Guin Saga

Guin Saga - Don't let the strange appearance fool you. By the time the dust settles, it's obvious that he is the man. The story begins on the crest of a coup taking control of a royal palace. We are introduced to two young royals, a prince and a princess. Their character and emotions are worn on their sleeves from the start. Thanks to an ancient power they are cast to a faraway land and wake up in unfriendly territory. Guin, a mysterious warrior appears and that's when the adventurous journey begins. They meet a few new companions and the story begins to mix and move, folding in new faces and growing the world around them for viewers to sink their teeth into. This isn't some shallow RPG adaptation animated. This story has some high level strategy, character twists and mysteries.

Will the royal twins return to their kingdom? What will become of the throne? Where did Guin come from and why is his past forgotten? Where will the characters end up if not as allies? And near the end, was Istovan out of his mind?

The opening theme really captures the "saga" feel of the anime. This first season has ended, but the story is far from over.

Recommendations:

• Record of Lodoss War >>...dragons, warriors of every cloth, and an evil that keeps rebirthing under a new guise, this keeps fantasy and dark adventure alive
  
• Heroic Age...battles so big they can only take place in outer space, a handful of clans are grappling for control while trying to fulfill a prophecy that takes a young man far from his modest home >>
  

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Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

Tokyo Magnitude 8.0's situation is the answer to the question: What would happen if Tokyo suffered a 8.0 Magnitude earthquake? Every episode starts out with a brief note that extensive research and simulations were done to ensure that the anime was grounded with some science homework.

That said, the story opens up with your run of the mill "life is so boring, who cares?" youth named Mirai (english translation: Future) and her little brother Yuuki (english translation: Courage) and how their pocket-sized family is in a rough patch in many ways besides money.

While chaperoning her little brother to a local convention, the namesake natural disaster smacks tokyo silly and the heart-rending and pulse-quickening anime is on its steady track, riddled with aftershocks, character development and tough times ahead. Along with a quickly-made ally, they begin their journey surviving on the small crumbs of hope and kindness, and suffering the dread of questions and hopes that continue unanswered.

This anime was gold for me after the characters started becoming more tolerable. They aren't terrible, but you have to keep in mind that these children act like...children, during a disaster.

Nowadays when I hear about a natural disaster, all that is on the news is the damage, the victims, the body counts, the government and the riots. This anime completely rests the cameras on the shoulder of the two children and their smart and strong-willed companion...Mari. Yes, she's worth naming because she pulls them out of frying pans and fires alike, and has her own set of troubles kept in the back of her mind.

Give it two episodes, and see if you'd like to see what happens to these kids.

Recommendations:

• Bokurano...a band of kids are unknowingly tricked into a string of life and death battles, each with their own tragic story >>
  
• Seirei no Moribito...a spear wielder takes a young prince under her wing as they escape a squad of assassins >>
• Kemono no Souja Erin...young erin enjoys her days until her only family is stuck facing a death penalty, curiosity and inner strength keep her afloat in days awash with tragedy >>
• Guin Saga...royal twins are cast away to a far land in their parents' dying attempt to spare their lives during an attack, they take refuge under the wing of a mysterious warrior with the face of a beast >>

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Last Exile

Last Exile - Sure the title is a little strange, and it doesn't get much better with the episode titles (Positional Play?). Luckily the story makes more sense even though the characters and situations play out in unexpected ways. The story opens up with a young pair that are flying through the air in some type of aircraft. The pilot is young Claus and the navi is young Lavie. This whole anime is steeped in steampunk era style aircrafts, gadgets, and...coloring. There is a lot of faded ashy brown, so get used to it.

It reflects the attitude of the times as the two take on a messenger mission and must make a delivery that puts them at the front line of a battle between two airships.

There is front line action, some at-the-helm battle strategy, on-ship drama, a few underlying mysteries and times when the characters you have pegged at first sight fly off in a new direction, taking the story in a new direction. It sounds flighty, mixed and confusing, but I'm on episode 16 and I'm still hooked on the story, becoming attached to the slightly conflicted characters, and becoming interested in cracking the mystery behind some of the other characters.

