Anime

[Gafgarion]

So, i have looked through, and did not see a single topic about anime. So, I decided that us otakus start talking about the new upcoming animes.

I have looked at Kanon, and it looks really good. Anything made by ADV films is going to be awesome. I also really like Air TV.

[DarkeSword]

So, i have looked through, and did not see a single topic about anime. So, I decided that us otakus start talking about the new upcoming animes.

I have looked at Kanon, and it looks really good. Anything made by ADV films is going to be awesome. I also really like Air TV.

ADV Films doesn't make anything. They're a licensing company.

And making a topic about "Anime" is like making a topic about "Movies" or "Books." It's so broad.

[Scufo]

us otakus
Oh god.
---

[Gafgarion]

What? You don't like anime?

[Urban Xperience]

What? You don't like anime?

Anime's goooodddddd...

Can anyone recommend me any anime worth a download or two hehe..

[Airwalker]

Anybody who calls themselves an otaku doesn't even know what the word means in Japan. That aside, roping people who watch anime into a group is so restricting. So, you watch a few cartoons from Japan--it's a little bit nichey, but how's it different compared to watching a TV show from Britain or Canada?

Uh, in any case, I've not watched much anime or much TV in general lately. The last good series I've seen has to be The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

[Calpis]

Anybody who calls themselves an otaku doesn't even know what the word means in Japan.
QFE.

Also, just because it's anime doesn't mean that it's good. I've been studying Japanese for almost 10 years now (meaning that I understand and appreciate the culture) and can't stomach most of what American "otakus" claim to be gold.

[Airwalker]

QFE.

Also, just because it's anime doesn't mean that it's good. I've been studying Japanese for almost 10 years now (meaning that I understand and appreciate the culture) and can't stomach most of what American "otakus" claim to be gold.

Good point. I remember when I first started watching a few anime shows and felt like it was going to be some kind of a passion for me. I can't believe I watched and own a copy of the Love Hina anime. The manga is not bad even today, but wow, I can't stand more than a minute of that cartoon any more. Yet it has such a following...

[MechaFone]

I've made it a life mission of mine to own all of Love Hina. The manga, not the 'anime'. I wouldn't even call it that. It's a downright, ridiculous failure. I can't stomach the music, which is awful. It can't hold a lit fart to the original manga.
That is all.

[Shining Mirage]

Uh, in any case, I've not watched much anime or much TV in general lately. The last good series I've seen has to be The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Funny, because I'm still looking for that one along some series called "Bokusatsu Tenshi" (Dokuro-Chan). I only hard of the latter from my twisted friends and they referred to it as a "quick laugh". Googling it barely did me any justice.

[Guy In Rubber Suit]

I really can't stand most anime. Cookie cutter storylines and characters with piss poor production values. It really disgraces the artform of animation in general.

I do like some theatrical anime and very few TV shows like Cowboy Bebop and that's about it really.

[Arek the Absolute]

Anything made in the early to mid 90's and before are the only ones that I can really stand. New anime is just the poster said above, "Cookie cutter storylines and characters with piss poor production values. It really disgraces the artform of animation in general."

The only real exception to this is Cowboy Bebop, though I know that that anime isn't really anything "recent" or "new".

[Gafgarion]

I really wouldn't say they are piss poor. Like TV shows today, they are a million to choose from. Besides, anime now is drawn alot better than it was before, so it looks even better.

I don't watch alot of old stuff, mainly because the artwork is not near as good as it is now.

[Guy In Rubber Suit]

I really wouldn't say they are piss poor. Like TV shows today, they are a million to choose from. Besides, anime now is drawn alot better than it was before, so it looks even better.

I don't watch alot of old stuff, mainly because the artwork is not near as good as it is now.


I'm not talking about the artwork. I'm referring to the animation, how much motion and emotion are present from the drawings. Most of what I've seen are just static heads with blinking eyes a mouth that just moves in and out and maybe some hair or a cape blowing in the wind. If it's an action sequence then it's just blurred fists and feet against a speed lined background. And I hate how some shows will completely change the art style on the fly for 'comedic' effect.

[Gafgarion]

The anime I watch isn't like that at all, so I don't really know what you are talking about when you say bad animation.

[Scufo]

What? You don't like anime?
Anime's alright. But calling yourself an otaku is like calling yourself a fanboy and being proud of it. Which is like calling yourself a half-retarded driveling biased moron and being proud of it. So don't do it.

[HalcyonSpirit]

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

I'm just going to say that if you haven't at least looked at this series, you should go do so. Now. Not everyone is going to like it; it's a bit hit-or-miss. But it typically hits pretty hard when it does. :-)

As for production values and storylines... yeah, there have been a few recent ones that are poor in those departments. But not all of them. As far as animation is concerned, Haruhi was superbly animated for most of the series. It wasn't extremely detailed with the artwork all the time (though it was when it was needed, like during the "concert" scene), but it flowed really well and the little things were paid attention to. Its story, I think, was pretty good too, but then again, it was based off the novels and not produced first as an anime. So I'm not sure if that can count.

[Antipode]

I've enjoyed Samurai Champloo, Cowboy Bebop, Full Metal Alchemist and Trigun - that's it. Those four shows are absolutely incredible and are must-watches, as far as I'm concerned. I don't believe I've enjoyed any other show nearly as much, though Evangelion is in there trailing behind.

[Avatar of Justice]

One new show that may potentially become a new favorite is Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, whose 2nd season is going to be airing in the Spring. The major reason it's good (and different) is that the main character starts out with noble intentions but is going down the path of evil as he leads a rebellion against an Empire. For those of you who are Death Note fans, it might remind you of Light, except whereas Light just becomes evil at the end of the 1st episode with his talk of being the "God of the New World," the main character of Code Geass (Lelouch) actually develops over time into someone who is bad. It also helps that all the other major characters are not flat and you have a feel for why they are doing what they are doing.

Yeah, most anime is cookie cutter. Especially now that so much of the new stuff is either based off of dating games or is harem crap. I mean really, how many shows can you make about some dude living in a house with 5 girls or some guy who comes back to some town after losing his memory of a bunch of stupid girls that used to know him. Out of the 10-15 big name shows that get fansubbed every year, I usually only follow 2 or 3.

The only real exception to this is Cowboy Bebop, though I know that that anime isn't really anything "recent" or "new".


I've never understood why so many people are enamored with Cowboy Bebop. It's pretty episodic, and I personally never could really relate to the characters. The storyline just didn't seem all that compelling.

[DarkeSword]

One new show that may potentially become a new favorite is Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, whose 2nd season is going to be airing in the Spring. The major reason it's good (and different) is that the main character starts out with noble intentions but is going down the path of evil as he leads a rebellion against an Empire. For those of you who are Death Note fans, it might remind you of Light, except whereas Light just becomes evil at the end of the 1st episode with his talk of being the "God of the New World," the main character of Code Geass (Lelouch) actually develops over time into someone who is bad. It also helps that all the other major characters are not flat and you have a feel for why they are doing what they are doing.

Yeah, most anime is cookie cutter. Especially now that so much of the new stuff is either based off of dating games or is harem crap. I mean really, how many shows can you make about some dude living in a house with 5 girls or some guy who comes back to some town after losing his memory of a bunch of stupid girls that used to know him. Out of the 10-15 big name shows that get fansubbed every year, I usually only follow 2 or 3.

That's why you watch School Days, which actually stays true to its H-Game source by having the main guy sleep with everyone. Plus they actually had the balls to combine two of the most violent bad-endings in the game into the ending of the series. The show starts off so innocently, but in the end is so dark and twisted; it really gets under your skin.


I've never understood why so many people are enamored with Cowboy Bebop. It's pretty episodic, and I personally never could really relate to the characters. The storyline just didn't seem all that compelling.

People like Cowboy Bebop because it's quite unlike any other "cartoon" they've seen before. Because it's older, it's one of the first shows people watch, so they get drawn into the sophisticated atmosphere.

Also, Yoko Kanno did the music, and you really can't beat that.

[Drack]

Anime's alright. But calling yourself an otaku is like calling yourself a fanboy and being proud of it. Which is like calling yourself a half-retarded driveling biased moron and being proud of it. So don't do it.

Quoted for emphasis.

[Z3120]

Titles I can think of that I'd recommend would be Mushishi, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Honey and Clover, Hikaru no Go, Death Note, Code Geass and so forth despite what qualms with each of them.

Some movies are good too. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo was the latest one I've seen. Pretty satisfying.

[Calpis]

Titles I can think of that I'd recommend would be Mushishi, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Honey and Clover, Hikaru no Go,
Death Note,
Code Geass and so forth despite what qualms with each of them.

Some movies are good too. Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo was the latest one I've seen. Pretty satisfying.
QFE. One of the only shows, much less anime, that I was compelled enough to watch all the way through, without missing an episode even.

[Bleck]

Death Note is the FF7 of anime

[I-n-j-i-n]

Death Note is very flashy and 'mature' themed so I guess that makes it go down well for western audiences. I can count at least a few dozen shows in 2007 I liked more than Death Note.

[Bleck]

For the record, I was making a comparison based on how FF7 is not nearly as good as anyone says it is.

[Calpis]

What shows? I honestly didn't see anything other than Death Note last year, mainly due to my bad history with anime. I've looked at a couple titles mentioned around here before (Haruhi, Azumanga) and didn't really get into them.

Edit:
I don't watch alot of old stuff, mainly because the artwork is not near as good as it is now.
I think as it is with American shows, anime looks a whole lot better now, but I feel like most if it is just nonsense compared to what was shown a couple decades ago.

[I-n-j-i-n]

What shows? I honestly didn't see anything other than Death Note last year, mainly due to my bad history with anime. I've looked at a couple titles mentioned around here before (Haruhi, Azumanga) and didn't really get into them.

Denno Coil won several anime awards in Japan for best of the year (I wouldn't go that far, but I liked it a lot). Baccano was really well done in a pseudo-American-comic style, Code Geass was like Death Note with robots and melodrama, ef is one of the most inventive romance anime I've ever seen, Minami-ke is like Azumanga Daioh on steroids (add Sketchbook and Potemayo if we're in that Azumanga-style comedy category), Zetsubo Sensei is probably the most frantic comedy I've seen, Shigurui is a creepy showcase of debauchery and death, Kaiji is the best showcase of the 'underdog versus organized crime' type of shows I've seen, etc etc. There were too many great shows in 2007.

Death Note, to me, is just another straight manga conversion that was still very well done (still one of the better shows of the year), but not exactly out of the left field or really inventive at all. That and the final story arc could've been done better starting from the manga itself.

[aTOH]

I collect Zoids. Mechs are cool.

Anyone know any good cooking anime, aside from Yakitate Japan and Cooking Master Boy?

[Soma]

For the record, I was making a comparison based on how FF7 is not nearly as good as anyone says it is.
I agree with this. I watched up until episode 30 or so and kind of stopped caring. Though it was a very different show than i thought it was going to be when i started watching.

Claymore is an awesome show, dunno if anyone recommended it. It's very Berserk-ish in more ways than one. Like Berserk the anime doesn't encompass the entire manga series and at the end of episode 26 there is no resolution. Claymore manga is still ongoing though so heres hoping for season 2.

[Brycepops]

Fist of the North Star.

[Zethzen]

I really wouldn't say they are piss poor. Like TV shows today, they are a million to choose from. Besides, anime now is drawn alot better than it was before, so it looks even better.

I don't watch alot of old stuff, mainly because the artwork is not near as good as it is now.

http://img230.imageshack.us/img230/4040/qualityanimationec5.jpg

[Avatar of Justice]

Claymore is an awesome show, dunno if anyone recommended it. It's very Berserk-ish in more ways than one. Like Berserk the anime doesn't encompass the entire manga series and at the end of episode 26 there is no resolution. Claymore manga is still ongoing though so heres hoping for season 2.

I'm typically not a fan of "endless" series like Naruto, but Claymore was one show I wished they had just kept making more and more of and kept going with the manga. I didn't really get into until around episode 5, but after that I loved it. Because the manga isn't over, the TV show ended up having a weak ending, I thought.

[megadave]

I would honestly give up a pinky toe for the rest of the Berserk manga to be adapted for anime, and I'm a big fan of my pinky toes.

[Neo Samus]

I used to watch a lot of anime when I was younger DBZ, Sailor Moon (yeah, yeah, yeah....you watched it too admid it). I'm really picky about what I watch nowadays. Feature Films and such. But for some reason Shin Chan is a show I just can't stop watching. It's hilarious!

[DJ Mighty]

I'm not talking about the artwork. I'm referring to the animation, how much motion and emotion are present from the drawings. Most of what I've seen are just static heads with blinking eyes a mouth that just moves in and out and maybe some hair or a cape blowing in the wind. If it's an action sequence then it's just blurred fists and feet against a speed lined background. And I hate how some shows will completely change the art style on the fly for 'comedic' effect.

took the words right out of my mouth.

[DJ Mighty]

The anime I watch isn't like that at all, so I don't really know what you are talking about when you say bad animation.


He is talking about 95% of all Anime. I agree there has been some that is fully animated and done nicely. Miyazaki films fit into that 5%. Though as someone who studied animation for a while, i think its an Insult to call his work Anime, but i guess it technically is.

There are a few Anime out there that i enjoyed because the story was amazing, it canceled out the lack of animation. I Enjoyed most of the Kenshin series, but after Legends of Kyoto it isnt worth watching.

[The Mutericator]

The last good series I've seen has to be The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Gurren Lagann would like to have a word with you.

