Hey, Jap Crap People

[Grislygus]

I need to get a gift for a girl who's into this anime shit, and I haven't watched any of it. I like to give awesome gifts, but seriously, the only even remotely interesting animator I can find is this "Kihachiro Kawamoto" stop-motion guy, and his stuff sounds a little dark to give to a sheltered Christian girl.

So anyway, I'm looking for recommendations that she wouldn't have heard of that won't inexplicably involve any demon rape orgies or similar Japanese customs.




Yes, I know how gay this thread is, but I'm out of ideas, dammit >:

[Dr. Boogie]

Define "inexplicably".

Seriously, though, without knowing anything about her tastes, it's hard to make a recommendation. I'd say Rumiko Takahashi's stuff is good for safe, entry level anime. It's cute and funny, and as your girlfriend's tastes mature, she'll eventually realize that all her stuff goes on forever and eventually starts to repeat.

Fushigi Yugi is a nice romantic comedy sort of anime, too.

[Tadao]

If you gave us some examples of what anime shit she likes, I'm sure we can help you empress the panties off of her.

[Grislygus]

"Impress", Tadao. Anyway, I know for certain that she likes this one miyazaki dude and a bunch of somewhat annoying shows.

[Grislygus]

Having now looked her up, Takahashi seems to have made those somewhat annoying shows, so I guess she's a fan.

[Guitar Woman]

get her a Kirara plush. Girls like stuffed animals, right?

http://kaiyashasanime.com/Merchandise%20Pics/Kirara%209inch%20Plush.gif




Protip: it doesn't look nearly this shitty up close.


also, make sure you pronounce it Kilala or she'll get nerd raged

[Grislygus]

I really, really do not want to be seen giving that to someone, but that kind of seems like her thing. Hopefully last resort.

[Tadao]

I like Miyazaki, unfortunately, there isn't really anything (that I know of) that has the same feel or style.

[Pentegarn]

Dr. Boogie has it exactly right, get her the Fushigi Yugi Ultimate Collection. Even the girls I have dated that don't like anime like Fushigi Yugi.

This is a tad pricy (much less so than it was about 4 years ago, but it is the complete collection) http://store.animearigato.com/f00123.html

You might be able to do better on eBay, I got mine there way back when for about $40 plus shipping

[Guitar Woman]

she might like FLCL, too, unless she's already watched it.

[Zomboid]

:lol

[Fathom Zero]

Read or Die and Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi.

And Big O is just plain cool for anybody.

[Phoenix Gamma]

The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya is really good, and FLCL is probably my single most favorite piece of animation ever. Both look really nice and are fun to watch, even for the haters.

It depends what she's into, though. Most chicks who like the animez are into the stuff guys are into (Naruto, Bleach, that kind of garbage,) though there's a lot of stuff for chicks too. Inuyasha is the female equivalent of Dragonball Z, so that's another safe bet.

Personally, I'd recommend sitting down and watching Adult Swim on Saturday night at around 11PM EST for some ideas, because that's when they show the most anime, and you can get her input on what's on. Otherwise, people will just recommend all of their favorite stuff, and you'll get nowhere.

EDIT: If she's REALLY into anime, Lucky Star is basically 20 minutes of anime references with cute children and J-Pop. I think she'd have to be an anime nut to love it. Think Seinfeld but with high school girls talking about anime and video games, and you're on the right track. Either you love or hate that one, though, so be careful when considering it.

[Guitar Woman]

The only good thing about Lucky Star is the opening.

The FLCL ULTIMATE EDITION or some crap is a little pricey for a show with only 6 episodes, but the packaging and extra content on the DVD are really topnotch and well worth it. Also, if you order it from the right place on the internet, you get a free T-Shirt. And STICKERS. That is my reccomendation. Anyone who likes Takahashi or Miyazaki should also enjoy FLCL.


Edit: http://discountanimedvd.com/Product-22678-Anime-FLCL-Fooly-Cooly-Ultimate-Collection-DVD-Box-Set.asp

[Fathom Zero]

The only reason Fooly Cooly is popular is because of the off-beat art style and the shitty soundtrack.

[Guitar Woman]

The ending made me sad.

[Fathom Zero]

The best part was when it ended and I didn't see it on Adult Swim anymore.

[Guitar Woman]

for people who don't watch anime y'all sure complain about it a lot

[Fathom Zero]

Oh, I do. I would be ignorant if I didn't. But Fooly Cooly is still shit, bein' all wacky.

[Phoenix Gamma]

That's because the story probably went over your head. FLCL is awesome if you actually understand what's going on.

