Aspects of Anime/Manga that inspire you

[Master Rel]

Those specific abilities, talents, tools, items, magic, super science, etc. that catch your eye from various sources of anime and or manga.


For example...

ninja/shinobi arts from Naruto

zanpakuto of the Shinigami/Soul Reapers from Bleach

auto mail from Full Metal Alchemist

elemental bending from Avatar: The Legend of Aang/Korra


Not so much a mega weapon or ability, not so much something beyond any reach like being a galaxy killer or a god, etc.

More the flavor and setting aspects that define a story...

There are so many potential sources this could be a really interesting thread...as many of us have not experienced the full width and breadth of the anime/manga pantheon...like me...I have seen and read many but certainly not all by any means.

 

[Darth Kitsune]

Rurouni Kenshin was a manga that deeply inspired my life. Mostly because I'm a fool for "sappy" romance manga, but also because I could relate to the character of Kenshin. Not literally, but in a sense of emotional struggle. The manga inspired me to be a better person.

Himura Kenshin was a troubled man. His past caused him to hurt the people he loved the most, and ended up getting him labeled as a murderous freak (although legendary). When I was reading this manga I was going through a time in my young life where I was making very poor choices and hurting the people I cared about, like my family and friends. I wasn't killing people, but I was slaughtering the bonds I had with people with my choices. I felt alone and like a monster, much like Kenshin did as his past followed him everywhereh e wandered. But regardless of that, he did what he could to right the wrongs he committed and become a better person. Kenshin's character inspired me to make better of myself and my life.

[Master Rel]

The damaged romantic swordsman...Chanbara style...that is a good one.

I also liked that anime series...and I am looking forward to catching the movie!

[Darth Kitsune]

Same here. The series as a whole holds a deep sentimental value to me.

[B1ondeange1]

I haven't read much manga or watched much anime, its something I've only recently gotten into. And I'm not sure if 'inspired' is the right term, but abilities that have caught my eye?

if talking not out of this world type abilities, then Takumi's driving abilities from Initial D. I got into this years ago when I was your typical just got my license, into jap cars late teen (I'm not sure what the situation is with jap cars in America, I get the impression they aren't quite as common, but jap cars our kinda our main car market here in AUS so they are everywhere. None of my lil jap hatches were fast coz I couldn't afford better, but it didn't matter, advantage of a seriously underpowered car is you could floor it everywhere and with your lack of knowing better 'felt' like you were going fast but still kept under the speed limits ). so the idea of having an amazing natural ability to control a car like he does appealed to me. And I love how he's this quiet unassuming type guy, and at the start no one knows of his abilities and instantly dismisses him, even he doesn't realize he's got this talent and he doesn't think he's anything special because of it. And even when he does realize his abilities, he's not an ass about it like some of the other characters. He's also the underdog, and its always great seeing the underdog win through sheer luck and talent.
I'm in the process of watching the series again, I've watched it so many times esp first stage, but doesn't matter how often I watch it I still sit there silently (and sometimes not so silently )  cheering Takumi on! Id love to read the manga.

Talking supernatural, I love the vampiric powers in Vampire Knight, especially Kaname's (being he's the Kuran family head and founder his powers are the coolest). As well as the Artemis rod, when that turned into a scythe I though it was so awesome!

[TheHobbitofDune]

One of my favorite anime as a child was Yu-Gi-Oh! I watched it every time it aired, and rarely missed an episode. Though, during the later seasons, I started to lose interest because it just got a bit repetitive after a while. Still, even now, I look fondly back at this show.

It's a bit unique (or, was unique) in that it didn't involve the typical martial arts of most anime out there. No, the show centered around a special game of cards, and people (called duelists) would use these cards to fight each other in a battle of wits. The cards would summon mighty monsters and allow the duelists to wield divine magic. Many a show has tried to copy this in some way or another, but none have truly succeeded. Later spin-offs of Yu-Gi-Oh! came and went, but the only one that really captured my attention was Yu-Gi-Oh! GX.

But in any case, Yu-Gi-Oh! was different, and it was awesome. The real life card game that it spawned had a huge impact on both my elementary and middle school days. Everyone would play it during recess and try to emulate their favorite character's decks or lines from the show. It was great fun.

Then of course there was Gundam Wing, but I could easily write a fifty page essay on why I loved that show, and still do, so I won't bother

[ThreadJack]

Does Hentai count as anime?




.......Did I just ask that out loud.....

[Master Rel]

No.

 

[Manroon]

*facepalm* I don't know him, I'm not with him, he's not in my squadron....

Okay, Anime and Manga. My list is fairly short, but I'll chime in.

I love Takahashi, though I've only gotten into her middle two series thus far. Maison Ikokku and Ranma 1/2. The two things that catch me most on Ranma 1/2 are the utter and complete randomness, particularly in the earlier volumes/episodes. You can't see them without laughing. It's just that good, and has inspired some (read: a lot) of the humor in my own life. Maison as well, to a lesser extent. The other thing with Ranma is, oddly enough, I can relate to the guy a bit. When I was that age, a lot of the way those characters thought and acted was stuff I saw day to day, or went through my own head from time to time. It helped me recognize how absurd some things were and brush them off and laugh.

