The Essential Anime Guide

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), Pokemon? (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

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

This item is eligible for free returns within 30 days of delivery. See our returns policy for further details.