Recommended Anime/Manga?

[xbl0x180]

Both Mazinger Z and Space Pirate Captain Harlock were aired in the U.S., but in limited locations. A lot of the old school stuff was dubbed in English back in the late 70s and early 80s. "Gigantor" (Tetsujin 28-Go), "Star Blazers" (Yamato), and "Battle Of The Planets" (or "G-Force" a.k.a. Gatchaman) were the big shows back then, so the rest kinda took a backseat and/or were forgotten. A lot of these were actually put on home video by Family Home Entertainment here in the U.S. (they were kind of a clearinghouse for all kinds of cheap cartoons, including Japanese productions). The Spanish-language networks also used to air their fair share of anime: "Princess Knight," "Voltron" (the Lion and the Vehicle series), the 80s remake of "Gigantor," Ulysses 31, and a few more.

Badly dubbed, outta synch videocassettes of Captain Harlock, put out by Malibu Comics, were some of the first anime videos I owned. It mainly stemmed from buying Americanised comics of Captain Harlock by Ben Dunn

[Raytrace]

Both Mazinger Z and Space Pirate Captain Harlock were aired in the U.S., but in limited locations. A lot of the old school stuff was dubbed in English back in the late 70s and early 80s. "Gigantor" (Tetsujin 28-Go), "Star Blazers" (Yamato), and "Battle Of The Planets" (or "G-Force" a.k.a. Gatchaman) were the big shows back then, so the rest kinda took a backseat and/or were forgotten. A lot of these were actually put on home video by Family Home Entertainment here in the U.S. (they were kind of a clearinghouse for all kinds of cheap cartoons, including Japanese productions). The Spanish-language networks also used to air their fair share of anime: "Princess Knight," "Voltron" (the Lion and the Vehicle series), the 80s remake of "Gigantor," Ulysses 31, and a few more.

Badly dubbed, outta synch videocassettes of Captain Harlock, put out by Malibu Comics, were some of the first anime videos I owned. It mainly stemmed from buying Americanised comics of Captain Harlock by Ben Dunn

woah I know it's pretty obvious but apart from the difficulty of gettin them etc., just the storage size of VHS must have meant you'd need approximately say at least 18-20 VHS cassettes per 50 episode series

[xbl0x180]

And back then there were collectors crazy enough to request things in a watchable condition, so you had to record things using hi-grade videocassettes on SP (4 episodes per tape with no "filler"). Maison Ikkoku, Yu Yu Hakusho, and other long series were around 24 videocassettes. When I moved to uni, I dumped hundreds of videos and tankobons - junk that took me years and money to collect - into the trash

[BIL]

That's why I never own more hobby stuff than I can carry on my back + both arms.

[xbl0x180]

I just throw it away when it comes down to moving

[KAI]

Blonde Tochiro lol

[Raytrace]

ok I just watched Black Lion I'm glad I did as in someway I did enjoy it, but there were so many unexplained things that well I dunno hahaha - the ending was equally perplexing...

[BIL]

Apparently it's based on a manga from the 70s that continues the story. I liked the OVA for what it was, considering it's only ~45 minutes. Dunno if I'd bother reading the manga though.

[Raytrace]

Apparently it's based on a manga from the 70s that continues the story. I liked the OVA for what it was, considering it's only ~45 minutes. Dunno if I'd bother reading the manga though.

yeah I think much of it's charm is just in being an overwhelming nonstop sensory assault, without giving you a chance to even think, I don't know if I'd actually be able to read it though...

[GaijinPunch]

And back then there were collectors crazy enough to request things in a watchable condition, so you had to record things using hi-grade videocassettes on SP (4 episodes per tape with no "filler"). Maison Ikkoku, Yu Yu Hakusho, and other long series were around 24 videocassettes. When I moved to uni, I dumped hundreds of videos and tankobons - junk that took me years and money to collect - into the trash

I actually had SVHS.
Also, something that didn't quite catch on but a train I jumped on was to record on a Hi-8 deck. They were mainly made for home video, but worked really well for storage. At some point down the road people ditched VHS in favor for downloads but I was long out of the hobby by then.

[EmperorIng]

Apparently it's based on a manga from the 70s that continues the story. I liked the OVA for what it was, considering it's only ~45 minutes. Dunno if I'd bother reading the manga though.

yeah I think much of it's charm is just in being an overwhelming nonstop sensory assault, without giving you a chance to even think, I don't know if I'd actually be able to read it though...

I think the 45 minute, barely-explained taste is all you need.

The cliffhanger ending is fucking hilarious though. it's like, nothing is resolved.

I think they knew they couldn't make more because they couldn't top the first episode's villain of THE EEMORRTAL NEENJA KILLER GINAI

Ginnai's voice-actor was great though. Deep n' smoov.

