December 5th, 2015
My Fall 2015 Overview (November)
Anime Relations: Lupin III (2015), One Punch Man, Noragami Aragoto, Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou, Owarimonogatari, Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans
I am somewhat still watching those shows I initially picked so… let me do the ranking for this month. This is for episodes 6 to 9. I am happy that the majority of these shows got better (Starmyu, Concrete Revolutio, One Punch Man) while I am kinda frustrated with the current arc of Owarimonogatari and how Sakurako-san became a passable slice of life series.
GREAT
1. Noragami Aragoto – I can remember almost dropping this show in its first season when Yukine became the spoiled brat, Hiyori became useless, Bishamon attacking just because and Yato being the only character that is fun. Thankfully, I did not and I was rewarded this great sequel. It is a rare feat that a follow up is times better than the original and this show manages to mix action, drama and comedy seamlessly. With a plot that makes sense, mind you.
2. One Punch Man – My main concern about OPM being a one trick pony is thankfully cleared this month. We now know what kind of person Saitama is (what a batman) and the intricacies of the Superhero department. The limitless stupidity of the crowd can be reduced for less cringe though. While the animation quality dropped at one episode (was that episode 6?), its level is now considered as one of the year’s best. Yet I am still not sold as to why this should be the anime of 2015.
3. Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans – Its quality didn’t drop (although episode 8 is really slow and is the main reason why is it not placed at the top 2), the above two series only got better. Well, episode 7 of Gundam: IBO is the best episode this season and I am much more willing to write a 500 word essay as to why it is. Episode 9 highlighted how these children were really forced to grow up to adults even when they’re not under duress. They now realized that their decisions will lead to consequences and these won’t be pretty. Fix your pacing Gundam: IBO and this is a near perfect series.
VERY GOOD
4. Concrete Revolutio – The polar opposite of One Punch Man is really getting better for the past five or so episodes and I won’t be surprised if this ends up as my most favorite this season. I mean, the superhero deconstruction of this show is spot on mixed with snippets of melancholy now we see the Bureau’s true nature and Jiro’s growing disillusion with that department. Bonus points for interesting post-war commentaries. Episode 6 could be trimmed to 15 minutes though as the sides we will never meet again got too much exposure.
5. Lupin III (2015) – It’s still fun for what it is (the Japanese opening is cool and the artwork remains true to its series) but Goemon is the weakest link in this show. Episode 8 in particular is half funny and half heartwarming with Lupin freeing a hundred year old loli ghost from her misery. Episode 9? Not much. I am more interested with his ‘girl’ than him. Goemon is the anime equivalent of a wood in terms of enjoyment.
GOOD
6. Owarimonogatari– It seems like the Monogatari magic was all used up in the Sodachi lost arc and we have to suffer for Araragi-Kanbaru maniac banters for the first two episodes of Shinobu Mail. And. This. Is. Much. Slower. Than. The. Other. Monogatari. Arcs. Darn it. Move the plot! Or show me more Shinobu. Choose.
7.High School Star Musical– I don’t regret picking this series as the representative of fujoshi bait ones it is the most fun and sincere among the three. I believe it is kinda underrated but it deserves more love. I can never get over with episodes 6, 7 and 9 for which I believe are the better episodes this season. The power of nakama is high in this one. Episode 7 did what to do in a laugh out loud episode for more character development (bears and Team Hiragi crashing through the gates just to make a music video? LOL. A bear breaking the vase? Tengenji’s brand of moe?) and episode 9 is the sad emotional fallout of the Otori brothers. For fujoshis, the shipping opportunities in this show are high yet there are no fanservice in StarMyu. Yes. It is some your squeaky clean and fun equivalent of Love Live!
JUST DECENT
8. Sakurako-san - It was a shame that the mysteries didn’t work as intended. Thankfully, the slice of life component in this show is decent to powerful and we got a couple of good episodes (the grandma episode is moving and the bones found in the school mystery is just sad). The side characters got their exposure too. I am not too sure with their roles as we are now in the final arc.