[cobaltstarfire]

I haven't watched a huge amount of anime, I'm pretty picky about what I've enjoyed though. Honestly when someone says most anime sucks, well duh, it's just like any other form of television, most of it is going to suck.

That said most of the anime I've enjoyed has already been mentioned except for the more feminine ones. (which is understandable). I thought Fruits Basket was pretty good, Card Captor Sakura too (although that was when I was younger, maybe going back and watching it again will be different now).

Macross and Robotec were pretty good, as well as .hack//SIGN. (I wouldn't suggest the other .hack though, it sucked, and isn't even cannon for the actual storyline).

Ooooh, Hikaru No Go is good too, it's about a kid that learns to play Go when he is possessed by a ghost that taught Go to an emperor.

I'm not really sure how well these would really go with you though, I've been known to get great deals of amusement out of the Japanese Sonic X (which is for like...6 year olds), Digimon Adventure, and Pokemon. :P

[Gafgarion]

I am glad to see people who actually like anime are posting good comments about it.

Another good series is the Samurai Seven series.

[Vidilian]

I agree with this. I watched up until episode 30 or so and kind of stopped caring. Though it was a very different show than i thought it was going to be when i started watching.


Hmmm... thats a shame. I've just started watching it and so far it's one of the best shows I've ever seen and I don't even like anime that much. I guess it gets worse towards the end.

[Brushfire]

http://epicgaming.us/?p=41

I wrote this one night on shift just to vent about some of the things that I can't believe got popular. Everything in the article is of course IMO. If you disagree you have every right to.

[cobaltstarfire]

http://epicgaming.us/?p=41

I wrote this one night on shift just to vent about some of the things that I can't believe got popular. Everything in the article is of course IMO. If you disagree you have every right to.

Hey that made me giggle, I actually did sort of like InuYahsa only got around to reading two manga before deciding there was too much crap though... (I hate love triangle stories...bleh).

Oh, Hellsing was pretty good...I thought...it's uh vampirey...and stuff...I don't particularly remember it though since I watched it like...5-6 years ago...

[srashy]

whats your top ten guys. Mine is like:

Last Exile
Serial Experiments Lain
Cowboy Bebop
Berserk
Twelve Kingdoms
Kino's Journey
Neon Genesis Evangelion
Mushishi
Fullmetal Panic!
Saikano

[Gafgarion]

Air TV
Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya
Genshiken
UFO Ultramaiden Valkyrie
Samurai Seven
Tsubasa Chronicles
Yumeria
Naruto
Zatchbell
Girls Bravo

[Raziellink]

Fatal Fury.


Oh, and the new Hellsing anime. The old one is crap.

[Gafgarion]

YES! Dude, I totally agree.

[DarkeSword]

Let's not turn this into a favorites thread.

[Avatar of Justice]

http://epicgaming.us/?p=41

I wrote this one night on shift just to vent about some of the things that I can't believe got popular. Everything in the article is of course IMO. If you disagree you have every right to.

Are you even talking about SEED? I'm not aware of any mechs in it that have a jolly roger on it. That'd be odd as the SEED mobile suits are usually just solid colors without designs. Gundam SEED is my favorite anime (and 2nd favorite work of fiction) so I of course refute your entire view. I do find it interesting that you accuse the characters of being whiny but are an Evangelion fan. That's the show where I see people constantly bash the main character for being whiny, which I'm not really one of. SEED is actually an influence in my daily life and my foreign policy views. If I'm pondering whether something would be morally acceptable for a country to do in response to the actions of another, I usually think "Would Kira and Lacus approve?" as they are the most moral, pure, and noble characters that I'm aware of in all of the books, games, movies, and television shows I've experienced.

As for the conversations in Gundam Wing, I cared about the conversations. My circle of friends and I hardly ever have a time where we get together and DON'T discuss

a)The problems with humanity
b)How to solve them
c)Whether war is a viable solution
d)Whether democracy or tyranny is the best way to achieve change

No seriously. We do this. As for the plot itself, what more do you want? It's got political intrigue and war.

[Gafgarion]

Let's not turn this into a favorites thread.

Favourites thread about what? Anime? I think the thread's topic clearly says anime.

I was never really hardcore for Gundam. I mainly watched Pokemon, and DBZ.

[HershDawg]

I'm typically not a fan of "endless" series like Naruto, but Claymore was one show I wished they had just kept making more and more of and kept going with the manga. I didn't really get into until around episode 5, but after that I loved it. Because the manga isn't over, the TV show ended up having a weak ending, I thought.
I really liked Claymore till it started to diverge from the storyline. I could barely watch the last couple episodes because I felt they were murdering it. The other current uber popular anime (Bleach, and Naruto), I prefer in manga form as well. They are making part 2 of naruto seem like the worst reaches of DBZ where you spend an entire episode doing nothing but powering up. I really enjoy some of the more mature manga like Tengo Tenji, Ubel Blatt(basicly elfish kid with sword kills everything around him). I just wish they could have done Claymore more justice because the current arc rocks.

[eternal Zero]

In regards to Naruto and Bleach I only read the manga now. I'm also currently following Dragonaut the Resonance, which is kinda lame...but it entertains me, Shakugan No Shana, which is in the same boat, but I have seen some pretty interesting ones. I recently finished Noir which was quite good.

I've always liked anime, but it's hit or miss with these newer ones. Oh, and if you liked the Gundam idea but didn't like the anime itself try out Eureka seveN.

[DarkeSword]

Favourites thread about what? Anime? I think the thread's topic clearly says anime.

I was never really hardcore for Gundam. I mainly watched Pokemon, and DBZ.

My point is that people shouldn't be posting top ten lists without DISCUSSING the topic. These are discussion boards, and OCR generally discourages topics where people just post a favorites list and then don't talk about stuff.

[Barnsalot]

I watched Dragon Ball Z religiously when I was 10-ish, but haven't watched much since. It all seems too similar to me.

[Gafgarion]

My point is that people shouldn't be posting top ten lists without DISCUSSING the topic. These are discussion boards, and OCR generally discourages topics where people just post a favorites list and then don't talk about stuff.

Fair enough.

I used to read naruto manga hardcore, but I started watching ahead of the english manga, so I stopped reading naruto for some reason.

[Avatar of Justice]

So has any anime actually changed the way you've thought about anything? I sort've feel alone in the cold here.

[cobaltstarfire]

Anime hasn't changed the way I think about stuff, not anymore than any other form of entertainment anyway.

[Gafgarion]

Well, I try not to let anime alter the way i think, but then again, they do alot of crazy stuff in anime, which is really fun. My friend started wearing weights like Rock Lee on his feet.

[I-n-j-i-n]

So has any anime actually changed the way you've thought about anything? I sort've feel alone in the cold here.

It sure did for me. Denno Coil made me question the nature of friendship even more than I already do, Shigurui taught me that all men are evil pigs, and stuff like Code Geass had a lot of conflicting nationalism and racism that is always fun to ponder about.

Anime nowadays are so much better written than they ever really were. Most great anime now don't really rely on gimmicks as much as they used to in the 90's.

PS- This made me think so much: MUST WATCH!: http://blog.seiha.org/?p=551

[Bleck]

Cowboy Bebop has had a tremendous effect on my life

[Bummerdude]

http://i24.photobucket.com/albums/c39/Horseboy/lol/animelol1ts9ru.gif

Seriously though, I watch plenty of series. I can usually only stand smaller series with about 24 eps, but if it has a solid story then following something with a total of 60 episodes and beyond won't be too hard. I see it only as entertainment though. It's a good source for me to get a laugh, decrease my brain functions for half an hour or to just kill some time, but I haven't driven it to the point that I've gotten obsessed with the japanese culture and taken the first steps on the dark path of weeaboo faggots.

I can't recall a moment where anime drastically changed my opinion of a certain subject, but it has surely boogled my mind several times and taken my own sense of fantasy to new levels. I mainly stick with the humoristic series, even though I can enjoy some of a much more serious nature.

Concerning how anime has become "better drawn" over time, I'd say that it's an improvement. The Laws of Anime (http://www.abcb.com/laws/index.htm)still own an accurate description of most of them today, but the fact that they've started to avoid large sweatdrops, curly blue lines along the forehead, and moments before mentioned when

completely change the art style on the fly for 'comedic' effect.

More work put into facial expressions and body movements is always a positive development, but that only goes for the general concept of anime. Cowboy Bebop is one of the earlier creations and it uses none of the "features" associated with anime".
I second the recommendations of Denno Coil and The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya.

Titles I can think of that I'd recommend would be Mushishi, Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann, Honey and Clover, Hikaru no Go, Death Note, Code Geass and so forth despite what qualms with each of them.

Good man. Mushishi has a great soundtrack, and one new case with every episode with some hints here and there concerning Ginko's background made it a very interesting watch.

I've watched Hikaru no Go as well, but it feels like I can't really recommend it. For being an anime about a game which has the equivalent entertaining value as chess, it's surprisingly good, but I couldn't really stand how slow everything went during some points and how everything went towards being gay at the end. Add the fact that most characters didn't know how to hold a decent dialogue, and it became something that got some points, but wasn't overall that great.

And if you liked H&C, then I recommend Nodame Cantabile. Classy, funny, serious, enjoyable.

[cobaltstarfire]

I've watched Hikaru no Go as well, but it feels like I can't really recommend it. For being an anime about a game which has the equivalent entertaining value as chess, it's surprisingly good, but I couldn't really stand how slow everything went during some points and how everything went towards being gay at the end. Add the fact that most characters didn't know how to hold a decent dialogue, and it became something that got some points, but wasn't overall that great.


It managed to keep me watching it to see what happened, it definitely takes a special sort of person to fully enjoy it, and I'm not one of them. There may be a few people somewhere on this board that are the sort that can really appreciate it. I don't think there's much room to complain about the pacing of the anime though, considering that YES it IS about a board game.

Can you stand anime that may have slow bits, but have good dialog? Like uh, .hack//SIGN? (It seems like an anime most males probably couldn't get through though... I dunno.)

If you like anime to let your brain run at half capacity to and to laugh at, I really suggest the Japanese Sonic X, it's meant for like 6 year olds. It's one of the silliest most amusing things I've subjected my mind to, and definitely helped me unwind a lot when school was starting to stress me out pretty bad.

[TDKenyon]

[quote=Raziellink;362618Oh, and the new Hellsing anime. The old one is crap.[/quote]

What new Hellsing? I actually really enjoyed the original (13 episodes). If there's another one, I'd love to see it.

[DarkeSword]

It managed to keep me watching it to see what happened, it definitely takes a special sort of person to fully enjoy it, and I'm not one of them. There may be a few people somewhere on this board that are the sort that can really appreciate it. I don't think there's much room to complain about the pacing of the anime though, considering that YES it IS about a board game.

But it really isn't. I mean, I haven't watched the show, but I've read the entire manga series, and it's not about a board game. It's about PEOPLE who play a board game professionally. It's about what they go through as pros, their rivalries, successes, and defeats. It's a great drama series, especially in the latter half.

[Gafgarion]

Yes, alot of people get the idea that is really is a board game in Japan.

By the way, the H20 anime looks pretty cool.

[cobaltstarfire]

But it really isn't. I mean, I haven't watched the show, but I've read the entire manga series, and it's not about a board game. It's about PEOPLE who play a board game professionally. It's about what they go through as pros, their rivalries, successes, and defeats. It's a great drama series, especially in the latter half.

It's mostly that the focus sometimes thrown on the game really confused me, since I had no idea what was going on. :P

That bit makes it harder for me to fully enjoy it honestly. I thought it was good, just takes a certain kind of person to fully enjoy it.

[HershDawg]

What new Hellsing? I actually really enjoyed the original (13 episodes). If there's another one, I'd love to see it.
I love the manga for Hellsing way more then the anime mostly because Serras is total ownage in it.

[TDKenyon]

I read a few pages of it in Barnes and Noble. It's one of the only mangas I've ever considered buying (collecting manga is far too expensive IMO.)

[HershDawg]

I read a few pages of it in Barnes and Noble. It's one of the only mangas I've ever considered buying (collecting manga is far too expensive IMO.)
Thats why I read off the internet for free. I know a couple sites PM me if your interested.

[dsx100]

I have never been a big fan of anime or manga series, mostly only stand-alone animated movies (think Street Fighter II, Appleseed, Ghost in the Shell). However there are a few that have really enjoyed, though I would say mostly because they have interesting stories rather than anything else.

Basically the only anime I actually like include:

Ghost in the Shell SAC
Gundam Wing
Street Fighter II V
Vandread
DragonBall (not GT)

I have tried watching other stuff but I just can't get into it. Most recently Samurai 7, which I guess I mostly disliked only becuase I'm a big fan of the original Seven Samurai film. I do find Death Note a little interesting, and I want to watch Planetes but currently have no way of doing so.

Also on the side-note, I really don't think DragonBall is that bad. I think it gets a bad rep sometimes mostly because of how the American market decided to potray the series. If you really read and the watch the original Japanese content, its different and much more mature. I personally think the story is good too.

[I-n-j-i-n]

Seriously though, I watch plenty of series. I can usually only stand smaller series with about 24 eps, but if it has a solid story then following something with a total of 60 episodes and beyond won't be too hard. I see it only as entertainment though. It's a good source for me to get a laugh, decrease my brain functions for half an hour or to just kill some time, but I haven't driven it to the point that I've gotten obsessed with the japanese culture and taken the first steps on the dark path of weeaboo faggots.