YOU PUT MARIJUANA ON THE BARLEY
YOU WANT ME TO SEE AN ILLUSION
WELL IT WON'T WORK. YOU'RE TOO STUPID.

STUPID? YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS STUPID GINNAI

Favorite line[s] in the whole thing.

[KAI]

I dumped hundreds of videos and tankobons - junk that took me years and money to collect - into the trash

I'm about to do the same, I still have hundred of Video Cassetes lying around my house.

[BIL]

YOU PUT MARIJUANA ON THE BARLEY

Yeah, I cracked up at that. Burn a little marijuana and barley, you get ninjitsu motherfucker!

Loved the "suchandsuch is headed for a fascinating future!" outro voiceover too.

[Raytrace]

I actually had SVHS.
Also, something that didn't quite catch on but a train I jumped on was to record on a Hi-8 deck. They were mainly made for home video, but worked really well for storage. At some point down the road people ditched VHS in favor for downloads but I was long out of the hobby by then.

interesting yeah I remember our camera using 'VHSC' o_O

[Raytrace]

Apparently it's based on a manga from the 70s that continues the story. I liked the OVA for what it was, considering it's only ~45 minutes. Dunno if I'd bother reading the manga though.

yeah I think much of it's charm is just in being an overwhelming nonstop sensory assault, without giving you a chance to even think, I don't know if I'd actually be able to read it though...

I think the 45 minute, barely-explained taste is all you need.

The cliffhanger ending is fucking hilarious though. it's like, nothing is resolved.

I think they knew they couldn't make more because they couldn't top the first episode's villain of THE EEMORRTAL NEENJA KILLER GINAI

Ginnai's voice-actor was great though. Deep n' smoov.

YOU PUT MARIJUANA ON THE BARLEY
YOU WANT ME TO SEE AN ILLUSION
WELL IT WON'T WORK. YOU'RE TOO STUPID.

STUPID? YOU ARE THE ONE WHO IS STUPID GINNAI

Favorite line[s] in the whole thing.

yeah those were some class lines - yeah from the second I realised that when he came out of that first fire, his entire clothing was not even vaguely scorched, I just gave up on any attempts to create 'explanations' in my head. I was thinkin that he was going to come out of the fire with his true form/metal showing Bubblegum Crisis style - but emm no hahahahaha.

Later on the emm 'flying head' sequence is pretty amazing - also possibly the most bad taste portrayal of nuclear warfare I've ever seen anyway...

I think if they had explained how the techno was there in the wrong time period it could have been great, they even had that guy (who was a pretty 1337 typist for 1540) tantalisingly speaking of the 'Time Controllers' .

[xbl0x180]

And back then there were collectors crazy enough to request things in a watchable condition, so you had to record things using hi-grade videocassettes on SP (4 episodes per tape with no "filler"). Maison Ikkoku, Yu Yu Hakusho, and other long series were around 24 videocassettes. When I moved to uni, I dumped hundreds of videos and tankobons - junk that took me years and money to collect - into the trash

I actually had SVHS.
Also, something that didn't quite catch on but a train I jumped on was to record on a Hi-8 deck. They were mainly made for home video, but worked really well for storage. At some point down the road people ditched VHS in favor for downloads but I was long out of the hobby by then.

I had a Hi-8 adapter, so I could watch stuff recorded on Hi-8 cassettes. Downloads were around since 2000, but, before then, there was the brief DVD format that pretty much eliminated videocassettes AND laserdiscs almost overnight in the late 90s. By then, I had also given up on collecting anime and was mainly into music and movies in general.

I got back into collecting at around the same time I got back into video games in late 2010. With the demise of many old video companies and with the popularisation of streaming, DVDs can be had for real cheep. I can buy entire seasons of stuff for 10, 20, 30 bucks from legit sources (whereas a 45-min OAV could cost as much as 90 back in the early 90s ). I think what's sorely missing now are those random, one-shot OAVs that were popular in the 80s and 90s, a few of which were licensed here in North America. Nowadays, it's mostly series and movies of stuff that's already big in Japan.

Would be cool to get proper DVD copies of Baoh and Midnight Eye Goku...





These would never be made in today's Japanese animation industry.

[Raytrace]

I think what's sorely missing now are those random, one-shot OAVs that were popular in the 80s and 90s, a few of which were licensed here in North America. Nowadays, it's mostly series and movies of stuff that's already big in Japan.

These would never be made in today's Japanese animation industry.

could you recommend a good few of these one shot OVA's or even ones which are up to 3 maximum, as I really like that format.

