ABOUT ME:
The types of stories being told in anime right now keep me deeply invested in the medium, even if by this point I've become familiar with many of the common tropes, archetypes, and memes. Given the staggering amount of new content produced each season, I push myself to watch shows that are off the beaten path or otherwise outside my comfort zone. Still, I do have certain preferences: I gravitate towards slowly paced, tightly written works that showcase character acting. I also love action, fantasy, and anything involving time travel and/or monster girls.
"Sometimes I think my life will be over before I figure out what to do with it."
- Tomoya Okazaki, Clannad After Story, Episode 1 (English dub)
"There is a war going on! Even dinosaurs are here! And they use bows and arrows! My sword is unbelievably dull!"
- Christopher Chiaki, Garzey's Wing, OVA 1 (English "dub")
CURRENT ANIME 3x3:
* Note: I didn't intend this, but funnily enough each of these shows is from a different studio
LIST OF FAVORITES (AND LEAST-FAVORITES):
Favorite anime: Steins;Gate (also my favorite dub) & Hibike! Euphonium Favorite ending: The Tatami Galaxy Most hated anime: Oreimo (a.k.a. I Can't Believe I Want to Bang My Kid Sister) Most hated ending: Clannad After Story (everything's fine, because magic) Most disappointing anime: Re:Creators Most disappointing ending: Soul Eater (though I've heard the manga ending isn't much better) Biggest rise between seasons: K-On!! & New Game!! Biggest drop between seasons: Symphogear GX Biggest surprise: Kemono Friends (it had no right being as good as it was) Guilty pleasure: Prisma Illya (please don't tell anyone) Favorite manga: Jitsu wa Watashi wa Favorite manga adaptations: Monster Musume & My Hero Academia Best boy: Okabe Rintarou, Steins;Gate Worst boy: Light Yagami, Death Note Best girl: Hitagi Senjougahara, Monogatari series Worst girl: Kirino Kosaka, Oreimo Best cast: My Hero Academia (Kill la Kill not far behind) Worst cast: Anohana (stop crying and do something!) Best villain: Yoshikage Kira, Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond Is Unbreakable Worst villains: The Kokoro Connect staff, for their horrible prank that killed any chance the show had to get a conclusion. Also, the assh*le "fans" who harassed Aya Hirano for sleeping with her fellow band members. Also, the sweatshop-like working conditions of most anime studios Favorite OP: "Higurashi no Naku Koro ni," Higurashi no Naku Koro ni (OP 1) Favorite ED: "Kimi ni Matsuwaru Mystery," Hyouka (ED 2) Favorite song/track: "To the Ends of the Earth," Kyousougiga Favorite OST: Bleach the Movie 3: Fade to Black (Kill la Kill not far behind, again) Favorite anime studio: KyoAni (Madhouse, White Fox, and Doga Kobo are pretty dope as well)
RECENTLY WATCHED:
Aggretsuko - 8.50/10
Really impressed with the quality of writing on display in this series. For a show starring a bunch of 2D, anthropomorphic animals, all the characters have a certain level of nuance and depth. It manages to present the plusses and pitfalls of an office job in a fairly unbiased manner, leaving it up to the viewer to draw his or her own conclusions. After Devilman, it's nice to find a "Netflix original" that I enjoy.
Girls' Last Tour - 8.25/10
I'm catching up with some series I skipped from the past few seasons, and this one topped the list. It was surprisingly philosophical, asking deep questions about religion, evolution, time, and the meaning of life itself. The show reminded me a bit of Dark Souls; namely, finding a purpose that keeps you moving forward in an otherwise hopeless situation. I'm a big fan of the setting - an endless expanse of frozen, industrial wasteland - and the OST was strong as well.
3-gatsu no Lion (Season 2) - 9.50/10
I really enjoy watching this series. The cast is so well-developed, and the art and animation are exceptional even by Shaft's lofty standards. This season marked Hina's transition from supporting role to co-lead, with her bullying arc handled with more care and nuance than I usually see in media (Japanese or Western). In addition, the "Burnt Field" episodes may be my favorite ones so far. My only complaint is that 3-gatsu sometimes adapts the source manga too faithfully, leading to pacing and other structural issues. Still, this is up there with Hibike! Euphonium as the best anime drama I've seen to date.
