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[J2 Cool]

hmm, I've heard FMA, Naruto, Monster, Gantz(i think thats the name), and Bleach are all real good. I've been keeping up with Samurai Champloo. Sure the plot is in episode form but it's pretty bad ass. Fantastic animation when they get to the key moments. Great fights. But anyway, with that stalled I'm looking into a few other series, but as much as I hear about them, I got no clue what they're like. As much stuff as there is some series has to be putting out a gem of a story.

My favorites ever are the well known stuff. Berserk without a doubt the best, led me right into the manga which is a new addiction. Cowboy Bebop, Trigun, Champloo. I've never completely got into anime but with as much stuff out there as there is something has to be as compelling as say Berserk. Or, well, at least close. Just looking for stuff that's not cliche stuff and is actually an original unique vision. Action's good, darker stuff, any unique settings, good animation, characters. I can't remember the last anime, besides Berserk, that hooked me to where I needed the next episode right then to see how the plot continues. But yeah, what are the shows I mentioned at the top like really. I know what FMA is like, watched a few episodes and think I'll just see it all on cartoon network, so besides that.

Other stuff that looks interesting, Mahou Shoujotai. The art from some pictures I've seen, it reminds me of FLCL which was damn good. Btw, should I be scared to start anime that is around 50 or so episodes? A great anime plot is like a book, 26 episodes is great for development, major plot points, climax episodes, and endings. When it gets to around 52 I just assume there has to be some filler. I guess like big books, they intimidate me the same way. But if a series that long has a great plot I'd give it a try. Basically though I think I'm just looking for strong unflinching stories with consequences, love, death. If a series has all that combined with a light heartedness that great, but those are most important. No romantic shit either. Only in the subcontext of the story

 

[Crazymoogle]

Some Suggestions, ranked by quality.

 

[J2 Cool]

What do you think is better? One Piece or Naruto?

 

[Crazymoogle]

What do you think is better? One Piece or Naruto?

One Piece is a better plot driven show. The music is a clear winner, the arcs always end on a huge up-note, and the comedy level is unbeatable. Of course, once the first five cast members are together, there is an utterly forgetable filler arc between every manga arc. If you want something that feels new almost all of the time, it's hard to beat this show, because Oda's imagination is so far off the charts that it's really hard to predict what happens next.

Naruto is better character-driven show. Yes, the show can have moments that draw comparisons to Dragonball and like, but it's a shonen fighting series, so that's really unescapable. What Naruto does better is giving us a rich cast; Kishimoto is fearless at having episodes without Naruto, developing characters that would normally be forgotten or hidden. With literally more than a dozen characters capable of being the main character, it's really easy to get wrapped up in what any given character is doing.

Of course, that means the filler (of which there is much less of by comparison) is absolute trash.

Personally I don't think you can go wrong with either, but if you're really new to the (good) shonen jump series of titles (One Piece, Naruto, Bleach, Hikaru no Go), One Piece is the way to go.

 

[PS2 KID]

Now any site that gives 'Now and Then, Here and There' an F, gets a failing grade from me.

 

[speedpop]

Btw, should I be scared to start anime that is around 50 or so episodes?

Monster will be essentially over 70 episodes long, but the manga itself is more captivating than anything else I have ever read... other than maybe perhaps Beck or 20th Century Boys (done by the same man who did Monster)

One Piece is funny, and my friends enjoy Naruto, even though there are tons of fillers.. but yeah, essentially an anime that is over 2 seasons long may be considered really boring with too much bullshit thrown in for good measure - something Monster will buck the trend I think since every episode adds more to the mystery in the story. Also Bleach will more than likely be over 50 episodes, it all depends on whether it will stay true to the manga or not.

If you can ever track it down, I suggest grabbing Planetes if you want a good story with nice characterization. At least that's one of the most recent that I've watched that made me stick around that long. Could also suggest Great Teacher Onizuka which is pretty funny, story isn't THAT strong but it's great to sit through. Some new ones that are airing in Japan that are good also.. Fantastic Children is setting itself up to be a very intense anime, story wise.

 

[Belfast]

What do you think is better? One Piece or Naruto?

One Piece. Don't even get me started. If you want a moderate-length series, though, go for Hikaru no Go. Its been over with for at least a year now and its 70-something episodes. The ending is kind of iffy only because it ended so abruptly (as in, nobody was expecting it to, especially since it was pretty popular).

