the dude is getting messages through the internet, and then there are chicks with swords.

Sounds like Chaos;Head. (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6088)

[shinta|hikari]

Chaos Head?

EDIT: Didn't notice it was already answered.

[Munsu]

Yep, Chaos Head. That's the one. Watching Durarara!! right now and it's pretty good.

[Munsu]

Wow, you bitches forgot the Fate/stay night movie Unlimited Blade Works.

Can I say fail?

Downloading now the UTW version, unless someone mentions a better fansub... a bit out of touch here.

[Buffalobiian]

Wow, you bitches forgot the Fate/stay night movie Unlimited Blade Works.

Can I say fail?

Downloading now the UTW version, unless someone mentions a better fansub... a bit out of touch here.

I wouldn't recommend it to anybody who's never played the game (even if they've watched the anime) - and then it's not like any words (encouraging or otherwise) would stop game fans from watching the movie anyway.

UTW's fine.

[Archangel]

Wow, you bitches forgot the Fate/stay night movie Unlimited Blade Works.

Can I say fail?

Downloading now the UTW version, unless someone mentions a better fansub... a bit out of touch here.
I'll be waiting for your apology once you've actually watched it

I archived Doki

[Munsu]

Alright, getting the Doki version then.

Any of you have an opinion on the anime Rainbow? That caught my interest.

[Buffalobiian]

Any of you have an opinion on the anime Rainbow? That caught my interest.

Yes. Watch it.

"Moe" is the last word that comes to mind regarding this series, and you'd probably like that. One of the darker and grittier series of 2010. I do laugh at how their "realistic depictions of violence" is anatomically impossible at times, but that's cool.

Go with either FroZen or AFFTW. (FroZen preferable maybe. Can't remember if they finished it though).

[The Heretic Azazel]

Alright, getting the Doki version then.

Any of you have an opinion on the anime Rainbow?

You need to make it your life's mission to watch Rainbow. It is so good at conveying a range of emotions.

[MFauli]

Any quality harem-anime, where the male lead actually takes advantage of the girls admiring him? You know, except School Days.

[Archangel]

Clannad, he marries one of them and does the nasty eventually.

[Ryllharu]

Any quality harem-anime, where the male lead actually takes advantage of the girls admiring him? You know, except School Days.If you mean like actually doing the deed, hentai is the way to go. You're on your own for that.


If you mean not avoiding them at every turn:

Yeah...quality...you'll be lucky to get that at all, and it will be few and far between. I will use labels below.

In Amaenaide yo!! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3168), the lead needs to molest girls to get superpowers, and is usually beaten for it later. [Good animation, meh series]

In Mouse (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=450), his harem help him perform elaborate heists. [Terrible series, few if any redeeming qualities]

In Shuffle! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2844), the lead treats girls properly, doesn't ignore them, and *gasp*, actually picks one! [Quality series, good animation]

In Sora no Otoshimono (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6658), the lead consistently takes advantage of his harem girls all the time for his own perverted musings (never "does the deed" though). Sequel is SnO Forte (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7628). [Strong animation, decent-to-quality series depending on your point of view]

[Idealistic]

So I checked out the first ep of .hack//Quantum and I thought the premise was pretty cool. I've heard of the .hack series since back then but it never really caught my attention. Are the series their own separate stories?? And if so, which ones are the best ones? I've checked out .hack//sign and it's really boring.... Maybe because Tsukasa is a horrible character.

[Xelbair]

If you find .hack//sign boring but find the .hack universe fun - you might like the .hack//roots because it is more dynamic. Also try to give .hack//sign some more time - it it going at lightning fast speed at the end. it's more about character development than action.

[enkoujin]

Never thought I'd use this thread, but I'm looking for must-watch/mainstream anime from 2000 until now. I prefer comedies (romance-comedy are fine too) that are only a season long.

To thin down the list, I've watched most anime from 2006 up until this point.

Thank you in advance!

[Ryllharu]

2000-2005 "must sees" (slight focus on comedies and romantic comedies):

Love Hina (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=35) - Certainly the manga is superior, but a strong anime and an introductory anime to many American fans. [Various specials as well]

FLCL (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=117) - somewhat of a cult hit before becoming a mainstream hit, this is another title that receives widespread acclaim for its distinctive style and direction, cast of veterans and newcomers alike, and just plain strange story.

VanDread (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=177) - Space comedy/harem series. Men and women have been separated (literally on different planets) for centuries. Idiot and two other men end up trapped on a spaceship of female space pirates. Second part (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=178).

Puni Puni Poemi (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=65) Spinoff/sequel/whatever of Excel Saga (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=25) (the true absolute must watch before your cutoff). It's not going to make any sense, it's kind of a Magical Girl Seiyuu series. OVA.

Angelic Layer (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=170) - A doll proxy-battle series, this ultimately heart warming show gets missed often among the other series, and as a CLAMP show, is a relatively easy watch, but covers subtly mature themes.

Galaxy Angel (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=108) - Utterly vapid character-driven series that has no real plot and purpose, but is funny and entertaining. Slapstick, 13-minute episodes. The sequels aren't as good.

Read or Die (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=105) - An absolute must-watch OVA. Lead possesses a unique and distinctive superpower, and the series is fleshed out with historical nuances, a hilarious anti-American running gag, excellent animation, cast, music, and a strong storyline. Continuation (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=894).

Fruits Basket (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=34) - One of the better romance reverse-harem series of the decade. Penniless girl gets taken in by a family with a secret curse that turns them into zodiacal animals when hugged by the opposite sex. Unfortunately, the anime only goes so far, so if you want the full ending, you'll need to pick up the manga afterward.

Mahoromatic (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=109) - Battle android retires and opts to become the maid of an orphan. Amusing situations ensue. Stong cast. Second part (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=201).

Onegai Teacher (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=16) - A very strong entry in the romance genre with comedic elements. Main character has an alien encounter, who turns out to be his new (very attractive) homeroom teacher. He gets involved in a series of events to protect her secret. Good animation, excellent cast. Side story sequel about three "siblings," connected by an old photograph, but only two of them are blood related: Onegai Twins (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=751).

Full Metal Panic! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=17) - Action/Comedy/Romance series about a secret military organization protecting a Japanese girl. They send a veteran operative to her high school who has little practice at social interaction outside the military. Hilarity and harrowing action ensues. Must-see side stories (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=959) and sequels (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2710) (make sure you get the special from the sequel).

Hoshi no Koe (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=104) (Voices of a Distant Star) - Stunning visuals in this single-episode OVA about separation and long-distance love. Good use of relativity. Notable because the animation/direction/writing is the work of a single man.

Chobits (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=12) - Main character can't get into college and can't afford a personal computer (now in the form of female androids). Luckily, he finds one in the garbage. She isn't quite normal, has no OS installed, but somehow still functions. Loosely connected to Angelic Layer.

Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=calendar&last.anime.month=13&last.anime.year=2002&wishlist=0&web=0&unknownairdate=0&unknown=0&tvspecial=1&tvseries=1&subfilter=0&show=calendar&settings=0&ova=1&other=1&mylist=0&musicvideo=0&movie=1&h=1&do=calendar&cmode=0&audiofilter=0&airing=0) - Comedy adventure about a pair of friends who get transported to parallel worlds, and struggle to find their way home.

