Gushing About Shows You Like (Sugar Wiki)/Anime and Manga: Difference between revisions

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** This troper has a love/hate relationship with ''Rosario+Vampire''. Why? Because it breaks my heart knowing what the girls, Mizore and Kurumu in particular, are going through over their unrequited love. These aren't "just characters in a manga" - they are ''people.'' And goddammit I love them all too much -- especially Kurumu --much—especially toKurumu—to see them hurt. But I read it anyway because it's too good not to.

* ''[[A Certain Magical Index|To Aru Majutsu no Index]]'' is one of the bestest anime I ever seen, it involves [[Magic VS Science]], [[Alternate Universe]] and features a [[What If]] of: What if the scientific advanced population encounter Magic from the same dimension? Add Chibi Index and [[Crowned With Awesome]], and you've got yourself a must see~! Squee!

* ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha]]'' is quite possibly the best [[Seinen]] show ever animated: it's got [[Magical Girl|Magical Girls]]s who [[Wise Beyond Their Years|act responsibly]] and get into [[Romantic Two-Girl Friendship|ambiguously cute relationships]] with each other, grand magical battles on the scale and detail of [[Humongous Mecha]], [[All There in the Manual|supplemental material]], [[Techno Babble]], [[Power Levels]]... And it has Nanoha, the girl who will <s>blast</s> befriend you to smithereens for your own good... and ''you'll love it''.

* Everything everything EVERYTHING''everything'' by [[Hayao Miyazaki|Miyazaki]]. Seriously, that is some of the most creative and exciting animation I've ever seen. These films are beautiful, and I could watch them over and over and over again.

** This troper broke down into Epic [[Squee|Squees]]s of [[Department of Redundancy Department|Epicness]] when she heard that ''Miyafreakin'zaki'' was bringing one of her favorite [[Howl's Moving Castle (novel)|semi-obscure children's books]] to gorgeous anime life. Even if it's not the most faithful adaptation, and even if it [[Deus Ex Machina|doesn't explain its ending well]], it still awes this troper for the wonderful job it manages to do of bringing its ''characters'' to life--Sophielife—Sophie, Howl, and Calcifer are everything they should be, and everything else she considers part of a lovely [[Alternate Continuity]]. Plus, the animation is awesome as ever--sheever—she literally gasped when she saw the castle for the first time.

** This troper isn't much of an anime fan but will heartily agree about the awesome of Miyazaki. I hear stuff like, "Well I don't like anime but ''[[Spirited Away]]'' was awesome!" alota lot too, its a testament to how wonderful his works are! And since it hasn't been gushed about, ''[[Ponyo on the Cliff by the Sea]]'' is just a million different kinds of adorable. You can't help but want to hug everything in that movie.

* [[Hayao Miyazaki|Miyazaki-sensei's]] colleagues are wonderful, too. Honestly, [[Studio Ghibli]] can do no wrong. [[Isao Takahata]], Ghibli's other genius, directed the amazing and [[Tear Jerker|heartwrenching]] ''[[Hotaru no Haka|Grave Of The Fireflies]]''. But this troper's personal favorite is ''[[Whisper of the Heart]]'', a charming, coming-of-age story about the trials and tribulations of adolescence, first love and finding out what you really want in life. Nothing is sugar-coated - just a collection of perfectly timed, exquisitely scripted moments that had this troper saying "that is ''exactly'' what it feels like." There's a little scene, where the main character sings that is just a [[Crowning Moment of Heartwarming|pure joy to watch]]. Plus, it features the best use of John Denver's ''Take Me Home, Country Roads'' ever! Just a shame that director Yoshifumi Kondou died young.

** And ''[[Chrono Crusade]]''...ahh, Chrono Crusade. Like Tutu, lots of juicy character development. An unusual setting for a manga series--1920series—1920's America. The theme of the passage of time handled expertly well. The shining idealism in the series, even when things start getting really dark. The clean, well-drawn art. The badass action sequences. The absolutely whacked-out ending and origin of the demons that still somehow makes sense when taking the whole work into account (...for the most part, it's not without its flaws). But particularly the characters--Icharacters—I care about those characters so much it almost hurts. (Of course, I'm talking about the manga. The anime is decent, but pales in comparison, but those complaints aren't for this page.)

* ''[[Gankutsuou]]''. Sure it's just ''[[The Count of Monte Cristo (novel)|The Count of Monte Cristo]]'' [[Recycled in Space|IN SPACE!!!]], but it somehow manages to do much more with the concept than you would have thought possible. Setting the story in the future could have just been an empty gimmick, but instead it allowed for the animators to do new and interesting things with the plot and the setting (and to push the [[Rule of Cool]] into new extremes!) The series also has characters who are interesting enough to not get overwhelmed by all of the [[Scenery Porn]]--the—the best character of all, being the Count himself who manages to be one of the most darkly fascinating [[Magnificent Bastard|MagnificentBastards]] in all of anime.

