I have not been covering the spring anime for a whole week due to a bad bout of cold and fever. After that, I got very lazy. It’s really bad weather these days (like it will ever be good), and people are dropping faster than popcorn being released into the open. Anyway, I have the fortune to finally make up my mind on the shows I am going to watch. That said, I am still ambivalent whether to follow a series through and through due to my inability to follow a commitment to the very end. If you notice, I have not finished blogging a complete series for ages, and I am not sure if I can do it well too due to time commitments.
Still, here is a quick look at the top five shows that I might be following to the very end for the spring season after the first two/three episodes.
5th place – Sengoku Basara
I have no idea why I like this show. I still cannot remember a single character’s name. The plot is so flimsy and done to death. Even the characters are hardly revolutionary. There’s the arrogant Engrish speaking general, the hot-headed but expected to be a great warrior guy, the typical gay-looking (I still don’t know if he/she is supposed to look androgynous) guy with the huge boob assassin. Cue on for many other cliches. I actually took fifteen minutes of quiet time to figure out why this show is attracting me, since it is not exactly the type of show I care about.
After some thought, I realize it is the sheer over-exaggeration that actually makes the show a rather lighthearted series to follow. You can go in with your head completely empty, look at all the silly crazy fighting that makes almost no sense and just laugh along. It is not deep, nor is it anything meant to be deep. Yet, I realize that it is good because it balances the usual diet of slice-of-life/romance series I watch. If you want something shounen and war-based, and does not treat it seriously at all, Sengoku Basara is one to catch.
4th place – Full metal Alchemist
I have been a huge fan of FMA, so it is unsurprising that it will be included in this list. However, it might be a little surprising how I only placed it in the 4th position. One of the major issues I had with the current series is its voice actors. It is probably how I am pampered with the previous series, particularly the voice actor of Mustang. It just feels a little strange that the arrogance feel of Roy is missing. I am not even sure why, but it just didn’t feel right. It is perhaps just me being picky over the voice acting.
However, there is almost nothing you can really hate about this franchise. BONES, as usual, makes animation look great and cool. The OP by Yui is excellent, as with her many other works. The ED is so unorthodox but it works perfectly fine, with a more wistful and relaxing vibe. My favorite character in FMA, Mr “Super-exhibitionist” Armstrong is also back in a vengeance. What’s not to like about it?
3rd – Asura Cryin
The first episode was clearly exciting. The second episode confused me so much that I wonder if I should drop the whole darn show. I didn’t need the fanservice too that was rather abundant in the second episode. However, they manage to save it and actually make it awesome by the third episode. Many things were immediately apparent, and it saved the show from being dropped to becoming one of the shows I am waiting for.
One thing I like about the show is how all the characters manage to be extremely interesting. For one, we do not have a wimpy, whiny piece of crap for the main male character. He is decently timid but he is just a normal balanced guy. Anime like this, particularly mecha shows, tend to make the male character either abnormally brave or totally gutless. It’s refreshing to see a typical guy going around trying to figure out what is going on. He is not trying to save the world or anything, just protecting his friends. Asura Cryin manages to do what good anime generally does: Keep it simple, keep it tangible and keep it real.
2nd – Souten Kouro
Souten Kouro is obviously one of the shows that I have been keen to watch ever since Calawain’s spring post. I mean, a show with Cao Cao as the main character is something I have to catch at all costs. It did not disappoint me with a very unique way of introducing Cao Cao. The first episode deals with his youth, and the motivation to protect the weak in an era of trouble just before the Three Kingdoms period. The second episode slows down a little with the quick introduction of his first love, and how it has shaped his beliefs over corrupted officials who abuse their power against commoners.
This is something not everyone can enjoy for sure. It is not exactly funny, and I am not sure if someone who is not interested in the Three Kingdoms Era can appreciate such a show. However, the story plot is very strong in my opinion, and I am amazed how it projects a very different feel to most other adaptations of that era. It’s a definite must watch and Madhouse has a clear winner.
