The End of Mushishi

It's been a great year for #Mushishi. The series recently wrapped up last December 21st - with an announcement of a full length film adaptation next year for the final chapter "Drop of Bells" - this epic has been a surreal experience, breathtaking, and mystifying all at once. With the combination of Yuki Urushibara's storytelling, Hiroshi Nagahama's gift of deft, Toshio Masuda's musical clarity and the full team of Artland studio's for their effort in bringing this masterpiece to life after eight years of hiatus, there is so much to say but the beauty of Mushishi has rendered me speechless. I'm in complete awe. Dōmo arigatō gozaimashita! #MushishiZokuShō

Anime 2014: Second Quarter Season Roundup

Best Animation - Spring 2014

Soft and easy on the eyes. Pastel like pallette. An animation that looks like it was drawn with colored pencils. Characters are cute and adorable but not overboard on the moe. The character design and background translates that relaxing and youthful feeling carried by the story.

Runner-ups: Mushishi Zoku Shou, Captain Earth 


Best Opening Song/Sequence - Winter 2014

I was having a hard time about whether or not I'll be giving this to Mushishi Zoku Shou. First off, Shiver by Lucy Rose was released prior to the animation, which wouldn't be fair to the other anime's with original materials. However, I'm so in love with this song and the sequence created by Artland - that although it's grounded on simplicity (a close-up shot of misty tree branches, the earth etc.,) I would have to say it's my favorite for the season. The song has now become synonymous with the series rather than the other way around. It's a close fight between Tada Hitori but I have to stick to my guns and follow my heart with this one.

Runner-ups: Tada Hitori by Bakudan Johnny (Ping Pong: The Animation); Imagination by Spyair (Haikyuu!!); Knights of Sidonia by Angela (Sidonia no Kishi) 


BEST ENDING SONG/SEQUENCE - SPRING 2014

Bokura ni Tsuite by Merengue (Ping Pong the Animation)

Favorite MC (Male Character) - Spring 2014

Nomadic Shounen characters in anime is nothing new, but what makes Ginko special is the way each episodes focuses on the guest characters while he acts mainly as the viewers proxy, seeing things on our behalf. In spite of his expertise as a mushishi and his knowledge about those living organisms - it is the unpredictable nature of human beings that provides a real challenge to his ability every time. Mushi's follow certain sets of behavior, which can be anticipated before worst comes to worst. Humans on the other hand, act based on their emotions, sometimes he can help them but there are instances that everything is beyond his control, especially when they have to make their own decision. Ginko learns about the mushi's of the world, their importance to co-exist, but it's our free-will that teaches Ginko the essential things in this life and how it moves everything.

Runner-up: Juugo Yama (Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin) 


Best Girl - Winter 2014

She's bloody brilliant and can never be outsmarted by anybody. Who wouldn't love her? She can be a cutesy tsundere at times but in my opinion that's just a first impression stereotype because her character is all about brain power and being in control. The extraordinary things that she does, that girl power "you can't fool me" attitude she exudes in every episodes has made her a standout among the rest and that's why she deserves to be this season's best girl. 

Runner-up: Kazumi Schlierenzauer (Gokukoku no Bryndhildr) 


Best Supporting Character - Spring 2014

The best wingman of Spring season. Yuki is a lucky guy because he has Shogo - as a best friend - to rely on. Shogo appears to be typical, he looks cold and distant to others, but apparently he is actually very attentive, mindful, straightforward, reliable and anything but oblivious, which is quite surprising given that's what you can assume about him on the onset. He gives good advice to his best friend, acts as his sounding board and is always there for him when he needed him the most (although he pretends to be irritated at times). 

