| They are important to know the characters better and understand their motives. Represents a fine line between love and hate. I dare to say that One Piece has the best backstory episodes. |
| Yes, I love them. It's a very important element in story telling imo. Especially for me that think characters is the most important element of a story. |
 OTP: KidLaw | IzuKatsu | GureShin | EruRi | AoKi | See more!» My art » My translation » Doujinshi collection » Favorite Kurobas doujinshi  BISHIES X RAP |
| hate[when it ends up eating the whole episode] sometimes indifferent[2-3min is ok though] ;especially when those episodes comes while the anime is still airing feels like a whole week wasted . i hate the typical cliche backstories[boho that character had a bad/sad past] like the ones in one piece,naruto,fairy tail wow don't remember liking a backstory for an anime at the top of my head.guess i'll need to watch more anime. |
 |
| Yeah, a backstory is usually among the best part of the anime/manga. Even when it has nothing to do with the plot (?) like Bungou Stray Dogs lol (which is a boring anime imo). The first reason why I think because a backstory is usually more serious and denser compared to the main story, Rurouni Kenshin is the famous example. One of the most memorable the backstory is about the main antagonist in Higurashi. Umineko's main culprit backstory is even better, because the theme of the series is "whydunnit". |
Jim_HeartNov 13, 2019 4:45 AM
"The Slave is the have-not, the oppressed one with nothing to spare. But because the Slave is in that despairing situation, having nothing, it can kill the Emperor !" |
| I love backstory episodes, I always look forward to them. Shingeki no Kyoujin (Mikasa) Grisaia no Kajitsu (protagonist's sister) Zetsuen no Tempest (protagonists) And many others. When the idea of the anime isn't original or interesting (to me). When the plot development or subplot isn't compelling or interesting. And when the character development or relationship building is boring. I especially love when an anime series's prequel comes out after the 1st season has already finished airing. Or when half of an anime is its backstory (Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju, Grisaia no Kajitsu and others) I rate anime on visuals, plot, Backstory and end. So backstory to me is paramount, preferably not scenes here and there, but entire episodes dedicated to the backstory. |
 |
| I like backstory episodes, as part of my enjoyment of the general trope of humanizing and fleshing out characters. |
| Avatar character is Gabriel from Gabriel DropOut. |
| As long as it's the backstory of someone who's actually relevant to the plot, I'm fine with them. |
| Backstory adds to a story, it shines light on a characters, well....origin story, who they were before they were who they are now, I really like those kinds of episodes, as it also just makes you like the character more. |
| Just an avid anime watcher of 18 years, not much else I could say about myself (that I don't want to reveal, of course, just ask if you wanna know more!) "So...look up, face forward, toward your chosen horizon and just...walk on." - Noah, Xenoblade Chronicles 3 |
| I hate backstory as it makes me felt the author has ran out of idea to progressing the plot forward, so he can only do backward n introduce new character from the past... The only exception probably is Homura back story from Madoka Magica, where the backstory is necessary to complete the plot. |
 Try reading Spy x Family Manga ^_^ U will love it, i promise... |
| I love them as long as we don't get one flashback for every character that appear, like in Naruto. That's kinda annoying. |
| I like it when it's done...only when the timing is right. Like if it's done during the middle on an epic encounter, then it just becomes a drag and I find myself wanting to get a move on with things (like in Gintama, Ping Pong the Animation). Or, if it's done when it really has no use anymore, like with KnY always put backstories after whatever baddy died then it's just useless empathy But otherwise, it can be pretty good at helping to understand the character, most notably in Kono Oto Tomare or Fruits Basket did it really well (like Hanajima's backstory dayumm) |
 'On-Hold' is another way for a completionist to say 'Dropped' |
| I love them especially if it's something relatable like ishigami's backstory in kaguya sama or really well done backstories like nanachi from made in abyss or gintoki form gintama. |
 |
