Five Things I Loved About ToyCon 2024 and Two Things I Want To See in the Future

ToyCon has come and gone this year; and for those of you who were lucky to attend one day or more, it was truly an evolution of one of the biggest pop culture events in the Philippines. Since I am still on a geek high, here are five experiences I loved about ToyCon 2024, and two things I hope to see in future iterations of this event.

Firstly let’s get this out of the way, what’s a toycon without toys, right? Whether you’re windowshopping for toys, buying them, taking pictures, or simply enjoy basking in the sea of toys that converges with the mass of humanity attending toycon, there is always this to expect: toys are at the center of ToyCon. And ToyCon 2024 lived up to the hype. Your experiences will be full with the toys that populated the event grounds at the SMX Mall of Asia.

Deadpool and Wolverine

Harley Quinn

Next, you have the cosplayers at ToyCon. You know your event has exploded on the pop culture scene when the cosplay community comes in troves. Not only was the community ever present for three days with various fandoms represented, there was even a cosplay competition held on the last day for aspiring cosplayers to compete. So everywhere you go, you’d better be ready with your camera to take shots at these fans who express their love for pop culture in cosplay.

Here’s something that I thought I’d never say at Toycon: I enjoyed the performances. That’s a first for me. This part of ToyCon showed me that it is truly evolving. The highlight of the performances for me was when Krage performed on stage songs from two recent anime: Raven of the Inner Palace, and Solo Leveling. The surprise performance for me was the one made by Chicken Blow the Idol. They went down to the crowd on the second day, and performed an acoustic version of one of their songs. Talk about meet, and greet. This made me an instant fan, and follower. I know that ToyCon has had musical performances in the past, but I’ve always set those aside for the toys. This year is my first year inhaling the performances onstage.

If the musical performances surprised me, here’s one aspect of ToyCon that didn’t: guest interactions onstage. There were a slew of panel discussions at ToyCon, but one in particular stood out for me. That happened on the third day when we got to see the director and cast of FRIENDLY FIRE, a new Filipino movie coming out on October 23, 2024. Not only did we get to see the return of Alodia Gosiengfiao to ToyCon (who revealed that she is expecting a child soon, congratulations!), but we also got to see Director Mikhail Red along with the rest of the cast talk about the film. Also, the first trailer reveal was shown to visiting patrons on the third day. It’s always nice to see these juicy bits of info on upcoming shows at ToyCon. ToyCon 2024 was no exception.

This might be redundant since I mentioned it in the beginning, but I’m going back to it because I am a toy collector. Part of the joy of ToyCon (some might even argue that this is the first thing they do at the event) is hunting for that one toy (or several?) that will complete their collection. Collectors, am I right? Sometimes there’s never enough room for the toys you love. And I think toy collecting has no true age limit. As such, the hunt for these toys that will add or complete your collection forms part of why you visit ToyCon in the first place. Did I find anything for myself? Most definitely. I’m sure I’m not alone in agreeing that hunting for toys is ingrained in the culture of ToyCon…whethere this be voluntary or not.

ToyCon 2024 was a blast, but there were a couple of things that I missed from this year. Yes, there were toy discussions. But, I think ToyCon missed a golden opportunity to invite personalites related to toys considering that some of these toylines are celebrating milestone years this year. For example, the Transformers franchise is celbrating its 40th year. They could have invited, let’s say maybe Peter Cullen, the voice of Optimus Prime to the event. I mean, we got comicbook legend Neal Adams a few years back, so why not a celebrity related to these milestone year toylines?

Also, missing from ToyCon are roleplaying tabletop games. There was a Yu-gi-oh! table at SMX. There was Magic: The Gathering, and Warhammer. and even video games at the Mall of Asia Music Hall. BUT…no tabletop. No Dungeons and Dragons. As a long time tabletop player and game master, I was so looking forward to sitting down, and maybe interacting with some like-minded individuals. I was able to spot a stall selling dice in the merchant area, but that was it. Hopefully, I’ll get to see tabletop games represented in future ToyCons.

Overall, ToyCon 2024 was truly an evolution where we see the event expand far beyond just being a marketplace for toys. It has become a celebration of pop culture fandom in the Philippines as it continues to grow. In 2025, ToyCon is slated to be from June 13 to 15. What are we to expect? More of the same, and still much more. See you again then.

