Preface: This will be a rambling rant. I am not judging other people's tastes, only stating mine.
Okay, during the evolution of the "Battle of the Anime" thread, I have been exposed to many titles I had never heard before. I would like to explore some new titles, but I have to be very selective due to time constraints - I don't want to waste time on something I am unlikely to like.
That being said, here is what I
do like (in no particular order):
- Naruto (not the fillers)
- Naruto: Shippuuden (not the fillers)
- Naruto: Ninja Clash in the Land of Snow
- Akira
- Ninja Scroll (not the series or sequels)
- Ghost in the Shell (not the series or sequels)
- Cowboy Bebop
- Cowboy Bebop: The Movie
- Samurai Champloo
- Most (if not all) Hayou Miyazaki movies that I have seen (is this considered anime for the purpose of this discussion?)
- Most (if not all) Makoto Shinkai movies that I have seen
- Grave of the Fireflies
And here is what I
do not like:
- Dragon Ball (and all derivatives)
- Yu Gi Oh (and all derivatives for similar reasons as DB)
- Bleach (for the same reasons as above, though I have kind of soften my feeling towards it a bit)
- Naruto & Shippuuden Fillers
- All Naruto Movies (except the first one)
There are probably more that go on both lists, but this is what I recall at the moment. As mentioned, I am not judging anyone else's tastes, just exposing mine.
The reasons *I THINK* for the divisions above:
I like character development and exposition. In fact, I require it. The fight scenes could really be over in 10 minutes (if adequately explained) and I would be fine. I do not need infinite power ups, ultimate moves, etc.
I want an interesting story with interesting characters.
I do not need any gratuitous violence or nudity. I do not mind either, but excessive amounts and/or for gratuitous reasons is likely to be a deal breaker.
As a rule, I am not to big a fan of "Mecha".
I am currently struggling my way through NGE. I am on Episode 7, and it is just starting to get remotely interesting, character wise. The only reason I did not punch out sooner is a friend of mine, for whom I have immense respect, recommended it to me.
Here is what Amazon is recommending based on my ratings of some products and purchasing of others:
Ghost in the Shell: SAC (Seasons 1 & 2)
FLCL
Ghost in the Shell: 2 Innocence
Paprika
Trigun
Kino's Journey
Pom Poko
Elfen Lied
Outlaw Star (I tried it once, and was not compelled)
Origin: Spirits of the Past
Karas: The Revelation
Full Metal Panic
Vexville
Planetes
Any advice on the above, or things not listed would be greatly appreciated.