10 Best Gateway Anime

3. Code Geass

Fullmetal Alchemist
Sunrise

Of all the anime subgenre, the one hardest to get away from is mecha. It does not help that one name dominates the genre. The nearest comparison is wrestling and WWE. In this case, it's Gundam and its various incarnations and spinoffs. Finding a good Gundam series that is relatively new, viewer-friendly, complete, and easily accessible is more complicated than it sounds. However, a great alternative and gateway into mecha anime exist in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion.

The show, set in an alternate timeline, follows the exiled prince Lelouch vi Britannia, who obtains the "power of absolute obedience" from a mysterious woman named C.C. Using this supernatural power, known as Geass, he leads a rebellion against the rule of the Holy Britannian Empire, commanding a series of mech battles.

From tiny acorns do mighty oaks grow, as does this series, introducing dozens of supporting characters, each with their own subplots. While mech's feature heavily in the show, it’s predominantly character driven. Stories are steeped in political intrigue, revenge and familial ties. All wrapped up with a science-fiction/supernatural bow in the shape of the mysterious Geass and its origins.

Contributor
Contributor

Kevin McHugh is a code-monkey by day and a purveyor of the unpleasant by night. Having had several comics published by Future Quake Press he is now moving into prose. An avid fan of punk rock, cheap horror movies and even cheaper fast-food Kevin can be found pontificating either on Twitter or over at WhatCulture Comics where he is a regular contributor. He lives in Edinburgh with his wife and two daughters.