OK Animes for my kids?

[K. Ayato]

I would suggest (if you can find it) Heat Guy J. It's more along the lines of sci-fi, with a giant android acting as a cop, if you will. I will advise you on some of the fight scenes (although I've only seen the first 12 episodes), and with a certain character who's a young mob boss.

[Debitt]

Man, most of the others I do watch have been really screwed over, thanks to a certain American company **cough4Kidscough**. These shows I speak of would be Shaman King and One Piece, but if the uncut versions are anything like the mangas... well, they may not be as bad as some other certain series.

Yes, One Piece and Shaman King are both EXCELLENT series when they're un-maimed. I do feel the need to point out that the swearing in the manga (at least in the case of Shaman King) is also censored by Viz, so if you end up buying the uncut DVDs I'd wager that there'd be more swearing than you'd expect. (not blasphemous amounts, or even offensive amounts, but if I remember correctly most, if not all of the curses were edited out. Dumb Viz.)

[Kanerou]

Um... Outlaw Star. I wouldn't, but that's me. ESPECIALLY the uncut version.

I don't remember... Betterman was pretty cool. There was some near-nudity (these suits they wore for their machines were transparent, and opaque stuff only covered the essentials), and quite a bit of violence/blood. If you can stand that... you might wanna watch it first.

[MasterDias]

Gundam whatever
Kenshin
Last Exile
Trigun
.hack//SIGN and .hack//Legend of the Twilight
Nadia: Secret of the Blue Water
Nadeisco
Princess Nine
Case Closed/Detective Conan(if your son likes CSI and the like, he should check this one out)

Most of what I would recommend has already been mentioned so...

Yes, One Piece and Shaman King are both EXCELLENT series when they're un-maimed. I do feel the need to point out that the swearing in the manga (at least in the case of Shaman King) is also censored by Viz, so if you end up buying the uncut DVDs I'd wager that there'd be more swearing than you'd expect. (not blasphemous amounts, or even offensive amounts, but if I remember correctly most, if not all of the curses were edited out. Dumb Viz.)

I would also recommend these if the uncut versions will ever come out or continue to come out, although the Shaman King anime goes off and does it's own thing after a certain point thus making the manga quite a bit superior. As far as Viz and swearing goes, I stopped understanding Viz's Shonen Jump editers and their strange choices some months ago.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

ohh i wanna definately recommend Monster... but theres quite an amount of objectional scenes... it's very human-like (no blue hair, weird eyes, very human) and the art is amazing... but there is some nudity (not fanservice here.... not to please the audience) but its sorta part of the story, but not needed

Monster is so great, its my personal #1

[Mithrandir]

I think I'm going to echo what lots of others have said, but I'll only post on things I KNOW about.

1. It's very laudible that you are so interested in your kids that you'll pick up something like anime.

2. Trigun. I've never heard of a 14 year old who didn't like that one.

3. Is you kid into computers at all? If so, .hack//sign is a great one, too.

4. If you can deal with violence, and some eastern religion themes, I'd have to say escaflowne as well.


ALSO: If you have a question about a particular title you haven't seen here, please let us know. Our reviews database exists for exactly what you are talking about; we're always interested in writing new ones.

[Rev. Doc]

Hey there Anime Dad. Always nice to have more folks who are near to/around about the middle aged group here. I am also an anime dad. Not so much the fact that my kiddos like anime, but it is in fact my hobby of choice. There have been a number of titles on this thread and I think I would just be repeating many already mentioned. My library is quite extensive, so if there is ever a title you wish to know more about in regard to it's content and whether it would be acceptable for a certain age grouping from a dad's perspective (I have two myself) feel free to PM me at any time. I'll be glad to help out.

[lj1958]

Liz here...occasional poster, but a parent all the time. I have a 12 yr old and 15 1/2 year old, both girls.

My 12 year old is watching Spiral right now, through Blockbuster Online rentals. It's a mystery series, and there doesn't really seem to be any objectionable content (so far) except very clever and devious teens who are the bad guys.