| I like backstory episodes because to me at least they tend to be a nice break from the main storyline.I just find it really fascinating to find out about a time in the character's life that was different from the present. |
 |
| I love backstories there are just a simple way to convey a character's motivation or sometimes they can give us a different perspective into the story. Some of my favourites are the golden age arc in berserk, beatrice's backstory in umineko and kikyo and robin's backstories in inuyasha and one piece |
| The backstory episodes from the third season of hajime no ippo were really well done and I enjoyed the change of pace and style they had. And that's coming from someone who doesn't like the anti-american sentiment a lot of anime have. |
| MEA·MENTVLA·INGENS·EST |
| Good characters will carry the show for me no matter if it's bad or good. So naturally developing characters in your show is something I will always support. Even better if instead of a 5 minute flashback they take an entire episode to develop a character and their past/backstory. |
| I really like them because I get to know the characters more and get a little bit of explanation why some characters are the way they are. Backstories affect me a lot and how I feel about certain characters. |
 |
| Elfen Lied!!! it was simple,connected to the story still,sad,happy and cute |
| Im not really a fan of them, either they happen directly before an "accident" happens which gives it away or they happen after and are necessary because the character got too little developement prior. I guess they can make sense when well developed characters get one to change our perception of them completely. somebody said Homura and yes thats a great example done right. The episodes themself are usually well done though and I guess my problem is when anime are worse then their backstory episodes because then they stand out and dont save the current plot anyway. |
Comander-07Nov 19, 2019 9:44 AM
| "This emotion is mine alone. It is for Madoka alone." - Homura or how I would descripe Mahou Shoujo Madoka Magica. |
| Hiei’s backstory from Yu Yu Hakusho is hands down a favorite. |
| Bungou Stray Dogs season 3 episode 6, Herurisu / Portrait of a Father. I have never been hit by the pain train so fast and out of nowhere. If it's done right backstory is a very useful tool in story telling. I know this one doesn't fully count as a backstory episode but idc. |
| I usually love backstory episodes (and chapters) simply because they flesh out particular characters and explain their motivations. Not only in anime and manga, but in other media like movies, series, games and books aswell. Most of the time they also tend to be among my favourite episodes and chapters when looking back after finishing the whole thing. The only ones I dont like are terribly timed backstory episodes (mostly during confrontations with the villian) which take the watcher out of the mood and these "flashback as deathflag" kinds of backstories, were they just show the backstory of a character, villians and side characters alike, to create empathy when they are about to get killed off, when you couldnt care less about them because they barely appeared. Its even worse when the author tries to redeem a villian who commited several terrible acts and killed a companion of the protagonist. |
 |
| Takuto's backstory in Full Moon is still my favorite one. It's crucial to the plot, could not have been revealed at a better time, and it's absolutely heart-breaking and shocking. It's also what literally saves the life of the main character. |
  |
| FRUITS BASKET holy hell there were some good ones |
 |
| Broadly speaking, I would say I am a fan of backstory episodes since I am typically more invested in character-driven stories and love to see more character development. I am also shamelessly a total sucker for protagonists with a mysterious and/or dark past apparently, if my favorite characters are anything to judge by. That said, there are some instances where flashbacks don't work as well as other times. If they pop up right in the middle of a high-action event they can be jarring, and for me they have the most emotional impact if it's for characters that have already been established/developed enough for me to feel some level of investment. I don't typically like it as much when they throw a long backstory at us for a character we just met/haven't met before (though it can sometimes be done well, I loved Miranda's introduction arc in D.Gray-Man, though that had the flashbacks intertwined more with the present). I feel like one of the most