9. Kagewani– For a horror show, it’s really creepy and manages to tell compelling stories under seven minutes. It felt like it’s the anime version of your creepy pasta for the last four episodes. Aside from the animation, it makes me want to ask now why does the main lead seem to know something but is ultimately useless in the end? Ugh.
10. Young Black Jack – It is kinda sad that I was not able to see more of its medical and ethical dilemmas. What we got here is your anti-left wing sentiments thrown for the sake of the plot feeling like it was set in the 60s. Thankfully, some of the later episodes became better (Episodes 8 and 9 are solid, Episode 7? Not much. I irked with the negative portrayal of the movement for equality of the colors there).
MEH
11. Comet Lucifer – What else not to say? This is how you do a series that does well at first only to do a long list of mistakes in the long run. Now why is it not listed as the last? The background sceneries are still good, the musical score is still on point and the fight scenes remain cool albeit with stupid reasons.
12. Shingeki no Kyojion: Junior High – Just don’t do jokes referencing to your original series and I am fine with you. The quality seemed to drop in these episodes although episode 9 is kinda decent with Berthold being doki doki around Annie and the laugh out loud episode 6 where our lovable prick (Jean) gets the spotlight.
13. Osomatsu-kun – I might be at fault here but I just cannot integrate myself with the Japanese centric jokes in this series. Sure, I am happy that this is projected to become the best selling series this season in Japan but… from a foreigner’s point of view, I cannot laugh with the jokes. Maybe it has something to do with cultural differences. What makes me want to watch this show even after I did not enjoy this is it knows that its absurd and it does its best in throwing off-the wall jokes even these do not land at all times.
14. Heavy Object – Ironically, I think Comet Lucifer’s better because that anime has energy despite doing what not to do in an anime series. This? No. Just. No. I don’t need fanservice to distract my attention with what’s going on with the plot.
I like this season better than the last one actually. I don’t know why. Maybe because of the sequels doing their business seriously. Haha.
GREAT
1. Noragami Aragoto – I can remember almost dropping this show in its first season when Yukine became the spoiled brat, Hiyori became useless, Bishamon attacking just because and Yato being the only character that is fun. Thankfully, I did not and I was rewarded this great sequel. It is a rare feat that a follow up is times better than the original and this show manages to mix action, drama and comedy seamlessly. With a plot that makes sense, mind you.
2. One Punch Man – My main concern about OPM being a one trick pony is thankfully cleared this month. We now know what kind of person Saitama is (what a batman) and the intricacies of the Superhero department. The limitless stupidity of the crowd can be reduced for less cringe though. While the animation quality dropped at one episode (was that episode 6?), its level is now considered as one of the year’s best. Yet I am still not sold as to why this should be the anime of 2015.
3. Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans – Its quality didn’t drop (although episode 8 is really slow and is the main reason why is it not placed at the top 2), the above two series only got better. Well, episode 7 of Gundam: IBO is the best episode this season and I am much more willing to write a 500 word essay as to why it is. Episode 9 highlighted how these children were really forced to grow up to adults even when they’re not under duress. They now realized that their decisions will lead to consequences and these won’t be pretty. Fix your pacing Gundam: IBO and this is a near perfect series.
VERY GOOD
4. Concrete Revolutio – The polar opposite of One Punch Man is really getting better for the past five or so episodes and I won’t be surprised if this ends up as my most favorite this season. I mean, the superhero deconstruction of this show is spot on mixed with snippets of melancholy now we see the Bureau’s true nature and Jiro’s growing disillusion with that department. Bonus points for interesting post-war commentaries. Episode 6 could be trimmed to 15 minutes though as the sides we will never meet again got too much exposure.
5. Lupin III (2015) – It’s still fun for what it is (the Japanese opening is cool and the artwork remains true to its series) but Goemon is the weakest link in this show. Episode 8 in particular is half funny and half heartwarming with Lupin freeing a hundred year old loli ghost from her misery. Episode 9? Not much. I am more interested with his ‘girl’ than him. Goemon is the anime equivalent of a wood in terms of enjoyment.
