Ayy, Izz That Anime Roundup Time With Your Boii— (Winter 2017/2018)

WritingSpirit, a little late with one of these. In fact, I almost forgot about doing it and realized it halfway in writing out my progress update, so yeah. Anyway, don't wanna take too long on this. Need to spare some time for my work for both my production and my stories.

I will not be covering the two ongoing anime that I'm still watching, which are Grancrest Senki and Darling in the FranXX. If something from the season's missing, it's simply because they didn't interest me enough for me to warrant a watch. Once again, we'll begin with shows that continued on from last year's fall season, starting with:

3-gatsu no Lion 2nd Season

"Even if it takes me my whole life, I'm going to pay you back."

This show is fabulous. Just utterly fabulous. There's so many emotions that this show captured and showcased, but to do them all so incredibly well, so much so that even the smallest side characters and one-off antagonists of the show could be easily empathized with in a singular episode... it speaks volumes of how stellar everything is. Top notch direction and composition served to propel what was already a great story into a brilliant show, resplendent with a nuance that I aspire to achieve with my own work one day. If you haven't seen this already, I really, really recommend you guys to watch this.
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Mahoutsukai no Yome

"If you were to disappear, life without you would be truly dreadful."

I was readily invested in the world of The Magus Bride by way of manga, so to know that this story was having a show kept me on the edge of my seat. In the end, I can say without doubt that I've enjoyed it, and was captivated by the many memorable moments of the story being put into animation, which was spectacular. Despite that, I do think that there have been some odd choices made throughout certain points in the series that were detrimental to the story. For example, there were certain scenes that had their accompanying dialogue removed, perhaps to speed up the pacing a little. They could've given proper context to other events that follow in the story, and their absence would leave many people baffled at the sudden turn of events that would take place. In the end, I think the show holds it own formidably well nevertheless, so do give this a shot if it's up your alley.

Mitsuboshi Colors

"So let's wipe out mankind."

One of the winter season's many CGDCT (Cute Girls Doing Cute Things) shows, this one follows a team known as the Colors which consists of three precocious young girls who go around their local park to bring justice to... whatever they think it's worth bringing justice to. Honestly, I'm actually rather surprised at how such a simple concept and premise was executed so flawlessly, even though the way the show is structured makes it seem like it was marketed towards children. There's a lot of joy to be had in this show as we follow the girls and keep up with their loony antics, but the adults around them was what really sold me on this show. They're treating the girls their age, and sometimes even participate in their little games, which really makes the show one to look forward to every week.

Karakai Jouzu no Takagi-san

"If you blush, you lose."

Another show with a simple premise that was decently well-executed, basically following the life of a boy who gets consistently teased at by the girl sitting next to him in class, mostly because of himself. This was a show that put a smile on my face every day when it comes on, even though I'm well aware of how things would turn out for everyone involved. The addition of some content — three high school girls and their everyday shenanigans — also served to freshen things up a little. I think there were many great moments in this show, though personally, I felt that they never quite reached the heartwarming high in the first episode that made me stick with this show in the first place. Still, it was alright for what it is.

Hakumei to Mikochi

"I think it's a place I can come home to."

This show is probably one of the most interesting shows in the slice-of-life genre I've seen in a while. It was rustic as it was fantastical, the world that we're presented with vibrant one moment, tranquil the next. There's a lot of interesting, unspoken lore baked into the premise itself, coming to the fore only when it's about to serve some purpose in the themes surrounding that episode's story. The characters themselves were really intriguing, colorful both in appearance and in personality. Though the overall show does not have any clear linear progression in terms of an overarching plot, each individual story, delivered elegantly with the director's trademark paneled animations, captivated me from end to end, bringing a warm sense of complete comfort every week.

Kokkoku

"Don't stop. No turning back. Flashback."

Been a while since I've heard something this damn groovy burst through my eardrums! Amazing opening song aside, this show was alright. Story overall wasn't as well as I had hoped it would be, but the way they were spliced into each episode kept me coming back for more, so that's commendable. The science behind everything is a little quirky, though that in part also what made it interesting for me, even if it does bog down the pacing a little when the characters begin speculating or explaining things to each other. Final few episodes did taper off in the end, though they didn't ruin the overall show, as far as I'm concerned. Overall, I enjoyed this little ride that I put myself on.
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Koi wa Ameagari no You ni

"Now, in this moment, I'll get wet alongside you in your pouring rain."

While this show was advertised as some sort of a romance (which is a weird angle to take, considering the age difference between the show's two main characters), it really is more of a coming-of-age drama, if anything else, telling the story of two people who rediscover their passions in life through each other. Each and every scene in this show was carefully crafted and beautifully told, particularly in the more nuanced of moments. As one might figure out, rain is a central theme to this show, having appeared in almost every episode and serving as a catalyst for the most important character moments in the show. There's an overwhelming breath of nostalgia with this show, which is particularly fitting considering the direction the story headed toward. In the end, however, what blew me away was how every moment was framed and arranged, riddling with metaphors and motifs that filled in the details of every characters' lives. I wholeheartedly recommend this show just for that.

