Which of the following draws you to a particular anime show?

Hmmm...good poll. Art style is up there with one of my desires in an anime....the way in which the characters are presented and how creative the director can't get with their movements and camera shots is what draws me. Music makes for great emotion and can really set the mood when some scenes really need strengthening to feel the full effect of the sadness or the love that is present. I am a big sucker for the philosophical stuff......i ask a lot of questions about life often and I just really am a deep thinker....constantly dwelling on why people act the way they do....I sometimes get so wrapped up with a character's thoughts that I even feel sorry or sad for them....to a large degree and more than usual hehe. I also have been through a bunch of english courses that really have exercised my ability to critically "read" into these stories and find understanding in what goes on through the use of symbolism, personal connections, etc....I am also a big sucker for action....i love stylistic fights and explosions that are so creative in shape and movement that they are even an art of their own.

Interestingly enough....the four choices I chose all apply to FLCL and Evangelion...no wonder i love them so much

Good plot, mechs, good action. That's pretty much all I need. Oh yeah, and fanservice.

All are pretty important to me, but i voted for heavy action.

[Holy thread resurrection, Batman!]

For me, there are four main items that draw me to any animated series in general (not just anime). The first item is the art style. The animation quality must be pretty good in order for me to enjoy the series. If the characters or the backgrounds look bad, I won't like the series. I'm usually easy when it comes to animation quality, and I also enjoy original and unique styles, but I have seen a few shows and movies that I just could not stand the art style.

The second item that draws me to anime is having a good plot in general. There are a few exceptions to this, but I usually expect to see a good story, even if it's already been done before. If the series or movie has no plot or has a terrible one, I won't enjoy it. Confusing plots that require me to think beyond the story is also something I enjoy as well.

The next item is the music. For me, music plays a big role in any show or movie. If the music is enjoyable, chances are I'll enjoy the series as well. It doesn't matter to me type of music it can be (techno, para-para, jazz, orchestral, etc.) as long as it fits with the story and the series in general. Even if the music is excellent, if it doesn't fit with the series, I may not enjoy the series as much, but will still enjoy the music.

The final item that draws me to anime are the characters themselves. I must be able to relate with the characters. If I do not enjoy the characters, I will not enjoy the series. I believe that the characters are the ones who really move the story along. They must also have good personalities as well. All in all, these are the four things that draw me to anime.

Just so you know, Serial Experiments Lain and AIR both meet all four of the main items, which is the reason why both are my top favorites of all time.

Since I have not the luxury to watch anme on television, I, nine times out ten, usually have to buy it. So that means lots of research into the show I want! I always make sure what I'm about to get has a good plot in general, or else I'll be throwing my money down the toliet. Lots of positive critical acclaim helps. (Examples: Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo, Kino's Journey, The Big O)

Following very closely behind is good characters. I like to think anime is a medium that excels (at times) because of good characters within good plots. Also, I am very prone to becoming emotionally attached to good characters. If a show has no one there for me to love, I get very lost and sad. (Examples: One Piece, Black Jack, Cowboy Bebop)

Naturally, good story and good characters are almost always seen together, too, so I never have to worry about one not being in my anime of choice.

Everything else just follows up in an indescript lump.