Early Anime that needs to be re-watched through older lens

As a teen I saw a couple of animes. As a college students I started to rewatch these shows and saw that I missed a lot of things. These three animes that defiantly need to be rewatched as an adult.

“Cowboy Bebop”

Classic anime that has stood the test of time.

Summary:

We follow a group of bounty hunters, in the future space, and their adventures attempting to catch criminals.

Why it’s great:

We see this group of bounty hunters in different roles and emotions that are not typical from this genre of anime. The world created is the perfect representation of a beautiful dystopia.  The soundtrack is stunning.

What I thought as a child:

“Oh my gosh, this is so cool seeing space bounty hunters lock up space bad guys.”  I was basically watching the show as a cops and robbers series.  I never looked at the deeper meanings that were said between characters.

After a rewatch:

I began to pay closer attention to dialogue between characters. Spike, one of the main characters, deals with depression and loneliness because of his tough past.  Faye, suffers from loneliness, but because she choose to not trust anyone. Their character develops so much through the course of this anime.

“Neon Genesis Evangelion”

Classic that is slightly confusing but regarded highly.

Summary:

We follow a group of teenagers who battle in giant robot armor to fight off alien beings to save the world.

Why it’s great:

For starters it’s a classic. For many anime lovers you cannot even being to call yourself an anime buff without watching this series. It’s great mecha action and good drama for a coming of age story.

What I thought as a child:

“Cool dumb action between robots. What’s not to love?” I remember watching this and thinking about how much damage these two giant monster were doing. Once the action was over I got bored. The dialogues between characters bored me as a child; I wanted action not drama.

After a Rewatch:

I began to see how abused the characters were throughout this series. The main character Shinji Ikari deals with abandonment and guilt issues over the absence of his father and death of his mother. Asuka Langley Soryu has suffered through trauma with the suicide of her mother and needing validation from others to praise her.

“Full Metal Alchemist”

Great series, even better with brother hood out.

Summary:

Following two brother on a quest to find philosopher stones. The stones will bring back one bothers arm and leg and the other brother his whole body back.

Why it’s great:

After watching this series I had a better understanding and appreciation for the research that was done in order to make this series. Aside from the science of the series, all the characters in this show are very likable.

What I thought as a child:

“What a cool story! The laws of alchemy are really interesting. I wonder what would happen if I tried this?” I just could not stop thinking about creating something out of nothing.

After a Rewatch:

This anime deals with family and sins. It is through the love of family that they triumph in the quest. There are seven sin that are portrayed in the anime and their emotions once dealing with the brothers amazes me every time.