Anime Recommendation and Suggestion Query

[Ryllharu]

Frankly, you have very narrow taste in art. Macross, FMA, Death Note, Geass, all very similar. BONES' adaptation of the art in Soul Eater is flawless. That's simply the style of the series. It's supposed to have a neo-gothic look, mixed together with twisted humor, and it adds to the atmosphere of the series immensely.

Nevertheless, I shall advise you on "thinking" series.

ef - a tale of memories - romance series, very strange concepts of memory and sound. You will probably get turned off from the art style, but that would be your loss.

School Days - At first glance, a very dull, straightforward romance series. If the length of the discussion thread in this forum after the series ended is any indication, this series is FAR deeper than it appears. Motivations of every action of the characters from the very beginning should be re-examined for further understanding.

RD Sennou Chosashitsu - Like all Shirow Masamune series (Ghost in the Shell, et al.) this series is primarily a cognitive series, and the eye candy is just a plus. You may also want to watch the two seasons GiTS:SAC if you haven't seen that either.

Shigofumi - Thought provoking series about what messages we would send to those we love (or hate) after we die. Motivations for seeking death and similar feelings are also focused on.

The Daughter of Twenty-Faces - "classic" series (currently airing) in the vein of the Phantom Thief genre. Takes another look at the Japanese post-war era in an alternate (or secretive) reality.

True Tears - Another romance series with a deeper look at what we really want and what kind of people we really are.

Higurashi no Naku Koro Ni and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Kai - Look no further for one of the most twisted series you will ever see. Mysteries abound, confusing as hell, and only when you are nearly sure of the truth, does the real truth get hinted at. Simplified art, but not a series to be discounted for one seeking a "cognitive" series.

Monster - I cannot attest to having seen this series, but it is by far one of the most deserving to grace this list.

ERGO PROXY - Again, I can't say I've seen it all the way through, but it certainly has its place on this list.

Planet ES - Space opera with a little less opera and a lot more "space." Wonderfully technical, and prods at the explorer in all of us. A bit like Macross in that sense (where Macross praises the pioneer) but deals with terrorism, old age, and illness rather than combat and pop idols.

Le Chevalier D'Eon - Period piece about the pre-French Revolutionary spy. Full to the brim with the occult. A bit dry in spots, but the art is fantastic.

Soukou no Strain - Sci-fi Space Opera retelling of Frances Hodges Burnett's A Little Princess, though it almost comes off as a parody with personality reversals for all the characters. An interesting look at the relationships between family and enduring hardship. Also noteworthy of having a very realistic approach to relativistic flight.

SaiKano - The single most depressing series you will ever see. Get past the art, and you are in for a rough one.


Just remember:
You have to take in some of the fluff or you won't be able to appreciate the more "cognitive" series. There is no appreciation for beauty where there is only perfection.
^ totally learned that from a Twilight Zone episode