* ''[[Vision of Escaflowne]]'' -- it—it could have just been another [[Cliché Storm]], but its good writing, realistic characters, and sumptuous visuals pushes this into at ''least'' one of the top 5 anime series of all time. (And the music. Ohhhh, the ''music''... Yoko Kanno is a goddess....)

*** Indeed, Most of modern [[Shonen]] [[Anime]]/[[Manga]] have been inspired by this series in one way or another. One could call it one of the [[Trope Codifier|Trope Codifiers]]s of the genre.

** A special mention has to be given to ''[[Dragonball Z Kai]]''. Take out all the ''filler'' (and therefore nearly all of the show's flaws) and you are left with the greatest action-adventure anime/manga of all time. Nearly 20 years since debut, no anime has ever had as much passion, adrenaline and all-around fun as this series. Its sheer originality and influence on anime/manga has yet to be duplicated by anything else since (only ''[[Evangelion]]'' rivals it in those categories.), and along with ''[[Saint Seiya]]'' it remains one the two biggest [[Trope Codifier|Trope Codifiers]]s for the [[Shonen]].

* [[Wolf's Rain]] needs more love. It's gritty and epic and incredibly awesome, and the one anime that rendered me ''mentally catatonic'' after its [[Downer Ending|depressing but awesome ending]]. You can't go wrong when everyone in the main cast is a fricking ''badass.'' I'm including the humans, too--theytoo—they may be obviously outshone by the wolves, but how many people have the guts to even TRY keeping up?

** '[[Ranma ½]] is one of my favourite shows. [[Martial Arts and Crafts]] left right and centre, an excellent diverse cast, an amazingly cool urban fantasy setting and some of most interesting relationships ever. The [[TakahashiBelligerent CoupleSexual Tension|couple]] are also so... Dynamicdynamic while being so well meant for each other, that I'm not sure any other romance could top them. People acting stupidly, destroing things and making almost all their fight both ridiculous and epic. The [[Gender Bender]] part is also well done, but there's so much else going on that this show is always fun to watch.

* I absolutely love ''[[YotsubatoYotsuba&!]]''. The quirkiness of the characters, the excitement Yotsuba expresses when she discovers something new... it's like experiencing childlike innocence all over again.

** This troper is pretty sure that if Yotsuba were a real little girl, world peace would occur right then and there, the moment she popped into existance. She would give a half-wilted dandelion to a horrible dictator, say, "Enjoy everything!" and walk off acting like an airplane and singing. He would "awwww" so deeply, [[How the Grinch Stole Christmas! (novel)|his heart would grow three sizes]], he'd call off every war or imposition he'd ever made, free the wrongly-imprisoned, and start giving out puppies. Air-lift her to the next country with issues, lather, rinse, repeat. In fact, I'm starting to think this is a pretty good strategy. Yotsuba Not Bombs, anyone?

** Yotsuba (and ''[[Persona 4]]'') MADE ME an optimist. I was a pessimist before I read Yotsubato''Yotsuba&!'', and I am now a full, cheerful, skipping optimist.

*** Regarding the comment directly above; it's ridiculous, but some people dismiss ''YotsubatoYotsuba&!'' as "boring lolicon crap" (yes, I seriously saw someone on a forum saying that). I have just one thing to say about this kind of thinking (using another quote from someone on the same forum) -- "If you have a perverted mind, even the most innocent event can be twisted to represent something repulsive".

** But to get back to gushing -- ''YotsubatoYotsuba&!'' is pure gold. There are no cliche tsunderes / yanderes / lolis / big-breasted girls (and the absurdly perverted men who pursue them) in this story. It's so simple, cute and innocent - full of child-like idealism and yet not the least bit sickening or annoying. 11 volumes and still going, with never a ''single page'' of dullness or cliche. I've read every chapter 3 times (I usually only read any story once, even if I like it), and all scanlated volumes are stored on my computer for another read whenever the real world gets me down and I require something to calm myself. To quote a comment from [http://www.mangaupdates.com/series.html?id=5 this page]; "People contemplating suicide should seriously consider reading this before they do anything drastic. Because it just might cause them to change their minds".

* ''[[Outlaw Star]]''. This Troper grew up on [[Macekre|Macekred]]d dubs, and was determined to find the originals after learning that those shows I loved so much sucked compared to their original versions. It's been nearly a decade, and I'm still determined to find out what I missed.

* This troper really liked ''[[Darker Thanthan Black]]'' and wishes another season would be made (although difficult given the series' ending). It has competent (often [[Badass]]) and sympathetic characters and makes one of the best uses of the "[[X-Men]]" [[Fantastic Aesop]].

** How awesome is ''[[Darker Thanthan Black]]'', exactly? Why, enough that the second series seems to feature a previously unheard of 13-year-old girl as the protagonist ''and it still looks awesome''.

