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No Game No Life Review:

First, I want to get this out of the way. After seeing some mixed reactions to the score I gave Isshuukan Friends I want to address my scoring system quickly. To me, 5 is “average” or maybe even slightly above. A 6 is good, and a 7 is great. A show in the mid to high 7 range is very often my pick for show of the season and most likely will end up in the top 10 for the year. Usually, there is only one or MAYBE 2 shows that get an 8 per year, and maybe 2 or 3 ... shows will get a 9 or higher per decade. I know a lot of people see 7 as “average” or “okay” but to allow more flexibility and the ability to distinguish between all the great shows I have seen better, I use my current system so that I don’t just end up giving everything I watch a 9 or 10, unable to distinguish which shows were better.

If you are already familiar with my review scale, I’m sorry for bringing this up again.

NOW….

This show really became the dark horse of the Spring 2014 season. Much like my other favorite show of the season (Isshuukan Friends) I know I personally wasn’t that hyped at all for this show. However after finishing the first season, I must say…. This show is one hell of a good time.

Story - 8.0:
If you have ever heard of Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo? (The Problem Children are Coming From Another World Aren’t They?) then the premise of this show will be very familiar. Undefeated NEET Gamer Siblings Sora and Shiro arrive in a world where everything is decided by games. This is a premise almost identical to that of the earlier mentioned show, but done, in my opinion, much better. I have to admit that the score in this department lost some points for lack of originality, but the execution of No Game No Life does a great job none the less. Seeking domination of the new world, and the right to challenge the one true God “Tet”, Shiro and Sora encounter a slew of crazy games. These games are without a doubt, what sets this show’s story apart from the aforementioned show. The games are wildly varied, from word games, to chess, to video games, and NEVER are they boring. The way Sora and Shiro just completely outwit and out strategize their opponents is a true treat to watch. Even just the unusual approaches to the games that the writer takes are brilliant. As of now, the biggest negative of the story besides its unoriginality is the fact that we have yet to scratch the surface! As of now, many different species have yet to be revealed and we are nowhere near a conclusion to the show. If a second season comes however (which I’m sure it will), then these will resolved. You may think that this 8 score is low, but just trust me, 8 is pretty damn high. In fact, only 6 shows I have seen have gotten the 9 or higher nod.

Art - 8.1:
The art-style of No Game No Life is really unlike anything I’ve ever seen before. The colors are extremely bright and everything just feels like a fantasy setting. It really fits the show perfectly. The character designs have to be noted as well because the designs are not only good, but the sheer variety of characters due to the different species is extremely impressive. Same can be said about the different environments and overall aesthetic of the fantasy world they are in. Not only is the style top notch in this show, but the actual animation and technical side of the show is top notch as well. This can be most clearly seen during games, when things are more hectic. I wouldn’t say that the art is on the level of ufotable or P.A. Works’ more recent stuff, but it is damn impressive for sure.

Sound - 7.7:
The fantastical world of No Game No Life needs a fantastical soundtrack and over the top voice acting… Check aaand check. The music in No Game No Life is extremely fitting to the show, although I don’t think I’ll be downloading any of the tracks for casual listening. The OP and ED were very catchy however, and I already have both of these on my phone. Voice acting is really where this show elevates itself into the high 7 range. Sora has the perfect bombastic, eccentric voice, and Shiro has one of the best loli voices I’ve heard in a while. Really if you want to see what I mean, just watch the scene in one of the early episodes where Sora and Shiro are separated for a solid 30 seconds and they flip out...

Characters - 8.0:
One of the biggest highlights of this show is the duo of Sora and Shiro. Anime has really missed the over the top, tactical genius character with traits similar to Lelouch and Light Yagami, but thanks to Sora, the wait is over. Sora isn’t an antihero like the aforementioned characters, but when he destroys his opponents in an all out game of wits…. the nostalgia creeps in and I remember the excitement I felt watching Lelouch and Light. Shiro is much more quiet and cute, but at the same time… she is just as cunning. Outside of games, the pair are absolutely hilarious. Between Sora’s over the top pervertedness and Shiro’s full support of it, there is never a dirty joke opportunity missed. The side characters are definitely entertaining as well, although they do lack a bit in uniqueness. The biggest downside to the character department is that there is almost no character development beyond characters going from “I hate/don’t believe in Immanity!” to “I love/believe in Immanity!” However, the sheer awesomeness of the 2 main characters largely overcomes this.

Enjoyment - 7.9:
This is a show that really just embodies what anime is. The over the top characters, wild action, fanservice, and a fantasy setting. The cherry on top would be if it were set in high school! No Game No Life lacks an emotional punch, but it is 100% fun to watch. The character interactions are downright hilarious. The story keeps you on the edge of your seat. Last but not least the games that are played are just an absolute treat to watch. There aren’t many shows that make me want to beg for a second season, but No Game No Life is one.

Overall - 7.94:
No Game No Life and Isshuukan Friends both flew under the radar for me this season in favor of other big names like Captain Earth, Mahouka, and Black Bullet. However, these two shows easily take the crown for my favorites of the season. They are both vastly different from each other, but both kept me coming back excited for more. No Game No Life is hilarious, intense, exciting, and just flat out fun. If you want an anime that will keep you entertained from episode one until the end, look no further.

The Verdict:
A classic example of why we love anime and an absolute joy to watch.

Pros:
+ Legendary MCs
+ Games are ridiculously entertaining and creative
+ Art style is vibrant and lively
+ Hilarious jokes

Cons:
- Lacks an emotional punch
- Unoriginal concept
- NEEDS A SEASON 2!!!!!!!

If you liked No Game No Life, watch:
Mondaiji-tachi ga Isekai kara Kuru Sou Desu yo?
Code Geass

7.94/10 - Great

In the world of anime we tend to expect the unexpected. Explosions? A fantastical world? Monsters? Super powers? Super kawaii moe characters? BOOBS!?!?!?!? In the world of anime, all of those seem to be normal and expected in a show. However, once and a while a show comes out that is “unusual” and includes NONE, that’s right, NONE of the aforementioned things. In anime, the usual is unusual, and what makes it even more unusual (confused yet?) is when it is as excellent and beautiful as Isshuukan Friends.

Story - 7.8:
Read the summary that MAL displays above and you will completely, 100% understand what the plot ... of this show is. Its not a mind-bending psychological thriller, or an action-adventure with underlying political conflict. No. Isshuukan Friends’ story is as simple as the 2 sentences that MAL describes it with. Although simple, it is something that is rarely (if ever) seen in anime. A story based around someone trying to become friends with somebody else. What makes the story of this show amazing is its understanding of what it can do, and how to do it. The plot isn’t meant to keep you on the edge of your seat, it is meant to make you smile. Each episode has a handful of heartwarming moments that just make you feel all warm and gooey (and not the warm and gooey you might feel in your pants while watching hentai). Although the show easily could’ve gone a more melodramatic/depressing route due to its premise, it instead did something much more beautiful. The characters almost never pout and cry “why me!?!?!?! ToT,” instead they try to make the best out of their situation. Towards the end of the show a character was introduced that really was unnecessary, and the pacing of the show is very slow for all of you with short attention spans. However those few negatives hardly scratch the simple beauty of this story.