My Best Anime of 2023

It’s that time of the early year for me to share my list of best anime for 2023. This list consists of the best of the best of what I’ve watched from last year. Again, note that these are anime that I’ve seen, and so if you have you’re favorites and they aren’t here, it simply means that they aren’t on my viewing list. Spoilers will come so be ready for them…

Shadow Garden

At number twelve, I have “The Eminence in Shadow”. Technically, there are two cours of this for 2023. One was the continuation of the first season which carried over from 2022. The other was released in the fall of last year. In any case, Cid/Shadow and his harems (yes there are two, actually) had a very entertaining year for Shadow Garden. It’s unsurprising that this is one of the more popular isekai nowadays. As per isekai trope, Cid/Shadow is totally op, and that’s fine for this genre. Me? I prefer my isekai main characters to just be moderately powerful. Nonetheless, this is entertaining enough to make the tail end of my list.

Senkuu

At number eleven, I have “Dr. Stone”. This was an excellent split cour season of Senkuu, and the rest of the Kingdom of Science. I dare say that the third season is just as good as the second. And, if all indications are correct, the next season (last?) might just be even better. The mystery of the petrification ray that affected the world was discovered. Now it’s time to get to the source. But, I’m getting ahead of myself. This third season was a perfect mix of what make this anime so entertaining: science, action, comedy, and mystery. I’ll keep saying it: this is an anime you can use to teach science class. Just don’t let your students do the experiments here without your guidance, if not at all.

To Your Eternity

At number ten, I have “To Your Eternity”. Ah, Fushi, this was a good season for you. After all the heartache you felt from season one, here in season two you get to fight back. Fushi also finds out that long lost friends can be brought back by his power. I told you there’d be spoilers. Fushi finally puts the Knockers in their place, and he gives his longtime perished friends the second life they deserve. It’s almost like Fushi has some form of Messiah Complex. That is completely true. The end of season two makes me wonder how they can proceed with season three. This was the perfect ending already. I hope the third season will be only better for Fushi.

Rudeus and Sylphy

At number nine, I have “Jobless Reincarnation”. This second season is basically the story of how Rudeus, and Sylphy find each other. Not a lot of action here. More of Rudeus trying to solve his erectile dysfunction. Lo and behold, the cure is Sylphy, a childhood friend, and former student. Let there be no illusion that this is an ecchi anime, but it’s also one of the best fantasy isekai around. I’m hoping that part two of the second season which comes out this year will have all the action missing from the first cour. Still, Rudeus’s challenges are entertaining enough to put him higher on my list than the three anime that came before “Jobless Reincarnation”.

Maomao

At number eight, I have “Apothecary Diaries”. I have one word for you that makes this anime worth the watch: Maomao. This smart, witty, charming, and pretty main character of this series is the engine that makes this anime roll. It’s historical fiction set in Imperial China. Maomao plays the apothecary/super sleuth within the walls of the Outer Palace. The image above of her is Maomao as she got older. Right now she is in her adolescent stage…maybe? I can’t wait for her to completely bloom into that beauty. Jaws will drop. But, if you don’t have the smarts, you have no chance with her. Take note, Master Jinshi.

Atom and Uran

At number seven, I have “Pluto”. This is “Astroboy” if you added a bit more layered storytelling, and emotional hooks. You can watch “Astroboy”, and still you’d have a different experience when you watch “Pluto”. ”Astroboy” is a classic. “Pluto” adds to the lore, and makes the original even better. Don’t be mistaken though. “Pluto” can stand on its own. This is the only science fiction anime on my list, and it deserves to be here with around one hour for each of its eight episodes. The irony is transparent: robots that are more human than humans. It also has a lot of modern commentary about war, and discrimination. Heavy topics for an emotionally heavy series. Add the beautiful anime, and it all adds up to this anime’s charm.

Muichirou, Tanjirou and Mitsuri

At number six, I have “Demon Slayer”. The magnum opus of Ufotable is at the middle of my list with its beautiful animation, and action. This is a straightforward fantasy anime, and it truly lives up to the hype. When “Demon Slayer” ends, it will be a sad day for a lot of anime fans. Be glad it happened. Also, be glad Mitsuri didn’t get married. Otherwise, we wouldn’t have our beloved Love Hashira. New season is already coming this year so be ready for more of Tanjiro’s adventures.

Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?

At number five, I have “Danmachi”. The fourth season was outstanding enough to be my best anime of the winter season of 2023. You can fight me on this: Bell Cranel, and Ryuu Lion belong together. Forget about Ais, Bell. Elves are pretty much in nowadays as you will see further on my list. Besides, you can’t go wrong with choosing Ryuu Lion who has the same seiyuu as Yor Forger. I mean, that has to mean something, right guys? Back me up here.You can’t go wrong with the action, and animation here as well. It really is a headscratcher that J. C. Staff took this long to figure out how to make this series great. Now I’m spoiled. I want MORE.

Ichigo

At number four, I have “Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War“. Studio Pierrot went back to its biggest gun, and considered by many to be one of the big three of modern anime. Funny though that we don’t see a lot of Ichigo in this season. That’s alright because it allowed the other characters to shine. This just shows that “Bleach” is not a one trick pony. Or one Bankai series. Or…you get what I mean. A plus factor is that you even don’t have to review what came before “Thousand-Year Blood War”. Start with these new seasons and you’re good enough to enter Soul Society.

Oshi No Ko

At number three, I have “Oshi No Ko”. The biggest surprise for me this season, all I had going for me was that Ai Hoshino would be voiced by legendary seiyuu Rie Takahashi. That’s it. I mean, Rie couldn’t possibly choose a bad project now, could she? I was crossing my fingers with that thought. Studio Doga Kobo has only come out with one anime that I watched, and that wasn’t really top tier. ”Oshi No Ko” is top tier. The gamble paid off for me. A cross between a reincarnation, and idol anime, “Oshi No Ko” is also a social commentary of the idol/entertainment scene in Japan. The animation is gorgeous, and in spite of some funny moments this is a serious anime. It also has one of the best opening songs for an anime in 2023. Check out “Idol” on Spotify if you don’t believe me.

Jujutsu Kaizen

At number two, I have “Jujutsu Kaizen”. The best anime of studio MAPPA for the year is also a consecutive cour series. I’ve always loved double cour anime. There are fewer and fewer of these that come out lately. That is a bonus for one of the best modern supernatural anime. You get the background of Gojou. You get to see his friendship and falling out with Getou. You get the Shibuya Arc. You get to see the death of…ah-ah that would be telling too much. Watch out already for the third season. With all the action and plot hooks resolved in season two, there are already tugs for what is to come in season three. And yet, there isn’t enough supernatural power for “Jujutsu Kaizen” to be at number one. Well, my number one anime knows how to hide in plain sight…

Frieren

At number one, I have “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”. I suppose there are a lot of people by now who are sick and tired of hearing just how great “Frieren” is. I. DON’T. CARE. If you aren’t watching this master elven mage, and her laid back adventures yet, you are missing out on one of the GREATEST anime of all time. Studio Madhouse has been quiet for a couple of years now. “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End” puts them back on the competitive map by leaps and bounds. This anime is at the top of my anime list by a mile from its nearest competitor. Sure there was a quiet anticipation. It wasn’t going to be bad. But, I didn’t expect it to be this seminal anime that will be talked about for years to come. And just like Frieren herself, this anime will just look like it blends in the crowd. Don’t be fooled. Behind that nonchalant demeanor is a powerhouse anime that can give you all the magic you need for over a thousand years. After you use that power, you can sleep the entire day to recharge just like Frieren.

So, that’s my list for 2023. Agree with me? Disagree with me? Let me know in the comments. Thank you.

Top Ten Anime of Fall 2023

This is VERY late due to the enjoyable December holiday break. Still, I have to do this list before I get to my 2023 best anime. And, this list is pretty strong. Let’s begin, shall we?

Goblin Slayer

At number ten, I have “Goblin Slayer”. The second season is very much anticipated, and it took years for it to come into fruition. Thankfully, we have more pure high fantasy, dungeon crawls, and organized violence as our favorite armored silver ranked slayer has to offer. I’m a HUGE fan of purely fantasy anime. And, this won’t be the last one on my list. Read on.