However, One Piece really has everything. Only the first few episodes are questionable, though that's in retrospect. I was personally absorbed from the very beginning, but looking back on those early episodes, it realyl pales in comparison to what comes later.

But its the only series I've ever encountered that manages to be so epic and so long without really getting tired. Each new arc is a testament to the creator's imagination. Character designs are outlandish and locales are equally as interesting. While its about pirates, it bucks the trend of the traditional pirate image, allowing much more freedom concerning in what direction the story can be taken. So, while its a daunting task to follow the series (countless manga chapters, 207 episodes, 116 subbed episodes so far), I certainly think its worth the effort. And if you don't like it in the beginning, at least follow it through the Arlong Arc. That seems to be the measuring stick for a lot of people as that's when the series really starts to hit its stride as far as emotional investment in the characters goes. After that, you should be hooked.

 

[Pellham]

One Piece >>>>>> Naruto.

As for that Anime Driven site... Wow... talk about..... opinions that are even more unconventional than mine.

 

[Mugen]

My goodness... taht anime-driven site is funny.

When I saw Scrapped Princess as a "C" and Naruto as an "A", I stopped reading whatever else was in there.

Try AnimeNfo's Top10 for recommendation but those aren't current but more like 'ever'.

 

[Crazymoogle]

Now any site that gives 'Now and Then, Here and There' an F, gets a failing grade from me.

:lol

Few people agree with me on that one, but when it comes to series with a big contrast between the concept and the ending, NTHT is king. Which is funny because I know the script writers can and have done better things, and the music is another brilliant Taku Iwasaki work.

If I really wanted to piss people off, I'd post an Utena review, but I've tried several times and just can't get past the first DVD without shutting it off in disgust.

 

[PS2 KID]

That's okay Crazymoogle. I have some series that I really enjoy and my friends don't so I get that too. Not everyone has the same tastes so I see where you're coming from.

I couldn't bring myself to watch Utena.. it's the pink hair! J/K>

 

[J2 Cool]

Nice, I think I'll check out One Piece. Btw, what's some really good, dark epics? I think Berserk is the ultimate, though it's only partially dark. The golden age arc isn't too much of that. But I mean, the manga has me captivated more than anything I can think of as far as a ongoing series goes. I heard Blue Gender and seen a bit. A lot of the anime cliche's are in there. Man I hate whiny characters who simply need to scream at everything. I understand the horror of the situation, but once used to it only under the most extreme circumstances should we that.

 

[Jim Bowie]

I don't see GTO on that list. We are confused.

 

[J2 Cool]

How was Gungrave? Creator of Trigun did that right?

 

[Teknopathetic]

Don't watch the first episode. Other than that, Gungrave is an *ace* show.


Edit: Utena rocks.

 

[Crazymoogle]

I don't see GTO on that list. We are confused.

I'm still carrying over reviews from the old site; some remnants of which are here. GTO in my mind is a B grade show that would have been an A if they could keep the show going. As it stands, it ends abruptly, and the show cuts out a few of the funnier manga bits. Worth watching, but more as a stepping stone to the more cutting edge stuff like Keroro Gunsou.

 

[J2 Cool]

Oh, and the website in the first link raved about Samurai X. From what I found out its a prequel to the tv series. Should I watch it without watching any of the tv series and is it that good?

 

[Zaptruder]

Nice, I think I'll check out One Piece. Btw, what's some really good, dark epics? I think Berserk is the ultimate, though it's only partially dark. The golden age arc isn't too much of that. But I mean, the manga has me captivated more than anything I can think of as far as a ongoing series goes. I heard Blue Gender and seen a bit. A lot of the anime cliche's are in there. Man I hate whiny characters who simply need to scream at everything. I understand the horror of the situation, but once used to it only under the most extreme circumstances should we that.

Try Blame for a super goth/dark manga series. Freesia is also a damn disturbing manga.

 

[Crazymoogle]

When I saw Scrapped Princess as a "C" and Naruto as an "A", I stopped reading whatever else was in there.

Sutepri vs. Naruto is always an ugly fan war. It just so happens that per 26 episodes, Naruto has a lot less filler, a lot more memorable characters, and no rush ending. As a rule I'm susceptible to anything Studio BONES makes, but Sutepri really is one of their weaker productions.

 

[Chrono]

Oh, and the website in the first link raved about Samurai X. From what I found out its a prequel to the tv series. Should I watch it without watching any of the tv series and is it that good?

