I always loved the Slayers series, it was one of my first ones other then Magic Knight Rayearth and yes, Sailor Moon lol... its so hard to find that fantasy genre in animes though so I really held onto the series.  I find a lot of Gourry in myself and I like that in a character, when I can relate to a person makes for easier cosplay.  A shame the new season doesnt have the same magic... but maybe thats just me.