Ever since I was young, I’ve loved cartoons. They were one of my favorite past times, waking up early Saturday morning, grabbing breakfast (or sometimes forgetting) and plopping down in front of old television to watch them. Because of my adoration for cartoons, my love actually continued on into my adult years. And, yes, even still today I adore them. Sometimes I get a reminder of something from long ago like a theme song or picture and, what do you know? Nostalgia kicks in big time.

What’s really funny though is that a few of the shows I’ve enjoyed watching were actually created from the country of Japan. I came to find out later on they were known simply as “anime”. Of course anime is actually just a term used to describe Japanese animated cartoons. But I rather call it anime than cartoons so I can decipher between Western and Eastern made animations.

Anyways, I didn’t really discover a love for anime until I was about 15 years old, a freshman in high school. I had moved to a different town and met a variety of people who became my friends and shared their love as “otakus” or “anime lovers”. Becoming one of those “otakus” made me happy because I was able to find a new, and very addicting, love. There was so much out there that I never knew about and it made it all the more thrilling to discover what I had been missing in younger years. And knowing it was created in Japan was a huge bonus since I’ve loved Japan since I was little!

Hundreds upon hundreds of anime shows kept creeping up on me and I just HAD to get myself immersed in such exquisite stories. I’d watch either English-dubbed versions – where voice actors spoke in English – or Japanese dub – the original version –  with English subtitles. Well, because of my new past time, it’s helped me become a rather creative person as I’ve wanted to draw certain characters or write my own fan-fiction, things I’ve rarely wanted to do when I was younger.

Anime is such a fun animation field considering they have shows and movies that range from all ages or older people only. For me, I actually find the more kid-friendly anime series to be the best since I do have my own kids that like to watch television. Though they aren’t as fond of anime like I am, they sneak peeks every now and then while I take a gander at a new series, so my show preferences are good to have as should be for you.

Does anime sound really interesting to you? I bet it does! It’s just like our own home-based created cartoons like “Gargoyles,” “Kids Next Door,” “Phineas & Ferb,” etc. They just have a different animation style that can pull you in a  lot more than others. So, if you’re interested in watching some that’s suitable for you, go ahead and check out my top 8 below! Trust me, you won’t regret taking a peek at these! And if you’ve seen these before, how interesting is it to find out they’re called anime?

1. “Zatch Bell”

Every 1,000 years, the battle for Mamodo King takes place in the human world. These Mamodo have human partners to help them battle until only one is left to become King. The series follows the story of Kiyo Takamine, a 14-year-old junior high student and a young boy named Zatch Bell, who turns out to be a Mamodo with amnesia. Kiyo, Zatch’s spell book owner, decides to help his friend find out about himself as they face several enemies head on in the battle for Zatch to become a benevolent (kind-hearted) king.

This is honestly one of my favorites! It’s got a great amount of humor to make you laugh a lot, plus the characters are absolutely lovable! This series also has a load of battles taking place with explosions, fire power and what not. So, if you don’t really like fighting, maybe it might not be for you. But I recommend it! A LOT!

2. “Ghost Hunt”

High school student Mai Taniyama loves telling ghost stories. One day  she meets 17-year-old Kazuya Shibuya, a young man who turns out to be the found of Shibuya Psychic Research Center, an investigation office that was hired to investigate paranormal activity at Mai’s possibly haunted school. When Mai gets caught up in a dangerous incident in an old school building, she is rescued by Kazuya’s assistant. Unfortunately, the assistant gets hurt and, in order to pay a camera that broke because of the situation, the young girl is recruited to become his assistant. This job of Mai’s takes her on several different cases of the supernatural and paranormal that she thought could never truly exist.

Being the fan of the supernatural/paranormal, I knew this was one show I had to take a chance at. In it, there are about six or seven cases they go on that can be pretty scary at times. You also learn more about the characters with each episode. Unfortunately, those with very young children or ones who scary easy might not want to watch this. At least not alone. But if you want a thrill, totally watch it!

3. “Digimon”

Seven children – Tai, Joe, Matt, TK, Mimi, Sora and Izzy – were at camp one day when a strange weather phenomenon occurs – a snowstorm in the summertime. As the kids go outside, strange balls of light appear and leave small devices in their hands. They are sent in a whirlwind to another where they receive a partner Digimon that evolves when facing different enemies. Their mission: to help save both the Digital and Human worlds from being overrun by astoundingly powerful enemy Digimon.