I think that's harder to do nowadays since so many anime now blur the line between comedy, drama, action, etc. You watch Kanon, one second it plays out like standup comedy, the next, there's violence, death and the whole drama.

Good man. Mushishi has a great soundtrack, and one new case with every episode with some hints here and there concerning Ginko's background made it a very interesting watch.

Speaking of the soundtrack, though everybody makes a mockery of the Naruto shows, it has an amazing soundtrack. And it is done by the musician who did Mushishi's.

And if you liked H&C, then I recommend Nodame Cantabile. Classy, funny, serious, enjoyable.

Or hunt down the shows airing on the WOWOW channel (usually involves rape, extreme onscreen violence in WOWOW shows. Much, much darker material than usual) or NoitaminA (Animation backwards) that shows a lot of college-centric topics like Honey and Clover, Nodame Cantabile and Moyashimon.

By the way, the H20 anime looks pretty cool.

Was your SOUL ROCKED?

Actually, the first episode was pretty enjoyable, although disturbing with the girl-beatings. I recommend it.

[Gafgarion]

Acutally, I was picked up and I was tossed around by my soul because it was so good. i really need to buy volume 1 on DVD.

[Brushfire]

Are you even talking about SEED? I'm not aware of any mechs in it that have a jolly roger on it. That'd be odd as the SEED mobile suits are usually just solid colors without designs. Gundam SEED is my favorite anime (and 2nd favorite work of fiction) so I of course refute your entire view. I do find it interesting that you accuse the characters of being whiny but are an Evangelion fan. That's the show where I see people constantly bash the main character for being whiny, which I'm not really one of. SEED is actually an influence in my daily life and my foreign policy views. If I'm pondering whether something would be morally acceptable for a country to do in response to the actions of another, I usually think "Would Kira and Lacus approve?" as they are the most moral, pure, and noble characters that I'm aware of in all of the books, games, movies, and television shows I've experienced.

As for the conversations in Gundam Wing, I cared about the conversations. My circle of friends and I hardly ever have a time where we get together and DON'T discuss

a)The problems with humanity
b)How to solve them
c)Whether war is a viable solution
d)Whether democracy or tyranny is the best way to achieve change

No seriously. We do this. As for the plot itself, what more do you want? It's got political intrigue and war.

I seem to have upset someone. For what it is worth, Seed and Wing were both rather boring stories of political intrigue and war. Maybe I just lack the attention span to get the idea but I didn't like either of them. I like UC Gundam and 0083, and that is all I really need. If you don't agree with me that is your perogative.

[Effef]

I stopped watching anime about a year ago. After a while, it just became more and more of a cliche jumble and every show looked the same. The only anime that I would recommend watching that have been released in the past two years would be Eureka Seven and Gurren Lagann.

Well, I try not to let anime alter the way i think, but then again, they do alot of crazy stuff in anime, which is really fun. My friend started wearing weights like Rock Lee on his feet.

I hate you and I hate your friend, simply because you represent everything that is wrong with the "otaku" (god I hate that word) culture in the US. Please stop being such weaboo failures.

[Mr Jarna]

I tend not to watch anime, preferring instead to read teh mangaz. Deathnote and Bleach are my most recent perusings (that word is funny). Parasyte is good as well, although slooooooow to come out. Can't stand Inuyasha.

[eternal Zero]

Wearing weights on your person is well and good, but if it's just because you want to be like an anime character, you have some pretty massive issues.

I'm not exactly against the word otaku or being called one...but I'm by no means a sad and pathetic case of a socially inept nitwit that can't think for himself.

Can some more comments be made about H2O? It looked interesting then I noticed it's based off of a dating sim game...which doesn't exactly make for great anime in my opinion.

Oh, and lastly, speaking of romance anime, I really thoroughly enjoyed watching Suzuka. The anime barely scratches the story told by the manga, which is complete, but that one really affected me in a good way.

[Haganegiri]

That's the show where I see people constantly bash the main character for being whiny, which I'm not really one of. SEED is actually an influence in my daily life and my foreign policy views. If I'm pondering whether something would be morally acceptable for a country to do in response to the actions of another, I usually think "Would Kira and Lacus approve?" as they are the most moral, pure, and noble characters that I'm aware of in all of the books, games, movies, and television shows I've experienced..

Kenshiro from Hokuto No Ken (Fist of the North Star) would like to have a word with you...

[megadave]

Kenshiro is the fuckin' man.

[Brycepops]

Fist of the North Star.

Like I said last week ¬_¬

[Gafgarion]

Wearing weights on your person is well and good, but if it's just because you want to be like an anime character, you have some pretty massive issues.

It isn't because he wants to be like Rock lee, it is because he finds it is good weight training, and he got it from Rock Lee.

[eternal Zero]

It isn't because he wants to be like Rock lee, it is because he finds it is good weight training, and he got it from Rock Lee.

While a good thing...it still saddens me.

[OverCoat]

This thread is kind of uninteresting

not enough Legend of Galactic Heroes

[eternal Zero]

Never heard of it. Say more.

[Tensei]

Fist of the North Star


FIST OF THE NOSEHAIR!!!1

Seriously, if you haven't already, check out Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (or just Bobobo). It's the most batshit insane anime I have ever seen bar none ( and I've seen Excel Saga and FLCL so I have some comparison).

[avaris]

For a good unique anime from the last two years:

Welcome to the NHK!
Mushishi

There are def more good unique anime that have come out recently in addition to the ones mentioned before. BUT those two stand out.

[OverCoat]

Never heard of it. Say more.

Okay!

Legend of Galactic Heroes may be the best anime ever made. It's a giant space opera with none of the bullshit that Gundam likes to throw in sometimes. You'll also never see battles this epic, though Last Exile and Super Dimensional Fortress Macross come close-ish. The characters are also interesting and the story moves at a good pace despite being 100something episodes long, and has plenty of twists.

http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=1786

Also: look at the rating. and the epically huge voice cast. lol

[eternal Zero]

If you claim it to be better than Last Exile in terms of epic battles, then I must check this out and soon.

[Gafgarion]

Ummm.... Bo-bo-bo is insane, and random as fuck. But, by having those elements, it is funny as hell and very interesting.

[eternal Zero]

This isn't exactly anime, but there's a recent manga that I just found today that is quite amazing. High School of the Dead. Doesn't really have anything to do with a school after the first volume, but damn is it good. It's ongoing currently and scanlated up to the 15th chapter(in the middle of the 4th volume).

[OverCoat]

This isn't exactly anime, but there's a recent manga that I just found today that is quite amazing. High School of the Dead. Doesn't really have anything to do with a school after the first volume, but damn is it good. It's ongoing currently and scanlated up to the 15th chapter(in the middle of the 4th volume).

Yeah I've seen pics of HSotD and it looks great. Will get that eventually.

[dsx100]

You guys known Legend of The Galatic Heroes started off as a series of novels first. I always thought that was pretty interesting. It was never officialy localized in the USA though.

[The Damned]

Spice and Wolf is a new show, and it's kind of endearing a bit. The ending credits is sort of like Still Alive from Portal (a similarity that I am sure is less than coincidental). I think I'll get the next few episodes and see how it turns out.

And I found a site that has High School of the Dead translated. I'm reading it right now, even though I just finished binging on a bunch of zombie and Aiens Vs Predator comics last week. Seems pretty much par for the course.

[eternal Zero]

Haruhi also started out as a novel (light novel to be exact). I've read those through a pretty good translating group. You should look around for things like that. Stories in their original form tend to be best.

[Soma]

I started watching "Get Backers". I never paid much attention to it but it's really more enjoyable and deep than i thought it would be.

I too just started reading High School of the Dead, would make an awesome anime. I'm gonna try to check out "spice and Wolf" also. I started watching H20 footprints in the sand, pretty cool so far.

[I-n-j-i-n]

I seem to have upset someone. For what it is worth, Seed and Wing were both rather boring stories of political intrigue and war. Maybe I just lack the attention span to get the idea but I didn't like either of them. I like UC Gundam and 0083, and that is all I really need. If you don't agree with me that is your perogative.

That seems to be the status quo for UC fanboys though. Not to say that every opinion is fanboyish, but that just appears that way. I don't see why Seed is so looked down upon when it's actually made pretty well and adheres to the Gundam story, except for the lousy second half of Destiny.

And I think Wing gets maligned for being too flamingly homosexual. I thought it definitely was one of the most unique and IMO, the 'must watch' of the Gundam lot. That includes Turn A Gundam which may be too philosophical and laid back for the typical Gundam fan it seems.

Can some more comments be made about H2O? It looked interesting then I noticed it's based off of a dating sim game...which doesn't exactly make for great anime in my opinion.

Air, Kanon, Clannad, ef, etc etc have made for amazing dating sim conversions though.

I daresay that dating sim games easily has the most engrossing and fleshed out storylines out of any single gaming genre out there, including RPGs. Which is why so many romance anime are not straight from girls' manga, but from those dating sim games.

[Gafgarion]

Air, Kanon, Clannad, ef, etc etc have made for amazing dating sim conversions though.

OMG, yes they have. The only thing i have a complaint about is they have amazing, beautiful faces, but not exactly... mezmerizing bodies, should I say? I don't intend to sound like a pervert though.

[eternal Zero]

Unfortunately I haven't seen any of those so I suppose my comment was baseless. I s'pose I'll give them a try.

[Bummerdude]

According to a worst anime ever topic at a forum I frequented, Boo-boo-boo-something-something came very high atop that list. I haven't watched, nor haven't I read the manga either (cept for a page here and there), so I cannot say I have a solid opinion of it nor do I know what's it all about. But if a crowd of teenagers who watch Naruto and likes it, and thinks that Boo-Boo is terrible, then my logic tells me that Boo-Boo is in fact terrible beyond limits. True, it might be that its humor was too farfetched for them, being as random and wacky as you say it is, but it still gives me a creepy eerie feeling.

Millions of Naruto fans cannot be wrong.

I started watching "Get Backers". I never paid much attention to it but it's really more enjoyable and deep than i thought it would be.
I really must get myself to start watching this show seriously after I'm done with some unfinished series, I watched two eps while back home and I enjoyed what I saw, and yet it would become much better as the story progresses. According to my siblings at least, and so far I haven't found a reason to not trust their tips.

Except for my younger brother though, there is no way I'm gonna start watching Prince of Tennis.

The only thing i have a complaint about is they have amazing, beautiful faces, but not exactly... mezmerizing bodies, should I say? I don't intend to sound like a pervert though.
Well tough luck, cause that's exactly what you came out as. I've watched Kanon and Clannad, and making their physique more "mesmerising" would only make it cross into the dark realm of hentai.

[Soma]

According to a worst anime ever topic at a forum I frequented, Boo-boo-boo-something-something came very high atop that list. I haven't watched, nor haven't I read the manga either (cept for a page here and there), so I cannot say I have a solid opinion of it nor do I know what's it all about. But if a crowd of teenagers who watch Naruto and likes it, and thinks that Boo-Boo is terrible, then my logic tells me that Boo-Boo is in fact terrible beyond limits. True, it might be that its humor was too farfetched for them, being as random and wacky as you say it is, but it still gives me a creepy eerie feeling.

Millions of Naruto fans cannot be wrong.


I really must get myself to start watching this show seriously after I'm done with some unfinished series, I watched two eps while back home and I enjoyed what I saw, and yet it would become much better as the story progresses. According to my siblings at least, and so far I haven't found a reason to not trust their tips.

Except for my younger brother though, there is no way I'm gonna start watching Prince of Tennis.


Well tough luck, cause that's exactly what you came out as. I've watched Kanon and Clannad, and making their physique more "mesmerising" would only make it cross into the dark realm of hentai.

I used to say the same thing about Prince of Tennis. Though that show is fucking amazing. It's way too long though, like 200 episodes and counting. You should give it a shot at least.

[Gafgarion]

Amazing how they made a show about Tennis 200 episodes long, or however any it is.

[Soma]

Amazing how they made a show about Tennis 200 episodes long, or however any it is.
If you watched an episode you would understand. A tennis match can take a couple episodes sometimes, most times in a good way. The characters all have amazing techniques that are highly unrealistic. It's like a fighting game meets tennis. It's much more entertaining than actual Tennis.

[Admiral_C]

Amazing how they made a show about Tennis 200 episodes long, or however any it is.

If an anime about bread can last 60+ episodes and STAY good... anything's possible.

[Trenthian]

Anime's goooodddddd...

Can anyone recommend me any anime worth a download or two hehe..


Trenthian's picks:

One Piece (over 200 episodes of awesome - still running afaik)
Great Teacher Onizuka (or G.T.O)
Azumanga Daioh
Berserk! (this is a very dark anime)
Cowboy Bebop
Chobits
Those Who Hunt Elves
Ranma 1/2
Orange Road
Samurai Champloo
Damn near all of Studio Ghibli's films.
Ping Pong Club
Now and Then, Here and There ( :shock: DRAMALLAMA! :shock: )
Armitage: The Third
The Matrix (not the animatrix)
Anything but Naruto

[Gafgarion]

If you watched an episode you would understand. A tennis match can take a couple episodes sometimes, most times in a good way. The characters all have amazing techniques that are highly unrealistic. It's like a fighting game meets tennis. It's much more entertaining than actual Tennis.

Lol, that is a perfect description. Street Fighter + Tennis = Prince of Tennis.

[Soma]

I can't believe i haven't mentioned Beck (mongolian chop squad). It's probably my favorite, It's about a japanese rock band that's trying to make it big. It's so very awesome, sweet soundtrack too.

