Pumpkin Scissors
Synopsis:
Wars leech the life out of a country in so many ways. They consume lives and resources at an incredible rate, but what is worst is the way they eat away at hope. The Empire, which has survived the years of war, now finds itself with a new conflict to resolve: with the exception of the noble families that managed to hold their wealth during the struggle, its populace is made up of starving citizens and war-damaged soldiers. Section III of the army of the Empire was created to deal with this ongoing problem; however, their progress was been slow on all fronts. The citizens fear and distrust them due to their experiences with other soldiers, the nobles have no use for them, and the other branches of the military mock them for the ineffectual nature. LT. Alice L. Malvin of Section III Pumpkin Scissors won't be defeated, though, even if her newest recruit does have something unusual about him.
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Fullmetal Alchemist
Alt titles: Hagane no Renkinjutsushi
Once upon a time, two brothers passed the happy days of their childhood by studying alchemy, which is governed by the equal transfer principle: an eye for an eye -- you can't get more than you give. But these brothers tried to defy that law, and a horrific accident resulted. Now, the older brother, Edward, is called the Full Metal Alchemist because of his metal limbs, and the younger, Alphonse, is a soul without a body, trapped within the confines of an automaton. Together they search for the power to restore themselves, to find the lives they lost so long ago...
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6 people think you'd like this because...
add recBoth FMA and Pumpkin Scissors have the same atmosphere: an atmosphere of hope that refuses to be extinguished even in a war-torn country. These anime also focus on anther similar aspect: the fact that in war horrors and atrocities are committed on both sides. Lastly both anime are set in the same time period as if to remind us to never forget the horrors of the second world war.
The first thing that came to mind when watching Pumpkin Scissors was Fullmetal Alchemist, and its bitter image of war and destruction. If you were fascinated by the depiction of corruption and rotten bureaucracy, combined with the mysterious, altered hero trying to save everyone, you will love FMA. In it, war has a secondary role, and modern warfare subsides to the magical power of alchemy; but the ranks of alchemic soldiers and their leaders are the same as in Pumpkin Scissors.
Fullmetal Alchemist has a very similar setting to Pumpkin Scissors, as well as a similar plot. If you like a post-war setting, military organizations or a non black and white world, you should give Pumpkin Scissors and FMA a try.
This is one of those "gut feeling" type recommendations, especially since as I watched PS, I felt like it could be a side story within FMA. I think the similarities between the characters really helped give the two series a similar tone. Corporal Oland (PS) and Alphonse (FMA) were the splitting image of each other: large enough to kill without a thought, but selfless and caring of their companions; likewise, Edward (FMA) and Lt. Malvin (PS) are both stubborn to the bone and eager to prove their worth.
Both series are about soldiers dealing with broken societies and moral corruption. They both are quite light and comedic at times, but have subtle darker themes. Both of these series have a very similar mood.
While pumpkin Scissors is mostly all episodic and FMA has a continuous story, the feel of these 2 are very similar. The character design and worlds feel the same and both have their funny moments surrounded by a dark tale. If you liked one check out the other.
Toshokan Sensou
Alt titles: Library War
- TV (12 eps)
- 2008
- Spring 2008
The government has passed the Media Betterment Act, establishing a military police force to stop the spread of "negative influences harmful to society;" and in response, libraries have organized their own military units to protect freedom of expression. After being saved by a Library Defense Force agent in a bookstore, Kasahara is inspired to enlist in the Library Defense Force. Although she proves quite athletic and capable, she must endure the harsh but meaningful training of her instructor and superior officer, Doujou. As she learns how to be a good soldier, she participates in LDF operations, helping protect literary freedom for everyone.
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4 people think you'd like this because...
add recToshokan Sensou has the same feel as Pumpkin Scissors in the way that both have a female officers that want to be a hero. Not to mention the military atmosphere! If you like Military animes these are both recomended!
Whoever is keen on breathtaking gun fights and the army, may be interestied in watching Pumpkin Scissors where the lead male character is constantly fighting tanks and which is more intriguing, he always wins. On the other hand, Toshokan Sensou's plot is set in the future, where in spite of the advanced technology, gun fights are also a common thing and are no different of those presented by Pumkin Scissors. In both anime, the main characters - Oland in PS and Aihara in TS, try to be a part of a team, despite the obstacles that stand in their way.
