In 2016 alone, there are over 220 new Anime shows that premiered in Japan. That doesn't include the other long list of long-running Anime like One Piece or Naruto. Then the numerous direct-to-video Anime or ones exclusively on the Internet, or the films. So that's a LOT of Anime out there in one year alone! I don't think there's a human on this planet who would be willing to binge-watch every Anime that came out this year. I certainly can't watch with my busy schedule, so I have to be pretty picky on what Anime I would watch in 2016.
And that's the beauty of Anime. Unlike Animation in other parts of world, particularly the West, Anime in Japan is divided into a series of categories, genres, and demographics. So there definitely is something for everyone out there. So looking back and filtering using only Anime that came on Japanese TV, I watched a grand total of 17. (actually it's 16, as one isn't really Anime, but I consider it personally as such, anyways)
So out of the 17, I picked 10 as my Top favorites. The ones that don't make the cut are, in random order:
- Dragon Ball Super
- Macross Delta
- The TV version of Gundam Unicorn
- Ninja Slayer
- Space Patrol Luluco
- Taboo Tattoo
- and Thunderbolt Fantasy. (I would've picked this as my top show of 2016, but because it's really not anime, and even though I say it is, it has to be bumped off)
Now without further ado, here is MPX's Top 10 Best TV Anime of 2016:
10. My Hero Academia
My Hero Academia has all the workings of the next great Shonen Anime for the new generation - A typical Shonen-style plot; Lots of characters; Incredibly slow pacing; And of course, Deku's constant whining. But really, it's an entertaining series hot off the heels of One Punch Man. And the timing is never better given we're still in the year of Superhero media. And with a new anime season announced at this year's Jump Festa, fans are clamoring for the return of All Might, Deku, and his friends.
I'M STILL WAITING FOR THE ONE PUNCH MAN X MY HERO ACADEMIA CROSSOVER, SHUEISHA!
9. Keijo
This is one series I did not think I would end up loving it, and it's not because of the numerous shots of boobs and butts. Though yes, it is part of that reason as the girls of Keijo are pretty attractive in both design and persona. But really, the sport of Keijo takes itself VERY seriously, and it ends up with a lot of very good action that harkens back to the days of great fighting anime like Yu Yu Hakusho or Dragon Ball Z. The more you get into Keijo, the less you watch it for the fanservice and more of the matches themselves. I'm just saddened that those whose minds are closed shut simply cannot see the awesomeness Keijo brings.
8. Kabaneri of The Iron Fortress
A zombie apocalypse during Japan's Industrial Revolution, from the team behind Attack on Titan, with designs from Macross's own Haruhiko Mikimoto. Plenty of action, plenty of blood, a killer soundtrack, great animation. The only thing that makes Kabaneri of The Iron Fortress any less appealing is it's anything BUT Attack on Titan.
If you haven't seen Kabaneri of The Iron Fortress yet, do so now. It's a great series to watch and a Season 2 is also on its way. Plus it's something to fill your appetite before Attack on Titan's long awaited 2nd Season premiere.
7. Drifters
Such a shame Drifters recently ended with an unspecified date as to its second season, as it has caught up with the manga. I'd give it 3 years minimum before we get to hear a second season announcement. In any case, Drifters, from the creator of Hellsing, shows just how cool it is to be a total badass, no matter what position you're in. My only complaint in this series is that it focuses way too heavily on the three Drifters, and we don't get to see much of everyone else, even though it has a large cast. Here's hoping in the 2nd season, we get to see the other characters with their time in the spotlight, and to learn more of the plot.
6. Mob Psycho 100
In 2015, ONE became known around the world with the release of One Punch Man. In 2016, ONE gets recognized again for his other work, Mob Psycho 100. The building blocks that made One Punch Man a success can be found in Mob Psycho 100. We have a protagonist who's psychic powers can shake the foundation of the universe, provided he lets his emotions get the better of him. So not only our hero Mob must keep his emotions in check, he also has to find ways to deal things while refraining from using his powers. Not that easy when psychic powers are the only things you're good at and you suck at everything else.
Like One Punch Man, Mob Psycho 100 has its share of comedy and action, with the latter having levels of awesomeness from Mob and the cast. The series is currently ongoing in webcomic format, so it will take awhile before we see a new season.
5. Ajin: Demi-Human
Ajin started off as a supernatural horror, though not so much on the horror part. Still, an interesting concept - virtually immortal humans that can summon ghost-like creatures and are constantly hunted by Japan and the US for military purposes. Eventually, Ajin becomes a suspense/thriller with the introduction of a villain named Satou, whom you'd want to hate with all you've got because he's just too damn good. I won't lie, I'd vote the character Satou for Villain of The Year.