Runner-up: Neil (Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushi) 


Favorite Recurring Character - Spring 2014

Netero is a cool old guy, someone the younger generations can chill out with because you know...he is cool. The matter of fact is, he is a badass, a twisted guy when he was at his prime. He's like your grandfather, you can play with him and he is nice to you, but he wasn't always like that. The Chimera Ant Arc gave us a glimpse of the real Netero, back in the day when he was still mastering his craft as a Hunter. And I mean he was one scary guy to deal with, like Gokou in Super Saiyan mode. I like how this arc showed us the old man's skill, his resolved, his composure even when he's under pressure and all of the wisdom he learned through his age and experience. So respect for the master. After all, he earned it more than anybody else. 

Runner-up: You Shunshin (Diamond no Ace) 


Best Villain - Spring 2014

This is hands down going to this guy. Nobody else could hold the candle for best villain other than Kyoto Fushimi's very own, Midosouji-kun. I hate him to the bones. He has no concept of teamwork, doesn't even consider the feelings of his teammates, does cycling only for the sake of winning, and bullies other teams by pushing their buttons just because he thinks it's the best way to gain the lead. He is the complete opposite of all the characters in YowaPeda, and I'm including the Hakone side as well. He gets on my nerves in the worst possible way, that alone means he played effectively as a villain. I rest my case. I don't even want to put a picture of him here but I have to for blogging purposes. 


Exceeded Expectations - Spring 2014

Exceeded Expectations/ Most Under-Appreciated - Spring 2014

When the story is written very well it can always trumped the animation, no matter how ugly it look like. That's the case for Ping Pong. It is easy to stay away from it if you have seen the trailer but if you gave it a chance the story will hook and reel you right in. It's a classic shounen sport series, however, there is no clear protagonist or antagonist here, everybody has their own thing. Rather than focus on the plot it's all about the characters and their point of view, what drives them to play and be good at their sport. It's one of those series that's so enjoyable because their experiences are very realistic and relatable. By the time it ended the only thing on my mind is I wished it had 10 more episodes. I see it as an under-appreciated series because a lot of people dropped this show immediately because of the animation quality. I know it's their lost but it's regretful for it to be overlooked and not get the recognition it deserves. I mean if they can watch crap, why not look for something good, you know what I'm saying. 

Disappointment - Spring 2014

I realized one thing after completing this series: harem never works for me. I've seen a lot of them before and I've made up my mind that I would never watch any series with women pining for one male character or whatever. If I have an idea or two about its harem nature I could have dropped this show right away. Then I saw the trailer for Brynhildr and it looks interesting, completely different from the show that it had became today. Girls with supernatural abilities made their appearances one episode after the next and the main guy just keep on protecting them for some humanitarian reason or because one of them looks like his childhood friend. I ignored the harem-side, even the absurdities thinking that it's nonsense shit will make this series good in the long run. Then the final episode came, all the explanation I was waiting for regarding the villain and the laboratory that experimented on the girls was abandoned completely. Characters died, the lead girl got back her powers but lost her memories again, and for some weird reason those who perished during the battle is back to live for another day again without even providing a coherent explanation. That's it. So in the end, it sucked. I wasn't expecting too much from it, but at least the delivery could have been better by not swamping all the necessary plots in one episode. I understand that it's at its best when being crazy but the last episode is the reason for my disappointment, so I hope that the OVA could rectify that. 

Best Anime - Spring 2014

I am thankful for all the effort that Artland studios did to make the second season of Mushishi possible in spite of the financial demands that it requires in order for them to pull it through. It is best anime for the spring season not only for its attempt to be brilliant regardless of their budget but considering the many wonderful achievements they were able to accomplish within their ten episode run. Mushishi Zoku Shou is a testament to the playful imagination of mangaka, Yuki Urushibara and the creative geniuses behind Artland. 9 years is a long time for a sequel and yet, aside from the changes and improvements in doing animation, we were able to get the same series, like the first one just happened yesterday. The episodic treatment doesn't prevent us from seeing through the nature of the main character's personal destination; each journey means something to him and it leads to a new discovery. The further he goes, the darker it gets. And I can't wait to explore the next chapters of this hauntingly strange but beautiful Japan with Ginko when a new chapter is confirmed to be in the works. Hopefully there will be one, and I'm already crossing my fingers to that. 

