December 29th, 2024
My Top 5 Anime of 2024
Anime Relations: Beastars Final Season, Kinnikuman: Kanpeki Choujin Shiso-hen, Mashle: Shinkakusha Kouho Senbatsu Shiken-hen, Kuroshitsuji: Kishuku Gakkou-hen, Bleach: Sennen Kessen-hen - Soukoku-tan, Dandadan, Dead Dead Demons Dededede Destruction (ONA)
This was a pretty great year for anime so it was kind of hard to put an order to this top 5! Keep in mind this does not include long-running anime or movies or specials, so stuff like the One Piece anime, Fan Letter, and the movie Look Back do not count, though they all deserve to be recognized as fantastic. I also wanted to name a few "honorable mentions that I enjoyed this year but that didn't make the list:
Honorable Mentions:
Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc
Mashle Season 2 (How about that OP?)
The List!
5. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3
To me, this is the best season of Bleach we've gotten so far. The first two parts of TYBW were already a huge step up in presentation from the original anime, but this felt like an even bigger upgrade. There was such an amazing cinematic vibe to this season, the animation, the color grading, the music, everything added up to the truest on-screen representation of the unmistakable Bleach vibe from the manga. And with all of the brilliant anime-original content that added more depth to certain characters like Uryu, the anime has officially surpassed the manga for me.
4.Dandadan
The second I found out that Dandadan, a manga I already loved, was going to be adapted into an anime by Science Saru, one of the best and most underrated anime studios of the times, I knew this would be great. And it somehow ended up better than I even expected. This adaptation just oozes with love for the source material and for the medium of animation in general. In a way it’s almost like a modern day FLCL. From the already classic OP (somehow only the 2nd best Creepy Nuts OP of the year though…) to the charasmatic voice acting, everything about this just works. It’s no wonder it became such a huge runaway hit this year.
3.Black Butler: Public School Arc
I have been an avid fan of Black Butler for ages at this point, so there was no doubt that as long as they stuck to the story (unlike season 2…) and did a good job with the presentation that this was going to make my list, and here it is. It was great to finally have the anime back and I think CloverWorks did a great job taking over the series from A-1 Pictures. Plenty of mystery, humor and British gentlemenly vibes make this another great installment in the franchise, and the cricket contest remains one of the most memorable parts of the series.
2.Beastars: Final Season Part 1
This was a bit of a surprise this year as the final season was originally announced to be coming out next year, but part 1 slipped its way into the end of the year and into the 2nd place on my best of list. Beastars is a series I have loved since episode 1, with plenty of great social commentary as well as some of the craziest and most engaging storylines I have ever experienced in an anime. I also think this season is the best looking of the three, it feels like they really got the hang of the CG/2D hybrid style and I using it to its highest potential here. Melon is such a great intimidating and interesting villain, and Gosha and Yahya are two other great additions to the cast (I loved the special 2D Gosha ED for the one episode). The episode featuring Legoshi and his mother made me cry harder than any other series this year (yes, even more than that one Dandadan episode), there is such a geniune beauty to it that struck me to the core. Excellent, can’t wait for the final installment next year!
1.Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
This anime completely flew under the radar for the overall anime community this year which is such a damn shame. This is one of my favorite mangaka of all time’s first series to ever get an anime adaptation, and one of his best series as well, so you bet I was hyped for it. It was such a joy to see Asano’s unique artstyle being adapted to animation and his deep storyline which comments on human nature through the perspective of a group of normal girls in the middle of a world-wide alien crisis. Things were switched around in order and some things completely removed from the original manga, but despite that I found this to be an excellent adaptation and of all the new anime seasons to come out in 2024, I believe this one will be the one to stick with me the most.
Honorable Mentions:
Kinnikuman Perfect Origin Arc
Mashle Season 2 (How about that OP?)
The List!
5. Bleach: Thousand Year Blood War Part 3
To me, this is the best season of Bleach we've gotten so far. The first two parts of TYBW were already a huge step up in presentation from the original anime, but this felt like an even bigger upgrade. There was such an amazing cinematic vibe to this season, the animation, the color grading, the music, everything added up to the truest on-screen representation of the unmistakable Bleach vibe from the manga. And with all of the brilliant anime-original content that added more depth to certain characters like Uryu, the anime has officially surpassed the manga for me.