I highly recommend RahXephon for mid teens and up, but the series, not the move! There is some more objectionable content in the move!

Last Exile as others have said, very beautiful and a sweeping epic story. This one is good for both genders, I'd say 12 and up.

Two that aired on Adult Swim this past year in the US that would be good for mid teens and older, but on the slow moving side, and you have to pay attention -- Witch Hunter Robin and Wolf's Rain. Robin deals with some religious themes but not in a necessarily anti-Christian manner...it's one of my favorite animes.

Big O is pretty straightforward sci-fi and I don't think you'll find anything objectionable in it. 10 or 11 and up.

Trigun is a REALLY good story and a fun series but is showing its age as far as the quality of the animation (lots of still frames).

I doubt many boys that age who are not really into anime would get into Fruits Basket, and Princess Nine is rather girl-focused as well (another girl-focused recent anime good for adolescent girls is Kaleido Star).

I don't konw if I'd recomend without reservation Full Metal Alchemist, with its emphasis on alchemy...but it would definately hold the attention of most teenage boys, and I haven't seen anything objectionable in it other then the relationship between alchemy and the occult. Unlike Witch Hunter Robin, there isn't anything specifically Christian to balance out occult beliefs and symbolism...like Robin, though, there may be some themes in this series that could stand a litlte parent/teen discussion (I'm thinking of the horrible thing that happens around ep 7 or so in FMA).

Full Metal Panic strikes a good balance between relationship stuff and action stuff. As others have said, a little fanservice is involved...but its a fun series. Mid teens and up, IMO.

-Liz

[eva-boy7985]

I also agree with what Liz has said concerning titles. Concerning the Rahxephon movie, there is a scene with innuendo, but (and this is my opinion) I still think the movie has alot to offer. As stated in my earlier post, when I discuss how good or bad a show is, I'm more coming from the angle concerning how impacting the show is and how prominent and relevant the messages and principles are to life (in other words I don't speak about just sheer entertainment value). The said "scene" rather quick, and can easily be fast forwarded (and while I of course don't agree that it was put in the film, it's not one of those types where it was just flopped in there for fanservice reasons). Later there's another scene where one of the characters is naked (nothing sexual) but there's just some rear nudity, and in any frontal views, her long hair does the censoring. I just thought that the movie was really cool in that it essentially retells the story of the series but from the female character's point of view. Some of the small changes they made or new scenes that were added tell the love story in a somewhat different light. It'd be a cool thing to sit down and discuss the differences between the movie and series and what messages they uphold, as I myself have not been this personally moved by a series in quite a long time! Anyways just a thought...

Note: not trying to disagree with you at all Liz or cause a problem! Just my thoughts on the matter........

[rocklobster]

Okay, I'm gonna add in my two cents. Get the following:
Spirited Away--EVERY otaku should see this one. Very uplifting and spiritual.
Serial Experiments Lain--This is very disturbing at first, but give it a chance. It's a very beautiful series. IT's about a girl whose friend commits suicide, but leaves an e-mail behind. And it gets even stranger from there.
Tenchi anything--Tenchi Muyo has it all: action, romance, intrigue
Anything by Rumiko Takahashi--Ranma, Inuyasha, Maisson Ikkoku
Full Metal Alchemist--very Christian
Avoid these like the plague:
FLCL--Just terrible. No plot. No value. ANd yet people defend it to the death. WHY?
Reign the Conqueror--I like it, but it's waaaaay too disturbing.
Magical Shopping Arcade Abenobashi--A little better than FLCL, but not much. Plus, you need to know a lot about anime.
Akira--Also too disturbing. But nowadays people are more understanding of you if you don't like it.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

May I ask how Full Metal Alchemist is very Christian?

[Mangafanatic]

May I ask how Full Metal Alchemist is very Christian?

May I suggest that we don't go down this road?

[lj1958]

Note: not trying to disagree with you at all Liz or cause a problem! Just my thoughts on the matter........

Hey, Eva Boy, it's cool...

