Anime of the Year 1992-II Spring - Crayon Shin-chan

Crayon Shin-chan is a firm masterpiece and unrivalled winner

1. Bishoujo Senshi Sailor Moon Sailor Moon 美少女戦士セーラームーン [Toei Animation] (Finished 5/46) Tags: Mahou Shoujo, Mythology Romance Usagi Tsukino is an average student and crybaby klutz who constantly scores low on her tests. Unexpectedly, her humdrum life is turned upside down when she saves a cat with a crescent moon on its head from danger. The cat, named Luna, later reveals that their meeting was not an accident: Usagi is destined to become Sailor Moon, a planetary guardian with the power to protect the Earth. Given a special brooch that allows her to transform, she must use her new powers to save the city from evil energy-stealing monsters sent by the malevolent Queen Beryl of the Dark Kingdom. But getting accustomed to her powers and fighting villains are not the only things she has to worry about. She must find the lost princess of the Moon Kingdom, the other Sailor Guardians, and the Legendary Silver Crystal in order to save the planet from destruction. I thought I would watch it all, but due to episodic nature of the show and only couple funny moments per episode stopping after fifth. Sailor Moon deserves a masterpiece score for combination of its strong sides and overall push for Shoujo that started to be taken seriously, but can't trick my guts, could not enjoy it.   Overall Rating: 6/10

2. Crayon Shin-chan Shin Chan クレヨンしんちゃん [Shin-Ei Animation] (Finished 79/?) Tags: Seinen School Comedy, Ecchi There is no such thing as an uneventful day in the life of kindergartener Shinnosuke "Shin-chan" Nohara. The five-year-old is a cut above the most troublesome, perverted, and shameless kid one can imagine. Shin-chan is almost always engaged in questionable activities such as forgetting about a friend during hide and seek, sumo wrestling for love, performing various gags including the notorious "elephant" in public, and flirting with college girls. The exemplary troublemaker has done it all and has no plans to stop anytime soon. Crayon Shin-chan follows the daily shenanigans of Shin-chan with his group of friends, parading around as the self-proclaimed "Kasukabe Defense Force." The adults witnessing these shenanigans unfold can't help but adore Shin-chan, as he keeps them entertained while unintentionally solving their daily troubles through his mindless antics—leaving himself as the only problem they do not know what to do with. The first gag comedy anime with three stories per episode, used to be maximum 2. Because of three stories a great density of jokes is achieved. Very light and easy to watch, guess it explains the fact that it's still running with over a thousand of episodes, and SOL funny situations are truly endless for the Japanese. I consider it a firm masterpiece that's not rated higher only because unlike Chibi Maruko-chan there's no intellectual enjoyment here, only mundane one with some jokes being vulgar and toilet humor , but sometimes it fits the mood perfectly.   Overall Rating: 8/10

3. Ashita e Free Kick あしたへフリーキック [Production Reed] (Finished 1/52) Tags: Team Sports Shun Godai is a young boy who likes soccer. But his grandfather, a successful businessman, want his grandson to follow his path... Again just one episode is translated. The obvious advantages are group of friends and older age of characters compared to rival anime. Can't say any characters look really interesting , but it's definitely the right direction to go, and with translation it might be a thing .   Overall Rating: 6/10

4. Cooking Papa クッキングパパ [Eiken] (Finished 1/151) Tags: Comedy, Gourmet The story of Mr. Araiwa and his family. He is a model employee in a large enterprise, but becomes a completely different character at home. He is very keen on cooking and lets pass no occasion to cook delicious dishes for his wife, who is frequently occupied by her work as a journalist, or his young son. Only one episode is translated. Fifth culinary anime already, but if feels the most interesting one of them all due to normal family, comedy and also strong corporate spirit. Again, I don't favor culinary shows as genre, but I'd watch several of these with translation.   Overall Rating: 6/10

5. Aa Harimanada ああ播磨灘 [E&G Films] (Finished 3/23) Tags: Seinen Combat Sports, Martial Arts When Harimanada makes his grand entrance into the world of Sumo, he causes complete uproar throughout the entire arena. The novelty headmask is clearly not a good idea but not content with just ruffling the feathers of all the spectators, he sends the the entire Sumo Association into a frenzy when he arrogantly declares that he will surpass the legendary Futabayama's consecutive run of 69 victories. Should he fail to achieve such a feat, he will immediately retire all together. Harimanada's impudent remarks cause a huge backlash as every high-ranking Yokuzuna wants the chance to knock him down and humiliate him for showing such arrogance. Thus begins Harimanada's journey to the top as he battles to topple the entire Sumo hierarchy! Come on, what sportsman does not want to become the best, it's super plain plot with one of the least spectacular sports of sumo. There's even no humor. I fail to see a single reason to watch this.   Overall Rating: 4/10

