Partnered Twitch streamer and AniTuber who writes retrospectives and (soon) diatribes for fun.
I’m also a guitarist and metalhead when I'm not watching too much anime. My favorite record of all time is Wintersun's self-titled debut.
I'm happy to accept friend requests as long as I know how you found my profile. Gotta weed out the bots and those damn dirty trolls.
Latest video essay: Summertime Render
Rating System
Below is my personal scoring methodology for those who actually care to know. Despite the proportionally small amount of 9s and 10s on my list, I don’t consider myself an elitist when it comes to anime. I’m only really an elitist when it comes to my IRL wife, tea, and ostensibly music. Five is my average and I use every part of the scale. The general rule with my score differentials is that they are not marginal, but exponential. For example, anime scored 7 are goodies, but anime scored 8 vastly eclipse them overall. This is not a hard and fast rule - it's only a guideline. I think scoring stuff across artistic media should reflect personal taste and indicate how valuable one finds that stuff – not be used as a tool to measure the size of one's 4-cent_garbagegigabrain. Remember, fellas: trying to score anime “objectively” will turn you into Popee the Clown!
10 – Desert Island
This is the only tier where I take issue with MAL’s nomenclature. Masterpiece simply doesn’t click for me as a way to describe just one score. The best way to explain my utilization of this tier is with the classic desert island hypothetical. “If you were going to be stuck on a desert island and you could only bring a few anime…?” It necessitates that one would choose only those which contain the most personal value. After all, to score something a 10 is to place it at the very pinnacle of the spectrum. My desert island titles are those that upheave the emotions to heights I can't know if I'll experience ever again (Aria the Origination, Violet Evergarden Gaiden). They are the select few anime that I consider deeply esoteric and life-affirming (Gankutsuou), and yes – even life-changing (Hyouge Mono). They have shaken me in ways nothing else has managed to replicate before or since (Lost Butterfly), or are a wellspring of countless laughs and endless fun (Stardust Crusaders). And sometimes – they’re just that unbelievably good (Steins;Gate). They are peerless even amidst each other because they are all genre-defining.
Just don’t ask me which one of them I would take to a desert island over the rest.
9 – Great/Transcendent
Here are the titles that do only what anime is able to as an artistic medium. They are the chosen few that manage to leave an authentic mark and the veritable anime touchstones to which all else must aspire. They possess at least one quality which allows them to transcend being just in the realm of “good”. They amaze, dazzle, engross, and drop jaws (Monogatari Series, Mushishi). Being worthy of the pseud and generally lazy praise “well-written” is not a requirement to be assigned a 9, but it does help (Monster, Sangatsu no Lion). They speak significantly on the themes I think of as being paramount in exoteric importance (Hadashi no Gen, Shingeki no Kyojin) or on those of more personal, esoteric importance (Kyousou Giga, OreGairu). Sometimes it’s as straightforward as being among the best in their respective genres or wielding insane entertainment value (Hunter x Hunter 2011). To achieve greatness is no simple feat, yet it can be simplicity that helps something to reach those heights (Akage no Anne, Eiga Daisuke Pompo-san). These are the Frosted Flakes of anime, if you were to consult Tony the Tiger on it.
Great anime inspires awe and keeps you glued to your seat as the credits roll.
8 – Very Good
Unequivocal bangers. Several fond favorites are on this tier (Dragon Ball Z, Kachou Ouji), plus several renowned classics of the medium (Cowboy Bebop, Kenpuu Denki Berserk, Samurai Champloo). The titles here are especially good and usually have an abundance of fine qualities to offer. Many of them contain one or two elements of greatness, but aren’t quite great overall (Hachimitsu to Clover, Saraiya Goyou). This is typically the highest I will score comedy anime unless they contribute more than just absurdist humor, which is my favorite kind, and raw hilarity (Gabriel DropOut, Maou-jou de Oyasumi, Osomatsu-san). Some are total blasts for their entire runs (Hajime no Ippo, Macross) and some are off the beaten path gems that I’d love for more people to discover (Kuuchuu Buranko, Shigofumi). Sometimes all it takes for me to score something an 8 is the sheer enjoyment factor; even if they are clearly flawed, they are also too indulgent for me to honestly care (Hellsing Ultimate, Nagi no Asu kara). Rarely, I place potential 9s here until I rewatch them - just be sure (Nana, Neon Genesis Evangelion).