1st – Ristorante Paradiso
I actually watched the first two episodes of Ristorante Paradiso with my girlfriend today, and man I was completely hooked. I didn’t expect myself to enjoy it and delayed my viewing for this series. After a long period of annoying persuasion by my naggy girlfriend, I decided to finally watch the series on streaming. After the first episode, I can totally understand why she liked it. It’s like the old man’s version of Aria.
It’s relaxing, it has romance vibes in the first episode. The guys are generally very different from the usual assortment of guys in anime series. For one, they are old/middle aged and that provides very different characters from the norm. The setting of the series is a restaurant with only old gentlemen with glasses serving the customers. I am not sure if this is for everyone but the interactions between the characters will soothe the heart of those that are stressed out after a long day at work or school. This is the type of show you will watch while sipping a soothing cup of earl grey tea in your comfort. Since I have been looking for a good slice-of-life romantic series, this has to be first place in my rankings.
So there you have it, the top five picks for the spring season. The next edition will present the top five drops of the spring season for me. Yes, after the compliments, it’s time for the hate! So, before that entry appears, so long and have fun! Do tell me if I am missing out some gems in this spring season.
41 Comments
Indeed, Ristorante Paradiso is the best anime this season
I will cover it and some other anime regularly, as I indicated in my blogging schedule 
Souten Kouro does not fit my taste though, but I liked voice actors
My 5 Top Picks:
Asura Cryin’ – Same as your reasons, interesting characters.
Eden of the East – It’s 7 episodes and a movie, so I’m interested whether it’ll be the usual holier-than-thou that IGPX, Sky Crawlers, Ghost in the Shell: SAC, Moribito nonsense that loses stream about half-season. I mean, there’s no way a show can lose steam that’s only 7 episodes long, right? Plus, the characters aren’t doll robots like in GiTS and Sky Crawlers, so that’s a plus. As long it doesn’t get too preachy, it’ll be all right.
Tears to Tiara – From the Team that produced Shadow Warrior Chronicles? I’m sold!!!
Higurashi no Naku Koro ni Rei – More cuddly Loli and Shota murdering? I’m in!!!
Valkyria Chronicles – Feels more fleshed out that typical war-time anime (Allison to Lillia, Gundam) so I’ll keep watching it. Also, the characters aren’t emo zombies.
@IMPZ
I personally can’t believe that you want to watch FullMetal Alchemist: Brotherhood. Was 50 episodes and a movie along with some minor OVAs not enough?
Cross Game
PUT YA GUNS ON IMPZ
First and foremost, I seriously advise trying Higashi no Eden. The first episode was absolutely explosive and, without nitpicking obsessively, I’d say it was one of the best openers I have ever witnessed, every minute from the OP to the last seconds of the ED. Ristorante Paradiso and FMA are also on my list and I’m considering following Hanasakeru Seishounen just to see how well Studio Pierrot is going to handle a manga written in 1987. And perhaps Pandora Hearts or 07-Ghost, if I’m really bored.
Ristorante Paradiso and Sengoku Basara. Or Eden of the East.
Too bad Guin Saga is too manly and “old school” fantasy (as in Conan the Barbarian, Berserk and Lodoss) for you guys
.
Higashi no Eden and Ristorante Paradiso are probably my top 2 for this season.
Great call on Ristorante. I was looking forward to it because previews gave me a bartender vibe but it’s more a cross between matureer versions of aria and ouran.
Cross Game
. It is a really nice manga and the anime is following the story quite well ( only 1 episode so far but well..).
and Sengoku Basara, because I laughed the whole time from start to end.
im currently following all the ones you are atm and i think many others xD. Ristorante Paradiso is my #1 choice though, gives a mix of bartender and aria in it, really awesome ^.^ !
old man’s aria you say..
