Anime reviews (incomplete)
It may be wise for me to post anime and manga reviews here for anyone wanting parental guidance information. It is an idea I've been kicking around for some time, because no matter how many reviews I look up, there are almost never any that mention objectionable content. Personally it makes me very upset to find something unexpected (so to speak; one can almost always expect that) in an anime that I tried to look into as thoroughly as I could. </jaded>
But I digress; I wouldn't have a comprehensive list ready for a long time, but I can recommend a few that are safe by most fairly-strict standards:
But I digress; I wouldn't have a comprehensive list ready for a long time, but I can recommend a few that are safe by most fairly-strict standards:
Anime
Disclaimer: I am going strictly off my memory as to particular instances in most cases, but I aim to give a general guide as to the content of each anime so that you know what kind of objectionable content is in there and about how much, so that you can make a slightly-more-informed judgement than otherwise.
*Note: I am writing these after watching the series subbed online. So this should give you a more accurate representation of content.
Angel Beats!
This one is actually really funny. The premise didn't make me think it would be, but upon further inspection I decided to try it.
Basically, teenagers end up in an afterlife high school. Yuri Nakamura was angry about the circumstances of her life before she died, and wanted to get back at God by forming a resistance group and fighting what she assumes is an Angel, enforcing the rules of the world in which they exist. The way they left unanswered questions and what seem like plot holes bugged me, but the comedy makes up for the shaky ending in my opinion. Maybe reference the manga and see if that clears up anything?
Objectionable Content: The premise sounds a bit iffy, but the show doesn't focus on it. The characters understanding of the circumstances change as well. There is one scene where Otonashi Yuzuru has to climb up Yuri to get out of a dangerous pit, but he does it tastefully.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life, drama
This one is actually really funny. The premise didn't make me think it would be, but upon further inspection I decided to try it.
Basically, teenagers end up in an afterlife high school. Yuri Nakamura was angry about the circumstances of her life before she died, and wanted to get back at God by forming a resistance group and fighting what she assumes is an Angel, enforcing the rules of the world in which they exist. The way they left unanswered questions and what seem like plot holes bugged me, but the comedy makes up for the shaky ending in my opinion. Maybe reference the manga and see if that clears up anything?
Objectionable Content: The premise sounds a bit iffy, but the show doesn't focus on it. The characters understanding of the circumstances change as well. There is one scene where Otonashi Yuzuru has to climb up Yuri to get out of a dangerous pit, but he does it tastefully.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life, drama
Arakawa Under the Bridge
Arakawa Under the Bridge x Bridge
An exceptionally ridiculous comedy about a Ichinomiya Kou / Recruit [this will make sense when you watch it] who ends up indebted to a woman (Nano) from a very unusual community underneath a bridge, repaying the debt by becoming her 'lover", as she requested. Due to the sheer oddity of the situation, it is more pure comedy than romantic comedy, although somehow it has its moments.
Objectionable content: One of the side characters, Amazoness, that shows up later, I think in the 2nd series, is not dressed as modestly as one would hope, although it makes sense based on her background. She is a rare side character anyway, and it doesn't seem to be for the sake of fan service. There is an awkward scene with the Recruit's right-hand man Takai who feels a bit too strongly about him, but that is only a minute in one episode. There is also a character that may make some people uncomfortable with vaguely Catholic religious references (Sister), but it's not really on the level of offensive.
Genres: Comedy, romance
Azumanga Daioh
Based off of a 4-koma manga by the same author that wrote the manga Yotsubato! (as evidenced by the main character's design). A light-hearted school comedy about a genius little girl, Chiyo, that skips from elementary school to high school.
Objectionable content: Harmless aside from a pervert teacher (Kimura) and a lesbian side character (Kaori). Nothing significantly objectionable occurs involving these two.
Genres: Comedy / slice-of-life
Based off of a 4-koma manga by the same author that wrote the manga Yotsubato! (as evidenced by the main character's design). A light-hearted school comedy about a genius little girl, Chiyo, that skips from elementary school to high school.
Objectionable content: Harmless aside from a pervert teacher (Kimura) and a lesbian side character (Kaori). Nothing significantly objectionable occurs involving these two.
Genres: Comedy / slice-of-life
Barakamon
A calligraphy artist named Handa Seishuu leaves Tokyo to live on a remote island, because he punched a calligraphy judge for calling his calligraphy boring. He meets people there unlike the people back home, and as he learns how to live life, he starts to find his own way in his art as well. Very funny.
Objectionable Content: In the second episode, a nurse misunderstands just about everything Handa does, but it wasn't too awkward. There is a character, Tama, that imagines gay relationships between Handa and other men a few times throughout the show based off of a few misunderstandings. However, it is not as prevalent as I expected (there's not much "otome-vision" [i.e. sparkles and/or roses, extra-bishounen interpretations of characters] involved either), and Tama herself laments her own behavior to some degree because she knows it's messed up. Even the beach episode has the older girls in gym clothes instead of bikinis, and they didn't even pull the see-through shirts thing.
Genres: Comedy, drama, slice-of-life
A calligraphy artist named Handa Seishuu leaves Tokyo to live on a remote island, because he punched a calligraphy judge for calling his calligraphy boring. He meets people there unlike the people back home, and as he learns how to live life, he starts to find his own way in his art as well. Very funny.
