ElrickOtaku

Great! It looks as if I'm not as alone as I thought when it gomes to the pro-Nadesico/comedy faction! There still seem to be many complaints about series l left off of this topic/poll; but as I said before it was merely to work with the better series from what I'd seen myself, rather than bluffing knowledge I don't have about series. Therefore, just put a vote on the poll, say why you voted that way, AND THEN talk about all the other great mecha series you've seen which are not on the poll. Incidently, in reply to complaints about my codification of series like Nadesico and Evangelion as mecha anime, it is just as it is an easy way to codify them. Plus, of course, they have the only requirement as a mecha anime necessary; i.e. they have giant clomping robots in them.

There is a simple reason why I put Gasaraki in as opposed to RahXephon, which is that I have seen the former but not the latter, but heard that they are similar. In the UK, RahXephon has never been on TV but Gasaraki has been on Sci-Fi Channel (and is meant to be again in February). Therefore, if you want to vote for RahXephon and that style of anime, just put a vote down for Gasaraki and justify it in your thread prose. I implore the rest of you to concentrate on the given choices and discuss them, rather than obsessing over what is ommitted from this poll.

Mecha anime is an increasingly popular genre of anime, especially with the variation of the different styles of it. So which do fans like best and which style do they favour? Martian Successor Nadesico - Comedy/sci-fi Neon Genesis Evangelion - Religious/psychological Gasaraki - Dramatic/near-future Gundam Wing - Political/philosophical Justify why you enjoy it, along with identifying your favourite episode and why its your favourite episode. (No "I love [] 'cause it's great" style messages please). Some may complain about their favourite like Dai-Guard or whatever being left off, but I wanted a good contrast of four different mecha animes with four differing styles. With me, it's got to be Martian Successor Nadesico. It's just got the perfect balance of comedy, action, sci-fi as well as a fair amount of tragedy. Plus, of course it makes fun of the rather more basic mecha anime with it's exaggerated anime-within-an-anime Gekigengar III, which just adds to its charm and comedy, rather than staying grim by default as Evangelion and Gasaraki seem to do. Gundam Wing is good, but it seems to be disjointed in some areas by switching from person-to-person too much in a single episode. My favourite episode has got to be 'Ubiquitous Rightousness', the final (26th) episode. This is as this series appears to have a superb finale, combining all of the best elements of the series, the capital ship fighting, the character-based comedy, the insane relationships, the mysteries being slowly revealed, etc. This is while the series does not have too much of a definate ending, leaving some questions unanswered to leave room for a sequel, while staying an 'ending' rather than just seeming cut off like some other anime series.

I really like Cowboy Bebop but I disagree with that last point: lonelymoon02: "Honky Tonk Woman is a good episode to start the show." I think that Asteriod Blues was the best episode to start the series with, as it shows the integral easy partnership of Spike and Jet, BEFORE others like Ein and Faye come along. Asteriod Blues also seems to encompass some of the easy humour along with the dark violence of the series. In more general terms, I prefer the stand-alone episodes like Toys In The Attic and Cowboy Funk, to the more plot-heavy episodes like Ballad of Fallen Angels and Jupiter Jazz (parts 1 & 2). I know the storyline is important, but the real charm of the series for me are those more general episodes that don't have to be watched in any particular order.

I am tired of waiting for series like Cowboy Bebop to make it over here across the Atlantic. (All I currently have to watch of that series were a few patchy late-night recordings of it when it was on CNX.) So does anyone know of good, reliable (and preferably as inexpencive as possible) Region 1 DVD importers, that they'd recommend?

The Tenchi movies have not yet been released in the UK so has anyone any great quotes from them?

I'd love to see a Diablo anime. The storyline in the game (or at least the sequel of it) was superb, but an entire series could be made of it. Just following the adventures of any one of the different types of heroes, or even a bands of them, would make for great viewing. It would be a little dark for most people as an anime, yet it would make a change from all of the futuristic, light-hearted, and vampire animes that seem to predominate. Though the series is not Japanese at all, I really think it has great potential for being a series.