I honestly think that Cross Game and Eden of East would be best this season, in terms of drama that is. I was thinking that BASARA was going to be some typical Dynasty Warriors-like show but the fightin scenes reminds me alot of Gurren Lagann’s scenes when those huge drills just pop out of the blue.
Old man’s version of Aria eh? I’m intrigued…
Not sure if you do, but I can still remember our weekly discussions on Koihime Musou, well, probably not the anime itself but mostly just talking about characters and history of Romance of Three Kingomds. I’ll be following your weekly commentary on Souten Kouro for sure.
Ristorante Paradiso
Please blog it.
Am I the only one NOT watching Ristorante Paradiso? Ugh.
Sengoku Basara is so manly, like you said it is not even deep it is just ridiculous. Watch it for the lulz and the funny.
LETS GET DOWN TO BUSINESS
TO DEFEAT, THE HUNS
Where do you find subs for souten kouro?
i’ve been looking for it for the past week or so and just can’t seem to find any anywyere >.<
@Kairu Ishimaru
Don’t be fooled!!! It’s a ploy by the Japanese Italian Restaurant industry to drive people to eat at Italian Restaurants. Bartender did the same thing by boring people into becoming alcoholics!!!
@Kitsune: Yes, it’s definitely one of the shows that came from absolutely nowhere to becoming the first show that catches my attention. While my girlfriend likes Claudio (he’s such a gentleman, she says), I like the grumpy old man Lucciano. He really just makes me laugh with his grumpy antics. Souten Kouro is really quite GAR, but i just cannot miss anything on Cao Cao.
@Lub: Tears to Tiara was rather boring to be honest. I have not watched the second episode yet though, and I don’t feel the motivation to bother with it. Did it get better or worse? I know the demon lord is supposed to light up the show, but is it worth it considering how low I rated the first episode?
About FMA, once a dumb fan, always a dumb fan. Nuff said. I am not going to bother with moral fronts but I am a FMATARD just like the narutotards out there. That said, there are some things that I am not too happy with for the current FMA. They are rather small and insignificant though.
@Baka: I still have not bothered with episode 2 yet. Let’s see if I can get into it.
@Calawain: Oi, where did you disappear to.
@Myu: The only reason why Eden is not in the top 5 is that I hate to consider a series in the ranking until 2 or more episodes are out. Usually, you can tell the vibes of the show after 2 episodes, to see if it works. For every good first episode, I have seen horrible second episodes that destroyed the series forever. That said, I am extremely impressed. Without Ristorante Paradiso, Hana would have been in the list. However, for the best romance experience, Ristorante’s mixture of Aria and decent romance just hits me on the right spot/
@sheba: Guin saga is probably for that Crusader man, not me ^^. Crusader might be the one watching it @_@. I’m not sure (going to bug crusader later).
@Anoymii: Sweet! I want to see the second episode of Eden before making any more judgments.
@Marmoset: I was looking forward to it but thought that the whole concept was a little too boring for my liking. One watch, and I am sold.
@Mel: Sengoku Basara is really funny huh? I found it so darn ridiculous and i do not even get it why I enjoy it. Brainless crap tends to work when you feel like turning off your brain… I guess?
@GT and TJ: Ya, imagine having the vibe of Aria, but with old men with it and adding a dash of romance into the picture. Good stuff.
@Kara: Wow, I have heard so many good things about Cross Game.. I should try to catch up to see what’s all cool about it.
@Gaguri: I definitely remember it! You are one of the commentors that I remember by name (since you do post often), and Souten Kouro is more historically accurate and interesting. I personally like the touch of using a fictional character “Crystal” to set up the hatred and anger of Cao cao through love in episode 2. It’s really a good insight on what shaped Cao Cao, and why his approach toward recruiting people is very different from the nobles of his time.
@Cheru: Thinking about it. Might recruit gf too.
@Panther: YES, ARE YOU READDYYYYY!
@Paradox: Raw…cough Raw..