Objectionable Content: In the second episode, a nurse misunderstands just about everything Handa does, but it wasn't too awkward. There is a character, Tama, that imagines gay relationships between Handa and other men a few times throughout the show based off of a few misunderstandings. However, it is not as prevalent as I expected (there's not much "otome-vision" [i.e. sparkles and/or roses, extra-bishounen interpretations of characters] involved either), and Tama herself laments her own behavior to some degree because she knows it's messed up. Even the beach episode has the older girls in gym clothes instead of bikinis, and they didn't even pull the see-through shirts thing.
Genres: Comedy, drama, slice-of-life
Chihayafuru
This one is about a girl named Chihaya that is introduced to the card game karuta by her friend Arata and enjoys it so much that she makes it her goal to become the Queen, and win matches together with her high school team.
Objectionable content: There was a side character from one of the tournaments that was a pervert, but nothing truly bothersome happened, just inner thoughts. An occasional oppai joke. Otherwise it has been entirely harmless from what I remember.
Genres: Sports, drama, rom-com, slice-of-life
This one is about a girl named Chihaya that is introduced to the card game karuta by her friend Arata and enjoys it so much that she makes it her goal to become the Queen, and win matches together with her high school team.
Objectionable content: There was a side character from one of the tournaments that was a pervert, but nothing truly bothersome happened, just inner thoughts. An occasional oppai joke. Otherwise it has been entirely harmless from what I remember.
Genres: Sports, drama, rom-com, slice-of-life
Chii's Sweet Home
This is about an adorable kitten as her family moves into a new home in order to keep her. It's a bit kiddy, but I'm a girl, so I loved this one because Chii is adorable. She even talks in like...baby Japanese. The Japanese manga is actually slightly hard to read because of that. They are also mini-episodes, like 3 minutes or so in length.
Objectionable Content: None whatsoever. Unless you count being incredibly cute as a sin.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
This is about an adorable kitten as her family moves into a new home in order to keep her. It's a bit kiddy, but I'm a girl, so I loved this one because Chii is adorable. She even talks in like...baby Japanese. The Japanese manga is actually slightly hard to read because of that. They are also mini-episodes, like 3 minutes or so in length.
Objectionable Content: None whatsoever. Unless you count being incredibly cute as a sin.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
Danshi Koukousei no Nichjou
A slice-of-life / comedy about the daily lives of high school boys. This is fairly entertaining, although the girls are inexplicably annoying in attitude.
Objectionable content: There is a scene where the main character crossdresses briefly in one of the first couple episodes. That in itself is not really that objectionable, but it was the circumstances that made it slightly awkward.
Genres: Slice-of-life, comedy
A slice-of-life / comedy about the daily lives of high school boys. This is fairly entertaining, although the girls are inexplicably annoying in attitude.
Objectionable content: There is a scene where the main character crossdresses briefly in one of the first couple episodes. That in itself is not really that objectionable, but it was the circumstances that made it slightly awkward.
Genres: Slice-of-life, comedy
Deathnote
Popular anime about a boy named Yagami Light that picks up a supernatural notebook that can kill anyone who's name is written in it, dropped on purpose by a mischievous shinigami, Ryuku. Light uses this to judge people he deems unworthy to live and considers himself the dispenser of justice. He is very clever and is continuously trying to outwit the likewise very clever police investigator, L.
Objectionable content: In the first or second episode, you see two men attempting to rape a woman in public. Light puts a quick stop to that, however, before anything happens. There is a brief scene where Light tries to pull a deception using swimsuit magazines somewhere near the middle of the season, I believe, but it is not focused on much. Due to the nature of the plot, there are some other mature themes (suicide, murder, psychosis), but there is I think only one instance of graphic violence (that is, blood-written words on a wall). The main character's female accomplice, Misa, is often dressed less than modestly. There may be some language, but I can't say I remember any for sure, just assuming from the type of anime.
Genres: Suspense, detective, supernatural, drama, psychological
Popular anime about a boy named Yagami Light that picks up a supernatural notebook that can kill anyone who's name is written in it, dropped on purpose by a mischievous shinigami, Ryuku. Light uses this to judge people he deems unworthy to live and considers himself the dispenser of justice. He is very clever and is continuously trying to outwit the likewise very clever police investigator, L.
Objectionable content: In the first or second episode, you see two men attempting to rape a woman in public. Light puts a quick stop to that, however, before anything happens. There is a brief scene where Light tries to pull a deception using swimsuit magazines somewhere near the middle of the season, I believe, but it is not focused on much. Due to the nature of the plot, there are some other mature themes (suicide, murder, psychosis), but there is I think only one instance of graphic violence (that is, blood-written words on a wall). The main character's female accomplice, Misa, is often dressed less than modestly. There may be some language, but I can't say I remember any for sure, just assuming from the type of anime.
Genres: Suspense, detective, supernatural, drama, psychological
Full Metal Alchemist: Brotherhood
We don't talk about Full Metal Alchemist original series. That does not exist.
Seriously though, this is a remake of the original series, except it's said to actually follow the manga. A boy and his brother, Edward and Alfonse Elric, who live with their friend Winry's family, make a grave mistake when they try to bring their mother back from the dead using alchemy, which cost them dearly--specifically, an arm, a leg, and an entire body. Ed, fit with special prostheses, and Al, who's soul is bound to a suit of armor, go on a quest to find a way to get back what they lost, including their father that deserted them for unknown reasons so long ago.
