[urdailywater]

Originally Posted by Top Gun

I am vaguely interested in Madoka, but quite honestly, either of the two main flavors of moeblob (cute girls doing cute things just for the sake of being cute, or milquetoast male protagonist surrounded by a mostly-broken harem) hold direct negative appeal to me. My preferences on entertainment in general value good storywriting above all else, and almost to a rule, these sorts of series forgo that in favor of pandering to specific audience fetishes. Like, I know multiple people in here have praised the Key VN adaptations, and I haven't seen them myself, but I have read a decent amount about them, enough to make me feel like they generate their "feels" via overt emotional manipulation, instead of having them arise more naturally as the story progresses. There are several series I could point to that pull off this natural progression brilliantly, but it isn't something I think I'd find in most moe-centered series.

Even ignoring all of that, I just can't wrap my head around the usual art style. Girls with eyes that cover more than a third of their faces? *shudder*

I'm with you on the whole harem and cute girls doing cute girls thing (don't like the former at all, but the latter is enjoyable if I just want to relax after a long work day or something). When it comes down to it, when listing the best animes ever or recommending anime to someone, story should come first. IMO. The anime like you mentioned are almost purely fanservice, and if you're not a fan to begin with then it's obviously not going to appeal to you.

The only anime drama I've watched besides Clannad (key adaption series) at this point is Welcome to the N.H.K. (which imo was so much better). I think in comparing those two, I can see what you mean, but you should still try watching Clannad and see what you think. It's not exactly the "greatest love story ever told" or whatever people make it out to be, but it's certainly worth trying at least.

However, if you haven't watched Madoka you should do that. It's one of the more recent animes that presents themes that are easy to get behind 100%, and virtually lacks any plotholes, which I think can pretty hard to do with the plot it has. Also, has some great character development and is well paced considering it's a 12 episode series. Kind of like a long movie.

Watch a subbed version if you do though. The voice actors are great.

[orlouge82]

Originally Posted by Soma

So i haven't watched anime in about 3 years, and I have a 3 week break from class. What are some good shows that are somewhat new? I have Break Blade, Infinite Stratos, and Sekirei laying around. Feel free to recommend anything new-ish. I feel quite out of the loop.

I happened to watch the first (and only) season of Sekirei that's on Netflix, and I didn't really know what to expect.

On one hand, I sort of find all of the huge boobs a bit over the top (though I do enjoy the jokes about these at Benitsubasa's expense), but the series is so well written and flat out entertaining that I'm hooked. I bought the Blu Ray of second season off of Amazon for $26, and I'll probably be doing that with the first pretty quickly here.

For those who know nothing about the series, it's like Pokemon except with large breasted women (with small exception) with super powers.

[Gollgagh]

Infinite Stratos is the vanilla-iest, harem-iest anime ever conceived by man

the only anime that is even more-so off that I can think of off the top of my head is Dog Days

only watch either if you somehow don't get other recommendations and are absolutely bored out of your skull

[Emperor Charlemagne]

How about you watch some 80s-90s OVAs. 1 or 2 eps long, full of stylish hand-drawn animation, great character designs, and quick and to the point.

Some recs:

Mad Bull 34
Dominion Tank Police
New Dominion Tank Police
Orguss 02
Black Lion
Genocyber NSFW violence (seriously this is if david cronenberg directed an anime)
MD Geist
Devilman

A lot of these have over-the-top violence (in the case of Black Lion, humorously so). However I assume you want to watch an anime that will keep you entertained instead of slow-paced meandering bullshit, so these short quick bursts from anime's golden age should be good for what ails ya.

[Brycepops]

Originally Posted by Emperor Charlemagne

How about you watch some 80s-90s OVAs. 1 or 2 eps long, full of stylish hand-drawn animation, great character designs, and quick and to the point.

Some recs:

Mad Bull 34
Dominion Tank Police
New Dominion Tank Police
Orguss 02
Black Lion
Genocyber NSFW violence (seriously this is if david cronenberg directed an anime)
MD Geist
Devilman

A lot of these have over-the-top violence (in the case of Black Lion, humorously so). However I assume you want to watch an anime that will keep you entertained instead of slow-paced meandering bullshit, so these short quick bursts from anime's golden age should be good for what ails ya.

Should probably add Violence Jack to that list.

[Emperor Charlemagne]

Ha ha, outside of a funny dub, and a few gem moments, I actually don't really like Violence Jack all that much!

[Top Gun]

I got to see MD Geist (and its sequel!) once.

I don't think my brain ever quite recovered.

[Dabstregous]

Dead Leaves is good for WTF am i watch but cant stop style of anime

[BooDidley7]

Originally Posted by Dabstregous

Dead Leaves is good for WTF am i watch but cant stop style of anime

I'll see your Dead Leaves, and raise you this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6QFwo57WKwg

NSFW or for the prude!

Perhaps, not true Japanese anime, but in the spirit. You'll be saying WTF, I promise. Apologies if it's old, but I only discovered it last week.

[avaris]

Originally Posted by Thin Crust

But in all honesty, the popular anime that I hate include Elfen Lied, Code Geass, Suzumiya Haruhi, One Piece, Evangelion, Cowboy Beebop, Eureka 7.

My first impression of reading this -> OH GOOD GOD! (shakes head in shock and dissapointment)

Second impression -> still the same

Third impression -> your opinion must be derived from that you probably extremely dislike any entertainment that can be considered tragic or overly serious/sad (which is cool that is your opinion)

Fourth impression -> still shocked someone could dislike all of those, or keep watching those types of anime without realizing they will never like anime like that