An Anime Critic's Personal Favorite Anime Titles

Since I began writing anime reviews for online publications like The Escapist, people often ask me, "Given the number of anime titles you rag on for being mediocre, what are the qualities you look for in a good anime series?" Actually, no one has ever asked me that. People usually ask me mundane questions like "Do you want fries with that?" or "Spare some change?" But it is a question I would like to be asked, so I am going to answer it. Anime is, if nothing else, an illustrated story, so I mainly look for anime that can tell a wonderful story that holds maintains interest with characters as they develop.

Those unfamiliar with anime tend to say all titles look alike and they have good reason. Thanks to Cartoon Network and the Internet, viewers have access to many anime shows but want more. This in turn drives up demand for more shows than anime distributors are willing to supply. But acquiring the rights to new titles and translating them for the English speaking market is an expensive and time consuming process. So to turn a profit, distributors tend to pick up titles that have similar plots, characters, and genres that are already a success in the US market. This results in many tiles looking alike with bombardments of action sequences, large breasted girls, and other things to exploit with marketing. So amid the sea of supercilious bad-asses engaged in battle with other supercilious bad-asses that span countless episodes, here are the few treasures worth watching that span several areas. Duly note the lack of Naruto and Bleach.

Action Adventure: JoJo's Bizarre Adventure

Probably the most common genre of anime, its simple premise is a bunch of guys beating up another bunch of guys whether using guns, swords, bare fists, or other means. Simple guy thinking reigns supreme where strength and strategy combine with spectacular fight scenes to distinguish itself from the other action adventures.

Jojo's Bizarre Adventures lives up to its title as JoJo and his group of allies take a bizarre adventure to Egypt to beat up the evil Dio and his group of allies. What sets it apart from other action adventure anime is the lack of training or powering up the episodes involve. Most of it is triumph through physical strength or mental prowess. The series shows off its quirky artwork and action elements through the supernatural powers each character possesses. Each character features a Stand, which is a metaphysical manifestation of their abilities that is only visible to fellow Stand users. These Stands explain the paranormal activities that non-Stand users witness like telekinesis. This adds a new dimension to the story. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure was even mentioned as Hiro Nakamura's hero during the first season of the television series Heroes when it was still good.

Dramatic Storytelling: NOIR

Like other forms of media, a good anime tells a story. A good story puts setting, tone, plot, and characters into one package and guides the viewer to its conclusion. All anime attempt this, but very few are able to keep a tight package that does not fall apart with senseless filler episodes.

NOIR plays like a film noir story. Two female assassins work through 26 episodes untangling the criminal underworld and their connection to each other. As the body count rises while the tangled web of the Soldats organization unravels, the characters develop their past and their relationships. When everything falls into place, the climax can only be seen to believed. The story hooks the viewer in and sends them on a marvelous ride.

Comedy: Azumanga Daioh

Contemporary anime set in high school is a popular genre for anime fans as viewers watch the cute high school girl characters interact and mature until graduation. The comedy is easy to relate to as people are able to associate themselves with one of the many school characters in the series.

Out of the several titles in this genre, Azmumanga Daioh is one of the best ones out there. The entire series has a Seinfeld feel since it feels like the show is about nothing. With a minimalistic plot of simply watching the ensemble cast progress through high school up to graduation, the series focuses on the witty dialogue, believable interactions, and astute observations within themselves and society. It is well written and the characters are believable. Amid the giant robots and ninjas in anime, Azumanga Daioh stands out by having none of those elements. It is easier for non-anime fans to understand and watch since it is more grounded in reality. It does not rely on the in-jokes of the anime community, which was a weakness of the similarly set Lucky Star.

Science Fiction: Cowboy Bebop

Imagination is an important component in anime and science fiction is one of the best ways to express one's imagination whether set in space, the future, the past, or any fictional locale.

Part of the space cowboy genre, Cowboy Bebop turns outer space into the wild west where bounty hunters bring justice across the universe. Bebop stands out with its well-developed characters and its episodes that each play like a jazzy improv session. Check my detailed article here for more information before Keanu Reeves turns it into the live action movie.

Old-School Classic: Lupin the 3rd

While new anime titles pop out of the woodwork with each new announcement from the anime distributors, some older fans want to go back to classic anime about a gentleman thief descended from the French thief Arsene Lupin from Maurice LeBlanc.

Lupin the 3rd has been around since the 70s and its mix of action and humor makes it just as good today as it was back in the day. The characters are classics often referenced to in current anime. With Lupin specials still being produced in Japan, Americans can pick up the older movies or the updated English dub of the TV series. It is an excellent series that is bound to surprise.

Romance: Peach Girl

Anime can stir several emotions and romance is no exception. But my library is deprived of romance anime, so I will defer to my friend Ten, who recommends Peach Girl for its drama, plot twists, and capabilities as a tearjerker.

Wild Card: Baccano!

Some anime titles stretch across several genres. Baccano! blends action, comedy, and romance into a smooth concoction. Throw in a wonderful ensemble cast whose actions affect everyone in the series and a jumbled up story timeline to keep things interesting in this loud ruckus of an anime. Spanning from the 17th century to the 1930s with a visit to 2001, the story features thieves, mafia families, a great train heist, and even immortal alchemists, Baccano! is a wild ride that is better seen than described.

My list of favorite anime may differ from others and omit a few genres, so I am very open to hearing what others think or consider as their favorites. The aforementioned anime titles are appropriate for teenage audiences or older. Most titles are available online.