Well being a big anime fan in the worse possible way I have seen quite a bit, so after looking at somebody else's page I stole the idea of writing a quick review on the various anime I've seen and liked. This is only my opinion but I will try to be subjective.
3x3 Eyes
I quite liked this series, some nice fight scenes and a halfway decent plot. Plenty of evil spirits and nice characters. I've only seen eps 1-4 but I want to see more.
Aa ! MegamiSama
(Oh My Goddess) Plot Keichi a student tries to order some take out, but gets a wrong number and calls the Goddess help hotline. Goddess Belldandy appears before him to grant him his wish.
Beautiful series which is regarded as a real classic. I thoroughly enjoyed it and would recommend it to anyone. What can I say I'm a softy. The humor is not in your face but it has some nice music and a very sweet plot. Cool characters especially Ootaki sempai. Love that hair.
Akira Plot Scientists attempt to recreate the Akira Project and experiment upon a young biker punk. Things go astray when the punk becomes a superior life form and psychically begins wrecking havok upon Neo-Tokyo
The Classic, what can I say that has not already been said. Glorious animation, very confusing plot and great characters. Gotta love those motorbike fights.
AppleSeed Plot It is a post apocolyptic future and the people who rule it try to create the ultimate utopia. Two police one cybernetically enhanced work to keep order and maintain the fragile utopia that seems determined to crumble around them.
Not that great. I think this had the potential to be a lot better but sadly I thought it fell short of its somewhat impressive reputation. The characters were flat and although the plot was neat I didn't find it very entertaining.
Armitage III: Movie
Again nice plot failed to deliver entertainment wise.
Astroboy Plot A Super Robot tries to gain acceptance from his human peers whilst simultaneously stopping evil robots.
Who can forget Astroboy. You gotta love that machine gun attached to his butt.
Bastard Plot An incredibly powerful Wizard is reborn in the body of a young child. To protect the land he is revived but will he necessarily protect the kingdom.
Interesting series except the magic makes this guy ridiculously powerful and whenever there is a fight you are just waiting for this guy to pull out an even more powerful spell to defeat the bad guys. Has more Heavy Metal references than you can poke a stick at.
Combustible Campus Guardress
Plot Warriors from another dimension invade and attack the local school in order to kill one of the students. The other students are ready for them and fights ensue.
A ridiculous series but is funny in parts. Some O.K fight scenes but the characters are more annoying than anything else.
Dirty Pair
Plot Two sexy agents work together to solve crimes that are beyond the ability of the police
This is a classic and it's obvious why. I have only one question is that suppose to be a cat?
Dominion Tank Police Plot The Mobile Police force are assigned tanks in order to protect the city, but will they do more harm than good?
Good series very funny in parts
D-N-A ^2 Plot Karen chan a DNA operator from 100 years in the future travels back in time to alter the DNA of the Mega Playboy Junta Momonari. Thereby solving a very serious population problem, by removing this mans sex appeal to women.
Fantastic series, very funny. The characters are all fantastic and the humor delivers again and again. It gets a little slow from eps 5-8 but after that it picks up again.
El Hazard Plot Mizuhara Makoto a
High School student, his Sempai , friend and rival are transported to a mysterious world. The Princess Fatora has been kidnapped but by startling coincidence she resembles Mizukara. So Mizuhara is convinced to mascerade as the missing Princess and work to protect the realm from the evil Bugurom, lead by Mizuhara's rival Jinnai.
Very good series, great characters.
Elf wo Karu Mono Tachi (Those Who hunt Elves) A muscle bound martial artist, an actress, a school girl and their Tank are transported to a different world. In order to return they must find 5 female elves with marks somewhere on their bodies. Their tactic is very simple for every female elf they meet force her to take off her clothes.
A strange, strange, strange series. Very good though. It won the award for the best use of a Tank in a medievil setting. ^_^
Fist of the North Star Plot A story set in an apocolyptic future where super strong fighters with frighteningly violent superpowers walk the earth. Ken the Fist of the North Star and his girl friend are determined to redevelop and recultivate the Earth but their enemies have their own agendas.
Funniest and most contrived dialog I have ever heard. The superpowers are just as funny and you cant help but laugh at the violence. The characters are two dimensional and plots not much but this is so bad its good.
