×
  • remind me tomorrow
  • remind me next week
  • never remind me
Subscribe to the ANN Newsletter • Wake up every Sunday to a curated list of ANN's most interesting posts of the week. read more
Seen all Rating Comment
3x3 Eyes (OAV) Decent An early 90's illustration of why demon (or partial demon) friends are so high maintenance. Pity poor Jacamo. Pity poor Jacamo's HMO.
8 Man (TV) Excellent This'll date me but I'm taking about the original series and not the remake. The original is very special because it marks a time when (A) the whole concept of transforming robot was being born and (B) this was one of the first dubbed anime series to broadcast in NA. Although hokey and dated by contemporary standards, it still has a compelling story and characters in spite of a hackneyed dub track and script. If you can see the original, even for a historical perspective on anime, do it!
Adieu Galaxy Express 999 (movie) Excellent This is one of those 80's 'classic' anime movies which broke the ice for the genre here in N. A. Artsy, with a poetic, allegorical story line and a lush color pallette, this is a film you'll want to experience at least once, if not more.
Aeon Flux (U.S. TV) Good Poor Aeon, one of the most luckless characters in animation history. I think she actually dies more than Kenny McCormack on South Park.
Akira (movie) Excellent Groundbreaking. I remember when this premiered and it's STILL good. Akira should be in everyone collection.
Android Kikaider - The Animation (TV) Not really good
(The) Animatrix (OAV) Good
Armitage III (OAV) Very good Edgy, well-animated techno-drama with an excellent female lead character. Don't miss this film.
Armored Trooper Votoms (TV) Weak I STILL don't know why I watched this series so diligently for SO many weeks in raw Japanese. Guess I kept waiting for something to happen. SPOILER: It didn't! Unless you really like old creaky mecha series, playing soldier or enjoy banging your head with a hammer, avoid this series.
Astro Boy (TV 1/1963) Very good Like 8th Man, I remembe watching this series the FIRST time around. Although I haven't seen the new version yet, if it's anything like this original, it's a classic, a keeper and a golden moment in anime.
(The) Big O (TV) Good
BioHunter (OAV) Decent Interesting sci-fi about a creepy virus that turns nice, normal people into vile, goo-gobbling demons. Pass the nachos.
Black Jack (OAV) Good Tezuka scores another hit with Black Jack. I liked this a whole lot. It's dark without being morbid, has action without being frantic and offers up some seriously good characters and a compelling story line. Gotta see.
Blood Reign: Curse of the Yoma (OAV) Good The Sengoko Jidai seems to be chock-full-o blood thirsty yokai. If your old temple well, "Way Back Machine", Stargate or old-fashioned Time Tunnel takes you back there, go heavily armed ...
Blue Gender (TV) Decent I never did warm up to this series, but that doesn't mean it isn't good. It is a really good Sci-Fi yarn about the mother of all 'Bug-Hunts.' I think I'd enjoy the unedited version more than the "squeeky clean" suck-up edit Funimation sold to CN AS. My suspicion is that they ruined a very good series attempting to pander to non-existant Bible Thumping Insomniac children which might have been up watching at 12:30/1am.
Blue Seed (TV) Good Hmmm. Shrine girl meets 1/2 demon and saves the world. Sounds like something else? No, this is Blue Seed and this time the cranky 1/2 demon guy is part tree (instead of pinned to one ... that's another story!) and the shrine girl is the classic early-90 anime teen heroine. (I.E. dimwitted, white pantied and whiny with a heart-o-gold.) Oh yeah, there's a romantic triangle with dizty shrine girls twin sister. The villian of the piece is a old-time Japanese god who just wants to change things for the better, even if it means exterminating us nasty old humans. Lots of heavy artiliery, ooze, and gogs of blue mitamas (seeds). Nice to see the formula improved a decade later ...
Blue Seed Beyond (OAV) Not really good I was really disappointed in this OVA series. It spends a lot of time going nowhere fast and the best scene is at the end in the Osen. (But then again, the hot springs + anime = amusement. Too ez.)
