Some of my Favorite Lesser Known Anime

Valkyrie1

I have wanted to do a favorite anime Take for a while now but to prevent the list from getting too long. I've chosen to write about some of my favorite lesser known anime that I feel don't get the attention they deserve.

The Twelve Kingdoms

The synopsis:

"Nakajima Youko is your average somewhat timid high school student. One day, a strange man named Keiki appears before her, swearing allegiance. Before she could properly register what was happening, demon-like creatures attack Youko and her friends, after which they are pulled into a different world. A world unlike what she has ever known. Separated from Keiki, Youko and her friends must do whatever they can if they wish to survive in this new world."

https://myanimelist.net/anime/153/Juuni_Kokuki

This anime is based on a novel series of the same name. It's one of the best fantasy anime I have ever seen it is largely influenced by Chinese mythology. The mythical world is very detailed and complex there are explanations of all the political, social, economic and philosophical aspects of the world. It starts with the Kingdom of Kei and the events surrounding it then introduces several other Kingdoms. Youko starts out as the main character but eventually the focus switches to include other sometimes unlikely characters such as a peasant girl. My only problem with this anime is how abruptly the series ends since it is based off a novel series it had to stop where the books do.

Some of my Favorite Lesser Known Anime

Fushigi Yuugi

The synopsis:

"While visiting the National Library, junior-high students Miaka Yuuki and Yui Hongo are transported into the world of a mysterious book set in ancient China, "The Universe of The Four Gods." Miaka suddenly finds herself with the responsibility of being the priestess of Suzaku, and must find all of her celestial warriors for the purpose of summoning Suzaku for three wishes; however, the enemy nation of the god Seiryuu has manipulated Yui into becoming the priestess of Seiryuu. As enemies, the former best friends begin their long struggle to summon their respective gods and obtain their wishes..."

https://myanimelist.net/anime/123/Fushigi_Yuugi

This another fantasy series this one is based on a manga and is another Trapped in Another World trope. It is kind of funny I didn't know how much I like this trope until I started writing this. Anyway, this is a reserve harem anime (from back when they were actually good) and a romance with plenty of action in it to balance that out fret not.The main character Miaka can get kind of annoying sometimes in her naivety but the other characters compensate more then enough for Miaka's lack of complexity. Miaka and Yui also make for an interesting foil.

Some of my Favorite Lesser Known Anime

Kyo Kara Maoh!

The synopsis:

"Kyou kara Maou! revolves around Yuri Shibuya, your average Japanese teenager. One day, Yuri sees a classmate being harassed by bullies. Thanks to this intervention, his friend is able to escape, but unfortunately Yuri becomes the new target of the bullies in the process and gets his head shoved into a toilet. But instead of water, the toilet contains a swirling portal that sucks him into another world, largely resembling medieval Europe. There, he is told that he will become the next Demon King due to his black hair and black eyes, traits only possessed by the demon's royal lineage.

Yuri's arrival is met with some skepticism by some of the demons, who view him as unworthy to be their king. However, after Yuri wins a duel by utilizing his magical powers, the demons slowly begin to acknowledge him as their monarch. Yuri must now learn what it takes be a true Demon King, as he tries to keep the peace between demons and humans in this strange new realm."

https://myanimelist.net/anime/251/Kyou_kara_Maou

So this anime is really funny it has a bit of shounen-ai in it but it really is mostly there for some comedic and cutesy purposes.The world has unique cultural aspects to it and main character Yuri is a totally clueless goof with a heart of gold so watching him fumble his way around in it is hilarious. There also are some funky looking creatures unique to the world like giant killer kolas and sandbears that look like pandas. The series starts out pretty light but eventually takes a really serious turn as the series goes and can get pretty intense. I never actually finished this serious since it gets really lengthy but the characters and the story are great. So it is totally worth the watch for however many seasons of the dubbed there is maybe even longer if you love the characters enough.

Some of my Favorite Lesser Known Anime

Tiger & Bunny

The synopsis:

"In Stern Bild City, those with special abilities are called "NEXT," and can use their powers for good or bad. A unique organized group of NEXT appear regularly on Hero TV, where they chase down evildoers to bring limelight to their sponsors and earn Hero Points in the hopes of becoming the next "King of Heroes."

Kotetsu T. Kaburagi, known as "Wild Tiger," is a veteran hero whose performance has been dwindling as of late, partially due to his inability to cooperate with other heroes. After a disappointing season in which most of the other heroes far outperformed Tiger, he is paired up with a brand new hero who identifies himself by his real name—Barnaby Brooks Jr.

Barnaby, nicknamed "Bunny" by his frivolous new partner, quickly makes it clear that the two could not be more different. Though they mix as well as oil and water, Tiger and Bunny must learn to work together, both for the sake of their careers and to face the looming threats within Stern Bild."

https://myanimelist.net/anime/9941/Tiger___Bunny

This is one of my most recent favorites this is the only anime I have ever seen with a unique super hero comic book style anime before it really does have an interesting blend of American and Japanese style animation. Super heroes meet realty T.V. in this action comedy there is even real product placement which just adds to the effect. While the anime mainly focuses on the bro-mance between the two characters we also get glimpses into the the other heroes lives off camera. The characters are all interesting and well developed and while the series is light-hearted on the surface it isn't afraid to cover some serious issues like the prejudice NEXT face and Kotetsu's struggles as a single father.

Some of my Favorite Lesser Known Anime
Some of my Favorite Lesser Known Anime
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