I admitt I was very disappointed in the RahXephon movie, although it is visually beautiful like the series. I just personally dislike continuity resets (going back and retelling the story, but differently...while supposively being part of the same franchise and story universe) , which is what happens in the Rah movie...and of course happens frequently when an anime movie and series are both released (Escaflowne, X). Once in a while the movie is a real sequel, instead of a reset of the series, of course. This sort of thing happens in the comic book world all the time as well - superhero backstories are reinvented frequently, for one thing.

In the Rah movie, there is a completely different ending. Without spoiling it, I guess it is possible that both endings could be "true" -- which I realized upon reflection. I just felt kind of cheated with the second (movie) ending, that a happy resolution was grabbed away and replaced with a different one which turned the first resolution into a couterfeit.

As far as "the objectionable scene" -- it plays into this turning of the first resolution into a counterfeit because it gives an alternative explaination for the conception of the main couple's child. Instead of this child being the product of a happy marriage between two people who are about the same age, it is conceived as part of a brief desperate encounter between an adult woman and a teenage boy.

Now, I've gone into way too much detail for folks who are totally uninterested in the series...but hopefullly this explains some of my frustrations with the RahXephon film.

-Liz

PS...I wouldn't personally recommend Lain for teenagers that aren't on the mature side. I wouldn't allow my 15 year old to see it at this point. It is eerie and strange and somewhat depressing. It is interesting and thought-provoking and I would have no objections for viewing by mature teens and adults who can handle the series content emotionally.

[Sesshoumaru]

A parent who supports anime and likes it............ wait a minute *GASP*!! HE'S NOT HUMAN!!








Just playin, anyway some series off the top of my head are Full Metal Alchemist, Rurouni Kenshin, Trigun, Wolf's Rain, Inuyasha, Cowboy Bebop and Yu Yu Hakusho. The rundown:

Full Metal Alchemist: Great story and plot, wonderful characters, great music and animation.

Neg: Mild language, blood *not too gory*, also the main character admits to being openly atheistic but later on changes that thought

Rurouni Kenshin- Blood and gore *Mostly from Kenshin's sword attacks*, mild langauge, very brief nudity.

Trigun- Violence, mild language

Wolf's Rain- Blood and gore *Wolves attacking one another and humans*, mild langauge.

Overall the series I suggested are appropriate for your 14 year old.

[Mave]

Hooray for parents like you! Since everyone has already thrown out all sorts of suggestions, if you ever have questions on manga, you are most welcome to stop by the Manga Mania section.

[Mithrandir]

While I agree we shouldn't go down the aforementioned road (w4j, mf), I should say that rocklobster's post also made me do a double take. I don't know if I can give an official stance on that, but I'd suggest researching a topic more than simply accepting that post.

[Warrior 4 Jesus]

Could someone please PM a reply about that then? I didn't know it was a "Do not mention title" here. Do forgive me.


Edit by Mithrandir: Oldphil, er, Mithrandir here. It's not that it's on the DND list - it's just that we don't want this nice man's thread hijacked and turned into a weird sub-plot, then spun off into it's own mini-series and choked to death as money grubbing executives play every last joke it might have concevably contained for maximum cash - only to have it end it's days as a sappy retro-week throw back rerun on Spike TV in 5 years. Well, at least we don't want it locked.

[AngelSakura]

<<FLCL--Just terrible. No plot. No value. ANd yet people defend it to the death. WHY?>>
To answer your question simply, and without any intention of starting something, because some people like it, whether it has a plot or value (in the individual's opinion) or not. Frankly, yes, FLCL is packed with innuendo. But I personally hold it as my favorite anime, yes, above Trigun. Somehow, it strikes a chord in my heart and makes it ache, in the slow scenes. I love FLCL.
I also note that you defend and promote Tenchi Muyo!. Tenchi Muyo!, from what I have seen, contains full female nudity and a good deal of innuendo of its own. I am not sure I can draw this comparison, but I noticed and thought this was a bit strange.