Overlord 2 (Season 2) - 8.00/10
I rewatched the dub right before Season 2 started, and now that I'm all caught up I can safely say that this series is pretty entertaining. The pacing is all over the place, and moments of actual animation are few and far between. It's definitely no Log Horizon, but it does have thoughtful writing, detailed world-building, and a very fun cast (particularly Albedo. Especially Albedo). With Season 3 dropping in a few months, I'm hopeful the story and characters get fleshed out even more.
FLCL (Season 1 rewatch) - 9.00/10
This was one of the first anime I ever watched, and the first anime I showed my youngest brother (which, in turn, got him into anime). Despite its borderline-incoherent story and hyperactive pacing – cramming 13+ episodes of content into 6 OVAs – it remains a compelling coming-of-age tale filled with memorable characters and moments (indeed, the animation still looks excellent). I'm really curious to see if the two "sequel" seasons can recapture the original's magic.
After the Rain - 7.50/10 After the Rain can be extremely ponderous; like Juuni Taisen from Fall 2017, it might've worked better as a film. The underutilization of its supporting cast also sucked, but it didn't bother me as much due to how strong the two leads were. Thankfully, the trainwreck potential of a May-December romance between Akira and Kondo was avoided, with the focus instead on rediscovering one's passion (be it in running, writing, etc.). Also, this show's production values baffle me – it's from the same studio that did Magus' Bride, but the animation is so much better. I know animation quality is largely a product of the scheduling lottery, but still, how odd to prioritize this show over a near-certain blockbuster.
A Place Further Than the Universe - 9.25/10
This show isn't perfect. Besides Gin and Sanae, the adult cast doesn't get much development, and the structure of each episode is rather formulaic – start with some light comedy, then move into deeper and more emotional subject matter towards the end. However, the show executes this formula extremely well, and is further buoyed by a strong core cast with top-notch chemistry. Not all the big emotional moments hit home, but when they do, cue the waterworks. Of particular note, Shirase's growth as she struggles to find closure for her mother's death is expertly handled. The animation was solid as well, the OST used very effectively, and I love both the OP and ED.
Mitsuboshi Colors - 8.00/10
Extremely charming show, with one of the better depictions of children in media. It excelled in portraying the boundless energy, weird logic, and short attention spans of childhood. The series got several big laughs out of me; I was particularly a fan of Yui and her casual savagery. Also, this is the rare anime where the animation actually improved over the course of show's run.
The Ancient Magus' Bride - 5.50/10
Given the year-long hype leading up to its premiere in October 2017, Magus' Bride might top my Most Underwhelming Anime list. It's a beautiful slide show, with its stilted animation and anemic pacing often making it a chore to sit through. There are odd narrative choices as well, such as having most episodes end with an unnecessary cliffhanger (which is then quickly resolved in the following episode). To its credit, the show has a decent cast (particularly Chise and Alice), and Episodes 8 and 22 are excellent. Still, I'll likely remember this series as something that could've been a lot better than it was.
Pop Team Epic - 7.25/10
This series was equal parts shitpost and fever dream. Most of the Japanese pop culture references went completely over my head and the sketches were very hit-and-miss. I wish they had played around with the "repeat episode" format more – setting up a joke in the first half and delivering a "new" punchline in the second half. Still, there were some truly memorable moments, such as "Let's Pop Together" from Episode 4, "Marilyn Monroe" from Episode 5, "Hellshake Yano" from Episode 7, and everything relating to Hoshiro Girldrop.
Yuru Camp - 9.00/10
As someone who's done his fair share of camping, this show was a treat. Loved the characters and their outfits, especially Rin (for both her quiet goofiness and malleable hair). The folksy soundtrack perfectly complemented the show's rustic charm, and the pacing was fantastic from start to finish. Some may find it slow, but I thought it had a wonderful flow, helped in part by making most episodes two-parters and "overlap" with each other. The production was surprisingly strong as well, with only Episode 8 suffering any noticeable animation degradation.
Devilman: Crybaby - 5.75/10
If nothing else, I admire the series for sticking to its guns and having everything end as miserably and apocalyptically as possible. I'm also amazed that Netflix helped fund an adaptation of an edgy, hyper-explicit manga from the 70s. It's like Parasyte crossed with Berserk crossed with Evangelion, with worse pacing and writing than all three. In terms of stuff I actually enjoy watching, Devilman is pretty far down the list, though Masaaki Yuasa's frenetically inspired animation and direction at least made it somewhat palatable.
