1. Absolute Duo
Status: Indifferent
Current Episode Count: 5
Absolute Duo is a generic harem show with the typical, boy has some kind of irregular power that actually turns out to be really powerful. Along the way to get stronger, he attracts the attention of numerous females who are drawn to his power, drawn to his kindness, or both. Absolute Duo does not stray from this typical setting at all, so if you enjoy this kind of mindless show with no real curve balls or fresh ideas, Absolute Duo is something you will want to check out.
Consider Watching if: You like a nice guy protagonist who has a hidden power, you like harem shows, you like characters with catchphrases and who fit archetypes.
You can watch Absolute Duo on Funimation here
2. Aldnoah/Zero 2nd Season
Status: Can't Wait For Next Episode
Current Episode Count: 16 (includes first season which was 12 episodes)
Continuing off of the cliffhanger from the first season, Aldnoah/Zero wastes no time getting back into the swing of things. Though there are some things that have not been explained yet, the overall content is rich and exciting. The great quality from the first season has remained unchanged, which is a good thing considering the first season was coupled with great animation, sound, and above average storytelling. The only downside is that Slaine isn't being physically abused anymore.
Consider Watching if: You saw the first season, like mecha, like good animation and sound.
You can watch Aldnoah/Zero 2nd Season on Crunchyroll here
3. Ansatsu Kyoushitsu (Assassination Classroom)
Status: Indifferent.
Current Episode Count: 4
If you are a huge fan of the manga, you'll probably enjoy the anime adaption of Assassination Classroom. I enjoy the manga, but am not a huge fan of it. So far, the anime is fairly solid, following the source material well and not showing many huge flaws in animation or sound. Since it is running for 22 episodes it's difficult to determine whether or not it will end on a cliffhanger setting up for a second season or an original ending (or both) but most likely the former.
Consider Watching if: You enjoy more unconventional Shounen series.
You can watch Ansatsu Kyoushitsu on Funimation here
4. Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu LOVE!
Status: Confused.
Current Episode Count: 5
Binan Koukou is by the guy who did Danshi Koukousei no Nichijou (Daily lives of High School Boys) but it doesn't feel like it has the same humor or touch. Binan Koukou takes place at another all boys high school except, the main characters have been roped into a fight to save the world and must become magical boys in order to do so. It's a very strange situation where it follows the same pattern as most generic magical girl series, just the main characters become magical boys.
The problem with the show is mostly the story. Each episode focuses on a different situation that the heros have to solve just like most magical girl shows. The only issue is that each foe is incredibly boring and last for about 5 minutes while the rest of the show is just talking and set up for that enemy. The reason I'm confused and not considering dropping the show (though I'm sure if I did, I wouldn't lose any sleep over my decision) is mostly because it is different than everything this season. Though it copies tropes from magical girl series, it does it purposely, as I can only assume, as a satire of the genre. It's different but not necessarily different good. I think you can decide whether you want to watch this or not just from episode 1.
Consider Watching if: You like
You can watch Binan Koukou Chikyuu Bouei-bu LOVE on Crunchyroll here
5. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon: Crystal
Status: Dropped.
Current Episode Count: 14
I personally couldn't get into Sailor Moon mostly because of the plot and perhaps because of the pacing and characters. Even though I watched the series in my childhood, I feel no nostalgia or excitement for episodes. I unintentionally forget about watching the episodes not necessarily because they're released bi-weekly, but because I just can't get excited or even interested in it. I don't believe it is a bad show, but it is just uninteresting and not my type of anime.
Consider Watching if: You watched the original Sailor Moon, you enjoy traditional Shoujo series, if you like High School Boys hooking up with Middle School Girls.
You can watch Sailor Moon: Crystal on Crunchyroll here
6. Cross Ange: Tenshi to Ryuu no Rondo
Status: Interest Piqued.