Did anyone watch the Xenosaga anime? I tried a couple of times and couldn't really stomach it. I played all 3 of the games but i couldn't get into the anime since it was basically the first game. Same with Disgaea though i still want to see rhat. Speaking of animes of games Persona Trinity Soul just started to air in japan, first episode is pretty cool.

[Hector]

Can't go wrong with Code Geass--except for the infuriating on-hiatus-until-Marching thing.

[Geoffrey Taucer]

I've always thought cowboy bebop was rediculously overrated. As are most (though not all) of Miyazaki's films.

Anyway, Taucer's picks:

Paranoia Agent
Millenium Actress
Ghost in the Shell
Samurai Champloo
Gundam Seed
Wolf's Rain
Blood + (not much depth of plot, but some wicked fight scenes)
The first episode of Bobobobo-bobobo (first episode is fucking hilarious -- but the rest of the series just recycles the same jokes)

Things to avoid:
Dragonball Z and all spinoffs thereof
Every Gundam series except Seed
Naruto

[AmericanPianist]

I happen to enjoy the Miyazaki films, even if Taucer thinks their overrated :P

I recall enjoying Escaflowne when I saw it last (and I still listen to some of the soundtrack). Though I saw the Japanese release....I caught clips of the version aired in the U.S. and it was all chopped up and awful.

Nodame Cantabile and Death Note are two that I've watched recently and enjoyed.

I can't believe i haven't mentioned Beck YES! Beck = :)

[iskyoork]

I am sadden by the lack of full metal alchemist love

[Torzelan]

I am sadden by the lack of full metal alchemist love

Now you brought it!

Anyhow, thread was "new upcoming animes" I thought. Else I'd have to drool all over the place about Black Lagoon... Which I do, hoping for a season 3!

[OverCoat]

Things to avoid:
Every Gundam series except Seed

Have you not seen Gundam 0080 yet? I also hear Zeta Gundam is great, so I'm gonna try to watch that one.

[I-n-j-i-n]

I can't believe i haven't mentioned Beck (mongolian chop squad). It's probably my favorite, It's about a japanese rock band that's trying to make it big. It's so very awesome, sweet soundtrack too.

Beck is great, but anyone adverse to emo of any type would probably dislike it.

Did anyone watch the Xenosaga anime? I tried a couple of times and couldn't really stomach it. I played all 3 of the games but i couldn't get into the anime since it was basically the first game. Same with Disgaea though i still want to see rhat. Speaking of animes of games Persona Trinity Soul just started to air in japan, first episode is pretty cool.

I tend to stay away from game to anime conversions. They almost never work good except for the freakish good showing by Idolmaster Xenoglossia, which was actually not even remotely similar to the game.. Persona looks okay, but it could go either way. Xenosaga was just trash. Wasn't even made very well.

Can't go wrong with Code Geass--except for the infuriating on-hiatus-until-Marching thing.

I'm glad to see that show get 20+ more new episodes instead of ending on 26 like it was supposed to. It's one of those rare cases where a show got so popular (as in, #1 amongst non-kiddie/long-time-serial anime in Japan), it warranted a full season right in the middle of production.

[Bleck]

I tend to stay away from game to anime conversions.

Devil May Cry was pretty damn good, imo.

[Soma]

Gundam Wing was the first Gundam series that i was really exposed to though I had basic knowledge of what Gundam was all about. I'm probably in the minority here but as far as Gundam is concerned for me
1 Gundam Wing
2 Gundam 08th Ms Team
3 Gundam seed
4 Seed Destiny
5 Original gundam

There's so many gundam series that I can't remember which ones i really liked at the moment. I hated most of the zeon vs earth, i forget what they are called, but i liked the alternate universe series's more.

Also I agree Devil May Cry was a pretty bitchin' Game-anime conversion.

[Bleck]

I am pretty sure every Gundam series except SEED is good.

[OverCoat]

I am pretty sure every Gundam series except SEED is good.

It's a love-hate thing. A lot of people love SEED but hate the other series, and vice versa. I can't say why for sure, since I haven't seen SEED. But I think the original MSG, 0080, ∀ Gundam, etc are pretty great. ∀ Gundam because you need to look at the character map to type it out, and for the Yoko Kanno music [even though IMO it's her worst work] :D Also, I remember not liking 08th MS Team, but I can't remember why. It had some cool parts in it, but I vaguely remember some ridiculous love story at the end.

But yeah, you could talk for years about Gundam, I don't think many people realize how much Gundam shit there is (http://www.animenewsnetwork.com/encyclopedia/anime.php?id=4189). Seriously, holy fucking god.

[Avatar of Justice]

I'm currently watching Zeta and enjoying it. I tried out Gundam Victory, but it wasn't going anywhere during the first 10 episodes so I stopped. I've wondered if I stuck with it whether it might actually pick back up. Oh well.

Kind of surprised that Code Geass was originally intended to be a 26 episode series. I just can't imagine that since it seems like it was intended to be much longer.

[Effef]

G Gundam is awesome, even though a lot of traditional Gundam fans hate it to death.

SHIIININNG FINGAAAH!

[eternal Zero]

SHIIININNG FINGAAAH!

It's the fact that every fight ends with just this move or an "ERUPTING BURNING FINGERS!! YAGGGHH!!" is what turns me off from it. No variety really. Oh, and yes, I'm a traditional Gundam fan.

[Arek the Absolute]

G Gundam is awesome, even though a lot of traditional Gundam fans hate it to death.

SHIIININNG FINGAAAH!

god the main character was so emo

X also does the shining finger on sigma in maverick hunter

[Sixto]

I'm watching D. Gray Man right now and IT JUST WONT END.

[The Pezman]

This is something I was talking about with a friend the other day.

A lot of American hit movies or TV shows are considered good by perhaps the majority of people, but there is always a distinct group which disagrees and explains why it is T3H SUCKZ.

With the top quality anime we don't get that. I have never heard someone call Trigun or Cowboy Bebop a bad anime. With stuff like DBZ or Inuyasha, people will enjoy it as light action, but no one will claim it as a masterpiece. But with the heavy stuff, like the ones I mentioned or Akira, I think there is pretty much universal agreement on their quality.

Thoughts?

[Trenthian]

which is the anime about bread?

[DJ Mighty]

This is something I was talking about with a friend the other day.

A lot of American hit movies or TV shows are considered good by perhaps the majority of people, but there is always a distinct group which disagrees and explains why it is T3H SUCKZ.

With the top quality anime we don't get that. I have never heard someone call Trigun or Cowboy Bebop a bad anime. With stuff like DBZ or Inuyasha, people will enjoy it as light action, but no one will claim it as a masterpiece. But with the heavy stuff, like the ones I mentioned or Akira, I think there is pretty much universal agreement on their quality.

Thoughts?

You will never hear anyone say DBZ is a master piece because they know that everyone in the Animation Community with throw rotten fruit at them. DBZ had a nice concept, but as a actual Animation it was terrible. I know there are alot of DBZ DIE HARD fans, and im not saying your wrong for being one. But Pannning back and fourth with the occasional close up of their eyes and watching someone charge up for 2 episodes and when they do fight its usaually a blur with the same repetitive moves for 3 more episodes only to have them blasted away on the last one, is hardly an animation master piece. An yes, that is what DBZ is, it is extremely limited animation. For some, the art and story and watching them transform is what they really love and thats fine if thats what you want. Plus the fighting games are really fun.

Truth is MOST anime is like that. Alot of fight scenes are a character holding his sword, then a shot of him holding it up(alot of anime dont even animate the slash) and lots of flashes and everyone is apparently on the ground from the attack. Anime has its masterpieces, Akira, Steamboy, Spirited Away, CAstle In The Sky, Grave of the fireflies, ect. These are fully animated pieces that stand out from traditional anime. Anime Shines Most for its ART and STORY lines. However i have seen some advances in the animation with some shows and would like to see more of it.

[Admiral_C]

which is the anime about bread?

Yakitate Japan. Great anime imo. Never got old.

[Trenthian]

Yakitate Japan. Great anime imo. Never got old.
thank you. You are a true friend to the Kingdom of Trenthia.

[Admiral_C]

thank you. You are a true friend to the Kingdom of Trenthia.

Oh thanks... I'll have to go update my map (^_^)

[Bummerdude]

It's the fact that every fight ends with just this move or an "ERUPTING BURNING FINGERS!! YAGGGHH!!" is what turns me off from it. No variety really.
PIKACHUUUUUUUUUUUU

*zap*

LOOKS LIKE TEAM ROCKET'S BLASTING OFF AGAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIIN

[tgfoo]

I saw mention of Code Geass and Gurren lagann. Those and Seirei no Moribito where my favorite shows from this past year. The only show from the winter season that I'm looking forward to is the second Minami-ke series. If you like pure, random (plotless) humor, go download the first series (the second one is being done by a different studio, but with the same voice actors).

What I'm really looking forward to is this upcoming spring season which has the second half of Code Geass and Macross Frontier. Macrass Frontier looks like it's going to be awesome from the one teaser episode they've released thus far.

[Gafgarion]

I have been wondering if in the future, they will make another Naruto, like now they have Shippuden, and then they advance another 3 years.

[Haganegiri]

This is something I was talking about with a friend the other day.

A lot of American hit movies or TV shows are considered good by perhaps the majority of people, but there is always a distinct group which disagrees and explains why it is T3H SUCKZ.

With the top quality anime we don't get that. I have never heard someone call Trigun or Cowboy Bebop a bad anime. With stuff like DBZ or Inuyasha, people will enjoy it as light action, but no one will claim it as a masterpiece. But with the heavy stuff, like the ones I mentioned or Akira, I think there is pretty much universal agreement on their quality.

Thoughts?

Well one problem with your arguement is you are grouping all American TV shows and movies together in a large lump, and then saying that "there is so much arguring over what is good and what is bad".

umm...duh? Your lumping hundreds of genre's together.

Anime is probably around 9-10 genre's repeated over and over, with a few truely orignal and creative works.

of course the smaller/niche group is going to have less arguments over what is better.

Secondly, trust me, there are plenty of people that hate what I consider to be classic anime (Akira, Cowboy Bebop, Hokuto no Ken) and I have to deal with morons who think Inuyasha and Death Note are ZOMG 100X better than that old crap! "ugh the animation is ugly! They don't have KATANAS! they sux!"

anywho, yeah, I'm a bitter oldschool anime fan.

[Soma]

I don't like Akira personally. I do own the special edition DVD and i can appreciate it as a "masterpiece" because it's well done and for the time it was groundbreaking and amazing or whatever. It's not really my cup of tea though. If i were having this conversation in real life my friends would argue "what, because it doesn't have tits?" and then i would say "yeah but it did have tits!"

On the topic of bad animes, I haven't really watched any that I hated. Though i tried to watch Lucky Star one time, and i wanted to blow my brains out. But i'm sure it's a rather good anime (for stupid people).

[HalcyonSpirit]

On the topic of bad animes, I haven't really watched any that I hated. Though i tried to watch Lucky Star one time, and i wanted to blow my brains out. But i'm sure it's a rather good anime (for stupid people).

Or people who like the "slice of life" shows that don't have 'storylines'.

[DarkeSword]

Lucky Star is amazing, even if you don't get HALF the references. After the first few episodes it hits its stride. It's a bit like Azumanga Daioh meets Family Guy: a cute quirky slice of life show about high school girls that makes use of a LOT of referential humor.

Except unlike Family Guy, it doesn't start sucking.

__

ALSO! Miyazaki movies are great but they're so overrated, DBZ was better as a manga, and yes, anime is not as varied as newbie fans think it is. You can usually nail down the genre and progression of any new show pretty quickly; keep in mind though that these genres aren't necessarily the same as American TV show genres. Anime, like video games, comes with a set of genres all its own.

[HalcyonSpirit]

Lucky Star is amazing, even if you don't get HALF the references. After the first few episodes it hits its stride. It's a bit like Azumanga Daioh meets Family Guy: a cute quirky slice of life show about high school girls that makes use of a LOT of referential humor.

Except unlike Family Guy, it doesn't start sucking.

Couldn't have put it better myself. It really is like that. And you get to really know the ins and outs of the characters and care about them in a way. That in itself is a big thumbs up in my book.

... That and the numerous Haruhi references. :-P

[Paratha]

I have never heard someone call Trigun or Cowboy Bebop a bad anime.

OPINIONS LOL to follow:

I never liked Trigun--I fail to see why it's considered anything above mediocre. Cowboy Bebop, on the other hand, was good. At the time I saw Bebop, my only exposure to anime was DBZ, Evangelion, and Gundam Wing. I felt that Bebop was better than all of these in terms of characterization, music, and plot, and for a few years, it was my favorite anime.

Since then, however, I have seen a lot more anime, of broader genres, and I no longer consider it the best. I think that while the majority of anime recently produced is pretty bad, the top shows of today are a little better than those of a decade or two ago.

Amongst fairly recent anime, Honey & Clover is probably my favorite, though I found a couple of episodes from Welcome to the NHK! to really resonate with me. The first episode of Macross Frontier looked really good; I would like it even more if some of the unnecessary fanservice was reduced, but that's not going to happen. Same with Gundam 00.

[OverCoat]

Or people who like the "slice of life" shows that don't have 'storylines'.

I love these kinds of shows. Anyone who just wants to relax should watch ARIA the Animation, Haibane Renmei, or Kokoro Library [UNDERRATED :V], then read the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou manga [then watch the two OVAs for that, and download the totally chill and awesome soundtracks for all of these things I mentioned]

I like to balance out my watching of anime also. I'll watch something new then something old, then something serious then something comical, etc.

