Anime of the Year 2017-I Winter - ChäoS;Child

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen and ChäoS;Child are the only things that interested me.

1. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2 KonoSuba: God's Blessing on This Wonderful World! 2 この素晴らしい世界に祝福を！ 2  [Studio Deen] (Finished 10/10) Tags: Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy Isekai, Parody, Reincarnation When Kazuma Satou died, he was given two choices: pass on to heaven or be revived in a fantasy world. After choosing the new world, the goddess Aqua tasked him with defeating the Demon King, and let him choose any weapon to aid him. Unfortunately, Kazuma chose to bring Aqua herself and has regretted the decision ever since then. Not only is he stuck with a useless deity turned party archpriest, the pair also has to make enough money for living expenses. To add to their problems, their group continued to grow as more problematic adventurers joined their ranks. Their token spellcaster, Megumin, is an explosion magic specialist who can only cast one spell once per day and refuses to learn anything else. There is also their stalwart crusader, Lalatina "Darkness" Dustiness Ford, a helpless masochist who makes Kazuma look pure in comparison. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! 2 continues to follow Kazuma and the rest of his party through countless more adventures as they struggle to earn money and have to deal with one another's problematic personalities. However, things rarely go as planned, and they are often sidetracked by their own idiotic tendencies. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

2. Kobayashi-san Chi no Maid Dragon Miss Kobayashi's Dragon Maid 小林さんちのメイドラゴン [Kyoto Animation] (Finished 3/13) Tags: Fantasy, Slice of Life  As Kobayashi sets off for another day at work, she opens her apartment door only to be met by an unusually frightening sight—the head of a dragon, staring at her from across the balcony. The dragon immediately transforms into a cute, busty, and energetic young girl dressed in a maid outfit, introducing herself as Tooru. It turns out that the stoic programmer had come across the dragon the previous night on a drunken excursion to the mountains, and since the mythical beast had nowhere else to go, she had offered the creature a place to stay in her home. Thus, Tooru had arrived to cash in on the offer, ready to repay her savior's kindness by working as her personal maidservant. Though deeply regretful of her words and hesitant to follow through on her promise, a mix of guilt and Tooru's incredible dragon abilities convinces Kobayashi to take the girl in. Despite being extremely efficient at her job, the maid's unorthodox methods of housekeeping often end up horrifying Kobayashi and at times bring more trouble than help. Furthermore, the circumstances behind the dragon's arrival on Earth seem to be much more complicated than at first glance, as Tooru bears some heavy emotions and painful memories. To top it all off, Tooru's presence ends up attracting several other mythical beings to her new home, bringing in a host of eccentric personalities. Although Kobayashi makes her best effort to handle the crazy situation that she has found herself in, nothing has prepared her for this new life with a dragon maid. For me it's a bland SOL comedy that focuses on monster girls and ecchi elements inevitably linked to them for some reason. For me even A Centaur's Life is a much better anime.   Overall Rating: 6/10

3. Youjo Senki Saga of Tanya the Evil 幼女戦記 [Nut] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Isekai, Military, Reincarnation Action, Fantasy Tanya Degurechaff is a young soldier infamous for predatorial-like ruthlessness and an uncanny, tactical aptitude, earning her the nickname of the "Devil of the Rhine." Underneath her innocuous appearance, however, lies the soul of a man who challenged Being X, the self-proclaimed God, to a battle of wits—which resulted in him being reincarnated as a little girl into a world of magical warfare. Hellbent on defiance, Tanya resolves to ascend the ranks of her country's military as it slowly plunges into world war, with only Being X proving to be the strongest obstacle in recreating the peaceful life she once knew. But her perceptive actions and combat initiative have an unintended side effect: propelling the mighty Empire into becoming one of the most powerful nations in mankind's history. Failed to understand the appeal even though the vibes of Izetta the last witch are here. Main character lacks appeal, and revenge as driver motive is not enough for a great show.   Overall Rating: 6/10

4. Masamune-kun no Revenge Masamune-kun's Revenge 政宗くんのリベンジ [SILVER LINK.] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Shounen Harem, School Comedy, Romance When Masamune Makabe was a child, he was rejected by a rich, beautiful girl named Aki Adagaki, who gave him the nickname ''Piggy'' for being overweight. Devastated, Masamune put great effort into working out to improve his appearance. Now a handsome yet narcissistic high school student, Masamune is determined to exact revenge—he will have Aki fall madly in love with him and ultimately reject her the next time they meet. To his surprise, Masamune discovers he has transferred into Aki's school. Setting his plan into motion, Masamune first begins to form a relationship with the ''Brutal Princess'' but, despite his efforts, fails miserably at his initial attempts. Shockingly, when Masamune finally progresses towards his vengeance, he receives a mysterious letter addressing him by his old nickname. Unless Masamune discovers the sender's identity, his plan is doomed before it even starts! Not bad romcom about trying to make girls fall in love with a former fattie. But it's too shounen and too light and with excessive cliché to my taste.   Overall Rating: 6/10