obvious examples of a frankly excessive flashback sequence that I actually loved due to how much it was built up to and how much I already liked the character involved was Fai's backstory arc in Tsubasa Reservoir Chronicle (which tragically never got animated. but it was wild in the manga). It occurred over halfway through the series just about, but it made a lot of sense and gave extra meaning to everything we had learned about him before, and since I already adored the character and had seen him develop a lot I was more than ready to spend an arc dealing with his tragic backstory. Nabari no Ou is a series that actually has quite a bit of flashbacks, but for me it worked because the plots in the flashbacks were so interesting on their own, and involved characters I had interest in (Raimei and Raiko's backstory was intense and necessary to appreciate the drama of their current conflict, and while only the manga goes into it in full it was so satisfying and interesting and of course incredibly sad when we finally got Yoite's backstory.). Second mention, but D.Gray-Man also did really well with the backstories of the main protagonists. With a series like that where everyone is in a pretty extreme situation from the beginning (isolated exorcists/soldiers in this case) you have to wonder why/how they'd join in the first place, and I thought the series did a great job choosing when and how to show exactly what lead to each of our main characters to be where they are now (Kanda's was of course riveting, Lavi is my fave so I'm always eager to learn more about him, and we're learning more and more about Allen even in the newest chapters despite him being the main character who has received a lot of previous development, but I want to give a special shout out to Lenalee since she doesn't often get as much love, even though I thought her backstory brought up a lot of interesting issues and gave her a lot of depth). While there are many, many more examples of flashbacks I liked (and if I poked around my memory more I could probably list some examples of ones I thought were weaker/less effective) I think I will end off with an honorary mention of one of the series I'm following currently, Vanitas no Carte (The Case Study of Vanitas). This is a series where the present is heavily effected by the past and the characters are at the center of it all, so there are a lot of flashbacks interspersed throughout. But what I like about these ones is that they never reveal too much, they tell you what you need to know to understand the plot and characters where they are at the moment, leaving you with a million questions and a sense of suspense/mystery without interrupting the flow of the main plot. The only more so so flashback was I think the placement of Chloe's backstory, not because it was a poor story but because she was a new character we'd only just met, so using several chapters to explain her backstory felt like a bit much even if it was necessary info, I think it would have been better if it was more spread out like the other flashbacks in the series tend to be. So all in all, yes I definitely like flashbacks for characters I love or find interesting in some way, especially if it is incorporated into the plot in an interesting or timely way. They don't always work for me, like any writing convention it can be done to one's tastes and then not, but generally I am a fan of growing character arcs. |
| it depends on the execution and the reason why they exist my favorite one is netero's episode from hxh followed by hyakkimaru's from dororo |
| If I had to pick a favorite backstory or two, it’d be either that of Edward Elric or Sakuta Gintoki. |
 |
Ultracape12 said: EnigmaOlivia said: Hiei’s backstory from Yu Yu Hakusho is hands down a favorite. Yu Yu Hakusho is overrated, along with Beserk and Legend Of The Galactic Heroes. Real Good Anime are made after the 2000s (especially the 2010s), while anime made in the 80s and 90s had pathetic animation, terrible character designs, cliché and overused stories, and a FUCKING LOT OF CRINGE π«π©π«π©π«π© Seriously, you like a shit anime like Yu Yu Hakusho?? Grow up, get a day-job, get a FUCKING-life, and if you still wanna watch anime, watch JoJo, Attack On Titan, Demon Slayer, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Code Geass, FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood, My Hero Academia, Vinland Saga and Fairy Tail to name a few. These experiment a lot of new tropes, and do the old ones more justice than the shitty old ass Yu Yu Hakusho, Beserk and LOGH. And most importantly, *enjoy anime as a form of entertainment, not as a FUCKING critical asshole*, coz if you try to judge 'em, yoy will always hate 'em. MHA, especially, is a stress relieving anime, it makes you feel optimistic and energetic, and hence, it is the best anime ever created. Period. Reread what you just wrote, do you not see the hypocrisy. "And most importantly, enjoy anime as a form of entertainment, not as a fucking critical asshole."-Ultracape12. Proceeds to insult anime like yu yu hakusho, Berserk and Logh, even though he probably hasn't seen it. If anything newer animes have more cliche and overused stories. |
