Not-So-Endless Summer 2014

Okay, I apologize for the uncreative title. I was so excited, not for the end of the Summer Season, but to tell you about my two favorites of the season…only to read that I’m totally not special and that pretty much everybody loved “Barakamon” and “Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun”/”Gekkan Shoujou Nozaki-Kun.”

So if you haven’t seen them, I highly recommend “Barakamon” and “Monthly Girls’ Nozaki-kun.” I laughed every episode and rewatched (and re-laughed) every episode at least twice.

Now, for my other winners of the summer!

Hunter x Hunter: WAHHHHH! I’m so sad it’s over, though I couldn’t think of a better place to end it. I can only hope that sometime during my lifetime we’ll see the next arc animated. Though perhaps I should just be glad if the Dark Continent Arc is ever finished in the manga, let alone makes it to animation..? (Also, the link goes to the crunchyroll page, but “Hunter x Hunter” is now available on Netflix too.) I do realize this might not actually count as a “Summer Season” anime since it started…wayyy before this summer. But it’s over now and I had to mention it.

Free!: Yeah, okay, I wish I was cool enough to *not* like “Free!”. I wasn’t even that excited about it when the second season started. But I resisted for all of about two seconds before I was sucked back in to the world of emotional but muscular swimming boys. Rin’s stripper-cop-dance in the ending theme made me smile every week. I can’t lie–I’ll miss “Free!”. And Makoto’s back muscles.

Haikyu!!: One of the most tight, well-done sports anime I’ve seen. I think after every episode, I said, “Wow, that was perfect.” Sports anime distilled to its purest essence. I hope we get more of this and I’d love to see the manga in English (sorry, I don’t read Japanese).

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: If you’ve read any of my previous posts, you know I fuckin’ LOVE “JoJo’s.” I can’t wait til this comes back in January. (I almost didn’t include it because it’s not really “ending” this summer, but I had to say SOMETHING about “JoJo’s”)

Samurai Jam-Bakumatsu Rock: I know right now people are screeching (assuming anyone reads this, anyway). “Bakumatsu Rock, a ‘winner’ of the summer?!” To me, YES. Is it stupid? YES. Over-the-top? YES. Possibly the most ridiculous thing ever? YES. Did I love the shit out of it? TOTALLY YES. (I think I might’ve said this last time?) Plus, the last 30 seconds or so gave me one thing I waited all series for, just *hoping* it would make it after seeing the character design somewhere.

Black Butler: Book of Circus: I absolutely loved this and thought it was very well done. The opening, the ending, and everything in between was delicious sinful one hell of a Black Butler anime. Hehe.

Space Dandy: I know a lot of people got irritated with the randomness of “Space Dandy” but I loved it. The final episode was fantastic. I’ll miss “Space Dandy” a lot–Junichi Suwabe’s voice, the nonsense, the weird musical numbers, Meow’s social media addiction, the great boobs vs butt debate…but I find comfort in knowing that no matter what, Space Dandy is a dandy in space.

Maybe Not Winners But Shows I Really Liked:

Hamatora: I loved it, I didn’t, then I loved it again, then I didn’t. Then shit got crazy at the end and I thought, “This is what I’ve been waiting for.” “Hamatora” was far from perfect, and maybe not even good, but I was pot-committed and glad I saw it through to the end.

Love Stage!!: I started the anime, then couldn’t get enough & started reading the manga, then went back to the anime…it’s great. BL might not be for everyone and I’m definitely no expert in the genre, but I really enjoyed “Love Stage!!”.

Nobunaga Concerto: The animation style took some getting used to but was totally worth it. I love pretty much everything Nobunaga/Sengoku Era but this show was just really fun and clever.

Sabagebu!: Cute girls playing survival games with cute guns…or…something? Whatever this show is, it’s hilarious!

I Don’t Even Know If I Liked Them But I Finished Them Anyway:

Blue Spring Ride: Would I watch it again? No. Would I read the manga? Yeah, probably. It wasn’t “bad”…just kind of a slow, generic shojo.

Captain Earth: I’m glad I finished it and was quite relieved it was over. I can see why people might like this show but I just couldn’t really get into it.

Terror in Resonance: I wanted this to be fantastic. It was “okay.” I think it had the potential to be “whoa!” but somewhere along the way fell flat. However, I did enjoy the final episode.

Aldnoah Zero: I was kinda ready for this to be over but now I’m curious to see what happens. Bring on Season 2!

Okay, I think that’s all the endings for the summer…

…now onto Fall Season 2014!

