ResetEra Anime of Year 2017 - Voting Thread (READ THE OP) [Ends Midnight January 31 UTC]

Deadline is in:

 

1. In This Corner of the World

In This Corner of the World is as much a celebration of life and the beauty that it entails as it is a story about the resilience of the people when faced with times of hardship and uncertainty. Set during World War II, the story of Suzu, a girl whom over the course of the two hour runtime grows and matures before our very eyes, and as she does a connection is formed between the viewer and her. Although we witness her grow as she is faced with misfortune, her desire to dream and stay positive remains a constant as she paints and draws the scenery around her as a means to escape the realities of war but to also appreciate the beauty that surrounds her in Kure, amongst the steep hillsides and adjacent to the sea which is adorned with warships. Suzu is 18 at the start of the film, a fact that may surprise a few people as the character designs are both playful and childlike. As you adjust to this stylistic choice however, a style that faithfully recreates the designs of Fumiyo Kouno's manga do we begin to realise just how effective this style is. There's a sense of maturity and care that graces each and every frame as 1940's Japan is brought to life and it's this juxtaposition that works together to conjure up a blend of levity and seriousness that makes for a huge punch to the gut.

At many junctures In This Corner of the World is a cosy film, laid back in its demeanour it invites its audience to soak in the atmosphere as the characters live their lives. The world has been meticulously crafted and has been animated in a beautiful painterly visage that juxtaposes amazingly with the more stark imagery. It is clear that director Katabuchi has spent a lot of time and effort in order to recreate 1930's/1940's Japan and it's evident. In This Corner of the World is very much a slice of life and so utmost focus is applied to the interactions between the cast, from the way that they talk to each-other to the way in which they interact with one-another on a day to day basis. For many people this may mean that the film slows down to a halt with not much ever happening at many points in the film but these moments create the heart of the film. Pillow shots are used throughout the film as a means to break up the action and to create a sense of place. We're allowed to breathe in and appreciate the painstakingly recreated scenery and an air of sentimentality billows throughout the film. These shots can often come across as unrelated and abrupt but instead of diluting the emotion that's brewing they instead intensify the impact as they, as I said earlier create a sense of place. The world within this movie feels tangible and real and the interactions that occur on screen feel genuine.

Gentle, warm and hand-crafted, the painterly aesthetics lull you into its world as the highly detailed recreation of Kure is brought to life. The main character loves to draw and so during the movie elements of her imagination splash onto the screen and intertwine with the events that are unfolding as a means to allow the audience to see the world through her eyes. What this allows director Katabuchi to do is to depict events and scenes that we've seen time and time again in a fresh and new manner. In This Corner is not short of inventive imagery that sets it apart from similar films. The character designs are equally charming although they can appear simplistic and lacking in nuanced facial expressions, the terrific voice work however points the audience in the right direction. Some of the nonplussed facial expressions work, intended or otherwise as a means to make the characters almost unperturbed by the events occurring, to them this is life, the sounds of bombs exploding and bullets ricocheting is almost one with the sounds of birds chirping and cicadas buzzing. Either way, the character designs embody the pleasing and homely designs of Fumiyo Kouno. Kouno would sometimes draw images with her non-dominant hand or with lipstick instead of ink as a means to make the images more varied and to more importantly depict the emotions of the characters visually and the animators of this film took similar approaches in order to achieve the very same. Like Suzu in the manga and film, both Kouno and the animators of the movie tested themselves in order to discover their capabilities when it comes to art and their imagination. A film about the atomic bombs and the devastation that they left upon Hiroshima and Nagasaki brings fourth obvious imagery which is why the way in which Katabuchi goes about depicting these events are imaginative and innovative when it comes to storytelling.

The hand-drawn backgrounds are full to the brim with historically accurate details which juxtapose perfectly with the animated and simplified character designs and the two compliment one another perfectly. In This Corner perfectly captures the moments in life and I found myself becoming absorbed in the story, so much so that at parts I had forgotten that I was watching a film, never mind an animated film. From cooking to cleaning as the characters go through the motions the film is able to inject a much needed sense of levity amidst the terrible events that occur and by the end of the film I had truly become attached to the characters in a way that I hadn't expected.

