Exploring the Contrasts of My Favorites Animes
This post is not a review or anything similar to that, I think maybe just some shared thoughts about a few interesting points in anime. Or perhaps it's just my personal taste, of course.
Once, I checked my posts on my phone, and it seemed like the method I was using to share images looked a bit strange on the mobile version. Using images and text side by side I believe that, just as it made me a little uncomfortable to see it that way, other people reading my posts might face the same problem. I'm sorry about that.
I always catch myself wondering, what really draws me to anime?
Is it the heavy, visceral drama of a dark story?
Or that comic relief that makes you laugh at absurd things?
I think, like everyone else, my answer varies depending on the mood and vibe of the moment. But let me be straight: the anime that captivate me the most usually have a more serious and impactful tone. Still, you can't live on tension alone.
I'll explain a bit about this and highlight some works that left a mark on me maybe you'll relate to them too.
If you've heard of Berserk, you know it doesn't hold back on its context.
It’s a deep dive into suffering, revenge, and humanity (or the lack thereof). What fascinates me is how it exposes the worst and sometimes the best that human nature has to offer. Guts, the protagonist, is a guy who simply doesn’t give up, even when the entire universe seems to be against him. The brutality of the narrative isn’t gratuitous; it has a purpose.
Every battle, every loss, contributes to a story that makes you think about life and what it means to be human and what others might do to achieve their goals in it. And let's be honest: the soundtrack and visuals of some adaptations also help pull you into this emotional abyss.
In Claymore, the spotlight is on female protagonists who are as brutal as the world around them.
It’s an anime that explores sacrifice, power, and identity in a way that makes you respect every choice made.
Clare, the main character, isn’t just physically strong; she’s emotionally resilient and devoted, which I find even more inspiring. Oh, and let’s not forget the action, which is as stylish and gripping as Berserk. If you enjoy stories that leave a lump in your throat, I highly recommend this one.
I love stories that blend the brutality of the past with a good dose of reflection.
Enter Vinland Saga, which does exactly that.
At first, it seems like just another revenge anime set in Viking times which is quite an interesting theme on its own but as you progress, you realize it’s much more. Thorfinn, the protagonist, is swept into events that challenge his worldview, and the anime delves deep into themes like the cycle of hatred and what it really means to fight for something of value. The Viking setting is an incredible bonus, in my opinion immersive and visually captivating.
If you haven’t seen it yet, I wholeheartedly recommend it.
Though I don’t think many people will enjoy the direction the anime is taking since Thorfinn becomes a bit "cowardly," if I can put it that way.
Now, I know that after watching anime like these, sometimes you just want to turn off your brain and enjoy something lighter.
I don’t limit myself to just this style of anime.
And that’s where titles like Sword Art Online and Dungeon ni Deai come in (I owe a review of this one for the next post). These anime still have action but without that emotional weight that makes you question your existence. Sword Art Online, for instance, is kind of a guilty pleasure for me. The concept of an MMORPG where you’re trapped and must fight for your life drew me in from the start. It’s fun, has romance, and the fight scenes (though there’s more dialogue than action) are well done. What more could you want to unwind?
Dungeon ni Deai (or Is It Wrong to Try to Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?) is more "light but not silly." The protagonist, Bell, is the kind of character you root for effortlessly. He has that mix of innocence and determination that makes you want to keep watching episode after episode. They did go a bit overboard with the waifu context here, which can be pretty nonsensical.
Well, these are my tastes in summary.
While I have this personal opinion, do you prefer heavy, intense dramas or something lighter and more laid-back? Let me know, because I’m always looking for new recommendations to watch.
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STOPClaymore is a great anime, I haven't finished watching it yet but one thing is for sure, it has a powerful character at the beginning of its arc, claire is the main character but the good thing is in the other characters
There are certainly more striking and charismatic characters than Claire, but I have a personal attachment to her introduction in the anime, it seems like something pleasant to follow. Have a great Tuesday.
I must say that of all these anime you mention the one I like the most is Vinland Saga followed by Berserk, I think these anime are very complete and with a serious and shocking plot, no doubt they are anime for adults.
Thanks for sharing your thoughts!
Thank you for reading my post.
These two in particular are my favorites to watch, even if I've repeated a few episodes just for the thrill of it.
It's just as you say, it all depends on the mood you're in, there are days where you want to see blood and violence but there will be others where you want to see something sentimental to the point that makes you cry. That's the cool thing about anime, the wide variety of genres it has.
By the way, Berserk is the only one I've seen in your list and it's a real gem, it's exactly that, the most primitive human instincts are reflected in that anime.
You've perfectly captured the essence of what makes anime so special, this ability to cater to the most diverse moods.
Berserk, without a doubt, is a classic that exemplifies this brilliantly.
En lo particular, me resulta tener como un genero o un anime de tal estilo definido, aunque no debo negar que los románticos (depende también de su historia) siguen llamando mi atención; aun así, me parece que el mundo de los animes es tan versátil que resulta imposible no atreverte o sentirte atraído por una historia que puede que no sea del gusto de uno, pero algo trae en sí, que se vuelve hasta un gusto culposo. 😊. De los que mencionas, solo he visto Dungeon ni Deai, aunque su más reciente temporada no la vi, ni sé si ya terminó, pero es interesante lo que se plasma en él. Gracias por compartir tus pensamientos
In particular, I find it hard to have as a genre or anime of such a defined style, although I must not deny that the romantic ones (depending also on their story) continue calling my attention; even so, it seems to me that the world of anime is so versatile that it is impossible not to dare or feel attracted by a story that may not be to one's taste, but something brings in itself, that it becomes even a guilty pleasure. 😊. Of the ones you mention, I've only seen Dungeon ni Deai, although its most recent season I didn't watch, nor do I know if it's finished yet, but it's interesting what is captured in it. Thanks for sharing your thoughts
Novels also have a special charm, especially when the story manages to hook you in a unique and comical way, I think. As for Dungeon ni Deai, it's a fascinating series, especially because of the universe and the evolution of the characters. The most recent season was quite interesting, but it still leaves some loose ends.
Of all these animes you mention, I have only seen SAO and Danmachi, and yes, it is as you say. Both, while not entirely comedy with romance and adventure, have a balance with all this and a bit of drama that is not bad for him. Although if you make me choose between SAO or Danmachi, I will choose Danmachi a thousand times because it is so good, honestly.
Good post.