A Journey Through Anime: From First to Favourite

Have you ever questioned what was the first anime you watched and if it sparked your love for this medium? Many of us can recall the moment our passion for anime began. Whether it was a recommendation from a friend or a series that was already airing on TV, the journey to becoming an anime fan is unique for each person. This article delves into the experiences of several individuals and the impact their first anime had on them.

The Early Days: Discovering Dragon Ball

One of the earliest memories of watching anime is often tied to Dragon Ball. For many, including myself, this was the first anime we ever watched. I remember it as a child, around the age of five or six, when Dragon Ball was airing on TV. What made it stand out was that it felt more exciting and different from Western cartoons I was used to watching at the time.

From Casual Watching to Cognitive Understanding

It wasn't until I was twelve that I formally understood what anime was. That's when I consciously decided to watch the series Naruto online. My reason for choosing it was simple: it was airing on Polish television, and I found it highly entertaining. However, since it was heavily censored in the Western world, I had to seek it out online for the full experience. This led me to download episodes and use Polish subtitles, which later evolved into learning English and eventually Japanese.

Recommended by Friends: Attack on Titan and Beyond

For others, the journey began with recommendations from friends. My friend recommended Attack on Titan, and it was through this recommendation that I fell deeply into the world of anime. The series captivated me, and I became an avid anime fan because of it. This experience laid the foundation for my love for anime, which continues to this day.

Death Note: The Intrigue of Tragedy

This is another first anime experience that stands out. Death Note captured my attention with its unique storyline. The character Kira, who is both hero and villain, is at the heart of this intriguing plot. The show explores Kira's desire to create a world without crime by killing innocent people. This complex narrative kept me hooked and solidified my love for anime.

From TV to Online Discoveries

Some of us stumbled upon anime through the simple act of watching it on TV. For me, my first dip into anime came in the form of The Pokemon series. When I was a young boy, I watched Pokémon on TV, and it piqued my interest. The concept of a cartoon that was both educational and entertaining fascinated me. Later, I learned that Naruto was also on TV, but the only episodes available were censored. My initial experience with Naruto was through TV, but my passion truly blossomed when I found the show online, with the help of English subtitles available sooner than Polish ones. This sparked my interest in both learning English and eventually Japanese.

The Pokémon Journey and Online Discoveries

My connection with The Pokemon series began when I was a small child, and it was the first anime I ever watched. The fun and excitement of watching Pokémon on TV made me curious about what other anime were out there. With limited access to the internet before Jio was a thing and data being expensive, I turned to reading transcripts and gathering information from my mother's keypad phone. The journey continued through online communities like Anime Amino, where I discovered more anime, including Tokyo Ghoul. This marked the beginning of my deeper dive into the world of anime.

Conclusion

The first anime we watch often leaves a lasting impression, setting the foundation for our love for this medium. Whether it was through a friend's recommendation, an aired series on TV, or a shared online experience, the journey to becoming an anime fan is unique and personal. For me, it started with Dragon Ball and evolved through Naruto. My love for anime continues to grow as I explore more and more series, each one contributing to my deep appreciation of this art form.