Dusk Maiden of Amnesia (Tasogare Otome x Awesome)
WINNER WINNER WINNER. Of the 227 series I've (apparently) tried to read, this is one of my favourites, if not my absolute favourite.
Anyway, I heartily endorse this thread. Here're some of my (non-Tasogare) prime cuts. Not posting any direct links because I hear that's not cool.
Shingeki no Kyojin (ongoing)
Synopsis: Several hundred years ago, humankind was nearly exterminated by the titans. Titans are typically several stories tall, seemingly without intelligence, devour human beings and, worst of all, seem to do it for the pleasure rather than as a food source. A small percentage of humanity survived by walling themselves in a city protected by extremely high walls, even taller than the biggest of titans.
Flash forward to the present and the city has not seen a titan in over 100 years. Teenage boy Eren and his foster sister Mikasa witness something terrible as the city walls are destroyed by a gigantic titan that appears out of thin air. As the smaller titans flood the city, the two children watch in horror
. Eren vows that he will murder every single titan and take revenge for all of mankind.
It's awesome because: The human-titan conflict has an intensity/gravity to it which makes it far more compelling than basically any other manga struggle I've seen. The majority of the cast carry themselves as if they were only a few pages away from becoming titan food, adding an atmosphere to the series that keeps the reader on edge throughout. Throw in the intrigue surrounding the origins of the titans themselves, an unusually human cast and excellent direction and you've got yourself a winner.
Franken Fran (ongoing)
Synopsis: Fran Madaraki is an artificial girl constructed by the world's leading biologist, Dr Madaraki. Every day clients with biological issues come to her, and she attempts to resolve these issues through advanced surgery. The operation scenes are explicit, the remodelings are grotesque and full of dark humor. The beauty of the protagonist and her learning make for a peculiar contrast with the raw imagery.
It's awesome because: It's a macabre 'be careful what you wish for' series, comprised of some of the most absurd and abhorrent scenarios I've ever had the
misfortune to read. There's little underlying plot to speak of (or at least, that's really been addressed so far), but this just serves to keep you guessing as to what madness the next chapter will bring. I'm also a fan of the art, which is appropriately disturbing during the more graphic moments.
Liar Game (ongoing)
Synopsis: Nao Kanzaki has been dubbed a "foolishly honest girl" for her excessive faith in the best of others. When a package arrives at her house she, unsuspecting, opens it only to discover her admittance into the Liar Game -- a twisted tournament game involving 100 million yen! The profits are high, but so are the prospects of losing. Allying with an ex-convict, how will she be able to cope with the circumstances? And what is the true intent of the corporation behind the Liar Game?
It's awesome because: The 'games' that feature throughout the series are ridiculously entertaining and well-devised (past the initial stages, at least), while the strategies employed are similarly brilliant and almost impossible to anticipate. Thankfully, the series is about to resume having been on hiatus for ages.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica (completed)
Synopsis: Being meguka is suffering.
It's awesome because: It's the anime in manga form.
A Lollipop or a Bullet (finished, not fully translated)
Synopsis: Based on the book 'Sugar Candy Bullets Can?t Pierce Anything'. The plot follows two girls and their summer in a rural area, one of them claiming to be a mermaid looking for a a special friend before returning to the sea.
It's awesome because: I stumbled across this after wallowing through about 30 consecutive terrible series and was amazed by how unique, refreshing and genuinely interesting it was. It's clear from its writing and direction that it's adapted from very competent literary roots. I can't really expand on this much further because I've banned myself from picking it up again until the last chapters are translated (it's one of those series where I think reading it piecemeal detracts from the experience).
Aku no Hana (ongoing)
Synopsis: Kasuga, a self-professed enlightened literary fanatic, gives into temptation and steals the gym clothes of the girl he likes. The next day, the girl that sits behind him tells him that she saw everything! Unless he forms a "contract" with her, she will reveal his secret to the class.
It's awesome because: It's twisted in a way that goes beyond the perverted middle school antics implied by the synopsis. The characters are unorthodox and their emotions and feelings are conveyed with a strength sorely lacking from the overwhelming majority of other series. Because of this, it has (at least) one of my favourite scenes of all time.
Prunus Girl (ongoing)
Synopsis: While looking at the results of his high school entrance exam, Maki has a 'fated encounter' with a cute girl. He's thrilled to find out that the same girl, Aikawa Kizuna, not only ends up going to his school, but is in his class. However, he's not so thrilled to find out that Aikawa is actually male!
