Surprisingly (or not) I am an anime guy [≈nerd?! How dare you?!!].
I may post some recommendations about anime one in a while. May not. Who knows, who cares?
A reason why anime more popular between teenagers/adults than regular cartoons.
Like regular child cartoon, anime has some fantasy world or/and story.
Most of anime actually made for teens 12-18 years. Some of them made for adults (and they're usually anime-movies [Like "Spirited away"] pretty famous if you ask me), but it's not so common.
All of anime (well all what I know) focuses on some teen problems and friendship (which is close to most adults). In anime main characters always has some super truly friends (and we all a little jealous about that) — all of us would like to have that type of friends. In some anime main character has super powers, he is soooo freaking special (who wouldn't like to be like that?) and others show how character isn't so special at all, but! More and more they show how with hard work he comes better and better, how building his/her character main character comes stronger and better than anyone else. And bad guys (sometimes good guys as well) usually say "Impossible!" . All of us would like to do, to create, to prove something impossible.
If cartoons is more for humor only than anime always (yes, always) has some funny moments but the story line is always serious.
Well, and anime (Japanese) is always patriotic. And I think it's very good — you should be patriot of the country you're living in.
Durarara!!!
That's most unique in my opinion.
Series not like any normal about certain person but about whole city (Ikebukuro — part of Tokyo). Almost every other episode shows a story from prospective of different character. Or their story. Often you see same scenes from different sides. You can watch 5 episodes and then you're realizing that you just watch same time in the story but about different people (and not always people).
Every main character is unique has own problems, plans, believes etc. You can see how group if people misjudging each other, their thoughts and stuff. And that's sooo cool! There is all types of characters and I'm sure anyone can find their favorite, or one who seems alike themselves.
One of the most unique and amazing things about this show — they're making city as much as possible to real one.
Just check out this screens and real photos of Ikebukuro:
There is plenty more. The whole anime is real city. I really would like upload more, but I'll save your time and internet traffic :)
Also background music is very interesting and perfectly for certain situations.
And one of interesting drawing futures is that they put gray background, and make colorful drawings only on characters what story telling as about. Like a way to focus your attention.
Anime has 2 seasons. Second season is more epic, dynamic and intense. It's hard to say which one I like more, they're both good in their ways.
Here is opening scene:
This is one of series I wish would never end.
P.S. It kind of reminds me life in NYC (or, possible any other city) — always something happening. Gosh, I love it!
some more tags: entertainment world lifestyle photos review Japanese Japan Tokyo Ikebukuro