Fushigi Yuugi Plot Miaka Yuuki a high school candidate is transported to another world resembling ancient China. There Miaka adopts the role of Suzaku no Miko a priestess who must gather together Seven Warriors or Seishi to aid her in summoning the Peacock god Suzaku.
Utterly brilliant series easily my favorite of all anime I have seen. Its very funny although it does steal humor devices from series such as Ranma and Sailormoon. Starts out as Romantic comedy but in later episode it become shockingly violent. Contains one of the coolest villains ever. Get This!
Gatchaman Plot Special Forces Science Ninja Team Gatchaman defend the Earth from the evil forces of Galactor.
Better known from Sandy Franks "Battle of the Planets" this has been reanimated for the nineties. Unfortunately the plots are recycled from the old series. Although fans of 7 Zark 7 and 1 Rover 1 will be disappointed by their absence in the new series.... Thank God!
Ghost in the Shell Plot Two detectives chase down a supercomputer that has gained self awareness. As they do that they are forced to question the meaning of their own lives.
This is good... but I expected better. Animation is second to none though.
Kiki's delivery service
Plot Kiki a young witch goes out into the world to try and make her mark.
Fantastic movie which can be enjoyed by both young and old.
Legends of The Galactic Heroes
Plot It is the future and the human race have colonised much of the Universe. The Federation of Planets continues its War against The Empire. Two military geniuses rise up through the ranks of the opposing Empires. Yang Wen Li of the Federation a reluctant and eccentric General must counter the military Genius of Reinhard von Lohengramm of the Empire who ultimate goal is to become Emperor and free his sister from the current Emperor.
A very good series but requires your complete attention and you can't afford to miss an episode. More for fans that enjoy political intrigue and the like as there are few impressive martial artists and the politics of love are played down. Not for people looking for quick enjoyable nonsensecal entertainment.
Like the Clouds Like the Wind
Plot A young girl leaves her family to become a concubine for the latest Emperor. She rallies the other concubines when rebellion threatens to overthrow the Emperor.
Another fantastic movie nice animation and fantastic characters.
Lupin III Plot Lupin or the wolf is a master thief who is either hatching some plot to steal something, stealing womens hearts or running from the law.
There is a large series with this guy and his friends but there are also several movies including "The Castle of Cagliasto." and several others
Macross
Plot Hikaru Ikari a stunt pilot is swept up in a war as a race of Giants attack earth and try to retrieve an alien fortress that crash landed 10 years ago. The humans however are ready for them and have repaired said fortress "Macross" and rally to defend the earth from the alien invaders.
Remember the first series of Robotech. Well this is it. Better in some ways worse in others. Nice to see the bits they edited out. As always great Mecha.
Macross 2
Plot The race that controlled the Zentran attack the Earth and counter the Minmei defences. Earths defenses have become somewhat inadequate and so the forces of earth fight to stop the evil invaders from seizing control.
Great Mecha, nice fights, plot sux. Its basically the same as Macross except not as good. Worth watching for the mecha and animation though.
Macross 7
Plot Set about 30 years after the events of Macross and follow Basara a singer who is trying to become the next Lynn Minmai as a new force threatens to seize control of the Macross 7 under the command of Maximillion Genius.
Good series if not somewhat repetitive. Nice to follow the story if only to see what happened to Max and Miriya.
Macross Plus
Plot Isamu Daison a cocky fighter Pilot returns to Planet Eden to become a test pilot. He is reunited with old friends Gold Bowman and Muun But a mysterious event has driven a wedge between the three and Gold and Isamu come to blows on numerous occasions. Meanwhile the manager of the latest Electronic singing sensation Sharon Apple works to develop her artificial intellegence core.
This is FANTASTIC!! The fight scenes are second to none the mecha awesome, the plot brilliant and the characters demonstrate a depth uncommon in Anime. Watch this!
Magical Knights of Rayearth
Plot Three school girls are transported to another world where they each become magical knights.
I didn't like this.
Maison Ikkoku
Plot Follows the misadventures of Yusaku Godai a Ronin as he vies for the affections of Kyoko Otonashi the Manager of his apartment building and a widow who find herself unable to open fully due to the recent death of her husband. Meanwhile the other residents can't resist in meddling with their affairs.
