Light-Hearted Anime Recommendations

[ShakeyJake33]

Basically, I'm reallly sick of watching shows that are madly serious and downbeat, feel the need to preach some kind of moral or viewpoint, to you, and generally leave you coming out of a show not really feeling much better for it - I love those shows as much as the next guy, but I'm not up for it right now!

Call me a sap if you will, but right now, I just wanna watch a show that'll make me smile /images/graemlins/happy.gif

I'm thinking perhaps on something along the lines of Azumanga Daioh, which I totally loved. Heck, I've just finished watching Di Gi Charat, totally loved that too. Just moved on to Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat, and while the rougher art style and (imo) inferior scenario disappointed me initially, the different style soon grew on me.
Plan to check out Tokyo Mew Mew soon, though I've no idea what to expect.

Heck, you know what I mean - just something I can watch and have some fun with /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[ADC]

Just off the top of my head …

• Fullmetal Panic? Fumoffu
• Handmaid May
• Kiddy Grade (mostly light and fluffy, occasionally intense, unusually good for Gonzo)
• Mahoromatic (most of it)
• Mao-chan
• Risky*Safety

I would recommend Tenshi ni Narumon! (AKA I'm Gonna Be An Angel) but for the fact that Synch-Point still haven't pulled their thumbs out long enough to finish releasing it.

Don't know if those are to your taste, but they're fairly upbeat and devoid of morals.

[treatment]

[ QUOTE ]
ShakeyJake33 said:
Basically, I'm reallly sick of watching shows that are madly serious and downbeat, feel the need to preach some kind of moral or viewpoint, to you, and generally leave you coming out of a show not really feeling much better for it - I love those shows as much as the next guy, but I'm not up for it right now!

Call me a sap if you will, but right now, I just wanna watch a show that'll make me smile /images/graemlins/happy.gif

I'm thinking perhaps on something along the lines of Azumanga Daioh, which I totally loved. Heck, I've just finished watching Di Gi Charat, totally loved that too. Just moved on to Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat, and while the rougher art style and (imo) inferior scenario disappointed me initially, the different style soon grew on me.
Plan to check out Tokyo Mew Mew soon, though I've no idea what to expect.

Heck, you know what I mean - just something I can watch and have some fun with /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

You need to watch:

<font color="blue">F L C L</font>

/images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[itsuka]

My husband occasionally has the same urgent desire for some lighthearted fun. Apart from Azumanga, which is also one of his favourite anime, he recently very much devoured Midori Days. This is really lighthearted, sparkling fun. And if you don't mind going overboard, Those who hunt elves worked great as well.

[Yuriko]

Galaxy Angel fits the bill, and there's quite a lot of it out to keep you busy.

~Y

[perigee]

[ QUOTE ]
ShakeyJake33 said:
Heck, you know what I mean - just something I can watch and have some fun with /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]
For a fun show that never takes itself too seriously, try the SuperGALS! (http://www.rightstuf.com/1-800-338-6827/catalogmgr/8Ez0WbqzDQerwUSthT/browse/item/67925/4/0/0) thinpack collection, now available for less than $1/episode.

[XenoCrisis0153]

[ QUOTE ]
Yuriko said:
Galaxy Angel fits the bill, and there's quite a lot of it out to keep you busy.

[/ QUOTE ]
I second that

also, Sister Princess is two seasons of mindless cuteness

[Captain Impulse]

You would be hard pressed to find something more light-hearted and enjoyable than Galaxy Angel. Since you've already mentioned Azumanga Daioh, I guess I have to withhold my praise on that title.

If you're into the fantasy bit, Rune Soldier is an often-overlooked title that deserves more buzz than it received.

If you're looking for a bit of ecchi, Golden Boy will have you in stitches. It's still spoken of with reverence among my group of friends.

Urusei Yatsura, the grand-daddy of light-hearted nonsense, is probably my favorite series (thus the avatar). Not exactly something easily accessible (50 disc TV series, 6 movies, and 6 OVAs across 6 discs), but once you start, you won't be able to stop.

Ranma 1/2, it's spiritual successor, continues the tradition.

