Best Non-Mainstream Manga/Anime

Froggy Krueger · 11-24-2012

Toss out the popular titles like One Piece or Code Geass, and what is your favorite? Don't try to bend the rules, as that kinda defeats the purpose: be realistic. Something in the top 25 rankings on mangafox, etc, shouldn't qualify.

For me, It's gotta be Alive: The Final Evolution

A strange virus is making its way around the globe, causing its victims to commit suicide. In less than a week, it's become a lethal pandemic. But for a unique few, it does just the opposite... They evolve and become "Power Users."

Taisuke Kanou and his best friend Hirose both become power users, but Hirose sides with Katsumata, a strange man with no regard for human life.

The story follows Kanou as he discovers the secret behind his powers, encounters reporters, other power users, and even the military, as he tries to get his friends back.

The basic plot isn't the most original, but it still is what I think of when I think of manga. The story was finished on the author's deathbed, and holds a certain weight and poignancy at the end that is uncharacteristic of this genre of manga. It's not for everyone, and the ending certainly isn't fairy-tale, but I like it over most mainstream stuff.

Also like Kamisama no Iuutori, because it's pretty funny in a morbid way

Record of a Fallen Vampire, because it easily beats Lelouch in terms of a tragic hero (won't say anymore, or I'd spoil the many plot twists)

Shinigamisama ni Saigo no Onegai O, because the main character is one of the best guile heros I've ever seen

What are yours?

Jester Lapse · 11-24-2012

Yu-Gi-Oh

iWarp · 11-24-2012

Posted by Jester Lapse

Yu-Gi-Oh

Oh the memories<3

Remorse · 11-24-2012

Shaman king

Ash Ketchum · 11-24-2012

Pokemon

MementoJoker · 11-24-2012

Only animes I've ever watched are Yugioh, Pokemon (boring), Haruhi (for Talon<3) and One Piece.

Ash Ketchum · 11-24-2012

Posted by Dimentio

Only animes I've ever watched are Yugioh, Pokemon (boring), Haruhi (for Talon<3) and One Piece.

fight me ****

Remorse · 11-24-2012

Posted by Ash Ketchum

Pokemon

Pokemon adventures manga

MementoJoker · 11-24-2012

Posted by Ash Ketchum

fight me ****

DO YOU EVEN EV TRAIN?

BESIDES, RED>ASH.

Psycher! · 11-24-2012

Seitokai no Ichizon.

Rufus · 11-24-2012

Katanagatari is my favorite anime of all time and I have excellent taste.

Psycher! · 11-24-2012

Posted by Rufus

Katanagatari is my favorite anime of all time and I have excellent taste.

It's made by NIS.
I automatically love it, even though I haven't watched it.

Winter · 11-24-2012

Posted by Rufus

I have excellent taste.

This quote is golden..

I'm not sure how to gauge an anime/manga as mainstream.. I'm guessing Hellsing and Higurashi no Naku Koro ni are becoming more well-known? Unlike Death Note or Elfen Lied, which are probably more popular than the former.. Then Darker Than Black and Black Rock Shooter aren't very well known, but they'll pick up soon.

Higurashi is probably my favorite, though. Great suspense, murder mystery, third person limited point of view, and plot twists. Very entertaining, always keeping me on the edge of my seat. Some might label it.. Disturbing.

Tyler · 11-24-2012

I really have no idea which animes count as main-stream other than Naruto and Bleach. So here is a whole list of other ones I've watched that were really good. I can't really choose one either.

Code Geass
Nabari No Uo
Death Note
Elfen Lied
Gurrenn Lagann
The World God Only Knows
Sword Art Online
No. 6
Betrayal Knows My Name
Tiger and Bunny
Black Butler
Soul Eater
Angel Beats
Guilty Crown
Kids on The Slope

Talon · 11-24-2012

I do not know what constitutes a "mainstream" anime. But one of my favorite "un-popular" animes would have to be Inu x Boku SS.

11-24-2012	1
Froggy Krueger a necessary evil Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: Upon the marge of Lake Lebarge Posts: 1,458	Best Non-Mainstream Manga/Anime Toss out the popular titles like One Piece or Code Geass, and what is your favorite? Don't try to bend the rules, as that kinda defeats the purpose: be realistic. Something in the top 25 rankings on mangafox, etc, shouldn't qualify. For me, It's gotta be Alive: The Final Evolution A strange virus is making its way around the globe, causing its victims to commit suicide. In less than a week, it's become a lethal pandemic. But for a unique few, it does just the opposite... They evolve and become "Power Users." Taisuke Kanou and his best friend Hirose both become power users, but Hirose sides with Katsumata, a strange man with no regard for human life. The story follows Kanou as he discovers the secret behind his powers, encounters reporters, other power users, and even the military, as he tries to get his friends back. The basic plot isn't the most original, but it still is what I think of when I think of manga. The story was finished on the author's deathbed, and holds a certain weight and poignancy at the end that is uncharacteristic of this genre of manga. It's not for everyone, and the ending certainly isn't fairy-tale, but I like it over most mainstream stuff. Also like Kamisama no Iuutori, because it's pretty funny in a morbid way Record of a Fallen Vampire, because it easily beats Lelouch in terms of a tragic hero (won't say anymore, or I'd spoil the many plot twists) Shinigamisama ni Saigo no Onegai O, because the main character is one of the best guile heros I've ever seen What are yours?

11-24-2012	2
Jester Lapse zzz Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: WA USA Posts: 9,232	Yu-Gi-Oh

11-24-2012	4
Remorse Who knows? Join Date: Apr 2012 Location: California Posts: 1,716	Shaman king

11-24-2012	5
Ash Ketchum Veritired ✔️ Join Date: Jan 2012 Posts: 4,441	Pokemon

11-24-2012	6
MementoJoker Registered User Join Date: May 2012 Location: Egypt Posts: 2,939	Only animes I've ever watched are Yugioh, Pokemon (boring), Haruhi (for Talon<3) and One Piece.

11-24-2012	10
Psycher! The Overlord Join Date: Jun 2012 Location: I have no idea Posts: 1,240	Seitokai no Ichizon.

11-24-2012	11
Rufus Registered rufp4 Join Date: Jan 2011 Posts: 3,378	Katanagatari is my favorite anime of all time and I have excellent taste.

11-24-2012	14
Tyler Dark Desert Fox Join Date: Sep 2011 Location: United States, Ohio Posts: 5,720	I really have no idea which animes count as main-stream other than Naruto and Bleach. So here is a whole list of other ones I've watched that were really good. I can't really choose one either. Code Geass Nabari No Uo Death Note Elfen Lied Gurrenn Lagann The World God Only Knows Sword Art Online No. 6 Betrayal Knows My Name Tiger and Bunny Black Butler Soul Eater Angel Beats Guilty Crown Kids on The Slope

11-24-2012	15
Talon don't call it a comeback Join Date: Sep 2011 Posts: 8,268	I do not know what constitutes a "mainstream" anime. But one of my favorite "un-popular" animes would have to be Inu x Boku SS.