a mom's guide to anime

Bananya

Look, let me explain. Bananya is a shorts series about the secret life of kitties…who live in bananas. Hold on, I’m not done. The concept and style might seem like it appeals more to a younger generation, but there’s plenty here for all ages.

Kimi ni Todoke -From Me to You-

There’s nothing more timeless than a good love story, and Kimi ni Todoke -From Me to You- might just be one of the best.

ISEKAI QUARTET

OK, I know what you’re thinking: “Yali, another cute anime? What happened to trust ?” But seriously, stick with me, because this ambitious crossover is absolutely worth your time.

Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba

Everybody is talking about Demon Slayer: Kimetsu no Yaiba, and it will no doubt be a series we talk about for years to come. Not only a powerhouse from its first foray into anime, it also has a blockbuster movie under its belt! This series is packed with an exciting story, lovable characters and breathtaking visuals.

Toilet-bound Hanako-kun

Don’t let the name fool you—this supernatural series is unique, adorable and exciting all at the same time! It follows Nene Yashiro, a first-year high schooler at Kamome Academy. And as many teenage girls do, she wishes for her high school crush, Teru, to like her. Been there.

Nesting like Levi from Attack on Titan

There comes a particular time during pregnancy where you might feel a strong urge to…clean? This is called nesting. Think of it as your body’s way of saying, “We’ve got to get ready for this baby!”

Cravings like Lina Inverse in The Slayers

It’s well known that pregnancy can also make you very hungry. In fairness, you’re eating for at least more than one, so your body needs those nutrients!

Changes like Chi Chi in Dragon Ball Z

Lots of things can change during pregnancy! And when they say things like emotions do, well, they are not joking. When I was pregnant with my son, I attempted to make cookies from scratch. They turned out horrible. So what did I do? I locked myself in a bathroom and cried for an hour.

Energy fluctuations like Mako Mankanshoku in KILL la KILL

Mako Mankanshoku from KILL La KILL has a bubbly and hyperactive personality. She’s very motivated and fearless. She can also fall asleep anywhere at any time. However, her preferred sleeping location is school.

Dragon Ball Z

After talking with many older parents including my own, this was the one anime they could all name! Most could even name a few characters but couldn’t really dig into the details. So, why not start your parents off with the anime that is most familiar?

Ace Attorney

Ace Attorney is a good anime to start your parents off with because it doesn’t stray too far from reality. During my conversations, many parents expressed that the fantastical nature of anime can be a turnoff. Well, a procedural anime about a lawyer trying cases might be just what they need.

Africa Salaryman

Africa Salaryman is an anime about three animals from the jungles of Africa who work corporate office jobs.

Case File n°221: Kabukicho

Case File n°221: Kabukicho is another example of an age-old story, this time told with a fresh perspective. Which one? Well none other than the literary classic Sherlock Holmes.

The social circle in Anime-Gataris

A hilarious series about a high school’s anime research club, Anime-Gataris focuses on the chatty and certified otaku, Minoa Asagaya. As you could probably guess, the members of the club become Asagaya’s social circle, and they often spend their time together after school debating anime, even during a literal apocalypse.

Rivals in Naruto

Anime and rivalries go together like cheeseburgers and french fries. Seriously, we could spend all day talking about rivalries, but I have plans and so do you. Perhaps another time. And what greater rivalry to showcase than the one between Naruto and Sasuke!

Ah! My Goddess: Flights of Fancy

This is the second season of the hilariously fun anime series, Ah! My Goddess. In it, Keiichi Morisato and the Goddess Belldandy are about to share one last date due to the events of Season 1. Keiichi wishes that he could be with Belldandy forever and, lucky for him, his wish is granted. I need the number of the Goddess Helpline, ASAP!

Bleach

Ichigo Kurosaki was always looking out for the weak and powerless. Ever since his mother was tragically killed, he vowed to be strong and protect others. Ichigo was given the opportunity of a lifetime to be a substitute Soul Reaper, thanks to Rukia.

The World Ends with You The Animation

You might expect, on first glance, an anime about kids entering a game world to play with their friends to be all fun and cute. But The World Ends with You The Animation is about a death game.

The Duke of Death and His Maid

One of the toughest lessons to teach our children is that no matter how simple or realistic your expectations are, sometimes they will never be met. Nothing we can do can change them to fit what we would hope.

Bamboo Blade

Look, I know this has been a pretty serious guide, so let’s end it on a high note. In Bamboo Blade, Kirino Chiba is a great example of setting expectations and getting exactly what you want!

What is the purpose of A Mom's Guide to Anime?

RELATED: A Mom’s Guide to Anime: The Spirit of the Holidays. As a single parent to a 10-year-old son, I sometimes use anime as a way to connect with him. Anime is something we mutually enjoy and is a great medium to discuss subjects without the pressure of feeling too serious. The aim of A Mom’s Guide to Anime is to use anime to help you navigate ...

Is the world of parenthood a magical place?

The world of parenthood is a magical, beautiful and often challenging place. It has its highs and its lows, similar to the world of anime. Of course, that’s without the magical outfit changes.

Is Junji Ito an anthology?

This one might be a bit obvious as to why it’s for you and not the children—it’s terrifying! But if horror is your thing, then Junji Ito Collection is an anthology series made for you.

Lelouch in Code Geass: Lelouch of the Rebellion

Code Geass is one of those anime series that you either rock with or it makes you uncomfortable. No judgment here. This series is about an alternate reality of our world that’s filled with mechs, nations at odds and an aggressive military force.

Misa Amane in Death Note

There are many instances in Death Note where one person’s choice results in some, let’s say, polarizing consequences. But, since I don’t want to keep you here all day, let’s focus on a choice based on love.

Momo Adachi in Peach Girl

OK, here is a situation that is a little less dire and a little more realistic. Momo Adachi, our titular peach girl, suffers from typical high school BS. She has to deal with awful rumors just because she’s different. Also, her alleged best friend started them. So you feel for the girl.

Isabella in The Promised Neverland

Okay, by now you might be saying “Yali! Why are you trying to traumatize us and our children!” Look, I said there’d be a bit of fear factor here, and there’s a point. The Promised Neverland is all about choices and consequences. And one of the worst cases of all is a lose-lose situation.

Princess Syalis in Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle

This one isn’t scary, but is equally important! In Sleepy Princess in the Demon Castle, Princess Syalis finds herself kidnapped by a Demon King and thrown into his dungeon. Our sleepy princess has a few choices.