[sourceLink asin="B00C081E46" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

10. Ore Monogatari! (My Love Story)

[sourceLink asin="B00VTSNAW2" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" April 2015 – September 2015 "]

At a staggering two meters tall, Gouda Takeo is by no means a regular high schooler, let alone a high school freshman. Admired by his peers for his brute strength, he should be enjoying an amazing high school life; however, his sheer size and brutish looks do not offer him much help in the romance department. His best friend, Sunakawa, on the other hand, enjoys ample attention, even from the girls Takeo has liked. Despite falling in love with Yamato Rinko after saving her from a molester on the train one day, Takeo is convinced she has feelings for Sunakawa and decides to cheer on his best friend, while quietly wishing that the flowers of Spring would bloom for him too. Ore Monogatari is different. While bearing some of the tropes and themes common to Shoujo anime, Ore Monogatari seems to stand out and stand tall amongst its peers – whether or not that is due to the sheer size of the protagonist is up for debate, but the protagonist is a fairly big reason why Ore Monogatari won’t be forgotten very easily. Takeo isn’t the conventional eye-candy, “ikemen” main character that we have grown accustomed to in Shoujo anime and even better, his relationship with Yamato Rinko, who eventually becomes his girlfriend (spoiler alert?) is one of the most adorable and heart-warming things we’ve seen in a long time. Ore Monogatari boasts very likable characters and does have various side-splitting moments with Takeo and Rinko taking centre stage throughout most of them, but all comedy aside, what many people who highly enjoy anime with themes of romance will definitely remember is how Ore Monogatari completely ignored the very anime-like idea of having characters take forever to confess their love for each other and instead, the ship had sailed within four episodes. If that isn’t iconic, we don’t know what is.

9. Durarara!!

[sourceLink asin="B00WX6KI92" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" January 2010 – June 2010 "]

When Ryuugamine Mikado is invited by his childhood friend, Kida Masaomi, to live in Tokyo, he finds the offer too tempting to refuse. Fuelled by the potential excitement of city life as well as stories of a mysterious headless rider frequenting the streets of the Ikebukuro District, Mikado takes to Tokyo. Upon arriving in Tokyo, Mikado comes to the realisation that city life is as exciting as he would’ve expected, as Ikebukuro is full of supernatural phenomena and interesting characters. Durarara!! is a concoction made up of many different characters who, at first glance, seem to be doing very independent and random things that bear very little significance to the rest of the plot; however, one of the greatest aspects of the show’s layout is the fact that it doesn’t lose its novelty – Durarara!! does not get boring. In the cultural, social and supernatural melting pot that is Ikebukuro, each one of the characters’ stories manage to be captivating and very quickly etch themselves into memory. Stories aside, the characters themselves are quirky and unique and, since money makes the world go round, it’s quite difficult to ignore a show that has “the Dollars” as one of its central factions. Ikebukuro is a concrete jungle indeed.

8. Zankyou no Terror (Terror in Resonance)

[sourceLink asin="B01EDEL17Y" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 11 " aired=" July 2014 – September 2014 "]

Nine and Twelve are two teenage boys who are secretly the terrorist duo known as Sphinx, the entity responsible for an attack on a nuclear facility. The only clues the authorities have in catching the perpetrators is the word “VON”, painted in red letters on the floor of the facility. As Sphinx, Nine and Twelve upload a video to the internet as a statement of their intent to challenge the Japanese authorities and cause widespread chaos across Tokyo. Desperate to apprehend Sphinx and prevent immense damage throughout Tokyo, Detective Shibazaki Kenjirou and the rest of the police have to scramble to find leads to put an end to the madness before it leads to the city’s eventual ruin. This is one of the few times when it has seemed right to side with the terrorists; Zankyou no Terror is expert at deconstructing the traditional roles that we see in anime protagonists and antagonists. Audiences end up feeling like rooting for the terrorists and hoping the police don’t apprehend the criminals, in terms of traditional “good guy/bad guy” roles, Zankyou no Terror thrives on confusing the audience. The anime also includes a heavy dose of references to mythology and it is the most satisfying thing when everything is explained as the story progresses. Plot devices aside, the soundtrack is an incredible and surreal score and the artwork is excellent. No one will ever forget how they felt when Zankyou no Terror first burst onto the scene and as a result, it has a much-deserved place on our list.

7. Psycho-Pass

[sourceLink asin="B00HFC30A8" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 22 " aired=" October 2012 – March 2013 "]

In 22nd century Japan, people’s lives as well as the law are all decided by a supercomputer called the Sibyl System, which uses a means of psychological evaluation in order to determine a person’s likelihood of success in various vocations, as well as their likelihood of committing crimes. In law enforcement, a person’s “Psycho Pass”, an indicator of their mental state and likelihood of committing crimes. It is in this department that Tsunemori Akane and her partner, the enforcer Kougami Shinya, encounter many issues that bring them to the realisation that the Sibyl System may not be as all-knowing as they once thought. Let us begin with the premise: Psycho-Pass is absolutely gripping from start to finish, but what makes it so amazing is the fact that it asks relevant existential questions of the characters and in a way, one could liken it to the Ghost in the Shell franchise. The fact that technology is rapidly becoming a more integral part of human life makes this series that more compelling because it makes us ask ourselves if we will be headed in the same direction as the characters in the series, with a false sense of security in technology’s ability to dictate our lives. Tsunemori undergoes rapid character development throughout the series as she realises that the “perfect society” that the Sibyl System sought to create, is riddled with imperfections and moral dilemmas. Visually, Psycho-Pass was appealing as the futuristic setting was slick, dark but also very beautiful and the technology in the series was unbelievable and very well thought out, the most notable being the Dominator that the authorities use to neutralise or execute suspects at Sibyl’s discretion; the Dominators were exciting and intricate weapons that had devastating capabilities. Long story short, years from now, when regulatory technology like the Sibyl System come into existence, a faction of anime-lovers will remember Psycho-Pass and know exactly how to live in a world where whole lives are prescribed by a computer.

6. Puella Magi Madoka Magica

[sourceLink asin="B00G6LMJYW" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" January 2011 – April 2011 "]

When regular middle schoolers Kaname Madoka and Miki Sayaka meet the new transfer student in their class, Akemi Homura, they’re unaware of the drastic changes that they’re about to experience as, coupled together with Homura, a strange cat-like creature named Kyuubei makes them an offer: Kyuubei will turn them into magical girls, with the power to fulfil their dreams. Being a magical girl herself, Homura tries to talk them out of it, but with her advice falling on deaf ears, Madoka and Sayaka become magical girls, unknowing of the difficulties that lie ahead. At first glance, Madoka Magica is your classic magical girl anime with adorable characters and costumes; however, unbeknownst to many who first watch the show, it is actually a deconstruction of the magical girl genre as a whole. Where most anime of this nature thrive off of “moe moe kyun” aspects of magical girl life, Madoka Magica is more of a behind the scenes of the life of a magical girl. In that regard, it is a uniquely dark magical girl anime that brings up many questions that simply do not appear in traditional anime of this genre. When it comes to art versus content, Madoka Magica is utterly deceptive as the artwork does not reflect the true nature of the show. It is indeed as they say, everything is not as it seems.

5. Shingeki no Kyojin (Attack on Titan)

[sourceLink asin="B00UGQB2LE" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 25 " aired=" April 2013 – September 2013 "]

Isoyama Hajime’s Attack on Titan follows the story of Eren Jaeger, a teenager living in a world where humanity’s place at the top of the food chain was taken by giant humanoid human-killing creatures known as the Titans. Brought to the brink of extinction by the Titans, humanity built a series of walls in order to protect the last surviving humans – a plan which preserved peace for a century, until a 50-meter tall Titan tore a hole in the outermost wall. In the ensuing chaos, Eren Jaeger’s home village of Shiganshina was overrun and his mother killed, prompting his quest to avenge his mother by slaughtering all the Titans and helping humanity reclaim what was lost and end the Titan threat. An anime which blew up in Japan and abroad in 2013, Attack on Titan has become a major phenomenon and a title which seems to have spurred the emergence of more post-apocalyptic anime titles. Attack on Titan is a brilliant action-packed emotional rollercoaster with very cool characters, amazing animation, an intense musical score composed by Sawano Hiroyuki and an iconic first opening theme song. The anime has managed to establish itself as a must-see. The antagonistic Titans are, much like the characters, vastly different in looks and nature, and definitely make an impression: they are scary. It is for several reasons that Attack on Titan can be labelled unforgettable, from art, to music, to characters and, most of all, the immensely gripping storyline, Attack on Titan is what many anime fans have craved and has become a phenomenon in and of itself. Wir sind die jaeger!

4. KILL la KILL!

[sourceLink asin="B00WYF3K5Q" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" October 2013 – March 2014 "]

When Matoi Ryuuko’s father is murdered by an unknown assailant wielding a scissor blade, she decides to commit herself to avenging him. Wielding the half of the scissor blade she found embedded in her father’s back, she makes her way to Honnouji Academy, a prestigious high school, run by student council president, Kiryuuin Satsuki. Honnouji Academy is a school where high-ranking students don ability-augmenting clothes known as Goku Uniforms and, after losing thoroughly to a student in possession of one of these uniforms, Ryuuko stumbles across Kamui Senketsu, a sentient uniform which unlocks latent capabilities upon exposure to Ryuuko’s blood. With Senketsu in tow, Ryuuko returns to Honnouji Academy to truly begin her search for her father’s killer. With talking clothes, ability enhancing school uniforms and a faction of characters who seem to denounce the concept of clothing entirely, KILL la KILL! is fashionably in 4th place on our list. Beyond the superficial factors, the sheer pace at which the plot advances and the way in which KILL la KILL! executes some of the most ridiculously hilarious situations with ease make it one of the top unforgettable anime of the decade; some might even go as far as say that in a few years’ time, KILL la KILL! will still be highly relevant, despite not being the most popular anime of 2013. What is most surprising about KILL la KILL! is the way it seems to incorporate elements of comedy and action into its plot, given the quirky nature of each character on the show, most notably Ryuuko’s best friend, Mankanshoku Mako, an eccentric and bubbly character who is one of the most animated of the bunch. All things aside, people will probably never forget this anime because everyone secretly wishes that their wardrobes could speak, it would save us a whole lot of fashion disasters.

3. Barakamon

[sourceLink asin="B01FXM2ZRU" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" July 2014 – September 2014 "]

23-year-old calligrapher and narcissist Handa Seishuu found himself in boiling water after punching the well-respected director of an art gallery at an exhibition where his work featured, after being told that his work is “bland” and “boring”. With encouragement from a famous calligrapher, Handa leaves for the Goto Islands in Nagasaki, not knowing about the eccentrics he will meet, in pursuit of a calligraphy style he can call his own. While not especially popular, Barakamon deals a lot with themes of companionship and the value of reflection on one’s own actions. In many aspects, as a slice-of-life anime, Barakamon is a brilliant example of simplicity yielding ultimate sophistication. With a small cast, a range of hilarious situations come about and the anime is seen as a breath of fresh air. Barakamon is not the type of show you will find being aggressively recommended, but it is immensely enjoyable and perfect for easy watching. What makes Barakamon worth remembering; however, is the way in which it seamlessly establishes and builds upon the relationships between very unlikely character pairings, such as Handa and his frequent visitor and, to his chagrin a friend as well, six-year-old Kotoishi Naru. While not completely happy about a frequent trespasser, Handa takes a liking to the very outgoing youngster and together, they create some of the most comical moments. And, to make remembering that much easier, Barakamon is followed by the incredibly quirky 2016 series Handa-kun, which deals with Handa’s misadventures as a high schooler. Given time, like Handa, Barakamon will write its own name down in the annals of history in some of the most beautiful characters ever put together on a Japanese island.

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Barakamon Special Calendar" url="" ]

2. Tokyo Ghoul

[sourceLink asin="B0102AL0RY" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" July 2014 – September 2014 "]

In a world where humans live alongside human-eating creatures that can integrate into human society known as Ghouls, 18-year-old Kaneki Ken’s life is changed forever when his date with a cute girl with whom he shares the same tastes in literature ends up becoming a life-or-death situation when his date turns out to be Kamishiro Rize, a very dangerous Ghoul known for binge-eating. When it seemed like Kaneki’s final resting place would be a local construction site, steel beams fell on both he and Rize, killing her. Having sustained heavy internal injuries from his contact with Rize, doctors saw it fit to transplant her organs into his body, creating unforeseen changes: Kaneki became a Ghoul himself, finding himself in a very violent world where it is survival of the fittest. Tokyo Ghoul based on Ishida Sui’s manga of the same name is an anime that became rapidly popular because of its stunning characters, animation and overall badass nature. As one engages more and more with the world of Tokyo Ghoul, they begin to realise that it was written much like a novel, with several motifs, dark themes and most importantly, some of the greatest character development we have seen in recent times. While many are sold by the sheer aesthetic of the Ghoul universe (rightly so), the anime’s greatest asset is the protagonist, Kaneki Ken. Kaneki undergoes very heavy changes in mind and body over a very short period of time and as the story progresses, we see how pain and agony changed a mild-mannered young man into a ruthless monster. Tokyo Ghoul has etched itself deep into the anime community and will probably never be ignored as an anime. It poses existential questions and themes which relate to different people as they are presented. On a more superficial level, Tokyo Ghoul is violent, gory and at times (read “Season 1, Episode 12”), it showed what some would call the limits of cruelty that can be inflicted by one being on another.

