Anime/Manga Thread

I've become pretty numbed to the whole "everything is cookie cutter crap" thing but I still watch everything out of some habit I can't get rid of. It does help when you do find that one gem that keeps you entertained enough to actually look forward to next week.

I have visual novels to occupy me with the real good stuff though.

 

Visual novels are the way to go if you want the good stuff! Though there's a lot of crap VNs out there too. The good/bad thing is that a ton of VNs aren't translated (including the bad ones).

 

Provides a good incentive to learn a new language! That along with with untranslated manga on my shelf give some good pressure on me to keep going.

 

The only series I ever really watched was Cowboy Bebop - I watched it with a few friends. None of us were remotely into Anime and we all absolutely loved it. Is there anything else you guys would recommend along similar lines - or is Bebop really out on its own ? The soundtrack was pretty cool too.

 

I find it hard to really pinpoint something else that is similar enough to Bebop to recommend it. Sakamichi no Apollon, Samurai Champloo (with a nice Nujabes soundtrack) and Zankyou no Terror share Watanabe's signature two guys one girl character casting theme.

The soundtrack was definitely fantastic, as are other series with Kanno Youko's composing and arrangement. Especially the soundtracks to Sakamichi no Apollon, Turn A Gundam, and Ghost in the Shell. Zankyou no Terror had her work leaning toward a more electronic style which I loved the soundtrack for as well.

She also did some work for RahXephon. Basically Evangelion with

Spoiler: RAHXEPHON ENDING SPOILER ALERT

Misato and Shinji hooking up at the end.

 

I had like 3 VN's a few years back, but never got around to play them, I cannot remember where I got them but it was digital download - then of course all of my hard disks were fried and I lost them along with everything else. Maybe I can find a good free one available online or something - as I always wanted to check them out, and never got around to it.

 

This is my chance to shine. Cowboy Bebop stands out now as a serious anime that doesn't adhere to the common tropes of today and is a marvel of good directing. With that in mind, here's where I would point you:

1) Samurai Champloo



Same director, similar story structure. Also happens to be a vibrant and stylistic interpretation of Samurai stories with the occasional hint of goofiness, making it a fun watch overall.

2) Infinite Ryvius



Another anime of the olden days, also set in space but this time revolving around teenage characters. Definitely not for kids and is likely to punch viewers in the gut. One of my personal favourites.

3) Garden of Words (Film)



Or any of Makoto Shinkai's films, really (I prefer 5cm/second). Quite possibly some of the most beautiful pieces of animation you'll ever see.

4) Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann



If you just wanna let loose and have fun. Don't watch the movies.

As always, YMMV and all that.

 

@Aelms and @chakku thanks so much for your thoughtful and considered recommendations. Gives me plenty to explore. Seems like Samurai Champloo might be a great place to start.

 

The Girls und Panzer Film is airing in Japan right now. The aesthetic of the show probably doesn't appeal to most people on SBAF, but I'd definitely recommend the series to anyone looking for an inoffensive, light-hearted show that integrates militaristic elements well. It's pretty much a underdog sports team show with tank battles.



Also makes good use of traditional military tracks.

 

Officially calling Boku Dake Ga Inai Machi and Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu the only series worth watching this season. You're welcome.

 

thanks @chakku - I'll have to check it out! I just wish Anime DVD's and Blu-rays weren't so expensive!

 

Haven't checked out the other, but +1 on Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu

 

Nobody mentioned Cyber City OEDO 808, love it. Only 3 episodes, but damn.

 

I think it is time to get back to Durarararararararara. I loved the first season, but when the second came out, I couldn't get started for some reason. There is enough built up now for a serious binge.

 

This isn't really anime, but I happened to see this episode of Teen Titans GO! With my son - this episode is actually epic. It's about music and how much it means to us music lovers. There is a song called "The Night Begins to Shine and I love that song. Check it out - a lot of 80's animation.

https://www.facebook.com/video.php?v=434057120118398

 

Tekken - Blood Vengeance

Bad story, great animation.

 

Any recommendations on netflix or amazon prime? needs to be english as i don't like wearing my glasses while watching tv in bed.

watched elfen leid, death note, fma brotherhood, devil was a part timer, psycho pass, sao..