[I-n-j-i-n]

Devil May Cry was pretty damn good, imo.

I thought it was okay. Felt pretty anemic and shallow compared to most anime out there though. Which is okay for a shallow conversion.

I saw mention of Code Geass and Gurren lagann. Those and Seirei no Moribito where my favorite shows from this past year. The only show from the winter season that I'm looking forward to is the second Minami-ke series. If you like pure, random (plotless) humor, go download the first series (the second one is being done by a different studio, but with the same voice actors).

What I'm really looking forward to is this upcoming spring season which has the second half of Code Geass and Macross Frontier. Macrass Frontier looks like it's going to be awesome from the one teaser episode they've released thus far.

Zetsubo Sensei is a must too. The most ridiculous mix of Freudian humor since, ever. Then there's the lighter comedy like Potemayo, Sketchbook and the new Aria. Seto no Hanayome was really good for the random, wacky comedy but this year, it looks like They Are My Noble Masters will be the big comedy this year. I really liked the first episode of that.

But yeah, Macross Frontier's first episode felt more like an anime movie than a TV episode. If they can keep that up for 50 episodes, it's going to be the best show ever.

I don't like Akira personally. I do own the special edition DVD and i can appreciate it as a "masterpiece" because it's well done and for the time it was groundbreaking and amazing or whatever. It's not really my cup of tea though. If i were having this conversation in real life my friends would argue "what, because it doesn't have tits?" and then i would say "yeah but it did have tits!"

On the topic of bad animes, I haven't really watched any that I hated. Though i tried to watch Lucky Star one time, and i wanted to blow my brains out. But i'm sure it's a rather good anime (for stupid people).

I would argue that Akira would still be amazing even if it's released today. That and the Akira movie is like a complement to the manga, which I can't see anyone bashing unless you dislike stupid-amounts of action and sex and debauchery.

[tgfoo]

I love these kinds of shows. Anyone who just wants to relax should watch ARIA the Animation, Haibane Renmei, or Kokoro Library [UNDERRATED :V], then read the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou manga [then watch the two OVAs for that, and download the totally chill and awesome soundtracks for all of these things I mentioned]

Yes, I also rather enjoy the slice of life genre. Also, if you liked Haibane Renmei check out NieA_7. It's by the same people and is, well, awesome.

Zetsubo Sensei is a must too. The most ridiculous mix of Freudian humor since, ever. Then there's the lighter comedy like Potemayo, Sketchbook and the new Aria. Seto no Hanayome was really good for the random, wacky comedy but this year, it looks like They Are My Noble Masters will be the big comedy this year. I really liked the first episode of that.

But yeah, Macross Frontier's first episode felt more like an anime movie than a TV episode. If they can keep that up for 50 episodes, it's going to be the best show ever.

Yes, Zetsubo Sensei is great too. Have the 1st episode of the second season downloaded, probably watch it tomorrow or sunday. Seto no Hanayome was good, but about half way it felt like they were doing pretty much the same stuff in a slightly different manner, but the show definitely finished strong. I haven't seen any of the other shows, but I have the first episode of They Are My Noble Masters in my queue of things to watch. And this is why I don't like recommending shows... I always forget to mention certain shows, usually because it's been a while since I've watched them.

Though my favorite random comedy of all time is still School Rumble. (Pure awesome)

And 100% agreed on Macross Frontier.

[Trenthian]

Haibane Renmei.
Did I hear someone say Haibane?

Good gracious there were some disturbing scenes in that one.
Really enjoyable though.

[HalcyonSpirit]

I love these kinds of shows. Anyone who just wants to relax should watch ARIA the Animation, Haibane Renmei, or Kokoro Library [UNDERRATED :V], then read the Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou manga [then watch the two OVAs for that, and download the totally chill and awesome soundtracks for all of these things I mentioned]

"Slice of life" anime is one of my favorite, if not the favorite, types of show. If you're saying that's what those are, then thank you very much! I shall go find them immediately!

[Avatar of Justice]

Anyone seen Iria? That's a pretty old anime that was the first anime I saw where I knew it was an anime. It has stood the test of time for me, at least.

[cobaltstarfire]

I honestly don't like Akira at all. I can appreciate that it IS a well done anime/manga. But personally I just don't like anything about it, I don't like the art style, the story, or the events that take place in it. (Some of them make me uncomfortable and twitchy).

All that said it IS a good anime, just not my cup of tea, so I dislike it.

I haven't seen or heard of most of the anime being talked about now so I'll have to step back and just watch the conversation. Maybe when I have some money I can check out some of the stuff being brought up here though.

[Gafgarion]

Akira is great. When anime is in movie form like that, i think it is the best.

[Inferno]

I dunno if anybody else has mentioned this, but Higurashi (full name is Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) is a pretty good series. I've only gotten to episode 7, but it's engaging so far.

[Scufo]

I dunno if anybody else has mentioned this, but Higurashi (full name is Higurashi no Naku Koro ni) is a pretty good series. I've only gotten to episode 7, but it's engaging so far.
Quoted for emphasis and awesome.

[OverCoat]

Anyone seen Iria? That's a pretty old anime that was the first anime I saw where I knew it was an anime. It has stood the test of time for me, at least.

IRIA is one of my all time favourites. Solidly awesome all around.

[Gafgarion]

Imagine a MGS (Metal Gear Solid) anime. That would be awesome...

[Soma]

Imagine a MGS (Metal Gear Solid) anime. That would be awesome...

Imagine a castlevania anime made by the dude who does D. Why doesnt this exist?

[tgfoo]

I love Iria. Iria and Vampire Hunter D on SciFi's saturday morning anime (remember that from way back in the mid/late 90's anyone?) are what got me hooked on anime in the first place.

[Kenobio]

http://themes.belchfire.net/screenshots/%5B5135%5DGuts1.jpg

Hello, gentlemen.

[Inferno]

Quoted for emphasis and awesome.

It's also a bit confusing. From what I've heard, a different person goes crazy and kills the rest of the group in each different set of episodes. However, I'm in the second set, and it still seems like Keiichi is the one going crazy (well, the last episode I watched made it seem like Shion's apparently insane, but I'm too confused to piece it together).

[Brycepops]

I love Iria. Iria and Vampire Hunter D on SciFi's saturday morning anime (remember that from way back in the mid/late 90's anyone?) are what got me hooked on anime in the first place.

Saturday Anime :p. They pretty much moved it to monday night from 11-1 am now.

[The Damned]

It's also a bit confusing. From what I've heard, a different person goes crazy and kills the rest of the group in each different set of episodes. However, I'm in the second set, and it still seems like Keiichi is the one going crazy (well, the last episode I watched made it seem like Shion's apparently insane, but I'm too confused to piece it together).
Spoilers? Probably.

In the second series, they explain (very vaguely though) that each story arc is actually some sort of "temporal loop", where one of the characters is trying to alter the town's fate. But something goes wrong each time, and things don't just repeat themselves (the town dying, someone murdering someone else), but even the reason for all the deaths changes. One time, it's an alien virus or something; the next, it's a secret government experiment with gas weapons; another time, it's all in one of the character's mind.

The person is question is actually Rika (sp?), the youngest girl, with the purple hair. She's some sort of bridge with the local god or something. They show another young girl in a miko uniform sometimes. It's why she's always talking in two different voices and personalities.

Basically, you need someone to walk you through the maze of confusing stories and characters and whatnot.

I charge $35 a tour, and there are no refunds.

Understand?

[tgfoo]

Saturday Anime :p. They pretty much moved it to monday night from 11-1 am now.

Well, now they do, but for a while they pretty much stopped showing any anime all together, that is until cartoon network had success showing some.

[Z3120]

Good man. Mushishi has a great soundtrack, and one new case with every episode with some hints here and there concerning Ginko's background made it a very interesting watch.

I've watched Hikaru no Go as well, but it feels like I can't really recommend it. For being an anime about a game which has the equivalent entertaining value as chess, it's surprisingly good, but I couldn't really stand how slow everything went during some points and how everything went towards being gay at the end. Add the fact that most characters didn't know how to hold a decent dialogue, and it became something that got some points, but wasn't overall that great.

And if you liked H&C, then I recommend Nodame Cantabile. Classy, funny, serious, enjoyable.

Mushishi is my number 1 favorite anime, believe it or not. There’s just so much about it that I like, I could recommend it to anyone. Whether that person likes Mushishi or not, is up to them entirely though. And yes, I wholeheartedly love the OST to Mushishi too. What blew me away with Mushishi especially were the underlying themes presented in like episode 9 and 21.

And yeah, Hikaru no Go was about average, but I liked it a lot despite the slow-pacing near the end (fillers between 63-67 and some others before it). I actually ended up getting a GO board and such, and the OST was surprisingly well done too. If you’re interested in sports anime, you should/might want to give Hajime no Ippo a shot.

And I liked Nodame Cantabile too, but I wished some things were done better like how they portrayed characters playing instruments. I wish the animation was something similar to how characters in La Corda d'Oro ~Primo Passo~ Opus played theirs’.

Kind of surprised that Code Geass was originally intended to be a 26 episode series. I just can't imagine that since it seems like it was intended to be much longer.

If you wiki Code Geass, it was actually intended to be as it was – a standard 26 episodes. But, because they (the company’s name eludes me) made so much changes to try and gather a mature audience since there was a time slot change, it became a cult hit of sorts. There are other reasons, but basically, you can see the drastic tone change within Code Geass if you pay attention to the episode number and when the change occurred. That was when the time slot changed (like instead of showing Code Geass at 6 it was changed to 9 o'clock). The sudden popularity is kind of like how Haruhi Suzumiya got so majorly popular besides the nice manga, and surprisingly, Lucky Star too.

(Haruhi is getting a 2nd season, but I really am not looking forward to it if it has too many fillers or as much as the 1st season.)

With the top quality anime we don't get that. I have never heard someone call Trigun or Cowboy Bebop a bad anime. With stuff like DBZ or Inuyasha, people will enjoy it as light action, but no one will claim it as a masterpiece. But with the heavy stuff, like the ones I mentioned or Akira, I think there is pretty much universal agreement on their quality.

Because people are only able to form opinions based on the shows they’ve seen or only interested in. Most Americanized ‘otakus’ I've seen are too deeply obsessed for their own good and laziness especially some of those who take a Japanese language class to learn easily Japanese because they know "baka = idiot/stupid" or never bother with lack of conviction. They typically rant of the mainstream stuff like Bleach, Naruto, Rurouni Kenshin, Inuyasha and so forth but never bother with some cult classics or niche series like Air TV (surprised it even got a licensed here in the U.S. after so long) and end up totally bashing good series senselessly because of how ignorant they are to other titles/genres. Series like Death Note, while good, there’s more than enough people like me who loved the series but completely hated the 2nd arc yet people still say the series as a whole was simply the best thing they’ve seen since slice bread (the live-action movie of Death Note had a much better ending imo even to the 1st arc).

I’m just generalizing the people I’ve tried to talk to back in high school but to no avail. In the end, the anime you or anyone ends up liking is up to their own preference. Whether there can be a civilized conversation of the merits and negatives when comparing and contrasting or outright arguing what’s better is impossible for me to attempt to the likes of 'them' that I've encountered (I’ve tried when telling people of Air).

Yakitate Japan. Great anime imo. Never got old.

A very underrated and underappreciated anime just because of the concept alone people decide Yakitate Japan is utterly not worth the watch.

On the topic of bad animes, I haven't really watched any that I hated. Though i tried to watch Lucky Star one time, and i wanted to blow my brains out. But i'm sure it's a rather good anime (for stupid people).

It’s kind of like Excel Saga. You have to understand the many references of what animes they’re parodying and the ‘otaku’ culture in Japan to fully understand the quirks and blunt jokes. Da Capo and Kanon references were really funny. If you like Haruhi Suzumiya, you might want to give Lucky Star another chance. The one who voiced Haruhi is also the one who's doing Konata.

"Slice of life" anime is one of my favorite, if not the favorite, types of show. If you're saying that's what those are, then thank you very much! I shall go find them immediately!

Honey and Clover is considered a slice of life too if you haven’t watched it. In some ways, I’d suggest Hajime no Ippo to fall under that category. It’s quite an inspirational series imo.

[OverCoat]

Mushishi is my number 1 favorite anime, believe it or not. There’s just so much about it that I like, I could recommend it to anyone. Whether that person likes Mushishi or not, is up to them entirely though. And yes, I wholeheartedly love the OST to Mushishi too.

Thought you might like to know!
I have a Mushishi remix recently posted to Anime Remix (http://www.animeremix.org/remix/91/).

[I-n-j-i-n]

Mushishi is my number 1 favorite anime, believe it or not. There’s just so much about it that I like, I could recommend it to anyone. Whether that person likes Mushishi or not, is up to them entirely though. And yes, I wholeheartedly love the OST to Mushishi too. What blew me away with Mushishi especially were the underlying themes presented in like episode 9 and 21.

I admit it is very well made, though it is a bit on the slow and boring side sometimes. Very good watch, just not that excitable IMO (reminds me of Seirei no Moribito). That, and they left the story hanging because the manga is still going.

And yeah, Hikaru no Go was about average, but I liked it a lot despite the slow-pacing near the end (fillers between 63-67 and some others before it). I actually ended up getting a GO board and such, and the OST was surprisingly well done too. If you’re interested in sports anime, you should/might want to give Hajime no Ippo a shot.