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Animage Magazine April　2015" url="" ]

1. Steins;Gate

[sourceLink asin="B00DUCND18" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" April 2011 – September 2011 "]

Steins;Gate follows the story of mad-scientist wannabe Okabe Rintarou and his friends who spend their time tinkering with items that they dub “Future Gadgets”, their latest creation being a microwave that can morph bananas into mysterious green goo. While not an entirely ground-breaking invention, after a series of strange events, the device becomes the eventual triumph: the Phone Microwave, a Future Gadget capable of sending text messages to the past. Now armed with the ability to alter the flow of time, Okabe finds himself lost among diverging strands of time, forced to understand first-hand the true meaning of what it is to be able to alter time itself. What many fans could call one of the greatest time-travel stories ever told, Steins;Gate is a compelling anime that challenges various notions of what it means to travel through time; however, the anime’s true stand-out feature is the immense amount of character development that the protagonist, Okabe Rintarou, undergoes as a result of continuous time-travelling experiences. Fuelled by the grief that grips him when he witnesses the death of his best friend, Shiina Mayuri, at the hands of the mysterious organisation known as SERN, Okabe travels through time endlessly in order to save her life. Of course, it isn’t a seamless task and he ends up witnessing her death countless times, a fact which destroys him mentally. Steins;Gate is an intense journey into the age-old scientific concept of time-travel, but what will keep the series timeless is the amazing way in which presents some of these scientific concepts, all while rooting itself in relative reality with the presence of characters such as John Titor, a person with interesting real-world significance. Steins;Gate will definitely be remembered for the way in which Okabe challenged the flow of time in order to save lives and for as long as time-travel is a relevant concept in reality, Steins;Gate will remain just as relevant. El. Psy. Congroo.

[sourceLink asin="B00EOM8Y1C" asin_jp="" text="" url="" ]

Conclusion

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Official Website" url="http://www.jp.playstation.com/software/title/jp0745npjh50427_00corpsepartyblcdl.html" ]

10. Akame ga Kill!

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Akame ga Kill! Ep 17" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" Jul. 2014 – Dec. 2014 "]

What is the life of an assassin? Is it a righteous one, or a boiling pot of sin? That is a question that Tatsumi; a new and inexperienced recruit of the assassination group called Night Raid, must answer for himself. Seeking a means to better life in his hometown, Tatsumi finds the seeds of hope within the resolve of this band of assassins. As they set out to topple Prime Minister Honest and put his reign of greed and relentlessness to an end, Tatsumi has his morals put to the ultimate test. Can he take on the shadow life of an assassin and still hang on to his values and humanity? Will he live long enough to find out? Nonetheless, he’ll have to face the loss of a few friends. Karma can make its way around quite quickly nowadays. Chelsea from Akame ga Kill may have marked an “X” onto her chest, but you would hope there to be some sympathy within this assassination game. As episode 17 draws to a close, moments after parading an outward facing ego disguised by a calm calculative demeanor, Chelsea’s thoughts are dominated by one word; run. Faster than she could say those three letters, she is unexpectedly cut short; in a literal sense. Watching her own fingers tumble through the air is how the blood show begins. You give it an inch; it’ll take a mile. From fingers to a whole arm, the portions will only get bigger. And with it, a bigger pool of the good ol’ red stuff. Ouch!

9. When They Cry (Higurashi no Naku Koro ni)

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Ep 20" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 26 " aired=" Apr. 2006 – Sep. 2006 "]

Keiichi Maebara is the new kid in the little village of Hinamizawa. Set in 1983, Keiichi and his band of friends Rena, Rika, Satoko, and Mion seem to be living the delightful life that most young kids their age should. That is, until the annual festival comes punching around with a handful of horrifying mysteries and untold truths. Will Keiichi get to the bottom of the falsehoods lurking throughout Hinamizawa, or will insanity cost him his life? Where there’s murder, there’s blood; and where there’s blood, there’s everything. Being gutted by a madman is one thing, but repeatedly turning the blade onto yourself is just… geez. Splattering in at episode 20, Rika discovers the secret to creating true art as she holds her pride above heaven itself. Unwilling to let Shion bare the satisfaction of taking her life, Rika grabs her brush and paints herself a self-portrait of a lifetime. Cramming that blade into her neck reverberates all the worse kinds of feelings in the best possible way. The amount of blood that escapes such a little person is mesmerizing per se, but watching it waltz across the screen as she repeats it over and over again is an eye popper. Leaving a bloody masterpiece for us all to admire. Red and green is a match made in heaven.

8. Shiki

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Shiki Ep 20" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 22 " aired=" Jul. 2010 – Dec. 2010 "]

When a girl named Megumi Shimizu turns up dead, alarms begin going off all over the village of Sotoba; but not the alarms you would expect. Initially fearing that an epidemic is spreading across town, Doctor Toshio Ozaki takes up the mantle of getting to the bottom of the outbreak; only to find something much darker beneath the surface. That is, vampires; aka Shiki. Alongside Megumi’s grieving friend Yuuki, these two set in motion the gears that will either save Sotoba, or tear it to pieces. The lines dividing good and evil have never been so blurred as it is in the world of Shiki; and it is that essence of judgement shrouding fear that takes this tragic tale beyond any other vampire story. Fear is a beautiful emotion, as it can cause people to do some of the darndest things. Thus, when fear blankets over the people of Sotoba, the tune of a bloody symphony begins echoing throughout town. It’s safe to say that even vampires can bleed like we do. The red fireworks that blow out of these unfortunate creatures here in episode 20 isn’t something easy to forget. As the villagers strip shiki from nooks and crannies all over town, the tides roll in red with blood thicker than a protein smoothie. Vampires; one moment their sucking on blood, the next moment their spewing it.

7. Another

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Another 7" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" Jan. 2012 – Mar. 2012 "]

After a student named Misaki from Yomiyama North Middle School’s class 3-3 passes away, nothing in the town of Yomiyama has ever been the same. 26 years later, Kouichi Sakakibara transfers into the same class and immediately gets a taste of the “off” atmosphere passing through the corridors of the school. All of which seems to be connected to a strange girl named Mei Misaki. Throwing caution to the wind; as well as everyone’s warnings, Kouichi pushes to unravel the mysteries at Yomiyama North; but he may have dug in a bit too deep for his own good. There’s an underlying message somewhere within the story of Another, but you’re going to have to wipe the blood from your eyes first if you plan on finding it. Outside of its enigmatic story elements, and eerie atmosphere, one thing that Another certainly has an abundance of, is blood. You could only imagine what was going through Mr. Kubodera’s head in episode 7, as he fought that daring knife from fixating itself right into his jugular. Sorry buddy, but you knew damn well it was all over. The amount of blood that shoots out from his neck is like observing a fire hydrant in action. Everyone seated in that classroom got a taste of what Mr. Kubodera had to offer as a parting gift, and it’s probably not a flavor that you’d want for dessert. Or would you?

6. Elfen Lied

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Elfen Lied Ep 1" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" Jul. 2004 – Oct. 2004 "]

Speaking of knowing when it’s all over, Elfen Lied gives us a body count that’s out to set records. Lucy is a work of art, a mutant species called “Diclonii” who possess telekinetic abilities. Surely enough, she was subject to government torturing and experimentation, leaving her with a long hit list once she’d managed to break herself free. Unfortunately for her, after suffering head trauma, Lucy battles a childlike split personality named Nyu. Taken in by locals Kouta and Yuka, these two cousins get pulled into a dangerous tangle with the government, and the grim world that comes complimentary. However, Lucy’s killing spree isn’t quite over yet. Her victims; nevertheless, should be grateful for one thing; it tends to happen rather quickly. Still, sometimes you just have to read the atmosphere and make a run for it. Witnessing guard after guard’s blood spurt from their erupting headless necks, while others get their brains pierced through and entire bodies set off like C4 right at the kickoff of episode 1, packs a strange sense of excitement. The splatter house pandemonium is quite sickening, but worth every second. Lucy is a visionary whose tool is coagulated blood; and she’s giving birth to a world of creativity.

5. Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World- (Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu)

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Re:Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu Ep 20" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 25 " aired=" Apr. 2016 – Sep. 2016 "]

You don’t get do overs in life, said someone who clearly never watched Re:ZERO -Starting Life in Another World-. One day, Subaru Natsuko suddenly finds himself randomly summoned to another world. This could throw anyone for a loop; but the worst has yet to come. After befriending a silver-haired girl, they are both mysteriously murdered; that is, until Subaru reawakens in a reset timeline. He has acquired the ability “Return by Death”, making him capable of reversing time by dying; but will it be enough to save those he hopes to protect? Re:ZERO tells a unique story of pain, of growth, and of murderous action. Human or not, being sliced open and drained of your juices like a coconut never gets old. Episode 20 certainly knows what makes a bloodbath worth taking a dip into. Watching as it cloaks the field like spray paint, will work its way down your spine like none other. Wilhelm van Astrea sure knows how to put on a show as he dances through a White Whale, slicing it up like vegetables. A rectifying performance indeed, but not one without its presentation of bloody lawlessness. After all, it’s what we came to the show for.

4. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls (Corpse Party: Tortured Souls - Bougyakusareta Tamashii no Jukyou)

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Corpse Party Ep 3" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 4 " aired=" Jul. 2013 "]

Rituals aren’t something to take lightly, and these nine students find that out in the worse possible way. When their farewell charms take them to the sight of a series of gruesome murders; a destroyed elementary school named Heavenly Host Academy, these nine friends must conquer their fears in order to find their way home again. It takes a lot to rip a whole person open; however, Episode 3 of Corpse Party may prove otherwise. Kishinuma Yoshiki was just in the middle of being a righteous hero, until he screwed around and got killed. Now all he is, is a bunch of hanging innards and a fountain of red juice we like to call blood. Looks like these unrested spirits have a knack for shutting people up. For the blood enthusiasts, this series is filled to the brim with scenes just as grisly as this one; as for the rest of you, you’ve already read this far so you’re tainted. Might as well join the fun.

3. Genocyber

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Genocyber Ep 1" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 5 " aired=" Mar. 1994 – Jul. 1994 "]

When all the world’s nations look to become one, its anticipated peace is endangered by the likes of corporate-owned armies. As in every battle for control, the game changer always resides in the discovery of a new trump card. It’s called the Genocyber; a cybernetic psychic weapon, and the Kuryu Group is hellbent on using it in their favor. Genocyber is strange, and with strange things you’re never really sure what to expect. Welcome to episode 1, where government agent 1 of 3 peels himself like a banana before bursting at the seams like an overblown balloon. The waterfall of cherry red body liquid pouring over onto the floor is reminiscent of a waterpark ride in which we’ve got the front seats. If this was a race of how fast blood can squirt from the human body, he would be one hell of a contender. But in a show like Genocyber, you’re bound to come across some other candidates as the bleeding rollercoaster is far from finished. Your life has now been forever changed.

2. Tokyo Ghoul

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="Tokyo Ghoul Ep 2" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" Jul. 2014 – Sep. 2014 "]

Ken Kaneki’s got more talent than he knows, and its blood-draining skills like his that worked this scene all the way up to #2 of Honey’s Anime’s Top 10 Bloodiest Scenes in Anime. In an alternate reality from our own, Tokyo is a grim and unforgiving city harboring the likes of “ghouls”. Vicious beasts residing amongst humans, awaiting their chance to strike. Ken; a college student who happens upon Rize Kamishiro, finds himself caught within the deep pits of the world of ghouls after unfortunately taking a liking to the mysterious girl. Now a half-ghoul/half-human caught within a secretive life, Ken must struggle to find his sense of direction. Taking the life of someone’s closest friend can have quite the adverse effects. For some, they grow golden hair, for others, they become blood gouging killing machines. On the verge of death at the height of episode 2, Ken makes his bloody mark onto the crooked world that he’s forced to play part in. He spreads Nishiki’s fluids across the sky like a light show, giving everything nearby a nice red paint job. The best part of all, is his relentlessness. Rapid speed jabbing into Nishiki’s ragdoll like body; squishing his organs like stepping on cherries. Oh the madness.

