Yeah, can’t really call myself a hardcore fan of anime here either, although I’ve tried in the past. I find that my favorite anime is usually the kind that dares to differentiate from the norm (the norm either being a bunch of boys trying to fight to become the ultimate warrior or attempts to be so cute and adorable it leaves you feeling uncomfortable. Also something about friendship, I guess). Most of Studio Ghibli’s stuff is an example of going for different, as well as Akira and Grave of the Fireflies (although I’m gonna need a strong stomach to watch the latter again). I’ll also give a shout-out to Cowboy Bebop, which definitely went all the way for different as well. Lastly, and I’m not sure this counts, but I also enjoy the Shin Megami Tensei video games, more specifically the Persona franchise. Those games keep me wanting to know what happens next.