Objectionable Content: I am told that the first episode is less gruesome than in the original series, but it could still be frightening to some people--I myself only took a glance at it, and they flash back to it occasionally. Most of the series, with the exception of the early episodes about the chimera scientist, are fairly tame from what I can remember. The aforementioned episodes are frightening because it addresses more graphically some hardcore ethical questions in tampering with the natural way of things and playing God that the characters struggle with. Alchemy is like a sort of magic, and it does hint at the realm of the forbidden at times. Most of the other alchemists use magic circles, which could make some people uncomfortable. There is a character that shows up occasionally to Ed and Al that is a kind of philosophical enigma that acts like it is God, but acts in a very suspicious and unlikable way, which could bother some people. In that world where you see the suspicious figure, Al's body is found too, emaciated and naked (not explicit). Winry is also often in scant mechanic garb, and there is one scene near the end of the series where Ed is in her room and she doesn't actually look, and starts taking her shirt off, but is alerted quickly. One of the female officers, in one of the openings and somewhere in the progression of the show will be shown nude from the back, but this is somewhat backstory-important and brief, although slightly disturbing. Lust is also dressed a bit immodestly (as one might assume). I don't think any violence is particularly squeamishly graphic, but there is blood. There may be some language, but I can't say I remember any for sure, just assuming from the type of anime.
Genres: Horror, philosophy, action, drama
We don't talk about Full Metal Alchemist original series. That does not exist.
Seriously though, this is a remake of the original series, except it's said to actually follow the manga. A boy and his brother, Edward and Alfonse Elric, who live with their friend Winry's family, make a grave mistake when they try to bring their mother back from the dead using alchemy, which cost them dearly--specifically, an arm, a leg, and an entire body. Ed, fit with special prostheses, and Al, who's soul is bound to a suit of armor, go on a quest to find a way to get back what they lost, including their father that deserted them for unknown reasons so long ago.
Objectionable Content: I am told that the first episode is less gruesome than in the original series, but it could still be frightening to some people--I myself only took a glance at it, and they flash back to it occasionally. Most of the series, with the exception of the early episodes about the chimera scientist, are fairly tame from what I can remember. The aforementioned episodes are frightening because it addresses more graphically some hardcore ethical questions in tampering with the natural way of things and playing God that the characters struggle with. Alchemy is like a sort of magic, and it does hint at the realm of the forbidden at times. Most of the other alchemists use magic circles, which could make some people uncomfortable. There is a character that shows up occasionally to Ed and Al that is a kind of philosophical enigma that acts like it is God, but acts in a very suspicious and unlikable way, which could bother some people. In that world where you see the suspicious figure, Al's body is found too, emaciated and naked (not explicit). Winry is also often in scant mechanic garb, and there is one scene near the end of the series where Ed is in her room and she doesn't actually look, and starts taking her shirt off, but is alerted quickly. One of the female officers, in one of the openings and somewhere in the progression of the show will be shown nude from the back, but this is somewhat backstory-important and brief, although slightly disturbing. Lust is also dressed a bit immodestly (as one might assume). I don't think any violence is particularly squeamishly graphic, but there is blood. There may be some language, but I can't say I remember any for sure, just assuming from the type of anime.
Genres: Horror, philosophy, action, drama
Haikyuu! seasons 1-3
This is a fairly new volleyball anime. I didn't think it was going to be very interesting, but it's actually significantly funny. The main character is short, but is able to make up for it with the at-first-begrudging help of his rival. None of the characters are exceptionally annoying, not even the main character. The animation is good; the facial expressions are detailed, which helps the funny factor. They have some corny speeches (doesn't all shounen?), but it's still worth watching though.
Objectionable content: Pretty much nothing. There is a poster with girls in swimsuits in their clubroom, but it's not really that bad anyway. In one short scene a character has a silly conversation with himself in his (I think?) boxers.
Genres: Sports, comedy
This is a fairly new volleyball anime. I didn't think it was going to be very interesting, but it's actually significantly funny. The main character is short, but is able to make up for it with the at-first-begrudging help of his rival. None of the characters are exceptionally annoying, not even the main character. The animation is good; the facial expressions are detailed, which helps the funny factor. They have some corny speeches (doesn't all shounen?), but it's still worth watching though.
Objectionable content: Pretty much nothing. There is a poster with girls in swimsuits in their clubroom, but it's not really that bad anyway. In one short scene a character has a silly conversation with himself in his (I think?) boxers.
Genres: Sports, comedy
Hyouka
Oreki Houtarou is a lazy high schooler who only does what he has to, and nothing more. He joins the classic lit club at the request of his sister. One member, Chitanda Eru, is very curious. She becomes the one person that can make him do things that he deems unimportant--usually, solving mysteries. Objectionable Content: The hot spring episode 7 has a very brief scene with Houtarou, having heard sounds in the women's bath, imagining Chitanda making a sexy hand movement over her chest after getting in the bath. The ova episode is the swimsuit episode, and naturally the girls are bustier in bikinis, Chitanda in particular. The show in general is fairly tame though, as this is all I remember being annoyed by. Genres: Mystery, slice-of-life, drama, comedy |
Kami-sama no Inai Nichiyoubi / Sunday Without God
God abandoned the world, and now people can't give birth, and no one can die, except they can, but they just eventually rot away until a different being, called a Gravekeeper, buries them and puts them finally to rest. One of these gravekeepers is a little girl named Ai that goes on a journey trying to seek answers. Mysteriously enough, wishes are granted. I will warn you, the series is short and not well-explained, and it is based off of a series of lightnovels. Even so, I enjoyed the metaphysics and the mystery of it, as well as the sky scenery.
