Top 5 Animes:
5. Fullmetal Alchemist (2003) - Season 1, Opening
3 Video
'Equivalent Exchange' is the name of the game. Focusing on the adventures of two brothers with a specific goal in mind, Fullmetal Alchemist follows scientists and alchemists Edward and Alphonse Elric as the embark on a journey to correct
past wrongs and regain what has been lost. After attempting to bring their deceased mother back to life through a form of alchemy that is strictly forbidden, older brother Edward loses and arm and a leg while his younger brother Alphonse loses his entire body. In a desperate attempt to save his brothers life, Edward attaches his brothers soul to a nearby set of armor which now walks and talks as Alphonse himself. Bent on getting their bodies back, the brothers leave home to track and find the one thing that can help them: the philosophers stone. But in order for something to be gained, something of equal value must be lost.Why I began this series: The same friend who turned me onto anime in the first place also recommended
this series to me, and it delivered.What I loved about the series: A solid story line, incredible character development, great action scenes and an almost close to perfect dub made this series a great one to binge watch. The series was strong from start to finish with continuous
motion making each episode more interesting than the one before it. The connection between the two brothers especially made this series enjoyable, showing that though the Elric brothers have been through tough times they will do whatever it takes to right the wrongs they've done even if it means making a few enemies along the way and taking some lives in the process.What I didn't like about the series: The biggest issue I had with this series was keeping track
of all the characters and all the forms of alchemy or for lack of a better word, "magic", they could do. All the terms and phrases used to associate with alchemy were easily jumbled and could be confusing if you weren't paying close enough attention. This however did not hinder my enjoyment of the series but in fact made me pay closer attention to what was going on from an episode to episode basis.All said and done, I would highly recommend
Fullmetal Alchemist to any die hard anime fan.4. Psycho Pass: Seasons 1 & 2 (2012 & 2014) - Season 1, Opening
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Similar to Fullmetal Alchemist, Psycho-Pass delves into the continuous question of humanities relationship to technology and makes viewers question the idea of "true judgement". Set in 2113, Psycho-Pass follows a unit from the Public Safety Bureau, the modern day Police Department. A unit made up of Inspectors who take charge of cases and Enforcers trained to help catch criminals and eliminate them if necessary, the series focuses on the one piece of machinery used to judge all those at a single glace: Dominators. Newly assigned inspector Akane Tsunemori must dive head first into this line of work, learning not only how to handle the job, but how humans fit into this judgement system known as The Sibiyl System.
Why I began this series: Unlike Fullmetal Alchemist, I began watching Psycho-Pass completely on a whim because it looked "interesting.
What I loved about the series: The first thing that struck me about this series was the music. The soundtrack elevated the series above the plot and became more then background noise for the characters. The plot was also very good, a steady moving and cliff-hanging series of episodes made me want to watch one episode after the next without stopping. The dub of this series also lended much to the characters, bringing them to life while also being relatable. The best part of this anime however can be summed up in one character and perhaps one of the greatest anime villains of all time: Shogo Makishima.
What I didn't like about the series: I've never been one for extreme violence, so Psycho-Pass started out a little rough for me. Once I got over that aspect I was able to enjoy much of the series.
I would recomend Psycho-Pass to anime fans who enjoy a bit more gore and action while still asking questions about the human race and our place among technology.
3. Attack on Titan (2013) - Original Opening Video
Will humanity survive? Set in the years 830-845, Attack on Titan follows the lives of three friends, Eren Jager, Misaka Ackermann and Armin Arlert as they do what all of humanity is attempting to do: survive. Living within walls more than 50 feet high, the surviving human race hides in fear from an enemy that appeared nearly a hundred years beforehand who have been terrorizing the Earth since their appearance. Giant human-like creatures with various heights and abilities with one common goal and craving: the taste of human flesh. The final surviving portion of humanity must fend for themselves when two Titans of extreme power appear and infiltrate the outer wall, allowing Titans from the outside to flood the city of devour humans. Will all of humanity be lost to the Titans? Can Eren and his friends save the rest of the human race, or is there more than meets the eye?
Why I began this series: A more recent anime, since its broadcast Attack on Titan has gained a HUGE fan following and is one of the most talked about anime shows today. Learning this, I thought I would check it out for myself.
What I loved about this series: The original idea and through process behind the series is the shinning star. Who doesn't love humanoid creatures with a strange desire for human flesh!? Everything from the Titans origins to humanities constant struggle to survive makes every minute of this anime worth watching.
What I didn't like about this series: While the plot is strong for a majority of the series, it loses its way in the middle until rediscovering its footing and purpose. This results in a set of episodes that are slower in pace and less exciting.
I am still surprised I made it all the way through Attack on Titan, but never the less, it's one to watch if you're already riding hard on the anime bandwagon.
2. Sword Art Online (2012) - Original Opening Video
The anime that started it all had to make the list. Like Attack on Titan, Sword Art Online has a huge fan following and is a series that is still alive and thriving. 30 years in the future, SAO follows the events of thousands of people who have recently purchased the new VRMMO game available called Sword Art Online. A game where players are transported into the virtual world via special gear, SAO becomes a quick hit among players until all are summoned by the creator of the game, known as the gamemaster, and receive terrifying news: it's not a game, it's real. All the players are now trapped in SAO until someone can clear the game, but if a players health drops to zero or the gear used to run the game is removed, that player will not only be deleted from the game but also killed in the real world. A diligent player of the game, Kirito, must do all he can to survive what quickly becomes known as "the death game" while confronting demons of his own, trying to save those he loves, and surviving until the very end.