Runner-ups: No. 2 - Ping Pong: The Animation, No. 3 - Sidonia no Kishi, No. 4 - Haikyuu 2, No. 5 - Yowamushi Pedal

Sensory Overload: Anime Spring 2014

For some unexplainable, lazy ass reasons, my list got delayed after 5 or 6 episodes. Although my original watch list comprises of 14 titles, I've decided to post only the top 10 series I'm watching this season, since the remaining 4 are more like filler shows to me - something to take my mind off of things. Although spring got better compared to winter (but only for a few notches), I think with the shows produced this spring - they are pretty much on the same level. The exceptional are outnumbered and the crap rules the boob tube, as usual. But as viewers, it's our job to discern the good ones from the bad ones, right? Surprisingly, there are more titles here made by lesser known studios, which gives a change of pace and variety for anime this season. 

1. Mushishi Zoku Shou (Artland, Inc.)

It's been many moons ago since one of the best made anime's graced our screens. Who knew it would made a comeback after a decade or so. After a special episode was aired early this year the report of its long overdue second season was announced afterwards, finally hitting our tube officially this spring.  Ginko at his best peripatetic self never ceases to amazed me. Each episodic stories are rich with mysteries, culture, folklore and myth, everything that is so mystifying about Japan and what we love about this series is still there. But it's the complex characters of Zoku Shou that makes this second season a journey of human study, our natural darkness that emanates from our desire towards the path of light.   

2. Isshuukan Friends (Brain's Base)

Heartwarming and cute are just the two words that comes to mind in describing Isshuukan Friends. I know it's going to be really, really dramatic along the way, based on my research about the manga. But there is something about this series that works for me and I can't put my finger on it. I guess it's human nature to want to make friends and this series shows us the joys, travails and innocence of friendship. 

3. Ping Pong: The Animation (Tatsunoko Production)

If I could sing a song for Peco I'll choose Ain't it Fun by Paramore because that's how he is as a character. Ping Pong got everything that a staple Masaaki Yuasa anime should be: unique style, superb storytelling, ugly animation. If the revolting animation turns you off and made you dropped this show in a jiffy I want you to reconsider because there is so much about Ping Pong than meets the eye and I mean that literally. 

4. Soredemo Sekai wa Utsukushii (Studio Pierrot)

It's a rare feat nowadays to find a really, really good Shoujo series, and I don't even like stories where the girl is older than the guy (believe me) but this one just makes my heart all giddy. 

5. Sidonia no Kishi (Polygon Pictures)

I detest CGI use for character's, it makes them look stiff and robotic for some reason. Just like Ping Pong, Sidonia no Kishi's minor flaw is its poor choice of animation, but I find the story (although it has striking similarities with Shingeki no Kyojin) especially the attempt on the concept as enjoyable and brave. What I love about science fiction are the futuristic theme of the stories, everything is beyond the realm of the impossible, laws are being shattered and taboos are broken. Although everything looks and sounds outrageous I definitely appreciate the attempt. 

6. Haikyuu!! (Production I.G.)

So far, there is no trace of the uber ridiculousness of KuroBas here, which is a good thing. The story is not really new as a sports genre, but the characters are lovable and I can't stop rooting for them. I have my favorites. Who are yours? 

7. Gokukoku no Bryndhildr (Arms Corporation)

There are shows that makes you want to vomit for their far-fetched ideas but Bryndhildr's over the top storyline doesn't take me there. I'm glued and I'm not taking things too seriously, which is exactly the point. 

8. Ryuugajou Nanana no Maizoukin (A-1 Pictures)

Treasure hunting with a little bit of detective story, the rapport and chemistry between Jugo and Tensai is just one of the reasons I'm staying and loving this show. Let the shipping begins!

9. Baby Steps (Studio Pierrot)

Now I get the picture why this show is called Baby Steps. Ei-chan's slowly but surely aim on becoming a tennis player is so endearing. One moment he's like a deer in the headlights, the next second he's jotting down ideas on his notebook, learning things and surprising us peeps with how well he has improved. 

