Samurai 7
Action-heavy and deeply philosophical. Based on the 1954 film “Seven Samurai,” the story explores the politics and philosophies of warfare and industrialization, cleverly mirrored by blending two of Japan’s favorite thematic clichés: its feudal past and its mech-centric future.
Kanon
A beautifully illustrated and orchestrated series of stories-within-a-story, featuring moments mysterious, touching and tragic. For those who love a drama with heart and a sprinkling of the supernatural.
Death Note
Dark, twisted, morbid, cerebral. That’d be a decent start for describing this one. Picture a game of cat-and-mouse, then give the mouse a staggering body count.
Full Metal Alchemist (2006)
Topping out at a relatively-concise 50 episodes, this series runs the full gamut, from the fun and lighthearted to the cruel and melancholic, with equal parts action, intrigue and drama.
