Yearly Review: N-Listing

UlasanAnime.com – The tradition of compiling year-end lists continues, featuring twelve distinct lists, some ranked and others simply enumerated, with one this year presented without a ranking but purely by number.

Omo?s Top 12 Female Voice Actresses of 2012:

Hanazawa Kana: I believe her best roles to date were all released this year. Her continued prolific output certainly helps.
Yuuki Aoi: Possibly my favorite roles from Aoi Yuki were all in this year. While I’m not yet a true fan of her voice, she possesses significant potential.
Kayano Ai: This was undoubtedly her breakout year. I’m not particularly fond of her moe-character voice, but when she tones it down in Chihayafuru, it reminds me of LOL Ueda Kana.
Ogura Yui: Still under 17, and still very much “Oh~.” I think she has ample opportunity now to expand her potential. Hopefully, this means in a few years she will at least follow the path Aoi-chan has taken.
Imai Asami: I’m going to declare this a breakout year for her as well, despite having been active longer than some others. Her portrayal of Kurisu in Steins;Gate was simply outstanding, and she is gradually gaining recognition beyond franchise-specific roles.
Toyosaki Aki: She continues to deliver solid performances, following a strong year in 2011. More noitaminA roles, an expanding repertoire, and a solo album debut are all part of her impressive trajectory.
Itou Kanae: Kanae maintains a strong moe persona, but she has begun to branch out with characters like Ikamusume’s Kanae and what is likely her most dramatic role to date in Ohana.
Taketasu Ayana: She has evolved into a very reliable voice for moe characters. I’m looking forward to seeing more diversity from her, even if it’s through a live-action movie!
Hikasa Yoko: I feel she may have peaked with Moshidora, but like Toyosaki a year ago, she is on the cusp of breaking into the next tier, though not quite there yet.
Kitamura Eri: If only she would take on more shows beyond truly unsettling otaku fare!
Kanetomo Hisako: Aside from Ikamusume, I thoroughly enjoyed her sophomore effort in Shinkai?s latest film.
Asakawa Yuu: For taking her show with Patrick Macias to a new level.

I could likely add more names or adjust this list, but I doubt I’ll ever finalize it without some assistance.

Best Girls of 2012:

Ringo from Mawaru Penguindrum
Sarashina from Hourou Musuko
Rin from Usagi Drop
Anaru from Anohana
Maiya from Fate/Zero
Miki from Idolmaster
Sui from Hanasaku Iroha
Meme from Denpa Onna
Kurisu from Steins;Gate
Charlotte from IS
Kuroneko from OreImo
Homura from Madoka

Best Guys of 2012:

You might also be interested in : Year in Review: Enduring Through Time

Rider Iskander from Fate/Zero
Kiritsugu Emiya from Fate/Zero
Okarin from Steins;Gate
Shu from Guilty Crown
Taichi from Chihayafuru
Koujiro Sasahara from Nichijou
Berserker from Carnival Phantasm
Kotetsu from Tiger & Bunny
Does Kazamori count? (Un-Go)
Naoya from Astalotte no Omocha
Takuto from Star Driver
Daru from Steins;Gate

12 Notable TV Anime for Various Reasons (a selection of shows commonly recognized):

Fate Zero: Having been captivated by the light novels, I can never be impartial.
Puella Magi Madoka Magica: If only the average Shaft production were this inspired.
Ben-to: David Production consistently delivers excellent work. I would have included Level E if Ben-to hadn’t been so clever.
The IdolM@ster: Surprisingly good.
Mawaru Penguindrum: It delivered as much as I anticipated, which is substantial even after lowering my expectations.
Star Driver: While not as timeless as Utena, Mawaru Penguindrum won’t be either, so it’s acceptable.
Steins;Gate: Anime of the year for the average otaku.
Hourou Musuko: Anime of the year for dedicated anime enthusiasts.
OreTsuba: Non-linear harem narratives offer a unique appeal.
Hanasaku Iroha: Relaxing with this on a Sunday morning was the highlight of my year.
Anohana: Anime of the year for general audiences.
Tiger & Bunny: Arigato, and thank you!

