UlasanAnime.com – As the year winds down, it’s a good time to catch up on various anime series. This review focuses on the Autumn 2013 season, highlighting personal impressions and a deep dive into the shows that stood out, for better or worse.
Valvrave was a surprising enjoyment, exceeding expectations. The reviewer muses that perhaps CLAMP’s involvement in character design could have given the series more longevity. Despite its potential, the story, symbolism, and themes felt underdeveloped, a shame given its liberal message that could have resonated with a younger audience. The ending also felt rushed, suggesting two more episodes would have been beneficial for proper closure.
The season presented a few surprises, like the unexpected continuation of White Album 2. Nagi no Asukara seemed to take a dramatic turn, with another cour planned. Samurai Flamenco also proved to be a point of contention. However, Magi continued to be enjoyable, and Ace of the Diamond impressed with its recent episodes, which effectively explained fundamental sports mechanics to a broader audience, elevating its status in the sports anime genre.
Yuushibu and Outbreak Company (OBC) are acknowledged as enjoyable shows, with Yuushibu standing out for its meta-commentary and extended Star Trek joke. OBC served as an ideal guilty pleasure, though its exploration of soft power felt superficial, akin to playing wiffleball when more potential existed. The reviewer notes the disappointment in the show’s missed opportunities.
A strong defense is mounted for Yuushibu’s animation quality, contrasting it with the perception some have of Kill la Kill. The reviewer posits that Kill la Kill’s appeal lies in its execution, reminiscent of B-tier Japanese live-action TV and films, particularly in its daring subject matter and visual presentation, like the inclusion of underboobs, which is rarely seen on television. The comparison to the live-action Hentai Kamen movie suggests that Kill la Kill might be seen as an inferior version by those familiar with similar content. The reviewer believes that many anime viewers may not explore beyond the medium, making such content feel novel and exciting.
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Determining the best anime of the season is a challenge. Kill la Kill earns accolades for its style, Yozakura Quartet for its sakuga, Kyousougiga for its artistic merit and strong premiere, Valvrave for its narrative daring, and Arpeggio for its close resemblance to Girls und Panzer. Outbreak Company is noted for its meta fanservice, while Yuushibu offers its own brand of serious fanservice. The best ED is attributed to Unbreakable Machine Doll, and Galilei Donna might take the OP award. Samurai Flamenco is praised for its meta-concept and writing.
Gundam Build Fighters also deserves recognition, perhaps for its character designs. While it’s too early to call it the best AU Gundam, it’s certainly a strong contender.
White Album 2, despite its enjoyment, is criticized for being too girl-centric, lacking sufficient focus on the male protagonist. While not wanting a repeat of Golden Time’s issues, more exposition for Haruki would have been welcome. Regarding Golden Time, the reviewer admits to being prepared due to having watched Natsuyuki Rendezvous. However, Koko is described as a difficult character, and the amnesia plot device is deemed silly. The reviewer credits the show for giving its characters, even the eccentric ones like Miss Denpa, substantial depth and making them relatable.
Golden Time is also noted for its surprising meta elements, as is Tokyo Raven, which is considered a fairly standard battle mystery story. The reviewer, a fan of meta-commentary, finds it potentially excessive in Tokyo Raven.
A desire to watch Sekatsuyo persists, but difficulty progressing past episode 4 has stalled progress, with a plan to jump directly to the Chiaking episodes.
Kyoukai no Kanata is described as a visually appealing but ultimately disjointed series. While it possesses the beautiful aesthetic typical of Kyoani, it failed to cohere. The reviewer enjoyed it but likely won’t rewatch it, preferring Noucome for its comedic impact when placed side-by-side.
Noucome is presented as the ultimate guilty pleasure, surpassing Outbreak Company in that regard. Its humor is so potent that it warrants significant attention, even if it was understated by critics.
Log Horizon is discussed as not a guilty pleasure but a personal indulgence, driven by nostalgia for old-school MMORPG experiences and Yumi Hara’s performance. The anime is considered good, drawing comparisons to a Fate/Zero treatment of Maoyu, but with a less ambitious scope and a more grounded, albeit less epic, narrative. The reviewer accepts this trade-off, given its status as a personal guilty pleasure.
Amidst a packed season, the reviewer still managed to watch Gingitsune (solid), Infinite Stratos (disappointing), and Walkure Romanze. The latter is surprisingly well-executed, particularly its integration of a “koushien” element into an exploitative eroge setting. The fanservice episode is praised for its cleverness and unexpected approach, a testament to the writers and performers, specifically mentioning Nakamura Eriko.
Viva Torture!
