The world of anime, if you’re just venturing out, is a big, scary looking mess of animation. There’s all these colourful looking cover arts and genres named in an – often – unfamiliar language.
This week, after a short break, I’m giving you some recommendations from the Historical genre – a genre that I do enjoy, even if I don’t watch that many shows. Why? Historical anime gives you a lot. From sword fights to playing games with the mafia… it definitely has something for everyone!
This week, the shows I’m recommending are all from different time periods and all have different features, but what are they? Well, have you considered watching Kuroshitsujii? Or 91days? Have you experienced the great Hetalia? No? Well, I’m about to explain why you should!
Firstly, though, the shows are available to watch on the following streaming sites (with some regional differences, of course):
- Crunchyroll
- Funimation
- TubiTV
- Hulu
- Yahoo!
- Anime Lab
- HiDive
So, what are they exactly? Well…
Kuroshitsuji (also known as Black Butler) is an action, comedy, drama, shounen anime set in Victorian England. Young Ciel Phantomhive is known as “the Queen’s Guard Dog,” taking care of the many unsettling events that occur on the behalf of Queen Victoria herself. Aided by Sebastian Michaelis, his loyal butler with seemingly inhuman abilities, Ciel uses whatever means necessary to get the job done. But is there more to this black-clad butler than meets the eye? Kuroshitsuji currently has three seasons and a movie, with the manga still being published, so there are plenty of adventures to witness Ciel and Sebastian going on! Approximate time to finish (all seasons and the movie): 22 hours
91days is set in the Prohibition era (1920s-1930s). It follows the story of Angelo Lagusa who has witnessed a tragedy: his parents and younger brother were mercilessly slaughtered by the Vanetti mafia family. Losing everything he holds dear, he leaves both his name and hometown behind, adopting the new identity of Avilio Bruno. Seven years later, Avilio finally has his chance for revenge when he receives a mysterious letter prompting him to return to Lawless. Obliging, he soon encounters the Vanetti don’s son, Nero, and seeks to befriend him using the skills he has quietly honed for years. Approximate time to finish: 4.8 hours
And finally, the show which I’ve previously dubbed as my guilty pleasure, but is perfect if you find usual historical shows boring – Hetalia. Hetalia is a franchise that focuses on the personification of countries and takes a comedic and light approach to politics and historical events while educating the viewer. Taking place primarily during the events of World War I and World War II, the story focuses on the Axis Powers and occasionally throws the spotlight onto the tumultuous relationship between the Allied Forces. Most of my historical and geographical knowledge exists because of Hetalia, so don’t take it too lightly! Approximate time to finish (all seasons and movie!): 13.25 hours
That’s all for this segment of Anime for All! What do you think of these recommendations? Have you seen any? Have you been persuaded to check some out? Do you have any of your own suggestions? Let me know in the comment section below!
Until next time!
– Amelia xo
