UlasanAnime.com – The Spring 2012 anime season brought a wealth of new series, prompting the need for a detailed breakdown to keep track of potential favorites. This review aims to provide an in-depth look at the season’s offerings, using a consistent set of questions to evaluate each show.
The evaluation process involves asking three core questions for each anime to gauge its initial appeal. While many series show promise, it’s acknowledged that not all will resonate with every viewer. The goal is to offer a personal perspective without discouraging others from exploring shows that might not align with the reviewer’s preferences.
This compilation has evolved into more of a season preview than a traditional review. The author reflects on the challenges of creating comprehensive season previews, often relying on information dumps about production staff and source material. Despite the potential pitfalls of such an approach, significant credit is given to those who manage to produce thorough and insightful previews.
Zetman
This anime offers quality animation and dark, engaging themes with an almost American-esque feel. While it possesses a distinct appeal, the crowded nature of the current season might mean it gets overlooked by the reviewer.
Is it good? Pretty good.
Can you eat it? Yep!
Will I? 3 eps.
Lupin the Third: Mine Fujiko to Iu Onna
The reviewer has yet to finish “Michiko e Hacchin,” not due to quality issues, but a waning interest after the 16th episode. This personal experience informs the cautious approach to “Fujiko.” If the series heavily focuses on the character of Fujiko, the reviewer might prioritize finishing “Michiko e Hacchin” first, as the themes seem similar, albeit presented differently.
Is it good? Absolutely.
Can you eat it? Got milk?
Will I? Totally on the fence on this.
Medaka Box
Some episodes might have caused a lapse in attention. While Toyosaki’s voice performance is a point of discussion, the reviewer finds the show’s premise intriguing enough to continue, albeit with reservations.
Is it good? Nope.
Can you eat it? Lickity-split good.
Will I? If time permits.
Fate/Zero
This series is praised for its visually rich and meticulously framed presentation. The reviewer draws a comparison to “Game of Thrones,” noting the absence of nudity as a point of irony.
Is it good? Game of Thrones good, minus the nudity (I always feel the irony while making this comparison).
Can you eat it? Kind of disgusting but yes.
Will I? Every Saturday morning!
Uchuu Kyoudai
The enjoyment of this series is significantly influenced by familiarity with the manga. The reviewer appreciates the show’s mainstream-friendly, warm, and fuzzy atmosphere. The presence of Sawashiro is also noted as a positive.
Is it good? Pretty decent.
Can you eat it? If you like a face full of hair, but some people like it.
Will I? As a proud ex-owner of several space shuttle toys I have no excuse not to.
Saki – Episode of Side A
As a continuation of “Saki,” this installment features a new cast. The reviewer is uncertain about its potential, given the strong chemistry of the original cast and the interesting side characters introduced in the tournament arcs. More time is needed to make a definitive judgment.
Is it good? Probably as good as the original, minus tacos.
Can you eat it? Again, minus tacos.
Will I? Probably.
Sankarea
Described as a cute show with an appealing lead character, “Sankarea” blends various elements in an interesting way. The reviewer notes its thematic exploration in character development, reminiscent of “Utena,” which can be a hit or miss approach.
Is it good? It’s not that good.
Can you eat it? Yes.
Will I? Maybe for a while.
Tasogare Otome x Amnesia
This series shares similarities with the “Takane-as-a-ghost” template and features a character named Yuuko, similar to others. The involvement of Oonuma Shin leads to comparisons with “Arashi.” The reviewer questions the translation of “x” to “of” in the title and finds Yuuko’s demeanor less refined than a typical “oujo-sama.”
Is it good? Probably not.
Can you eat it? Somehow, but it is kind of weird.
Will I? At least for now.
Tsuritama
This is considered Nakamura’s most “normal” anime, anchored by high school hijinks. Despite its less overtly exciting nature, the reviewer finds it to be the most captivating of the season, describing it as “liquid crack for visually-oriented database animals.”
Is it good? As per usual Nakamura.