Art - 7.7:
The artstyle in this show is very reminiscent of the artstyle found in Usagi Drop partially due to the character designs and partially due to the simplicity. I have to point out that there is no fanservice whatsoever as far as I can remember which I found to be refreshing in the panty shot filled world of anime. For such a simple show, they really do go out of their way to make a variety of locations and pay good attention to all the background characters in each scene. Really the art was just beautiful and perfectly fitting to the feel of the show and there really isn’t much to nit-pick about it. It wasn’t jaw-droppingly amazing like a Fate/Zero but it was fantastic none the less and has to be commended for its beauty.

Sound - 7.6:
Isshuukan Friends’ OST was very fitting of the show. I wouldn’t say it was good enough to listen to without the visuals from the anime, but it was definitely good and set the mood for each scene perfectly. The show knows when to keep the music down, and when to just not even have music. I must note that I personally loved the OP and ED songs and thought they were some of the best in a season where there were plenty of noteable OPs and EDs. What was easily more impressive than the OST in this show was the voice acting. There is a wide variety of personalities in this show, and the cast fits these characters wonderfully. There are A LOT of shows where I can’t tell the difference between characters voices due to my lack of familiarity in Japanese language. However, this show easily let me distinguish the characters from each other even if one wasn’t in the shot. In short: OST was good, VAs were better. Very good job.

Characters - 8.1:
As I said earlier, there are a wide array of personalities in this show. The characters might not seem it, but when it comes down to it, they are all archetypes. You have your shy/kind girl in Fujimiya, your innocent/nice/slightly pussy main character in Hase, your ditsy/moe/awesome sidekick girl in Yamagishi, and your male tsundere/bro in Kiryuu. Like I said before though, you probably won’t notice this on the surface. The characters are all extremely easy to like and they all grow from one episode to the next (except Fujimiya cuz her brain has problems… jk she does too). This show absolutely would not have worked if any one of the main 4 characters were removed or replaced with someone else, and they all keep the balance of the show steady. Yes, they were all archetypes, but they were all pretty damn good archetypes and one of my personal favorite overall casts of main characters in anime. The side characters were pretty good, although for the most part out of the picture which is a slight shame, because Kaori’s mom was pretty fucking awesome. Also…. Hajime Kujou was absolutely unnecessary and annoying. That aside, the characters in this show were superb.

Enjoyment - 8.0:
So if you’ve made it this far in the review it should come as no surprise that I enjoyed the hell out of this show. There were plenty of shows I liked this season (No Game No Life, Kawaisou, Captain Earth to name a few), but none had me as excited to watch the next episode as Isshuukan Friends. It didn’t have that next level enjoyment that equates to me either shitting myself out of excitement or crying my eyes out due to sadness, but this show made me smile from ear to ear a countless amount of times.

Overall - 7.84:
It’s interesting that my two favorite shows of the Spring season this year are complete opposites. Where No Game No Life is the quintessential anime experience (fantasy world, fanservice, over the top characters, action, etc.), Isshuukan Friends is just a simple tale of friendship. No it wasn’t ground-breaking, and yes it did have it’s flaws (I’m looking at you Hajime Kujou), but Isshuukan Friends is still a MUST WATCH for all.

The Verdict:
The simplicity of Isshuukan Friends led by wonderful characters and beautiful production create a true piece of art that never fails to bring a smile to the viewer’s face.

Pros:
+ Extremely loveable characters
+ Story doesn’t pour on the melodrama
+ Makes me happy
+ Art and Sound departments perfectly match the show

Cons:
- Unnecessary addition of a character near the end
- Kaori’s mom didn’t get her spotlight

If you liked Isshuukan Friends, watch:
Usagi Drop
ef: A Tale of Memories

7.76/10 - Great

Nisekoi Review:

This show is sure to get wildly mixed opinions due to 2 things: it's plot is the most cliche, stereotypical thing imaginable..... and Shaft. Both of these "factors" will split many people over how good this show really was. To keep those with short attention spans satisfied, here is a summary of my review: Nisekoi was cliche, but still very entertaining, not ground-breaking, but still enjoyable, and Shaft was... well... Shaft (curious as to what that means? read on to learn more!).

Story - 6.8:
I won't delve too much into what the story of Nisekoi is about because you could just look to the ... top of this page and see the synopsis so yeah... Now although the premise is nothing new it is still very entertaining to watch. I love me a good high school harem, and Nisekoi's plot embodies the ideal high school rom-com plot. The execution of it all is really what keeps the simple plot of Nisekoi interesting. The multiple "mysteries" the show presents keep you engaged, and the character relationships do the same. Whether it's the keys, who Raku likes most, or the introduction of new characters, Nisekoi always has something in its plot to keep you entertained. The singular stories in each episode were also quite good as well and the show honestly could have done fine as an episodic show with no key plot device. However, I was a bit disappointed in the complete lack of resolution in the ending and I'm praying there is a season 2 to fix this. Also, the plot seemed to lose its focus quite often, particularly in the 2nd half. The characters all seemed to have forgotten that the entire point of the show was to find out who's key fit in the locket. These problems aside, for a harem, Nisekoi definitely had a good plot, but it's nothing that breaks any grounds.

Art - 7.9:
Before we move onto the more interesting part of the Art portion of the review, I want to say that all of the character designs by Naoshi Komi were absolutely fantastic. Now.... Shaft. Akiyuki Shinbo. The 2 driving forces in the animation department for this show. I have a love/hate relationship with these two, because at times I have loved their work (Madoka), and others it has just annoyed me (Mekakucity Actors, Monogatari). What was really surprising is how Shinbo was working on such a simple show like Nisekoi. However, I can say that (for the most part) they did a great job with this show. Awkward backward head leans aside, the animation in this show was very impressive. This was most evident when they were trying to show exaggerations to make a comedic effect or show how Raku is picturing a girl. Close ups of characters' mouths when they talked were also shockingly fluid. There were of course some unnecessary additions to the scenery by Shaft, but not so many that it became annoying like in the now airing Mekaku City Actors. I can't give the art department too high of a score because the show didn't really demand a high production value due to its lack of action or scenery, but it was definitely good none the less.

Sound - 7.4:
Like the art, the sound of Nisekoi was very good, but not brilliant by any means. This is due to very similar reasons. The show just didn't demand a booming soundtrack or intense, emotion-filled voice acting, and so the ceiling for its sound category was lowered. However, there really wasn't anything to hold against Nisekoi in terms of its sound. The voice acting was actually very good and especially enjoyable during comedic moments or cute moments with the girls. The OPs and EDs were all very good as well. The soundtrack in general was nothing special, but still enjoyable on its own. Overall I'd give the sound department a B for doing its job and then some.

