2010 Anime Year in Review
I wasn't going to originally do this because I really didn't watch much anime in 2010 but I am bored at the moment so I figured WTH
Favorite Overall Series
Cross Game
Although it started in 2009 it ran into 2010 so it actually was so good to win two years in a row. I just have a thing for series with down to earth characters, subtlety, and fun instead of an overload of drama & plot twists. Actually I would not only say it is my favorite of 2009-2010 but now one of my all time favorite anime series.
The series is streaming on Hulu and I highly recommend it. I love it so much that I went against my "don't buy anymore manga rule". But this is definitely the last new series I am going to collect.
Favorite Series that Started in 2010
House of Five Leaves
Well it was between this and my runner up below. But in the end I went with this series because I loved the character development and relationship between the two main characters. I thought the ending was perfect and I really didn't think I would care about the characters as much as I ended up doing so. This is probably the only new series from 2010 I would definitely considering buying if it came out on DVD. Also on Hulu
Runner Up Series of 2010
Tatami Galaxy
A very unique series (but what else can you expect from Masaaki Yuasa) & a great character study. Unlike a lot of Yuasa series this one didn't lose steam towards the end and I expect that is because it is an adaption. The reason though that I put House of Five Leaves slightly above this one is because I felt I had more of an emotional connection to the characters than I did with Galaxy but you really can't go wrong with either of these series. Also streaming on Hulu
Most Disappointing Series of 2010
Durarara
No Image
It had a really good start but it ended up having one of my biggest pet peeves in stories forced drama because characters will not tell each other what is going on. I also didn't care for many of the one dimensional gang members or any of the main relationships (well except Erika & Walker). I know a lot of people like this series but it just didn't do it for me. I think I was expecting another Baccano so maybe it is my fault.
Favorite Anime Film of 2010
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
A perfect adaption of my favorite long story in the series (well at least that I read so far). Great character development for Haruhi, Kyon, and especially Yuki. This made up for the Endless Eight fiasco. I really hope to see the other novels/short stories adapted especially Snowy Mountain Syndrome & Charmed at First Sight Lover.
Series of 2010 I Wish I had Watched
Shiki
I really regret not watching this when it was airing because I have only heard great things about it. I do plan to now whenever I find the time to watch 22 episodes.
Favorite Opening
Kuragehime
I love all the movie references :)
Favorite Ending
FMA: Brotherhood- Ray of Light
I love the hopeful message of this song. It really fits Fullmetal Alchemist.
And yes I know I didn't really mention Brotherhood a lot on here. That is because while it was cool to see manga scenes animated it doesn't match up to my love for the manga. :)
Most Anticipated Series of 2011
Hourou Musuko
Looks like a charming series that deals with difficult issues (and doesn't just laugh them away). I hope 1 tier is enough to do the series justice since it is an ongoing manga series. That is the main thing that worries me. Here is the trailer subbed in English
edit Just discovered a new upcoming series for 2011 that sounds really interesting: Showa Monogatari. It's a slice of life series that takes place in 1964 the year Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics. The series is scheduled for the spring but apparently there is going to be advanced episode(s). I really hope this will be subbed.
Favorite Overall Series
Cross Game
Although it started in 2009 it ran into 2010 so it actually was so good to win two years in a row. I just have a thing for series with down to earth characters, subtlety, and fun instead of an overload of drama & plot twists. Actually I would not only say it is my favorite of 2009-2010 but now one of my all time favorite anime series.
The series is streaming on Hulu and I highly recommend it. I love it so much that I went against my "don't buy anymore manga rule". But this is definitely the last new series I am going to collect.
Favorite Series that Started in 2010
House of Five Leaves
Well it was between this and my runner up below. But in the end I went with this series because I loved the character development and relationship between the two main characters. I thought the ending was perfect and I really didn't think I would care about the characters as much as I ended up doing so. This is probably the only new series from 2010 I would definitely considering buying if it came out on DVD. Also on Hulu
Runner Up Series of 2010
Tatami Galaxy
A very unique series (but what else can you expect from Masaaki Yuasa) & a great character study. Unlike a lot of Yuasa series this one didn't lose steam towards the end and I expect that is because it is an adaption. The reason though that I put House of Five Leaves slightly above this one is because I felt I had more of an emotional connection to the characters than I did with Galaxy but you really can't go wrong with either of these series. Also streaming on Hulu
Most Disappointing Series of 2010
Durarara
No Image
It had a really good start but it ended up having one of my biggest pet peeves in stories forced drama because characters will not tell each other what is going on. I also didn't care for many of the one dimensional gang members or any of the main relationships (well except Erika & Walker). I know a lot of people like this series but it just didn't do it for me. I think I was expecting another Baccano so maybe it is my fault.
Favorite Anime Film of 2010
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
A perfect adaption of my favorite long story in the series (well at least that I read so far). Great character development for Haruhi, Kyon, and especially Yuki. This made up for the Endless Eight fiasco. I really hope to see the other novels/short stories adapted especially Snowy Mountain Syndrome & Charmed at First Sight Lover.
Series of 2010 I Wish I had Watched
Shiki
I really regret not watching this when it was airing because I have only heard great things about it. I do plan to now whenever I find the time to watch 22 episodes.
Favorite Opening
Kuragehime
Click to viewI love all the movie references :)
Favorite Ending
FMA: Brotherhood- Ray of Light
I love the hopeful message of this song. It really fits Fullmetal Alchemist.
And yes I know I didn't really mention Brotherhood a lot on here. That is because while it was cool to see manga scenes animated it doesn't match up to my love for the manga. :)
Most Anticipated Series of 2011
Hourou Musuko
Looks like a charming series that deals with difficult issues (and doesn't just laugh them away). I hope 1 tier is enough to do the series justice since it is an ongoing manga series. That is the main thing that worries me. Here is the trailer subbed in English
edit Just discovered a new upcoming series for 2011 that sounds really interesting: Showa Monogatari. It's a slice of life series that takes place in 1964 the year Tokyo hosted the Summer Olympics. The series is scheduled for the spring but apparently there is going to be advanced episode(s). I really hope this will be subbed.