Anime Virgins

[nin_ninja]

Me and my friend were arguing over what show we would have someone who never watched anime, or at least never had much exposure, watch to get them into anime. He kept arguing something lighthearted like Love Hina so as not to scare or dissuade the person. I argued that the person might not enjoy the comedic antics often seen in anime, so something more serious with an overall plot like Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood would be better.

What are your opinions, and which show would you use?

EDIT: Another point I used was that Fullmetal Alchemist doesn't have any fanservice moments (or at least none that I can recall) unlike most animes.
EDIT 2: Also, we weren't counting Miazaki's films. EX: My dad loves them, but would never watch anime without someone making him.

 

[AyreonMaiden]

Cowboy Bebop, Fullmetal Alchemist, Death Note, Black Lagoon.

I'd show them Bebop or Black Lagoon over the other two though.

 

[Onyx Oblivion]

Well, finally watching Full Metal Alchemist for the first time a few months back got me back into it after 5+ years of not caring at all.

So, it'd work pretty good as an intro, I'd think.

 

[Aidinthel]

I'd use Cowboy Bebop. It mixes both seriousness and comedy and the dub is very well done so subtitles throwing them off wouldn't be an issue.

 

[Irridium]

Cowboy Bebop.

Its a perfect anime for people who haven't seen anime.

 

[BlueberryMUNCH]

Never seen any Anime other than Yu Gi Oh if that even counts xD.
Really doesn't interest me, either.
Meh:].

 

[Baradiel]

I wouldn't, if I'm honest. Never really been interested in anime. Although theres a guy around where I live, about 18, who gives a bad reputation to it. As in, he invites 12 and 13 year old girls round to watch it, and is generally quite creepy.

I doubt it has anything to do with anime, and I'm not saying anime makes him creepy, but unfortunately anime always makes me think of him. Its a shame, really.

Well, anyway, I'd probably suggest Dragonball or such.

 

[Fiad]

Something short, but serious. Maybe something like Gurren Lagaan. Though Full Metal Alchemist would be another great choice.

 

[Mariakitten]

All of the Miyazaki made films, Then Cowboy Bebop, then FMA, then Black Butler

 

[linkvegeta]

I would have to say something like deathnote, but you have to be careful too because some animes feature horrible voice overs which is what turned me away from anime at the beggining. so pick one with good dub.

 

[unoleian]

I would also go with Cowboy Bebop. Short, awesome, incredible.
I've given at least four people a passing interest in anime by having them watch this show with me.

 

[Junkle]

Elfen Lied.








[/sarcasm]
But really, FMA is a good overall choice.
In the end, though, it really depends on the person you're introducing to anime. Finding out what they like is probably a good first step. Romantic comedies? Something light, Love Hina included. Shows/movies with lots of explosions and manliness? Look no farther than Gurren Lagann (aka one of my top 5 anime. Ever.) Action? Bleach or maaayyybbeee Naruto. Nothing's perfect, just choose something that seems to fit with their character.

 

[Kolosus]

For a first time intoduction, i might go with a Miyazaki movie [http://www.imdb.com/name/nm0594503/]. They're brilliant, but i'm sure most people know that.

As everyone else on this thread says, then Cowboy Bebop, Full Metal Alchemist, Death Note and Bleach are some excellent choices as well

Elfen Lied.

[/sarcasm]

Elfen Lied was what i was introduced with... It Worked!!!

 

[Retronana]

First timers should go for cowboy bebop, but considering tengen toppa gurren lagann is the mecha anime for people who hate mecha anime that might be a good one.

 

[Thaius]

Serious and Intelligent: Death Note
Serious and Epic: Full Metal Alchemist
Serious and Funny and Romantic: Clannad
Serious and Stylistic: Cowboy Bebop

Either way, get Clannad in there sometime. Perhaps wait until this person has seen enough anime, but sometime it must happen. It's amazing.

Look, the main thing about this is to tailor it to your friend's tastes. Choose an anime that is in line with what they like. Simple as that.

 

[2xDouble]

Considering anime is a style, not a genre (flame shields up!)... pick one in a genre you and your friend may find interesting. There are plenty of action/adventures of course, but there are also psychological thrillers, high dramas, crazy and non-sequiteur comedies... they run the gamut.

I can strongly recommend Cowboy Bebop if you're into chase scenes, space combat, and general police/crime drama (sort of)... or are really into music, particularly jazz.

If you're looking for a more "typical" anime action/adventure, I would recommend Fullmetal Alchemist (and it's manga-accurate cousin Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood). A good amount of drama and psychology there too, and it balances action, drama, and humor very well.

 

[ANImaniac89]

Well the first anime I watched was (like with many other) Pokemon, way back in the 90's.
It wasn't until middle school (06) that I got into "real" anime with Inuyasha, But that was more or less because a girl I liked was a huge fan.

I didn't really get into anime as a hardcore fan until Death Note. Before Death Note I was somewhat of a part time anime fan, not caring about ongoing storylines just watching whatever happed to come on Adult Swim.

 

[FalloutJack]

Come to think of it, I have a friend who isn't a great anime fan and SHE saw Cowbow Bebop. It's so good that it reaches the hearts and minds of non-anime watchers. It's so good that you can STILL find it on Cartoon Network, apparently.

Still, I would also go with Gundam Wing.

 

[DugMachine]

Try Full Metal Alchemist. Maybe Cowboy Bebop