Anime of the Year 2013-IV Fall - Log Horizon

Original season of Log Horizon was genius in my evaluation. Nothing else actually got me interested this time.

1. Kill la Kill キルラキル [Trigger] (Finished 24/24) Tags: School, Super Power Action, Comedy, Ecchi After the murder of her father, Ryuuko Matoi has been wandering the land in search of his killer. Following her only lead—the missing half of his invention, the Scissor Blade—she arrives at the prestigious Honnouji Academy, a high school unlike any other. The academy is ruled by the imposing and cold-hearted student council president Satsuki Kiryuuin alongside her powerful underlings, the Elite Four. In the school's brutally competitive hierarchy, Satsuki bestows upon those at the top special clothes called "Goku Uniforms," which grant the wearer unique superhuman abilities. Thoroughly beaten in a fight against one of the students in uniform, Ryuuko retreats to her razed home where she stumbles across Senketsu, a rare and sentient "Kamui," or God Clothes. After coming into contact with Ryuuko's blood, Senketsu awakens, latching onto her and providing her with immense power. Now, armed with Senketsu and the Scissor Blade, Ryuuko makes a stand against the Elite Four, hoping to reach Satsuki and uncover the culprit behind her father's murder once and for all. It's crazy action and I remember forcing myself to finish it, because it was supposed to get better and better. And it did not, so remained a huge disappointment in my memory.   Overall Rating: 6/10

2. Kyoukai no Kanata Beyond the Boundary 境界の彼方 [Kyoto Animation] (Finished 5/12) Tags: School Action, Fantasy Mirai Kuriyama is the sole survivor of a clan of Spirit World warriors with the power to employ their blood as weapons. As such, Mirai is tasked with hunting down and killing "youmu"—creatures said to be the manifestation of negative human emotions. One day, while deep in thought on the school roof, Mirai comes across Akihito Kanbara, a rare half-breed of youmu in human form. In a panicked state, she plunges her blood saber into him only to realize that he's an immortal being. From then on, the two form an impromptu friendship that revolves around Mirai constantly trying to kill Akihito, in an effort to boost her own wavering confidence as a Spirit World warrior. Eventually, Akihito also manages to convince her to join the Literary Club, which houses two other powerful Spirit World warriors, Hiroomi and Mitsuki Nase. As the group's bond strengthens, however, so does the tenacity of the youmu around them. Their misadventures will soon turn into a fight for survival as the inevitable release of the most powerful youmu, Beyond the Boundary, approaches. Oh, something from KyoAni that I missed, probably because of all the youkai hunt and immortal protagonist getting constantly killed narrative. I only see a yet another so-so copycat of Shana here. It has enough of habitual chewing gum to keep going, but there's not enjoyment for me.   Overall Rating: 6/10

3. Log Horizon ログ・ホライズン [Satelight] (Finished 25/25) Tags: Adult Cast, Video Game Action, Adventure, Fantasy In the blink of an eye, thirty thousand bewildered Japanese gamers are whisked from their everyday lives into the world of the popular MMORPG, Elder Tale, after the game's latest update—unable to log out. Among them is the socially awkward college student Shiroe, whose confusion and shock lasts only a moment as, a veteran of the game, he immediately sets out to explore the limits of his new reality. Shiroe must learn to live in this new world, leading others and negotiating with the NPC "natives" in order to bring stability to the virtual city of Akihabara. He is joined by his unfortunate friend Naotsugu, having logged in for the first time in years only to find himself trapped, and Akatsuki, a petite but fierce assassin who labels Shiroe as her master. A tale of fantasy, adventure, and politics, Log Horizon explores the elements of gaming through the eyes of a master strategist who attempts to make the best of a puzzling situation. Later seasons actually did not feel as good, but original was super inspirational.   Overall Rating: 10/10

4. Golden Time ゴールデンタイム [J.C.Staff] (Finished 3/24) Tags: Adult Cast, Love Polygon Drama, Romance Due to a tragic accident, Banri Tada is struck with amnesia, dissolving the memories of his hometown and past. However, after befriending Mitsuo Yanagisawa, he decides to move on and begin a new life at law school in Tokyo. But just as he is beginning to adjust to his college life, the beautiful Kouko Kaga dramatically barges into Banri's life, and their chance meeting marks the beginning of an unforgettable year. After having a glimpse of college life, Banri learns that he is in a new place and a new world—a place where he can be reborn, have new friends, fall in love, make mistakes, and grow. And as he begins to discover who he was, the path he has chosen leads him towards a blindingly bright life that he will never want to forget. Tried to watch it couple times, but it never worked out for me. Amnesia protagonist is such a beaten cliché for romance stories that it's not even funny. Female protagonist on the other hand is irritating on such scale that can't overcome it.   Overall Rating: 6/10

5. Kuroko no Basket 2nd Season Kuroko's Basketball 2 黒子のバスケ [Production I.G] (Finished 1/25) Tags: Shounen School, Team Sports With the Interhigh Championship finally over, Seirin's basketball team refocuses their efforts, training harder than ever to get the chance to participate in the Winter Cup. Both Tetsuya Kuroko and Taiga Kagami see old friends walk back into their lives, providing a challenge both on and off the court. As new skills are developed and new alliances created, enemies from various teams—giants of high school basketball such as Yousen, Shuutoku, and Touou—stand in the way of Seirin's steadfast attempts to get to the top. All of these schools prove to be formidable foes whose abilities progress exponentially, while Kuroko struggles to find a balance between his resolve to play as part of a team and his desire to win. With old wounds reopening, new challenges to face on the court, and a new set of foes—the "Uncrowned Kings"—vowing to defeat the new hopefuls, will Seirin ever be able to achieve their dream of beating the Generation of Miracles? Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

