#22 Bakemonogatari!

        If you've been paying attention to any currently airing anime then you might have seen something about Kizumonogatari Part 3 or Owarimonogatari. If you have, then you probably know that they're a part of the Monogatari universe. I'm going to say right now that the universe is a little confusing when it comes to figuring out which order to watch the different shows in. Luckily there are some lists out there to help you. (which are listed at the bottom) This post however, is going to focus on Bakemonogatari, which is the first season in the Monogatari series and came out in 2009. (in airing order)

        Bakemonogatari follows a high school boy named Araragi, and his interactions with the supernatural world. He finds himself in dangerous situations when he tries to help others who are experiencing supernatural problems. Bakemonogatari would fall under the genres of supernatural, comedy, mystery and romance. (Although, it's not romantic in the way you might think.) If you want to read the official description click here!

       Bakemonogatari's art style is unprecedented when it comes to the background art and character movements. Studio Shaft is now known for this style and it's sometimes referred to as the shaft head tilt.


      One of the interesting aspects of Bakemonogatari are the differences between the originally aired version, and the Blue-Ray version. If you've watched Bakemonogatari, and you're not sure which version you watched, it's pretty simple to figure out. If the background looked like the picture to the right, then it was the Blu-Ray version. If you want to see a few more examples, you can click here. If you want to watch a side by side comparison of the TV version V.S the Blue-Ray version, click here. (just so you know, it does include spoilers)


        A few more really great things that make Bakemonogatari unique are the eye fixation, head tilts, body pans, screen flashes, weird color templates, abandoned locations and real footage and or pictures. (If you want to read more about them click here.) Bakemonogatari also has an amazing music score. We get some elevator music like "Date" and some synthesizer songs like "Uzu". We also get some cool percussive music like "Rainy Devil". Most of the tracks include either piano, Xylophone, or marimba as the base with multiple other instruments and electronic mixing. We sometimes get to hear some vocals. There's also a song that's reminiscent of Ghost In The Shell's  "Making of Cyborg" called "Kekkai". If you want to listen to the entire Bakemonogatari soundtrack click here. 

        Bakemonogatari is such a unique anime, visually and story wise. It's story doesn't have a particular end other than helping each person with their problems, but it's definitely entertaining and worth a watch. (Bakemonogatari is also the anime used in one of my favorite AMV's and it's amazing, you should go check it out here.) Just a side note Bakemonogatari does include some violent and unexpected gore, as you can see in this iconic scene. 

If you want to watch Bakemonogatari it's on crunchy roll, hulu, and amazon prime.

(If you're wondering what order to watch the Monogatari series in, here are a couple of choices (here) and (here))
















I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy

Anime Planet!

          Hey hey hey! You guys have probably noticed that I link to Anime Planet A LOT. That's because it's a great website. If you've only just followed the links I add and haven't taken a look around, I highly suggest you do! (maybe right now) Anime Planet is a great place to keep track of what you've watched, want to watch, are watching, are stalled on, have dropped, and won't watch. It also allows you to make personalized lists like "Best Sports Anime" or "Shows that make me cry my eyes out". You know... whatever.

          Anyway, Anime Planet also allows you to keep track of your manga, and characters. For example, here is a link to the most hated characters. (Number one is definitely correct.)

          It also helps you keep track of what episode you're on, or how many times you've watched an anime.
It also keeps track of how many anime you have in each of the previously listed categories. Here's a screenshot of mine.

          As you can see I've still got a lot to watch and there's no way I'd be able to remember them all without having that list.

          Anime Planet recently added Challenges. (right now there are only three challenges available) Click here to check them out.

          You can also make recommendations for people based on other shows. Kind of like how Netflix has a category called "Recommended for you". Here's a screenshot of some of the recommendations I've written.

(I don't have very many yet but I'm working on it)

          You can also write reviews and score an anime based on the categories of story, animation, sound, characters, and how the anime was overall. I'm not going to link you to mine since, once again, I don't have that many. But if you type an anime into the search bar it'll most likely have at least 1 review.

          Have I mentioned that it seems like they have EVERY anime in their database? Well it's true (even some we can't watch in certain countries. )

          Anime Planet is also a great place to go if you want to keep an eye on what's coming out soon. I definitely recommend checking out the Anime Season Charts under the anime tab at the top.

(sorry if the pictures don't seem super clear I'm just taking screenshots)

          And Finally If you want to see what I'm up to on there click here and it will take you to my profile!

#9 Black Lagoon!

          From kidnapping to killing the Black Lagoon crew will do anything if they're paid enough. 

          The crew on the Black Lagoon are pirate mercenaries who aren't afraid to shoot anyone who tries to mess with their cargo. The members of Lagoon Company include Revy, our gun crazy, short tempered, foul-mouthed protagonist; Rock, a former salaryman, diplomatic, one time hostage, male protagonist; Dutch, the captain of the Black Lagoon, former marine, and cool character; and Benny, the mechanic, computer specialist and researcher. (If you want to read more about Black Lagoon click here.)

          All of the women in Black Lagoon know their way around weapons. From machine gun toting nuns, to a Thai E-nep knife wielding assassin. The women don't need anyone to protect them, even if it's from each other. While in most anime it's more common to see the guys starting violence, these ladies are willing to pick a fight with anyone.

