Crest Of Stars / Banner Of The Stars

Crest of Stars is the first part of a science fiction series that looks at a war between intergalactic empires. If that sounds a little like Star Wars, it does feel a bit like that, but the plots are more intricate, with a pacing that allows every character detail and political and military action to have a much greater impact.  As a part of the wave of anime that arrived in the US in the early 2000s, it helped to establish the space opera as a leading form of 21st century animation. Based on a wonderful novel series (and it was also adapted into an exceptional manga) Crest of Stars is great, and Banner of Stars, the follow-up, might have managed to improve on it with more impressive visuals, and even better sound design and music. Listening to the series, you realize the power of soundtrack, no only in music, but in effects and dialogue. Not every anime puts emphasis on those elements, but in Banner of Stars, it's all right here, and it's incredible. Why it's n the list: One of the best anime series of this century, and a long-lasting influence on the genre.