And I would be arrested if I didn't mention You're Under Arrest, a light-hearted comedy/drama about two female traffic cops and a host of weird criminals. Occasionally serious, but plenty of laughs throughout. Strike Man is still one of my favorite characters to this day, and if you watch the series, you will know why.

Hope some of those series help.

[ShakeyJake33]

Thanks for the replies guys, looks like Galaxy Angel it is /images/graemlins/happy.gif Also been curious about SuperGAL's for some time, good excuse to check it out.

In reference to the Galaxy Angel Complete Collection and SuperGAL's Thinpak (more-so the latter), do the box sets lack anything the singles have? I fell for the ol' ADV thinpak lark when buying Azumanga, and ended up buying the entire series again when I found out the singles had some key stuff the thinpak lacked (mini-movie, linear motes, pins etc). Don't really trust ADV box sets anymore.

[DrMM]

Kodocha, of course. Funny &amp; sweet with moments of drama. Cardcaptor Sakura or Fancy Lala might work if magical girl anime doesn't bother you.

[perigee]

[ QUOTE ]
ShakeyJake33 said:
In reference to the Galaxy Angel Complete Collection and SuperGAL's Thinpak (more-so the latter), do the box sets lack anything the singles have? I fell for the ol' ADV thinpak lark when buying Azumanga, and ended up buying the entire series again when I found out the singles had some key stuff the thinpak lacked (mini-movie, linear motes, pins etc). Don't really trust ADV box sets anymore.

[/ QUOTE ]
I've got the SuperGALS! singles, so I can't speak with certainty, but I don't think there's as much missing from the thinpack as for say, Azudia. There aren't many extras to begin with. There's a segment on each volume called THE SUPER GALS! EXPLAIN IT ALL which consists of outtakes with an English voiceover giving an explanation for terms like subsidating [subsidized dating]. Most references are to modern rather than traditional Japanese culture and are likely familiar to Westerners already.

Similarly, there are occasional popup explanations within episodes where the miniGALS [chibi characters] translate teenage slang, presumably for an adult Japanese audience. For example, when a subtitle reads don't get carried, an insert card reads carried = carried away. Who knows how the actual Japanese has been altered? Anyway, they can't remove those notes without editing the program content.

This is probably one series where you don't lose too much without the extras.

[SmoothTex]

Black Heaven (http://www.animeondvd.com/reviews2/disc_reviews/163.php) -- Hilarious show. A middle aged salaryman destroys alien armadas with the power of his rock! Very funny.

[ShakeyJake33]

Cheers for the indepth reply perigree /images/graemlins/happy.gif

I'll be sure to check out other recommendations too! (That Black Heaven looks quite original).
Already a fan of CCS, and I certainly don't mind a bit of mahou shoujo /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[Spirit Of The Stage]

For the majority of the series, Tiny Snow Fairy Sugar is very upbeat and enjoyable - and cute. Very very cute.

If you're an AzuDai fan, probably the closest thing to it would be Doki Doki School Hours which is very light hearted and whilst not on the samelength IMO as the mighty AzuDai is still a lot of fun.

Along with others already recommended (especially Supergals) mahou shoujo fans with a majority of light heartedness would enjoy Magical Project S (aka Pretty Sammy TV) which is basically a fun Tenchi Muyo spinoff/parody of magical girl shows. Oh, and has Pixy Misa. Pixy Misa rocks.

[ShakeyJake33]

Christ, just remembered I have Magical Project S sitting on my shelf unwatched O_O Bought it ages ago and never got round to watching it! I did enjoy Pretty Sammy, I'm assuming it's more of the same stuff.

It's quite funny, when I finished Azumanga, I was well and truely gutted, I'd gotten so attached to the characters that it really hit hard. Constrast to some of the shows I've been watching recently where I was just glad I got to the end. Not that they were bad shows, was just pushing myself through them to get another title out of the way...

[JackProton]

I'll second the recommendations for Fumoffu and Midori Days!

I'd also add I'm Gonna Be An Angel, Nuku Nuku OVAs and maybe Hyper Police.