6. Genki Bakuhatsu Ganbaruger Energetic Bomb Ganbaruger 元気爆発ガンバルガー [Sunrise] (Finished 3/47) Tags: Shounen Mecha Koutarou's father is trying to train his son in the art of the ninja, but a mis-hit bomb accidently damages a shrine and releases a great demon that Eldoran had been keeping contained. Eldoran manages to contain him, but one of his servants manages to escape as well, and now attempts to free his master. To stop him, Eldoran grants the three mecha Gotiger, King Elephan, and Mach Eagle to Koutarou and his two friends, as well as suits that grant each of them a special power. Miracle Ninja Ganbare Team is born! Another alternative setting of something Sunrise'ish. Which means kids, bad humor and monster of the week pattern.   Overall Rating: 5/10

7. Chou Dendou Robo Tetsujin 28-gou FX 超電動ロボ 鉄人28号FX [Tokyo Movie Shinsha] (Finished 1/47) Tags: Mecha Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi By 2030, Shotaro's son was in charge of Tetsujin-28. An Interpol agent like his father, he used the aged robot to combat the Pink Mafia and the Franken organization. One episode is translated. Gigantor was literally second TV series with 20-minute episode format and thus had very simple setting. No amount of improved visuals can fix that. Pretty horrible, as for me.   Overall Rating: 5/10

8. Salad Juu Yuushi Tomatoman Tomatoman サラダ十勇士トマトマン [Gakken] (Finished 3/50) Tags: Adventure, Comedy Tomato is one of the 10 knights of the salad kindom. Young and clumsy, yet always ends up saving the day and is admired by everyone even the pretty princess peach, who he desperately falls in love with. Every episode they embark on a new journey to solve a new mission. This would be easier if only the insect band didn't get in their way every time. Not translated. It's clear for me that it's a kid's work with all the fruit characters. The flow reminds time bokan series due to three similar looking villains.   Overall Rating: 4/10

9. Nagagutsu wo Haita Neko no Bouken 長靴をはいた猫の冒険 [Enoki Films] (Finished 0/26) Tags: Adventure, Fantasy Anime adaptation of Charles Perrault fairy tale, directed by Susumu Ishizaki. Not found.   Overall Rating: 0/10

10. Oi! Ryouma Rainbow Samurai お〜い!竜馬 [Animation 21] (Finished 3/39) Tags: Historical Adventure, Drama In the middle of the 19th century, Japan was still closed off from the outside world. There were just the beginning signs of reformation in the long regime of Shogun Tokugawa. In the remote countryside, on the island of Shikoko, a young boy named Ryoma is growing up in a lower-class Samurai family. A decade later, he is to become on of the leading figures to topple the Shogun's reign and open Japan to the western world. Our story begins with Ryoma, a dreaming kid of seven years. Ryoma is an honest and tenderd-hearted boy who hates any sort of violence and brutality. He is so sensitive, and a bit naive, that he often cries from pity when he sees even the simples act of violence such as another kid trampling a tiny insect. The kids and even his family call him a "cry baby". However, he is not a coward -- not a "chicken" at all. His distress comes from a desire to prevent unreasonable acts and the wrong doings in life. His older sister is the only person who understands his depth. She recognizes that her brother is gifted with a special talent and she does her best to protect him and cheer him up. Not translated. After a great dorama about Ryouma I'm preconceived about this figure already. Of course, his adult life is much more interesting, but one thing is granted - person provides alternative positive outlook on absolutely ordinary things, events and relations. He is able to see good in everything and nurture it against all odds if there is a single chance for improvement. This is the best kind of children anime, the one that truly deserves translation.   Overall Rating: 6/10

11. Super Bikkuriman スーパービックリマン [Toei Animation] (Finished 3/44) Tags: Mythology Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Sci-Fi After of the big war between angels and demons, the Earth is almost destroyed and his cities devastated. Wanted to restore the peace and the harmony, four young child decides to fight against the army of evil that rules the world for to eradicate to the Earth and give them back to hell. Not translated. It's the third Bikkuriman season. Same absurdist gag swordsman comedy even in this apocalyptic setting with robots .   Overall Rating: 5/10

12. Manga Nihonshi (NHK Han) まんが日本史[NHK版] [NHK] (Finished 0/40) Tags: Historical Episodes from Japanese history animated. Not found.   Overall Rating: 0/10

13. Sasurai-kun さすらいくん [Shin-Ei Animation] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Comedy, Slice of Life Based on the gag manga by Fujio A Fujiko. Sasurai-kun is fed up with life of an office worker and wanders around Japan. Not translated. First episode was introductory, next ones about onsen. Can't say it's super funny, just mild comedy with some embarrassment.   Overall Rating: 5/10

