Soul Eater

Description on AnimeDB.net

Soul Eater - This series likes to keep a wierd juxtaposition of slightly wacky fun and soul-stealing over-the-top power moves that we can expect get better and better. The story builds around the team of Maka and Soul, who are weapon and meister (the wielder of the weapon). They're friends, roomies, classmates and basically inseperable (but not in a mushy way) partners. The pairing is interesting to me because I don't know what else would go with Soul's "cool guy" attitude and anime-yakuza eyes and jagged teeth. Why not throw a pig-tailed over-achiever whose smile turns on the world (just kidding)?

After we get used to them and their way of life, we meet other teams with their own interesting chemistry and quirky habits. You may see a lot of similarities between Black Star and another extremely popular character, Naruto. Luckily, as the story continues, you can easily distinguish between the two (just drop the "Dattebayo" and color the hair blue, haha).

After the dust from introductions settle, we meet some "big bosses" that succeed in bugging our characters out of the peaceful existence, and into battle, inspiring them to "level up" and make the battles personal.

I'm 40 episodes in, and it's worked best for me to hold onto a batch of 3 or 4 and watch them all at once, since there are a lot of things going on and it can be easy to forget how all the characters and some actions are connected. Oh, in case you are into Halloween, this anime is infused with Halloween, and all sorts of witches, pumpkins, candles...it's a bright and shiny Halloweentown. Watchers do get to enjoy changes of scenery in case our eyes are tired of candles and darkly lit rooms and caverns.

Oh, I have to mention that Death the Kid is a favorite character of mine. Bonus points to anyone that can tell me what symmetry-based logic fuels the decision to fire guns upside down.

Recommendations:

• Naruto...ninjas, action, and the scene becomes more complex as our hero grows up
  
• HunterxHunter...development of a few characters that play up individual strengths, strategy and teamwork
  
• Bleach...main guy makes a lot of noise when he gets powers from a passing shinigami, unleashes unknown power and gets mixed into the shinigami's world and the trouble she's in because of him, big swords, powerful fights
  

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Bounen no Xamdou (Xam`d: Lost Memories)

Description on AnimeDB.net

Bounen no Xamdou - If you've watched Eureka Seven, you're going to see a lot of similarities. Luckily, after a few episodes, you might realize that it's not a complete ripoff and this is a good series on its own. You've got a boy protagonist and an "normal everyday" situation that is peaceful until a defining moment that really puts some intrigue and ups the pace for the series.

I'm 20 episodes in while writing this, and there hasn't been an episode that seemed meaningless, a waste of time, or completely dragged on. Akiyuki wakes up and adjusts fairly well which makes him likable. Nakiami's story really drew me in, and I look forward to her growth and how she will affect Akiyuki in the future. I started to miss some of the characters, so that shows that they are likable too (at least memorable. It can be difficult to remember a whole crew if it's been a while since you've seen them.) Take into account a dash of military, mecha, not-quite-mecha, different beliefs warring, and childhood friends drama.

If you wished there was a sequel to Eureka Seven, this series will tide you over. If you are looking for some spring/summertime action to get rid of winter blues, this or the lower recommendations are worth a shot.

Recommendations:

• Eureka Seven...guy + aircraft + character crew + girl
• Nausicaa...strong female character takes flight to save her valley
  
• Heroic Age...from humble beginnings he rewrites flow of the stars while fending off enemies who threaten the existence of multiple clans, spaceship (See Anime Spotlight)
  

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Do you plan to watch Bounen no Xamdou (Xam`d: Lost Memories)?

Nodame Cantabiru: Paris-hen (Nodame Cantabile: Paris Chapter)

Description on AnimeDB.net

Nodame Cantabiru: Paris-hen - I've seen the first season, and quickly became fans of the main two characters Nodame and Chiaki. It's the sort of relationship that is more entertaining than endearing.

If you watched the first season and was wondering what the second season was like, here is what you should expect: Less focus on the everyday life between the two, less animation of performances, more of the characters taking their own paths into their own hands and "growing up", more new faces and new laughs. Thankfully we see some old characters and the chemistry between the two main characters still make for laughs and a few nearly unexpected "awws".

