Best and Worst of 2004By David, John & Otaku-kei
29th Jan 05
Rather than attempt a definitive list of 2004's best and worst shows, we've decided to pick out our personal favourites. We may have picked out some very different titles but in all honesty each and every show mentioned below is well worth your consideration (the worst show category not included!). Please do keep in mind that David's choices are based upon R1 import discs while John's and Otaku's are R2 UK dics. If you'd like to read more about David's choices check out his extended article linked at the bottom of this page. Well, enough bumf...on with the nominations! Best show John
Although it's only a few volumes deep at time of writing, Azumanga Daioh has done more than enough to convince me that it's the best series of the year. On paper it's really nothing spectacular - the story is minuscule in scope, there's no action to speak of and the concept could be written on the back of a fag packet with room to spare. Yet its undeniably affecting charms win you over the moment you're introduced to the unique cast of characters that populate the world of Azumanga Daioh. Consistently funny, this is a series that would easily make my list for 2005 if hadn't already won out this time around!
Honourable mentions: Full Metal Panic!, Serial Experiments Lain Otaku-kei
Fruits Basket - Having first encountered the anime scene in the mid-90's with titles such as Doomed Megalopolis & Devilman, I never at that time thought that a title such as FB would ever hit these shores. This touching, heart-warming tale came out of nowhere and utterly captivated me, and has quickly become a title with a special place in my heart. The story of Tohru Honda and the Sohma Clan is magical, just let it sweep you away!
Honourable mentions: Kiddy Grade; Grave of the Fireflies David
Hmmm... without a doubt I'd have to say that the Best of 2004 (for me at least) when it comes to Anime has got to be Bandai's Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex and ADVFilms Azumanga Daioh. The two choices couldn't be more different even if they tried to be! GITS : SAC, an "Elseworld" style sequel to the original GITS movie (but spinning from the assertation that the original movie ended differently than it did) returns us to the GITS universe in grand style and really really grabs ahold of you from it's first episode (and doesn't let go as you go through episode after episodes)! On the other end of the scale we have Azumanga Daioh, a slice of life school story about the students of Miss Yukari's English class. Compared at times to Seinfeld, it's a beautiful, funny, and downright solidly done series that is going to be one of those series that you simply must have in your collection.
Honourable mentions: Panyo Panyo Di Gi Charat, His & Her Circumstances Sleeper/surprise hit John
The very definition of a surprise (although maybe not hit), Kino's Journey was an utter revelation to me when I first slipped that disc in to my DVD player's flimsy tray. As with Azumanga Daioh, Kino's Journey is an unassuming piece of animation that succeeds not through flashy action sequences and showy gimmicks but through considered plotting and involving characterisations. The wonderful atmosphere and relaxed pacing of Kino's Journey might not be to everyone's taste, but
Honourable mentions: Mazinkaiser Otaku-kei
Seriel Experiments Lain - This show just goes to demonstrate how much the UK anime scene has changed. This tale of a girl questioning her reality and existence in a world where technology and the 'wired' are more real for some than for others is a tought provoking piece. Nice to see titles like this doing so well.
Honourable mentions: Kino's Journey David
Hmmm... though I didn't watch it yet I have a feeling that Kaleido Star (ADVFilms) fit's the bill of delightful little sleeper hit to a T. The story of a girl seeking her dream to star in the Kaleido Stage (a circus she was awed by when she was young, and same circus that inspired her dream to be in the circus in the first place) and all the ups and downs, hardships and triumphs of her quest. If a little series about a person's dreams and their struggles to make them come true isn't a "sleeper" hit waiting to happen I don't know what is! The second little gem of a series would have to be BANDAI's Galaxy Angel.
Somehow I don't think people are catching on yet how good this is. Yet. But considering this series is now enjoying it's 4th Season on Japanese TV, and has quite a solid fanbase? It is a sleeper hit just waiting to blossom into a large fan fave. Worst Show John
Undoubtedly this category will be ruled by shows aimed at a younger and ultimately less assuming audience. Which goes a long way to explaining my choice - Sailor Moon. I'll admit that I've only had the ‘pleasure' of watching the butchered TV series on Fox Kids, but this was more than enough to convince me that the shopping channel is in fact the more tolerable alternative. From the irritating theme tune to the dislikeable characters and insanely repetitive storylines, this is a travesty from start to finish. I'd go on but I don't want to invoke the nightmares again...
DIShonourable mentions: Sonic the Hedgehog: The Movie Otaku-kei
Dragonball - In any of its incarnations what is this still doing being released? Stop the cash cow now! Please stop it!
DIShonourable mentions: Najica Blitz Tactics, Final Fantasy Unlimited David
I didn't have a truly 100% hated with a vengeance Anime to diss here...HOWEVER, that being said, I did have some "situations" in series I hated. The "Let's kick the fun out and become dreadfully serious" idea from (dot)hack//Legend of the Twilight! When I first got ahold of this series (manga Graphic Novel 1), and it seemed to be (dot)hack//lite I was quite intrigued by this change of pace! Then I got ahold of the Anime and it seemed to have the same charm as the first Graphic Novel I read... then I saw Volume 2 and watched as they threw the fun to the curb and tried to be serious. eah. Thanks a lot. That was appreciated... not. People? If I wanted a serious title I would have been clammoring for (dot)hack//SIGN 2! I would NOT have been praising a series for being different as LotT was BEFORE this unwarranted and unwanted change! They should have stuck to the risque humor and the near naughty moments instead of trying to go for the serious plotline.
DIShonourable mentions: All Purpose Cultural Cat Girl Nuku Nuku TV, Yu-Gi-Oh! The Movie Hot Pick for 2005 John
With a few unknowns and a lot of sure-fire hits on the tentative 2005 schedule I'll have to pick Trigun for my hot pick. It's one of the few series on that list I've actually had the pleasure of watching, so I can recommend it without any qualms. Despite the lacklustre animation and dubious pacing, Trigun is an anime that successfully balances comedy, action and drama while still retaining a semblance of originality. Yet it is the fantastic character designs from original author Yashiro Nightow that really sets Trigun apart - the detailed action figures from Kaiyodo have to be seen to be believed!
Honourable mentions: Full Metal Alchemist, Howl's Moving Castle Otaku-kei
Well with so many good titles to choose from it's gonna be a hard choice, but for anticipation I'm gonna have to go with Technolyze! This title from the creative forces behind the stunning Seriel Experiments Lain seem to have turned out another bizarre, fascinating and experimental show! Part anime, part art-house this series looks great, and the more of the plot I hear just ramps up the expectations. Bring it on!
Honourable mentions: Chrono Crusade, Full Metal Alchemist David
Right off the bat the first thing I recommend is Magical Neko Neko Taruto from Bandai (slated for a Late February 2005 release). This cute, fascinating and emotion tugging little series is just one you can't miss. The second series of 2005 I recommend is the Second Season of Galaxy Angel, which is just coming out now. I haven't completed my Season One batch of DVDs yet, but I am already hyped about Season 2 (Galaxy Angel A) and can't wait to start buying DVDs... but maybe after I buy the rest of Season 1 that is... The third I recommend is Ghost in the Shell : Stand Alone Complex Season 2! The second season, now showing in Japan, is another high point I hope sees release this year!
-- David, John & Otaku-kei 29th Jan 05
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