I haven't followed any anime series since Pokemon, and I only followed that for the first season. It just seemed to me that nothing was really worth watching-nothing I couldn't already get out of a Hayao Miyazaki movie.
Here is a show that is so well made that it not only sets the bar for what TV anime should be, but also any cartoon TV show. The series follows one team's struggle and success in a futuristic racing tournament called the Immortal Grand Prix. The show has mild doses of racing action, but more importantly, takes its time to develop the story-something you rarely see in today's programming.
The slow pace may turn some people away from the show, but it actually provides character development. That is something I have longed for since Pokemon; a show with possibly the worst character development ever. Character development is essential for telling a good story, and the way this show unravels the lives of these characters is unparalleled. The voice cast is also very well picked, and the acting is great. None of the voices are overdone or agitating, which is a welcome change. I know some people miss some of the usual voices you hear for main characters in anime shows, but this being out of the ordinary makes this show all the more original.
While a lot of anime focuses on blood for its high moments, this show focuses on emotion, which really drives the show and makes you want to come back each week to watch it. Topping it all off is excellent animation that puts many other anime shows to shame. This is the kind of animation you'd see in Ghost in the Shell (same guys who made this, by the way) so if you liked its animation, you'll love this. And all this in a show that isn't necessarily geared toward adults. I say necessarily, because I think that although it may be geared toward a young demographic (10-13), it does so much more for the older people who can truly understand what this show conveys. Cartoon Network has also done a great job of airing it. It may be only 20 minutes, but there's only one commercial break in the middle of the show.
This show is so creative, and yet so real. There's no cheesy theme song. No annoying Pikachu. No equal. I got into this show even before it started; through a free DVD from Nintendo Power (containing the first episode). I had no expectations going into this. Now I love it, and is the only TV show I watch. You absolutely have to give this show a try. You won't be disappointed!