We likened it to a world where nature is left to its own laws, thus the wish-granting is akin to quantum physics without an absolute observer--Shroedinger's cat kind of situation, where there is only subjectivity and everyone has their own truth--their wishes.
Objectionable Content: [I can not yet say if there is any in the text of the light novels, but there are 3 considerably inappropriate bath scene illustrations, 2 in Volume 3 and 1 in Volume 7.]
Despite its name, there is not much going on in the way of religion in this one. It's along the lines of a magic world, or like I mentioned above, a metaphysical world. (At least without having read the light novels this is how it seems). I find it more philosophically interesting than I do offensive.
Scar shows some cleavage in the Ortus arc. I believe there was a brief barbie nudity moment at the end of Ortus III between Ai and the Ulla, in transformation sequence-type surreal fashion. There was a bath scene in Goran Academy I, but it was handled fairly well. There were a couple split-second showings of underwear from the back, and in the bath there was cleavage, but the characters were always wearing towels any time they were washing or stood up out of the water. This is probably the least offensive bath scene I've come across.
I would, however, very strongly advise against watching the special. It starts with a considerably offensive onsen scene which is entirely irrelevant. There is also another bathing scene near the end. The entire thing is pretty much worthless in content anyway.
Genres: Philosophy, mystery, psychological, adventure
God abandoned the world, and now people can't give birth, and no one can die, except they can, but they just eventually rot away until a different being, called a Gravekeeper, buries them and puts them finally to rest. One of these gravekeepers is a little girl named Ai that goes on a journey trying to seek answers. Mysteriously enough, wishes are granted. I will warn you, the series is short and not well-explained, and it is based off of a series of lightnovels. Even so, I enjoyed the metaphysics and the mystery of it, as well as the sky scenery.
We likened it to a world where nature is left to its own laws, thus the wish-granting is akin to quantum physics without an absolute observer--Shroedinger's cat kind of situation, where there is only subjectivity and everyone has their own truth--their wishes.
Objectionable Content: [I can not yet say if there is any in the text of the light novels, but there are 3 considerably inappropriate bath scene illustrations, 2 in Volume 3 and 1 in Volume 7.]
Despite its name, there is not much going on in the way of religion in this one. It's along the lines of a magic world, or like I mentioned above, a metaphysical world. (At least without having read the light novels this is how it seems). I find it more philosophically interesting than I do offensive.
Scar shows some cleavage in the Ortus arc. I believe there was a brief barbie nudity moment at the end of Ortus III between Ai and the Ulla, in transformation sequence-type surreal fashion. There was a bath scene in Goran Academy I, but it was handled fairly well. There were a couple split-second showings of underwear from the back, and in the bath there was cleavage, but the characters were always wearing towels any time they were washing or stood up out of the water. This is probably the least offensive bath scene I've come across.
I would, however, very strongly advise against watching the special. It starts with a considerably offensive onsen scene which is entirely irrelevant. There is also another bathing scene near the end. The entire thing is pretty much worthless in content anyway.
Genres: Philosophy, mystery, psychological, adventure
Kekkaishi
Exorcists Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura are charged with protecting the land of Karasumori, a land that makes ayakashi more powerful the longer they remain in it.
Objectionable Content: In one episode there is a couple-second scene of Tokine in the bath, but nothing explicit is shown. Near the end of the series, a woman is shown bare-backed briefly in a flashback, but the context is not explicit in nature. The villain's master is a bit heavy on the cleavage. The manga seems to have a few more brief awkward situations in it. The shinto background of the characters isn't particularly offensive, and they don't go into great detail to explain their philosophy if I remember correctly.
Genres: Action, comedy, drama
Exorcists Yoshimori Sumimura and Tokine Yukimura are charged with protecting the land of Karasumori, a land that makes ayakashi more powerful the longer they remain in it.
Objectionable Content: In one episode there is a couple-second scene of Tokine in the bath, but nothing explicit is shown. Near the end of the series, a woman is shown bare-backed briefly in a flashback, but the context is not explicit in nature. The villain's master is a bit heavy on the cleavage. The manga seems to have a few more brief awkward situations in it. The shinto background of the characters isn't particularly offensive, and they don't go into great detail to explain their philosophy if I remember correctly.
Genres: Action, comedy, drama
Last Exile
This is set in another world where there are two factions fighting with steampunk-type airships. Some of them are small fighter types, and the main characters Clause and Ravie pilot one of these. They start off by transporting a mysterious little girl named Arvis to one of these airships, and, being concerned for her safety, they stay aboard this renegade and legendary airship to find out why she was such important "cargo".
Objectionable content: Clause is one of those oblivious types that all the girls are attracted to. There is a kiss between him (16) and one of the older girls (18, who looks considerably older than she is, and is in love with the captain of the ship anyway), so that's slightly awkward just contextually. Soon after this she travels somewhere in different clothes than normal, which are a bit Victorian in cleavage. There may have been some slightly crude jokes from the ship mechanics about Clause and various girls, I don't remember for sure.
Genres: War, racing, drama, sci-fi
This is set in another world where there are two factions fighting with steampunk-type airships. Some of them are small fighter types, and the main characters Clause and Ravie pilot one of these. They start off by transporting a mysterious little girl named Arvis to one of these airships, and, being concerned for her safety, they stay aboard this renegade and legendary airship to find out why she was such important "cargo".
