Anime is a form of Japanese cartoon which has become very popular in the 
West lately. Despite being animated cartoons, most anime contains adult 
themes, such as swearing, gore, the supernatural, blood and violence. Please do 
not think Pokemon or YuGiOh when you hear anime! This has been tamed 
down for children in the west, and is by no means a measure of other series.
 
 
WHY SHOULD YOU WATCH ANIME? 
Many many reasons - here's 3 :) Unlike many of the cartoons and movies we are 
used to from America, the Japanese do not rush their storylines to get straight 
into action. Like a good wine, they mature as time goes on, and once you've 
finished one bottle it leaves you feeling satisfied and damned ready for another...
 
Secondly, anime is an insight into a culture fundamentally different from 
Australia - and infinitely more interesting. The pleasures of a good anime series 
folding out in front of you are second to none.
 
Thirdly, the wealth of supernatural/fantasy/martial arts/magic and sci fi spanning 
much of the available anime series out there will make anyone interested in any 
of those genres (and lets face it, who doesn't like at least one of them?) literally 
start to salivate at the choice and selection.
 
 
ANIME 101 
A few tips for newbies...
 
1) I would ALWAYS recommend watching a subtitled version (where the 
original Japanese voices are left intact and you read the translation) of a series 
over a dubbed version (where [usually] Americans have dubbed over the 
Japanese voices with their own). Some people would say otherwise, but the 
original Japanese seiyuu (voice actors) put a lot more feeling into their acting. 
Trust me, the anime makes more sense and sounds better "subbed" rather than 
dubbed.
 
2) You may come across the terms OAV (Original Animated Video) or OVA 
(Original Video Animation). These mean that the series you are watching is 
quite short, of high quality animation and sometimes a prologue or ending to a 
series on television.
 
3) Some... ok most... anime series I have found to start off quite slow. Never 
scrap a series unless you have seen to AT LEAST ep 5... or it is really... really.... 
bad. Like the animated Street Fighter movie. Now that is bad...
 
4) Some anime have "mecha" in them - these are just robot-like things which 
can sometimes have people in them. Think the big thing in Power Rangers, or 
those Transformer things.
 
 
WHERE TO START? 
There are literally thousands of anime series out there, for those new to anime it 
can be a bit overwhelming to know where to start. However, I've tried to make it 
easy by categorising the most popular anime into genres - that way you can pick 
and choose the cream of the crop in whatever area interests you. As you become 
more and more experienced, you will automatically start to branch out to find 
series that interest you.
 
Additionally, the two reliable review sites at the end of this guide will become 
your Bible and Koran when you start to find your feet.
 
 
[list=1][u]Fantasy[/u] 
.hack//SIGN - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Science Fiction, Adventure. A bit slow but worth it.
 
Angel Sanctuary - Review by The 
Anime Review 
Notes: Romance, Psychological. Highly recommended as a beautiful, haunting 
and memorable series. Intense 3 part OVA.
 
Witch Hunter Robin - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Amazing and appealing animation, with a storyline to boot. Magic hasn't 
been this good since you were 5.
 
Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Great story, Great... no, fantastic animation! Plus its a stand alone movie 
- quick and easy to watch.
 
The Vision of Escaflowne - Review by 
THEMAnime 
Notes: Mecha + Fantasy combined. Highly watchable, great storyline. A must 
see.
 
 
[u]Science Fiction[/u] 
Neon Genesis Evangelion - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: The grand daddy of Sci Fi anime. This people, is the best anime ever 
written. However, saying that, please realize there are 2 camps of anime fans: 
those who like NGE, and those who don't :P
 
Serial Experiments Lain - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Mind-bending Matrix-like sci fi - get past the first few eps and you'll be 
hooked. A classic.
 
The Animatrix - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: If you liked The Matrix, you MUST watch this collection of short anime 
by the best in the industry. I cannot stress this point enough. Go. Now. Get it!
 
Akira - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Anime classic that is a must see - sci fi at its best.
 
Bubblegum Crisis Tokyo 2040 - Review by 
PointBlank 
Notes: Mecha. Weird name, pretty good anime - mecha chicks kicking butt :)
 
The Ghost In The Shell - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Amazing. Think Matrix.
 
Iria: Zeiram the Animation - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Oldie but a goody.
 
 
[u]Fighting[/u] 
Dragonball Z - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: I know what you're thinking: no way. HOWEVER, watch the original 
Japanese subtitled version (Anime Headquarters fansubbed it). It is actually a 
very good (and loooong) series full of insane powerups and awesome fighting 
scenes. Cmon, I'm a chick and I'm still recommending it!
 
S.Cry.Ed - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Also a bit of Sci Fi. Highly watchable and riveting. Great fight 
choreography.
 
Rurouni Kenshin - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: A classic and widely loved samurai/fighting anime.
 
Hunter x Hunter - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Fantasy/Fighting. Fantastic and riveting series. You'll quickly be hooked.
 
 
[u]Comedy[/u] 
Chobits - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Comedy/Romance. Another tried and tested classic.
 
Love Hina - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: Comedy/Romance. Contains breasts and breast-pokey noises. Guys, need 
I say more?
 
Cat Soup - Review by PointBlank 
Notes: WEIRD AND WONDERFULLY RANDOM. A movie that is well... 
just... read the review :P
 
 
[u]Romance[/u] 
Saishuu Heiki Kanojo - Review by 
Cokesque.com 
Notes: Mecha. Sure guys, its a romance... but this is a truely touching anime. By 
ep 4 you'll be hanging out for the next one. Also translated as "She, The 
Ultimate Weapon."
 
"The anime’s subtitle is "The Last Love Song On This Little Planet." And as 
Shakespeare knew well, the best love stories are tragic."[/list]
 
 
So there we have it, a guide to starting out in the wonderful world of anime! 
Please do not hesitate to email or message me with any questions, and enjoy 
yourself.
 
Emma (Serephine)
 
 
[list=1]RELATED LINKS: 
PointBlank Anime 
Reviews - easily the best and most comprehensive anime review list on the 
net. Provides objective reviews followed by opinions, a nice layout and detailed 
character information.
 
THEMAnime 
Reviews - another good reviews site, but they are subjective. Only use if 
PointBlank hasn't got what you want.[/list]

If you would like to contribute an article then email us at