Why Anime? - 7 YouTube AMVs and MADs To Introduce Anime To Your Non-Anime Friends

I've recently gone trolling through YouTube for the perfect AMV or MAD, which can be hard to come by. As most AMVs or MADs are created for competitions at anime conventions or conferences, each video is planned out to the last and tiniest detail to make sure that everything is just right before the video is submitted for judging, and while some succeed more than others, there is a vast variety of AMVs and MADs out there to satisfy your current anime fix. But before you can begin watching AMVs or MADs, you should know the difference between the two.

So what is the difference between an AMV and a MAD? AMVs, or Anime Music Videos, are more common and popular videos purely made on a fan-made basis, usually by Americans. AMVs generally consist of clips from various animes that have been edited together to create one stunning video that is typically set to either a Japanese track or popular American song. The most popular AMVs can include clips from thirty to forty anime series and can even go higher than that if the creator has the time and desire to edit that many clips together. So how is this different than an MAD? MADs are usually made by Japanese fans or sources that can include both anime and non-anime clips. More than AMVs, MADs rely more on matching these clips with the music selected to evoke a certain feeling or make the viewer want to learn more about the media used. MADs are further created to introduce viewers to certain media, rather than a collage of various media spliced together. While MADs are far lesson popular, they still get top views alongside the thousands of AMVs that have been created and the thousands more that are sure to come as more anime is released each season.

Now that you know what an AMV and MAD are, you begin watching and finding those videos that speak to you. But what if you non-anime friend asks or states the following:

• Why do you love anime so much?
• Anime is dumb - its not a good representation of real life
• Anime is all just a bunch of girls with big eyes and really big boobs...
• What does anime have that regular films, cartoons and movies doesn't?
• How can you like something so, weird? Only nerds like anime.
• Anime is just cartoons
• Anime relationships aren't real. It's all fake and made up romance anyway, how can you get so invested in this stuff?

Besides giving them your opinions and feelings on the topic or maybe even introducing them to anime with a series you think they would enjoy, the following seven AMV/MAD videos are the perfect, accessible and quick rebound to show your non-anime friend why your love for anime is steadfast and strong.

DISCLAIMERS:

1. I did not create any of these videos! - All rights go to their creators

2. These seven videos represent what I believe to be the best introduction of anime to a non-anime friend. This list is purely an opinion.

3. These videos are in random order - each was selected for specific and different reasons as described below and they are all favorites

4. These AMVs and MADs were selected as they show a variety of anime series, therefore AMVs or MADs that only use clips from one series were not selected for this list

5. Enjoy!

1. [MAD] Love Is A Beautiful Pain - Endless Tears

MAD Creator: Kaneisvan137 (Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCArfNrV3_9UwL8Yb_p7HQWg)

Song: Endless Tears by Cliff Edge ft. Maiko Nakamura

Anime Used: 40+ (see video for full list)

With over 38 million views on YouTube, this MAD is perfect for showing your inexperienced anime friend why you absolutely love anime. This MAD has everything - different animation styles, a variety of characters, a look at anime special effects, feels and everything in between. Additionally, this MAD covers a wide variety of anime genres showing everything from adventure to romance, and between so much anime being available and almost fifty different series used for this video, there are infinite possibilities. Chances are you and your friend will find at least one series that peaks your interest somewhere in this MAD and you'll begin binge watching it immediately. While this MAD is more geared towards those anime characters in love, there are still plenty of exciting elements throughout the video to keep your interest high from beginning to end. All said and done, this MADs biggest triumph is its editing as its clips are perfectly synced to the music, the video overall is high in energy and it is simply one of the most stunning and well made MADs anywhere on YouTube.

2. We Are Satellites! AMV

AMV Creator: Jupperavo (Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCCxzzn0k_NxKUcR1sfc6R4A)

Song: Satellites - Cash Cash

Anime Used: 40+ (see video for full list)

I came across this AMV recently and unexpectedly as YouTube was the first to recommended it to me. From its happy thumbnail photo, I clicked it and it instantly became one of my favorites AMVs to date. With just over 13 thousand views, this AMV is the perfect 2:30 video to show your friend what makes anime so different than regular movies . Unlike live actions films, anime is all about art style - and there are many different art styles used to create different genres and types of anime series and films. While many of these animation styles are related and some are used more than others, each animes particular art and animation style is only one of the elements that makes each series unique and a visual wonder. Like the MAD above, this AMV also shows a wide variety of anime characters from your typical high schoolers to your bad ass hero, is set to a great song and beautifully edited to show just how beautiful anime animation can be and that sometimes you don't need "live action" to enjoy a good story or something so visually stunning.

