A while back, we shared our list of Top 5 Anime Titles. (Not shows, mind you, but names of shows.)
Unfortunately, some anime shows have less than ideal titles. (The new Bodacious Space Pirates comes to mind.)
Here are our
Top 5 Unfortunate Anime Titles
These are good shows (mostly). They just don't have the best titles . . .
#5 - Xam'd: Lost Memories
We're still not sure which memories we lost. And what exactly is a "Xam'd?" The show sort of answers that, but not why it's in a past tense "punk'd" sort of way. (Ashton Kutcher to Demi Moore: "You just got XAM'D!")
#4 - Tiger and Bunny
Everyone's claiming this super-hero show is the next Cowboy Bebop, the savior of all anime-kind. Too bad its title sounds closer to My Little Pony or some nature special on the Playboy channel.
#3 - The Big O
Type this name in Google and you'll find a national tire franchise. Or maybe a helpful book for the bedroom. Or maybe footage of NBA hall-of-famer Oscar Robertson. Or maybe this anime show.
#2 - Bleach
Rumor has it Tite Kubo called his creation Bleach because the shinigami heroes "bleach" evil souls. All it makes us think about is that dirty pile of laundry on the floor. It's still waiting . . .
#1 - Dragonball Z
Dragons are cool. And we like to play a little ball from time to time. And the second-coolest letter in the alphabet (behind X) has got to be Z. Put them all together and you get . . . another slightly suggestive euphemism. Be careful how you type when searching on the internet.
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.
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 . . .
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.
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 - RenjiAbarai (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 blondAfro and powerful HanageShinken (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:
We've talked swords and guns. Now it's on to that other lethal weapon . . .
Top 5 Anime Cats
#5 - KuronekoSama (Trigun)
Maybe one of the most famous anime feline, KuronekoSama ("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 MakotoShinkai. (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 (AzumangaDaioh)
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 ReiSakuma, 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.
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!
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.
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!"
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