Go Nagai turned 74 years old a few days ago, and to celebrate, I've decided to release a simple anime guide to his works. This list is purely my opinion, and also doesn't feature some of my favourite works simply because they are either too long or too niche for a modern audience. Remember, this is a beginner guide meant to immerse you into the Go Nagai multiverse, not a bibliography.
Devilman Crybaby ( 2018, Science Saru, ONA, 10 episodes)
It's no secret that Devilman Crybaby is Go Nagai's biggest mark on the Anglo market. Previous attempts by him such were ignored and didn't catch on. Famed director, Masaaki Yuasa (Ping Pong The Animation, Kemonozume) adapts his personal 70s Magnus opus, Devilman with modern sensibilities. The choice of animation and music are rather unorthodox for the series' history and you won't find much of Go Nagai's trademark art style although the show itself has some tributes and cameos to past Go Nagai entries. If you can accept how different Devilman is to most modern anime, then I expect you will find plenty to like about it.
Official availability : Netflix
Mazinkaiser (2001, 2003, Brain's Base, OVA, 7+1 episodes)
Mazinkaiser wasn't created by Go Nagai. Instead, it was created by Banpresto, the game company behind the Super Robot Wars series in an attempt to make Nagai's famous mecha, Mazinger Z more powerful and terrifying. Director Masahiko Murata (GR: Giant Robo, Gilgamesh) crafted 7 traditionally animated episodes that retold the story of Mazinger Z, but with Mazinkaiser as the series' titular mech. What makes it such a great beginner watch is really the gorgeous animation, epic JAM Project vocals, paired with the classic Go Nagai character designs. It's a complete delight. Do not forget to follow up the final OVA with Mazinkaiser vs The Great General of Darkness, which features a much darker tone compared to the previous episodes.
Official availability : ADV Films (Defunct). Rely on fansubs.
RE: Cutie Honey (2004, Gainax, OVA, 3 episodes)
After director Hideaki Anno's release of the live-action 2004 Cutie Honey movie, a 3 episodes OVA that more or less retold the same story with various differences followed. Gorgeous animation, great music etc. You know the drill. Like all the entries noted before, RE Cutie Honey also pays tribute to Go Nagai with many cameos. The story is a reboot of Nagai's 1973 Cutie Honey manga and thus is perfect for any newcomer. Do note that the Cutie Honey franchise does feature the occasional nudity, so you might want to watch this one with doors locked.
Official availability : Not licensed. Rely on fansubs.
Kekkou Kamen (1991, Studio Signal, OVA, 4 episodes)
Kekkou Kamen is absolutely Go Nagai's silliest title. Now, there were many other comedic series from the master that I could recommend as your first, but the length is at play here, especially if his brand of humour may not necessarily be your thing. Production-wise, the series is quite serviceable, but the concept should give you a good laugh and help you unwind for a while. Funnily enough, Kekkou Kamen is also the Go Nagai series with the most amount of live-action movies (over 10 and counting!). They're all very low budget, but they feature Japanese porn actresses if that's your thing.
Official availability : ADV Films (Defunct). Rely on fansubs.
Demon Prince Enma (2006, Brain's Base, OVA, 4 episodes)
Horror is another genre that Go Nagai has dipped his toes in. Director Mamoru Kanbe (Elfen Lied, The Promised Neverland) offers us new original stories using the famous cast of another Go Nagai series, Dororon Enma-Kun. Except for this time, they've grown up and they're ready to send the demons straight back to hell! The stories offered are more psychological horror than plain horror and it's what makes this series stand out among others. As usual, Brain's Base does quite a decent job on it, except for the use of CG in the last episodes... but it was 2006 after all. The CG wasn't quite there yet.
Official availability : Bandai Visual USA (Defunct). Rely on fansubs.
Shin Getter Robo vs Neo Getter Robo (2000, Brain's Base, OVA, 4 episodes)
Getter Robo is really the work of Ken Ishikawa, but Go Nagai has contributed to its creation in numerous ways. Out of the 3 Getter Robo OVAs, this was the shortest and genuinely funny, making it rather an easy watch for an afternoon. All of the major Getter Robo characters appear here and they look closest to the source material. Because of all of these factors, I believe it's the perfect introduction to Getter Robo. Brain's Base again delivers. Director Jun Kawagoe who has also directed the two other Getter Robo OVAs delivered a classic here and it will be remembered for years to come.
Official availability: Discotek Media
Posted from my blog with SteemPress : https://cryptotsuki.com/2019/09/09/go-nagai-anime-beginner-guide-part-1/