1. BLOOD-C

[sourceLink asin="" asin_jp="" text="BLOOD-C EP 12" url="" ]

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" Jul. 2011 – Sep. 2011 "]

Living a double life means that monotony, for Saya Kisaragi, is a long lost term. Uniform donning schoolgirl during the daytime, and unremitting beast-killing machine by nightfall. This katana wielding warrior sweeps the streets clean of any inhuman beings that look to threaten her village. But, when an odd dog randomly appears one day; curious of what it might mean if Kisaragi’s promise to protect the village were to be broken, Kisaragi finds herself peddling backwards. Piece by piece, her world begins to twist out of control, and it is only a matter of time before unbelievable truths come to light. With a list like this, what the hell does it take to surpass the odds and spread your bloody way up to number one? Well, it takes blood my friends; a whole lot of it. Let’s save the talk about what the hell these bizarre bunny creatures are for another time, and let’s keep focus on what they’re guilty of; bloody vandalism. Caught red handed right here on episode 12, there’s just no mercy amongst these diabolical beings; and we like it. Blood just oozes out of these unfortunate people like squeezed lemons. They pack juice like a can of Welch’s and these bunny buddies are popping their tops. One moment their being chomped on like corn on the cob, the next their being blended up like a fruit juice. Toss a little vodka in the mix and it’s a party, people. I guess this is what you get when you watch a show titled BLOOD-C.

Final Thoughts

Tokyo Ghoul Preview / Plot (No Spoilers)

Who does Tokyo Ghoul cater to?

What's so appealing about this piece of work.

Tokyo Ghoul Anime Trailer 2

Tokyo Ghoul Main Characters List

Ken Kaneki

Voice Actor : Yurie Kobori and Natsuki Hanae

Ken Kaneki was originally born a human whose father died before he could remember, and his mother was a workaholic. After his mothers death due to overworked relations, Kaneki lived by himself and read nothing but his fathers books, alone. That was until he went on a date with an surprisingly beautiful girl who shared the same interest as him. He is pretty much your average sweet and respectful person who generally cares for those around him. Always cautious, and yet naive, Kaneki strikes viewers as an individual you can relate to with an understanding of his morals.

Touka "Rabbit" Kirishima

Voice Actor : Sora Amamiya

Touka is a ghoul who has somewhat mastered the ability of disguising herself as a human. Growing up from a difficult past, she works at a coffee shop that serves as a gathering safe haven for other ghouls to relax and eat. Touka saves Kaneki's life when he first became aware of his new self, and brought him to the coffee shop in order to enlighten him about the ghoul world he is now a part of. Touka is actually a very kind and respectful individual who always eats the food her friend makes her, even though it is disgusting by nature for a ghoul to eat. When one of her friends is in trouble, you can count on Touka to be there for them, even if it costs her life. She is a very strong ghoul who has a brother that is equally or stronger than her. No matter what, she's always looking out for her friends and community.

Tokyo Ghoul Review

1. Being a ghoul

The everyday life of a ghoul is somewhat exciting and yet difficult. With many of them claiming territories for themselves, they are constantly hunted by each other and the Doves. If you see a Dove, you better run!

2. Insane Characters

The characters in Tokyo Ghoul are very unique and insane to some extent. From a murderous ghoul to being an obsessed enforcer, Tokyo Ghoul is packed with intriguing individuals of kindness, honor, and psychotic tendencies. It's quite the wild ride.

3. Fight Scenes

Tokyo Ghoul is packed with spectacular fight scenes as the ghouls battle it out with each other and the Doves. The ghouls using their blood manipulating skills and super strength, while the Doves use their Quinque to counter the attacks. It's all about skills and agility in the end.

[sourceLink url="https://twitter.com/usagiyakuro" a_text="Misa Amane Cosplay" align="right"]

I think many of you agree that Death Note is one of the best psychological thrillers in anime history. Intelligence which Light and L shows intrigues us a lot and drags us into the show. We are here to show you 26 images of epic Death Note cosplay! Let's start from Misa Misa, enjoy!

Death Note Cosplay

Misa Amane Cosplay

Ryuk Cosplay

Light Yagami Cosplay

Nate River (Near) Cosplay

Mihael Keehl (Mello) Cosplay

L Lawliet Cosplay

About Death Note

Yagami Light is a 17-year-old genius from Japan who is tired of his life, school, and the state of the world as he knows it. One day, on the way home from class, Light stumbles upon a dark notebook with "Death Note" written on the front. Intrigued by its appearance, Light reads the first few sentences, only to find out that it states that anyone whose name is written inside will die. Discarding it as a joke, Light continues his daily activities. Soon after though, his human curiosity takes the better of him and prompts Light to try the notebook, discovering the truth behind the first sentence. Now, with power in his hands, Yagami Light is on a quest to change the world and become God of the New World. His path to holy status won't be easy however, as another genius, known as L, is working against Light's beliefs and Light himself. Who will win this power of Gods between humans? (Source: MyAnimeList)

Death Note Characters Profile

Misa Amane Profile

Misa is a famous model, singer and actress and has an immense crush on Light Yagami. She usually refers to herself in the third person by calling herself "Misa-Misa" and tends to be hyperactive. She poses as the second Kira to attract the attention of the first Kira. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Ryuk Profile

The original Shinigami who dropped the Death Note in the human world, and also love apples, which Light would pick up. Acting out of pure boredom, Ryuk begins the story of Death Note on a whim. Perhaps neutral by nature, Ryuk often refuses to aid Light and instead enjoys watching him struggle for his goal. The most important facet of Ryuk's character is that he is not Light's friend. He acts for his own interests and entertainment, and often fails to tell Light key details about the Death Note. Ryuk is selfish, however, and will aid Light if it serves his own goals, such as providing amusement or obtaining apples. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Light Yagami Profile

Light, born on February 28, 1986, is a third year high school student (12th Grade) at Daikoku Private Academy (大国学園, Daikoku Gakuen) who also attends supplemental classes at Gamou Prep Academy in the beginning of the story. Light has a father, Soichiro Yagami, who is the head of the Police Force. Light also has a mother, Sachiko Yagami, and a younger sister, Sayu Yagami. In Spring 2004, Light becomes a first-year student (freshman) at To-Oh University (東応大学, Tōō Daigaku), becoming one of two freshman representatives; L is the other freshman representative. During a tennis game with L at To-Oh, spectators reveal that Light was the junior high school tennis champion in 1999 and 2000. After his 2000 victory, Light quit tennis as he entered high school. Yagami Light is a brilliant college student. Nicknamed "Kira," he uses the Death Note to create his ideal world of justice under him; its new God. Though he looks frail, Light is an extremely athletic person, with an aptitude to find an opponent's weak point. He is a genius, which adds to his notion that only he is fit to judge humanity and steer it on a proper moral course. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Nate River (Near) Profile

In Death Note, Near is the younger of L's two successors raised in Wammy's House, Watari's orphanage for gifted children, in Winchester, England, United Kingdom. Of the successors, Near is the more level-headed, calmly assessing the situation, while the other, Mello, is more emotional and quick to act. Much like L, Near shows various odd behaviors during his normal life. He is usually seen hunched over rather than sitting. He also constantly plays with various toys, which he uses in his theories, as well as idly twiddling strands of his hair. He shows a great respect for L, basing much of how he solves crime on L's methods, even to the point where he only takes cases that he is interested with rather than trying to pursue justice. Near uses the Wedding Text font "N" and "L" to represent himself and the fake L, respectively. But later in the aftermath, he used Old English font "L" like the original L did. He is voiced by Noriko Hidaka in the Japanese anime, Cathy Weseluck in the English dub, and Bruno Coronel in the Latin Spanish version. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Mihael Keehl (Mello) Profile

Mello is the older of L's two successors raised in Wammy's House, Watari's orphanage for gifted children, in Winchester, England, United Kingdom. When it is decided that Mello should work with the other successor, Near, Mello refuses, citing an inability to work with Near, to whom he is considered second. Similar to L's fondness for sweets, Mello is often seen eating bars of chocolate. How to Read 13 states that Mello has "an excellent mind" and that he "sometimes lets his emotions get in his way." The book cites Mello's "hatred of Near," which created "a flaw in [Mello's] personality." The book states that Mello isn't purely evil, citing his apology and genuine care for Matt's well-being. Tsugumi Ohba, the writer of Death Note, stated that Mello "works hard for everything." Ohba added that Mello's name "doesn't really stand for anything," as opposed to Near's name standing for Nate River, etc. (Source: MyAnimeList)

L Lawliet Profile

L, who also uses the aliases Hideki Ryuga, Ryuzaki, Eraldo Coil and Deneuve, the latter two for which he has developed reputations as the second—and third—best detectives in the world, is quite secretive and only communicates with the world through his assistant Watari. He never shows his face to the world, instead representing himself with a capital L in Cloister Black font. After meeting the Kira investigation team, he requests that the task force refer to him as Ryuzaki for discretion. The Kira investigation team never learns his true name. L's disheveled and languid appearance masks his great powers of deduction and insight. He tends to second-guess everything he is presented with, and is extremely meticulous and analytical. He has several quirks such as preferring to crouch rather than sit, eating only sweet foods like desserts and fruits, and holding items very delicately. He stayed in England for five years, and during that time he was the champion in tennis for the England Junior Cup. L suggests that even though he eats only sweet foods, he remains underweight because the brain uses the most calories of any organ in the body. He also says that if he sits normally, his reasoning ability would drop 40%. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Darker Than Black, also known as Darker Than Black: The Black Contractor, is a series produced by studio Bones. It was first released in the format of animation in 2007, and then adapted to manga and light novels. Being one of my personal favorites, the Darker Than Black series contains both a science-fiction theme, set in the near future with paranormal elements and a special development of the story. Also, it is worth mentioning the music of the show, created by the jazz composer Yoko Kanno, that goes along perfectly with the action sequences. Located somewhat between a shonen and seinen demographic, it might be difficult to find an anime that is similar. However, in the 6 recommendations below, we list other series that can be enjoyable to the Darker Than Black viewer. Let's give it a try!

Similar Anime to Darker Than Black: The Black Contractor / Similar Anime to Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha

1. Durarara!!

[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" January 2010 – June 2010 "]

In central Tokyo, in the district of Ikebukuro, rumors spread about a supernatural Black Rider related to gangs and other dangerous organizations during the night. We are introduced to Mikado, a new Tokyo resident whose excited about his new lifestyle, encounters the rumored Black Rider one night. He then starts to get incidentally involved with the crime life of the city. Both series share a dark tone, where paranormal activities that involve secret crime organizations are introduced. With a similar style and characters, Durarara!! is one of the best options to search.

Durarara!! Promotional Trailer (2010)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_Y8qnF4Q_o&w=560&h=315]

[recommendedPost url="http://blog.honeyfeed.fm/6-anime-like-durarara/" img='' title="6 Anime Like Durarara!! ( Recommendations )"]

2. Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom

[Information episodes=" 26 " aired=" April 2009 – September 2009 "]

A male Japanese tourist is traveling through America in a place swarming with mafia crime. One day, he witnesses "Phantom's" the last murder, the ultimate weapon of the powerful crime organization called Inferno. He is then captured and brainwashed by the mafia, wanting to escape at all cost while getting back his memory. Just as in Darker Than Black, the main character in Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom works for a crime syndicate, facing situations on the verge of death. It can also be said that the last mentioned series has a darker, grittier tone, tilted more to the seinen side. A strong recommendation for those who want a combination of gun action with the Darker Than Black style of storytelling.

Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom Trailer

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPnoaoXB6-s&w=560&h=315]

3. Koukakukidoutai: Stand Alone Complex (Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex)

[Information episodes=" 26 " aired=" October 2002- March 2003 "]

In the distant future, complete body flesh transplant into machines is possible, thanks to the advancement of technology. However, criminals and other malicious people can use this technology to their advantage. In order to detain this situation, the Japanese government creates Section 9, a police enforcement group that dedicates themselves to dealing with such crimes. The leader of this Section, Motoko Kusanagi, has to face crime side-by-side with the help of her squad. With science-fiction as the main theme, Ghost in The Shell shares the same storytelling with unrelated episodes that conform the main plot. They both posses a great variety of characters, and have many similarities, but the focus is on technology and science-fiction, in Ghost in The Shell.