Who wouldn’t want their own personal Digimon partner? There’s about six or more seasons of this awesome anime with some movies in between. It’s totally for kids of all ages and very family friendly. My fun with this show is seeing how the Digivolving works and it’s amazing! Watch it if you haven’t!

4. “Pokemon”

Ten-year-old Ash Ketchum wishes to become the greatest Pokémon trainer in the entire world. Because of his wish, Ash packs up, leaving home and heading out on a journey to search for every single Pokemon existing. With his own Pokemon partner, Pikachu, and friends he picks up along the way like Misty and Brock,  they travel together searching for the Pokemon and avoiding any capture by Team Rocket, enemies who are determined to grab Pikachu and spoil their travels.

Is there a chance you’ve never heard of “Pokemon”? All I can say is, “No way!” Since the 90s this has been one major popular franchise that at least 2 or perhaps 3 generations know about. It’s got several series, movies, toys and a fun TCG! My personal favorite happens to be “Pokemon: Diamond & Pearl”. What’s yours?

5. “Sailor Moon”

The story centers around a girl named Usagi and her friends Makoto, Ami, Rei and Minako. The five use special powers, transforming into super heroes – Sailor Moon, Sailor Mercury, Sailor Mars, Sailor Jupiter, and Sailor Venus. This group of super fighters fight against the evil enemies of The Dark Kingdom. Helping them in their quest are two talking cats named Luna and Artemis. Usagi also gets help here and there from a mysterious ally called Tuxedo Mask.

This series has spanned at least 200 episodes or more, I believe. There’s a good amount of humor to keep you laughing in each and every episode. Not to mention you can watch an adorable fluffy romance brimming between Sailor Moon and Tuxedo Mask. What’s an anime without a bit of love, right?

6. “Yu-Gi-Oh!”

This series follows a boy named Yugi Moto and the spirit of his Millennium Puzzle named Yami. Yami has no recollection of who he once was until later when he learns about being a Pharaoh in Egypt over 5,000 years ago. So, with Yugi with help from their friends, they try to uncover Yami’s mysterious past while taking down several enemies in their way by dueling. But not just any kind of duel. They use a world-renown card game known as Duel Monsters.

Possibly my ultimate favorite out of all kid-friendly anime. I had seen Yu-Gi-Oh! premiere on television back in the 90s, but I never knew it was called an anime until about 2001. What a shocker for me. I love the fact they use card games to settle situations such as hostage situations, card stealing and helping your friend to get rid of that dog suit (Poor Joey.). So, sit back and relax. And if you can’t figure out which season/series to watch, have a duel with your friend. Come on, you know you want to!

7. “Cardcaptor Sakura”

Fourth-grader Sakura Kinomoto finds herself holding a big responsibility after opening a strange book and allowing dozens of powerful magic cards loose in her world. Keroberos, Guardian of the Clow Cards, tells Sakura that she must find and capture every card. Unfortunately, her mission to catch them isn’t easy as each card is a powerful being. Sakura must now learn how to balance her new responsibilities, along with daily troubles such as school, family and love. Thanks to the support of her best friend Tomoyo and a boy with his own powers, she learns how to use her new magical abilities to collect each card and prevent possible devastation in her world.

I’d say I watched this mostly for the adorableness of the characters. It had good animation, lovely characters and a great story line. But I think I also enjoyed it for the fantasy part seeing as a young elementary school girl was able to become a magic-wielding being! If you enjoy magical girls, this is one to watch!

8. “Angelic Layer”

Young 12-year-old Misaki Suzuhara is a very cheerful girl who recently began to live with her aunt. One day, she gets involved in Angelic Layer, a game that uses electronic dolls known as Angels to fight. Fortunately for Misaki, she’s showing off some advanced skills even for being new at the game. As she continues to play, she meets new friends and even enters into Angelic Layer tournaments fight the best at the battling angels game. She advances, wanting to become a champion of Angelic Layer.

I’m a sucker for fighting cartoons/anime/shows. Just by looking at me, nobody would think that. However, not only do I enjoy battles, I love how they’re portrayed. This was actually a breath of fresh air to me seeing as, though they look like real people fighting, they are actually battle dolls controlled by one’s mind to move around. Cool, right?

Well, there you have it! These are my favorites! Please tell us what yours are! Maybe I’ll give them a nice mention another time! Until then, see ya!