Hey PonyBro, I realize you’ve still got quite a bit of Demon Slayer left - but I figured I’d leave some suggestions for series to react to after it’s finished, along with my reasons; just as a heads up, unless otherwise specified, it’s the dub I’m recommending (as I’ve seen exactly none of these subbed, so I couldn’t really give a recommendation in that direction - also, as that implies, these are only series that I’ve seen fully or partially - nothing I haven’t watched yet): *Cowboy Bebop - simply put, one of the best anime of all time (and one of the best dubs of all time, too), a tale that can be both laugh out loud hilarious, as well as brutally depressing, and just about everything in-between, while never forgetting to be memorable. Features a masterful score by Yoko Kanno, and serves as an excellent introduction to the writing style of Keiko Nobumoto (sublimely subtle character writing). Also, got made into a mediocre live action Netflix adaptation, so… yeah (IIRC, you haven’t watched that yet) *Wolf’s Rain - Watch after Cowboy Bebop, as it is even more unmistakably a product of Ms. Nobumoto (she’s the lone individual credited as creating the series, along with Studio Bones as a collective). The atmosphere is just so impressive throughout. Yoko Kanno also produced the soundtrack for this one, and her work on this might even be better than her work on Cowboy Bebop (one of the final scenes of the final episode is legitimately unforgettable). A lot of the same dubbing crew from Cowboy Bebop also worked on this, and like with Ms. Kanno’s soundtrack, it might even be better than that previous work (gotta give major props to the dubbing voice director for both, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn). As a note, you’ll probably want to skip episodes 15-18, as they are just recap clip shows with little, if any, new animation - created because of production difficulties. The true last 4 episodes were released straight to video, and let me warn you, they are practically just one gut punch after another - have a box of tissues on hand. *Death Note - Like Cowboy Bebop, got made into a so-bad-it’s-good Netflix movie (and I believe you mentioned you’d seen that one?). Still, though, it’s a lot of fun - being directed by the same guy who directed season 1 of Attack on Titan (and who served as “chief director” for seasons 2 and 3 of that show), it has a lot of the same over-the-top style to it, which makes for a very enjoyable watch. Additionally, the dub was recorded up at Ocean Studios in Vancouver, so you’d get to play “spot the FiM voice actors”, as there are quite a few. *Black Lagoon - This one is just a lot of profane fun. A really great Ocean dub, so again, you’d get to play “spot the FiM voice actors”. It’s like a really good action movie, where it has enough characterization that it doesn’t feel like a hollow spectacle, but at the same time never bogs down by trying to make the characters too deep. *Puella Magi Madoka Magica - A fascinating deconstruction of the magical girl genre. I really don’t want to say too much, because it would risk spoiling any potential twists, and that would just do a disservice to your potential reactions. All I’ll say is it’s really honestly one of the best anime I’ve ever seen, and that’s not hyperbole. A very good blend of some action, and some though-provoking philosophy, with some truly fantastic visuals and backing score. Sailor Moon* - The classic example of magical girl anime (especially here in North America). Kinda like FiM, in that if you decide to skip it because it’s too “girly”, you’re missing out. **Recommendation is for the new dub (the easiest way to tell, probably, is if the characters have their original names - so the main character is Usagi and not Serena, for example), as I cannot deny the place the old one has for nostalgia purposes in a lot of fans’ hearts, but shorn of that meaning (as it was for me or would be for you), it’s garbage, through and through. As far as the new one goes, though, I’ve seen multiple people say that Stephanie Sheh manages to capture Usagi’s klutzy, crybaby nature without ever crossing over into the annoying as Kotono Mitsushi did on occasion, so there’s that too. (Continued in replies so they’ll actually post)
Dayum, this is the most in-depth recommendation list I’ve ever gotten lol. I’ll definitely consider all of them for the anime side of my channel. Obviously it’s gonna take time to even try to get to them, and they gotta win a poll, but I appreciate the suggestions!
