Favorite Story Arc

[Senshi Mizaka]

Which arc from series that you watch did you like the most?

Hunter X Hunter: Greed Island
I found it hard to follow the story of the York Shin arc (Probably from rushing through it) and I almost lost the incentive to continue reading. But, Greed Island came along and it felt like HXH was going in a new direction. I really liked the whole concept of going into a video game, and Togashi handled it well.

Dragonball Z: Cell
While I don't really care for future Trunks (I thought he was the coolest character ever as a teen), this arc really built up to bring one of my favorite fights in the series. It felt refreshing to see Gohan defeat a main villain instead of Goku.

[garfield15]

Oh boy here we go

Hitman Reborn-While the Varia arc was well-done (if a little too drawn out) the Future arc blew me (or should I say is still blowing me) away. The intrigue, the deception, the sudden realizations, the combat system. It's taken the series to a much better level. I would go into more detail about why I like it, but it would have too many spoilers.

I will say one thing: Future Hibari=EPIC PWNAGE

DBZ-Cell arc because SSJ2 Gohan becomes a sadist and Future Trunks appeared.

Yu-Gi-Oh DM-Of course, the Battle City arc. Though I had been following the series since it started, the Battle City arc was very well done (for a 4Kids dub anyway, Dark Energy Discs WTF?) It also finally got rid of those fake rules that the Duelist Kingdom arc put out. Also, I thought Yami Marik was pretty cool. Doma arc is a close second.

One Piece-Enies Lobby. Oh man there is so much win here that if I went into it I would spoil it for others. Two words: Gear Second

Naruto-Takeover of Konoha. Since I feel that after this point is when the show started kinda losing it. Also, Naruto vs Gaara was a very well-done fight.

[Naruto D.Luffy]

Hitman Reborn- for me it's the Varia arc, the fight scenes were done well and always surprising in which the ways each fight ended.

One Piece- Skypiea Arc was just beyond great, and I think it had to do with the background story that took place 400 years ago that leads up to the main story.

[Ishtar]

DB: 23rd Tenkaichi Budokai. It was just awesome seeing the Piccolo from DBZ for the 1st time, and back when he was evil. It was also cool seeing all the other Z Fighters such as Goku and Krillin in their 1st grown up appearance. Not to mention the fight between Goku and Piccolo is simply awesome.

DBZ: Cell Saga. It was just an interesting part of the series, Vegeta's son coming back from the future to warn everyone about killer Androids, Cell suddenly appearing to be the real threat, and of course there's Gohan going Super Saiyan 2.

Yu-Gi-Oh!: Battle City. It was just the most exciting arc of the series, plus Marik was an awesome villain.

Naruto: Sasuke Retrieval arc. I thought all the Sound 4 fights were good, and I loved Naruto Vs. Sasuke.

[Light Lucario]

Yu-Gi-Oh!: Doma/Waking the Dragons. I loved this arc for the way they went with the storyline, how the writers gave character development to not only the usual main three, that being Yami Yugi, Joey and Kaiba, but even some minor characters got some spotlight. I thought that the duels were great and more intense than what the previous arcs had. The second half of Battle City comes at a close second.

Yu-Gi-Oh! GX: The Dark World arc. I love how season three has had a long continious story and its really reaching the boiling point here. Seeing Jaden being taken over by his dark side, aka the Supreme King, and some of the other characters given some great attention at last, something I missed from season two, creates an intense arc. Besides that, Zane's duel with Yubel is just plain awesome.

Pokemon: I'll go with a tie between the Hoenn League and the Tag Battle arc in Diamond and Pearl. I thought the Hoenn League was the best tournament that they've had so far and the battles were done in a much more interesting fashion. The Tag Battle arc showed how much of a jerk Paul really is to cause such emotional and psychological damage to that poor little Chimchar, even thought that was already established. The arc made his mean attitude even more intense and Ash actually catching Chimchar makes it even better.

