Anime Equals Part Two

Back again everyone with another list of inclusive women-friendly anime. For those of you clicking this for the first time, welcome! This list was created for those of us who want a good story but don't want all the extra fanservice that tends to go in anime.

What type of anime is on this list?

This means that for the most part, these anime will not feature objectification, problematic material such as homophobia, racism or the like and if it does it will come with an aforementioned warning. Warnings will include the themes present in the show such as types of violence, types of problematic content as well as include if there is romance within the show. I also take care to highlight female, neurodivergent, lgbtqia and disabled lead characters for people looking for shows that feature them. I know what it's like to have to fast forward and wiki for all this information and that's precisely what this list is for!

What information does this anime list provide?

Titles all range from G to NC-17 and the genres are just as varied. From historical fiction, sci-fi, to magical quests these lists will go far and wide to find anime for every kind of viewer. Not only that what this list includes is detailed information such as music featured in the anime, whether or not its worth watching dubbed, where the show itself can be found and if the anime has been completed.

A lot of work goes into viewing, creating and editing these lists. However, I know there are a lot of people like myself who appreciate this information and I want to make sure as many people see it as possible. To support this endeavor I urge you to share this article if you like it and if you can, tip to support it. Every tip helps go toward purchasing viewing content online as well as creating reading material for those with silent illnesses and neurodivergent differences.

Also please feel free to check out my other articles on women-positive media, also on Vocal. Now dig in and enjoy!

Anime Equals Part One: vocal.media/futurism/anime-equals-part-one

Review on Terminator: Dark Fate, Knives Out and Once Upon a Time in Hollywood: vocal.media/geeks/bad-bitches-snore

-------

Promised Neverland, 2019 R/17+ (12 episodes) Ongoing

The Promised Neverland English Dub Trailer (AniplexUS, 2019)

This anime may have cute kids as the stars but the premise of the show is far from innocent. The story is that there are orphans living with their caretaker waiting for adoption. Their caretaker lovingly dubbed Mom, is kind and always by their side. She teaches them, prepares their meals, attends to their bruises, oh and also delivers them to demons to be eaten. Yeah, you heard it right. In this anime, this caretaker is in the business of selling children for food to be devoured. Raising them in complete oblivion, one day, Emma, a child of the orphanage discovers this dark secret, and from there it is a true battle of wits, to see if they can survive and escape. Very cleanly drawn, great acting and a well-paced plot. If you like animes where there is more plot and intrigue than actual fighting this show is for you. This show is a strategic game of chess and we are the ones observing it being played.

What to Expect: Horror, Supernatural, Death, Mystery, Slice of Life, Female Lead, Child Death, Black/POC Characters, Exploration, Rivalry, Friendship, Family, Investigative , Trauma, Competition, Torture, Imprisonment, Kidnapping, Fighting, Suicidal Ideation, Demons, Suspense, Tragedy

Music: Pop, Suspenseful, Classical, Orchestral

Where Can I Watch? Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Funimation

Does Dub Do It Justice? Dubbing is great, the voices for cruelty, kindness are all well done in this anime. We get the feelings of camaraderie, sorrow, joy in the voice actors’ performance. It also doesn’t sound like grown-ass voice actors doing the roles of children, though that is the case. Also support Black/POC voice actors doing the work here!

-------

Blue Exorcist, 2011 PG-13 (25 episodes) Ongoing

Blue Exorcist Trailer (STACKoztv, 2013)

This anime is a supernatural/religion action-based anime that relies heavily on an ensemble cast. The main protagonist is a biracial high school age kid, who suddenly comes upon power he has to learn to control. Guided by his brother and his friends he has to make the decision of whether to become an exorcist for good or join forces with his father, Satan. Colorful, vibrant animation, fluid fight scenes and just the right amount of comedy, this anime will have you running through all the emotions. And fair warning-there are TWO big breasted characters in the anime, however, they are both fully fleshed-out characters, fit the Bechdel test and have no romantic ties to anyone on the show!

What to Expect: Religion, Supernatural, Comedy, Gun Violence, Magic, Spirits, Demons, Angels, Friendship, Fighting, Family, Rivalry, Brothers, War, Tragedy, Trauma, Coming of Age, Slice of Life, Revenge, General Violence, Siblings, Travel, Modern Day, Politics, Death, Duelling, Competition, Investigative

Music: Alt-Rock, Electric Guitar

Where Can I Watch? Netflix, Crunchyroll, Hulu, Amazon Prime

Does Dub Do It Justice? The dubbed is serviceable, with the characters sounding almost stereotypically the way they should sound. The tough guy sounds abrasive, the young heroine sounds slightly out of breath, etc. However, I will say their emotions are conveyed very strongly in every scene, the lines they’re given a little campy but the intention not so much.

