English Dub + Action + Marathonable (interest, not length)

[Tiffanys]

Right. So, I was thinking about it and it seems that the best animes I've seen appear to be in English dubs and they tend to have a lot of action so that I can end up marathoning them without getting tired or bored.

For instance, how you could watch like 10 episodes of Dragon Ball Z, Bleach, Naruto, or so on (barring fillers) and not really be all that bothered. Yet, if you have to watch something instead that doesn't have as much action and you have to read it and blah blah... you get tired/bored of watching it much faster, at least I do.

So anyways, I'm essentially looking for something that has a lot of action, an English dub, and it's interesting enough that I'd probably watch it start to finish, or at least try to if it's quite a long one. You can find the list of what I've already seen in my signature.

Some examples of what fall into this particular category for me...
Dragon Ball Z
Bleach
Naruto
Death Note
Code Geass
Elfen Lied
Black Lagoon
Claymore
Hellsing
Ghost in the Shell
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
Phantom: Requiem for the Phantom
Mai-HiME
Mai-Otome
Mnemosyne
Trinity Blood
Ikkitousen
Gantz
Queen's Blade
Noir
Mirai Nikki
Simoun
Witchblade
Freezing
Canaan
Beck
Full Metal Panic
Rosario + Vampire
Shikabane Hime
Madlax

...that should give you a pretty good idea of what I'm after. It's largely seinen/shounen with tons of action, and it doesn't really matter if there's a metric ton of ecchi or not. I do prefer stuff with an English dub, so if you're going to suggest anything without one then make sure to mention that it doesn't have one.

[bpfoley89]

As far as what NOT on your list that I feel I could marathon through, or actually have marathon'd through:

Break Blade
[C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control
Cowboy Bebop
FLCL
Hellsing Ultimate
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn
Outlaw Star
RahXephon
Soul Eater
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann
xxxHolic

[Tiffanys]

That list wasn't everything I've seen..

I've seen these:
Cowboy Bebop
FLCL - hated it
Hellsing Ultimate - it's not finished yet
Tengen Toppa Gurren Lagann

Dropped this:
Soul Eater

So that leaves these...
Outlaw Star - have it downloaded already, will probably watch it
RahXephon - looks interesting
Break Blade - looks pretty good, though it's retarded how MAL breaks it down into 6 different releases
[C] The Money of Soul and Possibility Control - looks interesting
Mobile Suit Gundam Unicorn - I feel like I'd probably need to rewatch all the other Gundams first o_O
xxxHolic - not sure that this is what I'm looking for

I'll have to check those out and see if there's any I'm interested in. I have Outlaw Star downloaded already, a friend suggested it awhile back...

[anoligarh]

Yu Yu Hakusho - I've watched this one long ago, when i was still a kid and watching anime on the TV. Now i'm downloading it again (because i forgot most of it), but i still remember that i was very entertained by it. It's similar to DBZ/Bleach etc... a nice shounen.

[Zalis116]

I would say:

Afro Samurai
Aria the Scarlet Ammo
Chrono Crusade
Coyote Ragtime Show
Escaflowne
Fullmetal Alchemist (2003 series - I know it's not a straight manga adaptation like the 2009 series is, but it's still very worth watching)
G Gundam (basically a shounen tournament/fighting series that happens to use mecha)
Gungrave
Last Exile
Pretty Cure (fusion of Magical Girls + shounen-style action, though only the first season is dubbed)
R.O.D OVA/TV (though there are a few slower episodes)
Rurouni Kenshin (mainly the second arc; first arc is semi-episodic, and 3rd arc is fillers that drove the show into the ground)
Samurai 7
Scrapped Princess (I recall watching the first 14 episodes in one sitting)
Scryed
Tower of Druaga
Vandread
Wolf's Rain

All of these are dubbed. Many are from the early/mid 00s, so I hope you don't have age restrictions in effect.

xxxHolic - not sure that this is what I'm looking for

I would say that it's not -- it's largely episodic, and has relatively little action. It's kind of a supernatural/mystery slice of life series.

RahXephon - looks interesting

Just beware that the screenwriter carosel the show employs results in some episodes being much more boring than others. I don't view it as very marathonable. And while it looks like (and in many ways is) a Neon Genesis Evangelion clone, the action and mecha fights aren't particularly inspired or interesting. I prefer to view it as a moe harem (unintentional) comedy with secondary mecha/war/philosophical elements.

