Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: Grim Ripper [GrimRipper] / Anime.fin [anime_fin]

My opinion: Delicate subject we got here. So yea, we’re talking about incest. But don’t get the wrong idea : the anime is in fact quite serious. And if the theme itself was not risque enough, the author chose a huge age gap between the main two characters (15 years old and 27 years old), ouch!
I found the characters’ personalities to be very deep and interesting to follow throughout the series. As their love for each other keeps growing, so does their torment : Feelings become a torture, and a line is drawn that must not be crossed.
Which of the two will prevail? That is for you to discover!
I highly advise you to watch this series in one sitting if you can, because you’ll most likely loose the “vibe” if you take a break (13 eps total).
One last thought : Some of you may find the subject of incest disgusting, but remember that love takes many shapes. Falling in love is not something you control. People’s attraction for each other is a complex thing!

Preview:
Opening theme below.

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: B-G & m.3.3.w Fansubs [B-G & m.3.3.w]

My opinion: While boys can appreciate this show too, it is mostly aimed at the ladies (don’t say I didn’t warn you). This is not a masterpiece, but quite refreshing to watch. Getting into the story is quite easy, and there are no fillers whatsoever. The flow is quite ok, and nothing feels rushed either. Fans of the Victorique era can rejoice too, as the setting is right inside that period. Downside is.. there is no second season! 12 episodes is a short watch, and you’ll have reached the end before you even notice it. Please note that there are 6 anime shorts that aren’t listed on aniDB (they are on MAL though), and you can watch those on youtube. Overall, a refreshing little romance anime. Note that Mizuki Nana is voicing the main character (well, you’d have recognized her voice immediately anyway), and Midorikawa Hikaru is voicing the Earl. Those two make a really nice combination.

Preview:
Below is a PV of the said anime. It doesn’t show much, though.

Expect the unexpected.

Categories: Action, Angst, Dark Fantasy, Dystopia, Fantasy, Military, Post-apocalyptic, Seinen, Sexual Abuse, Tragedy, Violence

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: Gray-Phantom [G_P]

My opinion: The thing I like with old anime series is the immersion. Most modern anime are unable to come up with something that makes you feel (deeply) like you are in a different world, with different rules and societies. Ima, Soko ni Iru Boku is quite misleading at first sight (especially episode 1), and the tags do not seem to match what the image suggests either. I too, was wondering what I was watching when I played the first episode. But after a few episodes, the anime showed its true colors : cruelty in a world that has long lost its morals. Ima Soko is an anime that has a deep meaning behind its story, and will leave you in thoughts after you watch it. It certainly isn’t a show for everyone!
An adult story with childish characters that you will long remember.

Preview:

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: Exiled-Destiny [E-D], Oyasumi Fansubs [Oyasumi]

My opinion: Everyone has probably seen this series already, but for the few of you who didn’t, this should be on the top on your watchlist
Long story short, this series is a blast. It has great chara development, the right length, nothing rushed, hilarious moments, and much more.
At first glance, you’d think only Tatsuhiro (the male protagonist) has trouble with his life, but at the story progresses, you understand that there is much more to the story than what you first thought.
Ah, I don’t want to spoil you anything, but don’t miss out that one!
So many ratings can’t be wrong, right? You know you want to watch this.
Beware of Pururin brainwashing though.

Preview:

“Freshly” released. Can’t say the same for those fishes though

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: WhyNot? Fansubs [WhyNot]

My opinion: No ANN ratings for this one, as it just got released. I’ve looked around a little bit, and it seems people have very mixed opinions about this anime. People who’ve read the manga seem to dislike the anime adaptation (at least most of them). I personally didn’t read it, and I pretty much enjoyed the OVA. Despite being 70 minutes long, you have no time to feel bored, as the “hell mode” flag is switched on pretty quickly. I could blame ufotable for introducing some scenes mainly as “selling points” (you’ll get what I mean if you watch it), but overall I think it’s a pretty good watch for those who enjoy anime with gore and horror as the main themes. Mature watch, so be warned.
I wanted to post a trailer, but as the official one spoils about three quarters of the story, I’ll just pass on this one.
Oh, and try not to eat before watching this, as you may feel really good depending on your resistance level against horror attacks.

