overview for GlennMagusHarvey

Your reply made me go wiki-walk the fandom wiki for Yona of the Dawn...and remember some of the more dramatic moments, the memory of which nearly brought tears to my eyes. Indeed, it's excellent.

Cross Ange is...quite different an experience, to say the least. Its "fanservice" -- more like sexual elements, more generally -- is integrated into its plot, with at least some of it an intentional portrayal of the demeaning circumstances that horrible people force onto others. More generally, the show doesn't at all shy away from particularly harsh storytelling, themes, and social commentary. In stark contrast to the subtleties and elegance of Yona of the Dawn, Cross Ange's storytelling takes a more aggressive, uncompromising, and at times savage style. The result is a much more viscerally emotional experience, which I'll admit isn't everyone's cup of tea. Opinions on it vary between those that hate it, those that think it's hot garbage but ironically awesome, and those (like myself) that unironically think it's an excellent work.

What do you use for recommendaions? in c/[email protected]

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago

I seem to just pick up things I'm curious about rather randomly -- usually my interest is inspired by some art or music I think seems neat, so then I later go check it out and if I don't mind the premise I throw it into my want-to-watch list.

For recommendations, I find recommendations from friends and with some description (what it is or why it's relevant to me) are the most effective.

Nowadays though my want-to-watch list is just so gigantic I am a little afraid to check out more stuff.

My Top Anime of the 2010s (2023 Edition) in c/[email protected]

[–] [email protected] 3 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

You got me thinking of what I'd put in such a list, drawing from what I've watched.

2010: Angel Beats
2011: The iDOLM@STER
2012: Rinne no Lagrange, probably
2013: Tie between Arpeggio of Blue Steel and Beyond the Boundary, with a shout-out to Symphogear G
2014: Tie between Yona of the Dawn and Cross Ange, with a shout-out to Chaika the Coffin Princess
2015: Seraph of the End, probably
2016: A Silent Voice, with shout-outs to Four Rhythm Across the Blue and ViVid Strike
2017: Kemono Friends, with shout-outs to Gabriel DropOut and Maidragon
2018: Tie between Beatless and Yuru Camp
2019: The Price of Smiles

I don't watch stuff as it airs, and so these might change as I watch more stuff -- I've got a huge want-to-watch list with shows from this decade I've been reminded to watch. And also I noticed that I watched a lot of shows from the middle of this decade, but less from the beginning and end, for whatever reason.

Quite new to anime, lookig for help. in c/[email protected]

[–] [email protected] 2 points 2 years ago* (last edited 2 years ago)

I'll echo the recommendation of Neon Genesis Evangelion, particularly if you're looking for a story with insight into the psychological condition and experiences of the protagonist.

If you're in the mood to ponder other ideas philosophically, you may want to try Time of Eve (Eve no Jikan), Plastic Memories, and Beatless. All of them are stories involving androids, but they explore different concepts. Time of Eve explores issues of identity and presentation (in some ways that are surprisingly salient today), Plastic Memories explores end-of-life considerations, and Beatless explores the roles of AI in the future of human society.

For a couple series with dystopian futures, consider Coppelion and Planetarian. Coppelion is about people who venture into the highly radioactive ruins of Tokyo after a nuclear accident; its visual style deliberately makes use of washed-out colors. Planetarian is about a scrap collector who ventures into a ruined city only to encounter an android who seems oblivious of the ruins around her; her wordy and oblivious optimism contrasts sharply with his cynicism, in this relatively short and also somewhat philosophical anime series. (It's also available in the form of a visual novel.)

For something more action-packed, there's Guilty Crown and the Symphogear series. Guilty Crown seems to have some polarizing opinions, though not for lack of effort in the production -- it's quite a spectacle, visually and musically, and it was definitely meant to go big. On one hand I felt disappointed by it but on the other hand I also feel like I really wanted to like it. As with any show, though, you should be forming your opinion of things anyway.

For drama, I'd suggest The Price of Smiles (Egao no Daika) and Str.A.In: Strategic Armored Infantry (Soukou no Strain). Both of them revolve around war and associated tragedies, but in settings with futuristic combat mechs and other technological advancements. The latter takes place in space.

For something with a brighter but still futuristic vibe, try Stellvia of the Universe (Uchuu no Stellvia). Here's a story about high school in space, with all the laughs, goofs, friendship, smiles, and even romance, as well as interpersonal drama and expectations -- particularly heavy expectations at that. As a point of trivia, it's pretty neat that the main character specializes in programming.

Edit: I wanted to throw in one more recommendation, the Nanoha series. This is a magical girl series that's renowned for incorporating Gundam-inspired magitech elements, particularly in the various magical abilities the characters use. It's also got both drama and positive vibes. Good for an affirmation of the power of friendship, backed up by a big stick!