If you like aircraft action and want it toned down a little, sprinkle in some down-home character charm, a dash of wartime stories, and top it off with some characters that are a mystery all their own, give Last Exile a watch, maybe 3 episodes.

I think the opening is a tad too techno for the series, but was surprised to like the ending theme, letting it play. I also enjoy hearing the slightly-off pronunciation of the all-English episode titles.

Following this, I'll probably check out Sky Crawlers.

Recommendations:

• Heroic Age...from modest roots an unlikely hero pushes his limits to save the starways amongst a war waged between races >>
• Soukou no Strain...a rude awakening sends a promising young pilot into a lonesome empty life until details behind her past push her into battle again >>
  
• Steamboy >>...in a life-like steampunk era, a youth risks his life protecting a powerful component left by his father from a sinister plot to abuse it

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Kurozuka

I don't remember how I found Kurozuka, probably browsing on boxtorrents, but I'm glad I did. It covers a lot of ground without burning dozens of episodes in the process. There is a bit of mystery, then some action, then a lot of bloodshed, mystery again, then the story skips to to different places in time to give us the big picture of what's really going on. It's not painful to watch, you just have to keep up and pay attention to each scene to make sure you don't get lost.

It's a bit more complex than the usual guy likes girl, kills to protect. Let me back up: The story centers around this young man and his almost unreal journey that has him fighting in the feudal era, and what appears to be a dystopia centuries later while making sense of this nostalgic feeling of chasing the mysterious woman that he has fallen for. Mysteries pile up and memories are missing in action, how is a young man supposed to keep his head on straight?

There are untimely demises, bloodshed, and some disturbing scenes and characters that had me cringing. The beginning of the anime and the ending hardly resemble each other and by the time the last episode comes around, you will begin to feel just like the main character. Watch three or four episodes before you make up your mind. The first episode is only the beginning.

I believe the beginning theatrics are to pay homage to the noh play of the same name. Each episode has snippet of this with words that add to what's going on in the anime, so don't skip it thinking it's the same blah blah.

Recommendations:

• Basilisk: Kouga Ninpou Chou >>...fights in the forest and other backdrops between warring clans that display their deadly skills to satisfy decades-old rivalries
  
• Ergo Proxy >>...dystopia, darkness and mysterious creatures drive the story that takes the characters to lands, while a mysterious creature looms in the shadows
  
• Toki o Kakeru Kanojo >>...time just drifts happily by for one high schooler until she finds the ability to time travel and her woes amount to more than just stolen pudding
• Mnemosyne >>...living forever can be a curse, especially when those who hunt you are irresistible demons in this not for kids anime
  

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Sengoku Basara

Sengoku Basara's appeal sort of crept up on me. The character designs were cool and their personalities weren't too bland. There was story from the get-go, conflict that created action and emotion, a dash of politics.

That's a bit too vague. Here's what this anime is about to me: Japan during their warring states period. There are several groups that are trying to conquer each other with warriors pride and respect keeping the rivals at bay. The anime focuses from the viewpoint and interests of the groups that belong to the two main characters, the red spear guy (Yukimura) and the blue guy with swords (the one eyed dragon-By the way, isn't that a cool nickname?). These guys are cool, and their relationships with other characters in the anime aren't bland and lend some comedy and other elements of different bonds like rivalry, romance, camaraderie, and tragedy.

Enter a new force, the 6th heavenly demon king Oda Nobunaga (this names gets tossed around in historical inspired anime from time to time). He and his army and handful of "bad guys" are spitting on warrior pride and are burning and destroying any obstacles in their path to control the smaller "states". Their growing strength and the way they do things is overwhelming and our bands of warriors are forced to take notice.

It's entertaining, and I like a lot of the variety the show brings without the serious suspense and cool-headed war tactics that some other anime are serving up this season.