If you like militaristic anime, then you should definitely watch Pumpkin Scissors and Toshokan Sensou. I don't know what else to say, hmm... the main pairs of those series have reversed hight proportions. In PS we have short girl and huge guy, while in TS we have tall girl and shorter guy. The story of TS makes less sense than the story of PS, but its complete, while PS ends halfway through. If you get confused with all the stuff I mentioned, then just stick to the first sentence (its the whole essence of this recommendation).
Toshokan Sensou and Pumpkin Scissors have a similar taste. They both deal with a "war life" but in a light way. In both series the main characters are naively good and they want to change the world through their job (involving war).
I think that even if one is about tank-war (Pumpkins Scissors) and the other is about a strange book-war (Toshokan Sensou) they share a common point of vies about war and characters who find themselves in it.
Valkyria Chronicles
Alt titles: Senjou no Valkyria: Gallian Chronicles
- TV (26 eps)
- 2009
- Spring 2009
The Nation of Gallia has always remained neutral in conflicts and has only gone to war to defend itself. However, as war flares between the East Europan Imperial Alliance and the Atlantic Federation, Gallia is soon targeted for its abundance of ragnite ore, a versatile and hugely valuable material. The Civilian Militia is soon called into action, and Welkin Gunther - son of a legendary war hero - is named leader of Squad 7. Under his command are the headstrong and practical Alicia Melchiott; the sharp-tongued Brigitte Stark; the grizzled veteran, Largo Potter; and Welkin's adopted sister Isara, whose Darcsen heritage means she faces prejudice, even from members of her own squad. With the rest of Squad 7 and the mighty tank Edelweiss, they must do their best to defend Gallia.
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3 people think you'd like this because...
add recValkyria chronicles and pumpkin scissors are two show with different stories but with basically the same layout. They're both set in a psuedo-early 1900's war time era with strong female protagonists, a unique supporting male and a odd assortment of characters in a troop.
Though they bot focus on two entirely different themes (and valkyria chronicles is a bit mor immature) you'd probably like one if you liked the other.
Both Valkyria Chronicles feature a motly band of a military unit lead by a strong male/female pair. Both offer action, comedy releif, and social commentary on the effects of war.
Both anime are militaristicly themed and both take place in worlds based on the first half of 20 century. Valkyria Chronicles and Pumpkin Scissors are different in style. Still, if you're into militaristic anime you should check those two.
Last Exile
- TV (26 eps)
- 2003
In the world of Prestal, Noble men perform noble deeds for noble purposes. All of this is performed under the careful gaze of the Guild, a race apart who live in cities in the sky. We see this world through the eyes of Claus Valca and Lavi Head, as their travels take us above, beyond and through Prestal, and their actions cause ripples that shall never fade.
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2 people think you'd like this because...
add recIf you liked the atmosphere, tone and level/style of realism in either Last Exile or Pumpkin Scissors and want more of the same, then you are bound to like the other. Their stories and characters are different but both use the darkness of war as a backdrop for the plot e.g. their respective settings are based on Western historic war periods. Neither goes overboard with the paranormal/sci-fi bits, but rather uses them to enhance the overall effect of the action sequences.
Pumpkin Scissors, another work of the same studio, bears a lot of resemblance to Last Exile in style and graphics. More importantly though, both offer a look into the society of a technically fictional, but realistic world.
Comparing them, Pumpkin Scissors is more realistic and focused on the characters. Last Exile offers better computer graphics, has an epic style, and is generally more focused on action with a good amount of air combat. But, the similarity of the style and originality makes Last Exile quite interesting for largely the same reasons as PS.
Rurouni Kenshin
Alt titles: Kenshin
In the revolutionary Meiji period, Japan is undergoing enormous political change. It is a time when vagabonds and terrorists will use any method to prevent the modernization of their country, even if it means trampling on the innocent in the process. In such a time, Himura Kenshin, a wandering samurai, has dedicated his life to protecting the weak and desperate peasants from those who would oppress them. However, Kenshin has a dark past which threatens to destroy the values he is fighting for. When he meets his new friends Kaoru, Sanosuke, and Yahiko, and tries to build a peaceful life with them, events conspire against him. Can Kenshin overcome the demons within and without, and finally ensure the peaceful future that Japan deserves?
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1 person thinks you'd like this because...
add recBoth series tell a story of life after a major period of war. Although the time and place is very different, the overall mood of the two series is similar. There is comedy, action and serious moments in between. Kenshin's length may be intimidating though, but if you stick with it for a while, you won't be able to stop.
