Top 5 Anime

Top 5 Anime Closings (ED)

2011-10-07T21:31:00.000-07:00

This month marks our 2nd anniversary - Hooray!

In past Octobers, we've recognized the Top 5 Opening Songs and Next Top 5 Opening Songs. So to change things up a bit, here's our

Top 5 Anime Closings (ED)

#5 - InuYasha (1st season)

One of the best EDs to showcase common anime closing techniques--focus on female characters, retrospective vignettes, j-pop divas, and snow. Makes you want to ride a ferris wheel, don't it?

#4 - Eden of the East

This closing channels a 1980s Peter Gabriel music video and conveying the frantic conspiracy-laden theme. And really, what's more suspicious than paper?

#3 - Wolf's Rain

Proving that you don't need a lot of eye catching animation to create a gripping closer. (Yoko Kanno's music doesn't hurt.) There's something striking about watching lead wolf Kiba stride slow-motion across a barren landscape in front of a setting moon. Kinda gets ya were you live.

#2 - FLCL

Again, not much animation here, although the vibrating guitar strings at the beginning are a nice touch. And the stop motion-style video footage of a scooter echoes the coolness of this Gainax show. Or is this just a Vespa commercial?

#1 - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya (1st season)

Okay, so sometimes snazzy animation helps, too. Along with a spastic j-pop song and flash mob inducing dance crazes and parodies a plenty.

The nerdiverse just imploded . . .

Top 5 Anime Domes

2011-09-09T21:23:00.000-07:00

Long time, no five. We're back in action, though, with class . . .

In honor of the 15th anniversary of the cinematic masterpiece Bio-Dome, here's our

Top 5 Anime Domes

#5 - Romdeau (Ergo Proxy)

In a post-apocalyptic future (aren't they all?), the few remaining humans don't have it so bad--as long as you live in the right dome.

In Ergo Proxy, the place to be is inside the city of Romdeau. This utopia is complete with android helpers called AutoReivs, so you don't have to do any driving, raising of children, thinking, and so on. Just be careful once robots become self-aware and crazy monsters start popping up.

#4 - No. 6 (No. 6)

As long as you're born on the right side of the tracks, you've got it good in this utopia. Wait. Look out! It's bees! Bees! BEEES!

#3 - Zuellni Academy (Chrome Shelled Regios)

When the world is over-polluted and giant buggy Filth Monsters are running loose, it's time to move. Literally.

Humanity decides they don't want to live just in domed cities, but MOBILE domed cities called Regios. And in some insane Lord of the Flies experiment, one Regios called Zuellni is completely populated and governed by a bunch of teenagers. Yeah. That'll last.

#2 - Siberian Domepolis (Overman King Gainer)

More environmental cataclysms, more domed cities, this time going by the name Domepolis. Everything's hunky dory, as long as you stay inside. But if you want a breath of fresh air . . . well, you'd better go find a giant robot.

#1 - Paradigm City (The Big O)

Utopic domes are nice and all, but sometimes they can be a little . . . dull. Time for some urban renewal - New York noir style. Or maybe you're a tomato fan.

And if you don't like the domes, you can always venture outside for more urban sprawl. Travel far enough and it's not the end of the world, just a sandy wasteland. Heck, you may even find a giant robot out there.

Okay now, let's crank up the AC.

Top 5 Anime for Harry Potter Fans

2011-07-02T19:14:00.000-07:00

The end of Harry Potter is near! Part Two of the last movie of the last book--Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows--is just days away.

While some Potter-philes will be prone to weeping, we'd like to lumos their gloomy moods and give them our

Top 5 Anime for Harry Potter Fans

These shows lend themselves to some of the familiar themes and archetypes of J.K. Rowling's wizard world, courtesy of Japan.

#5 - Vision of Escaflowne

Instead of a special boy stumbling upon a wizarding world, Escaflowne features a schoolgirl sprinting (literally) into a fantasy world with dragons, wizards, and castles. Instead of broomsticks, though, this world boasts mystical mecha for all your transportation needs. We'd like to see one of those giant armors play a round of Quidditch.

#4 - Witch Hunter Robin

What if witches were all around us? That's what this show asks, and in most cases, the answer is not a good one. Not for the witches, especially the naughty ones.

Fortunately, Robin Sena is a witch fighting on the side of good along with the rest of the STN-J. Ditching wands, this team of witches and non-witches packs heat--courtesy of their Orbo guns. (Who wouldn't want to pop a cap in Lord Voldemort's heiny?)

#3 - Kiki's Delivery Service

One of the best Studio Ghibli movies, Kiki's asks the same question as above, and the answer is much more pleasant. Young witch-in-training Kiki doesn't have to worry about witch hunters, but rather must overcome the challenges of coming of age. At least she has her talking cat Jiji with her.

As a bonus, check out this movie for some of the best animated broomstick flying ever.

#2 - Soul Eater

We all know the best part of Harry Potter isn't the spells or magical creatures. It's Hogwarts. J.K. Rowling (and the movies) depicts the School of Witchcraft and Wizardry with precision that echoes school life known by all of us muggles.

So be true to your school now . . . like you would to your girl or guy . . .

In Soul Eater, the kiddos all attend Death Weapon Meister Academy in Death City to learn how to protect the world from evil Kishins and witches. If you thought Dumbledore was the coolest head schoolmaster, check out DWMA's founder: death god Shinigami. Both are cheery, but only one can wield the Direct Noggin Shinigami Chop.

And Meister Maka Albarn has got to be the lost twin of everyone's favorite overachiever Hermoine Granger. She even has the school uniform.

#1 - Naruto/Naruto Shippuden

Another anime made special by a special school. Instead of wizards, Naruto features a school for ninjas.

So what makes Naruto land on top of Soul Eater for Harry Potter fans? It has to be the tight-knit trio of heroes and their misadventures, combined with an enormous cast of memorable and unique characters, each one deserving their own chance in the spotlight. (Sound familiar?)

And at over 200 episodes (twice that counting its Shippuden sequel), Naruto rivals the 4,176 pages of J.K. Rowling's forest-killer of a series.

That's right, trees. You can breathe a sigh of relief now.

Mischief managed!

Top 5 Gundam Series

2011-06-19T21:07:00.000-07:00

The latest Gundam show--Mobile Suit Gundam UC (Unicorn)--is heating up forums and the fan base, mostly for its revitalized interpretation of the franchise's familiar tropes.

Check it out here!

That got us to thinking, which gets us to listing. Here's our

Top 5 Gundam Series

Caution: Spoilers, angst and the horrors of war to follow!

#5 - Mobile Suit Gundam 0080: War in the Pocket

Granted, this 6-episode OAV series does slide into some childish hokey-ism, thanks to 11-year-old Alfred and his school chums. But it also features some amazingly choreographed and vicious mecha battles, most inside the confines of a space colony.

Like the best Gundam series, War in the Pocket examines sympathetic characters from both sides of the war, leading to some dramatic irony (literary lesson, kiddos). And that last Gundam/Zaku duel? Talk about a gut punch.

#4 - Mobile Fighter G Gundam

Ridiculous? Yeah.

Unrealistic? Isn't most anime?

Basically, G Gundam is a shonen fighting show dressed up in mecha suits. Martial arts, special attacks, winning by pure willpower, and a lot of shouting all add up to something Gundam fans have never seen.

#3 - Turn A Gundam

Dubbed "the last good Gundam" by some, Turn A was also the last series created through hand-painted cel animation. Both zany and elegant, Turn A exists in its own universe, complete with aliens and some alien-looking mecha. Pray that Bandai Entertainment does something with its license in North America.

Oh yeah, Yoko Kanno composed the soundtrack. That alone is worth the ticket price for 50 episodes.

#2 - Mobile Suit Gundam Wing

Gundam Wing is responsible for introducing 95% of all American viewers to the Gundam phenom at the dawn of the 21st century. Is it perfect? No. But plenty long with twists, turns, amnesia, split personality disorder, mental breakdowns, and oh such fun!

If G Gundam is full-blown shonen, Gundam Wing is inches away from shojo anime, complete with five pretty-boy pilots (and the girls who just can't get enough of 'em). It hasn't aged well, but Gundan Wing creates its own universe with political agendas, military clashes, and the scars of war. And the additional 3-episode OAV Endless Waltz creates a tidy addendum without opening up too many worm-filled cans.

#1 - Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team

Every other Gundam series focuses on super-skilled (and super-powered) pilots. What separates 08th MS Team from the rest is its in-depth study of the "everyman." Near the end of the One Year War, Federation Lieutenant Shiro Amada gets plopped into a unit commander role for an infantry mobile suit team. If that's not stressful enough, he's also got the hots for Aina Sahalin, who happens to be royal family on the enemy Zeon side and test pilot for a new secret weapon. (Love sucks.)

Like War in the Pocket, 08th MS Team also takes place in the "Universal Century" universe of the first series, and it too features some stunning and savage mecha battle sequences. Check out this clip, which takes place right after the Gundam team parachutes through a fleet of Zeon airships.

Added to solid animation and a riveting soundtrack is one of the most complete casts in any anime show, including all the 08th Team's pilots and members. From main characters to supporting troops to even smaller roles that most shows "throw away," 08th MS Team keeps them all three-dimensional. (You don't even need those special glasses.)

