AnimeSuki Forums

Jsamano · 2007-04-16, 22:07

I just finished Ergo Proxy tonight. It was very confusing but I liked it. I also enjoyed Noein which I finished maybe 6 months ago. Anyway I'm looking for some "thinking anime" that came out pretty recent. If not, then somthing with awesome character development, people I can get attached to.

Thanks for all the reccomendations in advance.

flou · 2007-04-16, 22:21

Try Bokurano, it's pretty complex (note: it just started so it hasn't gone very far into the story yet)

HurricaneHige · 2007-04-16, 22:23

Eureka SeveN has pretty good character development, and a pretty good story too...personally i didnt like the mechs at all but the story made up for it

Code Geass is probably one of the best in terms of character development

I cant remember anything that is as confusing as Ergo Proxy....closest i can think of is Ghost Hunt, but most of it is supernatual stuff than thinking...

zalem · 2007-04-16, 22:28

I agree with the above poster, in terms of character development I think Code Geass is quite excellent. Though I wouldn't say it's a "thinking" anime. It has its serious moments, but it has silly ones too. Heh, but that's what I like about it.

[edit] Though shouldn't this be in the general anime section? Just thought it was kind of odd to find it here.

Jsamano · 2007-04-16, 22:43

Quote:

Originally Posted by zalem

I agree with the above poster, in terms of character development I think Code Geass is quite excellent. Though I wouldn't say it's a "thinking" anime. It has its serious moments, but it has silly ones too. Heh, but that's what I like about it.

[edit] Though shouldn't this be in the general anime section? Just thought it was kind of odd to find it here.

Maybe, I dunno I don't wanna throw in the "i'm new" card. BUT, I am looking for somthing fansubbed so I can own it via torrent, so maybe this is the approprate section.

7Th · 2007-04-16, 23:05

Ignore the Geass suggestions, the anime is really fun because of it's trashy storyline and idiotic characters, theres no real development or thought-provoking concepts inside it. You may take the Bokurano mentioned above, so far it's a perfect adaptation of a great existential human-tragedy manga, which at least manages to keep itself interesting through.

Koroku · 2007-04-16, 23:14

Bartender

AvianWing · 2007-04-16, 23:16

Wrong place. But don't worry, the moderators here are good. For future references, go to the suggestions subforum.

click me!

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7th

Ignore the Geass suggestions, the anime is really fun because of it's trashy storyline and idiotic characters, theres no real development or thought-provoking concepts inside it. You may take the Bokurano mentioned above, so far it's a perfect adaptation of a great existential human-tragedy manga, which at least manages to keep itself interesting through.

I sense a flame war coming.

Saber Cherry · 2007-04-16, 23:17

Quote:

Originally Posted by 7Th

Ignore the Geass suggestions, the anime is really fun because of it's trashy storyline and idiotic characters, theres no real development or thought-provoking concepts inside it.

I'll second that

For 2006, I would say...

Zegapain * (though it does not appear so for the first 3 episodes)

Thought-provoking, but with a foot in the horror/mystery genre:
Higurashi*
Monster
Death Note*

All three are quite thought-provoking, to the point that you have to sometimes stop between episodes and try to put the pieces together.

Loli action:
Gunslinger Girl

For 2007... probably Darker than Black*

Prior to these...
I suggest 12 Kingdoms.

Possibly Mushishi, but I've only seen episode 1.

Koi Kaze

I put an asterisk by the ones that I think are legally available on torrent (check the licensed list to make sure). All of them are much more than surface level.

P.S. I watched about 18 episodes of Eureka 7, waiting for it to get good, and... I never found any depth, and I can safely say I thought it was simply bad. I hear there are thought-provoking revelations toward the end or something, but the first half was basically "Dudes on surfboards" + angst.

Guardian Enzo · 2007-04-16, 23:43

Definitely Mushishi, if it fits your timeline restrictions. Noein was a good choice for you - incredibly intellectually dense and daring. I recommend Death Note, but I don't really think it fits your first requirement - it's basically a fun, trashy, simplistic snuff-thriller masquerading as an intellectually challenging drama. Still, it has some good character development.

On that front, it's hard to imagine a series with better character development than Bokura Ga Ita. It drove me crazy at times, but I've never been more emotionally involved. I second the Higurashi recommendation, because for all it's faults it is one that requires a lot of intellectual participation. Kanon is another great one for character, and it's more challenging than it's detractors would have you believe.