Both Hikaru no Go and Ippo are best served from the manga where they are fleshed out a lot better. Not to mention that the Ippo manga has about 20 more epic/crazy fights on top of where the anime left off.

And I liked Nodame Cantabile too, but I wished some things were done better like how they portrayed characters playing instruments. I wish the animation was something similar to how characters in La Corda d'Oro ~Primo Passo~ Opus played theirs’.

Cantabile could've been way better because most of the time, it's the classical music playing with a still shot of characters. Very lazy animating compared to the studio's former effort Honey and Clover. Also, the live action drama is the optimal version of Nodame Cantabile IMO.

If you wiki Code Geass, it was actually intended to be as it was – a standard 26 episodes. But, because they (the company’s name eludes me) made so much changes to try and gather a mature audience since there was a time slot change, it became a cult hit of sorts. There are other reasons, but basically, you can see the drastic tone change within Code Geass if you pay attention to the episode number and when the change occurred. That was when the time slot changed (like instead of showing Code Geass at 6 it was changed to 9 o'clock). The sudden popularity is kind of like how Haruhi Suzumiya got so majorly popular besides the nice manga, and surprisingly, Lucky Star too.

I don't really see how the tone really changed. That was speculated but I don't think that ever became true other than the fanservice. Other than a few blatant fanservice shots and the infamous girl-humping-table moment, most of it was on par. Including the massacre and deaths that happened near the end.

Because people are only able to form opinions based on the shows they’ve seen or only interested in. Most Americanized ‘otakus’ I've seen are too deeply obsessed for their own good and laziness especially some of those who take a Japanese language class to learn easily Japanese because they know "baka = idiot/stupid" or never bother with lack of conviction. They typically rant of the mainstream stuff like Bleach, Naruto, Rurouni Kenshin, Inuyasha and so forth but never bother with some cult classics or niche series like Air TV (surprised it even got a licensed here in the U.S. after so long) and end up totally bashing good series senselessly because of how ignorant they are to other titles/genres. Series like Death Note, while good, there’s more than enough people like me who loved the series but completely hated the 2nd arc yet people still say the series as a whole was simply the best thing they’ve seen since slice bread (the live-action movie of Death Note had a much better ending imo even to the 1st arc).

I think it's pretty silly to jump into anime with the popular stuff up. I think a non anime fan would be awestruck by something like Kemonozume, Mushishi and Kaiji. Then you might have an appetite for the frillier affair and still appreciate them for what they are. But with kids' shows leading the way, I think that puts a lot of negative connotations for shows that are nothing like the stereotype suggests.

A very underrated and underappreciated anime just because of the concept alone people decide Yakitate Japan is utterly not worth the watch.

I think a lot of the genres that are shunned such as Yakitate and sports anime/manga are overlooked just because of the genre they are in (if you can call bread-making a genre). Too many great sports/competition anime to mention and they typically get ignored by people who are jaded by American sports movies.

Honey and Clover is considered a slice of life too if you haven’t watched it. In some ways, I’d suggest Hajime no Ippo to fall under that category. It’s quite an inspirational series imo.

No it is not. Honey and Clover is FAR from a slice of life show where it's about the ho-hum of everyday life like Sketchbook or Aria are. Honey and Clover definitely is a romantic comedy. There's nothing slice of life about it since so much drama is prevailing.

[Raziellink]

Imagine a castlevania anime made by the dude who does D. Why doesnt this exist?

Because the studio was busy making an anime of Devil May Cry, and the director wants to do another Vampire Hunter D movie, instead of Castlevania.


Besides, we don't need a Castlevania anime, because Paul Anderson is already blessing us with a movie!

....oh wait.

Oh, and Teknoman is good.

[Bummerdude]

So that's where that post went.

Also watched Shakugan no Shana II episode 13 today. I'm glad that they've decided to finally pick up the story again, even though the relationship drama is noticeable better compared to the first season.

[DarkeSword]

Yeah I watched it last night. The destruction was SO crazy in this episode. Balls to the wall man. D:

[Trenthian]

http://themes.belchfire.net/screenshots/%5B5135%5DGuts1.jpg

Hello, gentlemen.
GATSU!

I love that show.

[Gafgarion]

You guys ever heard of Tokyo Majin? It is a new series they recently came out with. Some of you might like it.

[DarkeSword]

You guys ever heard of Tokyo Majin? It is a new series they recently came out with. Some of you might like it.
A post like this is worthless unless you actually explain what kind of show it is. Fighting, Giant-Robot, High-School Romance, Drama, Harem Comedy? What is it? Don't just say "hey I think you will like <x-show>."

If you can't be bothered to describe it at least post a LINK. :roll:

[Gafgarion]

Oh geez.... I am fucking sorry for posting a worthless post.

Anyway, Tokyo Majin is an anime by ADV Films. It starts out at a high school, and out of the number of students attending it, there are 5 that are from different worlds. When they started to go there, and unknown demon or something starts to suck out the souls of alot of people, turning them into these zombie type creatures. These five students are destined to stop this unknown force from sucking out anymore souls. I would call it fighting.

[Inferno]

Spoilers? Probably.

In the second series, they explain (very vaguely though) that each story arc is actually some sort of "temporal loop", where one of the characters is trying to alter the town's fate. But something goes wrong each time, and things don't just repeat themselves (the town dying, someone murdering someone else), but even the reason for all the deaths changes. One time, it's an alien virus or something; the next, it's a secret government experiment with gas weapons; another time, it's all in one of the character's mind.

The person is question is actually Rika (sp?), the youngest girl, with the purple hair. She's some sort of bridge with the local god or something. They show another young girl in a miko uniform sometimes. It's why she's always talking in two different voices and personalities.

Basically, you need someone to walk you through the maze of confusing stories and characters and whatnot.

I charge $35 a tour, and there are no refunds.

Understand?

Somewhat. I do know that I am much less confused now. Time to go watch some more. :razz:

[Tenucha]

Current favourite series of mine are
BECK: Mongolian Chop Squad
Nerima Daikon Brothers
Ghost Stories
Hellsing Ultimate


All time favourites include, but are not limited to
Cowboy Bebop
Samurai Champloo
Record of Lodoss War
Armitage the Third
Dragonball

[Gafgarion]

If anyone here has watched Genshiken (An anime about otakus and their lives, basically. Really awesome though.), they had a series in the show called Kujubiki Unbalance. It was made only for Genshiken, because they watched it in the show, and they only made 3 episodes for us real people to watch. What they should have done was continue Kujubiki Unbalance because it was really cool, not just make 3 episodes.

[eternal Zero]

Please stop posting lists without anything else. Not only are they useless but annoying at the same time.

Genshiken is an incredible manga but only a decent anime. Kujubiki Unbalance would have to be completed..the episodes created were by no means the first 3. I forget the numbers, but they were like 16, 21, 25 out of your standard 26 episode anime season.

[Gafgarion]

They were 1, 21, 26, I think... I hated the English voices on the DVD's; they were so bad. I am reading mangas 4,5,6,7 right now. I plan to watch the second season after I am done with the mangas. I hope they come out with the second season DVD's, because I like to collect anime DVD's.

[Brushfire]

Currently watching:

Witchblade (my wife hates it)
Lovely Complex
Karin
Inukami

All time favs:

Cowboy Bebop
Outlaw Star
Vandread
Dai Mahou Touge
Pani Poni Dash

[Kenobio]

why did you bump this thread?!

osh--

[Soma]

I'm really enjoying persona trinity soul, the opening and closing is really great. Music is top notch. I've been wanting to watch Gurren Lagann but i don't have it.

[Baleshadow]

I was worried that the were going to screw up Trinity Soul in some manner, but it definitely has that Persona vibe. Also, when they said it was "related" to Persona 3, I assumed they just meant "inspired by." I was pleasantly surprised when they reference the events in the game (also by the music cameos).

About the only thing I don't like about it is that the Personas are translucent. For some reason that bugs the hell out of me.

[djpretzel]

I'm basically down to my two boring mainstays for the last... 5 years: Naruto and Gundam.

However, Naruto's pretty hot right now, and Gundam 00 has some redeeming qualities and is an interesting departure in some ways from the SEED series, the second of which (Destiny) had a "main" character that was completely dismissable and uninteresting...

[Ren2]

Devil May Cry was pretty damn good, imo.

I can agree to some degree, but, all you get is like what? One flash of a small devil trigger? That killed it for me, and Patty... oh lord... she annoyed me more than any boss battle from DMC ever could. I'm psyched to see the dubbed version since Reuben the game's VA/Mo-cap is doing the voice. But... the battles were far too short (even the final one) and every episode was something new, sort of hard to follow.

[Brushfire]

I stopped watching DMC after episode 6. I guess I just forgot about it.

[SwordBreaker]

Ah, anime. Grendizer was perhaps the first anime I was hooked into. It has a very strong fanbase here in Saudi Arabia because the Arabic dub was excellent stuff. Additionally, Captain Tsubusa (called Captain Majed in Arabic) was another strong anime here because of the dub and its all about soccer, which is a huge sport here. Back in the day, those two series were really addicting, and I never even realized that they were Japanese anime dubbed into Arabic until I looked around the internet.

Other than those, I was mostly into classic American cartoons, particularly TMNT. Dragon Ball Z was another anime I really got into for a short while when I used to spend my summers in the US.

Didn't get back into the anime scene until a couple of years ago when my friends raved about Naruto. I didn't see what the big deal was until I watched it and fell in love with it...although I can understand why people would think its overrated because of its DBZ-like nature. Since then, I've been dabbling here in there with series my friends recommend. Full Metal Alchemist was something I've been hyped about myself because Square-Enix was behind it. Then there's GetBackers, Bleach, dothack sign because I liked the first dothack game I played, One Piece, Gundam SEED, and a few others. Like some of you said, Death Note was spectacular. FLCL was also another series I was VERY surprised about; stylish animation with an AWESOME soundtrack. Finally, Read or Die isn't get enough love here...that was one hell of a series.

I LOVE Miyazaki's movies, but I've gotten into them somewhat late. Spirited Away was the first one I watched, and it really moved me. While not quite an anime, Little Nemo is one of my all-time favorites...I read somewhere that it's a co-production involving American and Japanese animation studios.

Definitely going to check out some of the stuff you guys recommended. Been reading on some of them in Wikipedia...Mushishi and Code Geass sound really interesting.

I recently bought an anime collection titled "Serial Experiments" or something of that sort. I need to watch that.

[Brushfire]

I will probably get beaten up in a back alley by fanboys for this but outside of Princess Mononoke, I really don't care for Miyazaki's work.

On that same note everyone of Yoshitoshi Abe's works are boring. But I think the main reason I hate those shows is because of my room mate back in Tech School never shutting up about them.

[HershDawg]

Ah, anime. Grendizer was perhaps the first anime I was hooked into. It has a very strong fanbase here in Saudi Arabia because the Arabic dub was excellent stuff. Additionally, Captain Tsubusa (called Captain Majed in Arabic) was another strong anime here because of the dub and its all about soccer, which is a huge sport here. Back in the day, those two series were really addicting, and I never even realized that they were Japanese anime dubbed into Arabic until I looked around the internet.

Other than those, I was mostly into classic American cartoons, particularly TMNT. Dragon Ball Z was another anime I really got into for a short while when I used to spend my summers in the US.

Didn't get back into the anime scene until a couple of years ago when my friends raved about Naruto. I didn't see what the big deal was until I watched it and fell in love with it...although I can understand why people would think its overrated because of its DBZ-like nature. Since then, I've been dabbling here in there with series my friends recommend. Full Metal Alchemist was something I've been hyped about myself because Square-Enix was behind it. Then there's GetBackers, Bleach, dothack sign because I liked the first dothack game I played, One Piece, Gundam SEED, and a few others. Like some of you said, Death Note was spectacular. FLCL was also another series I was VERY surprised about; stylish animation with an AWESOME soundtrack. Finally, Read or Die isn't get enough love here...that was one hell of a series.

I LOVE Miyazaki's movies, but I've gotten into them somewhat late. Spirited Away was the first one I watched, and it really moved me. While not quite an anime, Little Nemo is one of my all-time favorites...I read somewhere that it's a co-production involving American and Japanese animation studios.

Definitely going to check out some of the stuff you guys recommended. Been reading on some of them in Wikipedia...Mushishi and Code Geass sound really interesting.

I recently bought an anime collection titled "Serial Experiments" or something of that sort. I need to watch that.
The band who did the soundtrack for FLCL is The Pillows. They are really good. I have virtually all their cds on my comp.

[Raziellink]

I will probably get beaten up in a back alley by fanboys for this but outside of Princess Mononoke, I really don't care for Miyazaki's work.

Same goes for me, but with Spirited Away. I always get the feeling like "been there, done that, but have seen better".

[Art_lover]

In regards to Naruto and Bleach I only read the manga now.

Same here.

[maniater]

Ahhhh anime mmore addictive then crack... probably the best one i really want to see is Fate/Stay Night

[MisterBiggler]

Honey and Clover is considered a slice of life too if you haven’t watched it. In some ways, I’d suggest Hajime no Ippo to fall under that category. It’s quite an inspirational series imo.

Isn't it though? Didn't make me wanna go out and learn to box, but I've never found myself that invested in an anime character before. That story is very well written, one of my favorites for sure. Honey and Clover was interesting to me for sort of the same reason, I was really pullin' for Takemoto's character after a few episodes.

