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.

My Top Ten Winter Anime of 2023

Here we are deep into the winter anime season. It’s a perfect time for me to share my best winter anime. I have a mix of returning, continuing and new series here. These anime have at least six episodes to their viewing belts, and those without six episodes yet aren’t part of my list. My regular disclaimer is that these are anime that I am actually watching. Shall we begin?

Buddy Daddies

At number ten I have ‘Buddy Daddies’. The last time I had a P. A. Works anime on any list was with ‘The Aquatope of White Sand’. That was a slice of life anime. On the other hand, ‘Buddy Daddies’ is a comedy-action series. Rei, and Kazuki are charming enough to keep this series going as the fathers to little Miri. Imagine two contract assassins trying to take care of an abandoned child. Well, here it is. Miri to my mind can be annoying sometimes because she’s so loud. Still, the expression on the faces of Rei and Kazuki plus their reactions to whatever their pseudo-daughter does is enough reason to get this anime on my top ten list.

Takemichi and the Cast of Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown

At number nine I have ‘Tokyo Revengers: Christmas Showdown’. I don’t know about you guys, but I am getting irritated as to how Takemichi never appears to learn how to properly defend himself. The story of ‘Tokyo Revengers‘ is told through his perspective. He’s a weakling, and a crybaby. And yet he holds enough charisma (luck?) to move the plot of the story forward. He even admits to people that one of his greatest strengths is that he never learns…to quit. That, I think, is his most admirable quality that keeps viewers coming back for more of his beatings, and tears. Hey, I’m here telling you I watch it, am I not?

Vash the Stampede

At number eight I have ‘Trigun Stampede’. This anime by studio Orange became controversial primarily because of the change in Vash’s hair. I was on the fence with this anime, and decided to give it a go. I wasn’t disappointed, and so Vash is here in the lower tier of my top ten. To those who aren’t watching it in loyalty, and reverence to the first version, I can tell you that ‘Trigun: Stampede’ tells a totally different story. It centers around the relationship of Vash, and his older brother, Knives. You still have a desert planet, and the dangers that go with it in a sci-fi setting. The animation is not too shabby as well.

The Reincarnated Exorcist

At number seven I have ‘Reincarnation of the Strongest Exorcist in Another World’. The first, but not the last isekai on my list, shows the adventures of Seika who shows no magical capability in the world he gets reincarnated. However, he carries over his spiritual power with him which more than compensates for his lack of magical ability. This follows the usual trope of an overpowered reincarnated character. The difference is that Seika doesn’t want the spotlight he had in his former world. That got him killed. His plan is to stick to someone powerful, Amu, and be a lesser personality in this new world so as not to get himself killed again. If you’re an isekai lover, then this should be on your watch list.

Fel and Tsuyoshi

At number six I have ‘Campfire Cooking in Another World’. This isekai was made by studio MAPPA, and I was curious about it when it was announced. It’s rare for me to find an isekai from MAPPA that I like. Mostly, I like their straight up fantasy, or supernatural anime. What makes this isekai more entertaining for me is that the overpowered nature of Tsuyoshi involves an online grocery that leads to cooking. This is odd, and amusing at the same time. It’s laid back, and Tsuyoshi is a wimp who needs to be constantly spurred on by Fel to engage in combat. Nevertheless, the premise, and execution of ‘Campfire Cooking in Another World’ is enough to put it this high on my list.

Anis and Euphy at Center

At number five I have ‘The Magical Revolution of the Reincarnated Princess, and the Genius Young Lady’. Since the title of this anime is so long, from hereon out I’ll be calling it simply ‘The Magical Revolution’. This is a girls love anime that passed my three episode rule. The relationship of Anis, and Euphy is cute; and meshes well with the plot of the story. The fantasy-adventure backdrop of ‘The Magical Revolution’ is the primary reason I like this anime. There’s even a blatant Megumin reference here that is shown if you can spot it. Also, this anime reminds me what a great relationship is like regardless of sex. The magical nature of this anime helps with its appeal to me too.

Shadow Garden

At number four I have ‘The Eminence in Shadow’. One of two continuing anime carrying over from the fall season of 2022, this is my top isekai of the winter season. Cid/Shadow is a harem creator in either guise. The different ending images of the lady members of Shadow Garden keeps you staying till the end credits. If you want to see what a cross between Batman, and Venom looks like, look no further. Season two has already been announced, and this is much deserved. Also, I have to give props to Nexus Studio for coming up with an anime that goes beyond twelve episodes. That is rare nowadays. That is much appreciated.