The Girlfriends

At number nine, I have “The 100 Girlfriends Who Really, Really, Really, Really, Really Love You”. That title is a mouthful, and Rentarou has his hands full trying to keep his upcoming 100 girlfriends alive. You heard that right he WANTS to keep them alive. Because of some fated mistake, instead of having one soulmate in life, Rentarou has 100. But, it gets more complicated than that. If he doesn’t make these soulmates his girlfriends, they end up dying. That’s a morbid premise, but the anime is quite over the top hilarious with that premise. This is the only anime on my list where I get to laugh out loud several times EVERY episode. The anime is so absurd that it is so funny.

Fuuko and Andy

At number eight, I have “Undead Unluck”. I have a soft spot for consecutive cour anime, and ‘Undead Unlock’ is one of a couple here on my list. Regardless of episode count, this is a pretty good anime to make my list. Undead or ‘Andy’ is out to find a way to end his immortal life. In comes Fuuko with her unluck power that could possibly allow Andy to die. The catch? The more Fuuko has an emotional attachement to the individual who touches her bare skin, the worse the unluck unleashed. I’m talking literal fire and brimstone from the sky disasters. So, Andy decides that in order to ensure that he dies in spite of his insane regenerative abilities, he will make Fuuko fall in love with him. He hopes this will truly end his immortal life. It’s another morbid premise that combines with excellent action, and comedy in it. I seem to have an affinity for this kind of anime. Hmm…

The Forgers

At number seven, I have “Spy Family”. The Forgers are back for their second season. This masterpiece by Wit Studio, and Cloverworks deserves all the attention it’s getting. Also, I love it when mama Yor gets to show off her ‘killer instinct’. There is a lot of it in this season. There’s a lot of super spy Loid in this season too. And yet, it all looks like a set-up to the movie that should be available in some areas by now. I’m already looking forward to the third season.

Senkuu

At number six, I have “Dr. Stone”. Senkuu and the Nation of Science are back to restore humanity to its technological present. This third season is as good as the second season. This is the second cour of the third season, and I’m fully satisfied that Ibara got what he had coming. He tried to outsmart Senkuu, but failed. This anime has a perfect mix of action, comedy, great animation, AND scientific knowledge that you can actually use as a sample in the classroom. Imagine a science class that uses “Dr. Stone” for its lessons. I can imagine it.

The Eminence in Shadow

At number five, I have “The Eminence in Shadow”. After a very entertaining first season, Cid/Shadow is back with Shadow Garden for the second season. The anime starts off strong at the gate, and provides everyone with more than enough isekai entertainment. By season’s end, Cid has a new challenge in a very familiar place. I suppose it was necessary considering the premise of existing alternate realities now revealed in the second season. What does this mean for Cid, and his hare—Shadow Garden moving forward? Let’s see what happens.

Maomao

At number four, I have “The Apothecary Diaries”. I gambled on this anime because it was from OLM studios. You know, the studio responsible for”‘Summertime Rende“‘? This was worth the gamble, and it has two consecutive cours. Maomao is the main character in this historical fiction anime that is set during the Chinese Imperial Era. Maomao is a potion maker/poison tester who gets sold into the Rear Palace of the emperor. This sets her on an adventure full of intrigue, and manipulation in the politics of the Rear Palace. This is a procedural anime with there being a mystery every episode. However, there is an even bigger mystery unravelling that might just lead to the core of succession to the throne. If anything, the biggest strenght of this anime is Maomao herself who is the perfect combination of brains, and beauty. Why do the brains come before the beauty? Watch the anime to find out.

Atom and Uran

At number three, I have “Plut”‘. If you’re an Astroboy fan, then you are in for a treat. This anime adapts “The Greatest Robot in the World” storyline from the original “Astroboy” run in the 1980s. It does so with hour long eight episodes. Unlike ‘Astroboy’, ‘Pluto’ takes a more serious tone, and creates a lot of emotional hooks to keep you interested. There is a lot of human interest in this science fiction anime that even makes the robots more human, AND humane than actual humans. You might want to watch the last two episodes of “Astrobo”‘ aka “The Greatest Robot in the World” to review the basic plot. You don’t need to though. ‘Pluto’ can stand on its own merits.

