Anime Which People Don’t Talk About These Days #3

Dennou Coil, Wolf's Rain, Fushigi Yuugi, Nobunaga Concerto, Planetes

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 four!

Note: Check out Part #2 of this series, if you haven't already!

Sci-fi, Mystery, Madhouse

Dennou Coil is a captivating anime that blends the mundane with the extraordinary, set in a near-future where augmented reality (AR) has become an integral part of everyday life The story follows a group of children who navigate both the physical and digital worlds, uncovering the mysteries and dangers that lie within the "Dennou" space-a layer of virtual reality overlaid on the real world At the heart of the narrative is Yuko Okonogi, a young girl who moves to Daikoku City and joins her peers in exploring this digital frontier. As they delve deeper, they encounter rogue Al, digital pets, and hidden truths about the technology that shapes their lives. The anime masterfully explores themes of childhood, memory, and the blurred lines between reality and virtuality, all while delivering a thrilling and emotionally resonant adventure.

This has been one of my favorites of the mid-2000s gems by far. There were so many things I really liked about it. Aside from a minor hiccup in the middle, it was paced well. I particularly enjoyed how the characters and the world were developed through their daily lives and the way the kids used the glasses to interact with that world. The way this was handled, along with the elementary-school-aged cast, gave Dennou Coil a very unique feeling, especially among the anime I've seen.

It's one of the rare cases where a unique sci-fi world is built up to feel complete and logical, without major logical fallacies. For that alone, it already deserves high praise, as most anime series tend to collapse at some point.

More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia

Dark fantasy, Dystopian, Bones

Wolf's Rain is a captivating anime series set in a dystopian future where wolves, believed to be extinct, disquise themselves as humans to survive. The story follows a pack of wolves led by Kiba, who embark on a journey to find "Paradise," a mythical place rumored to grant salvation to the world. Along the way, they encounter challenges, betrayals, and deep philosophical questions about existence, hope, and destiny. With its hauntingly beautiful soundtrack by Yoko Kanno and a mix of action, emotion, and mystery, Wolf's Rain is a thought-provoking and visually stunning tale that explores themes of perseverance and the search for meaning in a crumbling world.

This is not one of those series that you can just sit down and watch casually. If you want to watch this series, you have to pay attention. There are a lot of hidden meanings and insights you can gain from it.

More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia

Isekai, Fantasy, Shoujo, Pierrot

Fushigi Yuugi is a timeless masterpiece by the legendary mangaka Yuu Watase. My #1 Shoujo Anime/manga of all times.

More than just a shoujo anime, Fushigi Yuugi is an emotional journey that stays with you long after the final episode. From the moment Miaka steps into the Universe of the Four Gods, you’re pulled into a world of love, sacrifice, and heartbreak. The series masterfully blends fantasy and romance, but what truly makes it unforgettable are its characters. Miaka and Yui’s friendship-turned-rivalry is painfully real, and Tamahome’s unwavering devotion to Miaka is both swoon-worthy and tragic. The sacrifices made by the Celestial Warriors, especially Nakago’s complex villainy, add layers of depth to the story.

What makes Fushigi Yuugi so special is its unflinching portrayal of raw emotion. It makes you laugh, cry, and scream at the characters’ choices. The bittersweet ending, with its themes of love transcending time and space, leaves you with a lingering sense of longing. It’s a story about the cost of love, the pain of loss, and the hope that keeps us going. Fushigi Yuugi isn’t just a classic. It’s a heartfelt masterpiece that reminds you why shoujo anime can be so powerful. It’s a series that stays in your heart, no matter how many years pass.

Satou Akemi’s songs in Fushigi Yuugi are pure emotion in melody. Her voice carries the heartbreak, love, and longing of the story, making every moment unforgettable. "Itoshii Hito no Tame ni" feels like a cry of devotion, while "Tokimeki no Doukasen" lingers with bittersweet hope. Her music doesn’t just accompany the series, it becomes its soul. Even now, hearing her songs brings back the tears, the ache, and the beauty of Fushigi Yuugi. They’re not just songs. They’re memories, love, and pain wrapped in sound. It’s a testament to how powerful music can be in shaping the emotional impact of a story.

Miaka and Tamahome’s love story is so emotional because it’s a whirlwind of passion, sacrifice, and heartbreak. Their bond feels destined, yet it’s constantly tested by challenges that push them to their limits. Tamahome’s unwavering devotion and Miaka’s relentless determination to fight for their love make their connection unforgettable. Their journey is filled with raw, desperate moments that feel incredibly real. love that’s messy, painful, and deeply human.

What makes it unforgettable is how it balances heartbreak with hope. Their love isn’t perfect, but it’s enduring and powerful, leaving a lasting impression that stays with you long after the story ends. Miaka and Tamahome’s story isn’t just about romance. It’s about the resilience of love, the pain of longing, and the beauty of fighting for what matters most. That’s why, even years later, their love story remains etched in your heart.

More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia

Historical, Time travel, Shounen

Okay, so imagine this: a regular high school kid, Saburo, somehow gets flung back in time to Japan's super chaotic Sengoku period. And get this, he bumps into Oda Nobunaga, you know, that famous warlord. But Nobunaga's like, "Hey, you look just like me, wanna trade places?"

So, Saburo ends up pretending to be Nobunaga, trying to navigate all the warring clans and political drama, all while having zero clue about historical strategy. It's basically a modern kid trying to figure out how to unify Japan, which leads to a lot of funny and interesting situations, especially when he tries to use modern-day thinking in a feudal era. It's a really interesting take on a historical figure.

In short: high schooler gets time-warped, swaps places with Oda Nobunaga, and hilariously tries to unify Japan with zero historical know-how. It's funny, it's a fresh take on history, and it's just a fun watch.

More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia

Seinen, Sunrise

Planetes is a hidden gem in the world of anime, blending hard sci-fi with deeply human storytelling. Set in a near-future where space debris collection is a crucial job, the series starts off slow but gradually builds into something profound. The characters are incredibly well-written, each with their own struggles, dreams, and flaws. Hachimaki’s journey from a reckless dreamer to someone who confronts the weight of his ambitions is particularly compelling.

The show doesn’t shy away from exploring themes like class disparity, environmentalism, and the cost of progress, all while maintaining a grounded, realistic tone. The animation and sound design are solid, though not flashy, which fits the show’s down-to-earth approach. If you’re into thoughtful, character-driven stories with a sci-fi twist, Planetes is definitely worth your time. It’s one of those shows that stays with you long after you’ve finished it.

More Info: MAL, Anilist, Wikipedia

All content on this website is protected by copyright and may not be copied, distributed, or reproduced in any form without the express written consent from [email protected].