Arctic Kitsune's blog

My Favorite Anime – Top 7 – Round 2

For those that missed round one may want to check it out before continuing onto round 2! Round one may be found here – My Favorite Anime – Top 7. Those within round one are my absolute favorite (as of May 26, 2010 and with some from before 2006 or 2003) that support the reason why I watch Anime in the first place. And by user request, here is round 2! Why 7? Youtube embed limit for trailers/OP’s.

(Link – MySite)

This time I’ll define “favorite” as something that was close to being in the top 10 (or 7 here) that nearly had me collect merchandise, caused me to gain Anime Fever, or similar.

——————————

(Not in any particular order this time.)

1) Shingetsutan Tsukihime:

Similar to Fate/Stay Night, this Anime was produced by Type-Moon. This show is supposed to be within the Fate/Stay Night realm, along with Kara no Kyoukai. Thing is, the three shows aren’t directly connected by storyline or events. When you watch one you shall pick up small similarities in between those three shows mentioned.

This show is basically about a guy named Shiki who can see lines on various objects and entities. These lines are specifically laid out in such a way that it shows with the person with a specific eye how to destroy an object for good. Oddly enough, one of his killer instinct kicks in and he slashes a Lunar Princess in pieces in the way the lines were laid out.

From what I understand, and checked out, the series is based on Melty Blood game and Manga. I’m unsure what came first but Melty Blood is also apart of the series that dwells deeper into it’s own lore.

So why do I like this show? For it’s dark and serious tone. The Opening,ending,  and background music that also played shifted the atmosphere into a certain place that allowed me to enjoy the series for what it was. The plot may have been obvious or cliche but I didn’t see it as such when watching it the first time around. I was busy enjoying the fighting scenes and the build up to any conflict there was.

I tried to pick up merchandise but I was a tad bit late as the Anime was about a few years old by the time I watched it.

—

2) Kara no Kyoukai:

Show is within the Fate/Stay Night and Tsukihime realm. However, it isn’t connected by story or events and has little similarities that does allow it to connect.  It is also made by Type-Moon. Kara no Kyoukai is a 7 part movie series that focuses mostly on Shiki Ryogu and Mikiya Kokuto’s.

The storyline basically follows Shiki and Mikiya as they team up together to exterminate supernatural entities, or those possessed. Shiki has two personalities while Mikiya is a highly intelligent, yet oblivious male student.

The art style and animation are of high quality and the music are basically 1-2 minute short tracks perfectly tuned per certain scenes. The story line might be a bit slow and long for those with a little time or a short attentions, but the series mostly focuses on explaining things in detail over fighting. When the fighting does get started it is well worth the wait.

—

3) Elfin Lied:

Elfen Lied – Elf Song – is not meant for those under 18+. Why the age rating restriction? Lots of blood, partial nudity, limps being torn off, serious child hood bullying, and a serious case of Anime fever. For those that haven’t seen it and are under the age of 18, please don’t until you’re mentally mature to watch this or about that old. I’ve warned you so don’t blame me if you obtain “Anime Fever” or some serious case of Anime hyping (spamming).

Why did I put this in the top 7? It was the most commonly viewed Anime and the most liked back in 2006 when I was still in my final years of High School. I watched it two episodes per night to get more out of it and then second time in one night causing a month long Anime Fever. I enjoyed the series, though the series caused some serious Anime fever – hence the 18+ rating.  Many of my classmates who also watched it also experienced some form of Anime fever or had some case of awkward case of attachment to the series.

I liked the show for  how Lucy and the story flowed, the opening/ending tunes sounded, and the atmosphere given off.  The art style in both the OP and ED assisted with the tunes and the lyrics were also in Latin. The “vectors” that Lucy had was very unique which helped make what Elfen Lied is now known as. The part that bothered me the most was the “child hood bullying” part of the story as I’m quite sensitive to that certain school scene. If I’d see the same in real life I’d probably do what Lucy did back in the day which would ruin my image of a “goody-goody-neutral-naive” person.  I hope I don’t see such a thing.

—

4) Eden of the East: (as a whole)

Eden of the East (Higashi no Eden)  is a 11 part Anime series with three sequel movies.