If you’re looking for anime movies for your Sunday reactions, I can think of a few recommendations: *Promare - Another Imaishi work from Trigger, this is kind of like an even more refined version of Kill la Kill, in that everything is streamlined just right. What I mean is that it’s able to effectively cut out anything that might necessarily slow the momentum for a television production, without cutting out the emotional beats that make the characters and story work. And if you thought what Trigger accomplished on a TV budget for Kill la Kill was impressive as far as animation goes, wait until you see what they can do with a movie-sized budget (that opening sequence made me literally stand up out of my chair, and I would have started jumping around, but I doubt the people in the room below mine at the hotel I was at for BABSCon would have appreciated that). It really did feel like Trigger was flexing, saying “Yeah, we’re pretty good at this whole animation thing” in the best possible way. Plus, I hear that in the sub, the lead performance starts off a little tentative, when it would be more in line with the main character to be full of bravado. The dub has no such problem, as the main character is played with appropriate aplomb by the late, great Billy Kametz, so just on the strength of that (they seem equally matched otherwise) I recommend the dub. Also, just as a heads up, you should probably watch Kill la Kill first, at the very least, so you can have an accurate reference point for how big a step up the visuals are. *Akira - With the exceptionally high animation quality found in this movie, it really can sometimes seem like an R-rated Disney movie. This is a very influential piece, both to anime as well as Western animation (if, while you’re watching this, you see a scene that looks kind of familiar, chances are you saw something paying homage to/drawing inspiration from it if it’s from any time after the late ‘80s, as it seems to have been a very formative work for animators on both sides of the pond). This is a truly atmospheric work in every sense. As far as which version to watch, I would recommend the dub produced at Animaze in 2001 for Pioneer’s DVD release, as that’s what I saw and enjoyed (it aired on Adult Swim back in 2013). I have heard some of the dub produced back in 1989 and released by Streamline Pictures, and it seems decent enough (though also awkward in the way that only late ‘80s dubs seem to be). Also, if you ever get access to a really premium sound system, check out the sub too, just as a personal experience, as I hear it has some truly phenomenal sound design.
Also, could totally come up with a (much smaller) list of series and movies that I can practically guarantee would make you cry, if you’d like.
(Part 3) *The Promised Neverland (season 1) - An intriguing series for sure - definitely a good demonstration of using the medium of animation for visual storytelling, which negates the need for the very prominent inner monologues of the manga. Doesn’t hurt that it’s certainly thrilling, too. Also, the recommendation is for season 1, as I have only seen that one so far - season 2 has a very negative reputation, so I’m holding off on recommending that for now (since I can’t give my personal feelings on it, and I don’t think it would be fair to try to substitute in the analysis of others as a stopgap). *One Punch Man (season 1) - A true tour-de-force of sakuga- there are some truly mind-bendingly awesome cuts of animation in this series (at least, the first season). It’s worth watching the series for that alone, though the characters and plot lines are interesting enough, and ONE’s social commentary and storytelling is intriguing (if occasionally a bit juvenile). Again, have only ever seen the first season, but I do know that production quality takes a dip in season 2, due to the production changing directors (Chikara Sakurai replaces Shingo Natsume) and studios (J.C. Staff replaces Madhouse). Is it still worth watching? Without having seen it for myself, I can’t say one way or the other. *Mob Psycho 100 (both seasons) - ONE’s other well known series, about the adventures of a young psychic who has more psychic ability and less confidence than just about anyone else. It’s very interesting - whereas the One Punch Man anime had the artwork of Yusuke Murata to base itself off of (as he went back and redid ONE’s more sketchy, rougher webcomic art for publication in a Jump manga magazine), Mob Psycho 100 has no such thing - it’s purely based off of ONE’s sketchy, kind of rough art style (though honestly, I think that might make it more charming). Like season 1 of One Punch Man, it is remarkably well animated - and to my knowledge, unlike OPM, its animation remains consistently great between seasons, as all the key staff members from season 1 returned for season 2 (with both seasons being produced by Studio Bones). For example, I’ve heard that season 2, episode 5 is absolutely insane, in terms of animation. It is for that reason that I am bending (or quite possibly, breaking) my rule and recommending both seasons, even though I’ve only seen the first one at the moment, as I feel safe in doing so. *Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans - Apparently, a lot of Western fans of the Gundam franchise were introduced to it when Gundam Wing aired on the original Toonami. I was not one of them, so this is the one that served as the introduction for me. I really like this series, and even without any prior knowledge of Gundam, it’s easy for a newcomer to understand (though that’s probably because it’s an alternate universe spin-off, so only the vague design of the Gundam robot itself as well as some of the themes are carried over from previous incarnations). The characters are quite good - but that’s not really surprising, considering Mari Okada (the writer) and what I’ve seen of her pedigree. *Jujutsu Kaisen - This one is largely recommended on the basis of its incredible animation (it’s produced at MAPPA, the studio that is doing the final season of Attack on Titan). This one has some sweet, sweet sakuga. I remember there was a scene in either the season finale (or the second-to-last episode, can’t exactly remember which) which made me lean forward in my seat just because the story boarding and direction were so fantastic and exciting - and I almost never do that! The story and characters are all in the fine to good range, nothing especially special (at least, as far as shonen goes - though tbf, they do have their moments), but it’s that animation that puts it over-the-top for me. Also, the guy who dubs the main character played Marco in Star Vs. The Forces of Evil, so that’s cool.
