New Anime Plz~

[Mogi]

It's that time again! Jesswee and I have finished our animes and we want new ones! I'm posting the thread this time because I am a big boy!

We want a serious anime, something intelligent and witty, something that makes you think!

I will reward fruits to any suggesters!

[JKTrix]

I can't vouch for it 100% yet, but something that's brand new and showing in Japan right now is Durarara (http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Durarara), which you can watch free and legally on the site where I just linked (if you live in North America). It's from the same creative team behind Baccano! (which if you haven't seen I will also recommend--you can buy the entire series right now or watch it on Funimation (http://www4.funimation.com/video/?page=show&b=6)/Youtube (http://www.youtube.com/view_play_list?p=D5499CDB2EF4B458&search_query=funimation+baccano&rclk=pti)), so it has that pedigree behind it at least. The catch with the Durarara streaming is that you only get the new episode a week after it airs with the 'free' account, and you can't watch it in 720p. Paid members get to watch it one hour after it is broadcast. So you may resort to going back to good ol' fansubs for it, but Crunchyroll has become a pretty good place to check things out.

I will also recommend Cross Game, which you can't watch quite as easily as Durarara or Baccano as no one has licensed it or is legally streaming it. It is currently my favourite 'currently airing' show. Yeah it's a baseball anime, but seriously, give it a shot. And try to get past the first episode, I promise the rest of the show is not quite like that (you'll understand when you see).

None of these shows are "serious" if you are talking stuff like Akira or Ghost in the Shell, but they are definitely not pedestrian shows for Children. Cross Game in particular is quite witty.

[Jessweeee♪]

Baccano! looks interesting o:

[Tavrobel]

We want a serious anime, something intelligent and witty, something that makes you think!

What kind of thought are you looking for? Philosophical thought or investigation/mindscrew thought? A list of anime that you've seen and liked would also be helpful for prescriptive purposes.

If you want something that takes itself seriously, I could recommend Darker Than Black, both seasons. The first one I believe is licensed, but the second season is not. It's witty, but it isn't exactly the most intelligent, if you remove the "conspiracy" vibe that it gives off. I could also recommend Kaiba: it's definitely serious, it's definitely intelligent, and certainly witty (at times). That is, if you don't mind the "wtf" factor. I can always recommend Kara no Kyoukai.

[Mogi]

Philosophical thought or investigation/mindscrew thought?

All of the above! Or, rather, any of the above!

We both really enjoy Death Note. That's what i was thinking when I decided that the next anime should be something smart. We both really enjoy darker, wtf stories too. We loved Higurashi, and other wtf things like Paranoia Agent and that jazz. We really enjoyed Bartender, but we couldn't find all of the episodes, which made us sad.

[Tavrobel]

Code Geass R1 and R2 is like Death Note in that it's full of "no, I am the best chessmaster" kind of things that go on. The first season is serious (as in, it doesn't try to make fun of itself, other than that one or two episodes); the second season is nowhere near as serious, but is by far, more entertaining (and more plothax). Both have aired in dubs, already.

Possibly, maybe, Clannad and Clannad: After Story could be up your alley; it might. It's something that the both of you may enjoy watching together. It's a slice of life kind of show, like Bartender, but that's to say, most harems are. It doesn't have quite nearly as much mindscrew, but it's an emotional investment. Also, comedy is bonus points. Clannad has been licensed, but not After Story.

xxxHolic's anime adaptations were also relatively well done. If you like CLAMP, this is the second place to start; it's all of the above at times, but it doesn't score consistently high ranks in your request. The first place to start does not fall under your criteria. The banter between Watanuki and Doumeki is enough to warrant a vouch to any anime fan.

[Momiji]

Actually Tav, After Story is already out on DVD.

I had this thread open with a post ready to go, but Tavrobel already beat me to mentioning Kaiba, so I'm going to second it.

Also, give Nodame Cantabile a try. It's incredible.

[JKTrix]

Actually, I didn't realize you guys were a couple.

This doesn't really supersede any prior recommendations, but I would highly recommend the Crest of the Stars/Banner of the Stars series. It's a little older and the art isn't the most spectacular at times, but if you want fantastic writing and a focus on the characters, that is it. It is somewhat similar to my favourite show, Legend of the Galactic Heroes, but it is a whole lot more accessible. Just don't watch it in English--its dub is heartbreakingly bad.

[Moon Rabbits]

Have you seen the show sailor moon.

[NeoCracker]

I'd suggest Monster. It just started coming out in the states, the first 15 episodes on DVD. Brilliant anime, and captivating from beginning to end.