The second episode, when they finally reveal the who the arsonist is and all the little hints throughout the episode? That was awesome.

And GW, I enjoyed Lucky Star once I lowered my intelligence to the proper level (13 years old).

[Fathom Zero]

That's because the story probably went over your head. FLCL is awesome if you actually understand what's going on.

Oh please. If the Mock Wars were still around... well, nevermind.

I'd rather not entertain your notions of superiority.

[Guitar Woman]

If you care enough there's actually a pretty legitimate story and/or message, but you don't

[Fathom Zero]

Care to describe it to me? PERSUADE ME? Elaborate, fiend.

[Guitar Woman]

Well, actually, when you strip out all the KUH-RAAAAAAZY bullshit it's more or less your standard coming-of-age story. But they reference Crystal Pepsi, and that makes it ok.

[Fathom Zero]

Wow. I tell you what, that just rocked me. It rocked me to the fucking core. As a matter of fact, I'm going to go buy the DVD now. And a Wii. That's how much I believe in what you just said. I thank you, Gee Dubya, for opening up my eyes wider than they've ever been before and letting me see in the true light. Of Jesus.

[Guitar Woman]

What would you guys do without me!

[Fathom Zero]

Fuck babies, probably.

[Phoenix Gamma]

I'll do it:

First, the story starts with Naota telling off Mamimi. Mamimi is in high school, and dated Naota's older brother before he went to America to play baseball. Now she constantly flirts with Naota as a replacement for her lost love.

Then Haruko(sp?) hits Naota on the head to test his brain and see if it's capable of N.O. (something explained later). When Naota's head starts to act strange, she realizes his brain is experiencing N.O., and befriends/uses Naota throughout the series to further her progress towards uniting with Amtamask, the king of thieves.

Eventually, N.O. is explained as the relationship between both sides of the brain, which causes a wormhole of sorts to form in the head, causing everything to come out in the 6 episodes. Atamask becomes the king of thieves by using N.O. to steal anything from anywhere, and Haruko wants to bring him to her by using Naota.

Then there's this whole bit with Medical Mechanica trying to take over the world/universe by clouding peoples' minds and "smoothing out the wrinkles of the brain". The military wants to stop them, but they also want to prevent Atamask from tearing shit up, so they try to persuade Naota to give Haruko the boot.

In the end, Naota becomes Atamask (or the other way around) and shit gets real. Medical Mechanica's factory is stopped, then Atamask leaves Naota's body and goes back to wandering the universe, much to Haruko's chagrin. She leaves to chase after him, while Mamimi, after finally becoming a bit more stable, leaves to study photography. Naota goes back to school and decides to stop being a whiny little bitch and grows a pair.

There's all sorts of morals in each episode about coping with issues, "swinging the bat", etc., so that's more than I'll go into. But really, there's a lot of stuff that anyone would miss if they don't pay close attention, and it usually takes two run throughs to get a grasp on everything.

So yea, FLCL's pretty rad.

[Fathom Zero]

I knew all that, save a few small bits; it's but a six episode series. I'm tired of seeing it. I really am. Your girlfriend will love anything to deal with FLCL, Grislygus.

[Grislygus]

Hang on a minute here, from what I understand, this Miyazaki guy has made the artsy flicks that girls like, with the howl's moving castle and princess fucking watanabe or whatever. I know for a fact that she's into that.

Now, my little brother has filled me in on this Fooley Cooley show, which apparently has intense sexual undertones, insane bullshit, more insane bullshit, and lots and lots of violence. I'm not getting why this would not freak the hell out of a sheltered home schooled girl.

That fushigi show seems like she would like it, though, lots of girly crap, but I really do not want to spend over fifty dollars on a cartoon. I've ordered this "Tales from Earthsea" thing as a backup, but no telling if the third party seller will get it here in time. She's into the whole fantasy thing, is that Nasica thing GW's always talking about in the ballpark?

[Phoenix Gamma]

Well fuck, FLCL isn't that bad, but if you need something that safe, then Howl's Movie Castle and Princess Mononoke are fine and critically acclaimed.

[Tadao]

Yes FLCL is that bad. Stop defending it so hard and face it. It isn't for everyone. I love FLCL but the sexual tones are too much for Gus's hussy.

[Dr. Boogie]

You could try showing her Yotsuba&. That one's funny, and I believe it's fairly safe.

His & Her Circumstances is another good romantic comedy-type show that shouldn't really have anything that will upset your girlfriend's delicate sensibilities.

And also, your summation of FLCL is correct. Don't bother with it.