Alright, so that’s basically all the action-y series that I can think of off the top of my head. I had wanted to put Neon Genesis Evangelion (and its various followups) on the list, but I realized I had only really seen the first couple episodes, and then bits and pieces of stuff after that, so I don’t feel I’ve seen enough to put it on that list quite yet.
(Part 2) *Gurren Lagann * - I originally wasn’t going to put this on the list, or at least, was going to put it down as discretion, because I thought I remembered being let down by both the second half of the series as well as the dub, but then I decided to rewatch it since it was about to expire from Netflix, and I actually did like both much more than I remembered. It does still take a little while to get going, and there is one character who’s prominent in the early going who I think is perhaps played with a bit too much restraint in the dub, but certain events about a quarter through the series provide it with the kick in the pants it needs to get going. *Still leaving it up to your discretion… It’s a fascinating look at director Hiroyuki Imaishi cutting his teeth for the first time as series director of something while at Gainax, but obviously it’s not quite as refined as his later work. Also, I think my biggest problem with the dub (it’s especially noticeable early on) was that it was approached too much like a typical anime dub, with more measured timing and restraint, which works well most of the time, but not for Imaishi’s particular energy. It should be approached more like the voice work would be approached for a manic American cartoon. Speaking of that approach… *Kill la Kill - Imaishi’s debut work at Studio Trigger (the animation studio he helped to found after leaving Gainax), it is a hell of an opening statement. Above all else, it’s a lot of fun. It really is incredible how much they were able to accomplish on a TV-sized budget, even if that did necessitate cutting back and leaning on limited animation midway through, in order to make the beginning and finale truly spectacular. It’s additionally a wonderfully unsubtle screed against fascism. Also, the dub is absolutely phenomenal, one of my favorite ever (again, not hyperbole). You’re going to want it so you can appreciate the visuals without having to watch subtitles to know what’s going on, especially since text also frequently pops up as part of the visuals (trust me, it’s awesome). It totally approaches it like a more manic Western cartoon, rather than an anime (which, again, is an approach that works well for the kind of energy Imaishi brings). There is one scene midway through that is kinda squicky (okay, super squicky), so just watch out for that. Also, the ending OVA (which is really more like a home video-exclusive 25th episode) might be comparatively harder to track down (as it’s not available for legal streaming or even purchase through VoD), and the series by no means feels incomplete without it, but I still recommend finding it because I finally got a chance to watch it the other day, and it just makes the ending all the more satisfying. FLCL - Another series from Gainax with some truly crazy energy, this is one of the classics. And at 6 episodes, you wouldn’t need to worry about it stopping you from doing something else for too long. It’s basically a coming-of-age story, but told in the absolute most bizarre, insane way possible (and I mean that in the best possible way). This is also another one where you need to be paying attention to the visuals, and having to read subtitles can get in the way - but thankfully, it’s also another one where the dub really steps up to the plate and hits a home run (and anyone who’s seen the 3rd episode of this series is probably chuckling now). It features Kari Wahlgren in her first ever anime role (though she plays the character Haruko with such aplomb and charisma, you’d never know it). From what I read back in the day (but I can’t find where I read this anymore…), they even flew in the original Japanese voice director to oversee the dub recording sessions to make sure the original vision was preserved. Now that’s dedication (if true)! Also, when this aired on Adult Swim back in 2003, the people at Williams Street seemed to fall in love with it (such that, back then, they produced many Adult Swim bumps extolling it, and ones that would say things along the lines of “*Insert anime here is up next. It’s not as good as FLCL, but it’s still good, so you should watch it!”). Additionally, 15 years later, they helped to finance two new seasons (once Gainax sold the rights to the other company that helped produce the original, Production I.G.). Both those seasons are 6 episodes apiece, with the first being subtitled “Progressive” and the second being “Alternative”. As far as recommendations go (since they’re not exactly direct continuations, but rather soft reboots, especially Alternative), I’m lukewarm