[MONTHLY REVIEW] winter anime 2016.
falling like a snowfall
I can't believe I finally reach february.. the second month of 2016. Time goes really fast huh? well sure just because on how I'm so occupied with works & anime at the same time I'm almost forgot to write a review. How to say about this year season wasn't decent since last year I just only impressed with Death Parade and Ansatsu Kyoushitsu with their faithful adaptation. But then again, it is too over-exaggerating if I said I don't have any series to watch. I'm at least found top 2 anime with 4 episodes only that seems become strong candidate of AOTS. Though this just wayyyy too fast to judge, unless if they went to the serious trainwreck I might change my opinion. but who knows? (also I feel like want to watch some old anime when I get a break soon).
THE STRONGEST AOTS 2016 CANDIDATES
Boku Dake ga Inai Machi (1-4 episodes)
Yeah this series has become favorite of all anime community right now. No Lie but this series very well-done to make me hooked with the directing and the story goes by each episodes. Although I do have some concerns with pacing and excecution, it seems were handled pretty well. But the problem in the series probably was a bit dramatizing the vibe for the suspect killer already, it mystery tone of the series could be faded anytime soon and it just will be more focused on drama where Satoru get back in time again prevent the tragedy to save both of Kayo and his Mother. (Or eventually Airi for the next episodes). But at least, I think the anime is pretty consistent and had their screams : QUALITY & Noitamina to made proof that they have done the right job. I might disappointed a bit with Noitamina last year so please don't let this series go downhill with this one because now I'm too invested and there's no way to get back.
.
CURRENT SCORE: A-
.
Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (1-4 episodes)
I'm actually still confused this is not Noitamina shows. AND I EVEN MORE CONFUSED THIS IS ADAPTED BY DEEN. Man what a quality stuff that we should not over-looked and underestimated. The presentation of this series was just absolutely brilliant that we were just introduced what Rakugou about in first episodes until the 2-4 episodes the core of the story basically have potrayed really well. It is more like Yakumo's life journey on how he become success as Rakugou story-teller and how he also met Sukeroku. It just now had more slow-pacing that I don't even mind since it needs more built up and doesn't even need to add any filler on each episodes. I still feeling that the conflict has not obviously showed up yet since this is basically a mystery on how Yakumo really involved in both Miyokichi & Sukeroku's death after all. Last episode there's some glimpse how Miyokichi was so interested toward Yakumo while he seems not into women after his getting break up many times on his past relationships. Well, Josei genre always had some kind this twist relationship after all that I could totally buy it. Overall, if I think about it I just love this show and their aestheticness.
.
CURRENT SCORE: A-
ALMOST MADE IT & WORTH WATCHING
.
Ajin (1-3 episodes)
I'm not even sure which one was fucked up more if I have to compare between this series and Tokyo Ghoul. By as means, the discrimination in this anime was totally ugly. Ghoul might causing dangerous because how they eat humans, but Ajin living as a immortal creatures also automatically being seen as monster by society and resulting Kei (who inevitably being unlucky to be chased by anyone as the target of government experiments) had to runaway. At least he had a good friend huh? I was skeptical about their relationship because even Both Kei & Kai are childhood friends, they started to distant each other back then. Was it because of Kei being too much living up expectations in front of society? Until we even find out how his sister hating him being fake and such. Regardless, in all episodes it just ugly & realistic (in a good way). I might find this series appealing more if it wasn't CG since I'm not a big fan of CG anime. But I guess Polygon Pictures quite did a great job for taking Ajin.
.
CURRENT SCORE: B+
.
Dimension W (1-4 episodes)
I guess what make this stands out as the series none other that cyber-punk setting with the main character that has "hard to get along woth other people" vibes. I don't know, it just really another reminiscence of Darker than Black with a good story execution that handled pretty well as the Seinen series. Well in latest episode I don't have any objection when they suddenly shifted into horror/mystery that resulting to be (a junk) since it has some entertaining element but it just awkward. And some shot of fanservices on this series actually made me quite displeased. Only that I care is how there are some dig in a bit toward Kyoma's dark past and this series really needs is for Kyouma and Mira to hang around each other for any significant period of time since I love both of their relationship. Episodes always seem to be about them separated but in parallel. Presumably the show will develop their relationship at some point in the future.
.
CURRENT SCORE: B
.
.
