Wednesday, 20 April 2016

Anime Spotlight : Spring 2016's Promising New Anime!

With almost all of the new shows having aired. It's time to list the 5 most promising Anime from the Spring 2016 season. This season has been off to a shaky start with some terrible/average shows. But luckily there are quite a few gems. Grab your popcorn and let's get to it!

Kiznaiver

Synopsis : The Kizuna System is an incomplete system for the implementation of world peace that connects people through wounds. Those connected to this system are called Kiznaivers, and when one is wounded, the system divides and transmits the wound among the other Kiznaivers.

 In Sugomori City, a Japanese city built on reclaimed land and with decreasing population, Sonozaki Noriko tells her classmate Agata Katsuhira: "You have been selected to be a Kiznaiver." Thus, he becomes connected to classmates whose lives and personalities completely differ from his.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q8gZgQNhhUw
AniDB : https://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=11692
Thoughts : Kiznaiver is the new Anime from Studio Trigger, which means we can expect a lot of over the top scenes and usually quite a few unexpected plot twists. Kiznaiver also has a very cool Opening by Boom Boom Sattelites. Hopefully this show doesn't disappoint.

Big Order

Synopsis : The story centers on an introverted high school student named Eiji Hoshimiya who has a huge secret — he wished for the destruction of the world when he was younger. After the disaster happens, certain people acquire special powers called Orders, and what Order Users can do with their power depends on their wishes. 10 years after the Great Destruction, Eiji struggles to come to terms with his immense power.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MJBwQr0Zyno
AniDB : https://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=11086
Thoughts : Big Order's first episode came as a nice surprise. Also possible Yandere girl! Big Order has a pretty interesting premise for the most part. and the first episode was well executed. Looking forward to more.

Sakamoto Desu ga?

Synopsis : The story follows the daily life of the "coolest" high school student, Sakamoto. As soon as he transfers to his new school, he attracts the attention of not just his class but the whole student body, and his jealous classmates' attempts to bully him repeatedly backfire and instead make Sakamoto look cooler.
Thoughts : Sakamoto Desu ga?'s first episode has me in stitches! A promising comedy with a lot of stupidly absurd scenes that are brilliantly executed.

Re: Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu

Synopsis : Natsuki Subaru is an ordinary high school student who is lost in an alternate world, where he is rescued by a beautiful, silver-haired girl. He stays near her to return the favour, but the destiny she is burdened with is more than Subaru can imagine. Enemies attack one by one, and both of them are killed. He then finds out he has the power to rewind death, back to the time he first came to this world. But only he remembers what has happened since.
Thoughts : Re: Zero kara Hajimeru Isekai Seikatsu feels like the love child of KonoSuba and All You need is Kill. A funny, gory, fantasy setting anime with some edge of your seat scenes. I look forward to a new episode each week.

Flying Witch

Synopsis : The comical story follows the 15-year-old witch Kowata Makoto and the other boys and girls in her daily life. With her black cat Chito, the somewhat aimless girl moved from Yokohama to live with her second cousin at Aomori in verdant northern Japan.
Thoughts : Flying Witch, for me, had a great first episode that left me smiling through out. The setting is great, the characters are funny, heck it might even be as enjoyable as Aria for me.

These are a few of the shows I found most promising from the Spring 2016 Anime Season. There are other notable mentions as well. And chances are big that the Top 5 shows at the end of the season will be different. With one exclusion. Gundam Unicorn. I already know it's going to be great as it seems to be just a TV version of the brilliant OVA. Great music as well. The other shows to keep an eye on are, in no particular order.

Kabaneri of the Iron Fortress
Sousei no Onmyouji
Netoge no Yome wa Onnanoko ja Nai to Omotta
Kuromukuro
Mayoiga
Haifuri
Boku no Hero Acadmia
Macross Delta

 What shows this season are you following? Feel free to comment below. Tweet me on Twitter. Message me on Facebook or whichever. Always fun to hear what other people think of anime.
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Sunday, 3 April 2016

Anime Spotlight : Best Anime from Winter 2016

The Winter 2016 Anime season has ended which means it's time again to choose which of the Anime that ended this season was the best. As you probably know by now, this includes Anime that started in previous season's but only ended now as well. Generally Winter 2016 had some really good shows, and some down right terrible ones too. But let's see which made the grade!