6. Magi: The Kingdom of Magic マギ The kingdom of magic [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 1/25) Tags: Shounen Action, Adventure, Fantasy  After celebrating their victory against Al-Thamen, Aladdin and his friends depart the land of Sindria. With the end of the battle, however, comes the time for each of them to go their separate ways. Hakuryuu and Kougyoku are ordered to go back to their home country, the Kou Empire. Meanwhile Aladdin announces he needs to head for Magnostadt—a mysterious country ruled by magicians—to investigate the mysterious events occurring in this new kingdom and become more proficient in magic. For their part, encouraged by Aladdin's words, Alibaba and Morgiana also set off in pursuit of their own goals: training and going to her homeland, respectively. Magi: The Kingdom of Magic follows these friends as they all go about their separate adventures, each facing their own challenges. However, a new threat begins to rise as a great war looms over the horizon... Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

7. Strike the Blood ストライク・ザ・ブラッド [SILVER LINK., Connect] (Finished 1/24) Tags: Harem, School, Vampire Action, Fantasy, Supernatural, Ecchi Kojou Akatsuki's days as an ordinary high school student in the Demon District of Itogami Island come to an abrupt end after a fateful encounter leaves him with the remarkable abilities of a vampire. It isn't long before he is thrust into the center of attention when it is discovered that he is the fourth primogenitor, an immensely powerful vampire whom most consider to be merely a legend. Fearing Kojou's destructive potential, the Lion King Organization sends in an apprentice sword-shaman, Yukina Himeragi, to monitor, and should he become a threat, kill the boy deemed the world's most powerful vampire. Forced together by circumstance, the two form an unlikely alliance as Kojou comes to terms with his abilities and they both struggle to protect the city from various emerging chaotic forces. Mediocre vampire action with harem gathered just to unlock new abilities. Very cringy.   Overall Rating: 5/10

8. Nagi no Asu kara A Lull in the Sea 凪のあすから [P.A. Works] (Finished 26/26) Tags: Love Polygon Drama, Fantasy, Romance  Long ago, all humans lived beneath the sea. However, some people preferred the surface and abandoned living underwater permanently. As a consequence, they were stripped of their god-given protection called "Ena" which allowed them to breathe underwater. Over time, the rift between the denizens of the sea and of the surface widened, although contact between the two peoples still existed. Nagi no Asu kara follows the story of Hikari Sakishima and Manaka Mukaido, along with their childhood friends Chisaki Hiradaira and Kaname Isaki, who are forced to leave the sea and attend a school on the surface. There, the group also meets Tsumugu Kihara, a fellow student and fisherman who loves the sea. Hikari and his friends' lives are bound to change as they have to deal with the deep-seated hatred and discrimination between the people of sea and of the surface, the storms in their personal lives, as well as an impending tempest which may spell doom for all who dwell on the surface. Unusual story linked to mythology with familiar P.A.Works interactions. It did not leave any somewhat lasting impression and it took couple minutes to even remember that I watched it already, so not enough impact in conjunction with slow pace.   Overall Rating: 6/10

9. Tokyo Ravens 東京レイヴンズ [8bit] (Finished 3/24) Tags: School Action, Fantasy, Romance Onmyoudou magic was once a powerful technique used by the Japanese during the second World War in order for them to gain the upper hand and establish their nation as a formidable force. But Japan was quickly defeated after the revered onmyouji Yakou Tsuchimikado caused the "Great Spiritual Disaster," an event which plagues Tokyo to this very day. As a result of this mishap, the Onmyou Agency was established in order to exorcise further spiritual disasters and combat the demons that would make their way into the world. Now, Onmyoudou has become far more modern, simplified, and refined for use in a wide variety of applications such as medicine and technology. However, not everyone is able to utilize the magic, as is the case with Harutora, a member of the Tsuchimikado's branch family. Despite an old promise to protect Natsume, the heir of the Tsuchimikado's main family and Yakou's supposed reincarnation, as her familiar, Harutora has no talent and chooses to live a normal life instead. But when a prominent member of the Onmyou Agency attempts to recreate the same experiment which led to Japan's downfall, he decides to make good on his word and fight by Natsume's side. Again hereditary spirit warrior does not want to inherit, but is being forced to by friends and assaults. Super bleak shounen beginning that should get better, but there's no incentive to wait for it to.   Overall Rating: 6/10

10. Non Non Biyori のんのんびより [SILVER LINK.] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Seinen CGDCT, Iyashikei, School Slice of Life Hotaru Ichijou's lifestyle completely changes when she leaves Tokyo and moves with her family to the isolated Asahigaoka village. Her new school has only five students including herself, all sharing a single classroom regardless of grade level. There are no convenience stores in the area, and it can take up to two hours for a bus to arrive. Nevertheless, Hotaru finds herself captivated by the countryside's charm thanks to her four unique schoolmates with whom she quickly forms a genuine bond. The most colorful of them is Renge Miyauchi, a first-grader who is often perceptive despite her age. However, no less intriguing are the three Koshigaya siblings: the quiet oldest brother Suguru, the petite older sister Komari, and the prankish youngest sister Natsumi. Having someone from the city join their cheerful little group enlivens the ordinary days in Asahigaoka. Not only does Hotaru bring firsthand knowledge from the alluring outside world, but her fresh outlook on life welcomes a blossom of change to their usual routine. Lots of SOL idiocy in hope that it'd look cute. It does not. .   Overall Rating: 6/10

