More recent anime
Following up on my previous post, here are some more anime (and other Japanese TV series) from the last 3 years that are worth checking out. Anime has never been easier to access, with online streaming sites like Crunchyroll, Funimation, Daisuki & AnimeLab (as well as Netflix, Hulu & YouTube). Many of these sites are subscription based, but some provide limited access to shows supported by advertising. The concept of simulcast and "simuldub," where shows are available within weeks of when they are originally broadcast in Japan, is really exciting.
Steins;Gate 0, Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Alternative Architecture, season 2 of Strike the Blood, and seasons 2 & 3 of Attack on Titan have all been great. I've also picked up some new shows that really impressed me:
KonoSuba (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!) Studio Deen, Winter 2016
This fantasy isekai portrays what D&D is actually like (at least when I play it): bumbling, well-intentioned evil. Subverting genre tropes with hilarious hijinks, particularly the obligatory onsen trip in season 2. More consistently funny than the similar DanMachi, which I reviewed previously.
Thunderbolt Fantasy (Sandāboruto Fantajī: Tōriken Yūki) Nitroplus, Summer 2016
Not an anime per se, but a crazy wuxia puppet show scripted by Gen Urobuchi. The action setpieces are simply stunning, combined with a dramatic plot that is totally over-the-top. Very unique and well worth a look.
Berserk Studio 4°C, Summer 2016
This is a sequel of sorts to the anime series from 1997, in the sense that both adapt various volumes of the manga. I haven't watched the first series, nor read the manga, but I have seen the 3 films of the "Golden Age" arc. Dark fantasy with gory action scenes and a freaky love triangle, things get seriously fucked up by the middle of the third film. In the post-credits scene, Guts has become the Black Swordsman and we are told, "This is only the beginning." These 12 episodes are intended to continue the story, but unfortunately the drop in quality of the 3D animation is bad enough to make it nigh on unwatchable.
One Punch Man (OPM) Madhouse, Fall 2015
A satire of shōnen (Dragonball, etc.) as well as superheroes in general. Not available on Crunchyroll, but well worth seeking out. Based on a webcomic by ONE, this show exhibits his quirky sense of humor and endearing characters, also evident in the equally excellent Mob Psycho 100.
Testament of Sister New Devil (Shinmai Maou no Testament) Production IMS, Winter 2015
Similar in style to Strike the Blood or Daimao, which I reviewed in my previous post. This is an ecchi anime where the MC has supernatural powers, based on a light novel by Tetsuto Uesu.
D-Frag! (Dīfuragu!) Brain's Base, Winter 2014
Steins;Gate 0, Ghost in the Shell: Arise - Alternative Architecture, season 2 of Strike the Blood, and seasons 2 & 3 of Attack on Titan have all been great. I've also picked up some new shows that really impressed me:
KonoSuba (Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo!) Studio Deen, Winter 2016
This fantasy isekai portrays what D&D is actually like (at least when I play it): bumbling, well-intentioned evil. Subverting genre tropes with hilarious hijinks, particularly the obligatory onsen trip in season 2. More consistently funny than the similar DanMachi, which I reviewed previously.
Thunderbolt Fantasy (Sandāboruto Fantajī: Tōriken Yūki) Nitroplus, Summer 2016
Not an anime per se, but a crazy wuxia puppet show scripted by Gen Urobuchi. The action setpieces are simply stunning, combined with a dramatic plot that is totally over-the-top. Very unique and well worth a look.
Berserk Studio 4°C, Summer 2016
This is a sequel of sorts to the anime series from 1997, in the sense that both adapt various volumes of the manga. I haven't watched the first series, nor read the manga, but I have seen the 3 films of the "Golden Age" arc. Dark fantasy with gory action scenes and a freaky love triangle, things get seriously fucked up by the middle of the third film. In the post-credits scene, Guts has become the Black Swordsman and we are told, "This is only the beginning." These 12 episodes are intended to continue the story, but unfortunately the drop in quality of the 3D animation is bad enough to make it nigh on unwatchable.
One Punch Man (OPM) Madhouse, Fall 2015
A satire of shōnen (Dragonball, etc.) as well as superheroes in general. Not available on Crunchyroll, but well worth seeking out. Based on a webcomic by ONE, this show exhibits his quirky sense of humor and endearing characters, also evident in the equally excellent Mob Psycho 100.
Testament of Sister New Devil (Shinmai Maou no Testament) Production IMS, Winter 2015
Similar in style to Strike the Blood or Daimao, which I reviewed in my previous post. This is an ecchi anime where the MC has supernatural powers, based on a light novel by Tetsuto Uesu.
The antics of the Game Creation Club (Provisional), who create tabletop games like the "Quest for
Porn Mags in Space" featured in the trailer, as well as battling the other clubs at their high school for supremacy.
Porn Mags in Space" featured in the trailer, as well as battling the other clubs at their high school for supremacy.
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