And is there more stuff like Black Lion? o_O

[Raytrace]

ok I watched Mazinger Z episode 1 yesterday, and I did really like it, even with the terrible subs, I actually think in a strange way, the bad subs get you more involved in the story and make you remember it better, as you're forced to fully process/interpret every line...

a guy on tumblr suggested I should read the 5 volume manga instead of forcing myself through 90 eps of the anime, but to be honest I really enjoyed the episode I watched last night so I think I'm going to go for it :p - my second most epic anime marathon after of course LOTGH, though I suppose you could consider all of UC Gundam bigger maybe, which I did pretty much watch all in one go. Looking forward to it.

I did notice in looking at the manga that the intro of Shin Mazinger Z is pretty much EXACTLY the same as the manga, which is cool.

[ancestral-knowledge]

after digging through a pile of recent shit animes (about 35 series from 2010 on) i found 2 worthwile titles:

Another (Horror anime)
Shiki (Horror anime)

[BIL]

And is there more stuff like Black Lion? o_O

Seen Ninja Scroll yet? It doesn't have the futuristic alien technology angle, but it's got tons of bizarre ninjutsu, violence and explosions. Not as brief but it's far more substantial in terms of character, plot and atmosphere so it earns its running time.

Whatever you do, don't bother with the three Violence Jack OVA's expecting more Black Lion. Utter waste of time, those three.

[KAI]

Doomed Megalopolis/Teitō Monogatari, directed by Rintaro (Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Metropolis, The Dagger of Kamui)


Psycho Crusher!

[BIL]

Looks interesting, will check that one out! Dictator certainly looks pleased with himself there. Almost as pleased as Guile does in part 2 of JoJo's.

[Raytrace]

And is there more stuff like Black Lion? o_O

Seen Ninja Scroll yet? It doesn't have the futuristic alien technology angle, but it's got tons of bizarre ninjutsu, violence and explosions. Not as brief but it's far more substantial in terms of character, plot and atmosphere so it earns its running time.

Whatever you do, don't bother with the three Violence Jack OVA's expecting more Black Lion. Utter waste of time, those three.

cool yeah no Ninja Scroll is definitely on my list, to be honest I get kinda put off because I'd prefere stories centered on Samurai's instead of Ninja, but still I definitely enjoyed Black Lion so I will watch Ninja Scroll v soon .

[Raytrace]

Doomed Megalopolis/Teitō Monogatari, directed by Rintaro (Harlock, Galaxy Express 999, Metropolis, The Dagger of Kamui)


Psycho Crusher!

I actually think I remember one of my friends having that back in about 1995 is that possible - he probably got it in tower records, did Manga bring it into Europe?

I just would never forget that freaky cover ;p

[EmperorIng]

If you liked the gratuitous violence of Black Lion, you might like MD Geist, which is a 2-episode OVA series that's got a real slick style to it. Sci-fi post-apocalypse though, not ninja.

But it is cool.

And as usual I recommend the Tank Police OVAs. The dubs are pretty great (Manga UK I believe - so it's bound to be entertaining), so I recommend English for the most enjoyment.

The first one is really cool cyberpunk sci-fi action (with a great sense of style) and some really bitchin' music. Though right away the ending is pretty disappointing. It's an awesome ride up until the ending.

The second one has a few unfortunate changes (some minor characters have their voices changed; the main cast remains the same though which is good), and it trades 80s cyberpunk for a more gritty 90s edge, but the plot is far more solid, and action-packed. The OVA approaches critical levels of awesome by episode 2 and each episode out-does itself; by the end you are at Lethal Weapon 1 and 2 levels of excitement (even comes with DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY!). Highly entertaining and one of my personal favorite OVAs.

For more tastless Manga UK dubbing, there is Mad Bull 34, in which Mike Haggar takes on robotic mobsters, a giant black guy, rollerskating thugs, Chinese Assassins, and the Predator.
It's pretty shameless, with lots of excessive violence and nudity (it wants to be like an American grindhouse exploitation, you see). Not really one to watch with the girlfriend or parents, ha ha.

[Raytrace]

If you liked the gratuitous violence of Black Lion, you might like MD Geist, which is a 2-episode OVA series that's got a real slick style to it. Sci-fi post-apocalypse though, not ninja.

But it is cool.

And as usual I recommend the Tank Police OVAs. The dubs are pretty great (Manga UK I believe - so it's bound to be entertaining), so I recommend English for the most enjoyment.

The first one is really cool cyberpunk sci-fi action (with a great sense of style) and some really bitchin' music. Though right away the ending is pretty disappointing. It's an awesome ride up until the ending.

The second one has a few unfortunate changes (some minor characters have their voices changed; the main cast remains the same though which is good), and it trades 80s cyberpunk for a more gritty 90s edge, but the plot is far more solid, and action-packed. The OVA approaches critical levels of awesome by episode 2 and each episode out-does itself; by the end you are at Lethal Weapon 1 and 2 levels of excitement (even comes with DIPLOMATIC IMMUNITY!). Highly entertaining and one of my personal favorite OVAs.