@Kairu: HAHAAH, yes you are. Try to watch one episode to see if it’s to your liking. ^^
I’d vote (from top to bottom in priority) for:
Ristorante Paradiso (manga looked interesting so I hope it was nicely adapted into an anime…)
Asura Cryin (hit or miss? I kinda want to know…)
Because everyone else and their mom will pretty much watch FMA anyway (not to mention blog), Sengoku Basara seems like it’d get kinda repetitive later on and just not interested in Souten Kouro due to my lack of interest in Chinese culture (despite being cantonese… -_-;; ). Also, I always go here to see what shows are good or not, so I’d say go for the more ambigious obscure stuff so more people would know about them and etc.
Souten Kouro? Well, you like shoujo stuff, so I knew you had quality taste, but that just seals the deal. I still think this adaption isn’t nearly as good as the manga its based upon, but it’s definitely not outright offensive like Madhouse’s version of Himitsu was. It’s watchable and retains enough of what I loved about the manga to keep me going. (I’m a huge Cao Cao fan too, btw.)
Hands down and hats off; Sugar Bunnies Fleur is the best anime this season! (lol)
Souten Kouro doesn’t even have a fansub! BOOOOOO.
@Impz
The second episode has a very similar feel and pace tot he first, so you probably will not like it. Different strokes for different folks, I guess. I would hate for someone to force themselves to watch something they don’t enjoy.
Just watched Guin Saga 01. Feels really rushed, as if they’re cramming two episodes worth of exposition into one. I’m intrigued, but it’ll have to slow down if it wants to have some kind of buildup.
Super crap season, even worse than the last one.
Apart from Full Metal Alchimist, there’s no show I found even remotely watchable.
Asura Cryin’ ? You must be kidding me. Here we go for the cliché show, chokeful of everything you can think of, from mecha to nekoghosts to fanservice to center of the world school to childhood friend to the dark brotherood to the mature senpai to the… Bad is bad. Though not as bad as 07-Ghost, the “hey retarded plot here, but we have bishonen and strong hints of Yaoi !” ; I love lolis, but lolishoutas ? C’mon… And what’s with the retarded names ? Castor ? Labrador ?
K-ON almost got me entertained but that third episode killed me ; so little music for a “music anime” ! I don’t care about that retarded not-even-moe Yui’s cram exam !!
Haven’t seen Ristorante, will give it a try.
Top 5? Bravo. I personally think this season doesn’t offer much…mecha, fanservice, conspiracy+amnesia, etc..in general, not very appealing. I’ve decided to only follow 3 so far: Hanasakeru Seishouhen (I’m on the fence abt this one), FMA Brotherhood (is it me or did Bones make all the characters chubbier?), and Ristoranto Paradiso (also #1 on my list). But since everybody is recommending Souten Kourou, I think I might give it a try.
@Nemo
With the terrible way a lot of animes turned out last season, I don’t know if I can agree with you.
Michiko to Hachin
Sora Kake Gril
Birdy the Mighty Decode:02
Were Great
Gundam 00
Tytania
RideBack
Xam’d: Lost Memories
Genji Monogatari Sennenki
Turned out to be complete stinkers enough they had great Source Material and/or showed good promise.
Toradora!
Clannad: After Diarrhea
Akikan!
Maria Holic
Asu no Yoichi!
Turned out to be generic Otaku pandering crap that comes out every season
I would say the good to bad ratio should be about the same this season.
Maria Holic was pretty good too ; Birdy was the best story of the season, though I have yet to see the final episodes.
Only a handful of good show last seasons might seem terrible – but this season there really is NOT A SINGLE SHOW that seems to be offering anything. It’s all generic crap. Full metal alchimist has good production value, so we shall see whether it goes the lame shounen route, or takes the high road.
Actually I think in Basara the timing is very accurate (until now..).
When you think, they are getting serious about tactics or in battles – the general uses his overcoolnes und rides up the wall to the top of the tower… what else … äähhh.
