Perusing my entire back catalog of SciFiNow magazines has revealed some missed treats from the archives worth considering here at Musings Of A Sci-Fi Fanatic. SciFiNow #20 (2008) features a Complete Guide To spread for Sci-Fi Anime. Time for another anime list.
I've delivered several lists in the past from Anime Insider here and here to my very own Animate! The Sci-Fi Fanatic BIG 20: Anime. Still, I knew anime fans would enjoy yet another fine look at the always colorful and intriguing world of anime.
From that particular article, SciFiNow posted their Top 10 Best plus 10 additional favorites. I've offered folks here at the site several starting points and opportunities to take a look at what is often considered some of the finest within the anime medium. There are indeed plenty of launching points into the universe of Japanese anime. Here's yet another look. These appear to be in no particular order.
1. Freedom (2007-2008).
2. Akira (1988).
3. Ghost In The Shell 2.0 (1995; an update of the original film).
4. Appleseed Ex Machina (2007).
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion: The Series (1995-1996).
.jpg)
6. Steamboy: Director's Cut (2004).
7. Laputa: Castle In The Sky (1986).
8. Cowboy Bebop: The Series (1998).
9. Final Fantasy VII: Advent Children (2005).
10. Mobile Suit Gundam Seed: The Series (1979-1980).
Adding to an already interesting and not unacceptable list above, SciFiNow added ten more impressive gems to wet your whistle.
10. Paprika (2006).
9. Dirty Pair (1985).
8. Bubblegum Crisis (1987).
7. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time (2007).
6. Cyber City Oedo 808 (1990).
5. Dominion (1985).
4. Spriggan (1989).
3. Urusei Yatsura (1978).
2. Patlabor (1988).
1. Doraemon (1969).
Surprisingly some of the aforementioned I've never seen, but once again, this is clearly a taster of what's available as written by SciFiNow contributor Tom Hopkins. The list is a little random and omits some of the very best, but it's still fun. It's also nice to see another perspective.
Personally, Neon Genesis Evangelion, Ghost In The Shell, and Patlabor are essential viewing. The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is a sweet little film gem in the spirit of something by Hayao Miyazaki on a scripting and artistic level. Again, there's plenty to try.
Like you said, a fun list. I haven't heard of a few of these, like "Freedom".
ReplyDeleteAlso, I'm not a big fan of the 2.0 version of "Ghost in the Shell". It felt a little off to me, and the new color scheme took away some of the murky atmosphere that I loved so much about the film.
Great to see Miyazaki on there, but I would have to pick "Spirited Away" as my personal favorite Miyazaki film, followed by "Kiki's Delivery Service" of all things. :)
I loved the Final Fantasy VII game, but I never saw Advent Children. I should give it a spin.
I'm also thrilled to see "Bubblegum Crisis" from the 1980s on there. Love that show. It's a blast to watch and has some wonderful design elements in it. Not very original, but those rockin' 80s style songs are still some of my favorite J-pop.
"Spriggan"? Really? I don't get that one. It wasn't horrible or anything, but it didn't leave much of an impression on me at all.
Heh heh, "Urusei Yatsura" was going to show up at one point. I'm working on a some blogs about that series now. Fun show, but if I like "Ranma 1/2" quite a bit more.
And of course, you can't have an anime list without "Akira" something from Satoshi Kon, and Evangelion.
Ok, that's enough babbling for now. :)
Gonna have to check out Freedom!
ReplyDeleteI see you got Ghost in the Shell 2.0, I prefer the original version though...I didnt really like how the traditional animation mixed with the new computer generated images they inserted. I still like that 2.0 version, but the original works best for me.
Well, I'm such a novice to anime, I doubt I could make a best of list yet. I have seen some though that I've really enjoyed. For Miyazaki, I'd have to say Howl's Moving Castle is my favorite. I watched it not long ago, and really dug it. His artwork is always great, but I loved the story too.
ReplyDeleteI have a friend that really got into Bubblegum Crisis, but I've yet to watch it. I've got some Dominion Tank Police on tape, and it's fun, and pretty wacky. Akira might still make my list as does Ghost in the Shell. The anime Matrix series was interesting too.
I also still think the older anime by Tezuka, Phoenix 2772 is a cool one as is Nausicaa of the Valley of Wind. It's a shame some of the older anime has become deleted.
Many, I just haven't gotten around to watching yet. Interested to see your list. Thanks for posting the SF magazine list. I'll give me something to hunt for.
Hi Roman
ReplyDeleteI know you love your Satoshi Kon.
Interesting points from you and Fran regarding GITS 2.0.
Fran- loved the Dark City review.
El Vox- so many to pick from - from Miyazki. Everyone has a favorite. So hard to pick too. Still working on grabbing a copy of that Robot Carnival but I'm close.
Thanks guys.