Azumanga Daiou (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=106) - What K-ON would later find extreme success with, a slapstick show about girls in high school. Lots of eccentric personalities, but with you know...actual character development.

Saikano (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=113) - Apocalyptic series about a boy, and a girl turned into a weapon.

Nurse Witch Komugi-chan (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=258) - Another nonsense comedy show, Komugi is a cosplay idol turned magical girl, defending the world against "viruses" which infect people and transform them into internet memes, gaudy truck drivers, and other stuff that makes no sense at all. OVA, and sequel (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2575).

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=247) - Cyberpunk at its finest. Sequel (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1176) and sequel film (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4414).

Kaleido Star (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=635) - Sixteen year old Japanese girl travels to America to join a Cirque du Soleil inspired circus she saw when she was very young, which inspired her to become a performer. Coming of Age comedy story with unrealistic physics, but strong characters, good cast, and a unique premise. Longer than your preference at 53 episodes, but a series that often doesn't get mention.

Stellvia (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=630) - Space school-life comedy romance. Cadets in space, preparing to fend off the next natural space disaster after Earth was suffered severe damage from the last one.

Last Exile (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=581) - Adventure series about two air-couriers get caught up in a large-scale war in order to discover what happened to their fathers in The Grand Stream, a super storm that has lasted longer than anyone alive can remember.

Scrapped Princess (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=640) - Fantasy/Adventure series about a girl prophesied to cause the destruction of the world on her 16th birthday, she was cast over a cliff to her death. Now 15, she travels with her adoptive brother and sister to stay alive.

Kino's Journey (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=575) - Episodic series about another traveler, visiting various lands, and having an influence on each of them.

Planetes (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=895) - Series about space garbage collectors. Covers themes such as terrorism, development of the human race, all within a very realistic and believable setting.

Chrno Crusade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1052) - Comedy/tragedy set in the 1920s about a special church organization who hunts demons and other paranormal creatures. The heroine's partner is one of those demons, bound to her with a special watch.

Aishiteru ze Baby (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1648) - Heartwarming coming of age romance story about a high school boy who must care for is young cousin after her mother runs away, leaving the girl at their home.

Midori no Hibi (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1327) - Strange comedy series where the lead, often hated by girls due to his violent delinquent status, wakes up one day to discover a girl has replaced his right hand. She confesses that she has had a crush on him for three years.

Samurai Champloo (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1543) - Comedy adventure story set in samurai era Japan. Mugen a violent, uncultured warrior. Jin the quiet and composed ronin. Fuu the waitress who saved them and convinced them to help her find the samurai "who smells of sunflowers."

2x2 Shinobuden (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1769) - Nonsense comedy about a girl ninja (terrible at being a ninja) tasked to steal underwear in order to pass her ninja test, and the girl who stopped her panties from being stolen. Hijinks ensue, a strange perverted yellow ball appears. Friendship, weird characters. Very strong cast.

Elfen Lied (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1544) - Angsty tragedy drama series. Diclonius, two horned mutants of humanity, likely the next evolutionary step with powerful "vectors" that allow them to destroy anything they come across are being born. One of these, Lucy, escapes from a facility and eventually meets Kouta, who has recently moved back to the nearby seaside town.

Mai-Hime (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1554) - Comedy/romance/drama action series. Girl and her brother move to a private academy, and the girl discovers that she, along with many other girls, has powers that are needed to destroy monsters that threaten them and the ones they care about. Much better than the description sounds like. Strong animation, well-balanced story, great characters, excellent cast.

School Rumble (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2165) - Slapstick comedy series. Dozens of misunderstandings, lots of idiot characters. Much fun. Sequel (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4222).

Sunabouzu (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2166) - Post-apocalyptic comedy series. Japan has turned into a huge desert. Sunabouzu is a bounty hunter...and a huge pervert.

Genshiken (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1783) - Slice of life series about an otaku club at a university. Excellent characters. Sequel (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4782).

AIR (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2002) - A wandering performer arrives at a seaside town. There he meets a girl eager to become his friend and invites him to stay at her home. Tragedy/Comedy. Excellent animation, very strong cast.

Mahoraba ~Heartful Days~ (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2443) - Comedy romance series. Wanting to be a children's picture book author, the lead moves into a old-style Tokyo apartment near his art school. It is owned by the cousin of his mother, a high school girl. Despite the other, often very odd, residents, the manager has a secret of her own. When shocked, she changes personalities. Highly eccentric characters, solid cast.

Bokusatsu Tenshi Dokuro-chan (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2820) - Nonsense comedy OVA series. An angel from the future arrives to prevent a boy from destroying the future. Despite what he may act like now, in the future, he will do something that will stop all girls from getting older when they reach age 13. The angel, Dokuro, vows to correct his ways. Sequel (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5089).

Emma: A Victorian Romance (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2695) - Period romance. In late 19th century London, William Jones, an upper class gentleman, meets and falls in love with Emma, a maid, and she with him.

Glass Mask (2005) (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2994) - Drama. Maya is a young girl who is not the prettiest nor smartest girl in the world, but holds a deep love for acting. She runs away from home to pursue her dream, under the tutelage of a very famous, now a recluse, actress. She gains strong rivals, but has a few hidden skills of her own as she develops. Strong cast.

Eureka Seven (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2826) - Action/Drama/Romance. A boy, skilled at riding the particle waves known as Trapar, is thrust into a militant rebel group when a mech crashes near his home town. He meets a girl who requests his help fixing it.

Kamichu! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3195) - Slice of Life, coming of age, comedy. One day at lunch, middle-schooler Yurie tells her friend that she became a Goddess the night before. The daughter of the local shrine comes over and announces that they're now friends. Stuff happens. Amusing show, a bit heart warming, and a little strange at times.

ARIA (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2659) - Slice of life. This series may not be for everyone because it is very much slice of life. Detail the life of female gondola tour guides in Neo Venezia on the planet Aqua (formerly Mars). Good cast, good animation, no cohesive story to speak of until the third season, but excellent characters. Sequel (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4243), OVA (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5115), and finale (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5424). (Yes, 53 episodes.)

Paradise Kiss (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3145) - Romance, slice of life. Yukari, discontent with her life, encounters a group of fashion design students preparing for their senior thesis. Initially reluctant to join up with them at the request of their leader, George, she decides to get involved with them after all once she gets to know them a little. Strong animation, solid cast, good characters.

[DarthEnderX]

Hey guys, looking for recommendations on other currently ongoing Shounen anime.

The stuff I like is One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Soul Eater, etc.

I've already started watching Fairy Tail.

What other series are going on right now that are right up that alley?

[Archangel]

Normally people like you who have been watching anime for a while would want to branch out a little from the shounen genre, why don't you give that a try?

[DarthEnderX]

I watch plenty of other anime. I've seen half the stuff on Ryll's list there.

Shit, I just watched Hetalia Axis Powers last week because AMV Hell 5 finally got me too.