about Progressive (it focuses too much on continuity and other things that were never all that important to the original) but I wholeheartedly recommend Alternative (it’s inferior to the original, sure, but as its own thing, separate from the FLCL name, it’s a damn good show). There are also going to be two more new seasons next year (the subtitles are “Grunge” and “Shoegaze”). *JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, all seasons - Speaking of series with great energy, what could be more classic than ridiculously muscled guys striking weird poses and then yelling at each other? This one is, again, a lot of fun. Also, I don’t care how much shit I get for this, I highly recommend the dub, it’s great. It keeps in most (if not all) of the great meme lines, and then adds a few of its own for good measure (one of them, from a certain episode of the “Diamond is Unbreakable” season, is one of my all-time favorites). The renaming issues are unfortunate, but hey, copyright, amirite? *Hunter X Hunter, the 2011 series - An absolute top tier shonen anime. Although it drags a little in the second arc, the third arc more than makes up for it, and then the fifth arc (I think) legitimately blew me away, and the ending to that one actually made me legitimately emotional (and I almost never get emotional at things like that). As far as why I think it should be watched dubbed, I just feel that shonen should be watched dubbed unless the dub is truly heinous. Is that my own personal bias? Sure. Is it still a legitimately good dub? Absolutely. (Again, will be continued)
@@JH24821 Yeah, the only feasible way to do it at this point would be to do what SmurfVlogs did with Friendship is Magic for the first 7 seasons: watch a lot of the episodes on your own time, but record your reactions to certain key/important episodes using a list provided to you by a fan.
Those stringed guys. Creepy.
2 likesFirst one on the comment
2 likesCan react to frozen ?(the movie is realy good by the way)
2 likesHey PonyBro, I realize you’ve still got quite a bit of Demon Slayer left - but I figured I’d leave some suggestions for series to react to after it’s finished, along with my reasons; just as a heads up, unless otherwise specified, it’s the dub I’m recommending (as I’ve seen exactly none of these subbed, so I couldn’t really give a recommendation in that direction - also, as that implies, these are only series that I’ve seen fully or partially - nothing I haven’t watched yet):
0 likes*Cowboy Bebop - simply put, one of the best anime of all time (and one of the best dubs of all time, too), a tale that can be both laugh out loud hilarious, as well as brutally depressing, and just about everything in-between, while never forgetting to be memorable. Features a masterful score by Yoko Kanno, and serves as an excellent introduction to the writing style of Keiko Nobumoto (sublimely subtle character writing). Also, got made into a mediocre live action Netflix adaptation, so… yeah (IIRC, you haven’t watched that yet)
*Wolf’s Rain - Watch after Cowboy Bebop, as it is even more unmistakably a product of Ms. Nobumoto (she’s the lone individual credited as creating the series, along with Studio Bones as a collective). The atmosphere is just so impressive throughout. Yoko Kanno also produced the soundtrack for this one, and her work on this might even be better than her work on Cowboy Bebop (one of the final scenes of the final episode is legitimately unforgettable). A lot of the same dubbing crew from Cowboy Bebop also worked on this, and like with Ms. Kanno’s soundtrack, it might even be better than that previous work (gotta give major props to the dubbing voice director for both, Mary Elizabeth McGlynn). As a note, you’ll probably want to skip episodes 15-18, as they are just recap clip shows with little, if any, new animation - created because of production difficulties. The true last 4 episodes were released straight to video, and let me warn you, they are practically just one gut punch after another - have a box of tissues on hand.
*Death Note - Like Cowboy Bebop, got made into a so-bad-it’s-good Netflix movie (and I believe you mentioned you’d seen that one?). Still, though, it’s a lot of fun - being directed by the same guy who directed season 1 of Attack on Titan (and who served as “chief director” for seasons 2 and 3 of that show), it has a lot of the same over-the-top style to it, which makes for a very enjoyable watch. Additionally, the dub was recorded up at Ocean Studios in Vancouver, so you’d get to play “spot the FiM voice actors”, as there are quite a few.
*Black Lagoon - This one is just a lot of profane fun. A really great Ocean dub, so again, you’d get to play “spot the FiM voice actors”. It’s like a really good action movie, where it has enough characterization that it doesn’t feel like a hollow spectacle, but at the same time never bogs down by trying to make the characters too deep.
