Ramblings Of An Aspiring Manga-Ka

Here is my top ten anime list. They are not written according to rank.

1. Get Backers

- this is my most favorite anime of all time! I just adore the storyline! I think it's very unique. Beside, who wouldn't say yes to the series' squad of bishounen (*cough* Kyouji Kagami *cough* Ban Mido *cough* Raitei *cough*). What really won me over though was the fact that the story really isn't what it seems at first sight. The starting episodes would give the viewer the impression that the whole series will just revolve around Ginji and Ban's re-taking missions but once you get to finish watching it as a whole, you will realize that what the story is trying to show is the unique bond that ties Ginji and Ban together. I hate it when people pair these two. Yes, YAOI hater here.

2. Shaman King

- Kudos to Hiroyuki Takei-sama's imagination! I just love this anime. It's very distinct and unique. The idea of furyokus, oversouls, and power spirits amaze me. This anime mixes old and modern spirit perspectives well. But the only drawback was that Yoh believes that spirits shouldn't be used as slaves or toys. It is a good thing. But, when you watch the anime, you will see that the anime itself counters that belief. Or maybe it's just me. I don't know but that's what I saw when I watched it on DVD.

3. Naruto

- Let's face it: Naruto is extremely overrated. This anime has battalions of fangirls (Of which Sasuke's and the Akatsuki's are still leading), one long heck of a story, and insignificant filler episodes. Don't get me wrong, I like Naruto. It's just that I think it's length is really unnecessary. And the plot of the anime is somewhat vague. In the beginning, the episodes clearly state that Naruto's goal is to become the Hokage, which, of course, will generally lead the fans to thinking that that is the main plot of the story. Also, that fact alone will tell a fan that this'll be a long anime, simply because of the fact that someone like Naruto would take gazillions of years to become someone fit to be Hokage. But the filler episodes are just annoying. People today prefer watching short animes with substantial stories. But, oh well. Naruto is a unique ninja boy story, with unique characters, each having unique pasts and unique techniques. Besides, it has its fair share of ninja cuties, so what the heck?

4. Prince of Tennis

- Another overrated anime series. PoT has LOTS of fangirls, but these fangirls aren't true fans as far as I'm concerned. Why? Because they just became a fan of the anime because of Ryoma, Fuji, Tezuka, or [insert another pretty boy tennis player's name here], and not because of the anime itself. I will not be a hypocrite though and I will admit it: PoT indeed has a bunch of the prettiest boys you'll ever see in anime history. At one point, you can't blame these girls either. PoT doesn't exactly have a great, award-winning plot. It's basically all about Seigaku trying to win the Prefecturals, then the Regionals, and then the Nationals, right? No interesting side story. It amazes me also, the fact that almost every character in this anime has ego the size of an ostrich egg, and the fact that almost every character in this anime would commit suicide upon losing a match. I myself am an athlete. I play badminton and I know that losing is such a heartsore but I won't consider it a heinous crime. But, I still like PoT. It's...charming, to say the least.

5. Meine Liebe

- If the previous two were overrated, this one's underrated. Meine Liebe is not that popular, but despite that, I think it has a great story and great animation. Meine Liebe originated from a dating sim, and was made into an anime. I think this anime is one of the best from-videogame-to-anime animes. The only thing I don't like about it is the fact that there isn't a heroine. For a yaoi hater like me, at least one heroine is a must, and the closest thing to a heroine this anime has is Erika Klause. But despite that, Meine Liebe is a short yet substantial anime. I highly recommend it.

6. Yakitate! Japan

- This one's an example of a long anime which deserves its length. Yakitate! Japan is highly comedic and entertaining, with just the right amount of drama. If this anime was a bread recipe, it'll be a tasty one. Like any other cooking-related anime, Yakitate has its fair share of exaggerated reactions (all thanks to Kuroyanagi). Despite being exaggerated, said reactions are highly entertaining and the puns used in this anime will really make one laugh, even a foreigner, provided that the dubbed version you watched was dubbed very well. Anyway, Yakitate has a good storyline, and what's more, some of the bread Kazuma baked were actually sold in Japan during the time this was shown in Japan. Amazing, right? I would pay anything to taste the bread that takes you to heaven.