11. Ore no Nounai Sentakushi ga, Gakuen Love Comedy wo Zenryoku de Jama Shiteiru My Mental Choices Are Completely Interfering With My School Romantic Comedy 俺の脳内選択肢が、学園ラブコメを全力で邪魔している [Diomedéa] (Finished 10/10) Tags: Harem, School Comedy, Romance For Kanade Amakusa, life as a high schooler should have been normal, and it would have been—if he wasn't living with the most ridiculous curse imaginable. "Absolute Choice," a system forced upon him by a self-proclaimed god, randomly presents a mental selection of actions that he must act out based on his choice. To add to his dilemma, it tends to occur in the most public of places, and his options never seem to deviate from the rude and crude in nature. As a result, the helpless boy stresses through each day, fumbling to repair his already tarnished reputation while desperately praying to avoid the next spontaneous episode of Absolute Choice. To his dismay, the one in charge is always one step ahead of him and proceeds to not-so-subtly "choice" him into the lives of several girls at his school. Just when Kanade's school life can't seem to be doomed any further, a decision that he reluctantly selects on the way home sends a beautiful girl crashing down from the sky, along with the promise of more hysterically hellish choices. Basically, ecchi harem trash where protagonist is forced to harass girls to survive.   Overall Rating: 5/10

12. IS: Infinite Stratos 2 Infinite Stratos 2 IS〈インフィニット・ストラトス〉2 [8bit] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Harem, Mecha Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi, Ecchi Second season of Infinite Stratos. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

13. Outbreak Company アウトブレイク・カンパニー [feel.] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Harem, Isekai, Otaku Culture, Parody Comedy, Fantasy Shinichi Kanou is a shut-in otaku with a vast knowledge of anime, manga, and video games. One day, after applying for a job in hopes of escaping his secluded lifestyle, he is kidnapped and transported to the Eldant Empire—a fantasy world filled with elves, dragons, and dwarves. Trapped in this strange land, Shinichi is given an unlikely task by the Japanese government: to spread otaku culture across the realm by becoming an "Otaku Missionary." To accomplish his mission, Shinichi has the full support of the Japanese government, as well as the half-elf maid Myucel and Princess Petralka of the Eldant Empire. Together with this ragtag bunch, he will overcome the obstacles of politics, social classes, and ethnic discrimination to promote the ways of the otaku in this holy land. As Isekai it's ok, but... there's zero story. Making fantasy kingdom acquainted with otaku culture hardly counts. So it becomes an aimless harem to attract more and more girls.   Overall Rating: 6/10

14. Machine-Doll wa Kizutsukanai Unbreakable Machine-Doll 機巧少女〈マシンドール〉は傷つかない [Lerche] (Finished 3/12) Tags: School Action, Fantasy, Ecchi The Walpurgis Royal Academy of Machinart was founded alongside the development of "Machinart," machine magic capable of giving life and intelligence to mechanical dolls subsequently called as "automaton." Its aim: train skilled puppeteers to control the automatons, as militaries across the globe have begun incorporating Machinart into their armies. After miserably failing the academy's entrance exams, Raishin Akabane and his humanoid automaton Yaya must defeat one of the top one hundred students to earn the right to take part in the Evening Party, a fight for supremacy between puppeteers using their automatons. The last one standing is bestowed the title of "Wiseman" and granted access to the powerful forbidden arts. Thus, Raishin challenges Charlotte Belew and her automaton Sigmund to a duel, but before they even begin, Sigmund is attacked by other students. After saving his opponents from their assaulters, Raishin cancels the duel but is forced to search for a new way to gain access to the Party. Driven by the tragedies of his past, Raishin fights alongside Yaya to rise to the top and claim the title of Wiseman. Mediocre anime based around battle dolls fights done with some usage of subpar 3D. Setting is not explored, and there's no story to enjoy.   Overall Rating: 6/10

15. Yuusha ni Narenakatta Ore wa Shibushibu Shuushoku wo Ketsui Shimashita. I Couldn`t Become a Hero, So I Reluctantly Decided to Get a Job 勇者になれなかった俺はしぶしぶ就職を決意しました。 [asread.] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Comedy, Fantasy, Romance, Ecchi  Dreaming of becoming a hero and vanquishing the Demon King, Raul Chaser enters the Hero Training Program in pursuit of his ambition. However, when the Demon King is defeated and peace returns to the world, the Hero Training Program is suspended indefinitely, making it impossible for anyone to become a hero. Two years later, Raul reluctantly works at a small electronics store called Magic Shop Leon. Though the former hero-in-training is plagued by the mundanity of working in retail, everything changes with the arrival of a new hire. Appearing at first to be just a boy with good looks, "he" turns out to be a female demon by the name of Fino Bloodstone. She is not just any old demon either—Raul's new coworker is in fact the daughter of the late Demon King! Handed the responsibility of training this eccentric new employee, Raul soon finds his life becoming livelier than it ever was before. We've seen demon lord at part time job already, so now let's watch at demon lord's daughter constantly flashing at part time job... Otaku in some kind of MMO-like world can deliver some laughs here and there, but ecchi is main focus here.   Overall Rating: 6/10

16. Hajime no Ippo: Rising Hajime No Ippo: The Fighting! はじめの一歩 Rising [Madhouse, MAPPA] (Finished 1/25) Tags: Shounen Combat Sports Japanese Featherweight Champion Makunouchi Ippo has defended his title belt once more with the help of his devastating signature move: the Dempsey Roll. However, new challengers are rising up left and right, claiming to have an answer for the move responsible for crushing his opponents. Will Ippo be able to step up to the challenge, or will the weight of his pride destroy him before he finds out just what it means to be strong? Meanwhile, fellow Kamogawa Gym mate Aoki Masaru is just a hop, skip, and a Frog Punch away from claiming his own belt, ready to take on the Japanese Lightweight Champion! Hajime no Ippo: Rising continues Ippo's quest to become stronger, featuring the same cast of loveable dimwits from Kamogawa Gym, as they put their bodies and hearts on the line to make their way in the harsh world of professional boxing. With a will of iron, Ippo steps into the ring once again. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

