By Alex Himebaugh

Anime often tells better stories than American TV, as discussed in my previous post. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, Noragami, Haikyu!!, Death Note, and Mob Psycho 100 are some that do this particularly well. Although spanning multiple genres, they all share a mastery of storytelling with their rich characters, themes, and plots.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood follows the story of two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, and their quest for the philosopher’s stone. They practice alchemy, the ability to construct and deconstruct matter, which they misused in their failed attempt to revive their dead mother. As a result, Edward lost his arm and leg and Alphonse lost his entire body, his soul now attached to a suit of armor. They search for the stone to restore both their bodies but soon learn of its disturbing secrets.

Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood constructs dynamic characters. Edward is proud, while Alphonse is humble. Their personalities clash, producing comedy, but their shared trauma makes them inseparable. 

The show cultivates its minor characters just as thoroughly as its main characters. For example, Roy and Riza, two supporting characters, follow a captivating subplot that deals with the relationship between justice and revenge. Also, seemingly insignificant characters reappear seasons later, making the anime a complete unit rather than a series of loose ends. Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood writes its characters to their full potential, making it truly a great show.

Noragami

Noragami, meaning “stray god,” tells the story of Yato, a minor god who desires fame. He wanders around Japan, working odd jobs for the price of five yen (about five cents), saving up to build his own shrine. Along the way he meets Hiyori, a girl whose soul keeps inconveniently leaving her body, and Yukine, a ghost who becomes his servant. The three work together to help Yato pursue his ambition. 

Noragami is entertaining. Yato will be scrubbing toilets in one scene and battling evil spirits in the next. In addition, the show’s aesthetics are impressive, with a compelling opening song and a beautiful use of cool colors throughout the show. But Noragami is more than entertaining. It digs deeper, exploring the connection between the material and the spiritual. For example, Yukine develops a habit of stealing, which causes Yato physical pain due to the spiritual connection between a god and his servant. Yukine’s actions also create a monster inside that starts taking over his body. These visual representations of the invisible side of life make it more real to the viewers and encourage them take it more seriously.

Noragami has philosophical and moral implications, but this depth doesn’t weigh it down because the story is constantly broken up with humor and action. It holds its wisdom and entertainment together with perfect balance.

Haikyu!!

Haikyu!!, a fun volleyball anime, makes itself accessible even to people who hate sports. It tells the story of a high school boy named Hinata who must learn to work together with Kageyama, his enemy from middle school, to reclaim their school’s once famous reputation in the volleyball world.

Haikyu!! makes volleyball interesting, even to sports haters. Rather than shying away from the sport itself to accomplish this, it incorporates the mechanics of the game into the plot, combining strategy with character development. For example, Kageyama has to swallow his pride and make his tosses easier for the other players to hit instead of expecting them to conform to him.

Haikyu!!’s character driven plot makes the audience fall in love with each team member. Each boy is unique and memorable on his own but even more so in relation with the others. For example, Hinata’s wide-eyed enthusiasm rubs up against Kageyama’s serious cynicism, making it satisfying to watch them find a way to work together. These rich character and interesting strategies will make you care about volleyball in a way you never thought you would. 

Death Note

Death Note is an intriguing anime about two masterminds seeking justice in opposite ways. The main character, Light, finds a notebook which gives him the power to kill anyone whose name he writes in it. Light uses his new power to establish himself as a “god” of justice, at least in his own eyes, killing criminals, as well as anyone who gets in his way. A quirky, socially awkward detective with the code name “L” uses his incredible IQ to search for this supernaturally enhanced mass murderer. He and Light play mind games, trying to force one another to submit. 

This show is fascinating to watch not only on an intellectual level but also an ethical one. It asks the question: which establishes justice better—a slow, inefficient system or a quick, decisive individual? Death Note will challenge you with its moral implications and leave you pondering them long after finishing the show. 

Mob Psycho 100 

Mob Psycho 100 is a coming-of-age story about Mob, a middle schooler who struggles with friends, family, crushes, and controlling his psychic powers. The show is lighthearted and fun, reflected in its characters, story, and animation. 

Mob struggles with the two extremes of his personality. Most of the time he is sweet and innocent, but when his emotions overwhelm him, his personality flips and he loses control of his powers.

This theme of extremes is drawn out into the other elements of the show. For example, Mob and his mentor, Reagan, are on opposite sides of the spectrum, Mob being shy and Reagan charismatic. The plots are equally over the top, with ghosts, spirits, telekinesis, and other crazy supernatural elements. Just as the characters and story do not contain much subtlety, neither does the animation. It is made up of simple line art and bright colors without much shading or detail. This unique art style is interesting not despite its lack of complexity but because of it.

Mob Psycho 100 is aware of its childlike simplicity and embraces it. It does what it does well, making it entertaining for all ages.