When I set up this thread my intention was not to say that the Anime films could replace the series. Instead my point is that most of the films made from series enhance the story and improve upon the series by having the character development based in the series, rather than having to spend time in the film on it. This means that in these films there is more time to spend on enhancing an interesting storyline and thus making that particular series even better, especially if the series had some serious down-points. A superb example of this is Evangelion: End of Evangelion, which gave a real ending to that particular series rather than the dumb series-based 'Congratulations' ending.

I personally like the 'middle way' endings. Not too tragic, but not sappy either. Too tragic, like Cowboy Bebop, is terrible for me as it was just too bitter and abrupt. Yet too sappy, like Tenchi Universe just seems boring. My favorite ending is from Martian Successor Nadesico (the series, not the movie). Rather than spoiling the end by specifically describing it, I shall just describe the style. It's a fairly upbeat ending with some important plot developments, yet there is the lingering tragedy of death, so its not too sappy or too tragic. It is not too definate, as there are lingering questions left unanswered, making a sequal likely. Of course this may all change as on 16th February the Nadesico movie, the Prince of Darkness, is released on DVD in the UK. Perhaps this will have a tragic or sappy ending that will ruin it for me. Yet whatever has happened with the movie, the series end will always be perfect for me. Oh yeah, and ANYTHING has got to be better than the series ending for Neon Genesis Evangelion. That stupid, confusing ending with the 'Congratulations' finale was not 'middle way', it was just wierd and disconcerting.

A question over movies and the importance of them in being a true anime fan has been raised recently. That question seems irrelevant to me, but it seems to raise a far more interesting question. When a movie is made from an anime series, does it surpass the series? Having seen several of these, notably Cowboy Bebop: The Movie and Gundam Wing: Endless Waltz, I would say that they often have the potential to surpass the series from which they were born. This is as in movies there is a sufficent budget as well as better time and care taken over the animation and plot, than can be given to individual episodes in series. Even so, I have little doubt that many will oppose this opinion, just vote and give good justification for your vote, backed with examples.

I personally really enjoy Tenchi Muyo and Tenchi Universe...and to a significantly less extent Tenchi in Tokyo. This makes me exceptionally bitter (UK fans will know what I speak of) that Toonami have gotten rid of it along with Gundam Wing. I would not mind that if it were not for the way in which the only way, currently, to get Tenchi on DVD here is to import the region 1 from the US. In any case, why is it that no-one seems to discuss Kiyone as a great character? She may not have been in Muyo, but she is still a great character and one of the few sane characters in the show. Perhaps it would have been better for Tenchi if he'd got together with her.

Anime series vary in complexity depeding on the demographics of whom they are aimed at. So for younger fans who dislike complexity, there are always series like Dragonball Z or Pokemon, etc. For fans who like an added layer of complexity there are series like Martian Successor Nadesico and Gundam Wing, etc. It is only when moving into the heavier anime like Neon Genesis Evangelion (the later episodes mainly), Gasaraki and others that the complication begins to be a problem for general fans. Basically, just search around as anime as a whole entity is not complicated, its just that SOME series are more complicated than others.

I agree with the opinion that you don't need to see ANY anime movies to be a great fan. That said, I agree that Akira is a great film, though sadly a little dated now. Yet with newer great anime films, like Cowboy Bebop: Knocking On Heaven's Door and the Tenchi films, there are more and more superb anime films that are more recent. Therefore, focusing TOO much on some of the classic anime films, won't make you an 'anime god', it will just make you limited.

I really love the Cowboy Bebop series as it is both funny, complex and saddening (sometimes all at once). I'm unusual in that I actually like the standalone episodes, the ones which are not about the crew's past etc., the most. Episodes like 'Toys In The Attic' and 'Cowboy Funk'; are certainly among the best, while the more plot-heavy ones like 'Ballad of Fallen Angels' I find just too maudlin. Unfortunately, as I only got cable when CNX (which was the only channel in the UK that showed it) was just about gone. This means that all I have to watch it are a couple of episodes I managed to record of it before it was axed as CNX became 'Toonami'. This is until i'm able to buy a multi-region DVD player and import the Region 1 DVD set. The only Region 2 Bebop stuff over here is the movie.

The opening theme from Excel Saga, 'Ai Sincere Heart' is interesting. It's upbeat and a little strange...well no its actually REALLY wierd, with Hyatt's coughing etc. Yet it really conveys what the series is like. I.e. upbeat but REALLY wierd.