I'm ten episodes in. I'm surprised that this is from a game, but I really shouldn't be. The character designs are awesome, and some of the action definitely indulges in escaping reality for their main characters' moves. Horses going up a castle wall, anyone? But it's all in good fun. This anime doesn't take itself too seriously, and neither should we.

Recommendations:

• Guin Saga...escape reality with a powerful warrior whose mysteries lie underneath the face of a leopard >>
  
• Seirei no Moribito...you like spears and a woman who won't rest until she's atoned for seven deaths, mythical creatures and young royalty in danger >>
• Souten Kouro...inspired by China's stories, we follow the life of young Cao Cao who doesn't compromise when seeking justice, rising up to bring down corrupt leaders >>
• Samurai Champloo >>...a modern funky twist on the samurai-period anime, comedy and a strange combination of characters
• Samurai 7 >>...the animated version of a classic kurosawa film, the main characters meet, greet and travel

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Hetalia: Axis Powers

Hetalia: Axis Powers is a web anime, and each episode is a brief 5 minutes. It's like a parody of a world history book with each country represented as a character that turns chibi whenever comedy is at its extreme. These countries bicker, interact and are at each others' necks as often as the countries seem to be. Stereotypes run rampant, and I fear these characters will come to mind whenever I meet an Italian.

The episodes are quick-paced and loosely follow history's events in the order they occured, sometimes interrupted for fun cuts of silliness that have nothing to do or say about history or the countries.

All about white flags and pasta, the Italy character is infused in most of the episodes, and keeps the mood light and dazy. The anime as a whole stays away from anything truly serious and is a fun way of recounting what was grasped from history books, and is a fun escape from a lot of the more serious action anime I'm watching.

The ending theme is infectious.

This anime as inspired me to create a new tag: unusual. Maybe I should have called it bizarre or strange, instead.

Recommendations:

• Astro Fighter Sunred...with 10-minute episodes, this is for those who can laugh at the intracies of japanese society and ranger-shows parodies >>
  
• Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei >>...overflowing with parodies, referring to other anime, contemporary Japanese culture, high school life in japan, anime characters types

I'm having trouble thinking of a third recommendation. This anime is really out there. Leave a comment to suggest recommendations.

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Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom is directly related to Phantom the Animation which aired in 2004.

For those who are seeing Phantom for the first time, it kicks off with a young man who finds himself in strange place, with no recollection of who he is. He doesn't have time to gather thoughts, before he is assaulted by a knife-wielding attacker. That gets the ball rolling and viewers can expect more action, agony and internal struggles from Zwei (the young man), the contrasting character of Ein, and just enough other characters and background details to fill in a few blanks that will only add to the anime. There will be a creepy guy, masks, and quite a few puppet references.

For those who have seen Phantom the Animation, Requiem is worth watching. You'll see more footage about training, more insight about Ein's thoughts now that Zwei is in the picture, and we see more than just a brief final action scene that leaves us wanting more.

I like the opening theme, and actually let it play out before the episode begins. It's got an interesting arrangement and adds some mystical feel to the anime.

Recommendations:

• Phantom the Animation >>...the original animation from a few years ago, it gives more story about when Zwei gets picked up by Ein
  
• Black Lagoon >>...an office worker is uprooted and assumes a life riddled with the criminal underworld, risking his life with newfound comrades
  
• Bokurano....a group of kids have grown-up problems accepting their fate to die in a game that decides the world's future >>
  
• Mnemosyne >>...fight or die again and again, there's no escape from a hideous twisted struggle that has waged for decades
  

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Higashi no Eden (Eden of the East)

Eden of the East caught my interest after I saw a promotional trailer. The art looked good, it looked a little dramatic and had some intrigue. Two episodes later, I am impressed by a lot of different facets so far. The dialogue is natural. The setting feels "modern" (mobile phones are utilized and a key device in the series). The artwork is nice and even the backgrounds catch my eye. Although, the CG waslking people can take some getting used to. The pacing is comfortable and kicks up at all the right times without tiring me out.