Boku dake ga Inai Machi

Synopsis : Fujinuma Satoru is a struggling manga artist who has the ability to turn back time and prevent deaths. When his mother is killed he turns back time to solve the mystery, but ends up back in elementary school, just before the disappearance of his classmate Hinazuki Kayo.
Thoughts : Boku dake ga Inai Machi, also known as ERASED, was generally good throughout it's running. It had an interesting premise, even though the mystery was a bit easy to figure out, it still kept me entertained. Strong emotions pulse through the veins of ERASED as you follow Satoru's hard battle to change the past so he can save his future. 

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar

Synopsis : When Haruhiro awakens, he's in the dark. He doesn't know where he is, why he is here, and where he came from. Around him there are several men and women who have the same circumstances. Haruhiro and his companions find themselves in a game-like world called Grimgar and must form a party, cooperate, and learn new skills to survive the harsh environment together.
Thoughts : While KonoSuba was easily the funnier of the "stuck in a fantasy world" anime this season. Grimgar had the far bigger impact. Both emotionally and visually. Even though Grimgar features some fanservice, it's not over the top. The choice of music really matched the dark theme of Grimgar well. And with the battles always being life and death, the last few episodes were quite rough.

Haikyuu!! Second Season

Synopsis : The Continuation of the hugely popular volleyball anime, Haikyuu!! This time the Karusano Volleyball team goes out to prove they aren't flightless birds anymore.
Thoughts : The Second season of Haikyuu!! started off just as strong as the first one ended. The high quality of animation is also back. A lot of new characters are introduced which soon become familiar faces. If you aren't a fan of sports anime in general, you could do far worse than use Haikyuu!! as your Introduction into the genre.

Durarara!!x2 Ketsu

Synopsis : Half a year after the turmoil that rocked the entire city of Ikebukuro - Peace has once again returned to the city and people are living each day normally. The high school students enjoy their days of youth as the strongest and most dangerous man of Ikebukuro works diligently. The informant plots (or plans) a new scheme and the headless rider is pursued by the cops as she rides through the night... But soon this normal will be cut short by the abnormal. Slowly but surely, the unknown will seize the city and face an all new storm.
Thoughts : Durarara!!x2 finally comes to a close with Ketsu. A great big cast of unique characters big enough to fill a theater with outstanding animation and music. Some really great dark humor and a tinge of romance. Makes for an unforgettable Anime experience in Durarara!!x2 Ketsu.

Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri (2016)

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 : Those of you who know me, know I loved the first season of GATE : And so the SDF fought. The second season of GATE for me was even better than the first. Building more on the characters introduced in the first season of GATE, while also expanding the world and it's lore/history. I won't lie. I want more GATE.

There are a few special mentions this season, like KonoSuba for it's comedy, Dimension W for it's OP and action scenes. Koukaku no Pandora for being a VERY pleasant surprise. And others like Heavy Object, Akagami no Shiroyuki 2 and lastly. The end of Ace of Diamond 2.

I'm sure I'm missing out a few shows here, which were your Top 5 Anime for Winter 2016? As Always sound off in the comment section below and let your thoughts be known!
at No comments:

Monday, 25 January 2016

You Should Be Watching : Anime Spotlight : Most Promising NEW Anime of Winter 2016



If you want it or not 2016 is in Full swing, and with it the Winter 2016 anime season. And what a season it is so far. So many good new shows, unlike last year. And some must watch sequels. Below is the most promising new shows for the Winter 2016 Anime season. I left out sequels form this list, as GATE s2. Akagami no Shirayukihime 2, and Durarara x2 are just too good.

Hai to Gensou no Grimgar

Synopsis : When Haruhito awakens, he's in the dark. He doesn't know where he is, why he is here, and where he came from. Around him there are several men and women who have the same circumstances. Haruhito and his companions find themselves in a game-like world called Grimgar and must form a party, cooperate, and learn new skills to survive the harsh environment together.
Thoughts : So far Hai to Gensou no Grimgar has me hooked with it's fights and mystery, there characters themselves are a bit boring for the most part, but the show has promise. Hopefully it doesn't fall flat in the end.