Current Episode Count: 17
Cross Ange is an anime that continuously changes its tone as the show progresses. It has an original(ish) plot with relatively standard characters and animation. From episode 1, you're taken on a rollercoaster of emotions and reality as the main character, Ange, has her entire life changed basically every episode. While I think the anime makes it easy to sympathize with Ange, I believe that they used too many twists and turns making it hard to follow. One can argue it's a good move since it makes the viewer put themselves into Ange's shoes since she has to deal with figuring out what is the truth and what isn't. While this is certainly true, I think the way it could have been executed better. Ultimately everything just eds up being confusing, but who knows, maybe everything will be solved in the end.
Consider Watching if: You like dystopian settings, betrayal/conspiracy, mechas, tsunderes, times of pretty strong emotional pull.
You can watch Cross Ange on Crunchyroll here
7. Death Parade
Status: Cautiously Sold On.
Current Episode Count: 5
Death Parade seems like it will be an episodic series about a place in the afterworld, that judges where the people who pass through there should go-- the void or reincarnation. Each episode goes through different pairs of people who arrive, not knowing they're dead and through the course of the episode realize that they are. The anime preaches interesting morals through the the form of deceased while being able to captivate its viewers who want to know how the pair died and what their true character is. The reason I am cautious about this series is mostly because of the trend with series like this where it becomes repetitive until the end when they decide to end it with a several episode arc. As long as Death Parade does not follow this trend, it will be one of the better series of this season.
Consider Watching if: You like episodic anime, you like watching anime about human nature, you like emotional scenes.
You can watch Death Parade on Funimation here
8. Durarara!!x2 Shou
Status: Sold.
Current Episode Count: 4
It's Durarara.
Consider Watching if: You watched and liked Durarara, if you like very crazy, character driven plot.
You can watch Durarara!!x2 Shou on Crunchyroll here
9. Fairy Tail (2014)
Status: I want to drop it.
Current Episode Count: 44
Fairy Tail is interesting when it's not on a filler arc, even when it's not on a filler arc it's only something to watch, not a must watch. It is your usual Shounen anime with nothing too interesting to keep you watching.
Consider Watching if: You like really traditional Shounen series.
You can watch Fairy Tail on Crunchyroll here
_Promotional_Poster.png)
10. Isuca
Status: I'm about ready to drop it.
Current Episode Count: 3
Another generic harem series. The only thing that might set this apart from the other generic harem series this season is that there's relative gore throughout the episodes. Other than that, it's the typical boy has mysterious power and his kindness and hidden powers get him all the ladies.
Consider Watching if: You like harem series, relative gore, characters fitting archetypes.
You can watch Isuca on Crunchyroll here
11. Jojo's Bizarre Adventure: Stardust Crusaders 2nd season
Status: Hype
Current Episode Count: 29 (Includes 1st season which had 24 episodes)
More Jojo's. This is probably one of my favorite shows this season, it's very fun, fresh, and entertaining.
Consider Watching if: You like anime, you like fun, you like anything at all.
You can watch Jojo's Bizarre Adventure on Crunchyroll here
12. Junketsu no Maria (Maria The Virgin Witch )
Status: Interested.
Current Episode Count: 4
The anime follows a witch named Maria who, unlike other witches who try to profit off war, actively tries to stop them. What makes it interesting is the setting and the morals that are brought up between heaven, witches, and humans. The general opinion is that war is a necessity, but Maria stands against that and hates witnessing conflict. Junketsu no Maria is mostly a character driven so if you end up disliking any characters, the series will definitely lose its appeal.
Consider Watching if: You like interesting settings, enjoyable characters, and moral ambiguity.