Forget all that vague stuff, the real story is all about a young lady on a school trip and a young man that manages to steal all the attention with a few waves of a gun. Mid-rescue the two get tangled up in each others' business and stick together while the situation mysteriously escalates around them. On the run, trying to stay out of harm's way, and trying to recover his past are all it takes for these two to bring a good chemistry and a few light moments.

It doesn't get too mushy to detract from the main mystery, and it doesn't get too actiony to take away from the bond the two are forming.

Revealing clues to a forgotten past, while building a greater mystery adds to this series' appeal more than the extra characters that are shown sparingly.

The Opening theme is english, but catchy and set the mood for the anime, with the graphics and dramatic music. The ending theme is more artsy and drums up even more memories of Honey & Clover (The main characters look like Hagu and Morita to me). They've got paper and they know how to use it.

Additional Note: The term NEET is used in the anime. In Japan, the classification comprises people aged between 15 and 34 who are unemployed, unmarried, not enrolled in school or engaged in housework, and not seeking work or the technical training needed for work. (See NEET it on Wikipedia >>)

Recommendations:

• Gankutsuo >>...drama whose players have been collected and set, gruesome details of past crimes are revealed
  
• Ergo Proxy >>...more post apocalyptic, hope is lost, robots, darkness, hidden agendas and secrets everywhere
  
• Hachimitsu to Clover >>...similar devotion to artwork, more characters figuring out who they are and deciding where they are going in life
  

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Ga-Rei Zero

Ga-Rei Zero - watching its first episode, I thought I knew what was going on and what to expect from the anime. We see a special task force who has some history and during the episode battle some demons with some interesting tactics (holy water and holy chants are practical parts of battle), and I thought this anime was going to be about this group of people and we'd learn about the history as the story continues. After the first episode ends, I realize...wow, I was really wrong.

So if you give this anime a shot, watch more than just the first episode. The second episode made me want to watch more of the anime because we meet completely new characters (Kagura, Yomi, and company) and wonder what the connection is between the first and second episode. Then, the third is really the meat of what the anime's focus: the friendship between two ill-fated friends and the struggles, misfortune and evil that brought them to the unhappy dramatic scene in the second episode.

There are some action scenes where I admit, I've rewatched a few times over, because the action was pretty fast, and even after the dust has settled, I wanted to see that "move" again. Maybe they're not as creative as they get, but they seem slightly different than most of the sword-fighting fare.

There is violence, creative weapons, chopped off limbs, and enough blood to know that someone isn't going to quite make it to tomorrow. Friendship is rooted and grows and grows to set you up for what you already know is coming...(because they already showed you earlier). It's like we're seeing the whole thing in hindsight which adds drama to the whole ordeal, from beginning to end.

After the first episode, I wasn't very interested in this anime, and had others to watch and keep me busy. But now my other anime have finished, I watched a few more episodes of Ga-Rei Zero and want to watch it through until the end. It serves as another reminder to me not to judge anime on just the first episode alone.

This video sample is pretty good. Although the trailer's subs are not in English, you get to see some of the good parts of the anime's action and mood.

Recommendations:

• Rental Magica >>...specialists from different belief systems team up to excorcise anomolies, lighter fare with comical romance
  
• Claymore...heavy swords, severed limbs, and a lot of pale killer ladies >>
• Mouryou no Hako >>...another beautiful friendship that didn't end so prettily, a mystery and crime clues form the story
  
• Nijuu Mensou no Musume...main girl escapes a troubled past only to lead a life struggling to survive and protecting her few friends >>
  
• Majin Tantei Neuro...the main villian isn't the only mystery around town >>
• Umineko no Naku Koro ni...ill-blood between rich family members begins to boil when mysterious and gruesome murders begin one after the other >>

Video Sample:



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Heroic Age

Heroic Age somehow slipped under my radar a long time ago. I remember seeing the first episode, being a bit interested, and then I forgot about it. I'm glad I picked it up again and finished it, because the series is pretty unique. I think it could easily be passed up by others as the first few episodes don't reflect how the rest of the anime will be, and think it deserves a spotlight.

