Ore Monogatari!!
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_2ZGWRnkdwQ
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=10918
Thoughts : Ore Monogatari!! is a laughter filled take on a Beauty and the Beast type romance. But there is a slight warning this show might induce diabetes from all the sweet moments. If you are looking for a good romance filled adorable and funny characters, probably the manliest protagonist this season and also the best "bro". Ore Monogatari is a must watch if you haven't seen it yet.
Arslan Senki
Synopsis : In the prosperous kingdom of Pars lies the Royal Capital of Ecbatana, a city of splendor and wonder, ruled by the undefeated and fearsome King Andragoras. Arslan is the young and curious prince of Pars who, despite his best efforts, doesn't seem to have what it takes to be a proper king like his father.
At the age of 14, Arslan goes to his first battle and loses everything as the blood-soaked mist of war gives way to scorching flames, bringing him to face the demise of his once glorious kingdom. However, it is Arslan's destiny to be a ruler, and despite the trials that face him, he must now embark on a journey to reclaim his fallen kingdom.
Thoughts : Arslan Senki (2015) is a lot better looking and fleshed out than the original OVA from long ago. If swordplay in anime is what you yearn for, Arslan Senki has it in spades. Arslan Senki is set in a cruel fictional world that has many underlying things that point to real world situations, like corrupt power hungry leaders using religion to charge up the people to blindly kill "heathens". But it's also a tale of growth of a naive protagonist into a very kind and inspiring leader.
Gakkou Gurashi
Synopsis : Takeya Yuki is in love with the school. For her, it's a wonderful place, where she enjoys her school activities, especially the activities of her club: School Life Club. The club has Rii-chan as the president, Kurumi-chan as another member, and the teacher, Megu-nee, always there for them. Yes, she is in love with her school... on her mind. Because, for her, the reality of the school and their club's activities is way too hard to be perceived...
Thoughts : Gakkou Gurashi is a heartbreaking show about a group of girls in a zombie apocalypse that is cleverly disguised as a "cute girls doing cute things" kinda show, but on the first episode the harsh reality set it. And as the show delves into the past of each of the characters and how it all started. The truth of their reality sets in. It really is a great show with great characters, and it will play with your heartstrings. The end especially was great. Well worth the watch.
Shokugeki no Soma
Synopsis : Yukihira Souma is a middle school student who is determined to surpass his father's culinary skills. One day, his father decides to close down their family restaurant and hone his skills in Europe. Before leaving he enrolls Souma in an elite culinary school that is extremely difficult to enter with a graduation rate of only 10 percent. Will Souma be able to improve his skills, or will the kitchen prove to be too hot?
Thoughts : I love cooking anime, I got pulled into the "genre" by Yakitate Japan's over the top bread battles, Yumeiro Patissiere's sweetness, and the utter food porn known as Koufuku Graffiti, so you could say Shokugeki no Soma was an anime I was looking forward to quite a bit, and I wasn't disappointed. Watching this show made me hungry more than once! Much like Yakitate Japan, Shokugeki no Soma had some really great "reactions" when people were tasting the food. If you love food, or need a gateway into the genre of "Food anime" Shokugeki no Soma is a great place to start!
GATE
Synopsis : A gate appears in Tokyo's Ginza district sometime in the 21st century. From the gate pour out monsters, knights from middle-age Europe and other fantasy-like beings, and they kill many citizens of Tokyo. This event is known as the Ginza Incident. The government sends a small group of soldiers from the Japanese Self-Defense Forces to the alternate world beyond the gate. Led by otaku soldier Itami Youji, they find that the villages in the world are being attacked by a dragon. An elf girl who is a survivor from the dragon's rampage joins the group in their travels across the dangerous new world.
Thoughts : The premise in Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri isn't exactly new, we've all seen the whole alternate worlds being connected thing before. But Gate really pulls it off well. Yes it's filled with a fair bit of classical tropes, but the way the show makes fun with them all and just rolls with it, is one of the things I enjoyed. The battle scenes were well executed, especially the one with Rory at the hot springs I personally can't wait for a second season!
And that concludes the list of shows I thought was the best of past Anime season of Summer 2015, it wasn't easy to choose though. As there were some really good contenders that didn't make the list. Like Overlord which was one of the better "guy stuck in a mmorpg" anime I've seen so far. Baby Steps 2 would have been on the list if it wasn't for the shoddy animation. And then there is Durarara X2, Working!!!, Classroom Crisis, Denpa Kyoushi, Non non biyori repeat to mention a few.
Now at the beginning I did say there was some shows that were so good but the "end" ruined them. Yes I'm looking at you Gangsta, Charlotte, and Rokka no Yuusha. I especially had high hopes for Gangsta, but that "non final everything gets left in the air" ending really ruined it. But things like these happen, which is why I usually wait till the end of the season before I made my final decision on which shows gets on the list or not.
And if you were wondering which shows to avoid that aired last season : God Eater, Chaos Dragon, and Kuusen Madoushi Kouhosei no Kyoukan aren't worth your time.
What's your thoughts on the Summer 2015 season? I'll clue you in on the promising shows for the next Season soon!
