The line between genre traits and tropes can be a dicey one. Genre traits are overall categories that can read like street signs to let you know you're in the right neighborhood, whereas tropes are the bread and butter of what's in a specific story. Everyone has their own list of traits that make an anime standout (good or bad) and here are some that I've found over the last several years.

As with all things, some rules are made to be broken. I've included examples of anime that have traits I don't usually  like but are excellent anyways.

The indomitable human spirit is encouraged
 

Bleakness, hopelessness, and stewing in the worst traits of humanity are not my jam. My favorite stories bend towards cooperation, love and building a bright future.

No subject is terrible if the story is true, if the prose is clean and honest, and if it affirms courage and grace under pressure. - Ernest Hemingway

Inversion: EVA "It's actually detrimental to the human spirit but totally worth watching." Adult Services Member Chase.

Men and women in supporting cast

An all female party centered around a male character is one of the first signs that I'm going to lose interest in the story. A diverse cast of characters around the protagonist in regards to gender specifically lets me know that this isn't just a harem or harem wannabe story. Having male and female party members and side characters that get fleshed out reflects a more interesting and real world.

Inversion: Eminence in Shadow

This series contains several things that should not work but do because of how well its executed. Eminence in Shadow takes tropes and leans into them purposefully instead of using them as easy fodder to flesh out their narrative.

Earned but not unstoppable power

A gradual power scale for our main character keeps the world interesting. A common trait in Isekai lately, is for the main character to "train" for a certain amount of time (an episode or two) and then never have to seriously train again for the remainder of the series. Every fight is a foregone conclusion in which our plucky hero barely strains to push himself.

Inversion: One Punch Man. Our main character can literally win every fight with one punch, but its wildly popular. I'll be honest. I've not seen this one, but too many people with opinions I trust have told me its worth the squeeze.

What are you personal favorite and least favorite anime tropes? Do they differ depending on the genre?

Lover of manga and comics?

Feel free to join me at Anime Unleashed at the Main library on the third Wednesdays of each month from 1-2pm to watch anime!

Be sure to also check out these other NPL programs:

EH Comics Club at Edgehill Branch on every other Wednesday from 4-5pm

Coffee and Comics Club at Hadley Park once a month on Fridays (check their schedule for more details)

Panel Discussion! A Comics Book Club for Adults (online, first Wednesdays)

Find more information about these programs on our event's page keyword: comics