[Jessweeee♪]

We're about twenty or so episodes into Monster now and we like it a lot!

[NeoCracker]

You know nothing! Just wait until episode 42 I think it is when you meet Grimmer. :heart:

[Wolf Kanno]

As usual, I'm going to take the old school route cause your modern anime with its Moe and magic and ninja death gods frighten me... :shifty:

I'd recommend:

Last Exile - Awesome steampunk series about flying and revenge.

Haibane Renmei - Incredibly good series about a group of people born into a world with ash wings. Despite its fantasy premise its actual low key and more about character development. There really are no super powers or magic to speak of but its a delightful series nonetheless.

Patlabor movies - Despite its use of Mecha and the third film having a monster, these films are way more about the crime drama itself and features a great cast of characters.

Night on the Galactic Railroad - One of my favorite films of all time, its animation is pretty old (1970's) and its cast is filled with animal characters but the story and the themes it expresses are far from "childish" its ending is really heart wrenching.

Anything Leji Matsumoto - Galaxy Express, Captain Harlock, Galaxy Railways, Queen Emeraldas. Really this man knows how to create a true Space Opera.

Robot Carnival - A collection of short stories done by different animators who were famous back in the 80's. Obviously the theme is about robots and while their are a few really funny episodes, some of them are incredibly touching and thought provoking.

Millennium Actress - Not exactly dark but a great film about an elderly actress reliving her past to a bunch of news reporters and her tale itself begins to come to life around them.

Hope this helps a little. ;)

[NeoCracker]

Not fond of Last Exile actually. :p

THough I'll vouch for the shear awesome of the first Patlabor. Second was pretty solid too, didn't see three saddly. :(

[Vermachtnis]

As usual, I'm going to take the old school route cause your modern anime with its Moe and magic and ninja death gods frighten me... :shifty:



A magical girl death god ninja sounds awesome!

[Jessweeee♪]

Oh come on now, not all of the latest anime is like that! You've been watching too much TV, Wolf Kanno xD

We did see Haibane some time ago. It was very nice n.n

[JKTrix]

Last Exile was pretty great up until the ending, but a lot of things fall apart at the end. Definitely one of the handful of Gonzo-created shows that stand out among the mediocreness that usually comes from them.


Grimmer. :heart:

Dammit why do you keep bringing him up :(

I really hope you Monster fans go out and buy the show.

I'm trying to recommend shows that are *not* licensed, because chances are you're downloading everything anyway. Not that it's any less illegal, but that's a different argument.

7 episodes into Durarara, and it has yet to honestly blow me away. It's well animated and all but as yet there isn't much cohesion in the plot. Baccano! was all over the place as well, but I think by its 7th episode you could see how things fit together. Not getting that so far with Durarara, which seems to be generating more yaoi attention than anything else. Still, it is holding my attention.

Gainax's 'Hanamaru Kindergarten' which is also on Crunchyroll really surprised me. It's super cute without sexualizing little girls (despite the 4 year old who wants to marry the man), but my favourite part of the show is that each episode has a different ending animation sequence. When this started playing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzVK-DBXctA)at the end of the 2nd episode I was floored. Not all of them are that 'good', but I really like the animation in the 6th episode's ending too.

The upcoming Spring season looks like it could be pretty darn good though, one of the best in a while. A good mix of 'other stuff' to offset the bishoujo flood.

[Momiji]

Gainax's 'Hanamaru Kindergarten' which is also on Crunchyroll really surprised me. It's super cute without sexualizing little girls (despite the 4 year old who wants to marry the man), but my favourite part of the show is that each episode has a different ending animation sequence. When this started playing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzVK-DBXctA)at the end of the 2nd episode I was floored. Not all of them are that 'good', but I really like the animation in the 6th episode's ending too.


http://i285.photobucket.com/albums/ll65/momijitsukuyomi/2vjbd5i.gif

[Jessweeee♪]

I really hope you Monster fans go out and buy the show.

I'm trying to recommend shows that are *not* licensed, because chances are you're downloading everything anyway. Not that it's any less illegal, but that's a different argument.

I think it would be nice to buy it some time, but for now we're streaming everything because it's easier to stream together than buy two copies (we are several states apart at the moment!).

[Mercen-X]

I just finished watching Pilot Candiate (for the Goddess) and I have to say: I wouldn't recommend it. It only has 12eps (00-11) and an OVA and none leaves you with the feeling of closure or completion. Also, I still feel some of my questions are unanswered and wonder when or if Zero or Hiead were gonna go Goddess.