And can true love really end a war? Maybe . . . or maybe not.

Ah, Gundam. You make war so gosh darn difficult.

Top 5 Anime Super-Heroes

2011-05-22T19:06:00.000-07:00

These days, you can't swing a mystic Norse hammer without thonking at least four super-heroes. They're everywhere--comics, movies, TV, videogames, Broadway, even anime.

One of the hottest anime shows this season is Tiger and Bunny, currently airing on-line and hopefully on U.S. television in the near future.

Check out T&B for a modern take on super-powered heroes and villians. Until then, here's our list of

Top 5 Anime Super-Heroes

These characters come from all kinds of shows, but they possess the powers, heroics, costume changes, and gadgetry that would make any spandex-clad chum proud.

#5 - Karas

Karas follows the painful path to heroism. Criminal assassin Otoha gets whacked only to be reborn as the savior of mankind (or at least part of Tokyo).

The whole "angel of vengeance" gig works for Ghost Rider and the Crow, and it's pretty standard here in this six-episode OVA.

But what Karas lacks in story originality, it makes up in 2D/3D animation, stunning orchestral score, and weird factor. Just check out the trailer and see if you don't agree . . .

#4 - Roger Smith/Big O

Anime's answer to Batman, rich playboy Roger Smith protects a gloomy gothic city and instead of donning a cowl, dives into the cockpit of a giant robot. (This is anime, after all.)

It doesn't hurt that the same studio for Big O also did earlier work on Batman: The Animated Series. If it ain't broke, don't fix it. Roger wisely follows the Bruce Wayne school of heroics--ample gadgetry, huge mansion, sweet wheels, butler, and--instead of annoying teen sidekick--faithful android maid. (This is anime, after all.)

#3 - Sailor Moon

And now for something on the opposite side of the super-hero spectrum.

Sailor Moon is a "magical girls" anime, but it celebrates just as many super-hero tropes--colorful outfits, secret identities, enchanted weapons, sidekicks, and saving planet Earth.

Get ready for a monsoon of nostalgia when this baby gets re-released in the future.

#2 - Goku

How many times have you heard the Goku vs. Superman debate? Who would win?

Both came to Earth as alien babies. Both have super strength and speed, flight, nigh-invulnerability and mad fightin' skillz.

The Man of Steel may have eye beams, freeze breath, and X-ray vision. But DragonBall's hero has martial arts skills, including his Kamehameha energy blast and the all-powerful Spirit Bomb (love that name).

And hey, both can come back from the dead. Not bad.

#1 - Astro Boy

The first and the best super-hero in anime, Astro Boy combines the robot love of Japan with the tragic yet hopeful origins of American heroes.

Built by genius roboticist Dr. Tenma to replace his deceased son, Astro later becomes the champion of future Japan, saving the world from evil robots, aliens, or even robot-hating humans (a la X-Men and their mutant schtick).

Like the greatest heroes, Astro Boy boasts a plethora of powers. In this case, he's got rocket-powered flight, laser-gun finger, super-hearing, and--um--a machine gun gluteus maximus.

If only Spider-Man would be so brave with his web shooters . . .

Top 5 Manly Anime

2011-04-09T20:33:00.000-07:00

No more gushy love stuff like last time.

Here's our list of

Top 5 Manly Anime

(Also known as "Manime.")

#5 - Baki the Grappler

Just one look at hero Baki and you're transported to one of those Old Spice commercials.

Like many kids, Baki Hamma wants to be just like Dad. Only difference is Baki's papa is the strongest fighter in the world, and following father's footsteps means bashing in everyone's heads.

#4 - Berserk

The main character's name is "Guts." And that red stuff flying around is not spaghetti sauce. 'Nuff said.

#3 - Gurren Lagann

This is mecha--manly style. You've got beastmen piloting Gunmen, and a whole series of mecha that get bigger and badder.

And remember, "Don't believe in the you who believes in me. Don't believe in the me who believes in you. Believe in the you who believes in yourself."

Whatever that means. True "guy logic."

#2 - Golgo 13

Duke Togo, professional assassin, is just like James Bond, professional spy, minus the charisma. You do the math.

#1 - Fist of the North Star

Literally translated from Japanese to mean "Fist of the Big Dipper," this show is a doozy.

Post-apocalyptic world? Check.

Stolen girlfriend? Yup.

"Fist" in the title? Bonus.

Martial arts fighting with violent gory deaths? Do you have to ask?

And that's our list of Top 5 Manly Anime. Chuck Norris would be proud.

Chuck Norris Opening VO Anime by GeneDA

Some magicians can walk on water. Chuck Norris can swim through land.

Top 5 Anime Love Triangles

2011-02-19T18:50:00.000-08:00

Have you recovered from Valentine's Day (A.k.a: Singles Awareness Day) yet?

If not, then read no further. It's our

Top 5 Anime Love Triangles

#5 - Tohru, Yuki, & Kyo (Fruits Basket)

Huggers beware! Tohru lives every girl's dream with cute boys who turn into cuddly animals. But really, is there any contest between a cat and rat?

#4 - Kagome, InuYasha, & Koga (InuYasha)

Continuing the animal theme (no beastiality jokes, please), school girl Kagome seems destined to fall for dog half-demon InuYasha. But then wolf demon Koga shows up and thinks he can sweep our heroine off her feet.

Either way you choose, Kagome, you're gonna have flea problems.

#3 - Roger Smith, Angel, & R. Dorothy Wayneright (Big O)

No animals or half-demons here. Just androids. Trust us, it isn't kinky.

In fact, the Roger-Angel-Dorothy triangle features some of the most tender, personal moments of any romantic tale. These three individuals help each other come to view themselves as they truly are, with an unblinking gaze like Dorothy's robotic eyes.

#2 - Isamu, Myung, & Guld (Macross Plus)

Three childhood friends' old scars resurface in adulthood when rivalries and dreams clash. Combine that high concept with transforming fighter jets, space dogfights, and a rogue H.A.L.-like synthetic singer; and you've got a humdinger of a show.

Together with the gorgeous "Voices" song, Macross Plus is surpassed only by its predecessor . . .

#1 - Rick Hunter, Lisa Hayes, & Lynn Minmei (Robotech: Macross)

Admit it, viewers, you cared more about Rick's love life than mankind's survival against the giant Zentradi aliens.

Rick is an upstart Veritech fighter pilot with a heart of gold (sound familiar?). Too bad that same organ is also torn in two by his closest lady friends.

Whom would you choose? Teen pop princess Lynn Minmei? Or Lisa, the honorable First Officer of a giant transforming spaceship? Tough call. And what makes this the #1 love triangle is the show keeps us guessing until the very end.

Top 5 Movies for Anime Fans

2011-01-16T19:04:00.001-08:00

We're watching the 68th Annual Golden Globes. Hey, Hollywood Foreign Press! Where's the Outstanding Anime Award? Aww, nevermind.

Until then, here's our list of

Top 5 Movies for Anime Fans.

These are all live-action motion pictures that, for some reason or another, fit with the quirky tastes of otaku everywhere.

#5 - Tie: Men in Black series and The Fifth Element

Both movies mix in anime standards of space alien adventure, bug-eyed characters, memorable villains, and end-of-the world climaxes. So both deserve every anime fan's attention. Who cares about logic? These shows are just plan fun--seminal science-fiction of the late 1990s.

#4 - Avatar

Yup, more sci-fi stuff here. James Cameron's 3-D blockbuster boasts some awesome tech--massive airships and . . . hey kids, it's MECHA--bonus!

Don't forget the story's blaring environmental message. It's impossible to miss, unless your brain got bludgeoned from a front-row IMAX viewing.

#3 - Never Been Kissed

This flick may raise a few eyebrows, but stick with us on this one. Drew Barrymore's romantic comedy is a perfect movie for anime fans: an adult woman poses undercover as a high school student. And the hilarious hijinks ensue (not to mention underlying ethical issues)--popularity wars, varsity sports, and unrequited love. Plus, David Arquette's triumphant return to high school is every fanboy's dream.

#2 - Inception

Mind-blowing visuals AND plot--that's what makes anime so nifty. Same thing with Christopher Nolan's masterpiece. The best part is that viewers love to debate the so-called confounding final scene. But really, Inception's ambiguous end is perfectly clear when you compare it to any number of anime.

#1 - The Matrix Trilogy

No surprise here. The Wachowski brothers mined some of the best sci-fi anime to create their series. Just watch one of the trilogy's legendary and revolutionary action sequences and you'll see what anime shows have been pulling off for years. The Matrix also digs into some obscure philosophy/religion mishmash, a key ingredient to making anime so gosh darn artsy fartsy.

And just like they do with anime, fans can lament the trilogy's content for years to come. Each movie faced escalated expectations with mixed results, providing plenty of fuel for forum flamers.

Naturally, new movies will always compete for a spot on this list, including director Zack (300, Watchmen) Snyder's latest film, Sucker Punch. (How's that for an anime title?)

Take a peek:

Talk about an anime perfect storm. We can hear the squeals of otaku all over the globe.

Top 5 Anime Dogs

2010-11-26T13:44:00.001-08:00

If you're not a football or shopping fan, then chances are your Thanksgiving tradition is watching the National Dog Show (all 3 of you).

