Yet another recommend me some Anime thread

[Leemaster777]

I'm going to be the odd man here, and suggest something that hasn't been said yet. Try Outlaw Star:

Seriously, I love this one. It's heavy sci-fi, and it's action-packed. Plus, you've got spaceships that fight with robot arms, giant machine guns, and swords. How cool is that?

 

[necromanzer52]

I can recommend cowboy bebop to just about anyone.

Also if you're a musician, watch beck: mongolian chop squad. I can definitely see how it's not for everybody, but I love it.

I've watched Cowboy Bebop, I liked it...I think. It was a bit kooky but I still enjoyed it.

Also I am a musician...can you tell me more about mongolian chop squad (without spoiling it)?

OK, lets see. It's about this bloke named Koyuki, who's in high school, and is starting to think about where his life is going. Then he meets this bloke named Ryuusuke, who plays guitar, and introduces Koyuki to the power of music. Then the rest of the anime is about Ryuusuke trying to form the ultimate band.

...That description doesn't really do it justice. It's sort of a slow-paced character-driven plot, that you'll either love, or find incredibly boring. Also, I don't know where you stand on the subs vs dubs argument, but watch this one in english.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

Right, I'm going to be the hate filled pedant.
Avatar isn't anime.

Quote from MyAnimeList FAQ:

Q) I think Avatar should be added to the anime database.
A) No, Avatar is not an anime.

Anyhow, I don't think that Avatar is an anime either. I also don't see the hate that would come of it.

A more interesting discussion would be what anime is, exactly, because its meaning is changing over the years. And now some 'non-anime' are difficult to differentiate from 'real anime', especially the Korean-Japan collaboration ones.

The big problem with the categorization of Avatar comes from the Animation Age Ghetto in the West. Some people find it hard to believe that a western title managed to transcend a lot of the stigma surrounding western animation, so in order to justify their viewpoint that all american stuff is for kids, they try to call Avatar an anime.

Naturally, some of those in defense of western titles as their own art form don't take kindly to this notion, and react negatively.

 

[Daggedawg]

If you enjoy a well-constructed universe then I would recommend One Piece. Yes, it is pretty crazy at times, and has a few boring story arcs, but if you stick with it, it gets really good. The way the plot elements come together at times is nothing short of fantastic.

 

[WayOutThere]

non-anime

Starship Troopers the Roughneck Chronicles

- This show stands up to an adult perspective remarkably well. I like it as much now as I did when I was a kid. Though if you?re looking for overarching, driven plot it?s not here; it?s the story of a squad fighting an interstellar war against a species of bug creatures. It doesn?t focus on the overall war but just on the various missions this squad is assigned, very episodic. That?s not to say the plot and characters don't develop, don't get me wrong.

anime

Fullmetal Alchemist

- You're going to love this show.

Digimon Tamers

- I watched this show as a kid though as an adult I've only seen the first eighteen or so episodes. Still, based on those episodes I highly recommend it to you. The show is known as being dark to the point of being inappropriate for children and I've heard the darkest events happen later in the show but already I've had to wonder if this could really be considered a children's show. Characterization is great because it explores how each of these three children react to finding out Digimon exist and presents a surprisingly believable look at how things may play out if these very unbelievable events transpired. One thing though, don?t even bother trying to watch the English dub. If you?re going to watch the show subbed is the only way to go. There is so much stupid dialogue added into the dub it?s painful to listen to. They butchered the dub and this is coming from someone who likes dubs.


Princess Tutu

- It's as girly as it sounds. Don't let that stop you though. For anyone looking for cartoons that have appeal both the children and adults, this is a can't-miss.

Also, I haven't watched much of this one myself, but based on what I remember of it IGPX (Immortal Grand Prix) is probably up your alley. Now that I've reminded myself of it I really want to go back and watch this show properly.

 

[Zen Toombs]

As I get the impression you like Shounen Anime, try:

- Fullmetal Alchemist (the original series first, then Brotherhood)

- Gurren Lagann

I concur with both of those, and also recommend 4RM3d's avatar (Code Geass). All of those series are quite enjoyable, and sound like what you'd be interested in.

 

[brom0220]

Okay here goes:

Gurren Laggann. It gets to be over the top, but you should definitely watch it anyway. Make this the exception to your "out there" rule. The theme of perseverance in the face of adversity is so well done that Gurren Laggan should be required watching for the entire human race. It's only 27 episodes, but the ending doesn't feel rushed or anything (the show was made to be 27 episodes long, so the story is complete). There aren't any unanswered questions, and the pacing of the story is really well done. It is so epic, you can find the whole thing on youtube, legally and for free. A disclaimer though, episode 4 was done by a guest animator; it was a one-time thing and the series went back to its regularly good quality after that. Also, don't quit watching the series after the events of episode 8, only the weak do that. And they're missing out big time.