Characters - 7.5 :
Much like the story of Nisekoi, the characters are all obvious cliches. The beauty of it though, is that the show knows this and does a great job of making the characters a joy to watch. The most impressive part of the characters was just how loveable they all were. I honestly didn't care who Raku would choose to be with because I loved all 4 girls about the same amount. At times Onodera would take the lead, but then Kirisaki would take it right back. They all had their own charm and nailed their stereotypes perfectly. The side characters were also just flat out hilarious with notable stars being Shu, Claude, and Ruri. Whenever one of these three got the spotlight, they never failed to make the scene funnier. On the negative side, as expected, none of these characters really have any development. Also, Raku can be really annoying at times with how clueless he is and his horrible ability to read the situation. The characters all actually lack common sense most notably when it comes to their feelings for Raku. These negatives aside, the characters in Nisekoi were a very fun bunch to watch over the 20 episodes and I hope I get to see more of them in a second season!

Enjoyment - 8.0:
The one absolute truth with Nisekoi was that it sure as hell was enjoyable for me. It was funny as hell and kept interested just enough in its overarching plot to make me excited each saturday for a new episode. The simplicity of the show actually gave it an advantage, because it really didn't have anywhere to screw up. The characters were an absolute joy to watch and I have rarely found a show to make me flip flop over which girl is my favorite as much as this show did. The only real downside in terms of enjoyment was that the show lacked enough substance to bring it into that emotional level of enjoyment that you would find in a more epic or dramatic show. However, if you want an easy-going romcom that will make you laugh, this show is for you.

Overall - 7.52:
I must say that Shaft did a wonderful job with Nisekoi. No it wasn't filled with meaning or substance. No it wasn't unique plot wise. It was "just" another cliche harem. However, the execution of the show along with the pretty aesthetics and wonderful characters made Nisekoi a show well worth the watch. With romcoms like this, all you need for it to be enjoyable is a good set of characters, and a decent plot, and Niskoi absolutely had those in check.

The Verdict:
A simple romantic comedy anime set in high school filled with humor, and cute girls that was well worth the watch.

Pros:
+ Shaft stayed faithful (enough) to the source material
+ The main girls are all wonderful
+ Side characters are hilarious
+ Doesn't try to do too much

Cons:
- Lacks emotional substance
- Inconsistent plot with no resolution
- Characters lack logic at times

7.52/10 - Great

Kill la Kill Review:

When the creators of Gurren Lagann left Gainax to create their own studio, nobody really knew what to expect. After Kill la Kill's first preview however, the hype train began gaining momentum like a fat kid going down a lubed up slip and slide. So, does Studio Trigger deliver with their first big project? The answer put simply is: yes.

Story - 7.6:
Kill la Kill tells the story of a girl named Ryuko who goes to Honnouji Academy in search of the person who killed her father. Here students are ranked by their uniform which is given a certain amount of stars. ... The more stars your uniform has, the more powerful you become, and the better off your family will live in the city. Ryuko comes across a powerful talking uniform that her father made named Senketsu, and thus our story begins. For more than the first half of the show, the plot isn't much more than Ryuko plowing through other students while wearing Senketsu in the most fanservicey way possible. It's basically just one fight after another with comedy sprinkled in too. While this is all unquestionably fun to watch, as far as the story goes, there wasn't much there. However, there is a point where the story starts to gain focus and things start to get more interesting beyond just the action scenes. Now, don't go into Kill la Kill thinking everything is going to make sense, and that the plot will move smoothly in a logical fashion. Because it doesn't. The members of Studio Trigger are famous for making shows that are pure mindless fun with a large scale plot that has nonsensical logic, and Kill la Kill is no different. If you can manage to turn your brain off while watching this show, you will have absolutely no problems with the story.

Art - 7.6:
Kill la Kill has a mixed bag when it comes to the art. Starting with the negatives, overall, the animation can often feel like it lacked a sizeable budget. The shading is sub par, and the movements are also often not very fluid or realistic. There is also basically only one design for every single student that isn't significant in the story. HOWEVER, Studio Trigger should be greatly commended for how creatively used their budget. Because although the animation was subpar on the surface, they used many unique techniques in transitions, fight scenes, and even with the lighting that made you often forget any of it's flaws. The creative art style was brilliant and colorful, and the character designs were cool and varied. Also, the use of the giant red words was a very welcome addition to the show. In the end, no matter how bad the animation got, it never really interfered with my immersion in the show, but when the animation shined, it shined BRIGHT (just look at the censorship at nudist beach...) .

Sound - 8.6:
Unquestionably the strongest technical aspect of the show. Kill la Kill's OST was flat out ridiculous. Much like the show itself, the soundtrack had a sense of scale, using loud orchestras, choirs, and even multiple languages. Songs from Kill la Kill soundtrack are often instantly recognizable to the show even more-so than the also great openings and endings. The voice acting was also stellar with a very wide array of talent for a wide array of characters. Each voice actor fit each character perfectly, no matter how odd or obscure the role was. If I had to point out a few negatives it would just be that some songs were probably overused, and many of the non-epic songs were less than stellar. However, the sound aspect of this show deserves absolute praise.

Characters - 6.3:
Easily the weakest part of Kill la Kill was the show's characters. Not to say they weren't good, just that they could have and should have been much better. The cast of characters was large and varying in personalities which is a big plus. Also, each character has some sort of backstory or reasoning for their actions(no matter how obscure Trigger made these backstories). However, none of the characters felt anything more than one-dimensional. All were extremely predictable in their actions, and some were downright annoying after a while (Mako... you were funny at first... but not after the 15th time of using the same gimmick). One can argue that Kill la Kill needed a cast like this, that was just full of stereotypes who were predictable and don't develop. But I dare you to find a show with strong 3 dimensional characters who grew throughout the show that ended up making the show WORSE than if the characters were just cookie cutter stereotypes. All in all though, the characters were enjoyable for the most part, and that's what really matters, so a positive score is well deserved.

Enjoyment - 7.1:
This is the section that should have a higher score... but for me it just didn't quite click as well as it could have. It was an absolute blast of a ride, but where Kill la Kill floundered was in its first half. Each episode up until the plot focuses is basically the same recipe over and over again. While it was always fun to watch the beautifully animated action scenes and the creative moves that would happen, it was in essence no more enjoyable than watching Ash Ketchum battle 10 different trainers throughout 13 episodes. The first 2 or 3 episodes were ridiculously entertaining because of the shear uniqueness of the show, but after repeated gimmicks and formulaic set ups of episodes, things got old. Of course, after the focus shift the show became Gurren Lagann-esque in terms of entertainment value, but that still cant excuse episodes 4-15 from their rather repetitive nature.