Mahiru and Amane

At number three I have ‘The Angel Next Door Spoils Me Rotten’. This is my best new anime of the season, and it is a slice of life. It seems that I am consistently finding at least one slice of life anime to put on my top ten lists. I can relate to what a friend of mine shared with me: while watching this anime he sometimes finds himself smiling. Will Mahiru, and Amane fall for each other? I can say that they will with certainty. However, it’s the journey towards the fall that is worth relishing. This anime has an avid manga following, and I’m quite sure these followers are quite happy with what they are seeing. And now I find myself smiling again. Moving on…

To Your Eternity Second Season Image

At number two I have ‘To Your Eternity’. This is my second and last continuing anime from the fall season of 2022. The anime tells the story of Fushi, an immortal with great power that he is slowly learning to use properly. The animation of studio Drive doesn’t hold up to that of Brain Base’s first season. Though, the second season is a far happier time for Fushi than the first. That’s a good thing. Fushi is now learning the extent of his powers in his battle with the Nokkers. There are also a lot of metaphysical questions raised by the story such as the meaning, and importance of life. I like the internal struggle that Fushi faces on a consistent basis because he knows that he is the only one who can live forever while everyone else he cares about dies around him. He can’t bring them back…or can he? For those who watch ‘To Your Eternity’ you already know what I’m hinting at. For those who aren’t watching it yet, that’s a bit of an incentive, and spoiler to watch this beautiful fantasy anime.

Bell Cranel and his Familia

Finally, my number one anime of the winter season is ‘Danmachi’ aka ‘Is It Wrong To Try To Pick Up Girls in a Dungeon?’ The second cour of season four is a must watch for fans of fantasy anime, AND roleplaying game enthusiasts whether from video games or tabletop. I have high praises for season four of ‘Danmachi’ because I wasn’t interested in this anime when it first came out. Now that Hestia has taken a back seat, and the focus is on Bell Cranel and his growing party of adventurers, I am in for the long haul moving forward. I’m actually wondering why J. C. Staff took this long to realize that this should be the way to go for ‘Danmachi’. Well, better late than never. Give me characters who struggle through their hero’s journey anyday over overpowered ones. That is not just the case for Bell Cranel, but with every member of his adventuring group. Properly paced action with character-driven situations mixed with intriguing plot development make ‘Danmachi’ my top anime of the winter 2023.

Do you agree with me? Disagree with me? Let me know.

The Top Ten Summer Anime of 2021

Even though I came up with a lot on my list, I can’t help but think that this is just a warm up (pun intended) to a much anticipted fall season. Nevertheless, this is quite the entertaining list with a few holdovers from the spring season. To some that might be cheating. To me, it is what it is. Hey, the two series that carried over to the summer are no fish bait, and deserve to be on this list. Disclaimer: once again that these are anime that I am actually watching AND they are deep into mid-season already. This gives me time to watch and drop. So, let’s get the show rolling.

At number ten, we have ‘Getter Robo Arc’. I think this is the first mecha anime in a while that I’ve added to my list. Mind you ”86′ doesn’t count as mecha anime, not in the traditional sense anyway. With ‘Getter Robo Arc’ we have a series that has its roots to the grand daddy of combining mecha of a similar name. It also flaunts its getter rays origins from the onset. There are a lot of callbacks to previous series here, and seeing a super robot in action really tugs at my nostalgic heart. Though, you don’t get your standard ‘monster of the week’ storyline, you still get enough action for it to get you going from episode to episode. The switching transformation scenes of this anime is enough to make it to my top ten.

At number nine, we have ‘Peach Boy Riverside’ . Protagonists Sally and Mikoto are seemingly human who have this uncanny ability to draw power to challenge the powerful ogres that populate the land. With this mystical transformation, they have enough strength to defeat any ogre that oppose them handily. In the case of Sally, she has no memory of her power transformations unlike Mikoto who relishes the slaying of ogres. The main characters in this story are quite overpowered. But, what keeps me going is the character interaction, and the origin of both Sally and Mikoto’s powers. I mean, they’re human, and yet, when they face ogres, their power levels are off the chart. Add to that an intriguing array of supporting characters in a fantasy setting, and you’ve got me hooked.

At number eight, we have ‘Aquatope of White Sand’. I rarely watch slice of life anime. Sometimes, one of them gets trhough the cracks, and this is one of them. It helps that the animation is just beautifully depicted by studio P.A. Works. In this case, the story revolves around an aquarium temporarily handled by Kukuru Misakino. She then gets a visitor and former idol, Fuka Miyazawa. Together, they seek to save GamaGama Aquarium from its financial problems so that the business can keep on running. The story focuses on following your passion with hard work, creativity, and friendship. Will it be enough to save GamaGama Aquarium? Let’s see what happens.