Slayers TV: The final battle against the fake Rezo. That was just so much deeper than the battle with the actual Red Priest. His need to destroy Lina in order to find purpose was distirbing and sad at the same time. Besides that, the immense power from the fake Red Priest was much more powerful and thus created a more intense battle.

Slayers Next: The finale arc where Lina and her friends are rescuing Gourry. Not only did that arc lead to an awesome showdown at the end of the season, but I did love how it also showed how both Lina and Gourry truly care for each other.

[purplehairedwonder]

Yu Yu Hakusho: The Sensui saga. While I liked the new characters introduced in the Dark Tournament the best, the Sensui saga delved into darker territory with a rogue Spirit Detective and it forced Yusuke and co. to deal with the fact they protect the darker sides of humanity as well. And the fact that Yusuke's big enemy was human rather than demon was a good change of pace as well.

One Piece: Enies Lobby. So much good stuff in this arc. The scene where the Straw Hats are standing on the roof across from Spandam remains one of my favorite scenes of any series ever.

Naruto: Itachi's return. It's more like a mini-arc that kicks off the Find Tsunade arc, but these few episodes are my favorite. Itachi actually appears and it is the impetus for Sasuke's future actions (which, admittedly, most people hate). Brotherly love at it's finest among the Uchihas.

Rurouni Kenshin: The Revenge Arc. We get a look at Kenshin's past as it comes back to haunt him in the form of Enishi. The drama of this arc is really what gets me, though the action in Kenshin is rarely dull as well. Too bad it was never animated.

[Desensitized]

*SPOILERS FOR THE FOLLOWING SERIES*

Yu Yu Hakusho: Chapter Black. The show peaked here, turning the Shonen formula on it's ear and manged to invoke drama from an opponent who was not so much stronger as smarter. A lot of new characters were introduced, a lot of cool fights, and the ending was fantastic.

Beck: America Arc. I really wish this had been animated. You felt for the band members dealing with a whole new place and desperately trying to come to terms with a missing member. It all culminates at the Lizard Lounge, though. A phenomenal climax to a great arc.

Gantz: Chibi Alien Arc. Holy hell in a hand basket. After the conclusion of the Buddha arc where our main character suffers devastating loss after devastating loss, he is sent out alone to take care of a group of aliens all faster and stronger AND more battle ready than him. He survives down to the last one, but ends up huddling for his life as the counter ticks down and he is saved. But that's not the end. What follows next is brutal, the last alien is not dead and manages to follow him to his school for the final fight. This arc really kicked the series into high gear and made Kurono a fantastic protagonist and main character.

Monster: Final Arc. Everything comes to a head here, and you just can't help but drop your jaw to the floor. Everything is revealed, characters die, and Tenma finally faces Johan down for the last time.

20th Century Boys: 1990s Arc. It starts off slow, but very quickly turns into an unpredictable series of events that just plain floored me. I can't even mention them. Spoilers or no in my post. Sorry.

Those are my current favorites.

[Senshi Mizaka]

Naruto: Chuunin Exams
This arc was the best way to introduce and flesh out the nine rookies. Even though I never really cared for Orochimaru and Kabuto, I thought his introduction was done pretty well. And, it had Lee vs. Gaara, one of the most incredible fights in the series.

Katekyo Hitman Reborn!: Daily Life Arc
I'm probably one of the only people who liked it when this manga was still mainly focused on comedy. But, the jokes would probably run dry if it stayed that way. The non-linear story and gags felt reminiscent of Dr. Slump.

[Daxdiv]

Pokemon: Hoenn's Pokemon League- Ash got far in this one, and this time he beat someone that he befriended during the tournament that was on the same level as him. No Ash losing because of some stupid technicality (I'm Looking at you Ritche fight), his last match was close one to call.

YuYu Hakusho: Dark Tournament. What can I say, I liked the tournament. I just like all the kooky characters they were able to introduce, the drama that is Genkai and Tuguro, and the final showdown between team Urameshi and Tuguro was just awesome. Also this showed why Kuwabara is my favorite character, despite him losing to the dumbest looking or powered opponents and winning over the strong ones, still can't figure that one out.