5. Ao no Exorcist: Kyoto Fujouou-hen Blue Exorcist: Kyoto Saga 青の祓魔師 京都不浄王篇 [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Shounen Mythology, School Action, Fantasy The ExWire of True Cross Academy are beset with shock and fear in the aftermath of discovering that one of their own classmates, Rin Okumura, is the son of Satan. But for the moment, they have more pressing concerns than that of Rin's parentage: the left eye of the Impure King, a powerful demon, has been stolen from the academy's Deep Keep. After an attempt is made to steal the right eye in Kyoto as well, Rin and the other ExWires are sent to investigate the mystery behind the Impure King and the ultimate goal of the thief. While this mission has them cooperating for the time being, Rin has never felt more distant from his fellow exorcists. In his attempt to reconcile with them, he undergoes specialized training to control his dark power. However, when the right eye is stolen not long after their arrival, the unthinkable threat of a traitor amongst them leaves them in need of all the power they can get. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

6. Kuzu no Honkai Scum's Wish クズの本懐 [Lerche] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Love Polygon, School Drama, Romance To the outside world, Hanabi Yasuraoka and Mugi Awaya are the perfect couple. But in reality, they just share the same secret pain: they are both in love with other people they cannot be with. Hanabi has loved her childhood friend and neighbor Narumi Kanai for as long as she can remember, so she is elated to discover that he is her new homeroom teacher. However, Narumi is soon noticed by the music teacher, Akane Minagawa, and a relationship begins to blossom between them, much to Hanabi's dismay. Mugi was tutored by Akane in middle school, and has been in love with her since then. Through a chance meeting in the hallway, he encounters Hanabi. As these two lonely souls spend more time together, they decide to use each other as a substitute for the one they truly love, sharing physical intimacy with one another in order to stave off their loneliness. It starts as something fresh and unique, but goes on as absolutely trifle problems put to the absolute and blabbering about. All that whispering and empty drama can puzzle at best, but that's it.   Overall Rating: 6/10

7. Little Witch Academia (TV) Little Witch Academia リトルウィッチアカデミア [Trigger] (Finished 1/25) Tags: School Adventure, Comedy, Fantasy  "A believing heart is your magic!"—these were the words that Atsuko "Akko" Kagari's idol, the renowned witch Shiny Chariot, said to her during a magic performance years ago. Since then, Akko has lived by these words and aspired to be a witch just like Shiny Chariot, one that can make people smile. Hence, even her non-magical background does not stop her from enrolling in Luna Nova Magical Academy. However, when an excited Akko finally sets off to her new school, the trip there is anything but smooth. After her perilous journey, she befriends the shy Lotte Yansson and the sarcastic Sucy Manbavaran. To her utmost delight, she also discovers Chariot's wand, the Shiny Rod, which she takes as her own. Unfortunately, her time at Luna Nova will prove to be more challenging than Akko could ever believe. She absolutely refuses to stay inferior to the rest of her peers, especially to her self-proclaimed rival, the beautiful and gifted Diana Cavendish, so she relies on her determination to compensate for her reckless behavior and ineptitude in magic. In a time when wizardry is on the decline, Little Witch Academia follows the magical escapades of Akko and her friends as they learn the true meaning of being a witch. Remake.   Overall Rating: 6/10

8. Gabriel DropOut ガヴリールドロップアウト [Doga Kobo] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Shounen CGDCT, Mythology, School Comedy, Supernatural For centuries, Heaven has required its young angels to live and study among humans in order to become full-fledged angels. This is no different for top-of-her-class Gabriel White Tenma, who believes it is her mission to be a great angel who will bring happiness to mankind. However, Gabriel grows addicted to video games on Earth and eventually becomes a hikikomori. Proclaiming herself a "Fallen Angel," she is apathetic to everything else—much to the annoyance of Vignette April Tsukinose, a demon whom Gabriel befriended in her angelic early days on Earth. Vignette's attempts to revert Gabriel back to her previous self are in vain, as Gabriel shoots down any attempt to change her precious lifestyle. As they spend their time on Earth, they meet two eccentric personalities: the angel Raphiel Ainsworth Shiraha, Gabriel's classmate with a penchant for sadism, and the demon Satanichia McDowell Kurumizawa, a clumsy self-proclaimed future ruler of the Underworld. Gabriel DropOut follows these four friends' comedic lives as they utterly fail to understand what it truly means to be a demon or an angel. Not bad comedy, but competition within the genre is too high, and I don't like it enough. Just a decent comedy around angels and demons.   Overall Rating: 6/10