At number seven, we have ‘Spirit Chronicles’. One of two isekai on my list, this is a straightforward fantasy anime with some characters remembering their origins in Japan before they got transported into another world. Main protagonist Rio is possessed by the spirit of Haruto Amakawa who dies in a vehcular accident in Japan. After that, Rio starts to exhibit enhanced abilities, and some mystical powers. This leads him on a journey of discovery about his family origins, and a deeper understanding of the source of his powers. As the story progresses, Rio also finds out that he is not the only one who was transported from Japan to this fantasy world. I’m really a sucker for fantasy anime more than isekai, and this is interesting enough to make my list.

At number six, we have ‘The Detective is Already Dead’. Some people accuse this series of cloning well-known characters from other anime. I don’t care, I finde the interaction of Siesta and Kimihiko Kimizuka just adorable. The cheesiness in this series is apparent, and it wears it on its sleeve. More so, the anime makes me laugh with Kimizuka oftentimes trapped in compromising situations with Siesta, and the other female characters in this series. Still, in spite of the hilarity, there is a sadness that is the backdrop of this story. that should be obvious with the title. Besides, any anime that gives a reference to Mazinger Z can make it to my list any day. Speaking of Mazinger Z references…

At number five, we have ‘Tokyo Revengers’. To be honest, there are times that I want to drop this series from my viewing list altogether. The creator admitted that this is a ‘Re: Zero’ clone. Takemichi is an even worse crybaby than Subaru, and I’m surprised he isn’t dead already being part of a biker gang. Yet, I can’t deny the pull of a character who wants to better his stature by changing his past. Given a chance, we’d all want that even just a little to push us in the right direction. And yes, that rocket punch hoodie worn by Takemichi helped in making me stick around a some more.

At number four, we have ‘How a Realist Hero Rebuilt the Kingdom’. The better of the two isekai on my list, this one has a different approach to its storytelling that puts it in my top five. Kazuya Souma gets transported to another world to deal with the threat of the Demon Lord’s Domain. However, he has no taste for combat whatsoever, and is pretty bookish in his background. He was not the hero the kingdom was expecting to save them. Instead, Souma approaches the problem from a socio-economic point of view. Money and resources are his concern; and this is the way Souma plans to save the kingdom. It’s working…so far. His unorthodox approach to ruling, accompanied by his almost Machiavellian thinking have shown crown princess Liscia Elfrieden that maybe, just maybe, they summoned the right hero for the job. I’m more than intrigued to see how Souma conquers the Demon Lord with this approach.

At number three, we have ‘Sonny Boy’. My sleeper series for the summer, this anime was made by studio Madhouse and the animation alone is drop-dead gorgeous. Not surprising there. Madhouse has created so many well-known and well-loved anime series and movies. ‘Sonny Boy’ is no exception. What happens when you take a bunch of students to another dimension? What happens when some of those students develop super powers? What happens when these students travel to different worlds with different rules to follow in each of them? What you have is an anime series that is as cerebral as it gets with enough teenage angst to make it relatable. This is an original anime series, and I’ve always loved those. If you’re the type who likes all the action, then this series will bore you. This is an anime about rules, and rules are everywhere. The story emphasizes that if you follow the rules then you get what you want, and the universe rewards you for it. How do you get all of that from a high school anime? Watch it to find out.

At number two, we have ‘The Case Study of Vanitas’. Based on the manga of the same name, this series was also produced by studio Bones. Right, ‘Full Metal Alchemist’ studio Bones. This is a vampire anime involving main protagonist, Vanitas who is human. His goal is to cure the curse that has infected vampiredom with his sacred book. Joining him, albeit reluctantly, is Noe, a vampire archivist. Together they hunt down cursed vampires, and cure them of their affliction for the safety of both humans and vampires. Oh yeah, Noe also admitted in the first episode that he killed Vanitas. So, this is a retelling of past events from Noe’s standpoint. What? I know. That’s pretty bold and daft storytelling at the same time. The anime has signature Bones humor that you see in ‘Full Metal Alchemist’. ‘The Case Study of Vanitas’ is also a romantic comedy. Action, comedy, vampires, love, death and adventure…what else do you need to convince you to watch this anime? Did I mention it was made by studio Bones already?

At number one, we have ‘To Your Eternity’. I really hate putting sad anime at the top of my list. But, I can’t deny that Fushi and company tell a beautiful tragic tale of loss and overcoming it. What else is there to say? The animation reminds me of a Studio Gibhli production even if it’s not. It’s about a young immortal who learns that immortality is not the kind gift that promotes lasting relationships. The series is heartbreaking and heartwarming at the same time. That’s where it really gets you. The emotional beats are very much relatable, and you realize that tragedy is part of life as much as the triumph. All the drama, even with an immortal protagonist, reflects on the human condition. That is what makes this anime so good. And that is why ‘To Your Eternity’ is the number one anme on my list for the summer.

Do you agree with my list? Give me a comment, and share this review.

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.