Overall - 7.44:
Kill la Kill is without a doubt a wild ride that is a joy to watch. However, it is not the "savior of anime" that many people claim it to be (not that anime even needs saving). Inconsistent would be a great word to describe this show for just about every aspect I can think of. The characters range from great to meh, the story can range from "WTF HOLY MOTHER WHAT JUST HAPPENED!?!?!" to meh, and pretty much everything else can be described the same way. However, the highs easily outweigh the lows, and give Kill la Kill a very good score of a 7.44 out of 10 and a recommendation from me to watch it if you are indeed a fan of over the top action shows (and don't mind some.... interesting... fanservice).

The Verdict:
Mindless fun and action, a great debut for Studio Trigger
Pros:
+ Gorgeous, over the top action scenes
+ Unique art style
+ Funny/large scale plot line
+ Pure, thoughtless fun

Cons:
- 1 dimensional characters
- Inconsistencies in story delivery, and animation
- Gimmicks are over-used

If you liked Kill la Kill, watch...
Gurren Lagann
FLCL

7.44/10 - Great

Nagi no Asukara Review:

Are ya ready kids? I can’t hear youuu!!! OHHHH!!! Who lives in a village under the sea? Hikari Sakishima! Ill-tempered, in love, tsundere is he! Hikari Sakishima!
Joking aside, my first impression of this show was that it was going to be just another slice of life anime, this time set in Bikini Bottom rather than in your average high school… Oh how wrong I was. Nagi no Asukara turned out to be sooo much more, and is not only currently my personal favorite show of 2014 so far, but also a future classic if enough people are smart enough to decide to ... watch it.

Story - 8.2:
Nagi no Asukara follows four friends who are in essence “sea people” who can breath underwater. These four middle school friends have to go to school on land after their school closes. This show really gives the impression that it will be another carefree slice of life school anime at first, but slowly builds up the drama until the drama levels are set over 9000. Yes the show goes into detail about what it’s like living underwater and how the underwater students are treated in the transitional phase by the land people, but the main focus of the show is the relationships between the characters. This show has one majorly complicated love triangle, er… pentagon… octogon? whatever, it’s a shape with a lot of sides. Now personally I usually don’t like when shows make it unclear who will end up with who, but Nagi no Asukara really just perfectly nailed this aspect of the show. More detail as to why it was so successful will be discussed later in the character section, but just know that it is done wonderfully. To go along with the personal issues each of the characters are dealing with, there is an impending larger issue that I will avoid going into due to spoilers, but is also very intriguing. This issue is made so interesting because of the fantasy setting that the world is set in, and the lore behind it all is truly fascinating. As for negatives, there are some things that get left unanswered, as well as a few poorly explained plot devices. Some of the plot devices or decisions made by the characters may frustrate the viewer as well depending on his or her preferences. However, these issues are few and far between for the most part. Nagi no Asukara’s story has its share of humor, but also moments that could easily cause someone to shed tears. The drama created by the situations the characters are put in, the problems that the world is having, and the love-triangle always keep you interested in what is truly an incredible story.

Art - 9.1:
P.A. Works has just been on fire lately with their production. Once an anime is revealed to be produced by P.A. Works, just assume that it will be absolute scenery porn. Other shows by P.A. Works include Angel Beats, Another, and Hanasaku Iroha for reference on how good this show looks. The fantastical setting is gorgeously realized both under the sea, and above ground. The animations (particularly under water) are just beautiful and incredibly fluid. It is a wonder how P.A. Works manages to make a profit with the seemingly limitless budget they throw into everything they do. There really is not much to say on the negative side for the art department for this show, so it’s about time to move on.

Sound - 8.4:
Much like the art, Nagi no Asukara’s OST is just plain beautiful. The music really perfectly matches the setting, and appropriate songs play for appropriate moods. The OST sets the tone and setting wonderfully. There aren’t necessarily any songs I would download onto my phone to listen to on a regular basis (besides the OPs and EDs which are great as well), but everything sounded perfect as the show was happening. The voice acting was also wonderful with varied emotions on display from each of the characters in a large cast of family members and friends of the main 4 characters.

Characters - 8.7:
This is the department that separates Nagi no Asukara from the vast majority of anime shows out there. The overall cast of characters is one of the strongest overall that I have seen in anime. While the cast lacks one stand out character like a Lelouch, a Light, or a Saber, each character is incredibly human (which many anime can’t say). Obviously all of the main characters are extremely relatable and 3 dimensional (although Manaka can leave a bit to be desired in terms of development). The characters that we see a lot of screen time of like Hikari, Miuna, Chisaki, and Kaname really get a lot of development and grow vastly out of their initial archetypes. Even characters who don’t seem to develop much are still multi-faceted and very likable (Manaka, Tsumugu, Uroko-sama). Side characters are also strong, displaying their own opinions, struggles, and personalities when the spotlight is on them, even if it’s only for a minute or two. Although there was a massive love web going on throughout the show (which I usually don’t like), the characters made me interested in it and made it an enjoyable experience. Usually I come up with the pairs I want, and if they don’t happen I feel disappointed. But with Nagi no Asukara, I didn’t care who ended up with who, because I loved all the characters so much. I just wanted everyone to end up happy, because they all deserved to be happy.

Enjoyment - 8.8:
Nagi no Asukara is one of those anime that can make you laugh, cry, sit on the edge of your seat, pull your hair out in frustration, and do just about any other emotionally driven action. The beautiful world, and loveable characters alone could keep you anxiously waiting week to week for a new episode. Add in the wonderful story filled with drama, emotion, and excitement, and we have ourselves a show that earns extremely high marks in the enjoyment category. The show is one of those shows that you will want to rewatch immediately after finishing because you love it so much and just want to experience it all over again. This was THE show I waited for every week, dying of anticipation to see what would happen next. Think about the other wonderful shows that aired at the same time (Kill la Kill, Golden Time, Noragami, Nisekoi), and then you will realize just how enjoyable this show was for me.

Overall - 8.64:
With an 8.64 overall score, Nagi no Asukara comes in at number 6 in my ever growing list of anime series. That should show you just how good this show is. Nagi no Asukara was a masterpiece not only from a production standpoint, but in its story and most importantly in its ridiculously strong characters. As far as drama, slice-of-life, fantasy, or romance anime go, this is among the elite and should be watched by all, and is an absolute must watch by fans of any of the genres listed above.

The Verdict:
A wonderful slice of life story of friends in a beautiful world that is an absolute treasure to watch, will deserve consideration for anime of the year

Pros:
+ Eye-meltingly beautiful animation
+ Incredibly strong cast of characters
+ Intriguing world and lore
+ Drama is wonderful

Cons:
- Some characters can be annoying based on personal preferences
- Poorly marketed to the public

If you liked Nagi no Asukara, watch...
Shinsekai Yori - childhood friends, romance, fantasy, captivating world
Anohana the Flower We Saw That Day - childhood friends, romance, tear-jerking drama

8.64/10 - Wonderful

*For those of you disappointed in my 8.64 score and feel it deserves a 9 or a 10, please see my review scale and/or my google spreadsheet link of anime ratings on my profile and you will recognize just how insanely high this overall score is.