9. Demi-chan wa Kataritai Interviews With Monster Girls 亜人ちゃんは語りたい [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Seinen Mythology, School, Vampire Comedy, Fantasy High school biology teacher Tetsuo Takahashi may look like your average everyday instructor, but beneath his gentle appearance lies something less ordinary: his fascination for the "Ajin," more commonly known as "Demi." Although these half-human, half-monster beings have integrated into human society, Takahashi believes that much about them will remain unknown unless he interacts with them firsthand. Demi-chan wa Kataritai follows Takahashi's daily life in Shibasaki High School together with his three Demi students—Hikari Takanashi, an energetic vampire; Kyouko Machi, a gentle dullahan; and Yuki Kusakabe, the shy snow woman. Along the way, Takahashi also meets fellow teacher Sakie Satou, a succubus with an aversion towards men. To fulfill his goal of learning more about the Demi, Takahashi decides to conduct casual interviews with the girls to learn more about their abilities, psyche, and interaction with human society. As Takahashi strengthens his bond with his students, he soon discovers that the Demi are not as unusual as he initially believed. It's literally interviews with demi-humans and non-humans. Not sure what to like here.   Overall Rating: 5/10

10. Gintama. Gintama Season 5 銀魂。 [Bandai Namco Pictures] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Shounen Gag Humor, Historical, Parody, Samurai Action, Comedy, Sci-Fi After joining the resistance against the bakufu, Gintoki and the gang are in hiding, along with Katsura and his Joui rebels. The Yorozuya is soon approached by Nobume Imai and two members of the Kiheitai, who explain that the Harusame pirates have turned against 7th Division Captain Kamui and their former ally Takasugi. The Kiheitai present Gintoki with a job: find Takasugi, who has been missing since his ship was ambushed in a Harusame raid. Nobume also makes a stunning revelation regarding the Tendoushuu, a secret organization pulling the strings of numerous factions, and their leader Utsuro, the shadowy figure with an uncanny resemblance to Gintoki's former teacher. Hitching a ride on Sakamoto's space ship, the Yorozuya and Katsura set out for Rakuyou, Kagura's home planet, where the various factions have gathered and tensions are brewing. Long-held grudges, political infighting, and the Tendoushuu's sinister overarching plan finally culminate into a massive, decisive battle on Rakuyou. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

11. Fuuka 風夏 [Diomedéa] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Shounen Love Polygon, Music, School Drama, Romance, Ecchi The story follows the life of Yuu Haruna, who recently moved into Tokyo with his sisters after their father is forced to transfer overseas on work. On his way to buy dinner while looking at his Twitter account, a high school girl suddenly crashes into him. Thinking he was taking upskirt pictures of her, the girl takes Yuu's phone, breaks it, and slaps him before leaving Yuu lying on the ground. As it turns out, this girl—Fuuka Akitsuki—also goes to the school Yuu is transferring to. Unlike most people, Fuuka doesn't own a cellphone; she even listens to music using a CD player. Eventually these two become closer, and decide to form a band with their friends and enter the professional world of music. With Fuuka around, what will now become of Yuu's new life in Tokyo? What a typical and cliché love triangle. Makes it really painful to watch as I find myself checking each episode timer too often waiting for it to end...   Overall Rating: 6/10

12. Seiren セイレン [Studio Gokumi, AXsiZ] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Harem, School Romance For high school students like Shouichi Kamita, university entrance exams and the future are common concerns. It is also during this time in life that a mysterious emotion that vexes people of all ages may begin to weigh upon one's mind—love. At this point in his teenage years, Shouichi finds three girls he could see himself having a future with: the ever-cheerful Hikari Tsuneki, who teases Shouichi without mercy, but actually has a softer side; the competitive gamer, Tooru Miyamae, who has difficulty communicating with others; and Shouichi's childhood friend, Kyouko Touno, the sometimes immature shoujo manga enthusiast. Seiren follows Shouichi's relationships with these three girls across three separate arcs, as their feelings grow from mutual interest and blossom into something more beautiful. Amagami SS was special because of memorable girls. But in Seiren girls look almost the same and are very familiar, without enigma this time, so it can't reach former heights.   Overall Rating: 6/10

13. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen Descending Stories: Showa Genroku Rakugo Shinju 昭和元禄落語心中～助六再び篇 [Studio Deen] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Josei Adult Cast, Historical, Love Polygon, Performing Arts Drama Even after having risen to the utmost rank of shin'uchi, Yotarou struggles to find his own identity in the world of rakugo. Caught between his master's teachings and the late Sukeroku's unique style, his performance lacks an important ingredient—ego. And while his popularity packs the theaters, he is but one of the few; rakugo is under threat of being eclipsed. Meanwhile Yakumo, regarded by many as the last bastion of preserving the popularity of rakugo, struggles to cope with his elderly state. Even though his performances are still stellar, he fears that he is nearing his limits. His doubts grow stronger as an old friend creeps ever closer. Konatsu, for her part, attempts to raise her son as a single mother, which Yotarou is heavily opposed to. Instead, he seeks to persuade her to marry him and in turn raise her son as his own. In Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu: Sukeroku Futatabi-hen, the curtains fall on Yotarou and Yakumo's story, tasked with restoring the near-obsolete art form as well as overcoming their internal conflicts. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 7/10

14. ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka ACCA: 13-Territory Inspection Dept. ACCA 13区監察課 [Madhouse] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Seinen Adult Cast, Detective Drama, Fantasy, Mystery ACCA—a national body of the kingdom of Dowa that provides public services to the citizens of the country—was established as part of the peace settlement between the king of Dowa and the 13 states of the country during a revolt. One hundred years later, Dowa is in a period of unprecedented peace, due in part to the ACCA system. However, rumors of a coup d'état start to surface. Jean Otus, the second-in-command of the inspection department of ACCA, is charged with inspecting all 13 state branches. What will he discover as he performs his audit? Intriguing and mysterious, ACCA: 13-ku Kansatsu-ka is a politically-themed mystery that reveals a world of diverse cultures and lifestyles, with intricate connections between its characters, as the truth of the coup d'état slowly unfolds. Never could like it. Another useless mystery where nothing happens, and then - bam - coup d'etat.   Overall Rating: 6/10

15. Tales of Zestiria the Cross 2nd Season Tales of Zestiria the X Season 2 テイルズ オブ ゼスティリア ザ クロス 第2期 [ufotable] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy  The second season of Tales of Zestiria the Cross. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

16. Akiba's Trip The Animation  [Gonzo] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Otaku Culture Action, Comedy, Supernatural, Ecchi Otaku siblings Tamotsu and Niwaka Denkigai are shopping in Akihabara when it is overrun by vampiric cosplaying monsters! These creatures, known as "Bugged Ones," can possess anyone they bite and soon they begin causing mayhem across the city. As Tamotsu finds himself at the mercy of one of these creatures, he is rescued by the mysterious baseball bat-wielding Matome Mayonaka. Together, they fight through several more encounters with the Bugged Ones, but before long, Tamotsu is fatally wounded protecting Matome. With no other choice, she revives him as a high level Bugged One—just like her! Tamotsu and Matome, along with excitable otaku cosplayer Arisa Ahokainen, make up the group "The Electric Mayonnaise" and they begin dispatching the Bugged Ones in the only way they know how: by ripping off their clothes and exposing them to sunlight! Poor senseless game, even worse anime.   Overall Rating: 5/10

17. ChäoS;Child  [SILVER LINK.] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Gore, Psychological Mystery, Sci-Fi, Supernatural A series of gruesome murders dubbed "New Generation Madness" once induced mass hysteria in Shibuya. At its peak during a frenzied riot, a sudden earthquake reduced the district into nothing but rubble, while leaving surrounding wards strangely intact. Six years later, in a newly rebuilt Shibuya, mysterious deaths begin to crop up again. It is not long before third-year student Takuru Miyashiro realizes a connection: the dates of the recent murders match those of the New Generation Madness incidents. He, along with several members of his school's newspaper club, decide to delve deeper into the mystery, only to find themselves stranded in the middle of a new crime scene themselves... Even though I'm not fond of mysteries, it's worth watching it once, especially because VN is so long.   Overall Rating: 7/10

18. Urara Meirochou Urara Meirocho うらら迷路帖 [J.C.Staff] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Seinen CGDCT Comedy, Fantasy Labyrinth Town is a legendary city composed of ten districts, home to witches and diviners alike. In the outermost district of this maze, many young girls begin training to join the ranks of the "Urara," a group of women known far and wide for their ability to divine the answers to the world's most difficult questions. Chiya, a wild girl raised amongst the animals in the mountains, is invited to take her rightful place as a first rank urara. By joining them, she hopes to divine the location of her long-lost mother. Chiya quickly makes three friends: studious Kon Tatsumi, aspiring witch Koume Yukimi, and reticent Nono Natsume. Armed with only their own ingenuity and a vague connection to the gods, they begin their journey in the way of the urara. Rather useless antics of village girls dealing with spirits.   Overall Rating: 6/10