3. Everybody Deserves Somebody - AMV

AMV Creator: AnimeUnity (Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWqhbN-hHVbfFHT79Oi07dw)

Song: Settle for Less - Before You Exit

Anime Used (in order of appearance): Amagi Brilliant Park, Junjou Romantica, Sword Art Online, Nisekoi, Little Busters!, Akatsuki no Yona, Gugure! Kokkuri-san, Sakura Trick, Naruto, Orenchi no Furo Jijou, Nanatsu no Taizai, Katekyo Hitman Reborn!, Nagi no Asukara, Ao no Exorcist & Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!

Created by AnimeUnity, one of the most prominent and popular AMV channels on YouTube, this AMV focuses more on the "feels" commonly felt by every anime fan. In any anime series, "feels" are abundant and it's hard to get through or find a series that you haven't either ugly cried or teared up at. Nevertheless, this AMV takes a shorter selection of anime that mainly focuses on romance and the budding relationships between the specified characters, and is perfect to show the friend who is convinced that anime romance can't relate to real life romance. When it comes to romance animes in particular many have tragic endings, leaving viewers upset and angry that things had to end the way they did - but this AMV shows more of the positive sides of romance and reinforces the idea that anyone can fall in love at any time and with anyone. A sentiment I strongly believe in, I was thrilled to see that along with its beautiful and heartfelt song this AMV portrayed all kinds of relationships, including Yaoi (boy love) and Yuri (girl x girl) along with your typical heterosexual relationship. A video featuring some beautiful anime couples, intense in its "feels" and set to a song that is sure to have you singing along, this AMV is sure to make a strong impression of how romance can be beautifully portrayed in anime, just like real romance.

4. AMV - Keep Your Eyes Open

AMV Creator: NeverEnoughEpicAMVs5 (Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCJl5inqzplQtQ5JdgXCW5ww)

Song: Keep Your Eyes Open - NEEDTOBREATHE

Anime Used: 30+ (see video for full list)

To the simple statement that "anime is dumb", this AMV is the perfect retaliation. A very different AMV, this video is not only made up of various anime clips but also clips from NEEDTOBREATHE's original music video for the song "Keep Your Eyes Open". Showing anime from various generations and of various styles, this AMV is exactly as advertised and perfect to show the friend who isn't willing to give anime a chance because they don't understand it. Non-anime fans are quick to put down anime mainly because they are inexperienced and haven't seen any or enough to have solidified opinions about it. The only way to know if you will like anime is to watch it, and this video not only gives viewers a look at various anime series and films, but also reminds them to always expand their boundaries or they will never discover those new things that could change their lives. Since I began watching anime almost one year ago, my life has changed and I have discovered and new passion and road I would have never traveled if I didn't take the first step in watching Sword Art Online (only second to Pokemon which I grew up on with every other 90's kid). Additionally, it is AMVs like these that are wonderful examples of why you should never be ashamed to enjoy the things you love and that you should be the person you want to be. If nothing else, this AMV is bound to leave you with goosebumps and make your heart a little happier.

5. Anime Mix - Be Somebody AMV

AMV Creator: zetsu1806 (Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCkLgecyzadZOl7dDgu43jUw)

Song: Be Somebody - Thousand Foot Krutch

Anime Used: Accel World, Sword Art Online, Guilty Crown, Shingeki no Kyojin, Kakumeiki Valvrave & Karneval

This AMV goes to the friend who is a die hard realist or has a hard time seeing anime as being related to real life. Yes, anime is fiction and most anime has fantasy elements that aren't possible in real life, but many anime deal very heavy and series situations that can easily be related to real life issues and conflicts. There may not be giant robots to fight our battles or Titans that only feed on human flesh, but many animes are dark and portray themes on characters who are usually far too young to endure such horrors. More often than not in these types of series high schoolers and children are the victims of these difficult, life threatening and hard situations that could not only claim the lives of their friends but also their own. Taking six anime with male protagonists who find themselves in worlds of violence, uncertainty and impending death, this AMV takes a more serious route by showing that not all anime is sunshine and rainbows and that, in the end, we all want the same thing - to be known, loved and remembered.

6. Break the Rules - AMV

AMV Creator: AnimeUnity (Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCWqhbN-hHVbfFHT79Oi07dw)

Song: Break the Rules (Sava & Razz Remix)

Anime Used (in alphabetical order): A Certain Scientific Railgun, Ao Haru Ride, Beat Angel Escalayer, Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou, Free! - Iwatobi Swim Club, Gj-Bu, Golden Time, Hanasaku Iroha, Hyouka, Jojo's Bizzare Adventure, Kyoukai No Kanata, Kyousougiga, Love, Chunibyo & Other Delusions, Macross Frontier MUSIC CLIP Collection, Mawaru Penguin Drum, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya, Nerawareta Gakuen, Super Sonico The Animation & Your Lie in April

Another AMV that became an instant favorite, this video is perfect to show the friend who easily writes off anime as "cartoons". Anime is a Japanese art form that is both popular in Japan and has rapidly grown in popularity overseas in in the States especially over the past few decades. While anime may look like cartoons, there is much more underneath its delicate appearance. What particularly struck me about this AMV was the amount of female presence found throughout, highlighting several animes that have strong female protagonists who prove that they don't need saving or a man to do great things. A very "girl power" feeling AMV, this video is proof enough that anime is much more than "cartoons" and an exploration in the wonder and joy that is anime girl power.