** How awesome is ''[[Darker Thanthan Black]]''? If you do not know how to use your powers, you can GTFO. If you can reality warp the area around your body, you had better put your powers to better use than only summoning a ''shotgun and twin swords.'' If you know how to use your powers, come and stay. If you have pyrokinesis, you will use it to spontaneously ignite people. If you have ice powers, you will not use it to make the "ice block around a person" gimmick, you will use it to ''freeze the blood of their veins.'' And if {{spoiler|you have the power to "change structures on an atomic level, you won't be changing bullets into rubber, or some of the more immediate effects that come into mind- no, you'll be altering a particle stream on your very first go.}}

* ''The [[Kurosagi Corpse Delivery Service]]'' deserves to be better known,if only for reviving some old tropes and making them fresh again. The [[Monster of the Week]], the [[Five-Man Band]] and nearly all the [[Horror Tropes|tropes associated with horror]] are passed through the [[Widget Series]] mangler to give something that's creepy,funny,[[Squick|squickysquick]]y ''and'' uniquely Japanese. Coupled with superlative art (no [[Barbie Doll Anatomy]] here) and '''the''' best translation [[User:Ack Sed|this troper]] has ever read,it's no wonder it's on his list of "Possible [[Gateway Series|Gateway Manga]] for recommending to non-fans".

** Strongly thirded. Living in a small town, finding anything besides major releases in video stores before Netflix, especially anime, was tough if not impossible. The number of great series and movies I've watched since joining Netflix has been worth it all by itself. Now with the advent of streaming... currently watching ''[[Clannad (visual novel)|Clannad]]'' this way and just loving it.

* [[This troper]] cannot spread the love for ''[[Jungle wa Itsumo Hale Nochi Haré+Guu]]'' enough--exceptenough—except on this Wiki, apparently, where she can never find things to [[Entry Pimp]] about it. Which is a crying shame--itshame—it's one of the ''funniest,'' most-out-and-out ''surreal,'' and shockingly... ''[[Crowning Moment of Heartwarming|touching]]'' anime ever. It does [[Mood Whiplash]] ''well,'' going from the surreal antics of Hare and Guu to Weda's outright tragic backstory. She considers the final line of the TV run to be one of the most beautiful things in all film and TV ''period.''

* ''[[Potemayo]]'' is like nothing else. Imagine if [[YotsubatoYotsuba&!|Yotsuba]], [[Azumanga Daioh|Osaka]] and [[Shakugan no Shana|Shana]] were genetically spliced with a cat... and the result was a foot high and unbearably cute. Do the same splice again,this time using Sakaki and [[Suzumiya Haruhi|Asakura Ryouko]] as the source and giving her worm-things that fire [[Breath Weapon|laser beams from their mouths]] on the side of her head. Place them both in a [[Puni Plush]] anime series,populate it with gently parodic [[Anime Character Types]] and introduce them to the big,confusing world. Have [[The Stoic]] as the oblivious [[Love Interest]] of both the moe-blob and a [[Shrinking Violet]]. Sprinkle with [[Ho Yay]] and [[Parental Bonus]]-style humour. Strain through the pure essences of Japan. Now you're close to the twelve episodes of charm,joy and just plain [[Widget Series|"Wait,]]''[[Widget Series|what]]''[[Widget Series|?"-ness]] of Potemayo. Caveat: the last episode. [[Tear Jerker|Bring tissues]].

** This troper would like to say that the ''Advanced Generation'' series had great character interactions and he personally loved seeing May/Haruka get [[Rescued Fromfrom the Scrappy Heap]] to become one of the most dynamic characters on the series. The memorable [[Crowning Moment of Heartwarming]] scenes stand firmly in this troper's mind. ''Diamond and Pearl'' also seems to have gotten a lot of praise, but alas this troper hasn't watched enough of it.

* ''[[Kirby: ofRight theBack Starsat Ya!]]'', AKA the [[Kirby]] anime, is the cutest thing ever produced by human beings. I mean, just... Poyo! Also, the anime version of Dedede is so lovably evil, and his laugh is probably the second best done [[Evil Laugh]] ever.

* Despite my doubts about where the series is heading now...what it boils down to is that nothing will ever convince me that ''Eyeshield21'' isn't the best shounen manga currently running. The new setting, the thrilling suspense--itsuspense—it manages to take what's almost a [[Foregone Conclusion]] and make it dramatic and exciting, and it's full of wonderful character development. The characters really shine in this show, and it avoids being exceptionally heavy-handed. The pacing is quite good and the emotional moments really are that. It's wonderful.

** New "robot test:" go through the entire series and try to not cry with the Devil Bats when they lose. Heck, or any team that loses. You tired of [[Boring Invincible Hero|Boring Invincible Heroes]]es? Get in on this.

** This is certainly AMAZING at least. only one thing I hate about it is the dub, but that's irrelevant compared to the plot, characters, insanity, betrayals, and, of course, bloody murders that happen over and over that leaves you guessing-- Whoguessing—Who will survive ''this'' time?

* ''[[Axis Powers Hetalia]]'', in all its flaws, is awesome. Nothing ever managed to make this troper laugh so hard. The [[Ho Yay]] is a plus, too; all the [[Official Couple|Official Couples]]s manage to make this troper either giggle or go 'Aaaawwww, they're so cute.'