19. Chain Chronicle: Haecceitas no Hikari Chain Chronicle: The Light of Haecceitas チェインクロニクル～ヘクセイタスの閃〈ひかり〉～ [Telecom Animation Film, Graphinica] (Finished 12/12) Tags: Action, Adventure, Fantasy  Set in the land of Yuguto, the people thought that the land they live is the size of the world, but it's actually divided into several areas, each with a respective king. Even though there were small wars among areas, the kings had roundtable meetings to maintain peace and balance. It was until a dark group of dark monsters appeared... Unlike OVA, there's a normal cast of characters and a normal plot. Visuals are great, but characters are rather thin and bland, so I fail to empathize here.   Overall Rating: 6/10

20. Rewrite 2nd Season Rewrite: Moon and Terra Rewrite 2ndシーズン [8bit] (Finished 11/11) Tags: Action, Comedy, Romance, Supernatural The second season of the Rewrite series which adapts Moon and Terra routes. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

21. Hand Shakers ハンドシェイカー [GoHands] (Finished 5/12) Tags: Super Power Action, Sci-Fi Those who receive the Revelation of Babel must overcome many battles and trials. By grasping the hand of their special partner, these "Hand Shakers" transport themselves to the realm of Ziggurat, an alternate dimension where time no longer exists. Each pair of Hand Shakers must battle it out for the right to meet with God, who will reward them by granting them a single wish. Tazuna Takatsuki, a high school student with a penchant for fixing things, is one of these Hand Shakers. After receiving a request for repairs from Professor Makihara of a nearby university, Tazuna stumbles upon Koyori Akutagawa, a bedridden girl that reminds him of his deceased sister Musubu. Remembering her dying wish to never let go of her hand, Tazuna grasps Koyori's hand and awakens his power as a Hand Shaker. However, Koyori's life is directly tied to her status as a Hand Shaker, meaning if Tazuna was to ever let go of her hand she would die. With meeting God being their only hope for saving her, the duo must find a way to make their unique powers mesh together, overcome the opposing Hand Shakers, and make their wish come true. More duels with wonder waffles, and inability to separate with a girl for some spice. Well balanced and calculated, but totally artificial and fake.   Overall Rating: 6/10

22. BanG Dream! BanG Dream!（バンドリ！） [Xebec, Issen] (Finished 4/13) Tags: Music  When Kasumi Toyama was out camping as a child, she heard the rhythm of the "Star Beat" while admiring the starry night sky. This sparkling, heart-pounding sound left a lasting impression on her, and since then, she has constantly been seeking to rediscover that exciting thrill. Now, as a newly enrolled student of Hanasakigawa Girls' High School, Kasumi is more determined than ever to find that long-lost sensation again. She attempts a myriad of school club activities, and even considers taking up a part-time job, but none of these feel suitable for her. That is, until she chances upon a star-shaped guitar in the storage room of an old pawn shop. It leads her to a live house, where she is captivated by watching a live performance for the first time. Spurred from the adrenaline, she instantly decides to form a band without even really knowing why. However, such a venture requires her to confront various hurdles with new friends she makes along the way, all in her pursuit to encounter that twinkling, heart-throbbing ardor once more. It does not live up to the minimally accepted quality level that K-On is, and Xebec is one of the worst companies out there - they hardly understand anything in good anime.   Overall Rating: 6/10

23. Kemono Friends けものフレンズ [Yaoyorozu] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Anthropomorphic, Iyashikei Adventure, Award Winning, Comedy, Fantasy Japari Park is an untamed paradise where many humanoid animals, known as "Friends," live their everyday lives in all corners of the natural environmental park. One lazy afternoon in the savannah area, the energetic Serval encounters a peculiar new Friend. Curious, she swiftly takes down the Friend, named Kaban, to try and discover what species she is. To Serval's disappointment, not even Kaban herself knows the answer. The two become friends and set out on a grand adventure through the many habitats, landmarks, and attractions of Japari Park. Their destination is the park library, where they hope to shed some light on Kaban’s identity. Along the way, they meet many other Friends, looking into their lives and helping them out. However, they soon begin to uncover the sinister reality behind the park and their own existence. CGI... childish... and not entertaining for me in any way.   Overall Rating: 5/10

