Last time I talked about my first five anime on a list of ten binge-worthy ones. Here I’ll continue with the next five. So, let’s get the ball rolling, otakus.
Rorouni Kenshin otherwise known as Samurai X is one of my favorite anime of all time, and is the sixth anime on the list. Created by Nobuhiro Watsuki in manga, the story focuses on Kenshin Himura otherwise known as the Battousai the Assassin. At the beginning of the anime, Kenshin is retired and living a quiet life. But, when Kenshin encounters Kamiya Kaoru, he is thrust into a new life of defending the oppressed instead of killing his targets. I have a caveat for this though. I only watch until the Shisio arc, and include the beautiful OVA ‘Trust and Betrayal’ which tells of Kenshin’s origins. Later on, I also included the end OVA ‘Reflection’ which some people don’t care for (I do, it’s an excellent story!).
So what’s not to like about Kenshin? The weak looking, X-scarred faced unassuming assassin who turns to defending the weak and oppressed? Come on. Kenshin is iconic. So iconic that it has three live-action movies with a fourth coming out soon. I doubt you’d get anime like Kimetsu No Yaiba if not for Kenshin and this group. I mean, I love Tanjiro. But, Kenshin is at a whole different level entirely. That reversed sword is just plain ridiculous. Kenshin is not only the best swordsman of his era, he also has transformed himself to the one with the kindest heart. He reminds me a lot of Yoda with his demeanor…he looks weak but he kicks as-. If that doesn’t convince you, this anime has one of the coolest soundtracks to accompany its opening and ending sequences.
Speaking of opening sequences, this next anime has one of the best ones…
Space noir Cowboy Bebop makes my list. It’s one of those space anime that predates the American television series, ‘Firefly’. I could argue that Bebop had an influence on Firefly, but Firefly fans might consider that sacrilege (I’m a brown coat too but I won’t sugar coat this comparison). Why this anime? It all starts with the opening credits. That opening sequence keeps me coming back every episode. Created by Shinichiro Watanabe, Cowboy Bebop tells the story of Spike Spiegel and his band of bounty hunters down on their luck. The anime had a cult following, and was way before it’s time.
At one time in Japan, this anime was cancelled because of its adult content. Didn’t matter. Cowboy Bebop is and remains to be one of the top anime that ever came out. The episodic nature of this anime along with its personal themes have attracted many anime fans to its fold. Of course, many male anime fans would probably argue that Faye Valentine had a lot to do with it as well. They wouldn’t be wrong. Cowboy Bebop has become so popular that there is even a Netflix series in the works.
But, Cowboy Bebop isn’t the highest profile anime on my list. That distinction goes to the next anime…
Many people believe that Hiromu Arakawa’s manga turned anime Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood is the best anime of all time. You read that right…ALL TIME. Just ask around. Or better yet, visit MyAnimelist to see what I mean. Over one million people there can’t be wrong, right? I’m one of those. Whether you watch FMA: Brotherhood or the Full Metal Alchemist series that came before it, I don’t care. Both anime are totally binge-worthy. Sure the movie sucked, but I assure you that you will fall in love with this story of Edward and Alphonse Elric. Yes, this is a a shonen anime like others I’ve talked about before. But, this stands out as one of the best anime themes that ever came out. If you think Evangelion was a mind warp with its over complicated themes, Full Metal Alchemist trumps that with a complex theme in a very simple approach. And, it is often reminded at the beginning of each episode: The Law of Equivalent Exchange.
To obtain something, you have to lose something of equal value. That is the the Law of Equivalent Exchange. It’s the law of the Full Metal Alchemist (FMA) universe. This is the theme of the both series whether FMA or FMA: Brotherhood. And it is constantly reminded time and time again. Why did this happen? Equivalent Exchange. Can I do this? Equivalent Exchange. What do I need to do to be happy? Equivalent Exchange. You will learn early that this is true in this anime, and it’s a reflection of real life as well. If you haven’t seen it yet, just ask that dog you’ll encounter early on in the series. Don’t worry it’ll talk to you. For those who’ve seen it, don’t spoil the dog for the uninitiated. That’ll screw your world view. This anime is definitely not for children.
On to the next dog—err—anime—err—both…
I really love Rumiko Takahashi, and I’ve shown that with my love for Ranma 1/2. Inuyasha on the other hand just highlighted what a brilliant storyteller she really is. Absolutely brilliant. This was isekai before isekai became a household word like that shield hero character. Where Ranma and Akane’s love story was whimsical, Inuyasha and Kagome’s leveled that up to whimsical and heartwarming. The animation itself was the best that Rumiko had come up with making. As with most of Takahashi’s work, this is funny. Unlike Ranma 1/2 this had a beautiful base story that reveals layers upon layers of back story as the anime progressed.
Aside from Kagome and Inuyasha, Rumiko Takahashi gives us a slew of very interesting characters. We have Inuyasha’s old flame, Kikyo, and his brother Shessomaru. We have the lecherous monk, Miroku, and the demon slayer, Sango, along with her demon cat mount, Kirara. Then there is the ultimate villain in the story, Naraku. Inuyasha and his band search the world for pieces of the Shikon jewel that corrupts those who have them. The counterpoint to this is Inuyasha who is half-demon and half-human, but feels corrupted by his own humanity. Inuyasha denies his humanity which later on is revealed to be part of his strength as he and Kagomi search to vanquish those transformed by the cursed jewel.
It’s a fantasy adventure isekai for the ages, and the build up to the final keeps your heart racing. You will be rewarded for investing in these characters come series end. Though, the last anime on my list will lead you to heartache if you invest too much in the characters.
Akame Ga Kill is an anime created by Takahiro and illustrated by Tetsuya Tashiro. The titular character, Akame, is an assassin of the group, Night Raid. Tatsumi joins Night Raid under Akame’s guidance to foil the plots of the evil empire. Sounds like a simple plot, right? The clincher here is the Imperial Arms, legendary weapons wielded by their owners. All members of Night Raid have Imperial Arms. The Empire’s greatest warriors have Imperial Arms. The catch? When wielders of Imperial Arms fight each other, only one of them will survive. Because of that, layered characters die every so often in the series that you’d be best NOT to invest in them or have your heart broken. Even the antagonists of Night Raid aren’t your typical villains as well. They have back stories. You will empathize with them. You will love them. And then…your heart will break.
The fight scenes in Akame Ga Kill are top notch, and, just like Full Metal Alchemist, this series is not for children. The combat and death scenes can be quite graphic to people with weak constitutions. Actually, in the very first episode you will see that this is not a happy anime at all. It’s an action adventure dark fantasy that’ll break your heart, but you’ll still love it for doing so. It’s that realistic theme, that looming danger of death that gives Akame Ga Kill its edge. And, that’s what makes it a beautiful anime to binge-watch.
So there you have it. This completes my list of anime worth binge-watching. I hope you enjoyed it. What’s your list? I’d be happy to hear in my comments. Till next time. Stay indoors, watch your anime and keep save in this time of COVID 19.
Soft Places 