Summer Season Update

What I LOVE Right Now:

Fairy Tail (Season 2): Yes, I do think the manga has better pacing but I still look forward to “Fairy Tail Friday!” Fairy Tail is, and likely always will be, one of my favorite anime/manga.

JoJo’s Bizarre Adventure: I can’t say enough about how awesome this show is. I had no experience with the manga so every week as part of “Fuck Yeah Fridays” I can’t wait to see what the hell JoJo’s is going to do this episode. Joseph yelling, “Oh NO!” is quite possibly the highlight of my week.

Hunter x Hunter: This show is amazing. Incredible. Life-changing, even? Is the author fucking with your head most of the time? Absolutely. But I think wondering how Togashi is going to troll us this week is what makes it fun. Maybe I’m just a masochist.

Naruto Shippuden: Okay, I was originally going to downgrade this to the “What I Like Right Now” category but as I watch the latest episodes I’m reminded of what’s going on in the manga right now and I realize how much I still love the series. Sure it may be cheating to think of it that way, but it qualifies as love-by-association.

Ace of the Diamond: I’m a sucker for sports anime and their baseball butts are fantastic. Things are in full swing (as they should be by episode 44) and we’re getting some great action and development. I’ve never enjoyed watching live baseball but apparently I love watching animated baseball! (By the way, go watch Princess Nine!)

Haikyu!!: So far I feel every episode has been perfect, which is pretty amazing. Even anime I love have an episode or two that are “weak” but after every Haikyu!! I just want to scream, “That was so good! That was incredible!” I hope I didn’t just jinx it.

Sailor Moon Crystal: I…don’t really know what to say about this show. I end up laughing because it feels like a parody of itself. Though there is a sense of nostalgia, I started watching thinking I am much more adult and cynical…and it took me all of half a second to realize I still have a crush on Tuxedo Mask. >_< I guess I’m ruined on real men forever… Ahem, that aside, I can’t help but look forward to every episode.

Free! (Eternal Summer): Yeah, I’ll say it: after the first series, I was happy with the ending and didn’t really think a second season was necessary. Then I ended up grinning/laughing/squeeing the entire first episode of Eternal Summer and surprised myself realizing how much I’d missed those swimming boys. “Free! Eternal Summer: now with twice the fanservice!” No complaints here. 🙂

Samurai Jam-Bakumatsu Rock: When I first read the description of this on Crunchyroll News I was ridiculously excited. Then my brother read the description and said, “Oh look, someone crawled into your brain and made an anime just for you.” Is this show stupid? Yes. Do I love it? YES. Did I just about die laughing during the bath house episode? YES YES YES. I love the shit out of this stupid show; I want it to go on forever.

Monthly Girls Nozaki-kun: I laugh my ass off every episode. This is definitely one of my favorites of the season. I feel like I should have more to say about it to explain how awesome it is but really, it’s just incredibly hilarious.

Love Stage!!: BL was never really my thing but this anime amused me from the beginning. Then I saw a tweet talking about how it was “no Sekai Ichi Hatsukoi” and out of curiosity I watched that (and ended up really liking it). So now I guess BL is my thing and I can’t wait to watch the latest Love Stage!! every week.

Hamatora (Season 2/Re:Hamatora): Things seem to be opening up and escalating which, to me, is Hamatora at its best. Let shit get crazy. **This was originally placed in the “What I Like Right Now” category, but after watching episode 6, it moved up.**

Space Dandy (Season 2): I loved the first season, I love pompadours, and I love Junichi Suwabe’s voice. The musical episode is one of my favorites.

Black Butler (Book of Circus): I didn’t really want to fangirl over Sebastian because that’s soooo predictable but every time I watch an episode (or read a volume of manga) I can’t help but think, “Sebastian is simply one hell of a…mmm!” So yes, despite my efforts, I’m (still) smitten with Sebastian and a total sucker for anything Black Butler-related. I had previously read the Book of Circus arc in the manga and the anime does not disappoint.

Barakamon: I cannot say enough about how fucking wonderful this show is. Definitely one of the best shows of the season and I’ve watched each episode at least twice now. I admit to being incredibly frustrated seeing the tweets of enjoyment from everyone else watching it while I was waiting for Funimation to get it streaming…but it was worth the wait. Love love love this show.

What I Like Right Now:

Blue Spring Ride: I want to love it but it’s still a little too slow-paced-awkward-glance-shojo-y for me to truly love it. I feel that way about several anime adaptations of shojo manga that I’ve seen (Kimi ni Todoke and Say I Love You come to mind). However, it is what it’s supposed to be (if that makes sense) and does a decent job in that respect.

