Recommended Anime/Manga?

[xbl0x180]

but honetsly, i think that art direction in madoka is one of the more "hipster shit" things shinbo (shafts hipster director) has done. those paper cut-outs didn't add anything to the show (other than making it look different without substance) and what really made the show "dark" were all those actually dark alleyways the characters were talking in. all those out of place artworks were just bonus for the most part.

The cut-out style or anything that strays from normal/traditional animation doesn't seem to be the problem with Sayonara. It's the ugly and simplistic designs. Suffice to say, I wasn't impressed by it and couldn't watch more than a few minutes of it before I lost all interest.

[Gus]

You guys are crazy. Shaft's shows have some of the most innovative and high quality animation I've ever seen. Also you make it sound like all of Madoka looks like that pic. It's only a few scenes and it's done to set a weird and unsettling tone, not just to look cool.

[xbl0x180]

You guys are crazy. Shaft's shows have some of the most innovative and high quality animation I've ever seen. Also you make it sound like all of Madoka looks like that pic. It's only a few scenes and it's done to set a weird and unsettling tone, not just to look cool.

I didn't say I had a problem with the animation, but it's something I stated in the "why modern anime sucks" topic: the animation is smooth because the designs lack detail and/or a definitive style. I'd like to see the same kind of animation quality applied to, say, Mikimoto Haruhiko's designs. Granted, I haven't watched any new anime for almost 15 years, so I'm sure there are examples out there. However, Sayonara isn't one of them.

[Obiwanshinobi]

The third Goku SZS opening is one of my favorites.

Reminds me of this.
In other news, I recommend Disappearance Diary by Hideo Azuma which I just read. Totally worth all those awards.

[Randorama]

Not saying Azumanga... isn't all that (haven't seen it yet), but there seems to be quite a large batch of prudish anime products about girlies on the market?

They do, a little. Also, in Azumanga Daioh there's one character who teaches in high school just because he wants to see underage girls (whatever his name is), and a good deal of jokes revolve around his perviness. There are a few pants shots, but it's almost as an afterthought. Also, at least two girls have relatively big breasts. Differently from the other shows in this mold, it has a bit more class to get a "pass" in the decent taste test. It's the whole genre that should be scrapped off, and the money invested in healthier anime such as clones of Gundam and Saint Seiya, for the sake of the manly men of this very board.

[xbl0x180]

Not saying Azumanga... isn't all that (haven't seen it yet), but there seems to be quite a large batch of prudish anime products about girlies on the market?

They do, a little. Also, in Azumanga Daioh there's one character who teaches in high school just because he wants to see underage girls (whatever his name is), and a good deal of jokes revolve around his perviness. There are a few pants shots, but it's almost as an afterthought. Also, at least two girls have relatively big breasts. Differently from the other shows in this mold, it has a bit more class to get a "pass" in the decent taste test. It's the whole genre that should be scrapped off, and the money invested in healthier anime such as clones of Gundam and Saint Seiya, for the sake of the manly men of this very board.

Don't forget Dragon Ball Z, but I guess Bleach already has that cornered this time around... not as good as Yu Yu Hakusho, though

It would be great if there were more clones of "Irresponsible Captain Tylor":

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8vTjNEZ3kcE

It's so freakin'... MOE! <3

[Randorama]

Don't forget Dragon Ball Z, but I guess Bleach already has that cornered this time around... not as good as Yu Yu Hakusho, though

One episode of Gin Tama has a charming parody of what's wrong with these "action" shows. It shows the eponymous character and his antagonist striking Saint Seiya poses, rather than fighting. Now, these "action" shows usually involve one punch and ten minutes of wannabe interior monologue. I swear, only [insert username variable here] can buy this stuff as being "manly". If I want to feel manly, I'd go hunting boars or bull wifes for cuckolds, something I actually did in the past

[moozooh]

So, watched Redline. My god. It's a completely mindblowing, relentless assault on sensory organs! Please do yourself a favor and watch it on a BD (or a rip thereof) on a decent screen with good, loud sound system, because the sound work there is so tight it's going to destroy you. Instant favorite!

