UPDATES:
(Updates on finished anime series)
1. Blue Exorcist (Ao no exorcist) (2011)
Video: Blue Exorcist Opening
Blue Exorcist follows brothers Rin and Yukkio Okumara who both strive to one day become exorcists like their father. Younger brother Yuukio studies hard to make this dream a reality while older brother Rin finds himself in trouble more often than not. But everything changes when Rin learns a terrifying and dark secret: he is the son of Satan. After learning that he is a demon, Rin's father is killed and he vows to avenge his father's death by becoming an exorcist and one day defeating Satan once and for all. Learning that his brother Yukkio is already an exorcist of high ranking at a private academy, Rin is taken in immediately to begin his exorcist training under his brothers strict watch. Becoming an exorcist is the ultimate dream, but in the process, will Rin lose everything he has left?
Why I began this series: The idea of a demon wanting to destroy his father Satan seemed like an amazing concept, and I finally finished this series while waiting out my six hour layover in the Frankfurt, Germany airport on the way to Graz!
What I loved about the series: Much of the series I enjoyed. Many of the characters were memorable, the original concept intrigued me beyond belief and I can't pass up any anime that stars two of my three favorite anime voice actors, Bryce Pappenbrook and Johnny Young Bosh.
What I didn't like about the series: Sadly, much of the series was filler and boring. It started strong with Rin learning the truth and beginning his training at the academy, but much of the series that followed made the story take a backseat. It wasn't until the last few episodes that the original excitement I got from Blue Exorcist, and when that excitement was back I was thrilled. Some of the characters seemed dull and some plot points didn't really add anything to the overall arc of the series.
Blue Excorcist seems to be either a "love it or hate it" anime. While I did enjoy it, the series didn't really do anything for me and therefore isn't high on my recommending anime list. Nevertheless, Blue Exorcists is a good anime for any fan.
2. Toradora (2008-2009)
Video: Toradora Trailer (English Dub)
Misunderstood high school student Ryuji Takasu has always been labeled as a delinquent due to his tough appearance, while in actuality he is a soft-hearted clean freak. When Ryuji one day accidentally bumps into fellow classmate Taiga Aisaka, known for her small size, violent temper and harsh attitude, his life takes a turn. Upon discovering a love letter in his schoolbag addressed to his best friend Yusaku from Taiga, he suddenly sees Taiga coming through his window with a sword. Tiaga soon realizes that the envelope containing the letter was empty all along, and reluctantly tells Ryuji of her feelings for Yusaku. While Ryuji can't believe that Taiga could be in love with anyone, Taiga calls him out on his obvious feelings towards her best friend Minori. Ryuji and Taiga then make a deal to help each other become closer to their respective love interests and do whatever is necessary to find out how they feel about in return, but in the process will something more than friendship bloom between them?
Why I began this series: Between looking for something to fill the void after Clannad & Clannad: After Story and researching various romance animes, I came across Toradora.
What I loved about the series: Toradora is a great anime all the way around. The voice cast for the English dub is perfect and all the voices really fit the characters animation. I especially loved Toradora because of how simple and somewhat innocent the story line is. High school, teenage love can be very hard to do right, sometimes being overdone to the point of annoying or really, really boring. Toradora shows EXACTLY what being in love at a young age is all about.
What I didn't like about the series: The only thing about Toradora that stuck out was one character: Ami Kawashima. She doesn't appear to have any real purpose in the series, other than causing, escalating or creating drama.
While many people may not know Toradora, it is an anime that I would highly recommend to anyone. A very down to earth, honest romance anime about being in love.
3. AngelBeats (2010)
Video: AngelBeats Opening
What happens when you die? For Yuzuro Otonashi it all begins as a jumbled mess of confusion. Having recently passed away, Yuzuro awakens to find himself in a strange place and does not remember anything about what happened to him or who he is. Soon after, he learns that he is in fact dead and now a member of the SSS, a squad dedicated to fighting and destroying a mysterious girl named Angel. But Otonashi has another purpose: making peace and moving on. Once he is able to do this, he will be reborn into the world as another creature. Angel is the enemy, but will fighting and defeating her be the right path to ultimate peace?
Why I began this series: I watched AngelBeats purely because of the fan following it has. It looked interesting from the start so I gave it a try.
What I loved about the series: A few things about AngelBeats particularly stood out in a good way for me. The first was the series opening and ending themes: stunning. Second was the fact that the English dubbed cast was basically the entire cast that dubbed another favorite anime of mine, Clannad and Clannad: After Story. Third was the cast of secondary characters, who were far superior to the three leads in development, entertainment and emotional connection. The secondary characters were not only my favorites of the entire series but also had some of the best and most emotional, beautiful scenes.
What I didn't like about the series: Much of this series didn't speak to me. Sadly, I was expecting something better than what I got. Some tears were shed though, make no mistake.
If there was one thing to say about AngelBeats, it's that the series was completely not what I expected, and that's what makes it so unique.
