Comics & Literature

7 Animes For Anime Newcomers

Published

3 years ago

September 2, 2020

We know that anime is adored in Japan, but with its popularity surging across the world, where should you begin if you want to delve into the anime-verse? Which animes are good for newcomers?

Anime has been a popular and integral part of Japanese culture for decades. And although it has cult followings in other parts of the world, it’s never been as popular as it is right now.

But despite this surge in popularity, it might be hard for beginners to know where to start.

With interest in it growing, we take a look at some of the best series for those who want to love anime. Here are 7 animes for anime newcomers.

7) Parasyte

Kicking off our list in seventh place is Parasyte.

17-year-old Shinichi Izumi is partially infected by a Parasyte; monsters that butcher and
consume humans. He must learn to co-exist with the creature if he is to survive both the life of a Parasyte and human, as part monster, part person.

With echoes of Venom, this stunning science fiction anime has a bold story and rock-solid
character development. And although the fight scenes are something else, there’s a theme to this which transcends mindless fighting.

If you enjoy watching something that makes you think – but also allows you to escape reality – we couldn’t recommend this more.

6) Vinland Saga

If you have an image of a stereotypical anime, this probably isn’t it.

Far from being set in Japan or some other equally ultra-modern, futuristic world, Vinland Saga is set in Dane-controlled England in the 11th century.

Protagonist Thorfinn pursues a journey with his father’s killer, in order to take revenge and end his life in a duel as an honourable warrior, and pay homage to his father.

Treason, violence, schemes, twists, shocking deaths, great characters – it’s all here. Some have even compared it to a Viking-filled anime version of Game of Thrones.

And although the story is slower than we’d ideally like for anime newbies, it makes for a more believable, realistic, and detailed world that’s easily enjoyed.

5) Samurai Champloo

This has to be one of the most mind-bending, laughter-inducing plot descriptions we could ever imagine. But that’s where the mocking stops because what unfolds turns out to be a mature drama, an action series, an uproariously funny comedy, and a visual feast all in one.

Fuu, a waitress who works in a teahouse, rescues two master swordsmen, Mugen and Jin, from their execution to help her find the “samurai who smells of sunflowers”.

One of the definitions of ‘champloo’ is ‘mixed-up’, and that’s what this series is: a stylish blend of old-school values, meshed with more modern sensibilities, fighting styles, and visual design. Plus, it doesn’t hurt that the soundtrack features some of the best hip-hop from modern Japan.

This is a great anime for those new to the anime world because every episode has a level of
adventure and mystery that keeps you thoroughly hooked.

As the title card of the first episode says, “Just shut up and watch.”

4) Attack On Titan

You know it’s gonna be good when the manga is a best-selling series, with over 100 million
tankōbon (single volume) copies in print worldwide.

The story is set in a world where humanity lives within cities surrounded by enormous walls that protect them from gigantic man-eating humanoids AKA Titans. It follows Eren Yeager , who vows to retake the world after a Titan brings about the destruction of his hometown and the death of his mother.

It’s brilliantly written and is one of those rare series’ without a single ‘slow’ episode. Y’know, the kind where you plan to watch just one and then all of a sudden you’ve binge-watched 20 and have DVT in your legs.

There are countless twists and turns, shocking revelations, and heartbreaking moments that’d make even Hitler shed a tear.

Plus, you can enjoy the finale with the rest of the world, since it’s fourth and final season is
scheduled to premiere in late 2020.

3) One-Punch Man

The clue’s in the title. Yes, One-Punch Man is about a man who kills people with one punch.

Sound lame? Think again.

Although One-Punch Man may sound like the dullest and most predictable series ever, it’s
actually so fun to watch and has fight scenes that really pack a punch (yeah, we went there…).

Fact is, although Saitama (One-Punch Man) can destroy anyone in one hit and mock them as though they’re nothing, it never becomes boring. In fact, part of what makes this so great for anime newcomers is the fast pace, incredible action sequences, and colourful ensemble of supporting characters that make it an all-round solid anime.

With sublime detailing, mind-blowing fight scenes, and a generous hit of comedy for good
measure, OPM is one of those animes that’ll hook even the most sceptical viewer, especially for newcomers.

2) Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood

This is the second part of another popular series, Fullmetal Alchemist. But you don’t have to
watch the first one to enjoy this bad boy.

It follows two brothers who are searching for the philosopher’s stone, hoping to restore their
bodies which were lost when they attempted to resurrect their dead mother. However, they’re
not the only ones seeking the powerful stone. And as they search, they learn of a plot to
transmute the entire country.

If you’re looking to pop your anime cherry, FMAB is an epic place to start. Unlike some series’ which can be fairly slow, FMAB is packed with action from the get-go, with gripping sub-plots that weave masterfully into the main storyline.

