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10 Best Successive Anime
Exploring the Rich Tapestry of Episodic Narratives: Unveiling Anime’s Diverse and Captivating Worlds
SUMMARY
- There are many anime that are great for people looking for episodic stories.
- Some anime work as episodic stories for how each new installment reinvents the story by putting the characters in new situations.
- Other anime work as episodic stories for prioritizing character work over overarching plots, which can create deeo and interesting interpersonal relationships between characters.
Anime offers a plethora of options for those seeking episodic narratives. Some series thrive on reinventing themselves with each new episode, placing characters in fresh and compelling scenarios. Others excel in character-driven storytelling, fostering rich interpersonal dynamics that captivate viewers. While linear narratives dominate much of anime, episodic storytelling is far from absent. Similar to Western cartoons, many anime are designed for easy entry at any point, catering to both children and adult audiences alike. Despite the prominence of linear storytelling, episodic anime presents a diverse and engaging alternative, emphasizing accessibility and the joy of standalone experiences
But, just like any anime, the quality of said story, combined with its visuals and animation, is also an important factor. There are a lot of great episodic anime that keep to that no matter the genre, and a few, in particular, are especially worth highlighting.
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10.Lupin the 3rd Never Fails To Reinvent Its Basic Formula
Anime series by TMS Entertainment; based on the manga by Monkey Punch
For those venturing into the realm of episodic anime, TMS Entertainment’s Lupin the 3rd stands as a timeless classic. The series revolves around the charismatic Lupin III, grandson of the legendary thief Arsene Lupin, as he orchestrates daring heists alongside an eclectic group of companions. Each installment presents a new escapade fraught with intrigue, as Lupin navigates the precarious balance between outsmarting Inspector Zenigata and saving the day.
What sets Lupin the 3rd apart as a quintessential episodic anime is its seamless structure. While inspired by a manga, each season and film crafts its own narrative arc, allowing newcomers to dive into any episode without prior knowledge. Coupled with a dynamic ensemble cast that effortlessly adapts to every storyline, Lupin the 3rd offers unparalleled accessibility and entertainment for viewers of all ages and tastes
9.Gintama's Parody Writing Make It Easy For Anyone To Jump Into It
Anime series by Sunrise, based on the manga by Hideaki Sorachi
Sunrise’s Gintama stands out as another exemplary episodic anime, thanks to its unique narrative structure. Set in an alternate history where aliens have conquered Japan, transforming it into a bizarre world where samurai are obsolete and extraterrestrial beings rule, the series follows the adventures of Gintoki, a former samurai turned eccentric freelancer. Alongside his accidental apprentice Shinpachi, Gintoki operates the Yorozuya, a makeshift business dealing with odd jobs and absurd requests.
While Gintama features ongoing plotlines, its primary focus lies in delivering uproarious comedy. The majority of its episodes and story arcs are a whirlwind of rapid-fire gags and satirical commentary on various facets of life and pop culture. With its penchant for absurdity and irreverent humor, Gintama caters to comedy enthusiasts, offering a plethora of laugh-out-loud moments without demanding much from its audience. This comedic brilliance is a key factor in Gintama’s appeal to fans of episodic storytelling.
8.Azumanga Daioh Is Still One Of The Best Slice Of Life Anime
Anime series by J.C.Staff, based on the manga by Kiyohiko Azuma
Taking a more down-to-earth approach, J.C.Staff’s Azumanga Daioh shines as an exceptional episodic anime. Delving into the slice-of-life genre, the series offers a charming glimpse into the daily routines of eight distinct personalities: the prodigious Chiyo, the reserved Sakaki, the dreamy Osaka, the exuberant Tomo, the level-headed Yomi, the spirited Kagura, and their teachers, Yukari and Nyamo. While the narrative remains largely grounded with occasional surreal twists, the humor springs from the characters’ idiosyncrasies and their delightful interactions. Azumanga Daioh’s relatable simplicity and endearing cast make it a standout choice for those seeking episodic storytelling with a touch of realism
As with many slice-of-life anime, Azumanga Daioh focuses more on character-driven humor and stories than an overarching plot, but it ends up working here far better than in some of its contemporaries. While many slice-of-life anime have some sort of gimmick that’s used to justify their story, Azumanga Daioh is strictly about the regular lives of largely regular people, and that ends up helping the comedy hit even harder than normal. Even after over 20 years, there are very few anime with comedy like Azumanga Daioh, and that’s what makes it such a great episodic anime
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7.K-On!’s Anime Elevated The Original Manga To A Whole New Level
Anime series by Kyoto Animation, based on the manga by Kakifly
Kyoto Animation’s K-On! is another delightful slice-of-life anime that excels as an episodic series. The show centers around Houkago Tea Time, a band comprised initially of four high school girls, later expanding to five, who are members of their school’s light music club. While K-On! does explore the girls’ journey as musicians throughout its two seasons, it primarily shines in depicting the everyday adventures and escapades of its core cast. These episodes often veer away from musical pursuits, focusing instead on the charming and sometimes hilarious moments that arise from their friendship and shared experiences
K-On! is another slice-of-life anime where character-driven humor takes priority over any sort of plot, and it’s especially impressive to see it in K-On! While K-On! does get its material from a manga of the same name, the manga is mostly a framework for the anime to expand on plots and characterizations, and it’s to the point that K-On! season two is almost entirely original content. It’s rare for an anime to heavily diverge from the manga and end up better for it, and it works to make K-On! an anime that’s perfect for fans of episodic stories.
