List of Much Loved Childhood Anime Series

Watching anime was definitely the fun part of growing up as a child. Using blanket to dress up like your favorite cartoon character or jumping around the house as if you have the magical power to fly – yes I did that. As a kid, the influence of anime made me believe that fantasy is not just a dream but it is also something we can all take on. And even now I choose to hold on to all those chandeliers of hope that’s why I’m listing down my most wanted childhood anime series. Check if your favorites are also on the list!

(photos collected from different anime websites)

Dragon Ball Z  

(photo: www.wallalay.com)

Do you still remember San-Goku along with his son, Gohan and how their black hairs turn to blonde when they transform to Super Saiyan? It was year 1999 when the anime boomed on the prime-time television and all kids were crazy to have a Dragon Ball Z toy. The anime was about the adventure of Goku and how he saved Earth from detrimental monsters! But originally, Goku was an extraterrestrial creature who was sent to Earth to conquer the planet for his ancestors (Saiyans). But when he reached the land, he suffered a severe head injury that caused him lost all memory of his mission as well as his bloody-thirsty nature. By then, he enjoyed the love and care that the people on Earth gave him.  As Goku matures, he became one of the universe's mightiest warriors and protects his adopted home planet from villains who wish to harm it. With the use of the wish-granting Dragon Balls, he can restore lives and rebuild damages.

Ghost Fighter

(photo: AnimeWorld)

YuYu Hakusho which is known in the Philippines as Ghost Fighter aired on the local network year 1998. The four main characters are: (1) Eugene or Yusuke Urameshi – the most powerful among the group and known for using Ray Gun, a deadly laser he uses to defeat his opponents. Eugene is a young mutineer who was struck and killed by a car while attempting to save a child's life. But he was revived and appointed the title of "Underworld Detective", with which he must investigate various cases involving demons and apparitions in the human world. (2) Alfred or Kazuma Kuwabara – best friend of Eugene who uses a spiritual sword as a source of his strength against enemies. Among the four, he was the only human and has no supernatural power but nevertheless, his fortitude outshone the rest. (3) Dennis or Yoko Kurama – the strategic-minded fighter among the group and has a feature to transform his face into human wolf to increase his spiritual power. He often used the Rose Whip technique, a stem of roses made into ​​whip of which its durability is stronger than an iron. Lastly, (4) Vincent or Jaganshi Hiei – he may be the silent and smallest but he’s the most fearless amongst them. It is shown in the anime that he dares to fight the strongest member of their opponent group. He was dressed in pure black and his forehead is covered with white bandana which hides his third eye. His power is ‘Black Dragon Spirit’ which he opens his third eye to use and unleash the dark fire. 

Slam Dunk

(photo: www.wallpapers.brothersoft.com)

No one forgets the short-tempered and arrogant Sakuragi and his red hair. Airing on the afternoon show year 2000, Slam Dunk is nonetheless one of the most popular anime in the Philippines. It is a sports-theme Japanese anime series about the high-school life of Hanamichi Sakuragi and how he became a basketball superstar. And oh, remember “Rukawa, Rukawa, Ruru, Rukawa”? I’m sure you do. Rukawa, who’s the star rookie and a ‘girl magnet’ of the series, drove most young teenagers crazy. In the story Rukawa is the bitter rival of Sakuragi both on the basketball court and the love for Haruko Akagi (sister of their team captain, Takenori Akagi). The series depicted the struggles of Shohoku basketball team and how the misfits group together to become an all-star contender in Japan.

Detective Conan (Cased Close)

(photo: www.fanpop.com)

A great mind locked inside a kid’s body – Shinichi Kudo. Detective Conan conceived in the Philippine local network year 2006. It is a mystery anime series which follows the story about Shinichi who transformed into a child while investigating the Black Organization, the syndicate who’s the primary antagonist of the series. Detective Conan has been widely successful in the country for more than five years. With its action-packed and full of comedy and mysteries, it is surely the kind of cartoon I highly acclaim.

Flame of Recca

(photo: Anime World)

The anime serialized in the Philippine afternoon show year 2004. Recca Hanabishi, the primary protagonist of the series, is a high-school teenager obsessed with ninja and anything related to ninja. The Karyū (Flame Dragons) are the spirits of the past 8 Hokage clan leaders that live in Recca's flame. Each Dragon has a special power that Recca masters if that Dragon acknowledges him. When used they create unique forms of Recca's flame. Recca is also able to summon more than one dragon simultaneously, creating various combinations. Other main characters are Aira Kirisawa (tomboyish girl who uses darts called 'Kiri' and has the ability to control wind), Max Domon (uses ‘The ring of Saturn’ to enhance his physical strength) and Dylan Mikagami (the smartest among the group and also a master swordsman who uses water as his special power). 

Hunter X Hunter

(photo: Anime World)

The story centers on 12-year-old Gon Freecss and his expedition to become a Hunter in order to find his father, Ging Freecss, who is a world-renowned Hunter. While on his quest, Gon meets and becomes close friends with three other members who are also on a quest to become Hunters for their own reasons. One thing that I like about Gon is that his personality is someone who wears his heart on his sleeves. He is in fact my favorite anime character. Other casts are Killua Zoldyck (best friend of Gon and he puts others before himself without being concerned about his own health or even his life), Kurapika (who seeks vengeance for his bloody past, and his eyes glow a beautiful and coveted scarlet when experiencing intense emotion) and Leorio Paradinight (appeared to be a very selfish narcissist who places great emphasis on material wealth but with his physical strength, he is willing to do anything for the sake of friendship).

Fushigi Yuugi (Curious Play)

(photo: www.animecubed.com)

It is an anime that depicted a mature story that entails friendship, love and prime of life.  The series focuses on the two Middle-school students, Miaka Yūki and Yui Hongo. The adventure began while at the library one day, Miaka and Yui encountered a bizarre book known as The Universe of the Four Gods. Reading this book transported them into the novel's universe in ancient China. Miaka became Priestess of Suzaku and was destined to gather the seven Celestial Warriors of the god Suzaku in order to summon Suzaku and obtain three wishes. She falls in love with the Celestial Warrior Tamahome, who eventually reciprocates and Miaka's desire to use a wish to enter the high school of her choice begins to shift towards finding a way to be with Tamahome. Yui is also drawn into the book and became the Priestess of Seiryuu, working against Miaka out of jealousy over Tamahome and revenge for the humiliation and pain she had suffered when she first came to into the book's world.