Sengoku Basara: Samurai Kings

Based on a video game series that itself turned Japanese history into a comic book, this is the coolest anime show I've seen in quite some time. You see, the "Sengoku" of the title refers to the "Sengoku" or "Warring States" period of Japanese history, which lasted over 100 years and saw constant battle as numerous factions fought for territory and control. Several of the characters are even based on actual people...but here they are given flashy, colorful outfits that make them look like medieval superheroes/villains, wield badass kung-fu weapons, have nicknames like "One-Eyed Dragon", "Tiger of Kai" and "The Devil King", spout dialog that sounds like Sheakespeare on testosterone (it's cooler than it sounds), and use Dragon Ball Z-style super powered martial-arts moves that boldly defy the laws of physics. One character even has a motorcycle handle bars and exhaust pipes on his horse! If you think that sounds over the top...well, thats the whole idea.

I'll admit that some of the characters are fairly shallow (a couple don't even have any personality at all), but given the source material (the SB games have a LOT more action than plot) and that the series is so short & so crowded, it does good with what it's got. And its good points more than make up for its flaws. It has beautiful animation, high octane action scenes, good character moments between the mayhem, and even provides equal opportunity fan service (not only are there men with handsome/pretty faces and great bodies, it throws in a few hot babes, chiefly a well endowed ninja chick with a costume that also defies the laws of physics)! And really, you cant ask for much more than that in a good anime show.

The first episode of Sengoku Basara, or "Samurai Kings", simply explodes at you. You can't help but be held captive by the two lead characters, Date Masamune and Sanada Yukimura, as they are brought to light. Instantly, you can tell there is something special about these two; their unique manners of speech and actions, traits not fully revealed yet imploring you to discover more. This experience is renewed with every character you are introduced to in Sengoku Basara. All of them are memorable.

If I could pinpoint one thing that drives the story, it would be the personalities of the characters. The plot itself is rather basic: samurai clans throughout the world are competing for land and glory, ultimately boiling down to a "good vs evil" scenario. However, the cast of characters augment both the heroics and plights very well. You can feel a true sense of countless values that each character stands up for, be it sharpened recklessness, unwavering loyalty, brazen charisma, scheming treachery, heartless cruelty...and so much more. It is these personalities that turn an otherwise plain story into a bold journey.

Of course there is action. In a title called "Samurai Kings" how can there not be? It's there, it's frantic and fast-paced, and very well animated. Each fight scene is a sight to behold, and the main characters often have over-the-top attacks that are just plain awesome. The music is excellent and is appropriate for each scene, be it inspirational or exciting. The Devil King's theme is very memorable.

However, as I've said, it's the characters that are the heart of the story. It's ridiculous how many things are quotable, be it inspirational or comical. If you watch the subbed version, one of the main characters, Date Masamune, likes to interject random bits of English in the midst of his Japanese, resulting in numerous quotes that are unusual, hilarious, and awesome all at once. All the fans of this anime know exactly what I'm talking about.

Are you ready, guys? Put ya guns on! (and check this anime out!)

This anime is just simply amazing! Love it! The fight scenes are just over-the-top with some stylish action. The story and characters are really good too. You can easily get into the characters and make some favorites. The story i really good and interesting, and keeps you intrigued and captivated throughout. The animation and art style is really good too, and ahead of its time (I'm shocked this show was around 2009-2010, it looks more like 2013). The voice acting is just flawless with all-star English dub and Japanese casts, so you might want to watch both English dub and sub. The music is really good from the simple BGM tracks to the cool opening and ending songs. Date Masamune is my favorite character of the whole franchise. I totally recommend you watch this if you like anime!