Still, based on what you're asking for, I think Mushishi is your best bet.

Saber Cherry · 2007-04-17, 00:07

Quote:

Originally Posted by Guardian Enzo

I recommend Death Note, but I don't really think it fits your first requirement - it's basically a fun, trashy, simplistic snuff-thriller masquerading as an intellectually challenging drama. Still, it has some good character development.

Your description is accurate, but there is still a level of thought to it, the same one that Detective Academy Q and Detective Conan have. Are they intellectual or deep series? No, not at all... but (at least some of the episodes) make me think quite hard trying to detect the flaws, find the contradictions, etc. Watching passively will ruin the fun. In Death Note, there is a big focus on laying traps and counter-traps by the two main characters, so it's almost like watching a chess game unfold - plus unexpected external events - while you try to guess the strategies, or who has the upper hand.

solomon · 2007-04-17, 01:01

Well now, although i think Code Geass is QUITE overrated i wouldnt call it trashy, so much as fluffy popcorn entertainment (well made one though)

Can anyone vouch for Towards the Terra? I think that should have some heavy themes and social commentary if that counts.

Grv · 2007-04-17, 07:41

Well, Dai Sato (Ergo Proxy, Eureka 7) is on the writing team for Terra e.

Personally I found Code Geass to have some pretty good plot twists. You could also give Juuousei (Jyu Oh Sei) a watch. In addition to that there is as mentioned earlier, Bartender.

This one is a little off topic but I'd think in terms of mindset if you like the more "thinky" shows, you may prefer the shows geared towards an older age group such as Hataraki Man.

7Th · 2007-04-17, 07:47

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grv

Well, Dai Sato (Ergo Proxy, Eureka 7) is on the writing team for Terra e.

Personally I found Code Geass to have some pretty good plot twists. You could also give Juuousei (Jyu Oh Sei) a watch. In addition to that there is as mentioned earlier, Bartender.

This one is a little off topic but I'd think in terms of mindset if you like the more "thinky" shows, you may prefer the shows geared towards an older age group such as Hataraki Man.

Plot twists don't equal good storytelling though....especially when they’re as badly done and predictable as Geass’, which actually managed to be comedic most of the time. About Terra e... is probably as good as a mainstream dystopia science fiction bishounen anime can get, it has a great old-school vibe too. Mushishi is also a great choice, if only for the low-key direction and great subtle script.

miaka · 2007-04-17, 09:03

xxxHolic - mystery/folklore/licensed
The Third - action/adventure
shinigami no ballad - slice of life

zalem · 2007-04-17, 10:01

Quote:

Originally Posted by AvianWing

I sense a flame war coming.

Nah, it's not even worth it. People like what they like and hate what they hate. I'm not going to try to convince someone who hates CG to like it.

I never said it was in the "thinking" category, but I do think it's enjoyable and feel the OP should give it a shot. It doesn't hurt to try it. If he doesn't like it, he can just stop watching.

gknight · 2007-04-17, 10:16

highly recommend Princess Tutu.

rman0099 · 2007-04-17, 13:21

As someone above said: Monster, Hiragashi, and Death Note. Monster has been subbed in full by 2 very repuatble groups (I would recomend A-kraze's). Its good that Monster is finished since it gets you hooked and having to wait can kill some of the suspense on a series like that.

But DEFINATLEY start watching Death Note but watch only from one of the HQ groups. A series like DN cannot be watched from a speed subber since you need to have the proper feeling and dialogue conveyed through. The characters are very intelligent and a LQ sub may not convey the right dialogue and mood.

Navel · 2007-04-17, 17:31

Thought provoking.... mmm.... you want some brain damage, don't you ? ^^

Evangelion - this was the anime that caused brain meltage to most people, its creators received death treaths and you will find many saying either that it's trash or too deep; parents' influence on their children, the purpose of life, the meaning of one's struggle and more. After seeing it, visit EvaOtaku and see what you missed. (do it before seeing the show and it will spoil everything like you could not have imagined)

Infinite Ryvius - the characters are children, what can be thought provoking about it ? Well, take those children and put them in a death or life situation. A real one, with no fantasy or magical sidekicks ready to step in and help them. A very cynical look on human nature in this anime.