Jujutsu Kaizen

At number two, I have “Jujutsu Kaize”‘. For the second straight season, ‘Jujutsu Kaizen’ lands at number two. The previous cour came out during the summer season, and this continues into the fall. This is one of studio MAPPA’s babies, and it’s a hell of a show. Not only do we get some backstory on Gojou, but we also get the much anticipated Shibuya Arc. The Shibuya Arc was so influential that the Japanese Government shut down Shibuya for a while BECAUSE of what was being shown in this anime. Talk about pop culture having influence in real life, right? The third season has already been announced, and THAT promises to be better than this one. With all that is excellent with “Jujutsu Kaize”, Gojou and company still don’t have enough magic to overcome the number one anime of the season…

Frieren

At number one, I have “Frieren: Beyond Journey’s End”. MADHOUSE. IS. BACK. What a way to be back on top playing with the anime big boys. This is high fantasy at its best. Would you believe me if I told you that it’s also slice of life? What if it’s also the chillest anime of the season? The animation is flawless, and very crisp from cell to cell. The storytelling is heartwarming, and heartwrenching at the same time. I knew that the anime would be good. But, I didn’t know it would be THIS GOOD. To add, it’s also a back-to-back two cour anime. That means this is spiliing over to the winter season of 2024. Is this a good thing? Well, duh? OF COURSE IT IS! ”Frieren Beyond: Journey’s End” is not just eye candy. There are deep themes here that include (but not limited to) immortality, the cycle of life, and mundane magic-using. Just like how people underestimate Frieren, you can choose to underestimate this anime at your peril. There is a lot of hidden magic in this anime still waiting to be unleashed.

So, that’s my list. Agree with me? Disagree? Let me know in the comments.

‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Final’: The Curtain Call to One of the Best Live Action Anime Adaptations

Seven Years. Seven grueling years. That’s how long it took for ‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Final’ to come out. I have to give it to the creators of the live-action franchise. They focused on stories that highlight what Kenshin’s life is all about. The latest film in the Samurai X franchise highlights that as well. This movie series is one of the best anime adaptations to come out, and it really shows.

The story begins after the events of ‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Legend Ends’. With Shishio gone, what’s life like in Japan? As soon as you thought that Kenshin and Kaoru will have a peaceful life, an element from Kenshin’s past shows up which explains why Kenshin is so daft in expressing his feelings towards Kaoru. Behind that smile, Kenshin has always been a tragic hero,and this further highlighted in ‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Final’. There’s never a dull moment for the former Battosai, and his former life as a killer haunts him in this movie.

Aside from Kenshin and Kaoru, we have a lot of returning characters but not all of them get to see the end of the film. As this is further down the line in Japanese history, there are a lot more technological improvements particularly in the existence of firearms which are now more prevalent. In spite of this, we get to see just how legendary Kenshin’s skills are even though he continues to use his reverse-blade sword. Reformed from Kenshin’s life as Battosai, he continues to honor his promise to not kill people even though this code is really put to the test amidst the deadly past that haunts him. Truly, his entire moral code is tested in the film as he continously comes to blows not just with his adversaries, but also with mistakes made in his past life as Battosai.

Kenshin not only wrestles with his moral code, but he also grapples with his feelings towards Kaoru. His desensitized feelings towards Kaoru are further explained if not justified by his previous romantic relationship. Kenshin struggles to come to grips with his past failure, and this curtails his decision-making on what he needs to do. Thankfully, he is able to resolve this inner conflict in time to the benefit of his friends, and the current Japanese status quo he swore to protect. This leads to an action-packed conclusion that puts into display why this Rurouni Kenshin franchise is one of the best anime adaptations ever created.

Having said that, ‘Rorouni Kenshin: The Final’ is a story about moving on from the past. Everybody deserves to be happy, and that includes our tragic hero, Kenshin Himura. This film, allows for Kenshin and the rest of the characters to move into a Japanese future of peace in the new regime. Here we see that the internal struggles are self-inflicted, and hamper one’s perception of an individual’s surroundings. As shown in the film, once these internal demons are overcome, the present and future become more of a blessing than a burden. True, there are some differences between the original anime and this film, but I see no problem with giving Kenshin the ending he deserves.