It starts out in unfamiliar lands with not a soul in sight until Age comes tumbling into the picture. As we're beginning to wonder what his story is, suddenly we're in deep space, spaceships and skin-tight uniforms all around. Before we start recognizing some space military anime that we've seen before, a Princess shows up and she's got some serious clout, and some unique abilities. Once Age and the Princess meet, the story picks up pace and tosses in politics, war, a tribe of god-like beings, deaths, love, and some really nice painting.

There are some bad guys, a division of good and evil that isn't so clear once a history lesson reveals that the story is smack in the middle of prophecy about a war between races that has been scribbling starways across space.

The anime as a whole was very satisfying and a lot the characters were memorable and had impact, especially Age - he's just a really cool character, and the Princess - who offers a lot more than other anime princesses. And even though the "wish there were more episodes" tag is usually used for a great anime like this, I was really satisfied with it and think any more would just mess up its existence.

The opening theme really grew on me, too.

Recommendations:

• Soukou no Strain...dreams dashed, her sights set on space, a girl uncovers a disturbing military secret >>
  
• Sousei no Aquarion >>...if you can deal with the "gattai" scenes, a simple ruffian is plucked from obscurity to fulfill his destiny
• Starship Yohko >>...an older sillier anime, that doesn't take itself too seriously, some space battles, slapstick, and disturbed enemies
• Tenchi Muyo >>...if you love comedy and the idea of space pirates, princesses, and police invading your simple life, this anime is where they all collide
• Last Exile...a young pilot and his childhood friend navi become entangled in a three-way war when they take a young mysterious girl under their wings >>
  

Video Sample:



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Skip Beat!

Skip Beat is a fun anime with some bright and shiny characters, and a very motivated and simple main gal driving the story. Thanks to this "heroine" of sorts, we get an upbeat story that involves merit stamps.

Kyoko was a simple gal leading a simple life, in which she knew exactly what her role was and was happy to keep it as such. Then she gets the wake up call of a lifetime and is reborn, switching up to a new path that although, grudge-driven, is laced with hilarity as we watch this newfound "heroine of her own life" realize that she's more than a plain girl who can whip up a daikon rose and serve tea...although the daikon rose thing is sort of not-plain.

She encounters new experiences and new "luxuries" (friendship?) and seeing her treasure these everyday situations can make watchers endear her. Then in another episode she seems like an underdog until we can see her true gifts emerge, then the rooting starts.

Although the picture here looks flashy and girly, the anime focuses on the Kyoko's change and self-empowerment that is so natural that she doesn't quite notice it. Only the watchers of this anime and the other characters really make a fuss about seeing a rising star, so don't expect a strutting peacock at the end of the series.

Yes, thanks to these other characters we get even more funny reactions from Kyoko. One character can bring out her gut-wrenching hatred, another can bring wide-eyed pouts of childish complaints--and don't forget we get the razzle dazzle of this being set within the entertainment industry. We get to see snippets of things like auditions and television shows and the drama that happens behind the camera.

This season seemed short because I enjoyed so much of it. I hope that another season is made so I can see how her story turns out.

Recommendations:

• Glass Mask >>...you want acting, you can get it here, the struggles and challenges of a rising star performer, her secret fan, and her rival
• Kareshi Kanojyo no Jijou >>...the thin line between love and hate appears before two high school overachievers
• White Album >>...quiet anime shows the complications of what seems like a dream come true, having an idol as a girlfriend
  

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Viper's Creed

Description on AnimeDB.net

Viper's Creed is an unexpected treat for me this season. There is action, none of the characters get on my nerves (flags set off by meddling Sakurako have been taken down by the third episode) and each episode looks to have some direction. It's not some episodic mecha that gets high and mighty defending the universe or saving mankind. I'm three episodes in and I have to say the third episode has won me over, and I'm filling up my playlist with the available rest of the series.