14. Macross II: Lovers Again 超時空要塞マクロスII -Lovers Again- [AIC] (Finished 6/6) Tags: Shounen Mecha, Military, Space Adventure, Sci-Fi A.D. 2089 - 80 years have passed since Space War I changed the lives of both human and Zentraedi races. Both races are at peace on Earth when a new alien race called the "Marduk" appear within the Solar System. While covering the first battle between the U.N. Spacy and the Marduk fleet, SNN rookie reporter Hibiki Kanzaki discovers Ishtar, an "Emulator" that enhances the Marduk's combat abilities through singing. Hibiki brings Ishtar to Earth to teach her the values of life and culture. Together with ace Valkyrie pilot Silvie Gena, Hibiki and Ishtar must find a way to save Earth from total destruction at the hands of the Marduk leader Ingues. I don't like self-repetitions, I don't like music defeating lethal arms. I don't like Macross II: Lovers Again.   Overall Rating: 5/10

15. Spirit of Wonder: China-san no Yuuutsu ザスピリットオブワンダー - チャイナさんの憂鬱 [Ajia-Do] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Seinen Romance, Sci-Fi Sometime during the late 19th century, a young Asian girl has made a place for herself in a seaside town as the owner and operator of the Tenkai restaurant and boarding house.. Yet "Miss China," as the locals call her, is in the dumps. She's got a Mad Scientist named Breckenridge living upstairs who is chronically late with the rent, and she's pining for Jim, a handsome watchmaker's apprentice whom she mistakenly believes is pursuing the local flower girl. But this isn't our world. It is a world that has the Spirit of Wonder, where every so often, just occasionally mind you, amazing things happen. The Mad Scientist actually has come up with an incredible invention, and Jim has an unbelievable plan to use it to give Miss China the most beautiful ring in all the World. Another aimless and senseless anime about several weird disjointed things and ending in nothing. I really had to rewatch it as I thought I missed something that made sense to all that, but no...   Overall Rating: 5/10

16. Sousei Kishi Gaiarth 創世機士ガイアース [AIC, Studio Kyuuma] (Finished 3/3) Tags: Mecha Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Gaiarth - a world devastated by a cataclysmic war, where pockets of humanity struggle to survive amidst the wreckage of technologies made magical by ignorance. Gaiarth - a world where artificially intelligent machines doggedly pursue their programmed imperatives: to protect, or destroy, humanity. Gaiarth - a world in which an old and terrible evil has reawakened, threatening to once again bring forth Armageddon! Anime has nice setting and characters. What kills it for me is mecha casting spells... And just imagine a swordsman with a sword fighting such mecha... so random, so stupid. Well, no good story is told within three 40-minute episodes, just defending for first, going for second and assaulting base for third.   Overall Rating: 6/10

17. KO Seiki Beast Sanjuushi KO Century Beast Warriors ＫＯ世紀　ビースト三獣士 [Gainax] (Finished 7/7) Tags: Shounen Mecha Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy, Supernatural The series is set in the distant future in which the Earth is split in two. The southern hemisphere is placed in another dimension while the inhabitants of the northern hemisphere are able to morph into beast-like humanoids. Eventually the humans of the southern hemisphere, led by Uranus, attack the Beasts. The Three Beasts, Wan Derbard (Wan Dabadadatta) of the Tiger Tribe, Bud Mint (Baado Mint) of the Bird Tribe, and Mei Mer (Mei Mah) of the Mermaid Tribe, are taken prisoner along with Mei Mer's companion Tuttle Millen (Mekka Mannen, also of the Mermaid tribe), but manage to escape thanks to a little girl named Yuuni Charm Password. Together they seek Gaia, which they believe to be a fabulous treasure, but they are pursued by Uranus's minions : V-Darn the vicious mage-knight, V-Sion the warrior woman and Akumako, V-Darn's sadistic imp-like partner. And another weird fantasy mecha. The focus is on simple humor, so plot has little meaning here - just going somewhere and getting pestered by same weird funny enemies. Gainax humor is probably the best at this moment of time, so it fixes things to an extent.   Overall Rating: 6/10

18. Joker: Marginal City JOKER マージナル・シティ [Studio Sign] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Action, Romance, Sci-Fi  Joker is a genetically engineered shape-and-gender-shifter, who created as part of a Special Police Task Force and fights crime of all kinds, but he/she also fits in a little romance around the edges. It's just 40 minutes, so there's a crime, some short investigation while in office, sudden climax and resolution. I doubt I'd remember it the next day tbh.   Overall Rating: 4/10

