1. Bleach BLEACH - ブリーチ - [Pierrot] (Finished 4/366) Tags: Shounen Action, Adventure, Fantasy Ichigo Kurosaki is an ordinary high schooler—until his family is attacked by a Hollow, a corrupt spirit that seeks to devour human souls. It is then that he meets a Soul Reaper named Rukia Kuchiki, who gets injured while protecting Ichigo's family from the assailant. To save his family, Ichigo accepts Rukia's offer of taking her powers and becomes a Soul Reaper as a result. However, as Rukia is unable to regain her powers, Ichigo is given the daunting task of hunting down the Hollows that plague their town. However, he is not alone in his fight, as he is later joined by his friends—classmates Orihime Inoue, Yasutora Sado, and Uryuu Ishida—who each have their own unique abilities. As Ichigo and his comrades get used to their new duties and support each other on and off the battlefield, the young Soul Reaper soon learns that the Hollows are not the only real threat to the human world. Looks like someone watched Yu Yu Hakusho too much, and I actually favor that over Bleach. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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2. Beck Beck: Mongolian Chop Squad ベック [Madhouse] (Finished 26/26) Tags: Shounen Music Comedy, Drama, Slice of Life Fourteen-year-old Yukio "Koyuki" Tanaka is a dispirited young boy with no goals in life. However, this all changes when Koyuki saves a strange-looking dog named Beck from being harassed by a group of local kids. The dog's owner, 16-year-old Ryuusuke "Ray" Minami, is an emerging guitarist and the former member of a popular rock band. After Koyuki meets Ray again in a diner, the older boy leads him to his former band's meeting place and dazzles Koyuki with his amazing guitar skills. Slowly becoming interested in the glamour of western rock culture, Koyuki decides to start playing the guitar while helping Ray achieve his dream of leading the ultimate rock band. Together with Ray's younger sister Maho and a few other members, the two boys launch their career into the world of rock by forming a band called BECK. Beck follows the group's struggles and successes as they spread their fame across Japan. Back in time, I just thought it was great anime. Nowadays, it seems to be still not surpassed as anime about music. I don't enjoy it as a genius masterpiece, but it's truly unique and can't be repeated in our times. Overall Rating: 9/10 |
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3. School Rumble スクールランブル [Studio Comet] (Finished 2/26) Tags: Shounen Gag Humor, Love Polygon, School Comedy, Romance Just the words "I love you," and everything changes—such is the nature of the bittersweet trials of high school romance. Tenma Tsukamoto, a second year, is on a quest to confess her feelings to the boy she likes. Kenji Harima, a delinquent with a sizable reputation, is in a similar situation, as he cannot properly convey his feelings to the one he loves. Between school, friends, rivalries, and hobbies, these two will find that high school romance is no walk in the park, especially as misunderstandings further complicate their plight. Azumanga random gag sketch curse continues, at least humor is somewhat better than usual. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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4. Gankutsuou Gankutsuou: The Count of Monte Cristo 巌窟王 [Gonzo] (Finished 3/24) Tags: Award Winning, Drama, Mystery, Sci-Fi, Supernatural, Suspense In the year 5053, French aristocrats Viscount Albert de Morcerf and Baron Franz d'Epinay attend the festival of Carnival on the moon city of Luna. While Franz is just looking to have fun, Albert is seeking something more to fill his life—but he finds more than he bargained for in The Count of Monte Cristo, a mysterious and charming self-made nobleman who meets his gaze during an opera performance. Through a few twists and turns, Albert befriends the Count and introduces him into French society. The Count, however, has more on his mind than just friendship; he plots to finally unleash his vengeance on those who wronged him years earlier. Gankutsuou follows Albert and the Count's intertwined destinies and the ultimate price paid for enacting revenge. A weird aristocratic fantasy based on old novel. I dislike the visuals, the style, the corrupted air - pretty much everything here. It may change for the better further on, but I don't want to observe it. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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5. Yu☆Gi☆Oh! Duel Monsters GX Yu-Gi-Oh! GX 遊☆戯☆王 デュエルモンスターズ GX [Gallop] (Finished 1/180) Tags: Shounen Strategy Game Action, Comedy, Fantasy In the world of Duel Monsters, a new generation of duelists await their turn to bid for the highest title: The King of Games. As an aspiring duelist, the happy-go-lucky Juudai Yuuki enrolls at the Duel Academy, a reputable institution tasked with nurturing these potential challengers. On his first day, however, Juudai's laid back and careless attitude causes him to arrive late to his entrance exam. There, he stumbles upon a familiar figure who entrusts him the "Winged Kuriboh," a card which becomes Judai's new partner. Soon, he begins living as a duelist—but will destiny and darkness bend his reality into something beyond his imagination? Yu☆Gi☆Oh!: Duel Monsters GX follows the story of Juudai as he strives to fulfill his goal of becoming the next King of Games. As they are thrust into countless unprecedented circumstances, one thing is for sure for Juudai and his friends—there will never be a dull moment at the Duel Academy! Since it's the third iteration already, I can hardly care. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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6. Rozen Maiden ローゼンメイデン [Nomad] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Seinen Action, Comedy, Drama Traumatized by school, Jun Sakurada spends his days at home as a shut-in, purchasing things online, only to send them back before the free trial period ends. So when a note appears on his desk, asking whether or not he would wind something, he assumes it was something he ordered and carelessly circles "yes," changing his life forever. A box arrives with a wind up doll inside, but this is no ordinary toy: after Jun winds her up, she begins walking and talking as if a normal person. With a haughty attitude, she introduces herself as Shinku, the fifth doll in the Rozen Maiden collection, a group of special dolls made by the legendary dollmaker Rozen. These sisters must battle each other in a competition called the Alice Game with the help of a human to ensure victory. The winner becomes Alice, a real girl who is worthy of meeting their creator. As more sentient dolls end up taking residence in Jun's house, and a foe from Shinku's past makes her appearance, Jun's life becomes far more complicated than he ever thought possible. Finally Chobits stories start to transform in different direction, and arrogant intelligent gothic doll is still better than simpleton ones. Guess style and mysteries can intrigue its share of audience, but it's nothing big or especially interesting. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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7. Genshiken げんしけん [Palm Studio] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Seinen Otaku Culture, Parody Comedy, Slice of Life Kanji Sasahara is an introverted college freshman just looking for a place to fit in. One day, he happens to stumble upon the club known as the Society for the Study of Modern Visual Culture—otherwise known as Genshiken—that serves to bring the full spectrum of otaku culture together. His first visit to the club, however, does not end well as Sasahara's pride is crushed by his senior, Harunobu Madarame, and he leaves the meeting in full denial of his otaku nature. However, after befriending club member Makoto Kousaka, who turns out to be a hardcore otaku despite his looks, Sasahara becomes more involved with club activities which include obsessing over their favorite anime, reading doujinshi, and attending conventions. There, he meets other interesting people like Kousaka's vehemently non-otaku girlfriend Saki Kasukabe, who strives to turn her boyfriend into a "normal guy." While Saki struggles to understand otaku culture and her boyfriend's love for it, Sasahara finds himself enjoying his time at Genshiken, gradually shedding any denial he once had about being an otaku and immersing himself in an otaku lifestyle. For many years I keep considering Genshiken nothing special, just rather truthful depiction of a nice otaku circle. But whenever I start watching it, I just keep watching till the last episode of last season. It has that special coziness that makes it totally believable and trustworthy. Can't call it particularly sophisticated, but it's at least a firm masterpiece for me. Overall Rating: 8/10 |
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8. Sunabouzu Desert Punk 砂ぼうず [Gonzo] (Finished 6/24) Tags: Seinen Action, Adventure, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Ecchi The Great Kanto Desert, a sweltering wasteland of nothing but ruins and sand, is all that remains of post-apocalyptic Japan. The once fair population has been left to cling to the inhospitable dunes for survival. At least, that is the case for normal people. For those who have spent a little too long in the Kanto sun, the desert offers a wondrous opportunity to make a name for themselves. One such person is the masked handyman "Sunabouzu," or Desert Punk, who has forged a legendary reputation for always finishing his jobs, no matter the nature or cost. Cunning and ruthless, he has become a force of crude destruction to the other desert people. However, the "Vixen of the Desert," Junko Asagiri, discovers that Sunabouzu is not without his weaknesses—he is easily swayed by his insatiable lust for large-breasted desert babes. Following their chaotic adventures through the Kanto Desert, Sunabouzu features a bizarre cast of personalities who entertain themselves with senseless violence and perversion in a world long destroyed by their forefathers. And just like them, they have not learned a damn thing. Sampled it several times, but episodic random nature with seemingly no big plan on the horizon always killed the motivation for me. And I consider humor here very poor. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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9. Mai-HiME My-Hime 舞-HiME [Sunrise] (Finished 6/26) Tags: Mahou Shoujo, School Action, Fantasy, Girls Love Thirteen girls, each with the ability to materialize "Elements" and summon metallic guardians called "Childs" have been brought to Fuuka Academy to battle mysterious creatures called Orphans. Each with a different personality and background, they must decide who they truly care about and why they fight. Sunrise guarantees high production quality, but their original concepts often raise questions. This time it's a decent enough attempt to fuse multiple genres, but shortly after introduction it falls into stretched averageness. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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10. Kidou Senshi Gundam SEED Destiny Mobile Suit Gundam SEED Destiny 機動戦士ガンダムSEED DESTINY [Sunrise] (Finished 3/50) Tags: Mecha, Military, Space Action, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi In the year Cosmic Era 0071, a wartime brawl between two mobile suits results in the destruction of a neutral country. Shinn Asuka finds his entire family killed as casualties of the violence, and swears his life toward a vengeful pursuit of the Earth's Natural forces, under the impression they were the ones responsible for his family's death. Shinn works his way up through the ZAFT military forces, eventually gaining access to the cockpit of the prototype Impulse mobile suit. Athrun Zala, a veteran of the recent war employed in the service of diplomat Cagalli Yula Athha, finds himself drawn into a new conflict between the Naturals and the Coordinators: human beings artificially enhanced before birth and hated by the Naturals for their biological advantages. As the new war rears its head and violence becomes inevitable, Athrun finds himself as a mentor to the bitter Shinn. Athrun must steer the young pilot towards a mindset of mercy before his rage and desire for vengeance consumes him. Are they try to start ANOTHER war?! They're gonna pay for that! These phrases sound multiple times during first episodes and it describes the state of staleness in series well. Compared to this void without a grain of inventiveness even Yamato looked fascinating as it had very distinctive varied four seasons. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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11. Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha Magical Girl Lyrical Nanoha 魔法少女リリカルなのは [Seven Arcs] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Mahou Shoujo, Super Power Action, Comedy, Drama Nanoha Takamachi, an ordinary third-grader who enjoys spending time with her family and friends, rescues an injured ferret that she had dreamed about the night before. The next day, the ferret cries out to her telepathically, asking Nanoha to save him. The ferret reveals himself to be Yuuno Scrya, a mage from another world who is trying to collect the dangerous 21 Jewel Seeds that he accidentally scattered across the world. He enlists Nanoha's help, gifting her the magical wand Raising Heart, and teaches her how to become a powerful mage. Days later, after reclaiming a few of the Jewel Seeds, another mage appears: Fate Testarossa. Stronger than Nanoha, Fate refuses to divulge her reasons in trying to collect the Jewel Seeds. Nanoha senses a melancholy in her eyes, but Fate refuses to communicate. Directed by Akiyuki Shinbo, Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha is a story about the clash of emotions when goals collide. An alright magical girl anime with distinguishing features being seriousness and even realism as it's a complex life, and everyone has their problems. Inside the genre it's a big step in the right direction. But can't say first three episodes hooked me in any way, not sure any will till Madoka. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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12. Major S1 メジャー （第1シリーズ） [Studio Hibari] (Finished 1/26) Tags: Shounen Team Sports Gorou Honda, a little boy obsessed with baseball, has always admired his father, Shigeharu. Wishing to follow in his father's footsteps, Gorou dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. In turn, his son's starry-eyed admiration encourages Shigeharu to keep persevering, despite his late wife's death and his unsatisfying position on the second-string team Blue Ocean. Unfortunately, an elbow injury forces Shigeharu off the team, and he falls into despair. However, after an offhand joke from his childhood friend, Shigeharu reevaluates his choices and decides to keep playing, leaving behind his prime position as pitcher and taking up the bat. Now motivated more than ever, Gorou works hard to carve his way in the Japanese Little League. Not a bad spokon, but protagonist is too young to present a sophisticated story. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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13. Gakuen Alice 学園アリス [Group TAC] (Finished 8/26) Tags: Shoujo Love Polygon, School, Super Power Comedy Mikan Sakura is a normal 10-year-old girl. Optimistic, energetic, and overall a very sweet child, Mikan is the complete opposite of the aloof, intelligent, and somewhat cold-hearted, Hotaru Imai. Despite their glaring differences, the two girls have been best friends for a very long time. So when Hotaru suddenly transfers to Alice Academy, a prestigious school in the city, her best friend is devastated—especially when she hears of the horrible rumors regarding the academy's harsh treatment of students. Beset with worry, Mikan runs away to see her best friend! Upon her arrival, Mikan learns of "Alices," individuals gifted with various supernatural abilities, and that the school is an institution built by the government to train and protect them. Discovering that she has her own unique powers, Mikan enrolls in the academy, and, after a lot of trouble, finally reunites with Hotaru. Gakuen Alice is a heartwarming comedy that follows Mikan and her friends' adventures in the academy, as well as their attempt to uncover the mysteries surrounding the problematic, fire-wielding student Natsume Hyuuga. Basically, marmalade boy plus mahou shoujo. This is a shoujo oriented work with not much to enjoy for the males . Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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14. Yakitate!! Japan 焼きたて!! ジャぱん [Sunrise] (Finished 1/69) Tags: Shounen Comedy, Gourmet While countries such as France, England, and Germany all have their own internationally celebrated bread, Japan simply does not have one that can match in reputation. Thus after discovering the wonders of breadmaking at a young age, Kazuma Azuma embarks on a quest to create Japan's own unique national bread. And being blessed with unusually warm hands that allow dough to ferment faster, Azuma is able to bring his baking innovations to another level. As he begins working at the prestigious Japanese bakery chain, Pantasia, Azuma encounters other talented bakers and experiences firsthand the competitive world of baking. Along with his newfound friends and rivals, Azuma strives to create new and unparalleled bread that will start a baking revolution. Cooking anime is not my loaf of bread, so to say, as I reluctantly finished even Souma just because it was already approaching the end. But among the cooking anime this one feels relatively decent. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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15. Tsukuyomi: Moon Phase 月詠 −MOON PHASE− [Shaft] (Finished 8/25) Tags: Seinen Vampire Comedy, Fantasy, Romance Freelance photographer Kouhei Morioka is traveling to a castle in Germany to take photos of paranormal activity for his friend Hiromi Anzai, editor of an occult magazine. Upon entering the castle, he's confronted by a young girl in a white dress and cat ears who calls herself Hazuki. She takes a keen interest in Kouhei and offers him a kiss, but she instead reveals herself to be a vampire, sucks his blood, and turns him into her slave. Much to Hazuki's dismay, however, Kouhei is unaffected by her bite. Hoping to escape the castle and her possessive butler Vigo, Hazuki instead forces Kouhei to help her. With the help of his powerful exorcist cousin Seiji Midou, the two make it out safely. Finally free, Hazuki flees to Japan in search of her mother. Not long after Kouhei returns home, he discovers Hazuki has nested in his home, where he reluctantly allows her to stay. Meanwhile, other vampires set out to find the missing Hazuki. Equal parts gothic and adorable, Tsukuyomi: Moonphase is a charming and mystical story where two unlikely allies form a unique bond in an attempt to defy a society of immortals. Had to linger for quite some time to even figure out what this vague chaotic mess is. Lots of filler episodes with random stuff. Those with imouto and vampire affinity may enjoy the process, but looking for a plot here is a waste of time. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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16. Kannazuki no Miko 神無月の巫女 [TNK] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Shounen Mecha Drama, Girls Love, Romance, Supernatural Kannazuki no Miko begins in the village of Mahoroba, where time passes slowly for both man and nature. Two students from the village's prestigious Ototachibana Academy might as well be night and day. Himeko is shy and unassertive, while Chikane is bold and elegant. Despite this, they love each other, and nothing can come between them, no matter how hard they try. On the two girls' shared birthday, a sinister voice corrupts one of their friends into attacking them, and just when it seemed grimmest, the lunar and solar priestess powers that lay dormant in the two girls awaken, dispelling the evil. That was only the first hurdle, however. The two must now fend off the countless others who would threaten their well-being—even the people closest to them! I feel like a lot of anime from 2000s were created just by genre randomizer. Girs love and mecha about boy? Sure we can do it. There's nothing to enjoy here without significant yuri affinity. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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17. Grenadier: Hohoemi no Senshi Grenadier: The Beautiful Warrior グレネーダー 〜ほほえみの閃士〜 [Group TAC] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Shounen Action, Adventure, Comedy, Ecchi Rushuna is a blonde and very beautiful Senshi (gun expert) that travels through the world with one purpose. Which is to make the world a peaceful place by, instead of fighting with weapons, taking away the people's will to fight by giving them a smile. Although she doesn't want to fight, she is forced to, and shows amazing gun skills. In this journey she meets Yajirou, a mercenary that uses a sword to fight and joins her on her journey. Booby action that at least tries to be serious. Nothing really special about it. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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18. Tactics タクティクス [Studio Deen] (Finished 3/25) Tags: Shounen Historical, Mythology Comedy, Drama, Mystery, Supernatural Ichinomiya Kantarou grew up with the ability to see demons, but was isolated and bullied by others who did not share the same gift. Instead, he became being friends with the demons, gaining a great attachment to their existence. One day, Kantarou was told about the strongest demon, the one known as the ogre-eating Tengu. Amazed by the news of his strength, Kantarou vowed to find this demon who was far stronger than any other, deciding to call him Haruka when he did so. Since this time, Kantarou searched far and wide for the ogre-eating Tengu with no luck, making his living by becoming a folklore writer and demon-buster. On a particular job, Kantarou had finally found news of a nearby shrine supposedly the place where the ogre-eating Tengu was sealed. Detective mystery about bishounens in kimono hunting monsters. It's not up to me to judge detectives. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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19. Final Approach φなる・あぷろーち [Trinet Entertainment, Zexcs] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Comedy, Drama, Romance Ever since their parents died a few years ago, Ryo and his sister Akane have been living alone together. Despite their difficult situation, they are still living reasonably happy and normal lives. However, everything is about to be flipped upside-down due to a secret government project. Due to increasingly low birth rates in Japan, the Japanese government is testing a program in which two young people are forced to marry. Ryo wants no part of it, but he is given little choice in the matter; his new fiancée, Shizuka, comes to his home late one night with several dozen government issued bodyguards, who are there to ensure the success of the new couple. Unlike Ryo, Shizuka couldn’t be more willing to go along with this new program, and eagerly goes about her wifely duties, despite his objections. With meddling friends, pushy bodyguards, and an overenthusiastic new fiancée, Ryo’s life has taken a turn in a direction the young man certainly didn’t expect. More like final cringe. Random and degrading. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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20. Futakoi Twin Love 双恋 [Telecom Animation Film] (Finished 3/13) Tags: School Comedy, Romance With his mother dead and his father working abroad, Futami Nozomu returns to the town where he lived as a child, to attend high school and work part-time at a local shrine. He soon finds himself caught up in a local legend of twin girls loving the same man. And there are many twin girls in this town.... There was already series about seven twins, so let's beat them with the number of pairs! Or something like that because there's not much here apart from cute nonsense. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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21. Black Jack (TV) ブラックジャック [Tezuka Productions] (Finished 2/61) Tags: Shounen Medical Drama Black Jack is an "unregistered" doctor with a clouded, mysterious past. He works with his little assistant Pinoko (who has a massive crush on the doctor), dealing with medical cases not very well known, which can be strange, dangerous, or not known at all. But he is a genius, and can save almost any of his patients' life (as long as they have the money for it, that is), and is known to many around the world, especially to those of medicine and science. He's a man of science himself, and does not believe much until he has seen it, yet it is many times he is surprised by love and nature often overpowering the science he bases his life in. After all those OVAs and movie I really can't stand the TV series, too simplistic, schematic and morally old. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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22. Fantastic Children ファンタジックチルドレン [Nippon Animation] (Finished 26/26)  Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Mystery, Romance, Sci-Fi, Suspense A group of enigmatic white-haired children has been spotted at different times and places in Europe for over 500 years. Always with the appearance of 11-year-olds, they behave far more mature than they should be, never grow old, and seem to have supernatural power. What they have been seeking is a girl, and the only clue they have is a picture with a crescent moon. Now, in the year of 2012, an athletic boy named Tohma is about to be involved in this centuries-long mystery. Initial impressions of visual style, characters and their emotions was horrible, but I thought maybe it got better in the second half, yet no. The summary is that albino children live through times, learn about their genesis and there's some drama among themselves by the end. It's so weak in every field that I just can't believe my eyes when I see the number of positive reviews it got. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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23. Uta∽Kata Utakata うた∽かた [Hal Film Maker] (Finished 4/12) Tags: Psychological Drama It's the last day of the school term in Kamakura Girl's School, and summer is about to begin. Serious but polite 14-year-old Ichika Tachibana is excited to make her summer vacation with her friends a special break to remember! But little does Ichika know that this summer will be more special than she could have ever imagined. While cleaning in an unused school building, Ichika notices an image of an unfamiliar girl in place of her own reflection in a large mirror. Convinced by her friends that she was just seeing things, she is surprised to see the girl in the mirror later that day, holding her lost cell phone. Introducing herself as Manatsu Kuroki, she comes out of the mirror and hands Ichika's phone back—and to Ichika's surprise, the stones on her cell phone charm have changed colors and now allow her to borrow the power of the 12 Djinn that watch over the world. Uta Kata is a tale of a young girl who will realize new things through her interactions with these spirits. As the Djinn show her overwhelming sights, they will soon also bring to her overwhelming thoughts... Just cute simplistic girls doing simplistic stuff with a bit of flavor, though nothing worth mentioning. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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24. Harukanaru Toki no Naka de: Hachiyou Shou Haruka: Beyond the Stream of Time – A Tale of the Eight Guardians 遙かなる時空の中で〜八葉抄〜 [Yumeta Company] (Finished 1/26) Tags: Shoujo Historical, Isekai, Mythology, Reverse Harem, Time Travel Fantasy, Supernatural Akane Motomiya and her friends Tenma and Shimon are pulled by a demon into another world, where Akane becomes the Priestess of the Dragon God. The people of this world tell her that she is the only one who can stop the demons from taking over; meanwhile, the demons want to use her power for their own ends. Luckily, Akane has the Hachiyou, eight men with powers of their own who are sworn to protect the Dragon Priestess. Someone watched Fushigi Yuugi too much, but this imitation is much worse. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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25. Zipang ジパング [Studio Deen] (Finished 26/26) Tags: Seinen Adult Cast, Historical, Military, Time Travel Action, Drama, Sci-Fi Mirai, an improved Kongou-class Aegis guided missile destroyer, is one of the newest and most advanced ships in the entire Japanese Self Defense Force (SDF). Her crew, also one of the newest, is lead by Capt. Umezu Saburo and Executive Officer Kadomatsu Yosuke. While running scheduled training exercises one day, Mirai encounters a fierce storm that throws their navigation systems into temporary disarray. After a few minutes of recovery, the crew is shocked to discover that they've been transported back in time to June 4, 1942—The Battle of Midway, during World War II. Letting history take its course for this battle, they manage to avoid the conflict firsthand and make a vow to remain anonymous, changing history as little as possible. However, when the crew comes across the dying Lt. Commander Kusaka Takumi, XO. Kadomatsu's instincts to save lives takes over, changing the course of history more than he could've imagined. I referenced Zipang so many times that it's evident it impressed me. A serious navy story with tilt into time travel. Not exactly my genre, but it only makes it more precious. Overall Rating: 7/10 |
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26. Fuujin Monogatari Windy Tales 風人物語 [Production I.G] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Iyashikei, School Drama, Fantasy, Slice of Life, Supernatural Nao, an 8th grader, is one of the only two members of a Digital Camera Club, where she also serves as the manager. It's a mystery that she shoots nothing else but the skies and clouds. One day, she finds a cat on a rooftop where she usually shoots her camera. It's a cat that knows how to manipulate the flow of a wind. Shocked to find a strange animal, Nao loses her footing and falls off from the rooftop! Miki is the other member of the club, and also Nao's best friend. Mr. Taiki is the teacher who's taught the cat how to manipulate the flow of a wind. Ryoko is a girl who has a huge crush on Mr. Taiki. And there's Jun, who helps Nao and Miki look for a cat that can fly. Then, there's Yukio, who is the widow of Mr. Taiki's deceased brother. On the outskirts of this big city, a town off the "Wind Handlers," has been formed—and a mysterious Wind Festival is about to begin... It's a lot of SOL stories with wind as a theme. And aquarelle visuals not feeling good. Still a lot better than movie about a boy who controlled the wind. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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27. W: Wish Double Wish W 〜ウィッシュ〜 [Trinet Entertainment, Picture Magic] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Harem, School Drama, Romance, Slice of Life The main character, Junna has a twin sister Senna. He is an ordinal student of an elite school. However, in the past, a traffic accident deprived him of his parents and his memory. Junna survived the accident, and he has lived only with his sister though he has been looked after by his relatives. And present... The life with Senna in the same high school is so pleasant that he can forget the severe past. Because he has been in the world where there is only Senna, his lives in this town, such as the beginning of a new life, new environments, and the meetings, are so refreshing. However, he begins to recall the memories he lost in the accident. Though he enjoys happy and pleasant days, he is tossed by the past, the present, and the future. What is the truth hidden in his memory? The amount of cuteness astonishes, but nowadays it's just a long streak of stamps. Still, probably the first case of volunteer school club that was widely used later on, including Haruhi. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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28. Bouken Ou Beet Beet the Vandel Buster 冒険王ビィト [Toei Animation] (Finished 4/52) Tags: Shounen Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural It is the dark century and the people are suffering under the rule of the devil, Vandel, who is able to manipulate monsters. The Vandel Busters are a group of people who hunt these devils, and among them, the Zenon Squad is known to be the strongest busters on the continent. A young boy, Beet, dreams of joining the Zenon Squad. However, one day, as a result of Beet's fault, the Zenon squad was defeated by the devil, Beltose. The five dying busters sacrificed their life power into their five weapons, Saiga. After giving their weapons to Beet, they passed away. Years have passed since then and the young Vandel Buster, Beet, begins his adventure to carry out the Zenon Squad's will to put an end to the dark century. I generally like such lvl 1 adventures, but brat protagonist is very irritating, and despite the lvl 1 references it's a normal fantasy and not MMO. Just a crude battle shounen where boy protagonists gets stronger. Other characters aren't impressive either. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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29. Ginyuu Mokushiroku Meine Liebe 吟遊黙示録 マイネリーベ [Bee Train] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Shoujo Fantasy The first season begins with introducing the characters, their past and their ambitions. Orpherus, Eduard, Camus, Lui, and Naoji are five noblemen who attend the prestigious Rozenstolz academy, and who are a part of the Strahl class—a class for potential candidates for the advisory positions in the royal palace in the small European country of Kuchen. Isaac is an English writer who visits Kuchen. While still students, the five noblemen are forced to deal with corrupted politicians, secret agents, attempted murder and ambitious individuals from both inside and outside of school who threatens to break the fragile peace in their country, and even assassinate the king. Again Shoujo genre without actual girl protagonist, which makes it boys love with bishounens in an instant, and I'm not distinguishing its sorts. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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30. Viewtiful Joe ビューティフル ジョー [Group TAC] (Finished 2/51) Tags: Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi Joe, a red-headed movie buff, and Silvia, his girlfriend, are having a bit of relationship trouble. Silvia feels that Joe is taking her for-granted and wants to do something together for once, so Joe decides to take her to see an old action movie featuring his favorite hero, Captain Blue. What started out as a cute movie date takes a turn for the worst when Silvia is pulled into the movie by the leader of the evil organization, Jado. Joe follows her into the mysterious "Movieland," and is granted a powerful device known as a V-Watch by Captain Blue himself. With it, he transforms into the action hero named "Viewtiful Joe" and goes off to rescue his girlfriend before she can be used by Jado to take over the world. It's a long road to go from average Joe to full-blown hero, but he'll give it his all to save both his girl and the world—and he'll do it in the most "view-ti-ful" way possible. No idea about the game, but it does not look like anime, just a western superhero cartoon, and only dub is available. Pretty bad overall, but at least there is some humor in it. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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31. Zoids Fuzors ゾイド・フューザーズ [Tokyo Kids] (Finished 1/26) Tags: Mecha Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi R.D. is a delivery boy who works for a company called Mach Storm in order to earn money to search for the legendary Alpha Zoid. A Zoid that he heard rumours about from his dad that he passionately believes in. Mach Storm also doubles as a Zoid Battling team. In R.D.'s first Coliseum Zoid Battle, he encounters a team that can fuse Zoids. R.D. soon discovers that he has a Zoid that can computably fuse with his Zoid, Liger Zero. After this happens R.D.'s adventure to discover the truth about the Alpha Zoid begins. Zoids should stop with this tasteless agony already. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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32. Rockman.EXE Stream ロックマンエクゼStream [Xebec] (Finished 1/51) Tags: Shounen Mecha, School, Strategy Game Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi A comet burns in the sky, its brilliant light shining down upon the people of Earth. At that time, a giant army of viruses invade the real world, crushing everything in their path. Netto and Enzan use cross fusion to intervene, but are whisked away to an unknown location, only to be confronted by the one responsible for the attack - Duo! Third season already, so who cares. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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33. Samurai Gun サムライガン [Studio Egg] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Historical Action It is the beginning of the industrial revolution, and feudal Japan is in turmoil. The ruling Shogun are wielding their abusive powers to instill fear and dominance over their oppressed subjects. Beatings, imprisonment, rape and even murder are the adopted tactics chosen to maintain their reign. The bloodshed must end. A group of Samurai have banded together, and, with the development of new weapons and new technology, they have both the will and the hardware to stand up and fight. Ichimatsu is one of these fighters. By day, he works incognito at a local tavern, in the evenings he frequents the brothels, and by the dark of night, he doles out some big-time, gun-barrel justice. He is here to help. He is Samurai Gun. Rather weird mix of samurai action, guns and geisha brothel with excessive violence, but story and characters aren't really articulate or interesting, and the ending is on par with that. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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34. To Heart: Remember My Memories トゥハート ~remember my memories~ [OLM, AIC ASTA] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Harem, School Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Slice of Life Time flies by; Hiroyuki and Akari are 12th-graders now. Both of them and their friends have grown up gradually in someway, physically or mentally, but one of their best friends is missing: the lifelike android Multi. To their surprise, Multi is brought to their campus again without notice, yet she is no longer the same Multi they have known. Obviously, only for fans, and I'm a long-standing hater of To Heart in any variant. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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35. Kakyuusei 2: Hitomi no Naka no Shoujo-tachi Kakyusei 2 下級生２ ～瞳の中の少女たち～ [Arms] (Finished 2/13) Tags: Harem, School Comedy, Drama, Romance Many people have fond memories of meeting a certain teenage boy in their younger years. However, their ages vary widely, and each remembers him as a teen. This story follows the intricate intertwining of their various stories and how this young man, who apparently lives outside of time, has affected each of them. Lighthearted school romance, but it lacks conception and extensive in nature, so outcome feels episodic . Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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36. Onmyou Taisenki The Chronicle of the Big Battle between Yin and Yang 陰陽大戦記 [Sunrise] (Finished 4/52) Tags: Shounen Adventure, Fantasy, Supernatural All his life, Riku Tachibana has been raised by his grandfather. For some reason, the old man has always been fond of strange hand gestures, and they've rubbed off on Riku, who performs them almost subconsciously, to his classmates' great amusement. One day, however, it suddenly becomes clear to Riku what his grandfather has been surreptitiously teaching him. And the teachings could mean the difference between life and death for Riku. The first use of QTE in anime! Actually, Naruto seems to be the first even here. Looks a lot like Digimon, but more serious in comparison. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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37. Ring ni Kakero 1 リングにかけろ１ [Toei Animation] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Shounen Combat Sports Action, Sports In order to fulfill their dead father's wish, the siblings, Takane Kiku and Takane Ryuji aims for the champion title of the boxing arena. The sister, Kiku, will act as the trainer while her brother, Ryuji, will concentrate on the role of the boxer and learn the Boomerang. His battle with many rivals has led to the growth and maturity of Ryuji. The junior high boxing tournament has began and Ryuji will be fighting with his arch-rival, Kenzaki Jun. The battle begins. It loses a bit time to Hajime no Ippo, and I did not consider even that a masterpiece. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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38. Ryuusei Sentai Musumet 流星戦隊ムスメット [TNK] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Adventure, Comedy, Romance, Sci-Fi, Ecchi One day, seven shooting stars fell on to the ground. The shooting stars were colored by seven colors, and they had terrible powers. Those who took the shooting star were tuned into monsters by embodying their desires. Dr. Mishina and Dr. Kishiwada obtained the red, green, and blue stars secretly, and they studied the stars. Finally, they could successfully control their power by putting a special helmet on. The newly developed helmet, "Musumet", was as large as an automobile helmet. Putting Musumet on the head, it turned a person's body into the strongest one on the earth. Furthermore, it received the signal from the brain and amplified the inherent power and ability unlimitedly. To utilize the power of "Musumet", to keep the world peace, and to protect from the disasters caused by the remaining shooting stars, Dr. Mishima and Dr. Kishida founded a secret organization "MET". However, he died before he accomplished his aim. The bereaved daughters, Aoi, Midori, and Kurenai, made up their minds to become Musmet in order to execute the father's will. Even if they turned into Musumet, their wearing wouldn't change except helmets, gloves, and boots. Therefore, they had to go to the scenes wearing their own clothes. The girls had to go to the incident spots occasionally wearing school uniforms, occasionally gymnasium suits, occasionally swimming suits, depending the case, they had to go there even if they were naked, and they would do great jobs. On the other hand, at other times, they were ordinal adolescent girls who were dreaming of lovely meetings with boyfriends. Whether would they cope with the world peace and boyfriends at the same time? Not translated in English, but available in Spanish, because it's a simplistic mass superhero mecha product suitable for export. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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39. Top wo Nerae 2! Diebuster Gunbuster 2 トップをねらえ2！DIEBUSTER [Gainax] (Finished 6/6) Tags: Mecha, Space Action, Award Winning, Comedy, Drama, Sci-Fi Generations have passed since the war with the Space Monsters started, and none remain who know how it began, with even records of those times being scarce. It is a lost cause, but humanity still fights against them, relying on the "Topless": a group of elite space pilots with special powers that allow them to use the Buster Machines—the last hope against the Space Monsters. Nono, a girl from a remote Martian town, has heard tales all her life of the legendary pilot "Nono-Riri," and wants nothing more than to leave her humble life behind and follow in the footsteps of her idol. Though she has no idea of the dangers that lie ahead, nothing will stop her from achieving her dream. While Nono is down on her luck, she chances upon the lonesome Topless pilot Lal'C Melk Mark, and decides to stake her entire future on following Lal'C, no matter the cost. Anniversary titles are always high budget, but getting a sequel for a finished story after over a decade is an ambiguous decision. I got clear Abenobashi vibes out of it, but could not enjoy it as story itself is absurd though lack sincerity this time. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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40. Tenkuu Danzai Skelter+Heaven Skelter Heaven 天空断罪スケルターヘブン [Minami Machi Bugyousho] (Finished 1/1)  Tags: Mecha Sci-Fi When a mysterious entity suddenly appears in the center of Tokyo, the Alta Mira Agency is tasked to repel the extraterrestrial threat. Otsuya Funagai must guide his all-female unit of "Battle Sole" pilots to take down the strange being no matter the cost. However, his intimate relationship with one of the pilots, Rin Ichikawa, may spell trouble for the team and the mission itself. After Diebuster these ugly 3D CG look especially bad. Just 18 minutes of game advertisement, as usual for Idea Factory production. Overall Rating: 4/10 |
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41. Tales of Phantasia The Animation Tales of Phantasia テイルズ オブ ファンタジア THE ANIMATION [Actas] (Finished 4/4) Tags: Adventure, Fantasy Tragedy strikes the lives of Cless Alvein, a young swordsman, and Chester Barklight, a young archer, as they return to their village of Totus to find it razed to the ground by the mysterious Black Knight. To take over the world, the Black Knight seeks to claim the power of the Demon King, Dhaos—sealed away by the ancestors of Cless and a young cleric named Mint Adnade. Dhaos's reawakening signals not only the end of the Black Knight, but potentially the world. Cless and Mint must now journey a century into the past to rally allies capable of vanquishing the Demon King for once and for all. Tales of Phantasia The Animation follows Cless and Mint's journey through time to long ago, where they forge an alliance with the half-elf sorceress Arche Klaine and the summoner Klarth F. Lester. Together, they strive to defeat Dhaos and his army in saving the past as well as the years to come. I generally like RPG-like fantasy anime, but this one is too short and confusing, more like addition to the game than separate piece of art. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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42. Akane Maniax アカネマニアックス [Silver] (Finished 3/3) Tags: Mecha Comedy, Romance Jouji Gouda is a new transfer student at Hakuryo High. He fell in love at first sight and boldly proposed to Akane Suzumiya, representative of his class, on his first day at the new school. Although Akane finds him very annoying, hot-blooded and simple-minded Jouji never gives up and would do anything to express his love towards Akane. Parody for Age fans. I'm not included there, so it's just a lot of rarely funny mess. Overall Rating: 5/10 |