We listed our Top 5 Anime Cats a while back, so we'd better balance it out with our

Top 5 Anime Dogs

(Behave and you might get a treat.)

#5 - Blue (Wolf's Rain)

Loyal and lovely, Blue is actually part wolf. In Wolf's Rain that means she can appear in human form to other people. And in Blue's case, we'd say she looks much better walking on two legs.

#4 - Sesshomaru (InuYasha)

Another stretch in our list, as Sesshomaru is the son of a dog demon father. But when provoked, this uppity aristocrat transforms into his true dog demon form. And nothing irks Sesshomaru more than his snotty younger half-brother InuYasha. (Might have something to do with little bro cutting off big bro's arm.)

#3 - Mr. Tadakichi (Azumanga Daioh)

A Great Pyrenees nearly twice the size of his owner Chiyo, Tadakichi-san is cuddly like a teddy bear. He doesn't even snap at bite-bait Sakaki, as seen in this video. Even better, Tadakichi gives pony rides. Bonus!

#2 - Washington (Project Blue Earth SOS)

A faithful sidekick to the boy genius Penny Carter, even through an alien invasion. (He can climb ladders, too!) Extra kudos for not laughing at the name of costar Lotta Brest. (What is this - middle school?)

#1 - Ein (Cowboy Bebop)

Everyone's favorite "data dog," this Pembroke Welsh Corgi is smarter than your average canine. Plus, Ein and Edward are master mushroom hunters!

That's it for now - who's a good boy?!

Next Top 5 Openings

2010-11-14T21:14:00.000-08:00

Time flies, and we just flew past our ONE YEAR ANNIVERSARY!

To celebrate, here's a sequel to our very FIRST Top 5 List. We're calling it the

NEXT Top 5 Anime Openings

There are so many excellent opening animation sequences and songs, we just gotta enjoy five more. (Review our list of #1-5 HERE.)

#10 - .Hack//SIGN

Step into "The World" with this anime's main characters, courtesy of composer Yuki Kajiura and her See-Saw J-Pop duo. We recommend keeping your clothes on.

#9 - Last Exile

Bagpipes and beautiful steampunk CGI animation. What else do you need?

#8 - Bleach (Opening #2)

Bleach boasts a bunch of coolness througout its openings (best episode # bumpers, too). We're partial to the second opening, with its rocking anthem featuring the Soul Society story arc.

#7 - The Vision of Escaflowne

This show beautifully blends elements of mecha and fantasy, and its Yoko Kanno-composed opening number encapsulates all this amalgam anime has to offer.

#6 - Ergo Proxy

Just how cathartic is goth? Check out this opening and enjoy the 360 degrees of anguish at the one-minute mark.

Top 5 Anime Titles

2010-09-26T16:26:00.000-07:00

"What's in a name?

Go smell a rose, or check out http://www.whatsinaname.net/ if you're curious why your parents call you what they do.

As for us, we're talking about the

Top 5 Anime Titles.

We mean "titles" as the name of the anime, not the anime itself. We'll leave that for other lists.

As for THIS list, we're looking at the "anime-est" titles of all anime. Name on!

#5 - Bubblegum Crisis

Not an endorsement for Hubba Bubba. Instead, this cyberpunk show borrows from the likes of Blade Runner with more babes and bikes. The title is deeper than it sounds--it's a metaphor for a crisis-filled world, like gum being blown into a bubble about to pop! Okay, so maybe it's not that profound.

#4 - Cowboy Bebop

Another anime in a future world setting, this series features hero bounty hunters (a.k.a. "cowboys") flying around the solar system in their spaceship Bebop. One of the best shows ever, thanks to some cool characters and Yoko Kanno's musical genius.

#3 - Pumpkin Scissors

Another example of food-related anime titles, this show features an elite military squad called Imperial Army State Section III. Not very catchy, so they go by Pumpkin Scissors. Why? Apparently, their purpose is to "cut" through corrupt powers who hide "behind lies, power, and money like the rind of a pumpkin," according to officer Alice Malvin.

Hmmmm, maybe Imperial Army State Section III would be better after all. Call them "IASS III," for short.

#2 - GunXSword

Guns? Cool. Swords? Cooler.

So combine those two cool weapons with the coolest letter of all--X--in between them. That gets you one coooooool title for an anime.

Saying it becomes a problem, though. The X is silent, so don' t call the show "Gunekksssword."

#1 - Full Metal Panic!

It's not just a panic, it's a full metal panic! With an exclamation point. The title alone should clue you in on the melodramatic qualities of this anime--whether it's giant mecha battles or teenage romance. Plus, it's got an exclamation point. An exclamation point! (Another standard for anime titles.)

That gives us an idea. Wanna name an anime show? Just follow our handy-dandy anime name-maker below. Give it a try!

Pick one word out of each group--along with a punctuation mark for that final polish--and you've got one perfectly named anime show!

Word 1: (select one)

a. Armored

b. Fuzzy

c. Blue

d. Spike

e. Death

Word 2: (select one)

a. Banana

b. Gundam

c. Pancake

d. Stardust

e. Sushi

Word 3: (select one or skip)

a. Ninja

b. Robot

c. Samurai

d. Sister

e. Vampire

Punctuation: (select one or three)

a. !

b. !!

c. !?!

d. :)

e. $*&@~^%!

Watch out otaku. Here comes Blue Sushi Samurai!?!

Top 5 Anime-ish Shows

2010-08-13T20:26:00.001-07:00

"I see dead people."

No wait, that's just M. Night Shyamalan's career. Here's hopin' for a comeback.

So the live-action Last Airbender movie didn't fare that well. Oh well. It's still based on a pretty keen cartoon, known for its anime influence. Airbender's not alone. Here's our

Top 5 Anime-ish Shows

#5 - Dexter's Laboratory

It's no secret that Cartoon Network/Cartoon Cartoon creators Craig McCracken and Genndy Tartakovsky are huge anime fans. You don't see as many anime tropes in Dexter's Lab as you do in other shows (see below!), but you do get some of the best anime spoofs of all time, including homages to Speed Racer and Voltron, among others.

#4 - Avatar: The Last Airbender

Before it got lost in the summer movie sludge, The Last Airbender was known as Nickelodeon's serious cartoon series with an epic storyline at an epic scale (61 episodes). Check out this Emmy-winning series about the four element nations and its lovable bald hero.

#3 - Powerpuff Girls

We're not even talking about the Powerpuff Girls Z actual ANIME spin-off show. McCracken's cute super-hero girl show arose from mixing Chemical X with "sugar, spice, and everything nice." Its also a blend of both anime and old Hanna-Barbera 'toons (Huckleberry Hound, Yogi Bear, Flintstones), as seen in the show's opening . . .

#2 - Teen Titans

This DC Comics show goes in a different direction to the near adult-ish Batman and related Bruce Timm-produced series. Rather than brooding, atmospheric episodes, we get hyperkinetic shows complete with super-deformed faces. And the opening comes in both Japanese and English versions, both sung by Japanese rock duo Puffy AmiYumi.

#1 - Samurai Jack

Perhaps the purest love story to Japan cinema from Genndy Tartakovsky. Samurai Jack is a sci-fi samurai futuristic fantasy that oozes mood-setting and action sequences from various martial arts and samurai films, including some anime methods.

This here is a quality list of shows for ya. Add them to your DVD collection if you call yourself an animation fan of any kind.

Here's hoping the new manga-inspired Scott Pilgrim film can fare much better at the box office!

Top 5 Anime Girls Who Kick Butt

2010-07-27T19:59:00.000-07:00

So Angelina Jolie is the next summer action movie star in Salt. (Tread lightly, Brad.)

Here is our list of

Top 5 Anime Girls Who Kick Butt

#5 - Balsa (Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit)

Good thing spear-woman Balsa has sworn to save lives. Unfortunately, that whiny prince Chagum filled her last spot for "life saver." Talk about late to the party!

#4 - Sango (InuYasha)

Don't let this demon slayer's pretty teenage looks throw you for a loop. She can decapitate you with her ginormous boomerang "Hiraikotsu." If you hear that name called out, duck. And that weapon is not Sango's only big accessory. Her cute cuddly Kirara is actually a stallion-sized demon cat.

Awwwww . . . .

Ahhhghghgh!!!

#3 - Nancy Makuhari (Read or Die)

"Miss Deep" here is not only a super-powered spy with master handgun and hand-to-hand combat skills; she's also a clone of Mata Hari, vicious enough to choke herself to death. Stay away.

#2 - Marlene Angel (Blue Gender)

Marlene is an orphaned soldier bent on killing giant mutant bugs, so she doesn't have much time for niceties. That's okay, we'll stand back and let her do the dirty work. (It worked for her boy toy Yuji)

#1 - Major Motoko Kusanagi (Ghost in the Shell)

She may be the sexiest major we've ever seen, but this cyborg can also break our necks with a pair of chopsticks. Lucky for us we love her for her brain.

That's right, ladies. We're the sensitive type. (Just don't hurt us. Much.)

Top 5 Anime Eyeglasses

2010-07-17T20:49:00.000-07:00

To counter the sudden surge in coolness by last time's topic--sunglasses--let's crank the dial to the opposite side and examine characters with

Top 5 Anime Eyeglasses

These aren't the top 5 anime characters who wear glasses (sorry, Yomiko Readman).