Audio is handled just as well with the voice actors all doing a terrific job which again goes a long way in cementing this world and making it feel real. Although many of the audio tracks don't necessarily stand out on their own, they all work wonderfully in conjunction with what's being depicted visually, the film opening up with (I Can't Bear How Sad It Is) however is poignant, beautiful and does a terrific job of setting the tone for what is to come. The original 1968 version by The Folk Crusaders is a truly fantastic song and the rendition by Kotringo is equally sobering with the lyrics hitting like a tsunami of emotions.

It's a testament to the crew behind this film that they were able to craft a two hour historical animated film and to hold ones attention throughout and to stick the landing is impressive. Animation affords us the ability to conjure up the most imaginative and exciting worlds, to create and depict lives with ones bare hands is powerful and it leads to all sorts of possibilities which is why when a movie like this comes along it reminds us that some of the most remarkable and touching stories take place in the real world, even sometimes in a little corner of the world.

2. Lu Over The Wall

Every once in a blue moon a film comes along that instantly captures my heart, from the very first frame it captivates me, drawing me into its world, invested in its characters I long for it to never end and when it does I feel a little sad, sad that it's over but ultimately happy that I got to spend that brief period of time with it , Lu Over The Wall was that film.

The fluid and dynamic animation that we all expect from Yuasa is all but present here and it's a treat for the eyes, as are the charming and memorable character designs, with Lu herself coupled with her voice making for a heart-melting combination. With the theme of music being a focus you'd hope that the soundtrack for this film would be of a high quality and thankfully it is. The marriage of audio and visuals here is expertly executed and this allows for all the scenes to hit without missing a beat.

Lu simply is best described as a bundle of joy, a joyous film that is wrapped up in the all so familiar Yuasa package that so effortlessly captures and nurtures that human element that elevates the material to great heights and paired with the fantastic animation and character designs this film is easily cemented as one of my all time favourites. To describe films like this is to use nebulous and unquantifiable terms such as "full of heart" and "very human" and yet to do so is apt here. A whimsical concoction of pure delight, a film that I can easily recommend to anyone and everyone.

 

Saying that is like saying that you hate puppies.

 

Well there's less than an hour now.

 

phew I made it.

Anime TV Series

1. Land of the Lustrous

The more I think about it, the more I realize that I love pretty much everything about this show. I love the gorgeous blend of CG and 2D animation, the extremely endearing characters, the mysterious setting, the heartrending soundtrack, the novel way the themes about growing up and change are handled, the intense action, the thoughtful directing, the inventive storyboards…It just keeps going.

Most of all I love Phos. Phos and their silly faces and funny noises. Phos and their naivety and unearned arrogance. Phos and their genuine kindness and empathy for others. Phos and their doubts and confusion about their place in this society. Phos and their self-hatred and sudden urges for self-harm.

Phos’ journey and the changes they go through is the heart of the show and for me it was genuinely affecting. Kurosawa Tomoyo proves yet again that she is the best working voice actress with a simultaneous hilarious and heartbreaking performance. I can’t remember the last time I so quickly became so infatuated with a main character.


2. Girls’ Last Tour

The most relaxed and comfy depiction of the absolute hopelessness of the post apocalypse. Such a unique atmosphere to this series. At times it gets surprisingly profound for what is essentially two adorable moeblobs travelling an empty wasteland. There’s a realization that there’s really no way it will end nicely for these two girls, but at the same time it brings with it a sense of tranquility. The first line delivered in the upbeat ending song feels like the essence of this series, it’s not over till it’s over.


3. Miss Kobayashi’s Dragon Maid

Kyoto Animation is so far above the competition when it comes to this type of nice and relaxing slice of life. Production values matter to a show where character and atmosphere takes precedence over narrative and Kyoani almost always delivers on that front. This is such a pleasant and touching story about the found family of the titular and fantastic protagonist Kobayashi.


4. Kemono Friends

The most interesting production of the year without a doubt. From the out of nowhere explosive popularity to its tragic death at the hands of Kadokawa, with adorable penguin romances in between.
Everything just somehow works about this show, whether it’s the shaky cg animation, the amateurish voice acting, or the surprisingly compelling story. There’s a real sense of wonder and adventure to this world and the adorable Friends that inhabit them. I found it impossible to not get swept up in the mounting emotion and pure heart of the show and was basically tearing up for the entirety of the last few episodes. What a crazy thing.