I think you can watch it (Trust and Betrayal) without seeing any kenshin episodes, but it's still better to see it after you're familiar with kenshin imo. As for quality, I'll tell you that it's definitely on my top-ten all time favorite anime. I guess it could be because I did not have any high expectations for it but man it owned me.

 

[fausty]

Some Suggestions, ranked by quality.

Paranoia Agent - C?

Sigh.

 

[Jim Bowie]

I'm still carrying over reviews from the old site; some remnants of which are here. GTO in my mind is a B grade show that would have been an A if they could keep the show going. As it stands, it ends abruptly, and the show cuts out a few of the funnier manga bits. Worth watching, but more as a stepping stone to the more cutting edge stuff like Keroro Gunsou.

I thought it was at least an A show. Sure, they cut out some of the funniest parts, but they kept a lot of the manga's story intact. So, while it's not gangbusters, it's at least better than a lot of the schlock.

I have a question; what did you think of Jungle Wa Itsumo Hale Nochi Guu?

 

[Shouta]

Utena sucks! Tre`s a fruity pants!

 

[Teknopathetic]

Utena Rocks.

 

[Jim Bowie]

Utena sucks! Tre`s a fruity pants!

Utena is absolutely the worst anime I've ever seen. I've seen some Sailor Moon. I've seen some Dragonball Z, the ending parts with Buu. I've seen freaking Sakura Diaries. Nothing trumps Utena as the worst anime ever.

 

[Shouta]

Watch Cyber Formula, it rocks. TRSI has a weekly special on it for 35 bucks for the entire series (retails for 100). If it's still in stock. GET IT RAWR!

http://www.rightstuf.com/1-800-338-6827/catalogmgr/n72TVngAub8ZB8r-0y/browse/item/60900/4/153/0

 

[Teknopathetic]

Utena's frikkin' awesome. I don't understand a damned thing that happened during the black rose society arc, but damn if it wasn't cool.

 

[Dead]

Utena is pretty great, and the movie DVD might be the gayest thing I own


fakedit: Blamea! is fucking incredible.

 

[Crazymoogle]

I thought it was at least an A show. Sure, they cut out some of the funniest parts, but they kept a lot of the manga's story intact. So, while it's not gangbusters, it's at least better than a lot of the schlock.

I have a question; what did you think of Jungle Wa Itsumo Hale Nochi Guu?

Probably A but I'll definitely consider S before writing the review. Guu has so many brilliant points (come on, they have a pokemon bank robbery and a discussion of RPG load times!) but ends a little shaky and kinda pisses me off for going so many episodes without explaining what Guu really is (we have obvious hints but it seems like the manga will be the only solution in the end) and lastly for a tiny bit of moral ambiguity; I love the show but sometimes feel a bit sorry for Hale rather than go along with the hair-loss levels of mayhem.

A Hale's revenge episode would be a monstrous example of frustration relief.

I was kinda hoping somebody would finish subbing Guu Final but I guess we will have to wait for Animenations release.

Fausty: Millenium Actress >>> Perfect Blue > Tokyo Godfathers > Paranoia Agent
When PA is good, it's brilliant, but when it's not, it can be hard to watch.

EDIT: Your comments are exactly why I called GTO a B - just saying it's better than most of the schlock is basically how that score works. A would have required serious inspiration, a hard time picking out flaws, and some reason for me to want to buy the series over the manga.

 

[Jim Bowie]

Utena's frikkin' awesome. I don't understand a damned thing that happened during the black rose society arc, but damn if it wasn't cool.

Damn. I can't state it enough.

 

[Teknopathetic]

Don't blame your bad taste on me!

 

[slayn]

I'm still waiting for something... anything new that doesn't completely suck ass. There is a void left from FMA and it has yet to be filled.

currently I'm watching monster which is good and I really like shura no toki but the releases for that are just so sporadic.

 

[Dead]

Watch Cyber Formula, it rocks. TRSI has a weekly special on it for 35 bucks for the entire series (retails for 100). If it's still in stock. GET IT RAWR!

http://www.rightstuf.com/1-800-338-6827/catalogmgr/n72TVngAub8ZB8r-0y/browse/item/60900/4/153/0

holy shit thanks for the link. Kare Kano boxset for $39.99

 

[Jim Bowie]

I'm not the one who likes poorly animated scenes with gross characters (including the hideous eyes-behind-the-hair-show style), extremely weak character arcs, and sappy romantic shoujo anime.