Hoseki no Kuni - 9.25/10
It's up there with Made in Abyss as my favorite non-sequel of 2017. I adore the cast, especially Phos due to how well her development was handled. (She has the same VA as Kumiko from Euphonium, so of course I'm going to love her.) In addition, the CG animation was jaw-dropping; I often found myself pausing and replaying entire scenes to catch all the tiny movements occurring on screen. Like Abyss, it desperately needs a sequel season; it also suffered from some pacing issues in places, such as Episode 2.
Juuni Taisen - 6.75/10
Massive pacing problems plagued the show, which were exacerbated by the characters constantly monologuing to themselves about every little thing. The animation quality disintegrated during the middle episodes, though it recovered a bit towards the end. Equally unfortunate, the conclusion was not particularly satisfying. I'm confident this material would've worked far better as a two(ish)-hour film. Still, for its many flaws, there was some stuff I really enjoyed, such as the (well-animated) action scenes and the relationship between Tiger and Ox.
Little Witch Academia - 9.00/10
After finally getting around to finishing Little Witch (thanks, Netflix), it did not disappoint. There were some weak episodes, and I got the sense Trigger played it safe with the story to appeal to a wider audience. Still, when the show was on its game, it was magical. I love how they developed Diana's character compared to the "prequel" films. Also, the story really picked up in the second half, and whew boy, that final episode was top-notch. Now, bring on Season 2, I need more Amanda in my life.
Konohana Kitan - Dropped after 2.5 episodes
As someone who normally loves sweet, fluffy stuff, I found the first few episodes to be really stupid and boring. It's amazing how little I cared about the characters; the only ones I kinda liked were pink-hair and fox-Saber. Also, given how the show takes place in a fantasy world, would it be too much to ask for some species diversity among the main cast? Fox girls are great, but come on, be a little more creative than that.
The Ancient Magus' Bride: Those Awaiting a Star (OVA) - 6.75/10
The pacing was really slow and drawn-out, but the art was gorgeous and the representation of magic and the supernatural was quite creative.
My Hero Academia (Season 2) - 10/10
I love everything about this series. It has the large, well-characterized cast of Haikyuu, the hype moments of Symphogear, and the creative power match-ups of JoJo. Bones went all-out with this adaptation, which actually manages to outshine the source material. I could not be more pumped for Season 3 when it drops in Spring 2018. Until then, I have the manga to tide me over.
Made in Abyss - 9.75/10
Wow, this series. It was beautiful and horrific and strangely uplifting, and I was engrossed the entire time. Episode 10 was one of the most intense episodes of anything I've seen, and man, Episode 13...I hadn't cried that hard watching an anime since Episode 23 of Shirobako. I pray Season 2 isn't too far down the road. (I could always read the manga, but I've heard its' updates are few and far between.)
New Game!! (Season 2) - 8.75/10
The jump in quality from Season 1 is unbelievable. Much better characterization (especially for Hifumi), greater narrative ambitions, outbursts of stellar animation, and a solid conclusion. The show also scaled back on the fan-service, which I found (and still find) to be tonally inconsistent and distracting. My favorite part continued to be the precious mentor-student relationship between Umiko and Nene (with catty new hire Narumi thrown in to spice things up).
Sakura Quest - 8.25/10
While not at the level of P.A.Works' Shirobako, it did certain things better; namely, the wonderful chemistry of the five female leads, who were given ample screentime together. The first half suffered from a formulaic structure and lack of narrative focus. Once the characters got a goal to move towards in the second half, the show's quality increased significantly. I also liked how the series tackled unusual subjects such as cultural preservation and urban revitalization, with a lot of care and thoughtfulness.
Tsurezure Children - 8.75/10
You know your series is pretty darn good when my biggest complaint is "I wish there was more of it." My favorite part of the manga is when all the separate couples start interacting, which the anime only begins to showcase in the final few episodes. The adaptation also cut out a lot of material, though I understand the reasoning behind which couples were focused on. If a second season (or OVA) is ever greenlit, I hope the emotionless couple, Patricia, and (maybe) Alice get featured.