[Heart of Sword]

I recommend Rurouni Kenshin. Mild to moderate swearing (usually mild, maybe one d*mn every four episodes or so), little to no nudity, nothing sexual, nothing overtly Buddhist (of course, it's based in historical Japan, so expect a few statues here an there). Only thing is is that it's violent, but if he watches CSI Miami, don't worry about it. Check out the review for more. It's up at the very top under reviews.

Oh, and check out Trigun, too.

[rocklobster]

While I agree we shouldn't go down the aforementioned road (w4j, mf), I should say that rocklobster's post also made me do a double take. I don't know if I can give an official stance on that, but I'd suggest researching a topic more than simply accepting that post.

What about the seven deadly sins as characters? That's a Christian belief, isn't it?

[Mangafanatic]

What about the seven deadly sins as characters? That's a Christian belief, isn't it?

Ah, I see what you're getting at.

To me, and a lot of people here on CAA, just having allusion to Christianity doesn't really make a series Christian. To me, the story must actually support the beliefs of Christianity. Furthermore, so many anime series contain Christian phrases or symbolism just for the sake of looking cool. For it to really be deemed "Christian" (something I would be VERY hesitant to EVER do), I would have to see extensive exidence of the author's intent as well as very close parallel to the scriptural ideas that the anime was intended to communicate.

Just my two cent!

And to get this lovely thread back on track, I just remembered a really great, super clean movie you should see! Millenium Actress is a breathtaking film that I felt comfortable watching with my nine year old brother! And you can just ask some members-- I'm very picky about what my siblings see.

[iamneo19]

The Last Exile series is, by far, the most eligable source for anime entertainment. Not only is the animation TOP-NOTCH, but there is NO nudity, NO sexual suggestiveness, NO (extreme) violence, hardly any language (and if there is, it's as mild as mild can get in movies today, and that's saying alot), and it holds up a fantastic storyline of two determined vanship pilots who do what they know to be right. It's fun for the ENTIRE family, no matter what the age of the viewer is. The action sequences are as spectacular as they are intense.

The Last Exile is a definate MUST buy.

For the younger ones that are at the more pre-elementary stage, there is an old series called Superbook (the Superbook being the Bible). Its about these two twin siblings Chris and Joy and their trusty robot friend Gizmo and how the Superbook sort of sucks them in, and takes them to the place that its opened up to. It's great fun for the little ones. Unfortunately, they stopped making them. You can tell they were made back in the 80s, but it's still kinda kool for me to see an animated feature done strictly in the anime art style, for the purpose of glorifying God.

[Mr. SmartyPants]

What about the seven deadly sins as characters? That's a Christian belief, isn't it?

may i direct you to this?

http://www.christiananime.net/reviews.php?display=127

let us quote

Religious Material Details
Well, this area has sparked a lot of people. In the first episode, Ed talks about that things like prayer is foolish and that a scientist like him doesn't need to believe in a god. Also the characters are able to transmute objects. Basically turning one thing into another. Later in the series you can infer that Edward changed his mind about religion but he doesn't say it out. Also, you will see some alchemists transmuting live people with animals, called Chimeras. They are basically 2 animals, human or not, put together. One example is a character called Martel, she is a Human and a Snake transmuted as one (although she looks humanoid, she has attributes of a snake).

in this sense, FMA wouldn't be christian

The entire plot can be considered spiritual, however, since Edward and Alphonse have paid for their sins and travel the world seeking redemption for them. In their path they meet the seven sins (Lust, Wrath, Greed, and others) and must conquer them, a huge Christian theme that is commonly played out through the entire series.

in THIS sense however, there is reason to believe why FMA would be sorta "christian" in a way

[eva-boy7985]

Just as a side note, having nothing to do with the actual show itself, Vic Mignogna who play Edward Elric, is a an on fire Christian. Look at the thread "This article gives me so much hope". Just a little tidbit that I found really interesting. He's actually a relatively popular VA, having been in Rahxephon, Peacemaker, and DNAngel!

[Sammy Boy]

Hi Anime Dad, and anyone else that may be interested. First, apologies if what I have said is already repeated, I didn't have time to read through all the posts on this topic.