7. TALK DIRTY TO ME

AMV Creator: xMurasakiii (Channel: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC5CWc42tqrX8pGMqDZRomOA)

Song: Talk Dirty to Me - Jason Durulo

Anime Used (in no particular order): Uta No Prince Sama, Kamigami No Asobi, Guilty Crown, Hakkenden Touhou Ibun, Free, Brothers Conflict, Durarara, Kuroku No Basuke, Macross Frontier, Meganebu, Kuroshitsuji, Kill La Kill, Diabolik Lovers, Cuticle Tantei Inaba & Tonari No Kaibutsu-kun)

"All anime is is just a bunch of high school girls with big eyes, big boobs.." - prepare to be proven wrong. This popular over 3 million times viewed AMV needs little in the way of description, taking some of animes sexiest male characters and putting them all in one perfect almost two and a half minute video of pure bliss. No matter your fancy, you and your non-anime friend are sure to fawn over one if not all of the anime boys found in this awesome AMV and based on pure looks alone, you'll both find characters you can fangirl over and find a series that you can get behind (no pun intended).

Sugar, Spice And Everything Not So Nice - Live, Love Anime: Part XV

Haru wo Daiteita (Embracing Love) (2005)

For AV actors Iwaki and Katou, it is all getting the part. When the two find themselves auditioning for a new film that may be their last big chance at success, they prepare to outdo each other in every way possible. But when they arrive and learn that that director would like them to make love to determine who will get the lead role, will something more than friendship bloom for Iwaki and Katou, and could what follows next possibly mean the end of their careers?

Why I began this series: I honestly don't know how I came to find Embracing Love, I just did.

Thoughts on the series:
For being an older anime Embracing Love had a very positive point to it, being the relationship between Iwaki and Katou. Starting out as a rivalry for a role and quickly turning into something more, watching their relationship change and grow was one of the best things about the series. Iwaki's stern personality was a great foil to Katou's young but devotional attitude towards Iwaki as well as his work, making the series different and somewhat refreshing from other yaois. Aside from this aspect however Embracing Love suffered in many major areas, beginning with elements of its plot. Certain parts of the series felt disjointed while others I did not agree with or find enjoyable, an example of this being the "experimentation" that occurs between Iwaki, Katou one fellow work member and a complete stranger. Things such as this both caught me off guard and made me very uncomfortable, making me question why they had to be done in the first place even if they were done just to prove a point. Embracing Love also suffered heavily in its animation, with its overall look appearing very standard and rough even though it was only made back in 2005. But Embracing Loves biggest misfortune was that there was no spark to it and it was easily a series I could have turned off at any time. I always try to power through a series I have started for reviewing purposes but I had to power through Embracing Love in order to do so.

With all of the other yaoi and shonen ai available today, Embracing Love ranks low on the list. A series that is worth the watch only to add to your collection, Embracing Love is a series that either will make you a fan or leave you wanting something more than what you got.

Gravitation (1999-2000)

Shuichi Shindou wants to become Japans next rock star as the lead singer of the band known as Bad Luck. Alongside his best friend Hiroshi Nakano, Shuichi dreams to becoming famous and following in the footsteps of his idol Ryuichi Sakuma, once famous for being a part of a group known as Nittle Grasper. When Shuichi one night is writing lyrics in the park for Bad Lucks new song and his paper gets swept away, he meets a man who tells him his writing is garbage and he has no talent. Persistent to know more Shuichi seeks the man out and learns that he is the famous novelist Eiri Yuki, known for his many successful romance novels. For Shuichi it soon becomes clear that his feelings for Yuki are much deeper than just a friend - but does he really know Yuki? What dark secrets is he hiding? And what does their relationship truly mean?

Why I began this series: I had stumbled across a two episode series called Gravitation: Lyrics of Lost Love and watched it on an impulsive whim. Little did I know there was a previous series, known as Gravitation, that recounted the events of Lyrics of Lost Love before that part of the story was told.