7. Full Metal Alchemist

- I only need one word to describe this anime, and that is AMAZING. All caps. Yes, I believe I share the same sentiments with those who have watched FMA. Everything about it is great: the storyline, the characters and their traits, the alchemy action, and the political and military aspect of the show. Every episode was well-crafted, with the right amount of action, comedy, and gore in each. This anime made Alchemy more interesting than it was before. Heck, I took Chemistry seriously, half of the reason being FMA and the other half being my educational welfare. The only thing I despised was the ending. Damn, Ed and Al didn't have to be brought to another place at another timeline. It was so not cool!

8. DN Angel

- This is my kind of a short and sweet anime. A lot of people have criticized  DN Angel for several reasons, but if you're someone who likes to see romance, action, and fantasy all in one short anime, then this anime is for you! DN Angel won me over because of the fact that students can pretty much relate to what Daisuke, Riku, and Risa were going through. Those were very typical junior high emotions, and with the addition of two pretty boy angels, everything became much more perfect. Also, Daisuke's dialogues were VERY touching, especially during the course of his infatuation with Risa. I cried. Yes, I did. Those dialogues moved me so. For me, DN Angel is a very good anime with a great storyline and great animation. Period.

9. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters and Yu-Gi-Oh! GX

- Since they're both of the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise and since I like them both, I've decided to tie them up at #9. First off, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters.

I realized that the main drawback in watching every Yu-Gi-Oh! anime is the fact that some fans don't know how to play the game. It is, in fact, very easy. The franchise has its own games for several portals including PS, PS2, PSP, Gameboy Advance, and PC. One can learn through these games. Also, trading cards are sold all over the world. As long as you know the basic rules, you will survive. I find playing Yu-Gi-Oh! a major stress reliever. Onto the anime. Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters features Yugi Mutou, who, would be later known as the King of Games in the sequel, GX. In a lot of ways, this one is better than GX. Aside from being the "flagship" series of the franchise, Yu-Gi-Oh! Duel Monsters has expounded the card game's history and purpose. Of course, the Millenium Items added very significant bonuses to the storyline, and it was ingenious, to make the three God Cards tie everything up in the end. Basically, this anime focused more on the game's history, and it served as a really satisfying introduction to the world of Duel Monsters.

On the other hand, Yu-Gi-Oh! GX, the sequel, focused more on a school known as Duel Academy and its students, the main hero in the form of Slifer Red student, Judai Yuki. This sequel takes place ten years after its prequel, and Seto Kaiba was the one responsible for making the said academy (damn, I could imagine Seto, sitting on a revolving chair in his office, with all his business tycoon glory). Anyway, this sequel focuses more on the game. Plus, a whole bunch of new cards were added to this sequel, such as the Elemental Hero card series, the Destiny Hero card series, and the Elemental Hero Neos card series, but favorites like the Harpie Lady deck and Dark Magician deck were still present. After all, nothing can beat the original.

All in all, the Yu-Gi-Oh! franchise is simply outstanding. Being a duelist myself, specializing in a water attribute deck, I highly thank Kazuki Takahashi-sama for making a very fun past time.

10. Gakuen Alice

- And last but certainly not the least, Gakuen Alice, better known as Alice Academy. It has a basic storyline but the animation and the extreme distinction of each alice power is what sets this apart from other animes. It was also highly romantic (Major Natsume X Mikan fan here!). The only thing that annoyed me was the fact that the hero and heroine were ten year olds. Hello!? Romance seemed unreal! I just wish they were at least 12, so that I really could savor the romance.

That's it for my top ten! Hope you enjoyed reading this post!