4.Dandadan
The second I found out that Dandadan, a manga I already loved, was going to be adapted into an anime by Science Saru, one of the best and most underrated anime studios of the times, I knew this would be great. And it somehow ended up better than I even expected. This adaptation just oozes with love for the source material and for the medium of animation in general. In a way it’s almost like a modern day FLCL. From the already classic OP (somehow only the 2nd best Creepy Nuts OP of the year though…) to the charasmatic voice acting, everything about this just works. It’s no wonder it became such a huge runaway hit this year.
3.Black Butler: Public School Arc
I have been an avid fan of Black Butler for ages at this point, so there was no doubt that as long as they stuck to the story (unlike season 2…) and did a good job with the presentation that this was going to make my list, and here it is. It was great to finally have the anime back and I think CloverWorks did a great job taking over the series from A-1 Pictures. Plenty of mystery, humor and British gentlemenly vibes make this another great installment in the franchise, and the cricket contest remains one of the most memorable parts of the series.
2.Beastars: Final Season Part 1
This was a bit of a surprise this year as the final season was originally announced to be coming out next year, but part 1 slipped its way into the end of the year and into the 2nd place on my best of list. Beastars is a series I have loved since episode 1, with plenty of great social commentary as well as some of the craziest and most engaging storylines I have ever experienced in an anime. I also think this season is the best looking of the three, it feels like they really got the hang of the CG/2D hybrid style and I using it to its highest potential here. Melon is such a great intimidating and interesting villain, and Gosha and Yahya are two other great additions to the cast (I loved the special 2D Gosha ED for the one episode). The episode featuring Legoshi and his mother made me cry harder than any other series this year (yes, even more than that one Dandadan episode), there is such a geniune beauty to it that struck me to the core. Excellent, can’t wait for the final installment next year!
1.Dead Dead Demon’s Dededede Destruction
This anime completely flew under the radar for the overall anime community this year which is such a damn shame. This is one of my favorite mangaka of all time’s first series to ever get an anime adaptation, and one of his best series as well, so you bet I was hyped for it. It was such a joy to see Asano’s unique artstyle being adapted to animation and his deep storyline which comments on human nature through the perspective of a group of normal girls in the middle of a world-wide alien crisis. Things were switched around in order and some things completely removed from the original manga, but despite that I found this to be an excellent adaptation and of all the new anime seasons to come out in 2024, I believe this one will be the one to stick with me the most.
Posted by SamBlack | Dec 29, 2024 10:00 AM | 0 comments
December 26th, 2023
My Top 5 Anime of 2023
Anime Relations: Jujutsu Kaisen 2nd Season, Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season - Kanketsu-hen, Mashle, Spy x Family Season 2, Dr. Stone: New World Part 2
I almost didn't do this for this year because it felt like a surprisingly dry year for new anime in my opinion (the One Piece anime took the cake this year but since it's not seasonal it doesn't count), but in the end I decided to do it anyway! This will probably be pretty different from other people's lists because I couldn't really get into a lot of the big hits from this year (Oshi No Ko, Freiren) so don't be surprised when they're not there.
5. Dr. Stone New World Part 2
Dr. Stone has always been somewhat of a favorite of mine, although I do prefer the manga more than the anime just because of the art and paneling. In my opinion this season is easily the best one so far with what felt like the perfect balance of science and battles with a sprinkle of heartwarming scenes.
4. Mashle
Probably my biggest surprise of the year, a Harry Potter spoof that turned into a One Punch Man-esque battle shonen brought me some of the best laughs of the year. Hilarious and colorful characters, a fun magic system and and some spot-on slapstick made this series a favorite for me this year!
3. Spy X Family Season 2
Okay, it's not quite on par with the community-shattering event that was season 1, but it is still pure quality. No one does gritty action mixed with adorable heart-melting family bonding better than this series. We need more media that highlights family values these days, and this is a great example of that. I'm looking forward to the movie.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
As a manga reader I already knew this season was going to be good, but it went farther than I even imagined. It’s no secret about all the drama behind the scenes with Mappa Animation, but despite that the studio has pulled off a beautifully cinematic anime season for one of the greatest story arcs in recent shonen history.
1.Attack On Titan Final Season Part 3
Yes, it was only two specials, but to me this was the best we got all year (aside from the One Piece deal I mentioned at the beginning). From the devastating tragedy of The Rumbling to the swooping action of the Battle of Heaven and Earth, Attack On Titan delivered a very powerful ending to a series I followed for ten years of my life, and one that will stick in my mind for years to come. My only 10 of the year, but to be honest even in a good year this probably would have topped the list. My hats off to everyone at Mappa and to Hajime Isayama for pulling off one of the greatest stories ever told!