Thoughts on the series:
Gravitation may look like an average, overly frothy comedy that tries too hard on many occasions, but deep down it deals with some very serious, heavy issues. At the start I didn't care much for the series at all but as it continued I grew to like it a great deal more, with the second half of the series ultimately changing my opinions on it all together. Dealing with issues like trauma, alienation, and even gang rape, Gravitation became a series that was less about delivering laughs and more about its characters dealing with such series issues that impacted their current relationships. While the plot overall in the beginning was bland, these shining moments in the second half made the series excel greatly from its slow start and none of it would have been accomplished if it wasn't for the series characters. I honestly did not care for either of the male protagonist and main pairing of Shuichi and Yuki, though I greatly preferred Yuki by the series end, as I thought that their relationship was never really defined. Nothing became of it, and while it was apparent that they did have feelings for each other, there was never a confession of love or any sign that Yuki truly felt anything more for Shuichi. Because of this I often felt that Shuichi and Yuki were stuck in a rut that they were never really able to pull themselves out of even a tiny bit until the final episode, when parts of Yuki's past were revealed. But while I did not care for the main pair, there were two secondary characters I grew to enjoy quite a lot. The first was fellow Bad Luck band member and guitarist Hiroshi, whose personality and calmer head was a nice foil to the scatterbrained and somewhat annoying Shuichi. Additionally, Hiroshi had some of the greatest character growth throughout the series as he attempted to help Shuichi with his problems in addition to understanding his own feelings while at the same time doing all he could for their band. Though a secondary character, Hiroshi was a genuine guy who proved himself to be a true friend to Shuichi and gained my respect very quickly from the start. The other character I took an immediate liking to was K, Bad Lucks second manager. While he was a much rougher character that Hiroshi, K was often seen as Bad Lucks driving force and the reason for their initial success. His "all business" like personality and comic yet violent sense of humor was also a nice change to the series attempts at various failed comedic devices. In a way, the secondary cast saved the show in many ways and without them Gravitation may not be the beloved manga and series it still is over ten years later. Many other elements of the series seemed average, from its animation, to its overall pacing and especially its comedic timing. With all these struggles, it seemed for a while that Gravitation had no decent qualities about it besides its second half epiphany, but then came the soundtrack. A mix of various Bad Luck songs and minimal instrumental tracks the small but powerful soundtrack from Gravitation added another level of emotion to the series that the plot itself was not able to do, with some of its most simple instrumental tracks taking center stage. Along with both a catchy opening and ending faux 80's sounding theme, the soundtrack of Gravitation was one of its greatest triumphs - as should be the standard for any music anime.

  Gravitation Original Soundtrack - Yuki's Theme

For many anime lovers, Gravitation was the first yaoi they ever watched. A series that while old still has a great deal of love behind it, Gravitation is a yaoi that is much calmer than many of todays yaoi favorites and focuses more on the people themselves and their feelings for one another, rather than the active relationship yaoi fans would expect. 

Dagashi Kashi (2016)

Video: Dagashi Kashi Opening

Kokonotsu Shikada wants to become a manga artist, though his father Yo has other ideas. Wanting him to take over the family dagashi shop, Kokonotsu's father often tricks him into watching it while he runs off on mysterious adventures. Left alone to watch the shop Kokonotsu one day meets a young girl named Hotaru, a strange girl with a passionate love for dagashi and who highly resembles the heroine in Kokonotsu's manga drawings. When Hotaru informs them that she was sent by her father to recruit Yo for his snacking company, Yo blatantly refuses - unless Kokonotsu agrees to take over the shop. From that moment on, Hotaru vows to convince Kokonotsu to both take over his families shop, that dagashi is much more than mere candy and that Kokonotsu is worthy to be her dagashi rival. 

Why I began this series: Dagashi Kashi was another winter anime I was working though as Broadcast Dubs were released week to week alongside many other winter series.

Thoughts on the series:

Though Dagashi Kashi in its entirety is one big Japanese snack food and candy sales pitch, it was still an enjoyable series. With its premise completely surrounding all types of popular Japanese snacks and foods the series had little of your standard typical "anime shonen plot", with each episode simply introducing viewers to all sorts of common treats found in Japan. But while this "plot" did not make for the most consistently entertaining matter, the series characters were a different story. The driving force of the series, the characters of Dagashi Kashi brought the series to life with a wacky and colorful cast of personalities. First was Kokonotsu, voiced by FUNimation English Dub favorite Todd Haberkorn, whose quiet and shy personality quickly made him a secondary character. The series female protagonist was quite the opposite however, as she was always loud, front and center. Hotarus wild, wacky and insane personality and love for dagashi snacks was hard to take at first, but as the series progressed she grew to become a much more lovable character who deeply cared for all things edible. Of the entire cast, only comprising of five characters in total, Hotaru was the most interesting and the only one who had me coming back week to week just to see what she had to say about this weeks snack. The supporting characters were mainly background but added to the series in their own unique ways. Kokonotsu's father more resembled Hotaru in that the two shared big personalities along with a deep love for dagashi, while both Kokonotsu's childhood friend Saya and her older brother were more quiet and reserved like Kokonotsu himself. Having these characters personalities split on two separate sides set up an interesting premise for the romance elements hinted at throughout the series, and I was very curious to see in the end whether Kokonotsu would pick his childhood friend Saya or the big chested Hotaru. With all these one sided and high strung personalities the series comedic timing was generally well done though at times it seemed hokey. The series comedic timing was quite good and helped Dagashi Kashi feel more like your standard anime rather than an anime simply filled with lots of food porn. The series additionally had a distinct and simply animation style, with its hand drawn character designs that might lead viewers to feel like the characters of Dagashi Kashi were in a manga themselves. With the exception of Hotaru, the character designs looked pretty standard, allowing the viewer to completely focus on the weeks specified snack. This was also the case with the series soundtrack and script, as the producers apparent ultimate goal was to make the viewer want and learn about Japanese treats. In the end, it's all about the dagashi.