17. White Album 2 ホワイトアルバム2 [Satelight] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Love Polygon, Music Drama, Romance Haruki Kitahara's light music club is on the verge of disbanding. At this rate, the third year's dream of performing at the school festival would never be realized. However, as his exhausted fingers drift through the chords of "White Album," the first song he would ever play, an angelic voice and mysterious piano begin harmonizing with his lonely guitar. It is a momentous performance that marks the beginning of everything for Haruki. White Album 2 orchestrates Haruki's final semester with complex romance and exhilarating music, as the curtains of the stage he so desired begin to open... Never considered White Album 2 a masterpiece. Among similar anime it's nothing special.   Overall Rating: 6/10

18. Diamond no Ace Ace of Diamond ダイヤのA[エース] [Production I.G, Madhouse] (Finished 1/75) Tags: Shounen School, Team Sports With a stray pitch that completely missed the batter, Eijun Sawamura loses his final middle school baseball game. Frustrated by this defeat, Eijun and his teammates vow to reach the national tournament once they are in high school. But everything changes when a scout unexpectedly invites him to Tokyo's prestigious Seidou High School after seeing the potential in his unusual pitching style. Encouraged by his teammates, Eijun accepts the offer, ready to improve his skills and play at a much more competitive level of baseball. However, now surrounded by a large number of skilled players, Eijun struggles to find his place on the team. He declares that he will one day become the team's ace, but that's only if fellow first year Satoru Furuya doesn't take the title first, with his breakneck fastballs that earn him a coveted spot on the starting roster. With the addition of these talented new players to an already powerful lineup, the Seidou baseball team aims to become the best in Japan, facing off against a number of formidable foes that stand in their way. Baseball spokons are the worst for me as I never cared to learn the rules properly. And first episode does not look outstanding.   Overall Rating: 5/10

19. Yowamushi Pedal 弱虫ペダル [TMS Entertainment] (Finished 3/38) Tags: Shounen Racing Sports Sakamichi Onoda is a cheerful otaku looking to join his new school's anime club, eager to finally make some friends. Unfortunately, the club has been disbanded and he takes it upon himself to revive it by finding students who are willing to join. Without much luck, Onoda decides to make a round trip to Akihabara on his old, bulky city bicycle, a weekly 90-kilometer ride he has been completing since fourth grade. This is when he meets fellow first year student, Shunsuke Imaizumi, a determined cyclist who is using the school's steep incline for practice. Surprised by Onoda's ability to climb the hill with his specific type of bicycle, Imaizumi challenges him to a race, with the proposition of joining the anime club should Onoda win. And thus begins the young boy's first foray into the world of high school bicycle racing! I often heard that Yowamushi Pedal is much more than spokon. Of course more characters and complexity are needed for a very long work over 100 episodes, but for me it's just some Initial D level while to enjoy spokon for me something really outstanding is required.   Overall Rating: 6/10

20. Kyousou Giga (TV) Kyousougiga 京騒戯画 [Toei Animation] (Finished 10/10) Tags: Action, Fantasy Long ago, there was a monk named Myoue who could bring anything he drew to life. He quietly lived with his wife Koto—a black rabbit in human form—and their three children: Yakushimaru, Kurama, and Yase. One day, the high priest of the land concluded that Myoue's drawings caused too many problems for the locals and ordered him to find a solution. In response, the family secretly fled to an alternate world of Myoue's own creation—the Looking Glass City. Everything was peaceful until Myoue and Koto suddenly vanished. Their three children are left to take care of the city, and Yakushimaru inherits Myoue's name and duties. Stranded in this alternate world, their problems only get worse when a young girl—also named Koto—crashes down from the sky and declares that she is also looking for the older Myoue and Koto. Armed with a giant hammer and two rowdy familiars, Koto just might be the key to releasing everyone from the eternal paper city. It's something unique with the closest thing coming to mind is Eccentric Family. As such, I was compelled to watch it through. The result is another petty mystery that bombs with abstract elements and needless complexity for the story that is not worth a damn.   Overall Rating: 6/10

21. Freezing Vibration フリージング ヴァイブレーション [ A.C.G.T.] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Harem, Military, Super Power Action, Drama, Romance, Sci-Fi, Ecchi Ever since the 10th NOVA clash, the Chevalier had concluded that the NOVA have been appearing at a steadier rate and they are losing more Pandoras than they can produce. Their solution is the E-Pandora Project which involves normal humans being given the power to become Pandoras. Inviting Pandora from around the world to their Alaskan base witness the unveiling of their new project, Satellizer, Kazuya and Rana are among those who have been summoned. However, as time goes the E-Pandora Project starts to become fishier and the Pandoras start to grow more and more concerned... Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

22. Little Busters! Refrain Little Busters! ~Refrain~ リトルバスターズ！～Refrain [J.C.Staff] (Finished 1/13) Tags: School Comedy, Drama, Romance, Supernatural Following the Little Busters after they lost their first baseball game, the team decides to have a pancake party. It has been almost one semester since the return of Kyousuke Natsume. As usual, Riki Naoe continues to help the Little Busters' members—both old and new—with confronting their inner struggles. However, strange happenings begin to occur, leading Rin Natsume and Riki closer to unraveling the truth behind the "secret of this world." Little do Rin and Rikki know, their discovery will end up changing the peaceful everyday lives created by the Little Busters once and for all. Little Busters!: Refrain brings a conclusion to the colorful stories of its ensemble cast—forged with the weight of emotions and strengthened with the bond of friendship—as they come to terms with their regrets and weaknesses. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