Overlord II

"I am Ainz Ooal Gown. With that name at stake, there can be no defeat."

Absolutely adored the first season, so of course I'm going to be watching this. Putting it simply, this season delivered everything the first season had to offer in spades: thrilling action, hilarious comedy and, of course, total badassery. It's really amazing when you see how overpowered the main characters were in comparison to everyone else, showcasing tropes that, had it gotten a more mediocre execution, would've been easily dismissed as Mary / Gary Stu. Every time, I'm always left breathless and hanging at the edge of my seat at just how insane yet how perfectly planned everything was story-wise. Of course, none of this would've come to fruition had it not been for the amazing animation as well. If you haven't watched this show yet, give it a try! This show is unquestionably awesome, no doubt about that! Also, Season 3 hype!

B: The Beginning

"It's right under our noses, but we don't see it."

Expected this show a bit later in the year, so it surprised me when I learned it came out already. For one of Netflix's anime forays, this one turned out better than I expected. Sure, the story is a little bit jarring and perplexing at times, the pacing is a bit off-kilter thanks to too much being crammed into 12 episodes, and some of the characters are a little flat, particularly those on the more fantastical side of the spectrum, but was it a fun ride? Definitely was for me, as I was invested in the premise and the characters ever since episode 1. I've really, really enjoyed every moment that was showcased here, going along with every twist and turn the story goes through however absurd it may be. Think if this show was drawn out into twice its length, I think it'll really serve the story justice, true and true. Nevertheless, I'm really happy with what we've got and, from the looks of it, we might get some more in the near future. Can't wait to see how things turn out!

Violet Evergarden

"If a client requests it, we shall go anywhere. Representing the Auto Memoir Doll service..."

Ah, this show. Controversial before it even came out thanks to all the immense hype surrounding it. Personally, I think the hype itself was well-deserved, considering the studio's penchant for amazing animation. As always, the animation did not disappoint, in fact excelling in some places as well. The story follows an episodic routine, which is a gripe for some, though I find that it serves to tell the story better overall in this way. It's basically a character progression, following our titular character as she tries to understand the idea of emotions within her interactions with the other people that populate the world. With that being a motivation, it would mean that there's a lot of emotional moments in this show. Suffice to say, I cried. A lot. Yep, well-deserved hype indeed.

Yuru Camp△

"What are you, a granny from the countryside?"

Top three now (yay!). The other CGDCT show that I've really enjoyed this season, featuring camping, of all things! This was the comfiest show that I've ever had the pleasure to watch in a while. All these moments of peace and serenity, punctuated from time to time with funny comedic moments that come in guns blazing as we see the girls up to their crazy antics... it just brings the fluffiest of smiles to my face every week once the episode is done. I also enjoyed wholeheartedly the background music utilized in the show, the mood of every moment underscored perfectly by each piece without fail. Like with all comfy shows, this one is best enjoyed on a chillier day with some hot cocoa. Wholeheartedly recommend this.
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Pop Team Epic

"???!!!"

This is the worst show I've ever seen.

This is the best show I've ever seen.

Both statements are factually correct.

So, watch this?

Just watch this.

You'll understand once you watch this.
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Sora yori mo Tooi Basho

"When you hit the point of no return, that’s the moment it truly becomes a journey."

Once again, another season of anime, another show that took my breath away. I'm one of those who initially thought the premise was a little bit out there: four girls going to Antarctica somehow didn't sit well with me for some reason. Nevertheless, this was one of the most grounded shows I've ever come across, featuring four goofy yet wonderful girls with some of the best characterization that this medium had seen in a while. I've never could've imagined liking this show as much as I did before starting it, but every moment past the premiere blew away the already-high expectations I've set for it. Everything it had to offer was top notch, every mood shift was subtle yet simply divine, every subplot that stuck its head out was neatly wrapped up without a loose end in sight. Only gripe was the use of insert songs in every episode, but I cannot deny that they were used at the most effective of moments it could be used in. This was undoubtedly the best I've watched the entire season, which is really a testament to how great it is when you consider the rest of the shows that I've watched as well. It was definitely quite a journey from start to finish, and an inspiring one at that. Pick this up if you haven't yet already!

So, start of the year, and we're already having some great shows to talk about! Hopefully this list helps those of you who are uncertain of starting these shows or just looking for something to fill your time with! Next season has a lot of interesting ones that could deliver, particularly in the romcom department (looking at you, Wotakoi) so I'm eager to see how things turn out. Safe bet that there'll be another one of these by then.

WritingSpirit, signing out!