Despite the immense popularity of numerous anime series that have captivated audiences worldwide, the anime universe remains vast and teeming with shows that many have yet to discover.
From timeless classics to hidden gems, the genre offers an endless variety of stories and artistic styles, each waiting to be explored.
Over my many years of watching anime, I often assumed that the series I’ve enjoyed would be well-known to others. However, I now realise that this assumption was perhaps a bit naive.
However, here are some anime series you might want to explore (or revisit). I was genuinely surprised to find that many people haven’t heard of these gems.
SOUL EATER
First up, we have Soul Eater which ran between 2008 and 2009. The show is set in the fictional Death City, Nevada, at the Death Weapon Meister Academy (DWMA), a school where students train to become meisters – wielders of humans who can transform into weapons.
The academy, overseen by Shinigami (Death), aims to train these students to create “death scythes”, powerful weapons formed by absorbing 99 evil souls and one witch’s soul. The story follows three teams: Maka Albarn and her scythe partner, Soul Eater; Black Star and his partner Tsubaki, who transforms into various ninja weapons; and Death the Kid, with his pistol partners, Liz and Patty.
Their goal? To battle evil forces threatening the world.
The plot thickens when the witch Medusa revives Asura, a demon god who spreads madness across the world. The students, alongside Shinigami and other allies, face off against Medusa, her sister Arachne, and their forces, culminating in a final battle on the moon. With Asura sealed away, peace is restored, and Death the Kid succeeds his father as the new Shinigami, forging a new era of peace with the witches.
The anime adaptation of this series concluded during its airing years and diverged from the manga, which was incomplete.
KATEKYO HITMAN REBORN!
Next is Katekyo Hitman Reborn! aired from 2006 to 2010. The story follows Tsuna Sawada, an ordinary boy who learns he is the heir to the Vongola Family, a powerful Mafia clan. To prepare him for his new role, a baby hitman named Reborn trains him using the “Dying Will Bullet”, which transforms Tsuna into a more capable leader.
As Tsuna embraces his destiny, he battles Mafia convicts and the Varia, an assassin squad vying for control. His school friends, recruited as his guardians, help him overcome these challenges. The series takes a dramatic turn when Tsuna and his allies are transported to the future to face the Millefiore family, who threaten the Vongola’s existence.
After returning to the present and surviving many battles, Tsuna decides to forgo the title of Vongola boss, acknowledging his personal growth thanks to Reborn’s guidance. Although the show was abruptly cancelled, there are rumours of a potential reboot or new season.
MAGI
The next series on our list is a captivating tale with interconnected characters. It begins with Aladdin, a young boy with a magical flute containing the jinn Ugo. As Aladdin embarks on his journey, he gains friends and masters various forms of magic, blending adventure and fantasy in a compelling watch.
Start with Magi: The Labyrinth of Magic (2012), which introduces a group of Magi – powerful magicians who guide chosen candidates through perilous labyrinths to obtain mythical jinn powers. Aladdin, one such Magi, seeks self-discovery and forms key alliances.
Continue with Magi: The Kingdom of Magic (2013). After their triumph over Al-Thamen, Aladdin and his friends part ways. Hakuryuu and Kougyoku return to the Kou Empire, while Aladdin travels to Magnostadt to investigate mysterious occurrences. Alibaba and Morgiana also embark on separate journeys as new threats and a looming war arise.
Finally, watch Magi: The Adventure of Sinbad (2014), where the emergence of mysterious dungeons attracts adventurers and soldiers. Sinbad, a young adventurer, sets out from Parthevian with the guidance of Yunan to conquer these dungeons and achieve the “power of a king”.
FULLMETAL ALCHEMIST
Finally, Fullmetal Alchemist – an anime that, despite its prominence in its era, surprisingly didn’t gain much recognition in Brunei, possibly due to its serious tone. Adapted from Hiromu Arakawa’s manga, the series aired from October 2003 to October 2004 and spans 51 episodes. It follows brothers Edward and Alphonse Elric as they search for the Philosopher’s Stone to restore their bodies after a failed resurrection attempt. The anime diverges from the manga midway, with Arakawa requesting a unique ending while the manga was still ongoing. This led to a distinctive storyline, concluding with the 2005 film Conqueror of Shamballa.
In contrast, Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood, released in 2009, remains faithful to the manga’s plot. The original series features the Elric brothers facing numerous challenges, including the antagonist Dante, who manipulates events with homunculi.
As the story progresses, Scar creates a Philosopher’s Stone, leading to intense confrontations. The series concludes with Edward and Alphonse overcoming significant battles and personal sacrifices. The film adaptation sees Edward thwarting the Thule Society’s plans and choosing to stay in Germany. I finished the show deeply moved, much like the ending of Attack on Titan.
So if you’re looking to dive into some exceptional but possibly overlooked anime, consider exploring this list. Each series offers a unique blend of adventure, magic and personal growth, making them worthwhile additions to any anime fan’s watchlist. – Izah Azahari