[1] A while back I saw the three Patlabor movies. Essentially, they are about police/detective work in a future time when people have made controllable robots that can do heavy labour work. Some police also have the police versions of these robots to keep law and order. In the three films I saw no sexual content nor nudity (well there is one scene of a giant naked female 'fish' - it doesn't really count, but you'll have to see it to understand why I mentioned this).

The violence level is also quite mild. I think they are not bad titles for your son to watch. It's possible he may find it a little 'boring', but I focused on the story and that seemed ok with me. The first movie had some references to the Tower of Babel (or was it to the city of Babylon? Can't remember), but I'm sure your son can tell fact from fiction .. just including here as an FYI.

[2] I would also like to recommend Hayao Miyazaki's stuff (the Studio Ghibli stuff). All the titles I have seen from him (Laputa - castle in the sky, My neighbour totoro, Proco Rosso, Kiki's delivery service, Valley of the wind, Princess Mononoke) are free from nudity, sex, and the violence is very mild. I'd probably give it a PG rating at most. If you pay careful attention to the themes in these stories you will probably pick up a mixture of animistic/pantheistic/panentheistic ideas. As long as you know this is the kind of underlying philosophical assumptions Hayao is working from there isn't a problem (I think).

[3] I have also just watched the first, third and fourth volumes of the Get Backers series. The story is pretty good, and the violence is not very bloody. There is also humour in the series. So far, I have seen no sexual content nor explicit nudity (there are a few scenes in which girls who are naked have their sensitive parts covered with cloth though, and one of the characters Hevn dresses in compromising ways, so please take this into account). I have only seen Biblical references in a couple of episodes in the fourth volume, and there is one subtle but crucial error in explaining Christ's sacrifice because one of the characters named Makubex says Christ died in order to become the child of God. But really we know He already was the Son of God before He came to die for us.

All things considered, the series is very enjoyable though.

By the way, I am also Australian, so I know how hard it is to get DVDs here.

Hope that helps.

[THE ANIME MAN]

Hmm, Get Backers gets a little strange and much later in the series there are implications of Yaoi or at least of guys likeing guys, so I'm not sure that may be as appropriate as you think.

Actually I would have to Recommend Earth Defender Mao-chan, at least for your girl anyways. It's a really cute anime. and I mean that literally. You have a fourth graders who dress up in band uniforms to defend the earth from "cute Aliens" and they ride around on 1:1 Scale Plastic Models of Military hardware that contain AI. If any anime is Kid safe it is definately that one.

I'll look through my collection and come up with more names but that is one that I can garuntee you is child safe.

[Anime Dad]

Thanks again to all the wonderful replies. I'll definitely be on the look-out for some of the titles you all mentioned.

As i've said in another thread, the main problem "we" have (as in, my son and I) is actually finding places that sell/rent anime. But, that's for another thread I guess.

While reading this thread, I remember watching Spirited Away (video rental) and being very impressed by it. I actually rented it for my kids, but they sorta lost interest half-way through (this was a few years ago). I didn't even realise this was considered anime back then lol.

[Sparrowhawk]

what about buying online?

[Mangafanatic]

I would also like to recommend Hayao Miyazaki's stuff (the Studio Ghibli stuff). All the titles I have seen from him (Laputa - castle in the sky, My neighbour totoro, Proco Rosso, Kiki's delivery service, Valley of the wind, Princess Mononoke) are free from nudity, sex, and the violence is very mild. I'd probably give it a PG rating at most.

As a minor note, I would like to just mention that Princess Mononoke was not Miyizaki's general family friendly fare. While it was clean from a sex/nudity point of view, there was some [to me] troubling voilence in the movie (Ashitaka cutting off a guys arms, the boar thing oozing those nasty blood/worm things, a certain creature having his head lopped off).

[Anime Dad]

what about buying online?

Yeah, I guess that's an option. I have a general distrust of online buying, and added to that I don't have a credit card - I just don't like them.