As a reader, something non-familiar gets my attention in good and bad ways: good because *different* and therefore interesting, bad because I'm on the alert for something offensive--especially because there's often a disconnect between how things are packaged and how they really are, and the packaging could make it look worse than it is.

I also have a slight preference for localized stuff, whether real or fictional, because I like worldbuilding and I'm not afraid to say so.

Finally, I have a big long thing recommending _Fullmetal Alchemist_ => : http://kate-nepveu.livejournal.com/136826.html