GOOD
6. Owarimonogatari– It seems like the Monogatari magic was all used up in the Sodachi lost arc and we have to suffer for Araragi-Kanbaru maniac banters for the first two episodes of Shinobu Mail. And. This. Is. Much. Slower. Than. The. Other. Monogatari. Arcs. Darn it. Move the plot! Or show me more Shinobu. Choose.
7.High School Star Musical– I don’t regret picking this series as the representative of fujoshi bait ones it is the most fun and sincere among the three. I believe it is kinda underrated but it deserves more love. I can never get over with episodes 6, 7 and 9 for which I believe are the better episodes this season. The power of nakama is high in this one. Episode 7 did what to do in a laugh out loud episode for more character development (bears and Team Hiragi crashing through the gates just to make a music video? LOL. A bear breaking the vase? Tengenji’s brand of moe?) and episode 9 is the sad emotional fallout of the Otori brothers. For fujoshis, the shipping opportunities in this show are high yet there are no fanservice in StarMyu. Yes. It is some your squeaky clean and fun equivalent of Love Live!
JUST DECENT
8. Sakurako-san - It was a shame that the mysteries didn’t work as intended. Thankfully, the slice of life component in this show is decent to powerful and we got a couple of good episodes (the grandma episode is moving and the bones found in the school mystery is just sad). The side characters got their exposure too. I am not too sure with their roles as we are now in the final arc.
9. Kagewani– For a horror show, it’s really creepy and manages to tell compelling stories under seven minutes. It felt like it’s the anime version of your creepy pasta for the last four episodes. Aside from the animation, it makes me want to ask now why does the main lead seem to know something but is ultimately useless in the end? Ugh.
10. Young Black Jack – It is kinda sad that I was not able to see more of its medical and ethical dilemmas. What we got here is your anti-left wing sentiments thrown for the sake of the plot feeling like it was set in the 60s. Thankfully, some of the later episodes became better (Episodes 8 and 9 are solid, Episode 7? Not much. I irked with the negative portrayal of the movement for equality of the colors there).
MEH
11. Comet Lucifer – What else not to say? This is how you do a series that does well at first only to do a long list of mistakes in the long run. Now why is it not listed as the last? The background sceneries are still good, the musical score is still on point and the fight scenes remain cool albeit with stupid reasons.
12. Shingeki no Kyojion: Junior High – Just don’t do jokes referencing to your original series and I am fine with you. The quality seemed to drop in these episodes although episode 9 is kinda decent with Berthold being doki doki around Annie and the laugh out loud episode 6 where our lovable prick (Jean) gets the spotlight.
13. Osomatsu-kun – I might be at fault here but I just cannot integrate myself with the Japanese centric jokes in this series. Sure, I am happy that this is projected to become the best selling series this season in Japan but… from a foreigner’s point of view, I cannot laugh with the jokes. Maybe it has something to do with cultural differences. What makes me want to watch this show even after I did not enjoy this is it knows that its absurd and it does its best in throwing off-the wall jokes even these do not land at all times.
14. Heavy Object – Ironically, I think Comet Lucifer’s better because that anime has energy despite doing what not to do in an anime series. This? No. Just. No. I don’t need fanservice to distract my attention with what’s going on with the plot.
I like this season better than the last one actually. I don’t know why. Maybe because of the sequels doing their business seriously. Haha.
Posted by samui26 | Dec 5, 2015 9:39 PM | 0 comments
November 7th, 2015
My Fall 2015 Overview
Anime Relations: Lupin III (2015), Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru, One Punch Man, Starmyu, Noragami Aragoto, Kagewani, Young Black Jack, Concrete Revolutio: Choujin Gensou, Osomatsu-san, Owarimonogatari, Kidou Senshi Gundam: Tekketsu no Orphans, Comet Lucifer, Shingeki! Kyojin Chuugakkou
Fall 2015 proves to be the strongest season this year albeit one of the weakest in the last five years. Although there are no shows which are at par with Kill La Kill and Kyouso Giga (2013) or Mushi-shi: The Next Chapter (2014), I can safely say that many of the offerings are really enjoyable. My only concern is the monotony of the themes that this season has (cough otaku bait shows). That aside, let's start the ranking.