Honorable mentions go to Nichijou (for its gecko moments), Kaminomi 2, Bakatest 2, Guilty Crown, [C], Un-Go, and the aforementioned Level E. However, Carnival Phantasm stands out as the Pure-Blood-Shinso-True Anime of the Year, even if it wasn’t a television broadcast!

12 Figures I Purchased in 2012 That I Likely Won’t Regret:

Ichiban Kuji Premium CC wedding dress: I consider this an iconic piece.
Ichiban Kuji Premium New Love Plus Rinko: It looks even better displayed alongside Manaka and Nene.
Native Dendrobium Trunk Girl: I might appreciate the packaging almost as much as the figure itself.
Guilty Gear XX ? Dizzy: I genuinely like this one.
Fate/Stay Night Summer Saber: I already have some regrets, but in retrospect, it was likely a wise purchase.
Fate/Stay Night Summer Rin: Probably the only other fixed-pose, non-tradeable Rin figure in my collection.
Ichiban Kuji Macross Frontier the Movie ~Itsuwari no Utahime~ Sheryl Nome: It appears less impressive in photos but is quite different in person.
Good Smile Company Bakemonogatari Senjougahara Hitagi: I appreciate their Bakemonogatari line, though each figure except this one has a minor flaw that deterred me from buying them.
Alter Mahou Shoujo Lyrical Nanoha the Movie 1st Fate Testarossa: What’s frustrating is how the movie remake allows Alter to re-release their best-selling Fate figures yet again.
Star Driver: Kagayaki no Takuto Tauburn: It’s FABULOUS!
Good Smile Company B.G.M. [bishoujo game music] Festival Vol. 0 Petit Nendoroid Set: Technically five figures, but still fantastic items.
K-ON Hirasawa Yui PM Figure ?Windmill?: Relive that moment forever. I also now have a respectable collection of guitar-playing girls.

12 Key Concepts Explored in Anime in 2012:

Women in the workplace
Chuunibyou
Establishing one’s own extracurricular club
Training camp
The challenges faced by the lost generation in the job market
Government corruption
Terrorism
Cults
Japan’s position on the international stage
Tourism anime
Difficulty in forming sincere social connections with others
Finding purpose in life amidst tragedy

The IdolM@ster Ranking: Top 12!

Makoto: Given how much love Nekopuchi expresses, I can’t help but reciprocate. The anime didn’t just “give” me a Makoto who was a side character with limited scenes with Yukiho; it presented a “mistreatment” of one of the group’s better characters. In a meta-sense, it’s quite epic that I can think this way.
Miki: As I’m not much different from 99% of moefags out there. I believe real-life idols with Miki’s personality tend to be successful too!
Takane: She remains an enigma. Before the anime, I knew very little about her (likely more about her voice actress!), but I appreciate how they developed her character in the show. Now, someone just needs to create the Arcueid version of this.
Chihaya: I enjoy her singing, and she reminds me of Imai’s stronger performances in Steins;Gate, amusingly. She also receives significant credit for serving as Haruka’s sounding board, and vice versa.
Azusa: Her solo EP was undeniably the best in the series. Otherwise, she didn’t contribute much beyond occasional lines, unfortunately. I could probably place her anywhere between #5 and #11, as these girls are quite similar in rank for me, but she particularly resonates with me. Additionally, Chiaking is certainly one of the most talented singers and actresses in the group, making Azusa one of the better characters purely based on talent.
Yukiho: Initially, I liked her quiet demeanor. The show provided more than I expected and did a commendable job of showcasing both her positive and negative aspects. Overall, my impression of her didn’t significantly change even after getting to know her better.
Kotori: She had an amazing segment during that particular episode. You know the one. Otherwise, she was a pleasant background presence and likely doesn’t deserve the #7 spot on this list.
Ritsuko: I own a meganekko (glasses girl) button. She also fits into the OL (office lady) category, much like Kotori. Her episode was surprisingly touching as it reminded me of this person. Perhaps not the best comparison.
Yayoi: I genuinely enjoyed her episode. Cooking has that effect. However, overall, she appeals to aspects I don’t particularly possess.
Haruka: She is still the “lead” girl, I suppose. I appreciated her acting and subtle cues in the final arc. I didn’t particularly like her before then. Well, perhaps I appreciated how her personality was framed in episode 1. Also note: meganekko.
Mami & Ami: I’ve grouped them together as they feel the same to me despite minor differences. While I didn’t initially like them, my impression has improved. Their “live” segment provided the biggest laugh I had during the show.
Hibiki: I appreciate her positive attitude, and her animal companions are a bonus, but that’s about it. And her animal friends are more her companions than truly hers, lol.