No, these are characters whose eyeglasses play a pivotal role in the story, or at least make you pull off your own glasses, chew on the end, and go, "Hmmmm . . ."

#5 - Lady Une (Gundam Wing)

With glasses, Lady Une is a treacherous, murderous witch. Without her glasses, she becomes a lovelorn peacemaker. If you're sniffing out a split personality disorder, you may be the next candidate for piloting Gundam Wing Zero--or filling in for Dr. Oz.

#4 - Gendo Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

These tinted eyeglasses worn by Nerv's commander are the perfect shade with which to gaze down at your son with perpetual disapproval.

#3 - Eri Ninamori (FLCL)

Ninamori is the mayor's daughter, class president, and lead role in the school play. But her uppity actions are mostly a mask of her frustrated life, something main character Naota finds out when she stays at his house. Her eyeglasses are just one secret she keeps.

#2 - Yukino Miyazawa (His and Her Circumstances)

Out in public, Yukino is a perfect student without blemish. Inside her house, though Yukino is an eyeglasses wearing slob with self-esteem issues. Rival classmate Arima Soichiro finds out Yukino's private identity, and the hi-jinks ensue.

His and Her Circumstances takes the Eri Ninamori-studied episode of FLCL and gives it a full series treatment--with teenage melodrama.

#1 - Robin Sena (Witch Hunter Robin)

Robin is a pyrokinetic hunter of evil witches--not bad work if you can get it. Unfortunately, Robin's powers interfere with her eyesight. Before she can burn her teammates to a crisp, Robin goes to the eye doctor and returns wearing Dumbledore half-moon spectacles. Those granny glasses go perfect with her Pippy Longstocking pigtails.

Top 5 Anime Sunglasses

2010-06-23T10:04:00.000-07:00

Mark your calendars: June 27 is the official holiday "Sunglasses Day."

These snazzy spectacles are useful not only for blocking glare and UV rays. They also increase anyone's "coolness" factor by 39%. (Just ask Snoopy.)

In the anime world, sunglasses are even more amazing because they often have to shade such GINORMOUS eyes.

Here are characters with the

Top 5 Anime Sunglasses

#5 - Jet Black (Cowboy Bebop)

Jet goes to show that sunglasses are multifunctional - useful for welding or cooking.

#4 - Renji Abarai (Bleach)

Soul Society Division 6's lieutenant is a rebel. And we know that because he's got tattoos and wears stuff on his noggin--whether a white headband or the much cooler visor sunglasses.

#3 - Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo (Bobobo-bo Bo-bobo)

Sunglasses probably aren't the first thing that come to mind when you see this hero, with his boffo blond Afro and powerful Hanage Shinken (Fist of the Nose Hair). But Bo x 7's beauty lies in his final accessory--shades that scream justice against the forces of baldness.

#2 - Roger Smith (The Big O)

How cool is Roger Smith? You means besides the fact that he's got a mansion, butler, android assistant, sweet ride, and giant robot?

Roger's so cool that he wears sunglasses in Paradigm City, a place that makes Seattle look like Miami. Fake dome suns or no, Paradigm City's top negotiator shows that even the coolest can get cooler.

#1 - Tie: Vash the Stampede (Trigun) and Alucard (Hellsing)

Sunglasses = hero

Sunglasses = anti-hero

Vash and Alucard share more than near immortality, nigh invulnerability, and incomparable combat skills. They also sport the same specs.

You can, too, if you shell over a few hundred bucks. Check it out:

Stay cool . . .

Top 5 Anime That Should Be Longer

2010-05-25T20:26:00.000-07:00

Last time we talked about anime that needed to be shorter. But sometimes, you can't have too much of a good thing.

Here's our list of

Top 5 Anime That Should Be Longer

#5 - Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex

This Production I.G title built its own world based on the original Ghost in the Shell manga and anime movie. In fact, Stand Alone Complex took Shiro Masamune's creation and made it better.

Check out the opening song of the GitS: 2nd Gig season to see quality animation and music:

What we'd add: With two 26-episode series, one could wonder why we'd need more. But we think the whole Stand Alone/Complex arrangement works pretty well. Add another season with episodic "stand alone" stories mixed among a much larger "complex" mystery/conspiracy plot bound up with cybertech coolness. (And more Yoko Kanno music to boot!)

#4 - Moribito: Guardian of the Spirit

Another fine show produced by Production I.G, this series takes the strong female lead with strong supporting cast and throws it into feudal Japan.

What we'd add: With such an elegant world, more episodes and exploration of fantasy elements would add to the epic feel of Moribito. Plus, the anime is based on only one novel of the TEN volume Guardian series by Nakoko Uehashi. There's gotta be more material to milk!

#3 - Samurai Champloo

Another series set in feudal Japan, with less fantasy and more hip hop. The last trio of episodes features a three-part finale to Mugen, Jin, and Fuu's journey in search of "the samurai who smells of sunflowers." The climatic battles and revelations create a riveting, agonizing, and hilarious mishmash conclusion that encapsulates the show's style.

So why not just end there?

What we'd add: Even with one of the best ending arcs in all anime, Samurai Champloo still has room for more. Several characters and subplots introduced throughout the series are worth revisiting. Even more, start the "second season" by featuring our three hapless heroes in solo adventures, building up anticipation for the trio to finally meet again, diving into another grand odyssey. And more record scratch cut scenes, please!

#2 - Read or Die: OAV

You may be thinking, "Didn't this three episode OAV already have a sequel?"

Well . . . sorta . . . but the less attention we give to the Charlie's Angels-inspired R.O.D: TV series, the better.

R.O.D. the OAV = Literary anime masterpiece. (With babes.)

R.O.D. the TV = Not so much. (Still more babes.)

What we'd add: Ditch the TV chicks and show more literary-based adventures with Agent Paper, the surviving Miss Deep, Drake and the rest of the original crew. We especially would like to explore Joker and Wendy at the British Library as they had been initially portrayed in the OAV. Plus, there's gotta be more I-Jin historical figures resurrected and running around.

#1 - Trinity Blood

Based on light novels by Sunao Yoshida, the Trinity Blood anime suffers from a rushed, blunt ending--partly due to Yoshida's death before completing his story. Trinity Blood's tale of humans (Terrans), vampires (The Methuselah), and vampires that feed on vampires (Crusniks, there will be a test) is prime for a revival in this current craze for vampires.

What we'd add: Go back to the source material and beef up the stories. Add more episodes featuring the diverse cast of heroes of the cloth. With so many divinely cool priests and nuns with assorted abilities and backstories, Trinity Blood is primed for a resurrection.

(As long as they bring plenty of hairspray.)

Top 5 Anime That Should Be Shorter

2010-05-19T19:50:00.000-07:00

One of the biggest anime hits last century is now a big hit THIS century: DragonBall Z, now known as DragonBall Z Kai, currently airing on Nicktoons Network and soon to show on CW's Saturday morning Toonzai block in September 2010. Watch for it!

The big deal about Kai is that it's DBZ footage remastered and re-edited to cut out a lot of scenes and speed up the story. Brilliant! We could do without all the time wasted on recaps, sweaty standoffs, and glacial-pace power-ups.

Besides DBZ, here are

Top 5 Anime That Should Be Shorter

#5 - Bleach

At its beginning, Bleach was a unique story of "soul reapers" that oozed with coolness and diverse character designs. But like other hit shows, Bleach became a victim of it's own success. Fans (and producers) wanted more, so the creators began pumping out more episodes. Bleach's story line began to drag with loose plot threads and unfinished character development.

What we'd cut: A lot of fans point to the non-manga-based "Bounts" arc. We do too, but we also could do without some of the lame high school "comedy" and the melodramatic side battles that result in the same status quo after the smoke clears.

#4 - Fullmetal Alchemist

We won't go near the whole "reimagined" Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood series. Talk about an anime Mulligan. Ugh. So instead, we'll focus on the original anime series.

What we'd cut: The whole backstory of Ed and Al's training with their teacher Izumi Curtis and her crew. It's not particularly interesting and we don't need a detailed origin of the Homunculus Wrath (above). Get back to the Philosopher's Stone and the State Military, which have much more interesting histories.

#3 - Last Exile

We love this Gonzo-produced anime, and at 26 episodes, it's the shortest series on our list. Still, the middle of the story loses steam before the grand finale through the Grand Stream.

What we'd cut: The whole Sophia Forrester ditching her Silvana crewmates to act as reigning Anatoray princess was a waste of time--it's not long before she's back on Silvana's deck in her Vice-Captain uniform.

Nay.

Yay!

Plus, ditch the many potential love interests for hero Claus--this is Victorian steam punk, not a harem show! Besides, while we may enjoy the sexual tension with Tatiana, we all know Claus belongs to childhood friend and co-pilot Lavie.

#2 - Gundam Wing

This is most American viewers' introduction to the world of Gundam, and it's still one of the best. Even so, Gundam Wing is not without its faults.

What we'd cut: Pick a side already! Our five malleable mecha pilots switch allegiances faster than Senator Joe Lieberman picks political parties. (Thought we'd throw in a little political humor there.)

#1 - InuYasha

So we're finally getting the "Final Act" of InuYasha anime. Hooray!

