The Great Unwashed Anime: August

Despite the large number of anime series being released in the UK every month, there are still many shows that are yet to even see a stateside release. “The Great Unwashed Anime” is a chance for our team of anime addicts to give you a taster of some of the series that are currently restricted to Japanese shores; from the latest and greatest anime to the overlooked and forgotten, this unlicensed anime spotlight should whet the appetite of any curious anime fans.

Anime title: Bleach
Genre: Fighting, Supernatural
Preview by: Stuart Bullen

What’s the story?

Ichigo Kurosaki isn’t your average high school student, for one thing he can see the spirits of the dead. One fateful day his path collides with that of soul reaper Kuchiku Rukia, a top ranked Death God (shinigami) who banishes evil spirits known as hollows from our world. Following an attack on his family that leaves Rukia powerless, Ichigo takes on the mantle of Death God and vows to fight the malicious spirits in her place. Soon enough Ichigo learns that the hollows are the least of his worries and he will have to contend with a vast array of weird and wonderful characters in both his world and theirs.

What makes it worth watching?

At it’s core bleach is a very simple scrap em-up similar to any other Shonen Jump show I could care to mention. What differentiates Bleach from its peers though is an unshakeable sense of fun and a penchant for obscure, twist filled plots that are brimming with an eclectic cast of colourful and iconic personalities.

It’s not until the second half of its run that the series eschews its more humorous trimmings to reveal some stunning dramatic chops, and whilst in some shows such an ambitious shift can seem strained, Bleach intricately weaves it characters into every fibre of its being so this progression feels natural instead of forced. And that, for me is what makes Bleach such a compelling series, few shows can so effortlessly splice together so many genres without buckling under the weight of their own ideas, but Bleach manages this feat admirably not to mention with a freshness and style that is all of its own.

Throw in a healthy dose of absurd humour, some of the most bone-jarring samurai battles ever seen and a cast of deeply drawn and eminently lovable characters you have, for my money at least one of the best shows currently doing the fansub circuit.

Anime title: Maria-Sama Ga Miteru (both seasons)
Genre: Drama
Preview by: Michelle Howarth

What’s the story?

Maria-Sama Ga Miteru, focuses on the Lillian Girls School, a Catholic high school, which follows the drama, close friendships and relationships that occur between the pupils there. The school operates with a system where older girls can pick a younger student to be their “petit soeur”, the soeurs then help one another in their school lives. The story follows a first year student (at least she is at the beginning of the anime) named Yumi, and her life at the school once a popular second year student named Sachiko, expresses a interest in making Yumi her soeur.

What makes it worth watching?

There are many aspects of Maria-Sama Ga Miteru that make it worth watching in my eyes. At first glance the series subject matter could be seen by many as dull but this is far from the case. Drama is the name of the game at the Lillian Girls School, and it ensues in high amounts between the characters as the story progresses.

The series managed to stir a great deal of emotions from me as well, I smiled, I laughed, I cried, I really got emotionally involved in the series as a whole. This is indisputably due to the wonderful characterisation, each of the cast having their own unique traits making them interesting to watch in different ways. Seeing characters like the cold and distant Sachiko develop due to their interactions with others is truly compelling.

Maria-Sama Ga Miteru, also steeps in tones of romantic subtext between the cast (although it is up to the viewer how much they read into this), and in one case in particular in the first series it is clear that two characters are in love. Obviously this being highly taboo in a Catholic school provides its own share of problems which in my opinion provided two episodes which are possibly the best I have ever seen in any anime. Incredibly touching and moving. A combination of all the above factors are what makes this show (in my eyes) the current best on the fansub circuit.

Anime title: Harukanaru Toki no Naka De
Genre: Fantasy
Preview by: Jo Sarsam

What’s the story?

Ever since the Four Gods were stolen, the land of Kyou has been at the mercy of demons and vengeful spirits with only one hope of salvation- the arrival of the Ryuujin no Miko (Dragon Priestess). Having been drawn into this world, high school student Akane Motomiya discovers that she has been chosen to become the Ryuujin no Miko, and that the two friends that accompanied her- Tenma and Shimon- are two of her Hachiyou, the eight warriors that protect the priestess. Now, Akane must accept her role and seek out the other six Hachiyou if the land of Kyou is to be saved.

What makes it worth watching?

Although it may sound conceptually similar to Fushigi Yuugi (among others) Harukanaru Toki no Naka De proves to be a strong series in its own right. The characters are an interesting and varied bunch, and although the show has more than its fair share of bishounen, they all have strong enough personalities to be more than just eye candy. Despite a few clichéd aspects, the storyline is compelling and entertaining, and fans of fantasy and mythology will certainly find themselves in good hands.

The land of Kyou is really brought to life by some stunning visuals- the vibrant colours and superb animation mean that characters and settings are always easy on the eye. Couple this with a strong showing in the musical department, and the show’s presentation is hard to fault. It may not be one of the more popular shows out there, but even if the thought of so many bishounen makes you a little wary, Harukanaru Toki no Nake De is worth a look.

Anime title: Black Jack
Genre: Medical
Preview by: Andy Glass

What’s the story?

Black Jack is a mysterious, unlicensed doctor whose skills are legendary. He will perform miraculous surgery for anyone who is prepared to pay his extortionate fees.

What makes it worth watching?

Based on the manga by the “God of Manga”, Osamu Tezuka, Black Jack is a refreshing change from the usual giant robots and magical powers anime. Each episode is a stand-alone story, and usually present the viewer with moral and ethical dilemmas; should Black Jack treat the person that can afford to pay him, or save the life of someone who can’t?

Black Jack himself is one of the best doctors ever to grace anime, and is a pretty complex character. While he will approach any situation with the same cool attitude, he’s still very much human; he laughs, he worries, he makes mistakes. The viewer may find they don’t agree with some of his actions, but often can’t fault the logic he uses, reinforcing the moral and ethical themes.

If you’ve seen the movie, you may be in for a shock – the style and tone of this TV series is completely different, closer to Tezuka’s original work, and is geared more towards a younger audience. While you may occasionally struggle to suspend your disbelief -the curing of tuberculosis with a single operation, for example- it’s worth looking at if you feel the need for something completely different.

That’s it! We hope you enjoyed reading this! Look out for further issues of The Great Unwashed Anime– with a bit of luck, this could become a monthly feature.