Anime Recommendation and Suggestion Query

[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. 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 might work as well, but it is a bit on the slower side. I second animus' excellent suggestion of Chrno Crusade.

Also of similar style, I recommend the two Miyazaki films, Castle in the Sky and Howl's Moving Castle. 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 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 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, 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. 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.