These anime consistently reach for the stars, but don’t always find them.
7 – Good
To be placed on this tier, the work must be good in an overall sense. This doesn’t always mean that all aspects are good or that every box is checked. It is possible for some elements to make up for others, and just one can do some serious carrying, much like myself when playing Destiny PvP (Kimetsu no Yaiba, Shokugeki no Souma). I do not doubt it when scoring something a 7; a good anime is one that leaves little, if any, uncertainty. These titles absolutely achieve what they set out to do and I thoroughly enjoyed them – even if their achievements are modest ones (Kotonoha no Niwa, NHK ni Youkoso!). They distinguish themselves from the norm in ways that are meaningful and positive (Kurozuka, Paprika). They are conspicuously good even if I don’t totally love them (Genji Monogatari Sennenki, Trigun). Good anime not only perform adequately within their genres, but are able to accomplish more beyond that (Hyouka, Rokka no Yuusha). “Good” is probably the single most subjective label on most scales, but for me, a truly good anime comes down to a certain kind of gnosis and sincere enthusiasm.
That, and they seem to routinely leave me with a warm impression.
6 – Fine
Firmly above average. Anime scored 6 contain elements of good, but are not good in their entireties. It can be the case that one powerful element, such as a wonderful character or rule-of-cool methodology, has earned a title this score where it is otherwise an altogether average product (5-toubun no Hanayome, Juubee Ninpuuchou). Anime which could be good but that sadly botch their potential also end up here (Claymore, Boku dake ga Inai Machi). Undeniably average guilty pleasures thrive on this tier (Dragon Ball Super, Juuni Taisen). Stuff that diverges from the norm to do something unique and interesting – but that I don’t love in the end – ultimately belongs here (FLCL, Kaiba). Reversing that idea, anime that are average but that I find ironically good can be elevated enough to earn a spot here on rare occasions (Inferno Cop, Keijo!!!!!!!!). A 6 is a pleasant time overall, but I usually have reservations about them in one way or another. If I really doubt whether or not an anime deserves to be crowned with one of those crispy 7s, then this is pretty much always where it gets assigned instead.
It’s the difference between being kinda good and actually good.
5 – Average
I’m aware of the strange, proprietary designation that some MAL users employ to mean average, where average is the exact point that good and bad meet. I have not adopted that use. Average is what most music on the radio constitutes. It’s the kind of thing that goes in one ear and out the other; work that is average fails to leave an impression. These anime are mediocre and run-of-the-mill even in their best estimations, much like the music produced by the local bands where I’m from. This is where the work of many ordinary creatives goes, and that is definitively average. However, 5 can also mean that I feel neutral overall towards the work (Hoshi no Koe, Omoide no Marnie). Anime which perform exactly within expectations without trying to distinguish themselves definitely belong here (BNA, New Game!). There is an erroneous, pervasive idea in many critic circles (not just anime) that mediocrity is grounds for thoughtless dismissal of and hatred towards some media. It's poor self-awareness to go on a tirade of misplaced passion about how mediocrity is the lowest form of art and still label yourself a critic.
You'd think this is the easiest term to not fuck up, but...