5. March Comes in Like a Lion

The Kawamoto family (and their cats) is one of the purest sources of happiness and everything good ever depicted in an anime. Almost every time a scene is set in their house the tone of the series changes entirely to one of life-affirming happiness. So to see one of them suffer for most of the second season is just an continuing excruciating gut punch. This series is just one of the best at handling extreme emotions in general, whether it be Rei’s depression or those fleeting moments of happiness and peace that disappear as soon as his constant anxieties claws their way back. The second season that is so focused on Rei doing everything he can to help someone else is a great showcase for why he is one of the most empathetic and genuinely likeable main characters in anime. I wish I knew more about Shogi.

6. Scum’s Wish

A high school anime romance where everyone is in a toxic relationship while being completely aware of it. It’s pretty refreshing. The characters are all in some way damaged and self-serving, like something resembling real people. The soft and pleasant directing makes this really easy to watch and enjoy despite its somber tone and heavy melodrama. Akane is one my favorite characters this year, I love her and her scary and over the top ways.


7. Kakegurui

Such a fun take on the absurdity and allure of gambling. Yumeko makes this show, even though she’s some inexplicable gambling god, she is just so fun to watch. This is probably Saori Hayami’s best voice acting performance. The gambles are not particularly interesting by themselves, but it’s the way the extremely over the top characters react to it. Every gamble seems to climax into a crescendo of amazing music, people screaming in ecstasy while body fluids are gushing, and hilarious facial expressions. And I love it every time.


8. Tsuredure Children

The complete opposite of Scum’s Wish. This might be the sweetest high school romances there is. With its huge and likeable cast of already formed couples, this is just a joy to watch. Praying for another season covering the other couples from the manga.


9. Teekyuu 9

I’ll take every horrid Berserk adaptation if it means Shin Itagaki can keep making Teekyuu forever (he says as the manga just ended ☹). For my money it’s just the most consistently funny anime out there. I love my wacky tennis girls that never actually play tennis. If a joke doesn’t hit you just move onto the next one with its ten jokes a second pace. The funniest gag may be the addition of an ED in its ninth season, pushing the episode length to 2.5 minutes. Short form absurd comedy anime is just the best. (the new Ai Mai Mi season was good too)


10. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Season 2

The most exquisitely executed character drama about the dullest subject matter you’ll find anywhere. I’m sorry, but rakugo is boring as hell. Overrall I liked this more than first season, despite its continued weird treatment of its female characters and a truly awful twist in the final episode.


Honorable mentions

Magical Circle Guru Guru – I feel the worst about this one. I’ve only watched 6 episodes, all of which I’ve loved. if it keeps it up I’ve no doubt it would have made it on my list. Hunting monsters got in the way.

Konosuba 2 – Sometimes it’s hilarious, sometimes it’s not.

Just Because – I feel like I was constantly mentally cheering this show on while watching it. There was something so admirable about its dedication to expressive character movement, even while it seemed like the production was falling apart.

Made in Abyss – Beautiful visuals and music. I wish I cared more about what was happening.

Ai-Mai-Mi Surgical Friends – I had to represent my favorite tennis club, you would have been on the list if not.

My Hero Academia S2 – a huge improvement over the first season, I wish all the girls were the main characters.


Anime Movies

1. A Silent Voice

I love Naoko Yamada. I’m constantly amazed at how rapidly her quality and style is evolving from project to project. And at such a young age compared to her peers. A Silent Voice is the best anime feature film I’ve seen in years. I’d read some of the manga beforehand, but I wasn’t overly impressed by it. So the ways Yamada and her team improved upon it and trimmed it down to its essentials frankly blew me away. A key part of Yamada’s work has always been about how people communicate with each other, so this really was the perfect fit for her.

2. In This Corner of The World

I spent huge parts of this movie extremely anxious just waiting for the Bad Stuff to happen, remembering that this is a WW2 movie. The biggest reason for this anxiousness is how beautifully the daily life of these characters is portrayed. Something about the perspective of these characters just living their very normal lives in a terrible time of conflict felt so True. They laugh and make jokes and worry about their relationships, all the while you feel the terrible consequences of the war creeping ever closer.


3. The Night is Short, Walk on Girl

The most fun I had watching an anime movie in 2017. Pure animation energy from beginning to end. I love that Science Saru exists and that Yuasa can do his thing.


