UlasanAnime.com – As the summer anime season unfolds, this reviewer has reached a point of clarity, ready to share their selections. This is partly due to the absence of two noitaminA shows, thanks to a double-length rerun of Psycho-Pass. It’s also a result of FUNimation’s season picks, which have largely missed the mark, except for that one essential show they license every season that I absolutely must watch. This means there’s no clutter like Daimidaler or Soul Eater Not, where the effort to even engage with them significantly strains my attention span, leading to their eventual dropping.
The appeal of Aldnoah.Zero is quite evident. It boasts a rich science fiction background, takes plot progression seriously, and pays considerable attention to building tension and emotional resonance. The inclusion of Amamiya Sora is an added bonus, seemingly gaining significant hype, especially within certain circles and now more broadly. The idea of Ohara piloting a mecha is a refreshing concept; it’s been a while since that happened, with Sidonia being a recent example. However, the true reason for its allure is how it resonates with all the elements that made Nadesico so captivating.
At any rate, that’s just the preliminary assessment. The setup is laid on thick, reminiscent of Gargantia. This time, it’s far more palatable, especially for someone who managed to watch at least up to episode 5 of Senkou no Night Raid. Joking aside, the series offers enough depth in its setting and themes to warrant continued interest. The enjoyable pacing and plot are what keep me engaged and awake, I suppose.
Speaking of engagement, I was surprised that Hamayamata managed to keep me awake, despite being rather dull apart from its eye-poppingly vibrant visuals. I mean this in the best possible way. I rewatched the first episode a couple of times, and its hyperrealistic aesthetic, achieved through an excessive use of filters, felt somewhat out of place. I would be remiss if I didn’t admit to enjoying Yaya’s portrayal as not-Kaya and Hana’s origin from scenic New Jersey. I’m eagerly anticipating Nu’s character. More seriously, it evokes a certain feeling similar to Chihayafuru, and I’m curious to see how that translates into a dance… club context.
I didn’t anticipate enjoying Akame ga Kill, but I did. It’s another show featuring Amamiya Sora! However, this one is clearly a step down. It could be fun if it had a more developed setting to work with.
I want to like Argevollen, but it’s turning out to be the perfect counterpoint to 08th MS Team. If you’ve ever wanted an example of a terrible mecha anime with a squad focus, this is it. At least they could have done us the favor of making the main character as laid-back as those in Gunparade March. I genuinely wanted to enjoy it, but it is, in almost every aspect, a lesser version of shows like Aldnoah.Zero or Sidonia, minus the KOTOKO.
Glasslip… Satojun taking on Nagiasu? I’m not entirely sure what to expect, but I’m confident I’ll enjoy it immensely. That said, it’s been a bit sleepy so far. The superpower element feels somewhat vague. It’s acceptable to start this quickly, but I wish we had a little more time to get acquainted with the characters first.
Locodol is another series I initially expected to be mediocre but is turning out to be quite decent. I almost wish we could swap Naru from Hanayamata with the protagonist here. I would likely enjoy this show much more if it were as long as Yama no Susume 2. It’s not, which means it now needs a compelling plot to sustain its 15-minute runtime.
Nozaki-kun is akin to a shoujo anime that isn’t. I can’t say I particularly like it, as the humor doesn’t resonate with me as much. However, it’s helpful that both main characters act as tsukkomi. Perhaps that appeals to female viewers? Regardless, while the concept is intriguing, it’s hitting all the wrong notes for me. I can’t fault it for trying to connect, but it might just not be my kind of show.
Rail Wars is the one series this season where I appreciate everything except the actual story. I love the depiction of a pseudo-real world Tokyo Station and the Japanese approach to customer service. I also appreciate the presence of real trains in the anime, down to the smallest detail. Unfortunately, the rest of it is rather poor. It’s so bad that I’d rather rewatch parts of Tenchi Muyo. I suppose.
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Ao Haru Ride is shaping up to be quite cool, as we finally see Mayayan in a suitable shoujo protagonist role. She deserves it. I wish I could say more about it, though; it’s simply not my preferred genre. When I watch shows like this, I tend to become an old fogey, lamenting, “Why can’t shows today be as good as Karekano?” Perhaps this rant from Otaking has something to do with it.
Sabagebu is alright. I watched one episode, and it was largely forgettable, but it will probably be entertaining enough to keep me watching for up to three episodes.
I intend to watch one episode of Love Stage, but I’m not quite that bored yet. Bladedancer could be interesting, and it doesn’t carry the stigma of “yet another Nobunaga-themed show,” so I might give that a try at some point.
The new Encouragement of Climb anime is excellent, but I feel it’s too long.
I watched the Tokyo Zombie live-action movie some years ago, and it was hilarious. I hope Tokyo Ghoul is at least on the same level. Somehow, I doubt it.
I glanced at the 2ch matome posts for Momo Kyun Sword. That was enough for me.
At this rate, how can I possibly return to OFA? Hopefully, by dropping half of the above. I still have 4 more idols to unlock!
PS. None of this changes the fact that Zankyou no Terror might still be the best show of the season, but as of now, there isn’t enough data to make that definitive call. Rather than declaring it a victory for Aldnoah, it’s more of a personal triumph that it didn’t crash and burn amidst the competition before it thinned out. It’s almost like watching NASCAR for the car crashes.
PPS. I’m sure to watch more shows not mentioned above this season. I also owe myself a Puchimas catch-up after I finish my Sidonia catch-up.
PPPS. I’m enjoying Cap’n Earth significantly more since they shifted focus to exploring all the other designer children elements. The second ending theme is awesome. Ace is slowing down as anticipated; finally getting to see baldie pitch should lift spirits. And I’ve omitted the other continuations that I will surely catch up on, like Illya and Ai Mai Mii… It just goes to show how great Encouragement of Climb is.