Objectionable content: Clause is one of those oblivious types that all the girls are attracted to. There is a kiss between him (16) and one of the older girls (18, who looks considerably older than she is, and is in love with the captain of the ship anyway), so that's slightly awkward just contextually. Soon after this she travels somewhere in different clothes than normal, which are a bit Victorian in cleavage. There may have been some slightly crude jokes from the ship mechanics about Clause and various girls, I don't remember for sure.
Genres: War, racing, drama, sci-fi
Mushi-shi
Mushi-shi Zoku Shou
I love this one. This is the story of a man named Ginko with a mysterious past, as well as profession--he is a mushi-shi, or mushi doctor, who studies and cures conditions caused by mushi. This is set in a place like classical Japan, and mushi, although the word means bug, the kanji used is the obsolete one, and refers to lifeforms that are lower than all other life on earth. These mushi cause supernatural things to happen, and the stories are reminiscent of what one would imagine a Japanese folk tale to be like. The episodes are encapsulated.
Objectionable Content: There may be some sort of pseudo-shinto influence in the explanation of mushi, but I don't think it is even indicated anywhere that this is actually based in the real world anyway (even though it's heavily-implied to be Japan). The first episode is a little awkward because of the particular situation between the children, but there is nothing objectionable. There are a few stories that are on the creepy side, but I think that most older kids should be able to handle it fine. I really respect the author for respecting the women in this series and treating them as people-- just my two-cents' worth.
Genres: Detective, supernatural
Mushi-shi Zoku Shou
I love this one. This is the story of a man named Ginko with a mysterious past, as well as profession--he is a mushi-shi, or mushi doctor, who studies and cures conditions caused by mushi. This is set in a place like classical Japan, and mushi, although the word means bug, the kanji used is the obsolete one, and refers to lifeforms that are lower than all other life on earth. These mushi cause supernatural things to happen, and the stories are reminiscent of what one would imagine a Japanese folk tale to be like. The episodes are encapsulated.
Objectionable Content: There may be some sort of pseudo-shinto influence in the explanation of mushi, but I don't think it is even indicated anywhere that this is actually based in the real world anyway (even though it's heavily-implied to be Japan). The first episode is a little awkward because of the particular situation between the children, but there is nothing objectionable. There are a few stories that are on the creepy side, but I think that most older kids should be able to handle it fine. I really respect the author for respecting the women in this series and treating them as people-- just my two-cents' worth.
Genres: Detective, supernatural
Natsume Yuujinchou
Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou
Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou San
Natsume Yuujinchou Shi
Natsume Yuujinchou Go
This is a 5-series story about a boy named Natsume Takashi in the present day who can see youkai (that is, roughly the equivalent of mythical creatures in Europe, like fairies, goblins, and the like) that are normally invisible. He tries to balance everyday normal life with assisting these youkai that often come to him for help. They are attracted by his grandmother's "Book of Friends"--youkai that she defeated she put under her control by making them write their names in it. He has the power to release them from their bondage. One powerful youkai, Madara (who stays in the guise of a cat under the name of Nyanko-sensei), professes to want to steal it, but ends up helping Natsume when he is in trouble by transforming into a giant wolf.
Objectionable content: The only thing that may be objectionable is that Natsume becomes more effeminate as the series go on. The girls that he meets early on are hardly ever seen later on, and his male friend becomes more prominent and their interaction has some shounen-ai overtones. There are some shinto overtones involved because of that mythical theme, but it doesn't push it, I think it only really mentions it a few episodes.
Genres: Supernatural, drama, slice-of-life
Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou
Zoku Natsume Yuujinchou San
Natsume Yuujinchou Shi
Natsume Yuujinchou Go
This is a 5-series story about a boy named Natsume Takashi in the present day who can see youkai (that is, roughly the equivalent of mythical creatures in Europe, like fairies, goblins, and the like) that are normally invisible. He tries to balance everyday normal life with assisting these youkai that often come to him for help. They are attracted by his grandmother's "Book of Friends"--youkai that she defeated she put under her control by making them write their names in it. He has the power to release them from their bondage. One powerful youkai, Madara (who stays in the guise of a cat under the name of Nyanko-sensei), professes to want to steal it, but ends up helping Natsume when he is in trouble by transforming into a giant wolf.
Objectionable content: The only thing that may be objectionable is that Natsume becomes more effeminate as the series go on. The girls that he meets early on are hardly ever seen later on, and his male friend becomes more prominent and their interaction has some shounen-ai overtones. There are some shinto overtones involved because of that mythical theme, but it doesn't push it, I think it only really mentions it a few episodes.
Genres: Supernatural, drama, slice-of-life
Nichijou
This is a very zany show about high schoolers. That doesn't sound original, but it is well-executed and very funny. There will be several different encapsulated scenes within an episode.
Objectionable content: One of the female characters, Mio, likes to draw yaoi manga, but the scenes involving it are few and far between and not much is shown.
Genres: Slice-of-life, comedy
This is a very zany show about high schoolers. That doesn't sound original, but it is well-executed and very funny. There will be several different encapsulated scenes within an episode.
Objectionable content: One of the female characters, Mio, likes to draw yaoi manga, but the scenes involving it are few and far between and not much is shown.
Genres: Slice-of-life, comedy
Oregairu (Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru)
(As I Thought, My Youth Love Comedy Isn't Right)
Oregairu 2
A couple of unsociable high school kids, Hikigaya Hachiman and Yukinoshita Yukino, end up together in a club with the friendly, bubbly Yuigahama Yui. This is a comedy about them struggling to understand each other and get along. This doesn't sound very interesting, but Hachiman is a pretty unique character, and his observations are amusing and sometimes even enlightening.
