Feature: Top 10 Anime of 2016 First Half

Well the half way point in the year is upon us and as is customary just about everywhere it’s time to look over the frist half of the year and see what went right or wrong. This will be my top 10 series of the year thus far. Only series that finished this year (so it’s including the second half of Autumn 2015 shows) are eligible for my list. Without further ado and in no particular order here are my to 10.

Koutetsujou no Kabaneri (Spring)

You cannot get away from the Attack on Titan comparisons with this show so I’ll come out of the gate swinging. This is the show that Attack on Titan could have been if it had anything worthwhile. I did not like Attack on Titan, not one bit. Thought it had so much promise but let down by art, animation, plotline, pacing, soundtrack, characters, everything basically. From the same studio and director comes Kabaneri at a second attempt and oh boy does it impress.

Basically a virus of sorts has spread across the land and those who are bitten become Kabane. Kind of like zombies but a bit more advanced. In this world our protagonist Ikoma works on the Koutetsujou, a giant train that can harbour many people. After a sudden outbreak in the city the Princess and co decide to flee on this train whilst Ikoma has finished developing a new weapon and manages to save himself from turning after getting bitten. From there we follow them as they move on in an attempt to bring normality to their lives and clear the hurdles in front of them. Sure the plot isn’t anything particularly fresh but its execution elevates it above so many series in its field. The twists come at the right times, the fights are never too long nor too short and thrill constantly.

The characters themselves whilst, again, not being particularly fresh come through strong thanks to the execution and excellent writing. Mumei is the star fighter with secrets, Ayame is the strong willed princess and Ikoma is the main guy who’s devotion to change comes from family tragedy. Others in the supporting cast go a long way to making the ride as enjoyable as it is. There is depth to them, they’re not run of the mill fodder and you care about them. Even characters that appear for one or two episodes pull you in emotionally when they meet their end.

The character designs are also superb, bringing up a retro yet modern look. Designs in general are exquisite, from the evolving monstrosities of the kabana to the lush scenery to the expertly designed trains that transport the characters, no effort is spared. The colour pallet is vivid and creates lovely contrasts as well as bringing the world to life.

A special mention to the animation as it is sublime, movie quality level, simply stunning and something that will rarely ever come along for a TV series. The detail and craft put into this shows a real love and faith from the backers as the budget must have dwarfed any series in the past few years and beyond. The set pieces are a sight to behold, I honestly lost count the amount of times my jaw dropped throughout the series. The soundtrack as well adds to this, really ramps up when the action is at the fore and is sombre when the time calls for it.

It does sort of just end though, a very open ending and I hope they make more as it has so much more to tell.

Flying Witch (Spring)

This came out of the blue for me in some respects. I love magic so am willing to give any series a shot that has this in it, most of the time it works out other times not (Magical Warfare!). This though took me in on the first episodes and gave me a warm fuzzy feeling inside for its duration.

It’s a slice of life following apprentice witch Makoto who moves to the country side to be with her cousin’s family and it follows her daily exploits as she settles down. There isn’t much more to it but you do get to see a lot in regards to both magic and everyday life. It’s very relaxing, something you watch with a nice cup of tea as you’re drawn in to the world.

While the moments of magic may be small at first it’s the little things that shine. It does go to a greater scale with some phenomenal scenes such as one with a literal flying whale which had my jaw drop. The magic itself lends itself to nearly everything, from the Harbinger of Spring that brings the, well, Spring, the existence of mandrakes to using a spell to change the colour of the sea or entering a secret café. Its little points like the latter that give it a Ghibli-esque feel as well which is more credit to the series.

Makoto is the main character here and as a witch she is basically our guide as well, informing us of the ways of the wticehs and how magic is actually incorporated into everyday life. She is sweet, funny and always ready to learn. From her first spell we see, offering unusal presents to her habit of getting lost. It’s hard not to like her. Her sister Akane steals some of that spotlight though, offering more knowledge, teaching her, teasing her and more. She is a great sister who seems lazy but is when push comes to shove is anything but as she lets her creative mind run wild.

A special mention must be made to Chinatsu, the younger sister of Kei. She is a treat, because she’s still a kid everything she does has that childlike wonder, from her initial reaction to Makoto being a witch, following Chito the cat around to see where he goes, wanting to become a witch herself and more. She is the star of the show for me though no character here is a weak link, they all bring something to the series which is a credit to the mangaka.

If you want something more action packed or just in general get restless then this is definitely not the series for you. If you like slice of life, relaxing and magic then this is a match made in heaven. Get some tea, a couple of biscuits, sit back and enjoy.

God Eater (Summer - Winter)

I know only 4 episodes came out this year but it still fits into my criteria so I’m having it. Like Kabaneri this show had drawn a lot of similarities to Attack on Titan (God Eater does precede AoT though). I’m not going to retread over everything from my view about it but again this shows offers something different, something that makes it well worth watch.

My experience with God Eater is miniscule. I know it was labelled as a Monster Hunter clone way back and I know a few of the characters from reading some Alisa doujinshi but that was about it. I was pleasantly surprised with what I saw here. Sure it’s another spin on the monsters invade and destroy vast sections of the earth but it still works. The characters such as Lenka, Lindow and Alisa as well as the rest of the crew all have their strong points, their own weakness and motivations. Some are predictable but again they work here, the writing pulls through and stops it becoming a stale clone of what has gone before.

None of the characters forgo any development in the series with Alisa and Lenka getting the most, understandable as they’re the two main characters but that the others are by no means neglected. Alisas development in particular was a highlight, initially a confident girl with almost unrivalled skills we see her reasons for doing what she does as her weaknesses come to the fore and we get to the real Alisa. It’s lovely yet sad to watch. There was actually a surprising amount of sadness in this series through seeing characters tragic back stories to the effective abandonment of people struggling to survive. The emotional hook was more present than I expected.

With an action heavy series both the art and the animation are key factors in whether it lives or dies and the animation from Ufotable here is second to none, the style they went for is flat out gorgeous and really makes it stand out from the crowd. The art is the key point here more so than the fluid, perfect animation, it combines lovely art character designs with a cross-hatching esque style to make it stand out. The monster designs vary throughout with some absolute behemoths hinted at and more intelligent beings taking centre stage as well. Combining with said animation makes it one of, if not the best looking show in years.

There is also some lovely fan service flittered throughout. Alisa obviously with her divine outfit but shower scenes, camera lingering on the breasts and buttocks, it’s all good stuff. It all comes together for the better, all elements tying in to each other to create a strong action show and one ripe for more visits with a fascinating world set up and the war far from finished.

Boku Dake ga Inai Machi (Winter)

Time travel stories are an easy sell to me (thanks Doctor Who) so this story of which I knew next to nothing about was something I gave a shot and I wow what a series, it grabs you by the neck and never lets go leaving you with all sorts of emotions.

Basically Satoru is a failing mangaka, he has the ability, when he sees a certain butterfly, to rewind time to save someone, if he wishes, from a forthcoming accident. As he is a nice person he does so on multiple occasions. When his mother visits an brings up his past he remembers something key that he had tried to erase from his memory, that 2 girls and a boy from his primary school were killed and someone took the blame who he believed was innocent. This in turn comes back to haunt him as he and his mother are placed in danger from a very familiar threat.

This isn’t about the mystery of who did it; it’s clear on a few occasions who killed Kayo and the other kids. The way it resolves itself as well is a bit too steeped in cliché but again it is not about that and certainly not even bad at all because it’s executed well. It flickers between present day where he is friends with a local worker called Airi and the past. It’s a nice contrast between these two and the letter box format for the past is a lovely touch.

This is about what Satoru can do to save the girl Kayo and the other two from being killed. What ensues is a heart-wrenching drama that sees Satoru attempt to redo his past and save more than ones future. Suffice to say not everything will go swimmingly as he has to deal with some really tough issues and just as we see Satorus determination begin to payoff only for the glass to shatter and more hardships arrive.

There were more than a few moments where the tears started to flow as some scenes hit hard. You saw the efforts of Satoru, his and the viewers anger at what was being allowed to happen, the pain he has gone through to reach out to those in danger. I cannot mention the majority of these as they will spoil the show so much. Part of the masterful work here is the twists, the dangers and the curve balls that are thrown.

It also is very hard to watch in places. Kayos mother does abuse her and it not only shows her bruises and scars from this but it actually shows some of the abuse which is very powerful imagery inducing a lot of anger from myself. That this series tackled a subject like this and was very tactful in its portrayal is something to be commended.

It simply is a must watch, the ending will put some off but it’s the journey to get there where this show excels.

Musaigen no Phantom World (Winter)

This series has a teddy bear who grows and beats down anything deemed a threat and it’s called Albrecht. Need I say more? Yes? Fine. I know this was not well received by many but it charmed me from the off. It looks fantastic as you’d expect from the masters of KyoAni.

The premise is fairly simple and quite good actually, there is an accidental breakout of a virus, this virus enables people to see being from a different dimension called Phantoms, these aren’t necessarily evil but can be. This virus also affected the next generation and those born from those infected are born with special powers. This allows those with powers to fight the Phantoms which are evil / causing disturbances.

I like this a lot because it enables almost unlimited creativity as shown through the series, the Phantoms allow the writers and designers to run wild and it comes through much stronger because of it. Be it a world where teddy bears protect a princess, a telephone pole causing havoc, a phantom that turns the school into a hot spring (like that twist) and more. Sure some fall into line with what has been done before such as reverse aging, granting wishes but it really is the execution that brings it up from your typical scenario. There were no dull episodes for me, just a lot of fun even on the treaded ground. That it is episodic bar a few episodes also plays to its strengths as you get a bevy of wildy different scenes, ways for characters to show off and ways for the creative team to lay their mark.

None of the characters are forgettable, they all bring something to the table, from fighting prowess, humour and more. I especially liked Mai, Haruhikos childhood friend and Kurumi who has the aforementioned teddy called Albrecht. Seeing him grow was perfect time after time.

There is surprisingly little fan service with more of an emphasis on what you don’t see and some more suggestive actions which does make for a change from the typical show in the genre. The humour is spot on with few weak jokes. Not an episode went by where I didn’t have a gleaming smile on my face. While most of the characters bring these moments it also comes from the Phantoms themselves.

All round an incredibly entertaining watch.

Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! (Winter)

It had to be in here, it took everyone by surprise and stole the show in Winter for so many. Being based on a LN can draw derision from some, almost blind hatred and others scoff at the mere mention of one. They missed out here big time.

This is an adventure comedy series. Basically Azuma dies in a trying to save someone (who was not in danger), he is greeted by the Goddess Aqua who grants him a chance to be reborn in another world and take one item with him, whatever he wishes. Aqua though is not a nice goddess and after ridiculing Azuma for the way he died he decides to get revenge and drag her along with him. In this new world they must traverse harsh conditions and aim to defeat the demon king to find any peace.

Along the way a knight who can’t hit anyone and is a huge masochist Darkness and a chuuni girl Megumin who has devastating magic power but loses all strength after just one hit join his party. All four characters have their own strong points and quirky to the extreme, it’s what makes this show so strong.

Azuma himself is self-aware but being stuck with these challenging girls does drive him to insanity sometimes. His negative outlook and personality can and will be a turn off for some but it is also what makes this series stand out. Though all three of his partners are in the same boat on that latter point really, take one away and you have a substantially weaker series. For all the scenarios they get themselves into, how they interact with each other, lambast each other and taunt them it’s just a treat to watch and enjoy. Sure it can be mean spirited sometimes but they usually bring it on themselves.

It is a parody of isekai series and it works because it mocks them and all the tropes they bring. Be it the party winding up one of the demon kings henchmen, taking on evil rabbits, fending off a swarm of deadly cabbages and much more. It is a joy to watch, plain and simple. When transported to another world it is not going to be rosy and this is the case here. In fact it’s the opposite. [] is not a gifted on, he is weak and his partners do more to drag him down even further than anything. When a bit of luck comes his way it will not last for long.

The last time I laughed so much was when watching Nourin a few years ago and I adored that show to an unholy level so for this to be spoke of in the same breath is an achievement for the writers. You will not regret watching this show.

Ao no Kanata no Four Rhythm (Winter)

I was interested in this series based solely on the flying aspect but everything else took me in as well and produced one of my favourite of this year and favourite sport series in general. Being based on a visual novel I expected certain things but amazingly these were few and far between. No romance angles pushed, no girls all being attracted to the main guy for X reason, its real focus is on the girls and how they tackle this sport which is refreshing. You do get the usual character drama but it feels natural and oh so real from the reality that there are those blessed with talent to the realization that you are far beneath the level where you believe you are.

The sport in question is a fictional one not possible with today’s technology called Flying Circus and these matches are sublime. Every effort is put into them and they look lovely. The tactics and rules given to it really raise it up from a made up sport into something that has real depth. It helps that the costumes actually look really aerodynamic to give them advantages, I like risqué outfits that are unsuitable for their purpose as the next guy but these made sense and looked lovely. Kudos design team, kudos.

It wraps up in scintillating fashion with a tournament to behold and draws upon every strength it showed throughout. My only real complaints were the predictable finale (still enjoyed it immensely) and a couple of plot points where never quite expanded on. Other than those miniscule negatives it’s a must watch if you like sports and flying.

Akagami no Shirayuki-hime 2nd Season (Winter)

The continuation from the first season and it is every bit as enjoyable and hooking as you’d expect. Now Shirayuki and Zen have admitted their feelings to each other the second seasons gets to explore this more as well as veer off onto other characters. Amazingly it also manages to make Raji from Season 1, who was horrible actually likeable and all through Shirayuki’s stern work.

Again Shirayuki herself is an incredibly strong female lead. Intelligent, independent, cunning and will see the good in people. She may not be physically as strong as her friends but she makes up for that in every other way. This season also features pirates which are seldom seen in anime. They kidnap Shirayuki and set sail to sell her off since a young girl with bright red hair is what they’d consider a healthy seller. With more from Zens brother as well the series never disappoints as it has you drawn in from start to finish.

What we see also is characters developing those feelings that lingered a bit in the background in the first season such as more clues that Mitsuhide really does have feelings for Kiki. Obi and Raji are the prime suspects here. Both slowly realizes their feelings for Shirayuki and with Raji in particular setting out to show how upstanding he can be and come to terms with what Shirayuki means to him as she has had a dramatic effect on him. As for Obi when he feels responsible for her kidnapping he sets off and we see real venom in his eyes as his animalistic nature returns. Not just in terms of what Zen will do to him but mixed in with his own, very real feelings.

We also see more back-story on each character, we see old friends from Obi’s past return, we learn of who Kiki really is, meet Shirayuki’s family as well as Mitsuhides where we get many episodes delving into his character and family. It’s a pleasure to see these characters (some beloved, some not) fleshed out even more and grow as people.

That it may be the last we see of these characters in animated form is incredibly disheartening but it really is worth a watch.

Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (Winter)

A series like this is outside the norm of what I usually watch. It feels like a period piece you’d expect the BBC to come up with, very un-anime if that makes sense but I am so glad I watched it and came upon one of my favourite series of all time never mind year!

Yotarou has just come out of prison, after Yakumo performed rakugo at his prison once he was enthralled and has since set his hopes on becoming a performer in what is seemingly a dwindling entertainment form. He tracks down Yakumo and begs to become his apprentice. Some reluctance later he agrees which sets off the story. Well I say ‘sets off’ but it goes into a long flashback almost straight away to follow how Yakumo came to be. This is where the real meat of the story is as it explores Yakumo growing up, his closest friend Sukeroku, what could be called his adoptive family, first loves, how to adapt as an adult, the experiences living during war time and so much more.

This is big on character and each is so perfectly written, from the moment they appear to the last time you see them it all feels so natural, as if this could have actually happened. You understand the hardships these people face, the realities they endure and the emotions they go through. It is fascinating to watch and see all these come together. It’s not often you get to see a realistic take such as this given life, you get to learn bits about what it was like back then, how places operated, what was and was not accepted. It feels as real as can be.

I’ve watched just one series based on Rakugo before (Joshiraku) and that was more a comedic based series. This goes well beyond that, sure there are moments of comedy but it tugs heavy on drama and enticing you in through those rakugo performances. Whilst this may mean limited animation you cannot help but be drawn in every time Yakumo or Sukeroku is on stage and be surprised by how the stories themselves can translate to the modern day. The latter especially as he provides Yakumo the push he has needed for a long time, to get him out of his shell.

Because this is a series aimed at more mature adults it explores themes not usually scene in the otaku focused anime industry including small insights into prostitution in the form of the geishas that one of the female lead, Miyokichi, works at. There is no content aimed squarely at otaku and as much as I am part of that contingent it is nice to have a welcome breath of fresh air now and again.

Basically go watch it right now.

Sakamoto desu ga? (Spring)

A character who is nigh on perfect, a god who cannot be beaten and is adored by all those who view him. Place that onto a high school student and you have one of the best comedy shows you’ll see this year. Sakamoto is the guy in question and his seemingly supernatural abilities allows him to best bullies, help others, unify people and just improve his surroundings in general. The support characters are really there to just make Sakamoto shine all the more but we do get glimpses at some development but again it only comes about because of the effect Sakamoto has.

You’d think there would be limited directions where this series can go, that it would repeat itself and the content would be predictable and tiring but it blows all those thoughts out of the water. You know Sakamoto is going to outdo whoever is trying to get one over on him and the fun is thinking how on earth he will do it and then be amazed at how he does it so effortlessly in an elegant manner. Not just that either, even when he isn’t being challenged you get little peaks into the bizarreness that eludes from Sakamoto and his unheard of skills. From being too perfect a servant to a bully, outwitting his homeroom teacher at every turn, going on an adventure by only walking on white lines, the way he sprints in PE and more it’s a true delight.

It’s the little natural progresses that make it so much more as well, when the high school students acknowledging defeat against Sakamoto (for now) it’s then the adults turn to be bemused and in awe of him. An episode dedicated to a mixer where Sakamoto is invited is a particular highlight of this as he slowly begins to charm the ladies through his out of the ordinary actions to his rendition of a classical song. It is hilarious.

My only gripe is that re-watch value seems limited but for a single watch I cannot recommend enough.