Anime Which People Don’t Talk About These Days #2
Romeo × Juliet, True Tears, Paranoia Agent, Air, Magic Knight Rayearth
This blog series, curated by BAC member NabZ, offers recommendations for older anime titles that have become less prominent in contemporary discussions. One will be posted every month; check back next month for part three!
Note: Check out Part #1 of this series first, if you haven't already!
The Romeo × Juliet anime is exceptional because it reimagines Shakespeare’s classic as a high-fantasy epic, blending political intrigue, rebellion, and magical elements like flying horses. Juliet shines as a sword-wielding heroine, while the story expands the original tragedy with emotional depth, moral complexity, and nods to other Shakespeare works. Stunning animation, a sweeping orchestral score, and a perfect balance of romance and action make it a timeless, unforgettable adapation.
The supporting cast consists of walking Shakespeare references. Alongside characters from the original play, such as Conrad and Tybalt, there are nods to other works: Francisco (a guard from Hamlet who witnesses the king's ghost), Curio (a character from Twelfth Night), and even Shakespeare himself. Referred to himself as Willy.
"For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo."
More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia
True Tears is such an underrated gem - beautifully crafted with stunning visuals, a touching story, and characters that feel real.
The story follows Shinichirou, an aspiring artist caught in a delicate web of relationships, childhood bonds, unspoken feelings, and painful misunderstandings. What I love most is how raw and human the emotions are. Noichi and Hiromi’s struggles hit hard, and the way their stories intertwine is just… chef’s kiss!
And can we talk about the art? Studio PA Works nailed every frame is like a painting, especially those soft watercolor backgrounds. The soundtrack? Perfectly subtle, enhancing every emotional moment without overpowering it.
The ending … no spoilers, but it’s so satisfying. It doesn’t take the easy way out, and that’s what makes True Tears special. It’s not just another romance it’s about growth, healing, and the messy, beautiful reality of love.
If you love slow-burn dramas with deep character development, True Tears is a must-watch.
More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia
By the legendary Satoshi kon, Madhouse
Paranoia Agent is the only TV anime directed by Satoshi Kon. He is known for making amazing movies like Perfect Blue and Paprika, which are intense suspense films. The more time you spend watching them, the more you question what’s happening, and the more invested you become. The art style is unique, and that’s what enhances the suspense, as the visuals often include foreshadowing.
Paranoia Agent is a psychological thriller about a mysterious attacker, "Lil' Slugger," who targets people in Tokyo. As detectives investigate, the story offers unique storytelling, explores the human psyche, tackles thought-provoking themes, features a twisted plot, and includes memorable characters. As a masterpiece by Satoshi Kon, it's perfect for anyone who enjoys mind-bending narratives.
More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia
Tatsuya Ishihara, Jun Maeda, Kyoto Animation
Air is a heartfelt anime about a traveling performer, Yukito, who meets a lonely girl named Misuzu in a small town. He becomes involved in her life while searching for the "Girl in the Sky," a figure from his family's legends. The story explores themes of love, sacrifice, and the enduring bonds between people, blending emotional drama with supernatural elements. It's a touching and bittersweet tale that will likely leave a lasting impression.
Key is famous for creating lovable characters that you grow attached to, only to later rip your heart out in feels. If you know anything about Key, you've probably heard of Clannad, Kanon, and Air. One thing is certain when watching a Key anime: it will either make you cry and hit you right in the feels, or it won't.
Like any other Key or KyoAni show, Air can be incredibly sad at times, yet it also balances comedy and drama effectively. It serves as a prominent precursor to Clannad and Clannad: After Story in terms of emotional depth and storytelling. If you enjoyed those, you should give Air a try. Air stands out due to its unique setting and the way it handles its characters, which is why I love it so much.
More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia
When people talk about the most popular magical girl shows, they always mention Sailor Moon and Cardcaptor Sakura. However, there's one particular magical girl anime that stands out from the rest: Magic Knight Rayearth. It's a 1994 anime about three girls — Hikaru, Umi, and Fuu—who get pulled into a magical world called Cephiro. They get isekai'd, becoming Magic Knights who use magic and mechas to save a princess and the world. The story focuses on friendship, bravery, and finding inner strength, with a surprising twist. It's a classic mix of fantasy and adventure, loved for its compelling characters and emotional depth.
Magic Knight Rayearth was overshadowed by CLAMP's other well-known magical girl series, Cardcaptor Sakura. Additionally, Rayearth's mascot, Mokona, was later featured in Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle and is now more commonly associated with that series than with Rayearth.
The series is often underrated because it's "again" more overshadowed by CLAMP's more popular works like xxxHolic, Chobits, or X (which, the manga is still on hiatus since forever, damnit) . Its blend of genres and older animation style might also make it less accessible to newer anime fans, but it remains a hidden gem for those who discover it.
But it wouldn't matter for CLAMP fans because they never miss out on any of CLAMP's works.
More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia
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