[xbl0x180]

Don't forget Dragon Ball Z, but I guess Bleach already has that cornered this time around... not as good as Yu Yu Hakusho, though

One episode of Gin Tama has a charming parody of what's wrong with these "action" shows. It shows the eponymous character and his antagonist striking Saint Seiya poses, rather than fighting. Now, these "action" shows usually involve one punch and ten minutes of wannabe interior monologue. I swear, only [insert username variable here] can buy this stuff as being "manly". If I want to feel manly, I'd go hunting boars or bull wifes for cuckolds, something I actually did in the past

Additionally, Yu Yu Hakusho is fun and entertaining to watch, and has some catchy theme songs

[greg]

1997:

pic

2004:

another pic

OK, I'm not nitpicking or anything; just curious. What is the purpose behind these pictures that you post? You seem to do this often. You post a pic of an older anime and a pic of a newer anime. I'm not really sure what the reason for this is, since they are unrelated anime. I'm probably just dense and not understanding something clever.

EDIT:

It would be great if there were more clones of "Irresponsible Captain Tylor":

My wife loves Captain Tylor! She's wanted to watch that series over and over again.

[Obiwanshinobi]

Nothing clever about it. I'm just increasing the average quality of pic spam on these boards. Since pic spam under the current forum policy is inevitable, I want at least some of it to be good. The "old anime, new anime" code is derived from one of bitching threads we had a while ago.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Just checked out the first four episodes of the cool mecha anime series known as "Star Driver" with animation produced by Bones (yep, the same folks whom did the Xam'd: Lost Memories anime series). It's a brand new anime series for 2011. With the tagline, "The adventure known as life, goes on" sure fits the series quite appropiately.

The mecha suits featured in SD are called Cybodies look quite ace, especially in the 3rd episode with all that extra detailing + the enemy Cybody's transformation into a light cycle-like motorcycle (a nod towards Tron Legacy flick indeed). Can't wait to see how episode 5 of SD turns out. There's a bit of T&A fanservice shots just for fun as well.

Edit: My apologies, it's known as "Star Driver" and not Star Diver.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[Ghegs]

I realized I've never seen any of the big Gundam series (I did watch The 08th MS Team, that was good...tried watching Gundam Wing years ago but was utterly bored after a few episodes) so I went back to the source, to the original Gundam from 1979. And it's holding my interest superbly, I'm about halfway through the show now. Sure the art and animation are dated but the story and characters are still good and make me want to see what happens next, something that doesn't happen often anymore. Very cool stuff. Got Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam lined up next.

Just checked out the first four episodes of the cool mecha anime series known as "Star Diver"

...beneath the school is a group of mysterious giants called Cybodies, which can be controlled by humans in an alternate dimension known as Zero Time. Takuto, The "Galactic Pretty Boy" (銀河美少年 Ginga Bishounen)

Stopped reading there.

[greg]

I realized I've never seen any of the big Gundam series (I did watch The 08th MS Team, that was good...tried watching Gundam Wing years ago but was utterly bored after a few episodes) so I went back to the source, to the original Gundam from 1979. And it's holding my interest superbly, I'm about halfway through the show now. Sure the art and animation are dated but the story and characters are still good and make me want to see what happens next, something that doesn't happen often anymore. Very cool stuff. Got Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam lined up next.

Good for you! UC Gundam timeline shows are the only true Gundam shows. Gundam Wing is so lame, about a bunch of pretty boys who mysteriously have their own Gundams, and these can defeat entire armies each and not even get a single scratch on them. Boring as hell.

How are you watching the original Gundam? TV series or the movies? The movies skip a lot of the goofy stuff and improve the story a bit, plus update some of the animation.