If you want to see something without angst but still "interesting", have a look at The Big O. Now, what I like about this anime is that it has the great Batman comics feel. Until you hit a certain episode that's different from all previous ones, and it just screams at you: "you're not getting this at all !". Even worse, the folowing episodes don't seem to continue this one at all, making you take it for a fluke. But elements that don't really seem to fit do build up, and though you enjoy it for the show value, you can't really stop thinking that you don't understand the puzzle. Have a look at wikipedia, but only after seeing it, you'll appreciate the show more. ^^

Neither of these are from 2006-2007, though. The vintage this year was not good enough. Maybe Welcome to the N.H.K.!. (you'll see soon enough the comedy is only a disguise for the characters' drama)

negativeone · 2007-04-18, 21:27

how come nobody mentioned Paranoia Agent. now thisis a real "thinking anime"

In “Paranoia Agent,” Shounen Bat assoults a number of people who are in some way victims of social problems. i.e. A boy who cannot bear to be less than number one, in a school system that demands competition. A “proper” woman destined for a bland marriage and career, the only outlet for her sexuality being a split personality who is a sex worker. An avid video game fan who has lost his ability to see a reality, and so much more. Like the tittle mentions all characters become paranoic and since thhey cannot reconcile their true self with social expectations and long for a release, they are assoulted by shonen bat.

Spoiler:

Paranoia Agent is definitely a must watch. At first it wont make sense, but if you pay attention to all the symbolism going on, you will get it.

2007-04-16, 22:07	Link #1
Jsamano Junior Member Join Date: Apr 2007	2006-2007 intellectually provoking anime? I just finished Ergo Proxy tonight. It was very confusing but I liked it. I also enjoyed Noein which I finished maybe 6 months ago. Anyway I'm looking for some "thinking anime" that came out pretty recent. If not, then somthing with awesome character development, people I can get attached to. Thanks for all the reccomendations in advance.

2007-04-16, 22:23	Link #3
HurricaneHige Uguu~ Join Date: Jan 2007 Location: Canada	Eureka SeveN has pretty good character development, and a pretty good story too...personally i didnt like the mechs at all but the story made up for it Code Geass is probably one of the best in terms of character development I cant remember anything that is as confusing as Ergo Proxy....closest i can think of is Ghost Hunt, but most of it is supernatual stuff than thinking... __________________ Sig's coming soon ~_~ (since 07....) My rant blog (omg i'm blogging now, and not just anime)

2007-04-16, 22:28	Link #4
zalem Senior Member Join Date: Feb 2007 Location: NYC	I agree with the above poster, in terms of character development I think Code Geass is quite excellent. Though I wouldn't say it's a "thinking" anime. It has its serious moments, but it has silly ones too. Heh, but that's what I like about it. [edit] Though shouldn't this be in the general anime section? Just thought it was kind of odd to find it here. __________________

2007-04-16, 23:14	Link #7
Koroku formerly JKaizer Fansubber Join Date: Dec 2005 Age: 35	Bartender __________________ .~.

2007-04-17, 07:41	Link #13
Grv 宜しく Fansubber Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 40	Well, Dai Sato (Ergo Proxy, Eureka 7) is on the writing team for Terra e. Personally I found Code Geass to have some pretty good plot twists. You could also give Juuousei (Jyu Oh Sei) a watch. In addition to that there is as mentioned earlier, Bartender. This one is a little off topic but I'd think in terms of mindset if you like the more "thinky" shows, you may prefer the shows geared towards an older age group such as Hataraki Man. __________________ Yoroshiku Fansubs: Website \| Twitter \| IRC

2007-04-16, 22:21	Link #2
flou That's no lady Join Date: Dec 2005 Age: 33	Try Bokurano, it's pretty complex (note: it just started so it hasn't gone very far into the story yet)

2007-04-16, 23:05	Link #6
7Th Mixtape Join Date: Feb 2006 Age: 35	Ignore the Geass suggestions, the anime is really fun because of it's trashy storyline and idiotic characters, theres no real development or thought-provoking concepts inside it. You may take the Bokurano mentioned above, so far it's a perfect adaptation of a great existential human-tragedy manga, which at least manages to keep itself interesting through.