23. Aoki Hagane no Arpeggio: Ars Nova Arpeggio of Blue Steel -Ars Nova- 蒼き鋼のアルペジオ ‐アルス・ノヴァ‐ [SANZIGEN] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Action, Sci-Fi In the year 2039, the drastic effects of global warming have caused sea levels to rise, resulting in major loss of land. To ensure humanity learns its lesson, a fleet of powerful warships equipped with advanced weaponry emerges, causing overwhelming defeat for naval forces throughout the world. Calling themselves the Fleet of Fog, each ship has a "Mental Model," a humanoid avatar which represents the ship's heart, its "Union Core." Each model has a different personality but all follow an unknown authority known as the Admiralty Code, who have implemented a blockade to prevent humans from traveling across the sea. Seventeen years after the blockade, Gunzou Chihaya, a National Marine Academy alumnus, stumbles upon I-401 and its Mental Model, Iona, who sides with mankind for unknown reasons. Utilizing this newfound hope of achieving peace for humanity, Gunzou and his friends form a group of privateers, known as the Blue Steel, as they set out on a dangerous journey. Unusual, yet ultimately boring marine action.   Overall Rating: 6/10

24. Walkure Romanze ワルキューレロマンツェ [8bit] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Harem, School Romance, Sports, Ecchi Taking place at Winford Academy located in an old town called Helen's Hill, the story is all about knights and the sport of jousting. At this school, students learn how to become knights, ride horses and joust properly. The main character is a young man named Takahiro Mizuno who was training to become a knight and jouster but after suffering an injury he dropped out of the knight program and joined the begleiter (assistant) program instead. Due to his animal handling skills and former experience as a jouster, this makes him a hot commodity. Multiple beautiful girls in the school want him to become their personal begleiter, though Takahiro always refuses their offers. One day a bizarre accident causes his friend, Mio Kisaski, to be challenged to a jousting duel despite her not actually being a knight. Takahiro agrees to become her temporary begleiter, but that ends up only being the beginning of their partnership as she enrolls in the annual tournament. Usual visual novel chewing gum with only the stage - it does not work for anime well.   Overall Rating: 6/10

25. Samurai Flamenco サムライフラメンコ [Manglobe] (Finished 10/22) Tags: Parody, Super Power Action, Comedy "A hero will never give up, never hide, never be defeated and never accept evil!" Firmly believing these words, Masayoshi Hazama has been obsessed with superhero shows since childhood. By day, he earns his living as a famous model, and by night, he becomes the gallant hero Samurai Flamenco. Armed with only his superhero costume, he seeks to bring justice to the city and faces anybody who tries to break the law—even rebellious juveniles and people who litter on the street. Masayoshi's heroic antics later catch the attention of the public, leading to the fateful discovery of his identity by policeman Hidenori Gotou. Although initially telling Masayoshi to leave the crime-busting activities to the police, Gotou ends up joining him in his antics. However, things soon escalate from preventing littering and petty thefts to bizarre adventures that involve even the fate of the world. Together with their newfound comrades, Masayoshi and Gotou embark on a battle with the world and themselves in order to find the true meaning of being a hero—with or without superpowers. It starts as superhero parody and becomes actual silly superhero action... it was educational to observe degradation story going, but calling it interesting would be an exaggeration.   Overall Rating: 6/10

26. Yozakura Quartet: Hana no Uta 夜桜四重奏 ～ハナノウタ～ [Tatsunoko Production] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Shounen Super Power Action, Comedy, Supernatural Hundreds of years ago, the borders between the worlds of humans and youkai temporarily overlapped, resulting in many residents of both crossing over to the other side. In the years since this event, the city of Sakurashin has become a central hub for all inter-dimensional affairs—a result of both the sacred Seven Pillars around the city serving as a beacon for the youkai, and the efforts of the Hiizumi Life Counseling Office in keeping the townsfolk happy. This office is composed of Hime Yarizakura, the young mayor of the city; satori Ao Nanami, who can read people's minds; half-youkai Kotoha Isone, who can summon anything by speaking a word; oni siblings, Kyousuke and Touka Kishi; and the office director Akina Hiizumi, who inherited his family's ability to force youkai back to their world. Besides volunteer and arbitration work, the Life Counseling Office also suppresses any Strikes: rare occurrences where humans are suddenly infused with youkai powers and go on a rampage. But the appearance of a sinister man signals trouble as Strikes become increasingly common, political rivals make their moves, and malicious individuals descend upon the city. As the self-appointed defenders of Sakurashin, it's up to the Life Counseling Office to protect the idyllic city they call home! Remake.   Overall Rating: 5/10

27. Coppelion コッペリオン [GoHands] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Seinen Action, Sci-Fi  At first glance, Ibara Naruse and her friends Aoi Fukasaku and Taeko Nomura look like average, carefree high school students. But the streets they walk on, their destination, and their surroundings are anything but normal. As they continue forward, the trio find themselves stepping deeper into an uninhabitable version of Tokyo, one that has been ravaged by a nuclear disaster 20 years ago. As part of the Dispatch 3rd Special Force Coppelion, known as the Health Care team, Ibara, Aoi, and Taeko are supported by the Japanese Ground Self-Defense Force (JGSDF) and Colonel Onihei Mishima as they scour the eerily silent streets for survivors. Finding the last remaining humans and having them evacuated by the JGSDF's helicopters is a daily occurrence for the girls. But as their work progresses, Ibara and her friends start to question their own humanity—namely, how they themselves are able to survive in Tokyo without any protective gear. Only finished it for unique setting back then, but nothing important or interesting ever happened there except for exploration.   Overall Rating: 6/10