Ghost in The Shell: Stand Alone Complex OP

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xFqhyUHicQU&w=560&h=315]

Any Animes Like Darker Than Black: The Black Contractor / Similar Anime to Darker than Black: Kuro no Keiyakusha?

4. Death Note

[Information episodes=" 37 " aired=" October 2006 – June 2007 "]

Yagami Light, a high school student bored of his life, comes upon a strange notebook that states it will kill the person by writing his or her name in it. After proving the truly deadly force of this notebook, Light will have to face a special enemy and other dangerous situations, to see who is able to posses this kind of power. This anime is one of the obvious choices, sharing the detective versus criminal thriller type story. Death Note also has similarities in relation to the main character, and we are not sure if what he is doing is positive or negative in some aspects of their actions. An accurate recommendation if you like shonen style, as you should watch both Darker Than Black and Death Note.

Death Note OP

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HK3lkfhX_XY&w=560&h=315]

[recommendedPost url="http://blog.honeyfeed.fm/6-anime-like-death-note-recommendations/" img='' title="6 Anime Like Death Note ( Recommendations )"]

5. Cowboy Bebop

[Information episodes="26 " aired=" April 1998– April 1999 "]

It is the year 2071 A.D., humanity has spread to the space frontier where a jumble of different races of peoples live together. Inside this miscellaneous scenery, outlaws called Space Cowboys act as mercenaries and live by their own rules. The show is about the adventures of a Space Cowboy named Spike Spiegiel. He and his friends reminisce memories of their past and face a new challenge each episode. An instant classic, this series can be recommended aside from the action and music (again Yoko Kanno) which is similar to Darker Than Black. Every episode stands with its own plot, similar to those short stories presented in Darker Than Black. Containing a fast paced space opera style, and badass characters as well, Cowboy Bebop stands as a strong point on the list.

Cowboy Bebop Trailer

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nLcjvroVllU&w=560&h=315]

6. Psycho-Pass

[Information episodes=" 22 " aired=" October 2012 - March 2013 "]

In the near dystopian future, people are scanned daily with sensors that examines the Psycho-Pass of a citizen. Whether they are about to commit crimes, or not, the authorities will be alerted in such a cases. Our main characters of the series belong to the Public Safety Bureau, who control people's activities by weapons named "Dominators". Both series take place in the future, are seinen style, have some shonen elements and thriller like mysteries. The main characters are questioned whether their actions are well natured or not. Characters with special abilities and anomalies play out during the plot of Psycho Pass as well.

Psycho-Pass Trailer (Season 1)

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MWF_-XqOsAc&w=560&h=315]

[recommendedPost url="http://blog.honeyfeed.fm/6-anime-like-psycho-pass/" img='' title="6 Anime Like PSYCHO-PASS"]

<!--

[recommendedPost url="http://blog.honeyfeed.fm/6-anime-like-psycho-pass/" img='' title="6 Anime Like PSYCHO-PASS"]

-->

So that's about it! Although Darker Than Black seems like a whole genre by itself, these were a few recommendations that someone will almost definitely enjoy show and have a fondness form them. Do you know another anime that you think should be on this list? Please leave a comment! Also, if you feel like it, you can add a ranking between these 6 shows, for the one you think is the most enjoyable. Cheers!

[sourceLink url="https://www.facebook.com/Rubrum-Cervi-Cosplay-1642932199329619/" a_text="Yuuki Cross Cosplay" align="right"]

As the title of this anime is using the word "Vampire" and "Knight," guys who don't know this show tend to misunderstand this anime as some battle action anime involving vampires. But NO. Absolutely NOT. This anime is not action anime, in fact, it's REVERSE HAREM!!! My ladies, let's say YAY to Vampire Knight!! All right, let's walk together through VK cosplays!

Vampire Knight Cosplay

Yuuki Cross (Yuuki Kuran) Cosplay

Kaname Kuran Cosplay

Zero Kiryu Cosplay

Ruka Souen Cosplay

Rima Touya Cosplay

Maria Kurenai Cosplay

About Vampire Knight

Cross Academy is an elite boarding school with two separate, isolated classes: the Day Class and the Night Class. On the surface, Yuuki Cross and Zero Kiryuu are prefects of the academy, and attempt to keep order between the students as classes rotate in the evenings. As the night class is full of utterly gorgeous elites, this can sometimes prove to be a bit difficult. It is completely necessary, however, as those "elites" are actually vampires. Yuuki and Zero act as guardians, protecting the secrets of the Night Class and the safety of the ignorant day class. As the adopted daughter of the academy's chairman, Yuuki takes her job with a serious and energetic attitude. It also allows her to interact with her secret crush and savior, the night class' dorm president, Kaname Kuran. Zero, on the other hand, has a deep-rooted hatred against vampires, and at times, does not hesitate to kill. Can vampires and humans co-exist, even in the strict setup of the Cross Academy? Only time will tell. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Vampire Knight Characters Profile

Yuuki Cross (Yuuki Kuran) Profile

The adoptive daughter of the headmaster of Cross Academy, Yuuki is a member of the school's disciplinary committee (public morals committee in Japanese), which is the 'front' for the Guardians. Ten years prior to the events of "Vampire Knight," Yuuki was attacked by a vampire, but was rescued by Kaname. She has lost all memory of her life before the attack, and Headmaster Cross took her in as his own daughter. Yuuki loves Kaname, and even though she has witnessed his vampiric nature when he bit Ruka, she still couldn't stop loving him. However, she has also started to let Zero, a childhood friend, drink her blood, hoping to save him from madness. Yuuki is cheerful and easygoing, and thanks to her work as a Guardian she is good at keeping her cool in sticky situations. There have been hints that she is special, given that vampires are especially drawn to her blood. Her weapon of choice is the "Artemis Rod," an extensible staff she received from Headmaster Cross. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Kaname Kuran Profile

A pureblood vampire. He saved Yuuki from an attack by another vampire when she was little. Kaname is the class president of the Night Class, much feared and respected by the other Night Class students. While he is cold and authoritative towards his fellow students in the Night Class, he is always kind and sweet to Yuuki. He has shown that he cares deeply for Yuuki ever since he saved her, and loves her in a romantic sense. As a Pureblood, Kaname is capable of controlling lesser vampires, but he chooses not to exercise his powers, thus earning the respect of the Noble vampires. He shares the Chairman's hopes for peace between vampires and humans. He worked with the Chairman to create the Night Class at Cross Academy and with his presence, allows the Night Class to be kept in check. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Zero Kiryuu Profile

Yuuki's childhood friend, Zero is also a Guardian and likewise on the disciplinary committee. Yuuki has been taking care of him as her little brother since he was brought into their home (the Headmaster's). His family, a line of vampire hunters, was murdered by the pure blood vampire Shizuka Hio when he was young. He harbors a deep hatred for vampires and claims to have taken on the role of Guardian to learn to hunt them better. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Ruka Souen Profile

A female vampire popular with the Day Class students and is one of those are the most faithful and protective of Kaname. She seems to dislike Zero because Kaname acknowledges him and carries bitterness for Yuuki's place in Kaname's heart as her feelings for Kaname run deep. When Yuuki was younger and had not become one of the school's Guardians yet, she once witnessed Kaname drinking Ruka's blood when she paid Kaname a visit. Ruka has feelings for Kaname, although he does not reciprocate them and only drank her blood one time to keep himself from biting Yuuki. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Rima Touya Profile

One of the youngest night class students. She works as a model alongside Senri Shiki. Her exact relationship with Senri Shiki is unknown, though they are almost always seen together, signifying a close relationship. She is implied to have ended up with Shiki at the end of the manga. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Maria Kurenai Profile

Maria Kurenai is a very distant relative of Shizuka Hio. She allows Shizuka to possess her body in exchange for being allowed to drink Shizuka's blood, which would strengthen her sickly body. Due to Shizuka's untimely death, this promise is never fulfilled. She seems to be fond of Ichiru, hugging Zero when she mistakes him for Ichiru, and asks Yuki to tell Zero that if he sees Ichiru, to tell him Maria wants to see him again. (Source: MyAnimeList)

Death Note Preview / Plot (No Spoilers)

Who does Death Note cater to?

What's so appealing about this piece of work.

Death Note Trailer

Death Note Main Characters List

Light Yagami

Voice Actor :Mamoru Miyano

Light is the protagonist of this story and the mastermind behind the figure of Kira. As I said before, he's an exceptionally talented person who is bored of his dull everyday life. He does not care much about the people around him and only acts for his own well-being. His father is the head of the Police Force and this might explain why Light has a strong sense for justice. Once he obtains the Death Note he creates an alter ego, a second identity called Kira. He wants to achieve justice and therefore kills people that should not be part of the new world that he's trying to create.

L

Voice Actor :Kappei Yamaguchi

L is Light's antagonist and a genius just like him. He's known as one of the world's best detectives despite his young age. He avoids the public and only communicates either through other people or through electronic devices, always being represented by the letter L. He is one of the first people to suspect that Light Yagami is Kira and makes it his personal goal to prove it. He gets closer to Light by enrolling in the same university as him and pretending to be his friend outside the investigations. Members of the Japanese Taskforce refer to him as Ryuzaki, yet no one is quite sure what his true name or identity is.

Ryuk

Voice Actor : Shidou Nakamura

Ryuk is the Shinigami or Death God who drops the Death Note that Light finds onto the human world. His dark almost rocker-like appearance hides a selfish character that does not feel any compassion or affection. He stays around Light simply for entertainment. Ryuk is intrigued by the young guy and wants to see how he's going to use the Death Note. No matter how much time they spent together, Ryuk never becomes a friend of Light. The only real affection that can be seen throughout the show is his love for apples.

Death Note Review

1. Death Note

The Death Note is a black notebook with the ability to kill people if you write his or her name inside. There is a set of strict rules that this notebook follows: Any person whose name is written inside the notebook will die. The writer has to picture that person's face while doing so, in order to prevent confusion between people with the same name. If a specific cause of death is written next to the name within 40 seconds it will happen. If no cause of death is written down, the person will die within 40 seconds from a heart attack. If the conditions of death are impossible to obtain, the person will simply die of a heart attack.

2. Shinigami

Shinigami are Death Gods that reside in their own world separated from humans. They are the true owners of Death Notes which they use to take human lives in order to extend their own life span. If their notebook drops onto the human world and gets picked up they have the ability to give that person Shinigami Eyes that are able to tell people’s names and their remaining life spans just by looking at them. However, this process shortens the person's lifespan by half. They are invisible to people not holding a Death Note.

3. Japanese Taskforce

The Japanese Taskforce is Light's main opponent. This organization was established in order to investigate the mysterious deaths and the identity of Kira. The members are Soichiro Yagami, head of the police force and Light's father, as well as other officers like Shuichi Aizawa. The leader of the Japanese Taskforce is L of course, Light's nemesis. He's also the one that founded the Japanese Taskforce and gives instructions to the other members. Later on in the story, Light himself starts working for the Taskforce.

So what are my final thoughts on Death Note? Well, what I can say is that I could keep on writing about Death Note for another hour and still not have covered everything there is to it. This is what makes Death Note stand out from other anime. As you continue watching it you realize how much more there is to the story than a simple notebook and the conflict between a criminal and the police. It's about justice, morality and the question if humans are really able to turn into gods. If you haven’t already watched Death Note give it a try. It’s a recommendation for fans of all genres and of all ages. Let us know what you think of Death Note down below.

Ergo Proxy Preview / Plot (No Spoilers)

Who does Ergo Proxy cater to?

What's so appealing about this piece of work.

Ergo Proxy fanmade Trailer

Ergo Proxy Main Characters List

Re-L Mayer

Voice Actor :Rie Satou

Serious and as steely-eyed as her trademark blue eye makeup, Re-L (pronounced real) Mayer is a 19 year old inspector that works for the Intelligence Bureau. She doesn’t play games and is quite coldhearted at first. Eventually she grows to understand that she needs to be more open in order to understand others. She is the granddaughter of the regent of Romdaeu which is probably why she has her job. While trying to understand the appearance of the Cogito virus and why it’s spreading, her fate becomes intertwined with Vincent. Together they will search for answers as door after door seems to close on them, blocking their paths.

Vincent Law

Voice Actor :Koji Yusa

Vincent immigrates into Romdeau from Mosk and is working for the government finding infected AutoReivs and disposing of them. He seems to be a rather frumpy, flat character at first, keeping to himself. Since he has recently immigrated to Romdaeu, he is hell bent on becoming a “model citizen.” This is to make it go smoothly. However, twists and turns later, he’s being chased around the city by something. How strange. As the series progresses, he starts to become more confident and his eyes tend to be drawn as more open. His fate is tied to Re-L’s.