I am surprised at this, but it appears that no one has yet said Spice and Wolf. There are some fantasy elements, but the show doesn't emphasize them and the story and dynamic between the characters is really well done. There are currently 2 seasons out, and they are 13 episodes each.

Fullmetal Alchemist:Brotherhood. I doubt I can say anything that hasn't already been said much better. Definitely watch. It's 63 to 64 episodes, but they are all good. (All that I've watched anyway, I've missed a few here and there.)

Cowboy Bebop. Well done characters, well done story, the show has an interesting feel that is hard to put into words. It is a good feel though. It is very unique. It is 25 episodes if I remember correctly, maybe 26.

All of these anime have really well done English dubs (though there will always be some fans who think anime is always better in Japanese, even if the creator of the series himself prefers the series' English voice cast, as is the case with Cowboy Bebop). All of them have really good animation quality too, though Cowboy Bebop looks a little dated on account of it being so old. It's classic though.

As for Western animation, I would recommend Samurai Jack, Batman:The Animated Series, Young Justice, and watching Avatar again (I've seen the series at least 4 times, I love it so much). If you want some really good news, there is a sequel series to Avatar called The Last Airbender:The Legend of Korra coming out eventually. There is a trailer for it online. It is being made by the same people, so you know the series is in good hands.

I'm sure there are other series that fit your tastes I haven't thought of, but hopefully these will tide you over for now.

 

[4RM3D]

As I get the impression you like Shounen Anime, try:

- Fullmetal Alchemist (the original series first, then Brotherhood)

- Gurren Lagann

I concur with both of those, and also recommend 4RM3d's avatar (Code Geass). All of those series are quite enjoyable, and sound like what you'd be interested in.

Ah yes, thanks. The reason I didn't include Code Geass in the list is because it's a love/hate anime and it's CLAMP. While I personally love Code Geass, I know it's also hated by people. Also, you have to like the CLAMP style. So, even though I would recommend it on a personal level, I wouldn't just recommend it flat-out to everyone.

 

[4RM3D]

The big problem with the categorization of Avatar comes from the Animation Age Ghetto in the West. Some people find it hard to believe that a western title managed to transcend a lot of the stigma surrounding western animation, so in order to justify their viewpoint that all american stuff is for kids, they try to call Avatar an anime.

Naturally, some of those in defense of western titles as their own art form don't take kindly to this notion, and react negatively.

I haven't heard that one before; an interesting viewpoint. Though I am not familiar with the American viewpoint on animation (that includes anime and cartoons), I have always had the impression that people in general think animation is just for kids with a few exceptions like South Park, American Dad and such. Because all those exceptions are mainstream, I think that's the only reason people know about it. If you list a popular adult anime (not hentai), those people wouldn't know of it. In short, people are ignorant of anime.

 

[ElectricMegaHamstah]

If you want to have a good laugh, i can recommend "The World Only God Knows", it's about a japanese guy who plays dating sims on his "PFP" all the time, but then gets cursed, so He has got to chat up IRL girls not to DIE.

 

[Soviet Heavy]

The big problem with the categorization of Avatar comes from the Animation Age Ghetto in the West. Some people find it hard to believe that a western title managed to transcend a lot of the stigma surrounding western animation, so in order to justify their viewpoint that all american stuff is for kids, they try to call Avatar an anime.

Naturally, some of those in defense of western titles as their own art form don't take kindly to this notion, and react negatively.

I haven't heard that one before; an interesting viewpoint. Though I am not familiar with the American viewpoint on animation (that includes anime and cartoons), I have always had the impression that people in general think animation is just for kids with a few exceptions like South Park, American Dad and such. Because all those exceptions are mainstream, I think that's the only reason people know about it. If you list a popular adult anime (not hentai), those people wouldn't know of it. In short, people are ignorant of anime.

It might not be as bad for you over in the Netherlands (I have no clue what sort of cartoons you have, so this is just an assumption), but over in the United States or Canada (a little less), there is a heavy bias against mature animation in the public eye.