All in all, ‘Rorouni Kenshin: The Final’ does not skip a beat, and continues the tradition of providing beautiful storytelling coupled with exhilirating action scenes that its predecessors in the movie franchise provided. I’m sad to see it all end, but if this is how it ends, then it is a fitting ending to this film series.

‘Rurouni Kenshin: The Final’ is now streaming on Netflix.

Eight Anime to Watch This Spring 2021

Going into this year’s spring season of Japanese Anime, I wasn’t really expecting a lot of worthy series to watch. I mean, there were so many entertaining anime to watch from the winter season that I was only looking forward to one series this spring which I had declared to myself the best one on this list at one point. I was SO WRONG with that presumption. As of this writing, we are at midseason proving once again that this year’s crop of anime have been very good so far. Yes, I dropped a few bad eggs here and there, and what I was left with was an intriguing list for the spring season. Disclaimer once again, these are actual anime that I am watching so you are allowed to disagree with the list entirely. Though you might end up agreeing with me in the end. So, on with the countdown…

At number eight, we have ‘Joran: The Princess of Snow and Blood’. This reminds me a bit of ‘The Crow’ comick book with a movie adaptation staring Brandon Lee, and ‘Rurouni Kenshin‘. The story revolves around assasin Sawa Yukimura who is a changeling. To my mind, she is a combination of The Crow and Kenshin without Kenshin’s sense of humor. Yukimora is a truly depressing character and she thrives in it. I was about to drop this series from my viewing because the story became quite predictably boring, but the plot took some interesting twists and turns and this barely made my list. The story progresses quite quickly with Yukimura’s band of assassins and moral compass, Asahi Nakamura who is actually the daughter of parents that Sawa murdered. I told you this story was depressing. Don’t take your eye off the story. I was engrossed enough to keep this on my list.

At number seven, we have ‘Mars Red’. No, this has nothing to do with the planet. This series has more to do with vampires and vampire hunters. In 1923, the Japanese government created a new unit to counter the increasing number of vampires. The unit itself is led by Yoshinobu Maeda, a human, who leads a unit composed of both humans and vampires. Similar to Joran, there’s a bit of historical revisionism here to provide the backdrop for the series’ story. Mars Red focuses on the relationship of humans and vampires while also showing how human (humane?) some of these vampires actually can be. I’m sure you’ve heard this story before, but there are some story elements in this anime that, like Joran, have kept me viewing this series in spite of the overfamiliarity of its theme. Check it out to find out.

At number six, we have ‘Combatants Will Be Dispatched!’. Anime like this normally don’t make my list. Why, you might ask? Well, it’s just…it can be…at times…sexually offensive? Who am I kidding. The series objectifies women in a very crass and lewd way. And yet, I find myself laughing at the situations and get to wonder if there is a point to all this.

The series revolves around Combat Agent 6 who works for the Kisaragi Corporation, a corporation of great evil. In fact, Six has to get evil points in order for himself to optimize the resources of the Kisaragi Corporation. The more evil points he has, the more access he has to the arsenal the Kisaragi Corporation has to offer. Six is sent on a mission to spy on a distant planet in order to later takce control of it. He is accompanied by combat droid Alice who serves as his liaison in the conquest of this new world. There are shades of Ranma 1/2 in this anime that allow me to tolerate the female objectification. Seriously, I find myself bursting out in laughter with noboby around while watching this, and I almost seem like a crazy person. It’s sci-fi fantasy harem. it’s semi-ecchi. It can be VERY offensive at times, but it’s just too funny not to be on this list.

At number five, we have ‘Tokyo Revengers’. Takemichi Hanagaki has been given the power to go back in time, twelve years to be exact, which allows him to prevent the try and prevent the death of his former girlfriend, Hinata Tachibana. However, each time he spends in the past, he inhabits his middle school younger self. As Takemichi spends time in the past, his present body is left in a coma. The amount of time he spends in the past is also the amount of time that lapses in the present when he returns. Takemichi skirts back and forth from present to past in order to find clues and ways to prevent the death of his former girlfirend.

I’ve always like redemption stories, and this series is one of them. When Takemichi goes back into the past, he is not only changing history, he is also changing his personality. This dynamic between time travel and redemption is enough to put this series on my list.

