Where's all the grown-up series?

[Brad]

And right off the pass, I'm not talking about hentai when I say "grown-up." I would've said "adult" but that's just asking for it.

When I try and think of a series that is in a modern day setting, maybe with a more dramatic/romantic/realistic feel to it, 95% of the time it's gonna be set in high school. The only series that I could think of that have adult characters (or at least college age) were Nana, Honey & Clover, REC, and Nodame Cantabile (I could maybe throw Paradise Kiss in there, since most of the characters are college age if I'm not mistaken). If I'm missing some, please feel free to chime in because that's what I'm looking for.

In the case of all 4, they're all shows that I really ended up loving, because I could actually relate to them on certain levels. Like, Nana for example is one of the only shows in recent memory that actually deals with complex, realistic, grown-up relationships. The characters deal with the complications of bringing sex into the relationship and things like that.

So what do you guys think? Why do we have a serious shortage of these types of shows? There seems to be plenty of this material in their live-action dramas. Just seems weird that we rarely see the subject matter crossover into animation.

[Immorrel]

Genshiken is an amusing slice for otakus in college. It always amused me because I can see myself having the conversations that are had and Genshiken takes it a step farther and lets you see how a "normal" person reacts to it. I'm not sure if it's quite what you're looking for, but it's a least a step away from all your various high school drama fun and it's funny, which never hurts in my book

[Brad]

I thought Genshiken took place in high school as well. I did check it out when it first aired and I did like it though.

I guess what I'm really looking for though is just something I can emotionally relate to. I'm also not saying that series set in high school can't be emotionally compelling or unique. I just feel like a more grown up setting is more challenging and non-cliche. I'm just tired of seeing all of these archetyped characters lumped into these archetyped storylines. Give me something more to chew on

[OropherZero]

Realism isn't exactly an anime's selling point (never seen the anime you mentioned in the Japanese anime magazines I own) but I do agree with you, as you get older you want to see more you can relate to - I baww when theres another highschool setting because well, its a bit too late to have some of those experiences. This is why I liked Honey and Clover and its art faculty in a college/university setting. Highschool is an anime's selling point because lets face it once you hit around the age of 20 you start to look less 'hot' and more old and wrinkly, so anime will use highschool to get anime character's in the peak of sexuality to exploit more ecchi elements.

Umm maybe White Album, haven't seen it yet but someone might be able to confirm the setting, I know its a soap opera anime. Clannad After Story from around ep10-20, really down to earth post-highschool life, then its get a bit too mystical at the end. There's Kimi Ga/Eternity you wished for/Rumbling Hearts. Also, Welcome to the NHK too, I prefer it to Genshiken.

[Ishbalan]

If you're looking for a good dramatic romance, look no farther than ef - a tale of memories.

If you're looking for a good anime that is realistic, my highest recommendation goes to Monster. Even the animation goes out of its way to be un-anime-like. And I'd say it definitely appeals to adults rather than kids.

[OropherZero]

ef = highschool

[Ishbalan]

well fuck my shit

[Sonydjsnmix]

It's hard to recommend any anime because most are set in high school or college. I can only think of couple that you may like, but they are set in high school.

Touch - A very slow, everyday life about two brothers, one neighborhood girl and baseball. Very realistic. Must have A LOT of patience to watch. I loved it because of the character development and how everything felt so natural.

His or Her Circumstances - This is a love/hate show for many, but the show is realistic about relationships with friends, family and lovers. It's HUGE on the subject of personal growth. You may potential get turned off by the humor side of it. Also don't watch the last 5 episodes.

Infinite Ryvius - This is a stretch. The plot is not realistic at all, but it goes into a lot about how people's morals and actions changes when situations in their lives changes. If you ever read the book Lord of the Flies. Then this anime is Lord of the Flies in Space!

Good luck on your search. Sorry if this wasn't much of a help.

[Inan]

Diamond Daydreams/Dustdrops?

[hasteroth]

grown-ups watch anime?