Mike Sheridan = Otaku Kickassery- that's why he's back with Part III of his Anime list!
So we’re nearing the end. The following anime are the next to the last five series on the list. I must admit, it’s becoming difficult to narrow down the series. Along with the final five, the next post will contain a list of honorable mentions and runners up, which, depending on personal preference could have easily ended up on this top 20 list. I’m watching Berserk and Ergo Proxy as suggested by others, so if you have any suggestions, now is the time. In addition, I realize the series listed are fairly heavy, I’ll most definitely have a comedy or two on the last installment. I want to thank the hundreds of people who have followed this column and I hope you follow it till the end.
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion
Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is many things; melodramatic, fan service ridden, and sometimes convoluted. However, with that said, Code Geass is intensely epic. The series contains grand battles, dramatic monologues, a riveting plot and beautiful character designs. But what sets Code Geass apart is its main character, Lelouch vi Britannia. Lelouch is the consummate Byronic-hero, consequently, he’s vastly different than other anime protagonists. Furthermore, Geass prompts an important question, and that is “can the ends justify the means?” Whatever your answer is Goro Taniguchi’s Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion is epic, must see material.
Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad
The 26 episode anime series Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad isn’t like other series. Beck doesn’t contain giant robots, knights, grand fight scenes, senseless fan service or an unbelievable plot. Beck is simply a slice of life anime about a group of musicians who struggle to make it to the big time. The main character Koyuki is not overly amazing, nor fantastic. The cast is well developed and emotional undertones are conveyed wonderfully. Beck features an appropriate soundtrack, a good, original plot and a great dub cast. If you’re remotely interested in music or just like anime in general, Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad is the series for you.
The Twelve Kingdoms
Based of off the exceptional light novels of the same name, The Twelve Kingdoms deserves to represent the fantasy-based anime genre. The series contains Chinese mythology, a strong cast and a well developed land with an intricate political system. In addition, The Twelve Kingdoms is exceptionally beautiful, with some of the nicest hand drawn scenes I’ve scene to date. The Twelve Kingdoms is simply wonderful, with intense fight scenes, a politically charged plot and beautiful designs it’s certainly one of the best fantasy series in that anime has to offer.
Rah-Xephon
Often written-off as an Evangelion copy-cat Rah-Xephon is generally overlooked and under appreciated. Though similarities are present between the series, they’re significantly different. The series is essentially a story of love, a somewhat tragic story at that. Rah-Xephon’s main character, Ayato Kamina, develops considerably throughout, he slowly matures and realizes that he must accept his origins and face his responsibilities. Xephon features good artwork (exceptional animation for it’s time, re; 2001) an emotional/compelling/dramatic plot and some fascinating Mayan/Aztec mythology. If you want to watch an under appreciated, fantastic, yet heavy mecha series, Rah-Xephon is for you.
Death Note
Death Note is the famous series that chronicles the battle of wits between Kira Yagami and L. The series features dark, moody animation, a set of interesting characters (many of whom have their quirks) and an intensely riveting plot. In addition, Death Note boasts some great opening animation and songs. Behind all of the stylized action of Death Note is a philosophical thought provoking series?. Can the world be truly rid of evil? Is wiping out criminals and innocents worth a world that’s more peaceful? Death Note, the anime, is not as good as the manga, and has it’s short comings, however it most certainly deserves to rank among the best modern anime series.
What do you think of this list? Let us know!
2 year... where is part 4 man c'mon!
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