19. Genji 源氏 [J.C.Staff] (Finished 2/2) Tags: Historical Romance Time-traveling lovers Katsumi and Sakura find themselves in the midst of Japan's medieval civil war between the Heike and Genji clans. Not translated. Time travel makes many things messy. Now imagine - two samurai clans fight each other, then three tanks storm in and just annihilate members of one clan... and this scene happens twice. So other clan samurai in the end bring rocket launchers! Seriously, don't watch it.   Overall Rating: 4/10

20. Gorillaman ゴリラーマン [J.C.Staff] (Finished 2/2) Tags: Seinen Delinquents, School A school comedy about a mute transfer student, Tadashi Iketo, who is constant­ly shuffled from school to school for his "violent nature," though he really is a mild-mannered boy constantly taunt­ed into fights over his simian appearance. Based on a 1989 manga in Young Magazine by Harold Sakuishi. The distinguishing feature is mute gorilla-resembling cool strong guy. It makes anime a bit cooler and funnier as people around try to guess answer from his emotions, but it still remains just a school anime about delinquents and does not go far from average.   Overall Rating: 5/10

21. Gekikara Gag Gekijou: Tabasco Shower 激辛ギャグ劇場 タバスコシャワー [-] (Finished 2/2) Tags: Comedy, Ecchi Based on the yonkoma manga by Iwatani Tenho. Not translated. Just a lot of small sketches around H. Most are as small as 2-3 minutes, so there's at least a dozen of them in each episode. In current state of schematic visuals and no translation not recommended.   Overall Rating: 4/10

22. Chika Gentou Gekiga: Shoujo Tsubaki Midori 地下幻燈劇画 少女椿 [Mippei Eigeki Kiryuukan] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Historical Drama, Horror In the 1920s, a poverty-stricken 12-year-old girl named Midori resorts to selling camellias in the slums of Tokyo. Midori finds little success until, one day, she is approached by a gentleman who offers his sympathy and aid. When her bedridden mother succumbs to an illness, and with no one else to turn to, Midori visits the man's address. To her horror, she discovers that she has been conned into joining his circus troupe, Aka Neko Za—a traveling freak show consisting of vulgar and deformed performers. Midori compares her new fairground lifestyle to hell. Not only is she responsible for caring for her colleagues and cleaning up after them, but she also is frequently belittled and cruelly abused. Suffering and uncertain of what will become of her, she finally begins to feel at ease when Wonder Masamitsu, a master illusionist, joins the lineup. Smitten by Midori's beauty and innocence, Masamitsu takes her under his wing; but even as their love grows, dark times loom ahead for Midori and her fellow freaks. An abominable combination of H and disgust in form of gore , intestines, insects etc. With all the trash going on there's hardly any need for plot at all. I seriously don't have the guts for all those horrible transformation events, so was a torture for me.   Overall Rating: 3/10

23. Hashire Melos (Movie) 走れメロス [Visual 80] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Adult Cast, Historical Action, Adventure Melos is a good boy from Messina and has come to Syracuse, the magnificent city of temples, to buy a ritual sword for his sister's marriage ceremony. He meets a very talented sculptor and they become friends. Later, the King's guards arrest Melos while he was having a walk in the castle's gardens and Syracuse's King, obsessed by the idea of assassins out to kill him, sentences him to death. Melos is desperate, but most of all he wants to be present at his sister's marriage, so he asks the King for three days to go to Messina for the celebration and then return to Syracuse where he will accept the death penalty. The King does not trust Melos, but, trying to demonstrate that nobody could trust him, asks him to find a volunteer substitute in case he breaks his promise. The sculptor accepts to be Melos' substitute in this case... I'm super mad here. The very same story was put to screen in 1981, and it had a horrible ending without logical explanation. Why shoot it again, is there like zero ideas for anything else already? I thought maybe studio tried to make things right and mend the ending, and it's indeed an improvement. But my case rests the same - absolutely useless story without anything to linger on, so why watch it.   Overall Rating: 4/10

24. Maison Ikkoku: Prelude - Meguru Haru no Sakura no You ni... Maison Ikkoku: Prelude, When the Cherry Blossoms in the Springtime Return プレリュードめぞん一刻 プレリュード めぐる春の桜のように... [Studio Deen] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Seinen Adult Cast Comedy, Drama, Romance A prequel of the Maison Ikkoku TV series focusing on Kyoko's relationship with her husband. I mostly like humor and other characters in Maison Ikkoku. It's a decent love story given that it's tod in mere 25 minutes, but with very strange instrument used when events are shown in a small rectangle taking some 1/6 of the screen with already low quality resolution. Other events happen at rectangles of roughly 1/3 of the screen. It kills presentation totally .   Overall Rating: 5/10

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