[Anime - Commentary] Anime Rec List: Part 2: Sci-Fi

Part 1 ~ Part 2

ANIME CLASSICS (as it were)

Part 2: SCI-FI MUST SEES

Title: Darker than Black
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Futurism, Technology, Superior Genetics, Robots/A.I.
Summary: An assassin, his handler and his A.I. partner uncover the mysteries which surround their society - at the cost of their own lives?
Why you may not like it: Randomness. Story-telling is rather disjointed.
Why I think you must see it: There is something about "Darker than Black" that makes you wonder... about life at large... and in particular - about memory and the dangers of technology. The main hero, a quiet character with a dark, disturbing past, really makes you wonder what is going on in his head... and what drives him to do the things he does... A great side cast - combined with interesting music, makes for an interesting discussion on killing, life and technology in general.

Title: Ergo Proxy
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Utopia, Futurism, Technology, Superior Genetics, Robots/A.I.
Summary: Re-l, a cop, is investigating some murders when she gets caught up in a curious phenomenon surrounding the A.I. of Romdeau (the globe city she lives in). Leaving Romdeau with Vincent, a mysterious man hunting a dark creature, and Pino, an enlightened A.I., Re-l discovers the truth about herself, Vincent - and the world at large.
Why you may not like it: Super highbrow intellectualism, complex meanings...
Why I think you must see it: Interested in discussions on identity? In the importance of experience and its effects on reading texts and the self? In memory? In the fragmentation of identity and knowledge? Know anything about Derrida and Foucault? Want to delve into some post-modernist thinking? Ergo Proxy is the show for you! I recommend this show - not just for the art, the music, the seiyuu and the story line that tugs at your heart - but also for it's superior, complex thoughts that intertwine with the story. Rewatching this for the third time, I am still shaking my head over it...

Title: Trigun
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Post-Apocalypse, Futurist, Technology, Superior Genetics
Summary: Vash the Stampede is considered a natural disaster - because he apparently single-handedly destroyed the entire city of July. However, as Vash's past collides with the present, his friends realize that more is at stake than a city... perhaps, the whole planet.
Why you may not like it: Western elements. I mean, like WESTERN. Like, cowboy styled elements in it. You hate cowboys... it may take you a while to like this...
Why I think you must see it: Trigun is unique. There is no other serious that combines the "cowboy" style so well with the futuristic visions of sci-fi. "Cowboy Bebop" is close - but Trigun has the additional issue of brothers... and genetics... and what happens when family issues threaten to destroy a planet. You can't get more angst than that...

Title: Trinity Blood
Sci-fi/Fantasy Elements: Vampire Viruses, Technology, Futurist, Post-Armageddon, Superior Genetics
Summary: A nun, Esther, joins the Vatican's secret service - serving alongside very interesting characters. The most mysterious one is Father Abel who holds secrets going back... hundreds and hundreds of years...
Why you may not like it: ..... I don't know why you wouldn't like it...
Why I think you must see it: Trinity Blood is an amazing show - and draws from a very complex, well-written series of books. As such, the anime merely scratches the surface of a very large mythology. Still, the quality of animation, voice action and music is stellar - as well as the development of the various characters. The journey of Father Abel and his fellow priests and nuns is an interesting journey exploring issues of race... and technology....