Dagashi Kashi was enjoyable, but not a series I would necessarily recommend to every anime fan. If you're looking for a mindless, silly anime series about random foods that you could easily multi-task to, Dagashi Kashi is right up your alley.

Ajin: Demi Human (2016 - Netflix Original Series)
Videos: Ajin Opening & Ending Theme

 

OP - Can You Sleep at Night? - Flumpool

ED - How Close You Are - Mamoru Miyano

For thousands of years the worlds has been made up of humans - not anymore. A small percentage of the worlds population are classified at Ajins, immortal humans who are sought after by the government, scientists and other organizations. Additionally, it is said that if you capture an Ajin and hand them over you will be greatly rewarded, thus many of the Ajins remain in hiding. When young school boy Kei Nagai discovers that he is an Ajin after being struck by a truck, he flees his home in Japan for a safe refuge. Aided by his best and only friend Kaito Kei begins his long journey to find a safe haven where he will not be persecuted by humans, but are humans the ones he should truly fear?

Why I began this series: I had seen this series both on Netflix for quite some time and had seen posts from one of its English Dub cast members and the voice of protagonist Kei Nagai, Johhny Yong Bosh. When it seemed that I would not find a fourth series to add to this review and I learned that Ajin was only thirteen episodes, I watched it in its entirety in two days.

Thoughts on the series:

What does it mean to be human? What is considered a monster? Who is really in control? Only a few of the questions and concepts explored, Ajin proved itself to be on par with many other popular animes today. Being a Netflix Original Series I was skeptical at first of its validity and success, though the series itself for only having been English Dubbed and recently released in the United States only for a few months has already gained a huge fan following and high popularity among both anime and non-anime fans alike. Many things about Ajin seemed strange from the start but by the series end those things turned into the elements that made the series enjoyable, and gripping from start to finish. The first and biggest sucess found within Ajin is its uncertainty - many things are left unexplained, and when we finally get some explanation it is never fully complete. This at first greatly bothered me, both as a reviewer and a viewer, as I personally like to know everything from the start and know what I'm getting into in order to determine if I will continue through the entire series or not. This was not the case with Ajin and its uncertainty and constant questioning ended up driving me to continue on, despite its vague plot line. Even by the series end much was left unexplained and out in the open, which not only sets up Polygon Pictures for a second season (which is already in the works) but will hopefully give fans the answers and information they desperately want, even if they haven't read to manga. The series plot was also of great note, as it is one of the most interesting concepts I've ever come across. Humans who are not human, people who are not only immortal and can revive themselves but are also able to summon black ghosts that poses an incredible power of their own. From the series initial episode this concept was exceptional and I was highly interested to see where it would be taken, ultimately going somewhere I never thought it to go. Without spoiling too much of the series, Ajin (more about plot ya ya ya). Then there were Ajins characters - a small, monotone cast that proved forces to be reckoned with. First is Kei Nagai, the series main protagonist voiced by anime fan favorite voice actor Johnny Yong Bosh (Lelouch Lamperouge in Code Geass, Black Power Ranger in Power Rangers, etc.), who portrayed Kei as both incredibly serious and utterly terrified, while still being cold. This said however, Kei ended up being one of my least favorites characters of the series as he never really added anything of his own. Besides becoming Japans third Ajin Kei was merely background for other characters of much more import and interest to come to light. But while Kei may not have been the most appealing of protagonists, much of the supporting cast filled the void with performances that were unbelievable.  Kei's best friend Kaito, voiced by Bryce Papenbrook (Eren in Attack on Titan, Kirito in Sword Art Online, Rin in Blue Exorcist, etc) was far more interesting than Kei, purely because of his mysterious nature. Thrown into the action rather quickly and with much of him still a mystery as he only appeared in the series three to four episodes, I wish that we had seen more of him or some backstory on him and Kei. With so many unanswered questions, I look forward to a second season where we will learn more about Kaito, why he helped Kei and if he has "abilities" of his own. But the true stars of Ajin lie with the performances of the psychotic Sato (aka Man in The Hat) and the emotionless Tosaki, voiced by anime favorite Todd Haberkorn. While the actor who voiced Sato in the English Dubbed version is unknown, his performance is simply chilling. His deep voice accompanied by his bone shaking, cold, ruthless personality easily made Sato one of the best anime villains and one I would never want to come into contact with. Foiling this performance was that of Todd Haberkorn as the mysterious man known as Tosaki. Like Kei and Kaito, much of Tosaki remains a mystery and this is his greatest quality. I gravitated early towards Tosaki not only because of his stoic, haunting and "all business" appearance, but also due to Haberkorns strong performance as a character who is more tamed and reserved. Often playing characters of high energy such as Sgt. Keroro from St. Frog, Natsu from Fairy Tale and many others, I was interested to see Haberkorn tackle a more serious character - and I was blown away. Next to Sato, Tosaki is perhaps the greatest character of the series - hands down. The most interesting part of Ajin however is its animation - completely CGI. Seeing a series made completely with CGI programming at first was a huge turnoff, but as the series progressed further it became something truly special. No other anime series can lay claim to being made completely and well done CGI animation, and Ajin is a true testiment to showing har far CGI has come in the past few years. Finally, the series soundtrack was intense and emotional, from its high action scenes to its mellow and reflecting moments. The greatest parts of this soundtrack however are its opening and ending themes (see above), each overflowing with symbolism, power and emotion that made skipping them seem like a crime.