[Shale]

Nobody's mentioned Animation Runner Kuromi? That's not right. Also, I haven't seen much of Galaxy Angel, but what I have watched is quality fluff. And if you want something light-hearted but not cutesy, most parts of the Lupin III franchise would be a good bet.

[jecca-neko]

Kiki's Delivery Service
My Neighbor Totoro
Someday's Dreamers

and most importantly, Super Gals. /images/graemlins/sdsmiley.gif

[Njr Scrawl]

[ QUOTE ]
JackProton said:
I'll second the recommendations for Fumoffu and Midori Days!

I'd also add I'm Gonna Be An Angel, Nuku Nuku OVAs and maybe Hyper Police.

[/ QUOTE ]

Heh, you beat me with the catgirl titles (Hyper Police &amp; Nuku Nuku).

Urusei Yatsura volumes 15 to 25 are the best to start with. Maze is also lotsa fun, &amp; Oh My Goddess of course.

[touma]

[ QUOTE ]
JackProton said:
I'd also add I'm Gonna Be An Angel

[/ QUOTE ]
I agree with that. I have had a lot of fun watching I'm Gonna Be An Angel.
However, anybody who is buying R1 DVD's might want to wait to see if the release is ever finished. So far only three voulmes are out, and I really have serious doubts that we will ever see the rest of it.
I am afraid that it is just going to be forgotten, like Corrector Yue.

[DanielJr]

Tenchi Muyo!

[jecca-neko]

[ QUOTE ]
DanielJr said:
Tenchi Muyo!

[/ QUOTE ]

Tenchi's lighthearted? Parts of it are kinda sci-fi heavy.

[DanielJr]

The overall tone of Tenchi Muyo! is pretty lighthearted. Unless you mean excessively cute and sugary?

[pianocello]

[ QUOTE ]
ShakeyJake33 said:
Heck, you know what I mean - just something I can watch and have some fun with /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Have fun, eh? Then may I recommend Ping Pong Club ? IMHO, the greatest comedy since the dawn of time. I'm sure there are some others here who can second my recommendation. (waits for Gan-chan(or was it someone else? - I seem to remember him liking this show) and others to arrive....)

[XenoCrisis0153]

[ QUOTE ]
ShakeyJake33 said:
In reference to the Galaxy Angel Complete Collection and SuperGAL's Thinpak (more-so the latter), do the box sets lack anything the singles have? I fell for the ol' ADV thinpak lark when buying Azumanga, and ended up buying the entire series again when I found out the singles had some key stuff the thinpak lacked (mini-movie, linear motes, pins etc). Don't really trust ADV box sets anymore.

[/ QUOTE ]
I can't tell you about the first and second seasons just yet... but for the third season (A and the upcoming AA), the complete collection releases are the ONLY release you'll see. Actually, I don't remember if A had any extras at all... but for the $21 I paid for it, I don't really mind.

[JackProton]

[ QUOTE ]
Touma said:
[ QUOTE ]
JackProton said:
I'd also add I'm Gonna Be An Angel

[/ QUOTE ]
I agree with that. I have had a lot of fun watching I'm Gonna Be An Angel.
However, anybody who is buying R1 DVD's might want to wait to see if the release is ever finished. So far only three voulmes are out, and I really have serious doubts that we will ever see the rest of it.


[/ QUOTE ]
Yeah, that is a problem. But it did stop at a fairly good point considering.

[ QUOTE ]

I am afraid that it is just going to be forgotten, like Corrector Yue.

[/ QUOTE ]
Who?

[guido7]

Hand Maid May is slightly ecchi, but tons of fun nonetheless, and definitely lighthearted

Urusei Yatsura is an insanely funny yet bizarre show. The show is only subtitled, so avoid this if that troubles you.

The Tenchi OAV's (1 &amp; 2) are excellent, light-hearted viewing as well.

[Nani]

FMP? Fumoffu and Rune Soldier are what you need to see. I intentionally watch them after I've watched a downer series. Both are laugh out loud funny.

To a lesser extent SuperGals! is great too. Tends to be a bit preachy at times, but in a funny way.

