Some ground rules: maximum of 30x30 (that is, no more than 30 episodes and no more than 30 minutes per episode.) I'd also prefer to watch something animated over something live action, though that's not completely set in stone. I also prefer something I've not seen or not seen all of, though again, not set in stone.
Some options suggested in chat the other day:
- Ouran High School Host Club
- Psycho-Pass Season 1
- Escaflowne
I vote for Escaflowne... I haven't seen it in years, and it was one of my first "big" anime. I wouldn't be too disappointed by either of the others, though.
ReplyDeleteOf the suggestions here, voting for Psycho-Pass S1.
ReplyDeleteThere's some analysis to be had in how Ouran interacts with shoujo tropes, but its charms lie primarily in character interactions that are strong even independent of said tropes.
Psycho-Pass has blatant analytical fodder, thanks to Urobuchi's thematic focus.
On the one hand, I have never watched Escaflowne, so this might be a good excuse to. On the other hand, some say that Escaflowne is just solid fantasy execution, and not necessarily thematically interesting.
As for other suggestions, I'd suggest Orphan Black, (2 seasons, each 10 episodes long) but it would be hard for everyone to watch along, since I'm not sure of its streaming availability.
For anime: (TOO MANY SUGGESTIONS)
Simoun (26 eps) is my favorite anime of all time, and is also kind of impossible to summarize adequately.
Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru (13 eps) In light of the intra-factional geek warfare that started this year, this anime seems relevant, dealing with how feelings of isolation and clever adolescents can mix, in an insightful but optimistic and light-hearted manner.
Gatchaman Crowds (12 eps) has some great thoughts on how internet culture and "real life" action are blurring together.
Mawaru Penguindrum (24 eps) because Ikuhara, and alternatively, Ikuhara's upcoming series Yuri Kuma Arashi (length unknown) is set to air this January.
Ping Pong The Animation (11 eps) or Tatami Galaxy (11 eps) Masaaki Yuasa truly is one of anime's best directors. Ping Pong was brilliant. I'm currently stalled out on Tatami since I usually binge-watch, and this show doesn't lend itself to binge-watching, so this would be a good excuse to finish it.
On that note, I guess this would also be a good excuse to finally check out one of the recent Watanabe shows. (Sakamichi no Apollon - 12, Space Dandy - 26, Zankyou no Terror - 11)
On the popcorn side, I'd suggest Jojo's Bizarre Adventure Season 1, (26 eps, or just 17 eps for the 2nd arc since the 1st arc is a bit dull) Kure-Nai, (12 eps) or Steins;Gate. (24 eps)
I'm the one who suggested Ouran High School, and it's really good, but this Sunday I watched the first episode of Gekkan Shoujo Nozaki-kun and it was both really good and a show I haven't already seen. One season, 12 episodes. Available on Crunchyroll but not Netflix. Pretty recent so as far as I know it might get a second season in the future.
ReplyDeleteRight after posting this comment I watched the first episode of Yuki Yuna is a Hero and it is very clear that someone making that show has something to say about PMMM. First season ongoing, Crunchyroll simulcast.
DeleteI have no way of knowing what they have to say but it is going to be something.