Blue Submarine No.6 (OAV) Decent Truly unmemorable. All I can recall is that the series looked good, had lots of little fish people and a very confusing plot line. Perhaps I shouldn't have watched it while drinking.
Bubblegum Crash (OAV) Good The Bubblegum Babes are awesome. I know what the suspicions are, but that aside, this is one sizzling sentai.
Bubblegum Crisis: Tokyo 2040 (TV) Very good More artsy than its prececessor. I love the look and the action is top-notch. I want a motor-slave like Priss'.
Cat Soup (OAV) Excellent Existensial tale of two kitties. Very, very innovative and artsy. It reminded me of something American animator Bill Plimpton might do if HE were Japanese. Don't miss this film, especially if you're an "artsy" otaku!
Comic Party (TV)
Cowboy Bebop (TV) Very good This series is just too much fun. I usually hate detective/intrique anime, but this changed my mind.
Cowboy Bebop: The Movie Excellent Ah Spike, Jet, Faye and especially Ed; you're da bomb. This film is tight, awww-ight and outta sight. If you don't have it in your collection, you're the loser.
Cutie Honey (TV)
Cyber City Oedo 808 (OAV) So-so Decent dectective yarn with lots of hot-looking male characters (but not bishies!) with big, blazing guns. The story ain't bad either. Bit on the "Blade Runner" side, so if you're also into sci-fi anime, you'll like this film, too.
Demon City Shinjuku (OAV) Very good I shouldn't have like this movie, but I did. Gallant young bishie on a bike gets drafted to aid a damsel in distress pedalling his way home from kendo practice. (Geez, and I just stop for an occasional coffee ....) Bit over the top, but sometimes that's the sheer fun of anime.
Dominion Tank Police (OAV) So-so
Dragon Ball Z (TV) Very good It's DZB - what more can I say? One of my favorite all time series. Long on action; strong in schmaltz, questionable character design, chinzy animation and a plot line thinner than cheap rice paper. Still, who cares? The pantheon of great characters that make this a fan favorite.
Dragon Ball Z: Bardock - The Father of Goku (special) Good ditto (I'm liking this!)
Dragon Ball Z: Dead Zone (movie 1) Decent ditto
Dragon Ball Z: The History of Trunks (special) So-so ditto
Dragon Ball Z: The Tree of Might (movie 3) So-so ditto
Earthian (OAV) Awful Yaoi? No. Just Yeow. If these angels are in 'heaven', I'll gladly go the other direction. This short series is so compelling bad you don't know whether to keep watching or go pound your head against the floor.
FLCL (OAV) Decent I was really glad this is a mini-series. My poor brain couldn't have taken any more! Edgy, interesting and obnoxiously loud with a rock score to die for. Definately something for teen and young adult otaku with attitudes and a taste for perverse humor.
Fushigi Yugi (TV) So-so This was just so bad, I couldn't stop watching. What gal wouldn't want a harem of devoted and brain damaged bishie boys willing to fight for her honor against some mythological baddie? Pass the beer or sake. Time to play the "Tammahome" drinking game.
Fushigi Yugi Eikoden (OAV) Weak Just shoot me. Please. Why did I even bother?
Ghost in the Shell (movie) Very good This is one of those anime films which breaks ground, entertains and provokes thought. It's an "Akira" for chicks and I loved it just because that fact. Kushenagai is one of the most intelligent characters I've seen in animation to date and the story is darkly compelling. Don't miss this.
Gigantor (TV 1963) Good
Golden Boy (OAV) Awful The really sad part of the goofy ecchi tour-de-force is that it has all kinds of potential to be a really good series. It they hadn't tried so hard, perhaps over all series wouldn't have needed a dose of Viagra.
