Some anime has the same sort of brain candy effect that comics do. Just tells a fun action story with some characters who can be enjoyed on one level. Also, while cliches are prominent, I do like how Japan has developed several varieties of girl characters, whereas America sometimes still falls into the "Meet Lt. Woman!" (to use Dave Barry's words) trap. Sailor Moon has its problems, but it was something that I didn't see much of when I was little.
Some anime, though, I do think elevates itself very well. (Anything by Miyazaki, Kino's Journey, Grave of the Fireflies (although that one is to be admired, not enjoyed) and Haibane Renmei I think are really, really great.)
And I'm always open to recs. Just be warned that I may not get to them for a year or two.
Re: Wow - you watch a LOT of anime...
Some anime has the same sort of brain candy effect that comics do. Just tells a fun action story with some characters who can be enjoyed on one level. Also, while cliches are prominent, I do like how Japan has developed several varieties of girl characters, whereas America sometimes still falls into the "Meet Lt. Woman!" (to use Dave Barry's words) trap. Sailor Moon has its problems, but it was something that I didn't see much of when I was little.
Some anime, though, I do think elevates itself very well. (Anything by Miyazaki, Kino's Journey, Grave of the Fireflies (although that one is to be admired, not enjoyed) and Haibane Renmei I think are really, really great.)
And I'm always open to recs. Just be warned that I may not get to them for a year or two.