6.The Melancholy Of Haruhi Suzumiya Embodies The Best Of Kyoto Animation
Anime series by Kyoto Animation, based on the light novel by Nagaru Tanigawa
When it comes to episodic anime from Kyoto Animation, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya stands out as a must-watch. The series follows Kyon, who is inexplicably drawn to the enigmatic Haruhi Suzumiya. Their unusual friendship leads Kyon to join the SOS Brigade, a club Haruhi established to seek out supernatural phenomena. Ironically, Kyon discovers that the club’s other members are the very beings Haruhi seeks, all gathering to explore her latent godlike powers.
In typical Kyoto Animation fashion, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya offers a blend of episodic slice-of-life storytelling with a focus on character development over a linear plot. Each episode and story arc is self-contained, making it accessible to viewers at any point. The series’ original broadcast in anachronic order further emphasizes its episodic nature. With stellar writing and animation, The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya remains a standout in Kyoto Animation’s repertoire and a top choice for episodic anime enthusiasts
5.Pokémon Always Does A Great Job Of Making Things Easy On Its Audience
Anime series by OLM, Inc, based on the video game franchise by Satoshi Tajiri & Game Freak
When it comes to long-running episodic anime, OLM, Inc.’s Pokémon stands as a quintessential example. Adapting the immensely popular video game franchise, Pokémon follows the adventures of Ash Ketchum and his loyal Pikachu as they strive to become Pokémon Masters. Along the way, Ash encounters numerous challenges, from formidable rivals to the perennially bumbling Team Rocket, who perpetually plot to capture Pikachu.
With a staggering 27-year history, Pokémon remains one of the most iconic anime series. Each season transports viewers to a new region, introducing fresh characters and Pokémon species. Much like other episodic narratives, Pokémon’s formula allows viewers to jump into any season without prior knowledge, as each installment provides a self-contained story. The recent soft reboot with Pokémon Horizons ensures both new and seasoned fans can easily engage with the series, making Pokémon a timeless and accessible choice for episodic storytelling enthusiasts
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4.Detective Conan Is the Mystery Series That Will Never End
Anime series by TMS Entertainment, based on the manga by Gosho Aoyama
TMS Entertainment’s Detective Conan, known as Case Closed in the U.S., stands as another enduring example of a captivating episodic anime. The story revolves around Shinichi Kudo, a teenage detective who, after a fateful encounter with the enigmatic Men in Black, is transformed into a child and adopts the alias Conan Edogawa. With a small circle of confidants who know his secret, Conan embarks on a dual mission: to unravel the mysteries of the Black Organization and to search for a cure for his condition, all while solving a myriad of cases along the way.
With both the anime and manga spanning nearly three decades, Detective Conan owes much of its longevity to its episodic format. Each story arc presents a new mystery, allowing viewers to immerse themselves in standalone cases while still following overarching plotlines and character development. This classic approach to storytelling, reminiscent of traditional detective tales, makes Detective Conan an enticing choice for episodic series enthusiasts
3.Spy X Family Has A Perfect Handling Of Family & Action Comedy
Anime series by Wit Studio & CloverWorks, based on the manga by Tatsuya Endo
Wit Studio and CloverWorks’ Spy x Family emerges as a standout in recent anime, boasting a clever implementation of episodic storytelling. Set against the backdrop of a fictional Cold War era, the series follows Twilight, a covert operative tasked with infiltrating high society by forming a makeshift family. Unbeknownst to him, his wife is an assassin and his daughter a telepath, with only the latter aware of the true nature of their arrangement.
Spy x Family’s episodic format has contributed significantly to its acclaim. Reminiscent of Western cartoons, the show prioritizes comedic escapades over advancing the central plot in most episodes. Many segments are structured as standalone vignettes, allowing for a diverse range of humorous scenarios to unfold. Anchored by its sharp wit and compelling character dynamics, Spy x Family excels in delivering episodic content that resonates with audiences, solidifying its status as a modern anime gem
2.Space Dandy Is an Absurdist Masterpiece That Doesn't Care About Continuity
Anime series by Studio Bones; directed by Shinichiro Watanabe
Studio Bones’ Space Dandy offers a refreshing take on episodic storytelling, set in a vibrant universe where the quirky protagonist, Dandy, navigates the cosmos as a self-proclaimed stylish space adventurer. Accompanied by his companions, the robot QT and the feline-like Meow, Dandy embarks on a series of misadventures across galaxies, chasing bounties and romance, often finding themselves entangled in surreal escapades.
Director Shinichiro Watanabe’s signature style shines through in Space Dandy, showcasing a mastery of episodic narrative. Each episode presents a standalone story, with little continuity between them until the final episode, which also stands alone in its eccentricity. Embracing the absurdity of the sci-fi genre, Space Dandy delivers a whimsical journey through its imaginative and outlandish tales, making it a captivating watch for fans of episodic storytelling
1. Cowboy Bebop's Episodic Writing Made It One Of The Most Iconic Anime Of All Time
Anime series by Sunrise; directed by Shinichiro Watanabe
Another masterpiece in episodic anime, and a timeless classic from the visionary Shinichiro Watanabe, is the iconic Sunrise series Cowboy Bebop. Set in a futuristic universe, akin to Space Dandy, the narrative centers around a group of bounty hunters, led by the enigmatic Spike Spiegel, aboard the spaceship Bebop. However, unlike the whimsical tone of Space Dandy, Cowboy Bebop adopts a more serious approach, albeit peppered with moments of humor, particularly in its exploration of the characters’ complex pasts.
Renowned as one of the greatest anime of all time, Cowboy Bebop owes much of its acclaim to its unique writing style. While there is a loose overarching plot, the series primarily thrives on its episodic format, with each installment presenting self-contained adventures. These episodes are rich in thematic depth and underscored by the captivating chemistry among the diverse cast of characters. Cowboy Bebop masterfully captures the essence of individuals grappling with their own existential journeys, cementing its status as a pinnacle of episodic storytelling
