While the summer season is still young, it’s been a mixed bag thus far. While some shows have risen above my high expectations (Honey & Clover II) and others have pleasantly surprised (Zero no Tsukaima, Chevalier), a few have failed to meet even minimal expectations (like the horrid Tsuyokiss). Overall, there are plenty of good anime series out there right now, and I feel like I have a good mix of genres at the moment. However, with the way many of the storylines have been going, August is looking to be a very mahodoramatic month.
Top Five This Month:
- Honey & Clover II: I couldn’t have asked for a better beginning, with even more heavy Rika-Mayama
angstlovu lovu (even if his latest tendencies have been a bit… invasive). This season hasn’t missed a beat at all continuing where the last season left off, and I am loving every minute of it. - Utawarerumono: Oh yeah, dark steamy alien-wolf action always mixes well with dismemberment. The Karura and Touka fighting was intense, in spite of the reuse of one fighting sequence, and Hakuoro showed Yue how to keep the pimp hand strong.
- Ergo Proxy: Do they still have PMS in the future? I mean, with the way people seem to be manufactured, maybe it’s been eliminated. I sure hope so, because if Pino and Vincent think that Real is being bitchy now, just wait.
- Zero no Tsukaima: Surprisingly watchable, although not groundbreaking. I like the Saito-Louise combination because Saito has the backbone to stand up to Louise while still getting a little play on the side. At the same time, Louise may be unsure of herself, but she’s still not afraid to tease and whip Saito into shape.
- School Rumble 2nd Semester: I don’t usually like Tenma that much, but her impersonations were cute and amusing at the same time. Iori even got into the act! Meanwhile, some mysterious Eri drama waits in the wings…
Rising:
- Chevalier: Wow, I liked the first episode a lot more than I expected! I went in bracing for slightly unappealing art, boring noble machinations, and strange cross-dressing, but was instead greated with crazy occult action, fluid and beautiful production values, and hot sisterly possession.
Falling:
- Ouran Host Club: It’s still watchable, but I feel like the show has been in a bit of a rut lately. The refreshing contest was ok, but there need to be some new jokes and plot devices. However, I am hopeful that a few episodes of romantic tension with Haruhi could do a lot to restore the shine to the series.
This post was written by...
Kabitzin – who has written 1970 posts on Sea Slugs! Anime Blog.
One of the founders of Sea Slugs, I handle most of the blog admin tasks while wearing my I AM BOSS shirt. I like my action series well choreographed, and my romance series extra trashy. I also have a soft spot for puns.
{ 4 comments… read them below or add one }
Invasive? Ah, I see, like “penetrative”.
It’s amazing how the school rumble manga manages to be that much more detailed than the anime, which looks like crap.
I must say I enjoy the second season of Honey & Clover more than the first so far. I believe even the art has improved a little and the first season had already top-notch art.
Ouran feels still solid, no complains, it’s not falling for me.
I believe Ergo Proxy suffers from the release schedule. No complaints but it might really be better to wait until all episodes have been released. I feel Ergo Proxy wants to be marathoned.
My favourite show at the moment is probably Keroro Gunsou since Doremi has broken the anti-sub spell and is now subbing like mad. It’s hard to keep with the subs actually. Of course the show itself is almost two years old by now, so it’s not really “current”.
There are also other shows which are not “current” but still lingering like Noein, Eureka Seven, Black Lagoon (I don’t think mentioning “Gakuen Alice” is pointless, right?). Fortunately, Black Lagoon can be enjoyed as raw even if you understand anything at all. Oh and there’s still Pani Poni Dash but I believe the last episode is now available subbed.
“Welcome to the NHK” is pretty good IMHO. Any other shows of this season could not convince me so far. I haven’t even watched SR2 beyond the 2nd episode.
I intend to marathon H&C2 because while I enjoyed the Mayama-related arcs, I tend to snooze during the Takemoto and Hagumi ones( and occasionally the Morita ones). So I am going to save myself the angst by watching H&C2 after it ends.
Currently… my personal favourite watchlist would look something like this,
..) Utawarerumono
..) School Rumble 2
..) Coyote Ragtime Show
..) Strawberry Panic
..) Zero no Tsukaima
..) Ouran High School Host Club
In Limbo:
..) Black Lagoon
..) ARIA The NATURAL
..) Ergo Proxy
Special Mention:
..) Tsubasa Chronicle 2
Cheers.
1. Honey and Clover
2. Utawarerumeno
3. School Rumble 2
4. Air Gear