Golden Time Review:

How often have we seen anime set in high school? Yeah. A lot. But when it comes to anime set in college, there seems to be a huge gaping hole the industry has yet to leap into. In steps Golden Time, written by the same guy who made a little anime called Toradora!. With a unique setting, and a promising writer, does Golden Time deliver? Without a doubt, 100% yes. Golden Time is a wonderful slice of life drama that everyone needs to see.

Story - 8.1:
As stated earlier, Golden Time takes place in college, following our main protagonist Tada Banri and the roller ... coaster of drama that follows him. Now, the first few episodes give off much more of a comedy vibe than a dramatic one which may have turned a lot of people away from the show. But after Banri's past is revealed, and his relationship with Koko blossoms, the show kicks into full gear. Yes, in this anime, the main character actually ends up dating the girl (and quite early on at that). Many people might think this is a spoiler, but anyone with a pair of eyes can predict Banri x Koko after watching 30 seconds of the OP. Golden Time's fearlessness in quickly establishing a relationship, and following it for the majority of the show is what makes it so special. That and the fact that the two leads are fantastic characters (which we will get into later) make Golden Time a truly special show. Now, there are plenty of head-scratching plot devices that don't really do anything but confuse the viewer until they are resolved in the final episode. Add onto this the questionable decision making of some of our characters, the the story is far from perfect. But the boldness to follow a relationship for 20 episodes and execute it in a way that made you thoroughly care about it is just too much to give the story anything less than very high praise.

Art - 6.9:
Now here is unquestionably the biggest flaw in Golden Time. By no means is the overall art-style bad, but you can clearly tell that this show was not given the budget it deserved. Movements were often very blocky and unfluid, and just the overall level of detail was very lacking at times. However, this show did have plenty of moments (particularly in darker/nighttime set scenes) where the animation was very good and well lit. The college setting was realistically put together, and the varied locations were all unique. Another plus was just the shear amount of varied clothing that everyone wore throughout the show which is uncommon seeing as many anime like to dress their characters in the same outfit every, single, episode. Overall, the art was severely damaged by what seems to be a poor budget, but the artistic style overcame this for the most part.

Sound - 7.6:
Particularly in the more melancholy and dramatic moments, the soundtrack could be very good. There weren't really any memorable tracks, but they all set the tone perfectly. The OPs and EDs were all very catchy as well. As far as the voice acting goes, the VAs did a great job of showing a wide array of emotion, ranging from serious or sad, to downright nutcase happy or excited. The dialog in this show was greatly exaggerated, with characters spitting out some of the most goofiest lines, as well as some of the most cheesy love monologues. However, this was all part of Golden Time's charm, as it can have you laughing one moment, and then leave you teary eyed the next.

Characters - 8.2:
This is the controversial part of the show. MANY of the characters can come off as annoying primarily due to their decision making and dialog. However, when it comes down to it, Golden Time made its characters feel human. They weren't perfect, they made mistakes, and they learned from them. The biggest cases are with Banri and Koko, who are relatively clueless when it comes to relationships and make countless errors when it comes to keeping secrets from each other or not reading each other's feelings correctly. Koko is a character who gets a lot of crap, but I absolutely admire her for the amazing amount of development she went through. She went from a crazy selfish stalker who distanced herself from anyone not named Mistuo, to a caring person and great friend who tries to do what she thinks is best for the ones she cares for (even if she is wrong). She started out as the type of girl who wouldn't give her boyfriend any freedom and wouldn't trust them at all, into someone who gives the one she loves full freedom and trust. Many people hate Banri and Koko's relationship, but I have one question for many of these people "Have you ever even dated anyone before?" One of the reasons Koko x Banri was so enjoyable to watch was because their relationship felt real and relatable. Not a cute, problem-free, perfect relationship that a lot of anime (and tv in general fantasize about), but a REAL relationship with its ups, downs, awkward moments, and realistic details. The supporting cast was strong as well with highlight characters consisting of 2D-kun and Nana-senpai who did the most with their limited screen time. All in all, the characters may have caused much frustration for the viewer, but in the end that's what made them human and quite honestly so damn likeable.

Enjoyment - 8.2:
For the longest time, Golden Time was my favorite show from the fall season. Over time, Nagi no Asukara passed Golden Time on this list, but that was in no way Golden Time's fault. From start to finish, I had a wonderful time watching this show. It ranged from hilarious, to intense, to depressing, to rage inducing, producing a wider range of emotions from me than the vast majority of shows out there can do. The beautifully done final episode also left me completely satisfied with my experience. Golden Time knows how to keep the viewer entertained.

Overall - 7.80:
Rarely does a show come along that makes you care this much about the characters. All I wanted was for Banri and Koko to be happy together, and the struggles they went through while trying to achieve this kept me interested. While other shows play it safe and garner your interest by leaving who the main character will end up with a mystery, Golden Time makes it clear that Banri and Koko are together, and instead captivates us with the struggles they have in order to stay that way. While some plot devices and the relatively weak production value may leave a lot to be desired, the end result with Golden Time is a truly wonderful anime, and a must watch for all fans of drama.

The Verdict:
A wonderful drama filled ride that begs to be compared to Toradora! in terms of similarities and greatness

Pros:
+ Great character development in the main characters
+ College setting unique
+ Relationship actually happens
+ Drama Drama Drama

Cons:
- Animation is lackluster
- Plot devices can be questionable at times

If you liked Golden Time, watch...
Toradora
Clannad ~After Story~

7.80/10 - Superb

*if you are wondering why this got in the high 7 range instead of an 8, 9, or 10 from me after all that high praise, please refer to my review scale on my pofile

Tokyo Ravens Review:

Sometimes shows come around that are completely generic and average on paper, but are unusually fun to watch. Looking at my 6 score for this show, many of you may think I didn't think the show was good. But this couldn't be further from the truth. Tokyo Ravens wasn't groundbreaking, memorable, or brilliant. In fact, it was pretty a pretty generic fantasy action anime with romance elements which is why I withhold too high of a score. However, Tokyo Ravens is without a doubt a very enjoyable show.

Story - 7.1:
Where Tokyo Ravens' story shines isn't through it's rather generic premise or predictable ... plot twists, but the solid pacing and backstories of the characters and the setting. The pacing of Tokyo Ravens is nearly flawless in my opinion, giving proper amount of air time to the intro, the time at school, and the more climactic parts at the end. The background of the setting is also very well realized and had me captivated with its mechanics. The lore of the world of Tokyo Ravens is also rich and actually significant when it comes to later events in the story. Yes, the overall story of a boy who gains powers teams up with his classmates to stop the bad guys has been told many times before, but the execution and care put into it all kept me caring from start to finish. Rarely were there moments that left me shaking my head in disappointment.

