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The world of Anime is vast indeed.
Here are some of my Anime picks:
UC MOBILE SUIT GUNDAM
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Probably one of the most popular franchises in Japanese
Animation history. Mobile Suit Gundam is a continuing story or history
of humanity in an eternal struggle with themselves, as seen through the
eyes of youth set in the arena of war. Consisting of roughly
4 television series, 3 OAV series, 5 movies and a lot of manga, the franchise
celebrated its 20th year in 1999.
This series is one of the those shows that give Japanese Animation its distinct reputation. The notoriety of UC Mobile Suit Gundam is one to be respected, and for the fan, one to be enjoyed. With a tangled storyline of unusual situations with very human characters combined with the best mechanical designs and sci-fi elements, UC MS Gundam definitely stands out as THE Japanese Sci-Fi Anime. |
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This 7-part OAV series has got
to be one of the most dramatic stories ever animated. A remake of a classic
manga series, Giant Robo tells the story of a young man forced to grow
up in the midst of adversity, of a world in peril and triumph against overwhelming
odds.
Set in a semi fantastic setting, the show features some of the most unique and memorable characters. Penned and directed by Yasuhiro Imagawa (G-Gundam, Shin Getta Robo) with music by the Warsaw Philharmonic Orchestra, Giant Robo: The Night the Earth Stood Still proves to be a thrill ride for the soul that just keeps on escalating. |
Crown Prince Arslan |
Probably one of the more underrated anime productions,
The Heroic Legend of Arslan is the film adaptation of a popular manga by
Yoshiki Tanaka.
This is a story of lost honor and conquest (overwhelming odds of course) romance and the eternal search for justice. Sachiko Kamimura's beautiful designs breathe life onto a cast of memorable characters set in a fantasy world with a semi historic background. For some reason however, the anime version has not been extended so far to the ending yet. An unfortunate circumstance, but still should not be a hindrance to watching a true work of art. |
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Another underrated sci-fi series, yet truly a classic.
Based on original stories by Headgear, Mobile Police Patlabor chronicles
the struggles and trials of a fledgeling police organization armed with
new technology to battle crime. Forever troubled by bureaucracy and doubt,
the brave men and women of Special Vehicles Squad ride into the streets
in the name of justice.
Patlabor is a series that is most definitely spiced by its characters. The story exemplifies the meaning of character development as the heroes seem to grow as the plot progresses. Put against some very outrageous and dangerous situations, the characters will surprise you (as at first they all seem like bumbling idiots). Unlike Gundam, Patlabor has a lot of humor in it, making it a very enjoyable watch, and seeing the tight camaraderie within the organization gives the viewer that sense of belonging that makes this series absolutely worthwhile. The mechanical designs (by Gundam's Yutaka Izubuchi) are some of the best in the anime world. Akemi Takada's character designs also render justice to the feisty cast. As for available releases, Patlabor can be seen in a TV series, an OAV series and two movies, both movies directed by the famed Mamoru Oshii. Progressive and intelligent, Mobile Police Patlabor will definitely satisfy anyone who craves for what Japanese animation is truly capable of delivering. |
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One of the true classics of Japanese animation, Galaxy
Express 999 is a story of a journey into the sea of stars. The journey
begins with a boy's quest for vengeance and a mysterious woman's unseen
objectives. The plot unfolds into an adventure onboard the star faring
Galaxy Express, a train that will take it's passengers on a ride to a distant
star where immortality awaits.
Along the way, the galaxy's most prominent characters enter the adventurer's quest and with them the hard lessons and tragedies of growing up, and ultimately, of what it means to be living. Originally a manga series written by the legendary Leiji Masumoto in the 70's, Galaxy Express 999 was shown in a television series and two feature films. The nostalgia of seeing the new releases of this old classic after almost two decades was nostalgia bar none. With it's depth of philosophy and simplicity of execution, GE 999 proves to be a true classic. |
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The adventures of the Space Battleship Yamato has got
to be one of the most beloved of all anime stories. Familiar to most of
us as "Star Blazers,"Uchuu Senkan Yamato is another creation of Leiji Matsumoto.
Seemingly the typical "hero to the rescue" story, Yamato distinguishes itself as the one that blends the basic "good vs evil" routine with a conscience. The story pits the inhabitants of Earth against an invader which seeks only to survive, just as much as the humans themselves. With its epic storyline, the story also extends to the time after the principal tragedy, a time when the final conclusion is more epic than the viewer can imagine. Powered by colorful characters, a superb plotline and an endearing musical score, Uchuu Senkan Yamato takes its viewers into the heart of heroism. Righteous and just, the crew of the Yamato sail forth in the name of love. |
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In the world of Anime and Manga, the name of Hayao Miyazaki
is well renowned. One of the works that earned him such reputation would
have to be "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind". Set in a fantasy
world of a post apocalyptic nightmare, Miyazaki sets the stage for
an epic drama of a young woman's love and courage against the cruelties
of human despotism and the wrath of nature itself.
Though the feature film only condensed a very small part of the original manga masterpiece, it is no less beautiful. Directed by Miyazaki himself, the animation (1984) was spectacular. The plot was very well condensed, in such a way that the characters becomes familiar to the viewer in a short amount of viewing time. The music by the acclaimed Jo Hisaishi accentuates the drama well, giving more than complement to the powerful story. Considered by many as the greatest animator in the world, Miyazaki displays his forte for stories about humanity in "Nausicaa of the Valley of the Wind". |
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Studio Gainax's first TV series, Nadia: The Secret of
Blue Water is an adventure in the Miyazaki tradition. Designed and directed
by the same (the very same) people who gave us "Neon Genesis", Nadia was
one of the last projects of Gainax founder Toshio Okada.
Set in Europe's industrial revolution, which at first, seems to be just another adventure for kids, with stereotypical villains on the quest for treasure and of course, heroic children on the run. Going further however, the story turns into a dark tale of the human struggle that is almost Gundam like. This is Toshio Okada's masterpiece, a story of youth, love and all that is worth living for. It shows a struggle, yet it also shows the joy of seeing the world through the eyes of the youth, and how it all seems beautiful and frightful at the same time. This is premium Gainax stuff. |
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One of Rumiko Takahashi's earlier works. The anime version
of the manga classic was released as a very (I mean VERY) long TV series
and around six movies and some OAV's I think.
In the Takahashi world of mass mayhem and absolute absurdity, this show is probably king. This show is an absolute riot. The characters are numerous and are all somewhat demented, and you can only guess what kind of crazy situations these people find themselves in. Unfortunately, I haven't seen any of the TV series. The movies are well... weird and crazy. This is Lum after all. With everything from aliens to ghosts, perverted classmates and flying pigs, this is the epitome of anime hijinks. |
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The ultimate love triangle (sometimes rectangle) anime.
Penned by Izumi Matsumoto, this manga classic was shown as a 40 plus episode
TV series in the 80's.
There are so many things that can be said about this series. One of the most notable would have to be the music. Set in the 80's, the show rings nostalgic of the period with very vibrant tunes. The character designs by Akemi Takada (especially for Madoka) are as I consider them today, legendary. In the same vein as the more popular (from my point of view anyway) "Ranma 1/2", Kimagure Orange Road distinguishes itself as one with direction. The love story and the hijinks are blended to perfection, all with the idea that there will be conclusion to the seemingly endless chaos of youthful emotion. It features adventure, crazy characters, a beautiful depiction of youthful romance and of course, drama. If Urusei Yatsura is notorious for its lunacy, then KOR can be most reputed for its heart and humor which depicts the turmoil and joys of youth as true, material and impotant. Oh, did I mention the psychic powers... |
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