Question – Someone New to Anime,What Series Should Watch 1st

starlightx · Post by **starlightx** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:13 am

Someone overheard me, at a barbeque this weekend, talk about anime & the convention I went to this summer. We had a lengthy discussion about anime & would like for him to watch a show.

So, my question is what anime you would suggest I show him. Keep in mind that he 60 something man who is not native to the US, is somewhat analytical, interested in current/historical events and different cultures

Also, based on the personality of this person, I would prefer the anime to be non cg & have not too much violence/sex.

Thanks.

Gonzai · Post by **Gonzai** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:21 am

Well, I know this may sound surprising, but I would
have to say Gun x Sword, well that is if he is willing
to listen to it in Japanese and read subtitles. I realize
it is in CG, but given his age, there are just some
parts in the show I think he will really enjoy.

Also, duh.......Hikaru No Go. Its based on a game,
no violence or sex, and lots of analyzing of the game,
though actually not much is shown. However, I believe
it is a perfect start.

Keropi · Post by **Keropi** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:25 am

Maybe a less mental Studio Ghibli movie?

I have some older relatives age 55 and older and the only anime they ever ended up liking was a couple Studio Ghibli movies they happened to see.

majinuub · Post by **majinuub** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 9:39 am

As previously mentioned, Hikaru No Go and Ghilbi films would be great starters. I'd also reccomend the movie Tokyo Godfathers as well as Fruits Basket and Cowboy Bebop. I have more but I can't think about tham right now

.

HotIce · Post by **HotIce** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:00 am

i think it might depend on what kind of non anime they tend to enjoy really... since anime itself is as broad as non-anime...

if said person is huge into the horror genre... maybe Hellsing and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.... and so on...

though I would say... Ghibli movies are aslo fantastic. If said person would more thought provoking animes... I'd say Jin Roh: the Wolf Brigade and Ghost in the Shell.

My first anime shows were: Outlaw Star and Cowboy Bebop... first movies were, Ghost in the Shell and Akira. I got my best friend into watching anime with Outlaw Star, Ghost in the Shell, Jin-Roh: the Wolf Brigade, and Spirited Away. I also have a friend who can't really take anime b/c of the style and he has a hard time taking anything animated seriously... or he can't take big eyes, or SD figures, the sweat drop... and so on... but he is a huge fan of Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust.

ReiTheJelly · Post by **ReiTheJelly** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:31 am

How much will this person be "put off" by certain art styles? I know that my older brother always complains if an anime series has characters with eyes that fill half their head...

I would recommend Escaflowne, as it's considered to be one of the best anime series ever made, with a great story and fabulous voice acting. But will be annoyed by the banana-like noses on the characters? Cowboy Bebop would be another good one.

If he likes "historical" series, I'd recommend Rose of Versailles, or even something like Rurouni Kenshin.

I think that HotIce is correct: first you need to determine what types of shows/movies this person watches normally. The find a comparable anime series.

GuyvarIII · Post by **GuyvarIII** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:35 am

I suggest:
“Wings of Honneamise” and “Roujin Z”.

They’re not overly violent and the animation looks good. They take a look at modern Japanese society and the motivations of the “every-man”.

After this you may want to move on to “Barefoot Gen”.

irmgaard · Post by **irmgaard** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:37 am

Roujin Z

ack! Chris beat me!!!!!!

GuyvarIII · Post by **GuyvarIII** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:46 am

I’d also suggest “Neo-Tokyo”.

From your description of him, I’d guess he wouldn’t like the second short (“Running Man”).
But he may find the first short (“Labyrinth”) visually interesting, and I’ve never met anyone who hasn’t enjoyed the third short (“The Order to Stop Construction”).

RoboFlonne · Post by **RoboFlonne** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 11:12 am

I'd agree on GUNxSword as a series!

Also the Read or Die Movie, since it plays like a james bond movie.

I bet he'll like both!

vapalla · Post by **vapalla** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 6:07 pm

I agree that it would help to know what type of things he usually likes, but based on what you mentioned so far, I'd recommend Millennium Actress. It is thought provoking, shows something of Japanese culture and history, and is one of the best-assembled anime films I can think of.

kittens · Post by **kittens** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 6:37 pm

I would say Kenshin OVA

But the first one might be too bloody and the 2nd one he might need to know some basic BG....... But I would say Kenshin!

Ok, ok.... I would say gibli anime

and also maybe ghost in shell.

monkeyboy · Post by **monkeyboy** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 7:24 pm

I'd second the suggestion vapalla made, Millennium Actress is a good life story anime. Not as light as the Ghibli movies but just as good IMHO is Grave of the Fireflies it's also along the historic line like MA.
As for a series, like others have asked it would be good to know what style live action shows they enjoy. Then go from there.

Post by **JWR** » Tue Sep 05, 2006 10:31 pm

Well when I have let newbies borrow a few DVD's I try to tailor my choices to what is their interest.

This gentleman you said is interested in anime that would have either a historical or Japanese folklore angle.

I would pick amonst these.

Blue Seed which involves a lot of Japanese legends in it's story line as well as being a great story.

Kenshin which is quite historical

Inu Yasha

As a side anime to expand his veiwing I would recomend.

Serial Experiment Lain

Slayers

El Hazard

Bubblegum crisis 2040

Oh My Goddess Ova & Movie

I know you said he might not be receptive to CG shows but he would be missing out on quite a few good stories & artwork.

Rahxephon

Stellvia

Ghost in the Shell Stand Alone Complex & 2nd Gig.

Joost · Post by **Joost** » Wed Sep 06, 2006 1:41 am

I was going to make the same sugestion : Millennium Actress and Grave of the Fireflies.

Also nice: Steamboy

with a bit more violance : Samurai 7, Bebop,....