Art - 6.8:
For the most part, the art in this show is great.... Until they decide to use CG. The character designs are good, and the non CG action scenes are well done. Everything is fluid and the varied locations display a wide array of colors and artstyles. However, when they decide to use CG for familiars in fight scenes, things break down. Sometimes CG is done well in Anime, but for the most part it feels out of place and really cuts into your immersion as a viewer. Without the use of CG, this score would have been higher because the visuals were good.

Sound - 6.3:
There's not a whole lot to say about Tokyo Ravens in terms of the sound department. The voice acting was solid all around with a large cast of diverse voices. The OST was good and fit the show well. There weren't really many stand out songs however so I wouldn't say it was too far above average. I did enjoy the openings and endings especially the first ED. Really the sound aspect of this show was definitely good but didn't really stand out particularly.

Characters - 6.7:
Now, the characters in Tokyo Ravens are interesting for me. Because for the most part, the characters were just cookie cutter stereotypes. However, I found myself much more invested in the than I usually do for such one dimensional and predictable characters. This may just have been a personal thing, but who knows. A big plus of the cast of characters was just its pure size and variety. There was a large ensemble of good guys, bad guys, and characters that were in the Grey area of their intentions. None of the characters were necessarily weak, and a few were quite intriguing. The two main leads have a very interesting history and the interactions between characters rarely failed to be entertaining.

Enjoyment - 7.5:
Tokyo Ravens was without a doubt, very enjoyable to watch. It had this nostalgic kind of feeling to it and exceded all my expectations going into it. The plot twists were well placed and at times shocking, and the array of humor, drama, and action was well mixed to create an all around very enjoyable show. I personally find it hard to keep watching a show on a weekly basis for months on end unless I really care about the characters and and entertained by the events in the show, and Tokyo Ravens resoundingly delivered in those departments.

Overall - 6.88:
While it never really shined, Tokyo Ravens was still 100% worth the time to watch it. Keep in mind that a 6 in my books means "good", and if a 6.88 is any indication, this show was unquestionably good in my opinion. It isn't a caliber of a show that I would recommend to all, but if you are looking for an enjoyable generic action fantasy anime with romantic elements, look no further.

The Verdict:
A well executed anime that plays it safe, but was a pleasure to watch.

Pros:
+ Solid job of executing its wide array of genres (action, fantasy, romance, comedy)
+ Large cast of characters (all of whom are bearable)
+ Lore/Backstory

Cons:
- CGI poorly used
- Predictable story
- Failure to stand out

If you liked Tokyo Ravens, watch...
Fate Stay Night
Strike the Blood

6.88/10 - Good

Rosario+Vampire Review:

Rosario+Vampire was one of the first anime I ever watched. Due to this, I hold this show very close to my heart and may have a positively biased opinion so excuse me if it shows through. However, after revisiting the show and re-evaluating how good it actually is, I have to say that this show is perfectly "meh."

Story - 4.5/10:
One thing that I have noticed MANY people complain about with this anime, is that it basically disgraces the manga. Both the anime and the manga have the same introductory premise of a high school boy named Tsukune accidentally being enrolled in a school for ... monsters. During his time here, he develops his own harem consisting of various sexy monster babes with different personalities. However, while the manga grows from this premise and turns into an action packed, exciting ride, the anime decides to settle in this groove and remain a standard high school harem with a monster twist. Now, I am not saying this is a bad thing, but from a story perspective, yes, this means the anime is not as good as the manga. However, the anime does succeed in creating some funny moments, and somewhat unique plotlines due to its unique concept. It by no means has any emotional depth, riveting action, or psychological themes. However, the story in Rosario+Vampire is not "bad", it is merely just your average harem storyline with a monster twist.

Art - 5.4/10:
When I first saw this show I thought the animation was fantastic.... Oh how wrong I was. The main reason I thought the art was good, is because my prior anime experiences were with the likes of Girls Bravo, Pokemon, and DBZ, however, after watching more anime I have concluded that the art for this show is 100% average. The character designs were good at times, especially when we got to see the students change into monster form, however, for many reasons, this show does not stand out art-wise. First off, there is basically only one location, the school. Add in the fact that there are plenty of still frames and you can easily notice that not a lot of budget was needed for this show. There was also no eye-catching lighting or color schemes to go with it. The art wasn't poor, but not much better than average.

Sound - 6.5/10:
Here's where my nostalgia factor for this show might bring some bias. I really liked the music for this show. More specifically, I really liked the openings to this show. This remains true to this day and will likely not change. However, the voice acting could be cringe worthy at times and was extremely up and down for me. Add in the poor script and listening to those english voice actors could be painful. But none the less, the soundtrack was enjoyable for me and by no means was the voice acting "bad", just not good.

Characters - 5.2/10:
I really wanna give this section a higher score but I know I can't. The manga has made me fall in love with the characters, but when i look back at the anime and how it portrayed the characters.... ehhh. I watched the anime first, and was pretty up and down about the characters, and now that I know more about the standard character archetypes, I am even more meh about the characters. Tsukune is the standard wimpy lead for a harem, and the girls are all typical archetypes (the caring one, the tomboy, the shy one, the loli). Even though the characters were all standard, they were likeable for the most part and for this reason I consider them slightly above average.

Enjoyment - 6.5/10:
Like I said: This was one of my first anime. For that reason, I really enjoyed this show when I first watched it. If I hadn't gotten to this show until let's say a week ago, I probably would drop it. But due to the fact that I watched it so early, I did really enjoy it. It was funny, the characters were likeable, and occasionally they will include some interesting fight scenes. The scenarios that the characters found themselves in tended to be interesting and definitely kept me enjoying the show.

Overall - 5.62:
It might be a lot different than the manga, but Rosario+Vampire's anime adaptation holds its own. It isn't really overwhelmingly impressive in any area, but it definitely does what it has to do in order to be an above average harem. I recommend watching the anime before reading the manga to prevent disappointment, because (especially for fans of harem anime) the anime is worth a shot. If you enjoy harem romcoms, definitely watch this show. However, if you are just looking for a new show to watch, don't expect too much from this show because it really is barely above average.

The Verdict:
An average high school harem with a monster twist.

Pros:
+ OPs are catchy
+ Solid comedy
+ Good concept

Cons:
- Plot has no direction
- Manga fans will be disapointed
- English dub is inconsistent

If you liked Rosario Vampire, watch...
Girls Bravo:
If you liked the over the top adult humor that focused mainly on oversexual jokes and enjoy watching harems, this show is right for you.
Sekirei:
If you liked the harem idea (and boobs), but were more interested in the action than the comedy, Sekirei is for you.

5.62 - Alright

Hanasaku Iroha Review:

Everybody knows that "void" feeling you get when you finish a really great show. The feeling of emptiness that you feel when you finish a show that really connected with you or entertained you on a higher level. Only a few shows give you a feeling like this, and for each person the type of shows that can produce this feeling differ. For me, Clannad is the golden case of a show that gave me a void, because for months on end after finishing it, all I wanted to do was rewatch it.
Hanasaku Iroha is an anime that gave me my first "void" ... in quite some time.