Ultimately, it’s all about who brings that certain “bop” to the thigamajigydingdong.

12 Things I Like About Maiya Hisau:

She is on Team Iri.
She is quiet.
She gets down to business.
A pretty decent shot.
Quite capable when in a pinch.
Looks good in a suit (Team Iri is sponsored by ? Men?s Warehouse?).
She gets along with Iri, despite her complex relationship with Emiya!
She even gets along with Saber!
Loyal, yet an individual.
Lives to die.
Possesses nice expressions.
So coooollllll~

I believe Maiya is too minor a character to warrant such an extensive list. Let me try this instead.

12 Reasons Why Charlotte Dunois Should Be Everyone?s Best Anime Girl of the Year:

She looks great in shorts.
She is both daring and sensitive.
She takes initiative to pursue what she wants and what she deserves.
A loyal friend.
She knows what you want!
It also helps that she is the heir to a wealthy European company, even if it doesn’t matter to Ichika.
She not only navigates the friendzone but advances beyond it like a champion.
Intelligent enough to recognize Orimura-sensei as a rival.
Her nickname is Char.
Passes as a good roommate (though this is debatable).
Proficient in traditional tactics and can perform well even with outdated equipment.
Because otaku have memories longer than gnats.

I feel a bit of sympathy for Charlotte, mainly because I think she had the win secured by March. It was hers to lose. But so much can happen in a year, can’t it?

12 Notable Opening and Ending Sequences:

Hourou Musuko OP/ED: They are incredibly poignant. While I’m not particularly fond of the music itself, both the opening and ending sequences complement the show exceptionally well.
Madoka ED: It’s a piece with high-energy density. In a way, it reminds me of a certain Sunrise show’s OP.
Kamisama Dolls OP: It’s slick, and Ishikawa elevates it beyond mere gimmickry.
Denpa Onna OP/ED: I loved both pieces. 2012 continues to be a year where Yakushimaru can do no wrong, it seems. The OP is, in my opinion, Shaft’s best since the polygon mess of Mariaholic 1.
Fate/Zero ED: For a static panning ED, it’s likely the best of the year purely based on its motifs.
Mawaru Penguindrum: I could highlight several, but the best, in my opinion, is the first ED featuring Coaltar of the Deepers. Also, lol, the Yui Horie version. The song for the first OP is also very cool, especially the one on the single.
Fractale OP: Holy smokes, ENCODER TEST and that voice!
Guilty Crown OP: The lead-in is hilariously cool, but it demonstrates how much a little lip-sync can accomplish. Also, isn’t this animated by the same person who did the Eden of the East OP animation?
AnoHana ED: There should be a law against such intense nostalgia trips. Thankfully, at least Tomato and Saorin can sing.
Last Exile Fam ED: Something can be said for Range Murata stills panning to a track from Angel Feather Voice 2. Any track will do.
Nichijou: Both OPs are excellent, with Hayadin hitting it out of the park. The cover EDs are also great and fit the animation style perfectly.
The IdolM@ster: Actually, the second OP features great animation, although the first OP has that catchy intro about “Ladies.” Personally, I prefer “CHANGE,” but it would be ideal if they could combine them!

Related: Faylan’s “Blood Teller” from Mirai Nikki is a solid song, but the single cover is both racy and hilarious. Also related: She?s no Elisa, LOL.

Honorable mentions include: Yumekui Merry ED, 30-sai no Hoken Taiiku OP is hilarious, Sacred Seven OP is great dance music, Hanasaku Iroha ED1 is Sphere’s best since NauSka, Croisee is instrumental, Yuruyuri OP is catchy, Nekogami ED features the best Tomato photo opportunities, and Ro-Kyu-Bu OP/ED are excellent examples of seiyuu wank material.