Akame ga Kill!: I really like this show but I just don’t love it quite yet. I love it but I’m not in love with it? It’s funny yet gritty and the characters are interesting. Perhaps most important is the buff guy with a pompadour; that’s the easiest way to guarantee I’ll watch. Seriously, though, I think this anime will only get better (I haven’t read the manga) and wouldn’t be surprised if it eventually moves into the What I LOVE list.

Sabagebu!: This probably would’ve been in the What I LOVE list after the first episode or two but as of right now, I enjoy it but don’t really get excited about it. It is very funny, though, and I do recommend it.

Terror in Resonance: Yes, I started watching this because of the hype…and kept watching because it’s pretty good. It’s not my typical genre but it’s good to branch out once in a while and the whole show feels very “tight” and well-constructed.

What I’m Sticking With For Reasons Even I Don’t Know:

Captain Earth: Yes, I still watch this and still think Akari is the best character. I don’t particularly look forward to it and admittedly watch it out of a strange sense of obligation. I have enjoyed the last couple episodes the most and I am genuinely curious to see how it’ll all wrap up.

Argevollen: I just finished episode 7 and I think that’s the first episode I watched in one sitting without falling asleep. I love the character design, like the concept, but I end up getting so bored when I actually *watch* the show. I keep thinking if I stick with it things will pick up and suck me in. *fingers crossed*

Rail Wars: Do I like this show or just tolerate it? I don’t really know. For some reason, I thought it would be better than it is and while I understand boobs are important, all the big boobs seem just a little too big to the point of being distracting. Perhaps Boob Wars would have been a better name? I do like the secondary characters, though, so I’ll stick with it a little longer.

Magimoji Rurumo: I started this because of its association with Yowamushi Pedal (which I love). I continue it because…every episode I get bored and then one scene will end up grabbing my attention and renewing my interest. I can’t quit you, Magimoji Rurumo!

Aldnoah Zero: Like Argevollen, I liked the plot and the character design. And, like Argevollen, I have a bad habit of falling asleep during the episode. But I did stay awake for all of episode 6 and it (mostly) held my attention, so things are looking up!

Nobunaga Concerto: Truth be told, I’ll watch pretty much anything related to Nobunaga/the Sengoku Period. The animation style is a bit off-putting but at least things are starting to get a little more interesting.

Shonen Hollywood: Okay, I know why I started watching it (don’t we all know why I started watching it?) but it’s kind of emo and not very exciting. But hey, beautiful boys being emo is better than no beautiful boys at all…huhwhat?

 

3-30-2014

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times…it was the END OF TIMES. Yes, we had more final episodes this week 😦

Hamatora Episode 12: All I can really say about this is, “What the fuck, Hamatora?!”

Samurai Flamenco Episode 22: I already blogged about this separately, but I just can’t let it go…this anime was so great. The climactic scene was so incredibly well done…dramatic and serious yet funny (to me) all at the same time. A wonderful emotional tornado. Baka baka baka!

Silver Spoon Episode 11: What the hell it’s over?! I so wasn’t ready! Please tell me we get another season! I have to know if Hachiken ever finds his dream.

Space Dandy Episode 13: So Space Dandy is catching flak because it’s episodic. So what? I like it. I like watching a vacuum cleaner fall in love with a coffee maker. I like just enjoying a show for what it is. And I love listening to Dandy’s voice, whether it’s episodic or not…baby. I’m looking forward to season two.

Witch Craft Works Episode 12: I think this was the end? I hope it was? I hate feeling this way about any anime but I was just slogging through at the end. The series did not hold my attention. 😦

World Conquest Zvezda Plot Episode 12: I started this series out of curiosity from controversy and stuck with it because of its potential. I don’t regret watching it but I’m kinda glad it’s over. It could’ve ended worse but when it’s all said and done, I just feel like like Zvezda failed to deliver.

Nobunagun Episode 13: The duration of this episode, I just kept thinking, “Man, I’m really glad I stuck with this show.” It even ended on kind of a satisfying/cute/possibly generic note. But I felt like everything was right with the Nobunagun world once it was all over.

Kuroko’s Basketball Episode 50: For the love of all that’s holy, someone promise me a third season! Episode 50 was wonderful and great and thrilling and fantastic and Murasakibara and Kagami and Kuroko and Aomine and manly tears and Himuro and love and rivals and and and…I’m just devastated at not having a new episode of Kuroko’s Basketball next Saturday.