*Puella Magi Madoka Magica - A fascinating deconstruction of the magical girl genre. I really don’t want to say too much, because it would risk spoiling any potential twists, and that would just do a disservice to your potential reactions. All I’ll say is it’s really honestly one of the best anime I’ve ever seen, and that’s not hyperbole. A very good blend of some action, and some though-provoking philosophy, with some truly fantastic visuals and backing score.
Sailor Moon* - The classic example of magical girl anime (especially here in North America). Kinda like FiM, in that if you decide to skip it because it’s too “girly”, you’re missing out. **Recommendation is for the new dub (the easiest way to tell, probably, is if the characters have their original names - so the main character is Usagi and not Serena, for example), as I cannot deny the place the old one has for nostalgia purposes in a lot of fans’ hearts, but shorn of that meaning (as it was for me or would be for you), it’s garbage, through and through. As far as the new one goes, though, I’ve seen multiple people say that Stephanie Sheh manages to capture Usagi’s klutzy, crybaby nature without ever crossing over into the annoying as Kotono Mitsushi did on occasion, so there’s that too.
(Continued in replies so they’ll actually post)
Replies (6)
No Cyberpunk Edgerunners which is almost on the same level as Arcane at Netflix? Damn that serie destroyed me for 2 days completely. 😭😭😭
1 like@@ponybroiguess384 Makes sense - happy to help out with the suggestions!
0 likesDayum, this is the most in-depth recommendation list I’ve ever gotten lol. I’ll definitely consider all of them for the anime side of my channel. Obviously it’s gonna take time to even try to get to them, and they gotta win a poll, but I appreciate the suggestions!
1 likeIf you’re looking for anime movies for your Sunday reactions, I can think of a few recommendations:
0 likes*Promare - Another Imaishi work from Trigger, this is kind of like an even more refined version of Kill la Kill, in that everything is streamlined just right. What I mean is that it’s able to effectively cut out anything that might necessarily slow the momentum for a television production, without cutting out the emotional beats that make the characters and story work. And if you thought what Trigger accomplished on a TV budget for Kill la Kill was impressive as far as animation goes, wait until you see what they can do with a movie-sized budget (that opening sequence made me literally stand up out of my chair, and I would have started jumping around, but I doubt the people in the room below mine at the hotel I was at for BABSCon would have appreciated that). It really did feel like Trigger was flexing, saying “Yeah, we’re pretty good at this whole animation thing” in the best possible way. Plus, I hear that in the sub, the lead performance starts off a little tentative, when it would be more in line with the main character to be full of bravado. The dub has no such problem, as the main character is played with appropriate aplomb by the late, great Billy Kametz, so just on the strength of that (they seem equally matched otherwise) I recommend the dub. Also, just as a heads up, you should probably watch Kill la Kill first, at the very least, so you can have an accurate reference point for how big a step up the visuals are.
*Akira - With the exceptionally high animation quality found in this movie, it really can sometimes seem like an R-rated Disney movie. This is a very influential piece, both to anime as well as Western animation (if, while you’re watching this, you see a scene that looks kind of familiar, chances are you saw something paying homage to/drawing inspiration from it if it’s from any time after the late ‘80s, as it seems to have been a very formative work for animators on both sides of the pond). This is a truly atmospheric work in every sense. As far as which version to watch, I would recommend the dub produced at Animaze in 2001 for Pioneer’s DVD release, as that’s what I saw and enjoyed (it aired on Adult Swim back in 2013). I have heard some of the dub produced back in 1989 and released by Streamline Pictures, and it seems decent enough (though also awkward in the way that only late ‘80s dubs seem to be). Also, if you ever get access to a really premium sound system, check out the sub too, just as a personal experience, as I hear it has some truly phenomenal sound design.
Also, could totally come up with a (much smaller) list of series and movies that I can practically guarantee would make you cry, if you’d like.
(Part 3)
0 likes*The Promised Neverland (season 1) - An intriguing series for sure - definitely a good demonstration of using the medium of animation for visual storytelling, which negates the need for the very prominent inner monologues of the manga. Doesn’t hurt that it’s certainly thrilling, too. Also, the recommendation is for season 1, as I have only seen that one so far - season 2 has a very negative reputation, so I’m holding off on recommending that for now (since I can’t give my personal feelings on it, and I don’t think it would be fair to try to substitute in the analysis of others as a stopgap).