* ''[[Tenchi Muyo!]]''. All of it. Ryo-Ohki, Universe, even Tokyo. To say nothing of the two spin-offs, and the spin-off-off. It's been about 15 years or more since I first saw it and I still obsess about this show. The characters get into your heart and never leave, much like the girls do in tenchi's house. The action and scale of the superpowers are truely mind-blowing in a way I've never seen done right, before or since. And they're almost completely irrelevent since the major plots all focuses on this little house on a tiny island on an insignificant backwater little world. Love, drama, carrots, it's all here, whenever you want it, or even if you don't. And then there's Sasami. Oh good gods, Sasami... I'm sorry if lolicon [[Squick|squickssquick]]s you out, but I absolutely love that little girl, with all my heart. She is everything that's right with the franchise. I could go on, and in my head I certainly will, but I think you get the point...

* Everything sane in me should send red flags at the mention of ''[[Angel Sanctuary]]'' as anything but a glorified, incestuous soap opera, with [[Creepy Crosses]] and a metric ton of [[Ho Yay]] added in for flavoring. But the fact that you're forced into rooting for the characters, as over-the top and occasionally [[Wangst|Wangsty]]y as they end up, makes me tear up everytime I reread the last volumes. I'm not going to call the series brilliant and I'm not going to call it groundbreaking--butgroundbreaking—but there is a spark to that series that pulls at your heartstrings. Even as people make melodramatic declarations of love.

** [[Digimon]] was amazing--itamazing—it's what got me into anime as a kid. It really shows that kids can handle occasionally dark plotlines and character development. I'd love to see more children's shows on either side of the Pacific follow its example.

* This troper absolutely adores ''[[Aria (manga)|Aria]]''. After I got my new computer and needed some new anime to fill it up, I browsed the "best rated" list at Anime News Network, and stumbled across Origination. It was 13 episodes, so decided to give it a shot, not downloading the other two seasons on the mistaken impression that it was a prequel (it's called "Origination," after all...) The first episode confused me a little, and it took a while to figure out where President Aria's eyes were, but the pace was kind of refreshing. When I went on to watch the second episode, its beauty and warmth convinced me to finish watching. Then I saw episode 9. Oh. My. God. It was so incredible. I got the rest of the series off bittorrent immediately after watching that episode, and watched from the beginning. When it came time to re-watch the portion of Origination I'd already seen, it was like a completely new experience. Then I got to the ending. It was just so well-done and emotional, I cried out of happiness so much that morning. I then got the soundtrack and rewatched a few episodes after listening to it for a bit. It's even better!

** You're by far not alone. The Internets are filled with gushing reviews of this series. Kozue Amano, the maker of the original manga, is a goddess! And she does it again with ''[[Amanchu!]]''. So much talent should be a crime!

** The satire in this is pure gold. Smart, witty, scathing, and above all, ''so true'' - regardless of where you live or what you do. Oftentimes I've realized that something I regularly do or think is being made fun of and insulted, but I cannot bring myself to feel annoyed; I only find myself nodding and agreeing with the mangaka. And the characters are fun personified -- hilariouslypersonified—hilariously twisted and mentally unstable (most of them could do with a good long stint in a psychiatry ward), but indispensable for the flawless delivery of this extremely wacky storyline. I recommend checking out the manga as well. It's even better than the anime, and of course explores a much wider range of subjects.

* The FUNimation dub of ''[[Crayon Shin Chan-chan]]'' is [[Gag Dub|gag dubbing]]bing done right. Take note, [[Abridged Series]] writers.

* [[Dead leavesLeaves]] is quite possibly the best 45 minute movie this troper has ever watched. The crazy art style, the amazing character designs. Even the odd story line is pure crack.

* [[Keroro Gunso]], other wiseotherwise known as 'The Invader Zim anime' (No, they STILL haven't made a IZ anime, but this is much better) This troper loves anti heros who try to take over the world, but the strong cast, and character interactions make it my favorite. It's also pure love for those of us who are into [[Mars Needs Women]].

** This troperstroper's friend got into and I followed suit. This anime is simply wonderful and just downright funny in so many ways. The charaters are so lovible and it never fails to put a smile on my face!

** Knowing full well where it falls on the [[Sliding Scale of Idealism Versus Cynicism]], I still massively enjoy reading and watching ''[[Monster (manga)|Monster]]''. I actually care about the characters and what happens to them-- eventhem—even Johan. The plot is cool, the huge amount of detail put into character design floors me every time, and I'm constantly recommending it to people.

* ''[[Twentieth Century Boys|20th Century Boys]]'' is incredible. Written by Naoki "Monster" Urasawa, it's an incredible plot that slowly unfolds, with each reveal drawing you in more and more and you never know where it'll go next. Incredible cast, such amazing tension and at times, incredibly heartwarming or completely frightening moments. A must-read, with one of the best written dystopia stories in manga history.

* ''[[MaiMy-HiME]]'' is simply brilliant. It suckers you in with interesting, sympathetic characters and excellent comedy, and then {{spoiler|[[Tear Jerker|turns]] [[There Can Only Be One|this]] [[Anyone Can Die|completely]] [[Break the Cutie|on]] [[Wham! Episode|its]] [[Growing the Beard|head]] for the Carnival arc}}. That and Miyu is just plain [[Badass]]. The only downside is the (very stupid) fourth episode and {{spoiler|[[Fanon Discontinuity|the utterly mishandled last episode]] ;_;}}, but the rest of the series more than makes up for it.

