It is traditional, at the end of a season, to make a top 10 list of the best anime and I wish I could do that. However, the winter 2016 season presented to us an influx of mediocrity. I can’t bring myself to suggest watching shows which I couldn’t make it through myself and that is what I would have to do if I were to make a traditional top 10 list. Instead, this list will showcase five anime that I believe are worth watching as someone who appreciates anime as a medium.
My favorite studios, Madhouse and Kyoto Animation, both disappointed me with their airing shows,"Prince of Stride"and "Musaigen no Phantom World" respectively, and two of my least favorite studios produced some great shows (so congratulations Studio Dean and A-1 Pictures). Before I begin the list, there are a couple of shows I will not be talking about because they are either a second season and have not yet concluded or I have not watched it, and there is no possible way I would have been able to watch every show. I apologize to "Ansatsu Kyoushitsu" fans because of the season 2 restriction and if "Dimension W" and "Haruchika: Haruta to Chika wa Seishun Suru" were worthy of the list, I never got to give those a first impression. Restrictions aside, here are my top five Winter 2016 anime appreciators should be sure to watch.
5. Ajin (Polygon Pictures)
I’m sure most people won’t like that "Ajin" is on this list; the concept is interesting, the characters are mediocre, the soundtrack isn’t amazing and its CGI. Most people did not give this show even the smallest chance because of the CGI and because of that most people still won’t change their mind and go watch it. However, CGI is becoming more common with Ufotable’s "God Eater" last year and "Ajin" this season, and by disregarding these series simply because of the CGI there is a high possibility of missing a good show in a season or two. Thus, I am suggesting "Ajin" so that people become more familiar with the art style so that in a season, or year when a show worth watching comes out in CGI it won’t simply be written off.
4. Boku Dake ga Inai Machi (A-1 Pictures)
"Boku Dake ga Inai Machi,"or "ERASED," was considered by most to be the anime to watch for the season. Directed by Tomohiko Itou, the notorious director of "Sword Art Online," Boku Dake is a great mystery, although not necessarily the most complex, and has some great directing throughout. Neither being a fan of SAO or of Tomohiko in general, I came across this show biased against it. The first episode, in my opinion, is the worst of the season and confirmed my bias, however, episode two had some fantastic directing and kept me intrigued and eager to carry on. Overall, I would say the show is quite a bit above average but the mystery genre is not for everyone and so I can understand a hesitation to watch the show, especially considering the large amount of people who hate SAO.
3. Kono Subarashii Sekai ni Shukufuku wo! (Studio Dean)
"Konosuba," the shorthand name of this anime, was by far the most surprising underdog I have seen in the past couple seasons. With a premise that is as common in anime as superhero movies are in Hollywood and a typical harem-esque set-up, "Konosuba" turned out to be a genuinely hilarious anime and also a refreshing critique on the type of shows that it itself exemplifies. Besides the fact that animation was not quite up to standard (way to go, Studio Dean, couldn’t afford a slightly larger budget?), the 10 episodes of "Konosuba" were meticulously put together with great script writing, voice actors, episodic sequences and running gags.
What I would like to note especially are the voice actors and the director. The director, Takaomi Kanasaki, has directed a number of shows that I do not consider to be all that fantastic (*cough "Tokyo Ravens" *cough) but he did produce the quite funny "Is this a Zombie?" and his skill in directing comedies truly shines through in this show; I look forward to future comedies he directs. The voice actors, truly, did a fantastic job on this show, namely Jun Fukushima (cast as Kazuma Satou), and I’m greatly looking forward to Ai Kayano’s role in "Flying Witch" next season (she plays the masochistic knight Darkness in Konosuba). I would like to note in addition that episode 9 is the funniest scene I have seen since Panty's final speech in "Panty and Stockings" with Garter Belt. "Konosuba" is a must watch for all and any anime fan.
2. Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu (Studio Dean)
Although "Konosuba" was a fantastic comedy, Studio Dean truly went above and beyond what I expected from them in "Shouwa Genroku Rakugo Shinjuu." A stunning character drama that revolves around the art of Rakugo, I was surprised by a studio that, quite frankly, I think very little of. Learning about an art form that I had no previous knowledge of, would have been reason enough to watch this but as an appreciator of anime, I was given an emotional viewing experience that I craved. From a director whom I knew nothing of beforehand, Shinichi Omata did a fantastic job with shot composition and truly brought out the emotions of the narrative for the audience to enjoy. I am a fan of Josei (as a genre) and was not disappointed in the product of this narrative. I would call this the anime of the season. Many may have decided to skip this anime for flashier series such as "Myriad Colors Phantom World," "Divine Gate" and "Schwarzesmarken," but I implore you to give this great drama a try.
Honorable Mention: Dagashi Kashi (feel), Gate: Jieitai Kanochi nite, Kaku Tatakaeri (A-1 Pictures)
Before reaching the number one Anime to watch as an appreciator of anime this season, I would like to suggest some honorable mentions. I could not in good faith put these two anime on my list because I can’t for the life of me come up with reasons that everyone should watch these shows. However, I fell in love with Gate last season and had a blast watching the fantastic candy eating of "Dagashi Kashi" this season so I suggest if you would like to turn your brain off and watch some enjoyable shows, these two come with my highest recommendation, despite the fact that I am suggesting another A-1 picture show.
1. Hai to Gensou no Grimgar (A-1 Pictures)
Although there is occasional fan service and a couple clichéd misunderstandings, these do not take away from (in fact, I would argue, add to) the experience of the show. I’m not a fan of the opening but I believe every anime fan should watch this show because it takes an anime trope and does it exceptionally well. I can’t help myself but think how Overlord, Sword Art Online, Log Horizon, Danmachi and a seemingly infinite amount more compare to this great character-driven drama. Thank you, Ryousuke Nakamura, the director, script writer and sound director.
