I lost my virginity (not my sexual virginity you dirty people) to Akira, i can't say that it was the first sort of manga i have watched but it was the first manga movie i ever saw and i absolutely loved it all the blood and guts and evilness can't remember much about it though it was to long ago but like Shinra said an amazing movie despite its age. It was a good start to my manga fetish and i do recommend it to those who would like to start watching manga, well it would be one of the few i would recommend including
1:Ninja scroll which introduces the rogue samurai genre, fighting a one man battle against some pretty messed up freaks with various skills and talents bordering on the supernatural side. I would suggest this one because it is based around ancient Japan and the ancient samurai and Ninja but also it includes a lot of myths and legends that circulated Japan and its people and warriors etc. Back in those days the people believed alot in myths and legends and demons etc and this Movie touches base with some of these legends and it also shows what the government and governing powers were like in those days and the ninja clans trying to stay in power and not be overthrown by the shoguns.
2:Akira doesn't just verge on the edge of supernatural it delves right into it including psychic powers and the like but it also shows the power of friendship and i believe imo it was the start of blood and gore in manga and showed us what was capable with the power of drawings. Paving the way for other titles such as Gantz, Spriggan and Elfen Lied and other titles.
3:Samurai seven although not a very old manga and not entirely a movie but a series and it is also a remake of an old black and white classic, shows us more about the legendary samurai and the time when samurai worked as mercenary's for money or body guards because it was also the time when firearms and cannons were introduced into japan and so the way of the samurai diminished and faded away for their skills and that training was no longer needed, and not long after all samurai swords were banned.
4: Neon Genesis now i am not entirely sure about this series because it still perplexes me even after watching it a few times i can only assume it is about the bible and the down fall of man like when adam and eve eat the apple and the angels wreak their wraith and havoc upon mankind, it also includes variations on Adam, Eve, Lilith who if am not mistaken bore adams children who were demons... any way like i said it still confuses me if there is anyone who would like to clarify on this they can.
Other titles i can recommend for first timers are Spirited away, any of the Dragon ball movies or series, Requiem, Full metal Alchemist and even Girls Bravo, these introduce a variety of different styles of manga and stories and genre from there you can decide which way you would like to branch off.
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