Maison Ikokku has had some much more serious influences. It's a more serious show, and I'm in those character's age bracket now, so I relate a little closer. Godai's struggles with growing up and learning to be a man, get his life in order, cultivate a relationship, and care for someone else are pretty true to life things. Holding onto yourself, not to mention FINDING yourself, in the midst of a thousand people all telling you what you should be instead... that's serious stuff. And again, the humor in it helps lighten your own life when you watch it. Keeps you from getting too serious yourself. I also love all the old 80s and 90s things in the shows. I won't pretend that life was EVER simpler than it is today, the human race has a knack for making it complicated to tie your shoes, just because it's all you have to do today. lol But I like being reminded and inspired to do without some things. That it's good to make effort at the things you care about, that you don't NEED some stupid new toy to be happy, and that life WILL be fine if someone doesn't answer the phone right away. (seriously, have you guys noticed how the phone will ring and ring and ring until you answer these days? It's like you're not aloud to go anywhere without a cell, you've ALWAYS got to be available. Too oppressive and smothering for me.) The show is also good inspiration to me to keep moving forward, even when I don't always see my own progress. Because a year or two or three down the line, you CAN look backwards and see that you HAVE come far and done a lot. Accomplished something. Even though you can't always see it in the present moment so easily.

Dragonball Z.... has inspired me to scream loudly and shoot power balls out of my fists at androids and aliens. But no, seriously, my inspiration there is Goku's integrity and pureness of heart, and Vegeta's passion. I'm a passionate guy, and I value that in others as well. Vegeta is proof that passion can be directed away from negative pursuits towards something positive, made good and constructive, instead of going the cliche Ani path. I mean, what's not to love about a guy going from trying to destroy the world to trying to save it? Sure, he CLAIMS it's just for the thrill of the fight and as training to defeat Goku, but you know that's 99% bluster.

Honorable Mentions include Kenichi and Baka and Test. Again, reminding me of myself a little, and just being things I can relate to in one way or another. General inspiration to stand up for what I care about and believe in, and work to better myself.

[Zren Tobas]

I'll just say for his personality. Goku from Dragon Ball. He is a caring kind of character but can get protective if needed same with me. We're a lot alike really. I just can't transform, scream at the top of my lungs, or do super powers or transport lightning quick. Lol. I grew up with Dragon Ball Z. my mom actually got me hooked on the show. She was always rooting for Goku in every episode with the fight with Frieza. Then I got into other animes like Gundam because of all the cool tech stuff and even more once more shows started to come out to the US. I got into Karin and Moon Phase awhile back because I'm a big vampire kind of person, same with Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. Hanagai comes out in a couple weeks and that series kind of matches me as well because as the title says, "I don't have many friends", which is true for me in real life. Kind of weird really. I think this will become a popular off topics thread. =]

[Master Rel]

I am surprised the thread has not taken off already.  It is curious.

[TheHobbitofDune]

Then of course there was Gundam Wing, but I could easily write a fifty page essay on why I loved that show, and still do, so I won't bother

I am surprised the thread has not taken off already.  It is curious.

Hmm... maybe I should write that fifty page essay....

[GrumpyBadger]

My favorite anime I have enjoyed in no specific order:

Inuyasha

The Sky Crawlers

ChronoCrusade

Avatar: Legend of Korra

I like them all because the "good" and "evil" and such is either very clearly defined, or so muddy it's hard to tell who is good and who is bad. 

In Inuyasha, I admit the main protagonist is cool, Kagome, but I'm a fan more of Miroku though and the "bromance" between him and Inuyasha.  I also think one of the problems though with the story is the main antagonist and main protagonists seem a bit overpowered.

The Sky Crawlers is an amazing anime movie.  The symbolism within is very striking, and I thoroughly enjoy the concepts, themes, and action within the movie and the game.  It's also probably the most epic diesel-punk thing I've ever seen.  I definitely have some favorite planes from it.  It's frontline fighter, the Sanka, and the Senryu are amazingly cool adn fun to fly:
http://skycrawlersinnocentaces.wikia.com/wiki/SANKA_MII

http://skycrawlersinnocentaces.wikia.com/wiki/SENRYU

I'm really glad I stumbled across that game for only 7 bucks at my local game store it opened up a whole new adventure for me.

ChronoCrusade is just awesomesauce in general it's nuns fighting demons in the 1930s with modified 1911s and TommyGuns.  I honestly don't think it takes much more than that.  I really like the supernatural side of this show, as much as I like the show "Supernatural" for the same reasons.  They've done a good job with their research and making things believable.

In the Avatar universe, I don't know if I'd be earth or fire, but I feel more drawn to those than water or air.  I also like the diesel-punk feel of the show, the arena games, etc.

I'm starting to see a trend in my anime choices. 

[Master Rel]

I have not seen Sky Crawlers but will seek it out!

I also loves me some diesel-punk.











Last Exile is a good example of the steam-diesel punk movement!

<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=SUjiXriGFbo" target="_blank" class="aeva_link bbc_link new_win">http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&amp;v=SUjiXriGFbo</a>

[Manroon]

Sky crawlers is AMAZING! I love that movie, its so incredibly deep I had to watch it several times to really start figuring it out, and the animation is beautiful to boot. So did you say it uas a game too? On what system? I need to find this. Lol