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When the weaboo era had hit the internet around '08 or '09, I believe I was still in middle school time; young, naive, and a hopeless romantic (though I won't deny the fact I probably still am a hopeless romantic now it seems hA). I revered Clannad as of the most subperb, subliminal, greatest thing to ever be created-- like a kiss blown by God himself. I learned all of the piano songs, mentioned any references if I could, drew dango everywhere... and well, you kind of get the picture.

Now after graduating high school, entering into university and being introduced to a plethora of ... other anime with different genres, I literally have to fight the urge to not punch myself in the face and cringe as to how much I idolized Clannad when I was younger.

(there's a tl;dr at the bottom if you do not want to read my full frustration and anger)

Story and Character: 4

Looking back and taking a long while to reevaluate the anime again, it was filled with sub-par to mediocre devices that dragged an already mediocre storyline from season 1. My cousin urged me to watch it because it was one of the most greatest anime at its time (I had really just wanted to jump on the bandwagon), but to be completely honest, I was already ready to drop the anime the first few episodes by how boring, bland, and slow the plot was (I'm pointing at the Fuuko arc) (although that review should be saved for the first season). And much to its early predecessor, After Story follows the same premise. If I can remember correctly, the arcs within the second season were unmemorable and terribly characterized, living off of the deus ex machina trope to save the day. The plot relies heavily on melodramatic clichés and pathos to appeal to its viewer, and I believe that very same device really creates the misconception of how basic the plot actually is (because the very same thing happened to me when I was younger).

The characters introduced in season one were swept off to a corner basically as the plot focused on Tomoya and Nagisa's relationship and maturation as a couple, family, individuals etc. To be completely honest, Tomoya is probably the only redeeming character of the anime and the most memorable to say the least. I was especially empathetic towards him during the arc with his father. Definite props to the writers for addressing a very real, raw conflict and theme that can be exemplified in every day lives.

Art: 5
THE DANG EYES. WHAT ARE THOSE EYES. Other than that, the artwork was actually pretty good.

Sound: 8
Now this was probably one of the most memorable things of the anime that still resonates with me today; the melody of 'Dango Daikazoku' definitely tugs at my inner laden nostalgia especially. There are many tracks I would definitely relisten to.

TL;DR
Although After Story may be a decent watch, it definitely does not deserve a spot in the top 10 considering there are far better anime that are far beautifully detailed, elaborate, and well written than Clannad. Really, the only reason I can draw After Story's high reverence by casual viewers alike could only be its excessive implementation of melodramatic scenes. After Story manipulates this to its advantage when in reality the plot has no real density at all. Yes some anime may be very touching and moving, even to the point of tears, but just because it's so unbelievably sappy and melodramatic DOES NOT make it one of the greatest anime to be created.

I literally shake my head at the rushed excuse of a deus ex machina ending the writers decided to take.

Story: 5
Although I do understand that this anime is very much reminiscent of the randomness of Nichijou and its main aspect is focused on comedy, it's either a hit or miss for some viewers. Unfortunately for me, the show eventually fell flat towards the final episodes (I stopped at episode 10, then skipped to 12 for the ending). I guess as a viewer, I enjoy a nice anime with a plot. Now I know this isn't a valid reason to bash on GSNK, because the anime is a lighthearted comedy, but from a personal preference, I prefer plot over comedy (this is solely a personal ... preference so you can disregard this piece of information). I did love the random antics each episode provided with new introduction of varied characters also, but after a while the comedy began falling flat and it got sort of repetitive. There are however sweet moments which I really cherish and thought were adorable! I really loved the ending (fluff fluff fluff fluff), it was very moving considering it’s a romantic comedy. It almost brought me to tears hehe (who am I kidding, I had tears in my eyes already). I do like how the anime is almost as a parody of shoujo, something quite new and fresh.

Art: 9
The production team definitely provides quality and detail in their work just by looking at the scenery, lighting, and structures. I love the colorful designs of each character.

Sound: 8
To be honest, there wasn't really anything memorable from the OST, but like most OSTs, it did help paint a nice atmosphere when necessary. (I did however love a cello piece, I hope to find what it's called).

Character: 6
I love the wide variety of characters the writers have provided, although at times I feel confused about their personalities. Does Hori have a love interest with Kashima? Or is it sort of a Senpai-Kouhai complex? Either way, the characters do make me feel conflicted at times. Also, they seem too predictable at times also… Mikoshiba will act in his gaudy persona only to regret it and sulk to Sakura. Kashima is almost the same as Mikoshiba (except not sulking afterwards), only to have Hori hurl some sort of object to her head. As much as I understand Nozaki being extremely dedicated to being a mangaka, I sort of feel he is overdoing it maybe a smudge bit too much… thus making him seem predictable (even Sakura feels the same way!). Seo is always up to her mischievous antics also.

Enjoyment: 8
All in all, it was a pretty lighthearted watch. I would recommend if you want a good laugh out of your day.

Overall: 7

I've stumbled upon the name 'Aldnoah.Zero' when I was on social media, and it never really left me since. I've heard good reviews about the show and to my surprise the soundtrack was composed by Hiroyuki Sawano, one of my favorite anime composers (Guilty Crown, Kill la Kill, and Shingeki no Kyojin are one of my favorite works from him) so I was very eager to watch! So I made some time to watch the anime in one sitting (call me a douche :p), and I was utterly disappointed.