As a Nerflix Original Series, Ajin: Demi Human is a great success. A somewhat underrated anime that has taken the anime world by storm, Ajin is a differently flavored anime that will leave you with many questions and wanting more and more.

Is This Truly A Love, That Can Never Be? - Live, Love Anime: Part XIIII

Papa To Kiss In The Dark (2005)

Video: Papa To Kiss In The Dark Ending Theme

 

Mira has always lived with his father Kyosuke, a handsome AV actor who has raised Mira on his own. Having just become a high school student, Mira is excited to attend his new school alongside his childhood friends, Kazuki and Shun, who still tease Mira about his utter devotion and love for his father. Mira has always talked it all up to their father-son bond, but reality holds a dark secret - Mira is not only in love with his twenty-nine year old father, but they also have a very romantic and active relationship.

Why I began this series: I had heard of Papa To Kiss In The Dark before, but hadn't thought much about it. When I came across it again, I decided to watch it.

Thoughts on the series:

Somehow I had hoped Papa To Kiss In The Dark would be different than what I thought it to be - I was wrong. Papa To Kiss In The Dark was exactly as advertised and more, taking me on an uncomfortable roller coaster of pure shock and surprise. From its title I was expecting this short yaoi to be centered around a father and son in a romantic relationship, but I was in no way prepared for all the twists and turns to come. Many aspects of the series plot surprised me: his father being only twenty-nine when Mira himself was already fourteen years old, the degree of their romantic relationship, the fact that Miras friend Kazuki was in love with him, the fact that Mira was adopted according to his families register - shocks came one after another. There were so many shocking parts I at many times considered completely abandoning the series and forgetting I had ever heard of it, but in the end I decided to stick it out. Ultimately, the plot for Papa To Kiss In The Dark was extremely unexpected and something I personally don't find the least bit romantic. Alongside its "interesting" plot, were its simple and absent minded characters. All of Papa To Kiss In the Darks characters were quite bland, and the only topic of discussion between them was sex. With the exception of Takayuki, every character in the series was only invested in Miras personal life and what his real relationship with his father truly was. This led me to quickly discard many of the series characters, with the only two of merit being Takayuki and Shun as they were the only male characters who were not trying to completely uncover Miras secrets or try and sleep with him. I have never been comfortable with incest in any anime and Papa To Kiss In The Dark took incest and threw it against a wall to elevate it times one thousand, but while I in no way agree with the relationships that Papa To Kiss In The Dark portrayed, there still was some beauty to be found within the series. Though made in 2005 with simple animation Papa To Kiss In The Dark had some beautiful frames, most occurring during scenes outdoors. These scenes were both simply stunning to look at and greatly helped as a distraction from its plot. Ironically, the character designs for the series were also quite beautiful, as I felt my heart drop with every new introductory character shot, even for characters who participated in events that I did not agree with whatsoever. The animation may have seemed simple but it truly had some shining moments. Finally the series had a surprisingly beautiful music, from just its background use in various scenes to its catchy and perfectly matched ending theme, which added much to the series overall look and feel.   

Papa To Kiss In The Dark is a series that mostly likely I will never watch again. A yaoi comedy about father-son love, Papa To Kiss In The Dark is exactly what you'd expect from any Shounen Ai.

