7 Underrated Anime Series (part 1)
Written by: Nicole Castro
Published on: December 5, 2021 at 17:15 PHT (GMT+8)
There are so many epic anime series that command our attention like Demon Slayer or Attack on Titan. And with the large number of people who have watched said shows, we're sure you've already heard so many reasons why they are a must-watch!
So this time, we feature seven anime series in no particular order that deserve more hype. We think their stories are unique and deserve a look-see in case you're in the mood for a little something different!
Warning: This article contains minor spoilers.
1. School Babysitters
Romaji title: Gakuen Babysitters
Japanese title: 学園ベビーシッターズ
Season: Winter 2018
School Babysitters is a downright ADORABLE anime featuring chubby-cheeked babies. Honestly, we think that's more than enough reason to watch it.
The series features teenager Ryuuichi Kashima and his toddler brother Kotarou who become orphaned after losing their parents in a plane crash. They are adopted by chairman Youko Morinomiya, who in exchange asks Ryuuichi to manage the school's Babysitters Club that takes care of the faculty members' children during weekdays.
While the cuteness factor is definitely one of the show's biggest selling points, it's equally heartwarming to see Ryuuichi and Kotarou learn how to feel at home with their new family.
2. Altair: A Record of Battles
Romaji title: Shoukoku no Altair
Japanese title: 将国のアルタイル
Season: Summer 2017
Altair: A Record of Battles is about the journey of Tughril Mahmut, a young pasha (a high-ranking official of the Ottoman political and military system) serving on the Divan of the Türkiye Stratocracy. Mahmut is a pacifist who hates war because it killed his people, but he finds himself powerless to stop it despite his high rank. So begins Mahmut's journey to self-discovery as he tries to balance the tense political situation surrounding Türkiye while not losing sight of his ideals.
If you liked the Magi series, you'll definitely like this. "Altair: A Record of Battles" pays homage to the era of Imperialism when monarchies were the norm and countries sought to dominate one another by engaging in wars and invading territories. Mahmut is considered a genius for achieving the rank of Pasha at such a young age, so this show will definitely amaze you with his strategic thinking.
3. Made in Abyss
Japanese title: メイドインアビス
Season: Summer 2017
Made in Abyss has gained steady popularity through the years, but we still feel like it's underrated when placed next to the bigger titles. The show stars Riko, an extremely curious Diver who wants to explore the never-before-seen depths of the Abyss to search for her mother (a.k.a. the legendary Diver, White Whistle Lyza the Annihilator). Despite the dangers of the unknown, Riko is confident she'll survive with Reg, an amnesiac robot with abilities that suggest he came from the Abyss, by her side.
While it's obvious to us viewers that the journey down the Abyss will be anything but easy, nothing could have prepared us for SHOCK that we actually find. No spoilers here. Don't let the childlike art deceive you. This is the kind of plot twist you need to see for yourself.
4. Mars Red
Season: Spring 2021
Looking for a tragic vampire-human love story done right? Then, Mars Red is for you. The universe is set in Taishou-era Japan, with the Japanese military trying to suppress a vampire crisis in Tokyo. The illegal trade of "Ascra," an artificial blood source, is causing vampires to run havoc, and the only way for the humans to stand a chance is by utilizing the members of Code Zero, a team of humans-turned-vampires.