Take the time to watch 0080 and 0083 after this. 0080 happens right at the end of the One Year War. 0083 involves a remnant faction of Zeon attacking the Federation again, and it shows the formation of the Titans, a faction of the Federation that plays a key role in Zeta. The plot to 0080 is solid. The plot for 0083 has some "oh, come on" plot conveniences and such, but it has incredible action and the incredibly kick-ass Dendrobium mobile armor.

[Ghegs]

How are you watching the original Gundam? TV series or the movies? The movies skip a lot of the goofy stuff and improve the story a bit, plus update some of the animation.

I'm watching the TV series, but I was planning on watching the movies afterwards.

Take the time to watch 0080 and 0083 after this.

Thanks for the heads-up, I'll be sure to. I'm really quite novice to the Gundam universe, I didn't know of these.

[greg]

For a few years now, I've been reading a manga called Gundam: Ecole du Ciel. It starts out as a story about a girl attending a Mobile Suit pilot training school in 0085 and the story skyrockets from there, and continues simultaneously with Zeta. Tokyo Pop released 9 volumes before they died, and I have begun collecting subsequent volumes from Japan to try reading in the original language. I can manage reading Kimagure Orange Road, but Gundam will probably have more advanced vocabulary. Anyhow, I'm sure scanlations would be caught up by the time you finish watching Zeta. IMHO, the Zeta timeline is the most exciting to me, with remnants of Zeon teaming up with disillusioned Federation soldiers and space pirates to form the Anti Earth Unification Group (AEUG) to try to stop what the Federation has become with the Titans.

After Zeta, if you're still hooked, try finding the fansubs of Double Zeta, which picks up right after Zeta. The first 18 episodes or so are goofy, but it gets great after that. The movie Char's Counterattack comes next, then the F91 movie (which really should have been a TV show, but it's nice for what it is), Victory Gundam (people may not like this show and neither does Tomino, but my wife and I liked it a lot and it's my wife's favorite Gundam show), and finally the new Gundam Unicorn. I recently bought the first DVD of Gundam Unicorn, but haven't watched it yet. Supposedly it's quite spectacular. I'm not sure if it falls before or after V Gundam in the UC timeline, though.

[Icarus]

Just watched Redline. Holy shit, the art and animation is easily some of the best (if not the best) that I've ever seen. Practically every frame has an incredible amount of detail, and all of it animates fluidly with lots of style. The visuals are simply amazing.

And of course, the movie itself was great. There's a lot of fast paced action, and the cast is packed full of interesting and likable characters. I thoroughly enjoyed it.

QFT. Just finished watching it, and it's impressed me a great deal with the production values, completely over-the-topness, and fun story. Combat racing at its best.
I think I'll watch it again.

Has anyone seen Black Rock Shooter? I've seen it floating around in various clips and merchandise, and have to admit it's intriguing.

[duckman]

I realized I've never seen any of the big Gundam series (I did watch The 08th MS Team, that was good...tried watching Gundam Wing years ago but was utterly bored after a few episodes) so I went back to the source, to the original Gundam from 1979. And it's holding my interest superbly, I'm about halfway through the show now. Sure the art and animation are dated but the story and characters are still good and make me want to see what happens next, something that doesn't happen often anymore. Very cool stuff. Got Mobile Suit Zeta Gundam lined up next.

What a coincidence; I'm doing the exact same thing, although I'm only on episode 3 right now.

I also watched Ninja Scroll last week and Jesus H. Christ why didn't I watch this awesome shit earlier?

[Skykid]

I also watched Ninja Scroll last week and Jesus H. Christ why didn't I watch this awesome shit earlier?

Good question.

[xbl0x180]

I also watched Ninja Scroll last week and Jesus H. Christ why didn't I watch this awesome shit earlier?

Good question.

I'm shocked. I cannot speak more highly of Kawajiri Yoshiaki when I refer to him as one of the best directors of animated films, right up there with Miyazaki, Dezaki, Rin, Otomo, Oshii, Urushihara, and even Kon

[Obiwanshinobi]

Ikaruga.

