Beginners’ Anime - Where to get Started
By: Kai Neuberger
Anime has slowly drifted in and out of popularity over the years. So, many curious people drop the medium after little more than one episode, put off by some of the peculiar things they may find. Some are simply overwhelmed, not knowing where to start due with the sheer amount of anime available on different platforms. Therefore, I’ve comprised a list of good beginners’ anime!
Hulu
1. My Hero Academia (TV-14)
In a world where people have innate abilities called “quirks”, superheroes and villains are on the rise. My Hero Academia centers around highschool student Izuku Midoriya, the once powerless hero-to-be on his journey to become the “Number One Hero.” This is an anime to remember. Alongside classmates at UA highschool, the new generation of heroes will defeat any obstacles that cross their paths. This show can be watched with the family or on your own time, and is still coming out with new episodes to enjoy!
2. Trigun (TV-14)
Similar to the old westerns of earlier years, this show is as funny as it is serious. A gun man preaching about “love and peace” everywhere he goes, Vash the Stampede is a force to be reckoned with; his charismatic nature is so obscenely different from the man that the bounty on his head makes him out to be. Despite coming out in 1998, this show is truly timeless.
3. Assassination Classroom (TV-14)
An alien that changes the color of his skin depending on his mood blows up ¾ of the moon and threatens to do the same to earth; the catch? He becomes the teacher to a class of less-than stellar students. Though sounding dark, this anime is actually incredibly funny and bittersweet. Students of the “end class” must work with FBI agents to train and defeat Koro Sensei (the alien) before they graduate, lest the world meet its doom. With 2 seasons and many spin offs, this quick witted show has plenty of content for a binge watching weekend of fun.
Netflix
1) A Silent Voice (No rating)
In this anime film, former class bully Shôya Ishida has recently reformed from his old ways and tries to make things right with his former classmates. Shoko Nishimiya, a deaf girl who used to be tormented by Ishida, works to bring everyone together while facing her own challenges. Together, they create a story of growth and forgiveness that is sure to put you in your feels and leave you on the edge of your seat.
2) Ouran High School Host Club (TV-14)
Haruhi Fujioka, upon stumbling into a student host club, shatters a vase worth 8 million yen ($72,600) and must grapple with becoming a host themself to pay back the debt. With the antics of the members, love-struck fans and rival hosts, there’s never a dull moment at the prestigious school’s most popular club. Ouran High School Host Club blends comedy and romance in a way that’s sure to leave you laughing, as well as have you wondering, “why did I not know about this sooner?”
3. Your Lie In April (TV-PG)
This is my absolute favorite anime; I’ve now seen it 16 times. From beautiful artwork, a tragic story line, amazing music, and heartfelt life lessons, this anime has it all. Violinist Kaori Miyazono is a free spirited go-getter with a kind heart; Kousei Arima is a tortured pianist who is chained down by emotion. Together, through an inspiring adventure, they work to overcome both fear and dire situations.
Honorable Mentions:
1. Anohana: The Flower We Saw That Day (TV-PG; Netflix)
When the ghost of their friend pays a visit, old friends reunite to help her with “unfinished business”; unfortunately, she can’t remember what that “business” is. Together, through twists, turns, and old childhood memories brought back to life, the group works tirelessly to help their friend’s spirit pass on.
2. Summer Wars (PG):
Though this film takes a bit more searching, it’s worth it. A fun anime involving an online world in peril is a common trope in anime. Yet, the character design and math behind such a base concept makes the film stand out from the rest. While rectifying this issue in the online world of OZ, the main character Kenji Koiso is also posing as his friend's fiance at her grandmother's wedding; shenanigans ensue, as well as a troubling predicament involving the end of the world.
3. Danganronpa: The Animation (TV-14):
This video game turned anime series is a gorier horror with a crazy plot line— almost like an even more twisted version of the Hunger Games. 15 students with partial memory erasure are placed in a school and forced to hunt one another down for survival. The catch? At night, 14 are injected with a sleeping drug, and 1 student is allowed to remain awake. To win the game, students must vote on who the killer is. (This anime does have another season, though it is season 3. They did not turn the 2nd game into an anime adaptation.)
With the social landscape being what it is, it’s safe to say that we all have a lot of time on our hands. Why not venture into a different world, if only for a moment? Films and shows like these offer alternatives to the everyday viewing experience in ways that continue to astound and amaze; don’t miss out!