Top 20 Modern Anime Series, Part II

Nerds, Geeks, Otaku! Mike Sheridan is back with the next 5 Anime as well as some additional info about his list!

I’d like to address some questions and clarify the nature of this list.

This list only contains series, not films.

Any eligible series must have been aired/produced starting in the mid 90s (i.e. during and post eva years).

The series must have been licensed for distribution in the United States/North America.
It has been suggested that I do a column for movies and one for series that haven’t been released in N.A. I’ll do so if these reviews continue to be successful.

I want your suggestions as what you want to see on the list! Just type a few sentences and the name of the series. Feedback on my writing is always appreciated. Lastly, these are mini-reviews; I try not to give much away about the series. Thanks! Again Questions and comments welcomed. PS: I know the below anime series aren’t light hearted, the next list will contain a comedy or two.


Mushi-Shi
Sometimes a medium fails and loses its appeal; anime is no exception. Plenty of series are mediocre, unoriginal, and just plain bad. But every once in a while a show will come along and re-kindle a viewer’s love for the medium. Mushi-Shi is that type of show. The travels of Ginko, an expert in Mushi related issues, are simply wonderful. Mushi-Shi is not about demon slaying, it’s not about good versus evil, it’s about finding harmony between man and mushi, or man and nature if you will. The series has an eclectic score, beautifully blended hand-drawn and cgi visuals, but most importantly, an original and thoughtful foundation. Mushi-Shi is a one of a kind anime and hopefully, it will remind you of why you liked the medium in the first place.

Last Exile
When the steampunk action-adventure anime Last Exile aired in the states (on G4), little attention was given to it. That’s a shame, for Last Exile is a noteworthy high-flying series. Produced by the illustrious studio Gonzo and featuring character designs from famed artist Range Murata, this series was beautiful for it’s time (2002) and still is. The main characters Claus Valca and Lavie Head aren’t the most original characters, but they’re interesting nonetheless. One of the other main characters, Alex Rowe, is a modern day Captain Harlock. Last Exile truly shines with its tight, coherent plot, and its aerial battles. Last Exile might have flown under the radar earlier, but it deserves a viewing by all anime fans.

Fullmetal Alchemist
Yes, Fullmetal Alchemist is a given for this list, but not just because of its popularity. The epic story of the Elric brothers is original, compelling, action-packed, coherent, and at times, moving (and really alchemy is cool). The cabal of main and supporting characters is wonderful. From Edward Elric to Greed, each character has a distinct personality. The fight scenes are thrilling and the designs are well crafted. It features an appropriate instrumental score and a great dub cast. At its core, FMA is about how far one will go to regain something that has been lost. Fullmetal Alchemist is a new classic, (let’s just hope FMA: Brotherhood doesn’t screw it over).



Paranoia Agent
As with all of Satoshi Kon’s other works, Paranoia Agent is brilliant. This 13 episode mini-series dives into the deepest and darkest recesses of the human mind. It’s surreal and slightly psychotic feel is one of a kind. Kon effectively distorts what is reality and what is delusion. All of the characters have something to hide, something they want to get away from; all are well developed. Paranoia Agent elicits important questions and social commentaries- how far would one be willing to go to avoid responsibility, culpability, pressures and emotional pain? Kon’s answers aren’t comforting, but aren’t completely morbid either. Many will not like or connect with this series. Nonetheless, Paranoia Agent is original, cerebral, surreal and deserving to stand with the best.

Kino’s Journey
In early 2004, a 13 episode miniseries named Kino’s Journey was released by ADV in the United States. It received a very quiet reception with only critics giving it attention. Just like its reception, Kino’s Journey is a very quiet and subtle series. The series isn’t epic, nor action packed and the graphics are good, but not outstanding. So what makes Kino’s Journey special? Its stories. The travels of Kino encompass 12 different lands (with two episodes focusing on one). Kino does not try to solve the nations’ problems; she only acts as an observer (for the most part). Numerous philosophical questions are raised about war, morality, censorship, tyranny and progress. Kino’s journey is a down to earth series that provokes timeless questions and thoughts.