For our ongoing series of articles depicting the best anime, our attention this time turns to insects. From action and gore-oriented series to whimsical undertakings, there’s a good choice to whet your appetite. Of course, if we’ve missed any of your favorites, feel free to comment below and we’ll get them added on!
Terraformars
If you’re afraid of cockroaches then I suggest you stay away from this action-packed anime. Not only are roaches the villains in this series, but their strength and skills are amplified tenfold. Fortunately, the anime offers super-powered protagonists for fans to cheer for. Terraformars takes place at a time when humanity wants to establish human civilization on Mars. They send cockroaches and algae to terraform Mars–since those are the only species that can endure the planet’s harsh climate. Unfortunately, the humans in this series didn’t anticipate for the roaches to adapt to the environment and attain new human-like forms. The anime takes a leap in time and is now in the 26th Century. A disease spreads across Earth, and the cure for it only rests on Mars. This forces Earth to enlist the help of the Annex I team, consisting of genetically enhanced humans with creature-like transformative abilities. They send these humans to Mars in hopes of gathering the cure, but little do these warriors know, that super-powered humanoid roaches lay in wait. This anime highlights the ongoing battle between genetically enhanced humans fighting powerful and intelligent humanoid cockroaches called Terraformars. The battles are brutal and full of gore and agony. This anime isn’t afraid to send your favorite character to their doom. If you’re looking for an intense and action-packed anime full of superpowers, I’d recommend Terraformars.
Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Studio Ghibli crafted many anime fans’ childhood. From fantasy flicks like Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke to more emotionally-driven movies like Grave of the Fireflies, there’s an ocean of phenomenal works for fans to watch. Likewise, there are films like Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind that doesn’t get the attention they deserve. This film contains wonderful characters and beautiful visuals for its time. The animation isn’t as immaculate as some anime films released today, but for the period, it offers spectacular landscapes and great creature design. There’s a strong environmentalist message attached to the work, too. The characters in this aren’t anything to write home about though. There’s not much to say about them as they all try to fit within their specific archetype. Fortunately, there are some stand-out character-driven moments revolving around its protagonist and some side characters. Arguably, these moments along with its adventurous atmosphere makes Nausicaä Of The Valley Of The Wind a worthwhile watch.
Blue Gender
Blue Gender is like Attack On Titan but with insects. It has everything you’d want from an action-oriented sci-fi horror anime from memorable characters to brutal fights. Despite its focus on humanity vs. insects, the anime offers a variety of engaging plot lines and tackles a multitude of mature issues. Characters in this anime will experience death and have trouble coping with it on numerous occasions. These scenes are highly emotional, and the character reactions feel genuine and heartbreaking. The protagonists and side characters in this series are given a great deal of depth regarding their personalities and goals. The art style doesn’t hold up well, though. Although the gritty character designs mesh well with the environment they are a part of, there are many moments when characters appear disfigured and uncanny. There’s enough excitement to be had with the anime’s action scenes, though. However, Blue Gender’s casual scenes don’t look nearly as good.
Twilight of the Cockroaches is an unconventional and experimental anime. It’s a bizarre gem with little to no audience attached to it but tackles deep themes in slightly bizarre ways. The anime also takes inspiration from works like Who Framed Roger Rabbit with its approach to featuring 2D characters in the real world. Our tale takes place in a random man’s bachelor pad, where a colony of anthropomorphic roaches resides. These roaches have a tight bond with the bachelor of this establishment. They can do anything they want from roaming the area for food or playing games. All that changes when their human friend brings a woman over to his home, causing many problems for his former roach buddies. Despite its wacky premise, this anime offers well-developed human and roach characters. It tackles cruel themes regarding death, abandonment, and heartbreak. There is also a deep message inserted into this film about the United States and Japan’s past relations. Therefore, if you’re willing to put up with its bizarre premise, I’d recommend checking out Twilight of the Cockroaches.
So I’m a Spider, So What?
Have you ever wondered what life would be like as an insect inside a fantasy world? So I’m a Spider, So What insectoid protagonist, Kumoko can answer that question for you. This anime grants viewers a new perspective of fantasy life through the eyes of a spider. The shenanigans and obstacles Kumoko endures are hilarious and painful. RPG players who have trouble traversing challenging worlds will appreciate the strategies and effort Komoko conjures up to succeed. Despite having the body of a small spider, Kumoko’s courage and confidence will rub off on you. It will remind fans that just because something is challenging, doesn’t mean that it’s impossible to overcome. Our tale takes place in a universe where some people can die and get reincarnated inside a fantasy world. In this world, our victims can become something grand from royal princes to powerful knights. Unfortunately, Kumoko didn’t attain such an offer. Reborn as a spider, Kumoko must endure the trials and obstacles that come with the position. Despite her unfortunate fate, Kumoko learns that this fantasy world works similarly to an RPG. To attain a better livelihood, Kumoko must level up and make a name for herself inside this magical world. If you’re looking for an adventure anime with a hint of gaming and bug-like elements, check out this anime.
Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee
Don’t let this anime’s childlike protagonists fool you. Tegami Bachi: Letter Bee is a child-like anime with dark undertones. While the anime starts off slow, it gradually picks up steam near its finale. This is an anime that manages to craft a depressing and horrifying tale revolving around mail delivery. Our tale follows an orphan named Lag Seeking, who arrives at his aunt’s house as a letter delivered by the Letter Bee, Gauche Suede. Gauche is like a role model to Lag, as he wants to one day become a Letter Bee himself. Some time passes, and as a teenager, Lag heads to a nearby capital to take an exam that allows him to become a trainee Letter Bee. During his trip, he meets a girl-like creature named Niche, who becomes his traveling companion. With her at his side, Lag plans to become a Letter Bee and locate his long-lost mother. From dangerously large metallic insects to girls with swords for hair, this is a bizarre child-like anime with a colorfully cruel world. The characters in this show all have interesting personalities and admirable goals. The visuals in this anime are breathtaking. You’ll be mesmerized by its colorful scenery and intriguing robotic designs. This series utilizes its soundtrack wonderfully. It provides some soothing jingles that tie into the growing friendship between the series’ protagonist and their allies.
Hunter X Hunter
Hunter x Hunter is highly regarded as one of the best action-adventure anime of all time. This anime features a phenomenal cast of well-developed characters, incredible story arcs, and a boatload of fight scenes that will keep your heart pumping. This anime revolves around a boy named Gon Freecss who departs from his homeland to become a splendid hunter like his father. Along the way, Gon befriends three individuals named Kurapika, Leorio, and Killua. They each have different reasons for becoming hunters. What starts as a joyous journey becomes something more brutal and challenging, but this won’t stop our child-like hero from pursuing his dreams. As stated earlier, Hunter x Hunter features numerous arcs. Each arc contains a different set of villains, themes, environments, and more. One arc in particular that features insects as the priority is its Chimera Ant arc. This arc is regarded as one of Hunter x Hunter’s finest narratives. It features the villainous king, Meruem, and contains an onslaught of brutal imagery and philosophical themes. Story arcs aside, Hunter x Hunter’s cast all have likable personalities and unique abilities. You’ll grow attached to them swiftly and may find it troubling picking out a favorite. There is a great mix of lighthearted and gruesome events in this show. If you’re looking for a battle shonen that will leave a lasting impression on you, check out Hunter X Hunter.
Hutch the Honeybee
Hutch the Honeybee is another insect anime coated in deception. Despite its child-friendly art style, this anime is full of dark undertones and tackles mature themes. While its premise sounds simple, this anime features incredibly dark imagery that will make you think twice before showing it to children. Our tale follows Hutch, a small honeybee who lived a sad life. His home was destroyed by wasps, got separated from his mother, and must traverse a vast world to find her. While the characters Hutch meets during his journey are kind-hearted and sweet, it’s best not to grow attached to them. As mentioned earlier, Hutch the Honeybee is a show that looks soft on the inside but is immensely cruel on the outside. Some scenarios Hutch encounters during his adventure include murder, slavery, cults, child abuse, and others. This anime’s animation holds up well and the character designs look appealing. The voice actors do a phenomenal job at capturing the character’s emotions, too.
Mushibugyou
Mushibugyou is as shōnen as you can get. This anime contains plenty of action and super-powered characters for fans to whet their appetite. While some characters don’t undergo great development, this anime’s various fight scenes, supernatural instances, and comedy will leave fans satisfied. Our tale follows Jinbei Tsukishima, a man striving to become a powerful swordsman like his father. Jinbei hopes by becoming a member of his world’s Insect Magistrate’s Office, he can atone for his father’s terrible antics. During his adventure, he’ll meet various colorful characters with astounding abilities and various enemies that take the form of grotesque insects. While none of the characters undergo emotional development, fans can expect to see them attain growth in their craft and supernatural abilities. The characters in this show have fine personalities that range from likable to somewhat stereotypical. The world our characters inhabit is wonderful and visually appealing. While Mushibugyou starts off as a generic battle shonen, it manages to craft a satisfying conclusion toward the end. If you’re looking for a quirky and fun samurai anime with bug-like enemies, check out Mushibugyou.
Chrome Shelled Regios
Chrome Shelled Regios is a post-apocalyptic action adventure anime with school-like elements. While its premise isn’t original and its characters, one-dimensional, it offers some visually appealing fight scenes backed up by an incredible adrenaline-boosting OST. Our tale transports us to a worn-down world overrun by mutated beasts called Limbeekoon (Filth Monsters). While humanity exists in this setting, they are forced to live in mobile cities called Regios. They must utilize supernatural weapons called Dite and Kei to protect themselves. At this time, our protagonist Layfon Alseif is hoping to start a new life and forget his past. Unfortunately, he catches the attention of Karian Loss, the student council president, and Nina Antalk, the leader of the 17th Military Arts Platoon because of his grand abilities. Now a part of her band of soldiers, Layfon must fight off the Limbeekoon. As stated before, this anime’s plot isn’t the best. While it presents some unique developments involving Layfon’s past and present goals, it never takes to time to delve further into those concepts. The characters also fall victim to appearing as cookie-cutter stereotypes with unjustifiable reasoning behind their actions. At the same time, the visuals this anime produces are appealing. The characters animate wonderfully and are full of life. The soundtrack is well-varied and meshes well with the theme and action portrayed on screen. If you’re looking for another post-apocalyptic insect anime with fun fights and alluring music, check out Chrome Shelled Regios. So, there we have it, our picks for the best anime through the years about insects! What do you think of our picks? Do you agree? Are there any notable omissions? Let us know in the comments below!
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