24. Yowamushi Pedal: New Generation 弱虫ペダル NEW GENERATION [TMS Entertainment] (Finished 1/25) Tags: Shounen Racing Sports Third season of the Yowamushi Pedal series. With the team's combined strength, the Sohoku High bicycle racing club beat reigning champions Hakone Academy at the Interhigh national race and achieved an impressive overall victory. Now that their hot summer has ended and third-years Kinjou, Makishima, and Tadokoro have retired from the team, first-year participants in the Interhigh Onoda Sakamichi, Imaizumi Shunsuke, and Naruko Shoukichi, along with their new captain second-year Teshima Junta and vice-captain Aoyagi Hajime begin preparing as a "new team" for their second consecutive championship at the next Interhigh. In order to retake their throne, their rivals Hakone Academy have also incorporated new members and begun training as a new team. Kyoto Fushimi High is lead by the monstrous racer Midousuji Akira. The nation's top schools are all honing their skills to reach the top of the Interhigh. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

25. ēlDLIVE elDLIVE エルドライブ 【ēlDLIVE】 [Pierrot] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Shounen Space Action, Sci-Fi Chuuta Kokonose is an orphan who lives with his aunt. For as long as he can remember, he's had a voice in his head, but other than that he's a normal boy—right until the day when a strange-looking thing follows him home and teleports him to a place filled with more fantastic creatures. It's a space police station, and Rein Brickke, the Chief of Solar System Department, tells him that he's been chosen by the computer as a possible candidate to join the police force. Misuzu Sonokata, a girl from Chuuta's school with an angelic face and ill temper who turns out to be one of Rein Brickke's subordinates, doesn't think him suitable for such a job. Chuuta, who was shocked at first, decides to take the aptitude test after being urged by the voice in his head and to prove Misuzu wrong. Very lame shounen with idiot characters, horrible humor and nonsense plot.   Overall Rating: 5/10

26. Reikenzan: Eichi e no Shikaku 霊剣山 叡智への資格 [Studio Deen] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Comedy, Fantasy  After two years of studying within the Reiken clan, Ouriku and other inexperienced disciples are ordered to descend to the temporal world for further studies, and Ouriku embarks the journey back to his birthplace. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 5/10

27. Onihei 鬼平 [Studio M2] (Finished 13/13) Tags: Adult Cast, Historical, Samurai Action, Drama The blade arts of the "Devil" tasked with striking down evils threatening a peaceful Edo! Heizou Hasegawa, upholding the role of chief officer protecting against crime and arson! In 1783, the heart of the Tenmei era, Hasegawa held the office of chief director of the department charged with sustaining safety in the region, suppressing the most vile of thieves and criminals, an individual largely feared, renowned as Devil Heizou... Great samurai show, actually, but it's basically anthology of various stories loosely connected by Haizou Hasegawa. Plus I'm not fond of jazz. I was not able to enjoy these stories around thievery, but most people should like it as both time and fighting action are depicted well.   Overall Rating: 6/10

28. Minami Kamakura Koukou Joshi Jitensha-bu Minami Kamakura High School Girls Cycling Club 南鎌倉高校女子自転車部 [J.C.Staff, A.C.G.T.] (Finished 1/12) Tags: Shounen CGDCT, School Sports Maiharu Hiromi has moved from Nagasaki to Kamakura. She begins her new life in Kamakura and her first day in Minami Kamakura High School by cycling to her school, but she has not ridden a bicycle in many years. On the way to the first day ceremony she almost crashes into Akizuki Tomoe. Obviously Hiromi needs a lot more practice, so Tomoe decides to help Hiromi train to become better at riding a bicycle, and they become good friends. When they discover that the school used to have a bicycle club, the girls, together with Kamikura Fuyune and Higa Natsumi, resurrect the club naming it the Minami Kamakura High School Girls Bicycle Club. There was another girl cycling club anime just recently... anyway, far from my interests.   Overall Rating: 6/10

29. Schoolgirl Strikers: Animation Channel スクールガールストライカーズ Animation Channel [J.C.Staff] (Finished 2/13) Tags: School Action, Sci-Fi It's the near future. The newly established girls' private school Goryoukan Academy has another face. This school has a special unit, Fifth force, who is assembled and selected from the school's student body in order to fight an enemy called O'bli. This is a story about love, courage and friendship about the girls called Strikers. Cheerful mahou shoujo CGDCT with battles against unintelligent creatures so mundane that those are mostly omitted. The result is average.   Overall Rating: 5/10

30. Idol Jihen Idol Incidents アイドル事変 [MAPPA, Studio VOLN] (Finished 2/12) Tags: Idols (Female), Music  Increasing income divide, creeping environmental pollution, unsolvable waste issues, childcare waiting lists being discussed without those concerned, repeated corruption… The government, smeared by vested interests, can't do a thing against the many problems and sources of discontent. It's in this situation, with Japan cornered with no way out, that idols rise up to save the day! The Heroine Party, Sunlight Party, Starlight Party, Bishoujo Party, Wakaba Party, Subculture New Party, and SOS Party. From these seven idol political parties, the idols who have become National Diet members and representatives for each prefecture will smash through the sense of stagnation covering Japan using the power of song and dance! They'll bring back the smiling faces of the people, and wrap Japan in a glittering aura!! This nonsense synopsis instantly causes a facepalm for me. The actual content is childish as politics is only stage for some short incidents.   Overall Rating: 5/10