You can watch Junketsu no Maria on Funimation here
13. Juuou Mujin no Fafnir (Unlimited Fafnir)
Status: About Ready to Drop
Current Episode Count: 4
Fafnir is about as generic harem as you can get. Imouto? Check. Kyonyuu? Check. Pettanko? Check. About every archetype is in here and it has such a strange plot that I know will never be fully explained by the end of the anime. It'll just end on a cliffhanger as everything does in case it's popular enough for a second season (spoiler: it won't be). What makes Fafnir stand out from the rest is its general plot where girls with special powers called D's, are being targeted by "Dragons." Each Dragon has a specific target who is marked by some kind of seal. What do the Dragons want to do when they get to their target? Turn them into a Dragon and mate. Yep. It's a very strange plot and not made any more interesting by its incredibly 2-dimensional characters and poor animation.
Consider Watching if: You need background noise, like really generic harems, just want to stack up your myanimelist.
You can watch Unlimited Fafnir on Crunchyroll here
14. Kantai Collection: KanColle
Status: Content.
Current Episode Count: 5
KanColle is basically exactly what I expected, which isn't that much. It's an overly average series with a million and one characters who embody the spirit of various famous warships. KanColle is really just an anime to try and attract people who haven't played the game and satisfy fans. I'm content with the anime because it doesn't try to do anything too ambitious and seems to know what it is. I do dislike the amount of characters there are but at least everyone gets 1 waifu. That being said, I will give Kantai Collection credit for making unique characters that are interesting even if there are a lot of them. A great part of the anime is its animation which is very clean and fluid. I personally do not like the use of CG since it greatly reminds me of Aoki Hagane No Arpeggio: Ars Nova which was purely CG and looked very strange. At least for Ars Nova it only used CG while when Kantai Collection switches to it, it's very obvious and jarring.
Consider Watching if: You like waifu bait, don't care too much about plot, need more moe in your life.
You can watch KanColle on Crunchyroll here
15. Kiseijuu: Sei no Kakuritsu (Parasyte: The maxim)
Status: Incredibly interested and heartbroken.
Current Episode Count: 17
I'm only heartbroken because of something that happens in the earlier episodes, I'm not sure if everyone would be as heartbroken as I was. Kiseijuu is a great show showcasing what it means to be human as its main character goes through multiple transformations throughout the series due to accumulating experiences. I would definitely recommend this show to everyone and anyone. It's a highly enjoyable show that does not get old to watch.
Consider Watching if: You like action with philosophical questions, good characters, good pacing.
You can watch Kiseijuu on Crunchyroll here
16. Koufuku Graffiti (Gourmet Girl Graffiti)
Status: Confused but in a good way?.
Current Episode Count: 4
This show is literally food porn in both the sense that it showcases food in mouthwatering detail and the characters are eating food as if it was a porno. One could say that it's to be expected when Shaft is at the helm of the project, but it is still a surprise. Koufuku Graffiti has nothing to do with Graffiti and has everything to do with cooking and familial ties, but mostly the cooking. Koufuku Graffiti is unique in the sense that it balances its time between the process of making food and the characters developing relationships with one another. Koufuku Grafitti is an enjoyable show especially if you need something to make you hungry. Do NOT watch when your'e hungry though. You have been warned.
Consider Watching if: You want to build an appetite, you like watching people cook and eat, like moe.
You can watch Koufuku Graffiti on Crunchyroll here
17. Log Horizon 2nd Season
Status: Content
Current Episode Count: 17
It's more Log Horizon but it feels even slower than the first season though arguably more happens. What sets Log Horizon apart from something like Sword Art Online is that it feels more like it's actually taking place in a fantasy realm rather than a computer game. Depending on who you ask, that can be a good or bad thing. In my opinion, it's a bad thing. They barely reference the 3-d world they were torn from and instead keep living as if they were a part of the virtual world. Aside from that, I still dislike the pacing in the 2nd season. Everything takes too long to conclude and explain. I am content with this season though because despite my personal gripes, it is still a good source of entertainment.
Consider Watching if: You like fantasy settings, you saw the first season, like slow paced anime that have mysteries that will probably never be solved ever, even after 50 or so episodes.