End of the day though, that shounen stuff is still my jam.

But I don't read manga, so I don't normally know what's going on in that genre until a series has been out a long time.

[Ryllharu]

Gintama (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3468), it's coming back for another season sometime this month. I usually can't get into it (I've tried twice), but it is highly praised.

More of the slapstick vein, but Keroro Gunsou (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1552) is another prominent and strong choice.

I think that's it for long-length shonen series that are currently airing (or will be again).

edit:

Beelzebub (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7934) is likely shorter length (currently airing), but may also fit your preference.

edit 2:

You should also watch Cross Game (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6424) if you haven't already done so. 50 episodes of awesome.

[DarthEnderX]

Cool, I'll check em out.

[MFauli]

Is there an anime that, unlike most anime, portrays a rather realistic world, but has that realistic world clashing with a single main protagonist that behaves like your typical anime-clichee? Resulting in comedic, embarrassing or even dangerous situations? I got that idea when I saw a scene from Seikon no Qwaser ep1, where the guy just grabs a girls tit and massages it, without her doing anything to make it stop and i couldnt help but lol and think "that would never happen like that in reality". :D

[Ryllharu]

Off the top of my head, Akane Maniax (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2425), the side-story to Kimi ga Nozomu Eien. It features the characters from KgNE and MuvLuv (game from the same company, itself a tie-in to KgNE). The male lead is named Gouda Jouji (about as stereotypical a shonen name as one could find), voiced by Seki Tomokazu (who famously played Domon Kasshu from G Gundam and other super-shonen leads). He hallucinates about piloting a giant robot, and generally makes an ass out of himself in front of the girls. It's only an OVA, 3 episodes, and it doesn't really go anywhere or have a complete story. Nor will it make any sense at all unless you've watched KgNE (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=896).

There are probably more, but usually not as integral to the plotline.


Full Metal Panic (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=17) is a bit like that as well, though only in the comedy episodes.

[Buffalobiian]

Hey guys, looking for recommendations on other currently ongoing Shounen anime.

Soul Eater x FMA =

.. Ao no Exorcist? (http://forums.gotwoot.net/showthread.php/19846-Ao-no-Exorcist?p=486788&viewfull=1#post486788)


Give that one a go. I think you'll like it.

[xiaochun3612]

Project A-ko seems interesting. I will definitely download it. I hope "she" (my cousin) likes it though.

Hmm... Nanoha, I didn't really think of it, but it may just work.

EDIT: She has probably seen CCS (which I surprisingly loved) and Sailormoon (which I hate with a passion) because they are quite old. Newer stuff is probably better.

Kampfer is way too retarded as a yuri anime, and I would not in good conscience recommend it to any yuri fan.

[Sapphire]

Need stimulating anime with lots of action and badass kung fu

Like:

Sword of the Stranger, Tenjo Tenge, Black Lagoon, Samurai Champloo, Darker than Black.

No mecha.

[Ryllharu]

I'm guessing Gunplay alone is okay? (Included in the results.)

Triangle Heart: Sweet Songs Forever (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=958) - OVA of the series that would be spun off into Nanoha. Swordplay and a little bit of guns.

Baccano! (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4897) - Little bit of everything for everyone.

Canaan (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6275) - More guns than martial arts, little bit of superpowers.

Ga-Rei Zero (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6113) - All manner of weapons old and new, traditional or unconventional, significant superpowers element.

Gungrave (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1003) - Some over the top monster stuff, but the mafia flashback parts are really good.

Kite (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=314) - A hentai originally, though there is a censored version...somewhere. All action, mostly guns.

Kite: Liberator (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5182) - The sequel to Kite. Not a hentai. Mostly guns.

Mezzo Forte (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=998) - Yet another hentai. Hentai-free version definitely exists...somewhere. Takes place in same universe as Kite. Guns, but a strong martial arts focus.

Mezzo DSA (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=998) - Series. Not a hentai. Sequel to Mezzo Forte. Substantially higher martial arts focus than prequel.

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=247) (and various (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1176) sequels (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4414)) - Cyborgs don't count as mecha, and this is seriously good stuff. Mostly guns, some military martial arts stuff.

Trigun (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=53) - Because someone out there will murder me if I didn't mention this. Guns, guns, and more guns.

Claymore (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4892) - Lots of swordplay, guarantee no mecha.

Katanagatari (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6613) - Lots of swordplay...and lots of wordplay.

Basilisk (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2436) - Ninjas, ninjas, ninjas. It's a blood fued. Lots of action.

Read or Die (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=105) - OVA. Guns, superpowers (take the place of martial arts). Lots of action.

R.O.D. TV (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=894) - Sequel to Read or Die. Much greater martial arts focus, same superpowers.

Sengoku Basara (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6284) - Over the top Warring States Era action.

If these kinds of series are not what you wanted (i.e. you meant action AND kung fu, not action OR kung fu), let me know. I would have asked you beforehand, but you're not regularly on IRC anymore!

[Sapphire]

There's something missing from Katanagatari and R.O.D. These seem to put a lot of effort into being -good and philosophical- when I just want lots of rampant stimulation.

You hit the mark on: Sengoku Barara, Ga Rei Zero, Claymore, [Mezzo Forte/Kite], Trigun.

Baccano, Basilisk, GoTS might work.

Haven't seen the others.
-
Durarara?

[Ryllharu]

There's really not that much manic action in Durarara compared to Baccano. Way more talking, large chunks of the series are all dialogue. It's not a bad series by any means, but it isn't action-packed.

[shinta|hikari]

Rampant stimulation:

Grenadier
Appleseed movies (Particularly the 2nd movie)
Casshern Sins - not really mecha, but has lots of robots
Hellsing Ultimate
Madlax
Resident Evil: Degeneration
Afro Samurai 1 and 2
Birdy the Mighty Decode s1 and 2
Chrome Shelled Regios
El Cazador De La Bruja
Kaze no Stigma
King of Thorns movie
New Fist of the North Star
S-Cry-ed
Shadow Skill
Tales of Vesperia - First Strike
Tatakau Shisho - Book of Bantorra
Baki the Grappler
Busou Renkin

[Ryllharu]

I'll admit I missed Scryed and Chrome Shelled Regios somehow, but I don't think we were watching the same series,



Madlax
El Cazador De La Bruja
GUNxSWORD


Given that these are some of the dullest "action" shows around. Furthermore, GUNxSWORD is a mecha.

You'd have been better off recommending Coyote Ragtime Show, and that show is terrible.

[shinta|hikari]

Oh, I just edited out GUNxSWORD.

I do remember Madlax and El Cazador being slow, but I wouldn't call it dull. They had some great action scenes. I do agree it isn't rampant stimulation.

[Ryllharu]

Madlax is 85% talk, with the remaining 15% actually having Madlax do anything while they play Nowhere sung by Nanri Yuka.

And El Cazador is even slower.

edit: "Some great action scenes," is not the same thing as:

stimulating anime with lots of action and badass kung fu (emphasis mine)

[shinta|hikari]

I did admit it was slow already. I'd have deleted them in the earlier post had it not made your replies confusing to other readers. I was in the middle of editing when you replied.

