I hate Anime

Hi Laughing Man,

I downloaded some episodes of that anime that you really like and I have a lot of mixed reactions about it. But all good overall. The first two episodes really had me scratching my head about what you do and do not like in an animated show. At first the anime was really [dare i say?] pokemon like. It looked like an anime made for small children and girls and I was thinking how on earth can he like this but hate almost all other anime?

Then I got to the third and fourth episodes...





That was a very disturbing first few episodes. Now I know what you like though. Violence and weird stuff.

I am not saying it is a bad show because I am very curious what made him go so crazy. I will keep you up to date

I really do. Is something just lost in translation? Is there something that I as an American don't grasp?

When I was in college (a particularly nerdy college that I won't disclose) I had a lot of friends who were into these shows. Some of them bought DVDs and watched them at their apartments when I was around, but a ton of them I couldn't get into.

- Is it the outrageous hair colors and big eyes that turned me off visually?
- Is it the giant robots?
- Is it the inane shouting back and forth without ever fighting?
- Is it the giant swords that apparently Japanese men feel that they have to compensate themselves with?
- Is it the fireball throwing that really is only cool in video games like Mortal Kombat and Street Fighter?
- Is it the 'humor' that really makes me wonder what the fuck makes what they say and do supposed to be funny? (lost in translation, again)

I've pretty much decided that it's ALL of the above.

However, that's only when they're applicable.

During my years in college and through continued friendships, I did run across a few shows that I could actually "get into":
1) Ghost in the Shell (movies and series) - Apparently the source material that the creators of 'The Matrix' (the first and only 'good' one) used. Special Ops, hacking, violence, and deep philosophical roots. Good stuff.
2) Hellsing - Simply badass to every extreme. Excessive violence, foul language, and sex helps drive an intense supernatural storyline.
3) Higurashi no Naku Koro ni - Translated loosely as 'When The Cicadas Cry'. The most bizarre, horrific, and completely engrossing show I think I've ever watched. A complete psychotic experience that, despite its deceptively 'childish-look' is NOT FOR CHILDREN.
4) Deathnote - The one anime I actually herald as a genuine 'Masterpiece'. Amazing story, great character development, and an intense game of 'Cat and Mouse'. This one can't be missed.

The few animes I listed above actually have deep character development and excellent stories to tell, and most of them are also action-packed and entertaining as hell to watch. However, because of all the reasons I don't like the majority of anime, finding a good one is like digging through a mound of shit to find a quarter: You just don't bother until someone says, "LOOK!"

And even then you're hesitant...