Can you eat it? You’ve been warned.
Will I? Raw? Sauteed? Simmered? Boiled? Broiled? Baked? Fried? Stir-fried? Deep-fried? Steamed? Nuked? However it takes.
Sakamichi no Apollon
While initially finding the show overrated, a contrast with “Fujiko” leads to a greater appreciation of its style. It’s seen as a serious adaptation of a shoujo manga, executed by a director known for his Hong Kong Blood Opera-inspired works. A significant improvement in animation and music synchronization is noted between the first and second episodes.
Is it good? Undoubtedly at this point.
Can you eat it? Yes. Delicious Yoko Kanno is delicious.
Will I? Yep.
Bonus: Just need to figure out how much of this anime is just an ad for various albums.
Polar Bear Cafe
The reviewer finds the computer-animated bears amusing, but the humor doesn’t quite land for them. The show is compared unfavorably to “Mitsudomoe,” which the reviewer enjoyed.
Is it good? Worse than Mitsudomoe. And don’t take it the wrong way–I liked Mitsudomoe. As an aside, now that could be the best setup for a Sphere anime.
Can you eat it? Just don’t eat too much.
Will I? Nope.
Kuroko no Basuke
This is characterized as a typical sports manga adaptation. The protagonist’s role as a “6th man” with literalized figurative powers is highlighted.
Is it good? I don’t know.
Can you eat it? Maybe.
Will I? Nope.
Acchi Kocchi
The cuteness is compared to Konata, but the reviewer admits to a less than enthusiastic appreciation for that character type. The show is deemed below average.
Is it good? Below average.
Can you eat it? I guess you can eat candy.
Will I? Probably not. But who knows?
Upotte!
The premise involves anthropomorphic assault rifles depicted as schoolgirls with attributes tied to their respective firearms. The reviewer finds the concept and the school’s grading system based on ammunition capacity to be particularly absurd.
Is it good? Nope.
Can you eat it? Very well! Or as some would say, “Eat lead!”
Will I? Probably as long as there are enough humor elements to keep me laughing. I like the gun talk just enough to realize “Wow, I think I understand, just barely, what they’re saying! I am probably not a gun otaku.” Positive self-affirming stuff.
Kore ga Zombie Desuka? OF THE DEAD
As a continuation of a previous season, the reviewer acknowledges its dark horse status. The first season was enjoyed, leading to anticipation for the second, with Iori Nozomu’s performance being a standout element.
Is it good? No, but you would be surprised at how good it really is.
Can you eat it? Good question.
Will I? Probably. Although I will most definitely if there’s a Sankarea crossover.
Note: Where’s your simulcast FUNi? Your google fu is entirely missing, to boot.
You might also be interested in : The Future Is 2.5D
Queen’s Blade Rebellion
The reviewer watched the first episode of this third season with the expectation of something outrageous, but was largely underwhelmed, aside from a notable visual gag involving a horse. The series is characterized by consistent “breastservice.”
Is it good? Nope. But it is stable and steady breastservice.
Can you eat it? Yes.
Will I? No.
Nazo no Kanojo X
Having read the manga, the reviewer found the initial hook compelling but felt it failed to deliver on its promise. The anime is expected to be a straightforward adaptation, though the “drool swapping” aspect is acknowledged as potentially off-putting.
Is it good? It’s not bad, but probably not good.
Can you eat it? Probably not the best question to ask when the show is about drool swapping.
Will I? For now.
Leiji Matsumoto’s Ozma
This retro anime featuring sand-submariners is found to be “pretty cool.” The reviewer recalls reading the manga as a child and remembers the setting fondly, though notes that the whiny tone present in the anime was absent in the original manga.
Is it good? It’s kind of average.
Can you eat it? Not really but YMMV.
Will I? Probably not for now.
Sengoku Collection
This is described as a solid “moe-chara” show that does something the reviewer particularly likes, despite its low viewership. The reviewer predicts it might eventually be licensed for a budget release. A standout element was a duo performance in episode three, evoking nostalgia for the mid-2000s. However, the main character might have limited lines despite being central.