** ''[[MaiMy-HiME]]'' is the absolute pinnacle of everything a great anime should be: stunning visuals, beautiful and haunting music, excellent characters and humour, a varied and fascinating world that combines elements of familiarity and mystery, with an atmosphere of intrigue and ancient secrets... this troper was so hooked he finished it in under 72 hours. Also -- itAlso—it is the most emotionally powerful anime I've seen. The first [[Wham! Episode]] left me utterly reeling, I was reduced to tears more than once, and the ending of the first story arc was so full of awesome that part of me felt I might as well go home, there couldn't be any more to see. [[Serial Escalation|And it only got more awesome from there.]] When it came to the actual final ending I could hardly see the screen through my tears; no [[Fanon Discontinuity]] there for me.

** I'll be fair: ''Weiss Kreuz'' has inconsistent and frequently low-quality animation, plot holes, and moments of sheer ridiculousness. But it does boast meticulous character development and, at least in the original Japanese, top-notch voice acting from a collection of the best seiyuu in the business, and for that alone shouldn't be dismissed out of hand. The cast members act the ''hell'' out of every scene, to the point that it can make you wonder what they're ''doing'' to those poor guys in the recording booths. Even the sequel series, often accused of [[Character Derailment]], actually continues gradual development begun in the first season - too bad that most of it plays out in [[Radio Drama|Radio Dramas]]s not easily available to western audiences.

** People can call [[Yuu Watase]]'s works hentai all they want, but her beautifully-structured plots and well-developed characters trample on this accusation anytime. I--once I had gotten past childhood, which we all know is a period during which kids' emotions are easily controlled--nevercontrolled—never cried serious tears over anything fictional before ''[[Fushigi Yuugi]]'', and my imagination burst at the seams when I was introduced to it. No negative comment about this series, and no anime in the past, present or future, can ever deviate me from ''[[Fushigi Yuugi]]''.

** I completely second that. I got into the manga literally right when the anime started, having no idea that there was an anime, and I literally [[Squee|Squeed]]d when I found out about the anime. At least I was already a [[Yuri Fangirl]] when I started out...

** Aww, as I neared the bottom of the page I wasn't sure whether I'd rather it be mentioned already or I be the first. But yes, you've hit the nail exactly on the head -- ithead—it's the characters, above all, that make it such a wonderful series. And the way they go through so much and still keep fighting -- howfighting—how can that not inspire you to do the same? And I love the depth and detail given to their everyday lives; it makes them into real people and not just magical girls.

** I still look up to the Senshi, if only because their portrayal as buttkicking [[Action GirlsGirl]]s was an inspiration. And the fact that they do it all [[Magic Skirt|in skirts]] was my proof that you could beat back demons and still be feminine.

** <s>FOOL! Only [[Soul Eater]] can have characters as powerful, amazing, invincible, godlike, and modest like '''''EXCALIBUR!!!'''''</s> [[Soul Eater]] is just pure awesomeness with a side of [[Badass]]. I hope that [[Soul Eater Not!]]! will add to the awesomness and show some of the lesser seen characters more.

** I LOVE the way it manages to take the old "dark ancient militaristic organization fights to save world from family of villains in a centuries-old struggle" and make it seem new and exciting. The Black Order is also surprisingly deep and realistic, with the mix of decent, working people, heroes, [[Complete Monster|Complete Monsters]]s, and religious fanatics you'd expect to find in real life. Overall, it's just a one-of-a-kind series that has this troper squeeing at the release of each new chapter.

** Yes Yes and YES. ''Trigun'' was also a gateway series for me, and also led me to other "superhuman gunslinger"-type series, like [[Hellsing]] and most recently, Yasuhiro Nightow's lesser-known (which REALLY needs mentioning) series, ''[[Gungrave]]''. Mafia Drama, chainsmoking, forbidden technology, love, loyalty, betrayal, family, revenge, big-ass guns...I know people are put off by the sci-fi/zombie fantasy stuff in the later half of the anime but that's how the video game was--anwas—an over-the-top zombie shoot-em-all-and-let-god-sort-em-out kind of game and while it was short, it has STYLE. Brandon/Grave is one the most interesting (and tragic) main characters, as there's really two sides to him--thehim—the relentless, unforgiving killer, but on the other hand he's an incredibly kindhearted, loyal, and selfless man who always puts his friends and loved ones first. I just want to give both Grave and Mika BIG HUGS.

** ''Trigun'' was a gateway series for me too, but one of many. The better part of a decade later, I watched it again, and was blown away by how much of the awesome I had missed the first time -- thetime—the music, the carefully developed mood... and the characters, who in spite of being [[Badass]] are still people you'd like to have as friends. (Except of course for the ones you don't want to share a planet with.) It's kind of my anime comfort food now.