You can Watch Log Horizon on Crunchyroll here
18. Military!
Status: Bored
Current Episode Count: 5
This is a web series that have a run time of about 6 minutes each. Each episode feels incredibly repetitive and uninteresting. Compared to other web series such as Danna ga Nani Wo Itteru Wakaranai (I can't Understand What My Husband is Saying), it feels incredibly shallow and poorly made.
Consider Watching if: You just want to watch something really short with moe.
You can watch Military! on Crunchyroll here
19. Rolling Girls
Status: You had my curiosity but now you have my attention.
Current Episode Count: 4
I was taken with Rolling Girls from the beginning because everything was so lively, entertaining, and unique. It was reminiscent of FLCL in a way where everything was over the top, there was good music, and good fighting. Rolling Girls does not have a deep plot but it has very interesting characters, great animation, and sound. I am very interested to see how this series will progress though I have a feeling I won't be pleased.
Consider Watching if: You like fast paced anime, great animation, great sound, a fun setting.
You can watch Rolling Girls on Funimation here
20. Saenai Heroine no Sodatekata- Saekano (How to Raise a Boring Girlfriend)
Status: Interested.
Current Episode Count: 4
Saekano has the feel of Boku wa Tomodachi ga Sukunai (Hagnai) with a hint of Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Comedy wa Machigatteiru (Ore ga Iru) and My Fair Lady (for those of you who know the movie). I say it feels like these mostly because of the characters and setting. The two main heroines have a very similar feel to Yozora and Sena from Haganai and a similar feel to the setting of Ore ga Iru though the general plot is different. Put simply, Saekano is about an otaku who wants to make his own visual novel after a chance encounter with a girl on a hill. He tries to rope in the two main heroines of the series into helping him since one is a famous doujinshi artist and the other is a popular light novel author. What makes Saekano interesting is the dialogue and the general interaction between the characters. The overall quality of the anime also feels more polished and refined than the other harem anime that are airing this season.
Consider Watching if: You enjoy comedy, like harem anime, good dialogue, above average animation.
You can watch Saekano on Crunchyroll here
21. Seiken Tsukai no World Break (World Break: Aria of Curse for a Holy Swordsman)
Status: Indifferent
Current Episode Count: 4
Seiken Tsukai no World Break is another generic harem anime with the main character harboring some kind of great, hidden power. The fight scenes are abysmal, the story is not that interesting, and the characters are fairly predictable and thus uninteresting. I would say that Seiken Tsukai no World Break could potentially be a guilty pleasure of some, but critically, it's just another generic poorly done show.
Consider Watching if: You like the harem genre.
You can watch Seiken Tsukai no World Break on Crunchyroll here
22. Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso (Your Lie in April)
Status: Potential Anime of the Year
Current Episode Count: 16
I'm sure I'm not alone in being very hyped up for this anime. It's got great music, great characters, great animation, and a simple but well developed story.The dialogue is also one of the stand out points of this show. Monologues, general conversations, everything seems very well done. I definitely want to touch on the monologues that the characters have which are extremely poetic and touching at times. These monologues are key for not only expressing the characters' feelings but setting up the stage for what's to come as well as contribute to the already great imagery of the series. If you were to watch anything from this list, I'd greatly recommend this Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso.
Consider Watching if: You like music anime, like drama, like good anime.
You can watch Shigatsu wa Kimi no Uso on Crunchyroll here
23. Shinmai Maou no Testament (The Testament of Sister New Devil)
Status: Watching for the lulz
Current Episode Count: 5
Definitely the most ecchi out of the harem shows this season. It's another harem show where the protagonist is a guy with some kind of latent power.The series is pretty bad and laughably so. It's the new series that you recommend to your friends as a joke. Critically poor, unintentionally comically gold.
Consider Watching if: You like lots of "plot," ecchi, imoutos/childhood friends.
You can watch Shinmai Maou no Testament on Crunchyroll here
24. The iDOLM@STER Cinderella Girls
Status: Surprisingly interested.
