The Worst First Anime for New Fans: Why Gintama Might Be a Miss

As an avid anime fan, I can confidently suggest that starting with Gintama might not be the best choice for newcomers to the anime realm. While Gintama is indeed a quality show, its rapid humor and intricate subplots can be overwhelming for first-time viewers. This article explores why a seemingly appealing show like Gintama might not be the ideal starting point for anime enthusiasts.

Understanding the Challenge: Gintama's Exaggerated Humor

When I first encountered Gintama in 2017, I was momentarily stunned by the sheer volume of humor and the show's rapid pace. A cream-in-the-cake experience, it is filled with cartoonish humor, exaggerated characters, and quirky moments that require a certain level of familiarity with anime conventions. The first few episodes, in particular, can be quite heavy on humor and may be too exaggerated for some viewers, leading to a loss of interest in the genre.

Why Other Mainstream Anime Are a Better Start

For those who are new to anime, I would highly recommend starting with mainstream series such as Naruto or Bleach. These shows offer a more traditional storytelling approach, providing a smoother introduction to the world of anime. The pacing, character development, and overall narrative structure in these series are more gradual, making them more accessible for new viewers.

Common Types of Anime and Their Suitability for Beginners

Harem and Romance Anime

Harem and romance anime often revolve around a male protagonist surrounded by various love interests, leading to a multitude of subplots. Shows in this category can be overwhelming for beginners due to the fast-paced and often convoluted nature of their storylines. While some may find these types of anime appealing, they can be difficult to follow for newcomers.

Specific Subgenres to Avoid

Isekai (Another World): These shows typically involve characters who have died and been reborn in another world where they are overpowered (OP). These stories often revolve around the protagonist's strength and stubbornness winning the affection of many characters, which can be off-putting for new viewers. Tragedy: Tragedy anime often feature death, illness, betrayal, or other unfortunate situations. While these stories can be emotionally rewarding, they can be too intense and heavy for beginners. Horror: Horror anime can be quite frightening, with scenes involving zombies wanting to 'eat' the protagonist, or strange and unsettling love interests. It is generally better to avoid these unless you are exceptionally brave.

Slice of Life and Comedy

Slice of life anime often depict mundane, everyday situations, often involving the protagonist in romantic relationships. Depending on the execution, these shows can be either very engaging or potentially boring. On the other hand, comedy anime can be highly entertaining, especially when combined with the harem and romance genres. These genres can be enjoyable but may still require some viewer caution, especially with the ecchi and adult/hentai subgenres.

Ecchi and Adult/Hentai Types

Ecchi: This subgenre features mild nakedness, often covered to some extent. While it can be entertaining, it rarely stands out as a significant factor in the overall enjoyment of the show. Adult/Hentai: This subgenre includes more explicit content, such as extreme nakedness and sexual violence. It is highly recommended to avoid shows labeled as adult/hentai unless you are explicitly looking for such content.

Conclusion

Choosing the right anime to start with can be a daunting task, especially for newcomers. While Gintama is a fantastic show, it might not be the ideal starting point due to its rapid humor and exaggerated nature. For a smoother introduction to the world of anime, consider starting with mainstream series like Naruto or Bleach, or exploring slice of life or comedy anime without overly risky subgenres. By selecting the right show, you can jumpstart your anime journey on the right foot.