The original InuYasha series clocked in at over 160 episodes and eventually had an unresolved ending, as we had to wait for creator Rumiko Takahashi to finish her manga. While we waited, the anime series featured a lot of fun misadventures and one- or two-episode self-contained stories.

What we'd cut: We actually enjoy all the mini-story arcs. But the massive "Band of Seven" story line (much of Seasons 4 & 5, see below) didn't do anything for the overall plot. In fact, it basically was an excuse to plop out (resurrect) seven new villians to pester and eventually succumb to InuYasha and Co. It probably would have been better for everyone if those seven bad guys just stayed dead in the first place.

Quality over quantity--Handy reminder next time you hunger for fast food.

Top 5 Anime Teachers

2010-05-07T20:39:00.000-07:00

Happy Teacher Appreciation Week! Check it out here, schoolies.

We appreciate our teachers, especially with summer vacation on the horizon!

Here are our

Top 5 Anime Teachers:

#5 - Umino Iruka (Naruto)

A lot of attention goes to the much cooler Kakashi, sensei of the Team 7 heroes. But only Umino Iruka has the patience to put up with a whole classload of precocious pre-ninjas. Iruka has a soft spot for bratty hero Naruto, treating him like a person instead of the nine-tailed demon fox Naruto contains. Talk about leaving no child behind . . .

#4 - Kagome's Teachers (InuYasha) -- Not pictured

They don't get much screen time (see above), but these educators do yeoman's work. They keep student Kagome (pictured) on track to pass her tests. That's not easy, since Kagome's always skipping school to tromp around feudal Japan with her band of heroes.

#3 - Eikichi Onizuka (Great Teacher Onizuka)

Ex-gang member (and virgin) Onizuka didn't have the noblest motives for becoming a teacher--hooking up with girls. Nevertheless, our hero soon decides to become the greatest teacher ever and does a pretty fine job--bucking the traditional system and reaching each student one-by-one--professionally speaking, of course.

#2 - Minamo Kurosawa (Azumanga Daioh)

Kurosawa-sensei is a calm and caring P.E. teacher--much more competent than her friend and crazy colleague Yukari. Just keep Kurosawa away from alcohol, and your students are in good hands.

#1 - Piccolo (Dragon Ball Z)

Piccolo's pedagogy is full of tough love. Think of the old movie The Miracle Worker, except instead of teaching a young Helen Keller how to sign "water," former villain Piccolo dumps monkey boy Gohan into the dinosaur-infested wildnerness. That's how you teach a kid to fight world-crushing bad guys.

Stay in school, kiddos!

Top 5 Anime Cats

2010-04-17T17:47:00.000-07:00

We've talked swords and guns. Now it's on to that other lethal weapon . . .

Top 5 Anime Cats

#5 - Kuroneko Sama (Trigun)

Maybe one of the most famous anime feline, Kuroneko Sama ("Lady Black Cat") appears in every episode of Trigun and even makes a cameo in the Wild ARMs: 2nd Ignition video game.

As famous as she is, Kuroneko sometimes gets mistaken for protagonist Vash the Stampede. We don't see the resemblance.

#4 - The Cat (She and Her Cat)

We're going obscure here. This little kitty is the narrator of a short film made by Voices of a Distant Star creator Makoto Shinkai. (You'll find the short as an extra on the Voices DVD.)

Check out this emotional tale to hear about the people/pet relationship from the pet's point of view.

#3 - Maya (Azumanga Daioh)

Poor Sakaki could never find a cat to return her affection. Case in point:

But finally Sakaki finds a lovable orphan mountain cat who follows her home to Tokyo.

Not only is Maya a fine furry companion; he also can emit a "battle aura" to scare off any mean cat who even thinks about biting his surrogate mother.

#2 - Pero (Big O)

Poor little Pero. Got stuck in a mad scientist's lab and finds brief peace in the tender arms of android R. Dorothy Wayneright.

It's a short respite. Then it's back to the monster factory where Pero transforms into its giant-sized manufactured form.

But the heart of a fuzzy feline still remains in Pero's soul, and the ending of this episode will break your heart, too.

#1 - Jiji (Kiki's Delivery Service)

Also known as Rei Sakuma, but Americans are probably more familiar with Jiji courtesy of the late, great Phil Hartman's voice acting on the Walt Disney dub.

Jiji is witch-in-training Kiki's talking black cat, and his voice sheds light on a cat's personality--sarcastic and self-protective.

Now we know what our cat is thinking when she glares at us.

Talk about a dangerous weapon . . .

Top 5 Anime Gunslingers

2010-04-16T21:51:00.001-07:00

Last time was swords. This time we crank it up a notch and pack some heat.

Time for the

Top 5 Anime Gunslingers

#5 - Beyond the Grave (Gungrave)

Any man--dead or undead--who can shoot straight by crossing his arms gets his due from us. The late Brandon Heat--resurrected as "Beyond the Grave" can do just that on his quest for revenge.

Our vote for best gun battle in this zombie gangster shoot-em-up is Grave's duel with Bunji in episode 24--"Last Bullet." That poor kitty at the end still makes us teary eyed.

#4 - Revy (Black Lagoon)

Revy may be the prettiest mercenary of the Black Lagoon crew, but she's also the most homicidal. (We blame it on a bad childhood.)

Miss "Two Hands" is just as ambidextrous as Mr. Grave above, but she looks better in a tank top.

#3 - Yusuke Urameshi (Yu Yu Hakusho)

Yusuke's "gun" is actually his special Reigun attack, in which he points his right index finger and shoots focused spirit aura at underworld criminals.

We wish we could get the same results. But usually all we get is funny looks and other fingers pointed back at us.

#2 - Gene Starwind (Outlaw Star)

Gene is basically the anime Han Solo who pals around with a spaz catgirl, assassin, and babe bio-android instead of a wookie.

Like Captain Solo, Gene is deadly with his pistol--a magic Caster gun that blows away Tao priests and other supernatural baddies. If Han Solo had that kind of blaster, Empire Strikes Back would have ended much better--no more Vader going all "talk to the hand" over the banquet table at Cloud City. Do some more tinkering, George Lucas!

#1 - Vash the Stampede (Trigun)

Was there any doubt?

Also known as "The Humanoid Typhoon," and "The $60,000,000,000 Man" for the bounty on his head, Vash usually makes his entrance as a hapless donut hogging goof.

But when trouble fires up, our spiky haired hero dives in head first with aim that cannot miss (unless he wants to) and a back-up cybernetic hand/machine gun to boot.

Of course, all Vash really wants is "love and peace!" Too bad every place he goes winds up a pile of rubble.

There's a lesson there. Are you listening, NRA?

Top 5 Anime Swordsmen

2010-03-29T20:23:00.000-07:00

"The pen is mightier than the sword"

- Edward Bulwer-Lytton (1839)

We're betting poor Ed never watched himself a good anime show, or he'd be rethinking them words.

Here's our

Top 5 Anime Swordsmen

#5 - Saya (Blood+ TV Series)

Okay, SwordsWOMEN, too.

Don't let that cute schoolgirl outfit throw ya. Saya's a vampire-killing machine, along with her cello chuggin' bodyguard Hagi.

Musical instruments don't really keep the monsters down, unfortunately. And that's why every time Saya uses her sword, she cuts her hand and stains the blade with her own blood, which is lethal to monsters and such.

And to think, we almost faint after a paper cut.

#4 - InuYasha (InuYasha)

Sure, maybe everyone's favorite half-demon hero isn't the swiftest sword swinger out there. But we still have to give credit for InuYasha's honkin' huge sword Tetsusaiga--which used to be his wolf demon daddy's fang tooth.

That's a family heirloom we'd keep on the mantle. (Grandpa's false teeth just don't cut it.)

#3 - Goemon Ishikawa XIII (Lupin III)

Goemon's katana named Zantetsuken means "iron-cutting sword," but actually it can cut through pretty much anything--cars, bridges, helicopters, you name it.

Alas, these stupendous slicing feats always fall short in Goemon's eyes, given by his token phrase: "Once again I have cut a worthless object." Dude's gotta set some realistic expectations.

#2 - TIE: Jin and Mugen (Samurai Champloo)

Different methods; same results. Even though their sword styles couldn't be more different, the quiet elegant Jin (top) and brash breakdancing Mugen (bottom) always fight each other to a draw.

As long as Fuu (left) keeps getting kidnapped, they'll put aside their differences. But their final battle is both savage and hilarious.

#1 - Zoro (One Piece)

This guy's got a trio of swords and swings all three at once--the third with his mouth. Can't get more anime than that. And that's why Zoro is top of the A-list anime swashbucklers.

Give that swordsman a GPS and he'll be force to be reckoned with.

Top 5 Anime Movies

2010-02-18T19:27:00.000-08:00

The Oscars are coming soon, now double-sized with 10 Best Picture Nominees. That's inflation for ya.

We're sticking to our guns here and giving you the

Top 5 Anime Movies.

[Our criteria: Has to be an original motion picture typically well over an hour in length; no OAVs, OVAs, or whatever folks like to call them.]

#5 - Cowboy Bebop: The Movie--Knockin' on Heaven's Door

Now THIS is how you make a movie based on a hit anime series. Rather than cramming dozens of episodes into two hours, celebrate the show by creating what is essentially an extra-long episode with all its goodies.

