Japanese is the New English: 5 Anime Series Worth Watching

If you’re an avid anime watcher, chances are you’ll probably know every single anime listed below. From vampires to death gods and robots, here is a small list of anime that would be great to start watching on any given day. If you have never watched anime, maybe you’ll join us on the dark side.

Hellsing

What a lovely night. It makes me want to have a bite to drink. Originally written and illustrated by Kouta Hirano, Hellsing is a dark manga series that may send chills up your spine. The series centralizes its focus on the clandestine Hellsing Organization in England, a society that aims to search and destroy forces of evil that pose threats to both the Queen and Country. Ranging from vampires, ghouls and other supernatural foes, you can already notice how the title pays homage to Abraham Van Helsing, the famous fictional character from Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Naturally, the most interesting aspect is the protagonist Alucard who has sworn his allegiance to serve the organization led by Integra Hellsing. What’s so interesting about that you ask? Well, he’s a vampire. Merciless, often sadistic and slightly controversial, Alucard alone makes this short yet enticing anime series worth some credit.

 

Bleach 

More Bleach! Odds are you’re already currently up to date with the manga or will skip through everything I am about to say because you know it like the back of your hand. One of the most famous anime series across several continents, Bleach revolves around the life of substitute shinigami (death god) Kurosaki Ichigo after he obtains his powers from another shinigami, Kuchiki Rukia. From that moment, the series entails a wide range of epic and inter-realm battles against hollows (evil spirits who feast on human souls), other soul reapers alike and many mysterious enemies. Although the anime has been temporarily suspended (the manga still ongoing), there are over 300 episodes that can be streamed online. Despite the occasional illogical fillers, the anime certainly creates a very visual and vivid representation of what is being depicted in the original black and white. The introductory episodes may also be a little slow, but trust me; it will pick up and leave you wanting more.

 

Death Note

Yet another series that deals with a death god, Death Note takes on a more realistic approach when compared to Bleach. You have probably seen the creepy looking Ryuk (the story’s death god) lurking somewhere across the internet or as a figurine in an anime shop. The main protagonist is Light Yagami, your average high school student who one day discovers the “Death Note” notebook that was dropped by Ryuk, ultimately granting him the ability to kill anyone by writing an individual’s name in the book. Consequently, Light attempts to play the role of “God” and aims to decimate every trace of evil in the world. Such bold attempts however, are unlikely to be carried out without intervention. If you enjoy mystery, the supernatural and a suspenseful thriller, this series will not disappoint.

 

Cowboy Bebop 

Lets take a departure from vampires and death and turn towards a more noir-esque scene.  Developed in 1998, Cowboy Bebop consists of a storyline that is set in the year 2071. The series revolves around the adventures of a diverse bounty hunter crew (“cowboy”) who travel on their spaceship, Bebop, and seek fugitives to apprehend for bounties. The series creatively combines sentimental flashbacks that permit viewers to learn more about the crew as well as exciting combat scenes during their travels. It is also highly acclaimed and is considered to be one of the greatest sci-fi anime due to its characterizations, strong storyline and quality animation.

 

Full Metal Panic! 

How do I describe this series? It’s a unique blend of comedy, romance and big mecha action. The series focuses on Sousuke Sagara, a disciplined sergeant and often emotion-less teenager who serves within the paramilitary counter-terrorist force known as Mithril. Once he was assigned to protect the high-spirited Kaname Chidori, who at first glance resembles your average high school girl, chaotic battles ensue as Kaname becomes a target by terrorist organizations. Why? Well, you better start watching to find out! If you enjoy mecha anime and technology mixed with a touch of romantic comedy, you’ll love the contrasting personalities of these main protagonists who complete the show.

At the top of my head, I can probably name at least five other series that are great to watch especially on lazy summer days. But if you’re new to the anime world, try giving these anime a shot to see what genre really gets you going.

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(Happy Watching!)

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