7 Anime Series For People Who Don't Get Anime

If there's any solid example of anime's strengths, it's easily Death Note. Following the life of a schoolboy who discovers a notebook that allows him to kill anyone of his choice, this dark tale manages to combine a soft introduction to many of the medium's conventions whilst pushing a gripping central story with complex characters.

Through its manageable 37 episode arc, it builds from an intriguing 'what if' scenario to a full-blown analysis of human nature, complete with numerous twists and turns as well as some of the best writing in anime history.

But what perhaps shines best about this dark thriller is its moral complexity. It's constantly forcing you to evaluate the characters you're watching on screen, often presenting them as good-willed heroes before showing how greed, anger, revenge and power can take them down paths much darker than before. As the plot progresses, you're consistently forced to consider what is good and what is evil, or whether there's even a line between the two.

There's nothing quite like Death Note anywhere on TV (especially not in that god-awful Netflix adaptation), a fact that's pure proof that this twisted story couldn't be told in any other medium. If you want to see what makes anime such a landmark of modern culture, this is the place to start.

Which other anime series would you recommend? Share your favourites down in the comments.