4 – Bad
Titles that are below average within their genres dominate this tier (Fairy Tail, Sword Art Online). The obvious “I don’t like it” anime are plentiful as well (Danganronpa, Tokyo Ghoul). However, sometimes I actually do like some of the anime I score a 4, but for one reason or another still find them subpar overall (Hikari no Ou, Seikaisuru Kado). I also put stuff here that I don’t mesh well with or that otherwise fail to serve their intended purposes enough to get a passing score of 5 (Azumanga Daiou, Bokutachi no Remake). “So bad it’s good” anime can be scored a 4, too, mainly due to the sheer entertainment value they offer (Domestic na Kanojo, Popee the Performer). Bad anime are less than mediocre, but usually aren’t complete trash. They can have dollar store villains, poor endings, and unutilized potential that land them here in the first place, but still boast attractive qualities that make them easy to watch, like great character designs (Magia Record, Takt Op. Destiny).
Bad anime are disappointments, but not necessarily wastes of time.
3 – Very Bad
Well, this sure is one way to suffer. How can something be this bad while still taking itself seriously? This tier is for anime that are not only bad, but require mental gymnastics in order to defend (Chaos Dragon, Tokyo Revengers). Sequels to titles whose original iterations are average or better, but have now fallen off the deep end, are right at home being scored 3 (Boruto, Nanatsu no Taizai, Yakusoku no Neverland). Anime that I have a vendetta against or that piss me off from a personal standpoint, but are otherwise just alright, are fated to dwell here (Beck). Unashamed rip-offs run straight to this tier as if their existences depend on it (Mahou Shoujo Ikusei Keikaku, Shinmai Maou no Testament). Eye-roll bad anime occupy this space (Citrus, Yosuga no Sora), as well as anime that severely and perhaps frustratingly botch their potential (Haruhi 2009, Ryuu to Sobakasu no Hime). Landfill destined waste may as well waltz right in (Masamune-kun no Revenge, Yakusai Kochou).
I came, I suffered, and was probably bored to tears.
2 – Horrible
If I hate it then this is where it goes. Hate is a strong word, but when an anime defies my preferences to an excruciating degree, it's totally deserved. For example, I hate stuff that’s edgy for the sake of it and tries to appeal to unhinged teenagers (Btooom!, Deadman Wonderland). These titles hurt to watch, especially when they’re a far cry from their original selves (Berserk 2016, Higurashi Sotsu). Funny-bad anime can also end up on this tier (Iron Virgin Jun, Toushinden). And naturally, being horrible garbage is the main method something can use to land itself a 2 (Mayoiga, Obsolete). An anime here might be worthless but not necessarily unpleasant (Guitar Shoujo!, Sol Levante). It might also be stupid enough that it gets me heated (Kamisama ni Natta Hi). I have to question how things like this are approved for production in the first place and why there are anime studios who will seemingly sell their souls to have their names attached to such senseless and tasteless junk.
It's total crap, but it can still entertain.
1 – Loony Bin
This tier is for titles that are in the realm of “as bad as it can possibly get”. They are completely worthless (Kokuhaku, Petting a Dog, Shitcom), hideous in every meaning (Utsu Musume Sayuri, Yukidoke), or disgusting and deranged (Anal Juke: Anal Juice, Boku no Pico, Pupa). They have been known to literally induce headaches (Vampire Holmes). I don’t ever get headaches unless there are too many screaming children afoot or I spend too long in an unsavory social setting, so that’s saying something in my case. Things that personally offend me also go here, although they’re incredibly rare and must be terrible to begin with (Kaifuku Jutsushi no Yarinaoshi). Of course, sometimes they are just that atrocious (Hametsu no Mars, Hanappe Bazooka, Tenkuu Danzai Skelter+Heaven). Anything with a 1 has left me speechless – and always for the worse. Avoid this shit at all costs unless you want to end up in an insane asylum like the demented criminals who create these sickening monstrosities. Animated pig slop.
I just recently finish Steins;Gate and passby your channel. I just want to say thanks for your hard work. Your video essay was nice personally I just you're also doing Violet Heaven feel S;G and Kara no Kyoukai.
I'm cheers for your future and thanks for your work!
All Comments (8) Comments
I'm cheers for your future and thanks for your work!