10. Captain Earth (Bones)

This is like a staple Bones mecha series if you ask me. There are elements of Eureka Seven (more AO than the original) and Star Driver here and there that it's not surprising if you can find references from those past series, may it be old characters, design and concept, like someone hit the refresh button or cut and paste it as a new show. Its weak first episode doesn't do this series any favor but as the story progresses we're getting all the fine meat that makes Bones one of the best working studios. 

First Look — Baby Steps, Haikyuu!!, Ping Pong

It's a new golden age for sports anime...and rightfully so.

Recently, there has been a resurgence of sports generated anime series. We have Kuroko no Basket, Free, Diamond no Ace and Yowamushi Pedal that jump-started this new wave for the genre. While I find KuroBas to be quite jarring for its unrealistic take on Basketball, Free with its Fujoshi vibes, it is Diamond no Ace - the slow burner among the four - that truly gives justice and a feel of realism to its own sport. 

This spring, we have not one but four sports series (though I'll only be posting three for my First Look): Baby Steps, Haikyuu!!, and Ping Pong...and I was blown away by every single one of them. 

Tennis is my favorite sport. Aside from Football (not the NFL, okay) this is the only game that my wimpy, un-athletic self, is completely familiar with - like the back of my hand. Although I'm guilty as charged for not having seen The Prince of Tennis...but so what. Baby Steps is going to be a good anime, and I'm not saying this out of my self-confessed love for the sport, but because the story looks promising as a whole. Our main guy, Eiichirō, is this very technical and ritual driven kind of character. His smart's doesn't come from an innate genius but through his adherence to rigorous studying habits, learning things in all angles, making notes of them until everything is practically stamped to his brain. Which makes tennis a perfect sport for this High School nerd. I enjoyed the first episode - too close to love actually - with the exception of Natsu, the main female protagonist of the series. I have problems with her character and she has managed to annoy me in so many ways. It's early to say but we'll see how things will turn out for the future episodes. 

Don't get me wrong here, but I only like volleyball when it's played by women. In my opinion, it's our sport, and I'm not really a fan of the men's division of this game (just like with women's basketball). But Haikyuu is a whole different thing and it's surprisingly good for a men's volleyball anime. We have a little red head guy for a protagonist, who dreams of becoming the best player for the sport, only to fail miserably from the tournament in the first episode. Well that sucks for him, but a good start for us. He then became obsessed with training right after in preparation for moving in to high school, only to be surprised that he will be teammates with his former opponent...tsuzuku! Since this is made by Production I.G. I'm hoping they won't turn this one into a fest of absurdity and impossibility just like KuroBas. If they keep it up with the same path as Diamond no Ace then we'll be in it for a real treat because the characters are poised to be interesting. 

After watching its first episode, Ping Pong became my favorite out of the three sports series this season. I hated it the whole time based on the preview because of its animation. But alas, it's marvelous. I was comparing its creative values to The Tatami Galaxy, thinking maybe they have the same team working behind the screen, and I was right - they have the same director: Masaaki Yuasa. It takes a while to get used to his unique style, and I believe it's an acquired taste, especially if your idea of anime is all shiny and moe. But in my opinion, the story is what truly counts here and not the gloss. I'm glad they have a Chinese voice actor playing the Chinese guy because it gives the series some sense of credibility. And they have the best OP and ED songs. I'm positive about Ping Pong. Just don't mind the animation, okay.

First Look — Mushishi Zoku-shō

If there is a series this season that I've been mostly excited about then this would be it. 

Mushishi is not your typical anime. It is not suffused with outrageous cliche's of the now nor built in with the usual stereotypes that makes an Otaku such a revile creature of the real world. We don't have the Moe, panty-shots, brocons, siscons and lollicons here and possibly all the jaded tropes that we have seen and heard before. Mushishi is in a league of its own just like the folks from Studio Ghibli. I know I'll be singing its praises here like a lark although not everybody shares my opinion about it. Fundamentally, the absence of or the lack thereof of the aforementioned tropes could be the cause of alienation for the uninitiated viewers. They feel that its quietness is "deafening" and its calmness as "boring". Which is a loss for them if you ask me. 