[Fathom Zero]

I assumed any Anime fan worth their salt would love FLCL. She's not really a fan if she's the sheltered Christian girl. She better be hot, Grisly, or she's not worth the pursuit.

[Dr. Boogie]

Meh, FLCL is too stylized and wacky for me. Plus, I didn't really think it was that funny.

[executioneer]

gristlygus why are you after sheltered xtian anime fans, are you jon clement now

[Grislygus]

I hope not. Normally people who are that into Japanese culture annoy the hell out of me, but for some reason it's just adorable that she is.

I feel like a patronizing piece of shit :(

[Tadao]

Is this forbidden love? Is it the best?

[Grislygus]

If I wanted "forbidden love", I'd have gone for the chubby, illiterate trailer trap who worked at the Burger King across from the college.

[liquidstatik]

i like howl's moving castle :o

[Mr.Hoopla]

Lupin III is always good. Mix bugs bunny and james bond and voila'! you got Lupin.

[Tadao]

Don't get Lupin. That is a horrible suggestion.

[BlackHexen]

Kill that slut. She is just stupid. Liking Japan only because there comes few good cartoon-series. She deserves death. In Japan people hates nerds more than in west. Work is way too important to them. I know! Buy to her a trip to the Japan. When she see how shitty country it is, she gets normal and itäs more funnier to you to be with her.

[Phoenix Gamma]

I dunno. Lupin's pretty funny for such an old cartoon.

[pac-man]

Go take her to see Speed Racer. I also like BlackHexen's idea... the trip to Japan part, not the murder part.

[Emu]

Anything by Miyamoto. They're all well-animated and girls love them. Princess Mononoke is the only one I really like personally though :<

[Guitar Woman]

uh
http://sayonaraai.files.wordpress.com/2007/11/shigeru_miyamoto_060605.jpg

[Guitar Woman]

Actually, Princess Mononoke would be a fantastic movie if Miyamoto directed it



MAMA MIA! ASHITAKA, YOU GOTTA DA DEMON CURSE!

[Fathom Zero]

I wish I was cursed. Then I could slice off a man's head with an arrow.

[Tadao]

I dunno. Lupin's pretty funny for such an old cartoon.

Yes, it is a great and funny cartoon, but again, the sexual tone (and it is extreme in this case) is what he is staying away from. Come on guys... we are trying to hook up a crazy gore driven madman with an innocent doe eyed Christian girl.

We can do this! But he must lure her to the dark side slowly, not blind side her with anime panties!

[Phoenix Gamma]

Whatever. If you want an anime that safe, buy Sailor Moon, wrap it in bubble wrap, and be done with it. Finding a good anime without sexual undertones is like finding a good hooker without STDs. Christ.

Spirited Away, Princess Mononoke, Howl's Moving Castle. I hear The Girl Who Leapt Through Time is good, too. There. Four good movies. Squeaky clean.

[10,000 Volt Ghost]

Grisly...Not to sound tacky but try taking her to a flea market. They usually have a lot of cute anime stuff and just watch how she reacts to different items. Then go back and get something that she liked. Not only will she like what you got her but she'll notice that you remembered something she liked. Usually works for me.

P.S. If you feel weird buying something cute for your girlfriend just go buy a bow and arrow or something else manly too.

[Phoenix Gamma]

I just asked a few friends if they had any ideas. After they laughed at me, I explained your situation. They said The Girl Who Leapt Through Time was really good. They also said Marimite was a good show, but I've never heard of it before. Fruits Basket is another one they recommended, but that show's so cute that it gives me an ulcer.

Mushishi is another really good one that came out in America. I'd say it's good even as a movie (and not 'good for an anime.") I didn't see all of it, but I saw a good chunk and I really liked it. 4th rated anime ever, 1st if you take out all of the violent/sexual stuff ranked above it.

[Tadao]

Whatever. If you want an anime that safe, buy Sailor Moon, wrap it in bubble wrap, and be done with it. Finding a good anime without sexual undertones is like finding a good hooker without STDs. Christ.

And that is why Gus made the thread...

You are kinda dense in the head aren't you?

[Phoenix Gamma]

And then I gave him seven popular suggestions that have all had good reviews.

Then again, I'm trying to actually give suggestions, not reject them.


Anyways, I just finished watching one of the suggestions, The Girl Who Leapt Through Time. I liked it a lot. Animation was good, the story was nice, and it was an overall entertaining movie. I always thought Time Travel was a really cool concept, so I really, really enjoyed it. Starts off pretty slow, though, but man does it get amazing. I'd probably recommend Spirited Away or Howl's Moving Castle over it, just because I think they're more accessible films. But as a film, I'd say it's worth watching, even by yourself.