The characters are executed perfectly, and you’ll find yourself loving, despising, and
sympathising with animated characters as though they’re real people.

1) Death Note

Without a doubt, this had to go at the top of our list of animes for newcomers.

The story focuses on a high school student who discovers a supernatural notebook, granting its user the ability to kill. That’s the basic premise – but the reality is so much deeper than that.

Death Note is one of the best psychological thrillers you’ll find in the anime-verse. It’s a battle of wits between two of the greatest, most intellectual characters in this genre, with unexpected plot twists that even Sherlock Holmes wouldn’t have foreseen.

There are only 37 episodes (which is barely a scratch when it comes to anime) but they’re all
packed with suspense-filled moments. I’m talking edge-of-your-seat-bursting-to-pee-but-refusing-to-move kind of anticipation.

In fact, it’s such a good story that Netflix turned it into a film in 2017. Sure, hardcore anime fans will say it’s not a patch on the 2006 TV series (and they’d be right), but it goes to show that the story was good enough to become a $40 million live-action film.

Epic storytelling, brilliant characterisation, jaw-dropping cliffhangers, and a masterful
screenplay. It has to be watched to be appreciated – and is everything we could wish for in an anime for newbies.

Do you agree with our list of animes for newcomers? Which anime would you recommend for someone keen to get into it? Leave us a comment below.

Check out more of our latest television articles HERE.

Read IMDB information about Parasyte HERE.

Check out IMDB information about Vinland Saga HERE.

Find out about IMDB information on Samurai Champloo HERE.

Read IMDB information on Attack on Titan HERE.

Find out IMDB inforamtion on One Punch Man HERE.

Check out IMDB information on Fullmetal Alchemist Brotherhood HERE.

Read IMDB information on Death Note HERE.

Related Topics:Anime Japan Movies Newcomer TV

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Comics & Literature

DC Fandome 2021 – Revelations, Trailers and the future

Published

2 years ago

October 18, 2021

Sarah Casserley

At the recent virtual DC Fandome 2021 over 66 million fans tuned in across 220 countries. They listened in 12 different languages. All to find out the scoop on what’s to come for the comic book franchise, new DC revelations and even watch trailers of soon to be released films and TV shows.

But, if you weren’t one of the millions to be watching from home, below is the Film, TV and Gaming announcements and revelations that would interest any DC fan.

FILMS

Black Adam

DC Fandome 2021 started with a world exclusive trailer of Black Adam! The man himself Dwayne Johnson. Along with a host of the films other stars including Pierce Brosnan, Aldis Hodge, Quintessa Swindell and Noah Centineo. They introduce themselves and the exclusive trailer.

During the 4-minute intro below, you see Johnson excitably launch his passion project. He explains how much the Black Adam universe means to him. We are also told that the film is currently in post-production with the film being released on the 29th of July 2022.

We don’t get much information or storyline from the trailer. But Dwayne’s enthusiasm for the character and the gritty darkness of what we do get in the trailer is enough, for now, to keep us excited about this Movie.

Aquaman and the Lost Kingdom

During the day’s events, Jason Momoa was on hand to give fans an in-depth dive into the world of Aquaman. Firstly, apologising for the four-year wait. However, Momoa and director James Wan appeased fans with a host of behind-the-scenes clips. Plus a glimpse of some unusual conceptual art. Which included quirky looking desert creatures and giant grasshoppers.

We have also been promised by Wan that we are going to be getting a film that’s more mature, giving the audience something new, exciting and an experience we haven’t seen before. The 2-and-a-half-minute look into the sequel, below, was enough to make any fan excited for its theatrical release in December 2022.

DC’s League of Super-Pets

A fun animated adventure was also announced. DC’s League of Super-Pets will bring super-pets like Krypto and Ace the Bat-Hound to life for the first time.

In an exclusive trailer, fans were introduced to the two pups, voiced by Dwayne Johnson and Kevin Hart, in a light-hearted look into the film. The full movie voice by the comedy pairing along with some other famous names such as Keanu Reeves and Vanessa Bayer is set to be released next November.

The Flash

Another film trailer to hit the DC Fandome 2021 screens was The Flash. Portrayed once again by Ezra Miller and directed by Andy Muschietti. Fans were introduced to the trailer and the concept of the film, where the Flash unlocks the DC cinematic universe. He time hops back to the ’90s where Michael Keaton, reprises his role, he originated in 1989’s ‘Batman’ and 1992’s ‘Batman Returns’.

We’re elated that we get another film with Michael Keaton as Batman. Even if the storyline does sound a little farfetched. We’re sure Muschietti will get the narrative across perfectly and the film will be an instant hit. The film is due to hit cinemas in November 2022.

