Before we get into this, note that these are my favorite anime series. Doesn't mean they are the best, just what I enjoyed the most.

5. Case Closed

Plot: High school detective witnesses a crime he shouldn't have, and is forced to take an experimental drug that should kill him quietly right? WRONG! Instead he is transformed into a kid again, and now has to solve crimes with his girlfriend's father (who's a drunken moron) in an attempt to find out who these people are that did this to him and get his body back to the way it was before.

Thoughts: Also known as Detective Conan, Case Closed was very entertaining to me. Someone who used to read Hardy Boy books and other mystery novels as a kid. I was probably more entertained seeing if I guessed right on who the killer/criminal was, than the actual story progression. (or lack thereof, as I've seen 130 episodes and there are over 300 total I believe.)

Conclusion: I did really enjoy what I had seen of this show though, before production was cancelled in the U.S. due to low DVD sales. I'd recommend it to anyone who enjoys mysteries.

I'm not gonna try to say one is better than the other. Both would be top 5 material, but I'm just going to put the original title, and do a combined post. Without further ado, Number 4:

4. Fullmetal Alchemist

Plot: In a world where alchemy became science, two young boys try to bring their mother back from the afterlife. The result; one boy lost a leg, the other his entire body. He manages to bring his soul back by sacrificing his right arm, and attaches it to a suit of armor. Together, the two of them set out on a journey to find the mystical Philosopher's Stone and get their bodies back.

Thoughts: FMA: The original was fantastic. I watched it many, many times. Basically, it follows the Manga until about the halfway point of the series, where they split. This was done because the Anime had progressed to where the Manga was at that point, and rather than do what some of these other series did, (*Glares at Bleach and Naruto*) the director decided to go a different direction. Which turned out quite well. Some didn't like how it ended, but I thought it was a suitable ending. Not the ending I really wanted either though...

FMA B: I wasn't expecting it to be as good as it was when I started watching it. Having seen the first 13 episodes, where they quickly rush through what the original already told in the first 26, it seemed a little sloppy at first. Once they got past that though, I became entwined in the storyline. And the ending for this second series was everything I wanted and more.

Conclusion: I'd highly recommend either show. They both have very engaging storylines.

3. Ghost in the Shell

Plot: Futuristic setting where the cyborg, Motoko Kusanagi, and her covert operations division of the Japanese Public Safety Commission (known as Section 9), fight technology-related crimes.

Thoughts: I loved the animation for the TV series. Perfect blend of 3D elements mixed in with the animation. The stories for both the first and 2nd Gig were highly entertaining. Saw the movies later on, and enjoyed them too.

Conclusion: See this. This is probably one of the best anime series out there. The two movies, Ghost in the Shell and Ghost in the Shell 2: Innocence, are based on the manga and should probably be watched together. The two seasons of the show and Ghost in the Shell: Solid State Society, should also be watched together and in order to avoid confusion. The show is very complex.

2. Black Cat

Plot: A ruthless assassin is reformed by a young woman.

Thoughts: What's not to love about this show? The music, the voice acting (at least I thought the dub was tight), the story, the characters, the action, the comedic parts. This hit the very peak of my enjoyment level. To the point that once it was over, I popped the first disc back in and immediately rewatched it.

Conclusion: This is definitely my favorite short series of all time. By short, I mean under 26 episodes. This one's 24 in total. I loved everything about it.

1. Dragon Ball Z

Plot: Sent to Earth as a baby, Goku becomes its greatest hero after suffering a blow to the head that makes him forget he was sent there to wipe out its inhabitants.

Thoughts: This was the first anime I ever watched, and I loved it as a kid. And still do. It may not have the greatest storyline, but its good enough to enjoy. And the action is nonstop. As the folks at Anime Insider said:

Dragon Ball Z has been called the GREATEST ACTION CARTOON OF ALL TIME, and it's TRUE!

Conclusion: Watch this if you like action.

And that is my top 5. Hope you enjoyed it, and/or found it informative. Ghost in the Shell: Stand Alone Complex and FMA: Brotherhood can be watched on Saturday nights on Adult Swim. The others, you'll probably have to find online.

Until the next time I have something to blog about, this is DamagingRob, signing off.