Kirepapa (2008)

Thirty-five year old author Chisato has always enjoyed driving his son Riju's friends away, fearing they might try to take advantage of him. However, one of Riju's friends, eighteen year old Shunsuke, can't seem to be tricked and has always taken a liking to the beautiful Chisato. When Chisato one day jokes with Shunsuke about meeting and possibly going out with the author of his favorite novel series, Shunsuke eagerly asks if he would really do it - and when Chisato finds out his favorite author is really Shunsuke under a pen name, what will he do?    

Why I began this series: I came across Kirepapa quite unexpectedly online and began watching it due to its short run time.

Thoughts on the series:
I have very mixed feelings on this series as I enjoyed the first episode much more than the second. Another yaoi surrounding a very close father and son, I was glad to see that Kirepapa was nothing like Papa To Kiss In The Dark and was a yaoi that more resembled others I've seen. Its first installment was wonderful, bringing and tying all the romantic elements together beautifully in Chisato and Shunsukes relationship. Likewise, Chisato and Shunsukes confession scene was beautiful and showed how both were suddenly changed upon learning the others feelings and accepting what they had as love. With small plot twists here and there, the first episode left me wanting more and more, but sadly as I began the second episode my opinions on the series began to spiral downward. Chisato and Shunsukes relationship was still alright to watch, but it was Chisatos son Rijus relationship with a much older man that quickly made me uncomfortable. While this was the case however, I was happy to see Chisato so concerned for his son and overly protective of him now that a lover was actually in the picture. It was here also that Chisato learned to accept their relationship just as Riju accepted his fathers with his fellow classmate. While its plot wavered, Kirepapa had a plot that was leagues better compared to Papa To Kiss In The Dark. Plot aside, the series had some lovely animation and very nice character designs which made the series both an easy and nice one to watch.

A yaoi ranking somewhere in the middle of all the Shounen Ai I've now seen, Kirepapa is worth the watch for any true yaoi fan. While not hardcore, it is yet another series beloved by fans for its beautiful men and love story.

Ikoku Irokoi Romantan (A Foreign Love Affair) (2007/2008)

Ranmaru, the son of a yakuza mob boss, is about to marry the daughter of a fellow mob boss, Karou. Though they detest each other, they agree to be married while at sea on an Italian cruise ship and quickly become the center of attention as they are both foreigners. When the two get into a fight following their wedding and Ranmaru is thrown out of their shared room, he goes to the ships bar where he runs into competing yakuza members. Wanting to protect his honor and manhood Ranmaru prepares to fight but is suddenly stopped by the Italian man, Alberto, who afterward reveals his obsession with the Japanese and the Japanese culture. The two talk and drink the night away at the bar, but when they find themselves alone and in a drunken state, who knows what can happen. 

Why I began the series: Like many other yaois I've stumbled across, I found Ikoku Irokoi Romantan unexpectedly and thus began another one of the greatly beloved yaoi series of anime.

Thoughts on the series:

Alongside Love Stage, Junjo Romantica and Hey Class President!, Ikoku Irokoi Romantan was a yaoi I really enjoyed. From its story, to its characters and animation, Ikoku Irokoi Romantan was a series that ultimately turned out to be a hidden gem. The first things that grabbed me was the series premise, something different that all other yaois as it told a tale of unexpected cross nationalistic love. This idea is what made me fall in love with the series all together, as it showed not only that love can occur between two people no matter their gender but also no matter their nationality or background. The plot overall was very smooth and made for a quick easy watch, throwing in a few unexpected twists that added to its drama and budding romantic elements. But perhaps even more well done and noteworthy were the series two main characters, Ranmaru and Alberto. Both complex in personality and absolutely gorgeous in animation the pair had me wanting more and more even when I had finished the final episode, additionally making me yearn for a "second season". Both Ranmaru and Alberto were genuinely nice people who met on various coincidental occasions and soon discovered something more to their relationship, a sentiment that was a nice change from Papa To Kiss In The Dark. I additionally harbored a huge respect for them both, Alberto especially as he saved Ranmaru from being kidnapped and almost sold as a sex slave. Their bond and relationship was something very beautiful to watch, and the series animation made this already beautiful story shine even brighter by showing that it was both an incredibly sexy yet intellectual series. The character designs of Ranmaru and Alberto were nothing short of stunning and made even more interesting by Ranmaru's firm decision to wear only a Japanese kimono and Albertos love of the Japanese culture. Between its sweeping, romantic plot line and its gorgeously animated characters, Ikoku Irokoi Romantan was a beauty to behold.  

Ikoku Irokoi Romantan is a highly underestimated yaoi, though deeply loved by those who know if its existence. For any yaoi fan, it is a definite must see if you haven't already.