*One Punch Man (season 1) - A true tour-de-force of sakuga- there are some truly mind-bendingly awesome cuts of animation in this series (at least, the first season). It’s worth watching the series for that alone, though the characters and plot lines are interesting enough, and ONE’s social commentary and storytelling is intriguing (if occasionally a bit juvenile). Again, have only ever seen the first season, but I do know that production quality takes a dip in season 2, due to the production changing directors (Chikara Sakurai replaces Shingo Natsume) and studios (J.C. Staff replaces Madhouse). Is it still worth watching? Without having seen it for myself, I can’t say one way or the other.
*Mob Psycho 100 (both seasons) - ONE’s other well known series, about the adventures of a young psychic who has more psychic ability and less confidence than just about anyone else. It’s very interesting - whereas the One Punch Man anime had the artwork of Yusuke Murata to base itself off of (as he went back and redid ONE’s more sketchy, rougher webcomic art for publication in a Jump manga magazine), Mob Psycho 100 has no such thing - it’s purely based off of ONE’s sketchy, kind of rough art style (though honestly, I think that might make it more charming). Like season 1 of One Punch Man, it is remarkably well animated - and to my knowledge, unlike OPM, its animation remains consistently great between seasons, as all the key staff members from season 1 returned for season 2 (with both seasons being produced by Studio Bones). For example, I’ve heard that season 2, episode 5 is absolutely insane, in terms of animation. It is for that reason that I am bending (or quite possibly, breaking) my rule and recommending both seasons, even though I’ve only seen the first one at the moment, as I feel safe in doing so.
*Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans - Apparently, a lot of Western fans of the Gundam franchise were introduced to it when Gundam Wing aired on the original Toonami. I was not one of them, so this is the one that served as the introduction for me. I really like this series, and even without any prior knowledge of Gundam, it’s easy for a newcomer to understand (though that’s probably because it’s an alternate universe spin-off, so only the vague design of the Gundam robot itself as well as some of the themes are carried over from previous incarnations). The characters are quite good - but that’s not really surprising, considering Mari Okada (the writer) and what I’ve seen of her pedigree.
*Jujutsu Kaisen - This one is largely recommended on the basis of its incredible animation (it’s produced at MAPPA, the studio that is doing the final season of Attack on Titan). This one has some sweet, sweet sakuga. I remember there was a scene in either the season finale (or the second-to-last episode, can’t exactly remember which) which made me lean forward in my seat just because the story boarding and direction were so fantastic and exciting - and I almost never do that! The story and characters are all in the fine to good range, nothing especially special (at least, as far as shonen goes - though tbf, they do have their moments), but it’s that animation that puts it over-the-top for me. Also, the guy who dubs the main character played Marco in Star Vs. The Forces of Evil, so that’s cool.
Alright, so that’s basically all the action-y series that I can think of off the top of my head. I had wanted to put Neon Genesis Evangelion (and its various followups) on the list, but I realized I had only really seen the first couple episodes, and then bits and pieces of stuff after that, so I don’t feel I’ve seen enough to put it on that list quite yet.
(Part 2)
0 likes*Gurren Lagann * - I originally wasn’t going to put this on the list, or at least, was going to put it down as discretion, because I thought I remembered being let down by both the second half of the series as well as the dub, but then I decided to rewatch it since it was about to expire from Netflix, and I actually did like both much more than I remembered. It does still take a little while to get going, and there is one character who’s prominent in the early going who I think is perhaps played with a bit too much restraint in the dub, but certain events about a quarter through the series provide it with the kick in the pants it needs to get going. *Still leaving it up to your discretion… It’s a fascinating look at director Hiroyuki Imaishi cutting his teeth for the first time as series director of something while at Gainax, but obviously it’s not quite as refined as his later work. Also, I think my biggest problem with the dub (it’s especially noticeable early on) was that it was approached too much like a typical anime dub, with more measured timing and restraint, which works well most of the time, but not for Imaishi’s particular energy. It should be approached more like the voice work would be approached for a manic American cartoon. Speaking of that approach…
*Kill la Kill - Imaishi’s debut work at Studio Trigger (the animation studio he helped to found after leaving Gainax), it is a hell of an opening statement. Above all else, it’s a lot of fun. It really is incredible how much they were able to accomplish on a TV-sized budget, even if that did necessitate cutting back and leaning on limited animation midway through, in order to make the beginning and finale truly spectacular. It’s additionally a wonderfully unsubtle screed against fascism. Also, the dub is absolutely phenomenal, one of my favorite ever (again, not hyperbole). You’re going to want it so you can appreciate the visuals without having to watch subtitles to know what’s going on, especially since text also frequently pops up as part of the visuals (trust me, it’s awesome). It totally approaches it like a more manic Western cartoon, rather than an anime (which, again, is an approach that works well for the kind of energy Imaishi brings). There is one scene midway through that is kinda squicky (okay, super squicky), so just watch out for that. Also, the ending OVA (which is really more like a home video-exclusive 25th episode) might be comparatively harder to track down (as it’s not available for legal streaming or even purchase through VoD), and the series by no means feels incomplete without it, but I still recommend finding it because I finally got a chance to watch it the other day, and it just makes the ending all the more satisfying.