[Tiffanys]

I don't really care about how old it is as long as the dub isn't reminiscent of the dub from SDF Macross or Steel Angel Kurumi (e.g. not even like they're voice actors... just random crackheads off the street).

I wonder if there were multiple dubs for that... cause this sounds normal while whatever is in this one makes Lynn Minmay sound like someone that started speaking English a week ago... maybe Robotech had a better dub than SDF Macross did... cause the SDF Macross one was just pathetic.

[bpfoley89]

Yeah, you won't be disappointed at RahXephon's dub. And calling it and EVA clone is horribly inaccurate.

Outlaw Star is a little off. The first 4 episodes have a very different feeling than the rest of the series, like they're just supposed to be a prequel.
I don't recommend watching the spin-off "Angel Links" because I couldn't even get through the first episode, there were just too many lines that amounted to nothing more than sexual harassment of the main character.

xxxHolic is one where the artwork made me hesitant, but the story got me hooked. I really wish they'd dub the sequels. The conversations reminded me a lot of Ghost in the Shell's level of depth and intellect, so I felt right at home.

xxxHolic - not sure that this is what I'm looking for

I would say that it's not -- it's largely episodic, and has relatively little action. It's kind of a supernatural/mystery slice of life series.

I really hate when people throw the "Slice of Life" tag on everything. SoL, to me, means "No Plot." xxxHolic has plot in Spades.

[Fwind4]

Yu Yu Hakusho - I've watched this one long ago, when i was still a kid and watching anime on the TV. Now i'm downloading it again (because i forgot most of it), but i still remember that i was very entertained by it. It's similar to DBZ/Bleach etc... a nice shounen.

To me, Yu Yu Hakusho got interesting at the Dark Tournament arc.

xxxHolic is one where the artwork made me hesitant, but the story got me hooked. I really wish they'd dub the sequels. The conversations reminded me a lot of Ghost in the Shell's level of depth and intellect, so I felt right at home.

+1

[Gnabgib]

RahXephon was quite the masterpiece. Sadly it keeps getting compared to Neon Genesis Evangelion because of the "Confused young man has to pilot a giant mecha to fight off giant invaders with different shapes and powers" mechanic, but, aside from that being used as the secondary plot driving point, RahXephon had nothing in common with NGE.

Yeah, you won't be disappointed at RahXephon's dub. And calling it and EVA clone is horribly inaccurate.

I've seen you make a couple statements recently saying NGE and RahXephon have very little in common.   I'm not trying to knock either one, but they certainly have more than minor similarities.  Have you actually watched both series?  I don't see NGE in your MAL.

Sorry if this derails the thread, I'd be glad to discuss it in PMs or elsewhere.

[zherok]

Just going through things that I've seen with dual audio releases. Can't tell you how the dubs sound, I've never listened to any of them.

- Gokusen. Mostly episodic/short arc series full of humor. Has action though it's not a battle series by any means. Based off a Josei manga but it's not really that far removed from the definitely Shounen GTO series (also worth seeing, though not dubbed, to my knowledge.) If you happen to like it there are three live action seasons worth a look as well (no dub, obviously.)

- Samurai Champloo. Surprised no one recommended, and perhaps more surprised you haven't seen it. Solid action, same director as Cowboy Bebop. I'm sure I've heard part of the dub but I can't recall off the top of my head. Almost assuredly decent though.

- Law of Ueki. I have no idea if this is any good. I deleted it for space before really giving it a try. I do know it's a long (51 episode) Shounen series with dual audio though.

- Genshiken. Season 2 here. Series about a college otaku club. Not that far removed from Beck. There's also a spin off series called Kujibiki Unbalance (based on the show within the show), but it's terrible. Also in DA if you care to give it a try though.

- Initial D. Can't link them here, but I know First, Second, and Third Stage all have dual audio versions. Fair warning, the English OP is hilariously poor. Can't say for the VA, though I know the localization for the manga was overly aggressive in Americanizing it.

- Haruhi. I couldn't be bothered to watch the second season after I found out what book they decided to animate, but you don't appear to have seen it and the first season was rather enjoyable. And it's been dubbed. As have a number of the short spin off series (Nyoro~n Churuya-san and Suzumiya Haruhi-chan no Yuutsu.)

[Zalis116]

Yeah, you won't be disappointed at RahXephon's dub. And calling it an EVA clone is horribly inaccurate.

At the risk of old meme resurrection, oh really?

xxxHolic - not sure that this is what I'm looking for

I would say that it's not -- it's largely episodic, and has relatively little action. It's kind of a supernatural/mystery slice of life series.