Dimension W


Synopsis : In the year 2071, the world's energy problems seem solved by a network of cross-dimensional electric-field inductors - "coils" - that extract energy from a seemingly infinite source. That source is the W dimension, a fourth plane that exists beyond the X, Y, and Z dimensions.

In this world, unofficial "illegal" coils harness powers that the police can't hope to counter. Dealing with these coils is the job of coil-hating repo man Kyouma, whose run-in with the unique coil android Mira leads the two to form a reluctant partnership.
Thoughts : From it's cool opening to it's great characters, tons of action and a very interesting premise Dimension W has me hooked. Also any show that puts so much detail into cars is worth it ;)

Dagashi Kashi

Synopsis : Shikada You owns a rural sweets shop, and his plan is for his son Kokonotsu to take it over one day, but Kokonotsu wants to be a manga author instead. One day, the heir to the well-known sweets maker Shidare Company, the cute but weird Shidare Hotaru, pays them a visit. Apparently, You is famous, and she wants him to join her father's company, but he will agree only if she can convince Kokonotsu to inherit the shop and continue the family business.
Thoughts : Dagashi Kashi is an unrealistic light hearted silly anime which doesn't take itself seriously, and that's exactly what makes it so great to watch. If it will keep people interested till the end is another matter though.

Boku dake ga Inai Machi

Synopsis : Fujinuma Satoru is a struggling manga artist who has the ability to turn back time and prevent deaths. When his mother is killed he turns back time to solve the mystery, but ends up back in elementary school, just before the disappearance of his classmate Hinazuki Kayo.
Thoughts : Boku dake ga Inai Machi, also known as ERASED, is a dark mature anime which reminds us that time is precious, but gives the viewer hope in seeing one person able to possibly fix everything that went wrong in his life. It has it's cute side, but ERASED is a very serious show.

Active Raid: Kidou Kyoushuushitsu Dai Hachi Gakari
Synopsis : Set in a part of Tokyo that has descended into a quagmire, the story follows Unit 8 of the 5th Special Public Security Section's 3rd Mobile Assault Division — popularly called "The Eighth" — who don powered armor "Willware" exoskeletons to counter the rise in crime.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jRmY926Z_ik
AniDB : https://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=11690
Thoughts : I won't lie, the big appeal in Active Raid for me is how it reminds me of the classic Police anime of 90s. Other than that, it's a fun filled action show with a fair bit of comedy and a big cast of cute females.

Which Anime are you looking forward to most each week this season? Let me know in the comment section!

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Friday, 1 January 2016

Anime Spotlight : Best Anime of 2015


2016 is upon us, so it's time to take a look back at 2015 and choose the Top Anime from 2015. There has been some really great shows, and some horrible ones in the past year. In general it felt like 2015 had less "great" anime than 2014, That aside it was still hard to choose the Best Anime from 2015. So in no particular order I present to you the Top 5 Anime of 2015!

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.

Ore Monogatari!!

Synopsis : Gouda Takeo is a giant guy with a giant heart. Too bad the girls don't want him! (They want his good-looking best friend, Sunakawa.) Used to being on the sidelines, Takeo simply stands tall and accepts his fate. But one day when he saves a girl named Yamato from a harasser on the train, his (love!) life suddenly takes an incredible turn!
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.

One-Punch Man

Synopsis : The story takes place in the fictional metropolis of City Z, Japan. The world is full of strange monsters that mysteriously appear and cause many disasters. Saitama is a super powerful hero who easily defeats the monsters and other villains with one punch. However, after becoming too strong, Saitama has become bored with his powers and is always trying to find stronger opponents who can fight him.

On his adventures, he meets new friends, enemies, and his own disciple, the cyborg Genos, and also joins the Hero Association in order to gain fame for all of his actions to prevent evil. Despite defeating many strong monsters that even the Hero Association's top heroes are unable to defeat, Saitama struggles to gain respect. Most people discriminate him due to his plain physical appearance and some accuse him of being a counterfeit hero. Only a small number of individuals recognize his incredible talent and humility towards others.
Thoughts : Easily the most popular Anime this past season, and a candidate for the Anime of the Year list. Everybody knows about One-Punch Man, and most of the people who watched it are yearning for a second season. One-Punch Man doesn't waste time with power ups and fights or unnecessary long stare downs. It's just balls to the wall action.