Current Episode Count: 5
When the previous The idolm@ster aired, I was surprised at how great it turned out to be. To be able to take a huge cast of characters and make them all feel unique, interesting, and relevant is a great feat for any anime. Thus, I hold idolm@ster in very high regards as an anime and one about idols. So when, the next entry in the idolm@ster series was announced, Cinderella Girls, I was excited but cautious. I was excited because it's more idolm@ster but cautious because Cinderella Girls features more characters than the original and to me, it just feels like they are attempting to replicate the magic of the first anime and nothing more. I was pleasantly surprised when I watched the first episode and it was actually interesting. The second episode was great and even now I have little gripes with the show-- it feels very idolm@ster like. My only complaint is the amount of characters and how a lot of them are getting shafted and introduced very slowly. In the original, everyone was basically introduced all at once but it never felt overwhelming. In Cinderella Girls though, the amount of characters feels very overwhelming. I'm sure in the end, everything will be fine, but I feel as if the anime could be paced a little better.
Consider Watching if: You enjoy idol animes, like idolm@ster, like cute girls.
You can watch Cinderella Girls on Daisuki here
25. Tokyo Ghoul √A
Status: Surprisingly Disappointed
Current Episode Count: 5
After the end of the first anime which was one of the more interesting shows of last season, I expected more of the same for the continuation of the series. What I got instead was a very confusing, different anime. It could possibly be attributed to the change that the main character, Kaneki Ken, has gone through that the overall tone of the anime has changed, but the overall end result is a less than satisfying continuation of the first season. If you are a reader of the manga, you will also be very disappointed since they have changed a lot of what happened in the manga for no reason at all. The changes have not seemed to take the series in a better direction than the source material, so it is difficult to understand why the director chose to make changes at all.
Consider Watching if: You like action, like gore, want to see more Tokyo Ghoul.
You can watch Tokyo Ghoul Root A on Funimation here
26. World Trigger
Status: Meh
Current Episode Count: 15
World Trigger initially had my interest because it seemed like a different type of Shounen, but as the series progressed, it proved that it was no different than the rest. I don't want to spoil anything, so I won't give specific examples, but there are definitely training montages, team fights, and lots and lots of explanations of abilities.
Consider Watching if: You like Shounen series with unique settings.
You can watch World Trigger on Crunchyroll here
27. Yoru no Yatterman (Yatterman Night)
Status: Next episode where???
Current Episode Count: 4
Yoru no Yatterman took me completely by surprise. What I expected to be another shounen series turned out to be one o the most entertaining, emotional anime of this season. Watching this without having watched the previous Yatterman series will not put you in any kind of disadvantageous position, though you might miss out on the nostalgia factor.
Consider Watching if: You like good story, fun characters, dystopian societies.
You can watch Yoru no Yatterman on Funimation here
29. Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road
Status: Fun
Current Episode Count: 16
If you watched the original Yowamushi Pedal, I probably don't even need to tell you to watch this. The first season ended on a huge cliffhanger so this is a very welcome second season. If you missed the first season, I'll shortly summarize what's so great about Yowamushi Pedal. It's a realistic sports anime that truly preaches the value of friendship, hardwork, and honesty. What makes it different isn't only the fact that it's about cycling but that it features an otaku as its main character. It's a very entertaining "ride" to see the otaku protagonist with no friends grow as the series progressed. It's also very entertaining to see their races, training, and everything in between. It's overall just a pretty fun anime. The only criticism I have is the very main character who can be kind of annoying at times but I'm sure that some would find his spastic, pure hearted tendencies adorable. This criticism doesn't really detract from the overall experience though, so don't let that stop you from watching this series.
Consider Watching if: You like sports anime, like fun characters, like exciting developments.
You can watch Yowamushi Pedal: Grande Road on Crunchyroll here
No comments:
Post a Comment