The Scenario:
You awaken half-blinded by white light. You’ve been kidnapped by aliens and teleported to a deserted island in the Pacific Ocean. Thousands of miles from major shipping routes, and having forgotten your satellite phone in your other pajamas, you have no hope of rescue. On the bright side, no one ever comes over to your house anyway so you won’t feel especially lonely.
As the aliens head back to their wicked cool spaceship to leave you to a lifetime of sandy solitude, you throw yourself at their web-toed feet. “Don’t leave me like this!” you exclaim. “How can I survive without the basic necessities of life? No hot water, no cup ramen, no anime?!!”
Very well, the aliens tell you in their strange alien dialect. We have analyzed your particular human subculture. Select the method of your imprisonment…
Your tools:
A solar panel, a laptop with a 20 GB hard drive, and a coconut tree.
Your task:
Choose up to five (5) anime series to take with you.
Selection Criteria:
Rewatchability, mostly. Also, you have a lingering suspicion the aliens will be secretly monitoring you, so you don’t want to pick anything too hen or it might give them the wrong impression of your species. (”Oops, I ended the world”?)
If you pick a series that’s currently airing, you’re obviously stuck with only the episodes that have aired so far.
No, you can’t pick movies. That would be dumb. Don’t argue with your alien overlords, human. (You can pick OVA series, though.)
Finally, the aliens have pretty good compression technology, so series with less than 100 episodes will only occupy one (1) series slot on your laptop, but a series with over 100 episodes will require two (2) slots. (A 200+ episode series will use 3 slots, and so on.) If you have any series slots left over, you may trade them for a five years’ supply of pocky in a flavor of your choosing.
Thoughts:
As I was going over my anime backlog list this afternoon, I started thinking about my very favorite series. There are certain ones that stand out as so clearly superior to the others that it’s almost an insult to keep them on the same hard drive (indeed, I sequester my C- and D- grade anime on a separate external drive). Forcing yourself to pretend you’re on a deserted island is a great way to narrow down the list to the very best They’re the sort of series that inspire a person to anime evangelism — stuff I’d have no problem recommending to non-anime watching family or friends. Also, I frequently rely on “best of” lists to decide what to watch next, so I thought I’d contribute my own.
———
My Desert Island List (The aliens made me do it.)
1) Fullmetal Alchemist: The honest and heart-wrenching emotion in nearly every episode is what sets this series apart. An extremely rare example of a series that improves on the unforgettable manga, they took what could have been a stultifying filler arc and turned it into a cohesive, ultimately satisfying storyline.
2) Rurouni Kenshin: A great protagonist will take you a long way. This series starts out slow but builds and builds as its gentle protagonist pays penance for his sins. Meiji era + swords == doubleplusgood in my book. It’s OK to stop watching after episode 75.
3) Hikaru no Go: A shounen series with brains and heart. Hikaru’s journey through the world of go mirrors an inner journey to maturity and what it means to be an adult. The only anime that has literally made me cry. T_T
4) Fruits Basket: Sentimental and funny without being cloying. A piece of pure girlish confectionary, which you realize when the female protagonist finds herself surrounded by attractive males who appreciate all the housework she does.
5) Naruto (partial): For my last slot I could have picked pocky, but in the spirit of the exercise I’ll choose my favorite Naruto arcs and have done with it. Cool world, cool characters, cool fights, great villains. Fast-forward through the interminable flashbacks and reaction shots and you’re golden. It will be very clear when to stop watching. Heh.
———
I appreciate the absence of Cowboy Bebop and Neon Genesis Evangelion from my desert island list. Both series are ineligible because they don’t meet my personal rewatchability criteria. I hope the aliens don’t shoot me for that. ^_^
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Comments (18)
Ah, this is interesting, lol. Given the situation, I would want some anime series that contain multiple episodes but still have a good story. Given this, I already have a few choices in mind.
Mind you, these are not listed in any particular order.
1. Hajime no Ippo - I absolutely love this series. It spans 50+ episodes, but retains its awesomeness and is really a heartwarming and exciting story to watch. Even though it’s about boxing, it’s really the growth of the main character and the relationship amongst all the characters that is the highlight of this series.
2. Eureka seveN - I know, this series has it’s ups and downs. . but I still love it. Like the aforementioned series, Eureka seveN spans 50 episodes and manages to tell a rendition of the story in a pleasing matter. Once again, I love how I’m able to see Renton and Eureka’s growth through a generous amount of episodes.
