2008 Animu Review Thread

Nary a flaw? I thought that the last few episodes were inconsistent, but that's because such a gag can only be drawn out so far before it becomes grating. Had this continued on further than it had, I could see it going downhill really fast.

Oh well, my top 5:

#5 - Natsume Yuujinchou
Really beautiful atmospheric kind of show that packs a lot of heart. Every episode is absolutely wonderful, especially in the way it manages to draw out the viewer's emotions through its many poignant scenes making it a fairly enjoyable experience.

#4 - Spice and Wolf
Solid show with an unusual premise, but one that delivers in spades because of the excellent amount of chemistry between Horo and Craft Lawrence (contrary to what Tails says). It also helps that some of the plots they devise, like the whole currency devaluation issue was interesting without going too far into the econ-speak as to render it totally boring.

#3 - Kure-nai
Totally biased because this show has a boatload of characters that are interesting to analyze. The dialog is intelligent all around and the only thing keeping this show from being totally awesome is the ending, which isn't quite on par with what came before in the realm of character development.

#2 - Zoku Sayonara Zetsubou Sensei
Takes the first season and pumps it up with an overdose of insanity. The show just fires jokes willy nilly and even if you don't "get" them, it's hard not to be entertained since there really isn't a slow moment at all. Shinbo's weirdness carries the day once again and I just loved every moment of it.

#1 - ARIA the ORIGINATION
Tough pick, but this one really does it for me. The premise of some gondoliers moving up in the world might seem like a really wonky one to base 13 episodes (let alone the episodes from ANIMATION and NATURAL), but this show is very touching and only gets better and better with each passing episode. I just couldn't help but feel charmed by the characters and the way the series ended was stunningly good.

No honorable mentions aside from shows I haven't watched by probably belong:
Kaiba - I heard it has an engaging story. Need to get around to watching it.
Macross F - Not bad from what I've seen. Again, just need to motivate myself into watching this one.

Fall shows that have not completed but are good (or have the potential to be):
Tytania - grand, sweeping, and EPIC. Really enjoying the machinations and Fan Hyulick is pretty awesome.
One Outs - Baseball made all the more awesome. I can't help it but enjoy the main character, who's different enough from Akagi and Kaiji to stand on his own.
Eve no Jikan - Very very good show. Delves into the relationships between humans and robots and inquires what it means to simply exist and have a will. Asimov would be proud.
Mouryou no Hako - Very intriguing mystery/horror series. Subs where?
Michiko and Hatchin - It's like Bebop except the characters aren't quite as endearing. The show's got a lot of style to it though and it certainly has the potential to get better.

Jam it back in, in the dark.

Originally Posted by Quote

Natsume Yuujinchou - was definitely a treat of a series, I was really sad when it ended at 12. I wish there was more.

I presume you're aware that the second season of Natsume should be airing soonish?

There's nowhere I can't reach.