Do you follow any anime/manga series currently?

[Sharingan]

Something I find funny is that anime pretty much seems to appeal to people of any age - young and old alike - whereas 'western' cartoons (with some exceptions) generally are aimed at the young/young adolescent only. When you think about it, the subject matter in anime (and manga) is unimaginably diverse: there is something for everyone, from those who love space opera, to teenage drama, from political thrillers to vampire fiction, from medieval fantasy to post-apocalyptic sci-fi. Even the most controversial topics have been used as the basis for a series or full-length movie.

Ergo Proxy has been recommended by two of you, so it must be good. I'll have to hunt that one down

[Harrison]

Anime/Manga has always been more graphic novel centred in terms of style and story, and I think this comes from the historical art of the Far East. This compares to western cartoons that were originally designed and aimed at children and tended to be more about slap stick humour than anything else and who's origin originated with vordaville acts in the US.

[Submeg]

...from political thrillers to vampire fiction, from medieval fantasy to post-apocalyptic sci-fi.

Hmm, vampire fiction? haven't run into that yet!

[Sharingan]

Vampires have been the subject in dozens of manga and anime series, actually. Just to name a few (bold titles are the ones I've seen):

Black Blood Brothers
Shingetsutan Tsukihime
Hellsing
Vampire Hunter D
Blood: The Last Vampire
Blood+
Karin
Trinity Blood
Tsukuyomi -Moon Phase-
Vampire Princess Miyu
Nightwalker

[Teho]

I've seen that Blood movie and the following Blood+ series. If you're looking for something new to watch, these aren't a bad choice. They're pretty decent but not fantastic.

I didn't care much for Black Blood Brothers. It's not been that long since I saw it, and yet I don't remember very much from it which should tell you something. I do remember I wasn't very impressed with it, but I did see all the episodes I think.

Hellsing is pretty good, if you don't mind that it ended up straying far from the manga. The manga storyline is much better apparently (I haven't read it) and those new OVA's mentioned earlier in the thread is supposed to follow it much more closely.

I also saw a Vampire Hunter D movie some years ago, but don't remember which (there are several, right?). I thought that was pretty good too.

[Sharingan]

I didn't particularly care for Black Blood Brothers either ... it was a bit too generic for my tastes. An okay watch for when you're bored, but I wouldn't go out of my way to get the series.

There are two Vampire Hunter D animated films out: Vampire Hunter D and Vampire Hunter D: Bloodlust. I don't remember much of the plot, frankly, but I think they were alright.

The Hellsing OVA does indeed follow the manga more closely, and as far as I know, they're intending to animate the entire manga storyline. The manga will soon be wrapped up, as far as I know, but considering it's taking so long for each new OVA episode to come out, it will take a good while before we can see the end on film.

[Sharingan]

Didn't know there was a new Studio Ghibli movie out until I chanced upon the soundtrack on an anime review site.

It's called Gedo Senki (Tales From Earthsea), and is roughly based on U. LeGuin's Earthsea novels. It is, however, not directed or produced by Hayao Miyazaki, but rather, by his son, Goro - his first work as director of a feature film. The film's music is composed by Tamiya Terashima.

It's an enjoyable anime, as I've come to expect from Studio Ghibli. Unlike the recent Ghibli films, no (or limited) use was made of computer-generated effects. This has resulted in a far less 'flashy' film; coupled with the rather laid-back use of colours, one could be easily forgiven for thinking this was an older Ghibli film, rather than the most recent one. The animation quality is still excellent, however, as are the sound effects and the music.

[Agram]

I don't get to watch much Manga, but I got to see Mozzo DSA on a satelite channel (now closed down) and I thought it excellent. Was so impressed I considered buying the DVD boxsets.

wikipedia link