31. Kirakira☆Precure A La Mode キラキラ☆プリキュアアラモード [Toei Animation] (Finished 1/49) Tags: Mahou Shoujo Action, Fantasy, Gourmet Cheerful teenager Ichika Usami has a passion for sweets that is inspired by her mother's baking. In celebration of her mother's return from overseas, she tries her hand at making a cake herself. She is interrupted when a dog-like fairy named Pekorin crashes into her kitchen. With Pekorin's help, Ichika successfully bakes her cake. Only then enters an imp named Gummy who bursts in and attempt to steal the cake's "kirakiraru", a magical power that gives sweets the ability to bring happiness. Though Ichika initially offers her cake to Gummy in order to protect Pekorin, the fairy helps her realize how important the treat is and the love it represents. As the kirakiraru within Ichika's cake grows, it changes into a set of trinkets that transforms her into Cure Whip, a hero known as a Pretty Cure. Using her newfound powers, she goes on to battle kirakiraru thieves whenever they appear. Ichika fights to protect Ichigozaka's sweets and finds colorful new allies along the way. Sequel.   Overall Rating: 6/10

32. Forest Fairy Five  [Showgate, Tokyo MX] (Finished 1/13) Tags: Music Comedy, Fantasy A beautiful nation, prospering since ancient times, Japan is now known as the Anime Kingdom. There are more than just humans living there; animes truly do exist in Japan. Past the Fairy Ring, to the world of fairies, live anime-chans. There's a Fairy Ring in your town, too. Here. And there. Even in Harajuku. Maybe even in the Ashigara mountains. By some chance, we'll open that door. And we might get to meet the anime-chans. This is the land where you get to meet anime-chans. Ugly full CGI with typical vtuber useless talk.   Overall Rating: 4/10

33. Chou Yuu Sekai: Being the Reality World of Super Sand Box: Being the Reality 超游世界 -BEING THE REALITY- [Asahi Production, Success Corp.] (Finished 11/20) Tags: Video Game Action, Adventure, Fantasy, Romance A hot-blooded high school teen, a mysterious female swordsman, and an unpredictable dark emo girl. It's impossible to distinguish between reality and the game world! What kind of conspiracy is awaiting them in this super journey of the world! It's only partially translated. Usual hectic action, and being based on a video game only makes things worse.   Overall Rating: 5/10

34. Feng Ling Yu Xiu Soulmate Adventure 风灵玉秀 [Sunflowers] (Finished 3/12) Tags: Martial Arts Action, Adventure It is rumored in the martial world that a mystery white-haired girl suddenly appeared around the thief Feng Ling Er. She is so powerful that many martial arts masters can't defeat her. The girl's identity, the source of her power and her influence to the world all caused discussion among the public. But Feng Ling Er and the white-haired girl named Bai Yu Xiu never care about it. They travel the world with pleasure, unaware of a great conspiracy coming towards them. Travel Wuxia, only slightly better than its traditional representatives.   Overall Rating: 6/10

35. Xiang Ling Ji 降灵记 [Pb Animation Co. Ltd., LAN Studio] (Finished 1/15) Tags: Mythology Action, Fantasy The 19-year-old tomboy exorcist Hua Jiu got to know 'evil spirit' Seven Lord and forced him to be her spirit servant when cleansing spirits. Later the human being and the spirit set forth on a journey of ranting each other and cleansing spirits. However, Hua Jiu's enemy started insidious revenge at the same time... Travelling exorcist is one of my least favorite concepts - waste of time, basically. This one at least has clean outline and some humor.   Overall Rating: 6/10

36. Sword Art Online Movie: Ordinal Scale Sword Art Online the Movie: Ordinal Scale 劇場版 ソードアート・オンライン -オーディナル・スケール- [A-1 Pictures] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Video Game Action, Adventure, Fantasy In 2026, four years after the infamous Sword Art Online incident, a revolutionary new form of technology has emerged: the Augma, a device that utilizes an Augmented Reality system. Unlike the Virtual Reality of the NerveGear and the Amusphere, it is perfectly safe and allows players to use it while they are conscious, creating an instant hit on the market. The most popular application for the Augma is the game Ordinal Scale, which immerses players in a fantasy role-playing game with player rankings and rewards. Following the new craze, Kirito's friends dive into the game, and despite his reservations about the system, Kirito eventually joins them. While at first it appears to be just fun and games, they soon find out that the game is not all that it seems... What do we like in SAO? MMO fantasy world, super strong bosses, party play, PK, permadeath. What are we getting fed since the original? Augmented reality, amnesia, identity swap, kidnapping and just talks. All the sequels till Alicization neglect all the positive sides and present just another artificial side story with familiar patterns and totally shifted focus. Can't recommend this movie as it steps on the same rakes again, and such destructive behavior should not be supported.   Overall Rating: 6/10