For more tastless Manga UK dubbing, there is Mad Bull 34, in which Mike Haggar takes on robotic mobsters, a giant black guy, rollerskating thugs, Chinese Assassins, and the Predator.
It's pretty shameless, with lots of excessive violence and nudity (it wants to be like an American grindhouse exploitation, you see). Not really one to watch with the girlfriend or parents, ha ha.

yeah I didn't really like Black Lion for the sake of the violence, but I wasnt put off by it either - tbh when I first kinda started watching anime on my own, I kinda wanted to keep away from 'that type of anime' as it was kinda all I remember being promoted by 'Manga' back in the day and while I don't mind violent stuff I kinda usually prefer sci-fi somewhere in there aswell. Now I feel ready to watch a lot of that type of one. I actually remember watching Devilman OVA 2 back then, I'll never forget some of the dub - 'You're damn right bitches, now I'm sending you all right back to hell!' - I was watching some of it yesterday (the nightclub scene) and I still remembered that music with the choir stabs in it note for note.

Cool I'll deffo check out MD Geist as sci-fi is usually my favourite 'theme'. The mecha look v nice in that too.

Are there any animes that are specifically kinda emm I dunno how to put it but honour/Bushido/Samurai themed as opposed to just 'Ninja' violence etc. for it's own sake? I really liked Rurouni Kenshin OVA, something like that, more like Kurosawa than Black Lion. Something like the live action film Until The Last Sword Is Drawn or something? - I loved that, or Kagemusha ?

yeah Dominion Tank Police has to be watched soon, and I don't mind about the ending - Bubblegum Crisis didn't even have one and I loved that. Plus I love that post apocalyptic IREM/Metal Slug/Armed Police Unit Gallop look and I think Dominion Tank Police is supposed to be an influence on that. I thought Venus Wars art was very in the same feel too.

Mad Bull 34 looks cool, I loved Gunsmith Cats and I'm really in the mood for these one off or short OVAs atm for some reason.

Thanks for all the cool info.

I'm rockin it pretty old school today - I'm watching Mazinger Z on my PC and my children are watching Speed Racer on the PS3 .

[BIL]

Oh, Mad Bull looks cool. Another to check out. LOL Capcom!

Are there any animes that are specifically kinda emm I dunno how to put it but honour/Bushido/Samurai themed as opposed to just 'Ninja' violence etc. for it's own sake?

Shigurui's conflicts basically all stem from the harsh honour codes of its feudal society, and the dire consequences of breaching them. Its violence is extreme but all too rationalised. It's utterly dark and unrestrained, though - a real "feel bad" Samurai anime, heh. I watched the anime and read the manga then deleted both, it's a bracing experience but not something I'd care to revisit casually.

[Raytrace]

Oh, Mad Bull looks cool. Another to check out. LOL Capcom!

Are there any animes that are specifically kinda emm I dunno how to put it but honour/Bushido/Samurai themed as opposed to just 'Ninja' violence etc. for it's own sake?

Shigurui's conflicts basically all stem from the harsh honour codes of its feudal society, and the dire consequences of breaching them. Its violence is extreme but all too rationalised. It's utterly dark and unrestrained, though - a real "feel bad" Samurai anime, heh. I watched the anime and read the manga then deleted both, it's a bracing experience but not something I'd care to revisit casually.

I see sounds pretty cool haha - is that the one where a guy spills his guts out in front of his master and begs him not to use real katana in some duel?
Yeah I just checked yeah it is that one, I might try to watch it again - it is pretty uncompromisingly dark for sure.

Are there any ones about 'the fall' (ie gun versus sword etc. :'( ) - surely that's a pretty massive thing in Japanese culture? I kinda think the way for example Gundam has his V maedate thing and also obviously the 2 swords, and how usually the kills always end up being close quarter in the end, well the 'honourable' one seem to be anyway, then again, maybe it's just me projecting my own obsessions haha

[KAI]

JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Phantom Blood

I think this is (finally) going to be released this year, for the 25 anniversary.

[BIL]

I see sounds pretty cool haha - is that the one where a guy cuts spills his guts out in front of his master and begs him not to use real katana in some duel?

Yep. That's how you made a complaint to head office back then, I hear...

"What a disgusting smell..."

The lord in that scene is one serious sadistic cunt. The manga actually opens with him being executed for holding that very tournament and causing mass slaughter, among other things (not a spoiler - the anime utterly blue-balls viewers by omitting both this intro and stopping abruptly a third of the way through the story).

"The feudal system could be described as a small group of sadists leading an army of masochists." - manga intro