I love this series. The characters have so much unexpected depth and the situations they get into are very funny. Rumiko Takahashi is a genius.
Marmalaide Boy
Plot Basically Miki's parents have decided to get a divorce and each marry the partner of another couple. Then Miki, her parents this other couple and their son Yuu are all going to live together in this big house.
Revolves around Miki and the increasingly complex love triangles, quadrilaterals and dodecahedrons that develop around her. If you're a girl you will probably like this... if you're a guy..... you probably wont.
Mimi o Sumasaba (Whispers of the Heart)
Plot A young school girl finds love in the form of a young Violin maker. Whilst he travels overseas to study Violin making she decides to pursue her own dreams of becoming a writer.
A really sweet, feel good story with beautiful characters. Well worth a look.
Mobile Police Patlabor
Plot Follows the continuing adventures of a group of crazy police men and women who are charged with stopping the illegal use of Labors' giant Robots used mainly for industrial purposes.
The movies for this are very political and fans of Ghost in the Shell and Galactic Heroes will not be disappointed. The series is more light hearted and more character driven than political. Both very different (although with the same characters) Both are very good.
My Neighbour Totoro
Plot Two young girls and their father move to a new house. Their mother is in hospital and the girls do their best to keep their spirits up. Whilst exploring they find a most curious neighbour living in the bushes beneath the large tree by their house.
A very magical feel good film that will delight children. I hear Disney were going to buy the rights to this.
Neon Genesis Evangaleon
Plot Shinji a 14 year old boy travels to Tokyo 3 to be reunited with his father. As he arrives a giant Alien "Angel" attacks the city. None of the cities defenses seem capable of stopping this Huge Mecha and it AT field. Shinji discovers that his father has called him to the city to pilot another Giant Mecha an "Eva" to stop the Angel. Shinji reluctantly agrees but during the fight loses control. The Eva then becomes self aware and goes beserk!
Brilliant series with the best Mecha fight scenes ever. This is pretty hard core and has a complex plot. I still don't really know what's going on but frankly I don't care. Get this!
Project Ako
Plot A young school girl Ako and her friend Cko transfer to a new high school where they meet the super intelligent and somewhat obsessive Bko. Bko builds numerous giant robots and tries to take out Ako so she can be friends with Cko. Meanwhile a Giant fortress invades earth looking for their lost princess.
This series of movies parodies numerous other different Anime series including Urusai Yatsura, Macross, Captain Harlock and many others. It is very silly but entertaining. Recommended for both new and old fans of Japanese Anime.
Ranma 1/2
Plot Ranma Saotome a martial artist returns from a training journey in China to find his father has engaged him to the daughter of his best friend. Neither Ranma nor his fiancee Akane Tendo are thrilled with the concept of marrying the other, and with Ranma's recent gender changing curse, things go from bad to worse. Then just to make things really interesting Ranma's old friends begin popping up in Tokyo each either seeking revenge, marriage and sometimes both.
This series is just plain nuts. Some great fight scenes and the humor is very entertaining. The characters are all very colorful and brilliantly flawed and it wont take long before you have a favorite.
Records of The Lodoss War Plot The land of Lodoss is being invaded by a powerful empire and the mysterious dark witch. It falls to six heroes to save the realm from the invaders.
D&D fans will go nuts over this because its D&D in anime. You have a dwarf, elf, thief, magic user, cleric and fighter. If your not a fan of D&D fear not this is still very good.
Riding Bean
Plot Bean ace courier will deliver anything for a price. His latest cargo is a 10 year old girl worth $50, 000.00 upon delivery. But Bean is being framed for her kidnapping and must evade the police and stop the kidnappers.
This is very good from memory but its been ages since I watched it.
Robotech
Plot Spans three generations of soldiers who work to defend the earth from three very different alien invaders. Each seeking the secrets to Protoculture and the legendary flower of life.
An American dub of three different series Macross, Mospeda and I think Southern Cross I'm not sure. These three series are tied together nicely by the flower of life storyline and the dub is nicely done.
Sailor Moon
Plot Teenage girls gain super powers and in between fighting the evil Negaverse they search for love and happiness.