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43. Kujibiki Unbalance くじびきアンバランス [Palm Studio] (Finished 3/3) Tags: School Comedy, Romance Chihiro Enomoto is a freshman that just got to a new school called Rikkyoin High School. He lost his parents in a traffic accident when he was 10. Since then, he has been living only with his elder sister Shinobu. He is good at cooking and cleaning, and does all the housekeeping jobs. He fell in love with Tokino at first sight when he met her in the school library on the first day of school. Another girl named Ritsuko, a childhood friend of Chihiro and the chair of student council, falls in the love with the boy instantly after this long-awaited reunion. But she is not the only one who is in love with him. This is the story about a one-year campaign among the candidates for the next students government leaders, who are also chosen by the lot (kujibiki), in order to gain the position. A streak of activities to compete with another team. Rather random and generic from today's experience, but it's not long, and it's one of the first anime about otaku. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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44. Howl no Ugoku Shiro Howl's Moving Castle ハウルの動く城 [Studio Ghibli] (Finished 1/1)  Tags: Adventure, Award Winning, Drama, Fantasy, Romance That jumbled piece of architecture, that cacophony of hissing steam and creaking joints, with smoke billowing from it as it moves on its own... That castle is home to the magnificent wizard Howl, infamous for both his magical prowess and for being a womanizer—or so the rumor goes in Sophie Hatter's small town. Sophie, as the plain daughter of a hatmaker, does not expect much from her future and is content with working hard in the shop. However, Sophie's simple life takes a turn for the exciting when she is ensnared in a disturbing situation, and the mysterious wizard appears to rescue her. Unfortunately, this encounter, brief as it may be, spurs the vain and vengeful Witch of the Waste—in a fit of jealousy caused by a past discord with Howl—to put a curse on the maiden, turning her into an old woman. In an endeavor to return to normal, Sophie must accompany Howl and a myriad of eccentric companions—ranging from a powerful fire demon to a hopping scarecrow—in his living castle, on a dangerous adventure as a raging war tears their kingdom apart. Having watched it for the first time now, it's disappointing. It felt totally like sequel to Spirited Away with both protagonists grown up. Trying to parasite on previous financially successful works is a definite sign of degradation. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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45. Kumo no Mukou, Yakusoku no Basho The Place Promised in Our Early Days 雲のむこう、約束の場所 [CoMix Wave Films] (Finished 1/1)  Tags: Military Award Winning, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi Hiroki Fujisawa and Takuya Shirakawa harbor admiration for two things in their life: their classmate Sayuri Sawatari and the vast Ezo Tower that stands boundlessly across the Tsugaru Strait. Fascinated by the limitless structure beyond their reach, Hiroki and Takuya begin constructing an aeroplane from a fallen drone they discovered—naming it the Bella Ciela—to fulfill their dream of one day reaching the sky-scraping top of the tower. Later joined by the girl they love, Hiroki and Takuya promise Sayuri to fly with her to the seemingly otherworldly top together. However, Japan has suffered a North-South partitioning that has fueled conflict near the base of the tower, which marks the border between the America-controlled Southern islands and the Northern lands occupied by the Soviet Union. Further along, Sayuri suddenly disappears, and Hiroki and Takuya never see her again. Unbeknownst to them, she fell victim to a sleeping disorder that left her comatose for the past three years. Although Hiroki and Takuya later learn about Sayuri's condition, they also discover that the girl's unconscious state is oddly linked to the same tower the trio had promised to conquer together. I dislike such whiny stories where someone is always terminally ill or something and everyone is whispering all the time to show how painful it is to live. BS. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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46. Shin Angyo Onshi Blade of the Phantom Master 新暗行御史 [OLM Digital] (Finished 1/1)  Tags: Action, Fantasy After wandering through the desert for days, a bitter warrior named Munsu is lost and unable to continue. His life is unexpectedly saved by Mon-ryon, a young man who dreams of becoming a secret agent for Jushin, a once-great country that was recently destroyed. Mon-ryon's goal is to save his girlfriend, Chunhyan, a born fighter who is held captive by the evil Lord Byonand. Then, from out of nowhere, blood begins trickling from his chest. He has been fatally wounded by the Sarinjas, a cannibalistic breed of desert goblin. The quick-thinking Munsu convinces these beasts to spare his life, in exchange for the peaceful handover of Mon-ryon's appetizing corpse. Although skeptical of Mon-ryon's motives, Munsu sets out to continue the mission that the young idealist described. Accompanied by an army of ghost troops, unleashed using the powers of Angyo Onshi, Munsu liberates Chunhyan. After visiting her boyfriend's final resting place, she declares herself Munsu's bodyguard and, together, they set out on a mission to punish those who stripped Jushin of its original glory. Nice short action movie for one sitting. Even characters are actually good, but overall I would not want to rewatch or recommend it as there's nothing really special about it. Overall Rating: 6/10 |
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