I'm glad there are still people out there who cares for good materials. Who do this medium for the sake of art and not just for the purpose of selling out; and are brave enough to give us fans a second season in spite the pressures of the economics. So although we're just on episode one I'm already thankful for ArtLand for Mushishi Zoku-shō. As we all know, it's nearly a decade since the first series, who would have thought a second season would be possible. 

Mushishi Zoku-shō has still the same gusto as the first season. Classic and subtle. Hauntingly receptive. Laid back and introspective. I like how the premiere episode was built. First, it gave full spotlight on its guest character, his background story -- before leading up to the full anticipation of us meeting Ginko once again. Mushishi is and has always been a character driven story. Every single one of them plays an important part to Ginko's travels and they are not just some device to past the time. One thing I also love about this series are the characters, they were written with such truthful humanity about them. There's a certain sort of kindness, sadness, cynicism and flawed aspect to their makeup; like the kind of people you'll chance to meet in every walks of life. 

The Mushishi's of anime is a gem and a rarity. We don't get to experience them much often and if we do they are always under-appreciated and completely underrated. So better keep your eyes open and stay alert because this could be over before you know it. 

First Look — Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou, Isshukan Friends

It is "spring" time for Brains Base, and I mean that literally. They got two series that looks like it's going to be for keeps: Bokura wa Minna Kawaisou and Isshukan Friends. 

With Bokura's case it didn't made the cut for my original lineup but I went along with it for the last minute before the premiere. In the end I'm glad I watched the first episode. The animation is superb; all the shades, lighting and coloring is very reminiscent of the recent works of Makoto Shinkai, although the character design (especially with the big breasted girl) is a little too average, in my opinion. The story is not the most genuine but I think we're going to be in it for a lot of fun. If they could avoid those wear out, tried and tested cliche's in exchange for something refreshing then I bet this series would fare well from what is least expected.

Isshukan Friends, my number two must-see anime for spring, gave me exactly what I wished for. Brains Base has been standing on a minefield lately, with their recent string of shows that are mostly either a hit or a miss, especially their Otome adaptations (Amnesia, Brother's Conflict) and their winter 2014 offering D-Frag! I have to remind myself from time to time that this is the same studio that produced Natsume Yuujinchou, Durarara and Tonari no Kaibutsu-kun, just in case I'm on the verge of giving up on them. Isshukan Friends came in at the right time, and in my opinion,  it is the perfect show that can be at par with the likes of Natsume Yuujinchou in terms of poignancy and unabashed sentimentality that Brain's Base is quite known for. The breezy art design looks very much like it came out of Hourou Musuko, and I was surprised (and glad at the same time) that they got the same person to work for Isshukan Friends because it carries the same vibe and overall mood of the show. Where all the credit's due, besides the studio, it is the source material that will be the strength and backbone of this series and I firmly believe so always. I think great anime's are great because they were written well in the first place. Bad writing only constitutes bad adaptations. But we'll see how Brains Base handles this young blood manga. So here's hoping for all the good things (to come). 

Anime 2014: First Quarter Season Roundup

The Winter season in the world of Anime land has finally come into a close, bringing in a new list of series to devour in the coming months. But before we get into that horizon here is my roundup for the season; personal favorites -- of my own choosing -- based on the series I have maintain to follow through from the beginning right to the end. Winter has been a disappointment, shows on my lineup, including the carryovers, have dropped like flies  because of my sheer discontent with them. I have no regrets with the minimum number of series I've decided to keep, as it gave me time to watch older shows from way back when. So before I continue myself from spouting nonsense here is my roundup for the Winter 2014 season. 

