This year back to back amazing anime lineup is sure a dream come true. New style, action-packed, larger-than-life characters with equally promising plots. It’s sure a treat to watch but have you ever wondered what these characters, plots and art were like in past times?
Here, we have curated a list of ‘Retro Animes’ that will take you to retro vibes lanes, with lots of aesthetics and nostalgia. So, ‘Stay with me’ (listen to add more charm)
Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995)
Plot follows, Shinji Ikari – a teen, who joins his father’s group NERV as one of several teenage mecha pilots fighting the monstrous Angels. it’s the new threat to mankind after fifteen years of the Second Impact and they are unable to defend themselves against the monstrous beings. Shinji is the only hope as he’s the only one capable of efficiently piloting Evangelion Unit-01, a new robot that synchronizes with his biometrics.
Trigun (1998)
Vash the Stampede, a gunman in far future, nicknamed as “Humanoid Typhoon” because trail of destruction follows wherever he goes. Because of some rumours, he’s feared by people. A city destruction caused him to have a bounty of $60 billion on his head. Two insurance agent were hired to track him and keep an eye on him to minimize the damages around him.
The trio, soon face a major threat we discover the other side of vash and his past on this ‘No Man’s Land’ in Wild West style.
MD Geist (1986)
Geist is a term used for M.D.S. (Most Dangerous Soldier) more like the Terminator, because of their uncontrollable nature, they have been cryogenically froze and locked in a satellite. In the distant future, mankind has colonized other planets in the universe. While many planets lived in peace, the planet Jerra has been ravaged by decades of war. Several years later, the satellite crashes and Geist wakes up from his sleep to engage in another war. This time, to help the army stop the planet’s central computer from activating a doomsday device that will lead to total annihilation of all life on Jerra.
Yu Yu Hakusho (1995)
After dying to save a boy, delinquent tough guy Yusuke Urameshi is granted another chance at life by redeeming himself as a “Spirit Detective.”
Check out our : The Timeless Appeal of “Yu Yu Hakusho”: Unraveling Its Enduring Popularity
Spriggan (1998)
Yuu Ominae, a high school student, and secretly a super-soldier (A “Spriggan”). The ARCAM Corporation and their paramilitary unit—the Spriggans —seek to seal the ancient relics, left by an advanced alien species inhabited Earth before prehistoric times, from evil actors to prevent its misuse. Spriggan Yuu Ominae has been sent to investigate the site on Ararat Mountains, of what is believed to be the mythic Noah’s Ark, only to be found that the site is ambushed by the US Machine Corps. Will Yuu will be able to protect the artifact before it is too late.
Photon : The Idiot Adventures (1997)
Photon Earth is a young and gentle boy with superhuman strength and “Baka” (meaning “idiot” in Japanese) scribbled on his forehead (apparently by his troublemaking friend Aun Freya). One day, he finds himself engaged to the beautiful fugitive pilot Keyne Acqua after writing “baka” on her forehead. And that’s the least of his worries as he must protect both Aun and Keyne from the evil Papacharino, who seeks to steal the secrets of “Aho” (another word for idiot) energy from Keyne’s grandfather’s ship. (MAL)
Initial D (1998)
Unlike his friends, Takumi Fujiwara is not particularly interested in cars, with little to no knowledge about the world of car enthusiasts and street racers. The son of a tofu shop owner, he is tasked to deliver tofu every morning without fail, driving along the mountain of Akina. Thus, conversations regarding cars or driving in general would only remind Takumi of the tiring daily routine forced upon him.
One night, the Akagi Red Suns, an infamous team of street racers, visit the town of Akina to challenge the local mountain pass. Led by their two aces, Ryousuke and Keisuke Takahashi, the Red Suns plan to conquer every racing course in Kanto, establishing themselves as the fastest crew in the region. However, much to their disbelief, one of their aces is overtaken by an old Toyota AE86 during a drive back home from Akina. After the incident, the Takahashi brothers are cautious of a mysterious driver geared with remarkable technique and experience in the local roads—the AE86 of Mount Akina. (MAL)
Rose of Versailles (1979)
If you interested in European history, you may like this one. The series is a historical drama set in 18th-century France. In an age of revolution, it focuses primarily on the lives of two women – Marie Antoinette and her Royal Guard Oscar François de Jarjayes, facing tough choices as women growing into their distinct roles. The series has 40 episodes.
Akira (1998)
Set in post-apocalyptic Neo-Tokyo, 2019 – two best friend Shotaro Kaneda and Tetsou Shima, members of a bike gang fight against their enemies and bad guys. In one of a incident, Tetsou get into an motorcycle accident and acquires telekinetic psychic abilities. His ability is as strong as Akira’s, the person that pushed the Tokyo into an dystopian era. Kaneda desperate attempt to help and bring back his friend and attempts of military forces to prevent him from unleashing the destructive power that almost wiped out Tokyo.
Vampire Hunter D (1985)
Based on a novel by Hideyuki Kikuchi, this dark fantasy anime follows a dhampir vampire hunter named ‘D’ in a post-nuclear holocaust world. He is hired to protect a young woman, Doris Lang, who is chosen as the next bride for Count Magnus Lee, a powerful vampire lord. Will she be able to defeat her fate and escape the curse of becoming a vampire herself? Will ‘D’ be able to help her out on this fateful journey?
This list will help you to have a glimpse into the classics of the anime world. These classics have shaped the anime industry over time and laid the foundation for the diverse anime world we know today. So, it’s always refreshing to revisit these classics and appreciate the talents and handwork put in by the artists, directors, producers and whole team of wonderful people who made it possible to have the anime community we have.
Hey, if we miss something, let us know, we will update it in our next part of this series. We welcome and appreciate your time for suggesting new gems to broaden our list.
Also, if you love retro anime, we suggest checking out 👉 RetroCrush
Ta!
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