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This comes as an afterthought about fantasy anime. I don't know if you watch older titles, like from the 80's or not. But, I can recommend a very good fantasy by name of Record of Lodoss War OVA. No tsunderes or fanservice at all. I wouldn't bother with the TV series Record of Lodoss War, Chronicle of the Heroic Knight. It isn't nearly as good. Much of the same cast is in it but in more minor roles.

Erin has action. But, as with most works by that author, this anime is really a character study of Erin and her life growing up and becoming an adult. She also works with some rather dangerous animals in this story. To say it is fast paced would be somewhat misleading, but, it is a very interesting story none the less. I gave Moribito an 8 and Erin a 9. I tell people all the time that Kemono no Souja Erin is the best anime you have never heard of. Erin is a strong character, and we get to see why in this anime. Balsa was strong when we meet her and don't fully know why. Both stories are enjoyable, but I favor Erin. You probably will not be disappointed if you watch it. There is some nice music in it as well. Both stories deal with political issues, too.

That's true. I am sure, though, that most viewers of Gankutsuou have no idea where it came from. Torrents are notoriously lacking in information.I had bought the series specifically because it was an adaptation of the Dumas Classic. I wanted to see how they pulled this off. I think they did a really good job, but I can still only award an 8. I am due for a re-watch sometime in the next couple months, so we shall see what I give it then. I revise ratings up or down depending on what I see when I re-watch. I seriously doubt it would go down as I do like it very much. But time will tell if it remains an 8 or goes higher.

As far as Monster goes, I doubt I will ever see another of that genre that comes close to it. It is an unforgettable story with at least a couple unforgettable characters, namely Tenma, Johan and Anna (Nina).

It is interesting that you refer to Anna Liebert as Nina Fortner, too. I seem to always call her that when I discuss her with friends here on MAL. Half of them can't remember that she WAS Nina for about 25 or 30 episodes.

I have a preference for darker characters as well. Of course, I also like the really positive ones, like Akari Mizunashi of the Aria work.

Monster is easily the best of genre for psychological thrillers. I would not go as far as saying it's the best anime ever. I probably have not watched the best ever, but I aim to do so.

The only real problem I have with Gankutsuou is that its an adaptation of an already existing story, namely the Dumas Classic, The Count of Monte Cristo. As such, it is only mildly original. That is why I can't go over an 8 for it.

Interesting pairing...Monster and Gankutsuou. I liked both but Monster is one of the finest anime ever done. Gankutsuou was an experiment and it worked. Too bad that art style is not in any other work.

Since you also have watched Versailles no Bara, I recommend Glass Mask (2005). It is excellent but not a historical anime.

I also noticed you PTW Mononoke. Before you do, I would recommend you watch the third arc of Ayakashi or Japanese Horror Tales. Goblin Cat is terrific!

EDIT: Since you like Revy, you will love Loco Koko Hekmatyar in Jormungand. And, I really liked Anna Liebert in Monster. She was an excellent character.