It's awesome because: I've been through a number of these comedic romance fluff series, but this one really stood out for some reason. Maybe it's because I like both sides of the main pairing for a change. Maybe it's because I actually found it genuinely amusing. Or maybe it's because I want to do dirty things to Aikawa. Kidding of course
Mirai Nikki (completed)
Synopsis: Amano Yukiteru is a boy who has problems making friends. He thinks of himself as a bystander and will always write down everything he sees in a cell phone diary. Tormented by solitude, Yuki begins to imagine fantastical things like a being called Deus Ex Machina, the Lord of Time & Space. However, Yuki soon learns that Deus is more than a figment of his imagination when he makes Yuki participate in a battle royale with eleven others. The contestants are given special diaries that can predict the future, each diary possessing unique features that give it both advantages and disadvantages. The contestants must try to survive until there is only one left standing. The winner will become the new God of Time & Space.
It's awesome because: It's a gruesome supernatural survival betrayathon where a bunch of crazy characters kill each other in crazy scenarios. Also there's this girl called Yuno in it. Go watch the anime.
Zettai Karen Children (ongoing)
Synopsis: It is the near future, and the number of espers is on the increase, requiring interventionist training to enable these people to use their power for constructive purposes. Unfortunately, there are numerous espers that abuse their powers and wield them to destructive ends. The Japanese government's solution to both challenges is the establishment of the Base of Backing ESP Laboratory (B.A.B.E.L.) for the purpose of appraising, identifying, nurturing, and protecting espers (even if that means apprehending them as if they were criminals).
Five decades later, B.A.B.E.L. locates a trio of natural Level 7 (the maximum esper potency designation) espers within Japan, and assembles them into the special esper team known as "The Children". However, all three have developed questionable attitudes because of the persecution and ostracization caused by the ignorant fear of their powers. The question now becomes whether Kaoru Akashi, Shiho Sannomiya, and Aoi Nogami can be refined into a force for good, or whether they will become the leaders in an anticipated war against the 'normals'.
It's awesome because: It's the setting and (extensive) cast which make this series stand out, particularly the interplay between The Children and PANDRA, as well as the moral ambiguity surrounding the latter's behaviour/status as 'villains'
. The constant question mark over which way The Children are eventually going to 'turn' is also a strong point of interest,
ReBirth - The Lunatic Taker (finished, not fully translated)
Synopsis: The story is set in a world where supernatural 'Angels' feast on the souls of humans. Those whose souls are eaten will inexplicably commit suicide a few days later. If, however, they encounter a 'sorcery device', they can avert their fate by becoming Takers, with their sorcery devices then becoming weapons of battle. All Takers have countdown tattoos on their chests, and when the countdown reaches zero, they evaporate from the world. To extend their lives, they can kill Angels or other Takers.
It's awesome because: Guilty pleasure series. Lots of death, despair, brocon yandere, yada yada. Sadly (but unsurprisingly given the author), it's ended sooner than expected and most likely on an unsatisfactory note.
Hoshi no Samidare (completed)
Synopsis: The world is in mortal peril. Sir Noi Crezant, the Lizard Knight, has been sent to gain the aid of the great warrior Amamiya Yuuhi in hopes of finding the Princess Samidare and protecting the planet from the incredible 'Biscuit Hammer' poised to crack the Earth in two. Unfortunately Yuuhi wants no part of it, and the Princess doesn't prove to be the shining 'hero of justice' that Noi had hoped for.
It's awesome because: On the surface it's a straightforward battle manga, but it has enough deviations, twists and quirks to differentiate it from its fellows and to keep it engaging throughout. It also manages to avoid many of the stereotypes and clich?s that permeate similar series, particularly in its characters and humour.
Life is Money (ongoing)
Synopsis: In a desperate attempt to raise money for a life-saving heart operation for his sister, Meguru is inadvertently tricked into participating in the high-risk 'Nightmare Game'. Forced into this life-or-death competition, he will have to co-operate with - or overcome - nine fellow competitors in order to walk away with an 100 million yen prize.
It's awesome because: Far too early to comment much on this one, but from what I've seen it's shaping up to be another of those competent warped survival series which are incredibly relevant to my interests.
Bokurano (completed)
Synopsis: During a summer camp, a group of children begin to explore a grotto by the sea. Deep within they discover computers and electronic equipment, along with a man called Kokopelli. Kokopelli claims to be a programmer working on a brand new game in which a large robot has to defend the Earth against fifteen alien invasions. He persuades the children to test the game and sign a contract. After they sign, barely a moment later they mysteriously awaken back on the shore believing that the whole thing was a dream.
It's awesome because: Mohiro Kitoh does mecha. Predictably, there's suffering by the bucketload, particularly for characters aged under 18. Disturbing, emotional and - much like a traffic accident - very difficult to look away from once you've seen it.
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Probably should've added Death Note and Negima, but I guess they're well-known. Also this post is far too long anyway.