The episodes zippily introduce us to the main handful of characters, who are part of a company-owned unit that earns money by the types of trash they are contracted to bring in/take down. For example, the "trash" can be a few mechas sent out by rebel groups that just go berserk and attack or destroy things that our characters are paid to fetch or stop. There is action, sure, but there is also the interest that is stirred up between the public, these hired guns, the rebel groups and the environmental situation that the city is in (kinda screwed, so they built roads).

The main character, Saiki, with an eyepatch and a history is enough for me to watch these episodes. He puts people in their place and doesn't bother me at all with his aloof ways. He's the kinda guy I'd like to have guarding my city. The "other" character is Sakurako, his operator that he "technically" needs to have hanging around at work, but we just use her to find out more about Saiki.

If your playlist is shallow this season, give Viper's Creed a try. It's not too deep, not too simple, and it has room to get even better, once you see that the Viper group isn't just as plain as they seem. If you are missing a little action and a little big of CG mecha, you'll get some doses with this one. The mechas are really cool. They can skate and transform into branded bikes, it's the dream!

I had a hard time with recommendations because I tried to think of mecha-infused anime that had more political influences and character-driven stories. I don't keep interest with political-driven animes with military factions at each other's necks, but have watched a few episodes of Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion, which might be a good fit. I didn't finish it or really watch it, so I can't fully recommend it. I will probably return to finish it someday.

Recommendations:

• Gun X Sword...main guy controls big mecha and doesn't talk much, chatty younger gal tags along asking questions, more comedy, "western" feel
  
• Eureka Seven...transforming mecha with a little personality, some "bigger than us" philosophy, young couple and their rebel sky-high "family" face challenges
  
• Neo Genesis Evangelion...young man asked to pilot a mecha, his life is turned upside down, works to accept huge responsibility to protect others

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Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou

Description on AnimeDB.net

Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou is the second season of a great series that follows the story of young Natsume, his "bodyguard" Nyanko-sensei, and the youkai that they gets tangled up with, regardless of the Yuujinchou/Book of Friends' involvement.

For those who have seen the first season and wondered if it's the same, yes, it's pretty much the same great stuff. You won't see too many wierd arcs or new directions taken with this second series. You'll get to see new youkai and some exciting interaction with less cooperative ones that give Natsume a pain in the neck, or put him in danger.

His friends and family don't have much to do with the stories, but are a welcome appearance because otherwise we'd be stuck with a crazy loner and his cat (just kidding). They make him a little more human. We're treated to a few "appearances" by his late grandmother via flashbacks and it's great to see the contrast with how each dealt with the ability to interact with youkai and what each did with it.

The summer feel is dropped for more cold-weather episodes that appear to take place in fall and winter.

I'm currently nine episodes in, and I am happy to watch the rest of the season with interest. The opening and ending themes are both pretty good, but I miss the ending music theme that I loved so much from the first season.

If you haven't seen the first season, it's still enjoyable and understandable to watch starting from season two. I'd still go back to watch the first season, because knowing where Nyanko-sensei came from can only add to his charm and how they interact in this second season.

Recommendations:

• Natsume Yuujinchou...the first season, shows how the characters meet and what the deal is with that book (See Anime Spotlight)
  
• Earl and Fairy...more romance, chivalry and action involving folklore and a fairy doctor to guide the way
  
• Telepathy Shoujo Ran...helping creatures and spirits with their powers, a mismatched duo uncover mysteries with a light heart
  
• Inu Yasha...more youkai, more characters and more action and romance, popular with kids old enough to see some blood

Video Sample:

Himitsu: The Revelation

Description on AnimeDB.net

Himitsu: The Revelation seems simple enough, and if you can get over the initial believability bump -- Solving crimes using the brains of the deceased. Sounds a bit like Pushing Daisies, but this series uses the brains and refers to their use with more technology and computers, rather than supernatural reason. Just that bit of difference introduces differently types of challenges that the Section Nine team (a special team assembled to deal with this form of research for police investigations) have to deal with.