Grappler Baki: The Ultimate Fighter (OAV) So-so
Grave of the Fireflies (movie) Masterpiece Could write a book on this beautiful, sad film. Although I firmly believe Ghibli studios is over-rated, this movie at least, earns their animators bragging privilege. This is a historical slice-of-life story about a brother and sister and the devastating effect WWII had upon their young lives. If you're looking for the usual anime fare, forget it. This moving story has a memorable story, characters and some of the most beautiful cinematography I've seen in an animated film. It isn't afraid to pull any punches or tug at your heart strings, either. Keep the tissues handy. Anyone unmoved by this film is a slab or concrete.
(The) Guyver (live-action movie) Awful
Inuyasha (TV) Very good I'm a push over for a bishie boy with a big katanna. Seriously, if you enjoy a historical setting, fantasy and don't mind a story which take's time with plot and character development, tune in. Inu-Yasha may not be groundbreaking anime, but its a solid and engaging "coming of age" series with something for everyone. (Action, humor, romance and sibling rivalry fit for Jerry Springer!) Technically the series has a high level of animation, especially given that it's a weekly production series with 150+ episodes. The EP/OP J-Pop as well as the musical score by Karo Wada is outstanding. Had me hooked in the first 10 minutes.
InuYasha the Movie 2: The Castle Beyond the Looking Glass Excellent Sequel and 2nd film in the Inu-Yasha franchise. Once again, the story stands by itself although it does feature arch villian and Michael Jackson wannabe Naraku. Although #2 is benefits from tighter editing, but the story still meanders due to it's plot line. It's still linear, but be prepared for hop-scotching from character to character at the beginning until the plot comes together in mid-film. Technically, the animation pallette are excellent. (Still working off a slightly different character model, but at least now it's consistent ...). The Japanese cast comes through again with a sensational performance. I won't spoil the rest since he NA dub release is coming later year. My advice; definately check it out and/or add it to your collection.
InuYasha the Movie 3: Swords of an Honorable Ruler Excellent (dub & raw) Christmas came early this year and Santa brought me a wonderful present - Tenka Hado no Ken. Iny-Yasha 1 and 2 are great films but #3 surpasses both - a difficult task for a live action sequel. It's awesome. More comments when it's 'official'.
InuYasha the Movie: Affections Touching Across Time Very good A worthy first effort for the series franchise. A bit long and could have benefited by tighter editing, but this may be a cultural thing on my part. Still a good - stand alone -story. One issue I had to get used to - the movie character models deviate slightly from the series. It's subtle, but has the potential to wierd you out if you're picky about these things. Other than that, the story is engaging, the animation is outstanding and the acting is great. Expecting great things from this film from this August's NA release and dub. Definately worth seeing and worth purchase.
InuYasha: The Tragic Love Song of Destiny (special) Excellent Outstanding. Although I love the series, I was critically impressed with the film editing job, a very satisfying story line and wonderful voice performances by the original cast. Quality job on this episode. A 'don't miss' for series fans and a 'must see' for anime fans in general.
(The) Irresponsible Captain Tylor (OAV) Good
(The) Irresponsible Captain Tylor (TV) Very good Cap't. Justy Tylor and the crew of the Soyu Kaze have to be the most charming, idiotic, and entertaining characters in anime. This quirky space opera never got the recognition it deserved, but I hope somebody reads this and decides to check out the series. It's well worth your time and I don't think you'll be disappointed. Well animated, well acted and the script is a hoot - a dynamic blend of action, humor, and occasionally, pathos. The characters are so fully realized, before you know it, you'll want to enlist despite the horrid Adm. Mifune!
Kiki's Delivery Service (movie) Masterpiece
Kimba the White Lion (TV 1/1965) Good
(The) Legend of Black Heaven (TV) Decent
(The) Legend of the Dog Warriors: The Hakkenden (OAV) Excellent Great story, well acted by both Asian and NA voice actors. The story is the retelling of an old Japanese legend from the feudal area (sense a pattern with me?). The short series does suffer from a case of "too many hands" during production. In thirteen episodes there has to be at least 8 major changes to the over look and style of the series. I thought it was some kind of art thing but, as it turns out, one of the major players in the production suddenly died, leaving the animation staff to twist in the wind. (That's a great story all by itself!). The good thing is that the cast managed to keep it together and their acting consistence saved the project from total ruin. Worth watching for the story and for the interesting change which morph thru the animation process.