 RATE MY ELITE ANIME TASTE |
| I love backstory in shonen, One Piece, Naruto, Gintama, FMAB where they're more drawn out, in depth and far more relevant to the world building and character building. I hate backstory in harem, where it's a 12 episodes series featuring 4 different girls for the harem, with every 3 episodes dedicated to a girl's backstory with barely any depth relating to it. Overdone formula for those action/magic harem series. My favorite has to be One Piece. Don't think I've disliked any of the flashbacks yet, the flashbacks always add something of value to the world. Gintama's pretty great too, there's still a sense of mystery for what happened back then that caused the team to break up and go their separate way. It also formed Gintoki's philosophy and is why he's one of the best character in anime. |
| Honobono Log - best slice of life short -------------------------------------------- most kawaii loli overlord ---------------------------- Donquixote Doflamingo AMV - Control |
Ultracape12 said: EnigmaOlivia said: Hiei’s backstory from Yu Yu Hakusho is hands down a favorite. Yu Yu Hakusho is overrated, along with Beserk and Legend Of The Galactic Heroes. Real Good Anime are made after the 2000s (especially the 2010s), while anime made in the 80s and 90s had pathetic animation, terrible character designs, cliché and overused stories, and a FUCKING LOT OF CRINGE π«π©π«π©π«π© Seriously, you like a shit anime like Yu Yu Hakusho?? Grow up, get a day-job, get a FUCKING-life, and if you still wanna watch anime, watch JoJo, Attack On Titan, Demon Slayer, Naruto, One Piece, Bleach, Code Geass, FullMetal Alchemist Brotherhood, My Hero Academia, Vinland Saga and Fairy Tail to name a few. These experiment a lot of new tropes, and do the old ones more justice than the shitty old ass Yu Yu Hakusho, Beserk and LOGH. And most importantly, *enjoy anime as a form of entertainment, not as a FUCKING critical asshole*, coz if you try to judge 'em, yoy will always hate 'em. MHA, especially, is a stress relieving anime, it makes you feel optimistic and energetic, and hence, it is the best anime ever created. Period. Here is another post from someone that has an opinion about the series they haven't seen/read. Don't you think that your opinion is irrelevant at that point? 'Overused story' says a person who actually has BNHA in their favorites. The only shounen ever that managed to bring ABSOLUTELY NOTHING new or unique. I genuinely feel sorry for people who think that character design and animation makes an anime good. |
Ultracape12 said: NamikazeHime said: Here is another post from someone that has an opinion about the series they haven't seen/read. Don't you think that your opinion is irrelevant at that point? 'Overused story' says a person who actually has BNHA in their favorites. The only shounen ever that managed to bring ABSOLUTELY NOTHING new or unique. Man, nothing new != (is not equal to) everything bad. BNHA is all about implementation of old tropes in fantastically new and different ways. It mixes the tropes of traditional inspirational shΕnen anime with American themes like superheroes and mutants. It is meant to fill the voids left by Naruto and Bleach after their anime adaptation ended (Bleach is coming back next year tho, but we all thought the thousand year blood war arc will never receive an official anime adaptation.) My whole point was to tell her and every elitist critcal asshole that anime is meant to be watched for entertainment and stress-relief from day-to-day rat race. If an anime does that, along with giving you inspiration and motivation to live, especially in a world where suicides have become extremely commonplace, what the hell is wrong with that?? Ultracape12 said: NamikazeHime said: Here is another post from someone that has an opinion about the series they haven't seen/read. Don't you think that your opinion is irrelevant at that point? 