Yowamushi Pedal - Grande Road

Synopsis : The sequel to Yowamushi Pedal and the continuation of the Inter High Cycling Race.
Tags : cycling, manga, shounen, sports
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JhdLGdVNPss
Thoughts : The sequel to the fantastic Yowamushi Pedal kept up the great pacing, introduced a fair bit of new characters. Really delved into all the characters involved and kept me on the edge of my seat throughout the season. If you are a fan of sports anime. This won't disappoint. 

Dungeon ni Deai o Motomeru no wa Machigatte Iru Darouka: Familia Myth


Synopsis : In a world, where the deities have descended from the heavens lies the town of Orario. And in the town lies the Dungeon, which contains an assortment of monsters from goblins to dragons. Adventurers slay those monsters and take their shards, which are then used to craft magic items. To become an adventurer, people join groups called Familia. Each of which is named after and serves a resident deity. The adventurers and their attributes and abilities are ranked by level, improved by experience and supervised by their Familia's deity.
Bell Cranel, a novice adventurer, is the sole member of the Familia under the goddess Hestia. After being saved by top level adventurer Ais Wallenstein of the Loki Familia, he falls in love with her and decides to improve and become worthy of her attention. All the while mostly unaware that other girls, deities and mortals, also develop feelings for him. Especially Hestia herself.
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=10894
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_4KgSYDXFmE
Thoughts : DanMachi was probably a firm favorite for a lot of anime fans this past season. A fun show filled with good action, lots of cute girls. Some serious bits and a main character that's more than just a bit naive at times. If you haven't seen this yet, chances are you'll love it. It's a shame it was only 13 episodes. But then again it probably wouldn't have made it onto this list then. Also Hestia is worst girl ;)

 Which were your Favorite Anime from 2015? Feel free to give your list in the comment section below! Would love to know what you loved this past year! Thanks for reading and here's to another year of great anime.
at No comments:

Tuesday, 29 December 2015

Anime Spotlight : Best of Fall 2015 Anime Season

It's that time again, where we take a look at the past Anime Season and choose the Best Anime of Fall 2015. Personally Fall 2015 was a bit of a downer for me compared to previous seasons, a lot of the really good shows were sequels. with one exception. Hopefully 2016 will be better. Which reminds me, the Best Anime of 2015 post is being worked on. Some hard choices and debates about that. Without further ado. Here is the best Anime from Fall 2015.

Young Black Jack

Synopsis : Young Black Jack is the Prequel for the classic anime Black Jack. Young Black Jack follows Hazama's student life and his earliest surgeries. And the many experiences that shaped him into who he is.
Thoughts : I really enjoyed Young Black Jack. From the very first episode I was thrust back into the crazy medical conditions from the Original and spin off anime  A well animated and produced single cour anime, that does a great job of portraying Hazama's younger life, and the harsh reality that shaped him into Black Jack.

Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka 2

Synopsis : Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka 2 continues where Gochuumon wa Usagi Desu ka left off. With the introduction of new characters.
Thoughts : Some of you are probably thinking. "What? A moeblob? EWWW", but hear me out. Is your Order the Rabbit 2 is probably the best show to watch from the past season if you need to unwind. Or just looking for soothing smiles. A fun show from start to finish with no signs of losing steam.

One-Punch Man

Synopsis : The story takes place in the fictional metropolis of City Z, Japan. The world is full of strange monsters that mysteriously appear and cause many disasters. Saitama is a super powerful hero who easily defeats the monsters and other villains with one punch. However, after becoming too strong, Saitama has become bored with his powers and is always trying to find stronger opponents who can fight him.

On his adventures, he meets new friends, enemies, and his own disciple, the cyborg Genos, and also joins the Hero Association in order to gain fame for all of his actions to prevent evil. Despite defeating many strong monsters that even the Hero Association's top heroes are unable to defeat, Saitama struggles to gain respect. Most people discriminate him due to his plain physical appearance and some accuse him of being a counterfeit hero. Only a small number of individuals recognize his incredible talent and humility towards others.
Thoughts : Easily the most popular Anime this past season, and a candidate for the Anime of the Year list. Everybody knows about One-Punch Man, and most of the people who watched it are yearning for a second season. One-Punch Man doesn't waste time with power ups and fights or unnecessary long stare downs. It's just balls to the wall action.

Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru

Synopsis : Kujou Sakurako is a beautiful and talented osteologist, or bone specialist, whose life is centered around bones only. Sakurako has little tolerance for illogical behavior and a lot of trouble understanding other people; she would be isolated in her study full of skeletons if not for her assistant, high school boy Tatewaki Shoutarou, who does his best to drag her out and make her interact with others. And yet, whenever they go out, the dead seem to be around the corner, because the two of them often stumble upon human skeletons or corpses.
Thoughts : Sakurako-san no Ashimoto ni wa Shitai ga Umatteiru is a beautifully animated mystery anime with some great thriller parts as well. Some of the scenes in the anime can be a bit much for sensitive viewers, but it's a well thought out story that keeps you coming back for more as it unfolds. One of the few gems this season.

Noragami Aragoto

Synopsis : In the second season of Noragami the main focus is on Bishamon, god of war. She has many shinki due to her being unable to abandon spirits attacked by Ayakashi. She has a large group of shinki with her as leader, causing her trouble as she sometimes cannot tend to all of them properly, especially when one of them gets sick or is in pain. She has a strong hate for Yato, as a dark past binds the two of them. How will the horrifying events dated hundreds of years ago in combination with current evil happenings affect Yato and Yukine?
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nI_2PqGZb-c
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=11170
Thoughts : I personally enjoyed Noragami Aragoto a lot more than the first season. Noragami Aragoto is a lot darker and more serious than the original series, and a fair bit more touching. If you haven't seen Noragami yet. What's wrong with you?

A noteworthy mention from the Fall 2015 Anime Season is the finale of Soukyuu no Fafner Dead Aggressor - Exodus S2, which was really great. But sadly the first season started about 10 years ago. Which was the only reason it didn't make the top 5. Which shows from Fall 2015 did you enjoy? Did you see any of the mentioned anime?
at No comments:

Thursday, 5 November 2015

Anime Spotlight : Anime From Yesteryear 2004


Join me as we once again take a trip down memory lane into another HUGE year for Anime. 2004 had too many good shows, which made choosing the anime for this list very hard. I may have more grey hair now thanks to all the debating I had to do when choosing the top 5 Anime from 2004. I'm sure many of you are going to be unhappy that some of your favourite shows didn't make the list. But feel free to let me know which you would have preferred :). Strap yourselves in and lets go!

Beck

Synopsis : Tanaka Yukio, better known by his nickname Koyuki is a 14 year old who feels disconnected from life in general. Through the act of saving a mismatched dog, he meets guitarist Minami Ryuusuke, and becomes involved in Ryuusuke's new band BECK. Koyuki's life starts to change as the band struggles towards fame.
Thoughts : Seen by many as the Anime with the best Engrish, Beck is not only a fantastic music anime, but also a great coming of age tale of a boy that finds different kinds of love in the strangest of places. It's really one of those must see anime, just a shame the Live Action movie was so horrible.

Monster

Synopsis : Dr. Tenma Kenzou is a very talented Japanese doctor and he's praised by all doctors in Germany. But after he saw how a woman cried for her man who died because someone else got more priority, he changed. He decides he wouldn't let anyone pass; everyone is equal.

But one day, Tenma has to work on a little boy who was shot during the murder of his parents. He decides he will save the life of the boy, because he was first in line.

But then, the children disappear... and the murders begin. Tenma, feeling both guilt and worry, goes off to investigate the case since he feels that it somehow relates to him... and the horror begins, for both Tenma and everyone he meets in search for the children...
Thoughts : For many Monster is the Go To Anime if you want a psychological horror steeped in mystery. With easily one of the scariest human monsters around. If a thought provoking experience is what you are after, Monster will not dissappoint.

Yakitate!! Japan

Synopsis : Yakitate means "fresh baked", but the word "Japan" is actually a pun - pan means bread in Japanese, so Kazuma is out to make Japan, a unique Japanese bread to compete with the best bread from around the world!

