In recent years, anime has become more popular around the world due to projects such as Attack on Titan, Jujutsu Kaisen, Demon Slayerand many more. When you think about these anime shows, you can tell that they will be remembered for years to come, even though most of these have or are close to ending.
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The 1990s were a great time for anime, and several series from the era are still popular today. Here are the best anime from that decade.
However, this does not mean that only modern anime series will transcend the boundaries of time. When looking at the 80s, the golden era of anime, there are several anime series from that era that were way ahead of their time. When you watch some of the 80s anime today, you will realize how relevant they are in modern times.
Pat labor
Pat labor takes place in near-future Tokyo, where companies use huge robots called labors to do heavy lifting jobs like building infrastructure or demolition. Although these machines are used for good by some prestigious engineering firms or construction companies, they also serve as weapons of destruction by several criminal gangs or rival companies. So, to deal with work-related crimes, a laughable police unit called Special Vehicles Section 2 is formed.
Pat labor was released in the 80s, the golden age of sci-fi and mecha anime. During that time, while most of the projects showcased robots as war machines and tools that the heroes used to fight their enemies, Pat labor took a completely different path. The focused more on real struggles behind police procedures, red tape and all the legal complications.
Bubblegum crisis
Bubblegum crisis takes place at the end of 2032, the year that has not yet arrived for the real people, but this 80s anime has already shown what the world will look like in an unforeseen future. The series shows how technology has evolved with companies making androids to help people with their daily tasks. These androids are called Boomers, and while they were made with good intentions, things get worse when some of them turn villainous.
Before humans depended on technology and artificial intelligence was even a thing, Bubblegum crisis gave a glimpse of how things would work when the androids take over the world. With the cool action sequences and a story that gives a chance to the female leads to shine, this anime is a must-see for all fans who enjoy projects involving deep themes.
The Space Runaway Idea
The Space Runaway Idea is one of the darkest science fiction anime ever made. It takes place in the year 2300, where humanity comes across ancient alien ruins on a distant planet. After that, they accidentally awaken a giant robot known as the Ideon, along with a spaceship called the Solo Ship. However, an alien race known as the Buff Clan believe that the powers of the god-like robot belong to them, as humans are inferior to them. This triggers a brutal conflict between the two sides who are not ready to understand each other's perspective.
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This anime is one of the all-time mecha classics that crossed all boundaries to reveal a story that was much darker for the time it was released. That was it all about action and brutal deaths making it a must for those who are into the dark genre.
Violence Jack
People around the world were not very familiar with the post-apocalyptic genre until now Violence Jack appeared. It takes place in a part of Japan that is not at all worth living in. There are biker gangs and sadistic criminals who do not want to see the civilians living in peace. So, to help the weak, the saga brings us Violence Jack, the muscular anti-hero who wanders across the wasteland of Japan to save the needy and fight all the predators.
Rearrange the casings in the correct Japanese release order.
Start
Rearrange the casings in the correct Japanese release order.
Light (5)Medium (7)Hard (10)
Violence Jack is an extremely brutal anime that crosses all boundaries to show what exactly happens when law and order collapses, and people become thirsty for each other's blood. In addition, this anime introduces us to a protagonist who is not a typical hero; instead, he is a gray character who takes matters into his own hands when violence is all that remains in the broken world.
Ranma 1/2
Ranma 1/2 follows a young martial artist named Ranma, who trains with his father in China. Everything was going smoothly until he fell into a cursed well and developed a chaotic state. When splashed with cold water, Ranma turns into a girl, and when splashed with hot water, he reverts to his normal self. He gets engaged to Akane Tendo, but nothing with him is normal anymore. Ranma's condition continues to lead to messy situations and misunderstandings, with new adversaries entering his life every now and then.
Ranma 1/2 was a martial arts comedy anime that was way ahead of its time because the way Ranma switches between male and female was not normal at the time of its release. Additionally, the female characters, including Akane, were shown to be independent and capable of protecting themselves instead of just appearing as someone's love interest. So if you think that gender-bending mayhem is a modern anime thing, you're wrong my friend, as Ranma 1/2 introduced the world to this style and concept long before.
Panzertrooper Votoms
Panzertrooper Votoms is a military sci-fi saga that doesn't come with a “save the world” vibe. Instead, it's a story of survival that breaks you with betrayals and revelations. The story revolves around Chirico Cuvie, a highly skilled soldier, who is betrayed by his own army while doing what he was asked to do. Hunted by the military who have come to see him as a traitor, Cuvie passes through several different locations, including slums, harsh lands and even the battlefields, in search of evidence that can bring him justice.
Mecha stories were mostly glorified in the 80s, but this anime actually defied all traditional rules and wove a new path. Instead of providing heroic elements, Panzertrooper Votoms inclined towards realism and blessed the world with a grounded story of survival.
The Legend of the Galactic Heroes
The Legend of the Galactic Heroes takes place in a distant future where humans live on two different planets. One is the Free Planets Alliance, where no one is restricted from doing anything, and the other is the Galactic Empire, which is more like a dictatorship. Both galaxies are home to two geniuses. The former has Yang Wen-li, and the latter has Reinhard von Lohengramm. Given their opposite residences, they both act as each other's rivals. Reinhard initially wanted to protect his sister, who was taken as a concubine by the Emperor, but his ambitions gradually shifted. He does not seek opportunities to stop corruption; instead, he looks for ways to bring both galaxies under his rule. On the other hand, Yang does not want any fame by becoming a soldier; he wants to earn money for his education. But he becomes an asset to the Free Planets Alliance after showing his brilliance as a strategist. Besides them, there are also several players trying to influence everyone for their own sake.
Most anime back then mainly focused on either good vs bad or hero vs villain, and here it is The Legend of the Galactic Heroes stands strong. It does not follow the pattern; this anime is about the clash between two different ideologies. It was way ahead of its time, as it came with something that even most modern anime struggles with.
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