Outlaw Star - 9.25/10
I can't believe I had never heard of this show, which aired the same year as Cowboy Bebop and was produced by the same studio. In some ways, I like it more than Bebop; I prefer its over-arching (vs. episodic) storyline and optimistic tone. It has amazing animation for an anime from 1998—especially the space battle scenes—and the dub is near-perfect. Also, the cast includes a brash alien cat-girl, and the main character's gun can shoot black holes. Great series all around.
Owarimonogatari 2nd Season - 9.50/10
Watching these three arcs reminded me how much I love this series. I've never seen anything else like it, with an aesthetic and narrative style that can only be achieved with animation. It's the best Monogatari content since SS and provides a fantastic ending for the "main story." Shaft really outdid themselves with this adaptation, which has been eight years in the making (and counting!).
Re:Creators - Dropped after 11 episodes
I've rewatched the first episode five times, I loved it that much. However, it foreshadowed what would become my major problem with the show: long stretches of hype-killing exposition. The characters talk so much, and it's so f*cking boring (especially in comparison to the equally dialogue-heavy Monogatari series, with its exposition much better written and visually interesting). Add to that a ham-fisted message about "the value of creativity" and lots of missed opportunities for comedy and characterization, and you have a show I'm not exactly champing at the bit to finish. (Honestly, I only got as far as I did due to how amazing the first OP is.)
Attack on Titan (Season 2) - 7.75/10
The second half the season had bad pacing, some of the dub voices were grating (particularly Krista/Historia), there were jarring uses of CGI, and at times I had a hard time figuring out what was going on, though that might've been intentional. Still, it had some exciting moments and set the stage well for Season 3 when it drops in 2018.
Seven Mortal Sins - 4.75/10
I only watched this show because I love the "seven deadly sins" as a concept. As expected, it was pretty bad; however, unlike Akashic Records and Grimoire of Zero, I never had the urge to drop it. There were a bunch of goofy moments that made it somewhat charming, and, despite the myriad production issues and delays, the story and characters were decent. Also, big ol' anime titties.
Aho Girl - Dropped after 4 episodes
The first two episodes were fine, but then Episode 3 rolled around and things got unpleasant and unfunny, with the slapstick turning into full-blown sexual assault. Didn't get much better in Episode 4, so congratulations, Aho Girl, you're the first show I've dropped in 2017!
Tsuki ga Kirei - 8.25/10
This show did a commendable job of "show, don't tell." The use of awkward-looking, 3D background characters was counterbalanced by moments of really fluid animation (especially in the "revised" OP). The comedic shorts at the end of certain episodes were a treat, and I'm glad there was a happy ending, even if the final episode's writing and pacing were noticeably weaker than the rest of the series.
Grimoire of Zero - 5.00/10
Made on a shoestring budget by White Fox's C-team, this show suffered from the opposite problem as Akashic Records: slow pacing and too much filler. It might've worked better as a movie rather than a 12-episode series, though the story wasn't all that impressive either. I liked the show more as a pseudo slice-of-life, focusing on Zero and Mercenary as they explored the world. Once the plot kicked in, I started tuning out. Also, Thirteen was a terrible antagonist, and his heel-turn into becoming a "good guy" felt rushed and completely unearned.
Renai Boukun - 7.75/10
I understand why people dislike this show; indeed, I ended up dropping the manga. However, this adaptation worked for me. While fast pacing undermined Akashic Records, here it complemented the show's bizarre, madcap style of comedy. Also, I love the OP, and am impressed a harem series had enough ambition to include both character development and the sense of an overarching plot.
Akashic Records Whatever - 4.50/10
Why did I keep watching this show? It has awful pacing, blasting through events at such a rapid clip that it's impossible to get invested in the characters or story. Though maybe that's for the best, since its narrative boils down to: Glen saves Rumia from being kidnapped yet again, while the cute, capable Sistine gets smacked with "damsel-in-distress syndrome" (common amongst light novel female leads) and has to get rescued as well. However, two points of praise: (1) the appealing art style; and (2) the short, hilarious chibi previews at the end of each episode. If the show was nothing but those previews, it'd be a 9/10.
Natsuiro Kiseki - 9.00/10
I'm honestly shocked at how overlooked this series is, hovering at just above a 7 on MAL. I loved this show, even more than Kokoro Connect, which has similar supernatural elements and came out the same year. It really ups its game in the second half; indeed, Episode 10 is one of the most clever episodes of anime that I've seen. Also, I appreciated the short epilogue OVA, which helped tie the series together.