It's not just "let's look in his brain and we can see who dunnit". The brain has to be intact, retrieved within a certain amount of time, the victim's family has to release the brain, they can only retrieve the visuals (no audio), and there's the obvious weird fact that to solve a victim's mystery, they're basically taking a little something that was otherwise going to go into a coffin/urn with the rest of the body.

This anime doesn't focus too much on how they do it, but more about how they use it to solve these mysteries. It's incredibly interesting how it seems the series could just be the same scenario over and over again, but different scenarios are quickly delved into, skipping parts you are familiar with and really getting down to business. Later on, there is a tad more of the team's members and also the past behind the section leader.

One big draw is being able to see into the minds of victim's last moments, and sometimes seeing into the minds of killers. It can get violent, bloody or graphic quickly, so this one isn't to watch with the kids. Give it a try if you're not afraid to get into some crime-scene-like messy memories, and see how Section Nine can overcome the challenges of the technology and others involved in the cases.

Recommendations:

• Shigofumi...psychological messes can be uncovered in even the simple anime premises of letters from the dead
  
• Antique Bakery...a little more comedy and pastries, but the underlying mystery is there (See Anime Spotlight)
• Yakushiji Ryoko no Kaiki Jikenbo...less mystery, more action, and some strange cases tackled by a sassy protagonist and her right-hand man (See Anime Spotlight)
• Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro...comedy, otherworldy creatures and finishing moves aid a young pawn and the demon that guides her through juicy mysteries (See Anime Spotlight)
• Umineko no Naku Koro ni...before the sun rises, a rich family at each others' necks over an inheritance must solve a riddling epitaph or become the victims of a mercilous witch (See Anime Spotlight)
  

Video Sample:

Michiko to Hatchin (Michiko and Hatchin)

Description on AnimeDB.net

Michiko to Hatchin is really good. It's a stand-out. From the first episode you get a very good dose of what's the anime is like, so definitely give it a try. A female prisoner makes a break for it, a young girl suffers daily at the hands of a family that takes her in and turns her into their slave. What happens between these great strong characters is a constant draw as the series races through locales, infused with bright and colorful scenery. When the sun sets, ugly underbellies are revealed and even the most festive places expose an inescapable dark side.

Fun points are listening to Michiko's slurred gangsta speech, seeing the pairs' clothes change in each episode, seeing Hatchin solo, seeing Michiko from the past, trying to put together the pieces left behind by man they're tracking down, watching that awesome blue scooter take a beating, and wondering what this pair can't survive. There's a lot to like.

The Opening is catchy and helps amp up the energy level. The ending is wierd for me visually and a tad too artsy so I always skip it.

Recommendations:

• Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage...tropical locations, guns and violence commonplace, the world isn't a friendly place, especially in a city of criminals
  
• El Cazador de la Bruja...gun for hire gets roped into a bad situation when she sides with the target, they make a break to head south and find answers (See Anime Spotlight)
  
• Samurai Champloo...if you like swords, samurai, splashes of comedy, and funk in your anime, give this a shot
  

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El Cazador de la Bruja (The Hunter of the Witch)

Description on AnimeDB.net

In El Cazador de la Bruja, we join a bounty hunter turned protector (Nadie) and a girl with a past shrouded in mystery (Ellis). The two are soon on the run from a mysteriously shady organization that is after the secrets buried within the young girl and more. They go on a taco-studded journey to find out what all the foggy memories mean, why this crazy creepy guy loses his breath over the young girl, and what lies south.

Fun times are whenever the characters run into a taco stand, action sequences that make Nadie shine, and when Nadie's gun isn't the only one for hire.

