UlasanAnime.com – This post is presented in a “shoot first, ask questions later” style, offering immediate thoughts on various anime series from the Summer 2013 season.
The author generally enjoys Servant x Service, viewing it as an improvement over Working!! in many aspects. However, it is noted that the series lacks magnetic characters. The adoption of adult sensibilities provides a fresh flavor but also introduces elements that detract from the charm of simpler punchlines, making both the jokes and characters harder to fully embrace.
Silver Spoon anime is perceived as slightly heavy-handed, though this approach is likely necessary to convey the story’s deeper themes. While the manga’s handling is unknown, the anime adaptation of Silver Spoon feels like a substantial work. It’s suggested that the anime could have been culturally specific, but its saving grace is the universal nature of basic agricultural processes, made similar across countries by scientific advancements. This universality allows the core message to resonate broadly, with many themes unrelated to agriculture. The pizza episode is highlighted as an excellent example of a modern “stone soup” story and the best segment of the series.
Among the shows that the author couldn’t complete beyond episode 3, Kaminai (Kamisama no Inai Nichiyoubi) and the Monogatari series are the most intriguing. The author fully expects to catch up on the latter series.
Episodes 6 and 7 of Tamayura ~More Aggressive~ were particularly enjoyed. In episode 7, Potte captures a photo of fireworks and her friends’ backs. A question is posed about the ISO of the film used and whether it was changed from her camera after the competition. The author admits to being behind on episodes and hopes to catch up in the coming week.
The ending of MJPR (Majestic Prince) is described as a “sea of flags,” humorously compared to Evangelion in its use of joke flags. Despite this, the story is considered too simple, akin to a Hollywood cliché. Nevertheless, it was executed well enough to be enjoyable, though it felt too shallow for the author’s personal taste.
The two series directed by Shin Oonuma were a “riot to watch.” Illya (Fate/kaleid liner Prisma Illya) delivered action well, and Watamote (Watashi ga Motenai no wa Dou Kangaetemo Omaera ga Warui) was a very clever show. Both exceeded expectations, prompting an examination of the author’s initially low expectations for them. Notable bright spots existed in both shows; Izumi Kitta is praised for her perfect portrayal of Tomoko. Beyond Illya’s convincing action scenes, Mai Kadowaki’s extensive voice time as Illya allows her to embody the role comfortably.
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Compared to her performance in Genei Taiyou (Day Break Illusion), Illya’s portrayal was delightful. While this difference didn’t necessarily improve Day Break Illusion, it effectively highlighted the contrasting natures of the two magical girl shows. Curiously, despite its perceived flaws, Genei Taiyou still possessed several good points, attributed to the nature of otaku media.
Titan (Shingeki no Kyojin) and Railgun (Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S) remain the two top “least serious business” anime on the author’s watch list, especially Railgun. The author expresses bewilderment at how people can take it seriously without appearing foolish.
Free! is found to be a fun watch on its own merits, with the “manservice” elements largely avoidable. The rest of the show is considered on par with something like Tamako Market. Despite ongoing complaints, the animation and story are sufficient to maintain the author’s attention.
As a non-manga reader, Kaminomi (Kami nomi zo Shiru Sekai) is also highly enjoyable. It’s uncommon to hear voice actors Asumin and Ayachi in such roles. This third season of Kaminomi alters the show’s dynamic; the author’s favorite episodes in the previous two seasons were the filler ones. By advancing the plot, the third season mitigates complaints about forced pacing but also removes the charming downtime moments. While not entirely loved, it could certainly be worse.
Eccentric Family (Uchouten Kazoku) is hailed as the author’s top show of the season and a strong contender for a top 5 anime of 2013. The author intends to take time to reflect on it, noting that many others are already discussing it.
The surprise hit of the season is identified as Love Lab. The author particularly appreciates how it provides a normal “girls-be-girls” setup as a backbone, also incorporating boys. It’s described as delightful overall, though it could benefit from being funnier.
Genshiken Niidaime (Genshiken Second Season) meets the author’s high expectations, remaining one of the best meta anime in recent memory. However, because these expectations were high, it doesn’t offer much delight as it fails to surprise. This is despite having the manga and saving it for after finishing the anime. The cross-cultural jokes are especially appreciated.
Before making definitive claims about Genshiken, the author feels they should watch K3 (Kitakubu Katsudo Kiroku), having seen some interesting screenshots. However, it doesn’t distinguish itself beyond its nonsensical elements. A question is posed about whether K3 is superior to Kinmoza (Kiniro Mosaic).
C3-bu (Tokurei Sochi Dantai Stella Jo Gakuin Koutou Ka C3-bu), on the other hand, is a surprise in a different way. The author also enjoyed it greatly but found it difficult to discuss due to a week-long delay on Crunchyroll, where episodes are released on Mondays but new ones air on Thursdays. Given the author’s busy summer, episodes were typically watched on weekends, making Thursdays the earliest possible viewing day. This is presented as a complaint to Crunchyroll.
Regarding the show itself, the author likes its approach to pathos from a “negative” perspective. The way a problem is stated, whether negatively or positively, significantly alters the perceived solution. This is considered a great litmus test. The show’s use of Yura’s “reality marble”-like sequences to convey C3-bu’s messages is also praised as “Anime no Chikara yo.” In many ways, it’s a great show, succeeding where something like MJPR falters.
The author anticipated being very enthusiastic about Kinmoza (Kiniro Mosaic) but found it lacked a higher gear to engage fully, leading it to lose out to other shows for viewing time. Certain times of day are reserved for low-tension shows like Tamayura and Uchouten Kazoku (early on) to be fully appreciated, pushing aside shows like Kinmoza and K3.
Gatchaman Crowds is labeled the oddball of the season, which is expected given it’s a Kenji Nakamura anime. It’s a fun show that carries Nakamura’s signature weird yet progressive ideas. The author expresses gratitude to those who allow him the freedom to create such shows and hopes this continues.
Furthermore, Gatchaman Crowds is identified as a show that could easily “go wrong,” similar to Fractale, where a drop in execution could lead to a loss of credibility. The author notes there is one more week to ascertain its fate.
The guilty pleasure of the season is identified as Ro-kyu-bu! SS. The author playfully exclaims “SHOW YOU GUTS COOL SAY WHAT saikou daze,” but more seriously, it’s attributed to its Koshien-like story. Kanae Itou’s performance is noted as being her usual self, a rarity in recent seasons. A strange effect is mentioned when watching this directly before or after MJPR, with a shout-out to Iguchi.
The author plans to marathon Rozen Maiden starting from episode 6, finding it fun. However, it’s likely less enjoyable than marathoning Senyuu. and Teekyuu back-to-back or interwoven, which is also on the agenda.
Bonus round:
- Favorite OP: Servant x Service. However, C3-bu’s final sequence is described as “woaaah moeeeee.” The kz song is also noted for being very “kz.”
- Favorite ED: Drowning in saudade with fhana’s “Che Sera Sera,” with a reserved 10% for “LOLI LOLI GROWING,” whatever that may signify.
- Most surprisingly good: C3-bu
- Most surprisingly bad: MJPR
- Funniest: Love Lab…or Teekyu.
- Most surprising: Gatchaman Crowds
- Most Mamiko (referencing Mamiko Noto’s typical roles): Uchouten Kazoku
- MVP: Rento Kirishima