Saga of Tanya the Evil - 9.25/10
Despite some occasional dips in production values and "questionable" character designs, it was an unexpectedly enjoyable series that provided a realistic and engaging depiction of warfare (unlike that other anime from Fall 2016 *cough* Izetta *cough*). Tanya is a mesmerizing anti-hero, and the show ended at a good point in the story (though I'm glad a film is forthcoming).
Kizumonogatari 3 - 8.75/10
Provides a nice conclusion to the prequel trilogy. Really liked the love-hate dynamic between Araragi and Kiss-Shot, and their fight was fantastic: equal parts Kill Bill and Looney Tunes. Sadly, as they both learned by the end, no good deed goes unpunished.
Your Name. - 7.75/10
The pacing of the first third is super rushed and disjointed, and the ending is really drawn out. On top of that, the characterization--especially of the two leads--could be better (it's probably why their romance didn't resonate with me). The film is largely carried by its eye-candy visuals and surprisingly strong story. The dub was fine but nothing special. Overall, I thought it was pretty good, particularly the middle portion.
Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid - 8.50/10
This show is incredibly weird. It's almost impossible to compare it to anything else I've watched. Not everything in the show works--Lucoa's role was "walking sex joke," and I didn't like how they turned Kanna's friend into a loli ahegao meme. However, it's depiction of a (very non-traditional) family was touching; also, I can't believe this is the first KyoAni work not set in high school.
Kuzu no Honkai - 5.25/10
The "feel bad" show of Winter 2017, offering a dour depiction of young adult sexuality and sexual activity. The show's art and directing were beautiful, and the OP, ED, and OST were all fantastic. However, I disliked the direction the story went in, particularly after how strong the opening few episodes were. Instead of going full-on trainwreck or giving us a "happy" end, the show chose a middle path that was pretty unsatisfying (it doesn't help that I disliked almost all of the characters, though I feel that was intentional).
My Hero Academia (Season 1) - 9.25/10
Heard Season 2 was coming out, so I binged the entire first season in a day and ended up loving it. All Might has skyrocketed up my "favorite characters" list, and I adore how the show focuses on the class just as much as on Deku's journey to become a hero. Depending on how Season 2 goes, it has the potential to become one of my favorite shows of all time.
Kemono Friends - 8.50/10
Putting aside the garbage (yet somehow endearing) CG animation, this show was a wonderful surprise. A team of ten people were tasked with making a 12-episode adaptation of a cancelled mobile game, and they filled that adaptation with cute characters, an interesting and well-paced story, and copious amounts of animal facts. Hopefully its out-of-nowhere success is a harbinger of Season 2.
Gabriel DropOut - 5.75/10
By far the weakest airing series I followed during the Winter 2017 season. While not bad, per se, it was extremely generic, underutilizing its fantasy aspects in favor of bland and predictable CGDCT shenanigans. Vigne and Satania were the main reasons I didn't drop the series, especially after that horrific Episode 4 beach episode (though, to give credit where it's due, I thought Episode 8 was really entertaining).
Demi-chan wa Kataritai - 9.00/10
I really enjoyed this series. A-1 Pictures did a great job adapting the rather sparse source material, particularly with respect to fleshing out Yuki's character (it's a toss-up between her and Hikari as "best girl"). The show tackled some pretty heavy subject matter regarding discrimination and "fitting in," but it never got too serious, managing to maintain it's light, breezy tone throughout. The first episode was an impressive opener, and Episode 11 has become one of my favorite anime episodes.
3-gatsu no Lion (Season 1) - 8.25/10
The first half of the series was tighter and better-paced, though I really liked Rei's interactions with his teacher and adopted sister in the second half. Overall, a very solid series with great visuals and voice acting.
KonoSuba 2 - 8.50/10
This sequel season was a big step up from Season 1, with stronger comedy, more engaging character dynamics, some excellent (if wonky) animation, and an OP that's become one of my favorites. I think I actually might like this series more than Re:Zero.
Love Lab - 9.50/10
Jesus, I've been on a streak with Doga Kobo recently. I knew nothing about this show going in, and it's now one of my Top 10 favorite anime. It has everything I want from a "cute-girls-doing-cute-things" show, and more: a strong core cast with amazing chemistry and teamwork (and almost no fanservice), the presence of male characters who actually play important roles, an extended storyline that lasts the entire season, and instances of realistic and relatable drama that don't devolve into melodrama. While I liked New Game, I would much rather see this get a Season 2. Regardless, I'm going to start reading the manga; I can't get enough of this series.