          
          Rei Hiroe; creator of Black Lagoon, said that the series was inspired by Quinton Tarentino, Stephen King, James Ellroy, John Woo, and actual pirate cases in the 1990's in the East China sea. Some of the gun fights were based on spaghetti westerns and cowboy movies. Black Lagoon first aired in 2006 and was well accepted in the US due to the extreme violence and action.

          Black Lagoon is all about violence and money. It also takes the time to get the viewer invested in the characters. They all have a reason for why they do their job and why they act the way they do. Nothing is as simple as it may appear especially the characters. Black Lagoon is fast paced and bloody and I wouldn't recommend it if you don't like violence. But if you don't mind gun fights, explosions, crime syndicates, and kick-ass women then this is the anime for you.

(If you want to watch Black Lagoon click here.)

I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy 

#8 Studio Ghibli!

          Studio Ghibli is an animation studio located in Inokashira Park in Mitaka a western city of Tokyo Japan. Studio Ghibli is considered the 'Disney' of Japanese animation. While it is definitely not as big as Disney's Animation Studio it is just as well known.

          (Studio Ghibli is separate from the Studio Ghibli Museum but both are located in Mitaka. I'll talk more about the museum later.)

          Studio Ghibli is a place of imagination and creativity, the founders of Studio Ghibli are Hayao Miyazaki, Toshio Suzuki, and Isao Takahata. Some of Miyazaki's more well known films are My Neighbor Totoro, Spirited Away, Kiki's Delivery Service, and Howls Moving Castle; just to name a few. For a full list click here. (This does not include shorts or collaborative works.) Some of Takahata's works are The Tale of Princess Kaguya, Grave of the Fireflies, My Neighbors the Yamadas, and Pom-Poko. For a full list click here.

          Hayao Miyazaki personally designed the museum and made both the interior and exterior as whimsical as can be. With a Catbus room and a little cafe, visitors are never bored and are continuously finding little details that make them smile.

          Studio Ghibli and the Ghibli museum are two places that I want to visit in my lifetime. I want to go there and see where some of my favorite movies were made and where all of the amazing ideas formed and were made into reality.

I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy 

#6 Cowboy Bebop!

"This is real mystic and all but do you have anything to eat here?"

          Cowboy Bebop can most accurately be described as a 'space western'. Even the characters call themselves cowboys. It's fast paced and most of the time each episode has its own story without overlapping into the next one. While there is an underlying plot, it seems to only become the center of attention at certain points in the show. Cowboy Bebop also has one of the most interesting music styles. Combining western, opera, and jazz music together. This new style of music was made by one of the most prominent artist in anime; Yoko Kanno. The fast paced and catchy opening isn't only fun to listen to, but to watch as well. 

         
           Cowboy Bebop isn't always fast paced, sometimes it seems downright slow, but keep in mind that there will be fast moments where you might have to rewatch the show to make sure you see everything. 

          'Cowboys' are another name for bounty hunters in 2071. 'Bebop' is the name of the ship that Spike, Jet, Fay, Ed, and Ein live on. 

          



          Spike's our main character and could be considered the one that usually get the rest of them in trouble. He's also a master of Jeet Kune Do, which he almost always has to use when they go after bounties.


           Jet's the captain of The Bebop and tries to keep order between the others. He use to be an investigator for the Inter Planetary Space Police (IPSP) until his former partner betrayed him and led to him losing his right arm. 


          Fay is a thief and joins the Bebop crew after repeatedly running into them. She was put into a cryogenic sleep and woke up 54 years later in 2071 not remembering who she is, and with an insane amount of debt.  


          Ed is a highly renowned hacker and does everything her own way. From walking on her hands, to typing with her feet. She joins the crew when she hacks into the Bebops navigation controls and brings them to her. Ein is a corgi that has the intelligence of a human. Ein joins the crew accidentally when they're chasing after a bounty. Ein is also referred to as a 'data dog' and can do things that other canine can't do; like drive a spaceship, or play shogi. If you want to read more about the characters click here.

          The Bebop crew may be bounty hunters but most of the time they don't have any money. Most of it goes to repairs for things that Spike breaks or is gambled away by Fay. Unsurprisingly that also means that they don't have money for food. Most of them can be bribed with food, especially Spike, into doing random jobs and even helping total strangers.

          Cowboy Bebop was a big step forwards for the sci-fi genre of anime and could even be considered a sci-fi anime classic. While it is old it doesn't lack in action or comedic moments. 

Until next time, 

"See you, space cowboy."

I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy 

#2 Steven Universe!

         "We are the crystal gems, we'll always save the day. And if you think we can't, we'll always find a way. That's why the people of this world, believe in; Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, and Steven!"

           Let's be honest, if you've seen Steven Universe you know that it will forever hold a spot in your heart for being one of the cutest cartoons ever. It revolves around family, friendship, and saving the world (or at least your home town). Steven, along with Garnet, Amethyst, and Pearl, put themselves in danger in order to protect each other, their friends, and their home.

 

Steven Universe has gorgeous background scenery and an amazing musical score. If you want to specifically check out the background artists click here. Aivi and Surasshu are the composers for many of the Steven Universe songs. Their music is happy, sweet, and can contain a hint of melancholy. When listening to it you can clearly hear the chiptune and piano influence in many of their songs. 

       Steven Universe is so beautiful, and if you're looking for a fun, quirky, but sometimes deep cartoon this one's for you.

(P.S if you want to make your own gemsona click here)

         I do not own any of the pictures, gifs, or videos used in this post or any other post on AnimationNomination they are protected under the fair use policy