[Sapphire]

Soul eaterrrr.
-
Edit: Oh yeah, the show may not have children.

[Buffalobiian]

Does the Animatrix count?

[KrayZ33]

I'm totally out of Anime to watch atm.
I know what I want to watch next season, but I can't find good stuff atm.

watched/watching

Fate/Zero
Mirai Nikki
Guilty Crown
Sacred Seven
Tomodachi
Carnival Phantasm

genre doesn't matter as long as its good in the one its in.

comedy > funny
action > good fights

etc.
I prefer stories with some <3 in it.
so it should include some interaction between the male and female lead if possible

[Ryllharu]

Since you were both extremely vague and oddly specific at the same time, you get this list:

- Kamisama Dolls
- Chrome Shelled Regios
- Nanoha (franchise, start with the movie replacing the first season) - But you're out of luck for romance between a male and female lead :3
- Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari
- Full Metal Panic
- Utawarerumono

[KrayZ33]

Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari

what group? I don't know any of those shown @ anidb.

[Ryllharu]

Hakubi preferentially, or Wasurenai-Himitsu if you can't find a particular episode from Hakubi (probably the first two episodes).

[KrayZ33]

Wow... are there more animes with alpha males like this one, other than Kaze no Stigma (is the only one which comes into mind atm)

the genre is good too, Mecha/Harem/Comedy
luv it.

[Ryllharu]

Wow... are there more animes with alpha males like this one, other than Kaze no Stigma (is the only one which comes into mind atm)
Yes, the Tenchi Muyo OVAs that Isekai no Seikishi Monogatari are spun off from. Tenchi and Kenshi are half-brothers.
Part 1 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=205), Part 1.5 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2508), Part 2 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2509), Part 3 (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2510)

Chrome Shelled Regios (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5911) as previously mentioned. If you haven't seen it, you really should correct that.

Hokuto no Ken (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=386) (Fist of the North Star), an older series, but really now...it's hard to surpass this level of badassery.

City Hunter (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=942), an older series, but Ryo is a total badass while still being down to earth.

Dog Days (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=8206) for a easy going, light-hearted version with middle schoolers. It's a bit underrated, since it really is a fun series.

Again, the Nanoha (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=character&charid=1306) franchise. Alpha Female(s), but Nanoha isn't nicknamed The White Devil for no reason.

[MFauli]

Something quick (I suppose): Which anime is better, "The World God Only Knows" or the new Last Exile-anime? I´ll probably watch both, but which should I start with? Thankyu!

[Buffalobiian]

I've found that LE: Silver Wing only really makes sense and becomes enjoyable after you've seen its prequel (and getting it into your head that they are located on different planets), but after that I find that it beats TWGOK.

TWGOK relies mostly on how each girl's quirks tickle your fancy. Thus far there has not been any real plot-changing elements besides conquering one girl after another. It does have a few "cool" moments, but I find the latest Last Exile anime to be more involving and interesting.

[Shinji Ikari]

Anyone know of any good "power-up" series that run for around +50ep? Really appreciate any advice, thanks!

So far I've seen:
Kenichi
Naruto (Still following)
Bleach (Dropped)
D Grey Man
Ranma½
Hitman Reborn (Not very good, too many fillers that dilute the contents and a really slow beginning (first 40 eps))
Tegami Bachi
Flame of Recca (personally thought this one blows)
Hunter X Hunter
Inuyasha
Kiba
Tenjou Tenge

[Kraco]

Try Kekkaishi (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4574). It was good enough for me to have used an avatar ripped from it for years.

[Marik]

Going by your list, I would have to say Fairy Tail (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6662).

[Shinji Ikari]

Awesome, thanks for the fast reply, gonna check both out. Also if anyone knows anything that also includes a darker setting like D grey man (which is dark but still with very high contrast) that would be super awesome... Very specific request so I'm aware that this might be impossible to find :D

[Ryllharu]

Very specific request so I'm aware that this might be impossible to find :D
You mean like Hellsing OVA, or Gai-rei Zero, or Darker Than Black, or Claymore, or Chrono Crusade, or Busou Renkin (I guess this one isn't too dark).

The shorter series are the better ones. :p

[Shinji Ikari]

Yeshu, like those series (and gantz if that could be considered power-up)! seen everyone except darker than black, gonna check it out, after all, if the music is done by Yoko Kanno the series can't be bad.

Claymore a personal favourite, just wish they'd finish the manga and remake the anime :P So damn cool that it's freakish!

Thanks again for more good advice.

[Lucifus]

Anyone know any decent shows I could watch with my girlfriend? Her tastes include but are not limited to: Tiger & Bunny, Hetalia, Fruits Basket, Durarara.

I tried watching Hetalia with her but its so...ugh. Anything that would appeal to both of us?

[Ryllharu]

Baccano for sure, just because you mentioned DRRR and it has universal appeal.

Chihayafuru is another good option, currently airing. Humor, tension from the matches, and a little bit of romance hints here and there. Very well animated. Should keep you both interested.

Gosick possibly. It's got mystery enough to keep you both interested, and a good mix of humor and drama.

Mawaru Penguindrum If the both of you like visual style, this series has it, and plenty to share with all the series around that lack it. Toward the end it gets a little heavy, but where it stands out is each episode leaves you wondering about the truth you're not quite getting told. I'm not even sure how to categorize it.

Hanasaku Iroha - Slice of life/Coming of age series. Good mix of humor and romance, with energetic characters that don't usually get to the point of being annoying.

Kamichu! - Another slice of life coming of age story. It's got a cute childhood romance thing going on, but the interesting visuals of the world of the gods/spirits intersecting with a seaside town are what appeals to everyone.

Kamisama Dolls - In a similar vein to DRRR, but with more action. The characters really stand out, and there are fights to keep you both entertained while you find more about the truth and the pasts of the characters.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka for a more straight-up comedy. It's got the same kind of nonsense she might like out of Hetalia (but I'm guessing she likes it for the bishonen?), but it should be a little more palatable to you.

Moyashimon - Universal appeal series about a guy who can see bacteria (in cartoonish forms) and the classmates and seniors at the agricultural university. Intelligent series, good humor, only light hints of romance. A strong personality-driven series.

bakuman Good humor, an interesting way to ruin the mystique of writing manga if you're Kraco. It's impressive how they manage to get the audience worked up about the process, and they even pull off some cliffhangers.

[Xelbair]

Baccano for sure, just because you mentioned DRRR and it has universal appeal.

Chihayafuru is another good option, currently airing. Humor, tension from the matches, and a little bit of romance hints here and there. Very well animated. Should keep you both interested.

Gosick possibly. It's got mystery enough to keep you both interested, and a good mix of humor and drama.

Mawaru Penguindrum If the both of you like visual style, this series has it, and plenty to share with all the series around that lack it. Toward the end it gets a little heavy, but where it stands out is each episode leaves you wondering about the truth you're not quite getting told. I'm not even sure how to categorize it.

