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...

there was one i liked but i cant remember teh name. it was a scifi one that had jazz music and some white dude with an afro. ill have to check in later and tell you what th ename of it is

Cowboy bebop. good series.

what about final fantasy advent children? new version in the worx:

this the one Blades?

hahaha cool to find a forum that lets you post vids
the laughing mans got some of the good ones on his list. check them out

ghost in the shell season 2:


hellsing ultimate:

I wouldn't really call FF7AC anime. I would classify it more under CGI based more on a game. the series mentioned above are more original.

AC had some awsome action scenes but, again terrible translations scenes where some of it does not make sence. watch it again with the movie CC on and the TV CC on. even they dont match.

Damn, you've proven me a hypocrite with Advent Children. Not a great video as far as the plot holes big enough to put an enormous steel sword (that I now see is very disturbing for its phallic symbolism) through. However, the action scenes take the cake. Best ones are the bike chases and the free fall from the roof w/ guns blazing.

Oh well, I give Final Fantasy a 'free pass'.



Or i'll use his excuse

wow when were we able to post youtube vids?? thats the one, thx guys! you should watch this one to laughingman its not bad.
anything you like Zimes?

for anime the only thing I really got into was Cowboy Bebop. the movie is really good so you have a change go BUY it. The Robotech series I like as well.

there has been talk of other good ones like Ghost in the shell and others he likes but I forgot all the ones he mentioned. I will have to talk to him again sometime to get a list.