4. Lu Over the Wall

That other Yuasa movie of 2017. This one is a bit bogged down by plot and weird pacing, but I can’t help but love it due to its utterly charming and incredible animation. I absolutely loved the way music was integrated into this movie. Every time Lu sings or dances just melts my heart.

5. Your Name

It’s alright.

 

Here's my last minutes votes:

Anime TV Series
1. March Comes in like a Lion Season 1 + 2 - Love how they explore most of the cast that are connected to Rei in some way with their own arc. Making me care for them in some way or another along with excellent visual and music. The bullying arc is the best.
2. Gundam Iron Blood Orphans Season 2 - Always loved Gundam. This one is a bit different. Action scenes are mostly melee and brutal, lots of death, and a decent plot. Great ending.
3. My Hero Academia Season 2 - Great casts and visual continues in season 2. Looking forward to season 3.
4. Knight's & Magic - Really like this more than I thought. Thought it was another isekai show but with mechs, but I really like the casts and the actions.
5. Blend S - My sister and I laugh our butts off every episodes. Good times lol.
6. Blood Blockade Battlefront & Beyond - Love how this season explore some of the (big) casts with their story, and end the season with Leo and his sister. Very enjoyable.
7. Attack on Titan Season 2 - Great continuation from season 1. More actions, and less yelling from Eren would make this even better though..
8. ID-0 - Didn't expect much from this CG show, but surprised me. The sci-fi story isn't bad either.
9. Food Wars Season 3 - More foods, more unnecessary (or necessary?) clothes ripping. More good times. Not as good a the previous season. Might be because of lower episodes count.
10. Re:Creators - Really like the action and the visual. Less talking please.

Anime Movie/OVA Series
1. Your Name - Beautiful visual and captivating story.
2. Sword Art Online Movie: Ordinal Scale - More SAO but with decent production and serviceable story. Had a good time watching it.

 

1. Tiger Mask W - A show about shirtless men fighting each other in a 1 on 1 fight, hm, sounds like something else I really like. Jokes aside, I was particularly shocked at how much I ended up liking this show, there were some truly spectacular moments in this show (The Red Death fight in episode 5) and striking shots during the the pyramid wrestling arena (That Tiger Mask and Tiger Dark scene) and yet it is all surpassed by the final episode. If there is a sequel series, I know which tiger I want to follow.

2. Konosuba S2 - Such a massive improvement over the first season (Which I sped through to jump aboard the train for this) colour me surprised. I wasn't quite expecting to like Konosuba Season 2 as much as I did, I felt Season 1 was just about passable but the chemistry and the abundence of Aqua bullying made me a fan of the series. Hopefully season 3 happens.

3. Blood Blockade Battlefront & Beyond - A show I was looking forward to despite concerns over it's productions and you know what, I think I still quite liked it. I appreciate how this season tried to show us more of the cast, even Gilbert, that you got to see a bit more of the dynamic between the team which really helps excel in how it concludes, something I feel season 1 fell by the wayward at the end. The issue this season was that, jumping from last few episodes of season 1 that was well into volume 6, we're getting chapters adapted from volume 1 in season 2. Still an enjoyable show and I hope to see these wacky characters again one day.

4. Kakegurui - A cool show with crazy girls placing it all on the line for eye watering sums. The show oozes a certain style and despite having a wonky finale, we're still treated with some of the most intense fights you'll get to see this year. Definitely recommended despite it coming a few chips short at the end.

5. Little Witch Academia - Trigger's first completely family friendly show and what a little treat it turned out to be. I had a very mixed reception to it when the show went to double digits in episode numbers but a lot of the good will it built up in the early half (Such as the Broom Race and Sucy episode) did enough to let me stick with it. The little twists towards the end and conclusion all came together nicely. A great band of brilliant students, misfits, sadistic individuals and Akko. A show I can definitely recommend whole heartily if you want something to watch with younger family members too!

6. Made in Abyss - This show should be higher up in my list, it's got some fantastic characters and narrative beats with both Ozen and Nanachi, it has great music and a world that feels well built. We feel for some of these characters and the monster designs are great... But it's problematic aspects are too much for me to overlook, so this falls down the list. Just barely beats out number 6 because I still feel it had a lot of amazing work put into it even with it's negative points.

