During rough times like these, we’re streaming more content than ever and anime is definitely not an exception to the rule! Anime studios have been cranking out some of the best stories to hit screens in a long time. From sci-fi to slice-of-life comedies, there’s a series to suit everyone’s taste. So whether you’re new to the genre or have been watching since you were yay high, here’s a few recent and must watch recommendations worth checking out.
Cannon Busters
Rated Mature
Created by LeSean Thomas (who has production and animation credits on The Boondocks, The Legend of Korra and the animated Black Dynamite series) ran a successful Kickstarter campaign and was able to create an animated adaptation of his graphic novel of the same name. Cannon Busters is an afrofuturistic western tale centered around Philly The Kid, an outlaw who is effectively immortal. Philly’s joined by his robotic companions S.A.M. and Casey Turnbuckle as they search for S.A.M.’s owner, Prince Kelby. Cannon Busters oozes plenty of style with an addictive plot. The fact that Philly drives a pink old school Cadillac that transforms into a giant mecha bull alone should let you know that this here, is a fun watch.
Available exclusively on Netflix
Carole and Tuesday
Rated Mature but more PG-13. Apparently, folks were tripping because of a scene featuring transgender singers.
Set in the future on a partially terraformed Mars, two teenage girls, Carole Stanley and Tuesday Simmons meet and develop a sisterly bond through music. The pair set off on a journey through a character-filled music industry to change the world for the better. The series has an incredibly strong pedigree as it has Shinichirō Watanabe (Cowboy Bebop and Samurai Champloo) at the helm as supervising director. Watanabe is world re-known for using various genres of music as a backdrop to his intricate storytelling. This magic works just as well with Carole and Tuesday’s incredibly catchy tuns. The soundtrack also features brand new songs from Thunderkat and Denzil Curry. Tuesday’s vocals are performed by Nai Br.X
Available exclusively on Netflix
Hunter X Hunter
Rated mature. It can get pretty dark and violent.
Universally acclaimed, Hunter X Hunter (the “X” is silent) follows Gon Freecss in his pursuit to become a hunter—a specially licensed individual that is allowed to pursue rare treasure, exotic beasts, undiscovered land or on another extreme, perform assassinations. Gon however is also motivated to reunite with his father who abandoned his family before he was born. The show is a top notch example of the shonen genre and the adrenaline filled fight scenes are wild.
Available on Netflix, Hulu, Crunchy Roll, Funimation
Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure (Seasons 1 and 2)
Rated mature, don’t let kids near it. It can be hysterically violent but for grown folks only.
This anime series is hella weird and surreal but at the same time high-key intriguing and engaging. Jojo’s Bizarre Adventure is a long running series (the first manga dropped back in ’86) that follows Johnathan Joestar and his descendants through their struggle against a maniacal genius vampire named Dio. It’s a multi-generational train wreck that spans over a hundred years. JoJo is known well for being chock-full of pop, hip hop, rock and r&b references through the character names.
The first series Phantom Blood is available to stream on Hulu, Netflix, Crunchy Roll and the most recent series “Golden Wind” is currently airing on Adult Swim
Megalo Box
Rated mature. There’s some blood and bad language. Dark and intense.
A modern adaptation of the classic manga (comic) Ashita No Joe, Megalo Box tells the story of Junk Dog, an amateur boxer stuck fighting in fixed underground matches. Through a series of events, JD finds himself with an opportunity to compete in the highly publicized tournament “Megalonia”. Winning not only means everlasting glory for Junk Dog, but also the chance to move his family out of the slums. If you enjoyed Creed or any underdog stories in general, this is a must watch!
Available to stream on Hulu, Netflix, Crunchy Roll
Seis Manos
Rated mature. Tons of blood and violence to go around for every pair of adult eyes.
Like Cannon Busters , Seis Manos has the distinction of being developed in produced in the US. The story centers around three orphans who grew up in a Chinese Daoist martial art monastery located in the small Mexican city of San Simon. After their master Chiu is killed by demonically possessed cartel members, the trio seeks revenge. The fight scenes are high energy, well choreographed and watch like a love letter to Robert Rodiguez films and 1970’s grindhouse cinema.
Available exclusively on Netflix
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