One Piece: Arlong Saga. I liked how it finally characterized Nami and her motif, I don't think fans consider Nami an official part of the crew until this saga, it did have the essential drama that One Piece can deliver.

Naruto: Chunin Exam- My favorite part came during the the whole Gaara vs Naruto fight. Where Naruto was trying his best to win against him to make sure that Sakura and Sasuke came out alive.

[Juu-kuchi]

Hm... I'll try something different instead.

Black Lagoon: The Second Barrage - The Fujiyama Gangster Paradise arc (for lack of a better name for it). What a brilliant way to showcase magnificent setpieces for action and resolve certain developments for Rock.

[A.Magik]

Gundam Seed- Hard to entitle, everything from the 'death' of Kira to the destruction of Orb. Full of soap opera (The Mei-Dearka-Flay confrontation scene, nuff said), angst (Athrun) and rescues (e.g. Kira).

Gundam Wing- The Libra Saga. I watch this one every Christmas along with Endless Waltz.

Digimon Frontier- The Duskmon Saga. Whatever anyone can say about Frontier and its disappointing second half, this storyline has to be one of the best in the entire franchise. From the moment Duskmon whispers 'K-Koji?", to the clues hinted, to the final confrontation of the two aforementioned principals and its resolution was one piece of storytelling.

Dragonball- The Pilaf Saga. You can pick the other action-oriented story arcs of DB(Z) (I'd choose the entire two-part Piccolo Arc), but this beginning piece is probably the series' masterpiece in comedy. Even if uncensored, I think the story can be best enjoyed on paper.

Rurouni Kenshin- What to choose? I guess I would rate The Jinichuu Arc slightly better than the Kyoto Arc. I waited so long for this storyline to reach American shores (thank you Viz, for doing a monthly publication!), I even made an advertisement featuring the entire cast and a 'ONE WILL DIE!' slogan. Poor Kenshin. Kyoto was never like this. Yay for Aoshi to the rescue (twice!)!
(for the anime filler, I'd choose the Diagoro Arc with its simple charming story; quite different from the epic stories like the other filler)

Getbackers- The 1st Infinity Fortress Arc. This was the 1st I ever saw of this series, and I enjoyed it with its varied cast and cool battles.

Fullmetal Alchemist- The Philosopher Stone Arc (basically the last twelve episodes). A mostly intense conclusion full of angst, revelations, revenge, loyalty, betrayal, and death.

Tenchi Muyo OVA- The first six episodes, hard to entitle (Kagato Arc?). After the 1st movie, these episodes had me spellbound for Tenchi and anime, and I don't think the other Tenchi series could ever top this (well, maybe TV's Kagato Arc)

Slayers TV- The Fake Rezo Arc. The dream team five (with Zelgaldis finally returning after that long-filler gap), Syphiel's actions, and a good climax.

Naruto- I think the Invasion Arc (the final part of the Chunnin Exams) would be my favorite of this series. The 3rd Hokage vs. Orichimaru/Naruto vs. Gaara/Sand village vs. Leaf village battles, and the drama! Yes, that parallel image of chibi Gaara/chibi Naruto might be as subtle as a sledgehammer, but I really don't give a darn. It's one of the most memorable sequences in the entire series!

[Ajax]

Cruxis' Armory Profile (http://www.wowarmory.com/character-sheet.xml?r=Thrall&n=Cruxis)

[Rocketboy]

*WARNING: Major spoilers down here.*

Zatch Bell: The Faudo Tower arc. It introduced a whole bunch of new, interesting characters who each played their part. Kiyo's death scene was amazing, and so was Zatch's reaction when he found out all hope was lost. Kiyo's coma also set up the other characters to shine, and we know how far they'll go to protect, especially Wonrei and Bari. Zatch vs. Zeon was the best battle in the entire series, and through it, we see the memories that Zeon stole from Zatch, which reveal some very dark things.

