Human Crossing v Rumiko Takahashi Anthology

[Njr Scrawl]

OK. Both are slice-of-life. Both Geneon.

Which series has the best stories as they are both anthologies? Which one is most realistic & which has the best character voice acting?

Would either be any good for getting a person interested in anime?

[Kevinroc]

I've only seen Anthology and enjoyed it very much. Anthology's stories range from slightly realistic (The Merchant of Romance and even One Day Dream) to very out there (Extra-Large Size Happiness, One Hundred Years of Love).

Some of Takahashi's typical comedy elements appear throughout, but it's much easier to watch a 20 minute or so story with a beginning, middle and end then a rather long series.

So if you want a quick Takahashi story I'd recommend Anthology.

[Shsway]

Rumik Theater is definitely the better of the two, with both stories and the voice acting on both language tracks, but I'd still recommend at least a rental for Human Crossing. I find the latter a bit more refreshing, sometimes surprising where the subject matter is concerned.

Happy to own both, I am.

[nakimushi]

I have seen (and own) both series.

Of the two, Human Crossing is more realistic and occasionally gritty. Rumiko Takahashi Anthology has a few episodes with some magic/supernatural aspects.

I liked both series. I think they differ in that RTA was more focused on entertaining the viewer, while HC was more serious and seemed consistently more didactic or "educational/inspirational" in tone. RTA also has messages or epiphanies for the main characters of its episodes, but there is a lot more humor in many of the episodes too.

As an introduction to anime, it would depend. I think HC would be very good to show to someone as an example of how "realistic" anime can be - especially to someone who dismisses anime as cartoons for kids. But it definitely is not "action-packed" so I wouldn't recommend it for someone looking for an exciting show. It is interesting and often moving, but generally not exciting.

RTA would be better for a funnier, and lighter introduction to slice-of-life anime that doesn't involve mecha, magical girls, samurai, guns, outer space, etc...

Both shows would be good to show to people who are interested in learning about Japanese society and attitudes.

[DanielJr]

I'm also interested in these. How many DVDs is each series? Any plans for collections?

[nakimushi]

[ QUOTE ]
DanielJr said:
I'm also interested in these. How many DVDs is each series? Any plans for collections?

[/ QUOTE ]

Each has 4 discs. Rumiko Takahashi Anthology has already been released as a collection.

I'm not sure if Human Crossing will get a collection - it doesn't have one now.

[AmericanBeauty]

I've only seen the first volume of Human Crossing but I enjoyed it quite a bit. Some of the episodes are better than others but as a whole, it's pretty interesting. So if you like slice-of-life stories, I'd say go for it.

[DanielJr]

Thanks. I'll probably pick up the Takahashi collection on the next Geneon sale at Rightstuf.

[Captain Impulse]

Yeah you can't go wrong with either if the type of material presented sounds interesting to you. However, I'd favor Rumiko Takahashi Anthology over Human Crossing ever so slightly, probably thanks to the Takahashi-fanboy in me. :D

***proceeds to hit "Play" and continue watching Urusei Yatsura Disc 41***