With Cowboy Bebop, we get to enjoy our favorite bounty hunters--Spike, Jet, Faye, Ed, and Ein--in yet another cool and quirky adventure. For good measure, toss in a few cameos and nods to elements that make Bebop one of the best series ever. Add some of the finest martial arts fighting and aerial combat sequences--accompanied by the matchless musical styles of Yoko Kanno--and you've got the greatest example of a series-based anime movie.

#4 - The End of Evangelion

And THIS is how you make a movie to finish a 26-plus episode anime series. (Take note, Fullmetal Alchemist.)

End of Evangelion may not wrap up the plot with a tight bow--more like an explosion of silly string--but this movie does provide the absolute, ultimate anime ending of mind-melting apocalyptic ambiguity.

#3 - Interstella 5555

And then there was space opera--literally. This entire movie tells a story through music videos based on music by French technopop duo Daft Punk and animation by Leiji Matsumoto (Space Battleship Yamato, Captain Harlock, Galaxy Express 999).

Not only is the music superb (rock, pop, soulfoul, and more), but the story told through animation alone--no dialogue--is riveting and endearing as we follow the adventures of a kidnapped intergalactic rock band.

#2 - Millennium Actress

Don't let the subtitles scare you. This movie is a love story for filmmaking and anyone in pursuit of a lost longing. If that's not enough, the reality blending sequences are sometimes heart-breaking and other times hilarious.

#1 - (Nearly) Every Studio Ghibli Ever Made

Sure, call it a copout. Or call it a sell-out. We can take it. But we just couldn't figure out which Ghibli film was the best--they're all great*. So to honor Miyazaki and Co.'s masterworks, we're throwing them out here with full honors.

(*Almost all. We're still not overwhelmed with Pom Poko and Porco Rosso--although the latter may just be due to Michael Keaton's dull voice acting dub.)

We're not alone, of course. The Academy awarded Spirited Away with the Oscar for Best Animated Film in 2002:

And here's the trailer for perhaps the best Miyazaki film out there--Princess Mononoke:

And those are the winners.

Keep the speeches short, folks.

NOT the Top 5 Anime Movies

2010-02-07T21:25:00.000-08:00

The Razzie Award Nominations are out for "Dis-honoring Hollywood's Worst" in movies of 2009 and the past decade. Check them out at HERE.

Until the winners (losers?) are announced, let's share our

NOT the Top 5 Anime Movies

We're not saying these are the worst Anime movies out there; just NOT the Top 5. (Nowhere close)

#5 - Tie--Escaflowne: The Movie

and

Rahxephon: Pluralitas Concentio

These two movies tie because they both take excellent TV series and leave us with a bad taste in our mouth.

Escaflowne's movie drops the chivalrous European fantasy flavor of the TV show and dons a more Asian/Eastern feel. The movie makers also overhauled character designs--making some almost unrecognizable--on its mission to make it more of an action flick rather than the fantasy mecha romance drama that made the series unique.

RahXephon's movie DOES provide additional exposition and explanation for some of the key character relationships and events. For that, we give it props. But it also tries to adult up the story by including an unnecessary sex scene. Even worse, the film creators commit the cardinal sin of anime movies based on television series--cramming 26 episodes of a show into 2 measly hours.

The creators call it an encore. But if that's what we get for applauding a series, then we should've just stayed in our seats.

#4 - Pom Poko

Far be it from us to criticize any production from Studio Ghibli (Spirited Away, My Neighbor Totoro, Kiki's Delivery Service), but we just can't stomach shape-shifting tanuki ("raccoon dogs") with their--ahem--"pouches" bouncing along while the hijinks abound.

There are much better movies by Ghibli (Princess Mononoke, Nausicaa) that entertain and inspire us to protect the environment. All Pom Poko does is beckon us to the garbage can.

#3 - Robotech II: The Sentinels

Robotech: Macross was a masterpiece of Americanized anime for 36 episodes. And in the mid-1980s, Harmony Gold tried to capitalize on the first Robotech series to make a brand new sequel series. The project lasted long enough to finish only 3 episodes, though, so the creators worked their mixmaster magic and out popped a feature-length film.

The movie is rather forgettable, as it shows an impending danger that never gets resolved in a couple of hours. But Sentinels does show us the wedding of star-crossed lovers Rick Hunter and Lisa Hayes, so for that we won't rank it worse. (You'll always have your music career, Lynn Minmei.)

#2 - Akira

We can hear the "boos" from otaku everywhere. Suck on your inhaler, boys. And rewatch the film and you'll notice that despite it's revolutionary impact on anime, Akira is not that great a movie.

Sure, it's got post-apocalyptic sci-fi action and a sweet motorcycle. But it's also got some hints of misogyny and tired techno-Rambo warfare. Plus, it's guilty of the cardinal sin for anime movies, this time by cramming 2,182 pages of manga into one movie. Out go several subplots and most of the manga's second half. And out goes any second viewing for us, unless Leonardo DiCaprio can ever get the live-action Akira off the ground. (Leo's just that dreamy.)

#1 - M.D. Geist

No controversy here. Every anime viewer knows this movie blows. M.D. Geist is an ultraviolent, poorly animated blend of Mad Max and Universal Soldier without the morality.

Somehow this movie inspired a sequel, which defied all laws of physics and sucked more than the original. The end result was an Akira-like black hole somewhere over Midtown Manhattan.

(Oh wait. That was licensor Central Park Media's bankruptcy.)

Time for a brain cleansing.

And next time we'll look at the Top 5 BEST Anime movies!

Top 5 Anime That Should Air on Cartoon Network/Adult Swim

2010-01-11T19:12:00.001-08:00

Didja hear the news? Cartoon Network's Adult Swim may be showing THREE new anime shows in the near future! Whee!

(Our guess is the same as everyone else: 1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, 2) InuYasha: Final Act, and 3) Who knows?)

We'll find out soon enough, probably through those snarky bumper messages. But just for fun's sake, here are our

Top 5 Anime That Should Air on Cartoon Network/Adult Swim

Everyone can dream, right?

#5 - Gun Sword

It looks like Cowboy Bebop crossed with Trigun. And most episodes follow the Big O model of finish the show via giant robot fight. Plus, Gun Sword's creators are the same folks who did Code Geass. Cartoon Network aired all of those shows to death, so why not bring in this one, too?

#4 - Patlabor--The Mobile Police

It's like NYPD Blue with giant robots. And no Dennis Franz.

If you're shooting for quantity, you can't go wrong with Patlabor. Not only is the TV series over 45 episodes long, you also get two OAV series and three movies to fill up the time. Ghost in the Shell's Mamoru Oshii is one of the creators, too, so you know you're getting quality as well.

#3 - Azumanga Daioh

This show fits in with all of the dry goofiness of Adult Swim's American-made shows. And it's not that adult-y, either, so CN could even air it in Prime Time. Not too early, though, since you've gotta watch out for that creepy Mr. Kimura. But we're sure some male fans could relate.

#2 - His and Her Circumstances

Like Azumanga, but more serious and melancholy at times, and more zany and insane at other times (if that's possible). This show by Studio Gainax (FLCL, Evangelion) is the kind of anime that drives some viewers bonkers, which we're saying is a good thing. Teenage love has the same effect.

#1 - The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya

The perfect prescription for anime newbie and jaded otaku alike, this show packs a punch in a small series, much like phenom FLCL. But Haruhi Suzumiya has more heart, more episodes, more seasons, and a movie to keep fans happy.

What would make US happy is seeing these shows on TV. Sure, these anime are available on DVD and such, but they deserve a wider audience.

C'mon CN/AS, give us some love.

And do us a favor by showing the entire end credits for Haruhi Suzumiya. Youtube is just not enough. Well . . . it's good for our weekly fix . . .

Top 5 Anime Resets

2010-01-01T09:00:00.000-08:00

Happy New Year, everyone! Out with the old and in with the new. Or in the anime world, out with the old and in with the reset.

To honor the beginning of a fresh new year, we celebrate the

Top 5 Anime Resets.

Resets are those anime series-ending cataclysms that turn out to be . . . maybe not the ultimate demise of the world after all. Instead, the story culminates in a reboot, rewind, and/or revolutionary sort of resolution. It’s not over; it’s just begun. So let’s begin!

[Caution, newbies: Show spoilers ahead!]

#5 - Neon Genesis Evangelion/End of Evangelion

Probably the first show that comes to otaku minds when they think of reset endings. We’re talking about the extended “End of Evangelion” ending.

And talk about an ending. We don’t understand it, of course, but basically everyone explodes into orange marmalade while a giant Rei does her impression of the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man. One psychedelic trip later, we wake up with Shinji and Asuka (the latter with hints of Rei and Misato), in a bloody newborn world.

Our interpretation? The two teens are the next Adam and Eve, chosen to begin a new world—as long as they don’t kill each other.

#4 - Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (Season 1)

This show’s version of a reset is different than what you typically expect. The last episode follows Togusa as he comes to terms with his colleagues’ apparent deaths and arrests following Section 9’s betrayal and blacklisting by corrupt officials. The most human and relatable of all Section 9 agents, Togusa decides he must continue to fight the good fight on his own.

But the next thing we know, Togusa finds the entire Section 9 team alive and well and back in “kick butt” commission. After revealing the top-secret plan to fake Section 9’s demise and appease the big wigs, the squad welcomes Togusa back and returns to their business of cyber anti-terrorism.