Engaged to the Unidentified - 9.00/10
Not only does this show present a cute, charming romance that actually goes somewhere (kinda), but it has some of the best pacing I've seen. There's great continuity between episodes, and you get a solid sense of when things are happening as the story unfolds. The show also gets props for being the first high school-set anime I've seen that starts and mostly takes place during winter.
The Disastrous Life of Saiki K. - 9.25/10
This is my new favorite anime comedy, and one of my favorite dubs. The show is very creative, taking a concept--over-powered psychic protagonist--and really running with it, generating tons of great scenarios to showcase Saiki's abilities. The meta-humor is usually on-point too, and it's amazing how good the pacing and continuity are despite each "episode" lasting only 5 minutes.
Flip Flappers - 6.75/10
It took a while for me to warm up to this series, but I started getting into it around the halfway point. However, Episode 13 was very underwhelming; it either didn't explain or poorly explained many of the loose ends, and the production values tanked (really, watching that final episode, it looked like Yves Tanguy had sneezed all over my laptop screen). Still, I admire the show's dedication to having even more yuri-bait than Eupho 2 and its blatant copyright infringement of other, more popular anime.
Kare Kano - 7.25/10
I'm deeply conflicted about this series. On the one hand, its flashes of brilliance--both in characterization and presentation--make it perhaps the most memorable shoujo romance anime I've seen. I loved Episodes 4 (Yukino's confession to Arima) and 16 (backstory of Yukino's parents), and the OST, OP, and ED were all fantastic. However, the show suffers from problems typical of a Gainax project, namely: (1) expressive animation that devolves into stilted slideshow, (2) tons of recap and filler, leading to wonky and disjointed pacing, and (3) lack of a satisfying or even serviceable ending (this might be the first show I've seen that ends in the middle of a story arc).
Hibike! Euphonium 2 (Season 2) - 9.75/10
While it lacks the tight narrative construction of Season 1, the emotional high points it hits resonate even more deeply. Episodes 5 and 9 are particularly noteworthy for their animation and direction (that uncut, 7-minute performance is glorious), and the show's conclusion feels extremely satisfying. Also, not only is Kumiko a phenomenal protagonist, but the development of her relationship with Asuka is a thing of beauty. Along with Season 1, it's up there with Steins;Gate as my favorite anime of all time.
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Duwang Is Not Crash (Series 3) - 9.50/10
For me, DIU blows the previous JoJo parts out of the water. I love how small-scale it is compared to what came before, giving the series an opportunity to flesh out its cast, play around with some really unique and interesting Stands, and explore themes of suburban horror. While it's not perfect, it's my second-favorite anime of 2016 (behind Eupho 2).
Keijo!!!!!!!! - 8.50/10
This show is an example of fan-service done right, taking a ridiculous concept and selling it to the audience with a straight face. The cast is great, and while the pacing and animation can be average at best I'm still laughing over the names of some of the moves.
Usagi Drop - 8.25/10
It's a sweet series that does a great job examining marriage, parenthood, and growing up. It ends rather abruptly, but I can understand why given the direction the manga goes in. On that note, I really wish I didn't know how the manga ended before watching the show.
Golden Boy - 8.00/10
While the series struggles from poor pacing, it has a solid main character and a surprisingly uplifting message. Plus, I loved the final episode, it really tied the entire series together. I liked the designs for the main women as well: a perfect combination of maturity and sexiness.
Haikyuu!! (Season 3) - 8.75/10
What can I say, the match lived up to the hype. Tsukki has become my new favorite character of the series, and the animation somehow got even better from Season 2. Don't know when we'll get a Season 4, but I'll definitely be there to watch it.
Kuuchuu Buranko - 7.75/10
The blend of animation and live-action—especially for the sexy nurse Mayumi—is extremely innovative, as is the unusual narrative structure of overlapping character-focused episodes (which almost demands a rewatch to catch all the foreshadowing and hidden connections). This deliberately "artsy" presentation enhances the show's underlying subject-matter: the examination of human anxiety and psychoses.