* ''[[Clannad (visual novel)|Clannad]]'': Why is ''[[Clannad (visual novel)|Clannad]]'' not yet here!? The story was just ''absofreakinglutely beautiful'': two people with problems end up turning to each other for help. Other friends are roped in; they help each other, forming [[True Companions]]. The second season could only have awesomeness that changed this troper's view on life and family forever. ''[[Clannad (visual novel)|Clannad]]'' is so much more than a non-violent version of ''[[Higurashi no Naku Koro ni]]'' (no offense to that show; incidentally, it's one of my favorite shows in the horror genre primarily because of the friendship factor) simply because of the fact that, not just does it focus on the [[True Companions]] banding together, but it has two people who really, ''really'' need each other to be whole. When Nagisa {{spoiler|died, Ushio filled the void,}} and it was her doing that the Okazaki family (and everyone else) could live [[Happily Ever After]] (see [[Gainax Ending]]).

** THIRDED. ''[[Clannad (visual novel)|Clannad]]'' is easily this troper's favorite anime. It's gorgeously animated with awesome development of Nagisa and Tomoya's characters and relationship. Seriously, they are the ultimate couple; like someone said earlier, they literally could not live without the other. Not only that, they were a cute couple that struggled through all sorts of hardships but in the end, were still standing together. They made you care about their romance and if you didn't bat an eye at {{spoiler|Nagisa's death}} or {{spoiler|Ushio and Tomoya's true reunion in the field of flowers}}, then you were truly a hardened person. And unlike other anime, they didn't really focus on the negative, '"emo" aspects (like bad pasts, etc.) as much, and actually worked toward making the best of things and overcoming tragedy, especially through the [[Power of Friendship]]. Finally, an anime that's positive!!

* ''[[Zettai Muteki Raijin-Oh]]''. Who says you need [[Gambit Pileup|overly complicated government/organization/whatever conspiracies]], [[Wangst|wangsty teens]] and [[Deus Angst Machina|situations]] to make an awesome show? Not for me at least. I JUST adore the characters, how surprisingly realistic their individual personalities are, and how they interact and given the good old [[Character Development]]. And I adore [[Humongous Mecha|giant robots]] with wings. And as the theme song says...."the [[Power of Love]]/dreams is absolutely invincible...." and as the TV series' ending and penultimate battle in the [[OVA|OVAs]]s add, "[[Love Redeems|redeems]]". All said and done without cheese and [[Narm]]. Character development+ excellent execution+ well-thought, fast-paced mecha action=WIN.

* ''[[Baccano!]]'', where every episode involves cuts to events taking place minutes, days, months or years before or after the scene you were just watching. Combine that with the 1930s, trains, monsters, immortal alchemists, and a whole pack of wacky, lovable characters and you're in for an awesome series. And if that doesn't make you want to check it out, [http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Msg8ypnLqaw the opening sure as hell will.]

** Oh, I am one of the many fans who watched ''[[Baccano!]]'' ''because'' of the OP. In fact, I first started reading the first novel (1930 novel) and just had to watch the anime. After watching the anime, I can say that I love all the characters, I love Ryogo Narita (I like [[Durarara!!]] too) , and I love everything about it. Oh, and I became a Graham Specter Fangirl.

** This troper feels like she's in the thirties whenever she watches ''[[Baccano!]]''. Also to this troper, the show ''feels'' so realistic that at one point she thought that she's ''with'' the cast when they're doing their crazy antics.

* Despite the astounding amount of [[Internet Backdraft]] it has gotten, this troper feels the need to mention [[Umineko no Naku Koro ni]]. Yes, you heard right. The show so openly criticized by the SN readers/players, and called downright horrible by those who've watched the anime as a stand alone. I'd heard about it by one of those bashing reviews, and out of curiosity, had looked it up and started watching it. Granted, it ''is'' filled with [[Narm]] and the main character is the Largest Ham to end all [[Large Ham|Large Hams]]s, but it really doesn't deserve the harsh critique it's getting. The characters are colorful, it takes a little unique spin on the [[Groundhog Day Loop]] setting itself apart from it's predecessor, the [[Narm Charm|Narm is just so outright hilarious]], and Beatrice is possibly the biggest [[Badass]] that this troper has seen by {{spoiler|Dragging the resident [[Large Ham]] out into a crowd with Bernkastel nearby, NAKED AND ON A CHAIN, and then proceeding to whip him around by it.}} And this is coming from a fan of the original sound novel.

* Shock. Shock. Where is ''[[Hikaru no Go]]''? This is the series that makes the least audience-friendly board game in the world DRAMATIC. Brilliantly developed characters, [[Shown Their Work|extensive research]] on the actual game (most board positions are from actual games between pros!), and so realistic in depiction that you forget the essentially supernatural premise. Perhaps the best part is the process of character maturation, both in art and personality, as the story progresses. No series does growing up better than Hikaru no Go. Never was I more overjoyed than the day I discovered the additional manga arc--thougharc—though I'd never have guessed, since the anime ends so naturally (unlike another beloved series, ''[[Rurouni Kenshin]]'').