I really hate when people throw the "Slice of Life" tag on everything. SoL, to me, means "No Plot." xxxHolic has plot in Spades.
[/quote] You're right, it's not SoL. Speaking strictly of the first series, I felt a lot of episodes were "client of the week" material. Yes, there is an ongoing plot present, but it didn't have a "gripping cliffhanger gotta watch the next episode" feel to it.

- Initial D. Can't link them here, but I know First, Second, and Third Stage all have dual audio versions. Fair warning, the English OP  is hilariously poor. Can't say for the VA, though I know the localization for the manga was overly aggressive in Americanizing it.

Funimation did redub all the Initial D seasons, and I'd assume the new dubs are more accurate. Given how liberal the TokyoPop dubs were, the Funi dubs would almost have to be more faithful.

- Samurai Champloo. Surprised no one recommended, and perhaps more surprised you haven't seen it. Solid action, same director as Cowboy Bebop. I'm sure I've heard part of the dub but I can't recall off the top of my head. Almost assuredly decent though.

Samurai Champloo's dub is widely considered good, and I almost recommended the series. However, I decided against it because (like Cowboy Bebop) it is largely an episodic series, with at least one or two mind-numbingly boring episodes. But overall, it is a very high-quality series, very recommendable in general; I just wasn't sure it quite met OP's criteria.

[zherok]

Funimation did redub all the Initial D seasons, and I'd assume the new dubs are more accurate. Given how liberal the TokyoPop dubs were, the Funi dubs would almost have to be more faithful.

Just checked my copy. I've got the first season from a4e; they did the Tokyopop dub. Itsuki ("Iggy") is voiced by the original Michelangelo. Japanese dub still uses the proper terms and original music though.

Anime Supreme did the later Funimation dub. Definitely more faithful. No "Tak" or "Iggy" or rapcore opening themes. Definitely better dub... although there's no way I could listen to the whole thing in English. Itsuki still sounds pretty dudebro even when he's not a ninja turtle.

Samurai Champloo's dub is widely considered good, and I almost recommended the series. However, I decided against it because (like Cowboy Bebop) it is largely an episodic series, with at least one or two mind-numbingly boring episodes. But overall, it is a very high-quality series, very recommendable in general; I just wasn't sure it quite met OP's criteria.

Well, she didn't say she hated CB, so I figured it was good enough to recommend.

[Silhouettic]

Sukeban Deka
Vampire Princess Miyu (the original OVA's)
3x3 Eyes
Any of the Lupin movies... download a heap and watch 'em back to back
Slayers/Slayers Next/Slayers Try
Burn Up W/Excess
Gunsmith Cats
Ranma 1/2
Eureka 7
Ikki Tousen (maybe not so much story, but it's short and it's fun, with plenty of action)
Jubei-Chan: Ninja Girl
Tokyo Babylon
Licensed by Royalty
Orphen (it got harder to watch towards the end, but it's a good series, just don't start thinking "Sword of Bar-tenders...")
Battle Skipper (sooooo naff, but great)
Bubblegum Crisis/2040 (do NOT watch Crash)
AD Police
Revolutionary Girl Utena
Gunslinger Girl (be prepared for the FEELS)
RG Veda

I can't believe you dropped Soul Eater! It's one of the few newer anime which COMPELLED me to keep watching, haha.

I may or may not have my nostalgia goggles on.

[Tiffanys]

Just to throw this out there, but I absolutely hated Neon Genesis Evangelion... so you'd better hope they have very little in common.

But it wasn't because of a kid being forced to fight giant aliens in a mecha. It was because it was long, boring, depressing, and the main character was beyond a wuss, and retarded. Oh and it pretty much built up to nothing happening, and was extremely overhyped. Everyone kept saying it was "soooo good" so I just kept waiting and waiting for something amazing to happen and the series to pick up, but it never did. It felt kinda like watching a mecha anime where the main protagonist was Raki from the Claymore anime (the one in manga was ok), except instead of being emotional he was just depressed and filled with angst... It was like watching Twilight without the vampires... just following around this boring angsty girl.

P.S. Silhouettic I've seen Ikkitousen and it's even on the list in the OP. Also, Eureka Seven was the worst anime I've ever seen in my life and has been one of the two (Ergo Proxy being the second) that I've actually deleted from my HDD it was so bad.

Soul Eater was like... a kids cartoon. Definitely the younger side of shōnen, even the animation was very child-like.