[Casper<3]

Has any one seen Maria-Holic or MM! would you recommend them?

[Skykid]

I also watched Ninja Scroll last week and Jesus H. Christ why didn't I watch this awesome shit earlier?

Good question.

I'm shocked. I cannot speak more highly of Kawajiri Yoshiaki when I refer to him as one of the best directors of animated films, right up there with Miyazaki, Dezaki, Rin, Otomo, Oshii, Urushihara, and even Kon

Well he had his day in the sun, that's for sure. I love the stuff he did in his prime, but he has fallen right off the wagon of late. Dunno what the fuck Highlander was meant to be, and VHD Bloodlust was very average.

[xbl0x180]

I'm shocked. I cannot speak more highly of Kawajiri Yoshiaki when I refer to him as one of the best directors of animated films, right up there with Miyazaki, Dezaki, Rin, Otomo, Oshii, Urushihara, and even Kon

Well he had his day in the sun, that's for sure. I love the stuff he did in his prime, but he has fallen right off the wagon of late. Dunno what the fuck Highlander was meant to be, and VHD Bloodlust was very average.

Yeah, he mostly did mediocre OAVs and movies (there was Cyber City Oedo 808, which was also mediocre at best), but they looked great. His style is recognisable and that's a plus. I mean, when you look at a painting or listen to a song, it's best if there's a definitive style

[DragonInstall]

I also watched Ninja Scroll last week and Jesus H. Christ why didn't I watch this awesome shit earlier?

I've watched this movie more than any other to be honest. I think everyone who can handle a little blood and sex should watch this regardless if you're an anime fan or not.

[Skykid]

(there was Cyber City Oedo 808, which was also mediocre at best)

Say what? Cyber City rocks.

[xbl0x180]

It was too short, even for 3 full episodes. I would like it more... if there was MOAR

[PC Engine Fan X!]

For a few years now, I've been reading a manga called Gundam: Ecole du Ciel. It starts out as a story about a girl attending a Mobile Suit pilot training school in 0085 and the story skyrockets from there, and continues simultaneously with Zeta. Tokyo Pop released 9 volumes before they died, and I have begun collecting subsequent volumes from Japan to try reading in the original language. I can manage reading Kimagure Orange Road, but Gundam will probably have more advanced vocabulary. Anyhow, I'm sure scanlations would be caught up by the time you finish watching Zeta. IMHO, the Zeta timeline is the most exciting to me, with remnants of Zeon teaming up with disillusioned Federation soldiers and space pirates to form the Anti Earth Unification Group (AEUG) to try to stop what the Federation has become with the Titans.

After Zeta, if you're still hooked, try finding the fansubs of Double Zeta, which picks up right after Zeta. The first 18 episodes or so are goofy, but it gets great after that. The movie Char's Counterattack comes next, then the F91 movie (which really should have been a TV show, but it's nice for what it is), Victory Gundam (people may not like this show and neither does Tomino, but my wife and I liked it a lot and it's my wife's favorite Gundam show), and finally the new Gundam Unicorn. I recently bought the first DVD of Gundam Unicorn, but haven't watched it yet. Supposedly it's quite spectacular. I'm not sure if it falls before or after V Gundam in the UC timeline, though.

I've got both Episodes 1 & 2 of Gundam Unicorn on Blu-Ray and it's quite a visual treat, especially with the 2nd episode situated in the zero-gravity gun battle scenes in glorious 1080p format. Just need to get Episode 3 of UG on Blu-Ray for completeness. Am not sure if Bandai plans to release a 4th Blu-Ray disc release of UG though.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~

[ryu]

there will be 6 episodes in total, so expect there to be 6 blu-ray releases too.

[PC Engine Fan X!]

Thanks for the heads up about Gundam Unicorn being a 6-part series, ryu. Will surely get the rest of the series on Blu-Ray format for completeness. It's just waiting for each subsquential release...plently of patience is required but well worth the wait.

PC Engine Fan X! ^_~