Top Five Anime

Anime used to be this big fad with many people. I caught the bug myself, but my fandom would only go as far as watching shows on cable television. I didn't buy many DVDs. That was until I found my five favorite anime shows period. These are my absolute favorites, and I hope some of them are your favorites, too. You can bet that all of these anime that I'm a fan of their source material. *wink wink*

5) Paranoia Agent

This thirteen episode series is one total mind-screw. You think you know what's going on, but then boom! Some new plot element happens from nowhere that changes your perception of the series. The series follows the story of a mysterious attacker who uses a golden bat to knock people's troubles away. He preys desperate people, and now many citizens of Tokyo find "Lil Slugger" as a messiah, a way to escape their problems. Part thriller, part satire, all attitude, Paranoia Agent is a confusing anime that will keep you guessing until the series' crazy conclusion.


4) Case Closed

This anime is known as Detective Conan in Japan, and it has run over 300 episodes thus far with multiple movies and games released. It's a mystery show with a twist-- all of the cases are solved by a teenager trapped in a little boy's body. Confused? Don't be. It creates some hilarious situations as the bumbling old detective who's with Conan usually solves the case with unnoticeable help from Conan. It's always a blast to solve a crime and noticing what went awry at the crime scene or which suspect isn't telling the entire story. If you love Sir Arthur Conan Doyle's mystery novels or love a good mystery yourself, check out Case Closed where only one truth prevails!

3) Gundam Wing

Who doesn't love giant robots? Did you know chicks dig giant robots? I heard that from someone smart. Gundam Wing follows a global war with the mysterious OZ corporation in the middle. It's your typical Gundam Japanese soap opera with giant mobile suits fighting the wars. There's five Gundam pilots in all, each with their own themed Gundam. Labeled as mercenaries by many, united as one they have one goal-- to stop OZ. With intense action, fifty-plus episodes, a great soundtrack composed by Kou Otani of Shadow of the Colossus and Outlaw Star fame, and plenty of thrills and chills for anime fans. If you're tired of your wars being realistic, check out Gundam Wing.

2) Fullmetal Alchemist

When a human transmutation to revive their dead mother goes wrong, brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric lose something dear to them. Ed loses his arm and leg while Al lost his entire body. His soul is now attached to a heavy suit of armor. The two promise each other to get back their bodies, go after the Philosopher's Stone, and learn from their mistakes. Funny at times, warm at times, gravely depressing others, Fullmetal Alchemist is an entertaining anime unlike any other. The soundtrack by Michiru Oshima covers a variety of moods and scenarios with her epic orchestral score. Full of action, drama, and heart, Fullmetal Alchemist uses alchemy to draw up the number two spot.

1) Cowboy Bebop

One ship, one crew, four souls, four destinies, one awesome show with the best anime soundtrack ever composed by the best composer ever, Yoko Kanno. Unlike most of the other shows on this list, this anime is purely episodic with a recurring theme that pops up occasionally in five of the twenty-six episodes. This was the first anime to make me cry with Fullmetal Alchemist being the second. Those who have watched from beginning to end know what I'm talking about. The show does a great job of conveying a story without pounding it into the viewer. Instead the show is much more subtle about how it handles situations and its narrative. Combine all this with a fantastic soundtrack full of every type of music imaginable from jazz to heavy metal, rap to rock, Cowboy Bebop has every anime beat. It's not just entertaining for otaku either. My mom sat down and loved this show, and she cried her heart out, too.

Other Favorties Include: Yuyu Hakusho, Outlaw Star, Sailor Moon, Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex, S-Cry-Ed, and G Gundam.