Marine Boy (TV) So-so
Mermaid Forest (OAV) Decent
Mermaid Forest (TV) Very good Well, I can't say I didn't NOT like it... But ... The series is a a good adaption of Rumiko Takahashi's Mermaid Forest manga and a much better reworking of the early 90's OVA. However, unlike Takahashi-san's other characters, Yuta and Mara are singularly 'unlovable' characters. At the end of 13 episodes, I didn't care whether they continued to roam Japan looking for Mermaid sashimi or got jobs at Denny's. Beautifully animated and well voiced, I still didn't get any warm fuzzies from this 2nd season of Rumic Theater. Pity, the first season was classic Takahashi and way more fun to watch. Very disappointing particularly since the manga is darkly beautiful.
Metropolis (movie) Very good
Millennium Actress (movie) Excellent This film deserves a spot on the shelf of anyone who thinks of themselve's as an anime fan. Everything about Millennium Actress clicks. Good editing, compelling story, beautiful anthropomorphic character design, great score. Oh, and keep the tissues handy.
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing (TV) Very good
Mobile Suit Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz Special Edition (movie)
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team (OAV) Decent
Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team, Miller's Report (movie) Good
Night Warriors - Darkstalkers' Revenge (OAV) Very good
Patlabor 2: The Movie (movie 2) Very good
Patlabor: The Movie (movie 1) Very good
Peacemaker (TV) Very good
Pet Shop of Horrors (TV)
Planetes (TV) Very good
Pokémon: The First Movie (movie 1) Worst ever
Princess Mononoke (movie) Masterpiece
Princess Rouge (OAV) Not really good
Psycho Diver: Soul Siren (OAV) Very good
Puni Puni Poemy (OAV) Not really good
Robotech (U.S. TV) Very good
Rumiko Takahashi Anthology (TV) Very good
Rurouni Kenshin (TV 1996) Very good
Rurouni Kenshin: Reflection (OAV) Very good
Rurouni Kenshin: The Motion Picture Very good
Sailor Moon (TV) Good
Sailor Moon R (TV) Good
Sailor Moon R: The Movie So-so
Sailor Moon S (TV) Good
Sailor Moon S: The Movie So-so
Sailor Moon SuperS (TV) Good
Sailor Victory (OAV) Weak OHmiGAWD. Ever wonder what would happen if the real Sailor Scouts made it thru puberty, got silicone injections and learned to drive (mecha?). I can't believe the gals in the series can reach the dashboard (or play the accordion) with boobies that huge. I guess you have to be a fan boy to appreciate this drivel. (So happy for big katannas!)
Shadow Skill (OAV) Very good
Shadow Skill 2 (OAV) Very good
(The) Slayers (TV) Good
(The) Slayers Next (TV) Very good
(The) Slayers Try (TV) Good
Sol Bianca (OAV) Decent
Sol Bianca: The Legacy (OAV) Decent
Speed Racer (TV) Very good
Tekken: The Motion Picture (OAV) Awful
Tenchi Forever!: The Movie Weak
Tenchi in Tokyo (TV) Decent
Tenchi the Movie - Tenchi Muyo in Love Good
Tenchi Universe (TV) Decent
Tokyo Babylon (OAV) Good
Tokyo Babylon 2 (OAV) Good
Tokyo Godfathers (movie) Masterpiece Excellent Film. Should be in everyone's collection
Trigun (TV) Good
Urusei Yatsura: Always My Darling (movie 6) Very good
Urusei Yatsura: Beautiful Dreamer (movie 2) Excellent
Urusei Yatsura: Only You (movie 1) Very good
Urusei Yatsura: Remember My Love (movie 3) Good
Vampire Hunter D (OAV) Very good
Voices of a Distant Star (OAV) Excellent
Voltron (TV) So-so
Witch Hunter Robin (TV) Good
Wolf's Rain (TV) Very good
Yu Yu Hakusho: Ghost Files (TV) Very good