However, sometimes you want to go back to the original anime genre (no reincarnation, no video game...) Let's make a list of animeranku that includes both new and old anime in traditional style.
1. Fullmetal Alchemist (Hiromu Arakawa)
Let's start with a classic. Have you even lived if you haven't read (or watched) Fullmetal Alchemist? No, but really, the FMA series is a pretty well-written piece of fiction with some unforgettable (and not-so-memorable) characters. The whole vibe may be defined as steampunk meets fantasy. Heavy political topics also dominate the plot, yet they are far from dull. Arakawa understands how to tell a solid tale, which becomes clear in her later works but is also evident in the Fullmetal Alchemist series.
Synopsis: Alchemy: the mystical power to alter the natural world; something between magic, art and science. When two brothers, Edward and Alphonse Elric, dabbled in this power to grant their dearest wish, one of them lost an arm and a leg…and the other became nothing but a soul locked into a body of living steel. Now Edward is an agent of the government, a slave of the military-alchemical complex, using his unique powers to obey orders…even to kill. Except his powers aren’t unique. The world has been ravaged by the abuse of alchemy. And in pursuit of the ultimate alchemical treasure, the Philosopher’s Stone, their enemies are even more ruthless than they are… ( VIZMEDIA)
2. Yona of the Dawn (Mizuho Kusanagi)
Yona of the Dawn is one of the few shojo titles that I enjoyed. The narrative revolves around Yona, a headstrong young woman who is deceived and forced to endure and battle for her right to replace her father, the Emperor. The characters are well-written and endearing, and the narrative is never dull. Yona might be obnoxious at times, but her headstrong attitude and tenacity make her a fantastic heroine - it's simply odd to see a woman act like way in manga (do keep in mind this is a shojo title). If you like anime, there is an anime version as well, however it only contains a single season and a few additional episodes.
Synopsis: Yona reels from the shock of witnessing a loved one’s murder and having to fight for her life. With Hak’s help, she flees the palace and struggles to survive while evading her enemy’s forces. But where will this displaced princess go when all the paths before her are uncertain? (Viz Media)
3. Chainsaw Man (Tatsuki Fujimoto)
Only if you dwell under a rock in the world's deepest cave have you not heard about Chainsaw Man. The buzz around the currently airing anime adaptation isn't going away. The manga is not a classic fantasy, although it does have demons and other magical-like abilities. It's also worth mentioning that it now has a cult-like following. The tale is adult (at least more mature than the average shonen game), and the characters are unexpectedly charming, even when they act like jerks. The artwork is quite detailed, with some unusual color choices. The manga's second installment is presently under progress.
Synopsis: Denji’s a poor young man who’ll do anything for money, even hunting down devils with his pet devil Pochita. He’s a simple man with simple dreams, drowning under a mountain of debt. But his sad life gets turned upside down one day when he’s betrayed by someone he trusts. Now with the power of a devil inside him, Denji’s become a whole new man—Chainsaw Man! (Viz Media)
4. Mashle: Magic and Muscles (Hajime Komoto)
To everyone else in his magically governed society, Mash Burnedead is a menace to the gene pool and must be exterminated. He spends every day honing his physique in the jungle, gaining muscles powerful enough to contend with magic itself! However, once his identity is revealed and his tranquil life is endangered, Mash embarks on a path to become a "Divine Visionary," a position so strong that society is forced to tolerate his presence.
To retain his quiet existence, the magicalless Mash enrolls at the famous Easton Magic Academy, fighting against the offspring of some of the realm's most powerful and privileged. Lacking the very skill needed to survive at Easton, magic, Mash appears to already be at a disadvantage to his fellow classmates. In order to achieve his goals, Mash will have to fight his way through every trial using his fists alone, overcoming magic with muscles, all for the illustrious title of Divine Visionary!
Synopsis: This is a world of magic where magic is used for everything. But deep in the forest exists a young man who spends his time training and bulking up. He can’t use magic, but he enjoys a peaceful life with his father. But one day, his life is put in danger! Will his muscular body protect him from the magic users who are out to get him? Powerfully trained muscles crush magic as this abnormal magical fantasy begins! (MANGAPlus)
5. The Ancient Magus’ Bride (Kore Yamazaki)
If you dislike age-gap fiction, you should probably avoid The Ancient Magus' Bride. If you don't mind that, though, prepare to experience Chise's wonderful adventure. The main character of this manga is, you guessed it, Chise, who also happens to be the bride from the title. We first see her as she gives up on life and sells herself to an unknown magician. However, once she is in his hands, she discovers there is a whole world out there worth living for. It's been a very soothing experience to watch her develop and learn to love herself and others. If you enjoy magic, fantasy, and a little (clumsy) romance, this is the book for you., then definitely check this out. An anime adaptation by WIT Studio and later Kafka exists (and features some amazing visuals)
Synopsis: Her name is Chise Hatori, a penniless orphan troubled by visions. Sold as a slave to an inhuman mage, she is about to begin a strange new life, filled with magic, fairies, and other beings of a fantastical nature. (Seven Seas Entertainment)