Pino

Voice Actor :Akiko Yajima

Pino is the third main character of this series and a very interesting one at that. Pino lives with a family and appears to be the nanny for a baby. She is also tied to Vincent and Re-L. Childlike in nature for being an AutoReiv. She smiles just like a child and wants to play and laugh. She has been infected with the Cogito virus but at the same time, is unaware of her own status as an AutoReiv. This leaves her acting like a child, but not going mad as the virus is supposed to make her do. She loves Vincent and oddly follows him everywhere with a small toy melodica around her neck.

Ergo Proxy Review

1. Re-L Mayer and Vincent Law

Re-L and Vincent are our two heroes through the series. Re-L struggles to shed light on incidents and Vincent struggles to just remember who he is. Together they left Romdeau dome, albeit not willingly, with Pino to figure out what is going on. At odds at first, Vincent learns how to deal with Re-L’s dominant personality and a romance forms between them. Eventually Vincent’s discovery of his memories allow him to remember his existence as Ergo Proxy and give him control over his powers.

2. Ergo Proxy

Ergo Proxy or the alter ego of Vincent is someone that for a large part of the series is quite an enigma to the viewer. All powerful, he only appears when necessary. Ergo exists as just a different personality within Vincent until the end of the series when it is revealed that Vincent can control his powers. It’s inferred here that he has absorbed Ergo Proxy’s personality into his own and controls it.

3. Pino

Pino is what keeps the series from just becoming another dark, brooding cyberpunk anime. Lighthearted and always looking for amusement on her own, Pino’s laugh, that bunny suit, or her ridiculous melodica keep the viewer enjoying her. Oddly it’s her humanlike nature, even though she is an AutoReiv, that keeps everyone feeling human. In the darkest moments, she make you laugh and keeps it upbeat. In fact, it’s because of her that they seem like a family. Vincent as the father, Re-L as the mother, and Pino as the child.

As I stated in the beginning, Ergo Proxy is an awesome anime that has tons of re-watch value. It doesn’t matter where you stand in your likes of anime, this show rocks! I could go on and on with this show, theories and facts, but that’s what the comments are for. Please fire off in the comments below and let’s get a discussion started about this show!

Do you believe in the impossible? Is seeing really believing? Is there really an answer to why things exist? Is there more life here on earth we are not aware of? These are the questions that “Mushishi” tries to answer through the many journeys of Ginko. In addition to two anime series, the franchise has also spawned a live action movie starring Odagiri Joe most famous for being in “Kamen Rider Kuuga,” “Shinobi,” “Platonic Sex,” and “Azumi.” “Mushishi” is truly a distinct anime to the point that is very difficult to find quality titles 25% similar to it, but finding something with the most similar of qualities on a superficial level may give you some interest if you enjoyed what “Mushishi” offers, but naturally with a different twist.

Similar Anime to Mushishi

1. Mononoke

[Information episodes="12" aired="July 2007 – September 2007"]

For those unfamiliar with this title, please do not confuse it with “Princess Mononoke” though making such conclusions is naturally understandable. Taking place in feudal Japan, our main character only referred to as the medicine seller is on a quest to eliminate evil spirits plaguing the land of the rising sun. In addition to using the same time periods as their backdrops, the medicine seller is also interested in the purpose of the evil spirits he combats from a scholarly/academic standpoint though for very different ends (Ginko to “cure” and for the medicine seller to exorcise). Both series share an episodic/condense formula while “Mononoke’s” story is told in two episode parts and then moves onto the next town for the next two episodes. The characters from time to time make a unique and memorable impact despite being used once. However, the mushi are neither a force of good or evil while the spirits in “Mononoke” are taken from Japanese mythology that are meant to terrorize regular people.

Mononoke Trailer

2. Natsume Yuujinchou (Natsume’s Book of Friends)

[Information episodes="13" aired="July 2008 – September 2008"]

If you could apply the iconic movie phrase “I see dead people” into anime, look no further than “Natsume Yuujinchou.” Natsume, our main character has the sixth sense he inherited from his grandmother. Unfortunately, this gift has made him secluded and has bounced from home to home. Now he uses his abilities and the “Book of Friends” he inherited from his grandmother to make things right with the ghosts. Both this series and Mushishi deal with loneliness but yet the need to use one’s gifts to help others and share episodic formats. However, “Natsume Yuujinchou” has something of a more subliminal optimistic tone knowing that everything will be all right.

Natsume Yuujinchou OP

3. Kino no Tabi (Kino’s Journey）

[Information episodes="13" aired="April 2003 – July 2003"]

Based on the light novel series by Shigusawa Keiichi, “Kino no Tabi” tells the many travels of Kino and her talking motorcycle, Hermes. Every place Kino goes offers something different and educational to both our main character and to the viewer. Similar yet different, but still highly recommended. I say this anime takes somewhat of a contrasting approach in its themes and yet achieves the same satisfaction in goals. As opposed to finding the answers, the answers in a collective sense already exist to the main character. Its about accepting imperfections and understanding differences and audiences can discover what this fictional world offers is something genuinely universal.

Kino's Journey Trailer

Any Animes Like Mushishi ?

4. Mononoke Hime (Princess Mononoke)

[Information episodes="Movie" aired="July 1997"]

This classic Ghibli movie stars Ashitaka, a warrior prince who was only protecting his village only to be consequentially cursed for his well-intended actions. On his journey, he encounters the beauty of nature and the wickedness of humanity. This amazing feature shares a story about a relationship between humans and the mysteries of nature in the perspective of a fictional ancient time period. Humans are of course to be shown on a certain margin of let's say 40% good and 60% bad, while nature itself is still neutral but ultimately controls the order but humanity can still make the right choices if they show the proper restraint and respect. When push comes to shove, nature is ready for all out war.

Mononoke Hime Trailer

5. Garo Honoo no Kokuin (Garo The Carved Seal of Flames)

[Information episodes="24" aired="October 2014 – March 2015"]

This anime serves as a spin-off of the hit Tokusatsu franchise. Born from the negative emotions of humans are monsters called “horrors.” The only ones capable of fighting them are the Makai Knights and the Makai Priests/Priestesses. The series centers around a father-son team of Leon Luiz, the current bearer of the golden Garo armor, and his lecherous yet honorable father, German or Zoro when he dons his silver armor. Together they travel around the kingdom to help the common people from these inter-dimensional threats. On the surface there could be no polar opposites but share some similarities. For example, the characters are always on continuous journeys in being faithful to their respective duties, to help others, and both share dark backstories. In some ways similar to the mushi, the existence of horrors is kept at a minimum for safety reasons. The series also touches on what it means to exist, though obviously in different ways. In the case of “Garo,” it is defining what it truly means to be a Makai Knight. Though the existence of horrors is due to the dark sides of human nature, thus humans being the cause of horrors, the Knights swear an oath never to harm humans.

Garo Honoo no Kokuin Trailer

6. Jojo No Kimyou Na Bouken Stardust Crusaders (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders)

[Information episodes="26" aired="April 2014 – September 2014"]

Based on the classic manga by Araki Hirohiko, “Stardust Crusaders” is the adaptation of the third arc of the manga. This series takes place in the 1980s and is centered on the Jojo of this saga, Kujo Jotaro. After the resurrection of Dio Brando, the arch-nemesis of Jotaro’s great-great-grandfather, Jotaro along with other individuals gain ethereal abilities known as stands. Unfortunately, his mother is physically incapable of maintaining her stand so Jotaro, his grandfather, and their new friends must make it to Egypt in less than 2 months to stop Dio once and for all and save Jotaro’s mother. I understand why some people question the inclusion of how “Jojo” could be any similar to “Mushishi.” Yes, there are some episodic journeys. Yes, the crew does help people rather incidentally. Yes, it takes place in a specific time period. But I say the inclusion of stands in this series is what defines it. In most cases, only stand users can see other stands while invisible to non-users. Like the mushi, stands can virtually take any form and have various uses and abilities. Like the mushi, the stands also have a very mysterious origin (but it gets addressed in the next manga story arc and would make an awesome anime) But “Jojo” has comedy, awesome music, and balls to the walls action. If you want that, “Jojo” is your anime.

Jojo No Kimyou Na Bouken Stardust Crusaders (Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure Stardust Crusaders OP

“Mushishi”, to me, overall represents something that is both spiritual but realistically methodic in trying to answer its questions. At times, I wanted to hear Neil de Grasse Tyson’s opinions on the matter of mushi. Granted many anime have approached to question the mysteries of what we cannot see, none other have been able to replicate its overall qualities as a whole though in certain fragments. Some offer the slice-of-life aspect. Others address the journey and not the destination. While some just go all over the place with it. While with the typical “Shounen Jump” or magical girl series which may share the same formula, but simply distinct itself with a change of gimmick, “Mushishi” goes beyond just that. These six titles are the best I can offer that all share somewhat of the same themes and/or styles in storytelling.

Diabolik Lovers Preview / Plot (No Spoilers)

Yui Komori is an ordinary girl who used to live with his father, a priest in a church. Due to his journey abroad, Yui is told to go live with her relatives, the Sakamaki family. As she arrives at the mansion, Yui meets the six brothers of the Sakamaki family, but she finds out she has been sent in there for a completely different reason than what she has been told. Indeed, the Sakamaki brothers are all vampires and are seeing her as another “sacrificial bride”, which means she became nothing more than a prey they will suck the blood out of. At first frightened, Yui will have to discover what is really happening in there and how her father is implicated in her new real life nightmare. The Sakamaki brothers were born from three different mothers. Shu and Reiji were born from Beatrice, the mother of the triplets Laito, Kanato and Ayato is Cordelia and the mother of the youngest son Subaru is Christa. While living with them, Yui will discover the past of each brothers and learn the truth behind her move out into the Sakamaki mansion.

Who does Diabolik Lovers cater to?

Supernatural, drama, mystery and a drop of romance is what you have in this anime. Only the vampire aspect is enough to remind you of Vampire Knight for those who saw it. Also, this anime is the adaptation of the video game series under the same name, so Reverse Harem fans who want to enjoy the six good-looking Sakamaki brothers should just watch it! But watch out! If you are expecting a lot of romance and sweet happenings like in Uta no Prince-sama, you will obviously be really frustrated as Yui is physically and mentally abused by the Sakamaki brothers day after day. However, if you like this kind of story where the main character is suffering, you should not miss it. Even if you are not a real fan of Reverse Harem series, you should really give it a try. The story is interesting and all the mysteries around Yui and the Sakamaki brothers are quite catchy.

What's so appealing about this piece of work.

Diabolik Lovers drives you completely into the scary and creepy atmosphere of a horror series like, Another. This atmosphere is present from the beginning until the very end, and is really addictive because it gives you the feeling that anything could happen to the main character. The story could be simple at first. Yui has been fooled and she is now the prey of six vampires. But this is not exactly that, and the plot gets much more complex as you watch the following episodes. Yui has been fooled, right, but you don't know to what extent until you watch the whole series. Which is not really long as each episode lasts 15 minutes. Because of Yui's personality, lots of viewers could empathize with her. The poor girl is always tortured, whether verbally or physically, and a lot of people should be touched by the way she is treated by the vampires. Moreover, some of us would even like to be in the same place of Yui, surrounded by all these vampires craving for our blood! Even if the Sakamaki brothers seems to be nothing more than cruel, hateful, and sadistic characters, the plot will show you more than that. Each one of them are more complex and their personalities are deeper than what you can except at first. Also, the success of Diabolik Lovers brought the continuation of a second season for this coming fall, so if you're curious and want to know what is so interesting about this series, you should not hesitate and check it out!

Diabolik Lovers Trailer

Diabolik Lovers Main Characters List

Yui Komori

Voice Actor : Rie Suegara

She is a normal second year of high school girl, who is able to see ghosts since her childhood. She is very nice and sweet and, despite her appearances, strong to be able to deal with the situation she was plunged on. Though she is enduring a lot of tough and cruel things, she remains optimistic and keeps smiling at everyone. She really tries to understand the Sakamaki brothers and being kind with them despite everything.

Ayato Sakamaki

Voice Actor : Hikaru Midorikawa

He is the fifth son of the Sakamaki household and the youngest of the triplets, with Kanato and Laito. His mother is Cordelia and because of the pressure she puts on him while he was a child, he became the narcissistic and overconfident type, claiming he is number one in everything. He is the first one of the Sakamaki brothers Yui meets after entering the mansion.

Shu Sakamaki

Voice Actor :Kousuke Toriumi

He is the eldest son of the Sakamiki household, son of Beatrice. Always listening to music, he is apathetic and lazy, despite being the master of the mansion. Because of all the unwanted attention given by his mother and all the happenings in his past, he became the lonely guy type who doesn't take any responsibility. In the first episode, he is the only one who knows about the arrival of Yui in the mansion.