Flame of Recca: SODOM. The stakes were at their highest when Mori kidnapped Yanagi, both for the world and for the group becaus the healer was gone, so it was do or die. We get some unexpected match-ups like Kaoru vs. Gaoh, and Recca vs. Kamui. (Though that one might have been expected because of what Kaoru said in the Sealed Lands.) I was surprised that most of the Ku members died, and I think it was cool that Anzai put the focus on Kashamaru, Gashaku, Tsukishiro, and Saicho against the murderer. Joker's "death" (We all know he's Nanashi in MÄR.) was unexpected and a little sad. then it was the final battle against Mori, in which everything went all around. recca revealed not to be the true heir to Hokage was the biggest bomb this series dropped, but it didn't stop him from reviving Yanagi as a Flame after she died, which defeated Mori in a good way, and finally gave that bastard what he deserved. The art was fantastic as well.

Bleach: The Arrancar Arc. After a severly long time in Soul Society, we finally catch a break when Ichigo and the others return home. We are immedianty introduced to a new character with the same abilites as Ichigo, and attempts to get him join up with others with the same abilites. We are also finally introduced to actual villains, who prove to be such a hassle, we get Hitsugaya and his special crew coming to earth to prevent them from doing damage. Grand Fisher is finally killed thanks to Isshin, and Ishida gets a chance at the spotlight again thanks to his father. and Ichigo finally gets his ass handed to him at the hands of Grimmjow.

[Senshi Mizaka]

I'm glad to see that someone else is a fan of Flame of Recca. SODOM happens to be my favorite arc of that series, too. Anzai really pulled out all the stops for the final part in the story. Every fight was done so well. It felt so satisfying, especially Kurei's final confrontation with Renge. I loved Recca's speech when he met with Aoi. Plus, we got alot of heartstring-tugging moments: Kagero's curse being lifted, Yanagi recalling her memories despite the Madougu being destoryed, and her becoming Recca's flame. And lastly, we get to see Mori Kouran, the very defenition of a "love to hate" villain meet his end.

[Strollymonster]

Gundam Seed- Hard to entitle, everything from the 'death' of Kira to the destruction of Orb. Full of soap opera (The Mei-Dearka-Flay confrontation scene, nuff said), angst (Athrun) and rescues (e.g. Kira).

Gundam Wing- The Libra Saga. I watch this one every Christmas along with Endless Waltz.

Digimon Frontier- The Duskmon Saga. Whatever anyone can say about Frontier and its disappointing second half, this storyline has to be one of the best in the entire franchise. From the moment Duskmon whispers 'K-Koji?", to the clues hinted, to the final confrontation of the two aforementioned principals and its resolution was one piece of storytelling.

Dragonball- The Pilaf Saga. You can pick the other action-oriented story arcs of DB(Z) (I'd choose the entire two-part Piccolo Arc), but this beginning piece is probably the series' masterpiece in comedy. Even if uncensored, I think the story can be best enjoyed on paper.

Rurouni Kenshin- What to choose? I guess I would rate The Jinichuu Arc slightly better than the Kyoto Arc. I waited so long for this storyline to reach American shores (thank you Viz, for doing a monthly publication!), I even made an advertisement featuring the entire cast and a 'ONE WILL DIE!' slogan. Poor Kenshin. Kyoto was never like this. Yay for Aoshi to the rescue (twice!)!
(for the anime filler, I'd choose the Diagoro Arc with its simple charming story; quite different from the epic stories like the other filler)

Getbackers- The 1st Infinity Fortress Arc. This was the 1st I ever saw of this series, and I enjoyed it with its varied cast and cool battles.

Fullmetal Alchemist- The Philosopher Stone Arc (basically the last twelve episodes). A mostly intense conclusion full of angst, revelations, revenge, loyalty, betrayal, and death.

Tenchi Muyo OVA- The first six episodes, hard to entitle (Kagato Arc?). After the 1st movie, these episodes had me spellbound for Tenchi and anime, and I don't think the other Tenchi series could ever top this (well, maybe TV's Kagato Arc)

Slayers TV- The Fake Rezo Arc. The dream team five (with Zelgaldis finally returning after that long-filler gap), Syphiel's actions, and a good climax.