And yet some still continue on…:

Nobunaga the Fool Episode 12: Was quite surprised this wasn’t the last episode. Oddly enough, I’m starting to get interested again. I just can’t quit you, Nobunaga the Fool!

Nagi no Asukara Episode 25: I love Tsumugu. To me, he was the episode’s unintentionally hilarious shining star. One more episode to go! Next week: the finale of Feelings & Tears! How will it all end?! How much will we all cry?!

Ace of the Diamond Episode 25: Sadly, all I remember from this episode is the coach stepping up to bat. At which point I thought, “I totally have a crush on the coach.” That’s not really fair to the anime, though, because it is so much more than just who I have a crush on every week.

Hozuki no Reitetsu Episode 12: I will be so sad when this show ends. I loved the Lilith plot/references this episode. It’s just such a pleasant, relaxing, slice-of-life show…in hell.

 

 

What I Watched…Lately 2-2-14

Space Dandy Episode 5: So we went from pure goofy last week to sweet this week. It was so unexpectedly sweet that it actually made me kind of uncomfortable, but I suppose that’s a good thing.

Nobunagun Episode 5: What the heck is this anime? Nothing like a little inexplicable random french-kissing.

Samurai Flamenco Episode 15: I can’t help but fall for weird stereotypes and Mister Justice is hilarious. This series is amazing and there’s something about the style that I never get tired of just looking at it.

Log Horizon Episode 18: Honestly I thought this series would start to get boring but it continues to up the ante. I had to laugh out loud at the reception of Lenessia’s speech; it was a reminder that the Adventurers are really still just MMORPGers at heart, looking for a quest from a beautiful princess.

Kuroko’s Basketball Episode 42: I love this show so much. For the first half I was so excited I thought I might actually puke and by the end of the episode I had tears in my eyes. …Why don’t we have this in English JUMP again?

Nagi no Asukara Episode 17: Oh, the drama! The more I watch, the more I realize this really isn’t my kind of show; the angst is almost overwhelming. But it’s enjoyable in its own way and I have to see it through and find out how it all ends. Something else that occurred to me this episode–it’s been a little too nice not having Manaka around. I think Sayu is my favorite character.

Yowapeda Episodes 15 & 16: I like to watch Yowamushi Pedal while on the exercise bike but due to recent events that never happened so I had an extra episode to watch. There is something (so far) pure and wonderful about this series and it makes me feel somewhat refreshed and hopeful after watching it. I’m really enjoying the character development.

Ace of the Diamond Episode 17: Gah, this show is so good! Though this episode made me feel like I should have been a much better catcher back in my sports days >_< Every time I watch, I can’t get over how great the characters are.

Silver Spoon Episode 4: Gotta love delusional princess-types with ringlets! Having been on (and then off) horses many times, this episode was a little hard to watch; I was too worried someone was going to get hurt. I keep cheering for Hachiken, though, to gain some confidence.

Witch Craft Works Episode 4: Unfortunately I felt this episode was a bit predictable and not all that exciting. But hey, unless you’re Space Dandy or something, not every episode is gonna be great. Whatever happened to those girls’ pet llama, anyway?

World Conquest Zvezda Plot Episode 4: Continuing a trend I’ve been seeing this season (ignore what I just said about Witch Craft Works) of Episode 4 being THE episode where a lot of series are opening up, this Episode 4 gives us some character history and fleshes things out a bit. I was glad to see Natasha become a more interesting character, though I don’t think it was explained why she doesn’t wear more clothes…

Hozuki no Reitetsu Episode 4: I really love this anime. There’s something so relaxing and satisfying about it. Plus I laugh out loud at least once per episode. To me, it just has the feeling of something very well-constructed.

Magical Warfare Episode 4: Okay, so, I didn’t really pay attention to episodes 1-3 and so now I don’t have a firm idea of what is going on. But that said, I still enjoyed episode four and think the show has potential. I don’t expect anything deep or mind-blowing so I just think it’ll be fun to watch. Plus I love Glasses Guy’s voice…perhaps he’s just the adult version of Imayoshi from Kuroko’s Basketball?

Hamatora Episode 4: I’m really starting to love this show! By keeping my expectations relatively low, I get happily surprised every episode. And I love the bad guy; he is soooo bad and that makes him so good! He is just such a great “bad guy”…right now, he is what makes the show truly intriguing.

Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha Episode 3: This episode really kicked it up a notch for me…maybe because I’m fascinated by the brother? (Well, both brothers now, but for different reasons.) Inari is actually the least-interesting character as far as I’m concerned but I’m starting to think there’s a lot to love about this anime–such as a goddess who plays otome games.