Diabolik Lovers Review

The different reviews or opinions on Diabolik Lovers are really mixed and diverse. Because of the subjects tackled by this show, you can either love or hate it, but you cannot remain silent about this anime. As Diabolik Lovers is the anime adaptation of the Japanese game under the same name, the ones who are familiar with this kind of stuff should more or less know what it will be about. In the game, the plot differs slightly according to the player's choice and the guy chosen so, of course, we cannot have it all in the animation or it will be weird and completely senseless. At this point, I think the story in the anime is well managed and respectful, as it follows more or less Ayato's route, and the reason why Yui possess Cordelia's heart and not one of the other Sakamaki's wives. For having played the game, I can say I liked the anime and how the story was managed. Even if you discover this series with the anime, I think it's easy to be hooked just because of the story. Around all these vampires craving for Yui's special blood, our optimistic main character tries to learn about the implication of his father in her relocation, and even if she is given a chance to run away by Subaru – as well as his knife – she stays strong and decides to stay in order to know the truth. And as the Awakening is upcoming, she began to lose consciousness, and has some visions of Sakamaki brothers' past. She also talks about things she is not supposed to know, like Sakamaki Tougo's real name.

[sourceLink url="http://rika-chuuu.deviantart.com/art/Diabolik-Lovers-Banner-401346016" a_text="Diabolik Lovers Fan Art" align="right"]

The main character is seen as naïve, clumsy or submissive, but I think it's normal and we can't really argue on that point. In almost all the Reverse Harem anime that have been aired until its release day, the main character is not a great example of a strong personality, and I think it cannot be otherwise. The anime is adapted from a Dating Game, right? All the player's choices affect the main character, right? These choices are made in order to seduce the guy we root for, right? So if you try to put the same system in the anime, you will just have a main character completely neutral or, on the contrary, a schizophrenic character. If I were able to choose, I will keep the neutral one because the schizophrenic type would be quite creepy! And above that, this kind of series is made so the player/viewer can assimilate itself to the main character so there is no need to complain, right? As for the Sakamaki brothers, they are of course more developed in the game, but once more, you can't reunite everything in the anime and say it is normal. However, each of them is pretty complex and have some issues with their past. When you finally learn the relationship the brothers had with their respective mother's, you are able to understand their own personality, and their creepy aspects are due to that. They were all subjected to pressure, beaten, love in a reaaaally strange way, or asked to kill their mother. So, yeah, they had a pretty tough childhood! Thanks mom for raising your son soooo well!

The character design was really pretty. With that and the soundtrack, you are definitely in the atmosphere of a vampire story, and it could give you goosebumps if you had the idea of watching it in the dark (believe me, I tried...). Also, I should talk about the casting but, well, if you are a Seiyuu fan, the casting list should be enough for you. Anyway, every character is well voiced with a dream team of voice actors. As for Yui's voice actor, it was apparently her first regular character voice and I think she did a good job despite being under a lot of pressure... For those who hated this anime, they should have their own reasons and I won't argue with them. Even if I liked Diabolik Lovers, I can't help thinking that Uta no Prince-sama is becoming more and more stupid as the anime keeps going (but I won't stop watching it, because I do love the casting!) Whether you liked, disliked or remained unsatisfied with the season premiere of Diabolik Lovers, you should wait and see the second season, which, hopefully, will bring a better adaptation with the appearance of the Mukami brothers!

1. The Sakamaki brothers

They are a mix of all you can have in terms of creepy or hateful guys, but we can't help loving them, right? Whether lazy, harsh, perverse, disturbed, narcissistic or brutal, one thing is sure, they are all 100% sadistic and their relationship with the main character is based on that. When we finally knew their past and their strange relationship with their mother's, didn't you feel sorry for them and wanted to give them a hug?

2. Richter

Almost all the happenings in Diabolik Lovers are caused by Richter. After the death of Cordelia, he is the one who took her heart in order to transfer it to someone else. And he found Yui. Richter transferred Cordelia's heart to her, but he didn't stop there. He also assigned Yui to her foster father and manipulated her so one day she would move into the mansion, become a “sacrificial bride” and make the Awakening occur. And what more? He also manipulates Cordelia so he could one day be the head of the Sakamaki family!? Isn't he the real bad guy of the story?

3. The Awakening

The Awakening, or the main reason why Yui was brought into the Sakamaki mansion. All of Richter's manipulations were arranged to occur in this event to finally awaken and revive Cordelia. Because of Cordelia's heart, Yui's blood is special and has a unique taste, but when the Awakening is at the edge, Yui's blood changes once more and the Sakamaki brothers attraction to it grows more. Cordelia gradually takes control on Yui's body, even if the main character regains consciousness sometimes. When the Awakening is over, Yui's eyes are green, just like Cordelia's were.

Though everyone may not enjoy this series, Diabolik Lovers is still a great success and has its audience within the Reverse Harem or Romance fans. And the awaiting second season is enough to prove its success!

A horror Shoujo based around supernatural mysteries occurring across Japan is being investigated by the Shibuya Psychic Research Center. Mai Taniyama finds herself tangled into their world after accidentally breaking a video camera that was being used by the SPR. Leading up to a chain of events that resulted in Lin Koujo, who is the assistant of Kazuya Shibuya, getting injured to save Mai. Because of this Kazuya demands for Mai to take responsibility by becoming his assistant. This anime is a good fit for horror and supernatural fans as it has a good mix of mystery, ghosts, and a small romance going on in the background. While some of the complexity from the manga has been changed to appeal to a wider audience, this is still a great anime to watch for its detective style and eerie twilight zone music.

Similar Anime to Ghost Hunt

1. Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin (Occult Academy)

[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" July 6, 2010 –September 27, 2010 "]

The heroine of this anime is Maya Kumashiro, the headstrong, no nonsense daughter of the former Headmaster of Waldstein Academy. Maya had just begrudgingly returned to the academy to succeed her father and get her revenge. However, her plans to destroy the academy change when she reluctantly teams up with Fumiaki Uchida. Fumiaki explained that he had been sent back to 1999 from 2012 to prevent the apocalypse foretold in the Nostradamus Prophecy that would be brought about by the Nostradamus Key. After hearing out his plea for help, the two set out to find and destroy the Nostradamus Key in order to prevent this impending doom. Occult Academy centers around the strange events taking place in their world. Maya definitely handles the mysteries going on around her quite well, and makes this anime not only stand out for its supernatural theme, but for presenting an intelligent and strong female Lead. Not to mention, the dark and gothic vibes with other interesting characters and creepy school, makes this anime go well with Ghost Hunt!

Seikimatsu Occult Gakuin Teaser

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vDc6qfYRupg&w=560&h=315]

2. Kyogoku Natsuhiko Kosetsu Hyaku Monogatari (Requiem from the Darkness)

[Information episodes=" 13 " aired=" October 3, 2003 –December 26, 2003 "]

The story follows the misadventures of a would-be author Momosuke, who is writing a collection of 100 ghost stories and his encounters with the Ongyou. The Ongyou are a mysterious group of three supernatural detectives that investigate and solve mysteries in order to bring about their idea of justice. Requiem from the Darkness does an excellent job of introducing and explaining Japanese folklore. Plus, the vivid use of colors and camera angles along with an unique art style make this anime a good choice for fans of Ghost Hunt want a darker story with a mix of mystery, supernatural creatures, suspense, and Japanese culture in an Edo time period.

Requiem from the Darkness

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5f3tkW5v3b4&w=560&h=315]

3. Mushishi

[Information episodes=" 20 " aired=" April 5, 2014 –December 21, 2014 "]

Mushishi’s music, by the same composer as Ghost Hunt, offers more difficult and complex themes as the mysterious and paranormal events taking place around the main character set a more serious tone, and is very thought provoking. While the plot revolves around Ginko, a wandering “mushishi” who is the type of person who specializes in dealing with primitive spirits called, “mushi”, and other types of supernatural creatures. As Ginko goes from town to town, he investigates cases and helps those affected by mushi.

Mushishi Vol. 1 Trailer

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StCN_4qWfWE&w=560&h=315]

Any Animes Like Ghost Hunt! ?

4. Rental Magica

[Information episodes=" 24 " aired=" October 7, 2007 –March 23, 2008 "]

Right off the bat, this anime gives a similar setting and theme as Ghost Hunt with its magician dispatch service. Plus, it also has some playful, action packed, episodes with a little bit of comedy and romance mixed in. This anime changes directions a lot so each episode concludes itself, and the next one tells a different chain of events. Also, the character designs and powers of the main characters are extremely similar. The story takes places after Itsuki Iba father mysteriously vanishes and he has to take over the family’s business: a magician dispatch service that handles all the things that go bump in the night, along with daytime spooks and spirits.

Rental Magica - AX 2009 Trailer

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4FjFDFq-7T8&w=560&h=315]

5. Shiki

[Information episodes="22 + 2 DVD specials " aired="July 8, 2010 –December 30, 2010 "]

This anime is from same creator as Ghost Hunt and also has a supernatural and mysterious plot with horror, drama, twist, and plenty of gore. The story takes place in a small town where 15 year old Natsuno Yuuki an anti-social and rather cold boy starts to investigate a series of mysterious deaths that begin to spread in the village at the same time as a strange family moves into a long-abandoned mansion. Toshio Ozaki the director of the only hospital in the town believes he has a frightening epidemic on his hands as more and more people keep dying but as he continues to research the cause he finds that the deaths are caused by “shiki”, vampire like creatures.

Shiki Trailer Summer 2010 [ENG SUB]

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W6yEzWAd_vg&w=560&h=315]

6. Mononoke

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" July 12, 2007 –September 27, 2007 "]

Another visually stunning supernatural and mystery anime that also has a touch of horror mixed in that is a must watch for Ghost Hunt fans who love traditional Japanese monsters as well anime with great art. Plus, the main character himself is a mysterious man only referred to as the "Medicine Seller". The Medicine Seller tries to discover the truth behind the appearance of Mononoke, evil spirits remain in the human world in order to slay them. He must use his expertise in supernatural and paranormal activity to uncover the only clue that comes from each Mononoke’s bizarre behavior in order to rid the world of it.

Mononoke Trailer: "A Definate Must-See!!"

[youtube http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5OJW9gZL33Q&list=PLZMVno7eEiW5KueXZ3w6x6s4fdcc8eSPu&index=1&w=560&h=315]

These 6 anime were selected to provide a good mix of amazing art and complex mysteries, along with a few light hearted plots that are all similar to Ghost Hunt. Each series does an excellent job of setting up their mysteries and neatly wraps them up at the end, so viewers won’t be left out in the dark while learning more about Japanese folklore. Anime lovers of good mysteries won’t be disappointed by any of these anime and my personal 2 favorites, Mononoke and Requiem from the Darkness, are visual masterpieces that I strongly recommended for anime fans who also want to study color theory and enjoy a good eerie mystery.

Jigoku Shoujo Preview / Plot (No Spoilers)

It is said that if one possesses true feelings of hatred and vengeance towards another individual and you access the website Hell Correspondence at exactly midnight, then you can ask Hell Girl to take revenge on that person for you. Supposedly what happens next is hell girl appears, makes an offer, and your vengeance is served to the person whom you hate the most. However, is that all that really happens? Is there more to the story than we are led to believe? The show follows Enma Ai, the hell girl, and her three servants, an old man named Wanyuudo, a geisha looking like woman named Hone Onna, and a young man named Ren Ichimoku. Very little is known about Ai other than she has been doing this for a long time and she lives in a hut with her grandmother and her servants.

Who does Jigoku Shoujo cater to?

Jigoku Shoujo is a dark anime. It’s very dark considering the central theme is about exacting revenge on others. The show doesn’t flat line with that though. It has mystery, intrigue, a good healthy mix of supernatural, and very sad storylines sometimes. It usually starts out with someone who has been hurt by someone else or bears a dark secret. Finally their hatred reaches a tipping point and they decide to call upon Jigoku Shoujo to take out revenge. After entering into a contract with her, they are given a straw doll with a red string tied around its neck. Before they can pull it though, she warns them should they go through will killing the other person, they will be cursed as well. Two holes will appear on their body and they too will go to hell, however, it will be when they die. Whenever that may be. When a string is pulled however, the victim is whisked away into a fantasy world where Jigoku Shoujo and her servants torment the person going to hell. They do this to draw out sorrow or despair before rebuking the individual for the darkness in their souls and inviting them to die and go to hell.

What's so appealing about this piece of work.