4. Ouran High School Host Club (2006)
Video: Ouran High School Host Club Opening
Haruhi Fujioka has just been accepted into Ouran High School Academy, an elite institution for educating children from filthy rich families. Though a commoner, Haruhi enters Ouran hoping to make a fresh start until she accidentally finds Ourans Host Club. Infamous to entertaining Ouran young ladies, Haruhi attempts to escape the club but accidentally breaks an expensive vase belonging to the club. To pay off her debt, Haruhi is forced to become a member of the Host Club under the eye of the Host Club King, Tamaki Suoh. Haruhi accepts this arrangement until Tamaki discovers that though her appearance is manly, Haruhi is actually a girl. Despite this fact, Harihu agrees to dress and act like a boy in order to pay back the club, which Tamaki reluctantly allows. Until her debt is paid, Haruhi must entertain the ladies of Ouran who "have to much time on their hands" while hiding the secret of her true gender.
"The Ouran High School Host Club will be waiting for you. We'll see you then!"
Why I began the series: I was surfing Netflix when I originally found Ouran, and I got halfway through episode one before I turned it off. I recently decided to give it another chance, and now, I've seen it all.
What I loved about the series: This series really surprised me. At the start I was expecting to absolutely hate it, but that ended up not being the case - I loved it. Though it does center around "entertaining" young ladies, the series did not retract to the the usual Japaneses harem stereotypes and I was not consistently flashed with boobs or panty shots (which I greatly appreciated). But perhaps the best part of the Host Club are the Hosts themselves. A quick breakdown:
Tamaki Suoh - "The Prince Charming type" aka King of the Host Club; most requested of all Hosts
Kyouya Ootari - "The Cool type"; Vice President, in charge of Host activities and funds
Mitskuni "Honey" Haninozuka - "The Cute type"; loves cute things and cake
Takashi "Mori" Morinozuka - "Strong & Silent type"; cannot be seen without Honey-sempi
Karou & Hikaru Hitachiin - "Brotherly Love type"; twins who have never been apart
(Haruhi Fujioka - "The Natural type")
What I didn't like about the series: I loved everything about the series, overall very well done.
Ouran has become one of my favorites. Long live The Host Club!!!
5. Seraph of the End (Owari no Seraph) (2014)
Video: Seraph of the End Opening
Why I began the series: I once again went searching for animes, this time looking for something more recent. I found Seraph of the End, which was currently still airing episodes weekly with the English dub, and I dove in.
What I loved about the series:
Initial thought after finishing Episode 1: "FINALLY, AN ANIME ABOUT VAMPIRES THAT IS OVERLY DRAMATIC, OVERLY SEXUAL OR JUST PLAIN STUPID". But really though,
Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign turned out to be way better than I expected. The characters are memorable and the animation (done by FUNimation) is beautiful. Also, Mika is pretty amazing.
What I didn't like about the series: The only thing that kept Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign from being absolutely amazing was the fact that it often had plot holes. While I'm sure everything is explained within the manga (which I am currently reading now), the series at times had me very confused as to how certain things happened, why and what impact they had on the current or future situation. Hopefully by reading the manga, things will get cleared up. The other thing about the series that I particularly did not enjoy was some the voices selected for the dub, which for me is unusual.
Season 1 of Seraph of the End: Vampire Reign was far better than I would have thought, and now I anxiously await for the Season 2 Dub being released in October.
6. Spice & Wolf (2008)
Videos: Spice & Wolf Opening 1 & 2
Craft Lawrence has always been a traveling merchant weighing his gains and loses with the utmost care, for both his business and everyday life. When Lawrence one night discovers a naked woman with a wolfs ears and tail sleeping in his cart, he suddenly remembers legends pertaining to such a creature, known as Holo the Wise Wolf. After proving that she is indeed the Goddess Holo the Wise Wolf, Holo tells Lawrence that she desires nothing more than to return home to the lands of the north. Lawrence reluctantly agrees to accompany Holo while upholding his business as a traveling merchant, but as the two travel, what secrets will Holo and Lawrence learn about themselves and the nature of business?
Why I began the series: I honestly don't know how I cam to find Spice & Wolf. I'm sure it had something to do with the fact that I was, and am still on, a J. Michael Tatum binge.
What I loved about the series: My enjoyment of the entire series came from its two leading voice actors: J. Michael Tatum as Lawrence & Brina Palecia as Holo. The two not only do various and fabulous anime voice work together, but also provide the voices for another favorite anime of mine, Black Butler (voices of Ciel Phantomhive & Sebastian Michaelis). The animation for Spice & Wolf is also stunning, as can be seen in both its opening themes.
What I didn't like about the series: The series focused more on the "economics" side than the romance I was initially expecting, but although this was the case, it did not detract from the flow of the series. The other thing I didn't like about the series was its ending, as it somehow felt unfinished.
Spice & Wolf was another series that I found quite unexpected and very cute. It also has a decent fan following and many hope that there will someday be a Season 2. If that day ever comes, I'm sure to be watching.
SERIES STILL IN PROGRESS:
(Because this list is somewhat longer than usual, I will not be including any images, videos or information about where I am in each series)
- Sword Art Online - Season 2 (Almost done airing with English dub) (2015)
- Gurren Lagann (2007)
- Kimi ni Todoke (English subbed) (2009-2011)
- Sakurasou No Pet Nakanono (English subbed) (2012-2013)
- Hyouka (English subbed) (2012)
- Charlotte (English subbed) (2015)
- (The Devil is A Part Timer) (2013)
The list continues to grow, and although school has resumed, I look forward to watching and reviewing more and more anime!
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