Best Animation - Winter 2014

P.A. Works excels at what they do best: excellent animation, character designs that are cute but not excessively Moe, and dreamy scenery porn that transports you into a magical place. Since Nagi no Asukara's first cour their campaign for this category goes strength to strength from each frame and in every episodes. As a whole the series never faltered and maintained its astonishing quality. 

Runner-ups: Noragami; Space Dandy

Best Opening Song/Sequence - Winter 2014

There are so many contenders for the top spot but I'll have to give it to Ray and Nagi no Asukara (although Viva Namida comes in on a close second). This is the one song of the season that truly stamped on my memory; beginning with its first chord - the piano embodying the transition of the story, even the change in the weather - it signals perfectly that we're in it for the heartbreak, drama and a possible happy end. 

Runner-ups: Viva Namida by Yasuyuki Okamura; Life by Fujifabric;  Goya no Machiawase by Hello Sleepwalkers

Best Ending Song/Sequence - Winter 2014

Gin no Saji 2's closing sequence is the clear frontrunner for this category. Goose House did a great job and they captured the overall mood and theme of the series. I love the joyful exuberance of the music, its pop-folksy flavor, as it contradicts the drama of this masterpiece and relishes on the fun of life. 

Runner-ups: Kaze ga Shitteru by Akai Kouen, X Jigen E Youkoso by Etsuko Yakushimaru, Saved by Maaya Sakamoto

Best Soundtrack - Winter 2014

What makes Noragami thick as an intensely felt action packed fantasy series is the music playing on the background provided by Iwasaku Taku. The curious combination of pop and some little bit of trip hop and hip hop and world music gives Noragami its unique flavor as a story that is both wordly and unwordly, cool and trendy, its lightness and darkness. A really close fight between Space Dandy and Hoozuki no Reitetsu, but Noragami holds the upper hand and I love everything they served me on the sound platter. 

Runner-up: Space Dandy, Hoozuki no Reitetsu

Favorite MC (Male Character) - Winter 2014
Tie: Yato (Noragami) & Hoozuki (Hoozuki no Reitetsu)

From the early episodes Yato is my clear shoo-in winner for Favorite MC, but you can't ignore Hoozuki - he is the ultimate Alpha male and he doesn't even need any pecs and abs to get his job done. Yato is a mischievous God and has always been up to no good, yet a charming one with his outlandish comedic humor, and he is voiced by my favorite seiyuu, Hiroshi Kamiya. On the other hand, Hoozuki is Lord Enma's right hand man in the Jigoku world, a calm and sadistic, high-maintenance demon with a penchant for gold fish; even the highest rank demon lord can't get their way around him. I like the polarity of these two characters, both of them are funny, although Yato is more flamboyant and Hoozuki's wit is more dry and dark. At the end of the day both of them are my winners and I'm looking forward to seeing them again for a second season. 

Runner-ups: Dandy (Space Dandy), Hachiken Yuugo (Gin no Saji 2)

Best Girl - Winter 2014

I always have some trouble choosing my Best Girl. Because in the anime world some of them are not fully developed as a character, either they are built on stereotypes or there are moments I find them utterly annoying in one or two episodes. If Scarlett has more screen time in Space Dandy she would have been my best girl, but alas, that's not the case. Nibutani Shinka is one of my contenders for Best Supporting Character, her overall effort for the second season of Chuunibyou has endeared her more to me than anybody else. So let's make her my Best Girl! She is supportive of her Chuunibyou infested friends, loves them for what they are and loves their delusions on the equal ground. She encourages them to be honest about what they feel and would even go the distance to help someone in need. In my opinion, she is one of the best character's KyoAni has produced in their recently dismal year's in spite of their several mainstream hits. I'll take Nibutani Shinka as a role model to empower all the little girls out there; she has her flaws, but she's on her way to becoming the best. 