Recommendations:

• Black Lagoon...tropical locations, gun-toting ladies and a poor office worker that's no longer into playing the role of the company sap
  
• Seirei no Moribito....a spear-wielding bodyguard whose last task turns into a fight to survive when a royal prince falls into mortal and mythical danger (See Anime Spotlight)
  
• Michiko to Hatchin....an escaped prisoner and an abused adoptee hop on a funky blue scooter in search of a man who they can call family, brazilian style (See Anime Spotlight)

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See this previous entry with a special song by Nadie:
El Cazador de la Bruja: Amigo Tacos

Kuroshitsuji (Kuro Shitsuji, Dark Butler)

Description on AnimeDB.net

Kuroshitsuji has mystery, silliness, humor and and a dark underlying past that is uncovered in flashback tidbits. The serious times are peppered with the silliness and sometimes you have whole episodes that are just for fun. I think that's a good balance because I can't watch too much serious stuff.

When I turn to Kuroshitsuji, I'm expecting fun and some serious stuff that will move the main characters Ciel Phantomhive (sleepy-eyed blue haired master) and the cool guy that is devilishly good at his job Sebastian (red eyes, long face, gloves and swallowtail suit). And that's usually what I get. There are a few other characters in the house and they do their job when you need some slapstick humor that only a handful of colorful useless servants can provide.When Ciel is on the road, you can count on a certain bespectacled red-head to show up and add a big dose of slapstick and heeby-jeebies. And for those serious times we see Ciel overcome obvious challenges he faces as a young master of a large company, as well as new problems that drum up his past.

Fun times are when Ciel is nearly given whiplash by his fiance, whenever he snubs the local police and when he orders Sebastian around to re-establish who is really the king and who is the knight around here. Serious times involve death, betrayal and mysteries left unanswered and only acknowledged by an eyebrow raised by Sebastian.

It is set in Victorian times, so you'll see dashes of desserts, customs, clothing, scenery and habits inspired from that time (we don't iron our newspapers before our morning read anymore).

Watch the ending that has little chibi versions of the characters as it follows a normal day at the Phantomhive house.

Recommendations:

• Majin Tantei Nougami Neuro...mysterious and dark figure guiding his partner through strange mysteries, demonic tools and foes (See Anime Spotlight)
• Kaibutsu Oujo...more comedy, master and slave rather than a butler (See Anime Spotlight)
  
• Emma...Victorian time light romance with a sweet and nice maid (See Anime Spotlight)
  

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Tentai Senshi Sunred (Astro Fighter Sunred)

Description on AnimeDB.net

Tentai Senshi Sunred - I think this is definitely an acquired taste. Before you dismiss this show from your playlist, give it 2 or 3 episodes (as in, watch them), to get a good idea of the what the show is about and its humor. Each episode is bite-sized, like 10-15 minutes, so I think you can spare that much time between your other anime.

You know shows like, the power rangers, any good old fashioned kids show where there are 1) heroes and 2) monsters, and the show is about heroes fighting the monsters? Good. Now you need to take those characters and plop them into real-life Japan and its cultural norms and polite society. When you realize that Astro Fighter Sunred may not be the upstanding model citizen and that monsters, too, have feelings and social rules to follow, you have fallen into the world of Astro Fighter Sunred.

Fun things to do: sing along with the ending theme (which is about cooking a dish), catch a superhero smoking through his helmet, notice how Vamp's head just sort of bobs up and down, notice all those fun little things that happen on those hero shows (calling out all the "special moves" a monster does)

Recommendations:

• Detroit Metal City...unique situation, stomach the language, see the hilarity (See Anime Spotlight)
  
• Hetalia: Axis Powers...fast paced parody of world history embodied by characters that celebrate, fight and bicker amongst allies and enemies alike (See Anime Spotlight)
  

I had a really hard time thinking of some recommendations. This anime is really far from other anime in terms of content.

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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)?