Looks like I finally got around to making a list of Favorite Anime Series. I went with top 5 because most of these have been pretty set for some time and I'll be hard pressed to come across an anime that can knock them out of their respective places :). Anyway I hope you enjoy and maybe discover a new great anime in the process. The Synopsis (stuff in quotations) are taken from anime-planet.com.
5. Ergo Proxy/Witch Hunter Robin - Ok so I cheated, but just a little. I actually couldn't decide between the two which should take the number 5 spot so they get to share it. I figure it's ok since they where made by the same person. :P both animes have a similar feel to them with Ergo Proxy being more abstract and Witch Hunter Robin being more predictable. however both are great with well written stories/dialog and offer something a little different. whether it be their more philosophical nature or fantastically designed characters and setting and plot.
Ergo Proxy Synopsis: "In a futuristic world almost barren of life, mankind is confined to mechanized domed cities where A.I.'s control all aspects of life. In this world, humans are no longer born, they are manufactured in a production line; and alongside them live androids known as autoreivs. Within one of these domed sanctuaries named Romdeau lives Re-l Mayer, one of a few citizens who aren't entirely prevented from thinking. Her grandfather's prominent position and the affection of the scientist Daedalus have left her more free will than is normally allowed, but Re-l has started to question the sanctity of the city and the citizens' perfect way of life. With mysterious beings known as proxies causing havoc and a man named Vincent causing great influence on her life, Re-l must travel outside of the city to find the answers she seeks and discover the mystery behind 'the awakening'."
Witch Hunter Robin Synopsis: "STN is a secret organization charged with capturing witches of all ages who misuse their inate ability of the Craft. Its newest recruit is a young girl named Robin, who wields the same power that she is helping to control. While skillful at their ability to detain quickly, the number of witches keeps seeming to increase, and the misuse of power grows stronger, casting a shadow of doubt as to what is really going on. For STN, there is much work ahead, and for Robin, her troubles are just beginning..."
4. Serial Experiments Lain - "'I have only abandoned my body, I still live here' - are the words emailed to friends of Chisa, several days after her death by suicide. As Lain delves deeper into the world of the "Wired" (also known as the internet), the line between it and reality becomes more and more unclear. Close the world, open the nExt."
I've never been so confused watching an anime as I have been with Lain. even after watching it multiple times and thinking I know whats going on I'm still not completely sure myself. It might be one of the reasons I like it, as well. that and its terrific ambiance given both by the sound and animation as well as it's slow pace.
3. Mushi-shi - "It isn't unusual for a person to feel that the world around them is strange and has unexpected secrets lying just beyond their sight. However, for most people this is just an occasional sensation that greets them upon awakening or chases them into sleep. For the mushi researcher Ginko, it isn't a feeling at all; it is a knowledge which guides his travels and motivates his life. Found in the cracks between what is conceivable and what is not, are the varied life forms collectively known as mushi. They surround us and affect us, but their intensely different nature makes them unrecognizable to most. Ginko brings these life forms into perspective for the lives of those most affected and most in need of an explanation."
Mushi-shi is another slow paced anime, but it's not as heavy or serious as Lain, and for some reason just makes me happy when I watch it. I love Ginko and his detached, unbiased, unprejudiced attitude. there is also alot about him that isn't revealed strait out and you know this from the first episode you watch. part of the joys of watching each episode is slowly uncovering some of the many facets of his character. Unlike all the other animes on this list this one is pretty episodic.
2. Spice and Wolf - "Since long ago, the wolf goddess Horo has honored a contract to bless the rural village of Pasroe with fertile harvests; and in return she has been celebrated and worshipped by the villagers. But as mankind advances, the people have begun to take command of nature for themselves and have made their own god to worship. Horo finds that she is paid little more than lip service, if not outright mocked; and considering the contract annulled, she takes human form and enlists the aid of a passing merchant, Lawrence, to return to her home in the snowy forests to the north. As they journey together, Lawrence finds that he has plenty to learn from this capricious god, and she from him as well."
Spice and Wolf has a large focus on the relationship between the two lead characters, Horo and Lawrence, and is incredibly unique in the way the series revolves around money and trade. I never thought I'd enjoy an anime that spends so much time discussing money, but I couldn't help but fall in love with the characters and the dynamics they have with each other. It's intelligent without being obvious and is filled with witty dialog. Only one Anime I've watched does it better and only by a sliver.
1. Crest/Banner of the Stars - "In the distant future, mankind has mastered space and spread empires across the galaxy. While many choose to colonize distant planets, others choose to remain amidst the stars, ultimately giving rise to a new brand of humanity known as the Abh. Both genetically and culturally different from their Earth-dwelling peers, the Abh soon find themselves engaged in a bloody war that rages across hundreds of planets and set out to restore peace by means of conquest. Enter Jinto, a nobleman and ambassador of the recently acquired Hyde system whose duty is to represent his peoples' interests and rule on the Abh's behalf. In order to be officially coronated to this position, a cold-but-beautiful Abh princess named Lafiel arrives at Hyde to escort him back to the empire's capital."
The series plays out as a space Opera and does a fantastic job staying focused on and developing the relationship between Jinto and Lafiel while simultaneously unfolding a larger picture of the War in the background that has real consequence to the lead characters. Crest/Banner of the Stars shares a lot in common with Spice in Wolf despite the vast differences in setting. The wit, relationship, and story-driven environments in both of these are a cut above all others and it deliver an intelligent story without being obtuse.
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