'Overused story' says a person who actually has BNHA in their favorites. The only shounen ever that managed to bring ABSOLUTELY NOTHING new or unique. Man, nothing new != (is not equal to) everything bad. BNHA is all about implementation of old tropes in fantastically new and different ways. It mixes the tropes of traditional inspirational shΕnen anime with American themes like superheroes and mutants. It is meant to fill the voids left by Naruto and Bleach after their anime adaptation ended (Bleach is coming back next year tho, but we all thought the thousand year blood war arc will never receive an official anime adaptation.) My whole point was to tell her and every elitist critcal asshole that anime is meant to be watched for entertainment and stress-relief from day-to-day rat race. If an anime does that, along with giving you inspiration and motivation to live, especially in a world where suicides have become extremely commonplace, what the hell is wrong with that?? The amount of hypocrisy in your posts is pretty funny. You still think that shitposting another series you are not even familiar with will make BNHA any better? Nope, it will not. Plot is predictable, characters are bland. Also try watching the series you are using as a reference. Soul Society arc and Chunin Exams stomped the entirety of BNHA franchise. Nevermind, I will not bother with this conversation again. I don't really like spending my time debating with people who's arguments are not really arguments but a presumptions. This conversation doesn't have a value at all. Bye bye. |
| Not when they're pushed at me almost immediately, like Angel Beats! does. Am I supposed to feel something for this character that I've barely met? "Hi, my name is Yuri and here is my massive sob story"... lol, piss off. They're great when it's done properly and the pacing is good. |
| I love the backstory it the anime my top criteria in fact. Sometimes its better than the plot itself. Favorites: 1.Zetsuen no Tempest (when mc's were kids) 2.Shingeki no Kyoujin (franchise) 3.Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinju (season 1) 4.Zettai Karen children The unlimited Hyoubu Kyousuke 5.Grisaia (franchise) 6.Fate Zero (Natalia Kaminski) 7.Tatakau Shisho the book of Bantorra (Ruruta Coozancuuna) 8.3-Gatsu no Lion (mc when he was a kid) 9. Chrono Crusade (mc and villain) 10.Nurarihyon no Mago (season 2) Sometimes the characters in the backstory are better than the main characters in the developing plot. |
| |
| Memorable backstories for me: Gyro's past in Hunter x Hunter 2011. Most antagonists in the Asgard Arc of Saint Seiya. The Aoki and Kimura's Delinquent Youth Days Arc in Hajime no Ippo. |
IKKIsamaMay 10, 2020 8:11 AM
| I like Askeladd's backstory from Vinland Saga, as it also serves as a lesson for Thorfinn. Levi's backstory from Attack On Titan is amazing as well. The backstory of Hiro and Zero Two knowing each other in childhood was so bittersweet and adorable This isnt an anime, Sangwoo from the manwha Killing Stalking has a amzing story behind him. His family, childhood, relationship with his mother and the plot-twist with it, how it then led to him becoming a serial killer and the disgusting truth behind why he "likes" Yoonbum... it why he and Killing Stalking is in my favourites. |
| I love them. One piece has a ton of great back stories. Law's, Robin's and Brook's is my favorite. And in Kuroko no Basket, the flashback to generation of miracles middle school days also pretty bittersweet. Definitely among my favorite. |
| OTP: KidLaw | IzuKatsu | GureShin | EruRi | AoKi | See more! » My art » My translation » Doujinshi collection » Favorite Kurobas doujinshi BISHIES X RAP |
| the zero two and the guy (forgot his name lol) backstory pretty much completely changed my view of the show, which had been up to that point fairly poor. been so long since i watched that show but i still remember that part very vividly. was possibly impactful to me because i had only watched a complete of shows at that time |
More topics from this board
» Women tend to have superior anime preferences compared to men?Alpha_1_Zero - 7 hours ago |
42 |
by Maou_heika
»»
8 seconds ago |
|
» Do you drop shows?EverRealm - 8 hours ago |
35 |
by Nemo_Niemand
»»
1 minute ago |
|
Poll: » So, is anime male or female?Tirinchas - Yesterday |
31 |
by Maou_heika
»»
4 minutes ago |
|
» is ur fave genre ur most watched genre ?ame - 1 hour ago |
11 |
by weebtoge
»»
12 minutes ago |
|
» Ruined after Serial Experiments Lain [Spoilers]zaitec - May 6, 2017 |
15 |
by TheMechaManiac
»»
14 minutes ago |