Note: I am currently following fourteen shows and I intend to marathon others once they finished airing (Haikyuu!, The Perfect Insider, Uwateremono). If you can recommend a show that is not on my watchlist so far, kindly do so in the comment section.
1. Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans (8/10) – Whether we like it or not, Okada’s style really helped this series in terms of character development. There are no forced relationships, side characters stand out and we are given protagonists that swing between cold and caring. The pacing is great too. It is not too slow to bore the viewers but not too fast to spoonfeed important things which flew all over the viewer’s head. At the same time, I also like to commend this show for having well choreographed fights and well drawn non CGI Gundams. I have no reservation to say that this one is the best show in this season so far.
2. Noragami Aragoto (8/10) – While the last few episodes of the first season left me in the cold, this sequel blew all my expectations for episodes three to five. The artwork and the animation remain gorgeous, thanks to Bones and Bishamon’s arc was really explored which give depth to her character. And oh, prepare for a mood whipdash for episodes four and five, because these are really devastating which contrast with Noragami’s usual lighthearted approach. This is a rare case when a sequel is much better than the first season.
3. Owarimonogatari (8/10) – If you think this series has ran out of things to say, then you’re wrong. Araragi’s the center of this latest Monogatari series and it’s quite fascinating to see why he became the Araragi we knew later on. Although Ougi is the least interesting character in this arc (which is an irony given that this should be her moment), Araragi and Sodachi carried this series like a boss. The visuals remained great (Shaft’s doing their darndest to entertain its viewers) and their banters (especially Araragi’s and Ougi’s) are really satisfying which is a tall task when all these characters are just talking and striking weird poses. The absence of the supernatural also made Owarimonogatari refreshing. All in all, this is a well executed series which is a reminiscent of what Monogatari can offer in its prime.
4. Lupin III (2015) (8/10) – What’s not to love in this series? It may lack the grit of its 2012 predecessor but it’s twice the fun since we are now in Italy. We also get a capable antagonist and a femme fatale aside from Fujiko and the lack of Zenigata (so far) elevated Lupin III (2015) from meh to something fun. Lupin remains a smart goofball here. Is this 2015's best? No, but it is pure bliss to see this series return.
5. One Punch Man (7/10) – I feel that I have a lot to explain why this one is ranked in the fifth place. If we're talking about the visuals and animation, it is no competition since this is the runaway winner for the best animated series in 2015. I think whoever funds Madhouse are really praying right now that this series would sell loads of BDs (which I think will really happen given the love it receives right now) because all episodes are full of sakuga scenes.
Now, why is it not ranked higher? I thought the comedy cannot keep up with the fantastic animation. Look, I like Saitama and his brand of satire but I cannot see these would work in the long run. I began to feel the repetitiveness of some themes used in episode 3 and it is not a good sign when you are showing all your animation muscles and a certain viewer is now bored. Yet who cares? The fight scenes are really good. IMO, this one is the equivalent of Kyoto Animation’s Nichijou where the animators are given liberty to do art but the jokes are hit or miss.
6. Concrete Revolutio (6/10) – This show did not make sense in the first episode but it warmed to me after some time. I quite like Concrete Revolutio’s presentation of random events which eventually make a greater whole approach of this show and the melancholic vibe it gives every after the end of an episode. This is not perfect though, the time skips are jarring, it looks like it has limited budget (the animation remains cool) and the events may look like a string of nonsense to an unsuspecting viewer. For me, it looks like Charlotte being really hyperactive and a strong lead.
[i] These series above are what I consider good. The next two shows are passable in my opinion and can be enjoyed to some extent.[/i]
7. High School Star Musical (6/10) – Out of the three bishounen bait series which are airing this season, I picked this one and I did not regret it. The characters are humanized, there are no overly BL scenes and the plot is decent (with loads of cheese). There is also no fanservice which at times makes a story murky. What made me like it (and the reason it is ranked high) is the effort put by the staff in the character’s music videos which appear randomly in StarMyu. The visuals are really good given the budget it has. And who does not like flying dolphins?