-------

Parasyte: The Maxim, 2014 R/17+ Finished

Toonami: Parasyte Promo English Dub (2015)

This show falls heavy on the sci-fi, so get ready for the weird and the strange. Centered on Shinichi Izumi, a high school youth, due to unforeseen circumstances becomes host to an alien parasite. Having bonded incorrectly, Migi, has to coerce Izumi to help him stay hidden. Not only that, they have to put a stop to other parasites that have somehow cropped up around the city...A suspenseful, psychological thriller, this is definitely a binge-worthy anime. There are heavy themes in this show, such as what qualifies life? What constitutes humanity? Is there a God? What is the next step in human evolution? What constitutes love? So if you’re not ready for lengthy conversations on the subject this might not be the anime for you. Unique villains, incredible fight scenes.

What to Expect: Sci-Fi, Aliens, Death, Philosophical, General Violence, Investigative, Tragedy, Modern Day, High School, Animal Death, Slice of Life, Trauma, General Violence, Gun Violence , Fighting, Rivalry, Friendship, Romance, Travel

Music: Classical, Piano, Techno/Trance, Dance

Where Can I Watch? Netflix, Hulu, Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime

Does Dub Do It Justice? The voice acting in the dubbed version is serviceable. It translates well and everyone’s emotions gets conveyed, it just seems like there’s an emotional wall between the actors and the anime. Still, if you’re looking to binge, the subject matter and conversations are so interesting you can almost ignore the blandness of the voice acting...almost.

-------

Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts, 2020 PG/PG-13 (30 episodes) Ongoing

Season 1 Trailer: Kipo and the Age of Wonderbeasts (2020)

This show slaps! Yeah, I said it. This show features many black and Asian characters, a mixed-race female lead and many more diverse characters to fall in love with, as well as lgbtqia characters. The premise is a post-apocalyptic world where humans are now forced to live underground due to the animal population dramatically increasing in size (as in humongous!). These Wonderbeasts have free reign of the city, ostracizing humans, until one day, a girl, Kipo, from a burrow underground takes her first steps into this new world above ground. Fair warning, while this show does come with a dose of silly it does deal in some heavy themes such as racism, genocide, abandonment and slavery. Each theme is dealt with in a sensitive way for the age viewership it represents. With a kick-ass soundtrack, heartfelt voice acting, and engaging action sequences, this is an easily binge-able show.

What to Expect: Friendship, Family, Travel, Incarceration, Animals, War, Torture, Female Lead, LGBTQIA, Singing, Sci-Fi, Black/POC Leads, Slavery, Kidnapping, Anthropomorphic Animals, Ensemble Cast, Imprisonment, Romance, Music, Exploration, Coming of Age, Future, Comedy, Fighting, Death, Fantasy

Music: Dance, Acoustic, Hip-hop, Dubstep, Pop

Where Can I Watch? Netflix, Dreamworks

Does Dub Do It Justice? The original acting is in English. The voice actors are the age that they are supposed to play for their characters for the majority of the roles. Heartfelt performances and the camaraderie of the characters is more than believable. You’ll laugh, you might cry but you'll definitely have fun with the help of their talented voice acting and animation.

-------

Aggretsuko, 2018 PG-13 (30 episodes) Ongoing

Introducing...Aggretsuko (SanrioInc, 2016)

(Warning: Could not find an English dubbed version of Season 1 trailer, here is a mini-sode that was done off-show to give an example of what the show is like.)

Anyone who works retail or has an office job will appreciate this show. It takes all the stress of the workplace, all the angst at coming home late from the office and lets you get out all that frustration in cute 15-minute segments. The main protagonist is Retsuko, a cute red panda that just wants to be successful in the career of her choice. However, between the late hours, demanding boss, nosy coworkers and the insanity in between it can be hella stressful. How does she relieve stress? Using her trusty microphone, this normally passive-aggressive red panda rocks out to death metal down at the karaoke club she frequents. Get to know Retsuko, her wild friends, and jam out to the rocking music. This show is relatable, funny and at times a little too real. Easily binge-able!