Hanasaku Iroha - Slice of life/Coming of age series. Good mix of humor and romance, with energetic characters that don't usually get to the point of being annoying.

Kamichu! - Another slice of life coming of age story. It's got a cute childhood romance thing going on, but the interesting visuals of the world of the gods/spirits intersecting with a seaside town are what appeals to everyone.

Kamisama Dolls - In a similar vein to DRRR, but with more action. The characters really stand out, and there are fights to keep you both entertained while you find more about the truth and the pasts of the characters.

Kore wa Zombie Desu ka for a more straight-up comedy. It's got the same kind of nonsense she might like out of Hetalia (but I'm guessing she likes it for the bishonen?), but it should be a little more palatable to you.

Moyashimon - Universal appeal series about a guy who can see bacteria (in cartoonish forms) and the classmates and seniors at the agricultural university. Intelligent series, good humor, only light hints of romance. A strong personality-driven series.

bakuman Good humor, an interesting way to ruin the mystique of writing manga if you're Kraco. It's impressive how they manage to get the audience worked up about the process, and they even pull off some cliffhangers.
'some' cliffhangers, yeah right.
Dantalian no Shoka is good too - mystery with some supernatural stuff that hooks you up at 1st episode.

[Lucifus]

Appreciate the tips Ryllharu & Xelbair; I'll give a couple of those a shot and see we like em, thanks.

[knifecrew]

I've been out of the anime loop for a few years and I've always got it on my mind that I want to get back into it; however, I am not certain if there are any new shows I want to bother giving a chance. I'm very picky. I will watch one or two episodes of something if I like it enough, but it has to really catch my interest in the first or second episode.

So, what do I like? Well, here's an idea:

Fullmetal Alchemist/Brotherhood
Monster
Samurai Champloo
Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex
Cowboy Bebop
Welcome to the NHK
Paranoia Agent
Ergo Proxy
House of Five Leaves
-Wit
-Cleverness
-Psychological thriller
-Crime drama
-Comedy (when done right)
-Sci-fi

What I don't like?

-Cute (too much anyway)
-Romance (God, kill me; I'd prefer slim to none--not in the focus at all)
-Moe
-Big titties + guns
-Harem
-School
-Younger kids (although FMA was done well)
-Too much gore
-Medieval

*sigh* I know that is a lot to ask, but I thought I would try anyway, see if there was something new or even old that I've missed and haven't seen yet. Any suggestions?

[Buffalobiian]

Shiki - Supernatural, Crime drama, thriller. The first 6 or 7 episodes will bore you. Then it kicks off.
Darker Than Black (1st season and OVAs, in that order) - Action, crime.. don't touch S2.

Steins;Gate (maybe.., it does have some romance and a bit of harem. Maybe you'll brush it off as "comedy" since it has all your Do-Likes)

Thermae Romae (for the "comedy just right" section. Hit or miss.)

That should keep you busy until a bigger list eventually pops up. ;p

[Kraco]

You could initially check out (if you haven't already): Code Geass, Darker than Black, Black Lagoon, Katanagatari, Baccano, Casshern Sins, Chrome Shelled Regios. Maybe Kara no Kyoukai and Steins Gate as well, though they could go against a couple of your dislikes.

I'm not much of a recommender, so I'll leave it at that.

[knifecrew]

I've seen Darker Than Black (it was good in the beginning, but then it just went downhill), seen Black Lagoon, Baccano, Steins Gate, and Shiki. The others don't look like they would be interesting, but I suppose I'm willing to give them a try. It seems, however, that anime has truly taken a downward spiral route in that the quantity of quality series being released lately has dropped severely.

[Ryllharu]

It seems, however, that anime has truly taken a downward spiral route in that the quantity of quality series being released lately has dropped severely.That's just selective memory and nostalgia. I really loathe statements like this.

Everyone remembers Bebop, Trigun, and Card Captor Sakura from Spring of 1998. But how many people remember Lost Universe? Brain Powerd? Neoranga? Android Ana Maico 2010? None of those?

Overall quality hasn't dropped. Everyone just remembers the gems and forgets all the mediocre series and the cruft.

------------

Anyway, recommendation time (since you've already responded, I'm not going to repeat what's been said even if I agreed with it):

Nijuu-Mensou no Musume (The Daughter of Twenty Faces) - Conspiracy/Adventure series. Sickly girl gets taken by an infamous thief, and finds herself. From there, she gets caught up in the legacy of that man's past and legend. Comedy, wit, clever tricks, no romance to speak of, not particularly violent, and it's got that 1960s retro-scifi that borders on steampunk.

City Hunter and/or Angel Heart - The former a semi-serious private detective series. The latter is similar, but with a reformed assassin. The two series are directly related, so if you do want to watch both, start with City Hunter. It's got a little slapstick, but none of your negatives.

Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku (Now and Then, Here and There) - Boy gets sent to a post-apocalyptic alternate world(or is it?), by mysterious machine/circumstances. Angst, minor hints at romance, brutal psychological scifi. Certainly a must-see for what you're looking for.

RD Sennou Chousashitsu (Real Drive) - You like GitS:SAC. You will likely enjoy this. It's GitS with an old man (former scuba-diver), a high school girl, her older brother, and an android. Private detectives contracted for government work instead of military police. I view it as a 5/10-year prequel of sorts to GitS level technology, and they do share a large number of similar technology and issues (cyberbrains and cyberbrain sclerosis, etc.).

Perfect Blue - One of the best psychological thriller anime movies ever made. A member of an idol girl-group wants to become an actress, starts to slip into madness.

Paprika - Same director as Perfect Blue, but involves the inventor of a dream machine for therapy, a detective with issues he was solving with that therapy, a conspiracy, and a serial killer with access to one of these machines. It's kind of like The Cell or Inception. Visually stunning.

Witch Hunter Robin - Witch hunters, main character is a witch. It's more of an episodic detective sort of series before you get into the meat of the second half, and then it has a lot of the same feel that Ergo Proxy had early on. Conspiracy, none of your negative aspects, and the animation was pretty good for its time (2002).

Ga-rei Zero - Shouldn't feature any of your negatives, though I don't know how much gore is too much. It's a bit of a thriller toward the beginning and the end, and it's got a little of the fantasy/sci-fi without leaving the modern era too much.

Mnemosyne - Sci-fi, some thriller, nice wit, but it's got a fair amount of gore (again, not sure how much is too much, it's on par with Ga-Rei Zero). On the downside, it does in fact, feature big tits + guns. We're not talking High School of the Dead though. It's done tastefully.

Kurau Phantom Memory - Sci-fi superpowers. It starts strong, but slows down a bit as the series goes on. Conspiracy, family drama, more of a journey/fleeing series than anything else.

[knifecrew]

I stand by my statement, but I will somewhat agree and say that it is subjective (not so much selective if we're going to get specific). In any case, I love Satoshi Kon/Perfect Blue and Paprika. I'll give the other ones a looksee.

[6Zabuza9]

Hey, I haven't watched anime for awhile and then started again. These past 3 days i watched kamisama dolls, steins;gate, and bakemonogateri. I am looking for anime which have already been completed so I can chain watch them. I like anything with a good story to it and would get me hooked. Maybe something mysterious but anything is good. Thanks!