Story - 7.2/10:
Hanasaku Iroha is a slice of life anime that follows the life of city-girl, Ohana, while she lives and works at her grandmother's inn. Like most slice of life anime, the story does not necessarily follow a focused plot, and instead finds its niche in story arcs complimented by underlying themes and a very loose main character arc. The story by no means breaks any grounds or really stands out from the crowd in terms of its concept, but its execution are what elevate Hanasaku Iroha's story from the crowd of slice of life anime. The story has many great character arcs that really get you attached to the characters. The themes in the story are also very easy to relate too. Whether its the idea of hard work pays off, the struggles of adapting to a new setting, failing to live up to your parent's expectations, or simply struggling to gain the love of the one you want, Hanasaku Iroha tackles a slew of themes that many will connect with. Because of these themes, the show can get quite emotional at times, but the characters and writing does also open the door for some entertaining comedy. I also have to point out that the homestretch of the show does provide some edge of your seat entertainment as you desperately hope to find out what happens next. Slice of Life anime tend to limit themselves on how good their story can be due to a focus on a character driven plot, and Hanasaku Iroha is no exception. However, the execution and maturity of the story are without a doubt worth recognition.

Art - 8.6:
P.A. Works has yet to fail to impress me with their animation quality. They always manage to bring a really cinematic feel to all their projects and Hanasaku Iroha is no exception. The character designs are all great, as well as the varied settings. There were quite a few still frames, but seeing as the show wasn't action packed, and with the lighting and colors being as beautiful as they were, this wasn't much of an issue. Really, the art is just beautiful and really helps immerse you into the show.

Sound - 7.8:
The soundtrack to this show was great. The background tracks weren't really that memorable or noticeable but that was fine given the kind of laid back tone this show had. However, when the show needed to get serious or emotional, the soundtrack did shine. Additionally, I must say that the first OP is absolutely fantastic. I didn't skip it once while watching the show, and that is damn impressive for me. The voice acting was a bit up and down, but overall strong. Most of the characters were well portrayed by their VA's but there was one character that was so frustratingly annoying with her nonstop Engrish that the voice acting portion of this grade has to take a dip down. But with the overall strong voice acting, and great, but not fantastic soundtrack, I still have to give this segment a high score.

Character - 8.2/10:
The thing that makes or breaks slice of life shows is its characters, and I must say that Hanasaku Iroha had a splendid group of characters. The first of the notable characters I will mention is Ohana. Ohana is the main character and a very outgoing teenage girl from Tokyo. She is forced to leave Tokyo and her best friend Ko (who admitted his feelings for her before she left), due to circumstances with her mom, and is now living/working at her grandmother's inn. Ohana is a caring, hard working, and energetic girl that is extremely likeable. Next is Minko who is a chef in training at the inn. Minko is very sharp-tongued and mean, but she is also very dedicated to her craft and actually a nice person underneath her harsh words. And finally we have Nako, the timid girl who is a waitress with Ohana. All three of these girls, and really all the characters in general seem to initially fit a set, one dimensional archetype. However, the beautiful thing about this show is that every single character develops. The characters all learn new things about themselves and by the end of the show all become better, more likable people. What I think makes these characters so likable, even more-so than the outstanding development they have, is just how easy it is to relate to them, and how human they seem. They all have desires, struggles, and emotions that we all feel. The interactions between the characters can also be golden at times. The only thing holding the character section back here is the lack of a unique, stand-out type of character that you could find in some other shows like Code Geass (Lelouch), Steins;Gate (Okabe), or Haruhi Suzumiya (I wonder who). But really, with this kind of show, a more realistic main lead probably fits the role better than a wildly unique one. Oh... and Takako is pretty bad at first...

Enjoyment - 8.1/10:
Like I said in the into: This show gave me a void. I connected with the characters so much, that by the time the show was nearing its approach, I was feeling sad that it was going to end. Although I enjoy almost every anime I watch, Hanasaku Iroha for some reason just stuck with me better than the vast majority of others. It isn't an edge of your seat thriller like Death Note, nor is it a laugh out loud comedy like , or a non stop tear jerker like Clannad. The atmosphere of this show is actually quite laid back, with some drama and humor here and there. But because I became so attached to the characters, I couldn't help but feel a little empty when it was all over. This has become one of my favorite slice of life animes and I am so glad I decided to watch it.

Overall 7.98/10:
Hanasaku Iroha is a beautiful anime that is truly in the top tier of the slice of life genre. It is not only visually and audibly stunning, but the themes and characters in this simple show really help make it one to remember. It may not have one primary theme, story, or ability that it really owns, but it impresses in every category that a slice of life should, making for a very enjoyable experience. By the time you finish this show, you will be wishing you could rewatch it all over again like you'd never seen it before.

The Verdict:
A wonderful slice of life that feels how it's supposed to: Real.

Pros:
+Beautiful animation
+Brilliant OP1
+Character development
+Realistic themes and struggles

Cons:
- Takako...
- No big emotional or intense scenes
- Ohana x Ko "relationship" is poorly paced

If you liked Hanasaku Iroha, watch...
Nagi No Asukara:
Also by PA Works with a very similar art style and similar themes of friendship and the idea that people and things all eventually change.
Sakurasou no Pet na Kanojo:
Another fantastic slice of life anime with emphasis on hard work and dedication as well as strong characters.

7.98 - Wonderful

Attack on Titan Review:

I was well aware of the hype this show had gained in its first few episodes back when they originally aired. When it was already in the top 10 on MAL before even a quarter of the show had happened, I was actually annoyed. I thought: "How dare people disrespect all these great shows by giving something that isn't even finished a higher rating." However, after waiting for the show to finish so I wouldn't have to endure the grueling torture that waiting for a new episode each week, I must say.... This show is fucking brilliant.

Story 9/10:
You all know the premise ... of AoT's story. Humanity is pushed to the brink of extinction by giant monsters called Titans and all those people who remain live inside these giant walls. Then one day a big ass titan decides to kick a huge hole in one of the walls and the titans once again begin wreaking havoc. In steps the main protagonist who has had some sort of traumatic experience due to the titans, and BAM, you have a story of a kid trying to avenge his mom and save the world. I know lately the post-apocalyptic setting has really been beaten to death primarily due to the Walking Dead's success, and quite frankly I was getting sick of it. On the surface, this does seem a lot like another zombie show (albeit with giants instead). But in reality, this show takes a well-known premise, and absolutely masters it. By focusing on the harshness of death, and not just killing people to kill people, the show shines. The show has a very dark tone. Plans rarely turn out good, and never end up perfect. This high level of despair mixed with small amounts of hope really match the setting and are a perfect tone for the story.The first few episodes are BY FAR the best start to a show that I have ever seen. Attack on Titan doesn't hold back an inch and thrusts you into the intensity of the story from episode 1. If you are someone who hates a show that ends every episode with a cliffhanger (think Code Geass), then you will not like this show. But for those of you who love sitting on the edge of their seats for a 10 hour marathon session, get ready to watch this show. Another extremely important part of the show's story that helps it stand out, is just the setting in general. The humans really do seem like they are caged in within the walls and lack freedom. Add on all of the hierarchy and corruption within the walls, and the world alone is an extremely intriguing place. Add on the constant fear of a Titan invasion and the world really becomes a place that you just don't want to live in. As for the ending, it was relatively satisfying, and did a nice job of setting up the second season. Obviously, it is too early to tell if there will be any plot holes, and it can be assumed that all unanswered questions would be answered in season 2. Overall, the story was brilliantly done and is the best in the "post-apocalyptic/monster" genre by far.