7. Rage of Bahamut: Virgin Soul - Not as fun swashbuckling as season 1 and it took a while before it launched head on to the meat of the story but once Favaro entered the fray it definitely picked up. But still under all this was a decent romance story but falls into anime trappings of trying to paint a horrible character in a sympathetic light through some poorly constructed justification. Still enjoyed it.

8. Sakura Quest - It's refreshing to see a show where there's female characters who are in there 20s. Although the show lost some steam towards the end, I still enjoyed it for the most part and it's relaxing nature mixed in with some more oddball moments helped to round out a pretty cool assembled cast of characters!

9. Kemono Friends - Want to see cute girls have the power of animals and do cute stuff with a bit of heart? This is the show for you then! It has a nice little backstory too so those looking for something deeper might be surprised they got more than they expected. (No backdoor dealings took place to get me to watch Kemono Friends.)

10. Aho Girl - Stupid fun that could get a bit awkward. Still had a bit of fun with it.

Films

1. In This Corner of the World - A film that had me moved and one that had even more impact on me after I had return from visiting Hiroshima last year. A story not about the war itself but the everyday people, I'd say this was on the edge of it my favourite film last year, if it can make me tear up multiple times then you know it's something special.

2. Napping Princess - Cute story about a girl and her family's backstory but not amazing by any means. Is second by default because I only watched two anime films last year!

 

I didn’t manage to write even half the write-ups I wanted for the series I think really deserved it and I’m not very happy with everything I did manage to get out but the timer is almost up so I might as well post what I have. I’ll try to clean this up after the fact.

1. Land of the Lustrous

From its’ very first moments, Land of the Lustrous had me. Its’ stunning usage of colours and cinematography was genuinely like nothing else I’d seen before. It is a gorgeous and multi-faceted production that consistently elevates Haruko Ichikawa’s already keen talent for imagery through its’ deft use of musical score and consistently evocative storyboarding.

Besides its’ sheer beauty and all too purposeful framing though, what truly had me so invested in the series was Phos. Through them, Land of the Lustrous explores the nature of change and a murky division between self-improvement and self-destruction, as change after change Phos experiences literally and metaphorically breaks them just as much as it seems to empower them. They are at once driven by a desperate need to transform themselves yet anxious over what change is and what it brings as it happens, and in this fundamental, driving struggle I found in Phos a character deeply resonant with myself, and as such, and for many reasons beyond, I found myself inescapably tied up in what was happening to them and where they were inevitably headed.

I can only leave this with as strong a recommendation I can possibly make and my firm belief it’s nothing short of a medium landmark.

2. Girls' Last Tour

Something that intensely frustrates me about the myriad of post-apocalyptic media out there is its' almost fetishistic fixation on survival. What survival costs, how it's achieved, it is a genre that by and large views survival as an end in and of itself. Girls' Last Tour does a very simple thing, and asks instead what survival is for and in what do we find reasons to continue being. It is a theme expressed more textually in some of the later vignettes that piece together the series, but all throughout it's woven throughout the series in the shared moments of warmth that its' two leads, Chito and Yuuri share with one another amid a world with nothing else. As the series came to an end, its’ thesis on what matters to people and what we need to live I found immensely moving.

3. Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu S2

Despite the incredible regard that the first season of Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu was held in, it wasn't something I'd been able to motivate myself to start for a great deal of time. That time finally came, well after the second season had ended and I thought it was high time to finally see it. After the first episode, high off the energy of Yotaro's rough but captivating rakugo performance, I thought I knew what to expect from the season to come. This, of course, would have to wait until the second season, which quite thankfully more than lived up to my expectations. Its’ musings on mortality, legacy, and the generational metamorphoses that art at once must and loathes to do in order meet newer generations, all articulated through beautifully animated and acted rakugo performance, captivated me.

4. Made in Abyss

5. Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid

6. March Comes In Like A Lion S1

7. NEW GAME!!

8. Owarimonogatari

9. KONOSUBA - God's blessing on this wonderful world! 2

10. Kemono Friends

Movies

1. A Silent Voice

2. Your Name

 

Anime TV Series

1. Made in Abyss




A hilarious comedy that I laughed all the way through.
Especially the ending, one of the funniest anime of last year.

2. Land of the Lustrous



An anime about butts and shiny hair. Loved it.

3. Girl's Last Tour



Two children who drive around on a very slow motorcycle for 12 episodes, nothing else happened.
It was fun.