28. Kakumeiki Valvrave 2nd Season Valvrave the Liberator 2nd Season 革命機ヴァルヴレイヴ　2ndシーズン [Sunrise] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Mecha, Military, Space Action, Sci-Fi Haruto and his comrades continue to fight against the forces of Dorssia. However, many things remain unanswered in the midst of battle, including the past of L-Elf and his fellow soldier's past, the destiny of the mysterious girl Liselotte, and the feelings of Haruto, Shouko, and Saki. The relationships and loyalty of each and every member of each army will be tested as the clash of ideals and power reaches its climax. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

29. BlazBlue: Alter Memory ブレイブルー オルターメモリー [Hoods Entertainment, teamKG] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Action, Fantasy  The story is set in December of 2199, when the streets are full of anticipation for the end of the year and the start of the new one. Amid the celebrations, word spreads that Ragna the Bloodedge, an SS-class rebel with the highest ever bounty on his head, has appeared in the 13th Hierarchical City of Kagutsuchi. The apparent aim of Ragna or the "Grim Reaper" is the destruction of the system controlling the world. To collect the bounty, a motley array of unrivaled fighters converge on Kagutsuchi. I remember hearing that BlazBlue had actual story. But it's not a real story - rather the story that's included in fightings.   Overall Rating: 5/10

30. Gundam Build Fighters ガンダムビルドファイターズ [Sunrise] (Finished 1/25) Tags: Mecha Action, Sci-Fi Though Gundam Plastic Models, better known as Gunpla, exploded in popularity with the release of the anime series Mobile Suit Gundam, their presence faded before resurging with a new purpose. Through the power of Plavsky particles, fans are now able to pit their Gunpla against others in a virtual reality-style battle with the best competing at the annual Gunpla World Tournament. Sei Iori, whose father was a once finalist in the competition, dreams of one day conquering the contest himself. However, while Sei is an expert Gunpla builder, he lacks the prowess to effectively fight his creations during actual battle. In comes Reiji, a mysterious boy who is curiously ignorant of society but quickly demonstrates to Sei tremendous ability in Gunpla battles. The two boys decide to combine their strengths in order to sweep the Gunpla World Tournament and take the Gunpla world by storm. Anime about building anything aren't ever good. And in conjunction with mini robot duels it's a lost case from the start. Another shameless advertisement of models for kids.   Overall Rating: 5/10

31. Sekai de Ichiban Tsuyoku Naritai! Wanna Be the Strongest in the World 世界でいちばん強くなりたい! [Arms] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Combat Sports Ecchi Hagiwara Sakura and Miyazawa Elena are the leading members of a popular idol group, Sweet Diva. One day, Elena is injured by the attack of a female pro-wrestler Kazama Rio during the recording of a TV program. Sakura gets mad at Rio and gives her a dropkick. To avenge Elena, Sakura enters the female pro-wrestling matches. It's just what it seems to be - ecchi wrestling.   Overall Rating: 5/10

32. Gingitsune Gingitsune: Messenger Fox of the Gods ぎんぎつね [Diomedéa] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Seinen Mythology Slice of Life, Supernatural Gintarou is a fox spirit that has been protecting the small Inari temple since the Edo era. Saeki Makoto's family possesses the power to see the gods' agent, but the ability is limited to one living relative at a time. When Makoto's mother passed away while she was still young, Makoto inherited the ability as the sole remaining family member. With the help of fox spirit's power, Makoto and Gintarou help the people of their community, in spite of their many differences. Friendship with iyashikei is good to fall asleep. I can't find any other uses for it.   Overall Rating: 5/10

33. Galilei Donna Galilei Donna: Storia di tre sorelle a caccia di un mistero ガリレイドンナ [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 3/11) Tags: Action, Adventure, Sci-Fi  Three sisters, Hozuki, Kazuki, and Hazuki, are descendants of Galileo and have completely different personalities and tastes; they never meet eye-to-eye. One day, the girls are suddenly attacked by a mysterious organization. The organization was after the "Galileo Tesoro" which Galileo Galilei was said to have discovered. Still unaware of what was going on, the sisters escape on the airship they built after the sudden attack. But it won't be so easy for these three sisters to help each other out in a pinch when they're constantly at odds with each other. What is the Tesoro, and what is the organization after? And what about the relationship between the sisters? It's a threesome of cute girls, action, and mystery! Mystery adventure of inventors is not my thing, so pretty much everything irritates me here.   Overall Rating: 6/10

34. Phi Brain: Kami no Puzzle - Shukuteki! Rätsel-hen Phi Brain: Puzzle of God 3 ファイ・ブレイン 〜神のパズル 宿敵！レイツェル編 [Sunrise] (Finished 1/25) Tags: High Stakes Game, Strategy Game Action, Mystery "Are puzzles really necessary in this world?" In order to restore Jin's memory, Kaito and his friends go on a puzzle-viewing journey to England. As they're walking through the underground maze beneath the church, where young Kaito and Rook first met Jin, a mysterious girl appears in front of them. Jin calls the girl by the name "Raetsel". It seems they know each other. However, she suddenly disappears and takes Jin with her. What's more, the traps in the underground maze are activated and start coming after Kaito and his friends. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