FLCL - Another series from Gainax with some truly crazy energy, this is one of the classics. And at 6 episodes, you wouldn’t need to worry about it stopping you from doing something else for too long. It’s basically a coming-of-age story, but told in the absolute most bizarre, insane way possible (and I mean that in the best possible way). This is also another one where you need to be paying attention to the visuals, and having to read subtitles can get in the way - but thankfully, it’s also another one where the dub really steps up to the plate and hits a home run (and anyone who’s seen the 3rd episode of this series is probably chuckling now). It features Kari Wahlgren in her first ever anime role (though she plays the character Haruko with such aplomb and charisma, you’d never know it). From what I read back in the day (but I can’t find where I read this anymore…), they even flew in the original Japanese voice director to oversee the dub recording sessions to make sure the original vision was preserved. Now that’s dedication (if true)! Also, when this aired on Adult Swim back in 2003, the people at Williams Street seemed to fall in love with it (such that, back then, they produced many Adult Swim bumps extolling it, and ones that would say things along the lines of “*Insert anime here is up next. It’s not as good as FLCL, but it’s still good, so you should watch it!”). Additionally, 15 years later, they helped to finance two new seasons (once Gainax sold the rights to the other company that helped produce the original, Production I.G.). Both those seasons are 6 episodes apiece, with the first being subtitled “Progressive” and the second being “Alternative”. As far as recommendations go (since they’re not exactly direct continuations, but rather soft reboots, especially Alternative), I’m lukewarm about Progressive (it focuses too much on continuity and other things that were never all that important to the original) but I wholeheartedly recommend Alternative (it’s inferior to the original, sure, but as its own thing, separate from the FLCL name, it’s a damn good show). There are also going to be two more new seasons next year (the subtitles are “Grunge” and “Shoegaze”).
*JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure, all seasons - Speaking of series with great energy, what could be more classic than ridiculously muscled guys striking weird poses and then yelling at each other? This one is, again, a lot of fun. Also, I don’t care how much shit I get for this, I highly recommend the dub, it’s great. It keeps in most (if not all) of the great meme lines, and then adds a few of its own for good measure (one of them, from a certain episode of the “Diamond is Unbreakable” season, is one of my all-time favorites). The renaming issues are unfortunate, but hey, copyright, amirite?
*Hunter X Hunter, the 2011 series - An absolute top tier shonen anime. Although it drags a little in the second arc, the third arc more than makes up for it, and then the fifth arc (I think) legitimately blew me away, and the ending to that one actually made me legitimately emotional (and I almost never get emotional at things like that). As far as why I think it should be watched dubbed, I just feel that shonen should be watched dubbed unless the dub is truly heinous. Is that my own personal bias? Sure. Is it still a legitimately good dub? Absolutely.
(Again, will be continued)
Day 6 of kindly requesting Clone Wars
2 likesJust letting you know that I appriciate these videos too. Keep it up!
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@@thegamingdevon1622 Wait, oh I really did LOL
1 likeThanks for notifying me! :D
9 months later you got your wish
1 likeI was wondering if you could do a reaction to One Piece Anime. You will love it just as much as Demon Slayer, I gurantee you!
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@@JH24821 Yeah, the only feasible way to do it at this point would be to do what SmurfVlogs did with Friendship is Magic for the first 7 seasons: watch a lot of the episodes on your own time, but record your reactions to certain key/important episodes using a list provided to you by a fan.
1 likeAnd even still, it would take a long time.
One Piece is fun, but it's really, really long. It would take a decade at the least.
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