The Essential Anime Guide

50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces

Contributors

By Patrick Macias

By Samuel Sattin

Formats and Prices

Price

$24.99

Price

$31.99 CAD

Format

Format:

  1. Trade Paperback $24.99 $31.99 CAD
  2. ebook $12.99 $16.99 CAD

Featuring 50 of the most influential and essential Japanese animated series and films—from Akira to Cowboy Bebop to Sailor Moon—this expert guide is the must-have book for anime fans young and old.

The Essential Anime Guide is the guide every fan needs to the classic, must-see anime series and films that transformed both Japanese and Western pop culture. Organized by release date and with entries by experts in the anime field, this guide provides a comprehensive, behind-the-scenes look into the history and impact of these classic anime. Both casual fans and serious otaku alike will discover a fun and surprisingly touching portrait of the true impact of anime on pop culture.

Ranging from classic series to modern films, this official guide will explore iconic and must-see:
  •  Feature films: Akira (1988), Princess Mononoke (1997), Millennium Actress (2001), Metropolis (2001),Tekkonkinkreet (2006), Sword of the Stranger (2007), Summer Wars (2009), and Your Name (2016)
  •  Series: Astro Boy (1968), Lupin the 3rd (1967), Macross (1982), Ranma 1/2 (1989), Neon Genesis Evangelion (1995), Dragon Ball Z (1989), Sailor Moon (1992), Revolutionary Girl Utena (1997), Pokémon​ (1997), One Piece (1999), Fullmetal Alchemist (2003), K-On! (2007), Sword Art Online (2012), Yuri!! On Ice (2016), and My Hero Academia (2018)
  • And many more!

  • "An effective primer that gives a behind-the-scenes look at some of anime’s most influential and popular works. Best for general readers and casual viewers. Dedicated fans might look elsewhere for less-mainstream selections."
    School Library Journal

On Sale
Oct 3, 2023
Page Count
224 pages
Publisher
Running Press
ISBN-13
9780762484782

Patrick Macias

About the Author

Patrick Macias is the editor in chief of Otaku USA magazine, the founding editor of Crunchyroll News, and the author of numerous books about Japanese pop culture including TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion. In addition to contributing liner notes to the Criterion Collection and Arrow Video, he also wrote the original story for the anime series URAHARA which was simulcast globally in 2017. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Patrick now lives in Tokyo, Japan.

Samuel Sattin is a writer and coffee addict. He adapted the Academy Award Nominated film WolfWalkers into a graphic novel, and is the writer of forthcoming books such as Buzzing and Side Quest. His previously published books include Legend, Bezkamp, and The Silent End. Additionally, his non-fiction work has appeared in The Nib, NPR, and elsewhere, and he works in animation development. Graduating with an MFA in Comics from California College of the Arts and a Creative Writing MFA from Mills College, he now lives in Oakland, California with his wife/assassin and two cats. Learn more at http://www.samuelsattin.com

Crunchyroll, the world’s most popular anime brand, connects anime and manga fans across 200+ countries and territories with 360-degree experiences.

Learn more about this author

Samuel Sattin

About the Author

Samuel Sattin is a writer and coffee addict. In May of 2022, he launched a Kickstarter with the artist team Gurihiru for Unico: Awakening in coordination with Tezuka Productions in Japan. He is also the writer of Buzzing, and the forthcoming history of roleplaying games, Side Quest. He adapted the Academy Award-nominated Cartoon Saloon Irish Folklore Trilogy (WolfWalkers, Song of the Sea, and The Secret of Kells) to graphic novel format, has written screenplays for PBS, and previously wrote books such as Bezkamp, Legend, and The Silent End. His nonfiction work has appeared or been featured in The Nib, The Atlantic, NPR, and elsewhere. He graduated with an MFA in comics from California College of the Arts and a creative writing MFA from Mills College, freelances in animation development, and works as a studio writer for Schulz Creative Associates, aka Snoopy Central. He currently resides in Northern California. 

Patrick Macias is the editor in chief of Otaku USA magazine, the founding editor of Crunchyroll News, and the author of numerous books about Japanese pop culture including TokyoScope: The Japanese Cult Film Companion. In addition to contributing liner notes to the Criterion Collection and Arrow Video, he also wrote the original story for the anime series URAHARA which was simulcast globally in 2017. Born and raised in Sacramento, California, Patrick now lives in Tokyo, Japan.

Learn more about this author