2007-04-16, 23:43	Link #10
Guardian Enzo Seishu's Ace Author Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Kobe, Japan	Definitely Mushishi, if it fits your timeline restrictions. Noein was a good choice for you - incredibly intellectually dense and daring. I recommend Death Note, but I don't really think it fits your first requirement - it's basically a fun, trashy, simplistic snuff-thriller masquerading as an intellectually challenging drama. Still, it has some good character development. On that front, it's hard to imagine a series with better character development than Bokura Ga Ita. It drove me crazy at times, but I've never been more emotionally involved. I second the Higurashi recommendation, because for all it's faults it is one that requires a lot of intellectual participation. Kanon is another great one for character, and it's more challenging than it's detractors would have you believe. Still, based on what you're asking for, I think Mushishi is your best bet.

2007-04-17, 01:01	Link #12
solomon Senior Member Join Date: Sep 2006 Location: Suburban DC	Well now, although i think Code Geass is QUITE overrated i wouldnt call it trashy, so much as fluffy popcorn entertainment (well made one though) Can anyone vouch for Towards the Terra? I think that should have some heavy themes and social commentary if that counts.

2007-04-17, 09:03	Link #15
miaka Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2005	xxxHolic - mystery/folklore/licensed The Third - action/adventure shinigami no ballad - slice of life

2007-04-17, 10:16	Link #17
gknight shounen ai Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Israel Age: 36	highly recommend Princess Tutu.

2007-04-17, 13:21	Link #18
rman0099 On my nut Join Date: Aug 2004	As someone above said: Monster, Hiragashi, and Death Note. Monster has been subbed in full by 2 very repuatble groups (I would recomend A-kraze's). Its good that Monster is finished since it gets you hooked and having to wait can kill some of the suspense on a series like that. But DEFINATLEY start watching Death Note but watch only from one of the HQ groups. A series like DN cannot be watched from a speed subber since you need to have the proper feeling and dialogue conveyed through. The characters are very intelligent and a LQ sub may not convey the right dialogue and mood.

2007-04-17, 17:31	Link #19
Navel Senior Member Join Date: Dec 2006	Thought provoking.... mmm.... you want some brain damage, don't you ? ^^ Evangelion - this was the anime that caused brain meltage to most people, its creators received death treaths and you will find many saying either that it's trash or too deep; parents' influence on their children, the purpose of life, the meaning of one's struggle and more. After seeing it, visit EvaOtaku and see what you missed. (do it before seeing the show and it will spoil everything like you could not have imagined) Infinite Ryvius - the characters are children, what can be thought provoking about it ? Well, take those children and put them in a death or life situation. A real one, with no fantasy or magical sidekicks ready to step in and help them. A very cynical look on human nature in this anime. If you want to see something without angst but still "interesting", have a look at The Big O. Now, what I like about this anime is that it has the great Batman comics feel. Until you hit a certain episode that's different from all previous ones, and it just screams at you: "you're not getting this at all !". Even worse, the folowing episodes don't seem to continue this one at all, making you take it for a fluke. But elements that don't really seem to fit do build up, and though you enjoy it for the show value, you can't really stop thinking that you don't understand the puzzle. Have a look at wikipedia, but only after seeing it, you'll appreciate the show more. ^^ Neither of these are from 2006-2007, though. The vintage this year was not good enough. Maybe Welcome to the N.H.K.!. (you'll see soon enough the comedy is only a disguise for the characters' drama)

2007-04-18, 21:27	Link #20
negativeone Member Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: GTA Canada Age: 32	how come nobody mentioned Paranoia Agent. now thisis a real "thinking anime" In “Paranoia Agent,” Shounen Bat assoults a number of people who are in some way victims of social problems. i.e. A boy who cannot bear to be less than number one, in a school system that demands competition. A “proper” woman destined for a bland marriage and career, the only outlet for her sexuality being a split personality who is a sex worker. An avid video game fan who has lost his ability to see a reality, and so much more. Like the tittle mentions all characters become paranoic and since thhey cannot reconcile their true self with social expectations and long for a release, they are assoulted by shonen bat. Spoiler: Once assoulted, the characters become victims and they are alleviated of responsibility. Paranoia Agent is definitely a must watch. At first it wont make sense, but if you pay attention to all the symbolism going on, you will get it.