[Buffalobiian]

How long's "a while"?

6 months?
1 yr? 3?

[KrayZ33]

try Kara no Kyoukai

or Fate/zero (only first season though)

[6Zabuza9]

How long's "a while"?

6 months?
1 yr? 3?
Not sure how long ago. Last couple of animes I remember watching was probably Darker than black Baccano and Durarara.

try Kara no Kyoukai

or Fate/zero (only first season though)

i'll try kara no kyoukai

I watched fate/stay night and am really interested for fate/zero. I'll probably wait untill second season is over untill I watch it though. I really hating week after week for episodes lol.

thanks!

[MFauli]

Alright, I need some recommendations again.

This time, I´m looking for anime series that feature a group of people/friends that act within a rather realistic environment, meaining: No uber-comedy, no fantasy elements as part of the basic setup, no shallow harem bs. Which is not to say that they cannot be traces of what I just mentioned, as you´ll see when i name some examples of what I´d like to see more of. As for the plot, it´d be best if it was simply about this group of people interacting with each other, experiencing an interesting time.

Examples:

- Ano hi mita hana no namae o bokutachi wa mada shiranai (ghost girl, but the characters felt believable, relatable)
- Genshiken
- Clannad
- Bokurano (very crazy scifi, buuut it didn´t hurt the realism of the characters. If anything, it enhanced it)

Anything else out there that´s like that?

[Inazuma]

It's my first time asking for Reccommendations but Gotwoot is a limitless pool of knowledge when it comes to this kind of stuff. I am calling on you elders of the Woot.

As for the genre I'm looking for I would call it 90' Space-Mecha Retro.
Which contains to me :
Blue Gender
Patlabor
You are under Arrest
Blue Submarine N°6
Spriggan
Cowboy Bebop
Trava Fist Planet

[Ryllharu]

This time, I´m looking for anime series that feature a group of people/friends that act within a rather realistic environment, meaining: No uber-comedy, no fantasy elements as part of the basic setup, no shallow harem bs. As for the plot, it´d be best if it was simply about this group of people interacting with each other, experiencing an interesting time.
- Ano hi mita hana no namae o bokutachi wa mada shiranai (ghost girl, but the characters felt believable, relatable)
- Genshiken
- Clannad
- Bokurano (very crazy scifi, buuut it didn´t hurt the realism of the characters. If anything, it enhanced it)
So...slice of life, daily life, specific genre doesn't matter. Just as an FYI, you're going to end up with a lot of shoujo/josei, since those genres have the appeal you're looking for.

Bokura ga Ita (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4441) - Realistic, messy, high-school romance series.
Itazura na Kiss (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5678) - Happier, long-term romance series, light comedy/drama, classic 90s feel.
Kanon (2006) (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4404) - If you really think Clannad doesn't have fantasy elements as part of the basic setup...then you should have absolutely no problem with the Kanon remake. (hint: clannad does, so does Kanon)
Planetes (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=895) - Yes it is in space, but it is done very realistically with technology we more or less have today.
True Tears (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4325) - Romance-ish series (it's sort of complicated), very realistic characters and natural emotional responses (not the rampant melodrama of KEY series, it's nicely subdued).
Paradise Kiss (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3145) - Again, a sort of pseudo-romance series. High School and [fashion] College students. Disheartened girl seeks excitement, finds some.
NANA (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4143) - Coming of age story about two young women, both named Nana, who couldn't be more different, moving in together after going to the city to seek their dreams. Lots of drama, otherwise realistic.
Honey & Clover (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2835) - Art school students, coming of age story.
Candy Boy (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5574) - Twin sisters living together for high school. Yeah...not going to spoil from there. It's a very short series.
Ikoku Meiro no Croisee (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=8180) - Young Japanese girl goes to 19th Century France. Really good animation.



It's my first time asking for Reccommendations but Gotwoot is a limitless pool of knowledge when it comes to this kind of stuff. I am calling on you elders of the Woot.

As for the genre I'm looking for I would call it 90' Space-Mecha Retro.
Which contains to me :
Blue Gender
Patlabor
You are under Arrest
Blue Submarine N°6
Spriggan
Cowboy Bebop
Trava Fist Planet
A fun topic!

Hyper Police (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=417) - Post-apocalyptic (for humans at least, they're endangered) beastmen/youkai police show. Good cast, funny and entertaining. It's like YUA with beastmen/youkai. Protagonist is a nekomata half-breed.
Dominion Tank Police (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=786) Policewoman transferred from the motorcycle division to the tank division ruins a state of the art tank. Cobbles it back together into a mini-tank and goes to fight crime!
Kiddy Grade (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=251) - Slightly more recent, but still close enough. Special agents working for the Galactic Organization of Trade and Tariffs. Don't watch the 2009 sequel, it's crap.
Scryed (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=47) - The trailer (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VHwVGmqyH9E) speaks for itself.
Tiger & Bunny (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=8101) - 2011, but perfectly retro feel to it. If you haven't seen it, you really should. Nevermind, you watched it.
Witch Hunter Robin (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=96) - Not really all that retro, but kind of grungy. Special equipment, and a squad that hunts down witches. Protagonist is a witch and a new recruit, interestingly enough.
Martian Successor Nadesico (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=180) - Classic mecha anime obsessed fan and cook becomes mecha pilot aboard his childhood friend's private corporation...space battleship.
Mazinkaizer SKL (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=7623) - Others love the hell out of this (sadly short) 2010 OVA remake of the classic series. Can't say much else because I haven't watched it.
Zoids Chaotic Century (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1382) - ZOIDS! Because it's zoids, and it's awesome.
VanDread (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=177) - Civil war between planets entirely populated by men, and entirely populated by women. Three low-ranking men get marooned aboard a female pirate ship. Hot-blooded protagonist, ditzy female lead. What more could you ask for?
IRIA (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=197) - Bounty hunters! Bio-weapons! Corporate conspiracies! Unique design style (kinda neo-future chinese/southeast asian). One of my favorite OVAs of all time.

edit:
Forgot the obvious ones: Gunbuster (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=185) (OVA), Diebuster (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2120) (OVA), TTGL (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4575)

[Kraco]

As for the genre I'm looking for I would call it 90' Space-Mecha Retro.

When you run out of Ryll's suggestions, you could have a look at Heat Guy J (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=353). It's from 2002/2003, but might work for you.

[MFauli]

Thx, Ryll, though going through the latter half of your recommendations, it´s rather romance-heavy. I´d really like something with more of a true "group dynamic", where there´s not necessarily one main character, but several equal individuals. Maybe including Clannad as an example was stretching that idea, my fault.

So, really, when I make the above examples (Ano Hit Mita Hana, Bokurano, Genshiken), it´s how this group of equal characters are working together/against and interacting with each other. All that set in a rather realistic presentation that, however, is allowed to contain unrealistic elements (taking Bokurano as an example: Sure, there´s this crazy mech-battling going on, but it feels incredibly believable and is done tastefully. Unlike, say, full-on fantasy/scifi-anime like Gurren Lagann.).
I thought about including "Welcome to the NHK" as an example, too, but then I came to the conclusion that it didn´t actually feel realistic enough to me (the whole "cute girl approaches neet out of nowhere ... yeah, sure ... in our dreams!).