Romeo x Juliet (2007)

Video: Romeo x Juliet Opening - You Raise Me Up

"Two households, both alike in dignity..."

Loosely based on William Shakespeare's most tragic love story Romeo & Juliet, Romeo x Juliet gives a new fantastical twist on the classic love story of our two "star crossed lovers". After surviving her entire families slaughter by the power hungry Lord Montague, Juliet has lived the past fourteen years in hiding dressed as a young man named Oden. But Oden is more than he appears and more commonly goes by another name, The Red Whirlwind, who has vowed to bring peace and justice t the people and land known as Neo Verona. All the while, Romeo, the only son an heir of Montague, lives out his life as a noble prince, but when he and The Red Whirlwind unexpectedly cross paths, what dark secrets will be revealed and will Romeo and Juliet be able to survive this forbidden romance?

Why I began this series: I had just finished performing in Charles Gonoud's Romantic Opera of Romeo & Juliet with a professional opera company when I suddenly remembered seeing an anime with the same. Hoping that it might even slightly resemble Shakespeares beloved play and looking for a new romance anime, I began it right away.

Thoughts on the series:

For a a completely new take on Romeo x Juliet, I loved this anime adaption. While its content was quite different than that of Shakespeare's work it still had the overall appeal that the play should have as one of the most beloved love stories of all time, adding in fantasy elements that seemed to make the series really take flight. With its main focus still on this tragic love, Romeo x Juliet was able to tell the story in its own way with a fantastical plot that was able to show Romeo and Juliet not only as two young people in love, but also as real people. Though everything revolved around their forbidden romance, they were forces to be reckoned with as individuals. This was especially the case with Juliet whose strong and courageous personality far out shined Romeo's quite and reserved stature, reversing their roles from Shakespeares original play. To have Juliet take the lead with Romeo behind her was a wonderful change, painting her not as a damsel in distress who needed saving but rather a young girl with a strong sense of justice and morality who had fallen in love. In addition to this, the plot had many small twists that either completely diverged or were non-existant in the play: Tybalt being the older brother of Romeo, Montague slaying the Capulets purely for the desire of power, Mercutio being somewhat of a villian  - though different it all came together and worked quite well for the series new setting. But perhaps even more remarkable about this adaptation were its characters and the quality of life brought to the series by the English Dub cast. Including all of characters from the original play along with some additional faces, the series characters were all memorable, lovable and wonderful, making its large cast seem like one family. But these characters would not have been brought to life if it were not for the English Dub cast, and wow was it amazing. Featuring countless voice actors of note, the Dub cast brought such a life to the series it was unfathomable and featured some performance of extraordinary stature. The brightest star of the series was Brina Palencia as Juliet, who gave the heroine such spunk along with such a depth of emotion, it was incredibly moving. Alongside her work at Shirayuki from Snow White With The Red Hair, her portrayal of Juliet could be argued to be some of her best work. Another performance that particularly struck me was that of J Michael Tatum as none other than William Shakespeare himself. Tatum's take on the infamous bard was quite interesting and a refreshing take on what Shakespeare himself might have been like, adding in his own comedic flair while still keeping true to Shakespeares passion for art and story telling.  Like Palencia, Tatums performance was one that I completely unexpected and was thrilled to see from the moment he entered the stage. And finally there was Lord Montague - easily one of the greatest villains in all of anime and played by the absolutely spell binding Sean Hennigan. With too many stunning performances to mention, it quickly became clear that the series characters were the driving action and life behind this tragic love story. Next came the animation, which while older and more simplistic fit the series overall look and feel quite well. The backgrounds of many scenes were especially beautiful, alongside a few character designs that fit the time period of the series while still making it feel like it really was Shakespeare's play. The script of the series was also quite interesting, balancing current age terminology with a large amount of quotes from the original play, as well as many lines from Shakespeare's other works. The only issue with this however was that it was inconsistent, as some episodes sounded more Shakespearean than others and it was blatantly obvious when the switch in slang occurred. But the true gem of Romeo x Juliet lay not in its plot, characters, voice acting, animation or script - its true beauty lies in the series soundtrack composed by Hitoshi Sakimoto. Known primarily as a video game composer, Sakimoto delivered a simply breathtaking score for Romeo x Juliet that added such a level of emotion to the series that didn't seem possible. The music itself is enough to make one cry and is one of the most well composed, beautiful scores of music I have ever come across in anime. It's entirety is noteworthy, but the two tracks below swept me off my feet the moment I heard them:

  

Romeo x Juliet Original Soundtrack - Unmei

Romeo x Juliet Original Soundtrack - Kimi no iru Sekai

For any Romance anime fan, Romeo x Juliet is a must see. With its sweepingly romantic story, lovable cast of characters and absolutely beautiful score "there never was a tale of more woe, than that of Juliet and her Romeo".