The world of Anime is a vast wonderland. There are countless anime of various genres out there. For someone who is just about venture in to the anime utopia, it could be an extremely perplexing issue as to which anime they should start with. Choosing a poor quality anime to start with can have a negative impact and viewers may lose their enthusiasm in anime because first impressions are the most important. For this reason, I have decided to give a short review on 5 anime which are not only top notch but can also be labeled as ‘masterpiece’. These reviews will be a guideline for those who are new to anime and also will serve as a tool to make others interested in anime. The anime are as follows:
1. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is a 64 episode long anime produced by Bones Studios. It’s the story of two brothers who lost their mother due to an unexplained disease at an early age. Unable to imagine a life without their mother, the two brothers perform a forbidden alchemic experiment know as “Human Transmutation” to bring their mother back to life. However, the experiment goes horribly wrong and the elder brother, Edward Elric, loses his left leg and right arm and the younger brother, Alphones Elric, loses his entire body in the process. However, Edward somehow manages to bind his brother’s soul to a suit of armor. Now, the two brothers set out on an epic journey to find a way to get back what they lost and in the search of the fabled “Philosopher’s Stone” that can bend the fundamental rule of ‘equivalent exchange’ in alchemy.
On their journey they make trustworthy allies and meet foes. They face countless difficulties and overcome them together. The two brothers get wrapped up in a bigger and more diabolic conspiracy than they could ever imagine.They fight for what is right and fight for what they had lost that fateful nigh.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood is basically an action/adventure anime that focuses on the struggle of two brother and the hardship they encounter to get back what they lost. There is action, there is comedy, there are heartbreaks and there are moments that want to question morals and principles of the society that we live in. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood has something to offer to all types of viewers.
2. Code Geass
Code Geass is a 50 episode long anime. There two seasons both containing 25 episodes. The story is about a boy named Lelouch who one day encounters a girl named CC who gives him the power of “Geass”. This Geass gives Lelouch the power to command anyone to do anything and that person must comply, With his new powers Lelouch aims to destroy this world controlled by the corrupted Britannian rule and create a free world where his sister may live a happy life. Thus Lelouch starts fighting against the Britannian royal family and slowly creates his own army of rebels known as “The Black Knights” to take back freedom.
As the story progresses, Lelouch finds out that he is not the only person with the power of Geass. There are many of them with all sorts of different yet equally frightening abilities. His fight becomes more challenging as the Britannian empire fights back with its finest warriors.
Code Geass is a psychological/action anime. Lots of action scenes. But what makes Code Geass stunning is the psychological battle involved. Also, giant freaking robots!! Lelouch is also a pivotal aspect of the anime. A character who has a very noble intention but the path he takes to fulfill his dream of creating a world free from evil is not something everyone would approve of. Lelouch is the most ideal example of the famous quote from ‘The Dark Knight’ movie “You either die a hero, or live long enough to see yourself become a villain”. If you are a person who loves strategic warfare this anime is highly recommended for you.
3. Steins;Gate
Steins;Gate is a 24 episode long science fiction anime. It includes one OVA and a movie. The story circulates around Okabe Rinatrou, a self-proclaimed mad scientist. Along with his childhood friend Shiina Mayuri and a super hacker Hashida Itaru, they start the “Future Gadget Lab” where they create, you guessed it, futuristic gadgets. But all they could come up with are stuff of very little use. Accidentally one day they invent a device that enables them to send SMS/E-Mail to the past. The consequences of changing the past and thus affecting the future is the main focus of the show. Eventually, they are joined by young science prodigy Makise Kurisu and together they start experimenting on the premise that might actually be able to create a time machine to travel through time.
As the story progresses, Okabe’s fate takes a bizarre turn as he is faced with a life and death situation that almost pushes him to the point of breaking down. I will not ruin it anymore. To find out what it is and how he deals with it, you’ll have to watch it for yourself. In all honesty, Steins;Gate is one hell of an epic anime and it is my most favorite of the lot in terms of story.
Steins;Gate is basically an anime based on time traveling. However, unlike most clichéd time travel anime or movies this one has some extremely unique features. Not to mention this is one of those extremely emotion driven anime. If you are interested in science and time traveling this is definitely an anime you should begin with.
4. Death Note
Death Note is a 37 episode long anime. The story revolves around Light Yagami, a high school student and prodigy, one day finds a notebook in the school playground. Out of curiosity he takes the notebook with him. The notebook is called “Death Note”. He reads the instructions and comes to know that the notebook can kill any person whose name is written on it. Just to test it out, Light writes a name and to his horror, the person actually dies. He instantly realizes that he has stumbled upon an extraordinary weapon which can help him change the world and transform it into an ideal one. Little does he know that things will not exactly go according to plan.
Death Note is arguably one of the finest psychological thrillers out there. Suspense, mystery, plot twists, you name it and death note will deliver. From rivalry to friendship this anime is a roller coaster ride and will toy with your head. It will keep you on a constant adrenaline rush and throw curve-balls at you every waking moment. It will make you question what is right and what is wrong, It will make you questions morality, ideals and principles, It will make you think. That is the most appealing part of Death Note. On top of that it has two of the most iconic anime protagonists of all time, Light and L.
This anime a is a ‘must see’ for anyone who is stepping into the world of anime. This is the anime where you start and it will forever change your views about anime for ever. If you are a fan of suspense and mystery, this anime is highly recommended for you. Even if you are not, still watch it. You will not regret.
5. Fate/Zero
Fate/Zero is a 26 episode long action anime. The story is about the holy grail war that is essentially a death battle among seven mages. Each participant is paired with a servant who are heroic spirits from history that specialize in different fighting styles. The winner will obtain the holy grail, an omnipotent device that can grant any wish.
It entails the journey of our main protagonist, Kiritsugu Emiya, a noble man who wants to become a hero of justice. But unlike your typical righteous ‘nakama’ crazed shounen heroes, Kiritsugu is as human and realistic as it can be. He wants to protect the weak but he realizes that he cannot save everyone. Not to mention he is a total badass from the planet of ‘doesn’t give a shit’ and my most favorite anime protagonist. Honestly the characters of this anime are the most amazing aspect of the show. Even the minor characters are amazing enough to be the main protagonist of his/her own show.
Fate/Zero, in my opinion is, the finest action anime there is. The art style is fantastic, something that will entice the new viewers. If you are a fan of crazy action, violence and constant surprises Fate/Zero is definitely there for you.
These are five extremely top notch anime. They are the creme of the crop, the bee’s knees, the hot shiz! These are the anime that have set standards so high that most anime these days are not even close. To be honest no anime may ever match their standards. I highly recommend these 5 anime to those who are willing to start watching anime. With that said, I would like to welcome you to the world of anime. It’s amazing! You’ll love it here.
