In anime, there are numerous genres and categories that fans live and die by. Here are the anime genres people care about; this is, of course, conjecture, but I will say that based on 3 years’ research of top shows and future releases, I can narrow studios focus to several exciting groups.
In anime, you often have a rule of thumb when categorizing shows. The target audience, the story heuristics, the character design, and speed of story progression can determine whether a show is of top quality or lacks traction.
Example from this current winter 2020 season. The Sorcerous Stabber, by any conventional standard, should be a good show based on the overall story, the promotional artwork, and a sub genre of magic, adventure, and shounen. A adequately marketed show that fits this sub-genre category is a show like Fairy Tail, Black Clover, or Magi to some degree.
The issue with The Sorcerous Stabber that I find is that the show reveals the main story plot far too early in the timeline. We see the main character develop into a weaker role with a monotonous vision. He simply wants to find his crush and transform her back. Sorcerous Stabber is spoiled as we see him run into her several times, and he cannot do anything about it and often impedes other people’s actions like some narcissistic child.
A noteworthy genre that seems to deliver is historical or samurai anime. Samurai Champloo, Dororo, Mushibugyou, Anything about Nobunaga Oda, they all have some lessons to teach and often touch on historical facts from Japanese history or Folklore. Intrinsic value. There are, of course, bad shows from this genre, but the line is blurry as to what is rated a lousy show, as often even bad shows have some merit.
Musical anime delivers a heartwarming, engaging, and relatable story structure. You know what you are getting when you watch an anime about a high school marching band or when you enjoy some emotional songs by two girls on a planetary development, soul.
Isekai anime rely on the fact that everyone wants to escape reality once in a while. We envision another world being more accepting and offering new experiences. We hope that it doesn’t screw us over like in the Shield Hero, and we aim to leave this world, not to be trapped like in Log Horizon. These anime present a unique question to viewers; what would you do in this situation? Our collective minds begin to turn, and our creativity spikes. I think about what my role or job might be, and I think about what this new world might offer. Isekai or “another world” anime revolves around the idea that being somewhere else is almost always more exciting than being where you are now.