4. Princess Principal



This was confusing but I was interested in the characters, maybe there will be a season 2.

Honorable Mention
x. I dropped everything else.

 

Anime TV Series

1. Land of the Lustrous - I never thought I'd see the day when a full 3DCG series would actually work after the disaster that was the 2017 Berserk. The world, the themes, the characters, and the dynamics of this show are the best I've seen in this kind of art. Everyone should go watch this show.

2. Recovery of an MMO Junkie - Almost relatable character when it comes to real life and playing games and being social in general with these games. Shoutouts to 30 year old heroines.

3. Owarimonogatari: Season 2 - 3 episodes of nearing the end of Araragi's time. The backgrounds remain great, but it's the characters and the dialogue that continue to push this show and the series again.

4. Re:Creators - I don't think I've been this interested in a show that likes to go meta on itself and real life to this extent where it bleeds over into reality quite like this. It's as if the "characters" actually come to life in this world and how they deal with it was pretty entertaining. Good enough action to sustain it and balance out some of the exposition slog that drags this show at times.

5. Kakegurui - Compulsive Gambler - If nothing else, this show is good for shoving a supposed male protagonist aside basically rendering him irrelevant among a cast of very powerful ladies who are also insane in their gambling. Long live Yumeko Jabami and her walking fabulous pose in the ED credits giving no fucks.

6. Konosuba: Season 2 - It's a pleasant surprise that a comedy of this type improves with its 2nd season. I also liked that there was some slight semblance of a continuity that you don't expect when you think every episode is mostly stand-alone. These 4 stupid adventurers are pretty endearing in a way.

Honorable Mention

x. The King's Avatar - This is a Chinese production, but that doesn't stop it from being good because it takes the powerful protagonist and makes him human with real problems for once. If it was allowed, I'd put it at #1, but alas.

 

TV Shows-

​

1. Girls' Last Tour - Everybody let's get along with the feeling of hopelessness! A truly powerful show that deals with themes of loneliness, beauty in desolation, friendship, and hope. The production doesn't dwell on the sadness of the setting, which somehow makes it even more sad. The ending scene in episode 5 flat out broke me in ways no other show this year did, possibly this decade. The anime encapsulates both the best and worst of humanity but does so in such a quiet fashion that it doesn't take away from the character dynamics between Yuuri and Chito. One of the best 'mono no aware' shows I've ever seen. This was Takaharu Ozaki's first time directing a TV show and he's already established himself as a master.

2. KONOSUBA - God's blessing on this wonderful world! 2- Possibly one of the best all time comedies in anime. Imagine the Always Sunny in Philadelphia cast got isekai'd and you have the rough premise of the show. One of the scummiest, horrible, egotistical, and idiotic casts in anime. And that's why they're great, especially Aqua you filthy heathens. By the way, have I told you about the great health plan afforded to Axis Order members? You really should sign up for the Axis Order. On top of all that, the animation staff played loose with the character models resulting in unusually expressive character animation which adds to the comedy. People have wrongly assumed that this is due to Deen budget/QUALITY' when it's really due to a creative decision by Koichi Kikuta, the chief animator. The second season was not only a great followup to the first but improved in notable areas such as animation and character dynamics. Anyway, you're signed up for the Axis Order right?

3. Made in Abyss - It's not just the art direction which was out of this world. The direction in the later half of the show, besides a particular episode, was phenomenal. They were able to elevate grimdark source material and make it into something special. Mitty didn't deserve any of this.

4. Land of the Lustrous - One of the best examples of great CGI in anime, not only through excellent camera usage but taking of traditional animators. Studio Pablo went into overdrive with the art direction resulting in some gorgeous backgrounds.

​

5.Magical Circle Guru-Guru - A fairly funny parody of JRPGs. What won me over though wasn't the comedy so much as the development of the character. Both Nike and Kukuri slowly develop into heroes over the progression of the show and it's those moments I'll remember the most. The show takes a while to get going but once it finds its grove, mainly after they establish the principal cast, it's a blast all the way to the finishing line.

6.Attack on Titan Season 2- A vast improvement over the first season. Not only was the production smoother, despite some hiccups at the end, but there's significantly better direction and animation along the way. It's one of the bigger sequel quality jumps in the anime medium. By focusing on the side characters rather than Eren, who is still obnoxious, the show somewhat develops an emotional core.

