UlasanAnime.com – The springtime anime season presents a delightful predicament: an abundance of promising new series, making the selection process challenging for avid viewers. This is a recurring issue over the past few seasons, where the sheer volume of quality content forces difficult choices.
Shows like the new Lupin and Tsuritama are immediate picks. Space Bros and Apollon are considered essential viewing for the medium. Others, such as Achi Kochi and Nyaruko-san, are on the fence despite being entertaining. Even series with strong merit like Medaka Box might struggle to stand out against the competition. Resuming established titles like Fate Zero and Korean Zombies, alongside keeping up with Sket Dance, Aquarion, and Mouretsu Pirates, becomes a significant time commitment, even for shows that typically appeal to my tastes.
This doesn’t even account for potentially enjoyable, albeit lighter fare, like Upotte and the new Queen’s Blade, which features Itou Shizuka in a pirate role again. The bizarre transparent horse also adds to the novelty. Even shows that might have been watchable in previous years, like the Bear Cafe anime or Kuroko’s Basketball, struggle to find a place in the current crowded schedule. Nazo no Kanojo X, a manga I briefly enjoyed, gains appeal through its anime’s retro aesthetic. The initial episodes of Dusk Maiden of Amnesia and Sankarea are intriguing, but the question remains whether there will be enough time to explore them fully. Ozma, with its classic and interesting premise after three episodes, also faces the challenge of competing with the influx of new anime, especially when series like Fujiko already satisfy a particular niche.
Intriguing and well-executed shows like Sengoku Collection, despite adhering to popular themes like moe and historical characters, might not fare as well simply due to the sheer volume of other options. Jormungand evokes a familiar feel, reminiscent of characters like Revy or Lovely Haruka, and it’s a testament to White Fox’s creative output. The challenge lies in discerning which of these promising series will ultimately capture attention and viewership.
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The desire to watch Saint Seiya Omega is present, but its chances are slim given the competition. Similarly, the bread-making anime and Piggy Online, a seemingly solid chuunibyou series, also face an uphill battle for viewership. Finally, Eureka 7 AO joins the ranks, potentially fitting into the continuity or side-story category alongside Saki. The inclusion of NatsuKise, which is being blogged about for jtor, and AKB0048, a series that feels almost obligatory to watch, further adds to the viewing list. Zetman, with its Hulu adaptation and familiar setup, also demands attention from its audience.
It’s conceivable to watch and genuinely enjoy almost every series this season. The only exceptions might be Panda Cafe and Kuroko, and even then, a three-episode trial seems warranted. The appeal of seeing Stealth Momo play basketball is undeniable. For the average avid anime viewer following Japanese late-night television, even skipping half of the 2012 Spring season’s offerings significantly increases the likelihood of missing out on a truly worthwhile show. This situation underscores the importance of being exceptionally selective.
Late-night TV anime appears to be experiencing a renaissance, a far cry from earlier eras like “Those Who Hunt Elves.” However, a significant risk emerges: will these well-produced shows succeed in a market saturated with similar quality content? Can KyoAni’s Hyouka make a substantial impact? How will studios, productions, and committees differentiate themselves economically and in the minds of fans? While price wars often benefit consumers, this particular battle seems to have no clear winners, only a multitude of contenders and dedicated otaku.
Personally, this abundance of choice is exciting. However, there’s a peculiar sense of resentment towards those who believe anime or noitaminA has been “saved” by series like Apollon. Similar to Redline, while Watanabe’s love for jazz music is evident, faithfully adapting a josei/shoujo manga feels somewhat incongruous. Despite its potential greatness, the execution might feel peculiar. Conversely, Nakamura’s Tsuritama is so delightfully multifaceted that words fail to capture its charm. Therefore, who am I to make definitive judgments?
Naturally, I anticipate someone declaring this season lackluster with only a couple of genuinely good shows. This is because the overseas anime fandom often presents a highly distorted perspective. This season’s challenge is not a lack of quality, but an overwhelming surfeit of it, forcing viewers to make difficult decisions about where to invest their time and attention.