@The Melancholy of Haruhi Suzumiya - I've seen it. Not sure why it wasn't on my list. Probably cause I watched it before I started the list and it just didn't come to mind. But uh... that doesn't even remotely qualify for what I asked for in this thread. 

Remember guys, Action + Marathonable. I don't just want every dub you've ever seen... I want things that are as marathonable as something like Dragon Ball Z.

[bpfoley89]

RahXephon was quite the masterpiece. Sadly it keeps getting compared to Neon Genesis Evangelion because of the "Confused young man has to pilot a giant mecha to fight off giant invaders with different shapes and powers" mechanic, but, aside from that being used as the secondary plot driving point, RahXephon had nothing in common with NGE.

Yeah, you won't be disappointed at RahXephon's dub. And calling it and EVA clone is horribly inaccurate.

I've seen you make a couple statements recently saying NGE and RahXephon have very little in common.   I'm not trying to knock either one, but they certainly have more than minor similarities.  Have you actually watched both series?  I don't see NGE in your MAL.

Sorry if this derails the thread, I'd be glad to discuss it in PMs or elsewhere.

I've seen it, but its been about 4-5 years since I rewatched it so I didn't wanna put it on my MAL till I did so again to see if my opinion changed about it.

Yeah, you won't be disappointed at RahXephon's dub. And calling it an EVA clone is horribly inaccurate.

At the risk of old meme resurrection, oh really?

You can find those themes in TONS of anime and even old children's shows. The characters are different, the situations are different, the mindfuck is different, the pacing is different, and most of the "scene commonalities" in your link are a stretch. They used common things people actually do, so all the EVA die-hards went nuts. They never talk about all the scenes and conversations in RahXephon which were unique, which was at least 80% of them. Most of the commonalities anyway, are religious references, so NGE can't really call itself original if it's using those as a comparison.

Just to throw this out there, but I absolutely hated Neon Genesis Evangelion... so you'd better hope they have very little in common.

But it wasn't because of a kid being forced to fight giant aliens in a mecha. It was because it was long, boring, depressing, and the main character was beyond a wuss, and retarded. Oh and it pretty much built up to nothing happening, and was extremely overhyped. Everyone kept saying it was "soooo good" so I just kept waiting and waiting for something amazing to happen and the series to pick up, but it never did. It felt kinda like watching a mecha anime where the main protagonist was Raki from the Claymore anime (the one in manga was ok), except instead of being emotional he was just depressed and filled with angst... It was like watching Twilight without the vampires... just following around this boring angsty girl.

That's prettymuch how I felt when I first watched NGE, and it only seemed worse the second time around.

As far as Ayato (RahXephon's main guy), he starts out like your average guy who lived an average uneventful life. He's more useful than Shinji even in the first episode. Of course, he does get a little "I'm not gonna fight, you people lied to me and are treating me like shit", but grows out of that quickly and finds a reason to fight.

While NGE was about madness and destruction, RahXephon was about harmony and recreation.

[Al_Sleeper]

While NGE was about madness and destruction, RahXephon was about harmony and recreation.

And amazing ability of its authors to ignore basic physical laws, like the (im)probability of surviving on a small island hit by a 300 m tsunami .

[bunalz]

Ho-hum...

Tales of the Abyss
Inuyasha
Jigoku Shoujo 1-3
Hunter x Hunter
Flame of Recca
TMD: Kenichi

I'm not sure if it's just me but other than MSG Wing, the other Gundams were very tiring to watch. Do you hate One Piece, Fairy Tail etc?

[Tiffanys]

Do you hate One Piece, Fairy Tail etc?

Haven't seen either of those, so I couldn't say.

Though, I did hate Gintama. Dropped it on episode 1. xD

[Silhouettic]

P.S. Silhouettic I've seen Ikkitousen and it's even on the list in the OP. Also, Eureka Seven was the worst anime I've ever seen in my life and has been one of the two (Ergo Proxy being the second) that I've actually deleted from my HDD it was so bad.

Apologies, was up for over 48hrs when I replied to your post, may have missed a couple of things you'd seen. No need to snap

[Tiffanys]

Alright out of the ones suggested so far I've now watched Broken Blade & RahXephon. I think next I'll watch C.

Could anyone that's seen a lot of these help narrow down the choices a bit in some sort of discernible order of which you feel like I'll probably think is the best of the suggested? My anime list is in my sig if you want to check out how I've rated some other potentially similar shows if that helps.