Like Drifters, Ajin caught up with the manga, so the series ends unresolved. Another few years before a 3rd season, most likely. While waiting, Polygon Pictures, which produces the Ajin anime, should start working on that third season of Knights of Sidonia.
4. Berserk (2016)
I know what you're thinking. Why I am I putting high marks on a series that has a very poor production value? I agree. The CG animation is awful, and the sound effects are just as bad. Even though I loved Susumu Hirasawa, who provided some of the soundtrack, it tends to get repetitive. What made Berserk among the Top 5 is because of two things:
One is the plot. Everyone who's been into Berserk for the past 20-30 years have long waited for a continuation to the Anime and they finally got it. The thought-provoking process that made the narrative of Berserk great in the manga is retained in the new Anime and it's just wonderful. The creator of Game of Thrones should check out Berserk sometime if he wants some inspiration to finish his novels.
Second is Guts. He is a legendary icon of bad-assery within the Anime community. Sure, you got your Gokus and your Gurren Laganns. But those are 'cool' characters and none of them are as bad-ass as Guts. He has no superpowers, humans and demons want him dead, and he fights with a giant sword with authority! Just as how Guts fights through great adversity, he also carries the show through all its flaws. And it's bloody worth it.
3. Mobile Suit Gundam: Iron-Blooded Orphans
Some people like it. Others hate it. But to me, not only do I love it, this is perhaps the best Gundam series in recent memory.
The plot isn't too complicated and easy to grasp into, for starters. The characters are very charming, even minor ones. The conflict between the factions isn't as much a curb-stomp as you would see in other Gundam shows like Gundam 00. The lore of Iron-Blooded Orphans is just as interesting, with fans warranting a further expansion to the series. And the fights are simply amazing, bar none. The currently running 2nd Season has yet to produce a bad episode and it continues to get better as it progresses.
Still, Iron-Blooded Orphans isn't a full representation of what the Gundam franchise really is, but is pretty darn close. If you want to get into the franchise right now, you can't go wrong with Iron-Blooded Orphans.
2. JoJo's Bizarre Adventure: Diamond is Unbreakable
JoJo is great. JoJo is awesome. JoJo is everywhere. Despite being around since the 80's, fans, critics, and even people within the manga and anime industry continue to be drawn in to JoJo's Bizarre Adventure. I personally have heard of the franchise in the 90's, but it's only within the past year that I've gotten into it.
The fourth chapter of JoJo starts off more light-hearted than its predecessors. When it came to introduce the show's newest main antagonist, Yoshikage Kira, that's when I'm at the edge of my seat as that is when the series becomes such a great investment. Like Ajin's Satou, JoJo's Yoshikage Kira also gets a nod for Villain of The Year, as he shows how a real villain acts that places fear in not just the characters in this series, but the audience as well. Week after week, audience wished Kira gets his just desserts, but he is simply too good and gets away with it. It is bloody frustrating to the characters as much as the audience. But the reaction to Kira is what made him such a great villain, and part of what makes Part 4 of JoJo such a great series.
I was deeply saddened when Diamond is Unbreakable ended, but I was happy too because it was such an awesome ride. Plus, there are more JoJo stories to tell in the years ahead. So I am patiently waiting for Part 5.
1. 91 Days
If someone where to ask me what Anime best represents the work of William Shakespeare, well, there are a number of them. But if I were to pick one, it has to be 91 Days. While not exactly a Shakespearean story, it borrows heavily from one of Shakespears famous works - Hamlet, while set during the Prohibition era in the United States.
91 Days is unique in that is different from what you would normally see in plenty of Anime. No Giant Robots, no Superpowered characters, no aliens, magic, martial arts, or anything else. It's not even set in Japan, but in Mafia-ruled America with a story that would make the author of The Godfather wished he'd put it in his novels! It is not often a Japanese Anime is set in America starring American characters and behave virtually like actual Americans. And with 91 Days's tragic story of vengeance that is so well executed, you'd wonder for a second if you're watching a Hollywood production, but in Anime format.
91 Days is not for everyone simply because of how much it stands out from the rest of other Anime. Dare I say you have to be an Anime Connoisseur to truly appreciate 91 Days's delivery of a Shakespearean tragedy. If you're such a person, I stand and clap my hands and commend you for your taste. And for that I chose 91 Days as my pick for Best TV Anime of 2016.
No comments:
Post a Comment