3. Slayers - Yeah, I know this is amazingly old and corny comedy, but I wouldn’t mind indulging in this for long periods of time with nothing else to do.
4. Initial D - I’m a car fanatic. This show has 4 seasons, totalling somewhere around 80 episodes? Eitherway, like some of the other shows, I’d prefer the manga of it, but the show does fine in itself.
5. Slam Dunk - I love this series. One of the first anime that I was introduced to way back when.
Mr. Admin added these pithy words on Nov 16 06 at 10:55 pmlesse…..I should be studying for my exam but ermm -_-
1. GTO - It is not the greatest anime around (close to it), but the motivation behind what he does always never fails to make me cry T_T. I am easily touched, so his actions and the like can make me feel better and watching it all the time is fine too.
2. Ouran High Host Club - After watching it today (oh my god, i am slow), I finally marathoned it in 12 hrs. It is one of the most hilarious and heart touching shows that you can watch countless times without feeling bored. It has just that quality in it that you will rewatch over again. A fairy tale style of anime.
3. Kare Kano - I definitely need a shoujo anime to warm my heart when I feel sad and depressed. Kare Kano will be one of the best choices for it, with its comedy, humor and beauty. It is also nice to always see the strange interactions of the characters. It will be nice to present a warped and strange school life.
4. Fruits basket - I never stop loving the OP of the show. There is a poignant sense of comedy, yet lingering sadness that will make my heart feel uplifted eventually by it. That sense of human emotions will touch any stone-hearted person.
5. Aria the animation + natural - How can I not have Aria in the mix if I am to feel good in a deserted island? the BEST FEEL GOOD slice of life series out there, i need my alice-chan ~ I am sure the aliens will love the gals too <3
Impz added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 12:43 amThose stingy aliens could have at least offered a laptop with a 100GB hard drive…
1. Kaleido Star : 52 episodes + 3 OAV. I absolutely love this show, and the fact is I’m currently rewatching it, and it’s still as good. It’s funny and magical
2. Aria The Animation & Aria The Natural : it’s a shame that I would have to take the last episodes of Aria The Natural unsubbed, but how could I not take this show with me ?
3. Fullmetal Alchemist : a strong and emotional story, lots of interesting characters, and 51 episodes where you’re not bored a single minute. A must take. I would take the film, too, as it’s in the continuity of the serie.
4. Eureka seveN : another 50 episodes show, with a good story, a nice cast of characters, and cool action scenes and music. What I like the most in it is the evolution of Eureka and Renton, and their relashionship.
5. Mushishi : a masterpiece, full of mysterious and emotional stories, often sad but always beautiful. I love this show, and I would take it with me just to remember how good can anime be.
Skh added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 1:52 amI dare anyone to put Soul Link in their list. MUAHAHHA.
1. Mai Hime
2. Mai Otome
3. Mai Hime
4. Mai Otome
5. Soul Link.
Tsubaki added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 2:27 amErrr… wow, a difficult task.
1. Planetes
2. Kino no Tabi
3. Kare Kano
4. Abenobashi Mahou Shotengai
5. Ouran
No Mushishi because too depressing, and no Ichigo Mashimaro because in the end, I decided for Abenobashi. Not sure about that, though.
Sasa added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 2:48 am1. Nana - Emotional angst
2. Aria The Animation + Natural - Read other comments from above
3. Fullmetal Alchemist - Action fix
4. Pani Poni Dash - Awesome comedy
5. Card Captor Sakura - Lot of funny mahou shoujo to watch
Anga added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 3:04 amMy list:
1. Sister Princess
2. Mermaid Melody Pichi Pichi Pitch
3. Galaxy Angel
4. CC Sakura
5. Kaleido Star
I’m a sucker for cute things.
Nanami Kamimura added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 4:46 amI’ll take 20 years worth of Pocky and Azumanga Daioh thank you very much.
I don’t think I can ever get sick of watching Azumanga Daioh.
Lupus added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 4:46 amWell, series that span more than 1 season would be the obvious choice, but i’ll see what I can pick.
And if both Aria series count as one, can I also pick all 3 Full Metal Panic series?