What to Expect? Slice of Life, Anthropomorphic animals, Friendship, Coming of Age, Modern Day, Romance, Rivalry, Female Lead , Family, Music, Singing, Ensemble Cast, Comedy

Music: Death Metal, Pop, J-Pop

Where Can I Watch? Netflix

Does Dub Do It Justice? Hell yes! This anime is extremely well-done and absolutely hilarious in the dubbed version. A show that you don’t necessarily have to look up to love either, easily one of those shows you can listen to while doing chores around the house.

-------

Death Parade, 2015 R/17+ (12 episodes) Ongoing

Death Parade Trailer (English Dub) HD + Subs CC (2015)

Another show that delves into the weird, this anime focuses strictly on the afterlife. In Death Parade, we come across a motley crew of bartenders whose job is to determine the worthiness of souls passing into the afterlife. How is this determined, you ask? With games of course! Each time the elevator dings, two souls are granted entry to the Quindecim bar, a bar where one's choices in the game determine whether or not you'll be going to heaven or hell. Using a series of games from bowling, darts, arcade games and more watch as souls compete against one another for the highest of stakes. The animation is beautifully drawn and this anime is centered fully on the story, drawing women in human proportions. The protagonist is one bartender, Decim, who has worked at the bar for so long, he is beginning to question the validity of his work. It also centers on a mysterious female protagonist, who has an interesting past that needs to be unlocked. Also, this is another anime where the credits are a real treat, so stay tuned in just in case!

What to Expect: Alcohol, Gambling, Mystery, Suspense, Spiritual, Religion, Torture, Death, Investigative, Slice of Life, Romance, Tragedy, Trauma, Friendship, Female Lead, Modern Day, Revenge, Philosophical, Suicide , Suicidal Ideation, Criminals, Competition, Rivalry, Ensemble Cast

Music: Suspenseful, Piano, Jazz

Where Can I Watch? Hulu, Youtube, Amazon Prime, Crunchyroll, Youtube

Does Dub Do It Justice? Dubbing is pretty good, a lot of the intent of the original is passed down through the English dubbing. However, that is not true of the very first episode I will admit, the two voice actors they chose were pretty weak.

-------

Angelic Layer, 2001 G (26 episodes) Finished

Angelic Layer Trailer (SentaiFilmworksAnime, 2020)

This anime is a bit older but definitely a must-watch for young kids. This anime focuses on a middle school girl, Misaka, who is one day enraptured by a game called Angelic Layer, a game of dueling robots. New to the sport, Misaka, with natural talent delves deep into the world of Angelic Layer, making friends and rivals along the way. With a great ensemble cast, good comedic timing and a fun concept for kids, this is easily something that can instill life lessons and be a lot of fun to watch. Easily binge-able and also good one episode at a time. The animation is a bit dated but not as far back as Fist of the North Star.

What to Expect: Robots, Alternate Reality, Slice of Life, Friendship, Rivalry, Competition, Female Lead, School, Kids , Ensemble Cast, Sci-Fi, Role Model, Torture, Travel, Science Fiction, Fighting, Strategy, Dancing, Technology

Where Can I Watch? Crunchyroll, Amazon Prime, MSN

Does Dub Do It Justice? The dubbing is just adorable and campy enough that it fits the show perfectly. The characters sound their age, the acting is fairly fluid. It runs as a children’s show.

This concludes list number two! I hope that you find the anime(s) you were looking for. Also, if you have shows that you would like me to screen and post please let me know. You can contact me via my FB page, email or Twitter. To get ahold of my latest articles you can also see them dropped on my Twitter feed, hot off the presses. Let's build this community of inclusivity!

FB: www.facebook.com/LsophystraArt

Email: [email protected]

Twitter: @SolasLady

References

AniplexUS. (2019, April 05). The Promised Neverland English Dub Trailer. Retrieved December 27, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CV0p9X8878k

Death Parade Trailer (English Dub) HD + Subs CC. (2015, October 14). Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JSLWt-TMvE8

SanrioInc. (2016, December 19). Introducing... Aggretsuko! Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MvClxgjYJZ4

Season 1 Trailer | KIPO AND THE AGE OF WONDERBEASTS. (2020, January 07). Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=25UHUbpFTtY

SentaiFilmworksAnime. (2020, May 22). Angelic Layer Trailer. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u_euSY74UCQ

STACKoztv. (2013, August 29). Blue Exorcist trailer. Retrieved December 27, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u4C4aFun_5E

ThisisMosthated81. (2015, September 30). Toonami: Parasyte Promo English Dub. Retrieved December 28, 2020, from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sq_o1Xtkw5s