The series basically follows Saki (girl) and Akira (guy) as they meet up in Washington DC. Akira obtains a “Celeco” phone that can grant any wish and to play a certain cat and mouse game to be the number one “Celeco”. The two later travel to Japan where their crazy from the first day becomes the norm of their daily life from then on.

The storyline actually takes its time with explaining the details.  It goes quick enough that the viewer doesn’t end up snoring on his/her partially nude huggable Anime pillow and actually makes the viewer laugh at all the crazy antics that ensues. The story and show is 70% serious and 30% comical (maybe vice versa with percentage).

Another thing to note about this series is of it’s originality and how it talks about and uses  ”Hikikimori’s” (Free loaders of society). It doesn’t borrow anything noticeable from any other series and actually tells quite a new seriously hilarious storyline. The “Celeco” system and the antics of both Saki and Akira should probably be enough to entertain the average viewer. The series also loves merging Japan and American scenery  which should be a plus.

“Noblesse Oblige” – Juiz

—

5) Ga-Rei Zero:

Ga-Rei Zero is a 12 episode prequel mini-series to the Ga-Rei manga series. The story follows two girls named Yomi and Kagura as they battle the supernatural entities and themselves (in both meanings) within a struggling region of Tokyo.  The story also adds controllable spirit beasts to both the protagonists and the antagonists within the show.

Even if their may be noticeable cliches, you’ll forget those as they’ll be well hidden within a expertly written storyline as humanity battles off with the supernatural and a certain female protagonist-turned-antagonist.

The thing that makes this show extremely special is the growing relationship between Kagura and Yomi as they struggle to co-exist with one another’s presence. The fight scenes and the attention to small detail also brings this show up onto the list. I’m not really hooked on the Opening or ending tune, but to a certain sad duet – Ga-Rei Zero – OST – Ai and Reincarnation.

Similar to the Flag and The Book of Bantorra, both need more people watching the Anime to support the quality of the shows. I also want Figma Yomi and Kagura to show my support for this show.

—

6) Initial D: (as a whole)

Initial D comes in around 8 stages and one movie – 5 in Anime version. Initial D is a racing and drifting Anime set in the 1990′s in the Japan’s Gunma prefecture.

Initial D starts off at First Stage where Takumi races with his modified ’86 Trueno for a Tofu Shop. Not being interested in racing or down hill drifting, he stuck to delivering tofu while trying to deliver them to their destination as quickly as possible. Later, Takumi is challenged to downhill racing where he later learns how to race using his own skill and knowledge.

The show gets quite interesting when racing theories and car specs gets added into the character’s conversation.

Being a  classic I can recommend this to anybody who enjoys racing Anime or something to watch in their spare time. A rewatch would be nice even. For those who enjoy racing in Gran Turimo 1-5 may enjoy expanding their racing style by learning new techniques from Initial D.

For those interested in racing in an Initial D style may want to try the Japanese PS3 game being sold in Japan outlets.

—

7) Phantom ~Requiem for the Phantom~:

Phantom – Requiem for the Phantom originally started as a visual novel called “Phantom of Inferno” and is a 26 episode Anime series. The Anime follows half (or most) of what was originally within the visual novel and modernizes the character designs. The show basically revolves around Ein and Zwei as Assassin’s called “Phantoms” who appear and kill without mercy. The majority of the show takes place within the underworld of America (U.S.A) and spawns a stereotypical gangster beat for Zwei – The beat still sounds good to the ears.

The first Episode is actually uploaded by Funimation on Youtube – http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnta3dFnGj8

Ein – Ein has no name and has no known background. Her memories have been mostly wiped out and was then and exploited by a guy named Scythe-Master.
Zwei – A male Japanese tourist caught up and exploited in a similar fashion as Ein.  He is now a  phantom for Inferno and now stuck within the shadowy underworld of the Assassins – Phantom.
Scythe-Master – A “scientist” who generates humanoid assassin’s called “Phantoms”. He unlocks and exploits human’s dormant natural instincts and uses them for assassination purposes.

The show also has a Ferrari F40 that is constantly driven around by a gal named “Clo”, and eventually by Zwei. I liked the show, and still do. I wouldn’t mind re-watching it.

There is also a  Figma version of her which I picked up.

(Link – MySite)

—

Thanks for viewing my my top 7 Anime and hope you liked Part 1 as well. I hope you liked my choices of Anime and hope you may enjoy them as well if you haven’t yet. I hope to see you soon!