Anime? Anime.

I told you I don't blog often.

Sit down, young Reader-chan, let me tell you a story.  About six months ago, I was young, naive, and, most importantly, I didn't know the first thing about anime.  I thought anime was weird, I thought that it was the one thing I would never get into, now I look back at that past self and laugh diabolically.  LOOK AT WHAT I HAVE BECOME.  Ahem. SO.  Anime is fantastic but I understand that most of you are probably a lot like I was.  "I don't know what to watch!" and  "I won't like it!"  You say in this hypothetical scenario.  Don't worry, hypothetical you, I'm here to help! I am your anime Sensei.

Here are some things you need to know about anime:

1. It's different from other means of storytelling.

Anime is completely different from a lot of things you probably already watch and like.  Different doesn't mean bad, it means different.  It may take you a while to get used to the style of the animation and the way the story is told, don't give up on it right away.

2. Not all anime is the same.

If you don't like Attack on Titan, (first of all, how dare you?) you may really love Ouran High School Host Club, or the other way around.  Anime is completely its own shindig so there are several different genres to choose from.

3. It is perfectly okay if you don't like it.

You may just not like anime or an anime show but before you decide that, give it a proper chance and don't be mean about not liking it.

THE GOLDEN RULE OF ANIME: Give every show at least five episodes, if not ten.  

A lot of anime shows tend to just drop the viewer right into the world without explaining much.  Chances are, you won't like a show after the first episode, give it a chance.

Now here are some recommendations!

My first anime and my favorite anime, I will never not recommend this one: Attack on Titan

Attack on Titan (or Shingeki no Kyojin) is a apocalyptic anime in which all of what is left of humanity is under attack from giant, humanoid creatures called Titans.  The story begins when the outermost wall, wall Maria, is broken down by a giant, abnormal Titan, called the Colossal Titan.  The three main protagonists, Eren Jeager, Mikasa Ackerman, and Armin Arlert make it to the safety of the next wall and the show follows them on their journey in joining the military and aiding in humanity's effort to defeat the Titans.  This show is pretty violent and kinda scary but also super well written.  It has amazing character development and a whole bunch of really amazing characters.  

If you can watch The Walking Dead, you can watch Attack on Titan, son.  

If you want to start with something a little bit lighter but still dramatic: Full-Metal Alchemist

Full-Metal Alchemist is widely known as one of the best anime of all time, it has comedy, romance, mystery, likable characters, a good plot, and everything else.  The show follows two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, who learned the art of alchemy and are on a quest to retrieve something they have lost.  FMA is rated PG and has a light feel without being a comedy, it's a great place to start watching anime.

If you want to start with something super light and set in the modern world: Chihayafuru

Chihayafuru is probably the cutest anime ever and is steadily becoming one of my all time favorites.  This show is about three teens, Chihaya, Taichi, and Arata, that play a competitive card game called Karuta and their path to becoming the best players in the world.  I really can't do the show enough justice, you just have to watch it.

So go on, young Reader-chan, go forth and watch anime or at least stop judging anime, I wish you luck on your journey.  

Lucy