Spoilers below:

Story: 8
From the start, I was immediately mesmerized by the unique storytelling of the Martians/Tehrans (is ... that how you spell it?) and was very interested to know more about the history of aldnoah and the lineage bestowed with powers by the celestials. The story had (I really want to stress this) a lot A LOT of potential to be really good had it not been for the characters (which I will take time to explain later). Although the story was not to blame for it’s overall bad enjoyment, it was rather the characters and the overall execution/pacing of the anime that really killed it for me… The story stand alone is worthy of praise by itself in its uniqueness and mystery, disregarding all other aspects.

Art: 6
The art was alright, nothing else really stood out. The scenery was very beautifully detailed at times (especially the skies), but the setting was either on earth (morning or sunset), or a dark ambient castle setting on Mars.

Sound: 6
My favorite tracks were any songs sung by Mika Kobayashi; her voice is absolutely mesmerizing and clearly distinguishable in a good way! However, I was expecting more of Sawano after his great works with Guilty Crown, Shingeki no Kyojin and Kill la Kill… there weren’t any tracks that stood out other than “Aliez”. I was hoping for a soundtrack maybe similar to Guilty Crown’s because the setting takes place in a somewhat futuristic dystopia.

Character: 3
From the get-go, I was already ready to drop the anime after the second episode after being introduced to Inaho, who is the most lame excuse of a Gary Stu I have ever seen. I think the anime tried portraying him as level-headed, cool, and clever boy but ending failing as result. His stoicism and lack of emotion was very unappealing and came off as super unnatural. I would have at least hoped he would have displayed some sort of development towards the end of the season but he didn't? Then the writers attempt to show that he actually had loved Princess Asseyllum when he had showed no emotion in the first place??? It just seems like a bunch of nonsense and contradicts the his whole character (which the writers badly wrote in the first place). Also, I could really care less about Inaho’s friends because they are just staple anime tropes that I have seen in dozens of other animes (but the reason to that could be because they are not necessarily focused on in the first place). I’m also confused by Cruhteo? Wasn’t he already aware of the plotted coup against the royal martian family when he had fought alongside the other nights or was he just never informed?? Because that basically meant he was fighting for nothing for over half the season which is complete bull. I never really cared about Rayesh either, maybe if they had given her a backstory I would have pitied her more, but I find her resolve and initiative really unworthy. I tried to like to Princess Asseylum because she was a main character but I just couldn't bring myself to like her. I can’t stand Mary Sues… I tried watching all the episodes but ending up stopping at 10 because I couldn’t take it anymore. The only character I found truly likable was Slaine. he actually had a backstory and showed human characteristics unlike other people in the anime. He had an unending determination to save Asseylum which I really admire.

Enjoyment: 3
Each episode tried so hard to leave off on a cliffhanger, and it didn't really work for me (if they were trying to achieve the same level that Shingeki no Kyojin was trying to do…), I just wasn't hooked. I will say this (like in all other reviews I have written) strong characters can carry a weak plot but weak characters cannot carry a strong plot. In the case of Aldnoah.Zero, the weak characters were unable to carry a strong plot all the way through, thus it turned to some sort of a convoluted mess in the end. I will however be watching the second season to see how things will change, knowing the show still has potential.

Overall: 6

I had heard about the rave hype from social blogging sites and was curious to check out this anime myself, and so I did. Although the run was very enjoyable and fun-filled, I was left with the same feeling when I began the series to when I finished it.

Story: 5/10
Although the interaction between other characters and learning more about the Shinto belief was interesting, there is no over arching climax or exposition throughout the anime. There may be instances of character development, but that's about it that the anime (at this point) seems to provide. However, I really want to stress that the story gets ... better and starts to pick up where the anime ended, so basing the overall story on the anime is too quick to judge. After finishing the anime, I was immediately hooked and motivated to read the rest and I was glad I did! The story got so interesting that I can't wait for a new chapter and second season to come out soon!

Art: 8/10
I'm actually quite amazed by the art. The action scenes are filled with fluidity which greatly appeals to me, and I've also taken time to observe the backdrops/backgrounds which the production seems to add a lot of intricate detail to. I'm very fond of the mangaka's style also.

Sound: 7/10
Although there are some tracks that stand out than others such as 'Conversation Heart' (one of my favorites tracks from the OST), the rest are pretty mediocre at best. It does help paint the atmosphere for the viewer, which I believe the production did a pretty good job at.

Character: 9/10
I must stress in all sorts of storytelling from novels, to television shows, and to even anime/manga: strong characters are able to carry a weak plot, but weak characters are unable to carry a strong plot. In the case of Noragami, what I believe truly kept viewers going and what carried the story till the end were the characters. Not only does Yato serve as a comic relief in the anime, he is also displayed with a range of dynamics that make his character very interesting than other protagonists, the same can be said about Yukine. Although I couldn't really stand Hiyori at first because she seemed very Mary Sue-ish, I knew I had to bear with it because she served as a major character within the anime. I was very interested in the characters that I had often forgotten about the plot of the anime at times. Even though the story was bit subtle, the character development of both Yukine and Yato caught my attention the most. I was so interested and involved in their development, it helped to connect with them.

Overall, 9/10. It was a fun watch and I hope to see a second season soon because it was very interesting. After reading the manga, I'm sure more people will definitely appreciate it more than they do now, and a second season will definitely increase its viewings. I really recommend to those who have rated the anime poorly to read the manga. The manga elaborates more on the plot and the story begins to pick up after the anime. Although the pacing may be a little sputtered at times, the plot is very interesting. Not only does the story pick up, but it also begins to explain things such as Yato's past, more history/lore pertaining to Regalias and Ayakashi. All in all, if you weren't satisfied with just the anime, I really recommend reading the manga up-to-date.