The following is a basic roundup of the stuff I’ve been watching since the beginning of the year. However, I’m not entirely sure if I’ve included everything - I may have missed some that I thought was yesteryears. But needless to say, there were quite a few pleasant surprises, as well as some let-downs. However, these are the most notable things that came to mind.
[Completed]
Claymore - Was pretty much laden with pretty fights until the part where it deviates from the manga. The bleh ending doesn’t do much in its favour. However, it’s probably a case of the studios biting off more than they can chew. Basically a popcorn anime. Watch, turn off your brain, eat your corn, be happy. [7.5/10]
Code Geass Season 1 - Surprised me a good deal. I didn’t have very high hopes when I started it, but after finishing it, I must indeed follow the general consensus: It’s incredibly excellent. Not surprising that this shared the Best Anime of 2007 at the awards along with Haruhi. Wait, I never did finish Haruhi. [9.5/10]
Darker than Black - I wasn’t expecting much from what I heard about it (Monster of the Day and bleh ending) but it was actually pretty good. The profile of following a contract killer (That kills Contractors, yes, I know, I’m a genius) and his various jobs, plus his relation to the Syndicate controlling him is quite a change from the norm. I hope they’ll do a season 2, but eh. [9/10]
Ergo Proxy - One of the few dystopian-atmospheric animes done well. The environments were all very well-defined, as well as the current state of their society. That, and Pino is awesome. [9/10]
Ghost Hunt - Not the best thing ever, but it was entertaining enough while it lasted. Some scenes were pretty creepy as well. I mainly watch it for all the information and reference, but the main character IS an endearing little oaf of a girl. [7.5/10]
Higurashi Season 1 - It was interesting. However, the animation during many of the ‘crazy’ scenes was downright awful and looked like they were done by kids in grade school. Overall though, I guess it wasn’t a wasted experience. Just not the incredible series everyone touts it to be. Sure, it was somewhat different from the norm, but that wasn’t enough to make it really stand out. [7/10]
Mushishi - This thing is incredible. The episodes were able to convey a wide range of emotions between them, as well as the interactions of society and the results caused, often disastrous but nevertheless a learning experience for the parties involved. Ginko is also a very awesome main character - Cynical, thoughtful, but also an unusual guardian of a balance that most people cannot even comprehend. [10/10]
[In progress]
Dennou Coil - It looks visually like some kooky hybrid of Serial Experiments Lain and Azumanga Daioh. Very good so far, but things have been really kicking up notches in the latest episodes. Contender for another perfect score.
Ghost Hound - Just started. Being an anniversary production, I have high hopes for this thing. The premise is also quite unusual and unique - Namely, exploration into Out of Body experiences.
Higurashi Season 2 - I like this better than the first season so far. Less gratious violence, better animation and more consistent character design, as well as Hanyuu.
Well, that’s all for now. Tune in next week for an article about the social interaction between bunnies and weasels and their impact on the environmental ecosystems!
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