ANIME FOR BEGINNERS

The world of anime encompasses various categories and sub-genres. For someone stepping into this realm for the first time, the experience can be a bit daunting. You're likely to be confused about where to start. The following anime (in no particular order) are good to begin with.

DEATH NOTE
High school student Light Yagami discovers a special notebook. Writing a person's name in the notebook will result in that person dying. This 'Death Note' becomes Light's weapon in his crusade to eliminate all criminals of the world. The anime has a very original and captivating storyline with well-formed characters. It's a fantasy-thriller with elements of crime and flawlessly depicts themes like 'power corrupts people'. Also, the soundtrack is marvellous. Episodes - 37.

ATTACK ON TITAN
After terrible Titans destroy his hometown and kill his mother, young Eren Jaegar joins the army and becomes determined to end the race of Titans altogether. Intense and thrilling, this anime doesn't overdo it with multiple cliff-hangers but maintains a few but good ones. The battles get violent but exciting. Episodes - 25.

FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST: BROTHERHOOD
Brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric are young when their mother dies; having a knack for alchemy they attempt to bring her back but something terrible always happens. The brothers then become alchemists and embark on a quest to fix what they've done wrong. This anime is all about adventure and fantasy and gets quite emotional especially when highlighting the special bond between brothers. You really feel for the characters during their victories and defeats, and at times it may leave you depressed. But you will be laughing out loud at other times. Episodes - 64.

LA CORDAD'ORO: PRIMO PASSO
This game series turned manga turned anime classifies as 'shojo' (anime targeted at female audience). It follows the story of Kahoko Hino on a magical and musical journey – after she joins Seiso Academy, meets a fairy and receives a magical violin. Relationships and friendships are portrayed exceptionally well here, and the animation and characters are beautiful. Episodes - 26.

HUNTER X HUNTER
Gon Freecss, a young boy, discovers that his presumed dead father is alive and leading the life of a hunter (one who hunts for criminals, treasure, etc.). Gon embarks on a quest to pursue far-fetched dreams and becomes a hunter himself. This anime is well written, well paced and contains strong dialogue but be a little patient as it takes about three episodes to start proving itself. Episodes - 148.

GURREN LAGANN
This is mecha (robot) anime. Gurren Lagann takes place in a fictional future where Earth is ruled by an evil king, Lordgenome, who forces humans to live in isolated subterranean settlements. Teenagers Simon and Kamina are tired of the oppression. They discover a robot and with its help begin fighting Lordgenome's forces. This anime is big on action and the animation is fantastic. Episodes - 27.
Among the many other anime worth mentioning, are: Steins; Gate, Bleach and One Piece (the last two are excellent but extremely lengthy).