5. Dr. Stone New World Part 2
Dr. Stone has always been somewhat of a favorite of mine, although I do prefer the manga more than the anime just because of the art and paneling. In my opinion this season is easily the best one so far with what felt like the perfect balance of science and battles with a sprinkle of heartwarming scenes.
4. Mashle
Probably my biggest surprise of the year, a Harry Potter spoof that turned into a One Punch Man-esque battle shonen brought me some of the best laughs of the year. Hilarious and colorful characters, a fun magic system and and some spot-on slapstick made this series a favorite for me this year!
3. Spy X Family Season 2
Okay, it's not quite on par with the community-shattering event that was season 1, but it is still pure quality. No one does gritty action mixed with adorable heart-melting family bonding better than this series. We need more media that highlights family values these days, and this is a great example of that. I'm looking forward to the movie.
2. Jujutsu Kaisen Season 2
As a manga reader I already knew this season was going to be good, but it went farther than I even imagined. It’s no secret about all the drama behind the scenes with Mappa Animation, but despite that the studio has pulled off a beautifully cinematic anime season for one of the greatest story arcs in recent shonen history.
1.Attack On Titan Final Season Part 3
Yes, it was only two specials, but to me this was the best we got all year (aside from the One Piece deal I mentioned at the beginning). From the devastating tragedy of The Rumbling to the swooping action of the Battle of Heaven and Earth, Attack On Titan delivered a very powerful ending to a series I followed for ten years of my life, and one that will stick in my mind for years to come. My only 10 of the year, but to be honest even in a good year this probably would have topped the list. My hats off to everyone at Mappa and to Hajime Isayama for pulling off one of the greatest stories ever told!
Posted by SamBlack | Dec 26, 2023 9:33 AM | 0 comments
December 29th, 2022
My Top 5 Anime of 2022
Anime Relations: Chainsaw Man, Kimetsu no Yaiba: Yuukaku-hen, Shingeki no Kyojin: The Final Season Part 2, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 6: Stone Ocean, Mob Psycho 100 III, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 6: Stone Ocean Part 2, JoJo no Kimyou na Bouken Part 6: Stone Ocean Part 3
I haven't done this since 2018 but since there was lots of good stuff this year I figured I'd do a top 5 list!
5. Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc
I have been enjoying Demon Slayer since the first season, but I think this and the Mugen Train film really cemented it as a a great battle shonen with its own voice. Lots of excellent animated sequences and character moments in this season, it is clear that the author Koyoharu Gotouge understands what beats to hit for a great and thrilling action shonen and does it in the most impactful way possible.
4. Attack On Titan The Final Season Part 2
(Technically this season started last year with part 1 but since they're so far apart I consider them separate seasons)
To me this is the greatest installment of Attack On Titan yet, I know many people still prefer season 3 but to me this season blows even that out of the water. Mappa was able to create a grittier, darker, more mature vibe for the series as the subject matter goes further into the bleak. The plot twists were insane and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode every week. This is some of the greatest dramatic writing I have ever seen in anime and I am really looking forward to the final installment next year!
3. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 6: Stone Ocean
One of the more divisive JoJo parts, but this has always been one of my top favorites in the series, for me even better than the fan-favorite Golden Wind. And this adaptation just cemented that even further for me, a carefully crafted build-up to possibly the most climactic final act in any JoJo part. One of the best villains in the whole series with Pucci, a great and bittersweet ending, this was a perfect send-off for the original JoJo universe. Whether we will get an adaptation of the true greatest JoJo part, Steel Ball Run, is yet to be seen, but for now I am extremely satisfied with all the great work David Productions has done for this series.
2. Mob Psycho 100 III
One of the greatest anime of all time has finally come to an end, and what an ending it was. A series that on the surface was a telekinetic battle shonen was actually a coming-of-age school comedy/drama in the end. Just like the previous two seasons, the animation is stellar, the comedy is hilarious, the drama touches your heart and it just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This is definitely one of those great manga/anime that didn't fumble the ending. I really appreciate all the clear hard work and passion that the people at Studio Bones put into this adaptation. It's a marvel this didn't end up being my number one this year.
1. Chainsaw Man
For the first time in almost ten years an anime came in and claimed a spot in my top 5 anime of all time! I had been a big fan of the manga for a while but this adaptation just deepened my love for the series. Chainsaw Man creates its own vibe and doesn't really feel like anything else I have ever seen before. I love the world, the characters, the story, the way it balances silliness with real drama, the over-the-topness and also the subtlety. To me this was an easy number one for the year and a series that has impacted me more than most other series could ever claim to do.