First, there is the central plot. Anime after anime will focus on heaven or another world as the central plot. Jigoku Shoujo, however, focuses on hell which is a great turn towards a different, standout plot. The art! The art style is very well done and beautiful at some of the darkest moments. The soundtrack for this show is also very well done. Personally, I enjoy the mystery behind Jigoku Shoujo as well as the stories that unravel behind each character including the two human characters, the Shibatas. Jigoku Shoujo is also a great look at the lies that people tell each other in society as well as the darkness that resides in people’s hearts. One might even be able to go far as to say that you might be able to find some of these people in real life… Jigoku Shoujo is another one that tends to draw you in and you begin to sympathize with some of the victims.

Jigoku Shoujo Trailer

Jigoku Shoujo Main Characters List

Enma Ai (Hell Girl herself)

Voice Actor :Mamiko Noto

Ai is the protagonist of the series. A Japanese beauty by all standards, she is a beauty with long flowing black hair, pale skin, but she has piercing red eyes. She normally wears a black school uniform for most encounters, but when she sends people to hell, she wears a beautiful flowing kimino with floral patterns. She always speaks in a very soft tone. She serves the Lord of Hell as the hell girl, and she has been doing so for the past 400 years. Ai tends to present herself as stoic and she doesn’t reveal her true feelings often. This way she stays in control. Her servants do notice it though, and will periodically comment on her actual feelings.

Wanyuudo

Voice Actor :Takayuki Sugo

Wanyuudo is the first of three servants that Ai has. In human form, Wanyuudo is an old man, and speaks like one, whose eyes look as if they are permanently shut. He wears traditional Japanese clothing. His doll form is that of a black doll with the red string around its neck. He also appears as the wheels on the flaming chariot that Ai rides when she is going to exact revenge. He was saved by Ai first and is very loyal to her. He almost acts as a grandfather figure to Ai, but naturally he serves her so he cannot force his will onto her. He is very good at martial arts and controls fire. Interesting enough, his name means “a wheel that is entering a road.” A reference to his past as a chariot driver.

Hone Onna

Voice Actor :Takako Honda

Hone Onna is the second servant of Ai. In human form, Hone Onna is dressed as a geisha with her obi tied in the front, the old sign of a prostitute. She tends to investigate people in the real world whom have had hits taken out on them and she will dress up in regular clothes. She is adorable and slightly vain because she gets flustered when people make jokes about her age. In doll form, she is the red straw doll with a red string tied around her neck. She was saved by Ai second and she is also loyal. She is a bit immature sometimes which plays up to her cute factor with the age teasing as well. Her name literally means “bone woman” because she can make parts of her body disappear so all the victims see are bones. She can also summon skeletons to help her.

Ichimoku Ren

Voice Actor :Masaya Matsukaze

Ichimoku Ren is sometimes referred to as “moku,” or “Ishimoto Ren” is the third and final major servant of Ai. Ren is an attractive young guy who usually wears a green jacket and a black shirt. He constantly hide the left side of his face with his hair. He takes the form of the blue doll with a red string tied around it. Ren also investigates happenings in the real world with Hone Onna. His power is appearing as a giant eye, usually on a wall or a ceiling as he watches humans. He can also shoot powerful bursts of light from his eye if need be. Ren’s name means “a one glance company” which is a reference to his eye powers.

Jigoku Shoujo Review

Jigoku Shoujo is good. Man I love this show. The art is great. The backstories are tragic and well done. The soundtrack is top notch. The characters are well done. The plot doesn’t get dry. I could keep going but let’s talk shop! So the show does start out as an episodic format, which I am usually not a fan of. However, it does start to pick up steam as the Shibata family is introduced and they eventually talk about Ai’s past. The first 8-10 episodes follow a pattern for the most part. Something happens and someone is pissed at someone else, they access Hell Correspondence. Users must access the website at midnight with a heart full of vengeance. If they are successful, they are taken to a black screen and fire flashes. It fades away to reveal a box to write someone’s name, the submit button, and above it, it just says, “We will take vengeance on your behalf.” Ai appears, usually with a servant or two and explains the process and gives the person a straw voodoo doll. The process is that, if they pull the string, the other person will go to hell, no questions asked. However, they too are now cursed with a tattoo that looks like two rings and a flame. The tattoo means that when they die, whenever that may be, they too will go to hell. Hajime does meet someone who used Ai’s services long ago and he has lived his whole life obsessed with Ai and her beauty. When taking him to hell because he dies of old age, Ai pities him but must ferry him for fear of breaking the rules. Back to the contract though, people are told they must be the ones who choose. This always makes people reconsider and think about it. They hold on to the doll till their hatred hits breaking point and then they pull the string.

This is where each episode gets unique. Fantastic encounters tailored to each person make the sending to hell different each time, but as always, they are asked to die by Ai. Then, they wake up in a boat that Ai is ferrying on what is assumed to be the river Styx and they are sent to hell. After this beginning part of the season though, the plot opens up now that we have a feel for the cast, and shows Tsugumi and her connection to Ai. At first Tsugumi and Hajime are conflicted about whether they should intervene or not and stop from using Jigoku Shoujo. Eventually, Hajime starts chasing down people using his daughter Tsugumi and tries to talk them out of it. Usually he is too late and someone has already pulled the string. Hajime is acting, actually, as the hero in this series because Ai is actually an anti-hero. I mean yes, she’s the protagonist, but she also sends people to hell. That’s not very hero-like. Ai lives in a small home/hut in hell that exists in eternal twilight. She is often shown as a child. Playing games, playing with toys, or even bathing in the river lined with beds of spider lilies. She has an old computer that requests come in on and her grandmother is spinning yarn behind a shoji (paper door). You will never see the grandmother. One character does eventually see what grandmother looks like in a later season, but I won’t spoil anything for you. Grandmother will always tell Ai that she has work when a request comes in. It’s very interesting that one never actually does see what the real hell is. Ai gives people visions of hell when she explains the terms of the contract and them being damned. Other than that though, the glimpses of hell are the eternal sunset plain that people are transported to when Ai meets them and they form a contract, and the eternal twilight home that she lives in. It’s really cool also how they show how Hell Correspondence used to exist before the internet. Originally people wrote on wooden blocks used for shrines, then there was a blank ad in the newspaper, and then they evolved to the website.

Eventually towards the end of season one though, the rate at which people are being sent to hell is getting out of control and it happens so fast that Hajime is blown away. He does successfully stop one girl from using the doll after she has taken out the contract, but Hell Correspondence is very annoyed with him. Episode 25 tells the horrible backstory of Ai. Long ago she was abandoned in the mountains to be a sacrifice for the harvest. Her childhood best friend and cousin saves her and hides her. He periodically brings her food, but one day, she is discovered living in the mountains. They villagers gather around blaming her for not dying and decide to kill her there. They dig a hole and force the cousin, her only friend, to bury her alive. He throws the first pile of dirt on the grave and Ai dies. This is where her hatred comes from giving birth to the hell girl. She is given the power to come back by the Lord of Hell and she burns her whole village to the ground killing everyone. As payment though, she is now hell girl. Irritated by Hajime’s interference, the Hell Correspondence team and Ai try to get Tsugumi to send her father to hell by showing her half memories of what happened to her mother before she died. However, Hajime comes clean and tells her the rest of the half memories before Tsugumi has a chance to send him and she forgives him. Ai returns to hell and everything seems to pan out, but is it really ok? That’s the end of season 1. Two and three provide more and I definitely recommend them!

1. Death Scenes/Ferry to Hell

Notably the best part of the series are the scenes right after someone has pulled the thread. You get to watch someone be sent to their death. This is what pulls the show out of its episodic format and makes each one unique. The revenge always takes a different form and is never the same. The one I can recall the best was the veterinarian one. That scene was really intense with the surgery drill and how they treated the doctor as if he was an animal who couldn’t speak. The scenes never stop either because on the boat they are also tortured again.

2. Twilight Hell

Hell in Jigoku Shoujo or rather that odd place between hell and earth where the characters exist is quite strange. As I said before, we get two glimpses of a place that seems to be stuck in eternal twilight. There is the plain where contracts are made, and the home which Ai, her grandmother, and her servants seem to live in. You never see more than the mountain range and the red sun in the plain scene. The house scenes showing what’s around the house show mountains and the red sun but there is a tree and the river with the spider lily patches. It leaves me with so many questions!!!! Why is it there? What purpose does it serve? How do they get there? It’s not purgatory, so what is it exactly???

3. The Three Servants

In no way shape or form am I saying that Ai is boring. These three characters however, are very much relatable to as a viewer. They all have fairly sad stories, they don’t quite seem to be in the know on what is exactly happening, and they give us a glimpse into the characters of the show when Ai isn’t present, i.e., tailing people to make sure that they use the doll while discovering things about them. Their powers are all cool. Wanyuudo doesn’t look like he’s a martial artist, or can he breathe fire, but surprise! And then of course there is Hone Onna’s daggers, and Ren’s strange light.

Whew! Here we go again! Well, how did I do? I really like Jigoku Shoujo. I think it’s a good staple and a great look at an actual horror show in the horror genre. I feel like some shows are labeled as horror without being remotely scary. The darkness in the people, the plot, and the existence of hell itself are pretty good for this show. If I had to suggest a show like it, maybe, Death Parade or Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni? I should warn you that Higurashi is not only horror, but also a psychological thriller, so it’s rough on the mind. How do you feel about Jigoku Shoujo? Did you like it? How about this, Hajime is always interfering with people using Hell Correspondence. He says that there is always a better path than revenge. What do you think? Would you side with Hajime or with Jigoku Shoujo? Let us know in the comments below!

Mushishi Preview / Plot (No Spoilers)

"Say these four fingers are animals, and my thumb is a plant. Man is here, furthest away from the heart, at the tip of the middle finger. The lower you are on the hand, the more primitive you become. If you trace them, the veins all converge around the wrist... Up the arm, past the shoulder, and here are the Mushi, or as others call them, the Midorimono." - Ginko Based on Yuki Urushibara's award-winning manga, Mushishi takes place in an alternate reality, where strange creatures called "mushi" exist. Like all living things, mushi try to survive in their world, and inadvertently cause trouble for humans in the process. When this happens, the titular mushishi ("mushi master") Ginko steps in. Ginko travels from one Japanese village to another, advising people on the best way to deal with mushi. Sometimes, it's simply a matter of giving medicine to the beleaguered person. Other times, things are more complicated, because the person doesn't believe that mushi exist (not everyone can see them), or because the mushi has too tight a grip on that person's life. Occasionally, Ginko encounters a mushi unfamiliar to him, but thanks to his innate curiosity and passion for his job, he always figures them out eventually.

Who does Mushishi cater to?

Mushishi is an iyashikei anime; that is, it's meant to have a calming effect on the viewer. If you're looking for explosions, giant robots, and jaw-dropping fight scenes, there's none of that here. But if you want well-crafted stories, simple yet imaginative worldbuilding, and a gentle, empathetic view on humanity, Mushishi definitely delivers. This is also a good show to watch if you're looking for a mixture of Japanese folklore, "whodunit" plot, and well-written character studies.

What's so appealing about this piece of work.

There's a reason this is number 1 on our list of Top 10 Philosophical Anime. Mushishi has that rare ability to make you think about life, without being ham-fisted about it. Through the interactions between Ginko, the villagers, and the mushi, you gain a new perspective on love, loss, friendship, parenthood and other important topics we often take for granted. Also, if you're looking for stunning art and gorgeous music, Mushishi doesn't disappoint either. The picturesque backgrounds will take your breath away, while the unique music for each episode's end credits will make you want to sit back, relax and reflect on life. Watching Mushishi is like eating mochi: It's better to consume it bit by bit, rather than swallow it whole. Since every episode is self-contained, you can watch one episode per day, and still feel like you're getting a complete story every time. Hey, at least you'll enjoy the Mushishi experience for a little while longer, right?

Mushishi Epic Fan Trailer

Mushishi Main Characters List

Mushishi is unusual in that it has loads and loads of characters, but only a handful appear more than once throughout the entire series. With the exception of Tanyuu, who shows up in only one episode but is still important to the plot (more on this later), only the recurring characters are listed here.

Ginko

Voice Actor :Nakano, Yuto

Ginko is the titular mushishi, and the only character present in all 26 episodes. Unlike other mushishi, he doesn't exterminate "bugs" outright. Instead, he empathizes with the mushi and the person afflicted by the mushi, and always tries to find a way to help both survive. He's usually pretty chill on the job, except when his client tries to do something reckless (like committing suicide) or when a human turns into a mushi. As a mushishi, Ginko has extensive knowledge of, and passion for, mushi. Also, he's a "mushi magnet", so he always smokes a special cigarette to keep them away, and never stays at any one place for long.