Lotta DBZ and Gundam hate, lol. Folks give DBZ a lot of crap for being so drawn out, but I don't think Naruto and Bleach would have existed if not for DBZ, so I respect it for the influence it's had, if nothing else. I hear the manga for it (and OG Dragonball) is awesome, so I'd like to check that out sometime. SEED was fun; normally I hate super-powered characters, but he went through some bullshit to get there, so he gets a pass. I love how he basically runs on godmode in DESTINY though.

There were some fun shows that came out last year that I enjoyed. Bamboo Blade is hilarious (about a teacher trying to assemble a crack female kendo team to win a bet), and Baccano was pretty interesting as well. Lots of people to keep track of, but it's a good, short series that made me smile at least twice an episode. Good action scenes too. Shion no Ou is also pretty interesting (about a mute shougi prodigy, becomes mute after witnessing the murder of her parents), and animated rather well. I wanna learn how to play shougi now.

Currently watching:

Witchblade (my wife hates it)
That's too bad, I thought it was really good, and an interesting take on the comic. I couldn't put it down after watching the first 4 episodes. It balanced the light-hearted comedy well (Masamune ftw) with the darker plot and kept the relationship of Masane and her daughter as the focus of the story, which was rather heartwarming at times. Damn good action too.

[Brushfire]

That's too bad, I thought it was really good, and an interesting take on the comic. I couldn't put it down after watching the first 4 episodes. It balanced the light-hearted comedy well (Masamune ftw) with the darker plot and kept the relationship of Masane and her daughter as the focus of the story, which was rather heartwarming at times. Damn good action too.

I agree. I don't see why my wife doesn't like it. I was in the same boat after about 6 eps. At about that point the sieres becomes fantastically awesome and stuff.

Also: I went and saw Bleach: The Diamond Dust Rebellion and while it was better than Memories of a Nobody, it still sucked pretty hard.

[Gafgarion]

Lotta DBZ and Gundam hate, lol. Folks give DBZ a lot of crap for being so drawn out, but I don't think Naruto and Bleach would have existed if not for DBZ, so I respect it for the influence it's had, if nothing else.

Correct. If you noticed in some of the Chunnin exams episodes, Rock lee opens gates, which makes him look Super Sayan. And Naruto when he goes Nine-tails, he also has the same aura of power around him as well.

[Brushfire]

It seems that they must do battle at rediculously high power levels never seen before.

RARRRRRRARRRRRRRRGHHH!!!

rarr.....

http://atomictoy.org/comics/buttlordgt/ <---- Greatest DBZ parody ever!!

[Gafgarion]

LOLZ, that's pretty funny.

[Zanz]

This comic was made in the late 80's and it's ironic that they actually predicted the success of Naruto.


http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/Zanz1407/EvenaMonkeyCanDrawMangav01p113.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/Zanz1407/EvenaMonkeyCanDrawMangav01p114.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/Zanz1407/EvenaMonkeyCanDrawMangav01p115.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/Zanz1407/EvenaMonkeyCanDrawMangav01p116.jpg

[Zanz]

http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/Zanz1407/EvenaMonkeyCanDrawMangav01p117.jpg
http://i129.photobucket.com/albums/p237/Zanz1407/EvenaMonkeyCanDrawMangav01p118.jpg

[The Damned]

Oh god, more of that, please.

[Brushfire]

More than happy to oblige:

http://www.atomictoy.org/dump/narutoes.gif
http://www.atomictoy.org/dump/bleach.jpg

[Bummerdude]

I finished watching Get Backers last week. I can't recommend the show as a whole, but the episodes where the storyline was being held within Infinite Castle proved to be above usual quality.

I've now continued with Dennõ Coil, and with Shigofumi in order to watch something with a more serious undertone.

Oh, and the second season of Minami-Ke sucks. It might be true that the jokes and all might still be the same, but with the new artist holding the pen, I can't seem to enjoy it.

[Gafgarion]

OMG that comic is hilarious.

[Brushfire]

The best part is that it is true.

Inoue's tits really do talk...

[BardicKnowledge]

The "No, Boom" comic was epic. Success all around -- give us more!

[Calpis]

I will probably get beaten up in a back alley by fanboys for this but outside of Princess Mononoke, I really don't care for Miyazaki's work.

On that same note everyone of Yoshitoshi Abe's works are boring. But I think the main reason I hate those shows is because of my room mate back in Tech School never shutting up about them.

I actually didn't like the most recent Miyazaki, I think his older stuff is better. Have you seen either My Neighbor Totoro (http://imdb.com/title/tt0096283/) or Omohide Poro Poro (http://imdb.com/title/tt0102587/) (also known as Only Yesterday)? I really like both of those movies.

[anosou]

I just finished watching FLCL (Furi Curi, Fooly Cooly, whatever) and it was amazing. Not so much for the story, because that was part lost in the translation and part just wack, but the animation is superb. The characters themselves are also both memorable and creative. Oh yeah, this one's deep but on a shallow level, it's magic.
Since it's only 6 episodes, go see it now. You probably won't regret it.

[Brushfire]

Back at tech school I had this roommate who was all up on the nuts of Miyazaki and Abe. That was all he talked about. That and the only thing he would talk about more is his computer.

True story: I had a huge test the following day from when this true story happend. I was trying to sleep because I had to get up at around 0400. I hear half way through the night the loudest mouse clicking I have ever heard in my life. After I rolled over and politely yelled at him to "chill out with the loud clicking," ten minutes later I here the same loud clicking. I had enough! I threw a book in his general direction. The next morning I had found out that his new case had been dented out of my rage towards loud mouse clicking brought about by Diablo.

That is why I hate Blizzard, Abe, and Miyazaki.

[Soma]

I started and finished watching Gurren Lagann. Where the hell did this show come from? I guess it's from last year and I've never really seen it mentioned anywhere. It's really really good. It's a sci-fi-ish story based in a post apocalyptic world where humanity is forced to live underground because the surface is ruled by Beastmen who pilot Ganmen (mechs). I recommend it, lots.

Started watching GTO Great Teacher Onizuka. It's pretty decent though the show starts off kind of different than the actual outcomes. I'm on episode 20 or so and at the beginning he starts off wanting to become a teacher so he can get with high school chicks but he becomes a serious (well not that serious) teacher it seems like.

[Gafgarion]

Venus Vs. Virus is a really awesome anime. It is about a Virus hunter, and the viruses infect the world, with only a few select people being able to actually see them. It is really awesome. I am not sure if youtube episodes yet. The first volume came out on DVD last month.

[Bummerdude]

I started and finished watching Gurren Lagann. Where the hell did this show come from? I guess it's from last year and I've never really seen it mentioned anywhere. It's really really good.
Oh come on. It's still on my list of "soon to be watched" shows, but you must at least have heard of it.

[Brushfire]

I remember this one show that was terrible. It was called Canidate for Goddess. It was awful. Quite possibly one of the worst shows I have ever seen prior to Gundam Seed taking the spot as the winner of the Coiled Dog Turd Award.

Now Vandred, that was good show where the Giant Robots in Space Have Fights and Blow Stuff genre really shined.

[Gafgarion]

Grenadier is not very good either. It completely fucks up the story line all the time, and makes your brain twist and turn in unnecessary ways.

[The Damned]

Several months ago, I downloaded all of Kenran Butou Sai (The Mars Daybreak). I just todat, got around to thinking of watching it.

Anyone got any comments on it? I haven't even looked it up for any reviews, so I'm completely going in blind with this show.

[Brushfire]

Grenadier is not very good either. It completely fucks up the story line all the time, and makes your brain twist and turn in unnecessary ways.

On the other hand BOOBIES!!

[Gafgarion]

That's the only thing I pay attention to in that anime. :D

[eternal Zero]

I've recently watched and read REC. Surprisingly cute and enjoyable.

Um...I haven't been around and I don't feel like reading the backlog...so I'll just spout some random thoughts on some anime.

Dragonaut The Resonance - Started decent. Getting shitty.
True Tears - It's so compelling I want more of it faster.
Spice and Wolf - Just plain enjoyable.
H20 - I've lost interest.
Persona Trinity Soul - Lost interest.

And for those who want a quick but enjoyable story go watch or read (I truly recommend reading over watching) Hoshi no Koe. It's amazing.

[Soma]

On the other hand BOOBIES!!

Least it's only 13 episodes. I found it entertaining but it's pretty garbage overall. The guy with the samurai sword was pretty cool, story should have been more about him.

Speaking of fan service has anyone ever watched najica? I have the first dvd somewhere and it's pretty decent i guess. Does it get any better? (first dvd is probably first 4 eps)

[chocobo150]

There are a few anime that I would suggest watching, though some might already have been brought up. Mind if there are any type of spoilers, I can't tell.

Key: the Metal Idol - It is a pretty old series, about a decade ago, which involves a mechanized girl to fulfill her grandfather's request to become human. It is set in that era, to which there is not that much magic or super-advance technological items, such as lasers or flying ships. What makes this series interesting is the idea of an advance Pinocchio story. Quality production was good at the time, though it involves bits of nudity and violence.

Kokoro Library - A Slice of life series that I still love (see them dancing in SoC's sig). It is a story about 3 girls and a library. Focuses mainly on Kokoro, one of the girls, and sets it at a really lovely pace. No extremes of romance, violence (except a small tidbit, you will understand why as the series progress), or slapstick comedy.

Abenobashi Mahou Shotengai - Also known as Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi. Pretty funny stuff. It is about a boy and a girl who travel to worlds to get back to their own. The curveball here is that the worlds are the thoughts of the boy. Extremely funny from beginning to end, overall it is worth a watch.

Now and Then, Here and There - This is a very strong drama that covers all the ethical choices of man. In a world where water is scarce, a lot is portrayed in here. Greed, power, child militias, rape, pregnancy, the works. It is by far, the deepest dramatic series that I have seen. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni and School Days make you think, "Wow, they can do that?" This series make you say, "Wow.....we can do that?"

I can make a few more observational reviews of any other genres, just tell me which one.

[The Damned]

Key: the Metal Idol
A great show, but it just... stopped. The last episode just ended the story with no resolution or closure. Shitty way to end the series.

On the other hand, the opening credits song was kind of cool. I still have it, even though the rest of the soundtrack was bland at best.

Kokoro Library
I remember seeing this and thought it was very relaxing and calming. It was like watching fish swimming around gently in a tank while soothing music was playing. Never got past the third episode.

Abenobashi Mahou Shotengai
Awesome sauce. Period. Opening credits, pointless excursions into other genres, random mecha fights and helicopter rides made this a favorite when it came out.

Now and Then, Here and There
I took this girl I had just started seeing to the local anime club (she was a rather big anime nerd, which was great, because she was a hot petite Phillpino, and her family liked me. Too bad she was all fucked up from something else... Catholic issues or something... I don't know) and they showed this. The second episode, with the cat? Yeah, that's what they played.

Oh, did I mention she brought her seven year-old sister with us? Because they were going to show Sailor Moon? And that said little sister saw the whole cat scene? And she cried for an hour afterwards?

Yeah, I think that was the beginning of the whole crazt girl thing, now that I think back.

[Brushfire]

Gravion is one of my favorite fanservice animes.

But by no means does that statement mean it is any good.

Avoid like the plague.

Instead get a heapin' helpin' of Cromartie Highschool.

[Soma]

A great show, but it just... stopped. The last episode just ended the story with no resolution or closure. Shitty way to end the series.

On the other hand, the opening credits song was kind of cool. I still have it, even though the rest of the soundtrack was bland at best.


I remember seeing this and thought it was very relaxing and calming. It was like watching fish swimming around gently in a tank while soothing music was playing. Never got past the third episode.


Awesome sauce. Period. Opening credits, pointless excursions into other genres, random mecha fights and helicopter rides made this a favorite when it came out.


I took this girl I had just started seeing to the local anime club (she was a rather big anime nerd, which was great, because she was a hot petite Phillpino, and her family liked me. Too bad she was all fucked up from something else... Catholic issues or something... I don't know) and they showed this. The second episode, with the cat? Yeah, that's what they played.

Oh, did I mention she brought her seven year-old sister with us? Because they were going to show Sailor Moon? And that said little sister saw the whole cat scene? And she cried for an hour afterwards?

Yeah, I think that was the beginning of the whole crazt girl thing, now that I think back.

My friend has an anime club, he's about to shut it down for that very reason. People keep bringing minors, little kids specifically. He's like 35, and most of the guys in the club are around there, but it's random when 15 year olds walk in. specifically girls because in all my experience anime fanboys can't just be cool around women.

[chocobo150]

My friend has an anime club, he's about to shut it down for that very reason. People keep bringing minors, little kids specifically. He's like 35, and most of the guys in the club are around there, but it's random when 15 year olds walk in. specifically girls because in all my experience anime fanboys can't just be cool around women.

I remember there was an "anime club" in my high school. When I mean anime club, I mean 4 guys using a tv watching Slayers every day. It was pretty sad as the room was shared with basically everyone who had class before and after the lunchtime.

Sidenote: One time they were watching the Evangelion movie with the part where Rei was on top of Shinji, and they were commenting out loud.

"You know she is going to fake it when they do it"

The professor that lent them the room looked up from his magazine. "Wait, what? You are watching porn in class?!?!"

He then proceeds to turn off the tv and confiscate the tape. All while a bunch of people from after-lunch class, including me and a few friends, watched on. Classic.

[Brushfire]

I remeber that scene. It was like the only time in the series that Shinji got some. And even then it was forced on him. AND EVEN THEN it was fake. Go figure...

Rei Rape...

