Introduction to anime

[Jude Santos]

i noticed that more than a chunk of people here at toonzone has not seen a lot of anime, so i was thinking just in case some of them are surfing down this shiny sparkly new forum, what's a good anime series to show non-anime fans, without scaring them (Evangelion comes to mind as a series that will scare non-anime fans, imo).to make the question a bit harder, please dont include any series currently airing on CN, as i feel those titles has become mainstream and will be liked by everyone (ie. Bebop). so anyone?

[Proteus3]

I think the best series to show beginners to anime are Cowboy Bebop and Macross Plus. Cowboy Bebop because it contains very Japanese references and is very Americanized, therefore it gives American viewers something they can relate to right away.

Macross Plus because it a great action/drama anime. It is great introduction to the Macross series and has all the trademarks of Macross, which are the Valkyrie mecha, the love triange, and the power of music. Macross Plus also features some beautiful aerial jet fights, as well as stunning animation and music. If someone likes Macross Plus, then they can get into the original Macross and all sorts of Gundam series.

Escaflowne is another good anime series to start with. It is quick paced and has good animation and music. There is also something for everyone, from romance to mecha fights.

[KingKoopa]

There's Trigun, but that's already coming to CN. X TV is pretty good, I defintately reccommend it. Record of Lodoss war OVA is annother good one. Or, if you liked Inuyasha on CN, go for Ranma 1/2, but the manga's better than the series.

In my opinion, though, one should start their collection with some good old-fashioned anime they've seen on CN. Outlaw Star or DBZ's Japanese version, preferably. I think they're a good example of what anime is, and you can see more into some of the characters.

Research Hellsing and Berserk before you buy it, they're the kind of anime, only some will like. They both have a LOT of blood. Guts kills many people with his sword, and Alucard has a thing for dying then just popping back up.

Some things you should stay away from at this point, though. Don't watch Excel Saga yet, you won't get ANY of it. She's always just rambling on and on talking about something you have no idea about, you'll be completely left in the dust.

[Sir Gatts]

I would try to start them off working a way up from fantasy themes - Record of the Lodoss War and Princess Mononoke to Science fiction - Armitage III and Green Legend Ran, then Sci-fi/comedies - Martian Successor Nadesico and Irresponsible Captain Tylor, and later, comedies - Excel Saga and Ranma ½.

I've never known Ranma ½ to fail btw.

[Barb Gordon]

Cowboy Bebop, definitely. Besides Trigun and Slayers, I would also recommend new otaku converts :D to try out Escaflowne, Rurouni Kenshin, Ranma and Nadesico. Macross Plus would be another good one, I remember my friends showing me that in my early otaky years, and it really hooked me in.

~Barb

[RZetlin]

Start with La Blue Girl or Cool Devices! Yeah baby! :p

[Sir Gatts]

Originally posted by RZetlin
Start with La Blue Girl or Cool Devices! Yeah baby! :p
That reminds me of the Divi-Chan comic at Anime on DVD. http://www.animeondvd.com/images/diviwc/071902Divi.jpg