Is it good? I think it’s good enough!
Can you eat it? Like spider-sense-tingling candy.
Will I? As much as I can fit it.
Jormungand
This series is highly recommended for friends who enjoy anime, with “Apollon” or “Space Bros” suggested for those seeking less intense content. Koko Morishima’s character is also praised.
Is it good? Passibly.
Can you eat it? Don’t let the brass shell get in the way.
Will I? Yep.
Note: By process of elimination, this is going to be a Funimation or NISA license isn’t it. And either would make a lot of sense.
Eureka Seven Ao
The Okinawa setting is appealing so far. Like other BONES projects, a long-term perspective is necessary, though viewership may fluctuate. The show is a visual treat, and the reviewer anticipates the characters will travel the world, as is common in BONES originals.
Is it good? Ask me again in half a year.
Can you eat it? Maybe.
Will I? On the fence.
Natsuiro Kiseki
The series is deemed neither terrible nor particularly good. While it has potential as a “iyashikei” (healing) type of show, the reviewer is hesitant to recommend waiting for it, though it might offer surprises later.
Is it good? Probably not.
Can you eat it? Kind of reminds me of Hatsukoi Limited, that Saki.
Will I? Yeah, taking the bullet for the team.
Accel World
This series is seen as a significant step forward for video game anime, moving beyond just intriguing concepts to strong execution. The reviewer notes its solid, albeit conventional, approach.
Is it good? Probably not.
Can you eat it? Mmm baby back pork ribs.
Will I? Maybe, going to give it 3.
Shining Heart: Shiawase no Pan
The character designs by Tony Taka are visually appealing, though the facial expressions are noted as translating stiffly in animation. The anime’s “iyashikei” appeal is considered a positive for its genre, with Itou Kanae’s voice acting providing a soothing element. However, it’s considered potentially Production I.G.’s weakest anime in a while.
Is it good? Probably the worse Production IG anime in a while.
Can you eat it? OH YEAH BABY
Will I? Probably will give it 3 and drop.
Haiyore! Nyaruko-san
The character of Nyarlathotep is portrayed as exceptionally cute, and the reviewer credits the show with teaching them how to spell the character’s name. Asumi Kana’s performance is highlighted as a key factor in the show’s success, with the funny source material also contributing to its faithful adaptation.
Is it good? Nope!
Can you eat it? Ufufufufufufu.
Will I? LET’S NYAA
Random stuff:
Akibaranger – The reviewer enjoyed this live-action show, though its live-action format is a slight detraction given its manga-like qualities.
Kuromajo-san ga Toru! – This series is found to be very fun due to its straightforward humor and excellent voice acting.
Yurumates 3Dei! – While the original series led to zoning out, this reboot is perceived as more spirited.
The reviewer notes that only “Hyouka” and “AKB0048” remain to be watched.
PS. A total of 24 shows are listed, with three dropped after one episode. Applying the three-episode test to the remaining series means watching approximately 66 new episodes within four weeks, in addition to ongoing series. This is considered a significant amount, but consistent with the reviewer’s viewing habits.
PPS. The relatively low number of sequels (less than 25%) is surprising. This is attributed to the typical one-to-two-year lead time in anime production, suggesting a reaction to the “sequel-itis” that was prevalent in 2010-2011.
PPPS. A ranked list of shows is provided: Tsuritama > Space Bros > Slopes > Fate Zero > Bodacious ~ Jormungand ~ Nyaruko-san > Sket > Sencolle > Fujiko > Natsukise > Saki ~ Medaka ~ E7AO > Korean ~ Sankarea ~ Dusk > Ozma > Kuroko > Upotte ~ GFX > Accel > Zetman > QBS3 > Bread ~ AK > Bearbros > ??? > profit. “Akibaranger” and “Kuromajo-san” are noted as humorous additions that might supplement shows planned for dropping.
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