Also, I´ve already seen Itazura na Kiss, Planetes, Kanon and True Tears. I cannot remember the True Tears-plot, but I wouldn´t call the others fitting of what I´d like to see. Kanon is way to Harem-esque, and Itazura and Planetes are missing the group-dynamics between equals. Again, thanks for your posting, but it wasn´t really what I was looking for, maybe I wasn´t clear enough. Sorry!

[ConsiderPhlebas]

Alright, I need some recommendations again.

What about Ano Natsu de Matteru?

And Usagi Drop can never be wrong... :P

[MFauli]

Have watched both already. Wouldn´t count Usagi Drop as one of those I´m looking for. And Ano Natsu, well, it´d count, but as a bad one :P

[Ryllharu]

@MFauli, I warned you it would mostly be shoujo/josei. Given the other restrictions you set, that's what you're going to get. You want realism above all else, and generally daily life scenarios. You explicitly excluded fantasy elements as part of the premise, "uber-comedy", and harems. You really kneecapped yourself there, particularly concerning the former two.

I could add ARIA and Tamayura, but that's really about it. Watch Bokura ga Ita, NANA, and Paradise Kiss. You're so specific there's nothing else there (yes, I doubled checked while writing this post).

I fail to see how Planetes doesn't fit given the dynamics of the "half-section." Yes, there are two main characters, but secondary characters in the series get no less focus, no less screen time. Fee, Yuri, Clair, and even Nono (the Lunarian) have substantial roles to play in the over-arching plot and history of the depicted world.

I could recommend you bad series...but I'd prefer not to do so.

edit: I take that back. I will not intentionally recommend low-quality or unenjoyable series. That defeats the purpose of this thread.

[MFauli]

Thx, Tamayura and Aria actually look interesting. Will check out those two.

[shinta|hikari]

I agree with Ryll's choices, and would like to emphasize some of them.

ARIA is going to bore you out of your mind in the first few episodes.

But it will change your life after that.

PlanetES is a must watch for what you are looking for.

NANA has heavy romance, but it is more about a group of people and drama than it is about a specific pairing. You will probably like it.

[Ryllharu]

ARIA is going to bore you out of your mind in the first few episodes.
Indeed. As great as I think it is, ARIA is very hit or miss from person to person. I probably should have noted that in my post. The same goes for Tamayura really. Viewers will either love the two series, or find them terribly boring.

[Inazuma]

Thanks Ryll - Great help as always.
While I got you there do you have anything in your repertoire when it comes to Space Opera ? (Like Planetes - Moonlight Mile )

Doh : I couldnt find Dominion or Iria around me I guess it's not on sale anymore
I Liked Witch Hunter Robin back in the days I lost it when my drive blew up a long time ago.

[Ryllharu]

Thanks Ryll - Great help as always.
While I got you there do you have anything in your repertoire when it comes to Space Opera ? (Like Planetes - Moonlight Mile )
Sadly an under-served genre, one of my favorites too.

Starship Operators (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2745) - Realistic strategic space battles and politics. A must.
Macross (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=77) (SDF-1) - The original, and one of the best.
Legend of the Galactic Heroes (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=584) - If you can find it, and willing to watch 110 episodes (and that's not even counting the OVAs), then it doesn't get any better than this.
Nadesico (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=180) - As previously mentioned in my post.
Crest/Banner of the Stars (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1) - The saga starts with the one linked here.
Soukou no Strain (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4556) - Lighter fare. A scifi adaptation of A Little Princess (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/A_Little_Princess) with all the personalities backward. Pretty clever, and it did make me read the original novel.

[darkshadow]

To append on ryll's space mecha suggestion:
Shin getter robo armageddon (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=949):
all of SGR is pretty great, but the armageddon OVA really takes the cake on awesomeness and it's only 13 eps long iirc.
After this, Shin getter vs neo getter (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=881)(ova) and Shin getter robo (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1838)(tv) are obvious and very awesome followups.
King of Braves: GaoGaiGar (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=957):
With GAR in its name it has to be good right? Well it's sorta a mixed bag, it's a very sentai oriented show, meaning every episode follows a set formula; bad guy shows up, good guys fight bad guy, can't defeat bad guy, good guy combines into huge mecha, bad guy defeated.
While this is fun at first, the sheer length of the show (49) kinda make it feel like it drags on. though the last few episodes were definitly great and it sets up for the next one in the list..
GaoGaiGar FINAL (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=1717)
This 8 episode sequel to GGG is just utter badass; you'll see some of the most hotblooded guts filled mecha action ever, this show was a very clear inspiration to TTGL.
There is another "brave" series anime that's pretty good, but it only got partially translated (dagwon).
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann:
Ryll already mentioned this, but I'd like to append on it by stressing the importance of the movies (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5783). If sheer epicness in the show is a "10" then the second movie (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6325)cranks that shit up to 15, watch them.
Dancougar Nova (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4829):
Short and sweet sequel to the 80's show with some pretty great action, also has a pretty nice OP (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EK51HfpbxaA).

Ryll already mentioned Mazinkaiser skl, so I'll just list the others from that franchise that are awesome:
Mazinkaiser (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=953), 7 eps
Mazinkaiser deathmatch (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=954), 1 ep
Shin Mazinger (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=6397), 26 ep show

Gaiking: Legend of Daiku-Maryu (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3704)
I thought this was fun, but it kinda suffers the same problem as GGG.

REIDEEN (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=4808)
Haven't seen this one yet, but I've heard good things about it.
Steel God Jeeg (http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=5022)
Haven't seen this either, but it's a prequel to the 70's steel jeeg show; what I've seen from the previews this is very awesome though and only 13 eps.

[Inazuma]

Thank you all - I'll treat you to beer, rum or whine should you be around one day.

[MFauli]

Alright, I´m confused:

Filling in my list of watched anime, and now I read this synopsis for Steins;Gate:

"Steins;Gate is set in the summer of 2010, approximately one year after the events that took place in Chaos;Head, in Akihabara."

Does this mean that Steins;Gate is a direct continuation of Chaos;Head? Also, since this is the recommendation topic, if you had to compare Steins;Gate to Mirai Nikki, are they similarly crazy? Mirai Nikki is a bit too crazy for my liking, so I need to know if Steins;Gate is just as completely fucked up or if it´s a different, more realistic approach to a story. Thx!

[Buffalobiian]

Alright, I´m confused:

Filling in my list of watched anime, and now I read this synopsis for Steins;Gate:

"Steins;Gate is set in the summer of 2010, approximately one year after the events that took place in Chaos;Head, in Akihabara."

Does this mean that Steins;Gate is a direct continuation of Chaos;Head? Also, since this is the recommendation topic, if you had to compare Steins;Gate to Mirai Nikki, are they similarly crazy? Mirai Nikki is a bit too crazy for my liking, so I need to know if Steins;Gate is just as completely fucked up or if it´s a different, more realistic approach to a story. Thx!