Art 9/10:
Attack on Titan has a very distinctive art style. The character outlines are thicker than normal, giving them a strong definition, and is a unique trait to the show. Titans were also very creatively made, looking similar to humans, but with larger heads and the creepiest facial expressions known to man. However, more parts of the art were the representations of the world and events in it. First off, the characters are all from a slew of different ethnic backgrounds, ranging from German, to Japanese, to Swedish, to who knows what. But the characters all had traits in their design that helped identify where exactly they were from. Also, the world itself was very well thought out. The inside of the walls are filled with bland colors like brown to represent the despair and cage-like atmosphere of the place. What was most impressive were the action scenes and what came with them. The scenes with the maneuver gear were absolutely stellar. A balanced blend of cg into the scenes really helped the fast paced nature of the maneuver gear shine. The blood and just shear brutality of the violence was also some of the more effective gore I've seen in anime. Attack on Titan shines in the art department for bringing such an intriguing world to life.

Sound 9/10:
Much like with the art department, I was blown away by the soundtrack to this show. Not only are the intros and outros all fucking amazing, but so are the rest of the songs. There is a solid balance between instrumental and vocal tracks, and they are all used with perfect timing with each scene. The music greatly helps change the mood of the show, especially when they want us to feel upbeat and hopeful for the characters... only to later kill all of our hopes and dreams. I really don't know what else to say about the OST besides that it is bloody fantastic. Once again, I am no expert on Japanese voice acting, but they were all good enough to not make me laugh or scoff at their performances. A trend is forming here, the sound department also gets an A.

Characters 9/10:
Here is where some people may disagree with me. A lot of people think that the main three characters, and maybe even the side characters, are too one dimensional to be rated this high. I completely disagree. First, we have Eren, who's mother is eaten in front of him when the Titans breach one of the walls. This traumatic event is one of the key motivators in why Eren wants to join the Survey Corps and kill the Titans. However, he has also been strongly influenced by Armin's interest in the world outside of the walls, and hates the feeling of being fenced in like cattle. Next there's Mikasa, Eren's adopted sister, who I believe is one of the best female characters in an anime to come out in a while. In a world where 99% of female characters are injected with Moe-roids or are tsundere, a character like Mikasa is refreshing. I understand she can seem insane when it comes to Eren, but try to think of it from her perspective. Like Eren, try to imagine having your family get brutally destroyed in front of you. After losing her first family, all she now cares about is protecting her new one in Eren, even if it means losing her life. These two characters show how much traumatic events can effect people, and how far they will go because of them. Armin is another main character who gets some criticism due to him coming off initially as a pussy. But Armin grows throughout the show, and learns that he's not as useless as he once thought. Really, all the characters (who survive), change and grow from where they were episode one to the end of the series, and that is what makes them special. Another huge part of what made the characters great though, was the attention put into the side characters. Every character has a back story, has fears, has emotion, personality, and everything else that could make them easy to relate to. Side characters in this show aren't just there to be killed off (even though ANYONE can be killed), every person is significant in providing insight into how brutal the world really is. Whether its the fear they have after seeing their first Titan, or the despair they feel when their best friend dies, the characters all display human traits, and aren't just there to be there. The side characters drastically help provide depth to the setting, displaying all of the selfishness, corruption, despair, and hope that the world they live in contains. Something random that I noticed during a big battle scene, was that when buildings were being crushed, and havoc was wreaking in a city, they didn't just show buildings getting destroyed like they do in most shows/movies. They actually showed the bodies of people in buildings flying out, the blood spilling, and just all of the real, disturbing stuff that you would see if something like this were to happen. The main characters were easy to sympathize with, and most importantly, the others were treated as people instead of objects, and that is why I gave this section such a high score.

Enjoyment 10/10:
When a show makes me SHAKE while watching, I know it is intense. There have only been two other shows to make me feel this much anxiety and excitement, those being Code Geass, and the 2nd half of Steins;Gate. The thing about Attack on Titan though, is it takes the action from Code Geass, and adds the psychological aspect of Steins;Gate, making one hell of a ride. I feel sorry for those of you who watched this show on a week to week basis, because basically every episode ends with a cliffhanger that leaves you wanting more. Marathoning this show is really the best way to watch it, and its pace makes it feel more like one big movie than a tv show.The world and characters made me really think about what I would do in this situation. Attack on Titan really hits all the marks in the Enjoyment category: intensity, emotional impact, humor, wtf moments, etc. The only thing it really lacks that I really enjoy is a romance, but with it exceeding so well in every other aspect, I truly enjoyed this show as much as most of my other favorites.

Recommendation:
+.2 Buy it
Buy this show. Actually, I would wait til season 2 airs and is over, then buy both of them regardless of how good season 2 is. I'm not saying that because I'm confident s2 will be great, but more because I'm gonna hate waiting for season 2 to come out. I just wish season 2 was out already! The anticipation is killing me!

Overall 9.4/10:
Attack on Titan is a work of art that deserves all the praise it has been getting. Both action packed, and thought provoking, the show is truly amazing. By no means am I declaring this show the greatest of all time like many seem to be doing. But Attack on Titan is nothing to be laughed at. Honestly, anyone who says they didn't like this show is probably trolling. After all that writing, I'm not sure what else to say besides "This show is fantastic, stop watching porn and go watch this!" All I can say is that I hope that Attack on Titan can be wrapped up in two seasons because I won't be able to handle the suspense of waiting for a third season.

The Verdict:
An intense ride that blasts off from episode 1 and never looks back.

Pros:
+ Intriguing setting/concept
+ Death and gore is purposeful and powerful
+ Fantastic OST
+ Amazing action scenes
+ Characters are extremely human

Cons:
- Unanswered questions left for season 2
- Main characters can appear 1 dimensional

If you liked Attack on Titan, watch...
Fullmental Alchemist Brotherhood:
Both shows are intense and action packed, with the main male leads both being primarily motivated by the deaths of their mothers.
Spiderman:
maneuver gear = web swinging


9.4/10 - Brilliant