Azuma become obsessed with bread when he was six years old. His sister yelled that their family should start having bread for breakfast sometimes, but their grandfather refused to even consider it, as he would only eat natto, miso soup, and rice for breakfast. Kazuma agreed, saying he didn't like bread, but his sister kidnaps him and takes him to a bread store to show him the wonders of fresh-baked bread. Not only is Kazuma converted, but the owner discovers that Kazuma has the magical "Hands of the Sun" whose warmth makes them particularly suited to making bread. The owner packs up shop and goes to Tokyo to fulfill his dream of making Japan, but Kazuma continues his bread-baking dream as well, and ends up going to Tokyo himself when he's sixteen, to compete for a spot at the foremost bread store in Japan - Pantasia!
Thoughts : A word of warning, Do Not Watch this anime when hungry, you'll be craving bread in no time! Yakitate Japan is the reason I enjoy food based anime so much. It's a perfect mix of characters and jokes with the whole competitive baking edge that makes this such a joy to consume!

Mai-HiME

Synopsis : Tokiha Mai and her sickly younger brother, Takumi, have received a scholarship to attend the prestigious Fuuka Academy. On the way there, the ferry they are travelling on becomes the site of a destructive battle between two girls wielding apparently supernatural powers. This is only the beginning of their troubles, as Mai learns that she herself possesses these powers — the powers of a HiME.
Thoughts : Other than the controversial ending. Mai-HiME was a tour de force of emotions and action that really helped it stand out in 2004. And this was the year Gundam Seed Destiny came out. A great example of how a show with super charged battles with a bit of fanservice can work if done right. And don't forget the great soundtrack by Kajiura Yuki.

Koukaku Kidoutai S.A.C. 2nd GIG

Synopsis : The story continues to follow the adventures of Section 9's top members, Motoko Kusanagi, Batou, and Togusa. For this second season, Innocence-famed director Mamoru Oshii contributed with his ideas to the concept of the entire series right from the initial planning stages. The series maintains an episodic format and portrays Section 9 dealing with political issues such as invited refugees and nuclear intrigue. Another government institution, the Information Bureau of the Cabinet, comes up head-to-head against them. And a terrorist entity who calls itself the "Individual Eleven" joins the set. The in-depth storytelling of the series is likely to surpass the first series.
Thoughts : Almost everyone has heard of Ghost in the Shell, most anime fans and even non anime fans have even seen the movie. But the Stand Alone Complex series is the real gem, especially 2nd GIG. With hauntingly beautiful music from Yoko Kanno and the now sadly deceased Origa. Fantastic animation of a level now known for it's time and a mystery that grips you from the onset. Makes for not only one of the best anime of 2004, but probably All Time.

Making this list was extremely hard for me, as 2004 had SO MANY great anime, that I kinda wish I wasn't limiting myself to just 5...maybe 10 would have been better...or 15 even. Which anime from 2004 would you have preferred on the list? I'll provide an image below that you can just open in a new tab/window if you want a refresher of 2004. 
at No comments:

Wednesday, 21 October 2015

Anime Spotlight : Anime from Yesteryear 2005


It's hard to believe 2005 is a decade ago, but for me, and I'm sure a lot of you. The anime from that year still feels like it just aired a few months ago. Now the newer anime fans might never have heard of some of these shows. And that's fine. 2005 was a big year for anime and a very hard year to pick a top 5 for. With shows like Basilisk, Eureka 7 and Honey and Clover being firm favorites of a lot of anime fans. The following is a list of the 5 timeless classics from the year 2005.

Aria the Animation

Synopsis : On the planet Aqua lies the watery city of Neo Venezia, a tourist hub in which people travel around in gondolas. Professional gondoliers known as Undines are well-revered as they act as tour guides for the people. Akari Mizunashi is a gondolier in training and also an employee of Aria Company. She gets to meet all sorts of people as she takes them on the gondola rides, from friendly mentors to special individuals, all this admidst the beautiful scenic backdrop of the entire city.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NraaWUZxWZw
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2659
Thoughts : For the people that know me, seeing Aria the Animation in this list is no surprise. I can't stop praising this anime. If there ever was a perfect example of how a Utopian future should be, Aria the Animation would be it. It's a slow paced show, but the fantastic scenery and heartwarming characters will have you smiling in no time at all.

