ImF presents: ~My First Anime~

[Durxom]

[HEADING=2]My First Anime[/HEADING]​

While I have done this with a few of my friends, I'm going to start this up here on the Escapist, which will become reoccuring topic of mine.

To most people, anime is a strange and new medium in the now ever present TV media format. And with such, there are many things people might not understand, and other more experienced people may take for granted. Of most of the suggestions I see people giving for people to watch in the anime medium, most are extremely obscure or too far japanese culutral for the average American/Aussie/European to understand, and it overwhelms them and they lose out on the anime experience as a whole.

Which is why I have devised up such a list of "starter" series as I prefer to call them, that will help people into anime, and hopefully move onto the deep titles once they get a decent understanding of it. So with that said, let's start with the first one on the list, shall we?

​

[HEADING=3]Mobile Suit Gundam Wing[/HEADING]​

A perfect breaching point into the mecha genre of anime, Gundam Wing does not disappoint. One of my first methods of telling if an anime series will be good is by it's opening. If it doesn't catch, then most likely the rest of the series will not either. With that said, "Just Communication" holds your attention with its catchy upbeat tune and vocals.

Also, with its war-torn and political story, as well as the interactions of the Gundam pilots and the people around them, it holds a deep plot and focus, unlike some of the later mecha series (Gundam Seed, in general) which is bogged down by the incredibly heavy "emo"tional connections that usually scare off a great many people. So if you are a person who is likes a good war story or political conflict..or just likes giant robots and fighting and explosions, Gundam Wing is an excellent choice for your "First Anime".

Extras​

Gundam Wing is only 49 episodes, which by anime standards, is an average run time.

There is also an accompanying Gundam Wing movie called "Endless Waltz",which takes place after the events of the series, if you enjoy it.

Also if you are a hobbyist, picking up some if the Gundam Wing models is also a fun thing to do, and you can also use them to decorate your room(if you can still find some being sold)

Spoiler: I used to love putting these things together when I was a kid..

 

[Durxom]

I guess...I'm just suggesting Wing, because it's straight forward story, and the like, also apperently, Gundam Wing was the highest viewed Gundam series in America to date, while somewhat flopping in Japan, so there must be something in there that appeals more to the American audience, and I've found from the majority of people that I have talked to that Gundam Wing was their first and favorite mecha series. -(reason for selection)-

 

[Durxom]

-snip-

Well, unfortunately for me, I never got to experience Toonami or Cartoon Network since I'm Canadian, but we have YTV, which is essentially the same thing, which is where me and most of the people I have asked saw their first viewings of Gundam Wing, and most other early anime...(the english Sailor Moon theme is now stuck in my head x-x

 

[Axle_Bullitt_19]

snip

I'm fairly certain I can guess the reason for all of that.

It's just a theory though.

I'm going to have to agree seeing how Wing was the first gundam aired in america as well. But the MSG and G Gundam would be much better choices.

 

[Durxom]

snip

I'm fairly certain I can guess the reason for all of that.
-snip-
It's just a theory though.

I'm going to have to agree seeing how Wing was the first gundam aired in america as well. But the MSG and G Gundam would be much better choices.

Accessibility-wise though?? I'm not implying that Wing is better or worse than any of the other ones, but to me, it just appears to easiest one to get into and then later, branch off of.

 

[PedroSteckecilo]

I guess...I'm just suggesting Wing, because it's straight forward story, and the like, also apperently, Gundam Wing was the highest viewed Gundam series in America to date, while somewhat flopping in Japan, so there must be something in there that appeals more to the American audience, and I've found from the majority of people that I have talked to that Gundam Wing was their first and favorite mecha series. -(reason for selection)-

I would chalk that up to captive audience mentality myself. My guess as to why Gundam Wing didn't do that well in Japan is because it was really nothing new, a sort of half hearted and sloppy attempt to combine themes already better handled in the earlier Gundam Series's with the Super Robot/Bishounen Pilot appeal of more modern shows. Also unlike G-Gundam it wasn't such a vicious break from series tradition and unlike Gundam X it wasn't competing with Evangelion.

The older series's in Gundam don't/didn't stand a chance in attracting a North American Audience outside of the truly hardcore fans because of their outdated animation. Even though I would say many of them are much, much better than Wing and anything that has followed it, with the possible exception of Turn A Gundam.

 

[Xpwn3ntial]

snip

I'm fairly certain I can guess the reason for all of that.

It's just a theory though.

I'm going to have to agree seeing how Wing was the first gundam aired in america as well. But the MSG and G Gundam would be much better choices.

I miss those guys a little bit.

 

[A random person]

Ah, how I wish I watched Toonami as a kid, then I would have seen that show. If only I did.
*gets into DeLorean with eccentric professor*

But seriously, I am interested in making up for missed childhood viewing by watching this, I'll do so at some point.