At number four, we have ’86’. Welcome to the Republic of San Mongolia which has an existing war with the Gladian Empire. The republic is comprised of eighty-six sectors. Sector eighty-six is where people not considered human reside in order to protect the rest of San Mongolia from the Glaidian Empire’s horde. Valdilena Milze commands her Spearhead Squadron, members of sector eighty-six, far away from the dangers of actual war. Spearhead is led by their field commander known as the Reaper who has the reputation of being the sole survivor of his squad.

’86’ makes it this high on my list because of the beautiful animation, and its focus on the effects of discrimiation. The reason why members of sector eighty-six are forced to fight against the Gladian horde while other sectors do not is the color of their hair. Becasue these people from sector eighty-six do not have silver hair, they are not considered human, and thus, are left as expendable soldiers to die for the protection of the Republic of San Mongolia. Ouch. More painful is the fact that characters fall like flies here so don’t get too attached. How do you work with somebody who you know doesn’t even consider you human? Watch this anime to find out.

At number three, we have ‘Zombieland Saga: Revenge’. I was about ready to crown this anime as THE anime to watch for the spring season. That’s how highly I value the members of Franchouchou. The second season of Zombieland Saga continues a few months after the events of the first season. It’s still funny as hell, with a lot of warm moments. The combination of song, humor and drama got me hooked at the onset, and it helps that studio MAPPA took care of the animation for this series. In a spring season filled with a lot of sad and sometimes depressing anime, ‘Zombieland Saga: Revenge’ balances it all out. When the first season of this anime came out, I wasn’t even expecting to continue let alone finish it. This was out of my regular anime viewing…or so I thought. With the second season, you’ll get the same in-depth character development that even viewers like me who are not fans of idol anime will enjoy. Then of course you have Tae Yamada who will soften even the hardest of hearts.

At number two, we have ‘To Your Eternity’. I’ve heard of this anime, and its manga following but it wasn’t a series I was looking forward to watching. A few episodes in and I was proven wrong. Watching it, I see shades of ‘Princess Mononoke’ and the Studio Ghibli touch. This is surprising because this wasn’t made by Studio Ghibli. And yet, it has that feel.

Created under the guidance of Brain’s Base studio,the story is about an immortal being that can change shape. The being itself has no identity or emotions. However, as it roams the planet, it is able to learn from its experiences, and the death of a being it has bonded with at some level (I’m not sure exactly how) allows this immortal being to take its shape. As the story progresses, the immortal being is named, ‘Fushi’. This anime hits the spot on so many emotional levels that it feels like an extended anime movie. The animation is beautiful, and the thematic element of ‘nature vs. nurture’ is constantly portayed in this series make it an entertaining anime to watch. But, that is not enough to put this on the top of my list.

At number one, we have ‘Vivy: Flourite Eye’s Song’. While ‘To Your Eternity’ was an anime I heard of, and took a gamble in watching, ‘Vivy: Flouriet Eye’s Song’ was an anime that didn’t even reach my initial radar. To be honest, I had caught up with all the anime I had lined up to watch, and wanted a change of pace. So, I found this lying around and tried it out. Little did I know that I was watching my number one anime of the spring season.

‘Vivy: Flourite Eye’s Song’ tells the story of a entertainment AI known as Vivy. Her sole purpose is to entertain humans with her songs. She is contacted by Matsumoto, an AI from one hundred years in the future. Matsumoto tells Vivy that she needs to help him prevent events that will lead to a human and AI war. Only Vivy can help Matsumoto with his task. Initially, Vivy refuses to help, knowing that her only function in life is to sing. She reluctantly agrees to help Matsumoto which sets her on a war prevention adventure that spans the next one hundred years of her life. In the process, Vivy learns to empathize with both humanity and AI equally. This leads to some conflict with Matsumoto at times who has one way of accomplishing the task at hand while Vivy has other ideas on what to do.

This anime makes my top spot not only because of the beautiful animation and storytelling, but also because it focuses on Vivy changing the course of her own programmed destiny. By changing here character and approach in life, Vivy literally can change a a war-destined future. Nothing is set in stone, and you are in charge of your own destiny. That grand thematic element puts this anime at the top of my spring anime list.