Welcome to Anime for Adults, a blog series where librarian Bryn offers suggestions from the Willoughby-Eastlake Public Library’s collection for anime, manga, and graphic novels that might appeal to an adult audience. Just because we’re grown-ups doesn’t mean we can’t indulge our inner otakus!
Kicking off this blog series, the first anime I must recommend is a movie. I can already hear some people’s reactions when I say this one: Studio Ghibli’s Grave of the Fireflies.
Released originally in 1988, this film focuses on two orphaned siblings as they struggle to survive during World War II. This is one of the most heart-wrenching and devastatingly poignant anime films that I, and many others, have ever seen. If you haven’t watched it yet- bring tissues and a comfort blanket, because this movie will emotionally wreck you. Studio Ghibli did a truly incredible job of portraying the realistic struggles and sorrows of Japan during this time. It’s a beautiful film, but not in the whimsical way other Ghibli films are. Still, I couldn’t pass up the opportunity to recommend this.
If you’re interested in learning more about this film, Studio Ghibli : the complete works translated by Daniel Joseph has artwork and information about all the Ghibli films, including Grave of the Fireflies.
Okay, now that the heavy recommendation is out of the way, my next recommendation is the complete opposite. This anime is one of my personal favorites because it is so RIDICULOUSLY late-90’s nostalgia factor. (I have friends that know what I’m about to say, and I’m not sorry!): Knight Hunters is an anime series about four men who are florists by day and assassins by night. No, I’m not kidding. That’s the actual premise. Each assassin struggles with tragedy and trauma and is fueled by his desire to right the wrongs of evildoers and enact justice on the corrupt individuals harming innocents. It can 100% be taken seriously, but it’s a lot more fun when you don’t. From stolen kidneys to resurrecting demonic gods (still not kidding, these things are key plot points), I’d recommend this series for any of my grown-ups that want a reminder of how weird some anime shows were when we were younger and want a little chuckle (even if it’s not what the series intended). Check out the outtakes as you watch it, because they’re honestly one of the best parts.
Also, just for fun: If you want to have some ramen to accompany your anime binge watching, I recommend these books our libraries own!
I Love Ramen and 101 Things to do With Ramen Noodles both by Toni Patrick.
Ramen Fusion Cookbook: 40 Traditional Recipes and Modern Makeovers of the Classic Japanese Broth Soup by Neil Bento.
The ultimate Japanese noodles Cookbook: Amazing Soba, Udon, Hot Pot and Japanese Pasta Recipes by Masahiro Kasahara.
Naruto: the unofficial cookbook by Danielle Baghernejad (Of course I had to include Naruto for the chuckle!)
If ramen isn’t your thing, why not investigate some of these amazing Studio Ghibli inspired cookbooks?
Studio Ghibli: The Unofficial Cookbook by Minh-Tri Vo.
The Unofficial Studio Ghibli Cookbook: 50+ Delicious Recipes Inspired by Your Favorite Japanese Animated Films by Jessica Yun.
Studio Ghibli Bento Cookbook: Unofficial Recipes Inspired by Spirited Away, Ponyo, and More! By Barbara Rossi.
Until next time, fellow fans!
-Bryn