You can keep yer "good taste", Tre.

 

[Teknopathetic]

I'm sorry I don't judge shows by aesthetic appearance. Please forgive me for like a show based on content. We can't all be so shallow.

 

[Chrono]

I'm still waiting for something... anything new that doesn't completely suck ass. There is a void left from FMA and it has yet to be filled.

Speaking of FMA... Does anybody think there's any chance the DVDs will be out (from vol 1 - 13) within a year of DVD 1? The Cartoon Network airing will end in November/December 2005 and dubbing I think is what takes most of the time when companies work on new releases...

*prays*

 

[Dead]

Speaking of FMA... Does anybody think there's any chance the DVDs will be out (from vol 1 - 13) within a year of DVD 1? The Cartoon Network airing will end in November/December 2005 and dubbing I think is what takes most of the time when companies work on new releases...

*prays*

The DVDs will probably be released ~every month going by other Funimation DVDs

 

[Jim Bowie]

I'm sorry I don't judge shows by aesthetic appearance. Please forgive me for like a show based on content. We can't all be so shallow.

Are you my brother? He says the exact same thing when I tell him that his show is garbage.

I'm just not feeling the subpar story line, the poor voice acting (I've seen the dub only), the gross artistry of everything. The only decent thing is the music.

And, sorry if I want my cartoons to look decent. Next time, I'll just shut my eyes and listen to it, radio style.

 

[Shouta]

Wait, you say you didn't understand the Black Rose arc and it has content? am I missing something here Tre?

Dead: Get the Cyber Formula Boxset too!

 

[Dead]

Wait, you say you didn't understand the Black Rose arc and it has content? am I missing something here Tre?

Dead: Get the Cyber Formula Boxset too!

A racing car show? Shit at least ExDriver has Kosuke Fujishima designs :lol Why is this worth my hard earned cash Shouta. Sell this to me in 20 words.

 

[Teknopathetic]

"I'm just not feeling the subpar story line, the poor voice acting (I've seen the dub only), the gross artistry of everything. The only decent thing is the music."

The dub? Doesn't that only go to like episode 11?

"Wait, you say you didn't understand the Black Rose arc and it has content? am I missing something here Tre?"

Not understanding != not there. You know that.

 

[Jim Bowie]

The dub? Doesn't that only go to like episode 11?

I'm not sure. I've only seen maybe 5-6 eps.

 

[Teknopathetic]

I think I'd probably share the same opinion if I'd only seen that far too. Hell, I thought the samething about Planetes until it starting kicking off.

 

[Shouta]

Dead: 20 words? Probably not then. Although 37 or so episodes for a buck a piece or so is still a steal. I could make a giant post if you want but I think you'd glaze over after the first 3 lines. ;p

That's silly Tre', but then again you are a fruity pants.

 

[Jim Bowie]

I think I'd probably share the same opinion if I'd only seen that far too. Hell, I thought the samething about Planetes until it starting kicking off.

I don't know if I want to watch any more. You're insinuating that I should see more, my brother says the same, but it looks like total balls... I'm torn.

 

[Dead]

Dead: 20 words? Probably not then. Although 37 or so episodes for a buck a piece or so is still a steal. I could make a giant post if you want but I think you'd glaze over after the first 3 lines. ;p

That's silly Tre', but then again you are a fruity pants.

jesus, just give me something to go on!

 

[Teknopathetic]

Well after episode 11 it goes to just bat shit insane weirdness/coolness.

 

[Jim Bowie]

Can you ruin 1-10 so I can skip to good? Brief summary, nothing huge needed.

 

[Teknopathetic]

There's not much to ruin, I think you could probably safely skip it, although, you miss the coolest phrase in the world.

"If it cannot break its egg's shell, a chick will die without being born. We are the chick. The world is our egg. If we don't crack the world's shell, we will die without being born. Smash the world's shell! For the revolution of the world!"

I'm going to break into a store while saying that.

 

[Shouta]

37 or so episode series. While the series is about Formula racing, it's played out like a standard Shounen sports series. Kid accidently becomes driver for a struggling racing team's new vehicle that has a super new Cyber System (Computer AI for the vehicle) and goes through the trials and tribulations of becoming a racer and growing up on the track. Great series with awesome characters and a whole ton of fun. Great leisure watch. It was originally aired back in 1991 and had 4 follow-up OAVs. i could go more indepth another time if you want. =b