An anime like no other. Edward and Alphonse Elric are two brothers who live in a world similar, yet completely different from our own. In their world, science takes a completely different form: alchemy, where one can understand a compound, break it down, and then reconstruct it into something with the same properties. Depending on its use, alchemy can do a variety of things, ranging from creating toys out of sand to using the elements of the human body to make a living bomb. However, one must never defy the laws of equivalent of exchange, or the consequences will be unimaginable. The worst way to break to this rule is to attempt human transmutation, the revival of the dead. But that is exactly what Ed and Al attempt to do when they try to bring back their deceased mother. But things go horribly wrong. Despite having all of the chemical ingredients found in an adult human, there is nothing that equates for a soul. As a result, Al loses his body and Ed loses one arm and a leg. Now with Al's soul placed in a suit of armor and Ed given metal replacement limbs, the two join the state military in order to find the Philosopher's stone, a legendary substance and the one way to break the laws of alchemy without suffering any consequences, in order to gettheir bodies back. However, they unintentionally uncover a conspiracy linked directly to the very military they have become dogs for, and find that the price of returning themselves to normal may not be worth it.

This anime is unlike many found nowadays. There is an obvious dark theme to this story that is normally withheld in other popular anime, the violence is a lot more severe, and the effects of serious wounds are actually depicted realistically. Like many other great anime, however, it has an incredible cast of characters whose personalities are shown in such detail, and the story is a perfect balance of seriousness and comedy. The scenes with conversation aren't overdone, and the scenes with action don't get drawn out for too long. The music used for the series, as well as the voice actors used in either Japan or America, are well-picked and each fits the anime and each character perfectly. And don't worry when you finish it, for a different version is available as well. You will NOT want to miss out on such a fantastic anime.

During the Great Age of Piracy, many pirates aim to become King of the Pirates. The Great Age of Piracy truly began when the last King, Gold Roger, was executed. Before he died, he revealed that his famous treasure was up for grabs, and whoever found it first could have it. The series protagonist, Monkey D. Luffy, has a dream to become the next King. With a huge dream, inhumane appetite, slight lack of intelligience, no fear of death, the ability to stretch like rubber, and being unable to swim, Luffy hopes to establish an amazing crew, reach Gold Roger's treasure, known as One Piece, and become the next King of the Pirates.

The cast features one of the most bizzarre, yet hilarious, group of characters ever assembled. With a womenchasing cook, a talking reindeer for a doctor, a greedy navigator, a cowardly sniper who's also telling talltales, a swordsman with no sense of direction, and more, Luffy has quite the unusual pirate crew. However, each of their unique talents as well as teamwork allows them to defeat any foe who crosses their path, all while outrunning the marines and sailing towards their goals. Each crewmember has their own huge dream, as well as their own harsh past. Together, they take on the world.

The story is full of plot twists, action packed fights, and a variety of scenes that will make you laugh your head off, or revelations that will make you cry. One Piece has it all, and after more than 10 years, is still being aired today!

One of my favorite anime of all time, I've loved this anime since I was a little kid. Outlaw Star takes place in the distant future, where space travel and encounters with other intelligient life forms is of the norm. The series protagonist, Gene Starwind, and his eleven year old genius partner Jim Hawking run an odd job business known as Starwind and Hawking Enterprises, dealing with jobs ranging from tractor repairs to hunting criminals. After taking on a escort job from a mysterious woman, Gene goes on a series of adventures, finding a naked girl in a suitcase with no memory of her past, fighting space pirates, and acquiring a ship known as the XGP-15AII, "the fastest ship in the galaxy". The XGP, which Gene later names the Outlaw Star, is also a grappler ship, a rare type of space ship with arms used in space combat. Unfortunately, the XGP, as well as the girl, whose name is Melfina, were apparently stolen from the space pirates before Gene found either of them, and the pirates desperately want them back. Now Gene, Jim, and Melfina are on a quest to discover Melfina's past, as well find a place known as the Galactic Leyline, where a gigantic treasure is suppossed to be found.

This anime is a classic. It has fantastic music, and shows '90s animation at it's best. Each character has a unique contribution to the plot, and there are always episodes and scenes to make one laugh. I highly recommend this 26 episode series to all who enjoy anime.