The Batman

The DC Fandome 2021 team knew exactly what they were doing when they left the release of the second Batman trailer to the very end of the day. Like fans around the world, we also couldn’t wait to see more of Patterson, fully suited up, showcasing his gritty take on the hero. Director Matt Reeves, Robert Pattinson (Batman) and Zoe Kravitz (Selina Kyle/ cat woman) were there to lead the trailers release.

Granted the jury is still out if Patterson can pull of the dark knight or not but we have to admit we are excited to see him in action. We also have a sneaky suspicion that for the first time in a film setting since Michelle Pfeifferthey may have nailed the casting for Selina Kyle with Zoe Kravitz. We don’t have long left to find all this out though, as after a few Covid related interruptions Batman is now set to be released in theatres on March 4th, 2022.

Injustice and Catwoman: Hunted

If some of these DC film releases seem a little far away, fear not because we were also made aware that two animated films will be released quite soon. With Injustice’s release this October and an anime-inspired animated DC offering in the form of Catwoman on February the 8th 2022, both the feature-length animations will be available on digital, 4K and Blu-ray. To take a sneak peak of Catwoman: Hunted you can watch the trailer below.

RETURNING TV

When it came to the TV side of the DC world there were a lot of announcements and trailers mainly around continuing shows such as, Titans, Supergirl, Legends of Tomorrow and Stargirl along with the more anticipated trailers for:

Batwoman

Has been renewed for another season, despite the departure of Ruby Rose. The new trailer showcased its new Batwoman – Ryan Wilder played by Javicia Leslie.

Doom Patrol

Is set to be returning for a fourth season. During the announcement followers of the show were treated to a wonderfully odd and endearing mid-season trailer.

The Flash

Is set for yet another inter-universe team up as The Flash team takes on a deadly mission against the ‘Armageddon’ villains. Which could decide the fate of humankind. The villainous gang is headed up by Tony Cuttan as Despero, Arrowverse’s Tom Cavanagh as Eobard Thawne/Reverse Flash and Neal McDonough as Damien Darhk.

NEW TV

Peacemaker

First seen in this summer’s ‘The Suicide Squad’ Movie, John Cena’s comedic take of the Peacemaker is set to have its own HBO Max show. The fun and quirky trailer to the first series premiered at the event. Along with a behind the scenes look at the making of the series. It shows that director James Gunn is staying true to his unique, comedic style. The Trailer also shows the other great actors involved in the series including the hilarious ‘Orange is the New Black’ star Danielle Brooks, Christopher Heyerdahl, Robert Patrick and Jennifer Holland. This eight-episode series is set to be released on 13 January.

The Sandman

Viewers of the event didn’t find out much about this Netflix offering. But we did get glimpses of Gwendoline Christie as Lucifer Morningstar. Wwhich let’s be honest along with the announcement that this is actually happening, is enough to get most of us DC fans excited about its release. There is no release date yet but I’m sure over the coming months there will be more announcements about this extraordinarily dark and forbidding series.

NAOMI

Based on the comic book series of the same name created by Brian Michael Bendis, David F. Walker and Jamal Campbell. The TV adaptation of the story was announced with a one-minute ten-second trailer. This superhero drama is based around a comic book-loving teenager who discovers she has superpowers. Her curiosity leads her onto a journey into the Multiverse in search of answers. We haven’t got a definitive release date yet, but we have been promised it will be in 2022.

GAMES

Suicide squad: Kill the Justice League

Since the announcement of this game at last year’s Fandome we haven’t had much information or even any gameplay footage. However, at this year’s event, we did get quite an in-depth trailer and a little look at the storyline. In this game, the player gets a choice of playing Harley Quinn, King Shark, Captain Boomerang or Deadshot. As they take on a new mission against an alien threat that has brainwashed the Justice League. There is still no hint to a release date or even a gameplay trailer, but we have been assured 2022 will be full of hints about the game and hopefully a conclusive release date.

Gotham Knights

Another game trailer that was released at the Fandome, that excited fans across the world was Gotham Knights. Continuing its Arkham-style adventures, Games Montreal has been working hard on the narrative and gameplay functions of this game. This game, in particular, was supposed to be released sometime in 2021 but it was delayed and we have now got a 2022 release time frame.

In this game you get to play a number of characters including Batgirl, Nightwing, Robin, and Red Hood in an open-world action online RPG in order to uncover secrets and take down the Court of Owls.

So there you have it, some of the top DC new from the Fandome 2021. What do you think about all the new announcements? What are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments below..

Read our review of DC’s The Suicide Squad HERE.