Season 2 isn't worth much though--any plot this show thinks it had just became more convoluted.
Objectionable Content: There is a very effeminate boy in the Tennis Club that Hachiman is not shy to describe his thoughts for (although he seems to be displeased with them). Nothing too bad, but just a bit awkward. In episode 3 he walks in on Yui and Yukino changing before getting bashed in for it; they were shown from the back and I don't remember whether or not they had bras. Yukino's older sister Haruno is a flirt. I'm pretty sure somewhere in the series is a brief swimsuit scene, but I don't think it was too annoying.There was also a scene when they were at the summer camp with the children where they had costumes, and at least Yui's was less than modest.
I wouldn't really recommend season 2 as there were a lot more awkward moments with the effeminate tennis boy and Hachiman.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
(As I Thought, My Youth Love Comedy Isn't Right)
Oregairu 2
A couple of unsociable high school kids, Hikigaya Hachiman and Yukinoshita Yukino, end up together in a club with the friendly, bubbly Yuigahama Yui. This is a comedy about them struggling to understand each other and get along. This doesn't sound very interesting, but Hachiman is a pretty unique character, and his observations are amusing and sometimes even enlightening.
Season 2 isn't worth much though--any plot this show thinks it had just became more convoluted.
Objectionable Content: There is a very effeminate boy in the Tennis Club that Hachiman is not shy to describe his thoughts for (although he seems to be displeased with them). Nothing too bad, but just a bit awkward. In episode 3 he walks in on Yui and Yukino changing before getting bashed in for it; they were shown from the back and I don't remember whether or not they had bras. Yukino's older sister Haruno is a flirt. I'm pretty sure somewhere in the series is a brief swimsuit scene, but I don't think it was too annoying.There was also a scene when they were at the summer camp with the children where they had costumes, and at least Yui's was less than modest.
I wouldn't really recommend season 2 as there were a lot more awkward moments with the effeminate tennis boy and Hachiman.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
Ouran High School Host Club
A boy named Haruhi ends up wandering into a strange club and breaks a large expensive vase. This club is the host club, where guys act out girls' romantic fantasies for fun and profit. This boy has to work off the cost of the vase by becoming a host--only, it turns out this boy is actually a girl.
Objectionable content: The first episode one of the guys walks in on Haruhi changing (not knowing she was a girl), so you see her in a slip from the back for a moment. The show does go over a wide range of moe (something like a fetish, but not necessarily with the sexual connotation) that the hosts act on, such as loli-shouta and twin love. This is mostly played lightheartedly and doesn't cause the viewer to be too uncomfortable usually, although sometimes it is awkward, especially with the twins, Hikaru and Kaoru. A few side characters are chronic crossdressers and as expected of the circumstances, there is some gender-bending. There is an all girl lesbian school that tries to recruit Haruhi, resulting in an awkward moment. There is a slightly awkward scene between Haruhi and Kyoya at the beach house, but nothing actually happens between them besides a conversation.
Genres: Comedy, drama, slice-of-life
A boy named Haruhi ends up wandering into a strange club and breaks a large expensive vase. This club is the host club, where guys act out girls' romantic fantasies for fun and profit. This boy has to work off the cost of the vase by becoming a host--only, it turns out this boy is actually a girl.
Objectionable content: The first episode one of the guys walks in on Haruhi changing (not knowing she was a girl), so you see her in a slip from the back for a moment. The show does go over a wide range of moe (something like a fetish, but not necessarily with the sexual connotation) that the hosts act on, such as loli-shouta and twin love. This is mostly played lightheartedly and doesn't cause the viewer to be too uncomfortable usually, although sometimes it is awkward, especially with the twins, Hikaru and Kaoru. A few side characters are chronic crossdressers and as expected of the circumstances, there is some gender-bending. There is an all girl lesbian school that tries to recruit Haruhi, resulting in an awkward moment. There is a slightly awkward scene between Haruhi and Kyoya at the beach house, but nothing actually happens between them besides a conversation.
Genres: Comedy, drama, slice-of-life
Sakigake!! Cromartie High School
Kamiyama Takashi is a boy who enters into a high school full of a variety of strange gangsters in an attempt to prove that a person can succeed in any school. There is not much in the way of plot so much as character development, and zany antics. Very funny. I almost forgot to mention Mechazawa is voiced by Wakamoto Norio, so that makes it even funnier.
Objectionable Content: There is a single off-color joke, for which the speaker is swiftly punished. Some language.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
Kamiyama Takashi is a boy who enters into a high school full of a variety of strange gangsters in an attempt to prove that a person can succeed in any school. There is not much in the way of plot so much as character development, and zany antics. Very funny. I almost forgot to mention Mechazawa is voiced by Wakamoto Norio, so that makes it even funnier.
Objectionable Content: There is a single off-color joke, for which the speaker is swiftly punished. Some language.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
Silver Spoon
Hachiken Yuugo is a new high schooler with no direction in life. He ends up at an agricultural school, where he learns the sweets and sours of life.
Objectionable Content: A few off-color jokes aside, there are a couple scenes of animal gore. I didn't look very hard because I was told when they were coming, but they were brief and not too jarring from what I could tell.
Genres: Comedy, drama, slice-of-life
Hachiken Yuugo is a new high schooler with no direction in life. He ends up at an agricultural school, where he learns the sweets and sours of life.
Objectionable Content: A few off-color jokes aside, there are a couple scenes of animal gore. I didn't look very hard because I was told when they were coming, but they were brief and not too jarring from what I could tell.