** ''[[Hikaru no Go]]'' is a story about a board game, but more importantly, it is the story of those who play it. It is about growth, of love, of loss, of losing, and standing to fight again. It is about how the people in your life help you grow, and vice versa. It is about people who choose to dedicate their lives to something larger than them, to a goal they may never reach, and truly, their passion is a sight to behold. The characters are absolutely believable, and the relationships depicted were just incredible. Just...I really don't know how to explain it, be it Sai and Hikaru's relationship, Akira and Hikaru's relationship...what they mean to each other, the way they cherish each other, why they cherish each other...it all transcends the written word. You feel with them, you feel for them, I loved these characters in a way I never have again. And this troper is not exaggerating when she says that writing this made me realise ''just how much'' this series means to me, just how much it has changed my life, and even then she still feels this description is grossly inadequate. I encourage anyone who can do a better job to please step in and tell everyone ''why we love this series so freaking much!''...so anyway, highly recommended.

* Just wanted to throw out my love for ''[[Kidou Tenshi Angelic Layer]]'' since nobody else has yet. Maybe not a mind-blowingly great show, but definitely enjoyable.

* ''[[Sola]]'' is one of this troper's personal favorite anime. The art design and backgrounds of the show are simply gorgeous, as I watch, I constantly end up thinking that they belong in an art museum. The characters are not only memorable, but quite believable. The soundtrack, while simple, is also memorable (I re-watched the series a year after I first saw it and could recall most of the OST). Couple that with a twisting plot, and some truly heartwarming and endearing moments, in only 13 episodes, this is a little series that is truly something great. That much being said, practically no one has seen this series, and although Bandai licenced it, it sadly won't be getting a dub. I'm sure there's a lot of people who just brush it aside as a hentai game adaptation (which it's not), but I'd recommend it to anyone who's just looking for a good story with strong production values all around.

** Seconded. Bleach and Naruto were what got me into anime, but it was ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED|Gundam SEED]]'' ''and'' ''[[Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny|Gundam SEED Destiny]]'' that made me stay. Clever plotting, sympathetic heroes and villains, [[Badass]] combat, and in--inin—in my opinion--didopinion—did the best job of any of the Gundam series of showing the effects of war on kids. And that's not getting into the characters. There isn't a character in this series I don't love in one way or another, whether for being a great person, for being a total monster I could love to hate, or something in between. The multiple points of view, the [[Grey and Gray Morality]] (and in the case of Seed Destiny, white and grey and black morality) all made both shows fascinating for me, and the reason I'm still watching anime. I've discovered many more since then, but Seed and Seed Destiny will always be my favourites.

* The fact that [[Beck]] hasn't yet been mentioned on this page, and is in fact woefully underdeveloped in terms of support all over the site, makes me sad. Simply put, Beck is probably my favorite series of the past five years, at least in part because it's so very, very unassuming. No giant robots, no super-deformed humor, no magic, no absurd relationships between characters that neither will ever admit, none of that crap. It does what it does, youth drama with romance and friendship and bullying all woven through with the power of great music, and does it really, really well. Slice of life anime with a great climax? Not since [[Kiki's Delivery Service|Kiki]] has it been done so well, and never since. But the characters are what really make it. Everyone acts like a normal person, and the illusion of deep characterization is so pervasive that I had to watch the anime three times to realize that, actually, it really WAS just an illusion. The coming-of-age story is masterful, the bonding of the band members {{spoiler|and their breakup and reformation}} is wonderful, and... well, I think Maho and Koyuki have the single best-written romance EVER. Seriously, it's incredible. The style is nothing to scoff at either. The art is very unique, but not in a strange way like [[Studio Shaft]] or [[Kaiba]], just in its realism and its very, very low-key nature. The atmosphere and sound effects are never anything less that functional, and that's all they ever need to be, because we have the MUSIC. Oh my dear sweet Jesus, the music... Anyway, I've gone on long enough, but the last thing I have to say is that this is one of precisely three anime (the others being [[Cowboy Bebop]] and [[Baccano!]]) that I categorically refuse to watch subtitled. The dub is just far, far too good, and it's the icing on the dense, small, incredibly tasting cake that is Beck.

* I will admit that I'm NOT surprised that ''[[Bobobobo Bobobo-Bo Bo-bobo]]'' hasn't gotten any gushing yet. For a series that was on CN for its entire run, it's vastly underappreciated and bashed unjustly. But consider this: It an [[Affectionate Parody]] of anime ITSELF, concentrated into a 76-episode series, mocking every part of every genre. In reality, it's like the /b/ of anime, and I love it. The English VA casting is surprisingly well done, with each character's personality shining through immediately. But more than that, for me and the many fans I've spoken to, this show is escapism in hilarity, [[Crazy Awesome]] [[Sweet Dreams Fuel]] with enough utterly lovable characters to fuel my Perverse Asexual Cuddlelust into the end of time. Not to mention it has one of the friendliest fanbases I've EVER seen, probably due to the nature of the show. It's not brilliant, it's not the "greatest anime of all time", but it's genuinely bizarre and bizarrely genuine. To anyone who ever watched five minutes of the show and dismissed it (ALL SIX THOUSAND OF YOU), I suggest you give it another try.