Why I began this series: My friend turned me onto this show, and thus began my dark hole of anime binge watching
What I loved about this series: Absolutely everything about this show is amazing. From its characters, to dialogue, gorgeous soundtrack and a close to perfect English dub, SAO hits all the strong points of a successful anime series.
What I didn't like about this series: There is little about this series that I don't like. It's first season, which is actually comprised of seasons one and two, is great while its third season begins very slow but eventually picks up in drama and action. The third season of SAO has been recently dubbed and is now being shown on television on a weekly basis. I make sure not to miss an episode.
I would recommend Sword Art Online to anyone who is looking to get into anime but doesn't know where to start. A gentler, non-violent series that centers around a great concept and unforgettable characters makes SAO one amazing anime.
And finally....
1. Deathnote (2006) - Original Opening Video
Bored high school student Light Yagami is like every other kid, until one day he finds a notebook entitled Death Note. The notebook seems ordinary until Light finds a specific set of rules within the notebook all beginning with one supreme statement: The person whose name is written in this notebook, shall die. Debating the notebooks authenticity and whether or not he should use it, Light quickly learns that this notebook is real and makes good on its threat. Soon after, Light meets the owner of this notebook a Shinigami, also known as a God of death, who tells him that since the notebook was dropped in the human world it will now belong to Light until his death. With new power in hand Light vows to use the notebooks power to cleanse the earth of criminals and become the God of the new world he creates.
Why I began this series: Like Psycho-Pass, the title of Deathnote was "interesting" and after beginning the series I was able to finish it in less than two days. I still have absolutely no regrets.
What I loved about the series: Absolutely everything. A physcological thriller with with lovable characters and a strong, intense plot that is the driving force for the series. Deathnote is still the only Japanese anime series I've watched where the English dub is perfection. A spectacular cast of characters matched with perfect fitting voices and one plot-twist after another makes Deathnote a series not to be missed.
What I didn't like: I loved everything about this anime, but if I had to choose a negative it would be the use of one character, Misa Amane.
I recommend Deathnote to anyone and everyone. It is simply a spectacular series.
Honorable Mention:
Black Butler: Seasons 1 & 2 (2008 & 2010) - Season Two, Original Opening Video
Tea anyone? We join this series set in 18th century Victorian England at the home of thirteen year old business tycoon and pampered brat, Ciel Phantomhive. After losing his parents in a mysterious fire Ciel is left all alone to run the family toy company. Ciel lives a comfortable life with faithful servants and "one hell of a butler" named Sebastian. At first glance it seems Sebastian is simply the most loyal of servants, but things aren't always as they seem. Sebastian has vowed to do all in his power to makes Ciels ultimate wish come true in exchange for devouring his soul upon its completion. Would you expect any different behavior from a demon?
Why I began this series: I had seen various things on the internet about the series and thought I'd give it a try. It took me longer than most to get into the series as a whole but it's a great regardless.
What I loved about the series: Two words - Sebastian Michaelis. Demon or not, from his animation to his deep English voice, to his two signature lines of the show, Sebastian is what makes Black Butler noteworthy. He is simply one Hell of a butler.
What I didn't like about the series: When I began the series I at first thought Ciel was a girl (which I later learned was not the case, through the English dub was voiced by a woman). Ciel as a character bothered me in the beginning and came off as a selfish brat whose sole purpose was to be annoying. The further into the series I got the more I saw that these characteristics are what make Ciel Phantomhive interesting and he could often be amusing. The biggest negative of the series however is its jumbled plot and slow flow from episode to episode. Certain episodes bring us more action and drama while other episodes get lost in the confusion and sometimes make us think we're in a different story all together.
Looking for a spot of tea, perhaps a Foret Noire or perhaps you just adore well done English accents? Black Butler is for you.
Anime Series still in Progress:
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion (2006) - Season 1, Original Opening Video
Current position: Season 1 - Episode 21 of 25
Will I continue into Season 2: Absolutely
Why I love about Code Geass: The dub is pretty spot on, good characters, solid plot and beautifully styled animation.
What I don't like about the series: Starts slow, but picks up quickly with rapid fire action
Why you would enjoy Code Geass: It is one of the most popular animes out there and if you're looking for a great internal character struggle of good and evil, then this is a great series for you.
Fate/Zero (2011-2012)
Current Position: Season 1 Episode 7 out of 13
Will I continue into Season 2: Maybe, depends how the rest of Season 1 pans out
Why I like about Fate/Zero: Beautifully animated with strong female protagonists
What I don't like about the series: I have yet to fully get into the series, but since I am already halfway through Season 1 I'll go till the end
Why you would enjoy Fate/Zero: Strong female characters and a war where spirits are summoned by humans to battle for the ultimate prize make Fate/Zero a good anime to watch if you're looking for a milder flavor of anime.
So there it is, my top five animes along with an honorable mention and a few still in progress! Viva anime!!
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