Adashino

Voice Actor :Ueda, Yuji

Adashino is a village doctor to whom Ginko sells items that have been, or are, touched by mushi. Adashino loves these items so much, that he occasionally gets in trouble for them. He has a sort-of best friends relationship with Ginko, and is beloved by the children of his village. He also serves as a source of comic relief, especially when he bickers with Ginko over the price and type of goods he wants to buy.

Tanyuu Karibusa

Voice Actor :Tsuzurahara, Miyu

Although she appears in only one episode, Tanyuu is vital to Ginko's job. That's because she writes a lot about mushi, so she can seal away the forbidden mushi that has blackened and crippled her right leg. At first, she's not too fond of mushishi, since they only tell stories of mushi extermination. This changes when she meets Ginko, who has the same empathetic attitude towards mushi as she does. It's implied that they have a more-than-professional relationship, though your mileage may vary on that.

Mushishi Review

Warning: Uber-fangirling ahead. Seriously, though: If this show has any flaws, I'm pretty sure you can count them on one hand. Everything – from the visuals to the sound to the characterization – is just right. Although most of the cast are one-episode wonders, you can't help but root for them, because they all show different facets of what it means to be human. On the other hand, the character design isn't much to write home about. All the men have the same basic face, and so do the women and children. But I think that's a deliberate artistic decision, since we're supposed to put ourselves in their shoes, and giving them distinct faces would take away from that. (Or maybe they just had budget issues. Just kidding!) As for Ginko himself, he's an awesome main character in his own way. He's neither an idiot hero who needs to learn how to be strong, nor an overpowered beast who needs to learn how to be human. He's simply Ginko, a mushishi who happens to treat mushi better than his peers do, and genuinely cares about helping people. The only gripe I have with him is that no one comments about his unusual appearance at all. Considering that everyone else looks like a typical, pre-Meiji era(?) villager, this is particularly jarring. But eh: I love him anyway.

You could argue that the stories are formulaic: Person gets afflicted with mushi, Person asks for Ginko's help, Ginko answers the call, Person may or may not get a happy ending. But they're all well-executed, and you're always kept wondering "What will Ginko do now?", so this isn't really an issue. I also love how each episode can stand on its own. You can re-shuffle most of the middle episodes, and you can still get a good grip on the story. However, you wouldn't want to miss episodes 1, 2, 5, 12, 17, 20 and 26, since they all explain important things. Like, where did the mushi come from? How do they work? Where did Ginko come from? How does he know so much about mushi, and how does he gather requests from all over Japan? Lastly, there's the music. Ally Kerr's "The Sore Feet Song" fits the overall mood of the anime perfectly: Mellow, if a little dark in places (I stole ten thousand pounds, ten thousand pounds to see you/I robbed convenient stores coz I thought they'd make it easier/I lived off rats and toads, and I starved for you/I fought off giant bears and I killed them too). As for the ending songs, it's hard to choose a favorite. They're all so good, darn it! Okay, without further ado, let's get on to the highlights:

1. The Mushi

Ah, the Mushi. They're the proverbial centerpiece of this show. They're the grease to this show's wheels, the steam to the steamship, the... Well, you get the idea. Their name roughly translates to "bug", though that's not what they are, exactly. As you can see in the picture above, they come in all shapes and sizes. Many of them are quite harmless, but others can cause illness and even death. They're not really malicious; just trying to survive.

2. The Koumyaku (a.k.a. The River of Light)

Don't let the koumyaku's appearance fool you. It's actually a group of baby mushi, flowing throughout the world and bringing life energy wherever it goes. Only those who can see mushi, and those who've opened their "second eyelid", can see the koumyaku. That's actually a good thing, considering how the koumyaku blinds whoever stares at it for too long.

3. Nui

Nui was Ginko's mentor, whose first and last appearance was in the episode "One-Eyed Fish". She saved Ginko (who was then called "Yoki"), when the latter was injured in a landslide that killed his mother. She taught him everything she knew about mushi, including the reason for her appearance: As a result of overexposure to a mushi called "Ginko", she lost one eye, her hair turned white, and her remaining eye turned green. When she was swallowed up by another mushi called "Tokoyami", Yoki tried to save her, but ended up getting exposed to the Ginko instead. By the time he recovered, he had transformed into the character we know today, and the only name he could remember was "Ginko".

Mushishi is unlike any other series you've ever seen before. Combining all the good aspects of the slice of life, supernatural and mystery genres, it takes you into a world that's guaranteed to stay with you for a long time. Regardless of your preference, give this one a try. It will be the best 26 episodes you've ever seen. (Or not. Hey, we all have our favorite cups of tea.) If you liked this series, you'll be happy to know that it has a sequel called "Mushishi Zoku Shou" ("Mushishi: Next Passage"), made up of 20 episodes. You also want to check out the two specials, Hihamukage ("The Shadow That Devours the Sun") and Odoro no Michi ("Path of Thorns"). There's also a live-action movie, though the quality of that one doesn't really live up to the original, IMO

What You Need to Know:

• Even if it just started last month, Gakkou Gurashi is already one of the most trendy anime. Niconico announced that the first episode has already been watched over 2 million times on their website!!
• Based on all anime episodes streamed on Niconico, this has been the fastest one to reach the 2 million bar. It did it in exactly 25 days, 19 hours and 28 minutes.
• In comparison, the second fastest one was the 1st episode of Attack on Titan with 132 days, 23 hours and 46 minutes. The third one is the first episode of Is the Order a Rabbit? with 230 days, 1 hour and 53 minutes!

Source: Yaraon

Among the horror anime offerings this summer of 2015 is a series which blends two genres that are not usually taken together – Slice of Life and Horror. Seamlessly managing to harmonize elements that are light in tone and unnervingly grim at the same time, Gakkou Gurashi! has managed to endear itself to anime fans in the few episodes that have been released thus far. Of course, though very rare, anime with somewhat the same elements as Gakkou Gurashi! have been produced before. Here then is a short list of 6 anime titles that may very well keep you very interested, at least until the next episode of Gakkou Gurashi! is released. Here then are 6 anime like Gakkou Gurashi!

Similar Anime to Gakkou Gurashi! / Similar Anime to School-Live!

1. Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika (Puella Magi Madoka Magica)

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" January 2011 – April 2011 "]

At the core of this series lies Kaname Madoka, an average 8th grader who, despite being quite shy, is a happy teenager who loves her family and friends very much. Her life takes a dramatic turn however, when a chance encounter with Kyuubei, a cat-like being, ends with her being endowed with powers that enable her to transform into a magical girl. Together with her friends, they get introduced to the world of witches and magic. This anime is a perfect example of a series that must never be judged by its cover. Just like Gakkou Gurashi!, which looks quite average and normal from the outside but is immensely deep and thought-provoking on the inside, Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magika is an anime that looks like a regular magical girl series on the outside, but is actually a deep, psychoanalytical, and immensely dramatic masterpiece on the inside. From the first episode alone, you as the viewer will notice that it is not your typical magical girls anime, and boy, does it deliver in that aspect.

Puella Magi Madoka Magica Trailer

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CTHwEZK2JA&w=560&h=315]

2. Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (When They Cry)

[Information episodes=" 26 " aired=" April 2005 – September 2006 "]

Yet another series that manages to bridge the gap between Slice of Life and Horror, When They Cry is another dark anime in the guide of moe that has managed to gain a pretty good following among anime fans. The story centers on Maebara Keiichi, a young teenage boy who is adjusting to his new life in Hinamizawa, an isolated mountain village. There, he meets and befriends a group of girls, each one with a dark secret that involves acts of murder, dismemberment, and pure on psychological torture. Just like Gakkou Gurashi!, this anime manages to blend elements of different genres perfectly, forming a cohesive whole that is both entertaining and quite disturbing at the same time. What you have to expect when you pick up this series though, is the fact that the plot is divided into numerous, individual arcs, all of them starting at the beginning of the story’s timeline. Despite this ‘reset’ that happens every few episodes however, the series manages to deliver an anime experience that is quite unlike any other.

Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Series Trailer

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IdmVeoHCtck&w=560&h=315]

3. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls -Bougyakusareta Tamashii no Jukyou

[Information episodes=" 4 " aired=" July 2013 "]

The plot of this anime involves a group of students from Kisaragi Academy, which just happens to be a school that was built on the same site as Heavenly Host Elementary School, a place in which a string of brutal murders took place many years ago. Through a series of supernatural events, the students find themselves transported to Heavenly Host, where they are forced to fight for their survival and for the chance to go back home, while they get continually hunted as prey by violent spirits out to kill them. Corpse Party: Tortured Souls is an anime that was created for one purpose and one purpose alone – to shock and terrify its viewers. In fact, one will not find any shortage of critiques of the show praising it for being the one true horror anime that has been released in recent years. With a moe mask that hides its grim plot similar to Gakkou Gurashi!, this is one anime that has proven itself to never disappoint its viewers when it comes to the horror it brings. Just make sure that you are up to it if you do decide to watch it.

Corpse Party Tortured Souls Trailer 3RD コープスパーティー PV 2013

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=76vJ4awYjmo&w=560&h=315]

Any Animes Like School-Live! / Any Animes Like Gakkou Gurashi! ?

4. Tokyo Magnitude 8.0

[Information episodes=" 11 " aired=" July 2009 – September 2009 "]

This anime’s premise is quite unique in its own right, featuring a plot that is very realistic and pretty close to the scientific possibility of Tokyo being hit by a massive earthquake. The plot centers on siblings Mirai and Yuuki, who opts to visit the artificial island, Odaiba, for a robot exhibition. When a magnitude 8.0 earthquake suddenly hits and levels Tokyo, the siblings must work together with Mari, a delivery woman they met on the island, in order to go back to their Setagaya home in western Tokyo. Both Gakkou Gurashi! and Tokyo Magnitude 8.0 feature a small group of people trying to adapt in the aftermath of a disaster that is beyond everyone’s control. While the former features a zombie outbreak, the latter features a powerful earthquake. However, their greatest similarity may very well be the characterizations employed as plot devices, as both series feature characters that undergo extreme emotional trauma to the point of entering a state of denial.

"Tokyo Magnitude 8.0" Trailer (English Subbed)

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IqhrKb11rEU&w=560&h=315]

5. High School of the Dead

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" July 2010 – September 2010 "]

High School of the Dead is all about a group of students from Fujimi High School who are among the last survivors of a massive zombie outbreak in Japan. With the entire social system falling into chaos, the students, together with the school’s ditzy buxom nurse, must band together in order to find answers behind what’s causing the outbreak, while trying their best to survive the unwavering waves of the undead that is out to get them. Though the anime has become notorious for its massive amounts of fan service, High School of the Dead is nonetheless an undeniably fun series to watch, with lots of action, some dashes of drama, and a pretty quirky dialogue that makes then characters stand out very well. Just like Gakkou Gurashi!, it is a series that explores the theme of young people trying to survive in a world that is at an end. Oh, and both series feature zombies too.

High School of the Dead: Drifters of the Dead Trailer

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gwokVRAPk5M&w=560&h=315]

6. Tasogare Otome x Amnesia (Dusk Maiden of Amnesia)

[Information episodes=" 12 " aired=" April 2012 – June 2012 "]

The plot of Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is a very unique one, featuring a story that starts 6o years prior to the events in the anime, when a woman was left to die in the abandoned school building behind the exclusive Seikyou Academy. In the present day, Siekyou’s clubs include one which caters to students interested in paranormal investigations. What makes the club very eerie is the fact that it is being led not by a regular student, but by the ghost of the woman murdered many years back. The series is yet another example of an anime that is able to achieve a certain balance when blending elements of numerous, even contrasting genres. Featuring elements from the Slice of Life, Horror, and even the Comedy and Romance genres, Dusk Maiden of Amnesia is one anime that is, similar to Gakkou Gurashi!, very rare in its own right. Apart from this, themes that are heavy on the psychological aspect of the characters are also explored fully in both of these series.

Dusk Maiden of Amnesia Trailer

[youtube https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GOhaDARMXM8&w=560&h=315]

So there you have it! 6 anime that may just fill some valuable and worthy screentime to get you through the week while waiting for the next episode of Gakkou Gurashi! to air. Of course, other notable anime that are also quite similar would be Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai!, which also uses the theme of delusions, Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru, which is also another pretty serious anime that wears a moe mask, and So Ra No Wo To, another anime that seems light at the surface, but continually does not pull any punches when dealing with mature and very realistic themes. You can definitely check these out as well, as these three are quite notable in their own right, too. Are there any other anime with this mix of elements on your mind? Feel free to comment below!