Ansatsu Kyoushitsu 2nd Season (1-4 episodes)
One of the winter series that keeps me entertaining to watch, not because of the plot (if so I have put this as strong candidate of AOTS 2016). It just each character development of Class E student makes me want to embrace all of them. with Itona finally join the class, he is the type that you can say quite introvert and doesn't hesitate to be blunt but regardless everyone accept him with warm hands since all of them has the same purpose : Killing Koro-sensei. It is also important episode as to making a less antagonist vibe on Itona's character since we already know he just another tragic victims organizations. It really do a great job to built up more character interaction also the goofy scene in this episodes was the main stand point to me. Though I just amused, and welcoming any episodes of this season anytime which next episodes will have more rivalry between Class E and Class A since it's basically have more interesting background plot that Class E should face their discrimination. (Also how could I miss miyano mamoru's chara... I can't miss any of his cast).
.
CURRENT SCORE: B
.
Akagami no Shirayuki-hime 2nd Season (1-4 episodes)
Well I'm actually still screaming on how FEEEELLLLSS overwhelmed me by each episodes of this series. First we see how Raj and Shirayuki at least make a progress of their friendship (in awkward way where Raj trying to do something good!). And then the conflicted feelings from Obi towards Shirayuki since he almost felt that he will might betray Zen. AND THIS IS WHY Zen has need to get back but shit just got happen. Well, it is not shirayuki anime if she doesn't get kidnapped though. But as this progresses, by any means there's no more honeymoon and Zen needs to sacrifice everything if he wants live together (& forever) with Shirayuki. I just love how this series start heating up though and they finally getting back to the more action & adventure vibes. I'm still can't get over the fact on how this is bring disney princess nostalgia like how Raj & Shirayuki is like a bit potrayal of Beauty & the Beast (like the library scene and their awkward interactions EVERYTHING IS SAME).
.
CURRENT SCORE: B
.
.
DECENT WATCHLIST
Sekkou Boys (1-4 episodes)
While everything is just messed up ridiculous.... I wish this series could be much longer though. Sekkou Boys can be accurate/funny potrayal on how idols in japan works. Though the jokes sometimes was a bit exaggerating but still just spot on with the internet jokes on how fans criticize them can be somehow harsh and unreasonable. I'm just LMFAO.
CURRENT SCORE: B-
Tabimachi Late Show (1-4 episodes) (END)
As much as people probably complained this is just more a colorful storyboard with voiced, I also wish it could have done better and it will be more stand out as any other short anime. The conflict on each episodes well spot-on about their life journey and it's heart-warming. Seriously go watch this show because it's short and not gonna waste your time when it has a lot of meaning.
CURRENT SCORE: B-
Durarara!!x2 Ketsu (1-4 episodes)
Maannn... this series getting twisted by the episodes, and have some good development & excitement as I get the flashback vibe when I watched the third arcs. Seems the setting were handled were the clash between Chikage and Kida. The conflict between Saika on how if Anri has to given up her power. And most importantly Celty's head is in messed up situation right now.
CURRENT SCORE: B-
Nijiiro Days (1-4 episodes)
What I love from this slice of life series was just characters have relatable relationships. The bromance and how its good to have friends who understand your true personality rather than soo picky. The only bothering me still the relationship between Mari & Tomoya which you can guess if they're one of my least favorite couple in this series
CURRENT SCORE: C+
Hai to Gemsou no Grimgar (1-4 episodes)
I admit that this show was pretty much hit or miss. Episodes 4 strikes again with reality THAT I WASN'T PREPARED FOR A REAL DEATH FLAG AT THE BEGINNING. Plus it happens to my favorite character... it just tragic to see the competent leader has to die because of their group was careless. It just kind of fuck up and seriously fuck this show!
CURRENT SCORE: C+
.
STILL WATCHING BUT UMM...
Sushi Police (1-4 episodes)
Now things that just go overboard and the comedy just no longer funny. Not sure the jokes just refer to the kid, the adult or am I just the one who didn't understand Japanese jokes these days..
CURRENT SCORE: C
Prince of Stride: Alternative (1-4 episodes)
I would like to raise this a bit but it feel like character development only happened to sub-charas rather than the main characters then. And also shit happens in sport series when someone gets injured.. the angst should come pretty quickly.
CURRENT SCORE: C
Norn9: Norn+Nonette (1-4 episodes)
I still can't understand how people get fever looks like someone who's going to die. Though I wish more AkitoxNanami development I'm just more happier on Glimpse MikotoxNatsuhiko happen. But uh well talk about protective!childhood friend.
CURRENT SCORE: C-
Luck & Logic (1-4 episodes)
Holy hell I was thought the Norn9 anime could be worst until this latest episodes happen it could be much boring even though how solid it was... just nothing stand out ughhh.
CURRENT SCORE: D+