5. Demon Slayer: Entertainment District Arc
I have been enjoying Demon Slayer since the first season, but I think this and the Mugen Train film really cemented it as a a great battle shonen with its own voice. Lots of excellent animated sequences and character moments in this season, it is clear that the author Koyoharu Gotouge understands what beats to hit for a great and thrilling action shonen and does it in the most impactful way possible.
4. Attack On Titan The Final Season Part 2
(Technically this season started last year with part 1 but since they're so far apart I consider them separate seasons)
To me this is the greatest installment of Attack On Titan yet, I know many people still prefer season 3 but to me this season blows even that out of the water. Mappa was able to create a grittier, darker, more mature vibe for the series as the subject matter goes further into the bleak. The plot twists were insane and I found myself on the edge of my seat waiting for the next episode every week. This is some of the greatest dramatic writing I have ever seen in anime and I am really looking forward to the final installment next year!
3. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 6: Stone Ocean
One of the more divisive JoJo parts, but this has always been one of my top favorites in the series, for me even better than the fan-favorite Golden Wind. And this adaptation just cemented that even further for me, a carefully crafted build-up to possibly the most climactic final act in any JoJo part. One of the best villains in the whole series with Pucci, a great and bittersweet ending, this was a perfect send-off for the original JoJo universe. Whether we will get an adaptation of the true greatest JoJo part, Steel Ball Run, is yet to be seen, but for now I am extremely satisfied with all the great work David Productions has done for this series.
2. Mob Psycho 100 III
One of the greatest anime of all time has finally come to an end, and what an ending it was. A series that on the surface was a telekinetic battle shonen was actually a coming-of-age school comedy/drama in the end. Just like the previous two seasons, the animation is stellar, the comedy is hilarious, the drama touches your heart and it just makes you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. This is definitely one of those great manga/anime that didn't fumble the ending. I really appreciate all the clear hard work and passion that the people at Studio Bones put into this adaptation. It's a marvel this didn't end up being my number one this year.
1. Chainsaw Man
For the first time in almost ten years an anime came in and claimed a spot in my top 5 anime of all time! I had been a big fan of the manga for a while but this adaptation just deepened my love for the series. Chainsaw Man creates its own vibe and doesn't really feel like anything else I have ever seen before. I love the world, the characters, the story, the way it balances silliness with real drama, the over-the-topness and also the subtlety. To me this was an easy number one for the year and a series that has impacted me more than most other series could ever claim to do.
Posted by SamBlack | Dec 29, 2022 7:25 PM | 0 comments
December 15th, 2018
My Top Five Anime of 2018!
It’s time for the top five anime list of the year! this was a pretty good year for anime, some really, really good ones that I will remember for years to come. I had a lot to say about my choices this year, sorry it end up kind of long LOL. Check it out if you’d like and let me know what anime you enjoyed this year! <3
5. Pop Team Epic
This anime seriously surprised me! At first I almost couldn’t stand it, but once I got into its mindset, I thought it was one of the funniest anime I’ve seen all year. I also really admired it’s creativity and that it was willing to try all kinds of different things and give up-and-coming animators freedom to do whatever. Definitely one of the most unique anime you’ll ever see!
4.Golden Kamuy
This was another surprise from this year. I had heard some good things about the Golden Kamuy manga, but I wasn’t at all expecting just how how amazing this series is turning out to be! This is an outstanding action/adventure series that manages to throw in elements of comedy, historical, horror, and even gourmet seamlessly throughout its story. Amazing plot progression and great well-thought-out characters are what drive the series, but its the little things that add up and make this one of the most enjoyable anime I’ve seen this year.
3.Steins;Gate 0
Not quite a sequel and not quite a prequel (a midquel?) to the original Steins;Gate, which just happens to be one of my top 10 favorite anime of all time, I was concerned that Steins;Gate 0 wouldn’t be able to live up to the masterpiece that was the original. Luckily, my concern turned out to be unfounded, because this was a great alternate timeline story from the Steins;Gate universe that did a wonderful job recapturing the spirit of the original. Steins;Gate 0 is able to tell a story we’ve never seen before and further flesh out characters we already know and love while adding new favorites. I wouldn’t say it’s exactly on par with the 2011 anime, but it is definitely a satisfying story that deserves a place in this legendary franchise.
