Last Exile is a new show airing in Japan right 
now.  I have about 6 eps of it, give or take 
one, and I must say it is the most visually 
stunning anime I think I have ever seen.  It's 
amazing, and I think it perfectly sums up where 
anime is headed.  With the new technology 
available to the studios, the use of CG, and 
being forced to delve really deeply for new 
storylines and characters, studios are pushing 
the envelope big time.  A lot of the newer anime 
I have seen are a lot richer in both art and 
storyline.  Last Exile is just...breathtakingly 
gorgeous, and the story is also very good as far 
as I can tell.  I have only seem a little of it, 
but so far Im hooked.  

Wolf's Rain is also very good.  It's in the same 
vein as Cowboy Bebop and Last Exile.  Gorgeous 
show, very deep storyline.  In all, I think 
anime is moving in a great direction!  I love 
the silly shows as much as anyone...but this new 
serious (i.e. no uber huge pink eyes) genre is 
really flying with me.  The Ghost in the Shell 
series is also turning out to be quite good.  
Again, beautiful art, very adult in theme (no 
magical rabbit creatures, etc.).  The tachikomas 
are cute, but not toooo cute ^_^.  I highly 
suggest all these anime if you all can nab some 
fansubs, you wont be sorry!  I could name off a 
few more, but there's no need for me to babble 
on @_@;;;