Capeta

Synopsis : Taira Kappeita, or Capeta, was a 4th grader boy. He had lost his mother when he had been very little. Although he pretended to be tough in front of his father, actually he felt lonely. One day, his father brought junk parts home from his workplace and made a racing cart. Soon, they went to a circuit to drive the cart. However, Capeta found that its frame was bent and it could hardly run straight. But, with his technique he managed the cart. Furthermore, he followed soon after the fast cart and he could nearly leave it behind. The driver in the cart was Minamoto Naomoi, the champion of the East Japan Junior Cart. Looking at their chase, Naomi's mother, Minamoto Nanako, advised Capeta to take part in the official race.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cH4qzTbTtMc
AnidDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3463
Thoughts : Capeta is more than just your average coming of age sports show. It tells the brilliant story of a kid that isn't afraid to go after his dreams, no matter what dangers he faces. Capeta also features some really cool racing and tons of edge of your seat moments.

Touhai Densetsu Akagi: Yami ni Maiorita Tensai

Synopsis : On a cold and stormy night, Akagi Shigeru crawled out of the ocean, stumbled into a dingy waterfront Mahjong parlor and into a rough Mahjong game. Nangou was heavily in debt and had been offered a chance to gamble it away by the yakuza. If that did not work, they had made sure that his life insurance policy would more than cover what he owed them. That evening's tiles had not been kind to Nangou and with nothing left to lose, he decided to take a chance and let the thirteen-year-old Akagi play in his place. The events of that evening are still quietly spoken about, of how a rank beginner beat the yakuza rep (or professional) player. It was that night that the legend of Akagi - the genius or monster of the Mahjong game - was born.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bBpYNS-jucQ
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=3446
Thoughts : Akagi is more than just a "Mahjong" anime. It's a gritty look at the world of underground gambling, with dangerous bets that can costs you your life. If you liked No Game No Life, imagine that without any cute girls or heck any girls for that matter, and a lot more hardcore bets. And you end up with Akagi. The manliest gambling anime out there. Well alongside Kaiji.

Aa! Megami-sama!

Synopsis : Morisato Keiichi is looking forward to university life. But he does not have much luck with anything, be they clubs, love, or daily life. And as it turns out he actually was born under an unlucky star.

One day Keiichi is stuck with having to watch the dorm while his fellow seniors are away at some party, and to make things worse a mountain of work was forced on him. But good-natured — and easily taken advantage of — Keiichi goes right to work, and after finishing his chores, he makes a phone call. For once fate smiles on the hapless lad, and he reaches the Goddess Help Line. A moment later, a beautiful goddess named Belldandy exits the mirror in his room.

But will the goddess help to finally end Keiichi's unlucky days?
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uvkaWtF0b9I
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2533
Thoughts : One of the shows on this list probably everyone has heard of. Oh! My Goddess was one of the shows that converted many friends of mine into anime. A fantastic romantic comedy with colourful characters, great music and a "perfect" women.

Glass no Kamen

Synopsis : Her father passed away very early and her mother lives and works in a crowded Chinese restaurant. Kitajima Maya, a 13-year old girl, has to carry the burden of making ends meet as she fights against her ill fate. However, she is able to overcome the trials and tribulations in her life with her passion and enthusiasm. She happens to encounter the reclusive actress Tsukikage who decides to train and mould her into the foremost actress of her generation.
PV : https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XYEUMF6c2eA
AniDB : http://anidb.net/perl-bin/animedb.pl?show=anime&aid=2994
Thoughts : Much like Capeta, Glass Mask is more than just about a girl trying her best, against all odds, to reach her dreams. It's an emotional tour de force that will pick you up and not let go until the all too soon end. Maya is a great main character, her acting in the anime is so convincing I forgot at times that she was an acting out the roles she had.

That concludes my list of top shows form 2005. Which anime from that year was your favorite. Have you seen any of the Anime on this list? If you need a refreshes of what came out in 2005, the image below might help! (Open image in new Tab to view easier)

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