Anime for Beginners - Five Introductory Anime

While anime is highly popular in Asia, more specifically Japan, in the United States however, it is hit or miss. There’s a common misconception that anime is simply a cartoon. Cartoon’s follow a different narrative compared to Japanese anime. Some notable cartoons in the United States we know and love are: Tom and Jerry, Looney Tunes, SpongeBob Square Pants, The Flintstones, The Simpsons, Scooby-Doo, etc. Typically, in these shows, there little to no causalities that occur. Even if a side-character were to appear to meet their end, as the next episode roles around, unless there’s a pt.2 to the episode, that said character is perfectly fine when the next episode airs. As for anime, that is rarely ever the case, unless it’s “filler;” an episodic adventure in anime that is unrelated or supportive to the main story arc. It should be noted that anime is usually derived from books and graphic novels (manga), very few anime are popular enough to be converted into an anime. Filler in its broadest sense are events and plots that never make an appearance within the core story. If character dies in an anime, unless there is divine intervention in the plot, that character will never make an appearance again and those close to the side character will mourn their loss as the story progress. Death of side-characters usually serve as a plot-device that sets up character development. Anime takes a different twist on how we idolize characters within a story. There is a long-term goal for characters. We grow connected with these characters and depending on the show viewers grow up with those characters too. With that said, there are 5 introductory anime I recommend for beginners who have yet to give anime a legitimate chance. These shows are in no particular order.

1. Naruto/Naruto Shippuden

Everyone loves an underdog. Naruto Uzumaki is definition of hard-work outlasting talent. While the show is named after Naruto, you’ll find yourself connected to every protagonist and antagonist in some shape or form that makes an appearance. Naruto has an easy goal for viewers to follow, he wants to be the Hokage of the Hidden Leaf Village. The Hokage is the leader of the village Naruto is born in. He wants the respect of those around him and he vows to protect his friends no matter what. While this is an easy goal for viewers to follow, it however is not an easy goal for Naruto. With beautiful themes and openings, Naruto/Naruto Shippuden will keep you hooked on what’ll happen next.

2. Death Note

What happens when you give a psychopathic high schooler a notebook that kills whoever’s name, he writes in it. This might be turn off, but for those who enjoy dark twist and strategic storytelling, Death Note is your best bet. Your ethical and moral views around justice will be challenged. The characters introduced are clever, the pacing is smooth, and it is incredibly binge-worthy. Death Note serves as evidence for what separates anime from American cartoons.

3. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist is the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse. Both engage in alchemy with little to not much knowledge, their experiment goes wrong and one of the brothers is now inhabiting armor with their spirit. Yes, their spirit, explaining would spoil so much. The brother’s journey is filled with violence, corruption, and incredbible dialogue between characters. There is another Fullmetal Alchemist, but it falls along the line of filler. The reason Fullmetal Akchemist is on this list is because it stays true to the source material of Fullmetal Alchemist’s original manga.

4. Cowboy Bebop

Have you ever seen anime in space? Cowboy Bebop is the story of a group of bounty hunters that travel through space. That’s as simple as it gets. However, this show is not your ordinary space adventure. The characters have substance. For some, characters in this story would be deemed as bad people in our world. Cowboy Bebop is a space adventure that follows characters that have complex values and morals. Cowboy Bebop is great choice for beginners looking to start with something that’s not grounded on powerups and transformations; something that is rather common in anime.

5. Dragon Ball Z

Let’s take a look where it all began. Want to know where it all started? The yelling that’s associated with a character getting stronger. Epic fight scenes that are ahead were ahead of their time. Many anime beginners might not know that Dragon Ball Z began in the late 1980s, 1989 to be exact. We all know the spikey gold hair and yelling of the phrase “KaMeHaMeHa”. If not, dive into the world that motivated many artists to pursue their passion and create their own shows. Dragon Ball Z is the perfect choice if you want to start your journey of following anime.

There you have it, five introductory anime for beginners. Let us know what your list might consist of or if you’ll take a chance on the shows listed. Did I mention your favorites? Let us know in the comments below.