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: Hitsuji Fansubs [Hitsuji]

My opinion: An old show from 2004. The show was decent : neither good nor bad. The length (12 episodes), was just about right. Characters were all likable as well : you’re unlikely to hate any of the characters. The animation was surprisingly good for such an old show (gj Gainax). The setting felt pretty generic to me, and is definitely not the main selling point here. However, the pace is just about right and doesn’t feel rushed : I think they did a decent job at bringing the story elements altogether throughout the episodes.
The main idea they had in mind here was to include some ecchi/nudity as the main selling points (which is what they did). There are a few nude scenes scattered here and there in the anime, though don’t expect too many of them. Generic ecchi can be enjoyed (or not) from time to time during the episodes.
This is not an anime that should be on top of your to-watch list, but it is quite enjoyable when you want to watch a lil’ romance anime with no character names’ headache or übercomplex story.
I personally found it quite decent and, most of all, relaxing.

Preview:
Below is the official promo video. It’s funny how cheap the selling points were at that time : *voice yelling* “SF Bishoujo Anime!”, like.. “It’s great ! Buy it! Buy it!”.

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: Anime-Kraze [Ani-Kraze], Soldats [Soldats]

My opinion: Ah, a thriller (and a good one, on top of that).
74 episodes may seem gigantic, but that is just what this anime needed. While the animation may feel a bit old (well, the anime is old after all), the story is top notch and will keep you entertained from start to finish (if you like thrillers, that is). Tenma must find the true culprit behind a series of murders, while trying to avoid being arrested for a crime he did not commit (Runge <3). Facing countless dire situations in his quest for the truth, will Tenma manage to find the true criminal? That is for you to discover
This anime is well known in its category, and is definitely worth your time if you like true thrillers. The ratings do not lie :>

Preview:
This is the opening of the anime. PVs would spoil too much.

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: Static Subs [SS], Kira-Fansub [Kira-Fansub]

My opinion: A classic in its category. Opinions are very disparate about this series, but overall I’d say it’s leaning pretty much on the positive side of the balance. Mai-Otome is part of the of the Mai-HiME universe. I’d personally recommend to watch the Mai-HiME series first before watching this, as Mai-Otome is part of the same Universe, but with some different characters. If you’re not familiar with they Mai-Universe, the story centers around Otomes: girls whose bodies are filled with nanomachines, allowing them to transform and use advanced powers. It was a pretty good series imo, on par with Mai HiME (although many people prefer Mai-HiME) : The animation is good, so are the story and characters. The pace is ok, and it wraps up nicely (although you may be wanting some more after!).
Kudos to the soundtrack, which is simply awesome (same thing for Mai-HiME, and maybe even more).
Overall, I think it’s worth your time. If you’re wondering what’s with the “materialize” talk around Mai-HiME/Otome, you’ll understand after a few eps

Preview:
Couldn’t find any decent trailer, so I picked the 2nd opening.

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: a.f.k. Fansubs [a.f.k.]

My opinion: A show mostly aimed at girls, but boys can watch it as well. This series is what I’d call an anime “classic”, must see for your anime culture. The visuals are pretty good, especially if you consider how old the anime is (2002). The story and chara development are quite ok as well. The strong points here are the songs, which are quite good imo. They’ll most likely leave a good impression on you both during and after the series (remember people, the songs & animation are from 2002, not 2011, so put yourself in the context).
Will the little Mitsuki manage to achieve her dream before her time runs out? Well, that is for you to discover :> The plot has things you won’t see coming, trust me :p

Preview:
The vid below is the first ED, which contains minor spoilers (from 1st EP mostly), just so you know.

Source: Anime News Network

Recommended Fansubs: Wasurenai Fansubs [Wasurenai]

My opinion: If you’re reading this, it must mean that you didn’t run away after reading the summary. Unlike some of the previously featured DtA, this one is not for everyone.
Many people say that it’s similar to the Maria†Holic anime, but in my opinion the only common point they have is a boy cross-dressing as a girl and going to school ; everything else is different. It does have some fanservice, although not too much (just the right dose without excess, except maybe in episode 1). I was a bit skeptical about the content after reading the summary, but it turned out surprisingly OK, although some scenes or dialogues can feel very cliche, depending on your anime culture.
Overall I don’t regret watching this show. It was enjoyable, even though “something” (not the boy) felt really out of place (you’ll understand if you watch the show ). Before you ask me : yes, lots of “Onee-sama” speech as well.

Preview: