A new season for me to fall behind on again has arrived! As spring season goes, there isn’t as much selection as usual, but at least there are a few very solid series that will keep me interested. We also kick off the season with a bunch of controversy with Aku no Hana, I have no idea where that argument went, but last time I checked people were at a point where they believed we shouldn’t categorize it as anime at all. Fun times!
I’m also part of FAL (Fantasy Anime League) this season, and I’m failing miserably. Blame Oregairu which ruined everything! Either way, if you’re part of it too, I’d love to hear what you made as your choices…So without further ado, I present my list of top picks for the season!
14. Aiura
This anime is worth watching just for the intro. WATCH IT! Otherwise, it’s reached a new level of slice of life by not providing much entertainment and instead really just being about the ordinary. Hey, at least there’s that intro!
13. Dansai Bunri no Crime Edge
The anime has the weird hair fetish thing for going for it, but otherwise I found it rather dull. The weird factor can only take this series so far and if the focus switches more towards shounen, I still won’t be too impressed. Whether I keep up with this one or not will mostly depend on where this story goes and if it gets to be a bit more interesting.
12. Yahari Ore no Seishun Love Come wa Machigatteiru.
This was probably my biggest disappointment of the season. I saw the promotional art and how it was going to be produced by Brains Base, so my excitement was there, but then when it aired it just fell flat. The story was generic and the animation is weak. It just doesn’t have the ability to really be remarkable at all. It’s watchable, but the whole thing just feels under-whelming.
11. RDG: Red Data Girl
I feel there is a good show somewhere in this, but I have really yet to find it. The animation is consistent and the setting is interesting, but everything else just seems lacking. The lead girl is bland and the story just doesn’t seem all that interesting. I have only seen the first two episodes, so for those who are ahead, does this series improve?
10. Kakumeiki Valvrave
This is an original series by the guy who created Code Geass, so I did have some expectations. There was some potential in there, but it mostly just felt flat. As mecha series goes, it’s exactly what we’ve seen a million times. Oh, except for the fact that this guy volunteered to pilot the giant robot, and he may or may not be a zombie. Either way, this series needs to have a bit more feeling to it before I can really call it good.
9. Devil Survivor 2 The Animation
I had heard of the game this anime is based off a while ago, but I had no idea the story was so close to Persona’s. I guess it explains why this anime is surprisingly popular. Anyway, the first episode had some good animation and managed to be entertaining. The characters also weren’t all that bad. The downfall was when the persona-like creatures who just looked lame, and I’d honestly prefer if they just didn’t exist. Hopefully this series will go down more of a Mirai Nikki route than a Persona one.
8. Hentai Ouji to Warawanai Neko.
This was one of the more hyped series of the season, and it actually didn’t disappoint. At first thought I was expecting this to be some ecchi series, but as the episode went on, that clearly showed to not be the case. Sure, it’s still about a pervert, but it isn’t the usual generic character with no personality who just forms a harem, there’s an actual story! It was an undeniably amusing start, and hopefully it keeps up the energy.
7. OreImo 2
The insanely popular series is back for another season! I was never a crazy fan of the first season, and I still don’t feel totally ecstatic over this season, but it’s fun and it manages to succeed in some ways. Kirino is still not cute at all, but at least there’s Kuroneko who makes this whole series worth watching. The second episode was much better than the first!
6. Aku no Hana
I don’t care about the animation controversy with this series. It looks unique at least and it adds to the ambience this anime seems to be creating. It’s weird and slow moving, but you can tell it has purpose to what it’s doing and I’m excited to see what that is. Though, I hope we don’t have to wait too long because although I’m liking the atmosphere, there isn’t much else that has truly grabbed my attention yet.
5. Karneval
This show is over the top, has bishies with top hats, and adults who want to play hide and seek. But that’s the look it wants! It’s so much fun and I can’t help wanting to watch it. The animation is also top notch, and has really managed to capture the look of the manga. It’s not something for everyone, but it’s exactly what I need to brighten my week!
4. Suisei no Gargantia
I had relatively low expectations for this one, but was pleasantly surprised by how it turned out. The animation is beyond fantastic, and it’s no doubt the mecha-to-watch this season! It has an interesting premise, and the characters have already peaked my interest. The girl may be a bit annoying, but I’ve seen much worse.
3. Shingeki no Kyojin
This anime is just some powerful stuff. It really grabs you tight from the moment it starts and doesn’t let go. The first two episodes seem to have been prequels to the story, so I’m interested to see where this anime will go from here. I’m also already curious to find out more about the giants. It’s an anime that you really need to just be watching to understand and appreciate its greatness.
2. Toaru Kagaku no Railgun S
YeSS! I remember watching the first season by fluke because I found Index to be quite boring, but Railgun is no doubt something else. It has such a great cast and the story is really fun! The first episode was probably one of the most action packed pilots of the season and jumped right into the action without ever taking a breath. It was a great way to remind everyone why this series is so awesome! Kuroko FTW!
1. Hataraku Maou-sama
The hidden gem of the season! If you haven’t already, watch this series! The first episode was probably the best pilot of the season, and a good deal of the jokes were genuinely laugh out loud worthy. It’s a show about a Devil King who ends up working at McDonalds. What more needs to be said? It’s funny and hella entertaining! If this anime manages to stay as consistent as its first two episodes, it definitely has a good chance at staying my favourite of the season!