35. Megane-bu! メガネブ!  [Studio Deen] (Finished 1/12) Tags: School Comedy  At Himaraya Third Technical School, five bespectacled members of the Glasses club are crazy about eyewear. Their leader, Akira Souma, founded the club to develop the X-ray glasses of his dreams, but their research has been slow in between getting into quirky escapades and fighting off student body president William Satou's attempts to further cut their tight club funding. With unbounded youthful passion, these friends set their minds on making their project a resounding success. Compared to Danshi no Nichijou there's more absurd and more humor, but also bishounen character design which I'm incompatible with.   Overall Rating: 6/10

36. Tesagure! Bukatsumono てさぐれ！部活もの [Yaoyorozu] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Parody, School Slice of Life The CG anime centers around the extracurricular activities of students. It's half episode length because of episodic nature similar to yonkoma. And it's fully CGI, so feels just like prepared talk of some V-tubers.   Overall Rating: 6/10

37. Gaist Crusher ガイストクラッシャー [Pierrot] (Finished 1/51) Tags: Action, Fantasy, Supernatural  In the year 2047, mankind discovered a rare metal ore called "Gaimetal", which possessed a huge amount of energy, and mining for these strange metal ore begins all over the world. However, in 2075, humankind were been constantly attacked by Gaist, a race of metallic creatures whose bodies were encrusted with Gaimetal, thus forming the GCG (also known as "Gaist Crusher Garrison"), an organization tasked with dealing against the Gaist. In 2064, the GCG send out mankind's line of defense: the Gaist Crushers, humans who can wear a special Gaimetal armor called "Gaist Gear", and battle the Gaist,as well as the threat opposed by a mysterious organization called "Erasers". Generic shounen for kids.   Overall Rating: 5/10

38. Lu Shidai 撸时代 [Haoliners Animation League, Colored Pencil Animation] (Finished 3/14) Tags: Parody, Video Game Action, Adventure, Comedy Zhiquiang is a young boy who loves playing League of Legends with his friends. Follow his crazy adventures. I usually don't include works with length under 10 minutes, but concept was intriguing even though I never played League of Legends. As expected, it's short yonkoma episodes around gamers. Not bad, but definitely not a masterpiece format.   Overall Rating: 6/10

39. Si Ling Bianma: Shijie Caozong Zhe Order Designer 死灵编码 [Foch Films] (Finished 6/12) Tags: Parody, Psychological, Video Game Fantasy, Horror, Mystery “Ghost” is an online mobile game that Ye Yinyi always dreamed of completing, and to that end, has poured his blood and tears into it, even missing a date with his girlfriend. However, he learns about an alarming monster attack on a young woman near his house, a photograph of which shows the monster to bear a resemblance to the monster he designed. Why is the world of his mobile game appearing in real life? Another small format that's only interesting, because it's about Online game and Chinese. In fact it's just horror akin to Gremlins with no link to games after the beginning. And then it goes over the roof with the absurd and loses the ground .   Overall Rating: 5/10

40. Chao Shen Youxi 超神游戏 [Tencent Animation & Comics] (Finished 4/25) Tags: Video Game Action, Fantasy Three young friends skipped class and went to an Internet Cafe to play games but were caught by a female class monitor. One returns home, but the other two choose to purchase a mysterious game CD from the sexy female shopkeeper. When they start playing, they suddenly get transported to the game world. Not translated. Of course inside the game protagonists suddenly get skills and it goes more or less in normal shounen fashion.   Overall Rating: 6/10

41. Chao Shen Xueyuan 超神学院 [Transcendence Picture] (Finished 20/20) Tags: Action, Sci-Fi  Different young people with super abilities are gathered by a government organization and train in special school in order to save the world from demonic invasion. CGI, plus subs are of poor quality. But animation is done with total motion capture which looks superb as a result. The beginning was great and funny, but it went more and more serious which did not play well with rather ridiculous and non-cohesive storytelling.   Overall Rating: 6/10

42. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari Puella Magi Madoka Magica the Movie: Rebellion 劇場版 魔法少女まどか☆マギカ 叛逆の物語 [Shaft] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Mahou Shoujo, Psychological Award Winning, Drama, Mystery, Suspense The young girls of Mitakihara happily live their lives, occasionally fighting off evil, but otherwise going about their peaceful, everyday routines. However, Homura Akemi feels that something is wrong with this unusually pleasant atmosphere—though the others remain oblivious, she can't help but suspect that there is more to what is going on than meets the eye: someone who should not exist is currently present to join in on their activities. Mahou Shoujo Madoka★Magica Movie 3: Hangyaku no Monogatari follows Homura in her struggle to uncover the painful truth behind the mysterious circumstances, as she selfishly and desperately fights for the sake of her undying love in this despair-ridden conclusion to the story of five magical girls. Series was different from recap movies in many things. Third movie as continuation that tries to combine two stories in a new messy abstract substance with personalities different from original series. Urobuchi Gen again shows his incompetence and greed destroying yet another franchise.   Overall Rating: 5/10

43. Sakasama no Patema Patema Inverted サカサマのパテマ [Studio Rikka, Purple Cow Studio Japan] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Adventure, Award Winning, Sci-Fi  Patema is a plucky young girl from an underground civilization boasting an incredible network of tunnels. Inspired by a friend that mysteriously went missing, she is often reprimanded due to her constant excursions of these tunnels due to her royal status. After she enters what is known as the "forbidden zone," she accidentally falls into a giant bottomless pit after being startled by a strange creature. Finding herself on the surface, a world literally turned upside down, she begins falling towards the sky only to be saved by Age, a discontented student of the totalitarian nation known as Aiga. The people of Aiga are taught to believe that "Inverts," like Patema, are sinners that will be "swallowed by the sky," but Age has resisted this propaganda and decides to protect his new friend. A chance meeting between two curious teenagers leads to an exploration of two unique worlds as they begin working together to unveil the secrets of their origins in Sakasama no Patema, a heart-warming film about overcoming differences in order to coexist. Did not like it neither before, not now. Just a usual dystopia vs underground without even interesting confrontation or normal story.   Overall Rating: 6/10