Anyway, I tried to watch Confusing at first, but great after a while when I had the chance (it was Comcast OnDemand) but couldn't finish it before my cable was shut off and I can't afford to buy it. I also can never seem to find a computer with a headphone jack so I can watch it on the internet.

Last Exile... maybe I just didn't watch it all the way through... I felt it was incomplete.

[Drift]

New gundam Unicorn OVA just came out and OMG, it does throw references out to the UC/Char stuff which makes me even more interested in getting the old series'.

But yeah theres only 1 episode of this atm but it's an hour long so check it out!

[NeoCracker]

Last Exile was pretty great up until the ending, but a lot of things fall apart at the end. Definitely one of the handful of Gonzo-created shows that stand out among the mediocreness that usually comes from them.


Grimmer. :heart:

Dammit why do you keep bringing him up :(

I really hope you Monster fans go out and buy the show.

I'm trying to recommend shows that are *not* licensed, because chances are you're downloading everything anyway. Not that it's any less illegal, but that's a different argument.

7 episodes into Durarara, and it has yet to honestly blow me away. It's well animated and all but as yet there isn't much cohesion in the plot. Baccano! was all over the place as well, but I think by its 7th episode you could see how things fit together. Not getting that so far with Durarara, which seems to be generating more yaoi attention than anything else. Still, it is holding my attention.

Gainax's 'Hanamaru Kindergarten' which is also on Crunchyroll really surprised me. It's super cute without sexualizing little girls (despite the 4 year old who wants to marry the man), but my favourite part of the show is that each episode has a different ending animation sequence. When this started playing (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CzVK-DBXctA)at the end of the 2nd episode I was floored. Not all of them are that 'good', but I really like the animation in the 6th episode's ending too.

The upcoming Spring season looks like it could be pretty darn good though, one of the best in a while. A good mix of 'other stuff' to offset the bishoujo flood.

Man, I had the first box set pre-ordered and paid off before it ever came out. :love:

Well, then it turned out they bunked the order. Though I wasn't charged, though dammit I walked almost a mile to Hastings to buy it right after.

[Zeromus_X]

You should watch Gankutsuou (http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/77gJ58Wz1ty==C=Xqf/browse/item/75275/4/0/0).

[qwertysaur]

You should watch Gankutsuou (http://www.rightstuf.com/cgi-bin/catalogmgr/77gJ58Wz1ty==C=Xqf/browse/item/75275/4/0/0).

[JKTrix]

Crunchyroll - Official Home - Gankutsuou - Videos, Reviews, Photos, Forums (http://www.crunchyroll.com/library/Gankutsuou)
^Official
Those DVDs are the most gorgeous I have ever seen (http://i45.:bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou::bou:/2a0ge4m.jpg).

For $27, you should definitely get that.

[Wolf Kanno]

Spice and Wolf has been another series I've been really enjoying lately. Its one of those amusing series that is not about what you think its about by looking at the artwork. I think I know more about economics than I ever cared to know. ;)

[Tavrobel]

As usual, I'm going to take the old school route cause your modern anime with its Moe and magic


Spice and Wolf


old school route cause your modern anime with its Moe and magic


Spice and Wolf


modern anime with its Moe


Spice and Wolf


Moe


Spice and Wolf


Moe


Horo

... right, so you were saying something about modern anime, or something? It must have been my bull:bou::bou::bou::bou: detector going off, because I saw a post, but there weren't any words.

[Wolf Kanno]

Tav, my first post was mostly a joke in regards to the reference and all the titles I mentioned in my original post were pretty old by today. Post beyond that don't need to count. So put your bull:bou::bou::bou::bou: detector away cause I think you are misunderstanding where I actually stand on anime. :p

Also, I don't consider Horo moe, cause she doesn't look like a 10 year old or younger (and no, I am not going into a semantic argument about what constitutes as Moe, with you). :D

[Tavrobel]

Also, I don't consider Horo moe, cause she doesn't look like a 10 year old or younger. :D

Moe isn't always a loli. Sure, that can be part of it, but there's more than physical appearance; there's the personality factor, too. Taiga didn't get popular just for being a voice and palette swap of Shana. Though you say "posts after" shouldn't count, I am merely pointing out that your two statements are incongruent with each other. I don't care what your opinion on anime is, I'm still going to mock you. Sure, you can say "ohh, but I truly believe this," but the two posts don't mesh with each other. The even better part, is that you responded to me, and put forth the idea that Horo isn't moe because she doesn't look like she's younger than twelve? A loli is not necessarily moe, and as someone who I suspect has seen enough anime to know the difference, I'm going to call you out on it.

So, no, I will not put my bull:bou::bou::bou::bou: filter away.