A lot of people who attack western animation also defend anime, and place a lot of blame on Western shows for not catering to their demographic. The inverse is that anime has multiple demographics, such as shonen, seinen, or shoujo, which categorize shows into age and gender demographics better. Ironically, this viewpoint that western shows are just for kids is the naysayers own fault. It is their belief that a western show cannot hold multiple demographic appeal that causes them to try and justify Avatar as an anime so that they don't look like hypocrites.

Not wanting to give western shows a chance to shine appears to be forcing more western series to adopt anime practices instead of staying as an independent medium.

Also, to mention your other post, I do like Code Geass, though only season 1. And I hate CLAMP's character designs.

 

[4RM3D]

It might not be as bad for you over in the Netherlands (I have no clue what sort of cartoons you have, so this is just an assumption), but over in the United States or Canada (a little less), there is a heavy bias against mature animation in the public eye.

A lot of people who attack western animation also defend anime, and place a lot of blame on Western shows for not catering to their demographic. The inverse is that anime has multiple demographics, such as shonen, seinen, or shoujo, which categorize shows into age and gender demographics better. Ironically, this viewpoint that western shows are just for kids is the naysayers own fault. It is their belief that a western show cannot hold multiple demographic appeal that causes them to try and justify Avatar as an anime so that they don't look like hypocrites.

Not wanting to give western shows a chance to shine appears to be forcing more western series to adopt anime practices instead of staying as an independent medium.

Interesting, I never knew such tensions existed. As for the Netherlands... it's just as bad here, but in a different way. Misconceptions are common. That is mostly because of the Manga video label (in the 90s). Now people either call it cartoons for kids or people, who know about the Manga releases, call it porn cartoons (they don't know the term hentai). 'porn cartoons', I LOL'd.

 

[4RM3D]

Anime = Animated things made in Japan. In Japan, "anime" means anything animated. Avatar, Gargoyles, and Titan AE are not Japanese, therefore not anime.

Ah, now that I've cleared that up, let me recommend a few things.

What about 'anime' made in Korea?

What about Japanese studio's outsourcing to Korea (which is popular nowadays)?

I am not arguing here because I agree or disagree, I am just wondering where you would 'draw the line' (pun intended .

 

[Soviet Heavy]

It might not be as bad for you over in the Netherlands (I have no clue what sort of cartoons you have, so this is just an assumption), but over in the United States or Canada (a little less), there is a heavy bias against mature animation in the public eye.

A lot of people who attack western animation also defend anime, and place a lot of blame on Western shows for not catering to their demographic. The inverse is that anime has multiple demographics, such as shonen, seinen, or shoujo, which categorize shows into age and gender demographics better. Ironically, this viewpoint that western shows are just for kids is the naysayers own fault. It is their belief that a western show cannot hold multiple demographic appeal that causes them to try and justify Avatar as an anime so that they don't look like hypocrites.

Not wanting to give western shows a chance to shine appears to be forcing more western series to adopt anime practices instead of staying as an independent medium.

Interesting, I never knew such tensions existed. As for the Netherlands... it's just as bad here, but in a different way. Misconceptions are common. That is mostly because of the Manga video label (in the 90s). Now people either call it cartoons for kids or people, who know about the Manga releases, call it porn cartoons (they don't know the term hentai). 'porn cartoons', I LOL'd.

You should check out TVtropes page on the phenomenon.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnimationAgeGhetto

 

[4RM3D]

You should check out TVtropes page on the phenomenon.
http://tvtropes.org/pmwiki/pmwiki.php/Main/AnimationAgeGhetto

An interesting read... I understand the problems with animation in the USA now. I never realized it was like this. Good thing it's changing for the better.

 

[Furioso]

You know I should really leave a copy of what I am about to say somewhere for future use, anyways.

Yu Yu Hakusho, you may have heard of it if you watched Toonami, it was on there when things were good (yay nostalgia!) but I recently watched it again and loved the hell out of it, the characters are fantastic, the art has that 90's charm, the voice acting is.... well I got over it, the action is awesome, the music is simply haunting at times, there were times that I cried in this show and I think the music had something to do with it, seriously, listen to this

Spoiler

That's some depressing stuff, a second version of it starts at about 1:22, after the random walking that got mixed in from the show

Anyways, the show only lasted 4 seasons, so you can watch them all fairly quick, but in my opinion the show was great up until the end, and here's a nice tidbit, the show had virtually NO FILLER the first season alone gets through 5 important story arcs

If you are interested at all here is a link to the website where you can watch them all free, a nice synopsis of the story is on this page too.

http://www.watch-yuyuhakusho.com/