[Ebonsword]

Some great suggestions so far, I agree with most of them, especially Magical Project S and Sugar.

However, I can't believe that no one has mentioned Slayers! You won't find some deep, philosophical musings in this show--just ridiculously powerful characters abusing their abilities. /images/graemlins/devil.gif Damn, is it fun.

I would also recommend Wedding Peach. I've only seen the first season thus far, but it is a super fun show with lots of great character moments.


Ebonsword -|---

[AutoGyro]

The Lupin the 3rd series released by Geneon is mostly light-hearted. I recommend that. Also, Castle of Cagliostro would probably suit what you're looking for, but I'd wait for the special edition to come out this summer for that one /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[ape2020]

[ QUOTE ]
Ebonsword said:
However, I can't believe that no one has mentioned Slayers! You won't find some deep, philosophical musings in this show--just ridiculously powerful characters abusing their abilities. /images/graemlins/devil.gif Damn, is it fun.


[/ QUOTE ]

Most likely because while funny not too many would consider it a light hearted comedy. Fantasy slapstick or Epic parady but not light hearted by any means.

-chimp1010

[PattyLane]

[ QUOTE ]
Ebonsword said:
I would also recommend Wedding Peach. I've only seen the first season thus far, but it is a super fun show with lots of great character moments.

[/ QUOTE ]

I can't reccomend Wedding Peach, as it is perhaps the most shameless rip-off of Sailor Moon. Maybe for people who never saw Sailor Moon, or people who like knock offs, but otherwise...I'll pass.

[Ebonsword]

[ QUOTE ]
Chimp1010 said:
[ QUOTE ]
Ebonsword said:
However, I can't believe that no one has mentioned Slayers! You won't find some deep, philosophical musings in this show--just ridiculously powerful characters abusing their abilities. /images/graemlins/devil.gif Damn, is it fun.


[/ QUOTE ]

Most likely because while funny not too many would consider it a light hearted comedy. Fantasy slapstick or Epic parady but not light hearted by any means.

-chimp1010

[/ QUOTE ]

Um, maybe it's just me, but how can you classify a series as "fantasy slapstick" and then say that it's not lighthearted? /images/graemlins/stunned1.gif

The characters are constanly making fun of Lina's breasts, getting into epic battles about where to go eat, and fighting ridiculous villains (remember the fish man?)--all of that kind of prevents the series from having the gravitas of, say, Oedipus Rex.


Ebonsword -|---

[Gildor]

Try Zone of Enders, Dolores. I don't know that its lighthearted in the sense of a lot of the recommendations you've gotten so far, but its certainly lighter than most other mecha anime. Being mecha, there is a lot of sci-fi action and some cliffhanger episodes, but it really is a comedy and works well as an antidote to the downer series. Its got a real plot and the storyline progresses nicely to a satisfying, and upbeat conclusion.

Its one of the few mecha animes where the main characters are not angsty teenagers. <span style='color:#dddddd;background:#dddddd'>Unless you count Dolores herself, but thats debatable.</span> It should bring the required smile to your face. I know it did to mine.

[GanChan]

[ QUOTE ]
piano_cello_conducting said:
[ QUOTE ]
ShakeyJake33 said:
Heck, you know what I mean - just something I can watch and have some fun with /images/graemlins/happy.gif

[/ QUOTE ]

Have fun, eh? Then may I recommend Ping Pong Club ? IMHO, the greatest comedy since the dawn of time. I'm sure there are some others here who can second my recommendation. (waits for Gan-chan(or was it someone else? - I seem to remember him liking this show) and others to arrive....)

[/ QUOTE ]

Oh, I'm on board for Ping Pong Club.

And for sheer weirdness, let's not forget Hare+Guu.

And of course I have to mention Adventures of Mini-Goddess starring ME! /images/graemlins/cool.gif

[Chloe]

*blink*

We didn't mention Mini-goddesses yet? That's just silly! That show is the closest thing to a regular saturday morning cartoon show in the U.S. that I've ever seen in anime. Heck, it's even MORE of a SMC then most of the U.S. ones nowadays. /images/graemlins/tongue.gif