Barakamon - 9.25/10
I tried watching the sub a while back and couldn't get into it (I dropped it after 3 episodes). Decided to give the dub a chance and ended up binging it in a day. It's a wonderfully heartwarming series, with both an endearing cast and an insightful look into the creative process. Also, the series was refreshingly free of any melodrama, instead taking a more grounded approach toward character interactions.
Tonari no Seki-kun - 6.25/10
The series subject-matter lends itself well to the short-form format. Yokoi was cute, and I enjoyed her various reactions to Seki's antics (particularly if they involved the robot family). Only major complaint is that the show doesn't really go anywhere and instead just "ends."
Daily Lives of High School Boys - 6.00/10
While it had some laugh-out-loud moments scattered throughout, it doesn't hold a candle to some other anime comedies I've seen. A lot of the characters were either unlikeable or forgettable (or both), and I hated the stylistic decision not to draw some characters' eyes. Best part of the show by far were the interactions between glasses-guy and "Literature Girl."
A Certain Scientific Railgun (Season 1) - 7.50/10
The pacing can be slow at times, several of the filler episodes can be skipped entirely, a lot of the fan-service is unnecessary, and Shirai's romantic obsession with Misaka gets old fast. With that said, both the writing and production values are miles ahead of Index. It's one of the rare spin-offs that completely surpasses the original. Will get around to Season 2 at some point.
A Certain Magical Index (Season 1) - 4.50/10
This show's writing is atrocious, at every level: stupid, disjointed story-arcs that make no sense, a dearth of meaningful world-building (City + Windmills = Future?), and a cast of preachy, insufferable martyrs. There's just enough meat to keep me hungry for more, even if I end up getting mental indigestion afterwards.
Yuru Yuri (Season 3 + OVAs) - 9.50/10
I love this season's greater focus on realism and character interactions, with some wonderful character development—particularly the relationship between Kyoko and Ayano. I also appreciate the series' continuing willingness to experiment, such as Episode 8's Straw Millionaire sequence. Is it too much to ask for a Season 4?
JoJo's Bizarre Adventure (OVA series) - 7.75/10
I like this adaptation of Stardust Crusaders a lot more than the David Pro anime series. The narrative is more condensed and focused, leading up to a final showdown between Jotaro and Dio that actually feels epic.
Yuru Yuri (Seasons 1-2) - 8.50/10
Season 2 is a big step up from a solid-yet-inconsistent Season 1. Toshino Kyoko is my spirit animal and Chinatsu somehow became my dark horse pick for best girl. I adore the entire cast and am continually impressed by how well the show juggles screentime amongst them, with each member getting their chance to shine. The series also has perhaps the best "joke continuity" in any anime I've seen.
Kizumonogatari 2 - 8.25/10
Saw this in a theater, which was great. The Hanakawa scenes drag a bit, but it has some really cool fights and the typical Shaft polish. Also, it has some hilarious moments as well, which I definitely appreciated. Can't wait for Kizu 3 to wrap up the trilogy.
Kiniro Mosaic - Dropped after 4 episodes
The first episode, with its fish-out-of-water plot, was really interesting and sweet. Which sucks, since everything following it was about as bland and uninspired as you can get with the CGDCT formula. It has the dubious honor of being the only show from 2013 that I've dropped, and even if it supposedly gets better in its second season I have no plans to revisit it.
Amagi Brilliant Park - 7.25/10
The humor was on-point, especially in Episode 13 (to be expected from the author of Full Metal Panic!). However, the story and characters feel phoned-in, and the animation is relatively unremarkable (though this is KyoAni, so it's still better than what's found in most anime).
Mob Psycho 100 - 7.50/10
Certain elements of the show's message were conveyed in a way I personally found frustrating and at times disingenuous. While I think the show is generally quite good, I also think Saiki K. blows it out of the water in every respect save animation quality.
Hibike! Euphonium (Season 1 rewatch) - Still 10/10
This is the series that made me fall in love with KyoAni, and I loved it just as much the second time around. It's such a good show, from the story to the animation, and I could write entire essays about the complexity and depth of the character dynamics.
New Game! - 7.00/10
I liked it, but it could've been so much more ambitious. Instead, it settled for being a manless, watered-down version of Shirobako. The strong characters, particularly the relationship between Nene and (best girl) Umiko, saved the show from being completely average.
Re:Zero - 9.00/10
Fantasy setting? Check. Time travel? Check. Romantic payoff? Check. Yeah, I really like this show. Season 2 or bust.
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