44. Kaguya-hime no Monogatari The Tale of the Princess Kaguya かぐや姫の物語 [Studio Ghibli] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Historical Award Winning, Fantasy  Deep in the countryside, a man named Okina works as a bamboo cutter in a forest, chopping away at the hollow plants day after day. One day, he discovers a small baby inside a glowing shoot. He immediately takes her home, convinced that she is a princess sent to Earth as a divine blessing from heaven. Okina and his wife Ouna take it upon themselves to raise the infant as their own, watching over her as she quickly grows into an energetic young girl. Given the name Kaguya, she fits right in with the village she has come to call home, going on adventures with the other children and enjoying what youth has to offer. But when Okina finds a large fortune of gold and treasure in the forest, Kaguya's life is completely changed. Believing this to be yet another gift from heaven, he takes it upon himself to turn his daughter into a real princess using the wealth he has just obtained, relocating the family to a mansion in the capital. As she leaves her friends behind to enter into an unwanted life of royalty, Kaguya's origins and purpose slowly come to light. I'm not fond of all experimental art. Plot-wise it's just retelling of fairy-tale with small alterations, so not great either. And by extending it to over two hours only additional boredom is introduced.   Overall Rating: 6/10

45. Koukaku Kidoutai Arise: Ghost in the Shell - Border:2 Ghost Whispers Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Border 2: Ghost Whispers 攻殻機動隊ARISE -GHOST IN THE SHELL- border:2 Ghost Whispers [Production I.G] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Adult Cast, Detective, Mecha, Psychological Sci-Fi Second movie of Ghost in the Shell: Arise. Freed of her responsibilities with the 501 Organization, Motoko Kusanagi must now learn how to take orders from Aramaki. Someone hacks the Logicomas, and Batou enlists the help of former army intelligence officer Ishikawa and former air artillery expert Borma. Kusanagi also seeks to enlist ace sniper Saito and undercover cop Paz into the new Public Security Section 9. The two groups rival each other in a case involving a man who receives false memories of a refugee transport operation. First Ghost in the Shell that I don't consider a masterpiece. Basically, it's all just about Kusanagi meeting and confronting Batou which is weird, because they met before and their aims are very similar. Stopping after first prequel movie would be best.   Overall Rating: 6/10

46. Bayonetta: Bloody Fate ベヨネッタ ブラッディフェイト [Gonzo] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Mythology, Super Power Action, Fantasy Driven to recover her memories after waking in a coffin at the bottom of a lake 20 years ago, Bayonetta hunts down the forces of Heaven day and night in search of clues to her forgotten past, and to uphold her pact with the demonic forces she draws her powers from as an Umbra Witch. She is armed and guided by the mysterious bartender and weapon-smith, Rodin, and following her every footstep is the intrepid journalist, Luka Redgrave, who believes that she has something to do with the death of his father and will stop at nothing to get the truth. Her quest takes a promising turn when she encounters a little girl named Cereza, but standing in her way is a rival Umbra Witch named Jeanne, who works for the very forces that she should be opposing. Bayonetta: Bloody Fate is an action-packed anime film that explores the connection between all of characters and works to unravel just how they are seemingly entwined in a conspiracy that eclipses them all. A lot of extravagancy and supposed coolness, but not much sense or appeal in all that.   Overall Rating: 6/10

47. Majokko Shimai no Yoyo to Nene Magical Sisters Yoyo & Nene 魔女っこ姉妹のヨヨとネネ  [ufotable] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Fantasy  Based on a manga "Noroiya Shimai" written by Hirarin and serialized in Monthly Comic Ryuu. It is a story about a pair of sisters who work as "noroiya" (cursers) using magic in a fantasy world. One day a big tree suddenly appears in a forest, and tall buildings that look like they are from our world can be seen entangled in it. The two sisters go there to investigate and get ported to our world. They then encounter two children who are startled by the sisters' sudden appearance and rush back home but at home they see their parents turned into monsters... It's good that there's a twist, but overall it's rather plain, simplistic and random.   Overall Rating: 6/10

48. Saibi The Fake 사이비 [Studio Dadashow] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Psychological Drama, Suspense Who is good and who is evil? What is the boundary between them? An animated thriller about the tension between a good-hearted person speaking falsely and an evil-natured person speaking truthfully, and of those that surround them. Anime industry got mature enough to present  less starightforward plots, but it does not ring true for Korean animation yet, apparently. For some reason religious cults often become the centerpiece in Koran projects, and this time exactly this is called "fake" . Of course it gets ugly, bloody and depressing.   Overall Rating: 6/10

49. Neppuu Kairiku Bushi Road 熱風海陸ブシロード  [Kinema Citrus, Orange] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Mecha Action, Fantasy, Sci-Fi The story takes place in a time when the world is in the pits of despair after being ravaged by a poison called "shinobi" that came to earth via an asteroid. The people run away to the place called "Kairiku," a place that used to be the bottom of the ocean. Here, the people try and protect themselves against the effects of the poison. In such a world, there was a single light of hope. The "Holy Weapon Giga Road" and the legendary warrior "Yagyuu" are needed in order to counter the effects of the poison. In order to save the world, Ame, a princess of a fallen nation, stands up in order to save the world. It started lively, but some stupidity on the way, some emptiness and absolutely typical villain turned the tides against it. Still ok by low mecha standards.   Overall Rating: 6/10

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