Thread: Favorite anime

I have a very strong interest in role-playing fandom. Regardless of the medium, there are usually a few things that make some fandoms better for role-play than others. I'm the sort of person that, when crafting a plot for such a role-play, likes to stick to canon as closely as possible. Unless there's an intent to make it AU, I respect the events that happened canonically. Naturally, this is easier to do with anime that have a plot that is smaller in scale. The more involved, intriquite, lengthy, and world changing the plot, the more difficult it can to stay within the boundaries I prefer. A good example of this would be Mobile Suit Gundam. My interest in this series is mostly centered on the original, UC timeline. This is an entire saga that takes place over the course of dozens of years, even over a hundred. Each part of the series clearly defines many of the events that happen, and they are usually crucial to shaping the world the characters in habit. To alter these events would be to derail the plot. So, the room to create an original plot is limited. One could just role-play during those events, but then the plotting and planning in the role-play becomes more intricate and involved. While this may not bother some people, I'm too anal to start getting details wrong at that point. I need it to all fit, and then it becomes more of a job. An intimate knowledge of the lore becomes more and more necessary as a requirement for a partner. A series that is very easy to work with is Cowboy Bebop. It has a very simple plot-line, in that the events do not dramatically effect the world around the characters. The exploits of the Bebop crew are largely self contained. The only variables to be considered are events that happen in the very last episode, and that's only if the role-play takes place after the anime. Outside of that, there's ample room to craft any kind of story, and of any kind of magnitude depending on when it takes place, of course. There's freedom to really explore the world, and to do so without requiring a partner with intimate knowledge of the lore. Another off shoot that tends to be difficult are the sorts of anime that require a wealth of technical knowledge. Ghost in the Shell is a good example of this. If there is any hope of really mimicking the feel of the show, to really role-play it, a good understanding of the lore is required. This also comes into play with Mobile Suit Gundam, as I mentioned before. Personally, when these details aren't represented right in my partners writing, or my own, it bothers me it ruins the experience. I can't narrow it down to one favorite, but here's a list of some of the anime I really enjoy. I already posted this in another thread, but I don't see the harm in making a repeat. Mobile Suit Gundam Ghost in the Shell Paprika Hellsing Full Metal Alchemist BECK Hajime no Ippo RIN Daughters of Mnemosyne Samurai X the OVAs in particular Baka and Test Tokyo Godfathers Akira Steamboy Dragon Ball Z Kai Cowboy Bebop Blood The Last Vampire Also, about BECK. It's been mentioned before, but I figured I'd give it a plug anyway-- I just finished reading the manga. Do you like music? Then you need to go watch Beck Mongolian Chop Squad. Why? I have yet to see an anime that does the band genre better than Beck. Now, I know it may be a niche genre with slim pickings, but Beck is really good. First off, the music is actually pretty good. I'm not a fan of most Japanese rock, however what you have in Beck is some decent stuff. The real-life Beat Crusaders were the driving musical force behind the anime, so it has an authentic feel. The music isn't just some studio band hired by the production company to belt out some quick tracks. The songs in Beck can stand on their own feet, and still retain the raw, amateurish feel of a band just starting out. The only problem with the music is that they cannot possibly live up to the bar the author set with the main character's voice. This creates a bit of a disconnect, as you watch the fan reaction on screen, and then gauge it against your own more realistic response. Another cool thing is the English dubbing of the series they actually re-recorded the music in English. I think it's really cool that the localization bothered to do this, however the results are mixed. When translated into English, the rapcore songs are a bit lost. Chiba, the hip-hoprap front-man, loses a whole lot of his aggression and flow. I also found that the songs themselves feel a little more flat. The animation isn't anything special. It's the typical quality you'd expect from most anime productions. It isn't bad, but it isn't OVA quality or anything. However, the feel of the manga is preserved in the art style and animation, so it's a boon to the fans of the manga. Both the opening and ending credits are done very well. Both capture the feel of the anime very well. The visuals are satisfying, and the music is just fantastic. Where this anime really shines is the story. Beck is a surprisingly realistic tale of what it's like to get a band going. While this is a tale of a shy novice realizing his potential and talent, he doesn't get there overnight. Yukio Koyuki Tanaka, can sing his ass off, but he's a diamond in the rough. For what talent he does have vocally, he lacks it elsewhere, as he picks up a guitar and learns to play. For months he practices, and for years he performs, but it isn't for at least four years that he starts to come into his own. While the manga does extend years after the anime, I assure you that Koyuki isn't portrayed as some prodigy god. He doesn't give a lopsided smirk, flick his nose with his thumb, and then rattle off a shonen one-liner. He's a humble guy, and he knows he isn't great, but he diligently works harder to get better. He's written more like a real person. Throughout the series, the band deals with chemistry issues, disappointing performances, and the brutal expenses of a tour. Things go wrong for Beck more often than they go right. However, when things do go well, when the stars are perfectly aligned, their triumphs are great. The hard work and passion they put into their music pays off. It's very satisfying to watch or read. So, go watch Beck! You won't be disappointed It has action, comedy, romance, and awesome music!