Anime recommendations based on Buffy & Star Trek
As the title says, if you know either show I'd be happy if you can recommend me an anime that picks up on some essence of it.
For example, I think Star Trek and Legend of the Galactic Heroes have some overlap with space and the more competent characters and of course some deep political messages.
What would you recommend? =D
For example, I think Star Trek and Legend of the Galactic Heroes have some overlap with space and the more competent characters and of course some deep political messages.
What would you recommend? =D
Commentaires
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Jujutsu Kaisan and DandaDan are breakout examples from recent years
Another anime from Fall 2021, a little bit more childish but really well done while being deep and funny, is _Mieruko-chan_. I think these two are a good start.
If you don’t know it, I definitely recommend _Mobb Psycho_ (2016-22, three seasons). It’s really welI known in the anime world, and more importantly a masterpiece of supernatural and comedy.
From the Buffy angle, there's plenty of urban fantasy to choose from, like *In/Spectre*, *Durarara*, or *Dandadan*.
LoGH, space and politics themed as it is, like you said, is mostly like late DS9, minus the Quark-themed bits, and it can be a bit dry for some episodes. If you want a series more on par with TOS, you can check out *Irresponsible Captain Tylor*, a parody that plays with those tropes, but still keeps the optimism of it and maintains strong internal consistency.
However you often need to look into more niche titles, and I think for people who watch shows without dwelling and musing on what makes characters tick and what their internal lives are like, they're less likely to find Buffy-analogues. But I've certainly found far more in anime than some of the awful "quippy strong independent heroines" that Hollywood churns out.
Some offerings:
https://myanimelist.net/anime/35849/Darling_in_the_FranXX - heroine has the spirit of Faith but no Watcher to rein her in, in a semi post apocalyptic setting. Lots of themes about the organic nature of love, sex and attraction in a technologically overrun world. Male main character, but if you pay attention, it's ultimately Zero Two who is the protagonist.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/41457/86 - an idealistic heroine whose powers are not physical, but sheer power of conviction, perseverance and a willingness to put herself on the line for what she believes in.
https://myanimelist.net/anime/47162/Shokei_Shoujo_no_Virgin_Road - an emotionally blank heroine endeavors to complete her morally grey duty in a world different to, but linked with ours
https://myanimelist.net/anime/50709/Lycoris_Recoil - often billed as John Wick with anime girls, Chisato is Buffy on her chipper days when she's at peace with her situation as The Slayer
https://myanimelist.net/anime/59205/Clevatess__Majuu_no_Ou_to_Akago_to_Shikabane_no_Yuusha - an amazing heroine who finds herself with odd allies, not unlike Buffy did at times
Something a bit different: https://myanimelist.net/anime/48553/Akebi-chan_no_Sailor-fuku - this is simply a story of a girl starting at a new school, her love of the uniform which her mother made for her by hand, and her quest to make friends. No fighting, no supernatural stuff, and no real drama either. For me, though, Akebi absolutely has the spirit of Buffy in the deepest sense, with such resolve, personal power, intensity and also just being one of those people who are the best of us.
Something a bit different in the other direction: https://myanimelist.net/anime/3667/Strike_Witches - this anime is often referred to as the "no pants" anime, and has a lot of fan service / exploitative angles and scenes of its (young) girls. Yet its heroine is possessed of incredible grit, resolve and if you stick with her story for long enough her credentials as a superb heroine who can hold her own with the best becomes undeniable. I include it because a lot of ecchi / exploitation anime have some really fantastic female leads, despite the heavy sexualization.
There's a lot more "in the characters that give me similar feelings to watching Buffy" box, but perhaps one of the easiest ones to actually start with, that I forgot was: https://myanimelist.net/anime/36548/Kokkoku - fairly straight forward young-woman-finds-her-groove-fighting-unexpected-odds, complete story in 12 episodes and one of the best OPs in anime.
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO\_6HPK0KtU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kO_6HPK0KtU)
For Buffy...Try Blood +
[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GepvEq1HGyU](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GepvEq1HGyU)
Outlaw Star (space themes)