No universe-shattering conclusion here, but just as resolvingly jolting as the best of any anime reset.

#3 - Wolf’s Rain

In this unique apocalyptic fairytale, we witness the band of heroes fall one-by-one on their quest to “paradise.” Finally, lone survivor Kiba collapses on top of a snowy frozen lake.

Just when you think all hope is lost, springtime comes double-time: snow melts, Kiba’s body plunges into thawed water, and flowers sprout up everywhere. Then we see a new world with all the heroes alive and well, if not quite what they used to be.

Makes you think the next time you see a wolf.

#2 - Rahxephon

This show by Studio Bones (Cowboy Bebop, Fullmetal Alchemist) follows the Evangelion model and makes it better. That includes the ending, too. We get a more definitive vision of the reset world. Fallen heroes are back and alive again, and better off for it too. Joyful families, marriages, kids, and world peace after a freaky wrestling match between mecha-merged Ayato and Quon.

The latter we could have done without, but if that’s what gets us to a happy world free of attacking blue-skinned atonal aliens, we’ll take it. Oh yeah, and we finally get the whole story behind that painting.

#1 - The Big O

The show must go on. And that’s exactly what happens after Roger’s final negotiation with the reality-controlling Angel. After the screen goes all white, we witness a familiar scene and narration as Roger drives his Griffon to another negotiation. In fact, it’s the same sequence as the very beginning of the show’s first episode.

But not exactly identical. Two changes: Roger no longer wears his wristwatch that calls Big O; and Angel and R. Dorothy smile as they watch their hero drive by. What’s next? That’s up to the viewer (and many discussion board forums). And the ambiguousness is one of the best parts of anime.

Can’t handle ambiguousness?

Then click on the following links for different viewers’ interpretations of the show endings. More importantly, decide for yourself!

End of Evangelion

Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex (Season 1)--Actually, it’s not that complex. So check out the first Ghost in the Shell movie—if you’re older than 17—then review trivia and the summary here.

Wolf’s Rain

Rahxephon

The Big O

Now wasn’t that refreshing? Easier than resetting the VCR. Yes, we still have one of those. Maybe 2010 will bring Tivo.

Until then, our New Years resolution is to eat more pocky!

Top 5 Anime That Make You Cry Like a Baby

2009-12-30T17:46:00.000-08:00

Last month was all mecha pilots, all the time. While we love the mecha/giant robot anime genre, we like all kinds of anime. So just to show that we’ve got a sensitive side and aren’t just a bunch of mecha-heads, here are our Top 5

ANIME THAT MAKE YOU CRY LIKE A BABY

[Caution: Spoilers and soiled Kleenex ahead!]

#5 - Grave of the Fireflies (Motion Picture)

No shocker here: Both kids die. Not your regular fanfare from cuddly Studio Ghibli. But even though we know what happens to the kids from the very first sequence, it doesn’t ease the pain. Our hearts fall into pieces as we observe the slow, starving demise of this brother-sister pair in post-WW II Japan. We echo Roger Ebert in recommending this film for all war movie fans—and all film fans with a heart.

#4 - Wolf’s Rain (Episodes 27-30)

Fun fact #1: Wolf’s Rain was originally planned for a standard 26-episode run. That was before the Asian bird flu epidemic near the turn of the century interrupted production schedule. With deadlines looming, the folks at Studio Bones had to whip up a record four recap episodes to act as fillers throughout the show. Following the unresolved ending of episode 26, the creators eventually got things together to tie up the story with an additional quartet of shows.

But after watching them, your tear-stained eyes may regret it. As the heroes (wolf and human) near the sought-after “paradise,” they each fall one-by-one in assorted tragic ways, showing the coldness and cruelty of a dying world. Even the ultimate triumph is bittersweet, as the taint of evil remains in the reborn world. Yoko Kanno’s melodic score only adds to the melancholic tale.

#3 - Trigun (Episode 24, “Sin”)

No anime does a better job of steadily transitioning between goofy episodic adventures to a heart-wrenching odyssey for redemption. Vash the Stampede is more than a lucky humanoid typhoon. He’s a tortured sole who’s vowed to never take a life. But our hero must cross that line near the story’s end, when Vash must choose between letting his friends die or saving them by killing the sadistic Legato. Trust us, V. You made the right decision.

#2 - Cowboy Bebop (Episode 24, “Hard Luck Woman”)

We’ve seen hints of Faye’s past in previous episodes, but we (and she) learn much more about her complicated story in this one. After meeting an “old” friend in her childhood neighborhood, Faye runs to the top of a familiar hill longing to find her family home. But what she discovers leaves her (and viewers) breathless.

#1 - Voices of a Distant Star (OVA)

Nothing opens the floodgates like teenage love. In this case, we’re talking long distance (and diverging chronological) relationships. Mix in a little mecha action and you’ve got gold.

Fun fact #2: Creator Makoto Shinkai made this masterpiece entirely on his Macintosh computer. (Take that, PC!) Just goes to show that a great story doesn’t need to be a multi-staffed and multi-million dollar production.

Beyond the teenage melodrama, Voices also uses the physics of space travel to add depth and reality to the tale of our forlorn pair. So it’s not just a good love story; it’s a science lesson too. Suck, it up, crybabies.

Okay everyone, hanky time.

Top 5 Babe Mecha Pilots

2009-11-30T20:05:00.000-08:00

Capping off our month-long feature of mecha pilots, we turn our attention to the fairer sex—the

Top 5 Babe Mecha Pilots:

#5 - Karen Joshua

(Mobile Suit Gundam: The 08th MS Team)

Master Chief Petty Officer Karen Joshua is the 08th MS Team’s second-in-command and one tough lady. Don’t tick her off on the battlefield. Karen used to be a medical student, though, so she can tend to your wounds after she punches your lights out.

#4 - Asuka Langley Soryu

(Neon Genesis Evangelion)

A lot of attention goes to that other female Eva pilot—Rei Ayanami. But we’ll pick a feisty redhead over a waify albino girl any day. No Freudian mother issues to deal with, either.

#3 - Kallen Stadtfeld/Kouzuki

(Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

In a show of strangely skinny and oblong character designs, mecha pilot Kallen never fails to be babe-iful. Of course, it doesn’t hurt that the animators seem to put her in the most compromising positions whenever she plops into her Guren-Mk II’s cockpit.

#2 - Yoko Littner

(Gurren Lagann)

Sure, Yoko bounces around in a bikini top and lugs a ginormous sniper rifle when she’s not piloting her Dayakkaiser mecha. But she’s just as skilled in a classroom full of elementary kids. Cue Van Halen, cuz we’re hot for teacher.

That’s four redheads in a row. Time for a new color. (And some much needed modesty, which to be honest, ladies, goes a lot farther with us.)

#1 - Miriya Parina Sterling (Robotech: Macross)

When we first meet Miriya, she’s the finest combat pilot in all the Zentraedi forces—and a giant alien. If that’s not cool enough, she tried to kill her future husband Max with a knife. And she can play video games. Bonus.
Miriya even takes her infant daughter Dana along in her Veritech cockpit when fighting the bad guys. Not exactly mother of the year material, but definitely proof that Miriya is a woman among girls in the Babe Mecha Pilot category.

That’s our list, showing that gals are just as skilled as the guys in mecha pilot mastery. And much easier on the eyes.

Susan B. Anthony would be proud.

Top 5 Angstiest Mecha Pilots

2009-11-28T19:22:00.000-08:00

Almost as common as whiny boy mecha pilots—and just as annoying—here we have our

Top 5 Angstiest Mecha Pilots:

#5 – Van Fanel (The Vision of Escaflowne)

We actually like Van and his excellent mecha/fantasy mixture of a show. But don’t forget to mention a mix of romance, too; otherwise, you’ll be sorely disappointed if expecting an all-out action show. Van’s heart slowly gets warmed by schoolgirl Hitomi, but it takes some time, since he has to overcome a backstabbing brother, two dead parents, and a pair of foppish fairy wings.

#4 – Setsuna F Seiei (Gundam 00)

Setsuna was a prepubescent guerilla fighter before he plopped into the cush job of Gundam pilot. Unfortunately, one never outgrows a childhood of urban warfare and a brainwashed execution of your own parents. No wonder Setsuna’s no fan of diplomacy. Good thing he’s a Gundam pilot.

#3 – Viral (Gurren Lagann)

All Viral wants is to get married and have some kids. But he’s also a bad guy who gets his bootie kicked by the human heroes. Still, Viral gets a second chance and bailed out of the slammer to help Simon’s ragtag bunch fight the impossible war against the Anti-Spirals. The enemy of my enemy . . . means you’re one lucky duck, Viral.

#2 – Heero Yuy (Gundam Wing)

We don’t know Heero’s real name—he’s just an orphan picked for combat and named after a matyred colony leader. Same name, different methods. Heero spearheads Operation Meteor to start the whole Earth/Colonies War. And when he first meets future love interest and heart warmer Relena, what are his first words? “I’ll kill you.” Not exactly our first choice for a pick-up line.