Runner-ups: Sayu Hisanuma (Nagi no Asukara), Minami Katayama (Wake Up, Girls!), Scarlett (Space Dandy)

Best Supporting Character - Winter 2014

Cuteness overload...and we need a dose of them every now and then to make anime a much nicer place to visit. These three are the epitome of a good supporting character because they bring out the best in our main guy. After all, Hoozuki looks so snobbish it's easy to presume he is not capable of doing nice things to others or we can overlook the possibility of an interesting persona behind his calm and sadistic demeanor. But we have Karauri, Nasubi and Shiro to thank for, and frankly, they are my reason for checking out the first two episodes of this series. I'm glad they showed me the way because Hoozuki no Reitetsu rocks!

Runner-ups: Kumin Tsuyuri (Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren), Touka Fushimi (Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha)

Favorite Recurring Character - Winter 2014

I love this girl. She is so different from Rikka, less annoying, independent, and not very one dimensional. I probably got stuck with the second season because of Shichimiya, and I wouldn't mind (in fact, I seriously want) a Clannad-like spinoff where she, and not that eye-patched boring girl, is Togashi's contractor. That would be interesting. 

Best Villain - Winter 2014

How do I describe this hairball? Well he isn't really the most evil of all because so far, we have no idea WTF is Gogol's intention with Dandy. Dr. Gel actually dies every episode so I feel sorry for him. But if I have to pick the best villain for Winter 2014 I'll hand it to this guy. He makes the art of the chase really special every time. 

Runner-up: Nora (Noragami)

Exceeded Expectations - Winter 2014

This is by Production I.G. (penned here as Wit Studio) and that says a lot already. So much expectation. I went ahead having no idea what this series is about. It's difficult to understand the story if you have no background on Japanese culture, but thats' where the hurdle ends because the director and the writer made it so effortless for the viewers...like taking a walk in the park. The humor is not so hard to catch on; there's always something for everybody, and it's cerebral without bordering into elitism. Such a joy to watch and definitely worth your time. 

Guilty Pleasure - Winter 2014

There are times when you need to stop over-analyzing, relax your brains and just cool off. That's where the guilty pleasure comes in. I'm not really into anything Idol, may it be anime or music. As much as possible I steer clear from them. Wake Up, Girls! fortunately, is surprisingly good. I tried the first episode and the movie and I got hooked, but I guess it has to do with the premise because it's more into the slice-of-life genre. The characters are fleshed out really well, and I like the inclusion of "realistic" bad instances happening their way in each episodes. 

Best Story - Winter 2014

One word to sum up this series: genius! Not every one is a fan of episodic anime, but for Space Dandy it works because it refreshes the story and broadens the opportunity to tell more story. The team pays tribute, or you can say "homage", to several cultural pieces of cinema and television. Slapstick humor or whatever they throw in the mix their formula is just spot on amazing. The journey continues comes summer 2014. 

Runner-ups: Gin no Saji 2, Hoozuki no Reitetsu, Noragami

Most Under-Appreciated - Winter 2014

In spite of its popularity, the anime adaptation of Gin no Saji is unfortunately not as well received in terms of its DVD/BD sales in Japan in comparison to its manga. That's quite a sad feat because its fate for a possible third season depends entirely on the market. Arakawa-sensei and the rest of A-1 pictures team did a solid job every single time without failing to deliver the goods. Gin no Saji has made the world of anime a better place for sure and I hope it would continue to do so if given another chance. 

Disappointment - Winter 2014

Good premise right there gone to waste. The limited number of episodes has done more damage than good for this series. Everything was rushed; the characters were underdeveloped and the ending was combined all together without doing justice to the entire story. In the process, it lose all sense whatsoever of its plot points. Such a shame for a well done animation. 

Runner-up: Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta

Best Anime - Winter 2014

This is my favorite series for Winter 2014. I haven't read the manga and I'm glad I went in without any idea or high expectations for the show. Noragami made me pumped up every week. I just loved everything they did: the fantasy aspect, the action sequences, our beloved characters, the comedy and its darkness, I could go on and on why I love this series (and probably some of you would find their way to contradict me). Regardless of its flaws, those imperfections only made Noragami even more beautiful. 