37. Gyakusatsu Kikan Genocidal Organ 虐殺器官 [Manglobe, Geno Studio] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Military, Psychological Sci-Fi  The war on terror exploded, literally, the day Sarajevo was destroyed by a homemade nuclear device. The leading democracies transformed into total surveillance states, and the developing world has drowned under a wave of genocides. The mysterious American John Paul seems to be behind the collapse of the world system, and it's up to intelligence agent Clavis Shepherd to track John Paul across the wreckage of civilizations and to find the true heart of darkness—a genocidal organ. It's a huge bore, and whatever it tries to say is not worth the time spent.   Overall Rating: 5/10

38. Hirune Hime: Shiranai Watashi no Monogatari Napping Princess ひるね姫～知らないワタシの物語～ [Signal.MD] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Adventure, Fantasy, Sci-Fi Kokone Morikawa has a strange napping disease that distracts her from reality, one that makes the world of her dreams and the real world near indistinguishable. In reality, she is an average high school student preparing for her university entrance exams; but in her dreams she is a magical princess of Heartland, a machine-driven future where the use of artificial intelligence is forbidden. Within the seemingly imaginary dreamland, Kokone discovers more about her family's past and the secret that her father, a talented mechanic, has tried to protect her from. However, as the events between two worlds intertwine, she must now protect the secret from villainous entities, both dream-like and terrifyingly real. So there's a lot of nonsense about dreams and enough reactivity in form of getting pursued. It aims to be a family friendly exotic movie akin to Ghibli, but there's nothing really interesting in it, so I'm probably too old for this.   Overall Rating: 6/10

39. Yuuki Yuuna wa Yuusha de Aru: Washio Sumi no Shou 1 - Tomodachi 結城友奈は勇者である -鷲尾須美の章- 第１章「ともだち」 [Studio Gokumi] (Finished 1/1) Tags: Mahou Shoujo Drama, Fantasy The first movie in the Washio Sumi no Shou trilogy. Main question for me here is why Yuuki Yuuna is often remembered as decent dark mahou shoujo on par with Madoka that is remembered by the right of genre discovery. And the answer that I find is that Yuuki Yuuna is ... simple. It does not beat around the bush for some episodes to introduce characters, does not involve multiple antagonists and mystery right away. It's a matter of mere seconds between initial information of being chosen - bell ringing - and fighting boss. And fighting bosses is interchanged with not just SOL, but SOL focused on bonding and character introduction in the process. Simplicity and time management is what makes this anime memorable in first place. But for me that's absolutely not what constitutes a good anime. There's no complexity, no interesting story and even no development so far.  Overall Rating: 6/10

40. Ryuu no Haisha The Dragon Dentist 龍の歯医者 [Khara] (Finished 2/2) Tags: Adventure, Fantasy War rages between two neighboring countries, but one side has an ace up their sleeve: an ancient dragon bound by a pact to protect the nation. Despite these overpowering creatures being capable of leveling entire battlefields, they are rendered useless by cavities. And so, a special unit—the dragon dentists—has the important duty of caring for the dragon's teeth. Nonoko Kishii was the only one of many brave volunteers who survived a recent round of recruitment; in order to join the dragon dentists, one has to witness their future demise and accept it without a fight. Knowing the exact circumstances of their fated ends, the dragon dentists devote themselves to their work. One day, they gain a new member who did not undergo the test: Bernard "Bel" Octavius, a young enemy officer killed by his own men and revived by the dragon's teeth. Despite his appearance being an omen of a great disaster, he is placed under the care of Nonoko as a dentist-in-training. Will Bel come around to the dragon dentists' attitudes toward death and help them face the painful future that is to come? So giant dragons are fortresses, and dragon dentists fulfil maintenance duty. That's a stage, but what about story? Well, someone attacks, and main characters react to the best of their abilities. In the second half there's finally development as main characters have to leave dragon! And it becomes another story of running away and reacting to pursuit. This can be called a great story only if Fushigi no Umi no Nadia is your favorite anime. No, thank you.   Overall Rating: 6/10

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