** Then go read ''[[Virgin Night]]'' and ''[[Ai-Ren]]'' by the same author, [[Tanaka Yutaka]], and feel it all even more. When you are done with those, follow ''[[Mimia Hime-hime]]'' for something that is quickly evolving into an epic fairy tale of transcendanttranscendent beauty.

* ''[[Pumpkin Scissors]]''. This troper, possibly because it reminds her of ''[[Fullmetal Alchemist]]'', LOVES this series to death. She enjoys the reversal in gender roles when concerning the main characters, Alice and Randel. Normally, the guy is very distant if he has a [[Dark Mysterious Past]], sometimes bordering on Badass *cough*Sasuke*cough* where as the girl is very naive, weak, and far too cheerful to bear. Or it goes to the opposite extreme and the guy is rambunctious and possibly THE most annoying character on the program and the girl is a [[Shrinking Violet]] or a Tsundere. Alice is reasonably well fleshed out, she's not just there to be the [[Genki Girl]], she's there to be the LEADER. She's not eye candy, she's very much a person with flaws and strong feelings of justice even though she sometimes is naive about it. Randel fits the idea of [[Dark Mysterious Past]] to a T, however, he doesn't let it make him bitter and angry with the world. He's a [[Gentle Giant]] and when he turns on his lantern, that's when he's the definition of Badass. He, like Alice, is also portrayed as a very human character, plagued by nightmares of his past and genuinely not taking too much pride in what he has done. Randel, unlike other anime/manga men of his kind, is the one who seems to need Alice more than Alice needs him. This is what I meant earlier by gender role reversal. They respect one another as (somewhat) equals. This troper truly appreciates that in the two core characters.

* I really like ''[[Nichijou]]''. It's the first anime in years I've been able to actually enjoy--theenjoy—the last one being ''[[Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha AsA's|Nanoha A's]]'' released in 2007, but that's not here nor there--duethere—due to it being:

* ''[[Eve no Jikan]]'' was a very short series, but it resonated in this troper's heart long after the last scene had ended. It takes a fascinating new look at the possibilities of A.I., and pours a lot of heart into its surprisingly believable characters and their various circumstances. Although it does have a strong [[Humans Are Bastardsthe Real Monsters]] undertone, it nonetheless comes together as an optimistic and hopeful piece. It definitely deserves a sequel, because honestly, it's too good of a story to just leave hanging.

* For having [[Awesomeness Withdrawal]] on it's page, it's would be surprising not to see any love for ''[[Shinryaku! IkaSquid MusumeGirl]]'' on here. The hilarious hijinks of our squid girl [[Villain Protagonist]] may not be get her any close to her invasion of the surface world, but she definitely succeeds in invading the hearts of all who enjoy the series. This troper cannot be happier that [[Media Blasters]] is licensing the series, AND a second season is on the way in Japan.

* ''[[One Outs]]'' is the one sports anime/manga that not only failed to put me to sleep, but actually managed to keep me on the edge of my seat at least once (and usually more than once) every single episode/chapter. It's effectively Mind Play on top of [[Xanatos Gambit]] on top of [[Batman Gambit]] on top of [[Xanatos Speed Chess]], with the baseball-playing as a catalyst for incredibly high-stakes gambling. The protagonist, Toua, is one of the most arrogant, brilliant, [[Magnificent Bastard]] [[Chessmaster|Chessmasters]]s I've ever encountered, and he always comes up with innovative strategies to defeat his opponents...or conversely, to deceive his teammates into defeating his opponents (and yes, that last bit [[Makes Sense in Context]], I promise).

* [[Fan Service]] anime with quite some heavy plot, interesting characters that develop themselves and subvert conventional harem tropes [[Mind Screw|while STILL managing to play up the harem part]]? A whole load of [[Magical Girlfriend]] including loli twins and a [[Cute Ghost Girl]]? Nope, I'm not talking about [[Mahou Sensei Negima]]. I'm talking about [[To Love LOVE-Ru]] of all things. For all the bad things said about this story, you have a main character who is honestly in love with the female lead(s) and genuinely nice towards everyone, who develops from angsty brat to capable fighter, readying himself to become the new emperor of the galaxy (maybe) while one of his female friends manages the task to build his harem (indifferent of his opinion obviously). This is a story that manages to delve itself into deep questions like "Is it better to get engaged with someone and serve only society or choose for yourself even ignoring what your parents wish?" (Lala) next to having a girl [[Going Commando]] because another girl accidentially destroyed her panties. [[Captain Obvious|And there is a lot of]] [[Fan Service]].

** ''[[Turn A Gundam (Anime)|Turn a Gundam]]'': Now I'm really gonna gush. Turn A to me, is beauty in Anime form. Beautiful characters, [[Crowning Music of Awesome|music]], [[Awesome Art|animation, art]], choreography, story, technology, costumes, settings, etc. You name it, is a wonder to behold. This series also holds to my philosophy of accepting the series that have come before and the ones yet to come.