2.Devilman Crybaby
Leave it to Masaaki Yuasa to revive a manga from the 1970’s, breathe new life into it and make it a modern-day classic. Devilman finally got an anime that gives the iconic story justice. The animation is remarkable (of course, since this is Yuasa we’re talking about) and it also does a great job of modernizing a story from 40 years ago to resonate with a new generation. The story is just as powerful as ever, if not more so. The soundtrack is possibly the best one I’ve heard this year. It would’ve been the best anime of the whole year if it wasn’t for my number one sneaking its way in at the last second…
1.JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind
The anime we almost gave up on ever seeing has finally arrived this year! Being a long-time JoJo fan, it has been an absolute joy to finally see Part 5 animated, and luckily David Productions seems to be going all-out this time around. Some scenes have been greatly improved over their manga counterparts, which were already great to begin with. We’ve even got some anime-original scenes that have elevated some episodes to even greater heights. Fighting Gold is also by far the greatest anime opening we’ve had this year. As of writing this, the anime is still airing, and its been making every Friday so much fun!
5. Pop Team Epic
This anime seriously surprised me! At first I almost couldn’t stand it, but once I got into its mindset, I thought it was one of the funniest anime I’ve seen all year. I also really admired it’s creativity and that it was willing to try all kinds of different things and give up-and-coming animators freedom to do whatever. Definitely one of the most unique anime you’ll ever see!
4.Golden Kamuy
This was another surprise from this year. I had heard some good things about the Golden Kamuy manga, but I wasn’t at all expecting just how how amazing this series is turning out to be! This is an outstanding action/adventure series that manages to throw in elements of comedy, historical, horror, and even gourmet seamlessly throughout its story. Amazing plot progression and great well-thought-out characters are what drive the series, but its the little things that add up and make this one of the most enjoyable anime I’ve seen this year.
3.Steins;Gate 0
Not quite a sequel and not quite a prequel (a midquel?) to the original Steins;Gate, which just happens to be one of my top 10 favorite anime of all time, I was concerned that Steins;Gate 0 wouldn’t be able to live up to the masterpiece that was the original. Luckily, my concern turned out to be unfounded, because this was a great alternate timeline story from the Steins;Gate universe that did a wonderful job recapturing the spirit of the original. Steins;Gate 0 is able to tell a story we’ve never seen before and further flesh out characters we already know and love while adding new favorites. I wouldn’t say it’s exactly on par with the 2011 anime, but it is definitely a satisfying story that deserves a place in this legendary franchise.
2.Devilman Crybaby
Leave it to Masaaki Yuasa to revive a manga from the 1970’s, breathe new life into it and make it a modern-day classic. Devilman finally got an anime that gives the iconic story justice. The animation is remarkable (of course, since this is Yuasa we’re talking about) and it also does a great job of modernizing a story from 40 years ago to resonate with a new generation. The story is just as powerful as ever, if not more so. The soundtrack is possibly the best one I’ve heard this year. It would’ve been the best anime of the whole year if it wasn’t for my number one sneaking its way in at the last second…
1.JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure Part 5: Golden Wind
The anime we almost gave up on ever seeing has finally arrived this year! Being a long-time JoJo fan, it has been an absolute joy to finally see Part 5 animated, and luckily David Productions seems to be going all-out this time around. Some scenes have been greatly improved over their manga counterparts, which were already great to begin with. We’ve even got some anime-original scenes that have elevated some episodes to even greater heights. Fighting Gold is also by far the greatest anime opening we’ve had this year. As of writing this, the anime is still airing, and its been making every Friday so much fun!
Posted by SamBlack | Dec 15, 2018 10:29 AM | 0 comments
April 21st, 2018
Top 5 Whole Cake Island Arc Moments
Anime Relations: One Piece
Now that the Whole Cake Island arc is over in the One Piece manga, I have decided to list my top 5 moments of the arc overall! I also have to say, this was definitely one of my favorite arcs in the whole series so far (and not just because I'm a Sanji fanboy!)
So here it is:
5. Sanji vs. Luffy
4. Carrot's Su-Long Form
3. Pedro's sacrifice
2. Sanji calling Pudding's third eye beautiful
1. Luffy vs. Katakuri
Honarable mentions:
Luffy vs Cracker
Pound's sacrifice
Sanji and Pudding's kiss
So here it is:
5. Sanji vs. Luffy
4. Carrot's Su-Long Form
3. Pedro's sacrifice
2. Sanji calling Pudding's third eye beautiful
1. Luffy vs. Katakuri
Honarable mentions:
Luffy vs Cracker
Pound's sacrifice
Sanji and Pudding's kiss
Posted by SamBlack | Apr 21, 2018 8:46 PM | 0 comments