Summer Glories

In an attempt to get back onto my blogging feet (I greatly apologize for my long absence) I’ve cooked up a list of somewhat-recent anime titles that I recommend be watched over the course of the summer.

Darker than BLACK//In a futuristic Tokyo, people known as Contractors, those with special powers and no conscience, are used for dangerous missions such as assassination and spying.  Each Contractor is represented by a star (although all of them have been replaced by fakes due to a Hell Gate appearing), and BK-201 (“Hei”) is an Elite who is in search of his missing sister.

Ponyo//This Ghibli film isn’t as serious as Miyazaki’s other films, but it’s just as sweet.  Starring an odd-looking mermaid, a sweet 5-year-old boy who wants to take care of her, and her father with a hate for humans, this movie is great for the family, even if Miyazaki fans might not be as thrilled with it as with his other titles.  It even fits into the summer theme and mood!

Kaze no Stigma//From studio Gonzo (FINAL FANTASY:  Unlimited, Full Metal Panic!, Desert Punk, etc.) comes Kaze no Stigma, based on the light novel of the same name.  Kazuma is from a family with the power to control fire, but he is unable to do so himself.  After being defeated at the hands of sixteen-year-old Ayano, he is disowned.  But four years later he returns, now a master of Fuu-Jutsu, the power to control wind.

Mobile Suit Gundam:  The 08th MS Team//Bandai Ent. brings us an anime classic by studio  Sunrise (Code Geass, Cowboy Bebop, etc.).  The 08th MS Team is considered one of the most realistic Gundam series, but contains all of the Gundam themes we know and love.  All 12 episodes are included in this collection, and you have the choice of English or Japanese voicing.

Summer is a great time to also catch up on anime titles you might not have had time to view during the school year when the workloads are the largest.  I hope you enjoy some (or all!) of these titles.