7.Gundam Iron Blood Orphans Season 2- Lots of stupidity abound but props to the creative staff for not completely wussing out on the ending (even if they did pull it back from how nihilistic it was originally going to be). There was also lots of top tier mecha action due to quality storyboarding/animation.

8.Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu Season 2- I haven't actually watched the show yet but I'm voting for this anyway as I will get around to it and probably will regret not finishing it earlier.

I saw more shows this year but they're not worth mentioning. Shoutouts to Eccentric Family 2, Kemono Friends, and Tiger Mask W. I will watch those at some point in my life.

Movies/OVAs-

1.Silent Voice- A rollercoaster of emotion.

2. Kizumonogatari III- 7 years hand drawn.

3. Eureka Seven-Hi Evolution 1- I hate myself for voting for this. There are way better movies I could have voted for. It's such a bad movie. It's really fucking bad, like unbelievably bad. But that prologue...

 

Anime TV Series

1. KONOSUBA - God's blessing on this wonderful world! 2 - A great improvement over the first season which I already loved.
2. Land of the Lustrous - Simply beautiful, a great surprise from this year
3. Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju - A slight disappointment compared to the first season in the story but still a great production nonetheless
4. Scum's Wish - A nice anime about messy and ugly high school love
5. Tsukigakirei - A nice anime about pure and wholesome middleschool love
6. GAMERS! - Not only a big surprise for me but also a big turnaround from the first awful episode that almost got me to dismiss it right there
7. Tsuredure Children - A cute little short about several high school relationships
8. New Game!! - Cute girls making video games, sadly doesn't go much beyond that
9. Dragon Ball Super - It's Dragon Ball we all love and hate
10. Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid - There's a big tiddy dragon idk i didn't watch much

Hounorable Mentions
MAGICAL CIRCLE GURU-GURU - I loved what I watched of this, but I only watched the first 10 or so episodes so I didn't feel like putting it in my list :(

 

While I don't like popularity contests without specific categories of merit, this at least serves as a platform to review the year and share some recommendations.

TV:

1. Kemono Friends - The Hosadapocalypse With the Kraft Brothers.® finds a new hope: Kemono Friends, jerry-built ships bearing gifts that keep on giving.
   
2. Descending Stories: SukerokuIIII- Heritage.
   
3. Land of the Lustrous - A creative, compact, crystalline world of wonder and woe. "Diamonds are a girl's best friend."
   
4. Girls' Last Tour - PT8O girls: ration 'em, bake 'em, stick 'em in hell the aftermath. Remember to add chocolate and mushrooms.
   
5. Tsuki ga Kirei - Do you even read Dazai? (Shiteaters.)

Movies:

1. In This Corner of the World - Beautiful and full of charm. I barely squeezed this in right before voting ended so no time for further comments. Please excuse my absentminded self. >∀<
   
2. Sword Art Online the Movie -Ordinal Scale- - Allow me to explain myself: "Easily the best entry in the series, Ordinal Scale is also easy to watch by itself." (Hey, this dunce cap is kind of snuggly!)

Honorable Mentions:

• A Silent Voice - ...#TeamManga
  
• Frame Arms Girl - How to raise your AI, with caveats. If only this were without the battles and the objectifying lens...
  
• Made in Abyss 4/13 - I initially dropped this during its broadcast because Riko's negligence—no, her whole character was bothering me. Despite the praise, I failed to revisit this in time. Oops. The jury is still out it seems...
• Shuumatsu Nani Shitemasu ka? Isogashii desu ka? Sukutte Moratte Ii desu ka? - Decent, with well-written characters, but messy overall.

Remember to select all of my recommendations for great justice. (My top three are more or less tied but Kemono Friends could use the boost.)

​

 

I should really see stuff from Yuasa. The two movies look so good, along with Devilman from recent

 

And Closed.

 

I hope GEM GIRLS falls flat on it's face.

 

i dunno what gem girls is. i know of the show with all the non binary gems though

 

Can't believe I missed the cut. I should have paid more attention to the countdown timer. I guess I'm just too used to adhering to the usual American timezones.

 

they're both non binary gems shows

 

Had a lot of fun reading everyone's impressions and got some ideas for shows I need to watch now

 

Narag has disciples in every corner of the internet. I cannot escape this bullying