Runner-ups:  No. 2 - Hoozuki no Reitetsu, No. 3 - Space Dandy, No. 4 - Gin no Saji 2, No. 5 Nagi no Asukara

Best Studio - Winter 2014

Sensory Overload: Anime Winter 2014

From a 20+ something anime titles I've been expecting to watch this season mine got narrowed down to not even a close fraction from the original list. It took me long enough to post this entry but I believe the one's I've decided to retain are truly good enough to keep.

1. Noragami (Bones)

My favorite series for the Winter season. I love the entire concept on Kami's, magic and spirits, which is an entirely different universe from my own background. Noragami is not afraid to go to dark places and still, it retains its humorous side without going corny. The animation is just superb; the character design, the scenery, the background, everything is perfect to a T and beautifully made. Yato is also my favorite character of this season (and possibly my front runner for favorite male character for the quarter roundup). 

2. Gin no Saji (A-1 Pictures)

I missed this show since its finale last year and this is one anime that I could just watch over and over again without bordering into sheer boredom. What can I say, it gives me unadulterated, pure slice of life bliss every single time. The characters, every one of them, feels like family to me already, even the new "annoying" one's introduced this season. I guess there will be more drama (and love life) for Hachiken this time around.

3. Space Dandy (Bones)

This is totally an unexpected choice for me. I was dead certain at first to avoid this show at all cost because it looks so outrageous and simply beyond my character. But hell yeah, the first episode didn't packed a lot of punch but the succeeding episodes - its back on a clean slate "reset" format - made me all hooked. And it helps a lot that my favorite seiyuu, Juunichi Suwabe, is the voice behind Dandy. I love them all, especially Meow, with his crazy and yet unaware antics.   

4. Hoozuki no Reitetsu (Wit Studio)

If there is a specific anime this season that would give you the 411 on Japanese-Buddhism then, this would be it. All their ramblings about hell (or at least the concept put into anime) can be heavy on one's ear and brain, especially if you lack any insight about any of their spiritual whatchamacallit. But everything about this series is so much fun as they poked around on divine punishments, sins and demons alike. 

5. Inari, Konkon, Koi Iroha (Production IMS)

A high school girl and her hopeless crush. The plot sounds cliché, but this series is just too cute and lovable to pass, and it doesn't hurt that it's about shrine's and Gods and all those Japanese-Buddhist-Shintoist culture, which I voraciously devour upon like a true-blooded Japanophile monster. 

6. Toaru Hikuushi e no Koiuta (TMS/3xCube)

Aviation oriented anime can never go wrong on my record, unless they botched the story big time. Romeo and Juliet love stories is a worn-out tale adapted on both the small and the big screen, but what makes Toaru special is its surprisingly smart execution, especially with the writing and the direction that keeps its viewers fasten tightly on their seats.

7. Wake Up, Girls! (Ordet, Tatsunoko Production)

I'm never a fan of idols, but Wake Up, Girls! is an interesting series nevertheless. It highlights the "make or break" drama of working behind the cookie-cutter industry of idol groups. The painstaking sacrifices and struggles that an aspiring performer must go through in order to succeed and reach the full potential of their dreams. There is nothing Moe about what they do or this show, despite the otherwise character designs it portrays and the cheeky songs that plays throughout the episodes. 

8. Hamatora The Animation (Naz Animation Studio)

Despite all the bad reps about this series from the blogosphere, the only thing I can find fault here is the poor animation, but put them aside, the mystery is damn interesting. I've decided to stay in tune because I know there's a lot of potential here. 

9. Chuunibyou demo Koi ga Shitai! Ren (Kyoto Animation)

This is one of my guilty pleasures. I mean, a sequel is kind of too soon and unnecessary in my opinion. I keep on complaining how the character development from season one became useless because Rika went back (much worse) to her Chuunibyou ways, and yet in spite of those things I never fail to watch a single episode. Honestly, I like all the characters with the exception of our main girl here, Rika. She never fails to trigger my annoyance button each week, and I don't understand the whole point of her being Togashi's OTP because he can actually do so much better.