The opening theme from Excel Saga, 'Ai Sincere Heart' is interesting. It's upbeat and a little strange...well no its actually REALLY wierd, with Hyatt's coughing etc. Yet it really conveys what the series is like. I.e. upbeat but REALLY wierd.

On this side of the Atlantic, Excel Saga is virtually unknown as it is on no tv channels or anything. Those who I've shown it to have a mixed responce. Varying between those who hate it and those who merely think it's too weird. Personally, I really like it; the lunacy and strangeness of it only makes it more memorable and entertaining. Even so, having watched and read a lot of anime and manga helps...and that goes double for Martian Successor Nadesico.

Another sequence I like is from an episode of Gundam Wing: Une: "And what shall we do now Mr Trieze?" Trieze: "Let's just continue what we're doing now." Une: "You mean conquer the Earth Sphere?" Trieze: "Yes, that should be plenty." It's not memorable for comedy, but it IS a classic evil villian exchange.

Though its disputable about whether or not its a gundam, I like Trieze and his refitted Tallgeese. Though it was a little short-lived, it was the only effective Earth-Sphere mobile suit, (the gundams were either colonial or neutral NOT Earth). Plus, of course, Trieze was just a great and complex character. He even died in an elegant and dramatic manner.

I'd steer clear of Asuka Langley, the Second Child and pilot of Evangelion Unit 2, from Neon Genesis Evangelion. This is as not only is she an incredibly arrogant and abrasive character, but also because of her serious mental problems. That might seem a bit nasty - but as Shinji would say; "She's an absolute nutbar!"

Is there an anime series with a special Christmas episode that you love? What makes that Christmas episode so memorable in the series? There is one I love from my favorite anime - Martian Successor Nadesico. Episode 13 - There is even a special Christmas song 'Christmas In The Galaxy' in this special episode, along with parties, military takeovers and other memorable gifts. There is even a very special present for Akito - enforced retirement.

I'd say that while Tenchi and Ayeka would not work well as a couple, Tenchi and Ryoko would be worse. Ryoko seems to constantly terrify Tenchi in both speech and action, and she, just like Ayeka, is incredibly posessive. Plus, of course, Ryoko's habit of throwing energy around when she's angry would make her mismatched with about any poor, unsuspecting bloke. As for Tenchi, well...perhaps if you follow the Tenchi 'Muyo!', i.e. the first series, chain-of-events Sasami/Tsunami would be a better choice for him.

I think that three crucial anime quotes, which have been said by many extras and many villians should be noted; as they are all the last words of so many of them: "Isn't that some kind of new mobile-ARGH!' "It's a GUNDAAAAMMMM!!!' "What...impossible...this cannot be..." They might not be very funny - but we should hold every respect for the deceased... Well, that's enough respect for now. Any more funny quotes from well-known series like Tenchi, Gundam Wing, Evangelion, etc. anyone?

I believe that the very finest anime should be a fine blend of comedy and action, with some drama. If the mix of these three key elements is right, then a good plot, universe and characters can be achieved. Here are some series which I believe achieve this right sort of mix: Martian Successor Nadesico Cowboy Bebop Outlaw Star Neon Genesis Evangelion (at the start to the middle of the series at least) Tenchi (primarily Muyo but also Universe - I don't rate 'in Tokyo' very high) Gundam Wing Excel Saga

My reasons for disliking Relina are two-fold, partially her politics and partially her rather pitiful attempts at chasing after Heero. That ideal of pacifism that Relina chases after seems stupid in light of what events go on in Gundam Wing, what with the deaths of Heero Yuy (the leader of the colonies), King Peacecraft, Relina's own father, as well as Marshal Noventa. It could be argued that once Relina became Queen things could have changed, but her failure to succeed in deflecting the White Fang's plans through dialogue alone showed that. In the end, politically, Relina turned into little but a rather dangerous symbol. I also dislike Relina's chasing after Heero as she never seemed to manage to do anything or say anything of import whenever she succeeding in catching up to him. All she seemed to want to do was be near him, not have a formal relationship with him. In that respect I wholeheartedly agree with the opinion advanced earlier that Relina's relationship with Heero has more to do with infatuation than love.