Written by Samuel Sattin & Patrick Macias, Illustrated by DenQ
The Essential Anime Guide: 50 Iconic Films, Standout Series, and Cult Masterpieces
(Running Press, October 2023)
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!
Praise for The Essential Anime Guide
“The writing is insightful and engaging, so this volume should appeal to a wide audience.”
—Booklist
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. 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 forthcoming books, including Buzzing (Little Brown for Young Readers, Spring 2023), Side Quest (Harper Collins, 2024), and both The Essential Anime Guide and A Kid’s Guide to Anime and Manga, co-written with Patrick Macias (Running Press, Fall 2023). He adapted the Academy Award Nominated Cartoon Saloon Irish Folklore Trilogy Wolf Walkers, Song of the Sea and The Secret of Kells to graphic novel format, has written screenplays for PBS Kids, and previously wrote books such as Bezkamp, Legend, and The Silent End. His non-fiction has appeared or been featured in The Nib, 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.