Series recommendations?

[graymouser]

I have to admit that I have been in a bit of a slump in finding new shows I really enjoy. Most shows I have seen are okay, but it seems like there are few that grab me. I know that there are a lot of people on this board who watch a large volume of shows, so I thought I would ask for recommendations.

First of all, it has to be available in a legally licensed form . I do not download and have no interest in pirated DVDs. I lean toward dark stories, sci-fi/fantasies and shy away from romances. Still, that is only a preference and is not set in stone. I enjoy just about any type of show with a STRONG storyline/plot. I also like strong female characters. That does not mean I require a female lead, I just get really annoyed with brainless clingy females.

Some shows that I have seen in the past 5-6 years and really liked

1) Twelve Kindoms
2) Mushishi
3) Black Butler (first season, the second season ruined a perfect ending IMHO)
4) Initial D (a real surprise due to its age, artwork and car racing theme)
5) Darker than Black (first season, I felt the second season was only so-so)
6) Claymore

A few I thought that were enjoyable but not my favorites

1) Spice and Wolf
2) Rozen Maiden (some whine-y female characters such as Hinaichigo)
3) Tenjho Tenge (beautiful artwork but fan service a little over the top)

There are a few I strongly disliked. No offense meant to anyone. We all have our personal preferences.

1) Red Garden (couldn't even finish it)
2) Bleach (Did not get past second season - I am not going to waste money buying fillers when they comprise most of a season).
3) Maria Watches Over Us (just could not get into this show since it seemed to be mainly about school girl friendships/relationships)
4) Monster -

(I was really expecting to like this one. I guess I did not understand the doctor's inner turmoil. He made the correct decision to on who to operate on based on the severity of injuries and order of presentation. I fail to see how he can hold himself responsible for the actions of others; including those of his patients. I doubt that whoever wrote this ever talked to a doctor. This type of "dilemma" is something that even an mildly experienced doctor would have had to deal with a long time ago).

[JWR]

Ones we have been enjoying might fit what your looking for.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica - It takes the "magical girl" genre and gives it nice twist of horror.

Another - nice classic horror story

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia - A romantic ghost story that has some very intense moments

Asobi no Ikuyo - (funimation release "Cat Planet Cuties/ Crunchyroll "Bombshells from the Sky) despite the sexed up titles this is actually a well thought out story of "first contact" with aliens in which none of the females fit the tipical anime troupes.

Brodacious Space Pirates (crunchyroll title) A smartly written and fun adventure

[graymouser]

Thank you so much. I will check them out.

[GuyvarIII]

For a strong storyline, plot, and female character, I would strongly suggest the high fantasy epic “Guin Saga” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AdCJaWI4xFQ).

For a very dark, slow, stylish sci-fi, I’d recommend “Casshern Sins” (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bdOubGFnfG8).

[theultimatebrucelee]

I remember Gankutsuou as a dark sci-fi with strong plot.

for the current season I recommend fate/zero since its got female lead, somewhat dark theme and not much romance.

[genomexec]

I'd highly, highly recommend Birdy the Mighty: Decode.

[graymouser]

Thank you very much. That helps tremendously. I was getting rather frustrated.