Naruto- I think the Invasion Arc (the final part of the Chunnin Exams) would be my favorite of this series. The 3rd Hokage vs. Orichimaru/Naruto vs. Gaara/Sand village vs. Leaf village battles, and the drama! Yes, that parallel image of chibi Gaara/chibi Naruto might be as subtle as a sledgehammer, but I really don't give a darn. It's one of the most memorable sequences in the entire series!

I still prefer the Kyoto Arc as the best overall Kenshin story. Shishio just made for a much more entertaining antagonist than Enishi.

[GWOtaku]

Mobile Suit Gundam: The entire Battle of A Boa Qu. It has backstabbing, all-out fighting, and a great duel between Amuro and Char.

Gundam Seed: Its easy to say the ending, but I like the episodes where they're defending Orb. Athrun joins with Kira, they team up, and then there's the episode where everybody escapes to space. In Orb the Seed cast fought a losing battle, but one that led to greater resolve to do what they had to do.

G Gundam: I like the episodes toward the end where Domon takes on all four of his friends, one by one. It follows a formula, true: they fight, Domon's friend uses his full power, Domon manages to come out on top. But, I still like it since it allows for a little focus. Also, Saisashi barely lost his fight.

Gundam Wing: I have to agree about the final episodes. Go forth, Gundam team. They had some really good standalone episodes leading into the finale, especially the fight between Barge and White Fang and the one where a faction of OZ troops takes an entire colony hostage.

Gundam 00: Azadistan, but I won't get into why here. Watch this on Sci-Fi channel and I'll be discussing it in the talkback. :)

Naruto: I like the Tsunade arc. It was the first arc that was pretty much all about Naruto, all the time, and no one can deny the awesomeness of the Sannin showdown.

Yu Yu Hakusho: The Dark Tournament. Great fighting, first of all. But the thing is this is Yu Yu Hakusho, so there's also some great character interaction and a villain that's more than a generic "bwahahahaha!" guy. Toguro was a REAL rival for Yusuke, and this was the arc that he stepped in to take up the legacy that Genkai wanted to pass on to him.

Rurouni Kenshin: Obviously, the Kyoto arc owns the anime. In the manga, the revenge arc narrowly takes it. Kyoto was epic and I love it but fundamentally, the story is really about Kenshin and his search for meaning and redemption. The revenge arc delivered on that in spades. Also, Yahiko progresses more here than he does in the rest of the manga.

Bleach: It was short, but I really enjoyed the Grand Fisher arc. Very nice character focus on Ichigo. "You're right, anger dulls the blade. But for you, a dull blade is more than enough." The anime did a fine job, in my view.

One Piece: Eines lobby is great, but I like the Arlong arc. In this one Luffy was out of the fight for awhile, and the backstory was the saddest yet, and once its over you feel like that Luffy finally has the foundation for his crew. Lots of awesomeness. I also highly approve of the Kreig arc right before because of Mihawk showing up, and because of what goes on between Sanji and Gin. Sanji's character ended up both hurting him and saving him, which is pretty ironic.

[A.Magik]

I still prefer the Kyoto Arc as the best overall Kenshin story. Shishio just made for a much more entertaining antagonist than Enishi.

Hey, I mean no injury to Kyoto. The many battles, Sejiro's intense flashback, the many 'to the rescue!' moments. It's epic! It's just that Revenge/Jinichuu hits stronger notes for me:

Kenshin's mental breakdown over Karou's 'death', Yahiko's coming-of-age battle against that Apocalypse-knockoff (definitely bigger progress than his Kyoto adventure), Aoshi playing detective and fighting Gein, Enishi's super-freak-out on seeing Tomoe's frown, Karou refusing to play 'damsel-in-distress' (unlike her anime counterpart in the Reflections OVA), Sano's family, etc. It just has a slightly extra 'memorable' to it.