#1 – Lelouch Lamperouge/Zero (Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion)

Lelouch is angst king—royal blood and everything. This private school brat’s estranged pop is oppressive Britannia Emperor Charles, who’s not too sad about killing his wife—little Lelouch’s mom. So what does Lelouch do? Acquires some mind-controlling powers, starts up a mecha army and begins his own conquest of nations. The apple doesn’t fall too far from the tree, does it?

That’s our Top 5 list of angry, arrogant, and antisocial teen pilots. Somebody give ‘em a hug.

Top 5 Coolest Mecha Pilots

2009-11-20T17:46:00.000-08:00

Last time featured the well-known "whiny mecha pilot" anime archetype. Now let's do a complete 180-turn and focus on something much better--the

Top 5 Coolest Mecha Pilots.

These are the guys we WANT to be; the fact they pilot a giant robot is just icing on the cake!

#5 - Kamina (Gurren Lagann)

Not everyone can lead a stampeding herd of mole-pigs to the top of their underground city's roof. And not everyone has a city named in their honor, either. Of course, not too many folks use the catchphrase, "Who the hell do you think I am?!" We'd list Kamina higher on the cool list, but not until he puts a shirt on.

#4 - Van (Gun x Sword)

It helps that Van looks a lot like Cowboy Bebop's own Spike Spiegel (perhaps the coolest anime character ever). Van makes his own fashion statement though, wearing a swallowtail tuxedo and droopy Stetson-style hat. His coolest accessory is his shape-memory cloth "sword," but Van is usually more interested in dousing his meals with mixed sauces. Maybe his wardrobe should come with a condiment belt.

#3 - Duo Maxwell (Gundam Wing)

In a show full of pretty boy pilots in need of Prozac, Duo sticks out as the stud who smiles while he wipes out mecha armies with his Deathscythe Gundam. Who knew a "god of death" could be so fun?

#2 - Max Sterling (Robotech: Macross)

Max is living the dream. He's an ace Veritech fighter pilot for the SDF-1, and that's not the best part. Max makes our list because he snagged his hot alien wife by first defeating her at a video arcade game, then out-dueling her in a knife fight. Mrs. Miriya Sterling then becomes his wingmate, fighting beside Max in her very own Veritech fighter. Just keep an eye on that girl in the kitchen.

#1 - Roger Smith (The Big O)

Comic books have Batman, and anime has Roger Smith, Paradigm City's Negotiator. Like Bruce Wayne, Roger has his wide array of gadgetry: grappling hook-shooting wristwatch, rocket-launching Griffon sedan, memory metal lock-pick, and more. But instead of donning cape and cowl, Roger jumps into the cockpit of his giant megadeus Big O to fight giant-sized mecha crime. And in place of Boy Wonder Robin, Roger's sidekick is the cute sardonic android R. Dorothy Wayneright. "It's Showtime!"

And it's go time! Stay cool, everyone.

Top 5 Whiny Mecha Pilots

2009-11-08T19:56:00.000-08:00

Piloting a giant robot mecha is the absolute best, right?

Not if you ask these guys.

Someone should sit them down, slap 'em around, and teach 'em how to truly appreciate their sweet rides. Until then, we'll just list our Top 5 Whiny Mecha Pilots:

#5 - Simon (Gurren Lagann)

No one likes a peeping tom, Simon. If you hadn’t spied on Yoko smooching Kamina, maybe you wouldn’t have left your “Big Bro” high and dry in your fight against Lordgenome.

#4 - Quatre Reberba Winner (Gundam Wing)

Of all the Gundam Wing pilots, Quatre was Mr. Softy, allowing his enemies to surrender before battle and apologizing afterwards to the cannon fodder who didn’t. Peace, peace, peace was his mantra. But then he goes off with the Gundam Wing Zero prototype and starts blowing up entire space colonies. Way to practice what you preach, Q.

#3 - Renton Thurston (Eureka Seven)

When we first meet Renton, he complains how everything in his life suuuucks. So does his attitude. (We’d give anything to have a hoverboard like Marty McFly.) Things don't get better when Renton joins the crew of Gekkostate and pilots the Nirvash mecha. Our boy becomes bootlicker, chump, and way too infatuated with lovely co-pilot Eureka. Give the girl some space--that's dude dating rule #2. Speaking of #2 . . .

#2 - Shinji Ikari (Neon Genesis Evangelion)

Every hero needs a battle cry. “I mustn’t run away I mustn’t run away” doesn’t quite cut it. Actually Shinji, please do hit the road. And take your daddy issues with you.

#1 - Amuro Ray (Mobile Suit Gundam)

The original Gundam was revolutionary for its time--breaking away from the cheesy "super-robot" genre in the '70s. Still, the show is guilty of creating the whiny pilot anime archetype. Amuro was the pioneer boy pilot bellyacher, and that ain't something you want on your resume.

Who'd we miss? Who's whinier?

Share your sissies below!

Top 5 Costumed Characters

2009-10-30T08:58:00.001-07:00

Happy Halloween, Everybody!

We're celebrating the season by listing the Top 5 Costume-Wearing Characters in Anime.

#5 - Shunsuke Akagi as Eagle Mascot (Dai Guard)

[Check it out at the 01:30 mark.]

View More Free Videos Online at Veoh.com

Before Akagi was the lead pilot of giant robot Dai Guard, he was just another office worker for the 21st Century Defense Corporation, putting in some extra hours with the PR team as the company mascot. Don't worry, Akagi, you'll be fighting Heterodynes in no time!

#4 - Eri Ninamori as Jack/Marquis de Carabas in Puss 'n Boots (FLCL)

As class president and mayor's daughter, Ninamori has a lot to live up to. This includes making sure she gets starring role in the school play. In the BEST episode of FLCL, we learn that Ninamori is human just like everyone else. But what about those glasses? You'll just have to watch.

#3 - Chiyo-Chan as Penguin (Azumanga Daioh)

The cute gets cuter when child genius Chiyo dons a penguin costume for the school's cultural festival. Just don't trip her.

#2 - Isaac Dian & Miria Harvent as _____ & _____ (Baccano!)

Take your pick for costumes. Isaac and Miria do every time they go on another heist.

#1 - Ed as Pumpkin-head (Cowboy Bebop: The Movie--Knockin' on Heaven's Door)

Ed gets the #1 vote because she's actually going Trick or Treating--well, sort of, to search for a bad guy. Enjoy Ed and faithful Ein on their haunting adventure, starting at 05:45.

Do you have a favorite costumed anime character? Share below. Now go get some candy!

Top 5 Anime Openings

2009-10-27T09:54:00.000-07:00

For our first Top 5 list, why not begin with beginnings? Sure, okay! We hear that the beginning is a very good place to start . . .

Openings are critical to draw the viewer in and make him or her want to see more. An outstanding opening has the perfect combination of catchy music, clever credits, and awesome animation to keep us from skipping over it during our DVD viewing-marathons.

Here are our top five favorite anime openings with comments and courtesies of YouTube (no ownership or copyright claims here, just showing what's available):

#5 - Baccano!

A relatively new anime with a cast list longer than the show's death toll (poor gangster thugs), this show's opening gives a deftly woven roll call of the main players accompanied by a stylish jazz tune called "Gun's & Roses." (That's how it's spelled, too. Even so, Axl called; he wants five bucks for royalties and an apology from Slash.)

#4 - Record of Lodoss War: Chronicles of the Heroic Knight

We dare you to watch this opening and not get chills. Who knew flower petals in the wind could be so invigorating? Unfortunately, this magnificent opening only sets you up for major disappointment when you watch the actual show. The episodes are so stiff and sappy that it makes the 1980s Saturday morning cartoon Dungeons & Dragons look like Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings.

#3 - His and Her Circumstances

File this one under "fun." The zany opening encapsulates this teen romantic comedy/dramedy with some of Studio Gainax(Neon Genesis Evangelion)'s unconventional animation techniques.

#2 - Cowboy Bebop

"Tank!" = the classic opening that exudes cool. Everyone remembers where they were when they saw this opening late Thursday nights at the dawn of Cartoon Network's Adult Swim. As a testament to maestro Yoko Kanno's utter greatness, she composed both this toe-tapper AND the epic opening to Lodoss War: Heroic Knight (#4 above).

#1 - Read or Die: OAV

You only have three chances to enjoy this opening during the OAV's trio of episodes, but it's worth it! The animation is top-quality with some of the best cityscapes in any anime. No cheap shortcuts here. We get to see the main characters in original action sequences, enticing you with more story beyond this all-too-brief mini-series. (And the =ahem= shapely silhouettes displaying the credits do some enticing too.) Top it off with some funky/classy spy music and you've got a winner!

So what are your thoughts? What openings do you love? Share below!

Welcome!

2009-10-27T09:28:00.000-07:00

High Five!

Up top!

Top Five, actually. This is Top 5 Anime, courtesy of the creators of Anime Pocky Reviews.

If you want reviews of shows, go check out our Anime Pocky Reviews blog. But if you want our Top Five Lists of all kinds of anime categories--genres, characters, animation, music, fun--then this is the #1 site for you!

Naturally, we won't cover EVERY single anime out there. So if you think you have a better list or know an anime we left out, please respectfully share your thoughts by responding to our posts.

You can find your favorite categories by using the blog SEARCH at the top. Type in key words you're looking for and see what you get! And if you don't find it, tell us what lists you want. We'll do our best. Or at least our top five!