I don't like this series, but I'll be honest I have not seen those eps that are supposed to be "Good". Most people do like this series so check it out if you want and if you like it more power to you.
Sentinals
Plot The sequal to Robotech that connects the three series in one and resolves what happened to Not only Rick, Lisa, and Minmei but also Dana Sterling and Scott Bernard.
At least that was the idea, unfortunately the producers ran out of money and after only four episodes the series had to be cancelled. Pity. The books are available for those who are interested Jack Mckinnly (I think) is the author.
Slayers
Plot Lina Inverse Wizard and adventurer meets Gourrey a rather thick headed warrior travel from place to place fighting the forces of evil and trying to gather gold.
Good series thoroughly enjoyable although a bit silly in parts. Look out for the "Deep Kiss"
Tenchi Muyo (No Need for Tenchi)
Plot Tenchi unwittingly frees the demon Ryoko from her imprisonment. Ryoko turns out to be an alien who is wanted by whilst trying to escape earth runs into her old enemy Aeka. During the ensuing battle Aeka and Ryoko crash both their ships and are forced to live with Tenchi along with Sasami and numerous other women.
A lot of people like this series. I didn't.
Urotsokidoji Legend of the Overfiend
Plot Monsters invade the human plane and rape women as the prophosy of the Chojin is fulfilled.
The less said about this the better.
Urusai Yatsura Those Obnoxious Aliens
Plot An alien race of Oni decide to conquer the earth. A champion from Earth is chosen using a random number generator to combat Lum a cute Oni girl in a nine day game of Tag. Earth's champion the lecherous and exceedingly unlucky Ataru finds things a little difficult when he discovers the young Lum can fly.
This series is just plain weird!
Vampire Mosquiton
Plot Set in the 1920's A young woman enlists the help of a vampire and his two servants to find O-parts. A mysterious object that will supposedly grant her immortality. They have a number of competitors and in order to match their strengths Mosquiton must feed. Upon feeding though he becomes a terrifying Vampire in the depth of a blood lust.
This is very good although the girl (Whose name escapes me) is exceedingly annoying. I loved the ending to this series.
Venus Wars
Plot A reporter travels to Venus and becomes entangled in a civil war.
Nice animation but I didn't like this. It's been years since I watched it though so maybe I should have a second look.
Video Girl Ai
Plot Youta is suffering from a broken heart after finding out that his love Meomi-chan is in love with Nimai-kun. Youta visits a video store and hires "Video Girl Ai a Soothing Girl". But in the middle of the movie Ai jumps out of the Television and works to cheer Youta up. Video Girls are not supposed to love, but Youta's video has been on the fritz lately.
This is an excellent series. It is very sad and quite moving as the characters display unexpected depth. Watch this!
Visions of Escaflowne
Plot A psychic school girl gets transported to a strange world where she meets Van Farnel a young King. The two must flee his Kingdom though as invaders attack searching for the Escaflowne.
This is also very good although I have not seen many eps. I look forward to seeing more.
Wings of Honeiamise
Plot Its another world where the ridiculed Space Force work hard to get a man into space. They are pressured by the military and insulted by the common people, and even they don't really believe they can pull it off. But the project picks up momentum when Shirosukue Ladott volunteers to be an Astronaught in order to impress a girl.
Not much action in this one but by god its good. The dialogue is superb, the animation top class and the characters so well defined. It does not try to wrap itself up in deep moralistic conflict like Ghost in the Shell or Akira, and is easy to understand. The characters do discuss issues of depth, but their lethargic nature adds a half assed realism to the story.
X
Plot Dragons of heaven and Dragons of earth combat each other over the fate of man kind. Two warriors emerge though with powers exceeding even those of the dragons and they fight.
Nice concept great animation, fantastic fights its not the feel good movie of the year though.
Yamato 2051
Plot An uneasy alliance has been declared following a 100 year war between Earth and Sirius. A team of young Punks are itching to get off their planet, but lack the equipment. When one of the punks discovers the data disk to Earths old abandoned flag ship the Yamato they use an old abandoned Construction factory to rebuild the Battle fortress.
Well worth a look. I've only seen two of the eps in this series and I'm not sure if there are any more. It has some faint traces of plot elements used in Space Cruiser Yamoto or Star Blazers. But very hard core dirty feel to it.