Genres: Comedy, drama, slice-of-life
Tactics
This is about a priest, Ichinomiya Kantarou, in the classical Japanese era who can see youkai, and writes folk stories for a living while he's not out exorcizing demons with his rescued humanoid tengu friend, Haruka.
Objectionable Content: Obviously this has some Shinto religious themes, since Kantarou is a shinto priest exorcising demons from youkai, but it doesn't stress the religious implications of the supernatural much at all. There is a little Catholic girl that becomes forcedly possessed by a demon due to the intentional actions of a supposed Catholic priest. The woman that this priest works for is also a seductress, and has some slightly awkward scenes with Haruka. The first episode includes a youkai that happens to be a lesbian, but it is only in that one episode and nothing particularly objectionable occurs. There is one slightly unsettling story where Kantarou exorcises a demon-possessed deceased soul of a prostitute's lover, and it becomes a creepy face on her body. Kantarou and Haruka have an odd relationship with slight shounen-ai overtones. There is no graphic violence that I can remember.
Genres: Supernatural, mystery, action
This is about a priest, Ichinomiya Kantarou, in the classical Japanese era who can see youkai, and writes folk stories for a living while he's not out exorcizing demons with his rescued humanoid tengu friend, Haruka.
Objectionable Content: Obviously this has some Shinto religious themes, since Kantarou is a shinto priest exorcising demons from youkai, but it doesn't stress the religious implications of the supernatural much at all. There is a little Catholic girl that becomes forcedly possessed by a demon due to the intentional actions of a supposed Catholic priest. The woman that this priest works for is also a seductress, and has some slightly awkward scenes with Haruka. The first episode includes a youkai that happens to be a lesbian, but it is only in that one episode and nothing particularly objectionable occurs. There is one slightly unsettling story where Kantarou exorcises a demon-possessed deceased soul of a prostitute's lover, and it becomes a creepy face on her body. Kantarou and Haruka have an odd relationship with slight shounen-ai overtones. There is no graphic violence that I can remember.
Genres: Supernatural, mystery, action
Tonari no Seki-kun
This is a short show, between 7 and 8 mins long. It is actually really funny though, I love it. The premise is that there is a student that is goofing off in class, but in really creative ways, named Seki-kun. His classmate, Yokoi-san, next to him keeps getting too involved even though she wants to study.
Objectionable Content: The girl that wants to be friends with Yokoi-san has an imagination that gets ahead of the facts a lot, partially due to misunderstandings, and assumes Seki and Yokoi are going out. This leads to a couple slightly awkward inward fantasy moments on her part (such as Yokoi being in a fluffy 2-piece swimsuit-type bunny costume). These are brief and purely for comedic value. There is a pool episode but the girls are all in school one-piece bathing suits. The art in this never suggests fanservice.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
This is a short show, between 7 and 8 mins long. It is actually really funny though, I love it. The premise is that there is a student that is goofing off in class, but in really creative ways, named Seki-kun. His classmate, Yokoi-san, next to him keeps getting too involved even though she wants to study.
Objectionable Content: The girl that wants to be friends with Yokoi-san has an imagination that gets ahead of the facts a lot, partially due to misunderstandings, and assumes Seki and Yokoi are going out. This leads to a couple slightly awkward inward fantasy moments on her part (such as Yokoi being in a fluffy 2-piece swimsuit-type bunny costume). These are brief and purely for comedic value. There is a pool episode but the girls are all in school one-piece bathing suits. The art in this never suggests fanservice.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life
Trigun
This is a classic. A mysterious albeit goofy man is caught in situations that end up causing mass destruction because outlaws try to kill him for one reason or another. Thus rumors are spread that he is the direct cause of them: thus the name Vash the Stampede. However, no one is ever killed--due to the fact that he has a strict belief against killing anyone. 2 women from the property insurance company, Meryl and Milly, are sent to put a stop to him, and he meets other people along the way, such as the priest Nicholas D. Wolfwood, on his quest to find his prodigal brother, Knives.
Objectionable content: I hear tell that the manga is much darker and has more objectionable content, but the anime doesn't follow the manga very much (the anime is still good). In one of the very early episodes one of the side character women is dressed slightly immodestly. The main character's friend is a Catholic priest, but he doesn't act very respectably at times. He carries a large cross on his back that turns out to be a giant machine gun. Near the end of the series it is implied that he slept with one of the other characters. This may bother some people a little. The violence isn't very graphic (there is some blood, but since most of the time people rarely die, it's nothing to be squeamish about). There may be some language, but I can't say I remember any for sure, just assuming from the type of anime.
Genres: Action, philosophy, comedy, sci-fi
This is a classic. A mysterious albeit goofy man is caught in situations that end up causing mass destruction because outlaws try to kill him for one reason or another. Thus rumors are spread that he is the direct cause of them: thus the name Vash the Stampede. However, no one is ever killed--due to the fact that he has a strict belief against killing anyone. 2 women from the property insurance company, Meryl and Milly, are sent to put a stop to him, and he meets other people along the way, such as the priest Nicholas D. Wolfwood, on his quest to find his prodigal brother, Knives.
Objectionable content: I hear tell that the manga is much darker and has more objectionable content, but the anime doesn't follow the manga very much (the anime is still good). In one of the very early episodes one of the side character women is dressed slightly immodestly. The main character's friend is a Catholic priest, but he doesn't act very respectably at times. He carries a large cross on his back that turns out to be a giant machine gun. Near the end of the series it is implied that he slept with one of the other characters. This may bother some people a little. The violence isn't very graphic (there is some blood, but since most of the time people rarely die, it's nothing to be squeamish about). There may be some language, but I can't say I remember any for sure, just assuming from the type of anime.
