Anna Middleton

“Attack on Titan”:

For action and dystopia lovers, “Attack on Titan” follows a teen boy named Eren Yeager, his adoptive sister Mikasa Ackerman and his many friends. Only a few million people are left on earth stuck behind 3 walls of protection. Outside of these walls, a nightmare has brewed. Monsters that are multiple meters tall walk the earth in search of human flesh. These creature, known as Titans, are very hard to kill and have already wiped out most of humanity. Most people simply stay behind the walls and have been protected by them for a hundred years. Then one day, a new form of Titan is seen. It is almost 50 meters high, a record height, and it kicks through the first wall. Disarray and panic begin, as Titans of all sizes breach the wall and consume the district. Eventually, it is up to Yeager and his friends to stop this menacing force, however many twists and turns will determine the fate of humanity.  This show is exciting and has a rich story. On top of that, the story is explained in such good detail. Watcher and readers can really relate to the characters fear and personal ordeals. Any dystopian lover will enjoy this show and it’s unpredictability is spot on, anyone can be a target. Warning, your favorite character might die, so bring ice cream.

(Anime and Manga)

“High School of the Dead”:

Zombie fanatics, look no further. This is the perfect undead anime. As a group of students go about their normal schedule, a man suddenly appears at the front gates. As the principal and other staff members try to help the stumbling and sickly man, they get infected with a virus. Soon, chaos erupts. The story follows a group of high school students, the gun totting school nurse, and a young girl named Alice as they fight for their lives in the streets of Japan. The main character is the leader Takashi Komuro. The others in the group prove to be an interesting mix including his former love interest Rei Miyamoto, katana wielding Saeko Busujima, the wealthy and stubborn Saya Takagi and the nerdy Kohta Hirano. During this worldwide epidemic, known as the “Outbreak,” this group faces the horrific undead whilst dealing with other threats. Although only one season’s worth is dedicated to the anime currently, there is a promise for future seasons. This has the best combination of fear, suspense and gore. It is also a great show to watch with a group of friends. It could even be a study guide on how to survive the supposed zombie apocalypse. Whatever you choose to take from this anime, just be prepared to sleep with one eye open and a sword close by.

(Anime and Manga)

“Danganronpa”:

“Danganronpa” is filled with excitement. This manga/anime is for those who enjoy the book and film The Hunger Games. Though, this has more humor, it has just as much adventure and anticipation. This trigger happy havoc is set at the elite high school, Hope’s Peak Academy. Every year this school selects several top ranked students, and one average student chosen at random, to compete in a sadistic game. The teens awaken only to find a maniacal robotic teddy bear named Monokuma, who looms over them just to tell them that they are stuck in the school forever. There is only one way to leave: murder. Like the beloved game Clue, the students have to try to find the killer for each murder. If the murder is solved correctly, the culprit will be executed. If they are incorrect, the culprit runs free of the campus while the rest of students will be put to death. Although this would seem like a violent and dark show, it is actually very fun and humorous. The vivacious characters are what make the show brilliant. Every time one tunes in, its like watching a reality game show. Watchers and readers will laugh, gasp and cry throughout this series. It is addicting, so be forewarned.

(Anime, Video game and Manga)

“Chibi Vampire”:

Warning, this is not going to be twilight, so Team Edward and Team Jacob fans, stay away. However, this is not the typical fright night seen in other horror films. This halloween-esque story is about the life of high school student, and vampire, Karin Maaka. Unlike the rest of her family, she does not drink blood, she actually produces it in massive quantities. As a result, she is forced to bite others to expel the extra blood, lest she suffer in her health. Maaka exhibits humanlike traits, like being able to withstand the sun, that give her the ability to go to school. Her life is peaceful until attractive transfer student, Kenta Usui arrives. Whenever Maaka is around him, her blood production spikes. She tries to avoid him but fails, and soon they become friends, and eventually even more. This is for those who are into romantic comedies, but not the majorly sappy ones. This show is as if a japanese John Green wrote it. Although, this manga can be quite confusing in the beginning, once the story evolves, it is a fun adventure following an unusual couple.

(Anime and Manga)

Madi Schwem

“Death Note”:

For those who hunger for suspenseful plot that waves between what is morally right and wrong in the name of justice, Death Note is a mystery to feed just that very appetite. However, the twist is the dramatic irony–a viewer already knows who the killer is from the very beginning. Light Yagami, a brainy intellectual picks up a notebook in the middle of the street. This dangerous notebook gives Light the power to take the life of anyone he choose just by simply writing their name down, along with a few other rules. Beginning to use the notebook to rid the world of criminals, Light goes from being a vigilante to a chaotic individual who wants to rule over the world with his intimidating weapon. All of this goes on as a mysterious and equally as bright detective, known only as L, attempts to catch him. While both the manga and anime involve far more talking than action, the plot is riveting from start to finish with an ending that will shock the audience to its core. The twists and turns from every direction leave a fan going through episode after episode, or chapter after chapter, saddening them when it finally meets its conclusion.
(Anime and Manga)

“Durarara”:

Gangs, guns and violence. What could be more entertaining? Well, adding the modern tale of a headless horseman along with mysterious, quirky characters makes for the particularly weird, albeit interesting story of Durarara. Mikado Ryugamine, a high school student longing for an exciting life, moves to the lively Japanese city of Ikebukuro. Little does he first know, the city is enveloped in the mischief and crime of gangs such as the Yellow Scarves and Blue Squares. Reuniting with his childhood friend Masaomi Kida, Mikado is warned to stay away from several suspicious characters. Such characters include Izaya Orihara (a chaotic but loveable information broker), Shizuo Heiwajima (a man with a temper and superhuman strength who ironically loathes violence, and the infamous “Black Rider” Celty Sturluson, who puts a whole new twist on the tale of the headless horseman. Though the manga carries on longer than the anime, both are thrilling and truly original, unlike any others. Durarara’s points for that individualism give it a place on a beloved pedestal of its own in the world of Japanese pop culture.
(Anime and Manga)

“Tokyo Mew Mew”:

Captain Planet meets the Powerpuff Girls in the adorable, magical girl anime/manga Tokyo Mew Mew. 13-year-old Ichigo Momomiya is out on a date with her dream crush when suddenly she is given special powers. The infusion of her DNA with cat DNA turns her into a superhero, and she is granted with the task of saving the world from three invading aliens and their evil overlord, Deep Blue. But she can’t do this alone. With the help of four other super-powered girls, Mint, Retasu, Pudding and Zakuro, Ichigo can overcome adversity and save the world. This particular anime/manga is wonderful, especially for an audience of younger girls. The fact that all the animals the Tokyo Mew Mew girls share are endangered creates and appeal for people who are worried about animals living on the edge of extinction. Though the story and plot might seem childish in the manga, the anime expands it, tugging at the heart strings as each girl’s backstories are deepened. Tokyo Mew Mew makes for a surprisingly-deep, emotional ride.
(Anime and Manga)