I am wondering what kind of stuff they are smoking in these studios.. it’s more like a Dutch Coffee Shop story hihi.
LETS PARTY WOOOO….
Seriously, if you don’t blog it someone has to, it’s just asking for funny captions to be written.
Eden is great, Valkyria chronicles and Shangri La show real promise and of course theres always FMA.
I think this seasons great.
@lubczyk
Eden of the East is 11 episodes, not 7.
@Anonymous
Oops!!! My Mistake!!! Thank you for the correction!!!
@catcradle: Hmm, I have the same feeling with you about Asura Cryin. I am not sure if it will be hit or miss even after 3 episodes. It still feels exciting and I really want to know how they are going about the series. Still, there are enough elements that seemed to make it work. Whether it does is another question.
@Musouka: Yep, my usual interest is shoujo but I am also a huge fan of historical Chinese anime. Give me anything based on the Three kingdoms era, or anything related to medieval chinese, and I will lap it up without blinking an eye.
I have not read the manga per se, and I doubt I want to spoil myself about it. I am still thinking of doing just a short entry on it eventually.
@13sugars: bimbo gf.
@D=: Tch!
@Lub: Thanks for the heads up! I doubt I will keep up then.
@Nemo: Really? I found this season to be decent, as with the previous one. I personally disliked k-on, enough to consider it one of the poorer shows in the season. The main character, Yui, is just very appalling and Kyoto-animation has been animating rather mediocre shows lately. I guess after all the great stuff they have done, it’s time to make some crap.
@Yukino: Ya, if you like historical anime, you might like Souten.
@Mel: Well, it is just fricking funny because it is not meant to be taken seriously. I actually started laughing whenever that eye patch general went on Engrish speaking mode. I started imitating him, and my girlfriend was like -_-.
@Don: Ya, I am thinking of doing a short post every week about the highlights and lolz.
@Paradox: Oh ya, Shangri La! I totally forgot about that show. Is episode 2 out yet @_@?
I’d probably watch Bleach just for that episode of Yammy that occured in the chapter this week. Just that one episode. Biggest troll ever. YAMMY RIALGO = YAGAMI RAITO? =D
@Impz: don’t think so. Btw, are you blogging Eden?
@Nemo: Edens fucking kickass. You need to watch it. Might turn out to be a real classic, and will almost definitely be show of the season.
Theres always Valkyria and Guin Saga as well.
Actually every voice actor, trying to speak English, German or the worst: French gives me the creeps.
I think, I need some more years to understand the joke … . Many more years..?!?
@Paradox
I’ve watched Eden.
Amazing. Great show. Compared to all the mediocre-bordering-on-pathetic shows, it’s a work of art.
More seriously, apart from a few “wtf ?” moments (say hi to my little friend, johny), it was great ; finally a real story. If it doesn’t go the way of the dinosaur, or gets short-tracked like, i dunno, Darker than black, it will be good. I just pray it doesn’t dive into FLCL crazyness… I’m also a little scared because there’s an air of Death note with those cellphones, and that manga / show (though I didn’t watch the show till the end since it seemed to follow the manga which I had read) took a nose dive really quick (author’s idea bottle ran empty I guess). Overall I’ll just cross my fingers and hope for the best regarding the plot and character developpement (some real romance please, they are over 20 y-o !).
The characters are nice (though I’m not a fan of amnesia as a plot device), though they have that weird nose shadow (wtf ?) and tend to make monkey faces :p There is something akind to Birdy in the way they are developped, there is both something childish and mature, it seems superficial yet has plenty of depth (Birdy is wonderful for that, take some kid looking stuff, and make it anew). The backdrops are wonderful done, and the music isn’t bad (was that Oasis at the beginning ?).
Great show… Best show of the season, can’t believe it isn’t mentionned in that post.
I just hope it’ll keep on being subbed, considering I think there was a message saying it was some kind of “anti boredom” project for the subbers.
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