Steins;Gate has nothing to do with Chaos;Head. Steins;Gate doesn't compare to Mirai Nikki very well. I would compare it to Higurashi.

[gos27]

Just finished "One Outs". Absolutely loved it, great anime. Kind of like Akagi and Kaiji in the gambling way, and the personality of the main character was similar too. But imo I thought One Outs was better than both, the fact it integrated sports was more appealing to me. From start to finish it was excellant, highly recommend this! It was done by MadHouse, even bigger plus! :D

[MFauli]

Thinking about it today: Are there any lengthier (fantasy-) adventure-esque anime that feature an older-than-usual hero and group? To be exact, a hero who´s around 25 upwards to 30 years old. Anything quality out there?

[Ryllharu]

Utawarerumono, though the ages of the girls is debatable. 26 eps.
Kaze no Stigma, Older lead, everyone else a bit younger. 24 eps.
Kamisama Dolls, pretty much the same, but sadly only 13 eps.
Witch Hunter Robin, Robin is younger, but mature for her age (whatever it is) and everyone else is older. 26 eps.
Le Chevalier D`Eon, historical gothic fantasy whole cast around 25. 24 eps.

Slim pickings with fantasy. It's easier with sci-fi.

[MFauli]

Already know Utawarerumono. Kaze no Stigma and Kamiama Dolls look a bit too generic. However, Witch Hunter Robin looks interesting, as does Le Chevalier D`Eon.

Btw. it doesn´t need to be fantasy, see the brackets. I´d even prefer scifi, or even something completely devoid of supernatural elements. Stuff like Bokurano or Kimi to Boku, but with "older" people instead of school kids. Come to think of it, I could give Night Head another try ... hm ....

[Ryllharu]

I guess if you hadn't meant strictly fantasy, I could toss in Pumpkin Scissors and Wolf's Rain, but the latter is really slow.

Don't underestimate Kamisama Dolls. It was one of the best shows that ended that season, if not the best.

I have no idea how Kimi to Boku fits into your initial request. You just want slice of life with older people? Just watch Genshiken or...ugh, Hen Zemi.

[MFauli]

lol, I started watching Hen Zemi. I mean, how could I not with these descriptions. It´s pure pervertedness. The professor looks like the definition of a sex monster, lol. Guess I´ll keep watching, since it´s only 12 episodes, 12 minutes each, and its production quality is fairly high, even though the style is simple.

[Uchiha Barles]

I haven't watched anything since Shiki. I get so tired of school aged centered children and their school age problems. Not that there's anything wrong with those things but they're just too damned prevalent. This upcoming season doesn't seem to be helping any. Anything old or new along the lines of Noir, Berserk, or Gungrave that ranks as not just good, but exceptional?

Edit: Or hell, don't even restrict yourselves to thinking of just those three anime, but there should be a mix of action and intrigue. School aged people with school aged people problems can be present, but I'd much prefer those issues not be the central to the anime.

[enkoujin]

Mirai Nikki is the first thing that comes to my mind, Barles.

[Munsu]

Well currently finishing up Bakemonogatari, then Shiki and Katanagatari. Also planning some Steins;Gate (though waiting for some BD releases) and Fate/Zero. Of the shows currently airing I'm only watching Hunter X Hunter so far.

At the moment interested in some good/decent animes from the past couple of years that have some good action in it. Doesn't have to be full throttle action, but at least a good dosage of it, and bonus points for good animation.

[KrayZ33]

Towa no Quon?

one of the best in terms of action and animation

[Ryllharu]

Kamisama Dolls for sure. Good action, greater characters.

Kyoukai Senjou no Horizon - Great animation, confusing storyline (until it suddenly all clicks 6 episodes in), and lots of unique fighting styles. Downside is a great deal of rapid-fire exposition, because the world is pretty detailed and complex. Dozens of characters (not an exaggeration) will be thrown at you in quick succession.

Chrome Shelled Regios if you haven't seen it. Similar problems that Horizon has, but much more straightforward in some spots, less in others. Good animation, great fight sequences.

Macross Frontier [two films] - The condensed movies are a lot better than the original.

REDLINE - [film] - Awesome stylized space-setting racing movie.

Break Blade - [6 OVAs] - Decent adaptation of the mecha manga. Very well animated, okay characters (the manga plays them out a bit differently), good solid action sequences, so-so plot.

Tiger & Bunny - Corporate Sponsored Superheroes. Good animation, well integrated CG, good plot and great characters.

Mardock Scramble [movies] - No idea when the second movie will ever come out, but it's got lots of promise.



Not so great, but I'll throw it in anyway:
Guilty Crown - It's pretty, I'll give it that, and the action is okay. The downside is the story is a complete waste of potential. Just when you think it might be getting good, it throws it away for nonsense to get to the the next set piece of eye candy.

Queen's Blade Rebellion - It's got action, rather high quality animation, and the fights are pretty entertaining. But it is Queen's Blade. It's overwhelmingly fanservice. Probably not to your taste.

Blood-C - Loads of gore, the fights are pretty good and the animation has a nice feel to it, but the 12 episode series should have been only 6 OVAs and nothing would have changed. Lots of filler episodes.

[Munsu]

Thanks for the suggestions, downloading them now to have a look.

[Xelbair]

I'm looking for space series - human vs human conflict, preferably no aliens, and with tons of space travel - something that has feel of Cowboy Bebob, preferably more serious than Moretsu Pirates.
Buff recommended me Legend of the Galactic Heroes - and i'll watch it after i get it.

Oh - also i'm looking for cyberpunk series, preferably ones that aired after 1990.

[Munsu]

I'm looking for space series - human vs human conflict, preferably no aliens, and with tons of space travel - something that has feel of Cowboy Bebob, preferably more serious than Moretsu Pirates.
Buff recommended me Legend of the Galactic Heroes - and i'll watch it after i get it.

Oh - also i'm looking for cyberpunk series, preferably ones that aired after 1990.

You can't go wrong with Crest of the Stars and its sequels.

Cyberpunk, what about Texhnolyze, Ergo Proxy

[KrayZ33]

I'm looking for space series - human vs human conflict, preferably no aliens, and with tons of space travel - something that has feel of Cowboy Bebob, preferably more serious than Moretsu Pirates.
Buff recommended me Legend of the Galactic Heroes - and i'll watch it after i get it.

Oh - also i'm looking for cyberpunk series, preferably ones that aired after 1990.


what about Gundam Unicorn?

[Kraco]

There's also a show called Tytania. It's from the makers of Legend of the Galactic Heroes. However, I have a distinct feeling it pissed me off not only a few times, but if you like LoGH, you might have a look at it as well unless the older mammoth series already makes you sick of space opera for a while. However, watch Bud's suggestion, Crest of the Stars, first. You can't go wrong with that one.

Edit: There's also a show called Soukou no Strain if you don't mind some mecha in addition to space ships. I don't have any bad memories of it, although it was ages ago, so selective memory might have erased negative factors.

[shinta|hikari]

Starship Operators.