1. School Rumble + Second Term
2. Yakitate!! Japan
3. Full Metal Panic + Fumoffu + 2nd Raid
4. Keroro Gunsou
5. Pocky’s! (Mostly because I really can’t stand coconuts)
Ravage added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 5:59 am1) Azumanga Daioh
To tell the aliens that everything is Raspberry Heaven right here on Earth. Also our education system works *fine* despite the quality of educators.
2) Full Metal Panic (the complete set…. so far)
See our military is warm, fuzzy (especially in power armor) and often a source of comedy for civilians. No, we are not a threat.
3) Pani Poni Dash
Yes, we have had prior contact with aliens and they concluded that Earth should be left alone.
4) Excel Saga
Yes we are an insane race; but a cute, funny and inept insane. Heroes will arise to combat would-be world, er, city conquerors. Abuse of puchuus aside, Earth loves its aliens.
5) Rurouni Kenshin
Even the darkest hearts can turn to goodness. Plus never mess with people carrying sakabatou.
List of shows guaranteed to get Earth Annihilated:
1) Urotsukidoji, the entire collection
2) La Blue Girl plus sequels
3) Bible Black plus sequels
4) Cool Devices
5) Cambrian for that crazy evolution plot device
One Piece (3)
Cowboy Bebop (1)
Azumanga Daioh (1)
1. Eureka Seven: Need I say more?
2. Blood+: I must say I love my 50 ep epics cus character development is top notch in this series.
3. Gungrave: OMG! Everytime I watch the show, I feel like crying. Its that powerful, and like the other two above, excellent in character development.
4. Ghost in the Shell movies and stand alone complex: Great action, storyline, and at least it is a realistic representation of the future, what more can you ask for?
5. Neon Genesis Evangelion: I don’t know why I am picking this, I guess its cus its leaving a deep impression in my mind… @__@
negativzero added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 9:49 amhaha, I love NGE and such, but I think in that situation, I’d become very depressed. lol
Mr. Admin added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 2:24 pmWow these are all great lists! I haven’t watched a lot of these series and now I have a ton of suggestions 
I’ve seen about 13 episodes of Yakitate Japan… I definitely have to see KareKano and Eureka Seven now. FMP was great! Impz, I’m glad to see you finally saw Ouran! Great show ^___^
depression on an island is a no no. wow, rewatchability.
Azumanga
School rumble
RKenshin
Ouran
anything else thats feel good, slight romance, and non depressing and not too deep
I’d love the deserted island excursion
Ryan A added these pithy words on Nov 17 06 at 9:21 pm@dan: lol, eva isn’t that depressing, it just gets a little emo towards the end.. @__@
@res: gawd, you definitely are missing out. yakitate was a hella funny show, just make sure you don’t drink while you’re watching it. eureka seven, well, i gotta admit, i dropped it at one point, but i am REALLY glad i started to rewatch it.
dunno why, but while FMP was great, i just thought it doesn’t hold a candle to blood or eureka which are 50 episoders too. hence its not on my list 
but the story does pick up towards then end, which was really nice ^__^
Emm…
1) Fullmetal Alchemist: Everlasting anime! Amazingly great plot and perfectly HOT characters.Unforgettable. Ed, you will stay on the island with me, right?
2)Kino No Tabi:Excellent!The water-coloured texture of its animation is marvelous! The story is outstanding. If you understand this anime, you SURE will love this anime! Kino is a brilliant character!
3)Konjiki No Gash Bell: Absolutely hilarious! A officially NICE anime.
4)NANA:Ai Yazawa’s latest masterpiece. A must-take!
5)Last but not least,Pocky!Chocolate flavour!
PS, can I trade one-year supply of Pocky for a bowl(just a bowl…)of nice hot ramen T^T? Please…..
Feather_Huntress added these pithy words on Nov 24 06 at 3:42 am1) Definitely Full Metal Alchemist. That one speaks for itself.
2) Full Metal Panic (both seasons and Fumoffu) I don’t think I could survive without seeing Sousuke blow up shoe lockers.
3)Ouran High School Host Club: Just finished watching it about a month ago. At first I thought it was okay, but the last three episodes quickly moved it up the number 3 on my list.
4) Fruits Basket is just so cute and funny! How can I leave it behind?
5)I’d also take my favorite Naruto arcs, just for the heck of it.
Question: If i have all these anime burned on DVDs, can I bring all my manga too?
qtpie235 added these pithy words on Jun 15 07 at 8:50 am