8. Sakurako-san (6/10) – I am torn with this series. The mysteries are never intriguing ala Un-Go but Sakurako-san still manages to give a bit of itself for every episode. The titular character is an interesting being in itself. The visuals are pretty but the overuse of filters made this one too bright at times and the characters do not mesh with the background at times. Also, why the policemen are also portrayed as dumb in this series?
[i]I cannot say that these shows below are decent but they are entertaining on their own. So... let's start.[/i]
9. Kagewani (5/10) – This is an example of how terrible animation can ruin the decent atmosphere of a show. The horror stories are compelling but I can’t stand seeing moving cardboards which look like cutouts from a manga drawing.
10. Comet Lucifer (5/10) – This one shows premise in the first episode but quickly devolved into meh once Felia woke up (the dancing vegetables killed me in the fourth episode). Also, it uses too much anime physics. Nonetheless, it features good fight scenes and lovely CGI robots which blend in the background naturally. I also like its raw attitude.
11. Young Black Jack (5/10) – The anti-left wing in this show left a bitter taste in my mouth. Hazama’s characterization is quite inconsistent too. I would’ve ranked this higher if not for these two.
12. Attack on Titan Junior High (5/10) – This spinoff is actually funny if it deviates from the Attack on Titan series since it tickles my funny fanfiction bones but is actually dry when it tries to insert references from the original anime. I want to take home Eren’s and Annie’s version of this anime and make them my keychain. They’re just that cute.
13. Osomatsu-san (4/10) – I did not find it funny or entertaining but I am going to watch it until the end since I don’t drop animes as my usual policy. The first episode was a riot but the second one’s a chore to watch.
14. Heavy Object (4/10) – I hope I can enjoy this series as much as others did. As of now, I am near dropping this show.
I nearly quit watching current animes after experiencing the tepid last season. Thankfully, I did not and I am able to enjoy this season. I really hope my top three shows remain as consistent as they are right now. I don't want to experience Gangsta. again where it ruined itself in episode 9 and Charlotte which does not know that to do in itself in the end.
Note: I am currently following fourteen shows and I intend to marathon others once they finished airing (Haikyuu!, The Perfect Insider, Uwateremono). If you can recommend a show that is not on my watchlist so far, kindly do so in the comment section.
1. Gundam: Iron Blooded Orphans (8/10) – Whether we like it or not, Okada’s style really helped this series in terms of character development. There are no forced relationships, side characters stand out and we are given protagonists that swing between cold and caring. The pacing is great too. It is not too slow to bore the viewers but not too fast to spoonfeed important things which flew all over the viewer’s head. At the same time, I also like to commend this show for having well choreographed fights and well drawn non CGI Gundams. I have no reservation to say that this one is the best show in this season so far.
2. Noragami Aragoto (8/10) – While the last few episodes of the first season left me in the cold, this sequel blew all my expectations for episodes three to five. The artwork and the animation remain gorgeous, thanks to Bones and Bishamon’s arc was really explored which give depth to her character. And oh, prepare for a mood whipdash for episodes four and five, because these are really devastating which contrast with Noragami’s usual lighthearted approach. This is a rare case when a sequel is much better than the first season.
3. Owarimonogatari (8/10) – If you think this series has ran out of things to say, then you’re wrong. Araragi’s the center of this latest Monogatari series and it’s quite fascinating to see why he became the Araragi we knew later on. Although Ougi is the least interesting character in this arc (which is an irony given that this should be her moment), Araragi and Sodachi carried this series like a boss. The visuals remained great (Shaft’s doing their darndest to entertain its viewers) and their banters (especially Araragi’s and Ougi’s) are really satisfying which is a tall task when all these characters are just talking and striking weird poses. The absence of the supernatural also made Owarimonogatari refreshing. All in all, this is a well executed series which is a reminiscent of what Monogatari can offer in its prime.
4. Lupin III (2015) (8/10) – What’s not to love in this series? It may lack the grit of its 2012 predecessor but it’s twice the fun since we are now in Italy. We also get a capable antagonist and a femme fatale aside from Fujiko and the lack of Zenigata (so far) elevated Lupin III (2015) from meh to something fun. Lupin remains a smart goofball here. Is this 2015's best? No, but it is pure bliss to see this series return.
