AUKN's Best of 2010

ilmaestro

ilmaestro

State Alchemist
What anime did you guys enjoy the most this year? US release, UK release, show airing in Japan right now, doesn't matter. Which series, characters, voice actors, etc, made the most impression on you in the last twelve months.
 
I haven't had the greatest amount of opportunity to watch anime as I would've liked this year, due to having been in New Zealand for 3/4 of it, but things that I have enjoyed this year have been:

*Durarara: Caught this on CrunchyRoll, and for all but the final episode, I thought this was one of the best paced and dramatic series I had seen. The first episode introduces a lot of characters, but the first third of the series is spent on giving each character some background and depth, with the show after that kicking into a higher gear. The rest of the series shows how connected the characters in the town are, and how they all have there own motivations for what they do. Unfortunately, I felt the ending wasn't anywhere near as good as the rest of the series, with a lot of the story that was built up not being paid off in a satisfying way. Also, the characters that are brought in the second half of the show are under-used for the most part and weren't as interesting as the cast from the start of the show.

* Bleach: I know this is an older show, but I think the latest season deserves some love for bringing the story back on track in a strong fashion with good pacing. Hopefully we won't get too much filler now, or I may just give up on it full stop.

I just wanted to post those 2 for now, and I'll post some more as I think of them.
 
The thing that is foremost in my mind at the moment is definitely The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya. I honestly don't think that this movie could have been improved upon. To make such a beautiful and riveting animation of such length is an achievement for the ages.

NISA's first entry into the anime market was somewhat shadowed by issues with the quality of their DVDs, but I still massively enjoyed rewatching Toradora! and loved the presentation of their release.
 
TV
Arakawa Under The Bridge
Anyone here who knows me would have seen this coming. Nothing could top it. Everything it had going for it, such as the amazing voice cast, hilarious andcomedy, eccentric and interesting characters, the nice script, the 4koma nature of story telling, contributed to make Arakawa Under The Bridge my anime of the year.

Giant Killing
This was a fun little underdog story which is held together by some good characters and Seki Tomokazu going "keikaku doori" mode.

High School of the Dead
I like zombies and I like breasts. This series provided both in large amounts for some brainless fun.

Movies
The Disappearance of Haruhi Suzumiya
Summer Wars
Trigun: Badlands Rumble

I've reviewed all of these already but I'll just say that Disappearance was amazing and worth the wait. Summer Wars was better than expected and a really fun movie. Trigun was a fun movie to watch and it was bloody hilarious.
 
Wow, can't believe nobody mentioned Shiki
it's the best show I've watched all year (- spring season)
it is a vampire anime but don't let that put you off as it's not teenage romance like Twilight or gory like Hellsing, but being that it is a bit slow to watch it may put some people off
but the animation style (hairstyles) and suspense of the show is really entertaining, if you liked Higurashi you'll probably like this
 
Best 2010 Season:
1) Soredemo Machi wa Mawatteiru
2) Giant Killing
3) Arakawa Under The Bridge series
4) Angel Beats
5) High School Of The Dead

Honourable mentions:
Panty + Stocking with Garterbelt
K-ON!! S2
 
I never completed eden of the east when it was airing but having got it for christmas this year i have to say, the series is amazing. not a single reason not to like it (especially the well done dub. besides that one i have to say the one i've been constantly happy with for the longest period of time without ever disappointing me this year is Durarara. that one has to be my standout favourite anime of the year.
 
PartiallyMetalAlchemist said:
Wow, can't believe nobody mentioned Shiki
it's the best show I've watched all year (- spring season)
it is a vampire anime but don't let that put you off as it's not teenage romance like Twilight or gory like Hellsing, but being that it is a bit slow to watch it may put some people off
but the animation style (hairstyles) and suspense of the show is really entertaining, if you liked Higurashi you'll probably like this
Click to expand...
Well, I can believe it, since I think there's only me and you watching it going by entries in the "viewing journal" thread. :)

It has definitely been the best show of the last six months in my opinion, probably only beat out on the year by Durarara!!, Angel Beats! and K-ON!!.
 
Shows I enjoyed this year?

Arakawa Under The Bridge - Such a good show, nothing ever really happens and I rarely ever laugh, but it's highly entertaining.

Angel Beats - This series was honestly terrible, but I actually really enjoyed it, not going to lie. The chemistry between the characters was TIGHT, shame about the plot though.

And Yet The Town Turns - Every time I download an episode of this and watch it I always ask myself "Why do I watch this series?" but then once I finish the episode I understand why.

That's about it, the rest aren't really worth listing, most of what I've seen this year has been average or worse. Panty & Stocking is probably the worst thing I've seen this year as is High School of the Dead. High tier animation (and music for P&S) but the actual content is just ****, it's not even really enjoyable.

EDIT: Oh, I'm also finally starting to enjoy Star Driver, but I wouldn't really say it's a good show, more of a guilty pleasure type of thing. The guilt I feel is that the show isn't living up to what it should be and yet currently I look forward to every episode.
 
Lupus said:
Shows I enjoyed this year?
Click to expand...
Not necessarily just shows that aired this year, could be something you picked up on DVD or whatever.

Your feelings towards Star Driver are exceedingly close to mine. I think it's a very "easy" show to watch, goes by pretty quickly, but rarely does anything truly excellent.
 
My highlights for this year,

Toradora
Dirty Pair TV Series - A welcome blast from the past - looking forward to part 2 next year.
Ghost Hound
Aria the Origination
Genshiken Season 2
Slayers Seasons 4 & 5 - A welcome return for Lina & company.
Fullmetal Alchemist: Brotherhood
 
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