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[Discussion] What one must-watch anime would you recommend to a newcomer to the medium? (reddthat.com)

submitted 5 days ago by mo_lave@reddthat.com to c/anime@ani.social

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[–] mrmaplebar@fedia.io 28 points 5 days ago (4 children)

For me, it's gotta be none other than Cowboy Bebop!

It's a fantastic sci-fi series that's gritty and realistic without taking itself too seriously.
The world-building is top notch, the cast of characters are extremely likeable, and the dialogue is memorable.
It's truly got something for everyone--kung fu, gunplay, ship battles, western, noir, comedic moments, drama, supernatural elements, immaculate vibes, etc.
One of the best soundtracks of any show ever, famous for "jazz" but actually mixing a wide variety of genres and styles.
Some of the best cel animation and painted backgrounds from the legendary studio Sunrise, with tasteful uses of early CG.
Only 26 half-hour episodes, plus one optional film and one optional bonus episode.
Mixes stand-alone episodes with a extremely satisfying longer story arc that will certainly leave you feeling something.
Good performances in both the native Japanese, as well as the stellar English dub that was ahead of its time.

Cowboy Bebop seems to be the anime that transcends the genre more than almost anything else, and appeals to people even if they don't typically gel with more tropey anime. I really think that Bebop is a triumph of the medium and one of the best television shows period, so I really can't recommend it enough to everyone!

[–] RamenJunkie@midwest.social 6 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Yeah definitely.

Its not insanely long.

Its not full of weird shit.

Its not depressing as fuck like Evangelion.

[–] pastermil@sh.itjust.works 1 points 2 days ago

I get the other part, but they're more or less the same length.

[–] tigeruppercut@lemmy.zip 1 points 3 days ago

bonus episode

How'd I manage to miss this after all these years?

Still haven't gotten around to the manga. But I think I might be the only person who actually liked the live action series

[–] GeeDubHayduke@lemmy.dbzer0.com 4 points 4 days ago (1 children)

This one. I love the Bebop. Tank! is my ringtone.

[–] notwhoyouthink@lemmy.zip 3 points 4 days ago (2 children)

If you’ve ever played Beat Saber…this song is a really really good time.

[–] GeeDubHayduke@lemmy.dbzer0.com 2 points 3 days ago

If you have ears that song is a really good time 😄

[–] Nefara@lemmy.world 1 points 4 days ago (1 children)

Do you have a link to the map you like?

[–] notwhoyouthink@lemmy.zip 1 points 4 days ago

Shoot I don’t, it’s not my system. Sorry!

[–] Breezy@lemmy.world 4 points 4 days ago (2 children)

I know im the odd one out, but i hated that show since it was on cartoon network as a kid. Like why is Spike so bad at his job. Hes just so incompetent. I guess it would be rather realistic in the fact that most people are idiots. I liked all the other characters, but spike always ruined it for me.

[–] mrmaplebar@fedia.io 4 points 4 days ago

I get it. Spike definitely comes from that lineage of manga/anime characters like Arsene Lupin III and Ryo Saeba who oscillate between 20th century coolness and total goofiness depending on the needs of the moment. Just like Lupin, things don't usually go his way, and even when he does a good job he'll still usually get fucked over.

Still, I think that Bebop is a must watch!

[–] notwhoyouthink@lemmy.zip 2 points 4 days ago

Oooh no no no, he’s not incompetent at all. He’s got a very similar vibe to Dash from Trigun (pls watch if you haven’t) where he’s extremely skilled while looking incompetent, and wins fall right into his lap.

I’m sure there’s a term for this type of character, but I implore you to rewatch Cowboy Bebop with new eyes. The point of the show is not to watch bounty hunters succeed at catching bad guys, and if you watch it for this you’re not going to enjoy it.