5. One Punch Man (7/10) – I feel that I have a lot to explain why this one is ranked in the fifth place. If we're talking about the visuals and animation, it is no competition since this is the runaway winner for the best animated series in 2015. I think whoever funds Madhouse are really praying right now that this series would sell loads of BDs (which I think will really happen given the love it receives right now) because all episodes are full of sakuga scenes.
Now, why is it not ranked higher? I thought the comedy cannot keep up with the fantastic animation. Look, I like Saitama and his brand of satire but I cannot see these would work in the long run. I began to feel the repetitiveness of some themes used in episode 3 and it is not a good sign when you are showing all your animation muscles and a certain viewer is now bored. Yet who cares? The fight scenes are really good. IMO, this one is the equivalent of Kyoto Animation’s Nichijou where the animators are given liberty to do art but the jokes are hit or miss.
6. Concrete Revolutio (6/10) – This show did not make sense in the first episode but it warmed to me after some time. I quite like Concrete Revolutio’s presentation of random events which eventually make a greater whole approach of this show and the melancholic vibe it gives every after the end of an episode. This is not perfect though, the time skips are jarring, it looks like it has limited budget (the animation remains cool) and the events may look like a string of nonsense to an unsuspecting viewer. For me, it looks like Charlotte being really hyperactive and a strong lead.
[i] These series above are what I consider good. The next two shows are passable in my opinion and can be enjoyed to some extent.[/i]
7. High School Star Musical (6/10) – Out of the three bishounen bait series which are airing this season, I picked this one and I did not regret it. The characters are humanized, there are no overly BL scenes and the plot is decent (with loads of cheese). There is also no fanservice which at times makes a story murky. What made me like it (and the reason it is ranked high) is the effort put by the staff in the character’s music videos which appear randomly in StarMyu. The visuals are really good given the budget it has. And who does not like flying dolphins?
8. Sakurako-san (6/10) – I am torn with this series. The mysteries are never intriguing ala Un-Go but Sakurako-san still manages to give a bit of itself for every episode. The titular character is an interesting being in itself. The visuals are pretty but the overuse of filters made this one too bright at times and the characters do not mesh with the background at times. Also, why the policemen are also portrayed as dumb in this series?
[i]I cannot say that these shows below are decent but they are entertaining on their own. So... let's start.[/i]
9. Kagewani (5/10) – This is an example of how terrible animation can ruin the decent atmosphere of a show. The horror stories are compelling but I can’t stand seeing moving cardboards which look like cutouts from a manga drawing.
10. Comet Lucifer (5/10) – This one shows premise in the first episode but quickly devolved into meh once Felia woke up (the dancing vegetables killed me in the fourth episode). Also, it uses too much anime physics. Nonetheless, it features good fight scenes and lovely CGI robots which blend in the background naturally. I also like its raw attitude.
11. Young Black Jack (5/10) – The anti-left wing in this show left a bitter taste in my mouth. Hazama’s characterization is quite inconsistent too. I would’ve ranked this higher if not for these two.
12. Attack on Titan Junior High (5/10) – This spinoff is actually funny if it deviates from the Attack on Titan series since it tickles my funny fanfiction bones but is actually dry when it tries to insert references from the original anime. I want to take home Eren’s and Annie’s version of this anime and make them my keychain. They’re just that cute.
13. Osomatsu-san (4/10) – I did not find it funny or entertaining but I am going to watch it until the end since I don’t drop animes as my usual policy. The first episode was a riot but the second one’s a chore to watch.
14. Heavy Object (4/10) – I hope I can enjoy this series as much as others did. As of now, I am near dropping this show.
I nearly quit watching current animes after experiencing the tepid last season. Thankfully, I did not and I am able to enjoy this season. I really hope my top three shows remain as consistent as they are right now. I don't want to experience Gangsta. again where it ruined itself in episode 9 and Charlotte which does not know that to do in itself in the end.
Posted by samui26 | Nov 7, 2015 4:49 AM | 0 comments