Genres: Action, philosophy, comedy, sci-fi
Working!
Working!!
Working!!!
A slice-of-life / comedy about a high school boy, Takanashi Souta, that is approached by a girl named Poplar, who asks him to work at her restaurant. Because she is so cute, he accepts. Except, a lot of weird people work there.
Objectionable Content: There is a main character that very much comes off as a lesbian, Todoroki Yachiyo, but it seems to be more a very strong aneki-type admiration for her female boss and nothing particularly objectionable happens between them, as defined more in season 3. There was some awkward humor with Souta's sister giving Yachiyo advice on something, but the situation didn't get nearly as bad as I expected it could have.
Genres: Slice-of-life, comedy
Working!!
Working!!!
A slice-of-life / comedy about a high school boy, Takanashi Souta, that is approached by a girl named Poplar, who asks him to work at her restaurant. Because she is so cute, he accepts. Except, a lot of weird people work there.
Objectionable Content: There is a main character that very much comes off as a lesbian, Todoroki Yachiyo, but it seems to be more a very strong aneki-type admiration for her female boss and nothing particularly objectionable happens between them, as defined more in season 3. There was some awkward humor with Souta's sister giving Yachiyo advice on something, but the situation didn't get nearly as bad as I expected it could have.
Genres: Slice-of-life, comedy
World Trigger (Ongoing)
This one is about an alien invasion from another dimension on Mikado City by creatures called "neighbors". A defense force called Border has been built which use special weapons. One day, Kuga Yuuma, a neighbor, saves the life of Osamu Mikumo, a defense agent. Osamu then becomes friends with him. Not everyone feels Yuuma is to be trusted, however. Osamu's friend Chika soon wants to rescue her friend and her brother that were kidnapped by the neighbors.
Objectionable content: There have been a few instances of blood, but nothing gruesome, so I'd hardly call it objectionable. There was a swimsuit ep but it's what you'd expect. The relationship between the two aliens that kidnap the crew during their training camp is slightly awkward due to the nature of the girl one and what she has to do to regain energy.
Genres: Action, comedy, drama, aliens, sci-fi
[I am not current on this one--bf got bored of it so I don't know if we'll pick it back up. We left off after they revealed what alien girl really was.]
This one is about an alien invasion from another dimension on Mikado City by creatures called "neighbors". A defense force called Border has been built which use special weapons. One day, Kuga Yuuma, a neighbor, saves the life of Osamu Mikumo, a defense agent. Osamu then becomes friends with him. Not everyone feels Yuuma is to be trusted, however. Osamu's friend Chika soon wants to rescue her friend and her brother that were kidnapped by the neighbors.
Objectionable content: There have been a few instances of blood, but nothing gruesome, so I'd hardly call it objectionable. There was a swimsuit ep but it's what you'd expect. The relationship between the two aliens that kidnap the crew during their training camp is slightly awkward due to the nature of the girl one and what she has to do to regain energy.
Genres: Action, comedy, drama, aliens, sci-fi
[I am not current on this one--bf got bored of it so I don't know if we'll pick it back up. We left off after they revealed what alien girl really was.]
Yoshinaga-san Chi no Gargoyle /
Gargoyle of Yoshinaga House
This is a story about a talking gargoyle statue called Gar-kun (not particularly original) that guards the family that he has been given to. A lot of strange things happen in the town of Goshiki, and Gar-kun gets involved in them. It should be noted that Wakamoto Norio (a famously weird seiyuu, known for doing a voice that's so dramatic it's hilarious) voices Gar-kun, which makes this show even funnier, despite the fact that he sounds fairly normal this time. The ending was a bit lackluster, but overall the show was entertaining.
Objectionable Content: Futaba-chan is pretty mean to her brother Kazumi-kun, calling him an okama (effeminate / gay / transvestite male), but I think it comes off sounding meaner in the subtitles. Although he is awfully girly, it shouldn't be too awkward. There is a plant woman that doesn't look particularly modest, but she's not really focused on for fanservice. There is a thief that magically steals a woman's bra without anyone noticing, including her. He does the same with a boy's boxers. There is a seductive restaurant owner with an interest in high school boys in like one or two episodes and it's very brief.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life, action
Gargoyle of Yoshinaga House
This is a story about a talking gargoyle statue called Gar-kun (not particularly original) that guards the family that he has been given to. A lot of strange things happen in the town of Goshiki, and Gar-kun gets involved in them. It should be noted that Wakamoto Norio (a famously weird seiyuu, known for doing a voice that's so dramatic it's hilarious) voices Gar-kun, which makes this show even funnier, despite the fact that he sounds fairly normal this time. The ending was a bit lackluster, but overall the show was entertaining.
Objectionable Content: Futaba-chan is pretty mean to her brother Kazumi-kun, calling him an okama (effeminate / gay / transvestite male), but I think it comes off sounding meaner in the subtitles. Although he is awfully girly, it shouldn't be too awkward. There is a plant woman that doesn't look particularly modest, but she's not really focused on for fanservice. There is a thief that magically steals a woman's bra without anyone noticing, including her. He does the same with a boy's boxers. There is a seductive restaurant owner with an interest in high school boys in like one or two episodes and it's very brief.
Genres: Comedy, slice-of-life, action