Aka the only five I’ve read, but I still highly enjoyed them.

Inuyasha by Rumiko Takahashi

The first first anime I watched and this year, I finally got to devour the original manga and it is just as good. Seriously Inuyasha has it all, action, romance, lore, and great character dynamics and relationships. They’re all so unique but it still feels real that they’d come to bond and care for each other like a mishmash family. Additionally, I enjoyed the slow evolution of Inuyasha and Kagome’s friendship turned relationship. Also, the best part of the character development is that none of the characters are the same as they started, they’ve grown.

Miki Falls by Mark Crilley

The second one I read, and technically its not an manga since it was made by an American, Mark Crilley, for American audience but it’s in manga style. Mainly I loved its unique premise and. . okay honestly Reika is the best character in it. Technically she’s the antogonist and false love interest but I think she’s better than the mains. The mains were kinda dull. Reika was the true star of the quartet and deserved more.

Fruits Basket by Natsuki Takaya

This hooked me in from the first rivalry between the Rat and the Cat and it only gets more mysterious and interesting from there. I like the slow reveals and twists that show the backstories of each zodiac. But also that it keeps it humor going with daily hijinks and romantic love triangle. And such a compelling love triangle, I really don’t know who will end up with who, but it is resolved nicely s everyone is happy. Plus it really has some powerful lines and arcs regarding abuse, depression, guilt, family and love. It’s just amazingly powerful.

Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind by Hayao Miyazaki

I can’t deny that while its a bit slow going for me, it truly is a masterpiece in creating its own world, and crafting such a powerful anti-war, pro environment message. It made me feel bad for those bug monsters and I hate bugs. Also Nausicaä was just an amazing compassionate, clever and badass heroine and it’s pro-enviromentalism message is very resonante to today. Plus Hayao Miyazaki who wrote it, also animated it as part of his Studio Ghibli films.

Sailor Moon by Naoko Takeuchi

Now I understand why Sailor Moon captured the world for decades, it’s truly a cosmic adventure. I also loved the allusions to the planets/gods they’re named for, and the illustrations are always beautiful. I also admired the varied characters they brought together all in pursuit of love and moon power. The one thing is, and it might be a cultural difference, but I was kinda annoyed and creeped out by how much Chibi Moon wanted her Dad to love her the way he loves her Mom. And how Usagi would get jealous of Chibi and Tuxedo together. It felt a little oedipal and incestuous.