Day 20

[sara_tanaquil]

Since this is my dominant anime genre (on account of there isn't enough BL anime out there), this is a pretty hard choice. And several obvious candidates (Fushigi Yuugi, Card Captor Sakura...) have already made an appearance or soon will. But, because this is one EVERYONE should watch:

Favorite shoujo anime



If you're a shoujo fan, and haven't seen Kimi ni Todoke, I seriously want to know what is wrong with you. Unless you're waiting for the anime to be licensed in the US, in which case I commend you for your self-control and hope the industry puts us out of our misery soon. The manga is licensed, so surely the anime can't be far behind. I haven't gone as far as buying the raw Japanese DVDs (not that I haven't been tempted), but I will be first in line for an English release.

Runner-up would have to be Marmalade Boy, not so much for its pure excellence (though it is a lot of fun), but because I really don't think anything could ever be more stereotypically shoujo than that. Although Hana Yori Dango certainly also had a way of clearing the guys out of the room every time it aired in anime club.

And hey, why didn't anyone tell me Revolutionary Girl Utena was finally getting a re-release on DVD? (My pre-order is already in!)

(Doing a little more googling reminded me that I forgot to even consider Fruits Basket and Kodomo no Omocha -- honestly, this is an impossible category.)

Comments

[spacealien-vamp.livejournal.com]

If you're a shoujo fan, and haven't seen Kimi ni Todoke, I seriously want to know what is wrong with you.

I bought the first volume of the manga when you and wednesday_10_00 pimped it, but it seemed average to me. Entertaining, but nothing that jumped out as special. Is there anything in particular about the anime that makes it better than the manga?

[sara-tanaquil.livejournal.com]

I'd say the anime is a very faithful rendition of the manga. In one sense, I'd have to agree, it's an average shoujo series -- shy girl wins popular-but-sensitive guy. It's just that the characters are so likeable, and their relationship is so sweet. They're both awkward and shy, but genuinely appreciate each other for the qualities that no one else sees, and they try hard to get past their shyness and communicate. And yeah, it has some of the stereotypical "JUST TALK TO EACH OTHER!" plots, but those usually get resolved quickly.

Also, it has some great friendship moments. I love all of the secondary characters (except the few that are annoying plot devices).

You might want to try an episode or two of the anime and see if it captures your interest more? If I remember, the manga got off to a bit of a slow start.

[mangaroo.livejournal.com]

Every manga volume makes me cry. I am some kind of real-world, middle-aged version of Chizu (without the love triangle). I do hope the anime gets licensed...but I think i would also like to see Nodame Cantabile licensed. *hopesanddreams*