[The Damned]

Shinji is a little fucking whiner. Oh, my daddy doesn't love me, and my mom died mysteriously but that's ok, someone made a fucked up clone of her as my classmate and I'm slightly freaked out by her but she's kind of sexy in that "I'm too quiet to file charges" way, and there are these two other women- ok, one teenage girl and one real woman, but still- and they so obviously have feelings for me even though one a German bitch queen and the other is a total slut for me, and I get to pilot a giant fucking robot all the tie and blow shit up and get paid to do it, oh woes iz me!

I'm glad he suffers throughout that entire series. He deserves it for being such a little bitch. Asuka should have strangled him in his sleep.

Man, I love that show! Anyone catch the "new" version that came out late last year?

[Brushfire]

Yeah, I saw it when it was out in the theatre. I loved the updated look and fantasic composition by Shiro Sagisu. Other than that however it was something I already had on DVD in my cabinet at home.

The new Bleach movie, The Diamond Dust Rebellion, was.... well it was better than the first one. That does not say much though.

[Gafgarion]

There was near rape in one episode of Bleach. Kuchiko I think her name is, was being held by this skeleton thing, and it was saying erotic things to her.

[Brushfire]

Are you sure that was Bleach and not (insert hentai name that had a skeleton in it here)?

[Soma]

Speaking of Bleach is anyone else fucking sick of it? I still watch it occasionally.. but they're always still in mexican hell (or whatever) and Ichigo is still getting his ass beat all the time. After the soul society Arc it was downhill. (at least for me).

Also speaking of Evangelion i hate that show, though i own all the original DVDs. While i was still watching and buying it I was enjoying it alot. Looking back I can't see what really compelled me to keep watching.

[OverCoat]

Key: the Metal Idol
<3
Kokoro Library
<3

download the music for Kokoro Library if you can find it, it is the best :3

[Brushfire]

Speaking of Bleach is anyone else fucking sick of it? I still watch it occasionally.. but they're always still in mexican hell (or whatever) and Ichigo is still getting his ass beat all the time. After the soul society Arc it was downhill. (at least for me).

Mexican Hell... Priceless... But like any Shonen style anime based on a manga, the anime cannot pass where the manga is. That is what I like to call the "Filler Effect(tm)."
It is when they release unneeded charactors or the dreaded Filler Arc (See Bounto).

Also speaking of Evangelion i hate that show, though i own all the original DVDs. While i was still watching and buying it I was enjoying it alot. Looking back I can't see what really compelled me to keep watching.

The side splitting comedy that is Shinji's life. That is what kept you going.

Also watch Eva: ReDeath.

[I-n-j-i-n]

Speaking of Bleach is anyone else fucking sick of it? I still watch it occasionally.. but they're always still in mexican hell (or whatever) and Ichigo is still getting his ass beat all the time. After the soul society Arc it was downhill. (at least for me).

Also speaking of Evangelion i hate that show, though i own all the original DVDs. While i was still watching and buying it I was enjoying it alot. Looking back I can't see what really compelled me to keep watching.

I think Bleach is still okay. It's not the best of its genre but not as painful as some of the slower Naruto episodes. One Piece is still heads over both anyway.

[tgfoo]

Speaking of Bleach is anyone else fucking sick of it? I still watch it occasionally.. but they're always still in mexican hell (or whatever) and Ichigo is still getting his ass beat all the time. After the soul society Arc it was downhill. (at least for me).

I think as someone else touched on, as soon as the soul society arc ended it's been almost all filler. I actually stopped watching around the end of the summer because it was just annoying. Now it looks as if they've gotten back into the manga storyline (read the manga, it's so much better... that goes for Naruto and a lot of other anime as well). I also skipped the entire last 30 eps or so of the original Naruto series because of the filler.

I think Bleach is still okay. It's not the best of its genre but not as painful as some of the slower Naruto episodes. One Piece is still heads over both anyway.

They both really do have pacing issues. I remember from the chuunin exams in Naruto, there was one fight that took up a couple of pages in 1 chapter of the manga (I think it was Tenten and Tamari) which had an entire episode of anime devoted to it...

Oh, and One Piece FTW. Doesn't seem to be as popular as the other two, but it's sooo much better...

[eternal Zero]

Oh, and One Piece FTW. Doesn't seem to be as popular as the other two, but it's sooo much better...

English dub completely turned me off from the series completely. I've stopped watching the three of them completely and only read Naruto and Bleach when the manga gets released. I've yet to start the One Piece manga, but I am interested.

[tgfoo]

English dub completely turned me off from the series completely.

Yeah, 4kids completely fucked the series with their dub. I've only watched a few minutes of it to see how bad it was... I pretty much only watch subs.

[Gafgarion]

Are you sure that was Bleach and not (insert hentai name that had a skeleton in it here)?

No, lol. It was clearly Bleach. Ichigo was in there, unless it was some ripoff anime that got sued for having Ichigo in there when he shouldn't have been.

[MisterBiggler]

Speaking of fan service has anyone ever watched najica? I have the first dvd somewhere and it's pretty decent i guess. Does it get any better? (first dvd is probably first 4 eps)

Najica Blitz Tactics, right? It does. They start to reveal the deeper part of the plot, particularly why Najica has such an aversion to her partner, and why they're capturing the people that they are. But yeah, tons and tons of fanservice, but it's from Nishijima Katsuhiko and Studio Fantasia (who directed/produced Agent Aika), so it's sorta expected if you've seen Aika. See if you can find the rest of it somewhere, I think it's worth it if you're 4 in already.

[I-n-j-i-n]

English dub completely turned me off from the series completely. I've stopped watching the three of them completely and only read Naruto and Bleach when the manga gets released. I've yet to start the One Piece manga, but I am interested.

Watching One Piece on American TV is a travesty. No opening and ending animation, none of the great Japanese voice work and the version is generally butchered.

The manga is really good once you get past some of the slower earlier chapters though. I think it's the best way to catch up.

As for Najica, I think it was pretty good for its type. I have the DVD version. I hear the Aika manga has panties packed in.. It's incredibly obsessive about the fan service.

[Ferret]

Well, I haven't been following One Piece religiously at all, but the few times I do watch it, they have been using the FUNimation dub which does a better job of things...never, and I mean NEVER, watch anime on 4kids.

It's dumbed down, has all the violence, drug use, smoking, drinking, sexual humor, crass humor, cursing and references to death, dying, killing, murdering, etc., removed in order to make it "kid-friendly."

In short, taking the role and responsibility of the parent away from the equation, and opening the door for America's youth to learn everything from the streets instead of from their families and growing up with skewed ideas of how the world operates.

..wow that was really off topic.

[MisterBiggler]

I hear the Aika manga has panties packed in.. It's incredibly obsessive about the fan service.

LOL more than the show? That is both amazing and terrifying, as I don't see how you could add anymore than what I remember. But then again, these guys are the kings of panty shots; I shouldn't underestimate their skills.

[I-n-j-i-n]

I've seriously seen hentai that was quite tame compared to Najica, Aika and the likes from its animation studio. Women in undergarments being more suggestive than full blown porn.

[BlueMage]

Also speaking of Evangelion i hate that show, though i own all the original DVDs. While i was still watching and buying it I was enjoying it alot. Looking back I can't see what really compelled me to keep watching.

So, I'm not the only one. Good.

Also, everyone, stop bitching about dubs. Full Metal Panic is a masterful display of dubbing done RIGHT.

[chocobo150]

So, I'm not the only one. Good.

Also, everyone, stop bitching about dubs.

http://www.advfilms.com/watch.aspx

Select 'Drama'. Select 'Sister Princess'. Begin ear bleeding.

[MisterBiggler]

So, I'm not the only one. Good.

Also, everyone, stop bitching about dubs. Full Metal Panic is a masterful display of dubbing done RIGHT.

http://www.advfilms.com/watch.aspx

Select 'Drama'. Select 'Sister Princess'. Begin ear bleeding.

Though I think there are well done dubs out there, this is an example of what I find happens most of the time with dubs, and that's why people hate 'em. Dubs seem to always have these whiny, scratchy voices that don't fit the original characters at all, so shows are hardly ever done "right" (side note, I think the butler is the guy that did Myouga and Happosai in the Inuyasha and Ranma dubs actually). I watched Bastard! and Record of Lodoss War dubbed, and I thought they were pretty good; I think I enjoy them more in English actually, though probably more for sentimental reasons.

IMO, dubbing in general almost always fails to capture the intent, delivery and emotions of their original counterparts (and I don't mean translating lines or dialog). And not just with anime, or Japanese media either. I don't think something like "Run Lola Run" would have been as interesting to me in English.

[OverCoat]

The only really good dub is the dub for Mad Bull 34 (http://www.animeremix.org/animix_forums/viewtopic.php?id=1963)

anyone who hasn't seen that yet REALLY SHOULD

it is major lulz

[Soma]

LOL more than the show? That is both amazing and terrifying, as I don't see how you could add anymore than what I remember. But then again, these guys are the kings of panty shots; I shouldn't underestimate their skills.

The first volume of Najica Blitz tactics has some white cotton panties if you get the boxset. Think i gave em to an old girlfriend.

[Gafgarion]

Genshiken has one of the worst English Dubs I have ever heard. The voices are so shitty....

[The Damned]

The only really good dub is the dub for Mad Bull 34 (http://www.animeremix.org/animix_forums/viewtopic.php?id=1963)

anyone who hasn't seen that yet REALLY SHOULD

it is major lulz

You know, I looked up a torrent for it, but the only one I could find was dead. So, unless you know where to get it, it ain't happening.

[Brushfire]

Genshiken has one of the worst English Dubs I have ever heard. The voices are so shitty....

You want shitty dubs? I suggest anything by 4Kids *cough*OnePiece*cough*

I gotta say rap beats orchestral masterpieces anyday of the week.

By the way I was being sarcastic.

[OverCoat]

You know, I looked up a torrent for it, but the only one I could find was dead. So, unless you know where to get it, it ain't happening.

there's one on isohunt with 8 seeders. Actually, that's the one I got :3

[The Damned]

Ah, I had a filter on for a certain categories... that's why I didn't see it. Silly filters.

[Gafgarion]

You want shitty dubs? I suggest anything by 4Kids *cough*OnePiece*cough*

I gotta say rap beats orchestral masterpieces anyday of the week.

By the way I was being sarcastic.

No, I don't want shitty dubs. Lol.

[Brushfire]

His name is Monkey D. Luffy bitches!!

[Raziellink]

Shitty dubs? I'd say Angel Cop, and the Fatal Fury anime.

I actually prefer the dub over the original version of Battle Arena Toshinden. The anime itself doesn't get any better though, btw...

[Brycepops]

Shitty dubs? I'd say Angel Cop, and the Fatal Fury anime.

I actually prefer the dub over the original version of Battle Arena Toshinden. The anime itself doesn't get any better though, btw...

I rather enjoyed the dubs of Angel Cop and Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture >:|. To be honest, I really don't really judge dubs as harshly as some of you guys do. I enjoy pretty much everything >:3

[OverCoat]

I rather enjoyed the dubs of Angel Cop and Fatal Fury: The Motion Picture >:|. To be honest, I really don't really judge dubs as harshly as some of you guys do. I enjoy pretty much everything >:3

I enjoyed Angel Cop's dub too, but for different reasons:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bVpwJbLLivU

the part this video doesn't mention though is at the end the JEWISH CONSPIRACY IS REVEALED

[Z3120]

Out of curiosity, what anime music composers do you guys listening to or what anime OST(s) did you like? Strangely, I've been on the lookout for animes with a entertaining OST as of late: whether the anime is good or bad, I could care less (weird, I know). Since Shakugan no Shana II and Over Drive, I've been on a Ko Otani craze as of late; Unless my information is wrong, I'm quite surprised Hitoshi Sakimoto did the Romeo x Juliet OST; I haven't heard from Yoko Kanno since Sousei no Aquarion although I hear she's doing the Macross Frontier OST; I still haven't gotten around to listening to Yuki Kajiura's .hack OSTs enough; and some others I know I'm forgetting to mention but won't because my rant is long enough 8-O

And concerning English dubs, I really don't like companies making some anime characters stick too close to their Japanese counterparts in terms of tone and pitch and wish they simply Westernized them instead of butchering them. "Believe it"

[OverCoat]

Out of curiosity, what anime music composers do you guys listening to or what anime OST(s) did you like? Strangely, I've been on the lookout for animes with a entertaining OST as of late: whether the anime is good or bad, I could care less (weird, I know). Since Shakugan no Shana II and Over Drive, I've been on a Ko Otani craze as of late;

You've seen Haibane Renmei right? He did the music to Shadow of the Colossus too.

hmm, GOOD OSTS! I know all about this. (http://www.animeremix.org/)

Some of my favourites:
ARIA [all of them]
Hellsing
Mushishi
Haibane Renmei
Mobile Suit Gundam [lol]
Tsukihime
Read or Die OVA and movies
Sousei No Aquarion [and all the other Yoko Kanno soundtracks, but THIS IS HER BEST EVER]
Ghost in the Shell movies
Yokohama Kaidashi Kikou OVAs [1st OVA has music by Gontiti, the next has music by Choro Club]
original Bubblegum Crisis OVAs
Binchou-tan
Ergo Proxy [well, most of you would find it boring. I'm an ambient whore. It does have Radiohead on it though!]
KOKORO LIBRARY

Interestingly enough they're all good series as well. Usually if the producers actually put thought into having unique music for their series, chances are the whole anime will be good.

[Gafgarion]

What I do is I download stepmania files that have anime in the genre. I usually listen to those. And then of course, the anime I watch also has good music to.