I wasn't let down by this second season. It's not the same as the first, but that's to be expected when the season is stamped as a seperate chapter in a different country.

I preferred the energetic opening and ending themes of Suemitsu to Smith, but the themes for this grow on you and suit the breezy and calmer sense of the second season. :)

Recommendations:

• Piano no Mori - The Perfect World of Kai...music-anime
• SA - Special A...energetic girl and the "ice prince" who falls for her
• Nodame Cantabile...the first season because it's hilarious
• Lovely Complex...relationship more entertaining than endearing (See Anime Complex)
  

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Kappa no Coo to Natsuyasumi (Summer Vacation with Coo the Kappa,Summer Days with Coo)

Description on AnimeDB.net

Kappa no Coo to Natsuyasumi - This story has it all, tragedy, comedy, trust, action, a life lesson, friendship,....and a kappa. Even if you don't know what a kappa is to start out, this movie will endear that little beaked bald/mopheaded green guy before you know it.

Watch this when you need a summer watch or a dose of sunny skies and hot days. I highly recommend this one, and would watch it again. This is what anime movies should be like. I like the balance of seriousness with the everyday events. Definitely a "seishun"/"springtime of youth"/"coming of age" whatever you want to call it sort of watch. I don't want to spoil it, but you should know whether this is worth a watch and I think it is. Watch the first 10 minutes and see what you think.

Recommendations:

• Toki wo Kakeru Shoujo (The Girl Who Lept Through Time)...a young girl stumbles upon the ability to time travel, and learns her lighthearted games have unforeseen consequences
• Heisei Tanuki Gassen Pom poko (Pompoko)...japanese mythical creatures have their own battles to take on, when humans start affecting their way of life
  
• Piano no Mori - The Perfect World of Kai... friendship, a mysterious piano can be heard at night in the woods near the village of a young boy's new home

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Antique Bakery

Description on AnimeDB.net

Antique Bakery is a nice way to enjoy some uncommon personalites meeting to start a special bakery cafe with the scent of a small mystery driving the main character, and spotlights on french pastries and cake during parts of the episodes. These don't really inspire me to bake, but they inspire me to eat the cakes and drink tea while I watch each episode.

At the end of each episode, there's a picture and title of the cakes that are mentioned in the episode.

Recommendations:

• Emma...a calm maid, with plenty of peeks into victorian life
  
• Kuroshitsuji...specific cakes are shown from that era, short mysteries, comedy (See Anime Spotlight)
  
• Himitsu, The Revelation...mysteries solved by serious grown-ups that can stomach a crime scene

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Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo (Yakushiji Ryoko's Strange Case Files)

Description on AnimeDB.net

Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo has got elements of the unusual case, eccentric boss, political tones driving the drama, chuckling comedy, and action that makes the otherwise docile costar shine in his moments.

If you observe the previous paragraph, it shows a good representation of what each episode seems to have, in order of most to least. The action comes well-timed and wraps up episodes in a satisfying manner. I'll be watching this until the end hopefully.

Recommendations:

• Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro...mystery, less serious, a little wacky (See Anime Spotlight)
  
• Himitsu, The Revelation...mysteries only remains can solve, more serious
• Switch...undercover police and the criminals they try to ensnare
  
• Black Lagoon...more gunfights, gritty action and criminals in the spotlight

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Detroit Metal City

Description on AnimeDB.net

Detroit Metal City got me laughing. The dialogue pace, main character's situation and juxtaposition of different music and personalities. I hope to see more of it, although I've seen it labeled as a special episode.

Straight to the action, you're introduced to a mild-mannered young man that sings happy pop jingles as well as metal music, and the complications his alter ego creates. Soon you begin to wonder, which is the true self. Hilarious situations brought to gold status with the hilarious character. Hang on to your acoustic guitars, tambourines and KISS makeup, it's time to "Go To DMC".

This anime is not for the faint of heart. One watch of the opening theme and you'll know what you are in for.

Edit: This is 12 episodes.

Recommendations:

• Gankutsuou...happy boy pulled into a twisted dark world
• Nodame Cantabile...funny music-infused romance
• NANA...music
  

(These were very difficult to pick because this series is very unique.)

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